where the calm things are
by agatha a nitecka
11th August 2011

It's not too often that one comes across a store so fantastically curated, you wish you had the money to buy it all. And I mean, absolutely all of it. So when I came across Mjölk, I knew I had to share it with you.

Mjölk’s Scandinavian-inspired collection is curated by owners John Baker and Juli Daoust. Most products are either made from natural leather or wood, and I admire them for this consistency.

Doesn't browsing though their beautiful lifestyle store make you feel calm and soothed? It works wonders for me, especially on a difficult day.

There are some beautiful things to gaze at, like this handmade laptop case:

oh comely fashion

The leather used is soaked in tanning liquor derived from oak bark for six weeks, and then dried out for several days. And is there anyone who could resist this handcrafted Japanese mug?

oh comely fashion

Browse the store for other lovely wooden products: various plates, butter cases and egg cups. I think their concrete shaving kit deserves a lot of attention too, so don't miss it!

an ode to rucksacks
by agatha nitecka
24th June 2011

Summer time is wandering time. Just think of all the different festivals, camping opportunities, hiking trips and seaside visits to enjoy!

I don't think there's a better accompaniment to summer wanderlust, than a nice rucksack. It's such a practical item, yet still very fun and quirky.

oh comely five

Photo: Rucksacks from Ally Capellino and Paul Smith Jeans.

And they work wonders if you have to stay in the city. I'm sure it'll make you feel better and will bring a smile to your co-commuter's faces too; or at least I'll smile when I see you passing by. When someone is wearing a nice rucksack, I always assume they must be in a playful mode. So, wear one with pride and a cheeky smile!

oh comely five

Photo: Floral print Asos rucksack.

pedal your way into summer
by agatha nitecka
21st June 2011

Surely you all love cycling on a beautiful summers day, with your dress flapping in the wind, and hair getting in your eyes in the sweetest possible way.

Now there's another reason to fall in love with cycling. A brand new family of push bikes, called BEG Bicycles, has been launched just two months ago. A small, family run company based in Cambridge, BEG Bicycles offer custom made bicycles from Belgium. 

beg bicycles

They also make hand-built sit up bikes, and vintage inspired cycling accessories. Their website is full of great pictures too, which almost smell of the best things that the British countryside has to offer.

beg bicycles

My choice from their accessories would be the robust and roomy wooden delivery crate, or perhaps it's all the lemonade in it that I want! I think it's a very original alternative to the usual willow basket look. Although the BEG baskets are made in Somerset, and definitely worth a look.

beg bicycles

You can also treat yourself to a lovely picnic rug with straps, classic leather satchel or, my favourite, the adorable mini flask.

Plus, rumour has it, and you've heard it here first, that they are almost done with their autumn collection featuring more accessories for men and stylish helmets. 

the story behind our cover for issue six
by agatha a nitecka
17th June 2011

issue six heidi leung cover

Agatha A Nitecka shot the cover of issue six. Here she describes how the photo came about:

Last summer I went to see the fashion degree show at Central Saint Martins. I enjoyed it greatly: CSM students never fail to impress me with their ideas and skills. When I was preparing the shoot for our June/July issue, I wanted to keep all the looks quite simple and comfortable, yet soft and feminine. There was one piece that I remembered very well, a dress by Heidi Leung. It was exactly what I had in mind for my shoot. Made in wool gauze, it looked light and delicate yet felt very comfortable, and rather organic. Heidi later on told me that her BA collection was "about romance for a woman who doesn't look like she needs it, but wants it."

The dress from a distance looks almost like a simple, classic long shirt, but closer you notice the slightly thicker fabric, which forms a shell-like form embracing the breasts. I love its texture. It's a heartwarming dress, almost literally. It's a dress that makes you smile and think of Californian sun (where Heidi is originally from, maybe she poured her warmth and loveliness into her collection?).

Later on in February Heidi mentioned that she has been working on her second collection, which she wanted to submit to this year's Fashion Fringe. I never doubted that she would get in, and I now have some great news: Heidi is the finalist of the Fashion Fringe.

The model was Stacy Martin, and her hair was styled by Sergio Renis, who was interviewed by Agatha about the art of hair in issue six.

in praise of menswear
by agatha nitecka
1st June 2011

I'm a tomboy at heart. I steal my boyfriends clothes, and just can't stop myself. At first they think it's sweet, kind of cute. Later on they realise it is not a passing phase and grow slightly worried.

I haven't found an explanation for this habit yet, perhaps there isn't any. But somehow my days are better when I wear menswear. The designs are often simple and practical, concentrating on little details. They express an attentive approach to fashion.

I think Margaret Howell's collection is a perfect solution to my slight obsession. 

agatha tomboy

Her designs are delightful. I should simply switch to unisex collections, or designers like this. 

 

agatha tom boy

What are your favourite tomboy-friendly brands?

clothes to feel good about
by rosanna durham
16th April 2011

Sometimes clothes just make me feel better. And I feel better the more I know about Element Eden, a fashion brand with an eco-conscience and a group of very fantastic women advocates behind it.

element eden summer 2011

Element's Conscious by Nature collection, for example, presents simple, fitted T-shirts and tops made using environmentally kind materials and manufacturing processes.

element eden summer 2011

Their Summer 2011 lookbook is online now. Have a flick through and get excited about the summer ahead. For now, Element are also running a wee competition where you can win some of their designs. 

five things to do with flowers
by agatha nitecka
9th April 2011

What to do with flowers? Here are five ideas. 

One. Put some in your hair. Fresh flowers, that is.

Two. Look at these amazing pieces from Stella McCartney's Spring 2011 collection.

oh comely five

 

Three. Give them away. Where I come from, girlfriends give each other flowers from time to time for no apparent reason. It's just plain nice. After all, your best friend stands by you when you laugh or cry - or both at the same time.

Four. Eat them. Have you heard about a flower salad? I had it once and it was to die for. It's worth investigating since there are many edible flowers around, and Spring is now officially here. There is cherry trees blossom on my street.  

Five. Put them on your face. Yes, I do mean your face and I have the best intentions. Next time some products and recipes will be revealed, so stay tuned!

oh comely five

tatty devine's creative jewellery
by beth davis
4th April 2011

Last Thursday, we popped in to see the lovely people at Tatty Devine for a sneak preview of their Autumn/Winter collection called Finders Keepers. I can't give too much away, but this photo sums up how it made me feel. 

oh comely five

For now, their Astral Haze collection is enough of a distraction until later in the year when Finders Keepers is unveiled. Just look at those crystal rings.

illustrations to look happy wearing
by agatha nitecka
18th March 2011

I'm looking forward to Autumn already after seeing designer Olivia Rubin's speech bubble jumper from her A/W 2011 collection.

olivia rubin

For now, her brick printed t-shirt is perfect for Spring and sweetening the long wait for Autumn. But in the meantime, where's the sun?

olivia rubin

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