Can you guess what this cute little bunny is? Looks like a soft cuddly toy right?
Well, it actually transforms into...
A tote bag!
I think this is a really cute idea. Instead of carrying around a bunched up shopping bag in your handbag, there is a cute little bunny friend. The Picnica Tote Bag is available here, here and here.
Today I'm loving... this gorgeous leather bag by Greek designer, Morelle.
I really like these pieces by San Fransisco based designer, Zoe Chen. Zoe uses screen-printing, applique and beading to make dresses and separates that are fun and chic - each one also has a cute little story to go along with it. At such affordable prices its worth snapping up a wardrobe full of Zoe Chen's great pieces. Shop here.
Today I'm loving... these amazing stoneware bottles by Sara Paloma. *Put them on my Christmas wish list.
Its a HUGE weekend for designer markets in Brisbane this weekend! The good news is that if you are organised you should be able to make it around to all of them - I'm going to try.
The first ever and much anticipated Brisbane-based Finders Keepers market opens when: Saturday at 12 noon and runs right into the night and then starts again on Sunday at 10am. Where: at The Old Museum in Herston (ie. next to the show grounds). Who you'll see: some of Queensland's top independent designers and artists, like Michelle Freer, Blossom Creations, Little Jane St, Liana Kabel and Kim Wallace of Udessi. For full details check out the website.
Mathilda's Market is undoubtedly the biggest and best markets in Australia for unique, stylish, beautiful baby and kids stuff. When: Sunday from 9am to 1pm where: Brisbane City Hall. Who you'll see: superb designers, artists and retailers like Honey Bunch, My Girl, Mini Mermaid, Cute as Buttons, Tiny Concept and Baby Goes Retro. For full details check out the website.
And of course, the original supporter of independent and emerging designers in Brisbane - South Bank's Young Designers Market will also be on this weekend (its on the first Sunday of every month). When: Sunday 10am to 4pm. Where: on the lawn which runs along Little Stanley Street (across from all the restaurants). Who you'll see: the line up of designers and artists at YDM is always changing and there are always new retailers so its best to just go along and check it out - who knows what you might discover? Check out the website for more info.
Edited to add: I've just found out that two of my favourite Brisbane designers will be at this weekend's YDM: Thea & Sami and Hot Toffee.
So if you're in Brisbane, there's no excuse for having nothing to do this weekend. Grab some cash, have a great time and support the local designers!
How utterly charming is this little house by Japanese brand, Lodge? The smoke coming out of the chimney is from the incense cone inside - it's a wee little incense pot. Each house is made individually by hand and great care has been taken to achieve a realistic looking surface. I like it. Available here (Japanese).
I'm not quite sure why I seem to be fixated on dolls lately - may be its that Christmas is coming and I'm keeping an eye out for little girl presents. But, Oh! how cute are these doll kits? They are from The Red Thread and at only AUD$20 plus postage I think they would make a perfect gift for little girls. The sewing would be really easy so the kit would even be a great gift for older girls who are learning to sew. Cute, cute, cute. Available here.
By the way, The Red Thread will be at Mathilda's Market in Sydney this weekend.
Today I'm loving... these pretty dolls by Nooshka. So adorable in every way!
I've been a fashion accessories designer for just over 5 years and the one thing that I know for certain about this industry is that its really hard to do everything yourself. One of the big issues for me as a designer is getting really good quality, nicely styled images of my work. I think is probably common for a lot of designers - it takes a lot of time to put a great shoot together and professional photo shoots are very expensive.
On the flipside, I'm sure there are a lot of 'emerging' photographers, models, hair & make up artists and stylists out there who are looking for an opportunity to break into the fashion industry or build up their portfolio. So.... let's get together and help each other out.
I'm calling for any Brisbane (and Sunshine Coast/Gold Coast) photographers, models, hair & make up artists, stylists and designers who would like to collaborate in photo shoots to contact me. Follow this link.
Described as poetic, bohemian, girly and even kitsch, French label Manoush exudes uniqueness and charm. It reminds me a little bit of Anna Sui or Alannah Hill. Also, I've always wondered how one would wear a pair of metallic gold Doc Martens - now I know. I do like a label that can be worn with practical shoes, especially if its winter.
Check out the beautifully styled looks on the gorgeous Manoush website here.
Fabulous monochromatic pieces from UK-based, online store Hidden Art Shop.
Clockwise from top left: Rose Clock by Mr Kaliski, House candleholder by Sono Design, Luxury cup & saucer by Evthokia, Blaue Blume large Lace Cake Plate by Tina Tsang, Stamp mirror by by Soner Ozenc, Mantle-Clock-C by Giles Miller, Shadow chair by Duffy London, Scribble coat rack by by HeadSprung! Ltd.
Ok, don't hyperventilate... Christmas is still about 10 weeks away. But now is the time to start thinking about gifts and this is the best time to be heading to your local designer market. In Australia, the best market for children's gifts is Mathilda's Market, which is on again in November. So, theoretically that means you could have all the kids' Christmas gifts bought and wrapped before December - how super-organised!
Here are the dates for next month's markets:
Sydney:
1 November 2009 - St Ignatius College Riverview, Lane Cove. From 9am to 1pm, plenty of free parking on the College grounds. Free entry.
Brisbane:
1 November 2009 - Brisbane City Hall, B/w Adelaide & Ann St, King George Square, Brisbane City. From 9am to 1pm, parking is available under the City hall (fees apply). Free entry.
Perth:
8 November 2009 - Oasis Leisure Centre, Progress Way, Belmont. From 9am to 1pm, parking available around the Leisure Centre. Free entry.
Canberra:
15 November 2009 - Manuka Oval (Bradman Room), Manuka Circle, Griffith. From 10am to 2pm, plenty of free parking available. Free entry.
Melbourne:
22 November 2009 - Hawthorn Town Hall, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. From 9am to 1pm, plenty of free parking at the back of the Town Hall. Free entry.
Visit the Mathilda's Market website for more information.
I can't get over how beautiful these pieces by Dori Csengeri are - and the amazing craftsmanship (click on the image for a closer view). Dori uses cabochons, fine stones, crystals, bohemian beads, shell, wood or metal to make her stunning jewellery.
This lady has a fascinating background too. A is a textile designer by profession, Dori is a graduate of the "Shenkar" College of Fashion in Tel-Aviv. Dori specialized in fabric design at Tootal Fabrics in Manchester and at Cyril Kowalewsky’s studio in Paris. Then, she practiced for many years as a freelance textile designer, in Israel and abroad. She also studied History of Art at Zurich University and painting at the Academie de Port-Royal in Paris. You can certainly see the influence of all these cultures and study in her beautiful pieces.
Check out the Dori Csengeri website for more.
I found the most adorable vintage etsy shop - Space Jam. All the pieces are from Europe and the Soviet Union and super, super cute. I really love that little cat figurine. There is also a sale (which ends tomorrow) so check it out sooner rather than later.
By the way, this is exactly the kind of find that I debate whether to keep a secret... but I love you too much not to share.
