Instantly stationary for stationery ~ Guest Post

Today I'd like to introduce you to one of my most favourite girls, Katie from The Resolution Revolution. She has a little secret passion that she wanted to share with Looking Glass readers. I'm sure many of you share this passion too, as I do. I'll now leave you with Katie aka The Procrastination Princess.

~ Clare x

~

I love stationery! I don't know why, but I am stopped in my tracks whenever I come across a stationery shop, even if it is just a "mainstream" store like OfficeWorks. My heart skips a beat when I encounter a rare and beautiful boutique paper shop, or if I find an example of fine letterpress work. So, this post today is dedicated to the power of papercraft; the colours, the textures, the limitless possibilities. With a modern or vintage touch, paper is beautiful. 

I stumbled across this stunning blog on the weekend, and am in stationery heaven. Bella Figura are a genuine artisan letterpress shop, that still use antique equipment and old fashioned methods...and the results - magic!

Have a look at some of their work:

 

Their retailers are just as dreamy:

 Social Graces

Gus & Ruby Letterpress

 

But there's more to paper than just invitations:

Paper bouquets!

Paper Plane Wedding Toss!

 

 Paper Chains & Flower Banners!

And check out this toilet paper wedding dress here.

 

Just a bit of fun, and eye-candy, especially for me! I'm in the midst of writing a pretty full-on essay with a lot of heavy scientific content... so this was a welcomed break from the science, and a great little creative outlet. 

~ Katie

Credits: Bella Figura, Bravo Bride, I Do It Yourself, Parcel Post

Oh Sleepy Sunday

Still in my PJ's at midday today.... gotta love these sorta days, right?

If either of these rooms were mine, I don't think I'd ever get out of bed.

~ Clare x

Images: Paris in Pink

Big Girls Need Big Diamonds

Elizabeth Taylor

1932 - 2011

A true star & one of the most beautiful women to ever grace the big screen. The two photos above are from two of my favourite movies, Suddenly Last Summer and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

~ Clare x

Images from here & here

Your Home is Your Castle

Well in this case it really is a castle...
(and not mine unfortunately)

This is my favourite "dream home" right now

Loving all the open space, the bones of this castle & the neutral colours

Perfect...

Credits: skona hem found via Me and Alice


 I saw Weird Al on Friday night - he was too too funny! Such an awesome gig. It was also my Mum's birthday. I baked a delicious chocolate tart for her and we had a lovely family lunch.

~ Clare x



Such Stuff as Dreams are Made on...

It's the dreamiest little cottage I've ever laid eyes on. Tucked away in the forest of Catskills, NY, this enchanting retreat looks like it could be from a fairytale.

Can you imagine spending long summer afternoons in this quaint Victorian cottage, drenched in white and filled with antique mirrors and Limoges china tea sets?

I'm inspired by the creator of this magical place, Sandra Foster. With her own hands, she converted an old hunting shack into a tiny hideaway. Using whatever she could find from local antique shops and even Target, she has so cleverly decorated every inch of it.

The loft is filled with light and the bed covered in romantic ruffles.

 I just want one of my own!

It's fun to daydream...perhaps one day!

~ Linda

{images: trevor tondro for the new york times}

  

In the Next Room or the vibrator play

Well, my last couple of weeks have been filled with theatre, live bands, delicious cocktails & some great American fare. Let's start with the theatre, shall we? 

I took myself off to the Opera House the other night to see Sydney Theatre Company's In the Next Room or the vibrator play. "Vibrators?" I hear you say. Oh yes, that's exactly what it was about!! A very hilarious & cheeky play yet also beautiful & heartwarming. I absolutely loved it. 

The play, written by Sarah Ruhl, was nominated for a Tony Award as well as the Pulitzer Prize and I can see why. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Last week, Linda & I caught Primus & The Melvins at the Enmore Theatre. All I have to say is that Linda is so brave - she's 8 months pregnant!  We both saw Primus together when we were just 15 years old, we never would've guessed that the next time we saw them we would still be the best of friends, both be married & that Linda would be heavily pregnant with her second child!!

Now for the food...

 

Images from here

I headed to a favourite place of mine on the weekend, Blue Plate Bar & Grill. This All American gem has yet to disappoint me. I enjoyed the oh so tasty Buffalo Wings & a few Lychee cocktails whilst relaxing outside on the mismatched vintage lounges in the perfect evening weather enjoying some fabulous company.

Hope you're all having a great start to the week. This Friday I'll be heading back to the Enmore to see Weird Al Yankovic - can't wait!

~ Clare x

My Party Featured on Eat Drink Pretty

Today my birthday party is featured over at Eat Drink Pretty!

You can check it out here.

~ Clare x

Image by Reef Gaha

Toi et Moi: Autumn 2011 Collection "Le Style des Rues de Sydney"

 

 Us gals at Looking Glass are currently crushing on Aussie Frenchie label Toi et Moi. Creator Gill Lawrence describes her label
as "Parisian Street Chic with a quintessential Aussie touch." Being an Aussie myself with a love of all things Frenchie, I am naturally a lover of Toi et Moi.

The Autumn 2011 Collection "Le Style des Rues de Sydney" (Sydney Street Style) shows a bunch of fashion savvy Sydney girls in pieces from the collection that they've styled up themselves with their own accessories showing their own individual style. We just adore this idea so much. Seeing real girls styling up a collection on the streets of Sydney, each with their own.... je ne sais quoi.

Here are mine & Linda's favourite pieces from Toi et Moi's Autumn 2011 collection....

~ Clare x

Clare's Picks

 

 Portes-Cle Ruffle Top

I'm a lover of all things vintage & can't go past soft coloured ruffles

 

Me'sh Dress

 What's not to love about this dress? The cut is flowing & bohemian but the stripes give it a modern, fresh edge while at the same time making me think: Frenchie!

 

Rever Blazer
I have a bit of a blazer obsession and this one has a beautiful cut.

Gagner Slouch Dress

Loving the detail on the shoulders & arms of this little number. I'm picturing wearing this versatile dress with leggings, with lace tights or on it's own. Just adore this girl's choice of black & white brogues with the dress!

Linda's Picks

 Quotidien Long Cardi
Love the neutral colour & the length. The outfit here with the relaxed tee is definitely my style. Very versatile, can be worn with pants, with a skirt or with a dress.

 

 Le Testament Top

Love the detail on the shoulders. I love this look with the cropped jeans. Can be dressed up or down, suits any style.

Portes-Cle Draped Top

This top is great casual wear. It looks so relaxed & comfy for wintery days!

L'ordre Braces Pant

Very flattering waistline. Love that they can be dressed up or down with heels or boots. Versatility is the key for me! 

Credits

Designer: Gill Lawrence for Moi et Toi

Photographer: Liz Ham

Click here for our current favourite French song that neither of us can stop singing right now...

xxx

My kinda party....

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Leaving you with this dessert table found... where else but Amy Atlas of course.

This is definitely my kind of party!

All images from Amy Atlas


~ Clare x