Let Them Eat Cake

If you have a sweet tooth then the new collection by artist Paul Ferney and Jordan Ferney (art direction) will satisfy your cravings. Let Them Eat Cake is a collaboration between this husband and wife team that resulted in the most delicious paintings of cakes. I just adore the simplicity and vibrancy of these images with their vintage styling. A little back story here.
My favourites...


Get your hands on an original here.

Off to the lake

Will be hanging out by the water for the next few days, listening to the loons, catching up on a bit of reading....

True Prep, Liz Birnbach with Chip Kidd

Sula, Toni Morrison

and chilling out. See you soon! xx

P is for Paisley

Set to be the next big trend, I am not sure I ever saw paisley disappear but I am a fan none the less. Paisley's history goes back centuries and has it's origins in Persia and India, but this famous "twisted tear drop" shape pattern gets its European name from the Scottish town of Paisley where the fabric was printed for a mass market in the 19th century. This design can get a little busy, and often has a more masculine feel to it (I am thinking Ralph Lauren 80/90s velvet smoking jackets and slippers with paisley print).

For an updated and decidedly more feminine Paisley look, you don't have to look far...

Amy Butler's Love Collection

Cole & Son Wallpaper, Contemporary Collection Rajapur

(Image from Time Magazine)

Liberty Paisley Collections

Mark, designed in 1999.

Bourton, designed in the 1960s using archive designs for inspiration.


Liberty Print Bourton Shirt

As usual, you can't beat the Design*Sponge potted history for a comprehensive and eye candy filled guide. Enjoy!

O is for Oprah

OK, I have to admit that I am in love with Oprah. It is a serious guilty pleasure to watch her in the afternoons and although if you focus too much on her shouty/over enunciation of words and names then she can get a tad irritating, you have to admit the woman is a powerhouse. And I say Bravo! to her. If you are lucky enough to get on her list of "favorite things", then you are made.

My "favorite things" of Oprah's "favorite things"...

Lorina Sparkling Pink Lemonade

Laura Zindel Rooster Pitcher

Alice Supply Co. Garden Hose

Virginia Johnson Shark Scarf

Scents and Feel Fouta Towels

Anna Shea Chocolates

Carrie Bicycle Basket

You know, just the everyday essentials!

N is for Nautical

I do not have my sea legs and generally dislike the ocean (something about great big fish swimming in it that puts me off) but I love the nautical trend. Summers spent in Nantucket as children probably explain my love of rope bracelets, whales, anchors and buoys. There is no shortage of nautical inspired items and images out there if you are more seadog than landlubber.

Anchor Pillow

Whale Mobile

Hey Sailor Tee Shirt

Large Red Lighthouse and Whales Print

Pearl Dress

Nautical Necklace

Anchor Rug

The Turk's Head Knot Rope Bracelet is something unique to the States, Eastern seaboard really. It is a preppy accessory that signals summers at the beach (Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Montauk?) and the story goes that you should wear it until it falls off as the only other way to remove it is to cut it off once it has shrunk to your wrist. In actual fact we always had to cut it off at summer's end before school started as there was a "no jewellery" policy at boarding school. The fact that they start off bright white and gradually turn a dirty grey with a wet dog smell, made it something you were happy to remove after the summer hols. Cue "rope bracelet tan line".

One enterprising young man, Kiel James Patrick has taken this prep staple and turned it into a fashionable accessory in a multitude of colors and patterns that is sure to cement the rope bracelet as a continued trend for a new generation. The website is literally soaking wet with over the top preppiness, but I applaud this young man's ingenuity and inventiveness, even if I can't help thinking that the simple original is still the best. I must be showing my age!

Mariner and Cape Poge Bay

Brinkley Pearlton Cape Summer

Captain Oscar O'Leary

With the addition of a button (you choose the finish), you can take these bracelets off at anytime and re-wear them. Which is just as well as the $35+ price tag is a step up from the $4 bracelets of my youth.
Why not get yourself another preppy staple while you are at it?

Vicker Leed Headbands

Croffix Sailing Belts