The art of display

I think these pictures speak for themselves!

Via isuwanee

via decorislikebutter

Via beaulifestyle 

Via beaulifestyle

Via meohmy

Above three pics via beaulifestyle

Above two pics via MadebyGirl 

Introducing my new winter boots

Bought these yesterday in Mi Piaci.  Check them out on their website here.  They go over the knee and fit me like gloves.  Of course now I need to buy some new skinny jeans/pants to wear with them.  It's neverending, isn't it?

I love Etsy (and cushions!!)

There's been lots of great outcomes from getting in on the ole blogging game: linking into such a fantastic design network and all the inspiration that that provides, discovering online magazines like Lonny and also discovering Etsy.

Last night I indulged in a little online retail and as a result, this gorgeous cushion is soon to be making it's way to me from the Etsy shop Nenavon.

Via Nenavon

It's fair to say that I have something of a cushion obsession.  Here are some others I'm currently hearting from various Etsy stores.  First off some other monochromatic numbers:

Via Modernality

Via Alexandra Ferguson

Via Alexandra Ferguson

Via Modpress

Next some turquoise cushions that I'm considering for our master bedroom.  Can't decide on the darker or light hue...

Via Kyoozi

Via Idari

Here's one I have in mind for the all white guest bedroom I'm planning for some time in the future:

Via SaSeaBoutique

And here are some others I don't necessarily have somewhere for but want all the same:

Via anitascasa

Via anitascasa 

Via milkandcookiesCanada

Via modernality

Via Itari 

Via anitascasa

Via milkandcookiesCanada

Yeah, I like cushions.

Celebrity Winter Style Inspiration (SJP and more)

It's end of daylight savings tonight and despite the sunny weather today, there's no denying that winter is on it's way.  Always at this season changeover time I feel like I have NOTHING to wear.  The only remedy is to purchase a few key items in order to unlock the potential of my existing wardrobe.  Here's some celebrity fashion inspiration from the Autumn/Winter season just past in the NH, which I'll be using as a guide when I head out to the shops (tomorrow?) to sort this little mini crisis out.

First some inspiration from SJP:

Then from Gwen, Jen and the rest!

See any themes?

Pink blush

Looking through some of the pictures of interiors I keep as inspiration on my hard drive, I noticed a common theme - interiors (bedrooms mostly) with just a dash of pink.  I bet a lot of us would like to give in to the temptation of going all out on an uber pink colour scheme but the reality is that we have partners/husbands who may just find that a little bit objectionable!  A sprinkling of pink though is generally acceptable and goes some way towards satisfying our girly needs.

Above images via

Recent research suggests that girls are actually hard wired to like pink - see here. 

Via Made By Girl

I think the ultimate in giving into what may be a biologically programmed love of pink would be to paint your front door in the girliest of hues.  Take a look at these for some inspiration:

This top one is apparently from somewhere in Ireland - I'm assuming Dublin.  Stylish Irish indeed!!

Wow - just looking at these makes me feel happy.  Hurray for pink!

Time for a new Orla Kiely bag!

Wherever I go, I always get compliments on my Orla Kiely bags, purchased back in the home country in good ole Brown Thomas (or BT's to those of us on familiar terms).  I currently have two on the go - my black and grey stem leaf print (which with it's brown leather handles goes with just about everything!) and my beige, multi coloured stem leaf print (as seen here).   Alas, the black and grey number, which has provided such dedicated service over the past few years, really does now need to enter into retirement and be replaced by a new model this autumn/winter.

So far, the only place I've found in NZ selling Orla Kiely merchandise is smallacorns (I also follow the smallacorns blog).  Here are my three favourite OK bags currently on offer at the smallacorns online shop.

1. Orla Kiely Alpine Forest Midi Sling

2. Orla Kiely Acorn Cup Print Betty Bag

3. Orla Kiely Multidirectional Stem Shoulder Bag

All above images via smallacorns.co.nz

One of the best features of Orla's bags is the oh so nifty elastic key chain.  I also love the magnetic closure.

via redpipette

It goes without saying of course how delectable the prints and colour combinations are.  The first bag shown above would be a great replacement for my existing bag on account of it's "go with everything-ness".  I'm always a sucker though for black and white and then of course the pops of colours in the third bag would be great to brighten up an otherwise dull winter ensemble.  Decisions, decisions...

Rollasoles

First of all, isn't it the coolest and most apt name for shoes that you roll up?  I'm also really attracted to the concept.

Not sure why exactly.  I wouldn't use them much for the reason they were originally invented - slipping on after a night clubbing (apparently you can buy them from vending machines in night clubs in the UK, Ireland, Ibiza and Australia).  I can well recall the agony of wearing too tight/high stilettos on a night out and then resorting to bare feet walking home or on the quest for a taxi (shudder).  But I rarely find myself in that situation nowadays - and that's not just because taxis are far easier to come by in Auckland than they were in my glory days in Cork, Dublin or London!

Images vis Rollasole.com

On the website they also suggest the following uses for your rollasoles:

• Commuting - hop on the train or jump on the bus
• Driving- pop them on and put your foot down
• Shopping - slip off your heels and hit the shops
• Travelling - check in, kick back and take off
• Weddings & Special Occasions - make it the last dance in comfort

"Himself" and I are heading to the homeland for a month in the not too distant future so I thought these might be pretty cool to have on the plane (surely much cooler than anything Air NZ will provide).  In any case at AU$20, indulging this little whimsy of mine won't break the bank!  Check out rollasoles here.

Getting Creative: Upcycled Table Lamps

I've been inspired by a few blogs lately where I've seen table lamps that have been revamped courtesy of some spray paint and/or a new shade.  While I haven't as yet sourced a second hand lamp to upcycle, here are some lamps I'm currently watching on Trade Me (NZ's answer to EBay).

All images via http://www.trademe.co.nz/

I think either of the Buddha lamps just need a new shade to give them a new lease of life and with the right styling, they could look really funky on a side table or console.  As for the pineapple lamp, I think a good dose of spray paint could make all the difference!