Ink and Leather

T’was the first of Movember...

2011-11-01T20:34:00.001+11:00

Movember 2011 started today ladies and gentleman, and once again I will be attempting to grow myself some semblance of an moustache, while raising money for the Movember charity. You can donate and support my Mo’s progress be clicking here, or by following the link in the toolbar, and following the instructions.

I have notoriously weak facial hair. My Scandinavian blood on my father’s side dictates that I’m about as hirsute as a Ken doll, and lucky to have the hair that I do! I like taking part in this fund-raiser because it deals with issues I’m personally familiar with in an entertaining way, and above all else it represents a real challenge to me. In the several years I’ve been taking part, I don’t think I’ve ever actually managed to grow what you could classify as a Moustache, and I always wind up looking like one of those 15 year-old kids you see at the mall, who is clearly pretty fucking pleased with the fact he’s got hair on his upper lip... Never mind the fact that it looks like shit; he feels like a man now, and he is going to let that sad little lip-garden sit there and gain notoriety.

God! Puberty, aren’t we all glad that bullshit is behind us?

So, once again, I’m taking part in Movember and I’m not taking it too seriously. I’d love you to sponsor me in my endeavours to see if I can out do myself and grow something that actually looks like a moustache, and the worthy causes that I’ll be supporting by association. I’m setting myself a goal of $300, but really, any money raised is better than none.

Today’s ensemble was:
checked Herringbone Tweed Blazer – a thrifted gift from my mum
blue and white checked Shirt with French cuffs – T.M. Lewin, thrifted
navy silk Tie with embroidered boots and saddles – thrifted
goldtone Cuff Links and Tie Clip – gifted from my other mother
brown leather Belt – Country Road
bootcut Jeans in ‘Grant’ style – Lee, from eBay
brown laser-cut Leather Shoes – Raphael Steffens, from Carmen Steffen’s boutique

After the Wedding:

2011-10-26T21:28:00.000+11:00

So as I mentioned, I was away this weekend at a friend's wedding in Sydney. The weather could not have been better, with balmy days and cool evenings, and while we stayed in an unfamiliar area of Sydney and I didn't get to haunt Chinatown like the Gui Lao I am, I still had a really nice time

You may have caught me whinging on Twitter about the fact that I had nothing to wear to the wedding because I'm too fat for all my Suits now. Well, here is the ensemble I wore to the wedding, featuring a purpose-purchased new suit:
new two-piece light grey Merino Suit - Oxford
blue and white fine-striped Shirt - T.M Lewin, eBay
black leather Belt - Raphael Steffens from Carmen Steffens boutique
black leather Loafers with buckle detail - Raphael Steffens
black leather fold over Clutch - thrifted
crystal embellished Octopus Ring - Etsy

Xx

Weekend Away:

2011-10-22T08:09:00.000+11:00

The Boyfriend and I are off to Sydney today for a wedding tomorrow afternoon.

We're staying somewhere on the North Shore, and I am harbouring hopes that we may be able to make it to Adriano Zumbo's Manly Patisserie, though most likely we just won't have time. It's a very short and sweet trip, and while we have Monday off work, we've got a post wedding BBQ to attend before rushing home in time for work on Tuesday! I'll be posting about all the excitement of the weekend and of course, the fashions from the wedding, on Monday evening.

Until Monday, have an amazing weekend everyone, and be sure to check out and comment on my previous post 'Philosophically Speaking', if you haven't yet already.

Xx

Philosophically Speaking:

2011-10-20T22:49:00.000+11:00

I have been thinking a lot about Fashion lately, well, for the past couple of years really, and it strikes me that if I am doing all this thinking, I might as well put it into the Blog and see if I can generate some sort of discussion. You see, I like talking about things – I like exploring and learning about them, and pulling them apart and learning about what makes them tick and seeing if I can put them back together in another way. Fashion, to me, is endlessly open to this sort of thing. So, until my Blog turns 4 in 2012, I’m going to post regular discussion topic here at Ink & Leather, to try and get people talking about these things with me.

I love clothes and magazines and dressing up and taking photos of myself, but I am not delusional. At best I believe that I have a functioning sense of style that enables me to generally make sure that I am not getting about looking like I’m colour blind or vision impaired. However, I also have a rather bizarre sense of what looks good, and I don’t generally agree with a lot of what I see coming down the catwalk. I’m also prone to making blanket statements and refusing to budge when I’ve made up my mind about something. This combination of factors can make for really interesting conversation, or really tedious arguments and sometimes openly offensive comments.

Come what may, I can promise you lively debate regarding a whole slew of Fashion-centric topics.

I have taken a somewhat lofty liberty in naming this segment Philosophically Speaking. I am not claiming to know a great deal about Philosophy, modern or present, and I am certainly not saying that I am a philosopher! The logic behind the name is that I want the segment to be about getting us all talking about fashion in a more lofty sort of way, focusing less on immediate circumstances or trying to fix or change something, and instead looking at ideas and thoughts and feelings about fashion. Basically, I want us to take a step back from taking fashion so bloody seriously, and to enjoy it a little more.

To start us off, I thought I’d share some of my more controversial* thoughts and theories about Fashion in general, to get this party started and encourage a dialogue, so here we go...I don’t understand why a lot of apparently fashionable people are considered to be so. Kanye West? Alexa Chung? I just don’t get it.I think that there are ethically sound ways of wearing fur and leather.I am a closeted Bogan and I live in my Ug Boots 70% of the year.

Discuss!

Xx

*I am aware that saying my own thoughts are controversial is incredibly gauche, but I spent 30 minutes working on that sentence and in the end I decided “Fuck it! This Blog was built on self-indulgence!”

Ink & Leather loves Lady Melbourne:

2011-10-19T20:07:00.000+11:00

I'd like to dedicate today's post to congratulating the delightful and amazing Lady Melbourne on her upcoming 1000th Blog post! What an awesome achievement. I know she is celebrating tonight in Melbourne (and I cannot wait to see the pics), but I wanted to do a little something here on my Blog to pay homage to Lady M, and I guess to say thank you for having been such a wonderful influence on myself and so many other Bloggers just starting out.

I remember the first time I met Phoebe, we were at a Nuffnang hosted Bloggers meet up at Federation square, and I remember being all awkward and stuff because I was (and still am) this giant dork from Canberra with a pretty confused personal style Blog, and Phoebe made a point of coming over and introducing herself and having a chat to me about my Blog... I felt like I was meeting this enormous celebrity. And I was. I'd always been a fan of her Blog, but I guess I just sort of never imagined I'd meet her.

I've always looked up to you Lady M, and I'm so grateful you're out there, kicking arse and taking names and all the while embodying everything it means to be a Lady! Congratulations on 1,000 Posts, and here's to an equally successful 1,000 more!

Today I was wearing:
navy blue new wool Blazer with brass detailing - Hugo Boss, thrifted
light blue Oxford Shirt - Polo Ralph Lauren, thrifted
hand carved bone skull beaded Prayer Necklace - Etsy
brown leather Belt - Country Road
dirty wash bootcut Jeans - LRG, via Karmaloop.com
laser-cut brown leather Shoes - Raphael Steffens, from Carmen Steffens boutique

After the Storm:

2011-10-18T21:18:00.000+11:00

After yesterday's freak out and the resulting crazy, today I felt a lot better off, and much more in control of things. I had a productive day at work, managed to pull this ensemble together, and in the afternoon received a call asking me to attend an interview next week. It was a huge turn around from the day before!

Today I decided to wear:
thin black cotton V-neck - Fluxus, purchased in Melbourne
grey collared Tank - MunkeyBusiness, Newtown Sydney
two piece 'Fragments' Ring - Drown
black leather Belt - Jag
light wash bootcut Jeans - Industrie, thrifted
black leather Chelsea Boots - Country Road

I love this Ring/s, which had to be custom made in my size. As soon as I saw them I knew I had to buy them, and the delightful Alicia was very accommodating in creating this piece for me. I love how it looks different from different angles - sometimes the shards seem to disappear all together, and sometimes the look almost opaque. The only thing that could have made the whole look better today was one of the matching necklaces... I'll have to see how I'm faring next payday I believe!

Springtime in Canberra:

2011-10-17T21:02:00.001+11:00

It is starting to feel a lot like Spring here in Canberra, which for most means a buzzing sense of joy that, very soon, Summer will be here. Not so for yours truly. I abhor the heat, being in the sun, and perspiration. For me the Australian Summer is an exercise in how best to struggle through without being reduced to a blithering, drenched puddle of hysterics. It rarely works out in my favour. As the season is changing, however, I decided to make the most of it and brought out this exceptionally light-weight 80's Blazer that I thrifted from the women's section (I have since removed the colossal shoulder pads!).

Today I'm wearing:

taupe poly-cotton Blazer with cross-hatching detail - thrifted, Salvos Queenbyane

grey marle T-shirt - Calvin Klein Jeans

religious medals Necklace - Made by Me

striped canvas Belt - Country Road

dirty-wash bootcut Jeans - LRG from Karmaloop

suede driving Loafers - Raphael Steffens from Carmen Steffens boutique

I had a fairly unpleasant start to the morning, when I learned that I did not get a job that I applied for. It would have been a fantastic position, but clearly they were looking for something else. Turns out, I really was as well. After a mild breakdown and an hour of vicious scribbling in my note book, I came to a decision: I want to go and study fashion design, and I've been lying to myself about this for some reason. So,I called the bank, shuffled some money around, and I'm putting in an application as I type this now.

Wish me luck...

Simple Simon:

2011-10-14T20:22:00.000+11:00

I was planning on rushing off at lunch today to DFO to see if I could trad down an affordable Suit of competent quality to wear to this wedding next weekend, and as such I decided to dress with trying on clothes in mind. The fact that I decided that I really couldn’t be bothered and that I would attempt to find something suitable over the weekend is really neither here nor there: the ensemble itself was comfortable and effortless and saw me through the day without mishap.

Today I’m wearing:
off-white cotton long-sleeved Top – Country Road
black leather Belt – Jag
dark-wash bootcut Jeans – Diesel, from Cowboys and Angels
black leather Boots – Country Road

I'm really thankful that the weekend is finally here, though to be honest, I really have packed too much into this weekend already. Tomorrow morning I will wake up and bake pork and apple sausage rolls and pumpkin and fetta mini quiches, I'll then shower, dress and get ready from Sewing Class. I'll then drive to class with my baking, have class for two hours, and then drive to the lake for a Hen's Picnic with my girlfriends from work. Then I'll drive home, have a shower, and bake a tray of canneloni to take to a party with the boyfriend's friends in the evening. Sunday sees us at a two-hour gourmet food talk and lunch, followed by frantic shopping for a suit to wear to the wedding next weekend. I'm exhausted already!

Shame Dressing:

2011-10-12T21:39:00.000+11:00

This morning, after I dressed for work, I looked in the mirror and realised that after the horror I subjected myself to this Monday evening past, I am very-much Shame Dressing.

Today’s Shame Dressing ensemble is:
cotton knit scoop-neck Hoodie – ASOS
charcoal and red striped Singlet – Chronicles of Never, thrifted in Melbourne
black leather Belt – Jag
lightly distressed bootcut Jeans – Armani Jeans Exchange, thrifted in Sydney
black leather Belt – Country Road

You see, I have a wedding to go to on Sunday October 23 in Sydney, and I had this whole Spring Wedding ensemble planned out in my head...
I’d wear my taupe cotton Suit with its very fine pin striping, brown leather Shoes and Belt that had been freshly polished, and a really deep blue Shirt and pocket Square. My hair would be slicked back classically with pomade, and the one accessory that would stray from this almost uniformed look would be my python Clutch...
And then, like a complete idiot, I decided to try the suit on...

Of course, you’ve no-doubt guessed that the Suit no longer fits me, a trademark of my sedentary lifestyle and propensity for devouring fine foods. In a panic I reached for a more flamboyant combination of mushroom pink velvet and sleek black cotton; which also didn’t fit. After moments more of grunting and straining and generally sounding I like was assaulting my own clothing sexually, I was forced to admit that I no longer own a single Suit that fits me well enough to be seen in public in. I mean, I can squeeze myself into three of the six Suits I own – but they’re anything but flattering. The taupe, for example, is pulled so tight across my crotch because of my ghetto-booty, that I wind up looking like I’m sporting an exceptionally awkward boner AT ALL TIMES!

I do not relish having to explain to the other guests that, no, actually I am not aroused, I am in fact just fat.

So I’m Shame Dressing right now – wearing my old-faithful Jeans that always look flattering, and a selection of Hoodies and Henleys that generally manage to hide my gut. Because like the act of Shame Eating, Shame Dressing is all about acknowledging the fact you’re unhappy with your body, and then burying the same you feel under a mountain of things that make you feel good about yourself.

Xx

The Planned Wardrobe:

2011-10-11T21:25:00.000+11:00

It's anal retentive in the extreme, and more than a little creepy, but I plan my ensembles a week ahead, sometimes more. I have come to realise that when I decide what I am going to wear in the spur of the moment, I usually wind up looking like I've gone to my wardrobe, picked several items at random, thrown them in the air, and then put them on in the order that I caught them. And while I know that this seems to be a look popular amongst the kids today (anyone been to a music festival recently? WTF?), it doesn't really translate well into my wardrobe.

The problem is exacerbated when I travel too. I cannot tell you how many times I've arrived at my destination, unpacked, and then realised none of the clothes I've packed work together at all, and even worse, all fail to suit the weather or the purpose of the trip.

As such, planning what I am going to wear in advance has really been of great benefit for me. I've been writing out ensemble plans for a little while now, but more recently I've started sketching them out, with the help of a recently acquired Fashionary. The book is supposed to be to help designers with collections and the likes, but I am finding it invaluable for this purpose.

Above are the ensembles I've drawn and worn over the past four weeks, with the exception of Sundays, which in all honesty are usually Sweat pants and Singlets days at home. I am noticing interesting things about my wardrobe and sense of style from recording what I wear in this way as well. For example - it's now clear to me that about 60-70% of my wardrobe is in tones of Blue to Black. I'm going to keep this up for the foreseeable future, and may even invest in the larger Fashionary A4 for the purpose. If you haven't already, you should check the Fashionary site out.

Like it is in the Comics:

2011-10-05T19:35:00.000+11:00

I have been in love with the idea of Superman’s ‘Fortress of Solitude’ ever since I first saw Byran Singer’s treatment of it in the 2006 film Superman Returns. The film is generally amazing, but the beautiful crystalline structures of Superman’s home away from the rest of the world left me craving my very own ice palace.

So when I saw this piece on Etsy, I just knew I had to have it.

The simplicity of the design itself matches beautifully with the rawness of the quartz crystals used in the construction, without detracting from their natural beauty or recontextualising them too thoroughly. And, for those with a bit of imagination, it should evoke the Fortress of Solitude inherently...

To best showcase the necklace I’m wearing:
black lambs leather Jacket – Claieborne by John Bartlett
black v-neck long-sleeved Top – Fluxus
white cotton Tank with ‘Poppy’ print – Alpha60
silver and quartz crystal ‘Fortress of Solitude’ Necklace – Girl Tuesday, Etsy
black leather Belt – Jag
light wash Bootcut Jeans – Industrie, thrifted
beaten up black leather Harness Boots – Slaters

It is very easy to start to feel overwhelmed and buried at work when you have some 2,500 colleagues in your building alone, generally dressing and talking and acting alike. I find that I try to exert my individuality generally through the way that I dress, as I have done for years now. Having my very own crystalline fortress hanging about my neck though, that is assurance and a cool, safe retreat from the masses, and it is worth its weight in gold.

Xx

Heart on my Lapel:

2011-10-04T22:37:00.000+11:00

We've just finished a long weekend here in the ACT, and we have another coming this weekend. The season of Spring is well and truly upon us: the flowers are in bloom, the grass is green, and the weather is as changeable as always. Morning frost, clear blue cloudless day, freezing night ending in thunder and lightning... It makes for somewhat perilous dressing. This Top was a great find, because it's a breathable cotton, that is warm when layered with something like a Jacket, but quite cool when it is on it's own. It also trumps the usual Business Shirt I'd don.

Today's ensemble consists of:
charcoal pinstriped Suit Jacket - Thrifted, Vinnies Dickson
pink plastic heart Badge - Pure Vintage, Etsy
mildly-sheer cream long-sleeved Top - Country Road
black leather Belt - Jag
dull black skinny Jeans with zipper detail - ASOS Black
black leather Chelsea Boots - Country Road

When I arrived home today I found an exciting parcel waiting for me from a recent Etsy splurge, which I'm going to wear tomorrow to show you. I'm so excited. This Blog has been suffering neglect for a while now, but as Spring has sprung, I am feeling more and more inclined to indulge in my wardrobe and to enjoy my clothes. Things are starting to take shape in the house, and we seem to be finding a right place for most things now, which is really nice. I have some leave coming up in November, the majority of which I basically intend to spend nesting. I'm planning on doing a post about the new house too, if anyone is interested? And I have a few other projects up my sleeves as well.

Xx

Mullet Monday:

2011-09-12T20:05:00.000+10:00

I’ve been thinking a lot about dressing for work lately, and what is and is not appropriate attire for the office.

I’ll readily admit that for someone who likes to think of himself as Fashion Forward, I have a pretty lazy mentality when it comes to dressing for work, and this often sees me falling on tried and tested ensembles, and rarely putting much bother into how I dress for work at all. Lately, this has been really annoying me about myself.

I have been trying to find a balance between the corporate douchery inherent with being a public servant that sees an individual walking into a store like Oxford or Cue and buying head-to-toe looks – and the equally offensive attire that the older public servant gets about in when they have stopped caring what anyone thinks about them and are waiting out retirement. I usually look as though I belong to the latter category, or even like *shudder* an IT support guy.

So, I’m changing things up.

For example, today I thought I’d make the effort and don the Business Shirt, Blazer and Tie – but I’ve kept the Jeans of my more slovenly look. I have come to realise that I really hate Slacks: they’re uncomfortable, unflattering and a bugger to keep looking nice. I’ve decided that this is going to be my new style of dress for work – I guess it’s sort of the Mullet of office attire. Business up top, party underneath.

The ensemble consists of:
navy wool Blazer – Hugo Boss, thrifted
pink and white checked Shirt – T.M Lewin, thrifted
navy silk pin dot Tie – John and Lois, thrifted
gold tone Cufflinks and Tiebar – gifted from my other mother
black leather Belt – Jag
dirty washed Bootcut Jeans – LRG from Karamloop
black leather Chelsea Boots – Country Road

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Mullet of office attire, and how you tackle the hurdle of dressing for work.

Xx

Since I've Been Gone:

2011-09-11T15:11:00.000+10:00

A lot of shit in my life has changed since I last posted here...

I’ve moved positions at work, and while I am happy with the area that I am working on now, I have gone and applied for an amazing position that I think I would be perfect for in a very different area of the Department. I’ll tell you more about it if I’m lucky enough to get an interview, but suffice to say it would be a huge change of pace and environment!

I’d stopped enjoying fashion when I last posted, and I've spent the ensuing two months umming and ahhing about what I want to do with my life, generally getting around in Jeans and T-shirt combinations and not really caring how I looked. The more I focused on fashion being a career for me the less fun it was and the more I wanted out. So, I’ve pushed that career path aside for the foreseeable future.

I’m writing again, and looking at potentially returning to study in 2012. The stuff that I am writing is only short stories for now, and I'm thinking of entering a few local competitions and working on a few ideas for novels. It’s creative, it feels right, and in the past I’ve been told I’m good at it. I’m hoping to share some writing with you in the future too.

And, the cherry on top of the cake, is that the boyfriend and I have taken a plunge and moved in together. This is the third week I’ve been living in a new suburb, a new house, and a new world. We’re still very much settling in and trying to find room for our combined stuff, but already it feels like home, and I couldn’t be happier.

So – that’s what you’ve missed. I’m excited to be Blogging again and to have all these crazy things going on in my life that make me happy and excited. If you’re still reading, thank you for waiting for me. If you’re new here, welcome. And if you’ve lost interest or moved on I completely understand. I’m not really sure what the future holds for Ink & Leather, but I intend to find out, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride.

Xx

Reinventing Ink & Leather

2011-07-02T17:55:00.000+10:00

My Blog turns three years old today, not so much with a bang, but not with a whimper either. Instead, I thought I'd tell you all a little story. It's about you as much as it is about me, and I hope you enjoy it. Xx

The needle buzzing against my skin, it’s sharp tip tearing at my membrane as it traces the carbon-copied design, the burst of dark ink mingling with my blood and pooling where metal meets flesh before the latex-gloved hand swoops in to wipe it away with a soiled square of paper towel.
I focus on these things while I try not to make the slightest of movements in the chair. The familiar, shaggy head of my tattooist is bent close to my arm and while I know he cannot see my left hand digging its nails into the vinyl upholstered chair – I know that he knows. This piece is my eighth, or possibly my seventh – another piece in the puzzle I’m making of both of my arms. The provenance of the design is, for now, unimportant. If you really want to know what the story is you can ask me, and perhaps over a beer, if I like you well enough, I will tell you. But for now all you need to know is that I am sitting in this chair with needles and ink being forced into my skin, trying to go to some sort of zen ‘happy place’ in my head and not remark about how much it burns; and all the while I am thinking of you.
The needle skitters across a particularly tender slip of skin and I inhale very suddenly, still able to be surprised by the pain even after two hours in the chair. The tattooist looks up, offers me a wry smile as if to apologise, and then stops what he is doing, placing the gun on the small table and wiping my arm down. He tells me he needs to take a break, though I know he’s mostly suggesting a break for my sake. I am grateful. I stand, holding my arm out from my body slightly in much the same way that a bird would nurse a broken wing, and I stretch. The tattooist goes to have a cigarette out the front of the shop.

You don’t know it, but you are here with me even now. I view this whole experience, and most other experiences, through the scope of your eyes. How will I tell you about this day? What images will I make for you? In what font will I draw you this picture?

Will you comment?

For three years now I have been telling this story to you, my inestimable audience of potential hundreds, or none. For three years I have been detailing events in my life by capturing the ensembles that I wear and sharing them with you, hoping that you will approve, or disapprove, or even blatantly hate what I have put together. I admit that I crave your attentions, enjoy this spotlight, am little vain: I’ve come to realise lately that there is no point in lying to you. I have lied to you. I tell you that my periods of silence are over, and that I’ll be back to talking to you soon, only to delve head-long into yet another eight-week period of voicelessness. I could tell you that I’ve made a decision to make this a thing of the past, that I’m rededicating myself to sharing my every day with you. It would probably sound a lie, worse still, a lie that you’ve heard before.

My tattooist returns from his break in a cloud of smoke, and sets about getting himself ready to continue.

I look over at the small table covered in thimble-sized wells of ink in different hues, stuck to the plastic sheeting with Vaseline and standing amongst the general chaos of this tattooing adventure. A plastic cup of murky ink and blood stained water, a pile of different needles used in this session, two previously shed black latex gloves.

As I return to the seat and my tattooist snaps on a fresh pair of gloves I think to myself that this year will be different, regardless of what I have said in the past. I rest my head against the tall back of the chair and take a deep, eddying breath before closing my eyes and waiting for the drone of the needle.

“Ready?”

Change is afoot:

2011-05-24T23:00:00.000+10:00

It's amazing how after a simple exchange with someone you love, things that have been intangible and buzzing about in your skull can crystallise in a second. You call your mother and then realise you need to apply for that job. After a chat with your dad you know that actually, you're meant to be brunette right now. Your sister texts you and then you book yourself tickets to see a concert. Your best friend talks at you while you make dinner, and the next day you start looking at schools in other cities...

Or, like I did today, after a few emails back and forward with your boyfriend, you realise that you're not happy with something that has been a relatively huge part of your life for almost three years now. You decide that it doesn't have to be this way, and you make a list of Pros and Cons. This list turns into a further two lists of related material and soon you realise that you're actually planning on doing something about it.

Change is afoot here at Ink & Leather, and while I am still working out the details, I cannot wait to share it with you.

Xx

Foresight:

2011-05-23T19:52:00.001+10:00

I've been thinking a lot about myself and fashion lately, and how it is that I see myself fitting into the world of fashion in my future. A career as a designer? This is what I want for myself, and this is what I am working towards with my plans to return to study next year in order to develop myself further. However lately I am starting to feel like maybe it's all just a really self indulgent dream, and that maybe it's time to wake up and to take a deep wiff of reality...

I guess this post in and of itself is pretty self indulgent. I'm sure Mags will tell me it is. I wonder if Twitter's @theblogcritic will tear me a new one over this? I'm not looking for sympathy and I'm not even feeling poorly - I'm just questioning whether I'm making the right moves. I think of my life thus far, and the life that I've got left to live, and certain things become apparent.

I do not wantto spend the rest of my life sitting at a computer in an office building, surrounded by people I have nothing in common with and wearing a corporate uniform that makes me feel like shit. I love my job because it is going to allow me the freedom to return to study in 2012 and to save enough money to actually do something with a Fashion Design Diploma; but if I we're planning on doing that I would need to seriously think about getting the hell out of the Public Sector.

Similarly, I know that the type of fashion design that I want to do is going to be difficult to make money from, and let's face it, I have become accustomed to a certain style of life. Sustainable fashion is greatly maligned, and not without reason: whenever I think of Sustainable Fashion I always get the same image in my mind. There's a rather eccentric woman in her 40s who has decided to pack in her corporate life and is trying to make a living for herself as a 'Green Designer' selling Dresses made of crocheted plastic bags and T-shirts with patches of recycled material stitched on from a market table. Occasionally someone will stop to look at what she's selling; but no one ever buys anything. And I am vain enough to admit that I don't want this to happen to me.

Finally there's cowardice. At the back of my mind there's a voice telling me I'm not good enough, I'm not celever enough, that people will think I'm a patchouli-drenched hippy trying to sell them crap made out of recycled garbage. I listen to that voice more than I should, and then I get down on myself and I start doubting my dreams and questioning my motives. I stop Blogging and I start watching whatever is on TV for five-hour stints. I eat until I make myself sick and I hate myself for doing so.

But, after all of this, when I'm lying in bed at night, I think about fashion and clothes and making something beautiful for someone to wear... And I know that even though I may very well hate myself for it later; I have to try.

Xx

The reason I look like a corpse...

2011-05-16T21:18:00.000+10:00

...is because I have BRONCHITIS!

I'm still recovering, but I am back to Blogging now. Xx

Adios:

2011-04-28T15:32:00.000+10:00

I'm off to Sydney with the Boyfriend this afternoon, until Monday. We've booked a hotel in the Haymarket so I can tweak-out and eat my own weigh in dumplings, purchase hilarious Hello Kitty stuff, and generally just try to be Chinese. I'm awesome like that.

I'll also be previewing what will hopefully be my future school, meeting up with some of my favourite Bloggers, and meeting the rest of the Boyfriend's family for the first time. This promises to be an action packed weekend.

I'll have much to report on Monday. Xx

A Time to Change:

2011-04-27T20:52:00.000+10:00

I wasn't really loving my hair - the colour was boring me and the cut was too fiddly so I didn't ever bother to do anything with it and often ended up looking like I was wearing strategically placed road-kill on my head...

So this morning I popped into my favourite hair salon here in Canberra, Rhubarb & Me, and had my hairdresser Elyse whip up something new and improved to get me out of the hair rut that I have found myself in lately.

Voila! I am blond again! I really love the colour and the cut, though I am currently suffering an enormous migraine from the scalp-trauma of the day :S

Finally, part one of my Easter present from the boyfriend arrived today - PEEPS! Direct from the US of A! I am so lucky to have such a lovely boyfriend, no?

Xx

Return To Sender:

2011-04-26T21:48:00.000+10:00

I'm back from my brief sojourn to the coast with the boyfriend. We were blessed with beautiful weather the whole time, plenty of time with both his family and my own, and ridiculous amounts of both chocolate and tasty food. Highlights for me included poking around his home town and checking out all the little boutiques there-in; driving to the beach in his mum's vintage MG, trying sausage rolls from a sourdough bakery, making Normandy Bisque and Rabbit and Cider Stew from scratch, and not bumping into a single familiar face from my home town.

We've had five days off in a row here in Australia for both Easter and ANZAC Day - but as I have taken holidays, I have a further 12 days in a row off, which I am just thrilled about. Tomorrow I'm off to get my hairs did, and I'm thinking of trying something quite over the top and bold... So stay posted for an update tomorrow afternoon.

Xx

Peep peep peep:

2011-04-21T13:09:00.000+10:00

We’re coming up on 5 days of public holiday here in Australia for a combined Easter and ANZAC Day long weekend. Easter always reminds me of Ducklings – which is sort of odd. I love ducklings, almost as much as I love their tasty, tasty parents. I sort of want to get one as a pet, but only if there’s a way of stunting its growth so it stays fluffy and adorable forever. ..

Like I’m sure many of you will be, I will be travelling interstate to visit with the boyfriend’s and my families, before returning to Canberra for a belated egg-exchange with the Prags on Monday evening. I’m going to do my best to post while I’m away, but I’m not promising anything. I’ve no idea what internet is like at the boyfriend’s parent’s house, but at my folk’s it’s relatively slow and cumbersome. I’ll do my best though :D

I do not travel easy at the best of times, but during this time of year it’s worse – I view every oncoming car with extreme suspicion and the slightest hint of odd driving fills me with a paralysing dread. If you’re travelling this Easter/ANZAC long weekend please be careful.

Finally, I’ve entered a competition to win a full week’s attendance at Rosemont Australia Fashion Week in Sydney, through HP. If you’re able to vote for me, it would be hugely appreciated. There’s a widget (that word is ridiculous) on the right-hand side of the Blog, which will enable you to vote for me through Facebook.

Have a happy and safe Easter break everyone, and I’ll catch you on the flip-side of the holidays. Xx

End Game:

2011-04-20T21:08:00.000+10:00

For the past nine days I have been talking about how I dress badly outside of the working hours of 9-5, in an effort to prove that I am the most deserving of a styling session with a Westfield stylist and the delightful Lady Melbourne. I've spoken about the Good, the Bad and the Ugly past ensembles that I've presented here on the Blog. I've detailed my idea of the perfect 'Grant' ensemble, and even attempted it using my existing wardrobe. And I've created mood boards to show you what I wish my casual wardrobe looked like, so that if I do win, I'll have something ready to show the stylist. However, now that the final day of the competition is here, I'm not really sure what else there is that I can say...

I entered into this competition with the hopes of winning, because I feel I could really use a casual style overhaul, and this competition would be the perfect excuse for just that. However, I've come to realise that even if I do not win, I'll still need to do something about how I dress for occasions outside of work. As such, I've decided that regardless of whether I win or not, I'll still be taking steps to overhaul my wardrobe. I'm going to sell of the clothes that no longer fit me or that I never wear, and simply donate the ones that are no good for sale. I'm going to seek the help of a professional stylist when I can locate a worthy candidate here in the ACT. I'm going to stop letting my wardrobe be ruled by my job, and I am going to start dressing more in tune with how i actually want to dress.

There is still a long way to go before I feel comfortable with my wardrobe, and I hope that this will make for an interesting journey to share with you. I have greatly valued all of your input along the way, so please keep commenting as we go along.

Xx

Three pillars of Casual dress - Playing:

2011-04-19T18:17:00.000+10:00

So today I have the final collection of mood boards focusing on social situations that I need help dressing casually for. This is the second last post in this series. Tomorrow I’ll be summarising my argument as to why I need to be styled; and then it’s all in the hands of Westfield and fate. Either way I need to do something about my wardrobe, so let’s get the ball rolling with the last of the pillars of casual dress...

Outdoors:

As you’ll no doubt have gathered (because I basically mention him in every post now) I’m lucky enough to have found myself a wonderful boyfriend who, for reasons I don’t understand, seems to think I’m wonderful. Only thing is, we’re very different people and we like very different social activities. He’s very outdoorsy – and to be fair to him I’m finding myself in outdoorsy situations. Only problem is – my wardrobe is not suited for hiking 25 kilometres in the Australian Alps. This ensemble is my take on what I would like to wear when accompanying him into the wilderness. The Jeans/Chinos and the Henley are perfect for outdoors activities, as are the sturdy leather Boots and the Sunglasses while the leather bracelets add some of my personal style to the ensemble. Orange is a colour that I love, but don’t know how to wear. I think this coat is amazing... but I’m not sure I could pull it off with my complexion.

Party:

Parties are difficult to dress for at the best of times, let alone when you basically fail at every casual ensemble you attempt. My thoughts here were to create an easy-to-wear ensemble with basic pieces, but to add some accessories that really make it stand out. The suede Jacket with the military collar would look great on just about anyone, and a killer pair of Jeans (like these Balmain motorcycle Jeans I will *never* be able to afford) not only look great but make you feel great; so together they’re a great combination. The galaxy-print T-shirt is pretty loud, but with just a little showing from the unzipped jacket it isn’t too showy. The glittery Jewellery and Shoes, however, are just the right amount of attention grabbing to liven the ensemble up significantly. I think this ensemble is great and I’d love a stylists help to find something reminiscent of this.

Fashion Event:

With my attempting to move into the world of fashion, through my Blogging and going to school next year etc. I’m hoping that attending fashion-centric events is going to be something that I do more often. When I attended LMFF last year I didn’t really feel comfortable in the ensembles I packed. This ensemble is a lot more formal than anything else I’ve published thus far, but It’s still intrinsically casual. The dark Chinos are smart enough to wear to a fashion event, and when teamed with a perfect cotton dress Shirt in blue they’re nigh-on-perfect. To keep the look from becoming too stale I’ve added the edgier leather Jacket in an interesting cut, and I’ve teamed this with a brown leather Clutch and motorcycle Boots, just to juxtapose against the rest of the ensemble. And to keep the whole thing from falling apart at the seems and seeming to schitzopherenic – instead of a tie I’ve gone for a beautiful statement Necklace (which I may or maynot have just purchased online...). I’d feel really great wearing this.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these mood boards; they’re something I have enjoyed making and may continue to do. Final post tomorrow, so make sure you catch that. Xx

Three pillars of Casual dress - Outings:

2011-04-18T21:23:00.000+10:00

Today I've got three casual ensembles that all pertain to outings, for which I have created three ensembles that I would be thrilled to get about in. I'll likely refine these further in due time, but fir now I think that they offer enough of a taste of what I am thinking would be better suited to my wardrobe.

Movies:
I love going to the movies. I prefer to grab a later session when the cinema isn't populated by squealing 13 year-olds, and when (and this is truly tragic to admit) I can get away with wearing Jeans and a Hoodie, with my Ugg Boots... Yes, I'll wear that in public while I stuff my face with popcorn and frozen coke. I realise now though, that I really need to make more of an effort, even when I'm sneaking off to a late-night showing of Twilight. My first thought was to trade the Jeans for a nice fitting pair of Chinos, and to ditch the Ugg Boots for a comfortable and slightly more respectable slip-on Shoe. I thought the Hoodie could stay, as long as I went with something a little more up market, like this knitted number, and under that I went with a snug Henley for added comfort and style. The charm Necklace gives the whole ensemble a little less of an I'd be in my PJs if I could!" feel.

Travel:
Sad to say, but I have never left the shores of Australia in my 25 years. The boyfriend and I are hoping to change this later in the year, but in the meanwhile I do do a lot of national travel, and as such I have again developed a sort of a uniform for the actual act of traveling to or from my destination (again, which I have updated here.) While I'd ordinarily pick a skinny or straight-legged Jean, I thought a corduroy Chino in a dark grey would be an excellent replacement, I've paired this with a light-weigh knit Hoodie, and a versatile Trench, which I find to be garments that adapt to the weather better than anything else. Again, I've got Thongs for comfort and ease, and a large leather Manbag (OK - this is clearly a Chloe Handbag but whatever - I love the Python finish) to carry all my junk. You would be surprised the stuff I accumulate in an airport! Finally, a large pair of Sunglasses (again, in the tortoise shell I'm dreaming about) round out the look and give me a way of hiding from other passengers.

So there you have it, the second of the three pillars. One more set tomorrow, and then a concluding piece on Wednesday, before a winner is announced on Thursday. Good luck to everyone else who entered. Xx

Three pillars of Casual dress - Eating:

2011-04-17T20:42:00.000+10:00

Now that we’ve established that there is a problem with my wardrobe and my ability to dress myself casually; it’s time to start looking at solutions. Ideally, I’ll win this competition and get to spend some time shopping with a qualified Westfield stylist and Lady Melbourne. However let’s face it, there’s every possibility that I won’t win, and if I don’t I’m still going to have a problem in need of a solution. As such, I’ve come up with nine casual clothing situations that I feel I have failed to dress for in the past, and I’ve done up a mood-board ensemble for each of what I was trying to achieve or would have liked to have worn. The first three all involve eating, and I’d love to hear your feedback on the ensembles, and whether you believe that they’re appropriate for the occasions

Yum Cha:
It should be no secret to any of my readers, or anyone who follows me on Twitter, that I am something of a Yum Cha aficionado. When I meet people who have never tried Yum Cha my first response is to always try and figure out the soonest possible way to get them to Yum Cha at my favourite restaurant, The Scholar. This means of course that I find myself in need of dressing myself casually to attend Yum Cha on the weekend quite often. My idea of the perfect ensemble to wear to Yum Cha is something simple and yet dressy enough to be seen in public in. Here I've got this amazing quilted Jacket (I'm loving quilting right now) and I've paired it with a fairly plain and light pair of Jeans. Resonating with these are the black Things and the leather and silver Cuff. The Thomas Sabo skull Ring is a bit of bling to liven the ensemble up. The T-shirt is quite loud, but played off against the other items I think it isn't too OTT. Overall it's comfortable without being sloppy, and chic enough to use in a Blog post.

BBQ:
BBQing is pretty big amongst the Prags, and it's something that we tend to do in all seasons. It's a cheap and social way to spend time together on the weekend, and it gives us a great chance to catch up while stuffing our faces. For this BBQ-friendly ensemble I've decided to go with a pair of Chinos, because I really wear Jeans an awful lot. To stop the look from being too stiff and formal, I've gone with layered Singlets and a comfortable Hoodie. The red Bangles and Loafers add some colour to an otherwise drab ensemble, but are still appropriate for kicking around the backyard or a park somewhere. I've included the Sunglasses because I am one of those people who seem to have theirs glued to their face at all times (I refer to mine as my "Shields"). I'm in need of new Sunglasses, and I've got my heart set on something in Tortoise Shell. I think this ensemble would work for me, and I think it's suitable enough for a BBQ.

Did you see me; I was perfect:

2011-04-16T22:33:00.000+10:00

When I think about my ‘casual’ wardrobe and the clothes that I believe should populate it, I always have the same sort of vision of my perfect casual self...

I’m walking down the street in the city centre, not really certain where I’m heading but I am going there with purpose. The sky overhead is cloudy and grey but it isn’t a Canberran winter sky- it’s late spring and there’s a thunderstorm brewing. A cool breeze stirs the thick air and sends the dead leaves and litter skittering along the pavement. My hair is short cropped and spiky, with minimal product keeping it in place. I’ve got my dark Prada shades wedged firmly in place, shielding my eyes from any wayward sunbeams or misguided Bogans in the city centre. I’m wearing a navy Blazer in a light cotton which is perhaps a size too small for me. The buttons are undone and the sleeves are pushed up around my elbows, exposing my inked skin on the right forearm, and a pair of Dinosaur Design resin Bangles around the left. Under the Blazer I’m wearing a Singlet that is a size or two too big for me, which is in plain black cotton. I’ve got a brown leather belt with silver hard ware through the belt loops of my straight-legged Jeans, which are in a light wash and have ripped detailing down the fronts of the legs. I’m wearing a pair of brown leather boots on my feet, and I’m carrying the skull embossed black leather Alexander McQueen de-Manta Clutch.

From time to time I have tried to replicate this vision as best I can, but it rarely ever manages to work. Point in case, I went shopping with the Boyfriend today to grab stuff for Easter, and I decided that I would try to replicate my vision of the perfect Casual Grant ensemble.

Even though I have several navy Blazers I wound up picking out this taupe poly-blend Blazer that I thrifted in Goulburn recently (or was it Queanbeyan?). Instead of the singlet I decided to go with an over sized Sailor Jerry T-shirt I purchased on the same trip to Goulburn, and on my wrist I'm wearing a single Dinosaur designs Bangle that I’ve had for a while. I went with my WeThePeople Jeans because while they’re not ripped or frayed, they the closest thing to ‘engineered’ denim that I presently own, and I love them. The Belt I’m wearing is my Jag black leather Belt and I’m wearing my Slaters biker Boots. I went with black leather instead of brown because I have no brown leather Boots (something I need to rectify ASAP). Clearly, I do not own an Alexander McQueen de-Manta Clutch, as much as I bloody wish I do. I used my Louis Vuitton bucket Bag today while we were running around, but forgot to grab it for the shot.

I like this ensemble, but it isn't perfect yet. I'd like some ripped Jeans that don't scream "Cashed Up Bogan" to wear with a blazer, and I need some plain coloured Singlets and T-shirts. I also want a few more Dinosaur Designs Bangles, in similar Tortoise Shell colours, and maybe in a clear red or a bone white. I'm off to Sydney with the Boyfriend later this month for a long weekend, so I'm going to check their store out then :D

Ultimately, I need to go through my wardrobe and come to grips with what is in there that's wearable casually, get rid of all the stuff that doesn't fit me properly any more and the stuff I never wear. Then I need to look at investing in some solid pieces for the casual half of my wardrobe. If I win this competition, I'll be on my way to doing just that.

Xx

Lost in Translation:

2011-04-15T13:10:00.000+10:00

Day five of my campaign to win a Westfield styling session thanks to Lady Melbourne, NuffNang and of course, Westfield. I’m talking today about the reasons why we, or more specifically I, dress the way we do. Everyone has someone or something that acts as a muse, inspiring the way that we dress. This could be something as simple as the belief that fashion is of minimal importance, to something as elaborate as subscribing to a particular code of dress, like Goth. I believe that a large part of the reason that I have trouble dressing myself casually, and generally come-off looking like some sort of hybrid of Perez Hilton and a bag lady; is because all of my wardrobe muses are women, one of which is bloody fictional. Translating these women’s style into a guys wardrobe really doesn’t work well at all. I don't want to wear these women's clothes, i want a masculine transaltion of their style, which is 90% of the problem.

My earliest style obsession was wanting to be able to dress like Buffy Summers. Not the actress that played her (Though I do think SMG dresses well), the character Buffy. From 1997 to the present day, the wardrobe of Miss Buffy Summers has always seemed to me perfectly stylish and practical. The problem, of course, is that while Buffy might look awesome taking out a Vampire in leather Pants, a silk Halter-neck and a fitted denim Jacket; I’d simply look like a very unconvincing trannie. There is one look, from the end of season 5 where she sacrifices herself to save the world, which I actually recreated for myself. It involved grey Jeans, a white ¾ sleeved Top, a statement Necklace and black leather Boots. I remember walking around the mall here thinking “FUCK YES! I LOOK FUCKING AMAZING!” The photos of this ensemble seem to suggest otherwise.

My favourite musician of all time is Tori Amos. To sound like a total stalker, her lyrics speak to me in a way that fosters a near-religious devotion. I have a sodding tattoo dedication to her on the inside of my right arm! It seems natural, then, that I also happen to love Tori’s sense of style. The album artwork for her CDs always feature Tori in amazing ensembles, which have often lead to me scouring sites like eBay and etsy fortori-esque wardrobe pieces. The album artwork for From the Choirgirl Hotel is single-handedly to blame for my obsession with trying to find a way to wear lace without looking like a pervert. I’ve seen Tori perform live twice now, and each time she has had amazing stage presence, helped no-doubt by her awesome wardrobe. Again, the problem is that while Tori can look amazing in sequins and lace and a gold leather Blazer – it’s highly unlikely that I will.

Ah, Courtney. From the young age of 12, when I was first starting to form ideas about what was cool; I have worshipped her. I remember buying SPIN magazine once (shudder) simply because it had an article of beautifully photographed Rock artefacts, one of which was a gauzy, sage-green Dress with intricate beadwork – owned by Courtney. I have images in my inspiration file, of early 90’s Courtney, ripped from Rolling Stone magazines that I borrowed from the local library. While performing with Hole she always seemed to be surrounded with sequins and gauze and flowers, like some sort of forgotten Deity of excess; a female Bacchus. It is the mid-90’s Rock Courtney whose style I admire most, and whose style I would most like to replicate in my own wardrobe. Sadly, I can barely be trusted to dress myself with basic menswear staples like Jeans and T-shirts. Attempting to work floral fabrics or sequined embellishments (without the help of a stylist) would be positively foolish.

Australian designer Gail Elliot is a former model and the creative force behind the label Little Joe Woman. I first encountered her style via an article in InsideOut magazine, which detailed the interior design of Elliot’s Bondi home. I was instantly transfixed. Elliot’s designs are, in my opinion, amazing. I will most likely spend the rest of my sartorial existence trying to find a masculine translation of the label for myself. How one translates a lace-detailed Camisole into menswear is, of course, exactly the problem. Had I been born a woman, I’m fairly confident in saying that at least 50% of my wardrobe would be Little Joe Woman. However, the multitude of crotch-shots on my Blog showcase the fact that I am male, and that Gail Elliot’s style remains firmly outside of my wardrobe’s reach.

The Ugly (consequences):

2011-04-14T12:15:00.000+10:00

Nuffnang and Lady Melbourne; we have come to the ugly consequences of being unable to dress yourself casually. The following ensembles are the worst of 2010 – and constitute more than enough proof to qualify me as needing a serious casual style overhaul, and potentially interrogation by the Fashion Police...

Finally, in my quest to win a Westfield stylist session and gift card thanks to Westfield,

September 24 2010: In my defence, it is difficult to look well dressed when you’re sandwiched between one of the most stylish couples in Canberra. Emillia and Socrates own the Carmen Steffens boutique, where I have discovered a real love of shoes. This photo was taken at the Carmen Steffens charity event Cor da Moda. For some reason I thought teaming my Alpha 60 Parrot Top with a navy Suit would be a cool look for the night... It wasn’t. It certainly doesn’t help my cause that I’ve pulled an expression that gives me a double chin either. Regardless of all these things, I look frightful in this ensemble – it’s neither chic nor stylish, and it doesn’t show the clothes or I in a positive light.

March 27 2010: This ridiculous ensemble is something that I threw together to go to Yum Cha with my parents. This is, without fail, the worst ensemble I have ever posted. I look like an early 90’s Lesbian stand-up comedian who punctuates every joke by asking “Ladies, am I right?”! Seriously: the vest that is too small over the enormous white T-shirt? The baggy Jeans? Talk about completely unflattering! I should be standing on a small stage with a microphone under a spotlight, talking about how “men” don’t “understand” menstruation. “Ladies, am I right?” JESUS CHRIST ALMIGHTY! No wonder it’s taken me so long to find a bloody boyfriend! I was probably mistaken for a menopausal woman! “Ladies, am I right?”

Well, this mostly concludes the “proof” section of this suite of posts. Tomorrow I’ll be talking about my fashion muses, and why they’re not really suited to me. After that I’ll be discussing my idea of the prefect casual ensemble, before showing you some mood boards I’ve created of looks I’d like help shopping for. I’d love to hear whether you’re actually enjoying these posts too – so have at it in the comments!Xx

Throughout 2010: This isn’t an ensemble problem so much as it is a Blogging problem; but as it has been pointed out to me twice now, I feel the need to make a public apology to all of my readers. It’s about the “crotch shots”... Firstly, can I just say that it was never my intention to showcase my junk – all of these photos were supposed to be about the clothes. Believe me; if I thought my junk was worth-while posting online, I would post an actual photo, I wouldn’t try and sneak it into a fashion-centric Blog. However, when I got the most recent comment about the troubling level of crotch shots on my Blog, I went back through the archives and was horrified to realise just how prevalent they are. I am so sorry. I promise it was not intentional, and that from now on I will make sure I don’t feature my package – unintentionally or not.

The Bad (ideas):

2011-04-13T20:15:00.000+10:00

Continuing on from yesterday’s theme of critiquing my previous ensembles, we’re kicking today off with Casual Ensembles that really, I should have know were doomed to fail from the beginning. I’ve stuck to 2010/11 for these ensembles, because anything earlier is a whole other kettle of fish I am not willing to deal with just yet... The thing with all of these ensembles is that I can distinctly remember thinking/feeling like they were a splendid idea at the time. This just goes to show that I am clearly in need of some styling advise from Westfield and Lady Melbourne.

June 30 2010: Who knows what I was thinking here? I am guessing that laziness had a large part to play in this combination of floppy Sweater, baggy Jeans and fingerless Gloves; however it is equally possible that I suffered a stroke and convinced myself somehow that I was actually one of those windscreen washers that stand at the lights on Northbourne Ave. of an afternoon and try to trade molesting your car for a couple of coins or a cigarette. What a homeless!

March 09 2010: Wearing what is essentially a Thermal, with Slacks and a Blazer, and thinking that because you’ve added a statement necklace you’re dressed and ready; is a terrible idea. This was not born of laziness, no my friends, this was born out of a complete and utter lack of having any sort of clue. I honestly, honestly, thought that this was OK. And it is not. I think I believed this ensemble looked cool and sort of carefree, like I’m too cool to worry about putting on a dress Shirt or something. GOD! I look like that arsehole from that stupid show House! All I need is the fucking cane!

August 28 2010: “YARR, A GREAT BLUE BEAST ROLLED UP FROM THE SEA IN SOME SORT OF HIDEOUS SCAAAARF! THE MEN TRIED TO SAVE THE FAIRY FLOSS, CAP’N, BUT AVAST! THE GREAT BLUE BEAST DEVOURED IT ALL BEFORE RETURNING TO THE INKY DFEPTHS!” Lesson the first: posing with food when you are already of questionable carriage is NEVER a good idea. Fatchicksinpartyhats.com should have taught me that. Lesson the second: WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING WITH THAT FRINGE??? Let alone an entirely blue ensemble? I should be harpooned.

July 06 2010: I will not apologise for liking Twilight, I just wont. I like the books, I like the movies, and I like the hysteria of going to see the movies at midnight. However; I will apologise for making my own bloody T-shirt (poorly, mind you) and wearing it out in public. The whole ensemble screams “I-am-actually-a-thirteen-year-old-chubby-girl-trapped-in-a-public-servant’s-body”. This was, mind you, after I took myself to see the second movie by myself and had a twelve year-old girl tell me that the fact that I was 24 and seeing the movie by myself was “Sad”. That, was not sad. This ensemble is sad.

Xx

The Good (Intentions):

2011-04-12T22:22:00.000+10:00

So, as you should be aware, I am taking 10 days to prove beyond a word of a doubt that I am in need of a styling session with a Westfield Stylist and the delightful Lady Melbourne, and, you know, a bonus $1000 gift card wouldn't hurt the equation at all either. Today I thought I'd focus on some ensembles of mine that had good intentions; but still fell short of the mark...

February 12 2010: OK, so this ensemble isn't really horrendous, with the exception of that thrifted Yves Saint Laurent double-breasted Blazer that is making me look not only chunky, but also like I'm moments away from busting a seam. While the colour works well with the Jeans, the Shirt that I matched is too light, and those folded back double cuffs are too reminiscent of a mid-nineties evening talk show host... The fluffy red hair isn't doing me any favours either. Overall, I give this a 5/10.

February 19 2010: You know, in all fairness I don't HATE this ensemble. I'm a big fan of the Blazer and Jeans combo - and these Jeans I love because the style is "Grant". There is, however, something all together a bit too wholesome about this ensemble. I look like the sort of guy who would get talking to you, maybe at a BBQ or in a store or something, and half way through the conversation I'd casually say "So, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal saviour?" and then try to 'save' you. Damn! All that's missing is the bloody name-tag! Potentially I also come across as trying to be the "Cool Dad". *shudder*

March 19 2010: OK - this ensemble should have worked in theory. I mean look at me, I'm wearing a Singlet that I love, with Jeans and Thongs. So what's gone wrong here? Well, for a start, skinny Jeans that are so tight they look like Jeggings don't flatter anyone, let alone a 25 year old guy. Secondly, check out my fucking T-shirt tan! Ultimately though, it's the Jeans that are letting me down - I mean, I still have those Jeans in my wardrobe, as well as a more recently purchased pair of brown stretch-denim Jeans that are more like Jeggings (or maternity-jeans) than these. While I like my legs A LOT more than my torso; I think we can all agree skinny Jeans are not my friend.

January 01 2011: If you're having trouble seeing this image, don't be alarmed. That's just the glare off my pearly-white legs, which for some reason I decided to show off with these short Shorts. Honestly, I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel to label this as being born of good intentions... The Singlet and Blazer combo I can forgive - but teaming these with Shorts? Pinstriped shorts, no less? What was I thinking? And posing with my Louis Vuitton Agenda under my arm just makes me look like a pretentious douche! GOD! If i saw that guy walking past me on the street I would kick him in the junk!

SO, ultimately these go a bit of the way to proving that I need a styling session with a Westfield Stylist. Stay tuned, because tomorrow I am going to up the ante by bring out the Bad.

Xx

How do you solve a problem like MY WARDROBE:

2011-04-11T21:38:00.000+10:00

When I learned that Lady Melbourne was hosting a competition on her Blog in conjunction with NuffNag – to give someone a styling session with a Westfield employed stylist, I felt both excited and terrified. Excited, because I knew that the winner would also receive a $1000 Westfield gift card. Terrified because I knew that entering the competition would mean facing up to the fact that I have no casual style, and cannot really dress outside of my Work Wardrobe.

Now, those of you who have read my Blog for a while might disagree. With the exception of one comment last year from an anonymous reader, y'all have always been very good and very kind to me regarding my ensemble posts. However, as I’ll be proving to you for the next couple of days, I have no sense of how to dress myself casually with the clothes that I own for the hours outside of the 9-5. I have a large collection of Jeans, most of which I like a lot, and I have a huge stack of T-shirts from Slick It Up that I love. Add to that two Hoodies and a leather Jacket – and you’ve a casual wardrobe in crisis.

I like the clothes that I wear to work – but at the same time I’m not about to wear a Suit, Shirt and Tie to go and do my groceries. Nor am I likely to rug up in a Trench to go and see a movie; because aside from almost certainly getting butter popcorn stains all over it, I’d look like a complete creep (especially if I were seeing, say, Twilight)!

I need to get some distance from what I wear to work and develop a casual style that I am comfortable with; and I need the help of a qualified stylist AND the holy matriarch of Australian Blogging to help me do so.

So welcome to 10 days of Blogging about how badly I dress, in the hopes of winning salvation from my wardrobe and myself.

Xx

Vinnie:

2011-03-22T21:39:00.000+11:00

I've decided that it is time to sell my car, seeing as I have driven him a grand total of, like, eight times (one of those illegally...) and a hedge out the front of our house has sort of been assimilating him into itself for some time now. I'm sort of sad because I really Vinnie the Volvo - he's spacious, red, has air conditioning and an enormous boot that could realistically house multiple bodies ~~when~~ should the need arise...

Today's greatly improved ensemble involves:

lambskin leather Jacket with military collar - Claiborne by John Bartlett

blue and white checked Shirt - T.M. Lewin, thrifted

navy silk Tie with polka dots - John & Lois, thrifted

black resin and silver Cuff Links - Versace, eBay

black leather Belt - Jag

charcoal pinstriped Slacks - Oxford

black leather Loafers with laser cut out detail - Raphael Steffens

However, I have to let Vinnie go because I'm still on my L's, I'm unlikely to get off my L's any time soon, and I can use the money I'll (hopefully) make from selling him to put towards (hopefully) attending RAFW in May. Goodbye Vinnie, I'd rather have you out there in the world making some 16 year-old kid happy than rusting away in my drive way.

Xx

Professor Twilight:

2011-03-21T19:28:00.001+11:00

I'm so happy that the weather has started to cool down and that Canberra is once again entering the cool and wet Autumn/Winter season for 2011. Autumn and Winter are my favourite seasons. I love being able to layer my clothes and wear Blazers or Suits to work. On the weekends I love being able to rug up in soft Hoodies and Jeans and not have to worry about overheating or sweating like a hog. I just love the A/W season - I'm happiest when I'm cold and rugged up.

Today's Autumnal ensemble consists of:

grey Herringbone/Check Tweed Blazer - thrifted

maroon silk Bow Tie - thrifted

candy striped Business Shirt - Oxford, thrifted

black leather Belt - Jag

blue/black Jeans/Slacks - Versace Jeans Couture, Material Pleasures

black leather Chelsea Boots - Country Road

Reviewing these pictures now after the day is done, I'm struck by two things about my ensemble. 1) I look like a bloody Edward Cullen wannabe - look at my white white skin! I mean, don't get me Wrong: I love Twilight and I'd totally tap Rob-Patt; But I don't want to look like that's the case. And the 2) I look like some sort of seedy Uni professor, you know, the one who shows up at the bar and tries desperately to pick up undergrads... *shudder* So apparently, today I'm trying to be a creepy Professor who seduces his students by playing on the love of Twilight.... EGADS! I need to put more thought into these ensembles!

Xx

Sights on Sydney:

2011-03-20T22:20:00.000+11:00

If you follow anything or anyone to do with Australian Fashion, you will know that this week just gone was Loréal Melbourne Fashion Festival. I attended my first LMFF last year, and I cannot even tell you how wonderful it was. I was so sad I wasn't able to attend this year, but sadly I was unorganised and missed out completely. That said, I've been keeping an eye on how things went down through some of my favourite blogs, such as Lady Melbourne, Lady Smaggle and Sea of Ghosts.

As sad as I am to have missed LMFF - I've decided to make the most of a missed opportunity, and so now I've got my sights set on Rosemount Australia Fashion Week in Sydney, May 2 - 6

I've applied for accreditation for the event, and like Bloggers all over Australia I'm currently waiting to see if I'll receive accreditation for any of the shows. We'll be notified by April 11 - and so until that time I'm bound to be a little RAFW obsessed. I have plans to trail my (sadly) already planned RAFW wardrobe in the weeks to come, I'm scouring the website for news of the designers who will be showing, and I'm researching where I'm hoping to stay and eat and shop while I'm there. Even I've even gone so far as to rearrange my holidays to include May 2-6 - just in case I'm successful.

Getting a bit carried away you think? Of course I bloody am! I don't do anything by halves!

I've got my fingers crossed and I'm eagerly awaiting April 11. Until that time I hope I don't drive you too crazy rabbiting on about RAFW and what I'm intending to wear on day 3 when a) No shows have been announced as yet and b) I have no idea whether I'll be accredited or not. I guess we'll all just have to play the waiting game.

Xx

Daily ensemble:

2011-03-10T19:45:00.017+11:00

The plus side to staying at the boyfriend’s house, you know, aside from getting to spend time with him; is that he lives too far away from work to consider walking in, and so we drive. Sartorially speaking, this gives me a greater freedom with what I wear to work. When I’m walking in I take my work clothes in my backpack which has very limited space, and so I cannot really fit a jacket in there. So when I stay with the boyfriend, I like to make sure I have a Jacket to wear.

The Jacket I packed on Wednesday morning is my thrifted Hugo Boss Blazer. It is technically a size or two too small for me (I need to stop eating so much) – but I like to wear my Blazers open and often with the sleeves pushed up – so I find it doesn’t really matter.

Today’s complete ensemble is as follows:

navy wool Blazer – Hugo Boss, thrifted

blue and white gingham Shirt – Zara, thrifted

blue silk Tie with white dots – Lois & John, thrifted

black leather Belt – JAG

light grey corduroy Trousers – vintage Levis, from etsy

black leather Chelsea Boots – Country Road

After work this afternoon the Boyfriend picked me up and we went and grabbed a beer while we waited for his cousin, and then we all went and grabbed dinner at Shanghai Dumpling Cafe, which was amazing as usual. Today’s photos are pretty poor quality because they were taken when we arrive home, and I forgot to put the flash on.

Gloomy blues:

2011-03-09T19:14:00.040+11:00

Today was mostly pretty overcast and gloomy, which is exactly the type of weather that I love. I'm at a bit of a disadvantage in my new office because my desk is right beside a wall of enormous windows that look out over Black Mountain, and on a rainy drizzly day like today all that I want to do is sit watching the weather with a big cup of tea and my sketch book, listening to music. It doesn't exactly make me overly productive...

While dressing for work this morning I wasn't exactly thinking about the weather or the day I had ahead of me or anything really - I was running a bit late and simultaneously dressing myself and packing my bag for the next two nights at my guy's house. All in all I'm pretty happy with the ensemble. I'm wearing:

navy wool Blazer - Hugo Boss, thrifted

black v-neck cotton Top - Fluxus

black leather Belt- JAG

charcoal pinstriped Slacks - Oxford
black leather Chelsea Boots - Country Road

Sweat baby sweat:

2011-03-07T21:57:00.035+11:00

Lately, I've been having a recurring problem with my daily ensemble posts. At the moment I am walking to and from work at least once a day most days, and I wear walking clothes to do this. So, on the afternoons when I walk home, I change into my daggy walking clothes before leaving the building, and arrive home looking very different indeed to how I'm presenting myself at work...

You see, in these images you can see me wearing my walking gear:
grey long sleeved Top - American Apparel, frayed at bottom and sporting extreme sweat patches
midnight blue polyester Shorts - Spalding, purchased from Target of all places
ridiculously hi-tech looking Runners - Nike

The fact of the matter is, however, that I didn't wear this crap around the office! I wore my electric blue Sweater and my LRG Jeans, with my Chelsea Boots and a Necklace with a tooth pendant! But, by the time I got home, I was drenched in sweat, wheezing like my lungs were about to shoot out of my body at any moment, and too fucking tired to bother getting changed back into my work clothes to take photos! I'm thinking I'm now going to have to find someone at work to take my snaps during the day - because this sweaty menace is not really going to garner me any new readers...

Approaching Friday:

2011-03-03T23:01:00.000+11:00

The week is close to an end and I've stayed at my guy's house for the past two nights, so I'm living out of a bag and I'm letting my over-all dress aesthetic slip a little. It isn't casual Friday but I'm already there in spirit. I match Jeans with a smart Business shirt and a jaunty Bow Tie to round out the look. I don't want it to look like I don't care, because I do; but at the same time I don't want to feel like I'm wearing a uniform or have access to a limited wardrobe...

Today I am wearing:

blue and white gingham Shirt - Zara, thrifted

maroon Bow Tie - vintage

black leather Belt - JAG

dark wash denim Jeans - Verscae Jeans Couture, from Material Pleasures

black leather Chelsea Boots - Country Road

A lot of people don't really seem to know how to "deal" with a Bow Tie. I see people looking at me sideways in the office when I wear them, giving me this look as if to ask "What are you trying to get across here?" The answer, of course, is pretty simple: I haven't given up yet. I won't wear your uniform of dark Slacks and blue Shirts and $20 Ties. Many men in the public service are exemplary of what happens when someone just gives up and assumes a societally acceptable uniform. It's sad to watch.

Wishlist Wednesday - Necklaces:

2011-03-02T21:33:00.002+11:00

Lately I have really been wishing for some Necklaces to liven up my wardrobe. I'm thinking long chains dripping with pendants, lockets, jewels and the likes; worn with business Shirts with open collars. Or worn with closed collars in place of a tie. Stacked up and teamed with a plain grey T-Shirt and a dark Blazer. Or maybe just one with an extra special pendant worn with a lovely Sweater to really make it pop. The items listed below are of particular interest to me...

Prism Pendant Necklace - Drown: Alicia's work is simply amazing. I've been lusting after her statement Necklaces for a while now (not to mention an amazing ring in her latest collection... DROOL) and I really just need to put some money aside and grab one already!

Hekimer Diamond Necklace - xVelvetx: Annie Spandex turned me on to this etsy phenomenon a while ago; and I just love her work. She makes crystals and gems seem some how both not at all special, but still beautiful. I love her stuff - and am planning on buying this piece at the very least.

Vintage Mermaid Cameo - Etsy: I love mermaids. Honestly, next to Vampires they're my favourite mythical creature. Also, being the colossal nerd that I am, I'm currently running two Merfolk decks in our Haus-wide Magic The Gathering competitions. I think I need to own this...

Green Garnet Necklace - Etsy: I love these Briolette cut gems. Granted, they're all over etsy now - but they're realtively cheap and until I can afford custom made stuff like Anna, these will do just fine. I think this would look awesome with a white T-shirt, Tweed Jacket and Jeans.

Blue Bird Locket - etsy: What can I say - this is just ridiculously cute. It's described as being gold filled - I have no idea what that means; but what I do know is that this is 10 different kinds of cute and I can see myself rocking this to the office or out on the weekend. Plus, because it's a locket, you can hide stuff inside it. BONUS! Now if only I had something that required hiding...

What do you think of my picks? Got anything you'd like to suggest? Let me know in the comments.

Xx

The Return:

2011-02-28T20:39:00.000+11:00

OK, I'm back, and this time I mean it. Look at me, standing there in my back yard, holding a Unicorn my boyfriend won my at the show and shit! You can tell that this is a guy who has gotten over his summertime Blogging slump and is back to posting almost daily! And what better day for my return than the last day of Summer?

As you should be able to tell from these pictures - I return to Blogging with freshly cut hairs. I've been lusting after this style of haircut for a while now - but I was worried that once I got it I'd simply look like some straight-edge loser wannabe, or else some Rockabilly-cum-corporate guy. However, my amazing hairdresser Elyse assured me we'd be able to make it work - and now here I am - new hairs and feeling revitalised and ready to Blog.

Today's ensemble:
purple striped Business Shirt - Oxford, thrifted
navy silk/polyester Tie embroidered with lobsters - eBay
blue/black Jeans/Slacks - Versace Jeans Couture, Material Pleasures
pecan suede Loafers with canvas detail - Raphael Steffens

You'll also notice I didn't mention a belt in today's ensemble. The reason? In a fit of Monday-itis this morning, I forgot to pack one. I may be back, but I'm still ironing out the kinks, so hang in there.

Xx

Updates:

2011-02-07T23:11:00.002+11:00

I've been unable to Blog for a while because it has just been too hot. Honestly, I don't even care that this makes me sound like the biggest pussy on the face of the planet: I genuinely cannot handle summer without AC - and as my bedroom doesn't have AC - no Blogging...

While I've been away a few things have happened that I'd like to share with you...

I got accepted to CIT into the Fashion Course that I wanted, but I have declined the offer. I will study fashion in the very near future - but as CIT has no deferral option I had to decline. I am looking into other options.

I've started sewing classes. My mum and I go on Saturday mornings, and it's really getting my mind working in a creative manner and I'm re-learning a lot of basics that will be useful.

I have a new job in a new area of the Department, working with my old boss. I love it. My new building is ultra modern and I have this huge window view over Canberra, which I adore, and I can walk to work and everything. It makes me happy.

I've started dieting and exercising again because a recent run-in with the scales revealed I was in the triple-digits and I'm quite frankly sick of wanting to self-harm whenever I see my own body naked. My boyfriend is doing the diet with me - so it's not that bad.

Matt and I will have been dating for three whole months on February 14 - and I couldn't possibly be happier. He's an amazing guy and I'm really blessed to have him in my life.

I'm back now - the weather's cooling and I'll be Blogging as often as I can. I hope you're still reading.

Where to now?

2011-01-13T14:37:00.000+11:00

On December 30, 2010, I turned 25 years old.

I've been thinking a lot since my birthday about what it actually is that I am trying to do here with my Blog. I mean, it's not supposed to be a place for me to just whinge about my life or lack of motivation to Blog, nor is it supposed to be a vapid showcasing of the clothes that I wear on a daily basis. And yet somehow, along the way, that it what it has become. I haven't been posting lately because I have had nothing worthwhile to post.

I want to change all of this. I need to change all of this. So I've been thinking about what Ink & Leather is and what it should be...

This year, Ink & Leather will turn three years old, and I'll have been Blogging in one form or another for almost eight years. It is time to grow the fuck up and to start taking responsibility for my Blog and looking after my readers. I'm going to change the tone of the Blog from a half-arsed meandering through my own clothes and neurosis; into a serious and insightful exploration of Menswear, Luxury and Canberra, our nation's capital city.

I want Ink & Leather to be like a slightly eccentric uncle that you see at family gatherings and dinners, who tells you about Tie-bars and the correct colour of Sock to wear with different leather Shoes, who buys you your first bottle of Cologne and introduces you to GQ, who always has advice for you when you need it and who not only knows where to buy the best Duck pancakes in town; but offers to take you there whenever you next visit.

I'm growing up this year, and so is Ink & Leather. I hope that you'll join us for the ride.

Xx Grant

New Years Day ensemble:

2011-01-01T12:56:00.002+11:00

Let me start off by wishing everyone a Happy New Year! 2011 is here everyone, and I am very happy to mee it!

Today's ensemble is as follows:
navy wool Blazer with brass buttons - Hugo Boss, thrifted
black cotton Singlet with photo print - Sushi Radio, Melbourne
black leather Belt - part of my wedding ensemble
monogram canvas desktop Agenda - Louis Vuitton
grey pin striped cotton Shorts - Henley
black rubber Thongs - Havaianas

I don't actually have a whole lot planned for today. My boyfriend is back in town so right now I'm hanging out at home, waiting for him to come over so I can lavish attention on him. It's really hot here in Canberra today, so I'm thinking we're going to head somewhere air conditioned to hang out - probably the movies... I'd like to see Sophia Cappola's Somewhere in the very near future.

I hope you're all having a relaxing New Years Day - I sure am.

Closing the book on 2010:

2010-12-31T18:14:00.003+11:00

So here we are, on the precipice between two calendar years. 2010 sits behind us, all but done and dusted now, and 2011 lies ahead of us, new and fresh and exciting. What a year 2010 has been! I can honestly say that while I haven't loved every moment of the year that was, I feel like it has been one of the most important years of the life that I have lead thus far, and the outlook from here on out is incredibly rosy because of 2010.

This year I've come to important decisions regarding what I want to do with the rest of my life as far as a career is concerned, I've taken concrete steps towards becoming truly financially independent and paying off my debts all by myself, I watched two of best friends joined together in marriage and couldn't have been happier or prouder, I moved back in with my Prags into an enormous sharehaus that is just more fun than I can handle, and last but by no means least, I've met a remarkable guy who makes me blissfully happy and who fills my head with all sorts of ridiculous day-dreams and fantasies about the future. Baby, when you read this, I just want you to know that you're the cherry on top of the delicious cake that was 2010.

I'm not overly sure what 2011 will hold for me or for this Blog. I know I am going to make a concerted effort to post more frequently and to make sure my posts are of decent content, and that I'm going to continue to work towards a career and a life in Fashion - but other than that,it's as much a mystery for me as it is for you.

If you're still reading me after the appalling past two months here on Ink & Leather, thank you. I promise, starting tomorrow, things are going to change for the better, and I look forward to sharing my 2011 with you.

A safe and happy New Years to you all!

All my love, Xx, Grant - Ink & Leather

Neglected and dirty:

2010-12-13T20:34:00.003+11:00

OK - so let's just face the facts and then we can move on from here. Of late, my Blog has been the neglected child I always joke that I would have if I were ever to get knocked up. "Sorry Blog, daddy can't spend any time with you today, he's too busy working on his portfolio. Here, go play with this open bottle of Bleach..." "Sorry Blog, Daddy has just started seeing the sweetest guy alive, so he's just a little too busy to feed you right now. Go hunt about in the yard. There's a good Blog..." "BLOG! I can hear your incessant whining, and if I've told you once I've told you a million times, daddy is busily reading fan fiction, so if you think that the burn is really that serious I'd start walking to the hospital now! If Dora can do it so can you!"

There's no doubt in any of our minds that I'd make a terrible parent; but until recently I was convinced that I was a pretty decent Blogger. Now I'm just not sure at all...

So, I'm not going to make the usual promises to be a better Blogger, because for the rest of December at the very least I just cannot guarantee that I'll be posting daily and the likes. However, I can up date you on where I've been and what I've been up to, and I can promise that if we can just get to January, everything will be A-OK

Mags and Jeff's wedding has been and gone, and it was amazing. The whole thing went down without a single hitch, Mags looked beautiful and Jeff resplendent, and I was home and tucked away in bed by 1:00 AM. The weeks surrounding the wedding were completely hectic. Honestly, looking back on it now it feels like some sort of low budget D grade comedy that only the Prags and I would find funny. But it was spectacular, and I'm so thrilled for both Mags and Jeff. Of course, we're now all wondering which one of us is going to be next, but I've declared we have to have at least 12 months before the next round of wedding planning is allowed to begin...

As I mentioned above, I've got a boyfriend. We've been seeing one another for about a month now, and he is the sweetest, funniest guy in the world. While we have only been seeing one another for a short while, I'm completely smitten and I just spend most of my time with an enormous dorky grin on my face, staring off into space. He makes me feel like I'm the most amazing person on the entire planet, and I am exceptionally lucky to have him in my life. We're not buying one another X-mas presents, instead we're going to go to the coast for a weekend. I couldn't be more excited. Thanks Baby (he reads the Blog) - you're amazing and I can't wait to see you tomorrow night.

Finally, I had my interview for the 2011 Canberra Institute of Technology Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) recently. I had to prepare a portfolio of work, and a written statement of intent, and then I had the interview. The interview itself was very short and the staff were very welcoming and helpful. I was a little peeved that we didn't find out on the spot whether we'd been successful, as I was told we would at the open day; but I suppose January 19 isn't really that far away, right? Keep your fingers crossed on my behalf yeah?

There isn't really too much else to report really. X-mas is upon us and of course the malls of the city have devolved into breeding grounds of contempt and corporeal rage. I'll Blog as much as I can in the next couple of weeks - but I'm not going to force it - I need to gather my bearings and make sure I'm actually sending good stuff your way. Come January, I'm back to my old tricks.

I hope that you'll be along for the ride.

Rushed update:

2010-11-23T20:01:00.003+11:00

OK, OK, I know. As a Blogger I am pretty much sucking the big one right now. I feel like one of those terrible politicians who makes all these campaign promises, and then never follows through... But surely I get some props for acknowledging the fact that I'm a hopeless liar, right?

I know that I've said I'll be a better Blogger and I've let you all down before, and then again after that, and again and again - but this time I've got a legitimate excuse as to why I've been away! And it all starts with a dead bird...

As you know by now, Mags and Jeff were married on Saturday November 20, here in Canberra, under an exceptionally vibrant spring sun.

The above bird is a poor fellow that we found in the water feature in the courtyard where Mags and Jeff's wedding ceremony was taking place, the day before when we were rehearsing. Naturally, when I saw it, I did three things in rapid succession:
1) I screamed "DEAD BIRD!" and ran over to take a photo for the Blog
2) I updated my Facebook status to read "DEAD BIRD !!!" and
3) I screamed "OH NO, IT'S AN OMEN!" at the top of my lungs.

Mags was very quick to point out that it was the best possible omen, because she is actually terrified of birds, and as such a dead bird in the location of her nuptials was surely a good omen. I tend to agree, because the general consensus is that it was by far the best wedding ever. There are many stories and photos coming out of the weekend to share with you all - but right now I'm off to watch Harry Potter 7 Part 1 - so they will have to wait until tomorrow.

What's my age again?

2010-11-17T20:13:00.002+11:00

It is hard to believe that the wedding is only three sleeps away! The whole thing just seems completely surreal - like I'm going to wake up in my old bedroom in Lyneham and none of the preparation will have actually happened. I'm not sure if it's a side effect of my own ambivalence towards marriage in general, or if it's some sort of coping mechanism to deal with the fact that we're all growing up now, but I just can't make it feel real in my head right now.

It feels like i should be drunkenly knocking Mag's drink out of her hand at the seediest nightclub in Canberra while wearing my Pyjamas. Or like the fantastic four should be driving to Gull at 10:00 PM for ice creams. Or like Jeff and I should be awkwardly getting to know one another in the kitchen of the Lyneham house. Decidedly NOT like they're getting married on Saturday afternoon, and then leaving for the states for eight weeks on the Monday...

I love this new Alpha 60 Shirt that I picked up in Melbourne, and it got lots of comments around the office today. I wore it with:
navy wool Blazer with brass buttons - Hugo Boss, thrifted
dove grey silk T-shirt with printed image - Alpha 60
black leather Belt with stitching - found
charcoal cotton pinstriped Slacks - Country Road, thrifted
black leather Chelsea Boots - Country Road

Tomorrow is my last day at work for four days. Friday sees me getting spray-tanned, getting my hairs did, making alterations to the reception area and setting up the candy bar, attending the ceremony rehearsal and then picnicking at Brod Burger with all the wedding party. Saturday will be last minute stuff, and then the wedding is from 3:30 PM onwards. Sunday we're having a post-wedding BBQ at our haus, where I'm introducing my date from last Sunday to all the Prags before heading back to his place for a movie night. And finally, Monday I'll do a little work on my portfolio, and then we're driving the newlyweds to the airport.

Phew! I'm exhausted already!

Honeysuckle:

2010-11-16T18:14:00.003+11:00

It seems like I'm still recovering from all the exciting things I did and that happened over this past weekend. This morning for the second time this week I was exceptionally late for work. I was in a bit of a rush and so as such I'm not really wearing the most exciting ensemble today, and I didn't have time to do my hair either so it's looking particularly flat and listless.

Today I was wearing:
grey/brown brushed cotton V-neck Top - Fluxus
white cotton Singlet - Rio
silver and peridot Crucifix - heirloom
chocolate brown leather Belt - Country Road
blue and orange checked hounds tooth Slacks - Oxford
brown lattice laser cut Loafers - Raphael Steffens from the Carmen Steffens boutique

The Fluxus Top I'm wearing today was purchased on my recent trip to Melbourne for work. We had no time for shopping, every minute was scheduled with meetings and the likes, and so in the end my colleague and I made time by sneaking off for an hour of power shopping quest. I managed quite a good haul considering. The poppy print Singlet and the grey silk T-shirt are both from Alpha 60, the long sleeved V-necks are both from Fluxus, and the black and white striped Singlet is from Friends of Couture. I also popped into Louis Vuitton to grab my 2011 Agenda infill :D

I can haz Cheetah?

2010-11-15T20:38:00.003+11:00

The past five days have been absolutely out of control, which is why I haven't posted anything in a little while. I'm pretty easily distracted - which makes for a bit of a bad Blogger on my behalf - but I can promise you that I do stop and think "I really ought to Blog about this..." while I'm off doing these things.

Over the past five days I have:
> Flown to Melbourne for a work conference
> Drunkenly ordered McDonalds in Melbourne's CBD at 2:00 AM
> Danced to Ke$ha
> Managed just under an hours worth of shopping (Shhhh!)
> Hosted a Hen's Day for Mags in honour of her upcoming marriage to Jeff
> Met a Cheetah
> Devoured my own weight in tasty, tasty noms
> Went on a date with the sweetest guy ever
> Decided that I'm completely smitten
> Paraded around work with a rather obvious hickey in a V-neck

Regular posting back tomorrow evening, I promise.

Maps:

2010-11-09T18:40:00.003+11:00

Today was pretty nondescript - other than the fact that it was a bunch of tying up loose ends at work because I'm off to Melbourne tomorrow for a three day conference with my boss and colleagues. It should be OK - but as you should all know by now, I SUCK at packing for travel, and I'll be attending a cocktail party and a gala dinner, so I'm freaking out just a little. I have all these visions of me rocking up to the actual conference part wearing my Kimono Jacket, a Jockstrap and my Ug Boots and then freaking out. Honestly, the way I pack, it's likely to be the most sensible combination of stuff in my bag...

Today I am wearing:
navy wool Blazer with brass buttons - Hugo Boss, thrifted
navy and white striped Polo Shirt - Marcs
black leather Belt with stitching - found wardrobe item
dark-wash skinny leg Jeans - Quicksilver
off-white Sneakers - Puma, thrifted

So - I'll be in Melbourne Wednesday through Friday - so posting will be a little slow - but I promise to do a big exciting post on Friday about my conference adventures. Then on Saturday we have Mag's exciting Hens-day surprise, and on Sunday I am lucky enough to have a date with a really sweet guy. I'm freaking out a little about that too, but hopefully I can stop myself from scaring him off before the date at the very least.

Black and Orange:

2010-11-08T20:24:00.004+11:00

This afternoon I was rushing to beat the rain - trying to get home before the colossal thunderstorm that was building over Canberra broke. And I literally just made it. I walked in the front door as the first drops were falling - and as I started dinner for the Prags the heavens opened and it was thunder, lightning and heavy rain for the next hour or so. I love storms - I love watching the rain and listening to the thunder.

These balloons are left over from our Haus Warming, and are just floating around the lounge room. They have nothing to do with what I'm wearing, which is:
navy cotton V-neck Sweater - Oxford
black leather Belt - Jag
light wash bootcut Jeans - Industrie, thrifted
black leather Chelsea Boots - Country Road

Jasmine, Gin and Biro:

2010-11-07T22:32:00.003+11:00

The weekend has flown by, again, and while I feel that I haven't really achieved a great deal, I can now boast that I have completed the very first page of my Portfolio for CIT - which is pretty bloody exciting at this point. I spent this afternoon gluing down a selection of my fashion sketches/doodles - and I'm actually really pleased with the way that it's come out. I decided that I'd reward myself by taking a little break in our shaded spa area with a gin and tonic, while the sun was setting this evening. It was very pleasant - even if it did ring true that summer will be here very shortly :S

Today, seeing as I wasn't leaving the house, I'm wearing:
brown resin Sunglasses - Prada, a gift from Mags
pale yellow and white patterned V-neck T-shirt - Life With Bird, So Ho
crucifix Necklace set with peridot - heirloom
dark skinny-leg Jeans - Quicksilver, DFO
red rubber Thongs - Havaianas

Finally, to end this evening's post, I thought I'd share with you a sneak peak at the collage of sketches and doodles that make up the first part of my Portfolio for CIT. There will be ten parts in total. These are just Biro sketches that I do on A4 paper I've salvaged from the recycling bin and made into notepads. I sketch at work constantly - and these are the result of that sketching. They're not supposed to be fashion illustrations or actual collection sketches - they're just a glimpse, I guess, of the types of things I hope to make in the future...

Carmen Steffens 'Cor da Moda' 2010:

2010-11-04T18:07:00.006+11:00

In September this year, I attended the annual Carmen Steffens Boutique charity event 'Cor da Moda' with my parents, my Prags, and the delectable Lady Smaggle in tow.

The aim of the evening is to not only showcase the Carmen Steffens summer line of amazing shoes and handbags; but to encourage Canberrans to engage with local charities. This year, Emilia, the owner of Carmen Steffens Canberra, chose local charity group Marymead as the focus of the evening. Not only do the entire proceeds of the evening go towards the selected charity (which changes yearly), but there are a selection of silent auction items and raffles with great prizes donated by local businesses, the proceeds of which also go towards the selected charity.

The evening also gave me an excuse to wear my Alpha 60 parrot Top, which I was thrilled about. I got to catch up with Emilia and Socrates only very briefly on the evening, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to congratulate them both on an absolutely amazing evening. I loved every minute of the show and spotted at least three pairs of new shoes I'll be looking at picking up in the near future. My guests all raved about it, which is great considering one of them was my dad who ordinarily wouldn't really be into this sort of thing. The crowd all seemed to have a great time, and at the end of the evening when we were all leaving, we were presented with a lovely gift bag full of really great loot!

Emilia and Socrates, you and your team really outdid yourselves this year, and I cannot wait to see what you come up with for 2011! Congratulations to you all.

Finally, I must say how impressed I was to learn that all the womenswear walking down the runway on the evening were designed by 2010's graduating class from Canberra Institute of Technology's Fashion Design program. Yes, that is the degree I'm hoping to do next year. I was really impressed with the garments and the work of the students, and I really look forward to seeing what their end of year show 'Archetype' is going to offer.

Trifecta:

2010-11-02T21:17:00.004+11:00

Seeings as the ACT no longer gets Melbourne Cup day off as a public holiday - Public Servants seem to have found every possible way of making sure they still reap the benefits of the day. For example, today work in our area essentially stopped at 12:00 - and the rest of the day was spent eating and gambling. Our Grads had training all day today, so we encouraged them to dress up in race day fashions. I thought I'd try something a little different at the last minute (largely because my Suits were all at the dry cleaners and I didn't have any Hats/Fascinators) - and so I decided to go with my own trifecta of checked clothes...

The trifecta consisted of:
blue and white checked seersucker Blazer - Oxford
blue and white checked Oxford Shirt - Zara, thrifted
blue, red and white checked Tie - cute nameless Korean store in Sydney's Chinatown
black leather Belt - Jag
charcoal Slacks - Judas
black leather Chelsea Boots - Country Road

I really like this Blazer - but I really need to get the sleeves taken up - and to lose a few kilos so it will actually fit me properly. Overall I actually liked the clashing combination of checks on checks on checks - very Walter Van Beirendonck, non?

Oh, by the way...

2010-11-01T18:14:00.002+11:00

So in exciting news I realised that I completely failed to post about last week - I've found out when my interview for CIT is!

At 10:00 AM on Tuesday December 2010 I'll be sitting down to an interview to determine whether I'm of a suitable calibre for study in the 2011 Canberra Institute of Technology Fashion Design program. And I couldn't be more fucking excited/nervous if I tried. I've been working pretty solidly on my portfolio lately and I'm really hoping that it will of a quality that will leave no doubt in the panel's mind that I'm they type of candidate that they're looking for. I'm considering showing some examples from my portfolio here for you guys to look at and comment on - what do you think?

Today I wore:
off-white cotton Hoodie - David & Goliath
royal blue short sleeved Shirt - Oxford
black leather Belt with stitching - found
black waxed denim Jeans - Analog from Karmaloop.com
off-white Sneakers - Puma, thrifted

I'm basically focusing all of my energy and attention on my portfolio right now - so until December 7 at the very least it will probably be featuring pretty heavily in my Blogging. If you're tired of hearing about it already - by all means I invite you to check back with me after my interview. However, if you'd like to have a role in shaping my portfolio, stay tuned, I have a bit of a sneaky idea in the works that could be a lot of fun for my readers...

Happy Halloween:

2010-10-31T20:22:00.002+11:00

So, Saturday evening the Prags and I threw a Halloween-themed Haus Warming for our new digs...

We spent the afternoon of Saturday transforming our backyard into a spooky haven of hilarity, which was fantastic and everything, until it absolutely bucketed down with rain and everything got a little bit soggy. This is me wearing all of our Halloween tinsel, before we put it up...

Decorating the yard certainly built us up a thirst... Pity it was for VB *shudder*

I was originally going as a My Little Pony, but I left it too late, so I then bought an assembled costume and made it a little gorier. I decided however, that I wasn't a psychopathic surgeon, but a stupid surgeon. I'm like, Dr. Malpractice...

Finally, here is a group shot of the Prags. From left to right we have:
Georgia as a Devil chick
Meagan as a Ninja chick
Jeff as a Shepherd
Mags as a Greek Goddess
Me as a Stupid Surgeon

I hope you had an awesome Halloween whatever you got up to. Xx.

Pocket Full of Sunshine:

2010-10-25T20:08:00.003+11:00

Ah, Monday, we meet again. We've been adversaries for some time now, but I've finally learned the secret to besting you in this weekly battle that we call working life. I dress better than you'd expect of me, and then you have no attitude, no leg to stand on. Take today for example, on top of my awesome new hairs I was looking pretty sharp in crisp navy and purple, with that dapper black Bow Tie at my throat and sexy Brazilian leather Loafers on my feet. You couldn't fuck with me today Monday, though you did put up a pretty good fight, I concede.

Today I was wearing:
navy Blazer with newly added brass buttons - Hugo Boss, thrifted
black silk Bow Tie - from a set from Tie Rack
purple and white striped Business Shirt - Oxford
black leather Belt - Raphael Steffens
dark indigo wash Jeans - Diesel, from Cowboys and Angels
black leather Loafers with cut-out detailing - Raphael Steffens from the Carmen Steffens Boutique

Then when I got home this afternoon, laden with groceries for the tasty dinner I was going to make for the Prags (Chorrizzo and Chicken Risotto and Waffles with Berries and Cream OR Nuttella and Twirl for dessert), I discovered that the $40 worth of Lip Balms I ordered of etsy recently had arrived - and now my lips taste like Blood Orange and you have nothing to say, Monday. Nothing at all.

Fade to pale:

2010-10-23T20:23:00.003+11:00

So, in a bold move away from the comfortable, I decided to go blond...

The whole process took about two hours and was actually sort of painful - between the bleaching and the weird heater thing they had circling my head - by scalp was feeling much worse for wear by the end of it I can tell you.

But, you know what they say: No Pain, No Gain. And what gain! I'm loving my new blond locks and I cannot wait to see how they go against my wardrobe this week :D

Side note - I'm aware how much of a vapid air-head post this is compared to my previous post.

It Gets Better:

2010-10-21T14:44:00.003+11:00

In the months leading up to and including September, 2010, a number of young gay youths have tragically taken their own lives in response to bullying and harassment from their peers. The youngest were thirteen years old. The It Gets Better Project was founded by writer Dan Savage as an attempt to show Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgendered youth that though they might be having an absolutely terrible time in high school, that life really does get better, and that taking your own life is never an answer to the misery you might be feeling. Hundreds of LGBT adults across the world have followed Dan and his partner Terry's example, and uploaded video messages to the It Gets Better Project website, encouraging LGBT youth to hang in there and to seek help. You can view the videos here.

I don't know how to use my webcam because I'm technologically handicapped; so I've decided instead to share some of my own experiences with bullying and harassment here on my Blog. I'm not sure if I have any young LGBT readers, but I'm sure the message of It Gets Better is something we could all stand to listen to.

I grew up in a very small town on the South Coast of Australia, famous for cheese and teenage pregnancies. To say that my High School years were miserable would be putting it exceptionally lightly. I don't think that there was a single day in the six years I was at the school that someone didn't call me a faggot, or to call out my name to me in a put-on "gay" voice. It sounds relatively harmless I know, but when you spend six years having your own named used against you as an insult that insinuates that you're less than the rest of the students in your school, I can tell you now that it doesn't feel harmless. It hurts. A lot. And it didn't stop at name calling. Walking between classes became an exercise in trying not to get shoved into a wall or elbowed in the ribs, and on one memorable occasion I had the distinctive pleasure of being assaulted by another male student, who then laughed and asked me whether I'd "...liked that, faggot?"

And while I didn't even remotely like it (it will go down as one of the worst things that's ever happened to me, actually), I didn't do anything about it because I was terrified. I started taking increasingly strange paths to my classes, only using the bathrooms during class time when there was not likely to be anyone else in there, and generally avoiding all male students the best I could. And that shouldn't lead you to believe it was just the guys - it was equally received from girls throughout the school. Teens of any age, gender or race are equally capable of being horrible to their peers.

I'm fairly certain that there were teachers who witnessed this daily discrimination, I know that they did in fact. And while there were one or two who were quick to reprimand students and to tell them what they were doing was wrong, there were more than double who didn't. As a result of this normalising of my treatment, not only did it last throughout the six years that I was there, but at times it got so bad I actually considered taking my own life. I made a sandwich out of incredibly poisonous berries one day that I had every intention of eating, and would have, if it wasn't for the fact that I'm terrified of dying, and I have an amazing family.

I came out to my family in eleventh grade. I told my mother to her face, and her exact reaction was "And? We're having chicken for dinner." I'm not sure I can really convey what that meant to me, that it wasn't even an issue for her, it was just what was. I'll always be thankful for that. My father and my sister, I regret to say, I couldn't bring myself to tell for reasons I still don't really understand, and so I wrote them each a letter. My sister's response? "DUH! I already knew that!" My fathers was slightly more reserved, not because he was angry or disgusted or anything so dramatic. He was worried for me. He knew how dangerous life could be for a young gay man, and he openly stated he was worried I'd get hurt. He then told me he'd kill anyone who ever hurt me. Those few of you who read this blog know that there was no way he wasn't being serious when he said that. I love you dad.

However, how could I ask my father to kill an entire town? I didn't take my parents to my year 12 formal, because I didn't want them to witness me being bullied not only by other students, but by their parents. At the time it really upset my mother, because obviously I didn't tell her that's why I didn't want her to come, that would be logical. But despite all of it: living in a hick town and getting tormented daily by my peers, having my own name turned into an insult, being assaulted, considering suicide, feeling scared almost every day for six years, having strange adults sneer at me and call me a queer; I'm still here and I'm still queer, because it does get better.

The day I left my hometown for university, it was like I'd surfaced from being trapped underwater for a really long time. I started breathing again. Getting out of that town and away from those small minded cunts was the best thing I've ever done. I made friends at university and they showed me love even though I was gay and they were straight. I dated guys, something I'd never considered doing in my hometown. I started to feel less and less like someone was going to beat me to death because I walk differently or talk differently or openly checked out guys. I built a life for myself, and I got happy. I'm still surprised these days to realise just how happy I actually am, even when I'm whinging about work or life or being fat. I'm still fucking happy!

And so I wanted to write this Blog post so that all of my readers, those who I know and those who I don't, could come away from this realising that these LGBT kids who've felt that their only escape from the daily shit storm that is their life in high school, are not "special" cases. They're not any different from any other kid who gets bullied: it always hurts and if it isn't stopped, it will always lead to thoughts of suicide, or worse, the act itself. And I'd hope that any of my readers reading this who have a LGBT friend, family member or acquaintance in their lives, realise this, and would do everything in their power to make sure that person knew that there was always another way to deal with the bullies or to get rid of the pain.

Because it does get better, and for that person to miss out of discovering that for themselves, is the greatest tragedy of all.

Whistful Wednesday:

2010-10-20T18:58:00.002+11:00

So I'm still getting back into the swing of things as far as Blogging is concerned apparently. I didn't post yesterday because I mad Tomato Soup for the housemates for dinner - and it turned out to not only be exceptionally time-consuming, but also exceptionally bland and not very nice to eat at all. Luckily, Jeff was able to salvage the soup by turning it into a rather amazing risotto. Still, I was so depressed my meal sucked that I drank a whole bottle of Moscato and then drifted off to sleep watching American Dad.

Furthermore, this afternoon while I was reviewing the shots of yesterday's ensemble, I realised that the lighting was terrible at the time, and as a result my ensemble looked like an all-black goth-tastic FAIL! Needless to say, I won't be posting that ensemble for y'all.

Mags snapped these pictures of me and today's ensemble this afternoon, before we each threw ourselves through the shower and into our Trackies and took ourselves off to get tanned again. Say what you will about Spray Tanning in the comments - I look forward to disproving your thoughts :P

Today I wore:
black lambs-leather Jacket with military collar - Claiborne by John Bartlett
white Shirt with pink check and French Cuffs - T.M. Lewin, thrifted
(I had planned to wear my maroon Bow Tie today - but I was running too late and forgot.)
black leather Belt - Jag
taupe cotton dress Slacks - Oxford
black calf-skin Loafers with distressed detailing - Raphael Steffens from the Carmen Steffens Boutique

Monday look:

2010-10-18T21:10:00.002+11:00

I didn't feel like pulling on the stock-standard work uniform this morning - so I decided that I'd change things up by wearing Jeans and a Blazer. What's that I hear you say? Jeans? On a Monday? SCANDAL! Well, no, not really, because my lovely boss really couldn't care what I wore to work. I liked this ensemble a lot, and I'm pleased with the overall look - even if that middle picture is giving me a killer Ghetto Booty right now... :S

The ingredients for today's ensemble are:
grey Herringbone Blazer with blue check - thrifted by my mum
blue and white check Shirt with French Cuffs - T.M. Lewin, thrifted
black resin Cuff Links with Medusa heads - Versace, eBay
grey striped canvas Belt - Country Road
light wash 'Grant' Jeans - Lee, eBay
mushroom leather Loafers with striped detail - Raphael Steffens

Abode:

2010-10-13T18:59:00.005+11:00

p>When the working day is done and dusted, I am the kind of person whose first instinct is to head straight home to their room. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but my bedroom is probably my favourite place in the whole world. It feels weird saying that, especially seeings as I rent and my bedroom tends to change a lot, but it's where I like to go most of the time, and especially to hide from the reality of work etc.

So, seeing as this is only my second day back to posting and my ensemble was pretty uninspired today at best, I thought that I'd spend today's post introducing y'all to my new bedroom...

This is the door, obviously, with my big G, so everyone knows who lives here...

This is my desk and computer arrangement. It's almost buried under magazines and paperwork right now, but I'm liking the way that it's set up at the moment and most of all I'm loving...

That it enables me to display my vintage My Little Pony collection. They're all "Big Brother" ponies, and they're awesome. I almost have a full set now.

My bed, currently cover in my crap, with my Edward Cullen Ken Doll on the bed head :P

This is my solution to having the worlds smallest wardrobe - a clothes rail at the foot of my bed. It isn't ideal by any means and I'm pretty sure my clothes are going to get dusty as fuck from being there - but at least I can pick out what I'm going to wear in the morning by just looking up :3

And this is part two of the my current wardrobe. Please note the colossal heating vent running through the centre, effectively halving the amount of space that I have. It pretty much sucks - but I'm making do the best that I can. Plus, I get to live with my Prags again, and for me that's really the main thing.

Well, that concludes our tour - I hope that you've enjoyed yourselves. Questions? Comments? Criticisms? You know what to do.

I'm Baaaaaaack:

2010-10-12T18:38:00.002+11:00

So, after much absence and, lets be brutally honest, fucking around for no real reason, I've returned to the land of Blogging today with my new Haus finally getting the Interwebs set up.

The time that I have been away has been absolutely crazy! I moved house (obviously) and am now living in O'Connor with my Prags (Mags, Jeff, Meags and Georgia) in an amazing house on a hill. We have an enormous outdoor area, ducted gas heating and more books and DVDs than should realistically be legal for one house. All in all, life is great.

I've been two two amazing fashion shows that I'm going to write about very soon, I've had to overcome the obstacles of having a wardrobe the size of a small fridge in my new bedroom, I've been spray-tanned, I've decided to change hair colour, I've been passed over for a job, become obsessed with Pokémon; and a whole lot of other shit that I am looking forward to telling you all about, should you still be reading my Blog after this ridiculously long absence.

So, I'm back, I hope you're still reading, and keep an eye open for new content coming your way from this day forward.

Standby:

2010-09-20T12:21:00.002+10:00

OK – wow – that was a really long and mostly unnecessary absence. My apologies.

As I’d mentioned before I disappeared, I’ve been gearing up to move house, back into share-housing with Mags, Jeff, Meags and Georgia, in a property we’ve secured in O’Connor. Well, the move has been and gone now, and presents a whole host of interesting Stories which I will endeavour to share with you in as timely a fashion as I can manage. The only problem with that is that we are not going to have the internets connected in our new house until October 11 – which means I’ll be doing my best to Blog from work, so for a little while I’ll be posting a day behind.

There has been so much going on: I’ve moved house and am now dealing with re-adjusting to living with other people and trying to fit all of my stuff into an exceptionally small bedroom and an even smaller wardrobe (seriously – it’s tiny – like smaller than a fridge). I’ve applied for higher duties at work for the remaining time I have left there which I am waiting to hear back about. I have, as of today, 84 working days remaining at my current job, before I leave to (hopefully) start my Fashion Design Degree at CIT. The wedding is drawing nearer and nearer and with it comes a whole host of things I hadn’t even thought about, like organising the Hens night etc. I’m doing my best to save as much money as I can so I can pay off my credit cards, pay for CIT next year and build somewhat of a nest egg. All in all September has been a surprisingly hectic month for yours truly, and as horrible as it sounds I’m really looking forward to it pissing the hell off and leaving ma alone.

October will be kinder, I think. At the very least my agenda isn’t displaying much in the way of ridiculous amounts of things to do.

So, if you’re still out there, thank you for being patient with me and all my shit, and I’ll hopefully have some new content for you starting tomorrow.

I’ve missed you.

Sunday BBQ:

2010-09-12T17:13:00.002+10:00

Well, I had all these awesome plans for Friday's post concerning my boss's farewell and everything, and then Saturday I was going to talk about how I have started packing for the big move back in with the Prags: but things all changed when I was out until late on Friday night, consuming upwards of 16 beers at my Boss's farewell drinks, before stumbling home while scarfing down a kebab. When I woke up Saturday morning - not only was I seedier that a rock melon; but I was also suffering the starts of what is now a somewhat horrible cold. Needless to say I spent the day lolling about in bed and generally feeling incredibly sorry for myself...

Today, however, instead of sleeping in as I otherwise would have, I got up early and went of a walk around Lake Burly Griffin with my folks and my sister's dog Lucy. It was nice to be out in the spring morning with my parents, even if Lucy is incredibly difficult to control and did her best to rip my arm right out of its socket. After the walk we drove a short distance to a picnic area and prepared a BBQ'd breakfast, which was really really good. When I went to throw our rubbish in the provided bins I nearly died laughing: someone had discarded a bulk load of "The Picture" magazines. For those not in the know, it's a REALLY low budget Australian skin magazine which is mostly purchased by 15-17 year old guys or those with incredibly low standards. I'm still laughing about this now - it's just hilarious to me!

Anyhow, after the walk and BBQ I came back home and I have been steadily packing my shit into boxes and moving bags all afternoon, whilst slowly but surely succumbing to the ravages of this cold. two weeks until we get the keys to the new place - I'm pretty darned excited!

When he's sad he bakes:

2010-09-09T17:47:00.003+10:00

Tomorrow is my supervisor's last day with our section, which is really sad because she's awesome and we have a lot of fun taking the piss out of one another. It's also sad because she is genuinely really lovely to work for, and I'm going to miss her a lot. So, to alleviate what is likely to be an emotional day (public crying is my kryptonite - honestly, I freeze up and panic because I have no idea what to do), I've baked a batch of Turkish Delight Cupcakes with Strawberry Icing.

Today I overslept again on account of my not getting to sleep until 4:00 AM, so I was in an enormous rush and threw on the first clothes I saw when I was out of the shower before jumping in a cab and speeding to work. I think I'm going to go and see a doctor next week and discuss the whole sleeping situation - because this is fucked. When oversleeping is affecting my job it's one thing; but when it is affecting my ensembles? That shit is just not going to fly!

Today's ensemble consisted of:
electric blue Sweater - thrifted by my mum
white and blue Polo Shirt - Marcs
blue and white striped canvas Belt - Sportscraft
light-wash denim Jeans - Industry, thrifted
navy Chuck Taylor's - Converse

Declaration:

2010-09-08T18:20:00.003+10:00

I'm sort of in a state of flux with my working ensembles at the moment. A part of it is that I've come to realise I don't really like dressing corporate all that much, and that I'd much rather wear a nice Shirt and Blazer with a pair of Jeans than a full Suit. Another part of it is that I have under 100 days of actual work left at my current place of employ, and as much of a sullen teenager as this is going to make me sound, I just don't feel like adhering to the strict dress code when I see countless people on a daily basis wearing whatever the fuck they want and no one saying a thing about it! I mean, I'm not talking about rocking up in Track Pants and a mesh Singlet with the word 'Fuck' across the front in pink glitter; but I am sure as fuck going to start wearing jeans more often. They're comfortable, suit my figure better, and don't do that thing where the pockets flare out to demonstrate just how chubby I've gotten recently!

Ensemble one - September 7 2010:
black cotton Cardigan - Maxx from Target
grey pinstriped Business Shirt - Hugo Boss, thrifted
chocolate brown leather Belt - Country Road
washed out Lee Jeans in 'Grant' style - eBay
brown laser-cut leather Loafers - Raphael Steffens from the Carmen Steffens boutique

Ensemble two - September 8 2010:
grey herringbone tweed Blazer - thrifted by my mum
white 3/4 sleeve Top with sailboat picture - thrifted
black leather Belt - Jag
blue/black Jeans/Slacks - Versace from Material Pleasures
black leather Chelsea Boots - Country Road

Manful Thoughts - What You Eat:

2010-09-06T19:02:00.004+10:00

I have had the phrase "You are what you eat"running through my head on repeat lately; more contagious it seems than the 80-odd Country and Western songs I've downloaded over the past month. Every time I go to put something in my mouth, it's there, thrumming away behind my eyes, smug and devastating.

I know why I'm thinking this too: There are less than eleven weeks now until Mags and Jeff's wedding. And while I'm really excited for them both and I know that everyone is going to have an amazing time; whenever I think about the wedding lately, I'm overcome by a cold wave of terror. The reason for this is simple - as I am in the Bridal Party, I'm going to be standing in front of 60 people in formal wear on a balmy spring day. It will look like Mags has a frumpy bull-dyke sister who refused to wear a dress and still demanded to be in the wedding!

Now of course the logical thing to do here would be to say "Hey, cream puff! Instead of having a good old cry about this - why don't you step away from those duck pancakes and have a bloody carrot?" It sounds simple enough - and given the near-constant, Sue Sylvester-esque diatribe I have running in my head, you'd think I'd be too sodding afraid to stray from healthy eating when I have a mere ten weeks and six days to loose at least 10 kilos. Right?

Sadly, ladies and gentlemen, the truth of the matter is that while I am an emotive eater who seems to believe there isn't a problem on earth that cannot be fixed by an Up-sized sweet chilli twister combo without tomato; I'm also just really weak.

So, I'm struggling to make it to the gym five days a week, barely managing a full 50 minutes of cardio while I'm there, and doing my best to not eat carbs past 5:00 PM. And that would be great, except that come the weekend I sleep right through breakfast (which it's a struggle to get me to eat at the best of times) and wind up hoovering the amount of food a Somalian Village survives off in a month in the first hour of being awake. And the thing is I don't feel any better for any of it! Not the exercise or the attempted healthier eating, and not even the giving in and stuffing my face with whatever the fuck I want.

Because, at the end of the day, I know beyond a question of a doubt that come November I'll be lucky to have lost 5 kilos, and I'm still going to look like Mag's long-lost, elephantine lesbian sister.

Maybe that's OK though, maybe I'm supposed to be the fat little duckling in the wedding party to offer some sort of visual reprieve from how awesomely stunning Mags and Jeff are going to look?

Only happy when it rains:

2010-09-04T14:23:00.004+10:00

I had big plans for today. I was going to go to Brod Burger with the Prags for an impromptu spring picnic for lunch, and then after some more sketching of boys and ponies I was going to head over to the city to meet my friends Sara and Linda for an Evangelion movie marathon at Dendy followed by tasty Japanese foods and discussion of the afore mentioned movies. However, when I finally opened my eyes at around 9:30 AM, it became clear pretty quickly that it was fairly miserable outside. I could here the gently swoosh and swish of the rain on the street outside. Sighing, I rolled over and dozed some more until I received a text from Mags which stated simply "Picnic fail!". There went that plan.

I actually love grizzly, rainy days like these, so despite the fact that I'm not going to be ingesting any tasty grilled burgers or shoestring fries today, I had a big smile on my face when I finally emerged from my room at around 12:00. I made myself a cup of Lady Grey (you do not want to meet me in the morning without at least two or three of these under my belt!) and fired up my computer, before popping out onto the balcony to snap my ensemble pictures for today.

I love being cozy and warm when it's rainy and cold outside. I'll wear this all day, except I'll put some shoes on when I head to Dendy later on - maybe a coat as well. The ensemble is as follows:
navy Cardigan with red and grey striped interior - Rittenhouse from Incu
black T-shirt with silver logo print - Slick It Up
indigo wash bootcut Jeans - Diesel
hand-knitted adult Booties - made by my mother :3

Hope you're all having a safe and warm Saturday. Xx

Stormy afternoon:

2010-09-02T17:55:00.002+10:00

I was thrilled to find out today that I am being acted in higher duties at work for the next couple of months, with the possibility of applying to do so for another four months after that. This would bring me to the end of my time at the Department, and would work out perfectly for starting CIT in February of 2011. It also means I'll be getting paid more, meaning that I can save more towards my fees at CIT next year, as well as LMFF and RAFW, both of which I am hoping to attend. It will of course mean more work, but in light of all the pros of this situation, I really can't complain. Plus, you know, I'm sure I'll have enough extra money that I'll be able to tick off a few of the activities on my 50 in 500 list before the year is out :D

Spring is here, of course, and instinctively I'm dressing for the warmer weather already. I swear I can feel those horrid, balmy evenings breathing down my neck already! Today I wore:
black long-sleeved Henley - American Apparel
black leather Belt - Jag
dark indigo wash denim Jeans - Diesel
black leather Chelsea Boots - Country Road

I walked home around the lake this afternoon. There was a storm brewing and the blossoms are out and it was just really pretty. I'm going to miss the lake when I move further out of the city, but my new house has some pretty amazing perks that I cannot wait to share with you.

50 in 500 - Launch:

2010-08-30T18:23:00.008+10:00

So everything has been a bit hectic with me for the past week, but I am happy to report that we went and signed our lease this afternoon and paid our bond, so now I just have to pack my crap up and wait patiently until we can move into our amazing new house. Because I don't really have much else to say today, I figured I'd post my final 50 in 500 list. Also, I'm starting today. Not that I actually have anything to kick it off with. Whatever. I'll do something off the list this week - for sure! If you've decided to do the 50 in 500 I'd love to hear what you're doing for yours.

1. Lose 15 kilos
2. Apply for CIT Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design)
3. Get accepted into CIT Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design)
4. Spend several days doing nothing at a Luxury resort (Palazzo Versace preferably)
5. Go horse-riding - get lessons if you like it
6. Get a mole/skin cancer check
7. Add at least three new pieces to my right sleeve
8. Go on a road trip with my younger sister
9. Maintain a rigorous health regime
10. Quit the Australian Public Service for good
11. Travel overseas
12. Pay off my $10K loan
13. Get a family picture taken and framed
14. Re-learn to ride a bike
15. Cycle to work/school instead of catching the bus
16. Go on a camping trip with the Prags
17. Double my Blog's daily readership
18. Throw a spectacular 25th Birthday party for myself
19. Visit Perth
20. Walk into Louis Vuitton and purchase a Keepall 60 with my own money
21. Save the money to pay for the third semester of CIT Degree up-front
22. Enter into Cara's Frocktober fashion parade - two dresses
23. Only read J2 on Friday nights and weekends, not during the week
24. Pay my parents back for all the money that I owe them
25. Spend time with Troy, Megan and Brooke
26. Undertake an Op Shop pilgrimage from ACT to Eden
27. Buy my own sewing machine
28. Get rid of at least half of porn library
29. Stop actively searching for love
30. Replace all my frumpy underwear with Aussie Bum underwear I could be "seen" in
31. Print all my digital photos out and put them in albums
32. Attend LMFF and RAFW in 2011
33. Spend a night in a haunted house
34. Establish Wayward Son as a label and begin selling pieces on etsy
35. Begin making (and wearing) clothes for myself
36. Finish off the entire Stargate SG1 box set
37. Buy an X-box game and play it the whole way through
38. Work with dad on several pieces of jewellery
39. Spend time once a month with my grand parents
40. Cook every recipe in the French Cookbook Jeff bought me
41. Make a comic with my sister
42. Climb Mt. Dromedary
43. Collect all of the Big Brother Ponies and the Mountain Boy Ponies
44. Post something on the Blog every day of 2011
45. Make a dentists appointment
46. Host a case-day party this summer (each person drinks a case in a day)
47. Find seeds for and grow a Spaghetti Squash plant
48. Look into private health insurance
49. Write fan letters to my favourite designers, musicians and artists
50. Get my P plates

New House and CIT Open Day:

2010-08-29T18:20:00.002+10:00

OK - so I hate to be a total cop-out and blame my absence on my sub-standard internets; but you know what? I'm going to. Honestly, it's like living in the sodding dark ages! It will be fine for a couple of weeks - and then all of a sudden it's like I've been transported back to 1999 and the shitty dial-up my parents had then. I am really, really looking forward to moving to a new provider when I move house, so I can give mine the boot once and for all!

Anyhow, I'm back now, and I have exciting news! Firstly, the Prags and I have had our application for a house accepted, and later this month we'll be moving to the O.C. Well, we're moving to O'Connor, which is a suburb in Canberra, but we're calling it the O.C. because it sounds cool. SHUT UP! Anyhow - it's going to be awesome because I'll be living with four of my favourite people in a neighbourhood I love and the house has a spa in the backyard and is just down the road from a Yoga place and I'm thinking of buying a bicycle and working in a Pide House nearby and and and... I'M JUST SO FUCKING EXCITED! Finding a rental property in Canberra is a special kind of hell, and I am thrilled that we seem to have found a realtor who actually care about their tenants and aren't just out to rape your wallet. So yeah, excitement plus!

Then, in other exciting news, this weekend the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT - my desired future campus) held it's open day for future students. I went along with a list of questions I wanted answered regarding the Degree I hope to be accepted into, and of course to scope out the Campus and the other hopeful students. Over all I was really impressed. There was a really lovely girl currently attending CIT who showed us to the Fashion rooms, I got to speak to Steve Right - the head of the Fashion School at CIT - who asked me how my Blog was going when I introduced myself as Grant. Honestly, I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm sort of retarded now, on account of my gaping at him and being like "How do you know about that?" It was a true face-palm moment. Anyhow, he mentioned that some of his current students read my Blog and mentioned I've been harping on about how I want to study at CIT next year. So, if you're reading, Hi!

After chatting with Steve and then checking out the student work on display, we headed back to the car to go and grab Yum Cha, but not before I grabbed myself a free fairy floss. It matched my hair pretty awesomely :3

50 in 500:

2010-08-22T16:38:00.003+10:00

I got this idea from a Tumblr I was following for a while, and have decided to appropriate it for myself. The idea is that you set yourself 50 challenges or tasks or adventures - and you give yourself 500 days to complete them all in. There isn't exactly a prize at the end or anything, but the activities themselves should realistically be the impetus to actually undertake the 50 in 500 challenge.

So far I have come up with 40 out of 50, so I need your help in coming up with the final ten. I want to start on Wednesday September 1 2010 - which would make my date of completion Saturday January 14 2012.

OK, so my 40 tasks so far are...
1. Lose 15 kilos
2. Apply for CIT Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design)
3. Get accepted into CIT Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design)
4. Spend several days doing nothing at a Luxury resort (Palazzo Versace preferably)
5. Go horse-riding - get lessons if I like it
6. Get a mole/skin cancer check
7. Add at least three new pieces of tattooing to my right sleeve
8. Go on a road trip with my younger sister
9. Maintain a rigorous health regime
10. Quit the Australian Public Service for good
11. Travel overseas
12. Pay off my $10K loan
13. Get a family picture taken and framed
14. Re-learn to ride a bike
15. Cycle to work/school instead of catching the bus
16. Go on a camping trip with the Prags
17. Double my Blog's daily readership
18. Throw a spectacular 25th Birthday party for myself
19. Visit Perth
20. Walk into Louis Vuitton and purchase a Keepall 60 with my own money
21. Save the money to pay for the first four semesters of CIT up-front
22. Sew two dresses to enter into Frocktober fashion parade
23. Only read J2 on Friday nights and weekends, not during the week
24. Pay my parents back for all the money that I owe them
25. Catch up with Brooke, Troy and Megan
26. Undertake a Op Shop pilgrimage from the ACT to Eden
27. Buy my own sewing machine
28. Get rid of the box of porn I have from working at AFO
29. Stop actively searching for Mr. Right - delete memberships to gay singles sites
30. Replace all my frumpy underwear with Aussie Bum underwear
31. Print all my digital photos out and put them in albums
32. Attend LMFF and RAFW in 2011
33. Spend a night in a haunted house
34. Establish Wayward Son as a label and begin selling pieces on etsy
35. Begin making (and wearing) clothes for myself
36. Finish off the entire Stargate SG1 box set
37. Buy an X-box game and play it the whole way through
38. Work with dad on several pieces of jewellery
39. Spend time once a month with my grand parents
40. Cook every recipe in the French Cookbook Jeff bought me
41. ...

So, I'd really love to hear what you think of the list, and any suggestions that you have for it would be greatly appreciated.

Happy Sunday everyone Xx

Manful Thoughts:

2010-08-16T18:54:00.003+10:00

Do you think I'm masculine? I've been thinking about it a lot lately, and while I certainly wouldn't go so far as to describe myself as androgynous, I wouldn't say I was particularly masculine either. So what am I?

I can't help but feel like maybe we're reaching a point where stringent concepts of masculine and feminine are no longer really covering the general population. I mean, realistically the idea of gender has never really been something that humanity has viewed as being set in stone, the myths and legends of multitudes of different races and creeds across the globe are populated with references to beings of dual or shifting gender; so why should the 21st century be any different?

I've always been a pretty camp individual, some would go so far as to say effeminate. It is something that has garnered me a lot of shit throughout my life and as such it is something that I have, until very recently, been highly uncomfortable discussing. However, since undertaking cultural studies subjects at university, where gender and sexuality were laid open and dissected frequently, I have developed some what of a thirst for self analysis. It is in many ways what lead me to blogging about my daily ensembles - a desire to put my wardrobe and myself out there and to see what the great big world wide web has to say about me.

Manful Thoughts is going to be a way for me to actively discuss ideas of masculinity within the context of fashion. From today onwards, Monday on Ink & Leather is going to be dedicated to looking at men and masculinity in fashion.

I hope you';re looking forward to it as much as I am.

Brief words:

2010-08-13T19:11:00.003+10:00

Weekend is here. I'm looking at houses, working on my portfolio, doing laundry and seeing a gentleman caller. Life is good.

navy Suit-Jacket - MantoMan (tee hee)
softest ever light grey Hoodie - Country Road
blue and white Chux cloth T-shirt - Mooks
black leather Belt with stitching detail - found wardrobe item
black skinny-leg Jeans - Analog X Dylan Reider, from Karmaloop
black leather Chelsea Boots - Country Road

Hope you all have fantastic weekends! Xx

Mouse and Duck:

2010-08-12T20:09:00.002+10:00

I stayed home from work today to recover from a night of next to no sleep (thank you, insomnia!) and so besides sleeping most of the day, all I really managed to do was a quick bolt to the mall to run some errands and to grab a bite to eat with my lovely friend Keir. As such, my ensemble today is looking VERY casual...

black lambs-leather Jacket with military collar - Claiborne by John Bartlett
off-white waffle knit Hoodie - David and Goliath from Glue
Mickey and Donald T-shirt - thrifted, Vinnies in Dickson
chocolate brown leather Belt - Country Road
engineered denim boot-cut Jeans - We The People from Frat House
laser-cut brown leather Loafers - Raphael Steffens from the Carmen Steffens boutique

One of the errands that I had to run today was collecting my tickets to the Cor Da Moda fashion event which Emilia and Socrates from Carmen Steffens have organised for September 25th this year. I'm really looking forward to the event, which was absolutely amazing last year. I'm wearing my Alpha 60 Parrot Top, and as well as my parents and my prags I'll be taking the gorgeous Lady Smaggle along with me. You can have a look at the Spring/Summer line of Shoes and Bags which will be featured in the show here.

Snaps:

2010-08-11T18:01:00.003+10:00

I was looking back over my earlier posts yesterday, trying to find an image or images to use for the front of my business cards, and I realised that I used to do a lot more "collagéd" looking pictures, and that I liked those a lot more than I like my current images. So, today I thought I'd try to re-visit my original style...

Today's ensemble:
black lambs-leather Jacket with military collar (not pictured) - Claiborne by John Bartlett
black long-sleeved Henley - American Apparel
brown resin Mangel - Dinosaur Designs
chocolate brown leather Belt - Country Road
taupe cotton Slacks - Oxford
brown laser-cut leather Loafers - Raphael Steffens from the Carmen Steffens Boutique

I feel like a total mess today. My tattoo is all flaky and peeling and horrendous, I haven't shaved and now I have this 15-year-old puberty 'beard' going on, and I have crazy eye-bags going on because of my lack of quality sleep lately. I'm a mess woman, A MESS! I think if there's any day being a mess can be forgiven on though, it's a Wednesday. What about you? How are you looking today?

Egg-scruciating:

2010-08-09T19:24:00.004+10:00

The first day back at work after a holiday is always excruciating. I was not looking forward to going back, largely because now that I have my sights set of studying fashion at CIT, but also because I knew that this week would prove to be hectic. And it is. We were down two team members today (the two that actually make work bearable) and on top of this my big boss decided today would be the day to embody the "Boss giveth, boss taketh away" mentality. Firstly, she presented me with a carton of eggs from her farm and I was all "Naww, isn't that lovely". THEN, she physically recoils when I show her my tattoo after she asked to see it, like I'd just shown her something on Rotten.com, and finally she takes the time to remind me that as we have an executive meeting tomorrow, that I will need to remember to dress nicely. Because I'm the embodiment of slapper ordinarily.

The lady giveth, and the lady taketh away...

The outfit that inspired a reminder to dress nicely is as follows:
off-white waffle-knit Hoodie - David and Goliath from Glue
blue and white striped Business Shirt - Abercrombie & Fitch, thrifted
chocolate brown leather Belt - Country Road
black cotton-drill Jeans/Pants - Calvin Klein
brown laser-cut leather Loafers - Raphael Steffens from the Carmen Steffens boutique

I just have to keep telling myself that at most, I'll be out of there in 179 days I guess.

Planning:

2010-08-08T21:52:00.003+10:00

I cannot decide if this makes me ridiculously cool or incredibly lame - so I'm going to open it up to you fine people, my readers, to decided...

For a little while now I've been sort of planning what I am going to wear, up to a week in advance, by drawing these crude sort of ensemble plans. I used to just write a list of what I'd wear each day - but then one day I thought "Fuck it - I'm going to DRAW the plan out."

The plan above is for the upcoming week. I have a few meetings this week with senior staff members so I thought I'd save my boss the trauma of having my new tattoo out on display and wear long-sleeved tops all week. As much as I'd LOVE to see her reaction to the quizzical looks, and I'm sure questions, it would get in said meetings - I've felt a little flat all weekend and I'm not really feeling any desire to be a total a-hole.

Anyhow - my question is this: what do you think of my little ensemble plans? Am I anally-retentive to a point of being scary, am I trying to be zany and different, or is this just another part of the magnificent mess that is Grant?

Melbourne in review:

2010-08-06T19:45:00.001+10:00

So, I'm home.

It was fantastic to have a week away from my regular life, to spend nights watching stupid TV with my darling Nikkia, to play with my god-daughters, to meet up with the Melbourne Bloggeratti whom I have adopted as my own, and of course to undertake the Gaga photo shoot and to get my latest tattoo. The following is a quick rundown of how I spent the week:

Friday night Nikkia and I stayed up till 3:00 AM watching stupid TV and cackling loudly. We watched the terrible "Final Destination 2" and then the amazingly bad "Sex Shop Channel". I don't think I've laughed so much in a very long time. This is one of my favourite pastimes - just hanging out in Nikkia's lounge room in our sweats, laughing at stupid things and just relaxing.

Saturday saw us venturing down to Taboo Tattoo to take our artwork in to Clint, who would be tattooing Nikkia on Wednesday and then me on Thursday. We basically just hung around the house, talked about the order we'd do the photo shoot in, and thought about the logistics of it all.

Sunday saw me traipsing into the city to meet up with the lovely ladies of the Melbourne Bloggeratti for tea and pastries at the luxurious Laurent in Melbourne's CBD. It was so lovely to see Carly, Selena, Ellie (for the first time ever :D), Alicia and Angela and to spend a couple of hours just chatting and catching up. We were joined at the very end by the ever lovely Phoebe, and all in all I have to say I cannot think of a lovelier group of ladies to spend an afternoon with. Thank you so much for taking the time to come and visit with me girls!

Monday through Thursday saw Nikkia and I rushing about the place organising stuff for the Gaga photo shoot. I have to be honest and say that there were a few mishaps along the way - and more than a few moments where I would collapse hopelessly onto the lounge and declare "I give up! It sucks! Let's do something else. Thankfully Nikkia is very patient and between the two of us we were able to wrangle up what I consider to be a great (albeit mildly insane looking) shoot.

Finally, Thursday saw me walking with great trepidation to that Tattoo Parlour to get number five. The artwork, a portrait of porn star Colby Keller as Botticelli's Venus by artist J. Bone, was selected after I emailed both the artist and the model to ask permission to have it permanently etched on my forearm. Both guys were kind enough to give their blessing, and so two hours after walking into the studio, I have a brand new tattoo I am absolutely in love with. I've been attempting to come up with a "reason" to supply people with when I'm asked the inevitable "Why did you get that permanently drilled into your flesh?" - but I don't really have anything satisfactory. I mean, I think Colby is remarkably beautiful and he seems to be a really sweet guy on his Blog, and I've been a huge fan of J's work for a while now: but ultimately I got it done because I love the image itself.

So, there you have it - that's what I've been up to for the past week. I hope that you're well and I'll be back to regular posting tomorrow.

Hauswork:

2010-08-05T18:24:00.005+10:00

So, as you know, I am applying to CIT later this year to undertake a fashion degree in 2011. While I've been in Melbourne chilling with my bitches, I've had time to collaborate with my genius friend Nikkia and this is what we've come up with after days of screaming at one another and almost succumbing to spontaneous incontinence.

I hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to reading what you have to say about it!

In absentia:

2010-07-30T16:20:00.001+10:00

OK - so THAT happened...

So it started out innocently enough - my Internets were down and then running at the speed of a tranqued-out sloth, so I was waiting on all that to get cleared up so I could return to regular posting. Of course, then I set myself this epic task of starting on a specific date with a new 'column' that I'm going to be launching soon - which of course made me all nervous and stuff - so I put it off for a few days, and now I've come down with some sort of terrible Man-flu bullshit, so I've been looking like death and not bothering to take my daily ensemble posts. The final straw, however, seems to be the fact that I am off to Melbourne this evening for a weeks holidays. I'm flying down with Tiger this evening, and staying with my gurl Nikkia. I'll be doing a new photo shoot for the Blog and for my portfolio with her help, catching up with my God daughters, getting a VERY EXCITING new tattoo, and catching up with my Melbourne Bloggeratti friends for some coffee and gossip. So, in all likelihood, I won't be back to regular posting until Friday 6th of August. But, before then you should get the Photo shoot, and probably a tattoo post too :D

So, to summarise, please bear with me, and I promise to be back with new and improved content very soon.

Please Stand By:

2010-07-20T12:55:00.002+10:00

I'm currently experiencing some mild Technical Difficulties, brought about by my inability to manage my own time properly, and also a VERY slow internet speed that is basically prehistoric and sending me more than a little batty.

I am hoping to be back to posting as of tomorrow evening, and I thank you for your patience and continued patronage :D

Metropolis:

2010-07-13T20:49:00.003+10:00

My work trip to Sydney continues, and while I find I am spending a ridiculous amount of money (I found the Alpha 60 store Alphaville - I bought the most amazing Shirt...), it isn't just lunch-break shopping and perving on this ridiculously attractive man with my boss: we're actually working and I feel like we're achieving things. Plus, I'm learning more and more just how much I love my boss. This morning, for example, she straightened my fringe so it would stop curling at the ends. I am instantly in awe of her.

On my lunch break today I hit up the Queen Victoria Building and the Galleries Victoria. Every single store seems to be having at least a 50% off sale at the moment. I think tomorrow night I'll photograph everything I have purchased thus far and display them here. This will be, of course, after I have gorged myself on either sushi or dumplings, which are in such amazing abundance here... *sigh*

I've decided not to do an ensemble post today because, if I am brutally honest, I'm getting a little sick of my working wardrobe (though I did wear a recently thrifted Shirt that I love today). That and I'm living off a barely functioning capsule wardrobe while I'm here, so my ensembles aren't exactly awe-inspiring or even remotely likable. So, instead I'll let you in on a little secret: I am being tempted by the lures of the plentiful fakes lining the little arcades in Chinatown. I found a reasonably passable Birkin bag in genuine leather today for $150 - and I've even spied the Balenciaga Motorcycle bag in another store. I know that this defeats the purpose of purchasing a luxury item, and that I should feel bad for even thinking about it, but if they're made of actual leather and they're reasonably priced... I'm honestly struggling to deny myself...

What do you think? Am I going to Fashion Hell for even considering this? Let me know.

Sydney:

2010-07-11T16:34:00.004+10:00

Hello everyone - today, and until Friday of this week, I am reporting to you live from Sydney Australia! I'm here for the week for work, and now that I'm a bit more organised and possess a greater ability to plan for these things, I'm actually able to Blog from the Apartment we're staying in! Huzzah!

This is the view from my bed - which, I just have to say, is a king and incredibly comfortable :D

Sitting on my bed, considering whether to partake of a bit of Sunday afternoon shopping, or whether to go out in search of lunch? In the end I decided to save my shopping for etsy and Melbourne, and so I went to my favourite Sushi-Train restaurant here in Sydney, just across the road in World Square.

Another shot of what's happening out my window :D

After lunch I went in search of my favourite thing that you simply cannot find in Canberra: Bubble tea! This was a Green Apple flavoured green tea relish drink with Sago pearls - and yes, it was delicious :D

So, I'll be blogging as much as I can this week from my Apartment here in Sydney, and if I have any Sydney-based readers (or readers who have been to Sydney recently) who have suggestions of places to eat or shop, I'd love to hear them.

Into the woods:

2010-07-08T17:15:00.002+10:00

I'm not really sure what I was thinking when I pulled this on this morning - apparently I was channeling Paul Bunyan or something. I bought this flannelet Shirt because I love the colours, the soft worn-in feel of it, and because the label is "Woodsman" - which is just stupidly perfect and cracks me up to no end. I do look a bit like I'm off to supervise chopping of lumber or something, don't? Maybe if I had a Hard-hat? The combination earned me a few sideways glances at work - but I like to think they were wishing that they'd thought to do this rather than judging it unfit corporate attire...

For today's Lumberjack-Chic ensemble I am wearing:
navy new-wool Blazer - Hugo Boss, thrifted
red and blue plaid flannelet Shirt - Woodsman, thrifted
navy fingerless Gloves - a gift from my mum
black leather Belt - Jag
black cotton drill Jeans - Calvin Klein Jeans, DFO
black leather Chelsea Boots - Country Road

Wishlist Wednesday - Etsy:

2010-07-07T19:08:00.004+10:00

OK - so after spending the day at home not feeling the greatest I really didn't feel like doing an ensemble post - so instead here is a collection of stuff I'm lusting after on etsy.com right now. Enjoy. Xx

Minerals T-shirt: I love this. At this moment I am working on a collection for my portfolio based around Geodes, and this reminds me of it. I think I'll buy it just for fun :D

Vintage Lanvin Belt: I love the design of this belt, with the mocha coloured leather against the chocolate. It really is a steal too!

Shadow plaid Shirt: If Mags sees this she'll want to punch me in the face, because I basically have a wardrobe full of checked shirts - but I love the colours of this and it looks so soft...

Vintage Valentino Cardigan: I've been saying that I want another Cardigan in my wardrobe, and I love the slate grey colouring of this one. It looks to be in excellent condition as well!

Pebble leather Clutch: OK - this one I'm not sure of - because I basically want to use it as a pencil/sewing case for school next year. It's really cute though, no?

Caramel leather Attache: I love the colour and the fact that it doesn't have straps at all so I would have to carry it around with me at all times. I like that it looks worn without looking destroyed too.

Diesel denim Jacket: I have been looking for a denim Shirt/Jacket for a while now and I really think that this is of a style that would physically suit me. The postage price is a little much for my liking though :S

Black denim Shirt: From the same seller as the Jacket above, there's this shirt. I'm thinking of grabbing them both - but I'm not sure. Mags always asks me what I think I'll actually wear denim Tops with - because we're both pretty solidly against double denim. However, after seeing Annie Spandex rock it so nicely lately - I might be changing my mind...

So, I'd love to hear what you think of the items on the list. See something you think I should buy right now? Tell me! See something that makes you want to pluck out your own eyes? Tell me! I'd love to hear from YOU!

Represent:

2010-07-06T21:41:00.003+10:00

This evening I hosted a private showing of Eclipse at Canberra's Dendy Premium. 40 of my twi-hard friends descended upon the cinema in a frenzy of Tween Angst bliss. Of course, I'd already seen the film twice and had already revealed my awesomely hand-made 'Team Emmett' T-shirt to basically anyone who would hold still long enough to hear about it - but still - it's the excitement of having an entire cinema full of people you know all wanting to see the same film that really makes these session so special.

This evening I wore the following to celebrate Eclipse in premium quality:
favourite red Hoodie - Country Road
'Team Emmett' fan T-shirt - Made by me
black faux-croc leather Man-Clutch - Oxford (it's actually a Satchel)
black leather Belt - Jag
light wash bootcut Jeans - Industry, thrifted
black leather Chelsea Boots - Country Road

There was some contention between my lovely friend Keir and I as to whether or not there was a Team Emmett - but let me tell you: when you have (as I have) walked into a large metal bollard in the centre of Melbourne's CBD, very nearly nardsing yourself because you were checking out the new Calvin Klein X advertisements (starring Kellan Lutz who plays Emmett Cullen) - THERE IS A TEAM EMMETT !!!

Blue Monday:

2010-07-05T18:41:00.003+10:00

I had a rather eventful day today. I started my morning by oversleeping and then catching THE CAB OF DOOM to work: the psychotic driver for some reason drove at me, honking his horn, and then proceeded to scream at me in Chinese while veering from lane to lane. I did get to work in record time however. Then I spent my morning chasing invoices, and attending a NAIDOC launch; before heading to the gym this afternoon. After apparently doing my best to kill myself on the rowing machine and doing my usual routine I hopped a bus to the city, did some sprightly groceries, and then was home and showered by 5:00 PM. All in all I'd call that a successful day.

Today's ensemble:
black cotton Cardigan - Maxx from Target
white vintage cotton cowboy Shirt with blue cowboys - etsy.com
black leather Belt - Jag
charcoal Slacks with pin striping - Country Road, Thrifted
black leather Boots - Slaters

This evening, after a healthy amount of trawling through other Blogs and eating the Kitkat I bought myself as a treat, I'm going to do some sketches and then head to bed. I hope that you all had equally productive Mondays.

Bumper Birthday Post:

2010-07-04T10:53:00.002+10:00

Two years on now and all I have to say to you is "Where the hell is MY stripper cake people?"

Ha ha ha. I kid, obviously I kid. I'm hoping if my Bloggies WERE to get me a stripper cake, they'd know me well enough to make it a dude!

But, I digress. On Friday July 2 2010 - my humble little Blog turned two years old. At times it has seemed like I was just going to pack it in and give up - I've been sporadic at best and I do tend to loose focus at times and neglect my dear old Ink & Leather, and the Blogs that I follow. BUT, I've persevered until now and I intend to keep on chugging along, the little Blogger that could, hopefully until the day I die.

I'd just like to take this opportunity to stop and say thank you to anyone and everyone who stops by to check me out - we may not have ever met, and maybe we never will, but I love you regardless. Even if you tell me I look like I get dressed in the dark and the my morals are fucked :P

The coming year is going to be full-on! I'm planning on changing careers, on returning to study, more photo shoots, business profiles and blogger meet-ups; so if you're keen on getting in on any of these, please drop me a line - I'd love to hear from you.

Sunny morning:

2010-06-30T19:04:00.002+10:00

Right now I am positively buzzing with excitement because I am off to the midnight screening of Eclipse at 12:01 AM. Yes, I am completely aware that this makes me a colossal fan-boy dork and that 90% of you will probably hate the Twilight series - but at this point I'm not really caring. I have a hand made 'Team Emmett' T-shirt, I have my tickets, and I am going to have an AWESOME time.

Today I was sleepy from being at the cinema until 12:30 last night watching the latest Sex And The City movie, so I just kind of threw clothes on. I wound up wearing:
light grey argyle-knit Sweater - Reserve from Myer
navy knitted fingerless Gloves - a gift from my mum
black leather Belt - Jag
blue/black denim Jeans/Slacks - Versace, thrifted from Material Pleasures
black leather Boots - Slaters

If you're even remotely as excited as I am for Eclipse, show me some comment love!

Two ensembles today:

2010-06-29T17:45:00.002+10:00

This is just a quick post for today as I am running out the door in 15 minutes to attend a friends birthday dinner at the Restaurant I mentioned a few posts ago, and then we're off to see the second Sex And The City movie at Dendy. Should be a lovely evening, and I hope you're all up to something equally delicious...

Ensemble one - Work:
grey boiled wool/felt Jacket - Oxford
black long-sleeved Henley - American Apparel
chocolate brown leather Belt - Country Road
light blue pinstriped seersucker Slacks - Oxford outlet, DFO Canberra
brown laser-cut leather Loafers - Raphael Steffens from Carmen Steffens Boutique

Ensemble two - Dinner/Movie:
charcoal grey wool Blazer - Van Heusen
blue and white checked Scarf - We The People from Frat House in Sydney
blue and white checked Shirt with French Cuffs - T.M. Lewin, thrifted
black resin and silver Medusa Cuff-links - Versace, eBay
chocolate brown leather Belt - Country Road
blue/grey dark wash Jeans - Versace, thrifted from Material Pleasures
brown laser-cut leather Loafers - Raphael Steffens from Carmen Steffens Boutique