Australians at their best...

I've been meaning to blog about one of these amazing aspects of the Australian arts industry for a long time now. But the right opportunity never presented itself. And then coincidence of all coincidences, I happened to stumble upon (a.k.a. watch. Lol.) the movie Moulin Rouge! this morning and inspiration struck! The opportunity has finally presented itself, alongside another amazing aspect of the Australian arts industry: a fashion label by the name of Wheels & Dollbaby.

Moulin Rouge!

Seven years ago, Baz Luhrmann released his most phenomenal movie to date, Moulin Rouge. I fell in love, and that love has lasted (though it waned, I'll admit) all the way up until today when I rediscovered what a truly incredible filmmaker Mr. Luhrmann really is. Several months after the movie's release, Harper's Bazaar Australia decided to dedicate a large portion (including the cover) to the movie and its stars. An issue for which the team won an award. I remember this issue as the still photos used were almost as mesmorising as the actual film.

Harper's Bazaar Australia coverage
Stunning, aren't they?

I'm writing about this because I think it's important to spread the word about Australian talent. Whether it be filmmakers (e.g. Baz Luhrmann), magazine editors (e.g. Harper's Bazaar team) or just about anything else you can think of, we've got some real beauties just waiting to burst onto the scene and show the world what they've got.

Wheels & Dollbaby

At this point in time, I have three Australian fashion labels that top my list of all-time favourites. Alannah Hill. Alex Perry. And Wheels and Dollbaby. In essence, they're very similar brands: ultra feminine and internationally recognised and loved. As soon as I can afford to pay $150 for a t-shirt, Wheels and Dollbaby will be my everyday-wear label of choice.

Is this not the hottest body-con dress you've ever seen?
Am I the only one who feels inspired to go to the gym and work my ass off (literally. Lol.) right now? A dress like this can be quite unforgiving in the flattery department, if worn without caution.

Much more to come on the very best of Australian talent.
Oh and please don't forget to cast you vote(s) in this month's poll on the right hand side of the page.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of nicolekidmanunited.invisionzone.com, imdb.com 1 and 2 and wheelsanddollbaby.com]

Venus Rising

Exactly 21 days ago, Demelza Revely was crowned Australia's Next Top Model (a perfect demonstration of the crazy world we live in). Don't worry, this is not going to be a full-on AusNTM post (I get the feeling all you readers might be sick of those? Lol.) -- but a few weeks before the show ended, the contestants posed for an Oyster Magazine photo shoot. The issue has hit the stands and the girls are featured in all their seemingly-awkward (in true Oyster Magazine style), beach-surrounded glory. All except for two: Alyce Crawford and Demelza Revely. Don't ask me why these two (especially Demelza, the winner of the series) were rejected from the issue, I'm as clueless as the next person. But I personally think it could be their karma coming back to bite them both on the bum.

Alexandra Girdwood.
Runner-up

Caris Eves
3rd Runner-up

Caris is now with Chadwick Models

A signature Oyster Magazine landscape shot.
As far as photography is concerned, this magazine is leaps and bounds above the rest.

Samantha Downie
2nd Runner-up
Sam is now with Priscillas Models

In other news, Britney Spears made a surprise appearance at the Generation Rescue Event, hosted by Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carey, over the weekend. Britney looked fabulous in her LBD -- this is a real turning point for her. Hopefully this is an indication of the new leaf Britney has turned over this year, and I look forward to seeing her get her life back together.


Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of oystermag.com and popsugar.com]

Yes -- Duck, Duck, Goose is a perfect comparison

Tagging always renders me utterly hopeless. I love being tagged (it's such a compliment), and I love tagging others (though I wish I could legitimately tag everyone so no one felt left out) so don't let my uselessness put you off. Lol.
This time around, I've been tagged by 4 people, though with two different TAG's to consider.

Number 1.

I was tagged absolutely ages ago by lovely Fashion Ivy. The rules are posted at the beginning. At the end of the post, the player tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and
leave a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve
posted your answer.

1) What was I doing 10 years ago?
My mum (as well as every other woman in the world) would be getting excited about a cool new show called "Sex and the City", but I wouldn't care because listening to Hanson, the Spice Girls and the Backstreet Boys would be enough to keep me happy.

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list today?
a) major in-house clean up
b) think of excuses for not doing my homework ("I was cleaning all weekend and didn't have time")
c) read through and answer blog comments
d) resist the sugary treats mum has just brought home, in keeping with my Perfect Skin Challenge
e) purge my iTunes of 'litter music'

3) Snacks I enjoy
. Bread (every kind, except white)
. Pecans
. Green apples
. Hot chips

4) Places I've Lived
Australia...Yes, that's all.

5) Things I'd do if I were a billionaire.
- Buy my parents a mansion
- Donate a large sum to environmental research (as well as other worthy charitable causes)
- Go on a little shopping spree
- Take my mum on an overseas trip
- Buy an environmentaly-friendly car
- Buy a house in London

6) People I want to know more about
- The new French exchange student at school.
- Britney Spears (what is really going on in her head?)
- Bloggers!

7) Your turn...
- A Mad Tea Party With Alis
- Couturee Yourself
- Fashionyou
- Discotheque Confusion
- lookbook

Number 2

I was tagged by 3 lovely ladies by the names of A dreamer, Coco and Sunniva.
The Rules: list 7 songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they're not any good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying now, shaping your Summer (or Winter as it is for me). Post these instructions in your blog along with your 7 songs. Then tag 7 other people to see what they're listening to.

Fascination -- Alphabeat
I heard this song once, a little while ago and didn't stop thinking about it until it was on my iPod a few days later. Now it is my most played, and I can confidently say, my most favourite song ever.

Teardrop -- Massive Attack
This one has been shaping my whole year, really. I don't think anyone could listen to this and not love it. Great for chillin', or hanging out with a special someone.

Knights of Cydonia -- Muse
My brother may have it on constant rotation with his Guitar Hero obsession, but that only increases the love affair. I love listening to this and scremaing the lyrics in an empty house, whilst it rains outside.

Gravity's Rainbow -- The Klaxons
I don't actually think they released this one, but they definitely should have. Absolutely great fr dancing to.

When I Grow Up -- The Pussycat Dolls
Total guilty pleasure! I love this song so much, even though I have less than zero respect for the band. It just makes me want to dance!

Yeah Yeah -- Bodyrox
I don't know anything about this song, this band or even where I got it from. My iPod started playing it when I was 'shuffling' once and I haven't looked back since.

Played A Live -- Safri Duo
I've actually had this song for two years, but I only recently started listening to it religiously. A really great rave song.

Now as for who I'm going to tag, I have to admit, almost every blog I have visited in recent weeks has featured this tag. So here's the deal: anyone who hasn't already done this tag, I am officially tagging you. I don't care how many bloggers that is (whoops, minor rule breach), but if this tag is new to you, then I want you to tell us all about your 7 Summer Songs!

Catch.

Romany

Fall 2008 Couture

Ah, couture. The reason for my existence. As much as I would love nothing more than to gush on and on about Fall 08 Haute Couture, I'm supposed to be getting ready for a night out (though my attire will consist, regrettably, of brands much less inspiring than couture, I'm afraid). But as a little addition, I've included the starlets I would most like to see each creation on. Feel free to express your agreement or disagreement as you wish.
So here, purely for your enjoyment, I present the designers of today showing the rest of 'em how it's done.

Elie Saab

(left) Rihanna -- Rihanna's glamour-with-a-punky-edge style would compliment this gown to perfection.
(middle) Iman -- the model looks a little but like Iman, so that's the first one that came to mind.
(right) Keira Knightley -- Keira's pale skin and ethereal beauty would only add to that of this gorgeous creation.

(left) Scarlett Johansson -- the bodice is similar to those ScarJo has worn in the past, so it would be a very organic pairing.
(right) The obligatory Elie Saab wedding dress. I can't really see this on anyone, right now...

Valentino

(far left) Uma Thurman -- Uma can do white like no other, and her style seems to have evolved from flowing gowns to fitted suits. It makes sense, as far as I'm concerned.
(left) Angelina Jolie -- tell me you don't agree with that one.
(right) Nicole Richie -- can't explain this. I just see it...
(far right) Anne Hathaway -- red compliments Anne's porcelain skin, and the fit seems as if it would flatter her shape.

Armani Prive

(left) Leighton Meester -- this classic dress would suit Leighton's classic style wonderfully.
(middle) Charlize Theron -- the strapless bodice would show off Charlize's amazing toned shoulders.
(right) Kate Hudson -- I'm sure Kate has worn something similar before. First thing that came to mind, again.

Chanel

Hmm. These are all quite similar. I can see Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Lauren Conrad, Katie Holmes and Ashley Olsen all fighting over them.

Christian Dior

(left) I can see this as more as an elaborate pool-side outfit. In which case, I'll throw myself in with this one. Lol.
(middle) Rachel McAdams -- random, right? Lol. Light blue seems to compliment Rachel's skin tone, so it's seems right.
(right) Dita Von Teese -- this is so glamorously gothic, only Dita could get away with that.

I can see Beyonce being brave enough to don this to an event.

Christian Lacroix

(left) Demi Moore -- Demi is the queen of Red Carpet Black. It makes so much sense it's ridiculous. Lol.
(right) Penelope Cruz -- I can't wait to see Penelope give this a go at next year's Oscars. Fingers crossed...

Wow, that took longer than I thought it would. Now I'm going to be late. Lol!
And now for the interesting part: what do you think? Did I get it right? Or oh so wrong?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]