The Talented Mr Rory Dobner

I've fallen hook, line and sinker for the artist Rory Dobner, or his work to be more specific. The tiles in particular are amazing. I popped into Graham and Green (again) have a look today and was truly blown away. Now all I need to do is choose one...

Christmas Windows

I think i'm going blind, or i'm just stupid! I walk down Willesden High Road every day without pretty much noticing very much at all. However, in the run up to Christmas, Willesden Green has become an artists playpen courtesy of New Windows On Willesden Green which has  curated a series of window animations along the high road marking the 25 days leading up to Christmas - a shopping advent calendar. The windows have been created by emerging designers and there have been loads of events including card and gingerbread making, screen printing and vintage hair tutorials curtesy of the lovely Lena Weber Vintage pioneer and editor of  and The Vintage Guide to London. 

My favourite window - The Samaritans by Caroline Collinge & Edmond Salter

The New Windows on Willesden Green project is funded by the Mayor’s Outer London Fund and is being delivered for Brent Council and Design for London by The Architecture Foundation in collaboration with Meanwhile Space. From January to March, they will be  making empty shops in Willesden Green available for individuals, companies and community groups to try out their ideas. They are particularly interested in creatives so If you're interested in knowing more click here! 

So, I was reading the great K&C blog Bikemended, and there was a gift-list from the lovely LadyVelo which featured this lovely bicycle themed necklace from Alex Monroe (available @ Liberty)

Then I started wondering what other bicycle themed accessories were out there...

I wasn't disappointed! I found this gorgeous necklace on my new favourite place for sourcing unique gifts and beautiful things from independent designers without leaving the house - Etsy. It's by an Australian designer called Jo Beveridge and is only $12 (plus shipping).

I bought this vintage inspired cat on a bike brooch from eBay for £2 and it now resides on my trench coat but i'm also loving the hot pink Daniel Darby bicycle brooch from NOTHS.

iPad case from zazzle

The Joy of Cyling - A poster from Velorution £35

Q: How much do i love this petite bicycle jumper from good old topshop?
A: A lot and at £26, it's well within my means and will be with me by December 28th!

This actually looks promising - maybe i'll bag a bargain!

If you're local (Queens Park), this may be worth your while. See you sunday! Designer fashion sale: this Sunday 18 Dec at Salusbury Primar... on Twitpic

A Very Portobello Christmas

I haven't had time to go to Portobello Market very much recently but this weekend i made the time and took the Pashley (and the boy) for a long overdue visit. My first stop was the wonderful Pedlars on Talbot Rd where i ooh'd and ahh'd and got completely over-excited just from looking at the window. It felt all christmasy, especially as the steel band were playing christmas carols in the background.

When I stepped inside there were so, so, so many things that i fell for.  From bobbin racks, helmets, limited edition vintage style prints, a new bell for my bicycle and who needs an ipod when you can have a vintage gramophone! A mere snip at £400 so maybe not today but the bell, I can most definitely stretch to.

FYI - I've added this bag to my never ending christmas wish-list 

Then we grabbed a drink form a very festive Tom's on Westbourne Grove and I walked past Whistles, painfully slowly... If only I could have just tried on the blue polka dot dress! I tried to make him understand that I'm simply planning my January sale wish list but he just doesn't understand...

The Boy, popped into Rough Trade to indulge his passion (hic all-consuming obsession) whilst I admired a beautiful Blue Pashley Britannia with a blue bow parked humbly outside.

As is mandatory whenever i'm within a 1 mile radius, I popped into Graham and Green on Elgin Crescent to pick up a lovely ceramic nativity tealight holder to go with my ceramic acorn and pine cone from The Conran Store and when i got back to my bike, look what i saw! Twins!!!

Finally, it was home to decorate the tree with my new purchases...

The Tweed Run

I'm feeling a tad jealous of all the beautiful boys, girls and bikes that managed to take part in the Tweed Run last week, mainly because i couldn't. No fear, my new years resolution will be to officially be to take part in April 2012!

Picture courtesy of Okawari, please!