Mavis & Osborn | The Local Clothier

If you're a parent who appreciates beautiful design and quality craftsmanship when it comes to children's clothing, Mavis & Osborn is definitely for you. Launched in 2011 by Tamzin Hawkins, who has a background in fashion and textile design, 'The Local Clothier' is based in Wellington and offers garments that range in size from newborn to 14 years. Seasonal collections are handcrafted to order from the finest selection of fabrics with impeccable attention to detail. Designed to stand the test of time, they are "never too precious for flying, hunting for worms, sailing with pirates, or running with wild horses." What little person isn't going to love that?

This delightful shoot, showcasing the current collection is what initially caught my attention. The illustrations by Norwegian artist Joscha van Deijk compliment the images perfectly!  

I was pleased to see that there is a range of boys clothing, most of which can also be worn by the girls! Unisex clothing for kids is so practical don't you think? I've picked out some of my favourites from both the Child and Baby collections. I particularly love the range of jackets and merino garments for winter. For more details and to see the full range, which is made to order, make sure you pop over to the Mavis & Osborn website.

As well as being available to buy online, Mavis & Osborn can be found at The Design Loft, a store and studio that fosters a collection of emerging NZ designers, located in Wellington.

Tamzin is also expanding her designs to include clothing for men and women, and even a few homewares....

All images via www.mavisandosborn.com

Before I go, I must formally announce the winner of the Abode Living Giveaway. Congratulations to Christine Stockum!! Thanks to everyone who entered and thanks again to Abode for such a generous giveaway! 

Homes to Inspire | South Yarra House

I felt like a hit of colour today and this home has done the trick! Located in the Melbourne suburb of South Yarra, this stately Victorian house has undergone a complete restoration, carried out by Melbourne Architects Nick Travers and Justin Northrop, founders of the Melbourne firm Techne. The family living here are avid art collectors who also own some fabulous pieces of brightly coloured furniture. Nick and Justin's decision to go with a black and white palette, in order to showcase the art and furniture has worked brilliantly. 



I love that the classical features of the home have been retained, including the ceiling fretwork and fireplace which has a beautiful marble surround. I'm not usually a fan of chandeliers, but they work really well here in keeping with the Victorian theme. Seen throughout the home, the bright colours add a modern touch. Punchy citrus colour is also seen in the artwork by Abbey McCulloch resting on the mantel, and pair of gorgeous vases.  

The stained glass entry way immediately caught my eye, as did the dark floors.



The living room's large windows let in plenty of light, while more zesty colour continues here with an incredible orange modular sofa. I also love the contrasting zebra rug. 

Notice how the floorboards upstairs been whitewashed, in direct contrast to the dark flooring downstairs, showing that you can successfully have both in one home! The gallery-like walls allows the residents to easily move their art around when the mood takes them. This eye-catching piece is by Australian artist Darren Wardle. 

The image above is my favourite. I love the black and white art and green door leading to the kid's room. Inside, the polka dot wall and vintage yellow bed frames create a fun and playful atmosphere. 

From this exterior shot you can see how skillfully the architects have preserved the stunning lacework balcony. The monochrome colour scheme is repeated outside, complete with a splash of colour. Love the yellow chairs! 

Here are the standout features that get my heart racing...



Source: knstrct.com | Photo credit: Graeme Boyle

Monday Mix Up | Design Loves

I couldn't think of a better way to start the week than with a Monday Mix Up, especially one with some of my favourite design finds of late.... 

I discovered these gorgeous pendant lights a couple of months ago over on Nordic Leaves. Beautifully crafted by Dutch furniture and interior design brand JSPR, Diamonds have a geometric design that is industrial yet elegant. Made from steel they come in gold or black. 

I can't resist a black, white and wood combo, so when I came across this styling shot for the Silhouette Knife by Norwegian Petter Skogstad, I liked what I saw. Made for an independent exhibition in Tokyo called Food Work, (which I recently read a great post about here) Silhouette is a modern take on deba bōchō, a traditional Japanese knife which literally means "pointed carving knife".

This little gem is the the Charles Coat Hook by Swiss designer Nikolas Kerl. Made from an irresistible combination of unfinished ash wood and polished marble, it comes in three varieties, with the grain of the marble making each hook one of a kind.  

Nike are my go-to when it comes to running shoes and like many, I've been embracing the neon versions of late. Judging by this recent model, the Womens Free Advantage Sneaker, it would seem that Nike is taking a turn towards a more pared-back minimalist look and I have to say I'm liking the change. Exclusive to Wellington store Good as Gold, you can purchase online, and request to be notified when they get more in, as some sizes are already sold out. Designed to "help female athlete's perform better during workouts" check out the shoe's superior features here.

To finish off, I've included my recent moodboards, all created using images from my Pinterest boards.



I'm not sure what the Queen would think of this moodboard, but I was inspired by the beautiful and uplifting quote by American novelist Jack Kerouac over the recent Queen's Birthday long weekend. Featuring zingy neons, Scandi style interiors, and a little bit of leopard print thrown in for fun. 

Social media plays a big part in world of blogging and reaching 4000 likes on Facebook recently gave me reason to smile and to reflect on the journey so far. Of course it was also a great excuse for a moodboard! Small Steps Every Day is from a lovely blog I've started following recently, A House in the Hills by Wedding photographer Sarah Yates. 

Lastly, some moodboard inspiration from Friday last week with the words Enjoy today and the gorgeous monochrome, pink and grey palette that I love so much. 

One more thing before I go... if you haven't yet done so, you still have time to enter the incredible Giveaway from Abode Living! The feedback so far has been wonderful, reinforcing just how fabulous the company and prize is, so don't miss out! You have until midnight tonight, NZ time (UTC+12). To enter and see details of the special reader offer valid until the end of the comp, pop over here.  

Studio 46 | Terrarium Workshops

It would be hard not to have noticed the buzz surrounding indoor plants lately. A trend that was big in the 70s, decorating with plants has become popular again in recent years, and I have to admit I'm more than keen to jump on board. It seems that every time I'm on Pinterest I see another Fiddle Leaf Fig and by golly, I want to get my hands on one for the new house! (Watch this space). Another plant trend I'm loving right now is the terrarium, so I was pretty excited to have discovered a class here in Auckland, where you learn how to make one.

Held at Studio 46 on Auckland's North shore, this gorgeous little space is run by two clever creatives, Amber Roper of Red Creative Event Styling and Annie Oxborough a Botanical Stylist. They are also joined by my friend Rachael McMahon of the beautiful blog Made From Scratch, who is now running her popular Cake Decorating Workshops there. In fact, Rachael has kindly invited me to watch one of her classes next week and I can't wait! Being the super clever lass and successful blogger that she is, Rachael is also starting to run workshops for aspiring bloggers, with Blogging 101, Blog Design and Social Media Starter. Pop over here to find out more.

The Terrarium Workshops are run by Annie O, who started out in the floral business at only 14, opening her first shop in Herne Bay at 23, specialising in events including weddings and private functions. In addition to event styling and workshops she now styles for magazines, retail shops and bars. Incredibly talented, you may have seen Annie's stunning botanical pieces, including bespoke bouquets and handmade terrariums at The Department Store.

Rachael attended the Terrific Terrariums Workshop held last Tuesday night at Studio 46 and raved about it! As well as learning all about these gorgeous little plant worlds from resident terrarium guru Annie, participants got to make their own one to take home. They were also given a bag full of goodies from MOR Cosmetics, All’antica, Made From Scratch, Homestyle Magazine, and Annie O. Rachael has sent me some exclusive photos from the night to share with you, taken by the lovely Gem Adams from Blackbird Blog.

The next Terrific Terrariums Workshop is in September. Pop over here to find out more and to sign  up. Hopefully I'll be joining you! There are also Private Group Classes available, including Team Terrariums, perfect for team building and a bit of fun with the colleagues! For the full schedule of workshops held at Studio 46 take a look here. 

Bloomingville | Interior Inspiration

Bloomingville is a wholesale company in Denmark, founded by interior designer Betina Stampe. Launched in 2000, the product line initially consisted of homeware accessories sourced from Europe, with a small selection of pieces designed by Betina herself. Today the vast majority of each collection is designed in-house, supplemented by carefully curated items and fair trade finds. The result is a unique blend of Nordic style products, vintage reproductions and handmade treasures.

Betina and I have been Pinterest friends for quite some time and I get really excited when she pins a sneak peek of an upcoming launch. The latest online catalogue for Autumn/Winter 2013 is now in full swing, brimming with gorgeous interior eyecandy. With so much Scandi style inspiration on offer, it would be unfair not to share some with you! 

I'm loving the geometric designs of this collection, combined with key textural elements of copper, fur and wood. Dusky pink and grey tones add further warmth to Bloomingville's signature monochrome palette. 

With over 40 agents worldwide, and you can pop over here to find your nearest dealer. Bloomingville is available exclusively in NZ from Perch Home, and they've informed me that they are planning on getting the new range in later this year. Exciting! See the full Autumn/Winter 2013 catalogue here, and if you're on Pinterest, you can follow Betina's gorgeous boards here. 

Images via bloomingville.com

Blog Love | Daniella Witte

Daniella Witte is a multi-talented creative from Sweden, whose work gets me in 'the zone' every time. I get excited when I see she's posted a new blog entry, knowing that it will undoubtedly add a dose of visual inspiration to my day. As an interior designer, stylist, photographer, blogger and shop owner, Daniella juggles many roles, sharing her work for all the world to see. If you're not yet following her lovely blog, you must!  

Daniella masters the Scandi style aesthetic that I love to perfection. Monochrome with splashes of green, touches of metallic and layers of texture by way of natural materials like wood and fur are seen here in her stunning home and styling work.  

With an amazing eye for detail, and an incredible knack for using simplicity to create visual impact, Daniella is able to produce the most beautiful product shots, vignettes and still lifes. Captured with incredible clarity, I'm also in awe of her photography skills.

Notice the way Daniella plays with light in these next photos.  

So pretty! I know Daniella's talent will continue to shine on. See plenty more of the magic over here. 

All images via daniellawitte.blogspot.co.nz