This Sunday’s snapshot is all about some new discoveries perfect for heading into spring. With the 70s revival going super strong, peasant blouses and fringing are just the thing for dressing up denim  and an ‘et voila’ easy approach…

I discovered the French Nina Kaufmann through Instagram and was blown away by the designs and well-made look of the pieces. And the prices are extremely reasonable, considering the cost of the stunning but eye-bogglingly expensive Talitha on Net-A-Porter. I immediately ordered two pieces – this top and dress – and was super impressed by the quality and authenticity, (if that makes sense!). So much so, I will definitely be returning for more and not sobbing over the prices of more expensive designers.

Karen Millen is one of those brands I have memories of shopping for my first formalwear for posh dos and smart workwear, but hasn’t really secured a place in my wardrobe since. However, I popped along to the press day for the first time last week and was super impressed by the chic styling on live models bringing to life some very covetable 70s styles – just-under-the-knee culottes (there’s a French term for this, anyone know?), shearling coats, leather dresses and muted, earthy knits for AW15. Definitely one to check out again – and this gorgeous little fringe purse was in the goodie bag. Not available till autumn, but how perfectly gorgeous is the fringe bucket in black? I also got to meet a fashion blogger I adore, Jesse from We The People Style who is every bit as friendly, fun and beautiful as she seems from her pictures. And on a final note, perusing the Karen Millen site for a friend who had asked some advice for a BAFTAs dress around the £250 mark, I was amazed at the brilliant and very wearable choices on offer, particularly this monochrome number which could be dressed up and down.

Now, some beauty. I popped along to the opening of a new Aesop store on Lambs Conduit Street which had been beautifully designed by artist duo James Plumb with thoughtful water features (a reference to Holborn conduit that supplied the street with water) and stunning copper shelving and sinks to display and try out products as well as a relax room with a day bed and chair to just chill in and courtyard garden. I’m just as enamoured with the Aesop philosophy, products and packaging as the rest of the world Instagram and a while ago splashed out on the divine Reverence Hand Wash and am now trying out the Fabulous Facial Cleanser. Did you know the brown glass of the bottles protects the product so less preservatives have to be used? 

Weleda is another brand I’m revisiting. Such a healthshop staple. For some reason back in the day when I first started exploring natural ‘free-from’ skincare brands I never really gelled with the products. But I’m now trying out a few pieces from the range, including the Almond Soothing Facial Lotion for sensitive skin which is lightish in texture but wonderfully nourishing on the face. I’m lready considering making it my daily face cream! And I’m going to test out the aluminium-free Sage Deodorant today to see how it fares… Never quite sure how well natural deodorants work, despite being convinced they’re the right choice; I tend to wear only at home or on non-strenuous days!

Urban Outfitters is one of those shops that just keeps on giving. As well as an amazing homeware range including rugs and sofas (do check the website, as homeware is not displayed in store) they also have a little beauty thing going on and at the press day I discovered certified organic Australian brand Antipodes (100 natural ingredients, 70-95% of which are organic) which from the hand & body cream I’ve tried so far is delicious smelling and hydrating without being greasy on the hands. And the little pot of Goe Oil all-purpose natural balm is so yummy smelling, I want to eat it. I think it’s the Jojoba oil…

And finally, this week saw the launch of my strap collaboration project with Olympus and the fab Sail Handmade. We’ve created a limited edition set of straps for the Olympus Pen E-PL7 which are currently available as gift with purchase of the Pen E-PL7 at selected John Lewis stores until May 15. Read all the deets here!

Happy Sunday all!