This is how Prue Leith displays her statement accessories, at home
Photo from Prue Leith’s upcoming Nothing in Moderation tour
Prue Leith’s upcoming tour is called ‘Nothing in Moderation’. And, the title could be referring to the 82-year-old’s collection of over 200 beaded necklaces. My handful of costume jewellery hangs on the back of the door in the spare room, no bother; but when statement necklaces spark joy and become your signature, they obviously need a space of their own.
This weekend’s Financial Times HTSI magazine (formerly How To Spend It) featured Prue Leith’s new Gloucestershire home. The Bake Off judge, celebrated author (Leith has written eight novels and 14 cookbooks) and cookery school founder, has a penchant for bold accessories and show-stopping specs. And while I enjoyed having a quick look at the jolly decor and collection of food blenders, it was the display wall of Leith’s stand-out, costume jewellery that I kept coming back to. The tree design created by her husband John Playfair, a former fashion designer, is dripping with colourful baubles, bangles and drop earrings. This decorative orchard of accessories has been nicknamed the ‘Pruesplosion.’
Here’s what Prue Leith does with her statement necklaces when she’s not wearing them…
Photos from the FT HTSI by Jake Curtis
The accessories wall or Pruesplosion
Prue Leith’s house, designed by architect Charlie Luxton, is a blend of vintage and modern furniture and fittings, with primary coloured walls appearing throughout. ‘ I just love it,’ Leith says, ‘ I really appreciate a joyous explosion of colour.’
Prue’s food blenders
Primary colours
Read the FT feature, written by Mark C O’Flaherty, HERE. Photos are by Jake Curtis. More on Prue Leith HERE, and details of the upcoming tour, can be found on her website HERE.
Discussion (25 Comments)
Thank you! What a pleasure to meet up with Prue on a gray morning ! I can’t speak for all Americans but I’ve only recently met her via the Baking Show — how fun to learn about all her other talents and accomplishments. I’m right with her in loving color – in fact, she might like to know that here’s an American who does “relish” things — though I think the word is indeed less commonly used here. I look forward to reading you and following you, Prue!
Bronwen Ellis says:
Thank you! I really need a moral and image boost right now, winning would allow me something really special that I cannot usually afford. 🙂
B Dale Saufley says:
Love the deep plumb skirt in the first picture.
And love your outlook on style without “frills”.
Thank you from across the pond-Angela Chapman says:
I would love to update my wardrobe, with my son’s wedding coming up this December I’m looking for inspiration not only with a mog outfit but for the previous evening meet up and the morning following the wedding.
Catherine Corrigan says:
Phase eight have stylish classic, modern and elegant evening wear for a woman my age at this phase of my life.
Nicola says:
I’m sorry – I’m trying to phrase this respectfully but Britain is in financial crisis at the moment. Prue Leith voted for Brexit and has a son who is a Conservative MP. At a time when many are having to choose between heating their homes and eating it is galling to see Leiths new home full of trinkets and be told that she will be getting through ‘ winter by wearing yellow’ as if that is the answer. A modern day Marie Antoinette – she is not unique in her tone deaf approach but I’m sad to see her get space on this blog.
Many thanks for your comment, Nicola. Past experience means I tend to keep politics out of TNMA, though IRL it sounds like we share the same values. And I agree with you about the Marie Antoinette-like comment. On a very superficial level I was fascinated by Prue Leith’s accessories wall – and that’s about it. This was intended to be a quick, visual post to add variety to the mixture of features. But, point taken.
I would b spoilt for choice, some beautiful clothes, It would be fantastic to win
Caroline Howard says:
I’m in need of an autumn wardrobe and I love that they do larger sizes and they still look great!
Stephanie Ruddle says:
Phase Eight clothing is always on my birthday list so keeping my fingers crossed
Sue Vincent says:
Not going to count my chickens before they hatch … Thank you, for this opportunity…
kristy Brown says:
Having just moved back from the Falkland Islands I am so not kitted out for the UK! This would be a wonderful treat.
Karen Nicholson says:
I have a couple of phase Eight special occasion dresses ,which I love. I didn’t realise how stylish their daywear is ,great to have a chance to win any of the lovely pieces shown in TNMA article.
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Thank goodness for Prue! An injection of colour and a blast of youthful enthusiasm.
Plus,wisdom acquired by age. Wonderful.