I see so many things, while I’m on my travels (OK, when I’m on my laptop in Starbucks, surfing the web and sipping a skinny cappuccino) so I thought I’d start a new post where I pick out things or people or places that I think look cool – and talk about things I’m loving at the moment. Not the most ground-breaking of blog post ideas, you’re right, but let’s go with it….
1. Go Outside The Lines
With it being International Women’s Day this week, it’s apt to kick off with something that’s a bit (OK, a lot) GIRL POWER. Go Outside The Lines make cards and prints for you and your kiddos to colour in yourselves. They provide the outline, you do the rest! It really is as simple, and as genius, as it sounds. They have a fab range of phrases to colour, from #MUMBOSS to WILL WORK FOR ICE CREAM. We were sent this ‘Who run the world? Girls’ poster which the five-year-old loved colouring in and which will go in a frame, and on her bedroom wall, just as soon as I’m organised to buy one (anyone else find actually framing and hanging prints is one of those jobs that just never happens?)
2. Belle and Boo personalised name stickers
Staying on the wall art front, I’m a huge fan the Belle and Boo range – created by Bristol-based illustrator Mandy Sutcliffe, the collection includes gift items, books, framed artworks, stationery, home wares and a beautiful collection of girls’ clothing. Mandy’s illustrations capture the simplicity of childhood and show characters Belle (a little girl) and Boo (her pet rabbit) picking flowers, having picnics and flying kites.
They’ve just launched personalised wall stickers – made from fabric, you can peel them off a wall and reposition them without marking the wall. Plus, I’ve just spotted they have a fab competition at the moment to win a weekend in a Shepherd Hut with cream tea on arrival – cute!
3. The launch of RI PLUS
Hurrah for River Island! The high street shop has just launched its first ever plus size range, with 75 pieces now available in sizes 18-24. As someone who squeezes herself into a size 16, this is GOOD NEWS. Here are my favourite items from the range…
4. Wandering around Shoreditch
I used to dismiss Shoreditch as somewhere that was far too cool for me. I’d venture there for the odd press event or to meet a friend for coffee in Shoreditch House but I’d never actually go there, you know, of my own accord. But recently I’ve had my eyes opened to this corner of London and yes, it’s incredibly cool, and as someone who is as far away from cool as you can get, it’s not my natural ‘hood’ (see, I can’t even say that without sounding uncool) but I love it. The street art, the little coffee shops that will charge you the earth for a latté and gluten-free brownie, the beards, the paint-splattered streets. I spent a few hours wandering around Shoreditch this week, taking photos with the lovely Xanthe and Katrina– so much fun.
Photo: Xanthe B
5. Tootsa x Salt-Water Sandals
I know. It’s freezing outside. But I’m looking ahead to when it’s warm enough for sandals. Have you SEEN these beauts? I’m already a bit obsessed with Salt-Water sandals but now they’ve done a collaboration with one of my favourite kidswear brands Tootsa. As if that wasn’t exciting enough already, they are doing adult sizes too. Can you say ‘Twinning is winning’? These aren’t available just yet, but keep an eye on the Tootsa website and sign up for email alerts – I’m sure they’ll announce them going onsale.
So there you go. Five things. On a Friday. Have a great weekend!
I adore the Belle and Boo wall sticker – would it be wrong for me to get one for my office? And your photo walk in Shoreditch sounded amazing. I always feel really inspired when I wander around there. Have a lovely Friday. x
What a great post – I love all of these things! Although I am definitely not cool enough for Shoreditch! Could you tell, by the way i wrote cool? It just doesn’t work…
THOSE POSTERS! I’m in love! Off to order! Thanks for the heads up! xo
I’d really like to explore more of shoreditch too. Again I’m not sure I’m cool enough though! xx
Oh I love Shoreditch, but again like you I don’t think I’m cool enough to go there often haha! xx
I haven’t been to shoreditch for ages and definitley need to visit soon. Also those Saltwater sandals!! Swoon! Loving this list. x
Oh God I KNOW re framing/hanging prints. We have piles of pictures waiting to be framed, and stacks of framed pictures waiting to be hung. Problem is, Pink House Husband and I can never agree a) which pics to hang, or b) where to hang them, so the walls stay bare.
E x
IJWTS wow! Why can’t I think of things like that?
Tribe Bags Singapore Sling, being waterproof is ideal when we have little spills,and lots of pockets for baby bits and my bills.Beautifully designed for a day of travel,Made to perfection it will not unravel.thanks for a chance to have some luxurynow baby and I dont need to worry.