Happy Pedlar

Ok, so I think I have stumbled across the most amazing homewares line around. It is everything that I have ever dreamt of and love in the one store...

The name is Pedlars - where happiness is all they are after.

This small family business has everything covered with a look that screams British retro. After being first established 12 years ago, this humble little concept has turned into 13 stores, with one of them located in the entrance of the Vulcanise London store in Tokyo!

Founders Charlie and Caroline are constantly on the lookout for new stock - travelling to such places as Milan, New York and Paris as well as reading up on all the latest blogs and magazines. They just never know when they are going to come across the next big thing which is why this is a hobby as much as a job for them.

Each item is then rigorously tested by them and their 6 children...so when you buy something from Pedlars you know it's going to stand the test of time!

If you are currently planning a trip to London, I definately recommend visiting their Notting Hill store which serves an amazing coffee. If not, check out their website and purchase all your favourites online www.pedlars.co.uk

London Calling

As a born and bred Sydney sider, I have been overwhelmed by the diversity that London has to offer...

Apparently it is impossible to experience all of London in just one year. So, I have decided that in order to make the most of my stay here, I need to visit a new place every chance I get! Whether it's grabbing a sandwich from a little deli in Notting Hill or rummaging through a box of old records in Soho, I want to be able to say that I saw the 'real' London when I eventually make my way back home.

Today, the plan is to hit the streets and get my wardrobe winter ready as the cooler whether has already begun to kick in! At the moment I am loving the new W10 collection at Pull and Bear (pictured above). This funky little clothing store was estabished in 91 with an aim to bring together international trends and create a style that is comfortable and easy to wear.

I've also become a new fan of Urban Outfitters who have a similar vibe to General Pants back home but with the inclusion of a homewares line and vintage section. Their stores have an amazing layout - mixing their clothing with their quirky homewares brings the stock to life and makes you want to purchase everything you set your eyes on...very dangerous!!!

Window Shopping

This is for Team Visual back home...

I loved that they incorporated audio visual with their static displays. Passers by were fascinated by the models talking and trying on the outfits that were featured on the rack...very clever!

It's hard not to be overwhelmed by the enormity of some of the windows...especially when they are filled with Louis Vuitton handbags! Such a simple concept of layering swatches of leather on top of each caused this window to be the stand out on the Avenue Des Champs Elysees.

Keeping everything white made these shoes the heroes.

Lighting also played such an important role in most windows - either to display the name of the store or to highlight a single 'standout' piece.

Parisian Cuppa

To avoid frizzy hair one rainy day in Paris, I decided to seek shelter in a little cafe called Tea By The. The aroma as soon as I walked in was incredibly enticing,making it extremely difficult to pick off the menu!

What I loved most about the space was not only the contemporary take on your typical Parisian colour pallet but the way that the tea was served. Behind the counter were oversized glass pots of tea filled with all the different flavours. Such a simple idea yet it was such a talking point as everyone lined up to order.

If you, like me, find that the tea alone just won't cut it then you need to make your way to Pierre Herme. You can find these guys in Galleries Lafayette near the shoe department.

Now, I've tried a lot of Macaroons in my time but none quite like this. They are simply melt-in-your-mouth goodness! I personally recommend the Chocolat and Jasmin flavoured ones. Yum!

Objects of My Affection

2010 is the beginning of a new decade where designers are looking to the future head on. After an era of overexposed and excessive design, we are all craving a more simplistic approach that is far more soothing on the eye and brings back a sense of comfort and privacy.

The simple home has come a long way. Gone are the days where every room has a door and one purpose only. We have now become accustomed to an open floor plan where every room has been stripped bare for all to see. In order to attack this lack of privacy, designers have been forced to create sanctuaries within large spaces. The need for soft furnishings and warm colours and textiles have returned to soothe and provide a sense of security.

So, what you all want to know - Trends for Autumn 2010.

Designer are taking a 180 degree turn and going back to a more natural habitat - a complete contrast from the ultra-modern interiors we have seen in the last decade. So, you are going to see lots of wood and stone in both interiors and furniture design. These materials provide a great sense of warmth and are the perfect canvas for naturally toned fabrics and textiles. You will also be seeing a lot of different animal skins and clay, which is a combination I really love!

Man is well and truly on the search for serenity and comfort, causing designers to invent more artistic and functional objects that have poetic dominance but at the same time can become invisible within a room. I hope you enjoy the following sneak peak into Maison and Objet...

Relocation Frustration

Packing up and moving is always a difficult task...but to do it in a country that you have never stepped foot in before is a WHOLE new challenge!

After a whirlwind couple of days in London, I have finally settled into my new home and am ready to report back on what I saw at Maison and Objet as well as introduce you to some fabulous places I stumbled across in Paris...

but first I must catch up on some sleep!

Who's your Mama?

It is currently raining in Paris so I decided to have a night in - giving me the perfect opportunity to enjoy my Philippe Starck designed hotel room.

Mama Shelter was created by the Trigano family, who are the co-founders of Club Med, and French philosopher Cyril Aouizerate. Such a team definately justifies the unique concept of the hotel and then when you throw Philippe Starck into the mix, you get a finished product that is unlike anything you have ever seen.

The hotel is filled with all the latest mod cons and unique services that will make your stay even more exciting. My favourite feature would definately be flat screen Macs in each room. As a Mac user myself, I love the convenience of being able to connect with the rest of the world from the comforts of my hotel bed...but Mama takes it one step further...

Their Macs just don't offer tv channels and movies. They also keep you up to date with all the happenings of Paris, provide you with the weather, your own personal wake up call, various radio stations, maps of the city, iChat, internet and a photo booth where they encourage you to take funny photos with the masks provided for other guests to see!

The overall interior of the hotel is dark and intriguing. You will find yourself searching and discovering something new every time you enter a room.

What surprises me most is the fact that there are no down lights in any of the guest rooms. Instead a combination of pendants have been hung over utility areas such as the kitchenette, desk and bedside table.

In contrast to the dark rooms, each wet area within the hotel is stark white with green accents...complimenting the concrete and black painted walls beautifully.

This hotel may not be in the heart of Paris but it is definately worth a visit. Here you get the best of both worlds - high end Parisian style and a local,urban vibe that steers you clear of all those annoying tourists! I will definately be staying here again next time I'm in Paris.

Paris Arrival

On Monday I arrived in Paris which is still my most favourite city in the world - the streets, the buildings, the fashion and, most importantly, the decor is so alluring. I don't think Parisians have ever put a foot wrong! They have definately set a good template for design which causes everything they create to become so iconic.

I have a jam-packed week here so stay tuned for my Objet Maison report and tour of the city...

Sweet Little Morsels

For the last 6 months, my sister has been living and studying in Bologna. Such a stark contrast from what I saw in Naples, this city has more of a youthful vibe with a traditional ambiance that you can't help but fall in love with.

My first day was spent wandering the streets - with my nose as my guide. The amazing mix of smells made me melt at the knees. You are truly spoilt for choice with delicatessens, patisseries and cafes covering this small city centre.

I was introduced to a little gem called Caffe Terzi. It's a gorgeous place just off the main drag that serves the most amazing macchiato. Just before they serve it, the coffee is sprinkled with handmade chocolate right in front of you! They definately make it hard to stop at just one.

If it is something sweet you are after, you can't look past Gamberini. This cafe was established in 1907 - so they have definately perfected their craft in the last 103 years.

They make a nice coffee too but their pastries are simply melt in your mouth delightful! I definately recommend the choc chip cannolli and their tiny fruit flans.

If you really want to splurge though, check out these amazing cakes. The detail that goes into each one is incredibe - I really don't know if I could cut one of these up...actually no...take that back...

Sweet Discovery

On our last day in Sorrento we decided to do a little shopping in the centre of town. A beautiful fusion of tradition and contemporary design lined the streets and lead us to Piazza Tasso, where we stumbled across this wonderful little homemade produce store.

Fattoria Terranova has the most amazing range of handmade pastas, spreads, spices and sauces I have ever seen. The aroma was sweet heaven and it was hard to resist not buying one of everything!

In the end, I chose a jar of Confetturadi di Fichi to tantalise my taste buds. The figs in Italy are so full and sweet so I look forward to speading this jam on my English muffins when I get to London.