Snapdragons and teapots

Happy Friday: The Sounds of Australian Summer

2012-01-25T21:00:00.002+10:00

Crickets on a still night, the ocean crashing in at dawn, sizzling BBQs with relaxed chatter as a backdrop, the thwack of old fans lasting another summer...

And come Australia Day, we as a nation unite over Triple J's Hottest 100, cricket scores and the Australian Open. Although tomorrow is Thursday, it definitely feels as though today has been Friday as we prepare for Australia Day. Have a great weekend - I'll be watching the tennis (yes!) in Melbourne...

Thought for the day

2012-01-25T09:49:00.001+10:00

Shoesday: Just Do It

2012-01-24T22:22:00.004+10:00

Australia is currently gripped by Australian Open tennis-fever. While we watched Lleyton Hewitt bow out with dignity and his trademark tenacity to the blindingly brilliant Djokovic last night, we still have the joys of watching Nadal pull his undies out of his bottom and Federer gracefully dispatch of opponents in his usual, gentlemanly manner.

Last night I watched the shrieking (seriously... 96 dB! that girl is an environmental nuisance) Sharapova overpower her German opponent. All I could think the entire match was: girlfriend is hot. Like seriously. She is one of the very few women in this world who can pull off lime green without looking like a trailer-park trashbag.

Anyway. Here are some of her tennis shoes...

Remember at school when it was all about the runners you had? I used to be green with envy towards all those who wore Nike. My mother - who strictly enforced the "you do not have to be like everyone else" school of thought doggedly refused my passionate pleas for Nike trainers. I was still wearing Diadora when the company had gone bust. *sigh*

I suppose it was really just like Coco Chanel famously once said - "To be irreplaceable, one must be different." While this is certainly true, it can be very difficult to explain this to a 15 year old girl who just wants to blend in. In any event, I buy my own shoes these days. And yes. They are Nike.

I am off to the Australian Open on Thursday (yes, I am VERY excited!). I have tickets to the men's final at the moment, but would really like to see some of the women in action. I think Kim Clijsters has some good juju around her right now.

The Passing

2012-01-21T08:35:00.003+10:00

Sad news this morning that 3-time Grammy winner and vocal powerhouse Etta James has passed away this morning at 73, following complications with leukemia.

The R&B singer battled heroin addiction for much of her younger life, finally breaking the addiction when she was 50. James was known for her poignant mix of power and pain in her work, and veteran musical producer Jerry Wexler called her "the greatest of all modern blues singers ... the undisputed Earth Mother."

Bonnie Raitt told Rolling Stone magazine in 2008 that: "There's a lot going on Etta James' voice. A lot of pain, a lot of life, most of all, a lot of strength. She can be so raucous and down one song, and then break your heart with her subtlety and finesse the next. As raw as Etta is, there's a great intelligence and wisdom in her singing."

This is one of my favourites. There is so much going on this song. Amazing.

She told Rolling Stone in 1997 that "Life's been rough. But life's been good. If I had to go back and do it all over again, I would live it the exact same way."

That's about as much as you could ever want really, isn't it?

Happy Friday

2012-01-20T07:13:00.002+10:00

Another ridiculously busy weekend... So tonight I chill (after I pop in to the Alannah Hill sale!). I'm hoping to see either The Descendants, The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo or Hugh at some point this weekend (probably tonight - an alone in the cinema thing that I LOVE doing).

And I'm hoping to pick up my new glasses tomorrow!

Happy Friday!

Loving Love

2012-01-19T18:25:00.004+10:00

Today is the 6 month anniversary of that epic first date I went on... Following the hot pink lipstick encounter.

This is 1/3rd of the time of my longest relationship ever! It's quite a milestone for me (a rehabilitated commitment phobe). We're currently planning a trip to bike ride around France (and capture some of Tour de France), sail Croatia, see Turkey and introduce me to the wonders of Rome, Venice and Spain. Exciting!

While we're on the topic of love, I thought you might enjoy this extract from a letter written by John Steinbeck (Nobel laureate and much celebrated author) to his son - all about love.

New York
November 10, 1958

Dear Thom:

We had your letter this morning. I will answer it from my point of view and of course Elaine will from hers.

First -- if you are in love -- that's a good thing -- that's about the best thing that can happen to anyone. Don't let anyone make it small or light to you.

Second -- There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean, grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything good in you -- of kindness and consideration and respect -- not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you sick and small and weak but the second can release in you strength, and courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn't know you had.

You say this is not puppy love. If you feel so deeply -- of course it isn't puppy love.

But I don't think you were asking me what you feel. You know better than anyone. What you wanted me to help you with is what to do about it -- and that I can tell you.

Glory in it for one thing and be very glad and grateful for it.

The object of love is the best and most beautiful. Try to live up to it.

If you love someone -- there is no possible harm in saying so -- only you must remember that some people are very shy and sometimes the saying must take that shyness into consideration.

Girls have a way of knowing or feeling what you feel, but they usually like to hear it also.

It sometimes happens that what you feel is not returned for one reason or another -- but that does not make your feeling less valuable and good.

Lastly, I know your feeling because I have it and I'm glad you have it.

Cute, huh? See the rest of it here.

The Golden Globes: Brought to You By The Waist, The Fishtail, and the Wedding Dress

2012-01-17T17:49:00.000+10:00

I think we can neatly encapsulate the trends of this year's Golden Globes (yes, they were yesterday... I can't blog at work anymore) into 3 major categories.

1. The Waist

Lady-like proportions are now all the rage. In case you missed the memo, we should now be exhalting our waists by wrapping it in a belt, tapering the dress in to and out from the waist and generally ensuring that maximum attention is paid to our Coca-Cola bottle figures (with a little trimmed off the hips, naturally.

Maria someone-or-other didn't need a belt to draw attention to her amazing figure clad in yellow. Divine!

I absolutely adore this trend, and my favourite dresses were all within this trend category. While Angelina Jolie has apparently won best dressed, I feel she liked kind of creepy. As though she was biding her time before gobbling up anyone silly enough to make eye contact.

I thought they all looked smashing, but Nicole Kidman, the yellow dress, Claire Danes and Kate Winslet were all stand-outs to me. Emma Stone definitely deserves an honourable mention for her rock-girl eagle buckle belt.

2. The Fishtail
Like the cinched-in waist, the fishtail also draws attention to the figure.

While I think this is an amazing style that drools class, I think you'd need all of your self-confidence in tact to pull this one off. In fact, I feel like there's a huge difference between the lady in red to the lady in blue here confidence-wise... Reese doesn't look totally comfortable. Looks like she needed to repeat to herself a few more times "No, your hips don't look big in this" before she ventured down the red carpet.

3. The Bride

I think I do very few red carpet round-ups that do not feature the brides to be... Just like at any ball you go to, I feel there are always going to be ladies out there who occasionally mistake glamour for nuptial-appropriate attire. Not that I'm complaining. These dresses were lovely.

Elle Macpherson isn't too far off a November Rain style wedding in that get-up.

Shoesday: Summer Cries

2012-01-17T07:06:00.000+10:00

It's raining for the second day in a row today. Summer has been weird. AGAIN. I thought we had moved on from last year's dastardly flooding rains.... While we're unlikely to have a natural disaster this summer of the proportions of 2011, any day of summer wasted on rain seems like a disaster in my books.

*dramatic sigh*

However, it's still Tuesday. And it's still happy.

Have a lovely day wherever you are. And don't forget to wear something lovely on your feet! xo

The Other Crush

2012-01-16T21:52:00.000+10:00

Film Review: The Iron Lady

2012-01-16T21:46:00.000+10:00

The latest film to generate serious Oscar buzz has been The Iron Lady, featuring the indomitable and wildly talented, Meryl Streep.

The Iron Lady tells the story of one of the most polarising political figures of modern times: Margaret Thatcher, who led the United Kingdom as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990. Known as the Iron Lady* (ummm... obviously where the film got its title), MT led the UK through a series of frightfully painful reforms - deregulation of state assets, the deeply unpopular Falklands War, challenges to the union movement (particularly on the wharves), rejection of entry to the European Community, and the violent internal battles with the IRA. For more on just how unpopular MT really was - and for a gritty look at life in 80s UK - I recommend you also see This Is England around the same time you watch The Iron Lady. A long-held favourite of mine, I took delight in knowing the other, grass-roots side of MT's reforms.

Seriously. Just watch it.

The Iron Lady is particularly timely given the current financial malaise of the European Union today, and even the political manoeuvrings we have seen with other females either in power or seeking to gain power in recent times (here's looking at you, Julia and Hilary). MT's refusal to join the EU (the European Community at the time of her leadership) seems prescient today, and her work to deregulate the financial sector undoubtedly established the UK as the financial powerhouse and international financial centre that it is today (GFC notwithstanding). The Iron Lady certainly gives MT her dues for being a leader who stuck to her guns and pushed the UK into an era of economic stability and strength. So in that respect, I enjoyed this foray into political history.

What I did not enjoy, and actually rather loathed, was the portrayal of MT as an elderly woman beset with dementia and living a lonely, rather sad life. MT has regular conversations with her husband Denis, reminiscing over the past (which leads to occasionally clunky step-back-in-time montages) and accounting for her decisions. Denis is, however, dead. MT is portrayed as senile, sad and vulnerable in stark contrast to the energetic, strong, bright woman of her prime. I thought this was an awful, cruel way of depicting anyone. How is anyone - including film director Phyllida Lloyd - to know what is happening in her deteriorating mind?

While I think it important for MT's story to be told - she was after all an amazing woman, whether you agreed or disagreed with her politics - I'm not sure that basing this around her current weaknesses is appropriate or very tasteful. Actually, the word "exploitative" springs to mind.

Ok. Rant over. Aside from the poor taste, I found Meryl Streep's performance exhilarating. Streep transcends age in this film, and, according to those close to MT back in the day, absolutely nails every single mannerism the old bird had to a tee. It's rare that I dislike a Meryl Streep film, and she is actually the saving grace for the entire film. While I found the relationship between MT and Denis very sweet, it was marred by what I discussed above and shall not mention again!

For history and/or political boffins, or simply for anyone curious about MT, I recommend this film. Enjoy!

3.5 stars

* If you are remotely interested in politics, or just general useless trivia, you may be interested to know MT got her famous nickname from a Russian newspaper (The Red Star) following these comments in 1976:
The Russians are bent on world dominance, and they are rapidly acquiring the means to become the most powerful imperial nation the world has seen. The men in the Soviet Politburo do not have to worry about the ebb and flow of public opinion. They put guns before butter, while we put just about everything before guns.

She certainly had a way with words.

I'm Back!

2012-01-16T21:11:00.001+10:00

Sadly, no, I wasn't camping in Brazil, riding a tuk-tuk in Thailand, shopping in Hong Kong or bar-hopping in New York. No, no, no. For I have already DONE these things. So we must embark on a new adventure...

Welcome to 2012. Surely to be another year of ups, downs, fashion disasters and worldly advice and useless trivia. What fun it is to share all of this with you!

Without further ado, I must introduce you to my current crush: Lana del Rey. Ah-maze-balls. Yes.

Here's to a year of fabulous women (yes, YOU!), creative endeavours, shopping blow-outs and numerous disappearing acts. Happy New Year! xo

On the 7th Day of Christmas

2011-12-20T18:21:00.000+10:00

My true love teased me for having a Twitter account, Instagram feed, blogspot, Tumblr and Facebook account.

I like to connect, what can I say?

Shoesday: A Slight Progression from Blue

2011-12-20T18:18:00.000+10:00

Into purple!

The higher the better. That is all.

On the 6th Day of Christmas

2011-12-19T18:10:00.000+10:00

My true love reminded me of what Christmas is really all about...

Ridiculous exercises in consumerism such as my 12 Days of Christmas list sometimes make us forget what Christmas is all about. It's not just an excuse for a public holiday, excessive amounts of food and drink and the receiving of gifts.

Christmas to me signals new life, generosity of spirit, charity, humility, hope and the simplicity of love. As we run around the shops at midnight worried about last minute gifts, and stress about certain family interactions we think we'd rather avoid, it's nice to keep in mind that we have the luxury of such stresses. What to buy? A first world problem indeed.

Happy Friday: Cleopatra

2011-12-16T18:38:00.000+10:00

Happy Friday folks!! This weekend I have another Christmas party - themed of course! With a theme of religion I am going as Cleopatra (Egyptian pharoahs were Gods y'all!). Given we lost the stunning Liz Taylor this year, I thought it timely to do a retrospective of how drop-dead gorgeous she was in Cleopatra (I doubt I'll be a patch on her, but it's great inspiration).

Have a great weekend guys! One of the last for 2011!!

On the 5th Day of Christmas

2011-12-16T18:29:00.000+10:00

My true gave me the gift of warmth... And MUSIC!

As those who know me will attest, unless it's 30 degrees+, I'm cold. I need a jumper/scarf/cardigan/leg-warmers/all-of-the-above. I am also emotionally attached to my iPod - an item that divides my friends. Sometimes it's running hot (in my opinion it's always running hot), others there's a little too much Britney/Angus & Julia Stone/techno/whatever for whoever's in my radius. But it's because I love pretty much everything (except angry teen music) that I have so much. And I can't part with any of it!

So this gift here, is pretty rad in my opinion!

Juicy Couture faux fur earmuffs with a little spot for your earphones! Brilliant!

On the 4th Day of Christmas

2011-12-16T18:21:00.000+10:00

My true love gave to me...

Ever more pink lipstick! Why stop a good thing?

Pink lipstick has brought me UBELIEVABLE good luck this year.

On the 3rd Day of Christmas

2011-12-16T18:10:00.000+10:00

My true love chose to indulge my champagne (or in this case, vodka) tastes...

With none other than a Louis Vuitton hip-flask!

They really do think of everything, don't they?

On the Second Day of Christmas

2011-12-14T20:26:00.000+10:00

My true love sent to me...

I know we women are meant to throw our arms up in horror when we are gifted some type of kitchen utensil or other cleaning/pressing device, however how could you possibly not adore this raspberry mix-master sitting in your kitchen?

Fucking awesome. Excuse my French, but this is amaze-balls! Of course it has all the bells and whistles - pasta maker, ice cream maker, sausage maker, vegetable slicer etc...

And if you can't cook, I think it would make a most artistic fruit bowl.

Leaky Boat

2011-12-14T20:19:00.000+10:00

Some pictures from Baz Luhrmann's sure-to-be-epic Great Gatsby have been leaked, and my God they look sumptious! I don't care if it is awful (and how could it be, with Leo Di Caprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire involved) - the costumes are sure to be enough for me.

You know you're a superficial grown-up when you're more excited by leaked Gatsby pictures than the prospect of Santa Claus and his bag of presents.

Shoesday: The Glitter Edition

2011-12-13T18:30:00.000+10:00

Ready or not, it is the party season! What better way to party the night away than with a pair of glittery Christian Louboutins? I mean really?? What. Better. Way. ??

Didn't think so.

Take your pick, obviously... But being a blue shoe addict, I think we all know which pair I'd choose.

Size 40, if you were wondering.

News Round Up: GOSSIP!

2011-12-13T18:19:00.000+10:00

Oh Lordy... Wherever have I been?? At work. Boo.

In the last 2 weeks, there have been some MOMENTOUS changes here in Oz. They are as follows:

* We have another bushranger! Apparently some nutbag has been living in the outback for the past 6 years, evading police who want to have a little chat with him re some trifling matters such as murders and sexual assaults. Police closed in on him last week, but sniper-Ned Kelly shot and wounded an officer. Not cool.

* Queensland legalised gay civil unions (although disappointingly, 40 members of Parliament voted against the passing of the laws). Premier of Queensland Anna Bligh noted on its passing that "This bill is fundamentally about the human rights of Queensland's citizens, but it is much more than that, it is about the joyful business of love." Awwww....

* Topshop opened in Melbourne last Thursday! (As a follow up to the opening of Zara in Sydney earlier this year.. Which I must admit I visited with considerable pleasure on the weekend).

Dontcha just love finding an entire outfit in one store... On the cheap!

* Miranda Kerr got slammed by New York mag for being vacuous, fake and having the personality of an aquarium. Any thoughts on this? It's a fine line between a celeb being annoying for talking too much about politics (yes, you George Clooney!) and not giving any opinions on anything at all whatsoever. A tough line to toe indeed! I thought models were just meant to be seen and not heard anyway? Are we asking a little much of this gorgeous woman? And would we want her to be insanely smart anyway?? We already envy her so much as it is!!

Nothing to say here, folks!

There's your news... In a snapshot! xo

On the First Day of Christmas

2011-12-12T22:28:00.000+10:00

Hooray! It's Christmas!!! My favourite time of year - summer, summer fruits, delectable salads, seafood, BBQs with friends, Christmas dinners, Christmas cocktails and invariably a costume party thrown in for good measure (costume party this weekend in fact... I'm going as a terrorist - with Christmas crackers tied around my chest. I'm out of inspiration!).

Christmas also means a time to daydream about the endless possibilities of gifts. Receiving, giving - it doesn't really matter. It's fun to pick the perfect thing for a much cared for person (even if it is yourself!).

So without further ado...

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

A glamour holiday (only small suitcases need apply as we will buy on arrival) to the back of beyond. Trekking, sunning, supping and sipping... Who cares where, as long as it's fun!*

* Note: the Boy and I are actually planning a few holidays... Japan skiing if finances permit, but the real doozy will be a tour of Europe - primarily France for Tour de France, with a bit of sailing in Croatia, riding bikes in Turkey and lounging in Barcelona. Possibly sight-seeing in Italy. Anyone want to join in? There will be groups! There will definitely be fun!!!

Shoesday

2011-12-07T06:51:00.002+10:00

Yeah.. It was yesterday. But can anyone keep track of days at the moment??

Still obsessed with blue shoes... And this is Montana who won Australia's Next Top Model this year - I watched a few episodes and she's pretty rad!

Wu Wu

2011-12-06T07:20:00.000+10:00

Jason Wu (a favourite in these parts) has released his pre-Fall 2012 collection.

I am confused. There is a season before Fall? Pre-Fall? I mustn't complain... It means we can see beautiful clothes more of the year!

1 December

2011-12-04T12:47:00.000+10:00

1 December is not just the first day of summer. It's also World Aids day.

After the terrifying advertising campaigns of the late 80s/early 90s (10 pin bowling has just never appealed), and as the statistics gradually slowed, AIDS kind of fell off the awareness register. Australian youths are among the worst at regularly using condoms, and rates of STDs are sky rocketing. It's really just a matter of time before AIDS becomes a scary reality again.

The theme of Australia's World Aids Day was HIV is still here. And I suppose sometimes you need to know what can be lost before you take things seriously. The thought of losing health, precious time and treasured moments, inability to conceive a healthy child.

Freddie Mercury.

Love is grand. Just make it safe!

Thought for Today

2011-12-04T12:32:00.000+10:00

Summer Wardrobe

2011-12-04T12:29:00.000+10:00

If I could wear just a bikini and a flow-y top for the rest of summer, I would do it in a heartbeat. I would also rather happily strut around in the Suboo summer range - floating catans, little pom-pom detail and fresh sorbet colours. Yes please.

And of course I'd wear a hat. And sunscreen.

Beach Babies

2011-12-04T12:07:00.000+10:00

The first day of December is the first day of summer here in the Southern half of the world. As the temperatures soar past 27 degrees, my cold-blooded little heart sings. Warmth, at last! I swear I have some reptile in me. Which is odd really, because I'm awful in the ocean. As a country kid who lived hours from a beach, I never grew up in that great Aussie tradition of being at the beach every weekend. Two weeks at Christmas, but that was about it. And I pretty much always just hung about in the shallows with my dad (when I was little) and sunbaking when I got older (silly girl).

So it was with morbid fascination that I watched a recent science experiment here in Oz which, through the injecting of harmless purple dye into a rip, showed the path and lifecycle of a rip in the ocean.

Check this out:

This is the water being filled up with purple dye.

Anyone who has been caught in a rip knows that it doesn't take long before you're much further from shore than you realise (you move at a rate of about 1 metre/second) and that's when you realise you're in a rip and, if you're me, panic sets in. Which is when we swim parallel to shore (the best method out of a rip). As you can see from the rip, it doesn't just move in a straight line.

The boomerang effect of this other rip shows that even if you can't swim parallel to shore, all is not lost... 80% of rips return back to shore, so if you just lie there and take it easy (i.e. don't panic) you might be transported back to shore safe and sound.

Provided a shark doesn't snap you up!

Eating Echos

2011-11-19T14:58:00.000+10:00

Last night I celebrated the end of my old job and the beginning of lots of wonderful new things at one of my favourite Brisbane restaurants - E'cco Bistro. With longstanding famed chef Phillip Johnson at the helm this place is consistently incredible.

While every dish I ordered gave my tastebuds the delights I expected (bloody mary sorbet an absolute star performer), I must admit I had serious food envy at the boy's dessert - while my apricot and coconut gateau was lovely, his chocolate tart was out of this world. But I always feel like I can't order the same as someone else at the table... Does anyone else have this irrational thought process when it comes to ordering? Sharing is part of the fun, after all!

I would also like to recommend Scott wines. We had the Fiano and it was amazeballs. And quite well-priced on the website if you are so inclined.

And On That Note

2011-11-15T17:36:00.000+10:00

From the late, great Steve Jobs.

Also. Did you read his sister's eulogy for him? You should. Read it here.

Shoesday: Movin' On Up

2011-11-15T17:32:00.000+10:00

This week, I reignite my ambition and relocate my ego...

I have quit my job. A job that left me dissatisfied, and was starting to make unwelcome inroads into my self-esteem and understanding of my own abilities. So I snuck out of my workplace a week and a half ago and have been non-stop since. Job hunting (I can't handle the thought of not working! What is that? I thought I'd enjoy being a lady of leisure!), looking at short courses to become a freelance writer (not likely to pay the bills for quite some time), meeting writers who are freelancers and feeling completely inspired, meeting women with their own businesses who again inspired me - and offered me jobs!

Frankly, at all these meetings I had, I was amazed at every step. I think when your self-esteem takes continual batterings (2 cheating boyfriends and a less than fantastic job can do that for you!) you do start to doubt many things... And I'm a doubter of my own abilities already! So it was with huge, happy surprise that at these meetings I realised I can do stuff!

Yeah. Silly, huh?

I have suddenly realised that my half-heartedness in certain endeavours was fear of failure. Which sets you up for failure anyway.

While certain projects are now simmering away with far more enthusiasm and effort vowed to be made than ever before, I will be taking up a new job on a 6 month contract which I am really excited about. I was shocked to be told by my future employer that I was undervaluing myself, and would I like to suggest another - higher - figure for my salary. Does that happen?? I guess it does now!

Ok... There aren't many shoes in this post. But it's all about climbing the ladder - barefoot or in heels, I don't care how you do it. :o)

Share Your Secret

2011-11-13T19:18:00.002+10:00

You are probably well aware of my Victoria's Secret fascination. It is honestly one of my ambitions in life to go to a show in New York City. I am well aware that there is a 99% chance this will never happen, but you gotta dream of something right? ;o)

Note: The music is a little all over the shop here, but it's so much FUN! And how cute is Orlando Bloom and his standing ovations for stunning wife, Miranda Kerr? Adorabubble!

Role Models

2011-11-13T19:07:00.000+10:00

I thought you might enjoy this little snippet from TV program MamaMia which airs on Sky TV here in Oz - it's a Gen Y guy discussing what it is he likes about Sam de Brito.

He writes an article about it here also. I read Sam's blog ritualistically. It has become a habit so deeply a part of my life that it's almost as habitual as brushing my teeth before bed (drunk, sober, sick whatever - those teethy pegs get cleaned). I really enjoy his male perspective on things, and his endeavours at honesty (even when it's been painful for him - and my heart broke a little for him when his relationship broke down around this time last year) and bringing male issues into the world of public discussion. Having known far too many men and boys who have suffered depression and, with some of these lives ended too soon, I really believe Sam's voice is one that we should take heed of. And yes, I do believe he should be teaching sex ed/life skills at school - including to the girls!

The thing I really liked about the 2 minute snippet I've linked to above though, is the acknowledgment that in a sea of voices - bloggers, tweeters, writers, Facebook gurus etc - we can still find a voice that cuts through the din. We really do listen to the relevant bits, and I suppose that gives a bit of heart to that tribal issue, and the growing homogeneity of information I discussed earlier this year. I must admit, while I love the pretty pictures on blogs scattered widely across the blogosphere, my favourite blogs are the ones that tell a story of discovery and growth in an honest way.

What are you favourite kinds of blogs and why?

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T11:46:00.000+10:00

Tim Burton really is the king of Halloween-type everything. Whether he meant to or not!

I was incredibly envious when Melbourne last year hosted an exhibition at the Australian Centre for Moving Image (developed in collaboration with the master himself) of over 700 of his gothically touching works, including paintings, drawings, puppets, costumes, storyboards and film. The exhibition came direct from MoMA in New York (double sigh!). The Centre is currently hosting an exhibition of another great favourite of mine - Margaret & David! (Of At The Movies fame! Did I have to spell that out??)

It's Margaret & David's 25th anniversary... While I want them to last forever, I would also really like to steal Margaret's job! See details of the exhibition here. Anyone off to Melbourne any time soon? You should check it out! Assuming your aircraft leaves the hangar, that is...

There's no cure. I know what my fate is.

2011-10-31T11:25:00.001+10:00

There's a bit of a time commitment with these two videos (about 20 minutes in all), and I would suggest you watch this not at work - otherwise you'll be blubbing over your keyboard in view of your colleagues. I'm ordinarily fairly unimpressed with how the commercial networks deal with stories such as these - I find they seek to make you cry in a sort of exploitative kind of way, but you'll see that they've left the ham-fisting well alone here.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is an illness that is relatively enigmatic to the medical research community. Funding for important research is grossly inadequate (possibly due to the fact that at 1400 diagnoses in Australia per year, it's not as high profile as other terminal illnesses), and as a result, we are still some way from a cure for this impossibly cruel disease. MND is basically a degeneration of nerves in the body which results in a loss of muscle function. The mind is not affected, meaning sufferers retain all their senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste) and their intellect is not impaired in any way. The progression of MND throughout the body varies, however it is terminal, and sufferers usually have between 3-5 years of life from initial diagnosis.

5-10% of cases are familial, with the remaining 90-95% caused by reasons unknown. Only further medical research can identify causes and, hopefully one day, a cure.

My mum's mum - my grandma - died of MND. It attacked her hands and arms first, which was so awful as she was an artist. We have half-complete paintings of hers hanging on the walls at home. Eventually, she was hospitalised for care and she soon passed away. I was only a toddler, so never knew her. Mum lost her mum far too soon. It makes me sad whenever I think about it - and it honestly is a lot.

Each year, I donate to MND research. It takes a little more effort than making a donation for, say breast cancer (which it's basically impossible not to donate to: it has an entire month of fundraising devoted to it, and significant mobilisation in the corporate world behind it with packets of Tim Tams, bottles of water, wash-your-car gloves (I have one) and pink ribbons etc for sale on every street corner it seems). While I wouldn't say not to donate to other charities, or that one form of medical research is more important than another, I suppose we take on a cause as our own - often for fairly personal reasons (or, you simply like the pen).

In my own quiet way (and now blogged about... does that make it quiet? I suppose not), MND is my cause. The 1400 Aussies who are diagnosed each year, and the 12 Australians who die per week of this illness would be most grateful if it became your cause this year, too.

You can donate here.

Saying Au Revoir

2011-10-26T11:36:00.000+10:00

As people who have navigated the sometimes calm, often treacherous waters of relationships, I'm sure we all know for certain one thing: we can never read the minds of our partners/dates/friends. Strangely, I can generally guess what my parents thinking... ;o)

You may remember my previous post that contained this simple message: When love gets serious, say au revoir to old flames. Full stop.

Of course, this is evidently my own view on things. No two people will share the same principles or opinions - and it's finding the balance between views that you're comfortable with that can make a relationship work. But if one person's view is so polar opposite on something that is quite important to you, I wonder how much difference of principle you can tolerate?

I can't read his mind... But I'm happy to perve on him!

So these are principles I'm talking - and it can be anything. If you have some serious rules for serious love, and your partner has wildly divergent principles - do you put up with it? Can it work? Principles (supported by sound reasons for their development), unlike habits, are things to hold on to, surely? Many things in life are shades of grey, but when there are things that are simply black and white - why complicate them by entering the grey zone?

Sometimes things are simply black or white

Spell It Out

2011-10-26T08:29:00.000+10:00

Kate Sylvester AW12 The Secretary Collection from Garth Badger on Vimeo.

Happy Friday: Early Halloween

2011-10-21T11:32:00.001+10:00

It's almost the weekend!

As you know, I do love a good dress-up party. To celebrate a new home and new flatmate, Halloween is coming a week or so early to Brisvegas, as we warm the house... And hope not to have any deathly coloured drinks spilt on our lovely white carpet.

Brainstorming sessions have been held, and as we know, inspiration can come from the unlikeliest of places ! I've decided on Black Swan (I found my pointe shoes in a box... It seems natural!). I'm trekking out to the outer, outer suburbs of Brisbane to find myself a tutu. I am horrified at the cost of 6 layers of tulle, so I feel my trek will be worth it!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Amy Winehouse in Reverse

2011-10-21T11:17:00.001+10:00

If you have time (6 minutes!) to watch this, it's really rather sweet. From drugs and psychiatric wards to music as redeemer, James Rhodes' story is awfully inspiring. Talk about following your bliss!

Note: James Rhodes is currently touring Australia. See dates here.

There's Something About Mary

2011-10-21T11:03:00.001+10:00

Mary Katrantzou describes her Spring/Summer 2012 collection as "Man meets machine meets mother earth, an army of petal, metal, print". Inspired in part by American artist John Chamberlain's sculptures of crushed-cars, and melding pixelated mismatched prints with neat, structured design, function and form both win out in this latest collection.

The 28 year old Greek-born designer is on a rapid trajectory, with none other than ADR stepping out in her designs (as well as A-Listing fashionistas including Keira Knightley and Alexa Chung)and a collection for Topshop snapped off the racks earlier this year.

Her background as a textiles designer is gorgeously highlighted in the darling cocktail dresses of her latest collection.

Asymmetrical shapes, bright colours, mini lampshade skirts... What more could a girl want?

Beautiful.

Marni S/S

2011-10-20T15:32:00.000+10:00

Chloe S/S

2011-10-20T15:30:00.000+10:00

Sometimes We Forget

2011-10-20T15:27:00.000+10:00

Our body was made for something other than sitting at a desk.

Danse(s) from Sosh on Vimeo.

Jak + Jil for Oroton

2011-10-18T12:12:00.000+10:00

Check out more here. I love how this brand has reversed its fortunes!

Happy Friday: Belated Everything

2011-10-18T12:08:00.000+10:00

Hey guys... Yes. It's late. I'm generally a solid (and reliable, in my opinion!) 15 minutes late to most things.

Anyway. If it was Friday today, I would have said: Happy Birthday to all my very many Libran friends! Seriously. There's a lot of you! Happy birthday. I love you all and miss the distant ones so much. xoxo

Many of you have now joined an elite club - the Dirty 30 Club. I am rather enjoying it, and all that pressure of turning 30 is off. We can all relax now - the next milestone is 5 years away!

Sink or Swim

2011-10-12T14:39:00.002+10:00

Speaking of Books

2011-10-11T13:26:00.001+10:00

Does anyone remember The Bride Stripped Bare? Which caused such a fuss in Australia, and resulted in the unveiling of Nikki Gemmel as the author - which caused much angst for her at the time.

I really enjoyed the book, didn't understand the controversy, and always hoped for more.

Well. For a change, one of my wishes has come true! Nikki Gemmell has a new book out - a follow up to Bride - called With My Body. Listen to her discuss it here.

Shoesday: The Traveller

2011-10-11T13:16:00.002+10:00

Ah travel. It is truly food for the soul. I so wish I was headed somewhere exotic, or culturally decadent, or stunning in its untouched beauty. Alas, I sit at my desk and watch the Brisbane River, Brisbane's cultural precinct at South Bank and the ferris wheel spin. Not really all bad, I suppose. :o)

However, Ms Ali IS travelling, and she is doing the mandatory packing cull. I am notoriously bad at this, however I can give you some words of advice:

* Huge YES to the compression stockings for the flight. Not only do they aid in circulation, I have found that their ugliness can be cause for conversation with cute guys on the aeroplane. True Story. It happens every time (trick is to pull them on on the aeroplane, while cute male traveller is taking his seat - much humour and bewilderment ensues). Note that you need to be able to wear your delightful flat shoes with the stockings, so no thongs! (And frankly, when headed to Paris, no thongs at all!)

* Books - I finished A Visit From The Goon Squad a few weeks ago and it is wonderful! And it's the perfect flight book as it's engrossing, a rapid page turning read, and really should be read all in one burst. I'm also currently reading One Day (after seeing the film) and I'm loving it! Another page turner!

* Wonderfully pretty, soft, light-weight scarf that you can wear with anything. Meh. You'll probably buy one. However they're great for flights (if you're a cold traveller like me) and the perfect thing to have in your bag to keep you out on the streets of your interesting foreign city for longer. I am also oddly fascinated by observing the commute home from work of people in another city. Usually by then it's getting dark and a little cold... Cue scarf.

* Shoes. We need to talk about shoes. Because it's Shoesday and all. I always pack a pair of high heels and never wear them. I still maintain that you definitely need a pair! Whether you take them or buy them o/s is an entirely different matter. Remember you will be surrounded by Zara! And generally exciting other Parisian shops. So perhaps you'll buy a pair - you'll be on trend at a minimum. Best thing is, when you're back from your travels and someone asks where your shoes are from, you can breezily say "Oh these are just from Paris" and giggle wildly on the inside as you say it. Best feeling ever.

My main advice re heels is not to go for the uber skinny stiletto (if you're partial to them in the first place). They will get stuck in the cobbled streets, and the heel will wear down like a mo-fo. Go for something with a solid heel, soft leather and comfort. Kinda like these:

Too bright?

Also: flats. I don't think this needs to be discussed in detail. We always walk for miles when we travel, and comfortable pretty flats are essential. Please, no runners - we are not middle-aged folk on a coach holiday. We needn't look completely like a foreigner (our face and hair and accent will do this for us). Please be pretty.

Have a fabulous trip!!!!

Do You Know What This Is?

2011-10-10T16:36:00.000+10:00

Nail. Art.

Scary-arse nail art. Can you imagine having those things on your fingers? Talons, I tells ya!

Paris Week

2011-10-10T16:27:00.000+10:00

Paris Fashion Week has just finished, so the blogosphere is alive with fashions from the streets of Paris. In other Parisian news, Lisa Curry Kenny's daughter is a dancer at the Moulin Rouge (Lisa considers the Moulin Rouge to be the Olympics of dance... not sure about that, but it is quite an achievement! Screw all those people who sniff down their nose at wearing a bejewelled g-string and high heels to work! PRUDES!); and Ali will be there in just over a week's time! Woot!!! I wish I was heading to Paris!

In order to live vicariously through Ali, and to (maybe) assist her in seeing what the peeps are wearing over there currently, here are some great shots of fashionable darlings as they sashay the streets of that lovely, croissant-lined city.

Of course, it is not a street style retrospective without a shot of ADR.

Really - she's so awesome. And those legs!

Hopefully Ali will find some delectable, well-dressed men in her travels:

These are my favourites:

Pics.

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T10:37:00.002+10:00

Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

Part of a speech by Steve Jobs for the Commencement Address, Stanford University, 12 June 2005

****
I don't think it's overly dramatic to say that today the world has lost one of its great visionaries and a true creative genius. Steve Jobs was a person who saw a world of possibilities - a world where all the creative outputs of humankind would be available to everyone - and he managed to distill this powerful concept into simple technological solutions. Steve Jobs has given the power of information and connectivity to the world - all in simplistically beautiful devices. Steve Jobs has left an indelible mark on all of our lives. RIP.

Check this out.

Prudes and Nudes

2011-10-04T14:07:00.002+10:00

The image above has apparently caused some heat under the collars of Australia's media agencies...

Ecoya's executive chairman Geoff Ross has explained that the image has been deemed "too controversial for billboards in Australia”, with Australian media agencies refusing to plaster the images across billboards anywhere here in Australia presumably for fear of stirring up controversy and courting censorship.

I am frankly surprised that there is an issue. Having been to many a music festival, sat under the blazing Australian sun on beaches across this country, and wandered through supposedly high end nightclubs of a Saturday night, I am acutely aware that the blatant flashing of flesh is hardly something that is either shocking or unusual in Australia. I've seen more breast and butt at these venues than the flesh exposed in Ecoya's frankly very tame advertisement (given it's a "Nude" range). It can hardly be considered tacky or risque... It's not like it's an American Apparel billboard, after all. (Read more here).

Following on from the controversy surrounding billboards promoting safe sex in the gay community, I can't help but wonder what is happening here in Australia. Are we too tightly tied to the apron strings of the Nanny State we've created for ourselves? Have we lost our sense of humour - and perspective - in the quagmire of political correctness? Or are we really just that prudish?

Well to loosen you all up, I suggest you check out these very quirky videos by Isabella Rossellini. Eat your hearts out prudes - remember: it's nature, bitches. Grow up and get in touch with your sexuality! You might even learn something!

Don't Judge a Book (or a beautiful woman) by The Cover

2011-10-04T13:52:00.000+10:00

Blue Shoesday Continued...

2011-10-04T13:49:00.000+10:00

Further to last week's shoesday of blue hues, here are some more!

The first and last are from Australian shoe retailer Wittner's current range.

And just for fun, a blue bike to finish.

Don't Look Back

2011-10-03T09:31:00.001+10:00

Oh, the shame!

I am rather disappointed with Friday's knee-jerk reaction. What was I thinking?? Obviously not about the right people, or what my real priorities in life are. Yes to being polite - I believe good manners, like cleanliness, is next to godliness (so to speak) - but worrying about his feelings should I ever bump in to him again? No, no, no, no, no. Mon Got!

I should have been thinking of my current squeeze, and how he might feel if I told him I was catching up with my ex. Silly, silly girl. Not only that, I have solemnly vowed to certain friends that I would have nothing to do with this ex I speak of now. And honestly - our friends know best. And after a brief survey of most of my friends on this topic, I was greeted with a resounding - and LOUD! - "Don't even THINK ABOUT IT!". And they're quite right.

So the decision is now firmly made. There will be no catch ups, and no more time spent worrying about the feelings of someone who is, after all, not very nice nor worthy of my time.

In matters of the heart, I believe it best to simply say au revoir to past lovers. Full stop.

That ship has sailed

Update: Not surprisingly, nasty retort to my polite but firm "no". Some things never change.

Neons & Neutrals

2011-10-03T09:20:00.000+10:00

Happy Friday: Don't Look Back in Anger

2011-09-30T16:33:00.002+10:00

I am still meaning to provide my Polo style guide (I went to the Polo last weekend and spent a few solid 10 minute sets wondering what to wear), however I really must fill you in on the gossip of the day. Somewhat more important, yes?

As you are probably painfully aware, I had an icky break-up not so long ago. Of course I put into action my own constant advice re break-ups - including elements from the Ali-inspired Project Dignity - as well as some very nice new lipstick thanks very much and before I knew it, not only was I back on my happy little feet but I had ALSO scored myself a lovely new boyfriend. But we all already know that.

However. Today's little story is not about the nice new boyfriend. It is about the not-so-nice ex-boyfriend.

It is a fact of life that when you have moved on, your ex will somehow find a way to reappear and set you off kilter - whether in a minor or majorly catastrophic manner.

Oh, I'm smiling? Great timing for my ex to reappear!

And so it was,last Sunday afternoon as I stomped the divets on the polo field. Right in front of me was the ex. Whom I walked past in fits of giggles with my girlfriend. OF COURSE! Remember how dignified Vivian from Pretty Woman was when she was accosted by George (Seinfeld name I know, but that's all I can possibly know him as)? I was channeling that.

Later in the marquee, my lovely friends formed a human shield to ensure he didn't come near me (this was after I'd advised them there was no way in Hell I'd be going over to exchange pleasantries myself). So that was that. No speaking, and no real eye contact to speak of. And I was quite happy with that outcome, too.

Not surprisingly, the following day I receive the electronic equivalent of a bird shitting on my head: a seemingly innocuous email from my ex-boyfriend suggesting a catch-up. Surprising as I was blissfully unaware it was going to happen, highly inconvenient as I now had a mess to clean up, and with the potential (potential, folks - and not realised in this instance) to ruin my day. A bird shit on the head I tells you!

The email caused a flare-up of all kinds of rage in me. How DARE he? How DARE he not have the balls to come and say hello to me when he'd seen me? How DARE he think he could even intrude on my lovely happy life again, when he'd caused me so much goddamn angst and confusion! How DARE he throw the "friends" word around!

Obviously this was my first reaction. :o)

As we know, the basic premise of Project Dignity is to ensure that one maintains her dignity in the aftermath of either a break-up or other romantic mishap.

So obviously stabbing out a furious email response is simply not an option. And by the time I got over the initial indignation, I was over it anyway. I was into solid "fuck you" and "haven't you got a hide?" territory. And THEN I thought "eugh, can I even be bothered with this person?"

So what do we dignified folk do next? On the one hand, he doesn't deserve my time. On the other, is a 30 minute coffee the more dignified and mature response? A very firm: hello, nice to see you (kind of), hope you're doing well so that when we do bump into each other again (inevitable, I'm guessing) it isn't weird, awkward or nasty.

I don't want to stoop to gutter warfare, and nor do I wish to invite him in to my life. I would merely like it to be coolly pleasant. It was what it was, I felt how I felt and that is kind of that.

So. To politely coffee or to not politely coffee? That, my dignified friends, is the question.

Favourite Covers

2011-09-30T15:54:00.000+10:00

Straddling the Seasons with Style and Aplomb

2011-09-30T15:30:00.000+10:00

God I hope I spelt "aplomb" correctly... I also wanted to use "straddle" because it is such an evocative word. Whether it's good or bad is really up to your imagination, isn't it?

I read this fantastic article on transeasonal dressing, which I felt obliged to share. Because dressing between the seasons can be confusing, particularly when the weather is totally whack. One minute there's a bushfire blazing on the outskirts of town in dry heat, the next it's pouring with rain and you're contemplating a return to opaque stockings and wool. Tough. All your questions - and more! - answered below.

**************
Swap Coats For Trenches

Pack away your heavy coats and invest in a light trench. It will be your all-weather saviour. Trenches have all the tailoring of your favourite winter coat without the extra weight. Slip it on over a dress or jeans and a t-shirt for an instantly pulled-together look.

Swap Dark For Light

Cream, pale grey and tan are great colour options for this time of year. The key to comfort is layering, so choose pieces that you can peel off and on. Try switching a black blazer for a neutral tone and layer it over a sleeveless shift or silk blouse to instantly freshen your outfit.

Swap Tights For A Tan

Time to lose the opaque tights. I know! Make the transition easier by using a fake tanner (the daily spray-on/wash-off blends are fantastic emergency options) or try a pair of new–season cropped, slim-fit trousers. This style looks best with a single-breasted blazer, silk blouse or mid-length trench. Dial up the colour with a pair in hot orange, fuchsia or cobalt blue.

Swap Boots for Sandals

Ankle boots without stockings work well with dresses all year round but it's time to swap heavier styles for peep-toe pumps or flat sandals. This means a pedicure. You can update your entire look with one of summers' hottest nail polish shades: neon yellow or pink, pale grey or creamy coffee.

All images courtesy of guest editor, Paula Joye.

Blame It On My Youth

2011-09-28T15:46:00.000+10:00

They say that youth is wasted on the young... And who doesn't entertain a bit of a Benjamin Button kind of fantasy every now and again? Or a mad dream that like Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray we can somehow stop ageing.

I never expected to be who and what I am at 30... But I love it! And I don't think I'd have it any other way... Although wouldn't it be wonderful if we could capture our essence, and be/look/feel like this forever? I really don't want to grow old!

Harajuku Mini

2011-09-28T15:39:00.001+10:00

If toddlers could understand current pop culture and the adult world's current thirst for designer collaborations, they would be breaking out the bubbles (in their sipper cups).

Gwen Stefani - in partnership with Target - has announced her new range of clothes: Harajuku Mini. Targeted at those who can barely walk, the range is still sure to run out the door. In scenes that I imagine will be reminiscent of previous Target designer ranges (there's quite a few - Stella McCartney, Zac Posen, Josh Goot, Jenny Kee, Napoleon (make-up - which is an ongoing job), Bloom and Collette Dinnigan for underwear) - frantic shoppers (in this case, mothers looking to Suri Cruise-ify their kids) will no doubt be clawing at the doors - and website - of Target in a bid to secure some of the frothy, colourful, Japanese-inspired creations.

As a very niece-proud aunt, there is a chance I may join in the madness, although I do have a serious aversion to queuing up and snatching things from the hands of other shoppers. So we shall see.

The line launches in the USA from November 13.

Blue Shoesday

2011-09-27T14:06:00.001+10:00

After the bushfires from last week - which caused all that haze across Queensland - have lifted, we are lift with blue skies and strong sun. Hooray! In honour of the sky... Blue shoesday!

The last two pictures are from the Missoni Spring Summer 2011 collection. So beautiful.

The Use and Misuse of Social Media

2011-09-26T11:46:00.001+10:00

Madonna has seemed increasingly deranged to me - what with her Donnie Darko-esque Louis Vuitton campaign, all those sinewy ,yoga-refined muscles crammed into all those leotards, and the bad press following her split with Guy Ritchie (which I suppose was the point from the Ritchie camp).

This little sequence of events actually makes me like Madonna a little more.

Ok. Yes. What a bitch! Given flowers and she's all ungrateful and stuff. But still kinda hilarious. When she was pulled up on this, this was her response:

Mwahahahaha! Evil woman. The bitch image is hence cultivated. Further.

Happy Friday: Make It Stop

2011-09-23T14:34:00.000+10:00

Maybe it's the dark moon... I'm not sure, but I'm the throes of a most distressing fat day/s, and there is nothing to be done about it! And I am feeling rather frustrated that my weekend is now so over committed, that I don't have time to do the absolute bare minimum I had hoped. I just wanted to read some of the latest books I'm picking up this afternoon (thank you, Book Depository!) in order to get over the scarring left by A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon which I finished last night. I also wanted to finish the organisation of the wardrobe. But it is not to be!

I can only deal with some of the engagements thrust upon me with a bit of grace and charm...

And then hope to escape some other time.

Happy Friday guys. I hope yours is exactly as you hope it to be! xo

It's a Beautiful Day

2011-09-22T10:18:00.001+10:00

Guest Editor: Stop the Melting Make-Up

2011-09-20T15:54:00.001+10:00

Yeppers, you now know it is summer down-under. And aren't I glad about it! This evening I will be completing the all-important task of banishing all my winter clothes to Wardrobe Siberia in order that I may bask in the glow of open-toed shoes and flimsy dresses. Hooray!

An important summer consideration that must be addressed BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE is the issue of melting make-up.

I know I've mentioned excellent new product Panda Eyes before, but I think we should also keep in mind the expert advice of Zoe Foster. Oh how we love her! And nice work to Ally who totally stalked her in New York. THAT is what I like to see! Although I do wish you'd been able to speak to her to tell her about Project Romance doing the rounds! Where is it, actually? Do we know?

Anyway. These are Zoe's wise words on melty, summer make-up.

1. USE A MOISTURISING PRIMER INSTEAD OF YOUR FACE CREAM.

When I am Going Out, I don’t use my face cream under my makeup, but I definitely use primer. This is for three reasons:

1. Too much moisturiser and eye cream can make the makeup slide off, and get up into the eyes and smudge things and irritate. Also, it can make foundation appear to sit on top of the skin, rather than melt in all flawless like.

2. My face cream has SPF 30 in it, which is not required at night, and can make the face look washed out in photos.

3. I use a moisturising primer instead, (Napoleon Perdis AutoPilot – gawjus), which does a great job hydrating and more importantly, will keep my makeup locked into place, instead of sinking into my hungry skin.

2. CONSIDER USING A MORE MATTE OR LONG-LAST FOUNDATION AT NIGHT.

I say this because I often see friends using their sheer, day-time foundation or tinted moisturiser at night, and then become surprised when it doesn’t last, or when the rest of their makeup becomes overly accentuated by comparison. I keep one more-coverage, stay-put foundation for night (Revlon PhotoReady or Becca Foundation Stick), which I either use solo if I really need a full face of makeup, (say, a theatrical, smokey eye and bronzed cheeks) or blend with my sheer, daily foundation (Bobbi Brown Luminous) if I am doing more of a bright lip, say. It not only stays there nicely all night, but it acts as a terrific canvas for all of the colour cosmetics to sit on and really let their true pigments come through. (Make sure you use concealer too, over the eyelids included.)

3. SET CREME PRODZ WITH POWDER ONES.

This is a simple move, but a very worthwhiley one. You don’t even need to do it with all of them, sometimes I can only be bothered to do the cheeks, because to me, blush is what makes me feel most ‘done’ when everything else falls apart.

If you want that slap to really, R E A L L Y last:

Apply liquid foundation – set with loose powder (once you’ve applied all your other colour makeup – ESPECIALLY – important if you like a dewy look, because they never last, sadly, and loose powder keeps the glow but keeps it in place, too. I like Laura Mercier’s Loose Setting Powder very much)
Apply creme blush with fingers – set with similar toned blush on a fluffy brush dabbed on top
Apply creme eye shadow with finger – set with powder eye shadow. (I highly recommend this step. A lot)

4. PREP YOUR LIPS WITH A STAIN FIRST.

I am enchanted with bright orangey-red lips very much while over here in NYC (no one does better bright lip work than NYC girls, I am convinced of it – I saw the most magnificent lilac purple matte lip on a Rad Girl with short dark hair and a smattering of freckles today, by gads it was exciting. It’s like a living Nylon magazine here), but as we are all too aware theredline, they are a shit to maintain. So, I always start by filling in the lips with a lip texta or stain (Max Factor Lipfinity Lasting Lip Tint 07 – the top one – for a peachy tone; Revlon Just Bitten gothic for red) and then brushing on my lipstick with a lip brush over that. Really lasts.

5. TOUCH UP KEY THINGS ONLY

You don’t need to bring your whole makeup kit out, and applying a full face after four vodkas won’t look too crash hot anyway, toots. A foundation stick that doubles as concealer (to cover spots and keep the undereyes looking fresh and clean), some cream blush to liven up pasty-drunk-face, eye liner to re-do and re-sex-up the waterline and your lip product is it, I reckon. And some perfume, obviously. It’s sex appeal in a vial, you turkey! Take it with you at all times!

5. DRINK LESS TEQUILA

I can’t say why, but for some reason, the less shots of tequila I have, the less rank my makeup tends to go. Weird, huh. The other night, at this dive bar in Brooklyn, I had – and I hope you’re not eating as you read this – a pickle juice chaser after my shot of tequila. It’s what we’re famous for, the bartender said as he poured me a shot of the vile brew. It’s disgusting, I said, secretly thrilled that it took away the sting of the tequila but hating the briney flavour. My best ever tequila shot – and ask for it if you remember next time – was with cinnamon in place of salt, and orange in place of lemon. Legitimately tasty.

The primer and the powder will make the most difference if you’re too lazy to do all of it.

*************************

Naturally, I do NOT agree with the final point re tequila.

Of course, if all else fails... Whack on some sunglasses.

Shoesday: It Be Summer

2011-09-20T15:30:00.000+10:00

As is fairly usual for Queensland, we have bypassed Spring (same as we bypass Autumn) and launched headlong in to Summer. And it really looks like it's going to be a scorcher, as opposed to last Summer's paltry, rainy effort, which sent me in to hiding. Although this obviously means the opposite to floods - bushfires (which have already started and cast a haze over South East Queensland). Neither are good. But let it be long, searing days of summer heat - absent serious natural calamity and brimming with pleasures of the mind and flesh. And let all our dreams come true. Pretty please.

Gosh. Does that last little prayer make me a pantheist? Pantheism often makes so much more sense to me than all that God business. Which makes me feel a little guilty about hating the idea of the carbon tax (because there are better ideas out there!). Pantheism and karma.

Err... So anyway. Today's Shoesday is NO SHOES! Because it's summer. Yeah, baby, yeah!

Kinda Scary....?

2011-09-16T16:51:00.002+10:00

Happy Friday: Coffees and Nanna Naps

2011-09-16T16:27:00.000+10:00

Oh, and a few parties. Dammit.

I am dying to sleep. I have been sick with a hacking cough for close to a month and all I want to do is get better! I can't exercise, I am loathe to party too hard, and I'm racking up an immense credit card because all I have the energy for is internet shopping.

This weekend I shunt the new man off on holiday - which I'm kind of looking forward to. He is a night owl, and I - a devoted early bird - have been trying to be both night owl and early bird at once, and I believe this may be contributing to my not getting better. That, or I have whooping cough.

So while I will be showing my face at a few parties, it will be more about the catch-ups with friends. Coffee and/or tea depending on the setting.

And naps. Many, many naps. I hope.

The Letter D

2011-09-16T16:16:00.002+10:00

This evening I'm participating in one of my favourite activities: a costume party!

HOWEVER. The party is for someone I don't know, this person being a friend of the new boy's. So while I generally make it my philosophy to dress as outrageously and/or skankily as possible (hey! you have to unleash your inner vixen every now and again, right?! I have waxed lyrical on this topic before, in fact), I also understand that social convention may require that I behave myself somewhat in order to get to know these new people - without alienating them with too much sluttiness or, worse, just generally being completely inappropriately dressed for the event. This is actually my worst nightmare, and was beautifully illustrated in Bridget Jones' Diary.

She did rock out her outfit, and she did do it with as much dignity as possible... Yet we all know that she was socially ostracised for the duration of the party.

The party is themed "D". I abhor "letter of the alphabet" parties. They symbolise (in my mind) rather significant narcissim (you shall all come dressed as something beginning with the first letter of my name! Oh, ok... You may come along as me - in fact: that's exactly what I want! Show me how you see me) and a complete lack of creativity on the part of the person choosing the "theme". I much prefer a real theme, but I obviously had no involvement in the planning of this party, so I can merely sit judgmentally (and in silence). I do hope - after this rant - that none of you readers have had a "letter of the alphabet" party. If you have, I'm glad I wasn't invited. :o)

Back to the matter at hand. The letter D. Originally I had a million different ideas, but eventually settled on Dorothy of Oz - primarily because I already own red shoes.* It's like when you go racewear shopping: you're either trying to find a dress to match the hat you bought yonks ago which you love with all your heart and have waited patiently to wear, or you're trying to find a hat to match your awesome new dress. Rarely is it pulled off with much success because it's very hard to match trans-seasonal colours with each other. Amateur error.

As it was in the case of my costume hunt.

* Adorable gay man and style guru (for a while, anyway) Carson Kressley once memborably (in my mind) said: "My mother said that only little girls and whores wear red shoes". I say: "Carson, you (and your mother) are so wrong! Red shoes are delightful when done properly. And Dorothy was certainly one of the early pioneers.")

So I hunted down a blue & white check pinafore and puffy sleeved white shirt. And I came up with: (a) an obnoxiously expensive hire costume (no!); and (b) the porn star take on Dorothy. I also discovered that stores no longer sell blue and white checked aprons, so I can't even try to do the craft, DIY version of Dorothy.

I have been forced to move on from Dorothy, as I was reluctant to fork out $80 for an event that others may or may not dress up for (I judge people who don't wear costumes to costume parties), nor am I prepared to look completely slutty** for a bunch of people I don't yet know.

So I have come up with Darlene the Diner Girl, based loosely on True Blood's Sookie Stackhouse - the ultimate in modern-day diner girls.

It's lame, isn't it? Although to my credit, she is being loosely combined with Frenchie from Grease.

If you can imagine that...

**I will be showing some cleavage: it's not all demure and boring. I have a "Darlene" name tag, a tray, a pink scarf and pink apron, purple wig and some of those crazy pink glasses from the era. I really need some rollerskates, but don't like my chances of staying upright. I have a hot pink push-up bra and a skin-tight white t-shirt.

Seriously. The things we do for love: wasting an opportunity for flashy tackiness? Unbelievable!

Shades of Black ... Swan

2011-09-16T12:47:00.003+10:00

“…She was forced to grow up quickly, under a cloud of disapproval and casual violence (‘My mother was, shall we say, very hands-on,’ she says, drily). The mother, a Hungarian, was ambitious for her daughter to achieve success, first with ballet (cut short by illness), then later as a swimmer (scuppered by a foot broken while skiing with a boyfriend). An ex-dancer herself, Carmen’s mother was not pleased with the way her daughter was shaping up, and never lost an opportunity to demonstrate her displeasure. ‘I was a sad child,’ she recalls. ‘I just wanted her to love me.’ But life was hard. ‘We were so poor that my mother would often leave me in a foster home until she could raise enough money to rent rooms for us.’ Modelling helped them out of poverty. When little more than a girl, Carmen was earning $60 a week (equivalent to about £600 now), putting herself through private school, paying for her own orthodontic braces and secretly subsidising her adored father, an Italian violinist, who left home when she was small….”

Carmen Dell'Orefice - the oldest model in the world at 80 years of age - is truly fascinating. Here are some highlights from her career:

* She did her first Vogue cover when she was 16 (and earned just $7.50 per hour for her troubles!)

* Despite modeling, Carmen and her mother were poor. They had no telephone and Vogue sent runners to their apartment to let Carmen know about modeling jobs. She roller-skated to assignments to save bus fares. Carmen was so malnourished that photographers had to pin back dresses and stuff her body with tissue. Carmen and her mother were also accomplished seamstresses and made extra money making clothes.

* She was Salvador Dali's muse

* Her love life was a disaster: her first husband collected her weekly modeling checks (by this time she was earning $300/hr) and only gave her $50 from them; her 2nd husband dumped her when she quit modelling; she had one other marriage which ended after 9 years... later in life another fiance (4th hubby in the making) died before they could walk down the aisle

* On July 19, 2011 she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of the Arts London, in recognition of her contribution to the fashion industry

* In the 1980s and 1990s, Carmen lost most of her money in the stock market. She was forced to auction off her famous modeling photographs from the 1940s-1980s through Sotheby’s. She again lost all her money after being swindled by the reprehensible Bernie Madoff just a few years ago.

Proof that a fabulous bone structure will keep you beautiful well past your youth...

Key to her lasting beauty is "self-discipline ... stay out of the sun ... not smoke ... not over-drink ... life in moderation - balance". If she gains a few pounds "you better believe I'll skip a few meals." Listen more here.

Awesome.

J. Crew Women @ NY Fashion Week....

2011-09-14T16:34:00.003+10:00

... is beyond fabulous. Makes me think... Please someone (aka current employer) make me redundant so I may take the clams and move to New York in time for the next northern hemisphere's spring/summer. Because THAT is the plan!

Some of the lovely new colours we're seeing for spring/summer (and even currently in stores here in Oz as new season clothes spring up on clothing racks) are pops of neon - mainly yellow, whether in a strong yellow or a more lemon-y sorbet-y type deal-io.

Pretty, huh? I really like this trend. I think the key to success is not to go too mental with the other colours you wear (which should be fairly muted in tone - muted silvers, whites, nudes... black will be too stark), and not go top-to-toe neon. People will get motion sickness looking at you. A lovely tan also helps...

Colour blocking is also huge. HUGE! A few stripes and a fairly unobtrosive print here and there is also allowed, but really I think the SS collections are saying that colour blocking is to be our new favourite pastime.

I would also like to announce that the colour green is having a moment.

J. Crew Man - Purely Gratuitous

2011-09-14T16:20:00.000+10:00

I love men's fashion. And I love when hot men are nicely dressed. Thank you, J. Crew (and New York Fashion Week).

Lady Crush

2011-09-14T12:56:00.002+10:00

Victoria Beckham has come a loooooong way from her Spice Girls days - clad as she was in skin tight, (slightly tubby) midriff baring outfits. These days, her post-baby body is tinier than her former self, and her fashion icon status continues to rise.

VB presented her latest S/S 2012 collection at New York Fashion Week in the New York Public Library (I love her even more!) on September 11 with a one minute silence to remember 9/11/01 and with her new baby, 2 month old Harlow Seven on her knee. Amazing, right?

Here she is on arrival, in one of the dresses from her collection (also one of my personal favourites):

Compared to some of her previous offerings - and indeed the signature style she's developed for herself over time - Victoria's latest collection is less figure-hugging (without losing the clothing's ability to intensely flatter the female form) exhibiting more dropped waists and floatiness than the more structed pieces we would ordinarily come to expect from her. She is also starting to incorporate prints as she navigates slowly out of colour-blocking waters. Not that we don't love a good colour block, frankly.

As Beckham has previously admitted herself, this collection is the girliest collection she has created. And I think it suits her, don't you?

Hubba Bubba

2011-09-12T16:44:00.001+10:00

As you know, over the weekend I spent 24 hours running after a 1 year old. Literally. She is in that phase where she crawls bloody fast, and is also learning to walk so the potential for major spills is HUGE. Thankfully there were no spills. The nappies were awful and I didn't sleep a wink as I listened out for signs of life... But we made it. Play School is truly the greatest invention ever. She sat on my lap and held my hand (ok, pinkie!)for a solid hour completely transfixed. It was honestly one of the most precious moments of my life.

But I'm not clucky. I do NOT know how my sister-in-law does it. I was bored out of my skull by hour 20. I also don't know how VB walks in those walloping great shoes with an infant in her arms.

PS: This is snapdragons' 1000th post! Cripes!

SJP - Still Fabulous

2011-09-12T16:39:00.000+10:00

Honestly. This woman (along with Jennifer Aniston) is an inspiration for us all as we age... We can still be fabulous well past our 30s. Meanwhile.. Who feels like they're peaking in their 30s?? I do!

That Was Then, This Is Now

2011-09-12T16:29:00.000+10:00

This is a pretty amazing post about that day.

Happy Friday: The Carer

2011-09-09T17:06:00.000+10:00

As you all know, I have a gorgeous little niece, to whom I am godmother and babysitting slave. This weekend, I am babysitting her. All alone. For 24 hours! While her parents are in another town! OMG!

I am hoping NOT to screw things up. I am hoping that she does not pee on my foot like she did the other night (how was I to know cold tiles were a "trigger" to make her pee before a bath??), and I am hoping that I stop gagging every time I'm confronted with a pooh-y nappy. I am ALSO hoping that we can venture outdoors together for coffee with a friend. What could possibly go wrong??

Clearly I'm not suggesting the little cherub is a dog... It's just about the carer thing... Geddit?

Happy weekend - may you be unstressed, and not burdened by stinking nappies!

PS: She turned 1 on Thursday. Time flies!!!

Spanish Class

2011-09-09T17:02:00.004+10:00

This is hilarity. At last! Models are fallible! (Let's pretend they're not pretending to be slightly gangly, dull dancers...) Watch out for Lanvin designer Alber's little cameo at the end. I'll take the black one-shouldered dress, please!

Collaborate At Will

2011-09-08T10:47:00.001+10:00

We've probably all got some kind of designer-collaborates-with-[insert name of retail chain] in our wardrobes. As I've mentioned previously, there is something very appealing about the idea of getting closer to wearing designer gear through the cheaper channels of a collaboration with a chain.

Already pretty freakin' excellent in its offerings anyway, H&M is really leading the charge with its collaborations. Not only has it partnered with pop stars (Madonna, Kylie Minogue), but it's partnered with some pretty excellent designers also - including Lanvin, Comme Des Garcons, Viktor & Rolf, Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney (she's such a collab tart) and Marimekko. In November H&M will be releasing its latest set of collaborated gear - this time with Versace!

Here's a sneak peek:

Abbey Lee Kershaw is also rad. .

Shoesday Spring!

2011-09-06T12:52:00.000+10:00

Hoo-freakin-ray!!! It is Spring! At last! Time for waxing nether regions, exposing arms and donning sunscreen with all the joy of a true warm weather afficiando. More importantly - given it's Shoesday - is the exposure of toes in open toed shoes. At last!

Open toes means painted toes. A must!

New York Fashion Week

2011-09-06T12:48:00.000+10:00

Starts 8th September, and is brought to you by Mercedes Benz & Maybelline.

You can watch the runway live here.

I Am Loving

2011-09-02T14:44:00.000+10:00

Vogue Australia covers right now... They are so good!

Here's the latest offering.

Hey!

2011-09-02T14:41:00.000+10:00

It was Ali's birthday during the week!

Happy birthday! I hope you had a fabulous day! We love you and your blog here at Snapdragons. xo

Moving House: The Fall-Out

2011-09-02T14:38:00.001+10:00

1. I have more bruises on my legs than a clumsily adventurous 4 year old.

2. I have bronchitis (probably more to do with the unexpectedly wild girls night out the night before I moved though...)

3. Although I have now located my iPhone charger (actually... my new flatmate did), I am still yet to find my ATM card (must visit the branch like an old lady) and ... Oh God. Something else really important that eludes my useless mind right now!

4. I have the most AMAZING view of the city now. And the walk home is a delight.

Hurrah!

This picture has nothing whatsoever to do with moving. I just really like it. Let's think of a creative linkage, shall we...?

Happy Friday: Be Nice

2011-09-02T14:27:00.001+10:00

I love this video - and this concept!

What nice thing would you say today?

Today I would say ... "Little Singapore, you make some damn fine Hainan chicken!"

Happy Friday: Moving

2011-08-26T14:51:00.000+10:00

Tomorrow I move house. I've been living in my house for 3 years... I've gotten over two bad break-ups in that house, and shared countless dinners and cups of tea with friends there. We've had costume parties, Singstar parties and take-away and DVD box-set parties there. Strangely, I'm not at all sad to be leaving. That chapter of life is over. Time to start anew. I can't wait!

If only I packed this light..!

Worship At The Altar

2011-08-26T14:38:00.000+10:00

I love this interview with Iris Apfel. I've mentioned her before and she is just such a bird. What an amazing woman. I think she's one of those women for whom the phrase "only in New York" was created.

The little pause after she mentions her mother is lovely. Precious. I also love her enooooormous glasses! Current obsession!

Right Time To Flash Them Keys

2011-08-24T12:50:00.000+10:00

I am also obsessing over warmer weather. Seriously winter - I've had enough out of you! It's dragged on for far longer than necessary, and been incessently cold. I'm going mental. So it's high time we thought about being on holiday with yachts, warm days and perfect outfits. Cue Louis Vuitton Resort 2011.

Current Obsession: Oversized Eyewear

2011-08-24T12:41:00.000+10:00

I am also drawn to the 1950s cats-eye glasses of olde... But doubt I'd have the guts to do it myself. Prada has a fabulous pair, not so different from these (available here on Etsy).

But should I do it? The oversized glasses aren't been worn by many... And I think it takes a lot of guts to have your peepers framed in such a way. But I do so adore geek chic. And what do I care if no one else is doing it anyway? Since when??

The only irksome thing is, is that because not a lot of peeps are doing the oversized glasses thing:
(a) There isn't a lot of stock here... So I'm either going full-on costly (and there is of course a divine pair of either Viktor & Rolf or Christian Dior's that I have my eyes on - literally - and which each cost a very pretty penny that could possibly go elsewhere... Like my credit card debt!) or I'm going el cheapo, and they're not as pretty... Do we wait for more stock? But then be one of the sheep?; and

(b) The frames are more on the chunky side, which doesn't quite work on my face. Apparently it's because this trend is mainly for men ... pfft!

Dilemmas. Again.

The Girl With The Mirrored Everything

2011-08-15T16:51:00.000+10:00

Remember Uppsala from the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series fame? Well... it just got even more interesting, with the planning department approving the development of an invisible department store. Well... When I say invisible, I mean made of mirrors.

The designers responsible were also involved in the creation of a tree hotel in the far north of Sweden, near the small village of Harads and close to the Arctic Circle.

In Sweden, there is a legal right of access to private land, which means you can wander wherever you please in a wilderness packed with wild animals and exotic plants. The design philosophy for the hotel was to create a comfortable, well designed hotel which allows visitors to live in harmony with nature amongst the trees. Click here for room rates. Not for every hippy in the cosmos...

Man Crush

2011-08-15T16:33:00.000+10:00

Yessss I'm crushing in a major way. AND it's a new season. So what better way to celebrate men and the advent of Spring than with a fruity toned man-spread (clothed, of course - we are not the other kind of establishment).

Topped off with a licorice all-sorts man. Yummy!

The Week Was In Fashion

2011-08-12T13:09:00.002+10:00

Yes, folks it’s that breathlessly exciting time of year when ardent fashionistas blinkingly wake from winter hibernation, dust off the disillusionment of seeing once-shiny-and-new clothes crammed on to sale racks and start gleefully devouring Next Season’s Trends (yes… capitals: it’s that important).

Pushing us onwards and upwards towards a new season of manic shopping are our favourite, warring department stores, Myer and David Jones. Like identical twin sisters vying for the same man’s attention, we were treated to the best each had to offer in beauty, style, panache and general over-the-top great treatment.

First off the mark was DJs. Having gracefully recovered from last year’s messy break-up with CEO Mark McInnes, DJs was aiming for a delightful, scandal-free date with her admirers. And scandal-free and delightful it was… *yawn* Block colours, white teadresses, lace, and the odd bit of safari and animal print seemed to be the order of the day, with lashings of high-waisted, 50s style bikinis from Isola (Megan Gale's label) and some James Bond-inspired swimsuits from Jets thrown in for good measure.

While the sequins and beaded embellishments from Camilla and tribal queens from Romance Was Born provided points of interest, these were few and far between on a runway that was more about the faces (and breastfeeding breasts, let’s be honest) than the clothes.

Wearable? Absolutely. Exciting and pioneering… Perhaps less so. DJs is probably the girl you take home to meet mum, because you know she’ll look nice.

Having snatched sass & bide from DJs' wardrobe earlier this year, Myer sent a strong signal to her rival that she was ready to wage fashion-warfare. No more Miss Nice Girl, Myer dazzled with a cacophony of colour and gleaming beading that was wholly Australian in tone: burnt orange, warm pinks and dialed-up neutrals from sass & bide opened the show, with Myer’s face, Jennifer Hawkins, radiantly trotting down the runway in lively prints from her Cozi swimsuit collection.

Sharp loungewear, a bit of safari suiting for good measure and loads of silver beading ensured there will be no effort gliding from office to beach to cocktail hour in stand-out ensembles.

Myer's Spring/Summer 2012 is the girl you take home if your mum likes her girls sassy and vibrant.

In other fashion news: bright citrus tones appeared on the 2011 Teen Choice Award red carpet (big nod to Blake Lively, shake of the head to bumble-bee superhero Tyra Banks);

Kate Moss extended Mosstock celebrations from her wedding in the UK a few weeks ago to Splendour here in Oz to the cover of Vogue USA’s September issue;

Dianne Agron cut her hair and Christian Louboutin lost its battle with YSL over who owns red soles.

True Colours

2011-08-11T15:01:00.002+10:00

News just in that a judge in the States has denied Christian Louboutin's request for an injunction preventing YSL from selling red-soled shoes in its 2011 resort collection...

In his ruling, Judge Victor Marrero noted that:

Because in the fashion industry color serves ornamental and aesthetic functions vital to robust competition, the court finds that Louboutin is unlikely to be able to prove that its red outsole brand is entitled to trademark protection, even if it has gained enough public recognition in the market to have acquired secondary meaning.

Marrero also admitted his admiration for the red soles. In his judgment, he wrote that: "When Hollywood starlets cross red carpets and high fashion models strut runways and heads turn and eyes drop to the celebrities' feet, lacquered red outsoles on high-heeled, black shoes flaunt a glamorous statement that pops out at once."

Interestingly, a similar battle was waged between chocolatiers Cadbury and Darrell Lea here in Australia over the colour purple, with Cadbury eventually claiming victory over the colour. (Note, however, that the "win" for Cadbury was never formally determined by the courts - an agreement was reached by DL and Cadbury whereby Cadbury was able to trade mark the colour, yet DL still used the colour.)

I digress... Back to the shoes. When reached for comment, Louboutin's lawyer stated:

We are profoundly disappointed in Judge Marrero’s decision. Although we are still studying it, it appears he has decided that in the fashion industry, one color should not serve as a trademark. While he acknowledges the fashion industry at large has recognized the Louboutin Red Sole as a trademark source indicator, he has concluded that the fashion industry needs to use colors on outsoles without restriction and this, despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary, including a recent decision by the 2nd Panel of Appeal at OAMI in the EU that concluded exactly the opposite, calling Mr. Louboutin’s adoption of the bright red outsole brilliant. We will evaluate all the alternatives available in the days to come.

Meanwhile, YSL's lawyer says:

We're gratified that Judge Marrero has agreed with YSL that no designer should be allowed to monopolize a single color for an article of apparel. As Judge Marrero indicated, YSL designers are artists and, like other artists, they should have the right to use the full palette of colors in designing their fashions for each season.

In their argument, YSL dismissed Louboutin's suggestion that he had pioneered the scarlet sole, arguing that the red soles were copied from King Louis XIV's red-heeled dancing shoes and/or Dorothy's famous ruby slippers in 'The Wizard of Oz'.

The offending YSL shoes

What do you think of the decision? Obviously it's going to be appealed, so there probably isn't much point in this conjecture, however... What do you think? (As non-trademark lawyers, of course).

A few years back, Peeptoe Shoes used to have red soles on its shoes, and then it rather smartly changed the colour to purple - presumably based on threats to litigate by Louboutin (totally guessing there, but it would make sense). Trade mark battles are among the most expensive legal fights to have, and can be a major distraction for a brand that is in the early stages of building its image as Peeptoe then was.

And what might the ramifications be for other brands. What would Tiffany & Co say?

This Visual Life

2011-08-09T14:12:00.000+10:00

I love how shady he looks at certain moments in this... His line of work seems so solitary.

I'm just going to digress for a moment and brag that I've been photographed by street photogs twice in my life: once at a music festival, by some chick for a London fashion blog (no idea what it was called - annoyingly!); and another time in New York. Sadly, it wasn't Scott Schumann.

You didn't want to know that, did you? Let me just take my ego outside.

Shoesday: When Engulfed in Flames

2011-08-09T13:55:00.003+10:00

How insane are the London riots? It does pose a very important question, though: what are the best shoes for leaping from a window?

Something flat, obviously. Runners, for a quick get-away? Or lovely flats? To play gorgeous damsel in distress, rescued by equally gorgeous fireman?

Chanel, of course.

Dilemmas.

Film Review: The Beaver

2011-08-08T13:36:00.002+10:00

In what may be considered another of those loosely-autobiographical films (think The Wrestler), we have Mel Gibson starring as Walter Black, a chronically depressed man whose career is in the toilet and his relationship with his family at breaking point. Sound familiar?? Jodie Foster – who also expertly directs the film – is his loyal wife, who despairs at both a cure for her husband and a fix for her damaged family.

Walter is living in a shitty hotel when we meet him: depressed and suicidal. Until: (and this is a little mind-bending, but somehow it works) a toy beaver that he rescued from a bin on a whim starts talking to him in a brutally honest pep talk-ish kind of way. And then the Beaver becomes an extension not only of his arm, but also of Walter. Simultaneously snapping Walter out of his slump, and becoming his ballsy and opinionated spokesperson, Walter appears to be fighting his demons and clawing his way out of depression. His relationship with his family begins to mend (although his relationship with his teenaged son, Porter, remains fraught), his career revitalizes and it appears that Walter might be getting his shit together generally.

Until his wife suggests the Beaver might have finished his good work, and that Walter can be himself - sans the puppet on his arm...

This is a strangely good film. Foster manages to convince the audience of the Beaver doing its work with the general acceptance of all those around Walter (it reminded me a little of how the community reacts to Lars’ girlfriend in Lars And The Real Girl – heartwarming in a way). The extent to which depression – Walter’s and the people surrounding him – is dealt with as a subject matter is challenging. So, too, is putting aside prejudices regarding Mel Gibson and his off-screen behaviour.

This is an interesting, sad film… I’m not quite sure how to rate it, as I found it quite discomforting to watch! 3.5 stars – wait until it’s weekly (and you’re mentally prepared to deal with such an explicit exploration of depression).

Happy Friday: Friends

2011-08-05T16:24:00.002+10:00

I am very much looking forward to catching up with friends this weekend... It has been too long between cups of tea for some of us!

Favourite Activities: Brushing Teeth After Very Long Day

2011-08-05T16:23:00.000+10:00

And - after too much alcohol. Heaven. Up there with slippers after uncomfortable heels all day.