Something magical…

Be prepared to be swept away on a magical mystery tour aboard the Orient Express in the new Chanel no. 5 movie starring Audrey Tautou.

Of course Audrey was the perfect pick to star in the new advertisement as she is playing Coco Chanel in the new biopic ‘Coco Avant Chanel‘.

While you wait for the film, travel with Audrey and the handsome, mysterious stranger  through the French countryside all the way to Istanbul.

Click here to watch the film.

Je l’adore…

{Photos: Chanel, MimiFrouFrou}

Thank you so much Shannon for this beautiful link – it made my day!

If Carrie Bradshaw had a dream room…

It might look like this…

{Photos: Elle Decor}

Brian Atwood’s amazing Milan apartment featured in Elle Decor in April 09.

I love the idea of decorating with shoes (as creative director of Bally, no wonder Brian has an amazing collection). A really beautiful shoe really is a piece of art – and why not surround yourself with your favourite things?

Here are some of my Manolo favourites…

{Photo: Skimbago Lifestyle }

Just perfect for spring!

Pretty in Pink – Selina Lake

What better fit for Spring than Selina Lake – I just love looking at pictures of her gorgeous spaces – they instantly put me in a good mood. UK stylist Selina Lake has long been a favourite of mine -she has such perfect ‘Boho-Ethno-Chic‘ with a decidedly feminine flair.

I love vintage tea cups and have started a small collection myself – what a perfect way to display a single tea rose.

Selina is definitely not afraid of pink – while her spaces are very feminine, her choice of strong ethnic pieces prevents it from looking too precious. Love the white leather Moroccan ottomans.

All in the details – a little ktichen vignette, perfectly styled by a master stylist!

This space is just amazing – the bright, bold graphic floral print. The floral suzani. The striped pillows are beautiful – the remind me of the lovely throw my friend Camille brought back from Peru for me (more to follow on this in a future post…) The ‘Just Say No Thank You!’ sign is so fun!

These flags add a festive touch for a spring party – and what spring party is complete without daffodils?

Oh these are just lovely – almost too pretty to eat! It would be the perfect treat for a spring birthday

– like mine tomorrow 🙂

For more of Selina’s beautiful portfolio, go to her website and be sure to check out her book, Bazaar Styles.

{Photos from: Selina Lake and flickr}

A Good Reason to stay in bed… Rubie Green Bedding

It was lovely to wake up early this morning and enjoy a cup of tea in the spring sunshine. It would have been harder if I had been in the lovely new bedding from Rubie Green. Michelle Adams started Rubie Green with the premise of creating eco-friendly textiles with classic prints and patterns. The result – simply beautiful.

The new bedding is available in (l to r) Tillinghast, Habibi, Classis and East Village. The East Village is so pretty and modern all at once – very feminine, with a bit of an edge. Unfortunately I don’t know if Andrew would go for pink. Luckily, I’m really loving the Habibi too!

I love the caption for the Habibi – so cute!

‘It’s the balance of the room that falls off kilter when he’s gone, and the way it instantly rights itself when his keys jingle the lock. It’s butterflies that still haven’t ceased in taking flight, and the way he seems to know exactly what’s on your mind. After all, he is your beloved; he is your habibi.’

Settle into a good book and lovely linens – sounds perfect!

For more information on Rubie Green click here – and be sure to check out Michelle’s fantastic blog – M.A. Belle 🙂

{All photos from Rubie Green and Aphrochic via Flickr}

Room of the Week

There are so many beautiful things going on in this room by Sara Gilbane. I love her choice of colour on the walls and lovely yellow contrasting moulding, which tie in perfectly with the ottoman. The lovely mix of patterned cushions against beautiful, classic white upholstered pieces. The banana tree. The lantern chandelier. And, of course, the zebra rug!

The room stays true to Sara’s classic/modern blend with a fun touch of ethno flair!
Love it!

What might have been…

Mock-up of the proposed cover for April 2009

After a month without receiving my favourite magazine in the post, I was excited to see the proposed cover of Domino for April 2009 at Style Court. It features up and coming designer Sara Gilbane. Sara has an uncanny knack for combining antiques with personal treasures for a look that’s both traditional and completely fresh.

Sara’s extraordinary style and portfolio should come as now surprise, having worked for five years with acclaimed design firm Kemble Interiors. Unafraid of colour, she fearlessly combines colours and patterns to create spaces that are exquisite, yet very liveable.

With my own Zimbabwean upbringing, it’s no surprise I love British colonial style and antiques. The beautiful leather chair (below, left) reminds me of a traditional campaign chair used on expeditions and safaris. I love it’s traditional style juxtaposed with the bright blue writing desk.

The bedroom (below, right) is just too pretty – I love the florals mixed in the bright, fresh space.

There are far too many gorgeous images to include from Sara’s portfolio which you can find at her site. Be sure to check it out, no doubt we’ll be seeing much more of her savvy style.