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Thursday 30 June 2011

Vogue Brasil, July 2011: Gisele Bundchen, four covers




















Uber model Gisele Bundchen graces four different covers of Vogue Brasil July 2011 issue.

The camo-inspired outfit had me at hello.

Tuesday 28 June 2011

Baku swimwear - your go-to brand for swimwear separates




















Now in its twelfth year, Baku Australia and sister range, Ginja heralding a whole new generation of swimwear with their directional Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

Digital prints with tropical and retro influences spearhead the way for the modern revolution this season, whilst lingerie-inspired silhouettes, retro glam frills and femininity are also paramount to this Baku collection.

For Summer 2012, Baku Australia is by offering more separates than any other Australian swimwear company in a striking, sexy range of great fitting, fashionable swimwear that women want to wear.

The new S/S 12 campaign, shot on Plantation Island, Fiji, uses international model Clara Alonso who exquisitely conveys the global appeal of this burgeoning brand.

Owner and director, Tamara Bykerk says of her inspiration: “Baku Australia is designed to fit every woman. It’s about swimwear that makes you look and feel beautiful.”

Featured here are the 'Moulin Rouge' style and the 'St Tropez' style.

The range's designs are beautifully romantic, with soft vertical stripes, piping detail, pretty roses and soft pinks.

There is also a denim effect fabric, and contrasting white lace to create a sophisticated finish for the 'Denim and Lace' collection.

Sister brand, Ginja - the younger but equally as playful range - displays a youthful appeal; think pastels and frills and vintage inspired prints.

For more info, go here: http://www.bakuaustralia.com.au/

And for a sexy preview clip, watch this:





Saturday 25 June 2011

Urban Boulder - jewellery with an edge








Lisa Simpson and Remo Carbone are the designers behind jewellery brand with an edge, Urban Boulder.

The duo are New York City-based (Remo is an Aussie) and are inspired by their surrounding urban landscape. They buy their opal directly from independent miners in outback Queensland - the result here speak for themselves.

(Check out their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/urbanboulder and Twitter page at www.twitter.com/urbanboulder

Say the duo: "We create contemporary jewellery inspired by the urban environment and crafted with natural precious elements. We draw upon every day, but often overlooked, details from the environment around us and reinterpret the shapes with boulder opal and silver into beautiful pieces of jewellery.

"Classified in the same category as diamonds, boulder opal – which makes up only a tiny fraction of the opal mined – contains every colour of the rainbow. No two stones are ever the same, so all of our pieces are one of a kind."

Indeed they are. For more on this wearable art, watch this video below:


Urban Boulder: inspiration and creative process from Urban Boulder on Vimeo.

Wednesday 22 June 2011

Go Back To Where You Came From - essential TV



So I have just finished watching the first episode of "Go Back To Where You Came From" on SBS. If you missed it, go online and view the entire ep here: http://www.sbs.com.au/

This is raw, emotion-charged viewing - a TV social experiment at its best.

When I first heard the title some weeks ago I will admit it was extremely jarring: it was the jibe I sometimes heard as a child of Italian migrants, as a 'wog' living out in south-west Sydney.

Now, I consider myself to be very much aware of the plight of the refugees living in Australia; of the heartbreaking stories attached to the asylum seeker.

I live mere kilometres from the Villawood Detention Centre; I live in a suburb where interacting daily with Iraqi and Sudanese refugees is a completely normal existence for me - has been for many, many years.

But this show moved me in ways I didn't expect. When the Sudanese woman spoke of her children, I cried many tears. When Roderick is recounted an emotional story and shifts uncomfortably, I am engaged. When some of the partipants utter ignorant remarks, I cringe. When I hear Gleny utter words of wisdom and clarity, I am glad she is one of the people taking part in the show.

However you feel, wherever you stand, this is true must watch TV.

Reassuringly for our young generation, interactive, curriculum-relevant school resources will be available from June 22, that will enable students and teachers to interact with the content of the series. It will feature clips from the documentary, classroom activities and curriculum applications. For more, go here: http://www.sbs.com.au/shows/goback/listings/page/i/2/h/Schools/

To read about one of the 'six ordinary Aussies' (Raye Colbey) who has since come back from this journey, go here: http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/a-mile-in-the-shoes-of-refugees-20110620-1gbsa.html

And to see the trailer for the three part series (part two airs tonight, part three tomorrow night) go here:

Tuesday 21 June 2011

Ice Loves Coco Premieres on E!



Actor/performer Ice-T and his [put-some-clothes-on!] wife Coco premiere their reality show tonight, Ice Loves Coco, on E!

In this eight-episode, half-hour series, E! takes viewers behind the scenes into the daily lives of rapper/actor/author/motivational speaker Ice and his fitness/swimsuit model/internet-sensation buxom and bootay-licious wife Coco. I was more than amused to see Coco actually wear a dress that covered [most] of her bits on The View recently. The girls were definitely still out to play while sitting on Barbara Walters's couch, though.

Married for ten years and having spent only one day apart in all that time, these two crazy kids are something to behold.

"Ice Loves Coco" premieres June 21st at 10pm on E!

Watch the trailer here:

Keeping Up With The Kardashians - season six premiere



What can the Kardashian Family possibly have to say, show, spriuk, or shout that hasn't been done before?

Lots, it seems!

Tonight, the season six premiere of “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” will screen, at 9.30pm on E!

This season, Kim's new fiance makes his debut: New Jersey Nets star Kris Humphries.

Kim takes Kendall to The Big Apple to help jump-start her burgeoning modelling career (the younger Kardashians/Jenners - now that's one reality show I want to see!).

Also this season, the family takes a long overdue vacation in honour of Kris and Bruce's 20th wedding anniversary.

Here is a sneak preview:

Monday 20 June 2011

Tara Lawson Jewellery - new must haves















So, I am a bit of a jewellery freak. A lover of all things that sparkle, interesting pieces to adorn myself with. So I was thrilled to be the first (thanks Colette and Nikki at Park Avenue PR!) to view the new collection from Tara Lawson.

Tara is an artist, jewellery designer and free-spirit living and working in Sydney (pictured here).

In late 2010, after designing for some of Australia’s largest jewellery houses, Tara has now released her own signature collection.

Featured here, her debut collection Lush Land, is a compilation of organic statement pieces through to the delicately layered.

Tara's signature style includes elements of geometry and nature, entwined with mystisim and magic, to create an earthy and luxe feeling. These designs are individually handcrafted and cast in precious metals and decorated with semi-precious stones.

Tara is inspired by nature and symbology, astrology, mystisim and magic, individualism and freedom. Her debut collection, like Tara herself, blends mystery with love, reminiscent of stories both intriguing and whimsical.

The pieces pictured are:

Phalynx Ring $40 and Phalynx Triset $50

Tear and Stone Ear (Blue Lace Agate) $120

Shagnet Necklace $220

Kinetic earrings (my fave!) $60, charm sold separately

For where to buy, just scroll down here: http://www.youngrepublic.com.au/index.php?dispatch=products.search&company_id=108&type=extended&search_performed=Y

Friday 17 June 2011

EMU Ugg boots - Kate Hudson has 'em; I want 'em



















I will admit a love a celeb endorsement as much as the next person... and lately a whole slew of US celebs have been favouring our own homegrown brand EMU over the American company ‘Ugg Australia’. Take that!

EMU Ugg boots - crafted from Australian sheepskin in Victoria - have been spotted on Cameron Diaz, Courtney Cox, Eva Longoria and a heap more, as well as Australian stars including Rebecca Gibney, Sophie Monk and Esther Anderson.

Me want... now!

If you also want now, go here. Now:

http://www.emuaustralia.com/

Photo credits: Bauer Griffin; Brooks/INF; OK Magazine

Shirt Bar opening - social photos























Sydney’s sharpest gents converged on Sussex Lane on Tuesday 14 June to toast the opening of Shirt Bar.

A combined small bar and retail precinct, Shirt Bar is a fusion of fashion and fine whisky that comes together to create a cosy and relaxing social experience in the heart of Sydney’s new financial district.

Having been in the shirt business for two generations, leading Australian shirt company Kentia has been exploring ideas to create a retail concept that would allow them to showcase their brands whilst interacting with customers on a new level.

“The retail business is changing dramatically, and we feel that this new landscape is about more than just purchasing a product, it’s about adding more to a customer’s experience.

Shirt Bar is the culmination of this and it’s incredibly exciting to finally bring the vision to life," says owner Justin Marmot.

Reinforcing their reputation for exceptional customer service, specialist knowledge and high-quality products, Shirt Bar treated all guests at the exclusive launch event to a custom fitting, after which each person took home a shirt they personally chose for themselves.

Acoustic duo The Silver Lining entertained guests while they enjoyed aged scotch whiskey varietals from Chivas Regal, as well as Peroni beer, Mumm Champagne, Saint & Sinner wines and Diplimatico rum, along with cheese and antipasto platters, miniature gourmet pies, and affogato and home made chocolate biscuit brittle for dessert.

VIP guests included Masterchef judges Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan, actors Alex Dimitriades and Salvatore Coco, hairdresser Phil Gallo, former model and fashion week frontman Miro Kubicek, stylist Livia Tassanyi, and Chivas Regal brand ambassador Ben Davidson.

Shirt Bar is located at 7 Sussex Lane, Sydney, and is open: 10am – 6pm Monday to Wednesday; 10am – 10pm Thursdays and Fridays.

For further information on Shirt Bar, visit http://www.shirtbar.com.au/

Pics by Wes Nel at Hobogestapo

Playboy July 2011 - Crystal labelled "Runaway Bride"



Don't cry for Hugh Hefner - he may not be able to stop those pesky long lead presses from rolling out the cover of the Playboy July issue (featuring the new "Mrs Crystal Hefner" - awkward!) but he can order a huge sticker with "Runaway Bride" to be slapped on her bits.

"Recent events call for a special sticker on the July cover," Hugh Hef tweeted on Wednesday, with a picture. "Look for it on newsstands."

Crystal Harris packed her pink trackies and ditched Hefner only days before their wedding, which had been planned for this Saturday.

Crystal spoke with Ryan Seacrest on his US radio show on Wednesday, to give her side of the story. According to her, it was a mutual decision not to get married.

"For a while I've been having second thoughts about everything," said the 25 year old. (And yep, he's 85. Eighty-five!)

"I haven't really been at peace with myself lately. I didn't think it was really fair to him."

She added: "Multiple girls all around, it's not the lifestyle I wanted," she told Seacrest.

Later, Hef weighed in: "Crystal did an interview... to explain everything, but I still don't have a clue," he said via Twitter, adding, "I didn't see any of this coming, but I'm glad things went wrong before the marriage instead of after. Live & learn."

Oh dear, Crystal. If this 'multiple girls' thing bothered you before, why oh why would you accept a ring in the first place?

PS: what on earth is he going to do with all that food for the party? Have a big bash anyways, ol' Hef... (I give him two weeks tops to be seen with another blonde).

Thursday 16 June 2011

2011 Hair Expo Australian Hairdresser of the Year - Jayne Wild



Sydney’s Jayne Wild was announced as 2011 Hair Expo Australian Hairdresser of the Year on Monday – the first female to win the award three times in the awards’ 26-year history.

As part of the Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Awards, held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wild beat five other top Australian hairdressers to take out the prestigious title. She previously won the award in 2008 and 2004.

Her team at Wild Life hair also won Salon Team of the Year and her new salon in Milsons Point won Best New Salon Design. Wild Life apprentice, Kim Jones, also won Apprentice of the Year, meaning the Wild Life Team took home an amazing four of the fourteen awards up for grabs.

Celebrating their 26th anniversary this year, the annual Hairdressing Awards at Hair Expo are the longest running and most respected awards in the Australian and New Zealand hairdressing industry. They set the industry standard across both countries and represent the pinnacle of hairdressing excellence in the southern hemisphere. I have attended several times - many as part of the Cream magazine crew, who produced a Hair Expo mag - and am always blown away by the creativity and inspiring ideas in motion.

With over 10,000 visitors flocking to Darling Harbour over the Queen's Birthday long weekend it's still the biggest and best.

Don't miss it next year!

Tuesday 14 June 2011

Amazonia Acai products - all sorts of goodness and yum wrapped into one








By now, you've very likely heard of the amazing properties of the acai berry, and Amazonia is the only certified fair trade source in Australia of acai (or 'purpleberry'). A 100% Australian company owned by three young, dynamic men (Dwayne Martens, Jesse Kaniecki, and Chris Norden), they supply the purest form and highest grade of acai possible through an extensive product range www.purpleberry.com.au.

All products are natural whole foods with no preservatives or artificial additives, gluten free, wild harvested, raw, vegan and fair trade*.

I was sent some Amazonia products to try - the capsules and some bars - and I swear popping some of those capsules (you can take six daily!) in particular helped ward off an imminent cold, pre-holiday.

Next on my list to try is the acai chocolate (helllllooo! How delicious does that look?) and the freeze dried version to throw into a smoothie. The taste is a blend of chocolate and berries – delicious. And you can also add it water, juice, yoghurt, over fruit salad or breakfast cereal.

Amazonia acai also comes in puree form; with 2 x 25 ml shots recommended per day. You can also pour the liquid form on ice cream, in yoghurt or drizzle over fruit salad, or in a healthy smoothie.

My fave (so far) are the Amazonia acai health bars. They are seriously good, and with every bite you get a whole lotta goodness: filling, delicious, and low GI snack each bar contains six grams of freeze dried scai berries, cranberries, sunflower oil, organic rice malt, organic dates, tahini, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, organic coconut, rice protein, blackberry concentrate, and natural citric acid.

(*Amazonia products by law are not intended to diagnose treat, cure or prevent disease).

For more, and to buy this purple goodness, see: http://www.purpleberry.com.au/

And for a clip on the Amazonia story, watch this:

Monday 13 June 2011

The Amazing Race Australia - Chris and Anastasia: is Chris truly sorry?


The biggest talking point of The Amazing Race Australia - now that Richard and Joey are gone - has undoubtedly been this clip (see blog post: http://josiesjuice.blogspot.com/2011/06/amazing-race-australia-chris-and.html)

Many have been disturbed by Chris's outburst towards his partner Anastasia, and the comments on the blog post above, and on the show's Facebook page, have been nothing short of explosive.

But Chris appears to show much deep remorse, and says he is in the process of bettering himself.

In an article in the Herald Sun yesterday, he said:

"It's been a bit embarrassing, the things I said, and it's a good wake-up call as a person," said Chris.

"I have to fix those problems. I take full responsibility for the way I behaved. It's up to me to prove I'm a respectful person. I wish I could tell everyone one by one that."

You can read the rest of the article here:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/racers-shame-over-treatment-of-partner/story-e6frf96x-1226073590038

What do you think? Is the relationship a recipe for disaster? Is it doom-filled, as so many (strangers) are convinced? Is it even our business? Have you been in this kind of relationship, and how has it fared?

Feel free to comment here.

Sunday 12 June 2011

Everybody loves Joe Avati - including Phil Rosenthal


The faces are familiar, and if you're a true comedy fan, you'll already know who they are:

It's our Italo-Australian funny man Joe Avati and writer, creator and director of the long-running hit TV series, "Everybody Loves Raymond" Phil Rosenthal, the latter in Sydney as a special guest of the Sydney Film Festival, ahead of the screening of "Exporting Raymond".

Joe Avati is of course renowned as Aussie/Itie comedian and TV presenter, now a virtual household name after successfully touring his award-winning show Il Dago all around Australia since early 2007, as well as hosting SBS TV show “Food Investigators” (Joe is also a food scientist!) and building a very successful 20-year career based on his own over-bearing, very funny Italian relatives – just like Raymond's in his hit-show!

Phil is here for the Australian debut of his feature, “Exporting Raymond”, all about attempting to make a Russian version of "Everybody Loves Raymond", with hilarious results.

Phil asked Joe what would make a funny Australian version of the hit series. Joe says his own nonna would have to be a central character. She "can’t operate technology... dips a piece of bread into the oil after she uses the George Foreman Grill... and every day, she asks me when I’m getting married like a good Italian boy."

Joe has enjoyed huge success in North America, and one of his greatest fans happens to be Ray Romano’s wife - she even owns copies of Joe's DVDs and CDs.

Joe is currently touring Sydney with his Il Dago co-stars George Kapiniaris, Simon Palomares, and Jason Chong in their final season of the award-winning sell-out show Il Dago II: Now With Noodles.

For more info on Il Dago, go here: http://www.joeavati.com/ildago/

For more on Exporting Raymond, go here: http://sff.org.au/films-container/exporting-raymond/

(Photo credit, Phil and Joe: Andrew Siwak)

To see the trailer of this flick, go here:

Friday 10 June 2011

Marie Claire Red Dress Campaign - social photos


























Last night, editor of marie claire Australia Jackie Frank threw open the doors of her home to help raise awareness about heart disease in women at a star-studded Red Dress campaign event.

Heart disease is still the biggest killer of women in Australia (yes, it's true!), so to help raise awareness about the disease and support the Heart Foundation, marie claire invited a host of celebrities and fashion designers to join forces on 'matters of the heart.'

Guests included Jennifer Hawkins, Megan Gale, Miranda Otto, Ruby Rose, Sonia Kruger, Pia Miranda and Sophie Lowe, all Red Dress campaign ambassadors, and all featuring in a stunning 11-page reportage story in the July issue of marie claire, photographed by renowned fashion photographers Harold David and David Gubert.

The celebrities showed their support for the cause by wearing gorgeous red dresses designed exclusively by Australia’s leading fashion designers, including: Alex Perry, Dion Lee, Collette Dinnigan, Ellery, Willow, Lisa Ho and Ginger & Smart.

My fave was reporter Sally Obermeder, swathed in a stunning red gown and sporting a glorious baby bump.

"marie claire is very proud of our long-term association with the Heart Foundation and this important cause. We will continue to champion the cause, which takes the lives of so many women we love - our mothers, sisters and friends. Despite the fact it is the number one killer of women in Australia, it is also one of the most preventable diseases, so raising awareness and education is paramount," says marie claire publisher/editor, Jackie Frank.

The one-off red designer dresses will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to the Heart Foundation. They can be viewed and purchased online at http://www.marieclaire.com.au/ right now.