Scents of the season

I was out in the snow yesterday, playing with my new best friend - Calum, the snowman. Don’t you love the sound of icy snow crunching underfoot? And the appearance of freshly fallen snow: that strange yellowy blue light from the snowy sky, and the curiously lunar-white landscape. The coldness and soft melting quality of snow to the touch is totally unique – it even feels and tastes rather lovely on the tongue. But there’s one thing that snow doesn’t seem to have… a smell.

I was trying to recall the scents that have stuck in my mind, if that’s where the sense of smell resides? Then I found myself wondering about the first thing I ever smelled. At what age does recognition of smell kick in? Why do young children sniff so many things up their noses (sometimes requiring medical intervention to get them out again)?



I vividly remember my grandmother’s smell. A sort of lavender talcum-powdery, bathroomy sweetness, not unlike the relatively recently created Agent Provocateur fragrance. Then there was my first trip on a school exhange to France, where it wasn’t so much the wafting aroma of fresh croissants and coffee, more the pungent niff of Palmolive soap used by my host family that stuck up my nose – or in my memory at least.







Nowadays I use Burt’s Bees shampoo. Partly because it’s made with natural ingredients and is hypo-allergenic, but also because I love the smell. It reminds me of the bedroom I had as a child. There was a big honeysuckle bush outside, and almost every morning I’d be woken up by the sound of a bumble bee coming in through the open window and getting stuck behind the curtain (ahh, the days of the open window..)



On another trip to France I visited a wonderfully plain and simple white-washed church, where monks sang Gregorian chant in a haze of incense. The sounds and the smells were equally divine, and the essential purity of the whole experience left a lasting impression on me.

If you love naturally beautiful perfumes and ingredients too, I can suggest nothing better for Christmas than the organic scented products from Zarvis London at ShopCurious. From exclusive Patchouli Baby and Lavender Crystal gift sets to home fragrances like the seasonal scents in this Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh tin, which are guaranteed to 'bring forth good cheer.' There’s something for everyone - and every occasion in this range… So long as you have a suitably discerning sense of taste and smell.

Do you?

Christmas crustaceans and curious gifts

All things aquatic are suddenly in fashion. First there were flesh-eating fishes, as I discovered when I sampled the skin nibbling skills of rufa fish on my much-walked, swollen feet earlier in the year.

Now marine life is everywhere. John Galliano has even created an oceanic inspired Christmas tree at Claridge’s.

Not that I’m complaining, as I'm a great lover of seafood - shellfish in particular. But Christmas tends to be a time for feasting on poultry and game, along with pates, hams and other cold meats.

I was thinking how lovely it would be to have a nice plate of fruits de mer for Christmas Day lunch instead of the traditional, bog-standard turkey. Or, if it’s still bitterly cold outside, perhaps something a little more warming like a classic lobster thermidor…





If you’re also tempted by alternative seasonal dining options, we’ve an appropriately unique retro lobster plate set at ShopCurious. Produced by renowned American ceramicist Brad Keeler, the serving platter features an enormous lobster in a curiously captivating dark coral red glaze.







And, whilst we’re on the subject of Christmas and crustaceans, we’ve plenty of other gifts worth shelling out on too. Our selection of jewellery made with natural curiosties includes this fabulously dramatic cowrie shell and silver bangle.

The smaller cowrie shell rings are also very striking and totally timeless. In fact, they're perfect for any occasion from a Christmas party to a New Year holiday in the sun.

Bet you’re by salivating now?

Are you?

PS For more curious Christmas gift ideas, visit The Dabbler.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing all our customers and everyone in the blogosphere a curiously cracking Christmas. Here’s a curious card I picked up at my local newsagents-cum-Post Office: Thought you might appreciate a rather quirky take on London in the snow - as it was a few days ago. Not sure if Chelsea has ever looked quite this pastoral, but its prettification has a certain quaint and timeless olde worlde seasonal charm... (by the way, that's not a fashion season I'm referring to and no, this isn't a blog about trends, though nostalgia is pretty big at the moment).








If you travel a little outside London (just 20 miles up the A41 will do) you can find the real thing – as I discovered last weekend when driving to a party in deepest Buckinghamshire. See the photo left (taken from a car window) of the English countryside looking peaceful and serenely beautiful - though it was actually fairly treacherous on the roads.

Thank you for being curious in 2009.

I’m really looking forward to another year of style with brains in 2010.


Are you?

Climate change style

As the global warming debate gets heated, it’s official – Winter has finally arrived the UK, with the first big freeze of the season. This week I’ve found myself searching through drawers for a warm scarf and some gloves. Understandably, I’m not going to wear any old scarf and gloves – they’ve got to be reasonably stylish … and, just because something’s quirky and individual, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s got style (see right).








Some people are considered cool enough to carry off any look, though you’ll probably find that a lot of work has gone into arranging David Beckham’s Chelsea knot. He’s possibly not so pleased in this weather, having recently had the sides of his hair shaved off – his ears must be freezing!





Men who are in touch with their feminine side are great with scarves. I reckon that Jude Law is a man of many scarves – he certainly seems to have one for every occasion.






Anyway, whether you’re looking to keep your neck warm during the day, or prevent yourself shivering during seasonal evening events, ShopCurious has a selection of stylish vintage men’s scarves - each with its own unique charm.








These one-off pieces are great as unusual gifts, yet curiously practical too… especially at this time of year. I’m sure any sophisticated man would love something timeless by Tootal or stylish by Sammy as a Christmas gift.


Of course, those who prefer the handmade variety might consider knitting their own – though I rather prefer the timeless classic scarf to the Timelord look. Unless you think we might be on the brink of a new Ice Age...

Do you?

Festive pillow talk

I received this card today, from friends who are sensibly going somewhere sunny for Christmas. The hastily scrawled message inside reads, “sorry we will be away this year, but have one for us xxx”

Having narrowly escaped illness all year, despite being sneezed upon by everyone around me (babies in pushchairs in Post Office queues have been the worst offenders), I was happily in the midst of a frenzied whirl of work, present hunting and festive fun…but now I feel like I’m finally about to come down with a cold. So, I’m dosed up with Vitamin C - as the prospect of looking like a red-nosed reindeer in a party dress doesn’t really appeal.

Thanks for rubbing it in guys – I’ve taken on board the curiously cool dark glasses idea… I'll probably need them more than you!





Anyway, I was briefly on the sofa, propped up with a selection of my favourite cushions, in front of the TV. In fact, I was just thinking about making a honey and lemon drink, when I started to panic about Christmas Day. It’s hardly surprising that the festive season is a time of undue stresses and strains – not just on the waistline, but the temper can get terribly frayed too. According to research by Jarlsberg cheese, statistics show that families will have their first argument at 9.58am on Christmas Day.

Apparently, the order of play on the average Christmas day goes something like this:

Get up: 7.55am
Open presents: 8.19am
Eat breakfast: 9.02am
First chocolate is eaten: 8.39am
Family argument: 9.58am
Tell off the kids at: 11.07am
Time of first alcoholic drink: 11.49am
Sit down to Christmas dinner: 3.24pm
First person falls asleep: 4.59pm
Play board game at: 5.46pm
Time for bed: 11.39pm

The survey concludes that, due to the high level of excitement and expectations, as well as so many things going on, “it's important to remember that Christmas can't always be perfect - not everything may run to plan."

As I dozed in and out of slumber on the sofa (no I wasn’t dribbling, honest), I suddenly thought that a few extra cushions might also be rather useful on Christmas day – and we've got plenty to choose from at ShopCurious.

There are so many advantages of giving and receiving cushions as Christmas gifts:




1) Cushions are great if you’re indisposed with seasonal flu, you need a little lie down after lunch, or find yourself curiously crashed out after a tad too much of the old liqueur;

2) They’re suitable for gents and ladies alike – (though it’s always a good idea to consider the recipient’s style and taste when choosing a design);

3) Parents love cushions too – especially the type that bring back memories of places you've visited together... and a cheesy message always goes down well;

4) They can make a very romantic present too;




5) Cushions are timeless gifts that can be used all year round - and they should last for many years to come, if you treat them with love and respect;


6) Best of all, they can be used for pillow fights on Christmas day.


Do let us know if your cushions come in handy over the holiday break.

Will you?

PS Oops, I forgot to mention that cushions can be fabulously decorative too - and they make a home feel really cosy....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Affordable little luxuries

I’ve already mentioned the ‘lipstick factor’ – the theory that when times get tough, many seek comfort in small purchases. Now here’s my list of affordable little luxuries from ShopCurious ... At £15.00 or less, these are perfect Christmas gift ideas, but also great to simply brighten up the gloomy winter days:


This mini coffret with cushion and room spray (right) by Catherine Masson contains a scented parcel for your wardrobe, together with a leafy green fragranced refreshing room spray.

Ideal as an unusual gift to take along to your neighbours’ Christmas drinks party.





Give this lipstick pouch with pen as a quirky stocking filler that’s useful too, or cash in on the ‘lipstick factor’ by buying three individual colour Colorsport lipstains for the special Christmas offer price of only £13.50 – (a veritable bargain as the rrp of each lipstick is currently £5.25).






These scented wardrobe sachets with a cute white flower smell divine. They’re already packed in a stylish black and gold gift box that arrives ready to pop under the tree. Alternatively, spice up your home with these sachets topped with a seasonal Christmas red rose.








If there’s someone special in your life, why not treat them to a luxurious First Kiss lined notebook, or if they’re ‘just a good friend’ how about a Green Bridge journal?







Your best friend might like some jewellery. How about an Aventure retro bangle (left) – available in a variety of unique designs. Or for a fashion conscious male friend, what about a leather and shell men’s bracelet? Then you can borrow it to wear around your ankle - perfect for beach holidays!







Finally, why not dress up your festive table with a pair of luxury rose bud napkin rings, adorned with ripe blue berries and pretty foliage. They’d also make a unique token of appreciation for your host if you’re not dining at home this Christmas.





I have a curious feeling that you’re itching to treat yourself to a little something right now…

Are you?

Tropical tresses

A couple of years ago I had a curiously crazy idea to get a few outdoor plants delivered to create my own tropical paradise in central London. Of course I went a bit over the top and eventually had to organize a crane to deliver said pots and palms - but the result is a pleasingly stylish and unique oasis of rustling leaves, twittering birds and buzzing insects (though at this time of the year there are quite a lot of nasty garden spiders too.. )

I thought it might be appropriate to focus on nature for a while, since so many of the new products at ShopCurious are naturally beautiful things - like these rather individual silk and feather hair accessories. Each is lovingly handmade in England by the designer, Gil Fox.






They're great for so many occasions like parties and weddings. They'll also make a perfect addition to your Christmas wardrobe, or even an unusual seasonal gift. These unique accessories are also very versatile and not just for wearing in your hair. Why not attach the clip to a hat to add some ornamentation - or fix to your clothing and turn this into a quirky corsage, or an original piece of jewellery.





They also look very arty in the leaves of my palms. The one in the middle (above) is attached to the rather dangerous looking agave (right), a plant native to Mexico. This agave is now scarily larger than when first delivered,as is the rather fiercely spined plant pictured in the top left of this blog, which I'm stilll trying to identify - I think it's a type of trithrinax. Does anyone know?

Do you?