+ loving: Happy Socks!

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Hello dear friends! How are we this Friday morning? It started raining at 7am, just when I was trying to get out of bed, and it's been coming down quite relentlessly since then. If you know me by now, you'd know winter rain and me don't go very well together. Which leads me to this post...

Imagine a pair of socks which will make you happy the moment you put them on - socks that will make you skip and hum and smile the entire time you're wearing them - how cool's that? Well, there aren't such socks around just yet (but who knows...), meanwhile, Happy Socks is close enough, as the name suggests!

Ok, so I don't usually talk about socks on this blog, but hey, these ones are fun, colourful and fashionable (words I mention often on this blog), and they are Swedish!

A short background introduction by Happy Socks:

It all started under the cloud-ridden April sky of yet another belayed Swedish spring in 2008. A vision to spread happiness by turning an everyday essential into a colourful design piece. A rigid standard of ultimate quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. A philosophy brought to perfection by the Happy Socks collective of creators, most recently spotted in a 400-year-old shrieking red cottage among the cherry trees and berry bushes in a park located in the midst of Stockholm.

{All images via Happy Socks}

Mister Ally's been pretty into them lately, and because I've mostly been seeing them at the men's department or at tie and socks shops, I automatically assumed they were for men (hmmm, our girly feet deserve to be happy too!) - but they are in fact unisex. And there are over-the-knee styles and tights specially for us girls too!

I'm loving the polka-dot ones. And any design with red-blue-white on them. What about you?

I'm also sorting through our Sydney pictures. Will share some of them with you here soon. Take care, and have a fab weekend ahead!

Sunnies Side Up!

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On my last flight back from KL to Adelaide, I must have been so anxious to be home and see hubby, that I managed to leave my less-than-6 months old Charles and Keith sunnies on the plane - boohoo! I was really loving that pair too!

So I'm in the market for a new pair of shades, and here's what I've been checking out... Haven't made my choice yet - maybe you can help?

{Jimmy Fairly}

{Nordstrom}

{Anthropologie}

{Charles and Keith}

So what do you think?

+ inspired by: Blocks

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Hi there! Happy weekend, dear friends!

Just wanna quickly share this photography print series: Blocks - by Canadian photographer Evonne Bellefleur. Remember my Geometrics collection series? They would fit famously in there!

It is really interesting to see how these faceted shapes catches and react to different lights, while casting fascinating shadows across the surface.

In Evonne's own words:

Blocks was a series I wanted to explore using faceted objects and the use of light to create interesting visuals. I love to play with negative space and the use of colour to redirect the eye. Monochrome images are great because they don't add unnecessary clutter to the image allowing the viewer to really focus on what the artist intended.

I really enjoy how the overlapping shadows form images on top of themselves, creating yet another depth to the composition. Lovely and inspiring!

These prints are available for sale via SOTI.

{All images by Evonne Bellefleur}

+ 13 Collections: {Sorbets & Pastels} / 3

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Hello dear friends!

As we come to the final part of the mini sorbets and pastels collection, it is time to be brave, adventurous, go all out, mix it up and have some fun! Wearing and living with sorbets is probably the best way to surround yourself with this season's yummiest hues without gaining a single calorie! 

{Pastels In The House, via 101 Living Ideas | Watercolors and Pastels - styling by Frida Ramstedt, photography by Mrs Bergqvist, via Livet Hemma | Rebecca Newport }

{Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2012 via Trendland | Fashionising}

Sweet, refreshing, playful, young, fashionable, barely there - these are some key words which came to mind while I was doing my research and putting together this collection. While it is not a trend which will take over the entire wardrobe or home for the next 3 years, it could be fun to be add a little of this sugary treat into your life and enjoy it while it lasts.

{Fluo meets Pastel, concept and styling by Fiet View in collaboration with Floor Knaapen for Eigen Huis & Interieur}

My favourite part of this hit of sorbets is how they can change the simplest shapes and the most ordinary of objects into something new and interesting - from an old watering can to a pair of skinny jeans to a chair or a lamp - they all take on a distinctive attitude in an ice-creamy shade!

There are no real rules here, it's what you like and what works for you. Whether you're wearing it, or dressing your home with them - tone it down with lots of whites, or kick it up against some moody greys - really, these sweet treats will go as far as your imagination takes you!

{May Meringues by Emilie, via decor8 | Watering Cans, photography by Julia Hoersch | Freie Arbeit, photography by Julia Hoersch, foodstyling by Anne-Katrin Weber/ styling by Miriam Geyer}

{Early Bird handmade ceramic lamp - Alma's Room}

Have fun! 

+ 13 Collections: {Sorbets & Pastels} / 2

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Good morning dear friends! The weather here is absolutely depressing - wintry rain, wind and possible storm - but nothing some bright and light sorbets and pastels can't chase away (I hope)!

{Teatime - styling by Dietlind Wolf, photography by Thomas Neckermann | Spectrum via Fashionising | Colourplay Easter - concept and styling by Dietlind Wolf, photography by Julia Hoersch | Exhibition Vase in Gallery - Mod Cloth | Mint Wall via Skonahem | Lungo Watering Can - Moko | Soda-Lime Pitcher - Anthropologie | Green Vase via Skonahem | Mason Jar Basket - Olive Manna | }

Today's inspirations are a palette collection of mints and azures, from wearable to liveable. I think these barely there, hints of greens and blues, paired with yellows and earthy tones can be quite easy to work into an interior. Depending on which end of the spectrum you prefer, they can introduce a cool, light and bright atmosphere into the home with the watery tones, or a more funky and modern effect from the brighter spots of colour combinations. 

{Magdalena Frackowiak for Vogue Japan February 2012, via Fashioising | Exhibition Vase in Gallery - Mod Cloth | Kumari Mint Block Print Cushion - Bungalow | Living At Home - styling by Andreas Lichtenstein, photography by Julia Hoersch | Method Sea Minerals Liquid Soap - Moko | Brown on Brown - photography by Alexander Berge, via VT Wonen | Pisces - illustration by Dietlind Wolf | Collect Cabinets - photography by Louis Lemaire, via VT Wonen}

I love how these coordination are so airy and calming! Mints being a cool color, paired with browns and neutrals results in a warm and refreshing effect!

Again, depending on your preference, you can introduce as little or as much pastels into your space, but it is probably a good idea to group similar colors or objects together, forming a curated collection, which should more successfully highlight and show off your pieces!

{Spectrum via Fashionising | Fruit of The Spirit print - Olive Manna | Gaffer Decanter Set - Anthro | Small Green Bucket - Olive Manna | Magdalena Frackowiak for Vogue Japan February 2012, via Fashioising | Flowers/ Living At Home - styling by Katja Graumann, photography by Julia Hoersch}

Hope you've enjoyed the round up! I have one last part to share on this small collection, which I'll do so tomorrow. Then I'm off to Sydney for a few days, and I hope to weather is much more forgiving there!

Have an inspiring day ahead!

+ 13 Collections: {Sorbets & Pastels} / 1

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Hello! Thank you for the warm welcome back! It's nice to know I've been missed and that good friends of the blog has been patiently waiting and supporting my return! You don't know how much that means to me - thank you again!

Right! We were talking about sorbets and pastels blowing the fashion world over, and how will that translate into our homes?

{Teatime - styling by Dietlind Wolf, photography by Thomas Neckermann | Spectrum via Fashionising | Vintage cabinet against lilac wall - styling by French Uyterlinde, photography Jansje Klazinga via VT Wonen | Lavoisier Pendant Lamp | Pastel Macarons - photography by Jessa Mae Photo | Diya Plum Block Print Cushion - Bungalow | Colourplay Easter - concept and styling by Dietlind Wolf, photography by Julia Hoersch}

It is quite intriguing to see how one trend evolves into another, some times predictable, other times catching us by surprise. These shades of sorbets we're seeing can most probably be traced back to last year's color-blocking, now taking on a lighter, softer but definitely still very powerful presence.

This new wave of pastels, however, shouldn't be confused with shabby chic, or baby boys and girls (baby blue, baby pink?); while paler shades can lean towards the feminine, there is nothing childish or overtly country cottage about this trend at all!

{Magdalena Frackowiak for Vogue Japan February 2012, via Fashioising | Teatime - styling by Dietlind Wolf, photography by Thomas Neckermann | Happy Spring by A Creative Mint}

One way of introducing sorbets and pastels into your style (interior or fashion alike), is to go for simple lines and shapes, not emphasising too much on patterns but rather allowing the colors to pick up on the forms and contours. And when unsure, start small, like a collection of vase, cushions, accessories in the same hue range, rather than splashing mint and blush too quickly across the entire home!

{Styling by Marianne Luning, photography by Anne de Leeuw for VT Wonen April 2012, via VT Wonen}

{Stellan Herner photography for Elle Magazine | Aldo Glasses - Anthropologie | Stark Paint Collection - photography by Geoffrey Sokol, via Elle Decor}

There is something quite interesting and fun about casting a new shade on an everyday, familiar form, like a chair, a wardrobe, a pair of jeans or even a pant suit. Albeit, like every trend, it won't fit everyone nor will it suit every home, but it is still fascinating to see how it can stand out or blend in with the way we live, and how well it is received.

What do you think?

Will share the mints and azures inspirations next round. Thanks for dropping by today!

I'm Back {Finally}!

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Hello hello hello!!! Yes, I'm back! I'm so so SO sorry for having gone MIA this past 3 weeks, but no, I've not abandoned you guys or this blog, and I hope you've not left me either!

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In my last, very hasty post, I mentioned having to fly home immediately due to a family emergency. My 3rd uncle, Uncle KS, who's been battling with a case of pulmonary fibrosis for the past 8 years, passed away on the 24th of May. While everyone in the family were aware of his illness and has been supporting him through this challenging journey, his passing was relatively sudden. Despite being unwell, Uncle KS was still going about his daily routines as a normal, healthy person would up till the day he left us; according to my sister, he was just over at our family house the day before, enjoying lunch prepared by grandma - so you can imagine how his sudden departure shook and sadden the entire family.

I was glad I made the trip home; it was an important time for the family to be together. Uncle KS's memorial ceremony was filled with so much warmth, love and respect; from the amount of people who turned up to say their last good-byes, you can tell just how many hearts he's touched, just by being his quiet, warm, caring and compassionate self. Uncle KS has definitely led a fulfilling, courageous and victorious life, and I am so proud, moved and encouraged by his joyful spirit and never-give-up attitude even while challenging his illness. Despite the sadness of having to say good-bye, Uncle KS will always be in my heart, and missing him also brings a sense of warmth and calmness, exactly like his presence, quiet, but encouraging and comforting.

Thank you, Uncle KS.

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I was home for about ten days or so, mostly spending the time with my parents, sisters and niece. Of course, I also managed to get a new hair style and do some shopping - that's to be expected! All in all, it was an unplanned but good trip, wished I could stay longer - but I left hubby fending for himself and ten days was long enough, I suppose! Returning to South Australia, I jumped right into the middle of super winter weather, and promptly caught the cold (after managing to clean up the house and do a load of laundry) - which explains why I've been so quiet for an extra 2 weeks! Having flu in the middle of such cold and dry weather is just not fun at all! But I'm happy to report that I'm 90% recovered, and ready to get back to business!!!

So - that was the update! Apologies again, and thank you for hanging around... I've missed writing, and I've definitely missed all of you. Hope you've all been well these past weeks, and I look forward to catching up!

A little sneak peek into what you can expect in the next post: pastel and sorbets - that's one thing which went unnoticed in my short, quick trip back home - it's all the shops are shouting about! While it's a few more months before I can start enjoying spring/summer colours and fashion, it's never too early to see how these interesting runway colours translates into the home! Wear it, or live with it? Let's see, shall we?

{Fashionising | X-PO Design}

Be back very soon!