Author Archives: topbird

1. The Best Brow Pencil for Blondes

   April 14, 2015 7:00 am 8 Comments

   

   It is a truth (almost) universally acknowledged, that a blonde maiden in possession of fair brows must be in want of a good brow pencil.*

   I should know. I’ve spent 41 years of my life with rather insipid blonde brows, which I’ve tinted darker for the past 20 years. Over that time, I’ve experimented with various brow pencils that are (a) too yellow/orange; (b) too grey; and (c) too dark, making me resemble an angry Muppet.

   Without eyebrow definition, you tend to resemble one of those curious Amish dolls with blank faces. Sometimes very young and freakishly good-looking models can pull off this unusual look, but for the majority of fair-headed damsels, a no-fail brow pencil in The Perfect Shade of Dark Blonde is vital, especially now that strong, full brows are the look du jour.

   Reader, I married him found it.**

   

   Introducing M.A.C’s brow pencil in Fling. If you haven’t already got it in your beauty bag, you may like to address this breach immediately. More than one editorial make-up artist has personally recommended it to me, and it’s also the pencil that Sydney brow expert Lien Davies uses on me.

   The thing about Fling is that it has a fine, self-sharpening wind-up pencil, so you can easily replicate fine hairs to fill in your brow, as well as creating the perfect tapered arch. It also has the perfect dark blonde hue with no orange undertones, and you can use it lightly for subtle definition, or create a stronger brow by applying more pressure and pencil strokes.

   If I ever happen to be in the States, and the Aussie dollar isn’t a costly embarrassment, I make a beeline for the M.A.C counter and stock up on Fling. I’ve converted many a fair-haired lass (including my mum) with amazing results, and it’s particularly good for filling in sparse hair and gaps that can result from ageing, chemotherapy or alopecia.

   

   At Donna Karan’s AW14 show, stray eyebrow hairs are brushed up towards the defined pencilled brow arch. Photography via M.A.C/Instagram.

   My other tips on brows for blondes:

   • Look in the mirror. Are you still obsessively plucking to create a thin arch? Think 1990s Drew Barrymore. Or maybe you see two big stylised commas above your eyeballs? You need to put down the tweezers and step away from the mirror. Seriously, stop checking them and pretend they don’t exist for about four-to-six weeks.

   • Use Fling to fill in the gaps while you grow them out, and make an appointment to see Lien Davies. If you don’t live in Sydney, buy her excellent e-book, How To Create Your Ultimate Brow Shape At Home. Lien has groomed some of the nation’s finest brows, applying an almost-mathematical precision to shaping.

   • Full brows are not only on-trend, but they are much more flattering, and a defined full brow has a surprisingly slimming effect on the face.

   • In between shaping visits? Just pluck the really obvious stray hairs (like the ones creeping towards your temples), then use an eyebrow brush to comb the strays up towards the pencilled brow line to create a fuller effect. It doesn’t have to be a perfect line. Imperfection looks natural and pretty. Fill in gaps with Fling.

   

   Pencilled blonde brows balance a strong red lip at Katie Marie Gallagher’s AW15 collection. Photography via M.A.C/Instagram.

   M.A.C Brow pencil in Fling is $30 and available online and at M.A.C counters.

   * Apologies to Jane Austen.
   ** Ditto Charlotte Bronte (and apologies for originally attributing this to Jane – major oops).

   Product photography and styling by Lisa Tilse for We Are Scout.
   This post was originally published on We Are Scout.
   

2. Wee Find: Live with Colour

   April 13, 2015 11:19 am 3 Comments

   

   Here’s a cracker of a vintage find I thrifted recently, and thought I’d share with you today. It’s a soft-cover Australian book, published by Taubmans, called Live with Colour. There’s no publication date, but from the look of the mid-century interiors, it’s circa 1950s.

   Check out the amazing rainbow-bright cover.

   

   

   

   The pages are crammed with inspirational mid-century colour palette suggestions, along with colour photos of styled interiors and the most charming accompanying illustrations.

   

   

   

   I love this book on so many levels. As a fan of Australian mid-century homes and architecture, it’s particularly illuminating. The page titled ‘contemporary homes’ is a modernist’s dream, with a charming set of illustrations portraying four typical mid-century Australian suburban homes and gardens. Cue yellow garage doors, red awnings and butterfly chairs (I’ll take either homes on the left, thanks).

   

   

   Mid-century style is enjoying a renaissance right now, so Live with Colour is also rather instructive as a vintage reference book. I love that it celebrates and details typical mid-century Australian style and from a design perspective, the book is a gem. It’s packed with retro fonts and hand-lettering, charming illustration and photos, inspirational interior styling and loads of practical tips on painting and working with colour.

   

   

   

   Tell me: have you scouted any mid-century finds lately? Do you collect vintage books? Tell me in the comments below.

3. All the Best Bits from Gorman’s AW15 Collection

   April 11, 2015 10:34 am Leave a Comment

   

   If you’re fan of bold prints and pattern in your wardobe, no doubt you’re also a fan of Australian fashion and homewares brand Gorman. I just stumbled across these beautiful campaign images for their Autumn collection, which Jorgen Axelvall shot in collaboration with Lisa Gorman on location in Japan. Feast your eyes (and your purse) on this lot.

   

   

   

   I really love the colour palette in this story, featuring the striking pairing of blue and persimmon that we’ve seen elsewhere in fashion and interiors this season. It’s a fresh colour combination for autumn that also works with softer pastel colours, like pale pink, mint green, along with a punch of metallic gold and mustard.

   

   

   

   I love Gorman’s new take on the classic Breton top, with vibrant embroidered moths, and it’s street-style perfect paired with the sensational gold sunray-pleated skirt.

   As always, Gorman’s signature prints take centre stage in this collection, most spectacularly imagined in this autumn/winter’s must-have wardrobe update: the print raincoat.

   I’ve also got my eye on Gorman’s new collaboration with Melbourne artist Miranda Skokcek, which I will talk about next week. It’s a cracker.

   

   

   

   Gorman’s new autumn/winter collection 2015 is in stores across Australia and online now.

4. 30 amazing kids craft ideas to get you through the school holidays

   April 6, 2015 7:00 am 5 Comments

   

   How do you get through the school holidays? Do you just wing it? Or do you have assorted childcare and activities organised and booked long in advance?

   This is the first year I’ve really had to deal with school holidays that aren’t my own, so I’ve started to think about how we’re going to pass the time. I’ve booked in a few things but I think I’ll be winging it most of the time. Rookie error? We’ll see.

   I thought it might be helpful to round up a list of nice things you can make with your kid/s. The internet is awash with loads of amazing kids’ craft ideas. Here are my top 30 favourites for all ages. I’ve chosen projects – many inspired by art and nature – that I think you’ll both enjoy making together, and treasuring. Enjoy and good luck!

   

   1. Make rolled paper sculptures (pictured above and top) by Art Bar Blog.

   

   2. Make a cork sailboat in a jar by Handmade Charlotte.

   

   3. Make a shell mandala by We Are Scout.

   

   4. Make a conveyor belt by Pink Stripey Socks.

   

   5. Make a winter wonderland for peg dolls by Mr Printables.

   

   6. Make shell jewellery by We Are Scout.

   

   7. Make a paper plate craft desk tidy by MollyMoo.

   

   8. Make Washi tape bracelets by Art Bar Blog.

   

   9. Make origami fish wall art by We Are Scout.

   

   10. Make a simple autumn leaf crown by Merg Mag.

   

   11. Make a fairy garden table by Inner Child Fun.

   

   12. Make a dream catcher with Hama bead feathers by We Are Scout.

   

   13. Make Chinese paper lanterns by Handmade Charlotte.

   

   14. Make weavings with cardboard looms by Art Bar Blog.

   

   15. Make stacking house blocks by Mer Mag.

   

   16. Make a beach and bush weaving by We Are Scout.

   

   17. Make a painted soccer player hand puppet by Handmade Charlotte.

   

   18. Make a Matisse-inspired mural by Pink Stripey Socks.

   

   19. Make an Autumn leaf mobile by Alex and Alexa.

   

   20. Make cheat’s papier mache by We Are Scout.

   

   21. Make a constellation flashlight by Handmade Charlotte.

   

   22. Make cardboard tube rockets by Sweet Paul Mag.

   

   23. Make straw embroidery by Misaka Mimoko for Handmade Charlotte.

   

   24. Make gift tags from magazine pages by We Are Scout.

   

   25. Make a rainbow nature collecting chart by Joejoebi Designs.

   

   26. Make mini canvas paintings by Art Bar Blog.

   

   27. Make a driftwood weaving or a little raft for shell people by We Are Scout.

   

   28. Make a cardboard forest by Ukkonooa.

   

   29. Make kids’ artwork lanterns by Herz Allerliebst.

   

   30. Make a beachcomber’s wreath by We Are Scout.

   Tell us: how do you plan to spend the school holidays? Have you got any tried-and-tested tips? Maybe you’d like to share your own kids’ craft ideas – just leave a comment (or a pic) for us below.

   All photography courtesy of original source, as cited above.

5. Trend Scout: Black kitchens

   April 4, 2015 8:26 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Black kitchens. Would you go there? It’s easy to be safe and stick with white cabinetry and panelling, but there is something supremely alluring – and dare we say sexy and sophisticated – about using black as an accent colour in your kitchen.

   

   There are a number of ways you can work black into your kitchen with stunning results. Matte black tiles make sophisticated and sleek splashbacks when paired with timber or glossy black benchtops.

   

   We’ve noticed a bit of a trend emerging with matte black panelling paired with timber benchtops. Add white subway tiles, a black Smeg fridge, black dining table chairs, and loads of timber surfaces, and you’ve got a fresh spin on Scandinavian style, as demonstrated in Swedish cafe Sågverket – möten rum & kök, below.

   

   Black and white is always a strong style statement, and there are a number of clever ways you can use a monochrome colour scheme for a pared-back, streamlined look in your kitchen. The key to pulling off this look is to use a variety of finishes – matte, gloss, satin, textured – for an interesting layered effect. Contrast matte black with glossy white tiles or benchtops, or add marble for a luxe look.

   

   

   For instant drama, pair matte black wooden cabinet panelling and splashbacks with a glossy benchtop and blonde timber cabinets. Note the stripe of black panelling contrasting with a white floor in the family house below.

   Alternately, turn up the dial on contrast and paint an exposed brick wall white and work it back with a black gloss benchtop, black tapware, black cabinets and black pendant lights (at bottom).

   

   

   Tell us: would you go black in your kitchen?

   By Lisa Tilse and Rebecca Lowrey Boyd. All photography and styling by Lisa Tilse for We Are Scout.
   This post was originally published on We Are Scout.

6. Fashion Find: Aje Sant Antoni Shirt Dress

   April 3, 2015 7:00 am Leave a Comment

   

   Have you ever spotted an amazing dress you can’t stop thinking about? You look it up online. Click on buy. Close the window. Open it up the next day. Sigh.

   It happened to me this week, when I spotted this incredible shirt dress on Australian stylist Nicole Valentine Don at the Real Living for Freedom launch. I’m always drawn to a good print, and the sea-blue marine print in the Sant Antoni dress by Australian fashion label Aje is a real beauty.

   Nicki wore it particularly well, with the belted waist tie creating a flattering cinched-in effect. The super-soft lightweight silk cotton fabric drapes beautifully, with a flowing knee-length skirt and cuffed elbow-length sleeves. It basically ticks all the right boxes for My Perfect Frock.

   

   The Sant Antoni Shirt Dress by Aje is $350, but if you head over to Aje right now, you can get a 15% discount. They’re having a flash sale for the Easter long weekend. Just enter the code HAPPY EASTER.

7. Muji is coming to Sydney

   April 2, 2015 1:31 pm 2 Comments

   

   And we couldn’t be happier.

   Lisa stumbled across the news yesterday, and ever since then, we’ve been mentally compiling our shopping lists.

   It’s been five years since I’ve lived with a local Muji store, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve muttered, “I just wish I could go to Muji and get a [folder/pen/wash bag/plain plastic container/wooden planets set]”.

   

   

   

   

   But with Muji opening up shop in Sydney’s The Galeries next month, wistful statements like that will be a thing of the past.

   The new Sydney store is the perfect spot for getting your Japanese retail fix – first stop Muji; second stop Kinokuniya; (bowl of restorative Ramen at noodle cafe optional). Then you can scoot down the street for a quick shop at Daiso. (If a quick shop at Daiso is actually possible.) Perfect!

   

   Organic cotton short sleeve dress, tanned leather hand-stitched belt, super-stretch skinny pants and punching ballet flats; all from Muji.

   As much as we love Muji for its stationery and simple homewares, we’re also loving the look of their spring/summer 2015 fashion collection. Think simple, clean lines and wardrobe essentials in organic cotton like the perfect white shirt, stretch chinos, chambray shirt dress, and Breton striped top.

   

   French linen short sleeve shirt, French linen cropped easy pants, slip-on sneakers; all from Muji.

   You know how I mentioned those mental shopping lists we were compiling? Here’s our top 10 from Muji’s European website (just hover over the images below to see product details and click through to buy):

   0.5 Gel Ink Pens
   £1 - Muji
   "My favourite pens - each time I've been to Japan I've bought literally dozens of them. I can't use anything else now." - Lisa

   Desktop file holder
   £10 - Muji
   "Simple, beautiful, practical... the essence of Muji." - Lisa

   Porcelain Toothbrush Stand
   £2.95 - Muji
   "Sweet and simple in a range of soft colours." - Lisa

   Scottie Dogs Noughts and Crosses
   £1- Muji
   "A fun twist on the traditional game. So much fun, even if you don't play with them." - Lisa

   Jersey Bed Linen in Grey
   £54.95 - Muji
   "Grey marle cotton jersey bedlinen - like sleeping in your favourite old Tshirt. Heaven, right there."
   - Lisa

   Large Aroma Diffuser
   £69 - Muji
   "Every time I've been into a Muji store (and that is a LOT!) I've loved the fragrant dry mist and white ambient glow coming from the aromatherapy diffuser. It's number one on my list."
   - Lisa

   Ash Rectangular Dust Bin
   £19.95 - Muji
   "Clean and simple lines, with an unobtrusive design. I don’t like fancy bins."
   - Rebecca

   Hand Broom & Dustpan Set
   £3.95- Muji
   "Great price, endlessly practical and simple design. Nice." - Rebecca

   Japanese Garden in a Bag
   £8.95 - Muji
   "Who doesn’t own a wooden Muji ‘something in a bag’? So much fun!" - Rebecca

   Modal Silk Scarf
   £19.95 - Muji
   "Soft pink scarf. Light weight. Trans-seasonal. One in each colour please."
   - Lisa

   Follow Muji Australia’s Facebook page for all of their latest news.

   All photography courtesy of Muji.

8. 3 Stunning Ways to Set Your Easter Table

   March 28, 2015 8:28 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Easter is the perfect time to entertain, and you can have a lot of fun creating a beautiful table setting. We’ve got you covered this year with three contemporary and original decorating ideas.

   All three of our Easter table styles use a plain white linen tablecloth as a starting point, to which we added various pieces of our own collections of plates, vessels, plants and linens. These looks are easy to recreate using basic things you may already own – just add some fresh blooms and oversized balloons for an original and contemporary Easter style statement.

    

   1. FESTOONED FLORAL BALLOON

   This pretty Easter table setting (see photo at top of this post) takes its cues from our oversized balloon, festooned with trailing berries and foliage, which creates an eye-catching and original centrepiece.

   

   To create this stunning look, we used a single white oversized helium balloon, and attached fresh pink peppercorns and foliage to the anchoring fishing line with matte green washi tape.

   Our tips

   Start by attaching long trailing pieces of foliage to the fishing line, then add the berries and more foliage so the overall shape resembles an elongated diamond. Finish off with a sparse trail of berries at the bottom.

   A 3-foot round balloon is the perfect size to hold the weight of the foliage – anything smaller won’t float.

   

   For a pop of complementary colour, the table was layered with a white linen tablecloth topped with watercolour-print tea towels (used as napkins) by Belinda Marshall, along with a blush pink cushion cover on the Ikea Stockholm chair. These colours brought out the tones of natural pinks and greens in the peppercorns.

   A selection of ceramic vessels, vases and bowls in tones of greens and blues form a bold centrepiece with white, pale aqua and blue ceramic plates and clear glass bottles bringing a sense of lightness and brightness.

   

   

   To complete the tablescape we popped a low-line leafy plant in a round jade Jett serving bowl, together with a couple of clear glass bottles from Freedom. A single sprig of peppercorns adorns one of the vessels and provides a visual link with the berries on the balloon.

   For the final touch, foil-covered chocolate Easter eggs in greens and blues were clustered around the table.

    

   2. FRESH AS A DAISY

   

   Fresh and zesty Easter daisies informed the look for this Easter table setting, which is kept minimal with a limited colour palette using white linen and an assortment of white ceramic vessels and bowls.

   The key to working with white on white is to ensure you dial up the layers of texture, so it’s not too bland and plain.

   

   

   For this look, we layered the white linen tablecloth with a collection of vintage and new glass, ceramics and porcelain vessels in a variety of matte, gloss and textured finishes.

   A handcrafted element adds to the interest and textures on the table – we used one of Lisa’s own ceramic designs, a stunning white vessel in linen, leather and porcelain, and filled it with plain white Easter eggs.

   

   Fresh trailing foliage on the oversized white helium balloon, along with a shallow bowl filled with fresh wheatgrass, combine to bring a touch of green to the table, which offsets the white-on-white palette.

   Finally, we popped fresh Easter daisies into Lisa’s adorable bunny ear vase from Anthropologie, and used a couple of delicate sprigs to decorate our homemade gingerbread Easter egg cookies.

    

   3. TOASTY HOT CROSS BLUSH

   

   Dusky pinks and toasty browns combine in this table setting to create a warm and contemporary rustic Easter look.

   Perfect for a hot-cross bun morning tea, this look is simple to achieve by layering a white linen tablecloth with a combination of blush-toned linen napkins and Nani Iro pink watercolour dot fabric.

   

   

   We used Kim Wallace’s ceramic pebble plates and bowls to set the table, which are made from beautiful Australian stoneware raku clay. The rustic tones and textures in the hand-shaped plates and bowls give a warm and organic edge to the setting, perfect for a pile of steaming hot-cross buns with lashings of butter.

   A bunch of fresh peppercorns fill a simple white glass vase as a centrepiece, surrounded by a scattering of plain wooden eggs and speckled candy Easter eggs.

   

   For a dash of extra hygge, we added some soft and shaggy textural warmth with Freedom’s new Grobi Bear throw in cream, and tied a set of three 16-inch white balloons to the chair for some contemporary cheer.

   Tutorial by Lisa Tilse and Rebecca Lowrey Boyd. All photography and styling by Lisa Tilse for We Are Scout.
   This post was originally published on We Are Scout.

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9. Wee Find: Aveva Rugs & Poufs

   March 26, 2015 1:26 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Add a splash of colour – and a pop of personality – to your home with these wonderfully vibrant rugs and poufs by Swedish design company Aveva Design.

   

   Aveva Design bubble poufs, £235 each, from Mench Living.

   We love the playful colours and shaggy texture of these rugs and poufs, which are handmade in Sweden using 100 per cent wool.

   They would brighten up any space in your home, and would make particularly fun additions to a kid’s bedroom or play room.

   

   Multi-coloured Aveva Design round bubble rug, £150, from Mench Living.

   UK-based online store Mench Living stocks both products alongside a covetable line-up of contemporary Scandinavian design, and offer worldwide delivery.

   Photography by Aveva Design.

10. Insta Find: Outstanding in the Field

    March 25, 2015 2:46 pm 4 Comments

    

    The premise is simple enough. Find a gorgeous field somewhere in the middle of rural America, add a super-long table, fill it with locally-sourced food, and invite a bunch of people to come along and celebrate.

    That’s exactly what Jim Denevan did 15 years ago, when he organised his first open-air feast at Andy Griffin’s Mariquita Farm near Santa Cruz in California.

    

    Since then, his company Outstanding in the Field has organized more than 600 events, and set up their signature long table in nine different countries. They’ve hosted feasts in farms, sea coves, vineyards; on rooftops; and even in a sea cave; all in the name of celebrating, understanding, and learning from the farmer.

    I don’t know about you, but I’m adding Outstanding in the Field to my bucket list. Look at these sensational feasts – in the most spectacularly scenic settings.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    If you’re planning a trip to the States (or you live in the States), it’s well worth checking out their list of upcoming events for this Summer/Autumn and booking a seat at a table.

    Beyond the States, they’ve also got events this year in Whistler, Vancouver, County Cork and Fujinomiya. I’ve got my eye on the Oahu event in January 2016. Follow Outstanding in the Field on Instagram, and check out their upcoming events here. But be quick -they’re already selling out!

    All photography courtesy of Outstanding in the Field.

11. The top 40 Non-Chocolate Easter Gifts

    March 23, 2015 10:46 am Leave a Comment

    

    Bettwäsche ‘Hase’ quilt cover and pillowcase set, €39.90, from Art Chateau.

    After an alternative to chocolate this year for Easter? From the most adorable bunny ear beanies to the most unexpectedly stylish bunny tail mugs, there are loads of gorgeous things around that would make ideal Easter presents. We’ve rounded up our 40 favourite gifts (just hover over the images below to see product details and click through to buy):

    Belle & Boo melamine set
    $29.95 - Oliver's Twisty Tales

    Smiling bunny melamine plate
    $12.95 - Lark

    Bunny girls play dress
    $70 - Down that Little Lane

    Set of two hot cross buns tea towels
    $24.95 - Mozi

    Vintage small Easter egg tin
    $4.95 - Lark

    White rabbit tail mug
    £19.95 - Liberty

    Personalised Easter egg hunt tote bag
    $16.95 - Down that Little Lane

    Row Pinto rainbow lavender rabbit
    £26 - Liberty

    Easter stickers
    £5 - Fortnum and Mason

    Dapper animal plates
    $14 - West Elm

    Shopping for the I Quit Sugar crowd? Special Easter gifts for grown-ups can still be extra sweet – just swap chocolate bunnies for the 22ct gold version and you’ll be hopping down the bunny trail…

    Magic egg yolk candle
    $13.23 - Kittredge candles on Etsy

    Alex Monroe sitting bunny necklace
    £120 - Fortnum and Mason

    Running rabbit ring
    £132 - Alex Monroe

    Arne Jacobsen egg cups pack of two
    £22.50 - Skandivis

    Midsummer blooms brooch
    £55 - Tatty Devine

    Easter bunny brooch
    $26.47 - An Astrid Endeavor on Etsy

    Eggling
    $24.95 - Lilly and Lolly

    Rory Dobner white rabbit ceramic bottle stopper
    £35 - Liberty

    Bunny + Chick tea towel set
    $24 - West Elm

    Wooden bunny rabbit ears ring
    $20 - Whimsy Milieu on Etsy

    Stuck for ideas for your family and friends? Put a bird bunny (or a bee) on it…

    Meri Meri Easter bunny tea towel
    £10 - Fortnum and Mason

    Robert Gordon woodland rabbit large mug
    $24.95 - Lark

    Cute Big Rabbit A3 print by Seventy Tree
    $49.95 - Oliver’s Twisty Tales

    Miffy lamp,
    €159 - Les Esthetes

    Carrot crew DIY paper bunnies
    £6.50 - Clare Loves

    Porcelain Bunny figurine
    $18.53 - ENDEceramics on Etsy

    Rabbit nightie
    $44.95 - Country Road

    Bunny pen
    $3.95 - Lark

    Soft bunny tea set
    $36 - Pottery Barn Kids

    Honey bee brooch
    £35 - Tatty Devine

    Babies were made to wear bunny ears, right? You’re spoilt for choice when you’re Easter shopping for little ones…

    Crocheted Easter Egg Ornaments
    $21.18 - Made By Elina on Etsy

    Heart-shaped egg cups
    $26.95 for a set of four - Lark

    The white rabbit bunny plush
    $55.58 - Mount Royal Mint on Etsy

    Newborn hoodie with ears
    $59.95 - Seed

    Bunnies in a Carrot Bag
    $25.95 - Oxfam Australia

    Egg acorn cosies
    $37.06 - The Yarn Kitchen on Etsy

    Newborn knitted bunny beanie
    $29.95 - Seed

    Crochet Easter rabbit toy
    $45 - RosieOK on Etsy

    DIY paper rabbit puppet
    $10.59 - Furzechan on Etsy

    Spotty bunny tights
    $16.95 - Seed

    Tell me: are you looking for chocolate-free options for Easter this year? What’s your favourite gift idea?

    Top photo: Bettwäsche ‘Hase’ quilt cover and pillowcase set, €39.90, from Art Chateau.
    All photography supplied by original designer/retailer.

12. WIN! Lovestar Sparkle Heart Vase

    March 19, 2015 7:00 am 26 Comments

    

    Lovestar hardly needs an introduction, especially if you’re (a) female; (b) the owner of an Instagram account and; (c) follow an Australian design enthusiast or two. The inimitable vases have exploded with pop-tastic prettiness – along with bunches of beautiful blooms – on Instagram feeds the world over, inducing hysteria for handcrafted acrylic heart vessels.

    The brainchild of Brisbane designer Helen Bayley, the first heart vessel prototype was created back in 2012. Since then, Lovestar has released new product ranges and designs, but each individual piece reflects the integrity of craftmanship that is evident in the original design.

    Their insanely popular Sacré-Coueur sparkle heart vase, for instance, features flecks of gold or silver glitter suspended in liquid monomer, which go through a series of cures and are individually cut, moulded and finished by hand. The results are rather spectacular.

    

    Sacré-Coueur sparkle heart vase, $185, by Lovestar.

    Lovestar recently released their Candy Hearts collection, with a line-up of candy-hued sweetie vases making declarations of love, such as  ‘Be Mine’ and ‘Sweet Heart’ .

    

    

    

    The delectable range of Candy Heart vases by Lovestar.

    Helen’s not stopping with hearts. There’s a capsule collection of Lovestar clothes and accessories just around the corner, and if the fabulous Cray Cray tote is anything to go by, it promises to be just as fun and terrifically playful.

    We can’t wait!

    WIN! Lovestar Sacré-Coueur Sparkle Heart Vase

    To celebrate our launch of We Are Scout, the super-lovely crew at Lovestar are giving away a Sacré-Coueur Sparkle Heart Vase in Silver and stand, valued at over $200. Sweet!

    It’s simple and easy to enter, just follow these two simple steps:

    1. You must be on the We Are Scout mailing list to be eligible. Not on the list? Enter your email address below and click Sign Up.

    2. Simply leave a comment below, telling us in 25 words why your home needs some Lovestar sparkle.

    This giveaway closes at midnight AEST on Thursday 26 March, 2015. The winner will be contacted by email and announced on the We Are Scout Facebook page on Friday 27 March, 2015.

    Sorry overseas readers, this giveaway is only open to Australian residents. We’ll have more giveaways for our lovely followers beyond Oz very soon!

    All photography courtesy of Lovestar.
    

13. Our Freedom AW15 Top 10 Picks

    March 18, 2015 7:00 am Leave a Comment

    

    After an easy way to update your home? All of the new season collections are coming into stores right now, and just a couple of fresh new pieces can add a pop of personality and instantly transform your space.

    One of our favourite Australian stores, Freedom, asked us to compile our top 10 picks from their new autumn/winter 2015 collection.

    Here’s what we picked (just hover over the images below to see product details and click through to buy):

    Duo Cheese Board
    $39.95 - Freedom
    "Marble and timber is one of this seasons’ biggest trends, and you can never have too many serving boards."
    - Rebecca

    Milena basket in copper
    $19.95 - Freedom
    "What’s that? A copper-coloured wire basket? Why yes, I must have own it immediately. It’s a great way to update your home with on-trend rose-gold tones without spending too much money." - Rebecca

    Basique Ottoman Large
    $399 - Freedom
    "This oversized ottoman has a wonderful organic shape and it can be used as a seat, occasional table or footstool." - Lisa

    Dahlia 3 Seat Sofa in Austria Shell
    $1,400 - Freedom
    "The timber plinth running along the bottom of the sofa is a gorgeous design detail that adds interest and a graphic, clean line."
    - Lisa

    Entwine Basket 50cm
    $99 - Freedom
    "I love the loosely-woven natural fibres in this basket, and it’s a great, functional piece for storage, too." - Lisa

    Sia pendant
    $239 - Freedom
    "I love the classic Scandi-style mix of timber and white, and the elegant silhouette of this pendant would add an instant style update to any room."
    - Rebecca

    Claro vessel in green
    $44.95 - Freedom
    "I collect vintage glass vessels, and I’m adding this little stunner in the most gorgeous green to my collection." - Rebecca

    Melita Limited Edition Floor Rug
    $899 - Freedom
    "I love the rich jewel-tones in this classic rug, and you can add it to just about any decor for a touch of boho eclecticism." - Lisa

    Dame ottoman
    $299 - Freedom
    "Ottomans are the new furniture must-have. They’re endlessly adaptable and I love the button tufting detail on this really amazing piece." - Rebecca

    Mix and match globes
    From $34.95 - Freedom
    "I’m loving the line-up of Freedom’s new mix-and-match light globes. The cut-glass globe is a really beautiful piece." - Lisa

    Tell me: what’s your favourite new product?

    Want to see more of our homes? Check out Rebecca’s latest renovations and makeovers here, and go to Lisa’s house here.

    Top image: Photo and styling by Lisa Tilse for We Are Scout. Product images courtesy of Freedom.