Real vs Fake: The Classic Pro/Con

There has been much historic debate over whether or not women who can't or wont buy real designer wear should be purchasing fake labels instead.

Of course when considering whether to go real or fake, both options will have the relative pros and cons.

However this doesn't always equivalate to the 'right thing' despite being stacked with pros.

In fact, aside from sometimes not quite fooling the fashion world, the designer knockoffs have only one con to their name (as opposed to the several stand out cons of forking out for designer), but it's a doozy, particularly for avid lovers of the fashion industry - it's illegally taking money away from hard working designers and fashion houses built from scratch.

Anythone who has watched the final few episodes of 'the City' knows the work that both Whitney Port and mentor Kelly Catrone put into Whitney's fashion line.

When you purchase a fakey, you're making all the years of hard work, all the rejection, all the late nights, completely redundant.

A lot of designers say that while getting on their feet is hard work, the reward of seeing people wearing their designs on the street make it all worth it.

Now, with an industry of fakes and imposters, designers see that reward slipping through their fingers and then the work they put in is just that - work.

Think twice next time you go out, whether a fake is really worth destroying our beloved fashion industry for, of if you can do without the label for now - if you can't, you can always do the sensible thing and save!

High Drama, Low

I saw part 2 of The Hills Season five today.
I have to admit, my favourite person in the Hills group is definitely Kristin Cavallari, and I'll tell you why:

Kristin is the ultimate in independent woman without being completely incapable of being soft when the need arises.
She has a fantastic 'Three Strike' dating rule that she sticks to. She gives boys three chances and then they're out, no matter how she feels about them.

One of my more recent posts was about trying not to be a total pushover, and if there's one thing I admire most about Kristin Cavallari, it's the fact that she doesn't take bullsh*t from anybody. She's not afraid of what the other girls think of her, but she's a fiercly loyal friend to the girls who love her back.
Since her Laguna Beach days (Particularly season 2), she's been a favourite of mine for that exact reason. She stood by Jessica's side and fought for her to see sense with Jason, and she made sure no one treated her or her friends like crap.

She's not afraid of the fact that the guys love her, but she has morals. She specifically set up a lunch with Audrina because she was worried about getting into a relationship with Justin 'Bobby' so soon. Of course, classic pushover Audrina didn't go, which started the whole bitch fight with Kristin.

My opinion, for what it's worth, is that Kristin Cavallari isn't the 'bitch' of The Hills. She's the most independent, strong character there, and the only one who can function on a higher-than-pathetic level without a man by her side.

<3

Eclipse: Living up to the Name

Eclipse is my favourite book in the Twilight saga, specifically because of the constant, real action, and the sexual tension that presents itself both in the Jacob, Bella and Edward triangle as well as the fact that Bella and Edward are unable to consumate their relationship because of her fragility.

The film was everything I'd hoped it would be. So closely related to the book in a way the other movies never quite achieved. David Slade outdid the other Directors by far, capturing the darkness and the light of this amazing book series.

Robert Pattinson has been knocked off his high 'hot man' horse by Taylor Lautner who everyone knows, unless they've been living under a rock, plays huffy werewolf Jacob Black.

Taylor and Kristen's chemistry was evident as they danced around Bella's possible feelings for best friend, Jacob.

Non-stop filled with action right from the opening with human, Riley running from our old red-headed friend through the rain, sent hearts pulsing and begging for more.

A brilliantly acted and scripted scene between Billy Burke (Charlie) and Kristen Stewart (Bella) where they broach the 'safe sex' conversation in the most awkward way possible was a characteristic move of the actors, and well-executed.

One newcomer who had much more screen time, and surprised us all was Jackson Rathbone who plays Edward's brother Jasper, mate of cute, overzealous Alice Cullen.
No casting role was done better than that of hiring Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of Directing legend Ron Howard, to play scorned vixen vamp, Victoria.

With incredible chase scenes that were fast paced and well-executed, to tension scenes that had us squirming in our seats, this film was a true victory for Director David Slade and the entire Eclipse Cast.

Overall, the film was incredible, and as I said, the best so far. Don't wait to see it, you'll want a repeat screening.

Enjoy!

Flying the Coop

Sydney is such an amazing city, but finding an apartment there can be about as simple as finding Wally in a candy cane factory.

I've been searching for months for the right apartment - one close to my office, big enough to actually spread my arms out, and safe enough that I don't need to keep a hand gun under my pillow.
You'd think this isn't asking much, but then throw in a limit on the price, and you're searching for a goldmine.
Finally, after months of searching, I found one, last week that's everything I could dream of having to myself. I went with my girlfriend, even finding out the inspection time from the agent, and making the effort to take the time off work to go.

On the morning of the inspection, I stood in a line of 57 people (I counted) and their partners/friends/family, to look at the apartment.

Where have the days gone where the first in was the first served, and everyone else just had to deal with it? I even told the agent I was willing to sign the lease and pay the bond on the spot, and she practically laughed in my face before telling me I had to 'apply like everyone else' and then be chosen to move in to the apartment.

I do love the city of Sydney. The amazing views of the Harbour bridge, the brilliant lights of the happening Circular Quay area, the incredible shopping at places like the Queen Victoria Building...I get giddy just thinking about it!
If only apartment shopping wasn't so difficult in this city.

Needless to say, I'm now the one laughing because I got the apartment, and can I just say - I'm never letting it go...

<3

The To Do List

Do we really need to have things all planned out?

Sometimes in life, I find myself at a crossroads - with so many different options, so many different directions, so many possibilities, that I become overwhelmed.

It's drummed into a lot of us from a young age whether by parents, family, friends or teachers (or a combination), that we finish school, go to University, then get a good job, get married, have kids etc, etc.

But what if it's not that simple?
So many opportunities are presented to us these days that it doesn't seem to be as easy as checking tasks off your life's 'To Do List'.
We have so many things we can pursue in our lives these days provided we have the will power, enthusiasm and attitude to succeed.
We can write a book and get it published, we can start our own business, we can travel, change careers, Volunteer in a third world country, and direct our own film all in the space of a couple of years, let alone an entire lifetime.

With the age of retirement increasing, and the opportunity to change careers as many times as take our fancy, not to mention the fact that 60 is the new 50 and 50 is the new 40, we've added ten years to the time we have to accomplish things.
In adding these ten years, our list of things we'd like to accomplish is growing, constantly adding goals that are out of the ordinary.

I have a friend who's desperate to learn to fly a plane for no other reason than the fact that it's something she's interested in. This deviation from 'the plan' has her grandmother questioning her sanity, and whenever I'm over there she's always asking my friend how she thinks learning to fly a plane will help her find a husband or raise a child.
My friend is yet to tell her poor grandmother that she doesn't want children.

I love the fact that we're suddenly so free to pursue any lifestyle we want. We can change our lives at the drop of a hat. Go and live in New York City, write a bestseller, create a clothing label and hold fashion shows, open our own business and claw our way to the top of a shoe company, all because it's what we want, rather than what society expects of us.

We should embrace and chase these goals with our whole heart and soul, because if we were this age thirty years ago, we'd be frowned upon. For me, I can't help but be happy that my little Life To Do List includes publishing a book or two and living in New York City! :)

<3

The People Pleaser

Does it affect our happiness to be constantly trying to please other people rather than trying to please ourselves?

For most of my life I have been a 'people pleaser', able to please multitudes of people in a single bound. But at what cost? I have to admit that pleasing others, while highly rewarding at times, can also have moments that cost me guilt ridden nights of no sleep, lying awake worrying about what other people think of me.
This worrying, this guilt that broils inside me until I can't sleep at night drives me crazy, and eventually it can ruin my whole week to the point that my mum can get worried about me.

How does one avoid this anxiety about what other people think. Oh to be the kind of girl who just thinks 'screw you'. While this isn't always a good quality, in some circumstances it would definitely be beneficial to a people pleaser like me.

Since I finished up University, I think it's gotten better. I'm no longer basing my validity in life by the marks I receive in assignments or essays, and I'm no longer basing the happiness of my week on a good exam mark. But when it comes to friendships, I'm still stuck in people-pleasing mania, and the anxiety of it all is killing me.

No offence intended here, but we're adults, or close to - we all understand how hard it is to make it in this world, and when you're a freelance journalist who works in the bar on the weekend, and babysitting three kids during the week and studying at night while trying to fit in sleep, friends, family and love...it can become just a little too much, just sometimes.
Why can't we all just understand that and accept an apt apology laid before us?

One thing's for sure, I'm fairly certain it's time to stop people-pleasing my way into push-over land, and start standing up for myself. I work hard, and I'm a good person.

Women, as I touched on in my previous post, have it tough at times - mothers, workers (sometimes the soul bread-winner in a family), domestic goddesses, and sometimes, mistake makers.
We're all in the same boat, so why don't we sometimes just give each other (and ourselves) a break?

<3

Throes and Woes

I have realised, probably prematurely, that I'm not at all cut out for motherhood.

Maybe in a decade or so, but definitely not as of the moment or any time relatively soon.
I've been working four days a week as a nanny to regain the cashflow and I'm caring for three boys under the age of five.
Can I just ask how you mothers do it?? I had no idea how difficult it was to have three little people constantly strapped to you having to constantly give them attention, care for them, clean up after them, entertain them.
I'm actually afraid for my future - I don't want to be one of those women who never wants to have kids, but this has really given me perspective on the kind of emotional maturity and selflessness you mother's really need.

For starters, I have to admit, I'm much to self-centred for children right now, and I don't see myself changing in the near future. I hate comitting to things that are going to trap me in to some kind of arse-numbing routine. I can't deal with vomit or pooey nappies, not to mention three a day, and I say far too many rude words (like bum, crap and damn - who knew they were taboo around three year olds?) to be considered mother-material.
Not to mention I'm consistantly ten minutes late to everything.
I like spending money on me - my clothes, my shoes, my makeup, my DVDs, my entertainment...sometimes I buy presents for friends and family, but with kids it's constant outpouring of money, and I'm sure if I'd have understood that when I was younger, I would have been constantly appologising to my parents and offering to get a full time job at ten.

I just have to give a shout out to all the mothers (and fathers/carers/godparents) who do it on a daily basis and experience the numbing fact that it just never turns off. It's 24/7!!

You have my respect, for whatever it's worth, and you should be proud of yourselves. Adults can be life changers in children's lives - I know my parents made who I am - and in my humble opinion, a wonderful child is a wonderful compliment to your patience, kindness and selflessness.

<3

Generation Technology

I lost my phone yesterday.

The six hours that followed before I found it wedged down the side of my passenger car seat were the longest and most anxiety-filled of my life.

There's been so many blogs, so many articles, so many television episodes and news headlines devoted to the damages of technology, the future of the tech-generation, and how new technology is ruining our social lives.
Will the speculating, debating and panic for lost childhood ever give way to excitement and intrigue about the future of the world and the advances this technology can provide?

I could go on and on about how technology advances medical miracles such as the new cervical cancer injections, but I'm almost positive that no one doubts that technology is good for that side of things, and I'm hopeful that none of the readers are dumb enough to be anti-medical advancement.
No, I'm proposing getting excited about the future for us, plain and simple. It's selfish, but it's a topic that's been less explored than the medical and health advancement benefits of new technology.
Rupert Murdoch spoke in a series of lectures on the ABC called the Boyer Lectures in 2008, where he publicly announced that newspapers were dying. He also said that he was excited about the future of journalism because of all the untapped potential of publishing online.

Reading his lectures really inspired me to be excited about the future of technology, and where it will take us. The challenge presented to journalists, hell, everyone, to adapt to this new technology and really own it is exciting.
Murdoch suggests that instead of worrying that we'll be out of a job, we should be chanelling our energy into learning to embrace the new wave of advancement and use it to our advantage whether that's climbing our chosen career ladder or doing the housework, we need to be aware of new technology and force ourselve to become acquainted with it, because we'll get left behind by upcoming generations who will master this technology, and where will that leave us?

So the next time a debate comes up about the nasties of tech-advancement, take some time out to think about whether it's ALL bad, or if there might just be some positives in there as well, because it might just save your job (or life!)

<3

Up To Your Knees

Knee High Boots.

I think I'm in love. I was looking at founder and designer of Peep Toe Shoes, Nikki Hager's blog just last week, and she talked about how her favourite trends right now are knee high boots. Of course, I went out to Peep Toe Shoes immediately and bought myself a pair (see right).

They could very well be hooker boots unless you pair them with classy accessories and good quality clothing (and try to wear tights rather than a super short skirt).

I just thought I'd share this amazing purchase with you =D

Love, Me

Boots $499 from Peep Toe Shoes or go online at http://www.peeptoeshoes.com.au/item/miss-highness--black

Three Times A Lady

On weekends, I work in a nightclub serving drinks at the bar. It's a great job, and I absolutely love it - I work with amazing people, get to laugh and joke around all night, and I have an awesome manager.
One thing that I've started noticing in the nightclub I work at, and indeed, at many clubs and pubs across the state, is that the fighting and arrests have increased - NSW state police statistics show that they've nearly doubled in the past couple of years.

It wouldn't shock me that much, to be honest - guys have a tendency of getting over protective of their ladies when intoxicated, particularly around other intoxicated guys, not to mention the fact that they can be totally territorial.
Then I noticed an interesting little fact - the escalating violence statistics point the finger straight at the girls as being the ones who start fights...with each other.

And indeed, it is something I've begun to notice at the club I work at. Every Saturday night the girls get glammed (or trashed) up, hit the club with their friends or their boyfriends, and end up in a hair-pulling punch up that generally ends a lot worse than the guy fights.

So where's all this female generated violence coming from?
In an age where women have more power than ever (they're becoming the more powerful sex for that matter), and more independence and freedom to be whoever they want to be, are they beginning to think they're invincible.
Some girls are taking the independent 'screw you' attitude a little too far, and are beginning to take it out on each other in aggressive ways rather than focusing their energies and confidence in their career or studies.

Where do we draw the line between fiery, independent women and violent, hair-pulling bitches?

I have to admit, that while I love where feminism is taking women these days - empowering careers, financial, romantic and sexual independence and political power - I do think that women shouldn't forget the fundamental social rules for being in public.
Remember what you were taught as a child, girls - we don't steal, we don't pull other people's hair, we don't spit and we don't cuss like a sewer explosion - not because we want to impress guys, but because we have more self respect than that, right?

<3 Me

Twisting the Knife

I just found out my ex boyfriend is engaged.

Now, because I previously ranted about age, I'll look over the fact that he's only 22, because quite honestly, age isn't really an issue in relationships.

I guess I'm happy for him, but it's one of those things that's difficult to take in. I mean, only a few months ago, we were canoodling on the lounge, with cutesy names for one another and sharing romantic dates in restaurants where we were the only two people in there.

Of course, it's so wonderful that he's found someone he wants to spend the rest of his life with, and whether it works out or not, I know this girl is something special to him which is so good.

Personally, I've never felt the desire to commit to forever with any previous boyfriends, and truthfully, I'm looking forward to feeling it...one day. But definitely not for a good few years, if not more.

But it's got me thinking about different life stages we go through, and the age each individual experiences it at. There's so many life paths we can take these days - travel, marriage, kids (not always in that order, and often one without the other), love, careers, horrific heartbreak both romantically and just in life as a generalisation.

It reinforces my incredulous discovery that *gasp* people are different.

I recently read this fantastic article in this month's Cosmopolitan magazine which compared women of the same age but at different life stages. It really showed me that there's no longer a 'socially acceptable' life path the follow. We no longer have to graduate high school, go to university or get a job, get married, have kids and then retire.

Life is no longer so black and white - it's covered with all different shades of grey, and quite frankly, these shades of grey are making me more excited about life than ever.

What usually freaks me out - so many life choice options tends to give me the fear that lack of direction could lead to possible failure - is now making me feel free to make the choices without worrying that if it doesn't work out, I've ruined my life forever.

I'm intrigued - what began as a heartbreaking moment that came with the realisation that my ex-boyfriend is engaged to his new girlfriend, has turned into a major positive outlook for me.

He should devestate me more often...

<3>

Open Season On Sex

I went back to High School today.

Not to learn - I was there to pick up an academic reference for my portfolio. Not the point.
I happened to be there during Lunchtime, and while I walked from my car across the field to the office, I saw a group of little girls sitting around in a circle in their little school dresses, hair done up in a 'pony-with-a-bow' in school colours that could only indicate they were in the seventh grade, at best the eighth. I walked straight past the group and overheard the following conversation:

Girl 1: "The guy I'm sleeping with now is [I]nothing[/I] like my first. He's way more experienced."
Girl 2: "Is this that guy you left Keisha's party with last week?"
Girl 1: "Yeah - he's way older but he knows what he's doing down there."

I didn't stick around long enough to hear the rest of the conversation - quite frankly I'd heard enough to make me want to run from the school campus screaming.
There's a group on Facebook that my friend joined last month called 'When I was your age I was losing my tooth, not my virginity', and while I'm not a Facebook-group-joiner, I felt the creator had a jolly good point.

I'm definitely no prude when it comes to sex, but I have to admit that the idea of these little thirteen year old girls not only losing their virginity, but 'sleeping around' made me feel ill. I have to wonder where it's all coming from.
Are our attitudes toward sex now so blaze that youngsters are taking it as a cue to start having sex at a younger age?

It gets me looking toward shows such as Gossip Girl and Sex and the City - I adore these shows, but then again, I'm in my 20's and not still just starting High School and waiting for normal body parts to arrive. It freaks me out that a thirteen year old kid with a flat chest and a chemistry assignment due on monday is talking about their sex life like Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha talk over brunch.

Actually, it reminds me of that Kat Dennings episode where she played teenage fame whore Jenny Briar who hired Samantha to do the PR on her party. Teenage girls are literally turning into thirty-something wannabes, and not just because of the 'glamourous' life it presents to a high school teen either. They're learning sex moves from the Karma Sutra, and reading Cosmopolitan's latest story on 'How to Help Him Find Your G-Spot' and 'Ten Ways to Make Him Come'.

When does it stop being educational and start being a loss of innocence?

<3 Me

Fashion.Love.Life - The Beginning

I have a favourite quote from Sex And the City - It's said by Carrie:

"When I first moved to New York and had no money, sometimes I'd buy Vogue instead of dinner...I felt it fed me more."
Every single time I watch that episode, I can't help but feel a surge of pride shared by many women all over the world as I imagine a young Carrie Bradshaw sitting alone in a cold apartment with minimal furniture getting a buzz only a fashion magazine could give a fashion-crazy girl.

Welcome to my Blog - Fashion.Love.Life. It is what it says - some articles, thoughts, friend's and professionals' input on all topics surrounding fashion, relationships/friendships and life questions including some health and beauty tips and thoughts.
I'm not saying I'm all-knowing about all or any of these topics, but I'm going to have a lot of help and input from friends, family, professionals and people off the street, and really, I'm not any kind of expert, so I wont act like it.
What I'd like is to share my inspirations, my experiences and my thoughts on subject matters that are important to me, and may or may not be important to you.

I hope you enjoy it, I'll be updating the blog at least once a week, sometimes more, and I'm excited to hear feedback and have contact with readers!

Enjoy!

<3 Me