White Fever

Last night I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch of The White Company store in Cardiff. From the big black bows adorning the front of the store (that will have been cut this morning for the grand opening) to the beautifully constructed interior with chandeliers, spotlights and picture perfect displays, I knew this was more than just another shop - it's pure luxury. It's not cheap but it doesn't intend to be as everything is made exquisitely in simple, clean styles, attention to detail and the best materials. It was all I could do to resist touching and smelling everything but the fear of knocking something over did restrain me for the most part.

After trying to avoid the delicious canapes from Jamie's Italian (and terribly failing at the end of the evening) and enjoying the beautiful instrumentals from a very talented string quartet, I made a couple of little purchases and walked away with the Winter candle and the Seychelles candle. Posts dedicated to these candles will be up very soon but I can't resist saying that Winter is the ultimate Autumn/Winter candle for spicy, cosy scent lovers and you don't even need to burn it - lift the metal lid and the scent will instantly fill the room and Seychelles? Well, I'm sure you all know about the summer staple fragrance from Estee Lauder, Bronze Goddess and if you know the scent imagine that with a little less coconut and a little more tropics in a candle and you have Seychelles.

I walked around most of the store in a daze of imagining my dream home. The scents are so clean and uplifting yet the most natural non-synthetic scents I have ever had the pleasure of testing and I'm sure I'll be back to buy more. The fabrics are soft and well made in soft whites, creams and beiges that scream 'Roll in me!'. The children's range? Well, let's just say I'd be dangerous. Ranging from the softest plush toys I have ever touched to adorable dog patterned jumpers and equestrian bedding with matching pyjamas - no doubt my children would get it mucky by looking at it but isn't it nice to imagine?

So if you're around, pop in and do take your credit card because I am sure even if you leave empty handed you'll be back time and time again with a wishlist as long as your arm. I'm already planning my next purchases!