All articles by margh
Reinventive Rebellious Radical
The Westwood Kawakubo blockbuster fashion exhibition now showing at the National Gallery of Victoria is edgy and rebellious to its core. If you’re looking to indulge in a fashion-feast that is re-imaginative, then this is for you. But that’s not to say there isn’t something here for everyone. It’s definitely a must see/experience all can...
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Adore Dior
J’adore Les Adorables Body Milk and J’adore Les Adorables Body Cream are ideal products to treat yourself to a whole lot of love. For those in search of a luxurious pick me up, either the body milk or body cream are the perfect answer. J’adore Les Adorables Body Milk – Let’s start with the elegant...
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Tradition still trending
One of the many delights in visiting Japan is to discover the wearing of the kimono. Although generally worn for special occasions, it is not unusual to see young people embracing this traditional mode of dress. When life’s milestones roll around – such as a wedding – it’s kimono time! Essentially a straight cut robe,...
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The thing to wear
The kimono 着物 (translated means ‘thing to wear’) is featured in an outstanding exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria until October 6, 2025 and is definitely a must-see. The exhibition draws together exquisite kimono, paintings, posters, magazines and woodblock prints and a whole lot more. The cut of the kimonos has basically remained the same...
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Chasing cherry blossoms
When thoughts turn to Japan they often evoke cherry blossom time. The brief blooming period of cherry blossoms lasts only a week or two (sakura season) and can be difficult to capture – we just got lucky. The cherry blossoms symbolise the delicate balance between beauty and mortality in Shinto culture. Because the season is...
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Stunning, sophisticated & chic
If you’re not familiar with the Australian-born, Paris-based fashion designer ‘Martin Grant’, then the exhibition of 130 of his works currently on display at The Ian Potter Centre/ NGV Australia will provide a great opportunity. It’s stunning, sophisticated and chic. A self-taught designer, Grant opened his first boutique in the Marais district of Paris in...
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Athens – City of Legend
Now is the best time of the year to visit Athens. It’s cool and there are less tourists which makes it easier to get around. The wonders of this 2,500 year old city, its civilisation and enduring culture, has no equal. Ruins from antiquity, gleaming museums and cutting edge architecture, share space with a thriving...
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Glow Bronze Shine
If you have been put off from using an artificial tanning product because of an unpleasant smell or the staining of clothing and towels, there’s a product now available called ‘Loving Tan’ that tackles these problems. Quick drying, it takes just 2 hours to get a natural-looking, streak-free tan. There’s little or no smell and it...
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Sweep it away
For those in search of a straight forward, no fuss eye makeup remover, Neutrogena is offering a solution – Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Make Up Remover. There are plentiful benefits in store with this product. Firstly, it’s value. Here is a product that won’t melt your card. Prices vary but it sits under AUS$15, often as low as AUS$10.40...
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Roll on in
Changing of the seasons is the ideal time to have a re-think of our beauty routine. Some practices you will want to keep, but it’s always refreshing to add something new. Get ready to love the energy giving benefits of a crystal facial roller. We chose to test run the crystal rose quartz facial roller...
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Breaking News: Gracie hits double digits – 10 years and still clicking!
Come with us as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary! Journey back over our ten years as we feature some highlights in each category . Most importantly, we begin with the iconic Grace Kelly posted in our initial Newsletter. We hope you enjoy the selection and go on to further explore what you may have missed,...
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Acropolis now
The Acropolis and its monuments stand as Athen’s global legacy. Towering above the city it is the crucible of democracy, philosophy, theatre and the freedom of speech. From here grew the values on which our contemporary world endures. Exploring the Acropolis is a must. The Parthenon is the main attraction but other sites are equally...
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Pocket it in Style
More and more we seek convenience in our lives and what could be more convenient than a pocket or two in our clothing? It’s like having everything at the ready minus the scrambling hunt in the handbag. Oh the sheer freedom that they offer!! The bliss of being hands free. The smart phone has sent...
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Coastal Mediterranean Charm
Bodrum – an all encompassing destination on the Turkish coast. A paradise featuring charming neighbourhoods, ancient sites, resorts and a vibrant night life. A turquoise sea that laps exquisite bays all blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate. What’s not to love? The rich culture and history is well worth exploring. A dominant feature is Bodrum...
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Genderless Style -Katharine Hepburn
Pants with roomy legs, a structured top, loafers and a relaxed blazer, this was Hepburn’s distinctive style. She resisted the Hollywood trend of gowns and heels. Her fierce independence and strong personality called for an individual and idiosyncratic manner of dressing. Comfort was paramount. She disliked being restricted in movement so menswear-inspired outfits suited her...
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Not so Silly George
Silly George is not a streaming show but rather the brand of eyelash serum we think brings very good results. Essentially, serums help to promote healthier lash growth. They do this with a cocktail mix of peptides, hyaluronic acid and other nutrients designed to give us longer, healthier and thicker lashes. The drawback is that...
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Meteora – between heaven and earth
You will find it located on northern side of Greece, in Thessaly. This breathtaking landscape of gigantic monoliths is home to the famous Meteora monasteries. During the 9th and 10th centuries, Orthodox Christian hermit monks were the first ones to use the cliffs of Meteora for spiritual reasons. The area provided a location between heaven...
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Pearls for Girls
In case you haven’t noticed, pearls are back. For confirmation of this new trend, look no further than the magnificent Giorgio Armani Privé Fall Winter 2024-25 Fashion Show. It’s 28 minutes of glamour on full display. If you fast forward to the 10 minute mark for just a peep, the message is clear. Shimmering fabrics...
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PHARAOH at the NGV
PHARAOH, exclusive blockbuster exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria celebrates 3,000 years of Egyptian art and culture. The British Museum has loaned 500 works including sculpture, coffins, funerary objects and an outstanding display of exquisite ancient Egyptian jewellery. It was the latter that took our breath away. Most jewellery in ancient Egypt conveyed meaning...
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Üsküdar – intriguing and unique
One of the things that makes Istanbul so intriguing is the many different districts and neighborhoods that have a unique character of their own. The contrast of culture and lifestyle between seemingly not-so-distant neighborhoods, is unique. Üsküdar in Istanbul is a good example. Being one of the oldest residential areas in Asian Istanbul, it’s awash with...
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Africa Fashion – images that linger
Not to be missed, the exhibition – Africa Fashion – has now opened at the National Gallery of Victoria. It’s buzzy, it’s vibrant, it’s an encounter of a very different kind. More than 200 objects comprising an array of adornments, textiles, film and photography make up the exhibition largely from the V&A Museum, London. We...
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The Centre of the Ancient World
Delphi, located in a breathtaking landscape, was considered to be the centre of the world in ancient Greece. According to Greek mythology, Apollo the god of music, prophecy and the sun, chose the site where he could communicate with mere mortals. The high priestess, Pythia was believed to be an oracle and to have spoken...
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Nice ‘n Handy
L’Occitane hand creams have natural ingredients sourced from the region of Provence in France. Meticulous care is taken to ensure deep hydration and protection, whilst providing a choice of fragrances to transport you to the idyllic landscapes of the French countryside. We thought we’d check it out and here’s what we found . Whether it...
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Spices of life
Come with us as we stroll through the atmospheric Spice Bazaar of Istanbul. It teases your nose with aromas of every conceivable herb and spice while your eyes simply pop with the colourful and amazing displays. Dating back to 1664 it became the centre for spice trading during the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman tiles and stones...
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It’s a breeze
Whether you’re going into autumn or spring, Uniqlo has the answer to the ‘what to wear challenge’. The Pocketable UV Protection Parka is a breeze jacket for all seasons. Cold or hot, the jacket is amazingly light weight and packable, so you can whip it on or off as the weather demands or your mood...
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Extraordinary Ephesus
Thirty minutes’ drive north-east of Kusadasi on the Turkish coast, lies another world – the ancient world of Ephesus, one of the oldest Greek settlements on the Aegean Sea, that later became the provincial seat of Roman government in Asia. The scale of excavation of this site is nothing short of breathtaking. What is revealed...
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Get a blast!
If you’ve been debating whether to take the plunge and invest in the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, then we suggest you dive in and revel in this game changer. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth the price tag? Absolutely. There is no denying it will dry your hair faster leaving a smoother and shinier finish whatever...
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Playground of the Gods
It has been said that Cyprus was the playground of the Gods and that it was from the seas around Paphos that the Greek goddess of Love and Beauty, Aphrodite is said to have risen. The beautiful coastline is just the beginning. The city port of Paphos boasts magnificent mosaics and archaeological sites and has...
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Style in spades
Behind the lens or on the catwalk, Kate Moss exhibits style in spades. Discovered at the JFK Airport aged 14 the Croydon born teenager was headed for 25 years of modelling success. Photographer Owen Scarbiena has stated that Kate began without any ‘preconceived ideas about how models are supposed to pose or stand.’ He told...
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The jewel that is Rhodes
The fires on the island of Rhodes have shocked the world. We can only hope that recovery will be swift and the island can return to being the finest jewel of the Dodecanese islands of the Aegean Sea. Sandwiched between Crete and Turkey’s coastline, it boasts dazzling beaches, historic medieval towns and whitewashed villages. The...
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Exfoliating = Sound Prep Work
If you’re wanting to look fresh-faced and boost your skin to glow, then the best approach is exfoliating to dissolve dead skin and boost circulation. We chose to trial Alpha-H Micro Super Scrub that claims to be suitable for normal and combination skin, oily/problematic and pigmented/sun damaged skin as well as mature skin. It is...
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Inside the pyramid
Arriving at the only surviving Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that is still standing today, is a thrill in itself. The largest of the pyramids of Giza known as Cheops or Khufu, dominates the landscape and is thought to have been completed around 2560 BC. It originally stood at 481 feet but due to...
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Brighten up with Bonnard
If you’re in need of brightening up this winter, there’s no better place to go than The National Gallery of Victoria’s Winter Masters Exhibition: BONNARD designed by India Mahdavi. It’s a celebration of flamboyance and vibrancy. The innovative design creates a settling of colour and texture that compliments the liveliness and feeling of the works....
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In the pink
In case you haven’t noticed, pink has been showing up in all collections as the ‘go-to’ colour. Bold and beautiful, it is intrinsically feminine. If an overall pink look is a step too far for you, there are endless ways to add that ‘pop of colour’ to your wardrobe. A jacket is a good start....
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Jewels in the Crown
As the coronation of Charles III draws near, attention turns to the Crown jewels and who will be wearing these stunning pieces. Of intense interest will be the crown worn by Camilla, Queen Consort. Normally, a new crown would be made for the Queen Consort, but Camilla has chosen to wear Queen Mary’s crown with...
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McQueen
Alexander McQUEEN Mind, Mythos, Muse is the latest blockbuster fashion exhibition now showing at the National Gallery of Victoria until 16 April 2023. It’s thought provoking, sometimes challenging but most of, all a fantastic expose of McQueen’s powerful mastery of design. The exhibition captures McQueen’s visionary approach. His use of historical references, societal issues and his capturing...
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Sliding into Summer
Whether you’re lounging poolside or running weekend errands, slides are a comfortable, versatile option. Choices range from poolside slip-on convenience, all the way through to lazy cocktails at the bar. For poolside/beach, go for a sports brand and/or a pop of colour. Do make sure they fit well and they have firm gripping soles. Look...
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Lauren Bacall – Glamour & Style
When glamour reigned in Hollywood, the stand out Queen was Lauren Bacall. Starting off as a model she was spotted by fashion editor, Diana Vreeland who put her on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar. The rest, as they say, is history. Starring with the greats including Humphrey Bogart who she married, her glamour and polish...
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Sculptress of Haute Couture
“I wanted to be a sculptor. For me, it’s the same thing to work the fabric or the stone” Madame Grès. In fact Madame Grès was trained as a sculptor before opening her own couture house, Alix at 83 rue du Fauboug Saint-Honore, which she renamed “Madame Grès” in 1942. Her working methods involved...
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The Picasso Century – a must see
You never hear “Picasso who?” because everyone knows who he is. But for those who want to know more, this year the National Gallery of Victoria’s Winter Masters exhibition is a must. In particular it showcases alongside his work, 100 pieces of art by over 60 of his contemporaries with whom he related. Curated by...
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Dressing like a Queen
HRH Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee seems a good time to reflect on her style over the many years of changing fashion and in the context of what was appropriate for any given occasion. As a young Princess in her 20s, Princess Elizabeth followed her Mother’s choice of designer – Norman Hartnell who, in 1947, designed...
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Mountain Magic
You know when you’re there. The pure alpine air is intoxicating and peace descends. Suddenly you are immersed in the magical atmosphere of the Tasmania’s wilderness icon, Cradle Mountain. If this destination is not yet on your list, then it’s time it was. This dramatic rugged mountain will leave you jaw-dropping through its own unique...
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Loving your lashes
If you love your lashes, then it’s time to consider some TLC to support healthy lash growth. We’ve discovered that Elleebana Elleeplex Advanced Gel Formula, is a great way strengthen and condition lashes and reduce breakage. Lashes that have been tinted and/or lifted, or enhanced with mascara, especially water proof mascara, can become dry and...
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Star of the show
Two months after the launch of the Miss Dior perfume in 1949, the Miss Dior dress made its debut as number 89 in the Dior spring couture collection in February 1949. Initially, it was described as an evening gown embroidered with ‘mille fleurs‘. It is thought that Christian Dior had his sister Catherine in mind...
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Eye it off
How many mornings do you wake to find panda eyes when thought you’d removed all traces of mascara? Discovering Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in Oil that removes waterproof mascara and makeup has been almost life changing. What relief to discover this staggeringly cheap product! 400ml at $9.00 (average price) it has to be a winner....
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Everything to love
If you have ever wondered why Gabrielle Chanel has long been regarded as the epitome of style then look no further than the current exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria – Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto curated by the Palais Galliera, Paris featuring more than 100 fashion works together with jewellery, accessories, cosmetics and perfumes....
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Get the gel
We’ve long been in love with the properties of Bio Oil – a permanent occupier in the cosmetic collection, but a tidy little jar caught our eye recently – we discovered Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel. The first thing to say about this product is that it’s a lot easier to use and transport. We’ve always...
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Opt for the options
How many times have you looked at oversized eyeshadow palettes that have only two shades you would wear but are forced to pay out for the other two or more? Invariably it happens that you use up your favourite shade/s and the rest go to waste. Hourglass have now hit on what should have been...
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Stepping into 2022
Out with the old and in with the new. Time to reset and pull together some essentials for stepping out in style in 2022. Indispensable to any wardrobe is a blazer styled jacket. Let it take you anywhere and elevate your look to a smart and sophisticated level. Unless you favour the Balmain classic double breasted jacket,...
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A Christmas Wish
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