Advice for Elon Musk – and why you should (and shouldn’t) buy a TESLA

Buying a new car is a major decision for most people – including myself. After much consideration and taking climate change into account, I went off to Chadstone in 2020 to test drive the Model 3 Tesla. An electric vehicle is the way of the future – right? Great for the planet and this car was winning rave reviews.

Tesla display vehicle at Chadstone in 2020

It’s a beautiful looking machine and absolutely YES – it drives like a dream. The idea of never having to visit a petrol station again and deal with the increasing price of fuel was also very appealing. Not to mention the comfort features, touchscreen controls, an automatic phone charging console and no car-keys required – it’s all run through an App on your I-phone.

After one test drive, I was sold. Three months later, my dream car arrived. It’s been everything I had hoped for and more. I was starting to sound like a car salesperson when chatting with friends and should have earned a commission from TESLA for all the glowing reviews I delivered.

Then less than a year later – a horrific out-of-the-blue accident that’s turned into an ongoing nightmare. I was driving home from a shopping trip (ironically at Chadstone) with my daughter in a straight line down North Road this happened:

Accident on January 17 this year

Accident on January 17 this year

The most important outcome from the accident was that Veronica, myself and the other driver survived without any major injuries. I largely credit the strength of the Tesla’s inner frame for protecting us. The inner cabin was unscathed but the car itself was almost a write-off. Still, it was deemed salvageable and sent off for repairs.

BUT it’s coming up to FIVE months since the accident and I still don’t have my car back. I’m not blaming the car repairer – they are doing their best – but there’s a global problem with the supply of vehicle parts (and actual vehicles) causing major headaches for the entire industry. It seems TESLA is one of the worst hit.

So while I would still thoroughly recommend buying a TESLA – do keep in mind that IF you have an accident (and God-willing, you don’t) you could lose your car for up to six months or more.

And if you want to BUY a new TESLA – which was listed last year as Australia’s BEST-SELLING electric vehicle – the wait time is now between nine and 12 months.

Which leads me to my advice to Elon Musk. Given these ridiculous delays, why not start a TESLA manufacturing plant HERE in Australia – instead of investing in TWITTER?

More than TWELVE THOUSAND Teslas were sold in Australia last year. Given the statistics are still on an upward trend, we’re going to need a LOT more Teslas AND plenty more spare parts for any of them that are involved in accidents.

The body and chassis the TESLA are made of bauxite aluminium, titanium, and boron steel – all of which are produced here in Australia. How good would that be for sales – if car buyers knew they no longer had to wait an eternity – not only for their vehicle to arrive – but also to get their cars back after an accident? It would also be great for employment in the technology and car industries in Australia. Not to mention the benefits for climate change with a bigger uptake of electric vehicles.

So, Elon, what do you think?

And if not a new plant in Australia – could you at least fast-track the ONE remaining part required to fix my car (a sub-fame or front-cross-member: part number 10444531-00-B) so I can get back on the road again?

Lastly, thank you for making such a strong vehicle that means Veronica and I are still alive and happy.

Veronica and me

Veronica and me

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NOTE: I tried putting various questions about Tesla sales and manufacturing statistics as well as the wait on parts for my vehicle to the Tesla PR company at apacpress@tesla.com but all three of my emails remain unanswered.

 

Tilkah bags and accessories – a bejewelled and lush winter ahead

 

I was contemplating which fashion label to focus on next, when Rochelle, who often kindly models for this Blog, suggested we take a look at accessories instead. A brilliant idea, I thought, so we headed off to Chadstone to see what Tilkah has in store for the coming season. A timely decision too, given the Aussie brand is celebrating a milestone ten year birthday.

Tilkah at Chadstone

Tilkah at Chadstone

To survive in the highly competitive world of bags and accessories is no mean feat. I think Tilkah’s success comes from targeting a mid-range market – somewhere in-between the uber high-end labels and the cheaper, fast-turnover chain stores like Diva and Colette.

Heading into the winter season, the jewellery designs lean towards a glamourous olde-world Hollywood theme, with lots of sparkle and bling. The bags, meanwhile, come in earthy tones in lush suede with studding and leather.

Here’s a sample of some of our favourite picks in store right now:

Eden Satchel  - $229

Eden Satchel – $229

Hearts and Daggers necklace - $89.00

Hearts and Daggers necklace – $89.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rochelle wearing Ripple Effect necklace, $79 with Black Theodora studded tote, $279

Rochelle wearing Ripple Effect necklace, $79 with Black Theodora studded tote, $279

 

Joplin tote (Sahara) - $399

Joplin tote (Sahara) – $399

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ripple effect necklace - $79.00

A closer look at the Ripple effect necklace – $79.00

Alana, who works at Tilkah, wore the Ripple Effect necklace in mint - $79

Alana, who works at Tilkah, wore the Ripple Effect necklace in mint – $79.00

 

 

 

Jenna also works in store and teamed the Entangelemt necklace in Sherbet - $89 - nicely with her coral cardigan

Jenna also works in store and teamed the Entangelemt necklace in Sherbet – $89 – nicely with her coral cardigan

 

 

Big on bling, the Silken Whisper Pendant - $79

Big on bling, the Silken Whisper Pendant – $79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daughter Ronnie helps out, modelling the Princeton Tote - $269

Daughter Ronnie helps out, modelling the Princeton Tote – $269

 

 

 

Ronnie also pounced on these Hearts and Daggers ear-rings - $79

Ronnie also pounced on these Hearts and Daggers ear-rings – $79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We ALL loved this bag, the Sienna Sling - $229

We ALL loved this bag, the Sienna Sling – $229

After buying my new baby yesterday, I’m on a strict budget… But if I could, I would LOVE to snap up Tilkah’s signature Veruka bag. (below) So versatile – either over-the-shoulder or a short-handle bag. But seriously, which colour? Black or yellow?

We couldn't decide which colour… yellow or black? This is Tilkah's signature bag, Veruka Soft Tote - $299

Tilkah’s signature bag, Veruka Soft Tote – $299

If you can’t get out to Chadstone to check out Tilkah in person, then you can always shop on-line at http://www.tilkah.com.au/shop-now

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manning Cartell steals the limelight with new store at Chaddy

 

Chadstone must be Melbourne’s most popular high-end shopping centre. I don’t have the statistics to prove it – only the personal experience of facing car-parks full to overflowing every time I venture there,  plus queues snaking out of Prada and Chanel every time I walk past. It beats city shopping because at least those crowded car-parks are FREE and during Melbourne’s long, cold winter, it’s much more cosy shopping indoors. And yes, the range of stores, catering to all wallets – from rob-a-Swiss-bank-to-buy-anything to shoe-string budgets – is vast and varied.

New store on the block

New store on the block

But if your budget doesn’t stretch to European haute couture (and mine certainly doesn’t) then Chaddy also stocks a great selection of local designers, with stock carrying far more reasonable price-tags. One of my favourite Aussie labels comes from three Sydney-based sisters who started up Manning Cartell. Over the years, their stock has mostly been sold through independent boutiques, but gradually, with growing success, they’re opening their own stores. I always loved buying their stock (sorry, loved even more Channel TEN buying it!)  as a newsreader, because their jackets were so consistently well-cut and stylish. And it was tricky finding chic jackets that fit the ‘newsreader mode’ without being ‘mother-of-the-bride’…

Manning Cartell

Manning Cartell

So I was thrilled to find they’ve only JUST (two weeks ago) opened a new store at Chadstone. My girlfriend Rochelle and I were shopping there on Saturday which meant I happened to have a willing model on hand, (after a little arm-twisting) to showcase some of their best stock. And oh boy, do they have some good stuff!

I like the fact they do suits with skirts OR shorts, so you can dress this look up or down – for work or play. Their fabrics are divine – suits in textured metallic weaves or soft-spun gold thread, with light-as-a-feather silk tops to float underneath. It’s the contrasts between tailored, sharply structured pieces (suit jackets, leather singlets)  with floaty, ethereal elements that gives the label its unique edge.

Little Mermaid gold jacket $549; shorts $299 with Lemon Sugar and Mango top $349

Little Mermaid gold jacket $549; shorts $299 with Lemon Sugar and Mango top $349

Wicker Man jacket $649, skirt $399 with Sportsman on stilts black leather singlet $399

Wicker Man jacket $649, skirt $399 with Sportsman on stilts black leather singlet $399

 

Sailors Valentine dress $599 and Sugar and Mango top $349 with Ebony Mask Shorts $449

Sailors Valentine dress $599 and Sugar and Mango top $349 with Ebony Mask Shorts $449

 

Manning Cartell also showcase a range of accessories, such as metallic belts in pewter, rose gold or gun metal for $299 each that would update any outfit. Another coveted piece was the most beautiful structured lace skirt I’ve spied this season and is SOOOO on my birthday wish-list. Not to mention a classic sequinned tunic that has a funky 60s feel and would be a great trans-seasonal after-five number.

Metalllic belts $299

Metalllic belts $299

 

Intertwined Black Lace Skirt $499

Intertwined Black Lace Skirt $499

Jewel box tunic, pewter, $699

Jewel box tunic, pewter, $699

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But my favourite on the day would have to be this sexy peach dress which gets away with having almost ‘too-much-in-your-face-cleavage’ because of the fabric being demure lace…

Seashell Lace Dress, peach; $599

Seashell Lace Dress, peach; $599

 

If I had the figure for it, I’d grab it, but given the post-giving-up-smoking additional kilos aren’t budging, I’ll have to leave that one for Rochelle who looks amazing in this. In fact, with the right hat, I think it would be perfect for Oaks Day, don’t you?