Boxing Day Sales

I foolishly decided that this year I would go to the sales on the first day (Boxing Day) – horrible. I could hardly believe the lines at the cash register at Myer. As a nation, Australians are apparently die-hard, proud shoppers. I had assumed everybody would be watching the cricket – obviously this was not the case.

I have never been a fan of lingerie shopping, but Myer and DJ’s are having some super duper savings on at the moment. This is the best time to get all my lin-ger-ie shopping done (my brother actually thought this was how lingerie (lon-ger-ray) was pronounced). And no, he’s older.

Anyway, you can pick up glam labels like Pleasure State and Elle Macpherson, which depending on the store you visit, are now up to 50% off.

Also, Veronika Maine has some solid sales going. I snagged some skirts for under 50 bucks – that’s pretty rare, so I was a Happy Little Vegemite indeed.

The Future Mrs Packer

Just this week it was announced that Australia's wealthiest man James Packer proposed to his on-again, off-again girlfriend Erica Baxter.

Packer’s first marriage to swimwear designer Jodhi Meares cost around $10 million, I wonder if he has plans to downsize this one? Unlikely. (Erica’s engagement ring alone is $200,000 plus).

Though the biggest buzz around town is which lucky fashion designer will be appointed in making her dress for the big day.

If Erica Baxter opts an Australian designer, I’m tipping the honours will go to Collette Dinnigan, or possibly Alex Perry. If not, maybe Vera Wang and Armani will be next in line. Nevertheless, the tabloids will have a field day with this wedding.

PETA Fashion Police - As If

The other day I did a post on Pink and her unfortunate affiliation with PETA. Well, PETA are at it again. They must work through the holiday season or something. I wonder if they get double time?

This time they were out in force in Downtown Memphis, TN acting as the fashion police.

Dressed in slutty, I mean sexy police uniforms, on Wednesday, December 27, the group issued citations to people wearing real fur, leather and wool.

The PETA protesters also shared their message on placards that read “animal skins are a fashion felony”.

The faux officers (get it?) told ‘guilty’ people to ditch the good stuff, sorry, the real stuff and fake it or wait for it, wear pleather.

Lol. Pleather.

One man was ‘charged’ with “stolen skins” and “sheer torture” for wearing leather sneakers and a wool coat.

PETA protester Monika Meilleur told another person that they “have 24 hours to replace that [unspecified item] with a leather alternative.” His reply? He punched her in the face. No, that didn’t happen. There were too many witnesses around for him to do that. Cameras everywhere.

Seriously though, women already have fake tans, fake nails, fake hair (extensions), fake designer bags, now to add to this list we have to wear fake leather?

I don't know how PETA can honestly think they can be the fashion police. If it was up to them to control what people wore, we would all be walking around in organic potato sacks. Or calico maybe. Even then they would probably claim we were "hurting" the potatoes.

Best New Year's Dresses

If I had the money to buy these dresses, I would like to wear them this New Year's Eve. So I've looked at about 100 dresses and here are my Top 5. So whether you're at dinner, sipping cocktails, or at home on the couch, it's the one night to glam it on up.

1. Anna Sui. Lace appliqué babydoll dress

Can Anna Sui do no wrong? This babydoll dress would be perfect if you’re planning on fine dining on the 31st. The Little House on the Prairie look is complete with lace short sleeves and bow detail.

2. Azzaro. Vicar strapless dress

The description accompanying this dress says: “Cream knee length ruched jersey strapless dress with a wide black ruched cummerbund at waist.” Oooh… say no more. I’m sold on this Azzaro dress.

3. Vera Wang. Pleat front dress.

I’ve fallen in love with this Vera Wang pleat satin halter dress. It has a ruched belt at the waist, as well as cute bow and I believe the colour is called “blush”.

4. Rachel Roy. Asymmetrical dress

I’m a huge fan of any kind of draping, pleating, ruching, and the like. So it’s at no surprise that I’m hooked on this one – a cream, asymmetrical, ruched cotton jersey knee length dress. Very Roman toga-ish.

5. Alexander McQueen. Feather hem dress

I know what you’re thinking… why would anyone want to look like a sage green Big Bird? And you’re right, not many people would. But I suppose New Year’s Eve is one of the few nights you can get away with stuff. Either that or save it for Halloween. (Although Australians don’t really “do” Halloween, so if you donned this silk chiffon ostrich feather trimmed dress on this night, people might think you really are crazy). Besides, most people will be so trashed on New Year’s they won’t know what you wore the following day, so it’s a perfect inclusion in the Top 5.

Paris in Sydney

Considering Paris Hilton is in Australia at the moment, I feel I should report on it. Of course I use that word ‘report’ loosely – I mean, she’s just shopping and hanging at the beach, so it’s not exactly anything hard-hitting. Paris is in Australia for New Year's, so I'm sure we'll see much more of her in the coming days.

Paris and friend Kim Kardashian at Bondi Beach.

No journey Down Under would be complete without a shower show for the locals.

These sunnies look upside down from this angle.

Paris out shopping. I'm digging this hat she has on.

Hilary Duff Barbie Doll

Hilary Duff is coming to a toy store near you - in the doll form. Barbie has snapped up Duff as the latest young thing to be made into a miniature figure.

Vice President of Barbie marketing, Jamie Wood said Duff and Barbie are “great role models” by showing there are no limits to what girls can do.

Duff already has an overflowing CV as singer, actress, fashion designer and now she can add doll to that list. The Red Carpet Glam Hilary Duff Doll is sure to be a big hit with tweens.

Duff has also designed clothes for Barbie, which must be the coolest job ever. I'd feel so privileged if I got to create and design my own Barbie. Is there a "Journalist Barbie" already?

Angelina Jolie In Vogue

This really is a stunning cover photo and the desert backdrop suits her image... all that trekking she does to orphanages. The dress is beautiful - so simple, yet oh-so elegant. And you know what, the last time I strolled through the desert I wore the exact same thing! The Vogue article on Jolie is also a good read and is the first time she opens up about Brad, etc. Snaps to Vogue for getting it.

The 'pilot' photo of Angelina is my favourite.

Somebody, Please Slap Pink

US singer Pink, aka Alecia Moore has joined that crazy PETA group and is urging people not to buy Australian wool. Oh please, give me a break.

In a video narrated by Pink, she said: "I am calling on consumers to check labels on sweaters before buying them, and if they're merino wool or made in Australia, to leave them on the racks." The video also includes scenes of sheep having their throats cut.

Celebrities should be careful about what they say. Or at least be aware that what they say could be detrimental to say, that country’s economy. Clearly celebs don't always have the full facts. Treasurer Peter Costello has now invited the singer to speak with local sheep farmers in an effort to change her mind.

Considering the Australian wool industry is big business for the Australian economy, I’m sure farmers will be pissed off after losing money first from the drought, then a cyclone, and now some animal rights group launching a gruesome campaign to stop the sale of wool.

Not cool Pink. I'm so never downloading Pink's music again.

See, this sheep looks so happy.

Worst Outfits Of The Week

Yeah. I don't even know what to say about these at the moment. I am speechless. Why would anyone leave the house like this??

This dress that LL has on sans the thigh-high stockings and boots might be ok. On someone else that is.

And as for Britney. Horrible dress.

Kiddy Porn No Longer Cool

Children, I mean young models under the age of 16 have been banned from the catwalks of Milan.

Under the Italian campaign, under-16s are “not yet ready for the world of professional fashion”. This means they will have to wait until they are Sweet Sixteen to try drugs and have orgies. We really do live in a world that cares.

The popularity of using pre-pubescent models that have yet to develop a waist, boobs, hips, or bum, is slowly fading.

This is probably the best thing the fashion industry has done in a long time. In Italy, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia affect around three million people. One of my favourite models Gemma Ward supported the campaign, describing it as “a great move.”

All I Want For Christmas...

Apple iPod Video

Who can resist the simple, sleek lines of an iPod? Can’t wait until movies and television shows become available through the Australian iTunes store. I feel so deprived at the moment.

I’m curious about how Microsoft’s Zune compares with Apple’s beloved music player. Zune looks cool and I like its design (although it seems a bit chunky). I wonder if it’ll catch on. Not sure when it’s available in Australia.

Scarlett for Louis Vuitton

The new Louis Vuitton campaigns featuring Scarlett Johansson are almost too cute for words. Almost.They have such a romantic vibe about them. It almost makes me want to fall in love. Or buy pretty lingerie. Or something fabulous like that. My heart is telling me to buy Louis Vuitton knickers, but my bank balance is saying no.

Boudoir chic. All the rage.

I’m looking at these photos and trying to pinpoint them to a specific period, but I can’t. The face reminds of old Hollywood glamour, with the short, tight curls. Unlike the Hollywood we know (but still love) today - your typical tacky, orange-coloured, peroxided, anorexic blondes. You know the type.

The body is reminiscent of old, old paintings (think 15th century), where women had – wait for it – curves. I think carbs were really in during that time.

Scarlett’s voluptuousness shall we say (which I mean in a positive way) is anything but the norm of today’s stereotypical approach to body image. And I love that someone who isn’t 5’11 and a size 0 can make it as a model for one of the most adored fashion labels.
Finally there is a woman who presents a different image. It’s funny though; I mean if you had a blonde, tanned porn star in the exact same pose as Scarlett, it would indeed still look tacky. It is amazing how fair skin always creates a completely different image. There is a sense of innocence of fair skin.

After all, you would never see a pasty white model in a men’s mag would you? It just doesn’t happen.

NRA Fashion Design Awards

No, I’m not blogging on the National Rifle Association – but the other NRA’s – duh, the National Retail Association. Hmm, of course you say. So the Australian Fashion Design Awards were on last night – shafted to a Saturday night timeslot I might add. It all went down at the “GC” (Gold Coast) Convention Centre (which looked pretty snazzy) and was hosted by Richard Wilkins and Deborah Hutton.

The highlight was Darb Couture winning practically everything, including a new car. The low point was probably cutting to an ad break every five minutes. Tsk, Tsk, Channel Nine.

Celebrities on hand were designers Akira Isogawa, Collette Dinnigan, model Lara Bingle and television presenter Natalie Gruzlewski. We urr, really brought out the big guns.

Special mention to the Academy of Design: two of their students were included in the Student Category. Go team!

No pictures as of yet.

Roll Up, Roll Up

This must have taken some time. Maybe it even had to set overnight. But I must admit, I am secretly loving it. It's very out of this world. And Gwen looks stunning in this picture. Perfect makeup.

Is Ebay Too Expensive Now?

Has ebay gone from being a shopaholic’s fantasy to just another retail store? My BFF and I were discussing this question exactly a few weeks ago. Our conclusion was that greed was getting the better of people and sellers were starting to hike their prices up. I yearn for the days of 99c starting items. Ebay – the one place you would turn to when you were vulnerable and had a shopping craving at 2 a.m. - used to be a mecca for bargains. It’s so hard to see the things you love disappoint you. First Macca’s with their stupid health conscious Salads Plus menu, and now this. I say bring back the bargains. And the Super Size option.

Victoria's Secret Does Sexy (Again)

I often wonder how the Victoria's Secret team plan to out-do the previous year's show. It must be a challenge to keep getting better and better. Of course there were a few obvious omissions from the line-up this time around - namely Tyra Banks and Heidi Klum, but Aussie Miranda Kerr managed to make it. I can't wait until the show is televised (not sure when this will be in Australia).

Is This the Dress of the Year?

For an average-ish dress, this is proving particularly popular. After Christina Applegate and Rachel Griffiths wore it to the same event on the same night (the 13th Annual Premiere Women in Hollywood), Princess Mary has decided to give it a go as well at an event in Copenhagen. It's a nice dress and all, but nothing spectacular.

I Luv Xmas

Because it's the one time of year when designer's bring out everything in red and green just so we can all look like little, adorable elves. How thoughtful... really they shouldn't have. I was browsing the Mollini website and came across these beauties for the Xmas season. They would be super for the Office Christmas Party. If anyone is interested - www.mollini.com.au

They should put some bells on these shoes - now that would be awesome!

Victoria Beckham on Cover of Australian Harper's Bazaar

There's been a bit of hype around this issue and I've been eagerly awaiting to see it. But if the cover is anything to go by, it's a dud. There's something so peculiar about this picture - not digging it at the 'mo - maybe it will grow on me.

New Trend: Black Nail Polish?

I must have missed the memo about black/dark nail polish, but apparently it's in again. Every "it" girl seems to doin it. And as we all know, if a celebrity does it, we want to do it too.

P.S. Don't be alarmed if my posts are becoming less frequent - I'm actually not dead in a gutter, simply studying for uni exams. Stay in school kids.

Elle Macpherson is Sooo "The Body"

I'm not sure why the cool people at Victoria's Secret decided to steal Elle's nickname, "The Body" and call Heidi Klum that. Don't get me wrong, Heidi has a killer bod, but that title belongs to Elle - always has, always will be. Of the incident Macpherson said: "We trademarked the name years ago and I've had the title for about 30 years now... But if she wants it, you know, you can have it girl.''

You'd think if you were putting a product on the market you might consider doing say, a simple Google search to see if the proposed name is taken, right? A quick search would have prevented a lot of negative publicity for Victoria's Secret. I will forever associate Victoria's Secret as being nickname stealers, instead of selling sexy panties. What a vicious cycle it is.

Macpherson has just signed on with cosmetics company ModelCo to promote one of their products - some anti-ageing one. And since she is absolutely gorgeous, I'd say she is the perfect spokesperson for it. Here she is in Sydney promoting the stuff, and proving she's still totally got it.

Will Gucci Ever be the Same Without Tom Ford?

I remember when I first heard Tom Ford was leaving Gucci and I deadset wanted to bawl my eyes out. So has/or will Gucci recover without their Saviour Ford? I don't think they have yet. One day maybe. But their standard seems to have slipped. I am a huge Gucci fan but the new Spring 07 Collection is a little on the scary side. I'm really not feeling it. Even if I could afford Gucci, I'm not so sure I'd want to buy anything. It's not so much the styles that I dislike, rather I think the purple and the black are clashing together too much. The collection seemed to get better towards the end and there was one piece in the range that I might actually kill for - a silver/white discotheque shift dress. So dreamy.

Another Celebrity Becomes a Fashion Designer

Ahh, I've always really liked Many Moore so it pains me that she's sold out with a fashion label. I know she's been doing it for a few years now, but I don't think I've gotten over it. I can't really see the clothes very well in these pics of 'Mblem. by Mandy Moore', but Mandy has definitely had better fashion days. Normally I love what she wears, but that dress makes her look a little on the frumpy side. Lift your game girl, you're better than that! Have a look at http://www.mblem.net.

The Pig Races, Melbourne, Australia

Okay, so this has absolutely nothing to do with fashion, but it is damn funny. I don't know about you, but there is just something hilarious seeing pigs diving into a pool. I had never heard of pig racing until today, so let us all pray that the unthinkable does not happen... that is, that PETA finds out and shuts them down. Besides, the pigs really do look like they're enjoying themselves. I feel like my parents have cheated me out of some good times by not taking me to the pig races.

Anorexia Out, Obesity In

It really is a sign of the times, or maybe just equal opportunity? You know, finally giving fat chicks a chance. Whatever the reason, super skinny people have been ousted from fashion shows. Models now need to be over 18.5 on the BMI scale to model, otherwise a medical certificate is required to verify that they do not have an eating disorder. But will this trend really catch on? Georgio Armani has said "fashion looks good all types.." yet he continues to use tiny models. Maybe what he really meant was fashion looks good on all types, but looks better on skinny girls? That's the only reasonable conclusion I have as to why designers continue to use underdeveloped and undernourished girls.

Miranda Kerr for L.A.M.B

Miranda Kerr is one of my favourite models, even more so since she's Australian. She's even in Wikipedia, so you know she's totally made it. Here she is looking very different in a blonde wig for the L.A.M.B collection, but still fabulous.

I didn't even recognise her at first with blonde hair.
I knew she'd be huge when I first saw her on the cover of Dolly when she won their modelling competition.