StudioSarah

Despite the fact that these days we are attached to our laptops and smart phones, there's still something deliciously tactile and satisfying about writing notes and lists the old-fashioned way. Take me for example. In addition to the blog and my Pinterest boards, both of which record my design loves and inspirations, I always have at least two notebooks on the go. At the moment I have one for blog notes and one for our home build. Of course the prettier they are the better, so when I heard from Sarah Silver, a London-based graphic designer who has recently launched a gorgeous luxury stationery brand StudioSarah, my heart did a little flutter. I was instantly smitten with the fresh yet timeless designs of her notebooks and cards which feature pretty pastels and beautiful gold detailing. Already stocked in many retailers worldwide, it's easy to see why Sarah's products are being snapped up!

To find out about Sarah's journey so far, I asked her a few questions. 

You were born in London. Do you still live there and if so, what do you love about the city?

I've always been a Londoner and really couldn't imagine myself living anywhere else! It's such a diverse and interesting city with so much culture and heritage and there is always something interesting to do or see.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to launching StudioSarah?

As far as I can remember I have always had a love for paper goods and letter writing, and so it has always been a dream of mine to have my own line of stationery products. I trained as a graphic designer at the University of the arts (in London) and then went onto work as a designer for a magazine at Conde Nast before leaving to start my own business. I felt there was a real lack of stylish stationery, particularly in England, and so spotted a gap in the market which is when StudioSarah was born! I wanted to design luxurious products that I would want to use and send, with a real emphasis on quality and finish.

You have several collections. Which is your favourite and why?

It was a considered decision to launch StudioSarah with a clean capsule collection that has a strong identity and a signature style (touches of gold foiling and high end materials) where all the products relate to one another. I chop and change between having a favourite, but at the moment I would say it's the Desktop collection of notebooks which are currently taking over my desk as I seem to be using every colour!

What inspires you - international design, other creatives, the web, magazines etc?

I find that living in London is a great source of inspiration, as there is such a focus on art and design and a wealth of galleries and beautiful stores at your disposal. I would say I'm inspired by understated but beautiful design and so it can be anything from a great handbag or piece of packaging, to a lovely bit of typography. Fashion has always been great food for thought with such an array of amazing concepts, colours and textures to look at, and so I treasure my ever growing magazine collection. I have also more recently become a fan of Pinterest which is great for collating new ideas.

What are your goals for StudioSarah - where do you hope to be in five years time?

I would love to grow StudioSarah and expand my product range which I hope to do over the next few years. My ambitions are to become a well loved British brand and be the 'Celine' of the stationery world, known for well made, tasteful collections that people love using!



Pop over to Sarah's beautiful website to see her collections and stockists. 

BLOC | New Look & Arrival of Douglas + Bec

I had the pleasure of attending an event at BLOC last week, to celebrate its new look and the arrival of beautiful furniture, homeware and accessories store Douglas + Bec. Situated in the Auckland suburb of Mt Eden, BLOC encompasses a range of design-focused brands and people, who collaborate to create an exciting and interactive shopping experience. If you are looking for a diverse range of quality design products all under one roof, BLOC delivers. Big time!


Gorgeous BLOC notebooks and pencils were given to guests along with lovely wine from Jules Taylor Wines.

With so much to offer, it's little surprise that I've already featured BLOC twice before, first with Collected by LeeAnn Yare and not long after with Bo Concept. Both have undergone some exciting changes within the BLOC retail space. Collected on level two has expanded to allow more room for LeeAnn's ever-growing collection of gorgeous, colourful homewares while the addition of a third floor is now home to Bo Concept's Danish designed furniture and accessories, alongside Geneva's stylish sound systems.

The view from Collected, looking across the second floor. 

This has made way for the new Citta Design flagship store on the ground floor. I have to say, after attending their Londontown launch recently it was a real joy getting to experience the entire new range spread out and in such chic surroundings!


Citta Design's fab new space on the ground floor. 

Seeing the arrival of Douglas + Bec was certainly a highlight of the evening. The store comprises a carefully curated selection of pieces by both local and international designers and is simply divine. The range includes Made by Douglas and Bec featuring founder Rebecca Snelling's own stunning designs, handcrafted by her father Douglas Snelling. Last year they collaborated on a collection with iconic NZ fashion designer Kate Sylvester. It is no exaggeration to say it was a match made in heaven. Combining a palette of soft blush and powder blue with pale oak, polished brass and buttery leather, the range which includes lighting, occasional furniture and homewares is exquisite.

The beautiful new Douglas + Bec at BLOC. 

WORLD Beauty, Pencil Boutique and Cool Food Cafe are also part of the wonderful world of BLOC. For more details including shop hours, pop over to BLOC and make sure you schedule in a visit soon! 

Present & Correct

Born out of two graphic designers obsession with stationery, Present & Correct launched its online store in 2008, and opened the doors to its first retail store in London last year. In-house designs and sourcing trips four times a year result in an ever-evolving range of products including the most beautiful paper and desktop accessories from around the world, as well as charming vintage finds.

"Inspired by homework, the post office and school" the products have a nostalgic quality, taking us back to our childhood when we wrote notes to one another instead of emailing or texting! Remember those days, before we became attached to our mobile phones, laptops and tablets?

The gorgeously curated selection of products on their website are grouped into categories such as "mail, give, write, organise and ephemera". The brand oozes timeless style, with classic typography, gorgeous colour ranges, simple geometric shapes and a lovely mix of modern and vintage.

Hard to believe, but this is only a taste of what's on offer. I love the pretty pastels mixed with materials such as wood and brass. There are also lots of clever, unique items on offer such as the hooks that look like tape and vintage metal boxes above. 

I had so much fun browsing the Present & Correct website. It really is a stationery lover's dream! Rest assured they ship worldwide, and despite taking us back to an age pre-digital, you can join up to their mailing list, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and read their blog!  

All images via www.presentandcorrect.com

Pinterest | Picks & Peeks

When it comes to white moodboards, like this one I did recently for weekend inspiration, I'm never short on pins. I should probably start a white themed Pinterest board. Have you ever started a new board and had to transfer pins across from another one? It's such a mission and I really wish there was a quicker way than editing each pin. Hopefully the Pinterest people are working on a solution as we speak! My advice, if you're new to Pinterest, is to start as many boards as possible from the outset. When I first joined up, I naively had just one board for interiors. Of course it grew very quickly and I now have one for each area of the home, but getting to that point took a fair bit of rearranging!

This rustic moodboard started with one amazing image. I love the drama created by the incredible dress, location and styling. When I came across it some time ago I hastily saved it and either forgot to make a note of the source or scribbled it down and can't find it. I'll keep searching, but If anyone recognises it please let me know. It's too good not to pin, don't you think?

I curated this moodboard for the long weekend that's just passed. Inspired by the fact that we were heading away to the beach, the Stop & Smell the Roses pin was perfect. Designed by incredible New York based illustrator and blogger Samantha Hahn, I think I may need to dedicate an entire post to her soon! Until then, you can check out her blog Maquette and her Pinterest Boards. 

Today we're going to take a look at the beautiful boards of Australian pinner Jessie James who owns Follow Paper Co, a Sydney-based design studio specialising in paper goods, that are "thoughtful, honest and handcrafted". Jessie applies her signature aesthetic and incredible attention to detail to all of her designs, creating simple, organic stationery for weddings and celebrations, as well as a range of everyday supplies such as paper, seals and stamps. Other services include full custom graphic design for print and online. 

Follow Studio goodness, via Jessie's Paper things board.

You'll also find many more boards such as Interior things, Simple things and Stylish things, providing much eye-candy and a recurring theme of serene loveliness, which Jessie does so well. Two other faves are Celebrate things which includes more of Jessie's work and the most stunning pictures from her wedding day (see pin 09 below) and Foodie things which makes my mouth water! Here are some standout pins.  

1 Pin | 2 Pin | 3 Pin | 4 Pin | 5 Pin | 6 Pin | 7 Pin | 8 Pin | 9 Pin

Enjoy browsing Jessie's boards and make sure you check out her Follow Blog, where you'll find even more inspiration.  

Sarah & Bendrix

When Veronika commented on my Pinterest Picks & Peeks post a while ago, I was delighted to discover that she was the talented founder of  of Sarah & Bendrix, a London based design studio who produce a gorgeous range of art and posters I'd previously seen and admired. Simple, with a touch of romance, I love their design aesthetic. 






All products, including a range of beautiful cards are lovingly handmade. Sarah & Bendrix also create custom made and bespoke artwork, providing unique, personalised gifts for any special occasion. 

If you love these, then you must check out Veronika's blog, A Few Things From My Life. Described as being her inspiration corner and project playground, Veronika writes about interior design, styling, weddings, parties, kids and more. She also shares photos of her stunning home, which has just been featured in Neet Magazine, and she curates exquisite moodboards. Needless to say, I'm a devoted follower! 

White and wood with touches of pink and gold, I'm in love with Veronika's home and Scandinavian Christmas styling. Here are two of her beautifully inspiring moodboards. 

All images via www.sarahandbendrix.com

Apple&Bee

While grabbing my coffee the other morning, I popped in to a favourite local retail shop called Box @ Home in Remuera, Auckland. Filled with gorgeous things for the home as well as handbags and other accessories, I came across the most gorgeous tote bags by Apple&Bee. Making a quick note on the iPhone, I've just had a look at their online store and I'm smitten!

Before I show you a selection of their scrummy totes, here's a bit of background. Apple&Bee is the brainchild of Brett Pattinson, founder of Bod, the successful natural skincare company and Claire Morris, who was formerly the Art Director of MarieClaire Australia. 

Not only do they have a combined wealth of experience and skills, both Claire and Brett are passionate about looking after our planet. Committed to producing the best in contemporary design without harming the environment, they are proudly associated with the internationally recognised organisation Climate Friendly.

Their range of gorgeous, natural totes have been created as a way of reducing plastic bag waste and pollution, helping to keep our planet clean. The designs are unique and timeless showing that without a doubt you can be stylish and eco friendly at the same time! 

If you like the look of these totes, you will love the feel of them. Made from the finest materials, they are designed to last. The Apple&Bee range also includes cosmetic, fashion, kids and baby bags as well as stationery and an all-natural skincare range.




To browse the Apple&Bee products or shop online, check out their website. They also have distributors worldwide, so to find your local stockist pop over here.

All images via wwwappleandbee.com