Today I went boutique browsing with my sister to get inspiration for her new decor and interior plans… Finally, we found our selves in this store called ‘Right Up My Alley’, which I haven’t been to for years! It’s an amazing store, filled with a certain type of style. – Antique and occidental. There is a lot of tribal art, vintage Eastern clothing, and French furniture, the type that you would find in a Paris apartment.

* This carved Indonesian Garuda was one of my favorite things in the store. Actually, I’m thinking that it could quite easily be the next center piece in my apartment? I’ve always had a particular fascination with Indonesian art work, but more particularly, the painted carvings and Wayanggolek puppets. I thought that this Garuda, against a bright red wall would look incredible. Gold, green, blue and yellow in contrast.

Chinese pottery is always a statement piece, yet a subtle statement piece. It’s also one of those objects that can blend in with any colors, textiles and wallpapers. (Turquoise blue, Chinese red, noir, and bamboo-green.) – I’m always inclined towards things that are eclectic. It’s a bit like traveling, each piece takes you somewhere new!

- Tibetan Buddha’s. 

- Coffee table centerpieces and ideas?

- Parlez-vous français? French furniture and rouge Baroque patterns.
* These patterns remind me of vintage wallpaper. Florence Broadhurst?!

- Vintage Thai Ramayana puppet, Persian rugs, Lebanese lamps, vintage Hmong fashion accessories.
* Thailand, Persia, Lebanon, Vietnam.  

- Indonesian paintings.
* There is something to be said about Indonesian paintings… They are beautiful and they own a particular aesthetic. I really want to visit Indonesia sometime soon… Java has always intrigued me.

- Beach furniture.

Location: Raglan. Here are a few of my other favorite pieces…
Overall inspiration is: Subtle wall colors. Bold center pieces. Statement objects. 
 

- So today was my second Sunday at the Raglan Creative Art Market… I found my self at the end of the market space next to a very creative photographer, eating Mexican food and talking about the fashion and travel industry. That was amidst all of the other people that I met. I’m always in my element when I’m meeting new people. It’s always inspiring. Creatively and culturally. And conversationally?!

Here’s one of the Macro’s from my stall… It was such a nice day in Raglan. This is when I enjoy living on the coast. The ocean, the weather, and the alternative people. I love Bohemians.

I met so many interesting people today at the market. Lots of travelers and artists… Actually, I think eclecticism comes in the form of people and travelers, as well as art? I talked for about an hour to three different people, from three different, very influential art cities: London, Paris, and New York. Then I exchanged details with this Puerto Rican girl named Shenade, from Long Island, New York – Where my mother comes from. New York is still one of the destinations on my list that I have yet to endeavor more.

And then I got comissioned to do some work for a wedding in Auckland City. The style is Flamenco, which is going to be an interesting project. – Often in life, one door leads to another. But I don’t like to call these great people I come across as doors, I just think it’s destiny and karma. When you do something new, something else great comes along. And great people come along too.

And it was all just by chance that I ended up at the market again this Sunday… I spent the day being inspired, meeting new people… And doing what I enjoy. And so to finish this post, I’m reminded of one of my favorite quotes, and note, it doesn’t matter what you do… As long as you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.

Today I found my self in a room pinned to the brim with eastern fabrics – But just for a moment, I could have been anywhere… India… Nepal… Or Morocco? Actually, I was on the coast of New Zealand in a little town called Raglan, which is even more out in the middle of no where, than India, Nepal or Morocco put together.  ’I could be anywhere, but here’ I was thinking to my self.

Color, texture, textile, embroidery, Eastern handwork, Eastern eye work… Art on cloth, spices, silk, chiffon, quilted thread, Eastern women, Paisley, Hijabs, Saris, Caftans, Bohemian fashion?

It’s all actually quite sentimental. – Sometimes we buy things and then they remind of places that we have been to in our lives. Because certain places remind us of places where we’ve found love, travel, excitement, enchantment and mystery… And…

People who we have loved, been intrigued by and been lost in…

And the moments that have captured our souls and taken our breaths… That’s why the French came up with souvenir. – They are pieces close to the heart, yet far from the heart in distance…

And then come the days, where certain pieces remind us of other places, other people, other cultures and other lifestyles. And that, is not anything quite souvenir, that is fashion.