A global field guide to design, (life)style and secret finds
est. 2007

Author Archives: topbird

  2. The best crackers in London

    1 Comment OK, so I could start this post with a dodgy pun on crackers, but I'll try to restrain myself. Instead, just check out the best crackers for 2007. Holly/Ric Rac Christmas Crackers, £10 for a set of six, from Cath Kidston. Christmas Tree Crackers, Blue and White, reduced to £10 for a set of 12, from John Lewis. Each cracker contains a gift, motto and hat. The gifts include a shoe horn, compact mirror, playing cards, screwdrivers, address book, tape measure, pad lock, bottle opener, tweezers, travel chess, photo frame and pen. Fiesta Christmas crackers, £45 for a box of six, from The Conran Shop. Each cracker contains a hat, joke and a gift. Nine mini crackers, £5, from Paperchase. Eight premium crackers, £13, from Woolworths. Sergeant Major and Sugar Plum Fairy Crackers, £40 for a box of six, from Fortnum & Mason. Each cracker contains a wooden toy or instrument. For an eco-friendly bang... Ethical Christmas crackers, £25, from Made. Crackers are handmade in Africa using back issues of Grazia and other recycled materials. Each cracker contains a gift made from recycled items, as well as a Grazia party hat and teaser. Berry Eco Christmas Cracker, £4.50 each or six for £25, from Biome Lifestyle. The wrapping around the cracker is handmade from seed paper, so you can plant the paper after Christmas and grow some pretty wild flowers. Each cracker is filled with an eco-tip and a small gift like a charitable donation or a fair trade keyring. And don't forget your dog... Polka Pet Crackers, £15 for one, from Fortnum & Mason. Contains a diamante pet collar charm. If money is no issue ... Traditional Christmas crackers, £499 for six, from Harrods, 2nd floor Christmas World. The crackers are hand-crafted and contain silver gifts. Ballroom flock Christmas crackers, £299 for six, from Harrods, 2nd floor Christmas World. Each cracker is hand-crafted and contains a silver gift. Or, have a go at making your own... Check out this post at Meet Me at Mikes, which includes some links to some fab online tutorials. Also, check out Paperchase for their nifty DIY cracker kits, complete with snaps and paper. And go out with the biggest bang of all... Exploding chocolate bomb £85, from The Conran Shop. The bomb is filled with enough cho colates and gadgets for 15 people. Stockists: The Conran Shop www.conranshop.co.uk The Conran Shop Chelsea Michelin House 81 Fulham road London SW3 6RD Tel 020 7589 7401 The Conran Shop Marylebone 55 Marylebone High Street London W1U 5HS Tel 020 7723 2223 Paperchase www.paperchase.co.uk Click here for store locations. Harrods www.harrods.com 87-135 Brompton Road Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL Fortnum & Mason www.fortnumandmason.com 181 Piccadilly London W1 Biome Lifestyle (online only) www.biomelifestyle.com Woolworths www.woolworths.co.uk Click here for store locations. John Lewis www.johnlewis.com Click here for store locations. Cath Kidston www.cathkidston.co.uk Click here for store locations. Made (online only) www.made.uk.com

  3. London shopping: traditional Christmas decorations

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    If you love traditional European folk art decorations, make a beeline to East London right now.

    Head to Shelf on Cheshire Street for their endearing range of hand-carved Christmas decorations from the Erzgebirg region in Germany. These traditional wooden folk art decorations, otherwise known as Erzgebirgische Volkskunst, are highly collectable and come in a variety of scenes and figures. I love the wooden spinners, which are generated by lit candles, as well as the ornately carved trees and the tiny wooden figurines. Best to get in now because Shelf has reduced the price on these decorations by 40 per cent.







    Shelf
    40 Cheshire Street
    London E2 6EH
    Tel: 020 7739 9444

    Opening hours:
    Friday afternoon by appointment only
    Saturday 1pm-6pm
    Sunday 11am-6pm
    Nearest tube: Liverpool Street

    Nearby on Shoreditch High Street, you can pick up some adorable traditional Swedish decorations from art supply store Cowling & Wilcox, starting at 75p for a mini red horse. The store’s owners have Swedish roots, and the handmade decorations are all based on traditional folklore.

    The decorations are also available in their Soho and South London stores. If your tree is already full (although, there’s always room for one more, yes?), tie on a wee Swedish star or angel to your Christmas parcels. Brown wrapping paper with red ribbon would look ace.

    Traditional Swedish Christmas decoration, £2.25, from Cowling & Wilcox.

    Cowling & Wilcox
    West London:
    26-28 Broadwick Street
    Soho, London W1F 8HX
    Tel: 020 7734 9556
    Opening hours:
    Monday-Friday 9.30am-6.30pm
    Saturday 10am-6pm

    South London:
    8-12 Orpheus Street
    Camberwell, London SE5 8RR
    Opening times:
    Monday-Friday 9.30am-6.30pm
    Saturday 10am-6pm
    Sunday 12pm-5pm

    East London:
    112 Shoreditch High Street
    Shoreditch London E1 6JN
    Tel: 020 7033 3685
    Opening times:
    Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm
    Sunday 12pm-5pm

    Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

  4. Cripes it’s cold. Where’s me cashmere?

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    Have you noticed that there’s a buzz about cashmere this season? (Apologies to Southern Hemisphere readers who are currently sweltering in the heat and this topic is about as welcome as a festering heat rash.)


    Cashmere is one of the softest, and most luxurious wools around, and it comes from the underbelly of goats in Mongolia, China and Tibet (impress your co-workers with that fun fact for the day, folks).


    Traditionally regarded as an exclusive luxury item and an investment purchase, this Autumn/Winter sees cashmere moving into the High Street, where London retailers ranging from Primark to Pringle are giving punters the chance to grab a piece for themselves.

    But is the cheaper stuff actually much chop? Generally speaking, you really do get what you pay for, but there are still quality everyday cashmere options around for quite reasonable prices.

    Just don’t be misled by a label that states 100% cashmere, as it comes in different grades and is made using varying levels of refinement. Good quality cashmere shouldn’t feel scratchy or prickly, and the higher quality pieces are less likely to pill.

    A cashmere addition to your wardrobe will be a treasured piece for many years to come, especially if you look after it. It also travels particularly well, and is perfect for achieving that “effortless chic” look.

    So I was especially interested to hear that French luxury cashmere brand, Eric Bompard, has recently launched its British online store at www.eric-bompard.com. And it's fair to say that I was excited at the prospect of having a closer look at the brand when I was approached to review it as part of a new viral marketing initiative through London fashion/style blogs. Good idea, non?

    I scored a matching Bompard hat and gloves set, in a particularly fetching shade of turquoise. C’est magnifique! The cashmere was soft and luxurious, and even survived a Christmas shopping expedition to Oxford Street on Saturday. Mad, moi? Despite being pushed and shoved in the mosh pit of festive shoppers, I felt smug snug and cosy in my new hat and gloves.

    I’m also enamoured by Bompard’s current Autumn/Winter “So cashmere, so French” collection, accompanied by a gorgeous Nordic-style snowy shoot. Here are my fave looks:






    Cute, huh? These pieces are equally lovely for lounging and escaping outdoors, and I really love the tartan cashmere scarf, which is bang on trend. The website is currently offering 20% off scarves, stoles and hats until 24 December, with all orders shipped to the UK at no cost. Very handy for last-minute presents (oh, you didn't?). They also ship worldwide – just check online for details.


    Caring for your cashmere
    Eric Bompard recommends you machine wash using the wool cycle, as it will help the garment maintain its shape. But always check the care label first. Alternatively, send it to the dry cleaners, or hand-wash it with a wool detergent, or a cashmere shampoo, like Brora's. Dry your cashmere by carefully rolling it in a clean, dry towel, and then arrange into shape to dry on a flat surface.

  5. Wreath-ink it

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    The ancient Celts took a fancy to holly for its magical protective powers, whilst the pagans worshipped the evergreen during winter solstice celebrations. Fast forward 2000 years and what’s your spin on the Christmas wreath going to be? Take your pick from this lot:

    Signature orange wreath featuring magic roses, hydrangea, poppy heads, hypericum berries and ivy, from £60, from The Original Wreath.

    Forever Green wreath featuring holly, hypericum berries, eryngium, rosemary, pittosporum, blue spruce and eucalyptus, from £45, from The Original Wreath.

    Traditional fresh Christmas wreath featuring ivy, dogwood, apples, chillies and cranberries, by Snapdragon, £32, from Not On the High Street.

    Beaded wreath, £3 for three, from Woolworths.

    Pop-up wreath decoration, US$29.95, from MoMA.

    Crystal and berry wreath, £31.49 for two, from VVRouleaux.

    Traditional wreath, £7, from Woolworths.

    Sequinned Christmas wreath, £29.95, from The Conran Shop. Tel. 020 7589 7401

    Driftwood Christmas wreath by Devon Driftwood Designs, £185, from Not on the High Street.

    Recycled wreath, £25, from Biome Lifestyle. The wreath is made from recycled materials by a small co-operative in Africa.

  7. MoMAmia!

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    I love this year's Christmas line-up from the Museum of Modern Art. The 3D-design cards are as clever and cool as usual, and the jewel-coloured baubles are oh-so-pretty. Best of all, you can shop online and they deliver worldwide. Here's my pick of the bunch:

    Holiday glow card, US$17.95, for a set of eight, from MoMA.

    Snowflake cards, US$17.95 for a set of eight, from MoMA.

    Nesting dolls cards, US$17.95 for a set of eight, from MoMA.

    Tinsel town cards, US$15.95 for a set of eight, from MoMA.

    Fancy drop ornament, US$22, from MoMA.

    Skaters snow globe ornament, US$18, from MoMA.

    Pop ornaments, US$38 for a set of nine, from MoMA.

    Christmas tree glass ornament, US$22, from MoMA.

  9. Pick of the mangers

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    When we spied artist/writer/musician Massimo Giacon's version of the Nativity for Alessi, it ticked all the right boxes for the Italian company's knack for producing innovative design with a fun aesthetic. The porcelain modular manger comes complete with a wee ox, donkey, Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus (sporting quite a spiffy quiff).

    Massimo Giacon & Alessi's Nativity, US$105, from A+R store.

  10. Alternative Christmas baubles

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    Want a different spin on your Christmas decos this year? Just take a look at these little beauties. Yule love 'em (sorry, couldn't resist):

    Christmas biscuit baubles tin, £38.50, from Biscuiteers. These delightful biscuit baubles are made using Biscuiteer’s own Christmas spice recipe, and come ready for you to hang on the tree. Or send your sweet-toothed mate a special edible biscuit card, for £8.50. Photos courtesy of www.bigfish.co.uk.

    “All I Want For Christmas is a Grade II Listed Country Residence” decoupaged bauble, signed and numbered, £10 per bauble, by Samantha Allan for The Shop Floor Project.

    “Chimera” bauble, £16.50 each, by Reiko Kaneko for The Shop Floor Project.


    Fabric Christmas baubles by Gorgeous, £5 each, from Not on the High Street.

    And for a very nerdy Christmas...

    Atari-Ouch-Joystick (original hand-sewn felt ornament), US$10, from Peachpop’s Etsy store*.


    Star Wars felt ornaments, US$60 for a set of 12, from Blackrose1151’s Etsy shop*.

    *Please note that Etsy's items are often one-offs, but always contact the shop's owner if they are not currently in stock.

  11. Late night Christmas shopping in London

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    With Christmas just 20 sleeps away, there are a host of late night shopping events coming up for London readers.

    I took a friend along to “Sparkling Thursdays” night at Selfridges a couple of weeks ago, and we had a rollicking good time scoffing Lindt balls, downing free glasses of champagne whilst checking out all the limited edition holiday ranges (I love Dior’s shimmering new eye palette) and having makeovers. We also scored some cool freebies from Korres. Too much fun. The next Sparkling Thursdays night is on Thursday 6 December and Thursday 13 December at the Oxford Street store from 4pm to 9pm. Click here for more information.


    Selfridges
    400 Oxford St
    London
    W1A 2LR
    Nearest tube: Bond Street.

    Otherwise, head to East London for two of the coolest street shopping nights.

    Columbia Road’s shops are normally only open on Sundays for the Flower Market, but they're opening for special late shopping nights on Wednesday 12 December and Wednesday 19 December, from 5pm to 9pm. There will be carols, mulled wine, Santa and mince pies.

    While you're there, keep an eye out for my fave Columbia Road shops like Treacle (at no. 110-112) for the sweetest and sparkliest cupcakes, Vintage Heaven (at no. 148) for fabulous vintage finds, Supernice Limited (at no.106) for Blik wall decals, Openhouse (at no. 152) for furniture and accessories for the house and garden, Angela Flanders Perfumes (at no. 96) for bespoke fragrance, Bob and Blossom (at no. 14) for gorgeous children’s toys and clothing and Fred Bare (at no. 118) for cool hats.

    Got to www.columbiaroad.co.uk for more information.
    Nearest tube: Old Street, Liverpool Street and Bethnal Green.


    And nearby on Cheshire Street (just off Brick Lane), the stores are getting festive tomorrow night, Thursday 6 December from 6pm to 9pm. Read all about my fave Cheshire Street stores here. Head to Dragana Perisic for some festive mulled wine, as well as 20 per cent off all full-priced items.
    Go to www.cheshirestreet.co.uk for more information.
    Nearest tube: Liverpool Street.

  12. London shopping: VVRouleaux

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    VVRouleaux is London’s legendary emporium of ribbons, trimmings and braids, and oh, so much more. It’s the kind of place that instantly makes you bug-eyed with excitement, recalling childhood days of coveting ribbons, buttons and other “fancy” bits and bobs to add to your most precious and treasured collection.


    But it’s the grown-ups who flock to this beautiful bazaar of inspiration for specialist ribbons sourced from all over the world, like Japanese organdie and French wire-edged taffetas in every shade imaginable.



    In fact the large light-filled entry-level room in the Marylebone store is literally a Pantone book come to life, with reels of ribbons in every size, pattern and colour. No wonder brides make a bee-line to the store for that exact shade of caramel to work their bridesmaids’ sashes back to the reception chair tie-backs.


    Speaking of brides, there are double-sided velvet ribbons which make perfect belts and sashes, as well as double-sided Japanese satin ribbons. And downstairs, there’s a fabulous collection of vintage bridal accessories, including hand-made veils, headpieces, hats and birds (birds!) from the late 1950s.



    Ribbons aside, there’s a glorious range of silk, organza and velvet roses in a myriad of fashion shades, as well as a vast collection of fancy feathers. Apparently the shop does a roaring trade in June and July during racing and wedding season.



    Don’t miss the tables crammed with vintage pieces like hand-crocheted butterflies and clusters of velvet violets (I spied the same violets behind a glass cabinet at the Golden Age of Couture exhibition at the V&A). I particularly love the selection of vintage French earrings and hair combs as well as the double-sided velvet belts with vintage buckles (from £14.95), delicate feather brooches (from £12.95) and bird decorations (from £3.95).



    Downstairs is haberdashery heaven, dedicated to heavier furnishings like acrylic and glass tassles in traditional and modern colours, as well as vintage braids, faux-fur trims, cotton lace trims, and leather and suede ribbons for fashion and furnishing. I found a bunch of Chanel-style braids that would make chic suit edging. There’s also an extensive range of wax cords in all shades, which was raided by the wardrobe department from Elizabeth: The Golden Age.




    From October onwards, the store introduces its Christmas collection, with tree ornaments, wreaths, garlands and berries for decorating the home.

    For more inspiration, buy a copy of owner/creative director Annabel Lewis’ new book, Ribbons & Trims, for £20.


    VVRouleaux
    www.vvrouleaux.com


    LONDON
    102 Marylebone Lane
    London W1U 2QD
    Tel: 020 7224 5179
    Opening hours:
    Monday to Saturday (excluding Weds) 9.30am-6pm
    Wednesday 10.30am-6pm
    Nearest tube: Bond Street and Baker Street

    For more shops in W1, click here.
    Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

    54 Sloane Square
    Cliveden Place
    London
    SW1W 8AX
    Tel: 020 7730 3125
    Opening hours:
    Monday to Saturday (excluding Weds) 9.30am-6pm
    Wednesday 10.30am-6.30pm
    Nearest tube: Sloan Square

    For more shops in SW1, click here.

  13. A wee birdy in a pear tree

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    Forgive me for indulging my passion for all things ornithological, but following a year where birds emerged as a major decorating trend, the interest hasn't let up for the festive season. So without further ado, here's a wee birdy or two for your tree. I've sourced these various feathered folk from London shops and my fave online stores. See the bottom of the post for stockist details.

    Bird decorations, £29.95, for a set of eight, from Dotcomgiftshop.

    Large tin bird, £13.58, from VVRouleaux.

    Multi-coloured glass parrots hanging decorations, £8.95 for a set of three, from Dotcomgiftshop.

    Swarovski owl decoration, £16.95, from The Conran Shop. Tel. 020 7589 7401

    Robin Christmas tree decoration by Vivi, £7.75, from Not on the High Street.

    Gold sequin bird, £3 for a set of three, from Woolworths.

    Gold glitter wire bird, £2, from John Lewis.

    Personalised handpainted fine china bauble in robin design, £9.95, from GettingPersonal.co.uk.

    And I'll just sneak in a few fave birdy cards, as well:

    Elle and the Snow Dove Postcards, US$16 for a set of 8, from BelleandBoo’s Etsy shop.

    Pear Tree cards, US$10 for a set of four, from BlueSnailPaper’s Etsy shop.

    Season’s Greetings cards, US$6 for a set of four, from EnfinLaVoila’s Etsy shop.

    Top bird tip: if you click on the link to an Etsy product and it has sold out (they tend to do this quickly as they are one-offs), make sure you click on the link to the actual shop as they will often have the exact item listed again.

    London stockists:

    VVRouleaux
    54 Sloane Square
    Cliveden Place
    London SW1W 8AX
    Tel: 020 7730 3125

    VVRouleaux
    102 Marylebone Lane
    London W1U 2QD
    Tel: 020 7224 5179

    The Conran Shop Chelsea
    Michelin House
    81 Fulham road
    London SW3 6RD
    Tel: 020 7589 7401

    The Conran Shop Marylebone
    55 Marylebone High Street
    London W1U 5HS
    Tel: 020 7723 2223

    John Lewis
    Oxford Street
    London W1A 1EX

    John Lewis
    Brent Cross Shopping Centre
    London
    NW4 3FL

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