Mr Darcy

Having lived in the South Melbourne area for the past three years, I have come to know the Coventry Street shops and cafes fondly, popping in when I need a gift or meeting a friend for brunch, or perhaps just when walking home from the South Melbourne Market.

A suburb shift earlier this year has meant I am a touch further away, but the appeal remains. The quaint stores are filled with gorgeous things – so of course I want everything – and are amazingly affordable. 

Earlier this week, the newest destination on Coventry staged an opening party to celebrate their arrival on the strip. Mr Darcy is a lifestyle store offering a mix of clothing, accessories and gifts from a range of Australian & international designers. Together with neighbours Chez Dre, locals toasted the new arrival and the fabulous assortment of products that have arrived.

My personal favourites? I discovered the Arlington Milne range of handbags, wallets and accessories. Scarily in love with the large wallet (it might be the first addition to my Christmas List!) and the colours they have chosen for this season.

Butter London Nail Polishs are always worth the extra dollar and it would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention Planet Luxe, the brainchild of a very good friend and an amazing product too. 

Mr Darcy can be found at 298 Coventry Street, South Melbourne. We enjoyed sweet treats from Chez Dre.

Arlington Milne

Clever Lighting

Funky Watches

Visual Merchandising

Books and Flowers

Soaps

Jewellery

Enjoying the outdoors

Chez Dre cakes

Butter London

Outdoor Dining

Visual Merchandising

Letter Mugs

Lightly

  • 14 years ago
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Spring Racing Carnival 2012 Musings

It is a truth universally acknowledged that many people simply do not know how to hold a wine glass properly, and as we enter the Spring Racing season, it seems timely that someone needs to tell those poor, poorly dressed girls just how it’s done. After all, they shouldn’t want to draw more attention to themselves in those patent platform pumps and polyester nightclub dresses – do they?

So it seems that many a punter believes that the best way to hold a wine glass is to envelope the bowl of the glass with your hand. How common.

THIS IS NOT HOW IT IS DONE!!!

How it should be done.
Red, white, rose, bubbles – I don’t care what you are drinking, the glass should ALWAYS be held by the stem. And if it feels unsteady? It’s probably too full. After all, a wine glass should only be a quarter to a third full.

The reason why we hold by the stem? Holding the bowl of a white wine or champagne flute warms the beverage, and no one likes warm bubbles! As for reds, holding by the stem minimises fingerprints and allows you to see the colour of the wine. Particularly lovely when it catches the sun.

Of course, cocktails are another kettle of fish all together – martini glasses can be held by the stem but are often filled to the brim (tread carefully if you have had a few of these!) and tall glasses offer no other option that to hold the vessel fully in the palm of your hand.

Cocktails. Make sure you have a manicure worthy of such gorgeous drinks. With Erica and Phoebe.
My recommendation? Find yourself a possie on a stool next to a bar or tall table in the Schweppes Flemington Fling bar. Choose a cocktail simply because they are prettier, and place it on the surface, procure a straw and elegantly perch yourself there for the remainder of the day. This will eliminate stumbles, spills, warm drinks and the likelihood or running into anyone wearing the same outfit as you.

Would you like the chance to go attend Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington for you and a friend? Test your wine glass holding skills and have a reason to buy a new frock? (And shoes too if you are planning on wearing the aforementioned patent platform pumps). I suggest a wedge shoe, a pop of colour for your dress and a headpiece designed to dazzle.

Simply comment below with your biggest races faux pas. Go on – Spill! And don’t forget your email address or Twitter handle so I can get in touch if you are the lucky winner! Drawn 30 October by random selection; prize is one double pass to the General Admission area of Flemington for Melbourne Cup Day (including the Schweppes Flemington Fling Bar), Tuesday 6 Nov.

  • 14 years ago
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Style Reviewed

Last week, Style Review took place at Leonda by the Yarra, again showcasing the looks stylist Cindy Newstead has put together for the coming seasons.

My fave looks were again by Cue, with a few from Alannah Hill for good measure.

Was great to see so much lemon and yellow on the runway. My choice for Spring Summer 2012!

Images thanks to Nicholas Brennan, www.brennanimaging.com

Style Review

Style Review

Style Review

Style Review

Style Review

Style Review

  • 14 years ago
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Daniel Wellington

It is my opinion that your wardrobe should be thought of like your pantry – always full, and replenished often. The herbs and spices are a bit like your accessories; they come in many flavours, colours and types. One necklace/pair of earrings/ring will not suit all outfits, just as you wouldn’t put corriander in EVERYTHING you cooked. Right?

Exactly. And this is (another reason) why I find it so important to stock my wardrobe with various colours and sizes, ensuring that something is always avaialble to suit an outfit. Or dish. You get it.

This is why I have several watches. I like wearing a timepiece on my wrist, and truly feel it would be a fate worse than death if I were forced to wear a silver watch alongside gold jewellery, or vice versa. Such a tragedy can lead to so many other disasters – missed job opportunities, failed first dates and distracting other passersby with your mismatched metals. Disaster.

The good folk at Daniel Wellington got in touch, and they too believe in the premise that one watch will not suit all occassions. Founded in Sweden and about to arrive on our fair shores, Daniel Wellington watches are classic timepieces designed for all occasions. Created for men and women, the Daniel Wellington style is preppy and somewhat nautical, but always suits the style of the wearer.

For me, the Classic Sheffield Lady was my wrist adornment of choice. A traditional rosegold watchface with black leather band, I love the clean lines of the watchface and easy to read dial. It’s smart and sophisticated and, while it goes against my fashion principles, actually does go with a surprising number of my outfits. It’s also available in gold or silver – and with a tan band. Options, Options, Options!!!

If you would like one of these gorgeous timepieces for yourself at 15% off, simply enter ‘sarah‘ at the checkout and your discount will be calculated.  
The Classic watches with leather bands retail for $197 while the Natostrap bands retail for $175 (both womens).

  • 14 years ago
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One Hot Yoga

There have been times in my life when I actually really liked exercise. Yes, truly. I’ve belonged to several gyms in my time, enjoyed a run of Albert Park Lake at 5.30am and even attended Body Attack and Spin classes – the horror of horrors in the exercise world. So, given I have just spent a lazy winter on the couch, enjoying Friday nights in with Thai food, the footy and my boyfriend, I jumped at the chance to give One Hot Yoga a go.

One Hot Yoga is just as it sounds: Yoga that is conducted in a hot space. The room is heated to 37 degrees but unlike Bikram Yoga (where static poses are done in a heated room), One Hot Yoga is all about vigorous exercise. This is not for the faint hearted.

I recruited a girlfriend to tag along and confided I was really looking forward to this. We wore the prerequisite loose clothing and downed plenty of water on the way to the studio, scoring a rock star carpark right outside the door (There really is nothing worse than going to an exercise class and having to walk!!).

The studio is beautiful, located just behind the Como Centre near Chapel St and Toorak Rd. Architect designed, the One Hot Yoga studio features a stunning waiting area, gorgeous bath and changeroom facilities, a massage room and upstairs, the yoga studio features floor to ceiling mirrors and polished concrete floors. The hydronic heating creates a gentle and natural heat – and is the best low energy option.

Our instructor Natalie is so divine and she gives us a tour of the facility, including telling us about the One Body Products that are stocked in the bathrooms (shampoo, conditioners etc).

We lay out our mats, commenting that it would be easy to fall asleep in the 37 degrees – how different we felt 45 minutes later!

The yoga poses are relatively easy, with Natalie showing us techniques to try if we felt we were up to it. Within 5 minutes, I was starting to look lobster like. After thirty minutes, I looked like I’d run a marathon. At the forty five minute mark my body gave up and I took to the floor.

Perhaps I hadn’t had enough to eat for breakfast, perhaps not enough water – or maybe I’m just REALLY unfit or not great with heat – but the thing was, I had really been enjoying the movement before my head decided otherwise.     

    

          

Yoga poses I am YEARS off achieving. But it’s nice to dream.

Natalie advised it takes some people a little while to get used to the heat – she barely broke a sweat! – so I’ll be back to try again, with greater hydration and more food (just to rule them out).

You can try One Hot Yoga with a newcomers pass just $25 for two weeks unlimited classes! There is also a casual visit, weekly pass and a 10 visit pass – or try it out for FREE on Saturday mornings at 10.30am for a limited time.

http://www.onehotyoga.com.au/
36 River Street
South Yarra Victoria

 

  • 14 years ago
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ASOS Australia Spring Racing Fashion

WANT. Doesn’t this just scream Melbourne Cup Day?
ASOS Australian Collection One Shouldered Pencil Dress, $110.21

  • 14 years ago
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Goldie Spring Carnival Event

Goldie Jewellery is holding a VIP event on Saturday 20 October where you can preview all the fabulous pieces Daniella recently bought on her buying trip in New York. Receive a 20% discount on the day and get Spring Carnival ready! Visit the Goldie Jewellery website to see all the gorgeous pieces.

  • 14 years ago
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Schweppes Flemington Fling

Last Saturday I kicked off my Spring Racing Carnival Race Days at Flemington with the Melbourne Cup Carnival Preview Day.

Now, I don’t know what that means for punters – I assume that the horses running on the first Tuesday in November come out to test out the track or something like that – but for those in it for the fashion, its time to break in the shoes, check whether you can eat in that belt and ensure that rain, hail or shine, that fascinator isn’t going anywhere.

Erica from Melbourne Girl Fashion Blog, Phoebe aka Lady Melbourne and I enjoy a Flemington Fling

The weather gods did test us at Flemington on Saturday, presenting a cold and wet day – I hope not a sign of things to come!!

I was invited along by Schweppes, who launched their official cocktail of the Cup Carnival, the Flemington Fling, on the day and we were lucky enough to park ourselves in the Flemington Fling bar which is a beautifully fitted out public space (and dry on such a miserable day!)

In addition to the delicious Flemington Fling, Schweppes have created a number of bespoke cocktails, just for the carnival. Of course we had to try them all.

Delicious! The cocktails are all available during the Spring Racing Carnival at the Schweppes Flemington Fling Bar, located in the Hill Stand on the top floor. The bar is a public space and I hope to see you there!

Me with my dates (yes, two!) Charles and Tom

Erica, Suzy, Charisma and I

  • 14 years ago
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Gossip Girl Season 6

It’s back!! Last night I watched episode one of Gossip Girl Season 6 – the final season about our favourite New York social set.

All the gang together – on the hunt for Serena

Of course the fashion is just as fabulous as ever, although this episode only really covers one day in the life of Blair, Serena, Dan, Chuck, Nate and Georgina so the costumes were in short supply.

Blair and Serena win hands down for best dressed – what do you think? And has anyone seen the ep yet and want to chat about the developments?!

Blair in Paris – wish I could find a shot of this whole outfit!

Blair does super chic and casual. Love this top!

Serena gets all bridal. Or does she? This dress is divine!

  • 14 years ago
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Style Review

As a few nice, sunny days start to pop into the weekly weather report, it’s important that we start thinking about updating our wardrobes to suit. You will remember I went to the Style Review runway six months ago for the Autumn/Winter styles?

Cindy Newstead is back with a selection of looks suited to ladies of all sizes and shapes. Cindy takes day-to-day real women, and works with them to bring out their best features, including which colours and styles work for them.

The twice yearly fashion show is an fun girls night out, presenting some great looks from high street stores on women who have volunteered to be models for the night. Style Review is about accessible fashion looks for all women – not just what looks great on a tiny teenager storming down a catwalk!

Tickets are available now and include:

? Free-flowing champagne
? Canapés and refreshments on arrival
? A casual dinner
? The chance to win some great door-prizes including a full style makeover value at $800
? A clutch of discount offers for each of the labels featured on the night.

The AW12 fashion show looks, photography thanks to Meagan Harding

Having been to the event before, I am so looking forward to checking out the fashions that Cindy has selected for SS13. Hope to see you there!

DATE: Monday Oct 15th
VENUE: Leonda by the Yarra, 2 Wallen Road, Hawthorn
TIME: 5pm for 6:30 start, concludes at 9pm
TICKETS: $65

  • 14 years ago
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