LABOUR AND WAIT

Situated in the East End of London, just off it's famous Brick Lane, Labour and Wait is a store that takes you back in time. Selling traditional and functional items for the kitchen, garden and home in a timeless setting, this store is reminiscent of the traditional British Ironmongers (or the American Hardware Store). Items are chosen for their quality and practicality, sourced from specialist manufacturers around the world, and often produced by traditional methods to their original design.

Need an apple-corer, pruning knife, linen dishcloth or ostrich feather duster? Look no further.

You can truly find the perfect little utensil, knife, gadget or vessel for any practical job in your home and garden here. Some of the products can be filed under the "Things you never knew you needed" category, but all are eminently functional and beautifully designed pieces that are sure to last you a lifetime.

WEEKLY REMEDIES

This week, I am loving...

1. Dusty Rose Necklace, Tamar 2. Union Jack Pillow, Hen House 3. Birthday Cake Necklace, Robin's Jewelry Box

4. I Heart Biirkin Tote, Avril Loreti 5. Like A Princess Sweater, Silvivia 6. Julia Feather Headband, Vie Moderne

7. Candy Cane Soap, Lippincott Soap Co. 8. Soy Candle, Bliss Candles 9. Tabac Shaving Jelly, Portland General Store

My next post will be from Vermont, as I move back today to start my journey into independent retail! Wish me luck!

RETAIL THERAPY: Sweet

Sweet is a collection by Sweet Home London (created by Deborah De Long) featuring colourful home accessories (bedlinen, cushions, tote bags and quilts) that are contemporary, classic and vintage inspired all at once. Think Cath Kidston without the country cottage look and a more contemporary vibe, and you will get the picture. Vibrant florals and stripes, with a little patchwork thrown in for very good measure, are the key looks for this range.

DESIGN THERAPY: Poppy Children's Wear

A delightful range of children's dresses, knitwear and accessories, Poppy is a line of children's clothing that takes inspiration from the 1930s in style, featuring the adventures of Poppy and her puppy dog Fred. The line features the duo on the borders of the cotton fabric used, running around the hem of each dress. "A little storybook comes with every dress, allowing you to follow the adventures of our favourite characters. Each season Poppy and Fred have a new exciting adventure and the fabrics and storybook tell the story." via Poppy.
The cotton fabrics are printed in Lancaster and the clothing is made in the North East of England, making this company a truly British affair.

For the full range in the Autumn/Winter collection start here.

The Knitwear line is Fair Trade and made in The Himalayan Mountains around Kathmandu by local women, providing them with income and stability that is invaluable in an area of poverty and hardship.

DESIGN THERAPY: Teresa Green

British textile designer Teresa Green creates functional and beautiful designs hand printed on Irish linen, using water based inks. Her ethos is to protect the integrity of the natural materials she uses, resulting in simple forms with delicate prints that display her passion for antique kitchenalia and garden implements. 'The items are a canvas for the prints, and are designed around the shape and layout of each object', more here.

DESIGN THERAPY: Aiga Ceramics

Latvian designer Aiga creates a simple range of creamware ceramic mugs, bowls and condiments depicting silhouettes of wild animals and hunters. Perfect for packing up in your picnic basket for a shoot.


For a more feminine approach, and a decidedly less practical one, this slip-cast earthenware bowl is covered in suede and decorated with floral transfers. You can assume 'not dishwasher safe' on this one.

The full range of leather covered ceramics can be found here.

WEEKLY REMEDIES

This week, I am loving...

1. Faux Bois Blocks, Something's Hiding Here 2. Tree Print Pillow Cover, Cozy Blue 3. Hand-knitted 'Love' Pram Blanket, Rocket and Bear

4. Felted Flower and Crocheted Necklace, Big Frozen Melon 5. Parola Leather Pouch, Bambina 6. Silhouette Locket Necklace, Le Papier Studio

7. Hand Painted Rag Doll, Future Rock Star 8. Wool Felt Crown, Cozy Blue 9. Sugar Pink Tutu, Rocket and Bear

APOTHECARY FOX ON THE MOVE

I have never intended this project to get too personal. Obviously I talk about the things I love, but with the emphasis on highlighting other people's talent, through my own subjective stand point. The one exception will always be documenting my journey towards the ultimate goal...opening a boutique of lovely things, back in my other home of Vermont. So indulge me for a moment, while I break a rule.

I finished my full time job of Restaurant General Manager, for this lovely establishment, on Monday. I am officially unemployed, after 11 years with the same company! This job has truly been my entire life for as long as I can remember, and in order to get some of that back I just had to move on. My team of talented and inspired individuals have made it possible for me to leave with a sense of achievement and no regret (yet). These guys are truly amazing. The VERY best in the business.

My Management Team and I, indulging in some delicious Krug at my leaving party. Thanks to the guys from The Bon Vivant for giving me such a great send off.

Under the bunting (thanks Janey) with some of the gang.

I think having the Festive Season of Thanksgiving, Christmas and my Birthday all coming up in the next 6 weeks makes it easy for me to accept the time off. I hope to hit the ground running in the planning stages for my store in January. With any luck I can open up by the summer...fingers very tightly crossed. I can't wait to share my plans and the details of what will become Apothecary Fox, a kind of modern General Store of loveliness.

Anyway, the fun part of the move has been building up my Vermont-life essentials. It is going to be COLD! These are my purchases to fend off the snow and make the most of the winter in my new home. A while back I did a post about the ultimate winter boots, and finally decided on these.

L.L.Bean Boot, Shearling Lined, naturally!

L.L. Bean's Warm and Light Down Jacket, avoids the bulky look.

Hunter Huntress Wellington Boots, essential chicken coop-ware

Aigle's Lantaro Gilet (I cheated and bought it ages ago but now I get to justify the purchase)

And not forgetting the ultimate accessory, an Alexander McQueen wool skull print scarf. Surely the very best gift anyone could have been given for leaving a job. Adding a bit of glamour to the Green Mountains. Thanks guys!

FONTS

...for Apothecary




...for Fox
I have been searching for the right font for my logo and stumbled upon the amazingly talented designer and typographer Jessica Hische. I instantly recognised her work from Share Some Candy and her portfolio does not disappoint. Not only is she gifted, but generous too, as she has a site called Daily Drop Cap where she posts a new letter in a creative font ever day, and offers the html code for you to use it on your own blog. The "A" is my favourite and is the closest I have come to finding the style (and obviously the colour) that I would love to use one day.
Jessica designed a font called Buttermilk available to buy here. Very tempted...

Thanks Jessica for the inspiration!