Tuesday, April 26, 2011

A Fashionable Abode

Modern Apartment Therapy
Home is where the heart is... and this heart's yearning for some yester-year style.  Simple, classic shapes and shades to lighten and brighten up living spaces.

A friend has just moved into her new Art Deco apartment in Wellington this weekend and asked me to send her a pair of macrame lamp shades we spotted on my street during her recent visit.  It's the same store where I found my giant (13 bulb) hand-carved wooden chandelier, which I painted dark blue.  So I got inspired and whipped up this selection of complimentary homewares.

Chances are, my eyes will wander at the market... you never know what treasures you might find!  mb

Monday, April 25, 2011

These Boots Are Made For Walking

Beau Coops Boots, Southern Hemisphere Winter 2011
Isn't it interesting how the GFC has changed the way we shop?  I've always had a huge mix of investment pieces, vintage and high street fashion.  Now... not so much.  I'm aiming for investment pieces primarily, with the odd not-so-necessary item from 'wherever' along the way. 

Although, whilst the coolness of early winter is moving in, I've yet to find the motivation to shop... what is wrong with me?  I'm so relaxed, thank goodness for long weekends!  At the very least, I can start planning, there are some obvious gaps (shoes, woolens, warm dresses) and surely to be a few temptations along the way.  How about some Beau Coops boots to warm my toes?  Mmmmm....

Keep warm, mb

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Imagination Running Wild

Masquerade Marquesa and the Caped Man
I'm exploring the idea of making more specialised costume and high fashion pieces, like true-to-period corsets and unique evening bags.  Not to mention I've purchased some prime leather pieces that are just crying out to be used.

I love dressing up and have the good fortune of a huge storage space for the numerous items I've invested in over the years that don't often get worn (but are simply amazing): my Julia DeVille custom leather spats, Melissa heeled t-bar sandals with black crystals, Manning Cartell beaded silk mini-dress with gold silk mesh frill sleeves, a Lutz Teutloff black wool military tuxedo jacket covered in jewel encrusted medals, a Dan Scurry ring sculpted around sliced metal needles...

Why am I not using my own style as inspiration?  On the one hand, I'm super-keen on simplicity paired with 'feature items'.  But then I have a deep-seated yearning for real effort, style and appreciation in everday dressing that I think has been missing for quite some time. 

So... next step is to take a trip to the leather super-store to buy tools, gadgets and hundreds of bits'n'pieces ready to get cosy in the workroom.  Perfect timing, now that the days are shorter.

My afternoon was spent 'researching' (ok, ok, more like shopping), which inspired me to create the rather mysterious collection above.  Hope it sweeps you far, far away... mb

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Passport to Fashion

Tan Chimera Ball Gown by Natasha Lazaravic, CANADA
The most exciting thing about selling on Etsy is that my customers are from all over the world - my wares have made their way to Belgium, England, France, USA, Latvia... it truly is a worldwide handmade market.

Here are few of my favourites from around the world.  Enjoy! mb
Water Sun Silver/Gold & Citrin Ring by Andreas Schiffler, SPAIN

Coral Carnival Bangles by Dirty Lush, ENGLAND
Denis African Print and Leather Bag by Out Of Afrika, USA
Turquoise Suede Spats by Veronica Vartic, BELGIUM