Mattel just reached a whole new level of AWESOME!

Growing up as the only girl in a family of 4 children definitely brought out the tomboy in me as a child. I loved taking part in sports, lizard collecting, go-cart racing and helping my carpenter/engineer grandfather out in his workshop where he made furniture in his spare time. It was often an ordeal trying to get me out of wearing boys clothes let alone getting me to wear earrings or jewellry. Perhaps the only thing girlie about me was my love of Barbies! I never was given accessories such as the barbie dream car or extra clothes so I would ask my grandmother to sew outfits for them and often stitched some up myself using the off cuts of garments she created. Such fond memories of my love for creating and daydreaming! 
So, when I found out Mattel recently released its Farrah Fawcett doll in honour of the late 70's icon, I was floored! The Farrah Fawcet barbie is posing in that famous red swimsuit, with that amazing smile, with that fabulous head of hair! Many have tried to replicate but in my eyes, no-one does it better than this! True retro legend. I need to get my paws on one...and for as little as $35.00 aud, I might just ;)!

xx Jo

Kate Moss & Jamie Hince Wedding

Kate Moss is officially a married woman as she wed musician boyfriend, Jamie Hince (The Kills) this weekend in a gorgeous vintage/boho themed wedding in the picture perfect Cotswolds village of Southrop. The beautiful bride was true to her relaxed style in a vintage inspired, ivory custom made bias cut Galliano gown with stunning lace and sequin detail which she teamed with a pair strappy Manolo Blahniks. Jamie was just as sharp in a double breasted pale blue double breasted suit by YSL who dressed Hince's best woman and band mate Alison Mosshart.

Kate's good friend Stella McCartney also played a part in styling the wedding party by designing Kate's bridesmaid's dresses and her maid of honour's lovely blue bias cut dress with layered batwing sleeves. She also provided all 3 of Kate's three post wedding dresses. Kate and Jamie were surrounded by flower girls including Kate's daughter, Lila who were all in pretty white dresses, ballerina pumps and floral garlands. 

The detail on her entire gown was so beautiful. I thought it all looked gorgeous and cant wait to see pics of the actual wedding and reception and how that was all styled.

For more on Kate Moss on my blog, click here. 

xx Jo

The Jo Who Cried Wolf

Lately I've been fantasising about our home back in Australia and how I would decorate it when we move back (as you do :P).  Its a new build open planed home with a gallery style living room where the ceiling goes all the way up to the second floor, it also has a cute 3rd floor loft which could make an awesome space for my eldest boy to chill with his mates. Its got plenty of big glass doors and panels which allows loads of light to flood in. Lots of clean lines and white walls throughout which gives it a real minimalist, modern feel. We only got to live in it for 2 years before we moved to the UK and it's now being rented out by tenants who I hope are loving it as much as we did. 

Vicente Wolf in his New York Apartment

Now I'm not a huge fan of ultra modern, minimalist homes so I've been inspired and enamoured by the ways Interior Designer/Stylist/Photographer Vicente Wolf has treated similar style spaces as my home in Oz with his use of a mix of rustic, ethnic, chunky wooden furniture, stone and glass. His love for travel shows in his 'eclectic chic' decorating style which I find so timeless and am extremely taken by. I'm looking forward to applying my own interpretation of this beautiful style back home with some of the vintage/period pieces and artwork I've picked up in my travels so far.

For original source of these images and more, check click here and here.

xx Jo

Sibella Court's, NYC Apartment

All fads, matchy matchy pieces and brand names aside, home is all about surrounding yourself with treasures you love and memories.  I love how one of my favourite stylists, Sibella Court has the ability to create amazing, nostalgic spaces out of her random collection of paraphernalia. Her New York Loft on the third floor of a converted garment factory in China Town is a supreme example of this. To me each room is like a work of art, that only she knows the secrets behind.




For original source and more images click here. 


xx Jo

Mollie Makes

I was in a book store the other day looking for some reading material and came across this new publication, Molly Makes. There are loads of craft magazines out there but Molly Makes, takes the cake by far. Their cute and quirky ideas, stories and imagery definitely take the 'nanna' out of crafts such as patch working, crocheting and bunting making and encourages readers to partake in their own DIY projects with patterns and great step by step instructions included. There are so many projects in this magazine to inspire even the most discerning craftie. I can't wait to get into their DIY felt smart phone cover, which comes free with this month's magazine. Although, what I would love to see is a recipe or two...what can I say, I love my food! Apart from that, a fantastic, inspiring read that really gets your creative juices flowing!

Your very own DIY felt smart phone holder with this month's mag.

 I don't know which is cuter, these cute knitted apple jackets or that adorable bub asleep on the piano!

Inspiring real homes

Cute little DIY peter pan collars with the patterns included in the mag.

xx Jo

Vintage Styling: Inspiring Ad Campaigns

In recent years, I've noticed a increase in era styled advertising campaigns. Definitely a reflection on the path we're headed towards with regards to furniture and fashion styling and design. Here are a few inspiring ones I've come across recently.


Lanvin Spring/Summer 2011

Converse 2008 'Get Chucked' Campaign





Chanel Spring 2011





Pull & Bear Spring/Summer 2011







xx Jo

Out with the new, in with the old.

This Fusion dining set from Ikea is what we used to have as our breakfast table in our dine in kitchen...

...enter G Plan 5 piece teak dining. Old is the new new! 

Anyone who knows me well enough, knows that I am a sucker for a well priced vintage piece of furniture (in this case 5). Even more so when its FREE! I found this baby online and although it's not top of the range G Plan, the design and size of this mid century classic suits my growing family of 7 to a tea. Just add a few chairs from the formal dining and voila!

No, I'm not preggers! Ever since moving to the UK, we've had my brother in law and cousin in law join us on work/travel visas, and whilst being the only female living with 6 other burly males doesn't bother me, not being able to all sit together for a meal does. Called me old fashioned, but that's just the way I like things ;). As much as I loved the compact design of the Fusion set, it just couldn't keep up with dining several 6" plus males! 

Did I mention the extendable table? 

Beautiful bent wood detail on the back.

The chairs covers are still the original ones and the bases of two of the drop-in seats need replacing. Luckily they aren't webbed and only require some pre-cut MDF, and thin, firm foam!

Fabric of choice? Well Orla Kiely have a fabulous range of minimalist, modern retro fabric and oil cloth prints which would go perfectly with the chair's retro design. They can only be found through specialised fabric houses and trade e-tailers such as Tinsmiths and Designers Guild. Otherwise, for a more cost effective alternative option Ikea have a great range of upholstery grade designer folk print fabrics. Here are a few I'd like to check out in store.

IKEA STOCKHOLM BLAD

SARALISA

MAJKEN

CECILIA

Looking forward to seeing the finishing result! I'll make sure to share this little project with you very soon.

xx Jo

Click on image for their original source.