Martin Fella Vintage

It shouldn't come as a shock to you that in Melbourne, we love our vintage. Now, I'm not talking about the moth hole-riddled, lumpy brown cardigan you may find hanging in your grandfather's closet, but vintage, recycled and second hand clothing that looks fab, but won't bust your bank account. The interest in Vintage and second hand clothing has exploded in recent years, with shops popping up all over Melbourne town. Young women in long skirts waltz our streets, men wearing printed shirts from the 70's sit in Gertrude Street bars and you'll see more hipsters sporting second hand vests then you can poke a stick at.* One of the things that I personally love most about vintage and recycled clothing, is the story each item carries with it. Every piece holds old memories and it's as though you're sharing someone's past with them...not in a creepy Freaky Friday, body swap way, but in a sentimental kind of way. Whilst wandering up Queensberry Street, in North Melbourne, I stumbled upon Martin Fella Vintage, a retro-style little shop, crammed with enough second hand and vintage goodies to make any self respecting vintage lover go blurry-eyed.

For the past fifteen years Martin Fella has been gracing North Melbourne's presence with a beautiful array and assortment of vintage and second hand goods. Split across two levels, the shop stocks mostly men's and women's clothing, as well as jewellery, shoes, bags and other accessories. There are cute high waisted skirts, crazily patterned shirts, fur jackets and trenches galore. Along with the practical and wearable there's also the, er, kinda weird and wacky (statement necklace featuring the face of Karl Largerfeld, anyone?), which just makes the experience all the better really. Though small, one could peruse these shelves for a long while. I myself was particularly taken by some of the beautiful leather bags and oversized vintage-style sunglasses. Because really, who doesn't love to look like a giant fly...as long as it's done in style of course.

Martin Fella Vintage is just one of Melbourne's many places to purchase vintage goods, whether you're just dipping your toe in the style or a full blown vinta-phile. Something tells me that, much like the clothes themselves, Melbourne's love of all things vintage will be around forever. No old cardigan will go unworn, no brown lace-up brogues shall be un-walked and remember, each piece holds it's own past and memories. So just think, you could be wearing the very same printed vest that got thrown up on at a party in 1989...happy vintaging!

*If you have never attempted to poke a hipster with a stick, I highly reccomend you give it a try. It is most amusing.

One Hell of a White Night

So Melbourne's White Night has been and gone in a haze of light shows, live music, artist workshops and late night Maccas, and if you didn't manage to get into the CBD (you were probably the only person in our 4.1 million strong population who didn't. But don't feel bad), you sure did miss quite an event. White Night Melbourne promised to be a 'night like no other' and, sure enough, Iv'e never experienced a night like that in Melbourne before. The streets were packed so tight they were like a virgin, 'touched for the very first time', if I may borrow the phrase, and all traffic was halted throughout the CBD for the festivities.

There were a huge range of events and some fun for everyone to be had, with a program featuring everything from an all night zine-making marathon at the Sticky Institute to water displays along the Yarra. There were stages set up at Flinders St Station, the State Library and Degraves Street, which saw night long performances from The Eagle and the Worm, Rockwiz Orchestra and The Cat Empire. If crazy (and most likely, slightly embarrassing) dancing is more your style, there were free dance workshops held under hundred of sparkling mirror balls in Fed Square, featuring styles like salsa, club dancing and the Thriller Dance, which saw Melburnians getting their groove on until 6 in the morning. Bringing the theme of 'Wonderland' to life, and evoking memories of grand carnivals, The Electric Canvas transformed the Flinders Street scape into a magnificent fantasy land by projecting moveable lights all over the buildings. This is one of the largest projection projects that Australia has ever seen, with the light installation running from the Forum Theatre right up to St Paul's Cathedral and beyond. Degraves Street was turned into a place of whimsy and mystery with lasers projecting images onto the stone walls, multicoloured smoke filling up the space and, perhaps my favourite, a huge projection of a fashion runway at the start of Elizabeth street. And don't think you were the only one pulling an all nighter, because the NGV, State Library, Museum and Wheeler Center all threw their doors open, hosting numerous activities and events, all through the night. I don't believe McDonalds or the city's late night pizza joints have received such a work out before, but if you actually wanted the food you put in your mouth to taste good (rather than tasting like it had been sat on by a stray cat), there were food trucks selling tacos, pork belly rolls and Thai food, lined up along Flinders Street, serving eagerly awaiting customers. For the bold (or just highly drugged up), there was the opportunity to ring in the sun rise at 7am, with a procession from Flinders Street to Princes Bridge led by the White Night bands and artists. A choral procession welcomed in the new day and The Cat Empire frontman, Felix Reibl, has created a new song as a tribute to the event.

It past in a flash and a blur of light, music, colour and dancing, but if you were that one person who sat at home instead, never fear, because Melbourne can look forward to more White Nights in 2014 and 2015. Never has one single event touched our buildings, graced our streets and filled our entire city with so much fantasy, whimsy and wonder as Melbourne's White Night. If you were lucky enough to see the sun rise, I can imagine that, as the golden sun rose over the pale horizon, only the though of, 'God, what an incredible city', entered your mind...well, either that or 'I really need an effing cheese burger.

New Suede Shoes

Sometimes I feel like I share a special bond with my shoes. They have to hang around on my feet all day (let's be honest, probably not the most pleasant of places to be), walk for kilometers over a multitude of terrains for me and then do it all again the next day. I have friends who wouldn't do that for me! Shoes are one of our most important wardrobe pieces (unless your like my hippy brother and have decided there's no need to wear shoes in public. People, this is not ok) as we need them to be comfortable, sturdy and hard-wearing. You might think i'm crazy, or that I have a foot fetish (I may have acquired a restraining order or several), but I think my shoes know me better than anyone....they don't just walk in my shoes, THEY ARE MY FREAKING SHOES! So you can imagine, that after many a year spent building a relationship with my toe tickling friends, I tend to wear them until they're worn, torn and, well, generally un-wearable. I had a sad moment the other day when I realised it was time for a favourite pair of vintage boots to go into the bin. A sad moment, yes, but with each passing there is always new life. To prepare me for Autumn, I decided it was time to invest in a new pair of boots, and that's when these beauties from Django and Juliette caught my eye. Made from a beautiful soft leather, the low ankle cut of these boots makes them wearable with dresses, skirts, shorts and pants, and the buckle adds lovely detail without being to chunky.

It's too soon to talk about sole mates (geddit!), but I think this is the start of a very beautiful friendship...

The Block Arcade's Hopetoun Tea Rooms

Sometimes, you really just need to feel like a proper lady. To have the opportunity to sip on blends of exotic tea, nibble on scones, taste little tarts and sample crustless finger sandwiches. And sometimes, like me, you can pretend to be a proper lady while actually stuffing your face with cake...as long as you sip your tea with your pinky finger in the air, no one will be any the wiser.

My wonderful cake-stuffing experience (well, technically it was tart stuffing...but that kind of sounds like i'm turning a hooker into a piñata. Which, I assure you, I was not doing) occurred this week at the beautiful, old world Hopetoun Tea Rooms, established in 1892, to be found in Melbourne's Block Arcade. If you've ever walked through this arcade before, chances are you've seen these tea rooms, with a front window that's practically bursting with cakes that look so delectable they'll have you ditching your diet before you can say 'with extra cream on the side please'. There are moorish looking mousses, tarts piled high with fresh fruit, sumptuous slices and glistening ganaches (the alliterations really are endless), all of which call to the innocent passersby, who can do nothing but stare and gawk...and drool. I hear there's a specific cleaner for the drool. Situated in the Block Arcade, the Hopetoun Tea rooms are surrounded by old world beauty, which is only enhanced on the inside with its patterned green wall paper, gold light fixtures and ornate mirrors. To walk through the doors and be greeted by the suited staff is, in itself, a small delight (and not only because you'll be laughing at everyone in the queue behind you. Suckers!) as you feel as though you've stepped back in time.

The Tea Rooms are open Monday through to Saturday, from 8am to 5pm, so it can cope with the number of tourists, Melburnians and cake-o-philes demanding a table. You can begin your day with breakfast at Hopetoun, with choices like the atlantic eggs or golden crepes, or else lunch like a prince on pan seared ricotta gnocchi or the Mediterranean chicken. Of course there are sandwiches and scones, and if you're feeling super Pride and Prejudicey you can indulge in High Tea (BYO Mr Darcy), served on a three tiered cake stand. The drinks, or more specifically, the teas, are something special too. There are a range of blends like Strawberry Kisses (fruit blend, chocolatea, vanilla and rooibos) and Fiji (a papaya and wild pineapple green tea), that sound like, well, the perfect kind of holiday really. I sampled the Snow White, with apple, raspberry and rose-hip, which was delicately sweet. And, of course, then there are the cakes. With choices like chocolate and fig tart, black forest cake and white chocolate mousse, you may spend a good thirty or so minutes deciding which one to pick. Let's be honest, this is the kind of decision that could be life altering, so it's worth the deliberation time. After much procrastination on my part, I finally decided upon the pecan and chocolate tart, which was deliciously nutty, not overly chocolatey and had perfectly cooked pastry. My Cake Companion in Crime chose the pear frangipane tart, which was wonderfully crumbly and not too sweet. All in all we were both chuffed with our choices...but then, I don't think it's possible to be disappointed with a dessert choice here.

The Hopetoun Tea Rooms tell a story of old world glamor and offer an indulgent experience that should be had by all. So sit up tall, shoulders back and remember to sip with an extended pinky finger....then drop all composure, stuff yourself with cake and be a glutton. You know you want to.

Beers, Burgers and a Bridge Make A Winning Combination For Ponyfish Island

Nothing beets an ice cold beer or cider on a 35 degree day. Unless you're accompanying this beverage with an awesome burger whilst stretching out under a bridge with river water lapping gently at your feet...well, its not actually at your feet, because technically you're on an island. And let's be honest, if your feet were wet that would just kill the whole mood wouldn't it. This summary haven in question is, in fact, Ponyfish Island. I'm not exactly sure where it gets it's name from, as I saw neither pony nor fish while there...but with a place as cool as this, one hardly needs to ask questions.

Ponyfish Island is situated on, as the name does suggest, a little floating island island on the Yarra pedestrian foot bridge, and is open from 8am till 1am every day. It's the creation of the peeps from St Jeromes, Siser Bella and 1000 Pound Bend, so there's the expectation it's going to be a good bar to hangout. Most Melburnians certainly seem to think so, as on a Friday night this place is packed and pumping with business men, hipsters and random chillers galore. I think the main thing I love most about this place is the atmosphere. I feel that it looks like the end result of a sexual relationship between a hippy, a hipster and a punk. But maybe don't dwell on that specific image for too long...it's not particularly pleasant. Think recycled timber, hessian sack covers, shipping palettes remodelled into stool tops and wooden planter boxes filled with greenery. And sure, there may be more plastic bags than swans (though we did see a few black ones...I think they were probably just dirty though) in the Yarra, but i'm still calling this location tops. The bar is staffed by hip young ones who are chirpy and friendly, all of which adds to the chilled out vibe here. There is quite a lot of range when it comes to drinks as you can get anything here from Bulmers pear cider and decent beers to sparklings and wines by the bottle or glass, for those with a more sophisticated palate.

After all this chillaxing you'll probably be feeling a little peckish (either that or the smell of the charring BBQ meat was just too much to resist), which is good because the menu here will more than satisfy. Food runs all day, with breakfast offerings like the breakfast wrap and smashed avocado, and for lunch and dinner there are the more substantial choices like quesadillas with beans or chicken. My Ponyfish Partner and I, however, opted for the burgers. The chicken burger was excellent, with charred spicy chicken, onions. tomato relish and coleslaw, and was basically like one big burger party in my mouth. There are great tunes to accompany your wining and dinning (and by this I mean beer swilling and burger stuffing. Classy) too, with a mix of beats that wouldn't sound out of place on a Tripple J cd.

Ponyfish Island can most definitely be called a summer oasis of sorts, with it's easy drinking beverages, easy eating burgers and easy going vibe, it's a place where you really can just put up your feet and relax. And sure, the Yarra cops a bit of shit for not having, well, the cleanliest of waters, but I've discovered that at Ponyfish Island, the river can still sparkle.

The Premises Ticks All My Boxes For A Local Favourite...

We've all got a place haven't we? It's our spot, the good old local, where our minds first go when someone asks the question, "so, where do you want to meet?". It could be the bar that gives you the coldest pot of beer, the takeaway joint that gets your pizza base just right, or the certain Video Shop you go to when you want to rent Hannah Montana for the third time in a week and you know the staff won't judge you (I, on the other hand, would). Well, that place for me, where I know I can always get some great food and good coffee, can be found in a pretty shady suburb...it's my weekly hangout spot, my 'crib', my Premises, if you will...

Just opposite the train station in the suburb of Kensington, The Premises occupies a corner shop which is light and spacious. A good thing too, because when the weekend rolls around, this cafe needs as much space as it can get. Just a warning, you should expect a little wait. For just over two years now, The Premises crew has been wooing locals with their refined menu and excellent coffee. This isn't one of those 'too cool for school' city cafe joints, where you feel out of place if you don't know the difference between a flat white or a magic. Instead, all are made to feel at home in this quirkily designed space, filled with old school furniture (no, it's actually literally old school furniture), and you'll find everyone here from soccer mums right through to hipsters sipping on Kenyan Pour Overs.

Aaaaaand segue into coffee. The house blend used at Premises is classic Seven Seeds (50% Columbian, 30% El Salvador, 20% Ethiopian) which has a nice sweetness, raspberry acidity and a good chocolatey body. It basically sounds like a dessert, so you know it has to be good. As well as the house blend, they also offer rotating single origin coffees from roasters such as Market Lane and Proud Mary, and if espresso ain't your style you can always choose from a filter option, with Pour Over being the main focus. And it doesn't just stop with the excellent coffee as there is some serious amazeballness (I think Iv'e invented another new word! Man, I totally have the next Pulizer Prize in the bag!) when it comes to the menu. You can't go wrong with the all day breakfasts here, with choices like french toast brioche with stewed stone fruit, yogurt cream and ginger crisp and Moroccan spiced beans with goats chèvre, green harissa and ciabatta. I had the fantastic 'Premises Eggs', consisting of two poached eggs, green olive tapenade and a Persian feta and zucchini salad on organic toast. Oh yeah, you should be jealous because it was as good as it sounds. If you're more of a lunch muncher, you will be kept more than happy with offerings like the roast pumpkin salad with pepitas, salted ricotta, chickpeas and a mint, parsley and olive dressing, or the slow roasted pulled pork sandwich with pickled watermelon rind, remoulade and dill pickles. If you're an exceptionally picky bastard and for some reason none of these tingle your tastebuds, then there's always the daily rotating specials board which might please you...though if you really don't fancy anything from the permanent menu, I think there's probably something wrong with you. There are no complaints with the service either, as the staff are always friendly and helpful and even manage to maintain their composure when Sunday brunch gets hectic. Most of us would simply curl up into the fetal position in this situation. Really, it gets that busy.

We all have our favourite hangouts, but if you've never been to The Premises and you're in the mood to try something a little different, then I would recommend the trip. With their Seeds coffee and utterly delicious menu, you may just find yourself starting to to grow particularly fond of this suburban cafe and, gasp, may even like it more than your original espresso haunt! Now, I'm not trying to conve....actually, that's a lie, I am trying to convert you. But I don't think I'll have to try too hard, because after one sip and one mouthful at The Premises, you'll probably have your new favourite...well, Premises.

Hosier Lane and Alice McCall

It's safe to say that Melbourne is in no short supply of lane ways. Sure, some of them may be a little rat-infested and smell like rancid cheese, but others have become an integral part of Melbourne's street art culture. One such iconic lane way is Hosier Lane, home to some of Melbourne's most photographed street art, and which captures a glimmer of what our lane ways have to offer. So, whilst walking past one evening, we decided to do a rather impromptu photo shoot to show off the Melbourne culture we love so much. And my Alice McCall playsuit of course.

What I Wore:
Playsuit: Alice McCall
earrings: 5 Octobre
Shoes: Jo Mercer
Jacket: Rummage Style

Prince Charming and the Palace of Happiness

Prince Charming and the Palace of Happiness...it's a name that sounds perfectly suited to a newly released Disney film involving a princess, some kind of evil witchy-poo and an overly buff blond guy who carries a sword. But I assure you, the Melbourne jewellery exhibition, held at Pieces of Eight Gallery, that goes by this title resembles no fairy tales.

Pieces of Eight Gallery, located in Russell Place, houses contemporary jewellery and small art objects from both Australian and international designers. Events and opening nights are held at this little gallery space and on Tuesday night, I found myself at Pieces of Eight, frequenting the opening night of Prince Charming and the Palace of Happiness. This exhibition, running until March 24, showcases jewellery works from three friends, Tabea Reulecke, Maarja Niinemagi and Teresa Lane, which brings together the varying experiences of three different women, to convey reflections, representations and imaginings of romantic love through jewellery and objects. Now, this doesn't mean some kind of idealistic and unrealistic kind of love, so don't expect to find love heart-shaped lockets with little photos of kissing couples or rings inscribed with 'Joe and Sarah 4evs'. Instead, these three artists have explored the nitty gritty aspects of love through their pieces, delving into the darker and less examined forms, as well as drawing from their own personal experiences. There was something about each of the pieces featured in the exhibition that made them different to any other jewellery objects I had seen before. Each piece had a raw emotional aspect accompanying it, and each piece, much like each relationship or personal romantic experience, was telling a story, whether it was about sexual desire, possession, lost love or femininity. 

Pieces in Prince Charming and the Palace of Happiness

The crowd, like sardines in this rather small space, seemed to be loving the exhibition pieces (as well as the free flowing chardonnay) as they admired jewellery with titles like 'Bird of Submission', 'Dream Horse White' and, my personal favourite, 'Three Horny Rabbits'. As you do. The space itself at Pieces of Eight is quite small and has a simple fit out that's not dissimilar to that of an art gallery. It's quite clear that this sparse space was created to highlight the jewellery on display and make it the focal point of the gallery. There are cabinets displaying the glistening permanent collection, which is also for purchase if you should so desire (and if your monetary funds permit it) to pick up one of the beautiful handcrafted pieces.

Permanent Collection

Perhaps one of my favourite things about the works on display at Prince Charming and the Palace of Happiness, was the honesty behind each piece. There were no apologies made by the artists for the emotions and experiences they were sharing with the audience. They were simply saying, 'hey, this is how it's been for me. Love's not always easy and sometimes it's shit...but it can be nice too.' Through their work, they use their own experiences to explore foreplay, femininity, fetish, sweat and sweet, tugging out the viewers own memories of those who have touched us. And on that note, happy Valentines Day, dear Readers.

Lady Petrova Loving. You Know You Need It.

Recently I undertook an exceptionally unnecessary, though very fulfilling, shopping expedition, and whilst browsing through racks of jackets and sorting through stacks of skirts, I was struck by a particular thought. This thought, you ask? That maybe, somewhere along the way, we've actually forgotten how to enjoy the act of shopping itself. Perhaps in our fast and modern day world, where our lives are dictated by technology and episodes of The Voice, we have forgotten that the act of shopping can indeed be quite a beautiful thing. To glide through a shop, admiring the works of designers, chatting to friendly and helpful staff and trying on garments to our hearts content is the ideal situation, but it's just not really done these days. Instead we find ourselves rushed through shops that have club music blaring, packed fitting rooms and and strobe lights that make you feel like you're about to have a stroke. Amongst all this retail mayhem, I have managed to find a breath of fresh air in the little Melbourne boutique, Lady Petrova. I feel that a trip to this shop will cure you of any shopping induced phobia (including twitching, fainting and deafness) which may have occurred through other recent shopping experiences.*

Located in a wee little space at 237 Flinders Lane, you feel at ease as soon as you enter Lady Petrova. With racks filled with draping silks, pastel tulle dresses, pretty bows and sequins, you really do feel as though you've walked into an Alice in Wonderland tea party...or perhaps a unicorns birthday party. I immediately felt welcomed at this cute little shop (seriously though. I was offered rose marshmallows and vanilla cupcakes from a tea stand), with the designer herself, Petrova Hammond, often behind the desk and perfectly willing to give you a hand. She has undertaken an impressive catalogue of styling, fashion buying, costume designing, pattern making, and was even a finalist on Project Runway Australia in 2008. There is such whimsy, fantasy and femininity within all of Petrova's pieces, as she opts to work with soft delicate fabrics and favours a pastel-based palate, with hues of blues, pinks, cream and purple. Many of her dresses are special occasion pieces...so if you do happen to have an invitation to a unicorn's birthday party, then I suggest you purchase your frock here. You can still catch her Spring/Summer 2013 collection, Runaway Valley, in store now (she will soon be releasing her Autumn/Winter designs) as well as pieces from other Australian designers, such as Little Gracie (I may have indulged in a purchase from this particular designer, but more on that coming soon!). There are also a range of colourful and delicate floral headbands, pretty nail polishes and Petrova's recently released jewellery line, featuring gorgeous lockets and stone necklaces. Just in case you didn't have enough of a reason to spend your money there already.

So if you've been hating on retail of late and need a break from all that harsh fluorescent lighting and Lady Gaga on repeat, then Lady P is the perfect medicine. Your spoonful of sugar, if you will. Sure, not all of her pieces can be worn in an everyday situation, but really, when a dress makes you feel like a princess, who cares. And you never know...one day soon you may indeed receive an invitation to a unicorn's birthday. 

*Not a legally binding statement. If conditions persist it is necessary to seek medical advice.

A Market For The People

Here in Melbourne we love doing things a little bit differently. So when we say Summer Market, we don't just mean aisles of stalls, corn on the cob and bad country music from the local band of middle-aged men having a mid life crisis. Oh no, we want something a little more...well, fundamentally Melbourne than that. So, on a warm and balmy Thursday evening, I made my way to the wilds of Collingwood to check out a market that's motto is 'bringing you everything but the kitchen sink'. And you know what...I think I even saw one of those there.

Lo and behold my Friends, The People's Market. This bad boy has been up and running since December 1st and will be carrying on unit April 28th, so relax your sacks because there's plenty of time to make it down to Collingwood Town. As soon as you walk into the People's Market you feel this sense of fun loving, free spirited community. There's astroturf with deck chairs so you can be extra comfy as you sip on your cider and live music or a Dj pumping out tunes most nights for you to get your groove on. I really wasn't kidding when I said this market has something for everyone. For the foodies The PM has you covered with it's food stalls like The Waffle Club (mmm waffles), Paperboy (serving up Vietnamese street food), South Soul Food (for those less meat inclined and more tofu-swayed) The Melt Shop (to fulfil all your toasted sandwich cravings) and Dona Tona (selling Mexican street food), where there's corn available, though not the charred 'cob situation' that you might expect. For those hot summer nights when only a cold beer or cider will suffice, there's an on site bar which will happily attend to your drinking needs. And make sure you're there for 'Peachy Hour'...it's like Happy Hour but People Market-style, where you can pick up 3 dollar pots of beer or Old Mount Cider every Thursday and Friday, 5 till 7pm.

What's that? You don't drink and your not hungry? Well, apart from the fact that there's something psychologically very wrong with you, never fear because the People's Market still has plenty to offer! If you're more retail inclined (guilty) then you'll enjoy the pop up retail shops like Skinny Nelson, TheSuperCool, The Melbourne Paper pop up and T-World, all set up in large shipping containers. And don't miss out on the themed Saturday side Market, from 10am to 4pm, where you can check out more retailers. On February 16th you can expect a Valentines-themed market for all of your lovin' needs and on the following Saturday the Side Market goes green in partnership with the Melbourne Sustainable Living Festival. If, perhaps, you would describe yourself as, shall we say, artsy fartsy (ok, I don't actually think anyone would describe themselves as 'artsy fartsy', but you get me), then you'll love COMA. This is short for Containers of Modern Art, where local up and coming artists can display their works in shipping containers on the make-shift second level of the market. You'll see all kinds of inspiring creations, from colourful murals and graffiti to detailed sketches and black and white photography. The people's Market has also just recently opened it's doors on Wednesday evenings from 5 till 10, so that you can enjoy its Workshop Series. On these nights you can learn about Cupcake Decorating, participate in Tapas 101 and even improve your knowledge on Urban Beekeeping...you know, all the important stuff.

There's so much generosity and goodwill to be found at The People's Market. It really is a place that will give you what you need without asking for anything in return. I promise that with all of it's music, food, art, retail, drinks and random awesome workshops, you'll leave here with a full stomach, mind and soul. So check out the program for February at www.peoplesmarket.com.au, so you don't miss a single Saturday Side Market, Yoga Class, 'wine tasting for beginners' workshop or Peachy Hour. Oh, and there's also a table tennis table...you know, just in case you had the urge.