SAN TAYLOR // SWIMWEAR

If you're oscillating between the beach & home like many of us this summer (Hello Global Warming), then you'll be needing a snazzy stockpile of togs!

Inspired by the sheltered coves of Saint Tropez & the seductive landscape of Cinque Terre, SAN TAYLOR swimwear is an ode to the unconstrained & carefree European summer. 

Designed & made in Australia, bikini queen & all-round-cool-chick Kathy Taylor has mastered the perfect combination of sexy, sophisticated, luxury (whilst also focusing on superior quality & craftsmanship) to produce a timeless set of togs created for women 'who want to feel womanly, confident and liberated'. W O R D! 

Do yourself a favour & slip into a slice of Mediterranean luxury right now...the St Tropez is waiting for you. 

Image | Kathy Taylor 

LITTLE ONE // GIFT IDEAS

In an attempt to avoid seasonal interlopers & inevitable last-minute kvetching (Christmas shopping), I've decided to get off my bum & get organised NOW. 

If you're looking for gifty ideas for little people, here are a couple of my favourite things...

L-R

BONTON | Alpaca Pocket Cardigan
Woodland Tale | Soft Critters
Plant Planet | Seasonal Fruits 25 x 19" Print
Evie Barrow | Original A5 Painting
Fabrik Store | Single Bed Sleeping Bag
Fanny & Alexander | Heirloom Wooden Tool Set

Ho Ho Ho. Only 5 weeks to Go!

R A W CHOCOLATE

From Victoria's culinary pearl, The Macedon Ranges, R A W Chocolate is handmade in small batches by chocolatier extraordinaire Casey Pringle. You'll find her sifting, slowly melting and pouring the same Peruvian Cacao goodness for you as she does for her own family. MIAM.

Casey's handcrafted deliciousness is sans dairy - soy - refined sugar & assembled using organic - raw - fair-trade ingredients. Chocolate that ticks all the boxes!

Looking for a tasty Christmas stocking filler? Um. Yep. Do. It.

Available via the Otis & Otto store now.

Image: Tara Pearce

FELTING DREAMS

Despite post-holiday malaise, I've been gathering some superb content for the bloggidy-blog & it's about time I shared the newness & cuteness with you. HUZZAH!

Spotted via Etsy, Felting Dreams exquisitely crafted forest nymphs are probably the cutest little tinkers EVER!

With a fondness for petit forest dwellers (currently re-watching The Borrowers) & Ratatouilles enigmatic protagonist Remy...I know what I'll be adding to my Christmas wish-list! 

Image | Felting Dreams 

NU-SWIM

With plans to escape the arctic tundra very soon (Goodbye Victorian Surf Coast - Hello Europe!) I'm thinking about sunshine, sandals & swimsuits. And vin blanc...lots of V I N!

What usually presents itself as an irritating annual challenge - swimsuit shopping post Winter, now seems easy thanks to Nu-Swim.

Designed & manufactured in California, Nu-Swim offers a tidy selection of minimal, affordable & timeless togs. Oh. So. Refreshingly. Simple. 

Thank you Nu-Swim. I'm ready for the pool now...and that glass of wine! 

Image | Nu-Swim

LITTLE READERS

Although I've enjoyed revisiting some of my favourite childhood reads since becoming a parent, I find it difficult to resist gobbling up new reads for mini...there are just SO MANY AMAZING BOOKS for little folks these days...and BIG folks too! 

Here are some of our go-to reads, do you have a favourite? 

Home | Carson Ellis
Julia, Child | Kyo Maclear
Georgina & Dad the Dragon | Katrien Pickles
PEOPLE | Blexbolex
Just Being Audrey | Margaret Cardillo
Henri's Walk to Paris | Leonore Klein

P.S - Georgina & Dad the Dragon is available in the Otis & Otto store HERE

GRANDY & BAA

This morning I spotted a sweet little softie via Jodi's dreamy Practising Simplicity IG feed. Smitten, I swiftly tracked down his originator - Rachael Ashman of Grandy & Baa. 

A fellow Melburnian & busy lady, Rachael expertly juggles making - baking - motherhood and by that I mean - in between blogging, gardening, sharing her culinary adventures & raising two children, she sews together cute softies for us to snoodle. Seriously A M A Z E. 

Whether you are looking for les enfants présents parfaits or a treat just for moi, Grandy & Baa's cosy collection of Gazelles, Racoons & Frenchy inspired mini-folk are sure to delight! 

Go on...get snoodling! 

Image | Grandy & Baa

RACHELJOK // HAND WOVEN TAPESTRIES

If you haven't had the good fortune to spot one of racheljOK's dreamy tapestries in person, you'll be sure to see one in your Pinterest or Etsy feeds soon. Self-taught Melbourne creative Rachel Johnstone has been busy honing her craft & weaving up a storm since taking on the loom 2 years ago!

Inspired by Melbourne ex-pat & cult fiber craftslady Maryanne Moodie, Rachel initially started by teaching herself the basics. Experimenting with a cornucopia of techniques & colour palettes, Rachel has steadily developed a diverse range of bespoke weavings...ranging from free-form organic compositions to statements of bold, geometric colour. Smitten with fiber-art (& highly skilled), Rachel has quickly became a stalwart of the local market scene & launched her own successful Etsy store. Go girl!

In keeping with Melbourne bonhomie, Rachel also hosts sweet little workshops for others keen to learn! You can keep up to date here.

Image | racheljok

A MINI GUIDE // HOBART, TASMANIA

Hooley Dooley. Sorry for the inexpiable lapse in communication folks...it's been a relentlessly chaotic (& prodigious) start to the new year! 

In honour of my recent travels, I thought I'd kick things off with a mini-guide to Hobart, Tasmania. Just a 50 minute flight from the mainland, Australia's island state capital city is a quaint, cultural blend of painterly landscapes, locavore-friendly eateries & early settler architecture. And it's fair to say my (close-second) favourite city. The closet archaeologist & neophyte farmer within me could easily call Tasmania home...

Just outside the CBD, landlubbers will be charmed by the cobbled bluestone streets & rambling Georgian cottages of Battery Point. Buccaneers & salty sea dogs alike will similarly be captivated by the nearby barnacle clad pylons of heritage listed Salamanca Wharf. 

There's plenty of goodness for hungry sightseers looking for homegrown nosh & alcoholic elixirs too! Where are your favourite hangs in Hobart?

Places I visited & liked :

Providore by Ethos - Hobart CBD

Lark Distillery - Hobart CBD

Cascade Brewery & Gardens - South Hobart

Pigeon Hole Cafe - West Hobart

Jackman & McRoss Bakery - Battery Point

Bahr's Sweets & Milkbar - Battery Point

Pollen Tea Room - Battery Point

Kathmandu Nepalese Cuisine - Battery Point

Moorilla Winery | MONA - Museum of Old & New Art - Berriedale 

Bruny Island Cheese Co - Salamanca Arts Centre

Pilgrim Coffee - Hobart CBD

Franklin - Hobart CBD

P.S - Looking for a place to stay? See 'The Barn'. Swooooon.

Image : Otis & Otto | Providore by Ethos, Hobart

THE HOLIDAY COLLECTION // COMING SOON

Is it nearly December!? Sheesh. Where did 2014 go?

Spring has been delightfully occupied by a myriad of sunshine, cultivating & feasting. And the office nook has been a hive of activity in preparation for the upcoming 'Holiday Collection' with a winsome bounty of loot scheduled for release on 1st December 2014!

This expanded 'Holiday' collection has you covered on all fronts...with goods suitable for seasonal fiestas, CHRISTMAS gifts & everyday treats. Win! Win! Win!

Although the official launch isn't until 1st December, you can preview this medley of loveliness NOW. Enjoy.

Image: Otis & Otto | B Goods Label 'Raglan Shift' / Jujumade Cluster Necklace

MARBLE & MILKWEED // BOTANICAL ALCHEMY

Inspired by the poetry inherent with natural phenomena, NYC based botanical maven Briar Winters formulates environmentally conscious remedies designed to nourish your skin and spirit into winged resplendence!

Conscious to avoid artificial additives and scents, Briar thoughtfully handcrafts each product using seasonal, organic, fair-trade natural ingredients. Coupled with low-impact (& delightfully minimal) packaging, the Marble & Milkweed apothecary collection espouses a valuable personal and socially mindful philosophy - simplify the way you care for yourself and the planet!

A selection of Marble & Milkweed botanical alchemy will be available in the Otis & Otto Online-Shop soon. 

How soon!? Next O & O collection - due for release December 1st. Hurrah!

Image: Marble & Milkweed

JESSE KAMM // CALIFORNIA VIBES

Working at the intersection of sophisticated design and sustainable production, doyenne of California cool Jesse Kamm continues to woo us with her supreme output of creativity. 

Largely inspired by natural phenomena, Kamm espouses a deeply resourceful and mindful work ethic. Blending monochromatic palettes and versatile silhouettes, Kamm champions intuitive pieces 'built to last'. And this I can attest to! 

Upon receiving a piece from Jesse, my first thought was 'Holy WOWSERS - what an investment, I will own this forever' - true story! 

Jesse's inspiring ideology coupled with impeccable, ecologically sound craftsmanship provides a truly refreshing alternative (& antidote) to the overwhelming mass of rejectamenta floating around! 

I strongly recommend you get acquainted with JK & peep her FW14 collection pronto...

Image: Jesse Kamm | FW14

STUDIO KO // MOROCCO

Like remnants of an ancient citadel, Villas 'E' & 'K' by Studio KO architects Karl Fournier & Olivier Marty blend seamlessly into the rugged foothills of Morocco's Atlas Mountains.

A hybrid of modernist & monolithic details, both lodges are covered in locally sourced Ouriko stone, characteristic of the regional architecture & desert complexion. Just one of the many amaaaaaazing discoveries on my radar since I began manifesting our trip to Morocco.

Morocco. Oh. Yes. Please.

Image: Studio KO

MADE BY MUKU

Known for growing & manufacturing flax, Lithuania is fast becoming a leader in defining the natural lifestyle trend. Made & designed by two young Lithuanian artists, MUKU balances a cosy, muted palette with elegant silhouettes based on form & function. 

Designed with their 2 year old daughter in mind...durability, freedom of movement & natural fabrics serve as inspiration & essential criteria for developing their ranges. A similarly lovely line of adult clothing is also available...joy! 

Image: MUKU

ROMAN HOLIDAY X BALLETTONET

A totem of femininity & renaissance chic, the ballet flat remains a loveable wardrobe staple, ideal for skipping & everyday meandering.

With a nod to the sartorial elegance of Audrey Hepburn & family-centric craftsmanship, Australian based online boutique Ballettonet recently launched another range of beautifully hand-crafted ballet flats with a notable provenance...'Roman Holiday'. 

Working closely with artisanal shoemakers across Italy, co-founders Stephanie & Ben Waters established their range of 'wardrobe evergreens' with a commitment to quality & a love of age-old tradition...the end result - a range of comfortable classics built to last! Mi piiiiiiiiace! 

See more of their lovely Autumn / Winter 14 collection here. 

Image: Clutch Woven Napa Ballet Flats | Ballettonet

BUI MAREUREU BAAP // AS WORLDS DIVIDE

Since first arriving on the Mentawai archipelago in 2008, film maker Rob Henry has been documenting one of the last remaining ancient tribal cultures in the world. What initially began as a curious journey of anthropological fieldwork has since evolved into a deeply personal & captivating medley of film, kinship & a vision to help raise awareness for a community on the precipice of extinction. 

The Bui Mareureu Baap : As Worlds Divide documentary film identifies a fundamental correlation between a previously flourishing tribal culture & the impact of Western modernity. The film, together with the recently established not-for-profit IEF organisation (Indigenous Education Foundation) aims to raise awareness & support for a community based indigenous education model, critical to preserving the legacy of this truly extraordinary ancient civilisation. 

Pending release of the Bui Mareureu Baap film, you can pledge your support for the 'Suku Mentawai Education Program' through donation or purchase of a 100% organic cotton IEF T-shirt, printed in Australia.

To follow Rob's fascinating journey & join in the dialogue, visit the As Worlds Divide Blog, Facebook & Twitter pages...now!   

Image: Rob Henry | As Worlds Divide

JUJUMADE

Defying the usual cacophony of sound, visitors & domestic detritus typical of our weekends, I managed to squirrel away some time for the blog yesterday. H U R R A H ! 

To update you briefly, I've been following the work of a few inspirational artists & makers whose unfussy approach to design has helped to liberate our tiny closet space & reaffirm my 'built to last' philosophy when contemplating new purchases. 

The organic textures & neutral palettes of Jesse Kamm, Jujumade, Black Crane, Bandelier & Tracy Wilkinson have all been on my radar. Ironically, they are all based in California...where I'm campaigning we move to - so it's a sign, right!? 

Working with ceramics & leather, Juliana Hung of Jujumade crafts a range of beautiful, playful wearables including bangles, necklaces & bags. 

You N E E D to see her latest SS | 14 collection! Looky here!

Image: Jujumade

HACKWITH DESIGN HOUSE

Since graduating from Art School, self taught clothing designer and sustainability advocate Lisa Hackwith has immersed herself in the process of crafting quality wardrobe staples. 

Impervious to passing trends, Lisa's wonderful melange of versatile, transeasonal garments are released slowly, as individual pieces rather than a grouped collection. Simple, beautiful, enduring classics to be kept in your closet for years to come.

Naturally, small batches of such loveliness are highly coveted & RARE so be quick to follow Lisa and all things Hackwith Design House via Instagram. 

Keep your eyes peeled for Hackwith Designs in the Otis & Otto shop later this year too...! 

Image: Emily Suzanne Photography / L&E Photography

DREAM RETREAT // DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND

Nestled in the halcyon surroundings of Dunedin, NZ Gemma Cagnacci & Andrew Meehan's humble cabin offers a glimpse at life free from the vast surfeit of stuff & inessential objects we've become accustomed to. Their modest, uncomplicated retreat is punctuated by deeply personal mementos & natural materials concordant with the idyllic landscape. 

Gemma has a wonderfully cultivated eye for detail & shares many of her design inspirations & photographic essays via her highly popular design journal / blog Line x Shape x Colour. To see more of their dreamy Dunedin retreat . . . click here.

Images: Gemma Cagnacci / Line x Shape x Colour

OTIS & OTTO // ONLINE SHOP IS OPEN

Seasons Greetings! I hope you are enjoying the sunshine & silly season festivities! 

The Otis & Otto shop is officially open & going silly with orders! Yippeeee! 

More products arriving in early 2014 . . . Happy New Year!!!

Image: Otis & Otto // A Visual Guide

KINFOLK AUSTRALIA // SYDNEY WORKSHOP

Recently I visited the idyllic coastal retreat of Dickebusch, Patonga as part of a very special two-day Kinfolk workshop. Gathering just outside Sydney, we met with organic chef & cookbook author Jane Grover at Eveleigh Farmers Market who guided us through the markets local & delicious seasonal offerings. 

Following our mouthwateringly good organic breakfast by Kylie Kwong, we then made our way to the NSW Central Coast for a weekend of foraging, kneading, weaving & preserving. During the four masterclasses, we were endlessly spoilt by Sarah Glover & her blissfully yummy treats . . . sooo gooood!   

Gastronomy aside, the weekend was made undeniably special by the people involved. Placing faces to the names of so many "online" friends was affirmation of a truly lovely weekend. 

Photography: Jonathan Wherrett      

COMING SOON // STAMPEL STUDIO

My eyes have pleasantly adjusted to the fetching stock-pile of objects amassing in the office nook & are particularly fond of these Stampel Studio timber vessels.  

Made from post manufacture timber, each vessel is finished with a plant-based eco wood oil & beeswax lined inner cavity to keep your flower stems content. 

Happy in groups or flying solo, Stampel Studio's highly coveted Fasett Flower Vessels makes a lovely addition to any mantelpiece, desk space or window sill. 

Coming soon to the Otis & Otto online shop. Squeeeeeeel! 

Image: Otis & Otto

ANOTHER FEATHER // ARTEMIS II COLLECTION

As I sit in my little office nook & stop to review the latest work of jewellery maker Hannah Ferrara, I'm reminded of the Japanese aesthetic Wabi Sabi. A mindset that celebrates simple living & objects that reflect authenticity & a makers touch.

Looking over the Artemis II collection, Hannah's appreciation for well-made craftsmanship is refreshing & unequivocal. Using traditional metal smithing techniques & tools, Hannah champions pieces from sustainable resources, conscious to embrace their raw & natural imperfections & re-purpose where possible. 

Soon you will be able to buy some of her lovely pieces from the O & O shop!!!!! Find out more about Hannah & her Another Feather label here. 

Image: The Delos Necklace // Another Feather 

PORTLAND // INSPIRATION

Sheesh! Where did September go? With 2 months of collaborations & new projects on the go, the blog space has been a little neglected. Oops! Absence noted! 

The BIG news is that I am launching an online shop attached to the OTIS & OTTO blog. The shop will feature a curated collection of objects by makers & artisans who share my affection for handmade processes & production. More details to follow very soon!!!

Amidst shop plans, wrangling, entertaining, baking & gardening, I've also been trawling Pinterest & Instagram for inspiration (P & I are both fantastic resources for sharing ideas & connecting with creative folks). Earlier this year I met freelance stylist & collector Jen Vitale via Instagram. Jen's effortlessly cool approach to simple living (& incredible indoor plant collection) is a constant source of inspiration. See her work here. 

Jen & her husband John inhabit a lovely navajo hued home in Portland, Oregon. Their thoughtfully curated sanctuary was recently featured by international interview magazine Freunde von Freunden. A MUST-SEE home tour! Looky now! 

Image: Jen Vitale. Photographed by Carissa & Andrew Gallo.

COMING SOON // THE KINFOLK TABLE

Rarely do I come across a publication that so perfectly combines engaging, uncontrived - ad free narrative with first-rate photography. Now in it's 9th issue, Kinfolk Magazine continues to delight readers with thoughtful sentiments on entertaining & simplified living. 

With so much goodness in every issue, it seems fitting that a BOOK should be on the way! WOOT! The Kinfolk Table will similarly reflect the Kinfolk aesthetic & philosophy of 'putting the emphasis back into the relationships that surround eating' with a collection of 85 delectable recipes & accompanying photographs from creatives around the world. 

Kinfolk lovers can pre-order a copy here. 

Image: Kinfolk 

FOG LINEN WORK // JAPAN

In a time where many of us are looking to realign & reassess our money choices, the search to find & support makers who create meaningful, sustainable, functional pieces has never felt more important (for me anyway). 

Over the past decade, Fog Linen Work owner & creator Yumiko Sekine has steadily expanded her empire of simple (& affordable) linen products to accommodate our growing desire for durable 'natural-living' staples with a timeless design aesthetic.

Durable. Simple. Classic...three words I'll be considering next time I reach for my wallet.

Image: Parker Fitzgerald // Kinfolk Magazine Vol 8. 

LOCAL INSPIRATION // GEMMA PATFORD

Whether you're in the market for a set of giant hamburger scatter cushions or an intricately hand stitched rope vessel, Melbourne based craft dynamo Gemma Patford has you covered!

Since first discovering Gemma via Instagram, I have steadily followed her prolific output of playful, quirky handmade designs & wondered...how DOES she do it?!? When she's not busy weaving her highly coveted rope vessels or food sculptures, Gemma can also be found sharing DIY tutorials on her blog, baking yummy recipes & collaborating with other local artists. SUPER mad-skills!   

I recently secured an incredibly sweet indigo-dipped rope vessel from Gemma, a product of her latest collaboration with local Shibori artist Victoria Pemberton. TOTAL SWOON! 

To view Gemma's current collection of crafty amazingness...looky HERE. 

Image: Gemma Patford

A VISIT TO SHOP FREDA // MARFA, TEXAS

In assembling the mass-anthology of our honeymoon ephemera & miscellany, I feel especially nostalgic when I reminisce over the Marfa landscape. 

As with others curious enough to embark on this seemingly obscure pilgrimage, I felt profoundly moved by Marfa's sprawling, outdoor art installations & the progressive mindset of it's pocket-sized community. Along our journey, I had the pleasure of meeting local inspiration - Susannah Lipsey, owner & curator of Shop Freda. 

Within the cosy confines of Freda, Susannah exhibits a thoughtfully curated mix of objects, crafts & talismans. Be it for novelty or functionality, each item is expertly sourced according to her meticulous eye for quality & innovative design. Freda is unquestionably one of the most inspiring retail spaces, I have EVER frequented! 

And you can now visit too...online. Yay!!!

Images: OTIS & OTTO // A Visual Guide

ANA KRAŠ // BON BON LOVE

Now based in New York, Serbian-born industrial artist & multidisciplinary phenomenon, Ana Kraš continues to enchant us with her auspicious eye & minimalist production techniques. 

Following her move from LA to Manhattan, Ana's feverishly coveted Bon Bon lamp shades continue to morph & expand into new multi-coloured configurations. 

See above. I'm in love. 

Image: Ana Kraš

GIVEAWAY // THE BRAINERY STORE - SIBLING LECTURE

Following the recent success of The Brainery Store's opening lecture with Rohan Anderson, I was suitably hyped to see Melbourne based design collective SIBLING next in line to present...

A network of 8 talented folk trained in architecture, the SIBLING group 'work at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, cultural analysis & graphic communication to produce new & unexpected spatial outcomes...' Focused on delivering innovative, adaptable designs while fostering a socially engaged agenda, SIBLING are set to get ideas flowing at their lecture next Monday 12th August at BOOM Gallery. 

Secure your place in the discussion via The Brainery Store website asap - seats are filling quickly. 

I also have 2 tickets (valued at $18 each) to GIVEAWAY! You can enter to win by leaving a comment on this post or the OTIS & OTTO Instagram 'SIBLING Giveaway' post. 

Note that this lecture will take place at BOOM Gallery Geelong (Victoria) so please consider the location before entering. The winner will be notified via e-mail or Instagram by Saturday 10th August. Good luck! X

Image: SIBLING