Fans get stylish

I don't think I've ever actually seen a stylish ceiling fan before.This new designer fan is from the Minka Aire range and will be released here in Australia in January by Beacon Lighting.

Created by renowned designer George Kovacs, this Artemis Fan has been placed in the Chicago museum of architecture and design! The fan will be available in three versions liquid metal (pictured), white and transparent. The liquid metal is the most expensive at $1695 but the white is and transparent are much more accessible $549 each.

It might seem a little pricey, but I think this fan will make a design statement in your home as well as being functional. It would look great in any modern-style home.

Stationary you can wear

I've always loved buying stationary. I think because in a corporate world it can be one of few ways to express your own personal style and there are always so many cute and fun products to choose from! 

This is the first time though I've heard of a way to show the world just how much you love your stationary. The stationary queens at kikki.K have just released their very first jewellery range. There are three sterling silver pendants available, all are pictured above. The envelope and scissors are $99.95 each and the pen and ruler pendant and chain is $139.95. 

Sneak peak: Hop trailer

Check out this cute trailer for upcoming family comedy Hop. Blending animation with live action, Hop tells the comic tale of Fred (James Marsden), an out-of-work slacker who accidentally injures the Easter Bunny (voiced by Russell Brand) and must take him in as he recovers.

With Russell Brand involved and the writers and producer from Despicable Me, I am expecting this to be a VERY funny movie. Universal Pictures will release the film in Australia on April 7, 2011.

Even rats can be adorable

This is like the shortest video ever coming in at a whopping three seconds but it is so very adorable, I just had to share. This rats surprised face is definitely going down in the cute hall of fame. Who knew that rats could ever be cute?

Harry Potter or Dan Radcliffe?

I Am Harry Potter from Daniel Radcliffe

Any Harry Potter fans must, must watch this hilarious video from Funny or Die. It's an 'interview' with Daniel Radcliffe about his belief that he is, in fact, Harry. I was sent this link from a friend and didn't initially realise it was from a popular spoof website, I was initially quite bemused!

I think it's a very funny and a very clever commentary on how the public and the media separate fact from fiction and an actor from a character. Good on Dan for doing this!

Kitchen scales you don't need to hide

It's really true that nearly anything today can become a piece of your home decorating.

Kitchen scales are usually pulled out to use then put back into the cupboard where they take up valuable space until the next time they’re required but these new Typhoon Slim Electronic kitchen scales can be hung on the wall where they become a bold decorative item.

These scales even have a digital clock and timer. Four patterns are available - Mono Stripe (black & white), Mono Spot (black & white), the vivid Bright Stripe and more subdued Olive Dots. They are $79.95 each and are available from David Jones.

Luna outdoors is back soon

Now the weather is warming up outdoor cinemas are set to return. The Camelot Outdoor Cinema is schedule to reopen on December 9 and Luna Outdoor on December 16.

For ticket details check out www.lunapalace.com.au. 

Sexy sundresses for curvy figures

My wardrobe is seriously short on the sexy sundresses I am going to need to survive the hot WA summer this year. In fact, I even tore a hole in one of my favourites when out last night. Damn those soft swishy fabrics!

I know though many women with curvy figures find summer a tough time of year to find clothes, but I think these cute little dresses from Dream Diva (www.dreamdiva.com.au) are worth checking out. They look comfy, are in great colours and have cuts that will flatter your waistline. 

Sneak Preview - Cars 2 trailer

If you or your kids loved the movie Cars, you'll definitely want to check out this sneak preview of Cars 2  releasing June 23 next year. www.disneymovies.com.au

Dear diary

The end of the year is nigh, so time to think about a diary for 2011. If you're looking for something a bit more creative check out the Kiki-k DIY Diary ($29.95). You can personalise this diary yourself as the unique pocket cover allows you to change the cover art to whatever you want.

You can pop in a favourite photo or even a drawing from your kids, niece or nephew. Or you can use one of the six pattered inserts from Kiki-k.  You can also personalise the pages further with the stickers provided, throughout the diary you are also prompted to record memories and events from your life making this a great keepsake.

Not a bad Christmas gift idea either!

Just Jeans have it in the bag

All these cute bags are from Just Jeans and they definitely won't break the budget. 

Stunning styled photo from FATE

I love the way this picture has been styled. It just oozes old sex 50s sexy!

This dress is from the new collection by FATE Clothing and is worth a look if you on the hunt for a party dress. Fate is an Australian label and is available in WA at All Things Nice (South Fremantle), Indulgence (Mt Lawley & Esperance) and Mooshi Mooshi (Claremont).

Key trend: natural materials

I have been writing a lot of homewares features lately and one of the key trends I am seeing cropping up all over the place is natural fibres. That means even if the product is laminated, go towards natural looking style or natural products like wood and bamboo.

I like these two simple tables from the Fusion collection at Globe West. I can picture them as a feature in a really clean minimalistic room with white walls and light coloured floors. Add a splash of colour with some great red or green accessories on top of the table.

Get some Sass!

You may not be able to pull off the fairy floss coloured hair but these sorbet coloured dresses from Sass are guaranteed to make hearts melt.

These cards are charming!

If you're looking for a simple, low cost but sweet birthday gift idea, thank you card or even Christmas present, I think for $9.95 these Lovisa Charm Cards are well worth checking out. Each one includes a cute card and a gorgeous charm in a quirky pouch. 

Each charm matches the wording on the card with messages like: you're so tweet (bird charm), owl be yours (owl charm), good luck (horseshoe charm), hugs and kisses (kiss engraved charm) and many others. Available from Lovisa, www.lovisa.com.au

Cupcake crisis averted

I love that someone was so obsessed with cupcakes they decided to invent a way to carry a deluxe cupcake without causing it to smush! These new Wiltshire Cupcake Carry Cases are a clever idea though and could be great for school lunches, work treats, etc. 

I imagine with that shape you could also use them for muffins or even use them for squishable fruits, lollies, etc.  Even better they are cheap! Just RRP $3.95 and they're available at David Jones and independent houseware stores. For stockists call 1800 65 11 46.

It's the simple things

Isn't it amazing how the little things can really make your day? For me this week it was these flowers. I bought these from Drovers in Currambine last Monday. They were $4.95 a bunch.

Normally you've got no chance of getting any kind of decent flowers for under $5 but I figured if they were on their way out, at least they'd brighten the place up for a few days and give me something to smile about each time I walk past them.

This photo was taken a few minutes ago. It's been a full week and they are still going strong and they're still making me smile.

What little thing has made you smile this week?

Did you dream of marrying Tom?

There was a time before the couch-jumping incident when Tom Cruise was the bees knees. Remember Maverick? Every boy wanted to be him and every girl wanted to marry him - even his now wife Katie Holmes, as she has confessed publicly.

Anyway, if you're in the mood for some nostalgia, new menswear label Fontaine is here to help with the Aviator tee. Take yourself back to the days when all you wanted to do was fly.... as soon as this hot new label launches in January. RRP $79, website details coming soon. 

Dressing up at Jacqui E

Loving this new season dress from Jacqui E, so flirty and feminine and bang on this seasons trend. This just moved to the top of my wish list.

A day to remember

A reminder to all WA Style readers that today is Remembrance Day. The day we take some time to remember those who gave their lives in defence of our country. Traditionally at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we take a minute of silence out of respect. 

Lest we forget. 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Bringing home the Birkin

I am reading this book right now and I am really enjoying it. This is the story of one man who moved to Barcelona on a whim and then created a career on eBay from reselling Hermes.

It reads like a fiction novel so is keeping me really engaged but the fact that it's a true story is really intriguing and inspiring. It's certainly getting the entrepreneur side of me well and truly inspired. Wouldn't it be lovely to make a living from playing with such pretty things all day?

How to grind in style

Adorable and cute aren’t words you usually associate with pepper grinders, but in this case they are appropriate. WA Style love these mini magnetic pepperballs from Chef'n Garden! Get one in red apple, green apple, cherry, olive, tomato or garlic.

The fact they have a magnet on the back, makes them even more handy!  They are just $19.95 or $24.95 if you want them gift boxed. Stockists available by calling 1800 65 11 46.

It finally came!

For those of you who have been reading the blog lately, you realise I have been a little obsessed with Harry Potter. OK, more than a little. I don't even have kids I can blame my love of all thinks wizarding on.

When I went the US a few years I have even convinced my partner (now husband) along to the Harry Potter museum where I actually got to touch the Sorting Hat. Bliss!

Anyway, the reason for this seemingly random rant is that I am very excited to announce, I just received my invitation to the Perth preview of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows (Part 1). It may only be the day before the movie's cinematic release but I love seeing movies early, not because I want to feel special or superior in some way but simply so I don't have other people's opinions and views before I see it for myself. Funny really since I get paid to write movie reviews and will undoubtedly share my thoughts here.

Millions of peaches, peaches for me

Why is it that even if we know something is good for us, we will go ahead and do it anyway? Take myself just a short while ago. Despite all the array of delicious new summer fruits on offer at the markets, I was captivated by the ripe deliciousness of the peaches, so I bought two.

So far so good right? Did I forget to mention, I am allergic to the fuzzy skin on the outside of a peach? Now you’ve got the picture. So fast forward half an hour until I am home and trying with great difficulty and determination to peel a peach. Have you ever tried this? I don’t recommend it.

One hour later, I peeled the peach, ate it and I have a rash on my face and a lovely wheezy asthmatic cough to prove my achievement. Now I am just left with the question - why is it that we are sometimes just incapable of avoiding things that are bad for us? Are we all really just gluttons for punishment? After all - I still have a second peach.

A Harry Potter teaser...

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Clip
Uploaded by teasertrailer

Another great snippet from the upcoming Harry Potter film. Obsessed? Who me?

Shop David Jones online

I am really excited by the new online store from David Jones!! It may be just in time for Christmas and not exactly be the greatest functional shopping website in the world, but personally I am excited about all the new fashion shopping (or window shopping) opportunities it presents.

There are some great fashion products for the stylish lady. Clothes available include labels like Collette by Collette Dinnigan, Tommy Hilfiger and sass & bide, which isn't too shabby. You can also buy yourself a new Burberry bag or Fendi baguette, a new pair of Louboutin heels, Mimco earrings or even just a new pack of Spanx.

It's also a great site for all you ladies that struggle to get your Christmas shopping done. Although some ranges are pretty limited, there are quite a lot of good gift ideas. Hopefully with time this site will continue to improve both in functionality and available stock.

Check it out! www.davidjones.com.au

New crib from Funky Kids

Isn't this sweet? Even better the ubabub range are also ecologically friendly and use non-toxic timber finishes during construction. The Nifty Timber cot is from an Aussie company and is $1199 + $100 shopping.

If you want to give that 50s aesthetic to the nursery, make sure you check this one out at Funky Kids in Wembley, Karrinyup or Booragoon.

Laura Ashley goes spotty

What's one of the hot new season trends for homewares? Spotted, it yet? Laura Ashley is going spotty and I think it's super cute! Find these products and other new season trends from www.laura-ashley.com.au

Secrets of the Horcruxes

I cannot describe how excited I am that this movie isn't far away now! Check out this great trailer explaining a bit about the secret of the horcruxes and then make sure you join me in being one of the first in line when this movie releases on November 18.

Don't forget your Gryffindor scarf, orange is very big this season.

The official word on trading hours

Confused about the new trading hours? So was I, so here's the official word from the powers that be...

Perth shoppers and retailers will be able to enjoy extended trading hours to 9pm on weeknights under new laws that come into effect from today.

Premier Colin Barnett and Commerce Minister Bill Marmion today marked the start of Western Australia’s new retail trading hours regime, which will give general retail shops, including major grocery stores, the option to open to 9pm weeknights.

The Premier said the changes reflected the State Government’s determination to provide incremental reform to Perth’s shopping hours.

“Creating a retail trading environment that allows choice, flexibility and improved competition has always been the focus of this Government,” he said.

“The extension of weeknight trading will apply across the whole metropolitan area.

“Business will now have greater freedom to respond to particular needs of their customers and won’t be locked into outdated shopping hours. It is entirely their option to open during the extended hours.”

Commerce Minister Bill Marmion said new special trading precincts of Armadale and Midland would begin today, allowing Sunday trading from November 7.

“The extension of weeknight trading to 9pm and the creation of special trading precincts in Armadale and Midland, in addition to the special precincts in Perth, Fremantle and Joondalup, represents a significant achievement,” Mr Marmion said.

“At the forefront of the Government’s mind has been the need to keep pace with the changes in urban lifestyles and working hours in the metropolitan area.

“I encourage retailers and the community to embrace this great opportunity.” 

Retail tenants with any questions about their leasing arrangements and the new trading hours can contacta specialist business adviser at the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) for free, confidential advice and guidance on 131 BIZ (131249). More information is available at http://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au