Chic at Smythson

I had the pleasure of attending the Autumn/Winter 2010 preview at Smythson recently and I suggest you start saving your pennies because I saw a lot of chic accessories that you are definitely going to love.  I don't have an ipad yet but the new Smythson ipad case makes me want to go out and buy one tomorrow.  Unfortunately, they won't be released until October. Vogue loved it too as you can see below.  The fuchsia color called Damson and the ochre color called Amber are new for fall.  The embossed leather can be found in a myriad of items, some with contrasting shagreene closures.  They are also offering a lot more fun titled books with cute gold stamped sayings on the front such as "Blah Blah Blah", "O.M.G.!", and "J'Adore".  I've already suggested that they add "Blog Notes" to the selection for spring.  (In my signature orange please!)

Smythson has been a purveyor of ‘First class stationery, leather goods and cabinet work’ since 1887 and the highlight of my visit was the display in the bespoke stationery section of the store that highlights just a few the famous and powerful clients they've had over the years.  They include kings and queens, movie stars like Katherine Hepburn, and even the Kennedys.  I'd like to think they'd all have Smythson ipad cases if they were around today.  Happy Shopping!

 

 

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic and Vogue.com

My Big, Fat, Hand-Crafted Valentines Day Roundup

I know it's not even February, but I'm already crazy-excited about Valentine's Day. Not just the fluffy, romantic stuff (although I do love a nice V-Day dinner date), but also about the cute tokens of affection I get to send to love ones.

To me, Valentine's Day is about more than celebrating your relationship with just one person (or however they celebrate the day in isolated polygamist communities --hair braiding competitions?), it's also a great time to say thank you to the people who make every day awesome.

I'm not huge on expensive store-bought gifts for this holiday. I prefer to get away for the weekend, or to receive something sentimental and from the heart. That's why I am smitten with the adorable valentines below -- they're sweet, thoughtful and almost one of a kind. What more could you want? Did I mention how cute they are?

Vintage:
Clockwise: 1. 1880s Valentine (Forgotten Papers) 2. and 4. Props from Bright Star 3. Circa 1920s Children's Homemade Valentines (Pink Grapefruit Style)

Pen and Ink:
Clockwise: 1. Custom Calligraphed Letter (Via Paddington) 2. and 3. Custom Love Letter (Linea Carta) 4. Regency Valentine with Swallows (Hello Handmade)

In Stitches:
Clockwise: 1., 2. and 4. Embroidered Valentines. Fave is "Elephant Shoe." Remember that?? (Pink Mist Industry) 3. "Be Mine" Cross Stitch and Embroidery Sampler (Julie Ellen)

Make, Bake or Grow:

If you're feeling really ambitious, nothing is sweeter than a valentine made by you. All are Martha-approved craft ideas. 1.Heart-covered Wax Paper for Baked Goods 2. Heart-Shaped African Violets 3.Quilled Valentine Cards 4. Paper Heart Wrappings 5. Quilling Stationery 6. Seed-Starter Valentine

Crafty:
Clockwise: 1. Be Mine Milagro Heart Ornament (Paloma's Nest) 2. Banner Necklace and Valentine (Monkey Puzzle) 3. Arrow Candy Container (D.Sharp) 4. I Adore You Bouquet (Emerson Made)

The Best of the Rest:

Clockwise: 1. I Love U card (Smith Letterpress) 2. Love all Lovely Card (UpUp) 3. Conversation Hearts Flamingo Postcard (Garden Angel) 4. Set of Six Arrow Cards (Stern Illustrations) 5. Ten "Do You Like Me?" Mini-Cards (Sweet Harvey)

Valentine's Day Collection from Rifle Paper Co.

Of course, the day after I post my huge Valentine's roundup, one of my favorite stationery shops Rifle Paper Co., releases their collection. So here's a special weekend shout out for the cuties pictured above. Buy here.