Monday, March 5, 2012

The New Old

From organic cleaning to old-school appliances, traditional shapes are re-emerging in our homes, this time with a modern twist.  Toasters and kettles are not just about functionality - they're also about style, and making a suggestion about the vibe of your home.  De Longhi have tapped into the huge resurgance of hype for the 'new old', producing a range of retro but reliable applicances.  


Remember when your grandmother put vinegar on your bee stings, and cleaned the whole house with a bucket of water and some baking soda?  Following this, our mothers' generation was bombarded with pyramid schemes and informercials ramming the new super chemicals down their throats, telling them how to germ-proof their homes, children and lives.  As a society, older and hopefully a little bit wiser, we have now made a move back towards clean and green. 

Organic cleaning has seen a renewed popularity, and is now not just for the hippies.  Murchison-Hume make plant-based products that are not only effective at cleaning, but are also non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The creaters of this clever brand are a married couple who happen to be one half Australian (he's from Sydney, she's an LA girl) and both are passionate about environmentally conscious businesses becoming more and more prevalent in our world.  Their products are too beautiful to be stashed away under the kitchen sink!

Images with thanks to Murchison-Hume

The beauty of retrospect is that we can take the best of the old, and mix it with the best of the new.  The popularity of 'the new old' has become every DIY-er's dream, and makes it easy to build your home's style on a small budget, giving old items some TLC and making them come to life again.  Watch this space - the 'new old' is taking over. 



Have a great week,
Joanna

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Handbags and Gladrags

One rule I follow when choosing a dress is that it should be tight enough so people know you're a woman, but loose enough that they know you're a lady.  Leave a little bit to the imagination - Jennifer Lopez and bodycon fans the world over, I'm talking to you. The Hollywood A-list hit the red carpet last Monday for the 2012 Oscars - here are my picks for best dressed.


Tina Fey was stunning in navy Carolina Herrera.  Her Bulgari jewels were simple and elegant, as was her sleek yet soft updo, which was my favourite hairstyle for the evening.


Not just anyone could pull off this Monique Lhuillier gown, which is straight off the runway.  However Snow White star Lily Collins looked magnificent at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.  I love how her barely there accessories let the dress do all the talking.


Katie Holmes teamed a Lanvin clutch with a deep sapphire Elie Saab Couture gown.  Not a fan of the fringe, but I love her swept back ponytail.  It kills me to say this, but Tom was also looking pretty suave.


Selena Gomez was gorgeous in pale Dolce and Gabbana.  Some people get 'sexy' a bit confused and wind up looking cheap, but Selena has the look nailed.

Until next time,
Joanna