Monday 30 April 2012

today I am wearing...

It's just about warm enough for no sleeves today... I'm wearing a silky black work dress from Sussan, with zip detail at the back and cross over neck.  I have sooo many black work dresses, it's ridiculous really... Worn with my favourite snakeskin stilettos. And pearls.


Sussan dress. Tony Bianco heels.

dinner at the white house... misses

Here is my not so hot frocks list. Sorry ladies, these dresses just don't do it for me.

Alicia Keys. 
Okay for popping to the shops but the WH?!
Charlize Theron
It's too much.  Would be better short.
Lindsay Lohan
Doesn't matter what she wears - skank.


Rashida Jones
This should work... but it just doesn't.

bring back the gentlemen!

Once upon a time, men had manners. I'm talking about old fashioned gestures and cheeky quips. Like holding a door open for you and insisting you go first, or offering to help (if you are struggling to get the bloody shopping trolley out of the tightly rammed stack), even the odd cheeky, appreciative wolf-whistle or car toot, as you walk along the street (this always makes me smile). 

Today, one my way in to work, I stopped off to grab a coffee as normal, while tottering back to the car, in my high heels, with car keys and coffee in hand, I stop at the side of the road (on a zebra crossing within the car park) and a man in a van, slowed down, looked at me then just carried on and went to park! This is just one example, I have many, and I'm disappointed.

Bring back all the nice men! Men who love and appreciate women, who enjoy a bit of harmless flirty banter, who call out "alright love" to make you feel good, or stop at a crossing and give you a smile!

Yes, at times there are some sleaze balls out there, and slimy weirdos, but we're all strong, confident ladies who can ignore the strange ones.

Have we (women) frightened men off with our calls for equality and feminist opinions? Or are there just a lot of misogynists out there (who happen to live in my suburb)? Or am I just old fashioned?


Bring it back!

Sunday 29 April 2012

dinner at the white house... the hits

White House Correspondence Dinner 2012  As the stars eat up and mingle, here are my red carpet hits...

Leslie Mann. My favourite. I want this dress!

Elizabeth Banks.  Love the red!


















Kate Hudson. Cool purple shimmery sequins!

Zooey Deschanel. So pretty.


red carpet boob!

Rosario Dawson - what have you done to your boobs?  They look awful!  Stuck in a very strange position, they almost look upside down... and that dress babe, all shiny and squashed - it does nothing for you (although it is lovely colour).  It's a definite no from me!

Boobs gone wrong or what?!
Images by Getty
Rosario, honey NOT one of your best moments!


Saturday 28 April 2012

book review 50 Shades of Grey

Is there anything better, on a grey, miserable, rainy afternoon, than settling down with a good book and a cup of coffee (well apart from a bit of umm...)? Well, that's what I did today and what can I say...

NOOOO! I finished 50 Shades of Grey and I need more, I can't just stop now! I devoured this book and have to admit I loved it, I got totally hooked. I need book two (Fifty Shades Darker)!!!

Yes, it's cliched and predictable and at times eye-rollingly corny (yes, I can do it too Christian!), making me laugh with lines like, "I gasp, and I'm Eve in the Garden of Eden, and he's the serpent, and I cannot resist". But it's the perfect, fun, easy, un-challenging read. It's not out to make a point, or make you question anything, it just takes you along on an enjoyable ride.

But, it's hardly the 'mummy porn' I was expecting. Yes, there is sex, but it's not graphic porn, just two passionate lovers embarking on the start of an affair. There is far more actual 'story' than your normal run-of-the-mill erotic novel.

There is nothing particularly original about this book either, I have read numerous versions of this story (gorgeous, obscenely rich, but wounded, troubled man/Arab Sheik, meets young, innocent 'why me' girl next door, who tries to uncover his secrets and find happy ever after), but I really liked the main character, Ana (although her constant 'inner godess' references got on my tits a bit). She's normal and not a weak, silly sap. Christian is a tad annoying and he did give me the creeps with the stalker thing, but who cares - as I said this book it just to be enjoyed, not analysed.

So should you read it? Absolutely! I can't wait to get started on book two, I'll be going out to buy it tomorrow! Tip - this book is better read in book format - not on an iPad/e-reader.



Finished! 

Friday 27 April 2012

boobs of the week...

There are so many lovely ladies out there... but this week, the award goes to... the French First Lady, President Nicolas Sarkozy's wife, mother, singer and of course ex-supermodel, Carla Bruni.

A real aristocratic beauty... slender, graceful and perfectly formed. Mrs Sarkozy, you get my vote!




Carla in GQ Magazine 2008
Carla by Michael Comte in 1993



pricasso...

This is funny... mamamia.com.au posted a story this week about a Queensland artist called Pricasso, I'm sure a lot of you have heard of him already, but I have a funny story about about the man himself - long before his 'fame' and sexpo days...

My sister loves jewellery, gold and diamonds in particular.  She met a young local jewellery designer who went on to make a few original pieces for her. They struck up a friendship and my sister was invited to the designer's studio, up in the Gold Coast hinterland. My sister took her teenage daughter along and while there, they were introduced to the designer's dad, also an artist.   They admired artworks and antiques and had a very nice time. 

As they were leaving the dad asked if they would be interested in seeing his work.  My sister politely accepted and followed him up to his tower studio/bedroom, which was obviously full of paintings and artists materials.  My sister and niece were then asked if they'd like to watch a video of the artist at work, and again, thinking nothing of it, said yes.  So there they are sitting on a bed in a artist studio, watching... watching a naked man, painting a naked couple on the beach - with his knob!!! My sister and niece almost died with shock and embarrassment! Me? I wet myself laughing when she told me! God, I wish I'd been there too, I think it's brilliant!

To view Pricasso's work, videos and website, click here

Pricasso with his Hugh Hufner portrait



hands up if you've found your G spot...

Image Christian Coigny photography
Come on, seriously... I'm interested. Who can honestly put their hand up and admit they know where their G spot is?

Is it a mythical thing created to keep us girls guessing? Or is it there to be discovered and enjoyed? This week, Dr Adam Ostrzenski of the Institute of Gynaecology in St Petersburg, Florida, believes he is the first medical expert to uncover its whereabouts, after conducting a post-mortem dissection of the vagina belonging to an 83-year-old woman. Nice. 


Apparently it's towards the back of the vaginal wall - but it may be in a different spot for everyone.  Great, very helpful then!  Other experts have said there is some evidence to suggest it is in the 'front vaginal wall near the bladder that causes swelling and enhanced sexual arousal'.... umm so we're still guessing...

The female orgasm is indeed a fascinating thing, one that has been hotly debated for years, and certainly has me intrigued too...

Freud said 'the vaginal walls were strongly implicated'. Others say all the nerve endings are in the clitoris and 'the organ of female pleasure is plain for all to see'. Other (female) experts say, 'The fact that women commonly report orgasms with clitoral stimulation and not so commonly with penetration bolsters the case that the clitoris is in fact the G-spot'. Then there is a team who think a women's sexual arousal is 'an entirely mental matter'... Sounds like the experts are still baffled.


Honestly, I don't know if I've found mine.  I don't think I have, I certainly don't know an exact 'button to push'...  There are so many factors to consider when reaching optimum arousal and orgasm.  I could go on for hours about the whys and the wherefores... but I won't bore you.  


So what do my dear readers think - have you found yours? 
Anonymous comments required please!








Thursday 26 April 2012

american psycho

It's an oldie, yes, but I love this film. It's one of the few movies that I actually prefer to the book (which I found too hard going), American Psycho, starring Christian Bale.


The controversial Bret Easton Ellis 1991 novel tells the story of serial killer and Wall Street yuppie Patrick Bateman, who revels in sick, sexual violence and torture. But he is slick and controlled and no doubt part inspiration for the writers of (the brilliant) TV series Dexter.

My favourite scene in the movie is the one involving business cards.  So cool! Anyway - if you haven't seen this movie from back in 2000, you must - it's a stylish classic.


Hot, hot, hot!

The movie poster

Christan and Chloe in the nail gun scene.

The original book cover

looky-likey lovers

Blimey Calvin - it must be like having sex with yourself!   Am I the only one who thinks that pretty boy Nick Gruber (69 year old Calvin's on-off again 22 year old model/pornstar boyfriend) looks like a younger version of himself?!  Creepy!

Image via The Gloss.  Calvin Klein and Nick Gruber












The gorgeous Daphne Guinness with Nick and Donna Karan at his 21st in 2011

today I am wearing...

What a chilly morning! A cardie required to keep warm.  Autumn is definitely here.  I really don't like feeling cold...

Today I'm wearing a 50's inspired black taffeta dress from Basque, with bow detail at the waist. My plum cardigan and matching patent Steve Madden heels.

Taffeta Basque Dress with bow detail. Plum cardie and matching
Steve Madden patent stilettos



Tuesday 24 April 2012

one to watch... and nicole love

I'm looking forward to seeing this one... Nicole Kidman in the 'explosive sexual thriller', The Paperboy... According to Zac Efron, "It was everything you dreamed of. She was such a lovely person. I pinched myself every day, especially after doing love scenes (with Nic)... It was the highlight of my life." Cool! The movie opens at the end of the year. 

It'll be good to see Nic get her teeth into something again.


oh Nicole, I didn't know you had it in you!


















Her finest moment, for me, is in this Robbie William's Something Stupid video.  I love this so much, it's cheeky and flirty and fun!





And of course I adored her in Moulin Rouge. Nic and Ewan totally clicked and they look like they had such a good time. They both deserved Oscars for this film, they were bloody robbed!


Nicole as Satine - gorgeous!


in the fantastic Moulin Rouge
















today I am wearing...

I feel all business-like today, so I've put on my 'I work in an office' attire.  A black Jigsaw pencil skirt, with small side splits (from my London days) and a navy polka-dot shirt. I have had to reluctantly wear a vest under the shirt, so I don't show my bra... not that it bothers me, but, well you know what some people are like. Silver ball accessories and patent black stilettos complete the look.


Jigsaw crepe pencil skirt and navy and white polka-dot shirt

about the boy...

Let me just say, before I continue, I do not lust over teenage boys. I still have a preference for (slightly) older men. I do not relish the idea of teaching a young boy new tricks even if they are passionate and eager. But...

For the first time, this weekend, I was quite literally lost for words, just for a few minutes, when faced with a 17 year old boy wearing only very low rise shorts. I just stood there open mouthed, looking at his incredibly fit, smooth body. Blimey. Gulp. Wow. I'd never noticed before... I mentally shook myself and peeled my eyes away, for fear of offending the boy's mother, who I was chatting to (at the time), who I'm sure noticed my slow appreciative look up and down... Flip!  Have I turned into one of those sad, old ladies? A co co cou - no! I refuse to use the C word, I hate it, it's offensive ( BTW, I much prefer the real C word, that one doesn't offend me at all, in fact I like it).  For the first time it really hit me how old I am and that I will never have my hands on that youthful loveliness again. 


Boys, boys, boys...



Okay - he's not a boy, but... not bad, not bad  at all!

Monday 23 April 2012

low maintenance make up...


This pot lasted 11 years





















I wish I could get excited by beauty products and make up... but it's something that I've never gotten into.  Should I blame my mum cause she didn't (still doesn't) possess a huge make up collection and teach me how to use it all?  My mum did sell Avon for a year or two when I was little and I loved playing 'Ding Dong Avon Ladies' with my friends, playing with all the samples and testers, but for some reason the make up bug didn't rub off on me. I have never enjoyed the feeling of lots of make up on my face...

I don't read hair and beauty articles. I have never had a facial, a make up session or wax. I don't ogle new lipstick shades or hair products. I only own one eye liner, a mascara and a set of eye shadow (actually this I stole from my daughter's kiddie set) and I hate lipstick - the way it feels and tastes (sludge). 

I have very basic needs. My lips are serviced twice a day, from my trusty pot of Vaseline (the last pot lasted for 11 years), I use Simple face moisturiser and only buy a new mascara once a year.  My only indulgence is body cream (actually that's a fib, I buy whatever is on special as long as it smells nice).  But I love moisturiser and cover myself in it every day.  A dear friend of mine bought me some Aesop body cream for my birthday years ago and I admit it was divine.  But I was too much of a tight wad to spend $60 on a new pot when it ran out, so back to Vaseline, Dove or Garnier I went...

Occasionally I have a quick wander past the make up counters (on the way to shoes) to see if if stirs up a dormant longing, but then I just wince at the prices. 

So my question is this.  Am I the only woman in the world who doesn't care about make up?  Now I'm getting on a bit, should I change my ways and learn how to apply a bit of slap and blend colours?

The Aesop range smells nice

today I am wearing...

I woke to such a beautiful morning, that I couldn't help but choose this pretty turquoise summer dress from Review. It feels great on due to the silky, satin lining. It also softly swishes from side to side as I walk along wiggling my hips. Worn with my glass beads and nude heels.

Review dress and Diana Ferrari heels.

Friday 20 April 2012

today I am wearing...

It's a housework day. So a gun metal grey, satin frilled dress it is. It's light and silky and looks a treat with my rubber gloves. Oh, and my pearls of course.

A Portmans dress from ages ago.

boobs of the week...

This week the award goes to... the lovely Lara Stone, model wife of David Walliams.  
What a fine handful she has and all natural by the look of things!


I can see why she's a popular model.  Not only is she blessed with big breasts and a slender frame, but she can change from haute couture catwalk queen, to fresh and natural girl-next-door (well sort of), to glamorous sex kitten.  A very versatile young lass. Lara you are a sight for sore eyes!

Lara Stone in the 2012 Pirelli Calendar shot in Corsica by Mario Sorrenti


Nice belt... Love Magazine Feb 2010
Lara by Mario Testino for UK Vogue September 2007 (with her clothes on)

Looking ripe and juicy Lara.  2012 Pirelli Calendar 

Lara in Paris Vogue’s 90th anniversary issue,September 2010


Looking very long...  but a fine par indeed.
Love Magazine Feb 2010 by Mert Alsa & Marcus Piggot 


Thursday 19 April 2012

my heart's a flutter...

Can you see why I'm excited? These shoes are ggg-goreous! They are available from the current Valentino collection.
I want, I want, I want!
This colour is fabulous
Oh God, that heel is just...
 
Love the studs too, and the peep toe

 



today I am wearing...

This dress is one of my favs for work. I love the classic cut and quirky print combination. The dress is from Basque, the shoes, you've seen before, my Zoe Whittner stilettos in pearlescent plum patent.

Basque dress with flower detail. Zoe Whittner heels.

Wednesday 18 April 2012

today I am wearing...

My granny cozy. I'm going for a swim. Laps, so a bikini won't do. The last time I tried my boobs kept sneaking out... Not a good look. So sensible swimming costume it is.

book review... With My Body


Download at iTunes,
or buy a hard copy, if you can find a book shop...
I've just finished reading Nikki Gemmell's 
With My Body. I had high expectations, as the much anticipated follow up to A Bride Striped Bare.  Umm. It's not quite. (BTW I found Nikki's The Book of Rapture really dull).


What can I say?  It's an enjoyable read, a sweet first love story, but not as intriguing or intense, or as original as A Bride Striped Bare. Rather than take me on a journey into someone else's life, I actually found it was very similar to parts of my own, so it almost felt too familiar and made me reflect on my experiences.  And at times, I admit I did skim read, as it gets a tad repetitive in the middle.  


Although beautifully written, the short lessons (chapters) make reading the story dis-jointed, rather than wanting to curl up and devour the book in one sitting, instead I found it just bumped along.

The book is essentially about a bored housewife based in the Cotswold's (in England), who reminisces about her upbringing in the bush (in Australia) and her teenage sexual awakening with an older, mysterious lover who teaches her the art of erotic pleasures, sex and submission, blah, blah, blah...  It's about who she was once, and who she turns into and her drive to get closure on some unfinished business so she can live an honest, true, fulfilled life again...

I'm guessing this was a tad autobiographical. I'd give it 3 out of 5 I think. As I said earlier, I prefer stories that allow me to see through someone else's eyes, I like to feel and think from a different point of view.  And although the characters in this book are very different to me, the older man teacher/lover thing - well, haven't we all been there? I just think it's been done before.

From inexperienced school boys to the world of older men who can't believe their luck and who totally make the most of 'teaching' young, peachy, passionate, eager play things all the tricks of the trade? As a teenager, I was well aware of the power I had over older men. It was surprisingly easy to wrap grown men (who should have know better) round my little finger... Rather than become wounded and hurt, I was empowered by it and yes it was lots of fun. I'd do it all over again. 

As for the bored, ageing, mid-life crisis housewife thing.  I get it.  It's life. The answer - honesty, compromise, communication and managing your expectations. 


So... yes, In My Skin is worth a read, just don't expect to be blown away.