Svenson-Haart

New things - a car & a rug!

2012-02-09T21:57:00.000-08:00

Lps and I bought a new car a couple of nights ago!

A ruby red Honda CRV..

The perfecto Family car!
Arn't I looking enormous!? YEEEP.

My Little Lamb Freckle Wool Ball rug also arrived for the nursery.

I've grown accustomed to the Nursery being quite bare...

so Im still adjusting to the new floor covering!

Ready to go!

2012-02-06T21:36:00.000-08:00

Finally!

With a week to go until my due date thought I best prep my hospital bags.

Lps was getting very nervous... thinking I may be calling on him to pack it on my behalf in an emergency rush!

I think he may have scared me into getting my act together... & voila!

3 X LeSportsacs with Freemasons written all over them.

Week 39

2012-02-06T02:57:00.001-08:00

Home stretch - one week to go!!!

Yowserama! Looking MEGA !!! in all respects, not just the tum tum!

Looking suitably unstylish in my uniform of Elastic black pants, Saltwater sandals & black singlets EVERY DAY. Then I alternate between a few oversized S&B tees.

Attempting to pack my hospital bag - it's tough!
So many things needed for a 5 day stay... went shopping today (with ridiculously bad pelvic pressure reminding me something may happen any minute!) to pick up the left over bits and pieces... just picking which bags I want to take... then I'm pretty much... ready!?

Killing time before the Obstetrician

2012-01-31T21:37:00.000-08:00

Do as the pregnant lady does- go frolocking in abandoned spaces in Collingwood.

Well, not entirely- this space is the Ace Carpark off a Laneway off Landridge St surrounded by abandoned buildings.

I am so besotted by these kinds of locations, I think I've just decided to do another blog - of all the buildings and spaces around Melbourne that so intrigue me...

Getting there

2012-01-26T02:48:00.001-08:00

wooo

So I'm now past the 37 week mark.

My how things have changed so far this year! (the last 26 days- yes today's Stralya day!)

Here is me and the ladies in the fam around late December...

We packed up and shipped out of South Yarra a couple of weeks ago

Ciao Ciao South Yarra & your MEGA colour scheme!

And claim habitation in suburbia!

Huge difference, still getting my head around the new house, new location, new distances etc. We're still unpacking/ sorting/ renovating etc -
unlikely to be fully ready to go by the time babe arrives.

Speaking of- he is now under 3 weeks away (im 37 weeks, 2 days preggo)

Yah, I'm huge. Big everything!

Here I am about a week ago

And here I am a week before that.

Belly out and about. Baby seems to have a very square bottom! I look very... square!?

The nursery is done! ... almost... just a couple of little things to do.

Waiting on one of the Little Lamb Freckle Rugs, and going to hang some of my mexican Aluminium shapes up from the light.. & a nursing chair! After something Eames inspired... Will follow up with some more pics..

So baby's head has not yet "engaged" ... so my ob took a scan yesterday. I swear the baby looked EXACTLY like LPS! She took a pic, but it moved right as she did it,
and as a result the picture is prett-ay terrible!!

A Featherston in the Nursery....

2011-12-28T23:11:00.000-08:00

Decorating the unit... have got a love obsession with the Light Blue Featherston
(I think I'm all about the replica from Matt Blatt.. call it budgeting issues for the real thing!)

Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T00:35:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!!! :D

Christmas was a few days ago - the first in years I havn't boozed myself silly and ended up sleeping on LP's parent's spare bed by the early evening hours. Much the same with LPs!
We were both home after gorging ourselves at 5PM.

And of course, here's the 33 week belly.

I'm making the most of my smock dresses & Metalicus Cardigans!
Here's the Ginger and Smart dress I think I may have worn once before.
Also, my Saltwater sandals have become an absolute STAPLE.
Who knew a sandal could be SO comfy!?

I ended up only making one Gingerbread House this year... although I'd planned to make many more, my newly aquired sweet-tooth meant that I ate the bowl of "building materials"
(ie, the lollies!)

In the last couple of days, we've started the packing process.
Here's Nick packing up in his Music Nook ...

Awww... it is sad!

I'm also starting to ebay some things I've never worn today.
I just listed this Sass and Bide Jacket on ebay... it sold within 15 mins!?
My goodness there's some keen S&B fans out there!

Oh, and here's my other Christmas outfit I wore to my mum's for Christmas eve...
A new Fleur Wood Maxi, with the Metalicus cardi.
I have been looking for a yellow cardi like this one since my last one fell to pieces... mind you they leave very little to the imagination, can't wait til i stop feeling so sloppy all over! (and fit neatly into my old bras!)

In completely unrelated news, I helped organise a Charity Auction at Leonard Joel last week for a shoot. One of the items was this beautiful Southwood Trading coffee table, in the "Flow Collection". I ended up throwing in a bid- and won! amazing! I never would have imagined.
It came with the full setting... how cute are the felt coasters!

It's a solid hardwood Tasmanian Ash, weighs a tonne,
and is lovely Danish Design-ery looking!

Obviously a centrepiece at the new house... :D

Busy!!

2011-12-19T01:56:00.000-08:00

Damn!

It's busy few months.

Back at 9 I've been working like crazy... long hours make a pregnancy fly by, I think!?

On one hand I feel like I've been preggo for a gazillion years, and on the other it seems just yesterday. Time's not dragging ... yet!

Cool clothes are no more, I have ballooned! My boobs are up two sizes.. my clothes are snug as a bug.. but still, I've managed to completely steer clear of Maternity clothes (thankgoodness for Zimmermann's smockish maxis).

Currently 32 weeks... just into my 8th month!

There's also a big change afoot- the photo is a hint - Nick and I are moving!

Bye bye "Hopetoun Grooves" ... we're off to live in the burbs for a bit!

We're moving here in January... the renovation has just started, so it will look like a whole new house shortly! I have started my interiors wishlist, and am getting excited to put it all into action!

New Bedroom

The soon to be baby's Nursery

The soon to be lounge room

The soon to be kitchen

The soon to be new bathroom!!

Nothing's started as yet in terms of packing (I feel a nightmare coming on!)
But I'll start this week... and then break (moreso to pack than for christmas!)
Then 7th Jan the moving truck comes!
Big new start!!! ...

Kiehl's Crème de Corps

2011-11-13T00:54:00.000-08:00

YAY!

Random- Just won a competition for the sweetest body lotion around.. could there be a more lovely product out right now?

Zimmermann X Kiehl's Crème de Corps Collaboration.

Perfect for (hopefully) preventing those preggie stretchies!

Our first Anniversary!

2011-10-09T00:37:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that this time, exactly 12 months ago, me, LPS and our wedding guests were slamming down booze at the Palmz at Carlton. Post party to our beautiful wedding!

er, yep, we've yet to purchase our wedding pix!

It's a cold day in Melbourne- but rewind a year, we struck gold with a balmy evening.
And minus the excitement of an upcoming holiday to Mexico & Cuba, but plus the joy of a baby in the tum, and a remarkably different 12 months to come.

We spent the day eating delicious Vietnamese at Dandelion, and snoozing on the couch. We've both been plagued by the most insane tiredness of all time.

We also kicked off the baby buying spree with the tram I'd been coveting.

Baby's first toy- adoraballs!

Lots & lots & lots of love to my beautiful, kind hearted husband, LPs.

XXOOXOXOXOXOXO

21 weeks 4 days

2011-10-09T00:26:00.001-07:00

My burgeoning belly at 21 weeks & 4 days..

Oopsie, Taken before I tidied up all the clothes!

LPs took this one for me, not the exactly the best pic of me ever taken,
but sure does show the upcoming bump!

The Bugaboo!

2011-10-04T01:33:00.000-07:00

So today I was at work, in a holding pattern as to what work I could get on with, when I had a rush of blood to the head- and decided i MUST buy a Missoni Pram.

Plus, buy it now- and less "ouch" later! right?

I picked the Bugaboo Cameleon with a colour block Missoni print- and I'm not saying this is a selling point (as Im pretty off her lately - RZ Project overload!), but it's the very same that Rachel Zoe has....

& comes with a Missoni Baby Blanket - adorable!

This weekend is our first Anniversary!
We are going to spend it shopping for baby stuff (w/ a dinner at Geoff Lindsay's new Restaurant, Dandelion, thrown in)

I have my eye on these toys so far..
I have realised I am all about wood, and plastic is just not my thang.

Melbourne Toy Tram by Make me Iconic
- available in Richmond tram at a store in Swan St. yay, cute!

Understanding for a lil while it's going to be Nursery Dressing, before it becomes a toy!
(Potentially may even be an object for mum & dad to enjoy!)

Tree Bookshelf, by designer Shawn Soh.

Space Pinball

Want: YSL Arty Bracelet

2011-09-25T00:26:00.000-07:00

Love it, want it.

19 weeks - bumpy!

2011-09-23T02:54:00.000-07:00

Belly @ 19 weeks 2 days

On Monday morning we have our big baby scan!
I have all my fingers and toes crossed the baby is looking good & it's measurements are where they should be! We'll know the sex too! How exciting!!! :D

So today my Citizens of Humanity Maternity Jeans (!) arrived from Shopbop. I was pleasantly surprised... two sizes bigger (!) than my last pair, I didn't believe they would fit... but ta da! Lucky me, they are perfecto.

This green top I am wearing is a funny one. Far be it from me to want to wear tight clothes, this has become a bit of a home staple. It's an old American Apparel number that my brother (!) wore for a while .. and it wasn't even fitted on him! He went through this bizarre phase where he seemed to drop almost everything from his diet and lost about 20 kilos! It was crazzzy, he was soooo skinny. He was throwing out a bunch of stuff on my last visit to London, so I wore it home on the plane and it's stayed with me ever since.

They have the "secret belly band" (always learning new things!) which you can roll over or under the bump. I've only been wearing them for approximately 1 hour, but they seem to hold up pretty good.

...scuse the mess!

LPs bought me a black pair with an elasticised waist last weekend, which I wore to Chaddy mid week - they kept falling down I thought I was going to lose my mind! In the end I purchased a pair of casual pants from Cotton On to get me through the last leg of Chad. Crazeballs. I will be revisiting them to work out a solution because they are damn comfortable.

So I went back to work this week at Ch 9.. new office in the Docklands! It's such a brand new look from the ol' Bendigo St- albeit a lil less convenient! Happy to be back and to be busy... & my finish date is a TBC depending on how I'm feeling which is Fabbo.

The Hit List: Baby

2011-09-21T02:20:00.000-07:00

I have started compiling my list of dreamy baby "stuff".

These lovely things are currently top of my list..

Missoni X Bugaboo Pram!

Parenthood won't have new stock until December, I can't wait to see it in the flesh!

The Ultimate dream cot.. The Ubabub Nifty Clear

Amazeballs!

The Seed Organic Pod Moses Basket ... for next to the bed!

So sweet, so organic!

& I love this enormous Huggable Globe from bebe.

In fact, I have been wanting this one for myself for some time!

Love this look

2011-09-18T23:55:00.001-07:00

Always love a mish mash of colour!

Swimsuit: Kiargo
Skirt: House of Hollan
Shoes: Kobe Husk
Sunnies: Burberry

Plus, obsessed with this beautiful paint swatch idea i spied on Poppytalk's Blog.

Amazeballs- i would love this on a wall. Nursery perhaps?

From Vice mag

Belly moves!

2011-09-17T02:07:00.000-07:00

This week I started to feel the baby moving around!

I thought I might just be digesting food or something, but since Wednesday there's been little taps, flutters, twinges etc. So teensy tiny, but an unmistakable new sensation.
The vid above is now a few weeks old but shows 'Klausy' in the midst of an exercise session - Push ups!

The baby has a working title; Klausy. This is because when I was a teenager I dreamt of having a child - boy or girl - called "Klaus" ... much to everyone's amusement!

SO EXCITING! :D

The Bump: 18 weeks 2 days

2011-09-15T23:36:00.000-07:00

This week is the week where I think my belly has gone from looking a bit "thick" (or looking like I ate too much for dinner) to the beginnings of a baby bump!

Ta da!

In less than two weeks I'll be half way through and hopefully know the sex. yay!

Who knew so many vitamins were involved with pregnancy!? Well.. probably everyone, but I'm quite surprised by my daily intake! My vitamin D was very low so I take four of those during the day + 1 Elevit (for the Iodine I'm lacking) + 1 Folate.

The other thing I'm overdosing on is Body Butter in extreme quantities!
Peach is my fav, but cause it's discontinued the Body shop clearance in Richmond is selling the big tubs for $13. I'm going to use it all day long and all night strong!

Whilst there, I spied this Body Shop Vitamin C line...

I'm an absolute SUCKER for cosmetics with the right buzz words.
Vitamin C for invigorated brighter skin plays right to my weaknesses. I picked up these products, normally $75 for all 3, for just $25.. so certainly no harm in giving them a go!
Starting the day with a Vitamin C Face spritz seems to really work... even if it's just on a psychological level!

Feeling fantastic, except I've been having chest pains for a couple of weeks now.. almost 3 weeks. They started one afternoon after I rode my bike to Monk Bodhis for some veggie food.. that afternoon it felt like I was having a heart attack, but on the left side... it crept up on me to the point I was in agony and woke up in tears at an insane hour of the morning.
LPs took me to the doctor.. she diagnosed Gallstones! Can you believe it... she sent me off to the Ultrasound, who said there's no gallstones (phew!).. I saw my obstetrician a couple of days later, and she sent me for viral blood tests (believing it was something like Glandular) - Negative!

It's certainly calmed down, but it's still there, tender and painful through the night!

No idea what it is, but now I've decided to self diagnose myself with Costochondritis.

New stuff this week & a Zimmermann rant

2011-09-15T23:28:00.000-07:00

Here's my week in clothes.. back to work next Wednesday...

I bought this cute lil tunicy Gorman dress .. I can kinda sense it's going to be a bit of a staple.

It's not often I buy something from French connection, but I kinda liked this scarf...

I really dig the style of the floral.

I'm not sure if I made a very "me" choice with this one.. it's the Sass and Bide Fox wrap light jacket.. I love love love it, but it's completely at odds with all my warm weather clothes. I think I'm going to have to buy some new stuff to suit the jacket!

Worn with a new Willow dress... photographed in more detail here...

I am pretty sure, after having the dress not even having seen daylight, despite a few suitable occasions (dinner and the likes) that I am going to ebay it.
It's sooo beautiful... lovely stretchy silk, so well made.
SO DAMN UNFLATTERING.

Whilst this dress isn't new, it is a reincarnation of an older Zimmermann dress.
The bust was sooooo teensy (especially with my preggo boobs!) that I had it made into a midi/maxi skirt (it sits between the two lenghts)

I think it worked out well... although the elastic in the waist is enormous.
Normally it might bother me, but with the impending tummy situation I don't think it's going to be an issue...

with a Mink Pink cropped top, and my new Sportsgirl sandals.

and gold... I'm all about the multi tones of gold jewellery right now.

I was crazy for this Zimmermann Hydrangea print last year.

I loved it so much, but never got around to trying it on. When it came up on ebay in my size I was prepared to pay any price. This morning when the post courier arrived I was at the gate before the bell had even finished Buzzing. I raced inside to our room and strugggled... and struggled... and struggled to get it on!

I have never ever ever come across anything SO DAMN COMPLICATED. There are these internal crossover straps all over the iside of the dress... under the armpit, over the armpit, strangling me, feeling unfomfortable... argh! I finally got it on (half an hour, half a frustrating hour... this must work somehow) and I think I got it right. I immediately snapped some pics (straight outta bed, no makeup, pre hairbrush) as I KNEW I could never go through that again.

I will say the print is divine, the colours are knockout, but the front and back crossover straps have made this dream dress a nightmare. On top of that the static is OUT OF CONTROL. I wonder if it's me, or the dress? Why is all my Zimmermann silk so riddled with static??

As for my new shoes this week, I picked up these D Copenhagen boots at Cactus Jam.
I didn't need them at all, but there is something about that rubbed brown leather that drew me in. My only concern is that they smell a bit fishy.. actually like fish!? When I'm in a confined space, like the car, it's quite overwhelming.. Cactus Jam what did you do to my boots!?

More brown: Gorman Sandals

And a bit of a random purchased, on my walk yesterday I popped into the Sportsgirl 50% off sale stock sale, and for $25 I decided I could not go wrong with these...

I'm a bit torn though.. does a size 41 foot really need to look any bigger?
I have a feeling these sandals, as cute as they are, may fall into the "unflattering" category!

Cushion Crushes

2011-09-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking about some new pillows. There's going to be a bit of hunting involved as I want a careful mix (on our new couch, also a TBC!)

So far some of my favs are...

Splash Cushion from Fine Little Day

Chandelier Cushion by Fenton & Fenton

& I am crazy about these fabulous pillows from My Bearded Pidgeon on Etsy.

The problem with these is that I have wanted a set for months, but how on earth can anyone pick their fav countries? Ilove looking at maps, from everywhere and anywhere, it's a bit of an obsession.. so these babies on my couch would be a serious distraction!

Geeked out

2011-09-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

Last night I downloaded this new App... it turned out to be Lots and lots of fun :D

There's a bun in the Oven!

2011-09-02T19:00:00.001-07:00

So, I have news... probably what I would consider big news! :D

Lps and I are expecting our first baby in February. wee!

I'm Currently 16 weeks and 2 days.

Over a third of the way there. Wish I could speed it all up:)
As I'm taking note of every day, they seem to tick past so much slower than before!

Plus Im still on break from work, and won't be starting again for a minimum of 2 - 4 weeks.
(Plus right now I have a shooting pain through my chest, making the days somewhat laborious! It has been potentially diagnosed with about 50 different causes- yet ultrasounds and blood tests have failed to show exactly what). Nothing to do with the baby, just a total pain in the assss (well, pain in the chest/ upper abdomen more accurately).

The first trimester (some time of which was spent in Japan) was pretty tiring & I had the constant quease. A trip to the supermarket would have me in bed for two hours- who knows how simple tasks became the root of such exhaustion!

Almost the second I kicked into the second trimester I started feeling fantastic-
happy, energetic, all the good bits you hear about!

I'm semi showing (just looking fatter and thicker around the waist - I don't think anyone would guess just yet) + most importantly, Baby is doing fab.

Here's my pics up to date...

At around 6 weeks the baby looks more like a goldfish.. with it's lil yolk sac attached.
All these things you learn.. who knew what on earth a yolk sack was.

I got this scan early after a bit of a fright, was so relieved to see a strong heartbeat.

At 9 weeks 5 days baby was dancing like a maniac!
It looked like he/she was doing the "la coocaracha!"

At 14 weeks 4 days, Baby was doing push ups-
How adorable!

And, it seems pretty indulgent to have had four scans - but the chest pain I had this week had me in at the obstetrician to ensure there was nothing pregnancy related going on.
And at 16w 2 days baby is fit as a fiddle, shimmying around.
I actually think this picture, my only one from yesterday's scan, looks like a boy.
In fact, I think it looks exactly like LPs! Something about that big, brainy head!
If you look closely it looks like baby is doing metal fingers alongside it's head, and a thumbs up above the tummy! hehe.

The big question everyone has been asking me is how a mega drinker like myself copes without alcohol. I havn't found it a drama ... I've cut out socialising at the pub, which on one hand is kinda sad, but I've replaced it with dates with Lps (Golden Fields last week for lunch, we're going to Cafe Vue today for lunch). It's quite nice waking up with a hungover husband and yet feeling fresh as a daisy myself- who knew that was a weekend possibility!!?
I thought I would lose a stack of weight without the calories- but nope.

MJ - Bracelet

2011-09-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

Lps gave me this lovely Rose Gold MJ Turnlock bracelet.

xoxo

Love!

Nailing it- Polishes of the Week

2011-09-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

Kit make the best colours, this week it was time for a mix n match.

Caught a bit late in the week, but I don't think I've ever had so many nail polish related comments!

I have the softest, chippiest, peeliest nails on the planet.
So they will never be longer than this. ever.

Chairs

2011-08-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

Lps and I are moving soon, and given the parting of ways with his brother that is about to take place, I am slowly picking the pieces I want in the new place. Starting with dining chairs! A big purchase, I am all over these Hans Wegner Wishbone chairs in Green.

Japan - Hiroshima

2011-08-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

And for our final Japanese destination - Hiroshima.

Prior to our visit, a friend had told me
"it's like going to Melbourne, then going to stay in Oakleigh"

I have to say I disagree. Whilst it's not set up for long stints, and you're "limited" to two main attractions - the A Dome and the A Bomb Museum, I really enjoyed our short stint there. And it was amazing (by amazing I mean somewhat chilling) to be in such a historical location, trying to fathom how on Earth the Atomic Bomb was given the green light. What a hideous experiment.
I also found the Hiroshima people the most friendly and interested in Japan.

We arrived in time for August 6th, the anniversary of the Bomb. It was really special, and should you ever get the chance whilst in the country I thoroughly reccommend it. There are memorial events staged throughout the day along the river, however the highlight would have to be in the evening when thousands of lanterns are sent off down the river, each one inscribed with messages of peace.

Folding the lanterns and sending them out on the river.

By nightfall it was a spectacular sight. Despite all the people, it was very calm, very quiet, and one of the most peaceful experiences I've had.

Other bits and pieces we saw around town, which warranted a photograph were -

The hypocentre of the bomb blast, on a backstreet between some vending machines.
This represents the actual coordinate spot.

Hiroshima Kiddyland's Bizarre Maradona vending machine.
Here is Lp's scrounging for appropriate yen to buy one.

Upstairs there was a BB gun department, with some very accutate fake guns.
Lps was dazzled!

Multilevel Pet shops- right now monkeys are the rage!

No photos allowed- they look psychotic, and I would feel most unnerved having one in my house!

In Hiroshima they are very proud of their own Okonomyaki - it's made with a layer of noodles!
There is even a multilevel Okonomyaki world- we found this stall on the 3rd level. I would call this hangover food- it's pretty intense!

The ladies whip them up skillfully over these flat grills.

Holy moly it was hot, I have no idea how they do it! Lps and I left sweating, and bright red (however that could be a description applied accross our entire holiday!)

My fav Dick Bruna character of all time is Poppy the Pig- and I found a plush poppy in a little nondescript plush toy shop!

Adore!

It was really hard to find a hotel in Hiroshima because of the Anniversary, but Lps managed to get us a room at a hotel called the Sunroute. It was very compact! I felt a bit like it was a capsule on an aeroplane! In particular the bathroom...

After Hiroshima we headed back to Tokyo for a few days.. steamy as steamy!
Check out my extra excellent husband taking on all the luggage duties!
And so ends my posts from japan!

Japan - The bright lights of Osaka

2011-08-19T04:37:00.000-07:00

After Kyoto, we took the Bullet train to Osaka...it took all of about 10 mins!

We hit the ground, and went straight to Spaworld.
It's a multilevel Onsen centre, with pools and waterslides on the top levels.
No cameras allowed, which is a shame because there was some magnificent signs in Engrish!
Here we are fresh off the train. Apparently the area is a bit dodgy- Spaworld is opposite the Osaka Zoo. This is the Entrance to the zoo...
Here's a sign saying you won't be admitted if you're "dead drunk"

We did the "Must see" Osaka Aquarium.

It's an amazing 8 level engineering masterpiece, with it's own whale shark! Nowhere near the size of the ones you see cruising along off the coast of WA, but it was exciting to see one nonetheless.

This souvenir book is hilariously cute.

I found Osaka was a buzzier, glitzier, visually interesting version of Tokyo.
There seemed to be a lot more going on- or at least in the eyes of a foreigner!
In Osaka we finally tried a Japanese Crepe... Caramel banana ice cream
And in keeping with our love of Japanese toys... Osaka gave Nick his boyish Favourite, "Going Places" - adorable!
In Osaka two things made me a bit sick.

This Parfait I got from Family Mart.. I was ill for hours before I could sleep!

And then, the mother of all food faux pas....

We went to a Yakitori joint advertised in the Osaka guide.
It claimed a Banquet set of delicious Yakitori and assorted Japanese goodness with All you can drink beer included in the price. I was having Yakitori cravings, Lps was having beer cravings.
They were English speaking, with an English Menu... It all made sense, right?

We arrived to an empty upstairs restaurant... there was a young guy and a young girl running the place. They seemed very surprised when we entered. They didn't speak english, nor did they carry a Japanese menu... so we had to order from the Osaka Guide.

Our Entree arrives... RAW OFFLE.
Omfg. Raw heart. Raw liver. Raw chicken. I die.
I couldn't bring myself to take photos of the rest of the courses, but sufficed to say- it got worse.
The GRILLED offle was potentially WORSE!
Yakitori sticks of all manner of gizzard. I don't know why or how, but grilled Gizzard was worse.

There's Lps trying to figure out the Japanese offle bits and pieces!

I had to secretly remove the meats from the table, into a tissue, into my bag, into the bin outside.

We couldn't get out of there fast enough!!!

I had raw liver related nightmares that night. I could picture it's slimey texture and the spots.
It was covered in spots.
*Shudder*

Japan - Kyoto

2011-08-19T02:36:00.001-07:00

After a week in Tokyo, we caught the Shinkansen to Kyoto.

We stayed in this gorgeous place called Hotel Monterey right near Oike Dori.
It was ye olde, but semi designery, but kind of businessy.

Bizarrely I didn't take photos of all the features- such as the little ye olde church incased in a glass building (wet weather contingency) but here I am "Hair testing" in our room.

So Kyoto is all about natural beauty, history and shrines... plenty and plenty of shrines!
So we put on our sneakers and hit the cobbled steep streets of Higashiyama.
It was hot, damn hot.

My hair struggles in heat!

Another activity we had to do was head to Mt Kurama- and check out some more.. shrines!
It was gorgeous, and well worth the 30 minute train trip out of the city.
You catch a special train with seats designed for sightseeing in Cherry Blossom season.

I'm not going to lie- I thought this was a Damn hard walk!
I am so unfit, it was so hot, the path was so steep!
All along the way there was shrines - Maybe 20 up and down the mountain.

Here we are in the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park
It was all fun and games til the heavens opened, and we were soaked down to our socks and undies.
It rained and rained and rained. we had to seek refuge in a toilet block!
Lucky they keep them so damn clean!

We saw these little Octopus in the food market.. there's a "Little egg" inside it's head.

And we tried Buckwheat noodles from the oldest Soba restaurant in Kyoto

They're served plain + cold to savour the Buckwheat flavour. Review for a non Buckwheat connasieur- boring.

Divine Sushi packs from Department store basement.

And the most extravagant parfait in Kyoto- the $500 Parfait.
As seen here on the bottom shelf...
What is it with Japan being the home of mock cream?

We found an amazing Organic Buffet.. and it was cheap! About $8 pp all you can eat.
And we did!
When it comes to fruit, why not make it kawaii!?
And speaking of Kawaii, I almost died when I spotted this cat.
Idential to my beautibelle Tinkerbelle.
Beauty spot and all!
We found it impossible to stay out of toy shops everywhere we went.

In Kyoto it was all about this Japanese kids show featuring Character CHAIRS !?
It's amazing! Stools, park benches, swivel chairs, a ...cactus!?

Of all the chairs, this is by far my favourite.

The Badass Country and Western Chair!
Isn't he Hilar!?

Japan - Tokyo Pt 2

2011-08-14T03:03:00.000-07:00

In Ebisu, we did the Yebisu Beer Museum, and learnt a little bit about it's superiority in the beer world. Superior flavour and satisfaction guaranteed.

What beer loving woman could walk past these giant cans without fantasing they were real!?

It was certainly a luxurious use of space in Tokyo!

The backstreets were full of uber trendy bars... we set off in search of an Irish Pub that was supposed to be the life of Ebisu, but never found it! I swear we walked the same backstreet set of blocks 30 times- to no avail! I think this was the closest I have ever come to losing my mind in travel mode- we had to head back to the hotel and rest! It was a painful experience.

Trendy bar, pre opening

We also checked out the Parasite Museum in nearby Meguro (yes, we seriously went to the Parasite Museum, here’s some specimen ja to prove it!

Here's the centrepiece of the museum- a 9m tapeworm!!

The very same type that startlets of times gone by would have intentionally inserted as a weight loss technique. After seeing the tape worm, it’s similarity to folded piece of masking tape... I think any actress would be so grossed out she would have to say no! How would the doctors have been farming these tape worms, anyways!? Ew.

Moving along, I loved seeing these guys on the street – the Smoking Police! I have never seen such a blanket ban on smoking... aside from in designated smoking rooms, Tokyo is now No Smoking anywhere outside.

Food was also a big part of our trip, but this could go on for another billion pages if I posted pics of every food moment. One thing that did make me laugh (well, temporarily make me very nervous!) was eating a katsu set, that came with a strict set of instructions. Here are my bowls/ plates at the end. Each pickle was to be transferred to a particular plate, each sauce poured into a particular dish, each item to be eaten in a particular order.

Lp’s came in the box with some miso on the side!

More than anything, i think we ate a LOT of buns. Savoury buns that may as well have been sugar buns!

My fav food experience was without doubt the basements of the department stores (especially Shinuku's Isetan- amazeballs!) Here's a square watermelon that could be purchased from Daimaru for a mere hundred dollars or so!

Japan - Tokyo Pt 1

2011-08-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

In Tokyo We stayed at The Hotel Sunroute Plaza, just outside the JR Southern Line Terrace in Shinjuku.

Matching it up with our Sunroute nightgowns!

Fabulous location, couldn’t have been better! It hit the perfect Shinjuku balance of not being too buzzy nighttime illuminated & not being too dull (it felt like the life had been sucked out of the Tokyo Tower surrounds). That combined with the fact it was in walking distance to Harajuku and Shibuya (well, admittedly we switched to the train pretty quickly after ending up sopping in sweat on our initial attempts to walk the city).

Shakin my big booty in Yoyogi Park, en route to Harajuku

Amazing signs everywhere

And a lot of “resting”... A LOT!

I think that, without a doubt, one of my favourite parts of Japan was Toy Shopping! We couldn’t walk past a department store without heading straight to their toy level. In Harajuku the award for fav goes to the three levelled Kiddy Land. FUN. FUN. FUN.

With all of it's Toy Food!

Toys that smoke cigarettes!

Hamsters with hats!

& things that transform icy poles, into shaved ice! (why?)

We didn’t find much we wanted to do in Shibuya, but we did of course make it to the famous crossing. .. and then we managed to take a photo at the quietest moment of the cycle. Ok, so this is the busiest crossing in Tokyo...

Ginza was lovely, after some trouble finding lunch spots (using Lonely Planet as a guide) we ended up at the Tsukiji Fish Markets..

We went to the amazingballs Sushizenmai. Omfg.. amazzzzzing sushi. So impressed we made it back here after some serious fresh fish cravings on our return to Tokyo.

The chefs and staff yell out greetings on both entry and exit- a very fun atmosphere, and cheap as chips!

I could not co exist in the same city as a Disneyland and not go! We spent a sweltering hot day in queues, and eating pretty average food at Disney. It was fun!

Of course 10,000 icy poles were necessary to get through the day!

This one was a delightful surprise- a real slice of mango frozen with a stick, in a packet. I am totally making these come Summer!

This looks revolting, but I swear it wasn’t so bad. Hour long queues were chocka block full of families, young couples, and trendy teen girls eating these smoked turkey legs. I hesitated for a moment, horrified at the appearance, but.... it wasn’t that bad!? And I didn’t die, nor experience any turns within 8 hours.

Aside from Space Mountain, the next ride highlight for big kids was Lps spinning the teacup so fast it was close to coming off it’s axis!

Weeee!

One hilarious moment was the Jungle ride... where all the animals pop out of the water. When a hippo popped out, our guide pulled out a fake gun, started screaming, and shot the hippo. Is this normal at Disneyland?

Whilst in the spirit of fun, we heard of Tokyo Dome World (technically speaking, Korakuen Amusement Park) with a roller coaster that spun over city streets, and through the ferris wheel. This was high on our “must do list”. When we made it along, things just didn’t seem right. The roller coaster was indeed, Intense- and I was immediately scared and hesitant! But after no train took to the tracks, we did some research and found that the park had had three accidents in three months- including a death where a man fell out of one of their roller coasters!!!! Half the rides were closed, with no reopening date available.

So all we could do was imagine a safer time...

And take a ride in the Ferris Wheel

(sweltering from the pounding sun, the heat and poor ventilation!)

Japan - done and dusted!

2011-08-13T02:53:00.000-07:00

We’re back! How time flies... 3 weeks in Japan in the blink of an eye!

We had a great time... we did Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and back to Tokyo for the last few days.

Neither Lps nor myself were equipped to deal with the oppressive Summer “Big City Heat” which reinforced my view that I am NOT a hot weather person. It hit us like a tonne of bricks, and had us melting away and seeking refuge in department stores every couple of hours. And physically speaking, I think you grow tired of being a big red sweaty westerner - in a sea of the most perfectly put together women on earth! Holy moly, coming home today- cold, sweet, sweet cold!!

Collette

2011-07-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Love it

Collette by Collette Dinnigan new season.

These two lovelies in particular..

New means of photography.

2011-07-22T02:05:00.000-07:00

Snappity Snap!

Hoorah, after so many broken cameras that I can't keep up, I finally bought a new digital camera yesterday, specifically to take to Japan. The touch screen Canon Ixus 310. I don't have a great deal to photograph, so I took to trying on new clothes this afternoon, in an effort to figure out which would come with me on hols. We leave the day after tomorrow, and I have been avoiding all effort to prepare myself. Happily unemployed, I've been supremely lazy... I'm almost ashamed of myself, if I wasn't so damn cosy!.

Here's my new Winter Kate kimono jacket.
I love love love the pattern, but the jacket itself is a tricky one to wear.
ONLY because due to puffing up a bit, I'm avoiding skinny jeans like the plague!
Also, short dresses arn't doing me any favours- and this aint one to wear with a maxi!

I have hads my eye a Fleur Wood dress for the last couple of weeks.
It appeared on Facebook in my feed, and took over my brain.
Despite not being the most flattering shape, it so engrained itself, I had no choice but to buy it the second it hit stores yesterday.

Diving wrapping paper... I love love love this rainbow- so nostalgic of an oversized gauzey hair ribbon I had as a child.
This dress, and in particular the fabric, feel identical to a million dresses that have been through my wardrobe over the years. Did my mum wear a (no doubt more stylish) dress like this in the 70s? It comes with a olive rope belt, which due to my hippy shape, looks terrible. I'll stick with 'maternity chic' oversize.
Worn with my new Country Road jacket, that I picked up this week
....and an inexplicably stern expression!

And then... today the Anna & Boy Carnation dress arrived that I've wanted for so long.
I love it- so glam, so poolside, such stunning fabric. The silk crepe de chine is beauuu-ti-ful.
I'm scared I look a bit OTT Kookie Look at me... Ill pull it on when I think I look alright.
...plus, it will need to be a hot day!

It looks to me as though this dress will make an AMAZING long kimono jacket.
I'm sure I've seen similar in Winter Kate styles.

I gave it a whirl with this Zimmermann dress... wrong wrong wrong.
I look like I'm in a cult or running a retreat teaching sex therapy sessions!
Better find a more suitable under-outfit! ie, not a floral maxi!

And a hanky hem Zimmermann smock dress... Oh julia, get yerself a new look! hehe.
At least the colours are a new look!
And the gingham check.. i think it takes a moment or two for people to process.
My nana was beyond confused.
I justified it to her by saying, "Nana, it's very fashion, it's from David Jones"to which she "ooh'd"!

And then - this week's shoes!

A pair of Gorman clogs I picked up at the sale store.
I love the colour, although they're not especially comfortable.
Sambag studded ballet flats in navy... quite possibly the most comfortable slipper-like shoes i have ever ever ever put on my feet. They are like pillows!
(I hope I am still saying this after traipsing around Japan!)
Boy oh boy oh boy- How pale can ya get!?
My legs havn't seen sun in months and months... they are genuinely blue hued!

And here's a mistake and a half.. I wanted some day to day boots, walked into Santini, and bought these. Why? They are damn uncomfortable to boot, made from a cheap looking leather (without being "Cheap") and I rejected the same style in zebra- it just doesn't make sense.
In fact I can barely walk in them after a day of having them on in the city.
Epic, shoe, FAIL.

Hasty purchases

2011-07-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

..Are my specialty!

This week I've made a couple... just now I bought this Anna & Boy long Carnation dress online... because I desperately need some fresh new clothes! Unfortunately they only provide one photo (so I'm counting on the idea that there is buttons to conceal some of that extreme slit!). I'm planning to wear it in Tokyo, but am I wacko with this idea? Will this dress be Japan- esque? Anyways, hopefully delivery is hasty so I can count it in or out of my luggage asap.

In other news I did a Topshop order this week, which included a pair of amazing black ankle boots with bright gold heels. They arrived, and despite my strained siatic nerve (i think I may have pinched something in my spine, which in turn is making movement a true pain in all respects- who knew a buttock could cause so much pain!?) I had them on my feet in a matter of seconds. And yep, they were as cool as I'd hoped...
but they are MAN SIZED! I already have a big enough foot as it is, and these would have been another 3 sizes on top of that. Comically huge! In fact LP's described them as "man sized" .. damnit. Now sold out. Back to the UK they go..

Boogie and the Historymaker

2011-07-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

Itching for this collection to appear in-store. Here's all the magical new Sass and Bide I'm lusting after.. it's the first Sass and Bide colour palette (since Rainbows for Kate, which was well and truly up my alley at the time) that screams ME. Love a bit of colour.

Pinks, reds, melons, oranges... yes please!!

This skirt, amazing.

Or go the jacket?

worn with those suedey rustey skinny jeans & platforms *Love*
And this jacket, can't wait to try it on!

The second I lose 10 keg I am all over these jeans...

And pom poms and chunky red wool, magnifico!

Crafting: Cat Cushions

2011-07-02T23:18:00.000-07:00

For some reason I was thinking last night about how awesome it would be to have my cats in two places at once. Because LPs is allergic, and because we don't have the right setup, the cats stayed with my mum when I moved out. So I came up with a simple solution- make cuddly cat cushions so they can be with me all the time.

I made Tinkerbelle's last night. I am pretty happy with the result.

Today she spent some time in the garden doing what she does best.

For example, sitting in the tree looking vacant..

Or, sitting in the garden, looking vacant..

Gizmo is a much more masculine, lion-like cat that OOZES personality (yes, it's pretty weird personality, but he's oozing it nonetheless!) Today is a wintery Sunday so I started on his cushion wuite happpily whilst watching Short Circuit with Lps.

Hopefully have him finished tonight!

Props- Boardgame

2011-07-02T23:07:00.001-07:00

I've managed to make a few props lately, which is great because I'm back to my favourite thing to do! (if only a professional prop maker was a well-paid and in-demand field!)

This board game is one of them - from a few months back now, but it just screened this week.

Photo from the show's Facebook photostream.

It popped up unexpectedly on KerryAnne this week- how hilar!

Acne Pistols - Denim

2011-07-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

It's been an agonising hunt for Ankle boots that I LOVE.

Earlier this year, I picked up a pair of grey suede booties from Country Road which became my uniform for the last few months. So unlike me not to diversify, and get some newbies along the way, but given the renovation theme I've been in for the last three months, it was impossible to upgrade, due to the potential for ruin.

It became a relationship of hate with these boots- suede stretched up to two sizes (I was wearing three pairs of LP's sports socks to work, hot) I swore that the second I finished on the Block I would throw these godforsaken boots out in the bin where they belong, but it's not so easy. I was a rolled footstep away from a sprained ankle! Unable to find a suitable replacement (like, wha) I have been stuck with them for the last couple of weeks out of work.

On Friday I decided that enough was enough and made a split second purchase. I had been coveting the Acne Pistols for a year (well, admittedly last year it was in their knee high guise).

I went with denim leather, as black was sold out.

So delighted with myself and giddy with excitement, things changed when I arrived home to give them a test spin around the house. Holy guacamole. I don't know what Acne managed to do to these shoes - the rock hard leather, the slightly strange moulded shape.... but DAMNIT, are they uncomfortable! After about twenty minutes they felt torturous, the bones in my feet felt like they had crunched into pieces, and my poor toes! The woman at Miss Louise admitted that she found them very uncomfortable at first, but they got better after a couple of weeks.

um, a couple of weeks!?!

I'm so saddened... do I persevere, or ebay whilst they still have a newness to them? A Tough decision ahead.

Happy Birthday Husbando

2011-06-23T23:47:00.001-07:00

It's LPs birthday on Monday and I've been straining my brain trying to think of what he needs.

I'm off from work (sleeping, watching tv, sleeping, eating, sleeping) so I mustered up the energy to make my darling husband a birthday card. Unfortunately I still don't have an operational camera, so I am iphone pix all the way.

It's acrylic paint on quilting fabric, I've made springs so they move around.

I have bought him a small present from Ralph Lauren, but feel like I should have a whole bag of goodies..... HMMMMM Why are boys so hard!?

Lover

2011-06-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

After struggling to find anything of interest at the Lover Jumble sale this weekend (sadly a far cry from the last one- where I managed to find multiple Lover "classics"- that I ended up selling on ebay for a profit sometime later anyways) I was delighted to see this article online for smh when I woke up this morning.

1. Because of the divine red lace dress. Absolutely amaze.

2. Because I'm excited to find the brand in a more accessible format. Yes, a small bye bye to their exclusivity blah blah. But this means Stocktake sales will see jumble-sale esque prices in the future, and the ability to try on Lover on a Thursday night shopping trip to Chaddy. yay! Let it be said, good or bad, I love the David Jones shopping experience.

Boys Own Adventure

2011-06-17T00:58:00.000-07:00

My lovely new Bromley throw. This is the design I went with, love love.

I'm trying to come up with a not too heavy hanging solution...
contempating popping it between two sheets of perspex.

Au revoir Reality + Renovation..

2011-06-17T00:43:00.000-07:00

Posing with Props!

Another show wraps.... after two insanely busy days we had our (very messy) wrap party last night. Ouch. Show kicks off on air Monday and I can't wait to see how it comes together.
It's been fun.

So, As of next week, I am officially unemployed! I am so excited to start the billion or so lil craft projects I have bubbling away at the back of my brain whilst we wait to kick off to China... or possibly Tokyo! woo. A month off at home beforehand - first time ever to just bum around. Excitement Plus.

I also had some exciting news this week which I will blog about at a later date. Yipeeyeee!

Colourful Throws

2011-06-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Almost all gone, from one of Melbourne's most beautiful stores.

The agonising is over - I finally gave in and purchased one of David Bromley's beautiful hand stitched Quilts. Glad I waited because I ended choosing one that I havn't previously seen
(agnosised over)

I'm going to stretch it up on some dowling, hang it and then I'll post!

I've picked up a few things in my time at 9, homely items, and I must make a dedicated post. In two weeks I'm off work until we head to china, so Ill no doubt be posting like a madwoman with too much time on her hands.

Things I'd Love.. Missoni on sale

2011-06-03T05:11:00.000-07:00

Slightly cultish Missoni cardigan
Definitely has a bit of far flung hippy commune mind control vibe... but in a good way!

This fantastically fun Missoni coat.

Styled right... so cool!
Loving this scarf.. it's the adorable little orange triangles that won me over.

New Wangs

2011-05-22T03:58:00.000-07:00

I have only kind of been indulging in clothing treats lately, mainly because
a. I am working on a renovation TV show, and I am better suited wearing my blundstones, jeans and crew jacket. Uniform post a must. One thing I can not bring myself to wear, under any circumstances, is my Bisley Workwear heavy cotton drill pants. Gross, gross... Gross!
b. I have failed at diet and exercise of late, and can't help but have a fright everytime I see myself in photograph. Hence, nothing looks good, ever.
Not even with attempting to flatteringly photograph.

One passable that avoids both issues is my new sunglasses-
The Alexander Wang X Linda Farrow Zipper frame.

So I went to A wedding recently, got very drunk, and broke my camera. Hoorah! This is now my 10th camera in a couple of years (a likely exaggeration, however it certainly feels like that). I'm back on the ol' iphone (which has been out of action for a couple of months, due to mysteriously getting moisture inside- I was DYING without my internet!)

The Wedding Dress that Wasn't

2011-05-04T03:10:00.001-07:00

I love Zimmermann.

They never put a foot wrong. Then tonight I catch a glimpse of Zimmermann's RAFW Show, Halycon Dream on Susie Bubble's Blog, and find myself gobsmacked. And I mean, seriously gobsmacked.

This may be the most amazing, dreamy collection I could ever wish for.

What stood out, above and beyond all the other prettiness, was this absolutely breathtakingly beautiful showstopper.

And if I could rewind this collection to this time last year, it would have "my wedding dress" stamped all over it. I could not wish for a more beautiful dress if I compiled every dress I loved into one- this is STUNNINGLY STUNNING.

Every one of their beautiful Halycon outfits can be found here

Acorn Necklace

2011-04-30T21:59:00.001-07:00

Currently romancing with some Karen Walker Jewellery.. so it's not new, but it's always amazing. Crushing badly on pretty much all of KW offerings of late.. went through a momentary lack of love, but it's back in full force.

Anthropologie

2011-04-23T22:52:00.000-07:00

Vaguely self- styling my future house, and finding that Anthropologie is a one-stop dream shop.

In particular, loving love love this Kaveri Quilt set.

When artist Rebekah Maysles traveled to the south of India on vacation, she was inspired to create this dreamy voile montage of the flora, fauna and fantastical sights she saw.

Could there be a more festive fun look for the bedroom!?

Online at Anthropologie here

Antipodium

2011-04-23T00:22:00.000-07:00

Haughty Culture Caterpillar Print Maxi

Flowers in your Hair

2011-04-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

Images from Spanish label Pull & Bear's current lookbook.

I've never heard of the label before now, but I think they may be examples of my favourite styling ever! The hair and the flowers, love love love.

An eggy Tradition

2011-04-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

PAINTNG BOILED EGGS.

When it comes to painting Easter Eggs, I seriously can't break the tradition- it's almost become a superstition for me, that when I drop something like this for a year, it makes the Easter break seem like it woul be a sad occasion.

We grew up painting them every year- and as a kid we used to do Latvian Easter Egg hunts in the forest, where we'd be searching for painted hardboiled eggs. I think all of us would have preferred Chocolate, but looking back it's so nostalgic!

Yesterday I popped down to the Pran Market to buy some pure white eggs, they are seriously quite amazing to see in a world of 'the browner the better'. The explanation the lady gave me was that "they're white, like you would be if you were from Africa... oops, I mean England!".... okaaay!

Colour comparison - white vs normal.

Anyways, here's the way it's done ala Svenson Haart.

This is a super simple, and quick activity.
You need food colouring, white vinegar, and eggs- lots of eggs!

Boil the eggs (go for two to three minutes once the water is boiled)

Once ready, boil up some water- add a generous amount of vinegar & food dye to four seperate cups. With the food dye, it's trial and error to make sure you have enough (so start with less and build it up)

Submerge each egg into the different dyes- it should only take a couple of minutes per egg to get the desired colour (depending if you're a pastel person, or like me, BRIGHT, you are able to control the colour with the amount of time the egg spends in the glass)

To decorate- Metallic pen!
Paint Poscas are also great- but I chose to stick with silver.

In recent times I've been going quite elaborate Ukranian (= time consuming!).
I painted these ones last year, and here's some from the two years prior.

I decided this year to give the eggs a super basic Nordic spin with simple block silver patterns.

A Quick Catch Up..

2011-04-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

Some general "Stuff" from the last couple of months....

This is what I wore to the Wrap party.

My new Ginger & smart dress worn with a Scanlan lil shirt jacket- as lovely as the silk is, and as gorgeous as that ribbon is that forms the neckline (this ribbon may be the entire reason I bought the dress!) It was possibly one of the more unflattering dresses I've ever worn. Looking back at photos was a real "YEEEP!" .. not only did PR help me pile on the KGs, but then I start wearing mumus to match! Here are a couple of slightly passables.. but you get the picture!

One of our shoots took part at host's LMFF Show- it was amazing!!

I wore this new Arabella Ramsay Silk dress I bought on impulse. GREAT COLOURS.

This dress has wardobe malfunction written all over it!

The silk was so light, that on the windy night it was I think I barely managed to keep it facing down! I was very lady in red. Not the best look.

Megan stealing the show!

An obsession with this particular multi coloured tie dye fabric saw me purchase this Gorman maxi in the last couple of weeks on sale.

There is no shortage of fabric in this maxi dress!

I picked up this Rebecca Thompson pom pom jacket a couple of weeks back from her Armadale sale. Adorable. Not all that wearable, but 'totes' adorable!

My fav new Mimco Frill scarf

Worn like a true witch to my friend's birthday drinks

Arabella Ramsay oversized Animal tee with a frill.

It may just be the coolest print of all time.

Finally bought the House of Harlow mixed Media necklace that I have wanted for ever.

It was a drunk Shopbop purchase- holy moly it arrived two days later from the states.
Yowser that's some fast postage! The cool thing USPS also now do is drop it off at 711 - so no more impossible Aus Post collection (who can get to the post office pre 5PM?)

bit mortified by the state of the mirror, but I wore the necklace with a Fleur Wood bow front maxi and a Rebecca Thompson bolero style jacket. It has MEXICAN good times written all over it. The beadwork is divine.

I've had two amazing rounds of luck when it comes to shopping.

1. Found my dream Marc Jacobs jacket for 75% off at David Jones last week.

It's been a hot week, and I've not yet managed to pull it out of the closet (YET!)

A jacket I had my eye on for ages last year popped up on ebay.. this gold linen Arabella Ramsay jacket with heart shaped pockets only cost me $30! Go ebay!

PHEW. Enough for now! :)

It's a wrap and now I'm BACK!

2011-04-08T21:14:00.001-07:00

For the last few months I've been in a complete bubble - leaving the comfort of the production company I'd been at for years (an unheard of amount of time in television!) to go Freelance on my fav show (but for fear of appearing in RRS feeds and exposing my pretty lame blog, I won't write too much about it in detail. Make it work people, or in the case of this new series- Sort it out! :)

It was as busy and life taking (in the best possible way) that I just realised I'd all but forgotten about my blog!

On top of that my iphone died a month ago and is still not repaired whilst my computer battery charger broke months ago- it took me until this month to get a new one.

I also let myself get seriously out of shape (eating multiple Earl Canteen + Vue Cafe lunchboxes every week) so this is another priority I have to get onto ASAP!

I'm back on everything, starting today! :D

Karla Spetic ss 2011

2011-01-15T00:15:00.000-08:00

Dying over her amazing Australian landscape digital prints.

Stellar Elegance: Christopher Kane, Resort 2011

2010-12-30T14:28:00.000-08:00

I thought I had digital starscape print fatigue, that is until I saw Christopher Kane's Resort 11 Collection- Holy moly! The spapes- the colour- and general awesomeness!

I want every single piece!

My fav without doubt is the Georgette Rah Rah dress..

My second favourite is this Organza Babydoll dress.

And everything else - love love love!!

So, it's obvious, but Im really into this length!
bring it on CK..

New MJ Helena

2010-12-28T04:43:00.000-08:00

Whilst I've been culling wardrobes, Lp's been turning our garden into a weed-free wonderland.

Clearly this photo made it in the nick of time, let's call it a historical document of a bygone era, and never to be repeated (hehe, let's hope- we're planning an organic veggie garden, yay!)

This is my new Marc by Marc Jacobs Helena Bag,
Worn with Metalicus aztec wrap top worn as a long cardigan, Fleur wood dress and Bloch flats.

Holiday Clean up CULL

2010-12-28T03:57:00.001-08:00

Today I undertook a MAMMOTH task.. I would say it was Monsterous, messy and massively time consuming! I did the dreaded MAJOR wardrobe cull.

It feels like I cull often - but ebay and the odd Charity shop run doesn't really count in the grand scheme of things.

With muliple wardrobes filled beyond capacity, spilling out into our bedroom and forcing me into a claustrophobic realisation that I need to change my ways- I undertook the biggest clothes cleanout in YEARS.

This resulted in four ruthless piles- The Loved, The Semi-Loved (aka 'The Space Bagged'- such fun!), The Op Shopped and The Binned, becomming today's main focus.

here's a new fav- Zimmerman Maxi Scalloped Dress.
This is in The Loved wardrobe.

Here's another organised space, with moderate pickings.

One dress that came to my attention, that I'd largely forgotten, was this gorgeous Fleur Wood Maxi...
It reminded me why I hate buying dry cleanable clothes so much.
One night worn, and a $29 visit due.
Damn carrying a cake on a very sensible, sober night in this number.

see the cake spots! damnit.

I hung a new Fleur Wood top in the window, just for a pretty shot..

Esp, as I think I may end up selling it. I just don't know what to wear it with.

Likewise i think this Gorman Lovely I've never worn may be off to ebayland..
So gorgeous, so beautifully made, such great fabric... and yet so DAMN UNFLATTERING.
I've held onto it hoping, but this cull has made me face it's destiny.

In the washup, I realised I need to try and keep those closets clean! So I went for a stroll and picked up some jewellery.

Sass and Bide make me so mad.. I have been wanting this Cage necklace for SO LONG, but it appeared to be sold out (granted I never asked!). I almost collapsed when I walked into the Chapel St Store today to find it on sale for $90. I forgot my ebay searching stress in an instance and snapped it up immediately. yay!

I also popped into Mimco and bought myself a couple of treats.

The Ivory Kinship Bracelet & the Dauphine Wrist Bracelet bracelet in pastel chains.

I also snuck in these adorable shades of Kit nailpolish.. I planned to use the yellow on my toes the moment I got home, then it suddenly occured to me the shade was not dissimilar to cheesy fungas-y associations- brought to my attention by my dear husband.

So instead, I went yella nails & purple toes. An hommage to my schooldays.

Cheaply done - Liberty

2010-12-28T03:42:00.001-08:00

I have never gotten over passing by the Liberty by Cacharel range in Liberty last London Summer. Well, I did buy a singlet, however I missed out on the bulk of the collection (arriving well into sale season in 2009 with very little stock left!)

As a result, I've been subconsiously searching for substitutes since, and I thought this dress came pretty close. I resisted it once, twice, three times into sale... (the reason being it came from Sussan!) But then i bought it at about 60% off and am pretty happy.

It's too big (the bust may be a lil baggy & voluminous), but conjures up the image of Liberty then, now and always. I will always love liberty (and libertyesque) print. ALWAYS !!!

Worn with Kookai Cardigan, MJ Bootie sandals, Sportsgirl Belt & House of Harlow necklace.

Matina Amanita

2010-12-20T17:02:00.000-08:00

Jewellery by Sretsis's Matina Sukhahuta.

(just added to the Christmas Wishlist!)