Elena Bowes

New York-London design & culture writer of a certain vintage looking for meaning and wholeness in life

Summer-time Birthday Presents

May 23rd, 2014
South Kensington
Places

For some reason I like Gemini’s (being one myself, I guess we are pretty terrific) so I need to get going on the birthday present front. South Kensington never fails me, especially since Jasper Conran took over the helm of his father’s concept shop. It’s full of fun, unusual pieces like this aluring backgammon board…

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Or this iconic surfboard…

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But somehow neither the board nor the board screamed ‘Buy Me’. Instead, I settled on a book about gorgeous Hollywood stars and their most loyal, hairy pals.

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From Conran’s I walked down Walton Street to Laurence Coste’s friendly jewellery shop, a bijoux boutique full of unique, one-off pieces that change weekly.

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I love this tray of colourful summery rings. Perfect pressies.

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Or these glass and onyx earrings that can be clipped or pierced.

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As is too often the case, I ended up treating myself to an early birthday present, the topaz and rose gold plated ring the manager was wearing (was being the operative word).

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Finally, I stopped in at Salt Resort Wear which has great bikinis, kaftans, summer hats and beach bags.

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I think my friends will be thanking me very soon. And if they don’t know what to get me for that all-important, imminent date, they can just read my blog.

p.s Friends, I also love Melissa Odabash, who always has a great selection of bikinis, clutches and jewellery. 

 May, 2014