Sunday, February 28, 2010

Cool breeze needed

Here in Cape Town today, it feels like we have a heatwave on our hands, as you step outside you hit a wall of intense heat, I normally love hot days but this is something else! It's definitely a day to be at the sea or near water of some sort. And if not, some cool, calm blue and white beach inspired interiors will have to do!

Blues 1

Blues 2

Blues 3

Image credits: 1) Philip Newton, 2-6) Mikkel Vang

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Crafty girl

I'm a huge fan of fabrics, needlework and fashion, so how could I not love these amazing illustrations by Kat Mcleod?! Absolutely wow, Kate's fashion collages are so detailed and textured, I wish I had one of my own. You can see more of her work over at Jacky Winter.

Kat Mcleod

Kat Mcleod

Kat Mcleod

Kat Mcleod

Image credits: photography by me, illustration by Kat Mcleod

Friday, February 26, 2010

Blogger love

I am so glad it's Friday, it's been another busy week for me, what with trying to juggle Spanish classes, blogging, an online blog course, exercise and real life! Speaking of blogging, us Capetonians had a fantastic blogger meet up last night organised by Being Brazen. These are a few of the bloggers I got to meet... iwantthat, Jardino, Lost is a place too, that girl about town, cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, Roxilla, vegie delish, iMod, Spacebook. It was so great to meet some fellow bloggers, put some faces to names and connect beyond the virtual world!

Philip Newton

My plans for the weekend are already piling up, so much to do! First and foremost, I'll be doing some relaxing, perhaps in nature or even just at home with a good book. Isn't this bedroom just amazing, that view!

Friday

Definitely planning on getting some sunshine, it looks like it's going to be another hot weekend here in Cape Town! So should be perfect weather for drinks with friends!

Friday 3

I'll also have to spend some time being diligent, I have lots of homework to do for both my courses and I need to do some baking for my new monthly Sweet Tooth post, so pop back on Monday for that!

Friday 2

And of course I'll be popping on down to the Design Indaba for loads of new design and inspiration! So that's it, what are your plans? Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Friday 4

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Decadent lifestyle

Today's post is decadent all round, delectable treats, gorgeous gowns and beautiful settings. I came across Paul Barbera's portfolio and instantly loved his amazing shots of all these sweet treats, I couldn't not want to pair them up, it's got me dreaming up some rather extravagant tea parties! Will you join me?

Luxury 1

Chris Nicholls & Paul Barbera

Paul Barbera & Chris Nicholls

Paul Barbera

Paul Barbera & Chris Nicholls

Image credits: 1) Traditional Home, 2, 4, 5, 7-9) Paul Barbera, 3, 6 & 10) Chris Nicholls

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Jackie Rueda Photography

Some gorgeous photography to lift your mood and give you that Spring feeling! These beautiful photos are all by Jackie Rueda who lives in Montreal. She has an amazing blog too, called Casi en serio, it's in Spanish but don't let that put you off because it is so worth exploring! And you can see more of Jackie's photos over at her flickr photostream. Enjoy!

Jackie Rueda 1

Jackie Rueda 2

Jackie Rueda 3

All photos by Jackie Rueda ©

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Eclectic style

So today's inspiration is somewhat eclectic and very colourful but I love it! I am totally in love with this first image what with it's crazy mix of styles... from glam chandelier, to animal horns, minimalist striped rug and then crazy zebra skin, floral scatters and splashes of colour. What appeals to me most is the casual relaxed feeling of this room, totally unfussed and full of of fun eccentricities. Personally I'd leave out all the animal elements but everything else I'd keep! What do you think of this look? Love it? Or over the top?

Eclectic colour 1

Eclectic colour  2

Eclectic colour  3

Eclectic colour  4

Eclectic colour 5

Just add colour, stripes and patterns in wild abandon and you'll have this look done in no time!

Image credits: 1) first home, 2, 4, 6 & 10) Anthropologie, 3) The Love Shop, 5 & 8) nooo sugar, 7) livingetc, 9) sorry, can't remember where I spotted this

Monday, February 22, 2010

Flights of fancy

It's Monday again and my weekend was way too short and busy. I wishing I could just climb back into bed and get some extra sleep! One of things I did over the weekend was to tidy up my office and I re-arranged my notice board, only to realise afterwards that it's full of bird images! 6 of them to be exact and totally unintentional, it's the strangest thing! Anyway birds to me, are a sign of hope, freedom, peace, growth and love, so let's hope I attract all those things into my life!


Birds 1

A flyer of a new shop that I want to have a look at and a print that I love...
Birds 2

A cute bird badge by skinny laminx...
Birds 3

A bird necklace from my sister and a cute magnet from TinTown...
Birds 4

So with birds on my mind, I thought I'd share the work of Geninne, who creates the most beautiful and whimsical bird prints. Her blog is also absolutely amazing and such a creative space, so pop over for some inspiration and tips!

Geninne's Art

Geninne's Art 2

Geninne's Art 3

Bird prints by Geninne's Art Store, other photos by me

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Fall beauty

I came across this new collection by Moth House and am totally smitten! I love their branch necklaces and the styling is just perfect! Love the colours and textures, it makes me almost wish Autumn was here already!

Moth House

Moth House 2

All images via Moth House

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Guest feature: Petits Fours Deli

Today I have a special guest feature from one of my friends, who like me, loves discovering cute new décor and foodie spots. Here is a little place she recently discovered on a trip here from Poland, over to you, Agata...

"As a little 'thank-you' to my mom and sister for looking after me on my annual visit to Cape Town, I decided to take them for brunch to a favourite café on the beach in Blouberg.

Sadly the café was no longer there, however in it's place "Petits Fours" was a welcome surprise. This French country-style deli and gift 'café' offers a delicious spread of homemade savories and divine sweet treats. With classic French melodies setting the mood and the waitresses sporting traditional Toques Blanches it's not difficult to imagine yourself somewhere in Provence... until you glance out of the French doors at the waves crashing on the beach and the best view of Table Mountain of course!

We ended our visit by each picking out a little something from the selection of gifts and décor pieces (which was beautifully wrapped for us!). A perfect girly outing! "

Sounds amazing doesn't it? I think I'll definitely be visiting soon! Thanks Agata!

Agata K

Agata K

Agata K

Agata K

Agata K

Agata K

Petits Fours Delicatessen & Décor, 20 Stadler Rd, Blouberg Strand
Tel: +27 21 554 4462

All images by Agata K

Friday, February 19, 2010

Space to be

I am so happy that it's Friday and the weekend is almost here, it's been another busy week for me and I am so ready to relax! I want to spend some time outdoors and catch up with friends and of course a few other things too. So what are your plans? Are you as relieved as me that it's Friday?!

Friday inspiration

Cedric Bihr

Friday inspiration

Cedric Bihr

Friday inspiration

Thursday, February 18, 2010

A day in the life...

I came across a shoot of Devon Aoki by David Mushegain, it is just the prettiest ever. It really makes me want to imagine a day in the life of a beach princess! A day of gorgeous clothes, reading, writing and relaxing on the beach and being outdoors. And of course having your little furry loved one close at hand!

Devon 1

Devon 2

Devon 3

Devon 4

Devon 5

Image credits: 1) Rachel Whiting, 2, 3, 6, 7 & 9) Fashion Gone Rogue,  4 & 10) Elena, 5) Alexandra Grablewski, 8) Laura Resen