Urban Walkabout Launch Their Pop Up for Christmas…

Tags

Accessories, Australia Design, Australia Made, Christmas Shopping, Homewares, Jewellery, Local Artisan Shopping, Melbourne, Online Shopping, Perth, Scarves, Softies, Sydney, Urban Walkabout

(Image from here)

So I rang up my local swimming baths. I said ‘Is that the local swimming baths?’ He said ‘It depends where you’re calling from. (Tim Vine)

There’s a great little group of passionate locals who established the very useful Urban Walkabout back in 2006.  They publish a series of free lifestyle guides featuring fashion, food and design destinations in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne.

Their printed guides are a great way for locals and visitors alike to discover the best places to eat, drink, shop and more within a given area.

Urban Walkabout say it best: “Our printed guides include an illustrated map and business images and reviews that help direct readers to a carefully curated selection of boutiques, local artisans, galleries, designers, cafes, bars and restaurants in each location.”

And, best of all – you can pick them up for free.

This year, for the first time, Urban Walkabout have launched a new online pop up shop.   It’s a curated collection of unique product from local producers in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth – and, I think they’ve got some very cool wares on offer.

Wanna’ see some of my favourites?

‘Clem’ The Herringbone Koala
Born and raised in Creswick, Victoria.
Clem is double stitched and lovingly constructed from offcuts salvaged from the local wool mill by the delightful toy maker, Robyn from Sillee Billee. He stands 23cm tall.
$40
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Rosso Forte Scarf ‘Spremuta’
I love me a scarf… This one is a rustic still life of fruit and assorted produce laid out in preparation. Bold citrus colours are contrasted with light and dark accents. Billowy, lightweight washed silk. Designed and handmade in Italy. It measures 140cm x 160 cm. GORGEOUS!
$229.00
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Baked Optimism Tin
Created by artist Tara Daniel, this tin of Baked Optimism contains exceptionally cheerful baked beans. You can never have too much optimism. Or too many baked beans. I know a girl who loves her baked beans…
Also available in ‘Sliced Pessimism’ variety.
$20
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

L’ascari Man Candle
Mancandle is for every man. They apparently allow any man to be able to enhance his space be it at work or at home by being able to customise the scent of his environment with one or a combination of up to four sophisticated fragrances.
With a 27 hour burn time they come beautifully presented in a glass amber jar (height 6.5cm) with screw top lid and packaged in a rigid sliding box.
Fragrances available:
Sawdust – cedar wood & sandalwood paired with patchouli & musk.
Open field – think freshly cut grass & green leaves teamed perfectly with Australian fauna. Fresh just doesn’t cover it!
Old oak tree – a deep earthy fragrance combining oak, woods, amber & citrus fruit. “Smells like a hot man” – as overheard in the Urban Walkabout office.
Espresso – dark roasted coffee beans
$29.00
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

InSync Roost Earrings
These earrings by InSync are made from hypoallergenic stainless steel plated with 22 carat yellow matte gold. Each set comes boxed with details about the artist.
Iris Saar Isaacs is a Melbourne based design studio. InSync design studio maintains an independent approach to contemporary jewellery, whilst marrying industrial methods and materials.
$100
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Vintage Rubber Stamp Set from High Tea with Mrs Woo
Make your Christmas cards stand out this year! A great box set of vintage-style alphabet and number rubber stamps which make beautiful labels and gift tags. Buy them as a gift or use them to decorate your own. Includes a set of 20 blank gift tags.
Made in Korea (so not strictly local!). They make my ‘haberdashery’ tendencies go bananas!
$50
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Paper Potter Kit With Heirloom Seed Packs
I adore this concept! A clever and everlasting tool for pressing biodegradable seedling pots with newspaper. When seedlings are ready, plant them complete with the pot into the ground to avoid disturbing the roots. This beautiful kit includes heirloom seeds of beetroot and cauliflower varieties and paper strips so you are ready to get started straight away! This potter makes approximately 6 x 4.5cm pots.
$38
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Do go and check out all the offerings at the Urban Walkabout Pop Up here. Unfortunately, shipping is only available within Australia BUT, if you’re planning a visit to Sydney, Melbourne or Perth there’s also the free Urban Walkabout App which brings you a mobile version of the well-known and loved pocket-sized Urban Walkabout guides, to allow you to curate the city your way.

Jac+Jack STILL Make the Best Tees…

Tags

Australia, Clothing, Fashion, Online Shopping, Oxford Street, Shopping, Split Enz, T-Shirts, Tim Finn

Jac+Jack
(Image from here)

Back in July last year, I wrote a wee post about the Jac+Jack ‘Louis’ Tee (you can refresh your memory here). I still reckon they make the best t-shirts around.

What’s even better is their Oxford Street store has opened (actually, a month ago now. I never claimed to be a fashionista!) and it’s a super fine place to visit if you are after a beautifully crafted, clean piece in cotton or cashmere…

Jac+Jack
126 Oxford Street, Sydney
(Image from here)

LM and I happened past the store the other day while walking the pooch. I just had to take the opportunity to pick up a couple of fresh white tees. There are even a couple of ‘husband chairs’ and best of all, the pooch was welcomed with open arms. Gotta’ love a dog friendly clothing store!

Jac+Jack ‘Mitch’ Tee
I thought I’d branch out from the ‘Louis’!
(Image from here)

What just takes the cake for this Kiwi girl, is that the model for the brand’s most recent men’s campaign is none other than our Tim Finn (of Split Enz fame for those of you not in the know… Perhaps I am showing my age?)

It’s a non-stop invention, this game of life, and as soon as you think you’ve got it, you lose it. (Tim Finn)

Tim Finn for Jac+Jack
(Image from here)

Now that’s an inspired bit of marketing, I reckon…

According to their website, Jac+Jack are still working on shipping internationally. Do go and have a squizz at their ever-growing range, though. You can get to it here.

The Selvedge Calendar Countdown and Things Haberdashery…

Tags

Arts and Crafts, Christmas, craft, Designers Guild, Le Grenier, Little Owl, London, New Zealand, Online Shopping, Sarah Strachan, Selvedge, Selvedge Dry Good, Shopping, Terrain, Textiles, Tricia Guild, V and A

So, almost every time I speak to my brother in New Zealand, he asks me how my ‘haberdashery‘ is progressing. To be honest, it has been pretty quiet of late. Not much progression at all. I have been a little remiss. But, yesterday the latest issue of Selvedge magazine arrived. Issue 49. The Evergreen issue.

Issue 49 of Selvedge Magazine

On page 14, there is a countdown to Christmas with lots of good websites to check out. It sort of falls under the ‘haberdashery’ banner and I thought, for the benefit of those of you who don’t subscribe to the fabulous Selvedge mag’, I would give you a few ideas and pass on a few of those sites…

Gemini Grenat Cushion by Christan Lacroix at Designers Guild
(Image from Designers Guild)

If you have been living under a rock and have never heard of Designers Guild, then this bit is for you: Established in 1970 by Tricia Guild, Designers Guild designs and wholesales furnishing fabrics, wall coverings, upholstery and bed and bath collections worldwide. The Designers Guild business philosophy is to combine creativity and innovation with the highest levels of quality: quality of design, product, service and people. As ever, Designers Guild is known for its bold use of colour and pattern.

Rolleiflex T-Shirt, available exclusively at the V and A Shop
(Image from VandA Shop)

The Victoria and Albert Museum, one of the world’s greatest museums of art and design has a wonderful online store. Its well worth a visit if you haven’t yet discovered it for yourself.

French Portrait Cushions from Le Grenier
(Image from Le Grenier)

Based in my very own back yard, despite sounding trés French, Le Grenier (‘the attic’ in French) stocks old and new home-wares, antiques and brocante – French, farmhouse, faded, found or just fun.

These cushions were designed and made in France by internationally renowned designer Pascal Palun. A delightfully quirky way to include 18th century French portraiture in a modern interior.

Waterland Plate Decoupage by Little Owl Design for Terrain
(Image from Terrain)

With stores in Glen Mills, PA and Westport, CT, Terrain is a home-wares shop with many goodies on offer. The decoupage series by Little Owl is just one example of their wares – but it may be one of my favourites.

In their Altered Perspectives series, Little Owl Design juxtaposes visions of the past, by affixing vintage Dutch paintings to traditional European tableware. The result is a quirky, one-of-a-kind conversation piece, like this set smooth, red-and-white transfer-ware, printed with an idyllic picture of the English countryside and accented with textured waterscapes.

The Anta Chair for Plumo
(Image from Plumo)

Bit of a teaser, really. The Anta chair from Plumo is a unique upholstered arm-chair finished with the most beautiful hand stitched quilted vintage fabrics, contrasting in colour and pattern. The shape based on a 1950’s design classic. Unfortunately, it is only available for shipping within the UK because of its weight.

Barbara Brown Doll by Sarah Strachan from the Selvedge Drygoods Store
(Image from Selvedge)

Finally, there is the ever-covetable dry goods store at Selvedge itself. It is such a beautiful store – full of high quality crafted good. Do check it out.

Sarah Strachan used to make creatures for film, tv and theatre, often freelancing for Jim Henson’s creature shop in Camden, London. Sarah studied fine art sculpture at St Martins in London and the National School of Art and Design in Dublin. These gorgeous dolls depict various textile designers and are all hand painted and handmade.

Alexander & Pearl – Kind of Kitsch but Worth a Wee Look All the Same…

Tags

Alexander & Pearl, Christmas Gifts, Dogs, Elle (magazine), Gifts, Interior design, Interiors, Online Shopping, Shopping, UK

“The Marquis” Large Framed Dog Portrait from Alexander & Pearl
£150.00
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

I know ‘The Marquis’ is kitsch. I know he can hardly be considered original art. But, I kind of love him, all the same. I found him when I was checking out the Alexander & Pearl website, after seeing ‘The Yetti, a white fur armchair in the latest edition of UK Elle Decoration.

The Yetti – White Fur Armchair from Alexander & Pearl
£395.00
Not exactly the most practical piece of furniture…
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

The Alexander & Pearl e-boutique was launched in early 2010.  The business was started with one goal in mind – convenience (At least – convenience for the UK resident. Not so much the wee blogger from down under…).  What could be more convenient than a 24 hour shop whose door is open 365 days a year AND who delivers to your door?

Apparently, at Alexander & Pearl, they pride themselves in offering customers a very friendly and personal experience. If I lived a little closer, I might have tested them on that. Since I don’t live in the UK, I can only look at their website and share some of the products with you…

Club Lights – A to Z from Alexander & Pearl
£80.00 each
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

Louis Black Leaner Mirror from Alexander & Pearl
£425.00
Who doesn’t love a leaner mirror? I know I do!
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

French Green & Pink Lola the Bulldog Armchair from Alexander & Pearl
£375.00
Heaven only knows where a girl would put such a chair, but…
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

Theresa Bone Inlay Chest Console from Alexander & Pearl
£950.00
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

Alexander & pearl DO deliver internationally – and, if you live in the Southern Hemisphere, shipping will no doubt cost you a pretty penny. But, have a squizz at their site anyway. It made me smile. You can check it out here.

Designfenzider – Contemporary Conceptual Design, Functional Conversation Pieces

Tags

Contemporary Design, Electrical, Form and Function, Functional design, Home and Garden, Homewares, Humour, Interior design, Lighting, Online Shopping, Shopping

VaseMaker by Designfenzider
Material: Porcelain
(Image © Designfenzider)

Maybe I am just a touch behind the times, but I have just discovered the genius that is Designfenzider. I think I am in love. I have a thing about functional design with a twist – and Designfenzider offers that in spades.

See what you think?

VaseMaker by Designfenzider
Material: Porcelain
(Image © Designfenzider)

The VaseMaker dissects the classic vase into its two functional elements: Support for the flower and a container for the water that sustains it. VaseMaker is a ’half-function’ object which is designed and redesigned each time it is placed upon a vessel and leaves space for the imagination and for the participation of the user. 

Miniature Lamp No. 2 by Designfenzider
Material: Porcelain shades, beech veneer base, 2x20w halogen bulb
(Image © Designfenzider)

Upside Up by Designfenzider
Material: Glass
(Image © Designfenzider)

Lamp No. 18 by Designfenzider
Material: Powder Coated Metal, lamp shade
(Image © Designfenzider)

After observing and subtracting main characteristics of ex lovers, The designer abstracted these qualities and formed them into a series of table lamps. This series of lamps serves as the designer’s private 3D black book

According to the company bio, Designfenzider’s hybrid objects combine material wit with aesthetic play; they sit on the fat, delicious line between the abstract and the functional.

I, for one, am enchanted…

You can check out the Designfenzider site here. They ship anywhere in the US from their online shop. the rest of the world needs to contact them to arrange delivery.

Dover Street Market is in my sights…

Tags

Colour, Comme des Garçons, Design, Dover Street Market, Fashion Design, London, Online Shopping, Rei KAWAKUBO, Shopping, Star Wars, Travel

Comme des Garçons Shirt x Star Wars Window, designed by Rei Kawakubo
(Image from DSM)

The only thing important to me is making clothes.” (Rei Kawabuko, founder Comme des Garçons)

I’ve already mentioned my love of Comme des Garçons to you in a past post (here!). And, now that LM and I are definitely tootling off to Paris and London in September for a wee sojourn, I can really let loose on my retail fantasy world (because usually I am so circumspect about it, yes?). I gotta’ say, Dover Street Market is pretty high on my list (along with Liberty, Deyrolle, Epice), if for nothing else than to salivate over the ever-so-stylish wares.

The latest launch is the Comme des Garçons Shirt x Star Wars collaboration. It features iconic imagery from the legendary films. I’m really quite interested in having a look-see at the collection (despite not being a massive Star Wars fan). I find it an interesting partnership – I was 9 when the first Star Wars film was released, which makes me old, so there is a definite retro feel to this range.

Flicking through the Dover Street Market web-site, there are a few wee bits ‘n’ bobs I’m keen to see…

CDG Star Wars Collection
(Image from DSM)

Marimekko Comme des Garçons Special T-Shirt
(Image from DSL)

CDG Red Play Ladies’ Blouse (White)
(Image from DSM)

CDG Wallet iPad Case (Green)
(Image from DSM)

CDG Super Fluo (Orange/Blue)
(Image from DSM)

CDG Colour Embossed (Orange)
Sorry Gwynnie, this trumps the Coach travel wallet I have by miles…
(Image from DSM)

And, I didn’t even get started on the mens selection.

Dover Street Market can be found at 17 – 19 Dover Street, London W1S 4LT. If you aren’t in the neighbourhood, their online store can be accessed here.

Twig – Not so Easily Contained in Brooklyn

Tags

Antique, Blog, Brooklyn, Diner, Garden, Glass, Katy Maslow, Marina Chetner, Michelle Inciarrano, New York, Online Shopping, Photographs, Shopping, Travel Blog, Travel journal, Twig, Twig Terrarium, Wythe Hotel

‘Sunbather’ by Twig
(Image © Twig Terrariums)

Since I started blogging back in February, I have come across a few cool ‘n’ groovy things in Brooklyn that I’m keen to see in real life. Not least of these is my blogging bud’ from the very cool travel blog, MarinaChetner.com. Go check it out*. She’s a fab’ travel writer and her blog always features wonderful images, too. (just in case you’re wondering, Marina currently lives in Brooklyn).

Anyhoo, in addition to the lovely Marina, and the Wythe Hotel, and the Diner restaurant, and the Brooklyn Flea market, and, and, and so much more, there is now Twig, as well!

I know, I know – for all you hip ‘n’ happening types out there saying, “Duh! So yesterday!”. This post isn’t pitched at you. This is for the rest of us. The ones at the bottom of the world where it sometimes takes a while for cool stuff to find us.

Twig Terrariums is the Brooklyn based venture, sprung from the minds of two old friends, Michelle Inciarrano and Katy Maslow. They create moss terrariums and other small worlds in antique, vintage, and new glass containers, apothecary jars, science glass, kitchen ware, and any odd glass objects they find on our travels. And, despite the fact that there is no green thumb on my person, I think they are just the bees knees. Do bees have a sense of humour…?

Each Twig Terrarium contains a very special scene using miniature figurines to complete your little green landscape – from idyllic pastoral scenes with cows and horses to angry punk rockers and Central Park muggings.

Have a look…

‘Boobies’ by Twig
(Image © Twig Terrariums)

‘Picture That’ by Twig
(Image © Twig Terrariums)

‘Bike Break’ by Twig
(Image © Twig Terrariums)

‘Basking’ by Twig
(Image © Twig Terrariums)

‘Lightbulb Moment’ by Twig
(Image © Twig Terrariums)

‘Full Moon’ by Twig
(Image © Twig Terrariums)

Twig Terrariums can be purchased at their studio in Brooklyn, selected stores in New York and online (here). They even offer custom orders.

All this is fantabulous if you happen to live in the States.  If, like me you don’t. The girls at Twig have helpfully arranged for you to be able to design your own terrarium by following the instruction in their book!

I’ve checked. You can buy it through Amazon here.

*Marina, I do recognise that you are a person, not a thing. Promise.