Autumn Storage {CH&I Magazine}

Way back in the summer, when trees were green, skies were blue and it’s really rather tricky to lay your hands on a pumpkin {trust me…I know!} the team at Country Homes & Interiors magazine commissioned me to shoot a feature about Autumn Storage. Welcoming guests to Fireworks parties, tidying the hallway; sorting out back door storage and a little place for mucky puppies after long Autumnal walks {something that’s particularly relevant in my life right now!} I always love shooting for CH&I, always such lovely shoots and a chance to channel my inner “homeyness” {I know it’s not really a word but I rather think it should be!} and I got the chance to once again work with Mr Duchars which is always a joy…

Yep that’s my little Dudley dog doing his first spot on modelling! Remarkably he did rather well and it didn’t take too many treats to make him sit still on that lovely comfy bed in that lovely soft jumper (both from The Stylish Dog Company).

Things I learnt from this shoot: 1. As a stylist it’s always good to have a stash of autumnal leaves to hand {thanks Mum!}. 2. You can import pumpkins from France out of season…but it will cost you! 3. Never work with a Guy 4. Toffee apples are trickier to make than I first thought!

If you fancy getting this look my top 3 places to shop are : Not On The High Street; Petersham nurseries& The Balcony Gardener.

If you see something you love and want to know where it’s from drop me a comment below and I’ll post the link!

 

Interview @ Heart Home

Good evening my friends, I hope the weekend has treated you well? A couple of gorgeous autumnal walks; a mini photo shoot for the website and a small dose of reality TV {guilty pleasure!}later and the weekend is almost over. I’ve been so busy this week that I’ve not stopped by here much. I will do better this week – promise! With a couple of recent shoots, a fabulous Aussie website and anything else that catches my eye in the meantime! A big thank you to the lovely Kate from Fabric Of My Life who posted an interview with me on her weekly column over at Heart Home’s new blog this week. Thanks so much for having me guys! You can read the interview here.

Image via Simply Hue on Etsy. 

Stag Sixteen

The Stag head has become somewhat of a modern home style icon over recent years, and they don’t come much more iconic than these. Graham & Green {one of my top 5 fave interiors shops} have teamed up with 16 of the most current and exciting artists  to customise their own stag’s head in the name of charity. The stag heads go on auction today in support of CentrePoint & you can place your bid here…If you can decide which to go for that is! Goes without saying I love Rob Ryan’s version but Katie Hillier’s Strips and Manolo Blahnik’s gold are calling my name too! Which takes your fancy?

1. Rob Ryan. 2.Daniella Helayel. 3. Katie Hillier. 4. Emma Cook.  5. Manolo Blahnik. 6. Lee Broom. 7. Nicola Malkin. 8. Lulu Guinness.

 

 

Weekend Explorer: Colourful Margate

Hello my friends? How was your weekend? Despite our best intentions of cracking on with our online store it was such a glorious autumnal day here in Kent yesterday that Simon, Dudley dog & I opted to go for a little drive instead. We headed towards Margate, a former jewel in the South East seaside crown. It’s a coastal town that has been somewhat overlooked for the past few years but with the new Turner Contemporary Gallery and a recent Royal visit, Margate in undergoing a revival. Despite being unable to check out The Turner {Dudley Dog’s not allowed – much to Simon’s relief!} we did stumble across some treasures nestled within the old town.

First stop Blackbird, a cute little store showcasing handmade loveliness combined with a studio space which hosts contemporary craft workshops. Sarah Young teatowels; Alison Milner’s and Christiane Kersten’s ceramics; and Alison Hardcastle prints.

Across the street to florist / gift boutique The Gate, who lured me in with bright colours; vintage finds and a bowl of water for thirsty dogs! I particularly loved the cute impromptu Remembrance Sunday potted plant.

The Margate Gallery was filled with glorious stationary and prints, including the work  of  local artist Andy Tuohy. 

As you know I’m a sucker for a little bit of vintage and Margate came up trumps! If you’re in the area I can highly recommend a visit to Etcetera;   And although it’s not open on Sundays RG Scotts look amazing as does the Reading Rooms if you need a place to stay.

I can’t mention Margate without pointing you in the direction of the work of Zoe Murphey. I discovered Zoe’s work at Tent London this year. Zoe works out of (what looks to be from the outside!) a very cute studio in Margate and her work is inspired by her colourful hometown…

and a couple of scenic snaps….

 

 

 

Friday Fancies

It’s that time of the week again, So here are a few things that have caught my eye…

1. My Grandad was a pretty amazing and inspirational chap. Like many of his generation {and may since} he went to war for his country. So on the 11th hour, of the 11th Day of the 11th month {and the 11th year} we should remember all of those who gave us today. Pic via erikananette.tumbler.

2. On my search for poppies I discovered these gorgeous paper flowers by Thuss & Farrell via here.

3. Loveliness is yellow via Kontor Kontur.

4. A snap from Mr Jason Grant’s Officeworks brochure.

5. Delightful upcycled chairs by Jo Gibbs.

Happy Friday my friends x

A Stylist & Her Props…

It’s a funny thing being freelance. A constant work / life battle. I tend to feel that I shouldn’t grumble about being too busy because you never know when you might hit a “dry patch” but blimey, I’ve been busy! When you love what you do it’s hard not to allow work to consume your every waking hour. After a crazy  few months of working around the clock I decided enough was enough and so I’ve factored in a little more “me time” into the schedule. I’ve been playing at being the “good wife” home cooked diners on the table; a tidy {ish] house an even a spot of baking…I could get used to this! Finally I’ve found time to sort through all  of my props which have been building up, filling every corner of my house {which was starting to resemble Steptoe’s yard} . The hubby and I have boarded part of the loft and built a new mini shed in the garden, allowing the main shed to become my prop store, freeing up valuable space in the house. Today while sorting through yet more boxes of props I couldn’t help but feel inspired to get the camera out and snap a few of my recent additions to the prop shed…

 

{all images styled and shot by me!}

So you see even on a “day off” I just can’t help myself, but it was such fun. Of course I look at the pics and think they could have been so much better with a “proper photographer” behind the lens but I enjoyed myself never the less and I’m thinking that I should invest in a decent camera and “play” a little more often. At the moment I’m using my Dad’s hand-me-down Lumix SLR but maybe the time has come to upgrade, if you have any recommendations please let me know!

Tomorrow is filled with Spring/Summer press shows, so I’ll be popping on the flats and heading into town. Meet you back here for a sneak preview of what’s hot for SS12 tomorrow eve?