Leaderboard ad

Passionfruit ads

Wednesday 29 June 2016

'Bridget Jones's Baby' - Official Trailer: VIDEO

It's here! The 'Bridget Jones's Baby' official trailer.



What do you think? Are you a fan of the movie?

Says the YouTube description:

Oscar® winners RenĂ©e Zellweger and Colin Firth are joined by Patrick Dempsey for the next chapter of the world’s favorite singleton in Bridget Jones’s Baby. Directed by Sharon Maguire (Bridget Jones’s Diary), the new film in the beloved comedy series based on creator Helen Fielding’s heroine finds Bridget unexpectedly expecting. 

After breaking up with Mark Darcy (Firth), Bridget Jones’s (Zellweger) “happily ever after” hasn’t quite gone according to plan. Fortysomething and single again, she decides to focus on her job as top news producer and surround herself with old friends and new. For once, Bridget has everything completely under control. What could possibly go wrong?

Then her love life takes a turn and Bridget meets a dashing American named Jack (Dempsey), the suitor who is everything Mr. Darcy is not. In an unlikely twist she finds herself pregnant, but with one hitch…she can only be fifty percent sure of the identity of her baby’s father.

The much-anticipated third installment of the Bridget Jones’s franchise welcomes fellow Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson to the cast. Longtime collaborators Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title Films produce alongside Debra Hayward. Universal Pictures will distribute Bridget Jones’s Baby in North America and select international territories.

'Bridget Jones's Baby': Australian release date: September 15, 2016
https://www.bridgetjonesmovie.com


Monday 27 June 2016

Your Closet: Dress Hire - Briella Brown Interview

Okay, so I like a red carpet event and go to many of them - often covering them for Josie's Juice, and/or being a guest.

I have an overflowing closet and don't feel the need to go buy a new dress each time there is a black tie event or red carpet or dinner. It's just not my style.

But this was different; it was the Tour De Cure ball, I had a beautiful gown ready to wear which was mine (thing is, I've worn it before... cardinal sin number one for black tie events), but as my fashion stylist Adriana Fernandes was coming with me to the ball, I knew I needed something fresh and new and a gown I've not yet worn. Or risk being smacked by Styled By Adri... yikes!

I know about gown rental companies, of course, but I am a 'go into the store and try on the dress' kinda gal. But I knew this was the way to go with an event on days away.

Ironically, I'd just watched 'Shark Tank' on Channel Ten, and was glued to the story of one young lady Briella Brown - only 20, already having established a company of this description, and looking for additional investment in her business.

That company: Your Closet. Here is Briella in a gorgeous Zimmermann dress - you can hire it! I did!


 

Briella on set on 'Shark Tank'


First, the name is clever. Why did nobody nab that one before?

Second, this was under the spotlight of some huge heavy hitters: the esteemed panel of business people on 'Shark Tank'.


Briella has Naomi Simson from Red Balloon and Janine Allis from Boost Juice as her mentors/investors, having entered the 'shark tank' seeking an $80,000 investment for 20% equity stake. She ended up locking in that $80,000 investment split between Janine and Naomi, for a combined 30% stake in the business.

Watch the preview video HERE below:



Says the site:

Your Closet is Australia’s premier online luxury dress rental destination. Your Closet allows you access to luxury Australian and International designers collections at a fraction of the retail price.

At Your Closet, we are rethinking the way Australian women have previously approached their closets. We exist because we believe a beautiful product shouldn’t only be experienced through owning it. Our team is prepared to go the extra length to ensure you sparkle in the perfect dress at all of your special events. We have experienced stylists on board to help every step of the way and to assist with your dress decisions.

By giving women access to remarkable luxury experiences, we’re changing the meaning of ownership- and revolutionizing retail in the process.
We deliver Australia wide.
Love from the Your Closet team x
Josie's Juice interviewed Briella on her burgeoning business:

At what age did you start, and why?
I started the business at the age of 18. I had just finished my final year at high school and was fortunate enough to be invited to 3 formals, I noticed that myself and all of my friends were spending a large sum of money on dresses which would only get worn once. The idea of renting began from here and how it could be executed on a larger scale. 

What kind of outlay (quantity of dresses) for you need to do for each season, and do you 'top up' before the season is over?

We have wholesale agreements with all of the designers we stock which allows us to receive all of our dresses at the start of the season. At the moment we are introducing around 100 dresses at the start of each season, and this will continue to increase as we add more designers to our line up. 

What has been the reaction from the public and friends and media since being on (TV show) 'Shark Tank'?

The reaction has been so positive and overwhelming; we have received some exciting media coverage and friends have been really excited and supportive. 

How has the two mentors’ investments made an impact on your business?
They have been extremely helpful with business advice on how to grow the business quickly and how we can differentiate Your Closet. We are really excited that we will be introducing millinery (fascinators) and clutches this week to our offering with beautiful pieces from Natalie Bikicki and Danica Erard.


Here is the site, for all your FAQs and to browse and hire RIGHT NOW.

And you can follow Your Closet here on Facebook.

For all emails and enquiries: info@your-closet.com.au

Briella was inspired to launch her business when she was in her last year of school, in Year 12; she was invited to several school graduation 'formals' in a short space of time, knew she'd need lots of gowns, saw the gap in the market, and Your Closet was born.

To watch the whole ep (it'll expire in a few weeks), go HERE.

Back to my gown for the ball!

I requested two gowns; one for me, and one for my guest for the ball. It made the 2.30pm daily cut off time, and voila, there was my parcel on my doorstep, at 7.30am, delivered by Australia Post, with the tracking of it sent to my email address. Brilliant.

Then dresses came beautifully boxed, with a note, and an Australia Post return satchel. Done with the dress? Pop it in the Express Post bag, then pop it in the Oz Post box, and it'll get there the next day. The cost of rental covers the use of the dress, and cleaning for the next wearer. The gown is as new when you get it. Smells fresh and clean and lovely, and in perfect condition.

Here is my guest Gab wearing her Camilla and Marc gown:


A photo posted by Josie Gagliano (@josiegags) on

And here is my beautiful Zimmermann gown:



A point on this whole experience, and on my dress in particular... I am not an online shopper, and like the tactile experience, and consider my body type perhaps a little tricky to fit. But guess what... we ALL do! Give the Your Closet experience a go, and you might be surprised at how you find your dream gown... on your very doorstep.

Here are some gorgeous gowns on offer (click here for this one): Painted Floral Mesh Ball Gown; rental $169 (RRP $700)



And this one, with link here: Floral Lace Rouleau Ball Dress: rental $150 (RRP: $599)






More Instagram love for the brand - this is the box it came in:


A photo posted by Josie Gagliano (@josiegags) on



They deliver Australia-wide and are the dress hire company to watch! Give them a go!

Sunday 26 June 2016

Oscar Pistorius World Exclusive: '60 Minutes' Australia VIDEO

Did you watch tonight's episode of '60 Minutes' Australia?

UPDATED: here is the FULL interview:



Here is the preview video:



Check back in here for the full video shortly.

Oscar is facing at least 15 years in prison and has decided to tell his story publicly for the first time. Follow the social media convo here: ‪#‎60Mins‬

What are your thoughts on the whole story?









'The X Factor Australia: New Host + Judges

In a week of announcements for the TV show 'The X Factor Australia', it has just been announced that Jason Dundas will be the new judge on the show, taking over from host Luke Jacobz.

Jason is the third new face to be on the show this year after it was announced that Iggy Azalea and Adam Lambert will join Guy Sebastian as new judges.

‘I’m super excited to announce that I am the new host of @thexfactor_au!!!’ he tweeted. See below...



Also, here is a shirtless photo of Jason, in his role as David Jones catwalk master, and ambassador. You are welcome:


And... clothed:



Kanye West: 'Famous' VIDEO

Kanye West has gone and done it again. Has gone all controversial on us.

His new video 'Famous' has debuted, and features a nude Kanye, Kim, as well as *Taylor Swift, *Ray J (Kim's ex, and he of the famous Kim Kardashian sex tape), *Bill Clinton, *Amber Rose (Kanye's ex), *Donald Trump, and more (*not actually these celebs).

Here is the video, which debuted on Tidal:



In the photo below is (again, not the real people...):

A) George W. Bush, B) Anna Wintour, C) Donald Trump, D) Rihanna, E) Chris Brown, F) Taylor Swift, G) Kanye West, H) Kim Kardashian West, I) Ray J, J) Amber Rose, K) Caitlyn Jenner, L) Bill Cosby






In case you were wondering, this bed set up is a nod to Vincent Desiderio's 'Sleep':



Bill Cunningham dies, age 87

Bill Cunningham, legit legendary fashion photographer, who was a genuine iconic fixture on the New York fashion photography scene in his blue coat, has died, age 87. 



Reports 'The New York Times', for who he shot a gazillion photos:

Bill Cunningham, who turned fashion photography into his own branch of cultural anthropology on the streets of New York, chronicling an era’s ever-changing social scene for The New York Times by training his busily observant lens on what people wore — stylishly, flamboyantly or just plain sensibly — died on Saturday in Manhattan. He was 87.

His death was confirmed by The Times. He had been hospitalized recently after having a stroke.


Mr. Cunningham was such a singular presence in the city that, in 2009, he was designated a living landmark. And he was an easy one to spot, riding his bicycle through Midtown, where he did most of his field work: his bony-thin frame draped in his utilitarian blue French worker’s jacket, khaki pants and black sneakers (he himself was no one’s idea of a fashion plate), with his 35-millimeter camera slung around his neck, ever at the ready for the next fashion statement to come around the corner.


Read more here.

Watch the trailer, and read the description here:


Before the internet and before the likes of fashion bloggers, there was Bill Cunningham, the street-fashion and society chronicler for The New York Times. After 50 years of cycling the streets of the Big Apple with his camera, snapping the great, the good and the stylish, Bill Cunningham is now in front of the lens in this loving and intimate portrait of a remarkable man and a chronicler of a city. 




And I LOVE this description of the movie:

The “Bill” in question is 80+ New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham. For decades, this Schwinn-riding cultural anthropologist has been obsessively and inventively chronicling fashion trends and high society charity soirĂ©es for the Times Style section in his columns “On the Street” and “Evening Hours.” Documenting uptown fixtures (Wintour, Tom Wolfe, Brooke Astor, David Rockefeller—who all appear in the film out of their love for Bill), downtown eccentrics and everyone in between, Cunningham’s enormous body of work is more reliable than any catwalk as an expression of time, place and individual flair. In turn, Bill Cunningham New York is a delicate, funny and often poignant portrait of a dedicated artist whose only wealth is his own humanity and unassuming grace.


Details on how watch the DVD / download this truly iconic movie here.






Thursday 23 June 2016

Beyoncé - Sorry: VIDEO

The new BeyoncĂ© 'Sorry' video is out now... watch:






Osteria Balla REVIEW + The Star, Sydney: #nevergrey

This winter, don't hibernate.

The Star, Sydney has launched a clever (and cosy as) campaign called 'Never Grey' (follow the social media convo at: #nevergrey and #thestarsydney) and they are ensuring Sydney doesn't go cold on winter nighttime options.

Following on from a beautiful, well attended launch at Sokyo Lounge at The Star, Sydney, a VIP event attended by The Star’s Winter Ambassadors, Daniel MacPhersonGrace Huang and Monika Radulovic and celebrities including Kris Smith and Kate Peck, guests were treated to a glimpse of what winter will bring to The Star with specially made canapĂ©s, colourful cocktails and Adriano Zumbo’s famous macarons served throughout the night.  

Check out the upcoming winter schedule:

The #nevergrey program at The Star embodies a range of experiences on offer for the Sydney sider looking for fun, and the visiting tourist wanting to be dazzled by her (and by 'her', we mean our fair lady Sydney, who always puts it on, no matter the weather) proving Sydney winters are 'never grey' at The Star precinct.

Think: mouth-watering signature dining events from The Star’s celebrity chefs, live entertainment and the best seat in Sydney to watch worldwide sport. I just LOVE dining at The Star... it's a cornucopia of eats, whatever the mood dictates - it's there.

Says The Star’s General Manager of Marketing & Entertainment, Melinda Madigan says, “The Star’s new all-of-property winter offering is unlike any other experience for our guests. With everything from exciting live entertainment, worldwide sports 24x7, divine hotel and spa packages and a sophisticated food and beverage offering including three different ‘hatted’ restaurants and award winning bars, The Star is the ultimate destination to play. Plus, we’re excited to announce the largest cash give-away in the past decade at The Star, with $8 million up for grabs.”

Josie's Juice was guest at the renowned Stefano Manfredi restaurant, Osteria Balla at The Star, Sydney, and it was very bit as luxe as you'd expect, with attention to detail of paramount importance, just as is the Manfredi standard.

Greeted by courteous, efficient staff, a sommelier who truly knew his stuff, and a beautiful menu to please lovers of Italian fare, and devout Italophiles, Osteria Balla is highly recommended as the premium choice at The Star for a pre theatre dinner.

With three guests in tow, two of us ordered from the delicious pre theatre menu, designed to feed you in true Balla style, having you experience the kind of service the Manfredi stable is renowned for, though have you feel not rushed at all (yet expertly moving the night along for you, so you make your show on time). Even the somm was all over it - assisting us with choosing the right wine for our tastes, guiding us a tad, but leaving us to continue to choose what we liked.

Here are the delicious dishes we feasted on:

Pork head terrine with Jerusalem artichokes and mandarin mushrooms

Fresh burrata with marinated mushrooms - before

Kingfish crude with citrus and dried green olives
 
Ravioli of pumpkin and amaretto, braised leek and seeds, 

Pan fried cobra with fennel and sautéed chicory

Wagyu beef cheek with parsnip, watercress and balsamic

Steamed snapper with cavolo nero, pine nuts, sultana and roasted onion broth

Orange tart with almond crunch

Raisin sponge with mascarpone cream and chocolate
A dining experience at Balla is a must when you visit The Star, Sydney. The open kitchen, the best dining view of the sprawling Pyrmont in front of you (I have dined here several times, during daylight, and as the sun goes down, for dinner, and I have loved each experience differently, including the ambience, and of course the on point food, every single time. It's consistent). Top of The Star, Sydney must eat list.

Back onto what's happening at The Star!

June is Wood, Fire & Smoke Month as The Star’s signature restaurants harness the elements to create dishes that are guaranteed to ignite the senses, while July will celebrate Truffle Month showcasing the rare delicacy in exquisite style through delicious degustation menus crafted by The Star’s top chefs. As a keen diner of Italian origin who can smell the distinctive scent of truffles kms away, it's my kinda month.

When Josie's Juice went back to dine post- #NeverGrey launch, it was State of Origin night, and that's what I love most about The Star: there's so much happening on any one night, and you can  take a bite of it all, or be low key and enjoy elements you're keen on. It's up to you how the night unfolds.

As 'Sydney’s Home of Sport', fans have been enjoying the world’s best sporting events of late, including State of Origin, the UEFA Euro 2016 and more.

Lets not forget the luxe accommodation (I always get the urge to just STAY the night, and wake up to a hotel breakfast... they're always more delicious), and a world renowned casino.

For more information on winter play at The Star, visit www.star.com.au/nevergrey 

Throughout June and July, The Star has curated a series of one-off dining events at its own signature restaurants, along with a jam-packed calendar of live entertainment and luxurious hotel and spa packages: 


WINTER DINING & ENTERTAINMENT SERIES
JUNE

(just past) Monday 20 June 
From 7pm

$125 per person / $200 per person with wine/sake pairing. Booking is essential. To book, call 02 9657 9261.

Sokyo Degustation 
Chef Chase Kojima and his team of renowned chefs will each create a unique heritage inspired dish that takes you on a delectable worldly journey guaranteed to leave you wanting more. Be delighted by the expertly curated degustation menu including Malaysian style kingfish sashimi, braised eggplant, fermented bean curd and tofu crumble, and the chocolate cheesecake sandwich with pumpkin ice cream. 


Thursday 23 June 
From 7pm

$75 per person. Booking is essential. To book, call 02 9657 9109.

Dinner with Luke Nguyen 
Take a seat at Fat Noodle and enjoy a feast as Luke Nguyen takes you on a gastronomic journey through East Asia this winter. Luke will serve up sharing platters including cinnamon prawns, Wagyu beef with kaffir lime leaf, Saigon chicken and beef ribs to name a few. 


Sunday 26 June 
From 6.30pm

$185 per person, and $265 with matching champagne. For reservations 
phone 1800 700 700.

Oyster Farmer Dinner at BLACK by ezard
Guests will enjoy a four-course degustation menu created by BLACK by ezard’s executive chef, Dany Karam featuring caviar, fillet Wagyu and a dessert of warm couverture ganache, banana sorbet, hazelnut mousse and cookie crumble. Throughout the evening, roving oyster shuckers will serve Ralston Bros’ signature fresh Waterfall and Heritage oysters that are known for their distinctive and pure flavour.


Thursday 30 June 
From 7.30pm

No cover charge.

Rock with Laughter – Rock Lily 
The comedy night will be hosted by media personality Mikey Robbins and headlined by Australian comedian Elliot Goblet, best known for his character Jack Levi.Support acts include Eric Hutton, Umit and Casey Talbot. Enjoy $6 Tooheys New and Hahn Super Dry, house wines and selected spirits offer from 5pm till midnight. 

JULY

Saturday 9 July 
$21.60

To purchase tickets, visit www.marqueesydney.com


DJ Tigerlily at Marquee
One of Australia’s top female DJ’s will be bringing down the house this July.


Tuesday 12 July 
From 7pm

$95 per person. Booking is essential. To book, call 02 9657 9129.

An Italian Affair 
Join us in a celebration of the chef and the pizzaiolo as Osteria Balla Manfredi’s Gabriele Taddeucci and Pizzaperta’s Gianluca Donzelli combine their skills to create unique dishes from Italy with love. Be impressed by the snapper fillet with spicy lucariello tomato broth and olive cracker, or the focaccia with suckling pig porchetta, white radicchio and mustard. 


Saturday, 16 July
From $21.60.

To purchase tickets, visit www.marqueesydney.com

Havana Nights – Havana Brown at Marquee
Australia’s favourite female DJ hits the decks at Marquee Sydney.



Saturday 30 July 
From $21.60

To purchase tickets, visit www.marqueesydney.com

Joel Fletcher at Marquee
Melbourne producer and DJ will be returning to Marquee with his electrifying sound. 
THROUGHOUT WINTER

8 June – 28 July 
Monday - Thursday



Rates:
The Darling: from $355 per night. Astral Tower & Residences: from $289.


Mid-Week Warmer at The Darling or Astral Tower & Residences

Add a touch of luxury to your winter with a mid-week warmer stay at The Star’s premier accommodation offerings The Darling and Astral Tower & Residences. With a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival, enjoy 20% of signature dining restaurants at The Star, including Sokyo, Osteria Balla Manfredi and BLACK by ezard. Be further pampered at The Darling Spa where all treatments will be 20% off including the Skin Caviar Facial or, for the romantic, the Date Night Couple’s treatment. 

Bookings via https://www.star.com.au/sydney-hotels-and-spa and 1800 700 700. Quote Promo


June & July 

$220 (normally $300)

Winter Skin Saviour Spa Offer
Relax with a 90 minute salt scrub, body wrap, oil full body fusion and massage. 


Ends 7 August

Celebrations
Celebrate with friends with a $99 bottle of Veuve Cliquot at the main gaming floor bars or $12 espresso martinis available at all The Star’s iconic bars

Ends 7 August

Champagne Weekends 
Every weekend is cause for celebration with $135 Champagne Weekends.  Let BLACK by ezard spoil you with champagne when you enjoy a three-course lunch and gorgeous harbour views. 


Ends 7 August

Pillow of Dreams at Pizzaperta’s 
Enjoy Pizzaperta’s ‘Pillow of Dreams’ Nutella pizza & 2 coffees for $20


Ends 7th August

Winter feasts
Brighten up your lunch plans with a Cantonese feast at The Century - $49 for 8 dim sum, 3 lunch dishes and rice.


Ends 7 August

Quickie Express Lunch
For a quick but fulfilling lunch, Osteria Balla Manfredi is offering a $25 express lunch

Menus to each dinner showcase are available upon request. For more information on winter play at The Star, visit www.star.com.au/nevergrey. 

Follow the social media conversation here: @thestarsydney #nevergrey

For more information or enquiries, visit www.star.com.au or call 1800 700 700.

Josie's Juice and her guests were announced to staff at The Star, Sydney, and Osteria Balla, and meals were semi contra.