Young Fashion

Hello,
I hope your January isn't going too badly.

I've had some good news, my best friend is pregnant. Queue girlie screams and arm waving.
Although I'm very happy for her, I've never been that broody myself, it's always seemed one of those far off things, very very far off.
But, ever since finding out my friend is pregnant it's like I've suddenly become aware of kids everywhere, and what's more, kid's clothes.

And I'm so surprised because they're lovely. Have they always been this beautiful or is it a modern, yummy mummy thing? They also all seem to be either vintage inspired or retro looking, which I love. I can't stand spangly, day glow things.
The strange thing though is that I don't look at these clothes daydreaming about what my imaginary child will look like in them, I imagine what I'll look like in them. Is that wierd?
I don't care, take a look at some of the outfits below, if you say you don't want them in adult sizes I won't believe you.

Butterfly Dress, ilovegorgeous, now £44 www.bellsandwhistleskids.co.uk

Little girl on the beach in chunky knit sweater, wellies, hat and scarf, via tumblr

I actually want to be this little girl on the beach, even down to her hair.

Check Winter dress, Little Duckling, now £22, www.bellsandwhistleskids.co.uk

Owl Girls Play Dress, wildthingsdresses, £40.18, www.etsy.com

Fats Belted Knit Dress, Kidscase, now £32, www.bellsandwhistleskids.co.uk

Bells and Whistles is definitely one to check out if you have a little one to dress. I'm seriously considering ringing them up and begging them to make garments in my size.
I can dream.

Emerald Update

I just found something else to add to my list of favourite emerald things.
Look at these shoes...

Heart for the Hills Heel court shoes, www.modcloth.com

They are gorgeous!

I love the shape and the emerald shade. I'm not a huge fan of heart motifs but the gold ones on these shoes are quirky and cute.

I'm seriously considering spending the last of my December pay check on these. They're not even that expensive, $42.99 (approximately £27).

The Colour of Envy

Pantone has picked its colour of the month, and it's Emerald.

Emerald's a great colour, deep and luxourious, it stands out; you won't find a hospital corridor or office cubicle painted this shade!

Here are some of my favourite emerald things.

Belle & Bunty Emerald Willow Dress - Instagram

Emerald Window, blog.justinablakeney.com

9ct Yellow Gold Emerald Cluster Ring, Ernest Jones

Emerald and Pink Bedroom, veryrosenberry.com

Emerald Pool, The Alps, Austria - bostinno.com

Magpie's Wildlife Mugs and Cups, Collaboration with Tom Frost - www.magpieline.com

Mad Men Style Emerald Green Dress - marketplace.asos.com

Green Light … the Northern Lights in Canada. Photograph: Daniel J Cox/Corbis - www.guardian.co.uk

Inspired London

Hello all, I hope you are having a lovely 2013 so far. I have had to go back to work, so it's been a bit of a reality kick for me, but that's what January is all about.

I thought I'd write a post about a book I've recently picked up; Inspired London, A Guide to Handmade in London (12.99, We Make London). It's not something I'd normally get, I usually stick to fiction, but this appealed to me. It's a showcase of 162 designers from all four corners of London. It lists crafters of jewellery and textiles as well as illustrators, artists and more. It's a little treasure trove, I can't stop flicking through and checking out all of the great people and companies.
It's written by Mary McDermott, owner of We Make London, an organisation that promotes British independent designers.

I know that recently, due to the resurgence of popularity in traditional crafts, anyone who can thread a needle or use a glue stick calls themselves a designer, but these are genuinely talented makers.

I love the detailed illustrations of Jilty Drawings, featuring classic British themes.

I also really want one of these intricate silver rings from Natalina's Jewellery...

...and a wooden bird brooch from Anna Wiscombe.


Check the book out here, though don't blame me if you spend all of your Christmas money.

Happy January