Spring Fair International Feb 2013

Hello Followers! So this Sunday I spent visiting the Spring Fair at the NEC in Birmingham, for those of you that haven't heard it's 12 halls of pure home ware buying heaven! If you have your own store or an online website it is a great place to meet new suppliers, catchup on the latest trends. You can also attend many of the Seminars that are taking place throughout the day on how to start/run your own retail business or help with websites and all those tricky questions you have. There are a panel of industry professionals giving talks throughout the day to keep you busy and over 3000 stands to browse through product ranges. I have taken some snaps of my favourite products and stands from throughout the day and tried to capture the latest home ware trends for you to see, enjoy x

Foxy Cushions from 'RJB Stone' (available direct from www.sassandbelle.co.uk) Moustache trends are everywhere on anything you can think of from cushions to notebooks, the list is endless!

Supplier 'RJB Stone' (available direct from www.sassandbelle.co.uk)

Supplier 'RJB Stone' (available direct from www.sassandbelle.co.uk) Vintage trends include images of the classic penny farthing, used in artwork and prints.

Images from 'PD Global' stand

Images taken from 'RJB Stone' stand (stationary available to buy direct from www.sassandbelle.co.uk)

Animal prints tie in with the running vintage theme apparant across the fair.

Vintage sewing accessories, ribbons and lace. Nautical themes using text and slogans, checks and deckchair stripes are coming through for SS13.

Photos taken from 'Evans of Lichfield' stand.

Photos taken from 'Parlane' stand.

Summer checks and stripes, photo taken from 'Biggie Best' stand. Animal themes are still apparent from Retro designs to girly and quirky.

Supplier RJB Stone (you can buy these direct from www.sassandbelle.co.uk)

Floral arranging at it's best, great for decorating your house in the Summer, images taken from 'Coach House' stand.

So there you go a selection of the latest trends from Spring Fair 2013, don't forget to put the 1st-4th September in your diaries for the Autumn Fair 2013. Vicky xxx

A day in the city of Amsterdam

So i was lucky enough to be able to visit the wonderful city of Amsterdam for a shopping trip, and after scouring many of the high street stores which are fabulous for fashion, ventured a little bit further out of the high street to find what truly makes this city a wonderful place. From georgous architecture to quirky shops this place is full of surprises!

Wander along the canals of Amsterdam for fantastic views and a chance to explore the many coffee shops and bars and watch the world go by, a perfect way to spend a day!

If you are after some home ware inspiration or to pick up a unique gift then you must visit Fair & Fair shop on Herengracht 211, 1016 BE, Amsterdam. This shop is 100% fair trade, mostly handmade items which help to create a better world. You can visit the shops website at: http://www.fairandfair.nl/.

If you enjoy a colourful atmosphere whilst you are shopping this place is definitely for you! It has a fantastic range of gift ware and home ware ranging from quirky to vintage, and will have you shopping in here for hours! To visit the shops website go to :http://www.kitschkitchen.nl or to take a look inside the store if you are in Amsterdam visit: Rozengracht 8-12, Amsterdam.

And finally...You can't visit Amsterdam without taking a look at the Tulip row next to the canal, if you love flowers then you will love it here! It has everything from Tulips to flower arrangements, and even wooden tulips so that they will still be as beautiful when they have travelled home in your suitcase! I hope that you have enjoyed my photographs from my brief trip around Amsterdam! xx

Laura Ashley Press Preview day for SS13

London the capital, is full of quirky finds and side streets brimming with character and charm, so whilst on a recent shopping trip to London's famous Carnaby street I decided to take a detour when the shops started to close, and see what other lovelies I could find lurking around the streets of London. It didn't take long until I stumbled across something very interesting, a beautiful building oozing character, a closer look revealed a Laura Ashley press preview day for their SS13 home and fashion ranges, so i wandered in and it looked amazing, below you can see a selection of images I took. I hope that you get as inspired by these as I did! Enjoy x

The very teapot to inspire the 'Ashley' Design, still as beautiful today as the day it was bought!

A 1970's Patchwork quilt made with Laura Ashley fabrics and created by the Marshwood Vale patchwork group in Dorset.

A beautiful chic bedroom display fit for a Princess, I love these natural and neutral gold tones.

How about a beautiful dressing table to go with your bedroom? Getting ready each morning would be a dream if you had this in your room!

A beautiful patchwork cushion inspired by the quilted throw above, this would brighten up any bedroom.

Another beautiful cushion, seaside theme for the coming SS13 season.

A beautiful floral tea set, when the sun is shining invite your friends round and sit in the garden, the perfect place to enjoy a high tea in the Summer!

Bring to life those old prints by framing them in some contemporary frames, to brighten up your walls.

Nothing like these beautiful butterfly mirrors to start a trend for an entire mirror wall! Guaranteed conversation piece! Well that's it for now, I hope you have enjoyed a taster of Laura Ashley's home range for next SS13 season, and next time I stumble across something as equally as amazing I will be sure to keep you updated! Vicky xxx