And then there were three...

Our newest, incredibly divine arrival, is another blue one!  Another darling Cub to add to the pack.  Kit Fox Rocket arrived into the world three weeks ago and I will happily admit that I am on a totally different planet to the one I usually inhabit.  Three boys under five is quite something.  The last three weeks have passed in a total and utter blur and I have no idea how the hell I'm ever going to get anything done ever again. Thankfully my brain has signed off meaning I actually can't think any further than that thought.  I guess Mother Nature's kind like that.

The smallest new Cub

So far, the hardest part has been attempting to give all three equal amounts of love and attention, pretending that the smallest Cub's arrival hasn't changed a thing.  The bigger two are not impressed by this new intruder.   Not remotely enjoying his 24/7 crying or the fact that he gets to cling to me all day long.  The first glimpse of the dodgy-looking tummy button cord on night one sent the bigger one into a total spin. Proper hysteria/hyperventilating for a good hour. And then he wouldn't come anywhere near him until it had fallen off.  

Not wanting to scare them about the whole birthing process, they're blissfully unaware of the agony of my c-section scar.  So to them, seeing as I'm no longer a "massive fatso", my role as playmate/punchbag has been instantly resumed.  Coming up with creative reasons for why I can't yet roll around on the floor being a Ninja Turtle or bounce on the trampoline fighting Lego ninjas, is a full time job in itself. 

Although progress has been made.   He earnt their respect after covering me and my brand new J Crew pyjamas with jet propelled, yellow diarrhoea whilst we were all lying in bed this weekend.  Result.  So slowly, I think we'll get there.  I may be black and blue and covered in poo but I have a good feeling about our new life with three...

All I want for Christmas...

Chaz has been asking where this year's Christmas present guide is for days.  Not for himself of course but for all those husbands out there - in Shanghai apparently - who are relying on me to help them shop for their wives.    So here it is;  rather later than planned I'm sorry.  I seem to have gone for (mega) quality over quantity - not many stocking fillers here. I'll do a 'part two' filled with smaller, more purse friendly ideas later this week.

Top top top of my list - and I imagine every other girl in the world - are these Chloe, navy, suede Susannah boots.  These will keep you in the good books for years to come. Maybe even centuries. 

Zimmerman celestial swimsuit.  Perfect for a bit of New Year tanning.  If this is a bit loud/too covered up, try one of Lisa Marie Fernadez's towelling creations.

A Tibi red faille skirt.  A red, silk, pouffy sensation.  Girls dream about skirts like this.

Sibella Court's newest book Gypsy

A Hugo Guinness print or painting

This 'Giraffes' painting by Roger Hilton

A plane ticket somewhere hot, sunny and beach trimmed.  

I'd like one to Singapore to see my tiny new Godson.  

A flower arranging course at The Little Flower school in Brooklyn.  Or if you're UK based, maybe one slighter nearer home like Judith Blacklock's.

J Crew embellished sweatshirt. 

This one's quite a fancy one but the new J Crew shop is so full of sensational sparkly numbers you can't really go wrong.  I'm not sure if J Crew has reached Shanghai yet...  

J Crew navy cashmere tunic

Boys, this may look like a boring old blue jumper but don't be fooled.   It's jumper perfection.  And if she/you are bored by the blue, they offer them in a whole colour wheel of colours.  

Emma Bridgewater splatters.  

This pattern was originally made as a one off for Liberty.  Thank God they have come to their senses and are now selling a few special bits online.

Sophie Hulme ponyskin tote

The whole collection is a sensation and you can't really go wrong.  The cross body bags are especially wondrous.

I am permanently wanting a new look at home and would love nothing more than a huge box of Designer's Guild Amrapali peony wallpaper to redecorate our bedroom in.  For something a little less bold have a look at the equally beautiful Barneby Gates papers.

Some people I know wouldn't be thrilled to find an old carpet under the tree.  I for one though would be over joyed.  In fact I would love any of Penny Morrison's heavenly rugs.  Or lampshades or cushions for that matter.  For a cushion lover, Rifat Ozbek and Erdal Karaman's Yastik collection can't be beaten.

Chaz absolutely does not get my obsession with old china.  I think it could be a girl thing.  The line between good and bad china is a fine one and one that unless you're 100% sure of what you're buying, should maybe be left alone.  Did I mention the Chloe boots?

However, if you do find your self surrounded by good antique spoils look out for pink lustre or speckled blue spongewear.  I always find jugs and loving cups go down very well.

Happy Christmas!

x

J Crew Love

Every week Chaz and I while away many an hour working out how we are going to spend the forthcoming £80 million lottery winnings that we are obviously about to win.  It's always pretty identical to the week before; A month in the Maldives, a house in London, a swanky new car... A cleaner, new curtains and a whole new, big, shiny, massive wardrobe for me. I often then have to choose only one shop to spend my share of the winnings. Until now, it's always been Chloe.  Hands down, no questions asked.  I then went to the J Crew shop that's just opened on Brompton Cross. I love you Chloe but I'm moving on.

People have been raving about J Crew for years and I now get it.  I could quite happily throw out my whole wardrobe and start again here.  It's full of the most exquisite treasures I've seen in a long time.  Jewelled sweatshirts, cashmere in every possible colour in every possible shape; Printed, pouffy, party skirts; metallic brocade trousers, sparkly collared cashmere overcoats...  And the shoes. I've written about these before but all lined up together, words cannot explain their beauty.

The slight problem is the price tags.  They are supposedly three times more expensive here than they are in the States. Lying in bed last night I was trying to work if it was actually cheaper to buy a flight to the US, stock up over there and come home again.

But then I suppose if I've got £80 million to play with, who really cares?

www.jcrew.com

J Crew Shoe Sensations

Obviously on my quest for the perfect wedding outfit, I meant shoes too. J Crew's latest Etta and Italian collections are making my heart beat slightly faster than usual.  It's a toss up between the glittery sparkles and the lilac snakeskins...

www.jcrew.com/uk