Trend alert! Mixing denim on a budget

Denim is going to be hot, hot, hot this summer but there’s a twist - the key is mixing your denim.

Rather than pairing your old classic blue denim jacket with your favourite jeans, to nail this trend you need to be mixing the colours and textures of the denim. Think a white denim top with blue jeans or even better (and easier) invest in a pair of denim shoes with one or more contrasting shades of denim.

We’ve taken the legwork out of it for you with three fantastic new styles to help you rock this look.

The Sniper from Betts (pictured above) is normally $89.99 but is currently on sale for $62.99 so is a bargain buy. If you’re not confident enough to pull in the enclosed ankle open toe look, you can try the Bella (left) also from Betts and the same price. 






If you’re a lover of the dark denim for a night out on the tiles, try Wittners Pinacolada in light blue. These bargain babies are available on the website now for $50 instead of the normal $169.95.

Last but not least if you want to get your kids in on the trend, Williams are offering the Crayon ‘baby shark’ for just $19.95.

Success for Aus war movie

Aussie flick Tomorrow When the War Began is now officially the highest grossing Australian film of the year having taken more than $7.7 million in just two weeks at the Australian box office. 



It seems the film has also been a hit online with the film’s official Facebook page having reached over 50,000 fans. 



Mike Selwyn, Paramount Pictures Australia managing director and vice president Australia/New Zealand, says: "We are looking forward to a successful school holiday period and hope that the film will move on to a much bigger box office and will help pave the way for the sequels that we would all love to see.”


How very Chanel

Loving this Safade cheery rose ring! It is super-chic, on trend and very Chanel, but luckily its far from the Chanel price tag. You can buy it now at the Artery Store online for just $24.

Are we ready for cape town?

According to on-trend UK fashion website Fashion Confidential one of the key trends for the coming year is capes.

Do you think this is a trend ever likely to take off in Australia? The fact we are about to enter warmer weather aside, do you think Aus is fashion-forward enough to embrace this trend of will it be relegated to the same ‘fashion’ pile as jeggings?

Big sale at Mimco

Calling all bargain hunters, if you're hunting for that Minco bargain check out www.mimco.com.au to shop online or for more details on the sale. There's up to 40% off a range of products including some pretty lust-worthy bags!

Hypocrite versus high fashion

Isn’t it amazing how much we change? I think it was only about four years ago that I remember saying to my now husband – “I really don’t understand people who spend a fortune on designer shoes, you can’t wear the same pair of shoes everyday and you walk around in them so they just get ruined.”

Fast forward to today when I just received shipping confirmation that the new pair of Christian Louboutin I ordered are winging their way to me as we speak.

I think it makes it even worse that the shoes are listed as being made of cork. As my husband gently pointed out – will I even be able to wear them if it rains or will they just swell up and explode?

The truth is, I have no idea as I bought the shoes off a website and I have never actually seen them past this photo. I don’t actually know if they’ll even fit as my standard size was sold out (what’s half a shoe size between friends?).

However I do know they were 60% off and I found pictures of Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively wearing them. That seemed like a good enough reason to me.

So what do all you WA Stylers think? Am I in severe danger of being branded a hypocrite or do you think my purchase was a sound and wise decision showing my growing maturity as a woman (or something like that) who can afford to spoil herself? I am ready – let me have it!

By the way, if you want to see the shoes click here.

Am I a suburbist?

I have realised something important about myself today – I am a suburbist. Now I am not proud of this fact as I pride myself on not being ‘ist’ about anything, but when I had to sign up for a PO Box for my new business (more about that soon) I found myself turning my nose up at certain locations.

It seemed preferable to me to drive long distances to collect my mail rather than associating my name with a suburb I didn’t feel worked with my brand. Nuts? Probably.

As it so happens fate slapped me with the ‘serves you right’ stick anyway and after all my deep thought about the best location to showcase on my business cards – only one location even remotely plausible had any boxes the right size available.

Hello Wangara.

So what about you? Have you ever found yourself being suburbist? For those of you who live in WA and know what I am talking about, do you have any words of reassurance for me that Wangara is actually a very hip place all set to become the next fashion capital of Perth? Please, anyone?

The Power of Mothers

While I do believe mothers to be some kind of incredible all knowing, all seeing machines, I am not sure what I think about this upcoming book release so I’d love to know what WA Style readers think.

The Power of Mothers is described as a hard-hitting look at our troubled society, the intergenerational cycle of crime and criminal families and the women who have the power to change things for the better.

“Author Celia Lashlie takes a look at the deep-seated issues underlying our appalling youth crime statistics. Telling it like it is, she reminds middle-class families that these crimes are not being committed by the children of ‘criminals’ - they are our children, and we are all responsible for them.”

What do you think? Do you think this authors right on the money or do you think this just puts even more pressure on women?

Mc Donalds - I Was Lovin It

You have to watch this video. Why? Because I said so. OK, maybe not because I said so but because it is controversial and thought-provoking and it promotes vegetarianism.

This is an ad that is actually running on TV overseas and having worked in the media I have to wonder where they stand on copyright. Basically this ad attacks McDonalds as a cause of obesity and uses their branding to do so.

What do you think? Do you think this this is clever and it's about time someone took a swing at the big M or do you find it offensive and inappropriate? Please share your thoughts with us by clicking on comments under this post.

Calling all wine buffs

If you like nothing better than extolling the virtues of a great pinot then this event is well-worth a look see. The George is holding their fourth event in the Australia’s First Families of Wine series. These events was created to showcase soe of Australia’s best family-owned wineries.

This particular event will take a look a the wines from Howard Park Wines a winery established in 1986. Jeff and Amy Burch from the winery will be at The George between 5:30 and 7:30pm on Thursday 14 October for a night of tasting and tapas.

Tickets are $45 and bookings are essential. www.thegeorgeperth.com.au

Great local fashion video

Check out this fantastic video of local fashion designers who were part of the Times Square aspect of Perth Fashion Festival. I love the editing and I think Bronwyn (the model) looks as stunning as ever. I worked with her for a fashion mag cover and lead shoot once before and she was such a natural in front of the camera.

Dates confirmed for Zac

We mentioned a while ago that Zac Efron will be heading to Australia to promote his new dramatic film Charlie St. Cloud. I promised then I’d keep you all apprised for when and where he will be appearing.

I can confirm on Sunday September 19 Zac will walk the red carpet along Church Street, Westfield Parramatta, before the premiere screening of Charlie St. Cloud at Event Cinemas.


If like me, you’re not based in Sydney you can check it out streamed live online at thedirt.com.au  and Facebook.com/UniversalPicturesAU.

Shrek rocks the box office

Although the move Shrek Forever After didn’t exactly rock my world, it seems the 3D fourth and final installment in the smash hit saga of the loveable green ogre, has now become the highest grossing DreamWorks Animation film of all time at the international box office.

Over the weekend the film added another $4.7 million to its international box office to take the international total gross to $480.7 million. A lot of money for a cartoon right?

Shrek Forever After is now the fourth highest grossing animated film of all-time at the international box office and stands as the third highest grossing film released internationally in 2010.

Modelco tips for racing style

New issue of Home Beautiful

The new Home Beautiful has just hit the shelves and although I am not normally a big fan of pink, I love this cover!

If like me you are primed to commence renovations, this issue looks like a good one for picking the key styling trends for the coming spring/summer season. Here are some of the topics covered in this issue.

BEDROOM BLISS: Add a little love to your sleep sanctuary with five distinct looks featuring patterned bedlinen, luxurious throws and soft cushions for a good night's rest.

SENSE SENSATIONS:
 Bring your garden to life with plants, objects and materials that will stimulate the senses and fire every faculty.

GRILLS:
It's time for a spring sizzle session! Unpack the outdoor umbrella, fire up the barbecue and enjoy these mouth-watering treats.

40 SPACE-SAVING TIPS: Make the most of a small bathroom and create a zone that soothes the soul with our clever space-saving tips, tricks and best buys.

OUR HOMES:
From a sunlit and spacious three-storey weatherboard to a relocated Queenslander on the NSW North coast, this month's homes epitomise laidback Australian living.

Welcome USA style aficionados!

Hello to the US of A. So far today WA Style has had visitors from Gainesville Florida, Corpus Christi Texas, Chicago Illinois and Arlington Virginia!

'Tis the season for new catalogues

If you haven't already put your clammy hands on the new IKEA catalogue, run don't walk. I have to admit it is one my guilty pleasures as it is packed full of nifty ideas to create the perfect bedroom/bathroom/lounge.

I am also keen to check out the new Howards Storage World catalogue from October 1. Perhaps it is my complete inability to put anything away that makes me so fascinated by rooms full of perfect storage devices?

Jennifer's back in town

Ever wanted to meet Jennifer Hawkins? Here's your chance, Jennifer will be a special guest at the Morley Galleria shopping centre for the grand finale of their three-week Spring Festival on Sunday October 3.

Even though it is a Sunday the shopping centre will be open and Jennifer will be signing autographs and meeting her fans at 11am and 1pm.

I was lucky enough to interview Jennifer a year or so ago and I have to say - the woman is as friendly as she seems. She is very down to earth and approachable so if you have ever wanted to meet this stunning beauty in person, here's your chance.

Galleria's Spring Festival will run from September 12 to October 3. If you want to know more about what's happening during the three weeks find out at www.centro.com/galleria.

Beauties interviewing beauties

Another great video from the ladies at Perth Fashion Festival. In this one Emily Cattermole (the face of the 2009 Perth Fash Festival) is interviewed by the stunning Fabienne Vaderhaegen. Talk about two beauties! For more info on how to be part of this year's festival head to www.perthfashionfestival.com.au

Lust-have laptop cases

Marc Jacobs has just released these lust-worthy laptop bags. Looks like they'd be just about the right size for my new 15" Macbook Pro so these are definitely being added to my purchase wish list this week. You can buy them online now at www.net-a-porter.com

New book teaches kids about cancer

Regular readers of WA Style will know I had both friends and family members diagnosed with cancer and any opportunity I can get to support a worthy cancer-related cause, I will jump on it.

This is a particular interesting product as both the Cancer Council NSW and the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre have pledged support for Susanne Gervay’s book Always Jack. This book highlights the challenges that children face when a parent is diagnosed with cancer.

I have seen how family and friends can be affected when a loved one has cancer and I think this challenge is especially difficult when there are kids involved, so I think this book is a great idea to help explain what is happening to the small people in your life.

Always Jack uses humour to break down the taboos surrounding cancer and encourages parents, teachers and children to discuss the subject openly.

A multiple breast cancer survivor herself, author Susanne Gervay faced cancer when her children were six and nine years of age, again when they were teenagers and yet again just recently. She clearly has firsthand experience of just how alone young people can feel when cancer touches their lives. 

While she found Always Jack an emotionally difficult book to write, Susanne is passionate about reaching children, parents, schools and the community. As a result, she is donating a percentage of her royalties to Cancer Council and NBOCC.

Always Jack also includes details of the Cancer Council Helpline for families and children in need of support. The book will be available from October 1 for the price of $14.99. For more information about cancer related issues visit www.cancercouncil.com.au or call the helpline 13 11 20.

Wimpy kids help Telethon

Doesn't this pic just make you want to laugh out loud? On Sunday 19 September, you can be among the first in Perth to see a preview of the school holiday hit comedy Diary of a Wimpy Kid and help the Telethon kids at the same time.

For just $8 a ticket you can be part of the Movie Masters Telethon Movie Day. There will be multiple sessions screening across all Ace and Grand Cinema locations in Perth, and also in Busselton and Bunbury, with proceeds to Telethon. 

Sessions are as follows:
Ace Busselton: 11am
Ace Midland:10am and 2.30pm
Ace Subiaco: 10am and 2.30pm
Ace Rockingham: 10am and 2.30pm
Grand Armadale: 2.30pm
Grand Bunbury: 10am and 2.30pm
Grand Currambine: 10am and 2.30pm
Grand Joondalup: 11am and 3pm
Grand Warwick: 10am and 2.30pm
Grand Whitfords: 11am and 3pm

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a hilarious live-action comedy movie for tweens and families that deals with the universal tween ‘awkward’ phase, and the themes of the cool kids versus the wimpy kids.  The movie is based on the popular illustrated book series of the same name, and is set to release in cinemas on 23 September.

Tickets on sale now from all Ace and Grand Cinemas locations and online at:
www.moviemasters.com.au

Tomorrow When The War Began rocks box office

Aussie film Tomorrow When the War Began ruled the Australian box office throughout the weekend taking $3,862,193 in its first four days of opening bringing the total box office takings to a total of $3,898,547.

These outstanding results have cemented this movie as the third biggest ever opening for an Australian film behind Happy Feet and Australia (with final box office figures of $31.8 million and $37.6 million respectively) and the second biggest ever non holiday opening for an Australian film.

I haven't yet seen this movie, but I plan to. I don't think there has been enough hype behind this local release, but definitely check out the trailer above. It looks like slick production and far more like a Hollywood blockbuster than the usual type of film we see produced locally.

Mike Selwyn, Paramount Pictures Australia Managing Director and Vice President Australia/New Zealand says: “We are particularly pleased with the strong regional and country results to go with the excellent figures in metro and city areas and we are looking forward to the word of mouth reaching out to all audiences and strong results right through into the school holidays to help set up the franchise”.

X Factor punch up

I heard about this on the radio this morning and just thought I'd share. Reality TV at new lows when 'best friends' start a punch up on stage in front of a crowd and the judges! I was embarrassed for the girls, their families and the shows producers.

I want these shoes!

I really, really, really want these shoes. What does it matter that I'd be completely unable to walk in them, would be too scared I'd damage them to wear them anywhere and at 425 pound, they are ridiculously expensive? Details, details! I will just keep clicking here and admiring these stunning Christian Louboutins until I wear out my mouse button or they sell out...

Jimmy Choo gets the UGG treatment

Jimmy Choo is collaborating with UGG. No, your eyes did not just hallucinate. The high priest/priestesses of shoes are going to release a limited edition co-branded range of UGG & Jimmy Choo women’s sheepskin footwear products. I think I just vomited in my mouth - just a little bit.

According to the official release the new collection, which I have dubbed the UGGChoo, "...is based on the iconic UGG Australia boot construction with design details that embody the spirit of the Jimmy Choo brand."

I am sorry, although I love everything Choo - I do not think I can love this. I am still waiting for someone to tell me this is some kind of joke. But then again, maybe they won't be as bad as the picture in my head.

In case you are wondering, there are just six days until all will be revealed. The capsule collection will be available for pre-order online from 10 September and available in store (not that Perth has a Choo store) from October 2010. There will be five styles available and will be priced  between £495-695.

Discover the horrible truth for yourself at www.jimmychoo.com


* The image shown are Jimmy Choo products available from the website, but are not from the proposed collection. We will have to wait for those pics...

Oxford dictionary moves with the times

I can’t believe the Oxford English Dictionary is hanging up the proverbial hat and admitting dictionaries are no longer needed as a hard copy product.

While it is good to see a company moving with the times, I do think there is something sad about losing this old tradition. There is something special about having so many words written down in the one place – or maybe that’s just me?

Bestselling British author and journalist Simon Winchester has backed the move by Oxford University Press to bring out the next edition of the Oxford English Dictionary in online format only. 
 
Winchester, who is in Australia to promote his new book, Atlantic, says that Oxford University Press is doing what is right and proper for consumers. 


“My view is they are entirely prescient in bringing the OED out in digital format only,” he says. “Although I will certainly regret the Oxford English Dictionary’s passing as a book, this is a move that is being repeated all over the world and its really only bowing to the inevitable."


 
In case you are interested (or even if you're not), Oxford dictionary’s word for the day is bouillon. The online dictionary is available at www.oxforddictionaries.com

Sass & Bide have a Perth store!

Christmas in September

Have you guys been into the city this week? I was in this morning and couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw David Jones had already set up their Christmas display. It is just me or does it feel like it is getting earlier and earlier each year? It has only been spring for a few days!

Does this just mean Christmas is becoming even more commercial, or should we relish the opportunity to kick ourselves in to the celebratory season a little earlier?

To continue the Christmas theme of this post, I thought I’d also share one of the seasonal products that have already started arriving in my inbox. I thought this was pretty cool. This kids book True Blue Santa gives Santa and Christmas a distinctly Aussie twist. Not a bad stocking filler for the kids. It’s only $14.99 and will be available from October 1.

Behind the scenes of PFF

For those of you who saw the Perth Fashion Festival TVC (that's tv commercial for all you non-media types) on WA Style the other day, you might be interested in watching this behind the scenes video to see how it all came together.

It is a great sneak peak on what happens at a photo shoot and includes some tips from some great WA hair and make-up artists. I've been lucky enough to have been able to book make-up artist Rebekah Clark on a few shoots myself and her work is always fantastic.

What do you think of the behind the scenes video. Would you like to see more things like this popping up on WA Style?

WA Style around the world

In the last 24 hours WA Style has been visited by people from Philadelphia, New Delhi and Hod Hasharon (Israel). Not to mention NSW and our normal Perth-based audience. How cool is that?

Time to glow!

I’ve always been a fan of the ModelCo spray on/wash off tans as they are great just for the spontaneous night out to give you a bit of shimmer and glam. They are also really reasonably priced staying around the $20-25 mark.

Today ModelCo has released a heap of new related products for you to try including One Night Tan, Tan Mousse and Tan Gloss. Each has a different purpose depending on what you are trying to achieve.

The One Night Tan is a mousse you can apply all over (or in selected areas as needed) for an instant tan that will wash off with water. This particular product is all tan without the added shimmer or sparkle many of these products have.

The Tan Mousse is ModelCo’s darkest coloured tan they’ve released, it is also a mousse but contains six percent DHA (the highest amount of tanning agent they’ve ever used) for a longer-lasting tan. It also includes caramel extract which means you won’t go out stinking like noxious chemicals!

Like the name suggests the Tan Gloss Shimmering Self-Tan is a combination of tainning product, bronzer and a body shimmer. The bronzer and shimmer gives you an instant glow but the tanning product included gives the tan a bit more longevity.

All these products are available today from David Jones, ModelCo counters or from www.modelco.com.au.

Quirky ideas for fathers day

Are you like me and panicking about finding the perfect Father's Day gift? Glad to hear I am not alone. I did want to share these quirky ideas from www.arterystore.com ideal for the Dad who has everything.

The grillslinger is $69.95 and is a wearable BBQ tool belt complete with beverage cooler and the 'Leg Opener' $ 29.95 is guaranteed to get a laugh if nothing else.

Great result for charity!

Hi all. A while ago I posted about a fantastic cause (here), a charity screening of Despicable Me to raise money for kids with cancer. I am thrilled to report that 90 children living with cancer will now head to one of Camp Quality’s recreational camps thanks to the over $79,000 raised.

A big thanks to any WA Style readers who went along and supported this worth cause. Despicable Me will be in cinemas 9 September.

Nichole Richie talks about her new book

How did I not know Nichole Richie was an author? Apparently a previous book was a best-seller and she has now released a new book called Priceless. I knew about her family, her design label and half a dozen things I probably absolutely did not need to know, but didn't know about this.

So what is her book about? It's a 'fiction' book that follows tall, blond and willowy twenty-two-year-old Charlotte Williams who seems to have everything going for her – she’s rich and gorgeous, a talented singer, and has just returned to her Park Avenue penthouse after a year studying in Paris. But since her mother’s tragic death years ago, her father, an extremely successful financier, has been her only family –
and if she’s being honest, her only true friend.

Some life imitating art here? Get Nichole's take on her new book with this interview with her. What do you think? Is this a book you will want to read? It goes on sale October 1 and will be $19.99.

New range from Bobbi Brown

New hydrating range has just been launched from Bobbi Brown cosmetics - available now. Loving the product photography! www.bobbibrown.com.au

More adorable clothes for kids

Regular readers will remember my post a while back about the adorable SOOKIbaby range (you can see the article here). I really couldn't help but share this adorable picture from the same range's new kids collection.

The range blends style with storybook fantasy and is super-trendy and fun while being completely age appropriate. The SOSOOKI collection admits to being inspired by a 'geek theme' but finds a way to make being a nerd oh so cool!

Isn't this outfit super cute? SOSOOKI is available in Myer stores nationally as well as selected boutiques. For local WA retailers check out www.sookibaby.com.auor call 02 9553 3900.

Great TV ad for Perth Fashion Festival

Check out this wonderful TV commercial for the Perth Fashion Festival. I love the use of colour, it is just so 'fashion'.

The last 10 things a woman would ever say

I know this was produced by Harpers Collins to promote a sex/self-help book and although I didn't agree with all the points, I thought it was funny enough to share anyway.

Here are the last 10 things a woman would ever say:

1) Could our relationship be more physical? I'm tired of just being friends.
2) Go ahead and leave the seat up. I love the feel of cold, wet porcelain.
3) I think hairy bums are really sexy.
4) Wow, get a whiff of that one! Pull my finger again.
5) Please don't throw that old t-shirt away. The holes in the armpits are just too cute.
6) This diamond is much too big! And by the way, I've got enough shoes.
7) Take that block of chocolate away
8) I don't care if it's on sale. $500 is too much to pay for a designer dress.
9) Does this make my bum look small?
10) I'm going out for a while. Why don't you phone your ex?

If you like the humour, check out the book Why Men Want Sex and Women Need Love.

Please support daffodil day

I wanted to make sure all WA Style readers are aware tomorrow is Daffodil Day. This is a charity day very close to my own heart as like most Australians I have both family members and friends who have been touched by this horrible disease. I also had a skin cancer scare myself earlier this year - I was lucky mine was a false alarm but many others aren't so lucky.

Did you know one in every two Australian men and one in three Australian women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85? Scary statistics. 

The most important thing we can all do, is support cancer research to find better treatment and potentially a cure for this terrible and terrifying disease.

If you want to support this worthy cause you can buy merchandise from Coles or one of many volunteer stands around Perth today and tomorrow. If you want to know more you can visit www.daffodilday.com.au  

Daffodil Day fast facts

• The largest national fundraising event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, Daffodil Day raises essential funds for cancer research, education and support programs.
• The daffodil is the international symbol of hope for all touched by cancer.
• This year Daffodil Day is aiming to raise over $9 million to fund the cancer control initiatives, patient support and education services of Cancer Council's eight state and territory member organisations.
• More than 10,000 volunteers are expected to staff over 1,200 Daffodil Day sites across Australia.

Cancer facts and figures

• Cancer remains one of Australia's biggest health problems. An estimated 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.
• An estimated 111,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia in 2009.
• More than 60% of cancer patients will survive more than five years after diagnosis
• The survival rate for many common cancers has increased by more than 30 per cent in the past two decades.
• The most common cancers in Australia (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) are prostate, colorectal (bowel), breast, melanoma and lung cancer.
• Each year, around 434,000 people are treated for non-melanoma skin cancer (the most frequently occuring cancer in Australia, but the least life-threatening).
• Cancer is a leading cause of death in Australia – more than 42,000 people are expected to die from cancer in 2009.
• Cancer costs $3.8 billion in direct health system costs (7.2%).

Hot new bags from Mimco

Check out these hot new release bags from Mimco. Available online now at www.mimco.com.au

National organising week

Did you know National Organising Week is being celebrated from 6-12 September? Yup, me neither! Do you think it would be wrong to celebrate by buying a new pair of shoes that I have nowhere to put?

Clearly I am far from an organising genius, so we've brought in the organisation expert from Howards Storage World, Cathy Player, to share her top tips.

The Kitchen: “Plan your space, sort your items into groups and store them appropriately.  This will not only save you time when cooking, you’ll also save money by eliminating waste,” advises Cathy.

The Bathroom: “The top two hot spots for clutter in the bathroom are the shower and the bathroom cupboard. The shower is easily fixed with a stylish new caddy. For your cupboard, pull everything out, throw away the space-robbers and establish a system of caddies to group like items together. Make sure that medicines are safely out of reach or locked away from children."

The Bedroom: “The bedroom should be a place to relax and retreat to, and creating a clutter-free haven can be easy if you use all available space. Whilst the majority of Australians cite the wardrobe as their main concern when it comes to home organisation, this can be avoided with the right storage and display solutions." 
Like me do you fall into these categories? These were the findings of a recent HSW survey.

·         30% of people felt their clutter was out of control!
·         60% of people would welcome advice and support
·         77.7% of people wish their home was more organised
·         92.73% of people said their disorganised home caused them stress
·         50% of people did not know what steps to take to get their home organised
·         63.51% of people spend over 3hrs a week putting away household clutter

So how do you deal with clutter?

Aren't these cute?

I have only recently entered the wonderful (and terrifying) world of baking and I can't help but think what better way to disguise my terrible failures than in an absolutely adorable cover? I am loving these groovy wrappers from Pink Frosting. Would be great for a party or a baby/bridal shower. Available online at www.pinkfrosting.com.au 

The freerange cook

I am all for freerange, freerange eggs, chooks, etc. But I've never before head of a freerange cook - does that mean she runs around in the wild while whipping up a mean meringue? Okay, probably not.

Annabel Langbein has just released the book The Free Range Cook and in her own words: "It’s not about impressing people with culinary acrobatics or turning out complicated plates in the theatre of a restaurant. It’s about having fun and celebrating what nature has so graciously provided for us."


According to the blurb:

Photographed at and around Annabel’s lakeside cabin in Central Otago, at the foot of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, The Free Range Cook is much more than a recipe book. Alongside the photographs of fresh, seasonal dishes, gorgeous images transport the reader into Annabel’s country life — where she cooks on a simple double gas burner and chops wood to fuel an outdoor bread oven. Here, luxury is a glistening fish just out of the water, a perfectly ripe peach or a beautifully aged piece of farm meat, rather than exotic, hard-to-find ingredients. It is this simplicity that inspired the idea of free-range cooking — where a pared back approach to food and cooking celebrates a spirit of resourcefulness and the ability to enjoy whatever is in season at its very best.

Recipes are organised according to their source: From the Garden, From the Farm, From the Oven, From the Larder, From the Orchard, and From Lake and Sea. Interspersed throughout the book are delicious menus taken from the TV series that provide three or four impressive courses to share with friends and family.

Annabel’s signature ‘Fridge Fixings’ — useful flavour bases, rubs, sauces and dressings — are flagged throughout the book and cross-referenced to a multitude of quick, easy recipes. Cooking methods are clearly explained, and handy preparation tips, serving suggestions and storage advice introduce every recipe. Thanks to Annabel’s clever cooking tricks and techniques, home cooks are offered the chance to recreate restaurant-style dishes they might once have thought were too difficult or time-consuming.

Annabel Langbein is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated food writers and cooks. She is the author and publisher of 17 bestselling books, which have sold close to 1 million copies throughout Australasia, North America and Europe. The Free Range Cook is on sale in WA on October 1, 2010 for $49.99.

New styles from Nicolangela

So pretty! New SS10 styles are in store right now. Find out more at www.nicolangela.com

Pop up retailer for the Perth Fashion Festival

Returning to the Perth Fashion Festival for a third run, Popsicle has become a firm favourite on Perth's independent fashion calendar. In case you haven't heard about this phenomenon before, Popsicle is a 'pop-up' or temporary store selling products from heaps of talented local designers and will be operating between 10 and 5pm daily from September 9 to 15.


Focused on Western Australian emerging designers, Popsicle will be packed full of fashion, jewellery, art and other designer goodies. Housed within shipping containers, Popsicle directly supports 15 of WAs most talented emerging designers and will be located in the heart of Northbridge, Perth's creative and cultural centre.

Zoë Trotman, of featured label Lonely 8-bit Heroes says: "It's a real honour to be showing my creations alongside so many other amazing creatives who, like me, desperately need a head start in securing stockists, gaining recognition for their skills, and of course to make some actual sales."

Ping Pong Diplomacy's Ainslie Webber says: "We've decided to utilise the vast array of artistic talents in Perth by exhibiting a collection of one-off customised ping pong bats, and printing several of those designs on men's t-shirts. By getting local artists, from fine art graduates to street artists, to contribute and display their skills, Popsicle is providing exposure to a wide field of young up-and-comers!"

An initiative by the team from OnWilliam, Popsicle only operates during Perth Fashion Festival and each year re-establishes itself in a new form and in a new environment to ensure a fun and unique shopping experience.

Commenting on the initiative, event organiser Lake Bovell said: "This year Popsicle has a slightly nautical theme; we are excited about the space and are getting our hands dirty converting wooden shipping crates into furnishings and learning how to tie knots!"

The event provides emerging designers with a platform to test their products in the market place while also offering festival visitors and fashion lovers one-stop designer shop and a different shopping experience.

Featured Designers:
Lonely 8-Bit Heroes, Kiss Me Quick, Little Gracie, PeppermintMilk, Bo Ra, Heart City Design, Bad Hair Mountain, White Square, Lovers & Dreamers, Leah Tarlo, Prufrock, Ping Pong Diplomacy, Love is My Velocity, Kingbrown Magazine and Hit & Miss Magazine.

Beautify your dad

If your Dad is something of a metrosexual or you think he needs a bit of sprucing up, check out this great man product offer from Clinique. This great set is available for $75 for a limited time. Check it out at www.clinique.com.au or your local counter.

Why men are necessary

Have you ever really pondered why are men necessary? I haven't. At least I hadn't until I heard about this new book dedicated to this very topic.

I actually considered the answer to this question fairly self-explanatory but turns out there really is a deeper meaning. Here's the blurb:

There are a thousand bleak books about Australian families - rent asunder by divorce, drugs, children in hoodies and the sheer horror of being alive. This book is not one of them. For once, Australian family life is being celebrated. Why Men Are Necessary and More News From Nowhere is a hilarious — and optimistic — book about Australian family life. It’s about the way most of us live — and the wild comedy of being part of a healthy, loving, back-talking, buoyant family.

Meet the sexy and feisty Jocasta; confront teenage rebellion in the form of a fish called Wanda; do battle with magpies the size of small fighter jets; and try to work out which font you use when speaking the language of love. In Richard’s stories everyday life becomes vivid, magical and laugh-out-loud funny.

Richard Glover is the author of twelve books, including the bestsellers In Bed with Jocasta, The Dag's Dictionary and Desperate Husbands. He writes a weekly column for the Sydney Morning Herald and presents the comedy show Thank God It's Friday on ABC local radio.
So what do you think. Are men necessary? Are you running out to buy this book (if so, better hold off it doesn't come out until October 1 - RRP$27.99).

Gap is coming to Australia

It's official ladies (and gents) hot off the heels of the announcement of Zara opening down under, comes the news Gap is opening in Aus. The Melbourne store is opening in August and Sydney in October. No plans for a Perth store yet, but we can live in hope!

Be one of the first to find out more by registering now at www.gapaustralia.com.

Personalise your Louis Vuitton

Isn't this just the height of luxury? I think I might get a hot stamp inside my agenda or a luggage tag for my bag - or maybe I will just have to buy myself something completely new. I feel the LV fever coming on... obsessed? Moi?

Click on the image to view it larger if you have trouble reading the text!

The Parlour changes hands

The iconic day spa The Parlour in Nedlands has changed hands and may be undergoing some changes.

Original owner Paulette Contessi, who established the instantly recognizable Stirling Highway green and white striped awnings building, says: “I am sad at selling the salon we had some great times, but it is time to simplify my life and owning three salons, whilst running a recruitment company and sitting on several boards and committees, it became quite a juggle.”

Aveda junkies need not despair as Style Bar in the Carillon City is Paulette’s other salon and she has no plans to sell the city store.  “Style Bar is a hair and makeup only salon, we don’t do body treatments in the city, but we still stock all the whole Aveda beauty and makeup range.”

To celebrate the end of an era, Style Bar has put together an amazing challenge for all Aveda “virgin”:-
 Have your hair coloured at Style Bar and if you’re not 100% satisfied the natural chemical-free hair colour is better than other chemical-laden brands then you will receive your money back.

Style Bar is on the Hay Street Level in Carillon City.  For more information on Style Bar or Aveda chemical-free hair colour call the salon direct 9322 4600. Image is from www.theparlour.com.au

Two liger cubs born in Taiwan

They may be controversial but these two 'liger' cubs are adorable. The offspring of a male lion and female tiger were born in Taiwan at a private zoo this week. What do you think? Adorable and natural or morally objectionable?

Event for fashionistas

Whether or not you have attended a Lunchbox List event before, if you are a fashionista this event should be on you radar. On Friday September 10 at 12:15 pm the Parmelia Hilton Perth is holding the Fashionista Forum.

The three speakers are Chrissie Catling, S2 designer/retailer, Liz Davenport and Tanya Muia, Chadiwkc Models WA manager. Fashion design, retail, marketing, promotions, environmentalism, management - this trio have done it - and will tell all about the trials and tribulations of working in the fickle and fabulous world of fashion.

Single seats are $88. Tickets are available from www.lunchboxlist.com

How far would you go for your child?

Australia has the highest per capita rate of parental child abductions in the world, with around 150 Australian children abducted each year. How scary a statistic is that? Who would have though Australia would rate higher than places like the Middle East or even the US?

The Retriever is a new book by Australian private investigator Keith Schafferius and Grantlee Kieza. For the last three decades Keith has specialised in child retrieval cases, slipping into countries like Poland, Yemen and the Philippines to retrieve children taken overseas against court orders after the breakup of their parents’ marriage.

It’s a tale of clandestine meetings with CIA contacts, forged passports, and the threat of being thrown in jail – everyday challenges in Schafferius’ line of work. Over the years Keith has built up a vast array of contacts, paid thousands of dollars in bribes to officials, been on international wanted lists and found himself in many terrifying situations, including being shot at and pursued by police.

This book talks about Keith’s six year enlistment in the Royal Australian Air Force and part secondment to ASIO, and of the incredible and often unbelievable retrieval missions that have taken him to all parts of the world in his bid to reunite families torn apart by parental child abduction.

Sounds like a gripping (if terrifying read). Available from September 1, $35rrp

Hot roller for your eyelashes

I would love love love to have better eyelashes but I don't know if that's enough for me to take a heated eyelash curler to my eyes. Perhaps it is just because I am more uncoordinated than Bella in Twilight but I am more likely to sear a hole in my eyeball than successfully curl my lashes.

The fact the new 'double heating coil' reaches 60 degrees instead of 40 and curls at the root of the lash - just makes me feel more nervous.

So what does everyone else think? Would you give it a go? If the answer is yes, you can get this new Turbo Lashwand Heated Eyelash Curler free at the moment when you spend just $39 on the ModelCo range at David Jones. 

It is only available for a limited time though so better hurry.  Offer ends 5th September or until stock runs out. If you've tried this or any other heated eyelash curler, share your experiences with the other WA Style readers by hitting the comment button below.

The secret life of Coco Chanel

Acclaimed author and journalist Justine Picardie has spent the last decade puzzling over the truth about Coco Chanel, attempting to peel away the accretions of romance and lies. The result is a new book Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life.

Justine says the story of Chanel begins with an abandoned child as lost as a girl in a dark fairytale. Uncovering remarkable new details about Gabrielle Chanel’s early years in a convent orphanage, Picardie explores what lies beneath the glossy surface of a mythic fashion icon.

Based on personal observations and interviews with Chanel’s last surviving friends, employees and relatives, the book throws new light on her passionate and turbulent relationships and gives a fresh look at how Coco Chanel made herself into one of the most powerful women in fashion.

Justine Picardie is the author of four books and was the former features director of Vogue and editor of the Observer magazine. You can visit her blog at www.justine-picardie.blogspot.com.

DJs post show wrap with Madison

A great video from Youtube of Paula Joye discussing the David Jones show with the Madison team. If you don't already subscribe to Paula's Life Styled newsletter it  is never too late... www.lifestyled.com.au