On High Rotation: Vol. 01

Starfucker, or STRFKR, are back in business with a new vocalist and new album, entitled Miracle Mile. One of the tracks in the recently released LP, "Golden Light", is a new favourite of mine, to the point of pressing the repeat button way too many times to count.

P.S. Fingers crossed the Portlanders will perform at this year's Bumbershoot Festival. I would love to see these guys live!

Best Dressed - Academy Awards 2013

 

 zimbio

As soon as I laid eyes upon Naomi Watts in her Armani Privé gown, I knew from then that no other person gracing the red carpet could ever compare. With such a busy neckline, Naomi played it smart by keeping it minimal with her choice of accessories, hair and makeup. Her radiant skin just adds to her alluring aura. However, that dress... is simply breathtaking. Definitely her moment to really shine (in all forms).

Designer Spotlight: Izmaylova

izmaylova

Izmaylova's Fall/Winter 2013 collection has recently been launched by Nathanael Gam and Antonina Izmaylova, co-founders of the luxury London label. Collectively, their eye-catching aesthetic of a strong palette featuring black and red, along with a variety of textures and shapes, paves the way for a capsule collection that is refreshing and innovative.

For more information, you can check out their site: http://izmaylova.co.uk/

Evodia Lolita

evodia

Always one to get sidetracked in the beauty section of a department store, I unexpectedly came across the comprehensive range of hand creams from Australian skincare brand, Evodia. The 'Lolita' hand cream, in particular, is beautifully packaged and scented with a luscious peach aroma. In addition to that, the most important thing for those who suffer from dehydrated hands is that the texture of the cream is extremely emollient when applied to the skin. Containing natural ingredients and not being tested on animals, the ethical hand cream is also priced at a reasonable $17.95. It makes the perfect gift for women who could do with a little luxury in their daily lives.

Blanc et Noir

 asthetiques/byredo/chanel

Best Dressed - Elle Style Awards 2013

thegloss

I've been closely watching Chloë Grace Moretz since her breakthrough performance in Kick-Ass and the mesmerising Hugo. It was only a matter of time before she blossomed into a precious young lady. Over the years, the 16-year-old favourably chose to be draped in various threads from Proenza Schouler, Dolce & Gabbana and Burberry Prorsum, to name a few.

However, Chloë's most recent choice of attire at the Elle Style Awards speaks volumes. Dressed in Stella McCartney, Christian Louboutin and Chanel, the charming actress is sending a signal to Hollywood that she is ready to tackle slightly more mature roles. I couldn't be more excited than to anticipate what the future holds for Miss Moretz, who was named "Next Future Icon" at the Elle Style Awards. In this case, it's not hard to see why she was honoured with such a prestigious title.

Photo Diary: January 2013

2013: The Year of the Emerald (City)

 travora.com

I'm very excited to announce that I will be travelling to Seattle in August/September during the Bumbershoot Festival! It still hasn't sunk in that I'm going, as it feels like I'm living a dream and haven't woken up yet.

To confirm my decision, I have already paid for the return airfares, ESTA Visa Waiver and 3-day pass to Bumbershoot. Shortly after this post, I will be paying for the accommodation and probably in a few weeks time, I will pre-purchase the Seattle City Pass before the March 1st price increase. To say that I'm very organised about this trip is a massive understatement. I have been wanting this for years and don't want to waste any time while I'm there.

My return flight also includes two-way stopovers in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Unfortunately, I will be sitting a 6 hours and 40 minute timeout in LAX, as I've heard horror stories about the traffic, both inside and outside of the airport. To be honest, it didn't bother me one bit as I have no inclination to discover the City of Angels. However, I perfectly planned my 11 hours and 09 minute stopover in San Francisco. During this time, I plan to dump my checked baggage in the airport and head downtown, ideally Powell St BART, for a quick glance before I hop on a bus for a four-hour guided tour. The desire of a day trip also rings true for Seattle's next-door neighbour, Portland. This visit will be unguided but full of direction, as I have the urge to visit Voodoo Doughnuts, where I will probably grab a half-dozen to gorge, Powell's City of Books and the International Rose Test Garden.

Depending on how I go, I might even scrap the voyage to Portland as I feel it is necessary to tick off all the boxes in my neverending list of places to visit/dine in Seattle.The general plan is to do as much sightseeing as possible in the early days and if I finish my to-do list, I can revisit some favourites or discover something previously unseen.

However, in my temporary homeland, there is a plethora of attractions that I am longing to see. Among those are the Space Needle, Experience Music Project, Seattle Aquarium, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Public Library, Kerry Park, Pike Palace Market, the very first Starbucks store and much more.

Shopping will be dangerous yet fun as I intend on raiding the racks in Nordstrom, Macy's and Barneys New York, along with boutiques, such as Totokaelo and Merge.

Going through a detox in the weeks leading up to my departure wouldn't be such a bad idea if I have intentions of dropping by Dick's for a fast food feed, a yet to be decided, old-fashioned diner with booths, Le Panier for a delectable dessert indulgence session and Purple Cafe and Wine Bar for a touch of casual sophistication.

Easy Street Records and Sonic Boom could be a relaxing time during the madness as the heart of Seattle, for me at least, lies in indie music, which is one of the reasons why I timed my holidays during Bumbershoot. This will be my second festival experience as I much prefer gigs/concerts. Part of the reason for this is because I had such a disappointing debut during Field Day 2011. The line-up was fantastic but I missed out on seeing so many bands that rarely tour Australia. As a result, I've decided to attend the ultimate festival where they cater to my inner-most indie tendencies from bands who don't have any funds or the fanbase to play in Australia. Doing this alone (and the trip) will be something I can look back on and say that I've accomplished with freeing abandon.

Who knows, I might even decide to become an honourary Seattleite. I feel like I'm already there!

Classic Clutch

 

 

asthetiques

I used to think that clutches were the most impractical bags ever made, until I started seeing a different side through their charm and elegance. There's something very personal about carrying something so dainty and feminine which contains all your daily life essentials.

While they come in a variety of sizes, from your pint-sized pillboxes to enormous envelopes, there is nothing more classic yet current than a foldover clutch. Although they are mainly used as an evening bag, the foldover can also double as an accessories pouch while travelling or running errands.

For the conscious spending consumers, like myself, foldover clutches are the perfect alternative accessory. Something that is not necessarily considered to be useful, but is found to be fully functional.