The Owl Space

I've mentioned the impending ETSY store for a little bit now, and finally it's breathing!

Called The Owl Space, come and visit us!

It's not complete yet as we need an aesthetic, though the core of the products are on there. this includes baby afghan blankets, crochet cushion covers, which have been crocheted (obviously), sewn and hand stitched, plus crocheted rose and petal brooches. We'll be adding more products as and when we produce them, as we're constantly challenging ourselves with new and exciting projects.

Here is a work-in-progress sneak peak of my latest work, the petal cushion. This is the front, with the rear being flat treble crochet (not a petal design). The finished product will be a round cushion, though perhaps not something you'd lay your head on. This piece is decorative; comfortable as it will be, it'll stand out on your couch/bed/chair.

We also have fascinators, which are super flattering and exciting. They're not your typical spring-racing tat, they're an100% wool, hexagon-shaped headpiece. Priced at $20, they're a bit of a bar-gain.

We're able to make bespoke pieces as well, with all the colours listed on the product descriptions.

So jump on board and take a look. They make a pretty swell Christmas pressie; we can even deliver in time if you order up to one week in advance.

Hoot, Hoot!

Balmain markets - this Saturday!

Here's a little teaser for what's literally in store this Saturday at Balmain Markets!

Pop down and say hello; we'll be under the gazebo, selling crocheted cushions, baby blankets and brooches. We can do bespoke pieces in a variety of colour choices as well - just ask us! Makes a great christmas present...

Prices start at $10 for a rose brooch, $40 for a cushion, and go to $70 for a baby blanket. They are one-of-a-kind pieces, with a lot of time and energy (and love) put into each creation. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

If you're not in Sydney, we'll have all our wares on our Etsy store this week. Another post shall follow with URL and details.

Good Stuff Holiday Guide

One of my favourite stores to visit in Melbourne was Meet me at Mikes. Now no longer, the owner Pip Lincolne is concentrating on her writing career (check out her books here) which to my benefit, is fruitful and oh so helpful.

I really do want to be Pip's best friend, though because we live in different cities and aside from the minor detail that we don't know any of the same people to meet to become besties, best that I just follow her online activities.

Pip's done us all a wee favour this Chrissie. Good Stuff Holiday Guide is just what it says on the tin - pretty awesome shit to get for your loved ones this present season. It's got 127 pages of things for your table, things for your feet, things for your mouth (corn fritters, yuuuummmmm), things to make, things to do, and things to visit. C'arn, get it in ya.

Updated: I realise that this is a flash file so doesn't come up on your smart phone. Here's the direct link, go forth.

Open publication - Free publishing - More craft

Perth says come hither

Apart from the very adequate reason that one of my dearest friends is in Perth, I have found an equally lovely reason to visit the furthest Western city of Australia- Pigeonhole.

I picked up Marie Claire's 15th birthday issue whilst in Australia last week, and have only just gotten around to reading the behemoth 426 pages (let's assume a few bonus' are heading their ways to the MC advertising execs).

Here I was alerted to Pigenhole, through the article 50 Best Boutiques. As mentioned, the store (or stores, to be precise) is located in Perth though one can browse their wares online- yes, they have gone digital. Brands include Secret Squirrel Clothing, Limedrop, Colab and more more more.

Stocking clothes, homewares, stationary, jewellery and even toys, this store seems like a labour of someones intense need to be surrounded by everything they love- and to capitalise on this. When you know you have taste, you may as well provide to the masses. I hear Perth needs more of the same to suckle the hungry inhabitants; for a city that produces such beauty (Gemma Ward, Nicole Trufino), perhaps Pigenhole can lead the way.

Top to bottom: Shafto Lane store; London Court store

The online shop is not the best display of their wares, though the experience is not hampered by this. The website is powered through Wordpress, and has a blog attached.

I'm coveting these pants, left. Not too expensive, though I think to carry these off you have to offer height minus weight to the equation.

Left: Minimarket pants ($165), Pigeonhole loop necklace ($65), Leather brogues ($185), Soto Smith Aztec tee ($75), Pigeonhole bag ($200).

Check website for the locations of their four stores, including the most recent arrival of all things vintage, bless.

A London weekend

A weekend of London.

Pedalling along the London streets, Islington was my destination. I wanted to replicate the perfect weekend I had about a month ago when I had picked up my beautiful blue 1940s skirt. Sadly, the stall was not up in Camden Passage, though the experience did provide me with plenty of opportunities to try out my new Canon EOS 550D. I love love love it.

Today I went to Present in Shoreditch. I wasn't particularly interested in the clothes they had on offer, for they were against my gender. Nay, I wanted to try the coffee that was to be made and served to me by the 2009 World Barista Champion, Gwilym Davies.

Davies is based out of men's clothing store, Present. Using Square Mile beans and a very beautiful machine, my flat white came out perfectly sized to make it a lovely combination of strength and creaminess.

I do recommend.

From there, my companion and I meandered down Shoreditch High St, only to merge right towards Mile End Rd.

My research had led me to a new vintage store in town, well new to my ears anyway. The East End Thrift Store is situated down a shifty laneway, off Mile End Rd. Hemmed in by warehouses that look like they are no longer in use, the store is packed full of vintage, divided somewhat down the middle by ladies and mens clothing.

I was attracted to this store, primarily because I had read promises of many items costing no more than £10. Incredible. London is the home of the overpriced second-hand dress, so this was something to see.

Sadly, the atmosphere in the store lacked the potential exitement that would lead you into that perfect vintage find. It didn't feel shabby chic, it just felt shabby. The concrete floor, dressing rooms that were covered by scrap material (and only three-quarters at that), the two art students who ran the store, though couldn't really care less, all contributed to a disappointing experience. The clothes would have saved the day, had they been something to coo about. Sadly, there was a reason why they started at £10. They simply were not at the quality Londoner's expect.

Of course, the store is a fair size so I would recommend a gaze as everyone has subjective vintage expectations. I wanted to find uniqueness; instead I found clothes that had either been manipulated to suit the look of the present day, or were so unappealing, the fabrics and styles look like they should be retired, not re-used.

Present
140 Shoreditch High Street
London E1 6JE

East End Thrift Store
Watermans Building, Unit 1A Assembly Passage,
London, E1 4UT

Modcloth

Fancy flexing your credit card on some vintage slash vintage reproduction homewares and fashion? Oui oui?

Go to modcloth.

Vintage! Vintage!

I can't say I stick to a particular style when I dress, more I am a slave to my emotion that day, choosing to grab whatever clones my mood.

Always one to tread the vintage clothing waters though, I do love a classic cut, a tailored jacket/dress/pant et al, and the way certain clothes envelope my body.

As I grow in age (and retain my modesty), I find dressing to my shape is imperative when I purchase anything. I can't stand people who go outside only to have the world subjected to their gut hanging over their bottom wares. Ill-fitting clothes, or just ill-fitting taste? And leggings! Oh my, why must these be around? They do not suit most people on the best of days, let alone when you're wearing them as pants (bottoms). There should be no public camel toes, something should cover your ass, and perhaps you should throw on a pair of shoes and stop pretending Uggs are for outdoor use. They're not, they're expensive slippers. For indoors only.

Having a relatively small waist, I seek out skirts, tailored trousers and dresses; vintage makes my heart sing, and over the years i've practically recorded an album. I've been so lucky to be able to find some beautiful clothes, some of which include, a gorgeous 1940s blue above-the-knee skirt, with pleated detail front and back, for £10; a collection of summer dresses with button details to the waist, then a broad flowing skirt to twirl in (ranging from £10-45); a lovely brown leather day purse, with short double straps for £15; and many, many more.

Vintage shopping has become part of my travelling repertoire, I do thorough research before I go anywhere, to try and get the best I can get. London has definately spoilt me, though I find it is so expensive here, so don't come expecting a bargain, especially where tourists lurk (like Portobello Rd).

Here are some of my favourite vintage spots in London. They're not a secret, so enjoy.

- Vintage Market
F Block T2 | 85 Brick Lane, London
Every Friday, Saturday 11am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm

Coinciding with the Up Markets, grab some lovely thai duck rolls, and head up the stairs to the top floor. Here you'll find the professional stall holders, amongst the grots and gits of East London, selling anything from the 20s, right through to late 90s. A treasure trove of one-off things that change from week to week.

- Beyond Retro
110-112 Cheshire Street, London E2 6EJ
Monday - Wednesday 10am - 7pm; Thursday 10am - 8pm; Friday & Saturday 10am - 7pm; Sunday 10am - 6pm

This is the site of the original store, now pratically a chain after its expansion to central London, Brighton and even abroad to Sweden! Situated off Brick Lane, come here for cool clothes, colour coded on the racks and sorted down the line for men and women. I picked up an awesome silk scarve from the 70s, with the entire Waltzing Matilda poem penned on it (plus illustrations). Perhaps come here first, and then head to the many thrifts along Brick Lane.

- Absolute Vintage
15 Hanbury St, London E1 6QR
Monday - Saturday 11am - 7pm; Sunday 11am - 7pm

Frequented by stylists and those who want to pay a little more for their vintage, this medium-sized shop filled to the rafters with cloth, is definately one to poke your head in. Even just to scope the amount of second-hand shoes for sale. I have an elephant foot, though one can always look...

There are so many more thoroughout London, though I suspect these should be stumbled upon by yourself. That way, you can say 'I went to London, and discovered the most amazing little shop...'

Hint: Brick Lane, Portobello Rd (under the freeway overpass, ONLY), Camden Passage parallel to Upper St, and Shoreditch will all provide you with suitable starting points.

Still looking for inspirations, click here for a reliable guide.

All I want for Christmas...

Robin cushion by Donna Wilson100% lambswool, knitted in Scotland.

Available in 3 colourways: brown with red robin, mustard with a bluebird and lilac with a green bird!Just beautiful and I can just image it sitting on my bed, tweeting away.

40cm x 40cm
Price £65.00

In Good Company Oiva plate by Marimekko
Design by Sami Ruotsalainen

The collection includes five cups, three bowls, three plates, a tea pot. I love the beautiful turquoise colour- I can just see my dressed table now, the pale pink peonies contrasting against the setting.

Available through the Finnish Design Shop.
Price on application.

Henry Dreyfuss 1950's Princess Phone in Baby Pink

I would be sitting on my bed, talking to 'Bud' or 'Chip', twirling the cord around my finger and popping my gum.

Available through PMC Telecom.

Price £29.35

Miu Miu Leather studded tote

I drool over this bag, it's such such a statement piece.

Of course, it would probably put my shoulder out after I fill it with copious amounts of let's face it, junk. Doesn't stop me from lusting.

Available through Net-A-Porter

Price £920

Drink! Shop! Do!

Ah, Cocktails? Bitch and Stitch? Cakes!!

Hysteria aside, this is more exciting than Christmas. Inspired silly season fun- enjoy!

Ebay vintage guide

I think it's quite normal to confess that not so long ago, I had an ebay problem. It would be part of my internet routine, and became as normal as checking my email or social networking accounts. Bidding on something, eventually winning was not the attraction (although I can see how it could be for so many people), it was the pull of a virtual op-shop, dutifully laid out for my enjoyment.

Vintage clothes shopping is one of my hobbies and I would estimate that a good 40% of my wardrobe was pre-worn at the time of purchase. I'm not afraid of vintage as some are, instead I like to imagine the history and stories that could be told if the little garment had a voice.

Ebay provides and feeds my vintage love and is never further than a few clicks away. For all the places I have lived, I have a few faithful sellers that are convient and close by. Here are some that deserve to be shared.

MakiMaki Vintage

The model may be tiny, rendering it hard for one to imagine themselves in Maki's gear, though what gear it is! Careful, this store is not a secret so bids do run high.

MouseVox Vintage

Affordable, classic and not-so-classic. Always has really clear measurements and accurate photos.

Venus in Vintage

It began here, and I loyally check in from time to time to see her wares. Not always fully stocked, though when she does it's generally pretty, girly and won't break the bank. She also packages up the goods in tissue paper and sends gorgeous hand written notes.

Tin Roof Vintage

Whilst Tin Roof have some amazing things, the long auction periods and inevitable high bidding prices are a little off putting. Still, when you have the cash and want something you'll love, come here.

Mama Stone Vintage

Options to bid or buy it now on some sexy, sweet and stuffy clothes.

There are loads more, like California Vintage Connect, Mill St Vintage and Meat Market Vintage though I don't want to fuel an obsession.

Frock Me!

Frock me it's another lovely vintage fashion fair!

As a kitchsy treat, the fair has the biggest collection of Hawaiian print vintage wear in the UK! Woo!


Sunday 17th May, Chelsea Town Hall, Kings Rd SW3.

Deadly ponies

Wrap your peeps round this lovely baggage.

Deadly ponies is a kiwi label, producing bags, clothes and most recently a jewellery line. Materials are lovingly chosen and each piece feels luxe and almost one-of-a-kind, given their little hand stitched differences.

I'm definitely enjoying 'Mr Flopalopagus', 'Mr Lilo' and 'Mr Knitted Popit'- the names, as well as the bags.

On the kiwi note, bit disappointing that more didn't show in Sydney at the RAFW, though bring on September for NZ Fashion Week! There's some extremely inspiring things coming out of that country.

Secret Squirrel

Squirrels running around a central London park, stealing your sandwich.

Bad.

Secret Squirrels opening their online store filled with beautiful clothes?

Good.

Follow the link! There's a sale section as well!

Follow the bubble

During the lead up to the London train, I constructed a little Google London shopping map. It featured recommendations from some of my favourite blogger's such as Wee Birdy and Fifi Lapin and I simply could not wait to traipse through dandy streets and spend my bucks.

Although mine is under constant construction, the lovely Susie Bubble has delivered one to the door. Click here to see her style rec's- you could be on a campaign to repair the recession single handedly.

Get OUT of here!

After months of waiting, it has arrived!

Although the basis of this site is just taking the SALE items from Net-a-Porter and re-branding them, I still love the idea of The Outnet and thought behind the process.

Pray tell me though, how does a coveted Chloe bag sell out when the site has only been open one day? Savvy, anyone?

Here's a couple of things that have caught my eye (which haven't sold out already):

Chloe silk bow blouse
Original Price £537, Now £214.80 60% off

Azzaro silk tunic dress
Original Price £1,532, Now £612.80 60% off

I know, I know hardly a bargain though this is designer ware and you certainly get what you pay for. Happy perusing!

Made it

I know London is full of wonderful markets, though one thing I will surely miss is wandering around Bondi or Glebe markets on a sunny day and running into the cutest handmade bargain around. Luckily for me, MADE IT has come to the rescue and delivered a website wholly for Australian vendors. I can search by category or shop, pay minimal postage (within Australian, check for OS postage) and be in possession of a delightful little handmade item.

Although similar to Etsy, when you're on MADE IT, you can be sure all goods are Australian therefore you'll be supporting local talent. And that is something to smile about.

Here are some things I have my eye on..

Frenchy the Hamster- $15

A Storm is Coming brooch- $11

Cherry Blossoms print- $25

I want the old Kate back

It's inevitable to mention the latest installment of the Kate Moss collection for Topshop, one of Britain's most successful high street chains. What is not inevitable however, is my views on the aforementioned- I just don't like it.

I love Kate and I have been following her career since her infamous Corinne Day shots. Her style before it became iconic was always appealing to me, the way she put herself together and was always elusive, no matter how wanted she was. I just loved her freshness and ability to play with her garments.

Forgive me though, I'm just waffling now as that has little to do with her design capabilities, as Kate freely admits herself. 'From being a model and doing fittings with really great designers, you do learn what feels right and looks right. It’s like, most people know when a pair of jeans fits them really well. It’s the same thing,' she tells Cat Callender of The Telegraph. Yes the fit you say Kate, I get the fit, I'm all over the tailored, well structured (insert any clothing here), yet I'm seeing a little contradiction- your latest collection does not look like appraised garments that I would expect from your experiences, it simply looks boring.

It's true, not everyone knows what looks right, not everyone has a instinctive radar on a look. Kate the clotheshorse certainly does, that is unarguable, though can she apply it to the hordes of Topshop devotees that have flocked to pick up her latest collection. Um, sadly I think not.

The Spring collection which hit shops yesterday, is in my mind a disappointment. Is this view coming from the same girl that adores Toppa's and immediately snapped up the coveted Poppy tea dress from the very first Kate collection- oh yes, how far I have come.

The latest offering's from Ms Moss looks like it belongs in Primark, and very quickly may given their reputation for snapping all the latest looks and charging a fifth of the price. The unoriginality really bothers me, considering this was the collection that was supposed to be, according to Kate, 'what I think I am going to wear next season.’ Hmm, does that mean you're going to fall off the fashion horse?

The asymmetrics, the babydoll dresses, the playsuits and vests! I just wish I could ask Kate some hard hitting 60 minute style questions-

'So Kate, what exactly where you thinking?'

'Well I was considering the seasons-'

'Yes, though you clearly were high, because this is in no way classic, nor fitted as you say you covet nor very flattering. I mean, seriously do you think you're worth the one mil Phillip Green is reportedly paying you?'

'It is clearly not about the money-'

'Clearly Kate, it is not given the fact that you've produced a load of trollop.'

Oh the publicity shots are deceiving, are they not? The lighting, that soft hue and outline of colour really do work a treat for the cheap and tacky fabrics. The seductiveness and of course the model, what can't she get away with? We all know even cocaine charges can be shrugged off.

I am truly not being malicious for the sake of filling space or to be verbose, I have just failed to see how this collection could possibly net the rumoured £40 million in future sales. All the obvious pieces are covered though nothing is outstanding, not one item can be seen as a must have or a standout item. Looking at the Safari playsuit, or the Liberty Poppy Bandeau dress, or the Stripe Sailor cardigan, it was just insulting to a consumer- we are expected to pay £45.00 for that? Um, no. And God knows I love a good sailor cardi!

I think you can only judge if you've seen said items in store, given the flattery of the fashion shots. Take a peek, inspect the fit, the style, the fabric. Go on, push through the crowds who want a piece of Kate and see what you think. I'm just one opinion.

Vintage the Denver way

An unfortunate name, though not an unfortunate Etsy store is this little beauty.

Coined 'Thrush', she hails from Colorado to sell cute vintage clothing to all. Unlike ebay, you don't have to compete for her wares- just choose (this is difficult, given the 16 pages of wares), couple of clicks, pay and it's yours!

Peruse now!