All articles tagged 'how-to'


<3 What Should I Buy For Mother's Day?


<3 Observing Our Progress


<3 Raw Hot Chocolate


<3 Kink Under The Covers


<3 Deciphering Your Cravings


<3 Raw Coaching With Karen Knowler -- Part Two


<3 Morals, Ethics & Integrity -- Where Do You Draw The Line?


<3 I Have A Crush On A Guy I've Never Met!


<3 How To Get A Job At Lush!


<3 Weekly Resolutions


<3 How To Increase Your Energy Levels


<3 How To Let Someone Know That You Like Them


<3 What Would You Wear At 40?


<3 How Hirsute Are You?!

Really… how hairy are you?! Take this quiz & find out your optimal hair removal method!


<3 Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of... Flattery?

“I was just wondering if you would by any chance consider writing an article about people copying you/how you would deal with that? I have a friend who’s recently started copying my music tastes, saying my favourite movies are her favourite movies and the way I speak (stupid little things like saying ‘spiffy’ a lot which I do), and the way I dress to some extent. I know I should just ignore it but it’s really irritating me that she’s basically appropriating my identity. I don’t really know what to do, and I’d feel terribly awkward confronting her about it. Maybe you could please give me some advice?”


<3 Weekly Resolutions

This week, I’d like to impose a limitation, if I may, which will make your week much more productive.


<3 Taking The High Road

“So I made the mistake of falling for my best friend. Which usually can be quite the beautiful thing but in this case, we drove each other mad to the point where I was slamming doors in his face and he was screaming out my window à la Streetcar Named Desire. And then some.”


<3 Things To Do Before The Seasons Change

Regardless of what’s happening, temperature-wise, in your town, there are some things I think everyone should do in preparation for the upcoming season!


<3 Problem Skin

“My skin has really been getting me down lately – I’m 15 and it was perfect before getting spots a few years ago. Now, it’s a disaster. I’ve got enlarged pores, under-skin spots (that never surface and don’t hurt), an un-even skin tone and very minor acne marks/scars. How can I get my perfect skin back? Has it been ruined? I use M·A·C Studio Fix, but on my problem skin it just looks caked on and obvious so I don’t wear it too often… I cleanse, tone and moisturise with Simple products and exfoliate once a week. My diet isn’t bad at all either – I eat quite a lot of fruit and veg and hardly any sugar but I still break out. One thing I can think of is I do smoke… Could this cause such a problem with my skin? If so – I’m quitting starting today!”


<3 How To Fix A Terrible Haircut

So, what can you do when your hair ends up shorter on one side than on the other? Or if your fringe is about 3 centimetres too high? Or if your hairdresser, who refused to listen to you, snipped off all the volume & bounce you’d been growing out for months?


<3 How To Make Friends

How do you make (& keep) friends?


<3 What To Wear To A Job Interview

“I was turned down for a job yesterday, to my face the woman said “I would not possibly think of hiring you, you do not have the correct presentation for my office, you should really invest in a suit if you want to make it into the corporate world”. I wore a white shirt and black pants, I did not wear the suit jacket solely because I caught the train and it was 30 degrees. My Mum thought I looked good (that’s not very reliable though) and I loved the shoes and earrings I wore so I even did a daily outfit photo but then I was shot down by this woman.”


<3 Cute Coats (& How To Wear Them)

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


<3 Being Happy Podcast

A podcast version of yesterday’s very popular article.


<3 Being Happy

What is happiness? It’s hard to say, but it’s not what many people think it is. Happiness doesn’t magically come to you with a new pair of shoes, a lean body, a bulging bank account or 5 hours of sex every day. Nor does it materialise after you retire, get married, have a child or quit your job. It’s a little bit more complicated than that.


<3 The New New Romantics

Audrey helps boys plan dates.


<3 Skinny Ties

Audrey’s take on skinny ties.


<3 Coming Out To Homophobes

“I’m bisexual, have had past secret relationships with females and I haven’t told anyone except my boyfriend, who I know is one of the most open minded people out there. Do you know how I could tell my parents, friends and other people I know? My parents make fun of gay/bi/lesbian people. My friends stopped hanging out with one of our close friends because she told them she is a lesbian and another one because she is bi. How could you just stop hanging out with one of your friends after they told you probably one of their most in depth secrets? Also, my school isn’t exactly the most friendly towards the openly gay people or even those who “look” gay. So can you help me figure a way to come ermm – halfway out of the closet – with these people without making them spaz out and shun me?”


<3 Musky Monsieur

Let’s talk about sweats, baby!


<3 How To Make A T-Shirt More Interesting

What do you like to wear with your favourite t-shirt? How do you make it look stylish?


<3 Neogoth

So, what’s neogoth about, anyway? First of all, it has nothing to do with The Matrix — perish the thought! Nor does it have anything to do with bright, neon colours. ‘Neo’ is meant here to mean recent or new. Combine that with ‘goth’ & you get a fresh, modern version of the goth aesthetic. & not a moment too soon!


<3 A Passionless Marriage

What can you do when your husband doesn’t do it for you any more?


<3 How To Have A Freak-Out-Free Birthday

Birthdays are supposed to be the happiest day of the year — the one where you celebrate your life with your closest friends & have an amazing time. But sometimes, they just don’t go as planned. Lots of people loathe their birthday, & refuse to do anything but watch re-runs of ‘Friends’ all day. Others find themselves filled with a nameless dread, while some people resort to getting drunk, high, having a bad one-night stand or spending most of the day in tears.


<3 Why Thou Shalt Accessorise

There is a Latin phrase that goes, ‘Vestis Virum Facit’. Translated, it means, ‘The Clothes Maketh the Man’. Personally though, I think there needs to be a second point added onto that: Accessories Maketh the Outfit.


<3 Geek Chic

Start reclaiming things that you used to get shoved in your locker for wearing!


<3 Sarma's Strawberry Tarts

A recipe from Carol Alt’s book ‘The Raw 50’.


<3 Throwing A Valentine's Day Party!

This article is an excerpt from my digital book, How To Throw A Fantastic Party, which I recently rewrote with lots of gusto!


<3 EFT Tips & Tricks

I have had quite a few questions about EFT recently so I thought I’d address a bunch of them in one go.


<3 How To Get Dressed For A Concert

Audrey tells men how to look stylish at a show.


<3 Rock The Prom!

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


<3 The Ultimate Crush Decoder Ring!

I get emails all the time from people who are in the grips of a major crush. The kind of crush that lives up to its name — the sort that squeezes your insides, makes you hyperventilate & always makes you feel like you’re not being very impressive at all. I realised I hadn’t written an article on how to stop a crush from becoming a crash, or how to salvage the wreckage if it does, & with Valentine’s Day coming up, it seemed appropriate! So, here it is — your crush decoder!


<3 Dealing With Suicide

How to cope when you lose someone close.


<3 Rosewater

I love rosewater. It makes me happy. I like to buy it in strange glass bottles from imported food stores. Here are some things you can do with it if you get your hands on some!


<3 Stylish Wedding Attire For Men

“Help! I’ve been invited to a wedding and I have no idea what to wear!”


<3 50 Ways To Rescue The Worst Day Ever

How to solve an awful day? Clear your calendar. Postpone all social engagements, take time out for yourself & do one (or all) of the following…


<3 Jobs (& Hints) For Creative Souls

“Suggestions for job hunting, or really any way to make money that isn’t completely depressing to the creative heart would be so great!”


<3 Cupcakes, Gala Style!

I am not a master cupcake baker, but I do enjoy it — the baking process as well as the eating part! It feels good to make something tangible, something that can be photographed & enjoyed & admired.


<3 Yoga & Pilates

This is a breakdown of the various types of yoga & Pilates classes, with additional information on who they suit & what to expect!


<3 How To Be A Gentleman

Audrey’s guide to being the perfect gentleman.


<3 How To Be A Writer

“My dream and the only thing I’ve ever really been in interested in is being a writer. Many many people have tried to discourage me from doing this, but it’s my passion! I was wondering if you had any advice?”


<3 Athletic Aesthetics

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


<3 Rumours

“I’m having trouble with some stories that I’ve heard about myself that aren’t true. I was just wondering if you could perhaps give some advice on handling having a rumour being spread about you with poise? Because I am dreading school.”


<3 Putting On The Ritz

How to dress up, for men!


<3 Fashion & Style Predictions: 2008

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


<3 Fetish Wear

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


<3 How To Set Amazing Goals

Why not start 2008 with a fleet of fantastic goals & driving ambitions? Here’s how to go about it.


<3 How To Be Charming

Charm & charisma are similar beasts: it’s the art of making the person you’re speaking to feel like they’re the only person in the room.


<3 Gala's Ridiculous Gingerbread Idols

Tonight, I made gingerbread idols! (More fun than just making generic “men”.)


<3 How To Perform A Striptease!

‘Tis the season to be jolly… & why not be jolly while you take your clothes off?!


<3 New Year's Resolution Ideas!

Okay, I know it can be hard to come up with worthy resolutions for the new year, so I thought I’d give you a bit of help.


<3 5 Masculine Ways To Beat Christmas Stress

Audrey’s tips for dealing with Christmas — in a manly way, of course!


<3 Christmas Cheer!

“It’s Christmas time as you know. Usually one of my favourite times, but this year, I’m not excited. Nothing is exciting me. I find it terribly upsetting but nothing is triggering those wonderful memories. All I can think about is the bad from last year, the things I don’t want to do this season. Needless to say sugarplums are not dancing in my head. I’ve drunk eggnog, hot cocoa, eaten candy canes… Still I find myself rather Grinch-ish. Are there any thoughts or ideas you could give me to brighten my cheer?”


<3 Audrey's Guide To Baldness

A friend recently had to come to terms with the fact that yes, he was indeed losing his hair. It came as quite a shock as he’s not exactly “old”, is quite virile and healthy. Unfortunately, male pattern baldness is a fact of life.


<3 Tomboy Boot Camp

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


<3 Eye Make-Up Questions!

“Currently, I use a black pencil eyeliner on my bottom lash, and use mascara. I’d like to create a smoky effect but I don’t want to buy heaps. Is there some sort of special brush I can use to smudge it in?”


<3 Audrey's Style Guide For Tall Fellows

How to dress if you tower above everyone else!


<3 Totalitarian Daddy

“After reading your article on negative people, I have realized how many negative people I actually have in my life. So, as part of striving to be my own person and expunge myself from these beings, it’s come to my attention that the main negative people that are in my life are my parents, or more specifically, my father. As I’m still 18 and living at home, are there any suggestions you have as to how to deal with his mind-numbing totalitarian ruling and break out from the impact he is having on my life?”


<3 Unrequited Love

Unrequited love takes a lot of forms. Maybe you’re secretly in love with your best friend but don’t know how to tell them — & loathe having to grin & bear it while they tell you about their latest crush.


<3 Summer Style For Men

I recently made the acquaintance of a super-cool boy called Audrey. The good news is that as well as working as a buyer & designer for a men’s youth line, he is also a style fiend. He wrote this & I liked it so much that I asked if I could post it here for all the male readers! I hope you enjoy it!


<3 Preparatory Style

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


<3 False Eyelashes

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


<3 Motivation

“I have a question regarding motivation. You work from home with no one to appease except your fans. How do you find the motivation to continue writing daily? I am student and although I love my field of study, I sometimes think it would be easy to just watch television all day! I want to have the motivation that you obviously have. Please help if you can!”


<3 More EFT Information

Here are the things I’ve learned about EFT since I started. I use it every day, & have done so for over a year now, so I have a fairly good idea of what works & what doesn’t!


<3 Ensure Yourself A Lovely Week With The Help Of The Internet!

I know there are lots of superb ways to improve your week, but when you’re stuck at a desk 5 days out of 7, it can be a bit tough to remember to breathe deeply, splash on some nice perfume or to muster the energy to go to yoga class. But never fear, because the internet is here to help! Here are some things I suggest doing today, so that you have a whole week of treats ahead of you.


<3 Workplace Friendships

“I currently work at a University office, and just started a month ago. There are three girls here around my age, who are friends. I would like to start conversations with them, and I can tell they are nice because we all greet each other daily. I don’t know what to say, but I do see them surfing the same clothing websites I visit, so that could be a topic starter. Any advice?”


<3 Decorating A Room

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


<3 More Blogging Questions

Blogging can be fantastic fun but it can be mind-numbingly frustrating at times, even for people who are technically competent.


<3 How To Be A Good Lover

Lots of ways to make your relationship stronger, & wonderful comments too!


<3 Operation Athletic Bling

What happens when a glamour-fiend starts exercising…


<3 Getting The Most Out Of Your Fashion Magazines

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


<3 Bow-Tie Ideas

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


<3 Dressing For Music Festivals

“With music festival season almost upon us I was wondering if you had any ideas/advice about what to wear to Big Day Out type events? Almost everyone seems wears shorts and t-shirts and it’s so boring!”


<3 Instant Glamour & Fashion Fixes

Sometimes life happens quickly & we don’t have time to construct glamorous outfits or do elaborate makeup. We just have a few seconds & we have to go, go, go! I wrote this little guide to “instant glamour” to help you out in these kinds of situations. Of course, when we only have a few seconds, the last thing you want to do is dig around my website trying to find an article! My suggestion is that you print this out & stick it on the inside door of your makeup cabinet or somewhere near your closet. I hope it helps!


<3 Hallowe'en Costumes

Do some research. Really sit down & have a think about your dress-up options. Once you start pondering it, the ideas will really start to flow, it’s just that you need to be in the mindset first.


<3 Is My Boyfriend Cheating On Me?

“I am wondering if you can give some advice. I’ve been dating this guy for about 2 and a half months. Everything is great but he claims that every Saturday night he goes to his family’s house and stays until Sunday evening. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt but his family does live 60 miles away. Could he possibly be with someone else there in his home town?”


<3 How To Make Your CV Impressive

Exactly what it says! Here are my tips on doing up your CV.


<3 How To Dress Like Edie Sedgwick

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


<3 Dressing With The Essence Of Fairytales

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


<3 Fashion Darling #003

How to do the perfect cat’s eye — my column in Cosmopolitan!


<3 Sexual Abuse

A girl wrote in asking how to deal with her sexual abuse, & I offered some suggestions.


<3 Sealed With A Kiss

How to write a great letter, make an interesting envelope & keep the your postal communication vibrant!


<3 Camping In Style

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


<3 How Can I Make My Travelling Dreams A Reality?

“For the past year I’ve had my heart set on going to the UK and travelling for a few months, and I was meant to be saving up all year, but so far I haven’t got one cent to my name, it’s so depressing! I want this to happen so bad, and yet I feel like it is so unattainable, how can I realise my dream?”


<3 Wardrobe Taming -- Day Eight

Today we’re going to get rid of the stuff you’ve decided not to keep, & we’re also going to make some rules for the future. This will help keep you in control of your spending & your look!


<3 Wardrobe Taming -- Day Seven

Okay my darling, it’s time to organise that closet!


<3 Wardrobe Taming -- Day Six

Today I’d like you to investigate your shopping habits. As you’ve been going through all this stuff you own, you might have noticed patterns cropping up.


<3 Wardrobe Taming -- Day Five

Today is all about finding inspiration & deciding on a new aesthetic direction — or, if you already have an idea of your aesthetic direction, refining it.


<3 Wardrobe Taming -- Day Four

Your fourth task is to talk to someone else about your wardrobe & clothing choices. If you can, pick someone who knows you well, & whose style you respect or admire!


<3 Wardrobe Taming -- Day Three


<3 Wardrobe Taming -- Day Two

Your mission for today is to wear that piece of clothing. You can style it up with whatever else you’ve got.


<3 Wardrobe Taming -- Day One

What’s stopping you from looking your best? When I say best, I mean drop-dead gorgeous. I mean, you could show up Angelina Jolie/Brad Pitt on the red carpet. I mean feeling good in everything you own. So, what’s holding you back?


<3 How To Be The Life Of The Party (Podcast)

Will you be drinking or partaking of substances? Is a long walk on the cards? How about dancing? Are the other guests the sort of ruffians that are likely to spill or throw drinks? (If the answer to this question is yes, maybe it’s time for new friends!)


<3 Corset Remix

The other day, a friend & I were discussing our old gothic predilections. It turned out we were both harbouring corsets in our closets, but since we both felt like we had moved past our old style, didn’t really know what to do with them. Corsets, especially the good ones, tend to be really expensive & some of them are gorgeous pieces of work. Too precious to throw out or give away, but too ‘goth’ to wear. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realised there was a middle ground.


<3 How To Be Confident

Being ‘different’ is always harder than being ‘normal’ & fitting in, towing the line. There is always more effort involved. Any schmuck can wear jeans & comb their hair & be a lemming. It takes someone with guts & a bit of a twist to do something different.


<3 Gift-Giving

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


<3 How To Survive Fashion Week

Voila! The fashion week survival kit, as well as some clever tips to keep you on the right side of Anna Wintour…


<3 Dissecting Men's Style

A breakdown of some stylish men’s outfits, & how you can achieve a similar effect.


<3 Being The New Kid

“I’m 15 and I’ve lived in the same small rural town since 1st grade! My family’s moving a few hours away to be by my grandpa (he’s sick) and I’m going to be plopped into the middle of a big (to me haha) city high school that’s twice the size of my old one… I’m kind of nervous as I’ve never been a “new kid” before. So how do I make friends and deal with the first few days when I don’t know anyone and am sitting alone at the lunch table? I’m not sure how to deal with leaving all my friends behind.”


<3 My Best Friend Is In Love & Ignores Me!

What to do when your friend is bitten by the love bug & disappears…


<3 American Apparel For Summer 07

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


<3 O Magazine & Ellen Barkin

What exactly is she trying to say here? That women over 50 should cover up & shuffle down the street as if invisible? That once you hit your 50th birthday, your time in the spotlight is over? Time to eat at the early-bird special, grab your Zimmer frame & don orthopaedic shoes?


<3 How To Start A Blog

Of all the questions I receive, number one MUST be “how do I start a blog?”. The other day I replied to four such emails, only to have another one come in overnight!


<3 Nu Rave

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


<3 Napping

There is a lot of stigma about napping — the art of bowing out of life for a little while so that you can lay down your head & have a sweet little snooze. People feel guilty about it. “There’s too much to do!”, they bellow. “Who has time to nap?!”


<3 Maintaining Your Individuality In A Relationship

How to remain your own person when you’re living with your lover.


<3 Frilly Knickers

My lingerie commandments & an assortment of cute knickers!


<3 Summer Fun In Your Backyard

“Hello, I have a little backyard that I’m just dying to make into the perfect place for picnics and parties during the summer, but I’m not quite sure what I want it to look like! I’m looking for small backyard inspiration, any suggestions would be wonderful! Furniture, lights, decor, etc etc.”


<3 My Eye Makeup Makes Me Look Like A Clown!

“Recently, some of my relatives gave me an AMAZING make-up kit. It has great color selections, especially in the eye make-up department. At the young age of 13, I want to keep my make-up relatively subdued, but whenever I put on anything other than a sheer beige color, I can’t help but feel like a clown! You often wear bright, crazy eye make-up, and I was hoping that you had some tips for wearing them with confidence.”


<3 Clothes Shopping Tips

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


<3 Keeping Your Relationship Fresh

Go camping, have a picnic, kiss, remove distractions, send racy text messages…


<3 The Fashionable Jew

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


<3 Dealing With Online Nastiness

“I remember when someone wrote a nasty comment about you, and you handled it so well! Could you dish out some advice on how to handle online nastiness… like outright rudeness, public bitching and people who seem to have nothing better to do with their time than insult you and make you angry? I’ve been dealing with a fair bit of this lately and would LOVE it if you wrote an article about it!”


<3 Long Distance Love

Having a long-distance lover can be one of the most exciting things ever, or it can be one of the most heart-rending experiences of your life… & sometimes both at the same time…


<3 How To Have A Great Picnic

Humans tend to be the best sort of guest, though if you’re having a particularly trying week, you might prefer to picnic with pets, stuffed animals or a handsome-looking gherkin…


<3 Gala's Guide To Tennis Chic

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


<3 EFT

EFT is a form of healing & therapy that you can use on yourself. Here I explain a bit about it & film myself doing it!


<3 A Basic Shoe Collection

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


<3 Hand & Nail Care

How to look after your hands on a daily basis, how to give yourself a home manicure & how to choose a good manicurist if you can’t abide doing it yourself!


<3 Non-Monotonous Summer Dressing

“This is inspired by your post on winter dressing… and your post on T-shirts seems to have anticipated my question, so hopefully you will feel up to tackling my problem, or at least giving me a few links in the right direction. Unlike you lucky people who are moving into winter (my favorite season – seriously!) I am living in Tokyo and things are getting hot and humid very fast. Apart from simply wearing less, do you have any suggestions for dressing for summer? Somehow I am hoping that I can layer things, even though it will probably just make me unbearably hot. I just feel that having a top – say a t-shirt – and a bottom – say a pair of cotton trousers – gets monotonous. Advice? Yoroshiku ne!”


<3 A Pre-Shopping Primer (& Podcast)

“The purpose of this podcast is to mentally prepare you for a shopping trip, whether large or small. As much as I love shopping, sometimes it drives me a little bit crazy. There are so many things to keep in order that we all need a little help sometimes. I’m going to give you some helpful tips & ideas for navigating the shops like a pro.”


<3 The Essential Guide To Dressing For Your Shape

This is a very short piece — the sort of thing you can print out, highlight the parts which apply to you & then chuck it in your bag for whenever you go shopping & get stuck.


<3 Gala's Kissing Boot-Camp

I’m quite small so I like to crawl into people’s laps & sit opposite them. This way they are TRAPPED & can’t escape until my lips are satisfied! I am sneaky like that.


<3 "Business Casual"

If you don’t want to fake it — & I don’t blame you — dress like yourself, but imagine your mother is there while you’re choosing your outfit. Run her voice through your head. “Those shoes are completely impractical!” “I think that skirt is a bit short.” “Oh, you just CANNOT wear that.” (If your mother is awesome, like mine, pretend one of the women on Coronation Street is your ma instead.)


<3 How To Be Genuine With People You Dislike

This may involve saying something like, “I don’t know that that’s necessary” or simply, “let’s not kid ourselves, I would rather eat a razorblade sandwich than continue this façade any longer!”


<3 Making Short Hair More Interesting

“I had my hair cut short for the first time a few months ago, and I love it. Not having to worry about bad hair days is marvellous. But I’m getting bored with it looking the same all the time! Since you’ve got short hair, too, I wondered if you’ve got any tips for making it look more interesting?”


<3 Disguising A Chubby Body Part!

“One quick question that might prompt another article for us guys who read you. Have you any tips on disguising or hiding a big tummy? I have more weight than I really need, but it is mostly concentrated on my belly – how can I make sure I look my best (while I try to lose some weight at the same time)?”


<3 How To Buy A Good Pair Of Shoes

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


<3 What To Do With Candles In Glass Jars?

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


<3 How To Adopt A New Skincare Routine

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


<3 Style Tips -- 10th May 2007

Bento boxes, glittery toenails & exciting voicemail messages!


<3 Top 5 Ways To Define Your Own Personal Style

A five-step process to help you cultivate an aesthetic.


<3 How To Rock A Wig

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


<3 Living It Up At Burning Man

There are so many essential packing lists & pages of information on how to do Burning Man properly, & attempting to re-create or better those would be an exercise in futility. I can, however, tell you about my experiences & give you some suggestions.


<3 Paparazzi Photos

But what about those times when you’re at an event & a photographer approaches you, asking to take your photograph for x magazine? It is a time of panic for many of us.


<3 Destructive Relationships

There is really no way to improve a relationship that is bad for you. People rarely change, regardless of how much we want them to.


<3 How To Keep Your Head Above Water (iCiNG Podcast #001 Transcript)

A transcript of iCiNG Podcast #001.


<3 Putting The 'Rave' In Travel Since 1983!

How to make airplane travel less tedious!


<3 Ballet Do's & Don'ts

I haven’t been to the ballet since I was in school, so it was a very exciting experience. For those of you who may be in a similar situation in the near future, I thought I would give you my tips on how to do it properly.


<3 I'm So Jealous!

“I really think you should do an article on dealing with jealousy. I just got hit really badly
today with jealousy since my friend got accepted to this school and I got rejected from mine, even though the ones I applied to are way harder to get into. I just feel like it is unfair since she has not-so-great grades and doesn’t try, while I put my all into everything I do and have straight A’s. It’s hard to explain. But the green-eyed-monster affects us all sometimes…”


<3 How To Deal With The End Of A Relationship

People deal with the end of relationships in various ways. Some people go the healthy route (lots of therapy, good food, exercise & meditation, for example) & some go the unhealthy way (say, lots of alcohol, sex with anyone who pays them a compliment, drugs to create artificial joy & an annoying facial tic).


<3 How To Get A Great Tattoo And Never Regret It

While tattoos can be fantastic & beautiful, they can also be hideous & embarrassing. This article will tell you about the sort of things you need to consider before you get a tattoo, how to pick a design, how to choose a tattoo artist & how to look after it once it’s done.


<3 Unexpected Guests

Sometimes, people just turn up on your doorstep without warning. They could be your best friend, a relative or a distant acquaintance, but regardless, they all bring similar challenges. Where are they going to sleep?! How can you make them feel comfortable? & the ever-pressing question… when are they going to leave, & how can you politely reclaim your life (& living room)?


<3 Negative People

The supremely negative are obvious — they have a puckered-up mouth from years of scowling, they whine a lot, they complain, they are blind to anything good happening in the world, & they want to take you down with them. However, sometimes negative people are hard to spot, until you step back from the situation. They talk smack about everyone, including you, under the pretense of “being your friend” & “honesty”. “I’m only saying this because I care about you!” they protest, after sticking a carving knife in your back.


<3 How To Wear A Scarf

“I bought a couple of scarves the other day and would love to know the best way to wear them! It sounds like a silly question as I know how to tie a scarf, but yours look fab and so effortless. One I bought is long, slim and silkish, black with skinny red double striped border. The other is a square (to be folded into a triangle) and cotton with a grey tiger print and tiger face on one corner – red trim. They would both give quite a different look. Any advice would be great!”


<3 Avoiding Creeps

Nobody likes to be yelled at in the street, whistled at, or otherwise ogled. I know that a lot of women are nervous to leave the house wearing a short skirt, high heels, a low-cut top or anything that could be perceived as “slutty”. It really angers me that people aren’t able to dress however they like because of other people’s stunted social prowess.


<3 How To Settle Into A City (Part Two: Domestic)

This is part two of How To Settle Into A City. While it’s all very well & good to have a raging social life (or to get preoccupied trying to create one), this will mean very little if your home life is hell.


<3 How To Settle Into A City (Part One: Social)

“I am moving to Auckland at the end of this year (with my boyfriend) so that I can attend university up there. How does one make friends? I’ve heard all the ‘take a class/join a club’ suggestions which I’m not suggesting aren’t valid, but I’ve taken many classes and haven’t really become great friends with any of the other attendees. I don’t want to come on too strong and seem desperate. Also I’m quite shy. Waaaah… Gala, how do I make friends in a foreign environment?!?!”


<3 How To Rock A Beehive

“Hello, lovely! First off, thanks for being awesome! Love love love the site! Secondly, I have a question. Do you know of a tutorial or something on how to do your hair like a 60’s beehive? I don’t know if mine is long enough yet but I have decided to let it grow for the moment & I am DYING to do it in a beehive! I know you have short hair, but you are the only person I could think to ask something like this. Thanks!”


<3 Visiting A Mall

Miles of shiny linoleum, epilepsy-inducing lights, & of course, the other patrons. Oh, the other patrons!


<3 How Do I Choose An Eyeshadow Which Suits Me?

“My mother is not one of those women who wears a lot of make-up. The most she’ll ever wear is foundation and powder. Unfortunately for me, that means she can’t give me tips or tricks on choosing or applying make-up. How do you choose an eyeshadow and once you’ve found one, how do you go about wearing it? Sounds silly, but I’m desperate for help.”


<3 Buying Gifts For Teenage Girls

“I am off to a young cousin’s birthday festivity this weekend with no clue of what to get her for her 14th birthday. She is an aspiring and adorable trendsetter, with stacks of Vogue and dress sketches around her young room. However, in the ever competitive world of high school it can be difficult to make a mark with your own fashion. What could I buy her that she would appreciate, adore and wear? I would like her to step away from the name brands and explore the endless world of personal fashion… but at such a young age how can I help?”


<3 How To Pack A Suitcase

“More specifically, how do you decide ahead of time what to bring with you on a trip? I decide so spur of the moment that I often end up over-packing. How do you pack when you are unsure of occasions you might hit or moods you might be in?”


<3 iCiNG Presents: Nicole Jenkins of Circa Vintage

A video of Nicole Jenkins from Circa Vintage, speaking about how to buy good vintage clothing, how to care for it, how to work it into your modern wardrobe & more!


<3 Learning How To Dress Up

“I’m completely sick of dressing down and jeans and such. I want to start wearing skirts and dresses and dress pants. I’d like to stick to black and red and white if possible. Any suggestions on where to start with completely re-vamping my wardrobe?”


<3 How To Throw A Fantastic Party With Gala!

I have finally finished my first ever e-book! (So exciting.) It’s called “How To Throw A Fantastic Party” & it is 39 pages of awesome inspiration for your next shindig.


<3 How To Buy A Winter Coat


<3 How To Wear Layers Without Looking Like A Crazy Bag Lady

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


<3 Improving Your Life With Feng Shui (Or: Why I Bought Goldfish Today)

Here’s a brief overview of feng shui concepts, & some easy ways to implement them.


<3 The Perfect Roadtrip

Every now & then when your life gets complicated & the weasels start closing in, the only real cure is to load up on heinous chemicals & then drive like a bastard from Hollywood to Las Vegas. To relax, as it were, in the womb of the desert sun. Just roll the roof back & screw it on, grease the face with white tanning butter & move out with the music at top volume, & at least a pint of ether. ... Here’s how to have a great roadtrip.


<3 Accessorising For Men

“I’ve got a boyfriend who’s not altogether a bad dresser – what he wears is what the majority of boys in my (very warm) country dress in: big tees/polo tees paired with jeans or berms, with Nike dunks, Adidas superstars or flip-flops. But I’d love to see him dress up just a little bit more, with a bit of accessorising maybe. What would you suggest? And how would you suggest integrating these items into his daily wardrobe?”


<3 How To Beat Problem Skin Into Submission

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


<3 How To Dress Up A School Uniform

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


<3 Makeup Basics Part Two -- Makeup Application

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


<3 How To Walk In High Heels

Wandering around the city on my lunch break today, I noticed that many girls seemed to be having quite a bit of difficulty walking in their high heels. Have you considered writing an article on how to walk in high heels gracefully &/or with the least amount of pain?


<3 How To Age Gracefully

I recently had an email from a woman who is nearing 60 years old. She is in incredible shape (I should know, I saw the photos) & has great style but is caught in the trap of getting older & being unsure what to do about it.


<3 How To Throw A Tea-Party

The first step is to get excited about the prospect of your tea party! (Some books that may aid this process are “Let’s Have A Tea Party” by Emilie Barnes & “I’m A Little Teapot” by Iza Trapani.)


<3 Shorts For Men

It’s summer and I want to wear shorts, but only feel stylish in pants. Is there any way around this dilemma?


<3 Trends For 2007 and How To Avoid Looking Like A Fashion Victim

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


<3 Choosing Sunglasses That Suit You

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


<3 What Goes and What Clashes?

What clashes? What colours don’t go together? What can’t you wear with what? Stripes and polka dots? Stripes and more stripes? Mixing patterns?


<3 Makeup Basics Part One -- Skincare

Being a guy I don’t usually wear makeup, but on occasion when going out I’ll throw some mascara on and maybe some nail polish. I like to be exuberant at times and was thinking of getting some eye shadow too. But in honesty I know next to nothing about the basics of makeup. Can you enlighten me?


<3 How To Choose A Flattering Haircut

I recently received an email from my friend who is getting her hair cut tomorrow afternoon & wanted to know how to choose a good haircut.


<3 The Ultimate Guide To Unnatural Hair Colouring

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


<3 Marie Antoinette Style

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


<3 How To Disguise A Stomach

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


<3 Casual Suit Jackets

I see alot of hipsters wearing suit jackets without the rest of the suit. Is this just wrong? Or are there certain conditions in which this can be pulled off?


<3 The New Eyebrow

As you know, I am not the greatest trend follower, but I am delighted to report that the strong eyebrow is “in”! I have always been a fan of this look (as my own eyebrows will testify) & I’m very happy that I will be seeing more of it on the street.


<3 Style Essentials and The Balancing Act

Here’s a very “hypothetical” question for you. How would you start
over if some tragedy befell your wardrobe and you were left with
formal gowns, lingerie, an old pair of jeans that stopped looking good
at least a year ago and a skirt that you’ve loved almost to death?


<3 Difficult Boys, Dressing Them For Occasions and How To Buy A Suit

Please help me. I need some fashion advice for my boyfriend PRONTO. My boyfriend and I are going to a flurry of weddings (mostly semi-formal) over the next few months and he has literally NOTHING to wear.


<3 Flattering Photographs

If you would like to look good in a photograph, whether it’s for an online dating site, a new Livejournal icon or to give your parents for Christmas, here are my tips.


<3 Kissable lips

Kissing is one of my favourite activities. I have spent serious time investigating products & tricks to make it better! Seriously! Other than brushing twice a day, using teeth whitening treatments & flossing, it’s all in the lips.


<3 Fashion Help for Recovering Goths

I guess the first issue would be for ‘recovering goths’ like myself. “How to give up an all-black wardrobe.” ... I’ve been wearing all black since 1985.