Thrifting: Revolve

As much as I love shiny and new modern stuff, I also love a good scrounge around a place like Revolve. As well as an opportunity to add to my chair problem (yes I have a chair problem), I like to think that a little less in landfill makes a difference..."reduce, re-use, recycle" (oops, did I just quote Bob the Builder?!)


I took an afternoon off to check out their new digs in Pialligo, this place houses the "best bits" from Revolve at Mugga Lane... and I wasn't disappointed...

These chairs would look faaabulous in my family room...if I had the space for them. Leather ottomans only $10 each.

Cutest pale pink ceramics grouped together

Small fish platter in gift box $2. Kitchy cross stitch bunny $3

A full dining setting - rugged yet elegant

White things, a little shabby chic anyone?

Another leather ottoman, a lovely shade of grey green. A collection of green ceramics.

Revolve's "Best Bits", located on Beltana Road, Pialligo.

Fab Fashion: Zilpah Tart

Young Canberran fashion designer Yumi Holder, a new graduate from CIT with a Bachelor in Fashion design has already been making her mark on Canberra's fashion scene. Her fabulous label "Zilpah Tart" featuring some gorgeous handbags debuted at Kingston Markets 3 years ago and is currently stocked at "Ruby and Rogue", Garema place.

Yumi was a finalist in the 2007 Independant Handbag Designer Awards , an international event, in the "Best Student-made bag" category.

Yumi's "New York" handbag in two colourways.

"My style is very feminine and i like to create things that are unique. Something different from what's already out there that can make the wearer feel special and enhance their own individual personality."

"Red Wave" and "Kimono" handbags

"Kyoto saddle" handbag
"I am inspired by anything in my life that catches my eye or makes me think twice. It could be stories, movies, nature or events. "

"Picnic" handbag and "Kyoto" handbag

"Zilpah Tart was my grandmothers maiden name. When she passed away i found a 1940's brooch of a penny farthing of hers, hence I have used a penny farthing in my logo for the label."

"Moon" handbags in 2 colourways
"There were so many valuable things i learned during my studies... But the most valuable was finally being able to refine and find a direction to go in with my design and having a clear idea of exactly what i wanted to do with it. "
The Zilpah Tart 'Dream' summer 08 fashion collection has been selected as 1 of only 12 labels to show at 'Debut', a competition for emerging designers which is a part of Fashion Exposed fashion trade fair in Sydney in March this year. Congratulations and best of luck Yumi.

Until then, Zilpah Tart handbags are available at Ruby and Rouge boutique, Garema Place, Civic.

Behind The Curtains With: Alice Coghlan

In the apartment she shares with flatmate Morag, interior designer Alice Coghlan invites us behind the curtains...

"My favourite items are my 'Peanut chairs' and matching ottomans, a vintage/retro find from an antique store in Braidwood. I plan to have these re-upholstered this year in leather, I would love to see these in white, but black will probably be more practical and lend their style toward the look of Barcelona chairs"

A shock of hot pink updates the all-over cream walls and 'greige' carpet which came with the Terry Ring designed apartment.

"I would describe my style as eclectic, I have a love for my retro mod chairs and vintage dining set, and yet I love clean modern lines and girly colour without frills. I like to own pieces that may be a little unusual and unexpected."

Fabric wrapped panels unite the pinks with the grey carpet

A different way to display photos of friends and family, a wall with stainless steel wire - photos with mini pegs.

Ali has an enviable collection of shoes and accessories:

"I only wish I had more storage space"

Cuckoo clock Morag found while travelling in Europe; Gobstopper light by Alex Noble, available at Hive Gallery

The bedroom is pretty and girly without frills.
Above: Fossil clock, Bison vase, Ikea wall light.

Some beatutiful accessories add warmth and personality to the generic bathroom.

Thanks for showing us around Ali xxx Ninaribena.

Love it? Leave a comment...I know you're out there!!!

Hot Shop: Di Casa

On a relaxing sojourn out to Brand Depot, I snuck away from the hubby and kids to check out one of my favourite homeware shops, Di Casa. Although it really wouldn't work with my mod decore, I still love their collection of furniture, some pieces in a style I would describe as 'antiqued asian' and others in carved timber worked in a way that is at once ornate, yet unpolished, simple and honest...knots and all. Pieces like this can add soul to a home...

I Covet: Rugs by Nani Marquina

Hellooo dolly,

During my time working at Cite (years ago) I found it was impossible to not fall in love with with the incredible collection of rugs by Nani Marquina of Spain. Newer additions to the collection have me drooling all over again, I covet...

Victoria (new in 2008)

Roses (felted wool petals) - see it in the showroom.

Juliette and Topissimo

Little Field of Flowers - designed by Tord Boontje for NaniMarquina

Ovo and Asia

CITE 6 Pirie Street Fyshwick, opens their doors on monday 7th Jan.

Hot Architecture: Modernism in Canberra

As a fan of Modernist architecture, it pleases me immensly that Canberra has quite a wealth of dead sexy modernist homes - well, in between the 'ex govvies' and cottages that is! Cast your eyes over these lovely examples...

The ‘Fenner House’ (above) at 8 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill.The house is one of Canberra’s best examples of the post-war Melbourne regional style with its long unbroken roofline, widely projecting eaves and large areas of timber framed glazing. It was designed by Robin Boyd in 1952–53 for Professor and Mrs Frank Fenner and built by Karl Schreiner in 1953-54.

The Cater House, (above) at 145 Mugga Way, Red Hill, was designed by leading Sydney architect Russell Jack of Allen, Jack and Cottier in 1965. The house is an example of the late twentieth century Sydney regional style.The Cater House is listed on the ACT Chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture. It is regarded by the RAIA as an excellent example of the late twentieth century Sydney regional style and was an advanced design in Canberra at the time of its construction.The house is innovatively designed to give privacy, good aspect and views over Canberra. It was awarded the Canberra Medallion for 1965.

19 Downes Place, Hughes (above) was designed by Enrico Taglietti in 1965. It is an excellent example of Taglietti’s sculptural organic style of architecture with its asymmetrical massing, horizontal roof planes and horizontally boarded fascias and balustrades.The House is listed on the ACT Chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture. The house was an innovative and very different house for its time and is an excellent example of internationally renowned architect Enrico Taglietti’s unique sculptural organic style.

Information and Images courtesy of Canberra House website here, view Martins Flickr stream for more beauties here. Thanks Martin.