Life & Style Blog - Featured
22 February 2012, by Rachael Ciccarelli
Image source: Watch from Fossil, Wallet from Myer, Shoes from Politix
Twain reckons clothes make the man, and some guy called William of Wykeham said manners maketh them, and while I'm loathe to disagree with a 1300s scholar or America's most beloved author, I've got to say that I believe accessories maketh men. Why? It's all in the details: a guy with great accessories is more likely to have a discerning eye - basically; it's a great taste indicator. Maybe it's more commentary on my upbringing, but a childhood surrounded by finicky dudes in Italian leather has always left me judging men by their shoes. And for guys, accessories are largely articles you can hold onto for years, so it's worth investing in something worthwhile.
Wallet
Hey Costanza, your wallet should not appear to be a pocket-sized tumour. Simplify, go for a leather bi-fold and don't carry everything you've ever owned in it unless you've got a girlfriend to carry it in her purse for you.
Watch
Every dude has heard about the importance of a nice watch or two – having written a fair bit about luxury watches in my time (heh), I can confirm that the industry is mind-boggling. Niche sports star endorsed, diamond encrusted bezels, sapphire glass faced – the choices are epic. But to boil it down, men should have at least two watches: one dress for fanciness, one casual for everyday wear. Depending on your penchant for Kanye-West style bling, a dress watch should be streamlined, slim and with an elegant, less complicated face. Your casual watch can be the crazy chunky one that tells you stuff you don't need to know, like how far you are above sealevel or whatever.
Shoes
Now, I know you've all got dress shoes – boring or not, they're probably OK. But are you still wearing trainers with your jeans? Unless you're Jerry Seinfeld, stop that! Get yourself a clean pair of canvas laceups, some boat shoes or a moccasin. Please do not wear socks with your moccasins.
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Category: Featured
Tags: Fashion, Fossil, Myer, Politix, Trends
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16 February 2012, by Rachael Ciccarelli
Image source: Skinny Jeans from Levi's, Bag from Fossil, Sunglasses from Sunglass Hut
So, don't be too envious or attempt to tie me up, hide me in your basement and then steal my identity in order to live my life, but I'm about to embark on a 2.5 month holiday in and around India. I know, right? I'm excited for me too. And before you start hyperventilating because you're so attached to me, FEAR NOT: thanks to the power of THE INTERNET, I'm still able to help you procrastinate your Fridays away with the best of Forrest Chase.
Naturally, I've been doing a heckload of thinking and researching re: travel essentials. It's a fact universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a plane ticket is in want of a woman to probably pack his bags while he watches re-runs of The Love Boat. Because packing sucks more than Tony Abbot does attempting to win the female vote (BOOM), I'm going to impart hours of research and years of experience on you:
Shoes: do not bring more than three pairs, ever. You do NOT need them.
Carry-on: It's a great idea to try and combine your carry-on luggage with your daypack if you're going to be doing mini trips during your holiday. Go for a medium sized bag that can be slung over your shoulder so you have free hands, something of decent quality so the strap doesn't break, something with a zip to keep everything safe and a front compartment for easy access to the essentials. Something much like the Emilia Flat crossbody from Fossil will do the trick.
Scarves: Take at least one. An oversized scarf or pashmina can double as a blanket or pillow while you're in transit, and always spruces up an outfit. Wrap your jewellery in smaller scarves – it'll serve to protect yo bling and mask your unwashed hair.
Sunglasses: A no brainer, of course - but bring your decent quality sunnies, because there's nothing worse than cheap and cheerful glasses falling apart on you midway through a trip. I really love the classic charm of Persol sunnies – like the ones above, $319.95 at Sunglass Hut.
Beauty bag: Wipes, both makeup and body, will always come in handy for those inevitable train trips or stopovers. Dry shampoo is also a winner, as are sachets of shampoo and conditioner - bottles take up so much space. You might need to be best friends with a hairdresser for this one, but they I've seen them sold at chemists. Keep an eagle eye out.
Clothes: Bring a skeleton wardrobe of white, grey, black and nautical stripe tees, cotton leggings, blue jeans and a light blazer – they're the mix and match pieces you'll be able to work in with your inevitable holiday buys. As far as blue jeans are concerned, Levi's are the business, and I love the extreme skinny highrise, $139.95 – keep those croissants tucked in, people.
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Category: Featured
Tags: Fashion, Fossil
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09 February 2012, by Rachael Ciccarelli
Image source: Dress from Sportsgirl, Heart bracelet from Myer, Ankle boots from Novo
As Feb 14 approaches, long stemmed roses increase in price by six million percent, babies fasten their nappies and adhere their wings, and single women everywhere announce that they "don't believe" in Valentine's Day. And so, it's up to the rest of us who understand Valentine's Day isn't a figment like the Tooth Fairy, but a day that exists whether we like it or not, to man up and buy stuff or have our significant others get cross.
As someone with many years of decrying Valentine's Day under her belt, I am pleased to inform you that most Valentine gifts fall under one of three categories: sexy, classic or ironic. Unsure which direction to go in? Check this handy multi choice quiz:
I introduced myself to the object of my affection:
- When we locked eyes across racks of moth-eaten vintage
- Shortly after we re-dressed
- When I noticed they were the only other person wearing a red carnation in the bar
- This one time, after a gig, five years ago. His hair kept falling in his face, so I'm not sure if he was actually looking at me, but I'm pretty sure there was some energy there
Most of our dates:
- Consist of cider consumption, heavy fringes and liking bands before other people like bands
- Include candlelight, oysters and Barry White
- Are a distant memory
- Have only happened in my mind
Our song is:
- There Is A Light That Never Goes Out – The Smiths
- Ignition (the remix) – R.Kelly
- God Only Knows – The Beach Boys
- Hopelessly Devoted To You – Olivia Newton-John
MOSTLY A'S
Like it or lump it, but you're a dirty hipster who enjoys IRONIC gifts. Your bespectacled love will totes appresh some hilare oversized teddy, bunch of fake flowers or singing telegram. SUBVERSION amirite?!
MOSTLY B'S
Congratulations on your active love life, SEXY gift giver. You should probably just give underwear or lingerie, even if you partner won't be wearing it for long.
MOSTLY C'S
It sounds like a CLASSIC gift is in order here. Go for perfume, balloons or roses and try not to leave it til the last minute.
MOSTLY D'S
Hey, guys… Um, I'd probably actually approach the object of your affection and tell them how you feel before you get arrested.
Oh, and in order for your gift to be successful, all should be accompanied by a handmade, or hand written something. That touch of humanity is what's probably going to get you that sweet hand-holding and cheek kissing you've totally been angling for.
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Category: Featured
Tags: Special Occasion
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02 February 2012, by Rachael Ciccarelli
Image courtesy of Show Me Perth.
It's the most wonderful time of the year – and while Andy Williams might disagree with me on the dates, it's February in Perth and therefore, the time of All Things Great In The City. Yes my little ones, it's those few months where complaining there's nothing to do in the city are FORBIDDEN by LAW because if you're still playing that line, you clearly haven't done your research. Fringe Festival has officially kicked off, and it's mere moments until the Perth International Arts Festival which will bring some absolute favourites to our shores, including the darling Marieke Hardy for the Writer's Fest; and professional musician/sexpot Ryan Adams with the arts fest. It's an exciting time to be in Perth, and if I hear otherwise you're going straight to your room with no dessert. (Ps, speaking of Perth-isms, have y'all seen this? It's pretty nail-on-the-head: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpW1dv6rTgk
Forrest Place has been hosting it's own party in the form of the Twilight Hawker Markets since October – what can I say? After absolutely packing out Forrest Chase last march in the lead up to Eat Drink Perth (coming soon, people), they relaunched, giving the loyal shoppers of Forrest Chase something new to nibble on until March 31. If you haven't been yet, what exactly are you waiting for, guy? The atmosphere is bustling and fun, but more than that, there are some excellent morsels to be had. My totally-unbiased-although-the-owner-is-a-friend hot tip: Get there early for Marcelita's Empanadas – they pop up at various markets around town, but it's nice to have a time and place where deep-fried Colombian treats are concerned.
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Category: Featured
Tags: Food
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