November 2012

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My Weekends

J. crew style … weekends 1755

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This is the time of year to spruce up the weekend wardrobe in readiness for that casual entertaining in the lead up to the silly season.  Well actually that season is upon us now.  I always give J. Crew a casual glance to get my eye in for the latest look instore.  A trip to Zara is just as good … particularly Bondi Junction in Sydney which is slightly more elegant and easier to navigate than the city store.

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Feel I am giving away trade secrets here, however not everyone has success with this look.  I personally love this smart, with a touch of glamour look …. yes I am drawn to the little jacket with the weather we are having at the moment.  Don’t get me wrong … this is not the look for the Christmas party, Christmas drinks or even Christmas day.  You will need something far more festive for those occasions.  This is just for ‘popping in for a casual drink with friends on a Sunday afternoon’ or ‘meeting your girlfriend for a glass of champagne at the local wine bar before Christmas !!

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PS. To all my friends in the rag trade … I am no fashion guru … just know what I like.  Maybe it is all in the fabrics and colours … more my expertise !!
My Week in Sydney

Timothy oulton launches at coco republic 2269

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Everything Coco Republic does is stylish however the Timothy Oulton launch during the week was above and beyond.  Right from the moment I saw the shiny black London cab filled with vintage luggage and masses of red roses I knew this was going to be special.

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It was extremely special hearing from the man himself… inspired by the classic antiques of the past, however reconceived from a contemporary perspective.

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Timothy Oulton’s collection is all about authenticity, traditional techniques and creating pieces that are cutting edge design, relevant today.
My Design World

Your own little paradise 2194

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image: via tumblr

When I first saw this setting I immediately fell in love with it.  It could be part of a bedroom or living room or work equally as well in a sunroom, outdoor room or conservatory … light, bright … somewhere you want to spend time … just you.

It is all about having ones favourite possessions at hand to set the scene …. a new book or magazine to start, elegant stationary and pen to write a letter or even better … your first novel.

An essential part of the scene is of course, the tea tray and fresh flowers.

This scene works summer or winter … I can picture myself curled up under a cashmere rug in a sunny corner or with soft linen curtains billowing in the cool summer breeze.

Colours are serene and and calming … the neutral palette I am always drawn to.

This plump, oversized chaise with its soft linen slip covers is perfect for curling up on at any time … an essential for this quiet corner of your world.

xxxxx
My Design World

Bring on summer … 1853

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images: brown dress with dots, ditte isager

Summer is nearly here … but not quite.  We do have to live through the overcast and stormy days of November and December first.  Yes we do get a little taste of sunshine here and there but not for long. Just when we are dying to leap into a bit of outdoor entertaining, pop into that floaty sundress … even a trip to the beach.  The only consolation at the moment is that nobody has the time for any of the above.  The end of the year is fraught with breakup parties, christmas parties and the dreaded christmas shopping.  I guess what I really mean is ‘bring on January’.  

My Weekends

Stylish baroque flowers in bowral, southern highlands 2851

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Oh what a joy to have such a divine little shop in the Southern Highlands. Once renowned for all things stylish and smart the beautiful Highlands has had little to offer in the way of boutique shopping of late.

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The Southern Highlands has seen the likes of Belinda Seper, Peter Chadwick, Jan Weekes and many others, open wonderfully stylish shops … sadly, no longer. This is the sort of boutique shopping that Sydneysiders with weekenders in the Highlands, crave.

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Anyhow, back to Baroque Flowers … it isn’t all about flowers … the shop is full of decorative items such as urns, baskets, glassware and one off antique furniture pieces that compliment the flowers …. and draw you through the door.

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Vanessa is a very clever florist/stylist who creates not only fabulous flowers but beautiful vignettes within this tiny space.  She puts together unusual combinations of flowers and foliage, both strikingly bold and pretty, rustic and classic.  There is always a surprise element.

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My Design Travels

la suite west, london …. the latest from anouska hempel 2117

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Anouska Hempel has done it again with La Suite West, a luxurious boutique hotel in a beautiful part of London.

Inverness Terrace is just to the north of Hyde Park’s Kensington Gardens.

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I have spoken before of her first beautiful boutique hotel in London, Blakes.  There have been other hotels in the meantime, however for me, La Suite West combines the best of them all.

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There is something in the way Anouska Hempel places cushions, her lamps in the restaurant, the symmetry of the potted plants in the garden or art on the wall … she has a signature style … and it all started with Blakes.

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The combination of sleek lines, an asian influence in the detailing and yes .. the symmetry, works beautifully in this elegant London Victorian terrace.

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Her very smart colour palette of ‘black and white’ is complimented by the extensive use of luxurious marble and timber finishes and fine detailing.

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La Suite West … Anouska Hempel at her best !!
My Week in Sydney

Discover hidden treasures at seasonal concepts 1826

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Seasonal Concepts … a treasure trove of antiques and old wares for the home, garden and garage … whether decorative or industrial. You just never know what you will find … no wonder it is so popular as a source for film shoots, fashion shoots, window displays and film productions.

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Buckets and jugs of fresh and exotic flowers are for sale daily, somehow bringing this wonderful old building to life.

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Browse the Seasonal Concepts website for images of fabulously stylish events and weddings put together by this talented team.

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My Week in Sydney

The country trader, sydney … not just furniture 1713

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Recently I was faced with the task/fun of finding gorgeous bits and pieces to turn a recently refurbished country cottage into a ‘home’.  As pleased as I was with the initial result … it still lacked something.

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I had a flash and remembered the Country Trader … normally known for stylish furniture both old and new.  They now have lots and lots of interesting glassware, silver, tortoiseshell, baskets and candles … affordable accessories for the home and table.

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Just as you walk in it resembles a fabulous bazaar.   I was thrilled to find decorative jugs, platters and baskets for the kitchen … in particular, I loved the vintage linen napkins.  For the coffee table and bookshelves I fell upon lovely old sets of books, rustic tins and candlesticks.

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With everything now in place, I must say the cottage is looking much less like a house and more a home … full of character and interest.  It was a lot of fun searching for and eventually finding just the right pieces !!
My Week in Sydney

Jo Malone, London ….. Jo Loves 1929

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What a delight to discover that the ground floor of David Jones, Sydney has undergone refurbishment and is now more glamorous than ever.  The style and elegance of the David Jones we all remember is certainly back and just in time for Christmas. I was immediately drawn to the beautiful Jo Malone, London …. yes I do think it is the packaging …. their iconic cream with black edging.

And to think it all started in 1994 with her first little shop in Walton Street, London. Her personal fragrances and delicious scented candles soon became the brand everyone had to have. By 1999 Jo Malone had launched her flagship store in London’s Sloane Street. That same year she was taken over by Estee Lauder.  Jo remained at the helm as chairwoman and creative director until 2006.

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I was thrilled to discover only recently that Jo has launched a new fragrance company – Jo Loves.  She told Vogue “Fragrance is absolutely what I love so I’m excited to be back. This new brand is all about memories – it’s where I am and the person I am now.”

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Jo Loves is available online (sadly no shipping to Australia) … with stores opening soon (probably UK first).

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