Stripy Lamp Shade

Looking for a classic but cool lampshade? Buy a large white pendant lamp shade and add stripes. Read about this stripy lamp shade at Spots and Stripes.

(Photo from British House and Garden, August 2010)

Valentino and Nan Kempner

This is my favourite frock from the Valentino Exhibition at the GoMA. It's signature Valentino - black and white, column, large flower. It's from the 1983 Collection and was worn by New York socialite Nan Kempner. Read more about Valentino and Nan Kempner and the Cat Pack.

(Photo for spotsandstripes.com.au)

Candy & Candy

Whilst living in London in the 1990's I would follow the work of Candy and Candy (a property development / interiors firm). They specialised in high end design work. This is a photo of Kylie Minogue's South Kensington flat which is currently for sale. It was renovated by Candy and Candy.

(Photo via realestalker.blogspot.com)

Carnival of Flowers

Whenever I'm in a different city one of the first things I do is visit the local antique stores (and if I have time the junk stores too). I was visiting Toowoomba on the weekend to see my Mum's beautiful garden and we took a break from the blooms to visit some antique stores. And we really went to town! We bought this gorgeous corner table and some other pieces. To see them read the Carnival of Flowers post on my website.

Cane - Classic, Cool, Contemporary

Interior design can be very much like fashion. What's cool this year is terribly passe next year. But really who cares? If you buy what you love (or the classics), you can't go wrong. Personally, I've always loved cane. And I'm predicting a revival despite it's daggy recent past. Who's to argue with Babe Paley (pictured above)? Read more about cane - classic, cool, contemporary and where to buy it.

(Photo of Babe Paley from http://blog.photoshelter.com/2008/06/having-a-wonderful-time-with-slim-aarons.html)

Grand Houses - Part 4

Whilst antique shop hopping this week, I found this gorgeous house, known as a Queenslander. I suspect that all it needs is some paint to recover its original grandeur. Read more about this Grand House here.

(Photo by AJ Hawkins for Spots and Stripes)

Country Road Chic

Country Road's new ad campaign, "True Blue" is soooooooooooo chic! It features Aussie expats who are making it overseas such as Gabriele Hackworthy (pictured above) from Harper's Bazaar UK. Read more about Country Road Chic.

(Photo truebluecountryroad.com.au)

Outdoor Setting

Finding chic outdoor furniture is not an easy task. I like the lines of retro outdoor furniture - it's just so elegant. The legs on these chairs remind me of ribbons, but really it's cast iron. To find out where I bought this fabulous outdoor setting, see my website.

(Photo by AJ Hawkins for Spots and Stripes)

Female Entrepreneurs

Oprah's visit to Australia in December got me thinking about female entrepreneurs. Oprah is clearly the number one female entrepreneur. Other female entrepreneurs whom I find fascinating include Kelly Wearstler (pictured above) and Natalie Massenet (from net-a-porter.com). See my website to read more about these fabulous female entrepreneurs and how they did it.

Pineapple Wallpaper in Turquoise

You know I am always on the lookout for wallpaper with pineapples. Well, I've found another one which I really like. I love the turquoise colour on this paper. Some pineapple wallpapers have lots of yellow, which can be a bit overwhelming. But this one is very subdued - well as subdued as pineapple wallpaper can be! To find out where to buy this pineapple wallpaper, see my website.

Botanical Prints

Sometimes digging through antique stores and second hand shops can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But this week I hit the jackpot. I found a huge gilt photo frame and some gorgeous botanical prints. To find out where I found my botanical prints, visit my website.

(Photo by AJ Hawkins for Spots and Stripes)

The Birdcage

Sorry birdies, this birdcage can't stay in the tree forever. It's going to the beach house (renovation No. 2). To find out where I found this gorgeous piece and some more photos of the birdcage, see my website.

(Photo by AJ Hawkins for Spots and Stripes)

Palm Tree Wallpaper

Wallpaper and I go way back. Way back to when I was a little girl living in my family home. Mum wallpapered every room. Naturally, I rebelled against wallpaper throughout my teenage years and twenties. But now, I'm back in love with this gorgeous tropical print. Read more about where I'm going to use this palm tree wallpaper as well as it's connection to the Beverly Hills Hotel, on my website.

(Photo by AJ Hawkins for Spots and Stripes)

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

My mirror collection is large and still growing. And now I think I'll add a new species to the collection, the hand mirror. Read more about mirrors on my website. Enjoy your weekend!

(Photo UK House and Garden, July 2010)

Brisbane News

Brisbane News magazine featured my website, Spots and Stripes, this week. So a big thank you to Lucy! See the article below:

Grand Houses - Part 2

Today's Grand House is called "Bulimba House" and is located in the riverside suburb of Bulimba in Brisbane. It's the oldest stone house in Brisbane. I'd love to take a peak inside. For more photos of this Grand House, see my website.

(Photo by foto fanatic via yourbrisbanepastpresentfuture)

Grand Houses - Part 1

For someone like me who loves grand houses, a visit to the Sydney suburb of Vaucluse is sublime. Recently, Mr Not-So-Handy and I attended a wedding in Vaucluse and did our own tour of grand houses as we dashed between our hotel, the church and the reception. Today's post shows one of my favourites. To read more about our tour of Grand Houses, see my website.

(Photo by AJ Hawkins for Spots and Stripes)

Picture Walls

I love picture walls which have a mix of photos, drawings, paintings and artefacts like this one. You really get a glimpse into the person's life and loves. It's much more interesting than a wall of framed photos. To see other fabulous picture walls and to find out how to create one, see my website.

(Photo of Christianna Heideman's picture wall featured in sunday life magazine, 29 August 2010)

Very Berry Muffins

I love muffins which have a crunchy top and a moist centre - just like these Very Berry muffins. I made a batch and thought you might like the recipe too. See my website: Very Berry Muffins.

(Photo by AJ Hawkins for Spots and Stripes)

The Dress

If you're lucky, once or twice in a lifetime you will find a frock that is a show stopper. I call it "The Dress". Are you one of the lucky few who have found The Dress? Or are you still searching? There are certain rules which will help you find The Dress, read about them on my website. As well as which celebrities have found it.

(Photo of Mischa Barton wearing Valentino, Vogue Australia, March 2005)

Coco's Posh Cousins

To celebrate the first day of Spring, I've posted a photo of some gorgeous, colourful Westhighland Terriers. I think they're Coco's posh cousins from the Hamptons.