Music News: Big Day Out 2010

Yesterday was full of hype and speculation over who will be playing next year's huge Big Day Out festivals, including a rumour of David Bowie- who will not be going. The proper line up annouced today is amazing, and so far features: Muse, Lily Allen, Rise Against, Powderfinger, Eskimo Joe, Groove Armada, Grinspoon, Ladyhawke, Dizzee Rascal, Karnivool, Peaches, The Temper Trap, Kasabian, Magic Dirt, Midnight Juggernauts, Calvin Harris, Girl Talk, Mastodon, The Horrors, Kisschasy, Blue Juice, Tame Impala, Lisa Mitchell and The Decemberists- and that's only the first announcement! The festivals are to be held in January in Auckland on Friday 15, the Gold Coast on Sunday 17, Sydney on Friday 22, Melbourne on Tuesday 26 (Australia Day), Adelaide on Friday 29 and Perth on Sunday 31. Tickets go on sale on the 7th of October for Sydney, the 8th for the Gold Coast and the 9th for the rest, for $140 (+ booking fee) for the Australian tickets and NZ$132 for Auckland. Exciting!

Sunday morning inspiration

Sometimes I get annoyed when a love of fashion and beauty is seen by many to be a superficial trait. I understand that there are people who are only interested in looks, for the wrong reasons, but there are always two sides to an arguement. To me, aesthetics and beauty is very important. I am fascinated and inspired by beauty in the world around us, including things as simple as rain drops glistening on a tree branch in winter. To those who say beauty is not important, would you really want to live in a grey, drab and ordinary world? That said, here are some gorgeous photos, from his older black and white collections, of one of my favourite fashion photographers, Gatean Caputo.

Christopher Kane for Topshop

It seems that designer chain store collaborations are all the rage these days (Kate Moss + Topshop, Stella McCartney + Target, Anna Sui + Target, Camilla & Mark + Portmans...) and Christoper Kane, recently well known for his graphic gorilla print dress/shirts worn by the likes of Rihanna, has just released his new collection for Topshop. Because I needed more reasons to wish that we had a Topshop store over here (although one will be coming soon- yay!) The collection features a new take on the gorilla print, this time featuring a fierce crocodile, and mesh in all of the right places. To be honest, I didn't really like either of the prints to start with, but now I have been won over. Thank goodness for international shipping.

Match made in Indie Heaven

I was just googling one of my favourite bands, Death Cab for Cutie, and I discovered that lead singer Ben Gibbard recently married actress Zooey Deschanel (who I also love) earlier this week on September 21. What a perfect match! Hopefully we will be hearing Zooey's amazing voice on some Death Cab tracks!! ♥

Man of the Day: Alexander Skarsgard

Who else loves True Blood?! I’ve been watching season two lately and, despite the amount of study that I need to get done, it’s addictive plot is no match for my weak will. More action packed and interesting than the first season, and also even better as Alexander/Eric has had a haircut (thank goodness Eric got all that redneck blood in his hair and needed to cut it!). Definitely worth watching- Swedish vampires?! Yes please! (Come to think of it, one of the phrases my Swedish friend taught me to say, “you are my idol, will you have my children?”, may come in handy.... “you have big feet” and “I don’t like your mother” maybe not so much....)

Spring 2010: Jaeger London

Black and white, neutral tones, gold and pops of bright orange, blue and mint green. This may sound like the making of a messy and uncorrelated collection, but Jaeger London's Spring 2010 collection is absolutely gorgeous, and comes together beautifully. It features pieces that are practical and easily wearable, while still fashion forward and interesting- which I always love. For local readers, Jaeger London is available at Justin Paul, Launceston.

photos from www.style.com

Man of the day: Adam Levine

The Maroon 5 frontman may have a reputation for being a bit of a womaniser, but he has an amazing voice, is hot and....well, the section isn't called morally ethical man of the day.

Luxe to much, much less

I'm always on the hunt for bargains and new online shopping stores, and my housemate today told me about an American website, Forever 21 . I should be saving money and I also should've been studying (there is so much on there, including some...interesting... pieces to sift through) but the exchange rate is pretty good at the moment and the pieces on there are already so cheap!

A while ago I posted some pictures from the Alexander McQueen Fall 2009 RTW show (amazing!) and I then wondered how it would translate into real, everyday fashion. Granted, houndstooth has been around for a long time, but last night I was looking (teasing myself) at the Alexander McQueen pieces on net-a-porter and that definitely influenced one of my purchases today (it may not be as fancy, but it's also over 100 times cheaper). While I'm still not sold on the umbrella hat look and I'm going to steer clear of the double houndstooth jacket-skirt Cruella De-Ville style combo, I might pair it with some black and hot pink.

Alexander McQueen houndstooth folded jacket approx $3,777.86

Forever21 houndstooth pleated jacket approx $34.25

White Out

1. Country Road frame $59.95

2. Poketo white slim wide angle camera $US35

3. Ugly Doll Ice Lodge Wedgehead $55

4. Ikea Bladet plant pots $4.99

5. Echelon wine rack from Macleay on Manning

6. Country Road Patina vases large $149, small $59.95

7. Ikea Karlstad armchair $339

8. Beacon Lighting Camille chandelier $169

9. French Living Savoy lounge $3,995

10. Country Road fig clear wick scented candle $49.95

11. Amolavida ceramic eiffel tower $59.95

12. Country Road Adelina pillowcases $49.95 (pair), Ankara pillowcases $39.95 (pair), Mali blanket $179, Rivera blankets $129 each

13. Country Road Ligne mug $7.95, cereal bowl $9.95, pasta bowl $9.95, bread plate $7.95, dinner plate $12.95

14. Modcloth Tabby Cat Pet lamp $US59.99

Music News: Soundscape Festival

I've never been to the Soundscape festival in Hobart, Tasmania, before but the lineup seems pretty good. So far Empire of the Sun (pictured), The Grates, Ugly Duckling, Ash Grunwald, Children Collide, Grafton Primary- not bad for a Tassie festival! Tickets go on sale on the 16th of September and the festival is to be held on Saturday the 9th of January, 2010, at the Domain Regatta Grounds.

Spring Picks

I know I have previously expressed my disdain for harem pants, a view which I still partially hold, but they are going to be a big part of spring fashion. One of the main reasons I don’t like them is that people seem to just be wearing them wrong. Instead of being worn as track pants, they should be worn chicly with blazer, shirts and heels (and preferably on tall, slender figures...which is also why I’m counting myself out of this one!). Normally I would be one for suggesting black as a great staple colour (a problem which has resulted in my mostly black wardrobe...which I am trying to overcome), but they look great in neutral light browns and creams. They probably aren’t going to be around for many seasons so don’t worry too much about investing in long lasting pieces (if you have a small bank balance that is!).

When it comes to jackets and tops, structured shoulders are optimal, but go for more classic tailoring if it’s an investment piece you’re after. Long, relaxed shapes are key for this season, and roll the sleeves up for a fresh look. Pair them with jeans for a casual dress for a smart day look, or a cute party dress at night.

Gold featured on both the Australian and International runway collections, and it’s a great way to add a statement piece. Look out for bright gold, with sparkles, so be careful to keep the rest of the outfit neutral to avoid looking like a Christmas decoration.

Look for prints that are flowing, feminine and in bright pastel colours. As always, floral prints are also big for spring.

Denim shorts have been a warm weather staple for years, but this time try going with a dressier look. Wear them with shirts and jackets, and preferably with a safari style twist. Save the t-shirt and short look for the beach.

1. Sportsgirl floral bandeau Dress $129.95
2. Wittner london flats $149.95
3. Chanel flamme rose nailpolish $39
4. Sportsgirl leaf plate necklace $29.95
5. Supre one button blazer $45
6. Witchery strip high waist belt $99.95
7. Sussan crop satin pant $79.95
8. Sportsgirl wanda watercolour skirt $79.95
9. Witchery gina bag $249.95
10. Chanel jade nailpolish $39 (now sold out in Aus- 16/09/09)
11. Siren Shoes curio heels $109.95
12. Witchery melrose drop arm sunglasses $69.95
13. Witchery strapless metallic print dress $189.95
14. Elke Kramer tough love bracelets $200 each
15. Witchery caesar glad sandal $169.95
16. Witchery loop snake belt $89.95
17. Sportsgirl boyfriend jacket $169.95
18. House of Harlow deco earrings $59
19. Shakuhachi twisted sister jersey skirt $180
20. Witchery scallop edge ballet flats $139.95
21. Sportsgirl fairytale butterfly scarf $29.95
22. Witchery simple dot earrings $29.95
23. Sportsgirl kiki chain bag $59.95
24. Deadly Ponnies mr knitted poppet storm bag $381
25. Witchery wrap border skirt $149.95
26. Zimmermann nightshade drape dress $549
27. CC Skye carson cuff $239
28. Witchery sammy peep toe cut out high heel $169.95
29. Brown Sugar suede waist belt $9.95
30. Camilla and Marc elodie frock $550
31. Disney couture emerald tree necklace $90
32. Forever New silk geometric column dress $199.95
33. Witchery glady high heel $189.95
34. AM Eyewear jayanthi sunglasses $249

La Roux: Definitely Bulletproof

When it comes to electro dressing, some people get it right, and some people don't (I don't want to name anyone here...but I'm sure a few people can think of who I mean...). La Roux, Elly Jackson, definitely gets it right fashionwise (and musically) in her new clip Bulletproof, looking fabulous in House of Holland. Make sure you check out the clip as the song is also amazing!

Music News: The Falls Festival

The first lineup for the annual Falls Festival held in Marion Bay, Tasmania, and Lorne, Victoria (which is now an 18+ event), was annouced recently, and email ticket ballots have already sold out- but don't worry- tickets go on sale Wednesday September 9th for the general public. The lineup includes so far the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (pictured), Moby, Hilltop Hoods, Grizzly Bear, The Temper Trap, Emiliana Torrini, The Midnight Juggernauts, Jves Klein Blue, Litty Birdy, Philadelphia Grand Jury, White Rabbits, The Editors, Art vs Science, Sarah Blasko, Lisa Mitchell and more. Tickets are $167 for Marion Bay, for the two nights including camping, and $329 for a full ticket, including a third night, for Lorne.

Win it: Lancome Indigo BearBrick

How cool is this limited edition Lancome Indigo Bearbrick (named after their new fall collection, Declaring Indigo)?! They are giving 20 away at a fashion event in NYC on the 10th of September, and for those that can't be there they are offering a chance to win one through their blog! Make sure you check it out!