I decided to do vintage for a couple of reasons this month. Vintage is one of those styles that has such a timeless, classic quality about it. So this month we have some gorgeous soaps, china, a book, some bedding, and a pretty little store…
I decided to do vintage for a couple of reasons this month. Vintage is one of those styles that has such a timeless, classic quality about it. I am helping a friend with her quirky little old bach that has much of the original decoration still intact. No-one has gone through and ‘modernised’ it – they have just added a new layer of wallpaper every 20 years or so – the kitchen is pretty close to original and it is tiny. But it is one of the most welcoming, sweet spaces I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
So I have been immersing myself in all thing vintage – and it has been a complete joy. Also, Thread’s Editor Megan loves vintage. So this month we have some gorgeous soaps, a book, some bedding, a pretty little store and some beautiful china, all with a vintage flavour.
The Queen of vintage for me is of course Cath Kidston. Though she is based in the UK – her website delivers to New Zealand – but I like to wait until she goes on sale as it really makes it worthwhile. She has, quite simply, some of my favourite vintage designs. I still adore both her Cowboys and Spray Flowers patterns as good classics.
If the UK is too far for you to go, try Tea Pea in Khandallah Wellington for vintage-inspired fabrics. Meg McMillian has turned a love of textiles and a very good eye for pattern and colour into a thriving business selling bed linen, bunting, change mats and all manner of gorgeous things with a vintage bent. I am in love with the butchers string which you use to one be able to get in tiny little spools – you can get them in a lovely range of colours from her on a large reel for $22. She posts and packages all around New Zealand. Find her and her vintage delights at www.teapea.co.nz.
If vintage/shabby chic had a perfume it would be either lavender, or rose scented. For that reason I have included these beautiful soaps from Rampal Latour en Provence. This French company has been making soaps since 1828 and they use no artificial colours or petrochemicals. They are made of 100% vegetable oils and are biodegradable. The colour is the most subtle, soft pink and the smell is a divine rose. I have a bowl of them next to my bed and they leave a gentle soft scent everywhere. One placed in a wardrobe, or in a drawer would work better than a scented spray or a scented drawer liner. These ones were bought from Madder and Rouge in Newmarket Auckland. Try them on-line also at www.madderandrouge.co.nz
I am slightly besotted with bedding at the moment. I have been looking for my own bedroom at great length, and have just stumbled upon all sorts of interesting things along the way. While I was looking I found all these pretty vintage-inspired sheets from Ezibuy. Called (charmingly) Lorelai, Elaine, Davinia, Renee and Joanne, they start at $109 for a single through to $149 for the Super King Set. Like the girly lace detail.
While we are on the pink theme, I have included some pretty rose coloured plates from Parnell Agencies that caught my eye. The Rose Pink small bowl is just $9.95, the Rose Pink 20cm bowl is $24.95 and the Pink Moroccan 25cm plate is $39.95. Contact Parnell Agencies for stockists.
The Art Of Handmade Living by Willow Crossley is a lovely homage to all things handmade and vintage. She lives by the same creed that I do, that all things in your home can be both useful and beautiful. This book is about turning the most basic objects into something both original and practical. She shows you how to make Christmas Wreaths (Meg will like that) and napkin rings. Cushions and pillows and even hot water bottles get her treatment. I particularly loved the easy fridge magnets and the stamp art – using old postage stamps.
It is a funny thing to think that those stamps are becoming a thing of the past. This book is most definitely for anyone – you can be completely craft-challenged and you would be able to find something to make competently in The Art Of Handmade Living by Willow Crossley. The book is distributed by www.bookreps.co.nz. It is available now and retails for $47.99.
Words and photos Anya Brighouse
1 October 2012
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