Archive for November, 2009
The best of bows
For those of you wondering where I got the fabulous bow I’m wearing in the picture with Jennifer Hawkins, I got it in Harajuku, Tokyo. BUT I have found a similar one at 
All my life, I’ve been a real girly girl (duh- have you read my blog?) and naturally, I’m OBSESSED with bows.
I’m not sure what it is about them but no matter which genre of fashion or where they adorn the body- they always add such a cute and feminine touch.
For those on a budget, it’s actually a really good time to be a bow-lover. Stores like Diva, Sportsgirl and Forever new always have heaps of pretty, bow-embellished pieces to satisfy your fatal attraction to cuteness.
Cupcake ring US$7.95
blueberry vanilla petit bow scarf US$18.00
Mollini ‘Opening‘ black satin and velvet heels (sizes 36-41) AU$128
American Apparel vintage velvet bow AUD$42.00
If you’re not really into headware you cannot look past the Ava Gardner earrings from Lydia Jewels.
These are the prettiest earrings I have come across in a while. They’re so dainty but you could also wear them in a sexy diva/rock chic way a la Rihanna with slicked back hair and a quiff.
Lydia Jewels Ava Gardner earrings $126
Weep
siiiiiigh this is the section where, for most of us, we have to either save up, be naughty and charge our credit cards or merely dream of beautiful things such as those posted below.
To ease in, this Marc Jacobs bow watch/necklace from net-a-porter is the perfect addition to your wardrobe, particularly if you have trouble remembering to wear a watch (like I so often do) or you don’t want anything too cutesy.
Marc Jacobs Bow watch approx. AUD$197.00
If you want my undying love and attention- I suggest you take notice of the next item. This jacket is TO DIE FOR. Moschino cut their coats so beautifully, with just the right amount of puff sleeve and they remain so flattering no matter how many layers you stack underneath.
This one takes the cake with the perfect bows on the shoulder. The beauty of this is that despite the obvious bows- it isn’t that girly and you could easily toughen it up with some frye motorbike boots and an Alexander Wang bag. Obviously I know we are coming into summer in Australia, but if you had this piece of art- you’d never need to look for a jacket or coat again.
Moschino Bow shoulder jacket approx. AUD$2,771.00
And for the ultimate in bow luxury- you can’t look past Australia’s sexiest label, Wheels and dollbaby for this show-stopping and highly coveted swarovski embellished dress.
Wheels and Dollbaby Swarovski encrusted scallop dress (sizes 1-4) $1000
So that completes my list of top bows of the mo, however I will encourage you to nip over to one of my favourite blogs- Sassisam and check out this phenomenal dress that has been worn by Kim Catrall. Trust me- you will be amazed (and more than slightly envious!)
So tell me, what are your favourite bow clothing and accessories?
Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes reveals her Crillon Ball Chanel couture gown
Lash Boutique- 20% off lashes!
From now until Tuesday 15th December 2009 you can get 20% the glorious lashes from
http://www.lashboutique.com.au/
just enter the code MISSY at the checkout.
Whatever your style; whether you’re a demure, single lash kinda girl or a drama queen who loves sparkles and effect- head over to the lash boutique now to order your essential lashes.
Spend over $50 (should be easy!) and you receive free shipping within Australia. Awesome. If you only feel like you need one pair, grab some for your girlfriends- wear them all on a night out together and watch how much attention you get. I DARE YOU.
ALSO- when you buy two sets of lashes you receive a FREE pair of travel tweezers housed in a tiny leather pouch. Perfect for the handbag.
L.A.M.B and Harajuku Lovers for Apple
You all know I love me some Gwen Stefani and I love her clothing labels even more.
Check out the L.A.M.B and Harajuku lovers for Apple here or if you’re in the US (lucky you!), the range will be available at Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s in the coming weeks.
I’m loving these
L.A.M.B 13″ signature canvas coated sleeve US$99.95
L.A.M.B 15″ ultraviolet leather sleeve- (also comes in Absinthe) US$199.95
Harajuku Lovers 13″ sleeve with handles- Super hot heroes print US$49.95
GQ Men of the year awards 2009
Last night was the GQ men of the year awards, which was ultimately taken out by the talented, funny and rugged Sam Worthington. Or something. Who really cares when there’s women’s fashion to judge, right?
Gracie in particular pisses me off. I’ve seen her out numerous times in the cross/city/etc and I KNOW for a fact she has stunning pieces of clothing and she usually puts them together really well. Ain’t nothing cute about this dress, and matching it with a turquoise ring and black pumps is just a bizarre choice.
I do however love that each of these girls has embraced their pale skin. I’m tanorexic myself, but if I was skinny and had even, alabaster skin like these girls I wouldn’t spend a second in the sun. Lovely.
OOPS! Tasma Walton accidentally dressed for her year 10 formal. Circa 1994. How awkward for her.
I’ve never been a fan of Stephanie Rice’s ‘fashion’ choices and once again, I’m disappointed in her. Maybe with the money she will save on not having a manager* she can hire a stylist? Someone who sits her down and tells her she is an athlete and therefore has an athlete’s body. Stephanie, babe, you’re NOT curvy. There are alot of outfits you cannot pull off. This is one of them.
ps- What’s with the fake tan on arms and legs and not anywhere else? Rookie mistake. Try harder next time, please.
Although Daniel Merriweather isn’t a girl, he gets a special mention because his suit is just. so. damn. hideous.
I luuuurve velvet jackets on a man. But not this crushed velvet crap that Hugh Hefner might have a robe made out of. Props for the patent leather shoes, though.
This outfit worn by Sam Worthington’s missus, Natalie Mark got it oh so right simply by daring to be different. I love love love the colour of the dress on her skin tone and just the right amount of embellishment on the shoulder dresses it up without being OTT.
Her makeup is natural and pretty and she looks fab on the arm of Mr Worthington.
Camille Keenan and Dustin Clare from one of my faaaaaavourite shows- Satisfaction (Season 3 starts December 1 on Showcase!!!) look understated and stylish. I adore Camille’s dress for it’s simplicity and glamour. Nice match on the nude satin shoes, too. Thumbs UP.
It was a close tie for Best Dressed in my eyes between Camille and who I eventually decided was the winner…
Sarah Wilson takes it out in the end because she just looks so beautiful. the Grecian inspired column dress is extremely flattering on her, (looking very Angelina Jolie, donchathink?) and while I probably would have worn bronze shoes and bag- I’m willing to overlook it because she is so ravishing.
People who look healthy are the most attractive kind of people in my opinion and I think it’s something most Australians can pride themselves upon. Sarah is always glowing and never overdoes it with the makeup, leaving her looking natural and elegant.
What are your views on last night’s fashion? Who is your best and worst dressed?
*What’s up with international Quarterback? Only weeks ago Lara Bingle and Michael Clark cut ties with them, and now Stephanie Rice? hmmm
Gossip girl for Big W- launches tomorrow 19th November
- The gorgeous blinged out bow bangle for a teensy $17.62
- The oh-so-cute ballet flats in a myriad of colours for a ridiculously good $24.83
- The extremely on trend coral body con mini dress for just $44.83 (that’s like, 50 cents on a cost per wear basis!)
I hope it’s succesful, maybe they will extend the range to include menswear? I’d love to see some sharp dressing boys like chuck strutting around Sydney!
Will you be rushing instore tomorrow to check it out? And will you be doing your best Serena or Blair impersonation?
xoxo
Angel Champagne- Welcome to the world of Hip hop
After 12 years in the making, Angel Champagne has finally made a splash. This induglent and luxurious Champagne is more than just an alcoholic beverage- it is an experience.
After Cristal made a major boo boo by alluding to the fact it did not want rap artists buying, drinking, and essentially, giving free and plentiful advertising to it’s product, celebs have turned away in droves and have taken drastic measures to get their bubbly hit elsewhere. Jay-Z helped out a virtually unknown brand- Armand de Brignac by making it his champagne of choice and subsequently helping them to sell out their entire production line of 60,000 bottles in one year.
But now, thanks to the likes of Mariah Carey and her posse of well heeled, cashed up mates there’s a new kid on the block.
A snowman in Africa- Gucci campaign to benefit UNICEF
This year, the African theme follows through with elephant and snake printed bags and small items such as coin purses, and key chains, ranging in price from $50- $5000 (prices are in US dollars).
For those of you who feel guilty dropping a few grand on a handbag- you shouldn’t anyway, but this is the perfect time to treat yourself. Not only will you be the proud owner of one of these gorgeous pieces, but you also would have been doing your bit for children of the world in need of our help for a better future.
Sanrio Puroland- A review
Although it has been something like 3 months since I went to Sanrio Puroland, the delightful, fluffy and colourful memories are still clear in my mind.
They say Disneyland is the happiest place on earth- it don’t have shit on this dreamland.
Located about 50 minutes from Tokyo station (or 40 from Shinjuku station) you can find Sanrio Puroland in Tama Centre which can be accessed by catching the Keio line from Shinjuku station.
Before I went, I read/heard that it was difficult to find- but if you have a 6th sense for cute (or, you know, half a brain) you will work out how to get there in mere minutes…or seconds if you run towards it like an excited child.
Prices are cheap when you compare them to other theme parks around the world- especially since once you are in Sanrio Puroland you do not have to pay to see the shows, go in any of the interactive areas (such as Hello Kitty’s house) or take the boat ride. This is only if you purchase a ‘passport’ which will only set you back another 1000yen compared to the regular entry ticket and gains you access to so much more.
The order of which you do things is up to you (duh!), but I chose to get in the line for the boat ride as soon as I got inside as it tends to get a little busy. On this ride you will be taken through a world of all the Sanrio characters as they attempt to get ready for Hello Kitty’s birthday party. Don’t forget to pose for the camera at the end as you can purchase a photo of yourself on the ride. The instructions are in Japanese however and my first time around I completely missed it. My photo at the booth was a picture of me with my back turned…taking a photo of something next to me. Brilliant. So naturally I just had to go back around um a couple of times.
I was happy though to get a photo with a Japanese family- with mum and the kids all doing the obligatory ‘peace’ sign with their fingers!
Aside from the boat ride (which lasts around 10 minutes and is completely tame, by the way) you will find four levels of Hello Kitty bliss with Arcade games, skill testers, numerous shops and eateries and other activities and games to partake in.
There are theatres with different shows (similar to cirque du soleil) and two very interactive games including one which seemed slightly out of place- a virtual rollercoaster with moving chairs hmm and an on theme race against time to rescue HK and her boyfriend, Daniel.
Among these four flours you will also find opportunities for getting your silhouette done, a Japanese ‘cartoon’ style portrait of yourself and a photo plant where you can have a souvenir photo of you dressed as your favourite Sanrio star!
One of the most incredible features of Sanrio Puroland is the food available. There are a few cafes located on the top level of the complex, but for Hello Kitty style (and very, very cheap) food, you should opt for the food court.
Here, I purchased HK bento- which luckily for me (as I am allergic to seafood) I was able to find very Western food
This only set me back around AU$8 and had chicken, rice, a hash brown (what the?) and some other stuff, plus a drink. That’s pretty good- considering they could charge $15 and you wouldn’t have much choice except to answer the call of your rumbling tummy.
I also got the HK shaped cheesecake pictured here nom nom nom.
Aside from the food court and the cafes- there are tonnes of other little food outlets around, selling equally cute and cheap snack food. Check out these Hello Kitty shaped cakey type things, filled with cream cheese, chocolate, caramel, vanilla and heaps of other flavours I forget.
My other favourite edible memories are these Jean Paul Gaultier inspired water bottles (which I bought home as momentos)
and this ice cream which is really cool (ha!). It is formed in little balls, and stays that way in your mouth, until it melts- obviously. It tastes similar to Cold rock’s ‘double choc’ flavour, but I was totally obsessed with this and may have gone back a number of times for more. Oops.
Oh, and yes my nails are adorable, aren’t they? I got those done in the Shin-Marunouchi building at the nail bar on the top floor. The clever girl made the HK faces from scratch!
At the end of the self-lead tour of her house, you will get to meet Hello Kitty in person! If you are very emotional like me, you may tear up upon meeting her. I think I was seconds away from being asked to let go as I embraced her like a long lost friend. What of it?
My advice to anyone making the trip out to Sanrio Puroland is to just take everything in, and enjoy the extreme attention to detail that has gone into making this place happen. Even the toilets are enchanted:
It’s hard not to enjoy yourself when there are adorable things like this running around:
And opportunities to have a photo of yourself (or your kids) taken like this:
If you’re on a budget- don’t worry. You can still go and have an awesome day. With adult entry price being the most expensive thing at around AU$50, you could easily do this theme park in AU$100.
The other $50 could be divided up with
$20 food/drinks (over the whole day- if that)
$12 photo as your fave character (you HAVE to do this, it’s hilarious/cute/funny)
$10 transport to/from the centre of Tokyo
and then still have enough left over for a souvenir (they’re very cheaply prices) and/or one of the 500yen lucky dip games which offer stunning prizes worth well over the price of the game. I got a soup mug and a cool pack in the shape of HK’s head (which was perfect given it was the height of summer while I was there) but some of the other prizes include air humidifier (no- seriously) towels, skipping ropes, makeup bags, clothing, mobile phone accessories- basically anything that you can think of with HK’s face printed on it.
Of course, you can also buy a load of stuff like me- keep in mind this was really restrained because I was at the start of my trip:
Other handy hints:
-no prams are allowed, so if you’re taking kids make sure they can walk or you are comfortable carrying them
-there isn’t much seating just generally around, so be prepared for that and wear very comfy shoes.
-Everything is in Japanese (obviously) but unlike most places in Tokyo there is no English translation on signs so just keep your wits about you
-If you are a young, tall, Australian girl on your own you WILL get gawked at. But don’t be afraid to ask people to take your picture. And don’t forget to take a million photos of everything as noone will truly understand the magnitude of the cute unless they see it for themselves.
For more info- head to
http://puroland.co.jp/english/
Happy days!
Wheels and Dollbaby- Seduction de Jour
So, this collection has been out for a few months now, but not all the pieces were available yet.
