All articles by margh
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 His use of historical references, societal issues and his capturing...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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Besotted and bedazzled
Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, possessed a jewellery collection of 214 pieces that was truly unique. This dazzling collection is intrinsically associated with the most controversial love story of modern times. King Edward VIII, the man who famously gave up the throne of England for the woman he loved, showered her with jewels designed...
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Facing up to it
Mask or not, facing up to a good foundation is always front of mind. Now is the time to consider a reset and reveal a new you. We’ve switched our attention to Lancôme® Teint Miracle Foundation and have discovered it’s sheer to medium coverage provides a luminous finish that’s both lightweight and natural looking. The secret...
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Kitty – a rising star
Heads swivelled and eyes grew wide when Lady Kitty Spencer, niece of Lady Di and cousin of Prince Harry, arrived at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor for his marriage to Meghan Markle. Wearing an emerald green hand-painted Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda dress topped with a Philip Treacy fascinator and adorned with jewellery from Bulgari,...
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French Impressionism at the NGV
Each year the National Gallery of Victoria showcases a Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition and this year is no exception. French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston presents an arresting display of 100 works by the well known masters of this unique movement. For starters, there are 19 canvasses by Monet, 10 by Renoir,...
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Couturiers to the stars
Zoe, Micol and Giovanna Fontana learned sewing and tailoring from their mother who had a tailoring shop near Parma, Italy and it was this trio of enigmatic sisters who put Italy on the fashion map. Creating the Sorelle Fontana label, they designed for the stars of the silver screen. Clients included Audrey Hepburn, Anita Ekberg, Elizabeth Taylor, and...
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Buff puff
Every now and then something pops up and you wonder how come you’ve missed it, then here’s one to put on your list. The Body Shop offers us this neat little facial buffer that takes a different approach to exfoliating and polishing the skin. It’s recommended that you use the buffer with your favourite cleanser...
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Botticelli to VanGogh – NGA
The National Gallery of Australia is presenting an amazing exhibition featuring masterpieces from the National Gallery London. It comprises 61 portrait and landscape works spanning almost 500 years. Most of the well known masters are represented making it enormously impressive. Many of the works are famous which makes viewing them up close and personal a...
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All the way with CeraVe
There’s no better time than right now, to rehydrate skin to look it’s healthy best. There are many factors that contribute to dry skin – weather, soaps, sanitisers or it maybe that you have naturally dry skin. In a previous post we featured CeraVe’s Moisturising Cream for a heavy duty fix. http://gracie.net.au/one-pot-stop/. Since then we have discovered CeraVe...
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Biscuit business
We’re very excited to be collaborating with the iconic David Jones Department Store this week, to bring you the thoroughly Australian traditional Anzac biscuit recipe and method. If you’ve never tried to bake them, or never indulged in this Anzac Day tradition, then there’s no time like right now, to get down and crunchy. The...
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Our very own Carla Zampatti
News of the death of Carla Zampatti, Australia’s most iconic fashion designer, has resulted in an outpouring of grief from right across the country. Over the 56 years of her outstanding career, she established 26 stores as well as David Jones concessions across Australia and New Zealand and became our very own “Chanel”. Her...
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One pot stop
We’re excited to have discovered CeraVe Moisturising Cream and we recommend you slip this right into your beauty routine. When it comes to finding a cream that performs on all levels, look no further. It’s all in this one uncomplicated pot. This rich moisturising cream is ideal to hydrate dry skin all over your body. Because it’s...
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The chicken or the egg
No doubt in 1885 when Tsar Alexander III presented this Easter gift, the Hen Egg, to the Tsarina Maria Feodorovna, she didn’t ask the perennial question ‘which came first’. This magnificent Fabergé egg led to the creation of 50 uniquely designed Imperial Fabergé Easter eggs presented to both Tsarina Maria Feodorovna later the Dowager Empress, and...
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Bags of style
Mimco, known for quality and style, has designed the kind of bag you’ll to want to keep close. The Bloom Tote comes in two very appealing sizes that bring you the best of both worlds in space and style. Crafted in pebble textured leather, the bag resists over embellishment, to carry just the right amount...
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Marvellous Millicent Rogers
Few style icons have a museum named after them, but one such icon, Millicent Rogers (1902 – 1953) has just that – The Millicent Rogers Museum, Taos, New Mexico. Her creative style and passion for silver and turquoise jewellery, and textiles that she discovered in New Mexico, ignited a lifelong passion. Born the granddaughter of...
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Cutie time
Care is always needed when looking after our cuticles and no more so than at this time. Constant use of hand sanitiser over time can cause cuticles to slip into ‘dry mode’. This we do not need. A great way to to avoid this happening, is with a good cuticle oil that will...
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One entwined CC inspires another
Chanel’s presentation of the latest Métiers d’art Collection in the Grand Gallery of Chateau de Chenonceaux was a consequence of the Chateau being inspiration for the newly appointed designer, Viard’s collection. We selected a few of our favourites to pique your interest followed by a link to the parade. The Grand Galley’s slate and chalk...
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“CC” is for Château de Chenonceau
The magnificent Château de Chenonceau is characterised by the lives of the historic and famous women who occupied, added to, landscaped and embellished it, ensuring its place in the rich tapestry of French history. A jewel in its own right, the castle was gifted by King Henry II of France to Diane de Poitiers, a clever...
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To a T
Where would we be without a T-shirt? It’s the most adaptable piece of clothing in any wardrobe. It’s devoid of class, occasion or sex. It’s the ‘take you anywhere’ essential for everyone of every age. The United States navy began issuing the T-shirt as undershirts in 1913. Then came the 1950s. Marlon Brando wore...
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All wrapped up
What has made Diane von Furstenberg’s iconic wrap dress such an evergreen, is best described in her own words: “I had a very down-to-earth product, my wrap dress, which was really a uniform. It was just a simple little cotton-jersey dress that everybody loved and everybody wore, ” she told *New York Magazine in 1988....
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The Delphos Gown – Classic Fortuny
Seductive and body hugging, the Delphos gown debuted in 1909 with a simplicity and timelessness that has made it permanently up to date. Created in Venice by Mariano Fortuny in collaboration with his wife Henriette Nigrin, it was inspired by the Greek statue of the Charioteer of Delphi whose tunic comprised deep vertical folds. The ingenious...
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In the blink of an eye
DIY eyelash dying has always seemed tricky and daring, but extraordinary times call for brave moves and so we ventured to try 1000 Hour Lash & Brow Dye and discovered just how easy this is to do. Minimum effort, maximum impact. Let this be your new little secret. We chose the blue black shade from...
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The stuff of dreams
The magnificent Alta Moda show hosted by Dolce & Gabbana in Florence last week, was a superbly orchestrated showcase of 189 creations as a tribute to the city’s history, art and timeless elegance. The designers’ vision captured the sophisticated style of the 1950s and early 1960s. The parade was set in the glorious gardens of...
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All eyes on you
As masks become common place, there’s an emphasis on our eyes. This is the perfect time to step out and try something new. A Lancôme Hypnose Palette that offers 5 different gorgeous shades of eyeshadow, is a good place to start. There’s a selection of eight different colour combinations from which to choose. We favoured...
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Empress of Fashion
Diana Vreeland (1903 – 1989), Empress of fashion, taste and style, was one of the most influential figures in the history of fashion. Longtime editor of Harper’s Bazaar, then Vogue she followed up by being consultant to The Costume Institute Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her individual style drew fashion photographers, keen to portray her unique...
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A triple act cleanser
Dior Hydra Life 3-in-1 Makeup Remover is exactly that, a triple act cleanser which cleanses, soothes and beautifies the skin, effortlessly removing heavy makeup of all kinds, without leaving an oily residue. This Dior product is one of our top picks for makeup removal. It’s high content of active ingredients is gentle on sensitive skin...
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A Paris pit stop – Galeries Lafayette
The flagship store of Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th Arrondissement of Paris is sheer heaven for shopping and second only to the Eiffel Tower as the most visited monument in Paris. Opened in 1912 it’s art nouveau design includes a breathtaking glass dome (43m high) that floods golden light into the...
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Perfect for a quick fix
Finding the right solution for a split or broken nail between manicures is often tricky. Whilst nothing can be guaranteed to hold up indefinitely, Ultra Quick Nail Glue by Nailene is one to put on your list. You can find it just about anywhere that sells nail care. It’s affordable, boasts salon quality and is...
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WFH – switching the rules
Comfort is key to working-from-home, just ask the fashion doyenne, Anna Wintour, who has recently discovered what we have always known, you can wear track pants and still look stylish. The Vogue Editor-in-Chief has long denounced tracksuit bottoms, and she was not alone – Karl Lagefeld famously suggested that ‘Sweat pants are a sign of defeat’....
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Parisian trendsetter
Nonchalant and effortless, chic and confident, sophisticated and cool, any and all of the above apply to Caroline de Maigret, iconic model and Parisian trendsetter. Co-Author of the book How To be Parisian Wherever You Are, and more recently Older but Better, but Older, she has much to offer in our approach to style and what suits us and...
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The first best-dressed woman
Mona, Countess of Bismarck was the first American to be named ‘Best Dressed Woman in the World’ in 1933 and she won again in 1934 and 1936. Born in Kentucky in 1897, Mona went on to become a globetrotting socialite and a style icon of the mid 20th century. Mona was to marry five times....
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Slick Schick home remedy
If you’re looking for a home remedy for hair removal during shut down, the Schick Hydro Silk Shaver is one to take seriously. It’s cleverly packed into a little kit with a refill and a hanger, and boasts an ergonomic handle that makes it comfortable and easy to hold in what we know are always wet circumstances....
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Time to glove up
Classic, elegant and understated, the simple glove is certain to become fashion essential as the emphasis on keeping our hands washed and clean to safe guard our health, becomes important. The modern day glove, generally dug out only in the depths of winter, is set to become the go-to fashion accessory. A well chosen glove...
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Japanese Modernism
The National Gallery of Victoria is showcasing an exclusive exhibition – Japanese Modernism that features Art Deco paintings, prints, design and fashion created between the 1923 Kanto earthquake and the devastation of World War II. Of special interest is the way it illustrates the changing traditions as women adopted a modern Western lifestyle. This screen depicts...
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The perfectly poised Princess
Whether she’s attending a gala event or glimpsed off duty, Princess Charlene of Monaco is the perfectly poised Princess. The elegant cool blonde Charlene Wittstock married Albert II, Prince of Monaco in 2011, having met while competing in a swimming competition representing South Africa in Monaco in 2000. Since the very first moment she began accompanying...
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Facing up to it
How often have you gone to purchase your favourite face cream to learn it’s out of stock, or worse, it’s discontinued!! Suddenly you’re having to choose a new product. Sometimes this works in your favour which is how we discovered Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Camellia Water Cream. So why have we taken to it? It has...
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