Nice Australian Fashion

Hey KEN DONE: Eat. Your. Heart. Out. (actually I think that Ken Done did a talk at my college back in the day and I remember it being FAB... and quite frankly I think he also ROCKS). But the sisters be doin' it for themselves.... It's AUSTRALIA DAY so lets celebrate that beauty that is "Australiana" in fashion, and the beautiful Aussie women that are bringing it to us. I love how our Great Land inspires artists and how our irreverance, playfulness and positivity is reflected in the prints below. 

No. 1
JULIE WHITE makes the BEST Aussie inspired prints. I actually could have listed four of her products here. Like, uuhhhhh her prawn napkins. Genius! But lets focus on just the one here: Those wild flower socks. With many a pretty aussie flower, but most noteably in my mind, the Sturt Dessert Pea. Gorgeous!
Wildflowers Socks Pink
image cred & details: http://www.juliewhite.bigcartel.com/product/wild-flowers-socks-pink-new

No. 2.
JENNY KEE. She is a rockstar. An Earth-Mother. A style guru. Her knits are out of this world and her scarves are to die for.
Flamingo Waratah
image cred & details: http://www.jennykee.com/#product-25

No. 3. 
CAMEO THE LABEL did a Floral Wonderland campaign in 2014 with the most elegant prints and extraordinarily stunning art-direction. SO truly after my own heart and it has always stayed with me.
–
image cred & details: http://cmeocollective.com/#

No. 4.
CASSIE BYRNES is a Melbourne based designer who does the MOST stunning modern prints. They are all expressive, confident, fun. The almost dance in front of your very eyes and she's done some amazing collaborations. This protea inspired number is stunning.
Elko Dress – Protea
image cred & details: http://www.cassiebyrnes.com/shop/

Nice Beachy Days (Beach Towels!)

The only thing I really know for sure in this little life of mine is that Vitamin Sea is the one things that continues to keep me sane. Living near the water is truly one of the greatest blessing I could ask for and I'm grateful for it every day. If I'm happy, sad, pensive, stressed, celebrating or relaxing, you'll find me at the beach. I'll be honest, I've never understood those people who say they "don't like sand"! Hehe. Which means a good beach towel is a MUST...

No. 1
THE BEACH PEOPLE make the original "roundie" and the most beautiful styles. I think The Tulum might be out of stock atm but it's still one of my faves. I love the strength of their brand, their sense of style and beauty (plus they're a great size to share if you want to snuggle up with someone nice on the beach).
The Tulum
image cred & details: http://thebeachpeople.com.au/beach/roundies/the-tulum.html

No. 2.
COUNTRY ROAD are a staple in my house. The bold and confident designs never date and the quality/weight is beautiful as well. Love this monochromatic beauty.
Montego Beach Towel
image cred & details: https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/beach-towels/60201591/Montego-Beach-Towel.html

No. 3. 
ADAIRS do like to run with a FUN graphic and this not-so-prickly cactus gem is testament to this. Why shouldn't your towel make you smile?
Velour Cactus Beach Towel
image cred & details: https://www.adairs.com.au/bathroom/beach-towels

No. 4.
ARROW AND HEART get on the round-towel bandwagon with a beautiful palm print. I haven't seen one of these beauties in the flesh but they look like beauties from the interwebs!
Palm Leaf Round Beach Towel
image cred & details: http://www.arrowandheart.com.au/product/banana-leaf-round-towel/

Nice Yoga Intentions

Was one of your 2017 New Years Resolutions to do more YOGA this year? If so then you're (obviously) going to be needing a new yoga mat. So here are a few of the lovelies I have seen around of late so that we at LEAST last until February ; ) 

No. 1
SALLY MUSTANG and her partner Mitch Grobel make the most stunning resin artworks I have ever (ever!) seen in Byron Bay. This mat sees their art applied to a yoga mat. Genius. I think this number is currently sold out, but I'm fairly sure I saw on her insta that she has new ones coming soon. Super swoon-worthy.
Too Young For Tragedy
image cred & details: http://sallymustang.com/product/too-young-for-tragedy/

No. 2.
FREE THIRTY THREE create a whole lot of designs. I like this monochrome beauty. And I like that they plant a tree for every mat purchased as well.
the union yoga ma – inked
image cred & details: http://www.freethirtythree.com/inked-usa.html

No. 3. 
BAN DO know that SOMETIMES girls just wanna have fun. And I know that life is all about balance.... so this yoga mat be a little bit awesome! Smiles all round.
Work It Out Exercise Mat
image cred & details: https://www.bando.com/products/work-it-out-exercise-mat-after-this-we-re-getting-pizza

No. 4.
BREATHE ME use geometric patterns in a really playful way. Love the simplicity and fun of this one.
Oceana - Black - Printed Yoga Mat
image cred & details: http://breatheme.yoga/products/oceana-black-printed-yoga-mat

Nice Beach Umbrellas

We're all going on a... Summer Holiday.... OH I absolutely HEART this time of year and, ladies an gentlemen, if you need me: I SHALL BE AT THE BEACH. My delicate old Irish skin needs a bit o protection, so may as well do it in style, right?! Road tripping up the coast today. Seriously cannot wait. Bikinis, mags and sunscreen packed. I am officially good to go. Happiest of holidays to you all!

No. 1
SUNDAY SUPPLY you are actually rocking my world. I've seen this little baby around quite a bit at Bondi and Bronte this year - LOVE the simplicity of colour, fun pattern and delicate tassles. Brilliant/
Black sands beach umbrella
image cred: https://sundaysupply.co/

No. 2.
BASIL BANGS have basically painted summer fun on an umbrella. The watercolour pattern is so up my alley and actually, I probably could have listed four of their prints as my top four. They are totally owning this beachy peachy perfect space.
Four Seasons Beach Umbrella
http://basilbangs.com/product-category/beach-umbrellas/

No. 3. 
TALULAH is rocking classic geometric style... love the brushstokes and simplicity - gorgeous.
Home Ocean Light Beach Umbrella
image cred: https://www.talulah.com.au/collections/beach

No. 4.
TARGET. Huh. I'm not going to lie, I'm slightly surprised to be including something from this collection, but anything with a palm print has me hook, line and centre.
Tropicana Premium Beach Umbrella
https://www.target.com.au/p/tropicana-premium-beach-umbrella/58020043

Nice Xmas Decorations

It's the MOST wonderful TIME of the year! Which must mean that we need to talk about CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS. Here are a few of my favourites. I personally like a mix of fun, classy AND cute. I get a real Christmas tree every year because otherwise it just doesn't smell like Christmas.... 

No. 1
BJöRN KöHLER deliver my absolute FAVOURITES. I have lots of these guys and one day I plan to have the whole nativity set. They are handmade in Germany and I absolutely L-O-V-E them. They remond me of how lucky I am to have travelled the world, and I love that someone has lovingly crafted them.
Santa Claus carrying an axe and a Christmas tree
image cred: http://www.erzgebirgepalace.com/

No. 2.
COUNTRY ROAD have a whole range of gorgeous, classy xmas decorations that would suit any modern home. If this isn't a classy stocking, I don't know what is. 
Issi Knit Stocking
https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/seasonal-events/decorations

No. 3. 
PAPAYA is and Australian homewares store that does the most wonderful job of curation and stocking beautiful wares. Their Christmas decorations range from understated to off-the-charts-cute  but these baubles combine two of my favourite things: rose gold and black in the most deliciously minimal of ways.
Cinnamon round & tall glass baubles black wth painted copper edge
image cred: http://papaya.com.au/Categories/Christmas/Christmas-Decorations

No. 4.
THE YARN KITCHEN. No words. Handmade felted PLANTERS that are so cute it would be hard to only just use them at Christmas. You can grab these guys at their etsy store (link below... and they do also do non-christmas versions too!)
Rudy the red nosed reindeer planter
https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/theYarnKitchen?ref=l2-shopheader-name

Nice Botanical Illustrators

I am SUCH a fan of Mother Nature (she constantly inspires me) and lately, I keep seeing the most gorgeous botanical illustrators. Probably because I've been making a lot of artworks out of pressed flowers. But there's something equally lovely about painters and photographers and their take on Mother nature too. I have a whole pinterest board devoted to "floral art", partly because I've been fortunate enough to work as a Design Director for several natural brands.

No. 1
WHAT I SEE WHAT I RUN is possibly a self explanatory concept! Obviously when Francis Ooi goes for a "run" he's doing more walking than running, because he finds the most beautiful specimens to take home and photograph. I have been such a fan for so long! I like his titles also.
Empress (Crysanthemum)
image cred: http://whatiseewhenirun.tumblr.com/

No. 2.
CHARLOTTE DAY combines two of my favourite things: type and nature. Perfect for a children's gift!
Floral letter print
http://charlottedaydesign.com/shop/

No. 3. 
LIVING PATTERN by Jenny Kiker is just so outrageously stunning. Hey watercolour illustrations are intricate but confident and vinrant. Love their frames too. SO up my alley! 
Monstera and Pine Fern Species Prints
livingpattern.net/

No. 4.
MARGOT HUPERT ART makes art that is refined, elegant and breathtaking.
Ferns 50x70cm
http://www.margohupert.pl/

Nice Bikinis

It's OFFICIALLY SUMMER (in Australia, anyway!) WoooooHooo! What is it about Summer that always puts a spring in your step? I am constantly grateful that I am SO lucky to live by the ocean and get my daily dose of vitamin sea. Just the smell of the salty air makes EVERYTHING better. Always. So here's a list of my fave bikini's that I've seen around-town of late. 

No. 1
MILÈA are doing the most gorgeous 'jungle prints' this season and I cannot get enough of it. Love the fresh green and cheeky palm fronds.
St Tropez U Wire Bandeau
image cred: http://www.sunburnswimwear.com.au

No. 2.
SEAFOLLY can never do any wrong. My collection is made up of a fair few seafolly numbers. They last well, and their cuts are awesome. I love the balance of this cut – the 'racer' style functional straps, with the frilliness and cute bow on the bottom. Heaven.
Shimmer Action Back Tri
https://http://www.seafolly.com.au/swimwear

No. 3. 
BILLABONG won me over instantly with the contrast of feminine fun florals and strong graphic print. Swooning over this reversible print big time.
Sea Dreams Reversible Isla
image cred: http://au.billabong.com/shop/product/swimwear/sea-dreams-isla-p

No. 4.
KOOKAI proves that sometimes simplicity is best. You'll usually find me at the beach, but if I'm sipping cocktails by the pool anytime maybe I'll need this little number.
Bella Frill Bandeau
https://www.kookai.com.au/collections/swimwear/products/bella-frill-bandeau-white

Nice Notes

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There is (without a doubt) NOTHING better than a good notebook. I always have multiples on-the-go. I'm a big believer of working things out on paper before hopping on a computer. It's a different way of thinking and good for the brain. I also think in words and ideas before I do in visual approach, so I need to always have a good notebook on-hand.

No. 1
KIKKI K prove that the simplicity of geometrics can be all that a girl needs. I love the accessibility of all that they do and loving the relevancy and beauty of their current 'pause' campaign. 
A4 Essential Notebook 3PK: Pause
image cred: http://www.kikki-k.com/a4-essential-notebook-3pk-pause

No. 2.
BLACKLIST STUDIO make me so happy. I have so many of their Sydney-based prints in my home. Their mix of graphics and beach prints are me-to-a-tea.
Make It Happen Notepad
https://www.blackliststore.com.au/product

No. 3. 
JASMINE DOWLING is such a talented typographer with many beautiful brand affiliations. Her use of mono-chromatic palettes and confident effortless style is so stunning.
Notepad 3 Pack
image cred: http://jasminedowling.com/shop/notepad-3-pack

No. 4.
RIFLE PAPER CO. are fun and floral and bright and happy.... These are a few of my of my favourite things.
Everyday Journal Evelina Smyth Sewn Journal
https://riflepaperco.com/shop/journals

Nice Scarves

I am SUCH a scarf person. As far as I am concerned, they are the ultimate accessories and this week I am focussing on a combo of warmer and lightweight ones... because the Summer MUST be coming sometime soon, right?! 

No. 1
ALESANDRO LJUBICIC is a Sydney-based artist that makes the most expressive and textural and colourful paintings. Swoon. I could get lost in his paintings for hours. This scarf features one of is works and almost makes it feel like it is dancing.
Magnolia Scarf
image cred: http://michaelreidmurrurundi.com.au/shop/collect/alesandro-ljubicic-magnolia-scarf/

No. 2.
MARIMEKKO can, in my opinion, do nothing wrong. I have their prints on my wall and their homewares in my cupboards. Love this version of their famous Unikko Flower by Maija ja Kristina Isola
Mai Scarf
image cred: https://www.marimekko.com/au_en/043786-160-mai-scarf

No. 3. 
CALVIN KLEIN always get monochrome right. Want. 
Calvin Klein Scarf black
image cred: https://www.fashiola.co.uk/women/accessories/scarves

No. 4.
COUNTRY ROAD always have scarves at just the right size and the Winter ones are delightfully light but warm. Love the understated tonality of this navy one.
Bold Stripe Scarf Navy
image cred: https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/woman/accessories/scarves

Nice Gardening Tools

There is something oh-so beautiful about an "ordinary" object being reimagined so that it turns an every day routine into a beautiful ritual. I love looking after my plants - nurturing them and seeing them grow with some Kate-love. And I'm coveting every one of these gardening tools below.

No. 1
The TAJIKA family has been producing handcrafted scissors and shears in Japan for over four generations.
Flower Scissors by Tajika
image cred: http://tortoisegeneralstore.com/online_store/tools

No. 2.
GRAFA makes the most elegant range of artisnal gardening tools I have ever seen. The owner (Travis) was inspired by the Austrian naturalist movement that found benefits of using copper tools in soil and agriculture.
Tube - Handmade copper garden trowel
image cred: http://www.grafa.com.au/products/handmade-copper-garden-tool
 

No. 3. 
EMMA SADIE THOMPSON know exactly how to treat Mother Nature right. 
Haws Indoor Watering Can Copper
image cred: http://emmasadiethomson.com.au/shop/haws-indoor-watering-can-copper

No. 4.
Sold at TERRAIN, these misters are so delicate and gorgeous, to keep your plants feeling hydrated and happy.
Brass Plant Mister
image cred: http://www.shopterrain.com/garden-tools-watering/brass-plant-mister