hue.what.where.

on cockatoos.

I went to Rosebery’s fabulous canteen-style cafe Kitchen by Mike for lunch last weekend. Imagine succulent jerk chicken, wood-fired broccolini, lemon and chilli, with a green bean, fig, hazelnut and feta salad on the side. And then imagine a gooey pistachio meringue, so delightful I had to fight the kids for it. Even the bathrooms are splendid - industrial steel basins, copper taps, and reclaimed timber bench tops. As if all that wasn’t enough for one day, the decorators paradise, Koskela, is right next door. Stocking furniture and homewares from local designers, Koskela is a fluoro-hazed designers dream. I snapped up the raspberry cocky2 tea towel, much too beautiful to be used on the dishes. hww.

Kitchen by Mike and Koskela showroom - 85 Dunning Ave, Rosebery.

Raspberry cocky2 teatowel by Bonnie and Neil, $35.00. Buy it at Koskela or online here.

on topshop.

To celebrate today’s launch of the Sydney Topshop store (hip hip hooray!), please enjoy this selection of delicious frocks from the ‘Louise Gray for Topshop’ collection, available online now. With shimmering sequins and oh-so-vibrant prints that sit somewhere fabulous between a pop concert, fireworks display and a kooky cartoon fight scene, these dresses scream and giggle outrageously at the same time. So you may not wear these delightful dresses to the park or out for brekkie, you’ve got to admit that for a party these dresses are rockin’. hww.

Zigzag Sequin Dress GBP200.00, buy it here; Flash Burst Sequin Dress GPB175.00, buy it here

on pigtails.

It’s no secret that I have a penchant for statement jewels. I love how a basic jeans and tee combo can be transformed with a slip of something fun ‘round the neck. Where blue denim and white cotton can be, well, rather girl-next-door, add a slash of neon rope or turquoise beading and that cute neighbour will turn heads for all the right reasons. I adore this clear perspex number for its childlike simplicity. Chunky and clunky, its tangerine ribbon detailing takes me back to the days of pigtails and puppy dogs tails. hww.

For a similar necklace try the Domino necklace, $39.95 or Invisible Fan necklace, $24.95, both from Sportsgirl. Buy them here.

on recycling.

These exquisite wastebaskets are made by the indigenous Aeta people of the Philippines using traditional basket weaving techniques. These villagers engage in subsistence farming and hunting and gathering, and basket making has been an important part of their cultural and economic life.

Commissioned by fair trade NGO Preda, the baskets were designed by German artist Cordula Kehrer and their production has enabled the Aeta people to reclaim some of their ancestral lands. Combining colourful plastic containers with sustainably harvested rattan these craftspeople have created a truly unique object, practical and beautiful in both function and form. hww.

‘Bow Bin’ from Areaware, USD$45-$55. Buy them here.

on wood.

I adore wearing wooden jewellery. No matter how cutting edge your outfit de jour, a piece of natural material adorning the body brings the whole look back to earth. One of my favourite necklaces is a long strand of oversized wooden beads that I’ve worn for years. I think it’s the earthy tones and rawness of the natural texture that sets it apart. For a contemporary look try these hand-painted accessories made from renewable bamboo and sustainable timber. I’ve died and gone to eco-heaven. hww.

Wooden bangle by TreeHorn Design, $44.00. Buy it here.

Bamboo pendant by Pom by Pomegranate, $40.00. Buy it here.

on death.

Gothic glamour meets rock chic? Whatever it’s called, I’m into it. A little bit dark and a whole lot pretty. Go for delicate gold to make it less biker and more beautiful. Death becomes her. hww.

Top: assorted bangles by Alexander McQueen

Clockwise from top left: Baby skull ring with diamonds by Michelle Chang, USD$226.00. Buy it here; Twin Skull bracelet by Alexander McQueen, USD$330. Buy it here; Baby skull earrings by Michelle Chang, USD$298.00. Buy it here; Bird skull necklace by Emilie Thomas, GBP320.00. Buy it here.

on parkas.

When you think of a parka it’s usually the puffa jacket, the ski-suit, or the Michelin Man get-up that springs to mind. Until now. This winter there’s nothing more practical (and stylish) to keep the chill and rain off your cashmere. Think of Brit music festival rather than Thredbo kids club and you’ll be some way towards making your smartest investment this season. I’m favouring a hood (faux fur trim optional) and a drawstring waist in a mucky military green. Worn with Hunter wellies, naturally. hww.

ASOS Button Front Parka, $122.33. Buy it here.

on satchels.

So maybe I’m a little biased because my better half bought me this for my birthday. But who doesn’t love an old skool leather satchel, brought bang up to date with a colour so bold you can almost hear the crunch of that green apple. Mine’s been embossed with my initials so keep your hands off. Get yours here. hww.

The Classic, by The Cambridge Satchel Company, from GBP74.00

on knitting.

This drizzly weather makes me want to dig out my winter woollies and wrap up warm in a chunky cable knit. I love texture almost as much as I love colour. It adds definition, contrast, a point of difference. This season I’ll be dressing up my home much like I’ll be dressing myself. A cashmere throw, a leather pouffe, a corduroy cushion and a, um, knitted light. The ‘Granny’ knit light by Casamania is made with thick woollen threads used to produce a raw yet cosy surface. Each lamp is hand-knitted by a collective of home-based workers in the Netherlands with the wool treated for flame resistance. Brings a warm glow to my heart just thinking about it. Buy it here. hww.

Casamania ‘Granny’ knit light, from $480, Insitu Furniture. Available in off-white (ecru) or raspberry.