Offspring...

 Image via: http://www.mamamia.com.au/entertainment/behind-the-scenes-with-the-offspring-stylist/

I want to be Nina Proudman. No wait, I think I am Nina Proudman! I think someone may be stalking me and writing a TV series based on my life, only they've added some creative touches using poetic license, to spice things up a bit. Ok, so I'm not a doctor, but I am a midwife. And I'm not in a series of crazy relationships and I certainly can't boast the fabulous wardrobe Nina wears effortlessly each episode, but I do aspire to attain even an inch of her style. No, I'm more talking about the way she lives her life. Who she is. Her makeup. The constant inner monolog, the impulsiveness, the ability to become thoroughly confused at the simplest task and yet be a highly qualified professional who is completely competent at her job. I do that. I do that a lot! Just ask my husband!

image via: http://www.mamamia.com.au/entertainment/behind-the-scenes-with-the-offspring-stylist/

For those of you who have no idea what I'm on about here, I'm referring to the main character (Nina Proudman is played my the very talented Australian actress Asher Keddie) in an Australian TV series called Offspring. Now in it's third season the show is not new, but I'm still as addicted to my weekly fix and I was when the series started. The drama, the laughs, the style, the glimpses of my old stomping ground of Fitzroy and of course the uncanny familiarity always leave me begging for more, as well as making me homesick!

 image via: http://www.mamamia.com.au/entertainment/behind-the-scenes-with-the-offspring-stylist/

Note: Many of the pieces I covet from Nina's wardrobe and around her home can be attributed to the wonderful label Nancybird. Check out the website here: http://nancybird.com/

 image via: http://michigirl.com/jobs/design-assistant-at-nancybird

Thank god today is Wednesday, and we all know what that means - Offspring night! Yay!

 

Mecca Cosmetica...

(image source: Mecca Cosmetica blog)

I just had to make a post about my beloved Mecca Cosmetica, a store I could not live without!

(image source: Mecca Cosmetica blog)

I first discovered Mecca Cosmetica about 10 years ago in Melbourne. It was the luxe stores and quality products that first drew me in, and I still can't help but admit that I'm hooked.

(image source: Mecca Cosmetica)

My first Mecca purchase still replays vividly in my mind . It was a curl serum for hair by Bumble & Bumble and I'd never come across that brand on Australian shelves before. I had only read about it in some overseas editions of some high end magazines. I remember thinking that I had stumbled onto something very special, almost secret among a select few. A privledge even. And that was just about the buying experience. The actual products too were as amazing as their reputations had lead me to believe!

(image source: Mecca Cosmetica)

With exclusive brands like Stila, Nars, Darphin, Philosophy, Diptyque, Kiehls, Bumble & Bumble and Kit it's THE place to shop for cquality cosmetics (for women and men), makeup, fragrances, hair care and bathroom products (like the gorgeous scented candles from Diptique).

(image source: Mecca Cosmetica)

Mecca Cosmetica can be found in stores all over Australia (except in Tasmania and Northern Territory) and online at www.meccacosmetica.com.au. Here in Perth there are stores at Booragoon Garden City, Claremont, Karrinyup and St Martin's Arcade Perth City. Enjoy shopping...

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2011!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Vintage treasures...

(image from Winifred and Bance.com.au)

I love Vintage shopping. It's the thrill of the chase. You never know when you'll unearth a rare or unique piece.

What I love most about vintage and antique finds is the idea that the items have history. I love to think about who owned it before me? Where they bought it from? Was it a favourite or particularly special item to them? Of course, I'll never find the actual answers to these questions, but I love to let my imagination run wild...

(image from shag - melbourne)

This brings me to share some of my favourite Vintage stores on the Perth Vintage scene -

The Ginger Fox
Winifred and Bance
Bluebird Vintage

Ecoya Soy Travel Candles...

(image by topnews.net.nz)

I love candles. I love the way they smell, the way they set a mood and that they are a great excuse to turn the lights off and be eco-conscious. I've just discovered Ecoya Travel Candles and have fallen in love with their Lotus Flower Natural Soy Travel Candle. I always carry one when travelling. I burn it whilst practicing my Yoga poses when I'm on the road. They relax me and make me feel comfortable in unfamiliar surrounds and of course they help me get one step closer to Zen...

(image by www.newmoonstore.com.au)

Envirosax Bags and Bottles...

(image by inhabitat.com)

I have completely fallen in love with my new Envirosax reusable bag. Not only are they eco-friendly by helping reduce the use of plastic shopping bags, but they are so chic and stylish and perfect to use when travelling. I always pack a couple into my day bag when I'm on the road to use when shopping. I love them so much when I'm at home I often use one of mine instead of my handbag. They fold up to a compact size when not in use, so are perfect to carry around, and fold out easily to bag that can carry up to 20kgs worth of shopping - thats a lot of fruit and vege's and unique market finds. And with heaps of funky patterns, designs and colours your sure to find one to suit your taste.

(image by bagaholicboy.com)

I can also sing the praises of Envirosax's Aqua Water Bottles, with are stainless steel and also come in heaps of colourful designs. They are BPA free and reusable, therefore aiding in reducing the amount of plastic water bottles used in the community. Stylish, light weight and easily portable they also keep your water colder for longer as the stainless steel acts to insulate the water from the outside temperature. Another essential for the travel pack!

(image by www.ihcdstore.org)

Another reason to love Envirosax is that it's an Australian company run by a couple who imbrace an ecologically sustainable lifestyle in Currumbin Valley, Queensland, Australia. Envirosax also donates a percentage of its sales to charities and non for profit organisations dedicated to the preservation of the environment. Gotta love that...

(image by www.envirosax.com.au)

Nic and Clay's Etsy launch...

(image from Etsy.com)

Nic and Clay is now on Etsy! We have just launched our site and have posted our first two items for sale. Follow the link to our store:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/nicandclay

(image taken by nic and clay. Wine Glass charms by nic and clay.)

Our first items for sale are our hand-made Wine Glass Charms. These Wine Glass Charms have evolved from the ones I hand-made for our Wedding. Everyone was so impressed with our themed Drink Charms so I just had to make more.

(image taken by nic and clay. Wine Glass charms by nic and clay.)

(image taken by nic and clay. Wine Glass charms by nic and clay.)

For those of you who are asking 'What's Etsy?" allow me to explain (and ask where have you been hiding?). Etsy is an online store that allow individual sellers to post their handmade, vintage or art and craft supplies for sale. It's a fabulous growing commumity of artistic and crafty people. Etsy is one of those really cool website I can get stuck on for hours browsing all the clever and interesting items that you will never find in your mainstream shopping centre. Common items include art, photography, clothing, jewellery, edibles, bath & beauty products, quilts, knick-knacks and toys. These are a few of my favourtie things...

(image taken by nic and clay. Wine Glass charms by nic and clay.)