Loving Lover's Lace

Sometimes, you can't help falling in love with a designers new collection. Something takes hold of you and you become obsessed with the idea of 'that' particular dress or 'this' specific handbag from the Spring/Summer collection 2014. I won't deny that I have spent countless hours flicking feverishly through online boutiques, scanning through Vogue articles and trawling across the internet looking at numerous pictures of collections that have caught my eye. Yes, usually I am restrained and manage not to purchase any of the beautiful pieces that make my heart race faster than it rightfully should...though this may have more to do with the fact that if I did purchase said item i'd be eating meegoreng for the next three months...and let's be honest, no one wants to submit themselves to that. But when I laid eyes on Lover The Label's newest collection 'White Magick', I made a pact with myself that I would eat an entire footballs team's weight in noodles if it meant I could get my hands on one of these dresses. Oh yes, challenge accepted.

After receiving countless requests from customers who were eager to lay their hands on out-of-stock dresses, Lover designers Susien Chong and Nic Briand decided to revive 15 of their most iconic designs in perfect white lace-and thus was borne Lover's first ever bridal collection. While targeted at brides to be, there's nothing to stop anyone buying one of these dresses (except maybe the $2000-$3000 dollar price tag) just because they're absolutely amazing. What draws women to Lover's pieces is the timeless classic appeal of the designs that embrace a delicacy and femininity that put horrible meringue monstrosities to shame. Each dress looks as though it was made for the etherial goddess who rides unicorns up and down the beach at sunset in their spare time before returning home to their crystal palace and having high tea with Ryan Reynolds...ahem, not that iv'e ever thought about doing this.

 

  

But let's face it, who wouldn't feel like some kind of Aphrodite in dresses that are so perfectly hand-crafted. Each piece is created from the most delicate fabric (hence the price tag...cue Jessie J) and made to last a lifetime. Sure, you may be reduced to eating packet noodles for longer than your liver can probably handle, and hell, you may even have to find yourself a fake last minute husband who doesn't actually look a thing like Ryan Reynolds just to justify the cost. But when we're talking about clothes this amazing, eating too much Asian food and holding a mock wedding seems completely suitable...necessary even.

Visible Ink And Spoken Words

I don't know about you guys, but whenever I think of poetry readings I think about a night spent standing around drinking bad red wine from a plastic cup while nodding in solemn agreement with a bunch of wankers wearing berets. Yeah, not exactly my idea of a rocking Friday evening either. Safe to say then that when a friend of mine asked me to join her at a reading in the wilds of Collingwood, I was a little dubious and unsure what to expect. Would I have to increase my IQ and study up on Chaucer and Proust? Luckily, not so much. The evening presented by Visible Ink, a yearly anthology of new writing and art, was a huge success and has completely changed the way I look at poetry readings. No beret necessary.

 

 Since its inception in 1989, Visible Ink has been showcasing emerging writers from all over Australia, featuring poetry, non-fiction, short stories, art, photography and comics. Their aim is to "charm and astonish" readers through supporting up-and-coming writers who bring fresh, creative new ideas to the written word melting pot. Friday evening saw their first fundraising event for 2013, featuring poetry readings from experienced spoken word readers, held at House of Bricks in Collingwood. 

Found in a tiny weeny space hidden behind a roller-door the venue was pumping when we arrived. Their was a great vibe in the room, filled with happy chatter, creative minds and (thankfully) no berets. There was cheap wine and beer however (also thankfully), which did exceed my expectations. And hell, I was in Collingwood for Christ's sake-when in Rome right?! The readings began with the inspiring Jacky T, who captured the audience immediately with his use of the harmonica and his casual colloquial style. The vivacious Bronwyn Lovell also caught my eye, with stories filled with nostalgia, beauty and insight, as well as words by the amazing Randall Stephens, whose passionate performance was more like watching an actor than a poet. Each speaker presented poems or short stories that beautifully captured a snippet of life, often portraying moments of love, death, joy and sadness that are relevant to all. There's something very special about hearing words spoken from the author themselves as opposed to simply reading them. You become fully emerged in the story and engaged with the characters in a way that's otherwise impossible.

Each performance was inspiring and I highly recommend that any budding writer should make their way to one of these reading nights. They allow you to expand on your own creativity and reflect on what inspires other people's words. As you can see i'm most definitely a convert, but don't worry, with poetry this cool I won't be preaching Proust any time soon. Cheap wine however, is always acceptable.

In Melbourne's Top Paddock

Iv'e decided that there's a basic equation behind every good Melbourne cafe. A kind of common recipe if you will, that makes each one worth going back to...even if it means taking two trains and three trams to get there. Now, I'm no mathematical genius, but through my powerful (and somewhat dubious) mathematical deductions I have concluded that: rocking coffee + amazeballs food + good service + sweet location = a great Melbourne cafe. This might sound simple enough, but I think we'd all be surprised how challenging this little algorithm (or should I say caforithm?) is to perfect. Particularly when cafe competition is so fierce in Melbourne that baristas from different cafes will practically spear tackle each other off their fixies. Oh yeah, it's a serious problem people. So, when I went for Saturday breakfast at Top Paddock, one of Melbourne's top cafe contenders, I was ready to be brutal in my critiquing. Man, I would be so picky they wouldn't stand a chance!

As it turns out, I loved it. Actually, that's a bit of an understatement because I really loved it. It's probably one of the best cafe experiences Iv'e had for quite some time. I just couldn't do it, I couldn't find fault no mater how hard I tried. This new Richmond cafe, located on 'I'm cooler than Chapel' Church Street, has certainly been making its fair share of noise, and now I know why. We were greeted by smiling wait staff as we entered the large, light filled cafe and were seated immediately despite it being packed. Perched upon bar stools I felt perfectly comfortable, surrounded by light timber, walls of windows perfect for people watching and the odd sprout of green to add vibrancy. Coffee, of the Five Sense variety, also arrived promptly and was delicately sweet and nicely drinkable. So far Top Paddock had ticked three out of the four criteria in my highly researched and completely Nobel Award-worthy equation. Surely they would fall short on the food right?

 

Err, no. When I looked at the menu I decided to give up all hope of attempting to be a hard arse as it became obvious that these guys know their stuff. An incredibly well designed all day menu that blends breakfast, brunch and lunch (blunch?) into one combined page of deliciousness. I don't know about you, but Iv'e never been to a cafe that has four different offerings of muesli and porridge. FOUR! Bircher muesli with natural yogurt and green tea poached fruit doesn't take your fancy? Well don't you worry because there's also polenta porridge with figs maple and currents! For a little twist on an old classic there's the purple potato and buffalo ash brie omelette with padron peppers on sourdough, or perhaps you'd like to be a little radical with some pan fried snapper with chilli fried egg, avocado salsa and lime and corn tortilla. 

Given the dreary weather (seriously Melbourne, 12 straight hours of rain...what's up with that?) I couldn't go past the local pine mushrooms with chilli scrambled eggs and boatshed feta on multigrain toast. The eggs were perfectly cooked with a good hit of chilli and I wish I had a never ending bowl of those mushrooms...but really. My pork procuring companion opted for the pulled pork on rye toast with prunes, leaves and boatshed goats curd. The meat was wonderfully soft with oozy goats curd finishing the dish perfectly. So, amazeballs food? Most definitely.

 

Despite my best efforts, I could do nothing but love Top Paddock. It did more than simply fulfil my equation, it took it out into the middle of the ocean, made like Kim Jong Un and exploded it with a nuclear bomb (maybe too soon for that one?). I think Melbourne has reached an all time high with its cafes at the moment and Top Paddock has certainly come out...well, on top.

The Unexpected JUNKEE Party

When I received and email inviting me to the JUNKEE launch party I wasn't quite sure what to think. Had my email been mysteriously hacked by a drug mule? Or perhaps someone had confused me with their friendly neighborhood rubbish collector? Given the somewhat shady-sounding nature of the event,   I wasn't surprised when we were directed down a suspicious looking lane way upon arrival. I was however, (happily) surprised when I turned the corner and was greeting by a massive warehouse party. Awesome.

 Welcome ladies and Gentlemen to the JUNKEE launch party. JUNKEE is Australia's newest pop culture website with a difference. The new website goes beyond celebrity gossip and  bloody Biber fever, to bring online viewers material that is intriguing, provocative and witty. Written by a team of Australian writers and industry insiders, including authors, poets, comedians and editors, that cover everything from music and culture to important stuff like politics and world events. There's no doubt these guys really 'get' pop culture and you can tell that they embrace our constantly shifting changing media world. Reader interaction is completely encouraged, so if you want to complement, comment or hell, just have an angry disagreement with an author, go nuts! This website really is your oyster...

If there's one thing the JUNKEE crew have learnt from pop-culture, it's how to throw a killer party. Located in the rear warehouse of Thousand Pound Bend on Little Lonsdale street, this launch was most definitely a spectacle. I felt like some VIP walking up the red carpet, to be accepted into a giant cavernous space complete with DJ, Photo Booth and yes, an open bar. Free flowing Miller's beer and Rekorderlig kept the hoards of hipsters adequately quenched so they could continue their discussions about favourite existential philosophers and how they're boycotting Luhrmann's Great Gatsby because "it will ruin Fitzgerald's vision". Ahh hipsters...where would unknown warehouse launch parties held by pop-culture websites be without you? The space was buzzing, kept alive by cool beats and the entertainment of the photo booth complete with giant cut out celebrities. Ever seen a crowd surfing cardboard Kim Kardashian? No? Then you clearly weren't at the JUNKEE launch party.

If you did miss out, don't freak. Just jump online to catch up with what's going on, whether you're interested in culture, politics or just want a bit of a chuckle. Given how cool the party was I think i'm going to be much more forthcoming when I receive surreptitious emails from now on...even if they are sent by drug mules.

Melbourne's New Cafe Look On An Old Favourite

There are some things that Italians just do better. Pizza, cars and, let's face it, attractive men, all immediately spring to mind. But there's also that inexplicable Italian style, that indescribable euro chic that no Australian (no matter how many Armani shoes you buy) could ever master. But chin up my friends because there is a new way to get your Italian on...simply visit the ultimate Italian Stallion of cafes, Brunetti 2.0.

A cafe that needs no introduction, this Melbourne institution has had a renowned presence on Lygon Street for so many Generations, churning out more cappuccinos and cannoli in one day than an Italian nonna has made hot bowls of pasta in her life. And man do nonnas make a lot of pasta! Back in its old location (where Boarders once lived-may it's soul rest in peace), this brand spanking new space holds up to 400 people. It has a large collection of outdoor seating and is so bright and bustling you may need to invest in some kind of protective eyewear before entering. Shiny glass cabinets are packed full of Italian treats, including custard filled bombaloni, cannoli, macaroons and handmade chocolates, all of which temp and tease. There's a bakery for your bready needs, a gelateria for your glucose guilt, stacks with sandwiches and a deli should you wish to get your italian on at home. 

The place is massive. It's like you've stepped into some kind of endless Willi Wonka factory...without the creepy guy in a purple suit. Situated at the back of the cafe is the mother of all pizza ovens which delivers fresh, simple  pizzas straight to your table. If all this wasn't enough to tempt you, there's the immaculate marbled coffee bar that's placed centre stage in the middle of the cafe. Manned by baristas in bow ties, these three monster machines get the workout of a lifetime with hoards of expectant customers wanting their coffee "justa how mamma used to make!" Given that I don't usually dig European coffee (it usually tastes bitter, over-roasted and, well, just a bit shit really), I was actually pleasantly surprised by my latte, which deserves none of the prior criticisms. If your more chocolate inclined then I highly recommend you taste test the famous Brunetti Italian hot chocolate. Sure, one of these decadent bad boys will probably send you into hypoglycaemic shock, but hey...when in Rome, right? Or perhaps more appropriately, 'when in a Lygon Street cafe wishing you were actually in Rome and ridding yourself of these thoughts with a fourth danish'.

Filled with families, friends, couples and yes, good looking Italian baristas (ladies, get around it), the new Brunetti has certainly made a smooth transition into it's new skin. So make like an Italian, embrace the Euro style and join the bunga bunga party! We are talking about 'La Dolce Vita', after all.

Finders Are Keepers

Sorry for the brief hiatus everyone. I wish I could say that I was doing something awesome like sunbathing in A Zimmerman Bikini on my own private island...whilst a hoard of hot life guards rubbed sunscreen on my back. But alas, this was not the case, my university duties rendered me a little preoccupied. However during my little break I did get up to some cool shiz to share with you. Just when I thought I was all marketed out from the summer rush of all things stall-related, I found myself stumbling into one of Melbourne's best excuses to buy cute shit you don't actually need! And that would be the The Finders Keepers Market. Ohhh, just thinking about it gets my market senses tingling...

The Finders Keepers market is a bi-annual event in Melbourne (just a cheeky heads up, the next one's on the 4th and 5th of October), held in the beautiful Royal Exhibition Building. I'll be honest, I think they have to hold it here because no where else is big enough, given the market is so filled with Australian and New Zealand emerging designers. The place was pumping when we got there, filled with bright bursts of colourful fabrics, crazy paper displays and the slightly more sedate furniture stalls. This is the kind of market that has everything you could ever need, seriously though. If you're one of those people who finds themselves always desperately buying ridiculous things that you don't actually need and still thinking you need more, beware. You've just met your maker. There's everything from jewellery, stationary and do it yourself knitting packs, right through to handcrafted ceramics, furniture and pot plants. A few stalls took my particular interest this year (apart from the bar selling cider. I did manage to restrain myself...though that may have had something to do with that fact that it was 10 in the morning), one of which was, unsurprisingly, some awesome jewellery stalls. The incredible array of aztec-inspired neck pieces covered with vibrant feathers from the Melbourne designer Jude, had me pretty hypnotised. It wasn't my finest moment, I think I stood there for about 20 minutes just staring. There were also the colourful and tightly beaded pieces by Sollis and some dainty little jewellery by the brand Aacute, whose tagline is "We make stuff...that's awesome!". And I would say that I have to concur with this statement. My other most favouritest stall was Vintage Prints, that collected old maps, illustrations and book pages and either sold them individually or printed them on wooden blocks. 

Sure, nothing here is exactly necessary (except maybe the cider), but when you're browsing through the copious rows of handcrafted, delicately made objects, you just can't help but think you'll go into some kind of seizure if you don't buy it that very second. So really...you probably should. It is the Finders Keepers Market after all and it only comes around twice a year!

My Little Berberis

Have you ever had one of those dreams where you're floating in the sky and you feel like you've been wrapped up in the most perfect, powder blue, soft, silky cloud? Yeah, me either...my dreams usually consist of something crazy like running away from a pack of giant bees whilst wearing an oversized clown suit. And then I wake up with drool on my pillow. But I've found a dress so perfect that it makes me feel as though I actually am floating through clouds. Truth be told, i've been keeping this little baby up my sleeve for a while now. It's so wonderful I wanted to keep it all to myself.

The designer of the dress, Ebony Harding, creates pieces under the label 'Little Gracie', a Western Australian brand formed n Perth in 2009. Each and every one of her creations is the epitome of femininity and draws on inspiration from flowers, mysticism and nature. The fact that she specialised in studying couture techniques in Paris can be seen within the intricate detail and perfect form of each of her dresses. Though feminine, I didn't find the pieces overly girlie or ruffly (ie. you won't end up looking like one of your Auntie's doilies), as each one struck the perfect balance between classic, elegant and original. That's why when I laid eyes on this particular piece, the 'Berberis Dress', I could resist neither its perfect powder-blue hue, nor the call of it's 100 per cent silk thread count. Yes, I probably could have bought a kidney on the black market for the same price, but eating two minute noodles for the past month has totally been worth it. The clincher was discovering there were only ten of it's kind...and the only one they had in the shop was my size. Now, I'm not a religious person and I don't use the word 'fate' lightly, but I'm pretty sure if I hadn't bought this dress I would have been hit by a lightning bolt. If it's God's will, how can I say no? Even if it means a pantry full of dried noodles...