UP, UP AND AWAY…
Tuesday, December 13th, 2016
Balloons. I’m amazed at how sophisticated they’ve become since I was a child. I’m particularly in love with the confetti filled and tasseled ranges from Poppies For Grace https://poppiesforgrace.com/collections/balloons They really have moved into the adult domain which is glorious given we often need a lift! Do yourself a favour and check out their instagram page @poppiesforgrace, it will make you smile.
Balloon images
Balloons are the ultimate symbol of celebration, some significant and some just for the fun of it. There are mass releases of balloons to mark the loss of loved ones and balloons to welcome babies to the world. Most of us have gazed into the sky upon the release of one into the aether, pausing to wonder where it may travel and watching until it’s a tiny speck on the horizon.
The Alex & Ant balloon print is faded and ethereal to express that sense of drifting and playfulness. The cotton voile fabric has a beautiful drape and we’ve created garment shapes that billow and fold in the breeze; think harem pants, layered skirts, tiered dresses, ruffled rompers and blousey tops. These gorgeous garments are available in three colours – Sky Blue, Sunset and Moonshadow. Enjoy some of the highlights of the photo shoot.
Balloon collage
LS 27
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BABY TALK
Tuesday, October 6th, 2015
I love how these babies look as though they’re communicating with each other, Brady Bunch style. Our baby rompers are always quick to sell out so rush into your local Alex&Ant stockist for the best selection of onesies for your No#1 baby and his or her BFF. Then you can LOL and feel just a little bit smug!
Baby Collage
Baby spot
Baby 2 Collage
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TUTTI FRUITTI
Tuesday, September 29th, 2015
We’re sure you all know that pineapples have made it BIG in fashion. There are plenty of pineapples popping up in interiors also – the lamp, the candle, the printed wallpaper, the pineapple as a flower arrangement etc…a blog I like to read (decor8) calls it a “micro-trend”. Unlike a watermelon, for example, pineapples can be fun and kitsch whilst also presenting in a different guise – the serious, gilded, botanical drawing personality of the fruit. Contemporary, accessible and somewhat frivolous versus a traditional sign of hospitality and old fashioned glamour – different strokes for different folks.
At Alex&Ant we’ve interpreted the trend in miniature print for your miniature person! Our beautiful hand-drawn piney is used as a small-scale allover print for dresses, rompers and separates. It’s not obvious and gawdy, nor is it old-fashioned, it’s Alex&Ant style.
Pineapple Collage
Tutti Fruitti Collage
Cool Fruit
Piney Collage
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BLOOMIN’ BEAUTIFUL
Wednesday, September 16th, 2015
Floral Collage
Tis the season of beautiful blooms so we’re celebrating with this gorgeous collection. Our floral fabrics drape and feel so special, and manage to walk the line between old-school glamour and a contemporary print. The florals look divine paired with our plain colour tops with special frill and broderie anglaise borders. This story has many more garments and surprises, so I’ll look forward to revealing more in another post. Until then, contact your favourite Alex&Ant stockist to purchase from our “Magic Garden”.
Flowers photographed at The Boathouse, Palm Beach NSW and Haven & Sarah, Avalon NSW
floral row Collage
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BEAT THE BLUES
Tuesday, July 21st, 2015
Winter blues
Make way for the Summer blues! Denim is a timeless coordinate, but more than that it can carry a gorgeous design all on its own. Our new rompers, jumpsuits, pinafore dresses and shorts are here to prove that this simple fabric is capable of extraordinary things. So, before I dazzle you with Alex and Ant’s Summer 15 collection of brights, prints, patterns and embellishments, please savour the humble virtues of denim in shades of dark and light.
On a much more serious note, a dear friend of mine has just publicised his battle with anxiety and depression in an article in the West Australian. Announcing his new role for ambassador of Lifeline WA, Aurelio Costarella speaks of his battle in the hope that it will shift stigma and help people on the journey to recovery. If you live in WA, I encourage you to attend Lifeline WA’s key fundraising event, the Black Diamond Gala Dinner at Fraser’s Restaurant on August 1. Aurelio will make the keynote speech and there are some amazing items up for auction including an ‘Aurelio Costarella experience’, which includes a personally fitted gown and lunch with the designer.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re simply suffering from “the blues”. Depression is not a passing mood, it’s a serious illness that has an impact on both physical and mental health. If you or someone you know is having trouble simply coping with daily life, you might find these contacts helpful.
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Headspace 1800 650 890
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
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MUST HAVES AND MUST SEES
Tuesday, April 21st, 2015
Muffins rounded
We’ve just returned from a divine 5-day break in Bali and it’s straight back to school. Plus we’ve gone from balmy weather to cyclonic winds in Sydney. So, with plant pots smashed around me and our gates hanging dangerously off their hinges, I’m taking refuge in the kitchen.
We all need inspiration to get back on the wagon and I’m looking to nutritionist Lola Berry. I have both The 20/20 Diet Cookbook (she lost 20 kilos in 20 weeks!) and The Happy Cookbook, both of which represent a fun approach to good eating. Her dishes are all about eating real foods that are as close to their natural states as possible = feeling full for longer. Who doesn’t want that? I certainly can’t afford a pantry full of seemingly ‘healthy snacks’ (that are still fairly highly processed) so I try to make my own. These muffins have received a full 100% rating from my family, so please let me know how their fare in your household. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is “hippy” or “rabbit” food, we’re a pretty normal family who also enjoy lasagne and tacos!
300g (3 cups) almond meal
2 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder
4 eggs, lightly beaten
125ml (1/2 cup) coconut oil, melted
80ml (1/3 cup) almond milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 vanilla pod, split & scraped
80ml (1/3 cup) maple syrup
60g (1 cup) shredded coconut
300g (2 cups) blueberries, fresh or frozen
extra shredded coconut to garnish or granola (as I’ve done)
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Line a 12-hole muffin tray (next time I’ll use baking paper squares as my oil spray didn’t quite work).
Combine the almond meal and baking powder in a large bowl and mix well. Add the eggs, coconut oil, almond milk, cinnamon, vanilla seeds, maple syrup and mix thoroughly until lump free. (Work quickly so the coconut oil doesn’t solidify). Gently fold through the shredded coconut and blueberries.
Spoon the mixture into the muffin tray. Sprinkle with a few shards of coconut or granola and bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden and a skewer comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool slightly and enjoy. Lola suggests cutting one in half while still warm and spreading with almond butter.
If you LOVE this plate as I do, it’s designed by Leah Jackson and available from High Swan Dive in Newcastle – a must-see if you’re visiting the Hunter. For more inspo, visit the Hunter Hunter blog.
Enjoy ~ Fleur xo
Posted in Feed Me Friday, NEW Season Snippets | Comments Off on Must haves and must sees
EASTER LOVE
Thursday, April 2nd, 2015
Happy Easter Alex & Ant fans.
Please have a safe and relaxing break and eat LOTS of chocolate!
Enjoy ~ xo
Easter Final Collage
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LUNAR LOVE
Thursday, February 19th, 2015
Lunar Collage
Well, isn’t it just a “marvellous night for a moondance”, it’s Lunar New Year! Happy Year of the Sheep (ram or goat). People born in the year of the Sheep are said to be creative, charming, intelligent and have a great sense of expression. They are extremely gentle and caring. That’s you if you were born in 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015.
Surely our Design Director was born in one of these years! Still more beautiful garments from our ‘Dancing with the Stars’ collection feature the magical moon (no sheep, but counting them is welcomed). I thought the scrunched paper texture in the background resembled the crater surface…who’s with me? There’s really no need for special effects, the designs speak for themselves in their pureness of design, charm & colour. Calming and subtle, but always with a smattering of theatre, you’ll be over the moon for this collection.
Continue the planetary theme in your child’s bedroom with decor from Smurk (Astronaut duvet cover), Pop Factory (Ticket to the Moon artwork and pillowcase) and Donna Wilson (knit cushion).
Enjoy ~
F xoxo
Moon Collage
“The moon is a loyal companion. It never leaves. It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human.”
~ Tahereh Mafi
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STAR ATTRACTION
Tuesday, February 10th, 2015
I’ve had such fun playing with these fabulous pics of our Alex & Ant models wearing pieces from the amazing ‘Dancing with the Stars’ collection for Winter 15. Whether your little one is a star-gazer, is star-struck or aspires to be a starlet/superstar, you’ll find the right outfit in this star-studded collection. Full of bursts of colour, classic graphics and our trademark beautiful fabrics, Alex & Ant encourages the dreamer in every child.
“Yours is the light by which my spirit’s born: – you are my sun, my moon, and all my stars.” E.E. Cummings
Stay tuned for more celestial garments from Dancing with the Stars.
Superstar
Flash 3 Collage
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BABY CLEMENTINE
Wednesday, October 8th, 2014
Clementine Collage
Where were you born and what is your heritage? That is, where are your Mum & Dad from?
I was born at Mona Vale hospital (on Sydney’s Northern Beaches), as was my sister, two brothers and Mama! Dad is from country New South Wales
What would you like to do when you grow up?
To stop dribbling
What is your favourite animal?
At the moment, it’s Sophie the Giraffe
Do you have a pet? What’s its name? If not, what would you call your pet if you had one?
We have a cat named Indi Boo Boo
What is your favourite school holiday activity?
Walking in the pram, bath-time and laughing with my family
Who is your hero?
My Mum (of course!)
What is your favourite song?
Oh My Darling Clementine
What is your favourite movie?
My eyes don’t focus too well on screens, as yet!
What is your favourite colour?
I look good in floral
What is your favourite food?
M-I-L-K!
What is your favourite sport?
Kicking on my mat in the sun, without a nappy
What’s your nickname?
Clem or Tinee
What cities would you love to visit?
Siem Reap, Vancouver & Paris, but there’s plenty of time for that!
Describe ALEX&ANT in your own words, why do you enjoy wearing it? Do you have a favourite piece?
Alex & Ant is fun & colourful.. .We love our ice cream onesie & our snakeskin boots! This summer I’ll be sporting a pair of embroiderie anglaise bloomers and matching hat!
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