You asked, and we're answering!

so rachel wrote to us asking about a back-to-school theme party and how she could do this tastefully. we're thinking a cross between the japanese schoolgirl look and the classic sailor uniform: look for a loose fit blouse with a cute collar, a black/navy blue A-line skirt preferably slightly pleated, and finish off with our traditional white canvas sneakers/ballet pumps!

where to go: you can find the white school shoes (we think) at bata and definitely at almost all old provision shops in the neighbourhood. as for the attire, what luck! vain and vapid's latest collection (see top pic) totally fits this theme in the most tasteful way. click here to buy online. or try retailers that stock office-y outfits, you'll be surprised!

cute photo of school shoes put out to dry (haven't we all done that?) by guanness.

James merrell

lots more inspiring images by james merrell here. via laissezfaire.

Downside up

we've seen versions of this glass-jar-as-picture-frame idea, but this upside down style is a first (for us!). via design sponge.

So cute

via wallflower.

what a lovely picture. shot by julia, via unruly things.

Great britain

cute english girl alexa chung shot by garance dore. and we're so glad about kate winslet and her oscar!

another fun tim walker spread. found in march vogue uk which is such a great read(!). more from the shoot here.

This

is a strangely inspiring picture. from here.

this Myer diffusion line by karen walker is totally up our alley.

p.s.

some of you have been asking this. yes we do have gorgeous new arrivals out in store this very weekend. see you at SL!

Love out loud

aren't these adorable? photographed by olive, found through wallflower. what an inspiration for this feb 14! this time around, how nice if we spent the day spreading the spirit of love to everyone.

smile, sing, dance, hold the door for someone! make eye contact and maybe even crack jokes with strangers. chat with the next person who sits beside you at the bus stop. tell grandad how much you love him and get granny to tell you that really exciting story again! go on a date with mum and dad and call up good friends to see how they are doing.

make this day be about nothing but love. happy valentine's day.

Rush hour

this is THE coolest, sweetest thing ever. katie and friends from the Improv team cheer up commuters going to work with the funniest High Five escalator exercise. see full story here.

The Carrot Cake Conversations (2008)

we have been wanting to catch this film at sinema for the longest time!

Royal wear

vivienne westwood designs for the royal ascot. totally loving the fabric colours!

How cute is this

a chalkboard full of bicycles is such an unexpected sight(!). via sharon m, via cup of jo.

Stamp your own Tee

what a clever project! made from stamps cut out of foam rubber by elisabeth. and you have to see these cutest pillowcases made with the same technique.

gorgeous. from the very cool airspace, thanks to laissezfaire.

And so the year begins

after a frenzy of holidays, we finally(!) feel like it's time for the new year - and our resolutions - to kick in. over at our shop, we're tripping over ourselves bringing out all our new things! we told you about our new Vita bangles. this weekend will also see the launch of Dr Denim spring/summer collection in the most delicious colours and styles. plus, new colours for our IRREGULAR CHOICE shoes.

AND we are getting such a rush of inspiration for 2009: from pyjamas-inspired wear (see above and this lady) to karen walker's boyish get-ups thanks to fashion nation. oh and if you're wondering, we do have new clothing in store! gorgeous silk blouses, cool jumpsuits and lovely plaid dresses and scarves because as sarah mower puts it, "even when times are dark, there's still room for clothes to make women keel over with desire."

source: style.com pictures: teen vogue

Shop update: Vita bangles

we are very happy to announce that soon lee is now carrying hollywood's favourite Italian bangles Vita. our series of 24K gold plated bangles range from $98, $118, to $148 available in small, medium and large sizes.

what fun pictures(!). more here.

Nana Pong

remember these cute creatures? nana pong - the artist/illustrator now jewellery maker who made them - is holding a solo exhibition at the arts house. now on till 26 Feb.

how fantastic is this workplace! an office like this might just lift us out of the recession quicker. seen here, via casual poet.