Jan
20

Q. the title of this post is…

a) a great desktop accessory
b) a really bad movie
c) one of the best bands I’ve seen in a long time

A. click the image to find out!



Jan
20
…do this…

Make your own library-like cards by simply filling in the boxes with text here. Great for blog to-do lists or unique messages. I thought I’d fill mine with some funny things Z has done in the past few weeks.
…shop this…


This lovely lady is called the Molly bag and is, like all her Louenhide sisters, going for 50% off at Real Shopping until January 29. Also, must check out pretty new cushions - might need to put the Paris one on my wishlist… And don’t forget: free delivery for any purchase from this site.

…eat this…


Yes, even if you don’t know children, Rafferty’s Garden Apple, Pear + Cinanamon puree should be put into your shopping basket next time you get to the supermarket. Because if you heat it up a little bit and squirt it over a bowl of ice cream, you just might experience heaven. Also good without ice cream. My sister is a pilot and takes these with her so she has yummy healthy snacks at all times (cause we all know how good airline food is!). I’d love to see her co-worker’s faces though when she whips out a pouch of baby food! Speaking of baby, no added anything and just what it says in the title also makes it good for the littlest ones. Miss L gobbles these down regularly. Oh, the site has great baby recipes too.

…join this…


Design, make, sell, buy, write about or do anything else that involves kids or kid’s products? Join this brilliant online community - Skout - for all kinds of advice, friendship and networking. It’s a great way to get your stuff known globally or just pick the brain of like-minded people.

…read this…


I had a flick through Oliver Heath’s new book Urban Eco Chic on Saturday and was thisclose to buying it. Only reason I didn’t was because I was looking for something specific and had to save my pennies in case the next book shop had it (it didn’t, but anyway… ). But it did look lovely - lots of great pics and a heap of info on living a stylish, but greener, life. So I had to check out if he had a website - of course he does! Some lovely pics and info on his site and blog.



Jan
20
Filed Under (House ideas and other news) by on 20-01-2009

Last week I predicted a softer colour palette for this year over at Coco & Kelley’s Crowning the Colour of The Year week. Here are some softly spoken rooms I’m loving and am inspired by.
Image 1, 2, 4 - House Beautiful
Image 3 - Shoot Factory


Jan
20
Filed Under (House ideas and other news) by on 20-01-2009


Totalling loving these Summertime pictures and would love to be just hanging around like these cool people listening to this groovy song….



Jan
20
Filed Under (House ideas and other news) by on 20-01-2009

Here’s a little snippet of our Black & Spiro January window display. It’s bright and fresh and Summery. This Cockatoo floral is certainly a current fabric obsession of mine. I’m very excited as one of my lovely clients has just approved my selection of this divine fabric for curtains in their sitting room….they completely and utterly love it too and can hardly wait for the curtains to be installed….I must say I can’t wait either!!


Jan
20
Filed Under (House ideas and other news) by on 20-01-2009

Hello again. How are you?? How was your Christmas? How was your break? I’m back from the beach feeling completely refreshed and invigorated. Over the last few weeks I have been preparing my thoughts for 2009…..writing notes and lists…getting myself organised for the year that lies ahead. I can’t wait to share with you all of the lovely thoughts and ideas I have been gathering for Absolutely Beautiful Things….all in good time…..

I’m so excited to be back here. Thank you for your lovely emails and comments while I took some time away to spend with my family. A break away is certainly what the inspiration doctor ordered for me!!

Here’s to an ‘Absolutely Beautiful’ 2009 for all…..



Jan
20
Filed Under (Chit chat) by on 20-01-2009

Filed under:

Watch maker Villemont Geneve recently filed for bankruptcy after the boutique brand declared it was insolvent. After closing its doors, the brand made no mention of being purchased or saved, though their website is still operational. This comes as sad news as the weakening economy is beginning to have a serious effect on watch makers, especially those with a low volume output. Villemont produced only 311 watches last year, with a volume around that amount on average each year. The company employed just over a dozen employees.

When a watch maker sells only a small amount of watches each, it relies on a good deal of profit from each watch. A large dip in sales from a company with already slim distribution can spell disaster. Larger companies with higher volume and wider distribution are not immune from the economic situation, but can hold on much better.

In stronger economic times, boutique brands with niche products offer wonderful variety to the watch industry. The current economic situation will likely spell disaster for many unique brands just like Villemont, and larger companies may be less likely to offer experimental or overly avant garde watch designs until the economy improves.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Villemont Geneve Watches Sadly Goes Belly-Up originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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Jan
20
Filed Under (Chit chat) by on 20-01-2009

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Two years ago we were writing about Australian billionaire James Packer’s multimillion dollar wedding but now Packer, who was once Australia’s richest man (#173 on the Forbes billionaire list for 2008), is finding himself in the same financial trouble that plagues so many and is cutting back. Packer’s version of cutting back looks a little different from clipping coupons or forgoing the morning latté. The Sunday Telegraph reports that Packer has put his $50 million 165-foot luxury yacht the Z Ellerston up for sale, has pushed back the purchase of a private Boeing jet and has held up construction of the huge backyard pool complex planned for Ellerston, the family property near Scone. Packer has also put a three-level apartment in London’s Mayfair area up for sale. He also recently sold his stake in Consolidated Pastoral Company for about $425 million.

Don’t feel too bad for Packer, he’s still a billionaire, just less of a billionaire than he was a year ago. The bigger worry on the horizon for him is his Macau casino venture. Gaming revenues are on the decline in the Chinese gambling capital. Packer is involved in a joint venture to open the $2.2 billion City of Dreams hotel and casino. Packer has invested much of his own money and investors’ funds in Macau so much is riding on the success of the hotel.

Then and Now: James Packer originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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Jan
20
Filed Under (Chit chat) by on 20-01-2009

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Halle BerryHalle Berry was recently spotted at Sabrina Sky in Scottsdale, Arizona, shopping for her baby Nahla.

Sabrina Sky
is an edgy children’s clothing and accessories store with lines such as Juicy Couture Baby, Ed Hardy, True Religion, Joes Jeans and Harajuku Lovers. The store is truly one-of-a kind - there’s a life-sized dollhouse in there!

So what did Halle Berry buy, you ask? A Stripe Plum Tunic by SpenldidLeather, a Diaper Bag by Christine Price, and a onezie by Childish Pegasus

The store was created by Angela Clervoix (wife of record producer Sha Money XL), and named for her daughter, whom she sadly lost to SIDS in 2005.

For more information, or to shop, visit the Sabrina Sky website!

Halle Berry Shops at Sabrina Sky and So Should You originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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Jan
20
Filed Under (Chit chat) by on 20-01-2009

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Upon first glance, the Linda Clutch by 3.1 Phillip Lim may seem like a simple oversized clutch. There are no appliques, embroidered detailing, or a handful of colorful charms dangling about, only two decorative gold studs on the back. But even without the glitz, its subtle details like gathered pleats and playful use of just two colors creates a clutch that is versatile and long lasting. Its size allows you to carry more than what you could with a smaller clutch - which is always a good thing. And its fold over feature ensures safekeeping for your belongings while avoiding any accidental spillage. The Linda Clutch has an understated yet sophisticated feel making it just as appropriate for a special evening out and for a casual lunch date with friends. Measurements: 15″ (at widest point)x 8.75″x 0.75. Price: $375.

3.1 Phillip Lim Linda Clutch, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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