Merry Christmas

With the exciting news of the engagement of two dear friends, Susie and Dave, my parents coming to stay, a visit from Abbey, too many Christmas functions, our house full of people last night and a published article in the Christmas Eve wrap in the Mercury, it's proving to be a Merry Little Christmas indeed.
I can't wait to wake tomorrow morning to the beautiful mornings I always enjoy here in Pokolbin, with our very first Christmas Tree making it a very special occasion.
From here, I'll be wishing each and everyone of you and your families a Merry Christmas with love and laughter a plenty.
Joyeux Noel everybody.

Hair Apparent

He's the heir to the throne, she's got the whole world talking about her hair. A match made in heaven? It appears so.
And what is it that makes Kate Middleton's hair so enviable. Well it appears that the shine and volume factors are a big talking point. As is the fact that it seems to hold its shape perfectly.
So when it comes to blonde and brunette styles sweeping Hollywood, the middle part and the 'undone' blow-dry win at the end of the day. A little re-growth sneaks into the overall finish of this very popular style of the year. Thank goodness. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. Who knew that moving to the country and trying to get your hair done could end up being such an impossible task? I haven't forgotten it's Christmas, but trying to get an appointment is nearly as difficult as getting into a regional doctor's surgery. Near impossible.
Gwyneth, Rachel, Anne and Cameron all play this style by the rules, it's all about effortless elegance. Chic.

Texture

Meringue. Crunchy on the outside. Marshmallowy on the inside. Crumbling into sweetness. Pillowy and sweet on the lips. Offered on a gold leaf plate by masters, Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, Oscar De La Renta and Carolina Herrera.
The incredible embellishments and treatments applied to the surface of these fabrics suggest something more than merely threads. These are given three dimensional presence when worn, considerably exotic in gilded tones.
In comparison to many of the minimal trends sweeping over the fashion world, this is a refreshing reminder that there is every so often, a time when we must stop and appreciate the gift that fashion can be. It has the potential to be incredibly creative, bringing sheer joy to the people around to enjoy it.
Crumbling at the surface, soft and sweet on the inside.
Forgive me if I seem a little pre-occupied by food. Christmas is only moments around the corner, and I have all kinds of little sweets on the brain. Honey ginger breads a plenty, rum balls over flowing, truly scrumptious, truly, truly scrumptious.

Pringle of Scotland Pre-Fall 2011

Okay, okay. I can hear you saying slow down. I can hear you saying stop. Pre-fall 2011? Yes that's right, the collections are already starting to emerge, that won't be on sale for another 12 months. Eek.
And it's supposed to be summer here in Australia now, so I though these divine high neck, cropped trousered styles were perfect to get us thinking about the season ahead. With the fabulous 60's providing a little inspiration, it appears were shifting at decade speed through the era's of reference. Last season, Louis Vuitton steam-rolled ahead with the 50's, and now it's all about a little tweed and wool in boxed and shift style ensembles to get our hearts racing.
The colours couldn't be more autumnal either, mellowing after a very bright summer indeed.
Cosy little cherubs.

Interior Motives

There's a French elegance that's undeniable. Add to it a modern twist, and you have a stunning array of rooms from which to garner inspiration in abundance.
Take your pick from elegant navy and gray conversations, or dusty sea greens and crisp white to contrast beautifully given any season or sunlight through the window.
The chosen colours representative of the past decade would appear to be latte and chalk as in the last image, worldwide recognition of the timeless elegance it suggests give plenty of space for uninterrupted bursts of colour. Canvases need not be restricted or dictated by trends.

Truly Modern

Truly trans seasonal, truly modern, follow the likes of Whitney Port and Jennifer Hudson. Elle MacPherson isn't far behind, and still gives complete elegance to the eternally stylish leopard print.
With drapes forming fluid silhouettes over their form, the entire combination of a hint of black to pull together jewel toned hues gives the sense of the epitome of chic.

Great lengths

There are times in life when length is critical. One being when you're watching them go round in circles at the NSW Open golf final played at The Vintage we were so lucky to attend this afternoon. Play off after play off, a wining shot just wasn't quite getting there. Length. Critical.
Providing the perfect example of the length of the season, Blake Lively and Katy Perry know exactly where it's at. It's curvaceous and figure hugging, it's allowing all the skin to radiantly show off from the decolletage up.
Kate Bosworth covers her form and still manages to hint that sultry effect her more lady like ensemble highlights.
Proving that a great length may come in all shapes and sizes, Jessica Alba's fabulous little frock covers her in all the right places and leaves everything else on display to do the talking.
There's more to be said for covering up than for putting it all out on show. Quite rightly.

Taylor hearts Collette

Arguably one of the most popular recording artists of this moment in time, it's quite significant that for one of the biggest music awards in the world, she chose an Australian designer. And it suits her perfectly. I'm not entirely sure about the hair, her face was always so fresh and now it's covered with bangs. Hopefully not for long.
With a bit of sparkle, she transforms from country crooner to pop princess, et voila, there you have it. Given the addition of Jimmy Choo's, she's set for a night out to party and have fun in style.
Collette Dinnigan successfully flies the Australian designer flag internationally, with Sass & Bide, Willow and Ksubi snapping quickly at her heels. Akira Isogowa must not be forgotten, but he is every so quietly chipping away.
The likes of Halle Berry, Naomi Watts an my personal favourite, Charlize Theron have all worn Collette Dinnigan on the red carpet, and here's a young and modern new interpretation re-invigorating the brand on the world's stage. Having worked there for so long, I have to say, that kind of reinforcement is most definitely needed. Here's to an exciting new season for the Australian luxury brand.

Crowded House at Hope Estate

Pinch me now, talk about a perk of the job. Crowded House played to a very enthusiastic audience at Hope Estate in Pokolbin last night and I was lucky enough to be there thanks to my promotional efforts for the event through work.
There was nothing better than enjoying the late afternoon sunshine at Tower on Broke Road for wine and a barbie with friends before crossing the road to see Crowded House perform. Their legendary songs had everyone up off their picnic rugs and dancing on their feet. After also enjoying Oishi's delicious Massamann Curry as the show kicked off, everyone couldn't help but sing along before observing the stunning fireworks display at the end of the concert. Goldfish makes for a convenient nightcap before home to bed. I can't believe how lucky I am to live 5 minutes away from where last nights events all too place. I'm telling you. Pinch me now. You Better Be Home Soon.

Something more dramatic...

When a cocktail dress just won't do, there's no greater ensemble of Hollywood stars to take a little advice from.
Halle Berry couldn't be more elegant in this simple black gown. It may say boring, but with her curves it proves quite the contradiction.
Natalie Portman gives her regal grace a helping hand in this mulberry coloured draped gown. There's nothing more delicately elegant than the precision of perfect drapes. These are hugging her perfectly and she looks comfortable to boot.
Kirsten Dunst hasn't been seen in public for a little while, and here she is, very demure and giving her very best support to an ever favourite label of hers, Chanel. She looks angelic and on trend, her personality is supported buy this choice.
Kate Bosworth has chosen black and it's perfect on blondes for something a little edgier. With a little cap sleeve, I'm hooked, she looks stunning.
And stopping everyone in their tracks is Gwyneth Paltrow. Cut outs and splits in all the right places, her amazing figure is displayed perfectly. The colour also surprisingly works on her too. Regaining her place at the top of the style charts.
With floor sweeping styles such as these, glamour is certainly back in. Enough said.

Christmas Cocktails

The festive season is well and truly upon us, and here we are, admiring what the stars are wearing for a little inspiration.
Leighton Meester keeps her usual sense of humour mixed in with her personal style for a signature look that takes her well into the evening. Champagne chilled and ready I'm guessing.
Ahsley Green has had quite the year as well, and there's no better way to kick up her heels than in this very flattering cocktail dress. I only hope it was terribly cold though, as the tights detract from her ensemble and it's the only excuse that will do.
Carey Mulligan is certainly setting the trends, and I have a feeling that with this hair and the length of her dress, a sweeping wave of fashion followers may pick up on her style. It's sweet femininity without blazoning all the stereotypical trimmings on her.
Anne Hathaway takes me to a magical Christmas place in this little cocktail number, and she's wearing it with confidence. It's festive at it's best.
Leaving one of the best until last, Emma Watson continues to impress. There's nothing more age appropriate, red carpet ready and fun and flirty than this gorgeous, lace and feathered concoction, rough and toughened up a little because it's in black. Winning.

UK Vogue December 2010

Distinctly beginning to feel like Christmas, UK Vogue has given us some special treats. Emma Watson graces the cover, and every time I see her pixie crop I adore it even more.
Kate Moss' flash back and a little sparkly to remind us it's the festive season certainly bring this issue up to the standard for which UK Vogue's December issues often reach.
The brilliance behind such an interesting image to only accompany the stars forecasts for the coming year represents what Vogue as a worldwide brand stands for.
And the coinciding launch of Lanvin into H&M stores, sadly not yet reaching Australian shores, brings hope to many who can't originally get there hands on Lanvin. I'm yet to see the hype surrounding Stella McCartney into Target, but that could be my ultimate removal from the proximity to which it would have been dropped. Unlike the hype of 2007, it's barely gone by with no more than a little pre-publicity and not that much said in the news thereafter. Please don't let it mark an end to the wonderful collaborative paths that it leads to though. This is the average persons chance to jump on the bandwagon and invest in some truly brilliantly designed pieces.
A chance to be relished.

Hot stone massage

If a relaxing massage can be out of this world, then a hot stone massage is nothing but heavenly. There is no greater sensation than when your tense muscles melt under the persuasion of the hot stones running over an oiled back and shoulders. Same can be said when these hot stones take away any muscle pain up and down your legs. There's nothing else like it.
Even better when this practice takes place in no other idyllic setting other than Byron Bay. The sun may not be shining as brightly as one would hope, but the sound of rain hitting the leaves outside can still provide relaxation second to none.
With a facial booked in for Friday, this time away couldn't be more indulgent. Delicious dinners both home cooked and at some of Byron's best restaurants, fabulous wines to taste and no rush to be anywhere in particular, what better holiday. It's bliss.

Melbourne Cup

In desperate need of more time to dedicate to my blog, I have to say, at least a little fashion crept into the day. Work was a whirlwind of sold out papers (always a blessing) and food on the run. But time was finally at a stand still only for the fillies and the stallions to take a spin around the news room.
There was a fashion parade at work you see. And it was held only moments before the race that stops the nation. Although walking away without a prize, the highly co-ordinated outfits that got the winners over the line were a sight to make everyone smile. Everyone in the office got into the spirit and at the end of the day, that's the main thing surely.
So why did the people who get help to dress for the day get it oh so wrong. There were a couple of moments of genius with Natalie Imbruglia stunning in a sweeping hat spelling nothing but elegance. The same can't really be said for usually on target, Kate Waterhouse. Her dress is drop dead gorgeous, that gladiator headpiece? A dress up box special gone wrong. And there are no words for Jennifer Hawkins' little black balls on her head. I have to be careful what I say bout her up this way, those loyal to Newcastle worship the ground she walks on. Sonia Kruger shows that with a dress to suit your body shape, age has no barriers, she gave colour and contrasts grace and style to carry her through the dreary rain descending on Melbourne.
Hope you backed a winner.