nut & bright

Wonderland Update - longer dresses!

2012-01-25T13:12:00.000+11:00

We didn't drink the magic potion that made Alice taller.
But we heard your requests for more leg / knee coverage. =)

We only made limited pieces of these longer dresses so email quick to buy: nutandbright@gmail.com

# 1. Alice Dress

psst...this dress has hidden pockets to keep magic potions...

Alice Dress in Royal Blue (long), $109.99

Alice Dress in Turquoise (long), $109.99

adjustable straps

Alice Dress in Turquoise (long), $109.99

2. Tea Dress

ultra-flattering cut

Tea Dress in Vintage Summer Red, $99.99

#3. Keira Dress

Keira Dress in Emerald Green (long), $89.99

Keira Dress in Sapphire Blue (long), $89.99

These dresses are sewn by a pair of hands. The colours are hand-dyed in small batches onto super-soft rayon and naturally dried in the sun. Our wish is for whoever who wears our dresses to feel the quiet smile in her heart - knowing that her dress has been made with care.

Wonderland

2012-01-12T11:40:00.000+11:00

Something about this dress. Classic cut. Kooky look.

Kinda reminds me of Tim Burton's Alice.

What do you think - classic or kooky?

I like classic kooky. =)

Alice Dress in Royal Blue (with Emerald Green Sash)

DESIGNER'S NOTES

Hidden pockets on both sides!
Adjustable straps that can be worn as pictured or crossed-over at the back
Smoking at the back makes it an easy fit
Hand-dyed on 100% superior rayon (super soft plant derived fabric)
LIMITED longer knee-length version available for tall girls (email to enquire)

Style Tips: Sash is removable so play with belts!

ALICE DRESS: $109.99

Royal Blue (with Emerald Green sash): S, M, L

Turquoise (with Royal Blue sash)*: S, M, L

*picture not shown

Available online or at Design A Space retail gallery, Melbourne.

Keira makes a come-back!

2012-01-12T11:38:00.001+11:00

You would too if you came in brilliant jewel colours.

Exclusively, hand dyed.

Kiara Dress in Emerald Green

Kiara Dress in Sapphire Blue

DESIGNER'S NOTES

Flattering cut: gathers in the neckline and waist makes it an easy fit
Hand-dyed on 100% superior rayon (super soft plant derived fabric)
Limited longer knee-length version available for tall girls (email to enquire)

Style Tips: Extremely versatile dress! Wear casually or layer over a lacey number to reveal a little tease. Team with playful stockings knee-high boots! Might as well carry a Marry Poppins umbrella too! =)

KEIRA DRESS: $89.99

Emerald Green: S, M, L

Sapphire Blue: S, M, L

Available online and at Design A Space retail gallery

Hepburn Dress

2012-01-09T18:07:00.000+11:00

100% cotton, 1950's inspired collar, large fabric button, cute tiny buttons detailing at the back. Need I say more?

Hepburn Dress in Sea Blue / Green

Hepburn Dress in Raspberry / Burnt Orange

DESIGNER'S NOTES

100% cotton, hand dyed in small batches
Adjustable belt with two buttonholes
Original nut & bright colors

Style Notes: Feeling brave? Flip it back-to-front and wear with both tiny fabric buttons opened at your collarbone.

HEPBURN DRESS: $109.99

Sea Blue / Green: S, M, L

Raspberry / Burnt Orange: S, M, L

Available online and at Design A Space stores, Melbourne

Summer Lazy

2012-01-09T18:06:00.000+11:00

The e.ve.ry.day. dress!

Ok - I admit to wearing these dresses near daily.

Reason? It's the dress you can just pull on in laze-mood.

Perfect for summer lounging yet bursting with juicy-ripe colours that will make your day!

#1. Whisper Dress in Burnt Orange

Whisper Dress in Burnt Orange

Whisper Dress: $89.99

Burnt Orange: XS, S, M, L

Red Wine: XS, S, M, L

Sunshine: XS, S, M, L

Mint: XS, S, M, L

To see more Whisper Dresses in Red Wine, Mint or Yellow, click here.

*****

#2. Shona Dress - NEW

Not to be confused with the Whisper Dress above - similar, yes! Spot the difference!
The Whisper Dress has a curved hem while this cuts across for an A-line illusion.

Both are cool, just 'bit different.

Shona Dress in Royal Blue

Shona Dress in Teal Green

DESIGNER'S NOTES

Made from super soft rayon, a plant derived fabric that keep you cool in summer
Pocket on one side
Original nut & bright colors. Hand dyed in small batches.
New XS for petite girls!

Style Notes: layer over slips with the top buttons undone, wear it as a shirt over skinny jeans or tuck it under a long skirt for that '70s look.

Shona Dress, $89.99

Royal Blue: XS, S, M, L

Teal Green: XS, S, M, L

Available online and Design A Space retail gallery, Melbourne.

NEW DRESSES - 500 First Dates!

2011-12-08T18:53:00.003+11:00

We're calling this post 500 first dates because our NEW collection is here!
And, according to our friend, we have enough dresses for many first dates! ;)

Whisper Dress in Red Wine

Whisper Dress in Sunshine

Whisper Dress in Mint

DESIGNER'S NOTES

Made from super soft rayon, a plant derived fabric that keep you cool in summer
Curved at the sides for some leg action, longer in the front and back for sitting modesty
Cute mini-pocket on the left beast
Removable sash: also great with belts!
Original nut & bright colors - you won't see them elsewhere
New XS for petite girls!

Style Notes: layer over slips with the top buttons undone, wear it as a shirt over skinny jeans or tuck it under a long skirt for that '70s look.

Whisper Dress, $89.99

Red Wine: XS, S, M, L

Sunshine: XS, S, M, L

Mint: XS, S, M, L

Also available at Design A Space retail galleries in Fitzroy, Windsor & Melbourne CBD

Ballerina...

2011-12-08T18:47:00.000+11:00

Ballerina Dress in Navy

DESIGNER'S NOTES:

Made from 100% superior rayon (plant derived fabric)
Back zipper
Removable sash - so you can play with belts!
Original nut & bright colour - hand-dyed in small batches!
Also available in a longer knee-length version (in navy, but with a red wine colored sash)

BALLERINA DRESS, $99.99

Navy: S, M, L

This dress is true to size but snug in the chest so if you are well-endowed, best to go one size up.

Also available at Design A Space stores in Fitzroy, Windsor & Melbourne CBD

Calling all romantics

2011-12-08T18:45:00.000+11:00

Doesn't this dress make you feel just so?

DESIGNER'S NOTES

Original nut & bright fabric, printed by hand on rayon (a plant derived fabric), colour-over-colour in age old artisanal craft
Gathers in the waist and neck-line makes for an easily flattering cut

Style Notes: Throw on a bright scaft, layer over a camisole, pair with boots and stockings on cooler days - a very versatile dress!

KIARA DRESS, $89.99
Vintage Green: S, M, L

Try it on at Design A Space stores: Chapel St, Brunswick St, Melbourne City.
For something similar, see Keira Dress

Basic Pretty.

2011-12-08T18:44:00.000+11:00

Always wanted a basic dress? Fuss free and simple? Here's one that's basic yet pretty.

Milla Dress in Vintage Green

DESIGNER'S NOTES

Original nut & bright fabric, hand-printed on super soft rayon (a fabric made from plant fibres)
Cute pocket on one side
Removable sash so you can play with belts!
A simple relaxed fit. Very basic. Yet so pretty.
New XS available for petite girls

MILLA DRESS, $89.99

Vintage Green: XS, S, M, L

Try it on at Design A Space stores - Chapel St, Brunswick St, Melb CBD

*Green singlet not provided. Style tip only.

ooo.la.la

2011-12-08T18:42:00.000+11:00

Being ultra feminine requires a certain je ne sais quoi.

Like a simplicity that just is.

Or a feeling of bliss when we just, be.

Butterfly Dress in Navy

DESIGNER'S NOTES

Hand-dyed on 100% superior rayon (super soft plant derived fabric)
Relaxed fit with soft gathers on the waist
Featuring a cut-out back to expose the skin near your nape
Adjustable tie-back at the back of the neck
New XS available for petite girls

Style Tips: Layer over a white singlet for that French nautical look, dress it up with modern belts, team with boots and chunky scarfs on cooler days.

BUTTERFLY DRESS, $89.99

Navy: XS, S, M, L

Limited dresses only - not yet available at Design A Space retail gallery

Live with your heart...be brave, excited and spontaneous!

2011-12-08T18:37:00.001+11:00

Sweetheart Dress in Turquoise Tea Rose

DESIGNER'S NOTES

Made with high quality stretch-cotton; luxuriously comfy
Hand printed in small batches
Features a cut-out in the back and adjustable bow that conceals the ladies' intimate garment
Gathers in the waist makes it an easy fit
Stretch-cotton follows your curves for a flattering fit

SWEETHEART DRESS, $109.99

Turquoise Tea Rose: XS, S, M

Due to the stretch properties of the cotton, each size has quite a lot of give.

For example, the XS is suitable for both XS and S. The M would fit someone who is an M or an L.

Try it on at the Design A Space retail gallery - Melbourne CBD, Chapel St, Brunswick St.

Two Announcements.

2011-10-31T18:11:00.001+11:00

Hello nut & bright-ers!

Sorry for the lack of blogging.

I have been busy getting....

...MARRIED!

Yes, that's our feet right there! =)

With newly wedded bliss, I am back to designing! So stay tuned for new dresses!

Ok, so that was the first announcement.

2nd announcement....

http://www.designaspace.com.au/

nut & bright is on Brunswick St, Fitzroy!

Come check out the NEW shop:

Design A Space
212 Brunswick St, Fitzroy (2 doors from the Little Creatures Dining Hall)

3rd Announcement (did I say 2? Oops!)

Our NEW summer collection will be ready in about 4 weeks. Yayyyy!
We.can't.wait. To see. feel. touch. smell our soft hand-dyed or hand-printed fabrics...turned into pretty dresses!

In the meantime, you can still find us other Design A Space shops:

142 Chapel Street, Windsor
20 Manchester Lane, Melbourne

Or, if you love markets, find us at the Shirt & Skirt Market @ the Abbotsford Convent on Sundays:

11 Dec 2011
18 Dec 2011
15 Jan 2012
19 Feb 2012

May the love we feel in our hearts be amplified into the world!!!!

xoxo

Autumn / Winter Dress!

2011-03-01T18:35:00.000+11:00

Happy first day of Autumn!

Just think, on the other side of the globe, people are waking up to their first day of spring and new bulbs are bloomin'.

But, it's not all over for us yet, I believe there are still some warm days left before this cycle moves along.

Summer-Autumn-Winter-Spring-Summer!

See, summer always comes back! =)

Speaking of Autumn, what do you wear when it gets cold?

I don't know about you but I find autumn / winter dresses incredibly hard to find. Which is why, we created this dress....

with long sleeves that can be rolled up

made from thick cotton-Lycra that's super comfy

perfect for layering and boots!

But wait, there's more!
The April Dress above looks cute with its mid-thigh hem and boots but, we did not forget you taller girls who prefer knee-lengths!

So, looking more elegant and 'grown up', here's the Mena Dress...

knee-length, 3/4 sleeves

both comes with a removable sash that can be tied to the back or front
or replaced with playful belts!

both are available in two colours!

Handprinted on high quality cotton-Lycra (the kind that skims the body without clinging)
Fabric covered buttons down the front (condusive for layering)
Very flattering cut - how often do you find a great autumn / winter dress?!
Easy fit due to the high grade cotton-Lycra which will stretch to skim your body beautifully
And when it gets colder, can you imagine it with a scarf, trench or duffle coat, gloves and boots?

April Dress (mid-thigh length, long sleeves)
Green Leaves: S, M, L, XL
Gold Leaves: S, M, L, XL
$98

Mena Dress (knee-length, 3/4 sleeves)
Green Leaves: S, M, L, XL
Gold Leaves: S, M, L, XL
$105

One Month to Valentine's Day!

2011-01-14T11:32:00.000+11:00

Not that I celebrate Valentine's Day...

But I named this dress the Romance Dress.

hmm...maybe I should celebrate Valentine's Day this year...

straps can be worn straight down

or crossed over (check out the little 'V-shape' beneath the straps)

in Dot & Amber Flowers

in Vintage Summer Red

fully lined
hand-printed on luxuriously soft rayon
adjustable straps, swappable for an 'X-back' or straight down
hidden side zip, hook & eye

Romance Dress

Dot & Amber Flowers (S, M, L)

Vintage Summer Red (S, M, L)

$89

Not supposed to have favourites...

2011-01-14T11:07:00.000+11:00

I guess I'm not supposed to have favourites.

But, IF I did, those of you who have seen me lately would know this is it.

So effortless. So chic.
How can I resist a classic dress?
(a simple belt just pulls it together)

super soft fabric makes me feel like I should be walking around
with a wicker basket and flowers in my arms

hand-dyed on luxuriously soft rayon
falls beautifully and grazes the knees
concealed zip
thick strap at the back hides your bra

Treasure Dress, Classic
Soft Blue (S, M, L)
$89
note: the bust area is cut quite slim so if you are well-endowed, best to pick one size up

CALLOUT: Live with your heart...

2011-01-13T14:32:00.003+11:00

image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/xdesx/3276943639/

My heart is breaking as I sit here and type on this wet, wet day in Victoria.

I can’t help but feel for our fellow beings in Qld and Brissie.

The trauma of natural disasters reminds us of our place in this world,
so many things we cannot control or comprehend.

Not long ago, it was the unstoppable bushfires in Victoria.
Now, it’s depths of water swallowing even our modern cities.

Is the irony nature’s way of reminding us what’s truly important?

Homes, infrastructures, businesses,
Things we invest in,
Things we see as progress, development and success,
Things we've seen so easily destroyed.

Yet some things remain important.
Love, humanity, courage and strength,
At the end of the day, it's all we have.

Anna Bligh, the Premier of Qld said,
things we've lost we can re-build,
lives we lose we cannot replace.

How true that rings
for I lost a cherished friend on Black Saturday.
A guardian friend, someone who always saw truth and kindness.

In fact, his death did prompt me to leave a job that did not feel right
and continues to inspire the work that I do now and my firm gratitude for life.

Without sounding dramatic,
I am offering 5% of all online sales to people affected by the floods.

It’s not much.
It’s what I can do
And it comes from my heart.

So, if you’ve been thinking of buying a nut & bright dress,
please know that 5% of the purchase price will go to Habitat for Humanity.
This will cover all online purchases from 13 January to 13 February 2011.

FYI:

Habitat for Humanity specialise in disaster recovery and rebuilding, following the immediate disaster aid delivered by the SES.

The Habitat team in Queensland is now trying to understand the impact of the floods and how best to support the clean up effort after the flood waters have receded. At this stage they anticipate that their response will take the form of a Brush With Kindness programme – they need volunteers and financial support but it will be a few weeks before they know exactly what is required.

Note: If you wish to make an additional a donation to Habitat for Humanity along with your purchase, please let me know and I can add that to the collection.

Meanwhile, here's sending some love and strength to the people up North.

Dress season!

2011-01-11T14:42:00.002+11:00

Rain or shine, we're wearing dresses!

Made with rayon
Relaxed fit with gathers around the waist
Features a small cut-out and an adjustable ribbon at the back
Style tip: can be dressed up with a belt across the waist

Naomi Dress

Blue Paisley (S, M, L, XL)

$75

Other colours available:

Pink Paisley ( S - 2 pieces left!, M, L, XL - last piece! )

Iris Purple ( S, M, L, XL )

Remember?

2011-01-11T14:21:00.000+11:00

Remember the Keira Dress?

The one you liked so much we decided to make it in three colours and two lengths (up to the thigh AND down to the knee)?

Last time, we showed you...

the Iris Purple

the Dessert Pink

This time, may we present...

the Rain Blue

Also available in two lengths: knee-length and thigh-high
Hand-dyed superior rayon
Flattering cut: gathers in the neckline and waist makes it an easy fit
Sash can the tied at the back, front or side
Style tip: also looks good with a lace or printed slip underneath (so it peeps out beneath the neckline)

Keira Dress

Rain Blue

Thigh-high version: S, M, L

Knee-length version: S, M, L, XL (one piece left!)

$59

Also available in:

Dessert Pink

Purple Iris

For pictures of the other colours, please click here

Fun!

2011-01-11T11:13:00.002+11:00

This dress is so fun!

Why?
Because you can wear it back-to-front or front-to-back!
Yeap!

Two dresses in one.

Just like buy-one-get-one-free deal. erm, kinda...

Feature zip in front

flipped over the other way (notice the difference in the pockets?)

in Blue Vintage Print + Grey Band + Black Linen Skirt

in Lavender Vintage Print + White Band + Blue Linen Skirt
(you can just throw it on)

or layer it
(imagine cute boots, scarfs etc. on cooler days)

Designed to be worn two ways: back-to-front & front-to-back
Hand-printed on cotton-Lycra top (flexible relaxed fit)
100% linen skirt
Features two pockets with different details on each sides
Zip can be worn in front or at the back
Just a fun summer dress, also great for layering in winter
note: this dress has a stretchy relaxed fit, suitable for a wide range of sizes

Play Dress
Blue Vintage Print + Grey Band + Black Linen Skirt (S, M, L, XL)
Lavender Vintage Print + White Band + Blue Linen Skirt (S, M, L, XL)
$75

WARNING! Dress bombardment ahead!

2011-01-07T17:53:00.002+11:00

Because summer's finally here! =)

like vintage?

like classic.

like pockets? Like like like!

gathers at the back for an easy fit

swappable straps you can wear straight down or crossed-over

hmm...same dress? Different length!
made both for some like it short, some like it long.

Hand printed on luxuriously soft rayon
Concealed pockets on both sides
Gathers at the back for an easy fit
Adjustable straps which can be worn straight down or crossed-over
Hidden zip on the side
Two lengths: choice of short or long

Alice Dress in Violet and Cream Tea Rose

Short Version, $89

Size: ~~S, M, L~~ (SOLD OUT)

Long Version, $105

Size: ~~S, M,~~ (SOLD OUT), L (LAST PIECE)

ps. for the same dress in a completely different fabric, click here.

We wish you...

2010-12-24T17:26:00.003+11:00

Jacquie wears: Classic Treasure Dress in Navy, $89

Be safe, merry and happy holidays!

We could not find a pine X'mas tree so our good ol' bottle brush bush had to do.

Note: We are taking a break from X'mas day to 29 Dec (country air, here we come!) and will respond to online orders & emails after the break.

Thank you for your patience during the holiday period.

Our first market in the New Year is the Suzuki Night Market on 12 Jan (Wed).

Hope to see you there!

xoxo

Meet the Girl-Up-Stairs!

2010-12-18T00:17:00.003+11:00

Like literally!

Steph lives upstairs to me.
Pretty handy to have for a friend / model, huh?
In case I need to borrow sugar...

To make Melbourne smaller, Steph is the cousin of a good mate to whom my partner was Best Man to recently. That's how we first met. Hmm...serendipity?

Anyway, back to dresses.
This one's named the Ashley Dress.
Inspired by a certain Laura. =)

in Red Floral with Green Polka Dot Collar

in Vintage Yellow with Green Polka Dot Collar

What did I tell ya? Isn't she the loviest girl-up-stairs?

100% cotton
Pretty basic cut
Simple button-down dress
Sash can be tied in front (as shown) or at the back

Ashley Dress
Colours:
Red Floral with Green Polka Dot Collar (size: ~~S, M, L~~) SOLD OUT!
Vintage Yellow with Green Polka Dot Collar (size: ~~S, M, L~~) SOLD OUT!
Price: $79

As if we can get enough...

2010-12-17T17:31:00.001+11:00

...of the Sweetheart Dress! =)

Now, just so we are clear, while we are totally addicts of this look - and why not? it's sooooo flattering - this is a different Sweetheart Dress.

Yeap, we like to think of this as the Vintage Sweetheart Dress.

Completely classic with a knee-length hem, full skirt and, you guessed it...pockets! Not just teeny weeny pockets but pockets large enough to engulf your hands.

Here we go again...

Bold Flowers in Yellow

Bold Flowers in Blue

see what we mean by pockets that swallow your hands?

100% cotton
Exclusive nut & bright print - hand-printed with mucho care
Features a tie-back that conceals your bra clasp
Invisible zip, hook & eye on the side
Gathers in the lower back and the tie-back in the thorax creates an adjustable fit
Flatters most body shapes!

Vintage Sweetheart Dress
Bold Flowers in Yellow (size: S, M, L)
Bold Flowers in Blue (size: S, M, L)
Price: $89

Tea party, anyone?

2010-12-12T09:05:00.042+11:00

Sunday brunch, picnic, Chapel Street?

Gotta run! =)

got my hands in my pocket...

swappable straps - straight down one day, crossed the next...

gathered back for an easy fit
(helps you breathe too!)

100% cotton
Hidden zip on the side
Hidden pockets, both sides
Swappable straps, adjustable lengths
Hem falls above the knees

Alice Dress

Yellow Vintage Floral

Sizes: ~~S, M, L~~ (SOLD OUT)

Price: $89

Awwww...this dress!

2010-12-10T14:45:00.001+11:00

The sweetheart of all sweethearts!

all coy and dainty...

super relaxed and comfortable

wanna melt a heart? anyone?

Made with high grade cotton-Lycra, a nice cottonny stretch fabric. Not the type that's thin and clingy but the type that feels right - comfortable and flattering.
Features a cut-out at the lower back and a ribbon-band across that conseals your bra clasp.
What else? Oh, it fits most people really nicely because of the stretch fabric and adjustable ribbon-band across the back.

Sweetheart Dress (Cotton-Lycra)
Colour: Tea Rose in Turquoise
Sizes: S, M, L