The fish shop at potts point, sydney

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Yes the locals were sceptical when word went around about the closure of Lotus and a new venture by Merivale. Let’s face it …. Lotus was best known for its glamorous cocktail bar, behind the restaurant.  However a fish shop was a little off left field.

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Well aren’t we all just thrilled to have this fabulous local hangout now …. tried and true.  Such a cute concept but more importantly it works.  Perfect for the early drink and snack or substantial meal.  Each corner has its own special feel and character.  Personally I love the rustic timbered area around the bar, however like the idea of being seated at the counter overlooking the kitchen.

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This place has a terrific vibe …. as far as I can see, capturing all age groups.  When it first opened only a few weeks ago, and weather warmer …. you definitely got the feeling that people had wandered in on a Sunday afternoon after a day at the beach or on the harbour.

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No I don’t think it is kitsch …. the detail is fabulous !!  Very clever in that it takes you away to another place altogether.

Vivid sydney …… magical !!

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The atmosphere by 6pm was one of anticipation with the harbour foreshore between Circular Quay and the Opera House lined with photographers …. professional and amateur …. all waiting for the light show to begin.  The haunting music began and the lights slowly lit up the city buildings, the museum of contemporary art and the opera house.  There was hushed silence as people watched and waited for what was to come next …. quite different to the partying and revelry of New Years Eve fireworks.  This was gorgeous, stylish, creative and sophisticated.   There are simply not enough superlatives to describe it …. and that is just one location …. there are many.

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 I couldn’t help but think how children would adore both the light show and the many “light artworks” …. there are over 60 light installations covering the harbour foreshore around to Walsh Bay.  The night markets and Rocks Precinct is my next stop but really can’t wait to get to the Opera Bar on a Friday night during Vivid Sydney for a glass of Prosecco and …. I am told fabulous music.

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Autumn in the southern highlands all but over

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I was horrified to return to the beautiful Southern Highlands this weekend to find every jewel coloured leaf had been stripped from the trees in the space of a week. Gale force winds during the week had wreaked havoc !!

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There is not one leaf remaining on our gorgeous trees. We have the perfect autumn garden and usually have the pleasure of weeks on end of autumn colour….not after the week we have just had….freezing conditions and wind.

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 I do have some wonderful photos which I have longingly looked back over this weekend….so will share some I have taken over the last couple of weeks !!! I guess the only thing left to do is start raking, I will only have to do it once.

Inspiration from …. the sartorialist and garance dore

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The Sartorialist has captured this gorgeous look …. with all the elements I love ….. the wool, the tweed, the fur and that shade of camel that I will never grow tired of …. stylish fashion …. stylish for furnishings.

And while I was enjoying the Sartorialist I strayed off into Garance Dore to find she also loves her white jeans in winter !!! They look fabulous with a camel, black or grey cashmere jumper …. city or country, ballet flats, boots or Hunter wellies !!

Claridge’s …. a very british residence

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We all think of afternoon tea when we hear the name Claridge’s, however I was fascinated to learn more of the history of this favourite London icon while reading one of my favourite blogs ….. from Mulberry.

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Mulberry, another British icon known for its luxurious fashion and leather goods, chose Claridge’s for the fifth time to host its Autumn/Winter 2012 show during London Fashion Week.

As part of sharing this experience with its readers Mulberry asked Claridge’s about its history and for any interesting facts about the hotel.

I hope you enjoy these snippets about Claridge’s as much as I did.  It will make it all the more meaningful when next you meet there for afternoon tea.

PS.  There is something terribly smart about black and white floors whether they be tile or marble, large or small …. and the entrance at Claridge’s …. just so glamorous !!!

Pure and general ….. from travels far and wide

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This was not my first trip to Pure and General, however as it turned out, it was their first birthday.  The store looked as fabulous as I had remembered …. I think it just keeps getting better and better !! These shelves are constantly changing.

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It truly is a visual delight …. however, what sets this store apart is not just the totally unique product but the merchandising !! I was on a mission to find the perfect wedding present …. the choice was endless (and I kept getting distracted by what I personally just couldn’t live without).

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It was terrific to cross paths with the owner, Linda Gregoriou who can tell you the source, the story behind each piece …. and of her travels !! We are talking Cypress, Turkey, Greece, Denmark, Spain, Morocco, Belgium, France, Finland, Japan and the list goes on ……

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There is such joy in discovering something new and something totally unique …. ‘homewares with enduring quality, physically sourced’. (There does seem to be a sameness amongst homeware stores where product is sourced from Gift Fairs.) When Pure and General have sold out of a product, it won’t be replaced …. something even better will probably arrive instead !!

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Pure and General is a favourite with Interior Designers and Architects who are always on the lookout for different and one-off pieces of furniture, lighting or rugs for projects. The secret is to pop in regularly to keep an eye on the latest in store. By the way …. their very smart little cafe is very close to opening ….think Victoria Room delicacies !!

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Sydney’s hidden jewellery box

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I literally stumbled across this exquisite little jewel box …. aptly named ….

three rooms

antiques – art – design

Nestled at the bottom of William Street, Paddington this shop (comprising three rooms) is a visual feast …. glass fronted cabinets filled with pretty and precious antique pieces to tempt !!

Open only a matter of weeks, owners Ian Hadlow and Christopher Becker have a passion for the intrinsically beautiful and the handmade.

Their vision …. to educate the next generation about true craftsmanship.

Their carefully chosen location …. in a street renowned for unique, glamorous and quirky fashion …. ‘fashion is art’ I am told.

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With many years experience in antiques, visual merchandising and fashion between them, this, I have no doubt will be the showcase for all things beautiful !!!

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As I stood on the street admiring the most beautiful pink necklace in the window, I found myself surrounded by a team from Vogue …. nothing less than a fashion shoot with a girl in a black velvet Celine cocktail frock …. elegantly draped in the doorway.

three rooms is both stylish …. and elegant and is already on the map !!!

Pure interiors pure detail

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It is all about the detail at Pure Interiors …. beautiful Italian furniture with amazing detailing. 

Whether it be the scatter cushions or the loose covers on dining chairs, the quality and attention to detail is exceptional.

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I loved the soft colour and texture in the range of leather benches, side tables and coffee tables …. this furniture has wonderful warmth. 

On the other hand, the upholstered furniture is pure luxury …. both in its detail and its styling.    

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I love visiting the PYD Building in Waterloo to keep up to date with the latest and this showroom is contemporary Italian furniture at its best  …… yet with some surprises. 

Don’t leave without exploring the unique range of home fragrances and candles!!!

 

 

 

The word from the milan furniture fair 2012 via Gervasoni

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I was thrilled to chat with Jenny Gill, Australian agent for the fabulous Gervasoni furniture, on her return from the Milan Furniture Fair. This is the word from Milan.

What were the trends and future direction in furniture seen in Milan ?

loose covers, lots of timber furniture, ‘big’ sofas, the new ‘big look’ for most furniture, shiny fabrics, flokati style rugs and long pile carpet in general, over sized/exaggerated pendant lighting

What were the colours shown for the new season ?

orange, purple, grey and soft grey/green

Which range proved to be particularly popular at the Fair for Gervasoni ?

inout range which is modular furniture for outdoor use and upholstered in waterproof removable covers

Apart from the Gervasoni range, which collection had an impact ?

Minotti’s large furniture range

What are your tips for a visit to Milan for the Furniture Fair ?

it is a distinct advantage to be as close to the centre as possible, near the Duomo and furniture showrooms

Can you recommend a hotel in Milan that you have stayed at ?

the NH President, Milan is where I stayed this trip and it is terrific (4 star)

Any fabulous cafe’s you can recommend ?

bar erri, via durine near hotel

Do you have a final tip for visitors to the Fair ?

a must …. visiting the area where the new designers not able to afford the Fair exhibit ….. Zona Tortona

Retail Showroom for Gervasoni : Anibou, Sydney

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Sydney skyline at night from the mca

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The last time I was at Sydney’s MCA it was a sparkling Autumn day and the view from the rooftop cafe took my breathe away ….. I couldn’t draw my eyes away from the expanse of blue sky, blue water and the Opera House sails …. so pristine and so white !!

Attending a function one evening this week …. in the same space …… I was surprised by what little impact the Opera House and possibly even the Sydney Harbour Bridge had on the skyline. It was the sparkling view back to the CBD and Circular Quay itself that this time …… literally took my breath away.  Even the Cahill Expressway was barely evident.

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The lights around the foreshore and wharves as pretty and lustrous as strings of pearls.

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I do have to mention the impact of the beautifully lit Hany Armanious sculpture …. Fountain, by night. He was our only exhibitor in the 54th Venice Biennale in 2011.

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