Z is for Zipper

Thanks to Mutt for suggesting this one. No longer is the humble zipper just a practical element of clothing. Nowadays, it is a feature all in itself used to embellish all manner of clothing items to give them a little edginess. First created in 1851 and then called the "Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure", the zipper was first named as such by the B.F Goodrich Company when applying it to a pair of their galoshes. Anyway, the history can be found here. I can't say I am a massive fan of its over use as detail, but there are some incredible creations out there that really use the zipper beautifully as detail. I particularly love the asymmetrical styles.

Winged Leather Ankle Boot Alexander McQueen

Exhibitor Pouchette J.Crew

Whirlpetal Cardigan Anthropologie

Rimini Cardigan J.Crew

Rolandzip 120Platform Pumps Christian Louboutin

Trapezoid Belt Anthropologie

Neon Zip Ruffled Cardigan (just for kids I'm afraid) J.Crew

Washed Leather Moto Jacket J.Crew

So there you have it folks! The A-Z of the Apothecary Alphabet is now complete! Thanks for the suggestions along the way, and for the great comments I have received for this series. it really did make me think so much more about the things I write about and to discover so many new design elements that I will keep following. I am off on a much anticipated holiday for a few weeks, so see you when I return!

Y is for Yellow

Yellow is the only colour that I know suits me, but that I never ever wear. The one thing I have that is yellow, is a pale yellow ballgown with flowers that I wore to my first formal dance. Sounds awful I know, but it was the prettiest dress I owned (til this day I think) and I fell in love with it when I was 13 for no sane reason and it really worked! I realise it may be more of a summery colour, but I could get into it for Fall.

So if I was going to have a go at yellow, these would be at the top of my list...

Outdoor Cafe Cardigan from Anthropoplogie

Beaded Swag Bib Necklace from Anthropologie

Maio Skirt from Hobbs

Summer Breeze Scarf from Boden

Pleated Scoop Neck Sweater from Boden

Leather Ballet Flats by Lanvin from Net-A-Porter

Kanken Backpack from JCrew

Globetrotter Suitcase on Wheels for JCrew

X is for X-ray

Hmm...this is a tough one, and unavoidably predictable I fear! But, it proved to be a perfect opportunity to discover the concept of x-ray images from nature that I have been hearing about recently (thanks Claudia!). The stunning thing is that flowers can look incredibly magical and even more beautiful in x-ray, and of course the detail is out of this world.

The work of Judith K. McMillan is an encyclopedia of the inner workings of flowers and plants. The X-Ray is her camera, and unlocks the mystique of the interiors of the plants. More here.


I am particularly drawn to those x-rays that are in colour, giving them a vibrant and more lifelike feel.

The work of Bryan Whitney exemplifies this approach.







The Far Grove 2 has the most beautifully striking images of x-rayed flowers, turned into envelopes.


This is truly a world I had never entered before and I am loving the discovery of such a unique and powerful art form.

W is for Wallpaper

Wallpaper.....I adore the stuff (although have to admit I could never actually put my own up). Generally I particularly love a bold pattern and colour used on an accent wall. It transforms a space so dramatically and there is no shortage of choice out there to fit every taste.

It took me a good 6 months of looking at swatches and shopping around before I found the perfect paper for my bedroom, but the result turned out perfectly. Naturally I wanted pink, and this paper has a rich dusky pink that is bright enough but not over the top (in my book anyway. Black and silver roses give it a touch of the vintage I love. It is a huge wall so most certainly makes an impact.


Here are some more I would definitely consider, for a new look....

From Elli Popp (designs by Katja Behre)...
The Shady Lane Collection

Magdalena

Monsoon Moon

The Butterfly Collection

Constance

Heron Island

The Haiku Collection

Haiku

Foxy Flowers

From Orla Kiely

Flower Blossom

Rowan Tree

From Cath Kidston

Big Smoke

From Cole & Son

The Contemporary Collections I, II and III


Decisions, decisions....

V is for Velvet

Velvet says luxury to me. Rich deep colours, the softest most luscious feeling fabric and impossible to clean! Only to be worn for seriously special occasions in my book! I particularly like it as a trim on a piece of clothing, and adore velvet upholstered furniture. Something to sink into by the fire with a good read and a nice glass of red.

Plush Private Coat by Anthropologie

Plush Bangle by Anthropologie

Pink Velvet Boots by Manolo Blahnik

Velvet Trim Camisole by Laura Ashley

Velvet Plimsolls by Boden

Chesterfield Sofa by Squint

I love how everyday pieces can be transformed by the addition of velvet, to give them that little bit of luxury. It is the perfect season for velvet, just don't wear it in the rain!