An optimist
is the human personification
of spring.
is the human personification
of spring.
- Susan J. Bissonette
[Image Credit]
Musical Monday and Pretty Poultry
Happy Monday! Firstly, I hope all the dads in my corner of the world had a wonderful Father's Day yesterday (especially my darling dadsie!), and of course a happy Labor Day to all my US readers too - what an action-packed weekend!
After all that excitement, I thought I'd kick-start this week with a little soothing musical magic, so here's an adorable film clip for Townsville kids The Middle East. I can't get enough of these guys at the moment, and the film clip just enchants me every time.
After all that excitement, I thought I'd kick-start this week with a little soothing musical magic, so here's an adorable film clip for Townsville kids The Middle East. I can't get enough of these guys at the moment, and the film clip just enchants me every time.
If the aesthetic looks familiar to you, that might have something to do with the immensely talented studio behind the clip, Greedy Hen. The leading ladies, Katherine Brickman and Kate Mitchell, have also done work for the likes of Megan Washington, Josh Pyke, and of course our beloved Frankie Mag.
With a style that combines the surreal, subversive and subtle with doses of whimsy and a sneaky sense of humour, it's no wonder these ladies are in demand! Here's a little more of their work for your viewing pleasure!
With a style that combines the surreal, subversive and subtle with doses of whimsy and a sneaky sense of humour, it's no wonder these ladies are in demand! Here's a little more of their work for your viewing pleasure!
Greedy Hen will also be launching their own range of clothing and accessories in the not too distant future, so keep an eye on their website (or Facebook or Twitter) to be kept in the loop.
Online Obsessions - The Design Files
Ever come across a blog that is so amazing and so you that you're torn between doing a joyous jig or simply throwing your hands in the air and deleting your own blog out of pure, unadulterated envy? I come across these often, but one that keeps upping the ante and generally blowing my mind with endless awesomeness is The Design Files.
Written by Melbourne-based stylist and set dresser Lucy Feagins, the daily blog boasts a strong Australian focus but also manages to cover the best of international design goings-on too. Weekly features include enviable interviews and amazing Australian home tours with some of the most creative and cool kids that Australia has to offer, including the lovely Liss of Daydream Lily!
Written by Melbourne-based stylist and set dresser Lucy Feagins, the daily blog boasts a strong Australian focus but also manages to cover the best of international design goings-on too. Weekly features include enviable interviews and amazing Australian home tours with some of the most creative and cool kids that Australia has to offer, including the lovely Liss of Daydream Lily!
[Rose Byrne as photographed by James Geer]
So much prettiness, so much talent! Ignoring the fact that this humble little blog is just as young as The Design Files, I still can't help but dream that one day, when my blog 'grows up', it will be even a fraction as inspirational. One day...
Happy Friday everyone, have a great weekend!
xx Kit
P.S. Sydney kids! As seen on The Design Files, don't forget to make your way to the Pop-up Alphabet Co-op this weekend - in true pop-up fashion, it's on for two days only, so be quick!
Crazy Cute Clouds
If ever there was a justification for painting your walls bright blue, this is it.
Adorable cloud shelves from DesignTorget. Want!
[via @jessicahische]
Colour Me Springtime!
Ahh, the first day of Spring. I love this time of year at the best of times, but after a long, grey winter (in more ways than one), I'm extra excited about the colourful days that only Springtime can promise!
So to kick off the season with a bang (sorry Northern Hemisphere folks, I'm just not that excited about Autumn right now!), here's some beautifully bright birds and beasts by illustrator extraordinaire, minkee!
So to kick off the season with a bang (sorry Northern Hemisphere folks, I'm just not that excited about Autumn right now!), here's some beautifully bright birds and beasts by illustrator extraordinaire, minkee!
Happy Springtime fellow Southern-Hemisphere-ites!xx Kit
Hold On - The Magic of Angus & Julia Stone
I ventured out on the weekend for the first time in quite a while, and even though it was a mighty battle just to drag myself out the door, I'm so, so glad I made the effort because I did it all for Angus and Julia Stone.
This ridiculously talented brother and sister outfit have been making waves around the world of late, but back in their home town the pair are humble and seemingly amazed by the excitable sold-out crowd. Despite the swarms of screaming fan girls (and boys) who made up a vocal chunk of the standing room section (I wisely booked myself a comfy seat up the back), the performance still managed to feel intimate and unaffected.
Both Angus and Julia switched and swapped instruments with envious ease, but the highlight was undoubtedly the enchanting beauty of their vocals. It's a rare treat when a performer sounds even more gorgeous than their recorded self, but Julia's voice is especially arresting...and sometimes just plain breathtaking.
This ridiculously talented brother and sister outfit have been making waves around the world of late, but back in their home town the pair are humble and seemingly amazed by the excitable sold-out crowd. Despite the swarms of screaming fan girls (and boys) who made up a vocal chunk of the standing room section (I wisely booked myself a comfy seat up the back), the performance still managed to feel intimate and unaffected.
Both Angus and Julia switched and swapped instruments with envious ease, but the highlight was undoubtedly the enchanting beauty of their vocals. It's a rare treat when a performer sounds even more gorgeous than their recorded self, but Julia's voice is especially arresting...and sometimes just plain breathtaking.
Almost all their remaining Australian shows have sold out (check here to make sure), but if you're in the United States, Europe or the United Kingdom and these lovely folk are performing near you, be sure to snap up your tickets early for the chance to check out these freakishly talented Aussies and their sweet, sweet music.
In the meantime, here's their latest filmclip, Hold On, to help start your week on the right note!
Happy Monday!
xx Kit
When Grey Days Give Way
It's easy to take colour for granted. Sometimes, life takes you down a path that slowly and surely drains all the colour away from your life. It seeps away gradually, barely noticeable until suddenly your whole life is nothing but shades of grey.
The last few months have been hard. Illness had sapped away almost every last drop of colour, energy and joy from my life. I was left feeling useless, flat, and grey. Dull, unforgiving grey.
I wanted to be positive and upbeat. I wanted to jump on the computer and write a flippant blog post telling you that all was well, that I'd be back in no time, sorry for the silence. I wanted to reply to your emails and comments, to get back on top of everything like I'd been promising for months. I often found myself wanting to sneak onto Twitter and broadcast some silly or inane observation.
But for the most part, I wanted to retreat from the world and simply hide. I wanted to ignore my phone and my computer and my TV and my front door and my overflowing letterbox. I wanted to crawl up into a ball and sleep. Forever. I'd had enough of all the greyness.
Then, just as gradually and unexpectedly as the colour seeped away, it slowly began to return. A flame red leaf. The crisp blue winter sky. Blades of fresh green grass.
It's a slow process. There's still a lot of grey and far too much beige for my liking, but the colour is coming back.
The last few months have been hard. Illness had sapped away almost every last drop of colour, energy and joy from my life. I was left feeling useless, flat, and grey. Dull, unforgiving grey.
I wanted to be positive and upbeat. I wanted to jump on the computer and write a flippant blog post telling you that all was well, that I'd be back in no time, sorry for the silence. I wanted to reply to your emails and comments, to get back on top of everything like I'd been promising for months. I often found myself wanting to sneak onto Twitter and broadcast some silly or inane observation.
But for the most part, I wanted to retreat from the world and simply hide. I wanted to ignore my phone and my computer and my TV and my front door and my overflowing letterbox. I wanted to crawl up into a ball and sleep. Forever. I'd had enough of all the greyness.
Then, just as gradually and unexpectedly as the colour seeped away, it slowly began to return. A flame red leaf. The crisp blue winter sky. Blades of fresh green grass.
It's a slow process. There's still a lot of grey and far too much beige for my liking, but the colour is coming back.
I've always intended for this blog to be one of positivity, beauty and joy, so as the colour returns to my life, leaf by leaf, blade by blade, drop by drop, I hope to share it with you. I honestly can't thank you all enough for being here, for reading, and for your kind words of support.
xx Kit
[Let's Colour Project via Pitchfork]
Broken x 2
Apparently this is the week (slash month) that everything in my corner of the world decides to fall apart. Not only is my brain completely broken, but my email seems to have followed suit too. If you're waiting on an email from me, I apologise profusely! I attempted to sort it all out tonight but my little brain (and/or my little PC) just wouldn't cooperate.
Fingers crossed tomorrow will bring better things, not only in terms of technological and cerebral functions, but life in general too!
xx Kit
P.S. I would really love to share more of my own original content with you, so if this is something you might like to see, it would mean the world to me if you'd pay a visit to my lovely sponsors (including my new Nuffnang sponsor who clearly knows how messy my apartment is right now) and help me on the way to aquiring my very first little ol' DSLR. ♥
[Images by katakana and Max Peake]
Fingers crossed tomorrow will bring better things, not only in terms of technological and cerebral functions, but life in general too!
xx Kit
P.S. I would really love to share more of my own original content with you, so if this is something you might like to see, it would mean the world to me if you'd pay a visit to my lovely sponsors (including my new Nuffnang sponsor who clearly knows how messy my apartment is right now) and help me on the way to aquiring my very first little ol' DSLR. ♥
[Images by katakana and Max Peake]
In the Mood - The Photography of Stratis Vogiatzis
Love the moody textures and lighting in the photography of Stratis Vogiatzis. Find out more about Vogiatzis' work over at Pia Jane Bijkerk (and be sure to stay a while too, Pia's blog is a treasure trove of beauty and inspiration!)
More Clouds...
...But the silver lining is still eluding me. In between a moody internet connection and a few personal dramas, things might be quiet in this corner for a little while yet. A sincere thank you to each and every one of you who stops by, it really does mean the world to me and I'm looking forward to being back in full force...again.
While I'm waiting and hoping for the clouds to clear, please consider showing a little love to those who support me - I'll be telling you a little more about all my amazing sponsors soon, but don't let that stop you from finding out for yourself in the meantime. Thank you also to everyone who entered the latest Giveaway Goodness, I'll announce the winner in the next day or so, clouds and internet connection permitting.
xx Kit
xx Kit
Postcard Picture Surprise
There's nothing quite like receiving a hand written letter or postcard in the mail, so imagine how special you'd feel if, a week or so before your birthday, a brightly coloured postcard turned up from a distant loved one. Then the next day, more of these cards turn up, each one from a different friend in a different corner of the world. You notice that every postcard has a number...
...and slowly but surely, you piece together the puzzle and an image unfolds in front of your eyes.
That's the way the ingenious Jordan Ferney decided to help celebrate her friend's birthday, complete with glitter, a whole lot of stamps, and an image of the birthday girl (in full Halloween garb - I assumeshe doesn't always get around town dressed as a cat burgler...not that there's anything wrong with that! Well yeah okay, maybe there is.)
What an amazing surprise, and a lovely way to show a friend just how special and loved they are.
That's the way the ingenious Jordan Ferney decided to help celebrate her friend's birthday, complete with glitter, a whole lot of stamps, and an image of the birthday girl (in full Halloween garb - I assumeshe doesn't always get around town dressed as a cat burgler...not that there's anything wrong with that! Well yeah okay, maybe there is.)
What an amazing surprise, and a lovely way to show a friend just how special and loved they are.
Peaceful
I adore everything about this image, from the patterned frock and chunky belt, the flawless makeup and peaceful expression, through to the very idea of weather warm enough to allow a nap amongst the flowers. But especially the peaceful expression.
xx Kit
P.S. I'm hunting for things that make me smile at the moment, and right at the top of my list is What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear? Jayma Mays makes me happy.
P.P.S. The latest Giveaway Goodness ends this weekend, make sure you've got your entries in for the chance to win the gorgeous Kara Adams handbag - thanks again Leeloo! ♥
xx Kit
P.S. I'm hunting for things that make me smile at the moment, and right at the top of my list is What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear? Jayma Mays makes me happy.
P.P.S. The latest Giveaway Goodness ends this weekend, make sure you've got your entries in for the chance to win the gorgeous Kara Adams handbag - thanks again Leeloo! ♥
Every Cloud...
...has a silver lining.
Sometimes, you just need to look a little harder to find it.
Based on recent events in my corner, however, I think I'll be looking for a while yet.
Sometimes, you just need to look a little harder to find it.
Based on recent events in my corner, however, I think I'll be looking for a while yet.
[Please click on images for sources]
Tag and Release
I'm really terrible at passing along tags and awards, but one tag recently tweaked my curiosity and sent me trawling through my archives. Courtesy of Kristin, I went in search of the 6th image I ever blogged. I remembered back to how different my taste was when I fired up this blog, how I loved all things Modernist and minimal and wasn't particularly moved by anything else. If you told me that merely 18 months down the track I'd be obsessed with garden sheds and doilies and imperfectly beautiful Polaroids, I would have asked what illicit substance you'd been consuming.
So when I came across my 6th image, I was pleasantly surprised. Somehow, in amongst my ultra-modern architecture obsession and my love of unapologetically hard-edged art, fashion and photography...
So when I came across my 6th image, I was pleasantly surprised. Somehow, in amongst my ultra-modern architecture obsession and my love of unapologetically hard-edged art, fashion and photography...
The work of Tim Walker still spoke to me then, as it does now.
After a week that has been confusing and heartbreaking, there's some small comfort in knowing that sometimes, beauty in all its forms, from amazing artworks through to the cherished moments spent with friends and loved ones, can cut through everything and remind you that life is so very short, yet so very wonderful.
After a week that has been confusing and heartbreaking, there's some small comfort in knowing that sometimes, beauty in all its forms, from amazing artworks through to the cherished moments spent with friends and loved ones, can cut through everything and remind you that life is so very short, yet so very wonderful.
Geeky Giggles
[You're Going Down by tubes]It's 'Roid Week over on Flickr at the moment (the Pola' variety, not the scary muscle bulking, peepee shrinking type), so I thought I'd share this geeky little gem to celebrate. Don't get the joke? Don't worry, that just means you're cooler than me!
But more importantly, if you're not familiar with tubes and his amazing collection entitled Toys on 'Roids, I suggest you check it out this instant! And be sure to pay a visit to the 'Roid Week stream too, there's some beautiful stuff floating around right now!
But more importantly, if you're not familiar with tubes and his amazing collection entitled Toys on 'Roids, I suggest you check it out this instant! And be sure to pay a visit to the 'Roid Week stream too, there's some beautiful stuff floating around right now!
Wednesday Wisdom - Seriously
Not a shred of evidence
exists in favor of the idea
that life is serious.
exists in favor of the idea
that life is serious.
- Brendan Gill
Happy Monday - Bedrest, Books and Baths
Happy Monday my lovelies! I'm feeling quite under the weather today so I'm going to be all about bedrest, books (getting my Austen on with Mansfield Park), and soothing baths until further notice.
In the meantime though, have you seen my stealthy Giveaway Goodness Surprise? It's a good'un I tellsya!
In the meantime though, have you seen my stealthy Giveaway Goodness Surprise? It's a good'un I tellsya!
[L-R: Sabrina Rothe via desire to inspire, simply contemporary via delight by design]
Giveaway Goodness Surprise!
Oh yes indeed, the surprise you've all been waiting for is an amazing giveaway that I just couldn't wait to share with you for another day! The public holiday may have messed up my schedule, but I think we all deserve a little celebration after the crazy week that followed, yes?
I'm SO excited about this giveaway that I've even been dreaming about it. Yes, really. Happy, pretty, floral, Florence Broadhurst dreams.
I'm SO excited about this giveaway that I've even been dreaming about it. Yes, really. Happy, pretty, floral, Florence Broadhurst dreams.
Courtesy of Leeloo, a fantabulous online store and avid supporter of Australian design talent, the lucky winner will be the proud owner of this delicious handbag, handmade by Kara Smith.
Valued at $189.95, this adorable handbag boasts a divine Florence Broadhurst fabric outer, and a recycled cotton interior, and a cute vintage button provides the perfect finishing touch. At 32cm deep (58cm with straps), it's the perfect size for notebooks (and magazines!), and with an interior pocket split into two sections, it's just as practical as it is pretty!
Valued at $189.95, this adorable handbag boasts a divine Florence Broadhurst fabric outer, and a recycled cotton interior, and a cute vintage button provides the perfect finishing touch. At 32cm deep (58cm with straps), it's the perfect size for notebooks (and magazines!), and with an interior pocket split into two sections, it's just as practical as it is pretty!
For the chance to win, head on over to the Leeloo shop and have a look through all the newly added goodies, then head back here and let us know which item takes your fancy! Please also include an email address in your comment if there isn't one listed on your profile (try scr.im if you're worried about those pesky spambots!) As always, this giveaway is open worldwide!
And to spread the love a little more, you can score bonus entries for each of the following:- Follow or subscribe to That Unreliable Girl
- Become a Facebook Fan of That Unreliable Girl
- Subscribe to Leeloo
- Become a Facebook Fan of Leeloo
- Tweet/Retweet about this giveaway
To make your Tweetin' extra easy, just copy and paste this:
I want to win the adorable Kara Smith handbag from @MsUnreliable > http://bit.ly/cLGZYl
The winner will be selected with random.org, so please leave a separate comment for each of your extra entries (including tweets, pretty please!)
The giveaway will run until Sunday, 16th of May, 5pm AEST and will be announced here on the following Monday - good luck!
Wistful Weekends
What a crazy week! As much as I love long weekends, they sure do make the following four day week into a whole barrel of busy! I suspect I'll be spending much of this weekend behind the computer trying to make up for lost time, especially as I was forced to sit around and twiddle my thumbs for most of today while I anxiously waited for my very broken iPhone (gasp!) to back up.
If only I had the good luck to spend my weekend in a space like this! (And if only my little PC didn't need SO many cords!)
But here's hoping your weekend looks a little more like this...
Or, if the weather allows, maybe something like this.
I think I'm already missing picnic weather, but given that I was genuiney excited to wear a scarf today for the first time this year, I think I'll be alright!
Happy Friday, have a wonderful weekend! And stay tuned for a very exciting Friday surprise...
xx Kit
[Images in order: Sabrina Rothe interior photography via desire to inspire, Lori Guyer's restyled porch via Design*Sponge, Amy and Stuart wedding photography via Erin Ever After]
The Glee-Lightful Jayma Mays
Horrid attempted play-on-words aside (please forgive me), I absolutely adore Angela Kohler's photographs of Jayma Mays. Our favourite Glee guidance counselor is looking decidedly Lily Cole-esque in the first shot, and all three outfits would be more than welcome in my wardrobe now that it's finally starting to get a little chilly in ol' Sydney town. I love coat weather!
So come on, fess up...who around these parts is a fellow Gleek? Who's your favourite Glee kid...or Cheerio...or Gleekio? And what's the deal with that Jesse kid? Spying mofo or star-crossed Montague?
xx Kit
So come on, fess up...who around these parts is a fellow Gleek? Who's your favourite Glee kid...or Cheerio...or Gleekio? And what's the deal with that Jesse kid? Spying mofo or star-crossed Montague?
xx Kit
P.S. Huuuuuuugely exciting surprise for you tomorrow to celebrate the end of a short but crazy week, yay!
[via Dilly Dallas]
![](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_EU0qZFvR-h8/S97PC4YusiI/AAAAAAAAGPw/n43yghq3hX8/blush_ad.jpg")
