Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Chelsea Flower Show Pt1...the gardens

This was my first year at Chelsea (Hampton Court flower show has been my floral fix in previous years) and as expected it was a real inspiration. Think i'll just let the photos do the talking...

My favourite...'A Monaco Garden'. I'm normally all about the wild, natural looking gardens, but the clean lines, orange trees and inviting pool had me day dreaming of summer holidays.  i also love the continuing trend for roof gardens, seen here with a lavender top.

Eureka Garden from The Times and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
RBC New Wild Garden..another roof garden example. love the sustainable wall detailing...
The Daily Telegraph Garden
The Cancer Research Garden
Irish Sky Garden
The B&Q Garden - this is the tallest ever Chelsea garden, giving hope and inspiration to high rise occupants, who long for green fingers. love the 'living wall'!
don't they look awesome? 

Friday, May 27, 2011

Topshop Secret Store Pop Up - Shhh!

It's not like you needed another reason to visit Topshop's flagship, right?! Well they have thought of one for you anyway! This pop up secret store is a first for the high street and of course it's Topshop leading the way once again, taking the shopping experience to another level. Others are sure to follow in their innovative footsteps... no pressure there then!

Nestled in the corner of the lower floor, is on first glance a quirky, colourful flower shop, bursting with blooms. But all is not what it seems, as a secret door opens into a Narnia like experience! Once inside, you are surrounded by a treasure trove of  exclusive, one-off pieces from the likes of Meadham Kirchhoff, Emma Cook, Michael Van Der Ham and Pamela Love (to name but a few)…as well as some to-die-for pieces from topshop’s Boutique range AND even archive pieces from previous Unique shows. My eyes were on cartoon springs the whole time, trying to take in all the goodies!

Check out the website to get a feel for the range, but to appreciate this concept in all its glory, you need to head to the store… like now! Seriously, it was so gorgeous I was snapping away for about an hour! As with all pop ups, it will eventually end, so you only have two weeks to get down there...

I just can't wait to see what they do next!
Not just any flower shop, but one curated by Meadham Kirchhoff no less!
Nasir Mazhar deco inspired hair combs
Nasir Mazhar - how amazing are these headpieces?
Hand-made silver raffia top by Tom Scott

Boutique baby yeah! This crochet dress is on my lust list.
TS Unique - i remember falling in love with this dress first time around...back in 2008!
Emma Cook's sheer, tattoo print underwear
these Michael Van Der Ham velvet wedges are a nod to his SS11 collection