Faithful friends ....

Over the past eight years we have seen products come and go, best-sellers change according to fashion and trends, have worked consistently hard to source and find great new things for our customers and remain a lifestyle boutique which offers a coveted sense of style and inspiration. We have a few long-standing relationships which have been part of lavender/room from the very beginning, remaining faithful and reliable friends, so much so that we think it's worth singing their praises! The gorgeous leather bags and purses from Mimi have been a real winner with our customers, and staff, and continue to deliver fresh, on-trend designs with impeccable quality and finish. The silver Evelyn bag has been our best-selling bag of all time, can be spotted on the most stylish of Brighton girls, and is now exclusive to lavender/room. For fashion, we have been loyal to one label which delivers each season, year upon year, with small, limited edition pieces. It is the one label with us which demands a waiting list! Baby Ceylon has it's very own unique style and fabric (viscose crepe which makes the sizing remarkably flexible) and has a refreshingly flattering and uber sexy cut, which works on a wide age and size range. Infact it's this, I believe, is it's huge appeal and success. If you haven't experienced it yet, come and take a look, we have just had our second delivery of the season, but I warn you ... it won't be on the rails for very long!

Emerald Street ... the place I like to visit every day

How many newsletters are you currently signed-up to receive? And do you open them all and read them? If I'm honest, whether I open them always depends on how I'm feeling, how much I've got on at the time they pop into my inbox, and also whether they have a track record of capturing my attention and interest. It's getting harder and harder for companies to think of fresh, inspiring, current topics to talk about, but I have found a new one who is doing just that for me right now. Emerald Street is part of the great, relative new-comer, magazine Stylist, and offers advice and information on fashion, beauty and, what I like it best for, culture. There is always loads of great reviews on the coolest and most happening bars and restaurants, exhibitions, city breaks etc and is such a good little read, just like flicking through the best pages of your favourite magazine. It's the one newsletter I am looking forward to getting through every day. Sign-up too and enjoy!

Our Festival highlights ....

Brighton Festival kicked off last weekend with the ever brilliant and joyous Children's Parade, and the equally marvellous and completely enchanting Jardin Flambeau which if you ever get the chance to see, you must, must go! One of our lovely city parks was transformed with fire lanterns and sculptures which was a truly magical spectacle. Both of these events were 'Outdoor', which is, I believe, Brighton Festival at it's best, and really helps to bring the city alive and thousands of people together. So this weekend we're looking forward to more outdoor fun and our hot Festival tip is, without a doubt ..... Gramoulinophone. Get over to the Pavilion Gardens (one of my favourite venues for the Festival) on Saturday or Sunday this weekend and let these French Street Theatre supremo's take you on their magical mystery journey. It looks absurd, surreal, and lots of fun ... I can't wait. It's free, and I predict this will be the one everyone will be talking about next week! Roll on le weekend and see you down there.

Brighton and the month of May

May is my favourite month as a Brightonian. The City comes to life and celebrates everything which is great about living in this wonderfully colourful city. May is the month of the Brighton Festival, The Brighton Fringe Festival and the Artist Open Houses Festival.

This year the Artist Open Houses (AOH) celebrates 30 years since Brighton's first resident opened their doors to the public, and is the biggest and oldest event of its kind in the country.

AOH is a fantastic and unique opportunity to view work in artists’ homes and studios and to buy directly from the artist or maker. And in all honesty, I also simply enjoy having a look around other people's homes, having cups of tea and eating cake!

More than 1,000 artists are exhibiting their work at over 250 venues, spread across the city of Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area. The 2011 Festival dates are May 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd and 28th & 29th. For further information click here

Finally it's here... hello Spring we've been expecting you... Had to tear myself away from sitting in the Pavilion Gardens soaking up the sun. Glorious day here in Brighton. This is what Brighton life is all about. We're not good at gloomy grey days. Happy Days x

Weekends away until Spring is upon us ....

A few of us were lucky enough to have spent, separate, weekends away last week, which helps enormously with getting us through the last long months of winter. Two very different weekends; one a beautiful, relaxing time with girlfriends at a wonderful 'country' spa, great company, a beautiful environment, heavenly food and wonderful treatments at the Spread Eagle Hotel Spa in Midhurst, West Sussex. The other to celebrate a 40th birthday party, at Hill House, in the Cotswold's; not quite so relaxing (due to party fun!), but still a gorgeous environment in a stunning setting. So we think both deserve a mention and our recommendation, if you are lucky enough to be able to pop off and indulge in a weekend away!

I wish .....

Wouldn't it be great if you got exactly what you wished for this Christmas, or for your next birthday? The right lingerie set, in the right size! A gorgeous leather handbag that you can't believe your husband chose himself! Or a beautiful pair of earrings that go amazingly well with your party dress! Well now you can get exactly what you want, if you make a Wish List with us. Come in and see us, write down all the things you covet at lavender/room on your own Wish List card, tell your friends and loved ones that you have a list with us and then ... start dropping hints! And prepare yourself for a very happy Christmas.