Crazy about canvas

Posted 16th May 2013 by Fiona

The weather may not be able to make up its mind but when it comes to finding the perfect pair shoes to feel summery in, we certainly can.  As we sail through spring and into summer, nautical trends are always a favourite and the classic canvas shoe has become an iconic staple for your summer wardrobe. 

There is something about a canvas shoe that makes you look and feel casual, carefree and full of fun. The good thing about canvas is that it comes in plenty of cheerful colours so you can match them or clash them with anything. 

And as for styling they are obviously at their best when looking relaxed and casual. Perfect for Jeans (skinny, boot or boy fit all work) and chinos with a little roll look great. They also give dresses and skirts a young and flirty feel, feminine with a touch of tomboy thrown in – ageless and timeless.

So what’s not to love? You can feel like you are on board, at the beach or strolling along the prom even if its miles away.

Fiona

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Clever clogs

Posted 9th May 2013 by Fiona

The Isles of Scilly have recently played host to The World Pilot Gig Championships, an event over flowing with history, excitement and nautical trends. With 130 gig boats on the start line the boats race from St. Agnes to St. Marys in a battle of strength and oars to set the place for a weekend of racing.  

However, it was the Dutch crew, or should I said their footwear, that caught my attention. Neon bright and patriotically orange traditional clogs, worn by the entire crew – all of whom seemed to be very giant like… so the clogs were huge! This was a nautical trend I had not seen coming, although they did look pretty comfortable so perhaps there is something in it. 

The Islands are certainly a great place to stay and visit and I think they should be otherwise know as The Isles of smiles for being such friendly hosts.

Fiona

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A busy sewing bee

Posted 2nd May 2013 by Fiona

From a distance I am a great fan of the craft revival, I have to look on from a far as I never really seem to have time to start or finish a project. So to be invited on an uninterrupted weekend dedicated to all things creative with some like-minded souls, sounded like bliss - and it was.

This meant a trip to my local treasure trove of a haberdashery, it’s like stepping into the seventies (in a good way) and I immediately want to buy buttons, ribbons and fabrics that I don’t have any particular use for… yet. I came out armed with several workable ideas, a paper bag full of spotted fabric and a few loose instructions, I was ready for some sewing action. I am part of that generation where some of these skills got lost along the way and it is the sense of nostalgia that comes with making something for your home that is so appealing. 

Unperturbed, me and my pretty sewing box headed to a house in the Cotswolds to get crafty, chat about crochet techniques and enjoy a cream tea all with the relaxing sound of tapping needles and the hum of the sewing machine in the background.

I managed to fix a pair of shorts, think about a window seat and design and tack some squares for a mini bedspread. Although I’m not sure I achieved a lot in real terms it was fabulous to be able to focus on one thing.

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What does your handbag say about you

Posted 25th April 2013 by Fiona

Handbags are not just for carrying the kitchen sink in, oh no. Your handbag can say a lot about you and can be used as a serious accessory.  Lady Margaret Thatcher’s handbag (a classic black boxy number) meant business , she was always seen with it, the mystery of course was what was in it.

Although in the case of handbags it’s not really about what’s on the outside, it’s all about looks. And this is why we need more than one – to suit the occasion.

The Satchel – Fashionable in a laid back way, sunny school days with room for an apple and a pencil.

The Healthy casual option – Comfortable and a bit more sporty, great for being out and about.

The basket bag – Beachy and breezy, perfect for that holiday vibe, sandals and sundresses.

The pattern bag – Show your creative side and pick a pattern to stand out and say hello!

The Organiser – Stylish with, space, storage and soft leather, ideal for a busy day. 

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April showers bring may flowers

Posted 18th April 2013 by Fiona

I am an absolute beginner when it comes to gardening and far from the dizzy Latin naming heights of my mum. Never the less, I have a little garden and I can now see the appeal of planting, planning, waiting and watching. It’s really quite satisfying.  In fact I have been watching a barrel of daffodils everyday waiting for an explosion of yellow on the patio to bring a little sunshine to a grey day.

So as an apprentice (to my mum) gardener I am waiting for the ground to warm up before I do much outside, but my aim for the year is simple. Flowers in abundance and to have a little more success than last year with a new vegetable plot that was made especially for me (anything more than a couple of potatoes and some rocket would be worth celebrating). So I’m planning a random patch of things we would definitely eat and the ones that look good too.

On the list so far…

Rhubarb; I love crumble.

A pumpkin patch; sounds like children’s story in the making.

Runner beans; they look like leafy tepees

Colourful chard; the colours are amazing.

And Nasturtiums; rambling orange flowers and edible bits (I think they will coordinate with the pumpkins!)

I’d like it to look like a cross between Mr. Blooms nursery, a National Trust kitchen garden and my mum and dads vegetable patch. So watch this space…

Fiona

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