Florence Broadhurst

The story of the enigmatic Florence Broadhurst's life is almost as colorful and fascinating as her beautiful prints.   Her many reincarnations, from musical comedian in South East Asia, India and China in the 1920's to proprietor of a successful dress shop on Bond Street in the 1930's, she finally settled in her native-Australia as a painter and established the exquisite hand-print wallpaper business for which she is best known.  Until recently her work was overshadowed by her untimely and mysterious death. Sydney-based, Signature Prints, bought the commercial license to the Florence Broadhurst design library and her prints are once again in hot demand.  Rights to select prints have been snatched up by the likes of Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and Carly Simon. Here are some examples of her incredible textiles.  

*image 1 via The Sydney Morning Herald; image 2 gorgeous clutches featured on design.style.color; image 3 via Pippa Jameson Interiors; Image 4 via Katy Elliot: Image 5 via DeTnk

Christmas Shopping Countdown

Everything on my wish list this year happens to be in preparation for my Christmas holiday to Sri Lanka....

These items will be perfect when sitting surf-side in Hikkaduwa!

Mesi Jilly Moonstone Ring available at Kirna Zabete

Lanvin Flower Brooch available at Kirna Zabete

Rajana Khan earrings available at Kirna Zabete

Classic Missoni bikini available at Net-a-porter

Tory Burch tunic available at My Teresa

Inspiration: photography of Slim Aarons

As I begin to source product for ilhabela boutique nothing comes as a greater inspiration as the sun-drenched photography of Slim Aarons.  The lifestyle, the sun, pools, parties and fashion conjure up a by-gone era of opulence and living life to the fullest.

*all images by Slim Aarons

Dreaming of kaftans, bikini's and 'La Piscine',  otherwise known as 'champagne on ice', the preferred afternoon cocktail  at the beach clubs of St. Tropez.  

Entertaining on a budget

I randomly stumbled upon a site called Luna Bazaar and instantly needed an excuse to throw a dinner party.  The site is full of fun, cost-friendly solutions for decorating - paper lanterns, parasols, votive holders, party favors and much more - all for next to nothing!  You can even search through the multitude of offerings by color or theme. 

Here are some of my favorites....

Paper fans for party favors, beautiful floral votive holders and colored vintage glass jars for flowers

*image 1: table setting Cliff Brunk via Luna Bazaar; Other images product shots via Luna Bazaar 

I've always loved dreaming up themes for parties and this website will inspire you 

to get creative....

All that's left is a guest list and menu! 

Destination: Sayultia, Mexico

Skip touristy Puerto Vallarta and instead kick back with the local expats who've traded city life in for the bohemian surfer enclave of Sayulita on Mexico's Pacific coast

STAY

The charming La Casona hotel. With only a handful of rooms its perfect for heading south of the border with a group of friends. Rent the entire place out for the weekend - very reasonable at less than $100 a night per room. Each room is unique and incredibly outfitted with the hues of Mexico -chartueuse, yellow and fuchsia -even more vivid when contrasted against the deep blue backdrop of the sparkling Pacific, viewable from almost every room.

images via http://lacasonasayulita.com 

image 1 via vallartaonline.com; image 2 via Examiner.com

PACK

A Matthew Williamson kaftan

*image via http://polyvore.com

SHOP

Gypsy Galleria is a boutique full of all the woven baskets, 

Otomi textiles, embroidered dresses and market bags you could dream of

*image 1: Otomi fabric via http://apartmenttherapy.com; 2: Otomi fabric via http://cocokelley.blogspot.com; 

3: Embroidered Mexican wedding dress via http://greatgreenapple.com; 4: image via http://stylecuratorblog.com

Dine & Wine

For the best fish tacos hit the street taco stands on the corner of Calle Jose Mariscol and Calle Manuel Rodregas for an authentic experience or head to Sayulita Fish Taco and Tequila bar http://sayulitafishtaco.com for over 180 kinds of Tequila.  

Looks I love

Jil Sander S/S 2011

*image via Style.com

The Gem Palace - Jaipur

Opulent doesn't even begin to describe The Gem Palace in Jaipur.
From maharajas to Princess Diana, royalty, celebrities and fashion insiders have been making the trek for years to The Pink City to choose from piles of the most exquisite uncut rubies and emeralds. The jewelry buyer from Bergdorf Goodman had dropped in for an appointment on my recent visit there. The owner, Mr. Kasliwal, will even let you try on the most incredibly lavish pieces when they are clearly not within your budget.

* image 1 and 4 from a Madame Figaro editorial (photographer unknown); image 2+3 product shots from  The Gem Palace

New York City treasure trove

Spending a day at ABC Carpet & Home transports you in an instance to the center of The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, the souks of Marrakech or the night markets of Phnom Penh.  Brighten your room with these hand-stitched vintage summer bed covers from ABC Home - a must have!

images: Liam Goodman via Vogue.com

Colonial-era decor from the South Pacific

Inspirations

*images: image 1 via Architectural Digest August 2009; image 2-4 from At Home in Bali by Made Wijaya/photographs by Isabella Ginanneschi; image 5 author unknown

Colonial-era décor takes us back to the days of Somerset Maughm and memories of long summer nights and Gin & Tonics at sunset. 

I’ve become obsessed with finding the perfect Planter’s Chair, Kartini bench and Balinese daybed for my new place in Singapore.