A dedication to my handbag.

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

My friend showed you off,

So I bought you too.

Women around the world can attest to the importance of a great handbag. It speaks (and in many cases, carries) volumes. But the search for this perfect handbag is not an easy one.

In 2008, Kristy Ackerman was working as a graphic designer in Melbourne, searching for the ideal business satchel. It had to be good quality, make a statement and be that perfect size. We’ve all been there before. When Kristy found the pool of options to be lacking she became proactive and created her own collection of bags – and so Sisken was born.

Each Sisken piece has been carefully handmade with high quality, genuine, soft milling leather and finished with a unique, screen-printed cotton lining. The range includes an array of styles including handbags, purses, clutches, laptop bags and overnight bags in a variety of colours.

For work, travel or pleasure… there is a stylish Sisken bag to suit everyone.

Prices range from $29-$420 and can be purchased online at www.sisken.com.au or from your nearest stockist.

Barely there.

A glance at the red carpet at the 55th Grammy Awards would suggest that this year the event was certainly a classier affair. The CBS Standards and Practices Committee sent a Wardrobe Advisory email, advising attendees to cover up: no “thong type clothing”, also “bare sides or under curvature of the breasts are problematic” and certainly no “exposing bare fleshy under curves of the buttocks and buttock crack”. There are those who may have taken this advice with a grain of salt, flaunting in their own way, but the dresses seen on the red carpet were clearly celebrating the female form.

Jennifer Lopez took to the stage in a black off-the-shoulder dress by Anthony Vaccarello that left one leg bare all the way to her upper thigh to present the award for Best Solo Performance, joking to the audience in saying she had “read the memo”.

Rihanna has come full circle, in returning to a softer look at this year’s Grammy Awards. The image of elegance, with a gauzy sleeveless Azzedine Alaia dress that upon closer inspection, highlights her curves to perfection.

Taylor Swift revealed her female form, very sneakily in a classic Grecian style J Mendel gown. Her plunging front was securely fastened by bejewelled straps so as to avoid any “unadvised” cleavage, whilst the backless dress was adorned with cross over straps at the back so as not to show any “side boob”. In short, well played Taylor.

Kelly Rowlands, of Destiny’s Child fame certainly rocked the boat in her va va voom Georges Chakra dress, with carefully placed geometric mesh cut outs along her sides and front. In an interview on the red carpet with Giuliana from E! about her dress she meekly protested, “But I followed the rules!”. We’ll let you decide how well she did.

Natasha Bedingfield proves that there was certainly a pattern on the red carpet this year. Wearing a beautiful red Emerson dress, with cut outs alongside her waist, she made a very feminine picture. The Wardrobe Advisory may have put their foot down, but clearly the stars were going to continue marching to the beat of their own drums.

A cosy chat with…

Sarah Thornton [featured on the right]

Name: Sarah Thornton
Position: Creative Director/ Designer
Company: The Finders Keepers

1. When you’re looking to be inspired, where do you go? Pinterest is my favourite for trawling online inspiration. With a little one, I don’t get out as much as I used to!

2. What is your greatest guilty pleasure? Strawberry Intense Dark Chocolate by Lindt, my favourite. but I do admit I don’t feel guilty.. its almost an essential

3.What did you always want to be when you were growing up? Actually a fashion designer! I used to make my barbie outfits when I was a wee little one, pretty happy that I got to live that out.

4. What has been your must-have this season? A Sirens Swimwear one piece! So amazingly fitted and beautiful quality..

5. What fashion style do you really want to come back? More of the 50’s & 60’s please! Definitely over the 90’s..

6. Who is the most influential person in your life? Can’t go past my mum! An absolute rock for me.

7. Your ideal getaway destination is: Marrakech, Paris, Aspen or Bali? Hmm all of the above please! I would love to go to Paris though, on my wish list!

8. If you could be an animal, what would you be? A cat.. yep I am a crazy cat lady..

9. If you could have a super power, what would it be? Maybe 2 of me could help get through everything I need to do in a day!

10. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? I really like this quote: “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing” – George Bernard Shaw

My friends call me … Sars or Sarsee
My bad habit is … Staying up too late
Something you don’t know about me is … Maybe that I am self taught with most of my business endeavors? Well that is something I never did, went to uni!
I don’t leave the house without … Sunnies
I am currently reading … Not much I admit, don’t really have time to in between working and looking after my 8 month old!
I am currently wearing … A dress by Dear Creatures and my trusty black bow flats..
I am currently listening to … Interpol
My last supper would be … Something that includes chocolate of course!

The Finders Keepers Markets feature an array of wares by fantastic independent Australian designers, handpicked by Sarah and her partner in crime, Brooke Johnston (featured on the left). We look forward to having a cosy chat with Brooke next week.

For more information on the Finders Keepers (and their upcoming market to be held in Melbourne in April!), visit their website www.thefinderskeepers.com

A cosy chat with…

Naomi Murrell

Name: Naomi Murrell
Position: Creative Director
Company: Naomi Murrell
Describe your label in 20 words or less: Keepsakes for Fun Lovers

1. When you’re looking to be inspired, where do you go? Out for a bicycle ride.
2. What is your greatest guilty pleasure? Peanut Butter.
3. You’re now an influential designer, was that what you always wanted to be when you were growing up? Not exactly. I wanted to be an artist or a shopkeeper.
4. What has been your must-have this season? The NM Harvest Bangle + Moonbeam Hoops in Sorbet
5. What fashion style do you really want to come back?
Twiggy’s 60’s pixie doll face and lashes.
6. Who is the most influential person in your life?
Dave, my fella and design partner in crime.
7. Your ideal getaway destination is: Marrakech, Paris, Aspen or Bali? Bali!
8. If you could be an animal, what would you be? A Dove. Or a gazelle. Something more graceful than I am in human form!
9. If you could have a super power, what would it be? The power to make peace.
10. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Keep going. And look at your work upside down to see if it still looks good. If it does, you’re on the right track.

My friends call me… Nai.
My bad habit is… Thinking too much.
Something you don’t know about me is… I love geraniums.
I don’t leave the house without… My sketchbook.
I am currently reading… The Beautiful and Damned, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
I am currently wearing… An Obus Dress, Saltwater Sandals and an NM Fantail Necklace in Golden Brass.
I am currently listening to… Lord Huron + Gold Bloom.
My last supper would be… Something salty with friends.

Naomi Murrell’s collection is a clear homage to finding the beauty in simpler pleasures. Her ethically produced folk finery looks to inspire hope, happiness and laughter! For more information on pieces and prices visit her website at www.naomimurrell.com