The Big Wheels Are Still Turning At Proud Mary

I don't know about you guys, but when I hear the name Proud Mary, I immediately think of two things; Tina Turner and annoyingly catchy 70's cover songs. But after this, slightly disturbing, image of swirling retro backdrops and afros subsides, another thought comes into my head, and a much more pleasant one at that. A thought filled with the vapours of deliciously roasting coffee and the promise of fantastic food. This thought can only be the result of one place...so let me take you, Dear Reader, for a journey on the number 86 tram down Smith Street, past the crazy old man relieving himself on the corner of a pub and the Vietnamese supermarket selling vegetables that look like they've lived longer than you (now might not be the best time to tell you that you should have had your tetanus, hepatitis, and flu vaccinations before undertaking this journey), and around the corner into little Oxford Street, where you will be greeted by another Proud Mary, one of Melbourne's most sought after cafes.

The space at Proud Mary is open and welcoming, with simple furnishings and windows keeping things light and low key. The coffee bar is not only the first thing that you see when you walk in, but is also central focus of the room, showing that when it comes to coffee, these guys mean serious business. Proud Mary has two of its own house blends; 'Angel Wings', which is full of smooth caramel and butterscotch with notes of red fruits, and 'Ghost Rider', which has hints of spiced apricot marmalade, caramel and golden syrup. There is also their filter menu, which usually offers a range of six or seven specially sourced beans (with conveniently added tasting notes) which are available in Syphon, V60 Pour Over, French Press or Chemex. Now, if all of that just sounded like a lot of unidentifiable nonsense, never fear, because a simple flat white here can most definitely hit your C spot (it's like a G spot except it satisfies your caffeine cravings, instead of...well, you know).

On the food front, the big wheels are most definitely 'keeping on turning', if you will, with the all day breakfast and lunch menu offering a slightly more refined cafe fare. There are choices such as house-smoked salmon with fennel puree, shaved fennel salad and a poached egg, ricotta hotcakes with caramelised peach, toasted pistachio and rose marscapone or the slow-cooked lamb sandwich with beetroot relish and herbed yogurt. I myself indulged in the avocado on organic sourdough with charred corn and quinoa tabouleh, goats cheese and chilli oil which was completely delicious, with the acidity of the tabouleh and the chilli cutting through the avocado perfectly. My Cafe Companion went for the special of hand cut pappardelle with zucchini, fennel and poached chicken. Iv'e never experienced pasta hugging my internal organs before, but I have to say, after my first mouthful of this dish, I'm now a firm believer in pasta spooning. The wait staff are helpful and willing to offer you advice when it comes to your many and multiple coffee options...that's right, no sneers from these peeps if you don't know the difference between an espresso machine or an Aeropress. The room itself is a great and comfortable place to spend your hours, perhaps writing poetry in a moleskin notebook if you're of the 'Indie-Kid' persuasion, or sipping on a Columbian Pour Over if you're a coffee freak. That is, if you can get a seat for a few hours of course, because on a weekend Proud Mary is busier than bloody Wall Street. Though, unsurprisingly, no one is wearing a suit.

So, if you haven't had the pleasure yet, come and chill at Proud Mary, because with everything from it's cool location (minus the peeing old guy-that's just gross), great coffee and fantastic food, this place really does seem to be the perfect Melbourne cafe. There may not be GoGo dancers or afros, but, as
Miss Turner so kindly informs us, 'the Proud Mary keeps on burning'....aaaaand cue disco ball!

Deeply Dedicated To Jewellery And Tara Lawson

The Oxford English Dictionary (at least the online version-do they even print hard copies of dictionaries anymore?) describes the word 'obsession' as 'an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes a person's mind'. Now, I have decided to boycott this term, as I believe it holds negative connotations...because let's face it, the idea of having something intruding into your mind doesn't sound remotely comfortable. So when I talk to you about my own, how shall I put it, little attraction, towards jewellery, I feel no shame or guilt...that is, as long as I continue attending my JAA (that's Jewel-Aholics Anonymous) Meetings. My most recent crush is on newly discovered Melbourne designer, Tara Lawson, whose simplistic pieces have me watering at the mouth. Metaphorically of course...cough.

A relatively new designer on the scene, Lawson began designing in late 2010 after creating jewellery for some of Australia's largest jewellery houses. Her debut collection, 'Lushland', received an astounding response and, not only paved the way for her own designing career, but also allowed her to showcase her own personal style. The pieces meld elements of nature with the simplicity of geometric shapes, seeming to create a feeling of magic and mysticism within her work. Each piece is individually handcrafted, cast in precious metals and then often decorated with colourful semi-precious stones to add impact. I can't seem to get enough (in a completely healthy and un-obsessive fashion) of her latest collection, 'Kiss', in which Lawson has focused on the philosophy of simplicity, creating pieces that make a statement yet are delicate and also perfect for everyday wear. My favourite rings from the Kiss collection are listed below...

What Goes Around Come Around Ring

Hugs Ring

Longcross Ring

The All Seeing Eye Ring

So maybe I am a little devoted, infatuated and, dare I say it, bewitched, by jewellery. What of it?! Call me obsessed, hell, call me crazy if you must, but surely even those who aren't quite as, erm, dedicated to shiny things as I am, will find it difficult to keep their hands off these Tara Lawson pieces. But now, if you'll excuse me, I have a JAA Meeting to attend...

Say It Ain't Faux-The Controversies Of Wearing Real Fur

Just the other week I found myself in a situation that I've been pondering ever since. I was at a party with the dress code of 'elegant cocktail' and hence decided to don my Karen Millen drape dress and, as the night was a little chilly, my vintage silver fox fur stole. The evening was coming along nicely with general banter and free flowing champagne until, after about an hour, some old family friends walked in. I greeted I one of the girls with a kiss on the cheek but as I went to say hello to the other, I noticed a grimace upon her face. Did I smell? I wondered worriedly as I tried to remember whether I'd put on deodorant (I had, in fact) before realizing that this expression wasn't directed to me but to the fur stole wrapped around my shoulders. She looked from the fur, to me and then back to the fur before throwing up her hands and crying out 'umm, I'm a vegetarian!' and walking off without another word. Now, I don't know about you guys, but having never experienced anything like this before I didn't know how to react and I stood there quite baffled for a minute or so.

Now let me just clarify. I do not condone the killing of animals for the use of fur when it comes to fashion and was myself a vegetarian for two or so years. The only reason I came to be in possession of this fur stole was because it was my Grandmothers, handed down to my mother and, one day, will presumably come to me. I would never buy new real fur as I feel like that would be supporting the fur industry and the unnecessary pain of animals, however, as this stole is a) vintage and second hand and b) a family heirloom, I feel as though by wearing it i'm recycling it somehow, so that a silver fox died not in vain. All this however, I was not given the opportunity to explain. As the night wore on and I became more and more pissed off with each glass of free champagne I thought out my predicament in a sensible and adult-like manner, I began to wonder and question myself...was I supporting the fur industry, even though I had not purchased the fur myself? Maybe I was promoting it by acting as a coat-hanger for it's products? I was upset because I had been made to feel like a bad person as well as the fact that I had potentially hurt my friends feelings. But (just as I began to think PETA would turn up to the party and throw a bucket of red paint all over me) I wondered that, even if this were the case, do people have the right to judge so openly other peoples morals and beliefs? After all, if you told me that you voted for Tony Abbot in the last election I wouldn't openly judge your moral compass or criticise such a choice...at least, not to your face.

That night I left the party a little thoughtfully (believe me, I don't usually leave parties with free alcohol pondering the philosophies of human morals), wondering at my own actions and the actions of those around me when it comes to fur in the fashion world. The fur industry is a terrible thing in our modern society and really, I feel as though with it's poor reputation and people's increased interest in animal activism, it may be a material in fashion that soon dies out. So what do you think, dear readers....by wearing the fur, was I simply supporting the fur industry? And should I still be looking over my shoulder, half expecting a van full of animal activists to kidnap and hold me to ransom? Or was my family friend's reaction over dramatic and unfair as I was not given a chance to explain myself? I did take some small pleasure however, when leaving the party, in noticing  that she was wearing real leather boots...talk about an (un)faux par.

Flowers And Frocks At Werribee Mansion

A beautiful old mansion, rose gardens, fountains and blooming flowers...you'd think I were talking about a Taylor Swift video clip, but don't be fooled, dear readers, as I assure you I have not taken up singing monotonous and predictable pop songs as a profession. What I have been up to is much more enjoyable...not that earning a small fortune and creating my own perfume wouldn't be fun and all. A few days ago I was lucky enough to visit the beautiful Werribee Mansion and had the chance to explore its incredible gardens and really, there didn't seem like a more perfect opportunity to sneak in some fashion photography. Upon hearing about my mansion adventure to come I wracked my brains  and tried to mentally sort through my wardrobe (why do I still have those fluffy white ugg boots?) to come up with the perfect outfit to wear on such an occasion. Did I want something long, short, bright, dark, tight or loose? For the garden shots, I eventually decided on my old Year 12 formal dress of all things (see Mum, I told you I'd wear it again), which is from the Forever New Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Upon inspection it seemed the ideal choice for the Werribee Mansion Garden shoot (at least it seemed more appropriate than the ugg boots), with it's soft floating material, beautiful pastel colouring and soft floral pattern. I paired it with my nude Tony Bianco heels to keep things simple and chose some lightly coloured glass beaded earrings to add some necessary sparkle. For something a little more sleek (or Boss, if you will) for the billiard room photos, I opted for a simple black number that I purchased in Paris (I know, life is so hard) with a bronze statement necklace to add a focal point and some excitement to the outfit.

What I wore:
Dress: Forever New Spring/Summer 2011 collection
Heels: Tony Bianco
Earrings: Diva (don't judge, they were fifteen dollars-for the win!)

Dress: Maje
Necklace: JJ Artesania

So, while I may not be featured in one of Taylor Swift's videos anytime soon (or creating my own scent for that matter), I had a wonderful day exploring the amazing grounds at Werribee Mansion and all in all was happy with the photos we got....though maybe next time I should see if I can rock those ugg boots?

Chill Out at The St Kilda Twilight Market

I'll be honest with you, I've spent quite some time now procrastinating on how to begin this post about another night market. I've drunk at least three cups of tea, gone to the bathroom four times and spent about 20 minutes mindlessly looking up cute cat videos on You Tube. But after watching the surprised kitty clip for the eleventh time around (my own personal viewing of this clip accounts for at least two thirds of its total views), I figured it was probably about time to make a start, because really, this market does deserve a place amongst my posts and is well worth a visit. The night market in question, I hear you ask? Well my friends, that would be the St Kilda Twilight Market. Yes, that's right, I wandered out of my CBD comfort zone last night and adventured into the wilds of St Kilda.

Situated on the Esplanade and running every Thursday night from 5 till 10 pm until the end of February, the St Kilda Twilight Market rests peacefully in the shadow of Australia's iconic Luna Park. I say peacefully, but really, there's nothing at all that peaceful about hearing the screams of the adrenaline high Scenic Railway passengers whizzing by you as you contemplate which soy candle to buy. However this market is so buzzing with the sounds of bongos, buskers, and spruikers, that really, what's a few screams amongst friends. The feeling of this market is one of ultimate chill and as you meander through the stalls, soaking up the smell of incense, the sound of sizzling steak on the Señor BBQs and those groovin bongos (that's right, I just said grovin…what of it?), you can't help but get caught up in the relaxed atmosphere of it all. Enjoy walking amongst stalls selling everything from vintage clothing by Winkie Vintage and jewellery made from coconuts to wooden herb boxes by Little Edible Eden. There are stalls selling feathered hair extensions, homemade candy, teas and beautiful handwoven necklaces sold by a guy with longer hair and more ear piercings than me.

What's that, all the incense smoke and sightings of dreadlocks is making you hungry? Well fear not, because at this market there is plenty on offer to fill your rumbling tum. With offerings from The Meatball Company, Señor BBQ, Vegelicious and Sherpa (selling authentic Himalayan street food of momos and chicken byriyani), there's sure to be something you'll like, so kick back on the lawn as you chow down. St Kildaens (as I have christened them) seem to be unaware of the laws against public drinking, so if you wish, make like the locals and grab yourself a six pack of coronas to enjoy on the sunny knoll as you watch the bongo players, jugglers and the rest of the world moving around you. When you're finished and feel as relaxed as a great big pile of jelly, take a walk along the beach, or else hit up some of the beach front pubs and bars…that is, if they'll let a pile of jelly into a bar.

There's something special about the St Kilda Twilight Market, as well as St Kilda itself...it's the blending of two Melbourne worlds: beach and city. So, with the summer sun setting over the roller coaster racing above you, a tummy full of street food and that kind of weird guy with a longneck dancing beside the bongos, remember the ultimate meaning of the St Kilda Twilight Market…chill out, it's summer.

Beach Fashion Featuring Sunrises and Sleepy Heads

My alarm woke me at 5:48 am last Friday morning and as I sat up all bleary eyed and mumbling an incoherent line of expletives I thought, 'whose genius idea was it to wake up this bloody early?!' Before I remembered that it was mine. You see, getting up at 5:48 in the morning to catch the sun rise over the beach always seems like a good idea the night before, but when your dreams involving you, a topless Ryan Gosling and a yacht are disturbed you start to wonder if it really was the genius plan you thought it would be.

Nonetheless, my dedicated photographer friend and I were on a mission-to capture some fashion shots (along with a sunrise) over beautiful Torquay beach. In the end we were very pleased with the shots we got and the early morning start seemed completely worthwhile as we watched the golden sun emerge on the horizon...I suppose Ryan Gosling can wait until another morning.

What I'm wearing:
Dress: Oysho
Necklace: from Camberwell Market

What I'm wearing:
Top: H&M
Skirt: Zara
Necklace: Stannard Inc

Sun, Sand, Saltwater and Swimwear Shots...The Positive Aliterations of Summer are Never Ending

Can you believe we're already more than halfway through Summer? I can't. Actually, to be more specific, I won't. I'm not yet ready to pull out my jeans and slip on a cardigan and shall remain in denial about Autumn's approach until about mid-April. So to aid in my self-induced ignorance, I decided to take a little road trip down to the beach and salute the sun in all of it's shiny glory with a few swimwear shots. I love these Seafolly Summer 2011 bathers...they're a little retro in shape, a dash of modern in colour and pattern and just the right amount of different so that I don't see five hundred people wearing the same bathers as me on the beach. Because, let's face it, that's always a bit awkward.

Make sure you catch as many rays as you can while the sun lasts and check out my next post for more fashion shots of my time at the beach. Man, I really do love Summer...and you know what they say about ignorance being bliss, right?

Soak Up Some Summer Lovin at the Torquay Nightjar Market

Sometimes I feel like the Storm Hunter of markets. But if you ask me, hunting markets is much more entertaining than chasing storms...because you can buy shit. And you definitely don't get as wet. Most of my market discoveries are usually situated in some Brunswick laneway, a Northcote hall or an undercover car park in the city, however my recent explorations took me out of Melbourne to the singlet and thong wearing (I didn't say this Market-Hunting business was easy) town of Torquay. Perhaps the last place on Earth (After Frankston) that one would expect to find a cool night market filled with stalls, bustling with people and bursting with enough food vendours to feed everyone at the Australian Open.

Welcome to the Nightjar Market, located on the Spring Creek Reserve in the beachside town of Torquay. In it's third year, this market runs every Thursday night in January from 4 to 10 pm and offers the chance to enjoy the talents of local artists, crafters and live bands while soaking up the beautiful natural surrounds. Upon entering the market, I felt as though I was walking into some beach-side hippy-ster (a cross between hippy and hipster) convent. But in a good way, not in a 'no shower and must be vegan' kind of way. The place was packed with people covered in tattos and sporting dreadlocks, right through to families and dogs (note:very good location for cute baby and dog watching) and there were large groups of people spread out on the lawn chowing down on offerings of paella, vegetarian burgers and Turkish Gozleme. And, gee, wouldn't it be great to get a large plastic cup of cold and satisfying sangria on this hot night! What's that, The Nightjar Market has that too? I myself sampled the delicious Momos (no, that's not a Pokemon character), which are Tibetan steamed dumplings filled with either potato or a cheese and vegetable mixture. Man were they some moorish Momos....I think I just like saying that word. Momo.

There is lots of talent to be found amongst the vendors as you take a walk down Australia Made Lane and Artists Way (the market is broken up into separate and appropriately named streets), or perhaps you would prefer a meander up Designers Alley or Fair Trade Road. It's interesting that the location of a market can determine so much what's on display, for at The Nightjar, there is a slight movement for selling objects that are either recycled, organic and maybe just a little bit hippy. Henna anyone? There were a few stalls that particularly caught my attention. A jewellery stall (naturally) selling beautiful and elaborate feathered earrings from the brand Eye of Gaia, who specializes in unique and handcrafted feather accessories and hair extensions, which she will weave into your hair right at the market. Also of interest were the designs from Victoria Edgas, who creates amazing ethereal sterling silver jewellery (think Arwen from Lord of the Rings), as well as small and beautiful sculptures. There were stalls selling things from leather bound books and recycled home wares through to soy candles and old books that had been transformed into paper creations.

The amazing creations from Eye of Gaia

 The sculptures and jewellery by Victoria Edgars

With the mercury finally climbing, chances are you'll be wanting to head down beach way at some point, so why not make it to the lovely town of Torquay, where you can add a little culture to your sun baking schedule. The Nightjar Market really captures the feeling of Summer and the beach with it's chilled out music, laid back food and stalls selling hand crafted goods. If this is as good as it gets this summer, I will be a very happy (and dry) Market Hunter...even if people there were wearing thongs.

Blender Lane Market Revisited..Night Style

I love markets, I really do...though you've probably already gathered this from reading about the four or so that I visit each week. But sometimes, just sometimes, when the hoard of market-goers is so big you feel as though you're about to have heart palpitations and you're so tightly packed into the isles that you accidentally touch some old guys crouch (though on the plus side, he'll probably never know it was you), you start to wonder if it's really worth it. Because let's face it, no one likes to be pushed up against sweaty strangers...or to touch an old guys crouch for that matter. So last night, after a particularly busy session at the Victoria Night Market where, yes, crouches were touched, I felt the need for a little down time and so found myself wandering down to the Blender Lane Night Market, just around the corner.

As soon as you turn down the small lane way, there is this ultimate feeling of chill as you're greeting by a bunch of sunflowers and graffiti stained walls. Feeling a little thirsty? How bout trying some of the Bruce Coast Ginger Ale that's on sale at the entrance. There's original as well as flavours like Jasmine Tea and Pomegranate to keep things interesting.

By no means as large as it's Vic Night Market neighbour, there are still some great independent artist displaying their wares at Blender Lane, most of which were new names to me. There was the original and androgynous jewellery pieces by Little Wondrous Monkeys, cute handmade accessories from Milky Way Day and beautiful hand made art from Jenna Winship, who can create, almost any image you like, as a cute postcard-sized piece of art. And if you feel as though you need a bit of beard trimming (I know mine can quite often get out of hand), you can take a seat on an old milk crate and get your whiskers (or head) dealt with for under a twenty. I dare you to find a more hipster place in Melbourne to get your hair cut then in this graffiti riddled lane way.

So while you're not greeted by the smells of barbecuing meats, the sounds of live music and a ridonkulous amount of stalls, the Blender Lane Night Market does have a little something special that no other market has. A feeling of laid back cool, arty originality and, well, you don't have to worry about accidentally grouping old men. Unless your into that kind of thing, in which case...as you were.