Rockstar Women (aka why a winning woman isn't all about a bangin' body)

I've had a number of conversations with the men in my life recently about hot Scandanavian women, the girl down the street, long distance relationships, the ever present long legs and short skirts at Merivale Establishment ... and I've equally had a number of conversations with the fabulous women in my life - from work, from uni, from different parts of the world, at my beauty salon, about what Sydney men seem to want (or not want).

Last night a friend told me his girl was 'epic'.  And it got me to thinking about the 'epic' women I know who are quite literally, rockstars in their given area of intelligence or talent, but many of whom are single (or at least were single for a number of years until they went overseas).  Sydney men seem to suffer from a flesh diet that focuses primarily on a bangin' body.  Do you agree?  Is anything more than that really too much hard work?  Or do you want someone who is epic?  Passionate in bed and in life, who has guts and determination, who you can talk politics and sport with, someone who you can laugh with every day for the rest of your life...a partner in crime?  This particular friend wants a woman (and has found one) who he can go toe to toe with - and I think that makes it all the sweeter. 

Emma Watson winning in Oscar de la Renta

via OscarPRgirl

Katie goes to Hollywood

And some more from the land of ice hockey...

Coat me up, Scotty. I'm cold.

via A Well Styled Life and Cupcakes and Cashmere

Givenchy gold toe ballet flat

  

A healthy mind, is a healthy body

“Don’t let your mind bully your body into believing it must carry the burden of its worries.”

- Astrid Alauda

via Dangerously Debonair

I've talked a little about meditation on this blog and its powers for changing the brain.  I also firmly believe that a a troubled mind has a great effect on physical health - don't let your inner critic overwhelm you, breathe deeply to minimise your stress and anxiety, and let compassion fill your heart and mind.  Your body will thank you.

Why I love to write.

“If I don’t write to empty my mind, I go mad.”

- Lord Byron

via Dangerously Debonair



Against the use of the word "very"

"So avoid using the word ‘very’ because it’s lazy. A man is not very tired, he is exhausted. Don’t use very sad, use morose. Language was invented for one reason, boys - to woo women - and, in that endeavor, laziness will not do. It also won’t do in your essays."

- Robin Williams playing John Keating in Dead Poets Society.

Neutrals and neons

A while ago hot neon colours exploded back on to the scene.  I distinctly recall my friend Will wearing his Nike kicks in Positano - naturally, he thought they were insanely cool.  I on the other hand believe I described them to be: "as if a pack of highlighters had vomited on his shoes."  Luckily, the new neon is much more subtle - and paired with neutrals it's hot.

Missing suiting up for work

I can't wear some of my nicest threads these days and was thinking recently how much I miss suiting up in some nice clean tailored lines.  Always fun to keep the office stylish.

Well played, Duchess (aka can't get enough of Kate)

via The Daily Mail

The Duchess in Canada...thanks to the gorgeous Helicious for directing me to these pics.  I can't say enough about the first dress.  And the second out fit is just perfect for work - the jacket is from one of my fave labels, Smythe les Vestes - you can always pick up a gorgeous Smythe at Diane T in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

Clutch at me (has this replaced the IT bag trend?)

Via style.com (Tommy Ton)

I've been know for carrying some pretty BIG bags in my time...some the size I can fit in (as my friend Ing would say).  Of course I do love a good clutch, as those who have heard my Marc Jacobs meltdown in Hawaii story know - it involved gorgeous quilted oak leather, a spilt glass of water that looked like ink and me getting angry at a glass sliding door.  Needless to say, it was pretty scary for the other party concerned and I'm sure had more to do with some deeper issues than the love of a clutch!  BUT, I do love a clutch...and so, does it seem, do the fashionistas.  Of course I also can't get over the colour from the summer fashion shows in Europe...thanks Tommy Ton for bringing it to life.

Yo-yo Ma and Lil Buck: cello and locking

Seen on Dangerously Debonair, from Opening Ceremony's Youtube page

Spike Jonze released this incredible collaboration from cello virtuoso Yo-Yo Ma and LA dancer, Lil Buck.  It is heartbreakingly beautiful.

On the transition from law to consulting....

“It is not enough to have a good mind…the main thing is to use it well.”

- Rene Descartes

via Dangeroously Debonair

Well played, Duchess (aka Kate and Will go to Wimbeldon)

via JustJared.com

I'm not sure whether the Duchess acquired a stylist when she got engaged (certainly her style was already getting better when people were calling her Waity Kaity) but her style definitely stepped up a notch.  Kate's latest game, set, match (pardon the pun) was yesterday at Wimbeldon, where she wore this super cute and ladylike tennis inspired dress from Temperley.  I am a big fan of the shoulder detail. Of course in a testament to self-help books everywhere, nothing makes you look more beautiful than being happy - it really does shine through (on both of them). She literally radiates.

Vignettes - chez Nish

When my house is tidy, my mind is tidy.

Acceptance.

“We spend great energy in mental processes wishing things were different than they are. Wishing the traffic jam didn’t exist. Wishing the boss were a little nicer, wishing our children would take our advice, wishing, wishing, wishing. Acceptance is a key to a happier life. If we can just try to accept what is, and that wanting otherwise is often wasted energy, we will be happier. We would be better able to experience the moment more fully with this state of mind.”

- William Berry.

via Dangerously Debonair

Men in black and white

Fabulously fashionable friends

Last week I got to catch up with the darling Weeks, who has been galavanting around the globe over the last 6 weeks (and who I have missed terribly).  She came back with a whole lot of lovely purchases, but this was my favourite...I've had it on my Shopbop wishlist for the last few months.  And boy, does she wear it well.  Well done, Weeks, well done.

Less metal, more leather

via The Glitter Guide, Streetfsn and Asos

Last week I posted about the heavy bling/big leather clutch trend.  Here are a few more fun inspirations - less metal.  But a whole lotta leather.