La Maison de Lola - Our Diary

THE OBSERVER MAGAZINE

2010-06-13T15:41:00.000+01:00

A revista do The Observer dedicou a sua última edição à ecologia e produtos éticos, sendo que o shopping, entre outros, incluiu um dos nossos primatas de eleição, o Mr Ape!

The Observer magazine has dedicated its latest issue to ethical matters, and among others, has included our very own Mr Ape in the eco shopping wish list!

TIME OUT LISBOA

2009-12-11T17:33:00.036Z

A edição de compras de Natal da revista Time Out Lisboa, já nas bancas, vem com um dos nossos bonecos... O One of a Kind #2, disponível na loja alfacinha Paris-Sete.

The Xmas shopping edition of Time Out Lisbon has included one of our soft toys... One of a Kind #2, available at lisboan design shop Paris-Sete.

( Texto de Iolanda Mealha; Imagem por Time Out )

CASA RUIM

2009-12-04T09:48:00.002Z

Já com cheirinho a Natal, os nossos bonecos mudaram-se para uma nova casa... A Casa Ruim.
Localizado em Torres Vedras, neste lindíssimo espaço podem encontrar-se os mais variados objectos, como coleccionáveis livros (entre eles os portugueses Planeta Tangerina) e outros deliciosos artigos de autor.

Funcionando igualmente como Atelier para as áreas criativas (design, ilustração, pós-produção de vídeo e webdesign), esta casa bem-humorada encontra-se de portas abertas a dois passos de Lisboa.
A visitar!

Casa Ruim, Rua Almirante Gago Coutinho 4 B/C, 2560-303 Torres Vedras

( Texto de Iolanda Mealha, Imagem por Casa Ruim )

WHERE BOOKS COME ALIVE

2009-11-11T19:09:00.005Z

Ever wondered where books come from?

Well, it seems they have their own London-esque town, where everything is possible and made from paper.

A lovely short film celebrating 4th Estate Publisher’s 25th Anniversary.

( Written by Lola )

MY FAVOURITE THINGS

2009-10-16T15:27:00.002+01:00

Such a beautiful short film we had to share...
Have a lovely weekend, filled with lots of your favourite things! :)

( Written by Lola )

BOOKWORM DESIGN

2009-08-19T07:00:00.001+01:00

With summertime full on, besides enjoying the glorious sunlight so characteristic of this part of the world (yay!), and also working more closely on my animal welfare and adoption project, i've been been taking the time to read a few books which were postponed in the cooler months.

And speaking of reading material, Harper Collins just launched Harper Perennial Classic Stories, a sixtet of literary classics - Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, Wilde, Cather, Melville, and Crane - in pocket book form and a spanking new look by graphic designer Adam Johnson.
Featuring colour blocks and a black and white cutout image of each author, it plays on the image of the writers, giving readers a graphic insight of the person behind the words.

( Words by Lola )

IN THE PRESS

2009-06-16T10:13:00.017+01:00

We're excited our new Fauna cushions, by way of the 'Dachshund' one, have made an appearance in the June edition of deco magazine Caras Decoração, where they're described as 'full of colour and the characteristic charm of La Maison de Lola'!

Our soft toys have also been blogged, via Little Catwalk, by You Lool So Fine, a kids fashion design consultancy based in Verona who also has the most gorgeous website.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

ANNIVERSARY OFFER!!

2009-05-06T12:20:00.011+01:00

We're turning 3 years old this month (yay!), and to celebrate in style, we're offering our loyal customers - besides free worldwide shipping - one Archie Grand notebook of your choice with every order above €50!

Colourful and tongue in cheek, we're in love with these themed notebooks... and so will you.

Hurry up, because this offer is valid only through the month of May, and Happy Anniversary to us!

( Written by Lola, Photograph by Archie Grand )

NEW: FAUNA CUSHIONS

2009-04-23T14:45:00.020+01:00

We ♥ our new cushions... Inspired by nature and so decorative, they come in two designs and mesure 45x30 cms (18 by 12 inches).

'Adelie', which features two Adélie penguins and a blooming heart on a dotty print, is available in beautiful colours such as grass green, black, hot pink, lime, peacock and pistachio, and 'Dachshund', featuring a wiener dog, plays up the most gorgeous earthy colours like ginger, rust, chocolate, latte, yellow and peach.

Both are shipped with stuffer.

Recently, the 'Dachshund' cushion has made an appearance - along with Ms Oink - on a lovely new blog called Miyo Wada Wants. Check it out here.

( Written by Lola, Photographed by Álvaro )

OLD SCHOOL CYCLING

2009-03-20T15:30:00.022Z

Being an everyday cyclist, i'm always looking for stylish accessories for my hobby turned mean of transportation.
Launched in 2004, Rapha is my favourite brand when it comes to cycling clothing.

Known for its wonderful and well designed pieces, the collection is made in the finest materials and includes a wide range of products, such as jackets, shorts, jerseys, gloves and shirts.

A complete delight for all fans of the two-wheeled sport, the british brand doesn't stop at the clothing and accesories, but also celebrares the full glory of road racing.

Besides having a UCI-registered team (in partnership with London based Condor Cycles), Rapha also publishes a quarterly magazine called Rouleur, where cycling is portrayed in a truly inspiring and appealing way.

But that's not all. Since 2007, the british brand embarked on a new adventure - Rapha Continental - in which two groups of riders (east coast and west coast) roam through the most epic routes of the United States to show Rapha's commitment to the lost art of cycling.

( Written by Álvaro, Photos courtesy of Rapha )

AGITATTO

2009-03-10T13:50:00.029Z

Recently launched and based in Switzerland, Agitatto is an online gallery dedicated to bringing the best of the international creative scene to all lovers of fine art.
Showcasing the works of artists and delivering them worldwide, among others Agitatto represents Whitney McVeigh and Connie Noyes (painting), Daniel Weisser and André Wagner (photography), and Conor Wilson and Matt Chivers (sculpture).

Besides art, it also boasts a book store and a design one, where besides our soft toys, you can find other design objects such as Hulger's phones and Vitamin's modern plant pots.

( Written by Lola )

IN THE PRESS

2009-03-03T02:04:00.007Z

I've been working lately on making a few changes to our website, adding some new lovely products (quite soon now!), and changing a few bits and bobs in the overall look, so although we've been having quite a few press articles, i haven't been able to write about it here or add it to our in the press pages.

So, as i daydream of having a little more time to keep everything updated, here's one of our latest features to hit the newsstands, in portuguese deco magazine Caras Decoração.

Shown alongside the lovely Wooden Dolls by Alexander Girard (we're big fans), our soft toys couldn't be in better company.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

GEORGE NELSON EXHIBITION

2009-02-26T14:35:00.026Z

Last week, and for the second time, i visited the beautiful swiss city of Basel and the nearby Vitra architectural compound, located in the small german town of Weil am Rhein.

Like in so many other exhibitions that Vitra has shown in its amazing Design Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, the George Nelson one takes an in-depth look on the american designers' work. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Nelson's birth (1908), the exhibition is the first comprehensive retrospective of his career.

From the most renowned classics - the Marshmallow Sofa or the vast collection of wall clocks are just two examples - to the innovative office furniture that Nelson designed in the fifties and sixties, the exhibition also shows other areas where Nelson introduced his creativity, such as graphic design, photography, literature and exhibition design.

From all the projects and pieces featured in the presentation, i especially loved the Experimental House size model, a prefab home that never left the paper, the delicate Miniature Chests, and last but not least, the beautiful range of sofas that Nelson designed over his career.

Open until May 3rd, 2009.

( Written and Photographed by Álvaro )

THE ITALIAN JOB

2009-02-17T09:16:00.043Z

We've been doing some redecorating, finding a place for a few favourite magazines, putting up some pictures, changing accessories from A to B.

It's an ever evolving process, as it's always improved by a new piece we find, or by giving a new purpose to an old one, so it's an ever changing canvas.

In the process of this overall change, i fell in love again with an old favourite of mine, Bassotto, a royal blue dachshund from Bitossi which sat sadly on the cofee table and now looks lovely next to some magazines and books.

The italian brand has a never ending variety of products to choose from, but i particularly love their Rimini Blue collection with its ceramic figurines and vases, which is quite eclectic and retro and has enough presence to look good on its own, or proudly displayed next to other prized possessions.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

ROOM EMBELLISHMENT

2009-02-11T12:27:00.023Z

The Rug Company is known for making the most fantastic rugs, like the ones from Neisha Crossland, Vivienne Westwood, Diane von Furstenberg, and Paul Smith (as pictured above), but besides the newly released capsule collection by Alice Temperley, we're loving their wallhangings, which are the perfect solution to embellish one's walls in a truly fun and tactile way.

Besides the ironic and floral 'Jubilee' designed by Lucinda Chambers, for kids we love the zoologic 'Ark' by Paul Smith, in which Noah's Ark is portrayed in a colourful needlepoint wallhanging.

( Written by Álvaro, Photo courtesy of The Rug Company )

A SHOT OF COLOUR

2009-02-04T08:00:00.008Z

I love notebooks... Apart from their obvious practicality, when beautifully made, they are a pleasure to own and flick through from time to time.
As the beginning of the year is the ideal time to renew one's stock, i love these by Orla Kiely, which having her signature colours and prints, are definitely smile inducing.

Containing 128 off-white ruled pages and being perfectly sized for a handbag, like a bunch of flowers in the home, or an uplifting scent, they're the perfect antidote for handbag depression.

Besides the bags, clothing line, stationery and homewares, the irish designer has teamed up with Target, so if you're in the US, an exclusive line of Kiely's homewares will be available at Target stores from the 15th February.

( Written by Lola, Stills courtesy of Orla Kiely )

DOMINO FOLDS

2009-01-30T12:00:00.013Z

It's very sad news to all Domino readers, as the lovely magazine closes its doors due to the economic recession.

Its inspirational website is also shutting down, along with the galleries, videos and deco files.

First it was Blueprint, which i loved, and now my favourite, Domino, is also folding.

I was always looking forward to the next issue, as it never failed to bring a smile to my face.

The latest one arrived in the mail just a few days ago, and i was amazed by the lack of advertising in comparison with the previous ones... Around 60 something in October 2008, and a mere dozen in February 2009!

Well, it's the end of an era where publications are concerned, and by all means, there's a HUGE gap in the market for magazines of this genre, for those who enjoy style and quality, without wanting it to be sterile or overtly conceptual, so i do hope others will come along the way.

The last issue of Domino will be the March 2009 one.

It shall be missed.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

SARGADELOS CERAMICS

2009-01-26T08:00:00.012Z

Founded in 1806 by Antonio Raimundo Ibáñez, spanish brand Sargadelos is well known for its wonderfully crafted porcelain ranges.

Inspired by traditional forms of Galician culture, Sargadelos pieces are specially appealing for their original motifs and retro look. Of the whole collection, we're particularly fond of the 'F-73' range, inspired by the organic shape of leafs, and also the architectural 'Portomarínica' one, influenced by the geometric corbels in the church of San Juan de Portomarín.

( Written by Álvaro, Photo courtesy of Sargadelos )

ECO DOG

2009-01-20T12:11:00.030Z

As pets are part of our families, holistic wellbeing and a greener approach to life should certainly be extended to those with paws and hairier bodies.

In a mission to extend our health and eco concerns to Dot and Dário, we got Eco Dog, a gorgeous book on healthy living for canines, filled with upbeat photography and precious advice.

Comprehensive and beautifully done, this guide covers everything one should know when creating the best eco environment for our four-legged friends, from how to shop for and make non-toxic grooming products and eco-friendly pest control, and how to bake organic dog treats, to how to create a canine first aid kit.

As a plus, at the end of the book there's also a resource guide to organizations, publications and products on the subject.

( Written by Lola, Photography by Lola and Álvaro )

HEAVY METAL

2008-11-20T12:52:00.004Z

Our soft toys have found a new home in Loja das Quasi, the first shop of cultural project Do Impensável.

A space totally devoted to art, literature and design, this shop/gallery opened last Saturday with 'O Espírito das Coisas Invisíveis', an exhibition by surrealist painter Artur do Cruzeiro Seixas which can be seen until February 9th, while unveiling its impressive all-metal, circle bound industrial space.

Located at Rua Conselheiro Santos Viegas, n. 102, 4760-129 V. N. de Famalicão, it's definitely worth a visit.

( Written by Lola, photography courtesy of Loja das Quasi )

OLD SCHOOL PLAY

2008-11-09T11:14:00.017Z

In a world full of poorly made mass produced toys, we're happy to see brands like TobeUs are doing an effort to present children with well made, life lasting ones.

Taking inspiration from old school toys, which were passed from generation to generation, the lovely wooden car collection stands out not only by the grain and unique aroma of the lebanese cedar in which it's made, but also by its simple and sturdy design.

Handmade in Italy, the cars are available in five different models and can be found in several shops worldwide.

( Written by Álvaro, Photographed by Lola )

THE CAT'S MEOW

2008-10-27T08:10:00.001Z

We're excited to announce our soft toys are now available from Little Catwalk, the recently launched online children's boutique for everything lovely and sweet.

Based in Spain, besides our creations, this yummy mummy's dream of an online retailer also stocks desirable clothing items from Caramel Baby and Child, Antik Batik, Little Paul & Joe and Tammy Donohoe's, plus kiddie-friendly accessories such as Kidsonroof eco doll's houses, and Child Child Chair award-winning table and chairs combo.

Check it out and fall in love whether you're a parent or not... the items on offer are that cute.

( Written by Lola, Photos courtesy of Little Catwalk )

INSIDER SCOOP

2008-10-21T13:35:00.020+01:00

We love magazines, and one of our absolute favourites is Domino... Easy on the eye, full of decorating tips and truly unpretensious (inspirational instead of aspirational), it's such a fun and gorgeously edited publication it always cheers us up.

The good news is, besides the magazine, Domino has launched a book, Domino: The Book of Decorating, which is packed full with the most inspiring decorating ideas, interior designer tips, must-buys, and everything one needs to know when creating a space to live in, and most importantly, to be in love with.

We love it.

( Written by Lola, Images courtesy of Domino )

TOUR DE SANTOS

2008-10-13T12:03:00.011+01:00

Our soft toys have been featured in The Guardian, in an article about the riverside neighbourhood of Santos, in Lisbon.

As well as Paris-Sete Concept, where you can find our little guys, you can also read about the local hotels, art galleries, bars and restaurants of this lovely hood.

( Written by Lola, Illustration by Adam Hayes for The Guardian )

MAU FEITIO

2008-09-24T13:57:00.005+01:00

Summer has gone by, and unfortunately we haven't been able to blog for a while.

Our list of stockists has become bigger as a new member has been added to the family: Mau Feitio in Coimbra.
At Mau Feitio you'll be able to purchase our soft toys among other lovely things such as Aich Brito toiletries and Serrote stationery, so if visiting the enchanting city of Coimbra is in your plans, do drop by.

Mau Feitio, Rua Quebra-Costas 8 & 42/44, Coimbra

( Written by Lola )

MILK + NÓMADA

2008-07-18T10:08:00.023+01:00

Our latest creations, Ms Honeysuckle and Mr Moustachio I, have appeared on the lovely website of children's lifestyle magazine Milk.

You can read the full article here.

Also in the news is the opening of portuguese designer Alexandra Moura's guerrilla shop, 'Nómada', where besides her designs, you'll be able to find our soft toys, Boa Boca gourmet products, A Vida Portuguesa trad re-editions, and fellow fashion designers Ana Salazar and Dino Alves creations, among others.

This guerrilla shop, a first of many, is open from today until 17th August, on Av. 25 de Abril, loja D, Figueira da Foz, so if in the neighbourhood, don't forget to drop by.

( Written & Photographed by Lola )

FABLE GALORE

2008-07-15T14:31:00.013+01:00

Designed by Enzo Mari in 1965, The Fable Game is a great way to stimulate kids imagination. Composed by six colourful cards full of all things fairy taily, from animals and trees to an umbrella and a big boot, this lovely game is a pure aesthetic delight and promisses hours of great fun. Edited by Edizioni Corraini from Italy, The Fable Game makes it possible for children to make up stories by changing the position of the cards and therefore create countless variations and tales.

( Written and Photographed by Álvaro )

LITTLE PRINT

2008-07-01T04:30:00.015+01:00

Reading is one of life's greatest pleasures, and although it's what's inside that truly matters, we cannot help ourselves but to also judge a book by its cover.
Introducing some of the most famous works to young readers, Penguin's Puffin Classics are a great way to indulge the little ones in the healthy habit of reading.
Besides showcasing titles such as, among others, 'The Wind in the Willows', 'Alice´s Adventures in Wonderland', 'Little Women' and 'The Secret Garden' (pictured here), these 2008 relaunches are also rather beautiful to look at, making the overall experience of reading, besides educational, truly a thing of beauty.

( Written by Lola )

SECRET CRUSH

2008-06-24T22:42:00.017+01:00

Our soft toys have been featured in the Dubai edition of Time Out, in a feature called 'Secret Crush', where some of our Creatures, such as Ms Chimp (pictured here), Mr Grizzly, Mr Bunny and Ms A. Lee Anne get special attention.

You can read the article here, and shop our collection here.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

IN UNIBANCO MAGAZINE

2008-06-10T22:42:00.010+01:00

Recently our little guys were featured in the bi-monthly magazine Unibanco, in a very amusing three-page article where our soft toys took centre stage.

You can read the full story here.

( Written by Álvaro, Photographed by Lola )

EN CASTELLANO

2008-05-09T16:37:00.027+01:00

Our soft toys have recently been featured in two spanish speaking magazines: Guía del Niño (a children's magazine from Spain), and + Decoracion (a design and architecture publication from Chile), where they're kindly described as lovely and humorous.

You can see other press clippings here.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

ECO CONTENT

2008-04-22T13:14:00.064+01:00

We all know that having a chaotic and stressful lifestyle isn't good for you. There's no denying it.
We also know that whenever possible we should eat organic, fairtrade and (in an ideal world we would all be) vegetarian.We're also aware of harmful chemicals in everyday products... Not only the supermarket kind (which besides being in the large majority cruelly tested on animals, are also dangerous chemical cocktails) but also some mainstream luxury natural brands who appear more eco fill their products with parabens and other harmful chemicals.

I've been a vegetarian since i was 15, and having recently turned 30, i'm everyday more aware of what my actions may result in the greater picture.I always take the holistic approach in life, and being an health and beauty junkie, for me it's an absolute must to use products which aren't tested on animals. Then i look for something which is made from natural ingredients, preferably organic, and aren't packed full with the aforementioned chemicals. And at the end the day, i still have to enjoy the product's texture, smell (or lack of it), and the end result on my skin and hair...

Because it's a hard task to pick your favourites from the jumble of ethical and non-ethical brands, Content, in London's Marylebone, is an eco-luxury boutique filled with some of the best all-natural beauty and wellbeing products on offer.The owner, Imelda Burke, has researched for 2 years for brands which are Soil Association Certified, Ecocert approved, carbon neutral, and free of animal testing, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, SLS, synthetic fragrances and further 25 commonly used synthetic chemicals.

Far from the hippie look that unfortunately is often associated with green issues, it's a glamorous black space with beautiful vintage furniture and an array of exquisite brands such as Suki, Ila, Dr Hauschka, Jo Wood Organics, Suzanne aux Bains, Baby Bear Shop, Stem Organics, Pure Potions, John Masters Organics haircare, Tea and Philosophy teas, Postlethwaite's tinctures, Tsi-La 100% natural fragrances, and the delightful nail polish range from Butter London, which is totally free from Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP.

Catering for all the family, you'll find products for the smallest and the most senior members, so shop online or, if in the neighbourhood, drop by. Let's make Earth Day every single day.

CONTENT Beauty Wellbeing at 14 Bulstrode St., Marylebone

( Written by Lola, Photos courtesy of Content )

PROUVÉ IN LONDON

2008-04-13T19:36:00.016+01:00

Known as one of the most important figures in french design history, Jean Prouvé and his work were the theme for an amazing exhibition that ended today in London.

Showcasing one of the three Maison Tropicale prototypes (designed in the fifties to address the shortage of housing in the french colonies of West Africa) in the grounds of Tate Modern, the presentation also included the "Jean Prouvé - The Poetics of the Technical Object" exhibition from Vitra Design Museum, in which the work of Prouvé as a designer, engineer and problem solver was shown in a truly inspiring way. Besides his most reknowned designs such as the Standard chair or the Trapèze table, the Design Museum in London also showcased the remainings of a prefabricated barrack for World War II refugees, school furniture and a vast array of photographs and drawings.

( Written and Photographed by Álvaro )

PLY & PLAY

2008-03-22T01:19:00.000Z

Designed by Charles & Ray Eames in the mid-forties, the Children's Chair and Stool are absolute favourites in terms of seating for the little ones. Like other pieces that the Eames created for children (the Plywood Elephant is just an example), this set of chair and stool is made out of moulded plywood, a technic that the coupled used in some of their most renowned furniture classics.
Available in natural maple or in red, the Children's Chair and Stool will certainly give hours of good clean fun.

( Written by Álvaro, Photographed by Lola )

IN VISÃO

2008-03-10T13:19:00.016Z

Our newest characters, Ms Honeysuckle and Mr Moustachio I, have made an appearance in Visão, a portuguese weekly magazine, in a lovely feature where you can read:

'She is passionate about bingo, flowers, cricket and picnics; he's a romantic aristocrat wannabe with a very blond imperial moustache, who loves history and philately. Ms Honeysuckle and Mr Moustachio I are sweethearts and the most recent creations of La Maison de Lola. Designed by Iolanda Mealha and handmade from wool fabric and felt, they retail for €40 at www.lamaisondelola.com, and also at Paris-Sete Concept, in Lisbon'.

You can see other press articles here.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

VINTAGE GLAMOUR

2008-02-27T14:48:00.020Z

In the old days glamour was a serious business... It was a definite no-no to go out without the proper attire, which included wardrobe, jewellery, handbag, shoes, perfect makeup, and a lot of poise.

A world away from mass-production, everything was handmade and cherished for years to come, and although most people didn't have much of everything, they had the proper items.

American Vogue was published twice a month (on the 1st and 15th), and amongst its contributors was the talented Cecil Beaton, who portrayed society women both through illustration and the photographic lens. House and Garden widely displayed the idea of the perfect home, and Vanity Fair dwelled on the international scene of the time and the faces who made it.

When WII came, women's lives, in Britain for example, transformed dramatically as they had to play their part in order to change the course of history. Even voteless, they worked as nurses, ambulance drivers, munition workers, tram conductors, and land girls.

In publications such as Vogue, women were told to support the country's morale by looking as lovely as ever, which with rationing meant modifying existing clothes, or making new ones from whatever fabrics were available using Vogue Pattern Book.

It's lovely to look at images from the past, and thankfully Condé Nast has an online store on which one can purchase, or simply browse, high quality prints from their magazines' archives, including Vogue, Vanity Fair, House & Garden, GQ, Goumet and Living.

Other great photographic archives are the ones from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London - V&A Prints (also available to purchase) and V&A Images, which are obviously rather complete and filled with beautiful images.

( Written by Lola )

NEW CHARACTERS

2008-02-22T09:01:00.017Z

Our collection of soft toys keeps growing, as we've just added two lovely new characters to our collection: Ms Honeysuckle, the bingo player, and Mr Moustachio I, the aristo wannabe.

As always, our new little guys are limited edition and lovingly handmade from wool fabrics such as tweed and felt.
With colourful personalities - and facial features to match - they're so much fun!

So go ahead, and meet the adorable couple here.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

NEW STOCKIST: FIVE GREEN

2008-02-18T19:04:00.016Z

Our soft toys are now available from a new stockist, Five Green.
Located in Dubai, UAE, Five Green is one of the most fashionable concept stores in the Emirates, and where besides our toys you can find women and menswear, books, magazines and a large selection of music.

Five Green at Garden Home Center, Oud Metha. Dubai.

( Written by Álvaro, Photo courtesy of Five Green )

ATONEMENT AT THE BAFTAS

2008-02-07T15:48:00.000Z

I'm constantly disappointed with movies. More often than not, i feel the need to never, ever step foot on a movie theater again. I really do.
Upon seeing the Atonement trailer i instantly knew this wouldn't be one of those movies, and was right.
Based on a novel by Ian McEwan - adapted to screenplay by Christopher Hampton - and directed by Joe Wright, it takes place in an english country house in 1935, in the hottest day of the year, in a glorious peaceful time between WI and WII.
It tells the story of Cecilia Tallis (played by Keira Knightley), the older and somewhat distant daughter of an upper-class family, and Robbie Turner (played by James McAvoy), the kind-hearted son of the housekeeper, who clearly has feelings for Cecilia - feelings she also has but doesn't admit owning. Briony, Cecilia's 13 year-old sister, is quite prodigious for her age, but when stumbling upon a situation she doesn't quite fully understand, the child inside her speaks louder, a dreadful lie is told, and lives are ruined... her own included.
The performances throughout the movie are truly spectacular, and so is the period wardrobe and photography, which begins bright and sunny but turns greyer and greyer with each scene, only made more obvious by the beautiful, breathtaking music.
This is one of the many stories of a period in our history that although terrible and filled with sorrow, also tells a tale of hope and love.

I can't stop but wondering how many wonderful books must be hidden in the memories of those who survived the war, some of them still alive today.

The Baftas will take place this Sunday, 10th February, on 195 Piccadilly, and Atonement is nominated for 14 awards, including best film, director, adapted screenplay, leading actor, leading actress, music, wardrobe... the list is just too long to go on.
Quite beautiful and emotional, this is my favourite movie, set on my favourite historic period, so i'm quite biased in hoping it wins in all categories.
In the meanwhile, and before the ceremony, one can always visit its entertaining website, explore the visual book, read the novel, purchase the newly released DVD, and listen to the truly wonderful soundtrack by Dario Marianelli.
True food for the soul.

( Written by Lola )

MONKEY BUSINESS

2008-01-31T15:03:00.000Z

Known for being a karaoke aficionado and to travel the world searching for the perfect banana, Mr Ape has been featured in Publica, the sunday magazine of portuguese newspaper Publico.
In the two page shoot Mr Ape was accompanied by our old time favourite Teak Monkey by Kay Bojesen, in a true homage to chimps all over the globe.

( Written by Álvaro, Photographed by Lola )

FRUIT COLOURED

2008-01-23T13:27:00.000Z

Our cross cushions have appeared in Sol, a weekly portuguese newspaper, in a lovely feature where you can read:

'Portuguese brand La Maison de Lola is best known for its toys, in which Ms Chimp is one of the main stars, but it has other products on offer such as these cushions inspired by the colours of peaches, prunes, pistachios and ginger. Handmade from 100% velvety cotton and filled with feathers, they retail for 70 euros.

La Maison de Lola products are available from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Tokyo, and of course, in Portugal.

They're also available online at www.lamaisondelola.com'.

You can read other press clippings here.

( Written by Lola )

READY TO GO

2008-01-19T10:51:00.000Z

When it comes to travel bags, we love the ones by Globe-Trotter for its luxury, vintage feel and amazing quality. Shops wise, 10 Corso Como is one of our favourite for its eclectic choice of products and spacious shopping area. When you put the two together, you only can get a great result: the new range of Globe-Trotter bags by 10 Corso Como.

With an exterior in matt grey - a re-edition from the Globe-Trotter archives - with black leather trimming and the 10 Corso Como monogram print inside, the bags are the perfect accessories to travel in style.

Exclusively available at 10 Corso Como.

( Written by Álvaro, Photo courtesy by Globe-Trotter )

GLAMOUR PUSS

2008-01-10T17:45:00.000Z

Because life can't always be serious and we do need a bit of humour in our daily affairs, i find fashion writing, when wittily done, the perfect secret weapon to unwind and let go ( along with a late session of Foyle's War on DVD, and a cup of spearmint green tea ).

Camilla Morton, a british fashion writer who has worked for The Times, The Telegraph Magazine and Harper's Bazaar, has written the most delightful books, which being non-fictional, they're more of resource guides for style oriented women.

The first one, How to Walk in High Heels, is a truly amusing and beautifully designed book, with delightful illustrations by Natasha Law ( definitely a plus where i'm concerned ), and covering the usual subjects such as grooming, gardening or packing, in a modern way. With a foreword by John Galliano, what makes it much more exciting are the added tips from experts such as Manolo Blahnik, Stella McCartney or Anya Hindmarch.

More of an almanac-style book which goes through the 1st January to the end of the year, A Girl for All Seasons is 528 pages of good fun. With illustrations by Natalie Ferstendik, each month covers a few 'How to's', features a travel postcard ( Paul Smith's London, Erin O'Connor's Wales ), a muse of the month, a book review, and being Camilla Morton, also a focus on footwear.

Although not everyone's cup of tea, i believe these are happy, eclectic and humorous books not to be taken too seriously, which show us life is simply too short to dwell on everything all the time, bringing a smile to one's face even on the bleakest of winter days.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

SPANISH ELLE

2008-01-03T13:05:00.001Z

Ms Spinach has been featured by spanish ELLE in its shopping guide Lo más Elle, where the magazine sources their favourite products, from fashion and hotels to gourmet products and items for children.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

SEASON'S GREETINGS

2007-12-23T19:12:00.000Z

La Maison de Lola wishes you a wonderful Christmas, and a really lovely 2008.
May this be the year when all wishes come true!

( Written by Lola & Álvaro, Graphics by Lola )

THE WORLD BY MIROSLAV SASEK

2007-12-17T14:36:00.000Z

When it comes to finding the best travel guides for adults, we think Wallpaper* and Nota Bene fit the bill perfectly. When thinking of something for children, our favourites are the 'This is' collection - definitely the best choice for the little ones.

Conceived by czech illustrator Miroslav Sasek in the 50s and 60s, the colourful books show some of the big cities (and regions) of the world in an innocent and charming way, providing a delighful image of the most typical global scenes such as the San Francisco trams, or the Queens Guard in Buckingham Palace.

( Written by Álvaro, Photographed by Lola and Álvaro )

ALL WRAPPED UP

2007-12-06T16:55:00.000Z

With Christmas nearly amongst us, Monocle has released a Gift Guide featuring some of the most delightful items one could hope to be gifted with.

The youngest of our soft toy family - the latest version of Ms Chimp, has been included in this beautifully put together guide for the holiday season.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

NEW STOCKIST: OLSSON & GERTHEL

2007-11-30T15:06:00.000Z

Our soft toys are now available from a new stockist, Olsson & Gerthel.

Located in Malmö, Sweden, Olsson & Gerthel is a great place to find, besides our little guys, some of the best design items.

From furniture and lighting, to accessories and complements, this beautiful shop is definitely a must see when you're in Malmö.

( Written by Álvaro, Photographed by Lola )

IN THE BAG

2007-11-20T12:30:00.000Z

With the A/W 2007 season in mind, we've launched four new beautiful zipper bags.

Perfect for keeping everything in place in your handbag or tote in the most gorgeous manner, and measuring 21 x 15 cm ( 8 by 6 inches ), Wooden bags are handmade from 100% cotton fabrics ( outer and lining ), and adorned with two wooden button designs, a terrier dog and a 747 plane.

In 4 fantastic colours - ochre, prune, latte and brick - and contrasting threads, they can house everything from travel necessities, make-up and beauty products, first aid, jewellery, camera and iPod, documents and currency.

Lovely as a gift for a loved one ( yourself included! ), Wooden bags are available in our online shop.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

PORCELAIN KNIT

2007-11-13T14:17:00.000Z

We've long professed our undeniable love for beautifully handmade pieces... Nothing beats the attention to detail, the warmth of the finished result, the sheer uniqueness of each and every piece.

Because we're fans of old style craftsmanship - think Saville Row and Brooks saddles - we just adore Annette Bugansky's handmade porcelain vases with their beautiful knitting patterns, which make them really textural and tactile.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

A VIEW FROM ABOVE

2007-11-07T15:32:00.000Z

Naoki Honjo, a japonese photographer that recently exhibited his work at Paul Smith's Albemarle Street gallery, in London, shows the world you live in from a perspective you've never seen before.
Taking photographs of natural sights or city scapes from high above, Honjo creates images that resemble miniature worlds where real people, trees and buildings seem like small pieces in artificially created model sceneries.
Also available in a book called 'Small Planet', Naoki Honjo's photography is a great example of how all art should be, truly refreshing and ironic.

( Written by Álvaro, Photography by Naoki Honjo )

HAMPTON'S RETREAT

2007-10-30T19:38:00.000Z

Like most, we love to peep inside other people's houses.

To make sure we do it in the most tasteful manner ( of course ), we love magazines such as Elle Decoration, Dwell, Livingetc, Vogue Living and House and Garden, who kindly let us satisfy our curiosity without having to resort to binoculars ( just kidding! ).

The November issue of House and Garden features the Hampton's hideway of actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay husband Chris Martin, a spacious and light retreat in East Hampton, set within walking distance of the ocean.

Working herself with builder and architectural designer Michael Minkoff, Paltrow went over fabric swatches and design resources while Minkoff transformed the skeleton of the house, adding a few bedrooms so all the close family could stay over.

A fan of minimalistic spaces and cool neutral colours, the whole house is a serene, clutter-free zone. Featuring some pieces of her art collection, the interiors are light and airy and decorated mostly in soft pastel colours, with the exception of daughter Apple's bright pink bedroom, the black powder room, and the spacious black cabinet kitchen.

Our favourites? Besides Tord Boontje's 'Blossom' chandelier and Tom Dixon's 'Mirror Ball' pendants, being nature and fitness fans, what we love best is the beautiful outdoor space, complete with apple orchard, canopied garden hammock, pool house and personal fitness studio for yoga and pilates, which Paltrow makes use of on a daily basis.

( Written by Lola, Photographed by Eric Cahan for House and Garden )

CANINE SNAPSHOTS

2007-10-26T10:18:00.000+01:00

Here at La Maison de Lola we are great fans of dogs.
Besides our little female companion Dot ( pictured above ) we love all dogs, big and small, fluffy and short haired, mutt and pure breed.
Picturing half a century ( since the early 1900s to the fifties ) of anonymous snapshots of dogs, Phaidon lauched a book called Dogs, an essential photo portfolio for lovers of man's best friend.
Showing dogs in the most mundane settings, such as two puppies popping out of a hat case or a child swimming with his four-legged companion, this book reveals how dogs are so important to us and that the world without them definitely wouldn't be the same...

(Written by Álvaro, Photographed by Lola)

TABLE MANNERS

2007-10-22T07:32:00.000+01:00

People Will Always Need Plates, in addition to their London architecture themed collection, has a lovely range for pets called For All You Little Animals.

The bone china petware, made and decorated in Stoke on Trent, features illustrations of animal homes and is available in two sizes: 18 cm for dogs and cats, and 12 cms for smaller cats and others creatures such as rabbits and guinea pigs.

The bowls look better when empty - when you can see the design - so make sure your pet cleans up his/her meals really well!

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

MUG SHOT

2007-10-17T13:03:00.000+01:00

Design for kids is one of the fields of product design we love the most, but unfortunately so little explored. Because we start developing our aesthetic notions when we're small, it makes perfect sense to indulge kids with a few great things, instead of a lot of lesser ones.

One of our all-time favourites children's accessories, Domoor, a.k.a. Dombo Mug, was designed by Richard Hutten back in 2002.

Quite modern in appearance, its practical ear-shaped double handles are almost foolproof in terms of avoiding a mess - which is good news for parents, but its undeniable fun factor is what wins kids votes. Available in orange, blue, purple, and black.

( Written by Lola, Photo courtesy of Richard Hutten Studio )

GREENER COMMUTING

2007-10-15T12:10:00.000+01:00

Being green, besides such healthy habits as using recycled paper or saying no to plastic bags, is also the way you go from A to B.
Apart from cycling, walking, or using public transportation, sharing a car is one of the most efficient ways to save the planet.
Zipcar, the worlds' largest network of shared cars, is a great solution for city dwellers who don't wish to own a vehicle: car usage gets reduced by half, fuel consumption decreases, and each one of these cars replaces 20 privately-owned ones.
Available in several US cities such as San Francisco and Chicago, and also London, our wish is that this great concept arrives in other traffic jammed locations.

( Written and Photographed by Álvaro )

ART OF LIFE

2007-10-12T14:00:00.000+01:00

Because it's Friday and weekends should be happy times, we bring you something which always makes us smile: Denice Dorrance's gorgeous illustrations.

Witty and unassuming, a showcase of her work can be seen at her lovely website, where you can check the hilarious and much desperate Jigs, our favourite.

( Written by Lola )

LISBON FASHION WEEK'S SHOP

2007-10-10T13:56:00.000+01:00

Moda Lisboa, Lisbon's Fashion Week, begins tomorrow its latest edition, Move, which will take place until Sunday 14th October on Cidadela de Cascais.
Besides the fashion shows, it will also feature a temporary shop where you can find, among others, our soft toys.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

NEAT DISPLAY

2007-10-08T10:10:00.000+01:00

Having a bicycle and living in a city apartment is not always the easiest thing.
To solve any space problems, british designer Andrew Lang created an ingenious solution for storing bikes: Cycloc.
Wall-mounted, this smart accessory secures almost all models and is available in four colours (white, black, orange and green).
Perfect for storing or simply displaying your beloved two-wheeled vehicle, Cycloc is also great for outdoor use, be it in a garden wall or garage.

( Written by Álvaro, Photo courtesy of Cycloc )

CHILD'S PLAY

2007-10-05T10:48:00.000+01:00

French children's lifestyle magazine, Milk, is certainly one of the best around with its beautiful photography and layout.
Our little guys, represented by travel and karaoke enthusiast Mr Ape, have appeared in the current issue ( nr. 17 ), where they're described as 'kind and lovely creatures'. Voilá!

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

MOVING SENSE

2007-10-03T10:57:00.000+01:00

Plain white, painted in a colour block or covered by beautiful wallpaper, walls are great places to display images and memories.

Wishing to create a set that eases the task of hanging favourite photographs and paintings ( like this old-fashioned Portobello find ), Kirsty Allsopp - an english real estate guru - created for her brand Moving Sense a retro looking box called Picture Hanging Kit.

Filled with the essential tools needed for the task, such as a claw hammer, tape measure, pencil and spirit level, the helpful kit is not only useful and handy, but also very easy to make low-key due to its book-like appearance.

Besides this one, Moving Sense provides two more practical kits: the Starter Tool Kit and the Sewing Kit.

( Written by Álvaro, Photographed by Lola )

STILL LIFE POETRY

2007-10-01T15:15:00.000+01:00

Some of the most special moments in life are those of unexpected beauty, the ones we didn't plan for - those private, unrehearsed and unpredictable moments we all share as humanity, no matter what nationality, creed, or social background.
Captured on camera by unknown men and women, and preciously collected and edited over two decades by French photohistorian Michel Frizot and photographic researcher Cédric de Veigy, 285 amateur photographs were compiled and beautifully displayed in Photo Trouvée, a book which presents itself as a large and anonymous photo album of everyday life.
Published by Phaidon, and portraying subjects such as children and their beloved pets, a trip to the seaside, or a person's private surroundings, this powerful yet understated book makes us relate to a stranger's history, while subtly revealing our own.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

POINT OF INSPIRATION

2007-09-28T14:09:00.000+01:00

Known for being one of the best design stores in Lisbon, Paris-Sete Concept - the lisboan space where you can find our little guys - launched yesterday the biggest Vitra Home space in Portugal, a fourteen meter long Point of Inspiration.
In this wonderful shop, you can find all Vitra collection, including Eames iconic designs, Alexander Girard's Wooden Dolls, the miniatures collection, George Nelson's clocks, and a great book selection from Vitra Design Museum.

( Written and Photographed by Álvaro )

COUTURE AT THE V&A

2007-09-26T13:26:00.000+01:00

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London features, from 22nd September to 6th January 2008, an exhibition entirely dedicated to the fascinating world of Haute Couture.

The Golden Age of Couture begins its retrospective in 1947, when Mr Dior launched the 'New Look', and ends a decade later, featuring the work of Paris-based couturiers such as the aforementioned Cristian Dior, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Pierre Balmain and Hubert de Givenchy, and also of London-based Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies.

Illustrated with period gowns and photography, this post-war fashion tribute is a must for those ( myself included ) who revel in the Hitchcock-heroine look of that era.

Don't forget to also visit The Art of Lee Miller, a photographic retrospective of the life of the once american Vogue model, Man Ray lover and muse, and acclaimed photographer.

V&A at Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

PLAYING HOUSE

2007-09-24T11:35:00.000+01:00

When it comes to play time, doll houses are certaintly a must.
Providing hours of good clean fun and stimulating kids' imagination, this great playing accessory is still a childrens' favourite.
With this idea in mind, Kidsonroof created the modern version of the classic doll house: the MobileHome. Made from recyclable cardboard and coming in a lovely turquoise colour, this miniature home has eight rooms, including an attic and a hidding place for your kids toys.
Easy to carry, MobileHome is so lightweight it can taken be everywhere, to kid's delight.

( Written by Álvaro, Photo courtesy of Kidsonroof )

CITIES ON FOOT

2007-09-21T11:53:00.000+01:00

The best way to get around a city is definitely on foot... If with plently of time and energy to spare, nothing beats enjoying the views up-close, feeling a gentle breeze on your face, mingle with the locals and, of course, do a bit of leg-shaping exercise.
With this in mind, Chronicle Books has the most practical guides, City Walks, a small kit containing 50 cards divided by city area, with a map on one side and the proposed walk on the other.
Available in 16 versions, including London ( seen here ), Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Vancouver, and Los Angeles, it's a great way to enjoy a city like the natives do.
And for travelling with kids there's also two child-friendly City Walks on offer: the kids version of the New York and San Francisco guides.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

MINIATURE WORLD

2007-09-19T14:17:00.000+01:00

Vitra Design Museum miniatures are great to accessorize your space, and whether a living room or a kids' bedroom, they're highly collectible items that captivate the attention of both adults and children.
Starting with miniature chairs from the beginning of the 19th century, the collection includes all the most significant design classics, such as La Chaise (seen here) by Charles & Ray Eames, Butterfly Stool by Sori Yanagi or Pastilli by Eero Aarnio.
Made by highly skilled craftsmen, the miniatures are exact reproductions of the full scale models, replicating the actual colours, materials and construction.

( Written by Álvaro, Photographed by Lola )

CURIOSITY SHOP

2007-09-17T12:10:00.000+01:00

No one does british cool better than Paul Smith, so when in London, one of the first stops we make is at one of his many magpie shops.

Located at 9 Albermarle Street, Smith's Mayfair space is a true treasure trove for vintage afficionados, housing quirky one-off finds such as jewellery, art, objects and furniture, all sourced around the world and beautifully curated in an eye-catching gallery / old style ambiance.

Miles away from the mass produced plastic objects we see in most shops today, its selection is truly unique and personal - new life is brought into forgotten pieces, which after a little touch here and there, are transformed into highly desirable ones.

We absolutely love it, but even if one doesn't have an eclectic bone in one's body, this Alladdin's cave of a shop is definitely worth a visit for its curiosity factor alone.

Paul Smith at 9 Albermarle Street, Mayfair, London W1

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

VINTAGE TECHNOLOGY

2007-09-15T11:08:00.000+01:00

Perfect as a 'hands free' set for mobile phones or to speak through Skype, Hulger is one of the coolest tecnnology accessories you can find.
Available in three different models - Penelope*Phone, P*Phone (seen here) and PIP*Phone - and colours such as olive green, white or maroon, Hulger phones combine the latest technology with a nostalgic vintage look.
The white model with its respective base, looks especially great with the clean, minimalistic look of Mac computers.

( Written by Álvaro, Photographed by Lola )

AMERICAN BEAUTY

2007-09-13T18:11:00.000+01:00

Kiehl's has been a favourite for many years, and as frequent visitors to its London shops on Monmouth Street and King's Road, we've often wondered when one would open closer to home.

So we were obviously excited when it recently opened a new location in Lisbon, right next to Hermés, and like its London counterparts, it's packed full with its famed lotions and potions such as Creme de Corps, Ultra Facial Moisturizer, Creme with Silk Groom, and the refreshing Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion, which contains menthol and camphor, and was favoured by Andy Warhol who referred to it as 'the blue stuff'.

Besides its wonderful products, cool interiors, nice and helpful staff, delightfully minimal packaging, Harley-Davidson devotion, and a longtime tradition which dates back to 1851, what we love about Kiehl's it that it's fiercely eco-friendly and manages to keep animals out of the lab.

Kiehl's at Rua António Maria Cardoso , nº 39-D, 1200-108 Lisboa

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

CHILDREN'S HABITAT

2007-09-11T01:24:00.001+01:00

Finding well designed children's furniture is not the easiest thing to do, but the Peters Chair and Table by manufacturer Carl Hansen definitely caught our eye.
Designed in the mid-forties, this wooden set was created by Hans J. Wegner for Borge Mogensen's son, mainly because of the evident shortage of good gifts for children.
Originally made by Wegner himself, this wonderful chair and table are perfect for the most stylish playing.

( Written by Álvaro, Photo courtesy of Carl Hansen)

EARTHY BLOOMS

2007-09-07T11:22:00.000+01:00

Being city dwellers, any contact with nature is very welcome indeed, so a bunch of gorgeous flowers is an absolute must.
Although nobody needs a great number of vessels to proudly display their blooms, where decoration is concerned, we're practically obsessed about pots and vases, and no matter what, always seem to be on the look out for another beautiful piece to add to our collection, be it vintage or a brand new one.

Our absolute favourites are the ones by Jonathan Adler, especially the Relief collection, a line of earthy pots and vases inspired by everything in nature and wonderfully glazed in muted hues such as olive, jade, duckling (a rich caffe latte colour), and white.
Besides his beautiful vases, also look out for the Menagerie and Utopia lines... The first a 60's inspired all white geometric animal collection, and the latter a quirky line of home accessories such as decanters, teapots and mugs reminiscent of Alexander Girard's work.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

MONKEY SAY, MONKEY DO

2007-09-05T00:10:00.000+01:00

One of the things we like best is to accessorize our studio with beautiful objects, and this wooden monkey designed in the fifties by Kay Bojesen really fits the bill. Entirely made from teak and limba, this playful design icon is not only great to decorate, but it's also an amusing vintage looking toy.
Articulated and composed by 13 pieces, this iconic monkey from Rosendahl also has two other wooden friends: an elephant and a bear.

( Written by Álvaro, Photographed by Lola )

MODERN NOMADS

2007-09-03T14:55:00.000+01:00

The new issue of Mexx Connect magazine is dedicated to one of our favourite subjects, world travel.
Available in both print and online mode, inspiringly named Modern Nomads and entirely devoted to the art of travelling well, this issue features among others, Nomadic Essentials, a well-put together and beautifully designed guide for those who make travelling a way of life. Among Wallpaper's City Guides, the gorgeous Apple I-Phone, and even a foldable guitar by DeVillain for those who can't say no to a jam session, our soft toys (aka Cool Cuddlies) have also made an appearance, where you can read:

'The new rage in soft toys, popularly called the ''designer plush'' trend, is turning cuddly companions into travel must-haves for kids big and small.

While plush for kids generally act as a safety blanket on the road,''they're fast becoming a much coveted fashion accessory for trend-aware nomads'', says Lola of La Maison de Lola. ''Like other in-demand products, they act as a joint visual link between people globally.'' Her plush Foodie and Creatures creations, with names like Mr Pumpkin and Ms A. Lee Anne, are handmade and have unique personalities and interests such as yoga, pottery and karaoke. They even have their own blog where the toys talk about the latest design news, whether a new hotel, a Vitra re-issue of an Eames classic or designer dog leashes.'

You can read more press clippings here.

( Written by Lola )

NEW STOCKIST: ISOLÉE

2007-08-31T12:11:00.000+01:00

After arriving in San Francisco, our soft toys are now available in the madrilene shop Isolée, our first spanish stockist.
Located in the Chueca area, Isolée is the most renowned concept store in Madrid, also stocking gourmet products, womenswear and menswear, home accessories, magazines and design items.

Isolée at C/ Infantas 19, 28004 Madrid.

( Written and Photographed by Álvaro )

NEW STOCKIST: EDEN & EDEN

2007-08-29T14:48:00.000+01:00

Our soft toys are now available from a new US stockist, Eden & Eden in San Francisco.

Bright and airy, it's filled with gorgeous vintage and new finds such as womenswear, furniture and accessories. Our little guys, Mr Bunny and Ms Spinach included, feel right at home in its beautiful surroundings.

Eden & Eden, 560 Jackson Street, San Francisco 94133.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

NURSERY RHYMES

2007-08-28T18:20:00.000+01:00

Our soft toys have been featured in Apartment Therapy: The Nursery, in a lovely post called September Issue Gems, dedicated to beautiful finds in this month's Dwell magazine.

You can see other press clippings here.

( Written by Lola )

LONDON MEALS

2007-08-27T14:52:00.000+01:00

One of the things we love about London is the diversity of places to eat. From indian restaurants to haute cuisine, the Big Smoke is the right place to visit if you're a gourmet enthusiast.
Terence Conran, owner of the D&D restaurant chain, recently published a wonderful book dedicated to the best foodie destinations in the british capital: Eat London.
Besides a complete guide (divided by city areas) of the most acclaimed eataries, this useful book from Conran Octopus also provides sixty recipes by some of britain's top chefs.

( Written and Photographed by Álvaro )

IT'S A SUNNY DAY

2007-08-24T01:28:00.000+01:00

We've been working non-stop lately, so quite soon, our little guys will be available in a few more shops worldwide, all very different and great in their own way.
We're really excited about that, and commited as we are, hardly stepped outside and had a break.
Since we do deserve a bit of sunshine coming our way, here's a rare occasion when we did stop to recharge our batteries and enjoy the gorgeous light of summer time Lisbon.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

PICTURE PERFECT

2007-08-22T00:58:00.000+01:00

There aren't many things we love more than animals, photography, and wallpaper, so when the three come together it's very hard to not take notice.
Catherine Ledner, a Los Angeles based photographer, captures some of the most beautiful and quirky images of the other inhabitants of our planet. In front of strongly textured wallpaper, creatures such as the orangutan (seen here), zebra, parrot, or goat, are left to do their own thing while the photographer gets her shot.
The end result is an interior styled Noah's Ark that's so lovely and unique, it's bound to bring a smile to everyone's face.

( Written by Lola, Photo courtesy of Catherine Ledner )

AROUND THE WORLD IN STYLE

2007-08-20T17:53:00.000+01:00

When visiting a city, we like to take with us as little as possible. With travelling light in mind, Wallpaper* City Guides by Phaidon (along with a few homemade lists and Google Maps) are our answer to a pocket size travel guide.

Tightly edited, the colourful editions made by Wallpaper* magazine provide info about the best spots in some of the major cities around the world, from architectural icons and hotels to restaurants and shops.

( Written by Álvaro, Photographed by Lola )

RIVERSIDE DELI

2007-08-17T11:00:00.001+01:00

Located in an old warehouse by the river, opposite the grand train station of Santa Apolónia, DeliDelux is one of the best gourmet
stores in Lisbon.
Besides the café with amazing views of Tejo - where you can grab something to eat - this spacious shop sells a vast selection of gourmet products: Wilkin & Sons preserves, Kusmi teas, Fábrica do Rebuçado egg delicacies, and a wide variety of wine, cheese, coffee, chocolate and cake.

DeliDelux at Av. Infante D. Henrique Armazém B Loja 8, Lisboa.

( Written by Álvaro / Photographed by Lola )

DWELL MAGAZINE

2007-08-15T14:12:00.000+01:00

We've been looking forward to seeing our feature in Dwell, but because the distance in question is a great one, the September issue of one of our favourite magazines took a little longer to arrive here.
In a lovely text dedicated to our Creatures soft toys, you can read:

'Those of us who tire of watching kids drag around raggedy stuffed animals will be relieved to find this collection of respectable cushioned toys. Creatures, from Portuguese couple Iolanda Roftoples Mealha and Álvaro Tavares Ramos, are hand-sewn from wool and felt (...) Bestowing Mr Bunny, Mr Grizzly, or Ms Oink on an unassuming youngster will surely encourage an appreciation for the finer things in life - after all, a little taste of houndstooth could always blossom into a lifelong passion for sophistication'.

You can see other press clippings here.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

EVERYDAY PIECES

2007-08-13T10:09:00.000+01:00

Besides one very lovely female dog named Dot, our life is also shared with two rather playful male cats, named Fibi and Tobias.

We're always on a quest for beautiful things to surround us with, and because we love animals, beautifully designed pet accessories are definately a must, but unfortunately so very hard to come by.

A few months back, we discovered Everyday Studio, a design company based in San Francisco which makes modern accessories for pets which won't clash with 'human furniture'.

We particularly love Pet Dish, a free-standing diner in colourful steel and removable stainless steel bowls (the canary one is especially fetching), and Pouce, a Gehry inspired multifunctional piece of furniture for both play and sleep, with claw-friendly corrugated cardboard and an area where your cat can nap.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

AIR WORLD

2007-08-10T14:47:00.000+01:00

We love to travel and visit new places, and although not very eco-friendly, planes are still the fastest and most efficient way to do it.

Fascinated by the vintage aesthetics of the mid-century airline companies - modern airlines just don't have the same allure of the older days - we can remind ourselves of the golden age of air travel through the new book from Vitra Design Museum: Air World.

Full of great pictures (which include airports, airplanes and uniforms), and texts about companies such as Braniff Airlines or Lufthansa, this white cover book gives an extensive insight on the world of travelling by air.

( Written by Álvaro / Photographed by Lola )

SITTING PRETTY

2007-08-08T19:06:00.000+01:00

Lisbon is not the easiest city to ride on a bicycle, but even so we're keen in pedalling our legs off on its hilly streets.
That said, and being lovers of the best handmade products, we think Brooks saddles are the right thing to accessorize your two wheeled vehicle.
Made by hand with the highest quality materials and giving great comfort when stroling around town, they are perfect to fit in any kind of bike, be it a folding one or a track model.

( Written by Álvaro / Photo courtesy of Brooks )

AUGUST MUST-DO LIST

2007-08-06T09:37:00.000+01:00

Mr Ape, Ms Spinach and Mr Bunny have been featured in the August edition of portuguese interiors magazine Máxima Interiores, in this month's must-do list.

You can find some of the most recent press clippings here.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

OAK, OAK, AND AWAY

2007-08-03T11:01:00.000+01:00

We're obviously passionate about toys, and wherever we are, we often find ourselves in the most exquisite toy shops feeling like kids in a... well, in a toy shop! Because we love them so much, we can't help ourselves but to write a post or two on the subject.

Sedici animals, designed in 1957 by Enzo Mari and manufactured by Danese, are a cute version of the old days' wooden toy.

Portraying such diverse creatures as the elephant, the kangaroo, the bear, or the camel, made from oak and serving many purposes, these animals can as easily be used as a fun 3 D puzzle for children, or as decorative pieces for a jungle-chic bedroom.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

CANVAS WORK

2007-08-01T10:58:00.000+01:00

Lisbon is a city of contrasts, and among other things, best known for its mirror-like river, almost blinding light, easy access to beaches and leisure, and all things related with a southern way of life. Although not always associated with cutting-edge art, things seem to be changing with the recent opening of Museu Berardo.
In a modern white space filled with contemporary art pieces which represent more than 70 art movements, there's something for everybody, including works by James Rielly, Robert Bechtle (pictured here), Andy Warhol, Yvan Salonome, Sigmar Polke, Hans Harp, Balthus, and many more.

Museu Colecção Berardo at Praça do Império, Belém, 1449-003 Lisboa.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

NEW STOCKIST: PLACES AND SPACES

2007-07-30T00:07:00.001+01:00

Our soft toys are available from a new stockist, Places and Spaces. Located in Clapham, South London, Places and Spaces is a beautiful shop where you can find, besides our little guys, lots of great furniture and accessories.

Places and Spaces at 30 Old Town, Clapham, London SW4

( Written and Photographed by Álvaro )

HOME DESIGN STAPLE

2007-07-27T23:33:00.000+01:00

One of the things we love best at La Maison de Lola is making some changes in our studio. We've come across The Ultimate House Book by Terence Conran, a wonderful source for the best home decoration tips. First published in the seventies, it's full of useful advices on how to make the best of the space you own, including a guide to home improvements and a practical compendium with materials, finishings and furniture.

( Written and Photographed by Álvaro )

MEET THE NEW MS CHIMP

2007-07-25T01:35:00.000+01:00

We're launching the new Ms Chimp - the second version of one of our beloved creatures. Being limited edition, less than 50 of the first version were produced, and we still have a few in stock, but the online shop and our stockists will carry the new Ms Chimp from now on. The new female chimpanzee is made from the softest wool tweed in ecru, saffron, chocolate, coffe, and taupe, and has huge felt eyes in a lovely teal colour.

Note: If you're interested in getting the last pieces of the first edition, please e-mail us to see if we still have one for you.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

PLANTING THE AESTHETIC SEED

2007-07-23T13:38:00.001+01:00

Many people don't realise the importance of surrounding children with beautiful objects and toys. Our visual memories from when we were small do play a huge part in our aesthetic values when we become adults, so giving something well-made and beautiful to a child will, in more ways than one, help shape their one individual sense of good taste.

Although not a toy, i still remember when, aged four, i would ask my father how to write a word and type it in his beautiful Valentina typewriter, which later i learnt was designed by Ettore Sottsass. Although not very fond of the colour red, learning to write in such a marvelous object is a part of my history which i will cherish forever, and nowadays, has much more significance than having memory of discovering the world through something mass-marketed or not beautifully made.

Because playtime should be visually educative, Puppy by Magis

( shown here ), designed by Eero Aarnio, is a cute sit-on-dog which comes in four sizes - small, medium, large, and XL - and three colours - green, white, and orange, and will ensure hours

of endless fun.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

FUDGE HEAVEN

2007-07-18T23:47:00.000+01:00

Chocolate is definately one of our favourite treats, be it in a cake or a delicious bar of dark choco with almonds, its sweetness always puts us with a happy face and ready to work. Although we like almost all kinds of chocolates, the fudges made by Arizona duo Charssi really caught our eye.
Colourful and refreshing, the Chocolate-Mint Fudge is by all means our favourite. Perfect to take after your meal, the fudge flavour is unique due to combining the softness of chocolate with tasty mint and, for those who judge a book by its cover, also neatly packaged.
Also look for other delicious flavours, such as Chocolate-Orange or Chocolate-Mocha.

( Written by Álvaro, Photo courtesy of Charssi )

DAUNT BOOKS

2007-07-15T19:47:00.000+01:00

We've arrived from a mini-break in London last week... Although the weather wasn't as gracious as we'd hoped for ( rain and thunder in July, anyone? ), London is always an inspiration with its elegant architecture, beautiful shops and museums.

Passionate about books, one of our favourite shops in The Big Smoke is definitely Daunt Books in Marylebone High Street.

A true treasure trove, besides the wonderful travel dedicated books, this Edwardian bookshop is a delight to the sight. Beautifully decorated with teal painted walls, vintage wallpaper, huge skylights, bright green lighting fixtures, and long oak galleries and staircases, Daunt has the old english ambiance down to a T.
Sprawled along three storeys - basement, ground floor, and galleries - the book selection is vast and conveniently organized by geography, so you can easily find not only travel books but also novels and other works regarding your desired region.
Besides the colourful display of books, you can also attend evening talks by writers.

Daunt Books, 83 Marylebone High Street, London W1.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

TWO WHEELED WONDER

2007-07-12T01:04:00.000+01:00

Established in 1972 by Jinbei Yamada, Japanese manufacturer Arrow makes some of the most exquisite bicycles in the world.

Producing only 1000 units per year, the several Arrow designs are available in 18 vibrant colours and can be bought with lots of practical accessories, such as baskets and trolleys.

Besides not putting its logo on the bicycles, Yamada encourages all his clients to assemble their own bike, creating a unique bond between them and the two wheeled wonder.

( Written by Álvaro / Photo courtesy of Arrow )

ELLE DECORATION UK

2007-07-08T19:09:00.000+01:00

Our toys have been featured in the August issue of british Elle Decoration, on a report called Hot List - This month's most stylish home buys, where you can read:

'Portuguese duo La Maison de Lola's cuddly animals, handmade in wool and felt, are a must-buy - choose from a variety of lovable designs, including Ms Oink, Mr Bunny and Mr Grizzly.'

You can find more press clippings here.

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

ONLINE SHOP

2007-07-02T08:41:00.000+01:00

We're going on a mini-break, so while the shop is open 24/7, online orders made in the meantime will be shipped when we return, on Monday 9th July.

Thank you in advance, and check back often... we'll soon be adding a few new items to our collection!

( Written and Photographed by Lola )

VITRA EVENT AT MADRID

2007-06-29T23:29:00.001+01:00

Yesterday, at Vitra Madrid, has taken place a presentation of the new office furniture concept Net'N'Nest, introduced by Erwan Bouroullec, and when night came, there was a party celebrating the 100th anniversary of Charles Eames' birth.

Coming to an end at about 3 am, the party was a rather nice way not only to see the amazing changes in Vitra's showroom, but also have a glimpse of the latest work by the Bouroullec brothers.

( Written and Photographed by Álvaro )

FEMALE FORM

2007-06-22T00:10:00.000+01:00

Natasha Law's work is at the same time delicate and intense, soft and empowering. The first time i had a glimpse of it was on the pages of british Vogue a few years ago - a red on white ink sketch featuring a woman from behind, so demure yet incredibly striking.
Her highly recognizable work, which portrays the female form in saturated glossy paintings and deceptively carefree illustrations, has since then appeared, among others, on solo exhibitions at Eleven in London and Voltz Clarke in New York, a few books, and commercial ventures such as Jemma Kidd's makeup range and accessories designer Beatrix Ong's shoe boxes.

Law, a mother of three and sister to actor Jude, works from her studio in Camberwell, South London, to which she sneaks off when the children are in bed. Since last year, the artist has added yet another dimension to her work in the form of Lou Lou and Law, a clothing brand featuring her trademark sketches on Ann Louise Roswald's clothing designs, and available at a few select shops.

( Written by Lola )