The new item we are most excited about is the “Flipper” jewellery clutch.  It’s jam packed with zippered pockets, snaps, and sections to store and organize your jewellery for travelling.  And this piece has a dual function – it can also be used as a small clutch once you’re at your destination.

Second is the stylish and practical “Airbus” weekender bag.  Available only in Lug’s new two tone fabric, it has lots of pockets including a separate ventilated pocket for shoe storage, both short handles and a shoulder strap, a hidden water bottle holder,  and a clear coated wipeable bottom.  The Airbus is also airline ready  -  it fits in the overhead compartment of commercial airlines!

One more addition is the Wings day pack – a great light-weight bag for tripping around the city.  And last but not least are two styles that Lug has brought back by popular demand  - the Dodger mini back pack – prefect when hands-free is your priority, and the Side Kick excursion pack – a sporty cross body travel bag.

Oh, and how could we forget the Porter!  This is a frequent traveller’s best friend – with easy roll wheels and an extension handle, plenty of room for a day’s worth of clothes, an easy access front pocket for reading materials, and a laptop compartment.  It’s hard to beat this compact carry-on!

Just in are cute little planter pots that fit an inexpensive grocery store type potted flower perfectly (a nice touch of Spring for your desk or dining table), terra cotta garden figures including rabbits, mushrooms, birds, and mini bird baths, new vases, side tables and the latest wallet and bag designs from ESPE.   And, as is typical here at LuLu & Lavigne, there are lots of new items with bird motifs!

Come in to take a look – Valentine’s Day is just round the corner and we’d be happy to help your loved one with a few hints – provided by you!

1) All things British – from wall art with varying themes of the “Keep Calm and Carry on” mantra, to area rugs, ottomans and even furniture painted with the Union Jack.  Part of this trend strength is no doubt coming from the fact that the Olympics are taking place in London this year.

2) Iron and wood combinations on side tables, coffee tables, console tables and shelving units.  They have an industrial vibe with a natural/organic touch given the (most often reclaimed) wood.

3) Bright, fun colours punctuated the traditional sea of beige and drew the most interest from attendees.

4) Organic accents – driftwood mirrors, horned lighting and wall art, rusty iron lighting and candle holders with raw wood or clay bases.

5) Furniture and accents that look like they are made from up cycled cast offs – a wardrobe made from what look like old gym lockers, a table base made from bicycle wheels, and wall art made from old printer’s font blocks.

Also set up at the show were multiple vignettes of furnishings from participating suppliers compiled by design and lifestyle expert Janette Ewen.  Here are a couple:

Note the side table in the photo below – the top is a reclaimed vintage cart wheel from China!

For me, my living space is a very important area of my life.  I need it to be comfortable, cozy and functional but it also has to be unique to me.  This is the perfect time to review my  living room;  all of the decorations are packed away and the tree has (sadly) been put out to the curb for recycling, so I have a full view of our home in what feels like a very pared down, undecorated state.

I’ve already got a few ideas for arranging chairs and we’re finally getting some shelving for either side of the fireplace.  They’re not huge revelations nor are they “decor magazine perfect” solutions but somehow, standing there with pine needles stuck in my socks, it finally became clear to me that these were good ideas for the way we want to use our space.

So, if you have a minute, before you replace your furnishings just as they were pre- Christmas tree, take that time to re-imagine your space in a newer, more functional way.  Little changes can have a big impact – better storage, easier traffic flow, more seating for friends and family – things that make every day life a bit easier.  Happy New Year to you!

This weekend only (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) all in stock Sno of Sweden jewellery is 15% off!

All tree decorations are 20% off, holiday doormats are 30% off and wreathes are 40% off.

Happy Holidays!

Use it, love it, enjoy it for whatever purpose you find!

I took a quick photo of the signage being installed late last week.  It’s called “Catwalk” and they design women’s golf apparel.  This is their head office so, sorry no retail option for golfers and no new restaurant.

Another addition to Locke Street – we have heard that a new Thai restaurant is to open in the new year in the old Paradise Pizza location closer to Main street.  Mmm,  I can hardly wait!

And therefore, we now have two more great gift ideas:

Fairy Jars- these mason-style jars contain tiny solar powered twinkly lights that flash intermittently making them look like fireflies or fairies are flying around inside.  Just set it in a sunny window and, when the sun goes down, the lights start to twinkle!  Fairy Jars are now available with clear, pink or green lights.

A great gift for the whiskey lover – Whiskey Stones!  Each box contains 9 soapstone cubes and a small storage pouch.  Store the stones in the freezer then add them to drinks to keep them cool without diluting them.  Just wash the stones and put them back in the freezer for next time.