Zooey Deschanel plays a sweet rendition “What Are You Doing New Years Eve?” on ukulele, accompanied by Joseph Gordon-Levitt on guitar. Ukuleles are enchanting. Maybe I should learn to play one in 2012?
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cute
These darling egg cups by Quail Ceramics (as seen at Liberty) made me smile. (They also remind me of my favourite cartoon from when I was small: The Animals of Farthing Wood, a tale of noble English woodland creatures trying to find their way.) Perfect for a big family breakfast, no?
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Wishing, waiting, saving? These Trip Fund glasses made by the ever-clever Olivia Coote/Lily’s Make Believe are just the ticket.
One thing I have observed since moving to England is that there is SO MANY COINS. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 pence, 1 pound, 2 pound. Every time I buy something I’m given a small treasury in change. I find it especially strange coming from New Zealand, where we make most of our purchases on plastic. Here I have a purse full of shrapnel. I think a Trip Fund jar is definitely in order!
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Sushi Cat is my new favourite game. Highly addictive, you must help Sushi Cat nom his way through mountains of sushi and gain in size. It’s super cute, and believe me when I say, wait till you don’t have any important work to finish – your productivity will be destroyed. Here’s a sneak peek of the game play…
Fat cats are happy cats… SUSHI FRENZY! Finished with Sushi cat? don’t dispair, there’s two other episodes in the series; Sushi Cat, The Honeymoon – a tropical treat, and Sushi Cat 2 – a mall adventure.
Of course, while these games are fun and friviolous, Japan is suffering a serious crisis the wake of the earthquake/tsunami. It’s a beautiful country filled with some of the most friendly, wonderful people I have ever met. Help your fellow humans out by donating to the Red Cross here if you haven’t already ♥
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I’m always a sucker for a cute camera accessory. The Tokyo Dreamer camera strap from the Photojojo Store pushes all the right buttons. A whimsical phrase, bleached summer colours and a pocket for film = win!
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Katie Turner is an illustrator living in Brooklyn, New York. She draws loads of fun, brightly hued pictures of people telling ghost stories and cute boys.
There’s also a lot of great hand crafted type in her portfolio, viz:
This however, is my favourite piece:
YES. Right? How did she know that’s what floats my boat? (Although if we’re going to get a little more specific, I like 80′s horror movies.)
If these made you giggle, check out Katies’s website and her blog for more delightful illustrations.
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Being the design nerd I am, I always seem to find half the fun is in the packaging. These Leona Edminston stockings were recently given to me with that in mind. I like the peek-a-boo window, slide out tray, and the custom printed tissue paper. While I’m not entirely convinced by the graphics (less retro, more contemporary – more like Mor?), nevertheless it feels like a luxurious encasement for some nice hosiery. And as long as it feels expensive, that’s all that matters.
Other examples of slick packaging for little things include H&M’s tights, Peter Alexander’s Days of The Week knickers which come in a pretty, frilly gift box (I was given these, they’re awesome), and Loulou Loves You (when I opened the package it was as joyful as peeling foil off an Easter egg).
Now to find something to wear all these pretties with!
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Hello friends! I have just finished watching the Adventures of Milo and Otis and am high on cute.
It’s the tale of a pug, a kitten and the adventures they have. It starts on the farm… but Milo never listens to his mother. Here’s two of my favourite scenes:
Crab Attack
Otis Meets The Fox
Did you know that Milo and Otis is a Japanese made film and was released in English 4 years after the original release? Me neither! Did you know Dudley Moore was the vivacious and hilarious narrator? Not I!
While there has been some controversy over the use of animal actors in the movie, I still love this romp (and have done since I was 5). It’s a good film to watch from bed while hanging out in your pyjamas. Nostalgia rules.
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Here’s 5 reasons why I adore Michi Girl:
1.The talented meteorologist sends her daily weather forecasts (for Melbourne & the world) straight to your inbox – for free!
2. With every weather love letter she throws in a hot bonus shopping tip, which always proves to be an item of instant lust. Think darling space dresses, swallow necklaces and Where The Wild Things Are tees (…whatever, I know you’re obsessed too).
3. Cute competitions, for example once I won a hippo’s head brooch. Receiving dear sweet Harriet’s head in the mail made my week.
4. We share a penchant for the watercolour aesthetic, as seen all over Michi’s beautifully illustrated email missives.
5. The daily notes never fail to bring both good design and the lolz…
LOVE YOU MICHI, light of my inbox XX
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- 69 stunning gig posters. Beautiful!
- Travelindependent.info – the most useful site for budget travel/backpacking planning. I’ve got a little travel itch that needs scratching and this is helping me plan – what to pack, what to budget, where to go. Global, indie advice. Loves it!
- Andrew McMillen garners some great Freelance Writing Advice from Lucy Roberston – an Australian writer and subeditor.
- Carine Roitfeld revealed on CNN. The editor of Vogue Paris takes us behind the scenes of one of the world’s most glamorous magazines (March 09).
- A brilliant clock concept – a simple, pared back expression of time.
- My new favourite street style photographer – Vanessa Jackman.
- “My thoughts on what to do as a new / unknown artist” – practical advice from Trent Reznor. This man is amazing (well, obviously).
- Susie Bubble knows Bad Taste is Better Than No Taste – a rounds up some swoon-worthy rings. I know a few of you will want them on your fingers immediately.
- Writer’s Routines, useful reading if you’re tying to develop your own creative habits. There’s no whiskey in mine yet, but there may yet be room for a signature beverage.
- Artificial Owl – abandoned man made places – like the Igloo Hotel. How cool is that? (Don’t slap me, no pun intended.)
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For all the cool kids out there – a wooden icecream truck and scoop playset from Habitat:
I think pretty much everything Habitat produces is beautifully designed, and these children’s toys are no exception.Via the Heartschallenger blog – who need some help finding the toys if you have any leads!
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I was shopping in the cute Auckland suburb of Kinglsand last weekend; spending some time browsing at a nice store called Dressing Dolls. It has a lot of ‘ball season’ and cocktail type dresses but there were some standout, wearable pieces too.I picked up a few frocks to try, and funnily enough, they were all from the same label – Celine Rita.
When I got home I turned to our old pal Google and this is what I dug up:
“The Celine Rita label was launched by Celine Chapman in Auckland, New Zealand in 2008, shortly after Celine completed her Bachelor of Art and Design majoring in Fashion Design at Auckland’s AUT University.”
Her latest collection (which I was coveting in store) is called Beautiful Little Fools – which is what y’all will turn into after taking a peep. Here’s my 4 favourite looks:
Left: Hannah Frock (pink). Off the shoulder for the win!
Right: Steph Dress (stripe). I like the quirky details of the pattern and the loud 80′s colours.
Left: Nic Hoodie Dres. I want this dress. A dress with a hood is all of my dreams coming true. I envision wearing this dress clubbing in winter, then to a nice wholesome family gathering by a fire.
Right: Natalie Dress (black). A sassy little number perfect for work, then drinks. Perhaps I would look more writerly wearing it?
As you’d hope, all Celine Rita garments are designed and made with love in New Zealand. Yay! I really look forward to investing in some pieces (they are very affordable) and seeing what’s next for the label.
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A question from Courtney, a beleaguered disco-bunny:
“…I just want a pair of roller skates! Where would I buy these?”
Dearest Courtney,
I know, me too. I’m sure you want more than a simple pair of roller skates too… you want the cutest ones out! A pair so ace you’ll want to wear them 24/7. Just imagine the fun to be had skating around your house in the morning, pouring cereal for breakfast and opening the curtains… Le sigh!
You’re going to want to try them on for a good fit, so to start off your search by popping into your local big box sports retailer first (in New Zealand I suggest Rebel Sport). If you have children sized feet you’re probably going to be in luck – kids always seem to have great skates. If you can’t find anything, fear not, your next move is to turn to the internet!
Here are my top 5 picks from the online skate merchants I found:
1. I declare the Riedell Palomino Deluxe Ladies model to be the Cadillac of roller skates! Hand coloured in teal, red or any other colour you like, they will be sure to turn heads as you whip past:
2. However don’t worry if you’re on a tighter budget – Zappos will sell you these sweet pink wheeled women’s Chicago Rink Skates for an affordable US$55:
3. I read about the Preen x Nokia skate collaboration on Fur Coat No Knickers last year. Alice Dellal was the face of their skates-love-child and associated UK events (as seen above). Who knows if you’ll be able to find the skates now (try eBay), but they too super-styling to ignore:
4. The Rollergirl website sells a ton of different styles, so do look there – there’s something for everyone, including vinyl skates for vegans and others who don’t want to wear leather. I really liked the Electric Lady style in pink but they allow you to customise your lace and wheel colour combination.
5. If you’re going to get into Roller Derby, you’re going to need more hardcore equipment.
“Roller Derby’s Classic 300 Women’s Quad Roller Skate features a freestyle boot with quilted leather lining and reinforced ankle support for a better skating performance. The Vacuum Chrome Nylon chassis, with the Double Action Cushion Aluminum trucks, provides enhanced control. The 56mm Grip Lite Speed Urethane and ABEC-3 bearings wheels provide a fast ride with smooth traction.”
Now I don’t know what it all means but it sounds extreme. Here’s a a visual reference – I’m digging the green:
Phew! There’s lot to choose from. To finish, I leave you with a styling suggestion from French Vogue – pair your skates with bubblegum coloured acrylic bangles, a sequined mini and delicately patterned hosiery.
Your location may vary – but no doubt your satorial excellence and the fun you’re having with your new wheels will cause you to writhe on the ground in glee! ❤
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More Melbourne Owls. I am still very attuned to owls… I’m sure it happens all the time to you too – you become interested in something and suddenly see it everywhere!
This is called perceptual vigilance. This is a theory that suggests you are more motivated to look at messages and pay attention to things that meet your needs. Usually it manifests in more mundane forms (paint colours for your bathroom, signs for dentists and practical sweaters) – but I am happy I become visually obsessed with cute things; like baguettes, headbands and owls.
I saw this handsome pair somewhere in the Melbourne CBD:
Followed by this sneaky fellow in Little Bourke Street:
Then there was the winsome Karen Walker t-shirt I saw for the first time in a Smith Street boutique:
Lastly – not spotted in Melbourne but freaking adorable nonetheless – cozy owl mittens:
Give a hoot, make them yourself – the pattern is free! I’m not sure my knitting is up to scratch, but perhaps I can trick a wayward grandmother into making them for me… Muahaha.
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