Vanilla Lily

The new Toast summer supplement arrived yesterday – even more temptation, as if it were needed. I really want these trousers in grey – I treated myself to a pair in the indigo colourway recently and they formed the mainstay of my holiday wardrobe… super comfy and, I like to think, treading that (so fine I usually miss it by miles) smartish-comfy-casual line. So obviously I need another pair in grey (is purchasing pebble grey troos the definition of summer madness?)

I also love this pale madras skirt, which looks as though it would hang beautifully but look desperate against my resolutely pasty British legs. This bright stripy skirt might be a better bet – so summery!

Not remotely summery but totally covetable are the welsh blankets in their home section. Absolutely gorgeous. Now lets think, where could I store those then…?

I have a bit of a thing about Etsy. I am particularly fond of the prints sold by numerous brilliant artists on there (a spooky number of whom seem to be based in or around Portland, Oregon. Who knew it was such a hotbed of creativity?!) I’ve got my own small collection, and ever growing Favourites list, but I think I might have to ration myself when browsing through the Naughty Secretary Club list of faves, and particularly her links to the Hot 100. Either that or we’re going to need a considerably bigger flat (having moved from a maisonette with LOTS of walls thanks to all the stairs I already have piles of pictures waiting to be rotated into the love again. Technically I am banned from buying any more)…

http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com/2008/04/36-pieces-of-art-i-may-not-be-able-to.html

How cute are these Converse All Stars by Camilla Engman? I’ve been coveting the design was previewed on her blog an age ago but was put off ordering from the (US based) official Converse site because of the totally ludicrous postage costs. So now I’m having to actually sit on my hands while Ginger hides the plastic to prevent myself from ordering these right now.

My pink chucks are now long past the ‘artfully shabby’ stage and advancing rapidly into all-out scrattiness. There are actual holes. That’s holeS – plural. So I really do neeeeeeeeeeeed these!

Economy drives are rubbish.

I’ve noticed that lots of US retail sites make it clear if a product is imported and big-up domestically produced items. I suspect the idea may stem from a slightly ‘isolationist’ standpoint but in light of a growing awareness of the evils of sweat shops and perilous carbon footprints the effect is arguably pretty cool.

Nice floaty frock too – just the right side of Abigails Party.

I’ve spent more time that I care to admit today on this site trying to work out which is my perfect frock… Design using their widget, order and its made (in the UK) and ready to wear 10 days later.

I. Need. One.

But which to choose…?

Sandra’s idea for A Gift A Month is just fab – a super-cool folder with one illustrated promise to be redeemed each month for an entire year. Might have to borrow that one…

Spring has gone bonkers here in London and its proper parky again, but with warm snatches that give rise to that whole ‘don’t want to wear a jumper but don’t want chilly arms’ quandry. I think Claire over on So Sweet and So Cold has found the answer and I’m seriously coveting these chevron sleeves from www.sockdreams.com

Cosy-cool!

pic from www.sockdreams.com