The Silver LiningPastel power
Posted on April 9, 2014
Wearing – Zara top (similar), C&M by Camilla & Marc jeans, Repetto shoes, Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag, J. Crew earrings (similar)
There was a night a few weeks ago when nature decided to cruelly taunt me with a hint of chilliness in the air. I was like, “Right! Time to crack out the winter wardrobe!”. Well, with temperatures still tipping 30 degrees Celsius these days it feels like my impulse-buy Sessun coat will have to languish just a tad longer. Listen to me, complaining about good weather! Definitely means I live in Perth!
At least there was this one night where I got to pull out this cuteypie pink top…But it won’t be long now!
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Meet Claire – Ruck Rover General Store
Posted on April 7, 2014
Ruck Rover General Store has always been one of my places to go to find that perfect vintage-inspired sundress, or a unique present for your friend’s new bub (a bib with a Peter Pan collar – so hot right now!), or a great dude-gift amongst their ever-changing supply of funky t-shirts and socks. They moved from their premises in Mount Lawley two years ago and things just keep getting bigger and better! Now so perfectly situated on the corner of William and Francis Streets in Northbridge, it’s neighbours with a few of our favourites such as Outre Gallery and Little Willys.
We had the chance to be a little bit nosy and chat to Claire, the brain and big friendly smile behind Ruck Rover.
Hey hey hey! Thanks for having us! I’ve been a big fan of you guys ever since your Mount Lawley days! I’d love to start off by listening to your “where-it-all-began” story…
Ruck Rover is the brainchild of mine and my sister, Isabelle. I’d describe our decision to start up the store as a part brave and part self-indulgent! I was in my mid-20s when we decided we’d seize the day and follow our hearts. We managed to make what started off as, “Wouldn’t it be cool if…” conversations into something real. Goodness me, our little shop is now seven and a half years old!
It’s good fun running Ruck Rover with Isabelle. She’s got a couple of kids now so she’s not in the shop as much anymore but she’s still so important in all the decision-making and choosing stock for the store. You can often find her here on a Saturday, though. We mostly have very similar taste and vision, which works well when we need to bounce ideas off somebody else.
What are your favourite things in store at the moment?
We always aim to stock items from small, independent designers from around Australia and abroad too. At the moment, I can’t resist our dresses from Totem and Emily & Fin. We also have a huge place in our hearts for our pretty beaded necklaces by I Wish I Had A Little Shop. (See Sarah wear hers here!) These always sell out quick when we get them in store.
For the guys, we always have a massive selection of exclusive t-shirts and we’re looking to collaborate with more local artists in the near future for new designs! We still have a few left of this amazing t-shirt by Creepy aka the incredibly talented Kyle Hughes-Odgers
What do you do with yourself when you’re not running the store? Do you have other hidden superpowers?
In the early years of running the store, I also completed a double degree in Law and English at UWA. (Multitalented much? Sarah turns green…)
As you may know, I also run We Love Perth, an independent website that uncovers and highlights the best-ofs of our lovely city, Perth. It’s completely not for profit, heaps of work, but so so rewarding.
I also do a bit of freelance writing on the side for in-flight magazines. That’s always a real buzz.
We had heaps of fun chatting to Claire, learning about Ruck Rover’s beginnings and how little dreams can become roaring successes. Afterwards, I had a bit of spare time to nip around the store to ogle the range of vintage-inspired dresses and pick up some Lazy Oafs birthday cards (the kind that say, “Even though you’re old I still care”). Be sure to visit Ruck Rover! Make a special trip to Northbridge or walk on by after buying your special roast pork from Good Fortune Duck (I know I do!).
Thanks, Claire, for having us!
Ruck Rover General Store / 242 William St (corner Francis St), Northbridge / Open 7 days a week / Online shop / Facebook
***There’s an exclusive online discount code for our readers! Hop over to Ruck Rover’s online store and shop your little hearts out! Enter code “SILVERLINING” at the checkout for a sweet 20% off through 30th April 2014.
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Fashionable Selby
Posted on March 19, 2014
Photographer Todd Selby has just released his third book, Fashionable Selby. For those who are unfamiliar with the website, the Selby takes readers into the homes of interesting people from around the world, showing not only amazing environments, but also the things that inspire these creative people. With regard to the inspiration for this latest venture, Selby explains, “When I was thinking about my next book, I realised the fashion world naturally attracts the type of colourful people that interest me, so I decided to pursue that.”
The result is (as usual) a visual smorgasbord.
Fashionable Selby is available now.
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Shake it off
Posted on March 3, 2014
Wearing – Comptoir des Cotonniers dress (similar), Senso shoes, Pigeonhole hat
A trip to Margaret River was just what the doctor ordered. Pure sunshine on my face and a healthy breeze whipping through my hair. Sometimes we just need times of solace, to introspect, to heal and tend to our own hearts. This is a simple outfit, a few of my favourite things, fuss-free and comfortable.
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Marina Bay
Posted on February 14, 2014
Wearing – Cameo top, Marcs shorts (similar), Senso sandals (in black), Naomi Murrell earrings and bracelet, Le Specs sunglasses, Clover backpack
This outfit is pretty atypical for me. I mean, if you hadn’t already noticed, I’ve pretty much launched myself headfirst into the latest 90s fashion revival and embraced crop tops, denim denim denim, and little flippy dresses with daisies printed on them. Soon, I’ll be getting one of those hats a la Blossom.
This look started with the shoes. I went into Zomp looking for black flatform sandals but came out with these killer Senso ones. I mean, a silver heel? Who wouldn’t!?!? But they just stuck out of my existing wardrobe like a sore thumb. Interestingly, all the other components of this outfit are also complete impulse buys that are out of keeping with my usual aesthetic, but somehow they match each other perfectly! This look may grown on me yet.
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Featured on ONA blog
Posted on February 8, 2014
Come check out our feature on the ONA blog! We were absolutely thrilled to be approached by ONA as we are already super mega fans of their amazing camera bags. The article showcases some of our all-time favourite photos and a bit about us and our little blog.
To find out more about their products, head over to their site and be sure to watch our review about the lovely Palma bag I’m carrying.
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Push th’ little daisies
Posted on January 20, 2014
Wearing – Topshop dress, The Horse shoes, Robert Marc sunglasses (similar), vintage handbag
You guys remember that song, right? Well, okay, if you’re a child of my generation growing up in Australia and you can actually remember what people dressed like in the 90s, you too would have been plagued by the psychedelic, positively deranged chorus of this song. If you need a refresher, are less than 20 years old or would like to do some insane karaoke sing-along, watch the music video here. If you’re too impatient to wait until the song finally reaches its insane-in-the-membrane peak, click along to 1:50 and dance along (read: bizarre hand-flapping movements and willy nilly throwing of one’s self onto the grass).
P.S. Fun fact: This song was voted 40th in Triple J’s Annual Hottest 100 music poll in 1993. Say whaaaat?
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Palma bag by ONA – a review
Posted on January 15, 2014
The Palma by ONA Bags is one of the sexiest camera bags around. Perfect for serious bloggers, photographers or anyone who wants to look good whilst still being able to carry the goods.
Most camera bags look exactly like that – camera bags. Utilitarian and unstylish. This bag is the complete opposite.
Amazing craftsmanship, gorgeous leather and texture cleverly house a fully-padded interior with room enough for a full-frame DSLR and up to two extra lenses. On top of that, you’ll find space for your handbag essentials, such as your phone, wallet and keys plus a lippie and a hairbrush. Yes, this is actually Mary Poppins’ bag! The design also includes a slim front pocket, which is where I choose to slip my phone, but an iPad mini or notebook could probably fit here. You’ll find if your wallet is large (like me) there will only be room for one extra lens but a more streamline wallet would easily fix that issue.
Agreed, it can get a little heavy if you really pack it full of stuff, but ONA have thought of that too! The shoulder strap has an added piece that is slightly padded and broader than the rest of the strap, preventing that horrible “digging in” phenomenon. Plus, for ease of use and as an alternative if your shoulder gets sore, there’s also a nifty and uber cute handle located on the top of the bag.
At $319, it’s not the cheapest bag on the market, but you certainly get what you pay for. And as an investment item, you can’t go wrong. The quality of the Palma will ensure it will last for years to come and its classy appearance will make it a constantly stylish companion by your side, whatever your look.
Check out the video below to see the Palma in action.
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Mixed bag
Posted on January 13, 2014
Wearing – Karen Walker top, Gorman jeans, The Horse shoes, Fjallraven Mini Kanken backpack
This was one of those outfits that I “put together” in my head whilst packing my bags for Melbourne. I’m one of those people who just can’t achieve anything unless there’s an element of stress involved. Which means I lie around the bedroom, bemoaning my lack of clothing choices for hours on end, procrastinating by trying on completely bizarre and impractical outfits, only to then madly throw random pieces of clothing at my open suitcase because I’m about to miss the plane.
Let me know what you think, but did I go a bit “cray cray” with this outfit? I was sitting having breakfast in Drugstore Espresso on Toorak Rd when I realised that I looked a tad like a little pink and yellow confection.
Anyhoos, here it is. I am never one to shrink from wearing colour, but was this a bit OTT?
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Hosier Lane
Posted on January 8, 2014
Wearing – Madewell shirt, American Apparel skirt, Steve Madden loafers (similar), Fjallraven Mini Kanken backpack, Naomi Murrell resin and rose gold ring, Lazy Oaf cat ring (gold version)
He’s wearing – Mr Simple t-shirt (different colourway), M-ONE-11 chinos (similar), Vans sneakers
One of our first stops during our quick visit to Melbourne was a trip down Hosier Lane. No cars drive down this lane and over time it has become a gallery of some of the greatest street art you’ll ever see! I just love the mish-mash of colours and styles, practically every surface adorned by a garish signature or skilfully created visage. It’s one of our favourite spots we return to regularly as it’s never the same each time and always great fun to explore!
The Silver Lining 
