Today's outfit ....

....consists of:

My 80's power-shirt-dress. I removed the massive shoulder pads and I'm wearing it open, kind of like a kimono. It looks like a couch cover. But a really cool couch cover!

My black pom-pom scarf - which I love - it's playful - it kinda bounces off my knees as I walk :)

My vintage 'briefcase' is hand for carrying my large amount of stuff. All necessary. No, really.

Kane's belt - don't tell him! He doesn't know!

Vintage pearls. I love them. I immediately feel just that little bit more glamorous when I wear them :)

“A good map is both a useful tool and a magic carpet to far away places”

Wondering what to do with your stockpile of out of date road maps? Looking for a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture or jewellery?

I came across these ingenious uses for old maps on Apartment Therapy ....

....and I'm inspired!

Now, I already have a framed map on the wall at home (the perils/benefits of being married to a surveyor!) but I love how much more functional these ideas are. And that bangle? Adore. Like, REALLY adore.

Think how cool it would be to cover the drawers of your old dresser in the map you used while you were in Paris, or converting your boring coffee table into something a little more quirky with a top covered in a map of the London tube.

I've also heard of people with huge world maps on their walls, studded with little coloured pins or flags to show places they've visited. What a great way to brag about where you've been and to start many an interesting conversation at dinner!

For another idea - head to Amazon and check out the Scratch Map.

Images via Dream Green DIY

Yes, it's what you think! As you've visited places, you simply scratch off that part of the world on the map!

Oh, the places you will go!

Smeg me. Please!

For as long as I can remember I have loved Smeg refrigerators.

Yes, it's it's kind of odd to stare adoringly at applicances, but seriously - who can resist them?

As far as I am concerned, they are the Nigella of the appliance world - curvy, old school and incredibly easy on the eye! Who wouldn't want one in the kitchen? (the Smeg, not Nigella!)

So, this year I will be putting a Smeg refrigerator on my Christmas wish list. The husband is trying to dissuade me, but it's true love I tell you :)

Now .....what colour or pattern to pick .......? Decisions, decisions.

Off the wall ...

It appears as though I have a penchant for photographing street art/graffiti.

I love the colour and form of it ...not to mention the choice of location!

Here's a little montage of my favorites .....

And this little beauty was taken when I visited Mount Gambier for my now sister-in-law's engagement party.

I'll be leaving a space on the wall of my new house for this one, methinks!

Every time I'm in Melbourne strolling along Southbank, I see beautiful chalk drawings on the footpaths ....this lovely lady was coming to the end of her chalk-life, but I actually really like her wistful gaze teamed with the faded chalk.

It's times like these that I wish I could draw!

Love me, love my hat.

Those that know me, know how much I love me a good head accessory!

Take a peep at Arturo Rios' shop on Etsy ....his work is just amazing. So beautiful and yet so ....architectural.

I fully intend on wearing the black bow headpiece to my next wedding. The one with the black and white striped dress ......

Debra Messing @ the 2001 Golden Globes

Classic album covers re-imagined ......Harry Potter style!

Hilarious set of HP inspired classic album covers by the folks at NextMovie.

Loving Ron Weasley as Bowie!

A few of my favourite things this week .....

1. Stitch your own cross stitch iPhone cases via Connect Design

Crafty AND useful? Yes please!

2. Harry Potter cocktails via The Backyard Bartender

How divine does the Draco Malfoy sound? Pickles and vodka = heaven!

3. Capes

Burberry

(love, love, love, love, love!!)

Lily Allen in Louis Vuitton 

 Natalie Portman

 Balmain

I have 3 ...and I want more! I have been looking for some time now for a Mrs Weasley-esque tweed cape .....let me know if you come across one!

4. HelloPenny art and prints on madeit

How gorgeous are these prints? That little French cat looks delightfully snooty!

5. Vanity Fair magazine – beautiful images with indepth and interesting articles - I'm going to ask Santa for a subscription ;)

6. Madame Sousou on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy.

A delicious menu with wonderfully eclectic French decor - it's a bustling restaurant with friendly staff and a great location! (Perfect for a meal or coffee after a bit of vintage rummaging!)

7. Harry Potter tees in Jay Jays

WANT.

Elizabeth Taylor

After finding myself with hours to kill at Melbourne airport last week, I picked up a copy of Vanity Fair (my newest and most favourite magazine crush) and read a wonderful article about Elizabeth Taylor.

I’ve read a lot about Ms Taylor since her passing in March this year and I admire her even more than before for her tenaciousness, beauty and sheer determination. She also has quite a wicked sense of humour.

So here is a small homage to the wonderful lady herself – a true beauty, inside and out.

I've been through it all, baby, I'm mother courage - Elizabeth Taylor

I don't pretend to be an ordinary housewife - Elizabeth Taylor

Big girls need big diamonds - Elizabeth Taylor

*All images via Google image search.

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Who says needleart has to be boring?

Love, love, loving these needleart delights from Steotch.

My new (currently in the works!) house needs this one in the front hall methinks ..... 

Ok, so you’ve found me.

I bet you’re wondering what I’m going to add to the blogosphere, right?

Try this:

Self-depreciating humour,

restaurant recommendations,

random photographs,

the latest in DIY fantastic-ness,

a true appreciation for (white) chocolate,

important milestones in my never ending search for the perfect salt & pepper squid,

what I love,

what I don’t love,

what I say,

what I shouldn’t say,

crafty bits,

my yearnings for multiple tattoos, 

ideas,

inspirations,
vintage love in all its glorious forms,
mood boards,
quotes,

confessions

and the occasional homage.

Bon appetit!