All articles tagged 'inspiration'

Issue yourself a Twitter challenge! Try using only song lyrics to express yourself; write all your tweets in haiku format; only write positive updates for a week; chart your good deeds; rhyme everything for a week, etc.

What Should I Wear?

People often email me saying, “I’m (insert age) & (insert size), what should I wear?”

Style Tips -- 11th November 2008

Take a photo of yourself looking really, really happy. Bonus points: link to it in the comments! (The comments on this article are awesome!)

I Want To Be... A Magazine Founder & Editor!

What is Coilhouse? It’s a love letter to alternative culture, in a time when alternative culture no longer exists. It’s the squirming, excitable brainchild of three amazing women: Meredith Yayanos, Nadya Lev & Zoetica Ebb. All three serve as editors, & all three bring their own unique experience & charms to the table.

What Do You Want To Do Before 2008 Ends?

What do you want to achieve before the end of the year? You have 55 days to make something amazing happen!

4th Grade TiLT

“I do TiLT with my students every Thursday and they love it. Here are a few responses that I will share…”

Last Night In New York City

I made a video of last night’s election excitement in New York City! It had to be seen to be believed.

I Am Exhilarated & Terrified At The Same Time

Okay, America… Make us proud.

I Want To Be... A Health Counsellor!

What’s it like to work as a health counsellor? Rachel tells us!

Quote Of The Day -- 25th October 2008

Go into your heart and find your own truth…

Parisian Style

Allow yourself to get a little dishevelled. If you don’t know how to make that happen, get dressed, then have sex, then leave the house. Simple, non?!

100 Ways To Be A Love Letter To The Universe

Share your bliss. Turn up the music. Let go.

I Want To Be... A Lingerie Designer!

Loulou talks about creating a lingerie company & what she’s put into it — as well as beating Fibromyalgia & gaining the kudos of Vogue!

How To Beat Writer's Block

The most common piece of advice for anyone suffering writer’s block is “just write”. Of course, this is an excellent suggestion, because what you need is to get your flair back. So “just write” is all very well & good, but sometimes we need more prompting, more pushing, something bolder. How can you “just write” when you feel bored, frustrated & uninspired? Here are my suggestions for getting the better of the thing all writers dread.

I Want To Be... A Digital Marketing Manager!

Alice Judge-Talbot, as well as being super-sassy & cute with a drink in her hand, works for VICE magazine as their Digital Marketing Manager.

Style Tips -- 9th October 2008

Buy yourself a bunch of flowers which complement your hair.

Floria Sigismondi

Floria is one of my favourite artists. She started off as a painter & illustrator, saying that she was transfixed by paintbrushes from an early age, but soon moved onto photography & music video direction.

A Reminder

Stop comparing yourself to other girls, no matter how pretty, clever, cool or cashed-up they are.

I Want To Be... A Poet!

Is it really possible to eke out a living in the literary world? As a poet, no less?! Just ask Claire!

Style Tips -- 27th September 2008

Come up with some new birthday traditions — like a colourful photoshoot, receiving your age in kisses, or throwing cake from a great height!

I Want To Be... A Graphic Designer!

Nubby Twiglet talks to us about making a living as a graphic designer.

How To Cope With A Quarter-Life Crisis (Part Two)

How to develop satisfying relationships, & how they can help you avoid an existential crisis!

How To Cope With A Quarter-Life Crisis

What is a quarter-life crisis? What are the catalysts or causes, & how can you avoid one yourself? Click click, you know you want to!

The Virgo Birthday Extravaganza: Report!

Photos of my 25th birthday party, including portraits of some of the guests!

I Want To Be... A Fashion Designer!

Ana Steele writes about what it’s like to be a fashion designer!

Things I Love Thursday

The things I love this Thursday, in no particular order… Drumroll, please!

Betsey Johnson at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

A review of the Betsey Johnson show, video & all!

Nicole Miller & Erin Fetherston at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

What’s fashion week really like? Let me tell you…

I Want To Be... An Illustrator!

Molly Crabapple, illustrator & founder of international art movement Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, gives some pointers on making it in the art world!

Things I Love Thursday

Blog World Expo, international playgirl lifestyle, spring, ridiculous manicures with jewels in ‘em & pole-dancing classes!

Dame Darcy's Gasoline

A video interview with Dame Darcy about her new graphic novel coming out soon, Gasoline.

I Want To Be... A Cupcake Queen!

My friend Jess makes the best cupcakes I’ve ever tried in my entire life, & her business is an absolute triumph! Here she discusses what it’s like to frost 700 cupcakes in one sitting, & the realities of the cupcake world!

When SSM Strikes!

What is SSM? It stands for Seasonal Sartorial Malaise, & it’s a hideous beast!

I Want To Be... A Life Coach!

An interview with Tim Brownson, life coach, about what he does.

Gala's Birthday Wishlist!

This is the birthday wishlist I would give to my boyfriend… if my boyfriend was the Sultan of Brunei!

Richard Brautigan

Some of my favourite poems by Richard Brautigan.

I Want To Be... A Tattoo Artist!

I talk to Tim Kern about tattooing as a career.

10 Ways To Snap Yourself Out Of A Slump

Here are some of my favourite ways to break the shackles of a slump.

Andy Warhol's Beauty Tips

“Beauty really has to do with the way a person carries it off. When you see “beauty” it has to do with the place, with what they’re wearing, what they’re standing next to, what closet they’re coming down the stairs from.”

Style Tips -- 30th July 2008

Sit on your kitchen table, set up your camera, & take photographs of yourself cutting up your stockings.

How To Have A Summer Romance (With Yourself)

...Even then, sometimes people are disappointing, or not as romantic as you’d hope, or they don’t share your fervour for eating cheese in treehouses. & I mean, honestly, a summer romance isn’t a summer romance without cheese in a treehouse.

Gala's Guide To NYC Version 1.0

Here are some of my favourite things about New York City… just a few odds & ends I have discovered in my 3 months here.

Style Tips -- 21st July 2008

Sneak onto a rooftop at night, lie down & drink iced tea. Enjoy the view & twinkling lights.

Style Tips -- 16th July 2008

Communicate. Fearlessly. Anyone who is worth it will make you feel good about doing so.

50 Things To Do Before Winter Ends

Freezing your toosh off? Feeling the urge to just sit around & grizzle about the weather? Shape up, cutie! Try doing these instead!

50 Things To Do Before Summer Ends

Feeling bored? Does the hot weather have you lethargic & listless? Try keeping yourself occupied with one (or several) of the following!

Things I Love Thursday

Nubby Twiglet (!!!), journalling, everything happening for a reason, sparkly pens…

How To Be A Leader

What are the essential elements of leadership? What skills & assets do you need in order to steer a group of people in one direction or the other?

Style Tips -- 30th June 2008

Next time you have to make a nerve-wracking phone-call, put on your best, most fabulous pair of shoes. March around your room in them for a bit, pluck up your courage & then dial on your feet. (You always sound more authoritative standing up!)

Your Personal Manifesto

If you were going to make a Wordle image that summed up all the attributes you admired — & the kind of person you wanted to be — what would it look like?

2008 Trends & The Imaginary Girls Who Make Them Look Magical

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.

Sera Beak

Last night I went to a talk by Sera Beak — the spiritual cowgirl!

Bubble Battle!

It was amazing.

Daily Outfit -- 19th June 2008

Dress like a cupcake should feel. I took it to heart this evening!

An Idea, Perfectly Illustrated

Top yourself with a delicious head-piece — make a hat out of melted birthday candles or thread jelly babies into your hair.

Loving A New City: Alone

How to enjoy yourself in a new place & not feel lonely.

Quote Of The Day -- 16th June 2008

A Note from the Universe.

Style Tips -- 16th June 2008

Wear something sparkly, get in the bath, pool or a big puddle, & have a mermaid photoshoot.

How To Wear Pink Cowboy Boots

“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?”

Things I Love Thursday

TLC, girls who buy me cupcakes, Pharrell Williams & of course, much much more.

Quote Of The Day -- 10th June 2008

DailyOM rules.

Style Tips -- 8th June 2008

Make cupcakes at 3am with a friend.

Things I Love Thursday

Chester French, air conditioning, Lush cosmetics, having my palm read & more!

Quote of the Day -- 4th June 2008

Always be yourself. No one else shines like you — nor can they illuminate a room, thrill onlookers or shatter perceptions in the amazing way you do.

Turning A House Into A Home

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.

Artists Of The Moment

Artists who make my heart throb!

Style Tips -- 26th May 2008

Buy yourself a pair of fabulous, extravagant heels. Go on. Just do it!

The Constant Gardener: Podcast

A recording of me reading my recent article.

The Constant Gardener

My mother has always said, “Everything happens for a reason”. For years I thought this was just her way of placating me when something bad happened, but recently I have come to realise the inherent wisdom in it.

Things I Love Thursday

Meeting new people, bicycle delivery guys, my new apartment & a whole lot of NYC-centric lust!

iCiNG Time Capsule

Let’s take a little trip down memory lane…

iCiNG Transformation Challenge -- How'd You Do?

Well, for a lot of you, today is the last day of the iCiNG Transformation Challenge. Phew! It’s been an interesting month, huh?

Moleskine Inspiration

Beautiful pictures to spur you into journalling action!

How To Wear... Competition!

iCiNG has teamed up with Polyvore for another competition!

Spring Uniforms

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!

Things I Love Thursday

The iCiNG community, telephones, New York +++!

Kink Under The Covers

“What would you recommend to spice up your sex life?”

Deciphering Your Cravings

This is a guest post from the official sponsor of the iCiNG Transformation Challenge, Emrys Tetu! (Applause!)

Daily Outfit -- 23rd April 2008

I am a spy.

iCiNG Transformation Challenge Discussion!

This is the official discussion area for the iCiNG Transformation Challenge.

Ooh, The iTC Starts Tomorrow!

How I overcame my fears & went to a cheerleading class!

iCiNG Transformation Challenge -- Reminder!

For those of you who still aren’t sure how they’d like to participate, here are a few ideas.

ModCloth Competition!

Win a $100 voucher from ModCloth by making a fabulous outfit!

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

That’s so cute & awesome, & I think you should definitely approach him. After all, what is life without courage? But having said that, there are some definite tips to keep you from crossing over into scary stalker territory.

Style By The Stars: What's Your Astrological Aesthetic?

Suggested outfits for those of you who want to dress in accordance with your sign!

iCiNG Transformation Challenge -- Mailing List!

If you want to jump on board, sign up below. I’ll start sending you messages of love, cheer, invigoration & fortitude a few days before the iTC starts… & we’ll take it from there!

iCiNG Transformation Challenge -- Announcement!

I wanted to let you all know about something I’m planning to kick off soon. It’s called the iCiNG Transformation Challenge, it will run for a month & it revolves around us taking control of our lives & our bodies in a concentrated way! It’s like weekly resolutions but amped up in a way that would make even Victoria Beckham exclaim, “MAJOR!”.

8 Outfits & Ideas For The Perfect First Date

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.

How To Let Someone Know That You Like Them

Lots of super-sweet ideas to let your crush know they’re on your mind!

What Would You Wear At 40?

“I confess, when I shop with my 19 year-old daughter, I am so envious of the style choices she has. PLEASE do women like me a favor! How can a forty-something mom build a style without large expense (we are paying for college you know) which will look new and fresh but appropriate for our age. Remember, we don’t have the great bodies we did at your age. Classic but unexpected. Flattering. Age-appropriate but FUN! What do you see yourself wearing at 40?”

iCiNG Treats

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.

Raw Coaching With Karen Knowler

An MP3 of my raw coaching call with Karen Knowler — which totally blew my socks off!

Themed Outfits For Intellectuals

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

Interview With Mike Dooley

Click to listen to us yabbering!

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.

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.

Things I Love Thursday

Skins, blazing my own trail, my new heart-shaped mirror ball… !

Fun Accessories

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

Things I Love Thursday

Soy hazelnut hot chocolates, Karl Lagerfeld, my new dictaphone, dubstep & more more more!

Wow

I love this video.

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!

Weekly Resolutions

I started to ponder the concept of having weekly resolutions. I know that New Year’s resolutions can be quite daunting to a lot of people, which I’m sure isn’t helped by the fact that we are always expected to set great hulking goals for ourselves (like “Solve world hunger” & “Organise closet”). But if we could break down the time-frame, surely that would make it easier?

Valentine's Day Panic!

What would you put on a mixtape for your #1 crush?

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.

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.

Geek Chic

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

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!

Things I Love Thursday

Calendars, leather jackets, The Flashbulb & lots more! Plus — Audrey weighs on what’s making him happy, too!

Argyle S.O.S.!

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

Quote of the Day -- 6th February 2008

R.I.P., Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

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.

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.

Super Tuesday

I don’t normally make political statements here, but you guys have the power to change the world.

Top 5 Fictional Female Style Icons

Television & movies are overrun with underdressed & badly-styled characters. But what about when the major studios get it right? This is my little homage to who I think are the 5 most stylish female characters.

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…

Dali Atomicus

This photograph was shot live. It took 26 attempts, & over five hours to get it to look like this. Halsman would count, & on ‘four’, Salvador Dali would leap in the air, three assistants would throw cats, one other assistant would chuck the bucket of water, & Halsman’s wife would hold the chair as Halsman took the picture.

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.

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?”

Things I Love Thursday

This week I lurve amazing people, my new blender, thinking about transitioning to raw veganism…

Tarina Tarantino Interview

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

DailyOm

I received this email from DailyOm today & it was so accurate that it actually made me say, “Ouch!” Good food for thought.

What To Do: The First Weekend Of 2008

Fun ideas for the weekend!

Things I Love Thursday

Things I’m loving! White rooms, David Letterman, eating properly, the delight of 2008…

Fashion & Style Predictions: 2008

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

Fetish Wear

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

Gibbous

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

How To Set Amazing Goals

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

Gala's Ridiculous Gingerbread Idols

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

iCiNG's Best Of: 2007

If you’re after some light reading for the next few days, here are my favourite articles from the past twelve months…

Christian Louboutin

Why the red sole? / It’s a green light for men.

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.

Things I Love Thursday

New music, Sofia Coppola, cleaning & organising, & a huge pile of other stuff!

Fabulous New Year's Eve Outfits

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

New Zealand Style

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

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?”

Style Tips -- 15th December 2007

Sew a heart onto the underside of one of your gloves.

Isabel Toledo

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

Tomboy Boot Camp

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

John Galliano

“Too much imagination? Too much fun? Too much excitement? Too much adventure? NO WAY! Enough is never enough & when you are tired of the routine you have to go seek adventure so that you never get enough — feed your mind, body & soul, & live life in a technicolour of imagination.”

Things I Love Thursday

My balcony, make-up classes, songs in my head, Gossip Girl…

Audrey's Style Guide For Tall Fellows

How to dress if you tower above everyone else!

Style Tips -- 1st December 2007

Window shopping in France is called lèche-vitrines — the literal translation is “window licking”!

Audrey's Christmas Gift Guide!

Audrey gives tips on buying Christmas gifts for men!

Gala's Christmas Gift Guide!

My guide to fun Christmas gift-giving.

Romancing Yourself

I was inspired to write this piece by a fantastic girl called Kylie who emailed me the other day, saying that she had never had a boyfriend & was pretty happy that way. Recently, however, in a conversation with a friend, she declared that she was no longer single — that she was dating herself!

Life After School

“I was wondering, for us younger readers, how is life after high school? Is college easier, harder, less, or more work? What about after that? Do your goals change? What about your personality? Are you able to go through a “self-discovery” period or do you just get thrown into life right away? As a young adult, what are your thoughts about all this? How was high school different for you?”

Beloved Aesthetics

Do you love girls with long red hair, or curvy women in jeans & heels? Do you have a weakness for tattooed Japanese boys, or for men in impeccable suits?

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!

Preparatory Style

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

Gossip Girl Style

Gossip Girl is, without a doubt, the most stylish show on television. Don’t believe me?

Things I Love Thursday

Rachel Zoe’s style manual, butoh workshops, treehouses…

Gala Darling Loves American Apparel!

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

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.

Things I Love Thursday

People moving to my city, finding elusive items, booking my Christmas holiday & many many many more things.

Happy Hallowe'en!

Who are these mysterious Hallowe’en cuties?

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?

Embracing Your Inner Nerd

Recently, my friend Nadia & I went to a “nerdcore” themed party. We were trying to think of ways to appear nerdy but still stylish, when I came up with the idea of wearing blinged-out calculators.

Style Tips -- 29th October 2007

Dance in every elevator you catch today, alone or not. I am like a one-woman elevator disco at all times. It makes the vertical commute so much more exciting! (Not to mention, I love the idea of cuties across the world dancing in elevators!)

Things I Love Thursday

Dry shampoo, Victoria Beckham & turbans!

Ideas For iCiNG Day #001

I’ve had some questions recently from people asking what I was going to do for iCiNG Day. Well, it’s a secret, but rest assured, I have plans! Great ones! It seems like some of you are stuck for ideas, however, so I thought I’d give you a bit of a hand…

Operation Athletic Bling

What happens when a glamour-fiend starts exercising…

Getting The Most Out Of Your Fashion Magazines

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

Bow-Tie Ideas

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

Things I Love Thursday

What do I love this Thursday? Eartha Kitt, Louise Dahl-Wolfe, parkour & more!

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!”

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.

Things I Love Thursday

Where’s Wally? Where On Earth Is Carmen Sandiego? & a few other things…

DELIGHT or SMITE? (October)

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

Same Sex Marriage

The most touching video ever, maybe.

How To Dress Like Edie Sedgwick

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

Things I Love Thursday

Dr Seuss audiobooks, mysterious postcards, dada & MORE!

Quotes of the Day -- 3rd October 2007

Clever words from Eleanor Roosevelt.

A Doctor's Dilemma

“I am writing because I’d like to make a change in my life. I currently work full time to put myself through night school. I’m going to be a physician… in many, many, many years. I feel like my life is surrounded by things for the future and nothing for ‘now’. I work at a doctor’s office (which I enjoy), but I was thinking about doing something that may not be totally conducive for my future but would give me a sense of control that I desperately need. I want to (are you ready?) go to esthetician school. It will take about six months and leave me 5K-8K in debt. I think I’ll be able to work and still attend night school once I’ve graduated. I just want something in my life that I feel is mine, NOW, fully. I’m always working for tomorrow & I’ve forgotten to live for today. I’ve become very reclusive and have developed severe anxiety. I need something. I’m taking fiddle lessons, but I feel like I need more. I’m only 23 and I feel like I’ve wasted so much of my life. That’s crazy right? I mean, I’m young and can make my life anything…right? No rules? No specific paths I need to follow? I dunno.”

Style Tips -- 3rd October 2007

How to hang a mirror, manners, hats, exotic fruit!

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.”

Fashion Darling #003

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

Fashion Report: Spring/Summer 2007/08

My direction for spring/summer 2007/08 is a mix of aristocratic, tennis & haughty chic, with modern edges.

Things I Love Thursday

Hot air balloons, Barbara Cartland, inspiration… & a fabulous stack of comments!

Less Is More

Try experimenting with the “less is more” look. Here’s why.

Winter Style 2007

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

Sealed With A Kiss

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

Camping In Style

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

Winter Essentials 2007

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

Things I Love Thursday

Violet Crumble ice creams, long naps, super-speedy morning walks, vibrant blue skies, mismatched saucers & teacups, other people’s birthdays…

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?”

Size Vanity

Size doesn’t mean anything. Being an 0, an 8 or an 18 is irrelevant — especially in this day & age, where so many companies assign “sizes” based on vanity & consumer feedback.

Summer Essentials 2007

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

Things I Love Thursday

Today I love being sung happy birthday by my psychic friend in Texas with a faux-Russian accent, big striped sunhats, bejewelled turbans, passionate waiters, blowing out candles, massage…

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.

Happy Birthday To Me!

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me! Happy birthday, dear Gala, happy birthday to me!

Equestrian Chic

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

Things I Love Thursday

Things I Love Thursday is about building appreciation & gratitude. Here are the things I appreciate today.

Quote of the Day -- 5th September 2007

Oscar Wilde, baby!

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.

DELIGHT or SMITE? (September)

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

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.

Making Dali Proud

Moustaches in honour of Dali!

Diana, Princess of Wales

Lessons we learned from Diana, Princess of Wales.

Things I Love Thursday

Violet hair, birthdays, gift vouchers & more!

I Love New York!

New York is my favourite city in the entire world. I have been obsessed with it since I was a child — it seemed like the total opposite of the sleepy city in which I grew up.

Dissecting Men's Style

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

Betsey Johnson's Apartment

Her incredible decorating skills.

Things I Love Thursday

Things which are making me happy today!

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…

iCiNG Manifesto

iCiNG is about dolling yourself up, inside & out. It’s for girls who read Nabokov & wear stilettos, boys who appreciate glamour & take style risks.

Style Tips -- 20th August 2007

Write a wish on a balloon, listen to different music, wear red lipstick…

Summer Is Coming!

Three outfits I would love to wear this summer.

Cheap Glee

Sometimes you just need to be perked up — & sometimes your wallet’s feeling a little bit lighter than you would like. In these situations, what you need is a shot of cheap glee. Here are some ways to get it…

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?

Nu Rave

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

Style Icons: Madonna

“I think you can be defiant & rebellious & still be strong & positive.” — Madonna

Daily Outfit -- 3rd August 2007

Today I dressed as Miss Schiaparelli Antoinette, a distant relative of the beheaded monarch.

DELIGHT or SMITE? (August)

My take on August. I love sticker photobooths, heart-shaped lockets, & realisations…

Men's Summer Style '07

Ben asked me what I thought men should be wearing this summer, so I illustrated my point with several cute boys from street fashion blogs.

Style Icons: Marchesa Luisa Casati

She wore live snakes as jewellery, & was infamous for her late-night walks, during which she would walk cheetahs on diamond-studded leashes, while completely naked beneath her furs.

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.”

People I Like (Who You Might Like Too)

John Halcyon Styn, Rob Brezsny & Guy Kawasaki.

Happy Gonzo Day!

Today would have been Hunter S. Thompson’s 70th birthday, so I dressed in homage.

I Don't Know What To Do With My Life!

“I just ended my four-month contract with a company that paid well and had good prospects just because it really bored me to death and now I feel like I should’ve tried harder to make things work.”

Daily Outfit -- 14th July 2007

Channelling the Marchesa Luisa Casati & wishing I was in the Hollywood Hills.

Things I Love Thursday

Learning to appreciate small things makes life much more pleasant. Here are some things I’m loving today.

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

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

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…

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…

More Days To Celebrate

Some fabulous people, their birthdays & ways we can commemorate them.

The Cheap Date Guide To Style -- Book Review

A great book — some quotes.

Even More Pictures From International Dress Up Day #005!

Beautiful ladies! Kelly, Lux, Annie, Gilda & Katoo!

More Evidence Of International Dress Up Day #005!

More more more! From Vanessa, Diana, Rachel (who made an awesome video), Nessa, Annaloren & Zay!

Pow-Wows & The Law Of Attraction

Being in charge of your own life versus complaining for the sake of it.

More International Dress Up Day #005 Pictures!

Beautiful creations from Ashley, Kori, Becki, Lalumiere, Aimee, Victoria, NoirMuse, Candice & her friend Rachel!

Grey Gardens

I love Little Edie, & I want to have a Grey Gardens party. BYO flea spray.

I Made Cupcakes!

I made cupcakes which didn’t look perfect & my boyfriend said something very inspiring.

DELIGHT or SMITE? (June)

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

International Dress-Up Day #005 Theme!

The theme for International Dress-Up Day #005 (on Saturday the 16th of June) is… Dress up as your alter-ego or evil twin! Here are some pictures (& a song!) to get you in the mood.

james&august Competition Winners!

My five winners & a whole lot of honourable mentions! Great responses all around.

Things I Learned From Watching Miss Universe 2007

Some people enter a room & even before they introduce themselves, you know you’re in for a sleigh-ride to Boredomville. In Miss Universe, you could tell the girls who had a little something going on upstairs — their eyes sparkled, they smiled mischievously, they walked with a purpose — & that made them far more attractive.

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?”

Things To Do In Summer

Make friends with someone who has a swimming pool — or find one you can sneak into easily.

41 Years Old & An XXXL -- What Should I Wear?

“If 40 is the new 30, and I’m a 41 yo 3XL girl, what should I be wearing?”

International Dress-Up Day #004 Theme!

The theme for International Dress-Up Day #004 is FILM NOIR!

A Fat Rant

A video by Joy Nash on accepting yourself.

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?”

Random Acts Of Kindness

Beth sent me an email outlining the secret messages she had been placing on people’s windshields…

Style Tips -- 10th May 2007

Bento boxes, glittery toenails & exciting voicemail messages!

Top 5 Ways To Define Your Own Personal Style

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

iCiNG's May Crush List

There were two pieces of criteria that needed to be well-filled to get onto this list. Talent & sex appeal. I admit, sometimes I can be shallow. It is not just good enough to be clever — which is why people like Stephen Hawking are notably absent. It’s not okay just to be cute, either. Style without substance has never really been my bag.

Madame Pompadour

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

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.

Flickr Favourites -- 27th April 2007

A selection of my Flickr favourites for the week. Lots of bright colours!

International Dress-Up Day #003 Pictures Again!

Australians do it better! Or do they?!

More International Dress-Up Day #003 Pictures!

These are SUCH adorable photos! It looks like everyone had a really good time.

Be Your Own Superhero

Stop looking outside yourself for people to emulate. Stop waiting to meet someone who is going to “make you happy”.

International Dress-Up Day Reminder!

Wear ribbons, crowns & frills, blow up balloons, eat baked goods & put dollops of cream on your nose, take photobooth pictures with bunny ears on, lie in a park or climb trees with headphones on, eat fairy bread…

Burlesque Chic

For anyone who wants to incorporate a little old-world glamour into their daily dressing, here are some ways to do it…

iCiNG's Definition Of Chic

Yesterday, Kristen suggested that we all — as a community! — compile a list of what we think is chic. In her words, a “positive, fun, happy” list. I think it’s a brilliant idea, so here it is! I think a chic person…

Apartment Living & The Single Gal

I recently had a request from somebody who wanted to see more photos of my apartment in Auckland, New Zealand. The good news is, I have a lot of photos I can show you. However, most of the pictures have people in them too. I guess I didn’t think at the time that one day I would be doing an online show-&-tell of where I used to live!

Modern Manners

A call for a return to manners, civility & poise! I believe that the days of being petulant & stroppy must end! I am bored by girls who chew gum with their mouth open, frustrated by those who drag their feet while they walk, disappointed by boys who eat with their elbows on the table.

Marriage -- The Final Frontier

If you were going to ask someone to marry you, how would you do it? If you already have, or someone has asked you, how did it happen? What are your thoughts on marriage in general?

Miss Sixty Fall 2007

Okay, I know I don’t normally publish runway photos, but this collection — Miss Sixty Fall 2007 — is incredibly cool &, in my opinion, very wearable.

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

A transcript of iCiNG Podcast #001.

Urban Bohemian

I thought some of you might find these pictures stylistically inspiring…

Erica Jong's Birthday

Erica Jong ages another year. Here’s how you can celebrate…

Possible Style Icons

I’m not 100% sure on either of these girls yet, but I think they have definite potential.

Primp My Ride

“I have an article idea for you me dear. Pimp my ride Gala-stylezzz! Please? The Toyota Corona I got for my 30th is sooooooo lame and has no sass compared to my old Peugeot that gave up. Help me make my ease-ey pease-ey Japanese-ey car cool?”

More International Dress Up Day #002 Photos & A Video!

Annaloren dressed as the Queen of Hearts & Anna Rose made a video of herself in costume! Yay!

Photos Photos Photos (i.D.U.D. #002)!

Zara Rose dressed as Little Red Riding Hood (in the snow, even!), while Opium took some creative license with the character of Strawberry Shortcake…

International Dress-Up Day #002 Pictures!

Fred makes a fabulous Dr John H. Watson (& tells a story to boot) while smokeandwine looks way too awesome as Garth from Wayne’s World.

Worried About International Dress-Up Day?

I know that some of you are probably still fretting over your costume, but I just thought I’d give you a nudge in the right direction.
This is what I wore for Hallowe’en last year. (I was Salvador Dali, of course!)

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!”

Street Style

Super-cute outfits ahoy!

What Are Your Style Trademarks?

I used to love the idea of having some piece of jewellery that I always wore — I really liked the idea of having a permanent identifier. Now I feel like it’s okay for my identity to be more fluid, to dress like an eccentric Parisian one day & to look like a Japanese raver the next.

What Does Your Clothing Say About You?

Have you ever thought about what message your clothing is projecting & what it says about you? What story do you think your outfit today told the world?

Sofa Coppola's Apartment

Sofia Coppola’s apartment in Soho, New York City.

More International Dress Up Day Photos!

More pictures of participants!

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?”

Style Tips -- 19th February 2007

Style tips.

International Dress-Up Day!

Here are some pictures from other people who took part…

International Dress-Up Day #001

My outfit!

Style Icons: Carrie Bradshaw

Carrie is a writer with an incredible wardrobe who is on the search for love. Not “on the search for love” like those women who are desperate & obsessed with cats, but on the search for love in that cute, fun, optimistic Amelie kind of way.

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.

International Dress-Up Day This Saturday!

Just thought I would remind you that the first INTERNATIONAL DRESS-UP DAY is THIS SATURDAY! I’m going to dress like a love casualty.

Last Minute Valentine's Day Idea

Wishlist #001

International Dress-Up Day Vote #1!

Thanks for all your enthusiasm, kittens! We now need to decide on a theme. I’m going to set the date for NEXT SATURDAY, which is the 17th of February.

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.

An International Dress-Up Party

Basically, my idea is that one day a month, anyone who wanted to be involved would dress in a way which incorporated a previously decided theme. The ultimate aim, other than having fun, would be to take a photo of yourself “on theme” & then I would publish all the pictures I received. Instant internet fame!

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.

Dressing Up

Bindi Revival

The more thought I give it, the more I am convinced that a bindi is the ultimate fashion accessory. They’re small, cheap & come in about a million different varieties.

Inspiring desks

Great workspace pictures & how to make your desk area more personalised.

Valentine's Day Treats

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

Living A More Celebratory Life

Here are some days I celebrate: the how & the why.

Style Icons: Diana Vreeland

Diana Vreeland was an incredible woman. Born in 1906 in Paris, she spent most of her life in New York & rose to acclaim for her work as fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar & later at Vogue. Her eccentricies are what make her so interesting to me.

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.

Fashion Report: Summer/Autumn 2007

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

Super Street Style or Why These People Look So Damn Good

Some of my favourite recent looks from Flickr & Hel-Looks. Daily outfits with a twist, yessir.

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.)

Dressing For A Wedding

I just want to gloat about my stylish readers for a second. This is all very shrouded in secrecy — they didn’t want me to give out any details about them.

Winter Lust

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

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

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

Gala Darling