Thursday, May 17, 2012

title pic Sweet William – Heart Warming Ceramics

Posted by dulwichmum on Sun 20 March 2011

Name of product: Sweet William – Heart Warming Ceramics

I asked my super perfect chum (another Dulwich Momshell) Amy, to review this lovely company and it’s perfect products for me. Here is what she had to say (she is harsh but fair, just like me…)

Price: from £5.00 to £60.00 for a variety of creative ceramic products and glorious gift ideas

The blurb: “Sweet William is an independent studio based in Greenwich, London. Set up by the plucky Emma who decided that after 10 years in the city it was time for a change. She courageously sold her car, her house and left her job all in the same month to pursue a childhood love of pottery. After testing out her designs on her nearest and dearest and the shoppers of Greenwich market she was joined in her venture by her true friend Michelle. Sweet William ceramics are fun, warm your heart and have a nostalgic feel to them and are items that will be used and cherished through the years”

First impressions: : The website is sweet and understated, with a very British theme. You can browse the 2011 Collection or shop by product type. The girls have a charming range called ‘Cockney Spirit’ with a range of witty London themed ceramics including a hilarious ‘Trouble and Strife’ and matching ‘The Old Man’ mug. For perfect presents the family themed mugs provide a personalised gift for each family member whilst the shadow boxes are the perfect addition to any home or a simply gorgeous gift for a new family member

Not only is there a great selection of presents for the humans in your life but who doesn’t enjoy buying your mutt or moggie a new bowl with a cheeky message to make you smile

Ease of Use: The site is easy to navigate (or would be if I could stop being drawn to a gorgeous item on each page that I simply must have). The ordering process is straight forward. My gorgeous (but essential) items were wrapped beautifully and packaged so well that each was a delight to unwrap

Pros: The mugs I received are perfect for a ‘proper British cup of tea’. The mugs are chunky but not overly heavy with a good sized handle (I am still staggered that many designers seem to neglect the need to actually be able to hold your cup to drink from it…either that or my fingers have recently become incredibly fat!). The mugs wash well and the personalised lettering is completed to a very high standard. As for my fish and chip plates, I now have a new excuse to ensure that fish and chips is on the menu at least once a week so I can use these gorgeous plates. They are fabulous and add a touch of humour to a Friday night, simply delicious

Cons: The only con that springs to mind is that there are still many items that I would like to add to my collections and I am running out of justification for further self gifting. On the up side I do have a great many summer birthdays coming up and am rather smug about the fabulous gifts I intend to purchase. It is very difficult to fault this company, if you are looking for personalised products, an exciting range and excellent quality ceramics then look no further. The fact that this is a small, independent company makes it even more enjoyable to shop until you drop

Value for money:. The ceramics are great value for money and the quality is fantastic with the personal touches such as the careful, pretty packaging completing a wonderful buying experience

Dulwichmum verdict: ★★★★★

Stockists: Online at Sweetwilliamdesigns.com or visit the girls at their stall in the bustling Greenwich Market

title pic Smock style dress/tunic – Chateau de sable

Posted by dulwichmum on Sun 20 February 2011

Name of product: Smock style dress/tunic – Chateau de sable

Price: £34.99 (delivery £3.99 within the UK, orders over £100 – free delivery)

The blurb: “A very versatile smock dress in silky soft grey and pink print with tassel detail at neck, 3/4 sleeve this dress can be worn with tights or leggings. Can be layered or worn alone. The image does not do this dress justice! Best seller in the boutique!

Chateau de sable is an exciting and chic collection of French designed children’s wear for newborn to 12 years. It opened its first UK boutique in Chester in December 2009 and in February 2010 launched an online collection for UK customers

The inspiration for Château de sable is the innocence and vitality of children at play and a belief that children should look like children. Styling is a unique blend of traditional and contemporary with specially selected fabrics to ensure the highest possible quality for each item. The fine attention to detail is demonstrated by the exquisite finish of each piece in the collection

The collections are presented to allow siblings to coordinate while still embracing individual identity; a real bonus if you have twins! This also means that by choosing a few items you can have a wide and interchangeable selection of outfits

There are stylish clothes for everyday wear and elegant designs for special occasions. For variety we offer new designs each month and only offer a limited number of each so as to maintain their exclusivity. Clothing of this quality makes a wonderful present for newborns and these items can be beautifully gift boxed”

First impressions: Clothes are perfectly packed and presented – this is where online shopping comes into its own! A purse containing coloured pencils is included. Freya is overjoyed as she unwraps her parcel. Clothes from Chateau de sable are presented so thoughtfully that they make fabulous gifts!

The smock dress is super soft, on trend, beautifully finished, lined and with the sweetest details. It is quite simply perfect. This is how little girls should dress. Fashion forward but without lycra, spangles. Let little girls be little girls

Ease of Use: Freya dashed off upstairs and came down wearing it, so I would say it is easy to get on and off. This dress washes and irons beautifully

Pros: The range of clothes from this site are unusual, perfectly finished, hard wearing and well presented, both party and everyday wear. Children’s clothes as they should be, and you will not meet everyone down in the park wearing the same thing

Cons: Each item is stocked in limited numbers, so when they are sold, they are gone!

Value for money:. Terrific value for money. The presentation and finish make these items look far more expensive than they are

Dulwichmum verdict: ★★★★★

Stockists: Cheateaudesable.co.uk

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