Life & Style Blog - Best Buys
16 December 2011, by Rachael Ciccarelli
I'm the proud owner of both a brother and a sister (younger, more genetically blessed, you know how it is) and I must admit: they're my favourite to buy christmas presents for. I think it's the low pressure - these are people you can spend your childhood lying to and punching just to pass the time, and they have no choice but to continue to love you (or at the very least, tolerate your existence). It's like buying for friends, but lower stakes, which in turn is quite freeing – no stress? you'll probably hit the nail on the head. So, what's the worst that could happen if you buy them a bit of a dud present and both of you are acutely aware as they open it on christmas morning? They say thanks, try and use it once; you say no worries, and leave, guilt-free. Bless us, every one.
Brother
Image source:
Chambray shirt, $119.95, from Levis,
Vinturi aerator, $109.95, from Myer,
Skyrim, $78, from Game
Your too-cool hipster brother will love this denim shirt for the upcoming festival season – just add jeans and some underground artist nobody but he and his best friend have heard of. Cheap-wine-drinking brothers will love this miracle of an aerator, which turns even the most $4 dollar bottle of red into something palatable. While I know nothing about games beyond Tetris, I've been ensured by a school of reliable nerd friends that your computer/ console addicted sibling will love Skyrim.
Sister
Image source:
Alice quilt box sling bag, $29.95, from Sportsgirl,
Touche Eclat, $55, from Myer,
Low back beach dress, $99.95, from Witchery
Shiny pretties, please - and don't hold the acidy colour. Every lady will use and love the following over summer: small handbags (events, festivals); YSL touche eclat (amazing highlighting concealer perfect for her exhausted eye bags); baggy chuck on maxi dress (also available in white).
What do you think? Comment here
Category: Best Buys
Tags: Fashion, Myer, Sportsgirl, Witchery
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26 August 2011, by Rachael Ciccarelli
Cats Meow Accessories, from $12.00, available at Live;
Pastel bangle set, $19.95, available at Sportsgirl;
Silicone multifunction blue watch, $199, available at Fossil;
I'm sure this won't be first time you've read about the importance of accessories. Privately, I'm sure parliament have secret meetings about cocktail rings and necklaces between debating the lesser issues, like the Malaysia solution and gay marriage. BUT. The reason we fashion-journo types bang on about accessories like the future of our country depends on it is because what we say is true: a good piece of jewellery can make or break an outfit. Shiny things dangling from your neck, ears or wrists immediately draw the eye. Your chunky gold neckpiece is the difference between silk maxi at night and silk maxi in the day. The accessory box/drawer/fort is your outfit translator - a chandelier earring, for example, might be overheard saying "Yeah, son - see this sparkly business? That's how you KNOW this blouse-jean combo belongs in this bar. Now buy me a drink."
That's why they're called statement pieces.
Of course, your accessories don't have to be all outspoken sassy night owls (your accessories might not talk to you at all - I don't know your life); because the underplayed everyday faithfuls are just as important for outfit completion. Right now, your day in, day out accessories hinge on the arm party - that is, a mix match of a watch, skinny bracelets and bangles for an eclectic "I've travelled the world and picked up these trinkets along the way" statement.
So, it goes without saying you can never have too many pieces of jewellery. It's the main wardrobe staple you can hang on to forever and it will ebb and flow in fashion, ready to be combined every which way - and best of all, they don't take up too much space in storage.
What do you think? Comment here
Category: Best Buys
Tags: Fossil, Live Clothing, Sportsgirl
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14 April 2011, by Rachael Ciccarelli
Just because the easter bunny is seemingly obsessed with all things pretty, foil covered and dyed in pastel tones; there's no reason to leave the gents wanting. Unfortunately, it's an indisputable fact that men everywhere are totally impossible to buy for (unless you've got enough mullah stashed for a jet ski/ playstation/ whichever other man toy is currently taking men by storm). The smaller, less expensive gifts for men are harder to come by; so with that in mind I've done the benevolent genius thing and picked a few for you so your head doesn't explode prior to the break.
Kit him out
Davenport body fit trunk in navy, $22.95; Kenji Snood plain tee, $19.95; Bonds long sleeve tee, $26.95; all available from Myer
While I'm sure there's something totally alluring about that Team Building Exercise 1999 tee that he wears to bed every night (those memories will surely fade without a t-shirt complete with iron on transfer), this is the perfect opportunity to stock him up on all of those basics that are otherwise ignored in favour of hole filled golden oldies. Socks, jocks and t-shirts: sure, they might not be the most exciting gift, but in terms of sheer cleanliness and comfort, they are the gifts that keep giving.
Let him play
Dome Spongebob Squarepants popcorn maker, $29.95; Top Gear boardgame, $29.95; The Strokes Angles, $19.95; all available from Myer
Here's another sweeping generalisation based on sexist notions: inside every man is a little boy, just drying to get out and play with Meccano. And it's usually not even buried that deep. Indulge his playful side with a gift that tries about as hard to look adult as he does – the Spongebob popcorn maker will deliver tasty kernels of joy in a hilarious yellow case, the Top Gear boardgame perfect for any guy who's trying his utmost to be The Stig in a distinctly un-Stig-like vehicle, and The Strokes? Well, those guys are just cool.
What do you think? Comment here
Category: Best Buys
Tags: Dad, Myer
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12 April 2011, by Forrest Chase
Image source: Witchery
To celebrate the launch of the new range of WitcheryKids clothing, Witchery is giving you the chance to win a $500 WitcheryKids wardrobe. To enter, simply buy an item of clothing from the WitcheryKids range in store (Forrest Chase, Level One, Store Number 39) and then go to the Witchery website to enter your receipt number. Then in 25 words or less tell them what is your favourite family weekend getaway and why? Good luck! The competition ends 30th April 2011.
What do you think? Comment here
Category: Best Buys
Tags: Competition, Fashion, Witchery
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