Saima Says Style

So I mentioned on Monday that I found a great lifestyle and fashion store during my time in Ireland. Avoca stocks a whole manner of things from tableware to t-shirts. I don’t think my photos do justice to exactly how magical the place was. Little shabby chic trinkets displayed in vintage cabinets, quirky clothes hung from racks and an old greenhouse storing Cath Kidson items. They even had a food hall and cafe! I fell in love with the place and dragged my husband there the following day. I wanted to move in

Speaking to one of the shop assistants, it seems that Avoca is a family run business which originated in the Republic of Ireland. The story starts on a family mill about 280 years ago. They now have eight stores altogether, including one in Maryland, USA.

There were so many items I wanted to purchase but since room in my suitcase was limited, I had to control myself. In the end, I bought myself a Tea Time book as I am obsessed with cookbooks recently. This is a great little book, beautifully illustrated with recipes to satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.

So how about the giveaway competition I mentioned earlier? Well, I also picked up the same book and a very cute tote bag to give to one very lucky reader of this site. All you have to do to be eligible to win is comment on this post saying “Yes, please!” and also tell us which shops you wish you could spend the day in. Deadline to enter is Thursday 12th March and the winner will be chosen at random on Friday. Good luck!

Last year, when I visited France, I came across a great home decor store called Maisons du Monde. They had such a wide variety of styles in their tableware and furniture that frankly I wanted to take it all home! The pieces I loved best were there Moroccan and French Chic styles, complete opposites but equally gorgeous. They also had a lot of mini dessert pots with matching spoons, something I’ve never seen in the UK. I’m not sure if it’s part of French culture but I thought the idea was adorable so of course I picked up my own set in their brightly coloured Provence range.

My only regret is not getting more but with limited space issues I vowed to return when I get a bigger house and stock it with their beautiful products. Unfortunately they don’t stock their tableware on the site so you’ll have to visit one of their stores in France…an excuse for another holiday! 

As I mentioned, I love their Moroccan furniture and can definitely see myself decorating a conservatory or sun room in this style.

A wise man once said that if you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life. I’d be inclined to agree; there’s always something to do in this city and I enjoy every minute of it. I’d love to bring some London “souvenirs” into my home and I think these items would be a perfect way to show my love for London.

1. Tube Map Mirror – £59.99
2. London transport canteen teapot – £14.67
3. London Tray – £28
4. Telephone Box Money Box – £4.99

I’m going vintage crazy at the moment and it’s all Etsy’s fault. Not only are these olde worlde goods fab but you’re helping the environment too by recycling; bonus!

This pink and brown sugar and creamer set has made it onto my wishlist recently. I love this colour combination (it was the theme for my wedding!) and I think the set would look great coordinated with pink cups, a brown teapot and this Gingerbread Man bottle (filled with honey), all set up on your breakfast table.

Are you a fiend for all things vintage? Tell us about your favourite vintage purchase.

I heard someone on the radio say that Valentine’s Day is “looming”; a bit sinister dontcha think?! Well here are some heart themed gifts to bring the sweetness back into your weekend. (I think the heart plates would look just as nice as decor on a kitchen wall.)

1. Hearty Tea Pot Set – $140 (delivery to UK available)
2. Pack of 4 Sweetheart plates – £18
3. Heart Measuring Cups – £4.50