Up-cycling seems to be the “mot du jour” in interior design. Over the last few weeks Things of Random and I have become slightly obsessed with the antics of Bob and Cortney Novogratz and their New York based company Sixx Design. I think it’s a nesting instinct, coupled with an admiration for their parenting of 7 children and their astounding commitment to design. Their Bravo TV show, 9 By Design, has me completely hooked. Their main premise of their enterprise is mixing old with new, finding reclaimed pieces to accompany slick designer modernism. Old pieces of furniture are up-cycled by adding new upholstery and new paint, to give a cooler, renovated look. The trend seems to be everywhere; Mary Portas showed Dazzle and Denny how to do it at 37 Old London Road and Elemental sells industrial cabinets for £2,000 a pop.

This led me on a search for the same trend in fashion. The term “vintage” and all it means in its many guises (second hand, charity shop) has been a darling of the industry for decades. Just saying it adds a certain kudos (and most definitely an elevated price tag) to any outfit. I’m on a search for renovated fashion or garments made from unusual materials. One item has caught my eye by Swedish Blonde Design’s Cockney Jewellery. Broad beans accompany pearls and motifs of our Royals to create surprisingly delicate necklaces and accessories. The Old Broad Bean, The Queen, offers a very fashionable neckpiece, snapped up by Supermarket Sarah for her site/blog.

Is the Cockney Jewllery an example of fashion re-cycling? Up-cycling implies an improvement and an increase in value, which I guess the humble broad bean has experienced. If you consider yourself a fashion up-cycler please get in touch. I’d love to see what your opinions are and discover if up-cycling is a trend embracing all elements of design.

(Queen artwork by Ann Carrington – a favourite of Mr. & Mrs. Novogratz)

So, where to begin with this post…it’s a difficult one as I usually choose to not reveal too much detail about “me” on my blog. My blog of course IS me; but my personal details usually only interfere sporadically. So, to the news; I have become a human incubator. There’s a little bump of Random Fashion Coolness and Things of Random Coolness developing on my interior ready for a Christmas release date!

The reason I need to tell you this is my perspective on my personal style has been forced to change. I don’t want to make this into my baby-centric blog; my love and appreciation of the aesthetics of all fashion still remain. But every blog post I write feels like it requires a little aside of, “of course I won’t be able to wear the new season Celine til my post-birth bump deflates (or more accurately, “until I win the lottery.”) I am a very honest person and this honesty seems to pervade every aspect of my blogging, compelling me to pass on my important news.

Another reason I’ve been reluctant to mention anything up until now is that this is a whole new world for me, a completely new territory. I may be 31 but I feel I have the maturity of a small child. The responsibility of parenthood still overwhelms me, despite exciting me at the same time. The plethora of things that can potentially go wrong still makes me reluctant to share this information now…but there is kicking & poking & hormone induced euphoria that means my joy can no longer remain hidden.

My changing size is something I’ve taken the longest to adjust to. I think it’s the lack of control you can exert on this process that I’ve found the strangest part. I remember, pre-bambino, telling my friends, “When I’m pregnant, I’m going to eat like a monster and love every minute of justified expansion.” The reality of the first few months was most of the food I love was out of bounds. Shellfish, cured and rare meats, blue and mould ripened cheeses left my fridge, plus my appetite shrunk and nausea dictated that only the blandest foods possible passed my lips. I’m half way through now and my appetite is back with a vengeance…my cravings are for all the taboo products listed above! There is an obvious bump but the rest of me is yet to swell as I expected it too (childhood moon-face will probably make an unwelcome return in September ;)

Shopping has become more of an exercise in observation and visual appreciation, especially of the new Autumn/Winter pieces. I am however looking for a camel cape, as it’s a perfect expansion piece but all the delicious Céline inspired pieces cropping up everywhere are for my viewing pleasure only.

There endeth the news. I am blissfully happy, yet apprehensive. I intend to blog away as I grow and offer you a new perspective from my little world of randomness. My aim is to achieve this “glow,” I shall let you know if I ever attain it!