The simpler things in life...

Really enjoyed this cute shoot from Pull & Bear's Spring 2011 campaign. It celebrates the simple things in life... having carefree fun with friends on a bright spring day. Bring on the Spring. I'm getting bored of the dark mornings and evenings!

photos via fashiongonerogue.

A penny for your thoughts...

This is what heather + thyme is all about. Escapism + Inspiration. 

I first saw this incredible shoot on Gypsy River's blog. It provided the perfect antidote to my Monday morning blues and for a few magical moments while having my breakfast, I was transported to an enchanting carefree meadow filled with mountains of gypsy inspired jewellery, beautifully tailored velvet and open stitched wool (and the funkiest fringe cut I've ever seen).

Thank you Gypsy River, Foam Magazine and Harper Smith.

photos via fashiongonerogue, from Foam Magazine, shot by Harper Smith

Russian Winter

This shoot by Mariano Vivanco for the November issue of Vogue Russia is my inspiration for my winter wardrobe (substitute faux fur!) I love how the model, Maryna Linchuk, has been draped in heavy duty fur, flowing maxis, scarves + jewels. I used to have a Russian hat like the one in the first shot when I was about fourteen + I loved it and wore it incessantly for three winters until I lost it. However, it's the paisley, peasant prints that steal the show for me in this shoot. Also, the belt in the last shot? I need to find something similar.

On the subject of fur though, I just can't bring myself to wear the real thing. My granny had the most incredible full length fur coat and although she passed away nearly 17 years ago, it still hangs in her wardrobe. I've tried it on and it looks amazing, but I know I will never wear it. It's faux fur all the way for me!

Photos by Mariano Vivanco via fashiongonerogue

The Meaning of Inspiration

My principal reason for blogging is because I love being inspired. That is what fashion means to me.

I came across these special shots on a recent visit to Anthropologie in Edinburgh, where they were being exhibited. They are the work of a Scottish photographer, David Eustace and the product of a road trip he took with his daughter from California to Texas.

In the store, I spent about twenty minutes staring at them and whenever I wandered off to browse the clothing rails or the beautiful distressed furniture, I found myself drawn back to these images. 

To me, these images define inspiration. I look at them and I immediately feel happy and free. I want to go dance in the rain, play my guitar by a river, take a long explorative road trip and not wear any make-up.

Photos via The Anthropologist.

Sweet Dreams

I love bed time. I'm in my element when I'm curled up in bed with a cup of lemon and ginger tea and a good book. I've been known to spend hours online sourcing soft furnishings and quality linen to adorn my bed. When I buy new bedlinen, I can't help but sneak into bed early and feel the softness of a new quilt on my skin and cosy up for the evening! Vintage bedlinen is my latest weakness. Vintage and retro prints are so much prettier than their contemporary counterparts. The shots above are of some of my recent Etsy purchases. I just love the simplicity of the floral duvet cover and the intricate crochet work on the pillow case is so unique.

Golden leaves

Inspiration for this week - leaves! Unlike many people, I love this time of year. I get very excited when the evenings get darker and colder. It means I can look forward to cosy nights inside while the wind howls outside. I was at my family home in the Irish countryside recently and while taking a walk around the garden, I was reminded how much I love Autumnal colours too. The fourth photo is of our stag, Harold - his antlers are incredible. They will fall off naturally in a few months and will one day grace the wall above my fireplace! Isn't he stunning?

I'm wearing- River Island scarf, Metalicus top, Urban Outfitters top, Topshop belt, All Saints jeans.

The Pin-Up

 









Mrs. Hince, Ms. Moss. Mrs. Hince will always be Ms. Moss, the pin-up. No matter how hard I try not to take frantic mental notes of every single outfit she wears, I just can't stop myself. She just nails it every time. I automatically find myself drawn to every item she wears or something very similar. I have absolutely no control over this pervasive influence on my style!

My absolutely favourite photo shoot is Testino's Hope and Glory from Vogue October 2008. The eclectic mix of motorcyle leathers, army surplus, chains, mesh, feathers, feminine scarves and heavily embellished gowns is exquisite.

I love it so much that I recently bought another copy of the issue on ebay (as I couldn't bear to tear up my own copy!), ripped out the pages and made a collage of my favourite images. It takes pride of place in my guest room.

Red, Amber + Turquoise

 
I always liked jewellery. But it wasn't until I visited Nepal in 2008 that I really found my own style. I was immediately drawn to the intricate designs that were found in abundance on every street stall (even in the most remote villages you can imagine, high up in the Himalaya without any road access). Although I was backpacking on a shoe-string, I still managed to make some extravagant allowances for some pieces I fell in love with. The bright colours are just fabulous.

ADORE this photo of Kate Moss in Nepal from Vogue 1993.