Rachael Ruddick Clutch

When I saw this clutch in a magazine a few days back I instantly fell in love. Maybe it's the size, maybe it's the colour, maybe it's the texture, who knows? (and who cares!) all I know is that it would look spectacular on me.

It's the Castlereagh clutch in Lilac Grey Parrotfish and can be found online here.

Wish: Diamond Pendant (Canturi)

It's a common advertisement in the Qantas magazine, and it always catches my eye. I can imagine the sun hitting those diamonds. My favourite collection is the "Cubism".

Apparently he also did a piece for Barbie, who knew?

Jewellery - for runners!

So I've recently taken up running (ok, it's more like jogging, and probably that's pushing the envelope). You can probably tell form some of my past posts I'm a fan of bright, shinny objects and these runner charms, earrings and other jewels are nothing different.

Like these from http://www.liftyoursole.com/

Or these from Etsy

Now all I have to do is choose one.....

Not just a paper bag lunch – Stylish Lunch Bags

I've been a bit slack post holidays, you'll have to forgive me...

Recently I was looking for a stylish bag to carry my lunch, and I was surprised at the variety available. Usually I just carry my lunch in a plastic bag, but it looks kinda messy and everything squishes together, not good for bananas and stone fruit! So here are some of my favourites:

Vintage

It wasn't that long ago that I was going to school with one of these. You'll pay top $$$ for one in mint condition, but I have the feeling that my lunch will no long fit in one!

Sachi

These look the least like a lunch bag than all the other options. I'd almost be afraid to put it in the fridge, but then I guess that's what the look is about.

Dooney & Bourke

A slightly different look, I love the sturdy handles and the variety of patterns you can choose from.

BuiltNY (Getway tote)

This is the one I finally went for. Trouble with these is that it's hard to find one (except in the plain colours) that does not have pink, I finally went for the cute polka dot number. The hold: Salad container, sandwich container, drink, fruit and yogurt tub!

Paper Book Wreath

I've seen these on and off in the past year or so and think they're delightful.

As an avid reader however, I get a bit squeamish when I think of the poor books that went into making one!

There are two options if you want one in your home (personally I think it would look great in my home "library"). Option 1 is to buy one from a store such as Papier D'Amour; or Option 2 is to make your own using instructions such as those provided by Booklicious Blog. Either way, such a neat idea.

Typewriter Keys as Jewellery

I saw these at a craft fair once and immediately wanted one. Not only do they fall in my beloved Vintage category, but my mother was a sectary back in the day and there is so much history behind one of theses pieces.

I own a bracelet from http://www.typekey.com.au/, an Australian provider and earrings and a necklace pendant from TAB Typewriter Key in the US.

The main reason I decided to go to TAB for my remaining pieces is the cost was so much lower, obviously because typewriters are easier to source in the US. Either way they are beautiful pieces, that are great conversation starters.

Christmas Recap

For something different I thought I'd share my 5 outstanding items from this Christmas. I was spoilt so this definitely isn't an inclusive list, and there is no order, but thought it might get your juices flowing for the sales or your wish list next year!

1. Winter Candy Apple Shower Gel

This seasonal item from Bath and Body Works, has the most gorgeous smell, and you only need a tiny bit to work up a real lather.

2. Polar FT7 Watch

I recently started jogging, and this was a gift from DH, awww. Functional and stylish.

3. Clinique Long Lasting Lipgloss gift set

I'm a fan of Clinique's Full Potential Lip Gloss, but I was gifted the Long Lasting Lipgloss. It comes in a cool gift pack, so you can try and find your perfect colour. (Technically I think this was a birthday gift, but they're so close together I decided to count it here).

4. Charter Club Cat Brooch

I'm a big fan of cats and brooches, so this was a great combo. Too bad that I only wear brooches in the winter and I'll have to wait for the weather to cool to wear it. Also love the cute little gift box it came in.

5. Belkin TuneCast Auto

I can finally play my ipod in the car, now all I have to do is finish putting my music collection on my ipod (I'm about 80% there).

So did you have any favourites from your holiday gifts this year?