Melbourne Dreaming...

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I do this every year leading up to the Semi-Permanent design conference. Dreaming of new clothes to swan around in whilst being creatively inspired. They just go hand in hand for me. So I've spent the past few days searching around, thinking and planning...

Semi-P is two days of solid sitting down in an auditorium, and quite often a fair amount of walking, so comfort is key. Soft, drapey fabrics and layers to adjust to the changeable weather and comfy flat shoes. But you also want to look good and be able to go out to dinner in the same togs.

So my lists so far includes:
Leggings - Matte, Shiny & Ruched
Over-size White tees
Boyfriend Cardigan
Leather Jacket
Duffle Coat (if it gets really cold)
Red and White Striped Scarf
Gladiator Sandals
Ballet Flats
Sunnies - Black Wayfarers and Red Oversize
A pair of heels (for the after-party!)

Most of these are things I already own (cheaper!), the white tees are lacking in variation but can be perked up with a good scarf and/or jewelry. I've always wanted a leather jacket, but I'm just so damn picky about the style and cost. I've ordered this one from New Look in the UK cos it's faux leather, a good shape and cheap! I would have loved to get some tunic shirt dresses but I think I'll have to be sensible and hold back. If I had the money and speedy delivery I'd have ordered these beauties:


But I think these will definitely be making their way to my wardrobe very soon! Things tend to sell out online so quickly it's crazy. Tunics are just such a brilliant option for wearing with leggings. The leather jacket will give some structure and edge to the floating cardigan and tees. I may still get something just for the after-party, but that one I'm keeping up my sleeve...

Check out my profiles on Chictopia and Weardrobe after the 14th October for photos. I've noticed just how boring my wardrobe is after taking more outfit photos for these sites - I need colour! Which is so apparently obvious from my selections here. Not...

J'adore

You can take me to paradise,
And then again you can be cold as ice...
Think Im looking on the dark side,
But everyday you hurt my pride,
Im over my head,
But it sure feels nice.

- "Over My Head", Christine McVie





I don't want you to love me.
I just want to be held and adored.



Image links and credits.

iWish Wednesdays: 23.09.09 - Travel

I'm heading to a design conference down in Melbourne soon, which is the perfect excuse to think about new clothes...

I remember seeing this outfit by BritUgly (now WorldUgly) on Chictopia some time ago (way back when I wrote about knee-hi socks) and I'm still totally in love with it. It's a simple, classic combination. A flattering shirtdress teamed with knee-hi socks and cute oxford heels. She has some great pointers on what to wear when traveling.

The dress here is from ModCloth and I'm seriously considering it. Navy isn't a colour I usually wear. I have some shoes like these (also ModCloth, but sold out already!), but in black. Black and Navy are a hard combination to pull off. The tan shoe is much easier. Over-knee socks are a great item for trans-seasonal weather and you'll see them popping up in Autumn (or Fall) street styles in the North, and Spring in the South. Teamed with a dress or skirt, hi socks keep your bare pins a little toasty just in case the wind cools off.

I'm liking the idea of this outfit for Melbourne (a city notorious for 4 seasons in one day). A cosy scarf and notebook would be handy. I think it's quite cute, sassy and sophisticated. I think I could even pull it off at work...

How to...Unconventional Nightstands

Can you make a stylish and functional bedside table by upcycling old materials and objects. Of course! Here are a bunch of ideas to get your imagination going...

Before you get too excited, think about what you need at your bedside. Are you a minimalist with only a clock and lamp? Or do like a horde of magazines, glass of water, beauty products, books etc etc...
Think about how much storage you'll require and choose something with enough surface area or flexibility to stash things in/under.



Stools
There are loads of stools out there, all different shapes, sizes and price points. Keep the essentials on top and store extras in boxes or baskets underneath. This elegant chinese stool would suit a minimalist style, while a stool with legs gives you room for storage underneath.




Bar Cart or Filing Cabinet
A good ol' bar cart has plenty of storage and would suit a vintage or retro styled bedroom. If you want to hide some things, pack them in some cute boxes (matching or mismatched depending on your room). You could also use a shelf for extra bedlinen and blankets.

A filing cabinet is a cool industrial style and looks particularly cool juxtaposed with something classic or feminine (anything that's completely opposite basically). Hanging file cabinets provide great deep storage, whilst a plan drawer cabinet (or even a mechanics cabinet) has great shallow drawers.



Chairs
Another classic. And of course there are infinite styles of chairs. Stick with something that has a flat, solid seat for stability (especially if you take a glass of water to bed!). Alternatively, use a breakfast tray on top of a cushioned chair, but make sure that it doesn't end up as a seesaw and toppling off the side. A chair with rungs along the back can provide tiered hanging for magazines.




Ladder or Magazine Stack
These laundry ladders are a dime a dozen these days. Use the rungs to hang magazines and books, clip a lamp onto or hang extra blankets. Best suited to a minimalist style, but you could add this behind another nightstand for added storage. You could also hang picture frames from the rung for a really kooky look.

A magazine - or book - stack can be customised perfectly to the right height for your bed. Big, thick hardcover books are the sturdiest, but a stack of magazines or smaller books tied together with ribbon (around all four sides) can also work. If you want to protect the uppermost book, place a piece of glass over the top.



Ottomans
Another easy-peasy option. A squishy ottoman will only hold a book or magazine, but a firm ottoman with a flat surface can hold a lamp, clock, books...
Lots of beautiful fabrics and colours - if you can't find what you're looking for just cover it with your favorite fabric!




Wood Crate or Vintage Suitcases
I love these options. A wooden crate turned upside down gives you a great surface area, or on it's side you can stack books, magazines or blankets. Lots of fun with textures is possible - distressed wood, glass (chandelier style lamp or vase), flowers...
You can find some great vintage suitcases out there if you have the time to trawl auction houses (they're not all exclusive and expensive!), plus there are always the markets and second-hand stores.

Get your image credits here.

These are just a few idea (I had loads more!), but I hope they inspire you to try something different. As tempting and easy as it is to go to the local furniture store - upcycling other objects give you a quirky and individual option. Sure to impress...

I Miss Hugs...

Lusting After...

Oh my oh my oh my...where do I start? Every time I see a new collection from the likes of Staple and Evil Twin (individual labels of designers at MinkPink) I go a little ga-ga. One, because I love the simplicity, unusual lines, soft and drapey fabrics and an edge of raunch. Two, I go a bit loopy trying to find any of it...

Bless me, I have a fear of telephones. I love emails and websites and depend on them to tell me where to go, how much and what's there. It goes without saying that I love internet shopping. I am falling in love with Etsy fashion designers too - it unique, one of a kind and digital. All I have to do is ring them to ask about stockists. I might just have to kick myself up the bum and just do it.

The first dress is by far my favorite, the super short hem on one side contrasted with the super long hem on the other is not brain science I grant you, but genius all the same. I'm envisioning tight black leggings (perhaps Sass&Bide black rats), and gladiator heels. Oh yes...


And super-cute shorts for summer! I've been a fitting model for a fashion design student lately and she's designing some shorts just like these. I tell you, they are the most comfortable thing I've tried on in ages. I usually hate shorts, I feel like my bum turns into a sack of potatoes, especially high-waisted. But this style is surprisingly extremely flattering.



Well now this dress just makes me want to lounge around in the garden all summer and playing footsies with some dish of a guy. I reckon barefoot with copious amounts of bangles or necklaces would look so hot.



Love at first sight. Not so much the shorts - I know 80s acid wash is all the rage - but I remember it (vaguely) as a 5 year old and that was once enough. But I have plans for a pair of thigh-high heather socks (American Apparel stylee) and some suspenders. Suggestive, yes, but oh so hot and rebellious. That's Evil Twin to a T.



I'm still in love with this tank by Sass&Bide Denim. Not so much the price. Would much rather DIY this baby. I'm noticing a trend with suspenders on my radar...wonder what that could mean?

Multiple Goodness...

I don't know what it is about multiples of things, but I reckon I could get used to a multitude of hanging lights with different shades...

Meanwhile...check out my first attempt at stitching! I had an urge about a week ago to do a cross stitch and eventually came across Jenny Hart. Sometimes these things have a spooky touch of fate to them. I'm working on some logos to make into links, so far I have Facebook, Polyvore, Flickr and Chictopia all stitched up...









Starting to see where I might be headed? More very soon...

Something to Tickle Your Funny Bone...

Oh, I do love the everyday sarcasm you can stumble upon in your travels. These are some images that made me smile, giggle or wet my pants laughing...

In other news, some of you have been following the Online Store How to... Series. I'll be posting very soon with an update on my new branding. I lived up to my word about being changeable - no sooner had I posted the last article and I had some long-overdue inspiration. Let me just say there is hand rendered type, textures and maybe a little bit of stitching...I'm also debating the idea of making some images available to download (with an option to donate what you think they're worth). Check this space!










Get your credits here.

Outfit this Room!

I saw this post over on Design*Sponge and just had to try it for myself (any excuse to waste time on Polyvore)...

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I'm off to try my hand at some embroidery/cross stitching. I had a weird urge the other day to try it and now I'm seeing really cool adaptions everywhere. How could I not know about Jenny Hart?