Noa Noa

All images from Noa Noa

I am loving the 1920's style finger waves hair in the new Autumn Noa Noa photo shoot. I am also coveting the cute bag in the last pic.

Rose scented soaps

A recent addition to my bathroom, I bought these decorative rose soaps in a small interior boutique. I'd needed to top up my etched bathroom jar due to the fact I'd used up most of the bath bombs in it, and I went for the rose design soaps as they match my delicate carved roses on the bathroom shelf.



For similar rose soaps try Gianna Rose Atelier soaps with the fragrance of Gardenia jasminoides.



After looking on the Gianna Rose Atelier website, I have fallen in love with the Leaf soaps in the clean scent of Tea Leaf and Verbena.



For similar etched storage jars try Graham & Green.

Pink Candy

This week on Flickr Faves Sunday, I bring you more candy with my favorite pics of candy on Flickr. Check back soon for some more of the most inspirational photographers on Flickr.

Some beautiful shots from my Flickr favourites (clockwise from top left):

• The colour and detail in Tiny strawberry cookies make me smile from Piccolina Photography.
• the adorable presentation in Spring Marshmallow Pops from Glorious Treats.
• I love the colours in the Marshmallow Twists from Pyogenes Gruffer
• The pink chocolate and sweet flowers in Fairy Pop Close-up from Such Pretty Things.

Strawberry dolly mix cupcakes

Strawberry dolly mix cupcakes (makes 12 muffin size cakes)

Ingredients
125g (4.5 ounces) butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon (1/6 ounces) vanilla extract
150g (5.2 ounces) caster sugar
2 eggs
150g (5.2 ounces) Gluten free self-raising flour
150g (5.2 ounces) dried strawberries
60ml (2 fluid ounces) semi-skimmed milk
2 tbsp strawberry jam

Cooking instructions

1. Preheat oven to 160-180 deg C (325-350 deg F).
2. Line muffin tray with paper cases.
3. Beat flour, butter, eggs, milk, sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl with an electric mixer until the mixture turns a pale colour.
4. Stir in the strawberries and strawberry jam and mix thoroughly.
5. Divide mixture among cases.
   
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Place cakes on a wire rack to cool.

Decorating the cakes

1. Fill piping bag with vanilla butter frosting and pipe in peaks on top of the cakes.
2. Place 3 Dolly Mix on top.

Pattern cupcake cases come part of a cupcake kit from Chronicle Books.



Have a great weekend!

Amy Butler

All images from amybutlerdesign.com

Amy Butler does the most beautiful printed fabrics for both interior and fashion use. I love the mix of colours and the way the collections all coordinate together; there is a kind of seventies retro cool to them.

You should check out her website for the most beautiful inspiring photos of what you can make with her fabrics. Not keen on sewing? Then check out Etsy for some beautiful handmade products you can buy.



Jelly roll of Daisy Chain Fabric Collection from Imagine Fabric on Etsy

Candy Jars

The jars in my first pic are coffee jars from Douwe Egberts. The footed apothecary jar in my second and third pic is from Belle Epoque.

I love jars of candy, from the ones in old fashioned sweet shops to footed apothecary jars. So imagine my delight when a friend of mine showed me a pic of the Juicy Couture table in Selfridges which was covered in candy-filled jars, as an idea for her wedding. I thought "I'll help you!".



I'd also seen some candy jars in the window of Ralph Lauren in Hong Kong back in April (see above), so I started to search around to see what I could find.





In my search I came across the delightful pics above from Amy Atlas. You definitely should check out her website for the most beautiful candy tables, in an array of colours and themes, for weddings, birthdays and more.



It seems that the glass jars are a lot easier to get hold of stateside than here in the UK. However, I did find a great store called Chefs that ships all over the world and they do the lovely glass pedestal candy jars in varying heights above.

Candy Jars by Torie Jayne on Polyvore.com

For my US readers who want to buy some glass jars please check out the above Candy Jars set in Polyvore for a selection of the candy jars I found in all shapes/sizes and prices.

For some good places to buy coloured sweets in the UK/USA take a look at my recent post: Old fashioned candy.

White on White

This week on Flickr Faves Sunday, I bring you a white on white story. I chose white on white as it has been a big fashion trend this summer and one that is set to continue. I love the peacefulness of white on white. Check back soon for some more of the most inspirational photographers on Flickr.

Some beautiful shots from my Flickr favourites (from left to right):

• I love the intricate cold heart from Sommerfugel
• The beautiful cup handle in back to white VI from Weird Melancholy.
  
• The shell chandelier in A little light... from Snowdrops.
  
• The string balls in waiting ... from Among the hedgerows.
  
• The perfume bottle with bird from Sunshine Syrie
• The delicate detail on the plate in back to white VII from Weird Melancholy.
• The detail of the embroderie anglaise in a woman can never be too fine while she is all in white ... ~ jane austen from Among the hedgerows
• The delicate cutwork in Recycled Memories from The Curious Nomad.
• The lighting in the white painting from nic*nilla.
  

Old fashioned candy

Rhubarb & custard, strawberry bonbons, and milk bottles: retro candy is in. Candy has been a trend for a while, what with Madonna's album called Hard Candy, and Ralph Lauren's daughter Dylan opening "Dylan's Candy Bar" a candy boutique on Third Avenue in New York.

The candy trends for 2009 are jelly beans, for their irresistible colours and flavors, and retro sweets for the memories. Old fashioned and retro candy continues to comfort the mind and taste buds for those who may be a bit apprehensive about the future.

Hope & greenwood by Torie Jayne on Polyvore.com

Over the past few years in London we have seen a crop of old fashioned sweet shops pop up. Hope and Greenwood, in Covent Garden and in East Dulwich and Mrs Kibbles Olde Sweet Shoppe in Soho, and in St Christopher's Place. The sweets are sold by the quarter ounce from rows and rows of shiny glass jars crammed full with such delights as rosy apples, shrimps, jelly babies and flying saucers. It is a childhood dream come true and a delight for those of us who like to colour co-ordinate with sweet candy.

Sweetie World by Torie Jayne on Polyvore.com

Anna Lou of London

I discovered Anna Lou of London the other day and what a delight! The bright mix of colours drew me in as I walked past the door in Fouberts Place. Although most of the pieces aren't to my personal taste, I couldn't help but appreciate what the designer Anna Scaife is doing in her handcrafted brightly-coloured plastic kitsch pieces.



I just couldn't walk away without buying the large coral plastic flower brooch above!



Anna Lou of London by Torie Jayne featuring Anna Lou jewelry

From the website:

"Anna Louise Scaife, founder and creative director of 'Anna Lou of London' has enjoyed continued success with her celebrated fashion Jewelery handbags and accessories. All collections are handcrafted."

Celebrity clients include Kate Moss, Madonna and Emma Watson.

Tag I'm it and I'm sharing!

I have been given this lovely badge to honor - a badge of honor! Tag!

I have been tagged by my adorable friend Laurel of gorgeous blog HappySimpleLife

Here are the rules:

Copy the logo and place it on my blog
Link it back to the person who gave it to me
Pass it on to five fellow bloggers
List 10 things about myself

Here are my 10 facts:

1. Fashion designer for over ten years
2. Moved to New York when I was 21 and lived there for 2 1/2 years
3. I have three gorgeous sisters
4. I have been with the love of my life for 17 years
5. I am obsessed with matching colours
6. I was called squirt by my family growing up but I am 5'8. I come from a tall family!
7. I am the only sister with blue eyes
8. I couldn't live without my iPhone
9. My favourite story about my Dad is the time he stood in the corner of the dining room turning a desk lamp installed with a blue light bulb on and off to create a disco for me and my friends on my 8th Birthday whilst the rest of the family was ill in bed with chicken pox!
10. My teacher nicknamed me "glitter fairy"

Thank you Lauren for your beautiful comments that inspire me daily!

For my 5 lovely bloggers:

1. Freudian slips vintage
2. Rosina Lee
3. Buebau
4. Oh for the Love
5. Pickalapoopa

Best wishes to you all!

Alex Monroe

Bird in the nest ring

Following on from my discussion of birds as a trend, I'd like to introduce a British jewellery designer, Alex Monroe, whose designs I've really fallen for. They're delicate, pretty, and vintage-looking.

My favourite pieces are from 'The Poet and the Nest' collection and I particularly adore the 'Bird in the nest' ring above, with a pearl as the setting. As a child, I remember being enchanted by this sort of delicate, whimsical jewellery that was so personal to the wearer.



Diamond set heart locket with swallow



Little bird charm bracelet


From his website:

"His designs are slightly quirky, sometimes cute, but always very feminine."

"Meander through the British countryside to the sound of birdsong. This lively collection captures the energy and spirit of our smallest native song birds. Pink and blue Topaz stones dance with Goldcrests and Reed Warblers among the branches and leaves of the summer meadows. Take a piece of summer with you where ever you go!"

Fans include Kate Moss, Britney Spears, Thandie Newton, and Amy Winehouse, to name a few!

Bird in the bush cups

Contemporary lighting and home accessories from Dutchbydesign

In my search for all things birdy I came across these ever-so-cute bird in the bush cups. A thoroughly modern mug tree that you would be proud to leave out in the kitchen. I love the sheer simplicity of them coupled with the ingenious handles.

Poem by anon

Birds and more birds

Bird Love by Torie Jayne on Polyvore.com

Recently, I've been seeing birds everywhere. Whether they're used in graphics on websites like Laura Ashley and Graham & Green, or on the High Street with bird cage necklaces aplenty, it seems to me that our feathered friends have hit the mainstream as a trend.

It's not the bright, colourful flamingos or peacocks of last year, either. Instead they're the small, softly-coloured birds that you're more likely to find in your back garden.

Why is this? Personally, I think it represents a return to a more natural, organic, comforting symbolism. The bird imagery I'm seeing is delicate, pretty and vintage, evoking a mood more in tune with comfort, homeliness, and eco-friendliness. Take, for example, the Hampton Court flower show that I recently visited where "eco" was the word of the day. A lot of the stalls displayed many bird-inspired garden products, from plant supports to outdoor napkin holders... (check back later for my full report on this wonderful event!).

In tune with this, I'd like to share some of this great bird imagery I've discovered recently. Please visit my Polyvore set above to see some of what I think are the best examples of wallpaper, cushions and jewellery in this trend.

I'd love to hear your thoughts about this recent trend!

Hush sale - 14th July 2009

The Hush sale starts on the 14th of July. Hush are my favourite Luxe loungewear boutique for pyjamas, robes, and sundresses.

From Hush-uk.com: "... our pyjamas are all low-waisted - to make your legs look as long and your bum as small as possible; and why our vest tops have a hidden support so that you can keep your cleavage even when you lose your bra."

They have the most beautiful loungewear in their catalogues, and having ordered some, I can say the pyjamas really lived up to expectation! The pyjama sets come in a small matching bag in the same fabric, wrapped up in sumptuous mocha-coloured tissue paper.

They're great for gifts for you or for others. I always recommend Hush to male friends having difficulty choosing a gift for their partners for birthday or Christmas.

A few of the items above are going into the sale (clockwise from top left):

• Hooded robe
• Polka dot nightie
• Summer cardigown
• Silk sunset dress

Duck egg blue

For my next Flickr Faves Sunday, I bring you a colour theme of cream and duck egg blue. Check back next week for some more of the most inspirational photographers on Flickr.

Some beautiful shots from my Flickr favourites (clockwise from top left):

• The dreamlike nature in rest from Gabrielle Kai Photography
  
• The distressed birds and vase in patience from Almost Bunnies
  
• The hand stitched pearly apple in Pearly Gould from Jennybubbletime
  
• The adorable fish jumping out of the tea cup in The fugitive fish from The Curious Nomad
  

Greengate

Greengate is a Copenhagen-based interior company, centered around a cottage theme. They sell stoneware, kitchen linens, fabrics, bedspreads and lampshades, amongst other things.

They have two collections a year: this summer they have been inspired by Bellevue beach in Copenhagen. Breezy pastels and cool carefree colours are the order of the day - all carefully designed to blend in seamlessly with existing Greengate items.



I first discovered Greengate a year ago on holiday in a small interior shop in Spain. I bought a green dotty melamine salad bowl with pink on the inside, like the one above. When I got home, it looked so good with my Cath Kidston melamine print plates, that I use for outside dining, that I wanted to find stockists in the UK. Fortunately, the Greengate website has a full list of them. I also found their online catalogue, from which I bought another salad bowl with matching salad servers, dinner plates and side plates.

Occa Home has a great selection of GreenGate Home Accessories and they ship worldwide!

Have a asweet day!

White chocolate raspberry cupcakes

White chocolate raspberry cupcakes (makes 12 muffin size cakes)

Ingredients
125g (4.5 ounces) butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon (1/6 ounces) vanilla extract
150g (5.2 ounces) caster sugar
2 eggs
150g (5.2 ounces) gluten free self-raising flour
170g (6 ounces) crushed fresh raspberries
60ml (2 fluid ounces) semi-skimmed milk
100g (3.5 ounces) Belgium white choc chunks

Cooking instructions

1. Preheat oven to 160-180 deg C (325-350 deg F).
2. Line muffin tray with paper cases.
3. Beat flour, butter, eggs, milk, sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl with an electric mixer until the mixture turns a pale colour.
4. Stir in the white chocolate and raspberries and mixed thoroughly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Place cakes on a wire rack to cool.

Raspberry butter frosting (for 12 muffin sized cupcakes)

Ingredients
12 crushed fresh raspberries
vanilla butter frosting
36 mini white marshmallows

Instructions

1. Blend 12 raspberries with a food processor so they are completely crushed.
2. Add the blended raspberries into a small bowl with the vanilla butter frosting and stir well until it is an even pink colour.
3. Fill piping bag with the frosting and pipe in swirls on top of the cakes.
4. Place 3 mini marshmallows on top and dust with pink metallic icing.

Ananya

Diamonte water dress



Love lies sleeveless


I have just discovered Ananya in Notting Hill, London. They sell the most exquisite hand made bejeweled dresses and kaftans, worn by Kate Moss, Beyonce, Claudia Schiffer and Madonna to name a few.

Bead flower

My porcelain flower palette is filled with beads sourced in India.

The antique butterfly trim is from The London Vintage Fashion Textiles and Accessories Fair.

The sewing thread needles come in this cute pebble from John James.