Oak Tree Barn stands in the Somerset countryside on the edge of Burrington, a village not far from Bristol. Vanessa Dennett grew up there and following international travels returned to convert the barn from an outbuilding. Prompted by her curiosity about people and craft, she set up her own business, The Simpson Sisters, and runs… [read more]
Would you wear the same outfit for 100 days?
I don’t think I could, I’d get too bored, even if I was trying to make a point. But I heartily applaud the American teacher who decided to wear the same outfit, in this case a grey dress, for 100 days. Julia Mooney wanted to get her class of 12 and 13 year olds thinking… [read more]
Justine Weyman – The Velveteen Hound
Justine Weyman created jewel-coloured leather homewares and accessories through her brand Elytra England. Having become a dog owner, she has now turned her attention and skills to hand making ‘covetable accessories for stylish hounds’ from her home in Frome, Somerset, with her new label The Velveteen Hound. In the third of the Objects of Desire… [read more]
Niche fragrances at chain store prices
The sun is out and it feels like spring is in the air. Everything feels a little lighter and more relaxed. Time for a little treat to celebrate? Maybe a lovely new perfume? My favourite niche fragrances are expensive, so I was delighted to read the very positive write-up from top beauty blogger Jane Cunningham… [read more]
Finding peace in the city
I like to visit London every few months, if only to ride on the buses and sit in cafes watching people and absorbing the atmosphere. I come home feeling reinvigorated, refreshed and newly inspired. As I usually spend most of my time alone in my home office, city life can be overwhelming unless I pace… [read more]