Von Follies by Dita von Teese for Target

Look, it's going to be really difficult for me to not spend this entire blog post salivating over what a goddess Dita Von Teese is. Her stage presence makes Robin Williams look like a wallflower and the way she exudes femininity basically makes my ovaries explode. Gorgeous, with a penchant for danger (her relationship with Marilyn Manson, am I right?) her self made success puts her in excellent stead as an 'alternative' role model.

Moving on...

The appearance of Von Teese drew a refreshing crowd to Central Pier. We were treated to old world glamour- tailored pieces and structural lines that, unbeknown to us, would mimic Von Teese's collection. 40's hairstyles were abound, many throwing caution to the wind, combining their lacquered look with fabulously coloured locks - fire engine red, fairy floss pink, I think I even saw sky blue on one girl. It was rockabilly for the modern day - women celebrating their shapes, without being demure.

Dat Corset.

Dat Coat.

Dat Suit. 

Dat Skirt.

Dat WHOLE OUTFIT!

So yes, success all round for the festival goers.

As the time trundled closer to 8.30, I wandered over to the press entrance. You know, whatever, I had a Media Pass, no biggie. KDGJSDGJLVLMSHQIFJKL.
 I was excited. I was even more excited when I turned around and none other than JOSH FLINN from Australia's Next Top Model was behind me.

I had a total geek out, nearly cried, and refused to take a photo with him. First world success? I think so.

 He was so tiny in real life, he looked as if he should have had a FRAGILE sticker plastered across his forehead. A little frail man, in an astounding leopard print blazer - could anyone have blamed me if I'd tore it off his back? I don't think so.

 Once seated, (without a gift bag, sob, although we had conspired to steal one), I had a good forty minutes or so to consider my circumstances - the show was going to be fashionably late. 

Here I was. Media Pass around my neck, lauded journalists to my right, noses buried in their smart phones, soaking up The Bourne Book. I was about to see Dita von Teese in the flesh. The dress I was wearing was amazing. I knew I could actually afford the designs I was about to see, rather than having to stick pictures of them on my wish board. Bloody fantastic.

And then the show began.

There Dita was, strutting to a brassy big band soundtrack, sauntering down the runway. The woman knows how to pack a punch. She worked every inch of that runway, hips swaying, as she pumped her Christian Louboutin's (and the crowd) into a frenzy.

As I said earlier, Von Teese brought something new and visceral to LMFF. Never have I seen a fashion crowd so engaged. That could have just been the girls in skimpy underwear, but when there's wolf whistles and cheering throughout the show, you have no choice but to imagine that the Dita brand is taking off. There is no shame in vamping it up and this 'vintage for the modern era' is certainly beginning to resonate.

 Black lace, leather gloves, whips (all taken from Von Teese's personal collection) adored the models, who were of all shapes and sizes. All of them looked fabulously confident. 

The designs themselves were stunning, fit for any wannabe burlesque star (or ringmaster). 

I left feeling satisfied, albeit never wanting to see another model's thinly veiled ass again.  The collection gave off a sense of luxury coupled with accessibility. Von Teese is a fantastic saleswoman. 

Von Follies by Dita von Teese is available at Target.

Von Follies and more

It's coming boys and girls, the first night of coverage of L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion festival, with segments such as 'Bemused or Aroused Male Audience Members - You Choose' and 'Who Do I Have to Kill to Get my Hands On That Outfit?'.

Yes, it was a night where I couldn't decide if I wanted to take myself and the entire carnival (circus?) seriously. And that internal vonflict (...oops, conflict) has left me longing for sleep itself. Tomorrow, my pretties, tomorrow!

Big fat air kisses to you all.

MWAH

PR NEOPHYTE

Last year, I (Kirstie) spent six months working with a team to do the PR for Moral Fairground's annual Fair@Sqaure festival in Melbourne. Without any previous PR experience, I had to learn the ins and outs as I went along and realised that working in PR wasn't as glamorous as I imagined it to be - it involves a lot of hard work behind the scenes, thousands of emails (I once sent 600 emails in one day!!!!!!), persistence, and the ability to take constant rejection. This being said, it was totally rewarding (watch the highlights of Fair@Square 2011 below!!!) and I thought I would share what I've learnt with others who are aspiring to work in PR, looking for PR internships etc..

So here are 3 tips:

1. Do your research


Know your target audience and how to reach your audience using appropriate media whether it's print, radio, social media, etc. Build a database of media contacts relevant to your industry and ensure that you keep it up to date. 

When writing a press release, make sure that your message is clear and relevant to the media. You need to come up with an angle as journalists wants a story not an advert or sales pitch.


2. Pay attention to detail


Make sure that all the information on your website, social media and press releases are correct. Sending out mass press releases can be very time consuming but you must be meticulous because it's so easy to make mistakes (and I've made plenty!). Ensure that the names in each email is correct and that you're sending the right press releases and photographs to the right people.


3. Follow up 

Following up with phone calls is important when trying to get media coverage as you want to ensure that journalists have received and read your press release. However learn to take no for an answer, if you're still pushy after they've kindly rejected, you may burn a few bridges - you want to build a professional relationship with journalists so that you can work with them again in the future.

That's enough of me pretending to know what I'm talking about.. watch Fair@Square 2011 highlights here!

Delicious Op Shop Finds

I (Tess) spend way too much money at op shops (thrift stores for our American counterparts).

Here are some of my favourite pieces from my latest haul. 

Silk Kimono Style Jacket. I paid $3. What up.

Tan Leather Ankle Boots, brand new. $17

Black fringed jumper. $6

Ahhh! Cream mod style coat. $15.

WELCOME TO THE 'BOURNE BOOK!

We trust that your day is going well!

We are four girls (l-r: Tessa, Julia, Chiara and Kirstie) from the north western suburbs of Melbourne. We are starting this (Mel)'bourne Book as a way of sharing our experiences with the wider community. You can expect posts about tea (LOTS of posts about tea), op shopping, gigs and shows, pop culture, recipes and anything else that pops into our strange little minds.

We all attended high school together, but since graduating in 2008, our friendships have flourished and grown. Each of us has different interests and aspirations, but these differences serve only to bring us closer. Learning from each other, we are able to achieve a more holistic view of ourselves and the world. And yes, we realize that sounds incredible corny, but we can't help what's true!

Below, you'll find what to expect on this blog from each of us...

TESSA

Hey guys! What's up? From me, you'll find obscure snippets of pop culture, me flogging my latest photoshoot, and essays on anything from tattoos to biology. And tea.

 KIRSTIE

 

Greetings! I'll be posting a random assortment of things that interests me, inspires me or makes me giggle. Expect 'dear diary' entries, bizarre news topics, cool adverts and more! And tea.

JULIA

Hello sunshine! My contribution will be based around fitness, healthy eating, car troubles and 'cultural' food mixed with a healthy dose of wonderlust and excitement. And tea.

CHIARA

Just quietly guys, my posts are going to be about food, baking (both the sun and oven type), my Suzuki Swift and anything drama related. And tea.