but even better

I love you rob!


(picture via Rob Ryan)

the moon, the sea and the paper tree

So I made my way to Collingwood to see Catherine Campbell's exhibition.

Its on at Kick Gallery. I got a sneak peek at their next upcoming exhibition. But you must see The Moon, The Sea and the Paper Tree before it closes on Saturday.

Loved her new girls, some with glasses and some with flowers. Loved the style I hadn't seen before...  cute new pieces from vintage photographs.

Once you do that, pop down to Proud Mary. Yum, yum, yummy coffee. I also tried the goats cheese tart which was so good! Then I bought some Proud Mary blend coffee with beans from Colombia.

(pictures via Catherine Campbell)

when its raining....

...splash in puddles! Splash around with Pipduck. They will keep your feet nice and dry (and super stylish) so you don't get to miss out on wet weather fun! This Australian company knows how unpredictable the weather can be... so why not be prepared without looking silly in old wellies!  Buy online or you can call them to find your closest stockist. Get ready for winter!

(pictures via Pipduck)

me and amber

Elk cushion (natural linen)
Vase greeting card  .  Chair limited edition artwork (black)

Oh how Me and Amber make me smile! They are a Sydney based company who screen-print one off artworks, tea-towels, cushions, cards and more...

The limited edition artworks are such great gifts for one and all. They are very simple and clean and therefor wouldn't offend many a gift receiver. I did once gift one to a friend whom after unwrapping it exclaimed 'what is it?'. After explaining to her that they are vintage book pages with overlaid screen prints, one of a kind... she seemed appreciate that I had chosen the Panda, as she had just been to China. I will re-assure you that the 'what is it' comment was a one-off reaction... and other gifting has been all smiles and clever remarks!

I have the Elk artwork... and it sits rather nicely in my room (it was meant to be a gift, but in the end I couldn't part with it). See which ones you can't part with on their website....

(pictures via Blue Caravan)

the care package

Sauvignon Blanc by Mojo
Hand Cream and Mug by Mozi
Heat Pillow by Tonic Australia

When my friends mum was ill last year, my work colleagues and I put together a care package for her. I really like giving friends a little gift here and there, they don't have to be expensive, but it's the tought that counts. I will sometimes buy something months in advance of a birthday if it screams that person, as I like to get something I really think they will enjoy.

MOJO is my fav wine! It's under $20 and made in South Australia... Yum! It's a nice light taste, and described as having notes of feijoa, passionfruit and kiwifruit. I'm no wine critic, but I do love it and I also love the bottle design.

If you need a heat bag, you have to go get Tonic Australia. I have two of their heat bags and it seemed like a good item for the care package, it was a different design but this one would have gone rather nicely too.

Mozi, mozi, mozi. Great fragrance and great designs. They are so well priced, Australian owned and designed. They have different ranges so you can buy afew items that match or mix and match!

red riding hood

Mesop Autumn/Winter 2011

These images don't even come close to illustrating how gorgeous these pieces are. Mesop are a Melbourne based fashion label who launched in 2005. Since then they have expanded their brand to include light wool blends, cotton and merino wool pieces. Their simple, classic pieces are designed and made in Melbourne (somewhat rare these days). They have rich colours every season which surprise and excite. Their designs are for all ages and all shapes and sizes. Check out their ranges online or fins a stockist near you (it wont be hard)...

(pictures via Mesop)

delicious

one.  Beatnik Baby Intimates by Elle Macpherson
two.  High Sandal Plait (Natural Vegie) Clogs by Funkis
three.  Rose Dior Bagatelle (yellow gold & fancy diamonds) by Dior
four.  Round Sucker & Mini Sucker by Suga
five.  Be Delicious fragrance by DKNY

One of the best intimates I have ever owned was a bra by Elle Macpheason. It was just the right amount of sheer and perfect amount of support. They would go great with the Natural Funkis clogs! I have this exact pair and they were worth every penny... they have become my work outfit and my going out shoes... i have few heels left in my wardrobe!

Suga has revamped their stores and they look a lot less tacky, and way more yummy! You can buy online, so they are the perfect gift for someone with a sweet tooth :)

phoenix rising

Phoenix Dress  .  White Rain Dress

Phoenix Wedge

Phoenix Rising is the latest collection by Australian label Maurie & Eve. True to their style, the autumn collection features both edgy prints and natural colours finished with interesting cuts. I want the Phoenix Wedge in blue, the ankle boot is a must have this autumn/winter... plus I love a natural colour heel!

let there be light

Lighting by Euroluce

Euroluce are responsible amazing light installations, products and spaces. They did a beautiful installation for State of Design (Victoria's Design Festival) in one of their stores. It involved goldfish hanging in glass bowls suspended from the ceiling with white knotted string. These were highlighted by large white illuminated hanging structures and lights resting on the floor. You can check out some of their products online or go in store... did I mention they are Australian owned?

The Festival in 2011 looks amazing (it's not until July though)... Check out the public events and get excited! The main message of the festival is 'Design For Everyone'. It's an idea I strongly agree with, and I hope most people believe in. I will remind you closer to the date... and let you know some of the cool things I plan on getting upto!

(pictures by Euroluce)

chocolate research facility

With over 100 flavours you will find what you seek... i fabulous guilty pleasure! The design is what really make these chocolates stand out. They have won design awards for their packaging, and also for their store designs. They are based in Singapore, and I'm yet to find a way to get any of their offerings in Australia. So next time you're in Singapore, you must pop into the facility and bring some goodies back for us! (and maybe some merchandise too, its cute and clever)


(pictures by The Chocolate Research Facility)

nice day for a picnic

1. Cake and Buscuit Tin via Lark

2. Bamboo cutlery via Green With A Grin

3. 5 Seeds cider by Tooheys

4. Luddite dinner plate by Thomas Paul via ShopStyle

5. Nos Da blanket by Donna Wilson

6. Candle in a Tin by Mozi

Before the weather turns too cold and wet... have an autumn picnic!

6 degrees

Six degrees architects have designed some of my favourite spaces. Imagine how excited I was when I stumbled across their offices near Fed Square! They design urban, residential, institutional and commercial/retail spaces, with over 60 listed on their website. Their designs divide space with elegance and colours bring life to industrial projects. Six degrees was formed in Melbourne in 1991, when six recent architecture graduates shared a studio space. It's taken 15 years to get where they are, and they are in a beautiful place. Here are 2 i frequently visit...

Wall 280 (pictured above) has been open for years now, but have only just expanded their space in the last 2 weeks. Urban wall art covers the front of the cafe, with a roller door that reveals a take-away coffee window. 280 Carlisle Street, Balaclava, 3183 (entry via Nelson Street). 9593 8280.


Pelican (pictured above) has a spanish influenced menu with tapas to share and amazing coffee. The veranda has wind breakers and screens you from the hustle and bustle of Fitzroy Street. The interior has clever wooden panels and levels to divide areas in the large space. There's a large communal table which compliments tapas sharing. 16 Fizroy Street, St Kilda, 3182. 9525 5847.


(pictures via The Wall 280 & via Your Restaurants)

cutting down the woods

Cutting boards by Fine Little Day

These are the perfect gifts for that someone who has everything. Plus you don't just have to use this as a cutting board... lean it up against a wall and have some movable art in your bedroom.

I'm thinking work friends and family friends would love a Fine Little Day in their lives.

(pictures by Fine Little Day)

up in the mountains

Up poster by Fine Little Day

Cuddly Could small cushion  .  Cuddly Cloud medium cushion
Wolfie creature  .  Mountain Peak hat  .  House blanket  .  Cyril Squirrel-fox creature
All by Donna Wilson

Oh Donna... I am in awe. You're creature creations make me wanna have a teddy bear picnic. Who wouldn't want to hang in the woods with wolfie and squirrel-fox in a giant house made of wool?

(pictures via Donna Wilson and Fine Little Day)

have you met miss jones?

I promised I would... so I did. Have you seen these gorgeous bone china pieces by Have You Met Miss Jones? I have... and I love! This Sydney based company has an extensive range of products, from birdcages to recycled glass and metal lacework to bone china. The sneakers make me want to have a sneaky shop at their online store...

So, so many amazing things... please, please, please take a look!

(pictures via Have You Met Miss Jones)

hello sailor

Hello Sailor tees (Spring/Summer '10)

Black print on grey peachy tee  .  Blue print on white peachy tee

Two gorgeous girls wearing one gorgeous designer. Louli is a Melbourne based designer who hand prints short run designs. She began with tee design but has expanded her label to include skirts, dresses and windcheaters. She has new prints every season and selected stockists in Victoria and Queensland.

If you're planning a wedding, Louli also makes beautiful personalised cotton napkins. These make your table arrangements something special, and something the guests can take home with them!

Ps. I own the Bow tank in red from a previous collection. Great cut!

green with envy

I used the new hanger we have in store to create an abstract base for visual merchandising. The Green Hanger makes the environment happy! The hangers are Australian owned and designed and made of 100% recycled cardboard. Blues and greens are starting to stock my winter wardrobe.

i feel like a number

Milk & Bread
Not Fake pendant
I Feel Like A Number

I hate getting a number and lining up to get an antipasto platter together (but I guess it's better than fighting for my spot in the line... i don't have sharp claws). But I do love this pendant by Melanie Favreau... in fact I like all of them! She designs earrings, rings and necklaces out of Canada, you can get them via Supermarket or Etsy. Anatomy, mustaches and typography feature heavily... and I'm a sucker for all of them. Great gifts!

(pictures via Supermaket)

aesop

Aesop at Merci (France) by March Studio
Aesop in Singapore by March Studio
Aesop in Mayfair (England) by Studio Ilse 

Aesop stores make me smile... their clever designs satisfy my interior design cravings. I often stumble across photographs of new stores, beautifully styled by amazing designers.

The singapore store features a dreamlike haze of husks hanging from the ceiling. The coconut husk installation is inspired by the string used to wrap Aesop gifts. The rest of the wooden interior compliments the overhead design.

We have oodles of Aesop in Australia. How very lucky we are! I have the Rosehip Seed Lip Cream... it's aromatherapy for your lips and makes them silky smooth.

(pictures via Dezeen)

what not to expect

Flashlight Lamps  .  Ceramic Camera
Porcelain Detergent Bottle  .  Ceramic Trophy

I love ceramic things that represent an every day object. Things that you may not expect to be so pretty, suddenly have a new life and meaning. I don't think I've ever seen a torch look so beautiful. I must admit I only have one sports trophy at home, and it doesn't look anything like this... if it did I would fill it to the brim with fresh flowers! All of these cleaver pieces are via the Curiosity Shoppe. I will try and find some Australian ceramic creations soon. But for now I couldn't pass up sharing these gorgeous pieces.

(pictures via The Curiosity Shoppe and Osborne & Little - floral wallpaper)

limedrop

I came across Limedrop about a year ago now, when I began a uni project on Fashion Review Australia (their website has gone a little wacky since then, but still worth checking out). Tasty fashion comes alive through the collaboration of designers Clea Garrick and Nathan Price. I love the bold prints and rich colours they have embraced this season. Check out their bold recipes for The Lake House (AW11)...

(pictures via Limedrop)

french & english

Cream patent satchel
Black and cream patent clutch

These gorgeous bags by French & English Confectioner's are so sweet. Shiny patents, and natural leathers with special stitched details. You must look at the rest of their range! The shapes and colours are so me... I hope they are so you too!

(pictures via French & English Confectioner's)

little cupcakes

Little Cupcakes (top to bottom)

Pistachio Heaven  .  Passionfruit  .  Strawberry
Creamy Coconut  .  Teddy Bear  .  Cherry Choc
Cookies and Cream  .  Vanilla  .  Mint

Look at these cute little cupcakes from.... Little Cupcakes! I am tempted to open my own shore... and super temped to try all of these yummy flavours! There are two stores in Melbourne city. What a tasty treat!

(pictures via Little Cupcakes)

make me a mud bath

Mud Australia 2011

While they may sound dirty, Mud Australia actually make very contemporary modern porcelain pieces. Their 2011 collection has gorgeous pastels, pristine whites and inky blacks. Mud is stocked in boutiques worldwide, and we are lucky enough to have Mud stores in Sydney and Melbourne. Check their website to find the best way to get them in your kitchen cupboards...

(pictures via Mud Australia)

oh and more...

"k" typographic tote  .  {} Punctuation typographic tote
Sex and the City tote  .  Alphabet Zoo card

Lola and Bailey do other cute stuff! Love a classic tote...

hallo fritz lang

(top to bottom)
The Cat and the Canary
Fritz Lang's Metropolis
Behind That Curtain  .  Sinister Hands

If you haven't heard of Fritz Lang's Metropolis, you're missing a classic! The science-fiction film was made in Germany in 1927, and regarded as groundbreaking expressionism of the conflict between man and machine. Metropolis explores ideas of Utopia and depicts how society functions in a 'metropolis'. What is a metropolis you may ask... Lola and Bailey will show you in their Metropolis! Check out their jewelry line Metropolis... I can't help but think it may be inspired by Fritz Lang's.

See the film and get the jewelry now...

(pictures via Fremont Outdoor Movies and Lola and Bailey)

got milk?

Iced Coffee Print (A3) US$15

You can always count on Farmers Union Iced Coffee to be tasty and really satisfy. It's still a fav and an Australian classic... we consumed over 27 million litres last year! Pea Press 1 has created these original prints that you can purchase through their Etsy store.

Framed prints come with free shipping at the moment (within Australia)! Get in quick!

ask and you shall receive

Far across the seas, on the other side of the world, Miss Spade woke up in the middle of the night and heard London calling (and my London Calling blog post). So she designed this beautiful idiom bangle... London Calling. Brilliant!

I still havn't decided if it's totally lame to wear city referenced clothing and accessories in the city that it references. Maybe I'll have to buy it, wear it in London, and take note of public reaction. There is also a No Sleep Til Brooklyn idiom bangle. Just as amazing!

(pictures via Kate Spade)

every mixtape is a love letter

Rain cloud (necklace) . Boombox (necklace)
Mixtape (brooch) . Camera (necklace)

More Melbourne! Stumbled across Corky Saint Clair's shop on Degraves Street Subway in the city. Every mixtape is a love letter is the cutest thing ever! If you're not much of a brooch person (like me), you can always thread a chain through the brooch clasp... it so easy and you have 2 in 1.

map me!!

Fig.a
OMG! I died and went to heaven when I saw the Scratch Map! Genius! It works like a scratchy, so with a gold coin you can reveal the places you have been. It would then leave you with a map of golden places you are yet to reveal or explore. Put it on your wall for travel inspiration. As the map is via Urban Outfitters UK, I don't think it would deliver to Australia... but if you have friends there, get them to buy it and send it over!

(pictures via Urban Outfitters UK)

Fig.b
Future Maps is a long time love now. They use equal-area projection to represent countries in their correct proportional size (which a lot of maps don't do). Plus they are beautifully designed in interesting colours and metallic seas. The one pictured above is my fav (mainly because of the illuminating oceans), but there are others to choose from. You can purchase them in paper form, with plastic coating, magnetic backing or aluminum frames. These are from the UK, but you can get your hands on them.... visit their website.

(pictures via Future Maps)

wonderful wallpaper

I've had a frankie wallpaper on my mac since I can remember. These latest additions are so pretty I don't know which one to pick. See if you can decide out of these and more...

(pictures via Frankie Magazine)