I'll admit it – I am a nostalgia hoarder. I can't part with anything. Despite being a neat freak, behind that tidy veneer lies dusty piles of everything. Some of my personal favourites are from my childhood – a battered, held-together-with-masking-tape copy of "Ballet Shoes" purchased for 40c when I was eight; my soft toy rabbit Blossom who I dragged with me everywhere; and my Enid Blyton "Faraway Tree" book collection, which kick-started my love of reading. So when I discovered Arthur's Circus, I was reminded of how carefree, innocent and wild with imagination and curiosity children can be.



This delightful store is a 'new original' treasure trove full of vintage, pre- and well-loved toys, vibrant technicolour illustrations and gorgeous trinkets. The Aunty Cookie softies and the brightly coloured spines of Enid Blyton's books reminds me of racing matchbox cars and reading stories to my younger sister and brother about far-off places in a wondrous imagined world. One of the owners of this nostalgia haven, Natalie Jeffcott, keeps a regularly-updated blog detailing the adventures of Arthur's Circus (named for her three-year-old son) and what is really touching is how much love she has for the store and the treasures it holds.

Visit Arthur’s Circus, 631 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne, call 0412 713 202 or 0408 557 459, or check out www.arthurscircus.com. For those of us not lucky enough to be in Victoria, you can get your fix of 'more vintage inspired loveliness than you can poke a stick at' at Etsy or Big Cartel (www.arthurscircus.bigcartel.com) and be sure to check out Natalie's lovely blog (www.arthurscircus.blogspot.com).

Homemade in Manly

When we were planning our move to Oz back in rainy, grey London, sunny relaxed weekends by the beach were the motivating factor. So it was inevitable that we'd end up living by the sea – but, instead of gravitating to Sydney's Bondi, we chose Manly. While it's everything we hoped it would be – namely, sun, sand, and restaurants – it also has the added bonus of being a haven for homewares, a subject always close to home for any stylist.

Here are a few of my favourite shops:

For everyday items such as cushions, towels, blinds and kitchenware, Petersons of Manly is a regular haunt. Describing itself as a mini department store, it has been a proud fixture of the Corso since 1961.
Petersons of Manly, 17 The Corso, (02) 9977 2418

For the best of South East Asian design, take a trip to Epoch Design Centre. Stocking both antique and contemporary ranges, it gives you a real flavour for this genre, rather than the standard pieces you've seen before. The new lacquered art work is a particular favourite.
Epoch Design Company, 79 Pittwater Road, (02) 9977 3771

Nordic Fusion is an epicentre of Scandinavian design, and while it stocks all of the must-haves such as the Artichoke light and Marimekko prints (and clothing), it also offers the works of lesser-known designers such as Swedish company Pappelina (www.pappelina.com), who make beautiful plastic rugs.
Nordic Fusion 1/2 Wentworth Street. (02) 997 66033

It's hard not to fall in love with the cosy ambience of Desire Books. This ultimate preloved bookshop covers a carefully chosen range of books from classics to contemporary for the best-dressed bedside tables around.
Desire Books 3/3 Whistler St, (02) 9977 0888

Who says Manly is all about the beach...?



One of my favourite weekend pastimes would have to be the Hope Street Markets in Sydney's Surry Hills. Housed in an old warehouse, the markets run every couple of months and allow independent designers to showcase their wares to passers-by. You not only get to purchase beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces, but meet and talk to the designers as well – I love discovering what inspired them and how they came up with their ideas. It's shopping at its most personal, and feels so much nicer than handing money over to big corporations!

I thought I'd share with you a few of my favourite independent designers. For those in other states, fear not; they all ship Australia-wide!

Poppies for Grace (www.poppiesforgrace.com) is a Victorian duo who design the most exquisite handcrafted cards, invitations, writing sets, bookplates and prints. Perfect as a wedding or housewarming gift for those hard-to-buy-for types, you can either pick from their nature-themed collections or custom make your own.
Third Drawer Down (www.thirddrawerdown.com) has been on the design radar for a few years now but is definitely worth a mention because their collection changes so often. Their range of tea towels, aprons and table napkins are just brilliant because they are all individually screen-printed with a different designers work. (pictured left)
A particular favourite of mine is artist Geneine Honey, who runs label Love (www.lovehate.com.au). Her jewellery is to die for, and I adore chatting to Geneine when I order pieces for friends. Her 'I wish I was a real girl' range (pictured left) is so endearing – you will fall in love!

For more info on the Hope Street Markets, head to www.hopestreetmarkets.com


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