The Daytime Adventurers

Tiger & Peacock

My mum and I are ridiculously close. One of the most delightfully unexpected things about becoming a mumma myself, has been the daytime adventures we go on with the rug rat. Seeking out the perfect piece of lemon tart here, or a little shop there, it always feels a bit naughty (like we're skipping school!) when we do something so delicious together.

On one of our latest adventures, we went to Fitzroy North to find Tiger & Peacock. I'd read about this small emporium with its vision to inspire through a collections of homewares, furnishings, antiques and jewellery and wanted a piece of it!

Heading to an area that we don't spend much time in, and a shop I had never visited before, made that morning feel like we were on holiday. I guess in a funny we were on holiday from the familiar. And it's these moments of discovering something new with mum by my side that I treasure and adore.

Happy Friday to you, and whatever adventures come your way!

* This photo was taken at a cousin's wedding, only 2 weeks after I had junior. I think I look tired and shell shocked, but mum looks so gentle and beautiful - as she always does!

Leggings Are Not Pants

Images: maSh

MaSh Leggings

It's not often I admit I'm wrong - so make the most of this moment! You've see, I've always been an ardent campaigner that leggings are not pants.

Having seen these killer leggings from maSh though, I'd like to retract that comment. Taking inspiration from an eclectic mash up that includes the music of M.I.A., salsa clubs in Harlem, Russian cigarettes and installation art from Iceland, these leggings are a second skin for city life.

Somewhat outrageous, but never ridiculous, these leggings are an outfit in themselves. Top optional!

US $60; available online here.

Give Them Something to Talk About

Image: Q Magazine

Lady Gaga Cover for Q Magazine

You've got to hand it to her. After all the does she/doesn't she drama surrounding Lady Gaga, she's come out swinging on the latest cover of Q Magazine.

"We all know that one of the biggest talking points of the year was that I have a dick, so why not give them what they want?" she told the magazine. "I want to wear a dick strapped to my vagina."

Well played Gaga. Now that should give them something to talk about.

It's in the Post

Images: Postcarden

Postcarden

Oh my goodness. I'm so blown away by the brilliance that is Postcarden, that I can hardly type straight!

Combining gift and greeting card, Postcarden is a pop-out card that transforms into a mini living garden. Available in three charming designs - a city, botanical garden and allotment.

Would it be awfully tragic to send myself one?!

So Simple

Image: World Famous Design Junkies

I love this design,

And adore its sentiment....

Found via.

Retro Romance

Images: Retromodern

Retromodern

Can you marry furniture? I hope so, because I'm planning on becoming a polygamist and tying the knot with every piece at Retromodern.

Australian-based Retromodern, source and hand restore mid-century furniture to create one off, like-new pieces with retro appeal.

Oh Retromodern - you're so my type!

Available online here.

Loco for Suno

Images: Style.com

Suno

For me, the best on show at NY Fashion Week was Suno. Fresh, cheeky and all about an eccelctic print-on-print mix, Suno is seriously making me swoon.

While I love the threads, it's also the story behind Suno that makes this label one of a kind. Suno was formed in 2008 by Max Osterweis who has spent the past decade collecting vintage textiles from Kenya. Today, Osterweis employs pattern makers in NYC and local talent in Kenya for his fair trade, artisanal workshops. So, it really is no exaggeration to say that each garment is a piece of art!

Anyway, I'll have one of each thanks - including a pair of killer pins so I can get away with those shorter-than-short minis!

Trash Bag

Image: The Funky Rooster

Louis Vuitton's new 'Raindrop Besace' Bag

If you ever needed proof that money can't buy taste - here it is. Designed by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, this designer rubbish bag will set you back US$1, 960.

One thing that's got me stumped is whether this bag is intended to take the piss. In a recent interview, Marc questioned the sanity of his customers, saying, "There's this huge cult following of almost crazy people at Vuitton who just want whatever they buy to be exclusive."

Can't wait to see the knock offs!

Found via.

Balancing Act

Image: Isaac Tobin

The other day I came across a quote by Quentin Bryce in Madison that really struck a chord:

[You] can have it all, but not all at the same time. It's so important to take good care of yourself, of your mental and physical and spiritual wellbeing, but it's so hard to do. It's easier to be a workaholic than to have a truly balanced life.

Does this ring true for you? It makes you think, doesn't it?

Matte Attack

Image: Knock Out Cosmetics

Trend Spotter: Matte Nail Polish

For the last six months, matte nail polish has been a whisper of a trend. Come winter, it will become a deafening roar that you just can't ignore.

If you do decide to roll out the welcome matte, the go-to brand is Knock Out Cosmetics. Created by celebrity makeup artist, Mike Potter, this boutique range of no shine polishes were used several days ago at DKNY's NY Fashion Week Show. Apparently Plaster was one of the back-stage faves - which just proves, inspiration can strike at any moment as this shade direction come from Band-Aids!

If you like this trend, but aren't sure you want to fork out for a new collection of nail polishes, try using your base coat as a top coat and dull down any polish in your kit.

Thumbs up or down? Will this trend be making it onto your digits?

Us$ 19; available online at Miomia.

Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture

Images: Reborn

Polaroid Scarves

As much as it pains me to say it - Outkast got it wrong. Polaroid reckon you shouldn't actually shake it like a Polaroid picture because rapid movement during development may damage the image.

Philippe Roucou on the other hand, is definitely getting it right. This French bag designer has recently released a limited edition series of 100% silk scarves. Each piece features an image from an anonymous Polaroid that has been found by happenstance. Although these scarves come with a hefty price tag, shaking them won't damage the image!

CAD $449; available online from Reborn.

Pack It In

Image: Michael Johansson

Installations by Michael Johansson

Today my boy is heading off for a few weeks overseas. As I watched him get ready to leave, I thought there is none better than him when it comes to packing. He always fits a ridiculous amount of stuff into the teeny tiniest bag.

Then I came across Swedish Artist, Michael Johansson, and his found object installations. While Michael takes packing to a whole new level, I also imagine he's pretty incredible at Tetris!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Image: Art. Lebedev Studio

Fuck the Rain Umbrella

We really need this rain...It's great for the farmers...Blah. Blah. Blah.

This frizz inducing weather is no good for a curly topper like me. It's times like these I wish I had a Fuck the Rain Umbrella.

From the rain's point of view, this is what it would see:

Image: Art. Lebedev Studio

Do you think it would work?!

Everyday I'm Hustlin

Images: Paper Jam Press

Handcrafted Letterpress Posters

While I might be more good girl than gangsta, I am loving these hangable hip hop posters. Courtesy of Paper Jam Press, each hand pulled piece is limited edition and features words to live by.

US $29.99 (plus postage); available online from Paper Jam Press.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Image: You Might Like This

I'm a visual person, so nothing makes me happier than a diagram. They cut the crap and simplify anything - even the path to happiness!

Which path are you on today?

You're So Vain

Images: BROOKLYN rehab

Custom Silhouette Mug

You're so vain, you probably think this mug is about you,

Don't you? Don't you?!

Well, now you're probably right! Thanks to an exclusive Etsy collaboration between BROOKLYN rehab and Miss Crowland, you can admire your best side all day long with a Custom Silhouette Mug.

US $65; available online from Etsy.

Come Out Swinging

Images: Mulher

Tropicalia Cocoon Hanging Chairs

Swing high. Swing low. I could think of nothing more delicious than swinging amongst the tree tops in a Moroso Tropicalia Cocoon hanging chair. In fact, you could probably say I was fairly partial to a bit of swinging...just not the Herman Rockefeller variety!

POA; available from Hub Furniture.

Rolling in Wet Comics

Images: Lost at E Minor

Tattoos by Amanda Wachob

My boy makes me laugh from the moment I wake 'til my head hits the pillow at the end of the day. After 7 years though, I'm pretty familiar with his material! So much so, that even when he's not around, his one-liners are still prone to popping into my head. Like when I see someone covered in tatts, I'll hear him saying, "It looks like they've been rolling in wet comics!"

And while there is normally an element of truth to this comment, it couldn't be further from the truth when it comes to Amanda Wachob's work. Blurring the line between fine art and body art, Amanda's tattoos stand out for all the right reasons.

"It looks like they've been rolling in wet art books," doesn't quite have the same ring to it. Does it?!

Found via.

Wood You Be Mine?

Images: Digby & Iona

Stump Ring

Dear Valentine,

Pardon me if this sounds a little crass, but if you want a root on the 14th you should give me a stump. More precisely, a Stump Ring from Digby & Iona with our initials graved on it.

I'll be waiting!

Love me,

x

From US$ 170; available online from Digby & Iona.

Laugh Out Loud

Images: Dads in Short Shorts

They're dads and they're wearing short shorts.

It doesn't get much funnier than this!