Snake Bites

Cosmetic Animal Testing

2008-04-11T11:48:00.003+10:00

Dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, guinea pigs, monkeys the list goes on… They can be poisoned and blinded, have substances forced into their stomachs and their eyes… These tests are no even required by law, and many brands produce cosmetics that aren’t tested on animals, so why do they still do it?!

The following companies have not signed on to PETA’s caring consumers list; meaning that they have NOT stated they don’t test on animals. These are the major companies, and the brand products they own.

This is where it gets confusing. L’Oreal owns brands such as Khiels, The Body Shop and Shu Umera but they do not manufacture them. They all have strict ‘non animal testing’ policies. So it comes down to the consumer: Do you want to buy a cruelty free product from Khiel’s knowing that the money you spend goes to a company that does test?

Be warned:

Chesebrough- Ponds
- Ponds
- Vaseline
Proctor & Gamble
- Claroil
- Herbal Essences
- CoverGirl
- Max Factor
- Oral-B
- Pantene
- Olay/Oil Of Olay
Colgate-Palmolive
- Palmolive
- Speed Stick Deodrant
- Colgate
Johnson&Johnson
- Clean & Clear
- Neutrogena
L’Oreal
- Biotherm
- Garnier
- Georgio Armarni
- Lancome
- Maybelline
- Redken
Unilever
- Dove
- Sunsilk

Have a look at these videos on the PETA website. If you need convincing. Which I hope you dont.

Why bother with any products from the above list, when there are so many fantastic products those DO NOT test on animals? Some of these brands include:

- Almay
- Avon
- Bobbi Brown
- Bonne Bell
- Bumble & Bumble
- Burts Bees
- Chanel
- Clarins
- Clinique
- Dermatelogica
- Estee Lauder
- Goldwell
- Jo Malone
- Jurlique
- KMS
- La Mer
- L’Occitane
- MAC
- Nivea
- OPI
- Palmers
- Revlon
- Stila

For the complete Consumer Lists click here. Unfortuneately, many brands are not on either list. Rules and regulations are very complex. If you have a favourite brand that isn’t featured, I would suggest researching further on the internet, emailing and calling to ask why they haven’t contacted PETA if they claim to be cruelty free. Be as specific as possible. Ask about specific products AND ingredients.

Animal Testing goes further than cosmetic use. There are also medicinal and research issues. The linked lists also include a wide range of hygeine products such as soaps, toothpastes, laundrey products and general cleaning items. These types of products contain the most chemicals and are obviously the most painful for animals that are trapped in labretories and tested on. Even certain pet food brands (eg. IAMS) are tested on animals?! WTF. But that is enough for a whole other post....

Things I Love Thursday

2008-04-10T13:17:00.009+10:00

Damien Hirst

I have a fascination with death and decomposition that often borders on morbid. Hey, you are who you are. I've always loved English artist Damien Hirst's work, namely his infamous For The Love Of God work in which he covered a human skull with over 8000 diamonds. Mmmmm

Tassle Earrings

Tehehe I actually made a pair. So yes, I am wearing curtain decorations in my ears and I Love it!!

Vintage Hat Boxes

I live in a 1.5 bedroom flat and have been forced to be creative regarding storage space for my over flowing wardrobe. Enter the hat boxes! I have a collection of vintage and new hat boxes stacked around my apartment that houses my various hoisery, socks, underwear and bits & peices

Cocktail Rings

The bigger and more obnoxious the better! Im a fan of in-expensive ones, because hy, the more the merrier! Plastic or blinged out with sparklies, dressing up your fingers has never been more fun

Miranda Kerr

Miranda has been my favourite model ever since she won a modelling competetion for Dolly magazine at 13. As random as life is, she ended up being in my extended circle of friends during the time she was dating an ex boyfriend and she has just got a lucritive Maybelline contract. Although we dont really keep in touch too much anymore, Ive still been following her career like an excited little kid, watching her editorials and campaigns with Kenzo, Neiman Marcus, Portmans and Victoria's Secret. She's just been announced the face of David Jones (Australia's answer to Bloomingdales) and I cant wait to see her again properly now that she will be back in Sydney more often. She is such a sweetie!!

Icons Of Style- Erin Wasson

2008-04-08T21:28:00.027+10:00

Erin Wasson has been modelling since 2000. At only 25, she has had campaigns with Gucci, Maybelline, Victoria's Secret and Dolce & Gabbanna to name a few. Her friends are models and designers, she is tattooed, surfs in her spare time and designs jewellery for her range Luv Low. Can I say perfection?!

What we can learn from Erin:

- know what suits you and stick to it!
- basic colours are not boring
- hats, slouchy beanies, headbands and headpeices are fun

- flats are cool, be in sneakers, brouges, gladiator sandles or boots

- denim cut offs are a staple wardrobe item (if you have the legs!)

Film Fashion

2008-04-07T16:45:00.020+10:00

Fashion in film is amazing. Always has been, always will be. Here is my Top 10 Lists of outfits, in no particular order, from film that made an impact on my life...

1. Corey in Empire Records

2. Juliet in Baz Luhrmans Romeo and Juliet

3. Sloane in Ferris Buller's Day Off

4. Vivian in Pretty Woman

5. Sandy in Grease

6. Buffy in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

7. Carrie in Carrie

8. Andy in How To Loose A Guy in 10 Days

9. Cher in Clueless (damn it was hard to pick just one!)

10. Alice in Alice In Wonderland

Honourable mentions:

* Elle Woods in Legally Blonde- the pink playboy bunny ouyfit

* Penny Lane in Almost Famous- pesant top, jeans, fluffy coat

* Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffanys- opening scene, yes that lbd

* Lux in the Virgin Suicides- pick any floaty 70s dress

* Catherine & Annette in Cruel Intentions- their school uniforms are too cute!
* Lisa in Girl Interrupted- her outfit of the skinny grey jeans, yellow tee

* Rebecca in Girl On A Motorcycle- leather jumpsuit mmm

* Baby in Dirty Dancing- her final dance dress
* Lelaina in Reality Bites- the 'doilley' dress

* Nancy in Sid&Nancy - everything! punk fantastica

What makes your list?

DIY Fun

2008-04-05T12:52:00.010+11:00

You may laugh, but Ive spent a chunk of time browsing the Martha Stewart website and there is just so many cute little crafty things Im wanting to do! The Craft Of The Day feature is so sweet! Well, to me anyways.

I finally got around to doing a little DIY project Ive been meaning to do for aages that both Gala Darling and Martha Stewart have done...

I am a collector of images- I have magazine clippings and photos and postcards spilling everywhere, so this is just perfect because if I get sick of it, all I need to do is replace the picture! Yay! I just used those adhesive hook things, but the removable ones so its no mess!

I am definately going to try the following simple ideas from M. Stewart too:

Brooch Into Bracelet
The brooch had its (most recent) big moment a few years ago, but why not welcome it back as the centerpiece of a romantic ribbon bracelet (above)? The cuff is simply a cubic zirconia-encrusted leaf pinned to some lavender velvet ribbon. The only tricky part is tying it on your wrist-you'll need an extra pair of hands to help you there. Pick out a thickish ribbon, like velvet or double-faced satin, that will support the brooch's weight.

Earrings Into Pins
As for those glitzy earrings that see action only at weddings, cluster a few together to give holiday outfits a pop of sparkle (above). The upper two crystal blossoms are clip-ons clamped onto the neckline the bottom one is a stud pierced through the fabric.

Necklace Into Shoulder Strap
A chiffon top with a sweet jewel-encrusted touch proves it's more than okay to have a few chips on your shoulder. This silver-and-stone necklace hides a spaghetti strap underneath, but you can also try this idea with a strapless top. You'll need two French safety pins (the kind that don't have bottom coils) and a choker or short necklace with consistent width (avoid necklaces that graduate in size). With the non-clasp end positioned at the front of the top, tuck the pin underneath the top, push it through the material, and hook the end of the necklace to secure. Repeat on the back. Or, if you prefer, you can make the look semipermanent with a few hand stitches.

Bracelet Into Belt
This waist-defining stunner -- perfect for holiday parties -- was created by looping satin ribbon through a hole in the filigree at each end of a bracelet. To make your own, choose a bracelet with ring clasps or openwork through which you can easily thread a strap (satin or grosgrain work well). The bracelet should also have a bit of heft, so you won't risk breaking it every time you laugh. Take it with you to the fabric store when selecting ribbon so you can gauge the right thickness and color.

This is a good idea too, I have so many printed silk scarves!

Appreciation Bubble:
My home. The fact that I have a home. Out for dinner last night in Surry Hills I ended up chatting to a girl who seemed to be my age while having a cigarette outside. And yes, she was homeless, living in a shelter. There are too many people who have no where to live, and it really disgusts me that the common attitude is to assume homelessness is due to alcohol or drug problems. People are people, we all need somewhere safe to sleep.

Things I Love Thursday

2008-04-03T09:18:00.007+11:00

Bows In Your Hair
There was a sale on in Best & Less (think target or wallmart) on little girls accessories and I stocked up on bows. Bows on headbands, bows on bobby pins, bows on clips, bows on hair ties…. Love.

Venetian Masks
I want to go to a masquerade ball and wear a fabulous gown and then Id have an excuse to buy a feathered, sequined, Venetian mask.

My New Ugg Boots
My mum just surprised me with these gorgeous new Ugg Boots. Her reason? My old ones were falling apart and errr smelled bad.

Before you go ‘ohmigod Addison, nooo please don’t be an advocate for them, I thought this blog was supposed to be about STYLE!’ don’t worry. Ugg boots WERE NOT made to be fashion items. Growing up in Australia, everyone wore ugg boots in winter, in place of slippers or socks.

And that is where they should remain. In winter, only to be worn INDOORS. Possibly to go check the mail. But never EVER outside in place of actual shoes. Why do people do this WHY!!!???

Long Leather Gloves
Does this even need an explanation?! Freakin HOT! I have teeny hands and can never fit into store bought gloves, which is frustrating. Most vintage gloves fit, as do children’s ones…. The hunt begins…

Discovering New Blogs
I adore finding new blogs that I absolutely love and thinking 'how did i ever live without this?!' One such blog is A New Muse that has posts on Sydney Street Style. Its a little funny because I live in the areas she's photographed and I actually know a few of the girls featured, which makes it exciting to me!! Ive added a few new links to the side of blogs that have been sweet enough to link me. So if you want your blog added, link me back and let me know and voila! (yes, shameful self promotion, but they are all awesome in their own ways so humph!)

What are some things you are loving lately?

Icons Of Style- Peaches Geldof

2008-04-02T17:45:00.026+11:00

I dont know much about Peaches Geldof aside from who her father is, that she writes/has written for a few English mags and is about 18years old. I actually dont care to know much else about her, from what rare interviews and press Ive seen Im not sure I like the girl, but there is no denying that her look is very fresh, young, funky and unique. See for yourselves...

What we can learn from Peaches:

- experiment with different hair colours and cuts

- fabulous coats make great cover ups

- splashes of bright colours, like red, liven up any outfit. shoes, bags or necklaces

- long necklaces with interesting pendants match almost everything

- black is eternally chic

- use patterened scarves to accessorise otherwise plain outfits

- the best tan you can have is a light, bronzed glow. NEVER go overboard

- black opaques suit everything and everyone

- dont be afraid of headbands! ever!

Bettie Page

2008-04-01T11:11:00.016+11:00

When you ask about pin up models of the 1950s, one name stands out. Bettie Page. Her dark hair, those bangs, that cheeky smile and those amazing curves... Bettie Page has long been an idol of mine. Her innocence, the way she was comfortable in her own skin, her attitudes and the way she lived her life is a breath of fresh air.

"I was just myself. I didn't know any other way to be, or any other way to live."

Born in 1923, Bettie begun modelling across the country after leaving home in her early 20s. In 1950, photographer Jerry Tibbs took Bettie's first pin up photos and her life changed. (He also suggested for her to cut her hair in bangs!)

"I never kept up with the fashions. I believed in wearing what I thought looked good on me."

Bettie appeared in the 1955 issue of playboy as a centerfold, but it was her fetish and bondage photos with Irving and Paula Klaw that stand out as one of her most successful endevours. Interestingly enough, Bettie never saw the photographs as provocative, or 'wrong'. She imaginaed herself playing a character, one who was the total opposit of who she actually was.

"Sex is a part of love. You shouldn't go around doing it unless you are in love…."

The photos are fairly tame to look at from todays standards, but at the time they were scandalous and created an underground stir for those who were interested in the fetish genre.

"I was not trying to be shocking, or to be a pioneer. I wasn't trying to change society, or to be ahead of my time."

Bettie dissapeared from the public eye after legal disputes surrounding her work with the Klaws and a public uproar about pornography and today enjoys a queit life with her family. She still remains a modern icon, inspiring artists, editorals, designers and film makers alike.

"She had a saucy innocence that is both contemporary and provocative, and also nostalgic." - Hugh M. Hefner

Lingerie

2008-03-29T12:16:00.008+11:00

I am a huge, HUGE fan of all things burlesque, lingerie, pin up girls la di dah. Bettie Page is one of my idols (and look out for a big post on her in the next few days!)

I cannot think of anything sexier than a pair of silk sheer, cuban heeled back seamed stockings paired with a fantastic garter. Honestly. I own a few pairs, and am trying to collect vintage pairs but I never seem to have enough money to buy what I want...

And speaking of lingerie, I have a passion for expensive, well made sets. Full sets. Matching bra, underwear and garters. G-strings, french knickers, boylegs, briefs.... My lingerie drawer is exploding. Especially once you add in all the hoisery, stockings, tights, thigh high socks/tights, leggings arrrgggh! I need a lingerie room, let me tell you!

Agent Provocateur

Pleasure State

Chantel Thomass

Fifi Cachnil

What are some of your favourite lingerie labels?

Appreciation Bubble:

Digital cameras. Can anyone even remember having to wait to get film developed? The anticipation, the 'wasting' of the last few photos to hurry up to get them developed? The dissapointment when you realise what you thought would be an amazing picture turning out to be truely hideous? God, the horror!!! Of course, nothing beats polariod film, but then again, it was instant satisfaction too, non?

My So Called Life

2008-03-28T11:16:00.011+11:00

In the early to mid 90s I was entrenched in primary school, eagerly waiting to reach “double digits” on birthdays. I was also idolizing everything my older, teenage sister did, said, wore, liked.

Which meant grunge. Flannel shirts, doc martens, faded denim jeans with tears at the knee. Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, The Violent Femmes. River Pheonix and Winona Ryder.

When Marc Jacobs did a ‘grunge inspired’ collection a few seasons ago, the fashion world went crazy for it. Which is ironic; considering the fashions of grunge stemmed from a rebellion against overly expensive clothes and the rejection of the power dressing of the 1980’s by being messy, scruffy, aloof and dressing for comfort instead of appearance.

The cult TV series, My So Called Life, not only symbolizes the era for me, the writing is truely divine; it captures so many teenage thoughts that passed through my brain. Santa gave me the box set this Christmas and I’ve recently been obsessively watching the whole thing. Again. For like the 5th time since December.

The series only lasted one season, for some reason, (with a 14 year old Claire Danes and an adorably hot young Jared Leto) but it contains so many brilliant lines, so many fantastic scenes, and so many amazing grunge-y fashions.

“This life has been a test. If this had been an actual life, you would have received instructions on where to go and what to do.”

Flannel shirt, loose tee, black leggings and doc martens. In red. Fantastical!

“You know how sometimes the last sentence you said, like, echoes in your brain? And it just keeps sounding stupider? And you have to say something else just to make it stop?”

“My parents keep asking how school was. It’s like saying ‘How was that drive by shooting?’ You don’t care how it WAS, you’re lucky to get out alive.”

Ahhhh. The floral dress with shoe string straps in a muted colour layered over a basic colored tee. Love it.

Rayanne: You wanna have sex with him.
Angela: Who?
Rayanne: Who. Jordan. Catalano. Come on, Im not gonna tell anyone, just admit it.
Angela: I just like how he’s always leaning. Against stuff. He leans great. Well, either sex or a conversation. Ideally both.

Appreciation Bubble:

trees. how they change with the seasons. Its actually really beautiful, if you stop and think about it.

Things I Love Thursday

2008-03-27T16:11:00.007+11:00

Over The Knee Boots
Being totally honest, Ive wanted a pair since Julia Roberts strutted her stuff in Pretty Woman. It wasn’t until I saw a Stella McCartney stretch pair a few years ago that I knew I HAD to get some. Unfortunately, all I ever find is WAAAAYY out of my price range or a very sophisticated pvc platform type made my strippers. Hmm

The Hills
Such a guilty pleasure. I used to live in LA, so I love pretending that I could be there. *ahem* I hate pretty much all the characters, but there is something about the show that I can't stop watching! Being the unemployed student as I am, I dont have pay TV but thankfully the fantastic people at MTV have made it available to watch online. Weeee!

Trilby Hats
I finally bought a black one. And Im in love. Cant wait till the weather cools down, since its kinda sweaty underneath it at the moment.

Max Brenner
Aparently this restaurant/café chain is currently only in Sydney, Melbourne, NYC and Israel; but its simply divine. An entire store with chocolate made drinks, deserts and weird but ultimately delicious chocolate pizzas!

The Jesus and Mary Chain
I’ve never really ‘stopped’ loving the band, but I’ve rediscovered them ever since I bought tickets to V Festival where they are playing. This Saturday! Yay!

"Just Like Honey" - The Jesus and Mary Chain

What are some of the things you're loving this week?

art

2008-03-26T12:16:00.007+11:00

Ive just bought this fantastic Alice In Wonderland inspired print from one of my new favourite Artists Kelly Smith.

Hobart based illustrator, she usually draws whimsical girls and uses mixed medias to complete the works. She's been featured in a fair few Australian mags and I wish her all the success in the world, her art is truely beautiful!

Some of my other favourite images from her:

Keep It Under Your Hat

Doe Eyes

You Are My Honey, Bunny

Check out her blog here!

Tell me, who are some of your favourite artists? Established or up-and coming?

Appreciation Bubble:

Friends. There was a time in my life when I had no one I could rely on, no one to talk to except a handful of self obsessed, toxic girlfriends. Now, I have a wide range of friends for different reasons- the girls to go out partying with, the girls to have d&m's with and the rare few who i look at as my sisters. I dont think family has to mean blood relatives at all, there are those who feel more like family than some cousin ive met once who lives on the other side of the world from me. I love them all.

Icons Of Style- Lou Doillon

2008-03-24T12:06:00.012+11:00

Lou Doillon is easily a pedigree of France. for those of us who don't watch french cinema, we wouldn't be aware of Lou Dillon the actress; of which she is highly acomplished. but we may be atune to her legacy; daughter of Jane Birkin and french director Jacques Doillon, she also just so happens to be the half sister to Charlotte Gainsberg.

Renowned for her unusal beauty, she has sucessfully modelled for the likes of Givenchy, Jovovich-Hawkand Pirelli. A standard in the front rows of Paris Fashion Week, Lou's individual style begun at an early age and now, at the age of 25, is distinct, unique and in my opinion, utterly fabulous.

Lou has a penchant to pair etherial, floaty dresses with dark opaques and fantastic head peices- be it hats, flowers or headbands. Her opaques often peek out from her heels, proving that the whole 'no stockings with open toe shoes' rule is really, bullshit.

Her hair is worn loose below her shoulders, textured and natural with a come-hither fringe. Never heavily made up or covered in orangey fake tan, her skin glows with her natural french beauty.

fresh face, printed tee, jeans tucked into over the knee black socks and boots, sparkly red jacket? oui oui!

xxx

wishlist

2008-03-22T18:22:00.008+11:00

mary kate stepped out at paris fashion week earlier this month wearing THIS jacket:

ive died and gone to heaven.

i can hear it whispering my name. cropped black leather. oversized gold studded detail. sleeves covering the knuckles.

i have no clue how i would ever get a hold of a Givency Fall 2007 jacket, or if i did how I would afford it, but still.

Mary Kate Olsen

Carine Roitfeld

i would team it with pale pink ballet flats, white tights, black legwarmers and a black tutu or heavily ruffled mini. drool.

Appreciation Bubble:

dogs. having coffee in a darlinghurst cafe this afternoon, my dog sat faithfully by my side. the majority of people who walked past looked at her and her cuteness brought a smile to their face. i smile at cute puppies too. awwww

coming soon...

2008-03-20T18:09:00.007+11:00

Two of my most recent short term goals have been to write more and be more grateful of life. So, blogging daily fills the first one and also gives me a space to show my gratitude.

Id love to be a site that a fair few people read religiously, guess i need to get into some self promoting! There are alot of things I have opinions on and Id love to get them out there. Plus, I want to include regular features; such as:

Things I Love Thursday

inspired by the fantabulous Gala Darling

Icons Of Style

women who have a signature style that i admire

Weekly Wardrobe

posts and photos of outfits I've worn during the week

Do It Yourselves

im crafty, so i thought id share some of my projects

Appreciation Bubble:

children. i am an only child, but my stepmum is having a baby due in august. i am so excited. i love babies and little kids. they are so innocent. they say what they mean and they feel what they feel, no holding back. i think everyone can learn from that.

insomnia

2008-03-20T02:16:00.002+11:00

I have decided to join the ever saturated blogging community and publish my own musings regarding fashion, style and culture in all its generic and unusual forms.

I am a tattoed burlesque princess with tutus, motorcycle boots, leather bomber jackets and silk bows in my hair.
I am a pale skinned daughter of a rockstar with a my little pony collection that never satisfies and heavy black eyeliner. MAC fluidline.

I dream of riding unicorns and black patent louboutin heels.