Let's fall in love...

Happy Valentine’s Day!


It’s funny how parents explaining the 'facts of life’ to their children are said to be talking about ‘the birds and the bees’. Especially as birds hatch out of eggs, and bees don’t even indulge in sexual activity as we know it. Bees provide a very curious model for adolescent love. According to Bee Wilson, author of The Hive: The Story of the Honeybee and Us, “all the (bee) boys want to sleep with a single girl, but the only ones who manage to do so are castrated and killed in their moment of success, while everyone else dies a virgin.”

I was surprised to learn that the sex life of bees remained a mystery for centuries and was only gradually unveiled in the eighteenth century. Bees are surrounded by honey, yet appear to be immune to the temptation of its sweetness. Perhaps this is why honey is found in celebrations of both sexual ecstasy and chaste worship?

For medieval Christians, bees came to represent the unique combination of productivity, order and chastity, towards which the monastic life aspired. And wax came to symbolize the most significant chastity of all: that of the Virgin Mary. Meanwhile, Kama, the Hindu god of love who gives his name to the Kama Sutra, is often shown riding on a sort of bee-cum-lion creature. This strange beast also appears on the side of honey jars in India, where the bee symbolizes the sweetness of love, as well as its sting. And the earliest stories of Cupid in the 5th century BC had him stealing honeycomb.



Then there are words like honeytrap – a way of snaring someone using sexual espionage or blackmail. And honeymoon. It’s said this may refer to the Viking custom whereby the bride and groom ate honeyed cakes and drank mead for the first month of their betrothal. But honey appears in the marriage rites of many cultures. Even today, in Morocco, the newly married groom is supposed to feast on honey for its aphrodisiac effects. And in Bulgaria, wedding cake with honey is rubbed over the face of the bridegroom.

Never mind their declining numbers, it’s no wonder bees have been getting so much publicity lately... If you’re bitten by the bug, you can try out beekeeping for beginners at the Chelsea Physic garden. Or alternatively indulge in some delicious English honey from Littleover Apiary. You can also read more about bee inspired product design in ShopCurious’s latest Curious Trends article. Or simply take inspiration from the famous Cole Porter song... birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it, let's do it, let's fall in love.

Will you?

Period elegance and Valentine vanity in Paris

I was wandering around the backstreets of Paris doing a spot of window shopping, when I accidentally stumbled upon the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais. This charming and romantic little treasure of a hotel looks absolutely perfect for a Valentine weekend in the city of love.

‘A rare piano forte from 1792, a card table, a fireplace, candles and chandeliers recreate the charm of a private town house in the Marais at the time of Beaumarchais and Mozart.’









The building is steeped in history, and named after the boisterous 18th century playwright, Beaumarchais, who lived nearby, and wrote The Marriage of Figaro in 1778 (adapted into the opera by Mozart in 1786).

Apparently, this is also where, in 1776, he founded the trading house from which George Washington was supplied with ships and gundpowder during the American Revolution until Independence in 1782.


The rooms are decorated in ‘fine fabrics in the style of the 18th century,’ and decked out with ‘antiques and period documents.’

What's more, the Marais is close to Notre-Dame and is a great area for quirky little shops, as well as some amazing museums. There’s a Louis Vuitton exhibition on until 27th February at the Musee Carnavalet, where some exceptionally luxurious luggage from the past two and a half centuries is on show. Included in this are some fabulous vanity cases with individually monogrammed pieces of dressing table ware.

Vintage dressing table sets have become very collectable and would make a lovely gift for Valentine’s Day (or any day for that matter).










Take a look at the selection available at ShopCurious. In fact, you could take this set (right) along to the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais and it wouldn’t look at all out of place. Though you may prefer to simply powder your wig.

Do you?

Curiosities of love

Got any plans for Valentine’s Day? A trip to the cinema perhaps?

The realities of being in a relationship are often far from the rose-tinted, idealized version we usually see on the big screen. However, a new film, Blue Valentine, directed by Derek Cianfrance aims to present an honest portrait of coupledom.






The couple in question, Michelle Williams as Cindy and Ryan Gosling as Dean, try to revive their failing marriage by going to a ‘theme hotel.’ The film compares the dreams of two people who were in love with the reality of the entrapment they’ve created.






The critics say: “Blue Valentine is not for the weak-hearted. It’s a dark tale that explores the reasons why we fall in love and provokes questions about examining our own loved ones. Like Dean and Cindy, you may not like what you find on the backend of the analysis, but you should be intrigued to have been challenged to do so.”

If you’re interested to know more, there’s an interview with Ray Gosling, along with some clips from the film on the BBC's website.




Or, if you’d prefer to stay in on Valentine’s Day, then simply cuddle up on the sofa and present your loved one with a beautifully blue vintage style Valentine heart from ShopCurious.

This unique gift can be worn as a brooch, but would also make a lovely addition to a homemade Valentine card - or a pretty keepsake and reminder of your everlasting love for each other…

Do you?

Taking the commemorative royal biscuit

In the previous post I forgot to mention some other useful gifts at ShopCurious: These characteful retro souvenir tins, commemorating royal weddings have just arrived. Not only do they come in handy for storing biccies and/or collecting curious stuff, but they’re also likely to appreciate in value - especially in view of the forthcoming demand for royal wedding memorabilia.









Despite the monarchy’s wealth and status, even Prince William and Kate Middleton seem to prefer life’s simple pleasures over the pomp and circumstance of ceremonial occasion. It’s a touching tribute to both Princess Diana and his future wife that, as someone who could have his pick of virtually any piece of designer jewellery in the world, Prince William chose to give Kate Middleton his late mother’s engagement ring as a gift of his love.






And it’s also a testament to the Prince and his future brides’ commitment to their country and its economic wellbeing that they’ve chosen to have a very formal and very public wedding. I don’t think Kate will be making her own wedding dress, but it’s good to note that our prospective King and Queen are a resourceful couple, who understand their duties and responsibilities - and seem genuinely able to identify with the thoughts, feelings and opinions of the average British citizen.























Anyway, I don’t care what anyone else says or thinks about previous royal weddings, I find Wills and Kate totally charming. And now I’m off to have a celebratory cheap and cheery cuppa. In fact, I was going to ask you to join me in commemorating the royal occasion by dunking a biscuit or two from one of these curiously collectable tins…but somebody seems to have eaten them all. You look awfully guilty…

Are you?

Pre-wedding butterflies?

If you’re planning to get married in the near future, you’re highly likely to suffer from pre-wedding nerves – often referred to as 'butterflies in the stomach'. Butterflies are symbolically associated with romance, and this strange ‘all of a flutter’ feeling is one you might also experience when you first fall in love.








Looks like Kylie Minogue is head over heels (in love) in the recent photo shoot by David Slijper for Elle magazine. On the cover of this June’s Elle, Kylie has literally got butterflies on her stomach… Okay, they’re acutally beautifully hand painted and embroidered onto the unique, vintage silk obi belt from ShopCurious that she’s wearing in the photograph.





Kylie now has “more than 22 years of pop stardom under her belt”, and many are wondering if she’ll ever settle down. Elle’s Kerry Potter asks Kylie if choosing a wedding dress is something that might eventually happen and, if so, who would she want to design it. Check out the article if you’re curious to know her answer to this and other fashion related questions, such as her favourite designers, costumes and style preferences.






I’m more curious to know what’s triggered the current trend for butterfly inspired accessories..

Are you?

Beyond love

What lies Beyond Love?
For Love never dies.
Love lasts forever.
Love transforms.
Love multiplies.
In the Lover’s eye,
ascending,
transcending mortality.
In the dance of the butterflies,
an ethereal coronation,
the perfect union.





Described by L’Officiel magazine as “one of the most original jewellery designers of her generation”, London based Brazilian, Marcelle Lawson-Smith is also something of a poet. Her verse, as well as her latest collection of digitally printed leather cuffs, are inspired by love’s power to transcend mortality.









Marcelle’s wedding to her English husband, twelve years ago, was an “unusual and elaborate celebration, with pairs of butterflies as its central theme – to represent eternal love.” One wall was covered by two thousand butterflies and Marcelle’s dress, the invitation and the wedding cake were all covered with pairs of butterflies.





Marcelle was also influenced by the symbolism of Victorian mourning jewellery when creating the vibrantly coloured pieces in her new range, which are available online, exclusively at ShopCurious.

In Victorian times, secret messages were sometimes hidden in small accessories. Butterflies, symbolizing resurrection (as in the metamorphosis from a chrysalis), were often depicted in sculptures and on cemetery headstones in Victorian graveyards.






Lover’s eyes were also popular as pieces of mourning jewellery, but some debate surrounds the details of their initial introduction to the UK. It is thought that they were originally used by secret lovers in the late 18th century – the Prince of Wales and Mrs Fitzherbert being widely cited. A unique collection of antique Regency curios, including lover’s eyes can be viewed on the romantic novelist, Candice Hern’s website.

Marcelle Lawson-Smith’s lover’s eyes are also based on William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 55:


“Not marble, nor the gilded monuments
Of princes, shall outlive this powerful rhyme;
But you shall shine more bright in these contents
Than unswept stone, besmear'd with sluttish time.
When wasteful war shall statues overturn,
And broils root out the work of masonry,
Nor Mars his sword, nor war's quick fire shall burn
The living record of your memory.
'Gainst death, and all oblivious enmity
Shall you pace forth; your praise shall still find room
Even in the eyes of all posterity
That wear this world out to the ending doom.
So, till the judgment that yourself arise,
You live in this, and dwell in lovers' eyes.”


Will you?

The curious accessories of Spring, tra-la!

I’m curious to know whether or not Goldfinches migrate, as they seem to return to the olive tree on my terrace every year. Last year the tree was used twice by the birds. It’s quite a responsibility having a nest of vulnerable little chicks just outside your window, especially if there are nasty magpies and crows about – but two successive broods of tiny chirping balls of fluff in one season can make life positively stressful.



Although one baby bird stayed in the nest until it grew so fat it was almost bigger than its temporary home, the most nail-biting time was when the chicks first left the nest. Most alarming of all, was the moment when one of the tiny birds, newly out of its nest and still being trained to fly, got stuck in a corner, behind a big plant pot - unable to fly upwards and over the glass screening around the terrace.

Several other birds (possibly parents, or from the same family) were equally distressed, but also unable to coax the bird out from behind the pot. It was particularly worrying that the apartment next door had a couple of cats. Eventually, the poor little bird was unceremoniously prodded to safety with the help of a long bamboo stick and then carefully lifted up and thrown into the air, whereupon a protective flock of fellow finches flew out of nowhere to surround the bird and encourage it on its way – an extraordinary act of nature and love that brought spontaneous tears of joy to my eyes.

The little creature flapped furiously and flew upwards and upwards… then faltered and crash-landed, inelegantly, in an even more confined space between a glass screen and window on a balcony of the building opposite. The concierge was duly called. The neighbours were away for the weekend, so there was nothing that could be done – apart from fretting. The amazing thing was that at least one bird kept watch over the little chick the whole time it was stuck in the crevice. The poor bird must have eventually regained enough strength to fly off, as at some stage during the following day, it simply disappeared.

I love this time of year: Nature’s so fascinating and it’s incredibly uplifting to hear the birds singing, especially in the early evening when, until very recently, it was totally dark. Goldfinches also have a rather quirky and amusing, yet strangely beautiful, way of flying – like they’re swimming the breaststroke in mid-air and then suddenly stopping and starting again...

If you’re also a bird lover, you might like the Hatastic Easter Bonnet that’s available at ShopCurious. Crafted from recycled bits and pieces, rather like a genuine bird’s nest, this unique creation has also been lovingly handmade. A totally original hat to wear to a Spring wedding or to Summer events, this eco-friendly fascinator is simply ‘eggcellent’. Just make sure there aren’t any broody birds around.

Will you?

I love (secret) New York

Happy Valentine’s Day! If you’re in The Big Apple for New York Fashion Week, you may be wondering how to find somewhere appropriately romantic to meet for drinks or dinner. I can suggest no better place for a lovers’ tryst than one of the city’s numerous speakeasies.

Speakeasies are named after the ‘underground’ bars that gained popularity during the Prohibition of the 1920s and early ‘30s. You usually have to book in advance so, first of all, you’ll need to find the contact details of one of these curiously clandestine venues, which can be a little tricky as they’re not that well publicized. And you’ll also need to know the password to get through the front door.







It’s rumoured that the trend for speakeasies was started by Sasha Petraske, owner of the infamous Milk & Honey (check out the curiously quirky house rules!) Others include The Back Room (aka The Lower Eastside Toy Company), reached via a rather ominous looking underground alley.






There’s a distinctly Victorian feel to the décor here – and the alcohol is served in teacups.

Many of the bars have a retro vibe and and the music is often of the old-fashioned jazz variety, in keeping with the original roots of the speakeasy. You’ll find the coolest mixologists (Ameri-speak for bartenders) – and some great food too.



I suggest you surreptitiously ask around, as there’s bound to be one of these covert establishments hidden away somewhere nearby. The telephone numbers are changed often, so further undercover investigations may be required in your search.

By the way, if you’ve got a suitably secret gift for your loved one, how about this mother of pearl inlaid vintage silver trinket box from ShopCurious to hide it in?

And shhhhhh... I have the address and current ‘phone number for Milk & Honey if you want it.

Do you?

Remember: love is timeless

In these fast-moving times, there's rarely an opportunity to sit back and spend a moment reflecting on what really matters: probably our family and our dearest friends.

Occasionally, we fall out with loved ones, or find ourselves distanced from those we’re emotionally close to. At some stage in life, it’s likely we’ll suddenly lose someone we love and realize we haven’t said all we really wanted to. Perhaps we’re rushing around so much, we forget how important it is to express our feelings … until it’s too late.




Recording feelings, thoughts and memories can be surprisingly rewarding, which is why, at ShopCurious, we’re offering a selection of journals to help you do just this. ‘From You to Me’ journals make really precious gifts – simply ask your loved one(s) to answer the questions in the book and return it to you, full of personal nostalgia and stories you’ve always wanted to know. Capture the memories and anecdotes of times spent with those special to you - and receive your own gift of love and friendship back again.








One of the journals, called These were the Days, is especially appropriate for anyone who’s leaving and moving on to pastures new. Whether you're graduating from school, university, taking up a new job, or moving abroad, this journal provides an opportunity to capture key memories and experiences from the people you've met along the way.








Alternatively, you may want to reflect on good times spent with your partner - or even an old flame, someone overseas, a mentor, or person who’s had a key influence in your life... Or, you may simply wish to recall experiences shared with a friend, relative or colleague you particularly admire, as a record for posterity.

It’s worthwhile taking a moment to remember those special to us. The gift of love is timeless.

Will you?

Sending love in style

In this age when so many of us are curiously self-obsessed, there’s still a chance to prove that genuine love is well and truly alive. Valentine’s Day may seem to you like a commercial conspiracy, but it’s also a rare opportunity to express our appreciation of and affection for our loved ones.

Valentine greetings can be traced back as far as Medieval times, but Valentine cards were first made in Britain in the early 19th century. Since then, all manner of cards, gifts and curios have appeared on the market. Last year, our custom made curious pop art rings were very popular - these were mainly requests from girls ordering miniature paintings in their likeness on the rings to give to their husbands and boyfriends.





There was also one memorably romantic request from a man wanting us to replicate his image, (from a photograph), on a ring to give to his girlfriend when he proposed to her. Fortunately, she accepted, and we’re very happy for both of them. He also told us that his portrait on the ring bears an uncanny resemblance - and that his girlfriend wears her curious Valentine ring, with his picture, all the time. How sweet!







If you’re not quite ready for a personalized Valentine ring, or a piece of statement jewellery - a card, perhaps even a postcard - should suffice. At ShopCurious, we’ve some lovely old-style postcards, adorned with rather stylish vintage brooches, that will make the perfect gift of love. They’re especially useful if you’re not quite sure what to buy, as they’ll serve as a Valentine’s gift and a card all in one.




Valentine’s Day is a time to indulge in a little nostalgia – and an original, vintage brooch will add a touch of unique colour to your day. The weather (at least here in London) is depressingly grey and gloomy at this time of year, so why not brighten up an existing outfit with a stylishly unusual embellishment? It’s less expensive than buying a new set of clothes – and the association with a loved one will make this small and inexpensive gift more precious than any luxury designer accessory.










Alternatively, you may prefer to treat yourself to one of these beautiful brooches. With or without a partner, some of us will always be romantic at heart...

Are you?

The (curiously hot) dance of love

I’m saddened by the media’s absurd obsession with weight. I know there’s a growing problem of obesity in the 'developed' world, but there also seem to be a lot more people with eating disorders, or just plain unhappy with their size and shape. Having been through the whole dieting thing - transforming myself, within the space of a few years, from a painfully plump teenager to a bag of bones, I can confirm that being unnaturally thin didn’t make me any happier... In fact, controlling my eating habits made for an anti-social, miserable way of life.

I subsequently discovered a much more enjoyable way of maintaining a realistic and healthy weight: exercise. Always one to try something new, I’ve experimented with all manner of work-out classes – from Jane Fonda style high impact aerobics, to gymnastique aquatique, Bikram yoga and pole dancing (after which my legs were black and blue with bruises).






In the course of my love affair with energetic pursuits, I’ve shadow-boxed with WBA World Heavyweight Champion, David Haye, and qualified as a Body Attack aerobics instructor. A few years ago, I even joined The London School of Samba, dancing maniacally for seven hours non-stop at the Notting Hill Carnival, dressed as a giant butterfly.






The best thing about dancing is that it’s a really fun way to burn calories. The other day, my curiosity aroused by some of the strangest promotional material I’ve ever seen, (see left and below), I simply had to try out the latest craze at my local gym. The new Zumba class is a mixture of various types of dance - including salsa, samba, meringue, calypso and jive.







I’m used to jumping around, but this proved to be a much hotter form of exercise than I’d anticipated, though a lot more entertaining too – in fact, most participants found themselves grinning from ear to ear throughout the class. It’s great exercise for the waist (a tricky area to shapen up, that often gets overlooked in the gym), and is totally exhausting. I can guarantee you’ll ache all over the following day.






By the way, if your partner loves to dance, how about these curiously kitsch retro pictures of exotic dancers in harem pants from ShopCurious, as an unusual gift for Valentine’s Day? They remind me a little of the Ballets Russes costumes – like the ones designed by Leon Bakst for Michel Fokine's Schéhérazade.








This illustration, by Georges Barbier in1913 (from the V&A London), shows a member of a harem being caressed by a black slave. In the early 19th century, fashion was still heavily influenced by lavish theatrical productions, often based on Russian folklore/Oriental themes. These occasions were an opportunity to see scantily dressed women on stage, at a time when the difference between chorus girls and ballet dancers wasn’t very well defined.

Which reminds me of another enjoyably heated activity I’ve tactfully avoided mentioning …

I’m curious to know what you’re thinking of.

Are you?