New Site.....Missdinky.com

I have set up a new site which merges my two blogs - Missdinky.com

This is all the same content as on this blog but now with fashion and beauty as well.

Website Of The Week Jonathan Adler………

Being a second generation retail geek I have a love for product and for the visual display of product and if you’re looking for full on spectacular displays then department stores have the leading edge with their massive windows and wide range of stock. Christmas time has always been a great time to look at all the department store windows especially in London but New York also have some fabulous windows with Barney’s etc and this is where I first came across the wonderful Simon Doonan who does the extravagant windows at Barney’s  - he is an English export in to the US retailing world – now he is the partner of Jonathan Adler whose interior décor shops I adore in the US and he is now selling in the UK – I love his use of print and colour.

Simon Doonan

Last month Jonathan and Simon’s summer house at Shelter Island, Long Island New York (www.shelter-island.org )was in Architectural Digest and it’s to die for …… www.architecturaldigest.com

Architectural Digest 

 Now these are a few of my favourite things on his website ………. Plus I also love how my favourite tweeter the fabulous Mickey Boardman aka  @AskMrMickey has been picking his favourite items -if you’re not following Mr.Mickey you’re missing a lot in life – he is a force of fun and positivity.

Oh and if you need a smile read Jonathans Our Company section very amusing and I also love they have a “tear sheet “ which is fabulous if you’re doing a mood board etc (UK retailers take note)

Black Chippendale Arm Chair £650.00 Jonathan Adler (see more)

This is a faux bamboo chair in black or white high shine lacquer with a high back and arms and detailing on the bottom – deep upholstered seat cushion- 60.96 cm wide x 55.88 cm deep x 88.90 cm high – it’s oriental luxe décor.

Giant Belly Vase £695.00 Jonathan Adler (see more)

This big stretched high-fired stoneware vase with a gold glaze which would look stunning as a feature piece especially in the gold colour – very glamorous – the Jonathan Adler pottery begins its life in their Soho studio, where Jonathan and his team design and sculpt every prototype. The product you are viewing is produced by skilled artisans at their main workshop in Peru. They make moulds from prototypes and then hand craft each piece from high-fired stoneware or porcelain. The Peruvian workshop was made through Aid to Artisans, a non-profit organization that connects designers in America with artisans in developing countries to promote fair trade- the vase is 53.34 cm high.

Happy Pillow £165.00 Jonathan Adler (see more)

“Sunshine, puppies, and cash” all the things to make you happy on a handmade 100% wool needlepoint cushion with a  velvet back with zipper closure and  feather/down insert- sized 40.64 cm x 40.64 cm

Channing Desk £1,750.00 Jonathan Adler (see more)

The name: A reference to Bette Davis's character, Margo Channing, in All About Eve. – It’s in white lacquer with Lucite and polished nickel accents- clean and simple perfect for any room – sized 137.16 cm wide x 60.96 cm deep x 77.47 cm high

Fish Scales Shower Curtain £98.00 Jonathan Adler (see more)

Luxe shower curtains, vivid patterns printed on cotton duck canvas with corresponding grosgrain top and bottom borders – finished off with stitch reinforced eyelets - made from 100% cotton- sized  182.88 cm x 182.88 cm

Pink Flame Duvet Cover £97.50 Jonathan Adler (see more)

Just adore the colours in this duvet cover, pinks and greens subtly blended – I love the patterned duvets are complemented by white sheets with a coordinating embroidered edge- made from 100% cotton and different bed sizes (remember US bedding sizes)

Mod Dot 4 Piece Setting £50.00 Jonathan Adler (see more)

Bold colours and real gold details make this Porcelain Dinnerware too special to save for an occasion. It is high-fired porcelain real gold accents- comprises off a dinner - 28.58 cm diameter, dessert - 20.96 cm diameter - bowl 22.86 cm diameter, 3.81 cm deep, mug 10.80 cm diameter 7.62 cm deep

Orange Queen Anne Mirror £595.00 Jonathan Adler (see more)

I love this fresh vibrant take on a opulent 17^th Century mirror shape – high shine lacquer coat finish on the frame - 66 cm wide x 97 cm high x 3 cm thick – perfect in any room.

Candelabras……

Add some glamour and candle light to your dining …… nothing looks as glamorous as the twinkle of candle light on a dining table ….. We have found some lovely candelabras which would suit any décor.

Riedel Ravello Red 5 Arm Crystal Candelabra £325.00 Heals (see more)

This crystal candelabra holds 5 candles, is a stunning addition to a dining table - especially when lit as the candlelight reflects off the crystal-Dimensions: Height 30cm, Base width 15cm, widest point at top 29.5cm approx.

Villeroy & Boch Retro Candelabra £165.00 House of Fraser (see more)

Villeroy & Boch Classically shaped candlestick for five candles- Made of glass-43cm high-Facetted cut throughout, one middle arm with two drops and four side arms each with four drops-Ideal as a centre piece.

Brissi Candelabra, Silver Plated, 5 Arm £145.00 John Lewis (see more)

This stunning candelabra boasts a flawless, silver plated finish- It’s classic 18th century inspired design gives it a remarkable poise, making it a truly graceful piece.

Painted Candelabra, candle holder with birds by Rice £49.00 Sisters Guild (see more)

Hand painted 3 arm metal candle holder with birds.  This hand painted 3 arm candle holder with pretty birds, has a lovely vintage look.  The elaborate and intricate detail is a work of art in itself.  Flowers twine around the arms and the stem whilst brightly coloured birds nestle among them.  A decorative piece standing alone, with candles flickering above this candelabra will become a fabulous, vivacious, piece on top of even the most glamorous of tables.

Vintage Candelabra with Corsage Flowers £39.00 Not On The High Street (see more)

Add a touch of glamour to any occasion with this beautiful candelabra with corsage flowers- Holds three candles.

Loop Candelabra £22.00 Conran Shop (see more)

The elegantly simple Loop candelabrum was inspired by the Fibonacci curve that is seen throughout nature. It was designed in 2006 by innovative Anglo-Swiss duo Dan Black and Martin Blum and is made from strong stainless steel. Loop is perfect for an intimate dinner party being used individually or can be interlinked to create a cluster making this product very versatile

Some French Connection At Home……..

I must have missed this but French Connection now have a wonderful homeware range – it’s not huge but you can tell that every piece has been selected with care and the person buying has superb taste – it’s also a wonderful price point – some of the pieces will make superb gifts.

These are my favourites from the range….

Stitched Linen Throw £110.00 French Connection (see more)

Linen throw in chalk, grid stitched to add texture with a hand worked feel- made from 55% Linen 45% Cotton and sized 150 x 200cm

Born FC Cased Wall Clock £95.00 French Connection (see more)

French Connection cased wood wall clock with distressed face to add a vintage look to any wall- 60cm diam

Tripod Tray Table £85.00 French Connection (see more)

Modern tray table in grey washed wood, with cutaway handles to lift off and on with ease. Set on a folding tripod base, that folds easily, wherever you need extra entertaining space- Tray D 40cm, Legs H 60cm

Maille Lantern £45.00 French Connection (see more)

Lime washed basket style lantern for home with inner glass pillar to shelter your tealight or votive candle- H - 25cm, approx D - 35cm

Ian Cushion £40.00 French Connection (see more)

Soft hessian feather filled 50cm x 50cm cushion with 'Plump it Up' motto in a fresh, natural tone that's at ease in any setting.

Painted Canvas Magazine Bag £30.00 Connection (see more)

Smart meets clever white canvas bag for storing magazines, with a super strong handle to carry out for recycling-W - 62cm, (H) - 35cm, bottom W - 25cm

Garden Parasols ………

Just something a little different from cream or dark canvas parasols, these are all striking a real feature in your garden or on your patio – definitely a must have garden accessory.

Frou Frou White Parasol £1520.00 Go Modern (see more)

This is very kitsch and very flamboyant – the Frou Frou garden parasol from Sywawa Belgium definitely has the wow factor- made from polypropylene raffia the Frou Frou contemporary parasol has a fringed top that sways & rustles in the breeze, evoking tropical islands & clear blue seas. Available in black, white or green this modern parasol has a steel pole 40mm across & can have a round steel base in white, black or green.

Marimekko Sunshade £285.00 Not On The High Street (see more)

Brighten up any outdoor space with this large, beautiful, summery sunshade. Covered in an iconic Scandinavian flower print by Marimekko® the sunshade is available in either Unikko Red or Unikko Black. Fabric is water resistant. Base not included.

Indian Garden Umbrella: Juniper Silver £250.00 Not On The High Street (see more)

The rich aubergine hue of the canopy contrasts beautifully with the silver painted motif around the rim. The canopy is edged with luminous mother of pearl hearts and assorted beads. The finial and wooden pole are hand-carved and decorated with silver paint. Inside a thick weave covers the bamboo innerworkings. Do not leave in the rain for extended periods. But if umbrella does get wet then dry before packing away in its specially designed bag -Canopy: 100 % polyester

Royal Raj Parasol: Eau De Nil £240.00 Not On The High Street (see more)

This stunning Indian garden parasol is similar to the umbrellas once used by the Maharajahs and Maharanis in India. Hand-made by skilled artisans this garden umbrella is edged with intricate aluminium cut-work which tinkles in the breeze and reflects the sun in dancing patterns. The parasol canopy is polyester; the silver cut-work is aluminium and the finial stainless steel. The parasol can take some rain but we advise not to leave out in all weather. Please make sure the parasol is thoroughly dry before storing in the customised bag.

Indian garden Parasol £150.00 Indian Parasols (see more)

The perfect accompaniment to any garden, our new Indian Garden Parasols. Hand embroidered Indian cotton, over a metal frame with a colour matching cotton lining underneath. All the parasols have a metal frame and angle adjustable pole. Stunning in every way, and big, 6ft in diameter and standing just under 8 ft tall, these sun umbrellas make the perfect garden focal point. Height. 240 cm-Diameter: 180 cm

Graphite 2.5m Parasol, Clarissa Hulse £149.00 John Lewis (see more)

Crank-mechanism parasol, with removable weather and colour fade and UV resistant canopy .The frame is made from anodised aluminium, making it resistant to corrosion, and extra durable in any weather. The canopy can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or machine washed - full care instructions are included- sized H237 x W250 x D250cm

Travel In Style…….

Have you ever marvelled at those old school Art Deco travel posters where travel seemed so glamorous and the destinations so exotic – well now you can buy some beautiful prints - Pullman Editions Limited is the sister company of London’s Pullman Gallery, renowned for many years as the leading specialist dealer in important original vintage posters.

So now you have a wall filled with fabulous Art Deco prints at a fraction of the cost of the originals – they also do framing.

These are our favourites ……..

Côte d’Azur - Pullman Express £395.00 Pullman Editions (see more)

Speed matters: The French de luxe train, the Côte d’Azur Pullman Express ran from December 1929 until May 1939. Combining large images and bold text, posters advertising its services were a uniquely effective medium to celebrate the excitement of travel by fast train, and became fixtures on kiosks and in the railway stations of Europe, tempting the traveller to the glamour of the Côte d’Azur. During the Art Deco period travel posters underwent a remarkable transformation in design, with world-famous artists such as Cassandre and Broders transforming advertising posters from illustration to symbol, simplifying the travel poster to a single illustration, with fewer details, and often dramatic power- sized 97 x 63.5 cms

Summer on the French Riviera £395.00 Pullman Editions (see more)

Some like it haute: There is nowhere else like the French Riviera. Glamour, style and its legendary history make this a destination of dreams and an artist’s delight. Despite its reputation for glitz and glamour, the Riviera boasts an unmatched cultural richness and vibrancy, inspiring artists from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Picasso. With the Alps playing bodyguard against inland winds and the sultry Mediterranean warming the breezes, the French Riviera is pampered by an almost tropical climate. Here, Avalon captures the dreamland of a sun-drenched beach with azure waters heated by the blazing sunshine, white villas on the edge of the blue horizon complete the picture of the perfect escape- sized 97 x 63.5 cms

1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso - Villa d’Este £395.00 Pullman Editions (see more)

Model Approach: the original Coppo d’Oro Villa d’Este was staged in 1929 by the Automobile Club of Como at the wondrously grand hotel, a worthy rival to concours held in Paris, Monaco and elsewhere. The gloriously special 250 GT Lusso was one of the jewels in the carmaker’s crown. The scene-stealing prototype, designed by Pininfarina and built by Sergio Scaglietti, was the highlight of the 1962 Paris Salon. “We worked as one with Ferrari” said Scaglietti. The concorso was not held in 1963, yet is imaginatively depicted here by Charles Avalon- sized 97 x 63.5 cms

1974 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 - Route du Soleil £395.00 Pullman Editions (see more)

Every Picture Tells a Story: a study of a 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider suggestive of the infinite possibilities of life on the open road, hurtling southward at high speed on the old route nationale N7 bound for the Côte d’Azur. Poster art as a popular form of display owes its origins to Belle Epoque Paris and lithographed posters, brightly coloured with lettering integrated into the composition, became a regular feature of cityscapes, making every street an ever-changing show. By the 1920s, a new generation of Gallic graphic artists had created a modernist style of advertising, using bold colours and hand-drawn lettering, leading to the evolution of a distinctive illustrative tradition in automotive poster art- sized 97 x 63.5 cms

St. Moritz: 'Cresta Run' £395.00 Pullman Editions (see more)

Run down: bold depiction of the drama and daring of the spectacular Cresta Run, very much part of the winter sports legend, and recalling an era when consciously modern art movements informed stylish poster design. The famous Cresta Toboggan Run, three-quarters of a mile in length and with a sheer drop of over 500 feet, is unchallenged as the jewel in the crown of Alpine sporting pursuits. Veteran bobsleighers extol the merits of the specially constructed ice-run at St. Moritz, an experience not preferred by the fainthearted- sized 97 x 65.5 cms

Trois Vallées: ‘Ski Les Trois Vallées’ £395.00 Pullman Editions (see more)

Make tracks: containing the resorts of Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens, Les Trois Vallées is the largest ski area in the world, with 1400 km2 fitted out for winter sports activities. The 3 Valleys have come a long way since 1925 when Arnold Lunn, the most senior of the British skiers and inventor of the slalom, declared it an exceptional French site ideal for the development of resorts to compete with those in Austria and Switzerland. Comprising 400 miles of mountainside and some incredibly varied terrain, one can ski for several days without covering the same ground twice- sized 97 x 65.5 cms