Industrial / Retro Chic!

Industrial  / Retro Chic seems to be everywhere at the moment. Half of The Block contestants have incorporated it (Josh / Jenna and Katrina / Aimee) and it seems every interiors magazine features at least one home in this style too. In fact Real Living magazine seems to feature this approach almost exclusively. You know when a trend is totally having its moment when stores like Freedom heavily invest in pieces they'll be showcasing for up to a year! So... am I being influenced to change decor direction again? Yep, you bet! I'll try to incorporate some funky Vintage posters to the eclectic mix I think! What are your thoughts... are you tempted to dip a toe in this old new direction too?

L.O.V.E. Katrina and Aimee's "Scaffold" dining table! Original and fantastic!

I so want Josh and Jenna's 'Salon des ensembliers' Vintage poster by Knoll!

Xavier Pauchard Tolix stools, replica or real seen at The Block, Top 3 by Design, Freedom.... EVERYWHERE!!!!!

Not sure of source but definitely 'my cup of tea'!

Freedom's Summer Collection 2011 showcases this new direction

Real Living Magazine features this style heavily.

x KL

I've been censored by the Census!

NOT my family!

Well tonight is Census night in Oz, but not here (exactly). At my address, we have no loooovely envelope of crisp papered questions to debate and respond. We are silenced.
We have been waiting of course, but at our 'building site home' the Census collectors have been absent. We can't fill in an e-census form without a census number (clever eldest daughter and residing boyfriend having checked that option; patriotic, mature & conscientious - as they are.)
EDIT: The BF is a lover of statisics - (nothing more!)
So.... what the ?
For all those who are busy ticking boxes - enjoy!
X KL

Oh Bugger! Missoni Madness!

I found out about these gorgeous  Missoni Havaianas yesterday and excitedly tracked down a pair at Net-a-porter. Yee Ha! I thought! They had my size and the style I wanted (pictured above) and into the shopping basket they went.
And then.... came..... my son's nose bleed! Can you believe it! Damn!!!!! 10 minutes later, computer having timed out, I went to pay for my shopping cart goodies and instead got a red pop up telling me my size was sold out! #@*%!!!!!
I then spent the entire evening sloshing vino and traipsing through EVERY online store that showed any reference to Havaiannas. No luck. And this morning I've got a headache. And no sympathy from my hubby who doesn't get the importance of Missoni thongs! Like, Duh!
Hope you have a good day, I'm going back to bed!
x KL

Real deal or Price Steal? A further quandary!

I've still been pondering my stance on the original furniture v's replica quandary since yesterday's post. I have decided that although I would prefer the original (Duh!!!), if I were to wait until I could afford some items, (win the lottery or find an original miraculously left on my grass verge) then I'll never have one.
So... still keeping my high principles, I'm going to save for the easier and more fiscally attainable originals and buy the best replicas I can for the completely insanely priced items. Sound fair? Some 'real deals' are surprisingly not such a big stretch over a copy either!



















At $450, I'd rather save a bit longer for an original Ferruccio Laviani 'Bourgie' lamp from Top 3 By Design (In black and crystal - Right), than pay $220 for a replica at Sokol (above).




















Why spend $90 at Matt Blatt on a copy (left) when you can purchase an authentic Kartell 'Componibili' unit for $145???? (white - right)

Here is one more, which to me, is a no - brainer! Replica Offi magazine rack; $199 at Lifeinteriors (left) or original for $235? (pictured on right, from my favourite store - Top 3 By Design!)

I bought the original - and HIGHLY recommend it! ... but that Eames leather lounge chair and footstool will definitely be a replica purchase and then, still one I'll need to save for, with good replicas around the $2 000 mark (considerably less than the $24 000 for the real deal!).

Herman Miller Eames Lounge and ottoman. Mr Replica... here I come!

x KL

Original v's replica. What do you think?

Eero Aarnio 'Bubble' Chair

I love designer furniture classics and have a long 'wish-list' of items that I lust after. Kartel Bourgie crystal lamps, Louis Ghost chairs, Charles stools, Herman Miller walnut side tables, Eero Aarnio  Bubble chair, Eames leather recliner with footstool, Noguchi coffee table and Barcelona chairs to name but a few!

Noguchi coffee table

Eames leather recliner with footstool

But what about the original v's replica issue? As an ex-cardiovascular pharmaceutical company rep, I always choose the research & developer branded product rather than a generic. Should I maintain these same principals with furniture and home decor? The financial investment with furniture of course makes a strong economic argument, and the quality of replicas can now make them almost indistinguishable from the original. What are your thoughts????

Louis Kartell ghost chair in clear crystal from Top 3 By Design

I'm not a costume jewelery wearing kinda girl. I like my 'bling' to be real, and I think maybe therein lies the answer. For me anyway. I've bought a limited edition Walnut Eames Hang-it-all and I like knowing  that it is a real designer collectable. Like my blog title it's an eternal icon! And those more expensive items will have to remain on the wish-list awhile longer!!!

Herman Miller - Eames 'Hand-It-All'

x KL