Daisy Fay likes interiors

Axminster Chapel haul in use

2012-01-28T05:46:00.000-08:00

Quiet cold January has given me time to enjoy my latest buys from Axminster Chapel (am not missing shopping for more treasures oh no...)

I've been finding the perfect perches for all my beautiful vintage bottles...

And playing spot the kitten with the art deco mirror.

Axminster Old Chapel, Devon EX13

2012-01-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

On my festive trip to the countryside I found the ideal antiques shop for a bank holiday rummage. The Axminster Old Chapel had all the charm and bargains to keep this shopper happy, even after the inevitable cash hemorrhage of Christmas.

Tucked away in the sweet Devon town of Axminster (the home of Hugh F-W and the River Cottage cafe - stop in for a cake!) this antiques shop gave us both plenty of antiques to admire and also had one or two deals that were too good to miss...

Products ranged from oodles of pretty ceramics...

To vintage radios for the more technically minded...

There were some great twentieth century pieces...

Including these elegant art deco mirrors (we picked up the right hand one for a bargainous £11!)

As you can tell by the name the showroom in located in a stunning old chapel with original elements like these windows still in place...

More fab crockery (not too sure if my love of leopard print could go quite as far as china though...)

Ace antique kitchenalia...

I'm such a sucker for that deckchair stripe, but the wire magazine rack could be pretty nifty too!

But our final find of the day turned out to be my favourite. A box of vintage bottles...for £5 you say? It would have be rude not to...

Of Cabbages & Kings, N16

2011-11-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

Stumble of the week...goes to the Of Cabbages & Kings Market in Abney Public Hall on Stoke Newington's lovely Church Street.

We were drawn in by the beautiful bunting and stayed for the eclectic designer/marker stalls. This market takes place on the 1st Saturday of every month, but there are fairs here regularly so it's worth keep an eye on this venue...

We browsed sweet practical products from Takae Mizutani and Sons...

Clever ceramic ideas and art from Yoyo Ceramics...

Inspiring prints from Karin Akesson...(yes I like to think Tomorrow Will Be Sunny - thank you)...

And finally even more ace prints including these letter press cycling theme posters from Dynamo Works and LondonEreas prints from the fabulous Vic Lee (search for a local area or haunt if you've not seen before - they are truly fantastic).

Brixi, Brixton Village

2011-10-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

Brixi is another diamond in Brixton Village. This eclectic little shop stocks what they call 'old and new oddities' but what I call spot-on loveliness. Vintage one-off home pieces, chic gifts, fabulous jewellery all in a beautifully dressed shop. Here are some of my fave bits:

Rocking the stag and bikes trends...

And aztec print...how cosy do these look?!

This blackboard is such a cool idea for a shop. The effect looks great plus you can save on price tags...

The well chosen mixture of products available included these nice simple vintage milk bottles (one if my current obsessions)

And what a doll's house! It was showing jewellery in Brixi - a perfect use for someone far to old to justify buying it right?

Even the signage is cool at Brixi. Well worth an explore for one-off homeware, unique gifts and that doll's house you always dreamt of. Do I need to give you another reason to visit Brixton Village?!

Circus, Brixton Village, SW9

2011-10-19T11:57:00.000-07:00

This one has been on my list for a while...I *finally* made it to Circus in Brixton Village recently. After seeing the launch of this creative little interiors and vintage shop in Elle Decoration I was pretty much sold already. But then finding out it was in neck of the woods put it straight to the top of my (embarrassingly actually real) list.

But what makes this shop even more special for me is its placement and involvement in Granville Arcade or Brixton Village as we like do call it down sarf London. This market arcade has been part of Brixton life since the 30s yet it fell into rack and ruin...but it then got happily transformed in 2009 and has now become one of the most happening, friendly places to shop and eat in my area. Hurrah. Which is where Circus comes in...

The first thing you notice about Circus is the cardboard. This creative homeware, acessories and arts shop has basically been built of the stuff. A great recycling message and an even better paired down look.

The shop is small and perfectly formed with the designer/maker products carefully curated by the owners (one of which was the delightful and delightfully named Tabitha who very kindly gave me the low down on the shop on my visit).

The fabulous selection at Circus ranges from original prints...

To vintage tableware...

And a mixture of old and new all the way throughout the store...

Fliff ceramics are on of the latest designer/maker additions...

Lovely to see local support alongside these hand-embroidered accessories...

You can the exposed cardboard on these shelves, holding up this collection of glassware, I love that perfect autumnal tone of these...

And check out that exposed lighting display...love...

More accessories beautifully displayed...

Circus is a great store, you can see the effort behind the project and the thought that goes into the product choice and shop design too.

Brixton Village is an ace location to shop, eat and explore. Circus is the cherry on top. And you know what? I really like cherries.

Bermondsey Market, SE1

2011-10-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

I admit I am obviously slow on the uptake as I knew nothing about how trendy Bermondsey is becoming. Why did no one tell me before!

So when I took a trip simply to check out Bermondsey Market this Friday I was happily impressed by the casually hip area on Bermondsey Street. The newly opened White Cube Gallery is sure to bring other newbies, like myself, to this street packed full of classic architecture (that made me feel a bit Dickens-esque), independent shops (including the coolest pet shop) and sweet eateries (where I discovered Vietnamese baguettes - yum).

And all that before I even got to the market...which was definitely a good sign.

Bermondesy Market (officially New Caledonian Market) is a weekly antiques market placed right at the end of Bermondsey Street. The market opens at 5am for any early birds, but I headed for a more reasonable start and took a break from the rush hour to stroll up from London Bridge, which took about 15 mins.

It boasts a great selection of antiques mainly Edwardian, Georgian and Victorian silverware, glassware, beautiful jewellery and various other fascinating pieces. Like this dainty vintage cash machine - who wouldn't want to open a cutesy little shop if you had one of these?

There were lots of real classic antiques finds at this market...

Plenty of vintage timepieces...

Fabulous crockery, ranging from the delicately designed...

To cool 70s plates...

There was even the occasional vintage robot thrown in for good measure!

I think I liked the frames and table itself more than these actual pictures...look at the colours...mmm

The last thing that really made this market for me was the location. Other than being perfectly placed at the end of one of my new fave streets, it is beautifully positioned in Bermondsey Square framed in old and new architecture. How lovely. Oh and the crisp autumnal morning may have helped a little...

The Peanut Vendor, N16

2011-09-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

Every time I visit Stoke Newington I cannot help but gawp at the latest lovelies at The Peanut Vendor. I can however forget to put the pictures up online...therefore please excuse the historical (well a couple of week's old anyway) nature of the images, but I can assure you this shop never disappoints!

The Peanut Vendor is a vintage furniture shop based on lovely Newington Green and with a very nice online shop too. Visit this shop for quality antiques - everything from utility storage and classic bakeware (as seen above with very cool vintage bunting)...

To brilliant 70s style bathroom accessories...
I simply have to get some of this lighting at home...

And start using these for my filing...
The beautifully styled shop always makes it a delight to visit.

And, when I went, there was even a nice bit of taxidermy! I implore you all to go...at the very least to keep my up to date with what's now in store...

New Vintage, SW11

2011-09-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

After getting my car booting fix this morning (I hadn't been for weeks - imagine!) I happened upon a sweet vintage shop that made it well worth getting out of my pyjamas on this lazy Sunday.

New Vintage is a shabby chic fest of revamped antiques furniture, china, accessories and some really lovely fabrics. Plus (I think it's fair to say) the most fabulous and extensive selection of lampshades.

It has a quirky sense of fun with some sweet pieces like this cheeky gal (who wasn't actually for sale as the owner can't bear to give her up!)

I really liked the use of display in the shop with these overhauled dining chairs strung up artfully.

There were some really good prices for china...

And other accessories to make a perfect afternoon tea.

An added bonus is that New Vintage based in a part of Battersea I'm just getting to know at the moment, Battersea Park, that also has a very nice sprinkling of charity shops to browse. Afternoon vintage shopping fun sorted.

Pimpernel & Partners, SW6

2011-08-13T01:32:00.000-07:00

Say bonjour to beautiful French bargains...say hello to Pimpernel & Partners on the King's Road.

If I say 'French antiques' and 'the King's Road' in the same sentence, I'm sure like me you'll be thinking 'far too expensive' and 'the credit card bill'. But in a lovely chance stumble I happened across this fab store of French furniture and vintage accessories, that is very nicely within my budget. Bravo, indeed!

The products are all sourced from France directly by the owner - who I must applaud for having the most fabulous taste. Furniture is either available beautifully restored or reupholstered. While the accessories are picked from vintage markets.

As a child French holidays were the highlight of my summer. A couple of bronzing weeks spent living under canvas a short walk away from a sandy beach. Bliss. This shop takes me happily back to those heady days - there were so many items here that reminded me of then, lazing around in the sunshine and the markets Mum used to drag us to:

I'm sure a French camping neighbour must have had these...1960s garden chairs. I love them, the seaside stripe in the best colours on the deepest green metal frame. Want. Only £69 - amazing.

And I don't think I spent a summer holiday without smelling a whiff of the annual Pernod my dad insisted on. We never had such a lovely bottle though...

The pricepoints really got me for the King's Road. As I'm usually happy to just browse on this super posh, super snazzy shopping street. But it was this vintage set of sailing boat illustrated glasses and jug for just £22 that really got me hooked...

Here are some of my edited highlights (there's plenty more loveliness in store):

Vintage fabric lined storage, I like this kind of upcycling very muchly...

Lovely measuring jug...

How much cooler is this than those Unigate milk crate monstrosities?

More nice little French-y touches...

A vintage, panda rocking thingy, I need say no more...

Smart and cosy looking, tres bon...

Teatime. With lemon of course...

Love these - 50s coasters, jelly-mould style...

I am sold and sold again. I cannot wait for my Christmas shopping now (yes I am well aware it is still August) family and friends prepare for le gifts magnifique.

Birthday treats 2011

2011-08-01T11:46:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday to me. I got me some treats...

The best tasting lemon drizzle cake ever, baked by my fabulous mother...

Best storage solution ever...I actually want to not finish my food now so I can use these...
Habitat tea set. So elegant...Fred Perry knits...
A retro alarm clock that is worth getting out of bed for...
A trip to Hampton Court...look at the colours of those flowers!
A little bit of Latitude...
Dinner treat at Morito on Exmouth Market...
A bit of Tatty Devine personalised marvellousness...
And a little pressie from me to myself from Our Shop.
Good haul.

KEMPTON, TW16

2011-07-29T02:34:00.000-07:00

All my car boot dreams came true this week as I *finally* made a long-awaited visit to Sunbury Antiques Market at Kempton Racecourse.

You know when you've gone out of your way to visit a market...and it ends up being the one that had everything you were looking for but it was all far too expensive? Or that one you got up early to go to and then found it was all mouth and no trousers.

Kempton is neither of those. Kempton let's you forget all that. Kempton is cheap. Kempton has endless stalls. Kempton has everything you were looking for, but still keeps you guessing. Three words: Dream. Car. Boot (well it is officially an antiques market but check out that all those boots!)
So much to tell! Here goes...firstly you must note that the market is only held every 2 weeks, annoyingly for us 9-5ers, on Tuesdays. Which is why I took one for the team (no need to thank me) and booked a sunny day off work especially. I really did - don't laugh.
Luckily for me everything I'd heard about Kempton made it well worth it. No egg on my face for me then. However getting my charming young man out of the house before 7am was not quite as easy.

As the market actually opens at 6.30am. Entry is delightfully free and parking is free too. It's worth taking wheels if you can (who knows what you'll end up with!) but there is train access too, so don't despair.
There are over 700 stalls with everything available that you could imagine (well pretty much). As you'd expect most of the stalls are selling older pieces, with everything from antique furniture to mid-century delights, while accessories span from collectables to knick-knacks, there is even a smattering of vintage fashion and jewellery to keep you hooked if you've had enough of homeware...as if...

I don't think I could ever get bored of old printing press lettering..
And I might even take up snooker to have an excuse to get this snooker-scorer-thingy...
Now I've been on the hunt for bottles of late and these are some of the nicest I've seen...
Lovely old advertising mirror (for fags but let's ignore that shall we?)...
The main part of the market was outside, but I'd imagine the indoor section gets pretty busy in the winter months. On my visit it housed stalls for china, kitchenware, clothes etc and these fellas that caught my eye...
I had a brief moment of pure joy when I found the most perfect vintage sunglasses I had ever seen, for a snip at a tenner. However I found out the perils of having a pinhead when they turned out to be too big for me and practically fell off my face. Dammit.
One of the main reasons (read: excuses) for our jaunt to Kempton was the ambition to buy a new (read: old) sofa. We found one real contender, again for a steal at £350, but we had to leave it be...for a perfectly legitimate reason and nothing to do with the disembodied leg on it, oh no...
The stalls were mainly British but there was also a nice selection of stallholders from farther afield. Including some ever-fabulous French furniture...
A few old classics sprung up like this Alessi kettle, we only let this one go as we are slaves to our beloved whistle kettle...
I loved these! A very apt spelling for an antiques market...
More classics...
There were some really lovely crafty stalls too with ribbons and thread aplenty...

Green fingered market lovers would be happy too. This innovative stallholder was recycling industrial style products for the garden. My fella picked up a few of the long steel plant holders that had started life as part of a now closed-down farm - they are now growing poppies on our central London roof terrace.
These beautifully made tables were newly made, but from reclaimed wood too...
Cloches or models of Jesus? This way please...
Lovely, cheap vintage books, magazines and pictures...
This sweet rocking chair was quite clearly made for a child. I still seriously considered buying it for my bedroom. Everyone needs somewhere to throw random clothes, right?
Even more lovelies...ah it was fun...
Despite my giddiness about Kempton I was impressed with my restraint at the market. I only really picked one thing up for myself. This very cute, if a little battered vintage storage box. My fella was reluctant to buy...until I explained that I could hide all my crafty crap away in it. Now it is my very own to do up nicely and then fill with...well crap.

Kempton is a real winner. I advise that you go (hint: next market is on Tues 9th Aug), love it and then go again. I most certainly will.

Chiswick Car Boot, W4

2011-07-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

The first rule of car booting - always get there early (but you can talk about them as much as you want!) You'd think a self-confessed bargain addict like me would have learnt this by now...and there was no good reason for me to arrive at the Chiswick Car Boot at 12.30pm today. But that I did and these boots were ready to close at 1pm. Oh dear.

A schoolgirl error I know. The benefit of the late start is that the prices start dropping (I'd recommend trying to bargain down anything heavy looking as tired stall holders will be keen to avoid carrying weighty unsold items if they don't have to). But the downfall is, of course, that the really good deals will probably have already walked out the door already, plus stall holders will be packing up. It's the perfect time for panic buying!

However I was lucky today as Chiswick was a great car boot that is immense so even in the last half hour there was still lots to explore and admire.

It was the prefect mix for Sunday browsing with *real* car boots, manned by real people. Always a winner with me.

The products available ranged from proper antiques at bargain prices...

To cool 20th Century treasures (this jug is the-one-that-got-away today, the reason? Too heavy for pathetic arms to carry around all day...I know...)

My fella would have been cross to see me let this dartboard get away *rolls eyes*...

These beautifully decorative piano scores were great for a rummage through for the musical or even design fans!

Or you could even go whole hog with this nafty squeeze box!

Beautiful plants are always good to look out for at one of these sales...

And...erm chickens...

With more time I would have had a proper look at this crockery. I love its art deso-esque metallic design...

I made one little purchase - a sweet little retro clock. A steal at a fiver and a perfect addition for my kitchen wall.

So all in all this is a great car boot...that impressed me not just with its size but also the variety of stalls. The next sale will be the first Sunday of August. I will be there bright and early, having learnt my lesson and won't forget the first rule of car booting again.

Liberty Dining Room, W1

2011-07-02T00:40:00.000-07:00

This week I *finally* had the chance to visit the brand new Dining Room section in, London's finest, Liberty.
This new section is dedicated to all things for the kitchen and dining table (from crockery to cafetieres) featuring the high quality classic designs that one expects from this store. It also offers a refreshing collection of new designers and affordable pieces...which pleased me greatly.
It is based where the bridal section used to be (why do I know this?! Why?) and is nicely laid out in distinct areas for your Baking Days...with Tala products taking centre stage...
And Coffee mornings, I wish I drank enough coffee to warrant buying these beauties...
As well as beautiful displays for some of their top sellers like the lovely Emma Bridgewater.

I loved the elegant bird range designed by Edwin Collins...
As well as this army of kitchen critters...
I thought the tea towel collection showed a really nice range of designers. Plus I'm totally thinking about stealing the ladder idea - tea towels this cool should be appreciated and not just used for wiping!
The fab layout made this a well worthwhile section. Great for gift shopping (it's already top of my list for Christmas) and could not be missed for a proper kitchen overhaul!

Tom Dixon Sample Sale, W10

2011-07-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

I love a good sample sale. Give me clothes, shoes, jewellery and I'm bound to pop by (some 'experimental' outfits are fairly sure to be purchased). But when I hear about a homewares sample sales then I get really excited. And there are a few interiors shops that get my heart racing even faster...

So when I heard about the Tom Dixon Family & Friends sample sale (don't worry we're all friends here) it didn't take me long to put on my serious shopping shoes and make a mad dash to Ladbroke Grove.

I wasn't disappointed. After quite an amusing route to the sale - including this rather lovely view along the canal...

I found the sale itself that allowed a proper rummage through the last season's products at a reduction of up to 70%. Which made these classic-cool designs from one of the smartest British designers totally affordable. The products available were mainly beautifully turned wooden furniture...

Signature metallic lighting (if you look carefully you might be able to spot Ms. Fay in reflection here)...

And lots of fluro orange. I like.

These latticed gold Etch Shades were the star of the show with differing prices (depending of whether seconds or shown in the shop I think...) making them really well-priced.

Unfortunately I don't think my little terrace could take one very well. So I went for this mini version (for a tealight!) a designer bargain for £10.50.

If you can make it down, the sale ends this Sunday 3rd July. There be bargains there...go if you can.

Mr Lee's Grocery Store, Vancouver [Canada ends]

2011-06-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

So I finally made it to Vancouver. My last Canadian stand. I loved the city - a chilled, stylish town with real personality and cool distinct areas. Faves - Kitsilano for boutique shops, quirky diners, a stunning mix of architecture (both old and new) and Gas Down for cheap eats, thrift stores and a bit of an edge.

A shopping highlight was actually recommended by a friend in London and I was very pleased to have found my way to Mr Lee's Grocery Store on Broadway.
This cool paired down shop says all best things about hip Vancouver. It's a simple, small but perfectly formed shop selling homeware and accessories with an old-fashioned masculine slant. And what could be more old-fashioned gent than classic, beautifully-made umbrellas?

Mr Lee stocks some very cool brands like - super-stylish chocolate from Mast Brothers, Holler Mountain coffee and Lucky Tiger grooming products perfect for gifts or, of course, personal indulgences too.
Even the cards were suitably chic - I've never come across quite such cool Father's Day cards before...

The shop fittings were all laid-back 50s style too...
Ah Mr Lee, thanks for a great end to my Canadian adventure. A typically chilled store, reflecting the lovely laid-back feeling that Vancouver is famous for.

NB. In an amusingly contradictory way after visiting this store we walking right into this - the least typical Canadian thing ever. Canada: does like to keep you guessing!

Antique Emporium, Vancouver Island [Canadian pull out]

2011-06-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

A hop, skip and a jump (well a couple of hundred miles and a short flight) from Calgary is Vancouver Island - off the Pacific coast, it is about the size of Ireland and a happily old-fashioned place. So it seemed only appropriate to hunt for an antiques shop. But I bettered that, I found an Antique Emporium.
Behold! It was a proper barn and was packed to the rafters full of pretty well priced vintage, antiques and very likable old kitchen garb too.
I particularly fell for the old packaging that filled up shelves throughout the store (sorry Emporium!). Love that bottle! We also found an old wooden Coca Cola crate that would have been a perfect storage space, somewhere to hold our sprawling mass of magazines, luggage restriction thwarted us though and we had to leave it behind. Boo.
Even the old oil cans were cool...
7os style was pretty prominent here too...
But there was also a surprising amount of English ceramics on sale. Which I just couldn't bring myself to buy and cart back home - it seemed a bit ridiculous however good the deal!
It was amusing to find a reminder of another royal wedding all the way on the other side of the world.
After seeing this...I'm plotting where to have my very own Book Nook (maybe not to read the above book though!)
I got myself one of these maple syrup pourers, but obviously forgot to buy the actual yummy stuff to go inside it...those breakfast pancakes might have to wait a little longer...
This was a great one store to have stumbled upon. It was really well located as based on the Island's main highway so the perfect stop off point to relive some Canadian history...oh and shop of course.
The extended antiques browsing meant that we had no time to stop for food whizzing through the luscious countryside on Vancouver Island, but I did spy this set of wheels that *could* be my perfect vehicle.

Steeling Home, Calgary, Alberta [more Canada]

2011-06-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

When traipsing through Calgary, a city in Canada famous for oil and cowboys, I came across Steeling Home with no visible oil wells or stetsons I got the impression that I was going to like this place...
And like it I did. While 'fun' is probably not the way I'd like to describe my taste in decoration...with this shop it was the 'fun' elements that made me really like it...Steeling did it very well indeed.
There was a selection of all things homeware on offer with a good mixture of new and vintage, colourful products, classic wood pieces, garb for the kitchen and even a Gaga-eaque telephone.
I love the boldness of this cushion - the nautical trend with colours turned up to 11.
My fella fell for this deer doormat...
And you'll never believe just quite how close we were to going home with this guy...
There were some really great independent brands on sale at Steeling Home making it really differ from some of the other the cookie-cutter-cute design stores in Canada. These sweet cross stitch slogans were a nice example of this
I know it quite clearly isn't for sale, but I am pretty keen on the display cabinet showing this cool selection - looks like a perfect place for my lotions and potions...
A vintage fridge filled full of brightly decorated water bottles - I think this pretty much sums up the Canadian culture I saw in Calgary - cool, bright, outdoorsy.
Steeling's section for kids was design conscious (no pink here thanks) while still...fun. Kids stuff is supposed to be fun anyway, but throw in some Tintin and I am sold. Oh Canada, they don't mind a bit of taxidermy here...
Steeling Home was a little colourful jewel in the cowboy country of Calgary. Take a look, it's fun and I like it.

[Bonus food section]

Ok you might not call it gourmet...but this hot dog take-out (stay with me...) was one of my fave Canadian eateries. What other restaurant has Pac Man and Street Fighter contests?!
Tubby Dog (what a name!) is a local institution and *the* place to get your post bar snack in this cool part of Calgary.
Hot dogs are available in every way you could imagine (this is the veggie Not Dog).
But the Yam fries won the prize for most amazing/guilt inducing at Tubby Dog. But when in Rome...

Stonewaters Home Elements, Canmore [Canada pull out section]

2011-06-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

How's that for the view from an interiors shop? Not bad, not bad at all.

My first stop of homeware shopping in Canada taught me what I should have known is one of the first rules of travelling. Do NOT shop on streets with this kind of view. The pricetags are sure to not be as pretty.

But we're just browsing right? So may as well indulge a little anyway. Here goes...Welcome to Canmore, Alberta a mountain town ready made for relaxing, hill walking, lazy coffees, dog walking and when you've had enough of that - how about a bit of shopping? On a typically lowkey day in Canmore I stumbled into the sumptuous Stonewaters Home Elements store that strives to reflect 'an authentic Canadian mountain lifestyle'.

The store was great fun and made me like this idea of this mountain living...
The space was huge, with room even for a canoe on the ceiling! Wood was definitely the preferred material which fits in perfectly with the wooden frame houses and beautiful evergreen landscape surrounding the town.
On of my fave products in the store was this fit-for-a-woodchopper doormat. Chunky.
The natural themed and toned accessories could bring you a bit of outdoorsy charm wherever you live.
Stonewaters have also snuck some very cool vintage into the collection like this ace clock. I'm loving that font...

Sadly the only downfall at this store for me was its pricings. These sweet cards, however, were pretty much the only finds in my budget.

Perhaps I'm not meant for Canadian mountain living, but by gum I'm going to start saving up for it!

Oh Canada [pull-out section]

2011-06-20T13:41:00.001-07:00

I'm back! I've returned from the recent blogging radio silence that I'm afraid was mainly down to my technology failings *shakes fist at broken iphone*.

So now I'm returning to my old blogging ways - my have I missed the joys of Blogger - to share interiors tales of my recent jaunt to Canada. Family ties pulled me over the pond, but I managed to sneak into a few interiors shops on the way (you know me...) Incidentally I really fell for Canada and enjoyed a holiday of weddings, chin-wagging with the family, attempting to walk up mountains, desperately looking for bears (and succeeding!) and even getting to see a riot in full swing - oh Canada you really did surprise me with that one.

But I digress...so my next few posts will be a mini Canada pull-out section looking at some modern and some vintage stores with an occasional eatery thrown in along on the way (as leaving them out would be a poor representation of what we spent our time doing...man did we eat a lot this holiday...)

Keep your eyes peeled for Fergie's wedding annual and upside down canoes, eh? Disclaimer - apologies in advance for bad jokes and puns - I reckon I can get away with blaming the jetlag for a few days yet...

Southbank Centre Shop, SE1

2011-05-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

The Southbank Centre Shop is commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain at the moment. And, my, aren't they doing it well?

The shop is packed full of creative products using the iconic imagery and 50s style while bringing this event held to help Britain to recover after the second world war right up to the modern day.

The Southbank Centre had even created a English seaside feel on the Thames this weekend - even with a proper sandy beach to play in!

The beach-huts have been taken on by artists and independent shops, they had even brought the Southbank's shop out here for Tokens of Affection to be brought by 'holiday makers'.

Drink, Shop & Do, N1

2011-04-30T14:04:00.001-07:00

Drink, Shop & Do is one of my favourite places to escape in central London. If you haven't visited yet...here are the many reasons why you should...

It's a tea shop, it's a bar, it's a vintage shop, it's a place to find new design products, it's a cool place for crafty activities. It is all of these and that's why I love it.

Based just a hop, skip and a jump from King's Cross station this joint starts with a super vintage interiors and designer/maker products shop. With cool gifts from creative badges, retro products (like those above from Tala!) to hand-made one offs (like the hearts below from the v talented Heart Zeena) and of course more vintage crockery than you can shake a stick at.

The shops leads up the the delightful cafe/bar area packed full of sweet seating arrangements made up of perfectly paired tables and chairs...that like *everything* in Drink, Shop & Do are for sale.

Lounging and games are encouraged. They even have a Scrabble night (that's it I'm moving in!)

Of course the tea is sold by the pot in cute mismatched vintage teacups and saucers - would you have expected anything else?! Plus you can't leave without cake...particularly the happily indulgent Victoria sponge...mmm

The building was originally a Victorian bath-house (fact fans) and the circular shaped back room still has the beautifully ornate originally ceiling. Muggins here declined to take a lovely looking-up shot, but I did take this slightly spooky shot of the plates hung on the wall instead - again all for sale...

And what else can Drink, Shop & Do give us? They've only gone and put in a retro ice-cream bar!

Go if you haven't been before. My formula for a visit: go with a gift to buy, find something for yourself - decide to buy both, then head to the back for a tea and cake with a book, cocktails optional. Enjoy!

Craft & Crown, The Hospital Club

2011-04-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

I've tried hiding under a rock, joining the circus and just plain shutting my eyes...but I simply cannot avoid the hullabaloo of the royal wedding at the moment.

So I've decided I may as well embrace it, when in Rome as they say. This was handily made a whole lot easier by today's Craft & Crown event. Billed as 'an indoor street party with a difference' it certainly made my inevitable indoctrination into the biggest faff (I mean wedding) of the decade a lot more fun and a lot less tacky.
Craft & Crown was the first event of its kind held in Covent Garden's cool Hospital Club. There was a mixture of stalls including kitsch-cool art work, vintage jewellery, rather nice cakes and chic accessories. They didn't all centre on the whole Kate and Wills thing but most had a cheeky nod to the revered couple.
Crafty classes took place throughout the day (a subversive cross-stitch was going down while I was there) which helped create a relaxed fun atmosphere in the midst of the stalls.
I held back on my purchases (despite being tempted by the Queen Mum cushion, corgi cufflinks and some very cool bunting) until I found my ideal fit - Lydia Leith's Royal Wedding Sick Bag.
So hopefully I can now hold back from the royal wedding thing after doing my bit by enjoying Craft & Crown.

Except I might have to get this bunting necklace from Tatty Devine too...oh and this tea towel from Thornback & Peel and...and...yeah who am I kidding.

Midcentury Modern

2011-03-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

For me Dulwich College conjures up snatches of my childhood (wet hair after swimming lessons, attacks by swarms of daddy-long-legs, awkward first kisses). But for most other interiors obsessives with an unhealthy interest in Danish furniture from the 50s it means something quite different...The Midcentury Modern show!This great stalwart to London's independent design shows returned to this scene from my childhood today. As always the show brought along a brilliant, diverse set of stalls - from the obligatory mid-century furniture, smaller vintage accessories and fabrics...including
Shopfront lettering...
Fabulously assorted accessories...
Tea and a curl up in a 60s style chair?...
Colourful china...
Historical tabletops...
Handily set up sitting rooms (can I have all of it please? Thank you)...
and a selection of industrial furniture and lighting to put any factory to shame...

To a perfectly chosen selection of modern brands, that work with the mid-century modern look or use innovative upcycling skills...
Clever upcycled cubbiholes...
Handmade cosies...
Not to be missed bargains from People Will Always Need Plates...
And even glasstopped tables with history included...
I really enjoyed the show, I think the mixture of old and new works really well, meaning even happy browsers like myself can buy the smaller and new pieces while admiring the 'wish list' furniture.

Hopefully buyers left with pieces to make their own history...rather than anything daddy-long-legs related at least...

Portabello Road et al, W10

2011-03-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Crush. Squash. Stamp. Is pretty much what I experienced visiting Portabello Road on the first sunny Saturday of the year. Very tourist heavy, this famous market street certainly had a lot of antique shops and vintage clothes stalls, if you don't mind a bit of a squeeze.

I did find a couple of great stalls with original china, tiles and glassware on the busiest part of the street.
But my advice is to wander off the main drag, enjoy the architecture...

independent shops...

and random rogue street stalls in the residential streets.
Then head further north to the Golborne Road area..
where the smell of the foody street stalls will make anyone salivate, there is a lot more interiors fun to be had (giant lions and carousel horses anyone?) and plenty more room to enjoy it all!

The North Laine Antiques & Flea Market, BN1

2011-03-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

Every time I visit the Laines, Brighton's eclectic shopping district, I find another diamond of a shop...this time I found a whole market! How I managed to miss a flea market (queen flea that I am) I just don't know?! Especially as it has a bleeding great arrow pointing to it...
The North Laine Antiques & Flea Market is on Upper Gardner Street just parallel to the main Laines and it is well worth a little diversion. Over its three floors the market offers everything you need from a good flea market - stacks of knitting patterns, a mountain of pine furniture, a really pretty selection of prints...

A little bit of kitsch...

Old furniture pieces given a makeover with colourful wallpapers

This Ercol style 1960s mirror (a bargain at £20!) which I wanted so badly but unfortunately, try as I might, just wouldn't fit in my handbag.
You can tell that they have a crafty upholsterer at this flea...
This market did do something to me...I blame the top floor...crammed full of vintage kitchenware and beautifully renewed entire kitchen suites - it's made me go retro kitchen crazy. I now really need to be a 1950s domestic goddess, I need me that breadbin, cabinet, salt & pepper shaker and the whole kit and kaboodle!
All I have to do is convince my fella that replacing everything in the kitchen with vintage or retro copies...hmm that might be easier said than done...but I'll know where to go at least!

Greenwich Market and shops, SE10

2011-02-27T11:40:00.000-08:00

A damp potter around Greenwich Market cheered up my miserable Saturday. There wasn't too much on show for interiors devotees but strolling around the busy stalls I was far too busy admiring craftwork, handmade jewellery and lots of vintage fashion to really notice.

The amazing paper cut art shop in the market made any interiors disappointment easy to get over. The Paper Moon shop shows the genuine pieces by the artist/owner, each listing the length of time she spent making them - up to 19 hours!

The mostly vintage shops were fashion heavy but they still came up with a couple of interiors gems...with changing room wallpaper catching my eye...

Vintage signs that could make any design fan, even me(!), interested in oil...

Along with an abundance of brilliant clothing from any era you fancy. In particular I spied lots of bright prints - not very wearable for me, but I'd be quite tempted to attempt to turn them into cushion covers...

Ending with the obligatory tea and cake to end the day...

With cool café decor to remind me it was time to fly home.

Haynes Lane Market, SE19

2011-02-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

I had a quick snoop around a handy little market up in Crystal Palace today. The Haynes Lane Market sells all manner of vintage wares and is perfect for a rummage on a rainy day.

It spans two floors of stalls with (my) highlights including collectables of anything and everything you could ever need (vintage sewing kit accessories anyone?), books - loads of them, perfect if you are a second hand book fan and of course great old crockery too. But what I mainly love is its eclectic mix...you never know what is going to be around the next corner.

And it is open Tuesdays, Fridays Saturdays and Sundays, which is most useful.

A little jolly bunting makes even the gloomyist of Saturdays bearable.

Sewing collectables on view in the most fabulously decorated glass cabinet.

I liked the holiday feel to this stand, it's channelling a bit of Hawaii

Oh so much glassware and...

chinaware...I came across a whole crop of dainty teacups. Including lovely Poole sets and with a very good price for a teatime treat.

But if you also like a mix of new with your vintage (don't we all?) just across the road from the market is another fab shop Glitter & Twisted - with a range inside that lives up to the amazing name - great homeware gifts and colourful kitchenware.

North London Vintage Market, N10

2011-02-12T09:01:00.000-08:00

I adventured proper north today...with good reason and good results. The first North London Vintage Market took place in N10, Crouch End/Muswell Hill way. And after a great run up of anticipation I was not disappointed.

The show promised a mix of vintage homeware, jewellery, fabrics and clothes. It did brilliantly on all counts but the feel of the event was just as nice as its array of vintage furniture and crockery - it was happy, busy and friendly. My kind of market.

Great prices and a mixture of eras and products on most stalls made for a happy browsing.

Mid-century figured pretty heavily - to my personal joy.

Busy hall, happy faces. I was intrigued by these prints...and a wee bit worried...
Restored patchwork quilt.

More tea jars (I seem to have an unhealthy attraction to these).

And finally...my own little purchase - this set of six late 50s glass tumblers. They even came with a note to tell you the designers name (Alexander Hardie Williamson apparently for my googling pleasure later). Little touches like that are exactly why I loved the North London Vintage Market. Next market is due for the 2nd April - I'll be there, you'll know it's me cos I'll have bells on

Weekend wanderings

2011-01-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

A couple of lines an snaps of my weekend wanderings. Starting with my investigation into the King's Road...was it surprisingly annoying to get to? Yes. Were there many Chelsea tractors on the streets? Oh yes. But how were the interiors shops? Well that I can answer too:

The Shop at Bluebird was a little quiet on homewares. But the products in the store were divine, a bit out of my meagre budget, yet still beautiful.

This other King's Road shop was so tempting...but so shut. Damnit

Designer's Guild was florishing with colour as always and had some great deals. Including bargain stacks of cushions in any colour, print, texture you could want from £15. But it was this nest of tables with pressed flowers that caught my eye...

I am going to save the new Anthropologie shop on the King's Road to a visit all to itself. It is amazing.

I also made my first visit to the new car boot sale in Pimlico today...the inside stalls were great for a rummage but it was a little quiet outdoors. I still have great hopes for it as a great in/out car boot - when the chilly weather and thifty late January buyers have gone...Come springtime I can see this handily central car boot being a regular haunt.

I did however scoop up this selection of picture frames for £1/£1.50 each. Can't go wrong with a car boot bargain.

Blogger love

2011-01-18T11:54:00.000-08:00

I was most flattered by the ever fabulous JulieB from Fantasy Decorator (check it out for super cool interiors pics and trends - and many a fantasy to share) who awarded me a Stylish Blogger Award! Thank you so much - I'm still blushing...

The rules are as follows:

1} Select 10 blogs and pass along the award

2} Share 7 random FAQ's about yourself

So here are my top bloggers...sending you fabulous folk a Stylish Blogger Award!:

1) Glitterball Louise's blog is lovely, inspiring and always makes me smile

2) What Katie Does I love following Katie's blog and sharing her love of furniture and our feline friends

3) The Shabby & The Chic blogger friends and colleagues, two gals with opposing styles but share love for all things cool

4) Man Make Home A gent's New York via London paired-down style. It actually makes me want to clear the clutter (I will do it one day!)

5) Your Home is Lovely Affordable inspiration and shared love of second hand rummaging

6) A Rose Beyond the Thames Stylish loveliness

2) Teacups, Cupcakes Happy thoughts, flowers and super snaps from a fellow London blogger

7) Her Little Place Great design, trends and recipes that are definitely worth trying out

8) Home Shopping Spy Get inspired with the first look at the coolest, cutest homeware and witty reportage

9 and 10) Two of my top fave inspiring blogs that I can't help but keep going back to: Layers & Layers and Bright Bazaar

So many more that I can't fit in! Thank you all (including the ones I haven't got room for!) for inspiring, amusing and cheering me every day.

Seven facts about me?! Gulp...ok here goes:

1) I'm 29 (that's an easy one!)

2) London born and bred, I've recently returned to my natural habitat in the South after four year attempt at staying away from the saarf

3) I'm a bit crazy about Twitter happy to chat about furniture, shopping, tea (quite a lot) and happy indulgent crap @iamdaisyfay

4) As an F Scott Fitzgerald fanatic I'm most unhappy at the prospect of the '3D' Great Gatsby film. FSF would not approve

5) I'm not actually a Daisy myself... it's just another FSF reference

6) I could happily write a few more points about early twentieth century American authors (does this one count as a random FAQ?! *clutches straws*)

7) I have different coloured eyes (one of my fave and well-used random FAQs)

Pictures & Light, N16

2011-01-17T10:58:00.000-08:00

I took a trip down memory lane this weekend (just a short one) and had a whistle-stop revisit to my old stomping ground of Stoke Newington. Speeding along on the old 73 I couldn't resist popping into Pictures & Light.

Living up to its name this original shop is packed full of inspiring retro slogan poster and prints, mirrors that you can happily gaze into and any kind of retro lighting you could hope for.

Add to this fun colourful prints, mugs, accessories and more G-plan furniture than you could shake a vintage stick at and I, as always, was most enamoured.

The hand-painted cards are beyond lovely (surely there is someone that can I give that monkey card to?!) and add to the bright colourful feel of the shop.

Mixing up the furniture pieces around the 50s era and cool contemporary accessories I reckon Pictures & Light is spot on and its placing on Stokey's famous Church Street couldn't be better. Ah North London I do miss you sometimes...

Christmas treats

2011-01-02T09:58:00.001-08:00

Snowy walks...

Present goodies for my kitchen...

Christmas dinner (avec Bob as usual)...

And the obligatory grumpy elf.

Christmas shopping sparkles, N1, E1

2010-12-20T10:46:00.000-08:00

So here starts the Christmas shopping adventure (terribly late I know - let's keep this from my family, eh?) with the extra obstacle of heaps of snow it was pretty quiet...but looked pretty too...which made it all worthwhile.

But sadly no one knows when I will *actually* buy my Christmas presents and stop looking at this bunch of lovely interiors shops...

Smug is already one of favourite reasons to visit Angel, N1. You'll find the best collection of cute quirky homewares, furniture and accessories including Donna Wilson cosies (this scarf is wild) and perfectly chosen vintage accessories. As Smug are extra nice they have even spoiled us with a whole extra floor for Christmas.

Aria is always worth a stop to get a modern furniture fix and the coolest gadgets you'll ever need for the kitchen.

Loving this vintage look in Oliver Bonas...

Spitalfield's look very well suited to the snow...the market was packed I'm pleased to say. I also managed to sneak a look at the new branch of The Lollipop Shoppe, one of my Brighton faves that has now made it to London too.

A special extended Sunday Up Market on Brick Lane offered a cool collection of vintage clothes, one-off accessories and perhaps the biggest Christmas decoration I have even laid my eyes on.

But this bathroom shop in Crystal Palace won the festive decoration competition by a country mile...tinsel sink anyone??

Alfie's Antique Market, NW8

2010-12-09T12:12:00.000-08:00

Alfie's Antique Market has made my day. I battled through central London shoppers and braved unknown West London (South, East and North, I'm fine, but West...? I'm lost) today to check out Alfie's fabulous Christmas Shopping Evening.

It was my first trip to Alfie's and I can't believe I've never visited before. The market sells antiques, vintage collectable and 20th century design pieces over multiple storeys and from many lovely dealers; everything from jewellery and furniture to antique books and retro haircuts. All very much up my street...and I wasn't disappointed.

There were some great original colourful glass pieces for us magpies.

I really enjoyed admiring the beautiful collection of 20th century furniture (the above chair was a fave of one half of The Shabby & The Chic - who needs a special mention for putting up with my disastrous iPhone directions - sorryy!)

Some of my faves...

I loved the variety of what was available, my heart was tempted by this full length vintage gown, but my head even more by the sweet, colourful silk scarves I spied for as little as a fiver.

Lovely luggage.

More lamps than you could shake a stick at from 70s style modern sculptural glass...

To many an anglepoise.

So many great gifts...I fell for fab old tins, cigarette card collectors books and stage jewellery...unless you are buying big and then the 'proper' jewellery is well worth a look. Beautiful.

And what good Christmas shopping evening wouldn't end with a squeeze box?!

Ace entertainment, wonderful stalls and welcoming atmosphere. The Christmas Shopping late was definitely a good excuse for a festive knees-up and a very good way of getting me hooked on Alfie's, at least.

Toast, Honition

2010-12-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I went all the way to antiques haven Honiton (Kirstie Allsopp has been spotted there I hear) and it was a coffee shop that caught my eye. Well a girl's gotta warm up somehow!

Toast is a fresh new addition to this Devon town, that has just been opened by the team behind the local Otter Brewery. I love it already, after my first visit this weekend. It hits the nail on the head as the perfect stylish teatime spot for this town famous for its (totally potterable) antiques shops.

Toast offers a rather lovely ever-changing choice of cake...I had the most amazing jaffa-cake muffin which I can safely say was even better than an actual jaffa cake, controversial I know.

But it was the decor that really impressed me. Toast's spot-on interior doesn't stray too far from Honiton's antique-y style with original distressed wood pieces and tastefully cool xmas decs. A perfect spot-off for casual antique browsers, it's a lovely addition the the town...and my list of cake recommendations.

H&M Home, first look

2010-11-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

I had my first sneak into Hennes (or H&M as it calls itself nowadays) Home today. I think I am sold...

The collection is a nice mixture of colour, graphic, classic 50s, leopard (everywhere!) and girly, all very affordable.

The Oxford Circus flagship showroom has an Argos-style system that smartly keeps the displays simple and nicely styled, with magnetic product cards rather than tiny blue biros!

No purchases made, but I could be swayed by this faux lace bed set...it would be lovely layered with pale pinks and a knitted wool blanket for the cold...mmm.

SCP warehouse sale, SE1

2010-11-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

My indulgent Saturday lie-in meant that I left the SCP warehouse sale this weekend with zero purchases and a glum face.

The sale was amazing as predicted. The impressive modern furniture pieces were on offer for 90% off (beautiful dining tables for £180!)...but the early bird really did get the worm at SCP's warehouse.

Arriving an hour after opening time meant that I spent most of my time at the sale lusting over already sold items - I couldn't help but imagine what the already sold colourful would have look like next to my leather and teak sofa *sniff*.

Oh I'll learn and you'll find me camping outside the night before (Take That obsessive style) next time...

Lulu & Hitch, Hove BN3

2010-10-31T04:51:00.000-07:00

Oh where to find an interiors shop full of classics and quirky accessories on a sunny day? The south coast again, that's where (for a London obsessive these jaunts to the seaside seem to be pleasing me a bit too much...)

Last week I stumbled across Lulu & Hitch on Church Street, one of the main drags, in Hove. A fabulous mix of cleverly spruced up vintage furniture pieces at very good prices and an even more affordable mix of gifts, smellies and co.

As loathed as I am to get Christmassy too early (yup I'm still hanging onto October on the 31st) at Lulu & Hitch they were already showing a very cute and original selection of Christmas decorations, perfect to add those special one-off ornaments to the tree.

Some very well-chosen antique gifts were also spied...

And tell me where you could find beautifully renovated furniture pieces like these (for under £200?!) in London then I will be a happy girl...

Decorex highlights

2010-10-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

I know a review of one of the biggest interior design shows shouldn't begin with the loos but...

This year Decorex commissioned the fabulous Louise Body to decorate the toilets and oh did she. Her trompe l'oeil wallpaper was one of my show highlights - wish I hadn't been too shy to snap the urinals (hmm maybe not).

The show started with a route through Nina Campbell's amazing (grown up) Alice in Wonderland style foyer.

This monumentous elephant stood above the, as always fabulous, Andrew Martin stand.

I love the intricate designs of these prints from Sandberg.

Revolving fabric branch tree...obviously...

Anonymous woolly sheep...

Out of the Alice in Wonderland house and then home. Great Decorex indeed, more like this please!

Brick Lane, E1

2010-09-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

I headed EAST this weekend and found a few new gems while checking up on some of my old favourites...

First stop...Labour and Wait my fail safe shop for kitchenware, it never lets me down with the most stylish utilitarian simplicity that can't go wrong in my kitchen (or anyone else's really - you're guaranteed to see me laden down here on Christmas Eve).

This time the purpose for my visit was to check out the new store on Redchurch Street just off Brick Lane. Where you can now find your beautiful paired-down pots, pans, linens and even clothing in the signature 50s style in this new shop Mon-Sat.

While the original Cheshire Street store will be open on Sunday, for the super busy Brick Lane Sunday shopper I presume. The new addition is still as perfectly simple inside as the first store, the outside is another treat as the building itself is a reclaimed Truman Brewery pub, as you can see from the fabulous green tiles.

I also stumbled across Speedie's Retro Kitsch Furniture shop a couple of doors down. Any shop with deck chairs outside gets my vote...There is a great collection inside including full vintage kitchens (hobs, cabinets, you name it), tonnes of record players (amazingly still working I hear) and plenty of cool one-off pieces of furniture at really good prices for this central location.

I'm coveting this stool currently...

And am keen on these coffee tables too - typical of Speedie's 60s style. They also offer most pleasing London-flat-friendly-sized pieces, which is always good to hear.

Just around the corner (past the fixie polo players usually) is Unto this Last which deserves a proper post of its on one day when I have the chance to fully explore the contemporary hand crafted furniture workshop. In short: cool, original, hand-crafted, stacked wood pieces that they can adapt to fit any room I'm sure.

Brick Lane's markets as usual held a few gems and some over-pricing. I did rather like the cool Art Deco lines of this old gramophone though.

The Brick Lane area always throws up some new surprises. I love how this simple shop front design has escaped onto the building of a new store on the corner of Bethnal Green Road. Always something new round the corner...always worth a visit.

Midland Hotel, Morecambe

2010-09-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

It's love. I visited the Midland Hotel on Morecambe Bay last week and oh yes it's love.

The Midland is a recently restored Art Deco masterpiece (and yes, Agatha Christie fans, it has actually been in Poirot!) I managed to take a sneaky peak into one of the amazing penthouse suites. Check. it. out.

Beautiful Art Deco architectural details.

Cool, classic font and inside...?

Oh the staircase! leading to the penthouse suite...

The bed...

Seating area in the sun...steel grey L sofa behind me too (in case you need to lounge natch)

And yes, the view. On the terrace. Hot tub out of shot.

Fabulous food and...
Cool bar.

I'm moving in.

South London snippits

2010-08-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

My South London adventures continued today...but I found out that Bank Holiday Monday isn't apparently the best day to explore lovely independent interiors shops (fool that I am - I will remember next time).

Yet I still managed to press my face up to the window of a couple of Herne Hill's finest vintage and antiques shops and even found my to way into a delight in Crystal Palace too. (Hint for non-bank holiday visitors: Crystal Palace's Church Road has a growing selection of mighty fine 20th Century antiques shops - full report to follow soon no doubt.)

First face presser...the rather fabulous Bleu Furniture in Herne Hill. Elegant mid century furniture and accessories spied right under the rail bridge...I particularly fell for these dining chairs (1950s Italian on their website).

I have also not yet made it in to The Good Companion (more face pressing) furniture and arts shop with in-shop cosy café. It looks like the perfect spot for a good cuppa, with a novel and time to browse the eclectic selection of great looking art and furniture.

Finally up the hill at Crystal Palace I had a chance drop into Cartwright's, a great contemporary furniture shop on Church Road.
Could this pair of G-Plan tables at Cartwright's could put an end to my coffee table quest? Maybe, but I'm having far too much fun looking to give up just yet!

Roullier White, SE22

2010-08-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

A visit to Roullier White in East Dulwich left me with an unusual urge to clean. The lifestyle boutique is packed to the brim with everything a domestic goddess would ever need: fabulous feather dusters, divine smelling candles, the famous Mrs White eco cleaning range (Mrs R White perhaps?), every size pyrex dish you'd need and a lovely collection of gifts to boot.

The old-school style of the store makes this a great shopping experience, with its proper counters, vintage display cabinets and even a working counter bell spotted.

Roullier White is definitely worth checking out, even just to inspire the domestic goddess within, at least for a couple of hours...

Welcome to Kemp Town

2010-08-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

I haven't *actually* moved to Brighton. But visiting Kemp Town (and a certain cheeky road of antique shops) gave me another very good reason why I really could...

Rather than keeping to my usual Brighton haunts I found that venturing East away from The Laines was definitely worth it. I firstly stopped to check out Brighton Flea Market, a cool, varied collection of antiques, quirky collectables and a whole hoard vintage furniture.

I was actually sent to try to commandeer a recently spied vintage leather chair that had sadly already found a home...but I was still most impressed with the ever refreshed pieces of furniture - there was plenty to buy/ogle (delete as your wallet allows). Oh and if you go make sure you check out the full size diving helmet...

A couple of (antique shop) doors down you'll also find In Retrospect 60s and 70s original designs. An aching cool shop that introduced me to a G-Plan coffee table, that I now need urgently for my living room, and cluster of hip alarm clocks that I could just about allow to wake me up in the morning

Oh and in my imaginary Kemp Town life can I live here please? Brighton's famous Royal Crescent with a sea view - feels like home already.

Gallery of Nothcote Road, SW

2010-08-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

Northcote Road Antiques Market. After finally receiving a fab jar for my teabags as a birthday treat, I discovered this market. Never have I seen so many a suitable jar...among a surprisingly huge collection of antiques in this deceptively small fronted market.

Lovely Huttons is a great gift shop where I found these melamine plates, perfect for picnics (maybe not today though, eh?)

Northcote Road also has some stand alone antiques shops like Carey B Antiques and Braemar Antiques with a very cool affordable selection - I think my obsession for birds can continue thanks to them...

Sale at Cabbages & Roses natch.

I also found out that I am not too posh for TK Maxx, despite the usual jumbly scrum, I spied this pretty smart London Transport teapot. No lid, mind, ah well...

Birthday treats

2010-08-01T15:04:00.001-07:00

Wonder Whistle, vintage and antiques extravaganza, KT10

2010-07-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

A sunny Sunday in London is always a treat. But this one had even more of a treat in store as I headed over to beautiful Esher where the Wonder Whistle vintage and antiques show was taking place at Sandown Park Racecourse.

This family run (with a family-close feel) antiques and vintage fair is held around ten times and year on Tuesday and Sundays. It boasts up to 300 specialist dealers bringing an amazingly wide range of their expert products, running from really affordable prices. The stall holders offer a huge selection of types and eras of vintage/antiques including silver, clothes, crockery, furniture, collectables, toys, textiles and jewellery (hint to boys...if you ever want to find one-off jewellery some pieces here would make a girl very happy).

So this fab fair really got me. I rolled up 1pm for a leisurely stroll around the stalls inside and outside the rather marvellous racecourse venue. The mixture of unique pieces on sale made it a happily distracted stroll as the friendly informative dealers didn't mind sharing the stories behind their fantastic finds. Like this real Welsh Guard's uniform! Straight from the front room of a real Welsh Guard. Not something you see every day at the races!

As the stalls offer vintage pieces as well as antiques there is a huge selection for any vintage lover. In particular with the vintage jewellery, clothes and accessories like...fabulous square toed 1940s heels still ready to wear, super cool 1950s kids' sunglasses and (my favourite) this amazing authentic bakelite necklace, as the dealer pointed out - look at the detail of the black framing the birds! A proper snip at £65

But my heart lay (surprise!) between interiors pieces. The Flour storage tin had me with its lovely old-school font, but I think I'll have to commit a little further to my baking before I can invest. I also spied a complete and perfect set of Thomas crockery including sugar bowl and dainty coffee cups(just £35...can't think why I didn't buy it now!)...but this elegant French style tin jug and bowl set in white with a simple gold stripe made it home with me in the end. It makes me want to wake up early, wash my face with cold water and find some moors to trek across...but that might just be me...

Wonder Whistle is a definite must visit for anyone who likes anything from accessible unique vintage pieces up to rare and specialist antiques. The next show takes place on Sunday 12th September and you may have to fight me off if any bakelite necklaces turn up again...

En route...

2010-07-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Vintage interiors treats en route from lovely Esher...think they should make it by tomorrow...

Timorous Beasties, EC1

2010-07-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love Timorous Beasties - clever, witty fabrics and wallpapers subverting traditional patterns to create very cool contemporary alternatives. I've admired their toiles for a while, as they look traditional from afar, yet up close you don't see idyllic pastoral scenes but those of modern life...

So I was delighted to stumble upon the London showroom on Amhurst Street, EC1 where I spotted the very apt London Toile which includes scenes of the Gherkin (one of current fave London buildings), loitering teenagers and erm gun crime. Brilliant.

Also I loved this Découper 3 print...living in a house fulla bikes I reckon I could sneak in some extra ones in my curtains pretty easily.

As including these prints in your home decoration would be a big commitment (but I would love to see how long the family would take to notice the person sparking up a fag in my wallpaper...) it was great to see that mugs, postcards etc were on sale for the less daring of us.

But I'd still love to have the guts for the London Toile in full, perhaps as the most lovely way to remember the scummier parts of 21st century London...

twentytwentyone warehouse SALE

2010-07-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

My love of interiors won over my love of the sun today as I gleefully visited the twentytwentyone sale on the hottest day of the year. The warehouse sale was on for one day only, so it really couldn't be missed...whatever the weather.

The super stylish contemporary 20th/21st century (see what they did there?) furniture retailer has been on my radar for a while. In a way that allows me to browse hopefully at the cool but pricey collection of modern designs by Moooi, Established & Sons, Ercol etc. Plus a carefully chosen selection of 20th century designs (be still my beating heart!)

So I couldn't miss out on the up to 70% sale of ex-display furniture and accessories from the Upper Street showroom. Fresh (ha!) from the tube and clutching a bottle of water I made it later than I had hoped and I think I missed some of the best bargains, but loved the sale all the same.

I enjoyed having a chance to admire the bigger pieces ex from the showroom mainly furniture and lighting. I took a particular shine to this Established & Sons Convex mirror. Such a lovely slimline shape that uses its car wing mirror shape to give a really wide view of the room. Definitely the coolest thing I had seen all day.

Summer stars

2010-07-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

As spied near Primrose Hill...a subtle vintage hint in a cluster of cool colours. You can't go wrong with that.