Shop Til You Drop
 

The hottest news on who’s done what, with who, and what they were wearing while doing it…


04.12.08
Buy before you fly
If you’re travelling through Melbourne anytime soon, get excited. Sportsgirl are opening a stand alone store at Melbourne airport’s Virgin terminal, housing the Sg accessories range including shoes, bags, scarves, jewellery and beauty products. It will be open for all shopping-loving passengers from today. Enjoy. But don’t miss your flight.


2.12.08
Ferrero wraps it up
Grab your unwrapped pressies and head to the Ferrero pop-up wrapping store in Sydney’s Paddington. Famous not only for their little balls of goodness, but also for their luxe wrapping, Ferrero are offering shoppers the chance to have three gifts wrapped (from any store) for every limited edition gold Ferrero Rocher gift box purchased. The offer is yours from today until December 24. Head down to 461 Oxford Street, Paddington, NSW
before it pops back out again!

28.11.08
Diamonds are Leona’s best friend
Leona Edmiston has just announced the launch of her sparkling new diamond range, available exclusively from Myer stores and Leona Edmiston boutiques nationally. The collection is set in white gold and features drop earrings, necklaces, pendants and bracelets in art deco-inspired shapes. Prices start at $199. For ladies who like the good stuff.


27.11.08
Tell him what you want… what you really, really want
Boyfriends: so clueless. Lucky for you taken ladies, an online shopping service to help make him a little less clueless has arrived just in time for Christmas. Presentsforher.com.au is designed to help guys find the perfect pressie… with a wish list created by his very own girlfriend. To make it even simpler for him, the wish list gets sent directly to his inbox with picture, price and link to the checkout so he can’t get it wrong and “accidentally” buy you a barbeque utensils set. Get him linked to it now.

26.11.08
Finally, a Sex and the City 2 announcement
Sex and the City fans rejoice – it looks like a sequel to Sex and the City: The Movie will be hitting screens in 2010. Sarah Jessica Parker has admitted she and writer/director Michael Patrick King have been scheming storylines, so the question on our lips is: will Carrie follow in Miranda and Charlotte’s footsteps into the world of motherhood? Parker thinks this is unlikely: “Motherhood doesn’t seem as if that’s going to be a choice she’ll make,” she has said. “It feels a little bit manipulative to toss that into the mix because she seems so pointed in a different direction.” Well, whatever path she does decide to skip down (in her Manolos, naturally), we’ll be waiting in line to watch.


24.11.08
Easy to find
Just in time for Christmas (and the panicked shoppers we’re all trying to avoid), new Australian shopping website hardtofind.com.au has arrived to save our souls. With 50 mini boutiques, it stocks everything from gourmet goodies to homewares and jewellery. And with brands including Dinosaur Designs, Corban & Blair, Ginger & Smart and Top3 by Design. We think your Christmas pressie list just got sorted.


21.11.08
Cue in pictures
To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Cue has produced a hardcover commemorative book showcasing everyday women in their favourite Cue outfits. More than just a picture-based book, everyone in it has a story to tell, too. It’s available next month from selected Cue stores for $45.  Check it out for a nostalgic look at the Australian brand.


20.11.08
Arabella in the home
Australian label Arabella Ramsay has made the shift into homewares with a new division, Arabella Ramsay Homegrown. The collection will include shopping bags, make-up pouches, cushions, aprons, quilt cover sets, laundry bags and shoe bags in two childhood-inspired prints using the best in imported Japanese cotton. Design savvy women with a love of homewares: assume your positions when it hits stores at the beginning of December.


19.11.08
Forever New flagship store
Fast-growing fashion chain Forever New is opening a flagship store in Melbourne's Bourke Street Mall this Thursday, November 20. To bump up the excitement, the first 20 customers will receive a $100 voucher, and anyone who spends more than $100 will score an exclusive style session. Be there to pick up some catwalk-inspired trends.


18.11.08
Click on Country Road
Country Road has launched their fab new website for your viewing (and shopping) pleasure. See countryroad.com.au to view their latest collections, or check your Country Road cardholder program status, spend and personal details. Happy clicking.


14.11.08
Be a rock star, baby
Thanks to Bon Jovi rocker (a.k.a drummer), Tico Torres, alternative mamas and papas can now have alternative babies, too. Forget traditional pastels (and sweet little bunny rugs), Torres has designed a range of goods to give any bub rock star credentials. Rock Star Baby by Nici features rattles, cushions, comforters, bibs and pram mobiles in…you guessed it…the rock star rainbow of red, black and grey. Call 1300 881 940 for stockists.


13.11.08
SDS + Bondi = summer fun
On November 19, Surf, Dive ‘n’ Ski are celebrating the arrival of summer (aren’t we all?) with the grand opening of their Bondi store. Not only will there be food, drinks, reggae beats and a free Tigerlily or Seafolly bikini for all, but also the chance for hopeful models to enter the open bikini casting to become part of the SDS Summer Window Campaign. To register, email Eliza at ekearns@arcfactory.com.au with a full-length photo.
12.11.08
The Clinique It-girl hunt
Wannabe beauty writers, roll up, roll up. Clinique are on the look out for six It-girls aged between 18 and 30 with a passion for writing and all things beauty to review new Clinique products and attend press launches for a year. The lucky duck will also score a $200 SonyBMG music pack, $1000 Clinique starter pack and Hussy T-shirt. Plus, there's a Lash Power Mascara in it for 100 runners-up. Enter online at www.cliniqueitgirls.com.au by November 20.

11.11.08
Get your Skechers on
Sydney-siders on the market for a pair of street-meets-sexy sneakers should march on down to the Skechers concept store this Friday. Whaddya get for it? The new face (er, feet?) of Skechers Australia, Home And Away’s Jessica Tovey, is making an exclusive in-store appearance to pose for snaps and sign autographs. We hear discount vouchers and loads of Skechers giveaways will also be stopping by to say hi. Be there: 3-5pm, Friday November 14, Skechers concept store, 2/6 Oxford Street, Paddington.
06.11.08
2threads.com wants to know who you love
Online fashion haven, 2threads.com, have launched the 2threads Australian Fashion Awards. You can nominate your favourite designer in five fields: best designer women’s fashion, best designer men’s fashion, best designer swimwear, best up and coming designer and best accessory designer including footwear. Make your opinion count and nominate now!



29.10.08
Lady in red
Do you ever wonder how some people get their jobs? Like the people responsible for conducting the study into when women look the most attractive to men. How someone goes about getting this job, we’re not sure, but nevertheless, the science geeks in question have discovered that a woman wearing red while standing in front of a red background will appear the most attractive. The men who took part in the study were shown a picture of a moderately attractive women framed in either red, white, grey or green and the lady in red was voted the most ‘sexually attractive’. Scientists believe this could be related to similar behaviour exhibited by our primate relatives: when ready for some action, female baboons and chimps display body parts with a red colouring, and the males come running. Perhaps we’ve been wrong about LBDs this whole time… it certainly can’t hurt to add a little red dress to the mix, you know, just to be on the safe side.

28.10.08
Gallery set in Motion
Third year students from St George Fashion Design in Sydney unveiled their signature ranges last night at The Muse, Ultimo. Floaty fabrics with structured shoes were seen throughout the ranges, with darker, edgier designs turning many heads. Jasmine Amy was awarded the winner by Peter Naugton, head menswear designer for Saba. Her sweet range was inspired by English High Tea, and featured oversized heavy floral headpieces mixed with lace, dashes of leather and an abundance of pink cupcakes. With many students headhunted by top fashion designers, we can’t wait for their end of year parade, Motion, in November.

27.10.08
Could it be bye-bye mascara?
A drug designed to combat the eye disease Glaucoma has one very positive side effect – longer lashes. In a university study, subjects were given two gels, one with the drug bimatoprost and the other a placebo, and told to use one on each eye. The results showed that the treated eyelash grew around two millimetres in six weeks; double that of the untreated lashes. Users noticed the side effects of the treatment Lumigan included darker, thicker, longer lashes. Look out Maybelline, if the makers of the drug get their way, this treatment will soon be available at your local cosmetic surgeon...
24.10.08
Aussie star on the rise
Miss Universe Australia, Laura Dundovic, has had a hard time following in the footsteps of Jennifer Hawkins, but has been making a real name for herself of late with a slate of top jobs. Since modelling Jayson Brunsdon’s conceptual design inspired by Australia’s sun, surf and desert for the Miss Universe contest (left), she has been seen modelling for a number of brands and magazines (including a controversial turn on the cover of Ralph) and has just scored a gig as the new face of international footwear brand Steve Madden. Watch this face…
23.10.08
So you think you can design?
Look out Project Runway, Project Mariah has taken off. The multi-Grammy winning singer is looking for someone to design a pink gown in honour of her new Luscious Beauty fragrance. However, it’s not an entirely vain effort, two extra copies of the dress will be made, one for the designer to add to his or her collection, and another to be auctioned off for breast cancer research. Don’t get too many wild ideas just yet; there is a Mariah-inspired template to work off! Bummer, we were thinking something loose, long and flowing… 

22.10.08
Kate Sylvester wins sustainability award
Not only is she one hot designer, but she’s been working hard to make sure all that hotness isn’t leaving a carbon footprint. Kate Sylvester took out the honours at the Emerging Small and Medium Business award at the NZI National Sustainable Business Awards this week. The Kiwi designer said she was proud to be changing the face of fashion. “It's made us realise how thorough our commitment is to sustainability and that it is possible to achieve success in this area even in the traditionally 'dirty' business of fashion.” 

21.10.08
Worst dressed list critic dies, 86
Famous fashion critic Richard Blackwell died yesterday of complications from an intestinal infection after being admitted to hospital with the complaint in August. Famed for his acid tongue and scathing remarks about Hollywood’s rich and famous, Blackwell made stars live in fear of being named on his infamous list. Veterans of the list include Meryl Streep, Paula Abdul, Madonna, Britney Spears – and even our fave SJP couldn’t escape the barbs making it onto the Blackwell Ten Worst Dressed list in 1999 proving to the fashion conscious and clueless alike, that money does not guarantee style.

On Sarah Ferguson (Duchess of York), “[She] looks like an unemployed barmaid in search of a crown," on Victoria Beckham, “Forget the fashion spice - wearing a skirt would suffice! In one skinny-mini monstrosity after another, pouty posh can really wreck-‘em,” and on Cameron Diaz, "Looks like she was dressed by a color-blind circus clown.” How he comes up with these comments, we’ll never know.


20.10.08
Men in tights
If you thought our fashion territory was being plagued by men in man-scara and man-bras – things are set to get worse. The latest offspring of feminine-inspired male style are "mantyhose" – yep, that’s right, pantyhose for men. Websites such e-mancipate.com claim that everyone from truck drivers to cowboys are wearing them. "Men have great legs and hosiery is a great way to show them. It's quite practical, prevents chafing and is a good alternative to bulky underwear if you need some warmth… Hosiery goes easily with almost every kind of shorts and shoes,” says one converted wearer. Designed with our man-friends in mind, male pantyhose come with a "male comfort panel" and even offer a convenient fly opening. What will they think of next? Wait, on second thoughts, maybe we don’t want to know…
  17.10.08
Tickled pink
If you’re going to get yourself down to Broadway Shopping Centre in Sydney anytime soon – today is the day. The shopping mecca has put on its prettiest shade of pink over the last three weeks to raise funds for Pink Ribbon Day and today the celebration ends in spectacular style. All 168 retailers will be decked out pink in support of the Cancer Council and shoppers who donate to the cause will hook themselves up with loads of fantastic giveaways such free coffees, finger buns, ice creams, flowers and cupcakes – all pink of course! Better yet, the major prizes will be drawn today including a pink sapphire diamond ring, a scooter, pink GHD hair styler and pink GC watch. If that’s not a good enough excuse for an early-mark on this sunny Friday, we don’t know what is.
  15.10.08
Face-off
We are accustomed to seeing the faces of Hollywood queens on the big screen, but French designer Jean Charles de Castelbajac has found another place for them – on his fanciful gowns. Showcased during Greek Fashion Week in Athens, the quirky designs featured the faces of on-screen sirens Natalie Portman and Kirsten Dunst, crowned with tiaras.  JCDC says of the range, “My work is not about only showing fashion... I am interested in creating real installations. What I want is to set up an atmosphere and show images with meanings.”
Mission accomplished, we say.


  14.10.08
Greatest gowns of all…
The votes have been counted and Liz Hurley's safety-pin dress has been deemed the greatest red carpet gown of all time by a leading United Kingdom department store, Debenhams. The model-and-actress wore the revealing Versace number for the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral, which starred her then-boyfriend Hugh Grant. ‘Liz Hurley's daring safety-pin dress is one of the most famous black dresses worn on the red carpet, which made her a household name overnight’, said a spokesperson for the store. The little black number beat competition from legendary actress Audrey Hepburn's white 1954 Givenchy dress, which took second place in Debenhams Top 20 Iconic Red Carpet Dresses list.
  13.10.08
Love to layer

Ahh, Metalicus – you bring us so much trans-seasonal joy. With your lightweight bodywear perfect for layering, you’ve pretty much got it sorted when it comes to dressing for tricky spring weather. But with the weather hotting up, we’re loving your slim-line maxis for summer, too. Sophisticated yet comfortable, we’re stocking up now. Which is why it’s terribly convenient that a new Metalicus store has just opened in Sydney Central Plaza, 450 George Street, Sydney. And that you’ve also re-opened your expanded Melbourne store and are set to open shops in Perth and Doncaster in just a few short weeks! Can’t wait that long? Head to www.metalicus.com.

  10.10.08
 
Save the whales… and the dolphins… and your fashion cred…
…by getting your mitts on Lisa Blue – a new range of swimwear designed by single mum, former model and surfer Lisa Burke. Lisa designs all the swimwear herself and oversees the manufacturing right here in Oz. What’s more, she’ll donate 25 per cent of all profits from the range to causes that support whales and dolphins. Yep, you heard right, a quarter of all profits. So go on, be kind to the sea creatures and indulge yourself in a new pair of togs. You can see the range at aussieswimstore.com.au.


9.10.08
Bag lady
Bettina Liano has put a fashionable foot forward with the release of a reusable denim shopping bag. “It’s made to last like good pair of jeans with sturdy reinforced stitching and hardwear,” says Liano. Sold in all nine Bettina Liano boutiques throughout Australia, the bag will be available in two sizes and two washes (vintage and indigo) for $99 and $69, with $10 and $5, respectively, donated to Mission Australia, a charity that aims to combat youth homelessness. And with governments working to phase-out single-use plastic bags by the end of 2008 Liano’s stylish version arrives in fitting time!

8.10.08 
Some like it tight…
One of our most high-profile Aussie models has fainted on the catwalk due to an "incredibly tight" corset. Abbey Lee Kershaw began to feel weak after being squeezed into the brown garment at Paris Fashion Week. The once Sydney resident, 19, has also been working long days on the international modeling circuit according to her agent, Kathy Ward of Chic Models. "The corset was incredibly tight but she was absolutely fine afterwards and even continued to appear at more shows,'' said Ward. As always – all ends happy in fashion land.
  3.10.08
The golden touch
It’s true what they say – everything Kate Moss touches turns to gold. It even seems to extend to things that look like her with artist Marc Quinn unveiling a 50 kilogram statue of her today made of, what else, solid gold. The sculpture is said to be the largest gold statue to be made in the world since the time of Ancient Egypt, although we’re betting the ancient Egyptians never built anything quite so, um, yogariffic.
  2.10.08
Long live the king
Lipstick guru Poppy King is back! Her  new range, whimsically title Lipstick Queen (that's right, Lipstick Queen), is about to hit Australian shores. You can expect the matte creaminess of all her old-skool sticks and glosses in brand spanking new formulas sure to garner a whole new generation of fans. The range is available now at kitcosmetics.com.au and will hit kit stores next Monday, October 6. Get in quick to get your fave before they're gone forever ... again!

 See the SHOP NEWS archive >>