It has to be said. There are far too many spray-tans-gone-wrong being flaunted at Christmas parties right now. I’m not dissing spray tans as such, but when they crossover into the fluro-orange Ompa Loompah shade, it’s not a good look. Sure, it’s better than signing up for skin-cancer inducing solarium sessions or frying yourself in oil under the sun, but I’d still rather look at other solutions.
One of my favourite options right now is to build up a natural looking tan by using a moisturiser that also doubles as a gradual tanning lotion. As far as I’m concerned, the best one on the market is Dove Summer Glow. It doesn’t streak, nor does it leave an overpowering, acrid ‘fake tan’ smell hovering around. But I do buy the one labelled ‘medium to dark skin’ because I found ‘fair to medium’ just didn’t cut it.
It’s also a reasonably priced product. I try to buy the larger size with a pump dispenser as it’s more cost-effective and easier to use, but it seems harder to come by these days with supermarkets constantly cutting back on many of their product ranges.
But whatever shape it comes in, the end result is a more natural looking glow (‘scuse the pun) than a spray tan, which is more in keeping with fashion trends right now. Take a look at any fashion mag and you’ll find the overly-bronzed bathing beauties of yesteryear have swum off into the sunset.
But an even better tip for great looking tanned legs is to buy a good quality pair of stockings. That way you get a smooth tone, no streaks and if you’re in-between leg waxes – a decent camouflage as well. I KNOW this is a good tip worth sharing with you because it’s the fashion question I get asked the most, when people (mostly girls) discover my legs are not my own! Write this down – you won’t regret it!
VOODOO PANTYHOSE Colour – JABOU
Getting the colour right is essential. So I’ll say it again. Remember – JABOU!!!! This is the closest looking colour to a natural tan you’ll find anywhere.
Voodoo Hosiery usually take up a decent amount of the shop floor at most major department stores across Australia. But there are so many different varieties, it can get confusing. Here’s what I’ve discovered after trialling many of them. And they’re not cheap, so hopefully this will prevent you from making the same mistakes I’ve made.
The Shine Sheer to Waist version in the red packet retails for $13.95. So you might think this is a better option than the Shine Firm Control in the yellow packaging – being one dollar cheaper…
But think again. I find the red version ladders more easily as the texture of the pantyhose is finer, right up to the waist. The yellow version is thicker around the tummy so it doesn’t ladder as readily and also pulls in any unsightly bulges which is also a huge bonus! It’s also cheaper to buy in bulk, so pick the 3-pack. You can never have enough stockings in reserve at home. (I also keep one in the glove-box of my car for emergencies!)
Sheer Toe Pantyhose work well with open-toe sandals
For those of you wanting to wear open-toe sandals, this is still possible. There are two varieties of Voodoo stockings to pick from.
One is the Sheer Toe Pantyhose, which I prefer as only the pickiest of fashionistas will be able to notice, but for those who consider stockings and open-toe sandals a downright fashion crime, there’s also the open-toe stocking variety – Glow Toeless. This has an opening at the end of the stockings, with one stitch in place to hold the fabric around your big toe. It can work, but generally I find these a little uncomfortable, plus the line where the stocking ends has to fit exactly with the line of your sandal. And the Glow Toeless variety comes under a different colour scheme (God knows why… ) so they don’t come in the cherished Jabou colour. Golden Glow would be the next best shade, but it’s still not as good as Jabou.
And for those of you who love a bargain and on-line shopping, yes, I have checked out the price comparisons. There are many on-line options, however Stockingsonline.com.au seems to have the broadest range. BUT, while their Voodoo hosiery is slightly cheaper, I couldn’t find ONE PAIR that came in the Jabou colour. Sorry… Guess you’re going to have to make that trip to your local Myer or David Jones after all! But DO let me know if you find a cheaper way of tracking down the one and only Jabou. Especially in the Shine Firm Control yellow pack. Thanks.
Every now and then, you come across a shop that truly is an Aladdin’s Cave full of hidden treasure. The sort of store you can circle for hours, continually discovering prized booty you didn’t spy the first time around.
Belle and Beans is exactly that. Nestled under the railway bridge along the Gardenvale shopping strip, it’s also a double-purpose shop – filled with great ideas for gifts AND colourful clothing. For me, this means I can visit – ostensibly on a Christmas shopping mission – but if I happen to be diverted by a new party frock I absolutely MUST buy for myself, then that’s completely justifiable – right? After all, I went there, purely motivated by the need to ‘give’…. Plus everything is SO reasonably priced, you could hardly be accused of over-spending.
Owner Nova Healy started up her first Belle and Beans store in Highett three years ago, then came across a vacant space in Gardenvale that captured her imagination. ‘I really fell in love with this store because of the location and space and I really wanted it,’ she said. ‘It’s really visual.’ Her new Gardenvale store opened just over six weeks ago.
With two connecting rooms, Nova has made the most of the space, filling it with ingenious feature pieces – including a tee-pee – and displays of bright clothing, jewellery and shoes. She’s had so much fun decorating her new store, it’s inspired her to relaunch her original Highett shop with similarly bright, funky decor.
A mother of three, Nova says the name of her store came from a combination of her daughter’s names – Belle, being the eldest who also works there part-time, and, her youngest daughter, nicknamed ‘Beans’.
She says the playful spirit of the interior design evolved organically. ‘It’s evolved naturally because I travel overseas and have been going to Indonesia and Bali for years, so I’ve got friends over there with furniture factories and businesses so that’s how it’s come about.’
Fortunately for me, my friend Rochelle was back in Melbourne, on a break from her TV Production Assistant job, and was able to model for me once more. So let’s take a look at our favourite outfits that are in Belle and Beans right now and then I’ll show you a few fab present ideas:
Belle and Beans aqua dress $79.95, Feather sandals $139.95 and beaded belt $29.95
Some of the clothes are sourced through agencies, but an increasing number are designed by Nova herself, under her Belle and Beans label. ‘I design and screen print and obviously have staff who help do that. I’ve been designing for about three years now. I like bright – I love colour! Some people go whoa… but it works.’
Best of all, the prices on some of these pieces are unbelievably cheap. Can you believe this gorgeous studded skirt is just under sixty dollars???? Nova says that’s part of her strategy for the stores, making them particularly attractive for her younger clientele who might not have huge wallets but have an enormous passion for high-turnover fashion.
Another reason to feel ‘guilt-free’ when shopping at Belle and Beans, is that Nova sources most of her gifts through a company called Tractor, run by a local Melbourne girl. ‘It’s a bit like Oxfam,’ said Nova. ‘She goes travelling all over the world and they employ villagers to make things which gives them an income.’ Fantastic – ethical AND original! So let’s look at some of my favourite gift ideas:
I couldn’t wait to show you this – my favourite item in Belle and Beans and one of the most quirky presents I’ve seen. Where else could you find a PAPER MACHE PIG?? An ideal gift for the man in your life. Tell him he looks like George Clooney and explain that you’ve bought him just the right pet to perfect the image – but he won’t have to clean up after this little porky. (more masculine colours available too!)
Nova’s a big fan of the pigs too. ‘I fell in love with the pigs in Bali. That’s where they’re made. They make them out of paper mache and you can order them in any colour or style paper you like. They’re good fun. So many people fall in love with them too.’ Although dog lovers may prefer these perky little bulldogs instead…
I broke my blogging rule regarding family matters last month. Originally, the intention was to forewarn Fletch and the kids if I was intending to write about them, but that went out the window when I posted a story about Fletch’s addiction to the Catch of the Day website – without his prior knowledge. Thankfully he didn’t mind.
So I figured, once a personal rule is broken, it no longer exists – right? Which meant I started writing a story about my 15-year-old son without him knowing, only to find he is SO much more sensitive about that concept than his father.
I WAS going to write about how well he’d done at school this year and how hard he’d studied for his exams, which are now over. In particular, I wanted to draw attention to the fact that he is developing beautifully as a writer and I am often filled with wonder and delight when I read his work. The way he’s going, I wouldn’t be surprised if he publishes a book before me.
With that in mind, here’s the conversation that ensued when I approached Tom to take a photograph. I always like to keep Blog photos as recent as possible – as any journo knows, it kills a story if the pictures are dated.
‘No, you can’t take my photo, Mum,’ he said, running for his bed and diving into it face down, pulling the sheet off the mattress.
‘Oh, come on….’ I pleaded. ‘I need a recent one for a Blog.’
‘What’s it about?’
‘It’s about what a brilliant writer you are.’
‘I’m not a brilliant writer. That’s not even interesting. You can’t do a Blog on me. Especially photos. What about privacy?’
‘You put your own photos on Facebook all the time, plus you have already let me use photos of you from a family holiday earlier and now you’re more than six foot tall and fifteen years old, I think you’ll be safe.’ I said, well aware he was looking for excuses. ‘Let’s do a selfie!’ I squealed, snapping away, my inner-paparazzi relishing the challenge.
Hmm, that’s obviously a completely embarrassing idea. He jumped off the bed, grabbing his pillow as camouflage. Before whacking me with it. And starting a pillow fight. Which isn’t fair because he’s now taller and stronger than me.
I think the photo sequence that follows speaks for itself…
I gave up. Sometimes I really feel for the paparazzi.
But I lie. There’s no way I’m giving him the final word. As if. One last story before I sign off to explain why I know Tom will be a writer. Or a journalist.
Off all his essays, in particular, I loved the biography he wrote after interviewing his Grandma. He described how his Great-Gran left England, ‘inhaling deeply as she boarded the gang-plank to the ship, as if taking a last breath from her homeland to her new country.’
‘Beautiful’ I murmured, as I read that line, sighing with the poetic impression of it all. ‘Except Tom,’ I said, ‘that you know your Great-Gran was born in Australia. She never set foot on a ship leaving from England.’
‘ Yeah, ‘ ‘I know’ he said, shrugging nonchalantly. ‘It just made for a better story.’
See??? Of course he’s going to be a writer!
(FYI – he did actually approve this in the end – even though he thinks it’s completely stupid.)
‘I am woman, hear me roar,’ sang Helen Reddy in 1971 and let us never forget the power of that anthem. Yes, it was a WOMAN who was the first Australian to write a Grammy Award winning song. And yes, Reddy made waves with her Best Female Performance acceptance speech, thanking ‘God, because She makes everything possible.’ A true legend.
It was a case of WOMAN POWER in abundance at Crown yesterday, where General Manager of Public Relations, Ann Peacock, hosted the 14th annual Women In Media Christmas Lunch. Men have had their boys’ clubs and coteries for centuries and I ‘Thank God‘ that Ann came up with this concept to recognise and bring together the biggest power players in our communication industries for an annual event. We’re talking about our best known journalists, PR powerhouses, media managers, TV and radio personalities and yes, even a couple of bloggers. (My, the stories I heard… )
Of course, it’s not Christmas without Santa… Re-living our childhood, I was delighted to test the strength of Santa’s knees along with my oldest and dearest buddy, Brigitte Duclos, (GOLD FM Breakfast radio host) who has been a close friend since we met in kindergarten, many moons ago…
And while there were lots of laughs to be had, with many keen to jump Santa, (including the delightful Dee Dee Dunleavy who I’m thrilled has found another radio gig – this time with 3AW on Sundays, along with her loyal cohort Grubby) there were also plenty of serious discussions about the state of the media industry, and what the future holds for those who’ve taken redundancies and chosen a different path. Questions abounded about traditional media versus new media and how to make the two work together. Others talked about the battle of juggling work and motherhood. And the old chestnut reared it’s ugly head – you know, sexism in the workplace and how it impacts on women.
As the chatter grew, I snuck inside the marquee to check out the table setting which I’d glimpsed through the plastic. Wow – what a picture! A cacophony of pink florals and Christmas trinkets scattered strategically down the centre of the table, perfectly accented by old-worlde wooden school chairs, painted in pastel hues. It almost seemed a shame that guests would soon be ushered inside to upset such perfection.
The attention to detail was meticulous. Each guest had their spot marked with a delicate glass Christmas ornament encasing a silver bird, with attached personalised name tag.
Then in one big rush, the hordes swooped and amid a clattering of chairs and clinking of glasses, it was ‘game on’! But the crescendo of noise subsided when Ann Peacock took to the podium and began to speak, recognising that one of the fold was missing from the table. A hush fell as Ann paid tribute to the late, legendary publicist Suzie Howie, who recently passed after a long battle with cancer.
Ann quoted Suzie’s famous words that she penned herself when she knew she wouldn’t be with us much longer. ‘I have had a terrific life and am so grateful for the fun, the excitement and the wonderful people who have been a part of it.’
Remembering Suzie, Ann spoke of her incredible work ethic and how she continued to work right up to the end. Ann met Suzie when she was just 17 years old, and counted her as an important role model and inspiration. ‘Time and time again, she displayed her tireless motivation and attention to detail that she paid her clients. I miss her laugh, but she has left us with so many happy memories. Suzie was a true leading lady and those memories will live on.’ Happy memories yes, but those of us who knew Suzie were still reaching for our tissues. I also knew Suzie for more than 20 years and was particularly grateful for her support and kindness after I left Channel Ten.
Ann also acknowledged every guest at the table and recognised the hard work done during the year, but said now was a time for celebration – a chance to kick back and have fun. But she also reminded us all, ‘What goes on in the room, stays in the room!’ Standard.
In ending, she encouraged everyone to take to heart a final message from Suzie, to stay positive.’Enjoy life. I have,’ she quoted, from the inimitable Ms Howie.
And enjoy ourselves we did! After main course, James Reyne inspired many to sing along as he performed several of his greatest hits, including Reckless.
Judging by the photos of everyone, I think we all took Suzie’s message on board. Here’s a collection of shots from the wonderful Women In Media Lunch. And I must say I very much enjoyed taking pictures of some of the print media girls for a change, who are usually on the other side of the camera. Although Suzanne Carbone and Mik Grigg from The Age declined being snapped, preferring to stay out of the spotlight. Which is fine, although somewhat curious…
Ann had warned us during her speech that we’d face a challenge carrying our Goodie Bags home. I didn’t register the PLURAL attached to the word BAGS at the time,but check this out…
Yep, not one, but FOUR Goodie Bags were given to each guest at the function.
I mentioned earlier that thing about attention to detail, didn’t I? Here’s another one. Crown even provided helpers to carry our bags to our cars… I know, I know. I was damn lucky to crack an invite. Thanks Ann! And I bet you’re all dying to know what’s actually IN the Goodie Bags, right? I will let you know, but enough for now. That can wait for the next blog, coming soon. I’m all for girl power, but seriously, I’m too exhausted now from just carrying the darn things through the door.
With the clothing industry dominated by land-fill fashion and high-turnover trends, it’s refreshing to be reminded that some designers still hold true to ideals that got them in to the business to start with. I’m talking about designers who treasure beautiful fabrics, quality manufacture and attention to detail. Their clothes may cost more, but you’re purchasing something you can cherish and that will usually last until your daughter wants to wear it to a retro-party.
Teresa Liano, creator of the label T.L.Wood, is exactly what I’m talking about. She’s also proud to call herself a veteran in the world of fashion, having designed clothes for more than twenty years and kept her Chapel Street store in Prahran flourishing for more than fourteen of those.
This season’s range caught my eye, not only because of its superb quality, but it features many pieces that are perfect for lounging about a pool party or glamorous BBQ over the summer holiday break. And that’s precisely what Teresa had in mind when designing this collection. ‘One of our philosophies is “everyday luxury and effortless beauty” and that really sums up the summer collection particularly well,’ she said.
‘I do follow trends, but I also like to make sure the clothes are wearable and really useful. I want people to wear the clothes. I don’t want them to just admire them. I want to feel like they’ve got something beautiful on. That sums up where the summer collection is coming from.
‘When I’m designing, I look at every piece and if it doesn’t follow our philosophy of everyday luxury and effortless beauty, then I won’t go ahead with it. I want that divine feeling of summer, where there’s a sense of ease and being relaxed.’
‘The pieces are floaty but sporting at the same time,’ she said, warming up to her subject. I was glad I was taping the interview because my pen couldn’t have kept up with her delightful enthusiasm. ‘I’ve got a few characters in my head when I’m designing and one of the characters is a tomboy, even though the pieces are ultra-feminine. I like that sort of attitude. A bit 1940s elegance, a bit Katherine Hepburn, although I’m loathe to use her name because everyone uses her as a fashion icon, but she is, so what can you do about it?’
Let’s take a look at some of my favourite pieces from the range that are in store right now. With a bit of arm-twisting, I managed to persuade Bonnie, the Chapel Street store manager, to model for us and doesn’t she look stunning?
Kingston Bomber Jacket $355, Panama Trouser $295 and Abella Singlet $165
Teresa explained more about the T.L.Wood range between outfit changes. ‘If girls have a sporting edge to their style, there’s something very cool about it. It’s almost aspirational when they’ve got that sporty, tomboy relaxed look. If you can go to an event and feel stylish but like you haven’t tried too hard, that’s when you have the best time. And we’re obsessed with the cut of our pants, so they’re really well-shaped and flattering. They’re comfortable but look great.’
Beautiful fabrics are critical for Teresa, who says all her pieces are made in Australia. ‘They’re not mass-produced,’ she explained. ‘Which is fantastic because it gives me lots of scope to re-invent the collection the way I want to. It means I can experiment and play, because I’m not limited like a lot of designers who manufacture overseas.’
I asked Teresa whether her ‘relaxed’ style was one of the secrets to her survival in the competitive fashion industry. ‘I think I’ve always been very relaxed,’ she said, smiling. ‘That’s because designing feels very natural to me. It isn’t an effort.’
‘And I spend a lot of time on the shop floor, so I’m very close to my clientele. Because I’m close to them, (and I’m probably T.L. Wood’s biggest customer – I wear it ALL the time) I actually enjoy dressing them and that inspires me to move ahead with the next collection. Our commitment to fit and quality are the key elements to T.L. Wood and I think that’s why we have a loyal customer base.’
Isla Navy Zip dress – also doubles as a jacket – $420
And while T.L.Wood has a website, Teresa says they no longer sell on-line. ‘I prefer shopping in-store myself and when customers come here, we help them put outfits together. There’s a lot of styling advice which you can’t get on-line. We’re really in to service.’
Florian jacket $385, Nantucket top $220 and Navy Salvatore Skirt $255
Luckily, the impact of internet shopping has had little effect on T.L.Wood’s sales figures. Teresa says there was an impact though at the time of the GFC. ‘People were being more careful with their money. I stopped being so frivolous with designs and made sure everything was really wearable and versatile. I shifted my thinking more towards what is real. But my customers have grown up with me. A lot of them bought their school dance dress from me!’
And here’s something REALLY important to note about Teresa’s clothes. Following on from my whinging blog last week about the exorbitant cost of dry-cleaning, 99% of T.L.Wood clothes are washable!!! How cool is that!
SPECIAL OFFFER TO BLOG READERS: Plus if you visit the store this week and mention you’ve read this Blog, you’ll receive a THIRTY PER CENT DISCOUNT storewide. A huge bonus! Happy shopping. 🙂
You can visit T.L. Wood at 216 Chapel Street, Prahran.
For enquiries, call (03) 9510 6700 http://www.tlwoodaustralia.com
I’ve got two reason to post this Blog. One is selfish. And one is because I got so depressed reading the front page of The Age today about methane gasses leaking from the Artic’s melting permafrost that I’d like to offer something in the way of environmental advice. Something, anything… even if it does seem trivial. Because now it really DOES feel like the sky is falling in, Chicken Licken.
What sparked the inspiration was a visit to the dry-cleaners just then. I handed over a pale blue dress with a few make-up stains and as I walked away, checked the docket. TWENTY-TWO DOLLARS FIFTY! FOR ONE DRESS!!! Okay, yes, the dress IS silk, but seriously – twenty-two dollars fifty?? Prices are going up plus I’m supporting a business that uses highly toxic chemicals. I was fuming with the dry-cleaners and myself as I drove off.
Then I remembered. I’d conducted an experiment several weeks ago and hadn’t found time to Blog it. Now is the perfect opportunity. Here’s a way to SLASH your dry-cleaning bills AND do the environment a favour. (By the way, did you know there are also reports that wearing clothes with dry-cleaning chemicals can contribute to infertility problems?)
I’d heard a tip that spraying vodka on clothes eliminates the smell of body odour. So I thought I’d try it out. After all, how many times do you take clothes to the cleaners purely because of a foul stench rather than actual dirt stains? So I bought a cheap one dollar plastic spray bottle from the supermarket, along with two other commercial detergent sprays to conduct a home test and compare results.
I picked a heavy sequined cocktail dress that would normally cost a fortune to refresh at the dry-cleaners and a black jacket that is worn frequently so is a bit whiffy, but unstained. Once sprayed, you can just hang items on the washing line or in the laundry to dry and take a sniff the next day… And you’ve guess the result – right?
YES, THE VODKA WINS HANDS DOWN!!
YIPEE!!!!!!!
The other two commercial products did not neutralise the smell of body odour nearly as effectively as the vodka. As well, they left a residual smell of something floral or chemical that was a little unpleasant. Since then, I’ve tried the vodka spray on other family members clothes. Sometimes you may need to dish out a second dousing of vodka if the whiffy smell is particularly strong]. But hey, that’s a helluva lot better than a visit to the dry-cleaners. It’s just a shame the vodka doesn’t also clean off make-up spots…
Still, I’m thrilled I remembered my little vodka experiment and hope this saves you some dosh on your dry-cleaning bills. And I’m not at all unhappy if it means a couple of extra trips to Dan Murphy’s to stock up on vodka. That’ll beat a visit to the dry-cleaners any day.
I like a bit of variety when it comes to blogging a weekly fashion post, and Sleep ‘N Round is just what I feel like right now. The clothes that is – what were you thinking?? Yes, it’s a label, silly! Given how much time we actually spend in sleepwear, it’s surprising how little focus it’s given. Even more surprising that more entrepreneurs haven’t tried to jump on the bandwagon and sell pyjamas, given the very public and much-heralded success of Australian pyjama king Peter Alexander.
Sleep N Round store at 389 Chapel Street, South Yarra
I’m sure I thought about doing something very similar a couple of years ago but didn’t do anything about it, and now, lo and behold, someone else has. Three young men have opened a flagship store on Melbourne’s prime strip shopping location, Chapel Street, to mark their rising success in the sleepwear trade.
There are so many reasons to love this brand, but before I start raving, let me re-iterate (although I think I’m starting to sound like a broken record) that I have not been paid to write this nor have accepted any freebies. (But if they’d offered, it would have been hard to say no…)
Laura wearing LOGO Leggings $45.00 and Scoop singlet Loveheart Girl $39.95, with Sleep N Around mascot, Jeffrey the bear
First and foremost, in the appeal stakes is that Sleep ‘N Round’s primary concept is to make sleepwear that doubles as clothes. That’s right – you sleep in it, wake up in it then wear it. Yep, that’s a huge plus. Think of the time you’ll save on washing clothes, getting dressed and choosing what to wear. All you have to do is jump out of bed and put on sneakers instead of slippers and ‘hey presto’, you can head on down to the local coffee shop or to a picnic at the beach without getting changed, For us lazy folk, it’s a dreamy concept.
Then there’s the actual designs of the sleepwear itself. It’s a pretty edgy look – on trend patterned pants, stylish t-shirts and funky shorts – all in a contemporary colour palette that oozes cool. Most of the range is easily interchangeable too, giving it a versatility that has broad appeal to customers with varying design tastes. Thirdly, I love the brand mascot – Jeffrey the bear. Apparently he’s well-travelled, with promo shots taken of him sleeping his way around the world, and there’s plans for further celebrity appearances as he becomes increasingly famous.
And the fourth reason to love, is that Christmas is on our doorstep. That means shopping for presents and its affordable price range makes Sleep ‘N Round sleepwear a perfect gift option with each piece costing between about $40 and $70. Not only does the store sell sleepwear, it has a range of gifts which all fit the ‘relaxation theme’ – heat pillows, ugg boots, decorative pillows, specialty teas and candles. Gift cards too, making it a one-stop present shop.
Hawthorn footballer Michael Osborn being interviewed…
It’s a timely business move for Michael Osborne. The Hawthorn footballer is currently de-listed due to an injury, but regardless of his AFL career, Osborne is setting himself up for a financially secure future.
And he’s fully committed to the whole relaxation theme of the brand. In the centre of the South Yarra store is a double bed, so we thought we’d do our interview horizontal, Why not? With a name like Sleep ‘N Round, you can’t help but have fun with all the cheeky double entendres it naturally brings.
Michael modelling Red drawstring pants $55.00 and V-neck Tee-X $45.00
For Michael, his foray into fashion is more than clothes – it’s a lifestyle. ‘With Sleep N Round, we don’t want it to be “just a fashion label”. We want it to encapsulate everything to do with sleep and the recovering side of your day. So we’ve got the comfy clothes you can relax in, the pillows for your bed or couch, tea, candles… And the clothes are really versatile. You can just chuck your jeans on with the tees, or wear it down the beach. I also wear the stuff to the gym,’ he said.
The three directors of the company include Michael, Andrew Prowse and Sean Cummins. Originally they started out selling on-line two and half years ago, and were then taken on by Myer.
‘Andrew came up with the idea,’ said Michael. ‘He was at Uni doing a business degree and saw a niche in the market and thought we’d get on with it.’ After a while, they began to feel their product was getting lost in the vastness of a large department store, so to ensure their customers could get a real feel for the brand, they decided to open their own store in Chapel Street.
I couldn’t help asking how they would compare their range to that of their major competitor, Peter Alexander. ‘I think it’s a bit more on-trend and has a bit more edge,’ MIchael said. ‘There’s also more options for male customers. And we have new styles in the store each month. It’s good for people to know there’s an alternative.’
Their fabrics are carefully chosen – most designs are 100% cotton, because they want fabrics that allow the skin to breathe at night. Viscose is another choice because of its silky texture.
Michael is also fond of the brand name. ‘It’s a bit cheeky and you can read into it what you like. It appeals to people in different ways. Some people have a dirty mind and like it because it’s a bit suggestive. It matches well with sleepwear.’ And it makes for a good sandwich board advertising!
Here’s some more of my favourite styles that are in-store now:
When I left the Howard Fine Masterclass Theatre in Footscray on Saturday evening, I was zinging. My feet didn’t touch the ground as I walked to the car, my head was in the clouds and I got lost twice driving home.
Performing live when the stakes are towering is a massive adrenalin rush. I would grab this feeling and bottle it if I could. To take a risk, put yourself ‘out there’ and come away feeling you’ve achieved a breakthrough is a phenomenal high. Very few major life experiences come close.
That morning I had blogged about my fear and trepidation about performing and how my 15-year-old son Tom, had given me a ‘talking to’ about making the most of a wonderful learning experience, instead of worrying so much.
He was right.
But I think my previous blog was a little misleading on another level, in that I probably spent too much time talking about one pair of actors who copped some criticism. I know now why I focused on that. I was projecting my own fear about my own performance. That stood out for me because that was what I dreaded the most.
But I’ve heard a lot more in the past few days from both Howard Fine and David Coury which better explains why they use tough love. As Howard said, ‘We’re going to kick your ass and we’re not going to let you get away with any bullshit but we’ll do it with love.’ As he also pointed out, ‘You can’t help someone without being critical.’ True.
From David came, ‘By my applying pressure, you know that I care.’ And it was through the pressure and encouragement of both teachers that we saw changes in performances that were inspiring.
Voice Coach David Coury with actors Chris and Mark
One such moment arrived when David urged a young actor, Chris, to REALLY express the words ‘I’m in love!’ in a scene with his friend in Central Park at 2am. After several attempts, David got Chris to sing aloud various lines from the scene and to find the feeling in the words. Then he stopped him mid-song and said, ‘NOW say it to us.’ Chris instantly turned to the audience, arms spread wide, face shining and burst forth with ‘I AM IN LOOOVE!’ so convincingly that I’m sure there wasn’t a dry eye left in the auditorium.
Another moment was a hilarious scene performed by Sarah and Cat where two bridesmaids are talking over a bottle of champagne in their hotel-room, after their best friend’s wedding.
Yep, their dresses are a bridesmaid’s worst nightmare, but that works well with the comedy played out on stage. I thought both girls were brilliant. Then Howard chatted with them about creating from ‘joy’ and embracing new ways of trying things. He talked through a few crucial points in the scene and the girls gave it another run. He had given them permission to make mistakes and have fun. The end result was amazing. Even funnier and sharper than their first performance – and I’d thought their first go was good.
There’s also an incredible feeling of support from the audience at the Masterclass. A lot of the crowd are fellow students with whom you form a camaraderie and connection. Each of you is processing one heck of a lot of emotional baggage – from yourself and the connections you make with your character. Many of the actors end up in tears, but not because they’re distressed – because they’ve pushed themselves to the point where they’ve made a wonderful discovery that has opened up something new, deep inside.
Then, after six pairs of actors had done their thing, it was our turn. Lucky last… As I mentioned on Saturday, I’ve been fortunate enough to be paired with the very talented actor, Samuel Johnson. We were both nervous and I tried to remember Howard’s advice. ‘Creativity creates terror. You must give up control. Don’t use technique over spontaneity.’
Easier said than done. As we began the scene, I took a seat at the table of an ‘outdoor cafe’, waiting for my estranged husband, Dennis. I picked up my cup to take a sip and my hand shook so much that coffee spilled over the side. Arghhh…. not a good start.
We were performing Scene Five from Christopher Kyle’s The Monogamist. I’m a University Professor who has been with poet and academic, Dennis, for fifteen years, but only married for the last six months, during which time our relationship has hit the skids. Dennis has found me in bed with a student three days earlier. We are having coffee so that I can try and win him back. It doesn’t go well… especially when Dennis admits to sleeping with a young woman two days ago.
Sam was brilliant and while I was a million miles from fabulous, I think I was passable. I didn’t forget my lines and I didn’t faint from terror.
Samuel Johnson and myself learning about our performance from Howard Fine
When we finished, I saw David Coury sitting in the front row, nodding his head and smiling encouragingly. Phew, that had to be a good sign? Then Howard joined us on stage, and talked through stuff about my character, Susan, and every note rang true. I had played the beginning of the scene being very anxious and sad when meeting Dennis, because of the guilt I was carrying about my infidelity. In a kind voice, Howard talked through how I needed to ‘open my heart’ and ‘choose to care’, about the situation. For instance, wouldn’t I be looking as if I were happy to see Dennis? Isn’t he the love of my love? Wouldn’t I greet him warmly? Yep, that made sense. Most people do try to cover their discomfort and mistakes.
Then we talked about my reaction to learning of Dennis’ infidelity. Howard suggested I was a little non-plussed on hearing the news. I interupted to say, ‘Oh, you mean be a bit more like…’ At which point he interrupted me. ‘Ah, no, no, no, no! We’re not telling you how to play a role – be this, be that. We’re looking at the human condition – what is it about and where does that live inside of me? If you make him (Dennis) the love of your life, the thought of him with another woman takes care of itself.’
‘Fighting for control is interesting. Being in control is not. Make yourself vulnerable. And then be okay. There’s a Grand Canyon between being okay and trying to be okay.’
There was a lot more than that, and I am not doing justice to Howard’s incredible ability to communicate and his turn of phrase, but that will have to do in summing up. And it really did make sense. None of the feedback was upsetting or directly critical. It was accurate and only served to make me want to give the scene another shot, taking on board Howard’s words.
Then David Coury joined us on stage. He’d clocked that nerves had been an issue so gave both Sam and I a much-needed lesson on breathing deeply from the diaphragm.
Then he called on us to vocalise emotion by yelling a scene at each other. I thought I’d practically burst both lungs, but when we were done, David smiled at Sam but turned to me and asked, ‘Did you think you were yeling at full volume?’ ‘Yes, absolutely,’ I said, fully confident.
‘You didn’t,’ he said firmly. ‘What if you were calling out to a loved one or a friend who was about to be hit by a truck? Think of someone and call that out. NOW!’ Without thinking, I imagined my baby (of course he’s not now – he’s a big strapping 15-year-old) being hit by a truck and screamed ‘TOMMY!!!’ with all my heart. That worked. I think people clapped. David was happy. It felt good. (I’d saved my son from a fatal accident, after all!)
We did our scene again and it was better. But there’s still room for improvement. Especially from me. We’ve been rehearsing as much as we can and now we get one last shot today – our last day of the Howard Fine Masterclass. Wish me luck. I’ll let you know how it went. But the best thing – this time I’m actually looking forward to it.
I woke up this morning and did NOT jump out of bed. I lay there, slightly paralysed with apprehension. Today I am performing as an actor in front of an audience as part of the Howard FineMasterclass.
Howard Fine teaching actors at yesterday’s Masterclass
You might ask why I’d be nervous, knowing that in a past life I worked as a newsreader, presenting a prime-time bulletin ‘live-to-air’ for more than ten years, not to mention the years beforehand as weekend presenter and then after my time at Network Ten, reading an international cable service, AusNet News, for the ABC.
It’s a very different prospect, standing before a live audience as opposed to working with your familiar studio crew and staring down the barrel of a camera. In the closed environment of a studio, there’s a feeling of security and almost an intimacy that’s comforting. You can’t see the hundreds of thousands of people watching, so after a while, it’s easy to forget they’re even there. Nor do you have to worry about forgetting your lines, with the newsreader’s best friend, the ever-faithful auto-cue on hand to provide the words. (apart from the occasional technical glitch…)
The acting bug hit early. I played Nancy in a primary school production of Oliver and then in Year 10, scored the lead role of Johanna in Sweeney Todd the Barber in a combined schools production. That lead to courses at St Martins Youth Theatre and then Showbiz. Ultimately a need for financial independence was greater at the time and I went on to become a journalist. I was well aware of the pitfalls of an acting career – especially for women. At the time, I think the statistic was that eighty per cent of roles in Australia were cast for men and unless you were a great beauty with enormous talent, it was highly unlikely you’d succeed.
Since leaving Ten, I decided to revisit the acting world. Sometimes you can sense there’s unfinished business that needs addressing – a certain urge pulls you in a direction where you’ve previously feared to tread. This has led to some VERY small jobs plus a stint at the Melbourne Fringe Festival, performing in the play Chasing Pegasus, written and directed by Sally McLean. Last year I played the minor role of an arts journalist in the Foxtel series Conspiracy 365. It was only a days work, but I was acting opposite the terrifyingly talented Rob Carlton – remember the guy who played Kerry Packer in Paper Giants? Yep, that raised the bar and while I sensed his initial misgivings at working with an amateur, by the end of the day, we were getting along fine and the scene worked well.
When you sign up to the Howard FineMasterclass, you are advised to read Fine’s book Fine On Acting – A Vision of the Craft. Then a month before the Masterclass begins, you are assigned a play and a scene partner. You are expected to rehearse in the weeks before starting, to the point where you are word perfect and completely in touch with your character and environment. In discussing your character, you speak in the first person – ‘I am a University Professor in Feminist LIterature.’ (Yep, that’s me!)
Me and Sam on Day One of the Howard Fine Masterclass
So in the weeks leading up to this Masterclass, I have had a wonderful time rehearsing our allocated scene from Christopher Kyle’s The Monogamist, with my acting partner, the highly acclaimed Samuel Johnson.
I had concerns Samuel might be disappointed to be paired with a novice actor as his scene partner, but he has been nothing but positive, enthusiastic, professional and a delight to work with.
Yesterday was DAY ONE. Each acting pair is given one hour of coaching in the first two days. They begin by performing their scene which is to be no longer than five minutes. Then Howard comes up on stage and talks to the actors, asking them what THEY felt worked and what didn’t and why. The actors might then have to re-enact some parts of the scene, or Howard might ask them to do an acting exercise and he provides feedback along the way. As well, (a bonus for this particular Masterclass) Voice Director of the Howard Fine School of Acting in LA, David Coury, is here to teach. All in all, a rare and amazing opportunity for actors to hone their craft.
Voice coach David Coury works with actors on Day One
Acting is a LOT tougher than it looks. If anyone wants to challenge me on this, then I invite them to get up in front of an acting Masterclass and see how they go. Here’s why.
Howard began yesterday by saying he was not one of these ‘mean’ acting teachers that likes to break actors down to the point of a sobbing mess, purely to reach some inner enlightenment. Phew, I thought. I couldn’t cope with that. As the different acting teams performed, I was struck by their talent and versatility. Howard’s advice was insightful, accurate and concise. Witty as well. David Coury also impressed. (particularly his ox-blood patent leather shoes!!) It was all a little overwhelming. So much to take in… Do not ‘pre-judge’ how you will play the scene and say your words; remember to invest emotionally; don’t bend forward to speak and watch to see your line has ‘landed’ with your scene partner.
Then one pair performed and their work was NOT well received. In exploring different ways of expressing their emotions (playing a couple breaking up), the male actor (I won’t name him) began howling into his partner’s lap on a couch. At which point, Howard called out, ‘No! You remind me of someone on a medical show who’s been dying for five months!’ OUCH. I could see the young girl start to pale visibly. They were given some coaching and asked to repeat their performance.
Then David Coury got up shaking his head and said to the actress, ‘Oh God, what’s written on the page is so much better than what’s coming out of your mouth.’ Oh dear… Tears started falling down her cheeks. I wanted to rush up on stage and give her a hug. Her acting partner reached out to comfort her and David said, ‘No, don’t help her through this!’ He looked at the girl. ‘Use that! Do it again and be stronger.’ To her credit she ploughed on, choking on her words. Not surprisingly, she didn’t return after the next break. I spoke with the male actor later and he said he was fine. Being older and experienced, he said he actually enjoyed the process and really learnt from it.
While this was the harshest treatment any of the actors received on the day, it left me terrified. I have to get up on stage today. Could I cope with that? I’m trying to put that to the back of my mind and focus on the positive lessons I absorbed.
Some of the notes I made from Howard’s teachings include:
‘Check with the other actor that the line has landed.’
‘A strong choice is an authentic connection.’
‘What you are saying is NOT how you feel.’
‘Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – it’s all a beautiful process of discovery.’
‘Find for you, what you feel absolutely certain about.’
‘It takes a lot of work to be free.’
And that’s only a drop in the ocean, but I’m now running late for Day Two so I’ll wrap up. What I learned yesterday gave me a much deeper understanding of how actors connect with each other, and with their words and emotions. It’s also about breathing, the vocals, the physical, your environment and being in the moment and trying to get all these factors right at the same time. God knows I’m praying my brain absorbs half of what I heard and I’m able to put it all into action. More than anything, I’m praying I remember my lines.
But if everything falls in a heap and I make a complete fool of myself, all will not have been in vain. For THREE reasons:
(1) The experience, even just in the first day, of seeing both Howard Fine and David Coury at work. Learning from these master teachers is such an incredible privilege. I must also pay tribute to the actors who have already performed and set such a high standard.
(2) I have thoroughly enjoyed the rehearsals and everything I’ve learned in the process of working with Samuel Johnson. I could not have wished for a better scene partner. From the bottom of my heart, I thank him for his patience, enormous heart, endless talent, sense of humour and willingness to deal with a relative novice.
(3) And then, a surprise bonus from the experience came about last night. Whether I go on to win an Oscar or not, I think I might just have stumbled across the right career choice for our son, Tom.
Because I want to be a ‘good student’ and give the Masterclass one hundred per cent, I’ve declined all social invitations for evening events this week and during the course. It’s something I’d definitely advise anyone thinking of taking the course to do as well. Prior to the course, it’s essential for preparation and then during the Masterclass, the days are so intense, (from 9.30am – 6.30pm) in the evening, you need time to re-group, complete any necessary homework and extra rehearsals – after which you’ll just want to collapse into bed!
So last night, with Fletch being out, I asked Tom to read through my lines with me. This he did willingly and with interest, gently pointing out any omitted or incorrect words. When we were done, I talked about being nervous about today and this is where the conversation became interesting. (keep in mind, Tom has just turned 15)
‘Mum,’ he said sternly, hands on hips and towering over me at a now lofty six foot tall. ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’
‘I’ll make a complete fool of myself and people will say, “Who does she think she is, this faded newsreader trying to be an actor?”‘
‘Do you really think so?’ he said, mouth twitching with the hint of a smile. ‘Do you really think that’s what people want to do? People in this world are a lot nicer than we often expect them to be.’ (Ah, the innocence of youth…. so sweet.)
It was then that I realised this was a pivotal moment in our mother-son relationship. For the first time, our roles had reversed and he was standing there as the comforter and adviser instead of the other way around. He continued, his voice wise and now (having recently broken) strangely deep. ‘When I go to a cricket clinic,’ he said. ‘If I hit a crap ball, I don’t think “Oh no, everyone’s laughing at me!” because I know we’re all there to learn. No one cares as long as you give it your best shot. Isn’t a Masterclass like that?’
I guess he’s right. I have to get over my paranoia and grab this learning experience with both hands and give it everything I’ve got. Damn it, I will! Even if I end up in tears.
At least I now know I have a counsellor to come home to. Yep, I think my son might just be a psychologist in the making. Career sorted. (Unless he’s batting for Australia!)
I am about to commit a Blogging sin. I promised – in my Welcome message – that if I wrote anything about my husband or kids, I’d run it by them first. Ahhhh geez…. that was months ago and the rules have changed. Well, they change when I want them to. But if this post disappears very quickly, you’ll know the reason.
I have a very good husband. A very, VERY good husband who most of you know as Dr Karl Kennedy from Neighbours. You all know the TV show The Good Wife? Well, if they made one called The Good Husband, Fletch would be perfect for the role. Yes, he’s also an extremely talented actor and a lot of you adore him, but if you were married to him, (as in any marriage) – you WOULD find foibles.
Again, I have to say, I am lucky. I know this. He’s not a drug addict, he’s not an alcoholic, he’s not even a gambler, nor has he ever laid a finger upon me except in the nicest possible way. He works hard, contributes domestically, we have fun together and most of the time, we love each other. Yep, a pretty normal relationship, right?
Except that he has one SERIOUS problem. I’ve let it slide without much comment for about a year, but it’s now at the point where this has to be addressed. I want to know if anyone else out there is facing a similar battle. I can sum it up in four words:
CATCH OF THE DAY
The website, that is. Every day, this website advertises a new bargain. Now, maybe it’s born from an actor’s uncertainty about where his next meal ticket is coming from, and even though I try to remind him he’s been on Neighbours for 18 YEARS, it does nothing to deter Fletch from being a Catch Of The Day addict.
What is it about bargain hunting that’s so appealing? It’s not like nailing a wild beast on a a safari – surely? Besides which, Fletch is an animal lover. Is it that the thought of a bargain and saving money excites to the point where one doesn’t consider the value of the item being purchased? I have put up with our house being filled with superfluous objects for too long. For example, we didn’t need any more plastic containers in the kitchen, but Fletch found a bargain on Catch Of The Day that sold a variety of the buggers in a multitude of sizes, promising to keep food fresh till the next century. Now I can’t open a cupboard without being rained on with plastic…
Then there was the mobile phone charger set he bought me – even though I already have a mobile phone charger. Go figure…
I am also getting tired of being interrupted mid-work on the computer at home, to answer the doorbell to Australia Post.
But the piece de resistance came with the grand arrival of the Beldray Steam Mop. Oh. My. God. For some reason, I was expected to be excited upon its arrival. Fletch certainly was. Apparently it was going to save us a bucket load of money, mopping floors and steaming the carpets.
We gave it a test run. The floors got wet – yes. But were they clean?? As far as I could see, there were only residual murky water marks covering the floorboards that hadn’t been there before… I pointed this out. ‘Honey, this actually doesn’t work. The floor looks like crap. Can we return it?’ ‘Hmm, you’re right, he said. ‘Yep, Catch of the Day make it easy. I’ll send it back.’
Wow. I had scored a major victory. For a while, accessories and plastic wrapping accompanying our new steam mop lay on the dining table. After some time, I shifted them into Fletch’s office, knowing he was busy but would surely return the said useless mop as soon as possible. After all, I wasn’t the Catch of the Day addict – it was he who should go to the bother of re-wrapping it and returning it – right?
Several weeks later I went to fetch a broom out of the laundry cupboard. I opened the door and CRASH – everything spilled out over my feet. Brooms, dusters, pans – clattering and falling in slow motion. But standing amid the mess, red, shiny and gloating, was the useless, space-consuming STEAM MOP.
‘ARGHhhhh!!!!’ I screamed. ‘FLETCH!!! What the hell is the steam mop doing in the laundry cupboard?’ Why didn’t you return it???’
Turns out he’d experimented with the mop again and found it quite successful. Skeptical, I proposed he couldn’t be bothered returning it. ‘Oh no,’ he reassured me. ‘It’s fantastic at removing stains from the carpet. I tried it when you were out.’
I scornfully denounced such a thing to be possible so he pointed to several carpet stains he’d worked on, marvelling at the improvement. Quite frankly, I couldn’t see the difference. Determined to prove a point, he set to work on a new set of stains. It’s a bit annoying how he makes housework look like fun. With remote headphones and a cup of fresh coffee, he glided into action. He wasn’t even bothered by me taking photos. Over and over, he ran that mop over a light stain on the carpet. I took a before photo. And an after photo. What do you think?
Hmmm… now I bet you’re all thinking – WHY DIDN”T I GET ONE??
I probably shouldn’t complain. After all, there’s not many men who’d put up with me for starters. But quite frankly, what annoys me most, is that every time I want to use the old basic broom, I spend half an hour trying to extract it from the chaos created in the laundry cupboard. My plan is to make the red beast a garden feature by Christmas. And I bet Fletch won’t even miss the bugger. He’ll be too busy checking out what’s new on Catch of the Day.
