last of autumn tales

 "no this beenie is Mine!" 

or 

"you should totally buy that rufflehead dress too" 

or

 "we are going back to N.Z, but you know we'll be back!"

 "Long Black please!"

 "Now when did you Miss bromeliad start flowering?"

 "Are there any Emily Green's Brooches left?"

 "Mr Bike Owner I put a fluro sticker on your bike to tell you something!"

 "Is that enough birthday candles?"

 "what flavour are you adriano zumbo?"

 "what do you call an Italian with a Rubber toe?...

"Travelling Van's"

Friday

Happy Friday.
This morning I had to get my car headlight changed, after a week of driving around with strange men waving at me every night as i stopped at roundabouts and intersections. The nice man at the servo gave me this chocolate to thank me, and  then told me I needed to get my gaskets changed, which was going to cost me a lot more. Thankyou!
Speaking of ruffled heads...
I have more of my Rufflehead dresses in store for this weekend in the Print "who wants to be square" and in the plain black Linen.
and only a couple of Velvet Party Dresses and Mini Tops left. [Though for the special ladies that have been hounding me about the Wine Velvet - fabric is being dyed as we speak. Not by me, as I am currently sitting at my computer talking to you. But by a lovely gentleman in Roseberry. How appropriate Rose... Berry.... get it?!]
now back to Friday
Did you know The Troubador is now open for drinkies?
Well it is and it looks super cosy. Tonight I saw on the window they have live music. Sounds pretty good to me and it is down my neck of the woods so even sweeter. Check it out if you are a manly local or feel like taking a trip down our way.
have a lovely weekend, I hope you stay warm. x beattie

weekend wonderfullness

well what a weekend!
I had my Fellow Fashion and Textile Designer from Melbourne stay with me, so she could be a part of Finders Keepers, her first foray into the Sydney market Scene. And she did so well!  Lorena of Lore Lore knits is a truely amazing designer and maker of all things knitted. I got myself the most beautiful Dress I think I have ever owned. Winter never seemed so fun now that I have a merino wool dress by Lore Lore.
We had the funnest time together, knitting, eating, enjoying Manly, making homemade laksa and behaving like little girls in icecream bars.  I think we had a colour off with our outfits each day we were together and a secret competition of who could wear the reddest lipstick.
She even bought her knitting machine from Melbourne so she could teach me some new moves. Isn't it fun making new friends - especially the colourful real kind.
The Finders Keepers Market was as busy as ever.
My shop neighbour has the most beautiful garden and she gave me these sweet smelling roses. [i will post more about her later].
I have made some new men's Duffel Jackets.
I went walking in Sydney Harbour National Park and swam in the sea and found a drowned rose that had beached itself on the sand.
I watched "Water For Elephants" last night at The Orpheum - my favourite original art deco picture palace. Who doesn't love a film about a circus and there is a beautiful Elephant called Rosie and other eye candy for the ladies and gents!
I hope you all had a great weekend too.
x

I saw a rainbow last week and I got told I was bohemian once.
I just love these photos by a french photographer Benoit Paillé at three Rainbow Gatherings in Quebec, Mexico and Spain. I also love what he says...
"People are love,
are magic,
are beauty
these sister and brother are the people of the future." Benoit Paille
 [ I found them via another blogger who follows me, simple things]
I hope you enjoy them as much as me. It makes me want to go to Rainbow Serpent in Victoria next year. Rainbows, mud, music, dancing, community and wildness. I think my clothes would look great there, maybe slightly more chic...

Mother

something is brewing...

Manly, my local hood is changing.

For those who haven't been here since you came on a beach holiday when you were 7 or that trashy night ten years ago at The Steyne Hotel. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Cool shops, bars, restaurants and cafes are opening  by locals that they actually want to go to and we even have our first sourdough bakery. Finally, seriously, I know.

There is a new bar opening up soon, I have heard rumours... sometime this month in May. Its called Hemmingway, it has a big bearded man hanging out the front and the guys that are opening it are growing beards. I want them to have a beard off for all the men when they open. Wouldn't that be fun? ...Bushy beards and handknitted fishing jumpers, just like the man Himself.

cmon, come to Manly. You know you want to. I would love to tell you my favourite places so you can enjoy it like a local.
xx

Pussycat Black Melbourne

Bettina is the amazingly passionate interesting woman who owns Pussycat Black. A gorgeous shop filled with really beautiful fashion and homewares and jewellery. She has been behind a lot of young labels when they were just starting out and still stocks people like Betty Jo Designs, High Tea with Mrs Woo and so many more.
All the labels she stocks are designed and made in Australia. when you go into the shop, you really do fall in love with all the pieces as she tells you the story about the designs and their makers.

I met Bettina last year at The Finders Keepers Market in Melbourne. She was there shopping and checking out the new talent with a friend. She wanted to stock my collection which was so exciting and so I  had my first stockist in Melbourne! I am so lucky to have my clothing in her shops.

I have just posted off my new collection to her boutique, so Melbourne Kids, check it out soon!

Pussycat Black

A Haven of Inspiring Design, Australian Made With Love.

3 Edward Street, Brunswick VIC

105 Therry Street, Melbourne VIC

check out her blog here