Paris fashion week Spring Summer 2012

Now I know that the SS12 ready-to-wear shows are nothing more than a distant memory for most, but having been on holiday & having to deal with the inevitable catch up, I've only just managed to get my teeth into the Paris collections.


I couldn't possibly not blog about them, so here are some of my favourite looks, albeit a little late...


All images courtesy of style.com.


Neutrals at...

 Alexis Mabille

 Andrew Gn

 Balmain

Sacai

Colour at...

 Anne Valérie Hash

 Christian Dior

 Cacharel

 Dries van Noten

 Roland Mouret

 Martin Grant

 Roland Mouret

 Miu Miu

 Sacai

Yves Saint Laurent

Delicacy at...

 Issey Miyake

 Maiyet

 Chanel

 Louis Vuitton

 Maiyet

 Sharon Wauchob

 Valentino

 Rue du Mail

 Vionnet

Valentino

Lovely Lewes...

We took a day trip yesterday to Lewes & this is what we saw...

Skiathos Premier...

As I mentioned in my previous post, we had the pleasure of staying at Skiathos Premier in sleepy Troulos, Skiathos recently. Normally when we go on holiday abroad (this hasn't happened for three years, so you can imagine the build-up to this break) we stay in 3* self-catering accommodation. The standard doesn't tend to vary particularly & we know what to expect on arrival. A look of resigned disappointment is often etched on my partner's face when we open the door to the apartment, which in itself often sparks the first mini argument of the holiday!


However on this occasion, his first words were "it's too nice". I knew what he meant. I felt as though I'd feel uncomfortable trailing sand into the 4* studio after a day at the beach. I soon overcame this thought by the way! It was by far the plushest holiday accommodation that we've stayed in to date, with the added bonus that this was its first season. Nothing was tainted, scratched or broken. Everything seemed so fresh & untouched, actually more so than I imagined, as almost five months worth of guests had been through before we arrived. 


The studio was spacious & light & well equipped. I didn't even need to use the tea towel & bottle opener that I take on holiday each time as they were supplied, which was a first for us! The balcony was by far the largest we've ever had & offered us a view of the sea. The bed was a glorious king size rather than the two orange pine single beds with wafer thin mattresses that we're used to. Complimentary towels on the sunbeds (luxurious outdoor wicker no less) every morning never ceased to please me. 


A thoroughly relaxing & enjoyable holiday was had by all, helped along by the fabulous hospitality  of sisters Roula & Rania who run the hotel.


Here are a few pics...No interior shots I'm afraid, but follow this link to take a peek at the rooms... Skiathos Premier accommodation.

Stunning Skiathos...

We've just returned from a lovely 10 day break on the Greek island of Skiathos, where we stayed at the new & fab Skiathos Premier Hotel in Troulos. More about this later, but I will mention that the name is misleading. It's actually made up of spacious self-catering studios & family suites rather than being an actual hotel.


Having visited several other Greek islands over the years, Skiathos is definitely in the top three. It's probably the smallest island that we've stayed on (I think it's approx 12km x 6km in size) & the scenery is stunning. The southern part of the island is the most inhabited & the mountainous central part is completely covered in gloriously scented pine trees. Having walked up to a monastery situated in the centre of the island we were able to see the coastline to the left & right!


I seem to be obsessed with taking photos of the sea, so I thought I'd share a few with you...

Handmade jewellery

I've recently been inspired to make some more handmade charm jewellery. The making element doesn't normally get my creative juices flowing as much as the sourcing side of the business,  but I must admit that I've enjoyed putting a mini collection together. 


Here are a few snapshots of the first batch, more to follow...