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Interior Styling | Plant Storage Ideas

As you know, I'm slowly growing my indoor plant collection. While I'd love to buy more and more, I hesitate to do so because with each new plant comes the need for a new pot, and of course the bigger the plant, the bigger the pot. It all starts to get very expensive, which is why I've started looking for more affordable alternatives. One idea is using a natural woven basket. You may even have one lying around home you hadn't though of using. We got given a lovely big hamper from our building company, and straight away I thought of ways of how I could re-use the basket it came in. While it's currently storing toilet paper in the ensuite, I may try housing a plant in it one day soon!

The use of paper bags is becoming more and more popular for plants. Brands such as UASHMAMA make them in different sizes and a range of colours including black, white, grey, neutral, and even metallics. I have a gold one but I'd love to own more!

I love this idea for the Christmas Tree!

Big fabric bags or laundry hampers also make great alternatives to the traditional pot.

How about this easy DIY project? Made from hessian sacks, I stole this idea from a friend on Instagram. Jodie of Little Design Studio made these for her daughter's Fete, and later used them as pots for her plants. Genius! If like me sewing is not your forte, you can buy ready-made hessian sacks from places like this.

Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

For more ideas and inspiration, here are some examples from around the web.

Links below images

1 Basket by Albano Ghizzoni from Merci
2 Lampsi Silverwash Storage Baskets from Citta Design
3 Sac En Papier from Merci
4 Basket from Albano Ghizzoni from Merci
5 Natural Basket from Bodie and Fou
6 UASHMAMA Large Metallic Washable Bag from MintSix
7 Lefko Basket Set from Citta Design

Interview | Pip Larner of Scarpa

Today's interview is special for a couple of reasons, firstly because Pip happens to be a good friend of mine, and secondly because I've known and loved her family's retail business Scarpa Shoes for many years. Like me, Pip is a busy Mum to two young boys and we see each other regularly at the gym where we have snatched conversations about the kids and work, before rushing off to juggle those two areas of our lives! Despite the madness, Pip is always smiling and full of energy. Super-organised, I love her attitude to life, and her ability to fit so much in to her day. She also has amazing style, and as expected, an enviable collection of shoes and bags! Being that I have a slight obsession with both, I take comfort in the fact that I have a friend who is involved with bringing in some of the finest of these products from around the world!

I often ask Pip about new arrivals and what's hot for the coming season, and thought it was high time I let you in on some of this valuable information. Luckily for us Pip agreed, and I'm very excited to be able to share her interview with you today.

Can you tell us a bit about the background of Scarpa - when was the company established?

Scarpa was established 21 years ago this year, when my parents opened it at Westfield St Lukes. They already had a successful shoe store in Whangarei and were wanting to branch out.

You stock a huge range of brands from here and all around the world. Are you involved with the buying and choosing of product ranges? Is there a lot of travel involved?

I used to be involved in the buying but not so much these days. We travel mostly to Milan, where there is the best shoe offering.

How do you keep ahead of the game in terms of trends? Are there any publications, websites or international retailers that you follow to stay in the loop?

We keep up to date both online and through following reading international fashion magazines and leading footwear designers from Italy, Spain and France – such as our own Stuart Weitzman.

Tell us about what's trending for Winter - styles, colours, hot new brands etc.

Ankle boots are key for this winter, in particular flat beatle-esque Chelsea boots and biker boots. Smoking slippers are a great alternative to ballet flats. Autumn and jewel tones are back: tan, brown, rust and burgundy as well as midnight blue. Materials wise, python embossed leathers and “pony” hair is hot, as is studding and metallic accents.

Hot new brands for us include Beau Coops (made in Italy and designed by Kiwi Carrie Cooper) and Aquatalia – an Italian luxury brand that is weatherproof and worn by Kate and Pippa Middleton.

What's your favourite boot and bag for this season?

I am loving the Beau Coops BEAU5 and JERRY, also the Aquatalia ORLA studded biker boots which are great for watching winter sports or off-duty style as they are completely weatherproof. The PIA by Pura Lopez is a sexy stiletto boot for wearing out at night. Handbags wise, love the Ripani from Italy, absolutely stunning detailing and quality, yet a fraction of the price of a “designer” handbag.

BEAU5 by Beau Coops (left) JERRY by Beau Coops (right)

ORLA by Aquatalia (left) and PIA by Pura Lopez (right)

BOLOGNA, FRAN and PONTE by Ripani

Scarpa has a sister store Runway. When did it launch and how does it compare to Scarpa in terms of products and target market?

We opened Runway on August 17th, 2006 on Nuffield St, Newmarket to compliment Scarpa. The Runway customer more designer focused than Scarpa but still appreciates quality. Our collections include Chie Mihara, Stella McCartney, Repetto, Pretty Ballerinas, Diane von Furstenberg and Marc Jacobs. We now also have Fiorentini + Baker which are such amazing casual boots and hot New York designer Rebeca Minkoff whose handbags are divine – it's very exciting!

When it comes to shoes and bags, what do you believe are the wardrobe essentials?

Every woman needs a great pair of flat knee boots, ankle boots, flats (ballet, slipper or loafer), a casual and of course fabulous heels! Metallic or tan sandals and wedges or Spanish espadrilles for summer. Handbag wise, it depends on your lifestyle – a gorgeous satchel or tote as a mum but a corporate woman could wear something like the red Ripani above. And glamorous clutch for going out to make your outfit pop.

Being that fashion is always one step ahead, are you now buying for Spring/Summer 2013? What can we expect to see?

We are now buying for next winter! Runway already has several collections in which are Spring/Summer 2013 like their Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg. Scarpa has their summer Arche in now for travellers in brights, pythons and metallics. Fashion is now so trans seasonal, so we don’t so much divide into seasons as into “drops” and always having something new and fresh.

Trends to keep/buy include bright candy colours, white, prints (animal, camo, floral) and metallics – check out Runway’s Lookbook. Scarpa are getting Robert Clergerie for summer which is super exciting. And Stuart Weitzman’s spring collection is stunning – his muse is Kate Moss!

Are there plans to open up more stores in NZ or expand into Australia?

None as yet but we’d like to grow our online store www.scarpa.co.nz which ships to NZ and Australia.

How do you find juggling work with being a busy Mum of two young boys, and what advice would you give to others Mums trying to achieve a work-life balance?

I make it work! As you know boys are full on, so I often end up working at night or weekends so that I can have that quality time with them. I have very supportive family and friends and know a lot of other Mums who do the same. Oh, and having an iPhone helps - you can work from anywhere!

Massive thanks to Pip for squeezing this in to her busy schedule, and for the inside scoop and advice! To see Scarpa's Auckland locations, take a look here. For info on Runway, pop over here. If you'd like to keep up to date with store news and arrivals, make sure you follow their Facebook pages here and here.

All images courtesy of Scarpa.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

It's Mother's Day on Sunday, both here in NZ and in Australia, so I thought I'd put together some last minute gift ideas. I'm secretly hoping that my husband sees this, although I do look forward to the little 'hand-made' gifts my boys make for me and a day of relaxation. How will you be celebrating Mother's Day?

Links below images

01 Aura Chevron Charcoal Cushion from Superette
02 Shiro Soap from Father Rabbit
03 Night Blossom Fragrance Diffuser by Citta Design
04 Argyle Flat Purse by Citta Design
05 Tom Dixon Eclectic Orientalist Scent Candle from ECC
06 Bosske Sky Planter from Wanda Harland
07 Riley Vases by Country Road
08 Flecked Cable Scarf by Country Road
09 Pink Sokeri Bag from Ten Things
10 Something Epic Bracelet from Superette

Girl & Graaf | Giveaway!

Girl & Graaf is an Australian online boutique created by Lauren Davidson and Simon De Graaf. Born out of a love of travel, it makes sense that the idea was dreamt up on a road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay. While relaxing on holiday that idea took hold, and on their return to Sydney Lauren (A.K.A Girl) and Simon (A.K.A Graaf) set to work turning their dream into a reality. 'Dedicated to bringing the best of the world home' they launched almost six months ago, offering a lovingly curated and growing collection of objects from all around the world.

With sought after products such as the gorgeous washable bags from Uashmama and the classic range of Falcon Enamelware, it was only a matter of time before us Kiwis caught on. As a result of growing interest Girl & Graaf want to make their beautiful range of products more easily accessible to those of us here in NZ. How nice is that? Now when you purchase anything from their online store, you only need to pay a flat-rate shipping fee of just $20. With an estimated delivery time of 3-10 days, it's all too easy! Here's a taste of what's on offer...

At the top of my wishlist, the handloomed Turkish Towels are pure luxury.

Pair them with the Washed Cotton Soap and your bathroom has never looked so pretty!

Perfect for home or bach, these durable Falcon Enamelware Tumblers are a style staple. I was very excited to see that Girl & Graaf stock the range of Uashmama Bags. Handmade and sewn in Tuscany, they are beautifully soft and washable, making them Ideal for carrying homewares, displaying plants and for catering.

Stunning campaign images (above and below) featuring products from Girl & Graaf. Yes ladies, there's even bags and jewellery!

Pink and white striped PJ's by Poplin? YES please.

If like me, you can't go past pretty note paper sets, you must check out the delicious range from Sugar Paper.

Now for the best part! To celebrate the newly implemented flat-rate shipping, Girl & Graaf have very kindly offered the most beautiful giveaway for one lucky New Zealand reader! The package, valued at $114.95 includes a Washed Cotton Soap, an Alacati Navy Towel and a Small White Uashmama Bag. Oh my!

All you need to do is pop over to the Girl & Graaf Facebook page, click 'Like' and let me know you've done so in the comments below. Make sure you've 'Liked' my page too! For an extra entry share to Facebook or Twitter (tell me you've done so in the comments so that I know to count you twice). The winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on Tuesday, 23rd April via the blog and The Design Chaser Facebook page.

Good luck!

Update: Winner announced. Congratulations Rebekah Whiunui!! Huge thanks to Girl & Graaf for their generous giveaway and to everyone who entered.

Valentine's Day | Two-Ten

One of the challenges I find with blogging is that there are so many online distractions. It's a wonder I get anything published at all really, the way I juggle numerous open tabs and my compulsive need to pin every gorgeous image I see! I never tire of the endless stream of beautiful interiors and I'm loving sourcing inspiration for our new house, but today I thought I'd turn my attention, and yours, to something a bit different. I haven't done a Two-Ten post for a while which (in case you are new here) is simply two moodboards and ten picks based on a theme, and today's is Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day Moodboard / One

Valentine's Day Moodboard / Two

I'm a firm believer in treating myself to something special every birthday and Christmas, and because hubby and I don't exchange gifts for Valentine's Day, I'm thinking that this could be another great excuse to buy myself something nice. Whether you are wanting to hint at something or just shop for yourself, here are some sweet ideas!

Links below images

01 Lorna Love Heart Cushion
02 Z Lamp by Leitmotiv from Let Liv
03 Ecoya Lotus Flower Madison Jar Candle from Redcurrent
04 Moroccan Leather Pouf from Let Liv
05 Mozi Porcelain Teapot
06 Meadowlark Cat Paw Cocktail Ring
07 Superette Co-Labs Giraffe Envelope Clutch
08 Superette Exclusive Yellow Tassel Bracelet by Lindi Kingi
09 White Forest Home Mix & Match Love You Print
10 White Forest Home Mix & Match Forever Print

Deadly Ponies

Up until the weekend I'd been on the hunt for a new handbag. I've been lusting after the range of bags from New Zealand label Deadly Ponies for quite some time so when their new collection Senorita Bandits hit the stores, I finally took the plunge. I'm now the proud new owner of Mr Leopard....

....big enough for day, stylish enough for evening, I do believe I've found the perfect bag!

The designer behind Deadly Ponies is Liam Bowden. Recently featured in Urbis, Liam told how he designed and made a wallet while nearing the end of his graphic design degree. When Superette, a retail store he was already doing some graphic work for agreed to stock a few, they sold out that day. When the next lot he made sold out just as quickly, Deadly Ponies was born. The bags have a timeless quality and are designed with minimal fuss and few ruffles, to best show off the beautiful leathers, hides and fabrics sourced from both New Zealand and Italy. All the bags are made in Liam's Auckland workroom, giving him 'total control over the quality, design and function of each piece they produce.' This is evident when you get up close to the bags - they look and feel exquisite, wear really well and I know for a fact I will treasure mine for a very long time!

Images via Urbis: source

Senorita Bandits, the new collection for Spring/Summer 2012, takes its lead from the Southern Californian 'chola' style with tattoos, bandanas and alligator skin. New colours like dusty pink and canary yellow are perfect for spring, while designs by renowned tattoo artist Stefan Sinclair feature throughout the edgy new range. Fun and colourful styling /photography by Deborah Smith complete the package.

Mr Croc Tote

Mr Gator Patch

Mr Mini Fill N Zip

Mr Back Pack

Mr Card File

Mr Mini Wallet

Mr Cross Stitch Stomper

Mr Patch Box

Mr Lady Wallet

Images: source

To see the entire collection as well as the Deadly Ponies jewellery line, visit deadlyponies.com. Here you will also find their online shop and a list of local and international stockists.

Apple&Bee

While grabbing my coffee the other morning, I popped in to a favourite local retail shop called Box @ Home in Remuera, Auckland. Filled with gorgeous things for the home as well as handbags and other accessories, I came across the most gorgeous tote bags by Apple&Bee. Making a quick note on the iPhone, I've just had a look at their online store and I'm smitten!

Before I show you a selection of their scrummy totes, here's a bit of background. Apple&Bee is the brainchild of Brett Pattinson, founder of Bod, the successful natural skincare company and Claire Morris, who was formerly the Art Director of MarieClaire Australia.

Not only do they have a combined wealth of experience and skills, both Claire and Brett are passionate about looking after our planet. Committed to producing the best in contemporary design without harming the environment, they are proudly associated with the internationally recognised organisation Climate Friendly.

Their range of gorgeous, natural totes have been created as a way of reducing plastic bag waste and pollution, helping to keep our planet clean. The designs are unique and timeless showing that without a doubt you can be stylish and eco friendly at the same time!

If you like the look of these totes, you will love the feel of them. Made from the finest materials, they are designed to last. The Apple&Bee range also includes cosmetic, fashion, kids and baby bags as well as stationery and an all-natural skincare range.

To browse the Apple&Bee products or shop online, check out their website. They also have distributors worldwide, so to find your local stockist pop over here.

All images via wwwappleandbee.com