I've just discovered the Lisa Stickley site and am bowled over by her wide range of eclectic prints and funky designs. I really like her makeup bags, as they look roomy enough to store your daily beauty essentials, and they're printed with incredibly sweet designs. In fact I like them all so much I can't pick a favourite so have posted a selection for you to drool over.
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I didn't have a clue how to pronounce their name at the time (I've since learned that it's "ax-en-tee-oo"), but I fell a little bit in love with Afxentiou when I spotted their handmade washbags and other accessories at Clothes Show Live at the end of last year. You know those times when you see something that would make a great present for a friend, buy it as a completely altruistic gesture then realise when you come to wrap it that there's no way you could bear to give it away? That was me with my Afxentiou cosmetic bag in December. We just couldn't be parted.
It may look like nothing more than a simple sponge bag with a basic polkadot print, but these bags are beautifully well made, and need to be seen 'irl' to be appreciated, and appreciate I did. If you like something a bit more sophisticated in your bathroom, there's a lovely rainforest print version here, and they also make a series of laminated handbags that could soon be putting Cath Kidston to shame. [Via The Bag Lady]
Wash bags: £10 at Afxentiou
My toes are currently turning numb with cold, and the thought of relaxing in the arid heat of a sauna right now is particularly attractive. If you're lucky enough to have regular access to a hot-box, footwear is generally limited to flip-flops, but these wooden slatted shoes that mimic the style of the sauna itself are super-stylish.
Hand-made in Kiev, the unique sandals have flexible wooden soles and a string of multicoloured beads on the strap. They come with their own carry case/gift bag and would be a perfect gift for anyone heading off on honeymoon or for a relaxing break.
$78 on Etsy [Via Shoewawa]
Artist and designer Celia Birtwell has done some wonderful collaborations in recent years, making her iconic and striking style far more affordable for everyday fans. This collection for Boots, however, has got to represent the best value for money I've seen and I particularly like the cosmetic bag (above) which you can buy from the store at £8. It's got all the typical Birtwell trappings of chic, contrasting prints and I love the rose detail zip. There's also a wide range of special edition beauty tools, including a fabulous 'rose' mirror in the same style.
Boots has also brought out some rather fetching full-sized Celia Birtwell tote bags, which you can take away with you if you buy three or more of products from their premium beauty brands, including Chanel, Clarins, Clinique, Dior, Elizabeth Arden, Estée Lauder, Lancôme, Origins and Yves Saint Laurent.
Details are here.
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