Hello Good Times

A few weeks ago I tried out 'All Star Lanes' in Manchester, Deansgate. We were just after something to eat but ended up bowling too. If your a mancunian this place is well worth a visit. The highlight for me was the cocktail for 3 served in a metal bowling ball! The Aloha Jars were also really tasty . . . topped with little umbrellas!
 Check out where your nearest branch is here.

I've started documenting places like this in the new 'Designers Directory' section of the e-boutique. I thought it would be a great space to list all the places that keep me happy and inspired!
Check out the Designers Directory page here. It includes places in Australia, Canada, London and more.

Austique Boutique || Chelsea, London

I originally came across this gorgeous little boutique via instagram. I Think I was trawling through pics under #boutique as that's a hashtag I seem to be hammering at the moment! When this shop popped up I decided I had to visit it whilst I was in London attending the Stylesight trend seminar.

There is actually 3 of these Austique stores dotted around London. I think it makes a refreshing change seeing stores like this amongst the massive high street fashion giants. Don't get me wrong, we all love a good bit of Topshop in our wardrobes! But these sweet little intimate stores remind me of one's I visited in the past like Pompidou in Australia or Rac in Toronto. I'm glad to say that England seems to be catching on to the fact that we need independent boutiques on the high street. They re-connect us with real, one off, fab shopping experiences.

The style and layout of the Chelsea branch of Austique was stunning. The cabinet that the jewellery was displayed in was a master piece in itself. I loved the table layout you meet when you first walk into the store, butterflies in frames sit amongst cheeky knickers by Cheek Frills.

 They carried brands such as Camilla and Marc, Zimmerman and Alice and Olivia along with their own label which has some great printed pieces, see their own brand at their website here. They also do a great selection of beauty products like Paul and Jo make up and Essie nails. 

If your in London, this store is well worth a visit:

Chelsea – 330 Kings Road, London, SW3 5UR

See their website:

www.austique.co.uk

twitter:

@AustiqueLondon 

 All pics taken by moi! 

please credit if used :-)

Paramount - London

Whilst on my trip to London last week I visited a great bar right near Oxford Street, i've probably stared right at the building before without a clue there is a viewing deck inside with waiter service and amazing cocktails! If you live in Manchester I suppose it's the Beetham Tower (Hilton) equivalent.

It was handy being able to pre book, as me and @KT_Millar  had just been to a trend seminar down the road at the Fashion Retail Academy; we simply gave our name at the door, they put us in the lift and next minute we were in the bar with the most fantastic view of London. We were lucky enough to catch the sun setting, which really was a fantastic view from where we were sat.

Paramount bar, inside the sky scraper building Centre Point is well worth a visit if your in central London.   

 See the website:

www.paramount.uk.net

Crystal Castle

A few pics from my Byron Bay adventure. We went on a road trip to Crystal Castle in Mullumbimby. It was AMAZING! I can't post too may pics because they have all gone into the making of a future print collection.

A little bird made sure there was absolutely no crumbs left in the extra tasty organic chocolate cake from the cafe.

My sister and her brand new gorgeous son Jacob (who looks a bit concerned!)

Me getting in touch with my spiritual side! The crystal mosiac lotus that covered the front of the platform was absolutely stunning.

If you are in the Byron Bay area, a trip to Crystal Castle is highly recommended

81 Monet Drive

Mullumbimby

NSW 2482

Australia

Pompidou Boutique at Byron Bay

Im home from Australia and feeling refreshed from the fantastic experience (and also extremely jet lagged from the awful 30 hour trip home!) Whilst we were there we visited Byron Bay on the Gold Coast. We did all the typical tourist activities like going to the beach, surfing and my sister went hang gliding. And of course I went on a boutique hunt. Byron Bay has quite a quirky mix of surfer style shops like Billabong, Quicksilver and Roxy mixed in with great little one off boutiques like Pompidou.

It stocked a great range of brands and I was loving that it carried those Aussie brands that are harder to find in the U.K like Maurie and Eve, Bec and Bridge and Aje. But then there was a great mix of well know brands like Sass and Bide, Camilla and Marc, Ksubi and Cheap Monday.

The boutique itself had a really chilled out atmosphere and reminded me of a beach hut with all the intentionally aged looking white interior. I liked the way that lifestyle objects like books and candles were carefully merchendised in with perfectly folded clothing.

If your in the Byron Bay area its well worth a visit. 

Address: Shop 7, 15-19 Fletcher St Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia

Website: www.pompidou.com.au

All pics taken by Rianna Phillips, please credit if used