portobello

I was hanging out with Ginge last Friday, the sun was shining (for once) so I was able to remove my thermals and sit outside for coffee, lunch and drinks. Bliss. I am sure you've all been to Portobello market, or have heard of it, so you will know that the best time to go is on Friday morning, rather than the hectic tourist-tastic Saturday version. Start with a coffee at Kitchen & Pantry and then work your way left along the stalls, check out Appletree Boutique for great tops and dresses, and Darimeya for more pretty dresses. Wander until you discover to the brilliant vintage stalls under the westway. Potter around there and then wander back the way you came and hang a right to lunch outside at the pretty Italian Osteria Basilico. Check out Couverture & The Garbstore then back onto the market walking through the antiques area until you reach Westbourne Grove, head left and discover designer goodies at Joseph, Maje, Sandro, Les Petites and my fave Heidi Klein (which is now on sale). Don't miss the Mary’s Living & Giving shop at number 177. Then treat yourself to scones and elderflower water (wild) at Daylesford Organic. A pretty perfect London day.

i've got fleas on my roof

We don't get much vintage/market action here but a wave of creativity seems to be taking over our ickle island and it is very nice to see. This Saturday the stylish people from Select 18 vintage store are hosting a Rooftop Flea Market sale from 12 - 8pm. Head to Roof Top, 3-5 Jervois Street, Wing Fat Building, Sheung Wan.

friday500 diy

This week girlies its DIY. Find your own friday500 at the fair. Seek out the stunning Bejewelled Bespoke Designs. Earrings, necklaces, embellishment and bling to make your heart sing. Look out for the stall on the corner of Graham and Staunton Street, just outside Jaspas, where the glamorous Trish will be selling her designs. See you there on Sunday xx

joyce thinks she has big thighs

I mean, honestly, she's the size of a cotton bud. Joyce and I are close, we share the same views on boys, clothes, shoes, handbags, all the vital things in life. She is a style queen, she makes me laugh and the thought of losing touch with her makes me cry. Her hubbie doesn't like her vampy nail polish or her fab smokey eye make up, I tell her she looks like a fox. She is gorgeous, intelligent, kind and funny. She's also a seriously good shopper. I seethe with envy every time she returns from lunch with awesome new clothes, which she gets for the price of one of my pedicures. Yesterday I was lucky enough to be taken on a trip to her fave place on Wing Kut Street in Sheung Wan, to a small stall about half way down on the left. You have to hunt but they have great coats, dresses and tops for around HK$58 - HK$250. To find it look for all the fashiony types hovering around prizing out the great designer inspired pieces. Joyce bought a gorgeous cropped navy jacket with a wrap over collar. I got a teal polo neck for HK$50 and next door snaffled a cosy cardigan which was HK$89. On the way back we stopped off at her favourite bargain jewellery store, KingsiCe Camkang at number 30, it is totally overwhelming, you have to stand back and drink in the necklaces, hair bobbles, earrings and quite a bit of naff stuff. Success again, we purchased three great necklaces and I couldn't resist a hair bobble with a krispy kreme donut on it. Joyce bargained us down to HK$350 for the lot. Joyce you rock x

nesting

I have been neglecting you dear blog, I am so sorry. It's not you, it's me. I'm in nesting mode and homewares is the passion of the moment. I keep reaching for Grazia, my arm does a sharp turn and before I know it I've bought Homes and Gardens, Elle Deco and Living Etc. If you've been through it you will know it's an entirely new shopping pocket, similar to the second tummy you discover when the dessert menu arrives post scoffing a large main and a killer carb starter. Vietnam is the place to satisfy this homing urge. A quick hop and jump to Saigon and you are in silky, lacy, lacquer heaven. There are millions of places to go, but I would make sure you don't miss:
Liti 76E Le Thanh Ton Street, Dist 1 (+848 8247114) for vintage tea sets, pretty lace and antique jewellery boxes.
Song (next door) 76D Le Thanh Ton Street, Dist 1 (+848 824 6986) is sophisticated linens, soft and silky cushions and gorgeous silk and velvet throws. The pretty silk underwear bags are perfect Christmas presents for the girl that has everything.
Ben Thanh Market on Le Thanh Ton, is fantastic for bargain lacquer, clothing and handbags if you can handle the fishy smells, coach loads of tourists and haggling.
Mosaique Boutique 9B Mac Thi Buoi Street, Dist 1 (+848 8234634) for fabulous tall bamboo lamps with dimmer switches (mood lighting baby!), boudoir-like floor cushions in delicious pearly blues and soft pinks, and very stylish tableware.
Gaya 9 Ton That Thiep(+848 914 3769) for trendy lacquer items, yummy bed linen and funky lighting.