La La Louche London

Ever gritted your teeth in a frustrated fashion grimace when walking towards you on the pavement / at work / at a music festival is some other gal sporting the same cute cardi / jumper / frock you are?

The creators of Louche know the feeling well, indeed it's one that inspired them to design a line of "fascinating, fun and occasionally frivolous" gems that would be unique and stunning to wear.

Louche began in London in 2007 and has since grown to become a trendy little label favourited by Euro-cutey-queens Audrey Tatou and Emma Watson!

We were thrilled when they asked us to house their wares in Australia, and we are proud to be their exclusive Aussie stockist!

Our favourites so far include:
 

This fabulous sheer Manzie Shirt - $62

Esmerelda Cardi - $70

Flocky the wonder jumper - $79

(out of stock already!)

Cloudy - $79

 Heidi Cardi Mustard - $59

Heidi Cardi Red - $59

Keep an eye out on our blog and facebook for when we reveal some more Louche knits and stunning Louche dresses coming soon!

Amanda Alessi

 This week we welcome a new label to the store. Local Perth gal Amanda Alessi has brought out a delightful range of tea towels, and we couldn't resist nabbing a few!

Here at Ruck Rover, Amanda Alessi's tea towel designs are making us all wish it was morning tea time. Well, it's 11am in the world somewhere! To wind down the clock 'til we can grab a cup of tea and a doughnut of our own, we asked Amanda to tell us the story behind her beautifully kitsch designs.

Who is Amanda Alessi?

I'm a graphic designer and typoholic who loves frolicking in fields, daydreaming about letterpress printing and eating sweets. I'm currently studying at Curtin University of Technology in Perth, and by the end of 2012 I will have a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Graphic Design. I am passionate about publication design, branding, typography and package design. I also hold an interest in photography and recently became resident photographer for a fashion blog called Poison in a Beautiful Bottle.

Where do you get your inspiration?

It's hard to pinpoint really. I find inspiration everywhere. It might be an amazing business card I see or a pretty photo on a blog. I've found that Pinterest.com is a great place for organising, and browsing for things of interest.

What's your favourite type of doughnut?

Haha well strangely enough I work as a casual at Brumby's so I'm often surrounded by doughnuts. They aren't as exciting as I once thought but jam doughnuts are definitely my favourite.

Tell us about the screen printing process?

Firstly I create a design and print it out in black and white to the exact size of the tea towel. The image is exposed onto a silk screen than has been covered in emulsion. After being rinsed, the design should show through the emulsion. Then you are ready to start printing! I usually have specific colours in mind so I mix my own inks. I also have to heat press the tea towels to set the ink. This means they can be machine washed and used vigorously without fading. The hardest part would be working with the emulsion. It is a very heat and light sensitive substance and a few months ago I accidentally left the container in my car on a hot day. Let's just say you learn from your mistakes.

What do you have in store for the future?

I started creating tea towels because I enjoyed screen printing. I didn't plan to sell them but I had a positive response from a lot of people so I thought I would give it a go. I'm focusing mainly on graphic design so the tea towels are a fun side project.

Amanda Alessi tea towels retail for $22 and are available from Ruck Rover in three designs. Choose from doughnuts (my favourite - yum!), tea cups stacks and the tea time tea bag design. They are lovely and large, measuring approximately 50 x 70 cm. They are 100% cotton and fine to be machine washed. Choose from a few colours!

You can keep up to date with Amanda's comings and goings via her website, her facebook page, her blog or her Pinterest!

First Comes Love

So, we are super pleased to be providing some of our wares for the Fashion on the Floor section of... First Comes Love! This event is an alternative bridal fair, and is not just for those who are planning on getting hitched, but anyone who wants to throw a party.

In one spot you will find photographers, stationers, celebrants, hire places, hair and make up artists, milliners, vintage cars, florists, musicians, jewellers, clothing designers and more.

We are really proud to be part of such a fun event, run by Angela and Leah, the lovely ladies of Mitchell & Dent and Studio Bomba.

So, how's about a few wedding-y things from the shop, for some inspiration?

 
Wedding cards can be a bit same old same old, don't you think? Not these! The one above is from Lazy Oaf and will set you back $7. The one below is a very pretty card from Blueberry which goes for $6. Both are blank inside.

What about a frock for the occasion? We've got some luscious numbers that will suit a bride wanting to stray from the traditional white dress, while still having fun playing dress ups and looking fabulous. We can fix you up with bridesmaid dresses as well, or even just garden party frocks for attendees. Let's face it, a wedding is a great excuse for a new frock whatever your role.

I reckon these Iggy & Lou Lou necklaces would make a great present for your bridesmaids! I know we bang on about these beautiful ceramic and sterling silver necklaces, but it's just because they're so amazing.

What about presents for the happy couple? These hip flasks make a nice his 'n' hers gift! There's loads of designs and colours: octopi, typewriters, cameras, deer, owls, cameos, mixtapes, tattoo art, anatomical hearts and more that I've forgotten. From experience we find these go down a treat.

And we dig these chalk boards as a way of livening up a garden wedding, or as a prop in a photo booth, or even as cake markers! We have arrows, speech bubbles, flamingos, flowers and cupcakes. Wowee.

First Comes Love is happening at the Oxford Hotel, on the 26th & 27th of May. We might see you there! x

Mother's Day a la Ruck Rover

Mums are the best, aren't they? Here are some ways you can shower love on your mama this Mother's Day - Ruck Rover style! It falls on 13 May so you have a couple of weeks to pick up something superb that will make her smile. Hannah takes us through her top picks for lovely gifts this year.

My mum always used to say she never wanted presents for Mother's Day. And I have to say, I was quite old before I stopped making her macaroni pictures and popsicle art. But if your Mum is a bit more discerning (and let's face it, who doesn't love a good a present), we have a few delectable things that will help you express your love for her awesomeness.


Made590 Owl Cookie Jar

The only reason I don't own this cookie jar, is that it would last about two seconds in my house. I'd twirl my skirt too enthusiastically, or trip over something I left on the floor, and smash! The poor owl would be no more. But for real, functioning adults, like say... mothers, this makes a wonderful gift.

And it's not just for cookies. It could probably store lollies too! Or cotton spindles, or pens...

Iggy and Lou Lou Necklaces

These quaint pieces are made from sterling silver and ceramic. You can choose from many lovely different emblems, but the bird pendant is the most precious by far. Quite the heirloom.

Lazy Oaf Biscuits Card

I am pleased to say that I like my mum even more than I like biscuits. I like her more than Arnott's Kingstons. Even more than those biscuits that are coated in chocolate, with marshmallows inside. (Royals?) And those are pretty great. Even more than Tic Tocs! Remember those? The point is, my mum is greater than a biscuit, and I'm sure yours is too. But if your mum also has a sense of humour, this card might go down well.

Knits by AK

I can't believe someone knitted these with their actual hands. How do you get a stitch so even? These are made out of a variety of wools and cottons, and will keep your mum toasty warm.

Little Odd Forest Bags

When you put one of these over your shoulder, you can feel the love and care that's been stitched into it. Each bag has its individual pockets, and choice of lining and fabrics. Each is beautifully colourful, eclectic and roomy.

Plenty more nice gifts for your mama! Come on in and let us show you around.

Homespun Product Feature

Check it out! Homespun magazine have put together a feature on owls on their regular Window Shopping pages, and have included one of our lovely hip flasks.

This beauty comes from Whimsy & Ink, will set you back $39, and you can find it here.

There's lots of other lovely products on the page too, so check it out!

Introducing Pannikin

Ever wonder what is going on in the creative mind behind your favourite designs and accessories? We do! Especially when we discover such gorgeous and charming things as our new range from Pannikin.

Colour abounds on Holly's desk!

We sat down with designer Holly to find out a bit more about this excellent new addition to our shop, with a little Q&A!

1. Can you sum up the style and aesthetic of Pannikin in one sentence?

Colourful and playful pieces based on simple childhood nostalgia.

Pannikin hand-made wooden brooches - $38ea

available in Kit, Pup Pup, Scout and House

2. Who is behind Pannikin, and what was your inspiration to start up the label?

Holly Leonardson, who likes to jokingly call herself the 'Jewellery Wizard' behind Pannikin and occasionally writes about herself in the third person.

Inspiration came when I realised just how much I enjoyed creating jewellery after landing a job at an amazing local bead store at 15. I never really stopped creating jewellery as a hobby and after being introduced to simple online stores such as Etsy and handmade/design markets I realised I could actually move beyond that stage and start a label.

Pannikin Circle Earrings - $34 pair

3. What kind of materials do you use in your products?

Early on I used to dabble in all sorts of mediums to create my jewellery however now I like focusing on turning simple illustrations and ideas into wearable, wooden objects which I hand-paint myself.

Pannikin Paper Plane Earrings - $34 pair

4. What's the best part of having an accessories label?

It's a mix of seeing people's reactions when they view and hold my pieces (I'll always get a kick out of that!) as well as the simple joy of creating and working with my hands.

Pannikin Square Earrings - $34 pair

5. Do you have a favourite item in the current range?

I do have a very soft spot for the items in my 'Keeping Young' collection, especially the rabbit and mouse brooches, they look so funny! All the engraved illustrations are actually crayon drawings I made as a 3 year old, which my Mum kept aside all these years. Every now and then we pull them out and have a bit of a laugh.

Kids' artwork always makes me smile - it's no biggie if Granny's head was drawn 5 times larger than her legs or if she was missing an arm, all that mattered was the pure joy of making and that's the feeling I am always aiming to capture with Pannikin.

Holly's pretty studio!

Find Holly's Pannikin range in store or online!

March it Out!

One, two, three...

It's hard to believe it's already March! Whilst the Festival season has wrapped up, there's still so much to do! And nice, warm weather perfect for rocking up in a cute, summery frock.

For nautical and seaside inspired activities we love this striped cotton Lucy dress from Emily and Fin

Emily & Fin Lucy Stripe Dress, $89.

or this too cute 20s style Porter dress from Dear Creatures

Dear Creatures Porter Dress, $110.

Wear either with lil white tennis shoes or ballet flats to Sculptures by the Sea!

For a feminine feel to your nightly escapades try this floral Elsa dress by Emily and Fin,

Emily & Fin Elsa Floral Dress, $99.

or the aptly named Frolic dress by Dear Creatures,

Dear Creatures Frolic Dress, $99. Available in blue or red chambray.

pared with a little belt, wedges and a light cardi you're ready to skip along to the Rooftop Movies!

For a slightly dressier look we love this Emily and Fin spotty Ella dress and floral Lucy dress

Emily & Fin Ella Spot Dress, $99.

Emily & Fin Lucy Floral Dress, $89.

add a string of pearls and 60s up 'do? Perfect for brunch with the girls or fancy Easter Egg Hunt!

And for any other outings, be they down rabbit holes or for croquet with flamingos (guess which blogger watched Alice in Wonderland last night?) then might I suggest this sweet pink birdy Alice dress by Emily and Fin.

Emily & Fin Alice Bird Dress, $89.

Also excellent for tea parties with Mad Hatters and March Hares.

Be My Valentine? Part III: Gifts for Fellas

So... wondering what to get your favourite fella this Valentine's Day? We've put together a short list of our top picks from the romantic to the goofy to surely let him know you, ya know, like him and stuff.

Thinking jewellery?

Scrumptious Polaroid Cufflinks - $17

Inspire him with scenes of romantic bike rides with this wallet from Poketo. The cover and inside backdrop feature work from Hanako Clulow. Cute!

Poketo Hanako Clulow Wallet 1 - $30

We love this handcrafted hip flask from Whimsy and Ink as an off-beat (har har) way to give him your heart.

Whimsy and Ink Anatomical Heart Hip Flask - $39

While we're on that theme, if you're thinking clothing:

I Heart Guts Got the Beat Men's tee - $50

or, if he has conquered your heart...

Tender Loving Empire Gentle Emperor tee - $50

Well there you have it! See below for our tips for gifts for her and our favourite Valentine cards. Whether you are in love, or just love your family/pals/pet we hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day!

Be My Valentine? Part II: Give her your heart

Ready to give someone your heart? But not literally coz that would be Shakespearean levels of dramatic, impractical, hurty and gross? Why not do it figuratively... and with jewellery!

Here are a few of our favourite suggestions for hinting you're sweet on someone this Valentine's Day...

Dotty Speck Heart Ring - $45

Whatever Heather Loveletter Necklace - $30

Classic Hardware Ornate Heart Necklace - $65

Iggy & Lou Lou I Love You Necklace - $79

Iggy & Lou Lou Heart Necklace - $79

Crowded Teeth Mini Heart Earrings - $12 per pair

Scrumptious Darling Heart Earrings - $15 per pair

I Heart Guts Heart Pin - $10

Jojo and Mac Lola Cardigan - $85

Beci Orpin Heart Locket - $28 per earring (sold as single)

Part III: gifts ideas for dudes will be up tomorrow!