I haven't posted in quite some time.

My first weekend in Tel Aviv also happened to be the accessories market at the ZOA house, and anyone who knows me knows how much I love a market full of bargains, handmade goods, and vintage finds. This three-day flea allowed for plenty of shopping and an opportunity to browse handbags, jewelry, sunglasses, clothes, and shoes from Israeli designers. Tel Aviv, as an introduction to my home for the next few months, you put on quite a show.

Five Things to Love About Melbourne

Lunch in the Park set of three rings by local designer Victoria Mason

Decadent hot chocolate at Koko Black in Carlton

4,000 local and international titles to choose from at magnation

Decorative box sets at stationary store Zetta Florence in Fitzroy

Black Truffle Salt - perfect for cooking - at Gewurzhaus Herb & Spice Merchants

I could spend weeks walking through the streets of Melbourne and never get bored. The city is populated with the best of Australia's designers, cafes, graffiti, vintage, and coffee, and I loved discovering its many hidden gems, such as Victoria Mason's studio where she creates unique wearable jewelry open only two days a week. And in such neighborhoods like Fitzroy and Carlton a feast of color, energy, and inspiration can be found on every street.

Moko Artspace

Funky ceramic words on the walls of Moko Artspace at Hot Water Beach.

Glebe Markets

Now this is my kind of Sunday afternoon. The Glebe markets! Hundreds of vendors selling vintage goods, handmade jewelry, bags, T-shirts, old stamps and remodeled door frames, homemade cookies and soaps, and lots more.

Sollis Jewellery

Stunning tribal jewelry using Ikat weaving, designed by Eleanor Ford. Spotted at the Bondi Markets. Love!

CIty Posters

Ork Posters is one of my favorite artists from back home. The company is based out of Chicago and does some really unique designs for big US cities. Greg O'Connor does something really similar with Red Dog Design. If I wasn't traveling, I'd have snatched up a number of these posters for my friends back home.

William St

The fashion in Sydney is overwhelming. I want everything! While browsing through Paddington the other day I walked down William St and came across a shop called Natasha! Too bad even with the sale I couldn't afford anything, but the maxi dresses and shoes were to die for, the most gorgeous colors and prints. I managed to swipe a business card to bring home for my little sis.

I have become really fascinated by Sydney's history, especially since it is only a little over 200 years old. Unlike Europe where you have ancient mixed with very new, especially in terms of architecture, in Sydney you have neighborhoods that have been around just a few years, including Darling Harbour, which was built in 2002.

So it's been exciting to spot these antique water fountains, still in use and scattered around the city. Nothing like filling up your water canteen for free on a really hot day.

Vampt Vintage

How awesome is this logo? I discovered a unique furniture showroom in Surry Hills, Vampt Vintage Design. Most of the pieces are from Scandinavia and have an Art Deco feel. Walking through the collection reminded me of antiquing with my mom in the Hudson River Valley a few months back. I kept thinking what she would have thought of the different pieces, and how they would work into our living room that she is continuously redecorating.

OBJECT

White exploring the shops and restaurants of Surry Hills the other day I walked into Object, a craft and design gallery space. With just two floors and a stellar gift shop, I had the pleasure of seeing Robert Baines metal jewelry exhibit before it closes this Sunday. Baines is an artist goldsmith and researcher of archaeometallurgy (say that five times fast), and is known for his large and complex wire jewelry. I especially loved his detailed bracelets, including the two above.