Margot Austin

I'm the kind of person who likes to visit grocery stores and drug stores when I travel just to see package designs. Love this. If the packaging is particularly good then I might buy something -- no matter what the product is. Some of my fave pretty packaging destinations are Marks & Spencer (especially the boxes of Scottish porridge), Harvey Nichols Food Hall, Ladurée (natch! especially the Boîte Bouledogue), Muji (London, Paris, New York), Côté Bastide Paris, Mario Badescu. Of course liquor stores are another great source. I have the most gorgeous bottle of Absinthe that I bought as a prop for a shoot. And last week I found the prettiest bottle EVER -- Sayuri Sake. And last but not least -- love the cans of pear and apple soda I spotted at IKEA recently. The design reminds me of Enzo Mari's La Mela and La Pera.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about this colour and it's closest relatives - kelly green, grass green, lime, vibernum. (yes, sometimes I just think about colour). Today's funny story unfolded at IKEA (OK, sorry, I know enough already with the IKEA). Anyhoo, I was standing in front of this bedding absolutely loving it --its boldness and preppiness -- when a 12-year-oldish boy beside me said in the most enthused and excited manner, "Mom, mom, this is the coolest duvet cover EVER!" I smiled and nodded in wholehearted agreement. Then I thought to myself, how amazing that a product can appeal to me and a boy like that equally. The last thing I need in the world is a duvet cover, but after this little moment I HAD to have it. So on the day of the Masters (congrats Phil), I now officially declare green my signature colour. Here's a celebration.

sources: 1. IKEA. 2. Domino via Apartment Therapy. 3.&4. Banana Republic. 5. Bells of Ireland. 6. Joe Fresh. 7. Avalisa. 8. La Pera by Enzo Mari via Nova 68. 9. House Beautiful via Quadrille. 10. me. 11. Gap. 12. Cole & Son Malachite wallpaper.

There's going to be a serious lack of Lack very soon. I'm working on a story for which I'm planning a shot that requires 2 white Lack shelves. I called my trusty contact at IKEA to request a couple of shelves and then I got the news. The white Lack shelf is being discontinued (they'll still have red, yellow and walnut). Huh? That's like discontinuing meat balls or the Billy. I don't get it. This shelf is a mainstay in the stylists tool kit. Loved for its hardware-free sleek appearance and clean white lacquered finish. Lamented for it's inability to support a decent amount of weight due to that same invisible hardware system. But still we come back to Lack time and again. We love to love Lack. We hate to lose Lack. I can only hold out hope that it will come back in a new improved version with a better hardware system. IKEA does that from time to time -- they tweak an existing product. Fingers crossed. Meanwhile, I'm going with a Lack knock-off from Home Depot.

The shot above is from Aaron Hom. I'll admit I'm jealous of him. When his place ran in House Beautiful a while back I really fell for it. Then I Googled him and found his portfolio. Nice work and clients like Restoration Hardware, DWR, Pottery Barn -- I mean aren't those the TOP styling gigs? He's very good.

And lastly, here are 2 cool Lack hacks.

Fun with Lack from Marie Claire Idées.Grassscloth-wrapped Lack.