Leopard Spectacles

Oh hey, Holiday.

2012-01-29T20:35:00.000-08:00

BUENOS AIRES. RIO DE JANEIRO. GUATEMALA. MEXICO. LOS ANGELES.

This is going to be one helluva trip.

I'm heading to these beautiful cities/countries for a few weeks.
I can't wait for the colours, dancing and good times.

Seeing as I'm taking 4 cameras - 2 digi, 1 film, 1 underwater.. I figure I need an inspiration board..

Angeles Pena - Argentina

Vinicius Delima - Rio De Janeiro

Anahita Nicoukar Avalos - Mexico

Historical BADASS

2012-01-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

I just had to post his because it's so freakin' cool.

Thank you Fab Ciraolo, for showing me what my favourite historical bad-asses would look like if they were hipsters in the 21st century.

Pablo Pablo

2011-12-12T22:33:00.000-08:00

I really do love Pablo Picasso.

His art, his manic personality, his lovers, his wild history.

Picasso was a law unto himself.

Sure there were sides to him I didn't enjoy, like his aesthetic obsession with females which meant he would give any woman the flick as soon as his passions were realised.

But hey, based on his work - the guy was a freakin genius.

Inspired by some recent blog posts I've seen on Picasso, I decided to go digging for some shots.

Thanks LIFE pictures.

Wow

2011-12-04T21:22:00.001-08:00

Thanks Jonas.

Oh, Paris.

2011-11-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

Last night was a magical night.

I watched Midnight in Paris on a romantic date for two.

A French accordian player played a sweet song as I stopped and stared at the lights on the Harbour Bridge.

I made friends with a French girl who had lost her way.

It was a lovely French-filled night.

I've been to Paris once before. It was a short, whirlwind tour of the city but nevertheless I'll never forget the feeling I was left with.. There was elegance and beauty at every corner, the golden statues left me breathless, the girls, oh the girls. They were lovely. The history, the art, I could go on forever..

I've promised myself to go there again. Rent an apartment - and really soak it up.

And not just Paris, other parts of France are beautiful too.

Don't you agree?

Oh yes did I mention zee ladiezz?

Please click on image for artist source.

2011-10-27T00:21:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was 8 years old and Mum used to take me to art lessons.

I though it was a blast I was getting to spend my Saturday's painting, living the life of an artiste.

All I was missing was a beret.

But alas over the years, illustrating took a backseat as photography pushed its way into my passion-sphere.

That doesn't mean I still don't give major creds to people who can paint or draw though.

Today, my creds are going to Caitlin Shearer.

The lovely lass behind these works shared with me too..

How old be you?

I'm 22 and living in Surry Hills, Sydney at the moment. Nice to meet you!

Utensils of choice?

Watercolour paints, pacer lead pencils, black ink and smooth cotton paper.

Any aristic heroes?

Vivienne Westwood, J.W Waterhouse, Sofia Coppola, Angus Mcbean, Enoch Bolles, John Willy.

Do you see yourself in any of your pictures?

Yes! I attempt to make my work like a secret diary, so there's always a hint of me that can't help by get caught up.

Why is Winona your faves?

Oh! Words cannot even describe how much I love Winona. I love her in pretty much every one of her films from the 90's, even the less blockbustery ones like 'Welcome home Roxy Carmichael'. All of the characters she played in that time were so off beat and fabulous. She has a lot of sass which mingles with this weird inner loneliness - plus such a quaint little nose and haughty eyebrows. I just like watching her - she's the ultimate girl in my eyes.

Do pretty dresses and lipstick (aka fashion) play a big part in your illustrations?

I enjoy dressing up, old timey glamour and attention to detail, so I think these things go into my artwork simply because they are a big part of my everyday life and personality. One pocket of my handbag is reserved for lipsticks. Haha. So silly.

Favourite storybook?

The original 'Little Mermaid' tale where she commits suicide in the end. Or Eloise! Cheeky little Eloise who lives in a hotel with Skipperdee her turtle and Weenie her dog.

What makes you smile?

Beirut, having my friends over for dinner, kissing, sunshine, atlas sound, ice cream, parcels in the mail, glittery nail polish, high tea, 30 rock.

Do you like the number 13?

Halloween is coming up and I've got all of those spooky things on my mind, so yeah, I'll give the number 13 a big hug so it doesn't curse me.

2011-10-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

Come one, come all.

If you're in Sydney this Saturday and looking for some art/jewellery/a good time - then here's the event for you.

My lovely friend Anne and her mate The Whittler are throwing together this little shin-dig.

Roar

2011-09-05T21:35:00.000-07:00

I like mean bears. I like pretty girls.

I like Jacqueline Smith.

Lovely.

Frankie.

2011-07-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

She's back.

Click on image to enlarge picture.

The coldest winter I ever spent.

2011-07-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

The Australian winter is unique.
The air is brisk and cold, but the sun shares her rays almost every day.

The beach in winter is welcoming.
It's quiet and calm. And there's nothing better than being wrapped up in your biggest wooly jumper, digging your toes into the sand and staring out to where sea meets sky.

Yes, winter here is lovely.

But what of snowflakes and mountains? What of flaming autumn leaves and fur coats?

Today, I travel to winter afar. To Eastern Europe perhaps? Or maybe even Alaska.

It's the coldest winter I ever spent.

Click on image for source.

Special thanks to Sophie Van Derre Perre, Rogier Houwen, Charlotte Boeyden and Amandine Paulandre.

Green Envy

2011-07-03T22:20:00.000-07:00

So there's this girl.

Her name is Frankie Faux and she's cooler, hotter and crazier than you'll ever be.

She's tres inspiring too.

I'll let the pictures do the talking.

IMP BOX Photography - Jez Kabanoff

Want more?

Photography by Ashley Collis

Told you she was cooler than you.

Expect more from Frankie Faux soon..

Ps. Sorry for being AWOL the past month. I'm getting some new colour film shots developed soon, so stay in touch x

PAINT.

2011-05-24T20:17:00.000-07:00

OMG.

The new lookbook for Farrow and Ball paint is absolute amazingsss.

Don't you just wish this was your house?!

Hands up if you want to start painting your keys now?

You can check out more at www.farrowball.com. Thanks to Sarah Van Raden for putting me in touch with these.

In Fiji.. we saw Love.

2011-05-17T03:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome..

The Private Island..

Village..

Love..

Tee hee

Holidaaay

2011-05-04T23:08:00.000-07:00

I leave for Fiji in couple of days.

It's for a friend's wedding and I can not wait to snorkel, get my party on and drink kava.

Most of all though, I'm pretty excited about the photo op. I haven't had much experience with weddings - let alone weddings on exotic beaches.

I looked for some inspo.. thanks Jonas Peterson.

Brissie boy Jonas is damn talented.

Will definitely feature him again.

Be back soon folks.

The Beach

2011-04-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

I haven't touched film in a while.. and boy do I miss it.
These shots were more experimentation than anything... so be gentle!

thanks to sammy e

grommits

Home.

Road trippin with my two favourite allies..

2011-04-14T01:04:00.000-07:00

Hands up if you've spent your time at work daydreaming/planning your next adventure overseas.

Me? Guilty as charged.

The itch, the bug, whatever you want to call it - I've got it.
Growing up with a mum for a travel agent had me traipsing around the world at a young age.

My last big trip was Europe in 2009.. and although I told myself I would take my SLR and take all these fantastic photos constantly.. I ended up taking my lame-o compact camera and getting some okay shots.

Ya'see, I just didn't like the idea of spending half my time, stopping, staring and finding another great place/person/thing to snap. I wanted to enjoy the moment!

I envy those that can do both. And I've promised to try on my next trip..

For now though, you should check out Mr and Mrs Globe Trot aka Julia and Yuriy Manchik.

They're a cute photo snappin' couple who just got hitched in their home city of Seattle last year. Immediately after their wedding, they decided to throw it all away and travel the world for half a year. Umm.. jelly!

They've got an amazing blog of photos they've taken on the way.. it's left me inspired to start clicking!

UKRAINE

ENGLAND

GREECE

TURKEY

Oh and this is Julia and Yuriy..

Cuuuuuute!

Shelby

2011-04-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

I have no real reason for posting these pictures, except for the simple fact that this girl is really hot.
yikes! thanks nirrimi.

*siiiigh* if only we could all look that ridiculously good looking.

ps. check out one of nirrimi's other shoots.

Pretty spesh right..

Zee Netherlands

2011-03-28T02:43:00.000-07:00

Sanja Marusic is a lovely little thing from the Netherlands.. that takes lovely little photos.
She's a photography student but is lucky enough to be shooting for magazines like Elle,7x7 and Unicorn. Oh.. and when I say lucky, I mean darn right talented.

Her photos are beautiful.. just beautiful.

Invasion

2011-03-15T00:48:00.000-07:00

Wanna know what happens when hippies, crazies and plain ol' interesting folk invade your local park?

THIS

on my Birthday..

2011-02-26T20:54:00.000-08:00

The Seven Commandments

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.

2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.

3. No animal shall wear clothes.

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.

5. No animal shall drink alcohol.

6. No animal shall kill any other animal.

7. All animals are equal.

-George Orwell, Animal Farm, chapter 2.

I wonder if these guys follow the same rules?

he's so beautiful <3

umm?

the Spectator

2011-02-22T22:35:00.000-08:00

Bondi Bowl-A-Rama.
One big skate fest every summer.
The culture, the people, the beach, the vibe.. it's all just a little bit awesome.
Watching the skaters bust it out was fun.. but watching the spectators was even more interesting..

Round the corner..

2011-02-17T18:47:00.000-08:00

I know Autum is a while away.. but I've found my perfect wardrobe pallette!

Special thanks to Frankie magazine newsletters for putting me in touch with the amazing Cacharel Fall/Winter line.

The house of Cacharel started in 1958, Paris.

It's been around.

Current creative director Cedric Charlier has been the head of womenswear design at Cacharel since March 2009. And my oh my, what wonders he's done.

"His artistic references range from Yves Saint Laurent and Cristobal Balenciaga, timeless classics in the world of fashion and the codes that he sometimes likes to break, through to naïve art, raw art and even expressionism".

Fantastic. I just love the pretty clothes :)

Going to the Chapel..

2011-02-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

I've never been one of those girls who dreams about putting on a white dress, getting hitched, cutting cakes and then getting freaky in the honeymoon suite. (Although the last one's got my attention).

The thought of marriage seems foreign to me. I'm not against it.. I just don't see it in my crystal ball anytime soon.

It all seems like a lot of work really.. and if bizzaro reality show Bride-zillas is anything to go by.. I definitely don't want to be a part of it!

But alas, on this fake-o day of love St Valentine came to me in a dream and told me that weddings aren't so bad.

He even showed me some couples who got it right..

mmm Love cake.

Hmm I've gone all doe-eyed from looking at these shots... Happy Valentines Day x

heythesearereallylamesopleasedon'tlaugh.

2011-02-12T01:44:00.000-08:00

A snapshot of 2010 and a nibble of 2011..

I promise I'll get better :)

SLIMANE

2011-02-10T00:21:00.000-08:00

Looking through Hedi Slimane's photo's is like getting slapped with a bottle of Johhny Walker, black leather and hundreds of cigarrettes.

It's Rock N Roll baby.

I don't know when or how I first stumbled across Mr Slimane but I'm sure glad I saved his photos on my old PC.

A quick google search tells me his story..

First, he's a Frenchie, but he spends his time in LA too. The 42-year-old fashion designer used to work for the likes of Gucci, Prada and most recently, Christian Dior.

Since stepping away from Dior in 2007, he pursued a more nomadic existence, focusing on his photography and website.

He's collaborated with everyone from Gus Van Sant to Lady Gaga. He's also started a few British bands and is best buds with kids like Pete Doherty and Amy Winehouse.

Interesting..

I guess ol' Hedi had no choice but to be all about black leather, Johhny Walker and hundreds of cigarettes.

Oh look, it's Pete Doherty.

Guess who?

Wineo

Abbey Lee

The End.

Rosy

2011-02-08T23:36:00.000-08:00

Alice had an akward beauty.

an air of fairy dust followed her steps..

Her wavey orange hair shook and rested

beside her pasty complexion.

When she walked up to Paul she wasn't sure what she was about to say.

Yes? Perhaps no.. or maybe she'd distract them with a long conversation about afternoons in Dublin.

picture.http://www.poppopportraits.blogpot.com/

I made a friend online.

2011-01-23T21:14:00.000-08:00

I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. Sometimes I find it really intrusive with all the tagging and news feeds and conversation updates.

But sometimes those annoying characteristics are exactly what make the site work so well.

It connects peeps.

Peeps like Me and Peter Cagnacci.
A rather talented young man, who I found while trawling through my friend's tagged photos.

Making friends online is always akward. Here was my first attempt at getting to know the real Pete.

TRANSCRIPT

Stef: Cagnacci eh? Are you a wog-boy?
Peter: By last name only, I thoroughly deny being Italian, Cagnacci isn't the most subtle wog last name however.
Stef: Yeah, I would too. There's a reason the feds are after Tony Soprano.

Stef: What's your day job?
Peter: Recently left sheetmetal work in a factory, so now i'm a struggling artist?
Stef: Poser.

Stef: Favourite hat?
Peter: Hunter S Thompson styled bucket hat at the moment.
Stef: I like him, maybe you're not so bad after all.

Stef: Punk, hipster, homeless. Pick.
Peter: Homeless

Stef: When you click your red shoes together, where do you go?
Peter: Into a deep psychosis of insanity. Since when did I even own red shoes?
Stef: Word on the street. Just saying..

Stef: You've got some serious ink there. Tatt count?
Peter: I wouldn't call it serious, not compared to some of my mates at least. 6 at the moment, as soon as my bank account likes me again i'm sure that number will increase tenfold.
Stef: You've got five on me.

Stef: How many photographers does it take to change a lightbulb?
Peter: None. They're all pretentious goobers that love sitting in the dark.
Stef: Lawl

Stef: Could you live on $300 a week?
Peter: In theory yes though I wouldn't enjoy it, at the moment i'm living off $0 a week.
Stef: Okay I get it, your broke. But don't look at me for the extra nickles!

Stef: I guess you're still nice/crazy/weird, I like you. Let's boogie!
Peter: Danke danke, let's thank Heroin for that one

Weeee friends!

Fear and Loathing in South East Asia

GENERALS

By the way.
This is Peter.

Ladies, you can find him at all good department stores for a bargain $9.99.

What's In a Friend

2011-01-20T15:29:00.000-08:00

I first met Sophie G back in 09 when we were both cutting our teeth in the big, scary metropolitan newsroom.

It wasn't hard to warm to her.

She introduced me to the cool, indie people, places, things in my new hood in the inner west.

She told me tales of how Jesus came into her life and rocked her world.

She listened to my raves and rants about how I had once again made a dick of myself at work.

Heck, she's the main reason this blog even exists.

But most of all, she instilled in me the hope that the good guys are still out there. Sophie is one of the good guys. She's genuine and down to earth, and never finishes last. The best part? She don't even know how slick she is.

But alas Sophie G has decided to leave the ABC. To Melbourne, no less.
I'm sure she'll make friends fast because apart from all the good-heartedness, she's actually a pretty cool gal. Here's her blog. Talented creative writer is an understatement. I'm pretty jelly, and you should be too.

Au Revoir Sophie.
Thanks for being my friend.

Post Script: For Soph's farewell present I purchased these lovely little notebooks from Newtown Stationary Store Pentimento.

Introducing Ask Alice..

I bought her a fox card.

There's postcards..

And gift tags too.

Clever Melbournite Sass Cooper is behind these cute little numbers. Everything is produced from 100% recycled paper and printed in vegetable ink so free up that conscience! Super.

Conflict of Interest

2011-01-19T18:17:00.001-08:00

Triple J News.. good morning, I'm Elize Strydom.

You may have heard her cute voice on your radiowaves if you tune into the JJJ's from 6 to 9am.

Breaking live national news without breaking a sweat and managing to stay chirpy when there's no damn sunlight outside is no easy feat.

But let me tell you.. behind the voice, is some serious skills! I'm talking happy snap skills.

FILM

sooo inner west (Sydney)

eek! Holga happiness. ps. that's her, and her wordsmith boyfriend Matt Granfield.

DIGI

moo!

MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC

Angus Stone at Falls Festival

Karen O

Grizzly Bear

Brothers.

So I could pretty much keep on posting her photos.. but I don't want to look like a super-obessesed stalker. I mean we do work together and all. Things might get akwards ya'know? And I - like - super love her work. I need to keep my distance, otherwise I'm just this puppy dog lapping up whatever she throws at me! Play it cool Stef. Play it COOL.

Elize, if you're reading this.. I'm your number one fan!

Elle

2011-01-17T22:38:00.000-08:00

The thing I like most about Elle Green is that her photos don't seem forced. It's as if she just stumbles across these cool people and things and always happens to have a camera.

The 28-year-old Bondi girl is big on the skate and surf scenes.

YOU can't be ME, I'm a ROCKSTAR

Bridge in Japan. She likes it there.

Holllaa!

2011-01-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

Seriously, who doesn't like Fafi?

I'm pretty obsessed with this French girl's killer graffiti, so I thought I'd pay homage.

Sexy, funny, aggressive.

Don't you just wish you could ooze that kind of confidence?

Fafilicious!

2011-01-13T17:19:00.000-08:00

CHINA

communist. dumplings. confucious says. billions. made in.

Hankang Huang?

Yup, Hankang Huang. Water-colour paintings are his thing. And yeah.. wow.
Born in Suzhou in the Jiangsu province of China, this 34-year-old spends his time hopping between Paris and China creating some beautiful pieces. The imagery and surreal characters make for an eery but beautiful aesthetic.

Take a look!

Nice, yes? Hope to interview him soon.. he's very mysterious online.. ahh as all artists are. Stay posted!

Oh. Hi.

2011-01-12T21:26:00.000-08:00

So there's this lady named Colie Parks and she's damn good at taking photos. I especially love her top end composition.

2011-01-12T15:56:00.000-08:00

I hope you're enjoying using my favourite pen.

It's got my fingerprints all over it.

Maybe you can forensic scan them, put it in a frame, and always have a piece of me.

How unique.

picture: www.deciphertheday.blogspot.com

2011

2011-01-12T15:09:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and it's time I quit putting my head in the sand and get this blog on its legs.

First New Years resolution: I promise I won't use that many lame metaphors in the same sentence again. Well, I'll try..

photo: the wonderfully talented MAX WANGER.