For all you lovers out there.

Anthropologie lovers that is... One of my favourite stores is reducing their shipping charges by half for orders to Australia until September 30th, 2011..and here are a few of my favourite things..

anthropologie.com

Pretty Bottles All In A Row...

terrain @ Styers

Have some old bottles lying around? Why not pretty them up with some blooms from the garden? I love a single flower stem in a dusty, old bottle... And clustered together in groups at different heights, makes for a lovely centre piece... Head to the Heaths Old Wares website for old bottles a plenty...

A Little Shabby Chic...

Loving the cover of Rachel Ashwell's new book - due for release in September...

NYC Styling...

'If I can make it there - I'll make it anywhere' - so says old blue eyes... Yes, New York, you're a wonderful town - and there are just so many Australians doing fabulous and creative things over there. In fact, it could be fair to say that it's an Australian aesthetic that's informing much of the magazine and advertising world of NYC right now. One such person whose influence is widely felt is the beautiful Marcus Hay. Those of you who've come across Marcus will know his work well, and know too that's he's such a dream of a guy... Here's some of his work for your viewing pleasure - you'll find more here...

Bloomin' Lovely...

I do love Bloomingville - that gorgeous Danish brand of goodness and loveliness for the home... Here are some bloomin lovely pics for your viewing pleasure...

NYC In Bloom...

I was on a hunt for flowers during my trip to NYC... And I wasn't disappointed... The flower markets are abundant with the most extraordinary array of flowers you will find anywhere - and if you get there early enough in the morning then you're sure to catch the best of the bunch... A little bit of jet lag and total time confusion meant that I was at the market super early this time - I wondered why there were so few people out on the New York streets when I made my way by subway up to the 28th Street market... Thinking that 6.30am was actually 8.30am will do that to a girl! But the early bird approach was worth it - as I came home with bucket loads of the most beautiful hydrangeas and lilacs - amongst others... You'll see a lot of hydrangeas in NYC - and in Newport too - they are delightful in pinks, purples and a colourful fusion... My NYC friends laugh at my fascination with this wonderful bloom - as they are so abundant over there, they're considered a bit of a weed! But nonetheless, I was overjoyed at every sighting...

Esmerelda and Ray Fall In Love...

I do so love Nadine from Art Piece Gallery in rural Mullumbimby - she has the most extraordinary eye and pulls together such diverse and creative exhibitions. This one, Esermerelda and Ray Fall in Love is just one example... How brave... How forward... How sublime... I guess that's what's so wonderful about living in the artistic hub of Australia - is that it draws the likes of some of the country's most extraordinary artists... The new exhibition at Art Piece is called Paper Trails and as always, is worth a visit... If you're visiting the area, don't forget to take a drive to Mullumbimby - inparticular to visit Nadine... She's so lovely and always up for a chat about art, life, the area...

Happy Weekend All...

Anthology Magazine

Friday, yes, it's Friday - and a lovely sunny one at that... Those of you who have traveled to Bangalow and Byron Bay when the sun is shining will know just how incredibly beautiful and soulful and free you feel as you tread across white sands, swim in aqua blue waters (yes, the water is warming up) - and eat the delectable local cuisine... And so, yes, I'm very much looking forward to spending the weekend up here in Bangalow - even more so, that the town has just won the 'Happiest Town In Australia' Award!
I'm also very excited because there is just one week to go before my final for 2011 Styling 101 workshop... As always, we have a fun day planned - with catering by the Harvest Cafe in Newrybar - including their freshly baked bread - baked onsite and with love, of course... If you feel a few days in Bangalow could be just what you're after - you're in luck as we still have spots left at the Styling 101 workshop... Head to shop here for all of the details and to book...
Happy Weekend All....

Newport Living...

Things have been abuzz since my return from New York and Newport 10 days ago and as such I haven't had much of a chance to report on what I got up to in the Big Apple and beyond... Prue and I were so fortunate to have access to some extraordinary interiors that we photographed for the new book (released 2012) - the Americans really do know how to go all out when it comes to interior decorating and the beautiful interiors we photographed showcase their decorating prowess to the fullest... We
photographed in Manhattan (a funky apartment in Greenwich Village) and a divine residence in Newport Rhode Island - home of Australia's gigantic win of the America's Cup - a historical detail that all of the locals could not help bring up, over and over again! Seems that 20 or so years on - it's still a bit of sore point! Nonetheless, I do love Newport and here are some snaps that I thought I would share. Such gorgeous architecture - cookie cutter yes, but purely sublime nonetheless... I was fortunate to gain access to the Newport Beach Club (see salmon pink interior) - which was like stepping back in time! And, I was also very kindly invited to attend a large gala ball in the grounds of The Elms mansion - a beautiful building now a museum and well worth visiting if you're up that way. Thanks to RO and DG for the invite - the evening named 'A Midsummer Nights Dream' was like nothing I'd seen before. (I would have loved to share pics but sadly not allowed - security and all!)... Anyway, if you do get the chance to travel to Newport I say it's well worth it - and what with the dollar doing so well, you might even fit in a spot of Newport shopping!

Back.

I'm back from my short trip to NY, and its full steam ahead today hosting the How To Decorate workshop at the little cottage in Bangalow.
We're having a great day so far, the weather is brilliant, the women are inspirational and the food...amazing (thanks to Harvest, Newrybar)

Shop Focus...

This week's shop focus is on a lovely brand called Bonnie and Neil, based in Melbourne. Their current range is gorgeously inspired by Australian flora and fauna and is a quirky addition to any space.
Here are a few items I love:

Beautiful Botanicals...

Is there any space/style that vintage botanical prints doesn't suit? Not just a pretty face, these types of prints can be used in very delicate and dainty styles, and with the right funky frame, they can feel right at home in a quirky style.

pinterest.com

Outdoor Spaces.

purldeco.com

 

hookedonhouses.net

 

With the weather back in Oz being unseasonably warm, I thought I'd drop in some beautiful inspiration of outdoor areas. I'm in love with the doors above, there's just something about big rustic doors in a garden that makes my heart warm.

Tasmanian loves.



The Lovely Ecoco Store, full of amazing homewares.



Visting Picturesque Green's Beach.




Trying the Assiette of Chocolate at gorgeous Stillwater Restaurant.

 Above are a few things I'm looking forward to seeing whilst in Tasmania. My trip is not far away now, where I'll be running a How To Decorate workshop at the beautiful Ecoco Store in Launceston on the 3rd September. There are still a few spots left so make sure you don't miss out, I'm sure it'll be a great day!
Any tips on "must see, do" in Tassie?

Speaking of Vintage

My lovely friend, Nicky McLaughlin, has opened up a beautiful concept store in Byron Bay with the talented Victoria Spring.

NV New Vintage stocks mostly locally made vintage inspired pieces such as shell encrusted lamps, mirrors and candlesticks. clocks made from antique plates, aged mirrors, vintage-lined leather bags and purses, silk scarves, hand-stitched & framed love letters. They also stock gorgeous imported products, computer cases that look like old books, limoges breakfast cups and etched glasses. And last but not least, of course they sell Victoria Spring's amazing jewellery.

All this in a wonderful cosy little space, at Shop 3B, Byron Arcade, 13 Lawson St, Byron Bay.
If you can't make it to their store, don't worry as you can find many of their products here.