Elle and Toast

I treated myself to Elle Decorating the other day, trying to inspire myself to do up my flat.  It's looked like a student's place for too long (and I'm way past being a student!). 

How gorgeous are the colours on this cover?  I love those pale - but still interesting - shades and the mix of textures.  I used to fib to myself and say the reason I didn't have a fabulous home was money, pure and simple.  But that isn't true. Obviously when you can splash the cash it's easier to get exactly the look you're after, but thrifty buying and creativity can achieve an awful lot, with the added extra - plenty of elbow grease - being the vital ingredient.  I need to have a good Spring clean and de-clutter, then set about decorating. 

One more nice image for you - a page from a catalogue by Toast, the upmarket clothing company.  I love the mix of colours here - the elegant model's dark navy jacket, the chalky orange sorbet wall, those vibrant bangles and that lovely hair accessory.  Does that count as a hat, an embellished hairband or a fascinator?  Can't decide.