Thrift = Style

Make Do and Mend, the iconic guide to thrift first published in 1943, appeared in the UK at a time when both food & clothing were being rationed. While we don't seem to be headed there, the current economic outlook does appear to have led to a newfound appreciation for the 'home arts'. With an interesting impact on what's in Vogue. Literally.

According to the May issue of British Vogue, Liberty of London has re-opened the doors to its sewing school. Liberty Stitch is offering full day workshops in sewing, knitting, crochet & 'patchwork'. 

And Smythson of Bond Street, a luxury purveyor of leather goods owned by (among others) a banker from Goldman Sachs, has featured a 'Sewing Box'* in its newly launched Peppermint Collection. 

Interesting to note that the pale mint, ostrich-embossed calf leather box will likely retail for > $1,000US  -- a price that's a bit more ironic than iconic.

{*also via Style Court)

What Women Want

According to Wikipedia, the Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that, in the US, men spend on average twice as much money as women.

Consider this my effort to ensure those dollars are well-spent.

A Smythson fuchsia calf notes book (for extra points, add a love letter to your sweetie on the first page), $180

 

No man or woman will ever want to take off this lucky charm once it is tied, states Hermes regarding its new Cartouche bracelet in silver & evercalf leather, $405

Chocolate never fails, especially the Love Tower from Vosges Haut Chocolate, $58

For an old-school romantic, the sterling Tiffany Notes locket, $450 (+ charming picture of you)

100 pink Sarah Bernhardt peonies from fiftyflowers.com, $440

You get the idea...