The Art of Display: Behind the Curtains

The discovery that my milliner friend has the art of display well perfected in her Griffith cottage came as a revelation. Her training in Interior Design is certainly evident in the clever and humorous way she puts her collected artworks, photography and ephemera together so well. I had to share with you what I love behind the curtains with Deanna Mann...

Above Left: A most effective and unusual way to display photographs, the suspended tubes are from Ikea (circa ten years ago), it's small shelf above houses a few loved trinkets.
Above Right: A loving photograph is underlined by a row of coloured yarn, a sweet tribute to the smallest person in the house.

Above: Collected toys are artfully arranged on the mantle in the lounge room

Above Left: A tribute to the "Eternity" graffiti famously attributed to Sydney's Arthur Stace takes centre stage in the kitchen. Above Right: A reproduction WWII poster sits beside vintage print cushions in the lounge room.

Above: An entire wall of frames hang from the original picture rails, an amazing first impression in the entry to this home. Each frame is different and their content can be changed easily.

Above Left: Some of the frames in the entry hold 3 dimensional items and one is a chalk board, today it has on it a recipe for banana bread... yum!
Above Right: Strings of origami cranes are suspended against the hot pink wall, the "freedom" script is a wall decal, a beautiful child's bedroom.

Deanna's collection of inspirational images are even in the hall, breaking up a long expanse of wall.

Above Left: Collected postcards and photography are displayed near the back door. Above Right: Even the loo has a fun arrangement, including an image of a "No Loitering" sign! Love it! (click on the image for a closer view)

So inspiring, thankyou Deanna! xxx

Mest @ Parlour

So don't miss a night of fun fashion and fundraising. The team at Mest, under the direction of Byron Turnbull, will showcase their vision for Autum/Winter 2009 at Parlour Wine Room this Wednesday from 6:30pm, tickets at the door are $10, you'll get a glass of bubbles, nibbles and a gift bag. All proceeds go to The National Breast Cancer Foundation.

woop-woop... it's all controversial-like

* Please note I have decided to remove all comments associated with this post*

The Canberra Times is reporting today that the Fashions on the Field judges decision was controversial and shrouded by bias toward Viktoria Novak... ooooooh. Beyond the obvious fact that it doesn't even dignify a response... I shall none the less indulge...

Our choice for first, second and third place was a tough one, the level of competition was extremely high. Our third place contestant was chosen for the unusual, but completely righteous use of colour, and an elegant look. I loved the heavy beads on the light fabric, so chic.

Second place wore a one-of-a-kind bird print around the hem of her dress and gorgeous hat, again, elegant, with a classic sihouette.

And our winner managed to use colours bang on-trend in an unexpected combination, anyone who can put together 2 shades of purple with silver and champagne - and make it rock - has my admiration! Beyond that, though, Viktoria also obviously went to extreme measures to match all of the elements of her outfit, from the swirl in her shoe, to the pearls in her fascinator... classic, elegant, fashionable and co-ordinated head to toe... bravo. And that's why she won, so there.

Any contestant not busy choking on their own sour grapes (although I don't blame you - a trip to Paris has me green with envy too!) is completely welcome to ask me about the judges decision regarding their own outfit. Email me, I will be more than happy to offer my feedback.

And a thankyou to Geraldine for referencing Canberra's Got Style, who helpfully points out my "recent" Novak feature... 5 months ago is not so recent for this blog! Thank you for stopping by, I do hope you can stay and check out the rest.

Mwahh, Love Nina x

Eco fashion: Re-Loved

"Re-loved" will showcase designers who use recycled materials and clothing in their practices. Designs on show include local labels CraftiLee and Handmade by Hanny handbags, and previous and current CIT Fashion students working under the recycled brief, with all new designs to be made from a minimum of 80% recycled materials.

Joining us is Michelle Grimston from Green Threads showing some of her work, as well
as all the fun and quirky clothing people bring to swap.

"Re'loved" is on Thursday March 12 at the designspace@CIT Ried campus at 6pm. As it is a fundraiser for the Salvation Army tickets will be $10 at the door, with proceeds going to the Red Shield Victoria Bushfire Appeal. Faaabulous...I can't wait!

Black Opal shines

Oooh, a day at the races really was an eye opener for me, having never partaken in such delights, there I was as one third of the judging panel for the Fashions on the Field for the Black Opal Stakes!

The competition was extremely impressive with many gorgeous gals making quite the effort to be completely original and stylish, a very tough choice indeed! Now there can only be one winner... effervescent Canberran milliner, fashion designer (and shoe collector) Viktoria Novak, she'll be off to Paris with her adorable man Tristan, congratulations sweetie!

Above left: Our winner, Viktoria Novak.

Above right: 2nd and third place finalists

Elkie Stuart Face of Canberra Racing and co-judge with the men's finalists

Out in the field I spotted these maginficent sculptural creations, 2 of Canberra's finest fashion students in their own designs, and a close up of the coolest fascinator I saw (yes, that's a birds nest with li'l eggies.. hand made of course)! Well done girls... LOVE it!!!

While we're checking out the fascinators, here's a close-up of Viktoria's masterpiece, and a dress I may have to steal.
I shall kick myself for not snapping a pic of the innimitable Angela Menz in her outfit... gasp... I wanted to club her and steal her clothes, but she was just too nice - how could I?! (Angela, can you send me a pic, please please please???)

And some shots of Viktoria with her new celebrity besties and well dressed clients (Vik made fascinators for Jessica Good and also couture for Lisa from 106.3). And that's me, I look like shite (possibly quite drunk too), lets pretend I looked like this again! Ha ha...

Much fun and frivolity... and champers...

Cheers, Nina x

Happy Birthday Beautiful Canberra

Check out what's on here...

Note: An unplanned visit to the emergency department with 4 year old put a hold on my "things to do this long weekend", but don't worry, I'm told a swallowed coin should 'pass' in a few days... awesome.

Off to the races tomorrow, anyone also heading to the Black Opal Stakes, please come and say hello and drink champagne with me, I'll be hanging around the Fashions on the Field stage.

Love Nina xxx

Vintage Treasure Hunting

Lovers of vintage clothing rejoice! In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast Inc, is hosting a preloved designer and vintage women’s clothing sale.

Unearth your vintage treasures from 9am to 12 noon this Saturday 7 March at the ACT ATSI Cultural Centre, 245 Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla Reach. Don’t worry if you forget your cash, there are EFTPOS facilities available – and you can even enjoy some coffee and cake while you browse!

All proceeds contribute to Zonta Education and training Awards for Women and other Zonta projects. Find our more about the Zonta Club by visiting the organisation's website.

Lady Nina goes to the races

Yesterday I frocked up for a day at the races as co-judge for the junior Fashions on the Field at Thoroughbred Park, Canberra's racecourse. The day was "Preview Day" and is part of the lead up toward the Black Opal Stakes (March 8).

The competition was absolutely adorable, the children dressed up to the nines, all nervous but willing to give it a try. The top prize was awarded to a dapper little chap, Harrison, who absolutely stole the show and melted our hearts! Cuuuute. Congratulations to all of our little winners (I'll post pictures if I can get them from the organiser) you were all completely gorgeous!

Dress by Ninaribena
Belt by Cue
Vintage gloves
Hat by Deanna Mann
Chanel clutch borrowed (thankyou Deanna!)

Don't forget the main event is on Sunday March 8th. Classic Ladies racewear, Classic Mens racewear and Classic Couples racewear will be a huge event, with the main prize - a trip to Paris!
You can get VIP tickets to the Fashion Central marquee here, or just mingle.

Check out the AAMI Black Opal Stakes page for details on the day's events, and if you are entering the Fashions on the Field competitions, please make yourself familiar with the rules, and best of luck! I'll be back in the judges seat, see you there, I can't wait!

Canberra tour: Nina style!

Hi Nina,
We are from Sydney and are coming to Canberra to see the Degas exhibition and I was wondering if you could let me know anywhere else we must go to (on a Sunday) with 3 girls (ages 7 – 13). places to stay overnight – bookshops – places to eat – shops - other places we must visit/see – LOVE to hear your top picks, Thank you. I appreciate it! - Louise

1. For the first time audiences in Australia have the opportunity to see an exhibition devoted to one of the most significant and admired French artists of the nineteenth century, Edgar Degas. In it's world tour, The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra will be it's only Australian exhibition and it's surely not to be missed.

2. After the Gallery, you could check out the new National Portrait Gallery next door which is already established as a must visit. (Above right).

3. A wander from there through reconciliation place, enjoy the vistas and end up at Old Parliament House, enjoy the beautiful architecture, gardens and stop in at the Ginger Room for coffee and cake.

4. If you're heading into the city (civic), the new North Quarter of the Canberra Centre and nearby Garema Place are good for a browse and a choice of great places to eat, but one of Canberra's institutions is Gus' Cafe, and you can get a pretty great hot chocolate at Koko Black.

5. Some of my favourite shops are on Lonsdale st in Braddon, a must visit if you need some retail therapy. Check out the Hive Gallery, Little Owl, Unit Concepts, Bourgeois Pig and Pink Inc. Oooh yeah!

6. Could be nice to head over to Manuka (pron: Maah-nicka) for a wander around the block. Lots of great little shops and arcades, and a perfect bookstore, Paperchain. Loads of restaurants to choose from here too, my fave right now, Mecca Bah.

7. Ready to collapse yet? 2 gorgeous new hotels have landed in Canberra and both are beautifully designed, Hotel Realm in Barton, and Diamant Hotel in Acton. Both have restaurants and fab spas etc, although you may be swayed by the high tea put on by Du Jour restaurant (with a gorgeous courtayard) at the Diamant.

This Sunday afternoon though, I'll be at Canberra's Thoroughbred Park to judge the Preview day Junior Fashions on the Field. Maybe I'll see you there?

If you have any other suggestions for Louise and her family, please leave a comment below, and have a fabulous weekend!

Love Nina x

Kids in style: Little Living

Written By Amanda Whitely

Online baby and children’s boutiques have experienced a huge growth over the past few years, as women capitalise on the benefits of being able to work flexibly from home. One of the more recent additions to the genre is “Little Living”, a Canberra-based business which has everything kids need to grow up in style – from eating and sleeping, to playing and living.

Little Living’s owner, Paula Kos, says the key to her business’s success is offering a broad range of unique items for a market not well catered for - children aged up to 12 years. Her products include homewares, gifts, décor, clothing and accessories.
“Older children tend to be forgotten online and I really wanted to bring some new and different items for this age group,” she says.
“We have a great range of products for boys, plus a small baby range and some simple but gorgeous summer women’s wear too!”
With products sourced mainly from Sweden, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, America, New Zealand and Australia, Paula aims for unique items which are exquisite and beautiful. For her, the hard part is nominating her current favourites!

Firefly; Oscar Blue; Ollie & Max


Greengate tableware

“I just love the children’s kaftans from Firefly – they are amazing…and I really love the red polkadot Greengate plates, bowls and cups from Denmark! The Playsam wooden cars from Sweden are simply divine too and something children will always have to hand down to their own children one day.”
“I’m really looking forward to stocking some beautiful, modern lamp shades for children’s rooms from the Little Light House – they are such great quality, gorgeous material and made by a mum in Queensland. Have you seen the Oscar Blue children’s jewellery, made by a mum in Adelaide, and the Ollie & Max designer children’s wear from Sydney? I could go on!”

"Le Champignon" upholstered mushroom stool


Wall decals, above, "Owl"

Flexibility is a must as an online business. Paula has set up stock in Canberra homes several times at their request, giving them and their friends the opportunity to see and touch the products they’re interested in purchasing. Many of these customers are now regulars online.
“I also have a large range of Little Living stock at the beautiful ‘In Essence’ beauty salon in Hughes where women can receive a relaxing massage or facial with Caroline Gathercole and do a ‘little’ shopping too! It’s set up beautifully and Caroline is always there to help’” says Paula.
“Of course being a Canberran, I am getting a great following of locals who browse online and contact me by email or phone to place an order which I usually deliver to them same or next day at no delivery cost.”

Fabulous bedlinen by Kideko

Paula says online shopping is quickly becoming the way of the future with more and more people comfortable with internet purchases in our time-poor society.
“I think you have to help people realise you are just like a regular shop– but better- being open 24 hours and not having to think of parking. The best part is that you can shop when the kids are in bed and have delivery to your doorstep the next day!”
Sit back, relax and check out Little Living - 'lifestyle of the modern child' online here. Its huge summer sale is on until the end of February!

Gorgeous!