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.

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.