Ray Ban Aviators

Despite my ever growing sunglasses collection, there's one style that I always turn to and that is the classic aviator. It's a style that has this inherent coolness factor that's unmatched by anything else on the market. When it comes to aviators no brand is more iconic and synonymous with the name than Ray Bans.

Since it's first debut back in 1936 (thank you Wikipedia) not much has changed over the years. The classic tear drop shape is still unaltered, the lens has the same slight convex shape to eliminate glare from all angles and the famous thin wire frames are still bendy enough for you to salvage them if (or when in my instance) your toddler decides to sit on your glasses.

There's so much to love right? But the true bee's knees is that these sunnies were once designed with only pragmatism in mind and have since turned into absolute style icons. Now 80 years later and we're all still wearing them like it's nobody's business. 

Pictured above: Ray Ban aqua mirror lens and Ray Ban black frame polarised version.

Inspire Me: The Beauty of Books

There's something very special about a printed book that no amount of e-books in the world can replace. Upon a recent quest for new and noteworthy coffee table books, there was one book among the masses that caught my attention. It's called The Ideal Bookshelf by Jane Mount (November 13, 2012). While some may liken this book to Kramer's infamous coffee table book on coffee tables. For the avid reader and book enthusiast this comes as a window into the homes and minds of leading cultural figures as they share a collection of books that matter to them. Upon flipping through the pages you start to realise how little of the literary world you have actually conquered as you slowly take mental notes of titles to add to your reading list. If you are ever at all curious about what other people read, then this one's for you.

And when it comes to the love of the printed word I think author Joe Queenan said it best in an opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal:

"People who need to possess the physical copy of a book, not merely an electronic version, believe that the objects themselves are sacred. Some people may find this attitude baffling, arguing that books are merely objects that take up space. This is true, but so are Prague, and your kids and the Sistine Chapel."

I'm staring to get off topic, but then again that's the beauty of the written word. One thought lead to another to another and soon you have a full discourse on the meaning of life. But I digress again. Since The Ideal Bookshelf is all about the books that define us, I couldn't help but ponder over the very same question myself. Which books have defined my life? Which books do I turn to? Which books have altered my course of history? The list in the picture above was no small feat to compile, in fact I had trouble filling in the titles of all ten blank books. I guess I have a lot more reading to do.

If you've made it this far then I must apologise for the heavy nature of this post. Don't worry it's back to my usual frivolous writings in the next one.

      My Ideal Bookshelf
                   available >> here and here.






Do you have a favourite book or reading list to share? What books have defined your life?

Can't get enough of: Organic Argan Oil

There are beauty products and then there are amazing life transforming elixirs. I cannot say enough good things about Josie Maran's 100% pure Argan Oil. For those of you who are unfamiliar, argan oil is a plant oil derived from the kernels of the argan tree native to Morocco. It has traditionally been used  as a treatment for skin diseases and for nourishing the skin and hair. They say this oil even has medicinal uses against rheumatism and the healing of burns. Don't you just love it when products multi-task?

Josie Maran's Argan oil is made cold pressed from 100% pure organic argan oil. Given the vast amount that I apply on a daily basis, it gives me great comfort in knowing there are no toxins, parabens or any other nasties present. In fact the ingredients list just states: 100% organic and natural argania spinosa kernal (argan) oil. How simple and brilliant. We all know that when it comes food products, the shorter the ingredients list the better, the same goes for skin care. The day I discovered this product was a turning point in life (and skin), kind of like that big leap when you first change your facebook status from single to 'in a relationship'. And the best thing is, you actually see immediate results! 

But it here. 

Inspire Me: Refurbished Tuna Cans

First off, can we agree on how absolutely brilliant this idea is! Who ever thought those pesky tuna cans could make such adorable pot plants? I came across these gorgeous succulents on a recent visit to the florist. They were so simple yet unique that I couldn't pass up the chance to photograph them. 

There's nothing like a visit to the florist to heighten your senses and stimulate your creativity. I always come away brimming with new ideas. It all began back in Architecture school. After spending hours and hours trying to find an elegant solution to whatever design problem I was working on, I would give up in despair and drive off to the nearby 24-hour flower shop to clear my head. Why on earth would a 24-hour flower shop even exist is beyond me, but I'm thankful that they do. Years later I still find myself wandering into florists regularly for inspiration and a little creative pick-me-up.

If you are stuck on holiday gift ideas, these succulents would make excellent stocking stuffers. I'm feeling inspired to create my own, but instead of a pastel hues I'm thinking something sparkly and gold for the holidays. 

Sunshine Greetings

You know that excited feeling when temperatures reach over 90 degrees for the first time all season? Well we've been having a few of those days around here lately. Today the temperature soared well into the 100's and it had me thinking about those who are currently braving the oncoming forces of winter. Meanwhile I'm here sipping Pimms and complaining of the heat. How nice it would be if I could send a little sunshine from my corner of the world to yours.

Can't get enough of: Whimsical Hardware

Dear Anthropologie, don't ever change, ever. I mean honestly, where else can I go for brass wall hooks in the shape of animal heads? Your carefully curated household objects leave me wanting to redecorate my home again and again. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, these harvest themed bunny heads seem very appropriate. Right now they're housing pieces of fine jewelry but I bet they would look really good mounted on my front door with a fall inspired wreath dangling off it. Wait, forget what I first said... slashing your prices in half would be super duper nice, but apart from that don't ever change.
Get your bunny heads here.

Inspire Me: In light of Sandy

{ image via }

Sometimes I come across an image so compelling it would be a crime not to share. While usually I only ever post photos that I have personally taken, today is an exception to my own rule.

Some of you may have already seen this photo today floating around the internet. As the entire East Coast of America bunkers down in the face of Hurricane Sandy, the Sentinels standing guard over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery continue on with their task. For them it is not a job but the highest of honors. To the rest of the country it is a message. The Sentinels live by their creed which in part says "Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability". The Tomb of the Unknowns have been guarded continuously 24 hours, 7 days a week since the first guard was posted in 1937. No amount of inclement weather, terrorist attacks or anything else will cause the watch to cease.

While this photo dates back to September 2012, it's important to note that today, right now this very instant the Old Guards are still there manning their post. They have the option of seeking refuge within the Trophy Room which overlooks the tomb but I have a feeling these dedicated men will remain guarding the tombs.

If you have never witnessed this in person, I highly recommend that you do. It is an incredibly sobering experience and will put into perspective all those minor trivial things in life. 

To all those in Sandy's path, stay safe!

Inspire Me

I did have a fun little recipe post all primped and ready for today when the most amazing thing happened while I was out at lunch. There I was minding my own business walking down the street when I gazed into an unknown boutique window and saw the most beautiful scene. Crouching on the floor was this lovely lady with hair cascading down her black, dressed in all-black with leopard print shoes trimming away at the hem of this beautiful lemon yellow dress. For a moment I stood transfixed, in front of me stood a scene that embodied everything I ever imagined couture tailoring to look like. The tailor ever the bit as chic as the garment she was working on in a setting even Ms Francis Elkins would approve of.

The boutique in question turned out to be Snowball Maison de Couture. A mother and daughter team who dreams up exquisite frocks and hand-made accessories. Now if only I had an event to go to... Click here to visit their e-boutique.

Can't get enough of: Strappy Cap Toe Pumps

Inspired by Garance Dore's 'I Die' series, I thought I'd start featuring my own collection of lovely little things that make life just that much more wonderful.

To kick off this series, say hello to my new cap toe babies. While cap toes pumps are nothing new, it was the double ankle strap detail on this pair that caught my eye. These are made in Italy by Lucchesi, I scooped them up from a little boutique here in Melbourne, Australia. Much searching online has failed to yield anymore insight behind this brand or it's full product line. All I know is, they make fabulous shoes and I want them all!