Graffiti Knitting Queenstown...

Queenstown...

If you've been following me on Twitter then you may have gathered that my trip didn't run as smoothly as it should have. For a start due to the ash cloud we almost didn't get there and secondly there was no snow, but we didn't let that cramp our style!

Queenstown is a party town and it didn't disappoint. Decked out in our gorgeous buys from Melbourne (which I will go into later), with red lipstick on every night (you can't do anything by half when your on holiday) we had an amazing time and made some great new friends from America and the UK.

Things you must do when visiting Queenstown...

Have a Fergburger.
These burgers are so good, you must try one before you die. Be warned they are huge and many men have struggled to finish one. So ladies half is more than enough (that is unless your hungover!).

Have a rich hot chocolate or Gelato at Patagonia Chocolates.
I know Gelato in winter? But this is worth it. I recommend the chocolate and caramel flavour. If it is just too cold for Gelato then their rich and creamy hot chocolate is for you. You can stick to the classic, or for an added twist try it with fresh ginger.

Visit the various night clubs on offer.
For a small place, there is quite a lot of them. Some are nicer than others, you must remember that the crowd is predominately backpackers so it can get rowdy. Most people usually end up at either World Bar or Buffalo by the end of the night. For those with more sophisticated taste I would recommend Sky Bar.

Photos: Fergburger at 10am on Sunday Morning and a Muriel by Perth artist Creepy at World Bar.

Melbourne Bound...

This Friday I am flying to Melbourne for 4 days and then I'm off to Queenstown for 10 days! I only hope that they get some snow or the plan to ski will remain a pipe dream. Check out this months Vogue Australia for a fabulous article on Queenstown and the new looks for Ski clothes. This also means you won't hear from me for a while, but I'm sure I'll have plenty to say when I get back! xxx

(Photo was taken in Jan 2009 from my balcony in Queenstown)

Hat Affair loves...Lovers & Dreamers

Does anyone remember that song from the 'Muppet Movie'. Sang by Kermit the Frog, it went something like this, "The lovers, the dreamers and me..." I really loved this song as a kid and it still has a sentimental meaning for me.

Kermit aside, as soon as I saw the name of this label I felt the same way as I do about that song. Lovers & Dreamers takes inspiration from childhood objects and translates them into these quirky recycled bottle cap brooches, which you cannot help but love.

I picked these up at the recent 'The First Breath' exhibition. I hope you all scooped up a little bit to treasure from the pop up shop! If you did miss out then you will have to wait, because unfortunately the creators are currently holidaying in Europe (lucky them!), so the ETSY store is on vacation.

However you can follow them on facebook (Lovers&Dreamers) for the updates of when they return.

Hat Affair loves...Lonely 8-Bit Heroes

The fabulous Zoe in one of her creations, looking fierce!;)

Zoe Trotman is one talented lady. After graduating from Polytechnic West in 2009 with an Advanced Diploma in Applied Fashion Design and winner of Designer of the Year. She has gone on to create her own label, Lonely 8-Bit Heroes.

What makes this label so unique is the exclusive prints that she designs and creates herself. Using her Background as a photographer she has developed original vibrant prints to rival some of the top Australian Designers. Zoe has set her sights on Rosemount Fashion Week and I can't wait to see what comes next, I foresee a bright future!

Lonely 8-Bit Heroes is currently available at Redstripe Clothing, 8-10 Roe St, Northbridge, Perth.

Hat Affair loves...Peppermint Milk

What a joy it was to see this beautiful label at the First Breath pop-up store. Designer Maevana has created a range of exquisite pieces in delightful sobet colours. Sprinkled with lace, feminine prints, soft cottons and wool. Featuring dresses to die for and a cape that I had to hold myself back from snapping up! I particularly loved the sexy vintage style lingerie, pictured above. It is hard to find anything so gorgeous and well made.

If you missed out don't despair, you can still pick up some of her exquisite pieces on ETSY. You can also follow Peppermint Milk on facebook

First Breath...

First Breath was an exhibition of photographs, created by Perth based photographer Libby Edwards. Her ethereal works took you on a journey to a world where people merge with evocative landscapes, creating wonderful images that capture the imagination. This exhibition lived up to its name and literally left you breathless with the sheer beauty and detail.

First Breath also featured a pop-up store with some of Libby's works printed on to t-shirts and cards (cards are available at New Edition Book Stores, Northbridge and Fremantle). As well as clothing and accessories from Peppermint Milk and Lovers & Dreamers.

Libby Edwards exhibits twice a year. To find out when her next exhibition is on click 'like' on her facebook page When It Gets Heavy

Hat Affair loves...Enid Twiglet

Enid Twiglet is a gorgeous Perth based jewellery label. After studying a Fine Arts Degree for a year, designer Sarah (Enid) wanted more and started to experiment with embroidery. The style of embroidery she uses is similar to black-work that dates from 14th Century Europe. Each one of a kind piece is lovingly hand-made.

Recent pieces have featured embroidered animals including a bear, a rabbit and various birds. These pieces are then reworked to create anything from brooches, to etching the designs on glass.

I couldn’t walk away without buying this cute flamingo brooch!

If you want to own one of Enid Twiglet’s unique pieces, then click on the following link: www.madeit.com.au/enidtwiglet