Book Club

It's official, Sweden is the new USA, thanks to literary-mastermind Stieg Larsson. For those of you who haven't heard of the 'Milennium Triology', get your head out from under that rock and start reading, now.
Haven't you heard, Stockholm is the new New York, and Lisbeth Salander the new Carrie Bradshaw...or something like that.

Quite simply, the triology follows the life of investigative journalist Michael Bloomkvist, and his partner in crime Lisbeth Salander as they solve countless murders, corporate fraud and illegal state affairs, whilst (in Salander's case) landing themselves in jail in the process. Set out over three books of course.

Generally, I'm not a crime reader, and was a bit hesitant to get involved, but hey, there's only so much chick-lit a girl can read, so I said goodbye to my sanity and jumped in. Three very tiring, enthralling and at times gruesome months later,and I haven't looked back. It's no coincedence reviewers world-wide are calling (the now late) Larsson a genius in the literary world, and it's been some time since we have seen literature crafted and written so beautifully and grippingly, smoothly interwining the lives of the characters involved.

Any avid reader would be crazy to miss out, and for those who aren't too keen on burying their head in a novel for days, the triology has also been converted onto the big screen, with the final installment set to hit cinemas this week.

March Madison

My review of Madison mag for the archfashion site

Elegant Beginnings

It’s fair to say that Madison magazine is like no other in its league, and this month’s issue is no exception. Laced with in-depth features, a fashion spectrum that covers high-end trends for ‘work’ or ‘play’, and a selection of career, health and living editorials, the Madison reader is intelligent, sharp and shamelessly stylish. The March cover is the perfect reflection of the magazine’s stylish elegance, featuring all-round nice girl Rachel Bilson, swathed in a palette of soft neutrals and subtle peaches, whilst luxuriously sitting in front of a beach setting. The perfect transition from the hyperactivity of the festive season, to the serenity of the autumn months. Editor, Lizzie Renkert, touches on the devastation of the Queensland floods in her opening letter and the trivialities of discussing the trends in the current issue. However, Renkert then goes on to say she hopes Madison can bring a little sunshine into our lives when all is gloomy, which is precisely what this issue does.

First-up is the regular ‘trend’ section featuring hot-off-the-catwalk styles to incorporate into your A/W wardrobe asap- think muted tones of tan and taupe (an obvious colour staple), and bag du jour, the statement envelope clutch. But, the more iconic ‘fashspiration’ comes later in the issue with the first introductory pieces for autumn. In keeping with the magazine’s ‘elegant’ theme, the fashion team compile ‘Fashion’s new elegance-new season saviours’- a go-to spread of the season’s new power-players and key pieces to keep you stylish in the colder months. These include the maxi skirt, knits, stripes, cropped pants, the timeless blazer and a touch of leopard for a hot-right-now trend. Many of the pieces featured in the fashion spreads are pricey designer labels, but for those who are on a tighter budget there are still some great chainstore buys that will keep you looking effortlessly stylish and on-trend.

A prominent feature of Madison is its ability to move beyond the purely superficial, and create informative, in-depth editorials and features on topics such as fashion and beauty. This month, take a fashion history lesson, in Nicholas Fonseca’s Head of the Class, an insight into the spirited and remarkable journey of renowned fashion icon and costume designer, Edith Head. Much of our knowledge of on-screen costume design stems from contemporary designers and trends, however, the impact fashion guru Head had on 20th century Hollywood style is still largely present today. Fonseca outlines Head’s iconic career in a revealing profile piece, charting her transition from costume designer, to the creator of Grace Kelly’s wedding gown. Not only does the piece provide a ‘behind-the-scenes’ insight into the Hollywood movie industry and elusive Tinseltown glamour, it also describes and depicts in great detail a fashion maven who styled the world. In true Madison style, read about fashion in another era and prepare to be enthralled.

Whilst Madison showcases a great range of fashion and up and coming trends, the magazine differs from other predominately ‘fashion’ mags in its features department. Current affairs, relevant issues and controversial topics are all reported on and dissected in true investigative journalism style. A hot-topic this issue is the ever-growing problem of drug abuse, as Rebecca Wallwork reports. In A Father’s Love Wallwork talked to Journalist David Sheff about his gruelling experience, as he battled through his son’s extreme drug addiction. The story was a compelling read, providing an alternative perspective into the world of addiction and mental illness. For those who are some-what removed from the issue of drug abuse, the article will allow you to gain a clearer understanding of the motives behind illicit substance use, and the struggle to become ‘clean’.

So, for a mixture of elegant, yet hip fashion, the latest beauty loot plus how to use it, and features covering everything from current affairs, entertainment, careers/finance and home living, this month’s Madison is where it’s at- and if that’s not incentive enough to dig in, then surely the free Becca cheek and lip stain will be!

What a wonderful world?

Floods, cyclones, blizzards, protests...2011 has definitely gone off with a bang, and unfortunately not in a celebratory way. Within the past few weeks the state of supposed 'sunshine and happiness', Queensland, has experienced the brunt of Mother Nature's turmoil with floods and the more recent Cyclone Yasi. It seemed like only yesterday Australians nation-wide were digging deep to assist the flood recovery, and it wasn't until real progress was made that Yasi decided to rear it's ugly head. Whilst major towns like Cairns and Townsville swiftly avoided major damage, let's not forget the devastation thrust upon smaller coasts like Mission Beach and Tully. Flattened houses, uprooted trees, winds of up to 300km/h, one cannot even begin to understand the anguished suspense locals last night endured.

It's somewhat ironic then that on the other side of the globe Americans are experiencing snow storms and blizzards. Tropical cyclones on one end, blizzards on the other, and lets not forget the wide-scale protests currently taking place in Eqypt..what is this world coming to? Whilst I have always been sceptical of doomsday theories and quitely hopeful (perhaps naive) that life will continue as normal, I can't help but recognise that the world just doesn't seem right. Climate change, natural disasters, war, crime, it's fair to say that disorder has reached its peak. While we can all play our part to make the world enivronmentally greener, the past few weeks have showed me that some chaos, like natural disasters and war, are beyond our control. If anything, it's important to appreciate the smaller pleasures in life and show a little gratitude.

Hello Lob!

I am constantly beguiled by the power of a new haircut. It can completely change our perception of who we are, and transform us into our coveted alter-ego. It's not surprising then that 'change' often equals 'new haircut'. Whether it's a tough break up or dream job, our hairstylist is generally on speed-dial to smooth the transition.

This was precisely what prompted me to chop off my locks and get a lob (long bob)- the notion of change. I haven't had a break up or landed my dream job (I wish), but I am in a state of limbo at the moment as I make the transition from uni student to qualified worker. So, what better way to boost my confidence then a new 'do?

Quite frankly, I was sick of walking into my hair salon and saying 'the usual' (like I was at the local coffee shop), and while my long tresses were healthy and soft, they only enhanced the 'school-girl' look I so desperately tried to avoid. Enter the 'lob', a shorter cut that is instantly older, instantly smarter, instantly gratifying. And I can't wait to 'lob-through' the next phase of my life.

Movie Moment

Black Swan

I love a good dance movie, one that gets me moving in my seat (think Centre Stage and the Step Up movies), but admittedly after a while they all seem to blend into one another and become, well, a bit boring. They lack a sustainable plot and while I understand many are aimed at a younger audience it would be nice for a change. Which is exactly what director Darren Aronosfsky did as he delved into the darker side of dance in the Black Swan.

A psychotic thriller, The Black Swan follows protagonist Nina Sayer's (Natalie Portman)life after she lands the coveted role of Swan Queen in the New York Ballet Company's production of Swan Lake. It's a life that's far from normal as Sayer suffers tremendous pain and suffering in her attempt to perfect the character of the innocent White Swan, and more importantly, her seductive, evil twin Black Swan. Mila Kuris plays carefree recruit Lily, Sayer's rival and confidante. The yin to her yang.

Call me naive but I entered the cinema expecting a psychological mind-game similar to Shutter Island and Inception. And it does achieve this, with the viewer constantly second-guessing what is real and what isn't. It was the horror element I was unprepared for, and the most unexpected moments that had me practically jumping onto the person sitting in front of me. I quickly learnt to cover my eyes whenever I felt uneasy.

It's a must-see movie that had me laughing, cringing, jumping and gasping, and weather you love it or hate it, it will stay with you long after you leave the cinema.

Fashion Moment

I had a brief fling with blazers last winter, after my fashion-guru friend adellieblogger showed me just how on-trend and versatile they can be. I was convinced, but not committed. But, I can now say that our little fling has developed into a full-fledged relationship. With the Aussie summer finally getting into full-swing, I seem to be looking a little too far ahead at A/W and have purchased two new blazers within a week. Here comes obsession #1372...

Twenty-One

I love twenty-first season, in fact if I could I would say 'it's my favourite time of the year', but considering it only happens once in a lifetime, I'll settle with 'it's my favourite year of life' (doesn't sound quite so good).

With the last champagne bottles popping, and Living On a Prayer's (drunkenly) sung, the season is dwindiling to a close for me, and I'm savouring every last party. Which was why, when my Dad questioned whether I was sick of them yet, I got to thinking...Should I be sick of them? I mean, generally the rule is excessive consumption of one thing (21sts included) leads to boredom and well we all know how exhausting drinking free alcohol and eating free food can be every weekend....not very. So, no, I am not sick of them, and will continue to eat and drink free food and beverages as long as my waistband lets me.

Here's a list of other reasons to enjoy the season of Twenty-One:

- free alcohol, need I say more (yes, I realise I've been raving on about the free drinks, but hey, do you have any idea how much they charge for a vodka, lemon and lime these days?)
- the chance to go all out and wear your prettiest dressest and highest heels (or suits for the guys)
- the chance to dress up, literally- themed 21sts provide the perfect opportunity to be someone you're not.
- it's an opportunity to catch up with friends you might usually be too busy to see
- the birthday cake is always deliciously fancy (don't lie, you know you get excited when you walk in and see that sugary, fluffy tower of cup-cakes)
- you can let out your inner-freak and bust out your craziest moves to Bon Jovi, Backstreet Boys and Michael Jackson
- the hangover doesn't feel quite so bad (alcohol was there, it was free, you had no choice really)