Yellow Outdoor Furniture

I like outdoor furniture to be fun. If you're eating outdoors, it's likely that you're hosting a BBQ or pool party or other informal event. So it's a great opportunity to go crazy with colour. If you prefer a muted palette for your interior, you can show your colourful side, outside. Personally, I think yellow and white stripes look fabulous in an outdoor room. The photo above shows the poolside seating at The Ivy in Sydney.
You can get the same look by visiting the Woolloongabba Antique Centre. Currently, this outdoor setting is for sale. It has two single chairs and a sun lounger. Isn't it fabulous? It's called The Ivy and I guess that the person who restored it was referencing the "The Ivy" in Sydney.

(Photo 1 by Shannon McGrath via australiandesignreview.com. Photo 2 by A.J.Hawkins for spotsandstripes.com.au)

Habitually Chic®: At Home in Rome

Heather Clawson at Habitually Chic has posted some very glamorous photos of artist Cy Twombly's Rome apartment today. I think the photos are fabulous because of the restraint shown. Sometimes, interior designers use too much. There's too many cushions, too much artwork, too many objects and it's hard to get an overall perspective. Whereas in this home, the perspective is clear and uncluttered. The restraint shown here allows each room to speak clearly.

BTW, many of you may recognise the photo with the models wearing white clothes. This picture was part of the Valentino Retrospective at the GoMA, as the women are wearing Valentino couture. Click on the link below to see the photos/post at Habitually Chic.

Habitually Chic®: At Home in Rome: "When I first found the image of Cy Twombly's bedroom in Rome, I was hoping that I could find photos of the rest of his home. Some continued..."

(Photo from Habitually Chic / Mondo Blogo)

Shopping Hot Spot - Oxford Street, Bulimba

Oxford Street Bulimba is officially a shopping hot spot. In the last three months, at least four new stores have opened. From today there's another home wares store to visit - Espial . It's located where the old fruit and vege shop was and is a pop-up shop. They have an interesting mix of gifts, jewellery, cushions and clothing. The original Espial is located at Camp Hill so the Bulimba outpost is just a temporary shop until Christmas. The word on the street is that the old vege shop will eventually be divided into two shops with a coffee shop at the front and another shop at the back.

You might also like to read my previous posts about shops on Oxford Steet, Bulimba including Just Plain Gorgeous (Colourful Cushions) and Perfect Living (Christmas Shopping - Part 2).

(Photo of Espial pop-up shop by AJ Hawkins for spotsandstripes.com.au)

Warnie's a Bogan, So Why Do I Like Him?

I watched Shane Warne's new self-titled program, Warnie, last night. Expectations were low. I don't know anything about cricket and Warnie is not exactly Deepak Chopra. But, despite this, I actually enjoyed his interviews. The first one with James Packer (media & gambling mogul) was great as we saw the real person and not the public image. James seemed a bit stunned to find himself on the interviewing couch but as he said himself, how can you say no when Warnie asks you? Warnie asked if James could be anyone for day who he'd like to be? James answered, you Warnie. I imagine that every guy in the country would trade places with Warnie for a day.

The second interview was with Chris Martin (Gywneth Paltrow's husband) from Coldplay. (See photo above). He came across as a bit of fruitcake to start with but when things got going you could tell that he was a super-intelligent guy, who loved his family and his music. Other cameos were from Pink and some cricketing guys who I didn't know. After watching the show, I realised that I actually liked it. And I think the reason is that in spite of Warnie's bogan image, he's actually an interesting person. Watch out 60 Minutes, the best interviewer on Channel 9 is now Shane Warne.

House Renovation - Stage 1

When I surveyed my basement this morning, I realised that I have heaps of furniture and no house for it. If I find a great piece, I tend to buy it and find a home for it later on. The result is a basement crowded with great antique, vintage and junk shop furniture. There's lamps and loungesuites and coffee tables and the dining chairs and other bits and pieces for a house which doesn't exist yet. Well, it exists on paper, it's just that the hard work of renovating has not yet started. I need to stop buying furniture and start looking at tiles and paint chips. House renovation number three has officially begun. I hope you'll follow my journey.

Valentino and Gap

When I first heard that Valentino was going to collaborate with Gap, I was very excited. Two of my favourite brands thrown in the blender together - I was sure the outcome would be scrumptious.
But, in fact, it's not. It's just weird. They've basically taken the standard gap khaki pants and jacket and added some ruffles. I tried to think of who would wear these hybrid clothes and decided that they would be perfect for a flamenco dancer going to Afghanistan.

For the rest of us who need attractive leisure wear, there's always Country Road. What's your view on this collaboration?

(Images from the dailymail.co.uk)

Chic Wellingtons & Other Stuff That's Hard to Find

With all this wet weather lately, I've decided that I need to add some Wellingtons to my shoe collection. I've found some fabulous styles at Hard To Find. This on-line shop sells interesting and quirky gifts.

The only problem is that some of the stuff at Hard to Find is so great that I don't want to give it away. Like these great melamine plates - I'm asking Santa to put some in my stocking. They'll be great for BBQs over Summer.

Pull Up A Chair

Ok readers, it's time to pull up a chair. I know that there's lots of you who pop in for a read from time to time but it's now time to join up. Then you'll never miss a post. Use the google follow widget on the right side to join. BTW, when we get to 100 followers there's a special giveaway!

(photo via chinoiseriechic.com via kings lane)

Jean Brown Pop-Up & Sale

Last night I attended Grazia magazine's shopping night in James Street, the Valley in Brisbane. There were discounts galore, cupcakes, champagne and pop-up stores from both Collette Dinnigan and Jean Brown Robe. Even though the Collette Dinnigan store was a pop-up (ie. temporary), it was decked out with glorious peonies. Ms Dinnigan really has an eye for detail.
Next stop was the Jean Brown pop-up store, where we were welcomed by this great Balenciaga print (above). There was also a nail bar to keep everyone's nails looking polished. I didn't have time for a manicure though, as I was too busy looking through the racks of massively discounted clothes. Up to 90% off! This is not a misprint. But I restrained myself and purchased one Milly New York dress. Sadly, I won't be able to purchase any more Milly from Jean Brown Robe as it's closed. That's right, closed forever. A victim of the GFC. I wonder if on-line shopping also had an impact? Click and purchase is convenient (I'm certainly a convert) but it must be having an impact on Australian retailers. On a happier note, the other Jean Brown shop at the Emporium, which sells the international shoes and bags, is still open.
My final stop of the evening was to Easton Pearson where I found the most glamorous pj's ever. They do two styles - nighties as well as man-style bottoms and button through tops. As you would expect from EP, they were colourful, fun and beautifully made. India meets Italy really.

(Photos by AJ Hawkins for spotsandstripes.com.au)

Grand Houses - Greylands

As my readers know, I love taking a sticky beak around grand houses and today's grand house is one of the best. It's called Greylands and is located at Indooroopilly in Brisbane. This old dame has got everything you'd expect from a grand house, including marble fireplaces, ornate cornices, cedar joinery and a servants quarters (referred to today as the Nanny's quarters). But it's also got that je ne sais quoi, that gives it an extra spark. It's the type of house that needs lots of people coming and going, to garden parties, to round robin tennis (yes there's a court at the back) and to picnics (with 1 & 1/4 acres there's plenty of space). The house is quite clearly a party house and is in need of new owners who like to entertain. If that's you (actually I think it could be me), read more here.

Christmas Shopping - Part 3

Each Christmas, I like to give my sister and Mum something to read, something to listen to and something to eat. For the "something to read", I give a book that I've read during the year and couldn't put down. I also give books to friends. So the books which I'm giving this Christmas are listed here.

Scotch and Soda - Part 2

You may recall that a few months ago, I mentioned that one of my favourite menswear stores, Scotch and Soda, was opening in Melbourne. Well they have now officially opened. They are at the top end of Collins Street - where "Le Louvre" used to be. So those lovely copper plates are still there at the front of the store. And best of all, they're now stocking womenswear as well as the menswear. All the more reason to visit! (You might also like my previous post on Scotch and Soda.)

(Photo by Mr Not-So-Handy for spotsandstripes.com.au)

Ladybird Cake

I channeled my inner domestic goddess over the weekend and baked up a storm for a party to celebrate Chelsea's first birthday. With around 45 people in attendance, I was putting on my best Martha Stewart show. As you can see from the photo, the ladybird cake was a hit. But, there were a few misses as well. Like the the fact that the BBQ blew up. And the heat from the BBQ cracked a glass door. And one of the Grandpa's fainted in the heat (he's fine now). And Mr-Not-So-Handy had the lens cap on the video camera. The day did not go exactly according to plan but we had so much fun that it didn't matter!

(Photo by A. Hawkins for spotsandstripes.com.au)

Champagne & Canapes at Coco Republic

Last night I attended a cocktail function and lecture series at Coco Republic in Brisbane. The guest speakers included Margie Fraser from Vogue Living and Matt Moran from Aria. Margie had the audience captivated with her discussion about the importance of creating a home around the rituals that we each follow every day (such as bathing or reading or collecting) as opposed to objects (such as furniture). She gave the example of a lady who had collected all shapes, colours and sizes of glass vases. To display the collection, she had glass shelving fitted to windows in her kitchen. The effect was fantastic and gave the kitchen the owner's individual stamp. It got me thinking about what collection or hobby I could highlight when we renovate. Food for thought.

Speaking of food, Matt Moran from Aria Restaurant, not only catered for the event but was also a guest speaker. Read about Matt's new Sydney restaurant and his favourite Brisy restaurants here.

Note on Photos: The photos above show the interior of the Lumiere Residences in Sydney. Coco Republic did the interior design for them. I really liked the yellow wallpaper they chose for the office - it would make paying the bills almost enjoyable. The second photo of a kitchen is a real show stopper. I liked how the Coco Republic team chose to tile the splashback. The black cabinetry is also arresting.

(Photos from cocorepublic.com.au)

Christmas Shopping - Part 2

For me, Christmas shopping is about finding presents which add a sprinkle of magic to Christmas morning. I think this Toadstool table and chairs will add some Alice-in-Wonderland style magic on 25 December. It will be perfect under our old Pride of India tree with pink flowers.
These bird homes will also make a lovely gift for the older kids. Hang them in the tree in your backyard and wait for the birds in your neighbourhood to call them home. That's magical too. I found these gifts this morning at Perfect Living on Oxford Street, Bulimba, Brisbane (07-3399-8335). In relation to the toadstools, the proprietor, Kylee, suggests that we place our order now so that they can be delivered for Christmas. I've ordered mine already!

(Photos by AJ Hawkins for spotsandstripes.com.au)

Breakfast Room

As you know, I love cane, rattan and bamboo. So for me, this breakfast room by US interior designer, Nate Berkus, is pretty much perfect. He's used mainly natural materials - a marble floor, a wood Tulip table and rattan chairs. The green vase on the table and the pots on the shelf add the colour. This deep green colour looks great as you also get a glimpse of the green trees through the windows.

(Photo from nateberkusdesign.com)

Fabulous Frocks

In spite of the media brouhaha that continues to surround Victoria Beckham, the woman sure knows how to make a frock. I like them because they've got a classic line but are completely modern. With the Aussie dollar climbing above parity with the US dollar, I wonder if I should raid the piggy bank? Probably not, as I've got a renovation to start! These frocks are from her Spring/Summer 2011 collection.

(Photos from victoriabeckham.com)

An Australian in Paris

Imagine owning an apartment in Paris. And now imagine that the most famous Parisian decorator, Jacques Grange, agrees to be your interior designer. It sounds like a dream but Australian girl, Nikki Parker, is living the dream. She owns an apartment at Place des Vosges in Paris and had Jacques Grange do the interiors. Incroyable! An article about this Parsian abode appears in today's Wish Magazine.
So who is Ms Nikki Parker? We don't know much except that she restores luxe properties and is married to one of those private equity types. The apartment is known as Pavillon de Madame. It has a romantic past as it was once the home of Marie Touchet who was the mistress to Charles the IV.

If you would like to live in Ms Parker's shoes for a few days, the apartment is available for rent (see pavillondemadame.com). If you would like to read more about this gorgeous apartment, it has been featured in these publications: Vogue Living May/June 2009 and Vogue Australia from October 2009.

(Photos from pavillondemadame.com)

My swim suit has retired

My last swim suit lasted nine years. It's not that I didn't want new swimmers, it's just that I could never find any that were as good as my old pair. They were a tankini - a red stripy top and navy stripy bottoms. Very nautical. I bought them in London of all places! I'm now pleased to say that they've retired. The reason for their retirement is that I've found a new swim suit that fits perfectly. The new swimsuit (see photo above) is made by Baku Australia. And the good thing is you can buy them on-line at Swimware Galore. (Ps. Sadly, that's not me in the photo!)

(Photo via swimwaregalore.com.au)

Fashions on the Field

The best part of the Melbourne Cup is the fashions on the field. And this was proven yesterday by the winner, Ms Alex Foxcroft, a solicitor from Melbourne. She wore an outfit by "Variations on a Theme", from Melbourne (that's a new label for me which I plan to check out). Her look is elegant. It could be inspired by Valentino due to the colour and the cascade of ruffles. Crucially, she has kept her accessories to a minimum, which draws the eye to her hat. Her hat complements the ruffles on her dress perfectly. The lucky gal won over $90,000 in prizes including a new Lexus. Well deserved!

(Photo from smh.com.au)

Entrance

The entry to a house has the ability to set the tone for the whole house. The owners of this property on the Sunshine Coast have got it just right. The lovely stone fence, an iron gate which has been oxidised from its proximity to the ocean and some trees. It's natural and inviting. The gate also allows passersby a peek at the beach house beyond the front fence.

(Photo by AJ Hawkins for spotsandstripes.com.au)

Melbourne Cup Fashion

The Melbourne Cup is one of my favourite events in the year - it's a people watching bonanza. The clothes, the shoes, the hats, the fake tan, the fake nails, the sunglasses, the handbags and the hairdos. Forget the horses, it's the mix of people that makes it so interesting. From the coiffed society ladies wearing designer dresses to the outlandish dandies wearing impeccably cut suits and over-the-top hats. Speaking of great hats, I love this outfit which won the Derby Day fashions on the field over the weekend. This lovely lady is a milliner from Ireland who made her own hat. Fabulous!

Oh dear. When you look back at some of the old photos, it really shows how fashion moves so quickly. This photo reminds me of a few things that I need to take down to my local op-shop. Clearly, mustard is never making a come back!

(Photos from flemington.com)