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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Busy. Busy. Busy.

 The weather here is absolutely dismal as we experience the tail end of a low pressure system that was Western Australia's last cyclone. The good news is that I've been kept busy at the Sydney Trade Fairs, attending Design & Decoration, Reed Gift Fair and a Fashion buying one as a guest of a girlfriend. (Very different but lots of fun!)

 I found lots of inspiration at the Interior's exhibits. Australia seems to be following the US led interest in anything chevron, nail-head trimmed or plushly upholstered. There were scores of different design styles catered for; tribal, Hampton's, french, minimal-modern and traditional.

Some of the stands were spectacular in their execution and showcased not only their products well but their design savvy as well. My favourite 'idea' was the use of large branches (lots of these to be collected after the recent storms!) displayed in umbrella stands or hung over tables. Entwined with fairy lights, fresh flowers and tiny decorations they were stunning! (Keeping this idea on file for my 50th birthday celebration!)

My friend and I stayed at The Sheraton on the Park (upgraded with executive club...Woo hoo!) and did a quick reconnaissance about the traps. O.M.G. My feet were on fire by the end of the second day, even though our wallets were a titch lighter! LOL! Loved David Jones' big mirror sign and you can never beat their food hall! Easter gifts all done and dusted! 

Went for my first foray into Zara. L.O.V.E. My friend stocked up on some great children's wear but the sizing was too small to cater for J and I. I found a gazillion things I loved, but even an XL looked tiny and I wasn't in a try-on / get depressed frame of mind. (Having eaten and drunk my weight in seafood and Moet at DJ's Oyster bar for lunch is my excuse...)

Any hoo, I've done lots of online shopping for this winter...

I plan to be living in jeggings, ankle boots (posted HERE) and over-sized jumpers.  If your bathroom scales groan like mine do, check out Sussan's and Sportsgirl's offerings. My legs 'll be sporting the metallic, camo and damask trends in ridiculous comfort!!! 

I've also finally succumbed  and got a few 'wish list' items struck off too; YSL Arty ring in rose gold! (net-a-porter), Jasper Conran for Wedgwood Kilim mugs (where else but POK), Chanel print (Jen Ramos) and THE 'cocky' cushion from Katrina and Amy's 'Block' bedroom (bonnie and neil)

Back at La Hacienda, the melamine was delivered for our under stairs linen cupboard and all but one unit has been built and installed. Don't you love that huge electrical main-frame box? Much bigger than expected - if I'd have known it was this size I'd have had the wiring come out of the opposite wall and within the shelving unit to keep the access walkway clear. Live & learn...

 Having a quiet weekend. Davey is unfortunately ill with a Ménière's episode. I think I've posted about this bloody awful affliction before. Four years of total incapacitation. He's had a good run for the last few years but this will be his third and worst bout in the last six months.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

Whatchaupto?

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!

A spot of shopping...

 Stuck at home with a sick little boy, I've struck a few Christmas gifts off my list by shopping online. 

Again, Peter's of Kensington provided lots of inspiration and easy shopping!

Georg Jensen Coasters, Issey Miyake Perfume, Stanley Rogers Cutlery and Swarovki Ornament.

And I spent my $50 Country Road gift voucher on these:

Lucite picture frame and Cori Nutshell Coasters from Country Road

 I've bought Dymock's gift vouchers for the nephews; they're all big boys now (at uni) and I hate to give something that will be sent to Vinnies by Boxing Day. 

David is proving difficult this year....any good 'man' gift ideas out there?

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!

Run, don't walk my friends!

Peter's of Kensington

 Nothing more to be said really...

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!

My latest purchases!

Hard Work tea towel

Straight Shooter Card

 Poulier and Poulier has some great online finds. I'm going to frame the Hard Work tea towel and the Straight Shooter card for my son's bedroom. To keep costs down (I think art work for children needs to change frequently and grow with them) I'll use Ikea frames.

Love the Tam black earthenware

Cantina Range in Nutshell

 I've placed my online order with Country Road for these lovely home wares and received a new season discount of 30% too. I bought several Tam black dip bowls for entertaining and the whole Cantina range. The saffron was the pick of the colours in this but the nutshell will match previous purchases better. I also bought some colour co-ordinated tea towels!

Peters of Kensington and their Daily Deals tempted me with these gorgeous scented candles at 60% off. Can you guess which style caught my eye?  I bought six of these for gifts and one for me! (The leopard one; Bad Woman was my pick!)

Zanzi Suede Ankle Boots

 I found these cute little suede ankle boots in Wittner. The $169.95 price tag made me walk away for a think but I've now found them online for $149.95. Go figure! 

Am still a tad undecided though, are ankle boots a fad? Am I too old? Eeeek!

 And I added to one of my Decorate + Design orders. The carved wooden cross is a bit impetuous and may end up gifted or used in a client's home but the Wood & Bone cross in black and white is a keeper. I've spotted some furniture in this style before but the prohibitive cost has prevented me from purchasing. Hopefully this little cross will suffice!

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!

My latest purchases; the good the bad and the spikey

I've been trying to avoid the shops during the school holidays because it's usually crazy this time of year as we live in a major tourist hot spot. I ventured out to get J some new school shoes and of course couldn't resist poking my nose into some favourite stores! I spotted this cute little spikey urchin at Seaweed & Sand for $14. So cute!

And this cotton Maxi and sandals at Witchery. The dress was heavily discounted. Yay!

I ordered this stunning candle from Barneys New York awhile ago and it finally arrived. The picture below is the one advertised on their online site. When I unwrapped the candle there was no black gift box, only some flimsy bubble wrap and a scattering of pink ooglies.

 

 The candle is more substantial in size than expected and the perfume is very over-powering. The most disappointing thing though is that the top edges of the glass insert holding the wax is smashed from not being secured within the silver housing during transit. It won't affect it's use but the packing was of a very low standard. No more candle buying from overseas for me. A quite expensive lesson!

 Those that read my blog regularly know how much I love shopping at Peters of Kensington Online. 

They have continued to offer a 'daily deal' since their January re-opening and I took advantage of  buying 4 (two in each style) of these Whitehill photo albums. They'll make terrific and affordable gifts for friends throughout the year.

 And I picked up three of these Universal Circa felt place mats to use as heat mats under hot dishes brought to the table. A bargain at $4.50!

 School holidays end here on Monday and I'm trying to get back into an earlier bedtime and morning wake-up routine. My big boy is starting Year Four and my eldest daughter has completed her University degree and is job hunting. Unbelievable how time flies! Hope you're having a great week,

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!

Ho Ho Ho! Off to shopping we go!

Do you buy Christmas presents early or shop at the last minute?

My youngest sister LL always leaves shopping for all her presents to the last possible minute, often Christmas Eve. Eeeek! I would be so stressed! I've completed probably 60% of my list now. I really like spreading the cost over several months too as I have a lot of people to buy for.

 This is LL's Christmas gift. (I don't think she reads my blog) They are Iittalia bowls from Peter's of Kensington. The colours are divine and they match the mugs that I bought her last year which I know she loved. I honestly believe you could do ALL your Christmas shopping online at this store and mostly, their prices are discounted! A few clicks and your done. Gotta love that!

I am one of three daughters and we're all quite 'artsy'. Every year we compete with one another with our gift wrapping. It's quite a unique tradition! LOL! I love spending Christmas Eve with a glass of champagne and tizzing up my wrapping so hopefully my shopping will be finished weeks before the 'big day'!

How's your 'list' coming along? Covered in ticks or barely written?

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment; I love receiving feedback! It helps me get to know you too! 

Favourite online shopping destinations

When I was recovering from my recent surgery I spent a great deal of time on the computer.

I bought these two timber vases from Country Road Online

 I embraced online shopping like there was no tomorrow and spent hours shopping for all manner of things; clothes, home wares and bed linen to name a few.

Oroton 'Akala' Mini bag. And it was on sale!!!!Yee Ha!

All items arrived perfectly and it was so exciting to hear the courier vans pull up with a new delivery! It's just sooo easy to purchase via a simple click of a mouse!

King bed, 'San Marco Ottawa' from Pillowtalk. A nice change for the guest bedroom.

Unfortunately virtual shopping manifests into reality once the credit card / bank statements arrive! Eeeek!

Are you embracing online shopping or do you need to see / feel before buying? On the Central Coast of New South Wales where I live, designer retail experiences are restricted, if not non-existent.  Shopping online is the only way I can source many items. Here are some of my favourite online stores:

Top 3 by Design

Australia's design store offering award winning top design products, gifts, wish lists and even a wedding register. I can spend hours online here!

Peters of Kensington

A favourite retail and online store, with categorised catalogues, photos and mostly discount prices. I've signed up for the weekly newsletters so I know when what I want is on sale. They have an extensive product list and great range of Alessi gear too. I must buy from here at least once every six weeks! It's a great Christmas one - stop -shop and, they do the wrapping!

Country Road

We don't have a Country Road home wares shop close by so I buy online. I've always loved their womenswear, menswear, kidswear and accessories. Their aesthetic is very simple / modern with on trend colours and great quality for outlay.

Pony Rider

Ponyrider is a boutique home wares brand using photography and typography on their unique range of products. I love their quirky aesthetic - it's something different, 'hand made' in feel and taps into that modern yet retro trend so popular at the moment.

Third Drawer Down

Third Drawer Down is both a product design agency and a shop selling a variety of weird and wonderful objects. I love popping in here (online of course) for a terrific range of high-quality, limited-edition tea-towels designed by artists.

So, what have I missed? Any further suggestions? Do you have favourite on-line stores?

x KL