Shop Wear Live Design

Advice on buying design items in fashion and art

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Hello!

I’m back after a long break, I know. I’ve missed you too. But I’m straight onto it and this week’s blog is a head’s up on a designer and high st. store collaboration. My favourite shopping experience.

Helena Weiland, the designer behind the highly regarded Shrimps clothing brand has teamed up with Habitat and together they have created a range of home accessories that are almost edible in their deliciousness. I featured some of Shrimps signature faux fur accessories last year. Her iconic dusty pink fur handbags and jackets are still objects of desire.

The Habitat collection is available now and consists of bedlinen, cushions and rugs. the colour palette is pinks and reds shot through with gold and powder blue. Enjoy! 

Adorable linen cushions at £70 from the current Habitat collection. The designs are used in shrimp inspired bedlinen too.

Limited edition framed print ‘Faces’ at £125.00.

Faces cushion and a treasured handbag from Shrimps collection last year.

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Talking Tee shirts at LFM

Get a ticket for this must see exhibition at the London Fashion Museum and relive your rebel days. Iconic tee shirt messages, made by artists and designers, declare the wearer’s opinions of the world. Ends 6th May.

Katherine Hamnett was a pioneer of the huge tee shirt slogan. She wanted her message to be read from 20 to 30 feet away. 

Vivienne Westwood’s first tees were sold from her shop SEX on the King’s Road. They shocked the mainstream with their blatant messages and she still courts controversy today.

The is Jeremy Deller’s day-glo anti-Brexit tee with his  fluorescent Mr. Smiley face.

Walking around the exhibition reminds one of how much we care about the planet, about the way people treat each other and the injustices in the world. Every troubling issue that demands an opinion is slapped onto a chest. But there is something innocent and truthful about the tee shirt that lifts the spirits. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if all our politicians and world leaders told us what they are really thinking by wearing a tee with it written across the chest?

Say it like you see it on your chest and save time explaining.

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Baby Goes Organic

On announcing my recent trip to New Zealand, I was requested by an expectant friend to seek out organic baby clothes. I didn’t give it much thought at the time but on my return I thought it might be interesting to investigate the availability of organic baby clothes in the UK. Here’s what I found out.

New Zealand has caught on to the trend for ecologically sourced everything, from non-plastics to organically grown baby-food, so it was no surprise to find a good range of Global Organic Textile Standard (G.O.T.S) certified baby clothes too. The U.K has some catching up to do, particularly in the High Street Stores. Only John Lewis boasted a basic set of 5 baby grows at a very affordable £15.00. They also sell organic baby bedlinen but this is online only. 

Lok out for the GOTS label on your purchases. Without it they may not be ethically sourced with a guarantee that no pesticides were used in the production of the cotton or that the working conditions are fair along the whole supply chain. 

In NZ there are  brand names such as Nature Baby and Buck and Baa. In the UK I found Organic Zoo with clothes sourced from around Europe and in Lewes there is The Little Natural Company. The Pigeon Organics brand make their clothes here in the UK and are available online. The lovely newborn grows below were found in John Lewis, Oxford Street. See Pigeon Organics website for details of other stockists. 

https://www.pigeonorganics.com/

This fun pair of organic rompers was found online at Organic Zoo and cost £25

http://organic-zoo.com/

Polar O. Pyret is a well-known Swedish company who stock a range of organic baby clothes alongside their regular range.

https://www.polarnopyret.co.uk/

Now it’s important to say that there is no scientific reason why we should be putting our babies into organically grown cotton clothing and it is a big ask these days for people to go down the route of an expensive organic lifestyle - remember, if you're committing to organic then you will need to wash clothes separately from non-organic clothes in environmentally friendly laundry products. 

However, if this this trend gains momentum here as it has done in NZ, then it is only fair that the clothes are more readily accessible and therefore, more reasonably priced than they are at present.

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Pom Pom-tastic

I’m suddenly struck by the appearance of pom poms raising their fluffy little heads all over the high street. They’re popping up like  spring daffodils, cheering the look of all sorts of home furnishing and fashion accessories.

Easy to make, no special equipment needed, they’re a fun additional embellishment to knitwear and winding the wool through the little cut-out holes in the round card sandwich is an absorbing task whilst we’re all waiting for the next series of Bake Off.

I first made them when a child, I seem to remember making Christmas decorations. You tube has different ways to make them- no equipment needed and check out the pom pom ideas on Pinterest. I searched around SWLD towers to see what I could find and came up with a few things.  

The single cushion (top) is made with Kaffe Fasset fabrics and is made all the more fresh and jaunty with the big green pom pom detail. 

The woven bag was a gift and the tiny pom pom-edged cushions are last summer’s Home Sense outdoor cushion range.

 Although they are simple to make, pom pom kits are available.

But better to buy a  chunky knit pattern like the one shown here, where the pom pom instructions are included.

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Watched bobble making on TV last night featuring a workshop by Stitch & Story.

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Bubbles of happy making a very hungry caterpillar hot foot it to Uniqlo.

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The Bold, Bright  and Beautiful in  a Shop Near You

It is always exciting to see an established design icon beloved of niche, up- market stores, appear on our high streets. Bringing their bold signature statement designs to Clinique and Uniqlo I present to you Marimekko. The Finnish design company specialise in gorgeously ebullient patterns and have been trading in lush colour since the 1950s. They now offer some lines in collaboration with leading brands. And  as you know by now, I love a high street/designer collaboration because it means the designer finish and quality fabrics are affordable.

This gorgeous bag was a complimentary gift with Clinique purchases from John Lewis. Unfortunately, this offer has ended, but the Marimekko lipsticks are still an affordable luxury at just £17 each. Other department stores may have similar offers so keep your eyes peeled. Furthermore, the lip glosses come as a refill deal so you can keep the packaging. The lipstick container designs date from the 1960s and are by Annika Rimala.

The Unikko design is iconic Marimekko and is available on all sorts of useful items from umbrellas to teapots. The table above is covered in a remnant.

Finally, look out for the Marimekko dresses coming to Uniqlo this week. They will fly off the rails due to the super-sunshine happy vibe taken straight out of the ‘you’ve never had it so good’ 1960s and catapulted into right this minute.

Enjoy. 

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Totes Amazeballs

Abandoning the plastic bag has never been easier or more necessary. Be inspired by the plethora of totes that bestrew the art galleries, special events and the high street and become one of a tribe. With a tote bag slung over your shoulder you belong. They fold up to the size of a hymnal so there’s no excuse for not having one stowed in your handbag, ready for the inevitable unscheduled shopping trip.

Vinyl enthusiasts will sport the iconic logo associated with HMV even if they are indie buyers. the size and shape is designed to make carrying your LPs, (yes, I know that dates me) a walk in McArthur Park. 

For art lovers, Tate Modern have their own £2.50 shopping tote or you can go for this  £25 one with leather straps by Redhouse Originals. Buy it direct for £19.95. 

 http://www.redhouseoriginals.com/artwork/great-modern-artists-tote-bag

Literary types will adore the London Magazine’s Sylvia Plath tote. This is a good example of a freebie that suddenly becomes a desirable object. Still available on the website is that old Samuel Pepys chestnut about a man being tired of life etc at £6.95. 

https://www.thelondonmagazine.org/product/tote-bag-2/

Yes, I know the slogan is negative, but what if it read, ‘Oh great, another plastic carrier bag’?

And finally, let’s stop following the tribe for a moment and make a tote of our own. 

To make your own bag just take the measurements from one you like and add a 2cm seam allowance on each side. Best to do this on paper. When cutting out, check the pattern placement e.g stripes should align up at the seams, a symmetrical pattern should be centred etc..., 

The top edge of the bag above uses the selvedge of fabric. Handles are made with tape sewn onto the outside. (Raystitch have a good assortment of colours). And remember, a tote is not just for Christmas but for life. Look after your tote by ensuring it’s not hanging in direct sunlight or it will fade and a damp corner in a  bathroom will definitely result in mildew. 

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Pom Pom-tastic

I’m suddenly struck by the appearance of pom poms raising their fluffy little heads all over the high street. They’re popping up like  spring daffodils, cheering the look of all sorts of home furnishing and fashion accessories.

Easy to make, no special equipment needed, they’re a fun additional embellishment to knitwear and winding the wool through the little cut-out holes in the round card sandwich is an absorbing task whilst we’re all waiting for the next series of Bake Off.

I first made them when a child, I seem to remember making Christmas decorations. You tube has different ways to make them- no equipment needed and check out the pom pom ideas on Pinterest. I searched around SWLD towers to see what I could find and came up with a few things.  

The single cushion (top) is made with Kaffe Fasset fabrics and is made all the more fresh and jaunty with the big green pom pom detail. 

The woven bag was a gift and the tiny pom pom-edged cushions are last summer’s Home Sense outdoor cushion range.

 Although they are simple to make, pom pom kits are available.

But better to buy a  chunky knit pattern like the one shown here, where the pom pom instructions are included.

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Let it snow - we’re suited and booted.

We had the snow, the ice and the slush and what did we wear when we ventured onto the streets to replenish our dwindling larder? Trainers. It was noticeable that the many people out and about during the Beast from the East days were wearing net-topped, fabric trainers. When enquiring why they were braving the freezing temperatures in what effectively are bedroom- strength, running slippers the answer was invariably the same: they have grip. It’s definitely time to get a sensible pair of boots; ones with thick soles, lining and most importantly- grip, to ensure we’re not caught out next time the Arctic  dumps its load on us. And where better to go for the best all-weather walking boots than Covent Garden’s Southampton Street.

Storm Strike from North Face a bit of a goer!

The North Face, Ellis Brigham , Mountain Warehouse and Cotswold all offer loyalty schemes, (details on their web pages). You are sure to get something for next year! Enjoy the banter with the names of these superhero boots. Amongst my favourites are:

Women’s Storm Strike. The North face - £89.99 shown above.

 North face Women’s Tsumoru boot - £99.99.  

Def useful  in snow drifts!

 Australian brand Blundstone

Unisex £160. Only one pair treated to be waterproof and the rest are water resistant. No good for pushing the car out of s snow drift but okay for hot footing it down to Waitrose.

 Caribou Joan of the Arctic! This from Ellis Briggs.

Sorel.  Name suggests waterproof, warm Arctic conditions to me. £120- £150

Let’s not forget those snow days when school closes. Children’s snow commander £44.99.

Hopefully there will be no more nasty white stuff this year and it might be worth waiting for the sales, but don’t get caught out and resort to trainers next time: give soggy feet a miss. 

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An interlude

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Our Holidays and what we bring back

People go on holiday and buy things to remind them of the trip. They fall for a print or a poster; a piece of the local pottery, or splash out on the wares of a local artist. Here are some cheery pics of past summers along with stuff  we brought back with us.

Porthminster Cafe, Cornwall, weighted single flower vases for outdoor use direct from the potter in St Ives

 Original ad for Martini  found on Boulevard Bon Marchais Paris

http://www.lesimagesdemarc.paris

Last summer’s hibiscus

Five euros each, these posters were found in a seaside resort in Brittany.

The Costa Brava - just  a reminder to get online and start searching for your summer hols this year, if you haven’t already done so. 

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The Kind and Gentle World of Julie Arkell

http://www.loopknittingshop.com/c/190/Julie-Arkell

Besmitten by the small and perfectly formed creatures Julie Arkell creates, I took a trip to the Contemporary Applied Arts Gallery at Bankside to explore her work a little further. 

Julie is one of Britain’s great contemporary folk artists. Born in London, Julie studied at West Surrey College of Art and Design  then went on to gain a diploma in textiles at St Martin’s School of Art. Some of her early dolls are now in their thirties and are highly collectable. Although also available via The Loop yarn shop, there is currently an opportunity to buy her work at the CAA. 

Lurking amidst giant papier mache mushrooms and trees, is a family of whimsical but robust dolls that could easily be the imagined characters in a most modern fairy tale. Julie uses vintage fabrics, found pieces and mixed media and moulds them in such a way that they are at once childlike, nursery rhyme-animals and in some respects, worldly.-wise. There is  sweetness and innocence captured in a turn of a head or a tiny red lip. There is a gentle sense of fun in the odd protruding bulge and out-turned feet, and the worldly sagacity comes from the addition of  beautifully embroidered, witty slogans. 

Imagine my surprise to find Julie herself amidst the bulgy wood. 

My favourite magical incarnation is the doll above. Part of the Gentle Army. Julie tells me that the slogan reflects her dismay at the inauguration of Donald Trump. I detect a slight pulling on the stitches befitting the sentiment.  I will be watching out for the infantry to arrive. 

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Follow this Thread

This week, I have been ferreting out the best shops for yarn and cloth. There is no time like mid-January to settle down to craft projects. The long dark evenings whizz by whilst sewing or knitting and at the end of the task, you can  bask in the glory of having produced something hand-crafted -  no matter what skill level you are working at.

Any visitor to London wanting to add to their fabric stack should visit The Cloth House. It specialises in natural cottons and linens, Japanese fabrics and vintage Indian trimmings.

The Cloth House 47 Berwick Street London WIF 85J

Also check out the warehouse outlet: 

The Warehouse Shop 130 Royal College Street Camden London NW 1 OTA Open Fridays only 10-5pm Different lines to the main shop but full of bargains. Last year I bought 15 metres of Liberty print for £5.00 a metre.( Normal price £22 a metre).

For Yarn shops try Wild and Woolly - 

Wild and Woolly 116 Lower Clapton Road London E5 OQR

This is a friendly-hub for the knitters of Hackney. It offers classes and whilst I was there with my friend, it seemed that  local knitters were just popping in and joining in. Three women were knitting socks (very popular at the moment).  Anna, the owner is very knowledgeable about her stock. My friend bought some special wool that, once knitted, resembles denim.

Loop  Knitting Shop  15 Camden Passage Islington London N1. 8EA

Pushing open the door into this magical cornucopia of all things hand-made you get a sense of being in an Aladdin’s cave. A huge range of wool from around the world can be found here, including natural and hand-dyed yarns. Lots of already knitted samples are available to inspire and to tempt you. There is a wide selection of haberdashery so no need to source this elsewhere.   Loop have a range of workshops including one with Julie Arkill.  The doll below is made from papier mache using embroidered vintage fabrics. Dress your own doll at one of her classes. 

Further up the road from Loop in Angel is Raystitch. Knowledgeable and helpful staff will guide you to the best options for your project.. Like Loop, Raystitch carry a good range of haberdashery and they currently have a stock of needle cord in gorgeous colours. Patterns from independent designers and a wide range of books are also on sale and there are workshops including the Mecca of all courses for the amateur crafter, pattern cutting. 

Raystitch

66-68 Essex Road

London N1 8LR

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The NZ Coffee Colonisation

Captain James Cook could scarcely have believed it possible as he circumnavigated New Zealand, that 300 years later, a reverse invasion of culture and lifestyle would occur.  An unforeseen tidal wave of good taste has arrived and New Zealanders have cornered the London market in artisanal coffee. With fine roasts and specialist beans, the independent coffee houses owned by our NZ cousins grace the capital’s trendy neighbourhoods dispensing delicious, lovingly-brewed coffee.

Inspired by the Seattle coffee revival of the 1980s, Michael Allpress was one of the first New Zealanders to take coffee very seriously and developed a range of Allpress Espresso blends. The company has grown from Michael blending beans in a garage in NZ to having a 1000 outlets worldwide. Others have followed in his pioneering footsteps.

One of the earliest invaders on our shores was Flat White in Berwick St. Small and intimate, they still smash avocado and bake the famous ANZAC biscuit. 

www.flatwhitesoho.co.uk/

Climpsons and Sons at 67 Broadway Market, Hackney, London E8 4PH (and other outlets) source their beans worldwide and offer them for sale on line. The Broadway Market cafe is friendly and has a real community feel about it  although seating is limited.

https://climpsonandsons.com/collections/coffee  for more info.

Out in leafy Wandsworth, The Flotsam and Jetsam coffee shop serves South West Londoners with Allpress redchurch blend coffee and Estate Dairy Guernsey milk. They also offer a basic Barista course at £40 a shot, (sorry about that). 

4 BELLEVUE PARADE, WANDSWORTH COMMON, SW17 7EQ

Not to be outdone, Fortnum and Masons are leading a native’s revolt and promoting their specialist teas. With a stunning window display and very informative labelling the tea drinkers on this small island  can rest assured the battle for equality in hot beverages has begun. 

[shopwearlivedesign]

The Kind and Gentle World of Julie Arkell

http://www.loopknittingshop.com/c/190/Julie-Arkell

Besmitten by the small and perfectly formed creatures Julie Arkell creates, I took a trip to the Contemporary Applied Arts Gallery at Bankside to explore her work a little further. 

Julie is one of Britain’s great contemporary folk artists. Born in London, Julie studied at West Surrey College of Art and Design  then went on to gain a diploma in textiles at St Martin’s School of Art. Some of her early dolls are now in their thirties and are highly collectable. Although also available via The Loop yarn shop, there is currently an opportunity to buy her work at the CAA. 

Lurking amidst giant papier mache mushrooms and trees, is a family of whimsical but robust dolls that could easily be the imagined characters in a most modern fairy tale. Julie uses vintage fabrics, found pieces and mixed media and moulds them in such a way that they are at once childlike, nursery rhyme-animals and in some respects, worldly.-wise. There is  sweetness and innocence captured in a turn of a head or a tiny red lip. There is a gentle sense of fun in the odd protruding bulge and out-turned feet, and the worldly sagacity comes from the addition of  beautifully embroidered, witty slogans. 

Imagine my surprise to find Julie herself amidst the bulgy wood. 

My favourite magical incarnation is the doll above. Part of the Gentle Army. Julie tells me that the slogan reflects her dismay at the inauguration of Donald Trump. I detect a slight pulling on the stitches befitting the sentiment.  I will be watching out for the infantry to arrive. 

[shopwearlivedesign]

The NZ Coffee Colonisation

Captain James Cook could scarcely have believed it possible as he circumnavigated New Zealand, that 300 years later, a reverse invasion of culture and lifestyle would occur.  An unforeseen tidal wave of good taste has arrived and New Zealanders have cornered the London market in artisanal coffee. With fine roasts and specialist beans, the independent coffee houses owned by our NZ cousins grace the capital’s trendy neighbourhoods dispensing delicious, lovingly-brewed coffee.

Inspired by the Seattle coffee revival of the 1980s, Michael Allpress was one of the first New Zealanders to take coffee very seriously and developed a range of Allpress Espresso blends. The company has grown from Michael blending beans in a garage in NZ to having a 1000 outlets worldwide. Others have followed in his pioneering footsteps.

One of the earliest invaders on our shores was Flat White in Berwick St. Small and intimate, they still smash avocado and bake the famous ANZAC biscuit. 

www.flatwhitesoho.co.uk/

Climpsons and Sons at 67 Broadway Market, Hackney, London E8 4PH (and other outlets) source their beans worldwide and offer them for sale on line. The Broadway Market cafe is friendly and has a real community feel about it  although seating is limited.

https://climpsonandsons.com/collections/coffee  for more info.

Out in leafy Wandsworth, The Flotsam and Jetsam coffee shop serves South West Londoners with Allpress redchurch blend coffee and Estate Dairy Guernsey milk. They also offer a basic Barista course at £40 a shot, (sorry about that). 

4 BELLEVUE PARADE, WANDSWORTH COMMON, SW17 7EQ

Not to be outdone, Fortnum and Masons are leading a native’s revolt and promoting their specialist teas. With a stunning window display and very informative labelling the tea drinkers on this small island  can rest assured the battle for equality in hot beverages has begun. 

[shopwearlivedesign]

Whose work is this?

[shopwearlivedesign]

The NZ Coffee Colonisation

Captain James Cook could scarcely have believed it possible as he circumnavigated New Zealand, that 300 years later, a reverse invasion of culture and lifestyle would occur.  An unforeseen tidal wave of good taste has arrived and New Zealanders have cornered the London market in artisanal coffee. With fine roasts and specialist beans, the independent coffee houses owned by our NZ cousins grace the capital’s trendy neighbourhoods dispensing delicious, lovingly-brewed coffee.

Inspired by the Seattle coffee revival of the 1980s, Michael Allpress was one of the first New Zealanders to take coffee very seriously and developed a range of Allpress Espresso blends. The company has grown from Michael blending beans in a garage in NZ to having a 1000 outlets worldwide. Others have followed in his pioneering footsteps.

One of the earliest invaders on our shores was Flat White in Berwick St. Small and intimate, they still smash avocado and bake the famous ANZAC biscuit. 

www.flatwhitesoho.co.uk/

Climpsons and Sons at 67 Broadway Market, Hackney, London E8 4PH (and other outlets) source their beans worldwide and offer them for sale on line. The Broadway Market cafe is friendly and has a real community feel about it  although seating is limited.

https://climpsonandsons.com/collections/coffee  for more info.

Out in leafy Wandsworth, The Flotsam and Jetsam coffee shop serves South West Londoners with Allpress redchurch blend coffee and Estate Dairy Guernsey milk. They also offer a basic Barista course at £40 a shot, (sorry about that). 

4 BELLEVUE PARADE, WANDSWORTH COMMON, SW17 7EQ

Not to be outdone, Fortnum and Masons are leading a native’s revolt and promoting their specialist teas. With a stunning window display and very informative labelling the tea drinkers on this small island  can rest assured the battle for equality in hot beverages has begun.