The 16 Diaries...

And so it's come to this...

2010-01-02T23:02:00.000-08:00

...another blog.

As from now I've decided to discontinue The 16 Diaries, moving my focus to my new blog the robins.

The main reason behind my decision was that I simply don't like the name 'The 16 Diaries' anymore (clearly, I'm very fickle), so hopefully I've picked something with a little bit more longevity now. I don't imagine the content will be too much different to the 16 Diaries, but who knows? Some of the first few posts will be transfers from this blog, some posts I may have really liked or that feature content still relevant, but after a little while it will hopefully be all new material.
I've come a long way since my very first post here on the 12th of June 2007 (and an even further way since my very first blog post ever on my first blog Feminin, 20th of April 2007), and hopefully the journey will continue on for a long time.

Thank you so much to all of my readers over the years, you guys are wonderful! Head on over to the robins to continue this journey with me.

For now,

Catch.

Romany

Why, Chanel No. 5 of course...

2009-12-09T00:52:00.000-08:00

...Marilyn Monroe famously replied after being asked what she wore to bed. And so began a cult, which to this day sees this very fragrance, Chanel No. 5, as one of the highest selling fragrances every year. And now it seems this obsession is paying off.

The perfume has been hailed the scent with the most pulling power, according to a new survey, conducted by UK beauty store Superdrug. The survey found that those who wore Chanel No. 5 had the most luck attracting men, with one in ten claiming that they met the man of their dreams after spritzing a little on.

After Chanel No. 5, the second perfume most likely to nail a date is Be Delicious by DKNY, closely followed by Ghost.

In fourth place comes Eternity for Women by Calvin Klein, and Hugo Woman by Hugo is the fifth most likely to attract a man, followed by Classique by Jean Paul Gaultier, Cool Water Women by Davidoff...

... Angel by Thierry Mugler, Anais Anais by Cacharel and finally Obsession by Calvin Klein, round out the top ten.

Steve Jebson, Commercial Director of Superdrug, says, "Fragrance has always been recognised as a real mood maker and women use it to add another dimension to their look and create mystique. This research underlines that to the majority of women the right fragrance can make or break their evening out."

What are some of your favourites heart-stealing fragrances? I must say I've had formidable success with Daisy by Marc Jacobs, personally...

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of au.strawberrynet.com, slapiton.tv, teleky.com]

Decade Hopping

2009-12-05T23:06:00.000-08:00

Style.com...

Tommy Ton's weeks on fashion's front lines have made him a keen observer of subtle shifts in the sartorial landscape. The change he clocked at the last round of shows? A movement away from thw aggressive eighties looks that have been so dominant for the last several seasons toward a softer, more feminine style with echoes of the 1970s. "It was refreshing to see a new romantic take on minimalism on the rise," he told us.

I couldn't agree more.

Some are sticking with the aggressive eighties...

While others are moving backward in time to the softer 70s...

Personally, I'm much more a fan of the softer 70s look.
What about you all?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

It's all about: Colour...

2009-12-02T22:41:00.000-08:00

This season jewellery is taking a colourful turn.

1. By Malene Birger
2. Vivienne Westwood
3. Sportsgirl
4. Missoni

If colourful necklaces aren't your thing, then invest in some sparkle. Necklaces with black ties are everywhere, as I discovered simply through perusing through the online 'racks' of net-a-porter.
Or go for stylishly practical with a coloured watch necklace.

1. H&M
2. Tom Binns
3. Lee Angel
4. Antique Silver and Multi Crystal Butterfly Brooch
5. Sportsgirl
6. Philippe Audibert

As December Harper's Bazaar AUS has showed us with its beautiful Miranda Kerr cover, coloured jewels are very much IN.

1, 2 and 3 Sportsgirl

Glo-mesh is everywhere suddenly. I took myself for a quick shopping trip earlier today, and every shop I stepped into offered some variation on the glo-mesh bag (I bought the top-left one above in gold a few months ago). But don't stress, old favourite leather bags, especially this 'textbook satchel' for the study-hard girl, are still IN.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of net-a-porter.com, jewelleryitems.co.uk, shop.hm.com, thelifefiles.com, shop.sportsgirl.com.au]

Christmas Wishlist 2009

2009-12-02T01:20:00.000-08:00

Allow me a moment to be completely materialistic.
And so the Christmas season is upon us once again. Personally, I adore this holiday. The decorations, the food, the togetherness, the Christmas spirit! And of course, the presents... Now that I'm getting older, the idea of receiving presents is making me increasingly more uncomfortable, and I think the right thing to do would be to make this known rather soon. But I'm allowing myself one more Christmas to indulge in the generosity that this season promotes.
I'm the type of person that needs to create lists to clear my head, and I thought what better place to do this than my blog? Here's what I've got my eye on this year...

Photography
Once one buys a Polaroid, it is inevitable that the hunt for film feels like it will never end.
Mainly because it's just so expensive. Two dollars a picture, to be exact, and what kind of wannabe photographer has that sort of cash just laying around? Christmas and all it's present-giving glory is the perfect opportunity to stack up on much-needed Polaroid film for the year.

Beauty
Now that I've finished high school, I'd like to make it my business to further familiarise myself with the art of eye makeup. Don't get me wrong, I'm no stranger to the basics (mascara, eye liner, eye shadow), but being bombarded with images of models and celebrities showcasing this kind of creativity, and furthermore writing about it, has left me with a desire to really understand the technicalities, not only to enhance the quality of writing but also to be able to apply the techniques to myself. One can rarely get away with simply wearing a single layer of mascara on a night on the town anymore (something which I hope to be doing a lot more of, now that I've got more free time).

I would love to know exactly what every single one of these brushes is used for. Any preliminary hints from you all out there?

Fragrance
I'm aware that I have access to more than my fair share of beautiful perfumes, but I can't help but want just a few more. Terrible, I know. But it's only because I have such an appreciation for the fragrance industry. I once read an article about a man who loved perfumes - and who also couldn't fall in love with a woman if he didn't like the way she smelled. So as far as I'm concerned, scent is everything. For some great tips on how to wear perfumes, including which kinds to wear to an interview, on a night out and even perfumes on a budget, head to Become's incredibly helpful Tip Center.

Jewellery

I have a shameful secret: I have never owned a pearl necklace. Usually this is something a girl inherits from her mother (who receieved it from her own mother, etc), but since my mother has never owned one (at least, not that I know of) either, I'm afraid I missed out on this beautiful tradition. Mikimoto Pearls have a gorgeous collection, including the lovely classic with a diamond twist pictured above, if you're up for a splurge.

Suspension of Reality
Yes I know there's no way I could actually get a pair of $885 Louboutin heels this Christmas, but hey, a girl can dream can't she?

What some of your Christmas Wishlist items?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of make-upusa.com, jerkwithacamera.com, theorganicpharmacy.com, amazon.com, coolest-gadgets.com, wilkinsonplus.com, macys.com, store.jrdunn.com, harpersbazaar.com]

Quote of the Week

2009-11-30T04:10:00.000-08:00

"I’d rather have Moss admit, however crassly, that she monitors her weight to an extreme, because it's a sad fact that sickly thin still sells, rather than listen to size zero celebs enthuse about their junk-food habits like they exist in a magical La La Land wherein calories dissipate the moment food touches their tongue. Moss can have her philosophy, and we common plebes ours — buffalo wings and cookie dough taste much better than being grotesquely thin feels."
Lauren Bans's, of Double X, take on Kate Moss's recent weight comments.

I hate to admit it, but I kind of agree. It may be wrong, but at least it's honest. This honesty seems to be something we've lost somewhere along the way...

Come and see the real thing...

2009-11-06T03:24:00.000-08:00

Join me on an authentically documented trip around the world, with images I found on this sweet photography blog, Kampol Litkanjanajul, that I stumbled upon recently.

Finland.

Helsinki, Finland.

Istanbul, Turkey.

Japan.

Liverpool.

New Mexico, USA.

New Orleans, USA.

York Minster, England.

Makes me want to travel the world all the more...

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of kampoll.com]

Fairytale, indeed...

2009-11-04T00:11:00.000-08:00

Miranda Kerr stars in this whimsical photo shoot by Simon Lekias, for Harper's Bazaar Australia's December issue.

My personal favourite.

Not usually a huge Miranda fan, but this is too gorgeous not to love.
Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of fashiongonerogue.com]

The city has sex...

2009-11-01T01:54:00.000-07:00

(item details)

For a night on the town...

Catch.

Romany

[photo courtesy of polyvore.com]

Lusting After...

2009-11-01T00:58:00.000-07:00

Christian Louboutin heel, $825.

A ladylike black patent pump defines the term 'well-heeled'. You can't go wrong with this sexy but sophisticated extra.

If I can't have these Louboutins, I need (okay so maybe I don't need them) something exactly the same. My current going-out shoes pale in comparison to these babies.

Catch.

Romany

[photo courtesy of harpersbazaar.com]

The truth...

2009-10-04T02:31:00.000-07:00

A while back I placed a poll on my blog asking the question Do you think the fashion industry is to blame for the 'body image' crisis? The poll ended and I saved the results, but for some reason I had completely forgotten about them until I stumbled upon them a few minutes ago while cleaning out old files. Out of sight, out of mind I suppose. I thought it might be interesting to share the results.

Do you think the fashion industry is to blame for the 'body image' crisis?

72% said Yes -- how can young girls feel beautiful within themselves when there is an entire industry devoted to telling them they're not pretty enough?

16% said No --'body image' issues are the product of being surrounded by unsupportive people.

4% said No --the fashion and beauty industries are helping young girls with self-esteem issues, by providing them with products/clothes that make them feel prettier.

4% said Unhealthy 'body image' is not a crisis as far as I'm concerned.

8% were Undecided.

I provided the additional answers to help voters decide.
What do you think of these results? Shocked or unsurprised?

Catch.

Romany

MTV VMA's 2009 Red Carpet

2009-09-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

Was I the only one who thought this year's VMA's were the best VMA's in a long time? Recently the show has been rather disappointing, but the show this year absolutely delivered.
I may even be rethinking my aversion to all things Beyonce (with the exception of Single Ladies, one of the greatest songs of the decade, and one of the best music videos of all time), given her graciousness?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of mtv.com]

Wardrobe Envy: Scarlett Johansson

2009-09-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

Scarlett in Paris to celebrate the release of her album with Peter Yorn

I have only recently converted from being a Scarlett anti-fan, and seeing her in an outfit as cute as this only makes me like her more. Very french, very retro, very chic.
What do you all think? Yay or nay?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of popsugar.com]

Vintage...

2009-08-30T03:02:00.000-07:00

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of eightyonedesign.co.uk]

Vogue Australia September 2009

2009-08-06T02:02:00.000-07:00

Cate Blanchett by David Downton.
Pure genius.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of thefashionspot.com]

A fashionable read...

2009-07-30T03:49:00.001-07:00

Recently, I have had the pleasure of flipping through the mesmerizing pages of the Mr & Mrs Smith Boutique Hotel Collection: The Global Shortlist. Featuring 30 hotels -- from atmospheric French chateaux and Italian castellos to glamorous chic retreats in Brazil and the US -- this stunning guide stands out for its elegant design, witty text, and stunning original photography.

"For the perfect escape to paradise it's best to get on board fast with Mr. and Mrs. Smith." —Time

"The perfect way to discover the chicest, most individual hotels for your next getaway." —Style.com/Vogue

Even without the prospect of a holiday on the horizon (unless Schoolies counts? Didn't think so.), I thoroughly enjoyed flipping through this book, if not simply for the captivating images, but for the tongue-in-cheek reviews of every hotel penned by each different Mr & Mrs Smith (some of them celebrities, all of them honest). If it's a 5 star trip you're after, surrounded by luxury so tangible you can taste it in the air, then I would highly recommend acquiring a copy of The Global Shortlist.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of mrandmrssmith.com]

Vexation

2009-07-15T05:06:00.000-07:00

“The world will be my oyster once I’m too thin; I’m not there yet.”

I must admit, there are times when I completely relate to a statement like this.

I am enraged and disgusted that society has done this to us girls. What did we ever do to deserve this pressure?

Fabulous Body Survey 2008

Women Say...

Do you want to Lose weight?

79% Women said YES

21% Women said NO

Men Say...

Does womens body size matter to you?

74% men said yes

26% men said no

I rather admire the honesty of these participants. But am still saddened by the results.

Catch.

Romany

[photo courtesy of newsweek.com]

Fetish...

2009-07-03T23:42:00.000-07:00

Warning: nudity.

This may be a few years old, but the underlying theme is ever-relevant.

Two years ago, spring had been dubbed the season of "extreme footwear"; i.e. shoes that can rightfully be described as fetishistic (defined by the Oxford English Dictionary with typical dryness as "an object . . . which serves as the stimulus to, or the end in itself of, sexual desire").

At the time, in Paris, there was an exhibition celebrating this very concept. David Lynch and Christian Louboutin had collaborated for the boldly named photography show Fetish, in which two women pose in a Blue Velvet atmosphere for Lynch, wearing Louboutin shoes.

"You can channel that feeling [comfort with one's sexuality] into your shoes in a way you can't with your clothes," says Serena Rees, co-founder of boutique sex-wear chain Agent Provocateur. "If you work in a bank, you can just wear your massive heels beneath your suit, suggesting something underneath."

"...heels celebrate a woman," Rees says. "They add and emphasise a woman's curves: they're not about skinniness." In the notes accompanying the Parisian show, Louboutin writes, "David [Lynch] had only one demand: 'No bones'." And the models are lusciously curvy.

"Our take has always been to make a woman feel good about herself," Rees continues. But how does wearing shoes that squeeze make anyone feel better? "A woman who feels sexy feels good about herself, but she has to be doing it for herself, not a man."

And so one comes to the conclusion that, fine, a woman feels better if she believes she's looking good, but isn't that just because she's getting sexual attention, in which case, isn't it ultimately another example of women suffering physical discomfort for male attention?

I would love to hear the general consensus on this issue. Is the energy a woman puts into looking good ultimately spent simply to garner attention from men (or other women)?

I know there's no definitive answer to this, but what about your individual points of view?
I hate to admit it, but personally, this is sometimes the basis for my appearance choices in the morning, and before going out at night.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of smh.com.au and wallpaper.com]

Old School...

2009-06-26T21:59:00.000-07:00

All hail photographer Stacey Mark.
Models edition.

Wild at heart.
Lynch, baby. Lynch.

Malin.

Harriet.

Lydia Hearst.
Exemplifying 90s sex appeal...

Kemp Muhl.

Kirsty Hume.

Where the wild roses grow...

Irina the bride.

Eniko Mahalik.

Why does this make me think of the original Friday the 13th?

Cookie.

Fin. Coming soon: celebrity edition.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of staceymark.com]

Runs in the family...

2009-06-20T01:03:00.000-07:00

Today, as I was going about my usual procrastination of homework routine I stumbled across a neat little slide show put together by Style.com on stylish mother/daughter pairs. Needless to say, I was inspired! As I began my research I decided to broaden my criteria, and, rather than confine it to style, simply compile a list of the most fascinating, compelling and, of course, beautiful mother/daughter pairs throughout Hollywood history. Here are my favourites, in no particular order...

Priscilla Presley and daughter Lisa Marie Presley (with father Elvis)

Actress -- Musician

Edith "Big Edie" Bouvier Beale and daughter Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale (aunt and first cousin to Jackie O)
Amateur musician -- Socialite

Jayne Mansfield and daughter Mariska Hargitay
Both actresses
One of the most fascinating pairs, in my opinion. How would being the daughter of such a notorious sex symbol have affected Mariska's life, I wonder?

Madonna and daughter Lourdes Ciccone
Musician -- Teenager

Judy Garland and daughter Liza Minelli
Both actress/singers

Although Minnelli and her mother shared a warm personal relationship, during the London Palladium performances, Garland recognized Minnelli's talent and felt a sense of competition. Minnelli recalled a time where she was singing on stage: "I was onstage with my mother, but suddenly, she wasn't Mama ... she was Judy Garland." Garland attempted suicide on a number of occasions, and died of an accidental drug overdose at the age of 47, leaving children Liza Minelli, Lorna Luft and Joey Luft.

Though this is common in Hollywood (and life, in general) I still see this as one of the saddest stories...

Jane Birkin and daughters Charlotte Gainsbourg (with father Serge) and Lou Doillon (Birkin's daughter with director Jacques Doillon)
Actress/Singer -- Actress/Singer -- Actress/Model
Oh I just adore this happy little family...

Isabella Rossellini and daughter Elettra Rossellini Weidemann

Actress/model -- Model
I only really started to appreciate Isabella Rossellini's appeal after I saw David Lynch's 'Blue Velvet', and now I find her endlessly fascinating...

Goldie Hawn and daughter Kate Hudson
Both actresses
Everybody loves these two bubbly blondes...

I wonder who these lists will comprise 10 years from now? Angelina and Shiloh, perhaps? Katie and Suri, for sure. Or maybe Jessica with her Honor-Marie, or even Nicole with her Sunday? I guess only time will tell...

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy beautifulgirl.yuku.com, style.com, theage.com.au, dressingvintage.com, elvispresleymusic.com.au, sheknows.com 1 and 2 and jgdb.com]

A Beautiful Birthday...

2009-06-14T02:28:00.000-07:00

Hello world, I am officially an adult. That's right, I turned 18 (finally) on the 4th. I celebrated on Friday by taking my close friends out to dinner to a lovely Italian restaurant, and then headed to the city to 'club the night away'. This was my first time in a nightclub (though I would most likely have been allowed in before my 18th birthday anyway as I haven't looked my age, underage, in many years; I guess I just like to play by the rules sometimes), interestingly titled Tramp, and, boy, was it an eye-opening experience. I'm generally a very insecure person, and all I can say was, being surrounded by slim, tanned, pretty girls draped in mini-skirts and sequins was a real shot to the ol' self-esteem. But it didn't matter so much once the dancing started.

As a first-time night clubber, I was fairly clueless as to appropriate nightclub attire, and therefore showed up in jeans, knee-length boots and this...

It's an undoubtedly beautiful dress, but I became so overheated while dancing (especially while trying to breathe and see through the dry-ice) that we had to take regular fresh-air breaks. But it was all worth it once the dancing started and the inhibitions went out the window. Unfortunately, due to the fact that I've been very sick recently (just in time for exam week) and my friend has been sick for months on end, we had to leave fairly early. But all in all, definitely an experience I will be trying again.

Anyway, on to the presents. I noticed a very apparent theme running through my presents this year. For the most part, they were in some way beauty-related. Is this some sort of subtle hint, I wonder? Something my friends and family have been trying to tell me for some time, just waiting for the opportunity to present itself? I like to think it was just a coincidence...

Firstly, I received this limited edition Chanel lip cream, Levres Signees, which features five fabulous shades in a shape that forms the iconic Chanel double C. I'm usually not a coloured lip person (I have naturally red lips and try my best to downplay this), but come on, this is Chanel, and if one were to wear coloured lips this is the only way to go. Not to mention, the shades are all so smooth and creamy that they're such a pleasure to wear anyway.

I also received this ultra-shiny, ultra-smoothing Clarins Gloss Appeal lip gloss in Crystal (aka, clear). What sets Gloss Appeal apart are the special pigments which illuminates the lips with gold or silver reflections (in my case, silver) which enhance the light.

Next, I received a hefty gift voucher to my local beauty salon (who use the brand of products, Thalgo, pictured above) after complaining about how badly I need a facial for the past year. This is something I'm so excited for because the salon also offer massages. Everybody loves massages.

And lastly, early last week, I was sent this cute little hair accessory (it wasn't necessarily a birthday present, but due to the fact that I received it so close to my birthday, I count it towards my present tally). The Zann Clip is a revolutionary substitute for uncomfortable jaw clips, designed to not leave the dent in your hair that regualr barrettes do. It took a little while to get the hang of it, I even had to watch the online instructional videos (featuring a woman who has the most naturally beautiful hair I've seen in a long time), but once that little hurdle was behind me, I was free to bask in the ease and comfort the Zann Clip provides. But the biggest positive that I experienced with the Zann Clip was the security. Once my hair was secured in place wrapped around the clip, I was sure it wasn't going anywhere.
Two thumbs up.

Alltogether, a very lovely birthday.
What are some 18th birthday presents you remember?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of splendicity.com, us.clarins.com, thescene.com, barkins.com.au , the-soul-sanctuary.com and oliviafrancis.com]

Simply Iconic...

2009-05-24T02:30:00.001-07:00

As I was perusing through the pages of an early 2009 issue of Vogue UK, I came across a particularly intriguing story on the continued success, and 'trendiness', of the smokey eye/nude lip beauty combination. Created around 40s years ago, the Sixties Face has maintained its astounding popularity due to the fact that the emphasis is on the eyes. Makeup artist Barbara Daly believes the eyes are so attractive because they emphasise communication. "They are how we see expression in each other," she explains. "Eye contact is one of the absolute markers of human connection, and it's part of our body language that we pay the most attention to. Widening the eyes, accentuating that part of you, is saying, 'This is who I am; this is how I feel.' I see the Sixties look as disarmingly honest -- the whole person laid bare."
If only the Sixties Face was as common place as it was during its heyday.

In an homage to the aforementioned Face, I've compiled a little list of my favourite sixties beauty icons, starting with...

Sophia Loren
Actress
Sophia epitomises classic glamour. I dare anyone to try and out-class her...

Brigitte Bardot
Actress

Raquel Welch
Actress
Raquel effortlessly embodies feminine strength...

Jane Birkin
Actress/Musician

Penelope Tree
Model

Françoise Hardy
Musician

Pattie Boyd
Model

Britt Ekland

Actress

Twiggy
Model
Twiggy remains one of the most famous, iconic models to this day...

Celia Hammond
Model

Jean Shrimpton
Model

Did I mention any of your favourites?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of askamakeupguru.com, desfilenalaje.wordpress.com, girlwiththeafro.blogspot.com, ana-lee.livejournal.com, uknet.com, thestylepage.blogspot.com, allposters.com, nytimes.com
, lezouth.free.fr and media.photobucket.com]

The Real...2009 Costume Institute Gala Benefit

2009-05-08T04:53:00.001-07:00

Theme: The Model As Muse (vague, anyone?)

The real winners...

...

Thoughts?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of wwd.com]

Just like the good ol' days...

2009-04-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

It's not often that we see women with more than an ounce of fat on their bodies in fashion magazines, these days...Every now and then, editors will include a curvy girl to appease their politically outspoken fan base, but usually in these situations, the model will most likely be airbrushed to resemble a much smaller version of herself, a la Vogue US Shape Issue 2009...

British singer Adele (before) after her Vogue "transformation".

Sometimes, editors are less transparent. Sometimes they get it so right with their choice of model and artistic view, it makes you hopeful that the future of fashion may not be more of the same skinny minnie's that we've been seeing these past few years...

Beth Ditto graces the cover of LOVE magazine's inaugral issue.

Sometimes editors take a huge risk and dedicate a few pages to a woman whose not just skin and bones. This so rare, it's almost taboo, but most often turns out beautifully. May 1997's issue of Elle Quebec (yes, that far back) is a unique example of this.

"A bouquet of sensuality, divine like a kiss...

"...for romantic beauties. Here is spring with all of its promises...

...and the curvy girls are given the honour."

Now the Harper's Bazaar Australia camp are jumping on the bandwagon, with this spread of plus-size model Crystal Renn.

Described as "sexy bustiers, strappy dresses, and sheer lingerie ... in an 80’s-inspired shoot that felt reminiscent of Terence Donovan..."

Photographed by Luis Sanchez and styled by Wayne Gross...

...the shoot has already made fashion headlines around the world.

While this far from solves the problem, it's definitely a huge step forward. At least it displays a level of maturity over at Harper's Bazaar Australia, and their willingness to change, to be a solution instead of an enforcer of the problem.
Personally, I think the shoot is gorgeous. The lighting of the bottom right photo is a little unfortunate, but really, I hope to be opening magazines and seeing more of this kind of thing in future.
What do you all think?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of pipeline.refinery29.com, judgmentofparis.com, blackbookmag.com and jezebel.com]

Oyster: leaps and bounds above the rest...

2009-04-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

Breathtaking photography from the latest issue of Oyster Magazine. I should really dedicate an entire category to this magazine, I blog about it enough...

Dark Tide

This is definitely my favourite photo shoot of this issue...
Photography: Steven Chee
Model: Alina B at Chic

Strangle Hold

I guess this is not so much breathtaking as innovative.
Photography: Daniela Müller-Brunke
Model: Zenia Sevastyanova at FM Models

Satellite's Gone

This one simply feeds my David Lynch obsession.
Photography: Andy Tan
Model: Sabina at House of Orange

Happy Easter!
Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of oystermag.com]

I grudgingly accept...

2009-03-25T03:09:00.000-07:00

...Angelina Jolie...is...attractive. I have been adamant in my stance on the opposing argument for years, but just yesterday, I swung the other way suddenly after flipping through W Magazine's November 2008 issue. Remember this one? Brad Pitt photographed these images himself. Now, don't get too 'I told you so' yet, because as much as I think the photos are stunning, there are issues that I have with how they were captured. But for now, let's just lose ourselves in the dream-like beauty of Brad's intimate photos.

The cover that sparked a million debates around the world.
A woman breastfeeding on the cover of a magazine, right or wrong?

Now. Onto the negatives. The story behind the photos is as follows...

For a hobbyist, Pitt certainly knew what he wanted. He was determined to shoot Jolie with Kodak Tech Pan film, which hasn’t been manufactured for four years. Photo Editor Nadia Vellam located 40 rolls of the stuff on eBay, which a courier then hand-carried to Pitt in Provence, France, where the couple have been hiding out since June. A week later Pitt called; he needed more film. Vellam’s first source was tapped out. She finally tracked down a guy who offered her 30 rolls—in Israel. She then had mere hours to find someone in Tel Aviv who could get on a plane to France with the film that very day. Pitt also wanted to try a specialized film used in World War II–era movies. That was a no-go. One of Vellam’s sources instead recommended Ilford to achieve the same romantic, grainy quality. Assistant Bookings Editor Will Higdon-Sudow hopped a flight with it and made the handoff in a hotel lobby.

...followed by the results speak for themselves. This may be true, but the means by which the photos were achieved (Brad had people fly halfway across the world, fetching film that hadn't been manufactured for years, so he could take these photos) have to be one of the most self-indulgent acts of hypocrisy I've come across in a long time. I believe in people suffering for their own art, but as someone who claims not subscribe to the whole diva lifestyle, as well as being an avid promoter of human rights on a global scale, it just seems a bit...well, wrong. Backwards.
Or is it just me? Let me know what you think.

Saviour this, because you probably won't find another Angelina post on The 16 Diaries for a while. I have nothing against her. She's just not my cup o' tea.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of thebosh.com]

What's going on in the runway world?

2009-02-21T03:38:00.000-08:00

Beware: very image heavy.

New York Fashion Week has been such a blur. I've barely had time to review all of the collections. I barely have time to write this post. So let's play everybody's favourite game and replace collection comments with guesses as to who would look best in them (lazy? Nah. Just quicker. And much more fun, no?).
Note: some names may be repeated -- this will be due to either forgetfulness, or simply because said-repeated-starlet is so fashionable that she genuinely would appear twice on the list.
Note: as there is quite a few looks displayed here, and I am severely short on time, not all outfits will be matched with a name. But feel free to add yours in the comments.
And so we begin...

1. and 2. Diane Kruger.
3. Sarah Jessica Parker.

1. Eva Mendes.
2. Camilla Belle.
3. Clemence Poesy
4. Blake Lively.

1. Renee Zelleweger.
2. Beyonce.
3. Maggie Gyllenhaal.

1. Evan Rachel-Wood.
2. Keira Knightley (minus the jacket)
3. Chanel Iman.

1. Diane Kruger (and so the double-ups start).
2. Taylor Momsen.
3. Chloe Sevigny.
4. Zoe Kravitz

1. Gwyneth Paltrow.
2. Rachel Bilson.
3. Christina Ricci.
4. Naomi Campbell.
5. Cate Blanchett.

1. Lily Donaldson.
2. Reese Witherspoon.
3. Kate Bosworth.

1. Carrie Underwood.
2. Kate Beckinsale.

1. Hilary Duff (I'm not her biggest fan, but I think she could pull this off).
2. Natalie Portman.
3. Kate Hudson.
4. Penelope Cruz.

1. Kirsten Dunst.
2. Marion Cotillard.
3. Michelle Williams.
4. Tilda Swinton.

1. Agyness Deyn.
2. Daisy Lowe.
3. Zoe Kravitz (again).
4. Alexa Chung.
5. Rachel Bilson (again).

Too difficult. Haha.

1. Daria Werbowy.
2. Jennifer Love-Hewitt.
3. Scarlett Johansson.
4. Katharine McPhee.

Too difficult....

...it's much harder to imagine celebrities in casual clothes, than evening gowns.

1. Heidi Klum.
2. Gwen Stefani.
3. Kate Moss.
4. Kim Kardashian.

1. Carine Roitfeld.
2. Claudia Schiffer.
3. Jessica Alba.

1. Helena Christensen.
2. Katie Holmes.
3. Daisy Lowe (again).
4. Lilly Allen.

1. Kate Moss (again).
2. Anne Hathaway.
3. Gwyneth Paltrow (again).
4. Jennifer Garner.

1. Gwyenth Paltrow (again).
2. Jennifer Connelly.
3. Lauren Conrad.

1. Thandie Newton.
2. Katie Holmes (only the ever-chic Mrs. Cruise could pull off something this daring).
3. Sofia Coppola.

Ah! That took hours! And I still don't even think I actually agree with the celebrities I picked. Please put me in my place -- let me know if I got it right. Or oh so wrong.
And now we're off to London!

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Great Performers...

2009-02-14T23:06:00.000-08:00

Photographer Paolo Pellegrin captures eight of this year’s biggest stars.

Robert Downey Jr. with Jude Law.

Penelope Cruz.

Kate Winslet with Emma Thompson.

Kat Dennings.

Brad Pitt.

Stunning.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of nytimes.com]

Everything Old Is New Again...

2009-01-31T17:08:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, inspiration comes in the form of nostalgia for the old days. Lately, magazine editors have been inspired out-of-sight by decades passed, and the result is a wide variety of retro photo shoots.

1940s

It's A Madcap World
Jourdan Dunn and Karlie Kloss in Vogue US Feb 09

1950s

Lady D

Diane Kruger in Amica Germany Jan 09

1960s

Mommie Dearest
Siri Tollerod in Numero 97

1970s

wild.

Behati Prinsloo and Alyona Osmanova in Russh Aus Jan/Feb 09

Astrology 2009
Alice Rausch in Russh Aus Jan/Feb 09

1980s

Milla Jovovich in Vogue Paris Jan 09

What do you all think? Love it? Or leave it?
Personally, my favourite era of fashion is the 70s. But I love all these shoots, so I can't decide which is my favourite. Which is your favourite?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of thefashionspot.com, fashionising.com, beautygirlmusings.blogspot.com, fashion-ation.net and fashionchips.com]

Mischa's comeback continues?

2009-01-27T17:40:00.000-08:00

Mischa Barton's fashion choices fascinate me more than any others. I think it's simply because of the complete style-turnaround that occurred (and continued to occur) after her stint on one of TV's hottest teen shows ever, The OC (whose format, storyline, influence and success subsequent shows have tried so desperately to emulate), ended. As indicated in this post (Mischa should really have her own category on my blog, I talk about her enough, lol), once upon a time, Mischa Barton was the reigning queen of the fashion world. She had a hit TV show, impeccable style and a very bright future ahead of her, indeed. But then, Marissa Cooper died. Mischa seemed very happy with this turn of events (word has it, she was sick of The OC, believing it to be holding her back), and subsequently fired her stylist in favour of wanting to make her own individual mark in the fashion world. But it all went downhill from there. Mischa's movies went nowhere, and her style reached unbelievable levels of "what was she thinking?"-ness.
But the end of 2008 saw a slight change for the better in Mischa's fashion choices (can't say the same for her movies, though, unfortunately), and all of a sudden things were somewhat looking up for Ms. Barton. So far, she hasn't had any major slips to send her back to "what was she thinking?" status, but then again, it's early days. But I have nothing but hope for Mischa and wish her well on her journey back to the A-List.

Mischa Barton at the Christian Dior Haute Couture show in Paris.

Now what I want to know is your opinion. I don't know what to make of this look. When I first saw it, I absolutely loved it! But the more I look at it, the tackier it seems (the outfit itself is beautiful, but of course, it's Dior). If we look at the main elements of the look separately, it's gorgeous (smokey eyes with wavy hair vs. yellow Dior dress with white shrug), but the way Mischa has paired both elements together, well...to be honest, it's a little too Vegas show-girl for my liking. But I maintain that this a step forward, rather than a step back. She's slowly but surely getting back on track. I think.

EDIT: Mischa continues her stylish transformation with this gorgeous Elie Saab, straight from the runway, at the Fashion Dinner for AIDS in Paris.

What do you all think of Mischa's look? Step forward? Or step back?

Catch.

Romany

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

Nastia Liukin for Max Azria Spring 2009

2009-01-24T19:22:00.000-08:00

“For the Max Azria campaign, we wanted someone iconic — someone timeless," said a spokesman for the brand.

"The spring collection was inspired by movement and modern dance so she [Nastia] was perfect."

"It was meant to be, and the magic just sort of happened."

"There are no plans to run the campaign in magazines..."

No plans for magazine coverage? Why on earth not? In my honest opinion, a campaign as truly inspired as this would be a refreshing change from all those over-the-top sex-on-legs campaigns for various alcohol brands (I mean, honestly: vodka and Campari in fashion magazines?), and whatever else.
What do you think of Nastia Liukin for Max Azria Spring 2009? Love it, or leave it?

EDIT: Speaking of new ad campaigns...

Scarlett Johansson for Dolce & Gabban

Pamela Anderson for Vivienne Westwood

Thoughts?
Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com 1 and 2, fashionising.com
and nitrolicious.com]

Quote of the Week

2009-01-18T23:38:00.000-08:00

"We loved your US election spoofs. Ever thought of running for office?
One day I think that would be a great idea. Maybe in 20 years.
What would you do?
I'd stop the war and bring world peace by making all the world leaders best friends! Oh, and I'd paint the White House pink and build a cute doghouse for the First Dogs."
Paris Hilton, and her thoughts on American politics.

You know, sometimes I feel a little bit sorry for Paris Hilton. Wait, now give me a chance to explain myself. Haha. The thing is, Paris Hilton has this incredibly specific public image which she will never live down. She may appear air-headed almost all of the time, but deep down it seems as if the girl has a good heart. It may look like a stupid act, but I do genuinely believe that she wants the world to be a good place, and believes in the goodness of others. She may be "dumb" and "famous for nothing" (labels that the public seem determined to have her stuck with forever), but the simple fact is not everybody can be intelligent. In fact, I think people place far too much emphasis on intelligence -- once one is deemed "uninteliigent" they are simply and, in most cases permanently, written off.
But what about the other facets of human nature? Why is the emphasis only on the size of one's brain, when the size of one's heart is just as big a show of character?
At the risk of sounding totally self-righteous (I assure you, I'm not), I just have to say this:
I don't know Paris Hilton, so I'm not in any position to judge whether she truly is a good person or not, but the simple fact is nobody else is in the position to make the opposite judgement either.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that this doesn't just apply to Paris Hilton; we're living in a cynical and judgemental world, and it's a tragedy. I would love it if the focus shifted from negative to positive sometime soon...

Best Dressed: 2009 Golden Globes

2009-01-12T18:38:00.000-08:00

Ah, awards season. It only gets better from here. I was genuinely surprised to see this amount of colour and volume on the red carpet of the 2009 Golden Globes. I was expecting the usual sexy variations of slim silhouettes and shades of black and gray, but then out comes the Rainbow Parade that was the Hollywood A-List.

Top of the list.
Drew is pure, dream-like heaven in this beautiful blue Dior. And the high hair and subtle makeup is a romantic homage to old Hollywood.
Elizabeth Banks may be new to the A-List scene but if this gorgeous look is any indication of things to come, I'm definitely looking forward to her star rising even higher.

Second place.

Amy Adams always gets it right, keeping it simply and sexy in this black De La Renta. I would have accessorized with a subtle necklace, though.
The surprise hit of Golden Globes, Slumdog Millionaire's Freida Pinto made a brave and effective choice of gown. The colour compliments her skin-tone prefectly.

Third Place.
Evan Rachel-Wood is well on her way to establishing herself as a fashion-force to be reckoned with. As far as I'm concerned, she looks fabulous 24/7.
I. Love. This. Dress. I never really thought of Rumer Willis as particularly fashion-forward, but hey, maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention?

Fourth Place.
America looks cute and pretty as usual in this De La Renta.
Wow, how popular was J. Mendel for dress choice at the Golden Globes? Taraji has been doing the award show circuit dressed to the nines, so far.

What do you all think? Love 'em or leave 'em?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Best Dresses of 2008

2009-01-01T15:26:00.001-08:00

And so another year comes to a close, bringing with it a legacy of gorgeous gowns that simply cannot go unacknowledged for one final time. I found myself, once again, disagreeing with the big lists of Best Dresses of 2008, and decided to, once again, create my own (note: one will never find a Worst Dressed list on The 16 Diaries -- fashion is about expression, and while we may not all always agree on what's good and what's bad, it's fair enough that others don't get berated for their choices in how to express themselves).

Perfect. Just perfect.

The 2008 Costume Institute Gala had a really strong showing as far as fashion is concerned. These gorgeous gowns were among my favourites...

...as were these.

I couldn't explain it at the time, and I can do no better now, but there is just something about January Jones' Emmy look that I just love. The makeup could have been a little less gothic which such a soft, romantic dress, but the dress itself...And Olivia Wilde really pulled out all the stops, and came out on top with this gorgeous number.

Now, I'm not usually one to put Nicole Kidman on my Best Dressed lists (her style is usually too harsh for my personal liking), but this dazzling white L'Wren Scott just couldn't go unmentioned. Kristen Stewart outdid herself at the Twilight Premiere in LA. This dress is great because it's just a little bit different...

A last minute addition. I realised I didn't have any looks from the 2008 Oscars so I quickly scanned for my favourite. Luckily Heidi, being the fashion queen that she is, stood out from all the rest in this totally fierce, shocking red Dior gown (which was to be auctioned off for charity after the show).

And so the moment of truth. What did you all think? Love 'em? Or leave 'em?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com 1, 2 and 3, justjared.buzznet.com , people.com and style.popcrunch.com]

Quelle Surprise!

2008-11-30T02:39:00.000-08:00

The supplementary Vogue Paris calendar for 2009 (arrives annually with the December/January issue) is an homage to old fashioned pinup girls, with a naughty, modern twist. Fourteen different girls are featured, photographed by Terry Richardson and styled by Carine Roitfeld in Louis Vuitton lingerie and shoes.

(nsfw)

Very different to the 2008 calendar. I like them both, personally. I don't have a preference either way.
What do you think? Love it or leave it?
Oh and I apologise profusely for not only the lack of posts but for not replying to any comments. It's nothing personal, trust me -- I love all your comments (as all bloggers do), but a lot of the time I simply don't have the time to reply. I'm just trying to make sure that no one gets their feelings hurt, as that is the last thing I would want for my gorgeous readers.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of fashionologie.com]

Unexpected indeed...

2008-11-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

Eccentric Helena Bonham Carter and her equally (if not, more) eccentric husband Tim Burton make a surprise appearance in Vogue UK's December issue. I absolutely adore these two. They're so quirky, breaking all the Hollywood societal rules (even the ones we didn't know about).

(click to enlarge)

If there was a prize for Hollywood originality, these two would be shoe-ins.
What do you think? Helena and Tim, love 'em or leave 'em?
Oh and please don't forget to cast you vote(s) in this month's opinion poll on the right hand side of the page.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of mrs-lovett.org]

Scents and Sensibility

2008-10-31T22:17:00.000-07:00

Perfume: a mixture of fragrant essential oils and aroma compounds, fixatives, and solvents used to give the human body, animals, objects, and living spaces a pleasant smell.

Smell is, essentially, subjective. One man's trash, is another man's treasure -- the exact same can be said for perfume. Recently, the idea of differing tastes (with regards to anything, really) has me amazed, as does almost anything to do with general human nature.
I am a sucker for perfumes. There's just something so glamorous about the whole industry. I must confess, I don't own as many as I'd like to (although, I believe it's important not to own too many; one must have a signature scent, after all), I have acquired my fair share over the years. But it wasn't until recently that I was able to sort my all-time favourites (and my just-for-comforts) into three categories.

MuskyPrada, a new favourite, is a fusion of tradition & innovation.
Narciso Rodriguez, my all-time favourite, conveys sophistication, intrigue & sensuality.
Lovely, a hand-me-down gem, is a scent with the exotic nature of a precious oil plus the sophistication of a fine perfume.

WarmDaisy, my compliment attractor, wraps you in comfort, warmth and a sparkling floral bouquet.
Paris, a classic romantic symphony, riches in the expression of warmth and affection.

SweetCool, the one that got away, is created for the active, sporty, energetic women (but attracts just about anyone).
Fantasy, the perfume that divides the nation, is playful, tempting and sensual.
Midnight Fantasy, though it may not be everybody's cup of tea, is made up of night flowers and exotic fruits to make it mysterious and appealing.

Old readers may have already assisted in this experiment, but for those of you new-ish to The 16 Diaries, I'd love to hear what some of your favourite perfumes are. Shock me like an electric eel (hehe), and show me just how varying all our tastes are!
I look forward to the results. Lol.
Oh and please don't forget to cast you vote(s) in this month's opinion poll on the right hand side of the page.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of strawberrynet.com]

Don't cry because it's over...

2008-10-21T21:37:00.000-07:00

...smile because it happened. That's right, Fashion Week is officially over.
It's exam time here in the land of Aus, so updates have been, and will possibly continue to be few, unfortunately. But I thought I should at least post my favourites from the last collections of Fashion Week, before the updates become really sporadic (I say sporadic because I'm unsure of my timetable, therefore I may be posting more or a lot less, depending on the amount of time I have).
Enjoy!

I guess I have a weakness for political fashion...

Hopefully, exams won't continue to mess things up too much. It's rather annoying being away from the blogging world for so long.
Oh and please don't forget to cast you vote(s) in this month's opinion poll on the right hand side of the page.
Until next time, lovelies.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

The week of fashion continues...

2008-10-01T04:23:00.000-07:00

The international event that is Ready-to-Wear Fashion Week is almost over. But never fear, just a few more short months until the Resort and Couture collections. Here were some very special pieces that I came across whilst perusing the pages of Style.com's unbelievably extensive fashion week coverage.

Of course.

The general consensus last time was that the backstage Polaroids were a huge hit. So I thought I'd include a few more for your viewing pleasure.

Michael Kors and Heidi Klum backstage at Michael Kors

Kelly Osbourne and models backstage at Betsey Johnson

Leighton Meester and Juliette Lewis backstage at Zac Posen

The Hilfigers backstage at Tommy Hilfiger

Ah, the magic of Polaroid.
Oh and please don't forget to cast you vote(s) in this month's opinion poll on the right hand side of the page.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

Priestess NYC

2008-09-29T01:36:00.000-07:00

Recently I came across this gem of a rising fashion brand. Designer Cody Ross (Dallas-born and known for his kitschy, sometimes provocative designs) studied in several London schools before launching Priestess NYC in late 2007. His unique creations have been worn by celebrities and supermodels alike, including Tyra Banks, Bjork, Danity Kane and Maggie Rizer.

Two of my favourite pieces...

Personally, I'm totally loving this line. What do you all think?
Oh and please don't forget to cast you vote(s) in this month's opinion poll on the right hand side of the page.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of myspace.com]

60th Annual Emmy Awards: quick update

2008-09-21T23:58:00.000-07:00

And the award(s) for Best Dressed go(es) to...

These three stunning ladies really just couldn't be overlooked, as far as I'm concerned.
January Jones is a newcomer on the fashion scene, with the debut of her critically and publicly acclaimed show Mad Men. If this gown is anything to go by, I'd say we're going to be seeing a lot more from this rising starlet.
Olivia Wilde. Looks. Stunning. Enough said.
This isn't my favourite red carpet colour, on Brooke Shields but she totally works it. It's nice to see a fit, healthy woman like Brooke setting a good example in Hollywood.

Agree? Disagree? Bring on the opinions! Lol.
Oh and please don't forget to cast you vote(s) in this month's opinion poll on the right hand side of the page.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

It's Fashion Week, baby.

2008-09-12T05:36:00.000-07:00

I know everybody is blogging about NY Fashion Week right now, but that's because it's just so damn fun! Lol. So I just thought, in case anyone was interested, here are my favourite looks so far.

And just in case anyone was interested in what was going on behind the runway, here's some of Jeremy Kost's wonderful polaroid fashion photography.

Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan backtage at Charlotte Ronson

Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Lopez backstage at Marc Jacobs

Sasha Pivovarova backstage at Diesel Black and Gold

Rosario Dawson backstage at Miss Sixty

Nicole Richie backstage with Marc Jacobs

Kelly Osbourne backstage at Rag & Bone

Enjoy!
Oh and please don't forget to cast you vote(s) in this month's opinion poll on the right hand side of the page.

Catch

Romany

[photos courtesy of roidrage.com and style.com]

Best Dressed: MTV VMA's 2008

2008-09-09T03:23:00.000-07:00

Wow! As far as fashion is concerned, I was thoroughly impressed with this year's MTV VMA's (but don't even get me started on the very noticeable, yet unexplained shrinking of the venue). Nothing particularly standout, but that's not always a bad thing. Celebs should never be afraid to play it safe, in my opinion. I'm in a hurry so comments are going to have to be left up to the imagination, lol. But I will say one thing: I always believed in Britney. This was definitely her year! If anyone ever needed an award to pick them up out of slump, it was Britney in 2008.

Rihanna. Pink. Audrina Patridge.

Kim Stolz (Kim is here because I love her; her outfit wasn't particularly spectacular). Lauren Conrad. Jordin Sparks (girl's got courage -- gotta love that).

Miley Cyrus. The Ting Tings (and the award for the most hilariously awkward duo goes to...). Katy Perry.

It's Britney, bitch.

What do you all think? Did the shining stars of the VMA's get it right? Or oh-so-wrong?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of people.com, mtv.com and redcarpet-fashionawards.com]

The OC vs Gossip Girl

2008-09-02T02:02:00.000-07:00

Here in Australia, accessibility of the hottest show of the season, Gossip Girl, is as exclusive as it's content. Unfortunately, I'm not one of lucky few who gets to revel in it's fashionable wonders each week, but I have seen my fair share of episodes. Enough to have decided that the list of similarities I can spot between former IT show The OC and Gossip Girl can't stay in my head any longer. I'm pretty sure People.com made a list (as well as every other GG/OC fan on the planet) ages ago, but I found myself disagreeing to certain comparisons - so I made my own.
Everyone is talking about Gossip Girl now that the second season is so close to airing, so what's one more blog, eh? Lol.

Marissa vs Serena

The similarities are pretty obvious, not just personality wise but these two bad-girls sort of look alike too, don't you think? Both are beautiful, stylish, troublesome rich girls who seemingly have it all, but deep down would like nothing more than to escape the lifestyle they were brought up in.

Summer and Taylor vs Blair
Everyone else is comparing Blair to Summer without a second thought, but, what about Taylor? Yes, Blair and Summer are rich, brunette and effortlessly chic, dressed-to-impress 24/7, but Taylor and Blair share similar family situations - pushy, over-bearing mother who pretends to want the best for their daughter but really just gets off on the power. But Blair's mother is way nicer than Taylor's was.

Ryan vs Nate vs...
I figured these four boys had a little similarity circle (or square, rather, lol) thing going on, therefore they're all in comparison with each other. Ryan + Marissa, Nate + Serena; Seth + Summer, Nate + Blair and squeeze Dan + Serena in there somewhere: a complicated love hexagon to boot.

Seth vs Dan
All four of these boys were turned into instant heartthrobs after their shows became IT, and none of their characters buy into the lifestyles that they were born into/brought into.

Julie vs Kirsten vs Lily
Both Julie and Lily can be nasty and downright evil, as well as putting alot of pressure on their daughters; but deep down (in Julie's case: really far down, lol) both are good people - hence the Kirsten link.

Anna vs Vanessa
They're practically the same character, really. Quirky, friends of the outsider guy who's secretly in love with him at one point and try to express this by giving him advice on his love life. But, as far as I know, Vanessa never actually gets with Dan, unlike Anna with Seth.

Sandy vs Rufus
Both are seen as uncool dads, but give some of the best advice on the show. Sandy's wife Kirsten used to date Marissa's dad Jimmy, and Dan's dad Rufus used to date Serena's mum Lily.

Luke vs Chuck
The similarities here seem obvious but when you really get down to it, they're not that similar. At first, Luke is Newport's resident bad-boy (aside from Ryan) as with Chuck in the Upper East Side. But Luke redeems himself once his vulnerable side is shown, but as far as I know, Chuck hasn't fully had his chance at redemption...yet. All Chuck wants is approval, from anyone, this being the deep down motivation for all his wicked ways; but is it the same for Luke?

Got any other similarities or differences to add?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of gossipgirlonline.net, au.movies.ign.com, remote.lohudblogs.com and theoconline.com]

Hot new trend: Blue Eyeshadow

2008-08-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

Where I come from, everybody is jumping on the Eyeshadow Bandwagon. Every kind you could imagine: matte, cream, powder, sticks, slicked (etc), and the colours! Oh the colours! A rainbow of one's wildest dreams. But one colour in particular seems to be dominating the shadow scene: blue. Light blue, dark blue, shiny, peppered and all that jazz!

My mother is currently studying naturopathy, which has resulted in an extreme domestic chemical detox. Basically what this means is a surge of undesirable knowledge of the real ingredients in cosmetics. But don't worry, I won't panic any of you with those details right now. I just felt like complaining about this annoyingly incovenient situation. Lol.
But I will say that one particular cosmetic ingredient, Coaltar, is quite hazardous and is the base of alot of blue eyeshadows. I'm pretty sure I'm allergic to this ingredient (but even if I wasn't, I'm sure I wouldn't be "allowed" to use any product which contains it), so that means I'm denied the simple pleasure of going to a beauty store, harmlessly trying on eyeshadows and purchasing my favourite.Instead, I've been researching "safe" brands. This is similar to eco-fashion shopping. Scared at first (big change; thoughts of plain jane, or just plain ugly products), but after a little while, the thought of doing your skin, and the environment, a favour gets the better of you.

Larenim Mineral Makeup -- eye colour collection.

Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics -- Triple Eyeshadows: Truly Denim.

But if you really just can't bear the thought of eco-cosmetic type products, then your old favourites have some truly beautiful blues, too:

1. Bobbi Brown -- Midnight Metallics.
2. Laura Mercier -- Blue Sky Colour Quad.
3. M.A.C. -- Starflash Eye Shadow.

Well, I think I've thoroughly exhausted the topic of blue eyeshadow by now, no?
Hope I've helped, even if it's just a little bit.
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 larenim.com, janeiredale.com, bobbibrowncosmetics.com, lauramercier.com and maccosmetics.com.au]

Style in expected places...

2008-08-08T04:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, style icons come out of nowhere. And sometimes, they have always been there and yet no one really notices them until they're thrust into the spotlight. And such is the case with the stars of Gossip Girl, touted the Sex and the City of this generation (with regards to its impact on the young-adult fashion industry). Blake Lively (who plays Serena Van der Woodsen), as far as I'm concerned, could be on her way to becoming a true style queen, but thus far hasn't particularly impressed me with her safe (aka boring), California-girl fashion efforts. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure she's a lovely girl, but when it comes to style, Leighton Meester (who plays Blair Waldorf) is the real star.

Leighton is incredibly beautiful and knows how to work the red carpet.
This look on the right, Pencey mini-dress with matching while heels, is possibly one of my favourite red-carpet outfits ever.

Leighton may not always get it right (who does?), but this is not what defines a style icon. A style icon (or an icon of any kind, really) is someone who takes risks no matter the consequences. And it's this confidence that gives them that 'wow' factor, meaning a wrong step is nearly impossible.
It may be too early to tell whether or not Leightoon Meester is a full-blown style icon in-the-making, but one thing's for sure: as her star continues to rise, her style cred will surely rise with it.

Many of you noted that one of the things you would like to see more of on this blog was magazine editorial coverage. Recently I came across a particularly dazzling, little photoshoot from this month's Russh magazine, which I thought beautiful enough to share with my equally beautiful readers. Enjoy!

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 people.com, leightonmeester.us, gettyimages.com and myspace.com/russhmagazine]

Redefining statement jewellery

2008-08-01T01:23:00.000-07:00

Boy, those Arulpragasam sisters sure make political objection cool.
We all know M.I.A. (the British singer's 2007 album Kala is currently pulling big numbers on my iPod). Now meet her big sister, Kali, the creative brain behind jewellery label Super Fertile. The brand recently released its new collection called Tourism, an aesthetically pleasing advertisement for the 'undesirable' locations of the world. The collection features a range of gold and silver neck-pieces displaying the positive aspects of war-torn regions.

"The media only reveals the negative, so when you Google 'Iraq' you only get American soldiers with guns and rubble. This is not Iraq! Iraq has culture, music, fashion, sports and great architecture. And so, I magically removed the guns, tanks and violence from the picture so that my jewellery acts as tourism posters dipped in 24ct gold or silver -- becoming instant precious treasures."
-- Kali Arulpragasam

"I feel blessed I can say what I want. I feel it will be a wasted opportunity to create more skulls and wings in the world, rather than make something that can actually make a difference...
I wanted the message to be more important, and I wanted it to be kicking around for hundreds of years. I liked the idea of people digging up my jewels 500 years from now, with the pieces still communicating a beautiful message."

"The reaction I'm getting has been a big surprise, but it's a collection that seems to have hit every type of person from politicians to artists and fashion people.

I have been flooded with messages from Colombian girls and boys to Haiti footballers to Middle Eastern bloggers and Sri Lankan women just thanking me for acknowledging them."

Personally, I think the collection (visually, as well as the message behind them) is gorgeous. Even if one doesn't wear them, hanging the jewels as decorative ornaments around the house would suffice.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of superfertile.com]

Australians at their best...

2008-07-25T02:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-21T18:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-04T22:56:00.000-07:00

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]

Making a comeback...?

2008-06-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

Mischa Barton. These are two words which almost always cause an irrationally strong reaction in most fashion lovers, whether it be positive or negative.
Cast your mind back to the time between 2003 - 2006...The OC period I like to call it. Little Mischa was the reigning fashion queen of this era, and whether you wanted to or not, you saw her everywhere. Usually looking fabulous. And then, as quickly as it had started, the hype around her faltered (Marissa being killed off of The OC played a fairly large part in Mischa's de-throning, I believe). And slowly but surely, so did her style, in my eyes.
Let's take a little trip down Memory Lane, shall we?

Ladies and gentleman, I present to you, the Queen...

Mischa's style evolves from commercially trendy to endearingly eclectic. She becomes a worldwide style icon, with David Jones Australia hiring her as the face of their Summer launch.

With her character's presence no longer included in the OC, Mischa's star slowly begins to fall. Unfortunately, her sense of fashion ever-so-slightly descends with her...

Mischa has fired her stylist, and is no longer everywhere.
Unfortunately, it gets worse...

An all-time fashion low on Mischa's record.
2008, so far, seems to be her worst year. Or is it...?

Mischa shows up at the 10th Annual White Tie and Tiara Ball looking absolutely gorgeous.
Perhaps she's just been going through a rough patch? Whatever the case, I'm perfectly happy to support Mischa as she makes her way back on top of the style ladder.

Which Era of Mischa is your favourite?

On another topic, Lipstick Jungle premiered last night, here in Australia. The verdict? I loved it! I very much prefer it over the ill-fated Cashmere Mafia. I hear it's already in its second season in the US which is wonderful news. Perhaps there is hope yet for SATC-style shows for the high-powered business woman on-the-go?
Oh and please don't forget to cast you vote(s) in this month's poll on the right hand side of the page. I'm trying to get an idea of what readers think of my blog, so any feedback would be wonderful.

Catch.

Romany
[photos courtesy of mischa-b.com]

Take the 'Perfect Skin' challenge!

2008-06-21T01:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know about everyone else, but dreams about skin problems (not just blemishes, but rashes and strange deformities, also) are the worst kinds of nightmares, as far as I'm concerned. Am I crazy? Apparently not. Dreams of skin symbolize...

Your contact with the world and what tactics you use to deal with others. Your strength or vulnerability in feeling the impact of other people, their remarks and actions.

Feelings about personal failings or some sense of not being as good or acceptable as other people; a feeling that other people see you as unattractive or can see failings in you; shyness; difficulties about facing or being in the company of people.

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't have bad skin. There's room for improvement, sure, but I consider myself very lucky about the skin I'm in. This doesn't stop me from becoming outrageously jealous of those with crystal clear, porcelain skin, though, of course.
But instead of sitting around and wallowing in my own jealousy, I've decided to make my own Perfect Skin Challenge. And what's a challenge without some inspiration, eh?

My mother is studying naturopathy, and has given me a few ways to combat problem skin the all-natural way. It's not so much a challenge, as a guideline, really.
This little guide has been designed especially for my own system (a vegetarian with a weak immune system, and protein deficiency), so when joining me on my challenge feel free to change things to suit your own system. There's no set time, because this is supposed to be a lifestyle change. Simply comment me or send me an email when/if you've started seeing results. The rules are few, but effective:

Avoid processed/refined foods.
Drink 8 glasses of water a day.
Eat lots of raw salad vegetables (especially leafy greens).
Drink one specially-made protein shake a week.
Eat one handful of almonds or cashews a day (not both, and no more than one handful)
Eat three serves of eggs and three serves of yoghurt a week (for protein).
No more than two or three pieces of fruit (raw and/or dried) a day.
Exercise regularly (open to interpretation -- as much as desired)
Three Omega-3 tablets daily* ~ morning
One vitamin B tablet daily* ~ morning
Two 500mg vitamin C tablets daily* ~ afternoon and after dinner
One zinc tablet daily* ~ night

(* tablets vary depending on individual)
I've tried my best to make this look really official. How did I do? Lol.

Feel no obligation at all to join, this is simply something fun that I've embarked upon, and I was looking for anyone who wanted to share my enthusiasm. Lol.
Oh and please don't forget to cast you vote(s) in this month's poll on the right hand side of the page. I'm trying to get an idea of what readers think of my blog, so any feedback would be wonderful.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of tccandler.com, mtv.com, theinsider.com and rnbmusicandgossipp.blogspot.com]

A very sexy city...

2008-06-20T19:16:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of seeing the much anticipated Sex and the City movie. The verdict? Amazing! So I thought before the hoopla completely dies down (it's already on it's way down) I'd milk the hype for all it's worth.
The one aspect of Sex and the City TV show that was always consistent was the fashion. A trait which was flawlessly carried through to the movie. We all had our favourite outfits. So in honour of the four fabulous ladies of the hour, here are my favourites...

The TV Series

Carrie

Carrie didn't always get it right -- that's for sure. But she was the daring one, of the four. And boy did it pay off.

There will always, always be a special place in my heart for this gorgeous coat that Carrie wore to Miranda's wedding. Possibly my most favourite item of clothing worn by any character throughout the entire series.

Miranda

Miranda was a working girl, which didn't leave much room for fashion exploration. But when Miranda slipped into her 'No Excuses' on that fateful night, a whole new woman emerged.

Samantha

Samantha's skirt-suit dominated wardrobe didn't usually appeal to me, but there were a few instances when she brought out the big guns. A flowing red caftan and a shocking pink pantsuit -- that's hot.

Charlotte

Ah Charlotte...ever the episcopalian princess. Whether she was preppy, sexy or conservative or even getting married, Charlotte never disappointed.

The Movie

I was shocked at how fast the fashion moved in the Sex and the City movie! One wouldn't have time to admire a dress before the scene was yanking you to a new location (with a new dress). Thank god for photography, no?
The fashion from the Sex and the City movie surpasses all others in recent years (except for the Devil Wears Prada). One of the things I was most happy about was the fact that this was really Miranda's time to shine, fashion-wise. As far as I'm concerned, the feisty red-head was the star of the show (even though her character made some really bad decisions in other areas).

So what did you all think of the SATC movie? Love it? Or hate it?
Please don't forget to cast you vote(s) in this month's poll on the right hand side of the page. I'm trying to get an idea of what readers think of my blog, so any feedback would be wonderful.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of hbo.com, imdb.com, fashionising.com 1 and 2 and teamsugar.com]

A whole new me...

2008-06-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've discovered that my tastes have been changing. That's no big deal, I know, because it happens to everybody. But that's only because an individual isn't really aware of the changes occurring...that's where I come in. No, the changes haven't been dramatic but they have definitely been noticeable and this has really caught me off-guard. E.g. for a long time, I've loved anchovies (yes, I'm a vegetarian, but dear old anchovies were one of the only meat-type foods I just couldn't bring myself to give up) but a couple of months ago I took a bite of one such fish and nearly gagged. Now I can't even stand the sight of the things. An overnight change -- it shook me to my core.
But nowhere have these changes been more apparent than with regards to my aesthetic preferences. E.g. Luella style nanna florals, as I like to call them (see Camilla Belle and Kelly Osbourne, below) have made their way onto my internal must have list -- a thought which would have me laughing had you told me 2 years ago (I've never been big on nanna florals, or florals in general, really). But now I'm scouring the shop-infested streets high and low for something similar to pair with black tights, black heels (or my new tan knee-high boots) and a black cardigan. A dream com true, as far as I'm concerned...

Activities involving fragrances have always been a favourite past-time of mine. So it came as a real shock when I realised just the other day that for years the kind of scent I thought I liked, I didn't really like at all. It all started on Wednesday the 4th (my birthday -- I am now officially the 17 year old writer of The 16 Diaries. Lol.), when I received a tiny little sample of Prada eau de parfum as a present. I thought, I've never really considered Prada as a fragrance to try so I guess now I can. I spritzed it and headed for school. All day long I was continually sniffing my arm to get another hit of the addictively intoxicating scent...I couldn't get enough of it. I looked up the key notes and discovered the fragrance was filled with different kinds of musks. And that's when it hit me -- all my life I tried to convince myself that I was a girlie, floral, overwhelmingly sweet fragrance type of girl; but I realised that I'm addicted to musky fragrances.
Doesn't sound like a big deal, I know, but learning new things about myself that I never thought could be true really turn my world upside down.

both contain elements of musk

Narciso Rodriguez -- possibly my most favourite fragrance of all time is Solar Musk at heart

A few other things I hate which I've recently started loving...

Vogue AUS -- Fantasy Blooms

Florals...Is this not the most clash-y thing you've ever seen? I love it (and I don't know why)!

Agyness Deyn -- outside an Oscar de la Renta show

She used to be the bain of my existence...now I can't get enough of her!
I saw a Burberry ad featuring her, and instantly fell in love with the ad and in love with her look. Quirky and cute...what's not to love?

I know I can't be the only one with developing tastes...what aesthetic preference changes have you been experiencing lately?
Please don't forget to cast you vote(s) in this month's poll on the right hand side of the page. I'm trying to get an idea of what readers think of my blog, so any feedback would be wonderful.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of net-a-porter.com, joannemercer.com.au, photos.exposay.com, camilla-belle.net, luella.com, polyvore.com, g-ec2.images-amazon.com, teenvogue.com and au.strawberrynet.com 1, 2 and 3]

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week

2008-05-31T02:04:00.000-07:00

Don't worry. I'm aware that RAFW was at the end of LAST month, and yes it HAS taken me more than 4 weeks to cover it. It's a pretty lame excuse, I suppose, but in all honesty I haven't had time. Any fashion week coverage is time consuming, of which I'm sure all bloggers are painfully aware, no?
If it's unbelievably extensive RAFW coverage you're looking for, then head over to Style On Track (one of the best fashion blogs out there, as far as I'm concerned). I just thought after so long, I would only blog about my favourite looks from the fashion showcase.

"Follow your heart. As I've said before, it’s about looking forward and working really hard and not taking a moment to think about what’s impossible. You’ve just got to think about what’s possible and be proactive and push into making what you envisage and dream happen. Because I think if you do set your sights on a goal you get there. It’s amazing."
-- Michelle Jank.

"[the Jayson Brunsdon] woman is worldly, sophisticated and has a sense for cinematic drama."
-- Jayson Brunsdon

"Among the red-carpet-ready offerings of floor-scraping gowns (one print resembling crushed violets bringing an early whiff of spring) were sensible trousers perfectly tailored to display less sensible shoes. Ho’s legion of fans will be more than satisfied with a commercial collection sure to set registers ringing, which is familiar music to this designer’s ears."
-- Vogue AUS Damien Woolnough

AusNTM devotees shield your eyes! Unless you're not a fan of reality TV surprises (e.g. the revelation of the final contestants in a televised modelling contest), then stop reading now.
Of course, "the walkers" at RAFW aren't always a give-away when it comes to AusNTM, but judging from the way last year's turned out (Alice and Steph H both walked for Alex Perry, and coincidentally ended up being the final two), I'd say this is more an indication than anything else.
Alexandra wasn't in the Alex Perry show, but she did walk fro Wayne Cooper. Whether this means she IS in the finals but for whatever reason didn't walk for AP, or she was booted from the contest but Wayne Cooper liked her so much he wanted her in his show anyway...I guess we'll just have to find out.

Oh and please don't forget to cast you vote(s) in this month's poll on the right hand side of the page. I'm trying to get an idea of what readers think of my blog, so any feedback would be wonderful!

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of vogue.com.au]

The Dolly Perfumery

2008-05-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

I guess it's just that time of year, isn't it? The time when bloggers feel the need to excuse themselves from posting duties for some time, whether it be days or weeks...sometimes months. Hiatus, is the word I believe. I don't like this word. It brings negative connotations as far as I'm concerned. I prefer vacation - that way, everybody benefits (or at least, the refreshing name means everybody thinks they benefit). Now, this isn't just a vocabulary lesson, there is a purpose for me bringing all this up. Exams are in two weeks (so is my birthday! Yay!) and hardcore studying is required, in order for me to pass - immunity from 'exam-ruining anxiety' has never come naturally to me, see. But by no means am I taking a hiatus or even a vacation. I'm just putting it out there that posts will be irregular. There will be a few, I hope, during these next few weeks because, like all bloggers, I just love blogging. Lol. But there must be a line drawn when it comes to schoolwork, I'm afraid.
Anyway, this doesn't mean we can't have a little fun now. I've been meaning to post this for ages so I'm very excited...
A couple of years ago, I was an avid Dolly magazine reader (think the Aussie version of ElleGirl, CosmoGirl, Seventeen etc...but a little less high-end than TeenVogue), and stumbled upon these two cute perfume-personality articles. I loved them both. I thought it was hilarious how they managed to match each perfume to a boy and a girl (you'll see what I mean). In the first article, they got about 20 perfumes and separated them into different teenage girl personalities (this was before 'emo' and 'alterna-punk' etc. hit the scene), and included descriptions of each so the readers could categorize themselves. And in the second article they gathered about 10 or 11 perfumes and separated them into which ones would attract which type of guy (very general and basic categories). I did the math and figured out which group of teenage girl perfumes would attract which group of boys. Of course I had to update the poster girls and boys for each category (Ashlee Simpson ain't exactly a rock chick no more, and I'm afraid Jeremy Sumpter no longer fills the walls of every teen girl's bedroom).
And the results are in...

Gypsy Chic

(click to enlarge)

If you had enough cash, you'd buy shares in Tree of Life.
You love your cowboy boots even more than your best friend.
You can't wait to get your P plates so you can organise a road trip down the coast.
Your favourite pig-out food is environmentally friendly organic chocolate and you're a committed vegetarian.

Is matched with...

The Sweet Boy
Chris Brown
Don't intimidate him! Sweet guys go for girls who smell nice -- not OTT. Look for a scent that says "I'm girlie" but doesn't scream cutesy. It's all about being feminine.

Rock 'n' Roll

(click to enlarge)

You get ready for a big night out by blaring the Killers and Franz Ferdinand.
You wish Paris Hilton would go back to wherever it is she came from and stay there.
Your ideal date would be spent in the mosh pit at the Big Day Out.
You think black is the new black.

Is matched with...

The Party Boy
Brody Jenner
A guy who's got loads of mates, loves to dance and knows how to dress? Sounds like heaven to us! If he's the life of the party, chances are he'll sniff out the outgoing girl who likes to have a good time. So shimmy into your best party frock, spritz yourself with a flirty floral scent, accessorize with your brightest smile and watch Mr Popular come running to the dance floor.

Girlie Glam

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You couldn't live without a good lip gloss.
You're not sure how you coped before The OC/Gossip Girl/Top Model started.
You've had your formal dress planned for months...and it's not till next year!
You think a party isn't a party without heels, sleek hair and Beyonce on the stereo.

Is matched with...

The Funny Boy
Shia LaBeouf
If he makes you laugh till your face hurts, he's a keeper. And chances are he'll look twice when you walk passed smelling all sweet and lovely. We just know Shia follows his nose...

Pretty Preppy

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You're often heard asking, "Who wants to go on a picnic?"
You understand the responsibilities that come with being house captain...on the debating team...and a prefect.
Your cooking is so good, you'd give the canteen ladies a run for their money.
Your wardrobe resembles a Polo Ralph Lauren catalogue.

Is matched with...

The Sporty Boy
Tom Brady
Think Gisele Bundchen snagged the footballer with her looks and talent alone? Nuh-uh...we recky she wowed him with an outdoorsy fragrance. You want a scent that says "I'm easy-going". Ah, love all!

All celebrities and personality descriptions appropriated for 2008 (those hot in 2005 are not all so hot 3 years later).
I laugh every time I read the descriptions - they're so obviously written by a teen girls' mag. Love it!
Which one are you?

Romany

[photos courtesy of myboardingschool.com, slideshow.ivillage.com, leightonmeesterfan.net, people.com 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, oceanup.typepad.com, time-blog.com, obsessedwithfilm.com, platformlaunchaction.blogspot.com, quorra.ca, any.co.uk, home-gift-products.savingsareon.co.uk and 1clickperfumes.com]

Paris: Le Grand Amour de Ma Vie

2008-05-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, I regrettably admit that I've never been. But it's on the cards, I just know it.
Paris, the most beautiful city in the world (so those of us yet to see for ourselves are told), is full of surprises. Whether it be the Next Big Thing in art, fashion or music and film; a tennis champ who was always seen as the underdog; the construction of a now global, structural icon originally dubbed an "eyesore" (though some still see it that way); or, on a smaller scale, the just-stepped-from-a-photo-shoot gorgeous people strolling the streets of this romantic city.
Kamel, the photographer behind the beautiful street blog Style and the City, gives us the chance to see Paris au naturel. A source of inspiration for us all, I'm sure.
I've compiled a mini-collection called 'This month in Paris...'

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On the topic of all-things-French, I saw a hilarious French film called Le Valet last night (preceded by a truly harrowing film, called Un Secret - it was very well-made, but be warned do not enter the cinema without a packet of tissues).
Le Valet = definitely recommended.
À bientôt!

Romany

[photos courtesy of styleandthecity.com and gossipgirlinsider.com]

Let's Play Tag!

2008-05-13T02:37:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged again. Twice in the same year, believe it or not. Lol.
But this TAG is different to this TAG I think. The rules seem simple enough, best just to copy and paste from the person who tagged you, except change the answers to your own.
Anyway, let's get on with the game, shall we?

5 things found in my purse:
1) Mobile phone
2) money purse
3) Mini beauty case
4) Resumés
5) Vouchers to my favourite shops

5 things in my room:
1) My bed
2) My laptop
3) My desk
4) A chest of drawers
5) A chair with thousands of clothes strewn all over over it

5 things I've always wanted to do
1) Get 100% on an exam
2) Go to London, Paris, New York or anywhere overseas
3) Be able to eat whatever I want and not gain weight. Lol.
4) Go on a shopping spree with more than $500 to spend
5) Stick to a commitment

5 things I'm currently into now:
1) Australia's Next Top Model
2) Hot chips
3) Vogue Paris
4) My Tamara Henriques gumboots
5) The 16 Diaries (natch. Lol.)

5 impressions of Fashion Ivy (the person who tagged me)
1) Posts beautiful editorials
2) Has an eye for aesthetics
3) Good time management skills (always posts news as it happens)
4) Fan of Gossip Girl
5) A generally lovely girl

And now I'm going to tag
AUS style
Fashionyou
Snake Bites
Mode et Utopie
Miss Whoever-you-are

Good luck everyone!

Romany

Best Dressed: The Costume Institute Gala

2008-05-09T22:19:00.000-07:00

New York's Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala. Or as Style.com puts it, The Oscars of the East. But judging by the award ceremony red carpet turnouts we've had so far this year, the fashion at the Costume Institute Gala has without a doubt surpassed that of the Oscars.

Overall Best Dressed

The Best Dressed Award title is split among many this year. No surprises, of course, that Anna Wintour's unbelievably fashion-forward daughter Bee Shaffer is among those that snagged the 'award'. This Nina Ricci gown is like a fantasy - in all sense of the word.

Julia Roberts always looks amazing, as far as I'm concerned. The best accessory? Her dazzling smile (cheesy, I know. Sorry). Emmy Rossum - what a dress! I am actually speechless when faced with the beauty of this dress. I hope it'll still be available when I get married (many years down the track)...Camilla Belle was on my Best Dressed List for last year, as well. I tell you, this girl is going to be something big in the fashion world someday...

Best Legs

These two Cocktail Queens (ooh - that sort of makes them sound more like alcoholics than fashionistas, really, doesn't it? Whoops.) took risks, and boy did they pay off. These two dresses are absolutely gorgeous. I would try and pick a favourite out of the two, but I'd probably spend a good few hours trying to decide (weighing the pros and cons of each dress, you know how it goes...).

Best Dressed Models

Coco Rocha's hair and makeup wins for the night (Anja was a bit too fake tan + peroxide blonde for that title), whereas Anja Rubik's dress is to die for. Together, they make the perfect combination, no? Gisele Bundchen wearing who else but the label she is currently the face of, Versace. It's an unbelievably revealing dress, but if anyone can get away with it, it's Gisele. Kate Moss chose well from the McCartney collection. She looks classy. But Stella herself showed up in a bit of an unfortunate satin-sack looking ensemble, of her own design.

Most Superhero-Looking

This was the theme after all, no?
Caroline Trentini = Vampire Girl meets Cat-Woman. Naomi Watts = Marylin Monroe meets Wonder Woman. Rachel Bilson = Ellastigirl (The Incredibles) meets 70s brunette vixen.

(Dis)Honourable Mentions

I hate doing Worst Dressed Lists. Which is why I don't include the Worst Dressed Stars in my compilations. Anna Wintour by no means looks bad; I'm simply surprised at such an unusual dress choice. But, if nothing else, she does look like a hell-of-a superhero! Like a weird and wonderful Ice Woman - yes that's it (so unoriginal, I know). A 5'10" supermodel paired with a cute little fashion designer (oh dear, that sounded really condescending, whoops). Hilarity ensues. But I do quite like Raquel's dress.

Another year down. Can't wait to find out next year's theme! I wonder who decides that kind of thing..?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]

The Importance of Pictures: couples...

2008-05-03T18:12:00.000-07:00

A little while ago, I did a post on some of my favourite/scandalous paparazzi pics, and decided to dub the series The Importance of Pictures. Sure it sounds totally cheesy and pretentious because, let's face it, in the scheme of things, the photos were not exactly important...rather they were, entertaining as I like to put it. Anyway, many expressed interest towards the idea, and suggested I make this sort of thing ongoing. I took this into account and started noticing photos of celebrity couples (some fictional). They may not live up to the dictionary's definition of importance but they are intriguing and, well, as far as I'm concerned they're important in their own right.

Brad Pitt, Angeline Jolie, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt -- People magazine, June 2006
This was a monster of a photo shoot, success-wise. I suspect this issue sold more than usual for obvious reasons (being that these were Ange and Brad's first official photos taken with Shiloh for public viewing).
But this also solidified in my mind what Ange and Brad meant to each other (I was always one of the cynical ones when it came to this union). I get it now - they really do love each other. Whether that makes this important or not, I don't know, but all the same, it was a big moment for Angelina, Brad, Shiloh, People magazine and the general public.

Johnny Depp, Kate Moss -- Annie Leibovitz photograph, 1994
"That one was easy to do! Hotel room in New York, I was getting a shoot with him, she was there with us and I told her, What about a pic of you and him together? And she said, Yes. That is the image of passion, they were very, very in love, really." -- Annie Leibovitz.
Nudity aside, this is one of my favourite photos...ever. It's beautiful, and intimate, and downright sweet.

Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes -- 2005(?)
I am aware that we have some very strong anti-fans of Tom Cruise. But don't worry, I'm not here to say anything for or against the relationship. This is simply an observation. This one is definitely an important picture, and for this very reason: it shows just how much one can learn from a photograph. From this, we can tell a lot about the relationship - Tom is holding Katie and dipping her, while Katie is bending her knee and letting it happen. Even if this is not true to life anymore, this shows that back then at least, Tom held the pants in the relationship. He seemed to have made all the decisions etc, while Katie sat back and let it happen.

River Phoenix, Martha Plimpton -- 1989
This was the photo that sparked this whole idea. I was flipping through this months Russh magazine, and came across a story titled Rebel Girl, accompanied by this photo of Martha and River (among other photos). I found myself absolutely mesmerised (I know, so strange it seems like a simple enough photo, no?), and sought to find it on the internet as well some info on their relationship (I had no idea that these two were ever an item, but now they are one of my favourite past/present celebrity couples).
What drew me to it, I think, is simply the fact that it features River Phoenix. His story will continue to make me sad for him and his family for a long time - thus anything involving him that I stumble upon, not deliberately seek out, will stop me in my tracks. That is why this photo is important to me, even if it's not to anyone else in the world...

Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger -- Brokeback Mountain, 2005
Brokeback Mountain was one movie that needed to be made. It was a huge step forward towards gay general acceptance. Not only does this particular photo symbolise what the movie itself is all about, but it shows just how committed both Jake and Heath were to their roles - they look completely into each other.
This was the project that brought Heath and Jake together as friends, and even though Heath is no longer with us, the memory of this brilliant young actor will be forever solidified in the memories of the general public as the legacy of Brokeback Mountain lives on.

The pictures are different from the first series, but I think these are more thought/emotion-provoking. Are they important? Maybe not, but they all symbolise something. And in the end, that's important enough, no?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of people.com, hannahcouture.blogspot.com, teens.aol.com, gettyimages.com and gamerswithjobs.com]

Green With Envy...

2008-04-25T22:08:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been so bored, you find yourself taking personality quizzes on the internet (I do this even without the boredom factor)? Last night was one of those moments. With titles such as What will your prom dress look like? and Which Harry Potter character are you? and even Would I date you? screaming at me, I couldn't help but notice the one that asked Which of the Seven Deadly Sins are you? I have to admit, I was intrigued. I'm not 100% familiar with the 7 Deadly Sins (watching that Brad Pitt movie provides the extent of my knowledge on the subject), so I decided to go for it. In case you're wondering, the sins are Pride, Envy, Wrath, Gluttony, Lust, Sloth and Greed. I wasn't at all surprised at my result.

Envy:

Envy is a complex and puzzling emotion. It is, notoriously, one of the seven deadly sins. It is very commonly charged with being (either typically or universally) unreasonable, irrational, imprudent, vicious, or wrong to feel. With very few exceptions, the ample philosophical literature defending the rationality and evaluative importance of emotions explicitly excludes envy and a few other nasty emotions as irredeemable. Indeed, some authors who are prepared to defend even jealousy insist that envy is beyond the pale. Yet there is considerable controversy over what precisely envy is, and the cogency of various specific criticisms of envy depends on what view of that subject is adopted.

Whenever I think of envy I think of this Dior A/W 07 couture piece. It's so...green. I love it.
As I was researching anything I could find on envy, I stumbled upon the website of Melbourne's premier fashion boutique, the poster girl for which you'll never guess (well you probably will actually, I talk about her enough).

You guessed it. Alice Burdeu. Gosh, I could devote an entire other blog to this girl, based on the amount of time I write about her, no? All this aside, however, this shoot leads me to believe her her work is best saved for the runway. Why? I fear that she has Derek Zoolander Syndrome. As I was flipping through the catalogue, all pictures featuring Alice, I noticed that she only really has one look. On the runway, this doesn't matter as much so I'm not too worried for her.
It seems that Green With Envy has been featured in Vogue Australia, and Harper's Bazaar Australia enough to last a lifetime -- this gets me excited. I'm thinking of taking a trip down Flinders Lane and checking this place out for myself. My formal is coming up, after all...

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of harpersbazaar.com.au and greenwithenvy.com.au]

When did the world become so cynical?

2008-04-23T03:30:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know it was National Compliments Day last Wednesday, my second favourite day after Christmas, and I went to school ready to fire (sincere) compliments at everyone who crossed my path. It didn't go down as well as I'd hoped... My first complimentee was very graceful in accepting my compliment, blushing and even admitted to being on the verge of tears at my kindness (how sweet, right?). But it was all downhill from then on.
I was told that I shouldn't give compliments to each in a big group of people, as there was a risk of the receivers 'comparing compliments' (e.g. "she didn't say that I was amazing, I thought we were supposed to be friends..."); my compliments were sometimes greeted with a blank look, a.k.a. "why the hell are you talking to me?"; and one person even asked me if I was a recovering alcoholic and assumed this was part of my 12-step program!
After all this, I was forced to ask myself the question: when did the world become so cynical? Is it so bad that I find joy in complimenting others, especially on a day that is dedicated to this very action? I 100% understand and respect that some find receiving praise an uncomfortable situation (I must admit, I find myself in this boat on occasion), but my intentions were good, no? It's all about spreading the L.O.V.E., after all.

On a lighter, more TV-related note, one of my favourite ever TV shows started its new season last night: Australia's Next Top Model. There were tears, there were screams, there were clothes and boy was there bitching! I tell you, I've never seen a group of girls turn against each other so willingly (and after just 1 day, so soon); although it's far less intense that the American syndication.

The Audition Process

Host Jodhi Meares, surrounded by the Melbourne hopefuls.

Notice the girl on the far left in the top left photos -- Diana Bitcon, a friend of mine from school, isn't that exciting? Unfortunately, Diana withdrew from the competition.
Bottom left picture, shows three girls, one of which (far right), Belinda Hodge, is in the top 13!

I cannot wait to see how this season pans out. My favourite, so far? Alyce. She's got a similar name to the winner of the previous season, Alice Burdeu, so surely that's a good sign, right?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of seattlepi.nwsource.com, news.com.au 1 and 2]

Hot? I got you covered...

2008-04-20T01:38:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, I did a post on what message the hottest coats of the season may be sending out to the public. This week, I've got those north of the equator in mind.
Just to satisfy any curiosity out there, I did in fact find my perfect coat. I was half-heartedly perusing through the racks of a particular department-type store (before going to what would turn out to be the craziest party I've ever attended), and saw this one creme coloured coat. It was perfect. Soft, flattering, beautiful. But I won't let it slip where it's from, because I'm feeling very label-ist about the situation. Lol.
Anyway, just for a bit more fun here's a selection of this seasons hottest swimsuits (and some accompanying cute white cardigans, a staple for any summer outfit), and what message they may be sending out to the public.

(item details)

(item details 1 and 2)

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(item details 1 and 2)

My favourite? The red Heart Cinched Bandeau (although, I'm not exactly a big-bust-bikini expert yet), because having a big bust means this is the only one I would even fit into. Lol. In a dream world, I would be able to fit into the SPLIT Gidget Bandeau (The French are darn stylish, after all) as well...
Hopefully, combined with the coats, there's a style here for everyone. Happy shopping!

Romany

Mika you're right - Big Girls Are Beautiful

2008-04-18T00:32:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever, a size 16 (UK) entrant is in the running for the title of Miss England. Who is this hero, I hear you say? Why, 17 year old Chloe Marshall of course. Ms Marshall has been causing a splash of late, due to the fact that she beat a handful of slimmer hopefuls this month when she won the title of Miss Surrey, and is excited about her chances for the national title, to be announced in July.
But she's not just in the running for no reason - this girl is fit and healthy as well as bold and beautiful (lol).
"I'm a size 16, I eat well, I exercise regularly – I jog, swim, and work out with weights." she says.
But not everyone is as excited about her success....

A newspaper columnist, Monica Grenfell, has publicly said,
"It's a total fallacy that young girls are being pressured into near-starving themselves into being too thin.
She is an ambassador not for the beautiful larger lady as she'd have us believe but a poster girl for diabetes, strokes, heart attacks, cancers and all the other devastating and potentially fatal health problems that are caused or exacerbated by obesity.
I hope she doesn't win the Miss England title. It would send an appalling - and very dangerous - message to other young women that it's okay to be fat."

(I think she's gorgeous. But there is one problem. This is an unflattering bikini - whoever styled this shoot, obviously didn't think things through...)

If she practices what she preaches (eating right, exercises) then we have no reason to believe this girl isn't the picture of good health. I say, good luck to you Chloe! Even if you don't win, you're an inspiration to hopefuls all over the world.

*****

Keeping on the subject of good health...
I recently came across an email I received a while ago about chocolate myths. I thought it was fascinating, and something I should definitely share:

Chocolate comes from a plant – it’s the seeds (within the pods) of the cacao tree. It’s naturally very bitter; if you munched on a cacao bean, you would find a very harsh and bitter taste, nothing like chocolate as we know it.
Chocolate varies in its preparation. There are government regulations of what can be called “chocolate”, depending on its ratio of: cocoa solids, cocoa butter, sugar, and milk. Ranging from baking chocolate (almost no added sugars), to dark chocolate (limited sugar and abundant cocoa solids), to milk chocolate (lots of sugar, added milk, and less cocoa solids), to “white” chocolate (NOT classified as chocolate at all, because it has no cocoa solids!)
A special type of antioxidant is found in cocoa solids, called “flavanols”, which are where the health-promoting heart healthy claims of chocolate come from. This is dose related, meaning the more you eat, the more flavanols you consume. As a comparison, it takes nearly four ounces (that’s 3-4 regular size dark chocolate bars), consumed every day to promote a reduction in blood pressure! That’s 500 calories and 42 grams of fat!
The new “super cocoas” are the wave of the future to harness the health benefits associated with the flavanols. The first of these is a Flavanol Rich Chocolate (containing 200 mg per serving – that’s a lot!), produced by the company, Cocoa Via. It’s the active ingredient, without the sugar and fat of a regular chocolate bar.
Chocolate is also a “carrier” for other nutrients, which are unrelated to the activity of the flavanols. Calcium fortified chocolates (in milk and dark varieties) provide ½ the daily calcium requirement in one disk (at 30 calories), plus vitamin D. Plus, phytosterols (plant chemicals) are added to some chocolates to boost the cholesterol lowering ability of the product (Cocoa Via bars with 80-100 calories each). Again, any potential health benefits come from regular – daily – consumption.

Sorry this didn't turn out to be a fashion-related post in the slightest. I'll make up for it next time don't worry. Lol. Well, it turns out I've got a fairly jam-packed weekend coming up, so I really hate to say that I may not have as much time for commenting other blogs as I usually do. I'm sorry, I hope you all can forgive me.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of dailymail.co.uk, thesun.co.uk and telegraph.co.uk]

Tagged? Me?

2008-04-16T01:21:00.000-07:00

Everywhere I look, people are tagging each other! Up until yesterday, I had no idea what this business of tagging was. Lol. Now it seems I have been tagged, by Super Kawaii Mama and A dreamer.... Li'l old me has been tagged, can you believe it? I don't think I've been this flattered in a long time. Anyway...

Here are the rules:
1. Link the person(s) who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules in your blog.
3. Write about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them.
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger's blogs letting them know they've been tagged.

Ok. Let's do this...
1. I'm extremely time particular - every single minute counts. I get up extra early in the morning when I know I have to go to work, so that I can leave myself 10 minutes of relaxing time before I actually have to leave.
2. I have a strong memory for faces. I can recognise almost everyone I've ever seen (well, looked at for more than 1 minute, at least); whether it be people I've been served by in stores, or old primary school friends, their faces are burned into my brain.
3. I also have a strong association memory. If I hear a song/smell a smell/see an image etc that reminds of a certain person/place/event etc, I will most likely be consumed by the emotions that particular person/place/event etc evokes in me except multiplied by 10. Nostalgia usually ensues...
4. I buy certain magazines just for the cover. If a magazine's cover doesn't interest me, chances are I won't even bother to flip through it.
5. I go to a wonderful school with a bad reputation. I'm ashamed - not of the school, of our reputation. Whenever I'm asked at work or in public which school I attend, a part of me considers lying every single time...
6. Sometimes I pretend to be someone I'm not around certain people, because I'm scared they won't like the real me. Judge me all you want, but don't deny you've never done this before. Lol.

Ooh can you feel the tears welling up? I can. Lol. Well there you have it, 6 things about me (they turned out more personal than I had intended) that you might otherwise never know.
Now for the 6 people I've tagged (completely random choices, I swear. The last thing I would want is for anyone to feel left out, because they think this is a popularity contest. It's not. It's just for fun. Sorry, I'm just trying to be diplomatic I guess. Lol.):

1. a la moda
2. Cerulean Heels
3. Couturee Yourself
4. Green Grenadine
5. lookbook
6. Kira Fashion

Here's to spreading the L.O.V.E.

UPDATE Ok so by now, most have heard about the shocking news of Nina Garcia's surprise departure from Elle magazine. But thankfully, Girl With a Satchel is reporting that...Nina Garcia may have parted ways with Elle as fashion director, but in lieu of an outright dismissal, Fashion Week Daily has learned that Garcia has been offered a new role at the magazine: editor-at-large or contributing editor.

Catch.

Romany

Cold? I got you covered...

2008-04-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

Down here in the Southern Hemisphere, the weather is starting to catch up with the recent runway collections. As I'm on a (so far) unsuccessful mission of trying to find my perfect winter coat, I realised there's a lot more to it than finding something that simply suits my figure. In my eyes, it must suit my personality. What I find is that what one wears can make a big difference to what others think one's personality is, whether it be true or not.
E.g. a hot pink, ruffled top = happy and girlie (when in actual fact, the wearer could be a depressed tomboy). This mixed messaging system is not necessarily a bad thing. But searching for clothes to suit your personality can become overwhelming and confusing.
So just for a bit of fun, lol, here's a selection of this season's hottest coats, and what message they could send out to the public...

(item details)

(item details 1 and 2)

(item details)

My favourites? The yellow Milly coat (there's no harm in people thinking I'm a fashion editor is there?), and the white Soia and Kyo coat (I guess there's a downside to people thinking your attitude is the polar opposite to what it really is).
Tricky, very tricky...
Not quite winter yet, where you're residing? Rest assured, a hot weather post of the same nature coming soon.

Catch.

Romany

Tote Me, Baby!

2008-04-13T02:45:00.000-07:00

It seems that, subconsciously, I am in constant pursuit of the perfect tote bag. In my eyes, for everyday use, a tote is the perfect bag: stylish (well, I guess that depends on which one you buy, right?), practical and secure.
But, believe it or not, there are some real duds out there. Simply typing 'tote bag' into Google, doesn't exactly bring exciting results. So I decided to help anyone out there (as well as myself) who's on the prowl for a pretty tote, and compiled a list of the cutest ones I could find online in half an hour of searching (these aren't meant to be the best out there at the moment, this is just a selection of what I could in half an hour).

1. Chip Chop -- European Vacation $169 (AUD)

2. Juicy Couture -- Daydreamer Velour Tote $195 (USD)

1. Betsey Johnson -- Betseyville $95 (USD)
2. Lauren Bush -- World Food Programme Feed bag -- $59.95 (USD)

1. Dooney & Burke -- Madras Medium Duffle $350 (USD)
2. Anya Hindmarch -- "I'm not a plastic bag" price n/a

Pretty random bunch, eh?
Which is your favourite? Or, got any others to add?

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of amazon.com 1 and 2, juicycouture.neimanmarcus.com, chipchop.com.au, myfashionlife.com and store.dooney.com]

Bring It Back: Old school glamour

2008-04-10T02:55:00.000-07:00

Fashion at it's best. Celebrities have been trying their hardest to try and re-create classic hollywood, but as we can tell from this, they cannot be trusted. Unfortunately, some celebrities today are giving a bad name to old school glamour, by making it look trashy and contrived. What ever happened to the good old days (ok so it was quite a few years before I was born) when makeup looked smooth, sexy and effortless? Why have we said goodbye to timeless Oscar style dresses and a smouldering smile, and replaced them with mismatching bags, trashy-red lipstick and impossibly high platform shoes? Why are the high-waisted jeans making a comeback when an even better era of fashion is calling our names, just waiting to be pulled out of the history books and back onto Page Six?
Designers are doing their bit to recreate old hollywood looks at their fashion shows, featuring cherry stained lips, Veronica Lake-esque hair do's and even the clothes being designed bear striking resemblance to those of yesteryear.
Bring these back:

Big Hats

Such a classic style. Sure, we get to see these kinds of hats a few times year at the races, but this would also be perfect for a Sunday brunch, no?

Classic LBD

The LBD (first invented by Coco Chanel herself in the 1920s) is, and always will be, the epitome of class. The trouble is, LBD's are becoming just too complicated. Yes it's great to mix it up once in a while, but every woman should have at least one simple, black cocktail dress at the back of her closet.

Empire Waistline Jackets

I love this look. If I could, I would wear this every day (but that's just tacky, lol). An essential for winter, and an essential for self confidence. Empire waistlines flatter everyone, so it's good to know they don't just come in evening gown form.

Voluminous Evening Gowns

I wish for this more than all of the others. It's so feminine, fun and spectacularly intricate. Honestly wouldn't you rather see the stars wearing something like this at the Oscar's, rather than, say, this:

I like Jessica Biel a lot, and the dress itself is very pretty, but come on...this is the Oscar's we're talking about! The one day a year when one can dress completely majestically and blame it on the spirit of the occasion, so why not take advantage of it, and wear something more interesting to look at (e.g. Vivien Leigh, above)?

The wheels are in motion. Somewhere, a designer has just been struck by the incredible idea of re-creating old hollywood style for his/her new collection, and dreaming that soon Jennifer Aniston will be walking down the street wearing a big hat or an empire waistline jacket (not together though, that's just common sense) that he/she designed. You can thank me later. Lol.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of hayazg.com, alabasterbrow.blogsome.com, worth1000.com and thedollpalace.com]

Quote of the Week

2008-04-07T23:45:00.000-07:00

"I'm reluctant to even indulge a conversation about my body image as it's become such an unhealthy obsession within society. When I had to pose naked in Art School Confidential, I made a conscious decision to put on weight as I feel very strongly that this size zero thing needs to stop."
Sophia Myles, on Hollywood's obsession with weight.

Wow. I have never heard of an actress (or even a woman in the entertainment business) who is so unconcerned with her body that she puts on weight for a nude scene. I'm not sure whether to commend or condemn her. Obviously my first thought was oh what a refreshing and healthy response to the Skinny Obsession... But now that I've thought about it more, is this really healthy? Sure I must admire her bravery to appear nude in a movie, and heavier than usual on top of that, but how is putting on weight to prove a point any different to losing weight (unhealthily)? Neither is healthy, that must be acknowledged. But I can't go past the fact that she did this for the right reasons, and with good intentions.
I'm not sure how much of a difference she made, considering this is the first I've heard of it (I've never even heard of the movie Art School Confidential; but I'm probably the only one lol), but she's doing her bit to knock some sense into the poor women falling prey to the Skinny Obsession (myself included). Perhaps it's not the action (putting on weight) that we should be focusing on, but the attitude and reasoning behind it (wanting to make the world a healthier place).
Good on her, I say...

A scent for each season...

2008-04-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

I don't know about everyone else, but in my eyes a fragrance can make or break an outfit. So naturally, it's important to smell your best at all times. Timing your fragrance-wearing in accordance with seasons is of the utmost importance.
Wind and rain in winter, sweating and humidity in summer, additional natural scents in the air in spring, and daily weather changes in autumn can all alter the way your perfume smells.
Not to mention your mood. But it changes with each individual: some people like fruity smells (etc) in winter because it reminds them of summer, whereas others might prefer a more refined or sophisticated smell for the colder months.
My perfect combinations go a little something like this...

Autumn

A strange choice, I know. But with the fairly cool, crisp mornings and then warmer afternoons strolling down a street full of trees and surrounded by dappled sunlight, of autumn I am just inexplicably reminded of Paris (the fragrance and the city, even though I'm yet to visit). Sophistication at its best, Paris can make any woman feel glamorous, and any man double-take. Paris, Yves Saint Laurent 75mL -- $84.95 onwards.
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Winter
Yes another somewhat strange choice, believe me I never would have thought that a perfume like Fantasy would be my ideal winter perfume. But last winter I had been wearing it maybe twice a week or so, and I'd never felt more girlie. It's quite strong, so even with all the wind, I still get compliments of how nice I smell. But beware, if applied in excess, it can get sickly sweet. Fantasy, Britney Spears 100mL -- $115.
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Spring
(left) Even for the non-fans of YSL Paris, the Jardins Romantiques bottle is so cute (and just screams spring, no?) it can persuade anyone. I guess the fact that it has the perfect blend of natural, flowery scents is a bonus, then. Lol. (right) In my eyes, the ultimate compliment is to hear "Mm, you smell nice." (Why, you ask? I once read an article about a man who loved fragrances - and who also couldn't fall in love with a woman if he didn't like the way she smelled. As far as I'm concerned, scent is everything). Well, I've spritzed Daisy twice this week, and received this compliment twice. Coincidence? I think not. Lol.
Paris Jardins Romantiques, Yves Saint Laurent 125mL -- $64 onwards; Daisy, Marc Jacobs 50mL -- $80 onwards.
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Summer
The eternal classic summer scent. Ralph really knew what he was doing when he threw this bunch of ingredients together. Despite the fact that after patch-testing this fragrance on my skin, and finding out that my sensitivity will forever prevent me from be able to wear Cool, it remains one of the best out there as far as I'm concerned.
Ralph Cool, Ralph Lauren 50mL - $60 (AUSD).
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Tell me about all of your favourites, perhaps we have some in common?
Smell you later (ha, couldn't resist)!

Romany

Catch.

[photos courtesy of ralphlauren.com, amazon.com, ivis-bg.com, flowersdirect.co.uk and rachelmaries.co.uk]