Bowerbird Bazaar {Part 1}: Ask Alice

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So it was the much anticipated Bowerbird Bazaar again last weekend! A quick glance saw the event drawing a much larger crowd as compared to the last few times we visited, with the queue at the door stretching all the way down Playhouse Ln at lunch time on Saturday. Yay to a fabulous turn out!

Although it meant that shortie-me had quite a bit of a hard time manoeuvring through the throngs and had to stand on tipped toes to peep over the shoulders of others and admire the many exciting and beautiful wares on display, we still walked away very much inspired and happy to be surrounded by so many creative and passionate people who are supporting and contributing to the local design and handmade industry. Double yay!!!

While I'll do the usual round up of my favourite designers/makers I spotted at the bazaar, I'd first like to introduce to you "Ask Alice".

+ loving the displays, and the cute little box and vintage case! {Images by ME on iPhone}

I picked up a few items from this stall, even had a little chat with the lovely Sass and got her permission to take a few quick photos of the stall and products, while waiting for my purchase to go through on the really cool and nifty credit card swiping device she had attached to her iPhone (technology never cease to amaze me!)! By the way, please excuse the quality of my hastily taken pictures; I had to be quick so as I won't get in the way of the other shoppers all waiting to get their hands on Ask Alice products!

Ask Alice is a eco-friendly paper goods brand based in Melbourne, specializing in notebooks, sketchbooks, postcards, greeting cards, art prints and more, all of them featuring beautiful and detailed illustrations by Sass herself. First released in 2009, Ask Alice takes pride in producing stationary which emphasises on fair trade, environmentally safe materials, the attention to detail and all at very affordable prices.

{All images via Ask Alice}

Not only that, I also find their products irresistibly lovely, the designs sweet and whimsical, of top quality, and obviously made with lots and lots of love! I picked out a Typewriter Mini Book (I can never say no to notebooks!) and more than one each of the 6 adorable postcard designs on sale. Love them! 

+ snapshots of my purchases! {Image by ME on iPhone}

To see more of lovely Ask Alice products, visit the shop here, and make sure you check out the super-cute catalogue too - I really love the notebook-ish concept!

More on Bowerbird Bazaar later this week! Thanks for dropping by, and may you all have a great start to the week!

+ quickie: Colour Block Your Furnitures!

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Hello dear friends! I am not quite sure why I'm at my desk at 8:40 on a Friday night, but here I am, and I've got a + quickie to share with you.

{Images by Tony Amos | Styling by Sarah Ellison | Via Real Living}

Natalie over at Real Living shared a very clever article on revamping your old furnitures with bright fabulous colours, not only giving them a fresh new look, but also successfully giving recycled furnitures new extended life too!

Giving old furnitures a fresh, glossy coat of paint is definitely a quick and fun way to revitalise a little part of the home; present those retro or country styled pieces with a whole new funky attitude, in bright blues, yellows and greens, and immediately alter the look and feel of your space!

So if you are not big on celebrating Halloween, got some spare time this weekend, and that chair that's been pushed into the corner is giving you looks, begging to go through a neon-pink makeover, then bring out those brushes and get to work!

Now... if only our furnitures aren't just 8 months old, I would run out to Bunnings tomorrow and grab some paint in a bright shade of turquoise (I'm quite into the colour at the moment)!

Happy weekend, everyone!

Coloured: 28.10.11

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{Just Smile, by Danielle Furman, via Society 6}

I was feeling in need of a little pick-me-up, 

and then I spotted this vintage-style print.

We can't always expect things to go the way we want them to.

There are bound to be disappointments.

But whatever it is, "Just Smile", take a deep breathe and keep moving forward,

because you wouldn't know what you'll find at your next turn.

Happy Friday everyone! Have a fabulous Halloween weekend too!

It's Purple!!!

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Well, what do you know? Because I was relieved of dinner duties (thanks to Mr. Domino's), I find myself with a little extra time to squeeze in a quick post and schedule it for the morning. Nice!

{TROLLSTA via Livet Hemma}

Some of you might remember this little number previously looking all funky in bright yellow. This season, it went through a glamorous make over and rocked up in this awesome shade of purple, looking all grown up but still manage to maintain it's fun attitude, and I can't help but fall totally in love with it!

Which made me realise, I haven't been thinking much about purple at all lately. But because of this little cutie, I got so inspired and managed to quickly pull together a collage in all shades of purple! Some times, I think that purple is in a world of it's own - mysterious, delicate, rich, warm, glamorous and strong all at the same time - well, it is the royal colour after all!

Row 1: 11 Reasons To Love Me Wallpaper by Anthropologie | Behind The Butterfly | Apartment Therapy

Row 2: Purple Wine Grapes Autumn Harvest by Jessa Mae Photo | Doily Rug by Anthropologie | Purple Flowers

Row 3: Surreal Purple Trees by KGraham Studios | Macarons - The Purple Kind | Honey House Necklace by Anthropologie

Now I really must run off to mentally and emotionally prepare myself for this interview. Oh yes, and run through the motion of racking my wardrobe for something appropriate, and on cue, wail: "I have nothing to wear!!!".

Have a lovely day! Thank you for stopping by! x.

Coloured: 26.10.11

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{Image by ME (Shu) on my iPhone with Instagram}

Dear friends, hope you're all well and happy wherever you are! I'll be away tomorrow, preparing and attending another group interview, hopefully with better results this time! Will be back to share more inspirations on Friday!

+ inspired by: QUOTEL

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I love a good quote. I love a hotel that feels like a home away from home, with a little extra luxury (like fresh towels I didn't have to wash myself!). I also love a functional space with good, thoughtful design.

So, I guess it didn't come as too much of a surprise that I would love and be so inspired by the concept of Quotel!

Quotel is a pop-up hotel in Poland, created within an unoccupied apartment building, with the purpose of accommodating fair-goers and guests attending the enormous Poznan International Fair. The fair is the largest industrial fair in Poland, with just the numbers of exhibitors alone exceeding 13,000; it is easy to imagine how the city could face the problem of lodging everyone during this super-peak period.

With the intention of solving the lack of accommodation issue in mind, the architects of mode: lina created Quotel, a pop-up hotel displaying concepts of straight forward simplicity with inexpensive solutions which are functional but also easily removed, reused or recycled, within a space that combined the features of a hotel and the comfort of a home.

The result is a customised, impressive and comfortable space, which is anything but "budget". Plus, the quirky quotes on the walls in the rooms, with sayings like "A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book", and "If you want breakfast in bed, sleep in the kitchen" will put a smile on anyone's face! And yes, to state the obvious, the name Quotel did come from the combination of  "quote" (citation) and "hotel".

{All images by mode: lina Architects, found thanks to inhabitat.}

For me, Quotel represents smart design solutions and a very clever use of space; it can easily be converted back into a residence at the end of the fair, and that in itself brings another layer of meaning to the part of its concept on emphasising on reusing and recycling, not only of materials, but spaces as well!

Are you impressed too?

+ quickie: Cushion Plushness

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Here's a quickie for you: cushions can change the life of your room(s).

I'm sure I've said this before, but I'm not afraid of repeating a good design tip: Cushions (any textile/fabric, for that matter), is probably the quickest, easiest, and in some ways the most affordable way, to update and refresh your space.

{Photography by Jason Busch, via H&G}

Throw in colours, textures and patterns against any solid, basic piece to introduce an interest of contrast and character. Plus, it adds instant plushness and comfort to any seatings too!

The above image may be a little over exaggerating it, but you get the idea, right? Have fun!

+ loving: Kendi Everyday

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I've developed a blog-crush over Kendi Everyday after I first discovered her via Creature Comforts, and have been following her ever since.

Kendi has such a fresh voice; I love how she is very quirky, witty and writes with a touch of self-deprecating humour, which makes her "real" and very relate-able. And of course, she's an absolute graceful and natural fashionista too, never failing to look gorgeous in stylish, wearable and affordable wardrobe combinations!

{All images via Kendi Everyday}

The blog came about when Kendi got married and moved to a small town about 2 years ago. Instead of getting pregnant and start a family (like how people might expect her to), she started blogging.

In April 2010, Kendi also started The 30 for 30 Remix closet challenge, where she took 30 items from her closet and remixed them into 30 outfits. "The whole point of the remix is to show myself and readers that with a little bit of creativity, you can make what you have work for you." (Kendi)

And maybe save some money in the process. I thought that was a fun; you can read more about the challenge here, and if you are inspired to give it a go, let me know and maybe we could do it together!

Have a lovely and inspiring day!

Coloured: 24.10.11

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{Image by ME (Shu) on my iPhone with Instagram}

+ loving: Quirky-Vintagey Home Accessories

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I love vintage pieces because there will always be a story, or stories, behind them, even if they are just a plain old kettle, and these stories add another layer of unique identity to the space they grace today.

If you're thinking of adding a little eclectic, industrial, maybe a little retro-ish look into your modern, neutral, clean and simple home setting, I have been shopping around and found some quirky looking home accessories which you might be interested in.

{Dairy Tin | Red Round Metal Tin Container | Apothecary Bottles | Cinco Tin Cigar Box - all from market203}

{Soda Pop Bottle | Teapot-Kettle | Storage Crate | Swedish Measuring Cup - all from Hindsvik}

+ be it an old milk jug or a tray, the reuse and re-purposing of vintage pieces is not only becoming a trendy option, they also work in adding a charming touch to the home.

{Image via here.}

A lot of them are the "originals", some of the over 70 years old; normal household items made and acquired then mostly for the sole purpose of being functional. Today, the mix of these little vintage with some basic everyday furnishings will add a nice eye-catching touch to any room, introducing some personal character into the space.

{Industrial Yellow Gooseneck Desk Lamp | Orange and Cream Radio | Glass Container | Mustard Yellow Watering Can - all from Anna Lou Vintage}

{Lime Green Industrial Gooseneck Lamp | Men Working Sign | Orange Electric Fan - all from Ohio Picker}

+ pops of retro colours of different shapes and functions brings an interesting sense of contrast, and adds depth to the character of a space.

{Image via here. Styling by Jostmeijer Esther | Photography Dennis Brandsma}

{The Kind Kitchen Teapot | The Kind Kitchen Tall Canister | That's Owl Folks Mug | Creature Comfort Travel Bottle | Tasty Trio Tiffin Box - all from Mod Cloth Apartment}

+ quirky accessories adds eye-catching accents and colours into your everyday kitchen.

{Image via here. Styling by Frans Uyterlinde | Photography by Jansje Klazinga.}

Coloured: 23.10.11

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Happy Sunday! Just dropping by to say a quick hello; I'm sure you're all enjoying your weekends, wherever you are!

Ally's at work this weekend; I spent yesterday alone, hanging out at a cafe by the beach, catching up on some reading and e-course homework while sipping coffee and listening to my iPod. It wasn't too bad, maybe a little lonely, especially since the weather was really good and everyone were out and about with friends and family, but I still had a fulfilling time and got some "work" done in a relaxing environment.

{Image by ME (Shu) on my iPhone with Instagram}

I've been playing around with the Instagram app on iPhone quite a bit lately, and experimenting with taking pictures of nature, flowers, grass, the beach... Here's one I took of the morning glories spilling over from our neighbour's yard. The colours are amazing, aren't they? You might see more of these if my obsession continues.

Alrighty ~ was supposed to keep this short! Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and I'll see you back here soon!

+ loving: La Sardina Pattern Editions

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Good morning dear friends! Happy Friday! And to welcome the weekend, here's some analogue lurves!!

Our friends over at the Lomographic Society gave a shout out yesterday showing off the latest members in their happy-lomo family: the La Sardina Pattern Editions. And because they look so totally irresistibly amazing and impressive, I had to share them here with you!

{La Sardina Pattern Editions}

Aren't they just gorgeous? Lurve lurve lurve all the funky, cool and classy patterns they are wearing. Wish I can have one all of them! Or just one, with interchangeable patterned-covers? Now that's a thought!

The four new La Sardinas in uber-cool classy patterns - Quadrat, Cubic, Domino and Mobius - these playful and visually pleasing fashionistas are set to rock the catwalks all over! And to complete their fashionable package, they come with an all new Photo Accordians with matching patterns to keep your photos safe in style.

{Quadrat in classic houndstooth check}

{Cubic - a combination of stripes and diamonds in red, black, white}

{Domino - elegant and sophisticated in black and white}

{Mobius in purple and yellow wave-like lines}

+ I think she's the funkiest of them all! 

Shhh - don't tell the others, they might get jealous!

Curious to know a little more about the La Sardina? Here's a quick blurb:

"When we introduced La Sardina in summer, this little fishy pal swept Lomographers all over the world off their feet. Sweet design combined with super easy handling make La Sardina the perfect every day camera that captures wide angle pictures wherever and whenever you want. Its plastic wide angle lens enables pros and beginners to shoot beautiful Lomographs easily. No need for long explanations at your local lab, the processing is really easy due to the regular format of the shots. Accompanied by Fritz the Blitz, our most sophisticated flash, La Sardina will make your photos shine." ~ the Lomographic Society.

Are we ready to fish up some Sardinas yet? :) Make sure you do it in style! And have a fantastic weekend ahead! See you back here Monday, or earlier ~

+ 13's Collections: {Black and White} / 7

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Hello dear friends! How's it going? Hope you are all well and happy!

Today, we're still talking about blacks and whites, but in case you're getting bored, then you might be happy to know that I am wrapping up this series, and a new one with fresh ideas and inspirations will be coming up very soon!

However, it really doesn't come as too much of a surprise that black and white is one of the most classic, versatile and stylish of combinations, and that this collection series itself continues to run, even after 3 weeks. But I also believe I can't be sharing everything there is on black and white with you, and we are ready for some new ideas and inspirations, despite how much we love black and whites! To wrap up this (very first of the 13's Collections series) in style, let's take a tour around this chic and modern yet very liveable town house in Helsingborg.

This 145 sq/ft town house is home to Jenny and Jorgen, and their son Isaac. Located in one of the newest neighbourhood in Helsingborg which was built around the concept of an English garden, the house is a stone's throw away from the city but still close to the sea and nature, making it perfect for the young family. The town house boasts a spacious open plan living room and kitchen on the ground floor, along with a guest room/ home office, bathroom and laundry room; two bedrooms and another bathroom can be found on the first floor.

Black and white is the base colour throughout the entire home, with a mix of rich coloured fabrics and Asian influenced decoratives added in tastefully. I particularly love how the various patterned cushions in contrasting hues are thrown into the black and whites, adding an interesting touch and giving a visual break from the sometimes overtly clean Scandinavian style, yet successfully blending harmoniously with the design of the home.

White flooring was something Jenny and Jorgen always wanted; they sand and polished down the oak parquet and painted it white. The result is an amazingly open and inviting quality consistent throughout the entire home, a canvas which then serves as a backdrop to emphasise their bold and comfortable furnishing style made up of a good mix of affordable furnitures, selected designer pieces and exotic Oriental decors, many of which they collected from their travels to Morocco.

There are so many things around this home I love - it's quite a perfect nest, don't you think? Hope you've enjoyed this, and the other Black and White collections I've shared! Have a lovely day!

{All images by Jenny Nordqvist, sourced via Vart Nya Hem}