We’ve never before seen a more beautiful hoodie towel creation, but we are a little biased!  Part practical towel, part colourful dress, this is the ‘must have’ accessory for your girls this Summer.  Who knew that one garment could take you from the beach to the cafe in total style?  Contact your local Alex&Ant stockist and place your orders now….we have a feeling they may sell out!  Deliveries of Alex&Ant Summer have arrived at retailers’ doorsteps all over the country, check our facebook page for comments from our loyal stores (they’re all very lovely comments, thank you).

Enjoy ~
Love Fleur x

“In the depth of Winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible Summer” ~ Albert Camus (Algerian/French author).  This quote really resonates with me as it offers us the sense that to think and feel the season of Summer is to be truly happy, regardless of the reality of one’s situation or surroundings.  The wonderful optimism and friendliness in the air is what I love most about Summer.

What does Summer mean to you?

Tell us in 25 words or less and the comment that delights us the most will win a $100 voucher to purchase from the beautiful ALEX&ANT Summer 2011/12 collection (once it is available in the ALEX&ANT webstore).  Post your prose on our facebook page before August 8th (5pm EST) and the most creative entry will be announced on August 15th.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/ALEXANT/216064142887?ref=ts

Best of luck ~ Fleur x

A little history…

Halfway through the 13th century, some Palestinian monks showed up in Paris wearing brown-and-white striped habits. The French were not impressed and wanted only white, so nicknamed the monks “the barred brothers”. Although it hasn’t been proven, one medieval scholar believes this must be how prison stripes (uniforms) came into practice, meant to signify cell bars.

Horizontal stripes came to distinguish other various outcasts in medieval times: prostitutes, bohemians, clowns, ruffians, Jews and hangmen. Strangely, four centuries later, the French revolted and stripes – now tri-coloured and a symbol of the new order – went vertical. In the 19th century, vertical bars belonged to the rich and fashionable, differentiating them from the poor and the prisoners.

It was our beloved Coco Chanel who changed everything. Legend has it that she borrowed a blue-and-white thinly striped sweater – the Breton, established in 1958 but the French navy – from her lover and tailored it to fit herself. It become the most timeless and tireless emblem of Gallic chic and many-a-brand has followed her lead throughout decades of fashion. Whether you’re inspired by the St-Germain-des-Pres set or consider yourself a misfit, punk, artist, pirate, a fan of classic geometry or simply a subscriber to either haute-couture or high-street fashion, stripes will unite!

Love Fleur x

We’re mad for Easter…

Like many young girls (I hope I’m not alone!) I used to flatten and collect easter egg foil just to admire the colours & textures.  Humpty Dumpty was always a favourite and I’m pleased to see he’s still around today. Of course, I don’t mind what’s inside the wrapping too, but these days it’s quality not quantity for me.

This year I’ve bought my closest friend and Mum & Dad back home a wonderful assortment of Belle Fleur chocolates. Apart from the divine name (hee,hee) they are simply THE most incredible chocolates I’ve ever tasted. I didn’t have a chance to sample any before rushing to the post office yesterday, but I’d like to bet that the little ‘hot cross bun’ shaped chocolate is something very special.

Enjoy, Love Fleur x

We’ve been having some fun with tattoo graphics both in my house and in the ALEX&ANT design studio.  Zac was given a fold-out book of over 100 temporary tattoos in his Christmas stocking so we’ve been steadily getting through them – just love the necklace on Olive.  The little ‘wallet’ of tatts makes SUCH a superb gift I’ll give you my contact…only because you’re special.

Clara Jane
Founder and Chief Playologist
clara@ballandskittle.com.au
http://www.ballandskittle.com.au

Look out for our inspired “Mom” tattoo that features on both girls & boys tees in our Winter 2011 range.  I’ve used the “Gritty” filter on these images to try to convince you we’re tough!  Convinced?  I didn’t think so…

Love Fleur X

Here at ALEX&ANT we love a basic – the building block of any good wardrobe. Simple shapes in white, black, grey, or black & white stripe are also termed an “essential” by the industry for the very fact that without them, your wardrobe would never come together. In the ALEX&ANT studio, we place as much emphasis on the basics as we do the more elaborate designs because “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”, Leonardo da Vinci.

Thanks to Alexandra for looking so effortlessly chic in these photos ~

Fleur x

I’m pretty sure most of you would have seen an episode of Mad Men and loved it. For me it’s all about the fashion and there’s an entire ‘movement’ in contemporary couture that has been openly inspired by the series. ALEX&ANT has always been influenced by the classics so it’s no surprise that we can easily put together our own ‘Mad Men Fashion Files’. What fun!

Our Winter 2011 collection is full of pieces that speak of love, as does today xxx

Arriving soon!