I have always said Mt Hotham is the only place to ski. Hotham is the ‘IT’ handbag of the snow world, at least in Victoria. It’s the Mimco of Australian arm candy – one you would love to have but if you were offered Gucci or Fendi (Canada or Japan), you wouldn’t say no.  I took my annual ski trip to Hotham this past weekend, another shining example as to why you just can’t go past this mountain when it comes to your Victorian ski holiday.

If you want to hear about the accommodation, or the places to eat, visit my article for Onya Magazine that I wrote last year. This year I want to tell you about the people, the atmosphere and the amazing food.

I’m not going to lie – I don’t like the cold or the wind. I realise this is mostly what you are in for when you choose to go skiing – but it’s not at all. There is so much more to heading up the mountain that you will only discover if you visit.

I’m not made of money and skiing is an expensive venture. This year we stayed two nights, leaving at 4.30am on Friday morning in order to get maximum time on the slopes. We took out first trip down the Big D at 9.45am – the sun was shining, the air was crisp and the slopes were fresh – and most people were heading home, heading up or sleeping it off. Friday is definitely your best day on the mountain.

$12 bowls of wedges and sour cream will get you moving for the afternoon and some homemade lasagne on Friday night, washed down with plenty of red wine, will see you fast asleep in no time, resting a weary body after a hard days’ powder. The wedges were old and the lasagne no three hat restaurant, but average bain-marie food and my shabby cooking was no match for what was to come on Saturday.

Fair-weather skier that I am, I didn’t head out on Saturday. Instead I procured the papers, chatted to complete strangers on the bus, talked jobs and mobile phone reception with other people staying in the lodge and grabbed a drink at the local with a friend from home.  The thing about the snow is that everyone is there for a good time – be it skiing, lounging or having a drink and catch up. It’s the perfect social holiday.

And then came the good stuff. Uncle P, who was celebrating his birthday, chose to cook for twenty five rather than head to a restaurant serving overpriced food. A very talented chef (who together with Aunt G run a lovely little café/restaurant at Aireys Inlet, truffles, that I do recommend you visit should you pass through), Uncle P spent the best part of two days in the kitchen and in the end we had 4 kinds of hors d’oeuvres, a divine main and the most amazing looking gateaux I have ever seen created with my own eyes.

As much as I like to eat food, I’m not much for technical terminology, so at my best description, our main was chicken breast with a slice of mango inside, served over cous cous with a spicy Moroccan sauce. I had rice (and many thanks to Uncle P and Aunt G for substituting for me – I am gluten free remember) and cleaned my plate – even after several rice paper rolls and a decent helping of my favourite dip.

A meal such as this should be accompanied by excellent wine, many friends and a good helping of laughter. Skiing is the sport of the social and a weekend at Hotham will definitely give you a dose of warmth – be it from the wine, the fire or the abundance of laughs. 

Image One: Snake Gully ski trail at Mt Hotham, courtesy Mt Hotham
Image Two: Our party of 25 sits down in the communal dining room
Image Three: Our fantastic main, as prepared by Chef Uncle P!

The Nicholas building is home to some of the coolest designers, galleries, artists, retail stores and other creative types in Melbourne. On Thursday 19 and Friday 20 August, they are throwing open their doors so you, the humble public, can see what goes on behind the scenes. This is a brilliant opportunity to check out some fantastic spaces and a truly beautiful building. One of our great places!

So you remember I talked about a snood in my blog post the other day? Well, yesterday I wore aforementioned snood and have found something WAY more comfortable (and fashionable) than the snuggly!

I am a HUGE fan of the scarf. I like them big, fluffy, drapey – the look where you appear to have no neck. I might look silly (unlike Carrie Bradshaw, pictured) but at least I am warm. The snood gives you both.

Now I might sound like I am trying to sell these scarves – I promise you I’m not (though if anyone knows of a job selling scarves, I might be interested, I will be unemployed soon!), I really do find them to be the easiest piece of clothing slash accessory you will ever buy.

Basically a snood is a scarf hood type construction – a scarf that is joined, if you will. The one I purchased the weekend came from Kmart and is a brown knit, about 30cm wide and probably close to 1.5m long when held by the seam (which is then 3m long if it wasn’t joined). Mine was $9, reduced from $19 (this is Kmart we are talking about) and I think it could be my best purchase of the year – discounting my Gary Begeni dress which I am dying to wear (perhaps last day at work outfit?).

I wore the snood looped three times, with a hightop bun, blazer and harem pants, peeptoe ankle boots.  The whole outfit was very chain store/high street chic – target, sportsgirl, dotti and the freebie Harper’s Bazaar tee shirt. A work colleague commented – ‘it’s not about expensive things, its how you wear the things you have.’

                               
       
Get thee to a store (or visit these places online) and get thee a snood before the season ends.

Image One: Jersey Snood Scarf $26 AUD (15 GBP) – topshop.com
Image Two: Recycled Knit Oversized Snood $61 AUD (35 GBP) – fashion-conscience.com

I have been waiting all of July for the first week of August to roll around, not only so I could shop, but for the much anticipated ‘September Issues’ – the month of the year (together with March to a lesser extent) where fashion mags come alive and issues are likened to the yellow pages in terms of thickness and weight.

Last year’s hit fashion film, ‘The September Issue’ followed US Vogue’s Editor in Chief Anna Wintour as she and her team put together the September issue for 2008 – an epic ‘book’ filled with beautiful fashion spreads, photography and advertising.

This month’s Aussie glossies are not quite the doorstoppers of US Vogue (though I do plan a trip to MagNation for the September issue of US Vogue), but they are impressive in their content.

So far I have procured Marie Claire, Vogue, Russh and Harper’s Bazaar, together with the Harper’s Bazaar Collections Autumn Winter 10/11 special additional magazine.  (If you didn’t get this mag with your purchase of Harper’s, additional copies can be purchased here).

It has taken me over a week to get through Marie Claire – an epic 427 pages – and I look forward to reading Harper’s Bazaar next, hopefully spending many hours in front of the open fire at Mt Hotham this weekend drooling over the must haves of the coming season.

Madison is also a hit this month, although this one may have to wait and see how I am going for time (and money) towards the end of the month!

I’d love to hear about which is your fave glossy this month. Are you a fan of the Vogue fashion spreads? Or the Marie Claire 15th birthday special? Let me know!

This article first appeared in Onya Magazine, July 2010

While Australia is only a small player on the world catwalk, Australian fashion has been more than making its mark over the past 60 years. In a new publication by Bonnie English and Liliana Pomanzan, both fashion veterans themselves, the world of Australian Fashion is explored. From our original glamour and style to our unique photography and art, English, Pomanzan and their team of experts take us on a journey through the vault that holds our fashion story.

Featuring beautiful photographs from the past 60 years, the book uses hundreds of sources including fashion industry heavyweights from days gone by, academics, designers and journalists.

Beginning post World War Two, when the first Parisian fashion shows were bought to our shores, the chapters of the book cover off social and historical perspectives of Australian fashion and move through the decades, highlighting key milestones in our fashion voyage.

A personal highlight for me is the inclusion of history detailing Melbourne’s Collins Street and neighbouring Flinders Lane as the most important centre of fashion in Australia during the 1950s. As fabulous as it is to read about 5th Avenue in New York or Rue Cambon in Paris being the centre of the fashion world in most industry books, it is refreshing to find a book that includes local information.

As much as the book comes across more as a textbook than a coffee table book, it will appeal to a broad audience including students, fashionistas and those with a general interest in the history of our country.

BUY: Australian Fashion Unstitched (English & Pomazan) Cambridge University Press 2010 $49.95

VISIT: ‘Shop ’til you drop’ at the State Library of Victoria

VIST: ‘100 years of Australian Fashion’ at the Ian Potter Centre, NGV Federation Square, Victoria

You will all be pleased to know that this weekend, I finally got to shop. Like a smoker who can’t stop at one puff, or an alcoholic who should avoid just one drink, I knew that the first purchase would open the floodgates – and so it did.

Saturday dawned bright and sunny, breakfast with Miss R at my favourite South Melbourne Cafeand a wander around Albert Park lake made for a perfect morning. Heading down to the local Coles for grocery shopping, I stumbed upon (well, I did know it was there and did kind of walk the long way around for a little looksee) Gloss by Blondies on Clarendon Street, closing down and advertising up to 75% off.

Anitpodium, Kirrily Johnston, Dhini, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gary Begeni and so many more, all marked down and all sooooo pretty!! With a super special buy 2 for an extra 10%, 4 for an extra 20% and 6 for an extra 30%, I loaded up my change room and set to trying on.

I was nearly swayed by the Antipodium skirt and a gorgous Blondies wool dress (not to mention the additional discount!), but settled for a Gary Begeni navy dress with his trademark draping and twist, marked down from $331 to $106. The store, on the corner of Clarendon and Coventry Streets, South Melbourne, will be replaced by a Telstra shop come the end of the month, so make sure you call in before hand to pick up a designer bargain!

After that first swipe of the credit card, it wasn’t hard to do it again. And again. And again. A quick run into Kmart (I don’t even remember what I went in there for!) procured a beanie (totally needed this for the coming weekends snow trip) and a lovely drapey scarf (called a snood, no idea why) that will be light enough to wear through to spring and was reduced to $9 from $20.

A run past Diva and suddenly there was a bangle on my wrist and the set of 4 french inspired badges I have wanted for weeks. A stop at Harris Scarf and I am the proud owner of Alex Liddy red and white wine glasses, on my wish list since February and now 40% off.

While this weekend was fun, I also noted that in buying all these bits and bobs, I put a lot of stuff back. With my impending unemployment (in case you didn’t hear, I’ll be finishing up at my current job at the end of the month) it pays to start thinking about what I am buying, and what I don’t really need.

So at the start of a new week, I am feeling optimistic and postive about my new shopping attitude. Now, what do we think about these shoes at Wittner? Cause I think they will go fabulously with my new ‘snood’…

Image One: Antipodium Tarot Minded Top $252.75$101.10 by Antipodium at Asos
Image Two: ‘Sister’ Platform Pump $169 at Wittner

“It is admirable for a man to take his son fishing, but there is a special place in heaven for the father who takes his daughter shopping.”

Unknown

Last night, as part of the Melbourne International Film Festival, I attended a screening on the film Desert Flower, the story of the life of supermodel Waris Dirie.

While you might imagine a girl discovered in a fast food joint who goes on to become one of the most sought after faces in world is a rags to riches story, this tale is unlike any you have heard before.

From her childhood in Somalia to the heights of New York city, Desert Flower is a story that has to be seen to believed. Even after watching you may not be able to accept the horrors of Dirie’s life; how difficult a life it has been and how she still manages to come out with a smile on her face everytime.

The film, light at times and harrowing at others, is essentially a vehicle to promote the cause closest to Dirie’s heart – that of stopping female genital mutilation around the world. A victim herself through family customs and patriotic beliefs, Waris Dirie has spent the best part of her fame campaigning to end the suffering of over 6000 girls a day.

I can’t put into words they way you will feel after seeing this film. While others in the cinema cried openly, I could only sit in shock and marvel at the strength and courage Dirie has shown throughout her life, angered at the ignorance of outdated traditions.

In this article for The Age, Stephanie Bunbury does a great job of summarising the film when I find myself at a loss for the right words.

Every woman should see this movie, and take the time afterwards to appreciate the life we live and the freedom we have.

For more information on female genital mutilation and the Waris Dirie campaign to end it, visit The Waris Dirie Foundation.

Image One: Desert Flower Movie Poster
Image Two: Waris Dirie (played by Lila Kebede) and roommate Marilyn (played by Sally Hawkins) practise the model walk in the hallway of their apartment building.

Earlier this week I attended the Media Launch of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week. You can read about the launch in the piece I wrote for Onya Mag, but here I thought I would highly recommend some events you might like to attend.

The evening designer parades run twice – at 6.30pm and 8.30pm – and it is essential that you attend at least one. Not one a night, although this would be quite awesome, but at least one for the week. Choose your favourite designers and get a ticket. No faves? I recommend the student showcase. Something for everyone!

The lunchtime series will be the perfect pick me up for the midday blues. Bad day at work? Head to City Square for inspiration – everything from the bedroom to the beach. Shows run at noon and 1pm so you will have no excuse not to escape the office hum drum and find a few choice pieces for your springtime wardrobe.

Feeling ambitious? Kate Vandermeer, Director of iSpyStyle, is running a Fashion Career workshop featuring an impressive line up of speakers including designer Arabella Ramsay and Stylist Romy Frydman. If you have the whole day free, attend the Fashion Career Workshop and Fashion Marketing Bootcamp.

Bootcamp will feature speakers in buyer roles and PR representatives, all on hand to answer your fashion career questions and help along the way. At $55 for the workshop, $88 for Bootcamp or $110 for both, you would have to be wearing leggings as pants to not spend the day with these fabulous people.

The MSFW business breakfast series is an educational experience, bringing together industry and consumers in a forum environment and featuring some fantastic speakers. The five ‘chapters’, covering Melbourne as a customer service city; Exposition for new retail; Caring is the latest fashion statement; Collaboration and the Unexpected, will enlighten and inspire all fashionistas and retailers.

Then of course there are all the arty events, the stand alone functions and the after parties! Pick up a copy of the MSFW guide or head to the new website. Tickets are on sale now, and will sell out quickly, so don’t hesitate. I’ll see you on the catwalk.

Follow Melbourne Spring Fashion Week on Twitter – @_msfw

Hello Sir. Or perhaps you would prefer boy? Hello boy. Man. God. I imagine you don’t really mind what I call you, as long as you look fashionable and fabulous? You have come to the right place sir. Boy.

The Annex.com.au is your boys (or mans) go-to destination online for the coolest mens fashion in Australia.  This online store sells only the most fabulous mens labels – Saint Augustine Academy; Tuesday Night Band Practice (whose name I love!); Love Thy Neighbour (love this too!); Thousand Reason Denim; Popissue Black Heaven; Chronicles of Never – Black Noise White Rain; Injury; Gram footwear; Kornerd; VIRR Footwear & Vasuma Eyewear. Seriously – you don’t even have to get your boy (man) off the couch!

Let him hold the remote and show him the stuff you like. If you can drag him away from the tele – probably sport – head on down to Bondi to the store and try stuff on.  Being in Sydney, he probably won’t be quite as tied to the TV as the Melbourne loving AFL folk, but at least you can dress him up (or down) and see how amazing he can look in these labels. He won’t stay on the couch for long.

Tuesday Night Band Practice is a UK based rock inspired label that Annex owner Steph Reeve chose for their international flavour. London born and raised, Steph draws inspiration from her home shores and is a big supporter of undiscovered talent.  I like the Tainted Jacket – not to mention the rather cool photography that comes with it!

Tuesday Night also does shoes, as does a number of The Annex’s labels, and accessories are also a major feature. You can get your fashion fix on your doorstep (though I do recommend taking the package inside first) in less than 48 hours.

Buying a variety of styles in lesser quantities keeps The Annex fresh and means your boy and his mates won’t all be wearing the same thing. It creates a sense of individuality and keeps the store interesting. This niche fashion destination is poised to take over your wardrobe – or at least his half. The new frontier in mens only fashion? The final frontier. Happy shopping for him.

Image One: Tuesday Night Band Practice
Image Two: Tuesday Night Band Practice Tainted Jacket

VISIT: 124a Roscoe Street, Bondi Beach or www.TheAnnex.com.au