Eat Drink Chic

Such an artistic engagement shot of "Adam and Chastity" by photographer Ryan Brenizer. So perfect!

Adorable lovebird cards... perfect for your valentine. Designed by Lee May Foster of Bonbi Forest.

Currently inspired by the playful clash of colours, prints and objects in these interior shots styled by the incredibly talented Irina Graewe in her "Africa Meets Neon" series.

Love these... from Lou Lou and Oscar.

It's the height of summer in Melbourne and my thoughts are floating around cosy picnics and relaxed outdoor entertaining amongst colourful summery fabrics and cushions. Here's a collection of visual inspiration from around the web:

One: An innovative DIY outdoor lounge idea from Living Etc. Magazine

Two: Cath Kidston floral fabric tent. Don't know if this is still available but it's such a gorgeous concept! (via Brigadeiro de Colher)

Three: Go "Glamping" with a Laura Ashley fabric tent. (via Brigadeiro de Colher)

Four: LOVE the relaxing, neutral tones in this outdoor setting. Would be great to set this up in the middle of a forest somewhere. Source unknown. (via Brigadeiro de Colher)

Five: Cutesy outdoor caravan dining setting. Fabrics from No Chintz.

Six: Love this outdoor bed! Photo by Annika Vannerus

Last year I was approached by The Cool Hunter to style some photos for a pitch to McDonalds for an upmarket pop-up restaurant for fashion week. The concept was to give McDonalds food a complete makeover and re-brand the fast food giant with an aesthetic suitable for a 5 star restaurant. (Read more about it here). I designed packaging that incorporates familiar high-end fashion branding and worked with photographer Marija Ivkovic to create some wonderful shots!

Above are the various concepts we came up with including Paul Smith Sundaes that incorporates a gorgeous cupcake wrapper design by The Cupcake Wrapper Co. Just in case you're interested, the cutlery used in these shots are Seletti disposables that we spray painted white.

We also did a whole series of a black packaging alternatives but I think the white ended up being the most effective.

McFancy is such a fantastic concept and I felt extremely honoured to be a part of the team that brought it to life. It was also amazing to meet talented photographer Marija Ivkovic whose enthusiasm and constant positive energy made her a real joy to work with. Check out her amazing Photobooth for event hire.

Loads of colourful inspiration in a series of visual books depicting various aspects of Paris lifestyle. By family run Japanese publishing house Paumes. I'd love to collect them all!

Top: Lovely flowers in an assortment of colourful asian product bottles in Craft Hotel, Buenos Aires.

Bottom: Bold and cheerful colours and patterns in the 'Mexico meets Morocco' fabric collection from Katherine Ireland. Love her style.

Love the simplicity and elegance in all of Elizabeth Dye's Bridal Spring 2010 collection! (My personal favourite is Giselle!) via A Cup of Jo.

I want. I want. I want. Handmade furniture by Greg Hatton.

Currently swooning over the circus themed photo-styling in Catimini's Summer 2010 catalogue! Superbly crafted photos of beautiful children's wear.

An oh-so-stunning set of 24k gold-plated 'horo' necklaces based on clockhands. Brevity jewellery designed by Anna Corpron. Love the added detail of the little gear charm. I'll take them all, thanks!

I've long been a fan of Sanna Annukka's gorgeous folk art inspired illustrations. I'm really loving her tin designs for Marks and Spencer's biscuits (top) and Paulig Coffee (bottom).

Big, bright polka dots and so much more in Akira Isogawa's vibrant Spring 2010 Collection.

A hand-blended combination of two of my favourite things- belgian chocolate and gourmet teas- what could be better? I love the pretty water-colour illustrations on the packaging too. Choclatea bars from Smile Chocolatiers

Meet Mr and Mrs Egghead. An impulse purchase that was the combined result of sifting through cheap kitsch in touristy beachside shops and a kind of crazed frivolity that comes with finally being on holiday. Maybe it was just a little too much sun, I don't know, but I thought these eggcups found in Phillip Island, Victoria were the most adorable little things ever and I instantly had to have them. And now I do.

The Penguin Parade was AMAZING, by the way.

I'm really loving the current aesthetic trend in specialty coffee houses and roasteries in melbourne. A mix of factory and science lab. Stainless steel, wooden crates, army greens, amber jars... The juxtaposition of cold, clinical metals and warm, comforting woods. I swear, if not for an unavoidable caffeine aversion I would be hanging out at these places all the time.

Above: St Ali's Outpost at 9 Yarra St, South Yarra. Designed by Hecker Phelan Guthrie Interior Designers, whose impressive portfolio is definitely worth a perusal or two. I love everything they do! (Photos by Thom Rigney)

Below:  Market Lane Coffee in Shop 13 Prahran Market- 163 Commercial Road. Designed by Claire Larritt-Evans. Check out more pics of the project on her blog. I just love the attention to detail.

Read more...

Dress up your legs with these quirky little numbers. Les Queues de Sardines tights.

Finally back after a lovely break. Happy New Year to all!

I'm loving all of Lorick's Spring 2010 collection with a spectrum ranging from sleek and sophisticated to cutesy, bright colours and patterned fabrics like these shown above.

Great to be back!

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Holidays! I will be taking a short and much needed break and Eat Drink Chic will be returning on:

MONDAY 11th JANUARY, 2010

Please come back and visit! I've got great things planned for the new year- more DIY and Freebies, a brand new site design and more inspiring links. Thanks to all my readers and to all who commented on my site and messaged me in the last 6 or so months. Also, a big thanks to those who have blogged or twittered my various articles- the support is greatly appreciated! It's been lovely meeting you all. It has also been a real thrill immersing myself daily in all the talent in the blogging and design/craft community- you are all amazing! I look forward to returning in January. Have a great holidays! xxoo