Helen Costello

My Daily décor editor Helen Costello left behind life as a lawyer in the City to write about what's really important in life - homes, fashion, food and family: not necessarily in that order. A mum of two, she lists her top three skills as: "calm in a crisis"; "great present buyer" and "knowing obscure actors' names and back-stories" and her pet hate as: "incorrect use of apostrophe's."

HELEN'S FAVOURITE SITES

Etsy I seem to spend half my life these days on interiors and design websites, which could eventually get boring, but never with a site like Etsy (www.etsy.com). It's an amazing place to get design inspiration, to buy great handmade or vintage pieces or just to enjoy being part of a creative community that spans the globe.

The Huffington Post - As an intelligent grown-up, I know that I should be reading ‘proper' hard news, but the gossip in me still craves tabloid content. The Huffington Post is the perfect combination of both. I first became addicted to the US edition, but now that there's a UK version it's even more relevant. It has intelligent and lively discussion of pretty much any topic that's currently out there, from engaging people at the top of their game and it's all too easy to lose at least an hour a day.

Vogue.com - A must for anyone with a real interest in fashion, Vogue.com has it all: the show pictures, the insider gossip, the celebrity bloggers and more. More accessible than the magazine equivalent but with the same exceptionally high standards - I read it every day.

The Outnet - Having just about kicked my Net A Porter addiction (there's nothing like having two small children to help you to re-assess the wisdom of "investing" in £100 dry-clean only vest tops), my new go-to destination when I feel I've earned a treat is NAP's sister (for which read cheaper) site The Outnet. There's something about getting quality clothes at yes-I-can-just-about-justify-that prices that never gets old. I am currently breathlessly anticipating the arrival of a Marni dress and skirt which were both "virtually free" at 70% off.

Nordic Kids - This website saved me from frills, flowers and frankly hideous baby clothes for at least the first three years of my first daughter's life. Thank you Nordic Kids. Although since joined by an avalanche of designer children's clothes sites, Nordic Kids was ahead of the curve in seeing the need for simple, stylish baby and toddlerwear - with no appliquéd bears or lop-eared rabbits allowed.  It's still a go-to site for gifts for friends with new family members.

IMDB - Possibly a slightly geeky choice, but I suspect I am slightly geeky. IMDb, the Internet Movie Database is a treat for the serious and trivia-hungry film fan, or a great drop-in resource for those moments when you see an actor whose name you can't remember and it's driving you mad. You will find all your movie-related answers here.

12 July 2011