10 Christmas wreaths from the streets of London for Xmas 2012

Posted on December 14, 2012 by smudgetikka

A beautiful sunny morning a couple of days ago led me to search out this year’s Christmas wreaths and see what the popular trends were for this year in South West London.

Silver seems to have replaced gold for the glittery ones and while the red and green classic berries and pine styles are still predominant I love the few more individual customised styles I found this year with the Gingerbread cookie wreath a particular favourite and winner of my Martha Stewart award this season!

On the whole there seems to be a little more budget cutting this season with wreaths a bit smaller than last year and a little less decorative too, check out last years selection here.

My favourite Christmas wreath with Gingerbread cookie decoration for Xmas 2012

I love the simplicity and chic of this style of Christmas wreath.

A real beauty here, a deep red Xmas wreath with substance

Pearls and glass beads substitute for red berries on this classy Christmas wreath

Silver sparkle for a 2012 Christmas wreath, last year gold was the favourite choice.

Simple sprayed twine and a classic red ribbon wreath for Xmas 2012

The classic but beautiful red berry wreath for a budget Christmas 2012

A fun decorated wreath with what appear to be the contents of christmas crackers strewn upon it.

Retro styling, this Christmas wreath looks like it comes from the 1970′s

My own wreath this year was a press day gift at Wilkinsons and looks far more classy than it costs.

My own wreath this year was a press day gift at Wilkinson and looks far more classy than it costs. It can be decorated with the rather Ralph Lauren looking tartan bows and a fine copper wire thread of lights, or cinnamon and pine cones.

My Petersham Nurseries baubles are back up in my magnolia tree again this year but I also loved these cheery red ones from a local garden!

Wilkinson make your own wreath is available here.

All posts copyright Smudgetikka – permission must be asked for reproduction 2009 – 2012

Christmas Angels, new kids portraits from photographer Beatrice Heydiri

Posted on December 13, 2012 by smudgetikka

Wow, what a week for great kids photography this is turning out to be.

I love these new portraits by German kids fashion and advertising photographer Beatrice Heydiri, a range of Angels portraits but not all are so “angelic”

With the mix of teens and younger kids they have a very cool aesthetic and are a million miles away from the corny set they could have become.

Kids portrait photography from Beatrice Heydiri, amazing angel portraits for Xmas 2012

German born photographer Beatrice Heydiri’s amazing kids angel portraits for Xmas 2012

Beatrice Heydiri photographs a mix of teen and younger kids as Christmas angels for Xmas 2012

All posts copyright Smudgetikka – permission must be asked for reproduction 2009 – 2012

Harvey Nichols plumps for an Oriental Christmas for this years holiday windows.

Posted on November 18, 2012 by smudgetikka

Jewel toned and exotic, Harvey Nichols has spurned the normal Christmas window display for an Oriental theme inspired by the Oriental influence in fashion that has appeared over the last few months.

They look like a rather exotic version of Santa’s grotto as set up for Aladdin’s cave and its the opposite reaction to Selfridges who have piled all the traditional elements into one giant campaign with a twist on tradition itself.

Definitely a draw for a cold winters evening, they will entice visitors into the store with their richness but will they part them from their pounds? It remains to be seen.

Harvey Nichols Xmas 2012 Rich exotic Oriental window display for the Holiday season

Harvey Nichols Xmas 2012 Rich exotic Oriental window display with an emphasis on gilded cages.

Harvey Nichols Xmas 2012 Glowing paper lanterns show off accessories

Harvey Nichols Xmas 2012 Like an exploding firecracker, rich and enticing window display for the Holiday season

Harvey Nichols Xmas 2012, Oriental inspiration far removed from the traditional Christmas

Harvey Nichols Xmas 2012, luxe holiday window display

All posts copyright Smudgetikka – permission must be asked for reproduction 2009 – 2012

Italian fashion label Marni’s Christmas project – Children’s Imaginary World, T-shirts and bags with images from Kids around the world

Posted on November 15, 2012 by smudgetikka

Marni has again collaborated with children from underprivileged communities in Columbia, Tibet and Kenya who were invited to draw a story about the theme ‘ My Country’ for a Christmas charity project.

Their thoughts translated into whimsical images and Marni have transferred these into printed T-Shirts, toe bags and clutches.These limited edition items will be on sale exclusively in Marni boutiques and online. Proceeds will go towards schools and associations in a bid to raise hopes for the children’s futures.

Marni Children’s Imaginary World project for Holiday Christmas 2012

Marni Children’s Imaginary World tote bags and clutches exclusively at Marni boutiques for Xmas 2012

Liberty store children’s luxe Christmas windows for Holiday 2012.

Posted on November 14, 2012 by smudgetikka

Good to see great window display from Liberty store for the kids Christmas holiday selections and how perfect does the Belgium label Rita co Rita gold dress look for Christmas parties!

I popped into the store last week and snapped some of the current children’s floor offerings, it was interesting to see the Liberty print Bugaboo buggy and also the varieties of the Liberty print baby bibs, a great gift for anyone struggling with not too expensive gifts for new parents this Xmas.