An open letter to the birthday fairy

‘Sup Birthday Fairy,
 
It’s been a while since we have spoken. Almost a year, in fact. I hope you’re well and you sorted out that little mess with the Tooth Fairy (don’t worry, she’s a slapper and your wings do not make you look fat!)
 

Since the Big Day is almost upon us I wanted to try and make it easy for you this year – I know I can be a total pain to buy for. I would dearly love for you to put a Diptyque candle under my pillow tree bed this year. You know I like to burn things and a Diptyque candle would make a great addition to my bedroom. Or bathroom. Or lounge room. Heck, you can buy me three if you like! I’m particularly partial to the Gardenia scent, but would also take Jasmin, Pomander or Choisya. I’m not fussy.
 
While you’re in Mecca Cosmetica (they are the exclusive stockists of Diptyque in Aus, you know) make sure you grab the From Paris With Love sampler pack. Every purchase in the month of February gets one and it has three little samples from some of the beautiful French brands that Mecca stocks (like Diptyque!) I’ll even let you keep the sampler – treat yourself to something nice, you deserve it.
See you soon!
 
With love,
Elise
 
PS - Diptyque candles are $99 from Mecca stores or Mecca Cosmetica online. I stole the above pic from the Mecca website so you know what you’re looking for.


PPS - Don't eat the Koko Black salted caramel out of the From Paris With Love sampler. I want that, please.
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Current Obsession: golden grass

When doing my daily rounds of the internet a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled across this beauty and haven’t been able to get her out of my head ever since. El Amuleto is an eco-conscious label from Melbourne, inspired by the colours and mood of Mexico. I have been to Mexico a few times and it is such a beautiful and vibrant country – add it to your ‘to visit’ list if it isn’t on there already.

They have both a fashion and an accessories line that are painfully hip, but I was particularly taken by one cocktail ring that I simply must have. I wonder if there is CRA – Cocktail Rings Anonymous, as I fear I could be addicted. Anyway, the Tijuana ring is made with hand weaved golden grass. This particular grass only grows in the Northwest of Brazil and can only be picked once a year. How freaking cool is that?! Mind you, it’s not like someone just goes running through the field picking bunches; this is one of those situations where the local community use weaving techniques handed down from generation to generation. The local community benefits, El Amuleto benefit and then I benefit. Everyone wins! No fields were harmed in the making of this ring.

If you’re looking for an occasion, my birthday is only 360 days away.

Price: $69.99
From: El Amuleto – they have a boutique at the Docklands Harbour Town in Melbourne and an online store
Why you need it: Eco-conscious, unique and sexy – it ticks a lot of boxes, right?

Picture credit: el-amuleto.com

Wishlist: Lily Allen jewellery

I'm not ashamed to admit that I am a dirty great Lily Allen fan. There is no shame in loving a pop princess, especially when her songs are so fun and catchy and she is stylish and gorgeous. I'm going to see Britney next week, aren't I? Anyway, YAY that Lily Allen's eponymous jewellery collection is now available in Australia. I remember seeing pics of the line in Grazia at least 2 months ago, and, just as an aside, it's really annoying when a magazine is all 'OMG look at this amazing bag/necklace/dress!!! Yeah, you can't buy it for another 2 months. Suffer in your jocks'. It just makes me angry with anticipation, and that doesn't really make much sense.

The Lily Allen line is exclusively stocked through website Trilby Phoenix, who also sell other really cool jewellery, clothing and accessories. Think of it as the Aussie version of Miijo. (I'm completely in love with the One Of A Kind hamsa bracelet [see above left] and I intend to buy it as a treat for myself for making it through the next 2 weeks, but we're talking about Lily Allen here so I better not derail this post any more). It doesn't look like Trilby Phoenix are stocking the entire range, but they have all the most important pieces like the flamingo necklace, panda necklace and poodle earrings. What is it with me and animal jewellery lately? They also have the gold coin necklace, which Lily has spoken about as a reference to her granny who was a gypsy. Very cool. I'm also partial to the smiley face necklace, which is a reference to her Keith Haring acid house tattoos, some of which she had inked whilst in Australia. Ok, now I'm beginning to sound like a crazy fan-girl.

Price: Pieces start at $70 for earrings, $120 for the big crystal animal necklaces
From: Trilby Phoenix
Why you need it: Awesome jewellery and a piece of pop culture - yes please!

Picture credit: Trilby Phoenix

Current Obsession: Bus Scrolls

This so called "current obsession" has been dragging on for a good 6 months now. I remember seeing these featured in Real Living earlier in the year and flagging the page because I had to have one. Naturally, I played a game of 'with what money' and lost, but that hasn't stopped my passion for these beautiful canvases. I love how deliciously retro they are, harking back to an era when the train banner or bus banner told you where you were going and people on public transport had manners. As an inner-city rat, I would love to have Sydenham, Redfern, Central, Town Hall, Martin Place, Kings Cross, Edgecliff, Bondi Junction on my wall, because that's my hood. It also reminds me of my childhood and the train announcer saying those stations every time I travelled into the city (trivia: I lived on the blue train line as a kid and that won't mean anything to anyone who doesn't live in Sydney).

If I do eventually take the plunge and get the canvas, I will have to have it custom made because it isn't one they have readily available. My other option is the New York City scroll. I adore New York City and would love to eventually live there (in my alternate, glamorous life). I have already decided that we will be honeymooning in NYC (Boyfriend was happy with this arrangement) and that we will buy the canvas as a wedding gift to ourselves (he hasn't agreed to this yet, but he kinda has no choice). Good arrangement? Shall I place my order now?

Price: NYC scroll $499 - custom scrolls start at $350 for small canvas only and go up to $699 for large stretched frame

From: Busscrolls.com - they also list their stockists on their site

Why you need it: Everyone needs art in their homes - why not make it meaningful and personal, whether it's somewhere you have been or somewhere you want to go

Picture credit: busscrolls.com

Stuff that I haven't bought, that you should buy me

Think of this as a visual birthday wishlist.

Disney Couture Peter Pan panpipes necklace.
From: Dobry Den, Surry Hills
Why I want it: it would look ace with my green dress, and I don't have any gold necklaces.






Born Standing Up - Steve Martin memoirs
From: Borders
Why I want it: I have always been a big Steve Martin fan. I think he is fascinating and hilarious and I think his memoirs would be a great read. Plus, he looks like my Dad.



Frangipani Tree
From: The Urban Balcony, surry Hills
Why I want it: Frangipanis (aka Plumerias) are my FAVOURITE flowers. I love their beautiful scent and their gorgeous colours, and I feel like I'm on holidays when I have one tucked behind my ear.



This is by no means a conclusive list, and rest assured it will be added to on a daily basis.