Hello friends! Can you believe February is over already? We’re well into 2014 already, what an exciting (terrifying?) prospect…
As I’d predicted when I wrote this post, posting has clearly been quite sparse around here. With a new job, new flatmate, and a bad cold (yes, another one – I blame it on all the germ-ridden Londoners on my new commute) to contend with, I’ve had my hands full for the past couple of weeks. I haven’t has much time for myself or my friends either, so rest assured you’re not the only ones being ignored!
So this is me, popping in to say hi and asking you to give me a wee bit more time… maybe a week? Or two? ;) I’ll be back with fresh inspiration for all of us, just as soon as I can keep my head above water for more than a day at a time.
Hello everyone, and happy Monday! How was your last week? Mine was fantastic: I spent it at home in Canada, relaxing with my parents, seeing friends, eating far too much and generally having a blast. This morning I’m starting my brand new job, but before I run off to catch my train, here’s a glimpse of the last couple weeks, though my iphone’s lens.
1, 2 Some pics from the last week of my last job: a successful install (the puppy’s happy, at least), and a farewell 12-pack of doughnuts from my boss.
3 Just a random snap thorough the window of an Islington shop a couple weeks ago, while I was passing late at night. As a vegetarian/sometime vegan I feel weird about taxidermy… kinda creepy, but also kinda awesome?
4 Shopping selfie (with cameo by my mum!) at one of my favourite places to shop ever, a tiny boutique in my hometown. The buyer here has an amazing eye, the salesgirls are fabulous, and I may or may not have dropped a small fortune on a new work wardrobe. And before you even ask: of course I got the zebra trousers.
5, 6 My parents’ house is full of random stuff to look at. Here’s an old snapshot of my grandparents, and a wallet of cards (complete with rare $40 bills) that I played with as a kid.
7, 8 My stylish self (haha) in two different places. In Canada it’s all about flannel pjs with dorky ducks, while back in London it was time to get fit in muddy sneaks and lycra.
Happy Friday, everyone! I’m in an especially great mood this morning, because – I’ve got some big news – today is my very last day at my current job.
Gah! It’s so exciting, I can hardly believe I’ve even typed that.
Don’t get me wrong– I like my job a lot, and realise that I’m quite lucky to be able to say that. In the three years I’ve worked for my current company, I’ve learned loads and had a lot of fun. I’ve worked on projects all over the world, made great connections, and expanded my skills in areas I never could have dreamed of when I first started here. It’s definitely a bittersweet day, in some respects.
But now it’s time for me to open a new door; to take those experiences and put them into something new. I’ve been hired by a London architecture firm who wants to start offering interior design services to their clients, and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this new challenge. I’ll be working on a mix of residential and commercial projects, and after three years of only focusing on residential work, the variety sounds particularly exciting.
The good news doesn’t end there: I’m also taking a wee holiday next week, to clear my head before I start my new role. Tomorrow afternoon I’m flying home to Canada (yes, into the very heart of the polar vortex… some might say I’m crazy) to hang out at home, see my childhood friends, go shopping with my mum, get chauffeured around by my dad, and generally be coddled for a few days. I can’t wait.
I’m taking next week off of blogging to enjoy it all, but should be back on the 17th, which is also when I’m starting my new job. If posting is a little light for awhile after that, you’ll know why.
I recently came across some images of this ultra-chic NYC bedroom, belonging to Lonny Magazine editor Michelle Adams. They originate from a back issue of Lonny (I’d check out the whole piece if I were you– it’s a great apartment), but I don’t remember noticing it at the time. Today, however, this bright, feminine and glam space completely stole my heart.
Because it’s Wednesday and we all have work to do, here are three quick things I’m feeling in this space:
The bird’s eye maple headboard. So deliciously vintage! This wood finish was used extensively in the 1920′s and 30′s, but you don’t see it too often today. I love the tone and texture, and think it looks right at home with the touches of leopard in this space. (Note: I’m not generally one for leopard print in interiors, but here it’s just enough to be fun without veering into clichéd territory.)
The art. Oh, all the art. It’s no secret that I love a well-edited gallery wall, and this room is just perfection on that account. Modern abstracts next to vintage Moss? Yes please.
The vanity tray. I desperately need a shiny lacquered tray, in white or gold or black, in my life. Any recs for an affordable option in the UK would be greatly appreciated!
Happy Monday everybody! Also, Happy Year of the Horse! Did any of you celebrate Chinese New Year on Friday? I only realised it had even happened after the fact, and that was thanks to my Instagram feed. But I’m celebrating too, mainly because: who doesn’t love horses?!
I was a horsey kid– riding lessons, equestrian summer camp, a subscription to British Horse & Pony; the whole deal. Though my interests as an adult are somewhat more varied, and I don’t ride regularly any more, I’m still floored by the sheer beauty of the equine form. I especially love when I see it celebrated in interiors, mixing two of my life’s loves.
(The print above is my absolute favourite. Seriously, I die.)
Beautiful, right? I think equine art works best when it’s photorealistic, over-sized and uniquely composed. I’d love to introduce some to my own home– in fact, I have a giant wall on my stair landing that’s just begging for something like this…
Morning all, and Happy Friday! It’s the last day of the first month of 2014; how’s it going for you so far? Was your January as non-stop as mine’s been? I’m hoping for a bit more flexibility and relaxation next month, with a good dose of fun mixed in. Read on for a bit of February inspiration…
Wear… pretty lingerie. Even if it’s just for yourself– ’tis the season, after all! Camille Styles has a roundup of 10 beautiful sets ahead of Valentine’s Day, and I’m (or course) partial to this mustard-gold number from Elle Macpherson Intimates.
Make… something pretty. February feels like prime time for some DIY, and I’ve had my eye on this Dior earring hack from A Pair & A Spare for a few months now. The oversized pearl-backed studs are just like the Mise en Dior earrings that everybody (including me) is so obsessed with.
Eat… something indulgent. January is over, you did good. Now let loose a little! I’ll be sticking with my morning green smoothies, but putting a bit less pressure on myself the rest of the time. Top of my to-eat list? A grilled cheese sandwich inspired by Joy the Baker (she’s obsessed; a girl after my own heart!), followed by chocolate chip cookies from The Wednesday Chef.
Try… something new. As a specs-wearer and fashion-lover, I’d love to have a different pair of glasses for every day of the week. And I’ve got good news on that front: finally the UK has its own version of Warby Parker, the online-only specs shop that lets you try (for free!) before you buy. Ace & Tate does stylish frames with prescription lenses for only £89, and will even send you four pairs to try out for size, no strings attached. I’m not really in the market for new frames, but as it was free…
Read… something. February is different from January: less busy, less pressure, and more time to hunker down into a good book. I’m about to sink my teeth into Hilary Mantel’s Bring up the Bodies (I know, I’m a bit late on that one), and after that it’ll be Curtis Sittenfeld’s latest, Sisterland. I’d love to know what you’re reading this month!
