Glasgow is one of those cities that isn’t too large that you’ll bound to get lost in the mix.  And, it isn’t too small that you get tired of seeing the same art gallery over and over again.  Bottom line, Glasgow is just right.  On the last day of the trip, my blogger peeps all agreed that we merely scratched the surface of a city chock full of modern art, quirky style and warm-hearted locals.  Could we ask for more?  Check out some of the pics I took during our visit.

 This is a shot of a gallery at Trongate 103.  It’s a new arts resource center.  This exhibition is called Myscape, which is described as “a journey into the autistic architectural landscape.”

Cute brooches at Myscape.  I’m kicking myself for not buying one…or eight.

Very cool piece from Trongate’s gothic kinetic art display. 

I’ve been to Glasgow a few times before and I always make a stop to the Glasgow School of Art.  I went on a tour of the school.  C.R. Mackintosh at his best!

 The front entrance to GSA.  The details are fantastic.  I mean, can you imagine walking through these doors as a student and not being inspired??

 Just a typical Sunday afternoon on Buchanan Street.  Glaswegians love to shop.  Even the little ones!

 Eggs benedict for brunch at a really chill West End eatery – Cafezique.  I loved how one of the gang described my dish- “Those eggs are so photogenic!” I agreed.

If you are thinking of heading down to South Jersey with dreams of snagging a hot dog rocking chair or wonder bread seat at a Wawa convenience store – sorry for the tease, I’m talking about a different Wawa.

Circuitous world that the Internet is, the reason I’m writing about couches is that I saw Liberty London Girl’s excellent post about the Columbia Road Flower Market. Wherein she teased me with a link to an item on my own personal wishlist-Wawa’s leather briefcases. 

 (Travel tip: if you are visiting a market in London (e.g. Portabello Road). I advise against the thin buffalo leather bag that is ubiquitous throughout the stalls- the stink takes forever to go away).

When I hit the jump, instead of leather briefcases, I found to my delight, Wawa’s handmade designer couches.

The vintage tufted Victorian sofa that I snagged at Housing Works has torn upholstery. I’m debating the expense of redoing it, and comparing it to the cost of buying a new one altogether. But here’s my dilemma. While there’s nothing wrong with barcaloungers, and pastel flower print couches, once you’ve seen how a unique, vintage, of one-of-kind design masterpiece can define the character of a room, it’s hard to well, go Pottery Barn (again, not that there’s anything wrong with that). It takes forever to find an affordable couch that truly makes a space pop.

Wawa was launched in 1998 when Richard Ward showcased his furniture designs as part of Hidden Art Open Studios . The showing was so popular that Richard’s studio and workshop became the permanent Wawa showroom. His sofas are designed and made in the UK, using materials and techniques that are built to last.  They are also custom designed for you and surprisingly affordable with some pieces starting in the $500-$600 price range.

Just another reason to get to London’s East End, and rent a space in a shipping container to get all the good stuff back.

Images and inspiration from Liberty London Girl and Wawa.

With the help of our style comrades at Urban Gentry and freelance fashion writer, Flame Davies we wanted to know what should fashionistas like you look out for next year.  Think 1960’s and detail, detail, detail.

For Spring/Summer 2010, Start-Boutique – one of London’s hippest shops – will carry the debut ready-to-wear collection of London-based designer Julian J Smith.  Inspired by the Op Art movement of the 60’s, his youthful, sophisticated collection uses complex hand embroidery.  He’s most definitely a name to watch.  Visit Start in Shoreditch, east London.

Much admired cult British menswear brand Folk brings its subtle, refined collection to east London with a new store in Old Truman Brewery.  Two floors of subtle, beautifully designed clothes for the man that wants to make a statement without having to shout too loudly about it.  Established in 2001 by Cathal McAteer the collection is inspired by clothes his friends would wear:  understated with an acute attention to design and detail.  The new store delivers on all counts. 

We swooned over the snood, but now we’re all over the hat. Who says fancy head pieces are worn just for Easter and the Kentucky Derby?  Not us. 

British hat designer Katherine Elizabeth is known for her classic retro style, vintage glamour and gosh darn it, we love her.  She perfected her millinery skills from top British designer Stephen Jones and later showcased her feathery and bead-irific creations on the Dior runway.  Her pieces have graced the craniums of notables like Lily Allen and Dita Von Teese. 

Katherine loves her craft so much that she holds hat parties.  Grab a group of fashionista friends and learn how to make your very own head piece.  Sign me up!

This weekend, the hottest of the hot converged in Glasgow for the 5th annual Scottish Style Awards. The country’s A-list stars from fashion, music, film and hospitality came out to dish out honors for everything from Scotland’s best designer to hottest band.  

Check out all the winners here.

For the second straight year, best designer went to Deryck Walker.  Walker is known for his use of Harris Tweed and some of his past collections included themes like Wizard and Oracle.  I never knew cloaks could be so fashionable.

As what seems to be a prerequisite for all veteran stars to do at least once in their careers, Dame Vivienne Westwood had a pre-recorded acceptance speech ready for her win as International Style Icon.

Michelin-starred chef Paul Kitching’s restaurant with rooms 21212 won Most Stylish Hotel.  There was stiff competition from the likes of the new Hotel Missoni and Blythswood Square.

Congrats to all the winners and nominees and a special shout out to Scottish Style Award nominee Michelle Haswell aka Queen Michelle from Kingdom of Style - she had our vote from the get go!