Today was just superb in Melbourne, it was a clear, crisp winters day with plenty of sunshine. Perfect for shopping, breakfast and coffee.

It was quite mild today so when The Gardener asked if I'd like to have coffee by the sea and take some photos I thought, why not?

I've had my eye out for a pom pom sweater for ages so to randomly stumble upon this in a shop in Melbourne gave me all sorts of joy. The ...

It got me thinking about the need to support local designers in such tough retail times, not to mention the fact that Zara has just landed on our shores. I couldn't see a whiff of the financial crisis hitting home when I re-visted the flagship Melbourne store the other day- it was full, there was a queue for the change room and the tills were running hot.