Spring has well and truly sprung and so much newness has begun!
New stores on the Whatley strip, new menus, cocktails, dresses, flowers oh flowers. They personify Spring, don't they?
Sosi is getting ready for all the births, with hopes of a baby boom and Henry on 8th is waiting to fill it's room. A new bar ... start the car (with a skipper)
Greta from This Fine Day (a milliner, did you know?) has blisters on her fingers making hats while our very own Steph has her heel flat; sewing bespoke gowns at LFB.
It's all a buzz ...
So where is our shopping community?
I am here to get you excited all over again!
So why visit ...
Meet Linda who is Ma Kettles Gardenelia (located next door to LFB, us).
Ma Kettle is bursting with carefully curated cactus's, weird plants I've never seen before in vertical gardens ready for you to take the credit and fresh flowers among home wares and other fab finds. Pop by and say hi to this new business owner who is open Wednesday to Sunday 10 to 3.
Tried the Organic Butcher? Meet the crew who have a farm in Manjimup that bring ethically produced meats to our Maylands. Open 7 days. I have the immediate urge for a BBQ after visiting. Oh and that sauce is definitely whoop a## for the packaging alone.
Who's ever noticed the happy crew at the Flight Centre? My lifelong dream trip to Paris would not have been the same without their help. Internet smiginet ... I needed face to face old school advice and high vis so it seems!
Keep walking up 8th Avenue and you will pass lots of quality fashion options (all with something different), an A1 kebab shop (may have tried it with good reason) a gun shop (mmhhmm), a terrific chemist, a super shoe shop for the kids owned by this guru of the foot ... Kath. A podiatrist.
OH and have you ever looked in the optometrist? No pun intended. Well ok, it was! They have stunning brands. On this tour you must meet Lammys. They wouldn't come to the door for a pic (shy) ...
Efficient, inexpensive, quality clothing alterations that are precise. Do yourself a favor and set the sat nav to their driveway (almost opposite Milk'd where you can stop in for the most consistent bacon stack in the hood). Oh Milk'd is open 7 days and for our career women among the LFB community, Lammys is open Saturday mornings until 1pm and until 6 during the week. We love Lammys and bacon and the art at Milk'd ,,,
Stop for a mo and check out the refreshed Vinnies. Now lead by LFB'er, Julie ... It is making an attempt to groove itself up a bit. Donations welcomed!
Skip back down to Whatley Crescent ... The little bit of Melbourne in Maylands ...
With premium cafes on offer it is always hard to go past a coffee at Smoults!
Followed by a starter at Mrs S (who now has a gold plate), a main meal at Chapels on Whatley with wine (if you must) and tea (to keep in balance) ...
And then dessert at Sherbets followed by a cocktail at Swallow Bar and don't forget to leave room for some more food there too. PSST; What are you doing for Melbourne Cup? Join us at Swallow Bar!
When we asked Swallow Bar owners Meredith and Zoe why they picked Maylands to build their now awarded business, the answer resonated with many of the owners; "a love for the strong sense of history and personality. The warmth of the locals and other business owners and the sense that Whatley Cres was like a High Street or a small town center."
Can you visualize a relatively empty Whatley Crescent strip in 2011 (not that long ago) and a group of frightened yet excited start up, crazy entrepreneurs all doing fits outs? Fast forward and from one end to the other (to name a few) we have a highly regarded Hairdresser, a Wanderlust design gift studio ...
And so much more oh even a new cafe coming soon. Nash and Co. Be sure to give them a go ... All of this before you even head over to the other side of the railway tracks for more quality fashion and food.
Share Maylands with your style savvy mates ... we'd love the shop local support heading into Spring Summer and CHRISTMAS (yes, I am shouting, CHRISTMAS it's not that far away).
Look forward to seeing you in the hood ...
With a smile ...
Caroline with Vanessa, Stephanie and Mel with our peers in Maysie ...
Team LFB x
#shoplocal #maylands #community #Perth
It is almost Christmas and usually we at LFB HQ are nervous and almost as highly strung as the ribbon on our Christmas Candle! Not this year. There is no doubt we have been nicer than we have naughty so ... as we relax into the season of festivities we are excited about the dresses, the gift giving that has already begun and the fragrance that fills our little showroom.
So what is on offer this Christmas at LFB ...
First things first, do you and your friends fancy a chance of winning a Look Feel Be Christmas Certificate for $400, $200 or $150?
Santa wants to deliver 3 LFB Christmas Certificates to 3 lucky LFB'ers on Christmas Eve.
So how can you get on the sleigh to play?
Visit Look Feel Be or shop online before the 23rd of December and make a purchase ($30 and over) ... share your purchase on social media with the hashtag ... #LFBChristmas to go into the draw.
Winners are announced Christmas Eve on social media and by text (be sure to make sure your mobile number is on your style file). Good luck! Share this email with your friends ... they too might like a chance to win.
Plus ...
In our traditional style (and after some LFB'er demand) we made our exclusive LFB secret recipe, Christmas Candle again. It is $30 for a BIG jar of love. Remember too, it is made right here in Western Australia by local workers all trying hard to keep manufacturing alive in our divine country, let alone state. It is a perfect gift that gives.
To add to the collection of gift choices we also have ...
Our LFB Signature fragrance soap (a perfect pressie for the school teacher of Zachary, the beauty therapist, yes ... you need to look after the lady that does your facials and perhaps the neighbour who brings in your bins when you are at work - thanks Joe). It is $5. and again made right here in WA. Filled with essential oils.
Our LFB Signature Christmas Festive Bag that in it has our baby sized LFB Signature Candle, the Soap, the matching Room Spray (all with no chemicals in them) and at $40 you will save $9, all while helping local businesses.
There are lots of other things we have in the LFB at home collection, like our own Chic Chocolate (yes, you read that right). It is a super stocking filler at $3.50 ...
We have had a stella reaction to the collection of stunning dresses that have come and gone over the Spring and as we enter Summer ... the party season, we are delighted by the enthusiasm of LFB'ers to secure just the right Christmas and New Years dresses. So with a drum roll in your ears as you read this. Here is a sneak peek at our own collection due in stores tomorrow ...
This limited edition collection see's a collaboration of design, fabric choices and fun between our very own Stephanie (our model above - bless) and I. We hope you love it.
Did you know we now have Vani-T Make Up in store? We have always offered make up artist services along with our newly introduced vintage hairstyling however now we have world class mineral make up to work on you with and to maintain your cosmetic collection. Read more about the product online.
The packaging is eco minded and so old school glamorous that it too makes a terrific gift. Check out the summer must have;,bronzer with a highlighter ($50) for example ...
Oh and do feel welcome to book in for a make up or vintage hair session when you next have a big night out over the summer. The sessions are $89 each and you will definitely feel transformed as you head out.
As always we have a stunning collection of jewellery in our Art Deco signature style through to contemporary designs to tempt the Santa spirit ... All featuring precious and semi precious gemstones, in silver or gold to last a lifetime. Here's a few we wanted to highlight;
So in closing you might be wondering what our holiday hours are going to be. We will be open 7 days through to Christmas and taking a break over the New Years period (yay!) and reopening on the 2nd of January 2015. There's that date, '2015'.
From all us here at Look Feel Be we would like to thank you for being a big part of our little business and take this opportunity to wish you, your families and loved ones a very safe and happy Christmas celebration.
We would love to see you before Christmas and welcome you any time. On Saturday the 20th of December we will be having a day of festivities in store and while I'd like to tell you more, we will keep you in suspense.
All the very best for 2015 (by the LFB way, we think everyone needs this dress for New Years Eve) ...
With a festive smile ...
Caroline, Vanessa, Stephanie and Melissa - Team LFB x
PS: Winners of our competition were announced on social media. Please click here!
What a month July has been. Business has been tough and so has life. Not just for me, for many. Most people will tell you all is well however I've come to learn there is little value in that ...
So as I type this months blog on a return flight home from Bali I hear the Captain apologise for; "no white wine, no something else, limited drinks in general, no headsets however our IPads remain available for hire and we wish you a happy flight."
Normally I'd do that dry, slightly down turned smile then consider suitable solutions; like red wine will be fine.
Today, I am just grateful to have shared 4 days with my husband, Paul on a work trip and slowed down enough to just be. I find myself taking a mo to think of the many who can't be with their loved ones, the wars and the terribly, dreadful incidents happening around the world.
You see 6 weeks ago Paul like many in his field, lost his job and we've been laying low.
Due to bespoke orders and our LFB summer collection needing testing or sampling as they say in the industry, I was called to come and hang with our production crew and get the show on the road. So with some sweet talking I convince Paul to join me. Easy. Not so. It was Sunday; we fly Tuesday night; we discover his passport is out of date. Ahhhh. Can you believe the Australian Passport office turned his new one around in 3 hours!? Top marks.
Then he gets called in for a lengthy business meeting - an interview. Monday. Done. New project, sorted. Starts this Monday!
And then our dogs. They needed baby sitting. New dog besties, Meredith and Zoe (from Swallow Bar fame) head over for a long dinner at ours and an induction with Samantha and Stanley Schnauzer. While showing them around we found the cellar!!! Fast track to next day...
Wow, the new Bali International Airport. Amazing! Super transformation ...
I set myself the challenge to find accommodation that was fab yet very affordable. $55 a night with breakfast and a massage each day (each) Yay! A new hotel near our team. Double yay! It's not the ideal tourist spot however if you are there for biz it's great ...
This trip was all about trying new things and making new things while meeting some new friends along the way ...
How cute are these specimens? Smiling ...
Ok, so you can tell from the pic above some fun was had.
When you start manufacturing you learn so much. And I'm so excited by Stephanie joining us and bringing new skills with passion to our team. We are developing some styles that we believe, you will love. I hope when you wear them, you have as much fun as we had in creating them! Due in store later this year.
Stay tuned to our website and social media channels to see our next blog. It is going to bring a tear to your eye. I promise you.
Thank you for your continued support of our little business attempting to make a big difference.
With a smile ... CJ & Team LFB xxx
PS: Are you coming Thursday night? Check out our events page for details
Almost 2 years to the day an email landed in my inbox and that's where it started:
A relationship with a lady I have come to admire and together build a business with.
Some might not call her a lady (smiling) many would definitely call her a cheeky women with a very naughty and super nice streak.
It's amazing over a period of time what you learn about someone and in turn yourself. How you grow and naturally change. Le'V as we affectionally call her, in recent months has grown a baby in her belly.
A baby girl. There is much excitement as we are in the business of girls' wellbeing, albeit grown up ones.
If you remember back to this shoot ...
Le'V only days before this shoot had discovered the stalk had been (now there's a story) and with a surprise she was with child (in the very early stages). So, while this may have looked like cocktails ... It was in fact, mocktail!
When you are in business, the people around you are so important. In fact, scratch that. In life the people you select to have around you are imperative to your own positivity, growth, appreciation of all things, success, ups and gowns, I mean downs.
While this week ahead marks a new chapter in our lives and business, as Le'V takes a short break to prepare for the birth, little LFB welcomes some big personalities and talent to our team.
Introducing; Stephanie. Steph is originally from NZ and has successfully completed fashion internships with some of our most admired high street brands from across the globe both in NZ, USA and Australia before making Perth her home.
Steph has a lot to offer and Le'V and I are super pumped to have her contributing to the further expansion of brand LFB in a full time capacity AND she loves chatting as much as we do however her accent is so much more travelled than ours.
As someone who loves to create a community in all that I do ... Here's our latest family portrait! Can't wait for the one when we have our youngest baby team member in it (hurry up, bambino).
Who's our 4th member? That would be Mel Mars. Her name needs to be in lights. So movie star. Melissa is a Mum to 3 lads, wifeeee to cutie, Tim (he will like that) and after having worked in a fab friend of mines biz, this longtime friend is now hanging with Team LFB.
Mel, loves fashion and can often be spotted with at least 2 wardrobe changes a day when in house. Experimenting she tells us.
So not counting our behind the scenes crew who prefer to remain behind the scenes ... together we love what we do and hope you will join us in a cheer or two for our dear Le'V, a new baby it will be.
This is probably a good time to make a ... Recruitment notice: an opportunity exists for LFB'ers to join the holding the baby task on a visiting basis. Positive vibes essential. If you can sing a lullaby that will be advantageous as will the ability to change nappies with grace and no mess (I can't cope with mess) then applications should start applying in person in approximately 6 - 8 weeks!
Le'V will be returning to work and like all of our LFB'er Mums she knows it takes a community to raise a baby and while I am scared stiff at holding such a small treat, I am super proud of my partner in our passion for fashion biz and can't wait to sing to Le'Baby in French.
Vanessa merci d'être comme une famille pour moi et pour faire tous les jours une surprise et de joie pour nos 2 ans ensemble et le nombre à venir xxx.
Pop by this week to check out the bump ...
And as Easter is fast approaching our trading hours are;
Good Friday - Closed
Easter Saturday - Open
Easter Sunday - Closed
Easter Monday - Closed
Anzac Day - Open (oh FYI, Mrs S is opening on this public holiday toooo)
See you soon to play up!
With a smile ... Caroline & Team LFB xxxx
PS: Good luck to Le'V's partner ... Rob x
PPS: Hurry back from maternity leave!
With a leave note from our husbands and with Le’V holding HQ in fun, fashionable shape.….we were authorised to leave Perth city bound for weather fit Bali to start the production cycle of the ‘Look Feel Be’s’ Summer Collection; “aujourd'hui permet de voyager à thé”.
Over the past two years, I have been bringing together an extended team in Indonesia who are talented in the art of producing quality garments.
Fortunately my LFB Design Partner and all time crazy women Andy is on board to co-drive our design development (including pattern making and sampling) process with loving help from Le’V (our fit model among other business talents), myself (all round go to girl) and the off shore team headed up by Putu (production and quality control guru). Enough background.
Let’s fast forward to departing. With two massive suitcases full of patterns, design notes and samples, not to mention the key fabric for the range, we check in.
This is the first time Andy has left her 5 year old son Connor and gone away. She was military like in her prep regime with three days of his favourite meals carefully labelled in the fridge by day and all school uniforms ironed (including undies) stock piled ready to go in perfect condition. With a list for hubby to follow she gets in the car with guilt and anticipation (leaving her man in charge) that all will be chaos and hunger!
It is on boarding the plane that Andy confesses she has a fear of flying.…
With the help of Cody who Andy adopts as her personal flight attendant confidence kicks in as does the fun…..
It seemed like the longest flight, however, it had been a full on two days prior, so both of us were a little tired. Thank goodness we booked the ‘express service’ at the airport. If you have not tried this service, consider it. Flight Centre can organise it for you. EFFICIENCY plus. We were whisked through the airport (no lines) to see our long time driver with a big smile.
Peeling off the layers, it is super warm as we drive to the hotel; Bliss. No orange skin here (if you missed Vanessa’s disastrous fake tan experience check out the last blog) it’s all glowing white x 2!
Thanks Estelle Johnston (no relation) at Flight Centre Maylands for organising such a ripper deal and to Mr Boss man at the hotel for the upgrade!
Day 1: Up at 6am. Eat Indonesian breakfast. When in Rome you must, both Andy and I believe. Prepare at length notes before going off to finalise some additional fabrics needed. This all sounds rather glam perhaps, however, it is intense. The fabrics must perfectly match back with others previously selected, meet a price and width guideline, and be of high quality, oh and available in the volume we need.
After a late fuel stop for lunch (Indonesian of course) we are ready to bounce into’ Indo LFB offices’ with refuelled energy to burn and strong iced coffees in hand for the team.
Laptop out, fingers start typing into the production schedule as we work through samples, patterns, samples, patterns, theories, yield return on fabrics to be used, patterns, samples.… 4 hours later we are just about complete on all fronts. Phone rings and we all run out the door to dinner in different directions.
Andy and I selected a relaxed restaurant for dinner which turned into ground hog day. The common answer to all our questions….“I don’t know but I will find out.”
Escaping back to our room (thanks again Mr Boss man – have we said that already?) we stay up talking like school girls (sms back and forth with Le’V) for hours and hours brainstorming where to, how to, what to, who to and all the while loving the work of team, go to.
Day 2: Up at 8am. Production schedule emailed to ‘Indo LFB HQ’. Eat Indonesian breakfast. Tears appear thanks to extra chilli sauce we have both fallen for. Andy decides we will have the morning off. Well she has the morning off as I semi-work on laptop, poolside (love wi-fi – roof top style) while watching the reaction of others as she struts a new ‘flown in especially, Victoria Secret Sponge Bikini ‘.
Bored (and a little too red – overcast does not mean safe to baste)…. we decide to go adventuring and make our way to Seminyak. Both of us don’t mind a walk so we hit the pavement…me in my new shoes (some of you may recognise this style). I ‘now’ have them in every colour available. White was the last colour needed to complete the set!
Talking of colour … we decide it’s time for me to pop a copper coat on my hair and that’s where Bill (a dear friend of many of my dear friends) enters with Wella in hand. All while Le’V has a hair update too (connected!) unbeknown to us.… a fringe is now in the Maylands house.
LFB’ers, do stop by and visit his team when in Bali. This hottie was the smile behind Head Office for Hair in Perth many a year ago. Check it out on FB.
With new locks, Andy’s feet having experienced some reflexology and an off cut of Aloe Vera from the salons stash, we walk into ‘won’t ever let you down,’ Ultimo Restaurant for an early, inexpensive dinner. While this might all look glamourous; Andy and I have worked 7 days a week for weeks preparing for this trip and take a mo to acknowledge to do list; check check ...
Last day: Check in with Le’V, Le’Indo, Husbands and Connor (in no particular order). Eat. Indonesian breakfast. Meet fab Japanese guest who shows us that being different brings us together.
We do some more work while enjoying some warmth. Monitor our irresponsible sunburn. Hear from ‘Perth Now’ via twitter that weather warnings are in place for Perth on the way to airport. I look at Andy, she looks at me. We call out to LFB’ers via FB for up to date weather reporting when Virgin Crew we flew up with walk by and give us their word to help scared, crazy women Andy (by chance they remembered us – go figure) get home safely.
Timing as they say is everything! It’s a true team effort this LFB community show; we thank you, LFB’ers for continuing to be an important part of our crew.
We do hope you will love the LFB summer collection when released in November.
Oh and here are some, 'take on a trip,' must haves we suggest ...
(Scarf $49. Bag $99. Ballet pumps $70. Primer $50. Tinted Moisturiser $55)
With a smile … CJ x
PS: Thank you Connor for being a good boy while Mummy was away! x
