Angelique

if you were worried 'bout where I been or who I saw or what club I went to with my homies baby don't worry you know that you got me

2010-02-04T10:24:00.000-08:00

check out my new joint http://love-andotherbruises.blogspot.com/

It's Obama time!

2008-11-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

So after copping some flak from certain friends about my move to the U.S (how could I, Bush is taking America to hell etc), you can imagine my relief when news was finalized that Obama was elected president. I've even had someone dismiss my hope for Obama when I said to a fellow Aussie-" you'd be surprised how many people care over here" to only be told "yeah well that's a bit like comparing the liberal attitude Newtown (small hip/free thinking suburb in inner city Sydney) has to the rest of Australia". Um, no it isn't. The population of Newtown in 2001, according to the Bureau of Statistics Census, was 15027 people and the population of New York City is estimated to be 19,750,000 people.

To be honest, long ago, before I met my American husband, I had the appropriate Aussie disdain for the U.S. When my early teens consisted of being obsessed with hip hop and R&B, stateside, my early twenties was a period of questioning the ethics of this economic tyrant, to the point of being annoyed by an overly opinionated American class mate and thus writing her off as a typical American. (She was actually from Texas!)

Then in 2001, I met this quiet, yet still very self-assured American in my Screenwriting class. From my point of view he was just another overly self-centered American and too clean cut to be anything but gay. (I soon found out he use to work at a shoe store just before he came to Sydney- it was the shoes I tell ya) Cut to a few months later and I was totally in love with this boy and totally in love with his world. This American born Vietnamese boy opened my eyes to the world outside of Sydney and other places that I was more interested in and that I had visited like Asia and Europe, which was on the horizon to waiting for my hungry sponge like mind to absorb and way more tres chic than the U.S to want to explore. While he introduced me to Dancehall and waxed lyrical on being proud of your ethnicity and that where he went to college in San Francisco, there were super proud Filipinos and other minorities. His world intrigued me and quietened the sound of my anti- American jokes and rhetoric.

Being involved with an American that was not quite the ones I saw on TV, made me hungry to know what I was missing out on. After a year and a half of exhausting all visa possibilities minus being married, it was time for Nam, who was to be my husband someday, to go home. Fortunately enough I was done with university and I just made the cut off to apply for a six month working visa in the U.S. After enjoying our time with room mates that have become our best friends today and living together as a couple for the first time, it was time to leave inner city Sydney and get my head around the next big smoke- San Francisco.

My education of America, has been more of a personal one and enabled me to learn a little bit about the struggles that minorities worked hard to over come. And although I may never completely understand the plight of the average American minority, I sure do have a sense of how much of a relief it is to finally have a voice as a president. Living in Brooklyn, has taught me so much about, not only the real New Yorker, but also the real American. So while I type away in this Puerto Rican hipster cafe, eating a salad with beetroot (an ingredient infamously added in Aussie burgers and salad sandwiches in my childhood), my cappuccino reminds me how lucky I really am and how times are definitely changing.

Election night at Sputnick, my local pub. The energy was electric. I described it as, remembering the eve of the millenium, were we going to all crumble, or would we survive?

My friend Maya and her boyfriend who were volunteer Obama campaigners- their anxiousness was contagious. They slept on people's floors and did the door to door thing!

My boss and good friend Leann, she and I were very emotional.

Everyone in the bar was going crazy, including the dogs.

Nam and his excitement.

Me, realizing I am so lucky to have been here to witness this pivotal moment in American history. I was wondering if people felt this way in the sixties?

The line outside the New York Times building the day after. I stood in line for over two and a half hours to get the paper that had been sold out all over the city and was releasing a "late" edition. History in the making.

Diesel Party!!

2008-10-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

So after much drama and anxiety, I finally scored a ticket to the very coveted Diesel Dirty Thirty Party. In celebration of Diesel's birthday- 30 years old- like moi. They were having several parties all over the world inviting industry people and anyone lucky enough to score a ticket. It was a surreal event. The only way I could explain it is, if a movie was showing what a night club in Vegas or NYC is suppose to be like (but isn't obviously) this was it. Free alcohol, hot dogs, popcorn, funnel cakes and soft pretzels- it really was insane. The crowd was a bit strange, I guess it was due to a bombardment of industry people. Special guests were Chaka Khan, M.I.A, N.E.R.D, Franz Ferdiand and surprise guest T.I. It was so much fun and just so damn exciting that I didn't spend $100 to see all these acts- in fact- nothing! (All tickets were considered invites and totally free, unless you bought yourself one on ebay) The theme was rock and roll circus and they had some circus acts in between performances. The temporary tent was set up in Brooklyn, over looking the Manhattan sky line- it was a breath taking location. Biggest surprise, M.I.A jumped on stage with a pregnant belly!! Check her out:

I felt sorry for the bar tenders. There was literally five for the five thousand who were there. They had cute uniforms on though!

Franz Ferdiand, whom I didn't recognize for their first three songs until my friend told me who they were after I said "Who are these guys, I'm sick of them" Woops! I've even seen them live at the BDO in Australia- I'm lame, what can I say! Not too much of a fan but I was happy when I heard a familiar song. This was when they were all going off drumming on the drums. All together now!!

This iphone pic does not do our party tent justice. They had these amazing designs illuminating and changing all over the tent.

Manhattan skyline- it was a gorgeous night!

The lovely Keith

My boss/friend Leann and I, totally stoked at our luck.

Please excuse....

2008-09-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Hey fellow bloggers/friends, have been away from my blog for a considerable amount of time. I'm pretty sure most of you have dropped off by now. Just wanting to let you know have been mega busy and will get back to it shortly!

Kanye West

2008-07-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

It's not hard to like Kanye, not only for his music but also for his reputation on just saying whatever is on his mind and being the loose cannon. Events such as his reaction to Hurricane Katrina, on a live broadcast, where West ignores an auto prompter and just lets out exactly what he thinks. While working on his latest video with Hype Williams, this interview on VBS TV not only gives us an insight into his thoughts on his controversial reaction but also his explanation on his outburst at the MTV Europe video awards for not winning and a calmer and more thoughtful side to one of the world's hardest working hip hop artists.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Videos from http://www.vbs.tv/
Photo from http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

Thirty, Flirty and Thriving

2008-07-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

There is no way I would have known I would enjoy turning the big 30. Watching the movie "13 going on 30" also known as "Suddenly 30" in Australia (among many other title versions worldwide as I've come to discover) a few years ago made me think about my pending exit from my twenties. It was kinda cool to watch a film promoting the age as an era to look forward to rather than think it's when you become a nobody-can-relate-to and the only hipness occurring in one's life is the reading of a celeb mag while waiting in the super market line.

My birthday has made me way more calmer and centered than I expected. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't the beacon of clarity a few weeks ago. I was a mess, thinking about

what have I "achieved" in my life and whether or not I was happy with that etc. Yes, I know there are more important things in life, besides me and my I'm-not-a-blazing-success-like-I-thought-I'd-be crisis, like starving children and people dying, but your mind can have so much power over you if you let it.

So in keeping with the "13 going on 30" Hollywood cheese factor theme, I thought it only appropriate to share my own life lessons and more importantly, interesting (well for me anyway) to document:

All you need is time

This is definitely my number one lesson learned and the thing that really stands out to me. I remember being a know-it-all teenager thinking I was very mature for my age and had many unrealistic ideals about the world and what I expected from it. Young people are exposed to so much now because of the internet and such. I am from an internet free childhood and teenagehood. The things that kids know today, there is no way I knew about back then. But I can totally see this on a level where my parents were from another country and I knew so much they weren't exposed to either. Despite this, I still firmly believe that there are things in life, you cannot learn from environment, or knowledge and that only time can teach. This sounds so simplistic, but I really feel it now more than ever and it has actually made me more excited for my years of learning to come.

Beauty is from within

Sometimes, it is so damn hard being a woman. There is so much overt super female rubbish being shoved in our continuously monitored faces that it is hard to see how much from within really counts. You cannot escape the fact that someone may be a size zero but be completely depressed and still agonizing over their size. Personally I feel the people who are the most beautiful, thus emanating the most magnetism, are the ones who are comfortable in their own skin.
Because they are comfortable, they also tend to look pass the superficial and draw great people into their lives as well as be the last ones to criticize others. From as far as I can remember, I still don't really comprehend how someone can hate someone else because they are jealous of them. I think this is a toxic form of self- hatred and needs to be re-evaluated immediately to save you from ongoing bad energy and also everyone hating you out right, if not secretly.

Most people mean well, but there are some crazies just under the psycho ward radar

It's so easy to get peeved at people who you think are in the wrong. It's also easy to keep thinking and discussing in detail how wrong that person was and pretty soon, it's all you're thinking about and it affects your work, the people around you and even your health. There is no possible way you can ever see life through the eyes of someone else. Those eyes will contain experiences you can never feel, so there will always be tendencies to react differently. If you think it's bizarre that fully grown adults can behave so immaturely, a thought to consider is that no matter how much someone has gone through, it's not until they are ready to see something that they will be able to see it. My biggest challenge to date is letting go and moving on. I'm getting better though.

The world has enough assholes, you don't have to add on to that

We can keep going on about this till the cows come home, but I can't go passed this paragraph without mentioning my pet hates: Power trippers, judgmental people and people who like to insult others in a form of a joke. I once read somewhere that people who cruelly poke fun at people were once hurt by alienation and that is their way of reasserting they belong to a group. So basically they were those dorks you picked on and now they are out for revenge. Admittedly, I am no angel, and have been known to have a good bitch sesh, every now and then, but it's not something I do on a regular basis and I always feel bad for doing so. This is another work in progress for me, but I truly despise it when people just keep going on and taking it to the next level. An antidote I have prescribed myself is to always focus on the qualities about people you love and totally ignore the stuff that doesn't go down too well.

Friends and family are crucial

This one is a no brainer but because of my relocation to another country, this has never been more important to me. We now have Facebook, Myspace and Webcam to

assist us with our social communities but I truly believe good family relations and good friends go beyond these realms. It's one thing to associate yourself with people who you think are cool or good looking, but at the end of the day will these people be adding any substance to your life? Will they be there for you? Better to have a small amount of quality friends rather than a large amount of

strangers so you can be the next IT girl, because IT doesn't last that long. And of course, your family will always love you and if not (should they be toxic and dysfunctional), close friends are a form of family too. What I've learned up until today is we all need people who care, so we should value and respect them to no end.

The Wackness

2008-07-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

The nineties was the golden age for music. For me, it was mainly about Hip Hop, Rock n Roll and the Rave/Drum and Bass scene. Before Myspace, before Ipods and let's not forget, even before mobile/cell phones. I'm not sure if it was just because I was a teenager and I was trying to find myself, but music seemed so much better back then. The old cliche of your high school years being the best years of your life tends to resonate. Especially when a movie like The Wackness comes along.

Shapiro is a high school graduate just trying to get by in NYC. Set in the nineties, the music lends itself to appear as another character in the film, using Hip Hop as the important backdrop, with nineties classics such as Biggie Smalls and Tribe Called Quest. Working as a pot dealer during the Summer, Shapiro begins to face what the rest of his adulthood will hold for him. The complications of love, self-esteem and what your role in this world is. With co-stars Ben Kingsley, Olivia Thurlby (playing his love interest) and Method Man, this will be a classic for all those who can identify with those awkward years of angst and thinking you knew it all.

I've been a little distracted...

2008-07-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

Woops! Totally been neglecting my blog and off doing random things like

a) Having fun at my internship and related tasks

b) Stalking other bloggers

c) Googling various stuff like, what I'm going to wear on my birthday, lacy and body con apparel and Lou Doillon.

d) Organizing my birthday party

e) Reading

Here are some of the things that might interest you:

Although not an entire fan, or even a tiny fan of L.A, this blog has me thinking that maybe people in L.A are not so unnormal. A lifestyle blog, that has a lot of focus on pop culture, what's going down in L.A and fashion. Bear, the author, is fantastic at gathering tidbits of interesting and non offensive information- which is so uncommon lately. Is it just me growing closer to not being in my twenties, or has everyone decided that sharing your sex life online and misogyny is back in fashion? Because I'm Addicted won't be taking a photo of you secretly and criticizing you anytime soon. (hopefully) http://becauseimaddicted.net/

An oldie but a goodie, Facehunter has been getting me all hot and bothered of late. I do feel that our dear FH is bordering on being a little too much like The Sartorialist (I mean, we already have one of him), but never mind. I remember watching an interview on him and if you haven't figured it out yet by all his postings, he does work seven days a week!! Worth a click almost every day in my opinion.

http://facehunter.blogspot.com /

Lacy

Most us have clearly been feeling the revival of nineties clothing, I have been on the fence with most options that have taken center stage. Until I noticed lacy numbers beyond lingerie making an appearance. We are not talking the camis of faded colors of the past that Urban Outfitters were selling at three for $1. More vintage rather than vegan hippie. More Desperately Seeking Susan rather than peace march protester.

Body Con

Do we go super loose or super tight? That is the million dollar question. When the term Body Con starting popping up everywhere, I was thinking everyone was in on a secret new label that was so cool, only the hottest people were in the know. But one day, I read somewhere (can't remember where) that it means: Body Conscious. To put it mildly, you actually have to be pretty hot to pull this one off, or at least think you are. Some days, I am the latter. (Let me live!)

Also wanted to mentioned have been pleasantly surprised with my new comments! Thank you and keep them coming!

Photos from http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=6338334, www.style.com, www.imdb.com, www.fashiontoast.com, www.americanapparel.net

My guide: How to be Cool in New York City

2008-06-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

This is how us cool cats sit in NYC. Just chillin...

Moving to another city is a big deal. Not the "Check me out, I'm kinda a big deal" stuff, but more "Check me out, I have no friends and I am culturally illiterate and irrelevant" kind of stuff. Especially when the "big city" you move to is not in the country you grew up in and so hip it is probably where hip was invented on a horse drawn carriage long ago. So after taking a siesta from the heat wave that we are currently experiencing, my creative juices were flowing and I thought, well what better way to try to be cool and fit in but tell people how to be cool and fit in. This way, it appears that I am cool and I also can keep a public record of what is cool. Genius? I think so.

Suggestion 1. Know where the tasty cupcakes are besides Magnolia. This shows you are a true New Yorker in terms of how small and obscure the place is and don't forget how tasty the cupcake is. And no, empanadas are not the new cupcakes. To add to this, taking your new New York friend to Dunkin Donut will not wash down well.

Suggestion 2. Know how to get to Brooklyn on the subway and have been there recently. Believe me, in the short time I have been here, I have actually met born and raised New Yorkers who have not been to the East Village since the nineties let alone the BK. Even I know that Kevin Arnold jacket the guy was wearing who admitted to this NYC crime, should have stayed where it belonged.. in the "Wonder Years".

Suggestion 3. Have a night life between the days of Monday and Thursday. Something I'm still trying to convince my husband of on a more regular basis who has a full time job like most normal people. While admittedly, there is nothing like letting loose on Friday and having the weekend to recover, you will feel like a total tourist when you are out at a bar on a Friday night where the rest of the East Coast has decided this is the night they wanted to paint the town red. (is that how that saying goes?)

Suggestion 4. Know your way around China town beyond Canal St. This is something I aspire to. I think the coolest people not only know their way deep into China town, but also know where the best food and deals are.

Suggestion 5. Know not to take out a subway map, or any other huge map of any kind in the middle of a crowded street. Not only is this a sure fire way of becoming an unsuspecting mugging target, but the real New Yorkers will be so annoyed by you and make you feel like a loser while scoffing at your uncoolness. Ok, maybe the last part is untrue, but the mugging part is definitely something to keep in mind. Take your ginormous map to a Starbucks or better yet, buy a smaller hand held map and stand to the side of the side walk. (If that makes sense).

Stayed tuned for more "suggestions" :)

Photos from: http://thatsjustmyvibe.blogspot.com/; http://www.flickr.com/; http://corykennedy.uber.com

The Discreet Shoe

2008-06-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

Alessandro Dell'Aqua Spring 2007

Since, my obsession with fashion blogs began, I've seemed to totally neglect my other obsession- actual runway fashion. While many fashion bloggers have been a phenomenal inspiration to everyone from the girl next door working in finance to the guy working as a stylist on a shoot, there is still our very hard working fashion designers. With the addition of street fashion, blog fashion, anyone fashion, the abundance and cross pollination has made trends even harder to spot early, but at the same time, liberating and exciting. One trend which I have been drawn to, probably because of the overwhelming endless choices we have now, is the "discreet shoe". I've found fashion right at this moment to be very in your face, from the leathery motorcycle punk gladiators still lingering, to the artwork inspired prints and colors. The discreet shoe can balance out your chosen on trend look by still having a fashionable silhouette without being dominating.

Chloe Spring 2008

Brian Reyes Resort 2009

Above Photos from: Style.com

http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

http://www.fashiontoast.com/

http://facehunter.blogspot.com/

So you lack the talent? Money can buy you their beauty tricks at least

2008-06-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

Unless you have chosen a unique lifestyle of being without a cell phone, laptop or avoiding the media in other forms, your perception of beauty will often be tainted by what you are constantly bombarded with. I don't care what generation you are from, you will be affected by this- my eighty five year old grandma ticks Lancome and Dior as some of her essentials for god sakes. One avenue beauty is translated and expressed through is our beautiful rock stars. To be a rock star is certainly not to be mediocre. Even the cutest American idol winners go through a thorough overhaul in attempt to be elevated to such status. But some stars are lucky enough to have either the right stylists or be blessed with natural stylish gorgeousness even before they hit stardom. I guess this is part of the "star quality" that can also be witnessed in real life as well as in their latest video.
While writing this blog has been about anything but my background in make-up, I thought I'd finally take this opportunity to utilize my skills and pick out the best products that I've used and witnessed other professionals have in their kits for that rock star glow.

Bat For Lashes
Not only because of her part British, part Pakistani looks, it was also hard to go past Khan for her clever artist beauty punned name. As most musicians like to emulate their music through their image, Natasha's beauty and style speaks entirely of an artistic individual who gets her inspiration from her arts background and nature. To get her signature dark rimmed eyes, use Mac Fluidline pot in Black Track. They come in intense colours, Bat for Lashes has been known to sport in her crazy eye shadows. They can be applied precise or smudged and blended for high impact.

Kate Nash
With so many talented British female singer/song writers coming out recently, Kate Nash has become one of my favorites of the bevy of beauties going beyond your typical Kate Moss U.K beauty mascot. Her music is cheeky, feminine and unapologetic as the next fifties dress she is papped in. In addition to her refreshing personality, her English rose aesthetic is elegant and requires a bit more effort. So I thought Shu Uemera Natural False Eyelashes 01 is the perfect definer for those who want definition in the evening without the overused "smokey eye" look. Yes I know, natural and false in the same sentence is laughable, but don't be discouraged, when worn correctly, falsies can be more subtle then packing on the black eye shadow that made you look like you got into a fist fight.

The Kooks
Everyone loves a British indie rock band. The Kooks are not so new to the scene but topping the U.K charts is a recent thing. Minus the Oasis bratty reputation, The Kooks have joined the ranks of bands, legions of hipster dudes are fashioning themselves after. Not that this is a bad thing! To get their self styled hair, I can confidently recommend Bumble and Bumble's surf spray as a hit with the "just got outta bed with a band member" look. The spray makes your hair that second day fabulousness or to be more specific, your hair after the beach feel. Great for when you want that dirty, bed hair look without the unsavory aromas.

Erykah Badu
She has always been a one of a kind musician pushing boundaries with mixing elements of hip hop, rock n roll, reggae, electronica and her soulful voice. Inspiring females all around the world with her thoughtful lyrics, her beauty only adds to the heartfelt ambiance one experiences watching her live. I was always enamored by her glowing complexion and was surprised to see it illuminate in real life exactly how I saw her on TV. Over the years, one of the tricks I've learned as a make-up artist that I use on myself is the art of creating a perfect glow. Stilla's All Over Liquid Luminiser should be dabbed on the highlight areas of the face such as the top of cheek bones, under brows, nose and chin and on parts of the body that are exposed to complete the look.

Lykke Li
Quirkiness and beauty haven't always gone hand in hand. Swedish artist Timotej Zachrisson known as Lykke Li, is the singer who describes her music as "soul, electro and powdered-sugar pop". Love it. Yes she has that natural Scandinavian angelic beauty, but what puts the cherry on top is this model looking singer uses a mega phone as her mic occasionally. Because we don't all have perfect complexions, a secret to perfection is Prescriptives Magic. A liquid powder that lessons the appearance of pores, lines and other imperfections redeeming your once tired looking skin and creating the appearance of smooth skin. Which we will all lykke !

Photos:
Bat For Lashes
1.http://www.batforlashes.com/images/
2.http://www.claraivy.com/2008/04/natasha-khan.html
3.http://www.bumpershine.com/2007/07/27/bat-for-lashes-covers-springsteen-live-on-fair-game.html
Kate Nash
1.http://forgottenjournal.com/index.php/2008/03/11/kate-nash-talks-of-heart-op/
2.http://www.virginmedia.com/images/katenash-gal-qawards.jpg
Erykah Badu
1.http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Erykah-Badu-Posters_i1222165_.htm
2.http://news.greenvilleonline.com/blogs/link/2008/02/
The Kooks
1.http://www.clashmusic.com/news/kooks-%2526quot%3Bkonk%2526quot%3B-out
2.http://www.irishblogs.ie/search/oxegen/
Lykke Li
1.http://www.lostateminor.com/2008/01/23/lykke-li/
2.http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Lykke_Li.jpg

Love Bomb

2008-05-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

Being a fan of Lover the Label is a bit like being an obsessed fan of a band. You agonizingly wait for their latest releases, while still indulging in their greatest hits that grow on you like all time classics. Like hearing an old favorite on the radio, seeing a piece from an older collection is akin to reliving good times and making you fall in love with it all over again. Susien Chong and Nic Briand are the ultra cool duo designers that launched Lover the Label, not so long ago in 2001. From their humble beginnings to a stall in the outdoor Bondi Markets (similar to NYC's Summer street fairs) in Australia, where legend has it that within three months, the popularity of the stall increased so dramatically, boutiques began requesting stock. It's no wonder the label is a cult hit among fashionistas and celebrities today. Their inspiration is consistently derived from art, film, music and popular culture. The clothes can be described as the innocence of romance, the beauty of femininity with old school rock n roll as their main muse.
Staying true to their original Aussie fan base, their latest collection "Love Bomb", consists of a Southern Hemisphere Spring Summer 2008/09 release and for our neck of the woods, a Northern Hemisphere Fall Winter 2008 edition. Below are my personal faves from Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere collections respectively.

Photos from http://www.loverthelabel.com/ and http://www.refinery29.com/

Fashion Inspiration- Beat Street (1984)

2008-05-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

An iconic hip hop film set in New York City that helped the hip hop culture penetrate the mainstream. My husband wants to be the kid in the red bowler hat and I want the leopard print stockings- check it!

They're back!

2008-05-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

With the onslaught of eighties and nineties fashion making a massive come back, New Kids on the Block coming back together after twenty years, has never been more timely. Don't get me wrong, I think I was a very brief fan of the New Kids when they came out with "Step by Step" and "Please Don't Go Girl". Their timeliness could be due to the bowler hats that are all the rage, not to mention the vests and stone washed denim creeping their way into full confidence on kids who could have been no more than five, when Johnny Depp was melting my heart in the show "21 Jump Street". Anyone who was sporting it in the eighties and nineties can most likely admit how awkward it is that these fashion relics are seeing the light of day again. Watching the New Kids on the Today show (in New York) performing a medley of their old songs, including "The Right Stuff" in a somewhat reggaeton version, years ago, would have me reacting in a sad "oh no they are so old, what the hell" kinda way, but watching them now, not only made me give them silent props for having the balls to go back on stage, but also made me realize- what a fantastic marketing strategy!! Of course they can be oh so hot right now, people are wearing fluro colors, leggings and leg warmers for god sakes!! Welcome back New Kids (ahem men) on the Block! I say bring back Tiffany and Debbie Gibson too. My husband said " What next? MC Hammer?" I don't think we're quite ready for him yet. But never say never.

Tiffany at a gay pride fest. Bless!

Debbie Gibson giving it her best shot

Photo from ew.com and videos from Youtube.

Happiness

2008-05-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Is your happiness in landing your dream job with the dream pay? Or is it finally owning that Chanel lambskin purse? What about meeting the man/woman of your dreams? Or let me guess, during the 90's when hip hop was in it's champagne era, more intellect and minus the bling? What about losing the last ten kilos/pounds you want to lose? You just know it will be healthier for you and also boost your confidence, then ultimately make you happier with your life, right? Everyone has a specific thing they are either consciously, unconsciously or even denying, that in their mind- it would actually make them feel like "they've made it" or simply more "complete". What I have been questioning a lot lately is life and our endless mission for happiness. Is life about "chasing the dragon's tail"? The phrase referred to a heroin addicts life. From the very first try of the drug, the high so unbelievably pleasurable and escapist from anything and everything (apparently), that the entire addiction (which most addicts never truly escape from) is the mission of getting that first amazing high. Only the drug doesn't work like that. The first high can never be replicated thus the life of a deteriorating addict, who is tricked by this drug and convinced that they might have a chance at getting that high again. So "chasing the dragon's tail" is a metaphor for chasing something that really isn't there. Could it be that we get addicted to the superficialities of life and expect some kind of miraculous happiness that could only be obtained once we got what we think will make us happy?

Woah, Ange! Getting a little too serious there! Well you can blame it on my discovery of a book that was recommended to me by a friend who knows I can get a little philosophical on life sometimes. The fantastic book I'm reading now is "A new earth. Awakening to your life's purpose." By Ekhart Tolle. The one and only Oprah loved this book so much she did a ten week live web series with Ekhart Tolle in a class format (for free, just as long as you have internet access) where anyone from all over the world viewing the show live at the time on the Internet, could go live on Skype and ask a question to Ekhart and Oprah about the book and it's concepts. Besides having a cool name, the author Ekhart, is also very cool as he refuses to be anybody's guru. In a nut shell, the book delves into awakening to a consciousness that is within ourselves that is the secret to happiness. It's a pretty profound book so far (I'm up to chapter four) and can only be really understood by people if they are truly ready for it. In one of the web shows Oprah mentions a viewer saying something along the lines of "I don't feel the need to be awakened, what can this book teach me?" Oprah's answer was "Go read another book." It's funny, but so true. It's just one of those things that you either get or don't.

I can recommend this book to anyone who is interested in self development. You don't necessarily have to be religious, but having a curiosity about spirituality and deeper issues such as your own happiness could be prerequisites to liking or even understanding this book. If you feel a little stuck in your life, always wanted to know what it would be like to stop complaining about life and just accept it- this book is for you. You can also download all ten sessions for free on Itunes, just look up Oprah and Ekhart Tolle. In my opinion, I think we are all students of life and it's important we never forget that, but it's also the beauty of it.

No hippy chick

2008-05-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining so beautifully today! Among locals, Brooklyn is the Mecca of hipsterville, as a close second to the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Don't ask me what a hipster is. I'm only just vaguely getting it and was introduced to the concept when I moved here almost a year ago (has it been that long?). I know for sure it's a label that is used to describe the alterna young people who instead of using their parents contacts to become investment bankers, have decided to move from the mid west of America and set up a stand selling handmade organic products while trying to become an "artist". But more importantly, who would have known how much negative press a group of people could get for doing nothing too scandalous besides owning a whole wardrobe of American Apparel. You could call it a subculture, but it seems to go beyond that.

Anyway, since I will be attending many outdoor events this Summer, I wanted to convey what I will be influenced by and not feel too much like a douche (another word I learned here) among the trendy Brooklyn hipsters. For me, I feel this Summer will be all about the polished but deconstructed hippy. I thought I'd use my beloved "Private Icon" (ala Nylon magazine) gorgeous stoner Michelle Burroughs in "Dazed and Confused"(1993) played by Milla Jovovich as inspiration. Although her part was tiny, when I first saw this movie I was enchanted by her long hair, huge flares and guitar playing. I also took this opportunity to pop the cherry on the exciting web site for all fashion nerds- Polyvore.

Photos from "Dazed and Confused" movie, fashiontoast.com, Frankie magazine, Jalouse magazine and Polyvore

Realize your dream

2008-05-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

I found this on the Frankie magazine Myspace page. I'm sorry to say I think this is for Aussies only. But check it out, I might be wrong!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Realise Your Dream scheme - win a trip to the UK and a mentor!
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Art and Photography

We thought this was pretty cool and worth passing on...

Ever dreamed of moving to the UK to pursue your creative dreams? Talented types have the chance to do exactly that with The British Council Australia’s Realise Your Dream scheme.

Open to those between 18-30 years of age, the scheme offers six lucky winners a mentorship in the UK plus $8000 towards courses, accommodation and expenses plus return airfares.

Entries close June 30 and this year, you can represent yourself however you want – in a showreel, a blog, Flickr account and so on. Check out www.realiseyourdream.org.au for more info – and good luck!

Since I am realizing my dream here in New York, I thought there would be some readers out there who would be interested in this!

Fat Baby

2008-05-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

As a young childless married person living in the ever eventful and constantly buzzing New York City, it's not hard to see how a single person could live it up in this town that is known to chew people up and spit them out- if you let it. By any definition, I'm no where near being in "single" minded mode, as I have been in a relationship for almost seven years. But living in a city like this, even as a couple, it's very easy to get swept up in the partying and the live for the moment and only for myself attitude.

During the beginning of this year, I have constantly bragged about how I feel I have a foot in both worlds because of the boom of Internet forums like Facebook and Myspace. My two worlds being, Sydney- where most of my friends and all of my family are and New York- where I now live and have met and hanged with some really cool people. It's been easy to view the latest photos of my friend's art exhibition I missed out on in Manhattan to a friend's party in Sydney. Without physically being there, you get a visual summary on what you did miss out on. Any extra goss can be simply derived through a gossipy email to one of the people on your "friends list" who would have attended. These forums can also be proof that you really did have something else on, as here are the photos to prove it!

What these two worlds have introduced me to are two more intriguing worlds, that not for the sweet invention of Facebook, could I have had the pleasure of getting a closer glimpse of. It's the marrieds and the singles worlds. In over two hundred friends, mainly from Sydney, a huge majority are not married and also childless. The general age bracket of my friends are from twenty three to thirty six. When I was a teenager and witnessing other people in this age bracket, many of them were married, had children and very settled down. What's going on with everyone, why are we all acting like teenagers and why are even some of my married friends still childless and spending more time listing who's hot on Facebook? My layman's answer is the world is changing- and fast. The impact of societal changes such as house prices soaring and becoming almost impossible to own, more and more options beyond the nurse, teacher, bricklayer or accountant type roles, young women wanting a longer blossoming twenties that goes way pass thirty five and let's not forget to include more and more people migrating to other countries not just to get away from a war or give their family a better life, but just to take advantage of a working visa or boost their careers. Personally I'm quite happy with all this, but I was wondering if my ovaries felt the same.

It does seem it's all for the better as people are getting smarter, choosing marriage or children only if feeling completely qualified, the world is less populated and sexual freedom is exceedingly less judged and peaking. So why is it that I enjoyed my three weekends at home with my husband and my dog watching Harry Potter a little more than this past weekend's debauchery at a club called Fat Baby, no less? Don't get me wrong, Fat Baby was a fun place. Where do you go to hear Bell Biv Devoe and Nirvana in one night- hilarious, but somehow worked really well for me. The packed crowd was diverse and entertaining and the bartenders are notorious for giving away free drinks, which our little group had the delight of experiencing. If you do have a fat baby, chances are you weren't at this one.

Which brings me to the conclusion of maybe I'm not enjoying all this like I used to. The traveling, the partying, the random adventures- not so shiny and new anymore. For a while there, these Internet forums tended to glamorize it all and feed my need for more. But today, still feeling a little stiff two days later after reciting every word to Wrex n Effect's "Rump Shaker", maybe that really was the "last call". I guess I'll find out tonight after some Cinco De Mayo celebratory drinks. Sheesh, here we go again.

Photos from http://www.myspace.com/fatbabynyc

Light at the end of the tunnel....

2008-04-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Through a series of events through no fault of mine own, I have been limited to devoting the regular amount of blog writing time I usually set aside. As a template, when obstacles arise for me, I usually veer completely off track, become disorientated and then discouraged. Today, I've made a decision to not use my default method, and try something new- like getting back on that writing horse that I enjoy so much!

In our lives, we are always presented with various sized obstacles that have a variety of effects on how we perceive our journey. My "love to bitch about people" are those who come across obstacles, complain and dwell on the situation and do nothing as if abstract victims of what happened. Then, while basking in the misery that is their life, they more importantly forget all the great things that happened and should be driven by and thankful for. Why I am I annoyed by people who are like this, I ask myself? Is it because I am often one of these people? It's embarrassing, but I'll get over it and the obvious answer is yes. I am that person that enjoys dwelling on forces out of my control and labeling them as the instigators and perpetrators of my demise. Today, I want to take charge and say "not on my clock you don't". What's worse than complaining about obstacles is actually dwelling so much that one feels frozen. Spring is back and I'm once again thawing out my insecurities to let myself get out there and actually stop thinking and start up the doing.

At the risk of sounding extra corny, there are two additional people who have motivated me through this writers block beyond my husband (but more indirectly, as I don't know them personally- ha!) and that is the very inspiring Rumi from Fashion Toast http://www.fashiontoast.com/ and Bobby Chui, an illustrator/painter/teacher/motivational speaker who waxes lyrical on art and life on youtube http://www.imaginismstudios.com/

There are so many reasons why I'm an enormous Rumi fan. Not only is she gorgeous, but her writing is funny, intelligent and genuine. Now under huge blog writers scrutiny, often suffering harsh criticism, she maintains an extraordinarily cool indifference to her critics and consistently posts and often takes on constructive criticism. Not only does she maintain an amazing blog, but she scored a job through this blog reflecting her talent (correct me if I'm wrong) and runs her own Ebay vintage store boutique. She inspires me almost every day not only with all her talent, but also with the stuff I'm not so warmed to as it is an indication of her being human and from mistakes there are always better things to come. All that is left to say is thank you and don't stop doing what you do.

The last person who really pushed me out of the depths of the writers block is Bobby Chui. I listened to him on youtube clips of him drawing while you can simultaneously listen to him talk about life. I don't know too much about him, but I think to accurately understand how good of a motivational speaker he is (without obviously marketing himself as one, more rather as an artistic mentor), you just need to look him up on youtube and listen for yourself. He talks of obstacles and ways of perceiving yourself while trying to accomplish goals. You should really check it out if you feel like you've hit some kind of wall to better yourself at something, which I would say is pretty much everyone whether we admit it or not. And I'm no art pro, but I provided some of his ingenious works below and the chihuahua above is also his.

I really hope the content of this post inspires someone out there like it has for me today.

The Story of Stuff

2008-04-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

Um, it's called life

2008-04-09T15:14:00.000-07:00

During my long absence from my beloved blog, I have been feeling guilty, uninspired and also let's not forget- down in the dumps. So I thought I'd go against my rule of only posting "happy happy joy joy " postings and wax lyrical on what exactly has been making me grow up a little lately (Oh, Ren!).

When they say that New York City can eat you alive, I kinda have a better stance on understanding this and would really like to find out who thought of this break through but menacing cliche that threatens all wannabe New Yorkians. Three weeks ago one of my best friends was mugged in Brooklyn in the neighborhood I live in. The beating left him with several head fractures, a freaked out set of parents flying the red eye from Cali and a now foggy disposition of who his friends and family were and wondering what the hell happened that rendered him secured in an ICU unable to execute the most simplest tasks such as taking headache medicine.

My once "oh I love New York and never wanna leave" colored glasses started to see it's first ugly crack. (excuse the pun). My immediate reaction- we gotta get the f outta here! (Well at least the neighborhood I live in). Ok, so I realize this is not Brooklyn's fault, and that walking down a street in Redfern, Australia at 3 in the morning on your own could probably put you in serious- where the hell is the nearest Seven Eleven so I can hang there till the creepy dudes go away dilemma also. But when it actually happens to someone your close with, this is when urban legend becomes more than, "my friends friend was mugged so be careful" scenario and wakes you up to the world where the happy go lucky Ren and Stimpy's are co-existing with the Boyz in the Hood.

I know most New York locals will not be surprised by my friends mugging and will most likely have several stories of their own or minimum, their friends that share the same chilling urban tale of an innocent walking into the wrong moment. We all like to think that it would never happen to us, but when it does, the impact that the event creates on those close to that person is reason enough for everyone to be more than aware and never too complacent.

The reason for my rant is not to throw any "New York is evil" scare tactics. What it has taught me is that friends are way more precious than we give them credit for and life is to be treasured and appreciated more than we anticipate. New York City is a place full of beauty, extremes and unique, unmistakable charm. The truth is, in a city that has too much to offer, there will always be a person that wants it more than you no matter what the price.

The positives I can salvage from my friend's attack is that the event itself will highlight the importance of never taking the simple things in life for granted and that the love of family and friends is so much more invaluable than we realize. So some growing up was done in the last month and some street wise lessons learned. I can't wait for my moment where I cheers my friend with a beer to New York City, for all it's flaws as well as it's beauty, that inspire people for lifetimes before and after us.

Check out my friends get well blog
http://adamgetwellsoon.blogspot.com/

The Vintage Society

2008-03-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

This is the era of It Girl bombardment. The It Girl is the chick who epitomizes that times current pop culture consciousness. And we are definitely not talking of the Britneys and Paris'. In fact, we are talking about their polar opposites. We are referring to the Edie Sedgewicks, Zoe Kravitzs, Agyness Deyns, Corey Kennedys, Lou Doillons, Kate Moss' (you get my drift) and that chick I saw at Union Square the other day who does the tres cool Doc Marten ads. (She is so tall in real life). I'm not sure what it takes to be an It Girl, but when you see her you know. I have found my It Girl of blogs- The Vintage Society.

With charming photography, inspiring fashion for the person who wants beyond trendy or sexy without being too eccentric, this fashion blog has turned into a quick favorite and one that will be hit just as often as Fashion Toast, Sartorialist etc. I'm not alone in my fondness as the brand Quicksilver granted Beth- the author of The Vintage Society, a mentorship and sponsorship! And to top it off, Society recently featured the very hot Jalouse magazine. A french magazine up in the rankings of Lula, Nylon and Teen Vogue. So spot on with this choice, I'm quickly brainwashed into running out on the street and buying my first copy.

Anyway, let's not get sidetracked and get on with our worship of http://www.thevintagesociety.blogspot.com/
As a rule, I never mention other blogs, but this blog was just too juicy not to share.

Terry Richardson

2008-03-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

America and censorship is like a Vodka Sprite. The sweet taste of the Sprite masks the in your face excessiveness of a powerful, drunk inducing Vodka. America likes to get you drunk on their ways till you forget that you actually use to swear like a pirate among friends way more than noticing the f word being bleeped from your favorite block buster. Without the Sprite, it's a whole different ball game. As foreigners, we are not use to so much Sprite.

I have a friend staying over from Australia who told me she was delighted to find the old mid nineties alien exploitation movie Species on TV while trying to unwind from tourist adventures. She remembers how her high school male classmates were so excited about the topless part in Species and was looking forward to being sentimental of those days while finally seeing the much talked about scene, until she realized, they deleted it out!

In Terry Richardson's work, no boobies will be deleted out. In fact, the more boobies, the better. I'd like to follow with, since my abrupt noticing of censorship that seems to slyly creep into American media, that I find Richardson's work "refreshing" or "provocative", but they are just words not nearly awkward or cool enough to use in this case.

Born in New York City, raised in Hollywood, Terry Richardson started taking photos in high school. His work, so highly acclaimed, includes Gucci, Costume National, Mui Mui among other high end fashion campaigns, is also in British and French Vogue etc. Having impressed the fashion set, actors, musicians and celebrity It girls alike (not to mention scoring the NYC It girl- Jen Brill, as his girfriend) are ready to take off clothes, drink cows milk at any given moment to be photographed with a shoot and point camera by Richardson.

So let's face it, Sprite eventually goes flat and runs out way faster than Vodka. But I feel Richardson's work has left the Sprite out and downed more than one bottle of Vodka. Give me real America and the real excess any day of the week. That's what I came here for. Any less than this, and I feel cheated.

Lula Girl of My Dreams

2008-03-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

This magazine is for every delicate, dreamy, feminine, intelligent yet modest sensibility. Taking back the girly reigns has never been so empowering. There has been a very old school stereo type that has pervaded our media tainted consciousness that I'm sure goes further back than the first time Cleopatra discovered charcoal eyeliner. It's the myth that with beauty, there is a high chance there is no substance. Women are often driven in many ways by this myth- depending how this message has been taught to them on their individual paths of womanhood. I would be lying if I didn't admit to moments of getting ready for a job interview, a date or a coffee catch up with a girlfriend, being mildly influenced by how much "substance" over beauty or vice versa, I wanted to depict.

Lula is a girly girl magazine and makes no apologies. The intoxicating photography, the painstakingly chosen subjects of fashion and women in the arts and the use of high quality paper that makes it more a book rather than a magazine, all embody a sense of feminine pride minus the aggression that normally goes hand in hand. You won't find any articles about cellulite here. Or how to deal with the break-up steps. It is simply a celebration of beauty, fashion, art and the ethereal. Lula truly is, the girl of your dreams.

With the publication only coming out quarterly (oh the devine exclusiveness of it all!), I excitedly obtained the most recent edition. Having read the interview with new Chanel it girl Rinko Kikuchi, who was nominated for her role in Babel and an article on Jessica Williams, a painter that has put a spring in my cognitive step, I'm again inspired and pleasantly beauty enticed. Although a little pricey, you soon realize it's a magazine worth paying and waiting for. Stop buying those celeb weeklies and save your money for a gorgeous feast for your eyes and mind.

Sunday Night Safran

2008-03-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

I've often felt like I have a foot in both worlds simultaneously, since relocating to Brooklyn, New York City U.S.A from Erskineville, Sydney Australia. I don't think I would have been so lucky in the pre-internet era to feel so comfortable in my transition during the last eight and a half months. They say the key to adjusting well in your new home is to find things about your new home that you adore as well as finding ways to obtain things you still favor from your old home town. The second last recent episode of Sunday Night Safran, an Australian radio show-that can be listened to via the internet, a personal favorite that helps my homesickness through familiar Australian accents and some indie music, momentarily bridged my Aussie American cultural gap. (Episode featuring an interview with the New York based author A.J.Jacobs who wrote "The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible").

John Safran is an Aussie media personality who's first rise to underground Australian fame came when he was one of the ABC's contestants on a TV show called Race Around the World in 1997 before the more commercial U.S CBS copy The Amazing Race that came out in 2001, with a similar plot to the Australian originator. Despite coming last in the race, Safran continued on with success with hilarious yet revealing TV series such as John Safran's Music Jamboree, John Safran vs God which received cult followings, then the radio show Speaking in Tongues, now known as Sunday Night Safran.

The show has that dry Australian sarcasm, that I cannot live without. Safran hosts with Father Bob, a 73yr old Catholic priest whom he met on his TV series John Safran vs God. Sunday Night Safran's, main theme is religion and all things related and random, curious and fun stuff like E-zines on Scrabble. To some this might sound yawn provoking, but with Safran's view from his Jewish beliefs and upbringing and Father Bob's old school yet uniquely open minded Catholic point of view interviewing notorious religious leaders from widely publicized groups such as the Kansas based Westboro Baptist Church who decided to protest at Heath Ledger's funeral and a spokesperson for Scientology, you get a pretty engrossing radio show. It is difficult to articulate the feel of the show, so just go ahead and listen for yourself!

Turn on last Sunday's episode while doing tonight's cooking at:
http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/triplej/safran/safran_2008_03_03.mp3

Click on the mp3 downloads of the show on http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/safran/
for future episodes.

Father Bob's Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/frbobmaguirefoundation

Kelly Smith

2008-02-29T11:46:00.000-08:00

Not since turning the pages of my first Lula magazine, have I been in such a flurry of internal swooning. Kelly Smith's delicately gorgeous illustrations of model turned nymphs have received some press here in the states as well as her home country in Australia. I have noticed a new wave of fashion illustrations in a few magazines that have not been your average, but Smith's work seems to capture an aesthetic many girly girls are embracing and being inspired by right now.

The general echo of her work renders a sensuality, not even the original photograph it may have been inspired by could convey, as her pieces add another thoughtful dimension. Because of my discovery of Kelly Smith's illustrations, I can only thank her for making my sunny Friday afternoon, that much more prettier.

http://www.myspace.com/little_red_rider
www.birdyandme.com.au

blackblack

2008-02-25T12:54:00.001-08:00

Ever wondered what it would sound like if you started a band when you were eight after having watched "Carrie"? Blackblack's not so serious demeanor illustrated through their pop/black metal/indie music comes across as pure joy in the light hours of a Sunday afternoon cup of tea. The Los Angeles band have a way with on stage costumes that give them that final touch of whip cream on your hot dog. Yes, we've all been exposed to unconventional artists, some tiresome and some downright incredible. But hold your horses there, as I'm not saying they are as sensational as border pushing artists such as Bjork, but dare I say, just as thought provoking.

With influences such as Dr Octagon, Neil Young and Mozart- you can't help but wonder what this creative trio is all about. Diva Dompe on bass and vocals, sister Lola Dompe on drums and Clark Schädelkopf on guitar- their blend is haunting, playful and purposeful. Check out Honey in Your Ears and The Energy Song- the anthem for all self- proclaimed artists in any genre.

If you're in L.A they are playing on this Wednesday the 27th at the Knitting Factory at 8pm.

http://www.myspace.com/blackblack
http://www.blackblackmusic.com/black.html

The Row and Jovovich and Hawk

2008-02-20T11:07:00.000-08:00

In today's voyeuristic compulsion with celebrity and anything related, the average star can appear not so average in the many eyes of the easily influenced or eagerly persuaded youth. Where singer becomes actor, becomes designer, becomes restaurant owner- the boundaries of any potential star seem to be boundless. This is not to say, we are all robots as viewers or consumers, and take in anything presented to us, but quite the opposite. With so many online forums (now so readily available creating "internet stars" of it's own- but that's another story), as you read this article, your next door neighbor stealing your internet connection can be the most harshest critic. Anyone lucky enough to be shone the effervescent torch of celebritydome has the entire world as their panel of judges. We can say, make up, elaborate on any detail we wish to impose on these fortunate victims.

The optimistic side of this organized chaos is that it does bring up the most amazing entrepreneurs. My two most recent favorites are up and coming labels by actresses turned designers The Row by the infamous Olsen twins and Jovovich and Hawk by Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk. The Row was originally created by Ashley Olsen and then later her sister Mary Kate joined her in combining their talents on what is an exquisite collection of workable and current staples. Some may argue that this is not their first line as there have been many brands in Kmart/Target harboring the twins name. But the twins insist that those products ranging from DVDs, toys, clothes and furniture only had their licencing rights and not their creative input.

In an interesting contrast, Jovovich and Hawk, with Milla Jovovich being it's more famous counterpart, has a more detailed and heavily era influenced hand in their design. Both The Row and Jovovich and Hawk are confident appropriations of what can be classic and revolutionary at once, without losing feminine lines and wearable trends.

Fantastic artists in all the artistic industries are emerging with a new consciousness. It involves being aware of all the arts and although this is not a new thing- the cross breeding of trades and elements bleeding into one another, this new consciousness raises an even more heightened awareness of each other due to the lightning speed information one can receive in a Google click. The Row and Jovovich and Hawk are flickers of what seems like our introduction to a worldly inspired renaissance. You be the judge.

Check out The Row on the link below

http://video.style.com/?fr_story=61c815968a04a6febcf922f0851ded1ce9131d10&rf=bm

Jovovich and Hawk are coming out with a diffusion line at Target! It's called Milla and available in stores in the U.S on the 2nd March. http://www.millaj.com/model/jovovich-hawk%202008target.shtml
Although, nothing seem to take my fancy- I say good on 'em for thinking of the average pocketed gal.

Here is their website with their beautiful Spring 2008 collection http://www.jovovich-hawk.com/
Below are some of their Fall 2008 collection I liked, previewed during New York Fashion Week just recently.

Where in The World is Osama Bin Laden?

2008-02-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

In the tradition of eye opening documentaries such as Bowling for Columbine, Sicko and the more provocative, Jesus Camp, Morgan Spurlock, who directed and hosted Super Size Me has come out with another what-the-hell-is- going-on-with-America doco called "Where in the world is Osama Bin Laden?". It is a much more light hearted documentary film then it's revealing predecessors. “The goal is to try to use humor and make light some really dense, heavy material,” Spurlock said.

The plot involves a newly father to be Spurlock, a New York City local, on a mission to find Bin Laden to help make the world a better place for his first born. With the use of humorous animation and "Mortal Kombat" type scenarios and the notorious faces of the Al-Qaida on baseball cards, the mission involves Spurlock traveling to Middle Eastern countries to try to find the most dangerous man in the world. He interviews regular people off the street, as well as academics and political theorists. The most intriguing parts that will offer the most insight for the masses, are the everyday people's opinions of the U.S and the Taliban. There are many moments that are set to crash any stereotypes people have of the Middle East and also confronting views on what is actually occurring on a day to day basis there. My personal favorite is when he visits a Saudi Arabian mall and you see a Gucci store crowded with women dressed in the traditional black head to toe covering, know as Abaya.

Just as Super Size Me used the polite tactic of presenting perspectives through a watch and observe fashion, Morgan Spurlock gets into where all the action is and follows some U.S soldiers into the treacherous Taliban ridden zones. As the documentary unfolds, we are presented with more and more reasons why this battle is so much more complicated then how the media presents it and more importantly, how the U.S government plays a part in the Middle East's burdening issues such as extreme poverty and the vicious cycle that leads to hatred for the U.S. as a country.

This is a definite must watch film for 2008 and don't forget to go into the movie with an open mind and heart. It previewed at the Sundance Film Fesival on 21st January 2008. You can watch it in the cinemas in the U.S from the 18th of April 2008 and in Australia from the 10th April 2008.

The Gingers

2008-02-15T08:25:00.000-08:00

Having first formed their band in 2005 at the unjaded ages of seventeen, these three young Melbourne women Chelsea Wheatley, lead vocalist/bassist and keyboardist, Nellie Jackson, guitarist/vocalist, Etta Curry, drummer/vocalist and the recent boy addition Steve Lavery, guitarist/bassist get up to their fair share of shenanigans. Their response in an interview regarding a defamatory review on their live performance, on the Triple J website, was that Chelsea was once dating the reviewer and no longer was interested in him due to his "scary eyes". And come on ladies, we've all had unwanted attention from these types- whether it be scary eyes, scary breath and sometimes even scary outfits. After finding out her almost boyfriend was a Triple J reviewer, Chelsea of The Gingers silently hoped that he wouldn't be attending any of their gigs anytime soon. Unfortunately for the pop/punk/rock princesses (and now plus one prince), "Love You Long Time" the title of their EP was not to be the theme of the ex with the creepy stare.

Charming personalities that require no effort for one to imagine being best friends with, is not their only allure. Their punk/pop style music is catchy, familiar, yet refreshingly original. With tonnes of Australian press coverage mid 2006, The Gingers became hot property among the MySpace savvy. The last couple of years has seen an abundance of MySpace popularized musicians many of them even breaking into the mainstream such as Lily Allen. The Gingers were amongst the lucky, who have been signed to a label (Illicit Records). But to call these youngsters an overnight success would be not only be discrediting their hard work and thus joining the ranks of scary eyes types, but also ignoring their unpretentious energy that gives any potential fan a reason to start loving them.

Currently working on another EP and coming to the end of touring, their last shows are on next weekend in Melbourne at The Tote, 8pm Saturday 23rd Feb and the following week after that in Sydney at Spectrum, 8pm Thursday 28th Feb and in Sydney again at Ruby Rabbit, 8pm Friday 29th Feb. The Gingers are ones to watch and as Martin from the Simpsons says "Keep watching the skies".

http://www.illicitrecords.net/
http://www.myspace.com/thegingers

Alexander Wang

2008-02-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

Hey, it's a man's world, but we still wanna look hot right? Alexander Wang is the designer based in New York who is now building a reputation on using mens cuts to add a sexy sharpness to the female form in an auspicious manner. His Fall 2008 collection during New York's Fashion week, won the critics over and why not with a darling mascot such as Erin Wasson (old school Maybeline girl), who apparently styled the show that pumped Guns and Roses as one of it's final songs.

I don't want to get carried away about how original the ensembles were, because originality wasn't what this was about. The array of baggy vs sleek, 90's grunge vs 80's chic and let's throw in some downtown New York for good measure, was arranged so effortlessly, that one can assume this is all original in an era where "it's been done" has never looked cooler. I loved the accessibility of the collection and it's poignant yet discreet undertones towards tough girl mesmerism. In the famous words of Carrie Bradshaw "Me likey".

Wang is the new kid on the block everyone wants to hang out with. Forget that he was once a Teen Vogue intern, because if those starlets constantly sashaying the streets for a Starbucks coffee bigger than the size of their heads, have anything to say about it- which let's face it- they most certainly do, Alexander Wang will be an ebay knockoff staple in no time. Let's just hope Erin convinces him to start a diffusion line so the plethora of NYC downtowners (not including all the models who live there- who will most likely receive the whole line or at the very least a bag as gratis) who would be wearing his threads the most, can at least afford some pieces as opposed to scoring a cheaper "inspired" version by Urban Outfitters. If I'm anything to go by my own track record- Urban Outfitters, here I come (again)!

Best friends with Ksubi. Erin Wasson with the designers, last year at the Australian Fashion Week.

Alexander Wang with Erin Wasson. Dang girl, why you gotta be so popular for?

Mast Brothers Chocolate

2008-02-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

Remember when some fancy pants foodie told you that if you buy real honest to goodness chocolate, you won't gorge yourself, but delicately eat a few pieces and be satisfied by it's fine ingredients? Your reaction, like mine would have been (should have been)- haha yeah right. If that bad baby tastes that good, it aint seeing the light of the next hour, let alone tomorrow.

Well I have discovered my fine chocolate holy grail. And no less but in the grungy, yet widely publicized and eternally hip Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY.

Let's talk about how god damn good this chocolate is. I just ate a piece then, well maybe three, and seriously- despite it being pure heaven- it was perfectly enough. The creamy, yet sexily unadulterated taste- lingers long enough for you to be content as an angelic baby fast asleep.

Upon my discovery of Mast Brothers charming little set up at the Artists and Fleas market in Williamsburg, I greedily nabbed one of the free samples displayed, not even giving a moment to read what it was I was stuffing down let alone, who made it. It made me stop in my tracks. I haven't tasted this much class since I was in Paris. I am immune to the guilt one has after a free sample sniper attack and always have the balls to say "hmm, nice." and move on without even considering forking over a cent, let alone a real compliment. Not only did I, a professional sample stealer, pause and reconsider previous tactics, but these precious squares of goodness had fans, albeit dorky, but a true fan. Fan quote "I love how they are wrapped in beautiful paper- it really shows the quality and care of the chocolate.." I can't recall his other rants as there were more and I was busy trying to decide what to buy, but the response to the gushing sweet lover from one of the Mast Bros "Oh, yes- and they are so fun to wrap too". Huh. Anyone who loves what they do deserves a stamp of approval in my book.

Do I sound like I'm being sarcastic? Well you're wrong. More reasons to love this chocolate include the fact they focus on South American fair trade and organic ingredients. The brothers family recipes use the finest cocoa beans and are hand made in Brooklyn. Finally, being socially conscious never tasted so delectable.

http://mastbrotherschocolate.com/index.html
http://www.myspace.com/mastbrothers

A reflection

2008-02-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

The first fall of snow since early December arrived today. I dreamt that it would snow last night and I woke up to a city granting my wish. Anyone who has seen snow fall can tell you how ethereal the experience can be if you just take a moment to just cease what you're doing and breathe it in and loiter in the existence of it. Ok, it's bordering on being as cheesy as the detergent commercial you almost cried to or worse, the Spice girls making a comeback (like we needed them to begin with?) But New York City has seen me through many corny movie montage conjuring type moments where you see me walking my dog in Manhattan, laughing hysterically from a funny thing you don't see, getting a kiss on the subway from my husband and other chick flick worthy montage clips.

In the age of Myspace, Facebook and god forbid the daggy cousin- Friendster, we are given opportunities to broadcast to the world or at least anyone in this world you have ever known (including the person who thinks met you and you don't remember them- at all) an insight into the wonderful world of you. Depending how brave, happy with your life you are, if you have a life or you're too busy living your life- the profile can vary on the degrees of accuracy. It does seem as if these forums allow us to delve into the private moments of peoples lives and we are all just as washed out or over exposed as the latest starlet to go to rehab. In a judgmental world, it gives us one more avenue to concoct incorrect assumptions about people.

So no I didn't take a photo of it snowing like I did when I saw the first fall of the season. Yes, I was tempted to broadcast these photos that could have been, on my Facebook profile and don't forget- "update my status" to let my Aussie friends know - that yes it's snowing in New York and yes- I do live a cinematically inspired lifestyle. But, I really just wanted to keep this memory alive in my memory and in the sentimental stories I will impose on anyone who asks me what it's like to live in New York City. For a New York minute, there was something to be treasured about not giving away too much this time.

Like many of my authorial predecessors, New York has taken an active role in being the muse in my life. I like to romanticize that New York to me is like what Edie Sedgwick was to Andy Warhol. I am in utter infatuation with it right now! I cannot call it love as it has only been eight months- although for a relationship, that is a hearty serving of something called serious and long term.

There isn't enough blog space to truly depict how much of an impact this city has made to my personal human condition. I was anticipating being challenged, having artistically inspired moments and learning about myself. But I guess I'm surprised as to the extent at which it has occurred. I could go on and on how specific things have changed my thinking. But like a snowflake falling and melting directly in the palm of my hand, only I can witness the beauty of this moment.

The Baby Animals- please indulge me for a moment!

2008-01-24T07:17:00.000-08:00

http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/concerts/?autoplay_id=6050151

The Baby Animals

2008-01-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

Picture this, its 1991, you're under age, the internet has not made it to the mainstream and Australia's Wonderland is a hot place. And I don't mean temperature. At the tender age of thirteen years old, my best friend and partner in crime, Caroline and I were to attend the first rock and roll concert I was to ever experience. Ok, so the location was a roller coaster park in between the Australian Sydney western suburbs and farming land, but none the less- no parent of ours was going to be present. Well, not counting the ones that drive you there and back.

It was the first time I experienced live music that made me feel like I could be anything, do anything and most importantly, be anywhere. The event gave me a passport to the land of freedom, independence and absolute joy. Not only was rock and roll to be the instigator of what would then follow, my endless search for years afterwards for that same high, but Suzi De Marchi, the lead singer of The Baby Animals became my rock goddess. She was the epitome of nineties cool. With her fashionably cut hair, her hard edged yet feminine attire and her husky voice, she was unstoppable in my eyes. Her songs made references to subjects I was just starting to become intrigued by at thirteen- love, superficial guys and a painful world. All the "rock inspired" fashion that exists today- in my version of the world- Suzi started it all. Suzi was rocking shiny tight pants before Kate Moss knew breakfast was the most important meal of the day.

As you can tell, I have a strong sentimental attachment to The Baby Animals. Even more so today. After almost twelve years since their break up, The Baby Animals are back!!!! Currently on a small tour in Australia only, their last gig is on this weekend on the Central Coast, the day after Australia day (27th January). They will also be re-releasing their old stuff and bringing out some new material. Check out http://www.myspace.com/thebabyanimals for more details.

So the inevitable has arrived and it is due to that first concert I went to so many years ago, in my home country. That concert spawned a now age old quest for finding amazing music, people and events. Today I find myself living in New York City, far, far, far away from Redfern and Suzi's first performance in Sydney in thirteen years. I saw her first when I was thirteen and now seventeen years later, because of that inspirational concert, I would say, that indirectly influenced my need for adventure and excitement, has lead me to to living overseas and not attending their amazing comeback. The irony is obvious. She was a very cool lady and, while I humbly sing to Youtube clips of a concert that I am heartbreakingly missing out on, she is still very, very cool.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

2008-01-21T10:03:00.000-08:00

I once read somewhere that Marc Jacobs to New York, is what Top Shop is to London, Chanel to Paris and Prada to Milan. Putting it that way, I totally understand the obsession of Marc Jacobs that captures the New York fashionista sensibility. Personally, as a young woman new to New York City, I am particularly captivated by his diffusion line Marc by Marc Jacobs. Not only because it's West Village store sits contently across the road from my favorite cupcake place- Magnolia- giving me warm and fuzzy feelings inside, but the designs are generally more realistic for the average young New Yorker, often being bought out by teenagers, and also price wise not so unrealistic.

The Spring 2008 collection show cased last year, has been my introduction on what I will be influenced by in the on coming Spring. Of course, I won't be wearing everything (if anything), but I will definitely be inspired in terms of colours, lines and composition of outfits. Below are some of my favorites from the collection. I am thoroughly enjoying the navy blues, as I have recently got over my navy blue trauma brought on by years of school uniforms. I am loving the yellows, whites, reds, mustards and overall nod to more concise tailoring.

Maybe it's just me growing up, but I am reveling in the lady like trends (still after what seems like the last five to ten years), being spliced with a bit of punk and rock and roll. I know it's suppose to be all Foho (as opposed to Boho) this Spring/Summer, but with the pink hairspray coming back, I'm not entirely convinced.

Juno

2008-01-15T07:23:00.000-08:00

Played by Ellen Page, Juno is a knocked up sixteen year old who decides to give away her baby for adoption. As any teenage pregnancy could hope for, it turns out to be a huge learning curve for her. Her hot best friend (Olivia Thirlby) sticks by her while her classmate Bleeker (Michael Cera), the father of Juno's baby, carries on being her classmate and friend. She is fortunate to have parents (JK Simmons and Allison Janney) who support her and add to the dry comedy of the untimely event in their daughters life.

Juno's persona seems to be carefully orchestrated in an unbelievable overly adult manner. I can see how a teenager can see themselves in that light, but her teenage character crosses the border of witty sixteen year old to sixteen year old written by witty adult. I get the whole, sometimes verbal diarrhea can be funny ala Gilmour Girls- but the format is more suited to a half hour episode rather than an entire feature.

As likeable Juno is, it's the only strength the film has to offer. The film dumbs down the event and it's complexities and for a brilliant idea to begin with, I am left unsatisfied with the characters and their lack of unpredicatbility, which would have suited the film perfectly. Also starring Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner.

Zaria Forman

2008-01-08T09:58:00.000-08:00

When I first met Zaria Forman we were in a bar playing Connect Four. As a new comer to New York, I was surprised by her warmth and unaffected glow, unusual for the seriously bohem Lower Eastside of Manhattan. On our second meeting, we were at her group exhibition "Works on Paper"(showing at the DFN Gallery till February 2nd, 210 11th Ave at W. 25th st, 6th floor. http://dfngallery.com/), where I found her beauty extended beyond her demeanor and poured into her artwork. Born in South Natick, MASS, grew up in Piermont, NY and now residing in Brooklyn, New York where her studio is also. Her influence stems (among others including her own mother who is a fine arts photographer) from her childhood of traveling all over the world to remote landscapes.

"In my work I explore moments of transition, turbulence and tranquility in the landscape and their impact on the viewer. In this process I am reminded of how small we are when confronted with the powerful forces of nature. The act of drawing can be meditation for me, and my hope is that the viewer can share this experience of tranquil escape when engaging the work."

Currently represented by Allen Sheppard Gallery, at 530 W. 25th St, New York, NY, Forman has exhibited in over eighteen exhibitions, eight of them in New York and one in Florence, Italy.

http://zariaforman.com/

Other exhibitions Zaria Forman's work can be viewed are:

Soltice December 22- January 22 2008

David Floria Gallery

Aspen, CO.

Group Exhibition (Ongoing)

RARE Gallery

Jackson Hole, WY

Catherine Minnery & Zaria Forman February 8 - March 7 2008

The Mikhail Zakin Gallery

Demerest, NJ

Palm Beach 3 January 11- 14 2008

Palm Beach County Convention Center

West Palm Beach, Florida

Hanna Liden- photographic artist

2008-01-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

Hanna Liden is a Swedish artist based in New York City. "I often think of the photos as stills from a movie". Most of her photographs are taken near Stockholm where she grew up.

Her collection has been shown in the women- owned Rivington Arms gallery in New York. //rivingtonarms.com/rarms/artists/hanna_liden/index.php?artsm= 0

A Lifetime of Secrets: A PostSecret Book

2008-01-02T14:42:00.000-08:00

"For the past three years Frank Warren has invited people of all backgrounds and nationalities to send him creatively decorated postcards bearing secrets they have never before revealed. He has shared these PostSecrets on his award-winning blog, www.PostSecret.com, in an internationally traveling art exhibit, and in three electrifying books: the bestselling PostSecret, My Secret, and The Secret Lives of Men and Women." Amazon

My husband received this book from his co-worker as a Kris Kringle present. We were both really intrigued by the book and showed it to a friend of ours who tells us that we all saw this book together four months ago, and which I can't recall at all. Maybe I wasn't ready for it back then..

Lula magazine- my one true inspiration for this blog

2008-01-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

2008-01-02T14:06:00.000-08:00

This just says it all really. Fabulous.

Bat For Lashes - Whats a Girl To Do

2008-01-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

I love Natasha Khan. Awesome video, gorgeous musician.

Fafi for Mac Cosmetics

2008-01-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

For lovers of make-up and femme graf, here is your latest crush...

Fafi

2008-01-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

"Born and raised in Toulouse France, Fafi's strong presence in the graffiti and fine arts scene was first witnessed on her hometown walls in 1994. Back then, as she was painting and hustling, her sexy, funny, and sometimes aggressive girl characters made the whole world look and help kick-start a whole new graphic language; by exploring feminity through stereotypes, and using it to her advantage, she drew enormous attention and thus started to travel the world with thousands of Fafinettes in her brushes and paint cans. Europe, USA, Japan, Hong-Kong, the planet is a playground. And it's only started."
Fafi profile on http://www.fafi.net

Now an old favorite of mine, Fafi has also combined forces with Adidas, Sport Le Sac and now Mac cosmetics- I nearly died when I found out!

Decoder Ring - Somersault

2008-01-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

An Australian movie called Somersault released in 2004. It's a film about love, loneliness, beauty and new beginnings. This film took my breath away for it's sentimental notations to snow and Jindabyne- for all those kids in Australia who didn't grow up in snow and only saw it when friends or family arranged "trips to the snow" may understand what I mean. I felt this would be a great start to the theme of my blog as it really was the beginning of a chapter of a whole range of inspirations for me that are still relevant for me today.