I organized some wrapping paper for my stationery shoot next week from Deborah at Flower Mill . She delivered it right  to my door and it was just so stylishly presented with the wrapping paper tied in black ribbons and her embossed fushia pink business cards!

There is nothing like great service, promise on delivery and good presentation! Thanks Deborah!

I am all for Saturday morning outings these days. Finally we got to the Porter Estate Produce Market in Tokai. It was great for the stomach and the mind. Hidden behind the Tokai Forest amongst beautiful trees and mountain views, the fresh air and farm feel was a great change from the city and sirens.

Homemade chunky peanut butter, nuts in honey, good Cappuccino’s and lots of space and entertainment for the kids to go crazy.

I left with some olive Ciabatta’s for my dinner party tonight, and my husband polished off some cute little chicken pies that he said were delicious! A must go for food lovers and food stylists.. take a basket and fill it with organic veggies for dinner.

Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a nice morning out, browsing around food and crafts and for simply stretching the legs and getting some fresh air! The market is on every Saturday from 9am - 1pm.

Photographs by Jac de Villiers

You’ll have to buy the Winter Issue (#55) of Elle Decoration , titled Magnetic South to see the full story of this beautiful seaside home, full of personality and character, put together by stylist Laureen Rossouw. I love that each item of furniture has a story behind it, and it’s designed for relaxation and hassle free entertainment. As a holiday home should be.. feet are meant to be on the couch! Navy and cream striped cushions and duvets hold together the nautical feel of a sea side home without it being cliched or pretentious! It’s simple and sincere!

Laureen says: “A house becomes more beautiful the longer you live in it. The space works out in time, lucky finds and gifts from friend. Eventually it will layer with age”

I couldn’t agree more, it’s the lucky finds, the stories behind them and the special gift from family and friends that make a home special!

If you can’t get your hands on a copy, go to Elle Deco.

Do see the Maya Prass website! It’s just stunning. You can also buy Maya Prass online at  adamandeve .

I needed to buy a birthday gift for my assistant Danielle while I was out sourcing yesterday. I always go to the Topiary Shop for my gifts (and always come home with a gift for my home too). I can just browse around for hours looking at all the beautiful bowls, cushions and assortments of wire and wooden hearts.

These pastel umbrella’s for only R60 were my catch of the day! You won’t mind the weather under one of those!

The Topiary shop is on the Crn of Keurboom & Belvedere Road, Claremont, 021 683 7134. Jani is the owner and she’ll have your gifts beautifully wrapped in pretty paper and a Topiary House sticker.

Being on a complete budget, saving for my trip to the East, I have had to be creative in reinventing old clothes and embracing them and making them “new!” Accessories work a charm, but why not go for buttons - replace the grey buttons on your old grey coat with some coloured buttons or add a lace frill! Velvet ribbon is also a great detail trend on clothes at the moment!

I loved these lace print buttons I found on style files  by designer laura Walker. They can be bought on glimpse.com.

Also see ribbon on  www.angelaliguori.com

I thought these images where just beautiful by Stylist Rebecca Thus I found on orange beautiful . And it’s just folding paper and adding ribbons. Great Idea for a shoot or for wedding decor!

I found beautiful ribbon locally at Bargain Corner in Wynberg - 021 762 0648. There is much fun to be had in this little shop!

Just because it’s winter, we can’t neglect our paling coats! So go to the brand new Crabtree & Evelyn Concept Store at the V&A Waterfront  and try lavish moisturizers from ranges like their Naturals Botanical Range. Avocado Butter, Olive and Basil Body Butter being one of  the Naturals combinations. Sounds Heavenly and it is rich in antioxidant grape seed and olive oils.

I think the most gorgeous of all is the India Hicks Range - Burn this 100 hr candle on a Sunday afternoon or while having friends over for cocktails and transform your living space into an exotic Island haven with scents of Casuarinas trees, palm leaves, orange blossoms and sea air. The Spider lily Body Cream is on Oprah’s favourites list!

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I must say I didn’t know much about golf or golf suppliers before this shoot.. so I learnt a lot from shop assistants and had to Google a few stores I must admit! I had fun doing the set design and keeping to a colour theme. Golf + is a brand new publication at Touchline media.

Wow, I know chunky knits are big, but take a look at designer Sandra Backlund’s website - her design is incredible! I love the clean and sculptural images!

While I was sourcing today, these were a couple of things I had to put back on the shelf and keep walking.. but I miss them! I haven’t forgotten about the cushion story.. I will still post my favourite cushions as I carry on sourcing this week!

1.Shopper/Basket:  Loft Living

2. Assorted poufs: Moroccan Warehouse (corner of Buitenkant and Commercial Str)

3. Floral cushions: Biggie Best

4. Winters must have grey knit throw: Loft Living

5. Printed bowl: Moroccan Warehouse

6. Beads: Available at Desray stores or Colonial Cotton.  

 1. Claire Nicolson cushion from notonthehighstreet - £40/€50.23
2. Angie Lewin cushion from notonthehighstreet - £30/€37.67
3. Angie Lewin cushion from notonthehighstreet - £32/€40.18
4. Happy Horses cushion from Scandinavian Design Center - €61
5. Thomas Paul “Robin” cushion from Supernice - £70/€87.90
6. Thomas Paul “Bali” cushion from Supernice - £26/€32.64

I found this sweet candy striped blog called homebug and loved this article on cushions, all bought online.. I have a weakness for cushions and throws and was immediately drawn to this article. Also view the Thomas Paul range on supernice. His selection is gorgeous and he has an endless range of prints and colours. I think while I am out sourcing today for my next shoot, I’ll try find some great cushions for you to buy locally! Watch this space! and full it with cushions!

designed by arctic circle

I love the Id Solutions sales - I got the best high bar/coffee table for a song - it was one of the best bargains and finds ever. My husband and I eat round it every night.

Anyway, I always deal with Naomi at ID Solutions, she is wondefully helpfull! Do check out their new showroom or visit www.idsolutions .co.za

One of my favourite stores in the states is Urban Outfitters - They have an amazing store in New York, but I never knew they did home ware. Check out these pieces and more on the Urban Outfitters website. I love the linen.

YDE PRESS RELEASE

1 May 2008

If it’s all about

pleats and tucks

smocking and flocking

the bubble and the babydoll

the ruffle and the hem

the runway and the rail space

the look and the passion…

You have found what you’ve been looking for.

YDE is after the hottest ladies and men’s designing talent around.

Young, up-and-coming fashion talent are invited to enter the YDE Designers Competition. Submit your designs and a proposed business plan to stand the chance of winning an opportunity to have a limited range available in YDE stores as part of the RISING TALENT initiative. In addition, the winning ladieswear and menswear designers will each receive R10 000 worth of assistance to start a small commercial collection within YDE.

WHO CAN ENTER?
The competition is open to all ladieswear and menswear fashion designers 18 years or over.

HOW DO YOU ENTER?

Submit designs for a collection of 8 – 10 garments. This must be a comprehensive range across tops and bottoms for summer 2008

Suggested design themes:

Ladieswear design themes: Ethnic Quirk; Floral Fantasy; Love and Peace; Grecian Goddess.

Menswear design themes:  Punkadelic, Farmer Boy, Space Odyssey, Lead singer.

WHERE DO YOU ENTER?
Entry forms will be available in YDE stores and online at www.yde.co.za.

DEADLINE
Closing date for entries is Monday 7 July, and finalists will be notified telephonically by Monday 21 July.

For more information and competition rules visit www.yde.co.za.

Terms and conditions apply.

Also see the Facebook Link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=16913191779 

I am doing a shoot next week on stationery and found www.flowermill.co.za

I loved these cards and gift tags, and Deborah from Flowermill was so helpful and responsive! I am looking frward to the wrapping paper she is going to send me to cover files and boxes for the shoot!