As a child, I adored my Faber-Castell coloured pencils: artist sets, watercolours, those cute ones that came in the little tubes… And now I think I know why. In exciting news for my ability to predict the future, the socially-responsible German stationery company is bringing one of my favourite childhood compositions – the smiling trees,…
You’re probably wondering why on earth surfing champion and Planet Ark ambassador, Layne Beachley, is standing inside a recycling bin. Well, Planet Ark are currently running a competition to encourage us to recycle aluminum cans when we’re out and about at parks, beaches (get it – beaches?) and other public spaces. The humble tin can…
Despite the overwhelming evidence in favour of sustainable energy, it seems those in power (no pun intended) are still reluctant to throw their full support behind it. If only they’d take a trip to Melbourne’s Federation Square this month: we’re sure the sight of the Strandbeest strolling on the sandstone would make them see the…
The expression ‘trés chic’ and the words ‘let’s go do the groceries’ don’t often meet in the same sentence. That was until ink & stitch came along. Based in Bondi, this mother-daughter design duo wanted to create durable and beautiful eco-friendly bags after they became tired of seeing ‘scary looking tote bags that resemble saggy tits and…
Ever since this gorgeous book landed in the Peppermint office we’ve been swooning over Marilyn’s impeccable vintage style. Authors Andrew Hansford and Karen Homer have put together an irresistible collection of sketches, dress patterns and behind-the-scenes snapshots of some of The Blonde Bombshell’s most famous get-ups. Who ever knew Hollywood starlets had such good taste? Thanks…
Well what do you know! One of Sydney’s favourite market vendors and pop-up shop extraordinaire, Queen Justine Vintage, has just launched her all-new online store. With the last precious weeks of Summer stretching out ahead, we’re taking serious inspiration from QJV’s wardrobe: a bit of crochet, something floral, a wide brimmed hat and pair of vintage sunnies… I knew…
Here’s another reason why you should never go by the claims printed on packaging or in advertising… Lenan, the Australian distributor of Organix Ever Straight Brazilian Keratin Therapy products, between March and August 2011 falsely advertised their products as “formaldehyde-free”, “sulphate-free” and “sodium-free”, when in actual fact they most certainly were not! Thankfully Lenan has…
While a reworked Young Talent Time returned to our screens this week, the only young talents we need to know about are the ones who have been busily burrowing away in preparation for today’s grand opening of Evergreen: fresh sustainable fashion at Sydney’s Object Gallery. Showcasing the works of both emerging and established eco designers…
Sandra Dieckmann, we love you! As if this London-based illustrator and creator of wildly mesmerising animal folks and fairytale worlds couldn’t impress us enough, she also works as a part-time manager of the RSPCA – saving the lives of real animals! A stop by her website and Etsy/BigCartel stores is a must – we’re particularly…
Australia Day might be a celebration of national identity, but trust us, there are more ways to say it than just by eating lamb! Never mind draping an Australian flag around your shoulders, either. What you need to flaunt your national pride is to get familiar with locally-designed and produced fashion. Australia is home to lots of labels…
It’s never much fun saying goodbye to an old friend. But these are happy tears, we swear! With the exciting news that Angela D’Alton, the founder of our favourite online design store Leeloo, is moving on to bigger and brighter things (a job at handmade haven Etsy!) comes the announcement that the website will be…
What’s on this weekend in your neck of the woods? Don’t forget to check the Peppermint Events page for listings of markets, fairs, workshops, sales and many more eco, organic, fair trade and fashion events coming up in 2012! If you want to spread the word about something that’s happening in your area (or you’d like…