LOVE

Untitled from RM on Vimeo.

My Favourite Fashion Location: the pearl of the orient, the big lychee or as I like to call it Honky-town.

Hong-Kong; a shiny, towering beacon to market capitalism and unbridled creativity. From the world’s most recognized brands to local designers “innovative”, creations. I see Hong Kong as the epitome of East meets West a concept exemplified perfectly by the fashion.

Honky town has always been a fashion obsessed island. However until recently the island has only excelled at mass production and the import and export of European and American brands. Now, finally, local designers have found their feet and a place in this jam-packed city.

My favourite place for local designers and bargain finds is Fa Yuen Street in Mong Kok. Ignore the market in the middle; it’s the shops on either side that house the hidden treasures. Be warned you might have to do a bit of digging; in my experience the local designers seem to regularly toe the line between crazy and fabulous. It might not be everyone’s style but you have to admit they are creative. I mean really, where else could you find high-heeled Gucci-print gumboots?

If you’re the type of person who enjoys the finer things in life and has the budget to accommodate such desires, The Landmark in Central will be your haven. The Landmark is one if the swankiest shopping centres in HK it houses the most prestigious international brand- Burberry, Narciso Rodrigeuz, Missoni, Helmut Lang, Valentino. You could easily blow you’re whole yearly income here. It’s also home to my favourite cosmetic houses Nars, Chanel and Su uemura.

While local designers are still facing an upward battle against well known international brands there presence and influence is constantly increasing. I say the more diversity the better. If you’re in HK take a look around.

I’ve certainly caught the asian fever.

Zany over Zara

Move over H&M I have a new obsession: Zara

I literally cannot stay away from this oasis of beauty and style. Each collection is practically spot on. I constantly come home looking sheepish and hiding multitudes of dark blue bags behind my back. Even though the temperature in honky town rarely falls below 30 degrees and due to sweltering humidity I'm working up a sweat just getting to my castings, I decided I needed/had to have this cherry red blazer.

I left the store swearing that was it. I was content, I didn't need anything else. I got about 100 meters out of the store before turning and literally running back into my air-conditioned heaven. I scurried out like a rat with a big piece of cheese five minutes later clutching yet another bag containing these super-cute, high-waisted floral shorts.

Unfortunately they don't come with perfect, tanned pins (I wish my legs looked like that) but they are really flattering. I took my new purchases out on the town last weekend and we had a grand time. (I stole the hat when we crashed an Indian themed party).

I cannot rave enough about Zara. They have everything; beautifully tailored blazers, cute playsuits, stunning dresses, super hot heels and great bags.

Although I have now issued myself with restraining order that states I cannot go within 100metres of any Zara store I’m sure nothing will hold me back when the new season collection is released in August.

These are some of my other Zara purchases:

Birdy the bride

Two days of shooting; 30 wedding dresses, 57 evening dresses, five formal up dos, 1000 bobby pins, a can of hairspray, the most horrendous collection of plastic, kitten-heeled shoes whose tackiness could only be rivalled by the mixed bag of diamante clip on earrings and bracelets. Oh yes my dears this was not a walk in the park -this was real work.

A one-hour train and a five-hour bus ride

saw us arrive in smoggy, humid ChenXhou. China is exactly how I remember it from four years ago. Chaotic traffic, greasy food and awkward but amusing language barriers.

Luckily I was working with some of the most chilled out Chinese I’ve ever met. The clients were sweeties who were intent on getting fellow Aussie model Katrina and myself to try their suspicious looking Chinese ‘delicacies’.

Highlights from the shoot include the 40-year-old Mr Chio singing along to Lady Gaga’s poker face, getting high on numerous Coke Zero’s, and stealing the photographers camera.

I like to think of catalogue jobs, as an exercise is patience. Long hours, language barriers and logistical issues equal somewhat tense moments. For example the client decided, as I was so chirpy she would call me ‘little bird’. It was cute for about 20 minutes then it was just annoying. After 12 hours of shooting and her yelling, “fly pretty little bird” I could feel my patience slipping, no flying out the window. I couldn’t suppress the references to Nora from A Dolls House and all that feminist studies slipping into my mind. But more frustrating I had no idea what she wanted me to do! Jump? Flap my arms? I’m a person I can’t fly! I’d been zipped, squeezed and laced in and out of 27 corsets and the chirpy little bird had flown away long ago.

What always amazes/fascinates/horrifies me about bridal shoots is that these dresses could one day actually be worn down the isle. Yes even the baby pink princess dress complete with sequined, butterfly detailing and a five-meter train could be someone’s dream dress. I guess everyone has different tastes but I hope when my day comes that I will remember these three things I’ve learnt:

1. I can't take myself seriously when I'm wearing ten layers of lace and tulle,

2. Petty coats went out of fashion 100 years ago for a reason and

3. Corsets are a form of legal torture that should only be worn in the bedroom where they are sure to be quickly removed.

I want future husband to look down the isle and see a goddess gliding towards him not a meringue.

Chanel Heaven

Coco Chanel is one of my favourite designers of all time. So being booked for a Chanel show is kind of a dream come true.

When I think of Chanel I think of pearls on black. I think of jersey jackets and of course I think of the black quilted purse with interlocked chain strap that I just can’t afford.

The reason I love Chanel so much is the spirit of the brand. Which comes from the matriarch herself Coco Chanel.

Coco Chanel came from nothing her father unable to care for her sent her and her sister to an orphanage. From there to put it simply she revolutionised women’s fashion.

It was the 1910’s and opulence ruled; women’s dresses involved several layers of materials such as silk, satin and chiffon. All this material was layered over a restrictive literally spine-bending s-corset that manipulated women’s bodies into an exaggerated hourglass shape that was overtly sexual and considered the feminine ideal. Add to this a surplus features such as bows, feathers, jewels etc. and you have the amazing over the top dresses that women wore everyday.

Chanel flouted these ideals. She wore simple outfits- shirts and riding pants, hats and neckties. Her designs challenged the preconceived norms and ideals of female fashion. More than that she challenged what it was to be a woman. Chanel reduced her dresses lines to their simplest expression; shortened dresses to above the ankle and removed the need for restrictive corsets. By removing the need for restrictive undergarments she restored woman to their natural shape and allowed women more movement to be active.

She designed clothing that embodied the spirit of what she called ‘the modern woman’ before the modern woman existed. A modern woman was one who drove cars, wore pants and was independent or at least gave the impression she could be. This was the look of Chanel and today that same spirit continues on through the Chanel Empire.

This is my favourite quote

Coco Chanel speaking in the third person:

“She took the English masculine and made it feminine. All her life, all she did was change men’s clothing into women’s; jackets, hair, neckties, wrists. Coco Chanel always dressed like the strong independent male she dreamed of being. She set woman free because she had suffered too long from not being free herself.”

Eccentric- yes. Full of contradictions- of course. Genius- I believe so.

Ok so enough of my rambling as you can see I’m a bit excited.

Today the spirit of Chanel is the same. Timeless elegance. Clothes for the modern woman. This week I died and went to Chanel heaven.

After trying on three full-length evening gowns unfortunately made for someone about a foot taller than me. I found my dress (well the stylist selected it for me). It was a simple classic Chanel look. Black chiffon pleated dress synched at the waist with a black belt. Shoestring straps and some very fiddle but very pretty button detailing. Add to this jewellery worth more than my house back home and Mary Jane platform shoes.

The show was quite the affair- no expense spared. The Chanel team transformed the third floor of the industrial building into a crystal city. Giant glass model buildings and towers stretched the centre of the room. French champagne, French food and French music. Two giant sliding doors open and four models dripping in diamonds descend down the stairs…

Oh Chanel heaven is a sweet, sweet place.

Photo’s still to come…

Hennes and who?

What does one wear to a Jamaican themed rooftop party? Dreadlocks? Rasta hat? A bobsled? Maybe just a big marijuana leaf?

Unfortunately I had none of these things in my carefully packed luggage. Secondly being new to town and this being my first ‘model party’ I thought rocking up looking like Bob Marley might be a bit keen. I literally I had nothing to wear. Yes I had a whole wardrobe of clothes but nothing that seemed right.

So when my roomies suggested a trip to H&M I jumped with excitement.

Hennes&Mauritnotz better known as H&M was established in Sweden in 1947. Since then it has rapidly expanded and now has over 2000 stores in 37 markets around the world. Unfortunately Australia isn’t one of them. We are seriously missing out.

H&M collections are created with their broad clientele in mind. As such there is everything from great basics to sportswear to high fashion. The women’s section took up two levels. I wanted to buy everything even the maternity section had some cute stuff. This is one of the few chain stores I’ve been to that is not over priced. The material and workman ship are decent and the clothes actually fit.

I picked up an awesome kiss inspired tee for just $100 HK dollar

s about 16 Aussie and a “Jamaican inspired” necklace for HK$50. They have a killer swimwear section; really cute materials and styles. Better still they have sizes ranging from 34 through to 46. I know I sound like a bad late-night infomercial but I really can’t get over the prices. Bikini tops are just HK$49 that’s about $8.

So for all those lucky ones jetting off to Europe and abroad if there’s a H&M I recommend taking your credit card for a little work out. While its not top end designer I think everyone will find something they love.

Check out the magazine at

HM SUMMER MAGAZINE

www.eyemagonline.net

Ps. Jamaican party theme apparently translates to 'wear black' in the model world- I didn’t get the memo!

Getting there is half the adventure:

My earliest memories of flying are all blissfully happy. The 1.5 hour trip from Melbourne to Sydney was a fun-filled adventure. Everything was free: activities book, colouring in pencils, headphones, in-flight movies and food. There was no stressing that I’d forgotten anything as obviously my parents packed my bag for me. I just had to sit back and enjoy everything the flight had to offer. My favourite game was seeing who could drink the most coke before needing to go to the toilet my little brother or me. Much to the very patient airhostesses delight my brother and I used to consume gallons of coke before one of us would eventually bolt to the bathroom. Oh yes sugar highs and colouring-in books the good old days.

Those days are gone. I’m old enough to book my own flights and too old for colouring in books. What used to be a fun filled adventure is now more of an ordeal. International flights can be anywhere from fun to hell. My flight to Hong Kong was somewhere in between.

Things were looking good- I had an aisle seat, I was sitting next to my boyfriend not a person with poor personal hygiene or anyone particularly large. I happily sat back and opened my in-flight magazine to select my movie of choice only to discover there was no movies-on-demand for this flight! Devastated I resigned myself to catching up on some beauty sleep.

I’m very jealous of people who can sleep sitting up. It is a skill I certainly do not possess. As such sleeping on a plane involves some very interesting positions not dissimilar to intermediate yoga. I think all up I maybe had four hours of restless, uncomfortable slumber. I awoke with my head resting at an uncomfortable angle on a very hard arm rest, my mouth wide open probably spilling drool, both legs shoved under the opposite arm rest intruding into my boyfriends space, my arm was dead and my neck already aching. Confused I looked around to see what woke me. To my left was a chirpy, Malaysian airhostess politely enquiring if I wanted the chicken or the omelette for breakfast. In my half conscience state I chose the omelette. Very bad choice! It was soggy, cold and a suspiciously fluorescent yellow colour. Disappointed and hungry I tried to head back to the land of sleep.

The trip from KL to Hong Kong was much nicer. Movies-on-demand was available. Hallelujah! I made myself comfortable and settled in to watch It’s Complicated. After devouring my croissant and mini fruit salad I adjourned to the bathroom for a little me time. I brushed out my hair, deodorized, moisturized my face and dabbed a little concealer under my eyes. Feeling ten times better I prepared to land in Hong Kong.

As we descended into Hong Kong like a little kid I gazed excitedly out the window. The city looks like something from the future. Cradled by forest-covered mountains are skyscrapers so high they break through the low cloud. It’s really quiet beautiful.

From the airport we went straight to the agency then straight to castings. Running on fruit salad and a lot of adrenalin we traipsed around the city: from Kowloon to Causeway Bay back to the agency to the apartment to dinner to dragon-i before finally collapsing into bed.

Hong Kong I’m already falling for you.

Top tips for flying:

1. Wear whatever you like to the airport but take comfortable clothes to wear on the plane. No one cares if you look like a bum when your mid flight. I usually wear boots onto the plane to save space in my suitcase-, which by the way was 8 kg over the limit oops!

2. Those goofy looking neck pillows are amazing. You might think you look silly wearing it but trust me your neck will thankyou for it.

3. Drink lots of water. You can’t take bottle onto the plane due to the 100ml liquid limits. Just ask the flight attends very politely. Don’t drink alcohol you’ll feel like awful.

4. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. The controlled air pressure in planes dehydrates your skin. I recommend Clinique moisture surge it leaves skin feeling rejuvenated and plump.

5. Relax don’t complain you’re going on a fun adventure and remember getting there is half the fun.

Thirst Quencher

I’m one of the least co-ordinated and most accident-prone people I know. If there’s an open flame I will burn myself. I there’s a sharp edge I will scratch myself. If there’s a slightly uneven surface I will trip.

Add to this equation a pair of three inch heels and a few vodka sodas and there’s a 90% chance I will end up with a new scratch or bruise by morning. Even when I’m not drinking I still manage to injure myself. Thus it is no surprise a smattering of unsightly scars mars my body.

But I have found my saviour: Bio-oil.

Bio-oil is a skincare product specifically designed to improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. I originally bought it to help heal a particularly prominent carpet burn scar I acquired whilst wrestling with my boyfriend.

After reading the packet I was delighted to learn that bio-oil promises to improve the appearance of both new and old scars. So now every morning all my scars receive a smothering of bio-oil.

I’m usually very sceptical of what actually goes in skincare products. But the active ingredients all seem very practical. There’s vitamins A and E which are widely used in the skincare industry. Both very well known for helping improve the skins elasticity, texture and tone. Then an assortment of plant oils- Calendula, Lavender, Rosemary and Chamomile, which have been used for centuries to treat skins conditions such as eczema.

The ‘breakthrough’ ingredient is PurCellin oil. This is a laboratory recreation of the oil ducks produce to preen their feathers with. During preening ducks distribute this oil all over their feathers. The oil forms a thin non-greasy layer that keeps their feather glossy and protects them from water. The PurCellin oil is what makes this product so light and absorbent. Without it the plant oils and vitamins would remain on the skins surface as an oily residue.

Please note the PurCellin Oil in Bio Oil is synthetically produced. Union Swiss has a strict policy against testing on animals. No ducks where harmed in the formulation or production of Bio-oil.

I was very impressed with the results. Yes I think my scars have faded a little but more noticeably my skin is so soft. I’ve now started using bio oil everywhere, even on my face.

Everyone’s skin is unique. Some people have skin as flawless as a babies bum and some have small volcanoes threatening to erupt all over their face. My problem isn’t mini mountains its small deserts. Strange dry patches like to appear on my face whenever there’s a slight change in temperature, my hormones or whenever I have an important occasion coming up.

If you already have normal or oily skin I wouldn’t recommend using bio oil on your face. But if, like me, your skin is dryer than the Sahara this stuff is a god-send. It’s not greasy or thick as you’d expect. It’s light and easily absorbed. It leaves your skin feeling hydrated and plumper. It also smells very pleasant.

Winter can be a hard time for skin. We tend to blast our heaters and pack on the foundation. Add to that low humidity, harsh winds and long hot showers and it’s no wonder our skin is lacking moisture.

So if like me your accident prone or your skin looks thirsty I recommend Bio-oil. Smaller, less-noticeable scars and hydrated, plumper skin.

I mean really, have you ever seen a duck with bad skin?

Brownie points

I’ve often thought that in past life I must have been Asian.

No I don’t love karaoke or hello kitty. I’m hopeless at tai chi and my skin is whiter than rice. But when it comes to Asian food: 箸を渡しなさい (pass me the chopsticks).


Rice has always been my family’s staple carb. For some families its potatoes, for some its pasta, for mine it is rice. Our weekly meal plan was a constant rotation of stir-fries and curries, always accompanied by our favourite carbohydrate.
Recently I’ve found a new healthy version of my old love: brown rice.

White rice is simply brown rice with the bran layer removed. Removing the bran and polishing the grain gives rice that shiny, pristine white appearance. It also reduces cooking time and increases shelf life. On the downside in removing that bran layer you remove a whole lot of lovely, useful nutrients.

The bran layer is packed with fibre. One cup of brown rice has approximately 3.5 grams of fibre while one cup of white rice has less than 1 gram. The main function of fibre is to keep the digestive tract functioning effectively. Basically it makes sure your pipes don’t get blocked- which is always a good thing if you ask me. It can also aid in lowering cholesterol, prevention of colon cancer and regulating blood sugar levels.

Brown rice also contains significantly higher levels of Vitamins B1, B3, B6, iron and magnesium. These are all great for keeping your energy levels up, muscles strong and maintaining a healthy heart.

As I mentioned earlier I love Asian food. Japanese is probably my favourite cuisines and I could live off sushi. So what could be better than the normal sushi? You guessed it: brown rice sushi!
Today on our lunch break the lovely Elisse and I went on a brown rice sushi mission.

Using the highest levels of technology available to us (our iphones) we tracked down three possible options. We honed in on the closest target; Sushi Gallery conveniently located in Toorak and pounced.
This delightful little store is situated just off Toorak road down a cute thoroughfare. Often I don’t rate the ambience at sushi stores and usually opt for the takeaway option. But the vibe here was cheerful and friendly. We sat outside in the sun on red and white leather cubes. This is definitely one of the more aesthetically pleasing sushi stores in Melbourne.

Unfortunately we arrived just after the lunchtime rush so our brown rice options where limited. I had the tuna and avocado roll and it was delicious- fresh and flavoursome just as sushi should be. The chef was happy to cut it up and offer me numerous extras including ginger, wasabi, sweet and sour sauce or a ‘special’ sauce free of charge.

I also had a rice paper roll and one naughty steamed dim sum. Amazing.

At $7 for the lot I was very satisfied.


Honourable brown rice sushi mention:

Yes Sushi: 169 Bay St Port Melbourne.
These guys offer an abundant array of brown rice sushi options and smaller seaweed salads. Well-priced and cheerful service.





To try soon:

Kappayana: 223 Johnston St, Abbotsford

Yes Sushi: 620 Collins St, Melbourne

Yes Sushi: 398 Smith St, Collingwood

A sordid affair

Sometimes the best things in life are right under your nose.

Collective Espresso is one such place. I’ve walked past this café countless times.

The lack of time I spend in the suburb I hail from means whenever I am in the hood I instinctively migrate to my favourite local cafe- Butterfly. Which just happens to be positioned four shops up from Collective.

Collective Espresso opened about 10 months ago. As a loyal Butterfly devotee I felt strangely protective and territorial. I feel a completely unwarranted amount of ownership over my local cafes. However I was still quietly curious of this spanking new, oddly plain cafe. Feeling vaguely like an unfaithful partner slipping into a strip club I ducked down to collective to grab breakfast. Alas their kitchen was under construction and I slinked guiltily back to my cosy, comfortable Butterfly.

Since moving out of the hood I have become a café slut. I’m not ashamed of my lifestyle. I think it’s only natural to want to experience as many cafes as possible. Encouraged by my like-minded friends my desire has grown and grown. At first it was just on the weekends now it’s at least once, sometimes twice a day. My desire is insatiable. Any time of the day, any suburb, I’m always up for it. Erika I blame you.

So when last Sunday on an early morning shift I heard Collective now had a fully functioning kitchen I jumped at the chance for a cheeky little breakfast date. Butterfly? Been there, done that.

Space is not a luxury this café has to enjoy. But to their credit the owners have done a good job with what they’ve got. Inside one long communal table stretches the length of the room. The white walls are decorated with brightly coloured paintings and delicate posies in black Hendrick's bottles adorn the table. Simple but charming.

Similarly I would describe the menu as short and sweet. I had the Bircher muesli with poached apple. It was delicious and nutty but not very generous. The avocado toast with fetta looked more satisfying. The menu didn’t blow me away but it was solid.

The coffee however blew my mind. I’m not a coffee connoisseur but I know what I like and I love this. My skinny cappuccino was like hot, velvety caffeinated heaven. They use Five Senses beans and also offer a rotating single origin. The owners are originally from New Zealand but don’t hold that against them. They’ve also clocked up plenty of experience in Melbourne’s café culture at the one and only Las Chicas. The prices were pleasantly affordable- $10.50 for breakfast is excellent value by my standards.

Butterfly I still love you but one café just cannot satisfy my needs.

Wild at Heart

I have a new girl crush: her name is Kym Ellery.

It began months ago. I was flipping through a magazine when a dress caught my eye. The brand was Ellery and the dress was from her capsule collection, The High Priestesses of Rock and Roll designed exclusively for Sportsgirl.

The more I learnt about this Perth born fashion icon the more I liked. Ellery is a young extremely successful and talented Sydney-based designer. She studied fashion illustration at London’s Central Saint Martins before she was snatched up by RUSSH magazine and dubbed marketing editor.

Since launching her own label Ellery in 2007 she has not put a foot wrong. Her edgy, glamorous and oh-so-feminine pieces have certainly caught the attention of the Australian fashion industry.

Her line for Sportsgirl is another step in the right direction.

Since I read about this exciting range every time I visited Sportsgirl (which is more often than id like to admit) I was slightly disappointed as Ellery was no where to be seen.

Then today on my quest to find new boots I strolled into Sportsgirl and there she was!

Her beautiful tough but girly collection was still in the process of being hung up by the friendly Sportsgirl staff. My eyes instantly located the dress I’d seen all those months ago. I grabbed it and made a beeline for the change rooms.

The Tiger print A line dress pictured above. I’m in love. It’s so cute, so flattering and so me.

I’ve had a thing for pretty dresses since I was a little girl. Not just simple shifts mind you but structured, sleeved, detailed dresses. Give me colour, frills, pleats, jewels, bows just give me anything that makes me feel like a princess and I’m happy.

My long suffering mother began her career as my dressmaker when I was 6 and Target no longer satisfied my tastes. She learnt how to make petty coats, double skirts, puffed sleeves and lacy collars. We spent countless hours at spotlight selecting material- always a pattern or print.
Nothing’s really changed. A cute dress is still my wardrobe staple.

This dress is no exception. The rock inspired tiger print gives this little cutey a bit more street cred. I love the shape, I love the print and I love the price.

Kym Ellery thankyou!

"Dude you have to go see this giant, newborn baby"

I’d never heard of Ron Mueck until my friend brought up his exhibition over lunch. Shocked I could be so uncultured he whipped out his phone and preceded to flick through a multitude of photos featuring this 15-foot, blood stained baby. I was intrigued.

Visiting an art exhibition is like reading a dickens book. You always say you’re going to do it. You know you should do it but often more trivial past times, like season two of the hills, take precedence. It takes a bit more effort but once you take the plunge you never regret it. On the weekend I put on my highbrow hat and dragged my boyfriend to the Ron Mueck Exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria.

I always feel a bit out of my comfort zone at this type of thing. I ‘m nervous that at any second someone’s going to come up and ask me what style I think the artist is aspiring to? And I’ll be exposed as an art fraud. Of course that didn’t happen. The gallery was full of all kinds of people from families to tourists to a group of giggly teenage girls. I quickly relaxed and found myself completely absorbed in the world of Mueck.

His work is awe-inspiring. He uses silicone and fibreglass to create sculptures so real I swear I could see the blood pumping and muscles tensing. His attention to detail is painstakingly flawless. He uses a tiny needle to apply each hair individually, drills each pore into the skin, and hand paints tiny veins and wrinkles- even adds perfectly scaled bruises and pimples.
What I found the most captivating was the expressions. From manic, to passive every sculpture captured a unique but familiar emotion. The way the skin creased, the half closed eye, the wrinkles on the forehead made everything was so real.

Take for example “The Wild Man”. He sits perched on his larger than life chair rigid, hairy and naked. With a crazed look in his eye he surveys his curious observers. He is nearly 9 feet high and his presence is very real. His legs are covered in thick black hair that stretches all the way up his thighs. His face is dominated by a smothering of coarse black hair laced with a few rogue greys. His eyes blood shot and manic convey vulnerability and fear. He so is alive studying him is both fascinating and discomforting.

The figures are intentionally disturbing. Mueck presents mankind in a raw and vulnerable state. His figures are exposed both physically and emotionally. For example “Dead dad” is an interpretation of Mueck's fathers corpse. The dead man lies completely naked on a white slab. There’s something morbidly fascinating about being so close to a corpse it’s so lifelike you feel almost perverted for being so intrigued.

Mueck is an Australian artists born right here in Melbourne. He studied art at Kew High School and worked in Australia as a puppeteer before moving to London to pursue his career in hyperealistic sculpture.

The exhibition is running until the 18th of April at the National Gallery of Victoria and it’s well worth the $15 dollar entry fee.

After all it’s not every day you see a giant 15-foot newborn baby.

Knitwear you can fall in love with

When I think of knitwear I think big warm scarves and fluffy beanies, the woollen socks my mum used to knit and the oversized jumpers I wear only around the house. The term is intrinsically linked to comfort and warmth. These aren’t necessarily negative discourses but they are limiting. The question I’d like to pose today is: Can knitwear be sexy?

Wool is an incredibly versatile material that never gets its full due. Yes it is a great insulator but it can also be a very luxurious, fine and elegant material. If you need any proof just look to Rodney Thanh’s 2010 collection of beautifully crafted fine Marino knitwear.

Thanh has spent years perfecting the art of knitwear. His innovative style takes a unique approach to traditional knitwear. He uses the same tried and true techniques our grandmothers used to knit our jumpers but what he creates is nothing like what my grandma wears. Think heavy chain embellishments, cheeky cut outs, thick plaits and plunging necklines.
There are no itchy, scratchy pieces in this collection. He uses the finest quality Australian merino wool as his core yarn. In an interview with LMFF Thanh said “I have manipulated these beautiful natural fibers to mould, drape and wrap around the female form.”

The highlight of his collection, I think, is the floor length, beaded dress pictured above. When he showcased this piece at LMFF the crowd buzzed with excitement as every woman in the room let out a collective sigh of appreciation.

However Thanh’s favourite piece is the more practical hand knitted rope sweater. “I love creating knitwear which is technically challenging and also keeps the function of what knitwear should do... keep you warm” said Thahn

It seems wool is a popular fibre this season. Vogue editor Kirstie Clements opened the LMFF Designer awards night with a toast to the Australian Wool Innovation. “Fashion starts with fabric” Clements declared “Wool is the best fibre”.

With various shades of grey and black making up 90% of Thanh’s collection it truly is a quintessentially Melbourne label. Don’t get me wrong I love a big, soft, comfy woollen jumper on a cold morning and my scarf collection is frankly out of control. But with winter fast approaching I think it might be time to invest in some beautiful, good quality knitwear from the Thanh collection. Available at http://www.thanh.com.au/

The answer is yes. Knitwear can be sexy.

sources:

http://www.lmff.com.au/designers/2010-designers/thanh

http://www.thanh.com.au/

The New Shop

Adjacent from Armadale station proudly occupying the corner of Featherston Street and Armadale Street sits an iconic white building soon to be an iconic café.

The boys from Window Espresso, Steve Rowley and Matt Vero, finally signed the lease on the property last week. They have eagerly begun work and hope to open in early Spring.

The focus of the menu will be fresh, clean, wholesome food made from high-quality ingredients.

Now I may be a little biased but I can honestly say I have not had a better cup of coffee than the one I enjoyed daily at Window Espresso. Using All Press coffee I’m sure the boys will live up to the same standard.

There will be a lengthy construction period. But trust me it will be worth the wait. Once completed the fit out will feature polished concrete floors, exposed brick walls and floor to ceiling windows.

The stunning 18th century building will soon be transformed into something not usually found this far out from the city. Armadale residents and café fans you are in for a treat.

Bring on Spring.

Espresso 3121

As the name suggests this café is all about two things; its location but more importantly it's coffee. Tucked into a little laneway off Balmain St it’s another one of Richmond's hidden gems.

The interior is very raw- polished concrete floors, exposed brick walls, industrial style hanging lights and big blackboards give this trendy café a very edgy look. The big communal tables remind me of a workshop. They're perfect for spreading out on even big enough to read the age- if your neighbours don't mind. There are no pretty paintings or flower arrangements here just big blackboards and bike racks. The morning light and high ceilings make the cafe seem to glow. Much like the charming staff who seem to love what they do. It might not be the most pretty or polished café but behind the tough interior are friendly and charming quirks that made me fall in love.

One look at the menu and you know these guys are serious about their coffee. They use Venezano beans and also have a rotating single origin on offer. If your interested they even offer barista training and beans by the bag. In an effort to spread their knowledge they have a whole blackboard dedicated to educating their patrons about the art of coffee making. This week it discussed in depth the importance of milk and the role it plays in your latte.
I can’t remember what it said but my coffee was deliciously velvety and clearly made with lots of love.

The food menu was simple but very good. The focus is on quick easy food you can eat on your way to work. I had sourdough toast with vegemite and avocado at $5 for two slices I was very satisfied. I also tried the bircher which comes with berry compote in a takeway plastic cup great for a quick snack but not enough to satisfy me for breakfast. The lunch menu follows the same rule as breakfast good quality ingrediants, simple easy food.

The glass cabinet by the till captured my tastebuds attention- freshly baked raspberry and white chocolate muffins, develishly tempting brownies and adorable little cakes that screamed eat me.

I wouldn’t drive across the city to go here but if you work in the area or frequent it often Espresso 3121 could easily become a daily ritual- friendly professional staff, high quality ingrediants and amazing coffee.


A lovely start to a dreary monday morning.

How to Move Your World in One Day

I don’t know exactly where moving sits on the list of most stressful activities but I would hazard a guess it’s close to the top and if not it should be.

For the last six months I have enjoyed residing in the beautiful beach side suburb of Elwood. With an overseas trip looming close on the horizon it is with great sadness that I’ve had to give up my room on leafy Addison street.
This week I bit the bullet, bought some boxes and began the bittersweet mission of moving back to the burbs.

It took a Mazda Two, a Barina, a trailer, two boosts, two coffees, my best friend and my boyfriend to move all my possessions back to my parents. Unfortunately due to a deadly combination of my hast to move out of a parents, my sentimental nature and sheer laziness I’d never quite gotten around to sorting out my old room.
I am a self confessed horder. Just the thought of how much ‘stuff’ I’ve managed to collect in the last 22 years makes me shake my head in shame. Hidden in various boxes and draws is everything from a box of rocks collected on a forgotten beach to the coroner visor I accumulated on a drunken adventure back in 2006.

As I began to unpack box after box I had to face the fact that there was just not enough room for all my new grown up household toys and my old childhood ones. It was time to get ruthless. The full list is far more extensive and boring so here are the highlights of what survived the great cull of 2010 and what has found new residence at the tip.

Stamp collection (yes I know im a nerd)- tip
Gymnastics medals-tip
Primary school reports- tip
Childhood photos- saved
Bruno my favourite teddy bear- op shop (I couldn’t bear to throw him out)
Old Christmas and birthday cards- tip
Old love letters- burned

I feel rejuvenated, refreshed and somehow lighter. I have sworn to reform my ways. No longer will I endow useless items with an unquantified amount of sentimental value. I will endeavour to keep my room junk free and live a nomadic, carefree lifestyle.

Here are my top tips for making moving a breeze:

Many hands make light work: Moving is a job that requires at least two people. I guarantee there will be at least one thing in your room that is too heavy for you to lift by yourself. Get a friend and lock them in for the day.

Buy your boxes from Kennards box shop: If you can’t be bothered getting old boxes from a store these guys sell boxes for about $2 a box. They also buy them back off you after your done so it ends up costing you about $1 a box.


Don’t doubt your own ability: Usually I leave any sort of handy work that requires a tool box to someone with y chromosomes. Realizing how terribly archaic that was I grabbed the tool box and managed to dismantle and re-assemble my bed with relative ease.

Take breaks: I recommend a long leisurely lunch at a café or at least a quick boost juice to keep your energy levels up.


Be ruthless: forget sentimental you don’t need the note your year twelve boyfriend left in your locker. De clutter your room and you’ll feel reborn.


Happy moving :)

One Thousand Steps to a Great Bum

Having not drunk last Saturday night I decided to utilize my Sunday morning in a way only a person not hungover can do. Instead of pulling on my Ugg boots, popping some Aspro Clears and crawling back into bed I pulled on my Assics, grabbed my water bottle and drove to the Dandenongs.
The 1000 Steps is a popular spot for fitness freaks, families and those who like a stroll. The walk is situated at the base of Mt. Dandenong. I estimate approximately 45 minutes from the city.The walk itself is only 3.6 km but don’t be fooled by the small distance; half of that is made up of moss covered, deceptively steep steps.
At first I thought it would be a nice Sunday stroll. The scenery was beautiful, the air was fresh and I even saw some native wildlife.
Up and back only took half an hour to walk; far too easy. Feeling inspired by the fact I had no alcohol in my system and after a few encouraging words from my personal trainer/little brother I attempted to run the second time up.
After the first 2 flights of stairs I had to stop. Pink as the vodka raspberries I didn’t have last night and just as sticky, I arrived at the top. With only a few tiny breaks along the way I was very pleased with my efforts.
According to my fitness freak brother running up the steps works the quadriceps (thighs) and gastrocnemius (calves) muscles- great for legs. Running down the steps then works the glutes (butt) and hamstrings (thinghs) muscles. Furthermore the unstable surface of a track meant my core muscles were constantly working to keep me stabilized.

It’s true my abs and butt feel sore and also do I dare say a little defined.I will definitely be back... just maybe not on a Sunday.