My Luxe Lust List...# 5 : Leopard Print

Somewhat of a decorating and fashion 'staple', Leopard Print trends come and go but rarely evaporate entirely.  Like my post on fur throws, it is a subject that is very black and white for most people. You either l o v e  or loathe it!

I've been a lover of Leopard print ever since I can remember.

I have fond memories of stroking my Aunt's Leopard coat and snuggling into her cushions when visiting her home. To me it was very glamorous but also a tiny bit wild and exotic. Themes I still relate to and gravitate towards, today.

Who didn't have an leopard-coat-clad Aunt in the 1960s ?

Throughout my 50 years on this earth, I have owned an enormous variety of leopard printed items.

Fashion wise, I've sported coats, anoraks, pants, kaftans, skirts, ball gowns, dresses, shirts, tees, suits, shoes, pyjamas, lingerie, belts, handbags, luggage, leggings, hats, hair accessories, sunglasses, swimmers, gloves, gumboots, an iPhone case and ...  scarves. Whew!

 

On the home front I've owned innumerable cushions, chairs, bed linen, towels, glassware, napkins, frames, candles, votives, vases, art work and one spectacular door mat!

 I don't think there has ever been a time when I haven't owned something Leopard!

Half of the secret to success in using this bold print is in the quality of the design. There's Leopard print and, then there's Leopard Print. Ascertaining the difference is essential! 

Keeping the look classy is key!

The other half of the secret is knowing when and where to use it. The older I get, the more I prefer it as an accent in interiors or as an accessory. A tiny bit goes a long way!

So why have I decided to post about this lust-worthy design today?

Because I've been obsessing, really OBSESSING over these two images....

O.M.G.! I am just am in love with that fabric!

Countless hours have been wasted enjoyed tracking it down to just two possibilities:

Braemore Jamil Natural OR Scalamandre Leopardo Silk Velvet

As I cannot find any Australian references to these, my research has been limited to international blogs or U.S. / U.K. web sites. The unanimous agreement seems to be that they are visually indistinguishable but hugely different in feel, quality and price. The Scalamandre being the ants-pants.

I found two Etsy retailers who sell cushion covers made in the Jamil fabric and I've tracked down some Leopardo being sold by the yard online, so I could consider having them made in this too.
Another wee, but delicious project!

What do you think? 

Are you a Leopard Print lover?

Where would you consider / have you used this print?

x KL

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 You are very welcome and encouraged to comment, I love receiving feedback!

Luxe for Less!

Following on from yesterdays Mega-Post, I thought I'd share some more serendipitous news regarding the mirrored cushions that I tracked down. As I mentioned previously, the first time I laid eyes on these, I was smitten....

Those seen in the images above are Sheesha Pillows from US retailer Jayson Home. They start at $350 USD for the smallest pillow and are made from a silk fabric.

Locally, I found that AuraHome makes a version. Theirs is available in Natural Jute or Grape colourways. One tenth of the price but the fabric weave and colours seem to lessen the glam-factor.

 Bandhini Homewear Design also do a very luxe version. Above is their Dotted Mirror Lumbar cushion made from linen. Stunning, Australian and was on my far-fetched wish list at $339 AUD.

Then of course I found MINE!!!!

 I purchased them direct from the manufacturer in New Delhi, India via eBay but I've since discovered they are selling on Etsy too. They are beautifully white and the canvas cotton adds a soft texture whilst offering durability. They have even custom made me two lumbar cushions! The prices were comparable to the Aura ones but were sold sans insert. Eeeek! I was prepared to get some custom made...and here's the really serendipitous bit...

West Elm sell Down / Feather pillow inserts in all the sizes I needed. 

16 " x 16", 18" x 18", 12" x 18" and 14" x 36"!!!! 

Un-bloody-believable!!!! And...they were ON SALE!!!

Now, my previous record with West Elm has been abysmal. But, I'm thrilled to say, the stars continued to align and third time lucky, my order arrived perfectly within 48 hours!

 Luxe for Less! And all from the comfort of home! Yippee!

x KL

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Shopping

  I'm loving the end of financial year sales this year. I've nabbed some practical as well as more frivolous items at greatly reduced prices, whilst also eliminating a few 'wish list' items!

Of course new-season items aren't reduced, like the stunning Camilla top but saving elsewhere balances out the cost. He he!

Online shopping has never been so easy and I also love that the blogging community is so generous in sharing shopping 'finds'. Two items I've recently purchased (No.s 4 & 6) are thanks to Katrina's savvy eye! (Katrina from the Block)

Below are my latest purchase deets:

1: Newly released Florence Broadhurst Ikeda Bath Towels. The white is sold out in most stores. I got mine from David Jones online.

2, 3. & 7. Cushions from Adairs online. So love the baby pink and the Elk is perfect for a winter lounge. 30 - 35 % off R.R!

4. Katrina posted about framing this fun Typo Tea towel HERE. Imitation being the greatest form of flattery, I intend to do the same.*wink*

5, 9, 12, 18 & 19. Country Road has great bargains atm. 50 % off specified items with an additional 25% off everything and free shipping for VIP card holders! Wooh Hoo!

6. Katrina also posted about this gorgeous Etsy chevron ironing board cover just when I needed it. It took awhile to arrive but is superbly made and thickly padded.

8.  Remember w a a a y back HERE when I bought these Jonathan Adler candles from his store and shipped them via my U.S postal forwarding service ? Well, good old Peter's of Kensington sells them now! At a sale price and low shipping cost! The Muse Blanc scent is divine!

11. Had to buy my new fave Isabel Marant-look boots (posted about HERE) in black now they're half price! (And my last season CR hurt my feet. Can feet get fat? Eeeek!) Get yours from Wanted too!

13. A 'good' silver tea pot has been on my wish-list for a decade or more. After bidding and being outbid for a year on numerous Robur Perfect Tea Pots on Ebay I finally won one! And it lives up to it's name! LOL!

14. I have a 'thing' for cloche's atm. EVERYTHING looks more wondrous under one! This is my latest, found half price at my local One World retail outlet at Erina.

15. Bone Inlay. Tray. Black & White. On Sale. Online. 5 ticks for Hard To Find!

16. Something for my boy. He's sick and it's limited Edition Camo.... EB Games.

 Bought anything at the EOFY sales? 

I think it's a good thing I'm restricted to home now with a sick child. 

I just need to avoid the internet.....he he!

x KL 

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Hit and Miss; some help required!

 J is off to Canberra for three days / nights (I'll be a basket case!) in five weeks and he has a school project to complete before heading off; he needs to take his own knitted scarf! 

His female peers (7 : 1 girl to boy ratio) have taken up this challenge with great enthusiasm. I can crochet and offered to help but David's nonchalant "I could knit at your age" statement made him the preferred teacher. TIP: Be careful what you brag about....LOL!

After consulting his good friend Mr. Google, David cast on and 45 minutes later (I kid you not) he had taught J every building site cuss that ever existed. And then some!

 Pic 1. Row two attempted in bed this morning (is it pearl, is it plain...W.G.A.F.!) and J's first hands-on knitting experience. I dodged the flying skeins and needles and it was proven that J is a very good listener! It's going to be a short scarf!

Pic 2. Have you heard of Temple and Webster? I signed up and was excited to make my first purchase; this gorgeous map. After waiting yonks (and they had my moolah!) unfortunately they couldn't supply. SO disappointed!

Pic 3. LOVE this smoking skull image and I'm positive I've seen it as a cushion on Etsy but need help locating the seller!!!

Pic 4.  I snapped these horns at the January Decoration + Design Fair held in Sydney and if my memory is correct, this wholesaler also stocked Zebra hide rugs. Can anyone help with the supplier's name?

Ooooh...and its a definite 'Hit' for this wee bloggie. I won a generous Blog makeover from Katrina at Katrina from the Block! Bloggy botox coming my way soon!!!!

Stay tuned......

x KL 

 Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Loving these

 I've bought a few things from Etsy before but the range and quality of the offerings seems to be getting better every time I visit! These are my new favourites!

We're enjoying beautiful weather here at the start of a school break. My Internet seems to be on holidays too...it's so slow! Might take a breather from this bloggy thing till it gets back up to speed!

Hope you're enjoying gorgeous Spring sunshine too!

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!