Happy New Year 2011!

I have been away hiding in the country, enjoying the fresh air, forest walks and planning my New Year!

I love a good To Do list and this was the ultimate! 

I feel much more focused and relaxed now that all the thoughts swimming around in my head are now safely down on paper and not to be forgotten! 

I hope it will be a good year of growth for Mina + Oli and one filled with adventure for me. 

So a belated Merry Christmas to all and a very

Happy New Year!

laura x

Wrist-let

New to hit the Mina + Oli store...

wrist·let (rĭstˈlĭt)
noun

1. A band of material worn round the wrist for
warmth or support.

2. A bracelet.

laura x

Irresistible

The lovely ladies at The Clothing Exchange blogged about Mina + Oli the other day! 

 

This is what they had to say...

Sustainable Gift idea for your Best Friend

08 Dec 10 - By kateluckins in General
 

Mina + Oli coin purses made by our lovely swap volunteer Laura make the prefect gift this Christmas. Perfect for your best friend… or maybe irresistible as a ‘gift for yourself’. Made from upcycled leather jackets and fabric they are all one of a kind, filled with character and ultimately sustainable!
Grab yours today at www.minaandoli.bigcartel.com

laura x

Beautiful Creatures

My uncle has one of North American largest bug and butterfly collections.

He has travelled all over the world collecting and now has a house packed to the rafters of the most amazing, strange and beautiful creatures. 

These are some of the butterflies he has framed and I fell in love with and are hanging on my wall.

They are not endangered!

laura x

Just in time for Christmas!

These coin purses make the perfect gift this Christmas and are now available here

I love the spotty black one. 

Imagine walking around in a spotty 

black leather jacket! 

Who ever owned this one was sooo cool!

laura x

My dirty little secret!

My dirty little secret is... I love Gossip Girl! 

My boyfriend makes fun of me, it is a bit ridiculous and I'm a bit old to be watching! 

But the reason I watch (besides the all the fabulous clothes) is the passionate, tragic, magnetic love affair between Blair and Chuck!  

Serina and the Nate Dan triangle YAWN! 

Give me Blair and Chuck any day!

addicted 
laura x

The Rise of Collaborative Consumption

A few weeks ago I had the chance to see Rachel Botsman talk about her new book  

What's Mine is Yours: The Rise of Collaborative Consumption. 

A very interesting topic with guest speakers Steve Sammartion from Rentoid, Daniel Nobel from DriveMyCar Rentals and the lovely Juliette Anich from The Clothing Exchange.

She talked about the rise of practises like organized sharing, swapping, renting and gifting.  I learned a lot that night, now want to rent out everything in my house and can't wait to read the book.

Has anyone read it yet?

laura x

Bona Drag

Bona Drag is one of my favourite online stores. 

The name means Nice Outfit in a secret language they used in London in the 60's.

 They have fantastic jewellery.

I really love this designer Lindsey Thornburg and her use of pattern.

Also love this dress by Bodkin.

Santa are you listening?

laura x

We missed you!

 

Tom Ford is back after 6 years away from fashion.

 

I appreciate his view on media, exclusivity and think it will make his clothing even more sort after. 

 

Way to go Mr. Ford! 

 

Read the article on Vogue.com

laura x

The sweetest flower that blows

Mina + Oli coin purse have arrived at the

Rose St Market 

online store!

Here is a preview, including the fun colourful linings that are hiding inside! 

Why should the outside have all the fun?

laura x

Mina + Oli Animated

I thought this was quite fun!

Make your own animation

laura x

Vintage patterns

I love to collect old patterns but I never seem to get around to making them, it's sad really.

I know how to sew, have lots of machines and can easily make them but I'm always sewing bags or teaching sewing. 

(I work as a sewing instructor part time - love it!) 

I never feel like sewing much in my free time. 

But I think that should change! 

Which one do you think I should start with?

Would make a perfect little back dress!

I like the short sleeve versions; I could do my hair like a Charlie's Angel too!

I think I need one of each style! 

The short one does look quite short thought!!

Never the stripes! 

But "B" with the right fabric: a fantastic evening dress!

I know the perfect little girl for this one!

Oh this one's full of goodies! I really like the pink coat in the middle! Very Audrey!

Elegant, classic! Not sure about the jacket?

One of each again! You can't have too many dresses!

laura x