Stylish kit for stylish bubs

How can you not love a designer baby clothing label called SOOKIbaby? If you’re a stylish mamma (or aunt or friend) who has been hanging out with a line of retro chic goodies for your little lad or lady then you’ve found it.

Can you just imagine your little boy in a shirt that says ‘hanging with my gnomies’ or ‘my future is so bright I gotta wear shades’? These are so cute I am cursing the fact most of my friends have daughters. Perhaps I can buy them anyone - I am sure someone will pop out a  boy sooner or later! Not that the little ladies miss out, these little frilly knickers and Parisian-style outfits are adorable as well.

Cartoon capers, pop art and Euro chic are just some of the designer’s inspiration for this adorable range that blends vibrant prints, fantasy characters and quirky designs. From gnomes to break-dancing sparrows and Shar Pei wrinkle dogs – these outfits are going to have your funky monkeys dancing in their nappies.

Founder, co-owner and SOOKIbaby designer Dijana Dotur says: “I like to think of SOOKIbaby as being quirky and cool. This season’s collection is a blend of all my favourite things. A mix of fantasy, vintage and retro blended with modern and contemporary looks. Spring summer is whimsical and fun with styles for all tastes.”

So where did Dijana get her inspiration for this uber-cool collection for the nappy set? She studied at the prestigious Whitehouse School of Fashion as well as being a mother of three herself. You can buy SOOKIbaby from Myer or from one of the outlets listed below. Or head online to www.sookibaby.com.au.

Keshi Kids - Broome, Kids Cove - Kalamunda, Lily - Cloverdale, Little Leisure – Dunsborough, My Baby Rocks - www.mybabyrocks.com.au, Stylish Bubs – Karratha, The Bees Knees Kids – Carramar.

Movie review: Killers

While our screens were once overwhelmed by the numbers of romcoms (romantic comedies) released, we are now seeing a definite new trend for a new genre – romantic action. Think Mr & Mrs Smith, Date Night, even the Get Smart remake – there has been tons of them and I have to say, I am generally a fan.

I was excited to be invited on Monday to the WA premiere of the latest romantic action (dare I say romaction?) starring Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigel. The movie was Killers and I have to say it wasn’t the best film in this genre that I have seen but there was definitely some value for the ladies in the audience – Ashton walking around for long periods of time with no shirt. He. Got. Buff. Wow. Almost worth the ticket admission just for that.Watch the trailer below to see a sneak preview of what I mean.

Overall though if you are looking for some light entertainment where you can completely switch off your brain then this is worth a look. If you’re not a fan of this genre to start with though – maybe wait for the DVD.

The cliff notes version of the story is that Ashton plays a CIA assassin who has become somewhat jaded with his profession so when he meets Katherine’s ditsy but beautiful character in Nice (that’s in the south of France people) they fall in love and Ashton chucks his career in for a normal life in suburbia. That is until someone puts a contract into play against Ashton and the action hits high gear.

The Perth Fashion Festival kicks off

The Perth Fashion Festival is back and to kick it off they've launched their new website at www.perthfashionfestival.com.au. I love the site this year although I am finding the events pages a little tough to read.

What I really want to know, what do all the stylish women of Perth think about the Perth Fashion Festival? It is very different from the festivals held over east and overseas and I'd love to hear what you think.

The illustrated guide to chickens

In case you haven't noticed, I like to keep my readers up to date with the latest and greatest book releases but this one takes the cake.

Run, do not walk, to buy .... wait for it... The Illustrated Guide to Chickens. I am NOT KIDDING. This new release book was so important it garnered it's very own personal promotional push and made me laugh so hard I nearly fell off my wheelie office chair.

So what can you expect from this thrilling new look into the secret world of chickens? According to the promo: "This book covers the 100 most familiar chicken breeds in Europe and North America. The breed profiles are written in an engaging style that covers the history of each breed, the main characteristics, and how to look after them. Each breed is illustrated with delightful paintings by the author. The illustrations also detail comb types, feather markings, colours and other significant characteristics."

It gets better the forward of the book is written by no less than His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Yup.

If you are one of the many thousands of people rushing out to find out more about the humble chicken this book is available from www.allenandunwin.com and is $23.99. Love it!

Cook a roast while camping - seriously!

I have to admit when I first saw this picture, I thought it was some kind of new cutting edge turntable for the ‘unce unce’ generation (oh my lord, did I really say that - now I feel so very old).

In actual fact, this is the latest toy gadget for gourmets everywhere. It seems after being spoiled by months of MasterChef, Australian’s are no longer content with a billy, a camp oven or even the old barbeque and instead want all the comfort of home whenever they travel.

As a result Omega have released this new portable induction cooktop, which will have you whipping up a stir fry for the whole family – even if you’re in the middle of the Nullaboor.

If that's not enough you could invest in a ‘mini kitchen’, which is a multifunctional oven/grill/microwave in which you can successfully roast a chicken. Seriously – haven’t you always wanted to roast a chicken while camping? I wouldn’t know, my idea of roughing it is a hotel room without a spa bath.

If these new products have you running for the nearest electrical retailer - than here are the key details. The hot plate retails for $149 and the Mini Kitchen for $449. Stockist details are available at  www.omegaappliances.com.au or by calling 9478 0466.

The best place to get a coffee

I have a confession to make, I do not drink coffee. Horrifying I know - particularly for someone who works in the media, but there you have it. I did read with interest however the articles in The West the other day about how Perth has some of the most expensive coffee prices in Australia (read some of it here).

It seemed quite timely that consumer body CHOICE has just completed a study into the best chain stores for coffee in Australia. To cut to the chase when it came to beans Michel's Patisserie came out trumps while beans from Starbucks and Gloria Jeans received the lowest scores. You can view the full article from CHOICE at www.choice.com.au/coffeechain.

Interesting fact: A four-year study of Melbourne coffee drinkers showed chain outlets are preferred by young females and people born overseas. By contrast, independent cafes are preferred by Australian-born customers and are popular with older coffee drinkers.

What do you think? Are you one of those people who can't get through the day without an intravenous drip of coffee or like me do you see a remarkable similarity between drinking coffee and hot water with dirt?

Q&A director screening in Nedlands

The screenwriter of a film about love, loss and betrayal, Nadia Tass, will be in Perth to discuss her latest film Matching Jack on Sunday 22 August at Windsor Cinema in Nedlands.

Following the screening at 3pm, Nadia will take part in a special Q&A forum in the cinema. Matching Jack is the story of a woman who discovers that her child is seriously ill and her husband has been unfaithful for years. Marisa goes on a bizarre search in attempt to turn her husband’s serial affairs into a positive - an illegitimate child could save her son’s life.

Directing her first feature film, Malcolm in 1986, Nadia has gone on to be an influential and prominent name in Australian cinema with films including Rikky and Pete, The Big Steal, Mr Reliable and Amy  which received 23 international awards. As well as working in Australia cinema, Nadia has also directed a wealth of US films including Pure Luck and features for Disney.

Tickets for the special Q&A screening are available now from the cinema or www.lunapalace.com.au.  $15.50 adult, $11.00 concession.

Congratulations Tinker Bell winners!

Congratulations to Seraphim, Karen, Sam and Peti-Maree for winning family passes to see the new Tinker Bell film this weekend. Please forward your name and postal address to wastyle@live.com so your tickets can be posted to you!

I'm reading: Air Kisses by Zoe Foster

There's nothing quite like getting a new book and even more so if you had to order it online and wait patiently for it to be delivered but hazaah!! today is the day and my copy of Air Kisses by Zoë Foster has just arrived.

I am sure you've already got the message by now that I am obsessed stalker-like fascinated really interested in the work of some of Australia's high profile magazine personalities so if anything it's more of a surprise that I haven't bought this book earlier.

For those of you who haven't heard of Zoë Foster, she was a beauty and lfestyle editor at Cosmo before she took on the role of beauty director at Harper’s BAZAAR. She was also the author of beauty blog bible fruitybeauty and is now the editor-at-large of primped.com.au. She also writes fiction in her spare time (who really has that much spare time?!?!) and this is her first book.

When art goes mad

This stunning bovine (aptly named Miss Beau Vine) just raised $8,750 at the CowParade Charity Auction. I have to ask, where would you keep her?

As much as I support charity events of any kind, I can't imagine finding space for this particular piece of art in my living room.

Win tickets to the Tinker Bell movie

Attention to all of WA’s stylish mums! If you’d like to take the family to see a special sneak preview of Disney’s Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue all you need to do is comment on this post and tell us why you deserve to win.

Make sure you comment before 5pm (WST) on Monday July 26 for your chance to win one of five passes, each valid for four people to attend the special preview screening at Event Cinemas Innaloo (formerly Greater Union) in WA on Sunday August 1. The winners will be announced here on Tuesday.

My first experience of Bikram Yoga

When a friend invited me to try a Bikram Yoga class last Saturday, I have to admit I was really nervous. For those of you who don’t know anything about Bikram Yoga it is basically a 90-minute yoga class which takes place in a room heated continuously to 40 degrees.

As someone who hides inside on the couch with the aircon full blast when the temperature hits 35, it was a big mental challenge. I have to admit there were times I thought I was going to die, where I had to fight the overwhelming urge to run screaming from the room in to the now welcoming winter air, but I persevered.

So what was it like? It was hot. It was very very hot. I don’t sweat when I exercise, but I think their estimates that you lose around 1.5 litres per class is about right. I actually had sweat drip of my forehead mid-pose (sorry maybe too much sharing). Not to mention the fact I spent a good portion of the day in the bathroom after attempting to drink the three litres of water recommended before undertaking a class (definitely too much sharing).

After what seemed like hours, but was most likely only 30 minutes, I started feeling light headed and had to sit out for a few poses. I actually think my decision to sit out for five was a welcome one to others as several people followed by lead. I struggled to get back to my feet as I felt I was light-headed but soon the class moved to poses that were mainly in a seated or lying down position and this helped get me back in the game.

I found a lot of the poses very difficult to achieve, but the way the class was run everyone was encouraged to try as best they could and do what they could. I found that really positive and I didn’t feel anyone was pushed beyond their own abilities.

So did I enjoy it? I have to say no, that while I was doing it I didn’t enjoy it but I did find the benefits noticeable. I was able to stretch far further than I could normally and I felt I had a challenging workout – both physically and mentally. I have never been a sweaty person, but I have to confess it was pouring off me within minutes (By the way I chose a picture of what I think everyone looks like after the class instead of a glam yoga pic).

So would I do it again? Tentatively I am saying yes, I think I will give it another go this weekend. Although I found the class a mental challenge, I had the best nights sleep of my life afterwards and I have found myself feeling calmer and more relaxed since. These are very good things for me.
I will keep you posted of the experiences after class two. They say it gets easier each time, so keep your fingers crossed for me!

Share your experiences with Bikram Yoga Perth. Did you love it or hate it or like me are you somewhere on the fence?

Men don't understand postnatal depression

Post-natal depression, like most forms of depression, is a topic few people talk about. Beyondblue the national depression initiative has discovered men actually know very little about Postnatal Depression (PND).

According to the new study, fifty per cent of men believe women get postnatal depression because they have unrealistic expectations of motherhood and 25 per cent of men believe having PND is a normal part of having a baby. A whopping 28 per cent of men think that PND will go away as the baby gets older compared to 17 per cent of women.

Likewise 24 per cent of men believe that looking after a baby comes naturally to women, while only 14 per cent of women thought this was true.

Deputy CEO of beyondblue Dr Nicole Highet says the recent research indicates men need more information about mental illness during pregnancy and after the birth of the baby – especially ante- and postnatal depression and anxiety.

Depression and anxiety are not a ‘normal’ part of parenthood, they are illnesses – but with the right treatment, most people recover.

To help address this issue beyond blue and Ngala have launched a booklet HeyDad – Fatherhood – first 12 months, aimed at increasing awareness around issues new parents are likely to face.

“This booklet will get critical information to new dads during this important stage of their lives – the advice and practical tips are invaluable. New parents often get used to the symptoms and signs of depression and anxiety - such as lack of sleep, irritability and the inability to cope – and too often it’s put down to the ‘baby blues’ and treated as if it’s a normal part of parenthood,” Nicole says.

Ngala CEO Rae Walter adds: “The whole family is affected when one member of the family has depression or anxiety. Ngala encourages parents to seek support and work as a team to minimise the impact on their children.

“Early brain development, changes in relationships, the importance of attachment, play, sleep and breastfeeding are all issues that fathers may not have explored before the birth and this booklet provides a ‘toolkit’ to help new families manage change.”

Find out more about the booklet here.

It really worries me that there has been two major studies released this week showing how widespread and misunderstood depression and mental illness can be. Have you experienced a mental illness in your life and if so how did you deal with it?

Get your bronze on

If you’re like me and the sun does nothing but turn your skin into sunburn, you can’t go past a good bronzer. On August 8 Elizabeth Arden are releasing a new range including a mineral bronzer called Pure Finish Mineral Bronzing Powder.

It is available in medium and (for a limited time) deep and includes a mini folding kabuki brush that fits into the compact. 7.7g $68.00

Winifred & Bance turns three

Inglewood vintage purveyors Winifred & Bance are celebrating their third birthday. The business was first launched in 2007, when vintage lover Delilah Carter decided to share her passion with the stylish residents of Perth.

If you love the feminine silhouettes of the 1950s, have a penchant for the drama and glamour of the 1980s or are passionate about 1990s grunge, you have to check out Winifred & Bance.

To celebrate their birthday the store at 850 Beaufort Street, Inglewood will be having a birthday sale from next Tuesday (July 27) until Saturday, July 31 with up to 50% off some items. www.winifredandbance.com

92.9 announces radio telethon

We are all familiar with the annual telethon that takes over the TV for one weekend every year, but now it’s taking to airways with a new partnership between 92.9 and Telethon.

The breakfast team will be choosing a vital piece of equipment that PMH needs and encouraging listeners to help raise the funds. Once the funds have been raised a new piece of equipment will be selected and the process will begin again.

Telethon General Manager Steve Mummery says he is excited about the project. “To have Lisa, Baz, Sam and in fact the entire team who work at 92.9 behind this project says so much about their commitment to being part of the Perth community.”

Austereo General Manager Linda Wayman said: “This is an important and unique project for the 92.9 team and we know our listeners will embrace the opportunity to be a part of the Kids Appeal.”
If you want to make a donation you can call the Kids Appeal Team Phone Room on 9382 0192 or go online at www.929.com.au.

Frightening figures on mental disorders

One in four young Australians aged 16–24 years had a mental disorder in 2007, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. I find these statistics terrifying, particularly in regards to the lack of help sought for these conditions.

Anxiety disorders are the most common, affecting 15% of young people, with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder the most commonly experienced anxiety disorder (8%).  Substance use disorders affected 13% of young people with harmful use of alcohol the most common substance use disorder (9%).

Around 6% of young people had an affective disorder with bipolar affective disorder and depression (3% each) the most common affective disorders.

Almost one-third of young women had a mental health disorder compared with around one-quarter of young men. Young women were more likely to have anxiety or affective disorders while substance use disorders were more common among young men.

Young people with a mental disorder were more than five times as likely as those without mental disorders to use illicit drugs or misuse legal drugs; twice as likely to be current smokers and around 1.5 times more likely to drink alcohol at least weekly.

Around 17% of young people with a mental disorder had a severe level of impairment, with the remainder having a mild or moderate level of impairment.

While the prevalence of mental illness is relatively high in young people, they have a relatively low use of mental health services. Just less than a quarter of young people with a mental disorder had used mental health services in the previous year. General practitioners were the service most frequently accessed by young people with a mental disorder (15%) followed by psychologists (10%).

Of young people that did not access services, most (85%) did not feel that they had a need for any type of assistance.Young people with a Substance Use Disorder were the least likely to use mental health services.

I'm at a loss here, what do you say to statistics like these? If you or your loved one suffers from a mental disorder - don't be too afraid to seek help. There are people who can help from your GP to a range of dedicated mental health practitioners. www.beyondblue.org.au

Celebrating 100 posts of WA Style

Although this is technically the 101st post, I wanted to take this moment to celebrate reaching this pivotal first milestone. I hope you have been enjoying WA Style and will keep sticking with us for the next 100 posts and beyond. If you like the site, I hope you will show your support by becoming a follower by clicking on the icon on the right hand side of the page and by commenting on the articles. Don't forget to tell all your friends about us as well!

I choo choo choose you!

After my post on Saturday about Net-a-porter I confess I went a bit nuts myself with their sale and I thought I'd share a few of my purchases with you. I have to say I was impressed that after ordering Saturday night everything arrived safe and sound (and beautifully packaged) yesterday. Not bad for shipping from London to Perth! Now I just have to find somewhere to wear them...

Upcoming release: The Last Airbender

I saw a trailer the other day for upcoming movie The Last Airbender and I had to wonder, why I haven’t heard a lot more about this film? The fact it is coming to us from M. Night Shyamalan, is almost enough in itself to normally guarantee a barrage of press.

Due to release in Perth September 16, this film does look like a bit of a deviation from M.Night’s usual scary topics but it is still firmly bedded in the supernatural. The movie is set in a world where nations are divided into air, water, earth and fire and the denizens are able to manipulate these elements to their own needs. When a war breaks out one young man, Aang, discovers he is the last person left who can manipulate all the elements and sets out to save his war-ravaged nation. Check out the trailer posted above.

This does seem like a very different film for M.Night so I am reserving my opinion until I see it. What do you think of the trailer. Hit or miss?