duckeggBLUE

Arriving Soon - New 'Finds' Of Industrial & Antique Objects

2011-01-12T15:13:00.001+11:00

Well, what can I say! It is many, many months since I last updated this blog!!! Shameful & no excuses!

One of many New Year Resolutions was and is to update the stores blog regularly.......Let's see shall we....

I had planned to complain to you all about the appalling weather I 'weathered' while on my last overseas buying trip, but after being glued to the TV yesterday for many hours watching the horrific scenes of the Queensland Floods, I have very little to complain about! Our thoughts at both duckeggBLUE & quintessential duckeggBLUE go out to all affected by the devastation that is currently being experienced.

Now back to my trip......It was cold! It was SNOWING! It was SNOWING very heavily! Did I mention it was cold AND snowing? I have now lived in Australia for 11 years and haven't experienced snow in all these years......I chose not to!
I have commented on many occasions that it would be nice to see the snow again, the romantic idea of snow that obviously still exists in my memory of childhood fun had sledging down hills in the local fields.....and well, I did see the snow! Lots of it while in England, but it just wasn't as romantic as I seem to remember....maybe because I was actually trying to work?

France & Belgium were kind to me, only sleety showers and cold, cold winds.....cold enough to make me invest in a cap to try and keep the warmth in! I had packed plenty of leggings and jac+jack cashmere jumpers and scarves for the trip, even gloves, socks & boots, but a hat, NO! The picture below was my first taste of snow.....in Lille, North West France......I was rather excited to see the snow.....hence the photograph...little did I know what was in store for me when I arrived in the UK.

Many factories and markets were visited in France & Belgium with some great, but rather elusive 'finds'..........it was difficult on this trip to find exactly what I was looking for, or pieces that were 'covetable' and to my strict standards of quality, potential and individualism......examples of factory hunting and seeing the potential in some 'finds' are below.....

Factories are great, especially in November when they shield you from the outside temperatures and chills, where as the UK markets are outside in huge open fields and well, your left to keep warm for yourself! Now where did I leave that glove that I kept taking off while carefully sifting through potential buys!

My final selection.....along with contents of 'it doesn't bear thinking about'!

You never know what you will find.....

These have to be one of my favorite 'finds' from this trip.....dating back to the very early 1900's, they were originally used in a pharmacy - customers paid 1 old penny, and stood on the scales...as the scales say, "To weigh oneself often is to know oneself well"......
Still with the original paint work, a little bit of restoration work and these will be 'For Sale' very soon......great in a bathroom or perhaps next to the fridge....I suppose it depends which way the scales are tipping when you stand on them!

Dating from early 1910, this McVitie & Price (you may know them as McVitie biscuits.....chocolate digestives were always my favorite, how about you? Rich Tea?), is an original biscuit display cabinet, that would be used in a retail store to sell McVitie only products from........
I literally sprinted up the field when I spotted this 'find'.......I have only ever seen one before, in Paris of all places, and that was the price of a new bathroom!!! So I had to have this......
A week of restoring and this too will be 'For Sale' in quintessential duckeggBLUE.

More snow, this was just the worst day, very hard work, cold, wet, literally impossible to walk around the markets.....

Goods were left outside in the snow.....how else were buyers meant to 'buy' and sellers 'sell'?

We had a few issues actually driving mothers car out of the snow filled car park/field!!

The results of this hurculiane effort of a trip will be in store at quintessential duckeggBLUE from Saturday 29th January......we look forward to 'warmly' welcoming you into our 'snow free' zone.

My next overseas trip to 'find' more covetable industrial & antique objects is already booked...for the, fingers crossed, warmer month of May.

'good BUY' re-location SALE

2010-07-29T09:51:00.000+10:00

duckeggBLUE is delighted to announce the re-location of our fashion store to 489 Darling Street, Balmain (currently the Vivalino store) just a few doors down from our furniture store quintessential duckeggBLUE

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR HUGE RE-LOCATION SALE WITH UP TO 70% OFF COVETABLE WOMEN’s LABELS, including…..

Carl Kapp

Lee Mathews

Ginger & Smart

By Malene Birger

Tara Jarmon

Majestic

Jac & Jack

18th Amendment Denim

Filippa K

Paul & Joe

SALE COMMENCES FRIDAY 30th JULY until sold out!

Be quick and bag a few great buys!!!

We will close on Sunday 29th August and re-open on Friday 3rd September

We look forward to welcoming you to our fabulous new store full of ‘beautiful clothes & covetable style’

Love duckeggBLUE xxx

Now Exhibiting, Countess Ingegerd Ahlefeldt-Laurvigen

2010-07-13T10:45:00.004+10:00

It had to be. My last day at the UK antique markets, no money left in my purse and certainly no space left on my rather over exhausted credit cards, and I had to find 8 original oil paintings, circa 1930/40 by the Woman pictured above. Countess Ingegerd Ahlefeldt-Laurvigen (1900-1986), Painter; daughter of Count Preben Ferdinand, Danish Envoy. A painter, poet and writer. It was love at first sight and I had to have them.

6 weeks later and they just arrived in Sydney yesterday afternoon, are now unpacked (after lots of bubble wrap, card and inquisitive dogs!) and in the back of my car on their way to be professionally strung so that I can hang them in our freshly painted hallway.

Countess Ingegerd 'Johanne Marie' Ahlefeldt-Laurvigen painted these portraits in oil on canvas, of Chelsea pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, a retirement and nursing home for former members of the British Army who had been injured in service or who had served for more than 20 years.

Pensioners were entitled to come and go from the Royal Hospital as they pleased, and were permitted to wear civilian clothing wherever they travelled. However, within the hospital, and in the surrounding area, in-pensioners were encouraged to wear a blue uniform, and this is the uniform that Countess Ingegerd Ahlefeldt-Laurvigen captured on canvas while the pensioners 'sat' for her during her portrait sittings. Her time and efforts were of no charge to the hospital, and here is where the paintings would have hung for many years. Why they are not there now, I do not know. All I know is I am somewhat humbled and quite honoured to have these works as an 'entrance' feature to my home, art of a Countess that has many of her works hung at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

If the pensioners traveled further from the Hospital, they had to wear their distinctive scarlet coats instead of the blue uniform. The scarlet coats were also worn for ceremonial occasions, accompanied by tricorne hats, and this is as it still is today.

The gentleman that I purchased the paintings from insisted that I had them framed in a large gilded frame, it's obvious from that comment that we are strangers......gold elaborate frames really aren't my bag! Instead I choose to leave them as they are, unframed, with delicate, aged edges to the canvas and let the intricate brushwork of each portrait speak for itself.

Style Icon, Grace Kelly, at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London

2010-07-12T17:58:00.003+10:00

The thing that made her stand out is what we call 'style'. McCall's magazine, 1955

With a morning to spare before my long flight back to Sydney I paid a visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum, in Knightsbridge, London....directly opposite my hotel, so really no excuses not to pop in and absorb the style of one of the worlds most photographed Women of the 20th Century, Grace Kelly.

With her obvious classic beauty came elegance and glamour, so much so she came to symbolise the classic, understated look that she wore both on and off screen, and was known for her impeccable dress sense and style.

Through Grace Kelly's spectacular wardrobe, this tasteful exhibition takes the visitor through her life of adventures and stories, from Hollywood actress to a princess of one of Europe's oldest royal families.
If your visiting London this exhibition is well worth a visit, lust over the Chanel & Dior suits and dresses.....if only my wardrobe was so well 'suited'!

Stay Tuned...Arriving This Week At duckeggBLUE, Ginger & Smart Summer 2010

2010-07-12T16:31:00.001+10:00

It's 4pm on Monday afternoon and I'm counting down the days and hours until Ginger & Smarts Summer 2010 collection arrives in store later this week.
Fresh from the catwalk of Australian Fashion Week, duckeggBLUE is delighted to share with you only the most covetable styles, from all-in-one play suits, bold graphic printed dresses to whimsical floaty dresses, duckeggBLUE has it all!

And NEW to duckeggBLUE is Ginger & Smarts Footwear collection.....in store early September. Move over Winter boots, Summer 'must own' wedges are calling.

The Wait IS Over! Jac & Jack Spring 2010 In Store Now at duckeggBLUE

2010-07-12T15:47:00.002+10:00

Always a favourite with staff and customers alike, Jac & Jack Spring Collection is now available at duckeggBLUE! As pictures speak a thousand words, I'll let the pictures chat away to you....and what a gossip they should have!!!

The girls at Jac & Jack never disappoint, from beautiful crisp cotton pants, peach skin silks, silky cotton jerseys to knitted linens, this collection is not to be missed.....my first purchases will have to be the cute cotton pants (perfect with a pair of bensimons) and the knitted linen blazer....understated style for Summer days in Sydney. Bring on the sunshine!

From Glorious Sunny Summer Days In Europe To Rainy Days In 'Blighty'...quintessential duckeggBLUE Had It All

2010-06-28T20:15:00.001+10:00

I have just returned from a busy 3 week trip to France, Belgium & England.......lucky me I hear you say......and yes, you are right to think that, although 99% of my time was spent tracking down quintessential duckeggBLUEs next great 'finds' of industrial & antique objects, rather than 'holidaying' around Europe.

This involved much digging around disused factories and trudging through markets held in fields that looked as though they belonged to Glastonbury music festival on a rather wet weekend!! And I didn't even have my Hunter wellington boots with me....how does that work, I sell them? My trusty old Converse didn't know what hit them, and I'm afraid to say I don't think they will see another trip.

Yes, it rained in my mother land of 'Blighty', what else was I too expect? Sun? Heavens forbid....and the heavens did forbid sun.....just look at the rain puddles and wellingtons...these people obviously still live in England and wouldn't dream of thinking that the sun may appear.....I have obviously lived in Sydney for far too long!
Even still, the English advertise their Summer BBQ's and yes, they still held them....under LEAKING awnings!

With all that wet weather, a good old 'cuppa' was just the job......under leaking awning of course! Adds to the taste and authenticity! Note the scarf.....it was Summer and I'm wearing a
Jac + Jack pure cashmere sweater and my mothers scarf (I didn't pack one, it's Summer, surely no scarf was required?)

It's a glamorous life! Like the metal trolley? Or do you prefer the basket? The basket is much more 'quintessentially English' don't you think?

Many finds were to be had at the markets....I was tempted by these boots,

but they weren't my size, so instead I indulged in these rather covetable English leather riding boots with turn of the century wooden lasts.....

Bumped into the odd BBC camera crew, busy shooting scenes for their Antiques and Bargain Hunter TV shows.....

And a few stall holders that had clearly just 'had enough'.....

or maybe she had just caught sight of this rather 'fetching' attraction.....'playing for one night only'.....thank the lord I had a flight leaving that day for France......

What's Now! Spring 2010 Collections at duckeggBLUE

2010-06-28T10:43:00.000+10:00

What's Now!
Spring 2010 Collections in store now from By Malene Birger, Paul & Joe Sister and a new to duckeggBLUE, Amercian denim label and the world's No.1 leading jeans brand, J Brand.

Award-winning Danish designer Malene Birger (formerly of Day Birger et Mikkelsen) started her eponymous line in 2003. Taking inspiration from the classic style of the '50s and '60s and featuring an excellent use of color, the Summer 2010 collection from By Malene Birger is in store now at duckeggBLUE, and after only 2 days we have sold out of many sizes and styles already…..proving that these beautiful cotton dresses, sheer blouses and cotton-trimmed knitted silk jerseys tops are elegant, feminine and highly wearable.

Our first delivery from BMB Summer 2010 focuses strongly on denim chambray shirts and dresses, white cotton organza blouses and ‘edgy’ bleached denim skinny fit jeans.

In the world of designer denim it takes a lot for a pair of jeans to impress duckeggBLUE. The leading world denim label has just landed at duckeggBLUE, J Brand. Their clean, aesthetic designs make these jeans fashion-forward, which in turn are quickly snapped up by fashion icons from Anna Wintour to Kate Moss, are stylishly understated. J Brand launched in 2005 and has since become a fashion favorite and wardrobe staple. With fits for every Woman, duckeggBLUE is now stocking all the covetable and best selling styles.

A fresh diffusion line from the darling of the Parisian Left Bank, Paul and Joe; Paul and Joe Sister has been a runaway success for the brand and duckeggBLUE is delighted to showcase to you the Summer 2010 collection, in store now. Paul and Joe Sister is the quirkier, younger member of the Paul and Joe family and continues the design characteristic of the mainline, with cute printed gingham tops, silk pants, smock dresses and covetable soft leather bags....the perfect arm candy for the new season.

duckeggBLUE is confident this injection of Left-Bank chic will be more than worth the Balmain parking meters!

Tea Revives You & So Will Our SALE

2010-05-24T14:09:00.000+10:00

duckeggBLUE & quintessential duckeggBLUE are launching their
'Tea Revives You & So Will Our SALE' Winter Sale on Wednesday 26th May from 10am.

Great buys can be had in duckeggBLUE with up to 50% off leading fashion labels Paul & Joe, By Malene Birger, Ginger & Smart, Jac + Jack, Lee Mathews, Sphere One Cashmere, Majestic & Filippa K, to beautiful scented candles from Voluspa and quirky stationery from Cavallini & Co.

quintessential duckeggBLUE is also offering some covetable industrial & antique furniture at great prices, with up to 50% off European industrial metal cabinets, chairs and even a French antique carousel horse.

Be quick....these covetable fashion labels and furniture will not last long....

See you all soon!

Going Going Gone.....It's SOLD!!

2010-05-22T13:10:00.001+10:00

'Regrets? I've had a few,

But then again, too few to mention.

I did what I had to do

And saw it through without exemption'.

And yes, it S-O-L-D.....the Chanel letter 'A' was snapped up my a rather charming gentleman who fell for it's charms while he was flicking the pages of this months Belle magazine......

Oh well, never mind....as my mother so cleverly pointed out "where was I going to put it in our rather space concious abode"???

Chanel Letter 'A' ....as featured in Belle Magazine Luxury Edition

2010-05-09T17:37:00.000+10:00

Wow.....how amazing does this look? The Chanel letter 'A' from Baz Lurhmans 'Chanel' TV advert featuring Nicole Kidman, is featured in the June/July edition of Belle Magazines 'Luxury Edition'.

All of the letters from the 'Chanel' advert were cleverly sourced by quintessential duckeggBLUE, and sold within days of reaching the shop floor......in fact, our first blog post featured the letter 'C' which was quickly 'bagged' by a stylish customer named Catherine.

The letter 'A' was purchased by myself, never to be sold again.....however since being featured in Belle magazine it is now back on the shop floor........P.O.A (I'm not in a rush to part with it)!!

Need I say more......it has a rather large price ticket, but hey, where would you find another of these? Exactly! A one-off, and this is the last one available from the original 6 Chanel letters. An iconic 'find' with Australian and international brand recognition. Better start saving.....

Found.....Vintage Print Block Art Back In Store

2010-05-09T10:38:00.003+10:00

Circa 1910, sourced from Scotland, printers type set print blocks, mounted into type set draws frames from original printers draws, can now be viewed at quintessential duckeggBLUE.
Proving exceptionally difficult to source, our type set alphabet & numbers were salvaged from a Scottish printers factory, and have since been lovingly waxed and mounted ready for you to enjoy.

After our first artworks sold out within days, we have just received our new 'finds'....all of which are displayed 'on the wall' alongside artist, Clare Goddards, delicate, handmade collages.

Also featured in the June/July edition of Belle Magazine Luxury edition, the artworks are priced from $295 to $495.

Cold Evenings Please!! Jac + Jack Luxurious Cashmere Throws Available Now At quintessential duckeggBLUE

2010-05-06T17:12:00.000+10:00

Jac+Jack have long held a cult following for their luxurious basics and super soft knits, all available at duckeggBLUE. And now, for the die-hard fans of Jac+Jack, quintessential duckeggBLUE may be able to tempt you with luxurious cashmere throws. Simply heaven to slip under on the sofa while watching your favourite film, or to throw over the bed for nothing but unadulterated luxury.
After only having being delivered to the store today, the cable knit pure cashmere throw (pictured above), sold within the first hour......to a Jac+Jack womenswear devotee. Bring on those cold nights we say!

Fashion Week Review - Ginger & Smart Summer 2010

2010-05-04T15:43:00.002+10:00

Direct from the catwalk at the Overseas Passenger Terminal building in Sydney yesterday morning, duckeggBLUE staff & myself viewed Ginger & Smart at Australian Fashion Week.

Ginger & Smart channelled positive energy into their new Summer 2010 collection, The Transcendent. Being the fourth state of consciousness, lies beyond waking, dreaming and sleeping, the collection is inspired by the blissful moment of wakefulness and of a future beauty and positiveness, all translated into abstract prints - Ginger & Smarts successful signature handwriting.

Breezy shirt dresses and perforated leather tops, knotted skirts and dresses to cropped harem pants - this collection showed highlights of wearable pieces for Summer 2010, which of course will be available at duckeggBLUE from July 2010.

Darling! What is that on your 'Dressing Table'? Why Mrs.Press Of Course...

2010-05-04T13:23:00.000+10:00

From divinely scented heady candles, sophisticated soaps set on English china saucers, draw liners to ensure that your Mrs.Press silk slips and knickers are kept sweet smelling in your chest of drawers to luxury bath & shower gels and nourishing body lotions, Mrs.Press knows how to impress us!

Light fragrances of Magnolia, Tea Rose & Warm Spice and added vitamin E, the Dressing Room collection from Mrs.Press will delight all modern girls.

In store from Wednesday 5th May...perfect timing for Mothers Day!

C'est Si Bon! Mrs.Press Summer 2010 Sneak Preview

2010-05-04T11:55:00.003+10:00

Mrs. Press is a thoroughly modern girl to be sure, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t like things to be done properly. That means silk knickers at all times, and the perfect vintage-inspired going out dress to make her look the bee’s knees.

duckeggBLUE fell truly, madly and deeply in love with Mrs.Press' new Summer 2010 collection, so much so that we thought we would give you a sneak peak at her new Summer collection!

Luxurious finishes, the very best fabrics and posh details have won these impeccably styled pieces a cult following in duckeggBLUE, and if you can't wait until Summer, then why not view her current Winter collection in store now at duckeggBLUE.....it's simply 'C'est Si Bon'.......A bientot.....

Weller Tickets In The Pocket! Just Cool!

2010-05-02T17:16:00.001+10:00

Bagged - tickets to see the Modfather, Paul Weller, who is well, just cool.
I’ve been listening to some form of music from Brit Paul Weller, aka, the Modfather, for longer than I'd care to mention! Witnessed him LIVE on many an occasion both in Blighty and Sydney and have never been disappointed! Who would be - seriously! This man has some serious style and stage presence (often with a vodka in one hand and a Benson & Hedges in the other).

I first started listening to Weller when he was the front man for The Jam, a power pop trio that symbolised the English Mod movement. Mod music was sort of a bridge from late 70’s Punk spilling into 80’s New Wave. Paul abruptly ended the Jam to develop an entirely 'different' sound with The Style Council - and to be honest, not his most shining of hours! From the young front man who sang about the UK class system in the epic 'Eton Rifles'.....

"all that rugby puts hairs on your chest,
what chance have you got against a tie and a crest.
Hello - hurrah - what a nice day for the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles"

.....to the Weller I know and adore now, who wears nothing less than dapper tailored suits by the iconic and most certainly 'quintessential' designer, Paul Smith to fine knits by John Smedley!.....Not exactly working class togs anymore!! The boy has come far........and is about to rock the Enmore Theatre in October.....and I have tickets! Nice!!!!

Made In Italy, Roberto Collina Womens Wear

2010-05-02T15:58:00.001+10:00

After taking 3 weeks to arrive via international TNT due to a rather unruly volcano in Europe, Roberto Collina Womens Winter 2010 is now in store at duckeggBLUE.

An Australian exclusive, and discovered while in NY last September at fashion week, the Roberto Collina Italian family brand is tightly woven - pardon the pun, and passed down from generation to generation. If you ask Roberto Collina about when he started in the milieu of knitwear, he would say in a genuine way, that he was actually raised among the knits!

The well established , eponymous label boasts a knitwear family tradition dating back to the late fifties. The family run company, in fact, has now been producing for almost 50 years, showing and giving Roberto’s passion and knowledge of the product, materials and production techniques from his first steps in the fashion industry.

After his graduation in the early 80’s Roberto’s presence in the company strengthened as he injected new life into the business with an innovative concept, uniting tradition and the new marketing impulses. The Roberto Collina brand was initially established in January 1983 , and since then has stood as a synonym for knitwear quality, combining knowledge of the product and a constant strive for improvement and innovation.

Based close to Bologna, the company is proud to declare that all the products, which leave their production deserve the precious certification “100% made in Italy” and is now available, thanks to the airlines flying again post volcano threats, in Australia at duckeggBLUE.

Bring On The Rain Or At Least Glastonbury! I Want To Wear My Hunter Wellington Boots!

2010-05-02T15:33:00.000+10:00

At last, duckeggBLUE is delighted to announce the arrival of the quintessential 'Wellington Boot' now in store! Hunter Boots were first manufactured in 1856 and are sported by the Queen of England to media celebrities such as Kate Moss (isn't Ms.Moss now the Queen of England? Or at least the Queen of British Style)!

Available in the original Hunter Green, classic French Navy and glossy Black, be the first to step out in style this Winter in Hunter, the iconic 'British Style' boot.

Tres Chic! Paul & Joe Womenswear now available at duckeggBLUE

2010-02-11T14:18:00.000+11:00

This well-known French label is the epitome of great French style & design and duckeggBLUE is delighted to now showcase this European label in our Womenswear boutique.

Paul & Joes strengths are pretty tops and dresses, well cut, good quality jackets, coats and tailored trousers, as well as their signature printed t-shirts and essential denim jeans.

Arriving in-store tomorrow, be the first to view this 'Tres Chic' collection!

For One Night Only! The Beatles LIVE at quintessential duckeggBLUE

2010-02-09T13:56:00.002+11:00

It was a week ago today, quintessential taught the band to play

They've been bringing you the most covetable of style

And they're guaranteed to raise a smile

So may we introduce to you

The act you've known for all these years

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

They're now Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club CHAIR!

We hope you will enjoy the show

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club CHAIR

Sit back and let the evening go by on a quintessential covetable chair

Sgt. Pepper's Club Sofa Chair, Sgt. Pepper's Club Sofa Chair

Sgt. Pepper's FABRIC COVERED CLUB SOFA CHAIR!

It's wonderful to sit on

It's certainly a thrill

You're all such lovely customers

So come on in, please be seated

We'd love you to take it home!

I don't really want to stop the show

But I thought that you might like to know

That the chair's on its' way and it won't be long

And the Beatles want you all to sing along

So let me introduce to you

The one and only quintessential duckeggBLUE

And its' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club FABRIC covered chair!

A Touch Of Parisian Chic Graces Balmain......

2010-02-01T18:35:00.001+11:00

Well, what a maiden post this has turned out to be! How will I live up to this for my next post?

Our most recent 'find' has just been delivered to the store today and we have already S-O-L-D the letter 'C'......to a stylish customer named Catherine....what a lucky girl. Within 2 minutes of e-mailing her an image of the letter 'C', Catherine had bought this great piece of an iconic brand and advertising memorabilia!

Originally designed for and featured in the Baz Lurhmann 'Coco Chanel' advert featuring Nicole Kidman, and based on a similar story line to Moulin Rouge, quintessential duckeggBLUE now has all the 6 individual letters that make up the iconic word 'CHANEL'....well apart from the 'C' which Catherine has just bagged! Clever Girl! Might not fit in her Chanel handbag though!