Get the flags out - Summer is round the corner!

The sun has been out (occasionally) this week, but enough to stir us to seek out all that is red white and blue for our summertime inspired blog. We've have had a wonderful time searching for brilliant gems to share with you from our favourite Secret Arcade shops. We are always thrilled at the range of products available at The Secret Arcade and have collected a few summer snap shots here, from homewares and a host of childrenswear to great accessories to get you into the summer mood.

We are in love with the new nautical themed fabrics and cushions from the talented Sarah Hardaker - all old faded flag designs and New England style. We adore the new 'semaphore' cushion!

Cushions and wallpaper from Sarah Hardaker at The Secret Arcade

A visit to Olive Loves Alfie in the children's passageway of The Secret Arcade will treat you to a feast of the cutest range of snazzy clothes - we challenge you to find anything more scrumptious! How can you resist the gorgeous vintage style 'Lilly Dress' - wonder if you can get it a grown up version - we want one!!

The 'Lilly' dress available from Olive Loves Alfie at The Secret Arcade

Sailor t shirt from Olive Loves Alfie at The Secret Arcade

And whilst you are in children's section pop into Tulip and Nettle - they have launched an exquisite summer range of classic blue and white stripped shirts and sweaters accented with red buttons that are quintessentially English - with their trademark crisp white girl's dresses all you need is a strawberry tea and you will have summer heaven!

New summer range available from Tulip & Nettle at The Secret Arcade

Continuing the theme, Ghost Furniture has produced The Sailor Chair. Transforming an old

chair found in a house sale on the coast of Northumberland - very fitting then to be decorated with a vintage sailor's uniform dated 1971. The chair has been upholstered with vintage mattress ticking and has been painted with matte dark ash grey, specially mixed for them in France and stencilled with a red number 71. The printed labels from the uniform have been fixed to the chair also to show it's origin. The top buttoned panel from the trousers have been fixed to the back rest. This chair looks as good from the back as it does from the front and would love a home back on the coast!

'The Sailor Chair' is available from Ghost Furniture at The Secret Arcade

To complete our summertime round-up are these gorgeous summer accessories and jewellery from the fabulously edgy Alexia Fashion and Jenny Hattersley of Dark Horse fame and the glorious Clara Francis. Alexia has included two great summer styles with her 'Georgia' scarf - it has a regal look in delicate chiffon. Available in two sizes to create different looks - wear it YOUR way!

Georgia scarves available form Alexia Fashion at The Secret Arcade

In homage to the traditional leather Brogue shoe this collection from Dark Horse represents a witty take on the classic detailing, using tassels and fringes to full effect. In fondant colours to capture the season’s mood, this chunky silver-plated chain necklace swings and hangs beautifully with hand cut leather tassels in indigo, coral, white, camel and azure.

These statement earrings of long dip-dye fringe accents make these shoulder-grazers striking indeed. Available in a summer palette of white/coral, white/navy, black/blue.

To view Dark Horse Jewellery go to the jewellery passage at The Secret Arcade

For something that completely epitomises a summer day go to Clara Francis where you will find her precious Air Balloon Necklace made from tiny glass red, white and blue beads that hangs elegantly from a long sterling silver chain.

To view Clara's jewellery visit her shop in The jewellery passage at The Secret Arcade