Archive for December, 2010
The Magpie Cafe
I haven’t done a post on a restaurant for a while, much to the delight of restaurateurs the world over, I’m sure.
I’ve grown up visiting the Southern Highlands and Tablelands my entire life, and The Magpie Cafe in Berrima has always been a favourite lunch spot on when in town.
While I don’t completely understand some of the decor (seashells and coral in the country?), the feel of the place is lovely. A homely and quaint building in one of the twee-est country towns you’ll ever see.
The menu isn’t long but has something for everyone and is rustic but well-done. Duck or mussel pasta sits between homemade chicken and leek pie, or a potted vegetarian lasagne – like I had today.
Vegetarian Lasagne
Chicken and Leek Pie
Be warned (and the waitress probably will warn you) that this isn’t a fast food joint. Even when it’s not packed out, there is usually a twenty or so minute wait for your meal. Firstly – you’re in Berrima, not New York, so if you’re in some kind of hurry you should keep on driving to the nearest Macca’s. Secondly – It gives you an extra excuse to order the herb and garlic bread to eat in the meantime.
I took the dumbest picture of the herb and garlic bread. Like, from behind it, but it’s one of the best I’ve had. Order a couple because you’ll probably polish off a four-person serve each.
In true country style, The Magpie Cafe sell fresh loaves of bread on site as well as jam, honey and other preserves. Oh, and a bunch of really great desserts:
Rhubarb and Raspberry Pie
Main meals start from $14.95 and the joint is BYO.
Ballets Russes
Yesterday I drove down to Canberra to see the Ballets Russes exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia.
Although I’m clearly built like a Ballerina *cough* I was never great at ballet. However, I still enjoy watching it and, of course, am fascinated by the art of the costumes.
While the exhibit is smaller than those normally displayed at the NGA, it was full of colour and detail and varied costumes from an array of different eras and performances.
You couldn’t take photos inside unfortunately, (or maybe it is fortunate given my shocking photography “skills”) so I don’t have any pictures of the actual costumes to show you.
My favourite one was an angular and voluminous creation from Chout (The Buffoon) c1921. It was a jacket and pants combo – and something I’d wear today.
Admittedly, some of the costumes were kind of “meh” but the ones which were beautiful made up for it with their exquisite detail, and even if you’re not a fan of ballet you will enjoy the display as it’s more about art than dance realistically.
The Ballets Russes runs until 20 March 2011 at The National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.
It’s no Henri Matisse-designed masterpiece, but here’s what I wore:
Marlo PEAR-y
If I had a little girl there’s no way I wouldn’t be buying it. *squeeeeeee* so cute!!
Fudge Glitter Blast Hairspray
I don’t even have plans for New Year’s Eve yet, but I do know that they will involve Fudge’s Glitter Blast hairspray.
I got sent three bottles of this to test-drive: Silver, Gold and Multi-coloured.
Don’t let the slight bottles fool you – this hairspray packs a punch and gives extremely strong hold, so they’re perfect if you’re going to be out on a boat or plan on partying long into the new year.
The glitter effect is subtle, but is definitely there. It picks up, mainly, in the light and looks equally good on dark and light hair. I tested it on Georgina *shifty eyes* and the black and blonde hair made absolutely no different to the visibility factor.
You know how I always wear my hair straight? Well that’s primarily because I like looking like a Barbie doll, BUT it’s also partially because my hair doesn’t hold curls.
I love experimenting with different looks, but the problem is that my hair generally drops the minute I leave the house. So alas, no curls or waves for me…
UNTIL NOW
The Fudge Glitter Blast hairspray makes those curls stay so I can pull them and go “BOIIIIING” and they bounce back!
Of course you do not need to only use the glitter spray on curly hair, it works in place of your regular hairspray for quiffs, top knots, slick up do’s or – as I tested it on the other night - plain old straight hair.
If you are like me and you apply the Heat Triple Threat to your hair (that is, blowdrying, straightening and then curling, not Wade, James and Bosh) remember to use a heat protection spray. I love the one that is also by Fudge. It absorbs easily into the hair and smells really pretty (see pic below).
I like to section the hair, starting from the underneath layer, and spraying each piece as I’ve curled it for maximum hold and glitterising.
When all the sections are done, spray all over again (you can never have too much hairspray) and then shake your head upside down. Because the glitter is embedded in the spray, some of it may escape and you’ll probably find it on your floor (or arms/hands) but it’s nothing a vacuum won’t pick up.
DONE – Glossy, shiny style that will stay in place all night. I don’t know about you, but this is a new experience for me.
Pros – Super strong hold. Normally I use Fudge’s apple and coconut scented Skyscraper spray, and I am happy with that amount of strength but Glitter Blast kills it in the no-movement division.
Cons - It may be too strong for some people. I asked for a case of hairspray for my eighteenth birthday (true story), so I’m clearly a big fan. If you just like a light strength – this probably isn’t for you. You will also find glitter in areas other than your hair. Personally, I like it, but I can see how this might annoy people.
Fudge’s Glitter Blast is available at all your favourite Fudge retailers.
Designer Profile: Rachel Gilbert
Rachel Gilbert
If you see a starlet on the red carpet adorned in a sequined dress with beautiful drapery in muted tones – chances are that they’re wearing a Rachel Gilbert creation.
Having trained with the best at The Whitehouse Insitute of Design, Rachel began her career working for iconic Australian designer, Lisa Ho, and was later headhunted to design for Nicky Hilton’s label, Chick.
Fast-foward to 2010 and Rachel has cemented herself as one of Australia’s premier designers – being sold in e-stores like Net-a-Porter and boutiques across the globe including Harvey Nichols.
2011 will see Rachel Gilbert introduce a highly-coveted Ready To Wear collection to her range. A treat for fans of her glamorous and edgy brand.
The Autumn/Winter2011 RTW pieces range from t-shirts, mini dresses, fur stoles and to-die-for leather-trimmed, floor-skimming cardigans.
I interviewed Rachel on her label and the Ready To Wear collection, due out early next year.
- What is the philosophy of Rachel Gilbert clothing?
The philosophy is still undeniably feminine. I want to create beautifully embellished pieces with that WOW factor. That same ethos continues with the launch of the Ready To Wear - but there are more separates and the pieces are edgier.
- What is your vision for the “Rachel Gilbert girl”? Who are some celebrities who epitomise the look and feel of your brand?
I think the “Rachel Gilbert girl” knows her mind and isn’t afraid to stand out – with RTW it’s a chance for her to show her unique way of styling and layering pieces. I have a soft spot for celebrities who style themselves – Blake Lively, Chloe Sevigny, Rachel Bilson and January Jones stand out.
- These days it’s acceptable and fashionable to team a leather jacket with a floor-length evening gown in place of a stole or shawl previously. What is your view on how the concept of evening wear has evolved?
I think it’s personal style and the way you wear pieces – anything goes as long as you have the confidence to pull it off.
- On the other end of the scale, with heavy beading and sequins featured in your RTW collection, what is your advice to girls on “making it work” during the day time if they haven’t tried this look before?
One piece at a time! Team an embellished tee with denim or leggings or a singlet with a sequin skirt, but then mix it up in the evening.
- What was the hardest thing about designing a range of more casual, RTW pieces afer designing such exquisite evening gowns? Any fears that the collection may not have been received by your evening wear fans?
- Where will the Rachel Gilbert brand go from here? Will you be designing shoes or swimwear?
Designing RTW was a very exciting time. Being an evening designer for so long, RTW was a chance to challenge myself and I’m always looking for something new. Also my personal wardrobe is loving seeing something new other than a few too many party frocks. No fears. I stay true to myself and at the end of the day - you can’t please everyone!
We are looking into expanding into Rachel Gilbert retail stores and potentially the bridal market. So many possibilities – it’s a very exciting time for the brand.
See pictures of some of the range below. I’ve tried to focus on the gorgeous detail like studs, exposed zippers, leather cuffs and beautiful beading.
For more information on Rachel Gilbert, visit www.rachelgilbert.com
My favourites are the leather tees, the dusky pink and sequined gown and the leather-sleeved cardigans.
I am so excited for this range to come out!
What catches your eye?
Picture of Rachel Gilbert from www.fashionreview.com
Christmas Giveaway From Lush!
The lovely-smelling, silky-skinned, shiny-haired people at Lush have kindly offered up a giveaway for my readers.
Win a limited-edition Christmas pack from Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics. The prize consists of three NEW Christmas bath ballistics, a sweet smelling piece of Angels Delight soap, all wrapped in Lush’s eco-friendly gift-wrapping service, The Knot Wrap, which uses a vintage scarf to wrap gifts instead of paper and ribbon.
- Lil’ Lush Pud bath ballistic
- Satsumo Santa bath ballistic
- Cinders bath ballistic
- Angels delight soap
- All wrapped in a beautiful vintage scarf, Lush Knot Wrap
If I were the winner, I’d be keeping this present for myself!
To enter the competition simply comment below with what drives you ballistic during holiday season and, in turn, what you need to de-stress from.
Then, wish and hope that you’re the winner so you can relax!
The winner will be picked at random, and for an extra entry tweet this:
I’m entering @MarloPerry’s Lush Christmas Giveaway on www.marloperry.com
Competition ends on Tuesday 21 December, so get entering!
Good luck xx
Outfit of the Day
Since Sydney decided to turn up the heat for Queen Oprah, I thought I’d head into The City for a little looksie at the Terracotta Warriors.
The exhibition featuring these magnificent artifacts started on Friday at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and runs until March next year.
I highly recommend you go and see them and the other displays on show, we’re so lucky to have them visit Australia.
After the gallery I was going to head to ARIA for lunch but the bastard was closed, so I had some lunch at East, a Chinese restaurant right next door. Pretty good food, actually – and how can you argue with that view?
You will probably notice I haven’t done many outfit posts lately. I started a new job three weeks ago, so I haven’t really had the time. Hopefully once I get into the swing of things I can put up some corporate OOTD posts, though.
Here’s today’s outy:
Dove Damage Therapy
Daily Moisture Shampoo $6.49
When I received a big bag of Dove’s Repair Therapy range I totally freaked out.
Does my hair look really ratty and damaged in my photos? People would comment and tell me, right?
Upon further inspection into the products, I realised that the range isn’t just to fix damaged hair, but to prevent from damage and maintain healthy locks.
Phew!
The Dove Damage Therapy treatments cover all hair bases – from light to intense damage. Whether you’re suffering from just a bit of frizz or severe breakage and colour fading.
Regular readers of my blog will know my hair is subject to many harsh and damaging factors like chlorine and my can’t-live-without hair tool, the GHD.
Normally I suffer from colour fading, dryness and breakage both at the roots and the ends of my hair.
I’ve been testing out the various Dove Damage Therapy shampoos and conditioners exclusively (except for one visit to the hairdresser) for about 6 weeks now and I’ve noticed a huge difference in the condition in my hair.
While I’ve still been suffering from (boo hoo) split-ends and breakage, it has decreased dramatically and my hair has been generally silkier and shinier – not easy when you’re blonde!
My only gripes with the range of products is that there isn’t a very strong scent. This isn’t something that hugely bothers me, but I know some people like a clean, fresh smell that hangs around for a while. The Dove shampoo smells nice – don’t get me wrong – but it’s subtle and doesn’t linger like a perfume.
Another thing (which may not bother too many people) is that while the shampoos and conditioners are good at preventing damage and maintaining healthy hair, they don’t have any kind of root volumising properties.
I love big hair. The bigger the better. So traditionally I would use a volumising shampoo. I don’t look good with flat hair, but some people can pull it off. You know who you are; and if that’s you – then you won’t mind.
That said, my hair doesn’t feel weighed down at all and is easy to style.
I also have a very sensitive scalp and my hair gets oily easily. To be honest, I think that’s actually because I play with it all the time (oops). Since using the Dove Damage Therapy products I haven’t noticed any problems with an increase in oil production (probably less, actually) and my scalp hasn’t been acting up.
One of the best things about the range is the price.
The 300mL bottles of Shampoo and Conditioner will set you back $6.49 each, with specialised treatments and heat-protecting mists starting at $7.99 all available in supermarkets and pharmacies nationally now.
Heat Defence Mist $7.99
