Polka dot: Habbot's Bell grey loafer

What is it about closing a definitive chapter in your work-life that sends you shoe shopping? It's got me wondering whether there is a uniquely symbolic dimension to shoes that I haven't considered until now. I cyber stalked these Habbot flats last week and followed it up with an in-store visit just the other day. This is the shoe crafted by an Italian artisan for an eastern suburbs housewife. The leather! Hand-hole punched detailing! The tassle! I love them.

At $390 they are way more than I like to pay for a pair of shoes. On the other hand I am in a vulnerable – or is that open – state of mind?

Easter tidings

Isn't Easter just the nicest time of year? Between the fine weather and good food, not to mention 4 long days to savour both, there's not much to complain about. I even managed to peel off from the fam Easter Sunday and took in a movie in Carlton. Afterwards, I idled for a bit, looking for a treat, as usual, when I poked my head into Baker D. Chirico next door to Brunetti's. D. Chirico's St Kilda shopfront has been serving south siders for over a decade but I can't remember the last time I visited. Organic Gertrude, two stones throw away from home, stocks their bread, pastries and bombolinies so I am kept in good supply.

The constant yak yak about Melbourne being the design capital of Australia is pretty boring. Honestly, whatevs. It's enough to drive you to Yass. And yet, let's face it; D. Chirico is a long way from Brumby's. It's not often I feel moved by retail experiences but D. Chirico wooed me. Look at that wrapping paper!

As I waited for service (not long), I did consider what it was that retail can still do. For a few moments, just long enough to select and pay for my buns, I felt better. I mean that literally. I felt like a better brand of person. Discerning! Sophisticated! Urbane! It lasted all the way out the door and even as far as the front seat of my bomb-y old Toyota Corolla. That was the moment the spell broke. Did it matter? Not really. I had a dozen hot cross buns for company. I wolfed one down on the drive home. It tasted pretty good.

Baker D. Chirico

178 Faraday Street

Carlton

10 years of joys and sorrows

Organic Gertrude celebrated ten year on planet earth last night. Much like the Cheers bar was Norm's second home, Organic Gertrude has been my haunt. It's where I take my coffee – wind whipping through the cafe notwithstanding – where I've bartered and bought damn good food and found baby sitters, for both monkeys. I feel like my life has been lived out between its four walls, joys and sorrows, particularly these past 6 years when I've lived two stones throw away. Was it really ten years ago that it all kicked off? I designed its logo, my first, all that time ago? Sucking down a mango daiquiri and looking around the room last night I felt like we'd all gotten appreciably older. Not that I'm into pushing back time but I did wonder maybe I should try some Chia powder. Tomorrow.

Organic Gertrude

108 Station Street

Fairfield 3078

Friday Flowers

On the way out of Mixed Business, the Clifton Hill eatery, I noticed a florist next door, Fowler's Flowers. I couldn't help myself, I picked up a posy. My god does this shop get it right. The selection of flowers, arrangements and decor are so very lovely. If I had to pick a word, I'd choose rustic. I can't remember the last time I got such a lovely bunch. I wish I could name them but my botanical knowledge being such that it is, all I can vouch for is their gorgeous sense of colour and form.

Fowler's Flowers

488 Queens Pde

Clifton Hill 3068