Fresh. Contemporary. And seriously accessible furniture. That’s what the just-launched online store, Block Basics, is all about. We already know (and LOVE) all Block & Chisel has to offer, and Block Basics is curated by the same team – yay! Co-founder Paul McAdam explains, ‘We wanted to create a collection of clever, on-trend and multi-purpose furniture for modern living, aimed at people with not much spare time but who value good design.’ The collection’s quite trendy, and easy to mix-and-match (the site gives some styling inspiration too). There’s only a small stock of each item … which is great for those who’re after unusual and exclusive pieces. Details: blockbasics.co.za
A (really gorgeous) excuse to wear your PJs all day
If ever there was a perfect excuse for a ‘pajama day’, the Top Drawer Collection is giving us one! Think personalised PJs and gowns that are really worth drooling over … although you wouldn’t want to ruin them! There’s a choice of three different fonts for a personal touch of embroidery. You could have your name or, if you’re a bride-to-be, think of having ‘Bride’ and ‘Bridesmaid’ for the morning of your big day. (For brides, we particularly like the classic white PJs with black piping.) They’ll arrive at your door packaged with yet another personal touch … a greeting card. Founder Carla Frankel started the business just over a year ago and it already has an impressive social media following. Carla explains, ‘We focus on bringing together luxury design, fine craftsmanship and bespoke gifting.’ The business supports local manufacturing – with its factory right here in Joburg. Carla adds that by supporting the collection, one is ‘choosing a culture that promotes an ethical lifestyle and focuses on the upliftment of not only our community, but the skilled hands behind each garment’. From R875 for signature gowns and R899 for the classic sleepwear.
Details: topdrawercollection.com
Pringle of Scotland’s gorgeous argyle patterns are easy to recognise … and soon you’ll spot them in H&M stores in a collaboration that puts a sporty spin on traditional knitwear. Animal lovers … you can find dog sweaters in matching prints and colours! The collection drops on March 26 – in time for cooler autumn days. We’ve got our eyes on this smart scarf, R179. Details: hm.com/za
Last month we told you about the oh-so-trendy accessories for men in the spring/summer range of Lalela Scarf … and when we saw the new fine leather accessories, we gasped, ‘We want!’ We have a feeling you will too… The handbags-cum-clutches are adorable – and lovely accessories for wedding season. There are also some gorgeously bright luggage tags – handy for spotting your suitcase on the airport carousel. The most charming part? The artwork’s designed by youngsters in NPO Lalela’s arts education programme. The designs are then digitally printed onto the leather, giving the bags a natural texture. Lalela Scarf’s design director, Sandy Tabatznik, explains when scarves are worn it can be difficult to see the artwork. ‘I wanted to create a product that better showcased the beautiful designs by our students. Bags and luggage tags were the perfect medium,’ she says. Clutches, R1600; handle clutch bag, R1960. Details: [email protected] or thelalelascarf.org
Metal mesh materials are all the rage when it comes to lighting in home decor … and the Denmark range of wire mesh lights from The Lighting Warehouse are super-chic and create an enchanting light pattern when switched on. There are a few styles in the range (starting from R999). We particularly like this floor lamp (R1999). Details: lightingwarehouse.co.za
