tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36333870439306945402024-03-05T14:59:51.986-08:00MY THREE FOOT STYLISTWithin the soul lies a rainbow of coloursMTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-8117633082492155182011-12-06T14:47:00.001-08:002011-12-06T15:06:09.355-08:00Listen Up...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><b>MTFS loves this week’s IFB project, which
is to create a playlist of ( a few of the) tunes we’re tapping our toes to, jigging our hips to, shedding a tear to and even playing a bit of O2 Guitar to ....Enjoy!</b></span></div>
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Love and Affection ( Joan Armitrading) – Pure poetry</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTIs-TBwcbk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTIs-TBwcbk</span></a></div>
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You are the best thing (Ray La Montagne) - We all
have someone we’d like to sing this to</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ3xTjvj9tw"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ3xTjvj9tw</span></a></div>
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Fairytale lullaby (Bombay Bicycle Club) – Sweet and
soporific</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P94FpKuvNds"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P94FpKuvNds</span></a></div>
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That’s How You Know ( Amy Adams) - TB’s personal fave... and yours
too before long</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRYU4cqUAUs"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRYU4cqUAUs</span></a></div>
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Poker Face ( Lady Ga Ga - as if you didn't know ) - Another
of TB’s favourites</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bESGLojNYSo&ob=av3n"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bESGLojNYSo&ob=av3n</span></a></div>
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Firework ( Katy Perry) - Again, on TB’s hot list</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw</span></a></div>
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Never Going Back Again ( Fleetwood Mac) – Love the acoustic
guitar in this track</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02ZKmCQl3vw"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02ZKmCQl3vw</span></a></div>
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The Blower’s Daughter ( Damien Rice).... Heavy Sigh</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YXVMCHG-Nk&ob=av2e"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YXVMCHG-Nk&ob=av2e</span></a></div>
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Don’t go breaking My Heart (Rachel and Finn - Glee Cast) –
Upbeat cheese</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOTfcYoxNpw"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOTfcYoxNpw</span></a></div>
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Running Up that Hill (Kate Bush) – A great track from a
genius songster</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl9OKddQBRg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl9OKddQBRg</span></a></div>
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Better together ( Jack Johnson) - Because two is better than one</div>
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Popsicle Toes ( Michael Franks) -A little bit cute and a
little bit naughty<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVlM081v0VA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVlM081v0VA</span></a></div>
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Private Universe ( Crowded House) - Simply beautiful lyrics</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfjNRz-ZoBM"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfjNRz-ZoBM</span></a></div>
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Baby Jesus Rap ( Flowgo Baby ) - To get us in the Christmas spirit!</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wloOTCsNRRg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wloOTCsNRRg</span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><i>Video credits for all tracks </i>: </span></div>
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www.youtube.com</div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">Picture credit:</span></i></div>
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www.photobucket.com</div>
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<br /></div>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-27707227854582760682011-12-01T13:54:00.001-08:002011-12-01T15:15:46.293-08:00Tea For Two<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Nothing is more quintessentially English than a good old fashioned afternoon tea - a custom said to be introduced by the wife of the 7<sup>th</sup>
Duke of Bedford and kept very much alive by upmarket hotels throughout the country. </b></span><b style="color: #93c47d;">Depending on where one enjoys this gastronomic
tradition, the crockery can sometimes be as eye catching as the treats
served upon them. </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><b>And, If you’re lucky enough to be served your cucumber sanga on a<a href="http://www.melodyrose.co.uk/"> ‘Melody Rose’</a> then you'll certainly be in for a treat, regardless of what's on the menu.</b></span><br />
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MTFS recently caught up with Melanie Roseveare, the genius behind
the Melody Rose brand. Here’s what she
had to say:</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">What
first inspired you to work with vintage china as opposed to other
materials?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #500050;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have
always had a passion for vintage and antique china. When I began
experimenting with 'printing' onto ceramics I decided to try out ideas on my
collection of ceramics. I love the way a piece can be completely
transformed with just a small intervention. </span><span style="color: #500050; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">What
is your favourite Melody Rose piece?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #500050;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">It might
sound mad but I often find it incredibly difficult to part with pieces and have
been known to hide things away rather than chance them being bought by someone.
My current favourite pieces are the teapots with the 'Models' design on
them.</span><span style="color: #500050; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">Which
designers and artists do you draw your inspiration from?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #500050;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I love Grayson
Perry's work. I was very inspired by his Turner Prize winner show, which
spurred me onto to learning everything I could about 'printing' onto ceramics.
Vivienne Westwood is a favourite designer of mine. Her clothes have
a wonderful drama to them. </span><span style="color: #500050; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">Does
your upcycling extend to your home furnishings?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #500050;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Yes, I
love upcycling! My favourite piece of furniture is a huge old wooden post
office cubby hole that takes up the wall space in our living room and is filled
with books, ceramics, music and wine. </span><span style="color: #500050; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">What's
the most unusual commission you’ve had?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #500050;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
recently made a series of plates which were to be smashed in a film called
'Swandown'. They will be on display as part of an exhibition which will
preview at the same time as the film.</span><span style="color: #500050; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">Would
you consider extending the Melody Rose range to textiles?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #500050;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I love
the idea of designing a small wallpaper collection and I would definitely
consider a range of textiles.</span><span style="color: #500050; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">Birds
feature highly in your designs - are you a bird lover/ watcher?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #500050;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I do
like birds. My birds, though, were first inspired by the view from my studio
that I moved into last winter. It looks over a series of very large and
woody gardens, whose owners had feeders out. In the snow, I watched a
huge range of birds come for their dinner including 16 parakeets at one point.</span><span style="color: #500050; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">Which
Independent London shops do you rely on?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #500050;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I do
most of my shopping in and around Portobello Market, where I have a stall on
Fridays. It's been my favourite place in London since moving here from
Canada over 15 years ago. </span><span style="color: #500050; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I love
looking for vintage clothes and handbags there.</span><span style="color: #500050; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">If the
Queen popped in for tea which ‘Melody Rose’ would you serve her cuppa in?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #500050;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I think
the upcycled gold skull design teacup and saucer is fit for the queen!</span><span style="color: #500050; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Melody Rose</div>
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<br /></div>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-68356658746636758242011-11-15T07:21:00.001-08:002011-12-01T06:04:37.353-08:00Here's Looking At You<b style="color: #93c47d;"><br /></b><br />
<b style="color: #93c47d;">Joining the IFB community comes with its many
advantages, not least the fun and frivolous fashion projects concocted by the clever IFB team - Such as Project #21’s ‘What’s Your Favourite Style Decade’.</b><br />
<b style="color: #93c47d;">Having been presented with the list below, I chose a combo of 40’s
and 70’s (although I am also quite partial to the 50’s and 60’s era)</b><br />
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<span style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Symbol; line-height: normal; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16.75pt;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 16.75pt; text-indent: -24px;"><b>20′s: Flapper girl.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">30′s: Introduction to nylon and zippers. Art deco.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">40′s: Old Hollywood Glam.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">50′s: Rockabilly/housewife/sweater sets.</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">60′s: 60′s mod/mad men.</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">70′s: Hippie/Bohemian.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">80′s: Neon, shoulder pads, electro-chic.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>90′s: Flannel, doc Martens, denim, grunge.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4d4d4d;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px;">For 40’s Hollywood Glam one cannot go past the triple Oscar winning feature film
</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casablanca_(film)" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px;">Casablanca</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px;"> and its seriously glamorous female protagonist, Ilsa - played by the
magnanimously alluring </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingrid_Bergman" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px;">Ingrid Bergman</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px;">.
Bergman oozed a certain grace, elegance and charisma like no-one else
could possibly have dared. If I could
borrow just a pinch of her magic for a day, I would hot foot down to every Gin Joint in every town in all the world feeling undeniably smug.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Fast forward 30 years to the ethereal 70’s and we have the pleasure of encountering the delectable <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faye_Dunaway">Fay Dunnaway</a> – a woman who’s leading men were almost as
fine as her large collection of hats. Miss Dunnaway is a true perennial style icon who even as a septuagenarian
continues to grace us with her immeasurable sense of style and sophistication.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I vow, from this day forth, to take the oath of sartorial and millinerial style.... and aspire to grow a collection of hats that would do Miss Dunnaway proud!</div>
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Thank you IFB for the challenge x</div>
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<i>Miss Bergman Picture credits: </i> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>www.femalefirst.co.uk</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>www.guardian.co.uk</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>www.zenithal.net</b></span></div>
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<i>Miss Dunnaway picture credits:</i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>www.fanpop.com</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>www.Allposters.co.uk</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>www.Askasctor.com</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>www.Fanpix.net</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-30029384190189976442011-11-03T07:42:00.000-07:002011-11-04T02:50:31.660-07:00Treasure Hunt<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">TB is very fond of maps, especially those leading to the 'Secret Treasure' or to Sleeping Beauty’s gilded castle. </span></b><br />
With this in mind I was
very pleased, on our recent visit to London’s <a href="http://www.affordableartfair.com/portal/home">Affordable Art Fair</a>, to encounter
the most wonderful array of maps, envelopes, sheet music and newspapers
that I have ever had the good fortune of finding. But these were no ordinary artefacts
for they were in fact the wonderful ‘re-workings’ of talented artist, <a href="http://jennifercollier.co.uk/">Jennifer Collier</a>.<br />
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Tucked away unceremoniously
within one of the AAF gallery booths were a selection of these framed intricately designed dresses,
gloves, aprons and shoes (and even a telephone!), all fashioned from maps, letters, newspapers
and sheet music. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvieQ2zX_zT3os6xDIY9MSUvLJ66eRAo8rozowGNrM5_vJD5fGFsEWc_Ffk2IXuLmrJOAPsg1P804JWF_BmTqPdQuI_8JIxa3AXBrkPtsjg_vdn4q4bC77fkcxpzd2xqoo42QmHfcA4ukA/s1600/Collier---Map-baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvieQ2zX_zT3os6xDIY9MSUvLJ66eRAo8rozowGNrM5_vJD5fGFsEWc_Ffk2IXuLmrJOAPsg1P804JWF_BmTqPdQuI_8JIxa3AXBrkPtsjg_vdn4q4bC77fkcxpzd2xqoo42QmHfcA4ukA/s320/Collier---Map-baby.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDOKB5f-W2slVD9XvHVvjE8WPnU2lKEZz2iCLL3pkBq3hQTne8h290K862vLFz4hFUDl_Am5vPAURZWD-6sCqld0HJ2oKPl9JYjK1MIv-x9eOHdGJZ1s9G4tcZ8brRKc7p_IrRK9UA8K2/s1600/map-bib-detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDOKB5f-W2slVD9XvHVvjE8WPnU2lKEZz2iCLL3pkBq3hQTne8h290K862vLFz4hFUDl_Am5vPAURZWD-6sCqld0HJ2oKPl9JYjK1MIv-x9eOHdGJZ1s9G4tcZ8brRKc7p_IrRK9UA8K2/s320/map-bib-detail.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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By incorporating methods such as bonding, waxing, trapping and stitching, Miss Collier is able to produce</div>
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unusual paper 'fabrics' <span class="apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">which can then be easily
shaped without tearing or splitting. She describes the inspiration for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> her work as such:</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fbfcf6; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #7d7d7d; font-family: Georgia, serif;">“The papers themselves serve as both the
inspiration and the media for my work, with the narrative of the books and
papers suggesting the forms”.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fbfcf6; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #7d7d7d; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fbfcf6; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Selling at around £250 a piece, the works are considerably
reasonable for the showmanship and detail involved in their making. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fbfcf6; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I am already planning on taking TB to Miss Collier's upcoming exhibition in</span><a href="http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/craftfair/" style="background-color: #fbfcf6; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Hereford</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fbfcf6; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">....if only I could find a map!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Jennifer Collier</span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fbfcf6; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="http://jennifercollier.co.uk/">http://jennifercollier.co.uk/</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">London Affordable Art Fair</span><br />
<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.affordableartfair.com/portal/home">http://www.affordableartfair.com/portal/home</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Hereford Contemporary Art Fair</span><br />
<a href="http://www.affordableartfair.com/portal/home">http://www.affordableartfair.com/portal/home</a></div>
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<br /></div>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-62407280898965762552011-10-07T03:18:00.000-07:002011-11-08T03:17:08.255-08:00Toning Up with Ms Toner<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTmzMB0FVZFxoWiP1Km9xf_ffXrjgb1zLyh2tN-0jLxqEpVDyB-9XKn9k_2EU3JS1cWv0vJmgEpZ_Ww4cr94G4RvpnpsbnNx53s1xLwkSCtsO7F09sbhM9Hh2IxjagTGHCSTUkVxBt8F5/s1600/large+shoe+made+from+pots+and+pans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTmzMB0FVZFxoWiP1Km9xf_ffXrjgb1zLyh2tN-0jLxqEpVDyB-9XKn9k_2EU3JS1cWv0vJmgEpZ_Ww4cr94G4RvpnpsbnNx53s1xLwkSCtsO7F09sbhM9Hh2IxjagTGHCSTUkVxBt8F5/s400/large+shoe+made+from+pots+and+pans.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">No flash in the pan</span></div>
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Despite our evening starting off slightly on the wrong foot (no pun
intended...OK maybe just a little one) in which all queries regarding
the delightful <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"> <a href="http://www.sarahtoner.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Sarah Toner</span></a></span> were met with vague stares, we eventually
found “The legs”. And what legs they were! Enveloped in a racy pair of fishnets
with inevitable teetering heels dangling at the end, this woman was a serious
strutter.</div>
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With introductions complete, TB and I were
immediately herded to a quiet area of the <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/StaticPage/SG-Explore/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">SSG</span></a> to begin our lesson in Deportment.<br />
First up were a few feet warm up exercises and then a few
floor stretches before being shown the art of how to be Fabulous in Heels.</div>
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Very chatty, very interesting and delightfully charming, ST could not have been more unlike her counterparts in THAT scary Ballerina movie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPA80Tm9s3ZJPmIFtnxFHrey1cprfjLP1AuK5VwWOA5wAkwTeBsFJZiPsH_h8JQzmBMyRQl2F8dv-TaaqwDb5yQzkBhk8DXe8HIo5sKQA-YsVdwtrCRiT95flHYOc22817VixQxg6Rq7k/s1600/Warm+up+excerises.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPA80Tm9s3ZJPmIFtnxFHrey1cprfjLP1AuK5VwWOA5wAkwTeBsFJZiPsH_h8JQzmBMyRQl2F8dv-TaaqwDb5yQzkBhk8DXe8HIo5sKQA-YsVdwtrCRiT95flHYOc22817VixQxg6Rq7k/s320/Warm+up+excerises.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">It all starts with the mets</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cjvmLrxZdsTd1ckKdxA4JKBS6zBmg4QrVuDltSv0AMUqmHawWhNAN58PybRc-s6cPyPFFefbf0OLpYr5n0-XCGgAaYo9Ui4DuXl6FZ1HfbYxtptpr25j4l0Fk6gXVOm55P9GiOVu71EB/s1600/Zia+in+repettos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cjvmLrxZdsTd1ckKdxA4JKBS6zBmg4QrVuDltSv0AMUqmHawWhNAN58PybRc-s6cPyPFFefbf0OLpYr5n0-XCGgAaYo9Ui4DuXl6FZ1HfbYxtptpr25j4l0Fk6gXVOm55P9GiOVu71EB/s320/Zia+in+repettos.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">TB sporting </span><a href="http://www.fabinhighheels.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Repetto</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> Ballet flats </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPnAnLmkgR4HNUUlMek49M-sH3mB53eQN437WVZUUdH_rPh27cwInLwv04fdxZykAt47fDuIe1PSFaqvjMJv0TeGCW_hXQXEUISx5ppGA7_evtwxrQOtpqqyOFNr2ytIe7TgzEBHK-NlV/s1600/repetto+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPnAnLmkgR4HNUUlMek49M-sH3mB53eQN437WVZUUdH_rPh27cwInLwv04fdxZykAt47fDuIe1PSFaqvjMJv0TeGCW_hXQXEUISx5ppGA7_evtwxrQOtpqqyOFNr2ytIe7TgzEBHK-NlV/s320/repetto+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Le fabuleux Repetto</span></div>
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After a good hour chatting, strutting and gazing at Ms Toner's truly
amazing pegs, we were each bestowed with a parting gift of Sarah’s<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"> <a href="http://www.fabinhighheels.com/">“Fabulous in High Heels”</a></span> book ( a wonderfully illustrated takeaway masterclass) but not before having a quick peek at the divine<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"> <a href="http://www.repetto.com/boutique/home">Repetto</a></span> concession ( a must for any girl, any age). <br />
With a ballet career spanning over an impressive 25 years, Sarah has
spent countless hours treading the boards on tippy toes and now uses her invaluable experience to teach others. She holds regular morning, evening
and weekend classes for children and adults in her <a href="http://www.sarahtoner.co.uk/classinfo.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">North London Studio</span></a>, and
hosts<a href="http://www.fabinhighheels.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"> “Fabulous in Heels”</span> </a> masterclasses upon request.</div>
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As someone who feels more like Minnie Mouse in drag when schlepping
about in heels, I do now feel a little more at ease when walking with a few
more inches underfoot.... So, thank you Ms Toner.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Sarah Toner</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Studio 45</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">45 Gillespie Rd</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">N5</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Ph: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 17px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 17px;">07968 891751</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.sarahtoner.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">http://www.sarahtoner.co.uk</span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Fab in Heels</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">http://www.fabinhighheels.com/</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Repetto Shoes</span><br />
<a href="http://www.repetto.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">http://www.repetto.com/</span></a></div>
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<br /></div>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-60497662512473079002011-09-20T05:44:00.000-07:002011-11-26T06:51:34.056-08:00That Lovin' Heeling<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJnTqdqWrR-WaEfrjvSYNApNRoHlVmRjlEd30I5n7X1nSp8BZL06ys05mSJhDHgYE7AWPsAM7Afi0NUke3rv1JhaIdBH4B1Qi7UPjIDQYexXGmzOymjbN2D3CtxbmUDvzMvBOjp_N_PWh/s1600/boutiquephotos_designerglass_hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJnTqdqWrR-WaEfrjvSYNApNRoHlVmRjlEd30I5n7X1nSp8BZL06ys05mSJhDHgYE7AWPsAM7Afi0NUke3rv1JhaIdBH4B1Qi7UPjIDQYexXGmzOymjbN2D3CtxbmUDvzMvBOjp_N_PWh/s640/boutiquephotos_designerglass_hero.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">Like many of my female counterparts, The Biscuit has a serious Heel fetish. No sooner do the Clarkes come off than the teetering foot candy is
slipped on. More often than not the objects of her cordwained desires matching
her in height and personality.</span></b></div>
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It was with this same
enthusiasm that she recently approached (or more accurately, instructed me to
approach) a tall, bottle blonde with the all important query as to where she
obtained her beautiful cherry red shoes. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="http://www.punkyfish.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span">“Punky Fish</span></a>”</span> was offered in response, as
the woman turned on her very high heel out the cafe door. And so it was that “Pucky
Fish” stilettos became the topic of discussion for a good half hour following
our brief interaction....which brings me to the subject of this very post.</div>
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There is something so undeniably alluring about Heels. Women
fantasise about them, men fantasise about women in them and little girls teeter
down the hallway in them.As an experiment, I once wore a pair of jeans and T shirt
with loafers and walked out the door - not one rubber neck or double take
between here and the High street. I returned home and swapped my loafers for a
pair of Heels – miraculous! Two wolf whistles, one
horn toot and a few “I wonder where she got those” looks
from random female passers-by. </div>
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So, it was with much anticipation that I planned to treat
the biscuit to an afternoon inside ‘Shoe Heaven’ aka <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/StaticPage/TheShoeGalleries/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">The Selfridges ShoeGalleries</span></a>, dubbed “The world’s largest shoe department”. Housing a total of 100, 000 shoes with 5,000
of them on display at any one time, it was a safe bet that good times awaited. </div>
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To add to the excitement, our planned trip would coincide
with the SGG’s champagne popping first birthday celebrations; including not least
Ex - Prima Ballerina, <a href="http://www.sarahtoner.co.uk/ballet.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Sarah Toner’s</span></a> “How to Walk in Heels" master classes (Tuesday
21, Wednesday 22, and Friday 23 September 2011)....yep, a non CGI Ballerina
teaching the art of graceful gliding on designer tippy toes.... Get me my heels!</div>
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P.S We promise to take some lovely snaps for you.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Selfridges Shoe Galleries</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Selfridges</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">400 Oxford St</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">W1A 1AB</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">London</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">0800123400</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/StaticPage/TheShoeGalleries/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">http://www.selfridges.com/en/StaticPage/TheShoeGalleries/</span></a></div>
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<o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Punky Fish</span></o:p></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Unit 3 Gaunson House</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Markfield Road</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #6fa8dc; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">London</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">N15 4QQ</span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.punkyfish.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">http://www.punkyfish.com/</span></a></div>
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<i>*Photo credit - Selfridges &Co</i></div>
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<br /></div>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-75218796849892921682011-09-12T04:37:00.000-07:002011-11-14T14:45:41.413-08:00Hobbnobbing with Their Nibs<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><b>After a year’s hiatus MTFS is back with a bang. Or should I
say a shoot!</b></span></div>
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The biscuit, being the unashamed clothes horse that she is,
jumped at the chance to be photographed for beautiful designer children’s
label,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"> <a href="http://www.theirnibs.com/">Their Nibs</a>.</span> The added incentive of a free item of clothing did not go unnoticed
and judging by squeals and star jumps, I was certain she was going to enjoy her
first foray in to the world of fashion.</div>
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And so it was that we headed to the magical Willy Wonka style
treasure trove that is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="http://www.dalstonheights.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span">Dalston Heights</span></a>.</span> Despite
sounding more like a bad reality programme than a fashion destination, Dalston Heights
is a wondrous, magical enclave overflowing with a multitude of nick knacks, artefacts
and bric-a -brac from yesteryear; the perfect place to photograph a gaggle of
inquisitive pre-tweenies. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFcRuih-aFW6UJ23gwKsX9nH3bsqT7AtROT0JtVLNZZqmgu1wrf6idDKwYr2eGCkwsnGAzShS3xdRyU6CT4T95_WS1rn_vbEJMhNk1L0rq6u5VwigKhTxj90Xr7A3pqjKrmsDjkI5X5t1/s1600/Alex+in+hair+and+makeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFcRuih-aFW6UJ23gwKsX9nH3bsqT7AtROT0JtVLNZZqmgu1wrf6idDKwYr2eGCkwsnGAzShS3xdRyU6CT4T95_WS1rn_vbEJMhNk1L0rq6u5VwigKhTxj90Xr7A3pqjKrmsDjkI5X5t1/s320/Alex+in+hair+and+makeup.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcyMe4X1_V-sJ2Wr096lmyddYHuWhyphenhyphenwvtdyGkhrslm6hvi_cq2Vn8FKypXLkt-c7DbuYYJdRX7pNdlFroIlUIPhGGNnKP7WySFqm74xChNkm6air5L2jV7AvSZ6f7qb6TBEiHtyaylX17/s1600/Zia+on+day+bed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcyMe4X1_V-sJ2Wr096lmyddYHuWhyphenhyphenwvtdyGkhrslm6hvi_cq2Vn8FKypXLkt-c7DbuYYJdRX7pNdlFroIlUIPhGGNnKP7WySFqm74xChNkm6air5L2jV7AvSZ6f7qb6TBEiHtyaylX17/s320/Zia+on+day+bed.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After hair, make-up and wardrobe checks by Denise and Rachel,
the girls (and boy) were snapped by photographer, Emma, in various locations
throughout the enormous warehouse cum studio. They were also treated to buckets
of fun (literally, thanks to Cameramen Michael and David who brought along a
huge trunk full of bubbles and games) during filming for the behind the scenes
video.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlJ8RkHP-ASX2oMdK3hAfW1HZj9Ej4OZHw-KXb1eZfPdOnYX_N4iFe6MemnXcHx-V1FN6QoeE0ciSD01ywYOAtWkUPVxypOTd-11x8wq0n8HPXc390ww0dt7esUVwv9n1kG5bXRUigl52/s1600/girls+in+front+of+doll%2527s+hlouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlJ8RkHP-ASX2oMdK3hAfW1HZj9Ej4OZHw-KXb1eZfPdOnYX_N4iFe6MemnXcHx-V1FN6QoeE0ciSD01ywYOAtWkUPVxypOTd-11x8wq0n8HPXc390ww0dt7esUVwv9n1kG5bXRUigl52/s320/girls+in+front+of+doll%2527s+hlouse.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rcez15uVQkyreJGeAj9KM4eEd5BBFCsW41zZy67k-ALy_8DvgxXMKEczLbmDx0O6pYA-hAlqzi1YnuWcexGOBVvb2rqeaIxvRQoOxOIwZ4Me21pjyiwl_nDtjSVn_77IdB2J8CUVMHyS/s1600/Zia+and+poi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rcez15uVQkyreJGeAj9KM4eEd5BBFCsW41zZy67k-ALy_8DvgxXMKEczLbmDx0O6pYA-hAlqzi1YnuWcexGOBVvb2rqeaIxvRQoOxOIwZ4Me21pjyiwl_nDtjSVn_77IdB2J8CUVMHyS/s320/Zia+and+poi.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Their Nibs burst on to UK Kid’s fashion scene in the summer
of 2003, in London’s fashionable Notting Hill. A second store in the very hip
Kensal Rise followed six years later (More recently, the two stores have merged into one at the Chamberlayne Rd site). Founder, Fiona Bell, started the company
as she felt that children’s clothing lacked colour, fun and vibrancy. The idiosyncratic
brand name originated from the nick-name she gave her son “His Nibs”.</div>
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Since its fruition, Their Nibs has become the fashion
destination for London’s Yummiest Mummy set. It has
also developed a strong celebrity fan base, including the likes of Jude Law,
Kate Moss, Juliette Binoche, Marielle Frostrup and the folks at ‘Take That’ (Howard and Mark).</div>
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Aside from the retro styled children’s wear, the stores also offer a unique line of homewares
and gifts, featuring the brand's signature prints.</div>
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Products are also available
online; and iconic Gruffalo PJ’s are now available in most<a href="http://www.debenhams.com/"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Debenhams</span></a>
stores.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Their Nibs </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">79 Chamberlayne Road</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: inherit;">London<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />NW10 3ND</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: inherit;">Tel: +44 (0)20 8 964 8444</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.theirnibs.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">http://www.theirnibs.com/</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Dalston Heights</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.dalstonheights.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">http://www.dalstonheights.com/</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Debenhams</span><br />
<a href="http://www.debenhams.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">http://www.debenhams.com/</span></a><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Hipstamatic photo credit - Mimi Van Der Looy</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">footnote - dress in first image is model's own</span></i><br />
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<br /></div>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-5157187892892706392010-07-12T00:46:00.000-07:002010-07-12T00:46:12.632-07:00GONE CRABBING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6Q_dWH8f2hSPQ1oAxcjprEDd8I2KQaQdNjCLNWLpTTwxV6gKFAp5Ef96pO7DcOyXU9uxcrhNzLbQL19XN_nqBRu1aYJ_-SFk-YrYEz6CyUCGVyenPJaCaalu9AOO9G9YHpR3oktGx0fa/s1600/crab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6Q_dWH8f2hSPQ1oAxcjprEDd8I2KQaQdNjCLNWLpTTwxV6gKFAp5Ef96pO7DcOyXU9uxcrhNzLbQL19XN_nqBRu1aYJ_-SFk-YrYEz6CyUCGVyenPJaCaalu9AOO9G9YHpR3oktGx0fa/s320/crab.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">MTFS has gone crabbing......See you soon.x</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Picture credit: http://www.digital-diaspora.com</span>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-7535586312308309002010-05-09T05:04:00.000-07:002011-11-08T03:22:36.179-08:00Romper Stomper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Amidst our peripatetic touring about town, the biscuit and I have spotted several of the 260 elephants forming the Elephant Family’s brightly coloured ‘Elephant Parade’<span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8F5UT81azF9KTaCP9z20t0NrYCIKVApvy_rDEMpDhx3I-pK2M9hMy6EKzRcj2CjpqbX58yAVbwIfua62_d0XeRRQJDit_g4vncZppnptgh3xz3y4PxAck0YLd_aWkFlJbtws_cvshV2oW/s1600/Zia+and+elephant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></b></span></div>
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We caught sight of the first Elephant on High street Kensington, not long after its colourful coat had dried and were fortunate enough to chat to one of the Elephant Family fundraisers, who is clearly very passionate about the cause. She explained that the Asian Elephant population has shrunk by 90% in the last 100 years and could easily vanish altogether if we don’t make an effort to help.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiTAUiBEvRgNO6w1rkDHm_oWtGBMu7rsSen6S5rZ6_qkxSM0E-d_fJmUixOw8_TsA_l-fBY5aV0ARtAVGelhDThnT1wl2dqxLITZhVdTSiOcZ3MgKNi_p4o9UpuTefsd1ODC28qM6Z4Xe/s1600/Elephant+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiTAUiBEvRgNO6w1rkDHm_oWtGBMu7rsSen6S5rZ6_qkxSM0E-d_fJmUixOw8_TsA_l-fBY5aV0ARtAVGelhDThnT1wl2dqxLITZhVdTSiOcZ3MgKNi_p4o9UpuTefsd1ODC28qM6Z4Xe/s320/Elephant+2.JPG" /></i></a></div>
Organisers of the parade, which runs until the 29<sup>th</sup> June, are hoping to raise up to £2million by auctioning off the colourful Elephant sculptures( painted by high profile artists and designers including <a href="http://www.temperleylondon.com/?gclid=CMH1uqD9xKECFQRslAodcWH0-g"> Alice Temperly</a>, <a href="http://www.luluguinness.com/FlashIntro.aspx">Lulu Guinness</a>, <a href="http://www.whitecube.com/artists/quinn/">Marc Quinn</a>, <a href="http://www.nicholashaslam.com/site/public/">Nicky Haslam</a>, <a href="http://www.conran.com/">Sir Terence Conran</a>, <a href="http://www.matthewwilliamson.com/">Matthew Williamson</a>, <a href="http://www.patrickhughes.co.uk/">Patrick Hughes</a> and <a href="http://www.johnrocha.ie/">John Rocha</a>). You even have the opportunity to meet the artists behind these beautiful sculptures on the 22<sup>nd</sup> May.</div>
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For more details and to down load the 'Elephant Parade' map, click on the link below </div>
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<a href="http://www.elephantparadelondon.org/">http://www.elephantparadelondon.org/</a></div>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-37095040157286282472010-05-08T12:52:00.000-07:002011-11-08T03:18:35.275-08:00MTFS goes window shopping<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">MTFS have brushed off their wellies and hit the pavement in search of London’s most inspiring and imaginative shop windows.The first breathtaking display to catch our eye was at the heavenly</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span></b><a href="http://www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk/index.jsp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>ilovegorgeous</b></span></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">boutique in Notting Hill.</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #474b4e; font-size: 10pt;">Talented artist, window dresser and RCA alumni,</span><span style="color: #474b4e; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="mailto:mathiesonmary@btinternet.com"><b><span style="color: #6fb0e2; text-decoration: none;">Mary Mathieson</span></b></a></span><span style="color: #474b4e; font-size: 10pt;">, drew inspiration from ilg’s upcoming Spring/Summer range to create her ethereal window display.With a colourful, ribbon draped Maypole as its focal point, the display is somewhat ‘ English springtime meets Miss Havishum’; owing to its delightful ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed corner, complete with rustic chairs, antique dolls and miniature wooden and china tea sets.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #474b4e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;">Before weaving her magic, Mary discusses ideas with ilg designers Lucy Enfield and Sophie Worthington to create the colour, mood and general feel of the display. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Of the clothes themselves, Mary says<i> </i>“There is a strong feeling of nostalgia, romance and narrative in the clothes but they are unique in that they are also quite cool and fashionable without being really predictable so it is always great fun getting all the props and materials together”<i>.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #474b4e; font-size: 10pt;">Mary’s sleep cum work space is filled with ribbons, buttons, fabric, lace, leather and any other useful curiosities, bequeathed to her by her mother and grandmother ( both having worked in the family textile/shoemaking business in the 50’s). Mary then sources any additional materials required from </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.bltrimmings.com/"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Barnett Lawson Trimmings</span></b></a></span><span style="color: #474b4e; font-size: 10pt;"> in London’s West End, to complete her magnificent works of art.</span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: medium; font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk/index.jsp">ilovegorgeous</a></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">arrived on London’s fashionable Ledbruy Rd, Notting Hill in 2008, offering unique, timeless garments to suit both mini and tweenie fashionistas alike. By teaming vintage textiles with a classic design and a touch of a contemporary twist, ilg has marked a firm presence in London’s fashion scene. The boutique now has a healthy following of West London Yummy Mummies, including the likes of Kate Moss, Stella McCartney, Claudia Schiffer, Elle Macpherson, Sam Taylor – Wood, Thandie Newton....and MTFS!</span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #474b4e; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #474b4e; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 9pt;"><a href="http://www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk/">http://www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #474b4e; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #474b4e; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 9pt;">Mary Mathieson</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="mailto:mathiesonmary@btinternet.com">mathiesonmary@btinternet.com</a></span></div>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-49766878444381199652010-04-30T15:10:00.000-07:002011-11-08T03:21:13.480-08:00The girl with the crocheted shawl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Impressed with the vast number of knee- high style-setters scaling the streets of London each day, MTFS thought it would be a serious sartorial crime not to share some of these three foot clothes ponies in a weekly column...</b></span><br />
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Starting this week with five year old Alex, who's eclectic,whimsical style is very befitting of a West London girl about town.<br />
Alex says her mother lets her dress herself each morning and that she even has a special draw just low enough for her to scour for her favourite pieces.<br />
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Alex, pictured above, has teamed crocheted <a href="http://www.noa-noa.dk/main.aspx?language=en">Noa Noa</a> shawl with vintage silk <a href="http://www.nixieclothing.com/">Nixie</a> dress, High Street leggings and champagne leather Poloni sandals.<br />
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Noa- Noa<br />
<a href="http://www.noa-noa.dk/main.aspx?language=en">http://www.noa-noa.dk/main.aspx?language=en</a><br />
Nixie Clothing<br />
<a href="http://www.nixieclothing.com/">http://www.nixieclothing.com/</a>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-30761855257459660032010-04-25T15:50:00.000-07:002010-05-10T14:35:31.466-07:00A fine balance<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkya0sKrYi81JS2dK7PsDcBvXEvqxdDQEpdZpxmhY__IgXSZsBJM1MEXqe4-tUnTM8x1RIxsmF5y10qsHhej4Vsg-V-r2UQM0xSLUPxKdoVLduOmMBDqMjDB-7hYXeI5d1b3sJQ1TsdW3I/s1600/hepworth+garden_in_spring.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464213856767532882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkya0sKrYi81JS2dK7PsDcBvXEvqxdDQEpdZpxmhY__IgXSZsBJM1MEXqe4-tUnTM8x1RIxsmF5y10qsHhej4Vsg-V-r2UQM0xSLUPxKdoVLduOmMBDqMjDB-7hYXeI5d1b3sJQ1TsdW3I/s320/hepworth+garden_in_spring.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 249px;" width="249" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kuXpM8dHTDcK_7DnGltbd6BxcCRIIFvK3KhFw5LQJ5rlWHfFR6oBdzU1GWQyQtLZug1EnuHfUDY6R7AFnd2hN8MF6K4u5FBdZnKbeQ_OvbYoYvYSabShBmrZM7xiCODVpVSoxrpP8Gg7/s1600/hepworth-stives2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="251" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464212237334802082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kuXpM8dHTDcK_7DnGltbd6BxcCRIIFvK3KhFw5LQJ5rlWHfFR6oBdzU1GWQyQtLZug1EnuHfUDY6R7AFnd2hN8MF6K4u5FBdZnKbeQ_OvbYoYvYSabShBmrZM7xiCODVpVSoxrpP8Gg7/s320/hepworth-stives2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 251px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Lagv7Y8oP1d4IG0ZOZxZWOSllybvDOfAZJzFpfWFBZdtsmWD9BowbgL3-_t6SaO7CgDfNkjkLQtANfV8laiaxBzQuxccNdPvj5jT10RchVSDRhtIQvn4Gn81t8LrG-0WDrbzf9CDQUAB/s1600/hepworth-stives1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="249" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464212077201314546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Lagv7Y8oP1d4IG0ZOZxZWOSllybvDOfAZJzFpfWFBZdtsmWD9BowbgL3-_t6SaO7CgDfNkjkLQtANfV8laiaxBzQuxccNdPvj5jT10RchVSDRhtIQvn4Gn81t8LrG-0WDrbzf9CDQUAB/s320/hepworth-stives1.jpg" style="display: block; height: 249px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" width="320" /></a><br />
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Nothing restores mind body and soul more than immersing oneself in the inherent surrounds of nature; that said,the natural world must also be given credit for fueling one's creative instincts. This sentiment has been so eloquently immortalised by famed British sculptor, <a href="http://www.barbarahepworth.org.uk/">Barbara Hepworth</a>, in one of her many published quotes:<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">“In the contemplation of Nature we are perpetually renewed, our sense of mystery and our imagination is kept alive, and rightly understood, it gives us the power to project into a plastic medium some universal or abstract vision of beauty.”<br />
</span>And indeed this became all the more apparent to me whilst traversing the coastal route from <a href="http://www.penzance.co.uk/">Penzance</a> to <a href="http://www.penzance.co.uk/tourism/index.htm?mountsbay.htm~main_pz">Mounts Bay</a> on a recent mini-break to the Cornish South Coast. In fact, without realising it, I was experiencing what <a href="http://m%20scott%20peck%2C%20m.d./">M Scott Peck, M.D.</a> would only describe as a true moment of ‘flow’*. <br />
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Flow soon teamed up with serendipity in a refreshingly vibrant gallery called Avalon, where I was treated to such a tremendous display of locally created artifacts that I scarcely knew where to start. I quickly realised that 'the arts' was fundamental to framework of the <a href="http://www.visitcornwall.com/site/explore-cornwall/coast-and-country">Cornish coast </a>on witnessing an elderly pensioner enter the gallery cradling a backpack full of canvases, followed closely by my encounter with a smart looking painting suspended above a rubbish bin entitled, ‘Don’t be a Sinner, be a Binner’, created by a nine year old competition winner. I had read in my traveller’s pocket guide that the Cornish coast has long since been a haven for artists owing to its unique light, so it came as no surprise that both young and old residents alike would enjoy this rewarding pastime.<br />
After making my rather humble purchase of a small Perspex bird brooch (which would inevitably end up on the biscuit’s lapel), I retraced my steps back to Penzance, determined to learn more about local virtuoso,<a href="http://www.barbarahepworth.org.uk/">Barbara Hepworth</a>.<br />
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It was pure unadultered joy to visit Trewyn studios, the place where Barbara Hepworth had not only created her last works but also where she had lived for the latter part of her life with fellow sculptor, <a href="http://www.cornwall-calling.co.uk/famous-cornish-people/nicholson.htm">Ben Nicholson</a>, until her death in May 1975. It was obvious that she was intensely inspired by her St Ives home - she famously wrote that <span style="font-style: italic;">"Finding Trewyn Studio was a sort of magic"</span>. Drawing on inspiration from her idyllic surroundings, she was able to develop her iconic pierced sculptures which were to become her signature style.<br />
The gallery itself is a truly unique space, in that it is split into three distinct subdivisions – the upstairs area, which houses mostly smaller wood and stone works; the surrounding leafy gardens, home to some of Hepworth’s most imposing bronze sculptures and the downstairs studio, where a selection of half completed sculptures sit amongst dusty tools, wooden furniture and various other curiosities; all remaining just as they had 30 years ago. It is tragically ironic that the very place that Hepworth was drawn to for its soporific surrounds is the very place that would lay waste to this magnificently talented woman (the artist died in a fire at her studios in May 1975) and a travesty that the world has lost such a remarkable British talent.<br />
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Eager to return to this light infused artist's Mecca, I have already begun mapping out my next pilgrimage, with a possible detour to the nearest local art supplier in the hope that I too shall be inspired to put brush to canvas.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">*Footnote :Flow is the mental state of operation in which the person is fully immersed in what he or she is doing by a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and success in the process of the activity.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Photo credit:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.barbarahepworth.org.uk/st-ives/">http://www.barbarahepworth.org.uk/st-ives/</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/stives/hepworth/">http://www.tate.org.uk/stives/hepworth/</a></span><br />
</span>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-61311504675338462702010-03-29T15:40:00.000-07:002010-05-25T15:10:48.821-07:00Oh Merde, what a piece!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2X3RFn3F1Bg_OAvUo7qEcLsIUxZ0I3PpHK6MKv-jb5iph1UEmeS2Lb1YkV0Rw14e3F2ZoveKlVQ2HDbozyHmdeVzVLOZRRvS25xDYQ-rw8Ak6jtupZx9yZ0x1WkYiRoHcOiEfh9jg_gF/s1600/ChrisOfili400.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454190292341123730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2X3RFn3F1Bg_OAvUo7qEcLsIUxZ0I3PpHK6MKv-jb5iph1UEmeS2Lb1YkV0Rw14e3F2ZoveKlVQ2HDbozyHmdeVzVLOZRRvS25xDYQ-rw8Ak6jtupZx9yZ0x1WkYiRoHcOiEfh9jg_gF/s320/ChrisOfili400.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 262px;" width="262" /></a><br />
Since my days as an apron tugging, food slinging tiny tot, I admit to having somewhat of a slight fascination with excrement, or, dare I say it, poo! * So, when I heard about 1998 Turner prize winner, <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/exhibitions/chrisofili/default.shtm">Chris Olfili</a> current exhibition at the<a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/"> Tate Britain</a>, I was more than a little intrigued and could not let the opportunity to see elephant dung, slung against oils, pass me by.<br />
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Olfili, who has been on the British art scene since the early nineties, is best known for his layering technique; employing the use of various mediums,( paper clippings, glitter and, apparently, elephant dung) to create his pieces. More recently however,(since having moved to Trinidad in 2005) his works represent a current fascination with traditional Trinidad mythology.<br />
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In short, I thoroughly enjoyed Olfili's Exhibition - with its explosive palette and vibrant brush technique (reminiscent of modern aboriginal art pioneer Emily Kame Kngwarreye). The dung, however, did not complete the painting; yes, it created a buzz and prompted mixed reactions from gallery punters, but to me the paintings would have been a stand- alone success, without the chewed up spat out vegetable matter.....but then there is the issue of where to place 300kilograms of redundant excrement!*<br />
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The Chris Olfili exhibition runs until 16 May at the Tate Britain<br />
<a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/">http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/</a><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">*Foot note - My sister, who also shares a healthy attitude towards BMs, wrote a multi - award winning short-film titled <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D449Pt5p-lY">Boomerang</a>, about a particularly smelly turd that just didn't want to go away!<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D449Pt5p-lY&feature=related."><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D449Pt5p-lY&feature=related.</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
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<i> *Foot note2: The average daily waste from an elephant in the wild is close to 300kilograms!</i></span> </span></span><br />
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Photocredit:<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/">http://commons.wikimedia.org</a>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-81762088530455039922010-03-15T12:46:00.000-07:002010-05-10T14:39:29.695-07:00Special delivery service<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6RCW1lzPtWQrCF5E1wBWLaIV17VqfViO4s6rtJjaHbAE9POITeXzMWoQd656HWxT7m020_tF40EDJfPasYxVHzVrqQMGr3_Nl8hbutlxGG_LuQxMcilj4VaLE-BdbIewoaOTy4x6DEBf/s1600-h/_home.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="301" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448953983048058626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6RCW1lzPtWQrCF5E1wBWLaIV17VqfViO4s6rtJjaHbAE9POITeXzMWoQd656HWxT7m020_tF40EDJfPasYxVHzVrqQMGr3_Nl8hbutlxGG_LuQxMcilj4VaLE-BdbIewoaOTy4x6DEBf/s400/_home.jpg" style="display: block; height: 113px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ogeIIPljuJw6q1XlhZWGOhg8mb5b22KwIb8li4JnsXGQ0dJH2_xjYOih4wJdLLXbNtnI8shRTH3N_Nb_xqgWu1XEmroAWJ4QvsqT1Hgz2uCkwa3M1j1bOkHWG6fY8PWIw1Eff0km8ad9/s1600-h/a-home.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="301" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448953449618553138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ogeIIPljuJw6q1XlhZWGOhg8mb5b22KwIb8li4JnsXGQ0dJH2_xjYOih4wJdLLXbNtnI8shRTH3N_Nb_xqgWu1XEmroAWJ4QvsqT1Hgz2uCkwa3M1j1bOkHWG6fY8PWIw1Eff0km8ad9/s400/a-home.jpg" style="display: block; height: 113px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3RXfu7WurB6TmJ-J2bVYxWq-IcUt65laS4KqaaS10CYmwpAm4wKdrav77C9vpllp9QT7ShFRjKVdwuhVZbBJyv7jkObWVY9iUVJ0LxrDikw7H946y8OVLvrs1hpwQRv5JvbF47_BJtXa/s1600-h/b-home.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="301" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448952195591097826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3RXfu7WurB6TmJ-J2bVYxWq-IcUt65laS4KqaaS10CYmwpAm4wKdrav77C9vpllp9QT7ShFRjKVdwuhVZbBJyv7jkObWVY9iUVJ0LxrDikw7H946y8OVLvrs1hpwQRv5JvbF47_BJtXa/s400/b-home.jpg" style="display: block; height: 113px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" width="400" /></a><br />
Despite her latent disabilities, my mother is a real green thumb and spends much of her day pottering about her plant speckled courtyard, toiling away at her horticultural hobby. My mother is also an avid reader and, as you may have gathered from previous MTFS posts, is completely bonkers about textiles (particularly cushion covers and more-so, handbags made from cushion covers!) So, to the average punter, it would seem blindingly obvious that one must shower her with gardening utensils, autobiographies and re-worked cushion covers. I might add, however, that she currently resides 8921 nautical miles away, which does somewhat limit options.....that was until, quite by accident, I discovered the ingenious <a href="http://www.postcarden.com/">Postcarden</a>, which has taken all the anguish out of how to say ‘Happy Birthday’ in a thoughtful, novel and not to mention carbon neutralising way!<br />
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<a href="http://www.postcarden.com/">The Postcarden</a> is a pop up card and miniature garden all in one. All it requires is a sprinkling of seeds, a sprinkling of water and just a little sprinkling of patience before, voila! you have the sweetest little patch of green you have ever laid your eyes on. There are currently three variations to choose from – Allotment, City or Botanical – I have opted for the traditional Botanical, and the biscuit no doubt will choose City......which can only mean one thing - it's out with 'Postman Pat' and in with the watering can!<br />
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Feast your eyes on the miniature living card in motion by clicking link below!<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLU1nN-0tuc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLU1nN-0tuc</a><br />
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Orders can be made through their website<br />
<a href="http://www.postcarden.com/">http://www.postcarden.com/</a><br />
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Available in Australia through<br />
<a href="http://www.thirddrawerdown.com/">www.thirddrawerdown.com</a>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-20564919413581162902010-03-08T15:07:00.000-08:002010-05-10T14:40:18.428-07:00I heart Anthropologie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W0CtQRo2K7BmGIHfyJbSX2vdFTCwH11n7Tbz9LLoNvRBDbPFWf0NNzAgIs2mKhQmWHmX3xGbYX9GH-iOcZtja4WjpSTDDobLEYPw3oJTfkArOGhtonPKCgDZty4bJG-UHWE7t3ix7m8O/s1600-h/DSCF2191.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446404493338602738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W0CtQRo2K7BmGIHfyJbSX2vdFTCwH11n7Tbz9LLoNvRBDbPFWf0NNzAgIs2mKhQmWHmX3xGbYX9GH-iOcZtja4WjpSTDDobLEYPw3oJTfkArOGhtonPKCgDZty4bJG-UHWE7t3ix7m8O/s320/DSCF2191.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxiVIDylxLgvSGk-NcSOP9x94QPd9IDNBMUI2XDN9xIHxbGGbyM9pObCvfjNvZG_0zlN99vFCofCVG4WATp3h7Mh2hz1JqxMr301cQBkphVWdtEU75LABrQQeY7rhBVc6dO4Hzw1ywD_g/s1600-h/DSCF2195.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446404105114821266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxiVIDylxLgvSGk-NcSOP9x94QPd9IDNBMUI2XDN9xIHxbGGbyM9pObCvfjNvZG_0zlN99vFCofCVG4WATp3h7Mh2hz1JqxMr301cQBkphVWdtEU75LABrQQeY7rhBVc6dO4Hzw1ywD_g/s320/DSCF2195.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
What do you get when you mix eclectic design, clever tailoring, eye catching interior and eco-friendliness to boot? You get none other than the sexy new girl on an upmarket Piccadilly block!<br />
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As I made my way along London’s Regent Street, I was a little concerned that my pre-conceived expectations surrounding this offbeat, design buff’s dream store would have me yearning even more for an ‘Eden’ biome equivalent of the design world; But much to my exquisite surprise, the all alluring microsphere that is <a href="http://www.anthropologie.eu/clothes/icat/clothes">Anthropologie</a> exceeded all expectations to the extent that I found myself smiling full-heartedly towards the security guard (that me- thinks is actually an off-duty art curator) who, in return offered a smile and nod, whilst moving aside, enabling me to capture the glorious <a href="http://www.gardenbeet.com/vertical-garden.html">'living wall'</a> lining one side of the shop’s upper levels (consisting of 14 different plant types and fed by the building’s own rooftop rainwater)....it would have then been a serious crime, had I not captured the three stunning <a href="http://www.magpiehomefineware.co.za/">Magpie chandeliers</a> hovering above; all of which have been assembled using reclaimed and recycled materials, ranging from bottle tops to Barbie bottoms ( I later discovered that everyone’s favourite president admired them so much that he purchased one for a near steal at $4,800, for his two daughters’ bedroom) .<br />
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With a few minutes to spare, I rushed down to the lower level of this three storey treasure – trove, and whipped around the peripheries hoping to scoop it all up in one large gulp. Feeling giddy with excitement, I lurched form corner to corner and spun my head in all directions, fearing I’d miss some tiny spec of the interiors section that curiously, (and ingeniously) displays all it’s eye candy in large crates of puy lentils.<br />
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Anthropologie is a drug that I doubt has any veritable cure.....<br />
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158 Regent St<br />
London<br />
<a href="http://www.anthropologie.co.uk/">http://www.anthropologie.co.uk/</a>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-26647566629978018052010-02-28T13:37:00.001-08:002010-05-25T15:13:28.786-07:00Two pieces of silver...and gold and turquoise<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2-28UZsIhu4KbFh2JCzRdm6dxZmMGr_eie-sHnfbuNXk5sUV7xNp7DaJHRMOYZs9znWbuiL6Cal9OAzD8u9Yb-TKdROCsuko0oy_ayKTwomFkLfFnm9vATm7XpW8wXLoEvLA_-W7DXUx/s1600-h/yvessaintlaurent-logo2.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443409481576332178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2-28UZsIhu4KbFh2JCzRdm6dxZmMGr_eie-sHnfbuNXk5sUV7xNp7DaJHRMOYZs9znWbuiL6Cal9OAzD8u9Yb-TKdROCsuko0oy_ayKTwomFkLfFnm9vATm7XpW8wXLoEvLA_-W7DXUx/s320/yvessaintlaurent-logo2.gif" style="float: left; height: 271px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 130px;" width="153" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsvkgDGGksYai0uH7tr3_b5nK9SBGyNoqz98pJqBC94YqFjPi33SqlmiJx9R0Ww1eGqhyK_V1kwLEep7deKOsgcoIqzmxkfsFGfWB_bn9ACOoF-2nT6MNogyCzdToo1aQa_f5yE1WUPEu/s1600-h/ysl-logo.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443401359883756578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsvkgDGGksYai0uH7tr3_b5nK9SBGyNoqz98pJqBC94YqFjPi33SqlmiJx9R0Ww1eGqhyK_V1kwLEep7deKOsgcoIqzmxkfsFGfWB_bn9ACOoF-2nT6MNogyCzdToo1aQa_f5yE1WUPEu/s320/ysl-logo.jpg" style="float: left; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 203px;" width="203" /></a><br />
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In the wake of some rather unfortunate events that occurred a few years back, my knee-jerk reaction was to charge in to every self – help section of every book store on every High Street this side of the river. My bedside mountain of books resembled ‘Hogglewick’s’ new age best sellers list of the decade. Dare to say I was more confused than an egg - laying cow in a chicken coop....however, Mr <a href="http://www.selfishcapitalist.com/">Oliver James</a> you did have some very good points and <a href="http://www.matthieuricard.org/en/index.php">Matthieu Ricard.</a>, I salute you!<br />
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Ironically, however, the very place that I made a bolt from some 20 years ago is the very place that brought peace, insight, solitude and space for thought – as I write this I am astonished that I find myself confessing that it is the Roman Catholic Church that this very spiritually sloppy, prodigal daughter is referring to. I hasten to add that although my actual attendance over the past two decades has been way below par, I continued to pray to St Anthony when having misplaced an item and regularly said hello (and still do) to my dear Aunt Audrey who, on the day of her funeral, had the good grace to turn James Taylor’s ‘You’ve got a Friend’ on the CD player as I wept inconsolably into the bathtub.<br />
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Having now established my presence in the local Catholic community, I hesitate to a jolt each time I pass the confessional box, partly because it’s so intriguing, like some cavernous Opus Deim hideout, and partly because all my mortal wrong doings, however trivial, come seething to the fore.<br />
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So......as I am yet to gather up the fortitude to confess to Fr Michael in his ascetic tardis, I am boldly spilling the beans on my Judas-like secret here in cyberspace in the hope that GOD will tune in to MTFS’s frequency and grant forgiveness along with issuing a few token Hail Mary’s.<br />
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<em>“Forgive me father for I have sinned, it has been 7 304.84398 days since my last confession and.....I sold not just any dog, but the family dog off for a pair of <a href="http://www.ysl.com/">Yves Saint Laurent</a> Earrings" – ouch!</em><br />
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Yes, it’s bad and Wise man Solomon would have been writhing in his grave.....but there is so much more to the story which makes it all the more forgivable – the dog hated living with our family, in fact she hated it so much that she took a kamikaze leap through the fly screen on to a very hard surface outside, leaving a cartoon cut-out of her figure. So, in a win-win scenario, I was instructed by my ever-industrious mother, to march over to the nearby neighbours (where said dog had been retreating to each day), with two pieces of paper in hand: one being an endorsement of the dog’s pedigree bloodline and the other, an offer too good for any pedigree dog-loving family to refuse. In return I was to receive a cut in the takings; the rest was my mother’s to spend on a pair of exquisite YSL earrings that would take pride of place on the ‘Mother of the Groom’s’ delicate ears at a wedding that would ironically take place in a park opposite the aforementioned dog’s new digs. The guilt of that act has wafted in and out of my consciousness in sporadic waves over the years...but now finally, I can lay it to rest.<br />
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AMEN<br />
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Photo credit: <a href="http://www.lecoqin.com/">www.lecoqin.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.ysl.com/">http://www.ysl.com/</a>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-58913037674014733652010-02-20T04:13:00.000-08:002010-05-25T15:14:31.393-07:00Close - knit frock<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKTk7iRUU65eiAQ26Cq_CmT3Dkj6aixxM1nLd146ZED1d9CrPHbs5r_p1MsTuycD2oKe5_yHA0smijCm2jtZCOXd1GMEZmVMRhx6bObLg-7_yV1cKSsukWRNiAXUS7Om1UsfCMV-GhkTh/s1600-h/Missoni+family.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440298872562873410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKTk7iRUU65eiAQ26Cq_CmT3Dkj6aixxM1nLd146ZED1d9CrPHbs5r_p1MsTuycD2oKe5_yHA0smijCm2jtZCOXd1GMEZmVMRhx6bObLg-7_yV1cKSsukWRNiAXUS7Om1UsfCMV-GhkTh/s320/Missoni+family.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 214px;" /></a><br />
As a fashion conscious teenager with a penchant for 'haute couture' (but seriously lacking the funds to feed my desires), much of my leisure time was spent scouring my mother‘s bedroom closet looking for my next fix. Each time I entered the Narnia - like world that lay beyond, I knew I’d return with either a magnificent <a href="http://www.oscardelarenta.com/">Oscar De La Renta</a> gown, a beautifully tailored <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/?gclid=CJqFmdfWw6ECFVMB4wodlFcf_Q">Liberty</a> print skirt or maybe a colourful piece by local designer, <a href="http://www.dia.org.au/content.cfm?id=179">Rae Ganim</a>.Sometimes my teenage sleepover compradres inadvertently became accomplices in these sartorial clandestine adventures – I had not yet 'discovered' boys; in any event their pimply, gangly frames were no match for the sleek lines, silky textures and colourful fabrics that filled not one but two wardrobes in our family home ( the spare bedroom closet was enlisted to accommodate any overflow of items).* <br />
One frock in particular rests fondly in my memory – A chic and sophisticated V necked knitted <a href="http://www.missoni.com/">Missoni</a> piece with geometric designs that somehow all matched up perfectly; it even had a matching belt. I admired the colour, texture and neatness of the gown but never once questioned its heritage.<br />
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On learning recently that the Missoni family had publicly opened their home in Sumirago for the first time in three generations, as part of their S/S 10 launch, I was intrigued and wanted to vicariously enter their dreamlike designer environs. Flicking through the pages in ‘Pop’ magazine, it was comforting to see that the Missonis appeared like any other close-knit family (albeit a famous and wealthy one) enjoying each other's company in a relaxed and unassuming manner. Even after peering more closely at the pages I was convinced that their smiles and warmth were genuine. I closed the magazine satisfied that a well loved and remembered frock was born out of love, depth, beauty and family.<br />
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<em>*Foot note: Several years later,upon my mother’s tastes changing rather dramatically, the spare bedroom closet resumed its original purpose. Her collection of salubrious gowns were gallantly bestowed upon well deserved friends, family and opportunity shops.Instead, she developed a die hard system (with her comrade Daph), of turning doilies into ponchos, table cloths in to dresses and pillowcases in to handbags that we all wanted to get our hands on!</em><br />
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Photo credit: <a href="http://www.dazeddigital.com/">www.dazeddigital.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.missoni.com/">http://www.missoni.com/</a>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-60654185397232992302010-02-13T15:39:00.000-08:002010-05-10T14:44:22.785-07:00Scarf of sentiment<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RfVjYzUklHMwtIW9fuKPmnYPAMe2VuC8tzGmtlFEimNgITq68s56G4eq1s3K0lK22gPyfjxHFE9eCTZCRvdcZZnUlvp33bbaNZqfbXnorNVCZDBPf-LK2nbdmM_qSktt8LbmYMK2l2Rf/s1600-h/20090104-alexander-mcqueen-skull-scarf.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437877344650923410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RfVjYzUklHMwtIW9fuKPmnYPAMe2VuC8tzGmtlFEimNgITq68s56G4eq1s3K0lK22gPyfjxHFE9eCTZCRvdcZZnUlvp33bbaNZqfbXnorNVCZDBPf-LK2nbdmM_qSktt8LbmYMK2l2Rf/s320/20090104-alexander-mcqueen-skull-scarf.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 214px;" /></a><br />
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Chinese philosopher Confucius once said “We should feel sorrow, but not sink under its oppression.” This sentiment was distinctly evident in the hours following this week's untimely passing of talented fashion designer <a href="http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/">Alexander McQeen</a>. The enigmatic designer tragically took his own life just days after the passing of his own mother. Despite the heaviness that lingered in the air surrounding his Old Bond St store and the draping of black cloth over mannequins in his shop window, McQueen followers found solace in the purchase of his iconic skull scarf (scarf sales at his <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/?gclid=CO22vZjpxKECFWde4wod1Had-A">Liberty</a> concession rose 14 fold the day following the designer’s death). Whether as a tribute to a tortured 21st century artist or seeking comfort in the scarf’s lustrous texture, one cannot help but note the symbolic nature of such a gesture – the soft lines of the smooth silk peppered with macabre skull figures.I too hope to join the parade of mourners if not by purchasing his scarf then by visiting his monument on Old Bond St.<br />
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<a href="http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/">http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/</a>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-63807194480134919912010-02-11T14:41:00.001-08:002010-11-13T07:24:42.609-08:00I MOOF therefore I am<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzODZJ8O-55-w-7qDvLtQbZfUjh3QcPCkQWNytbaxdvGyy59GgCSOmN3e4zuO6OSlP5bXgU8GMprlGiq76UxCexF0OX_R8Hyk5f2U2s_fu5IA8K7AdcbXswa0FzJbr_KpSq6lAONnFh_T/s1600-h/bunnysans+ears.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437121303824055506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzODZJ8O-55-w-7qDvLtQbZfUjh3QcPCkQWNytbaxdvGyy59GgCSOmN3e4zuO6OSlP5bXgU8GMprlGiq76UxCexF0OX_R8Hyk5f2U2s_fu5IA8K7AdcbXswa0FzJbr_KpSq6lAONnFh_T/s320/bunnysans+ears.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
The biscuit has skipped out of town for a few weeks, so I have taken the opportunity to indulge in a new found passion - it does slightly tick the more unusual box, but no, it’s not vexilollogy or train spotting....it is the visually and tactilely (yes, this is a word ) all consuming world of felt. Most commonly mistaken as a tool for introducing toddlers to shapes and colours, felt is so much more than this. I recently spent a whole evening mesmerised by an array of felt covered cushions on a home decorating website which culminated in my investing in one very comfy little felt covered treasure.I have even tried to sex it up by giving it a gen Y style acronym - MOOFING. To possess something that is 'MOOF' is to behold a soft, colourful and sometimes functional treasure that is Made Out Of Felt.<br />
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The half baked bunny above is my very own rudimentary interpretation of MOOFing (sans ears and belt).I do strive to improve my moofing skills and with time I hope to one day create a nifty felt 'shopper' which I might just team up with a pair of felt lined ear muffs.<br />
<br />
Dumpling Dynasty Bunny making kits are available from deliciously eclectic on-line shop Wu & Wu<br />
<a href="http://www.wuandwu.com/dumplingdynasty.html">http://www.wuandwu.com/dumplingdynasty.html</a>MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-84032237198536538472010-02-09T14:21:00.000-08:002010-03-18T13:35:35.827-07:00A tapestry called Florence<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIFjB2SEmVD4TwI2v0hTC8U0JYK0JTnz7EwkxjyWQFg1l0wcKFZvUTad9Sz58RVCk4IwMeMYdJIZYkUTKQo9yukXUNMjhjDEPnM90Hn1MLSR5yuFyyVkz_CRaAX6Ol2bejrnKgF4zS-T6/s1600-h/FLORENCE+BROADHURST+WALLPAPER.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIFjB2SEmVD4TwI2v0hTC8U0JYK0JTnz7EwkxjyWQFg1l0wcKFZvUTad9Sz58RVCk4IwMeMYdJIZYkUTKQo9yukXUNMjhjDEPnM90Hn1MLSR5yuFyyVkz_CRaAX6Ol2bejrnKgF4zS-T6/s320/FLORENCE+BROADHURST+WALLPAPER.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436373005781950914" /></a><br />In 1971 American singer- songwriter Carole King released the single ‘Tapestry’, which became a number one worldwide hit. Meanwhile, in Sydney, Australia, the real life tapestry of Florence Broadhurst was unfurling in an unpredictable and colourful manner. At the time of her death in 1977 (which to this day remains a mystery), the stupendously talented wallpaper designer had seen many re-incarnations in her professional life.Starting out as singer, performer, artist and then as dress salon proprietor (under the alias of Madame Pellier), she went on to leave her enduring legacy by designing wallpaper in "the only studio of its kind in the world".<br /> Could it be that Florence was revealing her internal landscape to the world through her bold designs?<br /> It is only now that I contemplate the possibility of my favourite Broadhust designs being a story book of sorts. Her iconic ‘Horses stampede’ may well have been designed after a wild night of passion between the sheets in which her son had been conceived. The recurrent bird themed prints were clearly her untamed soul yearning to transcend the banal and everyday.....and it is so obvious to me now that her popular ’Japanese floral’ design was devised in a moment of sentiment while reminiscing her days spent touring the Orient.<br /><br />Whatever the meaning behind Florence’s designs, there is no denying her talent and eye for marrying colour with design.<br /><br />Florence Broadhurst prints are available through custodians 'Signature Prints'<br />http://www.signatureprints.com.au/aboutus/aboutus_flobro.htmlMTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633387043930694540.post-91585916725242023102010-02-08T14:38:00.001-08:002010-02-08T14:38:52.664-08:00Blue and Green make AquamarineThe biscuit is a very insightful little being - it is she who has truly educated me on the palette of primary colours and their more complex little cousins, secondary colours. I have had many a chaotically constructed water colour creation bestowed upon me by the biscuit. In lesson one I was instructed to squidge my finger into the pot of green paint, then splodge it into the blue one and voila! Pure magic, a spectacular Aegean blue masterpiece before your very eyes...<br />This brings me to two very important pieces of advice that were handed down to me by my mother as an awkward tweenie<br />1.’Always be true to yourself’ – Be True i.e. don’t tell a lie because GOD is watching, To yourself i.e. To Me!<br />2. A skirt isn’t always a skirt if it’s a dress<br />From the moment I received these two nuggets of wisdom, I thought I’d be OK throughout life’s rumpled rollercoaster of ups and downs (NB. On my 16th Birthday I also received a copy of ‘The Prophet’ and a poster called ‘Desiderata’ which had some handy and helpful tips and answers to some of my prepubescent insecurities especially Para 3 see exerpt below)<br /> <br />If you compare yourself with others, <br />you may become vain or bitter, <br />for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. <br />Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. <br />Keep interested in your own career, however humble; <br />it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. <br /><br />It has only very recently occurred to me how very helpful those two little pearls have been to me.<br />In fact, had I not been wearing a skirt as a dress as recently as Christmas day 2009, I would have been wearing none other than my underwear!<br />Which brings me back to the purpose of these ramblings, they are a very long nod to colour, style and my mother, who is certainly the pearl in the heart of my oyster and who’s strong sense of colour, texture and style have been the most wonderful heirloom a daughter and granddaughter could inherit.MTFShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238290458418965332noreply@blogger.com0