Gift Guide: Bag Ladies

I adore bags, you probably know that by now, but I am caught in a "tote bag rut" at the moment just because it is too damn easy to haul all my "essentials" around in a tote and I can throw it in the washing machine when I need to. I actually use L.L.Bean totes as organisers in my car boot to keep everything neat and tidy (again, too many "essential" items stored in my car). Thinking about it, my car has become one huge big silvery tote bag....Aaarrrghhhh.

When I do drag myself out of the tote-phase, it is still about function and practicality but I want something individual, eye catching and usually shiny, but always roomy for all those "essentials".

Cream Patent Leather Carry Case by French & English


Pink Satchel from The Cambridge Satchel Company

Handbag in Mahogany with Detachable Strap by Death and Texas

Violet Leather Hobo by Patkas


Gold Little Basket Handbag by Smadar Shani


Pink Leather Small Bag by Ray Design


Shikotsu Bag in Walnut by Valhalla Brooklyn

Every one of these beauties has a simplicity and maturity to them that I adore, with the addition of beautiful material and excellent craftsmanship. Suddenly canvas totes just don't have the same appeal!

Gift Guide: Art Lovers

There is something about the Museum/Gallery gift shop that I just cannot resist. Since I was tiny it has provided a pull for me and I have one too way pencil cases/fridge magnets/paper cube notepads with (insert famous painting here) emblazoned on it.

Things have moved on from the exhibition calendar/Van Gogh coffee mug/needlepoint kit of Monet's Lilies......for art lovers in your life, you will find contemporary and unique items often commissioned by the institution to the artist/designer exclusively for their shops.

From The Tate (my sister in law works there, if I were her I would live in the gift shop I suspect).

Gauguin Puppy Knitting Kit

Grayson Perry Scarf

Bob and Roberta Smith Blocks

Tate Reflection Melamine Tray

From MoMa

Washi Paper Masking Tape


Dustpan & Brush

Muji Cardboard Speakers

From The National Gallery, London

Essentially English Tea Towel

Truly Scrumptious Cardboard Cake Stand

From The Victoria & Albert Museum

Floral Hanky, 1950s fabric design

Lily Tote Bag


Patterned Stag Head Object

London Lunchbox


Large Bow Ring

Pause and Wonder Poster by Aardvaark

See what I mean? This is just a tiny sampling, there are just too many fabulous things to shop for these days. So stop off at the gift shop and pass right on by the exhibition mugs and head straight for this stuff next time you go. "Cultural Shopping" I think I will call it.

Gift Guide: Wonderful Woollens

Since I have resolutely left the realm of knitting to other more talented individuals, I am committed to finding unique and beautiful knitted pieces crafted by others. Isn't Christmas just the best time of year to give woolens (if you are in the Northern Hemisphere)? You just know that your recipient will want to snuggle up with their pressie immediately.

Here is a pick for pretty much everyone on your list...you really cannot ever have too many scarves or pairs of gloves, but there are so many more imaginative options to go for instead.

Six Cord Knitted Necklace by A Alicia

Olive Green & Pink Flower Child's Beanie by Sugar And Caffeine

Black & White Knit Stole by Eugenia Kim

Shaggy Beige Everyday Bag by NzL Bags

Amethyst Luxe Pom Pom Aviator by Laine Design

Purple Patterned Woolen Mittens by Art of Handicrafts

Organic Cotton Newborn Baby Hat and Bootie Set by Dover & Madden

Gift Guide: Tartan Treats

OK, here we go...the gift guide season has been well underway so time for me to hitch up my wagon! Starting with Tartan....or plaid, if you insist.

Downeaster Sport Duffel

Flannel Pant

Harris Tweed Tea Cosy

The Grandpa Pillow

Tartan Notecards

Cat Plush

Vintage Pendleton Stadium Blanket

Utility Bag

Why not have something made up in your family (we are Lamont) tartan? What do you mean you don't have one? Anyone can wear the Black Watch tartan, no need to have a family connection. Here are some guidelines.

Pretty Plates

Whether you cook and entertain with them, or use them as decorative elements in your home, there is no shortage of beautiful and unique pieces perfect for any occasion. If you think these are too beautiful to use, think again. True, they are a piece of art in themselves but the delight is making each piece a part of your life. Use them carefully and enjoy them.

Selection of Plates from The Story Book Rabbit

Lucinda the Giraffe Plate by Beat Up Creations


Tapas Plates by Louche Lab


Edinburgh Big Wheel Plate by Esther Coombs

French Cafe Plate by Rae Dunn

Selection of Plates from Nina Invorm

I have always secretly yearned to have a collection of gorgeous plates mounted on my wall, and pay homage to the retro decorative feature that would make most think of commemorative plates of the Royal family. These would make for a beautiful display. Then I would serve afternoon tea with macaroons and french fancies on them...