on my way.......

on my way....to the land of:

colour

block printing

markets

Sorry for the absence - I am back now, having moved house, put my life in storage and upped sticks leaving my beloved Argentina behind.......Ohhhhh, how I hope to return there soon BUT it does depend on a couple of things - lala moon's success being one of them....

Soooo with all this said & done...It is one giant step into the unknown; with a flight to India next week to get the ball rolling & the launch of the website imminent. All VERY exciting BUT very daunting!

To whet your appetite and to inspire here are some images of the things that I will exploring further in Rajasthan...

I have my block print designs ready to go and I can not wait to see these techniques being practiced & I can not wait to get exploring the markets - to have my senses awoken to the rich, exotic and truly exuberant 'India'.

Images courtesy of Elle Decor India, Pacific & Rose & flickr.

5 favourite finds....Wednesday

1. Swedish influence Josef Franck fabric covered headboard

2. Pale blue fireplace - so different

3. Fabulous mexican suzani bedspreads from Table Tonic (oz) $464 usd + postage

4. I adore the work top and the use of different woods to create this space..The lighting is also great. A kitchen to die for!

5. Chandeliers in the bathroom and a great big window to stare out of or be stared AT!! Quite outrageous!

life into suitcase & boxes....

I'm busy packing my life into boxes and preparing to move... bear with me!

I'll be back soon...

images courtesy of flikr

ideas...table runners

simple table runner made from natural/hesian fabric = great!

tiles - fun & so different..mix n'match

colour

more colour!

Table runners - yes, I admit not the most exciting topic for a Monday morning...!

But, actually you might quite like what you see - I couldn't resist featuring them having come across the image with the runner made out of tiles. I think it is a GREAT idea and so easy & fun to do!

I also love the idea of a table runner made from hesian or another very neutral fabric - with a couple of simple additions your dining table can be transformed.

Have a look also, at the brighter options currently on offer at Pier 1 and Anthropologie.

Pier 1 design with peacocks - Size: 14"W x 72"L $35 usd

Anthropologie design with stripes - Size: 19"W x 59"L $313 usd + tax

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a new twist.......

Get your orders in fast!!

If anyone would like one of these AMAZING bags and would like me to bring it with me to the UK, let me know asap.....You wont believe the number of people who stop me to comment on this bag!!

The 'picnic' bag measures 30cm by 30cm with the base with 23cm.

Each bag is unique in hide patches, the handles are strong & durable and are made of twisted coloured cotton strands with tassles. The bag has a gingham lining.

This bag is ideal for all your daily needs & great for new mums and all the baby's bits n'pieces....

The bags are $130 usd which is seriously good value!

f&v....finca valentina

Argentina is 'home', and whilst I am heading off for a while very soon, Argentina will always hold a very special place in my heart.

Argentina to me epitomises a 'world in one country' - the diversity of the terrains and cultures from N to S and E to W never ceases to amaze me. I will never tire of this land.

Two years ago I fell upon, quite by accident, Finca Valentina - a beautiful home come B&B in Salta, Northern Argentina. I feel blessed with this discovery. The home owners Fabrizio and Valentina, have since become dear friends and whilst it will be a while before 'I' get back to visit Salta, I really recommend anyone who is thinking to go to Salta to stay at least a night with them!!

Valentina's attention to detail is second to none and she has incredible style and flair. If anyone is looking for inspiration this is the place to go! It is where rustic and comfort go hand in hand.

Valentina and Fabrizio are the perfect hosts as they share their home and immense knowledge of the Salta region with you...

For further details visit their website or call (+54)93874523490

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ideas... coral inspired accessories

a simple cushion w/ coral design acts as a perfect finishing touch

Coastal Cottage Coral Lamp,$82.31 from BellaCor Coral Pattern Rug & Coral Pillow from Burke Decor.Bath Accessories from Williams Sonoma Coral Needle Point Arm Chairs, Benches & Ottomans from BellaCor Cast Open Coral, $44.95from Crate and Barrel Coral Pillar Candles, Set of 2/$100 from UnCommon Goods

I feel like being by the sea today - about the closest I can get though will be to share with you some accessories inspired by the coast and in particular coral.

images taken from bellacor, isola bella, coastal home decorating & gettogethablog.com

anthropologie makes the leap across the pond....

I am V. excited about visiting Anthropologie in London. Finally (autumn 2009), they have made the jump across the pond and I can not wait to take a visit...

I have always found the layout of the Anthropologie stores inspiring and aesthetically pleasing... In fact I almost go there to gain inspiration rather than buy SHOCK HORROR...!

Their interiors range 'At Home' is great and I am always tempted by their candles and books.

In terms of clothing I prefer accessories and lounge wear perhaps more than their actual clothes BUT I would never say no!!

Anthropologie (London) can be found at 158 Regent Street.

Open Monday thru Saturday 10 - 7pm & Sunday 12pm - 6pm

lala moon update

It is incredible how ideas evolve..when I started this blog I was very much thinking to produce a range of baby clothes (see below).

Yet over the weeks, as I tweek and think about the business plan/model more I am realizing that perhaps initially the way forward is to source and sell products already made and that the production of my own range of house hold goods etc is more long term..Realistically, I think this is how I am going to move forward. Manufacturing a quality product takes time and money.. but I am determined to get there. .. it is exciting but also very, very daunting.

But backtracking just a little... back in late Jan I started the process of designing the baby clothes collection and well finally, the long awaited samples have arrived.

Ok, so perhaps 'collection' is taking it a little too far, as at the moment there are only 4 items in the 'collection' but you have to start somewhere!

My initial thoughts...umm, positive but there is room for improvement! 1 x dress is a no go - the style just doesn't work in silk. You should have seem the expression on my face when I saw it - urghhhhh!

Of course, I am disappointed but again I have to remember that this is all about experimentation. Some things will work, others will not.

Yesterday, I shared the items with a group of friends with babies and their feedback was good and positive Soooo...it is onwards and upwards!! When in India I will do the adjustments and hopefully come the end of May they will be READY!

My photos are terrible - but any feedback would be great - do you like the bombachas?? and the dress?? The idea is to make them from silk and for sure the bombacha will be suitable for boys too..

Fabulous Formentera

I adore Spain and in particular Andalusia... I love the Moorish influence and I will never tire of exploring the tiny villages hidden inland...

If I can tear myself away from Andalusia I would love to adventure over to the tiny island of Formentera which is off the coast of Ibiza....Until now, it has been the well kept secret of those who prefer a more relaxed and altogether bohemian experience in contrast to the hedonism MAX of Ibiza.

I am loving the sympathetic and simple details that have gone into the layout and interior design of these houses in Formentera. The white washed walls is something found often in Andalusia but the difference in Formentera is the combination of the white washed walls with the terracotta - it works!

The simple but effective way of creating seating areas and storage/shelving out of natural materials I adore too, with the use of bright throws, rugs etc create warm and wonderful finishing touches.

Images taken from the superlative style files. The majority of the images have been taken by Jordi Canosa a photographer from Barcelona.

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taken from naked mannequin

wish list.... peacock clutch

Look at these sumptious clutches with peacock detail. Wow!

The clutch purses are 23cm width by 12cm height and they are available online through Etsy and Red Ruby Rose.

All bags are handmade and Red Ruby Rose can ship globally.

The bags cost approx $95usd each

In the meantime... baby bombachas to die for

So near but seemingly so far!

That is how it feels knowing that my first 'samples' of the baby bombachas I have designed have arrived in Argentina BUT that for a week now they are still held up 'somewhere' urghhhh...

Here is hoping that the waiting is worth it!

In the meantime I wanted to share with you, 'rickshaw design's debut collection of adorable baby kaftan tops and sun hats... Divine and quite irresistible.

Rickshaw design goods are available online.

Kaftans are $40 usd and the sun hats are $30 usd