If you ever thought about 'The Holiday' flick and 'swapping' your home with someone you have never met, then read on . . . .

Caught up with an entrepreneurial woman named Debbie Wosskow (pictured left) who was savvy enough to put together the concept,
LuxeHomeSwap. Simply, it is a website (http://www.luxehomeswap.com/) where you can swap or exchange your house for a shorter long period of time with someone, whether from the same country or further afield.
"There have been 'swap' sites around for awhile but the idea went further in my head after seeing the movie The Holiday where American Cameron Diaz and English rose, Kate Winslett 'swap' homes one holiday,'' Debbie told me.
She also said you'll be able to exchange your home or second home (lucky ole you) with other smart properties all around the world, using the website and saving you from horrific holiday hotel bills.
"Luxe Home Swap marks the coming of age for home exchange for holidays and the site is the first site to do it in a cool way for savvy people and recessionistas, who own distinctive, or what we like to call ‘Luxe’ properties around the world.''
Luxe Home Swap launched in January of this year to capitalize on the busiest time of year for arranging home exchange holidays and Australia has been identified as one of the most desirable holiday destination for Luxe Home Swap members.
"Luxe Home Swap is the best way to holiday in style and blend in like a local, allowing you to make maximum use of the value of your home or second home.''
Debbie says it is the only way she travels with her family know and realises that security issues (and the Crown jewels you may have at home) could put some people off the idea of 'swapping'.
"Via the website I make sure everyone creates a dialogue and you are constantly in contact with the person you are swapping with so you all get a feel about the place you are going too,'' adds Debbie.
"I probably exchanged about 40 emails with one person I was swapping with so take the time to get to know them and there shouldn't be any fear.''
People who join the website and plan on putting their home on it pay a small joining fee and then they take it from there.
"We really want to emphasize that they are 'stylish' homes that we have on our books whether it's a one-bedder with a small harbor view or a 5 bedroom palace in the country.''

Into a bit of leather? So is just about every designer around . . .

Sambag's leather leggings above and below . . . a style chicks fashion essential . . .

Remember when designer Olivier Thesykens put Nicole Kidman into a killer black leather dress for a major film premiere? No, I didn't think so.

Anyway, I can't even find an image from one of the of the Eyes Wide Shut premieres of the aforementioned dress, but nonetheless, it was one of the best looks she ever worked.

So, if Nic was a thrifty thing she'd be getting out that little black (leather) dress again, considering it's simply all about leather this coming autumn.

Sure, Nicole's outing was waaaaaaaay back when she was still with that shortish gentleman, but the leather lead has powered along since then. Biker jackets, pencil skirts, trenches, jeans, vests and dresses, winter 2010 is a leather-fest.

I'm loving these leather leggings (above) from Sam Wagner's Sambag label, who has produced her own leath-ings. Okay, I just made that amalgamated work up. They're $500 (sorry about that part) so take a look at http://www.sambag.com.au/ to get even more autumnal inspiration . . . . . . . .

A model gem: smart fashion cookie goes from g-strings to jewellery . . .

The Victoria's Secret model turned designer, Erin Wasson and jeweller Pascal Mouawad have debuted their LowLuv by Erin Wasson in Australia.

After three seasons working together on their LowLuv fine jewellery range, Pascal and the Texan-born Erin have expanded their success by introducing LowLuv Costume. The new line comprises approximately 25 layerable styles in ¾rings, necklaces and bangles in base metal plated in gold or silver. Retail prices for the collection range from $80 - $375.
“I’ve loved making fine jewellery, and I’ll be working with Mouawad on a few fine pieces going forward,” says Wasson in the press spiel.

"But I really felt like it was time to open up LowLuv to the customer who’s been lusting after the expensive stuff, but could never afford it. That’s my girl. ''

Wasson has graced the covers of numerous fashion magazines, including French, German, Spanish and Australian Vogue, Flair, Numero, Allure, Esquire and Elle, and walked international runways for designers like Armani, Balenciaga, Cavalli, Gucci and Karl Lagerfeld while walking the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2007.

Erin has also worked with photographers like Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Peter Lindbergh, Patrick Demarchelier and Ellen Von Unwerth. Her advertisement campaigns include Michael Kors, Rolex, Tiffany & Co., J.Crew, Levi's, H&M, and the Gap. Since 2002, Wasson has been the international face of Maybelline, appearing in print ads and television commercials for the iconic cosmetics brand.

Erin once told Teen Vogue: "You can't take the Texas out of the girl. ... I wouldn't have gotten this far in the fashion world if I didn't have a little bit of that Southern hospitality in me."

Erin's affordable jewellery collection was inspired by Wasson’s 'imagined walkabout through the Southwestern desert' with metalwork pieces conjuring up a look of traditional Mexican handicrafts with etched native American symbols.

The LowLuv costume jewellery collection is be available exclusively online in Australia at http://www.miijo.com/

Forget Alice, it's more like Alannah in Wonderland . . . the designer hits her stride . . .

Between the brilliant theatrics of Lady GaGa (isn't that one show any fashion-fascinated person won't want to miss?) and the upcoming Tim Burton interpretation of Alice In Wonderland (seeing that one next week) a serious element of 'theatre' and extravagance is being seen on the fashion racks.
Of course, there are some designers who have never strayed away from it.
The late Alexander McQueen was as a protagonist while Frenchman Christan Lacroix was at the forefront, before the likes of John Galliano and Viktor & Rolf, whose imaginations know no bounds, came along.

Quite a bit closer to home, though, the Melbourne-based designer Alannah Hill has never let a good mash-up of prints get in the way of producing her collections.

And she has proved to be one of the local industry's fashion survivors.
Sure, not all women will be wanting to wear Ms Hill's looks, top-to-toe, as seen in these pictures, but a piece here and piece there, toned down to a style that you are comfortable with is so achievable.

Like we will at 'Alice in Wonderland', I just sat back and enjoyed the frivolity of the pics of Alannah's ‘Garden of Roses’ autumn/winter 2010 collection.

The sharp colors, the juxtaposing textiles (brocades and chiffons) and wild-flowers just reminded me of a small trip to Fantasy land. (you must check out her whimsical website at http://www.alannahhill.com.au/ too.)
“You know, I could happily stare aimlessly out of my hotel window, watching the city lights while bathing in a tub of Chanel Mademoiselle and eating raspberries,” says Alannah.

"I was never really gob smacked about being a fashion designer. More than anything, I wanted to be successful – a little star.”
She says her finest fashion hour was receiving her first wholesale order from David Jones, from where her label does huge business.

The restaurant with more hats than Gai Waterhouse . . . a user's guide to the enigma of Tetsuya's

pic courtesy www.smh.com.au

According to its wiki entry, 'Tetsuya's is a restaurant in Sydney owned by Tetsuya Wakuda. Tetsuya's cuisine is based on Australian, Japanese and classic French sensibilities, and makes use of Australia's bountiful ingredients including Tasmanian Ocean Trout, which forms his signature dish. Tetsuya's is housed in the former Suntory building in the centre of Sydney, which accounts for its Japanese design. This is the second restaurant under the same name, its predecessor in the late 1980s and into the 1990s having been in a terrace house of a style typical of the Sydney inner-western suburb of Rozelle. It is located on 529 Kent Street, Sydney.'

Right. That's the official version.

To me, there's always been an enigma to the name Tetsuya's. Even a reverence to the point where you feel like bowing as each dish lands on the table, then quietly clapping, or even giving a standing ovation, as the empty plate is taken away.

Awarded every food award possible (it really does have more hats than that aforementioned horse trainer) and a constant fixture on the credible SMH Good Food Guide it even made it, in 2007, to being fifth best restaurant in the world (according to Restaurant magazine).

With the chances being that many may never get there, due to geographical difficulties or just other financial priorities, I thought I would give you a lay-person's reasons why it deserves the hats, the back-slaps and an inclusion in the prestigious Relais & Chateaux directory, which features many of world's best restaurants, lodges and hotels.

I will leave serious food and wine commentary to those who do that so very well (thank you Simon Thomsen, Terry Durack, Winsor Dobbin, Nick Ryan et al) but as a diner going along as a guest again (the last time I was there I sat alongside Cate Blanchett when she was unveiled her SK11 ambassador role) it is a true dining experience.

The nine course degustation lunch (brilliantly served and savoured in just over two hours) started with a glass of Moet & Chandon Rose thrust (more like 'nicely placed' into my hand) as I stood around with head honco Anthony Knox chatting about all thing Relais & Chateaux-ey.

Looking out onto a tranquil Japanese-inspired garden, we started with some chilled soup with chestnut pumpkin; then sashimi of kingfish with blackbean and orange (served with a mighty fine Tomsnohikari sake) followed by soft roast scampi tails matched with a 'Pierro for Tetsuya's' perfect chardonnay.

Then it was time for Tets' piece de resistance and signature dish - his Salad of Confit Ocean Trout, this one served Zucchini and non-pasteurised roe.

'Signature' because he hand pics the trout that is used and double signature because it literally does melt or fall away in your mouth. Yes, in the Malteser 'melt and fall' sense of the words.

It was like Maxwell Smart's 'cone of silence' has descended on the room as fellow diners savored every mouthful and not one plate was left untouched.

The ravioli of octopus, breast of chicken with corn and foie gras, the grass fed Tasmanian Angus beef were the final 'mains' before desserts of soup of Pione Grapes with Sauternes sorbet and salted sable (a form of shortbread) with lemon scented leather wood honey completed the menu.

I think people get slightly scared of degustation menus. They always sound like some madly, ridiculous amount of food as course by course comes out.

But for some strange reason, the balance of how they are served works brilliantly.

There isn't one moment you get that 'I am so full because I just ate an entire pizza' feeling. Promise.

Rarified food has been bought back down to earth since the success of various food-inspired TV shows and the rise and rise of the celebrity chef, and as far as I am concerned, we need to knock out of our minds that an 'experience' like Tetsuya's is just for a 'special occasion'.

Simply, like fellow chefs Justin North, Neil Perry, Guillaume Brahimi, Dietmar Sawyere, Peter Gilmore, Sean Connolly and Matt Moran, Tetsuya creates extra-ordinary food because it is their passion.

And aren't we lucky to have so many passionate cooks willing to do it for us.

Can't wait to go back.

There are prices and all that important stuff at http://www.testsuyas.com/ or take a look at http://www.relaischateaux.com/ for what else makes their culinary and hotel grade . . . .

So what's the fuss about all of these de-tox juice cleanses we keep reading about?

FOR some reason I have absolutely sailed through a 3-day, detox juice cleanse that I have been on since Sunday evening.

I haven't felt hungry once. No headaches. No mood swings. No deliberating about whether I will or won't do something.

And I also found it easy to cook my son's dinner and get his school lunches (read: bread, cheese and the occasional recess treat) without being tempted to grab some for myself.

I have slept like a baby. Have been up early each day. But most importantly, I have this amazing clarity.

A clarity of mind that has even amazed me and assisted in cutting all the crap out of my mind.

I guess it takes ridding your system of all that' stuff' we fill it with, whether too much fast food, sugar, carbs, alcohol and the list goes on, to feel really fantastic.

I was invited to test out one of these juice cleanses called http://www.schkinnymaninny.com.au/ last September. And I remember frantically telling everyone about it back then.

I loved the benefits I felt. I felt all of the above.

But, as we all do, it doesn't take long to get back into 'normal' mode . . . and so I was just at a perfect time to give another a test run.

This time I trialed one from a crew called http://www.urbanremedy.com.au/ .

Simply they delivered three small black cooler bags with 6 nutritious juices that you drink throughout the day.

The morning one has apple, lemon, celery, cos lettuce, celery, silver beet, parsley and cucumber and through the day there are all different variations with the likes of beetroot, ginger, carrot, mint and lemon in the mix.

The evening one (which I never finished as I was never that hungry) had raw cashews, cinnamon, vanilla bean, coconut milk and agave nectar. (I just thought of that last ingredient and realised they are those fantastic plants I have growing in my courtyard.)

And although it wasn't my agenda, I even shed a few kilos.

Yes, yes, I have had some mates say that these juice cleanses companies are the 'snake-oil salesmen' of the now, but I didn't really give a toss.

As if I am going to buy all the fresh ingredients and stand in front of a juicer and mix up all the above, six times a day!

A busy life means using services like this so life can run a lot smoother and I can use my time doing things I prefer doing to a chucking veggies down a juicer.

Ironically, my great friend, Joe Cross, has spent a couple of years working on a film/doco called 'Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead', which chronicles Joe's way of regaining his health.

And while his motivation to do something about what was going on with his body was a lot different to mine - he was overweight, loaded up on steroids and suffering from a debilitating autoimmune disease - take a look at the 'Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead' Facebook fan page, where you can read the whole reason behind Joe's juice passion and his upcoming film.

In the meantime, I am going to stick with the first-hand knowledge (now that I have done it twice) that letting my body and its organs take some time to hang out with just fruit and veggie juices can only be a good thing.

My fashion verdict on cutie-pie Miranda Kerr, as she showcased the newest collections at David Jones Sydney frock launch . . .

Miranda Kerr in Collette Dinnigan

. . . . in Bianca Spender

. . . . in Sass & Bide

. . . . . in Willow

Boy, what a week on the pop culture landscape, particularly in fashion-land.

Between the untimely death of Alexander McQueen and the start of Mercedes New York fashion week, more locally, the resignation from the IMG group by Australian fashion week founder Simon Lock was joined by the seasonal launch of designer frocks which David Jones are keen to see us wear this coming autumn.

The media get very excited by all this runway show stuff - and star runway model Miranda Kerr - and after well over 20 years covering fashion for mainstream media, don't I know how hilariously seriously some frock-folk take it all!

It. Is. Just. A. Fashion. Show.

And one that I so happily chatted about on TV, Kyle & Jackie O and Charli Delaney & Chris Page's The Dirt on 2Dayfm, on Twitter, on Facebook and on and on and on. Now, it's blog time! It's been a fashion media frenzy.

While not exactly as high on the priority list as a Haitian, cancer or stem cell research fundraiser, the 'theatre' that surrounds this event and who's there and who isn't, probably gets a big run in the newspapers, where DJs are a big retail advertiser.

As everyone in the marketing biz knows, there is a tad quid pro quo action when it comes to retail ad bucks and media coverage.

So aside from all that, what does a show like this really mean for you?

Well, the simple, business-like, late-morning show (hallelujah! for those with deadlines and work to get back to) at the former Fox Studios (it will never be the Entertainment Quarter to me) was a perfect way for the style-oriented retailer to pin-point 'the trends'.

So what are they?

Look out for leather (a biker jacket is an essential and Harry Who's studded purple variety was genius); 80s shoulders are still big (loved Trelise Cooper's black embellished jacket and Carla Zampatti's velvet dress with sculptured shoulders) while Simona's ode to animal print showed how big leopard (and maybe cougar?) prints are again this season.

Also loved Zampatti's red and amethyst silk pieces while beaded embellishment and cut-outs also ruled at sass & bide, who closed the show with Miranda Kerr wearing the killer, black high neck dress, pictured above.

The jumpsuit, from Bianca Spender opened the show and while not a piece for all of us (long and lean it what youll need to be) it was a star worn on Ms Kerr, especially in that cobalt blue.

I was loving the Librarian-like look we saw too - fitted cardies, shorts and ties (love a tie) from Anna Thomas and Alannah Hill.

The whole striped, French 'Breton' top vibe comes in here and my old REMO 'Stripey Things' at http://www.remogeneralstore.com/ still get a run, worn with a bad-hair day beret, a trench and ankle boots. Yum.

Zimmermann just seem to get better and better each season (that's what serious experience working in one industry for so long does) going for a more tailored look. Great stuff indeed.

The trench coat is a huge fave for me and there are SO many variations this year, you could wear one most days - a heavy cotton or wool for morning or silk/satin for night . Whether worn with opaque tights (natch and an essential), jeans or a slim skirt, it has become one of my absolute winter staples.

Designers I noticed who continue to deliver fashion that bares a defined signature included Collette Dinnigan (a divine frilled and flounced purple print dress pictured above); Akira Isogawa in his thoughtful way has created the perfect fusion of purple and orange while Easton Pearson stick to their mantra of creating simply innately colorful, divine and happy clothes.

Those who know me, know my penchant for red (and black) so I was pleased to see them both twirl, big-time, down the runway thanks to Lisa Ho, Alex Perry, Ms Zampatti, Kirrily Johnston and George Gross.

The David Jones fashion caravan pulls into Melbourne this week and then Myer? It's over to you for you style take on autumn on March 15, also in Melbourne . . . . . .

Simon Lock speaks: it's motorbikes, charity and a luxury ski lodge . .

pic courtesy of www.misociety.com.au

I have just had a conversation from a powdery ski slope in Japan, with Australian fashion week founder Simon Lock, (you know, the tall, bald fashion guy?) who is leaving the Hong Kong based helm of the IMG company at the end of this year.
Simon and and his then marketing company, Spin Communications, were instrumental in starting the Aussie fashion week (which will celebrate 15 years of life this May) with the likes of Mercedes and Rosemount having been naming sponsors over the years.
"From next year I will be spending 50% of my time on a charity project called wheel2wheel (http://www.wheel2wheel.tv/) where a group of us are planning on a motorbike ride from China to Australia,'' Simon told me down the line.
"We want to raise over $10 million dollars and do the ride over 1oo days.''
Simon admits he has just bought the BMW bike which he will be riding with his wheel2wheel business partner, Morgan Parker.
"I am also looking at opening a luxury ski resort in Hanazono in Japan so my work level certainly won't be faltering.''
Simon thinks the current position of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week is in great hands with IMG heading it up and is pleased to have been part of helping put Australian fashion into a more global mindset.
"Twenty years later, and I've been the fashion industry that long, I am proud of where it is so onward and upward we all go!''
He also admitted to wanting to spend more time with his children.
And you know what? I so know where he is coming from.
We can expect to see Simon taking his Row A seat at the spring/summer fashion shows this year but no doubt, next year, his bum will be more than likely parked on a BMW, than a fashion show seat.

(See two posts down for earlier media release announcement.)

Dynamic and cool-looking Byron Bay duo give fashion world a nudge . . .

Am liking the look of new Aussie brand, out of Byron bay, called Spell Designs.

Apparenty they are starting to get quite the celebrity following.

The sisters behing Spell designs are Isabella and Elizabeth Briedis who 'have combined their mutual love of all things boho to produce Spell, a stunning jewellery & accessories label, which has gained an almost cult-like status among Byron locals,''goes the media speil.

The team say they have garnered 'star' followers including Sienna Miller, Ruby Rose, Sarah McLeod, Taylor Swift (just last week snapped up a couple of pieces) and stylist Pip Edwards.

They have also been approached by Sportsgirl to design a line for their jewellery and accessories which featured in Melbourne’s Chapel St store.

"Designed and hand-made in Byron Bay, Spell is an eclectic mix of charms, draped strands of turquoise & precious stones, leather & feathers, antique & world coins, hand-carved bone, wood & coral & one-off vintage finds,'' the media info continues.

"Spell is spreading its wings, opening a much-anticipated boutique in Byron Bay. The space is a veritable gypsy wonderland & stocks their iconic native American inspired adornments, as well as the label’s fashion & footwear range.

"Hidden amongst the galleries & artist studios of the Byron bay industrial estate & overflowing with exclusive one-off spell designs, vintage treasures & original artworks, the boutique is a must-see if you’re passing through Byron Bay.''

Visit http://www.spelldesigns.com/

Aussie fashion week founder Simon Lock departs the IMG group . . .

pic courtesy of smh.com.au

This is a media release just in:


"Thursday 11 February 2010, Sydney:
IMG Fashion announced today that Simon Lock, Managing Director of IMG Fashion for the Asia Pacific region, will not renew his contract and will be departing the company in late 2010.
Peter Levy, IMG Fashion's Senior Vice President and Global Managing Director, based in New York, said, "We have been grateful for Simon's energy and enthusiasm. He has, together with our team in Australia and around the world, made an imprint on our group and on the successful events we have produced in the region over the past few years".

This year is the milestone 15th year of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW), which was founded by Simon in 1996 and was acquired by IMG Fashion in 2005.

"We'd like to thank Simon for his contributions and his relentless passion for promoting Australian designers", said Martin Jolly, Managing Director of IMG, Asia Pacific. "On behalf of everyone at IMG we look forward to seeing many more professional accomplishments from Simon in the future".

Simon Lock said, "I am extremely proud of what RAFW has been able to achieve for the Australian fashion industry over the past fifteen years. It is testament to an amazing group of people who have dedicated, in some instances, much of their careers to this important endeavor. With RAFW now part of the global network of fashion weeks managed by IMG Fashion it could not be in better hands for its future growth and development. I look forward to celebrating the 15th year anniversary in May with my IMG and industry colleagues".

IMG Fashion's team structure in the Asia Pacific region will remain the same. Simon Lock, Peter Levy and Martin Jolly will all attend RAFW this season.''

Ends.

You know those smarty-pants travel buddies who know everything? Well, they've been applauded in my latest Australian Traveller mag column . . .

And you thought you knew about travel? In the latest issue of Australian Traveller mag (Feb-March issue) I've revealed the skills of my favourite travel buddies in my regular Travelling In Style column . . . .

I have a couple of great mates, DB and Mikey - a pair of my pals who seem to know absolutely everything there is to know about travelling.

I'm not talking 'normal' travel things _ like how many minutes should you arrive at a Jetstar check-in counter before they may unload you (it's about 30, btw); how many kaftans to pack; or the fairly standard weight of check-on luggage afforded to you on a normal economy flight. (Oh, around 20kg, just in shoes, by the way).
These two friends, including a late mate named 'PI' know, and in 'PI's' case knew, every extreme minutiae of touring detail. They could have been perceived as real journey Johnny-come-lately's and that could have really pissed me off, but to be honest, I learn just so much each time we even talk travel.
I totally love having them in my life, asking them those kinds of questions real travellers can answer as opposed to the ones who sit behind an agent's desk, handing out brochures while their computer constantly says 'no'.
These buddies can tell me about (or they'll research just because they want to) every smart cruiser (whether it's P&O or Silver Seas); any chic Caribbean villa; the best flight deals or whether I am about to jump onto a 727, a 747, or even a Red Baron for god sake.

And if I told them what time I was leaving and where I was headed they would know the exact flight path, the menu that was to be served (including the French champagne as a boarding aperitif) while also knowing that it will be Molton Brown, Jo Malone, ModelCo or zippo that will be featuring in my amenities kit.
DB and Mikey can always tell me whether I can expect a grumpy crew member or not ("see Missy, they've only had a one-night lay-over, so chances are a sleeper may still be a tad in their system and they maybe a bit el grumpo,'' one once told me.)
They're also genius on the seating thing. Ok, I get excited about being seated anything less than row 25, but these boys will often say that on some planes anything 25-ish may, in fact, be the first row of economy and I, in turn, squeal like a little piggy as soon as I find I have hit 'gold' in the (coach) seating department.
"Ah yes", they'll say, "that QF flight stops in blah & blah and then it lands in blah by 9pm, so you should book at the airport hotel as it is much closer than schlepping into the city. Otherwise you'll spend a fortune getting back to the airport to re-check in for your connecting flight the next morning at 7am,'' You know, just good stuff like that.
Their expedition expertise rolls off their tongues like, well, the menu or wine list from Sydney's Rockpool; Melbourne's Nobu; Brissie's Aria or Perth's Must may roll off mine.

Or more likely, the way a just-arrived arrived shoe collection may impress me when it lands on the latest racks of an Aussie shoe nirvana.

Guess 'the boys' travel knowledge is possibly a tad more relevant to them than my latest Sergio Rossi killer heel will ever be.
The other thing I love? They know the seat they have been assigned (in their case, they're usually the assignees) may be next to the emergency exit and both recite the flight attendant's locked and loaded welcome spiel as well as Kevin Spacey did Shakespeare's Richard II at the Old Vic Theatre back in 2005.
Both know the bumps, grinds, motions and that horror of all horrors - the sound of the wheels being deployed as we are about to go into land.
Both tell the difference between a 747 100/200/300 and 400 at a moment's glance, just by the number windows on the upper deck. They know that the configuration on an upper deck coach Singapore Airlines 380 is 2-4-2, as opposed to a 3-4-3 on the lower deck. They also know that the Qantas flight in the morning to LA is a 747/400 and the arvo flight is the '11' (or an A380); that a 777 engine is the same diameter as the interior cabin of a 737 and that a Qantas business class seat on an Airbus is actually smaller that a 747 Business class seat. ('Although the airline says it is the same,' one of them told me.)
So, next time I am whooshing up to Qualia (I wish), Palazzo Versace, the Sheraton on the Gold Coast, the Lyall, Crown or even Bedarra or Lizard Isles (fingers crossed) I'm not going to think about what I packed, but more that I know more about this big flying mother than my fellow travellers probably ever will.

Just in case a Macquarie banker wants to get caught looking at pics of Kate Moss with some pretty handbags . . . here you go . . .

Kate Moss may just turn out to be one of the most enduring of the model-turned-style-meister, thanks to her chameleon like qualities.

Good, bad, mum, party girl, pretty girl, whoever or whatever, she is always a bit of everything to just about anyone.

So, after an eight-year association with the Longchamp fashion house, Ms Moss has helped create a collection of sacks - Kate Moss for Longchamp - which will be launched worldwide next week.

The pieces, which are all pretty spesh, will also land in Longchamp and Hunt leather stores in Australia around the same time as the global unveiling.

Visit http://www.katemossforlongchamp.com/

2010 #hoyerstyletips continue: pigtails, tights, tattoos, Going GaGa & SM etiquette . . . .

My year-long blog post continues . . . and here I go, kicking off February with a new post for a new month . . .
You can take a look back at my previous January 2010 style post too ( http://tiny.cc/Rhvde ) if you want to recap on January's inspiration . . .
Tweeters can also check out the hashtag #hoyerstyletips . . .


February 1: Most of us in the 'real' world are not even thinking autumn/winter and what our grand plans are to fill our wardrobes with . . . but if you do happen to be vaguely thinking about it, make sure you add a trench coat into it. You can wear it as a dress (with either opaque or no tights); on its own or exactly as it was originally meant to be worn - as coat worn over your pants, jeans, tees and pencil skirts. With some killer heels too. There are some goodies arriving in stores from March 1.

Feb 2: Don't go all shy about this one, but 'tis the season of the 'couture clog' which will, no doubt, filter down to mainstream shoe designers, quick-smart. Personally, I am a huge fan (must go back to a childhood wearing a white punched leather pair) but make sure they area a good fit otherwise you will be slipping and sliding and that can be as ugly as seeing a model tumble down the runway wearing the latest killer heels . . . Love these Chanel ones, worn at right . .


Feb 3: We all know it can get very boring being constantly told how much water we should drink each day, but boy, it does the job, so keep sipping a jug/bottle/glass of water (tap is SO fine) kept on your bedside throughout the night or on your desk.
Aside from a few tedious trips to the loo, it really does give you that moist, fresh skin that a million face creams will never, ever re-create . . . .

Feb 4: Having done my fair share of beauty treatment investigation, find a treatment that you save up for because it IS the best for your skin issues.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light, at right) therapies are blitzing it at the moment, which work at removing blotches, spots, capillaries and freckles . . . with no down time. Give the Sydney salon Next of Skin a look (http://www.nextofskin.com.au/) which is a current fave for me (not my bank balance though!) and the site explains all those treatments you read about, but may not always understand. Obviously, if you are not in Sydney, they'll suggest someone who does similar treatment closer to where you live . . . .

Feb 5: Packing for a weekend away takes as much effort and thought as going away for a month. Keep your wardrobe color choices two color tones. Max. Start with black and try not to stray otherwise you'll then have to put in the other colored shoes and bags and Tee's and lippes to go with that one pink dress you also packed. And, that you never ended up wearing!

Feb 6: No matter what you think of them, take notice of weather reports . . . . if you don't, it can kinda stuff up your whole weekend away. Going away to the 'country' in the pouring rain with nothing but a Sergio Rossi wedge and a pair of Havaiana's wasn't a good idea. Oh, and a sweater would have come in handy too.

Feb 7: Us chicks (and some blokes) should give themselves a day without an ounce of make-up. Let it breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Scrub on your favorite exfoliate; slather on a preferred mask; do the cucumber thing, and even if mates pop in (and see you looking like a Cirque de Soleil performer) too bad!
Do whatever it is that you think makes your skin refreshed and glow just in time for the new week . .




Feb 8: When all else fails and when you are in that "what will I wear on a Monday morning?" mood, just do it: go for your favorite black dress, pants, skirt, shirt and throw on a bit of color just to rev it up so you don't make like a shop assistant. Or you could just roll on some red lips.

Feb 9: As far as hair color goes, it's preferable to go a few shades warmer or lighter as opposed to dark and too blonde, once you start getting older. Harsh and strong colors can be much too dramatic and ageing, so even a few light highlights on quite dark hair give women a great lift.

Feb 10: Always remember that a discreet hat/beret/head piece/ponytail (and in the chic case of Australian style maven Maggie Tabberer, a turban) will hide a bad hair day . . . so don't be scared to drag one out if a hair wash or a blowie just wasn't on that day's timetable. Cameron Diaz (at left) always gives good hat . .


Feb 11: One of the best things I discovered after I had my baby (eeek, 8 years ago now) was how I could use baby wipes, Wet One's, or any of those pre-moistened tissues or towelettes. Perfect for getting rid of most teeny, weeny little accidental stains on any item of clothing whether a neckline, front of shirt or dress, pair of jeans or even shoes. Those travel-size packs from Priceline or supermarkets are a godsend . .

Feb 12: There is some really damn good cosmetic surgery out there - not that most protagonists admit it - but if you go for it, take the Demi Moore approach. Whatever she has done, she still looks 'normal', unlike some of her fellow Hollywood chicks who who are just verging on freak shows. Check out reliable surgwons, via credible surgery websites and word-of-credible-mouth.




Feb 13: So if you are going to lunch or brekkie or dinner or a bar to catch up friends, TRY to avoid spending every damn minute on the email, the phone, Twitter, Facebook, Grindr, foursquare or every other social media platform you are attached to. Take time to smell the roses, oh, and chat to your friends in the flesh!

Feb 14: Sure, it is Valentine's Day, but if you don't care for such commercially over-blown, overly publicised kinds of days, at least use the day just to remember who you do love, it may just be your dog or your cat, but there must be someone that deserves a quick phone call

Feb 15: I love a girl or woman who is rocking a ponytail or some pigtails. Yes, yes, some of you think piggies should only be worn by those south of 20 years of age, but what the hell, I reckon they look cute at any age. Look at Dawn Wells playing Mary-ann on the cult TV series, Gilligan's Island, at right.

OK, avoid the look if you start looking like Bette Davis playing Baby Jane. (By the way, at left is either a Baby Jane doll or a drag queen.)

Feb 16: The whole Chanel body tattoo jewellery (worn around her neck) was rocked out beautifully last night by Lara Bingle (fiancee to Aussie cricketer Michael Clarke) at the Allan Border medal ceremony and I'm loving it . . . But of course, like all things, it will be re-interpreted down the line in some fairly tacky ways, so watch out for the bad fakes that may flood the market.

Feb 17: The coming autumn/winter season is all about some pretty cool looking textured tights. So along with your usual cool months buy - black opaque tights - add in some patterned tights, either spider-lace looking ones, fishnets or fine vertical striped styles.

Feb 18: I reckon Lady GaGa is just Lady FabFab. To even contemplate putting that much effort and time into looking so extra-ordinary and being a great performer to boot (with the whole look on just about every day of the week) deserves a serious gold star. I find it hard enough taking a light wash of make-up off each night let alone taking off enough maquillage that could paint an entire corps de ballet. Go the GaGa! I say!

Feb 19: Beauty chicks and those who don't mind experimenting shouldn't be scared of working glossy and sheeny eye-shadow. I had a 30-something woman sitting across from me today, at a chic re-launch breakfast for the Mid City centre shopping mall in Sydney, working a shimmer of silver shadow above her eyelashes and it looked fantastic.

Just look at J-Lo.

She looks beautiful . . . with the huge assistance of a make-up artist, of course.

This is strange beauty comment coming from me . . .who is the matte brown and neutral eyeshadow girl from way back!