Designer prefers simplicity, elegance

Belinda Cipriano, The West Australian

Updated December 17, 2009, 6:30 am

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WA News/Rob Duncan © Festive flair: Jewellery designer Belle Bijoux with Elianah, decorating their tree.

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Designer Belle Bijoux reveals why she prefers simplicity and elegance at Christmas.

THE DECORATIONS: My home is always decorated quite simply but elegantly.

Candles and bowls of star anise and cinnamon sticks give the house a traditional Christmas fragrance.

The shelf above the fireplace is always adorned with Christmas crafts my eldest has made at school over the years - paper angels, painted pine cones and an advent calendar.

Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin singing Christmas carols are always on my stereo at this time of year.

THE THEME: Antique-inspired.

THE TREE: Our towering Christmas tree stands proudly in the living room of our Fremantle home.

It is decorated with treasured ornaments - some collected from my travels and others passed down through my family.

My favourite piece, a small glass angel from Venice, is perched on top.

THE MENU: The first half of Christmas day is spent with my family, followed by a late lunch with my partner's family.

It is truly a day of overeating and overindulging!

Brunch at my sister Sarah's is always a wonderfully casual affair.

The kids roll around on the grass and splash in the paddling pool while the adults feast on fruit, pastries, and fruit bread slathered in homemade preserves.

My sister skilfully mixes pitchers of spicy bloody Marys and champagne with blood orange juice for Christmas drinks.

It is then time to head to my partner's family's house for a late lunch.

Roast turkey, ham, seafood, roasted vegetables and salads are piled high along the long dinner table.

After our bellies are full we all adjourn to the family room to start the Secret Santa gift giving.

My contribution to the day's feast? Every year I love making fruit mince tarts and displaying them on a particularly kitsch five-tiered cake stand.

TRADITIONS: Christmas morning would not be complete without an early morning swim at the beach.

My partner and I stroll down to South Beach with the kids and spend the morning playing in the cool calm water.

THE GIFTS: I love giving unique, sentimental presents.

This year Elianah, 10, will receive a gold antique locket from Santa, and my youngest, Evangeline, will be given floaties, a bucket and spade and a pair of red sequined shoes so she can tap her heels together.

I usually go to Remedy for quirky homewares, Aesop products and beautiful stationery; New Edition for books on food, wine, design, photography, philosophy and architecture; Churchill's Antiques for perfume bottles and vintage jewellery; Old Bridge Cellars for petite bottles of sparkling moscato and riesling; Rochelle Adonis for her famous white chocolate, cranberry and pistachio nougat; Simon Johnson for cheese and coffee.

A week before Christmas, Elianah and I make our own wrapping paper; embellishing rolls of brown paper with glitter and potato stamps. I also love Mokoh's Christmas cards.

Tis the Season to be BUSY!

Crazy is the best way to describe the last few weeks for me! Between work, getting my website up and running, attending events and organising one of my own I haven't had a moment to myself. Work finishes up in a just over a week and let me tell you I cannot wait to take some time off to chill..... but before this I've got a few things to fill you in on, so let's begin.

About  a month ago I visited the new Betty Tran store to meet the lady herself and check out her new location at Raine Square. I've emailed and chatted to Betty over social media so to actually sit down and have a coffee with this lady who comes from the most humble of beginnings was wonderful. I'll be posting my interview with Betty in full over the coming days but I'll leave you with this, Betty's work ethic, designs and motivation are truly inspiring and hearing her story made me want to do and be better . We are lucky to have an outstanding talent such as Betty at our finger-tips and if you haven't done so already make sure you visit her soon to see just what everyone else is talking about.

Checking out the Betty Tran's newest store at Raine Square

Following on from Betty, I was lucky enough to get an invite from the Hawaiian Group to a  special VIP Evening with Donna Hay. I've followed Donna Hay's journey from the very early days and loved her work as food editor of Marie Claire Magazine so when the opportunity to meet her came up I jumped (well begged) at the chance. 

Here for the launch of her new book Fresh & Light she joked it featured healthier-style recipes which she stuck to cooking from Monday to Friday or Thursday if she started the weekend early. Donna Hay's cooking style is simple and anyone afraid of getting in the kitchen  should definitely try out some of her cookbooks - I have no doubt they will be greeted by success. Super easy, yet delicious she breaks things down, using everyday ingredients to create easy lunches, quick dinners and this book is no different. 

So what do you eat when you're at a Donna Hay event - a Donna Hay inspired feast, that's what. Husby and  I tried the goat's curd, broad bean and mint bruchettas - so yummy and the beef and radish summer rolls - delightful. 

Donna describes her latest cookbook as a combination of fresh ingredients, pantry staple and a few personal tricks for a lighter approach. "It's all about flavour and eating well," she said.

I have a signed copy of Light and Fresh to giveaway and will be announcing the competition on Facebook tomorrow so keep an eye on the page for all the details. In the meantime here are a few pictures from the night: 

Donna being introduced

Love her cheeky style

Got introduced to her as Cooking in Choos and she wanted to know all about my shoe collection - love it!

My autographed copy!

Two weekends it was with great delight that I along with husby got to attend the 1st Birthday of Perth fashion designer and my dear friend Steph Audino. Regular readers of my blog know that I met Steph through a family friend and although we've only known each other just on a year it feels like we have been friends forever. 

I can't even put into words how proud I am of this talented young lady. In just a short time she has achieved so much and in what has been an unbelievable first year for this emerging WA designer she's determined to keep riding this amazing wave she's on.

Steph was one of the highlights at this year's Perth Fashion Festival, she has dressed the Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi, television presenters/journalist Ebbeny Faranda and Angela Tsun and Nic Natanui's partner Elle Demasi recently wore a couture gown to the West Coast Eagles Fairest & Best. Her biggest coup however was when former Spice Girl and X Factor judge Mel B hand-picked five of her pieces to wear when she visited Perth earlier this year for PFF. 

To add another feather to her cap, Steph Audino has also just been picked up to sell her latest collection as part of Claremont's Ten at Times Pop Up Boutique for the next two weeks, this just after taking part in a Designer Charity event (held by me and my sister-in-law) over the weekend. 

The year isn't over for Steph Audino and I know that this first year is the beginning of what's to come , trust me when I say this young lady is destined for big things - watch this space.  

Congratulations again Steph, I wish you all the best and look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you xxx

The VIP  invite

Live mannequins

Steph with weather presenter Angela Tsun

Making her speech with PFF direct Mariella Harvey-Hanrahan

All smiles in front of her decadent dessert buffet by Dee's Sweet Boutique

Steph & her girls

Fellow designer Dianna Monastra of Three Anjewels, me and Texan stylist/journalist Haili Zwiercan Pue of All Ze Details

Blogger Donna Dee, me, Steph and Haili celebrating!

KIKU Boutique - A Fashionable Find

Hey guys I know it's been a while but I'm not going to start this post by apologising for my lack of blogging, I actually have a valid excuse (not that the other ones weren't). I am in the process of revamping the blog to a whole new-look website and with that comes the transferring of all my posts and with hundreds of them I don't want to add more work  to my already over-flowing workload. Anyhoo continuing on and I do hope you are all patient - it will definitely be worth it once it's finish! 

Soooooooooooo while I was taking a short hiatus I stumbled across this super-cute new online Perth boutique - KIKU Boutique. KIKU meaning chrysanthemum in Japanese and the country's national flower is a gorgeous little on-line boutique with fabulous clothes at a bargain price.

Owner Cindy said she named the boutique KIKU following a stint in Japan saying it held a special place in her heart . The flower is also known for its elegance, timeless beauty and its symbolic meaning for joy and again I am side-tracked - so back to the boutique!

Having opened less than a month ago what got my attention about this new kid on the online block was the very beautiful dresses at affordable prices. This boutique offers nothing over the price of $50AUD - pretty reasonable if you ask me. 

On Monday they launched their new collection called Block Colours and I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek before it went online (images below). I love a good bright colour and many of my readers will know I don't often do black. A lovely pink dress, red pants, cobalt jeans or whatever it may be just lightens things up and always makes you feel better. Seriously ladies, it's impossible being sad in yellow - trust me. 

Below you'll find three of the dresses from the collection and these are just a taste of what is on offer on the site.......and just because it's been a while since my last post KIKU Boutique has been generous enough (they're good like that) to offer CIC readers a 10 per cent discount for everyone who visits the site and buys online during the month of October.

All you have to do is enter the code is “cichoos1012” into the “voucher” section on the checkout page and voila your already bargain-priced piece is even more affordable - how can you resist? 

For more information, updates on new collections, special offers and fashion news don't forget to show your appreciation by LIKING the page on FACEBOOK.

To take advantage of the 10 per cent offer and check out the Block Colours Collection head straight to KIKU Boutique

Please note discount is applicable only to products and shipping charges are  – AUD$6 within Australia for one/two pieces and FREE for 3 pieces and above. For all my overseas reader KIKU Boutique also ships worldwide at affordable flat rates. 

ABOUT Cindy: Cindy is passionate about beautiful clothes and believes that all women, with the right styling, can look fabulous. She has lived in fashion-forward cities like Japan and Singapore, and now calls Australia home. As an avid online shopper for many years, she often dreamt about creating a boutique that offers the kind of online shopping experience that she would personally enjoy. According to Cindy the KIKU woman is chic with a touch of flamboyance; classy but not afraid to be adventurous with fashion. She loves her brights as much as the monotone colours. And she doesn't believe that looking good has to cost a fortune - hey you've got to love that! Fashion that doesn't break the budget - sign me up!  Outfit one: Kiku Boutique Dress Royal Blue (teamed with & without orange belt) Three Anjewels Neon Necklace RUBI Shoes Outfit two: Kiku Boutique Lemon Summer Dress Three Anjewels Blue Necklace RUBI Shoes Outfit three:  Kiku Boutique Chiffon Dress Cherry Pink  Ring YSL Cuff Hermes Betts Shoes

Royal Blue $48

Lemon Summer Dress $44AUD

Chiffon Dress in Cherry Pink $42

Images courtesy of Nicole Duncan Photography

Giuliana Rancic Breast Cancer Charity H&M Dress

Hey guys have been waiting for the right moment to blog about this and with baby Rancic on its way - I decided today is the day!

As some of you may or may not be aware I visited the US earlier this year for a well-earned vacay. While I was there I indulged in my favourite past-times - eating and shopping and a little research. I also had a couple of meetings with some pretty special people who will be helping my sister-in-law and I for our annual Breast Cancer Care WA event (more deets on that to come).

Anyways while I was there I got to attend a very special sale for the National Breast Cancer Association of America held by a very special person - Giuliana Rancic. I also got filmed (not on purpose - while shopping) for the couple's television series Giuliana and Bill (only in the US do these out of the blue things happen - love it!)

Here's a snap-shot of what happened below and before you ask no I didn't get to meet her (unfortunately she was unwell and did not come), however I got to meet her assistant Sarah, her friend Robbie and a bunch of others who regularly appear on the show. I also got to purchase two of her items, worn by her  and featured on the show's most recent episode - a special edition Lime H&M dress.

As I type this up Giuliana and Bill are preparing to welcome their little boy into the world. I love everything about this couple and wish them all the best for their new chapter as parents - they deserve it!

Camera crew filming at It's a Wrap Burbank

It's a Wrap sell pre-loved clothing & accessories worn by celebs

The notice telling everyone they were filming Giuliana & Bill

Giuliana was supposed to come

Giuliana in the last episode of the series & me in "the dress"

Cooking in Choos images by Nicole Duncan Photography

Indulging in Shoos!

Hey guys me again and guess what - yep I made it to round five of the Indulge Clothing Fashion Bloggers competition - *cue applause* wooooo!!! Anyhoo again just wanted to say a big thanks to all of you who have taken the time to LIKE my images taken by the fabulous Nicole Duncan Photography without them (your LIKES & Nikki's photos) I would not have gotten this far into the comp - so again thank you! 

Secondly I'd like to apologise for clogging up your news feeds on Facebook - I know there is nothing worse than seeing annoying LIKE posts coming up on your news feeds time and time again so again I apologise for this and again thank you for your patience.

From here on in there are eight bloggers left who will compete over the next three rounds. Each Monday night the three with least amount of LIKES will be booted out of the competition until there is only one blogger standing (hopefully me - pretty please) - now on to this week's challenge.

This week, to be on the same playing field each blogger received a new pair of shoos - mine a pair of Isabella Brown wedges. These nude, strappy wedges are super cute and perfect the upcoming Spring/Summer season, which coincidently is just days away......thank goodness.

With the sun beaming brightly on this gorgeous winter's day I decided in to get bask in its glory and teamed up the pretty duo with two spring inspired outfits.

The first a bright pair of Zara shorts (from NYC), dusky pink Valley Girl blazer, Three Anjewels Bespoke Design chunky necklace, Armani sunnies, Marc Jacobs watch and green shoulder bag from Forever New. I think this outfit is super-fun and perfect for coffee catch-ups, shopping with the girls or even work on casual Friday - I love it!

The second my beautiful Giuliana Rancic lime H&M dress which I picked up earlier this year when the E News presenter held a charity sale at It's A Wrap in LA. I love this dress not only because it is so pretty but because the money I paid for it went to the US Breast Cancer Foundation and that it belonged to her. I love Giuliana (and Bill) she is one of my absolute faves and think she is a true inspiration having gone through everything she has over the past year. This dress reminds me of spring, her journey and all the hopes and dreams that come with it....... This dress doesn't need much so I teamed it up with gold bangles and rings from Samantha Wills, ring from Forever 21, DIVA earrings and my Armani sunnies. Again this outfit screams fun and I intend of having a lot of that whenever I wear it! 

So that's it from me guys again it's now up to you. If you LIKE what you see and want to see more please LIKE this LINK on Facebook. Thanks again & I'll apologise to you all before I start clogging up that news feed!!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend. x

Images by Nicole Duncan Photography

Fashion for a Cause - Keiko Uno - Breast Cancer Cuff links

Earlier this year my sister-in-law and I held an April in Paris fundraising night for Breast Cancer Care WA. It was a delightful evening raising more than $11,000 for the charity.

When organising the event I approached several fashion designers for support and was inundated with raffle and auction items by so many fantastic West Australian designers including Three Anjewels Bespoke Designs, Belle Bijoux, Steph Audino, Debbie Kelly Millinery, Bikini Atoll, Kooey, Zsadar and the amazing Keiko Uno.

As part of our event Keiko put together a special limited edition pair of cufflinks along with matching bracelet for the ladies. Now she is hoping the cufflinks will again help raise much needed funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Keiko too, like so many has witnessed those close to her battling breast cancer and this is her way of giving back and helping to make a difference.

The 'National Breast Cancer Foundation Pink Series Cufflinks’ are inlayed with three symbolic colours of natural Mother of Pearl shell: White depicting hope, peace of mind, and a clean bill of health, pink the colour of the pink ribbon that is the international symbol of breast cancer awareness, the colour of good health, and represents love and compassion and dark charcoal grey layer adding mystery and masculine sophistication. 

There are only 25 pairs available and with Father's day around the corner why not give a gift that also gives back. 

Keiko was good enough to support us in our endeavour and I only hope you too can support her as we all strive for the same goal in the hope that one day we will live in a world that is cancer free.

For more information visit Keiko Uno Jewellery's Everyday Hero Page

New Anjewel in Town - Three Anjewels Bespoke Designs

Perth jewelery label All Glitz and Glam has undergone a huge transformation. The once-known pink and black label is bold, sophisticated and stunning tying in nicely with its new-look name and jewels. With its stars shining brightly Three Anjewels (Bespoke Designs) is ready to become a player in Perth's booming fashion world. 

I spoke to Dianna Monastra - founder and creator of the label, here's what she had to say:

What motivated the change from AGG to Three Anjewels? – 
3Anjewels: I started AGG when I was 22 and I’m now in my 30s. I have evolved, changed and grown as has my label hence the change. 

Tell us who or what inspired the name - where did it come from? 
3Anjewels: My three beautiful nieces who I adore and rock my world - they are my angels. When I was thinking about the precious things in my life I could not go past them. They are precious just as everything I do with my jewelery label is and that's how it all came about.

How is Three Anjewels different to AGG - will you be doing similar things?  
3Anjewels: Yes I will continue to still do my classic pieces as they are always a hit  however Three Anjewels will also be getting into lots of artistic and one-off pieces.

Tell us about what you have coming up in the pipeline for the new label?
3Anjewels:  ......................It’s a SECRET!!

Where do you draw inspiration from when your creating your beautiful jewels? 
3Anjewels: I get ideas and draw inspiration from many things - it can happen anywhere any time. It can be as simple as walking down the street and seeing something inspiring to me.

What are some of your all-time favourite items? 
3Anjewels: My gorgeous woven earrings - with beautiful colours they put the final touch to any outfit.

Which celebrity would you like to see rocking Three Anjewels? 
3Anjewels: Kylie Minogue has always been an idol of mine. I've loved her since I was 8 years old. To see her rock a Three Anjewels piece would be out of this world.

What item of jewellery do you think every ANGEL can rock? 
3Anjewels: The Scarlett bracelet – a silver ball classic!

Angels are heavenly - where is your most heavenly destination and who would you be there with? 
3Anjewels: Anywhere tropical – by a pool, with a great book, cocktail and my darling husband.

What is your favourite Perth Restaurant? 
3Anjewels: Modo Mio - truly beautiful Italian flavours - amazing!

Three Anjewels specialises in creating handmade, original one-off pieces using 

only the finest quality semi-precious stones, stunning crystals and silver plated accessories.
Designs can be tailored to individual needs or can be selected from an array of classics, one-of-kind pieces or unique artistic creations - Three Anjewels has that special piece for the angel in you!

To keep up to date with the latest news or to find out more about the label "LIKE" Three Anjewels on Facebook.

To view the latest collection, arrange a private preview with friends or set up an interview email Dianna . 

Images by Nicole Duncan Photography

Founder/Creator Dianna Monastra wearing Three Anjewels

Beaded rings and cuffs by Three Anjewels

Three Anjewels now shining brightly