A Fatal Attraction to Cuteness

SPANX

When I received a pair of SPANX to test out for my readers, I contemplated posting photos of me wearing them.

For about three seconds.

I’m usually not shy about putting up photos of myself on my blog; I’ve never blurred out my face or used photoshop to make my self look better, but I think I need to draw the line somewhere.

I will, however, let you know what I thought of them.

Up until last week, I’d never tried a pair of SPANX. I’ve bought underwear and hosiery that’s mentioned its pull-in-and-shapen qualities, but it’s not something that’s ever really been a selling point for me.

Since SPANX was started by Sara Blakely twelve years ago, there have been many imitations and cheaper versions on the market promising to perform the same slimming and shaping function – but the original, and the best, still reign supreme.

SPANX are loved by Oprah, the girls on The View and celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyonce and Nicole Kidman who – even in their toned and slimmed down glory – still rely on sucking-in undergarments to get the perfect silhouette for their red carpet events.

There’s no doubt that a few pairs of SPANX were utilised by the celebs walking the red carpet today for the Oscars.

Whether you’re wearing a clingy, floor length number like the divine Cate Blanchett, need to dress for a baby bump like Natalie Portman or you’re a guy trying to create some shape under a fitted shirt – there’s a SPANX product for everyone.

Yes, you did read that correctly. SPANX for everyone - including men. A range were launched for the metrosexual guy who feels self-conscious, as us women do, about lumps and bumps that may be showing under our clothes.

The difference between the men’s and women’s range is that the SPANX For Men are a fair bit thicker. The tshirt feels like a regular stretchy under shirt and the fabric of the women’s line is soft and fine; like a stocking but more silky.

The only problem with the softness and fineness is that you have to treat it like you would a pair of stockings. I accidentally nicked my pair with the edge of my toenail and it got a ladder. That’ll teach me to indulge in pedicures more often.

Aside from the delicate nature of the garment, they’re perfectly comfortable and practical. See:

I didn’t cook any meals or run any races, but I did put out several fires while wearing my SPANX and didn’t feel uncomfortable once.

Although they start up above the belly button and end mid-thigh, the legs don’t have thick bands - so there’s no restricting and bulging, nor are there muffin tops. Huzzah! Just smooth lines up and down your body.

The pair I tested out aren’t the only ones, though. Visit www.spanx.com to see a full range including bras, swimsuits, a huge range of underwear and SPANX for men.

A pair of high-waisted, mid-thigh SPANX like the ones I tried start at $59.95.

Would you try or have you tried SPANX? I’m particularly interested to hear what men think!

February 28, 2011 at 10:17 am 4 comments

Dotti A/W11

It’s not often that I write about a collection directly after seeing it at a Media Showing, but there are a few reasons why I wanted to give my readers a heads-up about Dotti’s latest right away.

Upon walking into the room, the collection strikes you as an easy-to-wear, high-street label that, in itself, embodies the Aussie-girl’s Winter spirit.

A pompom-adorned coat hangs side-by-side with military inspired cardis, cuffed skinny jeans, basics in soft, peach jersey tones, sheer tunic tops for layering, plenty of leather and faux-fur, kitsch prints like snowflakes and hearts, as well as some tongue-in-cheek accessories, like my favourite - a teddy bear beanie.

Dotti’s A/W11 collection has provided us with all the ingredients for a core wardrobe for both work and play. Try a neat pleated wool-blend mini with patterned tights, a shirt and cardigan for daytime then switch up the cardi for a fur vest and some killer heels for the night.

One of the (many) great things about the collection is the variety of textiles, embellishments, patterns and cross of eras. Too often we see designers go overboard with one running theme to create cohesion, that they forget sometimes there’s a lot to be said about simplicity.

Dotti have demonstrated this idea with really amping up their tailoring skills; giving us nip-waisted jackets and flattering pants with minimal accents for you to create your own signature.

There’s lace, but not too much. You’ll find floral and leather, but not an overdose in either direction to conclude that the collection is butch or femme. Studs, crystals, ruffles, leather and brass – you’ll find your match whether you’re into frou frou, biker chic or something in between.

Not ones to pigeon-hole themselves, Dotti have created tartan flannel  jackets and liberty print skater skirts  which suggest an homage to the 90s, while blouses with velvet ribbons and lace bibs are a nod to the Victorian era.

This thoughtfulness to the aesthetic is an obvious maturity in the Dotti brand. Years ago I remember it being a not-so-desirable shopping destination; but now its stores hold pride of place in major shopping centres and allow the masses access to chain store prices with an individual result.

A fitting time for Dotti to lift their brand from chain store to high street. With the likes of Zara opening their first Sydney store later this year, there’s a need for competition; and Dotti are certainly bringing it.

If you needed more convincing of the collection’s greatness, you’ll enjoy the price point. Basics start at $19.95 with heavier items like military-embellished coats hitting $149.95 and faux-fur coats peaking at $199.95.

The first drop will be in stores in March, with weekly drops and re-cuts of the knits carrying on through Winter.

For you nearest Dotti store or to read more information, check out www.dotti.com.au

February 23, 2011 at 12:24 pm 7 comments

Designer Profile and Giveaway- Muchacho Clothing

The story behind Muchacho clothing is that of a modern-day fairytale. City-dwelling financier, Andy, leaves the hustle and bustle behind to explore the relaxing beaches of Central America and falls in love. That is, with the tranquility and the scenery.

Photographic memories of  his travels now adorn the clothing in the Muchacho brand which is stocked in exclusive boutiques across Australia, New Zealand and Germany as well as a comprehensive online store, and has a cult following with sun-seekers who share the same passion for sand and surf as Andy.

I got a little insight into Muchacho clothing from the man behind the lens:

• You tease us with your images of beautiful beach-side towns and evoke a sense of liberation. What made you up and leave for your adventure? Were you inspired by someone else the way you’re inspiring other people?

I’ve always loved to travel and thought it would be a good way to bring some of the feelings you get when you’re travelling home with you. I’m inspired by quite a few photographers – one for example is Pierre Verger, a Frenchman who, when he lost his family in his 30s, began to travel the World and discovered photography. He sold his negatives to newspapers as he went and when he got to Salvador in Brazil he couldn’t leave. It seduced him and he lived there until he died when he was 94. His photos of the area and the people show his love and fascination of the Black population of Bahia that came over from Angola as slaves. Truly great work and a truly great place.

• If there was a beach-worthy cocktail to suit the Muchacho brand, what would it taste like?

Would have to be a mojito or cuba libre. Both Cuban in origin, they’re both with rum and damn refreshing! Come to think of it, Caiprinha too! Hard to beat on the beaches of Rio when the sun is setting.

• What other places do you hope to capture and place on your clothing? Would you ever start using imagery of grassy, palatial fields or cityscapes? Or is the brand focused strictly on cruisy, beachy destinations?

Never know where it’s going really. I’m very much into capturing situations or events that evoke emotions of people in their daily lives and enjoying themselves. Whether it be while catching fish or selling an ice-cold beer to a satisfied customer. So in that sense, we’re not limited to beaches; the photos and designs are evolving all the time.

• What is your best advice for someone embarking on a sea-change? Any must-see beaches to cross off the bucket list?

If you can get to Columbia go to Parque Tayrona in the North. You walk through rainforest for 45 minutes or so before reaching an idyllic set of beaches hugged by smooth rocks. Nothing to do but sit in a hammock and wait for the mango lady to come around selling fresh mango juice and then fish for dinner in the afternoon.

Thanks to Muchacho Clothing, I’ve got one Buenos Aires t-shirt in Medium (RRP $59.95) to give away to a lucky reader!

All you need to do is tell me Muchacho Clothing’s tagline. (hint, you’ll find it in the top right-hand corner here) Comment before Monday, 28 February midday (AEST time) to be in the running. Winner will be notified by email.

Good luck!

February 23, 2011 at 11:38 am 57 comments

Outfit of the Day

This cooler weather has me inspired for Winter. As much as I love Summer, there’s nothing like layers and huge, billowing sleeves! I’m also quite partial to a tie as you’ll notice below.

This velvet oversized bowtie is by Lanvin and I’m obsessed by it. I’ve decided this Winter that I’m going to take a lot of fashion inspiration from my boy Kanye West. Cropped, cuffed trousers, blazers, sharp shirts and ties. Yum, Yum, Yum.

Georgina got overly excited when I came in the door and started singing howling and then wanted to be tickled on the face with my voluminous bib. I wish I could take her to work.

Being serenaded by Georgina

February 23, 2011 at 10:42 am 7 comments

Twobirds Bridesmaid Dresses

If you’ve seen the movie 27 Dresses, you’ll be familiar with the running joke about bridesmaid’s dresses and their ability to be worn again post-wedding.

Most typical dresses worn by the bridal party can’t really be worn again, let’s face it. And if you have a bridezilla in charge who chooses a style that doesn’t suit your body type, you’d be even less inclined to wear the dress again.

Twobirds have set out to solve this problem (and a few others that may arise during the dress-shopping exercise) by creating a line of dresses that can be worn many ways to suit every body type and quite honestly be worn time and time again.

I was lent one of the newest designs from twobirds to try out. This dress could not be any more my style – and, I’m sure, a lot of my readers’ style.

If you and your bridesmaids love the pretty, girly look – the dress adorned with rosettes is perfect. The weighted bottom provides movement and volume and the easily cinched-in waist creates a flattering shape for all sizes 6-22. The dress is also suitable for every bust size and pregnant women as it’s very stretchy.

If the wearer is not into flowers, no probs – there’s a style that’s plain, sophisticated and classic and will suit even the simplest of tastes. No matter what type of figure –  petite, boyish, curvy – there’s no way you won’t find a way to wrap these dresses to suit your body.

We so often hear horror stories about dresses not fitting on the day – but that problem is impossible with a Twobirds dress. Just pull the straps tighter (or looser) to get the perfect fit for your girls.

One-shoulder, backless, strapless, halter or with sleeves – it’s all possible. The two long, long straps can be knotted, plaited, twisted, folded and draped to create every style you can conjure up. I could bore you with a million pictures of a millions different ways of wearing the dress, but I think you’ll get the idea from just a couple:

Twobirds bridesmaid dresses start at $250 for flowergirls and $320 for bridesmaids. There are even bandeaus and accessories for men.

For range of colours, styles and more than 15 different ways to style and wrap the dresses, have a look at www.twobirdsbridesmaid.com.au

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February 20, 2011 at 9:24 am 2 comments

Outfit Of The Day

Another corporate outfit post.

As you can tell, I don’t really wear suits. I’m glad it’s cooled down a bit lately so I can wear a jacket, though.

I also had an event this morning before work which required a different outfit. I had to take something in my bag which wouldn’t crease and was light, so I went for this great Review pencil skirt. I have a few of these as they’re so comfy and easy to wear, albeit a little bit short because I’m tall. I wear the ones I have every week because it’s just so effortless.

I am really looking forward to Winter outfits now. Eeep! Did I just say I’m looking forward to Winter?

February 9, 2011 at 11:23 am 1 comment