top drawer London, Sept '12

On Monday I visited Top Drawer "The UK's leading event for design-led gifts, lifestyle &; fashion accessories" with my mum, Joy Everley ( her website , her blog page ). We were not there to trade, just to have a wander about and explore! I haven't been to a trade-show since I was a pre-teen but I remember my mum doing them loads when I was little and coming home with exciting presents.

Our passes and the business card of a guy with the sweetest name!

I am so glad that most traders don't let you buy retail at the show as there was SO much temptation! So in no particular order, here is some stuff that I saw and liked!

1. This Gatsby poster

http://www.spinelessclassics.com/

These were just great. All of the words from a variety of books and fairytales presented on posters and cards. I saw something similar in the restaurant of The Victoria, Holkham, where they have a large portrait of Queen Victoria where the image is made up of the words of her biography in teeny tiny handwriting - amazing!

2. These jewellery cases

http://madelcar.es

I adored these classic jewellery cases which we may be stocking this Christmas so keep a look out!

3. Maggie Angus' Gold Flapper

www.maggieangus.com

I finally read The Great Gatsby a couple of weeks ago (I had to get in there before the new film taints it for me forever) so now I am a little bit obsessed with all things Gatsby. Maggie Angus had a variety of cute designs in laser-cut perspex but the gold flapper dancer is my absolute favourite!

4. Bianca Jones' Postcards

www.biancajones.co.uk

Bianca Jones is actually a jeweller who makes lovely romantic pieces in sterling silver but what drew me to her stand were these gorgeous postcards which she has also designed. Many of her necklaces come packaged in a similar envelope-style cards and the overall effect is a perfect balance of nostalgia and style.

5. This iPad case (but in red)

www.byronandbrown.co.uk

This was probably my biggest temptation of the day. I have been searching for a while for a genuine leather iPad case in a nice soft, thin leather - just enough to protect the screen from scratches without adding a massive amount of weight to it. Most things I've seen are made with quite heavy leather and bold stitching but these were just nice and simple. 

6. This great big cuff

www.azuni.co.uk

We had a nice long chat with the gentleman at the Azuni stand while I couldn't help picking up and touching all of these great bold textured pieces.

7. The adorable Zoo in Box

wwww.talesfromtheearth.com

The picture doesn't really show how tiny these silver animals are, any of them would look dwarfed by being placed next to a penny! Each animal represents different family qualities and I supposed it would make a lovely baby gift for the baby to appreciate when they are older. I have just always loved miniature worlds (doll's houses etc.) so I obviously loved this.

8. Best postcards ever

http://another-studio.com/

It's a postcard. You open it and it becomes a living garden. It's my fascination with miniature worlds again. And there is a whole variety of different scenes that would be cute as postcards on their own but become magical by adding life to them including little woodland cottages with tiny card children dashing towards the forest of watercress!

9. These tagua nut animals

www.justtrade.co.uk

Unfortunately the website doesn't have pictures of my favourite pieces - little round white animals that have a sheen to them as though they were carved from polished ivory - but this little owl is made from the same material, the tagua nut! I had never heard of this nut before but it really does have a similar quality to ivory without the ethical issues and this company overall has very good ethical credentials being fair trade and supporting local communities.

10. This incredible furniture

www.starbay.com

I cannot even begin to explain how and why this furniture is so awesome. Just click the link. We may be using one of their dressing tables in a window display soon...

That's all!

xxx