Have you all had a chance to see French Connections latest Homeware for S/S 2013? After the successful launch last year, their latest collection doesn’t disappoint. It’s all about texture and raw materials combined with a faded coastal palette of soft white, light greys and oatmeal. Expect to find pale and interesting ceramics with a hand finish appeal, textiles in denim, jersey and linen, and furniture with a painted and weathered look. I love it all! To see the full collection, visit any store or go to the French Connection website.
Category: Shabby chic
Sunbury Antiques Market (Kemptons)
On March 3rd, 2013 by Pippa Jameson.
I am often asked where to shop for antique or vintage finds and the answer is Kemptons (Sunbury Antiques Market). Opening at 6.30 am, this is a full day out as there is so much to see. You will find a mixture of gems including; antique furniture, gold and silverware, jewellery, ceramics, kitchenallia, vintage and vintage fashion, garden ephemera, clocks, paintings, cameras books and much, much more! Not only does the market attract those interested in the Antiques trade but also to general collectors, prop buyers, interior and exterior designers. I haven’t found anywhere else that matches its diversity. My favourite London antiques market is Alfies, London’s largest indoor market for antiques, vintage, collectables & 20th century design.
In my experience, the most popular items that people tend to go for are ‘old skool’ chairs, armoires, mirrors, armchairs and lighting. Below are just a few pictures from the markets gallery. I love the cute wooden shoe fillers below, we used some similar vintage items in a shoot we did a few months back – take a look as it may give you some ideas…
A few tips; Sunbury Antiques Market is very busy and as you will be on your feet all morning, it might be best to go with a packed lunch, a decent amount of cash so that you are ready to do a deal, and finally, a large van, as you will need to take your purchases away with you. Also, if you are buying furniture, make sure you have taken measurements of how big the item needs to be.
A few facts: the market has been running for over 30 years and is now recognised as one of Europe’s premier antiques markets. It attracts well over 700 stallholders with 350 stalls throughout the indoor halls and over 350 stalls (all on hard standings) in the outside drive in area. PARKING AND ENTRY IS FREE at Sunbury Antiques Market!

New year inspiration
On December 31st, 2012 by Pippa Jameson.
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year. If like me, you feel a little flat after all the festivities, then try to think about things that make you happy for 2013, through images…
Image 1: A long walk always blows away the cobwebs and is often where I find so much of my inspiration. Image 2: I love throws; cashmere, mohair, silk and wool, I think I have one in every material! I see it as an essential accessory for every bed and sofa ;0) Image 3: I will try to be as creative as I can at home and at work, I thought this picture demonstrated how something so simple can look so stylish. Image 4: A log fire makes me feel so happy, the crackle and smell of the burning wood brings back Childhood memories from the house I grew up in. It’s amazing how something can bring so much comfort. Image 5: Spring planting, this is the year when I plan to start my vegetable patch, a little way of I know but I love the idea of using these little sticks in the ground. 6: My family inspires me every day xx
What is your inspiration for 2013…?


Credits: Winter photo by: Haute Faves Deux. Selection of throws by Pale & Interesting. Creative Art by Sarah & Bendrix. Rustic log baskets by Pale & Interesting. Spring planting: Image by Brenda Hillenius. My family
Princelets, pretty online home accessories
On October 15th, 2012 by Pippa Jameson.
I am often approached by independent shops and designers asking me to talk about their new products, sadly, I am unable to feature everything but I try my best to include items that really stand out or pieces that I feel will appeal to my readers, Princelets falls into this category. This new online shop offers an affordable collection with wide appeal, selling a mixture of stylish printed textiles including tea-towels, cushions and bags, simplistic and pretty glassware and striking outdoor lanterns.
Vintage inspiration
On December 5th, 2011 by Pippa Jameson.
The following images are from the blog, ‘My Shabby Streamside Studio’, and belong to the talented Sandra Foster. Her pure and simple style is breathtaking, combining white on white interiors with pretty vintage accessories.
Tips on vintage styling:
- Use old medicine bottles as vases, clear glass look best.
- Use old french linen as a tablecloth, embroidered edging looks super cute.
- Hang vintage bags on door knobs or if you have one, on the corner of your metal bedstead.
- Shabby chic some old pine chairs, take a look at our guide on ‘How to Shabby Chic furnitre’.
- White metal bird cages are still a firm favourite, try filling one with tea-lights and hang it above your dining table as a feature light.











































