Light at the end of the tunnel....

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

http://www.storyofstuff.com/
















http://www.storyofstuff.com/

Um, it's called life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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?