Tag Archives: brights

Spring nesting…

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Coral Paisley Jacquard bedspread – Zara Home

I’ve always been a fan of white bedding but at this time of year I’m always drawn to the pretty brights available in bedding sets. Everywhere I turn the patterns and prints are spectacular, especially the range of glorious florals that make perfect spring-summer sleeping sense.

I thought I would round up some of my favourites and see what you guys think?

Clockwise from tope L: Peach Georgette bedding set, Matthew Williamson at Debenhams // Overscale floral bedset, M&S // Alimar (pink floral) bedding from Debenhams // Summer Floral Bedset, M&S // Charlottenburg, Designers Guild // Wild Coast bedlinen, M&S

Of course, it requires quite a neutral room to pull off such a block statement of colour and pattern but if you already have that in place then it is such a cost effective way to update your space and make a massive impact. I’m particularly drawn to the blues I’m seeing in various prints…

Clockwise from tope L: Scion Shibori bedlinen from John Lewis // Bluebellgray abstract petals bedding from John Lewis // Blue Chroma bedlinen, Sheridan at Debenhams // Asilah blue bedlinen, Debenhams

What do you think readers? Are you tempted or are you still sticking with white?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Renovation Ruminations: Bright hallway ideas

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As we’re currently getting the knock through done to our bedroom (into the dressing room) part of our house is resembling something of a building site. In order to avoid thinking about it I’m doing the sensible thing and fantasising about part of our house that I really dislike (decor-wise) and really want to change, but don’t have any plans to do so for probably a year or more. (We have already blocked up a doorway in the hall and have yet to move another, so there is no point decorating before that is done.)

Our hall has great bones but an old fashioned wallpaper below the dado rail and an abundance of cream paint. The floor is half decent as its one saving grace, along with the pretty bannister spindles. I’m envisaging a bright and light white painted hallway with a blue and white patterned modern wallpaper for practicality below the dado and lots of super bright accents.

I want to create a space that is bright, modern and welcoming with tons of personality and family friendly too. I just wish we could do it sooner!

What do you think readers?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Other rooms we have planned:
The Living room
The master bedroom
Kitchen plans part 1 and part 2

Bedroom updates

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A few months back, before I even started thinking about the spare bedroom makeover, I revamped our bedroom. We re-decorated in there about 3 years ago now and chose some white striped wallpaper, keeping the existing high gloss Ikea wardrobes, Ikea bedsides and our iron Feather & Black bed. I wanted it all very soft a soothing so chose White Company bedding in white with a grey and white silk throw and mink and grey cushions using texture to provide contrast.

Typically, it wasn’t long before I tired of the monotone look and decided to add to the single shot of colour in the lamp shades with some small additions and it’s amazing what a difference they have made.

The inspiration for the change around was the new picture above the bed. I blogged it and bought it not long after – I love how bright and cheerful it is.

I also changed the drawer handles on the bedsides for coral ceramic ones from Anthropologie.

We already had these butterfly pictures up but had different colour combinations (We had had a large white one above the bed too,) as they come in a pack of 6 (see similar here). To pick out the lamp shades we had had two yellowy butterflies there previously, but as the large white one was now gone from above the bed we used the smaller one and a blue one, simply switching them from the hall where the rest are going up our stairs. In fact it worked well as the yellows work beautifully with the yellow Cow Parsley wallpaper we have in the hall.

In fact, since taking these, the bedroom has changed again, as we finally found a chest of drawers to add to our lack of storage in there. I also realised I didn’t take any of the other end of the room so maybe I’ll share another update soon.

Hope you like it readers!

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Friday Frock O’clock

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This week’s Friday Frock is from a shop that I don’t think I have featured before on Florence Finds, but for one reason or another I was browsing online recently and spied this bright and breezy summer dress.

When the weather is as bad as it has been recently there’s only two options when it comes to fashion. You can snuggle down in extra layers and sink into a depression about the falling temperatures, or dream of summer days, picnics, seaside trips and country walks. This dress belongs to my preferred option, the latter.


Jersey print and spot dress – Wallis £40 (now in the sale at £32)

I’m imagining it with wedges, a cross body bag and a bicycle, with an ice cream balanced in one hand and a vintage camera in the bike basket… Oh summer, where are you?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Spotted: Zara Spring Drop

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If you aren’t aware that Zara is possibly the hottest place to shop on the high street right now, then where have you been? Although my round up of the SS12 collections has been quiet for a while, that is because Zara has been saving the best until last and a week or so ago, it all landed with a thud online and in store at Zara.

Easily the fashionista’s favourite, it’s not hard to see why. I’m not doing my favourite picks from what’s in store because the turnover is so quick – in my experience with Zara it’s better to just hold your breath and visit frequently. But I couldn’t resist sharing these Look Book images because I am loving the neutrals and, you guessed it, those bold shots of colour.

It’s a little bit J Crew-esque with primary brights, a shot of neon, peachy faded brights and those statement necklaces. There’s a lot to be keeping your eyes peeled for in store. My other tip for scoring Zara goodness is to shop online. You’ll often find items online that never come into store, or are much later in doing so and of course, it’s much comfier shopping at your desk, and less time consuming for us busy ladies.

However, aside from the clothes, the one thing that Zara are really knocking out of the park right now on a super trend level, is their footwear. From perspex heels (made wearable for the office,) to pastels shades (with matching metal toe caps,) mirror-like metallics to chunky heels and summer ready sandals, there is something here for everyone and more often than not at a very attractive price point. Lots of the heels come in at around £29.99. I think I should be on commission!

So, have you spotted any favourites here? Or maybe you’ve already snapped up some Zara finds?

Drop me a comment below and share the Zara love,

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Found: Thornback and Peel

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As I’m still on the (what feels like a) never ending quest to put the finishing touches to my dining and living room decorating that started all the way back in November, I’m keeping my eyes seriously peeled for stylish finishing touches to a room. Today’s find is definitely going to be finding it’s way into my dining room, probably by way of these quirky napkins, but there’s plenty of other ways I could incorporate them with ease… introducing Thornback and Peel.

I am absolutely in love with the way they have made their range of prints look so quirky with the bright colours. No surprise that I’m obsessing over the pinks, the greys, the blue, the greens, the yellows… the nostalgic jellies, the cheeky pigeons, the culinary and allotment references with rabbits and cabbages.

It’s not just napkins that Thornback and Peel do however, with a huge range of items you can add to your home. I first found the cushions (the pink jelly and grey pigeon one in Selfridges actually,) but the website lists fabrics, stationery, tea towels, deck chairs and heart stopping wallpaper.



I couldn’t have kept it all from you, even if I had wanted to and I think they would make great gifts too. Do go and have a look around at Thornback and Peel online.

Do you love?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

The Fash Flash… Think Pink

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Just recently, I have seen an absolute onslaught of pink hitting the shops, and I’ve also seen it popping up all over the blogs, adorning the most stylish ladies and just generally making me want to wrap myself in it from head to toe. Pink used to be just a little bit un-cool, but it can certainly be done…


L-R Top Row: Fuchsia Dress, Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere in Pink on Pink on Pink, Camel and Neon. Bottom row L-R: Bubblegum jumper and striped skirt, Hot Pink Blazer and bobble hat, Emily again in pink pants and khaki jacket.

So I thought I’d do a little round up of items in the shops that you can combine into your outfits at home:

So come on girls, tell me what you think? Is pink for you? Or will you be sitting this trend out?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

What to Wear: In the Snow

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So, as you might know, I spent last week in Sestriere, Italy, ski-ing. Today’s What to Wear is really more of a ‘winter brights’ post, but hey, you can’t blame me for using the amazing natural backdrop to add a bit of contrast to this super bright ensemble, right?

Last week, I shared the GAP SS12 collection, (and psst! They currently have a 30% off denim promo!) and might have hinted that I was in love with the brights they’re all over for this season. I hot footed it off down there when I needed an extra jumper for ski-ing and pounced on this egg yolk bright, Yellow and Grey Broad Stripe number.


Jumper: Gap, Jeans: Warehouse, Striped Top: A&F, Hat: UGG boots. Sunglasses: Ray ban

It’s actually a cotton jumper, so perhaps not the best for ski-ing, but layered up with an older A&F stripe top also in grey then my bright blue jeans (see them here too) plus bright pink accessories, I was feeling pretty cheerful. That and first day of holiday and all 😉

Ah yes, the UGG boots. Are they still cool? I don’t know. What I do know is that despite appearances, mine are still WARM, and I love them. After three years hard wear (I did my home visits in them all through the snow last year and as long as it’s not slushy, they never get wet) the sheepskin lining is getting a little less soft and fat so I’m ready for a replacement, BUT they’re perfect for messing around in when it’s chilly.

Are you getting into brights yet?

And what’s your essential super cold weather item?

Lots of Sunshine yellow love,
Rebecca
xo

A Swoon Worthy Competition…

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Ok, so yesterday you were all bowled over by Kimberley’s house renovations so far and I introduced you to Swoon Worthy, her blog that records her renovations in progress.

Today, I’m introducing you to another Swoon Worthy find… Swoon Worthy Homewares.

The ever-so-clever Kimberley decided to take matters into her own hands when she (like me) got more and more frustrated over the lack of American style fabrics available in the UK. I imagine this must have been even more of an insult given that she is herself American! And I’m very glad she did, because today, Kimberley launches Swoon Worthy Home Wares upon the world and I wish her every success.

You’ve all heard me moan about the fact that finding the lovely fabrics so readily available in the States are nigh on impossible to find in the UK. Believe me, I have tried. It’s part of the reason why I have no curtains in my lounge or in my dining room – because I just haven’t been able to find what I want here.

I love the simplicity of a bold geometric pattern which I see over and over again in American design and while I can try and be satisified with the offerings we have here, I’m just not. I’ve spent the past 5 years frustrated by this so I decided that if I am having these frustrations, there are probably others out there that have the same issue, right?

We love a go-getter here at Florence Finds and Kimberley has taken this pressing matter into her own hands, importing some nothing short of deliciously chic fabrics from The US to start her own line of home accessories, beginning with cushions.

And even better, today, you have the chance to win not one, but two Swoon Worthy Home Wares cushions!

You can find the full details of how to enter below, but please do spread the word… tell your friends, post the competition on Facebook, tweet about it and let’s all give Kimberly a roaring Florence Finds start to her new venture 🙂

Competition Rules:

Giveaway: 2 cushions worth £60!

Mandatory:
1.  Visit http://www.swoonworthy.co.uk/ and then leave a comment HERE on which two cushions you would like if you won.

Optional for additional entries:
1.  Follow Kimberly’s blog Swoon Worthy and within your comment, let me know how you are following (Email, Google Connect, RSS, Blog Lovin’, etc.).
2. Follow Swoon Worthy on Facebook and post a link to the giveway.  Then leave a separate comment to let me know you have.
3.  Follow Swoon Worthy on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway.  Then leave a separate comment to let me know you have.

Open to UK residents only.
Winner will be announced on Monday, 20th February.

So what are you waiting for? Get entering!

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Spotted: GAP SS12

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This week, the cold, the snow, the general freezing-ness of it all has completely blindsided me. Yes, I know it’s usually like this in February but for the best part of a month now, I have been immersed in spring/summer fashion, drooling over styles for warmer weather, longing for longer days and generally needing some sunshine.

Along with the weather, I’ve just hit that point in the year when I suddenly think, ‘That’s it, I’ve had enough of winter, I NEED SOME SUN!’ And there’s one place that you can always rely upon for some metaphorical sunshine when it comes to fashion, Gap. Thankfully, alongside the cheery shades there are reliable basics for layering when things get inclement too. 😉

I think you all know I’m a massive fan of colour and a huge follower of fashion, but what I love about Gap is that it’s so darn wearable. I may love fashion, but I equally have a life to live. Things to do, you know? So most of the time I’m found dressed down in jeans or trousers with a great sweater or shirt. Right now, I’m also desperately trying to stay warm. So when I need something to cheer my wardrobe up, that’s season appropriate but nods to the coming trends, Gap is my first stop off.

Remember the GAP Parka I wore? Well, I’m loving the lighter, shorter funnel neck version Gap have for spring and it looks great paired with punchy brights like the orange tee pictured.

One of the easiest ways to feel like you’re brightening up your wardrobe is to buy a key stand out piece and then work it in to your normal outfits. The easiest for cost-per-wear is a pair of bright trousers to make a monochrome outfit wearing a top of the same hue, colour block with clashing shades, or tone down with neutrals like the khaki parka jacket above, or navy and grey for a darker nod to the miserable weather.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. Gap have produced some great flats this year – I’m particularly fancying the pointy numbers in nude and hot pink for when warmer weather returns, or for comfy run arounds, how about the oxfords?

Finally, If you’re feeling a little bit unsure, not quite ready to commit to a statement like these got-my-name-all-over-them bags, just salute the trends with this super stylish and understated sporty neon edged scarf.

So, tell me, are you a Gap fan? Will you be giving them a look after seeing the spring shades here?

Love,
Rebecca
xo