The Pink Masquerader

i have moved!!!!

2011-05-19T14:46:00.001+10:00

this blog is now located here

cute buy

2011-05-18T16:44:00.003+10:00

1. Robert Gordon Floral Clock $12.95 visit here

Update:

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Handed in an assignment late for the first time ever. Have this scared, nervous feeling in my tummy.

Getting ready to read Frankie and Russh.

New to my book shelf - Melissa Marr Darkest Mercy - last book in the wicked lovely series

Surviving on hot cross buns and Cadbury creme eggs.

Uniform at the moment - flared jeans, converse, floral tops (feeling a little bit hippy).

Obsession- little coloured glass jars to put tealight candles in.

Movie I last watch - Going the Distance [again]

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter!!!

Currently

2011-02-24T15:30:00.013+11:00

- getting ready to return to uni, final year here I come!
- Have a huge stack of magazines to thumb through Cosmo, Shop, Frankie and Madison.
- Reading Eclipse - you know how they say every one has a twin out there? maybe it's just my Nan but was thinking if it is true I wonder if someones snapped up the second Edward Cullen.
- Googling Robert Pattinson lookalikes.
- Falling in love with Typo and their awesome stationary wears.
- Loving my new miliary jacket just picked up from Jay Jays .
- Reading The Freelance Writers Handbook by Andrew Croft for future career inspiration.
- Buying and Selling secondhand textbooks- saving money and good for the environment...go me!
- "If I'd never left, you wouldn't feel the need to go risk your life to comfort a dog" Edward Cullen Chapter 1 page 33.
- Burning a coconut and melon candle...hoping my room smells like hawaii rather than the fruit section of woolies.
- trying to decide on appropriate bbq outfit for tomorrow night - maxi dress cute but equals more exposed skin for mozzies to bite.
- Stoked about finding the perfect bookshelf on the side of the road. (Ok it was on the footpath outside a second hand shop but still... and I only paid 50 bucks for a huge solid timber bookcase because they were closing down, double go me!)
- Blog loving - Citizen Couture , Girl With A Satchel, Becks and the City, Karlas Kloset, The World Looks Red , Flashes of Style & Hannah and Landon.
xx

Australian House & Garden February 2011

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Vogue Australia March 2011

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If you flicked over the Sunday magazine in the Telegraph last weekend you would have had the pleasant surprise of finding a 16 page sneak peek of the March issue of Vogue Australia on sale today.
The extra thick book is a bundle of colour that will have you dreaming of siestas and tequila sunrises.
Vogue is a staple in my glossy diet but I defiantly like the idea of mags teaming up with the Sunday supplements. Hopefully where Vogue goes the rest will follow.

the pm xx

Summer Holidays

2011-02-02T19:14:00.000+11:00

My Herb Garden

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New must-click for interior inspiration

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Lonny Magazine

Lonny Magazine

happy new year

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well haven't I been neglectful.
although this has been my laziest summer in my 24 year existence it has also in some ways been my busiest. if by busy you can count reading piles of books I found on numerous voyages through op shops and second hand stores, taking nanna naps and afternoon strolls around the lake and avoiding mega malls like the plague, only dropping into woolies when the cupboards are bare. even after returning to work last week, I'm still savouring the last drops of sun. uni class choices are on the horizon and the days will surely begin to shorten soon but for now I'm happy tending to my little herb garden [photos to come], bbqing with friends to the scent of burnt sausages and citronella and devouring one pink covered chick lit faithful at a time.

Taylor does NY

2010-11-02T15:58:00.002+11:00

People tracks Taylor Swift in the big apple promoing her new album speak now looking very new york chic.

Keri Russel Instyle

2010-10-12T20:01:00.002+11:00

source

required reading

2010-10-09T19:00:00.002+11:00

Hi lovelies, so I've happened upon yet another blog gem for you to check out - - - Copenhagen Street Style is one to be bookmarked a-sap.

Dreary Saturday

2010-10-09T15:16:00.003+11:00

At least sitting in my room reading a textbook on organisational behaviour (god knows why I took this class, but anyway), watching Felicity on dvd once again, with my dogs keeping my feet warm and a sweet lily candle making me drowsy, knowing that I'm not missing much outside is quite nice.

Image via : Sea of Ghosts

Basic Chic

2010-10-04T17:27:00.001+11:00

Rachel Bilson again shows off the power of a black structured blazer with a comfy cut jean.

Image via people

Trendy Treads

2010-09-30T15:16:00.010+10:00

Last months Shop had this fantastic little mash up of the hottest trends done right that I've been meaning to share for the longest time but due to the evil little devil that is uni I haven't had the time, so here it is, better late than never!

We all know I'm body shape first trend second, but I think with some careful planning there is a perfect balance to be struck between these pages and what you walk out the door wearing tomorrow morning.

ps. how exciting is late night shopping. how long to the likes of dotti, sportsgirl, glassons and all my other faves take a leaf out of kmarts book and start 24 hour trading? oh I'm dizzy thinking about it...

Shop til you drop September 2010 pp64-72 Styled by Nadene Duncan, Photography Christopher Ferguson.

2010-09-23T13:09:00.016+10:00

I'm going away for the weekend so I thought for a bit of sartorial inspiration I'd go in search of some celebs in travel mode. For my mini break we're doing it road trip style but still, a girl wants to look good, especially for all those service station breaks, who knows who could be lurking in the lolly aisle of seven eleven. Mandatory equipment... chunky scarf, huge tote bag and ginormous sunnies to hide those tired eyes.

See also WhoWhatWear ; Airports

Jennifer Aniston Photo

Cameron Diaz Photo
Reese Witherspoon Photo
Gwyneth Paltrow Photo
Lauren Conrad Photo

Rachel Bilson Photo

Ashley Greene Photo

whitney sparkles...

2010-09-23T13:06:00.003+10:00

pic via people

2010-09-04T21:18:00.008+10:00

Last night my sister and I went to see the new drew barrymore - Going the Distance. Justin Long serves as the unlikely leading man in the quirky rom-com. The pair travel down the path of the long-distance relationship encountering the usual problems - time differences, hot members of the opposite sex right in front of them when their significant other is thousands of miles away etc.

I loved it. It was nice to find a chick flick that surprised me but stayed true to the formula we all know and love.

Most noteworthy was Drew's wardrobe. Boho-chic, to say the least. Me Likes.

pic sources

drew's bag

in black blazer

Currently:

2010-08-23T14:52:00.002+10:00

reading cleo - the september issue
also reading Lolita (interesting to say the least)
avoiding serious overload of uni work
wearing - grey marle cotton dress over black tights, with longline black and white striped vest over the top, denim shirt with arms rolled up over that, dangling charm necklace, taupe scarf and swaude black boots.
listening to taylor swift
lusting over army green, military, anoraks, cargos, camo...
planning tomorrows outfit - bf jeans, baggy white t-shirt knotted k-stew style, black blazer - sleeves rolled to show off silky lining, chuncky necklace.
nostalgic for school days - have my hair in that do where you pull your pony tail through itself for that cutesy rolled look
planning an at home manicure - chipped red nail polish and dry yuk associated with winter and closed in shoes needs to go.

Pining for - a denim jacket

2010-07-27T09:53:00.002+10:00

Jess, Nicole, Miranda, Rachel and Emma show us how it's done.

words of wisdom

2010-07-25T17:45:00.002+10:00

At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet - Plato

Alexa Chung & Kate Bosworth - girls of style

2010-07-25T17:15:00.002+10:00

pic source and full story: handbag.com

a weekend story by shop til you drop

2010-07-21T16:42:00.011+10:00

My one and only magazine subscription remains to be shop til you drop (cue questioning eyebrow raise aimed at me: the recovering shopaholic). I think my loyalty has stuck in there even when I'm sick and tired of falling prey to quick trends and spending more money on clothes than I can afford because I find Shop attainable and realistic. Sure there's the dream boat moments but there's also the accessible fashion and this particular story mixes trends cheaply and incorporates many a stable mate from my own personal closet and I'm assuming the closet of many of you. Checked shirts, denim jackets and tops, print scarves and chunky knits round out the weekend orientated spread and although some of us may be watching our pennies I still find Shop to be a source of style inspiration and offering the guidance that I need more than ever as to where that minimal amount of disposable dosh should be spent.

Images from Shop til you drop August 2010 pp128-136. Styled by Nadene Duncan, Photography by Prue Ruscoe.

the pant of the moment

2010-07-20T10:57:00.002+10:00

people.com

Rachel Bilson

2010-07-15T19:07:00.003+10:00

It's so exciting to find another fan of Rachel Bilson's style and today's images come from The Fashion Theory. If Bilson ever steps out in an outfit I don't like I might possibly die from the shock.

xox

P.S Note the utility jacket...

P.S.S And the grey shirt, black blazer combo

P.S.S.S then check out The Fashion Theory for a dose of satirical heaven.

changing it up.

2010-07-13T17:09:00.002+10:00

It's been a long while since I last posted on here. Blogging can be really fun, but also quite draining and when it gets to the point that your posting out of a feeling of obligation rather than that inch to create it shines through in what you produce. I will continue to post here but I'm not setting myself any deadlines. My magazine readership has faltered of late. I don't buy what I used to and I have a select few to which I remain loyal. Instead I'm embracing the world of online in the fantastic content created by other bloggers. Fashion bloggers have changed the way we get dressed in the morning and I find reading someones personal blog leaves me with a much more fulfilling experience.

Anyone who has read this blog has noted my struggle of excess versus want. I jump from 'must buy it, need it' to 'you have a closet full of things you don't even need'. This is strongly related to my obsession, yes I admit obsession,with magazines and the people in them. I think the less I have read magazines over the past few months, the more I have enjoyed them when I have.

In a somewhat ironic twist I have changed my major to public relations, go figure. On the same note however I think by widening the scoop of my studies I looking at different opportunities to those I was desperately seeking a year ago.

I think a job that pays bills and finding myself happy of a Monday morning is a pretty good goal to set.

why less is more

2010-05-29T19:01:00.008+10:00

I picked up the new issue of Russh today and read an article that indirectly captures what I've been struggling with recently. Consumption and excess. In Stealth Wealth (page 52-3) Jess Blanch addresses this in terms of fashion and label/ 'it' backlash. She writes about being told her so-called 'it' bag wasn't all that stylish - "put simply, it's showing off by not showing off". Blanch credits Forbes.com as coining the term 'stealth wealth' defining it as, to quote the article, "about accourements that are subtle, not necessarily readable by the general public but by those in the know".

The article talks about having your signature style, being stylish without being a slave. I remember an editors letter by Bronwyn McCahon in a past issue of Cosmopolitan. She talked about looking back at photos not from year ago but a couple of months ago and shuddering at her outfit choice. Well, I could do that about what I wore last night.

A tie-dye t-shirt dress, leggings, boots, black chandelier earrings and a big black cocktail ring that has left a nice green tattoo around my rude finger. The dress was one of those huge in the top with enough room for two and tight at the bottom. The hem-line emphasised my thighs while the excess material tripled the circumference of my waist (which with my hour glass figure every magazine article tells me to highlight). I know the rules and usually I stick to what suits my body but sometimes fast fashion trends with cheap buy in points are irresistible. Quite frankly, it felt a little trashy. I had a quarter of the confidence that I would in my favourite bootleg jeans and long line black singlet. It's funny sitting here in jeans and a long sleave shirt in a grey/purple hue I feel much prettier than I did in the dress that three girls had some variation of in the one club. Classic, clean but quirky and right for your body shape is the answer to self-esteem issues across the planet, it's just remembering this when your walking past a chain store with a tie-dye dress that makes you look like a blimp but you've seen in so many fashion pages calling you name and on sale for $18.

Shopping diary

2010-05-27T17:43:00.002+10:00

Went to the second hand book shop today - check out the loot!

Shop til you Drop does fashion for every-body

2010-05-26T19:58:00.004+10:00

When a cover screams anything about fashion "for all shapes and sizes" my palms begin to sweat and my head gets a little dizzy. As someone living on the curvier side of life I am often faced with wardrobe dilemmas revolving around whether what I'm wearing is on tread and fashionable while flattering my bumps and maintaining a human like appearance (as opposed to a good year blimp in a tutu and a scarf). A slave to fashion - me? I'm somewhere on the fence. I have my staples of bootleg, dark wash jeans to even out my silhouette from my thighs, I have glittery scarves that draw the eye to my assets (aka 'the girls) and I have an assortment of hairbands and clips to distract when frizzy hair days attack. I work with what I've got and buy in to fashion if and when it suits my style and my body.

I always find the fashion for everyone pages intimidating. At least with one size fits all tinsy models there's no where to categorise yourself, no segmentation if you like. I know that I should be embracing of the women of all sizes spreads but sometimes it just annoys me. I think it has something to do with consistency and there's something about telling me you accept all shapes and sizes but then only for this issue.
I think the Shop team should be commended for the 'all shapes' issue they've put together. I honesty feel it's something taken on lightly by some mags and I like that as editor Justine Cullen puts it that Shop has "used this opportunity to even out the playing field a little" in that there's no so much an onslaught of extremes but a selection representative of the glossies readership.
I eagerly await next months issue to land in my mailbox to see how they back it up!

Russh Magazine Issue 33 film

2010-05-25T14:55:00.003+10:00

Here's some film to go with our Russh fix.

Sarah Wilson on being "a media whore"

2010-05-25T14:51:00.003+10:00

Former Cosmo editor Sarah Wilson talks media with Mumbrella's Tim Burrows.

Inside Out Issue 85

2010-05-25T14:14:00.027+10:00

I can't believe it's taken me until the 10th birthday issue to discover Inside Out magazine. Then again ten years ago I was 13 and more concerned with Dawson's Creek and maths homework then interiors. Something about Inside Out caught my eye this month...Plus the bonus tea towel designed by Rob Ryan sealed the deal.

Editorial director Karen McCartney writes...

"Inside Out launched in 2000, a home-grown Australian title with an eye for beauty and a brain for practicality. We wanted to show homes that inspired our readers and then tell them how to do it: how to japan-black a floor, source the artwork or have a sofa covered. We wanted to be modern and relevant, trustworthy and resourceful, inspirational and good to look at...and I think we have achieved all of the above".

The magazine is all about 'home' and the issue starts off by taking you into the homes of four Australians - clothing designer Lee Mathews, furniture designer Khai Liew and architects Zahava Elenberg and Brian Steendyk. Each showcase their individual abodes with Elenberg explaining that "I try not to be too fashionable. We live well, and I enjoy beautiful objects, beautiful furniture...There's nothing worse than feeling as if you're living in a furniture showroom" (page 34). Well worth checking out is "style ideas that never date" (page 55-6). Happy Anniversary is a beautifully designed story taking you from your paper anniversary to tin (p58-65). Inside Out then celebrates it's ten year anniversary with an Art Auction. You can bid for the art works based around "heart" and "home" at www.homelife.com.au/artauction . From picking out the perfect casserole dish (way more fun (and stylish) then you would think) to designer place mats there is an entry point for everyone. This is one of my favourite things about fashion, where you can go you own way, spend very little money and somehow find your self Vogue worthy. Seems it's the same story for housewares. The gorgeous green chair on page 92 (pic left) cost ten bucks plus a lick of paint - instant shabby chic. Then step into artist David Bromley's own tranquil art show after which architect Tim Hill shows off his well rounded creation (pp104-110). Fashion stylist Nicole Bonython-Hines shows us how neutrals and colour can work together to create a kid-friendly, stylish inside. Check out her kitchen/dining page 114 (pic left).

Occasionally I catch the train down to Sydney which usually means standing on a freezing cold platform at six in the morning. But as an upside it means enjoying the uninterrupted ride around the Hawksbury River. On page 122-129 meet the lucky couple who have made it home. Over and Above (page 132- 137) showcases stylish, comfortable living atop a commercial business.

Next we meet the classic pieces of furniture that have and will stand the test of time (page 141- 4) and learn how to make our work spaces pretty (page 151-7).

I don't usually pick a certain product and go on about it (me no favouritism) but just this once I have to share. I have fallen in love with Luna Gallery's 'Pluto' bedroom range featured on page 160.
Anyway and moving on and out... to the garden where we go into a green oasis hidden in the suburbs of Melbourne and meet an architect who brought the outside back in again by building around the boulders that stood on the mountain where he built his house.

So my first Inside Out experience has been enlightening and somewhat inspiring. Sure I may still live at home but in someway the magazine has encouraged me to make the most of what I've got. My bedroom sometimes feels like the place I have everything stored while I'm waiting to move out - for my real life to begin- and I thinks it's time I appreciated my rent free space. Yes, I have all my bits and pieces and I move things around to make it feel different but it's so cluttered (due to my inability to curb incessant spending) and with studying it's never completely tidy or organised. Spacious, clutter-free but cosy and homely living is the goal!

The Editors Go to Fashion Week in Europe - Running in Heels

2010-05-22T10:02:00.001+10:00

Winter Warmers

2010-05-22T09:44:00.003+10:00

Notebook does cosy.

Rainy Friday night snuggled up at home watching Annie Hall and thinking about what I can steal from my Dad's closet

2010-05-21T19:02:00.006+10:00

yen fashion page

Annie Hall Scenes

2010-05-21T18:54:00.001+10:00

Converse Love

2010-05-20T11:03:00.008+10:00

I got me a new pair of chucks the other day. Cream this time. Today we show some love to the best shoes on the planet.

pic credit (yellow)
pic credit

How to wear converse with skinny jeans!

2010-05-20T10:53:00.001+10:00

2010-05-20T10:47:00.001+10:00

Converse in famous places

2010-05-20T10:36:00.007+10:00

Rob Pattison and Kristin Stewart for Vanity Fair. Source.

Hanging from the rafters in Harry Potter. Source.

Jessica Alba, Hilary Duff and Nicole Richie.

Credit

Vogueness (and more sex)

2010-05-20T10:34:00.004+10:00

Aussie Vogue goes nerdy.

Anna Wintour on David Letterman, Part 1

2010-05-20T10:27:00.001+10:00

Carrie Bradshaw's Top 10 Looks: Sex & the City Fashion Flashback

2010-05-20T10:05:00.001+10:00

2010-05-20T10:00:00.005+10:00

Behind the scenes of US Vogue May cover shoot with Sarah Jessica Parker.

2010-05-20T09:46:00.003+10:00

The March issue of British Vogue is really making me miss the warmer weather. Especially as I sit in my flannelet pajamas and ugg boots with the fire place roaring.

Behind the Scenes: Nylon Magazine

2010-05-19T21:33:00.002+10:00

Meet Kandee Johnson who takes you behind the scenes of a Nylon magazine shoot before a cruise through Beverly Hills.

Frankie Magazine Interview

2010-05-19T21:14:00.001+10:00

I found this interview with Frankie editor Jo Walker on You Tube - A must see for any magazine queen wannabe.

Yen issue 44 - Photo Journal *

2010-05-19T09:35:00.004+10:00

* because some pictures don't need words.

Peppermint Issue 5

2010-05-19T09:22:00.011+10:00

Crushing on this necklace from the current issue of Peppermint magazine where you'll find everything you need to be an eco warrior slash green goddess.
Also meet blogger Solanah Hernandez who you can find at http://www.vixenvintage.blogspot.com/ who shares her electric ensembles paying homage to different eras.

Russh

2010-05-18T21:25:00.003+10:00

Russh's (April/May 2010, $9.95, 162 pages) "Experiment with Everything" delivers as usual - here are some pretty pages.

Cosmo, Cleo & Carrie !

2010-05-18T16:05:00.038+10:00

Carrie and the girls are back and Cosmo (ACP $7.40 242 pages) and Cleo (ACP $7.40 218 pages) are damn sure not going to let the moment pass. Sarah Jessica Parker herself covers the June issue of Cosmo taking you behind the "Scenes and Seams" of the second movie to hit our shores on June 2nd. Cosmo's cover promises include finding out "what your sex fantasies really mean", buying designer threads "on your salary" and the answers to "every love question you've ever asked". Quite a lot really for your seven bucks forty. Bronwyn McCahon takes us inside the Cosmopolitan offices in her editors letter letting us in on the (not-so) secret knowledge that a chit chat by the watercooler can turn into a full blown investigation into how fertile you really are. From decoding your coffee (page 26), getting down on one knee yourself rather than waiting your man (page 28) and finding out about the "f" word ruining your relationship (page 34) ('I'm fine' ring any bells) Cosmo has all your relationship dramas sorted. Apparently lipstick is back (page 38), faux fur is where it's at ( page 40) and we all should start dressing like commandos (page 44-5). Personally, I love the behind the scenes stuff and pore over the "fashion and beauty cupboard" pages like a crazed stalkerazzi . "Show us your wardrobe " (snapped by Georgie Westaway) is a nod to street fashion photography being embraced by the glossies (pages 50-51 & images left ). I love photos taken on the street and seeing how real people pull outfits together, I think it's so raw and realistic and attainable than over stylised fashion shoots (although I cannot resist a romantic slash grungy fashion story). We're introduced to Charlotte Gainsbourg and given the pieces to knock off her style (page 52) before relationship guru and author of Textbook Romance Zoe Foster teaches us how to deal when packing emotional baggage (page 66-7). I haven't as of yet gained the courage to read Mina Azodi's Woemn + Shoes: A love Story (page 76-7) because I'm just too darn scared I'll be told my partiality to shoes is like crippling the economy. A sex contract (page 78-79) - ridiculousness, Cosmo World - my new fave (particularly the travel tips - will come in handy for the long awaited Euro Trip), some hot international models (page 14-18 of Cosmo World) and Global Street Style (more of this Puh-lease - page 22-23 CW). Learn how to use the green eyed monster for good (page 84-85), solve life's great mysteries - well 12 of them (page 90-91), and throw a rager of a divorce party (pp100-1). Cosmopolitan health has everything to make you "happier, healthier and hotter" and then you can enter the world of online dating (page 120-22). Who knew alpacas could model? (page 146) comes before Packed to the rafters favourite Jessica Marais who vamps it up in leather and sparkles (page 150-157). Regrowth reworked as statement two-tone hair (p181) and how to master a messy bun (p187) to get your locks in tune. Food diaries always amuse me (pages 196-199) and then become a domestic goddess - updating your digs on a budget, cooking with Curtis Stone (Yum!) and reading books reviewed by fave blogger Erica Bartle (p225). Speaking of reading books, Cosmo has an exclusive extract from The Carrie Diaries ( Candance Bushnells prequel to Sex and The City. As cool as I am (lol) I am about half way through the book as we speak - and I am loving it.

As for Cleo, covered by Blake Lively, I don't think the front of book does justice to just how good Cleo has become of late. Sarah Oakes spends her editors letter trying to make us jealous with photos from Bachelor of the year - which was one by Underbelly hottie Firass Dirani btw. We are then introduced to four fashionista's and a couple of new blogs to follow (http://www.cupcakesandcashmere.com/ and http://www.lucylaucht.blogspot.com/). Cleo pays homage to the chain store (pp52-70) , looks at the trends spawned from Sex and the City (p78) (name plate necklace anyone?) and tells us how to cope with criticism (pp82-83). Cleo is all about supporting designers and this month gives four local designers the chance to show off their most treasured creations (pp84-7). Also covered is the bullying epidemic (p88-89), the go with fur (pp96-7) and life as a party snapper (pp90-5). Check out some hot boys (pp102-6) before discovering the 10 innovations that changed women's lives (pp108-9). Learn how to see the glass half full in "bouncing back" (pp110-11) and meet 'it' girl of the moment Ke$ha (pp112-5). Jungle meets city in the fashion story 'urban tribes' and the trend of the minute sees us all diving for camouflage in 'soldier on'. The usual sex stuff, 'the five signs he'll never cheat' coupled with a man dictionary sum up the love and lust section. Cleo body has everything from not getting sick, appreciating the body you have and the standard food diary.

I've always loved seeing how other people decorate their houses/ offices/ bedrooms etc. I think at the moment when people are staying home rather than going out, more attention is being paid to interiors. It seemed as if before the world found itself in financial trouble, home was a crash pad but now it's where we entertain and relax. Cleo shares the pads of four women that will inspire anyone looking to jazz up their place (pp188-191). On page 198 you'll find a recipe for gingerbread men by Nadine Ingram from Cookie Couture (www.cookiecouture.com.au) and on 199 some hilarious work stories to make you giggle. The Cleo girls then read The Carrie Diaries for this months bookclub.

I used to buy both Cleo and Cosmo each month. I then had a rest and come back to each sporadically. I think that now Cleo has stepped away from Cosmo and found her voice both are better for it. Sure there's a little unavoidable double up but both are entertaining, informative reads. Until next time, happy reading. xoxo

My Friend Frankie xoxo

2010-05-18T14:37:00.011+10:00

My "stop spending money" plan has been a little overshadowed of late. Mainly by a reignited love affair with magazines, disillusioned me not no more, and chilly season wears pretty much tumbling out shops screaming my name.

Bonuses all round because I now have a nice little stack of mags that we can look at.

It's been a while since I've taken to this blog to talk mags, if you can't see it underlying in some of my previous posts, I have had twenty-something-crises. Yep, I have found myself questioning life and my place etc. all at the ripe old age of twenty three. I think I have let myself become defined by what I own or achieve and I don't know how this has happened because I come from a home that is all about the love.

So you'll find there be moments of fast fashion and trend spotting/sporting but you'll also find that things are going to be a bit more rounded. I'm talking about feeling at home at home, relationships, travel but still looking good while doing so.

What I want to focus on however, is practising what the glossies preach without the whole buy, buy, buy state of mind. Here's to a planned, thoughtful, mindful, fulfilling little journey.

I think Frankie magazine encompasses everything I'm looking for. The magazine is well rounded in that there's no overbearing focus on just one thing. Not afraid to be quirky and out there - this is the first fashion shoot I've ever seen a bear in, Frankie prides itself on the different. In Issue 35 (currently on sale $8.95 120 pages) Frankie reminds us that if we're yet to hit our peak fear not, Einstein, Jane Austen and President Obama all didn't crack the big time until their thirties, Marieke Hardy pens the most frank letter to ever hit Tony Abbot's mailbox and thanks to Pip Lincolne (who also has a book out) I'll be sitting down to crochet blankets for my cd's.

Also newly gracing my bookshelf and adding to my Frankie collection are the Frankie Photo Album and Sweet Treats(http://www.morrisonmedia.com.au/). Frankie's first photo album has over 100 photographs taken by both professional and amateur snappers from all over the world. I'm no photo buff so my measurement tool is emotional effect.

In the short time I have owned a copy of 'the photo album' I have found myself picking it up and flicking through the photos numerous times. The photographs have this calming, relaxing thing going on where in the simplicity and normality of the shoots you can appreciate the comfort of the mundane everyday. I would recommend the book as a gift for anyone or for yourself and from me that's quite a big call because I'm not one for telling people what they need.

Sweet treats is a must for all self confessed sugar nuts. I'm yet to make any of the gorgeously presented sweets but I'm hanging to have a go at the coconut ice, the freckle hearts and the good old chocolate crackles.

Photo Journal

2010-04-22T12:12:00.011+10:00

I was browsing through my camera earlier today and thinking about all the stories I've read recently about people doing photo journals and thought, hey, why not. These are just a few random shots from the past few months. My dogs - because their so damn cute, my little sisters birthday cake - because she made me feel so old, the cake stand getting a work out - because who doesn't like cake, nan and my birthday cakes (the cake theme was an accident I swear) - because I love that our birthdays are three days apart and we get to share, the book i brought from the second hand book shop yesterday - because I can't wait to read something that isn't a textbook, the candle in the jar - because I am an environmental goddess recycling a jam jar into prettiness and my feet - because I can. xx

2010-03-14T18:25:00.004+11:00

So I hate summer.

I hate being hot.

I hate not being able to wear a pretty scarf.

I hate that feeling of sweat sticking to a leather couch.

I hate being self conscious in my swimmers and the list goes on.

Today the chill of winter on the way is in the air and I for one could not be happier. The breeze coming through my open window is crisp, fresh and cool. When I went to bed last night, it was wrapped up snugly in a donna, the hum of the overhead fan a distant memory. This morning I tugged on jeans and a tshirt and threw a cardigan in my bag and I was right to go and comfy as hell. I love everything about winter - hot soup, open fires, gloves, hot chocolate, knitting, watching footy on the telly , reading books on a Saturday night in your pajamas and fluffy pink bedsocks, rain pounding on the roof, candles burning on the coffee table, crocheted blanket around your shoulders... need I go on?

Summer to me just feels so damn consumerist (this reformed shopaholic biz is really happening) . It's like you spend all summer trying to look hot while being uncomfortably hot and smelling like your hot (ew). Winter is all about romance and comfort and enjoying home...convinced?

Diary of a shopahoilic trying not to shop

2010-03-13T12:59:00.007+11:00

So it's been a while since we've talked. Hope life is treating you great. Since my big ah-ha moment where it dawned upon me (finally) that I was a little consumerist machine and the reason I could no longer tidy my bedroom was because every nook and cranny was packed with 'stuff' I'm a changed girl. Kind of. I have my weaknesses. Oh do I have my weaknesses...But in my defence I really am thinking about purchases, mulling them over. Yes I have caved on occassion but most of the caving has been at wallet friendly Kmart (has anyone noticed their on-trend cheap-as pieces are totally awesome lately?) as opposed to dropping $80 on a cartigan that still gets those little fluffy pieces of lint and looks like crap after three wears anyway. It has taken me so long to realise that stuff really isn't a useful tool as a mood lifter. I'm the girl who reads the article about the emotional shopper with a twenty thousand dollar credit card debt and thinks well I'm not as bad as her. Sure I may not be in debt but I also had to scab 10 bucks for fuel this morning and universal pay day is closer to just been then just around the corner.

All in all I'm not cured and know that I never will be. Thinking about purchases doesn't mean I have the will power to walk out of the shop empty handed but it's small steps. I just went to woolies to get bread and milk and oh-my-god actually just came home with bread and milk. No magazines, no lolly aisle fixes and I didn't even walk down the shampoo slash make me pretty aisle (Pats on the back to me).

I have more to catch you up on but my mum just asked me to go to the shopping centre so wish me luck and bring on that will power. Maybe if I just get my layby out. Is that ok?

to be continued...

UPDATE:

I was very restrained yesterday. I did get my layby but it was made up of replacement shoes for the ones I broke in Queensland and new black leggings for the ones that have holes in that I've been wearing. All in all I was happy to get these new things but the joy that a new pair of shoes would usually bring is gone. And yes I'm totally serious. Usually there's this hunt and capture mind game going on about where the next purchase is coming from, the all consuming focus of my day. But with what I brought yesterday it was the replacement of mundane items - yes the shoes were nice brown leather with a cute buckle and the leggings an updated trended with zippers down the calf- but I don't feel like their going to make my life better, change things. Yes slap me on the hand this is how I have thought about clothes since like forever and yeah it's a hard mindset to dig out from.

I know people might read this and say your a joke but as long as there's a girl out there reading my babble that goes and spends all her pay on a new outfit and then can't afford to go out to wear it, my babble has a point.

Fairy lights in a jar.

2010-02-22T13:08:00.002+11:00

Clever, clever. Check out The Enchanted Closet where this cool light display comes from. The blog is really cute with fun homewares and pretty pages of interior inspiration.

On my bedside table

2010-02-20T13:03:00.003+11:00

Fashion blogger to covergirl

2010-02-11T10:57:00.007+11:00

I picked up Peppermint magazine as some inflight distraction the other week. I was happily suprised to find one of my favourite bloggers Lady Melbourne adroning the cover of the green mag.
http://www.ladymelbourne.com.au/

http://www.peppermintmag.com/

Lady Melbournes thoughts on covergirl stardom -http://ladymelbourne.blogspot.com/2010/02/peppermint-magazine-is-still-available.html

Girl with a Satchel (aka Erica Bartle) meets Lady Melbourne for a chat http://girlwithasatchel.blogspot.com/2009/10/gwas-glossy-vision-meet-lady-melbourne.html

carrying on from my current obsession of dressing like you 60

2010-01-28T09:41:00.003+11:00

Just Jared captures Kirsten Dunst rocking out in a grandma dress.

simplification.

2010-01-27T20:22:00.004+11:00

So my little wear-what-you-own-and-don't-buy-anything-project seems to be going well. The thing about actually knowing what is in my wardrobe and putting thought into what I'm going to wear is rather refreshing. Instead of grabbing for the newest tags-still-attached purchase I am actually starting to appreciate what I own. Seeing clothes as possessions rather then disposable is changing how I feel about fashion. I think I have been too consumed by spending and trends to really understand style and what your style says about you. I buy clothes to make myself into something else and yeah I love the transformations that clothes can bring but I think, maybe I'm growing up a little, that being comfortable, expressing a bit of individuality and letting clothes take a back seat to actually living is the place I want to be in. I am 23 years old and have all this stuff but it's nothing to the fun times I've had, funnily enough wearing track pants and a ratty hoody roasting marshmallows on the beach with my friends or having a girls night in pajamas. My point is that what I was wearing had nothing to do with living and loving life. Here's to wearing what I love over and over again, finding my own style and not caring what anyone thinks.

(I know if you've just read my post on Packed to the Rafters 'Rachel's' cute wardrobe your thinking walking CONTRADICTION! but the beauty of using what I have is in finding inspiration in tv shows and movies and

books and magazines and interpreting them with what I own and making them mine. This is what fashion should be. It shouldn't be about spending a fortune emulating the outfits of people that make 986 times what you do and still not being happy. Fashion should be about individuality and expression but not obsession and debt.)

sevens ratings winner unlikely source of fashion goodness...

2010-01-27T19:41:00.006+11:00

Ever watch Packed to the Rafters? If you only have one reason to tune in it's for Rachel Rafters sweet wardrobe. Vintage inspired dresses are the base point for the character played by Jessica Marais teamed with knee high boots and fantastic belts cinching in the waist. Keep an eye out for cute-as earrings too! Pic from channel seven via smh.

Photo sources:

Cleo learns how to be Cleo...

2010-01-21T11:19:00.008+11:00

Lets just say Cleo has defiantly got her mojo back under the oh-so-cleaver hands of Sarah Oakes. The Tigerlilly issue is just so damn clean cut with the right amount of naughtiness and reeking of freshness.

Looking at sections like Cleo craft is refreshing. Suddenly someone has the balls to say yeah even a successful twenty-something sexpot can sit at home and make a necklace or oh-my-god eat something. It's like Cleo is being cool by being un cool if you catch my drift.

An ode to "gastro-porn" is another example of Cleo embracing the blogosphere. Blogger Anita von Korff is just one of the featured bloggers lending her expertise. von Korff's Leave Room for Desert will make your tummy rumble and your taste buds craving sugary delights.

There are so many pretty pages it's ridiculous (in a good way) and as per usual Erica Bartle (who also is also a contributor this month penning "What no-one ever tells you about marriage" pp154-5) over at Girl With A Satchel has picked her faves. Must see page 115 for perfect example of why fashion bloggers are conquering the world. Brown brogues girls!!!

making old new again for $7...

2010-01-20T13:21:00.006+11:00

Upon cataloging my clothing I discovered that I have an abnormal amount of jeans and also a couple of ill fitting denim skirts. Approximately three minutes spent on EBay and $7 later I have an assortment of stud embellishments on the way. A few cuts here and some strategically placed decoration and I'll have pretty cutoffs to rival those worn here by personal fave style inspiration Rachel Bilson. Just Jared follows Bilsons studded fascination and is also the picture source for the shot to your left.

I am the pm and I am a shopaholic

2010-01-15T14:23:00.004+11:00

Since I turned sixteen and got my first job at Big W (where I'm sure I have since spent 3456 times what I ever made as a checkout chick slash customer service pep) I have been on a non stop shopping spree. Sure some days it might be a hundreds of dollars spend up at a department store but I get just as many kicks out of a visit to the haircare aisle of woolies. I honestly cannot remember a day where I have not spent money. Even today when I lay in bed with a nasty sinus infection I'm checking out what I can get online from from the likes of Sportsgirl and Ebay.

My bedroom is a shrine to my exploits. I've given up on the entire room being tidy, settling for piles of mess when people come over. I scowl at my friend who apologises for the 'mess' of a shirt and hair-straighter on her bed when I visit.

Maybe I'm just becoming wise in my ripe old age of 23 but what is the point in all this stuff. Granted 99% of it is clothing and accessories but really at what point to you stop?

My other problem...I'm highly sentimental and have boxes with Christmas cards I received when I was 12 and broken ornaments that I can't bear to throw away.

I expect the dust collecting on all my stuff contributes to my constant bouts of hay fever. I saw the preview for that show Hoarders the other day and scoffed but really is that me fast forwarded 40 years and 20 cats?

Not so long ago I read about The Uniform Project where this chick is wearing the same dress for a year. Proving that you can be fashionable whilst remaining sustainable and raising money for charity.

I feel as the my era of accumulating is over. I just feel as though it is time.

I'm going on holidays soon so by cutting out shopping and using what I've got hopefully will leave me with some extra dosh for my vay-cay.

All my clothes are chain store purchases but I have a nice platform of basics to get me through. Over-sized shirts in grey, black, white, blush (the hue of the season), stripped and cream. I have a cropped black blazer and a long-line boyfriend blazer along with grandpa cardigans of every variety. There's staple black leggings and singlet tops for layering and an array of floral dress and tops.

My trend buy-in point has always been scarves. I have tie-dyed scarves, sequined, floral, square, wool, cotton, silk...it goes embarrassingly on.

My point is that I think I can survive on what I have in my closet without buying a single thing for at least three years and still manage to look close to fashionable.

My goal is to not buy clothes for a year. I will falter and give in I know this, but I also know that I can dramatically cut back. Anything I do buy I will blog and thus suffer the ultimate public humiliation of admitting that I cannot walk past a pretty print without making it mine. I think this will really make me stop and think about everything I do buy. Sure I would like to have some money to travel but also to not have to worry about cash when a friend invites me to catch up for dinner or paying my way at the movies.

It's always been said that fashion is cyclical but I think being 'trendy' is a little overrated (anyone who knows me just fainted). I have always had a style of my own but it is defiantly trend infused. I like fashion and keeping up with fashion but I also think that my approach to buying clothes is wrong. Read any story on fashion and you will be guided to buy investment pieces with a long lifespan. These people have the smarts and most of them are surrounded by fashion everyday.

I think my closet needs to become livable as opposed to a collection.

I'm going to rotate and mix up crazy outfits that are reflections of me. Outfits that I feel great in. All this stuff is just that stuff. It's not just the clothes, I have piles of books that I've brought and never read. If I read one book I buy two more. I have makeup that I brought on special that went off before I was ready to use it...

I hope this little mission changes my outlook on a few things. First order of the day is stock take. Stay tuned...

Leopard - having (another) moment

2010-01-12T12:22:00.002+11:00

Ashley Green rocks out a leopard print tote...

(pic credit just jared and for more photos)

Zoe Foster with Hamish Blake - Textbook Romance

2009-12-30T15:33:00.003+11:00

Seems how Christmas has been a wash out I have managed to catch up on a lot of reading. Although I have now found myself entrenched in a number of young adult twilight-esk tomes, at the beginning of the festive season I started with former Cosmo staffer Zoe Foster's Textbook Romance.

Fosters second offering comes in the form of a textbook guide to getting the guy. It is hilariously funny, honest and gives all the advice that we all know but usually ignore.

Foster paves the way for securing that 'Quality Relationship' and with Valentine's Day just around the corner has some handy hints for all of us regardless of your facebook relationship status.

Steal her style

2009-12-18T16:17:00.004+11:00

Here's my latest must stalk daily website -couturecandy not only has fantastic celebrity shots but breaks down each outfit and suggests how to recreate. Well worth a look see.
pic credit http://www.couturecandy.com/celebs/3/index.html

The Rachel Revisited

2009-12-04T20:46:00.002+11:00

This is the direction I am currently working my ill thought out bangs into. Jen Aniston (the proud bearer of 'the rachel' phase one title) is joined by Rachel Bilson in rocking out the long layers with the off centre part. If only hair grew as fast as it can be chopped off.

pic source - People.com

2009-11-30T14:47:00.002+11:00

Jessica Alba proves again, again and again why a white shirt is all a girl needs... oh and lots of funky accessories.

pic credit www.celebritybeautybuzz.com

More casual fashion from Jess Alba lunching in LA.

Hue of the minute - seeing orange

2009-11-29T19:00:00.005+11:00

Dolly and Who both citrus crushing.

Celebspiration

2009-11-28T12:15:00.003+11:00

This is somewhat of an old pic of former OC starlet Rachel Bilson however still paves the way as oh so chic summer wardrobe inspiration.
pic source http://rachel-bilson-style.popsugar.com/1719173

Russh Sep/Oct 2009

2009-10-11T13:58:00.005+11:00

When I read Russh I feel like I have entered a secret party where everyone's invited but nobody's been told where to go.

The bi-monthly to me is about high fashion and quality photography done oh-so-intimidatingly but so very enticing. Russh is quirky yet clean and cutting edge yet safe. A Russh cover is always the unexpected, always innovative. Ali Stephens takes the September/ October cover in what editor Natalie Shukur calls an issue that "says as much with pictures as it does with words."

Frankie Issue 31

2009-10-11T12:12:00.005+11:00

I have this gut churning inner debate when it comes to Frankie. Do I cut up the pretty pages for wallpaper? Do I fork out the cash for a cut up copy and a keep in pristine condition copy? Or do I continue letting them pile up on their dedicated 24 hour security monitored self space?

Frankie is the magazine that brings me back down to earth (Particularly after consuming as many glossies as I do). It makes my life normal. It's like going to stay at my nan's in the holidays and eating Alfredo pasta and bbq chicken for dinner. It's like fresh baked scones and sticky brown leather couches. It's converse sneakers worn with your fanciest dress to the beach and it's plaiting wool friendship bracelets to sell for two bob in the front yard. And then deciding you don't want to part with any of them and cancelling the sale.

The September Issue

2009-10-09T18:33:00.012+11:00

Choosing Cate Blanchett as the covergirl for it's 50th anniversary issue Vogue Australia's September issue delivers as one would expect. All the big players are there advertisement wise, the fashion pages are what can only be called exquisite and the editorial is unsurpassed. Tim Blanks in 'the heart of the issue' puts Vogue at the core of the worlds zeitgeist. He writes that "Vogue very efficiently blankets the planet with its various editions, and each of those functions as a window into its own environment."
Fashion is the tangible documentation of eras in time. Fashion encapsulates societies beliefs, trends and ultimately peoples lives. I think that in fifty years Vogue will still be fulfilling this role...

In the case of Marie Claire and the Katie Holmes cover - I don't know. What has she done lately that warrants such a cover?
As I am still dragging myself out of a "I'm over magazines" rut, I handing this one over to you guys. Did you like the Septembers issues fashion offerings? What did you think of the MC editorial?

Yen seems to be going from strength to strength. Maintaining it's yen-ness but stepping up to compete with the mainstream titles at a time where glossy spending pennies are sparse.

For years I have heard Gaza strip banded around and never really understood what the story was. Yeah, you get the gist from news reports but I didn't know that at 41 kilometres and only 6-12 kilometres wide, it takes one hour to drive from one end of Gaza to the other. I didn't know that the entire strip is fenced in with soldiers patrolling the perimeters of that 80% of the refugee population lives below the poverty line or that Israel created an 'economic blockade' to the strip. For starters not only am I in awe of reporter Sophie McNeill (from memory she is in her early twenties and roughly my age) but reminded why I buy Yen.

So many magazines try to hit the hard stories but rarely does a piece take you to that place, rarely can you conceive of want to imagine what you are reading.

I read this story twice and it had the same effect both times. Trust me, read it.

i have becky bloomwood syndrome.

2009-10-07T20:57:00.005+11:00

I've been reading Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic books for the past few weeks and to be honest I didn't realise Becky was not just in my head. I thought she was the little horned diva that resides on the left side of my brain and convinces me I need just one more pair of earrings, shoes, a bag etc.

It is such a relief to know I am not alone. Becky Bloomwood thinks like me, she understands. Last week when I decided that I could not rest until the perfect pair of straight legged black jeans that I saw on a quick trip to the supermarket the day before were nestled safely in my closet I solved my problem by deciding to buy the jeans and pay my overdue phone bill next week, which is actually this week but I might have to pay it next week because this afternoon me and my sister ducked to the shops and there was all this jewellery on sale and I saved soooo much money...

Cleo gets made over (or makes 80s now???

2009-10-02T18:40:00.006+10:00

I suppose you could say my love affair with the glossy kind has been somewhat of a little strained recently. For a while there I was feeling like I was buying magazines out of habit only for them to gather dust unread in the corner of my room.
So imagine my surprise when I saw the 'new' Cleo on the shelf and, I must admit, it put a smile on my face.Finally someone is brave enough to go a little crazy rather then playing in safe in uncertain times. I think now more then ever magazines need to step up and a work for a place in our lives.
Cleo is a girl of evolution. Not scared of change and not constrained to international conformity's. I look at this months cover and for something pretty damn basic it's got a certain vibe. It says I'm your buddy, your bible to which you are not inferior. It's a little 80s and quite a lot sexy - but isn't that Cleo's demographic?
I'm feeling a little bit optimistic now and I'm thinking my "I'm over magazines" claims may have been a little bit hasty. I think the key to hanging on these days is shaking up the formula while beating the same old drum as Cleo has shown us.

oh.my.god.

2009-09-30T12:19:00.001+10:00

naughty me. i have not left you. thank goodness it's break. much blogging to be done. kisses and hugs.

Call me the procrastinator.

2009-08-25T13:52:00.003+10:00

I have four assignments due this week, two of them tomorrow and I just can't make myself do them.

I'm pretty prepared, I have drafts but it is like I need the pressure of the clock ticking past 1:30am, my sixth glass of coke sitting on the desk and the screen going blurry from tired eyes.

Instead it's almost two o'clock in the afternoon, I've just had a nice healthy snack of fruit and yogurt, the house is quiet, I have plenty of time to not rush and take my time.

But I can't write a thing.

It's taken me two hours just to open the document with my essay in it.

Do I secretly want the pressure? Do I want to pull an all nighter and have the 'i'm such a bad student but me essay is genius' bragging rights tomorrow?

I know I have to do it. I'm going out for dinner tonight so I really should be finished by about 5. But I keep telling myself I'll finish it later.

about the words.

2009-08-24T17:24:00.002+10:00

Ok new layout, new way of blogging. For me blogging is about sharing a little bit of me with a faceless audience. An audience to whom I can share mundane tidbits and insightful ramblings and not have to worry about being shut down and looking like a goose. I think in the past however I have hidden behind pretty pictures and scans from magazines, so from now on it's all about the words. No distracting images, just what I want to say.

technical difficulties blessing in disguise

2009-08-16T16:19:00.004+10:00

I don't know when it was was, but somehow my computer has become and extension of my right arm. Out of action for the past few weeks, I have had major withdrawals, but in a way I have noticed how much time I spend on the computer and how much of my life is organised online.

I've missed invitations on facebook, have a list of things that 'would have been good to tweet', and not paid a stack of bills because I forget what it's like to take a paper bill to the post office and pay with cash.

It makes me wonder how much human interaction do we miss out on by doing more and more online. Those little pleasant conversations with strangers that make you smile, ringing one of the girls for a quick chat to organise drinks and accidentally talking for two hours are lost in 240 character or less.

Itchy feet

2009-07-20T15:45:00.005+10:00

Well it seems being at home sick does not make for blogging topics. I think all my tv watching is turning me into a crazy person. I get sucked in by the places in shows and find my traveling bug very difficult to restrain. My problem is I don't want to be the tourist. I want to know what it's like to live somewhere different and immerse myself in another place.

I can't say I have travelled widely. Actually I've only been out of the state once and have only dreams of adventures abroad. But what I have seen has only made the urge stronger to see more.

I wonder what it would be like if another place was home. Another city, another country. I guess it would be the same as here because I would know no different.

I suppose one day I will do the tourist thing, see the sights. Go to all the places I look up in my Lonely Planet travel book.

The reason for one day as opposed to now? I get home sick when I go camping two hours drive away, I need lots of time to prepare myself.

A little bit of a diary entry really.

2009-07-13T09:33:00.005+10:00

Firstly how cute is this cat on top of someones bookshelf? I need a cat to keep my books warm. I just asked my dog but she gave me that head tilted to the the side 'humans are so silly' look so I decided to drop it. However I am typing this with said dog on my lap and her head is hanging over my arm making reaching the a key quite the mission.

I had a rather busy weekend. Friday night me and my friend went to the local tavern for dinner and stalked hot band members. Saturday night we went to the pub and stalked a fresh set a band members. Before you say groupies, no, there just happened to be some easy on the eye guitar wielding musos that made for good viewing. What is it about a man a guitar? So anyway I have today off work to register for tutorials for next semester. It's like an online bitch fight to secure the class times you want so you have to go the least amount of days, have Friday off, in a class with a buddy, etc, etc. When the little clock in the corner of my monitor ticks over the hour, the feeling of anticipation is as if you were going to run a marathon. Heart pounding as you secure those precious time spots you feel as if you've won gold. Seriously.

So this whole cutting back on magazines has really got me re-appreciating my bookshelf. At the moment I am reading Little Women. I am up to where the March girls all go out for a picnic slash rowing competition at 'Camp Laurence'. I'm suppose to hate Meg, right? And Amy? And little miss goodie too shoes Beth? And then there's Jo. The tom boy writer. I like her. Also as if you wouldn't go for Laurie.

"Not aesthetically pleasing"

2009-07-11T10:56:00.006+10:00

My sister says my blog needs prettying up. She says it is like reading a newspaper and "not aesthetically pleasing". Little miss artistic says I need more colour. Maybe I agree. I have kind of been thinking the same thing myself for a few months but feel somewhat attach to how it is now. Its like painting your room, or knocking out a wall. You like the final result, but feel a certain nostalgia for what once was.

The case of the over-archiever

2009-07-10T12:37:00.006+10:00

I can't take criticism. I can happily deal it out but when someone, admittedly rather constructivly points out where I could do something better, up come the defences and I start questioning if I can do the task at hand at all.

Today I got my first semester results. One pass, two credits and one distinction. So instead of thinking great, you've passed everything lets move on and get ready for your new classes next semester, all I can think about is the comments I received along the lines of - if you want to be a journalist you had better pick up you game and use commas properly.

I want to take this feedback and think I'm gonna show them and proceed to write fantastic article after fantastic article with perfect punctuation, I really do.

But it is like a nagging seed has been planted. Maybe I'm wasting my time, maybe I should go back to working full time and know what it's like to have a disposable income again, maybe I should change courses. My lovely mum says, that's great a pass is a pass and anything else is just a bonus. I say your so dumb everyone else must be getting distinctions, everyone else must be submitting witty banters to major publications, when we graduate everyone else will be working for Vogue while I'm joining the welfare line...

Far out, I don't know how I will cope if I ever fail a class...

Speaking of Vogue, I read an interesting article by Aussie Vogue editor Kirstie Clements the other day about what makes the Australian edition different that is well worth a read.

Frankie Issue 30 July/August 2009 (Best read with a copy on hand)

2009-07-08T11:06:00.011+10:00

Celebrating thirty issues Frankie delivers the normal doses of off the beat art and craft, fashion, music and real life.

The reason Frankie has made it onto the magazines I can't live without hit list is in the pretty, unique and inspiring pages. Frankie just has something that no other does.

Interviews with creative types who have made home in the country to behind the woman bringing Chanel to life on the big screen in Coco avant Chanel.
There is advice on 'flying the coup' and making the the transition from life with the rents easy on your folks and Justin Heazlewood road tests the supermarket shelf offerings when it comes to muesli to find Australia's best.

On one page we're learning about boozy bookclubs the next the slow movement. ( Check out Todd Seiling's Slow Blog Manifesto) Next is In Flux, a London based ethical designer who makes their threads out of organic, vintage and salvaged materials.

Fashion pages With a chance of rain (photographer Amanda Austin, stylist Claire Hansen, Make up Fern Madden, Hair David Tolls for cowboysandangelssf.com, model Amy @ Chic) is such a pretty offering of pieces to done when the sky turns grey.

Pui Pui Tam is wondering how long until robots take over the world (maybe like on that episode

of The Simpsons?). While Mari Kasurinen shares an interesting take on My Little Ponies.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live souley on home brand food? Rick Bannister did. page 70-71. (Read this article first, lol funny)
When you are in a more serious, philosophical and perhaps forgiving frame of mind, read Jana Roose's Apologetics. Ever wondered what happened to that mean girl in year three? She's here on page 78. (Also pictured).

Jana writes that, "Years after my primary school graduation, people will still come up to me and tell me stories of the childhood terror. The things I did."

I remember in like kindergarten there was this one girl. She was the devil, not only terrorising the girls, but the boys too.

I think if we ran into each other now however, I wouldn't give her the time of day. I wouldn't walk up to her and list off all her playground crimes, even if she has grown up and feels bad, that's what her five year old bully self wants. To know she had effect, that she got to me. I'm not going to accept an apology from the doctors daughter who stole every one's lollies. I am well and truly over it and didn't even think of that girl until reading the article. I think it's healthy for a bully to carry around a bit of guilt as hopefully it makes them the better person (I'll say hopefully again) that they are today.

Jana Roose is brave in putting into words what evidently she is highly embarrassed about and in doing that shares an insight that people on the other side of such actions have been trying to figure out for many years.

The back end of the book is rounded up with stories for the grandkids, some photos, at home with Sarah Blasko, people in stitches, a story from a very different Australia and chucking a sickie. Marieke Hardy talks drunken literary greats while Benjamin Law faces the dole queue. To finish the last few tid bits, we can treat or hair while eating tomato soup. Lastly, two requests. First Frankie needs to gain weight. Is monthly too much to ask? Would monthly damage the Frankie uniqueness? Second, the Wrangler ad. Couldn't you at least put it on the inside of the mag so it doesn't look like my train reading is a porno? Many thanks.
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Officially I am a grown up

2009-07-07T17:40:00.003+10:00

Today I took possession of my very first couch. Somewhat a rite of passage the green leather two seater is my first piece of grown up furniture. Next to a bed, we're talking about something that will play a huge part of my life. It will be the backdrop to many get togethers and the glue of conversations and for that reason we don't worry about how unpretty it is, just how comfortable and durable Betsy (that's what I've called her) will be for all of life's adventures.

Shop Report

2009-07-07T12:32:00.014+10:00

Shop til you drop does girly, dressing for the men in our lives, like the stars and like your zip code reads something like 90210 (the original)...

This months cover screams girlie and spring wistfulness. From the tie-die fonts to Kate Hudsons Stella McCartney sleeveless blazer and shorts set. It is just me or does the Bride Wars star look somewhat like the sun is in her eyes? Actually, in channelling the squinty look she looks rather Blake-Lively-esk.

Justine Cullen (who you can follow on twitter) asks what do you think is sexy? This kind of got me thinking about my fringe debacle post the other day. At the time I thought to myself, why am I asking what guys do and don't like, I dress for me ... don't I? I guess in all honesty, no. I dress for everyone. I dress for my family, my friends, that certain good looking bloke I might possibly bump into...

Cullens letter leads into the piece on page 160, "What he really thinks of your outfit." According to this article my penance for cocktail rings, harem pants and lip gloss may very well be accountable for my single status on facebook. For the tribal pieces in the 'tribal gatherings' pages shop it at www.asseenin.com.au .Watches are back in with the fash pack as is knitwear (when was it ever not in?) Next up we're being told to dress bold (pictured) along with going back to the LBD with a freshened silhoette, my personal fave - flirty florals, checked shirts slash dresses, sculptured mod inspired shifts and hippie tops. We learn how to rock power shoulders and tell the difference between a leopard print bag by Jimmy Choo for $3675 with the $95 offering from Jendi. (Pictured: YSL at $2100 versus Senso at $250)

The A-List buys is interesting. So often I look at steal her style pages and think that what has been put together in copying a stars outfit looks nothing like the celeb has on. This gives us the lowdown on the brands and prices of the items the star is photographed in. So if you want to know how much and by who is the scarf that Sienna Miller was papped in getting out of a car, you will know that it is a Louis Vuitton at $1060.

I just love when we see in the closet of others. This month Celeste Tesoriero an assistant designer at One Teaspoon lets us inside her style bubble (page 110-111). You must check out the brown leather satchel. I have dreams about finding a bag like this...

I remember when I had the 90210 soundtrack. On tape. I didn't think that is would be so soon that we would be drawing our inspiration from an era that feels like just yesterday buy anyways. Light wash denim in full force, do we really want to go there?

I love, love, love the all chain store, all the time pages. This month showcasting winters essential pieces such as the man style blazer pictured. Sparkles are so big right now Everywhere I look just twinkles.

The make me sexy theme continues in the beauty department and clean make up with red lips seems to be a regular occurrence at the moment.

The shop home is actually the section I flip to and read first...a shopaholics work shouldn't end in the wardrobe department. We step inside of the home of stationary queen Christina Re (pictured). With it's french chic inspirations you'll be planning redecorating marathons in no time.

That's it for shop this month. Final thoughts...Wellington as a shopping destination...I'll add it to my list.

shoptilyoudrop.com.au

shop on twitter
Oh, and my apologies for the dodgy scans, my computer is out of action at the moment...

To bang or not to bang...

2009-07-05T15:24:00.004+10:00

I have bangs. As of yesterday I am the proud new owner of my very own set of bangs. Well kind of. I have a side fringe that doubles as a fringe. My brother laughs at me every time he sees me. He just smirks and stares at my hair. Ladies, I am calling on you to ask all you man friends - are bangs sexy, mysterious and hot or gross, childish and a turnoff?

Note: It's ok, my fringe is really cut to the side. I can just create the illusion of bangs.

Also Note: Just a disclaimer for those of you who recall the great bang disaster of 2004. It ain't like that. (I had really curly hair and was yet to discover the magic that is GHD)

Rating you date...what makes a five star mate?

2009-07-04T17:12:00.004+10:00

One of my assignments last semester was to review an event and whilst I chose a boring run of the mill sporting event, one of my classmates decided to review a date. I suppose we all do it, this girl was just a lot more open about it.

Even though her review was of the date itself rather than the date himself, the actual events can only be looked at as an extension of the evaluation of the guy. Where he takes you can say a lot about a guy - ie, he takes you parking at deserted beach lookout or you have a nice meat and three vege dinner at his grandmas house...

It is impossibly impossible not to mentally tick things off on that checklist no matter what the experts try to tell you. You know what your looking for, yes I know billionaire, 27, gorgeous is a little unrealistic, but polite, respectful and honest most certainly isn't. But than again I guess you can't tell that from if you had KFC or Maccas for dinner can you?

Leave me a comment, I want to hear all about your best and worst dates, what made them cringe-worthy, what's your mental checklist, what makes a guy a yay or a nay?

Some Girls Do...

2009-07-04T17:00:00.003+10:00

I would recommend this book to each and every girl out there who is a teenager or who ever was a teenager and even more so to those of you who want to write.

Together in one place Jessica Adams, Kathy Lette, Kate Holden, Di Morrissey and so many more share stories from their teenage years. To add to that all royalties plus $1 for every book sold go to the SISTER2sister mentoring program for disadvantaged teenage girls.

There are so many fantastic stories and I am trying to take my time, rationing myself to just a story a day...

Edited by Jacinta Tynan Allen and Unwim 2007

UK Cosmo April 2009

2009-07-04T16:18:00.002+10:00

How uni has made me lazy...

2009-07-03T20:48:00.005+10:00

After full time working for four years I have found adapting to student life relatively easy. Sleep to midday, doze through a few lectures, work a day a week and justify junk food as study fuel.
Not only has my life savings account been reduced to a shadow of its former self at $14.83, a least an extra six kilograms has taken up residence on my arse. (Note to self: another reason you probably shouldn't have quit the gym. Another note to self: find that letter you wrote to future gym pondering self about why you and gym are not friends)

At least at the end of the day I'll be an educated lazy bum: who doesn't waste money on a gym membership.

disillusioned, uninspired & over it...(say hello to the new era of the pm)

2009-07-02T09:36:00.006+10:00

I have been thinking about the direction of my blog for a while now and I'm planning on swaying away from the magazine beat a little. Of course not completely but I have made the decision to cut back on the number of glossies I buy each month, surprisingly not for fiscal reasons. I will be subscribing to those stablemates I can't live without and taking up a more casual relationship with those I buy out of habit.
I think that I have become highly critical and dissatisfied and blogging on such topics has become somewhat a chore in which I pick a pretty page from each issue and then totally digress in my posting. I feel like I am stuck in a blogging rut where I want change but keep on doing the same think day after day. A change is necessary because the last thing I want to do is abandon blogging altogether...

Not just for grandma's

2009-07-01T12:42:00.002+10:00

Yes Nan I know you said knitting was cool, you knew all along.

Cosmo talks twitter as the convo killer...

2009-07-01T10:53:00.005+10:00

Twitter. A few months ago never heard of it. Today, can't live without it. You can follow Cosmopolitan here and thepinkmasquerader here.

What a mask and/or fairy lights can do to your knees...

2009-06-30T17:49:00.006+10:00

What is it that, a good looking boy, maybe a mask, maybe some twinkle lights, maybe both, do to a girl?

The tried and tested formula is seen again and again even in a movie where the object of the girls affections really wants to drink her blood.

There's the presence of a mask in both A Cinderella Story and Just My Luck for that mystery element. Those masks are very good aren't they? I couldn't tell who they were at all. Oh and all these boys can slow dance. And they like it. Oh and then there's the perfectly lit rotunda with the right lighting scheme and appropriate song in the back ground. No wonder we're left disenchanted by dinner and a movie with a cutie. We're waiting for grand gestures and dancing in evening gowns and tuxes, not stale popcorn to share in the back row with the fifteen year olds. (No offence to the fifteen year olds intended)

Albeit, the chick flick also has a lot to be credited with. In recent times we have be taught how to tell that the guy you've been stalking just isn't into you, how to bag your very own vampire (aka bodyguard) and how to lose a guy in just ten days. The rom-com teaches us our prince will come and take us away from that ugly stepmother, that real love doesn't die if you check the mailbox every day and you will not always be the bridesmaid if you were twenty something hideous dresses for you mates as payment.

We have learnt that it is ok to be a prostitute because one day prince charming will pull up in a porche, buy you a fantastic wardrobe, take you to the opera and climb up your building with a rose in his gob because he simply cannot live without you.

And where would we be if we hadn't watched each and every one of these flicks a number of times? We'd be eating popcorn in the back row of the movies with the boy with two left feet.

Glorious Pieces.

2009-06-30T17:42:00.002+10:00

These are some of my newest additions to my glory box. The canister actually has a magnetic spoon on the front and cost me five bucks.

Vogue feels the romance

2009-06-30T15:37:00.012+10:00

Well, the talk of RAFW S/S09, the dress good enough to dip in your cuppa, graces the pages of July Vogue Australia. The Iced Vo-vo knit dress from the design duo of Romance was Born is just another example of the theatrical, fun, Aussie at heart pieces Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales love to treat us with. There is something truly unique of the pairs offerings that leaves so many possibilities of what is to come.

Cleo July 2009 - Maybe the most useFULL degree

2009-06-29T19:04:00.008+10:00

The July issue of Cleo is very GFC heavy. Advice for fashionista's on a budget dominates the pages from optimising you closet with key pieces to turning the items that just don't look good anymore into pay pal cents and thus a Chloe purse.

But anyway, what caught most of my attention was news that I can go to uni to better myself in using technology in social networking. "For about $9,000, a UK university is offering a master's degree in Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter. Students will learn how to blog, podcast, and utilise social media." (Teddy Wayne. Cleo July 2009. page 32) At first I laughed through the article that spells out the curriculum of using exclamation marks and making the most of status updating however once I thought about it, it became clear, although I don't think the extremes listed in the article are quite necessary, that competence in using online social networking can only be beneficial. Personally, I am studying Communication and next semester one of my course assessments will be to write a weekly blog on one of my classes. It goes to show, even though we laugh off the idea of obtaining a bachelor of facebook, online communication is infiltrating every aspect of how we communicate as human beings. The other night I was at McDonald's and was the only person at a table of five not adding each other on Facebook via my phone. (How uncool am I? Particularly because I have not idea how to get my phone on the net)

Think about online business and what judgements you pass on a business based on its online presence. Online communication is the future. Or I suppose the present. Information can be shared around the world in seconds and yeah I guess someone should know how to write in txt language. 2 & 4 are the new to and for people.