Win A $100 Gift Voucher From ModCloth!
[ 9 March 2010, 20:34 ]
Things we all want: Peace, love & new clothes!
Love & peace have to come from you, but I’m more than happy to lend a helping hand when it comes to fancy new duds!
To celebrate spring & all the sartorial possibilities a new season entails, I’ve teamed up with one of my favourite sponsors, ModCloth, to give away a $100 voucher to one extremely lucky nonpareil!
All you need to do is use Polyvore to create a Spring look based around a ModCloth item. Start here! You’ll see a selection of ModCloth items, & you can create a set from there! Be sure to link to your set in the comments below!
You can see a sample outfit above — that’s what I’d like to be wearing pretty much every day as soon as the sun comes out permanently (featuring ModCloth’s Shine After Shine dress, which I already own!)...
The contest runs for a week & will be drawn next Tuesday, the 16th of March! You can enter as many times as you like & it’s open to everybody in the entire world! (Even if you’re going into winter & not spring. I see you down there!)
Impress us with your styling prowess! Best of luck!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [649] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!
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Love & Sequins VALENTINE'S DAY SALE!
[ 14 February 2010, 17:05 ]
SALE IS NOW OVER! Thanks so much for your support!
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
In celebration of next week’s launch of Love & Sequins #8 (BEST FRIENDS FOREVER — Discovering platonic soulmates, keeping your friendships fresh & clearing out the fakes, phonies & meanies!), I’m having a Valentine’s day SALE on my podcast, Love & Sequins!
Love & Sequins is my handbook on being a love letter to the universe. It’s about living magically & celebrating ourselves & it’s delivered in delicious monthly installments! Each chapter is a whopping 10,000 words (or more!), & you also get an MP3 of me reading it aloud to you, which is brilliant for boring subway rides or as a kind of modern bedtime story! What a fab Valentine’s Day gift to YOURSELF!
Additionally, I’m donating 1/3 of the profits from the sale to the American Red Cross. Haiti still needs our help & the very best way we can give aid is by donating money. Straight up.
Feeling luxurious? Want a year-long subscription? Usually a full year of Love & Sequins is $84, which comes out at $7 per issue. If you take advantage of the sale, I’ll slash the price down to $60! That makes the chapters a measly $5 each! You’ll save $24 & get three & a half months for FREE!
When you pick this option, you get sent all the past chapters (1 through 7) & will be sent the new ones as soon as they are released!
“I’m so glad I paid for all them upfront. Now every month I get a delicious chapter to inspire and thrill me. It’s one of my favourite pick-me-ups.” — L.
Prefer to pick & mix? You can pick up the chapters you’re most interested in — or grab the issues you missed! — for only $9 each! They’re usually $12, & it’s no joke that $9 is less than the cost of a mixed drink in Manhattan, without the hangover!
When you buy the chapters separately, they are immediately sent to you via email for your consumption & delight!
“I only bought one (the 5th I think) out of curiosity but I was so moved and engaged in what you were saying that I have gradually acquired more. I think for me it’s the sheer quality and hard work that comes through and makes these so fantastic and inspiring. I am always wary about being promised quality and sold B/S and I have on many an occasion but these are brilliant and when I find something I like like this I cannot help myself and have to have them all!!!” — E.
See below!
Love & Sequins #1: LEARNING TO LOVE YOURSELF — Self-adoration, manifesting your ideal persona, channelling your inner Marie Antoinette & everything in between!
Excerpt: So what does “loving yourself” mean? There are a few different ways you can look at it, but from my point of view, loving yourself means treating yourself the way you would treat your very best, most treasured friend. See, that’s the thing with friends — they’re not perfect & we know it but we love them anyway. Your best friend might get into a ridiculous flap over some boy you think is nowhere near good enough for her, she might turn up to a party in an outfit that is less than flattering, she might slack off at her job or constantly talk about wanting to go to Paris & yet never save any money — but you still love her. You still think she is amazing. A shooting star in the shape of a girl. I think this is how we should choose to view ourselves, too…
“This podcast has been tremendously helpful. It has indeed resonated deeply in all of the tiny crevices of my being where I’ve been hiding my hopes and dreams and instead allowing myself to be swallowed by fear and doubt. I couldn’t agree more that we all know that self-confidence and self-love are the root of success, of living the positive inspired lives we all dream about. And yet, until now it escaped me that I could practice at being confident. That I could slowly develop these skills over time. I had a huge a-ha moment – of course it won’t happen overnight! Of course it’s about making small changes, adjusting my mindset and perceptions in the moment… Thank you for letting your own light shine as it has given me permission and inspiration to do the same. I’m deeply grateful.” — L.
Love & Sequins #2: THE SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO BUSINESS — Taking control of your life, finding your passion, loving what you do & making mad bling!
Excerpt: What I’m saying here is that life shouldn’t be a hard slog with five years of faux-leisure at the end before you die. I think that is such a perverse way of viewing work, life, the universe & everything! Honestly, it’s WRONG. That is not how things should be. Why punish ourselves needlessly? I think the ideal situation for pretty much everyone is to do work that they enjoy & which challenges them, to have the freedom & autonomy necessary to take leave when they wish, & to be able to sustain a lifestyle which appeals to them. We don’t all want to be millionaires, but we should all be able to live at a level at which we’re comfortable, without sacrificing our integrity or happiness…
“I am writing to you in regard to a project that I started as a result of your lovely site. I guess you could call me one of your inspired non-pareils. Wikifashion began as an idea around one year ago and I never really had the “chutzpah” to give it a go until I purchased your podcast on “being your own boss”. I fell asleep listening to that podcast every night for a week, taking it all in and furiously scribbling down notes. It was so groundbreaking for me and every word that you spoke really resonated with me. Thank you for inspiration and words of wisdom.” — M.
Love & Sequins #3: LOVE, SEX, THE GALAXY & EVERYTHING — From falling in love to co-habitation, & all the beauty & madness contained within!
Excerpt: People do not seem to realise that the planet is FULL of AMAZING people, many of whom would pass out at the opportunity to TALK to you, let alone hold your hand & kiss you in public & buy you rad Christmas presents. If your boyfriend or girlfriend is a stinker, you are awesome enough not to have to put up with it! For real. Just get out of there. You will never regret it, & you will make space in your life for a really, really fantastic person to appear. Just like magic…
“Gala, I loved this one! I listened to it as soon as you sent it. I’ve always been kind of a cynic when it comes to love, but I think I’m ready to let my guard down and take the plunge. The ‘love self-evaluation’ and ‘figuring out what you want from a partner’ parts stood out the most to me, and I’m definitely going to take the time to write and reflect on these areas. Thank you so much!” — D.
Love & Sequins #4: A GUIDE TO MANNERS FOR THE MODERN MINX — Etiquette, social graces & charming the pants off total strangers for the uninitiated!
Excerpt: It’s all very Eckhart Tolle when you think about it — the key to being charismatic is being PRESENT. It sounds so basic, but so few people really get it right — & the people who do don’t necessarily do it consistently. The first time my friend Dhrumil & I went out to dinner together, we discussed the importance of being present in a conversation. He said to me, “Think about it. Over the course of this dinner, you & I have probably made more eye contact than some married couples would in a week”. That has always stuck with me. Eye contact is vital, & really makes the other person feel important, valued & engaged…
“Gala, you have truly hit the spot once more! I sat there nodding to myself, smiling with recognition, laughing out loud and thinking WOW this girl inspires me to change the world too as I listened to the 4th Love&Sequins. Thank you so much wonderful!” — A.
Love & Sequins #5: FINDING HAPPINESS & MAKING IT STAY — Choosing joy, making magic & devoting your life to love, adventure & deliciousness!
Excerpt: Taking responsibility for yourself is so incredibly liberating, & here is why. It will show you what innate power you have within you. Look at all the things around you, good & not-so-good. You have attracted them into your life, whether you believe it or not. & in a worst case scenario, if you can create awful things for yourself, like horrible relationships, crappy jobs & a general sense of malaise & apathy, think what you could create if you focused your attention in a different way! What if, instead of thinking about how bad everything is all the time, you thought about how WONDERFUL life is? Because even if you look around yourself & see things which make you unhappy, surely you must acknowledge that the world is full of marvellous things too. There’s love & music & art, delicious food & springy green grass, snowflakes & puppy kisses, hula hooping in the sunshine & exploring new cities. There are fresh vegetables & false eyelashes, majestic mountains & elephants, dreams & adrenaline, sky-diving & gardening…
“I can honestly say this is the best $12 you will ever spend. I’ve been seeing a psychologist for the past 6 months… What Gala has produced is that 6 months of therapy all wrapped up into an hour long podcast. Her advice about choosing how you react to situations is the most helpful life advice you may ever receive.” — K.
Love & Sequins #6: DAINTIER, SMARTER, BETTER DRESSED — A deluxe guide to looking truly fabulous, defining your personal style & being the best-dressed girl at any party!
Excerpt: Yes, it would be wonderful to look like a 5’10” gazelle in everything we wear, but the reality is, most of us are never going to look like that, regardless of how many pairs of shaping underwear we buy & no matter how few carbs we consume in a given day! You are never going to look perfect all the time, & the pursuit of perfection is such a yawnfest & time-sucker. It’s totally not worth it. There are so many other things you could do with your time & energy! So if you’re wearing a skirt that is maybe half an inch too short, but you feel GREAT in it, then that’s fantastic! Confidence comes from feeling good in your clothing, & if you do, you’ll have a much better time than the girl who looks immaculate but is freaked out in the corner…
“This months’ Love and Sequins was my favorite so far. It is clearly a subject that you feel very passionate about, and that really came across in the podcast… This podcast really inspired me, and even while I was listening to it, I had a pad of paper next to me and was jotting down outfit ideas and sketching possible combinations.” — V.
Love & Sequins #7: BLOGGING 101 — Living & loving online, monetisation in the new world & thinking beyond the 9-5!
Excerpt: I promise you, if you do not have purpose or determination, your blog will also go the way of so many before you. In fact, this is pretty much the same as anything in life. If you want it, you have to prove that you want it, time & time again. You will be tested! But if you can stay the course, after all the trials & tribulations, misfortunes & madness, you will be rewarded…
“One more thought: It’s not about blogging. It’s about ANY online business. I.E., pretty much any modern business at all. Blogging is just an example, and at that, really a very small part of it. I read it, thinking about what I was doing, nodding & going, “Yep, good advice, yep, can use that”. ... Loved your comment about your core audience. Great advice about managing online rep. The list of ‘little things’ is frickin’ brilliant. High density, high value. All in all? Damn, that’s one high value podcast. Amazing stuff.” — S.
This sale is for one day only — it ends 24 hours from now! If you’ve been wanting to get your hands on a juicy issue of Love & Sequins or have been wondering what all the fuss is about, now’s your chance!
As ALWAYS, I appreciate your support very, very much, & I’m so excited about donating to the American Red Cross! Thank you!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [28] Tags: consumption,
podcast Add Gala on Twitter!Free Shipping At We Love Colors!
[ 26 January 2010, 07:29 ]
We Love Colors are sponsoring iCiNG at the moment, can we get a round of applause please?! In addition to decking me out in all manner of fine legwear, they’re also offering free shipping on any order in the U.S.! It would be unfair not to let you know…
A splash on colour on your gams is the perfect way to spice up a dreary winter day. Knee-high socks in bright colours paired with heels are one of my favourite things, they make any outfit 100% fabulous (comme ça!), & I simply cannot resist a pair of fishnets in candy colours.
I really love We Love Colors. The customer service is amazing, their parcels arrive like magic & the pricing is super-reasonable. $9 for a pair of pastel mint, amethyst or orchid pink fishnets is totally unbeatable in my opinion!
(Pictured: opaque knee highs in fuchsia, fishnets in lavender & diamondnet fishnets in royal!)
You can take advantage of their free shipping offer by entering gala at checkout!
You might also like to follow them on Facebook & Twitter for updates on new products & special deals!
P.S. As well as socks, leggings, stockings, leotards & mini-dresses, We Love Colors also has an incredible plus-sized range which will fit voluptuous ladies up to 375lb! YAY!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [35] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Bunnyhead Ring Contest Ends Tomorrow!
[ 13 January 2010, 15:51 ]
The contest ends TOMORROW! All you have to do is tell us what you’re most excited about this year!
The 15% discount is still applicable too — enter DARLING15 when you shop up a storm at Alegorie!
Kisses!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [12] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Mystic Medusa 2010 Horoscopes
[ 11 January 2010, 10:28 ]
If you’ve been reading iCiNG for any real length of time, you should know by now that my favourite site on the entire web is Mystic Medusa. It is seriously the best, & always the first one I check. Additionally, Mystic has been really good to me, sends me signed copies of her books & puts up with me constantly emailing her links about weird astrology-related products that I find in my incessant browsing! (Like constellation cuffs & zodiac panties!)
We were having a little chitter-chat the other day when she asked if I’d like to post her 2010 forecasts. Would I ever! These are meant for subscribers only (so keep it on the hush!), & mega-delicious. She writes these for In Style magazine; pretty fancy, huh?
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! Mystic has this excellent subscriber service called Daily Mystic, where every morning she emails you about what the planets are doing, what you can expect from the day & what kind of action to take. I have been a subscriber for ages & think it is totally brill. She’s offering a super-special price to nonpareils for a 6 month subscription. Details at the bottom of the post!
Here are Mystic Medusa’s predictions for what magic is heading your way in two-thousand-&-amen!
Style: Always the Alpha-Girl, you’re about to reinvent yourself yet again. An innovative new era starts in June. For the first time in 80 years, rad planet Uranus will be in Aries. Let your look lead the way via a make-over. Scheme for a mid-year relaunch: Honed bod from mega-fitness, scarlet, diamonds, tan, clean, eco, sporty & a sci-fi style scent concocted with ground-breaking technology. Nothing naff, chintzy nor old-school and the same with accessories.
Happiness: June to September sees you blissing out with Jupiter, the luckiest planet of all. Anticipate peak experiences as you assert yourself more stylishly. You’re soul-mining until March 11, as Mars Retrograde hypes spiritual life. Yoga, retreats & spa hols do brilliant work. Your professional life needs to be approached as a non-stop transformational junket. You’re incapable of stagnation there and things screw up fast if you try to go it in slo-mo.
Love: After April, you’re compelled to set better relationship boundaries. An uncertain phase lingering since October 2009 ends in July and serious deepening of commitments is on your agenda: Marriage, children, a business together or a casual flirtation ramping up into more passionate scenarios. However, you’re not in the mood for immature game-playing. If necessary, you’ll ditch scrappy love affairs and set off to seek something more sophisticated.
Style: Emerald is both your colour and birthstone, with ornate & velvety sensual styles becoming you best. Being ruled by sexual allure & beauty goddess Venus, you care far more for feminine appeal than tricky little fads. Recent years have demanded a strongly directional wardrobe. But in 2010 you’re back on the fun & relaxation track, requiring flattering leisure & lounging around gear. Think: Modern-day siren, totally comfortable and yet silkily gorgeous.
Happiness: Energy channelled into chez Cow repays with riches and peace of mind. But, for domestic bliss, hold off on home projects and big real estate spends until March 11. Rather than grumbling about a lack-lustre social life, take radical steps to broaden friendship circles from late Jan to May. Social life brings career blessings. Amazing opportunities to do with overseas or academia, which were hinted at last year, transform your life unbelievably in 2010.
Love: An erotic spring fling? Fateful love affair the likes of which you have never experienced before? From Sept 9 and for the rest of the year, you have your ruling planet Venus in the House of Love. It’s an extraordinary time for you in romance. Expect the most amazing synchronicity to connect you to people with whom you experience an instant and intense attraction. If you’re pair-bonded, temptation from an outside person may be an issue.
Style: Girlish in-a-good-way, on message with trends & lithe-figured, Gemini is the Zodiac Fashionista. As career takes off from late January, you’re inspired into a sleeker work wardrobe & polished presentation. You are your greatest investment. Pearls are your signature astro-jewel, wear-anywhere and always divine. Late April to June is your zone for zapping yourself into a whole new level of looks, charm and clothes-savvy. Un-rut yourself and live large.
Happiness: Personal freedom increases in 2010, along with fantastic career openings, prosperity and general success. You finalise an ongoing home, ex-lover or family situation by April. July is financially momentous: a new biz, marrying into money or bigtime promotion are all potential themes. Creative Geminis enjoy a huge degree of inspiration and recognition in the second half of the year. From Sept, work life takes on a strangely sensual and flirtatious edge.
Love: Thanks to Saturn at play, you are now way more cunning and manipulative in dating. You refuse to engage with anyone won’t afford you the respect you require to feel cool. Fertility & children could easily be an issue. Solo Gems are highly likely to meet a major love interest (not just a weirdo or player) in late January/early Feb, late May/early June. But all 2010 you enjoy fantastic social encounters and intense flirtations that flare up in seconds.
Style: Yours is the most classic and romantic look of all. Fresh fashion with vintage styling suits your old-worldly beauty along with intricate archetypal jewels & accessories. Your flowers are the pink lotus, symbol of spiritual love, the lily and white rose. Silver is the Cancerian metal & moonstone the jewel of your soul. In 2010 you streamline the time-money equation by happening upon a designer who so totally gets your ideal look that it’s like clairvoyance.
Happiness: From late May till September, you benefit from sugar-dad Jupiter and radical Uranus in your vocational sector. This is the start of a cool and more prosperous new era for Crabby careers. Shake off rusty old limitations – dream big. The main themes of your year is travel, long-distance love, the higher mind and realising your most visionary dreams. September and November are extra brilliant for overseas junkets, business trips and finding yourself.
Love: A calmer and wiser you beams radiant, sexy self-reliance to the world and it affects your romantic realm for the better. Since late 2008, your love life has been way more passionate and karmic, a vehicle for your transformation. This process continues and if you have not yet, you begin a brilliant, intense and fulfilling Big Love story in 2010. September onward is hot, thanks to Venus in mystical mode. Fate reconnects you with someone from your Past.
Style: Suitably, for luxe-loving you, your lucky jewellery is gold and yellow sapphire. Wear both to enhance your gilded Leo beauty. Cash flows from May and you may enjoy money from unexpected sources. All the better to fund your unabashed love of beauty, art elegance & pleasure. Good living is not at all shallow to you.You make it an art. Your taste is singular, expensive & often ornate but you enhance the world and brighten the very air around you.
Happiness: In mid-January you initiate your most stunning health and chic physique metamorphosis ever. This year you’re also learning to love the biz side of creativity & your life. Until March 11, be tactical with everyone, especially career v.i.p.s. Play things strategically enough and March to June represents a jubilant professional phase in which you lap up lavish reward and recognition. A mid-year work trip or offshore biz interests are out of routine but so worth it.
Love: Romance is more mystical, strange and inexplicable than ever. You attract the most fascinating of lovers and there is a deep dimension of soulful emotion running through even the most seemingly simple of attractions. Destiny is at play and your dreams message you many clues as to your relationships. Pair-bonded Leos may be tempted by outside potential partners and ambiguity of attachments. Mid-2010 is off-the-scale hot for sudden love affairs.
Style: A sophisticated eye, ability to edit and fastidious fashion details consciousness ensures you are always chic. You’re a jewellery diva – jasper and peridot are your cosmically assigned rocks – but you favour subtle genius over overtly flash bling. The craft is all, as it is with your clothes. One brilliantly devised & rendered item of anything trumps a thousand cheap bits of tat. This year, especially from September, you are more overtly sensual in your image.
Happiness: Ditch people who drain your Qi or otherwise take your goodness for granted. Artistically, it’s time to put it out there. Anticipate dramatic changes in friendships, with some surprise re-entries back into your life. Bizarre but brilliant alternative health practices benefit beauty, well-being and peace of mind. Many of you are clucky, having babies and/or loving chez Virgo and family life more than ever. From July, you reinvent yourself as a biz whiz.
Love: It’s your absolute most officially lucky phase for true love in 12 years. For the first time since 1998, you have got lucky Jupiter gracing your relationship sector. The optimal times for love: January 18 till June 6 and then September onward. Existing partnerships are blessed – you two can definitely profit together. Solo Virgos meet a new person who is extremely good for you, an official ‘catch’ and adoring of you. A positive attitude helps unlock the luck.
Style: As your appreciation for gorgeous clothes and cosmetics testifies, Libra is the archetypal sign of beauty. In 2010, you have Saturn in your sign to contend with. This is your cosmic cue to add in a strategic element to image and grooming. Self-control and planning bring brilliant results when aligned with your natural-born feminine prettiness. Saturn also signifies investment jewellery and the desire to measure time with a meaningful watch.
Happiness: Saturn in your sign only happens once every 29 years, prompting you to unleash courage and a steelier persona onto those who would underestimate you. Don’t let them mistake your incredible charm for weakness. You enjoy fabulously transformative home stars and the chance to radically alter chez Libra so that it is far more you. Jan and July coincide with significant shifts in real estate, your key residence, attitudes to family and décor concepts.
Love: A mid-year love quake may manifest as a surprise suitor or your sudden yearnings to be emancipated. This astro-passage only occurs once every 84 years and it’s affecting you from June. Think fast change, a thrilling romantic life and unconventional relationships. eg; A way younger lover, someone who lives far away. However this plays out, expect that your boredom threshold is going to be much lower. Pity the person who tries to fence you in.
Style: Scorps are either witches skulking in sheep’s clothing – yoga wear, urban warrior conservative office uniform – or they’re insanely charismatic and dramatic. With macho Mars dominating your public image sector until June, you now switching to full stun mode 24-7. Think in terms of your cosmic colours –blue and purple – with extreme design that only you could carry off. You’re adept at scent warfare and topaz is your personal powerstone.
Happiness: You’re ultra-fertile, both mentally and physically. Kids play a magical role in your life and you in theirs. You get off more than ever on your world, becoming a bona-fide life enhancer. Money merde fades from February and you enjoy a pioneering new sense of ease in career realms. June onwards is about awesome work opportunities and the chance to operate from a position of hyped freedom, if not total autonomy. You’re taking charge & feeling hot.
Love: From January 18, you have auspicious Jupiter beefing up fun and romance. You also have a high chance of meeting thrill-seeker style guys chez work. Options are multiplying non-stop. Your new relationship mantra? More fun – less fear. But the most significant love developments actually occur from September and into early 2011, as Venus spends way longer than usual in your sign, a wonderful omen for happy times and true love.
Style: Gorgeous citizen of the world that you are, your signature style is ravingly eclectic. Yes, turquoise is your official and lucky stone but you’ll grab anything that takes your fancy and make it your own. The Sagg speciality is combining haute and low, to devastating effect. eg; faded old jeans with a diamond tennis bracelet. A long gown for dinner by the beach with sandy bare feet. You’re getting wealthier in 2010, all the better to manifest your unique vision.
Happiness: You are renowned for candour and this obviously does not make you the greatest corporate player in history. But this year you enjoy a far greater degree of basic smarts when it comes to biz and work situations. Use April to June for redefining your vocational stance and upskilling if appropriate. Sensational opportunities arrive in July; Be prepped. Any time from September is spectacular for a retreat or deeply personal journey of discovery.
Love: Late May through to mid-August is when the fun begins. Think: Sudden romance, lust at first sight and exciting trips undertaken in the name of love. From September, you are in a situation where your relationship life feels blended with spiritual pursuits. As your ruler, lucky Jove, is in the home sector, you’ve a huge chance of hooking up with a new love interest via your family or a childhood friend. It’s also a prime time for fertility and babies.
Style: Capricorn is cosmically blessed with beautiful bone structure, good taste and the ability to look younger with every year. Your gem is the gorgeous garnet and platinum your appropriately power-vibing metal. You are in Phoenix mode all year, particularly in February and it is time to slough off vestiges of out-moded routines, much-loved but no-longer-you accessories and wardrobe. Unclutter so that fresh energies of renewal can enter your life.
Happiness: Life gives you the chance to be absolutely and radiantly yourself. It’s individuation to the max. You crave to be appreciated for nothing less than your authentic self. This attitude permeates every aspect of your life. Tres deep and oddly enough, profitable. You attract like-minded peeps to work and play with. The Solar Eclipse in your sign on January 15 is major; your real New Year and the best starred time to set some serious goals.
Love: Relationships that are basically fake, for convenience, to show that you can ‘get’ someone or inequitable dissolve. You’re not interested in wasting time on go-nowhere flirtations or dysfunctional lovers. Oddly enough your empowered new boundary-setting has love interests falling over themselves to pursue you. If you are looking to meet someone, Sept to November is your zone and it will be a relationship of immediate significance and depth.
Style: You discover or create a signature style early on in life, and constantly retweak it to suit where you’re at right now. That’s the Aqua way. You’re always eco-conscious, avant-garde and trend-forward of course. Your serenity-enhancing stone is the Amethyst although if you could tile your bathroom-sanctuary in lapiz lazuli, you would. In this year of more demand for your expertise, organise your wardrobe so it’s auto-chic, no angsting on your part.
Happiness: Jupiter, the luckiest planet of all, is in your $$$ sector from January 18 to early June & then again from Sept 9 for the rest of the year. These phases coincide with magnificent money scenarios. It only occurs once every 12 years so do your utmost to co-operate with the cosmic largesse. In early June, Jupiter meets your patron planet Uranus. This is the best time in ages to launch a new enterprise or be daring in any regard whatsoever.
Love: Whilst a significant romance may seem to stall in the first few months of 2010, it is all back on track with Mars Direct on March 11. 2010 is a joyous and thrilling years for romance ever, especially April/May. Remember that this sort of astroscape, whilst exciting, does not so much favour steady and regular loving, as it does a surfeit of pleasure and fun. The New Moon on August 10 is your cue to clarify the direction of a relationship.
Style: Jupiter affords you far more options for lavish living than you have had in a while. So take advantage of these celestial blessings to better define your look. Think; fresh make-up strategies & the symbolic new beginning of an extreme lingerie makeover. The Piscean gem is the Aquamarine and all variations of the colour become you as well. The part of the body ruled by your sign is the feet; beautiful shoes are thus vital to spiritual wellbeing.
Happiness: Pluto in your Social Sector transforms every element of your friendships. People whom you thought would be in your life forever may fade out for a while and you form fantastic new connections with enviable ease and speed. If you can consciously think in terms of expanding your social networks, the benefits are unbelievable. Jupiter in Pisces is about your self-confidence and opportunities blossoming. You’re particularly prosperous in mid-2010.
Love: Since late 2007, you have been under the pump, learning untold love lessons, thanks to Saturn in the relationship sector. Now, apart from a little flashback from April to July, you’re done with angst and are ready to shift into a more fun and flowing romance reality. But keep the emotional self-reliance & sophistication you have picked up. Magical months for romance include Jan/Feb and from September onward and into January 2011.
To gain access to rad tidbits & special offers, as well as daily emails in simple but hilarious language that detail what is going on in the sky, how it affects you & what you can do about it, nab a six month subscription to Daily Mystic! Click below to find out the secret price! (You won’t be charged unless you decide to actually buy!) P.S. It is usually $55!
To you from me, Pinky Lee!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [46] Tags: astrology,
consumption,
life Add Gala on Twitter!Win A Bunnyhead Ring From Alegorie!
[ 7 January 2010, 14:18 ]
Bonjour, bonjour!
I am back from my holiday feeling rested, rejuvenated & ready to go! So it is with utmost delight that I announce the very first giveaway of 2010 — a silver bunnyhead ring from Alegorie!
It’s made by Proverb, which is a New Zealand-based (represent!) accessories brand. It’s about 7 1/4” in size, & not adjustable, but should fit at least one finger on most women’s hands! This one is plated in white silver but you can pick a gold plated finish if you prefer! Isn’t it beautiful?! I wear mine almost every day!
Rabbits are considered extremely lucky, even sacred. Long ago, people believed that spirits inhabited the bodies of animals. The ancient European Celts thought that rabbits particularly were inhabited by numina & underground spirits. (This is called animism & is really fascinating!)
Rabbits can be thought of as tricksters, symbols of innocence & youth, sexuality (hello, Playboy!), health, abundance & prosperity, rebirth (hello, Easter!), parties & indulgence (hello, Ometotchtli!), blessed luck & even good weather! A bunnyhead ring is the perfect thing to get you through two-thousand-&-amen!
One lucky nonpareil will WIN her very own bunnyhead ring! How do you get in on the fun?
Leave a comment below telling us what you are most excited about in 2010! It can be one line or an essay — whatever you feel comfortable with! Whether it’s travel to a distant land, seeing your lover again or finally getting out of school, we want to hear it!
I think I am personally most excited about seeing my parents again, being madly in love (aw) & making lots of career magic! I am also over-the-moon & totally obsessing about going to India later in the year! (!!!!!!!!!)
Okay lover, you have a week to enter! The contest is open to everyone all over the globe & runs until next Thursday (the 14th). The winner will be chosen at random & emailed for their address & details (so please make sure you put your real email address in the comment form)!
Only one nonpareil will win but everyone is entitled to a 15% discount on all Alegorie purchases throughout the month of January! All you need to do is enter DARLING15 during checkout!
Thanks so much to Alicia of Alegorie for making this happen… & best of luck!
P.S. Since I know you’re going to ask, my nailpolish is OPI’s DS Elegance! xo
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [816] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Love & Sequins #7!
[ 22 December 2009, 10:47 ]
Happy holidays from magical, snowy New York City! I’m really excited to announce the latest installment of Love & Sequins, my monthly podcast series.
Love & Sequins #7: BLOGGING 101 — Living & loving online, monetisation in the new world & thinking beyond the 9-5!
On December 16th, iCiNG celebrated its third birthday. In the past three years, my site has been visited by over 13 million people, I have been offered jobs at magazines & invited to speak on panels. Best of all, I have done what so many people think is the impossible dream: I have made a living as a writer & blogger.
Throughout the course of my blogging career, people have asked me how it’s possible to earn a living in this field. In this installment of my podcast, I explain how I’ve achieved my goals. From iCiNG’s tiny beginnings to the global influence it has today, I detail every step of the way. I lay it all on the table for you with complete honesty & transparency.
Love & Sequins #7 is a whopping 14,000 words — with the MP3 running for over an hour — discussing how to run a successful (read: popular & lucrative) blog!
In this chapter, you’ll learn about:
How to create a truly popular blog
A variety of ways in which you can monetise your blog (& think outside the box when doing so)
The bare-all truth of how I earn my living
How I primped, preened & promoted iCiNG from the very beginning
The complete low-down on finding readers (& giving them what they really want!)
Some of the biggest mistakes I’ve made & the steps I’d take if I had to start all over again
What to do when your visitor numbers start to drop or plateau
How you can use your blog to secure other opportunities to generate cash or press
The current trends in the blogosphere & how to capitalise on them
Navigating ethics & integrity online
Things to consider before you get in bed with a big company
Why comments aren’t everything
Figuring out how much of your life you want to share online
Hustling your way to the top
...& plenty more!
The entire podcast is packed with real, anecdotal, actionable advice, as well as a reading list & a slew of homework assignments! If it doesn’t make you a better blogger, I will eat one of my many hats!
I sent it to my friend before it went live, & he emailed me, saying…
“One more thought: It’s not about blogging. It’s about ANY online business. I.E., pretty much any modern business at all. Blogging is just an example, and at that, really a very small part of it. I read it, thinking about what I was doing, nodding & going, “Yep, good advice, yep, can use that”. ... Loved your comment about your core audience. Great advice about managing online rep. The list of ‘little things’ is frickin’ brilliant. High density, high value. All in all? Damn, that’s one high value podcast. Amazing stuff.” — S.
How does it work? If you just want this chapter, it’s a one-off payment of $12. Alternatively, you can subscribe monthly (& get all the back-issues) with 12 payments of $10, or pick up the whole thing for $7 an issue (a one-off payment of $84)!
Note! This chapter doesn’t detail the technical nitty-gritty of how to set-up & start a blog. If that’s what you need to know, check this out! Love & Sequins #7 was written more specifically for people who want to optimise & capitalise on what they already have.
Here’s a rundown on what the previous chapters were all about! Each installment is 10,000 words or more & full of love!
Love & Sequins #1: LEARNING TO LOVE YOURSELF — Self-adoration, manifesting your ideal persona, channelling your inner Marie Antoinette & everything in between!
“This podcast has been tremendously helpful. It has indeed resonated deeply in all of the tiny crevices of my being where I’ve been hiding my hopes and dreams and instead allowing myself to be swallowed by fear and doubt. I couldn’t agree more that we all know that self-confidence and self-love are the root of success, of living the positive inspired lives we all dream about. And yet, until now it escaped me that I could practice at being confident. That I could slowly develop these skills over time. I had a huge a-ha moment – of course it won’t happen overnight! Of course it’s about making small changes, adjusting my mindset and perceptions in the moment… Thank you for letting your own light shine as it has given me permission and inspiration to do the same. I’m deeply grateful.” — L.
“Dude. I’m just listening to your podcast now. Honestly, I was a little apprehensive because I’ve noticed your content on iCiNG has changed a little. This is the stuff. SIGH! RELIEF! CONGRATULATIONS. Don’t ever forget how much the ‘nonpareils’ have their hearts out there for you. Me included always always always. You’re just GOOD, you know? Substantial and full of perspective, dripping with sticky as honey vocabulary. Plus your voice is so badass.” — S.
Love & Sequins #2: THE SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO BUSINESS — Taking control of your life, finding your passion, loving what you do & making mad bling!
“Thank you so much for your inspiration. it really gave me the kick up the bum that I needed. I was always afraid to take a creative income path, for fear that my talent was lacking. I still have these insecurities, but I realise that right now, while I’m young, enthusiastic and motivated is the very best time to give it a shot. If it doesn’t work out, then I’ll try something different. if it is a success, then maybe it will give me the confidence to try some other more innovative ideas.” — V.
“I am writing to you in regard to a project that I started as a result of your lovely site. I guess you could call me one of your inspired non-pareils. Wikifashion began as an idea around one year ago and I never really had the “chutzpah” to give it a go until I purchased your podcast on “being your own boss”. I fell asleep listening to that podcast every night for a week, taking it all in and furiously scribbling down notes. It was so groundbreaking for me and every word that you spoke really resonated with me. Thank you for inspiration and words of wisdom.” — M.
Love & Sequins #3: LOVE, SEX, THE GALAXY & EVERYTHING — From falling in love to co-habitation, & all the beauty & madness contained within!
“Gala, I loved this one! I listened to it as soon as you sent it. I’ve always been kind of a cynic when it comes to love, but I think I’m ready to let my guard down and take the plunge. The ‘love self-evaluation’ and ‘figuring out what you want from a partner’ parts stood out the most to me, and I’m definitely going to take the time to write and reflect on these areas. Thank you so much!” — D.
“This was supermegaawesome good! I like the way it flows and sounds natural… Like you’re whispering good advice in my ear! And also I was walking my dog while listening to this and 3 or 4 times I just burst out laughing at some of the things you said; a lot of strange looks! Please keep this up, they’re all super good and I really do owe a lot to you!” — V.
Love & Sequins #4: A GUIDE TO MANNERS FOR THE MODERN MINX — Etiquette, social graces & charming the pants off total strangers for the uninitiated!
“i just listened to this & it’s SO helpful, you have no idea. thank you, thank you, thank you! i’ve always been pretty socially awkward & it’s only gotten worse the past year or two & i’ve really been wanting to change that, but never knew where/how to start… i’m sure i’ll listen to it many more times :] & absolutely do the homework.” — M.
“Gala, you have truly hit the spot once more! I sat there nodding to myself, smiling with recognition, laughing out loud and thinking WOW this girl inspires me to change the world too as I listened to the 4th Love&Sequins. Thank you so much wonderful!” — A.
Love & Sequins #5: FINDING HAPPINESS & MAKING IT STAY — Choosing joy, making magic & devoting your life to love, adventure & deliciousness!
“Thank you Gala for this one. It is your best yet and came at a perfect moment as the universe so decided. Starting today I will be happier, stronger person, set my goals and achieve them. I will be happy because I can be and I am going to take responsibility for myself and my emotions and not blame it on anyone else. Thank you a million…think you gave me the push I needed to achieve my goal and be happy in the mean time. Thanks again! Stay magical stay wonderful stay powerful and never stop moving forward!!” — S.
“I can honestly say this is the best $12 you will ever spend. I’ve been seeing a psychologist for the past 6 months… What Gala has produced is that 6 months of therapy all wrapped up into an hour long podcast. Her advice about choosing how you react to situations is the most helpful life advice you may ever receive.” — K.
Love & Sequins #6: DAINTIER, SMARTER, BETTER DRESSED — A deluxe guide to looking truly fabulous, defining your personal style & being the best-dressed girl at any party!
“thanks again!! What lovely, positive inspiration for everybody! I’m stoked for my wardrobe challenge, and excited to put together new outfits and think a little outside the box. you are officially my new hero!!” — B.
“This months’ Love and Sequins was my favorite so far. It is clearly a subject that you feel very passionate about, and that really came across in the podcast… This podcast really inspired me, and even while I was listening to it, I had a pad of paper next to me and was jotting down outfit ideas and sketching possible combinations.” — V.
Pick ‘em all up with either of these options!
“I’m so glad I paid for all them upfront. Now every month I get a delicious chapter to inspire and thrill me. It’s one of my favourite pick-me-ups.” — L.
As always, I appreciate your support, encouragement & excitement so much! Thank you for coming along with me on this amazing journey!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [31] Tags: consumption,
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podcast Add Gala on Twitter!Christmas Gifts For The Nervous Or Otherwise Woefully Underprepared
[ 1 December 2009, 15:04 ]
Last year’s Christmas tree!
The holidays can be a difficult time. Despite the fairy lights (yay!), great nosh & sense of magic, there’s also pressure from all sides, insane expectations & of course, constant, horrible Christmas music being piped in from the depths of hell. (My number one holiday tip is to wear headphones all month!)
It can be so hard to find presents for people because most people buy for themselves what they really need, meaning that you’re usually scrambling for a gift, & end up buying them crappy tsotchkes & miscellaneous rubbish which will probably disappear into a drawer, never to be seen again.
Well I say, no more! No more gift packs from The Body Shop (the ultimate I-don’t-know-you-at-all present)! No more economy packs of underpants! No more novelty socks & ties! If you have to buy someone something, why not make it something cute, fun or clever?
Here are a bunch of ideas, some of which are surely suitable for at least one or two people you know. It is all online stuff, & I did my best to find stores which shop worldwide. Also, feel free to tell us what you’ve bought (or even better, made!) for people! Your genius insights are always welcome!
So, I wrote about the Cambridge Satchel Company the other day, & lo & behold, I now have my own! I bought a 13” purple satchel which is embossed in silver with MISS DARLING. It is seriously beautiful. The bags come in black, brown, navy blue, pink, red, yellow & purple, so you could get one in your friend’s favourite colour & have it embossed with their nickname or something sweet. It would make a really wonderful gift for anyone!
For your more liberated female friends, you cannot go past Jimmyjane as purveyors of pleasure. Their latest & greatest, the FORM 2, is the best, best, best sex toy I have ever encountered. It is shaped like a bunny head (!!!), oscillates in a variety of patterns, & — let’s be honest — almost made me pass out. Anyone you buy this for will seriously love you forever.
Heaven Help Us is an Etsy store specialising in faux-saints for the troubled. There is even St. Licky, the only dog allowed in heaven. I love it. They have a bunch of great stocking stuffer ideas. One of my favourite things is a mousepad with a picture of a nun on it, to remind you to keep on task at work. Fantastic!
Elizabeth Dilk’s kit to thwart writer’s block is genius. You can’t buy it (unfortunately, it was just a conceptual project) but you could certainly make something similar for a writer in need!
If your friends enjoy a good book, here are some I’ve been digging on recently: Textbook Romance, I Your Style
ModCloth has a really wide assortment of things to please even the fussiest bestie. (Or should that be “beastie”?) Who could be upset about a chandelier?! This flask is ideal for tucking into a lacy garter belt. I love these unicorn keys & this 2010 cupcake calendar too. There’s a shower curtain with a Parisian view, a pink polka-dot espresso set & even What I Wore Today, a fun street-style book featuring me, Nubby Twiglet, my friends Eden & Amelia, & a bunch of other cuties! Plus, ModCloth has free shipping on orders over $75 for a limited time, so get crackin’!
Cosmetics are always a fantastic gift to give or receive. Sephora.com has sets to suit all kinds of people & MAC Cosmetics, old faithful, have released their beautiful holiday collection. If you’re not quite sure of your giftee’s tastes or needs, buy them a voucher. Pretty much every woman will be happy with this kind of thing!
You could make a DIY catalogue of love — though it seems to me this is more a gift a woman would appreciate. (Before you go bonkers at me, I know there are oodles of sensitive guys out there but honestly in my experience, most of ‘em prefer stuff they can use!)
If someone you know is getting a new laptop or phone for Christmas, you could always get them a GelaSkin featuring work by their favourite artist. Or you could create your own — the website has a little wizard where you can make one out of anything you like! It’s really easy to do — look at this iPhone cover! Hee.
I know I plug her all the time but I really do love this woman. Give your cool, quirky friend a gift subscription to Mystic Medusa & they’ll get all the astrological info they’ll ever need. Even better, Mystic has just created a little scheduler for each month, so you can see which days are best for business, lurve, yoga, parties, etc.! It is so good, & as I have said a billion times, hers are always the first emails I read in the morning.
More astro-yummies: buy your best friend a chart reading with my boy Christopher from Soulgarden! He gave me one last week & it was BRILLIANT. They go for an hour or 90 minutes, it happens over the phone or via Skype & you even get a recording of it emailed to you afterwards. I love love love him & I promise your friend will be delighted.
Fred Flare has a major assortment of gifts at different price points. TokyoMilk scented travel candles sound delicious — Let Them Eat Cake smells of sugar cane, coconut & vanilla, while Cherry Bomb is all roses & chocolate. Yum! They do perfumes, too. Cotton candy toothpicks would make for a rad stocking stuffer. These polaroid notes are ideal for your super-polite friend who worships Miss Manners & is obsessed with writing thank you notes. The sweet treats glitter postcard tin might do the trick too!
Urban Outfitters has so much cool stuff in their online store right now, such as these monogram pillowcases, marquee alphabet lights, wire frame 10” letters, initial keyrings & necklaces (yes, I love anything with a letter on it), a set of three French notebooks (ahem, cahiers!), sun jars for the SAD-afflicted, Alice in Wonderland glasses set, damsel wallpaper (s to the woon), cardboard taxidermy for the squeamish, a snow globe frame (I had one of these years ago), fortune or moustache bandages, a violet fisheye camera, etc. I also really love this fainting sofa but it might be a tricky gift to give… Maybe you could just buy it for yourself for Christmas! Anyway, have a look around, they really do have some excellent stuff. I Urban Outfitters but I would caution, read the reviews on the items first. Sometimes their quality can be a little hit or miss. (Like for example these sequinned slips which would have been perfect for pretty much everything BUT have all been folded & thus ruined. Boo! Booooooo! I was going to wear them tucked into high-waisted skirts & now all my hopes & dreams have been RUINED! Okay, I’m done.)
I think pyjamas make a great present. Everyone needs something to sleep in (uh, except those people who sleep naked year-round). Wrap them nicely & maybe throw in a silk eye-mask for good measure. Why not make a cozy sleeping kit which includes brand new, 1000 threadcount pillowcases, pyjamas, a lavender candle (good for inducing snoozing) & a good bedtime book? Hello Kitty has pyjamas for DAYS, Victoria’s Secret has every kind of sleepwear you could possibly imagine, from slinky slips to candy-striped & polka-dotted PJs, Peter Alexander does super-cute slumber party duds (they even have sequinned knickers) & if you want to get really wacky, Sleepyheads does pyjamas with feet... (So does Target!) Plum Pretty Sugar on Etsy makes lovely robes, too.
For your friend with the sweet tooth, a let me eat cake t-shirt or a candy bar charm bracelet will make her smile so wide you’ll see every single one of her cavities. It’s a little too late for this, but maybe it will go on sale?! A girl can dream. How about Barbie edible lipstick, a 1950s Barbie chocolate bar, a piece of cake gift basket for the Marie Antoinette obsessed, some milk chocolate mittens (?!) or a horoscope chocolate bar? (If only the flavours matched the signs in some way. The Virgo bar could taste like cleaning products, while the Aries bar could taste like gasoline… Not that they would be very tasty.) Or you could just buy her a case of Wonka bars or the World’s largest candy cane & call it a day. (Maybe you should also book her an appointment to see the dentist.)
Other ideas: A Polaroid camera & a couple of packs of film will make pretty much anyone smile & definitely cement them as a hit at their new year’s eve party. The One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book is great for writers or people who love to document their lives. The 2010 Bubble Calendar, which has a bubble to pop every day, is truly excellent. These Photoshop fridge magnets make me smile. I LOVE this calendar tape. & finally, Gilt Groupe has THE BEST & most amazing sales all the time. If you’re looking for a party dress, it is the place to be. Yesterday they had Erin Fetherston dresses at a fraction of the price, & Gilt Fuse has Betsey Johnson party dresses for under $100. But they also have beautiful pens, spa vouchers, jewellery & homewares, so it is definitely a great source for fabulous Christmas gifts if you want to really impress someone!
P.S. If you are going the online shopping route — which is truly so much more sane than braving the crowds — be sure to order early! If you put it off, your gifts will not arrive in time! Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
So… what are you buying your nearest & dearest this year? Are you giving big diamond baubles, unicorn soft toys, old pulp paperbacks or bubblegum tattoo collections? Or are you skipping out on the consumerism & going DIY? Let us know!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [54] Tags: consumption,
how to Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit: 24th November 2009
[ 25 November 2009, 18:38 ]
Greetings from New York City, where it is starting to get really, really cold!
Faux-leather jacket from H&M
Wrap cardigan by Paula Ryan (worn undone)
Building A Mystery dress from ModCloth
Belt from Forever 21
Ripped black stockings
Faux Doc Martens from Forever 21
Bag from Forever 21
Fingerless gloves from St Mark’s Place
The Dish took these photos of me outside Credit Suisse on Madison Avenue. We had just eaten burgers & sipped milkshakes outside at the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park, & were killing time until P.O.S. went onstage at the Gramercy Theatre…
He was fantastic — of course. He’s playing Philly tonight & a bunch of other dates. You should go. If you don’t enjoy his set, I will eat my hat! I swear!
ModCloth sent me this dress a little while ago, & I like it so so much. At first I thought it might be too short, but it’s actually perfect. I removed the fabric belt & replaced it with this one from Forever 21 which we’ll call “an homage” to the belt they used with pretty every much every dress in the Sex & The City movie (nicknamed Roger). The dress is fab though. You can make it pretty with a headband & Mary Janes or messy with studs & rips, like I did. I like mess. Good for the soul, innit?
I wish I had better photos, but it was very low light low life. (See what I did there?)
To ease the pain, the product shot is below so you can see it in all its glory. Yummy!
I leave you with the face I make in real life about 80% of the time!
Okay, now I am going to go work up an appetite for Thanksgiving! Lots of love to you!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
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gala Add Gala on Twitter!Over-The-Knee Boots: How To Do It
[ 24 November 2009, 15:57 ]
Left: Pretty Woman. Right: Hussein Chalayan.
Over-the-knee boots are constantly going in & out of fashion, & have done since the time of pirates. Yarrr! They were daily-wear for pirates, who often turned the cuffs down, as well as crazy adventurers & buccaneers, who wore them as protection while they were riding & often hid things inside them. Like a treasure chest for the leg, to be sure, to be sure, yarrr! YARRR! Women started wearing them in secret too, because they wanted in on the fun, & would hide them under their long skirts.
The style comes & goes, & in the last couple of years, they have drifted back into style again. We’ve noticed them on the likes of Carine Roitfield & Victoria Beckham, & designers, who have the beadiest eyes of all, have not missed this. Now practically every shoe store has a pair in their front window, & we start to think, ‘Hmmm, I wonder how that would look on me’. But just putting them on takes stacks of confidence, & then, you think, as you stare at yourself in the mirror (& everyone in the shop gawps at you), ‘What the hell would I even wear these with, anyway?’.
My darling, I am here to help. Here is my guide to rocking the most fabulous trend of the season.
Questions for the quivery-kneed.
Can I really pull this off?
Remember that the over-the-knee boot is a STATEMENT. What the statement is, exactly, is up to you, but it is probably more along the lines of, “I am a powerful bellatrix & I am not to be trifled with” than “Here is your library card & a photocopied hand-out of the Dewey Decimal System”. Knawmean? This is not a shoe for the shrinking violet. If your legs are your least favourite attribute, or if cannot handle oodles of attention from men on the street (because believe me, you’ll get it), you should not purchase a pair. Stick to your Hush Puppies or whatever. But if you’re up for a challenge, & if you want to throw down the delicious, fetishy gauntlet, then these are for you.
I don’t really think my thighs are my best feature. Should I go for it anyway?
It all depends on how self-conscious you are. If a stranger’s swiftest glance at your gams sends you into a hyperventilating panic, perhaps you should give this one a miss. All is not lost, though — over-the-knee boots look best when worn with black opaque stockings, so it’s not like you’re really showing them off all that much. Super-secret-hint: ribbed stockings (where the lines run vertically up your leg) will give you a slimmed-down, long & lean-looking thigh without the hassle of going to the gym or giving up eating fried chicken sandwiches every second night!
Top: Chloe, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, Versace, Michael Kors.
Bottom: Gucci, Stella McCartney, Kelsi Dagger, Halston, Prada, Juicy Couture.
Okay, I want to go for it. Should I buy a flat boot or one with a heel?
It really depends on what you’re most comfortable in & what you think you’ll get the most wear out of. I feel that a heel is always more flattering, especially when it comes to something like a high boot which can sometimes make even the leggiest lass look a bit… well… stumpy. But if you loathe wearing heels & wobble violently whenever you even think about a pair, flat boots are probably more your speed.
How high should the boot go?
I think a few centimetres over the knee is best. True thigh-high boots don’t give you a lot of room left over, & can look more like waders than sexy boots. But you know your style best. Try on a few different boots to find out what is most flattering for your body.
Should I go for leather or synthetic?
Leather boots are certainly more expensive, but if it’s in your budget (& fits with your morals), leather is the way to go. Why? Synthetic leather doesn’t breathe, it doesn’t sit as well against the skin (it can look kind of wrinkly & naff), & it’s less durable. Sometimes the colour will rub off or it will crack or split. It also looks cheaper, & because this is a look that can go wrong very easily, looking cheap is to be avoided!
This is not to say you cannot go synthetic; of course, you can. Just make sure you buy the best ones you find. It is worth shopping around (though really, this is true for everything).
If you decide to go for leather, here is a note about suede, because there are a lot of very attractive suede over-the-knee boots on the market. As beautiful as it is, & as wonderfully cosy as leather boots are in the winter, you need to be careful wearing suede boots in the rain. The occasional sprinkle of rain won’t ruin them (just be sure to put trees in them & let them dry out when you get home), but if they get soaked, you’ll be a very sad bunny. The dye in suede also runs like MAD when it gets wet, & it stains. You can Scotchgard your suede boots to protect them from the weather but still, use your common sense. While you are wearing them, don’t wash the car, drink too many cocktails beside a swimming pool, run a marathon during a tropical storm, etc.
PVC & patent leather boots should be avoided too, unless you are really, really, really sure you can pull it off. See: Pretty Woman.
Ugh, I tried on a pair & they don’t stay up when I walk around!
If they don’t stay up, don’t buy them! Realise that they may not be the right boots for you & continue with your search. Constantly tugging on the top of them will drive you bonkers, & if this is the case, know that there is no guaranteed way to keep them up. Liberal applications of Hollywood (or double-sided) tape will do the trick for a while, but even this is not a pinky-swear promise. Sometimes it won’t work. If the top of the boot is super-thin, you can attach suspender belt straps to them, but make sure the belt fits or your boots will just drag that down too! You see where I am going with this: ill-fitting over-the-knee boots will just create more problems than they are worth. If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing properly. Don’t half-ass this one.
As well as making sure they stay up, they should also fit your thigh properly. Think snug, but not so tight your thighs go all bulgy like an unfortunate shibari incident. If you’re swimming in them, it will either a) ruin the proportions you’re trying to go for, or b) make you look like a pirate. I know, I know, yarrrrrrrr, the history & all is cool, but is Anne Bonny really your style icon?
Okay, I bought some! Now, what do I wear with these suckers?
The truth is that the first image that comes to mind for pretty much everyone is Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, & as charming as she was, she is not the woman we’re hoping to emulate. The best way to avoid looking like you are a woman of the night is to go for contrast (otherwise known as not being too obvious) & not show everything off at once. Over-the-knee boots are all about legs, which means your outfit shouldn’t also be geared to showing off your midriff or cleavage. (This is a pretty basic rule of dressing — you don’t show everything at once, unless you are stuck in Las Vegas & have to turn tricks to get home again.)
Remember that when you put an outfit together, your shoes only convey part of the message — so what you wear them with counts.
Think about proportions. Your boots are long & fitted, so go bigger on top. How would it look if you added a slouchy sweater or a big coat cinched in at the waist? What about a long t-shirt or a radically cut a-line skirt? You could wear them over skinny jeans with an enormous scarf & a leather jacket, with an oversized cardigan or a jacket with structured shoulders.
You also don’t have to show the entire boot to make the most of them. If you think of them more as leggings or stockings, that can free you up hugely in terms of what you team with them. You could wear them with a 40’s style dress, a pencil skirt or a huge tulle petticoat to wonderful effect.
One of the easiest ways to make an outfit visually interesting is to play with proportions & put unexpected things together. Big with small, tough with luxe, vintage with new. Mix it up & see what you can come up with.
Here are some more ideas!
Zara.
The styling of these two images is delicious. It’s all about proportions. The look with the leather jacket is total perfection from start to finish. She’s wearing her boots over black skinny jeans & under an oversized white shirt, which is capped off with a short leather jacket. The jacket gives the outfit its shape, while the white shirt prevents it from looking too severe. Bravo.
The picture of the girl in the (faux?) fur jacket, cinched with a belt, & worn with black over-the-knee boots is just too yummy for me to even pontificate over. If I owned all the components of that outfit, you would be hard pressed to get me to wear anything else. Ever.
In my opinion, what saves these three looks from being trashy is that you’re not even really aware that the models are wearing over-the-knee boots. It’s like a fantastic leathery secret. They just look like they’re wearing fabulous stockings or skinny leather trousers. There is no flash of pale or mottled thigh & not a hint of fishnet. They look powerful, sexy & put-together.
The Hussein Chalayan look is from Fall 2006, & is a total winner. You could wear this outfit to work, after-work drinks, or even on a date with a bit of dazzling jewellery. It’s perfectly understated & just a little bit intimidating all at the same time.
I LOVE how Alice Burdeu (Australia’s Next Top Model winner!) looks in McQueen — totally makes me think of a headmistress at a strict-but-sexy (hey, it’s my imagination) Edwardian orphanage. So good. “No, Oliver! You may NOT have some more!”
I can’t say anything about the Givenchy look because I just drowned in my own drool. Sorry.
Flair Italia October 2009.
This is perhaps not a look to emulate, but I had to include it just because it’s quite brilliant. It might be a good one for the bedroom, though.
Carine (Editor-In-Chief of French Vogue) shows how it’s done. The sleek silhouette of the boots perfectly off-sets the size of the coat. Her outfit is so simple but it is completely genius — there are so few parts to it, but it works seamlessly & wonderfully. She could be wearing anything under that coat — a Garfield sweatshirt, a pair of sequinned hot pants, a bikini emblazoned with the American flag — but it doesn’t matter because the few pieces we can see are A++. & seriously, look at those boots. Oh, Margiela, you did us proud.
So, what do you think of the over-the-knee boot? Is it something you think you could see yourself wearing? I am totally mad about them, & have been schlepping from store to store trying to find The Perfect Pair. When I do, I’ll be sure to let you know.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [58] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption,
how to,
inspiration,
madame Add Gala on Twitter!Lovely Lavender Ladies
[ 17 November 2009, 10:59 ]
I love lavender. When I was about 4, my parents let me choose what colour I wanted my room to be. I AGONISED over two shades of purple, finally picked one & never looked back. Later, when I was 13, it was time to paint my bedroom again — in a new house this time. Again, I went for lavender. It is, obviously, my favourite colour for a bedroom. In fact, I have only ever had a white or lavender bedroom… & I like it that way.
Why the trip down memory lane? Lavender is going to be big-big-big in the fashion stakes in 2010. The delicate hue was omnipresent on the runway this year, in practically every incarnation possible, from angelic ruffles that bordered on the insane at Viktor + Rolf to floral slips & icy eye-shadow at Dior.
...& the shoes, oh the shoes. I’m so glad platforms have not yet been pushed from their perilous pedestal!
So the lavender craze is great news for people like me, who just cannot get enough. It’s such a lovely shade of purple but please note that it can be hard for some people to pull off. It all depends on the shade, but the paler ones in particular can make a lot of us look like we’re battling to stay alive. If pastels don’t suit you, go a bit brighter. Try violet, or team your lavender pieces with black for contrast.
Again, you can really wear any colour, but if it’s not quite the right shade for you, just don’t wear it next to your face! Lavender leggings (like these from We Love Colors), a pair of gloves or a bottle of nailpolish are an easy & inexpensive way to get in on the fun. Here are some other ideas for those of us who are probably not going to be rocking the latest Burberry Prorsum ensemble any time soon…
(I am absolutely in love with that purple satchel from Cambridge Satchel Company — expect to see me frolicking around with one very soon!)
How else can you bring a little lilac into your life? Try wearing purple with grey, white, yellow or blue. Start using a periwinkle highlighter on your to do list. Let plum-coloured socks peek from above the top of your ankle boots. Wear MAC Cosmetics’ Violet Trance eye-shadow. Drink parfait amour over ice — it is vivid purple, tastes like roses, vanilla & almonds & is my favourite drink bar none. Sign documents in violet ink. Dye your hair with Special Effects in Wildflower (!!!). Wear a big, sparkly purple heart necklace. Paint your nails with OPI DS Mystery. Don a grape Ring Pop. Wrap all your gifts with layer upon layer of violet & lavender tissue paper (& lots of silver stars). Buy a purple collar for your cat or dog. Make a miniature altar to Willy Wonka. Listen to Prince all the time. Buy lavender bed linen.
If you need a little more inspiration, commit this poem to memory. Then go forth & purple!
Warning by Jenny JosephWhen I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people’s gardens
And learn to spit.You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.But now we must have clothes
that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [59] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption,
inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Love & Sequins MP3s
[ 2 November 2009, 18:07 ]
Hello my darlings!
This is a bit of a boring administrative post, so sorry in advance! (I picked a rad picture though, so even if it doesn’t apply to you, you have something good to look at!)
I have been having some issues with my server & the hosting of the MP3s for Love & Sequins. We’ve been looking at it for ages & can’t seem to figure out what the problem is, which is super-frustrating for everyone involved!
However! I’ve just uploaded all the MP3s elsewhere, so if you’ve had trouble wrapping your ears around yours, just forward me your Paypal receipt & I’ll send you an alternative download link!
Sorry for all the inconvenience, but hope this will bring a big grin to your face!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [16] Tags: consumption,
podcast Add Gala on Twitter!Love & Sequins #6 Is Live!
[ 30 October 2009, 17:52 ]
Hooray! Today I sealed my latest Love & Sequins chapter with a kiss & sent it off around the globe!
For those of you who don’t know, or are new (welcome!), Love & Sequins is my monthly podcast series. It’s a book which is all about becoming a love letter to the universe, & you get a chapter sent to your inbox every month! As well as the text (which is at least 10,000 words each time), you also get an MP3 of me reading it aloud to you!
Love & Sequins #6 is called DAINTIER, SMARTER, BETTER DRESSED — A deluxe guide to looking truly fabulous, defining your personal style & being the best-dressed girl at any party!
This is the biggest chapter so far — I actually found it really hard to stop myself writing! (I still have so much I want to say, & think Chapter 7 will be a continuation of this subject.) Love & Sequins #6 weighs in at a MAJOR 20,630 words! It is a veritable style & aesthetic bonanza, loaded with pictures & more ideas than you can shake a stick at. It is super-delicious & a feast for the brain!
Oh, & did I mention that the MP3 runs for an hour & a half?!
It is absolutely perfect for anyone going through a wardrobe crisis, wanting to wear more colour, in the throes of concocting a new style direction or just wanting to get to grips with their aesthetic! You’ll learn how to construct your very own style bible, where to find inspiration & what to do with it once you have it, the story of my personal aesthetic evolution & how to put looks together for maximum impact!
I also included (& made some little additions to, & recorded!) some articles from the iCiNG archive which are totally useful & relevant — but even without those, there are over 12,000 words of brand-spanking new original content!
So how does it work? You can pick up this chapter for $12, you can subscribe monthly for $10 (& will be sent all the back-issues) or you can snap them all up in one fell swoop for $84 (this brings the price down to $7 an issue). You buy them through Paypal, which means you don’t even need a credit card. Boom! You’re WELCOME!
Of course, before this chapter, there were five others! Here’s the low-down on each of them, with some reviews to let you know what you’re in for!
Love & Sequins #1: LEARNING TO LOVE YOURSELF — Self-adoration, manifesting your ideal persona, channelling your inner Marie Antoinette & everything in between!
“This podcast has been tremendously helpful. It has indeed resonated deeply in all of the tiny crevices of my being where I’ve been hiding my hopes and dreams and instead allowing myself to be swallowed by fear and doubt. I couldn’t agree more that we all know that self-confidence and self-love are the root of success, of living the positive inspired lives we all dream about. And yet, until now it escaped me that I could practice at being confident. That I could slowly develop these skills over time. I had a huge a-ha moment – of course it won’t happen overnight! Of course it’s about making small changes, adjusting my mindset and perceptions in the moment… Thank you for letting your own light shine as it has given me permission and inspiration to do the same. I’m deeply grateful.” — L.
“Dude. I’m just listening to your podcast now. Honestly, I was a little apprehensive because I’ve noticed your content on iCiNG has changed a little. This is the stuff. SIGH! RELIEF! CONGRATULATIONS. Don’t ever forget how much the ‘nonpareils’ have their hearts out there for you. Me included always always always. You’re just GOOD, you know? Substantial and full of perspective, dripping with sticky as honey vocabulary. Plus your voice is so badass.” — S.
Love & Sequins #2: THE SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO BUSINESS — Taking control of your life, finding your passion, loving what you do & making mad bling!
“Thank you so much for your inspiration. it really gave me the kick up the bum that I needed. I was always afraid to take a creative income path, for fear that my talent was lacking. I still have these insecurities, but I realise that right now, while I’m young, enthusiastic and motivated is the very best time to give it a shot. If it doesn’t work out, then I’ll try something different. if it is a success, then maybe it will give me the confidence to try some other more innovative ideas.” — V.
“I am writing to you in regard to a project that I started as a result of your lovely site. I guess you could call me one of your inspired non-pareils. Wikifashion began as an idea around one year ago and I never really had the “chutzpah” to give it a go until I purchased your podcast on “being your own boss”. I fell asleep listening to that podcast every night for a week, taking it all in and furiously scribbling down notes. It was so groundbreaking for me and every word that you spoke really resonated with me. Thank you for inspiration and words of wisdom.” — M.
Love & Sequins #3: LOVE, SEX, THE GALAXY & EVERYTHING — From falling in love to co-habitation, & all the beauty & madness contained within!
“Gala, I loved this one! I listened to it as soon as you sent it. I’ve always been kind of a cynic when it comes to love, but I think I’m ready to let my guard down and take the plunge. The ‘love self-evaluation’ and ‘figuring out what you want from a partner’ parts stood out the most to me, and I’m definitely going to take the time to write and reflect on these areas. Thank you so much!” — D.
“This was supermegaawesome good! I like the way it flows and sounds natural… Like you’re whispering good advice in my ear! And also I was walking my dog while listening to this and 3 or 4 times I just burst out laughing at some of the things you said; a lot of strange looks! Please keep this up, they’re all super good and I really do owe a lot to you!” — V.
Love & Sequins #4: A GUIDE TO MANNERS FOR THE MODERN MINX — Etiquette, social graces & charming the pants off total strangers for the uninitiated!
“i just listened to this & it’s SO helpful, you have no idea. thank you, thank you, thank you! i’ve always been pretty socially awkward & it’s only gotten worse the past year or two & i’ve really been wanting to change that, but never knew where/how to start… i’m sure i’ll listen to it many more times :] & absolutely do the homework.” — M.
“Gala, you have truly hit the spot once more! I sat there nodding to myself, smiling with recognition, laughing out loud and thinking WOW this girl inspires me to change the world too as I listened to the 4th Love&Sequins. Thank you so much wonderful!” — A.
Love & Sequins #5: FINDING HAPPINESS & MAKING IT STAY — Choosing joy, making magic & devoting your life to love, adventure & deliciousness!
“Thank you Gala for this one. It is your best yet and came at a perfect moment as the universe so decided. Starting today I will be happier, stronger person, set my goals and achieve them. I will be happy because I can be and I am going to take responsibility for myself and my emotions and not blame it on anyone else. Thank you a million…think you gave me the push I needed to achieve my goal and be happy in the mean time. Thanks again! Stay magical stay wonderful stay powerful and never stop moving forward!!” — S.
“I can honestly say this is the best $12 you will ever spend. I’ve been seeing a psychologist for the past 6 months… What Gala has produced is that 6 months of therapy all wrapped up into an hour long podcast. Her advice about choosing how you react to situations is the most helpful life advice you may ever receive.” — K.
As always my beautiful, thank you so much for your support & encouragement!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [47] Tags: consumption,
how to,
inspiration,
podcast Add Gala on Twitter!A-Morir @ ChinaShop
[ 23 October 2009, 12:18 ]
I discovered A-Morir at the beginning of the year. The Patricia Field Boutique in NYC is a veritable treasure trove of all things colorful, shiny & over-the-top, but even among their choicest pieces, something stood out: a pair of Swarovski crystal-encrusted glasses. The frames were square & oversized, & the crystals were gleaming gunmetal. They made me think of what the World Spelling Bee champion would wear if they’d had a huge (albeit underaged) win in Las Vegas.
You’ve seen A-Morir too– you just don’t know it yet. A-Morir is an accessory line, but customized eyewear is what they’re known for. A-Morir glasses have been donned on The Hills, the red carpet & in a variety of music videos. They’ve adorned the faces of a slew of true modern icons like Cassie, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey & Jazmine Sullivan. A-Morir also counts Rihanna as one of its most enthusiastic supporters, meaning it’s really only a matter of time until this one-girl operation is no longer a top-end secret…
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [23] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption,
inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit: 21st October 2009
[ 22 October 2009, 15:35 ]
Last night, I went to Seam Collective‘s Forte fashion show at the Metropolitan Pavilion. I took Chloe as my date & we had an excellent time. (Understatement!) Also, she took all these photos. She is so good. You should hire her!
Headband from Charlotte Russe
Faux fur (& faux leather!) coat from Bustown Modern on eBay
Gala Darling dress from ModCloth, hooray! It’s been so cold that this is the first time I’ve worn it, & I totally love it! I was a little concerned that maybe it would be too short, but it’s the perfect length on me (I am 5’7”). It’s still out of stock, but ModCloth are getting another shipment in about 3 weeks. If you sign up for notifications on their site, they’ll let you know when they get more in. It is the perfect holiday dress, for real!
Studded belt from Forever 21
Dash fishnet stockings, not sure on the brand, but I bought them at Farmers in New Zealand, ha!
Guess platform patent mary janes, which came from Solestruck
Assorted silver bracelets from Forever 21
Handbag from ModCloth (again with the faux leather)
Detail shots! (Nadine always asks for them… hee!) As you can see, I talk with my hands a LOT. (There are much worse habits!)
I am totally in love with my new coat. It is the perfect length, super-warm & it has nice deep pockets. I am going to wear this to the point of obscenity this winter. & these mary janes are top contenders for favourite shoes ever.
Chloe is adorable. I am trying to devour her in this picture. As you can see, in my absence, we traded hair!
Goodie bags are always interesting. Here I model the latest in… umbrellas!
It’s so good to be back in New York!
Thanks to Seam Collective & Polina for having us!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [44] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!Make The Irregular Choice @ ChinaShop
[ 19 October 2009, 02:03 ]
Irregular Choice has always staked its claim on being totally original, completely out of the box, & super, super-fly. Their designs are just as likely to make your jaw drop as to have you aching to spend your dosh. As the London-based company approaches its 10th year, they have returned to their roots with gusto. The infamous shoe company, headed up by Dan Sullivan, has wholeheartedly outdone itself with its Spring 2010 collection. With amazing prints, insane wedges & thrilling colorways, these will certainly be their most riveting releases yet.
Irregular Choice’s latest adventure is their new line of sneakers, under the moniker ICED — Irregular Choice’s Ethereal Dream. Pulling from inspirations as broad & varied as Harajuku, Barbie & Hawaii. He describes the sneaker range as “kids shoes for adults”. They are incredible, in eye-gouging neon combinations, with clear plastic windows, wild floral panels & even flashing lights in the sole. Small plastic trinkets dangle from the tongue, & they come packaged in the sort of box in which you might expect a My Little Pony…
P.S. Check out Irregular Choice Shoes I Love & The Imaginary People Who Wear Them!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [11] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Interior Design 101
[ 16 October 2009, 14:37 ]
Sometimes all a room needs is one special object to pull everything together & give you a sense of direction.
This is the piece that will set the tone of my office. So happy!
He has also become an impromptu mascot of sorts, which of course means that he needs a name. Any thoughts?
Yorick is a strong contender…
(Glitter skull bought in a random gift store in the East Village, though you could make your own easily [polystyrene skull + spray adhesive + glitter]; sequinned mouse ears from Disneyland.)
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [66] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption,
inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Happy Birthday Coco De Mer!
[ 8 October 2009, 19:11 ]
Clockwise: Lascivious Natalie body suspender; Jimmyjane Little Chroma; Coco de Mer Sylph Ringback Thong; Courtesans Princesses Lesbians.
Happy birthday, Coco de Mer! My favourite purveyor of erotic goodies is 3 years old this week!
By way of celebrating, they’re offering FREE shipping on ALL internet orders for the next 7 days! (So this offer expires on Friday the 16th of October, NZ time.)
Long story short, there is no better time to indulge yourself — or your lover — with something delectable for the bedroom. From lingerie to erotica & incredible, one-of-a-kind sex toys, why not add a little spice, hmmm? (They recently sent me one of these, & it is très fabuleux! I waved it menacingly at Chloe the other day, to great effect!)
All you need to do to take advantage of the free shipping is type the code ‘Gala Rocks’ (haha!) into the promo box when you check out.
Yummy! & thanks to Coco de Mer for being one of my sponsors. I love you!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [14] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Imaginary Girls In Black & White
[ 6 October 2009, 00:22 ]
I didn’t set out for these outfits to all be combinations of black, white & grey, it just ended up that way! The thing is, black doesn’t have to be boring. There is so much texture around at the moment that an outfit can look amazing even if there’s no colour involved. Layer up with leather (real or faux), wool, zippers, studs, ruching, stockings, feathers, fringe or crystals to create a look that transforms you as well as keeping you cozy!
Dahlia worked in public relations. She grew prize orchids, preferred sandwiches with the crusts cut off & could run miles in her stilettos. She was obsessed with online dating but never met anyone in person — she preferred her orchids.
Veronica’s favourite things included cans of neon spraypaint, writing rhyming couplets for people’s birthdays, analysing her dreams, rap records from the ’80s & never returning books to the library. She was an it-girl on the internet but never went online, so had no idea.
Greta was obsessed with finding the perfect matte pink lipstick, sitting cross-legged & making promises with her fingers crossed behind her back. She always had candy wrappers in her pockets, & her motto was Per Aspera Ad Astra — “through hardships to the stars”.
Mink was an ex-model who gave it up to pursue an art degree. She meditated on swing-sets after dark. She often bought flowers instead of paying her rent, could absolutely never catch the right bus, & sometimes wrote songs for the insects she spotted in her bathroom.
P.S. Product information for all but Veronica are here — my draft of her outfit disappeared before I could publish it, boo!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [47] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption,
inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Skingraft, You've Done It Again! @ ChinaShop
[ 3 October 2009, 01:25 ]
Jonny Cota, Cassidy Haley & Katie Kay didn’t set out to be fashion designers. As world-class travelling circus performers, their desire to costume themselves in a way that was edgy & opulent eventually got the better of them. They started making their first custom pieces for friends & colleagues in 2005, before deciding to embark on ready-to-wear in 2007.
Inspiration was garnered from vintage military uniforms & one of Katie’s long-time heroines, Amelia Earhart. The references are clear, & can be seen in Skingraft’s fitted leather jackets with epaulettes & studded detail, canvas trousers with leather patches & fabulous holsters. Their pieces are functional but luxurious at the same time; hedonistically utilitarian. Cross the sensibilities of a Luftwaffe pilot with the decadence of Karl Lagerfeld & you’re getting the idea…
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [8] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption Add Gala on Twitter!ModCloth Loves Gala Darling!
[ 28 September 2009, 04:06 ]
I’m so excited to announce that I have been selected as ModCloth’s Blogger Of The Moment!
What does this mean? Well, several things. First of all, it means that the girls at ModCloth — who are one of my best & most devoted sponsors, give it UP for ModCloth! — have featured me on their site. There’s a great interview, & they asked me some excellent questions. Viz!
Secondly, they asked me to choose 20 of my favourite ModCloth items, which I did, & very excitedly I might add! I even went so far as to write little blurbs for each item, which are below!
In-Vest Dress
This flattering dress doesn’t compromise on class or originality!
Corporal of Cute Coat
This coat is amazing. I have nothing else to say. I love it.
Montpelier Sweater Vest
I like this because it seems like what you would wear if you went yeti-hunting. Know what I mean?
Weardrobe Dress
Hello, versatility! Yummy with stilettos or dressed down a notch with wedges, you can wear this anywhere.
The Concerto Skirt
Origami-esque & sophisticated, this would look great with a sequinned tank & a bunch of bracelets.
Soda Fountain Dress in Cola
Ideal for channelling Grease, doing the Hop or getting frisky at a drive-in movie… !
Moltisanti Blazer
A cute, clean & understated way to keep yourself warm this autumn.
Twisted Sister Scarf
If you have blue or green eyes, you should snap this up — it will make them look amazing!
Wingardium Leviosa Top
With its unusual length & yummy weight, this is perfect for layering & transitioning summer outfits to autumn ones!
Pleasant Pheasant Headband
I would pull this way forward & wear it with the feathers sticking straight up in the air. Queen of the peasants, that’s me! Um, I mean, pheasants!
Strata Dress
I absolutely love the unusual details of the dress — like a frock for a modern ballerina.
Icing On The Cake Dress
Majorly beautiful, & how could I resist with a name like that? I’d wear this with knee-socks & patent Mary Janes.
Ariel Skirt
I have loved this skirt for a long time. I would tuck a bubblegum pink camisole into this & proceed to knock ‘em dead!
Mascara Scarf
Yes, it looks like a big strip of false eyelashes! I like that though. This will add texture & dimension to any outfit!
Piano Man Umbrella
Winter’s closing in, ‘tis true, but don’t be sad! This umbrella will add massive style to your outfit & a smile to your face!
Mochi Skirt
Everyone needs a super-poofy petticoat, if only for giving your dresses epic volume!
Storm Cloud Skirt
Wear this with your favourite tee & big boots for a relaxed, quirky style statement.
Bow-Jito Skirt
Possibly the sweetest skirt on the planet. Just like wearing a big scoop of peppermint ice-cream!
Wild Gal Glasses
Oh BE QUIET, these are way rad. You need them & I do too.
Thirdly… & perhaps most importantly… at least to my ego… is that they released THE GALA DARLING DRESS. Oh, hello!
It’s so beautiful! There is one winging its way to me as we speak, & I cannot wait to throw it on in all its glory. I should have posted about this the MOMENT it went on sale, but I was too slow off the mark, & now it is out of stock. Argh, I’m so sorry! BOO! But if you click ‘Notify Me On Restock’, fingers crossed that they will get more in, & all will be well again!
ModCloth says of the Gala Darling dress:
Named after one of our favorite fashion bloggers, this enchanting little black dress will inspire you to celebrate your sense of style each time you wear it. Featuring a monochromatic print that resembles the sound waves produced by your squeals of delight when you slip it on easily with a subtle zip, this fully-lined, cotton-silk frock will form to your shape with its sweetheart bustline and empire waistband, and will create a loving relationship with your shoulders as its adjustable, double straps criss-cross your back. Our best advice is to wear this with candy-pink heels, plastic-frame glasses, a feathered hair clip, and plenty of bangles for a magical look for a fashionable adventure in a distant land, or on a shoe-shopping safari through New York City.
I couldn’t agree more!
Thank you so much, ModCloth!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [25] Tags: consumption,
gala Add Gala on Twitter!Jojoba Oil Is The Elixir Of The Gods
[ 22 September 2009, 14:50 ]
Photo by Benjamin Alexander Huseby.
Perhaps this website needs a “Secret tricks, pills, potions & elixirs” section! I just keep discovering amazing things! So far we have discussed Multi+ Daily Glow, Perfect Skin & melatonin.
Here is my latest wonderful finding.
Jojoba oil.
I bought a little bottle of it the other day from an organic food store. It was next to all the essential oils, & I had gone out searching for it because my super-rad hairdresser Bee told me it would stop my extensions from tangling. (Extensions can be tricky because they don’t get any natural oil added to them over the course of the day like the rest of your hair, so it can be easy for them to get dry/matted/gross in general.)
I took it home, put a teeny amount into my palm, rubbed my hands together & finger-combed it through to the ends. I let it sit there for several hours before washing it. I used my normal shampoo & conditioner, & then combed another tiny amount (like, two little droplets) of jojoba oil to my hair. I gave it a blow-dry & it looked AMAZING. Really amazing. Like the hair of an angel, if angels had fuchsia tresses.
I was really excited, so I started reading the reviews for jojoba oil on Makeup Alley. These reviews are for a particular (American) brand but I would say they are all much of a muchness. The uses for jojoba oil seemed huge, so I decided to give it a shot myself.
I started using it as an in-between step: after cleansing but before moisturising. You only need to use a TINY amount. Rub it in well, let it sit for a bit, & then moisturise over the top. When you do this at night, you wake up with deliciously smooth, glowing skin. The difference is really quite remarkable.
After using it for TWO DAYS, I went into MAC Cosmetics to pick up some things (foundation, concealer, powder). The make-up artist was trying to match the powder to my skin tone, so was applying it with a big brush, when she said, “Your skin is so beautiful & smooth!” Believe me when I say that this is not usually a compliment I receive, especially from make-up artists! But it really does make your skin look good — smooth, glowing & radiant. Even my father noticed, & he is not typically known for being super-observant on matters of this nature!
Jojoba oil is the closest possible thing to the oil produced by human skin, which means that it is absorbed easily & also helps to prevent your skin from producing lots of oil on its own. When you have oily skin, that’s usually because whatever you’re using on it is too harsh, & so your skin is in overdrive, trying to bump up the oils it has been stripped of. When you use jojoba oil, you kind of fool your skin, & so if looking shiny under your make-up has been a common problem for you… Well, no more!
The best thing about it is that it is cheap cheap cheap! You only need to use a very small amount at a time, & it should last like mad. YAY!
Try it…
On a Q-tip to remove eye make-up
In your hair at night as a leave-in conditioner (to be washed out in the morning)
To replace your normal moisturiser
To soften & smooth your skin as a step between cleansing & moisturising
Added to shampoo or conditioner
On your cuticles
As an after-shaving moisturiser
Patted lightly around the eyes to improve the appearance of your concealer
For helping to fade old scars
To clean your make-up brushes
To reduce the amount of oil produced by your face (I often get shiny under my make-up & when I use this, I don’t!)
Added to your body wash or liquid soap in the shower
Moisturise your lips
As a treatment on damp hair before blow-drying (your hair will have never looked so good)
To even the tone of your skin
To moisturise dry skin on feet, elbows, etc.
Mixed into a sugar scrub
& the list goes on…
Have you used it before, & were you happy with it? I think this is truly a holy grail beauty product you should never be without!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [77] Tags: beauty,
consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Love & Sequins #5 Is Live!
[ 18 September 2009, 21:07 ]
Ooh la la! It has arrived! This morning I put the sparkling finishing touches on the most recent instalment of Love & Sequins, my personal guidebook to being a love letter to the universe!
Digital copies of it are whizzing all over the world as we speak, arriving with a puff of glitter into the inboxes of international playgirls, continental sweethearts & psychedelic disco ghouls across the planet!
Love & Sequins #5: FINDING HAPPINESS & MAKING IT STAY — Choosing joy, making magic & devoting your life to love, adventure & deliciousness!
In it, I talk about filling your life with enchantment, how our words create our world, surrounding yourself with incredible people, rising above your critics (boo hiss!), dismantling troublesome patterns, how to really make yourself happy & a bouquet of breathtaking mantras to literally transform your life! (No kidding!)
Clocking in at over 11,400 words (!!!), it is the most comprehensive chapter of Love & Sequins so far! In a delicious new format with yummy pictures & good-lookin’ formatting, it’s definitely the most enjoyable, useful & fabulous instalment yet!
I’m extremely excited about it, I think the content is super-practical & inspiring! It’s perfect for anyone who finds their moods sometimes get the better of them, if you’ve been wallowing in a case of the doldrums or if you just want to bring more happiness into your life!
The timing is ideal too for those of you sliding into winter or poking your heads out into the spring sunshine!
You can snap it up for $12! Otherwise you can subscribe monthly for $10 (& you’ll get the back issues you missed), or you can buy them all at once for $7 each!
The back issues are pretty wonderful, too! You can pick ‘em up here!
Love & Sequins #1: LEARNING TO LOVE YOURSELF — Self-adoration, manifesting your ideal persona, channelling your inner Marie Antoinette & everything in between!
“This podcast has been tremendously helpful. It has indeed resonated deeply in all of the tiny crevices of my being where I’ve been hiding my hopes and dreams and instead allowing myself to be swallowed by fear and doubt. I couldn’t agree more that we all know that self-confidence and self-love are the root of success, of living the positive inspired lives we all dream about. And yet, until now it escaped me that I could practice at being confident. That I could slowly develop these skills over time. I had a huge a-ha moment – of course it won’t happen overnight! Of course it’s about making small changes, adjusting my mindset and perceptions in the moment… Thank you for letting your own light shine as it has given me permission and inspiration to do the same. I’m deeply grateful.” — L.
“Dude. I’m just listening to your podcast now. Honestly, I was a little apprehensive because I’ve noticed your content on iCiNG has changed a little. This is the stuff. SIGH! RELIEF! CONGRATULATIONS. Don’t ever forget how much the ‘nonpareils’ have their hearts out there for you. Me included always always always. You’re just GOOD, you know? Substantial and full of perspective, dripping with sticky as honey vocabulary. Plus your voice is so badass.” — S.
Love & Sequins #2: THE SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO BUSINESS — Taking control of your life, finding your passion, loving what you do & making mad bling!
“Thank you so much for your inspiration. it really gave me the kick up the bum that I needed. I was always afraid to take a creative income path, for fear that my talent was lacking. I still have these insecurities, but I realise that right now, while I’m young, enthusiastic and motivated is the very best time to give it a shot. If it doesn’t work out, then I’ll try something different. if it is a success, then maybe it will give me the confidence to try some other more innovative ideas.” — V.
“I am writing to you in regard to a project that I started as a result of your lovely site. I guess you could call me one of your inspired non-pareils. Wikifashion began as an idea around one year ago and I never really had the “chutzpah” to give it a go until I purchased your podcast on “being your own boss”. I fell asleep listening to that podcast every night for a week, taking it all in and furiously scribbling down notes. It was so groundbreaking for me and every word that you spoke really resonated with me. Thank you for inspiration and words of wisdom.” — M.
Love & Sequins #3: LOVE, SEX, THE GALAXY & EVERYTHING — From falling in love to co-habitation, & all the beauty & madness contained within!
“Gala, I loved this one! I listened to it as soon as you sent it. I’ve always been kind of a cynic when it comes to love, but I think I’m ready to let my guard down and take the plunge. The ‘love self-evaluation’ and ‘figuring out what you want from a partner’ parts stood out the most to me, and I’m definitely going to take the time to write and reflect on these areas. Thank you so much!” — D.
“This was supermegaawesome good! I like the way it flows and sounds natural… Like you’re whispering good advice in my ear! And also I was walking my dog while listening to this and 3 or 4 times I just burst out laughing at some of the things you said; a lot of strange looks! Please keep this up, they’re all super good and I really do owe a lot to you!” — V.
Love & Sequins #4: A GUIDE TO MANNERS FOR THE MODERN MINX — Etiquette, social graces & charming the pants off total strangers for the uninitiated!
“i just listened to this & it’s SO helpful, you have no idea. thank you, thank you, thank you! i’ve always been pretty socially awkward & it’s only gotten worse the past year or two & i’ve really been wanting to change that, but never knew where/how to start… i’m sure i’ll listen to it many more times :] & absolutely do the homework.” — M.
“Gala, you have truly hit the spot once more! I sat there nodding to myself, smiling with recognition, laughing out loud and thinking WOW this girl inspires me to change the world too as I listened to the 4th Love&Sequins. Thank you so much wonderful!” — A.
As always, sugarpuff, huge thanks to you for supporting me in this endeavour, being so encouraging & always inspiring me to be bigger & better!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [54] Tags: consumption,
how to,
podcast Add Gala on Twitter!MAGIC @ ChinaShop
[ 14 September 2009, 18:38 ]
As most of you are aware, a couple of weeks ago I went to Las Vegas with ChinaShop magazine to experience the spectacle that is the MAGIC tradeshow. I had no idea what I was going to see, but thankfully, I had my trusty editor with me to show me the way! We had such a great time, going out for fabulous dinners, frolicking poolside & doing our best to hide from the 108°F temperatures!
Below are links to the pieces I wrote while I was there, on subjects ranging from shoegasms to Suge Knight & lycra-clad promotional girls!
Pyramid studs have been — & will continue to be — huge. I saw approximately one million different interpretations of the pyramid stud on a shoe while I was at MAGIC, but Dollhouse won out with this simple but fantastic platform heel…
As you would imagine, the style on display at MAGIC was pretty diverse & inspiring. The foremost fashion trade show features wholesalers from all across the United States, competing with one another for attention & of course, retailers’ money! I feel like I saw everything imaginable, from Lycra jumpsuit-clad promo girls to Suge Knight prowling the aisles. Here are a few examples of the looks exhibited. Who’s your favorite?
This is Las Vegas, after all, so it is never quite as simple as turning up to a show, watching someone perform, & leaving again. No, of course not. I stood at the side of the stage, in front of one of Busta’s personal bouncers who others affectionately referred to as “the big man”, & must have been at least 7 feet tall. To my left was Suge Knight, who could also be nicknamed “the big man”, but for very different reasons. He stood emotionless behind over sized shades, seemingly there to soak up the atmosphere & nothing more.
These wallets are incredible in their simplicity. They come in a range of designs, from Air Mail envelopes to postcards, newsprint, subway maps & comic book panels, & are pretty much indestructible. Made from microfiber — like those impossible to destroy express mail envelopes — they’re tear-resistant & water-resistant as well as being recyclable.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [15] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Essential Items: Faux-Leather Skirt
[ 2 September 2009, 08:18 ]
Forever 21 is one of my favourite places to pick up pieces to mix & match with the rest of my wardrobe — & one of their newest additions, the faux-leather swing skirt is so fabulous it renders me almost speechless.
I had been eyeing it on their site for about a week before finally making it mine. I wore it the other night with a black button-down tank, long feather earrings & Frye boots, & it was a great success.
The skirt is perfect. No exaggeration. It sits high on the waist & flares out, hitting at that perfectly-flattering mid-thigh length, ensuring you look long & lean. It’s faux-leather, meaning it’s vegan as well as inexpensive. The colour makes it extremely versatile — you can pair it with anything, from white or gray to royal blue or neon yellow. It’s suitable for most body types, coming in sizes from XS to L. Best of all? It’s available online, so it can be anybody’s darling!
By way of demonstrating how versatile & fantastic this skirt really is, I’ve put together a few outfits so you can start imagining how you could wear it…
The Post Apocalyptic Mouseketeer fancied herself a warrior for all things cute. Whenever she rallied her troops, she made sure her uniform was immaculate: an altered Mickey Mouse hat, a striped tank from Forever 21, over-the-knee socks from TopShop & a pair of Sam Edelman Zoe booties were all she needed.
Is Karl your co-pilot? To make him yours, team a Markus Lupfer merino sweater with a Karl Who? tote from Colette, Proenza Schouler studded boots & a truly fabulous leather hat.
The Licorice Biker loves a black & white palette. When she’s not roaring down the street, she’s drinking espresso & browsing in bookshops. She wears a 5Preview Coco t-shirt with studded fingerless gloves from ASOS, Frye harness boots & a striped helmet from Les Ateliers Ruby.
Catwoman’s birthday was a surprisingly civilised affair. She matched a metallic zippered leotard from Wet Seal with a pair of Zizi metallic oxfords & a Luella mask, before blowing out her candles & stretching out for a snooze.
The Sorbet Vixen consistently mixed high & low end to delight onlookers. T-shirt & sweater from TopShop, worn with Lanvin sunglasses, an Anna Lou purse, strands of pearls & an absolutely delicious pair of Givenchy peep-toe booties.
Get in on the glory: Faux Leather Skirt, $22.80 from Forever 21.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [45] Tags: consumption,
inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Imagining International Playgirl HQ
[ 31 August 2009, 09:11 ]
I’m almost at the end of my sublease in New York — my fourth one! (How is this possible?!) & as it draws to a close, I’m starting to think about what it would be like to have more permanent digs. Oh, permanent digs. The thought makes me salivate. When you’re used to living out of suitcases, the concept seems like a mystical fairytale. Even when you manage to unpack your things, which I have to do or I go crazy, your suitcases are still lined up in the hallway, knowing that soon enough, everything’s going to have to go back inside them, & it’s on the road again.
The next month is going to contain much more travel than could be considered reasonable, but when I get back, things are going to be different… because I’m going to get my own place. No more living in someone else’s home. No more mixing my things in with the owner’s belongings. No more of that constant, lingering knowledge that I soon have to pack up & go.
So I’ve been thinking about how I want it to look. This is somewhat compounded by the fact that Nubby’s in town, & we talk about aesthetics with obsessive fervour. I’ve also been strongly influenced by this incredible store in Williamsburg called The Future Perfect, which sells the most incredible, rad & fun home furnishings ever — & I recently discovered The Ace Hotel, whose interior design is SO in line with my own style it kind of scares me!
Here are some pieces I’ve found, pictures that are inspiring me & thoughts on how I’d like my ideal home to look…
I’m really obsessed with white interiors. White walls are pretty much my favourite thing ever. Every single bedroom I’ve ever had has either had white or violet walls.
The last place I lived in alone, in Auckland, had white walls, a wall of windows & black carpet. I had two little two-seater couches & two individual overstuffed chairs, one of each in black & one of each in white. I had a big white Flokati rug & fairy lights everywhere, with vintage typewriters, leafy green plants & a light-up globe along the window. My bedding was black pinstripe with white pillows, & I had hot pink accents everywhere: throws, pillows & lampshades. The décor was really simple but the colour scheme really pulled everything together. I just LOVE a black & white palette, because you can add any colour to it & it totally pops.
When I lived in Melbourne, all our furniture was white. I probably wouldn’t do that again, because I like to break it up with black & other colours, but it suited the place we were in (which had enormous windows & insane views). Some would say all white furniture is impractical (they are right), but you can get around it by being a) nuts & b) careful, both of which I generally am. Plus, I don’t have children, which makes it an okay choice for me…
A blackboard wall… Elaborate wallpaper… Vintage typewriters… Crushed cups for serving teeny tiny drinks… Lots of light… Stacks of books… A photobooth machine (ohmygodyes)... Big mirrors… Chandeliers… A ridiculously oversized walk-in wardrobe… Hot pink & white stripes… Big type & letters… This sofa... Collections of stationery… Bedazzled skulls (!!!)... High bookshelves… Jewelled pillows… Enormous windows… & a super-cute puppy for me to snuggle with. I would also like to be kissed awake every morning, & maybe for there to be an indoor lake with sparkly swanboats floating on it. Can we make that happen?!
How would your ideal home look? What colours would you paint it & what features would it have? Would it have a slumber party room? A secret mad science-type laboratory? A huge treehouse out the back? A trampoline room?
(Images: 
)
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [60] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption,
inspiration,
question Add Gala on Twitter!Necklush @ ChinaShop
[ 27 August 2009, 06:37 ]
Introducing… Necklush. Is it a necklace? Is it a scarf? Is it a statement piece? Who the hell knows, really?
But do truly wonderful things need labels? I don’t think so. The Necklush speaks for itself. The idea is really beautiful in its simplicity. The garments are made from one single piece of cotton, which is cut & sewn into seamless loops, before being layered to create a long whorl which can be worn a number of ways. Down to the knees, knotted, wrapped, or tied up in a complicated manner, you can really make the Necklush look any way you want…
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [19] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!I Love My Magical Pills
[ 26 August 2009, 10:32 ]
When I was in Toronto, I stumbled upon a miracle. A real humdinger. A secret worth guarding — if only I were good at keeping secrets. Well, what then? Don’t keep us in suspense. Okay. I found magical pills. Really: magical.
Here’s how it breaks down. One day I left my friend’s house in search of some multi-vitamins, having run out of them the day before. (Also, I am a vitamin fiend; I have favourite brands & everything.) I walked down the street to Shoppers, this Canadian wonder-store which basically sells everything you could ever think of, & after spending much time in the make-up aisles (as you do), I made my way to the vitamin section. I didn’t recognise any of the brands, which was very frustrating, but knew I needed to pick something, so cast my eye along the shelves.
I saw this bottle which said Multi+ Daily Glow on the front, & on a whim, I picked it up to read the label. It said,
Helps improve skin firmness, appearance & texture. Helps control acne. Maintains good health.
I turned the bottle around in my hand to check the ingredients. As well as the usual combination of vitamins & minerals you’d expect in your average multi-vitamin, it also had collagen, white tea extract, pomegranate extract, grape extract & lycopene. I checked the price & it was about what I’d expect for a bottle of vitamins, so I threw it in my basket & didn’t give it much thought.
Scene: a week or so later. I notice that my skin is looking really good. Really, really good. It’s glowing, even without make-up. It looks clear & feels fantastic. I figure it’s just a coincidence. My skin continues to look totally rad, all day, every day, & I’m really happy about it, but not thinking about it much. Until I run out of pills. My skin returns to its normal state, which is pretty good but nowhere near as great as it was when I was taking the Multi+ Daily Glow. Okay, it’s not a coincidence any more. The pills actually work?!
I decided to do some research, so I went on the website of the company which makes them: Genuine Health, who are based in Canada. They have consumer reviews of their products on the site, & the reviews for Multi+ Daily Glow are staggering. From there, I discovered another product they offer, called Perfect Skin. Check out the reviews on that one — & it’s the same all over the web. Hello, sold. I placed an order for both immediately.
Ordering vitamins from Canada is a mega-pain, because they always stop the packages at the border. I don’t know what they do with them, maybe the people at customs have a little marching band & they need to shake the bottles for percussion, & maybe they had a recital for a WEEK or something, but ANYWAY, it was worth the wait. Big bottles of magic showed up at my doorstep a few days ago, & I am already seeing the difference they make.
I am so happy.
They’re so incredible that when the Sunday Telegraph/Herald Sun approached me to ask about my beauty secrets, they were the first thing I thought of.
It makes perfect sense when you think about it. If you’re eating deep-fried nonsense every day but slathering on $500 face cream every night, what goes INTO your body is ultimately going to win. Beauty starts on the inside, & while eating a perfectly balanced, 100% organic, yadda yadda diet is ideal, we can’t all do that. So this is a great place to start.
I wanted you to know. Plus, what kinda girl would I be if I didn’t share secrets like this?!
If you take them, have taken them in the past or order them based on this review, I’d love to hear if they work as well for you as they do for me!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [138] Tags: beauty,
consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Love & Sequins #4 Is Live!
[ 14 August 2009, 15:48 ]
Hooray! I am so excited to announce the fourth installment in my monthly series, Love & Sequins: Making Magic Happen!
Offered up for your reading & listening pleasure is A GUIDE TO MANNERS FOR THE MODERN MINX — Etiquette, social graces & charming the pants off total strangers for the uninitiated!
What started as a simple piece on manners has blossomed into 10,000 words on meeting people, the art of conversation, getting people to like you, table manners, making an incredible first impression, how to influence people, intercultural competence, proper dinner behaviour, improving your language, & a whole lot of ways to crank up your personal charisma! Essentially, the whole thing is about how to turn on the charm in every possible scenario.
So many of us have grown up either without having been taught manners at all, or purposefully ignoring what we were told as children — but unfortunately, as we grow up & into the world, we’re faced with the shocking reality that what we used to be able to get away with is no longer acceptable!
This is a charm school crash course, covering personal magnetism, grace & being delightful for lost girls & moguls-in-training.
I’m so proud of it, & there are absolute stacks of real, able-to-be-applied-straight-away advice, so I know you’ll totally love it! I learned more than I could have ever imagined just from writing it!
Single issues are $12 each. Alternatively you can subscribe monthly for $10 (& I’ll send you the ones you’ve missed!), or buy the whole lot at $7 a pop!
...& if you missed out on any of the previous episodes, you can grab them here!
Love & Sequins #1: LEARNING TO LOVE YOURSELF: Self-adoration, manifesting your ideal persona, channelling your inner Marie Antoinette & everything in between!
“I’m a bit older than a lot of your readers (ie 40!), but I still found it really releveant. And I believe this type of thing should be compulsory reading/listening for teenagers (I’m trying to word this without sounding/feeling 1200 years old … hmm!) Maybe you could create your own school … Galaverse High ?? With a pink sparkly uniform and a unicorn coat of arms. Seriously though, I think this sort of thing is way more beneficial than a geography or a maths lesson. After all, isn’t school meant to prepare you for life?” — K.
“If I could put to words how much I love and adore this podcast, I would, but ‘nuff said I completely fail at that. It’s just mind-blowingly, earth-shatteringly, toe-ticklingly (why yes, these are all actual words) cute and awesome, and on top of that so relevant! So important! I think absolutely everyone should hear this, Galaverse High doesn’t sound bad at all!” — J.
Love & Sequins #2: THE SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO BUSINESS — Taking control of your life, finding your passion, loving what you do & making mad bling!
“Thankyou so much for your inspiration. it really gave me the kick up the bum that I needed. I was always afraid to take a creative income path, for fear that my talent was lacking. I still have these insecurities, but I realise that right now, while I’m young, enthusiastic and motivated is the very best time to give it a shot. If it doesn’t work out, then I’ll try something different. if it is a success, then maybe it will give me the confidence to try some other more innovative ideas.” — V.
“I finally developed the balls to register as self-employed this week and quite by chance have been offered my first self-employed gig. I teach adults, literacy and numeracy. So this time around I’ll be teaching young adults with learning difficulities, the basic literacy they’ll need to get them by in life generally and in work. But it has made me realise that anything is possible… I’m planning to keep on some employed work to pay the bills. But I’m planning to expand into online tutoring, proofreading and writing. I intend to be completely self-employed eventually. So thanks. Wouldn’t have done it if it weren’t for that podcast. They’re worth their weight in gold.” — A.
Love & Sequins #3: LOVE, SEX, THE GALAXY & EVERYTHING — From falling in love to co-habitation, & all the beauty & madness contained within!
“Gala, I loved this one! I listened to it as soon as you sent it. I’ve always been kind of a cynic when it comes to love, but I think I’m ready to let my guard down and take the plunge. The ‘love self-evaluation’ and ‘figuring out what you want from a partner’ parts stood out the most to me, and I’m definitely going to take the time to write and reflect on these areas. Thank you so much!” — D.
“This was supermegaawesome good! I really like the way it’s all starting to sounds more natural… But I like the way it sort of flows and sounds more natural… Like you’re whispering good advice in my ear! And also I was walking my dog while listening to this and 3 or 4 times I just burst out laughing at some of the things you said; a lot of strange looks! Please keep this up, they’re all super good and I really do owe a lot to you!” — V.
As ALWAYS, thank you so much for your support! I couldn’t do it without you! MWAH!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [26] Tags: consumption,
how to,
life,
podcast Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 10th August 2009
[ 11 August 2009, 10:29 ]
Hello! Greetings! This daily outfit was brought to you by the letters O, M & G, with a helping of “It’s 93 degrees, what the hell am I doing poncing around on a rooftop?”
HELLO, LOVER.
Outfit details:
Hello! I have long hair again! Words cannot express how happy I am! It was done by Miss Bee Jellyfish, who did a STELLAR job & who I adore. We sat around at International Playgirl HQ watching television & having good, stimulating conversation. Additionally, she travels to L.A. quite a bit, so if you’re on the opposite coast & want GREAT hair, she is your girl!
Pink sequinned mouse ears from Disneyland (Nubby & Jazzi both arrive this week, so this is my excited visual salute to that — they were both with me when I picked this up!)
Vienna dress by Deux FM from Green Is Black — I just got this the other day & love it! It’s super-soft, made with bamboo & organic cotton, & it’s a really sexy, simple wrap dress. It’s also really versatile — after these photos, I slung it around my waist & knotted the straps to make it into a rad skirt.
Swarovski crystal-encrusted heart necklace bought on eBay (I have a lot of these in different colours, it is something of an obsession)
Thin pyramid stud belt from Forever 21
Sam Edelman Zoe booties, also known colloquially as “Faux-biagas”, ALSO known as the shoes I have been waiting several years for. The good news is that they are extremely comfortable — I wear them everywhere — & they’re really easy to walk in. I took the harnesses off for this outfit but you will see them in their full harnessed glory soon!
Famous 3-finger ring from GirlProps — pretty much the most obnoxious thing I’ve ever seen, hahahah.
Pink-stained fingernails courtesy of dying my hair without gloves, C-L-E-V-E-R!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [60] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!Your First Perfume
[ 3 August 2009, 12:07 ]
What was your first foray into the world of perfumes?
Mine was Christian Dior’s Hypnotic Poison. I am positive that the ad featuring Milla Jovovich looking like some sexy voodoo witchy priestess is what drew me in initially. Hypnotic Poison came out in 1998, when I was 15 years old, deeply ensconced in my I’m-so-goth ways. (Le cringe.)
I think that ad actually influenced me a lot more than just wearing the perfume. I also used to wear red eye-shadow all the way around my eyes — I think in an attempt to imitate the “heroin chic“ look that was major in the 90s. (Can you believe heroin chic has its own entry on Wikipedia?! These are amazing times.) It all went wonderfully with my collar (black leather with studs & red stitching, don’t ya know), blue-black bob haircut, & obsession with Revlon’s Vixen lipstick & nailpolish. (Oh my god! They still make it!)
It’s funny though, when I look at that ad & pictures of the perfume bottle, I remember exactly how it smells. Vanilla, almonds, roses, cinnamon & jasmine. Very sexy. Probably too sexy for a 15 year old girl, not that I cared.
Now I want to go & sniff some to see if my olfactory memory is as good as I think it is!
At the moment I switch on & off between a few different perfumes — Miss Dior Cherie (strawberries & vanilla), Chocolovers (chocolate & vanilla), & The Exact Friction Of Stars (caramel, vanilla, coconut, chocolate, etc.). Yes, I like to smell like a dessert cart!
So, how about you? What was your first scent & what memories do you associate with it? What do you wear now? Are they similar at all?
(Thanks to Mystic Medusa for making me think about this!)
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [205] Tags: beauty,
consumption,
question Add Gala on Twitter!We Love Colors!
[ 29 July 2009, 14:04 ]
Left to right: Gold lurex; navy socks; splash thigh highs in #7205; microfiber nylon tights in magenta; microfiber nylon tights in #7306; vertical striped thigh highs in charcoal; white striped tights in orchid pink.
Yesterday I picked up a very special package from the post office — a big bag of treats from We Love Colors! I do love them so, especially those splash stockings! I feel like I just jumped in a watercolour puddle. I had always eyed up their website & wanted to order legwear from them, but living in Australia (like with almost all online shopping), I was always hesitant to do it because of the cost of shipping.
But the RAD news is that We Love Colors is offering FREE AIR MAIL for orders over $20 to the Antipodes (Australia & New Zealand!) if you use the coupon code runway! The offer is good up until September 1st, but you should hop to it, or you’ll probably forget! Additionally, if you sometimes have trouble finding stockings which fit you, their plus-sized tights are suitable for girls up to 170kg (375lb)!
Sheesh, I know it’s cold down there right now — why don’t you layer some super-soft microfiber tights (in violet or turquoise or fuchsia) with a pair of diamond-net fishnets (in white or orchid pink or neon yellow)? Or wear a pair of diamond tights in royal blue with your warmest little black dress? Or tuck a splash colour tank leotard into a high-waisted leather miniskirt? Yum!
Okay — hopefully that has given you some ideas! Dear members of the Commonwealth, I still love you very much, even though we are now in different time-zones, & hope that this proves it to you!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [45] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Scarlett Takes Manhattan Winner!
[ 16 July 2009, 17:36 ]
A message from Miss Molly Crabapple in reaction to the Scarlett Takes Manhattan contest...
“Wow, that was the hardest contest I’ve ever had to judge. You guys so glamorously creative, and going through tales of glitter and cupcakes and trick shooting and Warren Ellis, I feel both inspired and slightly intimidated. I definitely want to paint some of your answers.But the winner is….Comment 77 by Claire!
Hallucinogenic teas and LED lights and jabberwholks, oh my! Claire dreamed a decadently surreal vaudeville act that plays inside the skull as well as onstage.
Special shoutouts to Comment 104 by Pandora’s Mango, for surgically enhanced, steampunk and tentacle fantasia, and Comment 32 by Audrey for the tale of Calamity Lala!
Thanks for playing!”
Congratulations Claire! I’ve sent you an email & your signed copy of Scarlett Takes Manhattan will be on its way to you!
P.S. Remember you can always buy your own copy on Amazon!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [9] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!WIN! A Signed Copy Of Molly Crabapple's Scarlett Takes Manhattan!
[ 13 July 2009, 12:05 ]
A young woman orphaned in tragic circumstances (by a pair of copulating circus elephants) rises to become the foremost burlesque performer of her era: Scarlett O’Herring. Mentored by the mysterious D’Lovely, Scarlett is a fire-breather, courtesan, & the heroine of Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School founder Molly Crabapple’s first graphic novel. “Scarlett Takes Manhattan” is a delightful erotic romp through the exotic world of Gilded Age New York!
My birthday twin, Molly Crabapple, recently released her incredible first graphic novel, Scarlett Takes Manhattan! She was so cute (& also, slightly drunk!) at her book release party! Here is a message from her!
Yes, that’s right! Molly is giving away a signed copy of Scarlett Takes Manhattan to one brilliant nonpareil!
To be in to win, all you need to do is tell us:
If you were a vaudeville performer, what would your act be?
Would you juggle knives? Balance gâteau on your head? Hiccup the Russian national anthem?
You have until Thursday morning to come up with the best theoretical act in the universe! Molly will choose her favourite answer & send her book to the lucky winner.
Be sure to use your real email address when you comment so we can contact you!
Fingers crossed, & huge kisses to Molly & her continuing success!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [106] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Love & Sequins Sale Extension!
[ 10 July 2009, 11:29 ]
Photos by Tim Walker.
Hello bubble!
This is just a quick note to say that because of the EXTREME success of the Love & Sequins sale (I was literally tethered to my computer all day yesterday, sending them out!), I am extending the sale for another couple of hours! So if you were unable to get the cash together by 8.30 this morning, you have a little bit longer!
Click here to purchase!
If you need a couple of days to organise your finances, flick me an email to let me know & I will give you some additional grace time! Who loves you baby?!
& finally, if you ordered your Love & Sequins installments last night but have yet to receive them, I just got home from a Dishy slumber party so you will receive them soon!
Once again, thank you so much for your all support. It means a lot to me that you are so enthusiastic about my project & feel that my words are worthy of your hard-earned dosh! It’s really amazing to me & I feel so blessed. Thank you from the very sparkly bottom of my heart! I love you!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [23] Tags: consumption,
podcast Add Gala on Twitter!Love & Sequins One-Day SALE!
[ 9 July 2009, 08:30 ]
Say what?! OUI, it is true! Today ONLY, I’m having an enormous (& fabulous!) sale on the Love & Sequins series!
Love & Sequins is my handbook on being a love letter to the universe, delivered in scrumptious, sensational monthly installments. As well as receiving the text (at 10,000 words every month, it’s a good read!), I also read each chapter aloud & send it to you as an MP3 — perfect for listening to on the bus or when you’re all tucked into bed at night!
It’s a rad way to invest in yourself, or even your best friend (just email me about it!)... if I do say so myself!
HEY BIG-SPENDER! A year-long subscription to Love & Sequins bought all at once is usually $84, making it $7 a month. If you buy TODAY, I’ll knock the price down to $60 — only $5 a month! Incroyable! That’s a saving of $24, effectively giving you three (& a half!) chapters for NOTHIN’!
LITTLE BITES OF DELICIOUSNESS! If you’re more of a pick-&-choose kinda kid, today ONLY, individual chapters are a mere $9 each! Less than the price of a pack of cigarettes in New York City & much, much better for you! You’ll save $4 on each one — aaaaaaaamazing! — & you can pick up the installments you missed for a fab price!
Love & Sequins #1: LEARNING TO LOVE YOURSELF: Self-adoration, manifesting your ideal persona, channelling your inner Marie Antoinette & everything in between!
“I’m a bit older than a lot of your readers (ie 40!), but I still found it really releveant. And I believe this type of thing should be compulsory reading/listening for teenagers (I’m trying to word this without sounding/feeling 1200 years old … hmm!) Maybe you could create your own school … Galaverse High ?? With a pink sparkly uniform and a unicorn coat of arms. Seriously though, I think this sort of thing is way more beneficial than a geography or a maths lesson. After all, isn’t school meant to prepare you for life?” — K.
“If I could put to words how much I love and adore this podcast, I would, but nuff said I completely fail at that. It’s just mind-blowingly, earth-shatteringly,toe-ticklingly (why yes, these are all actual words) cute and awesome, and on top of that so relevant! So important! I think absolutely everyone should hear this, Galaverse High doesnt sound bad at all!” — J.
Love & Sequins #2: THE SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO BUSINESS — Taking control of your life, finding your passion, loving what you do & making mad bling!
“Thankyou so much for your inspiration. it really gave me the kick up the bum that I needed. I was always afraid to take a creative income path, for fear that my talent was lacking. I still have these insecurities, but I realise that right now, while I’m young, enthusiastic and motivated is the very best time to give it a shot. If it doesn’t work out, then I’ll try something different. if it is a success, then maybe it will give me the confidence to try some other more innovative ideas.” — V.
“I finally developed the balls to register as self-employed this week and quite by chance have been offered my first self-employed gig. I teach adults, literacy and numeracy. So this time around I’ll be teaching young adults with learning difficulities, the basic literacy they’ll need to get them by in life generally and in work. But it has made me realise that anything is possible… I’m planning to keep on some employed work to pay the bills. But I’m planning to expand into online tutoring, proofreading and writing. I intend to be completely self-employed eventually. So thanks. Wouldn’t have done it if it weren’t for that podcast. They’re worth their weight in gold.” — A.
Love & Sequins #3: LOVE, SEX, THE GALAXY & EVERYTHING — From falling in love to co-habitation, & all the beauty & madness contained within!
“Gala, I loved this one! I listened to it as soon as you sent it. I’ve always been kind of a cynic when it comes to love, but I think I’m ready to let my guard down and take the plunge. The ‘love self-evaluation’ and ‘figuring out what you want from a partner’ parts stood out the most to me, and I’m definitely going to take the time to write and reflect on these areas. Thank you so much!” — D.
“This was supermegaawesome good! I really like the way it’s all starting to sounds more natural… But I like the way it sort of flows and sounds more natural… Like you’re whispering good advice in my ear! And also I was walking my dog while listening to this and 3 or 4 times I just burst out laughing at some of the things you said; a lot of strange looks! Please keep this up, they’re all super good and I really do owe a lot to you!” — V.
You get the message right?!
TODAY ONLY!
P.S. LINKS HAVE BEEN REMOVED BECAUSE THE SALE IS OVER! Mwah! Thanks so much for your support!
Okay, now back to your regularly-scheduled programming!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [36] Tags: consumption,
how to,
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life,
podcast Add Gala on Twitter!Love & Sequins #3 Is Live!
[ 1 July 2009, 14:44 ]
Bonjour, bonjour!
It is with great delight that I announce the third installment of Love & Sequins: Making Magic Happen, my monthly series all about being a love letter to the universe. It is available now! Right now! I’m sitting here zapping hundreds of digital copies of it all over the world at this very instant!
This month, the chapter is LOVE, SEX, THE GALAXY & EVERYTHING — From falling in love to co-habitation, & all the beauty & madness contained within!
It’s all very timely, since I have been through so much romantic upheaval in the last year, from processing long-term break-ups to developing my international playgirl style & flitting around having intercontinental love affairs — & am currently deeply smitten by a certain Dish! So I have really been from one end to the other & all the way back again. Needless to say, I have given this subject some deep thought recently!
Love & Sequins #3 is bursting with hints, tricks & tips on all things love-related, from how to find your ideal sweetheart to learning your own secret love language. Written in the thick of a tumultuous New York summer from the air-conditioned bliss of my favourite coffeeshop, & recorded on the Dish’s bed with Hank asleep beside me, there are lots of love stories, shining examples of what NOT to do & plenty of hope for lovelorn, wide-eyed dreamers!
Single issues are $12 each. Alternatively you can subscribe monthly for $10 (& I’ll send you the ones you’ve missed!), or buy the whole lot at $7 a pop!
If you haven’t heard the other two, you pick up back issues any time!
Love & Sequins #1: LEARNING TO LOVE YOURSELF — Self-adoration, manifesting your ideal persona, channelling your inner Marie Antoinette & everything in between!
Love & Sequins #2: THE SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO BUSINESS — Taking control of your life, finding your passion, loving what you do & making mad bling!
As always my star-kissed darlings, thank you so much for your support & encouragement with the Love & Sequins project! It means more to me than you could ever know. MWAH!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [53] Tags: consumption,
how to,
inspiration,
life Add Gala on Twitter!New York Treasures
[ 24 June 2009, 09:42 ]
A few of my newest favourite places in New York City…
Relish // 225 Wythe Ave (between 3rd St & 4th St) // Brooklyn
Best for: a magical weekend brunch. How can I describe this to you? Relish is a diner from 1952 — think stainless steel diner car with original detailing — which was relocated to Brooklyn, adored & polished & totally restored for two full years, before being turned into the Relish we know & love today. There’s a low counter with a line-up of bar stools, an outside garden full of roses & big blue umbrellas, great tunes (Bauhaus!) & good coffee. Bonus points if you get there by riding across the Brooklyn bridge on a perfect day on the back of a 1968 Triumph Bonneville…
A Salt & Battery // 112 Greenwich Ave (between 12th St & Jane St) // Manhattan
Best for: fantastic fish & chips, a selection of British soft drinks, & to top it all off, the pièce de résistance — a magnificent fried Mars Bar. The people who work here are actually British, accents & all, so if you’re from somewhere in the realms of the Commonwealth & are feeling a bit homesick, it’s a good place to go. For me it felt like I was in an episode of Eastenders which was just as good. It is truly delicious, just as good as what I’m used to in New Zealand, which sets a pretty high bar. But beware, A Salt & Battery is not the cheap, easy fare you’re expecting — my beau & I ran up a total of $36US for two pieces of fish, one scoop of chips, a pie & two deep-fried Mars Bars. But hey. When you want fish & chips, you want fish & chips. There’s no point in arguing. Just pull out your wallet & take it like a man.
Mama’s Food Shop // 200 E 3rd St (between Avenue A & Avenue B) // Manhattan
Best for: sating those rare cravings for a home-cooked meal. I find that I don’t often want that, but when I do, I better get it. Mama’s is amazing — the roast chicken is tender & packed with flavour, the mashed potatoes & gravy are fantastic, the green vegetables are crisp & the servings are enormous. It’s cheap, too — two huge pieces of roast chicken with a side is only $11 — & if you can finish it, I’ll be amazed. Good times.
Cafecito // 185 Avenue C (between 11th St & 12th St) // Manhattan
Best for: bollos, sweet midnight French toast, & a relaxed start to the weekend. (I say relaxed because they don’t open until 11am, so you hyper-achievers will have to go elsewhere!) They do fantastic sandwiches too, with this insane garlic mayonnaise that awes me every time. Note: they don’t take credit cards, but there is an ATM either side of the restaurant, so it’s certainly not the end of the world.
MUD // 307 E. 9th Street (between 1st Ave & 2nd Ave) // Manhattan
Best for: huge mugs of coffee, great atmosphere, good music & delicious food. I almost always get the Mudman Panini & a massive soy mocha, it’s good for what ails you. The space is skinny but they have an outdoor area at the back which you should try to get seated in if you can. It’s a fantastic place to gather strength in the morning or early afternoon before an all-day shopping spree!
Crif Dogs // 113 Saint Marks Pl // Manhattan
Best for: gourmet hot dogs. (Yes, they exist!) My favourite is the Chihuahua — a bacon-wrapped hot dog with avocado, sour cream & salsa (the salsa is optional but it is some of the best I have ever tasted). They are delicious & evil all at the same time, please don’t eat there more than once a week at the very most. Crif Dogs is a cute little unassuming place down a short flight of stairs, but it holds a secret. Yes. The phone-box on the left is the entrance to PDT, a hidden speakeasy next door. You’re welcome.
Black Iron Burger Shop // 540 East 5th Street (between Avenue A & Avenue B) // Manhattan
Best for: fantastic burgers with horseradish cheese, serious milkshakes & good tunes (Elvis Presley mixed with New Order mixed with Chuck Berry, anyone?). The Dish & I had a good time here, sitting up high at a table on the side, munching away delightedly. It’s small & dark, they show sports on the television & sometimes the waitress is a bit slow & inattentive (some would say “laid-back”), but it’s worth it, because damn do they do a good burger.
Cadillac’s Castle // 333 E 9th St (between 1st Ave & 2nd Ave) // Manhattan
Best for: good condition vintage designer clothing that won’t break the bank. Cadillac’s is a combination of gently-worn & brand spanking new clothing, all expertly chosen & extremely tempting. By the way, when I say labels, I mean labels. Missoni, DVF, Prada, Balenciaga — you name it, they have it. Did I mention the prices are incredible?! You should definitely check this place out. P.S. Cadillac — the shop dog — is as much of a sweetheart as the owner.
Fabulous Fanny’s // 335 E 9th St (between 1st Ave & 2nd Ave) // Manhattan
Best for: specs that stand out. Prove Dorothy Parker (she of “Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses” fame) wrong with a miraculous pair of blinkers that will have the mens (or womens) a-runnin’. Towards you. Not away from you. I LOVE THIS STORE. The staff are so friendly & the selection is truly mind-boggling. They’ll help you find a way to channel your inner Elton John or Woody Allen tout de suite. The frames are very reasonably-priced & they’ll even direct you to a place in Chinatown to get your prescription filled in under an hour. RAD.
Butter Lane // 123 E 7th St (between 1st Ave & Avenue A) // Manhattan
Best for: pick-&-mix cupcakes on the go. When my friend & I walked in, we stared at the blackboard, confused, but here’s how it works: you pick the kind of cake you want, & then the kind of frosting. They’ll frost your cupcake (oh, you) on the spot. So you can be as ridiculous (banana cake with espresso frosting?) or tasteful (chocolate cake with raspberry frosting?) with your flavour combinations as you like. They’re no Sugar Sweet Sunshine (oh, my love), but if you’re in the East Village & craving a sugar fix, hit them up. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Ninth Street Espresso // 700 E 9th St (between Avenue C & Avenue D) OR 341 E 10th St (between Avenue A & Avenue B) // Manhattan (+ other locations)
Best for: a coffee-drenched religious experience. The space is clean & minimal with a beautiful, shiny tin roof, & while the food selection is sparse, the coffee comes in enormous cups & is beyond description. I have never had a better cup of coffee & I have dated multiple coffee snobs so I know what I’m talking about. It is perfect every time, they have free wifi & sometimes you’ll see me sitting inside tapping away on my MacBook. Holla.
The Standard Grill // 848 Washington St (between Little W 12th St & 13th St) // Manhattan
Best for: a fabulous meal in a comfortable but opulent setting. I went along to the friends & family tastings before the restaurant opened officially, & have not yet had the opportunity to go back, but in the three short hours I spent there (!), it quickly established itself as one of my favourite places in New York City. The staff are friendly & while the décor is extremely well thought-out & implemented, the place still has a relaxed feel. We sat in a cozy curved booth & I would recommend that over a table any day. My favourite things on the menu are the chicken liver pâté, million dollar roast chicken, mojitos & the warm chocolate brownie with toasted marshmallows. Oh boy.
Obscura Antiques // 280 E 10th St (between 1st Ave & Avenue A) // Manhattan
Best for: all things creepy & bizarre. Don’t be put off by the fact that they have “antiques” in the name — though this would normally signify an expensive selection, somehow Obscura manages to be sanely-priced. For example, my friend Tim Kern bought half a taxidermied bear here for $650… & they’re very sweet in there. They gave me an old red hardcover copy of Dracula with a bite missing from the spine (!!!) just because they liked the cut of my jib. It’s a great place to go if you love digging through an assortment of taxidermy, strange bottles, tools, hats & madness.
Galleria Nail Salon // 520 E 11th St (between Avenue A & Avenue B) // Manhattan
Best for: the world’s most relaxing & simultaneously OCD mani/pedi. Usually when you go to get your nails done, it doesn’t matter what you pay, you always feel a degree of going-through-the-motions, you always wish they would spend more time massaging your feet & that the polish was just a little bit more meticulously-applied. Well, at Galleria, they don’t rush anything. (Understatement: my standard mani/pedi took three hours here.) They put slices of lemon, drops of lavender oil & crystals in the foot-bath, play The Beatles & Nina Simone, & give you delicious green tea with brown rice (I love it & usually green tea is not my thing) as well as Hershey’s Kisses. Too good. Devote your afternoon & be amazed.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [42] Tags: consumption,
life Add Gala on Twitter!The Great American Dessert Bonanza
[ 16 June 2009, 13:40 ]
This was written by my friend Jess of Sugadeaux. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Jess is a true connoisseur of all things sweet & sugary, & her recent travels around the USA have been a never-ending test of her taste buds. We thought it was time for her to share her discoveries with the world. Here they are.
Having spent the last 2 months in the United States (including a guest baking stint in Austin), I now consider myself somewhat of a dessert aficionado. Often, tourists tend to be better experts than locals – it’s not exactly sustainable to visit a different bakery every day in the city where you actually live!
I started on the West Coast and ate my way to the East and back again. I sat at tables with friends, a pile of cupcakes before us, critiquing the flavour, texture, moisture, adjudicating with all the seriousness of a professional wine critic.
Chatting to Gala about my sweet, gooey discoveries, it occurred to us both that it would be cruel to withhold this information from her nonpareils. So I put in the eating time, and now present to you my top 5 sweet experiences from across America (in no particular order):
Cherry Pie Bars at Sugar Mamas Bakeshop in Austin
Wow. Just when I thought I couldn’t cram any more sugary sweets into my friends’ mouths in Austin, my house-mate became addicted to these bars. It didn’t matter how much or what he had eaten prior –- he would not agree to pick me up from the bakery unless I could guarantee him at least two bars. The bars feature a gorgeous sweet crust base, glistening bright red cherries that easily qualify as food porn, criss-crosses of white glaze and crumbled streusel as a topping. They’re a super fun take on an old school pie, and obscenely good. And only $2.25 each. Ridiculous.
Red Velvet cupcakes at Buttercake Bakery in Los Angeles
I’m not kidding –- I ate more red velvet this trip than you will possibly believe. And I cannot believe how many places screw it up. Usually it’s either just red vanilla cake, or the texture is wrong. And please East Coast bakeries, red velvet cake is SUPPOSED to have cream cheese frosting. Don’t try to reinvent a classic. I was thrilled when I bit into the red velvet cupcakes at Buttercake. Creamy frosting, dense moist cake and it actually tasted like red velvet! For the uninitiated, red velvet should have a hint of buttermilk/vinegar to cut sweetness and a light cocoa flavour. If it tastes like nothing, it’s not real red velvet!
Ben & Jerry’s Stephen Colbert’s Americone Dream ice cream in New York
Firstly, I’m sorry NYC. I tried a bunch of cupcakes. Some I didn’t like, most were fine. But none shook my world enough to make the list. However, in the Wholefoods I did pick up a pint of the aforementioned B&J ice cream, and couldn’t stop asking others if they had tried it. Classic vanilla ice cream swirled with caramel and dotted with chocolate covered waffle cone pieces. Plus you get Stephen Colbert on the packaging. Pundit-sexy. The bonus of this entry is that hopefully most of you will have the chance to try this one for yourselves.
Crème Brûlée at Jacques-Imos in New Orleans
Most people go to Jacques-Imos for the shrimp and alligator cheesecake (not a dessert!). And lord knows, I certainly ate my fair share of regular food here (I do recommend you check out their website and freak the hell out on their unusual creole/Cajun menu choices). Serendipitously, though I was beyond stuffed, the kitchen sent our table out a complimentary ramekin of awesomeness, including the best brûlée I have ever tasted. The bottom of the plate was practically black with vanilla bean flecks. The custard was silky, the sugary crust cracked perfectly under my spoon. Get there at 5.30pm to guarantee a seat, and do not eat anything the night before unless you want to be rolled out.
Salted Caramel Macarons at Paulette in Los Angeles
Okay, I’ve had macarons. I’ve made macarons. They’re really cute, but sometimes I feel a little “take it or leave it” about the actual flavour. Paulette’s macarons made me see the light. Rich, semi-chewy macarons which bite perfectly and don’t crumble in your hands. The caramel is luscious, thick and gooey, dangerously dark with a hint of salt to excite the palate. They also have flavours such as green tea, rose water, passionfruit and well I could go on. You can pretty much never bother to try a macaron unless you’re offered one from here (or Paris).
Bon appetit!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [45] Tags: consumption,
yum Add Gala on Twitter!Love & Sequins #2 Is Live!
[ 1 June 2009, 09:20 ]
Hooray!
The second chapter of Love & Sequins: Making Magic Happen was sealed with a kiss first thing this morning, & is ready to be devoured by you! (For those of you who are new to iCiNG, Love & Sequins is the bare bones of my new big project, a delicious book about blowing kisses to the universe!)
The title is THE SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO BUSINESS — Taking control of your life, finding your passion, loving what you do & making mad bling!
Written in New York City & recorded in Toronto, it weighs in at over 12,000 words, & the MP3 is an hour & a bit. I talk at length about my experiences as an independent business owner, discovering what you love to do, how to escape the corporate world, the lessons I’ve learned, what it’s like to make a living as a “blogger”, what it takes to be successful & much more!
This chapter of Love & Sequins is split into two parts. As a super-special treat, this chapter includes a half-hour long interview between the infamous, creative, prolific & extremely successful Molly Crabapple & I, recorded last month at International Playgirl HQ! We discuss starting your own business, being self-sufficient, how to manage your money, online personalities, the new professionalism & following your passion even when times get tough! It’s cute & hilarious, by turns serious & frivolous, & if you close your eyes you can pretend you’re sitting on my bed with us. There are even cabs blaring their horns outside, essential to the authentic New York City experience!
I’m so passionate about this topic, because since starting my business it is all I have really been interested in! I have so much to say about it, I could write an entire book on the subject — maybe one day I will!
You can purchase this podcast for $12, subscribe for a year & be billed monthly at $10, or pay for it all at once for $84 (a super-saving at $7 a month).
Once I receive notification that you’ve snapped it up, I’ll send you an email which has the complete chapter as well as a link to the MP3!
If after listening to #2 you want to go back & hear the first chapter, you can pick it up here!
As always, thanks for your support & enthusiasm! It means so much to me.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [41] Tags: consumption,
how to,
inspiration,
life,
podcast,
productivity Add Gala on Twitter!Win A Pair Of Shoes From Solestruck!
[ 18 May 2009, 09:50 ]
I said I wasn’t going to write about shoes again for a while, but I couldn’t help it… & if you have any small degree of shoe envy, this should help assuage some of it!
My friends at Solestruck.com are celebrating their switch to international shipping by offering up a free pair of shoes to one lucky nonpareil! (Yes! That means this competition is open to anyone & everyone! EVEN YOU!)
Just take a look through their pages & see what takes your fancy, then tell us about it! What do you like best & why? What’s your style — moccasins? Mary janes? Cowboy boots?! They even have a great selection of men’s shoes now, so don’t be shy! Where would you wear ‘em & who would you seduce? What would you dance to? Who would you sneak up on?!
The winner will be drawn at random on Wednesday, so hop to it — & good luck!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [579] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Gala's Style Essentials
[ 12 May 2009, 12:36 ]
Geek glasses
I know they’re trendy as hell but I can’t help loving them. Mine are from Urban Outfitters, & I love to throw them on to add a bit of visual interest to an outfit. Sometimes I feel like having them on is a kind of disguise, which can be very welcome on those days when striding out into the maelstrom of New York City isn’t something I’m really in the mood for. My next step is to buy a second pair & cover them in tiny Swarovski crystals… Needless to say, I can’t wait! (Elton John’s demented protégé lives!)
Flat, well-worn boots
Boots are always my default footwear, & while I have more pairs of heels, boots get about a billion times more wear. They’re so versatile, so comfortable & so stylish that it’s almost impossible to go wrong. I wear mine with jeans, skirts & dresses, & always have. (Courtney Love was one of my first style icons — old habits die hard!) I started off with a pair of 8-up Doc Martens, graduated to New Rock combat boots (which my father told me looked like boots for someone with polio — & which I wore almost every day for 12 years!), & am now all about my Frye shortie Veronicas. I still have intense boot fever & voraciously eye them up whenever I go into a shoe store. I’d like my next boot purchases to be pink PVC Doc Martens & a pair of Frye motorcycle harness boots. Yum.
Super-long cardigans
Probably the most versatile item you could possibly own, a super-long or oversized cardigan should be (I think) an essential in every girl’s wardrobe. You can dress them up or down, they go with pretty much everything (especially if they’re in neutral shades like black or grey), & they’re a super-easy solution for warmth or layering on cool nights. You can even rock mad 90s style & tie one around your waist. Another thing I like to do with a long cardigan is to put it on but button it behind me, which turns it into a kind of bolero with tails. A long cardigan with pockets will be your best friend, especially during season transitions. The one I wear most is a light cotton one from Urban Outfitters, but I also have them in black wool (Ricochet, NZ) & grey wool (Country Road, NZ/AU) which make for essential plane-wear. If you can get your hands on a men’s cardigan, the I’m-wearing-my-boyfriend’s-clothing-&-we-just-had-great-sex look is hard to trump.
A statement handbag
I think everyone needs a handbag in a neutral colour they wear all the time — black or tan are great, safe choices — but it’s wonderful to have a handbag which is heavy on colour, style or statement. I only ever used a black bag until earlier this year, but now I have a menagerie of deliciously-hued purses in my arsenal, & I will never go back! They don’t have to be expensive either: the bag I’ve received the most compliments on is a $30 job from Forever 21!
An assortment of cameras
If you didn’t document it, it didn’t happen. True fact, & this is further impacted by the fact that my memory is so atrocious that I have to write things down or photograph them or they just disappear from my mental reserves. Hence, I am always lugging around my Nikon D80 (very heavy) & now my Flip Mino HD, which is probably going to result in a fabulous hunchback by the time I’m 40, but hey, that’s the way it goes sometimes… I don’t think any of you need any further reasons or convincing, we all know how good it is to have real visual evidence that we are living our lives in an exciting manner!
Suspender belt
I have a vintage Mary Quant suspender belt which has served me extremely well in the past few years. Almost nothing will make you feel sexier, & even better, no one has to know about it (unless you want them to). You also don’t necessarily need to buy stockings to wear with these — if you’re feeling a bit punk rock, you can just cut pantyhose off at the thigh & wear them that way. I used to do this with black & white striped tights & it looked pretty hot, if I may say so myself. Interesting fact too, a lot of men have never seen a girl wearing a suspender belt in real life. When they actually do, let’s just say that they tend to be pretty happy about it. Now, hop to it!
A good pen
...Preferably with fabulous coloured ink. There’s nothing more decadent & fantastic than having your own pen on you at all times with which to sign receipts, give autographs to adoring fans & scrawl phone numbers with a lavish flourish. Of course, you do have to guard it with your life since for some reason, people’s morality seems to go totally out the window when it comes to the thieving of pens, but it is worth it. Much nicer than scrounging around for a chewed-up old Bic or that marker which comes out all blotchy. Yes, having your own pen is total glamour. (Better work on devising yourself a magnificent signature now too, huh?)
Bag & phone candy
I used to call such things “danglies”, which is really not very elegant at all, but when I found out that Tarina Tarantino called this stuff “bag candy”, I was all over it. So. Bag candy. Phone candy. Etc. This is the name for the lovely bits of deliciousness which serve absolutely no purpose but to prettify something else. A phone without candy is a phone without soul, I say! My tastes tend to run to the likes of rhinestone-encrusted initials, sequinned hearts & hypercoloured cupcakes, but your mileage may vary. Tarina Tarantino & Louis Vuitton have really nice options, but if you don’t want to spend a bundle, your local Chinatown should have at least one store with a veritable plethora of noisy, colourful, excitable things on strings. Titivate your goodies!
Knock ‘em dead lip gloss
Balm is good — essential, I’d say — but gloss is better. Balm moisturises & gloss tantalises, so get tingling! My lip balm of choice is anything from Palmer’s cocoa butter collection (dark chocolate & peppermint is my jam right now), while my holy grail lip gloss has been Givenchy Pop Gloss Crystal for what feels like a very long time. At least 6 months, & I still adore it. It tastes sweet, it’s kind of sticky, it shimmers with irridescent glitter & the colour is perfection. It isn’t the cheapest lip gloss on the market, but golly, would you really want that anyway? I think it’s worth it for the way it makes you feel — all pouty & sex kitteny & absolutely ripe for the smoochin’.
A really good concealer
...Because nothing puts a damper on a fire-cracker mood than a stonking beezer-pluke[1] (aka, a big blemish). MAC Cosmetics do great ones, of course, in a variety of formulas depending on what you prefer, but Benefit’s Erase Paste is my new-found friend. It’s really, really great for brightening that sometimes-sallow area underneath your eyes, which means you can totally pretend you didn’t have a few too many mojitos last night & that you really are a responsible member of the team. Oh yes. Worth its weight in gold, I’m telling you.
Hair accessories
The more ridiculous the better. Now that my hair is short again, I kind of have a complex about making it as big & impractical as possible, so my latest obsession is buying things to stick in it. I have not yet graduated to the Marie Antoinette school of putting a ship atop my noggin, but I’m sure my day will come. Forever 21 is my favourite place for headbands of all stripes (bows & flowers abound), but I just bought this lucite butterfly headband from Tarina Tarantino in both pink & black. I couldn’t resist. I am going to wear them both at once. Drool.
Other things you will find in my bedroom…
Ears (bunny, maus, sequinned, polka-dot); faux-fur coats; MAC Cosmetics’ Plush Lash (holy grail for eyelashes); a selection of neon & holographic nailpolish; vintage slips in candy colours; bottles of Miss Dior Cherie & The Exact Friction Of Stars; ripped stockings; dresses, dresses, dresses.
[1] “Beezer-pluke” is a word meaning pimple which I came across at least 10 years ago in this book called I Was A Teenage Worrier by Roz Asquith. It has stuck with me forever, sometimes to my chagrin, & so now, I am passing on this magical word to you.
So, what are your style essentials? I asked Twitter, & here’s what I found…
lesleydenford Style essentials: baby bangs, Converse, scarves, big white flower ring, black liquid eyeliner, MAC blush, & shiny lip gloss.
zimgirl16 I don’t leave the house w/o eyeliner, otherwise my favorites are dangly earrings and feathery headbands for my short short hair
emiliabedilia style essentials: calf length boots -preferably slouchy or biker.
vixel Eyeliner, accessories that match my hair colour, antique rings, biker jacket and a geek to accompany me!
duskyblueskies Mascara, skinny jeans, pointed-toe flats, blazer, aviator sunglasses.
tatvictoria re: style essentials (of late): good hair, bronzer, boyfriend blazer, flats, basic tees, messenger miu miu, a cuff
greyout Big scarf, boots of some sort, black eyeliner, a flat-iron, skirts & dresses (never pants!), greyscale.
declinedesigns candy colored hair, stripes, rose prints, bright colors, and heels!
finalfashion one messenger bag, living in denim, Dr. Martens, black jackets with pockets, plain button down shirts, AA tanks, pencils.
fashiontrix a good bra and dark denim jeans.
ladyjulianne pink-stained lips, coloured tights, my beloved bright pink handbag, purple umbrella, loads of rings, a book
PeachMcGee Fabulous knickers, perfect hair, pristine eyebrows.
TheRawBombshell polka dots, pencil skirts, black liquid liner, red hair dye and heels plus my secret weapon – a smile!
chelseydee I have rhinestones in the balls for my body piercings, the sparkle is very ooh la la :)
RokingLTD brand new 501s every 6 months in 32 waist, 36 leg. Cream linen suit. Birkenstocks. Viv westwood t-shirts!
millycupcake leopard print coat (topshop), Bow back mac , Leather boots (in winter) in summer oversized sunnies, jeggings, disney jewelery
ashemischief Funky shoes, polka dots, lightning bolt & unicorn pendant necklaces (for 8 years now!)
PrincessPoochie vintage driving gloves, electronics of all kinds, dark glasses, books
vanitygirl lip gloss with a slight tingle factor, iPhone, a great pedicure
HipMom mascara, lipgloss, great shoes (occasion-appropriate: not necessarily heels!)
kiddetective style essentials? my goggles, of course! goggles and chapstick.
notitles I always must have a purse that’s big enough to carry my notebook.
P.S. Add those stylish girls to your Twitter list — new friends ahoy! Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [77] Tags: aesthetic,
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question Add Gala on Twitter!A Sartorial Tug-Of-War: Looks Versus Comfort (Or, Can I Really Wear These & Still Respect Myself In The Morning?)
[ 11 May 2009, 11:47 ]
(I promise that this will be my last post on shoes for ages! I swear!)
Okay, I have a confession to make. I am wearing ugg boots. RIGHT NOW. At this very moment. Cozy black sheepskin around my tootsies. Yes. Dear god, are they ever comfortable, especially when you compare them to the shoes I normally wear. They are blissful. I finally understand why people love these so much. But I feel extremely conflicted about the entire thing, because ever since they first flurried their way into the collective consciousness, I’ve been banging on about how ugly they are. They are not flattering & they are definitely not sexy. Sartorial tug-of-war!
It’s tricky, you know? I don’t really want to take them off… ever. I have worn them outside the house once, to buy a slice of pizza from next door, & when I came back home I decided I was going to have to impose a rule on myself. Because I just don’t think they are acceptable for public wear. They are dangerous, like trackpants. So easy to put on, so hard to take off.
So for those of you in similar situations, I would like to propose some Ugg Boot Rules.
1. Ugg boots may not be worn outside the front door — or off your property in general. Walking down to get the mail in them is okay, but running next door for a coffee is not.
2. Ugg boots may not be worn in conjunction with a denim miniskirt, oversized sunglasses & a paper cup of “venti”-sized Starbucks.
3. If you do buy a pair — & for those of you in the Southern hemisphere, going into winter, this is the perfect time to snap some up — buy them in black, not tan or any of those novelty colours. At least with black ones you can pretend that they’re not there. They just look like a shadow moving across the floor. Hard to do when you buy them in “grape” & you look like Grimace from the shins down.
I say, think of uggs like a pair of bunny slippers. Totally awesome & comfortable inside the house; completely unacceptable & pretty much a crime against humanity to wear in public.
What do you think about ugg boots? Do you own a pair? If so, do you wear them in public? If you don’t own any, why is that? What comes to mind when you think of uggs? (For me, it’s Pamela Anderson — a sweet girl I’m sure, but not exactly my style icon.)
I don’t know though. I mean, maybe they’re not all bad if Raquel Welch wore them?!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [231] Tags: consumption,
question Add Gala on Twitter!I Bought New Shoes... Again
[ 9 May 2009, 16:40 ]
Yesterday, I was a woman on a mission. I am overhauling my entire life, & part of that includes starting running again. So I needed shoes to exercise in, but even beyond that, I just needed something comfortable. All I have here in New York are high — & I do mean high, you’ve seen my shoes! — heels & flat boots, neither of which are much good for serious walking, let alone running.
I approached Broadway stealthily. I went into shops I never, ever go into, like Lady Foot Locker, admiring the clever colour combinations & holographic panels, but not really seeing anything that leapt out at me. I knew that theoretically I should be looking at the “running shoes” section, but they are so ugly. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I felt despair. I almost turned around.
But then… at the back of the store… I saw these. Twinkling; sparkling; eye-gouging — & I immediately knew they were the shoes for me. I didn’t even try on anything else. I LOVE THEM. They are super-sonic, hyper-pink, super-saturated, gloriously exhilarating… In other words, perfect. Yum.
Here’s to not twisting an ankle! (I used to run in Reebok Ice Creams, so I should be okay… right?!)
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [84] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 4th May 2009
[ 5 May 2009, 13:52 ]
Yesterday, Jazzi & I went shopping. She has been staying with me at International Playgirl HQ for the past few days. Mostly in that time we have been eating cupcakes, working from bed on our matching laptops, & shopping. So last night we were up around 34th Street when Jazzi said, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a photo of you in Times Square. I think we should do that.”
“Hello, I am a gift to you” headband [1]
Miss Gala Darling necklace by Trashy Deluxe
Hot pink cashmere sweater (vintage)
Black velvet blazer (vintage)
Grey high-waisted skirt (H&M)
Black stockings
Ankle boots from TopShop
Swarovski crystal & rhinestone bracelets
Ring assortment
It has been super-rainy, dreary & cold here! I cheered myself up with an ultraviolet sparkly manicure & by buying a handbag at Forever21. I don’t have any pictures or links, but basically, if you were riding a unicorn across a rainbow & throwing magical fairy dust over people, this is the bag you would keep it in. It is unreal.
[1] So, the headband was made by buying one (1) plain black headband from CVS & one (1) irridescent Hallmark bow. Remove tape backing from bow; stick to headband. Voilà. Enjoy!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [85] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!Balenciaga Cowboy Boots
[ 3 May 2009, 17:00 ]
As well as having a mega-crush on the Balenciaga harness booties — of which the Sam Edelman knock-offs now sell for upwards of $500 on eBay — a little while later, in 2007, I fell hard for Balenciaga’s pull-on cowboy boots. I don’t know why they were called cowboy boots, because there’s really nothing very cowboy about them at all, but they had an evil pointed toe, a great shape & serious height.
Yesterday I went to TopShop, & while I was in their shoe department, I fell in love with a pair of boots that were so eerily similar that it could not have been a coincidence.
I think you know the rest of this story: I bought them.
What do you think? I think: doppelgängers. Separated at birth. I also think: hello, I am in love with you. Please never leave me. You are my new favourite pair of shoes & I will cherish you to the very end.
Also, when I wear these, I am 5’11”. HELL YES.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [53] Tags: consumption,
gala Add Gala on Twitter!Love & Sequins #1 Is Live!
[ 2 May 2009, 08:29 ]
Hello!
I wanted to write & let you all know that the first installment of Love & Sequins: Making Magic Happen was sent out all across the world two nights ago — beamed straight from International Playgirl HQ into the homes of sweet nonpareils!
Like I said when I first announced the project, Love & Sequins is the bare bones of my new big project, a delicious book about blowing kisses to the universe.
The first installment is almost 10,000 words, & an hour long. The topic? LEARNING TO LOVE YOURSELF: Self-adoration, manifesting your ideal persona, channelling your inner Marie Antoinette & everything in between!
I’m really proud of it & I think you will totally love it. But don’t just take my word for it — here’s some feedback I’ve received!
“I just wanted to let you know how much i enjoyed the first installment of Love and Sequins. I was beginning to get impatient but it was totally worth the wait. I just finished listening to it, huddled under a doona, eating a cookie in my new house in Melbourne… Thank you again for this excellent installment in the Gala Darling saga. I look forward to the next episode.”
“I adore the idea of these podcasts! I assume they’re meant to be listened to on an MP3 player during a quiet & calm time, so I’m going to copy it to my music player. Though I have listened to the beginning on my computer, and have to say that it is wonderful so far! I’m sure loads of other iCiNG fans will agree when you upload it onto the site. One excellent quality of these ‘podcasts’ is that they’re so personal, as you write and speak it yourself and support the information with your own experience, which is truly fascinating.”
“Dude. I’m just listening to your podcast now. Honestly, I was a little apprehensive because I’ve noticed your content on iCiNG has changed a little. This is the stuff. SIGH! RELIEF! CONGRATULATIONS. Don’t ever forget how much the ‘nonpareils’ have their hearts out there for you. Me included always always always. You’re just GOOD, you know? Substantial and full of perspective, dripping with sticky as honey vocabulary. Plus your voice is so badass.”
“It’s f*cking BRILLIANT. Whoever didn’t pay for this is REALLY missing out. F*cking brilliant. Loved it.”
You can snap up this podcast alone for $12, subscribe for a year & be billed monthly at $10, or pay for it upfront — $84, which works out at $7 a month.
Clever nonpareil Becky had a great idea — these podcasts can easily be purchased for a friend & sent as a digital gift! If you want to do this, just let scribble me a note when you make the purchase, & I’ll set it up!
I also wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me in this exciting new chapter! It really means so much to me. Eternal luuuurve from the Galaverse to you!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [68] Tags: consumption,
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podcast Add Gala on Twitter!Win $250 Of Delicious Handbag Bliss!
[ 28 April 2009, 10:09 ]
Yummy. (Karl Lagerfeld Limited Edition Metal Mesh Tote & Convertible Clutch; Balenciaga Arena City Handbag; Yves Saint Laurent Stamp Tote; Alexander McQueen Elvie Satchel; Chanel Classic 2.55 Transparent Ice-Cube Handbag; Chloe Leather Tote.)
I’m so excited to be a part of this! Avelle.com — the artist formerly known as Bag, Borrow or Steal — is having its fifth birthday, & to celebrate, they’re giving away a $250 giftcard to one lucky nonpareil!
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the service, Avelle is a website where you can rent accessories in the same way that you rent cars or movies. I’m totally envious right now, because having the ability to switch fabulous designer handbags every week really appeals to me!
So what’s up?! All you have to do to go into the draw to win $250 towards yummy handbag mania is leave a comment saying what your first handbag would be & why. Where would you wear it? Would you give it a nickname? Would you fill it with rocks & swing it at someone?!
Let your imagination go nutty & let us know! The winner will be announced on the 13th of May.
(Unfortunately this competition is only open to people in the USA — so sorry to bag fetishists scattered across the rest of the globe!)
P.S. There are 9 other fashion blogs participating in this campaign, so go visit them & leave a comment to increase your chances of winning!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [189] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 17th April 2009
[ 18 April 2009, 21:30 ]
All dressed up to go to dinner at Pure Food & Wine with Dhrumil, Philip McCluskey, Anthony, Shazzie & Kris Carr. The raw dream team!
It was a totally beautiful night, as you can see. New York City really turned it on.
Three handmade cupcake necklaces by Lucid New York — & you can use the code LN1D to get 10% off anything on the site!
ModCloth’s Style Inspiration dress
Two cupcake rings by Cupcakes & Mace, skull ring by Tarina Tarantino, diamante ring by Dyrberg/Kern, crown ring from my sweet friend Mary Bee
Manolo Blahniks
I’ve been operating from two suitcases worth of clothing (& 8 pairs of shoes) since the end of February & I am starting to feel sliiiiightly nuts… But then this dress, the necklaces & the rings showed up, giving me some much-needed respite! The rest of my clothing is in New Zealand, & I plan to have it sent over soon! (Can’t wait!)
I had such a great evening. It is a total honour to spend time with friends who make you feel so special & so loved. You should check out all of their sites, because they are all complete superheroes. Also, you can see photos from the night here!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [87] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!Spring Fever
[ 7 April 2009, 13:30 ]
Spring is coming to New York City & I’m so excited. Even though I haven’t experienced a full winter since 2007 (!!!), I still adore spring. It’s easily the most beautiful time of year. Pitter patter…
The shops are full of the new season’s trends — florals (of course), fresh colours & bold silhouettes; sequins, jumpsuits & fringe; draped necklaces, embellished headbands & big bangles; slashed denim, ripped lace & neon accents. It’s totally overwhelming & extremely exciting. So of course, I’ve been thinking about my spring fashion concept…
I don’t have any definite answers yet, but know that while my usual trademarks will be in place — big, ridiculous shoes, oversized cardigans, candy-coloured hair & a cornucopia of sparkly accoutrements — I’ll definitely be supplementing with some yummy trends. I am envisioning lots of skirts, high heels, & jewellery which acts as my own personal percussion section.
Here are some things which have been keeping me awake at night. What are you dying to wriggle into this season?
Clockwise: Miu Miu Whipstitch patent pumps; Givenchy leather ankle sandals; Fendi strappy patent sandals; Viktor & Rolf heels; bracelets from Forever 21; headband from Colette; panties from Forever 21; Fendi wedge-heel boots; Balmain sandals.
Clockwise: House of Holland shirt; La Perla bra; bat bag from Topshop; La Perla suspender belt; translucent sunglasses; oversized tote from Forever 21; Proenza Schouler boots.
Clockwise: Patent purse; headbands from Forever 21; Sonia Rykiel sweater; Karen Zambos skirt; wicked frames; Swarovski ring; cubic zirconia ring; Givenchy leather ankle sandals; neon pink Dr Marten boots; Pauric Sweeney overnight bag; Frye harness boots.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [46] Tags: consumption,
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question Add Gala on Twitter!Sweetiepie
[ 1 April 2009, 22:21 ]
Last night I went on a date (ooooh!) & the place was so iCiNG that I knew I had to write about it, just in case you’re ever in New York City & want a totally fun, luxe dining experience!
Sweetiepie in the West Village is completely over-the-top. It verges on being a saccharine visual assault. It is totally ridiculous. & of course it is a combination of these factors which makes it so brilliant.
Imagine this: a restaurant with mirrored walls & ceilings, vivid pink upholstery, golden flourishes & an enormous gilded bird-cage in the front window… in which you sit & eat your meal. It is out of this world. The story goes that the owner of Sweetiepie designed it for his young daughter, who had an Alice In Wonderland obsession. I think he wins the coolest daddy award.
So what does Sweetiepie have to offer, other than gobsmacking décor? There’s a menu of charming but potent1 cocktails (I personally endorse the Sweetiepie & the Bee’s Knees), a $75 ice-cream sundae which comes in the world’s most enormous parfait glass, a selection of cupcakes on the counter, a dessert cart covered in multi-coloured beauties, & well-dressed waiters. They wear bow-ties. Cute.
I was a little unsure going in, because Sweetiepie’s reviews on Yelp are certainly a mixed bag. Claims of poor service & uninspired food are rife, & yes, I could concede that most of these complaints are realistic. The service really isn’t top-notch, but once you actually manage to get your waiter’s attention, they are quite sweet & friendly. The food is really unusual, too — miniature burgers? Tater tots?! — but it’s tasty, I think it’s done well & is totally enchanting in its own way. This is not haute cuisine, it’s a fun, surreal experience, & as long as you go into it with the right mindset, you’ll have a fabulous time.
Plus, I believe that you get out of a situation what you put into it — & let’s face it, even the most dire restaurant can become a whirl of fond memories if you go there with someone who makes you laugh.
Gala recommends… Going there with your best friends for cocktails, decadent first dates, or treating your kid sister to a dinner she will never forget.
Top secret tips: If the bird-cage is occupied when you arrive, tell your waiter that you want to sit in it next. Take a camera! Be prepared to eat with your fingers! & dress up!
[1] Please note, I am quite a lightweight at the best of times, but I had one (1) Sweetiepie & either two (2) or three (3) Bee’s Knees (I forget) & didn’t realise quite how intoxicated I was until I got back to my house. We’re talking “Oh, the room is spinning” here. Beware! Danger, danger!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [52] Tags: consumption,
inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Announcing... Love & Sequins: Making Magic Happen!
[ 23 March 2009, 05:41 ]
If I could embed a marching band right here, I would. This is a GRAND ANNOUNCEMENT! I have been squirming in my seat for ages waiting to tell you about this, & finally, it’s time! This is the biggest thing I’ve done since the launch of iCiNG itself, & I’m so amped!
I’d like to introduce you to my new baby, Love & Sequins: Making Magic Happen, a super-deluxe addition to the daily iCiNG we all know & love. It’s a monthly exploration & adventure delivered in podcast format, perfect for hunkering down to in your favourite place with a pair of beloved headphones.
I’m so excited about putting this together, & I can’t wait to share it with you! So what can you expect? Every month for the next 12 months I’ll be exploring various topics in lots of depth — an entire HOUR of my ridiculous accent each month! It’s a delicious mash-up of the best of my archived material, plus huge helpings of new, never-before-seen treasures. Some of you know this already, & some of you don’t, but my Next Big Thing™ is a book — a definitive guide to living the iCiNG way. This is your chance to get the mega-early scoop, because an enormous portion of what will be covered is material written specifically for that. Yum yum!
I’ve been writing feature-length articles for iCiNG for over two years now, but I want to start getting more in-depth. This is my opportunity to do that — to go deeper & expand more — & I have so much to say!
What will I be talking about? Love! Style! Music! Creating your dream life! Sex! Travel! Entrepreneurship! Fashion! Metro-spirituality! Relationships! You’ll learn an arsenal of secrets to keeping a relationship fabulous, be given tips on how to start your own business, & find out how to be a better lover. We’ll discover your passions & create a grand, glorious plan for living your dreams, as well as talking about fun things like money, shoes, & travel. I’ll let you in on the personal exercises I use for visualisation, staying motivated & learning how to use astrology in your daily life. I’ll be interviewing amazing people & sharing my most exciting discoveries. It’s a combination of my all-time sweetest tips & tricks — like how to look picture perfect all the time, dealing with unrequited love, & escaping the world without going anywhere — with all the trimmings. Who loves ya, baby?! 
Recorded live in a handful of my favourite cities, like New York, Austin, Los Angeles & Las Vegas (yay!), each month we’ll cover a mix of subjects. & just like iCiNG, it will always be inspiring & invigorating with a view to helping spark up your love of life!
With Love & Sequins: Making Magic Happen we’ll be moving together into the fabulous fast-lane of hyper-love & miracle-making — but of course, it’s totally optional. Everything you love about iCiNG will stay the same — & free, like it’s always been!
Want a demo? Of course you do! Here’s a minute-long sampler with some assorted clips!
Enough teasing. Keen?! (Me toooooooo! I can’t wait to kick this off!) You can choose your own adventure because there are 3 ways of doing it.
Option One: $12
Pay as you go. Only buy what you want, when you want it. I’ll send you a reminder to let you know when the latest one has been released, & you can pick it up as you go. Option one is $12 a pop.
Option Two: $10
Go for the one year subscription, but pay in instalments. You’ll be billed monthly at $10 — saving you $2 a month, or $24 for the full year.
Option Three: $7
Snap up the whole year for $84 (a whopping 12 hours of material!) & receive all of Love & Sequins: Making Magic Happen. Your one-off payment will help me heaps in funding the project, & by way of saying a big sparkly thank you, the price drops to $7 a month. This saves you $5 a month, or $60 annually!
The first instalment of Love & Sequins: Making Magic Happen will be released in April — yes, next month! You’ll be emailed a top secret download link as soon as it’s completed. I’ve done my very best to price this as fairly as possible — $10 is about what you pay for a mixed drink in New York City, or two mixed drinks in Austin, Texas! Ha! It’s probably less than your favourite foreign fashion magazine, & even better, no ads or tree-killin’!
You can pay instantly via Paypal right here. Click click click!
I hope you’re as excited as I am. See you on the other side!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [136] Tags: consumption,
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podcast Add Gala on Twitter!Inder Bedi Of Matt & Nat
[ 5 March 2009, 00:31 ]
I was introduced to Matt & Nat a little while ago by some clued-up nonpareils! After mentioning their company on my site, my friend made an introduction, & gave me the opportunity to ask Inder, the director of Matt & Nat, a few questions about his business, his vision & why he does what he does! I thought you might be introduced in hearing about his point of view, so without further ado…
Name: Inder Bedi
Age: 35
Location: Montreal
What is Matt & Nat’s vision?
We aim to strike that delicate balance between being fashionably creative and innovative while being conscious of our choices affect our environment and all its beings.
I heard a rumour that Matt & Nat’s very earliest beginnings came from a personal dare to go without animal products for 30 days! Obviously that month had a major impact on you. How did those 30 days begin to reshape your life into what it is today?
Those 30 days totally changed my life! Was asked by a priest to go vegetarian for 30 days when I was 18. It ended up sticking after the 30 days, learned more about vegetarianism, animal rights and eventually went vegan. Led to me to write a business plan in university (for a class I tried not to take!) as a frustrated vegan consumer that wanted items that were eco/vegan but still innovative and sexy, this led to the founding of M&N.
What is the creative process like for you? What are the steps between an idea in your head & a bag on someone’s shoulder? Do you work alone or with a team? Do you design with a certain type of person in mind?
We have a great design team of 4 including myself. We basically soak in everything out there from music to architecture to art to interesting things that inspire us in travels along with some trends in terms of colors, bag styles and then come up with our own thing, that hopefully stands out amongst everything else out there.
Like to describe our customer put there as someone ‘who is looking for more’, going beyond traditional demographics. Innovation is a big focus for us as well. All of our linings are currently made out of 100% recycled water bottles that look like suede.
Who would you love to see rocking Matt & Nat style?
The Dalai Lama! Ha!
What are the biggest challenges you face?
We are distributed in some great stores which is the tough part in terms of ‘breaking in’ in our industry. The challenge now is to ensure that consumers who pick up the brand also know what it stands for as when they do find out, it’s a great bonus, awareness is now key for us…
What is your absolute favourite thing about what you do?
The first would be the creativity aspect whether it’s a new material, new style or new hardware etc., when you work weeks on a style and it finally turns out the way you want and you know it’s going to be HOT, it’s very rewarding!
The other are the emails we get from customers who thank us for creating a product that they not only love to rock but also appeals to their inner spirit, also very rewarding :)
Can you tell us any secrets about your next range?
We’re stepping up the recycled water bottles and taking them on the outside shells of the bags, a suede collection for women and felt for men, both made completely out of recycled water bottles
What is Samsara all about? Curious minds want to know!
Samsara (rebirth in Sanskrit) are the younger siblings to M&N (Sam et Sara), the price points will be more entry level. For each bag sold we will donate $1 to a charity through an interactive web site where consumers can actually go and choose where the money goes. Will launch in Canada for spring and the U.S for fall.
What hints would you give to people who want to become more eco-conscious, but don’t know where to begin?
There are several sites that offer starter kits for vegetarians as I’m sure there are for people who want to be more green. Goveg.com offers some great starter kits and stats on the environmental benefits of going veg. Guess the key is initially making little changes in your life and building from there.
Tell us which other companies you find inspiring & why.
Love it when companies find a way to show you that you can be fashionably fierce and still have a higher conscious… Fisker Rama (ex designer for BMW, Aston martin) just designed an electric car that is a piece of art… it’s a pretty materialistic example but is damn beautiful!
Who is your favourite author?
Don’t really have one, currently reading The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma.
What’s in heavy rotation on your headphones this week?
My sales manager turned me on to trentemoller, wicked stuff…
If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be & what would you serve?
I would invite YOU and serve you a bigger mac and mac n’cheese catered from Madelaines. Staying in L.A. this week and had dinner there last night, one of the best vegan restos I’ve had the pleasure of dining at…
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [24] Tags: consumption,
inspiration,
life Add Gala on Twitter!Dream Girls Wear Dream Outfits
[ 2 March 2009, 20:24 ]
Mars had a tattoo of her ex-boyfriend’s name on her forearm, just below her elbow. When people asked her why she didn’t get it covered up, she said she liked having it as a reminder never to date someone so ridiculous again. She loved listening to Lou Reed as she walked to work & trying to think up colours that had never been seen before.
Rita was so little she had to sit on a stack of foreign fashion magazines so she could see over the steering wheel, but always drove carefully. She dreamed of being Kanye West’s assistant & of interviewing Karl Lagerfeld. She loved boys who wore bow-ties, mixing high- & low-end fashion, & waffles from the toaster.
Kate was a Virgo, through & through, but she kept her astrology obsession to herself. During the day she worked in a public relations firm, making loud phone-calls as she walked down the street at a brisk pace & keeping meticulous to-do lists. But when she went home, she liked nothing better than an hour of yoga, an organic meal & plotting her week based on what her online horoscope told her.
Jamie liked noisy accessories. Necklaces which clinked together, bracelets which jangled, belts which chimed against one another. It made her feel like she had her very own percussion section. Her favourite thing to do was sit on the floor surrounded by magazines, scissors, glue & blank paper, & make things. Zines. Love letters. Collages. She thought that anything that might give her a nasty paper-cut was worth doing.
Thoroughly Modern Millie Minnie. Rather than suffering through her parents’ naming choices, Minnie decided to embrace & embody it. She always wore ears to class & was deeply in love with her new fingerless Louis Vuitton gloves. She liked to sit in her chair & look pensive, even though secretly she wasn’t thinking about anything: just listening to the wind in the trees.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [73] Tags: consumption,
inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Gala's Valentine's Day Gift Guide
[ 8 February 2009, 21:19 ]
Valentine’s Day. A time of super-cute awesomeness or an overly-commercial swindle? It’s totally up to you!
I think Valentine’s Day is great, even though this is going to be the first time I haven’t had a valentine in years. (Maybe we could all be each others’ valentine!) Love is magnificent & should be celebrated every chance we get, & even if you feel like there isn’t a lot of that around you, take this opportunity to celebrate the love that is coming to you, right now. Feel it, believe it, visualise it, soak it up. Yum yum!
If you actually look at it, Valentine’s Day is a really interesting phenomenon. For example, in 2008 in Saudi Arabia, religious police banned any Valentine’s Day items (even anything red!) from being sold on February 14th, considering it an un-Islamic holiday — & so created a black market for roses & wrapping paper! How amazing is that?!
So here’s my disclaimer. I know a lot of people dislike Valentine’s Day because it’s such an exercise in consumerism. I have heard “Why should we only celebrate love on one day?!” as an argument more than enough times. Fair enough. I hear you. I’ve got your number. But — let me be blatantly honest here — that doesn’t give you an excuse to be a mean, party-pooping tight-ass. You might think you’re being awesome & anti-establishment but your girlfriend still feels bad when everyone but her gets flowers. Okay? So do something. Anything. It doesn’t have to cost money! Give your partner a great massage, make their favourite meal, go for a walk & have a good discussion about something, whatever you like — just be as cool a person as you know you can be!
Having said all of this, here are some things I’ve found while trawling around the internet that I think would make great Valentine’s Day gifts for your lover, spouse, best friend or even yourself! (I find it hard to resist heart-shaped items at the best of times.) A lot of these items come from Etsy. Buy handmade where you can!
Put it on: clothing, accessories & other treats
Conversation hearts are one of the coolest things ever, but I don’t think they taste too wonderful, so why not take the concept & expand on it? J2 Jewelry will customise a silver conversation heart on a chain. Wicked awesome. I Sew Cute makes resin heart necklaces — I like this one filled with red & pink nonpareils, but then, I would! Here’s another conversation heart necklace from Fatally Feminine, except this time it’s pink & sparkly, & Maisey Handmade makes candy heart felted fingerless mitts, perfect for your cutie.
Margaux Lange is clever; her necklace The Kiss proves it! (The rest of her stuff is pretty incredible too. Barbie boobie heart, anyone?!)
Freyagushi is mega-talented. I love her Medical Contessa Couture corset. A lot.
Safe sex is rad. Why not present loverboy with a selection of condoms with a picture of the two of you on them?! Why not, indeed! If that’s a bit weird for you, how about Trevor Brown or Coop condoms, a hallowe’en assortment, tri-colour or kimono colour condoms or a bottle of Astroglide?
Moving along…
Ahhhrt: making you cooler & smarter than everyone else since the dawn of time
My friend Star is an incredible illustrator. Why don’t you buy a birdcage heart shirt or a print of one of her cute girls?
Sam Brown of Exploding Dog is doing an awesome Valentine’s Day print special. Plus if you order today, it should arrive just in the nick of time!
My friends at Phokki (who are sponsoring me this week, woo!) offer a wicked service where they’ll turn a photo into art! Want an amazing portrait done of you & your beloved? Hollaaaaa!
JustMyLuckDesigns has conversation heart vinyl wall stickers in any colour you like. Studio JK does them too. If you share a place with your lover, put them on the wall as a surprise!
Mix it up: a menagerie of alternative ideas!
Call your favourite cupcakerie & have them send 6 or 12 cupcakes in a tantalising flavour to the object of your affections. Even better, make your own & buy some toppers to stick in them. Goosegrease does cute stamped dolls which would make anyone smile, but honestly, Etsy is a major treasure trove for that kind of thing!
Embark on a three day raw passion sextox. Uh huh!
If you & your kissing buddy like nothing better than going to the movies, get them a book of cinema vouchers. Borrow your friend’s boat & have lunch on the ocean. Make out in public. Present her with a slew of concert tickets for the next 6 months. Pay his extravagant library fines. Write a song. Buy them a copy of your favourite book. Get two tickets to Burning Man. Buy an orchid & decorate the pot with crystals. Plan a scavenger hunt. Paint something. Buy them a new pair of speakers or headphones. Fill up their iPod with some of your favourite songs. Take a bubble bath together & talk about the future. Go out dancing. Adopt an animal together from your local pet shelter (but think about it first!). If you’re in England, build them a snowman! Or you could just show up looking devilishly marvellous & get it on!
It’s all about you, baby
Valentine’s Day is also an excellent excuse to splurge on yourself. Like you needed one! At least, I hope you didn’t!
Don’t have a boyfriend, girlfriend, lover or crush? First of all, kudos for not being in an unhappy relationship just for the sake of being with someone! Secondly, be good to yourself. Valentine’s Day is about love, & of course the most important person to love is yourself! Go & get a facial or a luxurious massage. Buy devastatingly fabulous lingerie & celebrate the fact that you’re your own lover! Agent Provocateur & Kiki De Montparnasse are perennial favourites, but I just discovered Hopeless & I’m head over heels. I don’t even like cats & that stuff makes me want to say meow. My friends at Madame Rouge have put together a fabulous Valentine’s Day deal on their Nouveau Ruffle set — I own the whole set & love it like mad, the bra especially. It is sauce central! So here it goes: if you quote “freebriefs” when you check out, it will either give you a g-string for nothing, or treat you to the boy shorts for only $6! Woo woo!
Make yourself smell delicious with a lick of fragrance from LuckyScent (my favourite). This double-decker window necklace is perfect for the sassy single girl (or your sassy single best friend). Deck yourself out in a poofy neon tutu & rock the city without apologies. Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year, so no excuses! Go PINK! Buy yourself an incredible dress or something fun from New York Couture. Hit up your favourite sex boutique for some premium self-lovin’. Crank up the music & hoop until you can’t hoop any more. Send emails to all your favourite people telling them exactly why you love them. Bake cookies & write obscene words on them. Make a teepee in your living room & spend the day writing inside it.
Random Valentine’s Day fun
Valentine’s Day is also a great time to go wild on all the heart-shaped treasures which the stores are crammed with right now. If you’re a fan of red or hot pink, even better! You could deck out an entire palace with the stuff that’s available this month! Even better, on the 15th it all goes on sale! Snap it up!
Throw a Valentine’s Day party.
Go for a spin on a ferris wheel. (There is method behind my madness, I swear.)
Make miniature chilli chocolate cupcakes with chilli chocolate ganache frosting. I have made these before, & they are unbelievable.
So… what are you doing for Valentine’s Day? I’m thinking about booking myself into a spa during the day, & getting dressed up & going out dancing with a bunch of friends that night. Sounds perfect to me!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [61] Tags: consumption,
inspiration,
life,
question Add Gala on Twitter!Win A Hot Pink Form 6 From Jimmyjane For Valentine's Day!
[ 6 February 2009, 01:29 ]
Do you like orgasms?
This is not a trick question!
If you answered yes — ha, if! — I have something very special for you in time for Valentine’s Day. Oh yes I do.
The delicious dreamboats at Jimmyjane have just released a hot pink edition of their famous, design award-winning Form 6 vibrating massager, & it’s soon to be on its way to one lucky nonpareil!
The Form 6 is rechargeable as well as waterproof & fully submersible to the depth of a metre, making it perfect for bath-time pleasure or orgasmic aqua-aerobics! Plus, who could say no to that fantastic colour?
Jimmyjane are one of the world’s première manufacturers of high-end sex accessories, melding ambrosial sensations with fabulous technology & beautiful design. Their cult following is epic, & it’s not hard to see why when you catch a glimpse of the amazing things they create.
Enough teasing! How do you make this little treasure your own?
Simply visit the Jimmyjane shop & imagine yourself choosing a present for someone. What would you buy, who would you select it for, & why?
I’d pick up a Wink silk & suede blindfold for Violet Blue, because I know she’d get great use out of it — from much-needed naps at SXSW to restraining a saucy vixen or using it as a prop in a self-portrait! As for the colour, no question: it would have to be black, in keeping with her punk & goth roots!
So go muss up your hair, put on a slick of lip gloss, & have a pout in the mirror while you think about your answer. The smartest, cutest, funniest entry will win! You have until Monday night to come up with something devastating!
Fingers crossed!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [119] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 4th February 2009
[ 4 February 2009, 01:51 ]
Hey girl, what you wearing?
Answer: comfortable clothes. When I’m writing, I like to twist around, sit cross-legged, pace back & forth with a pen in my mouth, stand up & re-read my work aloud to an invisible audience, & practice terrible posture by leaning forward, squinting intently.
Then I take a break, hoop dance, lie in repose on the couch & stare up at the clouds, drink tall glasses of water, make exquisitely long phone calls, flick my hair around like a unicorn & watch the sea. Yes, I spend quite a lot of time loungin’. Like LL Cool J. Kind of.
All of these activities require clothing which allows you flexibility. Trackpants are an obvious choice, but they are not a charming one. It’s hard to feel glamorous in anything with a drawstring. Why not wear something simple but fetching & dress it up with sparkly jewellery? So I turn to slips, gowns & kimonos for my unusual needs, & they take care of me quite well.
One of my style resolutions for 2009 is to expand my collection of lounge-wear. I am totally going to go on an internet blitz & find some pieces which fit the bill, so sit tight for a post on THAT!
So whatcha whatcha whatcha want?!
To be specific…
Ryan of Joolwe sent me this insanely sparkly blue goldstone bib necklace from their ELLE collection & I loooooooooove iiiiiiiiiiiit!
Black slip from Sparkle & Fade (I’m sure I’ve said this before, but it may have been the best $10 I ever spent)
Blue & pink kimono from a Japanese shop in Melbourne
Pink watch from Too Late
Faceted blue goldstone bracelet also from Joolwe‘s ELLE collection (dear Ryan, MWAH MWAH, love Gala)
Silver “Lolita” I.D. bracelet (given to me by a sweet nonpareil who found it in a secondhand shop)
Two bracelets made using clear quartz, rose quartz, Swarovski crystals & hematite stars
& you may or may not have noticed… I have long hair again! & I’m SO HAPPY! Thank you, Wildilocks!
Detail shots, ‘cause I know how you love them!
P.S. What was I wearing on this day two years ago? Now you know!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [67] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!I Love The Red Book!
[ 31 January 2009, 17:12 ]
Do you own a copy of Sera Beak’s The Red Book: A Deliciously Unorthodox Approach to Igniting Your Divine Spark yet? If not, how come?! I’m re-reading it right now & this segment jumped out at me. I hope you enjoy it!
Role Playing
As you’ve probably gathered by now, you have a special purpose. You’ve got certain things to do & people to see & flowers to smell & experiences to have that your intuition is constantly guiding you toward. You have a role that needs to be played, & chances are, it’s the role of a lifetime. When lived truthfully, this role will consist of doing & being what you love & making a decent living from it. Whoa. Imagine that.
Now before you start dreaming of exotic travels & radical business plans & living in Turkey, please realize that most people’s roles while here on this earthly plane for such a quick blink of time aren’t nearly so dramatic or far-reaching; one person’s role might be as seemingly simple as becoming, say, a conductor of high-frequency love while living on a particularly bleak city block, while another’s is to be an amazing mother, while another’s is to grow organic food, or save lemurs, or work at that magazine.
Although your intuition might lead you (or might have already led you) toward a role that might not seem all that glamorous, it doesn’t make it any less important or meaningful or soul-rocking. There might be thousands of first-grade teachers, but only you can give hope to those specific children in that specific children at that specific time. Let’s face it, not everyone can be a Nelson Mandela, because as amazing as that man is, the universe doesn’t need millions of him. The universe needs, well, you. & only you can do what it is you do, in your unique way. So please don’t shut down your unique abilities with doubt or comparisons or critiques (“Working at this cafe or teaching music to the elderly or writing poetry on my lunch break can’t be all that cosmically significant; just look at that guy I saw on 20/20 who’s setting up HIV clinics in Africa”). Gandhi said, “Whatever you do may seem insignificant to you, but it is most important that you do it.” Trust me, when you believe in yourself & fulfil your role to the best of your ability, you are a spiritual superstar, as powerful & as needed as any soul on the planet. As modern dance genius Martha Graham so beautifully put it, “There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action. & because there is only one of you in time, this expression is unique. & if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium & be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is: nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours, clearly & directly. To keep the channel open” (quoted in Rob Brezsny’s Pronoia, p. 76).
This is a mysteriously connected universe. We don’t always consciously know how far our energy might reach & how intense its effect might be, but by doig what you intuitively feel you should be doing in this world (be it a career, a project, an art piece, a relationship), you are actually, believe it or not, helping to infuse this planet & even the entire cosmos with deep soulful purpose as well as encouraging other beings to seek out & bravely live their own role. (There is more about this phenomenon in the next chapter.)
Of course, when we start becoming more connected to & more expressive of who we really are, the seemingly random roles we play become just natural extensions of ourselves. Intuitive hits about what your role is (for right now) may not always suggest a huge change from what you are already doing, but they should help you do what you do more consciously. Richard Bach wrote, “Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: if you’re alive, it isn’t” (Illusions, p. 159). So what’s your part to play now? How can you be it even better? Don’t know if you’ve found what you’re meant to do or be quite yet? Don’t fret; when it’s time, the universe will give you plenty of external & internal hints, but here’s mine: You’ll know when you find it because it will make you feel very alive, happy, aligned, content — even if it challenges you & pushes your limits & freaks you out a bit. You will know, on a cell-tingling level, that you are doing what you are meant to do, no matter how mundane it might appear to others, or even to your ego. You will know by how intensely you’re existing.
P.S. Buy the book!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [25] Tags: consumption,
inspiration,
life,
quote Add Gala on Twitter!Hot Nubile Racy XXX Handbags XXX
[ 27 January 2009, 21:20 ]
Most people have a thing — or several things — that they enjoy so much that the very concept is totally titillating, completely compelling, subversively salacious. Among the many things that send me into a delicious frenzy — high heels, health food stores, raw food, alternative healing, language & music — are handbags.
Oh yes, handbags. Ridiculous things, truly. Scraps of fabric sewn together in such a way that your mobile phone doesn’t fall out & smash on the filthy streets of… wherever. Dyed swatches of animal flesh with shiny hardware. The grown-up version of Huckleberry Finn’s scarf tied around the end of a stick. Those things that most men, somehow, manage to do without. Yes, handbags. I love them. I really love them. Mmmmm. Colourful, leathery pornography.
I never used to; it’s something which crept up on me, just like my shoe obsession. I hit age 23 & suddenly, it was all over. I trawl the internet late at night, my face perilously close to the screen as I squint at the leather, the stitching, the detailing. It’s a filthy obsession.
Worst of all, I am not into the vegan handbag thing. I know, I know, leather is cruel, & even though I barely eat anything that isn’t vegan these days, I just cannot made the switch to non-leather shoes or handbags. Sorry. Can’t. Won’t. Not interested. I am okay with being a contradiction, though; in fact, I embrace it.
So, all of this to say — I am slightly handbag mad at the moment. Just before I left New York, I spent serious time in the Balenciaga store, agonising over whether I did or did not want the Giant Amethyst Pink City. (How good does that sound?! A giant amethyst pink city…) I stood with it on my arm, looking in the mirror for a significant amount of time. I decided no — but I’ve since changed my mind. It will be mine… oh yes. It will be mine.
But I won’t own it for at least another month — no Balenciaga boutiques here! — & I keep thinking about bags. So in my travels around l’internet, I have found a whole bunch of other bags which are super-cute & would look lovely on anyone’s shoulder, & it seems unkind not to share. So here we go. Bags à la Gala, & of course we’re kicking off with my baby, the Giant Amethyst Pink City.
Ideal for girls with candy-coloured locks (ahem, ahem), & high-falutin’, champagne-sippin’, diamante brass knuckle-ownin’ fillies of all stripes with a penchant for stylistic drama & madness. Take it on planes (it’ll fit your Macbook), to fancy parties (it’ll hold a bottle of plonk) & on first dates with well-dressed boys or girls.
Essential contents: Moleskine planner, oversized Pucci sunglasses, business cards, vitamins, water bottle, airline tickets, passport, mascara.
This is the ideal handbag for the hard-working domme on her day off. Saucy but unassuming, it’s just right for shopping sprees, appointments with the therapist & dinners with totally unsuspecting parents. Oh, you woman of mystery, you!
Essential contents: Library card, black cherry cough drops, cigarettes & Zippo, shopping list (limes, tomato sauce, sugarcubes), invitation to an art show & a pair of handcuffs. Hey, you never know.
A superbly playful bag for the charming, unicorn-loving girl inside of all of us. The girl who owns this probably works in a record shop or an independent bookstore, has trouble balancing the cash register & is late almost all the time, but makes great cups of tea for all her workmates. She is always generous with her sweets & puts her spare change in a super-shiny pink piggy-bank.
Essential contents: Heart-shaped sunglasses, a folded copy of the Style section, small notebook & sparkly pen, iPod, torn out personals ad, half-written love letter to long-time crush, three blank postcards.
For the girl who loves design blogs, her half-shaved head & her epic collection of apocalyptic folk music, who also happens to need something “presentable” to take to her desk job. That girl who wears glasses with bold frames, MAC Red lipstick & doesn’t make small talk in the tea room. That one you kind of want to sleep with, but who won’t even look at you. Damnit.
Essential contents: A red apple, court summons, painkillers, concert ticket stubs, Band Aids & a well-worn copy of Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
Perfect for the girl who collects boyfriends as an idle hobby. As comfortable in a video arcade as she is at the races in a fabulous hat, her chameleon nature endears her to everyone, especially men, who see her as exactly what they’re looking for. She plays it up & catches them off guard; they always think they have snagged a rare treasure. Even after she disappears with all their best china, they still think of her fondly as “the one that got away”.
Essential contents: Photobooth stickers folded in half, keys to the houses of her 3 current boyfriends, sparkly gloss for irresistably kissable lips, an essential oil perfume blend, a list of men to conquer.
Practical, sleek & clean, this bag is perfect for (secretly awesome) gold-diggers who want to fly under the radar. Those Wall Street bigwigs won’t know what hit them, especially when you come along with your slim, elegant hoop earrings, well-polished shoes & immaculately styled coiffure. Once you snare yo’ man, you’ll be free to kick back, stick your feet out of the window of that apartment with a view of the park, smoke a cigar & nod your head to Busta Rhymes.
Essential contents: Platinum Visa, hand sanitiser, hairspray, iPhone, leather gloves.
This bag could only ever belong to a famous manicurist in Beverly Hills. Fond of sunbeds, sculpted hedges & avoiding menial labour, her handbag is the perfect complement to her lifestyle: saccharine, impractical & slightly vulgar. Not to mention, the colour of the leather perfectly matches the collar on her poodle, Miriam.
Essential contents: Appointment book, emery board, Valium, dog treats.
For the girl who always wanted to grow up to be Jack the Ripper but ended up as a fashion editor instead. It’s just doctor’s bag-esque enough to get away with, while its price tag earns her the nod from the women she works with. She stays up late at night watching crime shows while writing about the hottest runway trends.
Essential contents: Guide to human anatomy, money rolled & kept in a small glass bottle, copy of Vogue Italia, mechanical pencil, vitamin c tablets.
Just came into your inheritance? This is the handbag for you. It’s loud & bold & slightly over-the-top — it says, “Why yes, I’m cashed up & I don’t care who knows it. In fact, DID YOU SEE MY BAG?!” This is not a bag for the shy. & if you blow through all your money too quickly, its padded exterior will make an excellent pillow when you’re sleeping on the streets.
Essential contents: Subscription pull-outs for Forbes & The Robb Report, 24k gold bottle opener, business cards of 3 plastic surgeons, keys to the new Bentley.
Yes, this bag would be the pride & joy of any Rick Owens or Gareth Pugh devotee. It is simple & slightly sinister, perfect for toting around all your eccentric, stand-offish personal effects.
Essential contents: Oh, who knows. It could be anything. I wouldn’t be surprised if an axolotyl climbed out.
If you saw this bag lying in the corner at a party, you’d immediately know which girl it belonged to. The one wearing neon eye-shadow. The one with crimped hair. The one with the shoes that make you raise an eyebrow. The one with the hat that looks like a balloon animal. ...Wait, what?
Essential contents: Glow-in-the-dark face paint, condoms with Pee Wee Herman’s face printed on the packet, heart-shaped Post It notes, vintage rhinestone necklaces, a handmade sign which says “BOO!”.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [116] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption Add Gala on Twitter!The iVibe Rabbit
[ 12 January 2009, 19:11 ]
A few days ago, in my mailbox appeared
A pink iVibe rabbit, the one that’s revered
For Charlotte’s addiction to staying in bed
Avoiding Carrie & Sam & that mouthy redhead.
So what does it look like? Well, it’s quite bright
With pearls which rotate to give coy delight
It’s safe in the water & has great speed control
To assist you in getting your orgasmic goal!
I cannot explain why it’s shaped like a rabbit
All I know is it’s a fab new bad habit.
You’ll smile blissfully & glide past your spouse
Before awakening everyone in your house.
The reason for its fame is apparent & clear,
This vibe is one you will want to keep near.
Madame Rouge is doing an excellent deal
Perhaps you’ll pass out from its sheer sex appeal!
With your rabbit you’ll also receive a free book
With erotic tales to get you all shook,
As well as free batteries & a discreet little pouch
So it doesn’t get “discovered” behind the couch!
So flock to the shop & buy a sweet toy
It’s one thing you’re guaranteed to enjoy.
& more orgasms as a new year’s resolution?
Yes! You should start a self-love revolution!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [59] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!French Kissing 2009 Hello
[ 29 December 2008, 14:55 ]
Imaginary outfits, imaginary girls. If you could star in your own new year’s eve short story, what would unfold?
Natalie met her best friend Ginger in a cocktail bar, where they drank Singapore Slings & gave fake names to well-dressed boys. They held hands all the way home & took polaroids of each other making silly faces before falling asleep on Ginger’s couch at 5am.
Lolly took the subway to the house of a friend of a friend, where she caught the eye of a Swedish exchange student. After a couple of hours of funny but confusing conversation, he kissed her on the fire escape. She was so surprised she almost choked on her gum.
With her friends waiting outside, Carmen kissed her parents goodbye & stole her father’s hat from the hallway before closing the door behind her. When her best friend’s digital watch displayed 12:00, the five of them were sitting in a tiny boat on a super-still lake. Carmen let a flare gun off into the night & laughed, before using a voice-transforming megaphone to lead all her friends in a T-Pain singalong.
She make the people say yeeeeah, yeeeeeeeah… I can put you in a log cabin, somewhere in Aspen!
Robin would totally have preferred to stay in with a tub of Haagen-Dazs. The crowds & the noise were too much for her. Instead she went to her boyfriend’s place, avoided his drunken workmates & brandished her camera like a weapon.
Katie kicked it at home with a stack of her favourite records & a new pair of headphones. She fell asleep at 11.42pm, woke up the next morning & continued life as usual.
Zara went to a loud punk rock show with her almost-boyfriend. They rang in the new year by jumping up & down, screaming & yelling, writhing beside an amp, covered in sweat & sexual tension. She had worn a big bat signal over her heart to keep it safe, but it didn’t work. By the time the sun rose, her head was full of stars & bursting cartoon love-hearts.
What are you going to wear on the 31st?
P.S. Here are some new year’s eve outfits I made last year!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [80] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption,
inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 29th December 2008
[ 28 December 2008, 20:47 ]
Sunglasses from Urban Outfitters
Cameo stud earrings
‘Miss Gala Darling’ nameplate from Trashy Deluxe! (new!)
Black lace top (mostly hidden) from Ricochet (new!)
Black knit dress also from Ricochet (& also new!)
Black half-slip (mostly hidden — except for the lace!)
Manolo Blahnik heels
Crystal bracelets & ‘Lolita’ ID bracelet
Super-sparkly ring by Dyrberg/Kern which I stole from my mother (& am never giving back)
‘Brand New Skates’ nailpolish by OPI (new!) It’s so pretty. New favourite.
Damn my hair needs some lovin’!
It is so hot here today! I’m about to go to the supermarket & post office (oh yes, très très chic!) & then meet my friend for dinner & cocktails for a big catch-up before the start of 2009!
P.S. Here’s what I wore on this day last year. Same shoes! But it feels like a hundred years ago.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [54] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!What's Going To Be In Your Bag On New Year's Eve?
[ 28 December 2008, 14:08 ]
Ideas:
Blotting papers (for taking the shine out of those sweaty moments); false eyelash glue (there’s nothing worse than an eyelash-slip at an inopportune moment!); bunny ears (no explanation necessary!); condoms (ditto — & if you’re rolling celibate, give them to your friends!); perfume (especially good if your friend vomits on your shoes); sunglasses (you never know!); camera (if you don’t document it, it didn’t happen!); wallet; bubble gun (they make everything more exciting); champagne (& a pink straw or two); lip gloss (for smoochin’!); heart-shaped sparklers (!!!); pink marker (for phone numbers, genius ideas, etc.); photobooth strips (ditto on the “pics or it didn’t happen” thing); phone; subway card.
Usually I’m a bit of a girl scout — prepared for every eventuality! Virgo sensibility, for real! But this year, I’m going to do my best to pack light. I want to DANCE, & it’s hard to do that with a big bag over your shoulder!
How about you?
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [62] Tags: consumption,
life,
question Add Gala on Twitter!How To Spend Your Christmas Money!
[ 27 December 2008, 05:39 ]
Christmas has been & gone. We are full of turkey, ham, turducken, roasted vegetables, enormous salads, eggnog, whatnot. We feel bloated & sleepy, slightly hungover & we dread cleaning the house. But it’s a fair bet that some of you received good Christmas presents, & when I say good Christmas presents, I am of course referring to cold hard cash, courtesy of mothers brothers aunts cousins or even lovers!
But how to spend it? I often find that when I’m in the mood to spend — & I’ve got it burning a hole in my pocket — that is the precise moment that the trolls pull everything cool & purchasable into the earth, never to be seen again. So I’m going to help you out, because I’m good like that. Boost the world economy! Alright, here we go!
Let’s start with the basics. The Net-A-Porter sale is always a good time. 40% off, you say? LOVELY! Sephora is having an epic sale too. I love Givenchy’s pop gloss crystal & rouge interdit shine lipstick (in glitter pomelo & raspberry shine, respectively). But you should definitely go & check them out, they’ve discounted brush sets & eye kits & all kinds of stuff.
I have a soft spot for this Pirate Supply Kit. Contains… “Red bandanna to protect your coif, black eye patch so you can walk the plank straight, tea-stained message in a bottle for your secret thoughts, “booty” bag of eight wooden gold coins to trade at port, Polly the Parrot pin, your new best friend who can sit on your shoulder and listen to your bellyaches, & a tea-stained treasure map so you don’t forget.” Who could resist?!
For those of you who have also been swept away with unicorn fever (it’s like avian flu, but different), how about a paper mache unicorn mask? Sure to terrify everyone in your immediate vicinity. This mystic unicorn mask is pretty sweet, too. If you’re more on the sane side of the fence, I like this mounted unicorn necklace, though when you think about it, the concept is a little grim. (“Whack the head off a magical animal & nail it to a plank of wood? Why yes, I did!”) Amazon — amazingly — turned out to be the unicorn holy grail. Everyone needs a unicorn colouring book, a unicorn fantasy charm bracelet, an enormous unicorn wall mural & a hideous/awesome hand-dyed unicorn t-shirt. That shirt is a bully’s wet dream, but I love it. Finally, this unicorn cookie cutter is almost enough to make me want to take up baking. Imagine unicorn cookies covered in sparkly sugar! Swoon central!
Silly but sweet little things from Gala’s Etsy favourites? Oh, why not! I am especially fond of the white rabbit hair comb & bat & swan rings from studiohalo. This gold PVC ruffle skirt would be awesome for go-go dancing on stage, & well, let’s just say I’ve had my eye on Healing Heart’s striped candy carnivale dress for a long time now. I also love the holographic dance skirt & leggings from Dancing Tree Creations (& I’m totally going to buy some).
If sparkling, iridescent knickers are more your jam, G&P Lingerie has got your booty covered with their violet babydoll & bows briefs. Always wanted your name across your fingers? Of course you have! Pretty much anything made by Sarah Seven is guaranteed to make you smile & swoon at the same time, & if you really want to blow someone away, why not just turn up wearing this neckwarmer?
For those of you who want to get organised for the new year, start here. I think this glow-in-the-dark zodiac calendar is wicked awesome. On that note, buy yourself a horoscope book for the year — they’re cute & awesome to pore over. Llewellyn’s 2009 Sun Sign Book has information for all the signs & if you ever have someone cute in your apartment & you don’t know what to say to them, this book is a great ice-breaker (promise). But if you don’t really care about anyone but yourself (oh ho ho, I’ve got YOUR number!), get one just for you. The zodiac books by Margarete Beim are really good — voilà, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius & Capricorn! They’re little, too, so perfect for throwing in your purse. For the super-hardcore, you can even buy a horoscope-specific calendar, with short forecasts for every day — Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius or Capricorn! For Virgos-in-training & other super-organised kids, Amazon has (from what I’ve seen) the best prices on the black daily 2009 Moleskine ($10.85) & the red version ($14.93). Day-a-page is totally the way to go! If you’re not so much into the horoscope thing, the Tim Walker 2009 calendar is completely awesome. The Bad Girl’s 2009 Rage-a-Day calendar is pretty cool too, with hangover cures, probing questions & pick-up lines.
Start the year on time with a brand new watch. Those of us who subscribe to the Jessica Wakefield school of thought on watches — she was like, so spontaneous & fun, & like, watches are for nerds! — need to get over it. Don’t worry, I’m right there with you. Sweet Valley High poisoned my mind! It’s time for a change! (Hur hur, get it?) This Dior Christal is my dream watch, but not necessarily the kind of thing you impulse purchase. The Juicy Couture couture fairytale watch is great (I love crests!), as is the Harajuku Lovers crest watch, which is only $55! The Dior Homme chiffre rouge is beautiful too, & would look great on a woman I think. Louis Vuitton has done an amazing job with their tambours — the automatic diamond diving lady & quartz diving lady are both totally magnificent. Uh, did you know that Lego make watches? The midsize classic white & just build it are my picks. Or you could go all out & snap up the Cartier Roadster in gold, like Rachel Zoe.
If you want something new to tote your treasures around in this year, check out this off-white leather fringe bag. Anna Lou of London does sparkly bags in bright colours with bows on ‘em, like this & this. J’adore! Valhalla does some nice bags too.
Do you love letters & typography? I do. Urban Outfitters has awesome alphabet tote bags as well as initial wallets. Sakura Designs will make you a custom initial necklace, too.
I always love to buy new things & assign meanings to them, like creating your own lucky charms. You can really do that with anything, but I am especially fond of origami cranes. If you want to go all out, you can buy 1000 & hang them up in your living room. If you’d prefer to be more subtle, this pink hanging crane mobile is pretty sweet. I also like this paper crane tote, these silver crane earrings, & this crane necklace.
Why don’t you go & buy yourself something dishevelled & delightful from Gibbous? Really. Why don’t you?
& if you got a really good cheque from Nana this Christmas, but all your bills are paid & you’re feeling a bit bored with your existence, these lace knuckles ought to do the trick.
P.S. New Zealand girls: run, don’t walk to your nearest Ricochet & Lush stores. Ricochet’s post-Christmas sale is major (I bought four beautiful pieces for $260 today — full price would have been almost $600), & at Lush if you spend over $50 you get one of their new products for free (like one of their amazing new moisturisers which is worth $50 itself!). Delicious!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [41] Tags: consumption,
how to Add Gala on Twitter!OhMiBod! Winners!
[ 9 December 2008, 16:32 ]
Congratulations to our two OhMiBod Naughtibod winners! Karina Messner (comment 115) & Britt (comment 483), your entries were randomly drawn & selected as winners!
I have emailed you already, but if you see this, please email me with your address & the colour of Naughtibod you’d like! You can take your pick from pink, blue, green or black. Rainbowlicious!
I hope your Naughtibods take your enjoyment of 2009 to a whole new level!
For those of you who didn’t win — & unfortunately there were over 680 of you! — Brian & Suki from OhMiBod have extremely generously offered up the discount code galadarling which will net you a wonderful $10 off the retail price of any of the OhMiBod vibes!
P.S. I know some of you have had trouble entering these contests — suffice to say, the site has been extremely busy! I’m sorry it has been tricky, but please persist! I’ve also noticed that in Google Reader, the ‘comment’ link on the entries has been disappearing when the comments hit a certain number. But if this happens to you, just click the title, come through & leave your entry. It’s the only way to be in to win! (Email submissions will not be counted!) Thanks so much!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [23] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 2nd December 2008
[ 2 December 2008, 17:27 ]
I hope you’re all enjoying the massive amounts of outfit photos! I know there weren’t any for ages, so let’s consider this me making up for lost time! (& I promise, “real content” coming later on today! Can you blame me for taking a slight vacation?!)
This is what I wore to see Nas & Kanye West last night. (Eeeee!)
Sparkly skull earrings
Holographic unicorn Christmas decoration worn as a necklace!
Jumpsuit (Forever 21)
Frye boots
Tarina Tarantino & wedding ring
Swarovski crystal bracelets (2 — I made one on Monday!)
I totally do not dig the boots with this outfit, but unfortunately they were the only practical choice… & ultimately, I’m really glad I wore them, because by the end of the night, my jumpsuit was sticking to the beer/Coke/wine-covered floor. Oh my god, how disgusting.
Okay, let’s look at that magnificent unicorn up close.
Awwwwwwwwww yeah. It was hanging on a rack with all the other Christmas decorations, & had a little silver string looped through it. I picked it up & thought, ‘This would be make an awesome necklace’. It was only $7.50, I couldn’t resist! I took it home, threaded a chain through it, & let’s just say, I am IN LOVE!
I covered up with my sequinned hoodie from Forever 21, & danced my ass off.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [69] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!Gala's Christmas Wishlist
[ 1 December 2008, 14:28 ]
Extravagance a-go-go! Here’s what I’m lusting after this holiday season. If only Jay-Z was my boyfriend…
Darling necklace; Linda Farrow sunglasses; Swarovski ring; Jean Paul Gaultier ring; Linda Farrow vintage for Luella batgirl mask; Marc Jacobs clutch; shooting star earrings; insane ring; Céline heels; Wunderkind ankle boots; Céline boots; Cesare Paciotti heels; Death Metal Disco t-shirt; Rodarte gloves; sequinned bikini; Kaiya Eve tutu; Rick Owens boots; diamante piggybank; Shu Uemura diamante lashes; crucifix ring; external hard-drive; Pam psychic & mental t-shirt (you might recognise this — after researching this list online, I decided I loved it so much I went & bought it on Saturday!); Claude Maus knot t-shirt; Christian Lacroix dress; shredded black jeans (I will probably DIY it); Christian Louboutin Ariella studded boots; Christian Louboutin Orlan heels.
What do you desire for Christmas? (P.S. Gala’s Christmas gift-guide coming soon!)
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [67] Tags: consumption,
gala,
inspiration,
question Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 1st December 2008
[ 1 December 2008, 01:51 ]
Today was a Christmas shopping adventure with my friend Jennie, though I ended up just buying a whole bunch of ridiculous things for myself. It was still fun!
Sparkly skull earrings
Necklace from Lucid New York
New t-shirt from Good As Gold (I bought it on Saturday, it says ‘PSYCHIC & MENTAL’ below the picture, it’s so great)
Lace tulip skirt from H&M
Pyramid stud belt
Siren heels
Swarovski crystal bracelet, wedding & Tarina Tarantino rings
Vintage purple heart-shaped sunglasses
Liz from Madame Rouge sent me a pair of diamante handcuffs on Saturday, & I’m in love with them! I wore them as a bracelet on Saturday night, & they looked awesome. I’m in desperate need of a new handbag, so to tide me over, I attached the handcuffs to my old one. It makes it a little bit more exciting in the interim! I guess now I am always ready to make a glamorous citizen’s arrest! Plus they make a very satisfying jangling noise.
She also sent me a weekender kit, which looks ultra-saucy! Guess now I need to find someone to use it with… Hmmm… Any volunteers?! Liz has offered iCiNG readers a special deal, too! If you buy the diamante handcuffs & weekender kit together, you’ll get $25 off the total order when you quote iCiNGcuffs at checkout! Très fabuleux!
Oh, & I wore my new shoes for 5 hours today, trotting around the city. By the fourth hour, my feet were starting to hurt, but it was very tolerable, & I was walking around that whole time! So if you’re contemplating buying them but holding off because of the potential pain factor, they have my endorsement! Yay!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [36] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 30th November 2008
[ 29 November 2008, 22:02 ]
Pink silk scarf
Necklace from Lucid New York
Black top from Mink Pink (new)
Olive green shorts from Workshop
Pink & gold jewelled bracelets
Wedding ring
New shoes by Siren
It’s super-windy here today, but beautiful. I’ve been tidying up & preparing for the coming week.
I went shopping yesterday. It was a bit of a bust, there wasn’t much to be had, but I bought this top & these shoes, as well as an overpriced but awesome t-shirt. I actually dreamt putting this outfit together, & I dreamt how I would shoot it, too! (From the ground, with a big blue sky above me.) I was blowing bubbles in the dream, which would have added another layer of awesome, but unfortunately I have no bubble wand. Next time!
How has your weekend been?
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [86] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!OhMiBod!
[ 5 November 2008, 20:40 ]
I received a package from Madame Rouge the other day. I tore it open excitedly to discover an OhMiBod box, containing a pink vibe, a metre long cable, a splitter & a pink velvet bag. I grabbed my iPod, stuck the splitter in the headphone jack, & then connected my headphones & the OhMiBod to it. I chose some tracks & giggled as the OhMiBod pulsed in my hand in time to Justin Timberlake.
So, what is the OhMiBod & what does it do?
“Everyone loves music. Everyone loves sex. OhMiBod combines music and pleasure to create the ultimate acsexsory™ to your iPod.”
I can’t tell you exactly how it works — not geeky enough, I’m afraid. What I can tell you is that it interprets the sounds emanating from your MP3 player & translates them into vibrations. While it sounds kind of gimmicky & silly, it soon becomes addictive & the perfection of the pairing becomes startlingly obvious.
The OhMiBod isn’t a very attractive looking object — it looks more like the end of an elf’s pointy pink shoe than anything you might want near your underpants. But I promise you, once you attach this unusual gizmo to your iPod, stereo or even laptop, you will forgive it its cosmetic misgivings.
I love my OhMiBod. A lot. It’s the ultimate toy for the aurally-fixated. I am definitely one of those people. I live, eat & breathe music, I am always listening to something new, & I am often overcome with the feeling of wanting to crawl inside my favourite songs. So conjuring up a way for a song to give me an orgasm makes me very, very happy.
You can buy an additional accessory to the OhMiBod, a “life-like” neon pink jelly skin which slides over the top… Though one might be moved to ask, “What exactly is it about a neon pink faux-phallus that is ‘life-like’?” It’s an interesting addition, & great for when you want to get a little bit more intimate with your OhMiBod. But of course it does dilute the strength of the pulsations, so if strong direct vibrations are important to you, it will probably just get in your way.
So, of course, now we get down to the crux of it. What makes a good OhMiBod song? Initially I thought it would just be something with a lot of bass, but it was not to be! Really what it’s all about — for me, anyway, ahem — is a strong, steady rhythm. Experiment at your leisure pleasure!
Gala’s OhMiBod Playlist
Michael Jackson feat. Will.I.Am – P.Y.T
Atmosphere – The Old Style ft. Cuts by DJ Plain Ol’ Bill
Beastie Boys – An Open Letter To NYC (Chew Fu Refix)
Jurassic 5 – Hey
IAMX – Bring Me Back A Dog
Tricky – Hell Is Round The Corner
Lady Gaga – Paparazzi
One of the coolest things about the OhMiBod is that a community has sprung up around it. It’s called Club Vibe, & it’s a place where people share playlists & guest DJs submit their favourite tracks! Continual new music for your perusal! Such a good idea.
Trust me when I say that if you buy one, you will never think about music the same way again…
Madame Rouge is selling the delightful OhMiBod for $110AU. Even better, there’s free, next-day metro delivery for Australian buyers if you quote “iCiNG” when you check out! Please do believe me when I say they’re a lot of fun!
What do you think about the pairing of music & sex? For me, it’s almost impossible to have one without the other. Do you own any toys at all? What do you like? & more importantly, how likely would you be to bliss out to the dulcet tones of your favourite band?!
Extra For Experts:
An interview with Suki of OhMiBod — if you want to know more about the founder of the company, this is worth a read!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [57] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 4th November 2008
[ 4 November 2008, 16:19 ]
Yes, I am totally dressed up to celebrate. Tonight I am going to watch the elections on television with my friend & drink champagne. & then I am going out dancing!
Black sequinned hoodie from Forever 21. I bought it on Sunday, after eyeing it since September. It wasn’t expensive or anything, I just wasn’t sure I could pull it off. Anyway, I’m glad I finally took the plunge. It makes me feel like Diana Ross crossed with Michael Jackson crossed with Liberace!
Black jumpsuit, also from Forever 21!
Guess Borda patent mary jane platforms from Solestruck (kisses). I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it yet, but they are super-comfortable! HALLELUJAH!
New super-thick hair courtesy of my amazing friend Frances.
Might as well face it, you’re addicted to love phone!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [83] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!Bookworms Are Sexy
[ 4 November 2008, 11:00 ]
The reason for this post is shameless, but I thought it might make for some good discussion. (I have an Amazon gift certificate burning a hole in my virtual pocket, & I’m dying to put it to good use.)
Let’s talk about BOOKS! What have you read recently that you would recommend? What are you clamouring to get your hands on? What’s your favourite book of all time?
I personally really like to read about fashion, style, marketing, business, breaking rules, art, interesting social or psychological phenomena, self-development & horoscopes (haha!). I don’t read a lot of fiction these days, but my favourite authors are Charles Bukowski, Hunter S. Thompson, Anais Nin, Erica Jong, Francesca Lia Block, Bret Easton Ellis, Haruki Murakami & Vladimir Nabokov. (I also sometimes feel like the only person in the world who doesn’t adore Chuck Palahniuk or Irvine Welsh, & that’s okay with me!)
Go on then, be persuasive! What do you love? What book do you fervently recommend to your friends?
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [224] Tags: consumption,
question Add Gala on Twitter!Gala Darling Loves Solestruck.com!
[ 28 October 2008, 00:01 ]
Yesterday, I had a shoegasm, courtesy of Solestruck. & you can see why, right?!
A couple of weeks ago I received an email from a woman called Danielle at Solestruck, asking if I wanted a free pair of shoes. (Oh, did I!) Best of all, it was no strings attached — if I wanted to write about it on iCiNG I could, but they didn’t expect anything & just hoped I would enjoy the product.
After some courier issues, yesterday the shoes finally arrived in my hot little hands. The style? The Guess Borda in black.
When I opened the box I was delighted to find that they were a) much higher than I was expecting (big shoes forever!), b) they fit, c) they seemed comfortable (I will keep you updated!) & d) they matched my hallowe’en costume perfectly! (Stay tuned, little ones…)
I was so thrilled with them that I had to end the phonecall I was on, saying, “Sorry, I really have to go & take pictures of these now”. & here are the results.
I am already plotting outfits in my head. I am going to wear them with ripped stockings… harem pants… my military dress… black jeans… my patent leather cinch belt… a long cardigan & black leather miniskirt… my black lace skirt from H&M… & nothing but a smile. Haha!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [59] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Loulou Loves You Competition Winners!
[ 27 October 2008, 11:49 ]
Wow wow! With over 200 entries, Loulou totally had her work cut out for her!
After much deliberating & many late-night sweats, she has finally chosen a winner.
Drumroll please!
But of course, there were so many great entries that she sent me a pleading email at the midnight hour…
“Can we do runners up? Who get to win just the bow they used? Because I LOVE these two as well…”
If you see your set up here, please email Loulou to organise the details, you lucky things!
So congratulations to the winners, & thanks everyone for taking part! I hope you enjoyed fossicking around on Polyvore — I know I always do!
For those of you who didn’t win, but still have a major crush on her bows & knickers, Loulou would like to offer you a 15% discount on her lovely pieces until the 1st of December. All you need to to is rather than order through the site, email Loulou with ‘GALADARLING’ as the subject & give details of what you would like to order, & she will invoice you with the discount. Yay yay!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [26] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!aerLUXE
[ 17 October 2008, 00:14 ]
When I arrived in New York in May, I was delighted to make the acquaintance of a woman called Dawn who runs aerLUXE. Our friend Dhrumil introduced us because we were both into fashion, & I was excited when I looked at her site because she has such cool style — really effortless & elegant, timeless with a twist.
Anyway, she recently emailed me to let me know that aerLUXE was having a huge sale — otherwise known as 50% off everything, otherwise known as the holy grail of sales — & she wanted to offer iCiNG readers an additional discount!
So my darlings, here’s the deal. If you put the word ‘iCiNG’ into the comment section, you will get an additional 10% off the price. This means that if the item was originally priced at $100, the sale brings it down to $50… but the additional discount drops the price to $45! Now that is a sale worth writing home about.
Every order is a final sale, & there’s free shipping on orders over $150. Amazing.
Just wanted to let you know! Happy shopping!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [5] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Betsey Johnson at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
[ 11 September 2008, 13:39 ]
“Making clothes involves what I like… Colour, pattern, shape & movement… I like the everyday process… The people, the pressure, the surprise of seeing the work come alive walking & dancing around on strangers. Like red lipstick on the mouth, my products wake up & brighten & bring the wearer to life… Drawing attention to her beauty & specialness… Her moods & movements… Her dreams & fantasies.” — Betsey Johnson
The Betsey Johnson show on the 9th of September was every girl’s dream. It was so theatrical & over-the-top — totally brilliant. I kept turning to my friend Yuli & making gaping, flabbergasted faces!
A fashion veteran at 66 years old, Betsey is well-known for her extravagant shows, for her wicked design aesthetic & for cartwheeling down the catwalk! With 45 boutiques across the world, Betsey shows no sign of slowing down, & in fact, her creations seem to be getting even more fabulous.
I adored my very first Betsey Johnson show, & hope to attend many more in the future!
Yuli & I in the front row.
Celebrity seating: Kelly Osbourne was at one of these tables.
Note the ‘B’ cupcakes & little golden books.
Betsey wore green throughout the show. She came out in a gingham, off-the-shoulder frock. She was holding her newest granddaughter, Ella, & holding the hand of other granddaughter Layla, as she handed out balloons.
The show had an amazing atmosphere & energy. The music was loud & fabulous, with bass that vibrated throughout the entire tent & up through the seats. The models wore bobbed wigs of blue, pink, black & purple, & walked with sass & attitude. They skipped & twirled & blew kisses at the cameras.
So, how was the collection? It ran an incredible gamut, veering from Little House On The Prairie gone awry to a procession of virginal brides in white with their hands chained behind their backs.
Every outfit was accessorised with a small bowler hat. As one tends to expect from Betsey, there were plenty of ruffles & prints. Polka-dots, pinstripes & a skull & crossbones motif all made their presence felt. There were also plenty of hoop skirts, what looked like floral hospital gowns, ruffled bloomers, striped stockings, colourful fingerless gloves, pinstriped rompers in pastel hues, tattered ribbon skirts in candy colours & tropicana sun-dresses.
Photos courtesy of Style.com.
The stand-out looks for me were a Victorian hospital chic outfit complete with lace-up bloomers & corset, all in white, & an incredible strapless tie-dyed ruffled maxi-dress.
Photo courtesy of Style.com.
Pirate chic was big, & introduced by a staggering Jack Sparrow-esque character, who leered at the girls as they strutted past & laughed to himself.
You can see plenty of fabulous runway shots here at Style.com!
Betsey closed the show by running out in a huge, sparkly dress in emerald green — very Wizard of Oz — & cartwheeling down the runway before taking theatrical bows. She was followed by a parade of models, all holding vibrantly-coloured helium balloons. They danced & sashayed down the runway & back, to huge applause.
I took some video, too. Unfortunately, the lights were so insanely bright that it made filming difficult, but it does give you an idea of the music, the energy & the atmosphere! Watch until the end — the balloons are amazing!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [22] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption,
gala,
inspiration,
video Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 9th September 2008
[ 9 September 2008, 19:47 ]
It’s been a Betsey Johnson kinda day. First I went to the show, sat in the front row, & just about died of awesome. Then I hopped the subway down to the Betsey Johnson boutique in Soho… & well… Let’s just say, baby went shopping.
(You can call me a bag lady like Erykah Badu, if you want. I don’t mind.)
But oh, oh, what did I buy? It’s a surprise, though I will tell you that I bought myself a birthday dress & a nice pair of shoes to go with it…
Okay, so here’s what I wore to the show.
Super-cheap dress (you know it, I wore it to the Louis Vuitton party when I was here last!)
Cardigan from Urban Outfitters (I’m getting a lot of wear out of it)
Earrings & ring from Tokyomade (close-ups below!)
Bag by Trent Nathan
Long grey socks
Frye Veronica Shortie boots
Other ring by Tarina Tarantino
That little blue bag is my swag bag from the show. Contents: the sunglasses I’m wearing in these photos, underwear, eye-shadow from Makeup Forever, a perfume sample, shampoo, & an invitation to the Betsey Johnson afterparty! (My next stop…)
This arrived in the mail from Tokyo today. I am in RAPTURE. It is the most amazing ring of all time, & I just gotta say a heartfelt THANKS to Deanne & Masao, the best long-distance friends a gal could have! (Some of you might remember it was on my birthday wishlist…) If you want to procure one of these for yourself, click here! Too incredible; I love the Pink Champaign one!
I also had my photo taken by Nylon Japan today. It was pretty fantastic.
Details of the Betsey Johnson show soon! (I took photos & made videos!)
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [48] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit,
gala Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 4th September 2008
[ 3 September 2008, 19:25 ]
Hello, this is my plane outfit! In a few hours, I’ll be boarding a flight to Auckland, then one to LAX, then another to JFK... I have honestly been packing my suitcases for two days, so it is a relief to be done!
Pink headscarf (helps disguise plane hair)
Long-sleeved black Merino wool top
‘Happiness is a dachshund’ t-shirt (too true!)
Black jeans
Frye boots
Awesome new tote bag by Rootote!
I’m going to throw my black scarf & long grey cardigan over the top of all of this for optimal sleep coziness!
I thought it might be entertaining to know what I pack in my carry-on luggage, too. (Just thinking about this makes me want to sing the Virgo song!)
Vitamins
Baby wipes
Powder, concealer, a brush & mascara (all of the above items are in the little white/black/pink bag by M Design Boutique!)
Cleanser, day & night cream (in an awesomely convenient Evolu travel tower)
MacBook
Digital camera (er, not pictured)
Pen
iPod & headphones
Helio (+ charger) & Nokia phones
SD card reader
Wallet (I forgot to take it out of the bag!)
Tickets
Eye-mask
Zee bag, eet ees cool, yes? I am not that amazing a French speaker, given that I haven’t studied it for 7 years (oh my god, I’m so old), but from what I can deduce, the bag says…
“Begin. The first step is the most important one. Good. So start.”
Which seems extremely appropriate! I’m really happy with the bag because it has pockets in it, which is virtually unheard of in a tote bag, plus it actually fits all my carry-on nonsense! (No small feat.) Rootote are also supporting iCiNG this month, so go & check out their lovely wares!
...& finally, photographic evidence of my Barbie manicure, as requested!
Sparklemania! Do you love it? I do!
Okay… Fingers crossed… !
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [57] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!Dame Darcy's Gasoline
[ 2 September 2008, 17:33 ]
When I was in New York a couple of months ago, I was extremely fortunate to meet Dame Darcy. She’s an artist, writer, musician & film-maker, & when I was a teenager, she was one of my personal heroes. I used to buy her Meatcake comics off Ebay, then wait for months for them to arrive by some tragically slow shipping method, because there was no other way of getting them in New Zealand!
In July, my friend Dicie invited me to a birthday party in Brooklyn, where Dame Darcy was reading palms & tarot cards. Dicie, her boyfriend & I all lined up, & when it finally came my time to sit down, we started talking. To make a long story short, that was the beginning of a delightfully unusual friendship which included midnight jaunts to Ukrainian diners where we slurped borscht, talking about casting spells & realising we know all the same people.
But anyway. The point is this. Dame Darcy has a new graphic novel coming out in October. It’s a post-apocalyptic fairy tale called Gasoline, it’s about learning to survive in a world without gasoline, & it features… Fairies! Witches! Zombie sailors! Telekinesis! Voodoo rock bands! & eco-consciousness!
I’ve seen some of the pages & it is amazing — really original, beautifully drawn & radical in motive. I can’t wait to get my hands on the real, bound deal!
We met in Central Park to talk about it on an incredibly steamy day in July, & here’s what eventuated… (We also filmed an hour-long interview sitting on my bed in the West Village, parts of which are coming soon to a screen near you!)
For lucky American ducks, there are Gasoline events happening in Los Angeles & New York in November, with book signings, bands, Gitane Demon from Christian Death, costume competitions, art exhibitions & apocalyptic cabaret! Have a look & write the dates down somewhere. You’d be maaaaaad to miss it!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [14] Tags: consumption,
inspiration,
life,
video Add Gala on Twitter!iCiNG Infatuations: Five Fabulous Secret Beauty Weapons
[ 1 September 2008, 18:32 ]
Every girl needs an arsenal of top secret beauty weapons that she can whip out at a moment’s notice to improve her appearance! These are my current top 5 holy grail beauty products. What makes your cut?
5. Too Faced Snow Bunny Caribbean In A Compact Bronzing Powder
I was introduced to this gorgeous glimmer by my amazing friend Bei, who swore up & down that it was the ultimate bronzer for pale-skinned beauties. I am pleased to report that it is every bit as beautiful as she made it sound. I have never thought of myself as a “bronzer” kind of gal, because I’m generally pretty happy with my pallor, but that’s the best part of it! Instead of turning you vaguely brown/orange, Snow Bunny works with your skin colour, not against it.
You sweep your brush across the top of the compact, combining shimmering white, light brown & two pink tones, & then swoop it upwards & outwards. The result? Fabulous, glowing, healthy-looking skin with a touch of colour. It makes you look like you’ve just come back from a wonderful holiday in the Swiss Alps with all your chums, where you all ate hearty but nutritious meals every night, nursed baby deer back to health & wore matching knitted sweaters as you laughed around the fire good-naturedly.
It’s amazing to me how much more polished I feel with a bit of Snow Bunny dusted across my cheeks! I am a happy (snow) bunny, oh yes.
4. MAC Cosmetics Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer
This is hands down the best concealer I have ever used in my life. I love it. I am indebted to it. I will never use anything else! It’s creamy & lovely & covers all kinds of imperfections. You only need a tiny little bit & it goes a long way. It’s also the perfect size to put in your handbag. I like to use a brush to smooth it around my eyes on days when I look like the only place I should be is in bed!
As well as being non-acnegenic — meaning it doesn’t cause or promote spots — Studio Finish is enriched with antioxidants, contains silica to help absorb your skin’s natural oils (which helps keeps it on your face!) & has an SPF factor of 35! Bravo, MAC, bravo!
3. Pink CHI 1” Flat Iron
You might have noticed that Misikko have been sponsoring iCiNG lately — a round of applause, please! As part of this, they also sent me a pink CHI 1” flat iron. (See my disclaimer.)
It was a fabulous “coincidence” — not that I really believe in those — because a week before they got in touch with me, I was discussing with my hairdresser the fact that now that I had long hair, buying a flat iron seemed to make sense. Her recommendation was a CHI, & I thought about it as I walked home. You see, when I had short, very naturally straight hair, I never really had many problems (& plus, usually the messier & bigger it was, the better), but with long hair came new challenges! Weird kinks from wearing my hair in a chignon, crazy fly-away bits that wouldn’t sit straight, swirly twirly pieces that drove me to distraction… it was a whole new world of perplexing riddles!
Enter the pink CHI 1” flat iron. Picture it in front of a blinding light, with a halo around the top & a chorus of angels singing its arrival! It is the holy grail of straightening irons & even better… it’s pink. I love that! (Simple things thrill me.) It heats up quickly, doesn’t pull or snag your hair, & a couple of quick swipes leave you with beautifully sleek, straight tresses. It gives you hair like a shampoo commercial… well, if they used girls with neon pink tresses to advertise shampoo. Which they totally should!
2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock
I am naughty about sunblock. I talk about it on here quite regularly but, well, you know, it’s one thing to talk about it & quite another to actually do it.
When I was in Australia, where there is no ozone layer, & the sun beats down upon you viciously, it actually wasn’t so much of a problem. Why? Well, because I never really left my apartment. But then I went to New York, you see, & Florida, where there are way too many amazing things going on to stay inside, & where the sun just happens to be about a gazillion degrees (though there is, thankfully, an ozone layer).
So I bit the bullet. I decided I needed to buy sunscreen. I left my apartment & went to Duane Reade to see what I could see. I stood in the sunscreen aisle. I made uncomfortable grimacing faces. There were way too many to choose from. I thought, ‘God, I should really have checked Make-Up Alley for their recommendations before I did this’. But then I decided I would have to get over it & just buy some & hope for the best. Lucky me, because I struck the holy grail with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch. I really did!
Some of you are probably thinking, ‘Oh, whatever, sunblock is sunblock is sunblock’, but it’s not! Especially when you’re putting it on your face, & even more so when it’s going to sit underneath your make-up. Bad sunblock — the greasy, shiny, heavy, thick stuff — can be a total nightmare & would ruin even the sweetest visage.
Neutrogena have totally done themselves proud. It’s unscented. It goes on light & sheer, just like the name would imply. It dries down to nothing — you don’t get that awful feeling like you’ve cracked an egg over your face, which is a complete blessing. It doesn’t clog pores or leave you with a greasy build-up. Best of all, it is happy to act as the base for everything else you’re about to put on — which in my case usually consists of at least primer, foundation, concealer, setting powder & bronzer — & won’t turn into a slimy mess a few hours afterwards.
You should buy some. If nothing else, heed Coco’s words:
“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.” — Coco Chanel
1. Tweezerman tweezers
I wasn’t sure what would take the number one spot, but now I know: Tweezerman tweezers. Why? Because I misplaced mine a couple of days ago & the ensuing chain of events was more than I would have ever expected! I was manic — I raced around the house asking everyone, “Have you seen my tweezers? They’re lavender & I love them & I NEED THEM!” But they didn’t turn up, so with a heavy heart I went to the mall (yes, really) to pick up another pair. Tweezerman brand was nowhere to be found, so I bought a cute-looking hot pink pair… But when I got them home, I realised they were totally useless. They didn’t grip fine hairs, & most of the time the hair snapped in half, instead of being pulled out from the root. It was a very sad state of affairs. I looked at my eyebrows in the mirror with a dejected expression & fantasised about going on a mad plucking spree.
Thankfully, this story has a happy ending. As I was tidying up my room, I found my tweezers wedged between two pages of a book. (Don’t ask.) I squealed with elation (yes, really), whipped out a magnifying mirror & got to work. Hoorah! They grasped every hair, no matter how fine! Hallelujah! I had complete control! Woohoo! The hairs came out cleanly in one go!
Thanks to Tweezerman, my eyebrows have been appropriately whipped into submission, & I look glamorous once more! I am so thankful.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [72] Tags: beauty,
consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Tempt: A Haiku Cupcake Review
[ 25 August 2008, 21:39 ]
All cuteness aside,
This cupcake defeated me.
I ate just two bites.
Super-rich mud cake
Does not a good cupcake make.
A very sad truth.
For six dollars fifty, you
would be forgiven if you
expected more.
Dark chocolate & raspberry cupcake – $6.50 – Tempt, Wellington.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [52] Tags: consumption,
yum Add Gala on Twitter!Gala's Birthday Wishlist!
[ 23 August 2008, 20:59 ]
This is the birthday wishlist I would give to my boyfriend… if my boyfriend was the Sultan of Brunei! Here we go!
Lots of candles on a cupcake; bountiful photographs taken; macarons in a rainbow of colours (from Laduree); a bunny; a dress from Betsey Johnson; a wigpee!; a 33mm Dior Christal watch; a victorian gothic lolita mini skirt; Alexander McQueen lace-up boots; Temperley London mini kaleidoscope dress; pearl restraints from Kiki De Montparnasse; Rupert Sanderson Kit Kat boots; restraint tape (also from Kiki De Montparnasse); Femme Sud Honorable Mention wristlet; French lesson panty set (Kiki again); CHAPTER Candy Pop ring from Tokyomade; & an Agent Provocateur garter!
Other things which would be nice: a Swarovski crystal eyepatch from Gasoline Glamour; a rhinestone bra (shimmering ta-tas, ahoy!); the teach me a lesson ruler from Coco De Mer; a night in with fairy lights & kisses; lots of cute colourful knickers; Regan from MAC Flatiron to be my personal make-up artist; good black ink pens; a beautiful apartment in the West Village; a fabulous birthday party with my friends; peace on earth! Wink wink.
What do you want for your birthday?
P.S. Here’s my wishlist from last year!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [77] Tags: consumption,
gala,
inspiration,
life,
question Add Gala on Twitter!iCiNG Infatuations: Five Fabulous... Nail Polishes
[ 6 August 2008, 00:41 ]
eRomance Met On The Internet by OPI
Jane liked to line up potential suitors on Craigslist. It was her favourite thing to do. Every Monday afternoon as she sat at her desk, she would apply eRomance Met On The Internet in long, broad strokes, then blow on them to dry while she considered what her next advertisement might say.
Girl with day-glo eyes seeks boy with whom to hold hands, share pastries, & get frisky in public places. I like to eat strawberries & commandeer the blankets, often at the same time. If your idea of a good time includes a pack of tarot cards & a pair of handcuffs, get in touch. (Boys with telekinetic powers preferred.)
Huckle Buckle by essie
Rose felt like she was born in the wrong time. She was obsessed with the past, & would buy everything vintage. Sometimes she would wade into her closet & sit there for hours, trying to soak the smell of generations past into her skin. Her boyfriend had a huge moustache & it was her favourite thing in the entire world. Her bottle of Huckle Buckle was a gift from her mother, who didn’t understand her but tried to communicate with her by buying her cosmetics.
Jailbait by Hard Candy
Karyn bought Jailbait for the name, not that she’d ever admit it. She carried a well-worn copy of Lolita in her satchel, celebrated Nabokov’s birthday every year, & was always on the look-out for her very own Humbert Humbert. She worked in an ice-cream parlour & always gave the cutest people extra sprinkles & topping. Her prized possession was a pair of Vivienne Westwood rocking horse shoes, which she sometimes wore to bed.
Blue Lace by Nicole by OPI
Lauren worked in a Thai restaurant, but spent most of her time daydreaming about being a mermaid. When she wasn’t serving rice & drinks, she would stand by the aquarium in the corner, looking at the fish & trying to communicate with them. She waves at them with Blue Lace-coated fingertips & watches for recognition. She thinks one of them spoke once. It said “Marmalade”. Lauren finds this very confusing.
Louvre Me Louvre Me Not by OPI
Diana appraised diamonds for a living. Her business partner was her husband, but they were in the middle of a trial separation. Any time she wasn’t in the shop, she would lock herself in the bathroom to eat pumpkin soup & get a bit of peace. When he made a comment to her — any comment — she delighted in flipping him off. It gave her yet another reason to get a fabulous manicure.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [68] Tags: aesthetic,
beauty,
consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 7th July 2008
[ 7 July 2008, 13:03 ]
Vintage Kenzo scarf
Sportsgirl earrings
Vintage jumpsuit from Bowerbird Vintage
Most simple outfit of all time! Parfait for lounging around the house, drinking juice, climbing on the kitchen table… you know, the usual!
I love the straps. You can wear them any way you like, but I like a bit of criss-cross action. Gorgeous, right?
Needless to say, I am delighted with my new jumpsuit! Jumpsuits are now like dresses to me — the perfect item. All you need to do is accessorise. There is no matching this or that or finding something to go. Just grab some earrings, do your hair & go! Call me smitten.
This little treasure arrived in the post on Friday, all the way from Australia! It came from my friend Joanna’s amazing clothing boutique, Bowerbird Vintage. (You might remember my amazing futuristic air hostess dress which is from Bowerbird, too!) Joanna is sponsoring iCiNG this week — yay! — & we have put together a special shipping deal for you!
Joanna is offering shipping of any item at a flat rate of $10, to anywhere in the world! (You just need to send her an email about it. Simple!) The shipping is shockingly fast, too; my jumpsuit arrived in four days!
One of the coolest things about Bowerbird is that if you want to get involved, you can! Joanna often reworks garments, & in the design forum, you can play virtual seamstress (without the pin-pricks!). On the chopping block right now is a little somethin’ Joanna likes to call the “Stevie Nicks Extravaganza” — & oh my, it could use a little love! Oh, & if you’re trying to save some bling, never fear! There is now a sale area, with lots of lovely pieces for individualistic minxes!
Okay… I am going to go roll around & pretend I am a chilled out, peace-sign-flashin’, free-lovin’ 70’s mama!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [43] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!2008 Trends & The Imaginary Girls Who Make Them Look Magical
[ 25 June 2008, 13:56 ]
Trend: Gold nail-polish
How? Slick your fingertips with Curry Up Don’t Be Late! by OPI. Play it up with gilded accoutrements that flash but don’t scream.
Candace swept into her international relations lecture at the last minute. As she set her handbag down with an unceremonious clunk, she took a long swig of water & surveyed the room. She stepped up to the lectern & cleared her throat. “Let me tell you what I know about post-positivist epistemology,” she said.
Trend: Harem pants
How? Pair with form-fitting tops & plenty of skin. Add fun accessories so you look more dapper than belly-dancer!
Minnie’s favourite thing to do after attending an environmental rally or a peace march was smile sweetly at shop-keepers while she shoplifted petty items — mints, lip gloss, key-rings. It helped keep the balance, she rationalised.
Trend: Prints
How? Try something bold, something which intimidates you a bit — & don’t be afraid to be “matchy-matchy”!
Jennifer loathed going to the dentist, so she wore her favourite cardigan & stuck her thumbs through the self-made holes in the sleeves. As she lay back in the chair, she tuned out the dentist’s incessant prattling & imagined diving for sunken treasure, naked.
Trend: Shirt dresses
How? Couple with natural fabrics for an immaculately crisp summer look. Add a slip in a plain colour to avoid unintentional exposure!
Xenia’s job at the museum made her pretty happy, but she would never admit that her favourite part of the day was sitting in the Egyptian room eating dumplings when everyone else had gone home.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [64] Tags: aesthetic,
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how to,
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madame Add Gala on Twitter!Sera Beak
[ 24 June 2008, 14:28 ]
Last night I went to a talk by Sera Beak. Until last week, I had never heard of her — but was miraculously introduced to her by an iCiNG reader! Thank you, ss!
When I first looked her up, I came to her website. The picture in the middle? A photograph of a young woman in a cowboy hat standing in the “Talk To God” booth at Burning Man. It resonated with me, because I had done that exact thing — wearing almost the exact same hat — two years ago, on one of the most physically, emotionally & mentally gruelling weeks of my life.
I had a read through her blog, Spiritual Cowgirl, liked what I saw & reserved myself a place at her upcoming talk.
Alright, so, who is Sera Beak? She’s a Harvard scholar who has been studying & investigating religion, spirituality, God & divine truth since she was 11 or 12 years old. She is the author of The Red Book: A Deliciously Unorthodox Approach to Igniting Your Divine Spark, & a champion of the REDvolution. But she can explain this better than I can.
“I’ve trekked in Tibet & whirled with dervishes in Turkey. I’ve volunteered at Mother Theresa’s Home for the Dying in Calcutta & run from rabid dogs outside Buddhist temples in Kathmandu. I’ve attended intensive spiritual healing workshops in Sedona & psychic fairs in Chicago, fire rituals in the Black Rock Desert & yoga retreats in Mexico… I’ve washed Hindu gurus’ feet, eaten dinner with living saints, argued with Zen masters, & had life-altering visions with shamans. I’ve taught a Tantric Tibetan Buddhist monk how to use his new digital camera, taken the host from a Croatian Catholic mystic who had the stigmata, & had an engaging private audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on my twenty-first birthday.”
Basically, when it comes to spirituality, mysticism, big questions & connections to the universe, Sera is your girl. But what is she like in real life? Well, she is very human — very real. She has long, straight glossy hair with an immaculately straight fringe. She wears a pendant of two leaves around her neck. Before she started her talk, she told us that she was terribly nervous. She has short red fingernails & wears a red ring on the first finger of her left hand. She swears & laughs & sits cross-legged when she speaks.
For all her trepidation about speaking, her talk was fantastic. I wasn’t sure what to expect — would she be talking about meditation, her life, Burning Man, religion? Interestingly, it turned out to be a huge mix of topics, with a focus on defining & finding your own spiritual truth. She talked about the rebels & outliers of religion, how they lived with passion & truth & purpose. It was exciting. Inspiring!
It was also a timely message for me. I have done a lot of work on myself, emotionally, mentally & physically, & I encourage other people to do the same. But the spiritual side? Well, I guess I have stayed away from that kind of thing. Why? When I was younger, I was mad on all that stuff! I read books, I visited temples, I meditated, I did rituals, I visited new age bookstores & loaded up on crystals. I asked questions. I wanted to get closer to that big magical something I knew was there. But then what? I got busy, I guess. Life took over. Maybe I decided it was uncool — I wanted to be logical, intelligent, rational, reasonable, & being spiritual just did not fit into that.
As I started to think about what Sera was saying, questions arose in my mind. Was I really working on myself & getting to know who I was, or was I just keeping myself busy & distracted? Was x really true, or was it just something I had accepted as a belief without thinking much more about it? Was I really as “in step” with the Universe as I thought I was? How often did I ignore my own intuition?
It’s very rare that I would buy a book at a talk. Usually I feel like I pretty much know the gist of whatever it is they’re pushing, & so I listen to the talk, go home, do some research, think about it, & do a bit more research. I also don’t make a lot of time to read books these days — most books I buy end up unread on a shelf. So you must realise what an impact Sera made to entice me to buy a copy of her book!
I walked home & sat cross-legged on my bed, devouring the book as I did my dinner. I got about half-way through before looking at the clock & realising it was more than time to go to bed.
So, what is the book about? It’s about exploring religion, mysticism & spiritually for yourself. It’s about asking questions & not allowing other people’s rules or prudishness or personal issues to define how you embrace the divine. It’s about looking at religious figures, Gods & Goddesses, saints & gnostics, & doing your own research. It’s about becoming attuned to symbols or characters or stories that resonate with you. It’s about learning how to pray. (The summary? Anything plus intention & purpose. How liberating is that?!) It’s about bringing ritual into your life & living with intention. It’s about being aware & noticing when the Universe winks at you. It’s about knowing who you are, broadening your horizons & making the world a better place. It’s about mind-blowing sex, using your intuition & learning how to be quiet.
Long story short: it is fantastic. You can read the introduction to her book here, & here’s an excerpt from the start that I particularly liked.
“So what’s a smart, gutsy, spiritually curious young woman to do nowadays? Well, how ‘bout taking spirituality back into your own hands? How about finding out what it means for you, through your own explorations & experiences & expressions? You know, all this spiritual stuff doesn’t have to be so esoteric or traditional or weird or dorky or intimidating or holier-than-thou. Spirituality is not separate & distinct from you & your everyday life. Igniting your divine spark is a simple perspective shift. An internal nod. An expanded relaxation into All That Is. It’s about tuning up your senses, cranking up your antennae, generating conscious living. It’s about becoming your own spiritual authority.”
I also picked up one of her postcards, which I slid into the frame of my mirror. It is bright red, & it says, “YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE ANGELS SWOON.”
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [50] Tags: consumption,
inspiration,
life Add Gala on Twitter!Louis Vuitton Cruise Collection 2009
[ 20 June 2008, 18:19 ]
Last night was the Louis Vuitton Cruise Collection preview. I received the invitation a couple of weeks ago, & all it said was…
I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. Cocktails, okay. But would there be a show? A media presentation? Models? Or a mad rush of fashionistas trampling one another to get to the champagne?
I turned up at Michelson Studio, which from the outside was a very inconspicuous building with an elevator at street level. Two girls dressed in black & wearing black silk scarves covered in a multi-coloured Louis Vuitton monogram took my name, checked me off a list & I tottered into the elevator.
The doors opened to a huge space, white & glorious, set up like a kind of labyrinth with a view of the river. Makeshift walls had been erected & featured fabulous illustrations by Tanya Ling, & along the improvised passageways the cruise collection was displayed. Dresses hung, tantalising me with their details & craftsmanship. Handbags in bright colours sat proudly on shelves. Shoes winked & glimmered under the lights.
The collection was designed by Marc Jacobs, & I think he did a magnificent job. I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it, actually. It was gorgeous. There were plenty of pieces there that I would love to own. There was so much colour & vibrancy, which I really appreciated. Many of the pieces were bold, brash & daring. Bravo monsieur!
One of the most amazing things (to me) was the fact that the pieces on display were available to try on. I was too busy chatting for it to occur to me to don any of the wares, but I should have! How fabulous would an impromptu photoshoot have been?! Oh, me & my big mouth! Next time!
This is my favourite piece from the collection. I am not the sort of girl to describe anything as “fierce”, but this? A hot pink jumpsuit? It is ABSOLUTELY, 100% FIERCE! Maybe a bunch of us could save up to buy it & then wear it in turns?!
Yum-o-rama!
I also really like this ensemble. Pink & silver shoes, an enormous pink bag, a visor & patent leather fingerless driving gloves! Swoon! I would wear all of those accessories in a heartbeat!
This dress is so fabulous that it doesn’t need any explanation. Look at the beautiful shape & the pink lining! Excuse me while I wipe the drool from the corners of my mouth. If that doesn’t inspire you, nothing will!
Okay — now on to close-ups of the actual pieces as I saw them!
These heels are magnifique. Not so high you can’t walk in them — practicality can be useful! — & the most luscious colour.
I am not usually a monogram kinda gal. But I might make an exception for a bag like this. It’s nice & big, too. Perfect for overnight trips to the Hamptons (‘cause that’s so my ‘hood!). What would I pack in it? Gold doubloons, perhaps… an entire set of Encyclopædia Britannica… a fabulous hat… & an Oompa Loompa (strictly for entertainment purposes).
I love these. They are the kind of shoes I’d wear on the weekend if I was a sexy astronaut woman. I’d lie back in my lawn chair in Florida, vodka & tonic in hand, fantasising about flipping pancakes in a kitchen on the moon.
GASP. Okay. I think I actually have to own these. I mean… that is perfection in a glove.
Oh, Marc. OH, MARC. A glove like this could make a girl’s life complete. Or give her a heart attack. Perhaps a bit of both. A good fingerless glove is hard to find (& I have been searching since last year). I think I have met my match. Oh, pink gloves! Come to me! I would rock these so hard, it would be like… Stonehenge!
Of course, there were other pieces too, but they were designed for the more conservative crowd & didn’t appeal to my inner sartorial maniac. But I love that Marc took risks where it counted. I’m all about accessories anyway, so all the pink really tickled my fancy.
So… what do you think of the collection? I think I need to start putting money aside every week so I can snap some of these pieces up when they come out in November/December… & I simply must own a pink jumpsuit!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [73] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption,
madame Add Gala on Twitter!How To Wear Pink Cowboy Boots
[ 14 June 2008, 09:30 ]
“I recently bought a pair of bright pink cowboy boots (on complete impulse!) and haven’t worn them yet. I know they’re gonna be big and I’ve seen them start to creep onto the high street, so I want to look like I’m really ahead of the trends. But I have no ideas what to wear them with! Could you give me some help?”
The absolute best thing about a pair of hot pink cowboy boots is that it proves you have a sense of humour. I mean, how could you not? As soon as you put them on, it’s pretty much proof that you have a personality. A pair of pink cowboy boots are not for the shy. They are not shrinking violet territory. They are loud & fabulous & they shout, “HERE I AM!” While you could dress them down, I think this would do them an injustice. I think the best thing is to use them as a platform to step it up a notch.
Having a pair of coloured cowboy boots can be limiting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock them to glorious effect. I once owned a pair of duck-egg blue cowboy boots. I saw them in a shop window, fell in love & wore them to death. (Proof: 1, 2, 3.) Some people didn’t like them, but they made me obscenely happy, so I wore them & loved them until the very end. I still miss them!
A good pair of cowboy boots is a very versatile item. It doesn’t have to be all jeans & down-on-the-ranch-wear! I have had an amazing amount of use from the cowboy boots I own at the moment. They are black & brown, have taken a total beating (I wore them at Burning Man) & still beg for more! I’ve worn them with a bedshirt, shorts & red lipstick, a vintage nightgown & a faux-fur coat, a sundress & yellow bow belt & the same outfit, winter-ified.
Having said all this, here are some outfits I whipped up with the help of Polyvore, based around hot pink cowboy boots.
Perfect for a trip to the playground, a bit of cupcake munching & a ferocious game of air hockey.
More conservative cowboy-boot-ism, but it still speaks loudly. Your boots say, “Here I am!”, your shirt says, “I have taste!” & your sunglasses say, “Science fair geek!”. Mixed messages? Why yes. But isn’t it more fun that way?
The ideal brunch outfit. Just don’t spill maple syrup on your shirt.
Perfect for a little antique shopping, followed by a cup of frozen yoghurt the size of your head. You might also feel the urge to just sit on a bench & look delicious — & of course, you should go right ahead & do that!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [50] Tags: advice,
consumption,
how to,
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madame Add Gala on Twitter!YOU Condoms
[ 12 June 2008, 11:53 ]
See my disclaimer!
Want an unusual gift? Loathe the impracticality of your standard business card? Have a penchant for making balloon animals out of inflated condoms?
Oh, baby! Do I have the thing for you?!
What’s the concept? Well, you choose a picture of yourself, send it in, add a line of text (if you want), then sit back & wait for your personalised condoms to arrive in your, ahem, post box!
It’s a very odd product, to be sure. How many people do you really want to see your face just before they “get freaky”?! It might be good for a porn star, a gynaecologist or a sex writer (I can see Violet Blue rocking these) but I’m hard pressed to think of anyone else! If you used them in place of a business card, you would need to be working in a very liberal industry!
I love them, regardless — I think they’re absolutely hilarious, & have been handing them out to lucky (& unlucky) people all over the place. Who knows whether they will ever be put to good use? In fact, I think I’d prefer not to know!
So, what do you think? Would you use them? Who would you give them to?!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [46] Tags: consumption,
question Add Gala on Twitter!Turning A House Into A Home
[ 28 May 2008, 13:14 ]
Being away from all my trinkets has gotten me thinking about what it takes to turn a space into something you can inhabit with joy, settle into & feel comfortable.
The good news is that I’ve come to the conclusion that it doesn’t take much to turn a house into a home. All it needs is a few small, colourful things that bring you joy. Here are some treasures I’ve found recently that make me smile.
(From top to bottom…)
A paper parasol in a bright colour makes a fantastic impromptu lamp-shade.
Major retailers deciding your favourite authors (Nabokov & Bukowski) are “cool” can be a little unsettling, but you should still take advantage of it. Once the trend passes, you’ll be glad you snapped up these posters!
I absolutely love the look of this cranberry, cardamom & clove soy teacup candle. Too cute!
Brokesy makes super-cool 2-cushion sets that tell a little story. I like these ones of a yeti chasing a lemming. Monsterlicious!
What could be better than drinking coffee out of a mug in your favourite Pantone colour?
A stylish tea-kettle is a necessity of every home.
Pretend you’re a superstar with this framed Andy Warhol print.
Next time you’re drinking scotch & writing postcards, why not drink out of something stylish like these colourful wobble glasses?
Make an effort to buy flowers. It will cheer you up on the dreariest day, I promise!
I am a sucker for sweet-looking tea tins. This ginger tea tin definitely fits the bill. Maybe you should keep some pretty Chinese gummy candy around for low blood sugar days, too.
Bird cages look good, even without anything in them. Though you could always stuff it with old love letters…
Light up your dinner table at dusk with these battery-powered lanterns.
I like this crown. I don’t know what I’d do with it though. Probably use it as a prop in my increasingly ridiculous self-portraits!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [39] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption,
inspiration,
life Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 21st May 2008
[ 21 May 2008, 12:59 ]
Having new places to take photos is really, really great.
I call this the “chronic migraine” pose. Haha.
Very relaxed today… going to get coffee, go to the supermarket & the laundry (didn’t make it yesterday!), then coming back here to write up a frenzy!
Diamante hairclip (bought from the wedding section of a Super-Walmart — yes, scary)
American Apparel sweater (I bought it yesterday & it is so cozy, I love it)
3/4 pants from H&M (this is the other pair I bought — this is my favourite style of pants ever ever ever ever, & I can never find them, so I am so happy!)
Silver mesh heels from Nine West (they had a store in Gainesville which was closing down — these were $21)
“You talkin’ to me?!”
Sitting in my window. Eeee! I love this city. The sun is out today & it is gorgeous. I’m so happy.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [51] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!Moleskine Inspiration
[ 17 May 2008, 23:36 ]
Those of you who have been around for a while will know by now that Moleskines are my journal of choice. They are beautifully made, with fabulous quality paper, & you really can’t go past them for a glorious piece of kit.
If you’ve never bought one before, don’t hesitate a moment longer! Run, don’t walk, to your nearest Moleskine supplier & pick yourself up a piece of bliss! But of course, that presents us with two questions.
1. Which is the right Moleskine for you? They have notebooks, diaries, city notebooks & cahiers, all blank & swooning for your attention!
2. What will you use your Moleskine for?
When I was working in an office (or at Lush), I would use the bus to & from work to get my best writing done. I loved to use soft-cover ruled cahiers with a buff cover. I have a whole stack of them sitting in my bookcase in Melbourne, filled with obsessive writings about boy infatuations. In fact, I have an entire cahier devoted to Simon! (Awwww!) I use a black page-a-day diary for my daily life planning — I draw hearts at the start of each “to do” item, & then highlight the words in purple when I’ve completed them. I also have a New York city notebook which currently sits totally empty, but which I cart around a lot because it’s wee & has a subway map in it! (I will fill it in soon, promise!)
Here are some lovely things that other people have done with their Moleskines. The artist is noted below the picture. I hope they fill you with inspiration & elation!
Ideas for your Moleskine
Saliva-inducing illustrations of the food you eat
A chart of romantic or sexual conquests
Modern treasure-map guides to your favourite places
Written character sketches & mysterious pictures
Page after page after page of wishlists
Love letters to your idols
A choose-your-own-adventure story
Views from windows
Individual haikus about each of your friends
Reviews of every roller-coaster you’ve ever ridden
What you would wear if you lived on the Moon
A collection of perfume strips & who you think they suit
Drawings of your favourite designer shoes
Lipstick kiss-marks
The third draft of your acceptance speech
What do you use your Moleskine for? Do you have pictures?
Resources
Livejournal’s jr__nal community
Flickr’s Moleskinerie group
Flickr’s The Moleskine: One Page At A Time group
Flickr’s My Moleskine group
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [102] Tags: aesthetic,
consumption,
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life,
question Add Gala on Twitter!ModCloth Competition Winner!
[ 13 May 2008, 22:00 ]
It is with great excitement that I announce the winning set from the iCiNG/ModCloth/Polyvore competition!
Our winner is…
April Showers by decembers! Congratulations, sweetie!
Susan of ModCloth & I were so excited by the following two sets from vulgarmoon that we decided to award her a $10 voucher, too!
If you can both get in touch with me, I’ll send you your vouchers!
Thank you all so much for taking part in the contest — we were absolutely thrilled with the calibre of the entries & your fabulous style, originality & taste! For those of you who didn’t win, never fear! There is another wonderful Polyvore competition coming soon!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [28] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Spring Uniforms
[ 11 May 2008, 22:57 ]
Sometimes when the weather heats up, I get overwhelmed with the contents of my closet (or suitcase!). When that happens, it can help to come up with a few outfits that I can adapt a little bit as necessary, but that basically serve one purpose. I call them “Spring Uniforms” — ensembles that are easy to put together & comfortable to wear, & get me over that initial hump of warm weather mania!
Here are some fabulous imaginary Spring Uniforms, thanks to Polyvore.
Shopping Uniform
When it comes to doing a big shop for the new season, the less clothing you wear the better. All the better to slip in & out of, my dear! One simple accessory (the bangle), versatile shoes, a non-burdensome handbag & a pair of sunglasses have you totally sorted.
Picnic Uniform
While white might be a little inappropriate for a grass-related event, as long as you have a picnic blanket, you should be okay! Cobalt blue accessories & a fringed bag make for exciting accoutrements, & an apple & a stack of books mean you don’t need anyone else in order to have a great time!
Gallery Uniform
I always want to go to hundreds of galleries & openings in Spring. This is my ideal outfit for schlepping my ways around the halls of hallowed museums & galleries. High heels, a flared skirt, a colourful t-shirt & some sparkly accessories. It shows that you have style while at the same time not taking yourself too seriously. Woohoo!
Charm Uniform
To me, New York City is about making new friends & lots of connections. (It’s been a lot of fun so far!) This is a super outfit for going into cafes, meeting people for lunch & charming the pants off anyone who takes your fancy! Flat sandals are conducive to walking, sunglasses prevent you from squinting into the sun, & chunky bangles make sweet clinking noises when you write down your phone number with a flourish!
Do you ever devise uniforms for the seasons? If so, what do they look like?
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [43] Tags: aesthetic,
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question Add Gala on Twitter!What Should I Buy For Mother's Day?
[ 7 May 2008, 11:04 ]
This Sunday, the 11th of May, is Mother’s Day. You can call it a Hallmark holiday all you like, but let’s face it — without a mother, none of us would be here in the first place! She deserves a bit of love, & you know it. Here are some ways to show her your appreciation without resorting to old faithful gifts — like a gift pack from The Body Shop or a scented candle!
Write her a letter or card
These days, whenever it’s a birthday, Christmas or Mother’s/Father’s Day, my gift of choice is a card or letter. That might sound like a bit of a cop-out, but really, my parents have everything they need — & anything they want, they’ll get. I can’t add a lot of value to their life by buying them knick-knacks & stuff they’ll never use.
On the flip-side, writing somebody something personal has huge value. I’m not talking about a card that says “Happy Mother’s Day, love Josephine”! You need to make it worthwhile. Sit down, spend an hour, write something meaningful. I like to write to my parents & tell them that I love them, admire them & am grateful for everything they’ve done for me (though of course, I mix it up a lot!). It always means much more to them than a candle or a book ever could.
This article was actually prompted by an email I received from a girl who said that she & her mother didn’t get along very well. She knew she had to do something for mother’s day but felt that her mother had caused her so much pain that the idea of buying her a gift made her grit her teeth. My suggestion was that she write her a card or letter, saying that she knew their relationship wasn’t perfect but that she loved her anyway, & that she hoped that they could work on that. So it doesn’t have to be all sweetness & light — just genuine.
Help her out
Your average mother is an unbelievable multi-tasker, juggler & jack of all trades. She has kids, a career, a lover, a house that seems to self-mess & a billion obstacles to navigate. Imagine you were your mother for a day. How well do you think you’d do? I think I’d be a total flop!
So, why not help lighten the load? Now, you don’t have to do any manual labour yourself if you don’t want to. But you could try hiring a cleaner for a month — they could come in for a few hours every Monday & help get the house in order. You could offer to cook dinner for a week, or if cooking isn’t your forte, you could hire someone to do it for her! You could offer to babysit so that she can go out & do something indulgent & luxurious. Alternatively, you could pay for her to get pampered. What mother wouldn’t want a massage, a manicure or a spa day?
A framed photograph
If you have a good photograph of you & your momma, or even just a nice recent photo of yourself, frame it & wrap a bow around it. Everyone likes evidence of themselves with someone they love having a great time. Bonus points if you use an image editing program to make you both look younger & more beautiful! A little use of the healing & blurring brushes goes a long way!
Sending a photo of yourself is a great option if you live far away from your mother or just don’t see her very often. That way, if you turn up at her door one day, she’ll remember who you are! (Just kidding!)
Something alive
Flowers are nice but they don’t last very long — & all that cutting-the-stems-diagonally, putting-Aspirin-or-sugar-in-the-water stuff is a bit of a drag. Mother’s day is meant to be her day off, after all! If you buy her a potted plant, it’ll be something she can keep for much longer, & every time she looks at it she will be reminded of you, her sublime offspring!
The best thing to do is go for something low-maintenance. Buying her something she has to think about all the time is not the idea! Orchids are my favourite because they only need a bit of water every couple of days & they’re right as rain, but if you ask someone at a garden centre, they’ll be able to push you in the right direction.
Go for a walk
How often do we get to spend time with our mothers & just hang out? If you’re anything like me, barely ever. There’s always something to do, somewhere to go, businesses to talk about & dinner to make. If you go on a walk together, you might be surprised at how good it is to just spend time with one another. You’re related, after all, & more similar than you might initially think. You don’t have to walk along the beach (this isn’t a personals ad!), but even walking to a café or around the neighbourhood can be wonderful.
Have a cup of tea
& hold her hand. Tell her you love her, bring her some biscuits & hug.
If none of these have tickled your fancy, there are a whole lot of other ideas at my article on Gift-Giving from last year!
If you’re a mother, what was your best ever mother’s day present? If not, what are you going to do for your mother this Sunday?
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [63] Tags: consumption,
how to,
life,
question Add Gala on Twitter!iCiNG Treats For May!
[ 30 April 2008, 11:53 ]
Woohoooooooo!
It’s the first of May!
You know what that means, don’t you?!
Fresh iCiNG Treats! Warm from the oven!
This month we’re serving up two magnificent designs from the inimitable Nubby Twiglet, & I’m so excited! (I have been wearing mine obsessively!)
Pop over to the shop & have a peek! (Wearing a wig with the iCiNG Treats is optional, of course… but certainly a stylish extra!)
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [33] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 30th April 2008
[ 30 April 2008, 03:57 ]
It’s sooooo cold!
Silver dangly earrings from Sportsgirl
Stephanie Simek powder necklace
Grey jersey by Workshop
Vintage leather jacket
Skirt by Ricochet
Black stockings
Black/silver legwarmers from Sportsgirl
Ruched leather ankle boots
Do you like my amazing necklace? It’s so delicate & very unlike what I would normally wear, but I absolutely love it. It was designed by Stephanie Simek, & at first glance it just looks like a shell coated in silver. But it has a secret! There are tiny holes drilled in the bottom. That’s because it comes with a little bottle of silver mineral powder, & you use this teeny silver funnel (which is attached to the clasp) to pour it inside the shell. Then, when you wear it, it sprinkles a little bit across your décolletage. FAB-U-LOUS! Stephanie Simek is a genius — she also made the eyelash necklace that you’ve probably seen all over the place (see also: next on my list). Love it! Swoon!
Also — I know it’s been a bit quiet around here lately, & I’m sorry about that! I have big plans which you will know about before the week is over! My love for you is as strong as ever!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [37] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!ModCloth Competition!
[ 17 April 2008, 09:44 ]
I have some really exciting news!
ModCloth & iCiNG have partnered up & we’re very excited to announce our first competition!
Here’s the challenge…
Create a Polyvore set featuring at least one item from ModCloth! It can be cool, edgy, chic, feminine or whatever you like, but the aim is for it to be inspiring, stylish & fabulous!
The prize is a $100 voucher to be spent at ModCloth on whatever you choose! (& I’m sure you’ll have lots of ideas after seeing all the sets!)
Susan (ModCloth’s owner) & I will choose our favourite set over the next two weeks, & on the first of May, we will announce our winner!
To make your sets, you can check out ModCloth’s fitting room or go straight to Polyvore — that link will take you to a listing of all the ModCloth pieces. You can enter as many times as you like, just post links to the sets on this entry!
Here’s a little somethin’ I whipped up!
Love those shooooes!
Okay, good luck kittens! May the power of Polyvore compel you!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [524] Tags: consumption,
inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Style By The Stars: What's Your Astrological Aesthetic?
[ 13 April 2008, 22:33 ]
Aquarius
20 January – 18 February
Aquarians are true eccentrics — it’s almost impossible to peg them down, except to say that they are all wildly different! They love to shock & they go out of their way to make a statement & an entrance. Every Aquarius has a favourite, secret vintage shop, or undying devotion to some bizarre new enfant terrible designer. Aquarians adore bright colours & plastic; there is probably a high percentage of them in your local rave scene!
For more information, see How To Spot An Aquarius.
Pisces
19 February – 20 March
Pisces are shoe-mad & likely to have an amazing collection of avant-garde footwear stashed under the bed. With their dreamy aesthetic, they can find it exceptionally difficult to get dressed for work. Female Pisceans prefer dresses & skirts to trousers, & their vivid imagination often has them yearning to dress in period costume or to imitate the look of someone in a movie. Their shopping style is intuitive & things just seem to work. They adore blue, silk, chiffon & tulle!
For more information, see How To Spot A Pisces.
Aries
21 March – 19 April
Aries are driven, no-nonsense people, & they dress in a way that reflects that. Your typical Aries woman prefers pants to skirts or dresses, & rarely wears heels because, well, they just slow her down! Aries love fashion & are often at the front of trends, but they stay away from anything too frilly or feminine. It’s common for people born under Aries to have an obsession with the colour red, & you’ll often see it around them, in their accessories, lipstick, car or gadgets. (My mother is an Aries & her glasses, lips & cellphone are all red!)
For more information, see How To Spot An Aries.
Taurus
20 April – 21 May
Taureans are the earthiest of the earth signs, & so natural colours (like dark green & brown) easily make their way into the Taurus’ wardrobe. While they love a good bargain, they are also capable of spending enough money to put the King Of Pop to shame. They either look uber-luxe or they dress down on purpose — Taureans don’t like other people knowing their business! They are drawn to soft, tactile fabrics like velvet, wool & silk, & can often be found swaddled, blissed out in a corner. They also like to draw attention to their throats by wearing chokers, necklaces or scarves.
For more information, see How To Spot A Taurus.
Gemini
22 May – 23 June
Geminis like to keep up with what’s going on in the world of fashion. They’re always the girls who have hundreds of fashion blogs in their RSS reader, & they probably have a few magazine subscriptions, too. It’s usual for Geminis to have a couple of different looks that they switch between, to avoid boring themselves — one might be elegant & one might be a little slouchier, or one look is quite feminine while the other is more androgynous. Geminis love silver jewellery & cool, light colours — light pink, icy blue & canary yellow are all favourites.
For more information, see How To Spot A Gemini.
Cancer
23 June – 22 July
Cancerians think sentimentally about clothing, & will keep dresses that they consider lucky or a coat that they had a great night out in 15 years ago. They love to mix & match their emotionally-laden pieces with newer things. They’re also mad keen on vintage, & love the thrill of reworking old clothes to make them look fresh. Cancer girls, whether well-endowed or not, love to show off their heaving bosom! They will often subconsciously go for low-cut tops without even really thinking about it. (This also makes them one of the most popular signs of the zodiac, especially at parties!)
For more information, see How To Spot A Cancer.
Leo
23 July – 22 August
Leo women love to toss their mane & get noticed! They rarely dress down & thrive on being the most exciting dresser in the room. Your average Leo’s (ha! Who am I kidding? There’s no such thing!) wardrobe is stuffed to the brim with sequins, silks, animal prints & fur (real as well as faux). They love sensual, tactile fabrics. Some of a Leo’s other favourite things include designer labels, hats, the colours gold & purple & standing out from the crowd. Their idea of hell is turning up to an exclusive soiree in the same dress as someone else — or wearing a uniform!
For more information, see How To Spot A Leo.
Virgo
23 August – 22 September
Virgos are the organisers of the zodiac, & so it’s rare that they will just go on a random shopping spree & come home with a sequence of unrelated garments. No way. They’ll have a list (if not on paper, then definitely in their heads) & they will not rest until they find this or that elusive piece! Virgos have an eye for detail & so for them, it’s all about accessories. They love detailed prints, unusual stockings & jewellery, & are likely to have a fabulous collection of hats & scarves. Their clothing always fits them impeccably (they are probably best friends with their tailor) & their motto is “quality, not quantity”.
For more information, see How To Spot A Virgo.
Libra
23 September – 22 October
Libran women are some of the most feminine in the zodiac. They love floral perfumes, dresses & heels — feeling & looking like a woman are of utmost importance to them. As die-hard romantics, a date or a new boyfriend are two of their favourite reasons to go shopping! They were also (in an informal poll) voted “most likely to dress to please their partner”. Librans dig balance, too, so they love to play up interesting proportions & colour combinations.
For more information, see How To Spot A Libra.
Scorpio
23 October – 21 November
Scorpios are sultry sirens, & for them, clothing is about sex appeal, power & control. They often have a penchant for mind-blowing lingerie, which they wear under everything to boost their self-confidence. Your favourite goth is probably a Scorpio, as they have a few of the same interests — an obsession with the colour black, for instance, as well as a huge collection of boots & semi-fetish wear. (Scorpios adore corsets, fishnet & PVC.) They also spend a small fortune on maintenance, & they’re always waxed with great hair.
For more information, see How To Spot A Scorpio.
Sagittarius
22 November – 21 December
Sagittarians can never stand still & this is reflected in what they wear. Most Sagittarians are obsessive globe-trotters, & they love to wear trinkets & totems from their travels. Depending on the Sag, this can range from strutting around the house in a kimono to just wearing a t-shirt that says ‘Santa Monica’! They’re pretty earthy, too, & as well as loving comfort, they like to buy things that last. Natural fibres make them smile, & they’re likely to own an old leather jacket & a pair of great boots that they wear with everything.
For more information, see How To Spot A Sagittarius.
Capricorn
23 December – 19 January
Capricorns are often workaholics, & so they dress to fit with that. For them, work isn’t just a place they go, it’s an extension of them, & something laden with meaning. It’s not just corporate Capricorns either — the more arty Caps dress for their profession too. Regardless, they like to have the best. Their Louis Vuitton bag would never be a replica. Some of the Capricorn woman’s favourite things include classic tailoring, showing off their great legs, pinstripes & dressing down on the weekend.
For more information, see How To Spot A Capricorn.
How accurate do you think these descriptions are? I think the Virgo stylescope is on the money, & I can definitely draw parallels between what I’ve read & how some of my friends dress — especially the Scorpios & Sagittarius’s! What do you think?
Oh, & as much as I wish I was a fabulous astrologer, I’m just not! These astrological style-scopes were compiled with the thanks & help of the following sites, which I highly recommend!
Fashion Tips by Sign
Neptune Fashion Profiles
What’s What: Fashion Stars
Spring Into Fashion: Tips By Sign
Donnalyn’s Astro-Guide to Venus, Style and Party Fashions
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [125] Tags: aesthetic,
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madame Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 9th April 2008
[ 9 April 2008, 00:21 ]
Yay! I’m debuting my new dress from Ricochet. I LOVE it so much! When I spin it poofs out in a very charming fashion. All the more reason to spin!
Black beret from Sportsgirl (I pinned a flower to it)
Dyrberg/Kern necklace
Dress by Ricochet
Manolo Blahnik high heels
White poodle bag from Love On A Leash (& I have a Dachshund on the way!)
I actually bought a few things from Ricochet (among other places), so no doubt you’ll get to see them over the next few days! It’s quite hilarious really, it was cold here, & then we went to Wellington & it was cold there too, so I did my winter shopping & now we’re back in Melbourne again & it’s HOT! I envisioned myself wearing this dress with something under or over it, but noooo… !
Can can can you do the can-can?
What are you wearing today?
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [65] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!8 Outfits & Ideas For The Perfect First Date
[ 8 April 2008, 02:51 ]
After months of shy coffee shop flirting, Fawn finally wore this to browse an art gallery with Mark. When they walked outside, their nervous conversation changed track & she gave him an impromptu tango lesson in the garden outside.
Joanna & Ashley spoke candidly, laughed loudly & shocked the waiter at an elegant bistro. They rounded off the evening with martinis at the bar & a sweet dessert with two forks.
Dulcea & Quentin, art students from Brighton, had a picnic by a pond, followed by an exuberant Japanese photobooth session.
Carmen & Charles went for a spin on her scooter, followed by a small feast of hot dogs & Coke by the river’s edge. When she found herself using a napkin instead of wiping her hands on her jeans, she realised she must really like him.
Farrell & Ruby went to a sushi train restaurant. After a bottle of sake, they sat closer than they needed to at an outdoor cinema.
Trent wore this to go with Karl to a poetry reading. Later, they talked about Nabokov, hands gesticulating wildly over a bottle of red wine.
James & Bambi ate vegetarian burgers in her car before checking out a warehouse party her friend was throwing. (When he took off his hoodie, Bambi — a big Yoko Ono fan — hugged him out of sheer delight.)
Nicholas took Violet to an underground hip-hop show, danced with her in the back of the room & watched as she fell in love with him.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [75] Tags: aesthetic,
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madame,
monsieur Add Gala on Twitter!iCiNG Treats
[ 31 March 2008, 09:00 ]
I had the idea a while ago that it would be stupendously cool if there was a way for nonpareils to signal one another on the sly, in real life. You know how sometimes you see somebody on the street & you think, ‘I bet we have things in common’? But life is weird & hectic & sometimes you’re too shy to say anything, even though you’re thinking so hard about whether they like cupcakes & shoe shopping that you almost walk into traffic.
iCiNG has grown a lot since its inception. We’ve had over 4,000,000 (yes, four MILLION) people come through since we started. When you consider that the country I grew up in, New Zealand, has a total population of 4,000,000, it’s enough to cause the eyes to widen. Even better, loads of those people have stuck around — & you’re one of them! While you all have different browsing schedules (some of you visit every ten minutes while others do one big catch-up at the end of the week) & ways of interacting with the community (some of you talk our ears off in the comments while others are content to smile at the screen), you are all part of the whole. You are all nonpareils, beloved by me & the community, sweet mirthful cuties with lots of sass & brilliance.
Our community is so vibrant, so talented, so mind-blowing that it seems ridiculous for us not to connect in person & really get to know one another. Who can honestly say “No thanks” to more fun, more friends, more excitement?
I started to think about how, in comic books, when Batman was needed they’d flash that Bat-Signal. He could see it from anywhere & instantly, he knew he was wanted. I thought, man, it would be so cool if all nonpareils had a secret symbol so we could signal one another!
& so… I present to you…
What are iCiNG Treats?
We’ve linked arms with a slew of mind-bendingly amazing young creative talent, all of whom have been feverishly slaving over notebooks, twirling pencils & splashing inks in the quest to conjure fabulous things into being!
These geniuses have combined their love of aesthetics with their adoration of iCiNG, & are all thrilled to be able to offer unique pieces of art created specially for the iCiNG community!
I’m so delighted to have them on board, but I must warn you… the artists involved are so marvellous that there is a high chance of joy-induced seizures!
So you know what this means, don’t you? OUI! Every month we will be highlighting a magnificent new artist for you to fawn over & enjoy!
Think of it as wearing a secret spy signal. It signifies your official nonpareil membership, & serves as a grand salute to anyone else familiar with the cupcakes, carousels, TiLTs & other facets of the iCiNG Bowl! You’ll be wearing an amazing piece of art by a hot up-&-coming artist, as well as supporting & strengthening the iCiNG community.
Enough gabbing! This way to iCiNG Treats!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [119] Tags: consumption,
inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Things I Require This Winter Or I Will Surely Die
[ 24 March 2008, 18:30 ]
Melodrama is so hot right now! (Not really.)
So, with the temperature dropping, it seemed like time to compile a list. I haven’t yet decided on my Winter direction; it always takes me a bit of time to put it together. I can tell you though, that it will definitely involve my vintage leather jacket, the new shoes I bought on Saturday, lots of scarves & hats. I am accumulating a lot of black things again — totally a throwback to my teenage years — & to avoid looking too serious (& wearing black all the time), I’m mostly working on acquiring pretty vintage dresses in superb colours with mind-blowing patterns. If you get the right size, you can layer them up with merino wool tops, thick stockings, scarves & boots & gloves, & then you have a fabulous pop of colour in amongst the dark. It’s like dressing as a supernova!
Regardless of all that, after appraising my wardrobe, here’s what I’d like to stock up on this coming season.
Wool hats, knitted caps & berets. With beading & sparkly thread, & brooches pinned on, etc. It’s great having long hair (why, thank you Wildilocks!), because it makes hat-wearing a totally different experience. It means I still look really feminine even if there is something covering my noggin — while it used to make me feel a bit androgynous.
A whole drawer full of new stockings. I swear that good legwear is one of the most important pants of Winter. If you have lots of choices, you can still wear your summer dresses & shorts! Here is what I consider compulsory: Grey wool with a pattern, vertical stripes, grey over-the-knee socks, black ribbed, glittery something-or-rathers, gradient stockings (a deep colour at the toe fading up to white at the top, definitely a DIY job) & black stockings with tiny holes that make unusual patterns. You would be surprised how great those last ones are to have — I have a pair of black stockings with a kind of weird crochet design & every time I wear them, people go crazy for them!
More glove/wristlet things. Ideally I would like black leather fingerless, short black wool fingerless, cobalt blue fingerless, wool wrist-warmers & perhaps a pair of mittens. (Melbourne is never really cold enough for these things but you know, I’m stock-piling for New York…)
Boots. I want something really extreme-looking, hence why those cursed Dizingof boots haunt me! They’re totally mental, with a huge platform & suede criss-crossing the toe. I have all kinds of boots but you know, sometimes you need something else.
Something houndstooth. I think I’ve solved this by buying a dress with a white/black diamond print, which is close enough. I actually haven’t seen a lot of houndstooth about, v. disappointing. But I think a houndstooth mini or even a scarf would suffice!
Layering pieces. There is nothing worse in the middle of winter than having a bare midriff or a cold back! I would especially like some long singlets & t-shirts (in white, black, blue, pink, turquoise) for wearing under jerseys with jeans, etc. I want good quality ones though, because when you buy them from the underwear department they shrivel up & look like dried fruit. Not a good look.
Interesting knitwear. My absolute favourite place to go for knitwear is Ricochet in New Zealand because their stuff is warm, well-made & best of all, really different. I always wear their stuff to death. Cardigans with cut-out shoulders or a cut-out in the back, jerseys with a diamante button & teeny little holes, cardigans that button at the front & back… the list goes on. Love them. I can’t wait to go shopping in a week’s time, argh!
What are your must-haves (or lust-haves) for this coming season?
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [69] Tags: consumption,
gala Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 22nd March 2008
[ 22 March 2008, 01:08 ]
Black knit beret from Sportsgirl
Black eye-glasses (I’ve had these for years!)
Dyrberg-Kern necklace
Black & white striped tie from Topshop
Black knit dress
Black cardigan from Ricochet (NZ)
Black jeans from Sportsgirl
Belt from Starfish (NZ)
Dizingof boots
This is what I wore to go shopping today… I felt kind of like a French schoolgirl.
I had a big list of things to buy, mostly food (I love Karen Knowler!), but also I wanted to get some new shoes & maybe a pair of sunglasses. Well, lucky me — I came across a cute little shop called Brimelows Boutique where they had good quality sunglasses for $39 a pair.
So I bought two!
The ones on the left are my standard shape — big & round. I love big, round sunglasses. I always sit on them, though, so remind me not to sit on these ones! The ones on the right are a bit more “sophisticated”. I love them too.
I went to (what felt like) every shoe shop in the city. There isn’t a lot on offer in the way of insane platform boots, which is really what I was after. I wanted something racy with a heel but other than that, I couldn’t tell you what I was looking for, only that I would know it when I found it.
I am still deep in lust with the crazy Frankenstein boots at Dizingof but I can tell from trying them on that they fall really short on practicality. It’s sad, because they really are smoochable, but there’s no good in owning shoes you can’t wear!
I tried on some Miu Miu platform boots which looked just like these except with a little gold metal stamp on the front. They were reduced to $399 & were extremely sexy but the 39 was too big & that was all they had. So I kept walking.
Until I found these.
They are not my ultimate Winter boot. I am still hunting for that. But these will definitely do in the meantime!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [35] Tags: consumption,
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gala Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 19th March 2008
[ 19 March 2008, 00:46 ]
This is a very basic outfit, but it’s been a while since I showed you what I’m wearing!
Black knit beret from Sportsgirl. I am going to wear this all winter, I swear. I also bought a sparkly black beret, YAY, so cool!
Dyrberg-Kern necklace (my mother found it in her purse!)
Black Bonds slip, which feels amazing
New jeans! Black bootcut from Sportsgirl, only $89, & I love them!
Generic black peep-toe heels
These jeans were an incidental purchase. I was just browsing the shop when I saw them — black & bootcut! It’s like the holy grail of jeans! They’re comfortable & flattering & I am so stoked. I always build jeans shopping up to be this big drama, but sometimes the denim gods smile on you. It’s been one of those weeks!
Also… I like black at the moment.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [35] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!iCiNG Loves ModCloth!
[ 18 March 2008, 19:46 ]
This month, iCiNG was brought to you, in part, by ModCloth.com — an online boutique selling vintage & indie clothes, accessories & gee-gaws!
Thank you so much, ModCloth, for keeping us running! We luuuuurve you!
If you’re not familiar with the site, go & have a look! Now! It is a great place to go for awesome, unique things — & even better, the prices are exceptionally reasonable.
These are my two favourite things right now.
The I heart umbrella & coat of arms necklace make me swoon! (I love anything with a crest or weird heraldry, so I think that necklace is perfect!) I also love their toadstool lamp (SO cute) & their cupcake key covers!
ModCloth is owned by a woman called Susan, who started her business four years ago, between finishing high school & starting college. She now has a bunch of employees & does it full-time. She is living proof that you can love your work, make a living & maintain your integrity! Rawk!
Susan & business partner Shahrzad. Aren’t they cute?!
P.S. In addition to sponsoring iCiNG, Susan has hooked us up a little discount. If you enter the code GALA at checkout, you’ll receive a superb 10% off all treasures! Whee! I thought you should know… it would be mean not to tell you!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [19] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Themed Outfits For Intellectuals
[ 16 March 2008, 21:10 ]
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.
For the meticulous chemistry student! Wow them with your knowledge of the periodic table & love of heavy metal(s)!
For the zany photography student! Sparkly shoes that catch the light can be used as an impromptu bounce flash!
For the excitable make-up artist in training! T-shirt with snide saying proves your devotion to the art!
For the miniature archaeologist! Perfect for those of you who only ever listen to The Bangles & make terrible jokes!
How does King Tut’s secretary answer his calls?
“He can’t talk right now, he’s all wrapped up!”
For the fledgling illustrator! Ahhhh… this outfit makes me want to be an artist.
Do you ever dress on theme for what you’re studying? I’d love to see a nutritionist wearing a t-shirt by Johnny Cupcakes... someone at police training college wearing a clip-on moustache… or a literature major wearing Busted’s Prose Before Hos tee!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [92] Tags: advice,
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madame Add Gala on Twitter!Cute Coats (& How To Wear Them)
[ 7 March 2008, 23:22 ]
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.
Splash out on a hooded waterproof jacket in a bright colour that you love & matches the rest of your wardrobe. Wear it on days when you want to bring a little excitement to your rainy city! Bonus points: Buy an umbrella in a matching colour for undeniable adorability!
Hunt out a cropped little leather jacket for maximum versatility. They’re super-warm & totally chic. Pair it with feminine pieces (like fitted skirts & high heels) to make a stylish impact & avoid the “Where’d you park your Harley?“ comments! Bonus points: Buy a vintage leather jacket on Ebay — you’ll get a good deal, & even better, it’ll be original!
Invest in a tuxedo jacket to dress up sleek, simple outfits. Team black & white with one other accent colour & you’ll feel like the cutest girl on the street. Don’t be afraid to wear fun, silly accessories! Bonus points: Tuxedo jackets work really well over formal cocktail dresses — kind of like you stole your lover’s jacket to keep you warm.
Swoon over a dress coat if you live in a really cold climate or your boss is a sadist who keeps the office freezing at all times! A great dress coat can be your entire outfit if you want it to be, but it also adds flair to anything underneath. Bonus points: Buy a fabulous belt in a contrasting colour to wear over the top & add shape to your outfit!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [39] Tags: aesthetic,
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madame Add Gala on Twitter!House Of Holland
[ 4 March 2008, 20:15 ]
My friend just bought this t-shirt from House of Holland & it got me thinking… what would one of those t-shirts have to say for me to buy it?
I came up with
MY ANATOMY
SWELLED
FOR K.
LAGERFELD
...But I was totally trumped by Felicity, who conjured up
MY THOUGHTS
ARE UNWHOLESOME
FOR MARY-KATE
OLSEN
So good!
What would your dream House Of Holland shirt say?
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [140] Tags: consumption,
question Add Gala on Twitter!Fun Accessories
[ 3 March 2008, 20:08 ]
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. Anyone can wear a white shirt, but what about a white shirt with a huge necklace made from doll heads? Thankfully, we’re not just restricted to what we can find in the mall any more. The internet is the best ever place to source weird & decadent accessories, from octopus tentacles in jars worn as necklaces to a hat befitting of a sea nymph!
Here are some of the coolest things I’ve found recently!
From top to bottom…
These Baby Holga cameras come in 8 colours (pink, blue, yellow, grey, red, green, purple & white) & are tiny enough to sling around your neck. I love that you can coordinate them with your outfits as well as using them to capture moments & take sneaky spy shots! They are so cute & super-cool. I want one a lot, especially after seeing this gallery! (Super-sleuth hint: they sell for practically nothing [$12!] on Ebay.)
Stephanie Simek’s eyelash necklace is so delightfully weird that I couldn’t leave it out! She describes them as “doing your dreaming for you”, which is too cute. There are a few different variations — some have a pair of lashes, while others drip pearls. They are top notch quality, too — the lashes are 100% human hair set with sterling silver. They look beautiful on, as Kris Atomic so fabulously demonstrates! At a mere $30, you’d be maaaad not to buy one!
When I first saw these Druzy rings I almost fell over. They’re just incredible. They are rings carved straight from the inside of a huge geode (those big rocks full of crystals) — so they are totally unique & individual. Each one is a different size, shape or colour. They come in hot pink, vibrant violet & Moroccan blue (among other colours) so you’re sure to be able to find one in your favourite hue. Talk about a show-stopper. How could you NOT comment on this if you saw it on someone’s finger? Apparently they are quite light to wear, too. I think I’m having palpitations!
Sometimes I compile lists in my head of what an “adult” does or has, & ponder, ‘When do you know that you are actually an adult?’ It’s quite a funny thing to discuss with people because we all have very different ideas of what it means. Anyway, I have always maintained that an “adult” owns a watch. When I was a child, I admit to being a bit Jessica Wakefield on it — you know, she was the twin from Sweet Valley High who never wore a watch because she was wild & carefree & I thought, ‘I want to be like that!’. I have since come to terms with the fact that I am basically a huge nerd who likes to be organised, hence, I am on the hunt for a sexy watch. This isn’t quite my dream watch, but the Nooka Zirc White is certainly a stylish wee thing, & far too lovely not to mention.
Gloves are in (I would say “Hooray!” but honestly, when are they ever not in during winter?) & mercifully, many glove manufacturers are cottoning on to the fact that consumers want more choice when it comes to keeping their fingers toasty. Ruching & buttons & shocking colours are all over the place, & it is fabulous. I am a huge fan of these Ashley gloves by Molly N, a New Zealand company. They are so very White Rabbit. Pair with a fob watch & waistcoat for maximum effect.
Suburbs getting you down? Tired of the constant drone of lawn-mowers & menopausal women hooning around in SUVs? Ahhh, what you need is a trip to gay Paree! In the mind, anyway. After you’re done watching Une Femme Est Une Femme for the millionth time, & you’re suffering from major cheese-induced fatigue, sling this Paris tote over your shoulder & bring a bit of culture to your neighbourhood.
A bit o’ bling never goes amiss, especially when it only costs a measly $18 for 6 giant rings! If you’re planning on meeting Victoria Beckham in the near future & you’d like to wear something that makes her cry, “THAT IS MAJOR!”, these jumbo cocktail rings from Fred Flare are it. Go forth & sparkle!
I have to tell you a secret — the Mixed Tape Transformer necklace & the AI necklace are both from one of my favourite treasure purveyors on the whole internet, Tokyomade. So I am a little bit biased but the best thing is that these necklaces both come apart for superb fiddling & mucking about opportunities! The transformer necklace actually turns back into an innocent-looking cassette tape, while the AI necklace breaks down into a series of sexy mechanical-looking pieces. Love it. No more grappling awkwardly with your phone while you wait around in public — now you can just hang out with the art around your neck & be perfectly content!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [35] Tags: consumption,
inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Umbrella Lurve!
[ 25 February 2008, 01:24 ]
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.
The woman who loves the Haba Leafy Roof umbrella is actually an art teacher who found this umbrella left behind in one of her classes. She whistles through the gap between her front two teeth (mostly Bulgarian folk songs) & always wears red lipstick. She drinks tea constantly (earl grey with two sugars) & drives a puttery old car. Her husband used to throw knives in the circus & they sometimes incorporate this skill in the bedroom.
The girl under the Lotus umbrella makes cupcakes for a living & does her own deliveries. She straps the patisserie boxes to the back of her scooter & smiles as she pockets the cash. No one knows that the reason the cupcakes taste so good is because she says “I love you, I love you, I love you” to the mixture as she bakes.
The girl who owns the Guy de Jean Arlequin Duck umbrella works in a jewellery store & stands behind the counter so that no one will see her lace-up combat boots. Every night she goes home to her sulky boyfriend who wears more eyeliner than she does & hopes he will leave her so she doesn’t have to have “the conversation”. One day she would like to be a carefree bachelorette with a poodle & fairy wings tattooed on her back.
The girl who carries Madonna’s English Roses Houndstooth umbrella wears only black, white & grey. Her hair is big & violet, back-combed & scented like candy, & she likes to cover it with Swarovski crystals. She does Tai Chi in the mornings with her grandmother & keeps a secret stash of toffees in her bag at all times.
The Butterfly umbrella is the pride & joy of a raver girl who dances underneath it at the bus stop. When she goes out at night she ties glowsticks around the spokes of the umbrella & glows all the way across the city. She always wears purple underwear & has never had a boyfriend.
The Il Marchesato 16 Rib Metallic umbrella is owned by a fetish model who pays photographers to lengthen her legs in pictures & never makes public appearances. She has a closet full of platform boots & shoes of every stripe, & has not seen her natural hair colour in ten years. She has a secret crush on Michael Jackson.
The Birdcage Bubble umbrella belongs to a very straight-laced fashion editor who wears extremely high heels & never smiles in public. While she pretends that she doesn’t like the paparazzi taking shots of her, she owns a clear umbrella precisely to help them take more pictures. Every night she goes home & gets high while watching The Daily Show.
The Birdcage Spots Bubble umbrella is owned by a famous architect. He bought it in a drug-addled haze in San Francisco years ago. He has never taken it out in public. It sits in an umbrella stand by the back door, an untouched reminder of his past.
The girl who carries the Merde, Il Pleut umbrella (translation: Sh*t, it’s raining) is 5’10” in flat shoes. She wears a leather jacket at all times, & pinned to it, a badge with a quote from Jean-Paul Sartre (“Hell is other people”). She smokes Gauloises & has teeth stained slightly red from excess wine consumption. Her pet hate is running out of cheese. (She has secretly never left Chicago — & orders her Gauloises online.)
The girl toting the Jean Paul Gaultier Square Faux Leather umbrella prides herself on her sleek, minimal aesthetic. Her favourite movie is Bladerunner & she refuses to wear anything but black. Her work cubicle is so clean that her co-workers think she is a bit freaky. Sometimes when she is feeling anxious, she fashions a helmet out of aluminium foil & sleeps in it.
The girl strolling beneath the Pasotti Swarovski Crystal umbrella is a theatre major with bright red hair. She loves to practise her Oscars award speech & buy foreign newspapers (which then gather dust on her coffee table). She always checks into hotel rooms under the name ‘Jessica Rabbit’.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [86] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Fafi For MAC Cosmetics -- Reviews
[ 19 February 2008, 21:46 ]
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!
I am now the proud owner of 29 pieces from the Fafi for MAC collection. Yes, that is a totally obscene amount of loot. More than anyone could ever need. Have I told you recently that I love my job?
They really couldn’t have sent this stuff to a more die-hard MAC fan. When I was about 15, I went to their counter (in Kirkcaldies) & bought my first piece of make-up with my own money. It was a powder foundation compact, & I was never the same again. Suddenly my skin-tone was even to the eye & silky to the touch. I became obsessed, so much so that my mother knows that the #1 thing to buy me at Christmas or on birthdays is anything from MAC. I have always had such good experiences with them that I have never felt the need to go anywhere else. I occasionally dabble in Napoleon Perdis but I always find my way back to that sleek counter with its metal stands & black-clad make-up artists. & I am never disappointed.
I’m so pleased to be able to review all these things for you, because (other than the fact that it is fun to use all this stuff) a lot of the colours defy appearances. Some of you might remember (in my first Fafi for MAC post) me proclaiming my love for Fun ‘N’ Sexy lipstick, but saying I wouldn’t buy it because the colour was just too much. Imagine my delight when I discovered that actually, it’s a gorgeous, sheer colour with not too much saturation or sparkle — extremely wearable & possibly my favourite lipstick of the bunch.
My friend & make-up artist Marie came over yesterday to play with all my new treats. We decided to try replicating some of the Fafi ‘looks’ from the collection. Here’s how it turned out.
Gala models ‘Fafi’.
The Fafi look is so dynamic on paper, I fell in love with it right away! I love the eye make-up — it’s kooky & mod all at the same time. To make to work on my face, Marie altered it a bit, because my eyes are much rounder than the example. I think it turned out pretty well. I look kind of like a bird!
Marie models ‘Cult Fave’.
The Cult Fave look is much more subtle than ‘Fafi’ but it’s still beautiful. Soft, light & totally wearable. Doesn’t Marie look gorgeous?
Okay, now. Drumroll please. Here’s what I received, as well as reviews & pictures. It’s been a messy, smudgy, sticky morning here in the iCiNG Bowl!
Glaze lipstick in Flash ‘N’ Dash
The first thing to know about the glaze lipsticks is that they are true to their name. The colour is not creamy or frosty or matte or any of those things — on the lips, it’s more like a highly-saturated gloss. So while Flash ‘N’ Dash looks wild in the tube, when you put it on your mouth it’s more of a flourish than a squawking statement. It has a very definite orange tint, which isn’t usually a colour I can wear, but this is subtle enough that it looks magnificent.
Glaze lipstick in Fun ‘N’ Sexy
My new favourite lipstick. While in the tube it seems like the kind of lipstick that would gouge the eye of any onlooker, it actually glides on slick & sheer. I guess that’s why it’s called a ‘glaze’ lipstick! It’s just like that. If you can imagine your lips as a dessert, this lipstick is the ultimate sugary enamel finish. Now, go out & be delicious!
Glaze lipstick in High Top
I can pretty much picture the sort of girl who would wear this colour all the time. She’d spend a lot of time sitting on the steps outside her apartment in New York, sucking on grape popsicles & scribbling down raps on a notepad. She’d call herself ‘MC Hi-Gloss’, wear big dangly earrings & be secretly in love with everyone. I think that’s all you need to know.
Glaze lipstick in Not So Innocent
This looks so pale in the tube, but once you slick it on, it exudes a totally different hue. It’s a very sheer, subtle nude colour, with tiny, shiny pearls in pink & peach. I am normally not into nude make-up (I have always been a little bit, ‘What’s the point?’), but this is so lovely it’s hard to resist. Eminently wearable, this is the sort of thing you want to put on when you want to wear lipstick but not look like you’re trying too hard.
Lustre lipstick in Strawbaby
Lustre lipstick is different to the glaze in that the colour is more saturated & stronger. Strawbaby is, by MAC’s definition, “coral rose with rainbow pearl”. I think that’s why I don’t like it — the mere mention of the word ‘coral’ gives me flashbacks to the 80’s. Screech! It’s not great with my skin tone, either; it just makes me look funny. I don’t think I’ll wear this much, but for those of you who love coral — well, you’re onto a winner!
Lipglass in Sugar Trance
MAC’s lipglasses are their take on a lip gloss. Super-high sheen, which is long-lasting & always a vibrant colour. One thing about their lipglass formulation is that it’s quite sticky. A lot of people don’t like this — it’s the sort of thing that your hair sticks to, crumbs cling to, & in Australia, it can easily make you feel like a strip of flypaper — so if you’re not a fan of the sticky mouthed thing, beware! Having said this, Sugar Trance is a superb soft pink with oodles of iridescence. I am a big fan.
Lipglass in Totally It
They got the name right with this one. This lipglass is RAUCOUS! The colour of the tube makes me think of a dazzling, intergalactic strawberry, but on the lips it’s quite different. It’s the perfect teenage pouty pink — berry-tastic & rich & a bit obnoxious. The colour your mouth would go if you lived on a steady diet of artificially red-coloured food (like popsicles & lollipops). Wear it next time you go rollerskating.
Lipglass in Squeeze It
Squeeze It looks plum in the tube, but on me it looked more like a deep red with a hint of bronze. It’s a darker colour than I’d usually wear but it’s quite a lovely shade with a bit of sparkle. I think I’m just too young for a colour this dark.
Lipglass in Cult Fave
Cult Fave is a deeper hue than Sugar Trance but quite similar. While Sugar Trance has a base of pink & peach, Cult Fave has notes of blue. Don’t let that put you off, though — blue-hued lipsticks or lip glosses make your teeth look super-white! — & this lipglass is totally kissable.
Paint pot in Layin’ Low
Layin’ Low is quite nude with a hint of pink. It’s not very dynamic on its own, but it would make a great base if you wanted to press some glitter or another colour over the top. I really like it — pair it with Not So Innocent for that “not made-up but totally made-up” look.
Paint pot in Perky
Creamy coral. Yes. There’s a lot of that in this collection! Perky goes on superbly (as do all the paint pots) but it just doesn’t grab me. Maybe because it’s too conservative.
Paint pot in Nice Vice
This is a dark purple with a hint of violet iridescence. While I like the colour in theory, I unfortunately find it extremely hard to wear without looking like a victim of a vicious street brawl. The good news is that you don’t have to use paint pots just as eye shadow — that is, all over your lid. A hint of this at the corners of your eyes or used along the lashes as a liner is often all you need.
Paint pot in Girl Friendly
Girl Friendly is a not-so-squeaky-clean pink. For those of you who like pink but don’t always want the saccharine overload that it tends to be, this is your paint pot! It’s quite a subtle colour that will suit a lot of people. I often use a MAC eye shadow called Nocturnelle (a shimmery berry colour) over my lids when I really want my eyes to pop, but this is going to be my new replacement. It’s not as dark but it is just as beautiful. Yummy.
Paint pot in Cash Flow
Bling bling! This is so Beyonce! I love that this is a paint pot, because I often find that gold eye shadow or powder doesn’t have a lot of staying power. This will stay for weeks! You’ll have to bribe it to leave! It will make a magnificent base for other colours you might want to layer up — how about parrot green or royal blue?
Paint pot in Rollickin’
Rollickin’ is the turquoise splashed all over my website, so of course I have a soft spot for it. It is gorgeous. It’s a superb, frosty turquoise with shimmery white pearl. It’s vibrant & gutsy & perfect for anyone wanting to experiment with the Cleopatra-esque make-up that McQueen sent out on the runway at the end of 2007. Oh, I love turquoise. What was it that Christian Dior said? Oh, yes…
“The tones of gray, pale turquoise and pink will prevail.” — Christian Dior
Marie was also really impressed by the paint pots. Here’s her review:
“Paint pots – at first I didn’t know how people would go with using them as I found them a little tricky to use but after “the test” I am now a convert. The Test – As you know yesterday was warm – 35 or so plus that warm wind didn’t help too cool me down. Got home mildly sweaty into a hot hot hot apartment. Our aircon isn’t amazing but with the heat and the fact that I baked cookies and cooked dinner I was reasonably moist. For any type of make-up I would forgive it if it slid off my face after all of that but not the paint pots! I actually rubbed my finger over my eye lids last night before taking off my make-up just to see the staying power. And baby it stays. No creases, smudges and the colour stayed true. I think paint pots would be great for anyone who has trouble with eye products creasing or just need some extra staying power while working it on the dance floor.”
Fafi Eyes 1
There are four colours in this superb eyeshadow compact. Vanilla, Hay, Pink Venus & Howzat. This palette is perfect for doing a smoky eye or just keeping it light. I used to use an old MAC eye shadow called Pink Freeze to dot the inner corners of my eyes — I do this because it makes them pop & look much brighter. But I think I have found new lovers in Vanilla & Hey. Vanilla is a creamy pale white, while Hey is a more moderate pale nude popped with white pearl. Gorgeous. Pink Venus was hard to photograph (so sorry!) but it is actually a super-soft & beautiful pale pink. Pink around the eyes sounds like you’re trying to do that heroin chic thing, but in reality, it looks really good. You should try it out, you might be surprised. & Howzat is a smoky grey with silver sparkles. Too much of it makes me look like someone socked me, but I know lots of die-hard goths (& neogoths, nudge nudge!) who will dust this stuff everywhere! I won’t, but I think it’ll make a great eyeliner!
Iridescent power in Belightful
Turns out, it is incredibly hard to get a good picture of iridescence (who would’ve thought, huh?). So you’ll just have to dream away with me! This powder is mind-blowingly fabulous. I am not much one for iridescent powers, or bronzer for that matter. It’s always seemed a bit “out there” for me, & I usually relish my pale look enough to skilfully avoid any bronzing powder, but Belightful is really fabulous. MAC call it a “gilded peach bronze” but to me it seems more like teeny flakes of gold shimmer. I am going to use it all the time.
Powder blush in Hipness
This is another one of the Fafi products that looks very different on to how it looks in the compact — or even in the description. They say “intense coral with soft white pearl”, & I say “light pink with a touch of shine”. Coral, it is not! But it’s fantastic, & is my new favourite blush.
Powder blush in Fashion Frenzy
This is a super-bright pink blush! I gave it to Marie, who will be able to wear it better than I ever could. It looks very pink in the compact & it is even more so on the skin. Especially on me, I am a pale wee thing! This would be a great blush for anyone with darker skin, though, who needs more saturation in their cheek colour.
Zoom lash mascara
I love all of MAC’s mascaras, & Zoom Lash is no exception. It’s dark, rich & magnificent. Perfect for those Bambi moments.
Fluidline in Blacktrack
Any of the Fluidline colours are my number one crush when it comes to eyeliner, & Blacktrack is the colour I use most often. (I even sang its praises in my Fashion Darling column. I just cannot go back to using a pencil these days — a little pot of Fluidline & a small angled brush are all you need!
Eye kohl in Smolder
While Fluidline is always my eyeliner of choice, MAC’s eye kohls are among the best in the business. Their fabulously rich texture makes them super-easy to apply & they just look more & more luscious as you layer them up. They’re easy to smudge, which is great if you’re wielding a brush with intent, though not so much if you’re pre-disposed to hayfever or absent-minded eye-rubbing! Just keep that in mind, okay?
Eye kohl in Fascinating
Fascinating is made with the usual MAC eye kohl formulation — thick, creamy, dreamy eyeliner. Except it’s white! If any of you wanted to try out that Erin Fetherston look of yore, Fascinating should be an essential part of your make-up bag. The hue is strong & vibrant — ideal for making eyes look bigger & more fanciful! Too lovely.
Brush 208
I actually already had one of these, & it’s what I use to do my cat’s eye make-up. It’s a sharp, fine angled brush which is brilliant for getting straight lines & making short work of long lines!
Brush 210
This is the brush Marie used to do my eye make-up in the ‘Fafi’ look. I haven’t actually used it myself yet, but she was over the moon with it. It is super-fine & very firm — so you can press quite hard while still drawing a thin line. Awesome for intricate detailed work.
Brush 182
This brush is gorgeous. Painfully so. Small & fat, it’s the perfect thing for applying blush, irridescent power or bronzer. The bristles grip colour well & a couple of sweeps are all you need for instant starlet cheekbones!
Nail lacquer in Girls Will Be Girls
This polish is a shimmering pink with peach iridescence. If a ballerina girl was granted a wish to have her own kingdom, this is the colour she would want everything to be — her castle, her horse & of course, her bed. Put on a couple of coats of this whenever you feel the need to retreat to your younger self.
Nail lacquer in Boom!
Boom! is the colour of an umeboshi plum. It’s a dark maroon with blue notes & a subtle sparkle. It’s the sort of colour that you might wear while you write your first screenplay, or when you perform live with your band in a dive bar. Underground & urban but sexy at the same time.
Fafi make-up bag
Well, it’s hard to write about a make-up bag! Suffice to say that the Fafi make-up bag I received is well-made & holds a lot of stuff. Not quite everything I was sent, but… almost!
There were also some things I didn’t receive. If you own any of these products, I’d love to hear what you think of them! Lustre lipstick in Utterly Frivolous, Fafi Eyes 2 & iridescent pressed power in Sassed-up & Verve-acious.
I’d like to say an enormous thank you to MAC Cosmetics for being so generous & also for making such continuously outstanding products. I have yet to buy a MAC product that doesn’t do what it says it will — & I don’t know if I can say as much for any other brand.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [63] Tags: beauty,
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madame Add Gala on Twitter!Daily Outfit -- 19th February 2008
[ 18 February 2008, 21:14 ]
Blue sunglasses
‘Zsa Zsa’ dress from Bowerbird Vintage
Gold belt also from Bowerbird Vintage
Manolo Blahnik heels
Lipstick is Flash ‘N’ Dash with Squeeze It lipglass from the Fafi for MAC collection (more on that later!)
I can’t explain why, but this outfit makes me feel very Rachel from Bladerunner... “Do you mind if I smoke?” I think it’s the neckline.
So, please allow me to talk a little bit about this dress. It’s from a boutique called Bowerbird Vintage, which is owned by a friend of mine named Joanna. When I went to Sydney last year for the fashion blogger’s high tea, I met her & was really struck by how lovely, authentic & gentle she is. Not to mention, she has a passion for fashion that rivals any of us!
Her site is full of beautiful original vintage treats — lots of dresses! — as well as re-worked pieces that needed a little love. She is famous for hacking off pouffy shoulders & bogus 80’s detailing so that when the garment re-emerges, it looks fresh & fabulous. If you’re hankering for a Tuesday afternoon shopping spree, Bowerbird is a very worthy establishment!
The very best thing is that I have wrangled a deal where any nonpareil who spends over $50 gets a 10% discount! All you need to do is flick her an email & she will apply it for you. Très fabuleux, non? Even better, Joanna offers free shipping within Australia & super-reasonable postage anywhere overseas.
Anyway, I hope you’ll take a look. Her prices are brilliant, she selects every piece with care & you’ll be supporting a wonderful woman.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [55] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit Add Gala on Twitter!My Lelo Lily
[ 12 February 2008, 03:07 ]
The other day, one of my wishes came true: I was the incredibly fortunate recipient of a Lelo Lily. I recently made the acquaintance of Liz from Madame Rouge, & she asked if I’d like anything from her shop. Since I have had my eye on the Lelo Lily for a while, I mentioned it, & within two days, it had arrived at my door. The glee was overwhelming; I couldn’t believe I owned something so fabulous!
I really think that if you’re a woman over the age of 18 & you’ve never been into a dark sex shop, browsed an upscale erotic boutique or looked at toys online, you are missing out! Pleasure objects are a staple of every stylish girl’s bedroom, & there is a huge variety available for all tastes, budgets & inclinations.
However, having said this, there is one thing upon which is generally agreed: Lelo of Sweden make truly top-shelf, fabulous, unsurpassed toys. In fact, Lelo are such an elegant company that they call their products “luxury erotic lifestyle objects”. I tend to think of them more as beautiful pleasure artifacts.
So, what is the Lelo Lily? It’s a delicate, light & deliciously-shaped device that fits easily in the palm of your hand. They named it Lily because it is the shape of curved petal (all together now: “Awwww!”). While it looks like it could exist quite happily in a Takashi Murakami exhibition, thankfully there is more to the Lily than just appearances. Its silky exterior hides a powerful — & yet somehow, whisper-quiet — motor, as well as beautiful functionality & up to 7 hours of continuous playtime! Who says you can’t mix style & substance?
The Lily, Nea & Yva are all the same brilliant design, just with different finishes (& consequently, price-points). The Nea (US$110) feels like porcelain, the Lily (US$140) is silky-smooth & the Yva (US$1600)... well, the Yva is hand-crafted from either stainless steel or 18K gold plate. You can choose your own level of luxury!
The packaging is sublime, too. I know it sounds weird to say that, but I get a huge kick out of really good packaging. The packaging of the Lelo Lily is on par with any packaging by Apple — beautifully-made boxes, perfect little plastic containers & clear slip-covers. As soon as you see the box, you know, without a doubt, that there is going to be something magnificent inside.
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. It’s also multi-use. While you can use it alone (swaddled in Egyptian cotton sheets, no doubt!), the design is such that you can easily slip it between you & your partner for hands-free orgasms during intercourse. BRAVO! Applause! Thunderous roar from the congregation!
Lelo have really thought about the design of this product. For example, you can easily ‘lock’ the Lily so that you won’t have one of these moments! You can control the level of vibration by using one of two little square buttons — they are perfectly positioned for your thumb & light up when touched. There are many different levels of intensity, which is fantastic. So often it’s either all or nothing! The Lily charges easily & quickly, too — from whoah to go in 2 hours. & it comes with a multi-purpose power point, with three different plugs so that you can use it anywhere you travel. The perfect item for the jetsetting fashionista, n’est-ce pas?
The Lily even has a little home. In the box, you’ll find a black satin bag for safe-keeping — this will help protect it from dust & any other toys you might have. (Sometimes the colouring on cheap latex or rubber can bleed — & marring the surface of a Lily would be pure sacrilege!)
At US$140, the Lily is definitely a high-end treat for the working girl. But when you think about what we spend on shoes, make-up & haircuts, it makes sense to spend a little money on private pleasure too!
Carrie: I just can’t believe she opened your goodie drawer. I mean, everybody knows the nightstand is private.
Charlotte: What do you have in there?
Miranda: You know, the usual. Condoms, vibrator.
Carrie: Massage oil, cigarettes.
Samantha: Nipple clamps.
Carrie: Really?
Samantha: Not for me; for them!
Charlotte: That’s freakish.
Miranda: What’s in your goodie drawer? Robert’s Rules of Order?
Charlotte: I don’t have a goodie drawer.
Carrie: Oh, everybody has a goodie drawer.
Samantha: I have a goodie closet!
When it comes to luxury products, it’s all the little details that make the difference. Take the last page of the Lily manual, for example. It says,
“The clitoris is the only feature of the human anatomy whose sole function is to convey messages of sensual pleasure. Use it wisely, often & with care.”
Truer words were never spoken.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [39] Tags: consumption,
madame Add Gala on Twitter!Fafi For MAC
[ 11 February 2008, 18:28 ]
I just wanted to let you all know that the Fafi for MAC Cosmetics collection has been released in the United States. (YAY!) It won’t be available in the United Kingdom or Australia until the start of March, but anyone who wants to get in quick can now do so online! (There’s also free shipping within the U.S. if you use the code ‘MACFAFI’ at checkout.)
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? I have been waiting for it for ages & it is not disappointing.
Here’s what I’m itching to get my hands on:
Lipstick in ‘High Top’ (I love ‘Fun ‘n’ Sexy’ but just don’t think I could wear it)
Lipglass in ‘Totally It’
Fafi Eyes 1
Powder Blush in ‘Fashion Frenzy’
Nail Lacquer in ‘Boom!’
Mini Clearly Fafi make-up bag
Fafi t-shirt
Fafi scarf
...& I wouldn’t find a Fafi ‘Ermine’ doll either.
Yum. What do you think of the collection? Très délicieux or not so much?
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [33] Tags: aesthetic,
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consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Argyle S.O.S.!
[ 6 February 2008, 23:41 ]
“I got an argyle sweater for Christmas from my uncle and it’s cashmere (my love) but my sister keeps asking me for it. I usually give her things that I don’t wear and well, I don’t wear argyle but I refuse to give it up to her. She keeps throwing at me the plain excuse that argyle isn’t for a girl with my style (my closet is full of handmade one of a kind pieces with sequins, tulle, crazy colors and crazy designs). I always know how to make something different, we’ve had same clothes a lot of times and I always made sure I looked different than she did. Therefore, I HAVE TO do the same this time. It’s been a month and half and I haven’t come up with any ideas. It’s like I have the equivalent of writer’s block for fashionistas! I need help. And I know that if you can’t come up with anything, then all hope is lost. If it helps the sweater is gray, the triangles are pale pink and white and a darker pink.”
Oh! You’re in luck. I LOVE argyle, & your sweater sounds gorgeous! Gray & pink cashmere, yum! I decided to plunge the depths of Polyvore & here’s what I came up with! I hope it sparks your synapses!
Argyle sweater worn with heart earrings, bangles by Jessica Kagan Cushman & a bright pink pashmina. Shimmy into some Superfine skinny jeans, a pink studded belt & strut your stuff in wild pink pumps!
Argyle sweater worn with D&G leather jacket, pink heart scarf (around neck or over head) & Vivienne Westwood asymmetric skirt. Accessorise with a fuschia clutch, Tom Ford sunglasses, pink lips & nails, a mirror ball necklace & a pink padlock cuff. Top off with hot boots like these Chloe leather ankle boots & you’re done!
Argyle sweater worn with grey shorts, net stripe stockings & a beautiful pair of Louboutins. Fill your fluoro shopper with colour-coordinated books & a pink purse, sling a cutie pie necklace around your neck & cover up with a fabulous coat!
Good luck showing your sister who’s boss!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [30] Tags: advice,
consumption,
inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Rock The Prom!
[ 5 February 2008, 18:31 ]
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.
I think that to some girls, a prom is like a miniature version of a wedding — to be planned in intense detail & carried off with military precision. That’s okay! I understand! I am a Virgo myself; I am well acquainted with the joy of organisation. So I am here to help!
Dresses
While you could go to a department store & pick a dress off the rack, that’s probably what every other girl in town will be doing, too. It’s okay to follow the herd, but not on a night that is important to you — or on a night that has so much photographic evidence! You want to look ravishing, mysterious, glamorous & stylish, & it is hard to feel like that when the girl you really dislike turns up in the same gown.
I strongly advise buying your dress somewhere else. Try the tiny boutique of a local independent designer, go vintage shopping, peruse your very stylish friend’s wardrobe, start looking at patterns or browsing online for the dress of your dreams. You don’t have to buy off the rack in your town — in fact, you don’t have to buy at all if you have well-dressed friends! Be open to other options, because it will help you stand out on the night.
Have a browse around online to see what you like. Some of the best vintage dresses can be found at Vintageous, Blue Velvet, Trashy Diva & Ballyhoo, & there’s always Ebay.
If you don’t like dresses, never fear! Androgyny is in & it’s hot. Have a read of Tomboy Boot Camp & then scroll down this page for more ideas!
Make-up
A lot of girls go to a make-up counter to have their face done for the big day — in fact, in Australia & New Zealand I would say that’s the rule, rather than the exception. That’s great if you’re not wonderful with make-up, but if you have a very definite “look”, you might want to save the cash & do your make-up at home. A couple of my goth friends refuse to have anyone touch their faces because they can never find anyone who does their make-up as they like it, & they are not alone!
If you’re paying someone to do your make-up for the big night, I would recommend doing a trial run first. Some people have strange ideas about what looks good, & you don’t want to be frantically rubbing your make-up off in the limousine!
Remember that you can get anything you want. If you always wear pale pink lip-gloss with brown eye-liner, don’t be afraid to try something new! Maybe electric blue eye-liner will look amazing on you. Let the make-up artist play around with things & be open to their suggestions, because until something is on you, it’s very hard to know whether it will good or not. When I worked at Lush, we were friends with the girls at the MAC counter, so when we had a break we’d go to their shop & they would make us over. I remember one girl gave me yellow eye-shadow that faded into this brilliant parrot green colour — I thought it would look hideous but actually, it was totally incredible. So take a chance!
Feel free to take in pictures & photographs that show what colour your dress is & demonstrate the sort of make-up you want — if you do, it will make the artist’s job much easier. Also: be friendly! You will get better service & a more fabulous end result.
Hair
Just because a prim up-do is the “done thing”, that doesn’t mean you have to have one. You could have your hair down, curled, teased, in a beehive, dusted with talcum powder, under a tiara, or even wear a wig! If you’re feeling daring, you could even colour your hair. If your hair is short & you feel left out, don’t! Read Making Short Hair More Interesting & rejoice!
Remember…
The prom is kind of a ridiculous tradition but it can be a lot of fun if you embrace it. Even if you loathe everyone you go to school with, it’s still great to dress up & see everyone else dolled up. People seem to act differently when they’re dressed up for a formal occasion — almost like adults, sometimes! You might even find yourself talking to (& making peace with) someone who was your arch-nemesis all year, so if you’ve sworn off your prom, give it a re-think.
On the other hand, just because it’s the prom, that doesn’t mean you should feel like you have to transform into some weird alien version of you for the night! Leave that Barbie girl look to those spray-tan-crazy girls who never answer questions in class. Don’t be afraid to inject a little personality into your outfit — or even allow your outfit to express who you are. If you’re a gamer, embrace it! Wear a brooch of the Nintendo logo on your dress or don initial rings that spell out ‘GAME OVER’. If you’re obsessed with France, dress in red white & blue & add a beret. (You could even draw a little moustache on the side of your finger & hold it up to your lip & laugh at people with a fake French accent!) If you’re a photographer, wear your camera like a necklace, & if you’re a ballerina, wear ballet shoes. You get the picture.
The accessories make it. Even if you do end up buying something that someone else wears, if you accessorise it properly, you won’t look similar at all. Think hats, stockings, bags, bracelets, rings, chokers, necklaces, glitter, crystals, feathers, tiaras, faux fur — & take it from there.
Ideas
Obviously the idea is not to go out & buy these outfits as they are (though if you can afford a pair of Louboutins to wear to your prom then you’re doing pretty well)! Hopefully you will be able to use them as a jumping-off point; something to inspire you. Maybe you’ll look at one of these dresses & love it but accessorise it differently, or perhaps a colour scheme will appeal to you. I hope it helps!
For the glamorous alternative girl: Todd Lynn Nachtotter leather jacket; vintage 1950’s strapless dress; gold Rolex; CC Skye bracelet; Alexander McQueen clutch; Jimmy Choo heels; initial rings from Girlprops.
For the girl who thinks pink: Fendi Candy striped silk dress; Tarina Tarantino necklace; Alexander McQueen clutch; pink bangles; Christian Louboutin glitter patent slingbacks.
For the geeky girl: Robot charm necklace; JC Penney dress; retro glasses; Fred Flare nerd/dork ring set; Cat5 bracelet; Balenciaga fingerless gloves; gold Kitson sandals.
For the tomboy with taste: 3.1 Phillip Lim tuxedo jacket; Blondie t-shirt; Todd Lynn Bill Carson bow tie; Topshop cropped jeans; Christian Louboutin Ariella studded boots; Moschino handbag.
Oh, & if you need extra inspiration… Betsey Johnson‘s Spring 2008 collection is prom-tastic!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [45] Tags: advice,
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madame Add Gala on Twitter!Francesca Lia Block
[ 3 February 2008, 16:40 ]
Francesca Lia Block is one of my favourite writers. I found out about her online when I was in high school, & started voraciously reading anything by her that I could find. While officially she is an author of “young adult” books, I really think they can be enjoyed by anyone. Plus, FLB fans who start young can seek out her erotic novel, Nymph, when they’re ready!
Her writing is like nothing I’ve ever read before. For those who are new to it, it can be a bit challenging, but once you are over the initial stumbling block, you’ll be glad you persisted. Her books are imbued with magic & sparkle & beauty — a more captivating, ethereal world than the one we normally see — but they still deal with real issues & problems. Her characters are multi-faceted & flawed & easy to identify with. They are the sort of book you should lend to your best friend.
FLB’s most popular book is Weetzie Bat, a story about a girl looking for love & friendship. Block describes Weetzie as kind of her alter-ego, but she also says that the physical aspects of the character were inspired by a hitch-hiker she saw once in Hollywood. She had spiky bleached blonde hair & was wearing a pink ’50s prom dress with cowboy boots. Later, Block saw a pink Ford Pinto being driven by someone who looked similar to the hitch-hiker — the number-plate said ‘WEETZIE’.
“I wrote Weetzie Bat as a sort of valentine to Los Angeles at a time when I was in school in Berkeley and homesick for where I grew up. It was a very personal story. A love letter. I never expected people to respond to it the way they have. I never imagined I could reach other people from such a very personal place in me.” — Francesca Lia Block
This is a run-down of her major books.
Dangerous Angels is my favourite series by FLB. It is actually one big book with four stories inside it: Weetzie Bat, Witch Baby, Cherokee Bat & The Goat Guys, Missing Angel Juan & Baby Be-Bop. You can buy them all seperately but I don’t see why you would, so Dangerous Angels is a great way to get your fix. The series follows a couple of families & a slew of characters in their adventures around Los Angeles — what they call Shangri-LA. These books were my saving grace in high school. It is hard to explain why, I guess they just gave me hope that there was more to life than private school & stupid girl politics. All the characters in Dangerous Angels are unconventional love warriors, totally inspiring & amazing. Oh, & Witch Baby is my favourite! I used to identify with her very strongly.
“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.”
Necklace Of Kisses was written years after Weetzie Bat, but is a follow-up to the original Dangerous Angels series. Weetzie is 40 now, & My Secret Agent Lover Man is just “Max”. Since the Twin Towers crumbled, there have been no kisses between them. Weetzie packs a bag & moves into a little pink hotel where she meets different people who teach her about passion & love, & help her to find herself again.
Psyche In A Dress is a short book of retold Greek myths. FLB takes the stories of Psyche, Echo, Eurydice & Persephone & weaves them together to create one big tale of love & truth.
“When your mothers tell you to love and appreciate your body it isn’t just to get you to shut up. They know that when you are old you are going to feel exactly the same way inside that you do now. We try on different dresses, different selves, but our souls are always the same — ongoing, full of light.” — Psyche In A Dress
The Rose & The Beast is a collection of fairy tales respun with FLB’s thread. Modern & dark, they are very different to the stories we were told as children. In this version of Sleeping Beauty, she pricks her arm with a heroin needle, while Red Riding Hood’s wolf is her creepy stepfather. The Snow Queen is a sex goddess who lives in a marble mansion, & Bluebeard is an L.A. bigshot & serial killer.
Ruby is a collaboration piece between FLB & Carmen Staton, & is quite different to her other work. Ruby grows up in the midwest United States with an unpleasant family, but then moves to England to find her soulmate. While she’s there, she learns that you can run from your past but that it will continue to haunt you until you confront it.
Quakeland is coming this year. It follows Katrina, a girl who has lived through a seemingly-endless stream of disasters, including 9/11 & a tsunami. She is on the hunt for stability & intimacy, & as she searches, she finds comfort in her friend Grace & conflict in the arms of a narcissistic yoga teacher (!). I am looking forward to reading this!
Nymph is a short collection of erotic stories (heterosexual, with one lesbian tale). They are all connected together but totally different. A surfer finds solace in a wheelchair-bound girl who turns out to be a mermaid, a girl discovers that everyone she sleeps with goes on to find true love, a stripper with a cat’s face can’t leave her job unless she finds someone who truly loves her, & more. The stories are not insanely raunchy; there is a still a layer of FLB “mist” that stops it from being graphic or crude, but there is definitely a sexy edge to this book that her others don’t have.
Girl Goddess #9 is another book of short stories! This is a fantastic read & another one of my favourite FLB books. In these nine stories you float through FLB’s world, meeting rock stars, pond nymphs & blue ghosts that live in closets. I love these stories & they are the perfect length to read to your friends.
Wasteland is the story of a brother & sister, Marina & Lex, who are best friends. In fact, they love each other so much there is barely room for anyone else. One night things go too far, & after sleeping together, they are both stricken with guilt. Lex commits suicide & Marina is left to pick up the pieces. FLB does exceptionally well dealing with these very difficult subjects, writing with tenderness & love & vulnerability.
I Was A Teenage Fairy is a story about Barbie, a teenage girl whose pushy mother is is obsessed with turning her into a model sensation. Barbie’s only friend is a sarcastic fairy called Mab, until she meets Griffin, another child model, with the same secret…
“If Los Angeles is a woman reclining billboard model with collagen-puffed lips & silicone-inflated breasts, a woman in a magenta convertible with heart-shaped sunglasses & cotton candy hair; if Los Angeles is this woman, then the San Fernando Valley is her teenybopper sister. The teenybopper sister snaps big stretchy pink bubbles over her tongue & checks her lip gloss in the rearview mirror, causing Sis to scream. Teeny plays the radio too loud & bites her nails, wondering if the glitter polish will poison her…” — I Was A Teenage Fairy
Ecstasia revolves around rockstars Calliope & her brother Rafe. Their only concern in life is that they are starting to get older in a city that only worships youth, & where aging means that you have to retreat underground to live in the sewers.
Primavera is the daughter of a couple from the book Ecstasia. Primavera was raised in paradise but longs for adventure, so when a man arrives at the house, she makes her escape. She ends up in Elysia, the city of youth, & she braves several dangers before coming out the other side with a stronger self of sense & love.
Echo‘s parents are so in love with one another that she feels constantly excluded, & so she decides to try to fill the void. On her way, she deals with an eating disorder, vampires & angels & her mother’s terminal illness.
“Echo’s story of salvation will appeal not only to eyeliner-wearing club kids, but to any older teen who’s ever felt insecure and lonely in a world full of kissing couples and Hallmark holidays.”
Violet & Claire is about two friends navigating life. Violet is a disciple of film — she worships Tarantino & is always working on her screenplay. She meets Claire at school — a girl with fairy wings sewn onto the back of her Tinkerbell t-shirt — & decides to cast her in her movie. Their friendship is strong, but as Violet starts working & Claire retreats to the desert, things begin to change.
“My books talk about tolerance,” Block says, “though I never consciously think of themes like that as I write. I guess my general theme is the value of love and art as healers. That you must face the darkness, acknowledge it and still have hope. I think that is what is important in life.”
Extra For Experts:
Francesca Lia Block’s website
Which Francesca Lia Block girl are you? from Quizilla
Strange Brew, an article on FLB by Salon
Francesca Lia Block Shrine
“Making Cities and Then Making Them Crumble”: Francesca Lia Block’s Place in the Young Adult Novel
An interview with FLB on gURL.com
Check out these communities on Livejournal, too: francesca_lia & flb_angels.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [59] Tags: consumption,
life Add Gala on Twitter!Vintage Loot!
[ 1 February 2008, 15:38 ]
Well, I think the stockroom sale at Circa Vintage on Monday was a huge success. Other than a mild sunburn (silly Gala!), I tottered home with two big bags full of loot. My haul?
Black leather miniskirt
Black school blazer with red/yellow ribbon (I am thinking of having it replaced with ribbon in another colour, so it is more versatile, but Audrey thinks it “pushes my boundaries” & he may be right.)
Jade kimono coat
Red Lacoste sweater
Black cardigan
Purple cardigan
Black flower brooch
Short beige trenchcoat
Grand total = $16. They were all $2 each.
But of course, you want pictures! Well, allow me to oblige you! These are not my best shots, so sorry in advance…
Red lolita sunglasses (for those who wondered, I just remembered they are made by Dr Peepers!)
Nubby Twiglet Golden Flats tank
Black school blazer (it has someone’s name inside!)
Necklace by Lolita Pop pinned to the blazer
Black leather miniskirt
Manolo Blahnik heels
Nubby Twiglet tote bag
I love this trench so much! The length is perfection & I am going to wear the hell out of it this coming winter.
Audrey tried this sweater on but he said it looked “too hipster”. I snaffled it instead & I’m glad!
This coat needs a wash & a good iron. It has some rips but you know what? I like it anyway.
Yay!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [57] Tags: consumption,
daily outfit,
gala Add Gala on Twitter!New Shoes!
[ 31 January 2008, 17:35 ]
OOH, I love them.
These came from Sportsgirl. Reduced from $180 to $30, they are my bargain of the week. Even better, they are incredibly comfortable! Sportsgirl is very low on sizes & colours though, so if you want some, I recommend picking them up tout de suite!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [25] Tags: consumption,
gala Add Gala on Twitter!Wishlist For 2008
[ 30 January 2008, 12:11 ]
A Manhattan adventure (& apartment); Hermes Kelly watch; Chloé ankle boots; a Helio Ocean; Diptyque candle; Lelo Lily; practically everything from the Fafi for MAC collection; a dachshund; Christian Louboutin Metallica ankle boots; Tom Ford Emanuella sunglasses; Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser & Body Balm.
I am feeling strangely lustless at the moment! I’m sure it will perk back up again soon, though. What are your objects of desire at the moment?
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [81] Tags: consumption,
gala Add Gala on Twitter!Man Bags
[ 22 January 2008, 13:59 ]
[Guest article by Audrey]
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.
But the good news is that the Gentleman’s Satchel (or ‘Man Bag’, if you will) is no longer just for the metrosexual man. It’s now universally acceptable for us all to have them. And, in fact, we all should! What’s even better news is that there is now a huge range of different options available to comfortably and stylishly cart all our stuff around with us.
So for those of you out there who haven’t saddled yourselves up yet with your very own man-bag, I thought I’d give you some pointers.
Why the bag?
Let’s start with basics. Some of you fellows may not exactly know what you could possibly need throughout the day to constitute said apparatus. It’s not uncommon for guys to just sort of assume that they’ll somehow just bounce around their day and come out the other side with no problems. This is known as our severe LACK OF PLANNING. So what happens when the unthinkable happens, and all you have to contribute to the solution is a few coins, an old condom and your licence? Even MacGuyver couldn’t fix a problem armed with that!
I’m a firm believer though in leading by example, so here’s a breakdown of what’s in MY bag…
1. Louis Vuitton ‘Citadin’ Damier Geant Canvas bag. Okay, I admit – this isn’t the actual bag I’m using. I have a significantly cheaper black Nike satchel which I’m totally impressed with. However, this is my dream bag. Louis Vuitton make amaaaaaazing luggage. And if anybody wants to buy me one of these, I’ll name my first born after you. That’s a promise.
2. Toothbrush. Boy scouts say “Always Be Prepared”, and so do I. Great for quick after-lunch scrubs before important meetings, after work brushes before going out on a date, and it’s there ready for you on the off-chance you happen to not make it back to your apartment one night. You know what I mean. Mine is green so I can distinguish it easily, and has a tongue and cheek scraper on the other side for getting rid of germs.
3. Moleskine notebook. Moleskine make amazing notebooks, planners and diaries in different sizes and shapes and for different uses. Favoured by the likes of Hemingway and Van Gogh, now available in stores like Borders. As always, I recommend finding a small independent bookstore to buy one from. Quick sketches, ideas, things you have to remember, doodles to pass the time while you’re sipping coffee, people’s numbers… a notebook is a quintessential tool for the man about town! Google “moleskine mods” to see some awesome different ways to customise it.
4. Bic pen. It’s to write in the notebook with, obviously. But it’s imperative that you invest in a good pen that you find comfortable to use. And be sure to spring for something more expensive than a 29c special, because cheap biros have a habit of running out when you really, really need them: like that important business meeting, or when a cute girl at a bar asks for your number.
5. Kleenex Tissues Pocketpack. Repeat after me: Sleeves. Are. Not. For. Boogers. Crazy, I know, but try blowing your nose on these babies instead. (Bonus points for using the ones with aloe vera — aloe is soothing for your skin, so stops your nose getting red and raw when you have a cold.)
6. A scarf. Maybe not appropriate for your climate, but weather here has a habit of changing very quickly and unexpectedly. Having one of my many, many scarves bundled up at the bottom of my bag has kept my neck warm and my hair dry when it does! In wintertime, I make sure I have an umbrella in here, and a pair of mittens too!
7. City guides. Audrey Rule #256: If you’re not currently travelling, you should be at least planning it. Sure, your actual trip may not be for months yet, but you should still be thinking about it, dreaming about it and doing your homework. I’m still relatively new to Melbourne too, and a friend gave me a Melbourne guide as a present when I moved here — SO useful to carry around one of these, or some street press magazines for when you’re looking for somewhere fun to go.
8. Sony Cybershot Camera. While having a fancy SLR or artsy LOMO is always good, I think there’s a lot to be said for having a good, sturdy point-and-click camera in your bag. No mess, no fuss, and great for keeping your Flickr account well fed.
9. Wallet. This used to belong in your pocket. Now it belongs in here. Everyone prefers different sizes and shapes and brands (I hereby pledge allegiance to Paul Frank and Skurvy in every possible way), so I’m not going to try and lecture you on the subject. Just promise me to think outside the square, shop around and get something that holds everything you need.
10. ‘Pump’ waterbottle. While I don’t endorse the Coca Cola company’s plot to sell our own water back to us while we’re forced by the government to take shorter showers and water the garden with the run-off, I’m totally in love with the shape of the Pump bottles. So big and chunky and fun to hold. I’m so tactile! But buy one bottle, then refill it for free at the water cooler when you leave the office.
11. Magazines. Tram rides and waiting rooms can be boring as all hell, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to resort to flipping through dog eared copies of 1987’s Woman’s Weekly. You can be guaranteed I have at least 2 of these (or one of the dozen or so other titles I love) in my bag at any particular time. You get bonus points for carrying newspapers, because staying on top of current affairs is awesome! And double word score bonus points if you’re nice and give it to a stranger on your train when you’re finished.
11. Nurofen. You never know when a headache, migraine or toothache will hit. Carry a pack of these around and they’ll at least help you get through the day until you can get home and sleep it off, or to the doctors to get fixed up.
12. Telstra Hiptop. In America, they’re known as the T-Mobile Sidekick (which is a way better name, I think) but Robin is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me and I never ever leave home without him. (Robin… Sidekick… Get it?) Part phone, part organiser, part computer, this puppy has email capability, MSN messenger and an internet browser so I can check up on all your comments when I’m on the run. It also has an MP3 player that’ll do the trick until I can decide if I want an iPod or not, and a decent camera. It’s got an awesome organiser and runs seamlessly with my Outlook planner. If you’re terribly disorganised like me, something like this to run your life is essential.
13. Moisturiser. Maybe a little advanced for some guys, but I’m still going to push skincare products on you until you relent and accept my advice. Trust me — moisturiser is important! I work in an office that has one hell of an air conditioner blasting 24/7 so my skin is always, always dried out. Believe it or not, moisturiser puts moisture back in your skin (!!!), so make sure you keep some with you. Nivea have a great range of products specific for men, and it’ll make you smell good and
manly too.
14. Hand sanitizer. Everything and everybody is gross. Escalators, traffic light buttons, toilet doors, handrails on public transport — gross, gross, gross! Even taps in the bathroom when you go to wash your hands have been handled by other guys who might’ve just peed on their own fingers by accident — so maybe you’re not as squeaky clean as you think. I’m neurotic and obsessive perhaps, but a small bottle of this keeps me safe and clean before meal times. It’ll work for you too.
15. Keys. I forget these all the time, and I’m sure you do too. Having a spot in your bag that you always, always keep them (or even keep a spare set in your bag at all times) means you’re never stranded. Bonus points if you spotted the Alfie reference keychain!
16. Glasses. Even if I’m wearing my contacts, it’s important to have them with me in case my eyes get tired. In a case, with glasses cleaner on standby and I’m safe. I normally keep some eyedrops too, but I hate eyedrops so right now I have conveniently misplaced them.
So there you have it. A bag full of stuff and there’s no denying I actually need it all and use it all in the course of a day. I’d like to see you try and put all that of that stuff in your pockets — even if you’re wearing cargo pants!
So what bag to choose?
Like my opinion on wallets, I’m completely ‘pro-choice’. You have every right to choose your own for whatever reason you think. But here’s some tips on choosing yours, because I couldn’t sleep at night if I didn’t at least point you in the right direction:
1. Make sure it’s comfortable to walk with. I’ve been caught out in the past by just throwing it on and standing still in a store before making a purchase. Bad move! Make sure you take a walk around the store with it on, checking it’s comfortable when you walk so you can be sure it doesn’t cut into your shoulder or smack you on the butt over and over as you trundle down the street.
2. Check out all the compartments, and forward plan. Make a list. Read what I have in my bag, see if what’s useful for you. Fill in the gaps with stuff you yourself think you may need (a bottle opener? A coupon book? Your French/English dictionary? One of those iPod thingies?) and arm yourself with this list when you go bag shopping. If you can’t cross everything on your list off with a place for it to live in your new man bag, then that’s not the bag for you.
3. Think about buying a few! I have a handful of bags for different times, depending on what I have to do for the day. My laptop doesn’t fit in my Nike satchel, so I have another, bigger bag that’ll fit in. I have an old school 80s gym bag for holding sneakers and shorts at work, an authentic German medic gasmask bag for my SLR camera, and a Louis Vuitton-‘inspired’ overnight bag for trips. There’s a man bag for every occasion!
4. Remember what I’ve said in the past — your style is everything, and this should continue right down to your bag, its shape, what you’ve got in it and what it’s for. Example: taking a sleek white leather designer bag to the beach in your board shorts and flip-flops is obviously stupid. It’s all about thinking about what you’ll use it for and where you’ll take it and you’ll have your answer.
Where to get one
It seems almost all companies dealing in bags and luggage have a range now for men. In fact, there’s a lot of lines that are unisex. So no matter what your need or your look I’m sure you can find something that’ll be exactly what you’re looking for.
If you need my personal tips though, let’s get them out there. You now all know my love of Louis Vuitton’s stylish shapes, amazing patterns and beautiful colours and tones (swoon!). It’s worth your while checking out Crumpler bags – amongst other things, they make great colourful messenger bags and customisable laptop carriers. I’m sure you’ll recognise their logo. Finally for those who are local to Gala and I, Australian-based kikki.K carries a range of great felt products that
look and feel incredible.
If worst comes to worst, there’s still the good ol’ backpack, or grab one of those old faithful tan coloured canvas shoulder bags from a nearby Army Surplus Store and attack it with some button badges. Even your local department store is going to have some passable man bags for you to use. The fact of the matter is there should be no reason to be unprepared, or to be asking anyone else to hold your stuff.
Get a manbag and carry it proudly!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [45] Tags: consumption,
life,
monsieur Add Gala on Twitter!What We're Using
[ 19 January 2008, 13:52 ]
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.
Here’s my current line-up:
FACE
Cleanser: Simple Purifying Cleansing Lotion
I bought a really interesting book at the Daylesford Book Barn (!) called Supermodel’s Beauty Secrets, which actually turned out to be quite a good read. The best part of the book, though, was where the author gave product suggestions. She named a few different products that she claimed were “model staples”, among them Vaseline Lip Therapy, Nivea Crème, Astral Moisturiser, The Body Shop Elderflower Eye Gel & Simple Cleansing Lotion. I have been so frustrated with my skincare routine lately, so I did some research (Make-Up Alley, I love you!) & decided to pick up the Simple cleanser. It’s really lovely & gentle & I feel like it gives me a thorough cleanse. I will definitely buy this again. My skin isn’t perfect right now, but I think that is mostly due to the fact that I am still detoxing — I can feel it.
Toner: 1/5 apple cider vinegar to 4/5 purified water
I made my own toner using apple cider vinegar & purified water. It sits in a little blue glass bottle & I just shake it up before I use it. Apple cider vinegar is great for treating individual spots (undiluted), but all over the face it’s very drying & a bit much. Mixed with water, it is a very effective toner & I’m pretty sure it’s contributing to my good skin at the moment!
Moisturiser: Nivea Crème
Nivea Crème is another one of the products recommended by Supermodel’s Beauty Secrets, & I like it. However, it’s very thick & heavy, almost too heavy for my skin. I use a miniscule amount on my face & I’m still finding I look quite shiny under my make-up. I like the brand though, so I might switch to Nivea Light.
Serums: Christian Dior Capture Essential serum (face & eyes)
Yet another product recommended by the book! Okay, I love these serums a LOT. I use them morning & night, after toning but before moisturising. They make my skin look so good that I feel like I could skip foundation & still look great. That is pretty much the highest praise I’m ever going to give a skin product! They have quite a strong smell but it’s really not a big deal. They were expensive, too, but I find that the pump dispenser gives the exact right amount, so you never feel like you’re wasting any, which is a bonus.
...I have heard amazing things about the Babor cleansing system, but if this current routine keeps working for me, I’m not going to change! Of course, it’s hard to know whether my skin looks great because of the products I’m using, or whether it is mostly due to the fact that I am eating raw, but I think it’s probably a combination of factors.
HAIR
Shampoo: Healthy Hair Sexy Hair Chocolate Soy Milk Shampoo
I bought this because the girl in the haircare shop told me that she used it on her coloured hair & that it worked wonders. I should have read the reviews on Make-up Alley before I plonked down $30! First of all, this shampoo smells divine. It’s so good that I always take a deep inhalation of it before using it. Unfortunately, it also makes my hair quite fluffy, which is really disappointing. I like my hair sleek & flat unless I tell it otherwise. So, while the smell is fantastic, the fluffiness factor is totally bunk. I will be buying something else next time…
Hair treatment: KMS Colorvitality Color Protect Spray
My old hairdressers recommended this for protecting my colour. I just spray it in when I get out of the shower — it helps to lock in the colour & de-tangle my hair. Well, this stuff is incredible! I will definitely be buying it again, it has done wonders for the vitality of my hair colour! Brilliant!
OTHER
Nails: Dr Lewinn’s Revitanail
I have heard great things about this product, so I finally bit the bullet & bought some. It contains formaldehyde — eep — so they don’t recommend you use it forever, just in short bursts. You basically reapply it every day for five days & then take it off, give your nails a rest for a bit & go through the process again. While this is slightly tedious, I have seen an enormous improvement in the strength of my nails, & they are also longer than I’ve ever seen them. YAY!
So, what products are you using on your face, hair, body? What do you think of them? What’s your holy grail — the products you keep returning to? Tell us your secrets!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [114] Tags: beauty,
consumption,
gala Add Gala on Twitter!Hair Extensions
[ 18 January 2008, 19:02 ]
Note: I am in the incredibly fortunate position of having Wildilocks as a sponsor, & do not pay directly for services received. Please read my disclaimer for more information!
I have always been the girl with short hair. Since I was about ten years old, it has never been longer than my shoulders. I had a bob for years, standard young gawth fare — blunt & blue-black with a ruler-straight fringe. As I got a bit older, I started to experiment with it more: I shaved back my hairline, bleached the hell out of it, coloured it blue green purple red pink white, shaved one side of my head, teased it into beehives, backcombed it into neon-coloured quiffs & hid it under scarves & hats when it was being intolerable. But it never grew longer than my shoulders. I was always too fickle, forever wanting a change — I never had the time (or patience) to grow it out.
Recently though, I’ve been lusting for long hair. I love the look of long hair under a headscarf or turban, & I often find that if my hair isn’t doing it for me & I’m wearing glasses, hiding my hair under a scarf just makes me look like I’m terminally ill. The idea of extensions had crossed my mind, but as far as I knew, most places that did extensions only stocked them in wavy curly blonde. I also thought that synthetic hair would start to look cheap really quickly, & I didn’t want that kind of nightmare on my hands.
My friend Joel stayed with me recently & while he was in town, he introduced me to a friend of his, a woman called Cass. Cass owns Wildilocks, a hairdressing company with salons in Perth (Base808) & Melbourne (The LockWorks). We visited her at her shop & I looked around excitedly. First of all — the front counter was stocked with every colour of Special Effects hair dye (my favourite brand EVER)! They had New Rock boots stacked in a corner! The girls behind the desk were busy spinning colourful hair into dreadlocks, & Peaches was playing on the stereo. I felt as if I had arrived. I felt as if I could practically taste the possibilities!
A couple of weeks later, I went in to see Cass & have a consultation. I had decided that I wanted long hair, for once & for all, & I wondered what they could do for me. While I did initially want a full head of hair, because the back of my hair was so short, Cass told me that if I got a full head done, I would have to comb down my hair all the time so that where the extensions were attached wouldn’t show. I’m not actually very high maintenance, & I decided I couldn’t be bothered doing that, so she suggested that we extend the front, sides & the two long pieces at the back & go from there. I said yes please & she booked me in.
I arrived at Wildilocks at 1pm, bearing my chocolate vegan cupcakes with lavender icing. It’s my patented ultra-smooth move, haha — & they were very well-received! I was shown to a chair & introduced to Kat, a woman with amazing multicoloured wool dreads. We talked about what we were going to do. I hadn’t thought about it before I arrived, but I had quite a lot of regrowth, so we decided that we should deal with that. I told her that normally, because my hair is so dark, it requires two applications of bleach & a toner to get it down to a point where it can be coloured. Usually one application of bleach leaves my hair horrendously orange. Anyway, Kat applied the bleach & didn’t use tinfoil like people normally do, instead she used little plastic insulating papers. They kept my head very toasty, much more effective than tinfoil! She also mixed a treatment into the bleach to stop it from hurting my scalp — & I didn’t feel a thing. After a while, she came over to check my progress. She rinsed off my hair — & gave me the most incredible scalp massage of my life — & when I looked in the mirror, my roots were SUPER blonde. Wow, wow, wow. Wow! I have never had bleach work that well & not even hurt me at all!
After they dried me off, they applied the Special Effects. We used some Wildflower, some Blue Velvet & a little bit of Fishbowl — Cass said that Fishbowl helps the blue fade to a better colour. As I sat there, soaking up the dye, Kat & Nicole got to working dyeing my extensions. The extensions are human hair, so they hold colour in exactly the same way as my hair, & when the colour starts to fade (which will take ages, but will happen eventually), it will all change at the same pace. 45 minutes later they rinsed me off, gave me another incredible scalp massage, dried my hair & started to attach my extensions.
Cass has a really amazing system of attaching extensions, the likes of which I’ve never seen before (or even heard of). She used a bead to attach the extension to my hair, then used pliers to flatten it so that the extension stayed put. Very cool! Cass started on the back of my head & moved around to one side, & enlisted Kat & Nicole to help out on the other side. I was surprised at how quickly they got it done — I’m pretty sure it took less than an hour. As my locks started to appear, I felt like Lady Godiva with hand-maidens working at her side. I kept eyeballing myself in the mirror, trying not to grin ear to ear the entire time! I did exclaim & squeal a lot though. Kat said, “I have the coolest job ever”, & if everyone responds like I do, I believe her!
Eventually I had enough hair, but it was very long, & so we decided to trim it off a bit. Nicole cut it in a very steep a-line, quite short at the back graduating to a lot of length at the front. I wriggled excitedly in my chair & eyeballed myself a whole lot more. Cass gave me a sheet of instructions for looking after my hair (put it in loose braids to sleep, how to wash it, etc.) & I swooshed off into the evening! I stared at myself in practically every window on the street, & when I got home my boyfriend’s mouth dropped open.
I slept with braids in last night & today the thrill of it all is still huge. I absolutely love them, they look fantastic, they are versatile & great quality & I’m totally over the moon.
Best of all — Wildilocks is offering a 15% discount off all services at The LockWorks to any iCiNG reader until the 8th of February! You just have to mention that you read my site. A little gift from me to you. Mwah!
Thank you SO much, Wildilocks! As long as I am in Melbourne, I will never stray! I pledge my undy(e)ing devotion!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [64] Tags: aesthetic,
beauty,
consumption,
gala Add Gala on Twitter!Athletic Aesthetics
[ 13 January 2008, 15:33 ]
“I have a very big dilemma. I basically live at the gym, I work there, take/teach classes there, and work out there (duh!). I desperately need your advice. I work out, take or teach a class everyday and also work in the nursery there and come in contact with a lot of the gym clientèle. I need help. I need wardrobe appropriate items that i can wear in daycare and then go straight to teaching my classes or working out. Is there any advice you give me? I fear if you can not help me no one can.”
Of course I can help you! I think the thing with athletic wear is that it’s very easy to throw on trackpants & a baggy t-shirt & feel like that’s enough. However, if you’re dealing with customers or teaching classes, you need to step it up a little bit. The key is to look for athletic pieces that can be interpreted as “normal” clothing, & then dress it up or down as appropriate.
While you might need to take a change of shoes or remove some accessories, these outfits should take you easily from clients to calf stretches!
Abercrombie polo shirt; Delia*s heart belt; Le Coq Sportif vintage tennis skirt; Puma visor; blue bangles; blue crocodile bag; Rykiel Homme striped socks; Adidas by Stella McCartney silver sneakers.
Miu Miu cracked leather headband; Adidas dress; Gargyle gold leather slip-ons.
Adidas t-shirt; Adidas by Stella McCartney tennis skirt; Wheels & Dollbaby pink cardigan; Lululemon jive legwarmers; Converse sequinned Chuck Taylors.
Topshop black satin turban; T Luxury striped tunic; silver bracelets; Adidas by Stella McCartney tennis dress; Miss Selfridge black leggings; Fossil watch; Dorothy Perkins bag; Repetto Guillemettes.
...& a “practical” outfit for good measure. Lululemon t-shirt; Lululemon shawl skirt; Lululemon cropped pants; Nike sneakers.
Extra For Experts:
k-Bee leotards are amazing. Holographic! Glitter! Rhinestones! Hell yes!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [39] Tags: advice,
consumption,
how to,
madame Add Gala on Twitter!Daylesford
[ 9 January 2008, 14:25 ]
As many of you are aware, over the Christmas period, my boyfriend & I fled Melbourne in search of Australia’s spa capital — & relaxation holy grail — Daylesford, Victoria. Daylesford is a tiny little town, set at the base of an enormous mountain range. It is most well-known for the mineral springs that surround the area, & the mineral water that is used in the multitude of spa treatments available there.
Cherry Tree Cottage
I decided that we should do something more exciting than staying in a huge hotel while we were in town, & started searching online for an interesting-looking b&b. I was a little bit concerned that we might end up in a place that seemed like it belonged to someone else’s grandmother, so I had a good poke around. I was sold as soon as I saw Cherry Tree Cottage’s slogan, proclaiming that the cottage was a “doily-free zone”. I thought it was totally hilarious, so after looking at the pictures & showing them to my boyfriend, I called David (the owner) to book in to the Garden Spa Apartment.
One of the first things you should know is that David is awesome. He made me an egg sandwich on Christmas day because I was hungry — what a champion! He has a great personality, he’s an artist & a bit of a kook, & he does a fabulous breakfast. We were presented with a sheet of paper every day to fill out, with options like egg, bacon, avocado, sausage, mushrooms, tomato etc., which we ate in bed. No skimping here! The weather was quite cold while we were in Daylesford, but on the last day it warmed up, so we had breakfast outside at a little table & chairs — very civilised.
The apartment we stayed in was behind the main house, but it was enormous, with a bedroom, kitchen, living area & generous bathroom. The kitchen was well-equipped, with a microwave & a fridge, & there was complimentary champagne & a cheese platter waiting for us when we arrived. The spa bath was absolutely incredible, with fantastic jets & (more than enough) room for two. We spent a lot of time sitting there, water bubbling away, making plans for 2008. Spending time at Cherry Tree Cottage was the best ever way to see out 2007, & make way for 2008. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Old Hepburn Hotel
An Irishman at the visitor’s information centre recommended that we pay a visit to the Old Hepburn Hotel. He said they did amazing pub food, & on our first day there, that was exactly what I was in the mood for. After driving up & down the road & eventually going back to the information centre, we found it. It was a Real Country Pub. Intense. Anyway, the food was mind-blowing. I had the most amazing Chicken Kiev I’ve eaten in my entire life. The plate awash with garlic butter, & a huge, juicy piece of chicken, generously crumbed, sat in the middle. So good. Not necessarily very healthy, but SO GOOD.
SalusSalus, the spa attached to The Lake House, was the first one we visited. I was very impressed with the whole thing. We arrived & were given robes & slippers to change into, before being led down an outdoor pathway to our tree-top mineral spa — pictured above. We walked into a little wooden cabin with a tub near the window. We were given a choice of oils (lavender or rose — we picked lavender), the woman fired up the spa & left us to it. We had booked in for half an hour, with my next treatment following soon after, but as there was a bit of a wait until my boyfriend’s facial, she said he was welcome to stay in the tub until his therapist was ready. Very cool. The spa was lovely: the smell of cedar, shutters that we could open or close as we pleased (without getting out of the tub), the cool fresh air outside, a beautiful view out over the trees.
Simon had an Urban Cleanse facial, while I had a Relaxation Massage in another room. My massage therapist was fantastic, very talented & I felt incredible by the time it was over. I asked him to mostly concentrate his efforts on my back & shoulders, which he did, & I was really happy with everything he did. I don’t think it could have been improved. Simon doesn’t remember much about his facial (any more!), but I know that when he came out of the room, he was totally blissed out & dazed. Salus did everything right. The facilities were clean & modern, the staff were very friendly, personable & skilled, & we left feeling really good about ourselves.
The Lake House
We had Christmas dinner at The Lake House, & were incredibly impressed. The Lake House has won squillions of awards, so we were expecting something pretty impressive, & they really delivered. We had…
Soup: Cucumber vichyssoise, smoked trout custard, house cured salmon, crème fraîche.
Entree: Pressed duck terrine & morello cherry sauce.
Main: Roast breast of free-roaming turkey, wild rice, cranberry & pine nut pilaf, miniature turkey pie, sweet potato.
Dessert: Nougat parfait, berry sorbet & local berries.
As well as miniature plum pudding, mince pies, chocolates & Christmas cake to take home.
The service was efficient & crisp, the food was fabulous, & it was worth the $120/head price-tag. We were also given Christmas crackers!
Mineral Spa
Mineral Spa is adjoined to the infamous Peppers Springs Retreat, a huge old hotel which has been tarted up & given a shiny new visage. It is an imposing piece of architecture, surrounded by sculpted hedges & a gravel driveway. We walked in the front, were issued with robes, slippers & a locker key, then sent off to get changed. The receptionists were very “business-like”, & not particularly welcoming. We then reconvened in this strange waiting room area, which had tiny teacups & a lot of books on the soul etc. We waited in this area for at least half an hour before one of us was called off to begin our treatment. (Not cool — we were there on time.)
I had a Mineral Spa Signature Li’Tya Ritual. At two hours (& at a cost of $240), I expected it to be pretty damn marvellous. This was reinforced by the amazing woman I spoke to on the telephone, who outlined what I’d be getting for my money (I never met her in person, unfortunately). The signature ritual involved “a gentle nourishing facial incorporating our unique pressure point face clay mask, a full body mud wrap, hair & scalp hydrating mask, soft pak float bed, hydrotherapy massage bath, & finish with a complete head to toe sustenance for the skin”. What I got was less impressive.
I walked into the room & was told to sit down & put my feet in a bowl of warm water. My therapist offered me three jars to sniff, & told me to choose which one appealed to me most. As it turned out, I chose the “rejuvenating” oil, which was used in my foot bath & also in my mud wrap. Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The rejuvenating oil was called “pepperberry”, & contained menthol. She said that sometimes, the menthol in the mud was quite cold, so I should be ready for that. I lay down on a bed which was heated underneath, & she started to apply the mud to my body. She put it on quite quickly, then wrapped me in a sheet & pulled up the flaps from the side of the bed, which were filled with warm water. This was quite comforting, kind of like wearing a big hot water bottle, but soon the menthol kicked in & I was freezing. I am one of those people who really feels the cold & oh baby, did I ever feel the cold! She applied a mask to my hair & scalp & gave me a little head massage, which was nice but I couldn’t concentrate on it because I was so cold. It was not relaxing in the slightest. I started to shiver & shake & just when I thought I couldn’t take it any more, she hit a button & I started to sink.
I didn’t know it when I first walked in, but the “bed” I was lying on was actually a waterbed. Somehow, the hard surface which was initially supporting me started to dissipate, & I was lying in a big, warm bed — except I wasn’t getting wet. It was great. I was so warm, I was really happy. She told me she was going to leave me for a bit, so she walked out & I lay there, enjoying the warmth, wriggling about a bit like a mermaid (remembering, of course, that I was stuck to a sheet with a whole lot of mud so I couldn’t move much). When she came back, I was feeling really good, & she told me to clamber out & come through to the next room where there was a hydrotherapy bath awaiting me.
I climbed in but it wasn’t very warm (I was still covered in menthol mud, brrr!), so I asked her if I could have more warm water. Somehow, the taps didn’t work, so she ran off & came back with a jug of hot water, which she poured in. This did the trick. Then she left me to it. The bath was incredible. It had handles on the side & a bar for your feet to go under, as well as a display screen which indicated which parts of the body the jets were working on. The bath went through its routine — jets on the back, jets down the legs, jets on the shoulders, & about a million other combinations. It was great & totally weird & I was loving it. When it finished, about half an hour later, there was a big lovely ring of mud all the way around the bath, & I was squeaky clean & soft.
I went back into the original room & my therapist covered me in oil & massaged me. It was a very, very good massage. This was definitely her forte. Yum. Then she gave me a facial, & I think she hit the button which immersed me, again, & that was the end. I ran to the locker room looking like a troll doll — hair sticking up in the air — rinsed out my hair mask, & got dressed.
It was a strange experience, almost a case of the technology being too advanced for the people, or the technology making the people look amateur. The bath was great but if you don’t know how to make it warmer, then that’s a problem. The woman who took me for my treatment was very kind, but didn’t seem to know what she was doing — I actually had to prompt her to do the hair & scalp hydrating mask, for example. The facial was disappointing, too — it involved her putting some kind of cream on my face & touching about three pressure points once each. Perhaps the problem was that I was expecting one person to be great at all the things involved in the spa ritual, but that’s what you pay for, right? If you’re thinking of going here, I definitely recommend anything that involves the soft pak float bed or their hydrotherapy baths — when it comes to the rest of it, your mileage may vary.
Simon had a Li’Tya Kodo Massage for 90 minutes. He was very impressed by it, & thinks his massage therapist was amazing. Apparently, it was very much like a regular massage, but there was additional limb stretching, a little bit of reflexology & some pressure point work on the hands. Simon uses massage etc. to help him work through emotions & spiritual issues, & he felt that the massage he had was very beneficial in helping him sort through a lot of stuff. Highly recommended!
Also: Simon went to see Ann Holden for a crystal healing, which he said was fantastic. We paid a visit to Lavendula Swiss-Italian Lavender Farm, which was beautiful — unfortunately the proliferation of flies made it impossible to eat our lavender scones. I did buy lavender oil to use in cupcake baking, though! I found a tarot reader on the main street who also practised EFT (exciting!) but she was away so I didn’t manage to see her. We had brilliant fish & chips at the Daylesford Seafood Bar — the best I’ve had in Australia, in fact. People rave about Avant Garden secondhand bookshop, but I didn’t see a single thing I wanted, & MAD magazines were $20 each! Yow! I had much better luck at the Daylesford Book Barn, beside the lake, where I spent $100 & scored an enormous stack of brilliant books.
Summary
Daylesford is an excellent town to spend some time in. Don’t expect to rage it up — this is the kind of place where you roll out of bed, get pampered, then roll back into bed early. Our cellphones had no reception whatsoever, & there wasn’t a chance in hell of finding a wireless connection (I took my Macbook), which at first was kind of irritating, but it turned out to be a good thing. We were only away for about four days, but it seriously felt like we had been gone for a month. It was remarkable, & exactly what we needed. If I did it again, I’d either stay at Cherry Tree Cottage or The Lake House, I’d skip the Mineral Spa at Peppers Springs, & I’d pay a visit to Acqua Viva, which I hear is very good.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [32] Tags: beauty,
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life Add Gala on Twitter!Putting On The Ritz
[ 7 January 2008, 15:18 ]
[Guest article by Audrey]
“It seems all the fun, all the accessories and all the real joy in dressing and clothes belongs to women… I only have 2 outfits that I actually enjoy wearing, rather than just feel comfortable in. Too often I am tempted to give in and just go for a T-shirt and pants, or just a plain button up shirt and pants. How do I not look boring, but not look over the top?”
The eternal struggle. When a guy finally admits that he cares about his appearance (and be honest — we ALL actually do, so you guys should just stop pretending), he treads a fine line with very limited support on what to do about it. It’s great to accept the fact you’re beyond the ‘this is my t-shirt, these are my khakis’ guy, but it’s a balancing act — try too little, and you’ll blend in with all the other Neanderthals. Try too hard, and you’re the reincarnation of Liberace and you may not be hitting your target demographic… if you catch my drift.
My basic view of the fashion world is that it essentially follows what I call the ‘Two Pendulums’ idea. You basically have two groups. The first is the mainstream fashion community who dictate to the masses what is in fashion and what to buy. Your general gossipy trash magazines, prime-time TV shows and carbon copy chain-stores cover this area and the general population lap it up and it’s what’s generally accepted as ‘The Norm’. The safe side of fashion. You can look hip and trendy for the current times, but it’s the same stuff everyone is wearing. That’s why it’s a trend.
The second group is the ‘alternative’ or more fashion-forward community who usually operate 1-2 seasons ahead of the times. Despite a strong belief that it’s the mainstream, big companies who dictate the next big thing, it’s in fact these people who are the pioneers. Think of your more specific, artsy fashion magazines, the up-and-coming designers, the looks straight off the runway that most people wouldn’t even dare to attempt. That’s them. In fact, the fact you’re reading this probably means you’re part of it. Very DIY, embracing the art of good thrift-store shopping, looking to very specific style icons for very specific reasons.
So each group is a pendulum swinging back and forth, only they’re in polar opposites to each other. The fashion forward group are often elitists who turn their nose up at anything accepted by the mainstream and (whether they admit it or not) they strive to intentionally go the other way. They adopt new fashions, or recycled ideas because ‘nobody else is doing it any more’ and they want to be the first, cutting edge, cool kids who stand out and started it. Slowly though, mainstream circles will adopt it, mass-produce it and make it their own, slowly swinging the mainstream towards the alternative style, despite looking in horror at the fashion when it first was being worn on the street. Suddenly your alternative fashion has become the mainstream and the fashionistas swing immediately away from what was once theirs and we’re back to the beginning, ready to start again.
I think skinny-leg jeans is the most obvious demonstration of this phenomena in recent times. I remember when I first wore them, everyone was still in baggy skater jeans and I got a lot of strange looks and quite insulting comments about them. These days you can pick up a pair anywhere, and they’re pretty much a staple of every label, every store, every range and every person’s wardrobe. Now people are getting sick of them, and demand is slowly creeping in for some different fits. Give it five years and we’ll all be back in the baggies.
But this is where the problem lies. As men’s fashion is becoming a more socially acceptable canvas for a guy to show his personality and creativity, things are getting too crazy and too over the top to the point where it’s just ludicrous and frankly, ironic. And as labels and vintage stores cotton on to this phenomenon, fashionistas are spending a fortune trying to look like they just rolled out of bed and picked up whatever they found on the floor. And suddenly, everyone once again looks the same.
I can totally empathise with not wanting to look boring. A lot of people can. The problem is that it’s all to easy to get completely caught up in the ‘trying not to look like everyone else’, that you end up trying TOO hard. Lord knows I’ve been guilty of that in the past. It’s such a frivolous game, trying to outdo each other and outshine each other, until it gets to the point where people forget to talk to each other and make friends because everyone just stands around like peacocks, preening themselves and putting on a show. All the time sizing each other up based entirely on appearance, judging others for their lack of the next big thing, and masking respect and admiration behind jealous taunts and elitist snobbery.
So how do you stay ahead of the game without actually PLAYING the game? Here are my tips.
Turn your head off
The first thing to do if you want to find your own style is to stop worrying about what people think. Obvious, I know, but the really important second step of this that most people forget is that you need to not worry about not worrying about what people are thinking. Make sense? Yeah, I thought so.
There’s a difference between coming up with a look and style that works for you and is your own, compared with dressing up for what others expect of you. If you want to push boundaries, that’s great. Seriously, we need more guys like you and I’ll be your friend if you drop me a line to say hello. Just make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons and in the right way. Your style should be a natural extension of your personality and yourself. And natural extensions should come naturally. So let yourself go and get into it! To hell with everyone else.
Embrace it!
Commit, commit, commit! And then, commit some more. Having style and being a fashion-savvy boy is a lifestyle, not a costume party. It’s not a summer camp for the weekend. Anyone can go buy a $600 outfit and look stellar on a Saturday night and the ‘it’ club of the month, but it’s all just lights and mirrors if you’re just some dude in a fancy, expensive coat. And trust me, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb if you take this approach.
Extend your personal style quest to look to all parts of your life. In fact, your outfit should be the last thing that comes out of the whole exercise. Buy some snazzy pyjamas (I am, as always, fanatical about Peter Alexander sleepwear). Sell that bomb of a car and get that vintage bicycle you’ve said for the past five years you’d get one day. Move out of your parents’ house and get a nice apartment; cover the walls with artwork you like and photos and postcards from friends. Tweak some personal touches into your work uniform. Hang out at the places you wish you could — because frankly, you can!
If you live your life the way you want, everything else will fall into place — style included. Change the things about yourself and have the confidence in yourself to live the life you want.
And remember — change is easier than you think.
Get inspired
Imitation is the most basic form of flattery. We all know that. There’s nothing strange about admiring another guy’s style. Or shoes. Or haircut. Obviously, it gets a little weird and stalkerish if you go over-the-top about someone else, and you and your stylish buddy Tim end up looking like Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger in that ‘Twins’ movie, wearing the matching outfits. But there’s nothing wrong about taking a cue from someone else, and making that particular aspect that you admire your own.
I have a scrapbook of tearings and clippings from magazines and a file full of images on my laptop. I know, it may be a bit severe for you, cos I’m pretty much invested in this whole idea. But maybe a project like this will get your brain working a bit. If I have a magazine and I like a fabric or a print or an item or an outfit in a shoot, I take it out and put it in my folder. This goes for other areas too: films, friends, anything. I’m obsessed with the Jude Law version of ‘Alfie’ mainly because of his incredible suits and will be using this as a basis when I eventually get fitted for my own. The wardrobe stylist for the movie took his inspiration from the Beatles’ movies. They got their inspiration from somewhere else. You can see how it snowballs on and on.
Inspiration can come from a range of places, so make sure you’re switched on and receptive to it. I’m a firm believer that a guy’s personality and who he is isn’t from one solitary thing — it’s a product of every person, situation, day, action, month, season, experience, year, let-down, highlight and second that has led up to where he has now. Therefore, his style should be too.
Know your shape, size and self
This follows as a warning to my last point — it’s important to know the difference between adopting an idea and flat-out ripping something off. I had a so-called friend in a band once who liked my style and aesthetic so much that he decided to play a show decked out in what could only be described as a Me Costume. He took all my little ‘things’ and copied them to a tee. The problem was, he wasn’t built like me, he didn’t move like me, he didn’t act like me — he wasn’t me. And so he just didn’t pull it off. In fact, he looked uncomfortable, awkward and just plain silly.
Just because you like a certain look, you need to accept the fact that throwing on that outfit you saw on that hot model in the magazine or on the mannequin in the store window won’t change your body shape completely. The trick is to ADAPT the style to suit your shape and self. Slim cut jeans aren’t for everybody for example, but you can still substitute something more flattering for your shape into the mix instead. Suddenly, that outfit you admired on someone else is perfect for you. Make sure you try things on, get sized, ask for help. It’s what the store clerks, fitting rooms and mirrors are all there for.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
It’s fine to pledge allegiance to a particular designer or store, to admire a particular social scene for their unique style, or to have that one signature piece that becomes known amongst your friends as your ‘thing’. Just promise me you’ll try to mix it up a bit, okay?
To be completely decked out in one brand is dangerous, and should only be reserved for professional athletes who are getting paid to endorse said products. I admit, I have my key brands I love to bits and swear by (and I’m happy to give specific tips if you want them), but you’ll never catch me wearing their items head-to-toe. You don’t want to end up looking like a walking advertisement!
Besides, you need to understand that all designers and all brands have specific strengths and weaknesses. Manufacturers almost always specialise in a specific garment or garment type, so it’s practically impossible to find a supplier or brand who can perfectly put together an amazing pair of denim jeans, and have the same machines and know-how to knock up a great cotton shirt and leather jacket to match. A season or line by a designer may have some great pieces which do go together, but just tread really carefully with branded merchandise.
Gala’s recently pointed out that adopting a social scene’s entire specific look is a bad move too — and I totally agree with her, to the point that I’m now reiterating it to you guys now to make sure you know it too. Instead of ‘dressing up’ as a 50’s greaser, identify what it is about that specific look that you admire, and adapt those things into your own style. You won’t look like you’re heading to a costume party, and you’ll have made it your own, far better look.
Keep it simple!
This brings us back to the pendulum. There was a time that standing out in a crowd and being the ultimate fashionista meant doing something crazy, kooky, unexpected and downright insane. Make-up on boys, skinny jeans, different coloured hair, arms crammed full of rubbish, slogan tees, Chuck Taylor sneakers, piercings… Now, that’s become the mainstream. You can pick up everything listed above at your local department store, and for every ‘different’ looking guy walking down the street, there’s a whole army of clones following close behind.
Therefore the pendulum swings back to clean cut, simple things. While everyone is trying the crazy stuff to grab everyone’s attention and outdo each other, it’s the simple, well dressed guy who’ll be getting the girls. And trust me, you’ll get to a point in life where keeping up with the trends just isn’t worth it any more. Instead, stop thinking of your clothes as expendable fashions that you’ll wear this summer and throw away — invest in some good quality clothes, some good labels and items which will last you a while. You can tweak simple outfits a variety of ways to make them fit into a current fashion.
For now, you want to look respectable, with just the slightest touch of attitude and cool. A complete lack of effort. A simple tee and jean combination can actually make you stand out in a good way – you just have to modernise it with a good cut, size and print on your tee, and make sure you stick with a good wash and colour for your jeans. Dress it up with a good fitting collared shirt (shoulder seams in line with your shoulders, body length and fit suitable to your build). Check out those magazines and look at bands and celebrities you like for ideas on your hair, and get to a stylist — NOT a $10 shopping mall barber.
Pay attention to the details. Accessories are huge for guys right now. Again, look around and take cues from people who you think are rocking their own look. Adapt and make it your own. Try wearing a chain with a couple of charms, a coloured or patterned belt, or a cool watch. Even the way you wear your clothes can be touched up — roll up your shirt sleeves, or undo an extra button at the top. Experiment with a new fit of jean or bite the bullet and try on that slim fitting shirt. I’ve always said that most guys aren’t bad dressers, they just can’t be bothered finding stuff that fits them. You need to trust me — fit is so important.
All of these can make a plain outfit stand out without being too garish. Standing out with crazy ideas and a kooky outfit is just fish in a barrel. It’s too easy. So ask yourself — are you standing out for the sake of standing out? Are you just going against the grain just as your own point of protest? That’s not the reason to do it. Wear what you want and what you think is good. Style is more than just the clothes you’re currently covered in. It’s about how you wear it, how you carry yourself, your comfort and belief in yourself, your beliefs and your outlook on life. Streamline that all into one singular thought in your head, and everything else will come naturally.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [24] Tags: advice,
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monsieur Add Gala on Twitter!Tarina Tarantino Interview
[ 5 January 2008, 15:28 ]
I recently had the opportunity to interview the inimitable Tarina Tarantino, jeweller extraordinaire! Here are five quick questions & her delightful answers…
Q: Tell me how living in Los Angeles influences what you do. How different do you think your jewellery would be if you worked from New York?
A: I love both cities & am inspired by both in different ways. Of course, L.A. is my home & I get lots of inspiration from this colourful city. On my way to work I get to see — seriously — some of the most beautiful street graffiti, then there is the gorgeous architecture in downtown LA & of course the sun makes everything sparkle!
Q: What’s your personal fashion direction going to be like for this winter?
A: It’s all about cute winter coats, I have them in every colour! My favourite one right now is an ice-cream yellow vintage London Fog rain coat.
Q: Whose style or aesthetic do you admire? What’s your advice for people who are still trying to develop their own look?
A: Try to find someone who will tell you the truth about what looks good on you when you go shopping. Sometimes we wear things that are not flattering because we are trying to hide our flaws, & we end up looking frumpy. Don’t be afraid to take risks — if you love a certain colour make it your signature. You don’t have to dye your hair pink like me, but when you find a colour that looks good on you there is nothing wrong with putting a lot of that colour into your wardrobe.
Q: With all the pink deliciousness of your work, do you ever get saccharine-overload? Is your home, for example, a paradigm of Zen calm? Or does the pink follow you everywhere?
A: Hahahaha! I love this question as people are always surprised when they visit my house. I think that people expect me to live in a gingerbread house covered in candy or something, but it is actually more mid-century with a cosy twist. My office on the other hand has light pink walls… they help to keep me calm!
Q: What’s the best compliment you have ever received?
A: When I see a stranger walking down the street wearing one of my pieces. The greatest compliment is when someone chooses to buy one of my designs, wears it & loves it. My customers are my celebrities & I have amazing customers!
& also, a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Edith, winner of the Tarina Tarantino three-row neon buddha cuff bracelet!
Thank you so much Tarina! xxx
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [26] Tags: aesthetic,
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inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Fashion & Style Predictions: 2008
[ 2 January 2008, 18:22 ]
The Age, a Melbourne newspaper, recently published their fashion predictions for 2008. Their list of “must haves” are in bold, & my thoughts, suggestions & tips are underneath.
Body con
By this, they mean “body contouring garments” — anything which clings tightly to the body or is form-fitting. Of course, the very notion of this sends women across the world into a panic, & rightly so. Very few people can make it work. It’s almost enough to make you put down the truffles & run screaming to the gym. To slither with dignity into the body con trend, I recommend you only wear one piece of close-fitting clothing at a time. If you have a shapely booty, perhaps wear a body con skirt, while if you have arms, a bust & abs to kill for, a slender cut shirt or top is probably your best bet. I also heartily recommend buying yourself at least one piece of shaper underwear. It’s the secret of models & well-dressed fashionistas everywhere.
The waist
Yes, this is from last season. Regardless, the waist is here to stay. If you don’t have a belt that showcases your waist at its best, then it’s time to get one. If belts don’t turn your crank, you can always improvise with a fabric belt, a colourful obi or even a man’s tie. This is all great news for womanly figures & hourglass shapes, & almost… maybe… possibly… summons a shift away from the boyish, androgynous figures women have been starving themselves to achieve for years! Fantastic!
Purple
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. If the idea of head to toe purple makes you feel a bit batty — though it can be done to fabulous effect — snap up accessories in the aristocratic hue & wear them with neutrals, reds, yellows or greens.
Balenciaga blazer, Fred Flare sunglasses, striped sweater by Sonia Rykiel, sequinned beret by Topshop, Baccarat ring, ring by Forever 21, Chanel quilted 2.55 bag, Marni purple gumboots, Jonathan Aston hosiery, Lolita Lempicka fragrance, OPI nailpolish.
Rockabilly
Full skirts, leather jackets & lots of plaid are on the cards, too — but as with any other defined style of dress, select a couple of elements only to avoid looking too “costumey”. Since I know that we all secretly wish to be one of the Pink Ladies (or the T-Birds), I suggest watching Grease for a splash of inspiration — & some ideas on what not to do.
Scary how times change — & then don’t. Looks like Sandy is wearing American Apparel lamé leggings, Kenickie & Zuko are rocking the quiff & leather jackets, & peep Rizzo’s high-waisted shorts with belt! The horror!
The blazer & tuxedo jacket
Balenciaga brought this back recently & it’s a beautiful thing — especially worn with a colourful scarf tucked in under the front. The tuxedo jacket is more sleek than the blazer, & I’ve seen gorgeous versions in lots of stores around here, especially MNG (aka Mango). Both jackets are fantastically versatile & will make an amazing addition to your wardrobe. I recommend a single-button tuxedo jacket for simplicity’s sake, & for the daring & gender-bending, it is a major component of “Le Smoking“, seen below in this iconic photograph by Helmut Newton.
Hippie prints & plaids
I really blame Ms Rachel Zoe for this one — as well as the maxi-dress. Not that it’s a bad thing, more that her influence is super-obvious! She is a major fan of long, 70’s-inspired dresses with crazy prints & splashes of colour. The Age advises wearing these all in a huge orgy of colour & pattern madness, but I don’t. It’s really hard to do with panache. I think the best way to make it work is get your hands on a great sleeveless maxi-dress that shows your neck & shoulders to maximum effect. Pair with simple metallic or jewelled sandals, bunches of bracelets, big sunglasses & a headscarf for super casual chic.
Grey Gardens chic
I wrote about this in June, & then started experimenting with the look on July 3rd last year! Stick with me, kid, I’ll show you right! If you haven’t seen Grey Gardens yet, hop to it! It’s one of the most intriguing, creepy & unsettling movies ever, as well as being incredibly aesthetically inspiring. A remake of it is due out this year, with Drew Barrymore starring as Little Edie — & you will need to have seen the original in order to appreciate the remake!
The waistcoat
Yet another trend kicked off by Kate Moss. Waistcoats & vests are ALL over the place at the moment, & a good wardrobe staple. They can be worn over tees & collared shirts, as well as adding an extra layer of interest to a dress or under a coat. Before you rush out & pick one up, however, I strongly suggest reviewing your current wardrobe & thinking about what you could wear it with. I find that a waistcoat works best with trousers, & if you don’t wear trousers often (like me), you might find your options are limited.
Other notable mentions
1940s fit
Thanks, Dita! Look for pronounced shoulders, nipped-in waists, pencil skirts & anything that makes you wiggle while you walk. Bonus points for seamed stockings.
Gladiator sandals
Thanks, Mary-Kate! Since they were seen on her little trotters, gladiator sandals have started appearing in all kinds of shoe shops for all sorts of prices. My money is on “passing fad”, so don’t splurge too much unless you really want to!
Lace-up heels & brogues
If you don’t know that lace-up heels (often called Oxfords) are “in” by now, you must have had your head under a rock… or been in hospital. That’s okay, though! Just to get you up to speed: lace-up heels are “in” & they’re totally sexy. Great worn with black stockings, skater skirts (another trend), pencil skirts, tailored pants & anything with a bit of volume. You can take your pick of styles, too, since every designer & his dog has jumped enthusiastically on the bandwagon. Here — have a look!
High-waisted skirts & trousers
This is a carry-over from 2007, but strangely enough, I’m not seeing a lot of it on the street. Waistlines have risen, definitely — there are far fewer butt-cracks on display these days (hooray!), but I have yet to see anyone in the street rocking an extremely high waist.
Berets, turbans & headscarves
The turban I bought from Sportsgirl some time last year was recently reduced to TWO DOLLARS, so it is safe to assume that in Australia at least, this is a trend for the daring & fashion editors only. I also haven’t seen anyone else in the street wearing a beret, turban or headscarf (except for my friend Nadia, who does berets rather well). It’s okay, but it does sort of make me feel like the only member of the turban fan club.
Flared jeans & trousers
Yay! Yay! Witness my delight! I love a good flared trouser, & believe me, when skinny jeans were the only thing on the denim radar, I couldn’t buy anything with even the slightest flare. Finally, finally the tide is turning & I will once more be able to buy jeans which flatter my figure! It’s a miracle! Celebrate good times, come on!
Shirt dresses
A shirt worn as a dress is pretty much what I wore all last summer. A long bedshirt will do, though they can be hard to get your hands on — a better option is a large man’s business shirt, belted at the waist & accessorised with high heels, a spray tan & relaxed hair.
Cleavage
Dear girls who often bare your décolletage to the world,
Please start applying sunscreen to your chest before going out. Otherwise it will end up wrinkly, & that is one area you do not want to age prematurely.
Love, Gala.
“Rock chic meets nu grave”
I swear to God I am not making this up. I don’t really know what this means. I think I am glad.
Tights
Rock the Edie Sedgwick look & wear black tights with everything. It adds instant polish & really helps to pull an outfit together.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
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style tips Add Gala on Twitter!Fetish Wear
[ 31 December 2007, 13:39 ]
“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.”
Yes, I know exactly what you mean. There is such a proliferation of cheap “fetish” gaments available, & sometimes it can seem like that’s the only way to make it work. Thankfully, one need not resort to “adult shops” that smell funny & are filled with men in trenchcoats & not much else! You can buy beautiful high-end fetish items online from companies like Coco de Mer, JT’s Stockroom & Madame S.
A lot of designers have also embraced fetish style & made it their own, with high fashion touches — which is great news.
I have to say, though, that while “hooker heels” may look alluring, & cost so little that it’s hard to say no, usually as soon as you wear them for any length of time, you will understand the price, & be wailing “no” all the way down the street. There’s nothing wrong with experimenting with the cheap stuff at first, so you can see whether it’s a style that is going to suit you or not — but if you want to keep it up, I suggest upgrading to the good stuff soon after.
I tend to think that there are a few pieces of criteria to make fetish dressing stylish rather than tacky.
Buy good quality pieces
It’s very easy to go to an adult shop & stock up on PVC trousers, Frankenstein-esque boots & spiked collars — but the reason it doesn’t look good is because you’re basically wearing a whole lot of garbage. PVC doesn’t breathe & you will end up a sweaty mess. In order for it to look more stylish & less goth, you need to buy things which are well made & will last. They must be made with high quality fabrics. Keep your eyes open for handbags or shoes with a PVC finish, anything with an extraneous buckle, things which are spikey, slinky, or exceptionally well-tailored.
Restrain yourself (hee hee)
If you want to give the appearance of being a kinky mistress (or whatever), it’s better to be subtle. You don’t need to walk around in ass-less chaps & a pair of thigh-high boots — it’s too obvious. You want people to give you sideways glances; you want people to have to work at it to figure you out. It’s always best to keep them guessing, & far more alluring. So, when you’re putting your fetish look together, only have a couple of pieces which allude to your cruel & deviant ways. Also, when you’re dressing like this, remember to show off ONE great asset at a time. If your top is all about cleavage, then don’t also show a mile of leg. Retain some modesty — it is much more alluring & stylish.
Do you
Remember — you are not pretending to be someone else, or wearing a costume — you are still you. While it can be fun to get into evil mistress character, it’s not Hallowe’en, & there’s a fine line between being stylish & ridiculous. By this, I mean: keep your make-up light. Don’t pull your hair back in an overly severe manner. Don’t be tempted to load your arms with leather gauntlets or draw angry black slashes around your eyes. Wear your favourite perfume — not Eau de Dungeon. Be charming; smile!
I went to my most recent crush, Polyvore, to see what I could whip up for you… Pun intended.
Helmet Lang crochet back sweater, Vanessa Bruno pleat detail skirt, Fendi large B buckle belt, Alexander McQueen patent Elvie bag, Balenciaga heels, sequinned eye mask from Monsoon, black riding crop, two-finger silver ring.
Derek Lam satin smock dress worn with Christian Louboutin studded mary jane platforms. Aren’t those shoes incredible?! Shoegasm! If this looks too simple, however, you could probably throw some white latex stockings into the mix to spice it up.
If you want to stock your wardrobe with a few stylish fetish essentials, you might want to seek out…
Thigh-high (or over-the-knee) boots
A waist cincher or corset (those crazy old goths have the best information on that)
Latex stockings or lamé leggings from American Apparel
A collar of some description — but no spikes, please!
A figure-enhancing pencil skirt
High-heel Oxfords or ankle boots with interesting detailing — buckles, buttons, straps etc.
Fishnet stockings
A big belt that sits on the waist that looks more like a saddle
Driving gloves
Chunky rings
& just for fun… What’s in my (fetish) handbag?!
Chloé Heloise patent tote, ‘whip me beat me bite me’ patch, ballgag, blindfold, handcuffs, whip, cat mask, Betsey Johnson python driving gloves, Kleenex (boo hoo!) & a Polaroid camera, for capturing those… delicate moments.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
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madame Add Gala on Twitter!Gibbous
[ 30 December 2007, 23:41 ]
I thought I would introduce you to a little clothing house called Gibbous.
They say,
“modern culture has lost all scent of a soul. mass production & the disposability of fashion & style have ripped away the purity of clothing. sweatshop labor infuses garments with the stench of slavery. we are fighting against this epidemic with needles & thread. we believe clothes can have souls. we believe clothes should really be worn. lovingly mended, kept a lifetime & passed down. they can be dear as an old friend or childhood home.”
Some of their precious things are sold in stores — namely, Twill in Portland & Ruby 2 & Swankety Swank in San Francisco… but it’s easiest to buy online. At the moment they are selling cozy arm-warmers & bonnets — perfect for wriggling into this winter.
Gibbous are selling more than just clothing & accoutrements. They are peddling whimsy & a way of life. Their clothing is infused with the scent of freedom, their photographs are indulgent & fantastical. Everything about Gibbous is delicate & intangible.
I love their aesthetic, I love the messiness & unreality of it. Here are some of their pictures. Feast with your eyes!
Now, go & powder your hair, tear your stockings, & lie in a field somewhere!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [31] Tags: aesthetic,
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inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Fabulous New Year's Eve Outfits
[ 20 December 2007, 02:50 ]
Okay, so I know I am slow to pick up on this trend, but I am severely obsessed with Polyvore. For those of you who don’t know what it is, Polyvore is a site which catalogues practically every piece of clothing & every accessory available online. You can search by item, website or colour, & then drag & drop the pictures to create dream outfits. As you can probably guess, it is very evil & very addictive.
Here are some ensembles I’ve come up with. I would be totally keen to wear one of these on New Year’s Eve. I have expensive taste! Anyway, I hope you enjoy gawking & find them inspiring!
Satin turban from Topshop; stack of bracelets by Jessica Kagan Cushman; leather jacket & gathered skirt by Rick Owens; carousel horse necklace by Dollydagger; white fingerless gloves by Patricia Field; jewelled clutch from Monsoon; hair-calf ankle boots by Manolo Blahnik.
Marc Jacobs monogram headband; black cardigan from Forever21; leopard print bangle; Chloe wool knickerbockers; brown Hermes birkin; Chloe platform buckle booties.
Sequin beret from Miss Selfridge; Ray-Ban glasses frames; Luella silk twill mini-dress; Luella “Geek!” tote bag; spectator platform oxfords; pearl bracelets from Topshop.
Grey beret from Mango; grey angora cardigan from Debenhams; Calypso Dupioni smock dress; Tiffany sapphire & diamond ring set in platinum; cubic zirconia channel ring; sequin hinged bracelets from Nordstrom; boots by Frye.
Emilio Pucci vintage sunglasses; utility shirt dress by Oli; aqua wool/cashmere pashmina; Missoni ribbed wool leggings; earrings by Claire’s; lucent sky false eyelashes by Shu Uemura; Josephine bangle by Mark Davis; Dior Cannage shoulder bag; Emilio Pucci printed open-toed heels.
What are you doing for New Year’s Eve? & more importantly, what are you going to WEAR?!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
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madame Add Gala on Twitter!New Zealand Style
[ 18 December 2007, 14:43 ]
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.
Often thought of as “underdog to Australia”, New Zealand is a small but interesting country with a large dose of eccentricity in its aesthetic. It’s cold more often than not, so the style of dress has evolved to accommodate the weather. Lots of layers, boots & coats are all quintessential elements of the New Zealand look. I really love New Zealand clothing — it is typified by excellent quality materials & attention to small details, as well as only doing small runs of each item.
Here are some of my favourite New Zealand fashion designers.
Ana Steele
Those of you who have been reading for a while will know that Ana is a close friend of mine. This might cause me to be biased, but a cursory glance over her collections will, I’m sure, convince you of her skill & general fabulousness. Ana truly loves clothing, & she loves to experiment with new looks. Every time I see her, she is trying out something new & amazing. On her last visit, she wore a belt made of braces with everything, & it was fantastic!
Ana views clothing as a means with which to transform yourself into whoever you want to be. Her approach is exploratory & always curious. She plays with structure & volume, creating incredible pieces with hook & eye closures, high necks & sculpted shoulders. One of my favourite pieces by her is pictured above — the backless hooded dress. I borrowed the prototype of that dress for a long time, & adored it. Whenever I wore it, I felt like the sexiest girl on earth!
Ricochet
Ricochet have been around for a pretty long time, & I own a lot of their pieces. One thing that started to bother me after a while was that they never seemed to branch out & do anything new — every new season was just a re-work of the last. While this can be frustrating, on the plus side, at least you always know what you’re getting.
Regardless, to me, Ricochet exemplifies New Zealand style. It’s all about layering & dark colours. Ricochet does brilliant knitwear in unusual shapes — a cut-out shoulder here, one long edge there. They do slouchy but glamorous sweaters, thin belts, wide-cut trousers & great layering pieces. Years ago, they came out with the “kenny”: a piece of fabric that could be worn about a billion different ways, which became a staple of every stylish NZ woman’s wardrobe.
Their aesthetic is strong & unwavering — no frills or unwarranted frippery here. Ricochet’s mission is clear: fabulous, solid basics with unexpected details.
Laurie Foon
Laurie Foon is my #1, long-standing, hands-down favourite designer. She designs both the Laurie Foon & Starfish lines & has stockists all over the world (though, embarrassingly, I am yet to buy it from anywhere but the Starfish store in Wellington). Her pieces are fantastic quality & while I wouldn’t call them inexpensive, they really do last incredibly well. For example, I have a Starfish dress from the late 90’s which looks as good today as when I bought it.
Laurie is hugely creative & her ranges are totally different every season — I don’t know how she does it. She has the ability to make the theatrical wearable, comfortable & fun. As a perfect example, have a look at her Grey Gardens range (& keep your eyes open for things I own)! The Beautiful & The Damned is fantastic, too.
Laurie loves drama, volume & femininity with a twist of lemon. & I love her right back.
World
I really miss having easy access to a World store. I used to live upstairs from World Deluxe in Auckland, & I spent a lot of time there! World is owned by Denise L’Estrange-Corbet & Francis Hooper, & I think they do the most daring fashion in New Zealand. They embrace colour & flamboyancy, stripes & polka-dots & strange prints, super-long sleeves & big ribbons.
World is the place to go for a mind-blowing party dress or beautiful structured jacket. They do marvellous accessories & everything is imbued with a sense of fun & excitement. Sometimes I feel like Denise & Francis are actually astronauts exploring the fashion stratosphere, & then they come back every couple of months with absolutely warped but fabulous garb for their devoted fans. World is not for the nervous — every piece of theirs will make people stop you in the street to ask where it’s from. It’s a good way to make friends, if nothing else!
Extra For Experts:
Runway Reporter is an excellent source for all NZ fashion.
Simply You is the best fashion magazine in New Zealand, founded by Paula Ryan.
Air New Zealand Fashion Week. Is there any better reason for a holiday?!
Fashionz has lots of information on New Zealand style & trends.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
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inspiration Add Gala on Twitter!Gifting Yourself
[ 17 December 2007, 20:26 ]
Are you going to buy something for yourself for Christmas?
I couldn’t help myself. Because I’d like to experiment with some new scents for 2008, I just did an order of samples from Lucky Scent. Danger, danger! I’m waiting on Vanille Divine des Tropiques by La Maison de la Vanille, U4EAHH! 2.43 by YOSH, The exact friction of stars by Pilar and Lucy, Peppermint by Comme des Garcons Series 5: Sherbet, Vanilla Champagne by Susanne Lang, Perfect Kiss by Creative Scentualization, Serendipitous by Serendipity 3 & Loukhoum by Keiko Mecheri. YUM! A different one for every day of the week, plus extra! They probably won’t be here in time for Christmas, but I don’t mind. I’m so excited anyway! ...& I’m trying to hold myself back from the Christian Louboutins at David Jones!
How about you? Is there a special something tempting you, or is it already sitting wrapped under the tree?
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [63] Tags: consumption,
question Add Gala on Twitter!Isabel Toledo
[ 13 December 2007, 16:28 ]
Questions & answers. Excerpted from The Little Black Book of Style, by Nina Garcia.
Q: What is the secret to buying & wearing a strong shape?
A: 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.
Q: What is your secret to mixing the practical with the fantastical?
A: This is the essence of style for me. How you mix opposites & rearrange realities to get at a deeper truth. I love the practical & build everything around it first. Fantastical just happens when you are open to it & can evaporate just as quickly. It has been my experience that from the fantastical, often the practical is born.
Q: What is the one item of clothing every woman must have in her closet?
A: Underwear!!! For me, a wonderful wardrobe of exquisite underclothes is the ultimate luxury. It is what you first put on, & no matter what your look is, there is nothing that can elevate your mood as much as what you have on underneath it all. Different undergarments for different types of clothes are essential to make a look work for you.
Q: What do you find eternally stylish?
A: Good grooming is the one thing that is a permanently stylish element. When you are perfectly groomed, you can conquer the world… even in a pair of old jeans & a t-shirt!
Q: Who are some of the most stylish women you know?
A: I adore the classic generations’ sense of ageless style. Maria Feliz, Louise Bourgeois, Iris Apfel, Anna Piaggi, Louise Nevelson, Frida Kahlo — they have all shown us that an independent & confident sense of yourself is what it is all about. Diana Vreeland, who I had the fortune to intern with at the Costume Institute at the Met, had that gift all her life — the joy of living & dressing up or down for any challenge. We had the same shoe size & she would insist on trying on my picks that I found on Canal Street. That curiosity & enthusiasm is a real gift & the reward of a fertile mind & an open spirit — that is what fuels fashion!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
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quote Add Gala on Twitter!Tomboy Boot Camp
[ 12 December 2007, 15:26 ]
“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?”
Consider androgyny
Dresses aren’t for everyone, & there is no point forcing yourself to dress in a way that doesn’t suit your personality or lifestyle. If you’re most comfortable dressing like a tomboy, consider upgrading to a more androgynous appearance. There is nothing wrong with looking androgynous — in fact, I think it’s an incredibly sexy style. The difference between being a tomboy & a hot androgynous girl-thing is the polish. Tomboys don’t brush their hair or they just throw it back into a ponytail; androgynous girls have great haircuts which they tousle to make it look like they just finished having sex. Tomboys don’t wear make-up; androgynous girls use a bit of foundation to even out their complexion & smudge some pencil around their eyes to make them look smoky & mysterious. Tomboys wear ill-fitting jeans & a baggy t-shirt; androgynous girls wear fitted black jeans or tailored black pants & a skinny-cut business shirt or interesting vintage tee. Do you see the difference? Androgyny requires effort, as dressing “femme” does — it’s just a variation.
Katherine Moennig is the epitome of androgynous chic.
Work with your own style
If jeans & a t-shirt are what you’re comfortable in, use that as a base to start from. You don’t have to wear floral tea dresses & knit blankets for everyone you meet! If you like to wear pants, then do that — just approach it differently. Make sure your pants fit you. Pick a cut that is flattering, that makes you look tall & slender. Check out your booty in the mirror — a good pair of pants are like a booster bra for your bum, rather than a minimising bandage. Instead of buying big, loose hoodies, buy a cardigan that reaches your hips, a vintage tuxedo jacket, or a v-neck cashmere sweater. Basically, think of your original style, but make it luxe. That means quality fabrics & flattering cuts.
Dabble with jewellery
You don’t have to start walking around like you own a diamond mine, but a little bit of jewellery is a really nice accent. Think of it as a personal signature. Of course, given that you probably won’t be wearing much of it, make sure that you buy something you absolutely love. Your skin tone will tend to dictate whether gold or silver suits you better. Gold is good for warm tones (people with olive skin, for example), while silver, white gold or platinum tends to look better on anyone who is pale. A fine chain with a couple of charms on it makes for a really nice signature necklace, just like a couple of plain bangles or a simple ring will. You don’t need to go for the gaudy stuff unless you really want to. (I can never resist, but then, that’s just my style.) I always think it’s worth spending the money on good jewellery. You get what you pay for, & if you buy something that is good quality, it will last you a really long time.
Buy one skirt
This step is optional, but if you do want to venture into more feminine pastures, buying one skirt is a good way to start. The reason for only buying one skirt is that it is really non-threatening. If you end up never wearing it, it’s only one item — not five, so there’s less guilt about seeing it in your closet. Plus, if you buy well, you’ll be able to coordinate it with lots of things in your wardrobe. I would suggest going for a pencil, maxi or pleated knee-length skirt in a neutral colour like black or grey. You can wear any of those with a fitted t-shirt, singlet, vest or business shirt (loosened at the collar with rolled-up sleeves, please!).
Upgrade your footwear
If you only wear sneakers & would like to continue in that grand tradition, that is totally cool — but just step it up a bit. Buy a pair of decked-out sequin Converse, or glitter customised Nikes. Check out Sneaker Freaker for the latest information on the sweetest kicks. Alternatively, if you prefer boots, just move higher up the boot food chain. I am a huge fan of Frye boots, though a great pair of cowboy boots are always cool & very versatile. Now, for the really daring — high heels! Start with a low-ish heel, & see how you go. There’s no point in buying a 6” heel & then breaking your ankle! You can also try a kitten heel to start, though I agree with Victoria Beckham when she says…
“I think a lot of women see them as the wearable compromise to high heels, but in fact they have none of the benefits of high heels yet also none of the casual ease of flats. High heels elongate your leg because they pull up your calf muscles; kitten heels make your muscles tense & swell up; high heels hoist you up; kitten heels make you slump. But most of all, they make your feet look bigger: they emphasise the feet by having them point downwards. There is nothing wrong with big feet but in this case they will look out of proportion to the rest of your body.”
Anyway, it’s your choice! Read How To Buy A Good Pair Of Shoes & How To Walk In High Heels before you set off on a shopping expedition!
Grooming is key
As I said above, the one thing that separates tomboys from everyone else is the grooming aspect. Grooming — to me, at least — means having a good haircut & looking after it, taking care of your skin, wearing a little bit of make-up & having neat nails. It also covers a gamut of little things, such as wearing clean clothes, fixing any holes or rips, not having your underwear show above your jeans, etc. Doing all these things might seem like a lot of effort, but really it’s just like any routine. You’ll get used to it & the benefits are enormous. I know that I always feel much more presentable (& therefore good about myself) when I have a great manicure & an immaculate haircut. It will be similar for you!
Get thee to a make-up counter
Go to a counter you like the look of (I recommend MAC & NARS), tell one of the assistants that you’re trying to bust out of your old tomboy habits, & ask them to help you. They will probably be delighted. Like Cher says in Clueless: “Ooh, project!” Get the assistant to make you up & observe what they’re doing. Ask lots of questions & don’t be afraid — most of these people are in make-up artistry because they love it & want to help other people. When it comes to purchasing, I recommend obtaining a bottle of foundation, some concealer, a tube of mascara & a black or brown eyeliner pencil. A separate brush for your foundation & concealer are a good idea too. Take your loot home & start experimenting!
Empty your pockets!
No, not just when you’re paying for your new purchases! Stop storing things in your pockets! It is unsightly & silly. Buy a bag that you like & start carrying things around in that, instead. When you buy it, look at the hardware (the metal clasps). Are they gold or silver? If you want to look put-together, the hardware on your bag should match the jewellery you wear. Just a little tip!
Outfit ideas
Cropped tuxedo jacket by Oli; Disney magic castle necklace; t-shirt by Imaginary Foundation; grey cigarette trousers by Topshop; CC Skye leather chain bracelet; Betseyville Glitterati roll satchel; gold python belt by V.B.H.; Kenzie ankle boots.
James Perse cashmere v-neck; wool & cashmere fringed scarf; Marc Jacobs padlock heart charm watch; Falke over-the-knee socks; RM Pandora shorts; chap ankle boots by Steve Madden.
Feminising your tomboy style is a gradual process. You’re not going to wake up one day & feel like it’s time to float away on a cloud of gossamer petticoats — it’s something you’ll (hopefully) continue to tweak as your style & life progresses. There’s no sense in forcing yourself to dress in a way that makes you feel ridiculous, so just make little changes & see how you go. You will make mistakes, but don’t let that scare you off. Just see it as a normal stumbling block on the way towards a more refined you!
Extra For Experts:
Clothes Shopping Tips
Fashion Help For Recovering Goths
Hand & Nail Care
How Wearing Make-Up Affects Your Career
Making Short Hair More Interesting
How To Choose A Flattering Haircut
The Essential Guide To Dressing For Your Shape
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [49] Tags: advice,
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madame Add Gala on Twitter!Do You! -- Book Review
[ 12 December 2007, 02:47 ]
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.
That book is Do You! by Russell Simmons. The front of the book says 12 Laws To Access The Power In You To Achieve Happiness & Success, & you know what? Do You! really delivers on that.
Make no mistake about it, Russell Simmons is a very interesting man. The co-founder of Def Jam records, he has been stamped with the label of “hip hop mogul”, & has a net worth of approximately $340 million. He is also a vegan & devotee of yoga. He meditates every morning & doesn’t drink coffee. You have to admit that that’s pretty unusual (& pretty cool, too).
I actually picked his book up on a whim, thinking it was kind of funny, but as I stood in the library flicking through the pages, I got the sense that if I sat down with it, I would get more than I bargained for. I am so glad I checked it out! It has really made my brain churn — it’s like a portable light switch. I kept stopping mid-sentence to exclaim, “OH! This book is SO good!” to anyone who would listen!
I think the best thing about this book is that it is about achieving financial success as well as personal happiness. So many books concentrate on one or the other — titles like How To Be A Ruthless, Wealthy, Well-Loathed Shark1 & Being Poor Is Noble2 are all over the place. It is so important for people to realise that they don’t have to choose one thing or the other, & that the two can co-exist! Russell says, “Show me 15 millionaires & I’ll show you 12 unhappy people.” The thing is, Russell has the knowledge to back all this stuff up. He’s not just some average schmoe with vague ideas about what life’s about. He’s BEEN super-wealthy & he knows that it isn’t the answer to all of life’s problems! Some of them, sure; but not all of them.
Russell openly states that he is not the first person to come up with the ideas he outlines in his book. Of course he’s not, but it is really refreshing to hear such ancient wisdom supported by modern examples. Do You! isn’t a rollicking romp through his life — it’s an instructional tome with anecdotal evidence, which makes it really compelling reading. It’s not airy-fairy, though there are some “new age” concepts contained within. It is packed full of practical advice & information that you can actually start applying to your life immediately.
So, what are those 12 laws he thinks are important?
See your vision & stick with it
“Your vision makes your world. If you see the world as a happy, loving place, then that’s where you’re going to live. But if you see the world as a messed up, negative & dangerous place, then that will be your reality.”
Always do you
“From the beginning of my career, I’ve always tried to stay true to who I am. I figured it was about time there was a black man who doesn’t have to give up his blackness in order to play with the white guys.”
Get your mind right
“God has already put a lot of time into you. When you put a little time back into God through prayer or meditation, that investment will always pay off. That’s why when I start my day by reflecting on all the things I have to be thankful for, I’ll have a much more rewarding day.”
Stop frontin’ & start today
“Right now is the only time that there ever is. Yesterday is gone & tomorrow never comes. Whatever you need to do in life, start it today. Put down this book & go follow your dream.”
Never less than your best
“It’s very simple: When you’re working your hardest, the world opens up to you. When you’re not working, your mind becomes cluttered & the world becomes closed.”
Surround yourself with the right people
“No one can find success by him- or herself. When you pick the right team you’ll always win.”
There are no failures, only quitters
“No matter how many times something doesn’t go your way, never give up. That’s because success is a journey, not a destination.”
Plant the good seeds
“Don’t get caught up with always needing to see instant results from your work. Instead, have faith that there will always be a reaction, because that faith is what allows you to make a lifelong commitment toward goodness instead of always looking for the shortcuts.”
You can never get before you give
“Giving, not trading or selling, is the basis of success. The most rewarding thing you can do is just to give the world something good. & ultimately you will be paid so much more for that gift than if you had tried to trade it for something else.”
Successful people stay open to change
“If there’s one message I can get out, it’s how could anybody believe that their god is different, let alone better? They all can’t be nothing but great.”
Be powerful, be heard
“Hip hop is about empowering people to end poverty & ignorance. No matter who we are, we need to create opportunity for those who are locked out.”
Spit truth to power
“We believe that we must continue to tell the truth about the street if that is what we know & we must continue to tell the truth about God if that is who we have found.”
Russell believes that God is inside each of us. He also advocates eating well as well as practising yoga & meditation, but he’s not preachy at all. He presents his opinions in a very non-threatening way, which I really dig, but at the same time he is honest & open & candid about how these things have helped change his life & shape it in a positive manner. His attitude is that the truth is out there, so it’s our responsibility to get hold of it & then do what feels right. I love that.
From reading Do You!, I really get the impression that Russell is a very cool guy. He’s 50 years old & I think he is probably starting to come to terms with his own mortality & feels like he has valuable information to pass on. He does. I’m so glad he wrote this book. So many of the things he outlines are almost what you could call common sense, but in my experience, the advice that appears the most simple is often the most potent. I love, love, LOVE his modern spin on traditional wisdom & I really wish everyone would pick this book up.
If you’re thinking about buying someone a book this Christmas & you don’t know what to get them — & they have even the slightest interest in improving their life — I swear, Do You! is the book to buy. It doesn’t take a long time to read, & if they polished it off between the 25th of December & the 1st of January, they might just kick off 2008 with an incredible new outlook & purpose. Wouldn’t that be the best thing you could possibly give someone? Yes. I think so.
Five cupcakes out of five! Bravo!
[1] & [2] — Note: These may not be actual titles!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [16] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Cupcake Showdown!
[ 5 December 2007, 18:00 ]
As we start ramping up towards Christmas, it seems inevitable that our sweet tooths start begging for attention, too. As you may know by now, my sugary treat of choice is a cupcake. Big, little, lashed with icing, dusted with sugar — I love them all. In Melbourne, it seems as if there are charming little cupcake bakeries opening up all over the place. It’s like a plague of loveliness. I’m not complaining!
From what I’ve seen, there are three major contenders on the Melbourne cupcake scene, though I know there are a multitude of options for the really cupcake-obsessed. The first is the long-standing, original trail-blazer, Crabapple Cupcake Bakery. The second is Little Cupcakes, which opened a couple of months ago in the city. & last but not least is Sugadeaux, another newcomer with great promise.
But all this choice does, of course, leave you with a few questions. Those questions are: 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?
Pictured: “Willy Wonka”, vanilla cream, cappucino cream, “girlish”, strawberry mudcake, peppermint chocolate-chip.
Location: Shop 6, Prahran Market, 163 Commercial Road, Prahran. Also available at Switchboard, Shop 11-12 Manchester Unity Arcade, 220 Collins St.
Flavours: White chocolate mud; jaffa; strawberry mudcake; hummingbird; orange & almond; orange blossom; lavender blossom; passionfruit; chocolate fudge; cappuccino; carrot & cream cheese (& the list goes on…).
Price: From $4 depending on flavour. (Discounts available for bulk orders.)
Review: Crabapple Cupcakes are the original monolithic cupcake in Melbourne. They are big & sweet & beautiful. Opening in 2001, its founder Jennifer Graham actually started off selling cake stands at markets. She would bake cupcakes just to fill up the stands as a demonstration, but soon she realised that cupcakes were what people really wanted. Her whole family got involved — her husband quit his job & her three daughters started experimenting with different decoration styles. Years later, in Melbourne, the word “Crabapple” is synonymous with cupcakes.
I have eaten more Crabapple Cupcakes than I would like to keep count of. 20 is probably a conservative estimate. (Eep!) Some of my favourites are lavender blossom, carrot & cream cheese, peppermint chocolate-chip & strawberry mudcake. The flavours are rich & tantalising, the size is perfectly satisfying & the icing… Oh, the icing. It is pure magnificence. It is so thick & generous that you can skim some off the top with your fingers & have plenty left to spare. It is light & fluffy & drool-inducing. It swirls around the top of the cupcake like a crown & melts on your tongue. It is sticky & fabulous.
I think Crabapple have the sweetest cupcakes I’ve ever tasted. This is marvellous if you are a raging sugar-fiend, but I know that not everyone is! I also believe that they have the monopoly on most incredible flavours — I think that the fact that they’ve been doing this for 6 years probably helps them out there. Crabapple make the best-looking cupcakes, too. They use a lot of food colouring, as well as decorating with sugar flowers & other accents. Crabapple Cupcake Bakery is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a pretty little cake.
Pictured: creamcheese chocolate.
Location: #7, 250 Flinders Street, Melbourne. (That’s their official address but they’re actually in Degraves Street.)
Flavours: Red velvet; banana; mint; creamy coconut; dark chocolate; creamcheese chocolate; strawberry; white chocolate.
Price: $3.70 standard, $2.50 miniature. (Discounts available for bulk orders.)
Review: Little Cupcakes’ offerings are on the expensive end of the scale, so you would expect a really supreme flavour sensation. Unfortunately, you are left with very little bang for your buck. Of course, Little Cupcakes are situated in the city & therefore subject to premium rental, but you just don’t get what you pay for. On the plus side, the shop is very cute, with a high table in the middle, & they have a range of tea which is presented in good-lookin’ teapots on wooden trays. It would be a nice place to stop in at the end of a day’s shopping.
I have tried their creamy coconut, creamcheese chocolate & strawberry flavours, all with varying degrees of success. Any of the chocolate-flavoured cakes are just that — flavoured. From the taste, I don’t think they use real chocolate in their mix. It’s more like cocoa, very rich & not very sweet.
However, the icing on their creamcheese chocolate cupcake is totally yummy — vanilla-flavoured & very sweet & thick, sprinkled with chocolate hail. If the actual cake was of a better calibre, this would be a great cupcake. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I think I make better cake than this. The strawberry cupcake is pretty good, it tastes quite genuine (rather than that insanely overly-sweet faux-strawberry flavour that you sometimes get), but doesn’t turn my crank too much. I actually got bored halfway through my creamy coconut cupcake (sacrilege!), & didn’t finish it.
Little Cupcakes gives you the least icing of any of the three bakeries, which is sad. The icing is the best bit! I really get the impression that the founder of Little Cupcakes is just trying to capitalise on the cupcake trend, as opposed to doing it based on passion or excitement. That’s just the feeling I get from walking into their shop, though I could be mistaken. Usually, when someone does something because they love it, you can feel that radiating from every corner. That’s not the case here. Everything about it is just okay — there is nothing groundbreaking about their business. Boo!
Pictured: mocha (back) & peanut butter choc (front).
Location: Retail location TBA; pick-up from South Yarra or available by delivery.
Flavours: Cinnamon sugar; passionfruit; chocolate; key lime pie; coconut; chai latte; sweet vanilla; caramel toffee; orange poppy; baci; mint slice; peanut butter choc; cookies & creme; cherry vanilla; white choc pistachio; raspberry white choc; mocha; cosmopolitan. (Other flavours available by special request.)
Price: $3.00 standard, $1.70 miniature. (Minimum order of 12 regular or 24 miniature.)
Review: Sugadeaux is owned by a woman called Jess whose acquaintance I made recently. She is a super-cool & vivacious girl whose passion for cupcakes has lead her to start her own bakery. She is constantly thinking up new flavours & trying different things, which is fantastic & really proves her enthusiasm.
I have personally sampled the mocha & peanut butter choc flavours, as well as a Turkish delight cupcake prototype! When I spoke to Jess, she warned me that her chocolate flavours were intense. “I’m throwing down the chocolatey creamy goodness gauntlet!”, she said. I was happy to take on the challenge, but she wasn’t kidding. The mocha & peanut butter choc cupcakes are a chocolate lover’s dream. They are both rich, moist, dense & fabulous — not to mention incredibly filling. The peanut butter choc cupcakes are my favourite, with a big gooey whorl of sweet peanut butter in the centre. So tasty. Painfully tasty!
Some cupcakes are like an aperitif, while Sugadeaux’s offerings are like a main course. If you can eat more than one in a single sitting, I will shake your hand. You will need to use a plate — they are quite crumbly but it all adds to the experience, you know?! The Turkish delight cupcakes are smaller & hold themselves together better than the others. They are delightfully (ha!) rose-flavoured, the cake is marbled pink & white, & they are sprinkled with edible pink glitter. Swoon!
Sugadeaux’s cupcakes get my strong seal of approval. I love them. When it comes to appearance, they are more modern-looking & less frilly than Crabapple’s offerings, but when it comes down to taste, they are both really excellent & it’s hard to say one is better than the other. You can actually taste the quality of Sugadeaux’s ingredients, while I think Crabapple tends to use so much sugar that you can’t as much. Sugadeaux cupcakes also last for an exceptionally long time. They probably shouldn’t be kept for as long as we had them — which ended up being about a week — but, incredibly, after all this time, they were still deliciously moist & soft. I don’t know how she does it, but wow!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [53] Tags: consumption,
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yum Add Gala on Twitter!American Apparel Discount Code Reminder!
[ 5 December 2007, 13:37 ]
Good morning, nonpareils!
I just wanted to remind you that the special iCiNG American Apparel discount code — GALA07 — expires tomorrow (6th December). It scores you a superb 10% off any of their products purchased online. It’s not too late to buy for Christmas, so make the most of it! Here are my top splurge picks!
Cotton Spandex Jersey Bandeau Dress — This dress can be worn about a gazillion ways & comes in a huge range of colours. The length is perfect & you can make it look as demure or racy as you like. I promise that you would wear this to death.
Polka Dot Flex Fleece Zip Hoody — I love the colours in this hoody. Pull out the toggle cord, bundle a purple scarf around your neck & wear with close-fitting black pants & Converse hi-tops. Spray on some nice fragrance & wait for girls to try & steal it from you!
Unisex Tri-Blend Rib Cardigan — I cannot begin to tell you how snuggly & fabulous this looks. Pull the sleeves down over your fingers & wear it while you drink an oversized coffee with crazy “Christmas” flavouring.
Baby Rib Pocket Frock — I adore a good boatneck & royal blue, too (though of course it comes in other colours). I can see this bundled up with wool stockings, big boots, a scarf & a coat. The perfect thing to throw on before you trudge to class.
Cotton Spandex Jersey Long Sleeve Criss-Cross Dress — It’s like a leotard, but also a dress! This is the ultimate in ballet chic. Buy it in royal blue, wear it with the tri-blend cardigan (above) & boots, & you will look fantastic & flawless.
Vegas High-Waisted Legging — Calling them “Vegas” is totally appropriate. How amazing are these?! I am a major sucker for midnight blue but midnight blue + sparkles is a match made in heaven, for me. You could wear these with pretty much anything & be the most incredible person in the room. (P.S. Dear Anti-Leggings League, shush. Wear them with boots & we’ll call it even.)
Love letters & feather headdresses,
Comment [19] Tags: consumption Add Gala on Twitter!Audrey's Christmas Gift Guide!
[ 30 November 2007, 15:16 ]
And lo, the time of year has come again where all the female friends of mine come and pick my brain about what to buy their other halves for Christmas. And while I in no way advocate the notion of changing someone, I still understand when they say they’d like to give their boys a little nudge in the right direction as far as grooming and sophistication goes.
So here you have my top tips on what to splurge your money on for maximum points for both you and him.
My top tip is a magazine subscription. Especially for Men’s Style Australia or GQ — in my opinion, essential reading for every guy, and a good way to get his brain moving on the important topics of grooming and taking care of himself. I mean, you could leave dog-eared copies of Vogue Homme around the apartment and hope he’ll morph into some catwalk model, but that’s not very realistic now, is it? At least with these, he still gets to look at boobies and cars and the latest gadgets, but I think these two publications have a perfect balance of that stuff and really good, high-brow (yet still accessible and realistic) fashion and style tips. And besides, no matter how manly your man might be — I guarantee EVERYONE loves the excitement of getting mail every month!
Another great idea is to take him beer tasting. Not all presents have to be wrapped (but write “beer tasting” on a card or something if he needs that ‘something under the tree’ thing). Keep in mind, if you want to ease your boy into some culture and different things, you have to bridge some gaps too — and this is such an easy, obvious way to do it. It won’t be hard to Google a few good places that offer it in your area (aim for a sophisticated, cool bar instead of a pub. Trust me), and it sounds like an awesome idea to even get the most blokey of blokes into a collared shirt, a nice bar, and a bit of culture. There are so many different kinds of beer from all over the world, and you’ll be surprised how many places near you actually carry some exclusive, exotic tastes.
Get him a book. Sounds lame but actually isn’t. Obviously don’t get the latest Tom Clancy thriller if he’s not the kind of guy who’s going to actually READ it, but there are lots of cool ‘coffee table’ books that could be great if you take notice of his interests and use a bit of thinking. Lots of guys like things like war or sports, so why not a cool photo book on planes or a biography of his favourite sportsman? A travel book if he’s fascinated by a particular city or you know he’s flirting with the idea of planning some travel. If he’s all about having drinks with his friends the second the work day’s over, why not get him an excellent cocktail recipe book so he can impress them with his knowledge over summer and STILL manage to get munted — just in a more sophisticated way. Try though to find an independently owned bookstores near you, instead of one of those mass-market chain stores. In Melbourne, I recommend Polyester on Brunswick St for something fun, or head down to the NGV Giftshop for some excellent art and travel books.
Buy him clothes. Typical boys are simple and easy to work out. They just have an attitude against shopping, and that’s why they’ll wear the same stretched out tee shirt or underwear with the hole in the waistband because something in their brain just doesn’t seem to click and say “Oh no, this just won’t do. Off we go to the store!”. For centuries, Christmas has been the ace up every woman’s sleeve to get her other half into some more respectable duds. But tread careful. Splurging on things he just won’t wear is going to be costly, and instantly get his back up. Just because you think he’ll look darling in a salmon coloured, french cuff shirt and some better fitting jeans, if you blindside him and just get them and demand he wear them to your family’s roast turkey feast, they’ll be relegated to the back of the closet (or worse yet, you’ll be fighting the hoards of post-Christmas Sale shoppers trying to return them for store credit). Maybe just buy him a couple of new tee shirts, or some new board shorts for the beach.
Girls like nights in with bottles of wine and candles and blankets and a big comfy couch. The big secret is — guys kind of do as well. Maybe not the candles, but there’s something awesome about just kicking back at home and not having to worry about going out, lining up to get in somewhere, lining up for drinks, lining up to pee, lining up for a cab and heading home. The problem is, most of the time it’s assumed a girl’s going to pick out Pride and Prejudice from the local video store and guaranteed he’ll end up snoring by the second scene. The solution? Get him a box set of his favourite TV show on DVD. Scrubs. Lost. Heroes. Futurama. DVD sales are sky-rocketing these days (that’s actually what the Writers Guild strikes in America are loosely based on) and with good reason — watching and re-watching your favourite shows is awesome fun!
Honourable mentions: iPod or mp3 player, get your house hooked up with cable TV for the summer, tickets to a band or sports event he really wants to see.
Love letters & feather headdresses,
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monsieur Add Gala on Twitter!Gala's Christmas Gift Guide!
[ 30 November 2007, 12:16 ]
Arrrgghhhhhhh! It’s almost Christmas! Yes, it can be a time of extreme pain & near-homicide — but, my sweet, it does not have to be. For you see, my obsessive internet perusal has been put to good use, & I have a huge store of suggestions to spice up your gift-giving this year.
The worst, worst, worst thing about Christmas is wandering aimlessly from shop to shop, against a crush of other, equally meandering people, & trying desperately to think of a gift that will please Aunt Rita. Don’t torture yourself, seriously. Do your shopping online or decide exactly what you want & make it as painless as possible. I recommend taking a morning off work on a Tuesday or something, & getting it all over & done with in one clean swoop.
Before we begin, read my article on Gift-Giving, because it might give you some clues as to where to start. Why not, for example, give someone a themed gift? Make everything purple, or all Paris-themed, or all things for the feet. Think about what your friends like, & start dreaming.
I think Etsy is a fantastic place to buy gifts, because everything is made by hand, with lots of love, care & attention. I would much rather help a girl in California following her passion than give my hard-earned dosh to yet another mega-corporation! Their search function is great — just type in a random word & I always search by “Most Viewed”: it tends to spit up the most interesting things!
Mme. Fortuna is one of my favourite Etsy sellers. She creates gorgeous, one of a kind jewellery with a fabulous old-time bohemian feel. Her Captain Time necklace is really special, I am totally in love with it. I also like her Pendulum necklace & Victorian Lady Magical Charm necklace.
Jewellery is a really great gift to give. I especially love it because it’s kind of like having a token of someone’s affection on you all the time. Blood diamonds are totally gauche (not to mention artificially overpriced), so buy your friend or lover something fun, instead. I love this Super Sprinkles Heart necklace, as well as this Sparkle Heart & Leather cuff by Marty Flint. So cool! Helpless Romantic do the ever-popular Say Anything You Want necklace (like Nubby‘s!), which is also available in Helvetica for all you font nerds! But of all these things, my absolute favourites are Jessica Kagan Cushman‘s faux-scrimshaw resin bracelets. (My votes go to “Truly fabulous people never get dressed before lunchtime” & “Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess.”)
If you know someone with an Elle Driver fetish, pick them out a crystal-encrusted eyepatch from Gasoline Glamour in their favourite colour! NYC-obsessed girls will love this NYC subway map hoodie — they might even share a hot dog with you. Dreamwoven do incredible sculptural knit hats for brave people, & these Vintage Letter Pins from Day-Lab will make someone very happy.
For people who love to smell good, Lush do a whole gamut of amazing Christmas products. I’m not really into their pre-packaged gift boxes, since I think it’s a bit thoughtless, but buying someone a sweet, glittery hunk of bubble bath as an accompaniment to another gift will score you major points. Go & have a sniff of the Twinkle bath ballistic, Ruby Red Slippers bubble bar, Mr Butterball bath ballistic (so cute in his little hat & scarf, as well as being deliciously softening!), Snowcake soap & Snow Fairy shower gel. I promise you will not be disappointed!
If your friends tend to favour things which are more functional than beautiful, remember that the two need not be mutually exclusive. An organiser is an excellent gift, but only if you give it to the right person! I adore Moleskine diaries & I think they are pretty much the perfect present. If you don’t want to give a Moleskine — even though they are amazing, I understand that sometimes you want something a little more exciting — Lovely Design do beautiful Pocket Books. Instead of plain pages, all the paper is found & reused & there are envelopes too. It is the ideal thing to fill up with secrets.
Guys seem really hard to buy for, & it’s so easy to resort to ye olde standard fall-back presents like aftershave or socks. True, men do need these things, but why not surprise them with them on the 17th of March? Christmas time is about being decadent, so why not get them something that will blow their (holey) socks off?
I think almost any slightly-geeky guy (isn’t that about 95% of them?) would be over the moon with a watch from Tokyoflash. They are incredible & totally Hackers. Another knock-out gift for anyone with even minimal geeky inclinations is an Ecosphere. They’re enclosed ecosystems, & totally amazing. I was going to buy one for my boyfriend but they don’t ship to Australia, argh!
Pick him up a great record or something for his guitar; take him speaker shopping; buy him a comfortable (& stylish) armchair; take him away on a surprise vacation; buy a whole lot of plants for his office or a weights machine. Oh, & for any boys who love Notorious B.I.G., you absolutely cannot go wrong buying them this shirt...
Attention, women: Men aren’t actually that difficult to buy for — they like stuff as much as women do. It’s just that you need to shift your mindset a bit so that you start thinking like a guy. While it can be tempting to push an agenda onto a boyfriend, by buying him clothes so that he looks how you wish he would or by purchasing a handsome gardening tool-kit, remember that it’s his Christmas too! Buy him something he actually likes. Think how upset you’d (probably) be if he bought you breast implants! Anyway, you get the picture — please buy with him in mind.
I know that there are a lot of people who already have everything they need. It’s just the way things go — if they want or need something, most people will figure out a way to obtain it. When trying to buy for the person whose life is bursting at the seams with stuff, think about being useful instead of just adding to their collection of muck. Maybe they need a professional wardrobe organiser to come by & help them out. Perhaps they are constantly whinging about their sore muscles — get them a massage voucher. Or maybe they never really treat themselves — buy them a mani/pedi & a facial. They will thank you for it!
Another thing to consider is a gift that keeps giving — no, not an infectious disease! A subscription to an amazing magazine fulfils this requirement, as does a beautiful flowering plant or a year’s paid housecleaning. One of the coolest things my boyfriend ever did for me was going to the library to pay my $100+ late fines. Or if your friend has just moved into a new apartment or is feeling otherwise dissatisfied with their living quarters, why not take them on a shopping trip to IKEA?
Super-practical presents can really improve the quality of the recipient’s life if you choose carefully. I can’t think of a single person whose life wouldn’t get better if you bought them a good digital camera, for example. Similarly, most people would love a crazy camera like anything from the Lomo shop. Or you could even search thrift shops & Ebay for an old Polaroid camera in good condition. Documentation of your life is important & having more tools to do it with is always appreciated.
What about your friend with the antiquated cellphone? Maybe you could upgrade them this Christmas. Perhaps you could give your old laptop to a friend who is technologically lagging. We don’t always have to spend piles of money on presents — often it’s the thoughtful donation of something that someone really needs which means the most.
Finally, I tend to advise against giving anyone a voucher or gift card for a particular store, just because it’s so limiting. I read a statistic — which I cannot find for the life of me — which said that some huge amount of money is wasted on them every year, just because people will either spend $17 of a $20 voucher, or never use it at all. If you really & truly cannot think of anything to get your friends, just take them shopping. Set a limit & have a day of it — let them pick whatever they want. This way you’ll have a fun shared experience & they’ll get something they love.
Oh, & happy holidays!
Love letters & feather headdresses,
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monsieur Add Gala on Twitter!