A table

The ever elusive Kinfolk long tabled lunch club, we made it. I don't really know how (and we did get a little lost along the very windy roaded way) but we did. Styled to the point of imperfect perfection my brain can't comprehend and all details accounted for in every corner of every place the eye can see. Light bouncing everywhere, raucous laughter from our end of the table, some almost awkward interactions and some very easy, natural, simple like minded ones to make up for the former...the beauty of throwing a group of strangers together and share around a table and a meal...but not just any table....this was the Kinfolk table! 

A big thank you to our warm and welcoming hosts, beautiful Natalie of Eat Read Lover and extremely talented artist, Lisa Madigan, whose home we invaded. Hannah Rose Yee & Amanda Bechara, you make any occasion as good as it could possibly be. 

My life feels so rich at the moment...bursting with activity - and slight chaos - but intensely full and dynamic which is why I haven't been hanging around here too much. Rest is coming and when it does I will unleash the last few months worth of stimulation upon you. 

xx 

sweat

As with most areas of life, when it comes to exercise & routine "casual" would be the best way to describe my approach. A walk along the beach when I'm randomly struck by motivation (or the desire to stare at the horizon) and a few core exercises on the floor of my bedroom is enough as long as I'm eating well. But for the first time I'm committing to a 'work out' a couple of times a week where we skip, squat, hit, crunch, sweat, complain a bit and do all sorts of other fun things like that. We're not talking factory produced bootcamp style shit, it's a true boxing training ground with a ring and mats and where one of my best friends is preparing for her first fight in March next year, Million Dollar Baby style, baby. 

Now what I really want is a uniform...if ever my new found motivation wanes I find new apparel helps out, a lot. I'm thinking 90's sports tshirts to warm up in with crop tops hiding underneath ready, man style shorts and braids is where it's at - and don't you worry the bod to match will be on its way. 

If you have any sportswear shopping recommendations, please let me know! 

x

Photos: Gloves on by Van Sarki for Interview Magazine, Edita Vilkeviciute by Lachlan Bailey for Vogue Paris  

The corner

Cornersmith Picklry 441 Illawarra Road, Marrickville 

Cornersmith have opened what they are calling a Picklry and I am calling everyones dream corner store. Local produce, luxe condiments, pantry staples and cheese making classes. Seriously. 

What is it about those illustrious corner blocks? Especially around Sydneys inner west where original tiling, awnings and step ups are preserved more than what has come to be usual in this city. They make me curiously peer through the window before I decide to step in, set up camp and get cosy so I can sit and watch the traffic and people pass by from all directions for the rest of time. If good food & drink is served that's just a rather huge bonus. 

Photos: Cornersmith Picklry by Rachel Kara for Broadsheet Sydney

Return

"They're almost ugly". That's a direct quote from me....in the Sunday paper. I don't know when I became a valid source to come to for opinions on style but maybe that's the thing, Birkenstocks aren't - and never really have been - about style. They're an item of great practicallity and comfort which have recently slipped into the critical eye of the fashion world. These are my favourite type of item. Suddenly my laziness looks somewhat admirable, or controversial at the least.
The problem with Birkenstocks and where all this hoo-ha is coming from is people (no not Celine, Celine can do whatever it wants without question) taking them out of context and making them the kind of shoe they're not and have never wanted to be.
Here's when they are ideal for sliding into...
When you are; working from home and go out to pick up a takeaway coffee (or chai, or coconut) // having a day at the beach that may involve a pre or post swim lunch date // potting your new herb garden, just because // making breakfast at home and go out to pick up the paper on a Sunday morning, so casual // generally scuffing about the house and it's too warm for ugg boots (seriously, I am so fash at home) // trying on clothes ie shopping - no untying, not thongs // (for the same reasons as shopping) the perfect picnic footwear // climbing a mountain // I could go on....
The headline has three key words 'daggy' 'hippy' 'hipster' which sums me up perfectly and is probably why I am all for the Birkenstock having it's moment, again 20 years later.
Oh..and I love the 90's. Just want to mention it.

Olenka jumpsuit, Glassons denim shirt, Jewellery by PetiteGrand, Catbird NYC & my future-wifey ring compliments of Tim Ashton 

Photos: Kate Moss by Corinne Day for The Face 1990,  Me by Justin Lloyd (News Ltd)

earth wind fire

Doutzen Kroes by Paul Bellaart for Vogue Nederlands // stylist Jette Van Lexmond makeup Mo Karadag

THIS is how it's done.

Doutzen and her accessible yet unattainable beauty. The elements so softly played out. Warm, creamy tones. Raw and delicate. Moments so carefully crafted then set free. 

My dream editorial.

Photos: Paul Bellaart

From the side

Behind the scenes on Spring/Summer Campaign by Darren McDonald for LP33.3 // h&m Naomi McFadden styling Elle Packham model Lia Surge @ Chic

Watching beauty come to life in front of the lens never gets old. A look, from a different perspective, into the day the LP33.3 campaign was made. Only the best of everything. 

All items in store Aug/September. 

Photos: Rachel Kara