Outdoors

It has been raining almost non-stop here but the sun came out today. I wasn't brave enough to venture outdoors for too long in case it bucketed down again but with the arrival of the sun, it had me thinking of the ideal place to relax in my garden.

I already have these Adirondack chairs and the yellow floral cushion. Add to it a couple of spiral topiaries, hanging lanterns and a pagoda style umbrella and this would be my kind of perfect.

What would be your perfect outdoor space?

(topiaries: these are artificial but I am after the real ones, umbrella: California Umbrella, floral cushion: sunnylife, lantern: Beach and Beyond, yellow fabric: Online Fabric Shop)

Circus bedroom

I have seen this room pop up here and there and being circus crazy I had to share with you. If I were a kid and if this was my room, I would be showing it off to all my friends. You might also find me perched on the ferris wheel from time to time.



The room was designed by stylist Kate Dixon and you can read about how the room was created on her blog, My Style Chronicles.

Have a beautiful weekend! I haven't got a Fashion Friday post for you today. I figured you may need a break from seeing my headless self for a week. See you next week!

(Images Jackson Visuals for Dixon Style)

Milk paint

Where have I been? Oh, around the place but mainly I have been working on both home and college projects. The last couple of days have been spent exploring various types of interior paints - chalkboard paints, french wash paints, satin finish paints, acrylic, paints made with all natural ingredients and milk paint.


I really wanted to try the milk paint from Porter's Paints. It comes in powder form and there is a process to preparing it:

1. Mix powder with cold water until it is of 'pancake batter' consistency
2. Stir by hand for 3-4 minutes
3. Allow to stand for 5-10 minutes until it thickens
4. Strain through muslin to remove lumps and bubbles and then you are ready to paint


If you haven't used milk paint before, it creates a chalky finish which gives furniture a rustic appearance. It is made of milk by-products and mixed with various oxides to give it colour. I chose the 'Oyster White' colour which is not a bright white but has more of a greyish antique white colour.



I hadn't planned on painting the bentwood chairs but I thought they might look nice painted in this paint. Although it would be easier to pop open a tin of acrylic white paint, there is something so satisfying about mixing up your own paint by hand. I have only painted one chair and one coat but I'm happy with the results so far.

Faire Frou Frou Store Makeover

Remember when I mentioned that I was inspired to bring out my zig zag rug for this post after seeing a store makeover? This is the store I was referring to - Faire Frou Frou. The makeover is full of wonderful DIY ideas and the combined results look so fantastic and feminine and fun.

A punchy colour adds interest to these drawers when opened. I enjoy little hidden uses of paint. This is an idea I would like to try.

This is the chevron floor I was inspired by. It is amazing isn't it?

Custom-made ballet tulle curtains. They would look really sweet in a girls room.

Mirrored antique doors

Another view of the amazing floor.

Bubble chandelier made by Gail and Alison. Step-by-step tutorial can be found here.

An oil painting by Gail

Faire Frou Frou is a luxury lingerie boutique located in California and run by mother and daughter team Gail and Alison Rubke. They also run a popular blog called Frou Frou Fashionista.

In their own words, the aim of the blog is to "showcase the limitless styling options with lingerie and to inspire readers to build their own intimate apparel wardrobe. This blog also aims to redefine the lingerie industry in a positive light; demystifying the stigma created by the less classy side of the industry and revealing its very glamorous potential."

And I think the blog does exactly that. Have a peek when you get a chance and for more eye candy have a look at Alison's boudoir makeover too.

(All images by Faire Frou Frou)

The not so fashionable fashion post

Ugh. I feel as though I have been hit by a train and then a bus followed by a semi-trailer. I declare war on this cold.

I had a party to go to today and was looking forward to seeing my friends but here I am instead looking fabulous in my pink uggies and dalmatian spot pyjamas. It is bad enough that my neighbours have seen me dressed like this and now the Internet has too.

There is an important lesson to be learnt here. Do not blog when you are high on cold & flu medication.

If you don't hear from me in the next few days, please send reinforcements.

(Why not... ugg boots aka homeboots and pj's Peter Alexander)

More ruffles

I was looking at images today of a store makeover and it inspired me to take out the olive/yellow zig zag rug for this shot. I plan to share the store images with you on Monday and it will all make sense then. Can't wait to share with you. There is lots to be inspired by.

Today was a beautiful day spent with people I love. A perfect day. Hope you are enjoying your weekend too!

Grey ruffle top: Kookai
White singlet top underneath: Kookai
Pale blue cardigan: Alannah Hill
Jeans: Lee
Shoes: ModCloth

Career girl

My mornings start of peacefully. A coffee milkshake wakes me up and Robert snuggles beside me as I drink it. We play a game where he tries to dip his finger (or his hand) into the glass and I try to stop him. Some days I win. Some days I don't.


Then, before I know it, the time has passed and I'm madly running around trying to find my shoes/keys/wallet/mobile, brush my hair, play peek-a-boo with Robert while applying my makeup (he likes to hide in the dresser), and all the general madness that ensues when I only have a few minutes to get myself out of the house and off to work.

By far the hardest moment though is saying goodbye to my little boy. But the best is seeing him race towards me when I return home. You can't put a price tag on those cuddles. Okay, I'll spare you anymore mushiness. I just couldn't help it today.



I am thinking of taking the fashion posts through to the weekend. Would you enjoy that? Things will be back to normal next week I promise. Meanwhile if you are looking for a DIY project to try this weekend why not paint your stairs, if you have any, in a gradation of colours like the above image from Living Etc?

60's style dress: Cue
Tights: Leona Edmiston
Shoes: ASOS

(Image 1 & 2 me, Image 3 Living Etc May 2010 via Happy Mudane)

Pink + Bow

I'm in a rush this afternoon. I blinked and it was already the afternoon so I'm trying hard not to blink again. Too much to do.

I wish I could have paired the top with tailored pants but the ones I own don't seem to fit me anymore. So, jeans it is until I can find the perfect pair of pants.

Okay, gotta run!

Top: Rose & Ruby.. unfortunately they closed up shop a few months ago. Their clothes were really beautiful and feminine.
Belt: Portmans
Jeans I wear all the time: Nobody
Shoes: Cheapie store

Aztec

I spent this morning in a turtleneck and jeans but I took the opportunity to wear something girly for a short trip out of the house this afternoon. This is definitely not a "Let's go outside and do some finger painting" outfit. It is more of a "Can I wipe your sticky hands before I pick you up?" outfit. I wore the dress with flats today but I like the way it looks with these heels too.

And it's back to jeans for me. I'm thinking of making my own playdough... for Robert of course. Has anyone got a good recipe?

Dress: ASOS
Chevron patterned tights: Myer
Shoes: ASOS
Black top: Cotton On

Shades of red

The sun went down before I could take a good photo but this is my kid-friendly outfit - a comfortable dress worn over leggings with flats and a coat because it is getting chilly in the evenings and I'm off to class tonight.

I'll aim to take a better photo tomorrow.

Red dress: Sewn
Top: Kookai
Grey leggings: Sportsgirl
Shoes: Modcloth
Coat: French Connection

Fashion week at ish and chi

Hello! Did you have a great weekend? I really enjoyed mine spent celebrating a friend's wedding (oh how I love weddings!) and a 3rd birthday for the daughter of another good friend. Watching Robert play with other kids brings me so much joy especially when he reaches out for a cuddle. He's so affectionate.

I thought I might do something a little different this week and to focus more on fashion. I have been in the mood for dressing up lately but I know I won't be able to resist relating my posts to interiors too. For example, when I look at the colours and materials of this outfit I imagine a room with lime washed floors, a simple iron bed with a delicate ivory lace bedspread over white sheets and the palest of blue walls. I would love to recreate a room like that.

Dress worn as tunic: ASOS
Belt: Vintage
Jeans: Nobody. Worn while I was pregnant so they are a bit baggy.
Shoes: ASOS

Chinoiserie wallpaper

Image: De Gournay

Image: Fromental

Phew! One project completed but still lots of others to work on. The research I am doing for another project has let me to chinoiserie wallpaper which I have always loved for the delicate and elegant designs. It is probably the reason I was attracted to the Sanderson wallpaper I framed for the bedroom.


While on the topic of wallpaper, I am waiting on a copy of this book to arrive in the mail. I haven't seen it in person but I'm hoping it is filled with large images and eye-candy designs. Have you read this book or flipped through it?

Bathrooms

I should be working on a bathroom homework project at the moment but I thought I would sneak in some time to say 'hello' and to share this photo with you. The white wooden floorboards and the curved shape of the tub make me wish this space was my own to relax in and enjoy.

I am drawn to the use of natural wood in bathrooms whether it be in the form of a stool or chair or flooring (I know it isn't the most practical) or better still - a traditional Japanese style wooden bath where the aroma of the wood, the depth of the water and the steam would allow me to sink into a meditative calmness. Heaven.

Okay enough dreaming. I must get back to work.

(Image Living etc via The Style Files)

Mother's Day

My beautiful boy Robert,

Thank you for being the best gift I could have ever asked for. I love you with all my heart.

Mum

Happy mother's day to all the mums!

Fashion Friday: Navy ruffles

Do you have any tips for coping with a to-do list that just keeps growing?

I tried ignoring it but that obviously wasn't the best idea and so I have spent the last few days slowly chipping away at it. The course I am studying is a lot of work. I thoroughly enjoy it but I only wish I had more time to focus on each project. I should show you some of the things I have been working on one day.


I have been living in tracksuit pants this week while I have been working on these projects but I had a bit of a 'dress-up' moment when this dress arrived in the mail. I love the tiered ruffles.


On the subject of ruffles, this bed cover by Urban Outfitters is on my wishlist. It is very 'granny chic'. I've seen that term used a lot lately. I'm not sure if I like the grey or ivory better though. What do you think?

Dress: Dorothy Perkins - ON SALE!
Top: Cotton On
Fishnets: from Myer
Shoes: Nine West
Handbag: Coach

(Bottom images by Urban Outfitters)