Places I Would Like to Live #4

Places I Would Like to Live #4


Now that I'm actually living with someone, it's interesting for me to see how other couples live and are able to combine their personalities - and aesthetics - in the one house. Now, without actually being able to go into people's houses without, um, being a creep, I am relying on websites like The Selby, which I've mentioned here before. The latest house I'm obsessed with is that of Susie Cheong and Nic Brand, designers for Lover and - an added bonus - living in Sydney! I've actually seen their house profiled before in an old issue of NYLON but I love the photography on The Selby, so here it is.
It might be easier to match your aesthetics if you design a label together! But I love this house and think it has just the right amount of quirkiness and organised chaos.

More pictures of their house and other houses at the Selby's website.

x
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Tara
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Christmas Wishes!

Christmas Wishes!


I usually have a huge brain freeze whenever someone asks me what I want for Christmas - obviously there's nothing I really "need", but it's hard to get excited about opening numerous Body Shop gift packs (not that my family usually resorts to that, but you never know...). So, without further ado, here is my 2009 Christmas wishlist:

Modcloth goodies (click for a larger view)!
In particular, I have been lusting over the Regina dress (top left hand corner) for many months now! I may be the only person in the world willing to wear an orange dress, unfortunately it's price tag has it resigned to the wishlist! I almost bought the Delta Blues dress (going clockwise now!) the other day but when I realised the Lookout, Cookout dress was on sale, well, I couldn't resist! It looks perfect for everyday wear, though, and would look amazing with a pair of brogues! The Count The Ways dress and Curator skirt show my recent obsession with ruffles, and as for the Petticoat Junction dress, it's pretty self-explanatory why it's on there! Also obsessed with the Andy Warhol-inspired Soup Brogues, I did an assignment on pop art in my first year at uni and since then I have been in love with anything Warholian! The Bachelorette Party dress reminds me of an I Dream of Jeannie costume, don't you think it has a 50's style elegance to it? And finally, the Born to be Wild and Dearly Beloved boots will give my summer dresses a much needed 90's grunge influence!

A satchel from the Cambridge Satchel Company
I saw one of these on WishWishWish ages ago, then again on Gala's blog, and after checking them out for myself I am in love! All of my (admittedly very cheap) bags end up with broken straps from the weight of my uni books, so having a stylish alternative would be bliss! I am particularly greedy for this one, the 14" vintage brown satchel.

Pretty underthings
I think I have featured this exact lingerie set from LouLou Loves You, but I can't help it! I'm in love! I have bought a bow from LouLou Loves You before, but I would die to try to gorgeous underwear sets that are for sale! This particular set is called the 'Love' set (aww!) and I am in love with the turquoise and pink combination.

Etsy jewellery!
First of all, the gorgeous Cupcakes and Mace store, which is one of my favourites, has made an adorable/badass vampire necklace (please, no Edward Cullen references) which is high on my 'want' list. Also deservingly on the wish list is the unicorn necklace, I have been looking for some type of unicorn adornment and this one isn't over-the-top, it's just simple and cute. I'm sure by now you've seen the cupcake rings around the blogs, but that doesn't stop me from coveting one with all my might! The next shop is another one that has been featured on the blog before, the lovely CuteAbility store. My picks are the Sounds like a Singer necklace - I'm just learning how to sew, so it is particularly special!, the typewriter necklace, for obvious reasons (and it even has writing on the paper coming out of it!), the tempting taco earrings - again, for obvious reasons (and look at the detail, I love it), and finally, the cuckoo clock necklace - don't you think it looks like something you would find in a doll's house?

Other honourable mentions: Textbook Romance by Zoe Foster (I have heard only good things about it and can't wait to read it!), a vintage style bike, a new laptop, typewriters, stuff for the haus! Hopefully this has given you a few gift ideas for your loved ones or even the inspiration to pick something up for yourself!
Thanks Santa!
x
p.s I know Christmas is not all about getting presents, I am thankful because it means spending time with my family, Boy's family, friends & good food!
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Tara
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How To Tuesday: Picking a Holiday Dress

How To Tuesday: Picking a Holiday Dress


Whatever you believe in, this time of year is pretty crazy. There are Christmas parties, lunches with family, meeting up with friends, that weird period between Christmas and New Year's when no one knows what's going on, and then finally New Year's, after which we have a little break. So, you need a fantastic outfit to get you through any situation! Here are my picks...

You need a dress for: Christmas Day lunch.

Might I suggest: This French Connection sundress?
This dress looks crisp and effortless, and if you look closer you can see the detailing on the bust and waist. Although the neckline is wide, it doesn't look too low cut that you'll spend a family lunch awkwardly pulling up your top, and is a length that will keep you cool if you spend Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere, like me! Some may argue that white is an impractical shade to wear, especially when there is a mixture of kids and food, so if you still drop food on yourself and like to pick up small people maybe look for a dress in another colour... but I love it!

You want: A Christmas party dress that isn't black.


Might I suggest: The I Love You Navy Dress from Modcloth?
You might know this by now, but I work in a boutique, and it is amazing how many people are sick of wearing black - especially when fashion magazines are constantly fawning over the Little Black Dress, the new shape for the LBD, the LBSD (that would be the little black sequinned dress, as I saw in Grazia). Navy is a great alternative, and this dress has enough interest with the ruffle to keep it interesting. This is a flattering length on everyone and will be classy enough to take you from an office Christmas party, to dinner, even through to New Year's.

You want: A dress that will always be a classic.

Might I suggest: This By Malene Birger dress from Net-A-Porter?
Not only perfect for the holidays, this dress is worth the investment as it will see you through pretty much any occassion life throws at you. Glam enough for a wedding, demure enough for dinner at a fancy restuarant, covered-up enough to go and meet your partner's family... The classic shape means that it will never go out of style, and the colour is a nice change - the sheerness adds some interest too. Obviously one dress won't be to everyone's tastes but I'd be willing to bet that most people would not run away screaming from this one.

You need a dress for: Making a statement on New Year's Eve

Might I suggest: This sexy little number from Sportsgirl?
I don't really go for the body con dresses - I look a little bit like a sausage in them - but there's no denying that this dress is fantastic for New Year's Eve. The embellishment on the shoulder is not enough to hinder your rockin' moves and, let's face it, black is always a good colour for when you're out and getting numerous drinks spilt on you/sweaty from dancing around so much/covering up any insecurity following eating way too much at Christmas lunch.

You need a dress for: The day after.

Might I suggest: This Witchery maxi-dress?
I actually own this dress - albeit in slightly different colours - so I can vouch for how comfortable it is. It is perfect either for laying on the couch moaning and clutching your stomach, vowing never to eat turkey and ham and potatoes and pudding ever again, or for laying on the couch moaning and clutching your stomach vowing never ever to imbibe any alcohol again and vetoing New Year's altogether. It's a knit dress, so as I have probably mentioned before, it feels like you're wearing a big comfy blanket, and it still looks decent enough if you need to dash to the shops for magazines/DVDs/aspirin.
Hope this has helped, dears!
x
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Tara
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Style Icon: Agent 99

Style Icon: Agent 99


I used to watch Get Smart all the time when I was little (my dad used to call my sister and I Agent 89 and Agent 91, after our birth years :P ), and while I didn't notice the incredible style of Agent 99 then - too distracted by the shoe phone, I guess - I've been watching reruns for pretty much that reason alone! A show made in the 60's is obviously going to have some mod influences, which I love, and there is no better inspiration than this very stylish secret agent. Take a look for yourself...
Fantastic hair and a tartan coat - fantastic. She always has fabulous eye makeup on, as well - it doesn't even get smudged while foiling evil plots to take over the world.

*dies* This dress is utter perfection. It looks amazing with the 60's bob to go with it. It is no surprise that Agent 99's back story is that she was a "high fashion model", as well as fluent in three languages, a violin and harp player and a talented singer :P

Isn't that a fantastic dress? If I was ever to get married I would want a vintage-styled dress, this is very good inspiration, although I may give the headdress a miss..

Agent 99 goes undercover as a noughties-era hipster?

Last one, I swear! I couldn't resist posting this adorable dress. I can't see it too clearly (need glasses!) but I believe it's pink houndstooth? Or possibly gingham? Either way, I need one.
x
p.s the heart underneath the picture will take you to the source, should you be so inspired!
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Tara
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What I Wore 26.11.09

What I Wore 26.11.09


I wore this fantastic dress to a dinner and movie date with Boy! We went to the Cinammon Club for some yummy Indian food and then to The Invention Of Lying. To be honest (ha) the movie was very clever but not spectacular, as much as I love Ricky Gervais I just couldn't get that into it. Also something about Jennifer Garner just really irks me, I can't place it but I can't watch a movie with her in it without grinding my teeth. I'm sorry Jennifer, it's nothing personal.
♥ Vintage dress, from Retrostar
♥ Gold rose studs from Diva
♥ Shoes from Zu
I looove this dress. It is my Chuck from Pushing Daisies dress now because Boy said it reminded him of a pastry-maker's dress. The pictures don't really show how vibrant the green is in real life. (They do show how pasty and white I am, though!)


Today I also went shopping and, along with a new iron (joy! No, really) and a mini hair straightener, picked up a Maggie Alderson novel - I read one while on the plane and they are perfect escapist books - and Dreaming of Dior, which I'm reading right now and can say that it is wonderful. I often wonder about the stories behind the vintage clothes that I buy; I think that the author was so lucky to be able to get to know the women who had worn the clothes and their stories. And only in my wildest dreams could I inherit 3000 vintage dresses in perfect condition!

x

p.s I am thinking of buying a new laptop, do you guys have any recommendations?
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Tara
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Gin in a Teacup's Favourite Melbourne Places, pt. 2

Gin in a Teacup's Favourite Melbourne Places, pt. 2


Continuing from Part One!

Polyester Records
, 288 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
The Boy is into collecting vinyl records in a BIG way, so he was pretty thrilled to find this shop. I am not as fanatical as he is, but I was still enamoured by the range they had! I didn't buy anything but Boy picked up Iggy & the Stooges and Free. It has a lot of local CD's (obviously I wasn't too up-to-date with Melbourne bands but if you are, look here!), as well as a pretty impressive collection of music books, general fiction and other works of hipster-ness that you can display on your bookcase. It definitely has a High Fidelity vibe, the staff seemed like they would know what they're talking about and it had a lot of hard-to-find records (like The Smiths - I haven't seen it anywhere else! It was fifty dollars though, so I had to leave it).

Jewellery I got at Corky Saint Clair!
Corky St Clair, Shop 3 Campbell Arcade, Degraves St Subway, Melbourne
I originally went in here looking for presents for people but walked out with, um, two presents for myself. I really recommend this shop if you are a lover of quirky jewllery because the range is fantastic. I think that this would be a great place to pick up a little Kris Kringle present because the prices are pretty fair (starting from about $20) and you're quite unlikely to find many people with the same piece! Luckily for those of us who don't live in Melbourne, most of the range is also available online (just click on the link above!).

kozyndan print available from Outre - but don't buy it!
Outre Gallery, 249 Elizabeth St, Melbourne
Don't skip the NGV by any means, but do make some time to come and check out this little art gallery on Elizabeth St. While I was there it had prints by Angelique Houtkamp, Mark Ryden (I had to message Em just to tell her, she is a massive fan!), and kozyndan (Boy and I were thinking of buying one of these paintings but were already over our luggage limit so couldn't justify it! Boo!). Again, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and I still didn't walk out empty handed - I bought a little book with vintage fashion and beauty ads from the 60's.
Little Cupcakes, Shop 7, Degraves St, Melbourne
Tucked into one of Melbourne's many little laneways, it could be hard to find but it is definitely worth seeking out. The home of teeny tiny cupcakes that look like they could be out of a doll's house, you can sit and flick through one of the Frankie magazines they have on hand, sipping a delicious milkshake and nibbling on one of the delectable cupcakes. You can get them "normal-sized", or as I said, in the tiny size, which will give you the chance to sample a lot - with flavours like teddy bear (white chocolate) and jaffa, who could resist? I recommend the red velvet flavour.

OK, two posts is quite enough of my rambling, I think! Hopefully I have given you some inspiration, whether you live in Melbourne or are planning a holiday there. Have fun discovering places of your own!
x

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Tara
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I'm a freelance writer who blogs about Perth (my old home), Paris (my new home), fashion, food, and everything else that takes my fancy. Have a look around and enjoy!