Eat Pray Love

The most highly anticipated movie of the year is about to open in Australia. Eat Pray Love tells the tale of a conflicted woman as she travels around the world and discovers the powers of nourishment, prayer, and love during her one year journey. 

I was lucky enough to attend the preview screening a few nights ago and i must say, as a fan of the book, they did a pretty good job. Its always difficult to take a book from page to screen, especially one that is made entirely of internal dialogue, but they did well.

The other thing I noticed is that Julia Roberts is wearing the fab New York based jewellery brand, Me&Ro, throughout the film.  

The film’s costume designer, Michael Dennison traveled through Bali, India, Rome and New York to select all the clothing, accessories and of course jewelry for Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem and James Franco.

Me&Ro use a lot of Lapis Lazuli which is a beautiful stone - whether it’s faceted, hand-carved, capped, inlaid or streaked with gold veins, we are in love with this vibrant blue stone.  And as if its natural beauty and wearability weren’t enough, Lapis Lazuli is also said to aid in the promotion of creativity and awareness… what’s not to love?

The best news is that Melissa Harris Jewellery in Glenmore Road, Sydney will be stocking many of the pieces featured in the movie, exclusively in her store. 

Check out just some of the pieces that were featured in the movie that she's getting in-store....

  

 

Check out Melissa's other brands as well as her own collections at www.melissaharrisjewellery.com 

Complexions Dance Company

I went to the Opening Night of Complexions at His Majesty's Theatre in Perth a few nights ago.

Wow.

This show took my breath away. I watched in absolute awe as the dancers performed flawlessly the complicated, rapid and brilliant choreography.

If you ever get the chance to see this company. Do!

Head to http://complexionsdance.org/ to see tour dates.

Feelin Lippy?

“Bright, punchy lipstick is NOT just a trend. It has become a classic. Defy me. I dare you” tweeted beauty buff and editor of www.primped.com.au, Zoe Foster, earlier this year.

As I sit here wearing an electric pink Nars lipstick, I have to say that I totally agree with her.  And I wish that more girls would jump on the bright lipstick bandwagon.  In fact, I think that bright lips should be added to your stable of fail-safe makeup looks. By fail-safe, I mean those always-great, never-wrong tricks that you pull out whenever you need to jazz up your look.

Still not sure what I’m talking about? Well, say you’re wearing a 10-year-old black cocktail dress and feeling a bit boring. By simply adding a classic smokey eye and nude lip or a red lip and black liquid liner, your look will go from drab to fab. Smart girls know that it’s not all about designer labels, but the overall look. You can pair a Target dress with show stopping hair and makeup (and killer heels!) and people will you think you look a million bucks.

My suggestion is that next time your outfit needs a bit of a lift, give bright lipstick a go. I’m talking zesty orange, hot pink or even yellow. But before you do, read on. These are tricky waters and you don’t want to end up looking like Britney or a wannabe Aggy do you?

First things first - selecting the shade for you. When choosing a colour don’t just slap on a bright pink because you saw Rhianna rocking it on the red carpet – rather you need to consider your own hair and skin colour first. The base rule is coral and orange tones suit yellow-toned skin and pink and cherry reds suit pink-based skin types.  If you have combination skin then pretty much anything will fly!

Once you’ve selected your ideal shade, you need to think about the rest of your makeup. Don’t just do what you always do – think about what will look best overall.

There are a couple of things to remember when wearing bright lipstick. The first is that bronzer is everything for this look.  EVERYTHING. Apply liberally, but make sure to blend properly of course. My current fave is Jane Iredale Moonglow $90.00, which has a gentle shimmer that comes from 24-karat gold flakes and gives a natural, subtle glow to your complexion.

Secondly, go easy on the eyes. Black liquid eyeliner is fine, but leave the smokey eye look well alone. The look is high-class fashion not high-class hooker. And thirdly make sure you skin is luminescent - glowing with health (or illuminator). Try Benefit Cosmetics High Beam $45 on your cheekbones and brow bones for a radiant glow.

Lastly, if you are going to draw attention to your lips, then you need to make sure they are in great shape!  Jane Iredale’s National Educator, Celeste David, says that while you may not be blessed with Angelina or Scarlett’s pouts, with a few steps and the right products, you can create luscious lips in minutes.

The first step is to exfoliate and Celeste suggests using Jane Iredale’s Sugar&Butter $54.00. This all-natural product combines beeswax and organic brown sugar to gently exfoliate dull, dry skin from the lips.  This product is absolute gold because (as with all Jane Iredale products) it contains no chemical preservatives or synthetic dyes so you can actually lick the sugar crystals off your lips after you’ve exfoliated. Best product ever invented? I think so.

After exfoliating, the next step is making them full and kissable via a lip plumper. Flip your Sugar&Butter around and ta-da - you’ve got a lip plumper (told you it was the best product ever). The lip plumper contains a peptide that’s been shown to increase hydration and stimulate collagen synthesis. It gives your lips a natural, glowing pink tint while plumping and diminishing lines to reduce feathering.  Best bit? You’ll feel your lips tingling from the cool mint and zingy ginger.

Now that you’ve plumped, you’re ready to line and define. Colette advises to ‘study the shape of your mouth before applying any colour’. Now is the time to decide whether you need to make any adjustments to your lip shape. Nobody is born with perfectly symmetrical lips, so use a lip pencil to define and correct the area. By lining your lips you’ll create a border for the lipstick to stay in, thereby minimising feathering. Since you’ll be using lots of different colours now that you’re a fan of brights, I suggest investing in Benefit’s D'finer D'liner $36 – a nude lip pencil suitable for all colours. It’ll work wonders and save you money as you only need to buy one product (rather than a pencil to match each colour)

Now that you’ve done all that, you’re ready to apply your lippy. There are a couple of brands that do lipsticks extremely well. My favourites are:

MAC - MAC Lipsticks provides colour plus texture for the lips and are available in a huge variety of shades. My picks? Morange Lipstick $35.00 and Show Orchid Lipstick $35.00. Also check out the Viva Glam Lipstick $35 range as every cent raised from the sales of these lipsticks goes to the MAC AIDS Fund to support the fight against HIV/AIDS.

ELLIS – the new Ellis Lips range consists of liquid lip colours in three textures: Creamy Lips, Milky Lips and Glazed Lips (all $52.00), with nine specific colours in each texture.  The only shade that is available in all three effects is the signature Ellis Red, which is the colour of blood – a reproduction of the colour Snow White’s mother wished for the lips of her child.  All Ellis Lips are lightweight, long lasting and easy to apply. They’re also paraben free and contain Vitamin E.

NARS - As previously mentioned, I’m currently obsessed with the Schiap colour (a hot pink), but I also love the Jungle Red.  Nars lipsticks have a matte finish which I love and they’re staying power is second to none. You can eat a steak and these lipsticks won’t smudge or fade. Nars lipsticks retail for $58 and are available from Mecca Cosmetics. I suggest you get yourself to a store quick smart because these lipsticks will change your life. They’ve changed mine!

JANE IREDALE - Jane Iredale PureMoist LipColours
$40.00 are a conditioning and moisturising lipstick that contain edible zinc oxide for broad-spectrum SPF18 sun protection (very important for Perthsiders). Available in many colours, my faves are Jane (coral with 24 karat gold flakes) and Renee (a perfect pink).

Bright lipstick will make you look and feel great. And as Heather Locklear once said "You can't keep changing men, so settle for changing your lipstick" From orange to pink to red to ….

Stockists:

Nars – www.meccacosmetica.com.au or call 1800 007 844.

Jane Iredale - www.margifox.com.au or call 1300 850 008

MAC -  www.maccosmetics.com.au or call 1800 613 828

Benefit – available from MYER and adorebeauty.com.au or call 02 8353 5000

Ellis - www.meccacosmetica.com.au or call 1800 007 844.

Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial High Tea at the Sheraton Hotel, Perth City

The next  High Tea will be....

When: October 24^th, 2010.  Time: 2.30 – 5.00pm

Where: Origins  | The Sheraton Hotel, Perth

What: $45* per person or $55 per person including a glass of Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial.

* Pre payment required for all bookings


You can read my full review at www.highteasociety.com.au

Fab new beauty website - Rouge Mag

I'm loving this new site called www.rougemag.com.au.  It's about all things beauty!

Melissa Hoyer is the contributing editor - you know its good if she's involved!  Check out the video below from her.

Caitlin xx

From Melissa Hoyer, Contributing Editor of Rougemag

Rock the Ballet

The New Porn for Women.

I had the privilege last week of attending the opening night of Rock the Ballet. And how glad I am that I did. I’d been somewhat put off during the week after receiving strict instructions to keep this article short, because our rock-purist (but lovely) Editor, Bob Gordon, couldn’t bare the thought of ‘cheesy rock tunes with ballet thrown in’. He kinda had a point I had to admit. I even YouTubed it after talking to him and the results left me underwhelmed. I was worried as I took my seat.

Then the ballet boys appeared on stage and my fears were immediately gone. First let’s talk about how hot these boys are. I don’t even think there are words – and I’m a writer – I always have words! I mean one woman actually leapt to her feet towards the end and shook her boobs at them. I thought I’d gone to the ballet – not a performance by the Chippendales?

Hot men aside, the best thing about this show is the dancing. It made me remember just how joyous it felt to dance. It made me feel the happiness and the sheer abandonment and thrill again. It’s these very emotions that drive dancers to keep going. I wanted to jette on to the stage and join them (not least of all so I could get close to Green Shirt, Grey Shirt or Beardie – those who see the show will understand). The soundtrack absolutely rocked (well it did!) and technique had not been left by the wayside, as is so often the case in ‘trendy’ productions. There was not a sickle foot in sight.

Rock the Ballet comes to us direct from New York and following on from sell out seasons in Berlin, Hamburg, Vienna and Frankfurt. It’s a fusion of classic ballet blended with musical theatre, hip hop, tap, contemporary, gymnastics and features a stellar soundtrack including some of the biggest hits from U2, Michael Jackson, Prince, Queen, Coldplay and Lenny Kravitz. Set against a backdrop of video projected scenery, the show is exciting, fun, fleshy, raunchy, powerful, and brilliantly entertaining.

I caught up with founder, choreographer, principal dancer (and wearer of the ‘Grey Shirt’), Rasta Thomas, for a quick discussion about dance.

How did you get into ballet? 

One day after karate class my father told me if I didn't improve my behaviour in Martial Arts he would put me in a tutu and in ballet class. A day or so later I was in ballet class as punishment. I was about 7 at the time this happened and hated the thought of dancing. But a few years later I was dancing around the world and loving every minute of it.




We had a boy at our school that did ballet and he was bullied because of it. Did you ever face anything like that? If so, how did you get through it?

I was given a hard time by a few kids for taking ballet class, but none of them could do any of the cool dance tricks I could do, so it didn't bother me too much. But I do think it is important to be around a loving and supportive environment regardless of the activity you chose to pursue. 



Why Rock the Ballet and not Swan Lake or Romeo and Juliet?

I danced those classics and very much appreciated them; they have been around for a long time and will continue to be around for a long time. However "Rock the Ballet" in my opinion is a lot more fun (to dance and to watch).

Where did you inspiration come from to create this show?

My inspiration came from wanting to create a dance show for both a new generation and ballet lovers. In addition I wanted to be a part of something that fights the perception that ballet is boring. Come see our show if you think ballet is boring! 



Do you find the audience is different to a traditional ballet? 

I have been to lots of ballet performances and danced in even more... and I can safely say our audiences are louder. I think dancing to popular music allows them to just sit back relax and enjoy the show. Not to mention the infectious personalities of the cast. In our show there is no corps de ballet, everyone is a star with lots of personality.

I can attest to that - I’ve never heard so much cheering (and wolf whistles) in a theatre, let alone ballet performance! Tell us about your history? What did you do before this show?

I have danced my whole life; it is what I know best. Over the years I have worked with over 20 different companies and worked with some of the world’s greatest choreographers. I have had some wonderful highlights such as making a feature film with the late Patrick Swayze, meeting Michael Jackson, performing at the Academy Awards, and marrying my childhood dance sweetheart. 



You’re a very lucky man to go home to that every night – your wife is so beautiful and extraordinarily talented. Favourite moment in the show?  

There is a very funny comedy routine in the first act called "Carmen" that we all love to do because it gets a good laugh. Also I am very happy anytime I dance with my wife (who plays female lead who and is the choreographer of the show). 

Most embarrassing moment on stage (ever)? 

Over the years I have fallen a fair share of times on stage. One time I did a back flip and landed right on my head, there is no graceful way to cover that up.

Career Highlight?

Winning the junior gold medal at the Varna International Ballet competition and the senior gold medal at the Jackson Mississippi International Ballet competition. 



Career Lowlight?

Getting burn out and having to find the love for dance all over again. 



Best show you’ve ever seen?

Michael Jackson at Madison Square Garden. 



First time you realised you’d made it?

It is all relative but a proud moment was when I could treat myself to anything I wanted to eat. 


What are you looking forward to?

Producing and directing more dance shows.



Advice for Perth girls and boys who’d like to have a career in dance? You get out what you put in, so work hard. Continue to challenge yourself (your body and your mind) - if something is easy you aren't working hard enough.



Why should Perthites come and see Rock the Ballet?

If you enjoy good music, good dancing and having a good time Rock the Ballet is the show for you.

What do you say to boys (and bogans!) who think the ballet is for
 ‘posh’ people only?

Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, and mine is that Rock the Ballet is for everyone!

Well all I can say is that everyone left the theatre buzzing on opening night – the women in near hysteria, the men in jealous awe. My cousin even reported a very pleasant dream to me the next morning (thank you “Green Shirt”). You know, I reckon even Bob Gordon might like this production.

PERTH

July 1 -17

Regal Theatre

Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

Five minutes with Melissa….

Is this where you thought you would be 21 years down the track?

I never imagined having my own retail space although I knew that I would be making and designing jewellery well into the future – I just couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

What’s been your favourite moment over the last 20 years?

On a personal level, my favourite moment was my wedding to Mark Kelly. We eloped to Los Angeles - it was very romantic and spontaneous. Professionally, a favourite moment was opening my first retail space on Crown Street in Surry Hills, although my car did get stolen on my first morning there!

Where do you think the next 10 or 20 years will take you?

I don’t think you can ever know what exciting things are around the corner, but I think a return to the US market could be on the horizon and more travel!

Favourite celebrity moment?

One year, I watched the Academy Awards at my girlfriend’s house (renowned American interior designer Sharon Simonaire) with none other than Richard Gere and Jodie                                                             Foster. I was absolutely star struck and they were so much fun.

Favourite piece of jewellery you’ve ever made?

That would be a difficult choice between the ring I designed for myself using my grandmother’s diamond or a very simple piece commissioned by actor Tim Robbins for director Spike Lee. It was a very conceptual piece made of sterling silver, back when my work was more sculptural. Tim also commissioned several pieces for his now ex-wife Susan Sarandon - he loved to spoil her.

www.melissaharrisjewellery.com

21 YEARS: FROM SYDNEY TO LA AND BACK AGAIN

Melissa Harris’s exquisite jewellery has long adorned the likes of Cate Blanchett, Jodie Foster, Lara Bingle and Elton John. Her current shop in Paddington, NSW is a mecca for jewellery lovers; housing her own beautiful, hand crafted pieces as well as international brands Me&Ro, Siobhan Way, Kristina Brenke, Sue Girdwood and Whitney Howard. This year she celebrates her 21^st birthday in style!

The Journey: From Sydney to LA…

Moving to Hollywood from Australia in 1980 to pursue a career as a make-up artist in the film industry, Melissa worked with stars such as Ed Harris, Jeff Goldblum, Janet Jackson and Annie Lennox. In between films, Melissa used her downtime to pursue her true passion of jewellery making. Her access to the stars gave her an instant celebrity fan base. As the requests escalated, she began to turn down jobs in the film industry and Melissa Harris Jewellery was born.

Largely self-taught, Melissa gained an education in technique with short intensive courses in jewellery-making at the Barnsdall Art Centre under the tutelage of fine contemporary American jewellers such as Valerie Mitchell. Melissa's signature style developed using language and symbolism along with religious iconography as early sources of inspiration.

Melissa’s debut was a small collection of necklaces at LA EYEWORKS on MELROSE in 1989. Shortly after, the Los Angeles Times Magazine included Melissa in an article featuring emerging jewellery designers. The effect of the article was immediate - launching Melissa's work into 20 galleries across the USA, including the Whitney Museum Store.

From LA to Sydney…

In 1995, Melissa returned to Australia to open her own store in Crown Street, Surry Hills. Now located in the fashion hub that is Glenmore Road, Paddington, Melissa continues to be inspired by symbology, art and architecture and has a successful business selling her own designs as well as jewellery from around the globe.

Ethos behind the brand…

Unconcerned with passing fashion fads and trends, Melissa creates unique, timeless pieces that are made to last forever. “Lives are lived in moments, occasions and celebrations with jewellery acting as an emotional bookmark. Storytelling has an inherent connection with jewellery and I take great pleasure in crafting these stories.”

“It can be a gift from someone special or a special gift to yourself to “bookmark” a personal milestone. Whatever the reason, jewellery becomes a part of you. It speaks of who you are or where you have come from and celebrates a connection with the special people in your life, both past and present.”

Celebrity Clients…

Past and present clients of Melissa Harris include Cate Blanchett, Elton John, Susan Sarandon, Charlize Theron, Tim Robbins, Jodie Foster, Alanis Morissette, Lara Bingle, Rae Dawn Chong, Jenny Brockie, Mikey Robins, Tammy McIntosh, Mary Schepisi, Asher Keddie, Natalie Saleeba, Holly Brisley, Hugh Sheridan and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Her hats just keep getting bigger. What happen's if there is a third movie?

The London Premiere: SATC2 The Movie

Not sure about those hair extensions and bare face Cynthia. 

Kim rocked it.

Kirsten Davis looked pretty, but i think the dress made her look pear shaped. 

AMAZEBALLS. Daisy Lowe and Kylie Minogue knocked it out of the park.

Amanda Holden - too shocking for words.

Are cinched waists back? What do you think?

Is it just me or are you noticing a trend at the relaunch of the Louis Vuitton Maison store on London's Bond Street tonight.

A trend yes... but my favourite pair of the new night was Jade Jagger and her daughter. 

The after party....

The main act

The Legend - Liza with a Z

The men - John Corbett and Chris Noth

The best dressed guests - Jessica Szohr from Gossip Girl and supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio

if you're a big SATC2 fan then you need this...

I’ve been lucky enough to get my hands on the Official Companion Book of the movie and I’m even more excited now than I was before. You see it’s packed with behind the scenes photos and interviews with the stars, producers, cast and crew – perfect for the die-hard fan to wile away the hours, wine in hand.

The best thing about it is that it breaks down the wardrobe worn by each of the girls – so you can rush out and buy Samantha’s dress for yourself if you want, or, simply study how Pat Field puts the girl’s wardrobes together. I’ll be doing the latter since I’m not up for re-financing my car loan in order to purchase a pair of shoes!

If you want to know more about the fashions from the movie grab yourself a copy of Sex and the City 2: The Official Companion Book. At $49.99 it‘s a great addition to any fashionista’s coffee table or bookshelf. Available from June 1 from leading bookstores. 

From Sex and the City 2 by Eric Cypher, RRP: $49.99, published by Headline.

Are you being Carried away?

 

My picks from the Met Ball - one of my favourite fashion events of the year!

Sarah Jessica Parker in Halston dress and Fred Leighton vintage diamond bracelets

Marion Cotillard sparkled in Christian Dior

Blake Lively in Marchesa

Renee Zellweger in Carolina Herrera 

and Giselle Bundchen in Alexander Wang

The Logies

Erin McNaught in Bowie Wong. Hot.

A Home & Away starlet ... the jury is still out. This photo looks quite hot, but every time I saw her on screen I wanted to throw something at her huge head. 

I'm not generally a fan of J-Haw or her fashion, but i think she looked gorgeous last night!

Only KAK could get away with this hideous dress.

Rhonda Burchmore. A legend. And a stunner. 

This gets worse and worse every time you look at it. Why???