WINDOW SHOPPING // FREEDOM & MOZI

 

Well it was a hot one in Sydney this weekend and it seems the hours spent outside are about to increase dramatically. Bust out the sunglasses because picnics, BBQ's and general splish splash by the pool are about to get a little brighter if the new summer range from Freedom is anything to go by. Today I have paired the colourful outdoor range with the flirty illustrated textiles of Mozi's new Tropicalia collection. Is it not just a match made in alfresco heaven?

1. Pear Cactus | 2. Hamilton Pot Stand | 3. Melamine Dinner Plates | 4. Macrame Pot Hanger | 5. Moloko Occasional Chair | 6. Pineapple Door Stop | 7. Tropicalia Scarf | 8. Pineapple Cushions | 9. Coin Purse | 10. Tropicalia Cushion | 11. Deck Chair | 12. Demijohn Vessel | 13. Pineapple Lantern | 14. Paper Napkins | 15. Colour Palette Tumblers | 16. Finger Cactus

STICKY BEAK // DORIS DUKE'S SHANGRI-LA

I have a thing for the exotic. And I also have a thing for the sea. So imagine the flutters I got when I discovered this oasis overlooking Hawaii's Diamond Head while stalking Richard Christiansen of Chandelier Creative on Instagram.

This is Shangri-La, the glamorous 1930's seaside compound of the late tobacco heiress Doris Duke and now the centrepiece for the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. Reflecting her passion for the art, architecture and design of the Islamic world, the 5 acres of terraced gardens and pools is a melting pot of marble carvings, intricate tiles, silk textiles and decorative artifacts, many of which collected on her many travels across India, Morocco, Persia and the Middle East.

If you're not lucky enough to get to Hawaii to see Shangri-La in person (or like me it's on your bucket list for now), you can purchase the gorgeous book which accompanied the recent travelling exhibition here.

Photos: Chandelier Creative,  Harpers Bazaar, Tim Street-Porter for Shangri-La

THREADS // CAMILLA // KAFTAN QUEEN

Camilla Franks is Australia's 'kaftan queen'... and the queen of colour if her spring/summer 2012 collection has anything to do with it. In her true luxe-bohemian style, the 'Gypset' collection embraces the spirit of the psychedelic sixties, combining exotic prints with sensuous silks and brave beading.

I'm loving the over the top styling for the look book contrasted with the etherial effect of the white parachute backdrop. Pure bohemian perfection!!

Photos: Jason Ridler

urban tribal

Image by the amazing Alexandra Valenti

Urban Tribal... is everywhere right now. The eclectic combination of Ikat, Aztec and Navajo is invading wardrobes and homes, capturing the spirit that was once reserved for the global traveller.

This exotic yet laid-back bohemian style is created with a concoction of amazing colour combinations, geometric patterns and mixed textiles. I'm definitely a fan of this style trend, especially because you really can mix and match without fear of getting it completely wrong.

I bought back a few great pieces from Mexico including an amazingly hand painted sugar skull, a leather drum and some beautiful patterned paper lanterns... add in my next purchase; that set of 9 Ikat cushions below from Etsy retailer Ikat and Batik and I think i'm on my way.

Framed antique Ikat via Elle Decor

Ikat fabrics by Madeline Weinrib | Ikat art print by Amy Sia on Society6

From LF Stores lookbook

Bohemian Aztec styling via Honestly WTF

Romantic living room tent via Design Sponge

Sequined Aztec Mini from AllSaints

Aztec inspired nail art from The Illustrated Nail

Super cute Sass & Bide shorts via Tuula

Bold Ikat wallpaper via Camille Styles

From LF Stores lookbook

Set of 9 Ikat Cushion Covers from Etsy

Ikat Quilt Cover from West Elm

Crisp and clean blue and white Ikat via Driftwood Interiors

tangerine tango

Out with 2011's Honeysuckle and in with Pantone's 2012 colour of the year... Tangerine Tango.
Pair this exotic hue with hot pink and I think we have a winner.

1. Milly Embellished Silk Trapeze dress
2. Izze Sparkling Juices
3. Bonjour Print
4. Acapulco Chair
5. Orange & White Ikat Pillow
6. On The Same Paige OPI Nail Colour
7. Roberta Bow Glitter Ballet Flat
8. Design Sponge at Home by Grace Bonney
9. Vintage Design Ceramic Owl Lantern
10. Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Sunglasses

designer popsicles

The best way to cool down this summer is with one of these scrumptious looking (and i'm sure tasting) artisan pops from the girls over at Liana Raine.

Each popsicle is made only using natural ingredients and the freshest, sweetest seasonal fruit with flavours like Strawberry Mint and Pineapple & Chilli. Aja & Bianca have even conjured up some exotic 'poptails' - the perfect treat for a summer party or wedding and I can't wait to see their new vintage pop cart which is arriving soon.

potato head beach club

I'm super bummed I missed out on Potato Head Beach Club on my last visit to Bali.
Opened in December 2010, Potato Head is the newest hot spot in Seminyak, boasting 3 restaurants, an extensive cocktail menu and international DJ's.
This relaxed beachfront getaway transitions into party central once the sun goes down, but what I really love is the unique design that showcases an eclectic mix of Scandinavian & Indonesian furniture. Designed by Indonesia's architect of the moment, Andra Matin, the exterior of the colosseum inspired amphitheatre is covered in more than 12,000 vintage teak shutters recycled from Dutch colonial-era buildings scattered across the Indonesian archipelago, giving it a real rustic, tropical feel.

Potato Head Beach Club is definitely on my list for next time, in the mean time i'll just plug into my Ku De Ta playlist and imagine i'm there.