I’ve just returned from two weeks in Australia staying with my Melbourne-based inlaws and family, showing off my 18 month old daughter for the first time.
It was the perfect ‘unwind’ holiday – absolutely centred on family time, but also involving some retail therapy and window shopping treats for me.
Even though I didn’t craft at all the whole time (yes, honestly!)…I did have a few design highlights.
Top of the list was seeing the store ‘Meet me at Mike’s’ first hand in Brunswick St in Melbourne. In fact I let out a squeal of delight and told hubby to turn the car around immediately in peak hour traffic with two crying tired children in the back seat, which didn’t go down well! Owner Pip has an amazing store and two books under her belt, with another to be released in Australia at the end of the year.
(The same week, owner Pip launched a what-to-see-and-do in Fitzroy, Melbourne map: essential, if you are going there soon.)
Down the road a bit was the punky, alternative/vintage clothing store Dangerfield, which both hubby and I found lots we liked in. I can’t believe I didn’t get myself one of their vintage printed dresses in the end.
Then at the opposite end of the design spectrum, but still a highlight, was IKEA. I really love their simple, functional design aesthetic. This time, I also noticed their focus on eco imagery, homage to design in nature (especially in their lighting ranges) and absolute encouragement of traditional toys, role play and make believe in their wooden and fabric toys for children. The felt toy food baskets made their way home with us, and the animal yard finger puppets were a close second. Does anyone else remember "The Munch Bunch"???
And how amazing is this dandelion inspired lampshade - it was HUGE in real life. Breathtaking. My nearly-five year old loved it.
'Til next time, Ozzie! Miss you already!
Xx
