Say Hello Wave Goodbye

Now that I've been in the UK for over six months, my friends back home keep asking me if I've taken on the British accent. I'm sorry to disappoint guys, but there won't be any Madonna jokes any time soon, this Canadian is keeping her intonation North American...

Although there is one mannerism I seem to have picked up from the Brits and that's the sing-song goodbye. It's the funniest things Brits don't just say 'goodbye' when ending a phone conversation, they sing this high-pitched 'bye' and if they're really enthusiastic they add a few on to the end. Renegade does it so out of habit that he could be on the phone giving hell to the internet company for over-charging us and then as soon as he goes to end the call, it's 'bye'! It's actually quite sincere when you're talking to your friends or your family, it has that sentiment of 'I really don't want to stop talking to you, but I got to get back to it'. It reminds me of farewells at train stations or airports where you walk away shouting a series of 'byes' back and forth, each one loaded with that sad emotion when bidding adieu to a dear friend.

So, I'll leave you with that same sentiment as we head into the weekend.

Wish you were here.

Bye! Bye! Bye!

xo Ashi

Goodness Gracious!

Call it the ultimate girly day...

I threw on the vintage pumps, hopped a train to London and lost myself amongst the jaw-dropping wardrobe of Grace Kelly. Featuring an impressive selection from the late actress turned princesses' wardrobe the Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibit at the Victoria & Albert museum is a must see for anyone who is crazy about all things vintage.

Although there is no question Grace Kelly was incredibly beautiful and stylish, I have never really been a fan of 'flawless beauty'. Personally, I find character, strength and a wild untamable spirit to be more attractive than 'perfect features'. So, I wasn't too sure if I would click with anything in the exhibit other than the fabulous retro accessories...

but I was immediately drawn to the story of this young girl from Philadelphia who started off as model, became a muse for Alfred Hitchcock and went on to marry European royalty, in one of the most publicized weddings of all time. In fact prior to becoming the princess of Monaco, Kelly was known as the casual and dare-I-say 'thrifty' icon. She always re-wore dresses to different events and opted for the more simple cuts and subtle patterns. In a culture where where most celebrities wouldn't be caught dead wearing the same thing twice {gasp!} it's nice to see an icon who embodied a more down-to earth and obtainable image. 

So here are my fashion rules inspired by Grace Kelly:

If you are anything like me pastel colours make you nauseous, but once in a while pass on the black and try something in a more cream, ice blue or rose {I refuse to call it pink} shade, they do wonders for your complexion.

If you can not walk, sit, bend or even skip in your outfit, you are a fool. 

Either stay home or slip into something more wearable for heaven's sake!

Outkast had it right with 'So Fresh, So Clean'. Well-groomed is sexy.

Finally, it may be easier to run around your busy day in your morning gym clothes, but if you can opt for a simple skirt, ballet flats and a few timeless accessories... well... you could become the next princess of Monaco!

Although cameras were forbidden from inside the exhibit, I managed to snap this rose-coloured silk, satin and chiffon number designed for Kelly by French designer Maggy Rouff. Just goes to show, you're never too young to learn a thing or two about Grace.

xo Ashi

Weekend Love

It's been that kind of a weekend where everything goes right and just flows. We journeyed out to Bristol with a car-ride full of 80's classics, had a wonderful time with the family and acquired vintage gold {more on that later} 

Throw in some visits with old friends, afternoon swims, Sunday papers and Renegade's famous roast and we are as happy as two crazy kids in a CoCoon. Speaking of CoCoons, our new place is really coming together. There's nothing like cranking the Tribe Called Quest and working away on your new home. This week is about getting the walls that perfect  shade of grey {again!} and framing all the prints and photographs we've been meaning to get to. We are also building a new set for My CoCoon Vintage. This one is going to be the best one yet. Trust me we've had plenty of practice getting it right.

Hope you guys had a lovely weekend!

xo Ashi

Birthday Love

My lovely niece Daisy celebrated her very 1st birthday over the weekend!!!

It was great to see everyone... especially the birthday girl who was cruising around in her new pink bike. 

Happy Birthday Daisy

{Lots of Love}

Renegade & Ashiberry

To Build A Home

It's back to square one for us in the decorating department... 

Perfect excuse for grabbing the camera and heading over to Kate Langdale's boutique in Brighton for some inspiration. The interior and floral designer is more than used to starry-eyed customers stumbling into her shop. Not only can she pot the perfect herb garden in a vintage bread bin she also knows how to make any space cozy and inviting. Kate has a knack for making antiques feel fresh and filling a space without it feeling cluttered. I adore the idea of hanging vintage dresses and purses that may be too delicate too wear as wall art. I also adore the idea of potting plants in old kitchenware.

{I can hear literally feel Renegade roll his eyes while reading this, I've killed every plant he's ever bought me}

A little inspiration from a domestic diva. Thanks Kate!

xo Ashi

Home Diaries

I'm so excited to share with you guys the first batch of photos from our new digs! This place is perfect for us! It feels so good to finally get it right. It has the history and character we crave, but it also has central heating and no ghosts! In fact, the building itself used to be a hotel and the space totally has that comfortable and luxurious feel to it.

Did I mention the wall to wall windows, high ceilings, and the fact that Renegade and I each have our own bathroom! I'm sincerely not trying to brag, but we can't help but feel like we deserve this dream apartment. You see, we did the calculations and in the last year alone we've lived in 13 different places. Granted our road tripping and different travels count, but still... can you imagine! We've been lucky enough to have stayed with the most amazing friends along the way, but this time it's our turn to play host... mints on the pillow and all.

xo Ashi

Birthday Love

Birthday shout outs to my dad, Graham today!

Must say, this picture sums him up pretty well... 

 Sporting a big grin as he works away on his amazing vintage Citroen Traction. 

Can't wait to see you!

Happy Birthday

Renegade & Ashi

The Campfire Headphase

Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to be planting my roots and moving into our new home in a matter of days... but I can't help but feel the desire to hit the open road when I see these gorgeous travel bags. They are made by a UK company called Millican and the best part is they are designed with sustainability in mind; organic cotton, recycled polyester and vegetable-tanned leather. The brand Millican is named after a Millican Dalton, an insurance clerk, who in the early 20th century decided to pull an 'Into the Wild' and go live in a woodland cave in Cumbria . Apparently Millican used to hand-make his own rucksacks. Now I may not be ready to go live amongst wolves just yet, but I am craving a little Robinson Crusoe adventure with one of these babies in tow! Especially the Dave The Rucksack in slate green {lower left} or the Les The Cooler Bag {upper right} the most adorable picnic bag ever. Who ever knew roughing could be so damn stylish!


xo Ashi