Eat Drink Chic

napkins | oxfords | tiger cushion (via the design files) | leopard cushion | moustache | mask | tag | straws | dog | de clieu | mousepad | coaster 

Mark and I decided to take a trip to the People's Market on Sunday. We filled up on gumbo soup, shrimp po'boy and some 'Wonderbaos'.

We also dropped by to visit Mel (the artist responsible for the stunning floral arrangements at our wedding) in her beautiful flower shop in East Brunswick. I am completely in love with her style. She has a wonderful design eye and is just so inventive... you can see more of her work on her blog. Picked up one of her poseys to brighten up our home!

In other news, I think I've finally caught the cold that's been going around. I've got 'fuzzyhead' and I'm moving very slowly this week... blegh.

I don't often post about cool branding. Why is that? I love the stuff. 

Nor do I post very often about men's fashion. Although, technically, I suppose laces do have unisex appeal. 

I stumbled upon Mavericks Laces while looking up the design group responsible for the Melbourne Pub Group newsletters that I've been inexplicably receiving in my inbox recently and, despite not being a pub person at all, have not unsubscribed to because the newsletters are so dang pretty.

Anyway... I discovered that the talented designers behind them are Condensed and while browsing their lovely folio happened upon their branding for Mavericks Laces. Pretty branding to match some pretty products.

I also love how Mavericks has a page dedicated to different ways of tying your laces. Cute.

{ branding pics from Condensed website and all other pics from Mavericks Laces website }

So, after spotting a brand new Melbourne shop over on The Design Files today and appropriately salivating over the gorgeous pics, I made a mad dash over to Hawthorn to check it out. It ticked all my boxes- Bright, whimsical and colourful with cutesy homewares and knick-knacks and a logo to-die-for. PLUS they stocked an item that I desperately wanted- A retro style label maker by Motex with pretty neon coloured tape.

The Woodsfolk truly was a retail wonderland. Of course I couldn't resist picking up some goodies while I was there (although, I could have bought the whole shop!) They packaged up my buys beautifully and it was such a delight to unwrap it when I got home. You can see the cute package and some of my purchases on my Instagram... 

If you haven't already, check out some gorgeous pics of The Woodsfolk over at The Design Files...

Last Thursday was my birthday! I turned 30 again (for the 4th time in a row). So, naturally, I felt it was time for a wee bit of a shopping spree. You know, to spend some of my hard-earned birthday cash. Took a stroll through Fitzroy on Saturday and spotted this pretty + colourful necklace by Stampel at Dagmar Rousset (such a cute shop!) It even came in the most gorgeous little box. I just couldn't resist...

Happy Birthday to me.

Stripes, pleats, striking colour and pattern combos, a touch of quirkiness... This spring/summer collection from Handsom ticks all my boxes. Love it!

{ spotted in Frankie mag }

I rarely gush over shoes. In fact,  I'm an embarrassment to womankind in that I mostly despise shoe shopping. So it was a bit of a surprise when I happened across this pair of tan, oxford style lace-ups and realised I was completely in love.  Spotted at this gorgeous shoe shop in Armadale called "Bared".

Check out their website and/or if you're in Melbourne, pop in for a gander at their Armadale shop.

It has recently come to my attention that the combination of pretty novelty chocolate, shiny+glittery hats and a collection of colourful felt balls = happy!

So, if you're out and about in Melbourne and you're looking for some cheering up, here's where to go:

• Simón Coll Umbrella Chocolates from 'The Department' ( a new and interesting concept store) in Prahran
• Glitter hat from Woolworths (pick up some munchies while you're there) in Kew
• Felt balls from The Colour Lab ( lots of pretty colourful things ) in Prahran
• Happy Birthday candles from Daiso ( could spend hours in this cute japanese store. everything is $2.80! ) in Westfield Doncaster.

{ photography by Amy Moss }

What a frustrating week! First a nasty computer virus then an erratic server- so sorry for the lack of updates thus far! Anyway, better late than never right?

I'm currently tempted to pay a visit to Hare & Grace- a Melbourne eatery and minibar designed by the talented Joost Bakker. Judging from their website gallery both their food and interior look equally delicious!

{ photos from Hare and Grace website }

With a strong focus on eco-friendly practice and design, Apples and Jam in South Melbourne looks like a wonderful new space that hosts fun, crafty and creative parties for kids. They also provide children's classes and playgroups.

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Love the stylish, 'outdoor picnic' inspired space! Makes me wish I was a kid again...

If you're in Melbourne you might want to check out the current Magnolia Square pop up event at Malvern Town Hall that runs over three days- today, tomorrow and Saturday. Check out the awesome list of retailers who will be displaying their goodies. Food, craft, design, fashion etc.,...

Check out the beautiful wedding and engagement portfolio of Melbourne based photographer Jonathan Ong. We've just booked him for our upcoming engagement party! Found via Polka Dot Bride.

Loving the mix of exotic fabrics for interiors and for fashion at Fenton and Fenton in Prahran, Melbourne.

I'm really loving the current aesthetic trend in specialty coffee houses and roasteries in melbourne. A mix of factory and science lab. Stainless steel, wooden crates, army greens, amber jars... The juxtaposition of cold, clinical metals and warm, comforting woods. I swear, if not for an unavoidable caffeine aversion I would be hanging out at these places all the time.

Above: St Ali's Outpost at 9 Yarra St, South Yarra. Designed by Hecker Phelan Guthrie Interior Designers, whose impressive portfolio is definitely worth a perusal or two. I love everything they do! (Photos by Thom Rigney)

Below:  Market Lane Coffee in Shop 13 Prahran Market- 163 Commercial Road. Designed by Claire Larritt-Evans. Check out more pics of the project on her blog. I just love the attention to detail.

Spotted at the Melbourne Design Market over the weekend- Lovely rubber stamp sets to create your own landscape imagery! Hand-crafted in Melbourne by Two Degrees. Love the use of distinctive Aussie landscapes. Would make a very unique gift this Christmas and would even be great for making your own Christmas cards or decorating gift wrap.

It was just before Christmas last year and my mother and I were in a car headed towards Armadale when we discovered a little shop packed to the brim with brightly coloured packages in a variety of beautiful and exotic patterns. We were intrigued! Continue for more details and pics.

On Sunday the fiancé and I took a stroll down Brunswick St- Something we haven't done together in quite some time. It started off as a lovely day- beautiful sunshine, not a drop of rain in sight and a lovely brunch (in aforementioned sunshine) at Madame Sousou. Of course, being Melbourne, the pleasant weather was predictably short-lived and we soon found ourselves caught in torrential downpour.  

However, before this dramatic outburst from the heavens, I re-discovered Brunswick St Bookstore. I just love all the little treasures they have hidden there.  I picked up a copy of The Hungry Girls Cookbook Volume 2 and this very cute little postcard of an apple core by ask alice stationery. Just thought I'd share...

Spend some time drooling over photos of the gastronomical artwork of Vue de monde- a French restaurant in Melbourne that I've been dying to visit. Photography by Tim James.