All articles tagged 'consumption'

Melodrama is so hot right now! (Not really.)

Daily Outfit -- 22nd March 2008

Je suis un French schoolgirl… oui!

Daily Outfit -- 19th March 2008

A black slip over black jeans. Simple & easy.

iCiNG Loves ModCloth!

Thank you so much, ModCloth, for keeping us running! We luuuuurve you!

Themed Outfits For Intellectuals

I recently had a girl write to me, saying that she was sick of wearing jeans to university every day, & could I please come up with some potential outfits for her to wear? When she added, “Maybe they could be themed according to what people were studying”, a light-bulb went off in my head & I thought, YES! Yes! I WILL do that for you! It’s too great a concept not to.

Cute Coats (& How To Wear Them)

So, you’ve read How To Buy A Winter Coat. Now you just need to decide what you want! Here are some of my top picks & a few tips on how to wear them.

House Of Holland

What would your ideal House Of Holland shirt say? (The comments are totally GOLDEN.)

Fun Accessories

Sometimes all you need to take an outfit from drab to fab — or as I like to say, “From ‘up the creek’ to magnifique!” — is the addition of a couple of well-chosen accessories.

Umbrella Lurve!

It’s getting very cold around here, so I thought it was a good time to present you with an assortment of the best-looking brollies I’ve found recently… as well as who I can imagine owning them.

Fafi For MAC Cosmetics -- Reviews

On Monday, I received a FedEx package that made me yelp with excitement. It was a box from a PR company in New York. It said “MAC Cosmetics” on the outside. I thought, “Pffft, it couldn’t be. I bet someone wrote that just to get my attention!” But when I ripped it open in the elevator & looked inside, my heart started pounding. My hands trembled. I think I perspired a little bit. I ran down the corridor at full speed & started hollering excitedly at my boyfriend. Yes, I am a true MAC addict — these are the signs. It can get ugly!

Daily Outfit -- 19th February 2008

A futuristic flight attendant outfit!

My Lelo Lily

While the Lily might look like a pansy, it’s anything but. With vibrations ranging from a subtle fizz to a tumultuous tickle, it’s sure to thrill even the most exacting vixen.

Fafi For MAC

I LOVE this range so much. Not just the make-up, but the accessories too! After all, who could say no to a Fafi t-shirt with striped arms? Or a silk scarf printed with Fafi characters?

Argyle S.O.S.!

What to wear with argyle? I have lots of ideas!

Rock The Prom!

For most people, the prom is still a little way off — & yet at the moment, it’s the hottest issue in my inbox! Girls around the globe are fuh-reakin’ out, lost in a sea of dresses, stumped by what to wear & how to look different, original & cute without spending a fortune or imitating someone else.

Francesca Lia Block

“All the girls were infatuated with Dirk; he wouldn’t pay any attention to them. But on the first day of the semester, Dirk saw Weetzie in his art class. She was a skinny girl with a bleach-blonde flat-top. Under the pink Harlequin sunglasses, strawberry lipstick, earrings dangling charms, and sugar-frosted eye shadow she was really almost beautiful. Sometimes she wore Levi’s with white-suede fringe sewn down the legs and a feathered Indian headdress, sometimes old fifties’ taffeta dresses covered with poetry written in glitter, or dresses made of kids’ sheets printed with pink piglets or Disney characters.”

Vintage Loot!

Things I bought at a recent vintage sale! $16 goes a long way sometimes!

New Shoes!

I love platforms, & I love mary janes, so it all makes sense really!

Wishlist For 2008

Yum.

Man Bags

Alright boys, let’s face facts. Gone are the days where everything you needed to survive a day in this modern fast-paced world can fit in your pocket. It’s just not doable any more. If you’re roaming around the streets with just your wallet in your pocket, you’re either alarmingly under-equipped for life, or you’re cheating and getting your other half to cart around your stuff around for you. And that’s not cool.

What We're Using

I thought it would be interesting to do a periodical round-up on the beauty products we’re all using & how well they’re working for us. It’s a good way to trade information & find products you might like to test out yourself.

Hair Extensions

Cass has a really amazing system of attaching extensions, the likes of which I’ve never seen before (or even heard of).

Athletic Aesthetics

Prospective outfits for a fitness instructor who needs to go from classes to clients!

Daylesford

My trip to Daylesford — what I did, where I stayed, the works!

Putting On The Ritz

How to dress up, for men!

Tarina Tarantino Interview

I got the opportunity to ask Tarina Tarantino some questions, & here are her answers!

Fashion & Style Predictions: 2008

The colour of royalty, homosexuality & Prince is making a comeback in a major way. It’s been blasted all over the catwalks, from Lanvin to Comme des Garcon & all the way to Pucci, in every hue imaginable: violent violet, lascivious lavender, punchy plum & apoplectic amethyst.

Fetish Wear

“I was wondering if you would write an article on fetish dressing. I always find fetish dressing comes off looking extremely tacky and “goth” looking which of course is not the way I want to look. I’d like to be able to incorporate items such as platform “hooker heels”, bondage corsets, pvc, etc. into a more neutral or even girly wardrobe.”

Gibbous

I thought I would introduce you to a little clothing house called Gibbous.

Fabulous New Year's Eve Outfits

I would be totally keen to wear one of these on New Year’s Eve.

New Zealand Style

I don’t really think of myself as a “kiwi”. I was born in New Zealand, sure, but I have never felt any real connection to the country or culture. There are some things I really love about New Zealand, though — & one of those is New Zealand style.

Gifting Yourself

Are you going to buy something for yourself for Christmas?

Isabel Toledo

“The secret to wearing strong shapes is BODY LANGUAGE — a woman has to be comfortable in her own skin to make strong shapes work for her. Once you know yourself & understand how to use your body language, clothes with shape can enhance your graphic presence & help to project your own personal style.”

Tomboy Boot Camp

“I was a tomboy as a child, then as a teenager I had an ubercasual, slightly androgynous style (jeans/tees/trainers). But now I’m rapidly approaching 20 and desperate to look and feel feminine and sophisticated. I tried to throw myself in at the deep end by buying a couple of pretty skirts, but I feel overdressed and awkward so I’ve never actually worn them outside my flat. How can I ease myself gradually into this girly stuff (without feeling like a drag queen)? And how can I look feminine and still be casual for uni?”

Do You! -- Book Review

I really do think that in a person’s lifetime, you’re lucky to come across a single book of which you would happily buy a copy for every person you care about. Having said that, I recently found a book that I really think everyone should read.

Cupcake Showdown!

Which outlet should you patronise? What flavour is the tastiest? Where do you get the most bang for your buck? Who does the chocolatiest smack in the kisser? Where are the best exotic flavours? & how many should you order for Christmas?

American Apparel Discount Code Reminder!

The American Apparel discount code ends soon — & here are my picks for ways to use it!

Audrey's Christmas Gift Guide!

Audrey gives tips on buying Christmas gifts for men!

Gala's Christmas Gift Guide!

My guide to fun Christmas gift-giving.

Daily Outfit -- 28th November 2007

I decided to make a video of my outfit. Hello, I am a dork.

Daily Outfit -- 26th November 2007

Monochrome & Catwoman-esque.

Preparatory Style

When it comes to restyling the traditional prep look, your imagination & courageous spirit are your best assets. Well, that & your Visa!

Rachel Zoe Versus Victoria Beckham

Rachel Zoe & Victoria Beckham’s style manuals fight to the death!

False Eyelashes

I hope this information helps you bat your new eyelashes winsomely into your future. Just be careful not to bat them into someone’s drink!

Daily Outfit -- 9th November 2007

Hello! I feel like Elton John’s demented protégé. Do you think he would adopt me? We could have sparkly singalongs all day & all night.

American Apparel Discount Code

Yay!

Gala Darling Loves American Apparel!

A plain white t-shirt has never been the sort of thing that appealed to me. It always seemed a bit “French starlet on her day off”, if you know what I mean. You know those effortlessly gorgeous movie stars who wear a t-shirt & jeans on their day off but look impeccable? I am not one of those types. When I dress down like that, I feel like a soccer mother.

Decorating A Room

I think bedrooms say a lot about their owner. If you don’t believe me, think about your own room (or even cast a glance around it). Is it dark & messy? Do you ever make your bed? Do you keep the blinds open at all times?

Daily Outfit -- 29th October 2007

I am wearing scented cake necklace. No joke!

Daily Outfit -- 26th October 2007

American Apparel a go-go!

Operation Athletic Bling

What happens when a glamour-fiend starts exercising…

Getting The Most Out Of Your Fashion Magazines

Ideas for old fashion magazines. They’re too good to throw away!

Bow-Tie Ideas

Put a bow-tie in your hair for a bit of sparkle!

Nippies Giveaway!

A giveaway of nippley proportions!

DELIGHT or SMITE? (October)

On my DELIGHT list for October: dressing with a touch of the surreal, things from another era, making informed choices, & of course, much more!

How To Dress Like Edie Sedgwick

Here’s how to shoot a little Edie into your aesthetic, & some pictures of me adopting the style!

Daily Outfit -- 2nd October 2007

Turban, an art deco t-shirt, & my father’s long grey socks.

Dressing With The Essence Of Fairytales

“I was wondering if you could help me out. I really want to redefine my style so that I can dress ‘with the essence of fairytales’, but I don’t really know where to start. I sort of have a vague idea, but if you have any suggestions that would be great.”

Daily Outfit -- 1st October 2007

Rocking a tennis dress with a turban.

Buying Designer Goods On Ebay

Do any of you have experience with this? I have been on Ebay for years & have never been burned by a seller — I have always received my item & it has always been what it claimed to be.

Daily Outfit -- 29th September 2007

I am still in the grips of a major turban obsession.

Winter Style 2007

Things I would definitely be wearing if I was in, say, New York. (Swoon.)

Camping In Style

Recently, a very sweet girl told me she was on her way to a school camp & didn’t know what to wear. She said that while her mother always tells her to take practical clothes, she often felt shown-up by the other girls, who were immaculately groomed — even after canoeing! Ahh, the joy of school. But it did prompt me to think that surely there was a way to camp in style. It can’t be all mosquito spray & burned marshmallows, can it?

Winter Essentials 2007

Some things you might want to invest in for the chilly months. Tartan, a striped umbrella, yoga classes, Oxfords, & more!

Summer Essentials 2007

Tennis lessons, sunblock, postcards, lip venom, photobooth strips & more!

Skinny Bitch -- Book Review

I have read reviews of Skinny Bitch that say it’s like reading something written by your best girlfriend. If that is true, we are in worse trouble than we thought. In real life, I wouldn’t give someone who spoke to me like that the time of day, never mind the accolade of being my “best girlfriend”! Hopefully you wouldn’t either!

Daily Outfit -- 14th September 2007

Trying out the new, bejewelled turban!

Equestrian Chic

I was never one of those “horsey girls”. You know, those ones who were NUTS about horses. They read The Pony Club books, had weekly riding lessons & obsessively doodled the likeness of their favourite horse, “Speckle”, in the margins of their math book. Maybe you were one of them! I wasn’t.

Daily Outfit -- 7th September 2007

What I wore to the Object of Desire show last night…

Fragrance Frenzy

“So gloriously authentic that you can almost hear the Oompa Loompas singing. A lovely, straightforward, wearable chocolate, with a warmth and richness that melts into your skin and a hint of caramelized sugar. Sophisticated enough to satisfy our grown-up side, delicious enough to bring out our inner Veruca Salt.”

Kimono Love!

I bought my kimono & I am head over heels in LOVE.

DELIGHT or SMITE? (September)

Delight: major nailpolish, taking time out, clip-on earrings, setting new goals, & more!

Daily Outfit -- 2nd September 2007

What I wore to the Motorola Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (phew!) opening night party!

Gift-Giving

It can be hard to buy someone a present, especially if they are the type of person who already has everything they need.

My Birthday Wishlist!

Things I would love to receive for my birthday! Dachshunds, jewellery, lip gloss & more!

Daily Outfit -- 22nd August 2007

New dress from Country Road!

American Apparel For Summer 07

In celebration of the fact that American Apparel recently opened their Australian outlet (YAY!), here are some of their pieces that I am dying to own this summer…

Summer Is Coming!

Three outfits I would love to wear this summer.

Daily Outfit -- 14th August 2007

Wearing my new jeans & looking mad casual.

Nu Rave

How to dress “nu rave” without looking like a complete goober… !

Tarina Tarantino Ring!

My new Tarina Tarantino ring arrived! It’s like wearing an easter egg on my hand!

Frilly Knickers

My lingerie commandments & an assortment of cute knickers!

Daily Outfit -- 25th July 2007

When he saw my hair, my boyfriend said, “Nice puff”.

New Boots!

Oooooooh I love them.

Clothes Shopping Tips

Just because you can slide those jeans over your hips does not mean you should own them! When looking at clothing, always always always take your body shape into account, & trends be damned.

Daily Outfit -- 24th July 2007

I’m feeling really summery today, even though it isn’t particularly warm! I went shopping with my mother yesterday… here’s some of my new schwag!

The Fashionable Jew

“I have to abide by some rather strict religious rules with regard to dress – not just at school, everywhere. (The rules: no pants, nothing tight or revealing, shirts up to the collar bone and past the elbows, absolutely no exposed midriff, skirts past the knee, no visible underwear, nothing transparent or too sexy in general.) I was wondering if you could help me get out of my rut, or if I should just resort to wearing a burka.”

Daily Outfit -- 12th July 2007

Nubby Twiglet hooked me up with some goodies!

Daily Outfit -- 10th July 2007

A quilted skirt & a scarf around my ankle, oh my!

Irregular Choice Shoes I Love & The Imaginary People Who Wear Them

Beautiful shoes by Irregular Choice & a whole slew of people I imagined wearing them.

Gala's Guide To Tennis Chic

Start spending time at a country club. Remember to wear pearls & get blitzed on gin & tonics like the rest of them…

Initial Rings

I love Girl Props. I feel like Liberace.

I Love Sarah Jessica Parker (& I Don't Care What You Say)

Sarah Jessica Parker has received a LOT of flack for her ‘Bitten’ line… I thought I should bite back!

Why You Should Go To Sales

Best shoes EVER.

The Cheap Date Guide To Style -- Book Review

A great book — some quotes.

A Basic Shoe Collection

“I’m currently in the process of trying to expand my shoe collection (on a budget) – but since I can’t afford my every whim (just-graduating-ex-university-student) I’m looking for a a well-rounded shoe collection. Sneakers, heels, flats, boots, sandals, etc… & I was curious to know what you think the ‘basic’ shoes are to have in your closet, before you start fleshing each type out? I know trends change but I mean those timeless basic shoes a girl can fall back on when her partner’s grandma drops by unexpectedly to take them out to dinner… (happened last night, I swear!)”

Daily Outfit -- 19th June 2007

I declare today to be Valley of the Dolls day. I’m wearing a candy pink vintage babydoll nightgown, a yellow bow belt, pink heels & a tiara!

DELIGHT or SMITE? (June)

On the DELIGHT list this month: big cocktail rings, peanut butter, being a greenie, NYC. On the SMITE list: insecurity, energy vampires, television, unstable ex-lovers! & MORE!

Daily Outfit -- 2nd June 2007

I am standing in my shower with purple hair & a tiara looking like.. a mentalist.

Increasing Your Thrifting Luck

iCiNG geniuses share their hints for getting the most out of the thrift-shopping experience.

T-Shirt Mania!

Great t-shirts for every possible occasion.

james&august Giveaway!

Also known as, “Yay! Free things!”

Daily Outfit -- 18th May 2007

Today was cold! We decided to go out & get fish & chips for dinner, which involved a walk to… dun dun dunnn… the suburbs! We kitted up accordingly. I ended up looking like Swedish Tank Girl. Okay, I thought so anyway.

How To Buy A Good Pair Of Shoes

Tips for buying a pair of shoes that won’t cripple you after an hour’s wear!

A Solution To My Problem

After all my kvetching today about how I couldn’t wear that blue top from American Apparel… I threw this together & actually feel okay about it.

American Apparel Reviews

A review of American Apparel’s “Sheer Jersey Chemise” & “California Fleece Pants”.

Daily Outfit -- 12th May 2007 (& Some Homeware)

I’m wearing a hoodie dress & trying out a very casual look!

What To Do With Candles In Glass Jars?

“What do you do with the pretty glass holders the candles come in, once the candles are spent? Do you throw them away, or save them? Since the design on the glass was half the appeal, it seems like it would be a waste to throw it away. Do you think it would be tacky to save it?”

How To Adopt A New Skincare Routine

How to pull the old switcheroo on your skin without disaster!

A Friday Shopping Spree!

Beautiful things by DIY geniuses at Etsy.

Madame Pompadour

On an exploratory visit to the Victoria Markets, Ana & I stumbled across a shop called Madame Pompadour. It’s gorgeous — like something from a Francesca Lia Block book. It is INSANELY pink, a treasure trove of homeware, clothing & accessories. I took a whole bunch of pictures because I thought it was gorgeous.

How To Rock A Wig

“Oh my gosh, will you please write an article on how to wear a wig! I’ve tried cheap ones on at novelty shops before, but they just look like a Halloween costume on me. But your looks just wonderful, like I actually thought you dyed your hair for a minute. It doesn’t have to look completely natural, but I would love to know how you pulled that off without making it look like it was just a silly costume. Also, what did you do with your hair underneath it?”

Daily Outfit -- 1st May 2007

A turquoise dress, big sunglasses & great graffiti!

Eyelash Extensions!

The end result AMAZED me. Pascaline uses thick black lashes which create a very obvious, but still subtle, effect. I was so thrilled when I looked in the mirror, my lashes were long & thick & gorgeous.

Daily Outfit -- 24th April 2007

Yesterday we spent thousands of dollars at Starfish (they stock Laurie Foon, who I LOVE). The pants are one item.

A Very Short Guide To Shopping in Wellington

“Ms Darling, Next weekend I am off to Wellington for the first time ever. As well as joining you for afternoon tea, I plan on celebrating my trip with a pair of far-too-expensive jeans (and possibly a fantastic new coat). I know nothing about the stores in Wellington however. What are some shops you would recommend for a girl after her designer-fix?”

Sleepytime

Nice things for sleepytime… eye-masks, nighties & cotton pyjama pants.

Ebay Glee

I went on a spending spree on Ebay at midnight. Here’s my loot.

Daily Outfit -- 5th April 2007 -- nighttime!

My outfit for the Curvy 2007 booklaunch.

The Most Amazing Dress In The World

It’s hideous/amazing! I loooooove it! You’d be the biggest cupcake in all the land!

Daily Outfit -- 2nd April 2007

Again with the, “hi, I’m a nut!” outfits!

Super-dry Skin

“This may sound strange, but I love your skin! It’s really hard to pull off fair skin unless it’s absolutely flawless like yours, which sucks for us pale chicks. I have about the same skintone as you, but I have two major problems…”

Totally Addicted To Leggings

What are you guilty of over-wearing? Please tell me I’m not the only one!

Concealer Recommendations

“I need a new concealer. I don’t particularly want to spend heeeps of money on it but I want it to be a good one and to last a while (ie not a tube skinnier than my pinkie finger!). I like to use the creamier ones (as opposed to a concealer stick) I find these blend a lot easier. Do you have any suggestions?”

Cute Tabi Socks And The Footwear Conundrum

The question is… how would you wear them? You could pair them with ballet flats but I don’t know if geishas & ballet really mix. Plus, their cute toe-snuggling design would be hidden.

Diamonds Are A Chump's Best Friend?

How can they “guarantee” that diamonds are conflict-free? How would the consumer ever know, anyway? The answer: the jewellers can’t, & the consumer never would.

Cupcake Mania!

I love cupcakes. I find their aesthetic inspiring, but I also usually enjoy looking at them more than eating them.

Bags & Wallets Which Make Me Coo

I love bags.

Engineer's Boots

“Where can I buy the best men’s engineers boots (sometimes known as biker boots, but I want round toe, non-harness straps: single strap only, flat-ish vibram soles). I would ideally like to know who is the old school company who make these… I want great design and manufacturers integrity, with mail-order-ability from the colonies.”

How To Buy A Winter Coat

Wishlist #001

How To Wear Layers Without Looking Like A Crazy Bag Lady

This article is in response to the lovely S.‘s question, which was phrased something like, “how do I wear layers without looking mental?”.

How To Beat Problem Skin Into Submission

“I was wondering if you had any advice or product recommendations for those of us with “problem” skin. I still get acne at the age of 27, and though I have been searching for years, I can’t seem to find anything to control it.”

Melissa

New shoes.

What Do You Spend Money On?

Everyone has different priorities when it comes to spending money. Some people spend up on almost everything, while others will pay as little as they can as often as they can.

Valentine's Day Treats

Okay. I know Valentine’s Day is a major sore point with a lot of people. Capitalist holiday, blah blah blah, yeah I know. I used to be part of the anti-Valentine’s brigade myself. I have since realised that being against anything is a huge waste of energy which I do my very best not to participate in.

Signature Scents

Coco Chanel said that you should wear perfume wherever you want to be kissed, & when Marilyn Monroe was asked what she wore to bed, she replied “two drops of Chanel No.5”. Of course, both statements were excellent P.R. for Chanel’s perfumes. I, personally, have never understood the appeal of Chanel No. 5. It’s lacking something.

These, however, are perfect — which is why I own them…

How To Dress Up A School Uniform

How, indeed? School uniforms are ugly, unflattering & a violation of rights. I wore a uniform for my entire school-going career, so please believe me when I say that I feel your pain.

Makeup Basics Part Two -- Makeup Application

This is part two of my three-part series on makeup basics.

Fashion Report: Summer/Autumn 2007

Stop the presses! My personal fashion report leading through to the middle of the year. I call this the “cyborg coquette”, combining the best elements of the 40’s, 60’s & the future.

Daily Outfit -- 24th January 2007

This is what I wore to buy a lamp & a salad!

Gold Lamé Leggings

Your thoughts?

Winter Lust

Here is my small tribute to the chilly weather some of you are experiencing… or are supposed to be experiencing. Isn’t global warming a blast?!

Trends For 2007 and How To Avoid Looking Like A Fashion Victim

Of course with the dawn of a new year, there is a lot of babble about what’s going to be “in” this year. The thing is, even if you loathe trends & fashion dictates in general, you’re still going to see this stuff in stores. It may even replace the things you’re used to buying, meaning you are forced to incorporate this “trendy stuff” into your wardrobe. I thought I would write a piece on things you’re likely to see, & how to work them in without looking tragic.

Choosing Sunglasses That Suit You

Buying sunglasses can be a thrill or a trial. The most important part of buying sunglasses is knowing your face shape . Different frames suit different faces.

Daily Outfit -- 19th January 2007

This is what I wore to the Midsumma Fest last night in Federation Square.

The Ultimate Guide To Unnatural Hair Colouring

My hair has been pink, purple, jade-green, red, black & white… & all within the last three years. I’m often asked how do I get my hair so (insert-colour-here) & what products I use, so I thought I would give you some pointers.

Marie Antoinette Style

The clothing was as amazing as the colour-scheme & the cakes were incredible. Anyway, I really liked the styling, so thought I would give you a quick guide on how to doll yourself up like Marie Antoinette.

Creepy doll shoes

Obscenely creepy, but awesome, which is quite a good combination in my opinion.

How To Disguise A Stomach

The one problem I seem to have fashion wise is pies. I have eaten a few too many and now have a pie shaped tummy.

Frisky-Wear For Fashion Enthusiasts

Who says leather, PVC & latex should be relegated to the bedroom? Whilst normally the domain of hairy men in thongs or goth culture (are the two things really that different?), there are definitely some great things, especially in the accessory department, that can be incorporated into your wardrobe for some unusual flair.

Gala Darling