Wishlist for 2013

Lauren Bacall- I wish to look as glamorous as her...

After reading a few Christmas lists on http://selfservicemagazine.com/blog/ I was inspired to write a wishlist for 2013:

1. Dickens book set
I have nostalgia for A Christmas Carol every Christmas and enjoy the BBC Charles Dickens adaptations, so feel a deep need to read more of his books.
2. Der liebling amethyst and Low quarz necklaces from Der liebling x martisa collection
I love beautiful crystals and it reminds me of our connection with the earth and that beauty can be found in the most unlikeliest of places. Wearing crystal necklaces therefore for me reminds me of this and is life affirming for me.
3. Magazines
I wish to read more magazines this coming year, mainly The Paris Review to open my horizons on the literary world. Tank magazine and The Gentlewoman to discover gems and learn more about current trends, culture, style and art.  Self service magazine as it sounds and from Garance Dore's interviews (see her website for the interview videos) looks fabulous.  I often gain inspiration from such magazines for my wardrobe style and lifestyle by seeking out books, imitations clothing, vintage clothing, jewellery and films inspired by the magazines content.
4. Silk shirts
My mother would disagree  arguing too expensive and not worth it-  but I find silk shirts beautiful and so classic to wear with trousers and skirts. J Crew, Uniqlo (currently) and of course Equipment sell some in fabulous colours.
5. Portrait painting
I want to learn to paint portraits in 2013
6. Be happier and relaxed
Read Instructions for happiness and success by Susie Pearl. Eat well, exercise and spend time with people who care.

happy holidays

Happy holidays all!  I look forward to some good rest, deep thinking, reading and watching some films.......

Winter nights in

2012 has been a terrible year for me- I have neglected my mental and physical health, I have had a breakdown and I didn't look after myself really.

There's a saying to take care of others you need to take care of yourself first.

Firstly-  In this economic climate in the UK I am grateful that I have some paid work at the moment. I am glad that the office I work in closes this Friday for the festive period.  Needless to say I look forward to some rest and deep thinking about my life.

My plans for the rest of this winter are to :

1)  watch these two films:

2) Read the books for my non-fiction book club meetups.

3) Read magazines- The Gentlewoman and Tank Magazine. Subscribe to The Paris review and Kinfolk mag too.

4) Read fiction books

5) Start oil painting

6) Get organised with my personal and business life- buy diaries,notebooks, ipad, nice bag etc

7) Cut my losses from old friendships that have turned toxic and painful.

Daunt books

Daunt Books is an original Edwardian bookshop with long oak galleries and graceful skylights situated in Marylebone High Street, London. They have a few other branches in London. It is a beautiful bookshop, worth visiting.

I went there today and probably spent two hours browsing...

Current thinking

Uniqlo WOMEN Silk Long Sleeve Blouse in colour "12 pink" (size s , small). If anyone out there no longer wants this blouse in size s please let me know as it's on my wanted list!

Limbo- I feel as though I am in limbo, not exactly truly lost but needing and wanting some meaning in my life.  I sat an exam today and don't think it went that well even after taking unpaid leave of seven days :(
I'm not sure my current role and life is meaningful for me. Perhaps that's why I feel a little lost?

When I was revising for some periods in the British library I was surrounded by people who were buzzing away most of them on their MacBooks, researching, writing and probably working for themselves in a field they love.  It made me reflect further that I need to change my life somehow if I'm ever to get some happiness from work and general day to day life.

Over the past few years after being partly involved in Almeida projects and being a spectator for Angel  Shed theatre, a group for children and youth theatre, I find that type of work inspiring and life affirming. I also have dreamt about writing a play and a book. I don't know why I procrastinate and don't look after myself very well. Time I started.....

Interview: Banu Kent, der liebling

Banu Kent

I love coming across new talent and the beauty of the web is that you can discover wonderful creations worldwide, one is no longer limited to domestic products, services and inspirations as compared to over a decade ago.

I came across Banu Kent's jewellery creations via http://maritsa.co/. Banu is based in Istanbul.  I have conversed with her by email and have purchased a few of her beautiful braided necklaces. Her brand is der liebling which means "the darling" in German.  Banu's latest project is der liebling x martisa a collaboration on a world of semi precious gemstones.

You can therefore sense that I was excited when she kindly agreed to an interview. Firstly here are a few photos of her new designs:

The model is Meric Küçük of Martisa.co

These and a few more beautiful designs  are currently available for purchase online at http://der-liebling.net/

Interview:

1)  What inspired you to become a jewellery designer and maker? 

I can`t really call myself a jewellery designer as I had no intentions to become one. I just love jewellery and to create something, anything. 

2) Do you make all the pieces yourself?

Yes and with the help of the craftmen in the small atelier where we work together.

3)  How do you design your jewellery as in what is your thought and design process?

It really comes naturally. Like love at first sight... When I see something that inspires me I immediately start thinking about the creation process and the end product. So I sit behind my work table and play until I get it right. Sometimes I end up creating a piece that is completely different than what I intended at first. 

4) What are your plans say in five years time?

I have no clue... Most probably, to stay excited and inspired, travel a lot, love and make beautiful things?

5) What is your favourite piece of jewellery?

I love everything what the nature has to offer and use them in my jewellery.

6) It's great that Turkey as an emerging market is showing great talent in the arts and culture. What are your favourite places in Istanbul?

Turkey, especially Istanbul has started to raise many young talents in the past few years. After I moved back from Amsterdam where I lived for 7 years, I was really amazed how much the city had evolved. Each month I discover a new art gallery, a cosy corner cafe and music venues. The city is inspiring and never sleeping! My favourite places in Istanbul would be the old parts; the area around the Grand Bazaar which is heaven for curious explorers like me and any area along the Boshporous where you can enjoy the amazing view and the smell of the salty sea.

7)Any chance you may venture into rings?  Rings are my favourite and I have weakness for rings!  

 Yes! I am working on couple of designs at the moment. Hope soon they will be finished so I can share them with the rest of the world :-)

Many thanks Banu for the interview. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing and hearing more about your beautiful work.  

You can follow Banu Kent on http://der-liebling.net/ and facebook.

Vintage dreams

I love this 70's vintage dress ~ perfect to wear in spring and summer, rather Chloe-esque no?

My weekend list : Non-fiction book club meet up - done

Studying- partly done.........

I came across this book in a bookshop. It is full of photos of retro fashion. Did you know that retro refers to the meaning of retropectively- retro fashion and style is about looking at the past  i.e.drawing inspiration and adding new twists without feeling too nostalgic for the past. The book is by Julia Schonlau- worth obtaining if you love vintage inspired style.