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 ChadstoneTo 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
Rochelle wearing Ripple Effect necklace, $79 with Black Theodora studded tote, $279
Joplin tote (Sahara) – $399
A closer look at the Ripple effect necklace – $79.00 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
Big on bling, the Silken Whisper Pendant – $79
Daughter Ronnie helps out, modelling the Princeton Tote – $269
Ronnie also pounced on these Hearts and Daggers ear-rings – $79
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?
Tilkah’s signature bag, Veruka Soft Tote – $299If 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
It was the last thing I was expecting today, but well overdue.
You see, I’ve been driving the same car now for EIGHT years. And it’s been a lovely car.I wasn’t complaining. A simple Audi A4 sedan in a pale sparkly colour called champagne. Colour, as we know, is one of the most IMPORTANT things about a car.
BUt last weekend, I got a SIGN. You know, when something happens after a long string of things, and you know a certain relationship has to come to an end. I had driven Ronnie to the local video shop and was parking when I heard a loud CRUNCH. Yep, the concrete parking stopper on the ground had a bout of fisticuffs with my bumper bar and this was the result…
Ooops…
The bumper bar lay on the gravel and there was no way I could piece it back together. Another bill to pay and another job to add to a long list… Big bummer. Big sigh.
But Fletch had been making noises about the end of January being a good time to buy a new car. When I say ‘new’, I mean ‘new’ for us, but second-hand as far as cars go. I hadn’t taken much notice as I thought he was primarily talking about a machine for himself, so I did that nodding thing in the kitchen where the man thinks you’re listening while you dawdle over the stove, pondering your next fantasy holiday in the Greek Islands and only taking half in.
Turns out I had been included in the conversation I hadn’t been listening to. So this morning, I made school lunches and got the kids off to school, went to the gym, then managed a marathon supermarket shop before racing home to work on blogging duties and a certain project with a deadline. So when Fletch called to suggest I meet him in West Melbourne to look at second-hand cars, I wasn’t too excited. I was busy. I thought we’d be looking at cars HE wanted for himself. He mentioned a couple I might be interested in, but I didn’t think it was something we could afford or that they would appeal. But I agreed to join him – just in case. Still not thinking this was a serious shopping mission, I spent more time on the computer than I should have, then realised I had to leave home damn quickly or I’d be late. There was no time to change clothes. I’d have to front up in my old gym gear and no make-up. Never mind, I thought, it’s not about me – who cares what I look like?
And that’s when you should ALWAYS turn around, go back inside and get changed.
Audi Showroom, West MelbourneThe instant I turned up at the glamorous Audi dealership on Kings Street, I felt markedly under-dressed among the schmick looking salesmen in shiny suits and smart businesswomen in high red shoes. Still, Carlo, our salesman, made me feel at home while we waited for Fletch (see – I DID have time to change. HE was late!) and made me a coffee.
As we sipped and waited, he told me with a broad smile, that meeting me had made him a little star-struck. I nearly choked on my coffee. It’s been so long since I read the news, I forget that people might remember who I am or find that at all impressive. Flattered as I was, I immediatley regretted wearing my ten-year-old threadbare exercise gear and no make-up. It’s awful seeing the disappointed looks on people’s faces when they realise what you REALLY look like. But not Carlo. He seemed delighted. Bless him.
Most of all, I liked his sales approach. He showed me a couple of cars and we chatted away but he never went for the hard-line sales pitch. Which I hate. He was charming without being saccharine, and helpful without being obsequious. Just a normal, natural kinda guy. Rare in a salesman. Which is why I vote Carlo best car salesman of the year. And this is what we bought.
Carlo, me and my new baby.It’s a second-hand Audi A4 B8 Multitronic sedan. The detail in the name doesn’t mean much to me as I’m not much of a car buff. I just thought it looked pretty cool.
And it wasn’t that Carlo twisted my arm. He just pointed me in the right direction. What really made up my mind was the headlights.
A winning feature
A bit like sparkly disco eyelashes, don’t you think?
So now I have a new baby. It’s all happened so fast, I’ve barely had time to take it in, but I’m sure the smile on my face will last for some time to come. It’s a bit late for you to get an end-of-January deal now, but if you are in the market for an Audi – second-hand OR new…
Carlo Cunico
– then I know the man. Carlo Cunico at Audi, Brighton.
That’s Carrlo.cunico@audicentrebrighton.com.au or just give him a buzz on 0416 137 710. A top bloke.
And I’ve learnt my lesson. Never go car shopping in old gym gear and no make-up.
Further to last Friday’s blog about The Sisterhood committee organising THE coolest Valentine’s Day party in support of heart research at St Vincents Hospital – I can now bring you the official invitation and booking details. Ta da!
It’s not just for couples. Plenty of singles are coming too – what better party to meet your Valentine?
Official Valentine’s Day invitationTo book tickets:
http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=39386
I’m thrilled it’s going to be held at the hippest venue in Melbourne – THE DECK at The Prince Hotel in St Kilda. What a great space for a party! And after hosting dozens of conventional balls over the years, I’m very much looking forward to a less formal, younger styled event with great entertainment and a DJ.
The Deck, Prince Hotel, St Kilda Actress Melissa Bergland
I’m also very excited that the super talented and gorgeous Melissa Bergland, star of TV series Winners and Losers, will perform for us on the night. Not only a beautiful in person, but super generous. She’s donating her time on the evening which is amazing. Especially given so many celebrities these days seem to want to charge a small fortune to appear at charity gigs, which I just don’t get. Melissa, you are an angel and we can’t wait to hear you perform on the night.
And if you’re still not convinced this is going to be a super special evening, check out our party rules below. Designed to make SURE we keep the vibe up and the party spirit high.
1. No speeches or MC chatting to go longer than five minutes.
2. Limited items in the charity auction. A quick auction is a good auction.
3. LOADS of fabulous finger food and drinks provided with excellent service.
4. Great entertainment and cool music
5. Value packed free goodie bags (one per couple)
6. Lots of dancing
7. No jumping in the pool – potential injuries are not cool
If you’d like to know more about the committee and what we’re trying to achieve, here’s the official blurb:
The Sisterhood – Raising money for St Vincent’s HospitalSo don’t waste time because tickets really are selling fast. Get on line and book now! It’s great value at $100 a ticket which includes food, drinks, entertainment and a gift bag – plus it’s tax deductible!
Looking forward to partying with you on February 14th!
This is just a short blog to say that from now on, I WILL try to write shorter blogs. Fletch read the blog I posted today and informed me that it was too long. That people want concise, ‘pithy’ reads – not long meandering, pieces like the ones I produce.
At the same time he complimented me on writing a ‘great’ blog. Which was very kind. But I don’t think today’s post WAS a ‘great’ blog. It was a trivial piece about New Year’s Resolutions and my nerdy (albeit temporary) obsession with a jigsaw puzzle. Perhaps he used the word ‘great’ in reference to length?
Regardless, this is a short blog to let you know I will indeed attempt to write shorter blogs from now on. With endless joy.
My first photo shootAnd that
is
ALL.
Now coming to the end of January, I look back at how I’ve progressed with my New Year’s Resolutions and I’m feeling pretty good about myself. Some have been tougher than others, and I’ve used the holiday break as an excuse for not fulfilling some – but generally speaking, I’m improving. This blogging caper does help enormously too. It makes you accountable – even in a teeny weeny way.
So let’s do an update and I’ll share what I’ve learned along the way.
RESOLUTION UPDATE
(1) Sugar free challenge (apart from wine) – to stick to the ONE LINE RULE diet. (which is not eating products that contain more than 5% sugar)
Even though I confessed in Sunday’s blog that I finally broke my sugar fast on Saturday night while watching a movie at the Village Gold Class Cinema and devouring a Choc Top, I’m going to stick with this one. People have asked why, and I have to say one of the main reasons is how I FEEL. I feel happier and healthier and have loads more energy than ever before. That’s why this is the BEST of all my New Year’s resolutions. It really HAS made a difference. I’m not absolutely certain if it’s kicking sugar, or just that (touch wood) life is pretty good right now, giving me a more positive outlook, but I have a hunch it’s got more to do with the sugar business.
I also love the up-myself, smug feeling I get when standing in the supermarket queue with all those rows of sugar-laden chocolate bars staring at me, begging me to buy them. ‘Ha!’ I say to them. ‘Don’t even THINK you can tempt me! I KNOW you are evil and I am strong enough to resist you!!’ Juvenile, but fun. Empowering.
Chocolate protein ballsEmma the Guru’s recipe for chocolate protein balls has also been a big winner this week. I just LOVE them and they are now my regular afternoon treat. Just one… most days… Plus I managed THREE alcohol free days – a first in many weeks.
More food updates to come, so stay tuned. But I don’t get a tick for this resolution this week because of the Choc Top moment.
(2) Not to play I-Phone Games
Yes, all good here. A big tick this week.
EXCEPT… that I found a new replacement addiction. I did mention it in a previous Blog, but I’m now going to reveal the evidence. It’s quite brave of me really, because I know many will condemn me for being a complete nerd…
I HAVE SPENT COUNTLESS HOURS PUTTING TOGETHER A JIGSAW PUZZLE.
2000 piece jigsaw puzzleIt all started when Veronica asked for a puzzle as one of her Christmas presents. She wanted something more challenging this time, so chose a 2000-piece puzzle. And after Christmas, she invited me to help her put it together. Like most teenagers, she lost interest not far into the game as it proved a tad more challenging than she’d expected…
Stage One…
Except that the rumpus room table was now covered with a barely completed puzzle and I couldn’t bear to pack it away until it had been conquered!
And so the fun began… It became an obsession. I’d start with thinking, ‘I’ll just finish off the parrot’s beak,’ and before I knew it, it was TWO AM!!!
Stage Two…
Fletch was becoming quite annoyed. I was neglecting the family and household chores – scurrying away upstairs any moment I could to put this damn thing together. ‘See – the cockatoo is done!’ I’d squeal with delight. He didn’t get it.
A puzzling mess…
Nor was the family pleased I’d covered the floor with pieces. The jigsaw was taking over our lives. But I did love the fact that being up in the rumpus room meant I spent more time with Tom who would be watching sport or playing Play Station with friends while I puzzled away. Every time I fitted a piece, I’d shout ‘YAY’, to which he had to shout back ‘YAY!’ It was a wonderful bonding ritual.
Stage three…
One kind friend suggested my obsession was a reflection of what was happening in my life. That I was figuring stuff out in my head while doing the puzzle and piecing together elements in my life that made sense. I liked that one. I’ll run with that.
Stage Four…
I think Fletch was more concerned I was regressing into a second childhood. But wait – I found evidence on the internet that doing jigsaw puzzles is wonderful exercise for the brain and makes people incredibly smart. Which means I am now a genius. Cool.
The missing link…
As I neared the end, one missing piece from the Toucan’s beak was driving me crazy. I knew it HAD to be green and black with a stripe in the middle – surely not that hard to find? But no, many a lengthy search proved fruitless… I worried the makers had stuffed up and sold me a puzzle minus a vital finishing piece…was my mission pointless???
Then, at two-thirty in the morning, I thought I was done, but STILL the piece was missing. The anxiety was torturous. I had to get to bed!! An easel with newspaper underneath to protect the carpet was next to the table. I shoved it aside and shook out the paper – and SWEET JOY – the missing piece spilled on to the carpet in all its glory. Victory. My mission was complete. Ahhh….
Picture perfect!
(3) To tidy my office before the end of March.
It’s an on-going, eternal nightmare, but I get a BIG TICK every week till the end of March. The best thing about this resolution is that it means I try to clear away a little bit off the desk each day. So progress, yes, even though it’s just tiny steps.
(4) To go to the gym at least 3 times a week.
I did it! I actually got to the gym THREE times PLUS I have enlisted the services of a new personal trainer – Ross Sheridan – who I began work with on Friday. And you know what? If I hadn’t made an appointment to meet him on Friday, I doubt I would have made it to the gym. Hence the value of personal trainers. I really do need to be accountable… Still, very up-myself for making it to the gym three times. A big tick.
(5) To NEVER smoke another cigarette again.
The best part about this resolution is that it really belongs in last year’s resolution basket, and I am pleased to report, it’s SO much easier this year than last year. So, if it’s of any help to smokers out there, it DOES get better. I also suffer much less from smoker’s envy in social situations, which is fantastic. Another big tick.
Overall, checking the scorecard – that’s four ticks out of five this week, so I’m pretty happy.
Until next week!
