december blogger: all about aya

Introducing Aya. She's one of my favourite bloggers for a number of reasons. Her blog is a mixture of all things wonderful; recipes, outfit posts, DIY's, rambles and her adorable family. In this interview Aya talks about her style, her vintage etsy and her blog, Strawberry Koi...

What’s the story behind ‘Strawberry Koi'?
Strawberry Koi has sort of become my legacy. That may sound a little severe, but it came from a pretty humble beginning to something I invest my whole heart into. I'm that way by nature, and at times I am thankful for it because it causes me to be a perfectionist, and to always drive myself for something better. Originally, I created my blog as an accompaniment for my ebay store... now it includes our (my husband and I) love of photography, art, food, fashion and pretty much anything I can think of, making it much more interesting, I hope!

How would you describe your style?
Is there a charming way of saying "confused"? Well, really I try to incorporate a little of everything I enjoy, which sometimes is a little chaotic, but hopefully diverse. I really enjoy things that may be considered "little girly" done in a way that's still sexy and womanly.

Have you always wanted to be involved in fashion?
Not at all. This is a rather recent development in my life, just since I had children. I grew up an artist and musician, but when I became a mother I wanted to prove (to myself) that I could end the stereotype and be even more desirable as a woman after baring children.

Tell us about the shop...
Ah, the shop. It's sort of like a child that you love with all your heart, but do not always like. Finding stock is sometimes a treasure hunt, and always a chore. Finding older pieces these days is becoming rare, so I pretty much have to stalk the thrift stores. Often we'll travel farther than we'd like to, just to make sure we collect a decent haul.

What makes a successful blogger? Any tips for beginners?
Being obsessed! There's really no way around a good blog than by blogging constantly, researching endlessly and involving your whole heart and creativity. Otherwise, you lose interest and the content suffers for it. Dig for inspiration, network and work hard - do this, and you will definitely see good results.

And, one last question! Describe your top three Christmas presents... 

Oh, where do I start! Ok, how about: 1. A fabulous, full-skirted 50s plaid dress. 2. Dark brown ankle books with cute little buckles and a kitten heel. 3. A perfect pair of high-waisted 50's style blue jeans.

P.S: Aya is also hosting a series of giveaways on her blog at the moment, be sure to check out the first one here!

november blogger: catching up with rose

Hello everyone! I would like you all to meet the November Blogger of the Month. Her name is Rose and she is from the blog, Rose Petals in the Rain. Not only are her photos effortlessly beautiful, but her style is like a dream. Ruffles, pleats, chiffon (and even a Mulberry bag!). I was so happy to have been able to do a little interview with her about style, hobbies, and why she started her wonderful blog. 

What’s the story behind ‘Rose Petals in the Rain’?
I thought about starting a blog a few years ago when I first discovered ‘blogs’. I then dismissed the idea and thought it would be a silly thing to do. I resigned from a job and purchased a digital SLR on a whim after wanting one for a few years. I decided to take a chance and make a blog despite being a bit worried I would make a fool of myself.

How would you describe your style?
I would say simple and feminine. I’m not a ‘creatively complex’ dresser. I love soft fabrics, ruffles and neutral tones.

On weekends or in your spare time, you would most likely be found...
Hanging out with my kitty Chilli, going for a walk, catching up with friends and enjoying doing nothing at all.

What type of camera do you use?
The camera I use for my blog is a Nikon D5000.

Your photos are always so beautiful, any tips on photography etc?
Oh thank-you! I don’t claim to be any kind of expert on photography but here are a few of my tips.
Try to be mindful of the lighting. I prefer to take photos in natural light and I avoid using flash. If you own an SLR and like to take outfit photos purchase a remote. Using a remote is so much easier than running back and forth using self-timer.

If you could have any 3 wishes in the world, they would be...
I wish I had more free time to spend on my hobbies.
I wish I could stay the age I am now.
I wish I could be happy without risking other people’s happiness. I’ve found that difficult lately.

All photos by Rose, view her lovely collection via Flickr. 

Maria Elyse from First Impressions has dropped in to say hello!

Introducing the undeniably wonderful Maria Elyse from the blog, First Impressions. I caught up with her a little while ago, and was so pleased that she wanted to do a guest post and that she took the time to do this gorgeous photo-shoot for me. That lake is so magical. I love her amazing style and her cute vintage finds. We even share the same name! Be sure to check out her beautiful blog and follow!

Hello, lovely readers of Avenue M!

My name is Maria Elyse of First Impressions and I'm incredibly excited to be here guest posting for a fellow Maria.

I'd like to introduce you to "my" lake. It's a short walk away from my house and is one of my favorite places to be, especially on days where the clouds gather in grey billows, the breeze blows wildly, a chill flows through the air, and when the waves are untamed. It's like a wonderland that never ceases to draw me in and endlessly inspire me. People don't believe me when I say I like cloudy days better than sunny ones, but it's true, and mainly because of this lake. If "my" lake could talk, I'm sure we'd be best of friends.

For those of you, like Maria, who live in Australia, it's springtime! I live in Northern USA, and so right now it's the middle of autumn. I love wearing pastels, florals, and sunhats, so with this outfit I tried to make those spring-like things fit for fall.

Thanks so much for having me, Maria! ♥

xo
Maria Elyse
First Impressions

casper&pearl: a dream come true

I had the pleasure of interviewing Stacey, the lovely girl behind rising Australian brand, casper&pearl. Her dreamy and beautiful clothes have captured the hearts of many young ladies and have attracted media attention on Teen Vogue, Frankie Magazine, Cellardoor Britain and various blogs and websites. I love the editorials and shoots too, so whimsical and pretty. I wish I could include them all! Check out her facebook page for all the latest updates and her blog for amazing inspiration. (The link to her awesome shop is at the bottom of the post)

Your designs are so pretty and quirky! Are there any particular designers that inspire you?
Thankyou! My favourite label of all time is Chloe! They never fail to amaze me after every collection, I love the soft flowy fabrics and colours that they use time and time again, and I will never stop wearing my scalloped shorts that were inspired by them. I also adore T by Alexander Wang, Jill Stuart, Lover and 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Where do you hope to see yourself in the next five years?
I have huge plans for my label, making all of my designs by hand is very stressful and it is definitely just a stop along the way rather than a destination. In the next five years I see myself working from a studio, creating seasonal collections twice a year, stocked overseas, worn by celebrities, and inside pages of SHOP, Frankie, Cosmo and all that other good stuff. Next year I am launching my first official collection for S/S 2012, such an exciting time for me I cannot wait to share all of my hard work with you.

Could you name some of your favourite hobbies as a child/teenager that would’ve influenced your amazing talents today?
As a kid I spent most of my time in ballet class, drawing and making things, so I guess you could say I have always been pretty creative. Other than that my childhood days were filled with getting up to mischief with my friends and my brother. I lived in the country so we were always found running through paddocks, climbing trees and getting up to all sorts of adventures. In year four I attempted starting a ‘fashion label’ with a friend, we named it ‘Spice’ after the Spice Girls- but as you may have guessed, Spice didn’t really work out ha! I’ve definitely always wanted to do what I do today.

How would you describe your personal style?
It really depends what my mood is and where I'm going! If I’m just going out to lunch with friends or going shopping, I’m usually just very casual- leggings with an over sized top, chunky jewellery and a floppy hat. If I am going out to a night on the town I usually wear a casper&pearl dress, just cause it’s such good advertisement!

Do you have any tips for blossoming designers, or anyone who wants to make it in the fashion industry?
Um, well I would still call myself a blossoming designer, I don’t think I have really made it far enough to give advice! But definitely just to stick to it if it’s something you really want to do. Don’t let people tell you can’t do something, instead use it as fuel to try even harder. I definitely had a few people telling me I couldn’t do what I am doing today so this ones for them. And stay true to yourself!

casper&pearl

katy potaty's fabulous fudge!

Hello blog friends! Introducing a new friend of mine, Katy Potaty. She has made a sinfully delicious fudge that is perfect enough to wrap up fancy for your dear Grandmother or share at a high tea. Enjoy and don't forget to enter her wonderful giveaway, you can win 12 nail polishes!

There are no words to describe the sweetness of this fudge. It's as sweet as Maria - who has allowed me to bring my culinary happiness over here. It's creamy, unlike the Crumbly Honey-Caramel fudge I made the other day (which I totally forgot to blog about, oops!), and so so smooth.
Ok, gather all these things. By all, I mean less than five ingredients. Yup, that simple!

1 can sweetened condensed milk - (hello there gorgeous, come to Katy!)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups white chocolate buttons
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pan

**You can switch this recipe around as much as you like... change the white chocolate for milk or dark or a mixture, swap the vanilla for orange or cinnamon or mint or kahlua... mmm... throw in some chopped macadamias, whatever you like!**

Butter the bottom and sides of an 8 by 8-inch baking pan. Line the pan with a sheet of baking paper, allowing 5cm to hang over the side.

Enjoy, and do me a favour and share this with your lovely friends like Maria! For more delicious (and easy!) recipes, visit my blog!