PHOTO OF THE DAY : WINTER IS HERE

Im literally typing this post in a ski jacket because today is so cold! According to BobInOz its the coldest Brissy day in almost 100 years! brrrr the flannel is coming out tonight!

Natalia V even makes looking cold chic, seen via Lotus Modern

BEGINNING BOUTIQUE : SNAKES AND LATTES

Time for another Beginning Boutique lookbook to warm your winter wardrobe! cute and quirky, this time around model Miann looks gorge' even with that killer snake. Love those crystals...

Shop the looks at BeginningBoutique.com.au

PHOTO OF THE DAY : RAIN RAIN

Another rainy day in ol' Brisneyland, Autumn is finally getting its chill on

(photo seen via liveCreatingYourself)

5 MINUTES WITH : BEGINNING BOUTIQUE

(words and artwork by lil ol' me - click pic to enlarge )

GB- Where did the idea for Beginning Boutique come from?

BB- I have a fond spot for amazing spaces and boutiques and after shopping at Colette in Paris I was sure that there was a definite need for a cool shop like that! This eventually morphed into an online store that took graphic design very seriously and provided clothes as a form of expression that not a whole pay cheque demands!

GB- Things kicked off for you in January 2008, what was the hardest part of getting BB off the ground?

BB- Getting our name out there, no one knows you exist online if you don't tell them!

GB- Biggest lesson learnt from having an online business

BB- Start small and work with what you have + LEARN THE LESSONS! By that I mean don't just do it because you want to - get some head knowledge.

GB- If you were to start all over again what would you do differently?

BB- Im not sure I would want to change anything as I have learnt so much.

GB- Describe an average day for you

BB- Hmm there isn't one, between meeting with designers, PR agents, interns, employees and trying to get some work done there really isn't anything that is continuos except a sweet-as-coffee and (!) chatting to everyone on Facebook

GB- What motivates and inspires you?

BB- I am inspired and motivated by life in general, the way a girl looks in her favourite outfit, Nylon magazine, nasty gal's store, blogs and so much more.

GB- What's the best part about working for yourself?

BB- The best part about working for myself is that I plan my day and get to do it my way.

GB- Worst part

BB- Accounting

GB- Describe Beginning Boutique in a few words

BB- BB is one of Australia's fastest growing online stores with a cool attitude, and I want to get to know you!

GB- Whats next? What does the future hold for BB ( and Sarah)

BB- Whats next… maybe getting a piece of paper showing that I have a bachelor in Business, maybe some euro travels not sure exactly, but whatever it is, it's exciting!

GB- What would you say to someone wanting to start their own business? do have advice for Australia's next generation of women entrepreneurs?

BB- If you want to start your own business GO TO UNI AND STUDY BUSINESS! Then if you still want to do it - go and intern for someone that is doing what you want to do. While you are doing this make sure that you have got it all planned - INCLUDING your plan for if things go wrong. It has to be water tight! Then start small and do it! good luck!

GB- Thanks Sarah! and good luck in 2011

Check out Beginning Boutique's online store and their Facebook page

STYLING FOR BISCUIT MAGAZINE APRIL ISSUE

A new month and a new issue of Brisbane based mag Biscuit.

The April issue is particularly worth a look not only for it's cute Easter-themed Cover but also beacuse it contains my latest styling adventures! an editorial with CAMM entitled Back to Black... and also check out some street style shots I took for the same issue via their Facebook page here.

PHOTO OF THE DAY : LIGHT AS DAY

Happy Friday everyone! It is another too hot day in ol' Brisbane town, so here is a nice cool white shot of Magdalena Frackowiak for Vogue China (via Trendnista)

LOOK OF THE DAY : CAN COUTURE CAN CAN?

I was out and about last night donating to the flood recovery efforts with a charity screening of the new movie 'Burlesque' and when I saw this pic this morn it caught my eye for obvious reasons! Although I hardly think anyone could look past it...it was the finalè at Jean Paul Gaultier's Couture show (via Grazia and Style.com)

PHOTO OF THE DAY : HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!

Happy belated Australia Day! What perfect (maybe a touch too hot) weather we had in Brisbane yesterday, hope all those Aussie inclined folk got out and celebrated our wonderful country. Thought this pick of Natalie Imbruglia mousing around atop the Opera House was fitting...it was shot by Monster Children co-founder Chris Searl early last year for Harpers Bazaar's wonderland series (seen via Natalie's official site)

PHOTO OF THE DAY : QUEENSLAND SPIRIT

Im sure by now everyone in Australia, and a great deal of people from the rest of the world, are talking about the tough week we here in Brisbane and the rest of Queensland have been having...
Thankfully my home escaped, but a great deal of others haven't and my thoughts are with all those families, I cant even begin to imagine...
However, for as many horrible things we hear about on the news thankfully there seems to be two more positive stories to hear that demonstrate the Aussie spirit in full swing. I love this cheeky shot of a 'flood prepared' Wally Lewis outside Suncorp Stadium.
As an apt newsreader reported today; its been heartbreaking and now it will be backbreaking as the cleanup begins. But I like to think that as gumboot clad, broom wielding Brisbanites rally together, things will start resembling normalcy soon and there is no doubt this is still a wonderful place to live! Please take care and stay safe in what is still a dangerous situation, lets look after each other and make sure no one is left to face this alone. Donate or register to volunteer your time through the Queensland Government site http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/

PHOTO SHOOT STYLING : THE FINISHED PRODUCT

You might remember a couple weeks back I did a post on a shoot I helped style for my friend Emma. Well here are the finished products! Congrats to Em on finishing her final assessment!

(Gaelan Photographed by Nicola Poole, makeup and hair by Shelley Veitch)

BRISBANE BUZZ : FINDERS KEEPERS S/S

I only just realised Finders Keeper's is on again in Brissy. Today and tomorrow 10am-5pm

BRISBANE BUZZ : BRISSTYLE INDIE ECO MARKETS

Well crafty folks get out your crocheted purses and get excited for this weekend's BrisStyle Eco Indie Markets. On again this Saturday from 9am - 2pm they are sponsored by Peppermint Magazine and take place in Hamilton's St Augustine's Church on Racecourse Road. I'm hoping to drag some girlfriends along so might see you there! (hope todays rain clears up by then)

HANDMADE BUY OF THE DAY : RAINY DAY MOBILE

Well once again Brisbane-nites will be shielding their GHD'd locks from the elements today and I found the perfect handmade gift for such weather! This gorgeous paper mobile is from Etsy store Gosh and Golly (a recent Etsy addition whose name I love) Forget mobiles being just for the nursery Id like to admire this in my kitchen or living room! It also comes in a wall art version and both can be custom made with colours of your choice for US$48. Very perty (also check out the hot air balloon mobile here)

COVER TO COVER : ADORE HOME MAGAZINE

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday, particularly those of us in Brisbane who have seen blue sky for the first time in a while!

I was browsing over on Layers of Meaning this morning when I came across a link to new Home and Lifestyle Magazine; Adore Home Magazine. And adore I did! Full of inspiring images and peeks into gorgeous homes with interviews from the people who live in them, I lost myself for a while in all the pretty...and the best part of all, not only is it free to view cover to cover online but its Australian!

Founded and created by designer Loni Parker this first 'Spring' Issue is well worth a look, heres some eye candy to get you hooked

PHOTO SHOOT STYLING

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of helping a friend style a photo shoot for her final Honours assessment at QUT.
Shot in natural light with the talent of Nicola Poole behind the lens and the bubbly Gaelen in front, the morning went by quickly without a hitch (but with plenty of tasty breakfast snacks!)
It was nice to work with all the girls including make-up artist Shelley Veitch and I think the shots turned out just as planned...
Here are a couple of images I snapped mid-shoot for you all to get a taste of Miss Emma Price's amazing eye for detail in her pieces .

Aren't they beautiful? For more of Emma's work check out her range Booje stocked in The Tribune on Arthur Street, The Valley. (I will post up some of the final photographs soon)

BRISBANE THREADS SURPRISE FASHION FIND

A lucky dip for fashionable adults! Online fashion community Brisbane Threads has come up with a clever idea called Surprise Fashion Finds. Im new to this site so not sure if this is a regular occurrence? But there are 50 mystery boxes available for sale at just $20 (plus postage) and contain goodies from places such as Saralli, Dexter-Rose and stylist Rebecca Williams, up to the value of $100.

All done through ebay (with the security of paypal) the process is simple and easy, its just all about the luck of the draw. My mystery box is on its way and I can't wait to break it open and check my luck! Over half of the boxes have already been snapped up, so if you are a lucky dipper from way back you will love this! I'll be sharing my surprise fashion find as soon as it arrives on my doorstep.

BRISBANE BUZZ : BEGINNING BOUTIQUE POP-UP STORE

On Tuesday afternoon I was in Southbank and had the chance to stop by Beginning Boutique's 'Pop-up Store' on Grey Street. That's where I happened across this stack of 3 rings, my latest buy. At only $19 who can pass up a stack of 3 rings! Im loving the metallic look. They come from Treasure Nest, an online shop that has a few items in the pop-up store. So if you get a chance head to 167 Grey St Before Sunday and Pick up a some great buys from Beginning Boutique or Treasure Nest.

the next buy Im lusting after is this sweet Initial ring! so perty

BRISBANE BUZZ : APPLES ON AINSWORTH

Started on a whim a scant 5 months ago, Family owned and run Apples On Ainsworth is a gourmet "boutique fruit shop" with a fresh attitude, (pardon the pun) in the South Brisbane suburb of Salisbury. On a recent sunny afternoon I took my first trip to number 28a Ainsworth Street and with one step inside was immediately welcomed by the most lovely fresh smells, a smile from Kym and her partner Sarah (two of the owners along with Kym's mum Kelly) and a deliciously ripe strawberry for sampling.

Living as kids on the Sunshine Coast Kym's parents were long time fruitiers and it's not surprising the 'produce' gene was passed down (in her time out from Apples, Mum kelly still works the Gourment Potato market - of which I wasn't aware one existed!- out of the back room). The store is definitely a Family affair with Kym's dad, brother, sister and grandma also putting in some hours (in exchange for treats Im sure).

Have a look at some of the photos I snapped and its easy to see why I was in love with the store's quirky 'farmhouse-esque' decor on sight. There was vintage furniture overflowing with wicker baskets and fresh produce... charmingly crafty merchandising and mirrors galore, all on an Aubergine and blackboard-black canvas (of which Im told was not an immediate favourite with everyone - check out the Before & After shots on their Facebook page).

Selling only Aussie seasonal produce the team has an admirable waste not want not attitude, with all scraps going to chooks and those fruit and vegies not in tip-top display condition sent to a local kitchen to be transformed into the delicous soups and salads available in-store.

In my time there, Apples filtered a constant stream of friendly locals and the girls seem to be settling into their new roles nicely. I left that day with a jar of aoli, a pot of chives, some gardening tips and the thought that this team is a long way from Con the Fruitier! This place is so much more than fruit and vegies; they have fresh flowers, jams, honey, herbs and soups, hand-written recipes, eggs, sauces, spices and more! So, the next time you're out Salisbury way, drop in and Im sure everyone at Apples On Ainsworth will welcome you with a smile.

5 MINUTES WITH KYM FROM APPLES ON AINSWORTH

GB - WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOUR FORRAY INTO FRUIT?
KYM - Sarah has experience as a Family restaurant Manager and worked in finances before coming into the shop.
Kel has worked with fruit and veg for the past 20 years and has a gourmet produce store at Brisbane Farmer Markets.
I worked with Ladies with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues, as well as helping Mum with her Markets.
GB - HOW DID APPLES COME TO BE YOURS?

KYM - I had an accident and am now unable to work for any employer. So after feeling very sorry for myself for a few months, and many conversations with Mum and Sarah about the future, we decided that it might be a good idea to open a business. And what better of a business to open then Fruit and Veg! which has a been in the family for practically my entire life. Dad had mentioned that the 'Cute fruit shop' in Salisbury was up for lease. Sarah and I went and had a look that very night and the following day we signed the lease.
GB - WHAT WAS IT BEFORE YOU TOOK OWNERSHIP?

KYM - Apples on Ainsworth has been a fruit shop for over 50 years.... And has seen many owners. Many of our older customers tell us stories about previous owners.
GB - WHAT SHOULD WE BE BUILDING OUR RECIPES AROUND AT THE MOMENT? (WHATS FRESH & IN SEASON)
KYM - Qld Strawberry season has just begun and they are delicious!!! Effort should be made to eat as much of these as possible as they're only around for a few months. Strawberries are a great base for easy desserts, cocktails, sauces and Jams. Farm fresh Peas in the Pod are in season, great as a snack, made into soup, lovely in Salads.... Also Cauli Flowers are the best they'll be for the entire year... Cauli flowers are great baked or steamed... and Cauli's make a fab soup too.
GB - DOES THE SHOP HAVE A BEST SELLER
KYM - Best sellers generally change every day...we can't pick what sells the best.... but we wish we could!!!
GB - ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS/BIGGEST LESSONS YOU'VE LEARNT
KYM -Potential business owners should be prepared to breath, sleep, eat and drink there business.... everything you do revolves around your business... everything you think is business related... it becomes addictive and other things in your life that you think are important no longer seem as important anymore. Biggest lesson I've learnt is no one is going to give you a medal for all of your hard work, long hours and effort, and sometimes it wont even bring in more money... But sometimes it does and that feels better then any medal.
GB - BEST THING ABOUT OWING A FRUIT AND VEG SHOP
KYM - Being surrounded by fresh produce is always cheerful, and being able to share recipes and advice on that fresh produce is the best thing about owning a fruit shop.
GB - WORST THING
I sometimes think the hours are the worse part about having a shop.... But when you really enjoy what you do, you generally don't notice the massive days. However, there are some Saturdays were I think "god I'd love to be sipping a coffee and strolling through the markets". Then someone will come into the shop and tell me about how they cooked one of our recipes, or how much they love our shop and it makes strolling through the markets seem like a waste of time.
GB - WHATS NEXT FOR APPLES ON AINSWORTH
KYM - What's next?????? We are hoping to open a juice bar / coffee bar within our shop. We'd like to limit waste as much as we can and juicing is a great way of using bruised or damaged produce....

Apples On Ainsworth is open 7am til 6pm Mon to Fri and 7am til 4pm on Saturdays

(visit Kellys blog and the Facebook page for regular updates, recipes and more)

BRISBANE BUZZ : THE FINDERS KEEPERS BEEN THERE DONE THAT

So Sunday was my maiden voyage into the world of Finders Keepers and boy was it busy! The 2 studios and balcony were a constant throng of curious browsers and eager shoppers all jostling for the best spots in front of the stall tables. I did in fact lose my friends straight away but with so much to look at I didn't mind getting lost for a while! Mondocherry was one of the first sellers I gravitated towards and loved all their 3d paper-art and framed buttons. Almond Tree Frames was another great set-up with paper-art, and if you have a look at their site be sure to check out their Alice in Wonderland range. My first, of only 2 purchases, came from Bespoke Letterpress Boutique. However as it is a gift I can't share it here incase it spoils the surprise! needless to say it is a beautiful example of letterpress. Udessi's sculptures and animal prints next caught my eye before my final buy, a creamy ceramic magnet from paper boat press. Handmade right here in Brisbane it reads "follow your bliss" (buy a similar one here) My last stop was the jewellery at Pigeonhole, where I fell in love with some of the delicate silver pieces and I am looking forward to having a better look around their webstore soon!

Half way through we needed to take some time out for nourishment and the reclaiming of a little personal space. I shared some pizza and a little banana bread cross legged on a grassy patch in front of the band's stage and luckily made it back inside before the rain started. All in all it was a good day with good food, good company and plenty of creative inspiration!