Hold On - The Magic of Angus & Julia Stone

I ventured out on the weekend for the first time in quite a while, and even though it was a mighty battle just to drag myself out the door, I'm so, so glad I made the effort because I did it all for Angus and Julia Stone.

This ridiculously talented brother and sister outfit have been making waves around the world of late, but back in their home town the pair are humble and seemingly amazed by the excitable sold-out crowd. Despite the swarms of screaming fan girls (and boys) who made up a vocal chunk of the standing room section (I wisely booked myself a comfy seat up the back), the performance still managed to feel intimate and unaffected.

Both Angus and Julia switched and swapped instruments with envious ease, but the highlight was undoubtedly the enchanting beauty of their vocals. It's a rare treat when a performer sounds even more gorgeous than their recorded self, but Julia's voice is especially arresting...and sometimes just plain breathtaking.

[Stills from the Hold On filmclip, directed by Kiku Ohe]

Almost all their remaining Australian shows have sold out (check here to make sure), but if you're in the United States, Europe or the United Kingdom and these lovely folk are performing near you, be sure to snap up your tickets early for the chance to check out these freakishly talented Aussies and their sweet, sweet music.

In the meantime, here's their latest filmclip, Hold On, to help start your week on the right note!

Happy Monday!


xx Kit

When Grey Days Give Way

It's easy to take colour for granted. Sometimes, life takes you down a path that slowly and surely drains all the colour away from your life. It seeps away gradually, barely noticeable until suddenly your whole life is nothing but shades of grey.

The last few months have been hard. Illness had sapped away almost every last drop of colour, energy and joy from my life. I was left feeling useless, flat, and grey. Dull, unforgiving grey.

I wanted to be positive and upbeat. I wanted to jump on the computer and write a flippant blog post telling you that all was well, that I'd be back in no time, sorry for the silence. I wanted to reply to your emails and comments, to get back on top of everything like I'd been promising for months. I often found myself wanting to sneak onto Twitter and broadcast some silly or inane observation.

But for the most part, I wanted to retreat from the world and simply hide. I wanted to ignore my phone and my computer and my TV and my front door and my overflowing letterbox. I wanted to crawl up into a ball and sleep. Forever. I'd had enough of all the greyness.

Then, just as gradually and unexpectedly as the colour seeped away, it slowly began to return. A flame red leaf. The crisp blue winter sky. Blades of fresh green grass.

It's a slow process. There's still a lot of grey and far too much beige for my liking, but the colour is coming back.

I've always intended for this blog to be one of positivity, beauty and joy, so as the colour returns to my life, leaf by leaf, blade by blade, drop by drop, I hope to share it with you. I honestly can't thank you all enough for being here, for reading, and for your kind words of support.

xx Kit


[Let's Colour Project via Pitchfork]

Broken x 2

Apparently this is the week (slash month) that everything in my corner of the world decides to fall apart. Not only is my brain completely broken, but my email seems to have followed suit too. If you're waiting on an email from me, I apologise profusely! I attempted to sort it all out tonight but my little brain (and/or my little PC) just wouldn't cooperate.

Fingers crossed tomorrow will bring better things, not only in terms of technological and cerebral functions, but life in general too!


xx Kit


P.S. I would really love to share more of my own original content with you, so if this is something you might like to see, it would mean the world to me if you'd pay a visit to my lovely sponsors (including my new Nuffnang sponsor who clearly knows how messy my apartment is right now) and help me on the way to aquiring my very first little ol' DSLR. ♥


[Images by katakana and Max Peake]

In the Mood - The Photography of Stratis Vogiatzis

Love the moody textures and lighting in the photography of Stratis Vogiatzis. Find out more about Vogiatzis' work over at Pia Jane Bijkerk (and be sure to stay a while too, Pia's blog is a treasure trove of beauty and inspiration!)

More Clouds...

[Bright Eyes by rosiehardy]

...But the silver lining is still eluding me. In between a moody internet connection and a few personal dramas, things might be quiet in this corner for a little while yet. A sincere thank you to each and every one of you who stops by, it really does mean the world to me and I'm looking forward to being back in full force...again.

While I'm waiting and hoping for the clouds to clear, please consider showing a little love to those who support me - I'll be telling you a little more about all my amazing sponsors soon, but don't let that stop you from finding out for yourself in the meantime. Thank you also to everyone who entered the latest Giveaway Goodness, I'll announce the winner in the next day or so, clouds and internet connection permitting.


xx Kit

Postcard Picture Surprise

There's nothing quite like receiving a hand written letter or postcard in the mail, so imagine how special you'd feel if, a week or so before your birthday, a brightly coloured postcard turned up from a distant loved one. Then the next day, more of these cards turn up, each one from a different friend in a different corner of the world. You notice that every postcard has a number...

...and slowly but surely, you piece together the puzzle and an image unfolds in front of your eyes.

That's the way the ingenious Jordan Ferney decided to help celebrate her friend's birthday, complete with glitter, a whole lot of stamps, and an image of the birthday girl (in full Halloween garb - I assumeshe doesn't always get around town dressed as a cat burgler...not that there's anything wrong with that! Well yeah okay, maybe there is.)

What an amazing surprise, and a lovely way to show a friend just how special and loved they are.

Peaceful

[Irma by nelogika]

I adore everything about this image, from the patterned frock and chunky belt, the flawless makeup and peaceful expression, through to the very idea of weather warm enough to allow a nap amongst the flowers. But especially the peaceful expression.

xx Kit


P.S. I'm hunting for things that make me smile at the moment, and right at the top of my list is What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear? Jayma Mays makes me happy.

P.P.S. The latest Giveaway Goodness ends this weekend, make sure you've got your entries in for the chance to win the gorgeous Kara Adams handbag - thanks again Leeloo! ♥

Every Cloud...

...has a silver lining.


Sometimes, you just need to look a little harder to find it.

Based on recent events in my corner, however, I think I'll be looking for a while yet.

[Please click on images for sources]

Tag and Release

I'm really terrible at passing along tags and awards, but one tag recently tweaked my curiosity and sent me trawling through my archives. Courtesy of Kristin, I went in search of the 6th image I ever blogged. I remembered back to how different my taste was when I fired up this blog, how I loved all things Modernist and minimal and wasn't particularly moved by anything else. If you told me that merely 18 months down the track I'd be obsessed with garden sheds and doilies and imperfectly beautiful Polaroids, I would have asked what illicit substance you'd been consuming.

So when I came across my 6th image, I was pleasantly surprised. Somehow, in amongst my ultra-modern architecture obsession and my love of unapologetically hard-edged art, fashion and photography...

The work of Tim Walker still spoke to me then, as it does now.

After a week that has been confusing and heartbreaking, there's some small comfort in knowing that sometimes, beauty in all its forms, from amazing artworks through to the cherished moments spent with friends and loved ones, can cut through everything and remind you that life is so very short, yet so very wonderful.

Geeky Giggles

[You're Going Down by tubes]

It's 'Roid Week over on Flickr at the moment (the Pola' variety, not the scary muscle bulking, peepee shrinking type), so I thought I'd share this geeky little gem to celebrate. Don't get the joke? Don't worry, that just means you're cooler than me!

But more importantly, if you're not familiar with tubes and his amazing collection entitled Toys on 'Roids, I suggest you check it out this instant! And be sure to pay a visit to the 'Roid Week stream too, there's some beautiful stuff floating around right now!

Wednesday Wisdom - Seriously

Not a shred of evidence
exists in favor of the idea
that life is serious.

- Brendan Gill

When in doubt, laugh.


xx Kit


[Images by ABCD Design and Lonny via Plush Palate]

Happy Monday - Bedrest, Books and Baths

Happy Monday my lovelies! I'm feeling quite under the weather today so I'm going to be all about bedrest, books (getting my Austen on with Mansfield Park), and soothing baths until further notice.

In the meantime though, have you seen my stealthy Giveaway Goodness Surprise? It's a good'un I tellsya!

[L-R: Sabrina Rothe via desire to inspire, simply contemporary via delight by design]

Giveaway Goodness Surprise!

Oh yes indeed, the surprise you've all been waiting for is an amazing giveaway that I just couldn't wait to share with you for another day! The public holiday may have messed up my schedule, but I think we all deserve a little celebration after the crazy week that followed, yes?

I'm SO excited about this giveaway that I've even been dreaming about it. Yes, really. Happy, pretty, floral, Florence Broadhurst dreams.

Courtesy of Leeloo, a fantabulous online store and avid supporter of Australian design talent, the lucky winner will be the proud owner of this delicious handbag, handmade by Kara Smith.

Valued at $189.95, this adorable handbag boasts a divine Florence Broadhurst fabric outer, and a recycled cotton interior, and a cute vintage button provides the perfect finishing touch. At 32cm deep (58cm with straps), it's the perfect size for notebooks (and magazines!), and with an interior pocket split into two sections, it's just as practical as it is pretty!

For the chance to win, head on over to the Leeloo shop and have a look through all the newly added goodies, then head back here and let us know which item takes your fancy! Please also include an email address in your comment if there isn't one listed on your profile (try scr.im if you're worried about those pesky spambots!) As always, this giveaway is open worldwide!

And to spread the love a little more, you can score bonus entries for each of the following:

• Follow or subscribe to That Unreliable Girl
• Become a Facebook Fan of That Unreliable Girl
  
• Subscribe to Leeloo
• Become a Facebook Fan of Leeloo
  
• Tweet/Retweet about this giveaway

To make your Tweetin' extra easy, just copy and paste this:

I want to win the adorable Kara Smith handbag from @MsUnreliable > http://bit.ly/cLGZYl

The winner will be selected with random.org, so please leave a separate comment for each of your extra entries (including tweets, pretty please!)

The giveaway will run until Sunday, 16th of May, 5pm AEST and will be announced here on the following Monday - good luck!

Wistful Weekends

What a crazy week! As much as I love long weekends, they sure do make the following four day week into a whole barrel of busy! I suspect I'll be spending much of this weekend behind the computer trying to make up for lost time, especially as I was forced to sit around and twiddle my thumbs for most of today while I anxiously waited for my very broken iPhone (gasp!) to back up.

If only I had the good luck to spend my weekend in a space like this! (And if only my little PC didn't need SO many cords!)

But here's hoping your weekend looks a little more like this...


Or, if the weather allows, maybe something like this.


I think I'm already missing picnic weather, but given that I was genuiney excited to wear a scarf today for the first time this year, I think I'll be alright!

Happy Friday, have a wonderful weekend! And stay tuned for a very exciting Friday surprise...


xx Kit


[Images in order: Sabrina Rothe interior photography via desire to inspire, Lori Guyer's restyled porch via Design*Sponge, Amy and Stuart wedding photography via Erin Ever After]

The Glee-Lightful Jayma Mays

Horrid attempted play-on-words aside (please forgive me), I absolutely adore Angela Kohler's photographs of Jayma Mays. Our favourite Glee guidance counselor is looking decidedly Lily Cole-esque in the first shot, and all three outfits would be more than welcome in my wardrobe now that it's finally starting to get a little chilly in ol' Sydney town. I love coat weather!

So come on, fess up...who around these parts is a fellow Gleek? Who's your favourite Glee kid...or Cheerio...or Gleekio? And what's the deal with that Jesse kid? Spying mofo or star-crossed Montague?

xx Kit

P.S. Huuuuuuugely exciting surprise for you tomorrow to celebrate the end of a short but crazy week, yay!

[via Dilly Dallas]

More Colour Cravings - Think Pink

[Cake Stands by Iacoli & McAllister via Oh Joy!, Pink Matches via designlovefest]

I think my week needs a little more colour, how about yours?


P.S. If you need a little dose of minimalism, have a look-see at my latest post over at 2Modern!

Wednesday Wisdom - Colour Cravings

I cannot pretend


to feel impartial about colours.


I rejoice with the brilliant ones


and am genuinely sorry


for the poor browns.

-- Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)

There's something not quite right about sharing whimsical fashion photography and neon interiors alongside a Winston Churchill quote, but somehow, I think it still works.

I've recently found myself craving colour, and lots of it! Don't get me wrong, I still love bright whites and soft neutrals, but every now and then you need a dash of eye-popping colour to liven up your day.

Hope your week is treating you well!


xx Kit


[Fashion Photography by Natasha Ygel via DesignScene, Interiors via coreopsislibra]

Sweet Tooth Tuesday

[Photograph by Infinity Photography courtesy of Polka Dot Bride]

After a very sugary long weekend courtesy of far too many delicious Anzac biscuits, I still found myself swooning over this sweet engagement shoot over at Polka Dot Bride. Everything is picture perfect, from the delicious cupcakes and flower-laden bicycle through to the utterly adorable couple.

What better way to start a (short!) week than with love and cupcakes? How did your weekend treat your, long or otherwise?

Green Thumbs and Fresh Flowers

I really love fresh flowers, but I don't buy them often. I'll confess, I weigh up the cost of a bunch of flowers against how many cups of sweet, delicious coffee I can buy...and in my area, coffee is reasonably priced and flowers are super pricey, and I really couldn't handle giving up a few days worth of coffee for the sake of flowers.

[untitled via coreopsislibra]

So when I found a teeny little grocer selling reasonably priced flowers, I snapped up a bunch and headed home. As I was walking, I realised I was smiling. Before I knew what I was doing, I was stopping to pat random dogs (my local dog-walker asuured me they wouldn't bite!) and chatting to a few locals. I'm quite sure I was only moments away from skipping along the streets, tipping an imaginary hat at the fine people of Surry Hills.

[untitled by simply hue]

And I couldn't help but think that if I just bought flowers more often, even at the expense of a few coffees a week, I might just be a little better off in the long run. Maybe.

[My curious kitten, Soda, inspecting the flowery invaders]

And yes, there's definitely a theme developing here. I've been setting aside this weekend quite some time to be an especially flower-centric few days. This plan really only extended as far as my own balcony garden, but I figure it only makes sense to share a little flowery inspiration on here too.

The reason for the flowery theme? It's a long weekend here to commemorate ANZAC Day, and in memory of my grandfathers who both fought in WWII, one as an RAAF pilot and the other as a Rat of Tobruk, I'm going to spend tomorrow planting a combination of poppies and rosemary. It's a ridiculously small gesture in the scheme of things, but it's a family tradition that I cherish nonetheless.

On that note, have a great weekend and I'll see you back here on Tuesday.


xx Kit

Green Thumbs and Garden Tools

It has come to my attention that as I fancy myself as a bit of a gardener (despite my ailing herbs), it's about time I invested in some cute garden gloves and a few garden tools while I'm at it. This may also be related to the fact that my sneaky kitten occasionally decides to use my wine barrel planters as her very own ensuite. Lovely.

I've done a little searching on Etsy and I've been keeping an eye out around my local haunts, but I haven't come across anything that really took my fancy...until I found these Anthropologie goodies, that is.

Love love love! But alas, I just can't bring myself to spend $50 on shipping, no matter how much cuteness awaits me!

So tell me, fellow gardeny types, where do you go for your stocks and supplies? Are there some great Etsy or MadeIt stores that I should be raiding, or any marvellous online stores with reasonable shipping costs to little ol' Australia?

And dear Sydney gardeners, do you have any secret haunts you want to share with me? The gardening stores in my 'hood are few and far between (and outrageously overpriced) and Bunnings, quite frankly, scares the bejiminies out of me! Can I get cute garden goods without an astronomical price tag?


xx Kit


P.S. If I get some good recommendations (which I no doubt will!) I'll blog about the finds...and give credit where credit is due of course!