On The Wall – Amy Bartle of Simple Style Notebook

I’m so pleased to introduce the final of the line up for my Wednesday regular features.  A lovely friend and fellow blogger, Amy Bartle of Simple Style Notebook, suggested the idea of “On The Wall” to me a couple of months ago while I was in the throws of moving. I immediately fell for the idea and put it on my to do list. Of course having Amy launch it was a must!

Amy was once a fashion magazine editor and stylist in London before moving to Yorkshire with her husband. After living away from the fashion industry for a few years and having a child, she began to see the wardrobe needs of real women and began her gorgeous blog, Simple Style Notebook, which is an approach to confident, modern dressing whatever your lifestyle or budget. To me Amy has really nailed it; she focuses on classic styles that are up to date with the trends, yet without being a victim to them.

It’s so lovely to see the other side to Amy, a part of her beautifully styled home where she shares with us what’s on her wall. I’ve got a thing for portraits and this particular one in her home is rather elegant and I love the story attached. Thanks so much Amy for sharing with us what’s on your wall!

Memories are so closely linked to all the pictures in our house it was hard to choose just one. An old Italian magazine advert bought on our honeymoon, portraits by photographers I used to work with, and gifts from family all take pride of place, but I kept coming back to the haunting picture of the lady that presides over our living room.

I lived in Antwerp, Belgium for a couple of years with my parents and once back in England for University I would make regular trips back for some home-cooking, family conversations, and even over one summer some Dutch lessons at the university. During my visits I’d always make a pilgrimage to the Vrijdag Markt to hunt for gems.

Even in my early 20s I was looking out for art that caught my eye. The lady was hidden in a box of old pictures unframed but in perfect condition. I haggled a little and managed to get her for about 30euros – I think! She has the most beautiful features, uncompromising expression, and a hairstyle that is so evocative of 1930/40s style. I’d love to know who she was, and I’ve even tried to research the artist but haven’t discovered anything.

Years on she fits perfectly in our new home that was built around the same period, and I still enjoy looking at her elegant features with those pretty rose-tinted lips and wonder, if they could tell her story what they’d say.

Readers if you’d like some chic yet practical wardrobe tips, make sure you pop over to Simple Style Notebook. You can also follow Amy on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Amy has written for Armoire, Pegs and Casserole before which you can view here. Have a great day! Mel x

All images are courtesy of and copyright to Amy Bartle of Simple Style Notebook