Just Jeans have it in the bag

All these cute bags are from Just Jeans and they definitely won't break the budget. 

Stunning styled photo from FATE

I love the way this picture has been styled. It just oozes old sex 50s sexy!

This dress is from the new collection by FATE Clothing and is worth a look if you on the hunt for a party dress. Fate is an Australian label and is available in WA at All Things Nice (South Fremantle), Indulgence (Mt Lawley & Esperance) and Mooshi Mooshi (Claremont).

Key trend: natural materials

I have been writing a lot of homewares features lately and one of the key trends I am seeing cropping up all over the place is natural fibres. That means even if the product is laminated, go towards natural looking style or natural products like wood and bamboo.

I like these two simple tables from the Fusion collection at Globe West. I can picture them as a feature in a really clean minimalistic room with white walls and light coloured floors. Add a splash of colour with some great red or green accessories on top of the table.

Get some Sass!

You may not be able to pull off the fairy floss coloured hair but these sorbet coloured dresses from Sass are guaranteed to make hearts melt.

These cards are charming!

If you're looking for a simple, low cost but sweet birthday gift idea, thank you card or even Christmas present, I think for $9.95 these Lovisa Charm Cards are well worth checking out. Each one includes a cute card and a gorgeous charm in a quirky pouch. 

Each charm matches the wording on the card with messages like: you're so tweet (bird charm), owl be yours (owl charm), good luck (horseshoe charm), hugs and kisses (kiss engraved charm) and many others. Available from Lovisa, www.lovisa.com.au

Cupcake crisis averted

I love that someone was so obsessed with cupcakes they decided to invent a way to carry a deluxe cupcake without causing it to smush! These new Wiltshire Cupcake Carry Cases are a clever idea though and could be great for school lunches, work treats, etc. 

I imagine with that shape you could also use them for muffins or even use them for squishable fruits, lollies, etc.  Even better they are cheap! Just RRP $3.95 and they're available at David Jones and independent houseware stores. For stockists call 1800 65 11 46.

It's the simple things

Isn't it amazing how the little things can really make your day? For me this week it was these flowers. I bought these from Drovers in Currambine last Monday. They were $4.95 a bunch.

Normally you've got no chance of getting any kind of decent flowers for under $5 but I figured if they were on their way out, at least they'd brighten the place up for a few days and give me something to smile about each time I walk past them.

This photo was taken a few minutes ago. It's been a full week and they are still going strong and they're still making me smile.

What little thing has made you smile this week?

Did you dream of marrying Tom?

There was a time before the couch-jumping incident when Tom Cruise was the bees knees. Remember Maverick? Every boy wanted to be him and every girl wanted to marry him - even his now wife Katie Holmes, as she has confessed publicly.

Anyway, if you're in the mood for some nostalgia, new menswear label Fontaine is here to help with the Aviator tee. Take yourself back to the days when all you wanted to do was fly.... as soon as this hot new label launches in January. RRP $79, website details coming soon. 

Dressing up at Jacqui E

Loving this new season dress from Jacqui E, so flirty and feminine and bang on this seasons trend. This just moved to the top of my wish list.

A day to remember

A reminder to all WA Style readers that today is Remembrance Day. The day we take some time to remember those who gave their lives in defence of our country. Traditionally at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we take a minute of silence out of respect. 

Lest we forget. 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Bringing home the Birkin

I am reading this book right now and I am really enjoying it. This is the story of one man who moved to Barcelona on a whim and then created a career on eBay from reselling Hermes.

It reads like a fiction novel so is keeping me really engaged but the fact that it's a true story is really intriguing and inspiring. It's certainly getting the entrepreneur side of me well and truly inspired. Wouldn't it be lovely to make a living from playing with such pretty things all day?

How to grind in style

Adorable and cute aren’t words you usually associate with pepper grinders, but in this case they are appropriate. WA Style love these mini magnetic pepperballs from Chef'n Garden! Get one in red apple, green apple, cherry, olive, tomato or garlic.

The fact they have a magnet on the back, makes them even more handy!  They are just $19.95 or $24.95 if you want them gift boxed. Stockists available by calling 1800 65 11 46.

It finally came!

For those of you who have been reading the blog lately, you realise I have been a little obsessed with Harry Potter. OK, more than a little. I don't even have kids I can blame my love of all thinks wizarding on.

When I went the US a few years I have even convinced my partner (now husband) along to the Harry Potter museum where I actually got to touch the Sorting Hat. Bliss!

Anyway, the reason for this seemingly random rant is that I am very excited to announce, I just received my invitation to the Perth preview of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows (Part 1). It may only be the day before the movie's cinematic release but I love seeing movies early, not because I want to feel special or superior in some way but simply so I don't have other people's opinions and views before I see it for myself. Funny really since I get paid to write movie reviews and will undoubtedly share my thoughts here.

Millions of peaches, peaches for me

Why is it that even if we know something is good for us, we will go ahead and do it anyway? Take myself just a short while ago. Despite all the array of delicious new summer fruits on offer at the markets, I was captivated by the ripe deliciousness of the peaches, so I bought two.

So far so good right? Did I forget to mention, I am allergic to the fuzzy skin on the outside of a peach? Now you’ve got the picture. So fast forward half an hour until I am home and trying with great difficulty and determination to peel a peach. Have you ever tried this? I don’t recommend it.

One hour later, I peeled the peach, ate it and I have a rash on my face and a lovely wheezy asthmatic cough to prove my achievement. Now I am just left with the question - why is it that we are sometimes just incapable of avoiding things that are bad for us? Are we all really just gluttons for punishment? After all - I still have a second peach.

A Harry Potter teaser...

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Clip
Uploaded by teasertrailer

Another great snippet from the upcoming Harry Potter film. Obsessed? Who me?

Shop David Jones online

I am really excited by the new online store from David Jones!! It may be just in time for Christmas and not exactly be the greatest functional shopping website in the world, but personally I am excited about all the new fashion shopping (or window shopping) opportunities it presents.

There are some great fashion products for the stylish lady. Clothes available include labels like Collette by Collette Dinnigan, Tommy Hilfiger and sass & bide, which isn't too shabby. You can also buy yourself a new Burberry bag or Fendi baguette, a new pair of Louboutin heels, Mimco earrings or even just a new pack of Spanx.

It's also a great site for all you ladies that struggle to get your Christmas shopping done. Although some ranges are pretty limited, there are quite a lot of good gift ideas. Hopefully with time this site will continue to improve both in functionality and available stock.

Check it out! www.davidjones.com.au

New crib from Funky Kids

Isn't this sweet? Even better the ubabub range are also ecologically friendly and use non-toxic timber finishes during construction. The Nifty Timber cot is from an Aussie company and is $1199 + $100 shopping.

If you want to give that 50s aesthetic to the nursery, make sure you check this one out at Funky Kids in Wembley, Karrinyup or Booragoon.

Laura Ashley goes spotty

What's one of the hot new season trends for homewares? Spotted, it yet? Laura Ashley is going spotty and I think it's super cute! Find these products and other new season trends from www.laura-ashley.com.au

Secrets of the Horcruxes

I cannot describe how excited I am that this movie isn't far away now! Check out this great trailer explaining a bit about the secret of the horcruxes and then make sure you join me in being one of the first in line when this movie releases on November 18.

Don't forget your Gryffindor scarf, orange is very big this season.

The official word on trading hours

Confused about the new trading hours? So was I, so here's the official word from the powers that be...

Perth shoppers and retailers will be able to enjoy extended trading hours to 9pm on weeknights under new laws that come into effect from today.

Premier Colin Barnett and Commerce Minister Bill Marmion today marked the start of Western Australia’s new retail trading hours regime, which will give general retail shops, including major grocery stores, the option to open to 9pm weeknights.

The Premier said the changes reflected the State Government’s determination to provide incremental reform to Perth’s shopping hours.

“Creating a retail trading environment that allows choice, flexibility and improved competition has always been the focus of this Government,” he said.

“The extension of weeknight trading will apply across the whole metropolitan area.

“Business will now have greater freedom to respond to particular needs of their customers and won’t be locked into outdated shopping hours. It is entirely their option to open during the extended hours.”

Commerce Minister Bill Marmion said new special trading precincts of Armadale and Midland would begin today, allowing Sunday trading from November 7.

“The extension of weeknight trading to 9pm and the creation of special trading precincts in Armadale and Midland, in addition to the special precincts in Perth, Fremantle and Joondalup, represents a significant achievement,” Mr Marmion said.

“At the forefront of the Government’s mind has been the need to keep pace with the changes in urban lifestyles and working hours in the metropolitan area.

“I encourage retailers and the community to embrace this great opportunity.” 

Retail tenants with any questions about their leasing arrangements and the new trading hours can contacta specialist business adviser at the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) for free, confidential advice and guidance on 131 BIZ (131249). More information is available at http://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au

Gap opens in Sydney

Will be checking this out next time I'm in Sydney!

Proof love conquers all

This video is adorable! I apologise as it gets a bit what I'd call overly American in spots, but do persevere. This is a love story the like of which you've seen - it's between an elephant and a dog. Love really does conquer all.

Designer sheepskin has arrived

A while ago you might remember I posted about a new partnership between Jimmy Choo and Ugg. Well the day has finally come and they are available now and here the are with prices starting from 417 pound a pair.

So if you ever had a hankering for spending an exorbitant amount of money on some designer sheepskin, now's your chance. You can order them from net-a-porter.com. Personally? I think I'd pass on this one.

Racing style from Mimco

We had a low week for fashion coverage last week so will try to make it up this week! I am loving Mimco's 'form guide' for racing-season accessories. Make sure you also check out Grazia this week as Mimco are giving readers are $30 gift card!

The world's coolest toaster

How much do you love this toaster? I think I’d waltz it down the aisle and marry it if bigamy wasn’t illegal in this country.

OK, I actually don’t have one and I have never even seen it in the flesh (so to speak) but I think this is the coolest product pic I have seen for a while. Can you imagine impressing all your friends by whipping this out and cooking them the most uber-stylish breakfast they've ever had?

How would you ever burn your toast again if you can see it AS IT COOKS? I wasn't sure if it would actually just let all the heat out through the sides, but apparently they're a special clear double insulated glass to stop the heat escaping.

This nifty little idea was voted GQ magazine “One of the 50 Best Things on the World Right Now” and won the Grand Innovation Prize at the Foire De Paris trade show.

The only downside for me is it is also a tad more expensive than your usual generic brand toaster. The Magimix Vision toaster has a recommended retail price of $499. Totally worth it.

If you'd like other pearls of wisdom as well as updates on new blog posts and a raft of other cool toasters (OK, just kidding on the last one) follow me now on Twitter! twitter.com/aleciahancock 

Support Pink during October

With one in nine women diagnosed with breast cancer before they turn 85, remember to think pink this October and help beat breast cancer.

If you walk into any HBF Service Centre today and purchase any of the pink merchandise, you’ll be helping the Cancer Council fund research into new and better treatments and support services for women touched by breast cancer. There's not much of October left, so time to get cracking!

To find out more about Pink Ribbon Day visit the website here.

Are your horses all lined up?

Melbourne Cup, like Christmas, rolls around every single year. So why is it every year I find myself surprised it is ‘that time again’ and completely clueless about what I am doing?

Perhaps this year it is also because I no longer have a workplace full of people to celebrate it with (a sweepstake of one isn’t quite the same). So what I want to know is what are you wonderful WA Style readers doing for Melbourne Cup? Will there be funny hats and fancy dresses all round?

If like me you’re stuck for somewhere to go, I like the sound of The Luxe Bar’s Top Hat function. $65plus booking fee gets you a glass of Veuve on arrival and lots of other great goodies. In their words:

“Top Hat is a day at the races for the dukes and dames of Beaufort Street, boasting a cocktail luncheon of royal proportions. Hand made for those with a taste for detail, Dish Catering deliver a menu fit for any aristocrat. 

“Hosted by Anths and Simon from RTRFM with Shifty Translation providing your soundtrack for the day. See the freshest fashion brought to you by Varga Girl complemented with this summers hottest footwear from Betts with ladies from Vivien's, hair by Scissor Sister and makeup from Napoleon Perdis.” 

Oh, and you you can watch the race as well. Call 9228 9680 or visit www.bamBOObamBOObamBOO.com for more info. 

So where are you planning to go? If you know of any other great events scheduled for November 2, let me know and we can share them here.

iPhone Proposal in Movie Theater

I just saw this video on Mia Freedman's blog Mama Mia (check it out, it's a great blog) and I had to share it with all my WA Style readers as well. It is incredible and made me cry like a little girl. It's basically a proposal in the form of an iPhone ad as part of movie trailers.

Proposing via a movie trailer actually isn't as unusual as it sounds. A friend went to a screening of Twilight New Moon when it first opened her in Perth and one of the trailers was a proposal!

Last Night at Chateau Marmont

I just finished reading Last Night at Chateau Marmont by Lauren Weisberger of The Devil Wears Prada fame. This book was a birthday present and I have to say I enjoyed every minute of it. It was a light-hearted fun read but interesting enough that I didn't want to put it down.

For me the story felt a bit like The Devil Wears Prada (only the movie not the book) in reverse. Instead of Andrea becoming a workaholic to build her career and destroying her relationship with Nate in the process, 'Last Night' is the story of married nutritionist Brooke who after years of supporting her husband as he pursues a musical career, struggles to cope with his new found fame.

Definitely worth a read. I enjoyed it a lot more than Chasing Harry Winston and as much as Everyone Worth Knowing.

You can check out what Lauren is up to on her blog http://laurenweisberger.com/blog/ and read a great Q&A with her about this book here.

New iPad app for net-a-porter

Meet 'Pascal' the chameleon

This video shows clips from the upcoming movie Tangled, releasing on January 6. How cute is this little guy?

Use your eye-magination!

There’s nothing quite like a smoky eye for that big night out on the town, but some people struggle to achieve the look. 

If you’re one of those people this new Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow Quad in Starlet is worth checking out. It will give you an easy way to pull off this key look, with a metallic twist.

This new release from Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics contains four colours to give you all the highlights you need including moonstone (ivory-pearl), storm (grey with silver shimmer), black opal (black) and platinum (metallic silver).

It’s also mineral makeup, which your skin will thank you for. The Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow Quad is free from perfumes and chemical dies, is non-comodogenic and cruelty fee.

RRP is $69.95, available from www.youngbloodmineralcosmetics.com.au

The 'me' challenge

There are sometimes I think I am a little big strange. I have no problems standing up in front of hundreds of people and talking about magazines, media, online marketing and a host of other topics but as soon as I need to talk about me, I get a bit weak at the knees.

Sometimes I like to think it is because in today’s society it can be dangerous to share too much personal information with the masses, particularly online, but other times I realise I am just not good at being the centre of attention on a personal rather than professional level. 

So when Jennifer Birkhead from www.jenniferbirkheaddesign.blogspot.com challenged me to take part in a blog game of ‘10 things you didn’t know about me’, I considered running for the hills. However, I decided as a writer I am sure I could dig up some facts from my past that would be suitably entertained, so threw caution to the wind. 

I hope you find these facts interesting and enlightening and nobody will use this information to steal my identity and convince my nearest and dearest I am actually a Moroccan hooker. 

1. Although I have lived in WA now most of my life, I was born in Tasmania. Don’t hold it against me. 
2. My husband I were together for more than 14 years before we finally married earlier this year. 
3.  I have funky elbows. If I straighten my arms too far they start to bend back the wrong way. It’s a great party trick and way to freak out my personal trainer while doing push ups. 
4. I have been a vegetarian since I was 13. I blame school holidays on my aunt and uncles farm, I could never get my head around patting a cow called Daisy and then going home and tucking into a nice steak. 
5. I am terrified of heights. I can be paralysed by fear even by the thought of using a step ladder. Funnily enough I have no problems flying. 
6. I would like to claim I speak Japanese but after completing a Certificate 3 in Japanese, I still can only read, write and speak the language very badly. I can understand others only it if they speak very slowly and at a level suitable for a three year old. If you need to ask someone where are they going – I am the right woman for the job – just don’t expect me to understand the answer. 
7. I am not a morning person. Just ask my husband. 
8. I don’t like Dom Perignon and I feel guilty about it. When you are in the envious position of being offered expensive champagne at functions, I feel like I should drink it and enjoy it! I keep thinking it might just be me and one day I will finally get it. 
9. You couldn’t pay me enough to go back and relive my high school years. Sorry people, they are not the best years of your life – now is always the best time! 
10. I have a blue belt in freestyle martial arts. I once made onlookers laugh when in a state-level competition when I stopped mid-fight to apologise to my opponent for punching her in the nose (no face contact allowed, so it wasn’t intentional – she stepped forward as I threw the punch). 

So what about you? Do you find talking about yourself as scary as I do?

I hope some of my regular WA Style readers will share some fun facts about themselves or share links to other similar lists. Click on comment below!

New campaign from Louis

Check out this great new picture of Bono and Ali Hewson in Africa for the new Louis Vuitton campaign. What a great shot. Makes me want to buy a new handbag, or maybe a small plane...

The cutest pictures ever

I know that babies of any kind are usually adorable, but this little critter has to be the cutest thing I have ever seen! In case you are wondering, it is a baby hedgehog.

I am not sure who these pictures belong to so if you are the copyright owner or know who it is, please pass the info on.  In the meanwhile I hope this post helps you take a moment to smile.

Even bigger discounts at Mimco

If you haven't already checked out the big sales at Mimco now's your chance. They've just announced a further 20% off already reduced items until Monday. Check it out and let us know what bargains you pick up!

Run don't walk! It's a Costarella sale!

Alright Perth ladies, I know you are going to be excited about this one. Our own local legendary designer Aurelio Costarella is holding his first ever evening wear sale to make some room for his new collections!

Dresses will be priced between $80 and $500 and will include everything from ball gowns to cocktail and party dresses. How great is the timing? This is your chance to snap up a designer bargain just before the ball and racing season kicks off. 

This momentous event is happening this Friday October 8 (which just happens to be my birthday, what a happy coincidence) from midday until 7pm. So make sure you have your credit card firmly in hand and hit the Costarella warehouse on 32 Wickham Street, East Perth. Happy shopping ladies, I may just see you there!

Stella is back

Remember when women were all but clawing each others eyes out in Target stores? I know it made the front page of the paper over here! This auspicious show of female competitiveness occurred when they launched the Stella McCartney range at Target and they are about to do it again.

I am not sure if it going to cause quite the same controversy this time around, but there are definitely some nice pieces well worth checking out. Personally I am going to be looking at the tulip shaped trench, the jacket with the collar worn up (yup that's the garment name) and the rouched panel top.

There are definitely some great looks in here for this season's trends. Plenty of lace, nautical stripes and nudes to keep the most on-trend fashionista happy. Even better the sizes in the range go from 6-16 so there is really something for everyone.

The website - www.designersfortarget.com.au - is well worth a look see. If you actually click through on a particular garment you can see a static photo of it and a video of the model moving around in the outfit. I think this idea is genius even though a few of the models choices of pose made me giggle.

So what do you guys think? Do you still have a favourite item in your wardrobe from the last time around or are you over the whole designer going budget thing? Share your thoughts by clicking comment at the bottom of this post.

An Oroton farewell

First off, apologies for being all quite on the western front late last week. It has been a very big few weeks for me, I made the difficult decision to leave my full-time position to launch my own business. It is one of the scariest things I have done, but I am very excited and I think the business has the potential to be a great challenge for me.

Anyway, that's not the sole purpose for this post. I also wanted to show off the absolutely lovely farewell gift I was given! I couldn't believe it when they pulled out an Oroton bag and was touched by the appropriateness of this gift - an Oroton portfolio accompanied by an engraved Parker pen so I can enter my new career as a business owner in style. 

This folio is the epitome of stylish business. You can secure one for yourself here. 

The best marketing ever

I went to see Wall Street at the movies yesterday and this ad ran before the film started. I have to say I think this is the smartest piece of marketing I have seen in a very long time. It is long but stick with it, it is clever and a very interesting piece of branding.

I have to admit I am influenced by a good piece of marketing and was considering buying a bottle just so they see the return for all their hard work.

What do you guys think? Love this video or not? Does it make you want to rush out a buy a bottle of Scotland's best? In case you are wondering, this post is in no way sponsored - I just had to share this really cool ad with you all.

Sneak peak of Gnomeo & Juliet

This adorable pic is a sneak peak shot from Gnomeo & Juliet, a 3D animation slated for release in Australia in February 2011.

There is something really gorgeous about this shot, although I bet Shakespeare never thought his most romantic of stories would be re-imagined as an animation staring a garden gnome. That's progress for you.

Put a stylist in your pocket

Have you ever wished you had a portable stylist you could carry around in your bag ready to give you the thumbs up on a shade of lipgloss or pursed lips when you unsuccessfully try to pair prints with stripes?

I know I do, although it’s about as likely as me running a marathon. I have discovered the closest thing though and it’s the new book from one of my favourite fashion gurus, the infamous Nina Garcia.

Aptly titled Look Book (a ‘look book’ is basically a designer’s catalogue of all the key pieces used by media and industry insiders), the book is full of expert advice, fashion illustrations, fashion history and pop-culture trivia. With Nina’s help, I think we’ll all be rocking the latest style trends without a hitch.

In case, you don’t know who Nina Garcia is (we can’t be friends anymore) she was the head designer for Marc Jacobs before taking the leap into magazines. She worked her way up from assistant stylist to be the fashion director of Elle and has now moved over to the same role with US Marie Claire. You may also know her from Project Runway.

Look Book hits the shelves next Friday (October 1) and will be priced at $39.95.

Queen of the vegie scene

As a vegetarian I can attest to how hard it can be sometimes to get a really good meal out. Often in restaurants you only have one or two choices available and more often than not they are the same dishes with little variation.

I was therefore quite excited to hear that after the Melbourne edition rushed off the shelves, the national version of The Australian Veg Food Guide is hitting the market.

A brand new nation-wide food guide for both locals and tourists that contains over 200 reviews and listings of as many vegan, vegetarian and veg friendly restaurants from all around Australia.

The book is only $17.99 but the bad news is the book won’t be available until November. Will keep all you vegos out there posted!

Animation movie trailer: Tangled

 
This movie looks really cute and the trailer made me smile - hope it does the same for you! Check out the new trailer for Tangled and watch Rapunzel take on the world, with her hair…

This special sneak peak trailer is courtesy of Disney, this animated comedy doesn't release in Australia until January 6.