Anyone for Tennis?

There's a reason why the sun hasn't been shining and we feel we've stepped back to Autumn. Glastonbury? .... yes there's that, but we're thinking more 'stylish event' than 'mudbath' ..... Wimbledon! Those poor people who have got the day off work to watch hot players like Nadal and Federer (my favourite) sweat it out on the court, enjoy champagne and strawberries and enjoy a day of excitable atmosphere, are getting wet! Typical. End of June, wet weather, it's time for tennis! Wimbledon is always a big date in the English social calendar but more so this year as it celebrates it's 125th anniversary. And what better way to celebrate than having Ralph Lauren re-design the Wimbledon uniforms! We love the preppy look, emblazoned with the distinguishable Ralph Lauren Polo logo. If you're lucky enough to be going, check out the new style, it's a nice little moment of sporting fashion!

Luxurious and Romantic, introducing the delightful products of Lollia ....

When I come across a brand which encompasses luxury with femininity and romanticism, in both product and packaging, I get very excited. It feels like someone has got it exactly right for me, because I am a girl's girl at heart and revel in the prettiness and the flirtiness and the innocent beauty of being female. The latest products to capture my girly heart come from Lollia, who produce beautiful, high-end, bath and body products. Their range has wonderful stories such as, Breathe, Imagine, In Love, Wish, Calm, Inspire. What girl wouldn't want to feel and be all of those things? The packaging is decoratively illustrated with blossom branches and birds and feels just as delicate as the products themselves. It's for this reason that Lollia products make wonderful gifts; not only are you giving a very sophisticated beauty product but you're affirming some beautiful philosophy of pure, timeless romanticism which doesn't get shared as often as it should.
Here at lavender/room we're currently stocking Lollia handcremes and fragrances and they are attracting quite a following. You can have a look at products here, pop in to see us at the Brighton store, or call us to place an order over the phone! 01273 220380

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