What's in the bag?

I guess it's time for the gratuitous 'what's in my handbag' post. Not that I like copying other ideas (this one is done to death) but I actually really like the idea of seeing what people carry around on a day to day basis.

Obviously I do have different objects and items in there on a day to day basis depending on my mood, where I'm going, what I've jammed in there quickly.... But I've taken a photo of what you'll always find with me. These are my can't-live-without items.

- Firstly - Laura Mercier lipstick in "brown sugar". I know that sounds totally Neve Campbell circa Party of Five but I can assure you it's less 90s and really awesome. It's a subtle colour that makes your lips have a little hint of colour to them without being OTT.

- Duh - my keys. I love my black patent leather Zimmermann keyring, but the other key rings are very special to me! They're the Coach lock and key charms and were given to me by my best friend when we were holidaying in Japan together. We were in freeeezing conditions in the snow and sharing Valentine's day together. We decided on a gift exchange... I actually can't remember what I got her though?!

- My sunglasses by MINKPINK. I looove the shape and the tortoiseshell finish. The only downside is that they leave some mean red dots on the side of my face that take ages to go down. No bueno.

- Next is everyone's go to - Lucas' Paw Paw Ointment. I literally love this stuff and go through it like nobody's business. I use it on my lips, dry skin, scars, blemishes, bites... everything. Actually - I used to work with a lady whose sister owned this company or something like that (you know, the old friend of a friend claim). Anyway - apparently she had terrible sunspots all over the back of her hands. She applied this nightly and covered in gloves and within a year or so no sun spots!! Interesting... not sure that it worked for other people I have told though.

- My Amazon Kindle. My life saviour. My favourite possession. Let me tell you - I am a bookworm. I read a book a week. I have a huge collection of books and NEVER thought I'd like not having the actual book in my hand. But Kindle is King. I have over 1000 books now and have never looked back. So lightweight and you can. read. in. the. sun!!! No glare!

- iPhone. No brainer. Love checking out Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blindgossip.com and emails on the go.

- Black Justine Pratten leather wallet. I bought this from Garnsis literally about 11 or so years ago. Still in perfect condition. Highly recommend her leather goods.

- A Paper Blanks journal. I have about 1000 notebooks that I constantly interchange (but somehow always keep track of what I've scribbled in each). I have a journal for work, for notes, for dreams, for writing each morning, a journal for to-do lists. It's non-stop. I love stationery/writing/lists = geek.

- Finally - my PosieTint blush by Benefit. Looove this. Have been buying it for a few years now. I love the soft pink which looks amazing applied as a blush or a lip stain. 

Also - this is one of my favourite bags. It doesn't fit too much - but I love it... you can probably tell that as it's starting to get quite dirty on the suede part at the top. 

New York fashion week.

As New York Fashion Week - Fall/Winter 2012 comes to a close I've attached a few photos that I love for the femininity, structure, simplicity and accessories. I loved so many collections - but I cannot get the Proenza Schouler boots out of my mind. 

One of my all time favourite designers is Phillip Lim, and the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection didn't disappoint. I loved the silhouettes, structure and monochromatic look, with a little hit of colour via the gold shoes. Although the collection did feature green, blue and maroon they were quite deep colours - a step away from his past few collections - obviously the fall/winter has a huge part to play in the colour choice.

I also loved the drama at Marchesa and the phenomenal craftsmanship and structure in those gowns.

I have to say though - my overall winner and favourite collection was Preen. It was amazing and to me, perfectly wearable as is. I have literally watched the final walk through over and over. Love the hair, makeup, colour, prints, structure, peplum-effect shirts.... everything. I am going bananas over Preen. Check out the final walk below.

I've been devouring the coverage on all mediums, but I think this year instagram takes the cake. Have been loving the behind the scenes looks, models off duty, front row snaps and actual runway photographs.

Top to bottom:: Badgley Mishka, Elizabeth and James, Marchesa, Reed Krakoff.

Photos via style.com

Video via byranboy.com

Nic Plowman.

A friend recently introduced me to the amazing Brisbane artist Nic Plowman. Although his work is not typically my favourite art aesthetic, I immediately fell in love with his dark pieces. 

I love that his work (and often within a single piece) has such contrast - very detailed techniques against such simplistic lines and details. He currently has an exhibition running at Jugglers Art Space, the Valley which I will definitely be checking out.

1. Formula for Resurrection (triptych) 2011

    watercolour, graphite, gold leaf on stretched paper 190 x 285cm

2. Test 2007

    graphite, acrylic and paper on board 30 x 30cm

3. Hold my Heart 2010

    graphite, charcoal, ink, pencil, pastel, gold lead and oil on poly-cotton 140 x 100cm

4. Lazarus (the inheritance of immortality (diptych))

    graphite, watercolour, gold leaf, paint pen, charcoal on stretched paper

5. The Nine Lived of Nic Plowman 2010

    ink, graphite, charcoal, pastel, paint pen, acrylic and oil on poly-cotton 140 x 100cm

    Finalist 2010 Redland Art Award

Casual style.

I love styling outfits for a day out as much as I do for a night out. I just find the simplicity of a day outfit very effective and I think it better describes someone's style than just another boring going-out dress. Actually - I am so over dresses it's not funny. The sad thing is they take up about half of my wardrobe - I'm slowly getting through selling most of them, but I don't find many of them to be particularly stylish. Although beautiful, you can't really see someone's style in a dress as opposed to a put-together outfit.

I'm loving Miranda Kerr's and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's day-to-day casual style. Again - so simplistic but so effective. I love the basic bottom being dressed up by a blazer. 

My favourite here has to be Miranda though, I love the pop of colour (as opposed to Rosie's monochromatic ensemble)... and gorgeous Flynn is the perfect accessory.

All you need is a great pair of jeans, cool tee, flats and blazer. Baby optional.

Marni at H&M.

This is the amazing and long-awaited Marni at H&M collaboration video, which was directed by none other than esteemed Academy Award and Golden Globe winner, Sofia Coppola.

Although the clothes are obviously beautiful, for me it is all about the accessories. I have always loved Marni's accessories more so than the clothes. And speaking of beautiful, the leading lady, played by model Imogen Poots, is stunning.

I love the video, I love the accessories, I love the models, I love that it was set in Marrakesh, Morocco - but most of all, I love that it is released worldwide on March 8.... right while I will be in New York. Perfection.

supercalifragilicticexpialidocious.

Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay!

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Mary Poppins: The Supercalifragilistic Musical at QPAC Theatre during the week. I have always loved this movie - I remember watching it as a little girl and I still know nearly every song by heart.

This musical was unbelievable. I have seen a fair few stage productions and I would say this was by far the best (however I am seeing some shows on Broadway in a month, so I'm sure nothing will compare). The cast was outstanding, but what I enjoyed most were the amazing sets and costumes. I was lucky enough to enjoy the show from front row seats, which was just spectacular. It was actually quite funny to make eye contact with the performers and smile along with them.

Being in the front row, we were obviously right in front of the orchestra. It was a bonus to be able to speak with the musicians and watch what happens 'behind the scenes'. Speaking of which, I also quite liked taking sneak peaks to the sides of the stage to see what the cast members were up to (like the policeman having his beard sticky-taped on).

My favourite number was 'step in time', featuring Matt Lee (from So You Think You Can Dance fame) as Bert. He was outstanding - and had amazing stamina to dance up the walls and on the ceiling yes, on the ceiling). The other numbers were awesome - it was really fun to see (and sometimes hear) people of all ages sing along. Although we all expected it, seeing Mary Poppins fly over the audience with her umbrella was phenomenal and had everyone grinning like toddlers.

I cannot recommend this enough - GO AND SEE THIS MUSICAL!! You will not be disappointed.

Image: dailytelegraph.com.au