New to The Stylish Stuff is ‘The Weekly Shop’ – in a nutshell these are the items currently sitting in my virtual shopping basket. You know, the things you REALLY fancy but are just flirting with until pay day. So yes, a short sharp fix of the best fashion, beauty and homeware buys that I love, and think you might too. It’s certainly a #TheStylishStuffLoves kind of affair. Firstly though, the flirtation – I hope you approve…
I’ve been watching this brand for quite some time now and I’d say I’m close to committing. This crochet-paneled, cotton voile blouse will be a stalwart with jeans. £285 Sea at www.net-a-porter.com
A blouse or a chair? Hmmn TOUGH CALL, but just imagine wearing the above blouse curled up in THIS chair. One of those perfectly styled moments…. Large Rattan Cone Chair £375 www.coxandcox.co.uk.
If there’s one thing I love, it’s a purchase with a REALLY good back story. The Basket Room was set up by Holly Dutton and Camilla Sutton and is a wonderful initiative harnessing the traditional techniques of basket weaving in Kenya with the opportunity for over 100 women to earn extra income in the process. Each tote can take up to one week to make (the women fit the weaving in around their daily chores) and the fibres used are boiled in water with sand to create the natural tones – the hot pink seen below is achieved by using responsibly sourced powder dyes from Nairobi. Collaborating with Jigsaw, The Basket Room have created two tote bags (seen below) and two clutches now on sale online and in store. They are beautiful and handled lovingly will last you a very long time.
The Basket Room woven tote bag £110, www.jigsaw-online.com
Truth is I cannot be without the luxury of a scented candle at home. I’m a sucker for beautiful fragrances and yes, have been known to splurge quite heavily on the pleasures therein. Meet my new main squeeze in the candle department – Lola James Harper and her quirkily named candles that are just SO evocative of caught moments. Shown here ‘The First Morning of Spring’ capturing the essences of rose and cardamome. But also check out ”The Woody Office of Daddy’ or ‘The Movie Theatre in Lancaster’ …. £30, www.johnlewis.com
Ok, I’ll be REALLY honest here – this dress is no longer in my virtual shopping basket. NOPE, it’s in the post. Basically it’s so, erm, like the one from CELINE that I lusted after, that I HAD to click ‘buy’. Dress with Lace Trim £59.99, www.Zara.com
Continuing the rose scented theme, I’ve been re-seduced by the charms of Dr.Hauschka after rediscovering the products in the M&S beauty department. Natural, cruelty-free and very effective, these are a gentle way to gorgeous skin. Luxury Rose Skincare set £29.50, www.marksandspencer.com
You will have seen Alex Monroe’s work as a recurring feature on The Stylish Stuff, why? Because I love his love of nature and how he communicates it’s beauty and whimsy in the most delicate and delightful jewellery. I mean you can buy earrings shaped like spears of asparagus or pea pods! Toucan necklace £165, Cockatoo necklace £156, both from www.alexmonroe.com
It’s so simple, but sometimes that’s all you need. I just love this unpretentious little dress with it’s equally delicious price tag. Just add vintage vibe heels in antiqued tan. Dress £49, Laura Clement at www.laredoute.co.uk
Ok, so this is a bit of a curve ball, but as one who has been known to kill off the unkillable…a faux cactus is very appealing. Faux Paso Cactus £89.50, www.roseandgrey.co.uk
Fashion & Style Director Shelly Vella