My current obsession is a perfume by a woman inspired by her love of gardens and literature. Anais Biguine took her passion for literature to a new level when she created her company, Jardin D'Ecrivains - literally translated as the garden of writers. Her collection of five fragrances, George, Wilde, Orlando, Gigi and a cologne called La Dame aux Camellias, are as unusual as they are beautiful and having tested all of them, Wilde wins hands down - at the moment... The thing is, each one is so different from the next, and like most perfumes, appeal at different times according to your mood however, the really wonderful thing about these fragrances is the back story, the story behind each blend. That's what makes the decision so difficult. Since I'm interested in Virginia Woolf, Orlando definitely influences my choice but how can I not been drawn in by this complex perfume of such contrasts? I feel this clever composition mirrors the adrogynous character in the novel perfectly. The top notes are fresh and spicy at first, but the citrus top notes dry down to a totally different warm, incense base. It's completely unusual and very intruiging...
If you're after something a bit more floral, Gigi with its blend of neroli, tuberose, jasmine and blackcurrant is feminine yet strong, just like Colette's mischievous young heroine.
La Dame aux Camelias is perhaps the most sophisticated of all five fragrances not least because of its fabulous vintage inspired bottle. This beautiful cologne is designed to be worn at night and is a seductive blend of fresh, crisp top notes, with a floral and musky base. It perfectly captures the image of this elegant lady Marie, allegedly the most elegant woman in Paris at the time, leaving a cloud of this fragrance behind her wherever she went...
Alongside these perfumes are a range of beautiful candles. My favourite of these is Le Jardin de Blixen, whose house and garden is in Nairobi, Kenya. Visitors can wander round the grounds and savour the exotic plants and flowers she planted there. This fragrance takes me right back to the heat and the dust, mingled with the scent of the luscious green lawn and flower borders! Click here to visit the website...
Two sublime bath products are also available, based on the New York society novelist, Edith Wharton. The bath milk is a dream to use - spoon some into a warm bath for super soft skin. The scent is just incredible and completely addictive.
Jardin D'Ecrivains speaks to us of literary giants throughout history who still have the power to capture our imagination. Anais Biguine has sought out every last detail so that she too, can tell a beautiful story, through scent.
Call in to experience the range in person or check out our range online here...
I have been excitedly anticipating the launch of the Sussex based AS.AP Apothecary for many months, watching and waiting with baited breath as the brand has developed and blossomed into a collection of skincare to truly covet. I've been savouring the scents and sampling the balms and oils that the talented herbalist and homeopath, Amanda Saurin has formulated into an elegant and pure, 100% natural range of exquisite skincare products. Amanda uses an ancient method of distilling, in the way of a traditional apothecary, which enables her to capture the very essence of the plants. This way of working means that only small batches of product are made at any time, in fact she has labelled each item with a batch number but it's this attention to detail, this integrity and provenance that makes this skincare collection really special. There is a range of three face creams, some lip balms, some divinely scented body balms, a range of 'first aid' balms and a beautiful cleansing oil which will change the way you clean your skin forever...
We are lucky to be the first to stock the range which has already started to cause a bit of a stir and the beginnings of what will no doubtedly be a very loyal following. A selection of products are now available to purchase via our online store, but do call in to sample them in person.
I met a lovely man from Kashmir whose family business has been weaving and embroidering shawls for many generations. His family photo album was a treat and I poured over the incredible snaps of his grandfather working away on the loom. These cashmere shawls are of exquisite quality and so some hard bargaining was in order but I'm happy with my hoard and now I'm offering them to you. A unique piece of craftwork, from a centuries old tradition, to wear your own way. A selection of shawls in many different colours are now in store, a few of which are available online. Click here to see our selection
Spring flowers are like a breath of fresh air. Today the shop was filled with the sweet scent of the new season. Narcissus, hyacinth, ranunculus, tulips and roses bring a promise of the lighter days ahead and we filled our vases, bottles, pots and urns to the brim. Julia has been busy taking orders for Mother's Day this week and comes back from the market everyday with armfuls of blooms that look amazing just simply plonked in a vase, straight out of their wrappings... Of course, we do make lovely handtied posies and arrangements too, but they're put together in a very naturalistic way, as if you'd gathered them yourself. That's the way we like it. We let the beauty of the flowers speak for themselves. Call in over the next few weeks to see what we have on offer.. Or call us now to place your order for a Mothers Day posy. You can check out our flower portfolio to get a feel for what we do, by clicking here
We are optimists. The wind and rain are still battering against our windows but Spring is resolutely on its way and we are looking forward to welcoming the new season in the form of lightweight knits, chiffon shirts, silk dresses...Ahhh, not long now..!Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …
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