Another 'best job in the world' quest: Belvedere vodka looking for 'dream' bartender . .

There are a few 'dream job' opportunities around at the moment.
For the fashion-minded crew there is a search for the 'Westfield Insider': a woman, man, boy or girl who will win a $100K job to let everyone know, via social media platforms, how to find great pieces of everything . . . without spending a fortune. (Disclosure: I am a part of the search process and hosting the events as we travel the country for the right job applicant.)
And, at the other end of the 'dream job' spectrum is the search for the global ambassador for Belvedere Vodka, the crew there looking for someone who wants ‘A Bartender’s Dream Job’.
Bartenders all over across Australia are being invited to compete for a chance to win a one-year, $US100,000 contract working for Belvedere, working alongside Claire Smith (above) to educate bartenders on innovative and exciting cocktails. Cute idea . .
“We are thrilled to extend such a tremendous opportunity to so many talented bartenders and mixologists around the world,” says Claire Smith, Head of Spirit Creation and Mixology for Belvedere Vodka. (don't you just love the term 'mixology'?)
“It is our hope that the competition not only unites those with a keen understanding of super premium vodka, but also inspires a higher level of innovation and creativity in cocktail creation that our new Global Brand Ambassador will help to ‘fine tune’ for our plans and projects next year.”
If you're interested in the Belvedere gig, you can do it by logging onto Belvedere Vodka’s official Facebook contest page. The final competition happens in December when seven finalists from around the world will gather in front of a panel and be presented with the final challenge with the winner of the one-year contract then being announced. Happy mixing . . .

The two most personal things I never want to lose . . .

I am just packing my suitcase to leave my hotel 5am for a 7am flight back home to Sydney from Singapore.
Here I am, with BBC World News on, the main story leading about the unheard numbers of people who are, quite literally, starving, and here I am wondering about where I have put my favorite, black woollen, cable knit peak cap.
And before you say 'get a grip' this little hat does hold special significance.
I bought it when I was in Prague with my late dad, a few years before he died (then worn when we scattered his ashes on the Moldau River six years ago.)
And no matter how bashed up, make-up stained or "ball-ey" the wool has turned, I think of him every single time I wear it. And the bad news is, I can't find it.
I am assuming I had never packed in the first place, but nevertheless, it got me thinking about those absolute pieces of anything that we own. Those pure, simple and totally irreplaceable bits of stuff that really mean something.
For me it's not a room of frocks; the shoes; the bags; the TV clothes or the favorite scarves.
Actually, it would be 2 things only: my beloved black cap and my silver charm bracelet, started when I was just 13 when my mum gave it too me, kicking it off with a '13' charm.
And it's been a work in progress ever since.
Every charm means something, from the places I have visited to a tiny silver 'pram' that signified the birth of my child. Priceless.
I'd love to know of you have anything as personally significant that you couldn't bare to lose that you'd ever though about . . . . .

Bunda, Napoleon Perdis and Walter at New York fashion week . .

Great to see the successful Bunda jewellery name having forged a relationship with international with fashion house, Walter.

The label will show its collection for Spring 2011 on Sunday, at the Metropolitan Pavilion, as a prelude to New York Fashion Week.

Walter Baker, who is the founder and creative director of the contemporary fashion label, is highly regarded in the market for its constructed designs has announced it's first season with a new design director on board.

With a vast background in fine art, and having spent years designing Halston’s main collection before launching Halston Heritage, Liz Giardina is set to show the world her vision for Walter.

"Spring will be a breath of fresh air, and then we are going to kill it for fall,” the new collaborator says.

To showcase the brand’s fine tuned look, the company has partnered with famed stylist Paul Bui.

Each look is accessorized by Australian luxury jewelry brand Bunda Boutique and the classic yet unique metallic pieces, work perfectly to compliment WALTER’s new higher-end aesthetic. Bunda Boutique has a free standing store in Sydney and is excited to introduce their e-commerce site to NYC.

And making the perfect Aussie, the beauty looks are being created by native Aussie, celebrity makeup artist, Napoleon Perdis.

Want to be payed $100K for the best job in fashion? Seriously incredible opp for someone who knows how to get bang for their buck . .

Okay, so below details one extremely fantastic opportunity for someone who thinks they have their finger on the fashion and finance pulse.
Oh, and it's a $100K year job that Westfield have been working on for months getting just right . .
I am part of the team finding the 'Westfield Insider', and I think it is one of the best damn jobs going in the fashion industry today . . and a perfect jump start for a new career that marries finding the best value in anything. And being able to let the world know, via social media platforms of a blog and a Facebook page.
Anyway, I'll be travelling the country to find the 'WI', so if you think you have got what it takes, this is what the Westfield crew are after, just announced in their just released media release . . .



" “The Search For Australia’s Savviest Shopper”
Be the first Australian paid $100,000 to Shop and Tell
Westfield is launching a national job search to recruit Australia’s Savviest Shopper.
This $100,000 job is an opportunity of a lifetime for a savvy shopper who is passionate about shopping and blogging.
Called the ‘Westfield Insider’, the successful applicant will be offered a 12 month position to blog and inform the online community about ‘on trend on budget’ style, product and retail news, and lead and reward a community of shoppers through the Westfield Insider blog and Facebook page.
The Westfield Insider will require multiple shopping, fashion and blogging skills including; understanding and recognising the latest fashion trends, recognising good value when it comes to shopping and of course what makes an engaging blog.
The role of the Westfield Insider is vital to helping up to 50%* of Australians who research online before they shop. 70%** of Australians also said they now trust the opinions of people online when it comes to shopping.
John Batistich, General Manager Marketing, Westfield said that social networks are playing a more important role in purchasing decisions from web to store. Shoppers have more access to reviews, comments and shared content that is changing shopping behaviour.
“Westfield will employ a real shopper that will provide relevant information about our retailers at a local level. We expect that this conversation will stimulate further conversations creating a shopping community” said Batistich.
“If you're a savvy shopper who loves finding great value this is your chance to apply for a rare and exciting role. As 'The Westfield Insider' you will stay up to date with 'on trend, on budget' fashion, sales, promotions and retailer news, with the aim of sharing your expert tips and advice with other shoppers,”
Also joining the search for the Westfield Insider will be Fashion Commentator and blogger Melissa Hoyer.
“The shopping blogger is now such an immediate and up to date source of information and is a big responsibility,” said Hoyer.
“The Westfield Insider will require multiple shopping skills - they have to be able to communicate informatively and consistently to their online followers. It’s a wonderful challenge and I’m excited to be part of the national search”.
Applicants can enter online from 12th September by clicking on the “Shop and Tell” link at http://www.westfield.com.au/. They will upload their blog, describe their best ‘on trend on budget’ finds at Westfield, and tell us why should be the Westfield Insider. Entries close at 5pm on 1 October 2010.
For a chance to meet and impress the judges, applicants can attend one of the five inter-state events at the end of September. The highly qualified judges will include Shop Til You Drop Editor Justine Cullen, Westfield HR Managers Anthony Woodward and Annabel Dunlop along with other respected fashion journalists including Victoria’s blogger, Lady Melbourne, Phoebe Montague.
The Westfield Insider will join the growing blogger community on behalf of Westfield and provide daily information to a wide community of shoppers. The real benefit is for shoppers themselves who will have a platform to seek and share the best shopping advice with other shoppers in their local area.

WESTFIELD CENTRE INTERVIEW EVENTS (Attendees are encouraged to apply online by 5pm the day before the event):

NSW: 21 September, Westfield Liverpool - 11am – 1pm
QLD: 22 September, Westfield North Lakes - 11am – 1pm
WA: 24 September, Westfield Innaloo - 9.30am – 11.30am
VIC: 28 September, Westfield Plenty Valley - 11am – 1pm
SA: 29 September, Westfield Tea Tree Plaza - 11am – 1pm

* ARCs ‘the internet’s role in offline purchasing’ Feb 09
** The Nielsen Company October 09 "

So, there you go. And don't think you need to have an existing blog to enter . . obviously social media knowledge kinda comes with the territory . . but as long as you are good with putting it all together, with a bank balance in mind, you may as well go for it . .
Good luck!

Jessica Alba and Bulgari: a match made in heaven . . .

For no other reason than to show how incredibly beautiful she and her Bulgari jewels are . . . here's a delicious shot of actress Jessica Alba arriving at the screening of 'Machete' on the opening day of the 67th Venice Film Festival at Venice Lido.

'Machete', by US director Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis with Mexican actor Danny Trejo and Jessica Alba is presented out of competition.

Ok, forget the film . . but do hear it is great . . just look at the Bulgari 'High Jewellery Collection' earrings _ in platinum with 78 cut diamonds (50.91cts) and a High Jewellery Collection ring in yellow gold with one mandarin garnet (76,22cts), emeralds (2.52cts) and diamonds (2.60cts) _ that she is wearing.

The Bulgari crew tell us the High Jewellery Collection earrings were, until recently, located in the Bulgari Sydney Store . . and were featured in the September issue of VOGUE Australia on model Catherine McNeil.

So there . . .

Kristy Hinze, Wallabies, Sportscraft = when footy and fashon meet . . .

The Australian fashion house Sportscraft recently partnered with the Wallabies as the official supplier of their formal and travel uniforms.

Proving, so far, a very successful partnership between footy and fashion (2 of this country's great loves!) this Thursday, Sept 9, the fashion house is hosting a rugby clinic as the Wallabies count down to the Bledisloe Cup.

It will be held at Coogee oval with a winning Sydney School, and two star players from the Wallabies training with around 35 Sydney school kids.
Community initiatives like this are always a good move.

All up, great for footy. Great for the fashion house.

“It’s exciting to be able to give back to the Sydney community through our relationship with the sporting greats,'' says Sonia Wong, General Manger of Sportscraft.

"As an Australian brand we are thrilled to have partnered with the Qantas Wallabies and wish the team every success for the Bledisloe Cup."
Most recently the brand supplied the formal uniforms for the Vancouver Winter games.

And of course, Sportscraft ambassador, Kristy Hinze (above) is in town next week for the Spring Signature collection launch lunch at the Summit restaurant . . .

Commonwealth Games uniform for Australia. Thoughts?

Does a flight attendant spring to mind?

Fancy a weekend with John Singleton? The entreprenuer has expanded his Killcare beach side property portfolio . .

Killcare has become quite the Singo community, with Bells at Killcare and Pretty Beach House already a big par of the adman and entrepreneur's beach side property portfolio.
And now he has added another chic guest house into the mix.
The self-titled John Singleton Beach House boasts two sitting rooms, two kitchens (one on each floor allowing two public areas that can be separated for children and adults) and the Central Coast’s most extravagant private terrace and cocktail bar.

Adjacent to the main house there is also a self-contained bungalow with a bedroom, sitting room, kitchenette and bathroom. Fittings and furniture are of an international standard. Oh, and there are four bedrooms.
There is daily house-cleaning service available and Bells food maestro, acclaimed chef Stefano Manfredi and his team can create exclusive meal and hamper packages on request. And for dinner, Bells at Killcare is a 5-minute drive for an extravagant festive dining experience or a simple salad and pasta. All sounding like a pretty good excuse for a mid year break . . .

For prices and further details contact Morgan Guth at MPagency T: 612 8247 2000 or Email: morgan@mpagency.com.au