Bow-Vember

The lead up to Christmas is sooo special and I am savouring every moment of it. Everyday I stare out the bus window on my way to work trying to spot new Christmas trees, lights and displays. Before we know it, Christmas will be over and all the shiny decorations will be packed away only to be quicly replaced by a multitude of easter eggs. So take a moment to just appreciate the wonderful and exciting couple of weeks ahead.

Have you started thinking about Christmas gifts yet? I have been on a shopping mission for the past few weeks, which explains my recent lack of posts.... sorry.

Today I stumbled upon Whiskers Lane, cute and crafty fashion accessories label that specialises in one off designs using vintage fabrics. The last bow even makes me think of a Christmas tree... or is it just me?

Brooch Bouquets

Just when I think that I have found ever possible pretty thing there is to find, something catches my eye. Today it is these vintage brooch bouquets by Fantasy Floral Design. They are soooo pretty!

Definitely going on my wishlist. Sigh.

My favourite is the second one from the top, which one is yours?

xox

bend it like lila

I have been searching all my favorite sites for some inspiration for Christmas prezzies for my friends and family. I found these lovely customized hangers on LilaFrances' Etsy shop. 

Imagine your favourite dress or skirt hanging on one of these with a special message from a friend or loved one. Knowing myself, my hanger would probably say "iron me..". 

Have a darling weekend everyone

xox

All dressed up

Last night I finally got a few quiet moments to read my Peppermint Mag. They featured this amazing blog New Dress A Day.

This girl set out to wear a new dress each day for 365 days on a $1 a day budget. Amazing.

Before..

And voila! With a few cuts, hems, accessories and time this damn ugly $1 monster resurrects into this gorgeous little dress. It just goes to show that inside every horrendous shoulder-padded granny dress is the potential for something beautiful. 

I think as of now, she has like 51 days, 51 dresses and $53 dollars left to go. 

Goodluck, and well done sweety. 



Very Cherry

I am so happy that it is finally Spring and gardens all over the city are looking simply gorgeous. The route to work is looking better and better everyday. It starts on my way to the bus stop when I pass my neighbour's house, he has the most beautiful cherry blossom bush blooming in his front garden. I know it's a little early for new years resolutions, but by next Spring I really want my very own cherry blossom bush. Aren't they simply delightful?

I heart this dress sooo much. In fact, so much that it just inspired me to start my very own wishlist. And guess what's going right on top?

Sources:1st image     2nd image      3rd image

Bric n Brac: Retro vintage is back

The best things in life are often a combination of unlikely elements. Like when rain and sun collide to make magical rainbows for us to gaze at. And that's what Houkie Poukie is, a creative collision between vintage and retro, pre-loved and original, romantic and shocking neon. A can't-help-but-love, must-have,design label by Stefanie Nagel, one of my way back uni friends. Here is a glimpse of some of the pieces from the Houkie Poukie label. Notice the ultra-hip style of photography accentuates the down to earth models, all of who are personal friendzies of Stefanie. May we all be so lucky to have a famous friend one day.

You can check out Houkie Poukie on www.houkiepoukie.com or search "Houkie Poukie Clothing" on Facebook.

What I heart about Houkie Poukie is that it simply feels like playing dress up with your bbf. There is no high-end, overpriced, who-would-wear that feel about the clothes, it's just beautiful, fun, quirky, one of a kind creations, made with good old fashioned loooove.

And here are my favourite pics.

Pictures above and below: Photographer: Leonard Miller.

His pictures are awesome, not going to say much more about him now, check out for a post on him soon.

Encore Houkie Poukie!

Frankie for President

I bought my first ever copy of Frankie Magazine today, and oh what a blessed purchase it has been. I think I'm in love. A breath of fresh air to the overcrowded, repetitive and unorginal world of magazines. If you can't get your hands on a copy, check out their website www.frankie.com.au.

Cover for the 2009 Calender by Frankie Magazine. It features illustrations by Katherine Brickman, Catherine Campbell, Jen Corace, Tinee Kleinschroth, Marjorie Liucci, Kat Macleod, Beci Orpin, Erin Paisley-Stueber, Lilly Piri, Rob Ryan, Mel Stringer and Eveline Tarunadjaja. Absolutely beautiful.

Under my Umbrella

I love sleeping while it rains outside. There's nothing greater than waking up, hearing the rain against your window and realizing that it's Saturday, and you get to snuggle in and snooze for a little while longer.



However, today is not a Saturday. I woke up this morning and it was cold and wet outside. Good for farmers, bad for my high heels. Perfect weather to curl up in bed, awful weather for getting up and going to work, especially if you rely on public transport to get there. But you know me, I will find almost any excuse to go shopping, and rain is the perfect excuse to go out and get a new umbrella!
So I started searching the net for pretty vintage umbrellas and I was amazed at all the lovely varietiess of umbrellas out there. Here are some of my favourite pics of umbrellas and a couple of places where you can get your hands on one.

How pretty is this shot? I can't seem to find out who the owner is, or what the story behind it is, but I just love it.

This shot is from inside of Bella Umbrella's store. They hire out a variety of vintage and other style umbrellas for weddings and other functions. Check out the gallery on their site, the wedding pics with the vintage umbrellas are simply gorgeous.

You can also actually choose from a selection of beautiful umbrellas that are for sale from Bella Umbrella. So don't let the rain get  you down, simply grasp the opportunity to go out and get yourself a fabulous rainy day accessory: umbrella, booties, rain coat.. the possibilities are endless!

I simply couldn't end off this post without a special mention to the ultimate umbrella icon: Mary Poppins. No umbrella will ever match up to hers, maybe in style, but certainly not in functionality. Only in the movies.

And don't even get me started on that bag...

Simply Toms

One for One. That’s it, so simple, but yet, this philosophy has had such a major impact on the lives of children all over the world. I’m talking about Toms shoes.

This revolutionary company was started in March 2006 by a guy called Blake Mycoskie. His philosophy was to start a shoe company that gives shoes away to children who desperately needs them. Starting a business not to make money, but to make a difference, intriguing isn’t it? If only all entrepreneurs were such philanthropists.

Toms sells a signature shoe in a variety of sizes, colours and styles. Comfortable and contributing to a good cause.

Who ever thought that just by simply buying a pair of shoes, you could be helping a child in need. Kudos to Blake and all the people over at Toms who make this amazing company work.

One small and comfy step for you, but a giant step for children’s welfare.

Check out the Toms website for more details on stockist, prices etc.

Also , I have posted a link to Blake Mycoskie's blog in the menu on the righ hand side.

www.toms.com