Sweet Bird of Youth

over the bridge

2012-02-09T23:03:00.000-08:00

Blue Bottle Coffee Berry St, Williamsburg - as recommended by every coffee educated Australian living in New York I knew. The line was long but passed quickly as me & Hannah caught up on the basics of how we came to be in New York at the same time, I ordered my Ethiopean drip (sweet-tart easy to sip slowly coffee that feels much like tea in your mouth) as we continued to talk about having babies, not having babies, brunch menus, shopping priorites etc.

The infamous Mast Brothers made known to me via the Selby some many months ago was on my must do list. I sampled a fair few (probably all) varieties of dark chocolate available and settled on Conacado as a favourite with "notes of fresh cherries, molasses and strawberries". Ya-um! I bought 5 blocks (tasting notes will follow in due time) and used all my will power to not cave for 'todays taste menu'...saving room for an afternoon bagel you see.
I watched the man in the store fold up the pretty as wallpaper packaging around one of those dark smooth rectangles in a quiet moment and felt warm on the inside knowing how much love was in each block.

That day is still not over, nb: we're still on the 11st cafe day, so I will save the rest for tomorrows viewing.

What's everyone's latest and greatest food/coffee finds?

x

rolling

2012-02-07T21:38:00.000-08:00

The respect I have for people who keep up to date with editing and posting whilst on holidays is pretty big right now. With the excuse of 3 children under my care I am going to save time on writing out my excuses coughcough skip through a whole 2 weeks of pure, beautiful, powdery snow and land you here with me in New York, New York.

We landed at 2am - got to our Chelsea apartment at 5am, didn't get to sleep til 7am and I was up at 9am so as hard as I try, I truly don't remember too much of how I got to 11th Street Cafe but I do remember the sweet satisfaction of making the effort as soon as I was gobbling down the tastiest (well, equal tastiest with youeni provides) scrambled eggs I have ever eaten. Swiss cheese, tomato, avocado, hold on the chives. They didn't even come with toast and yes before you vomit at the thought of eggs without toast you would need to try them. In saying that, the friendly owner - seen above in the hat - who calls every woman in the shop darling or sweetheart did bring me some fresh baguette close to when I had already finished which I think I heard him saying they bake themselves...but don't quote me on that.
The cafe and never ending line seemed to be filled with West Village locals who come to get what they want on a Sunday morning; food, coffee, a read of the paper and a cosy seat in the sunshine if you happen to get lucky and walk through the door just as someones getting up. I kept hearing about the 'scene' of Sunday brunch in New York but I appreciated, especially with the dark circles under my eyes and dirty hair hidden under a beanie, that this little place was lacking in scene but making up for it in understated charm and character.

I have been eating and walking and looking in the occasional shop and got to oh so casually meet up with Hannah Rose and do some nice things that I know you'll find nice too, so more on that in my next post.

Photos: Rachel Kara

see

2012-01-31T17:36:00.000-08:00

It was a rather chilly Vancouver day and I was on a jet lagged fueled mission - coffee, the good stuff. None of this Blenz or Starbucks shiz that I must say was very conveniently on every corner looking warm and accessible, no, definitely not. DON'T SETTLE FOR CONVENIENCE PEOPLE. A quick "best cafe Vancouver" Google search and a longish walk later I found myself in Revolver on Cambie Street. Exposed brick walls, bench tables for friends and making friends, boutique beans perfectly selected for a mellow drip or punchy espresso, precisely & beautifully brewed tea. I was home!
It's funny how we go away to see new countries & cultures only to find ourselves drawn into what feels most familiar and similar to what we already know.
I sat and wrote and sipped then made friends with a local who works for "nerd company" Mozilla and gave me a sip of his coffee. Friendly bunch these Canadians.
Whilst offering some nice looking baked goods at Revolver I was in need of something a little more substantial and a glowing sign promising meat & bread at aptly named Meat & Bread, right across the road, lured me in for a delicious slow roast lamb roll with some sort of tzatziki coleslaw thing I can't really remember because I was too busy devouring it.
Hurried back to the apartment after stopping in at Seares to make a thrilling purchase of socks (x 5, gloves and a beanie) happy and ready for the next days drive along the Sea to Sky Highway to see what else Canada could offer.

Photos: Rachel Kara

classic

2012-01-25T18:10:00.000-08:00

Almost better than dancing at Oxford Art Faxtory on a Friday night is getting photo booth at Oxford Art on a Friday night. These people make family a non biological term. Love

wear else

2012-01-23T00:19:00.000-08:00

It has been recomended I don't share publicly how much I cried during Bill Cunningham New York...so I won't - but I did. He is such a treasure...and I like his voice and his laugh so have been obsessing over these videos. Darling!

My goose down is packed and I'm roaring to go!

lover.

2012-01-19T18:47:00.000-08:00

I want to start posting outfit photos again but frick I get awkward. Think I'll have to get into the selfies. Feel a lot more comfortable with just me, my 5D and a remote.
We decided he looks like a weathered old photographer who's just come back from a jungle safari in this photo...but that's totally ok, babe.

Dinner involved a grass fed black angus 250gram tenderloin and a poorly matched but very tasty Mai Tai. Happy Birthday to meee! Getting dressed involved what is quickly becoming my go-to Lover dress where I swapped the usual nude slip for a black one and added Mum's black belt instead of the fabric tie just for a bit of kick. Some features include; the ability to be worn with flats, some modesty length at the back, a no iron floaty fabric, stand out colour (I irrevocably will associate that magical red with this years S/S White Serpent collection), no special strategical undergarment requirements, button up, or down, depending on occasion and it's is suitable for seasonal layering...this really does tick my boxes of a more-than-one-wear investment 'occasions' dress.

birthday suit

2012-01-17T03:54:00.000-08:00

My biological clock flips over to start my 24th year on Thursday and I haven't been particularly supportive of the retail environment lately but I broke the cycle in honour of my birthday and have bought myself a minxy little number to wear out for Friday night drinks!
I picked them up delighted to finally find a pair of summery, fresh, high waist, wide leg jeans at a bargain price - only to discover as I investigated further what looked somewhat like an extra bib of denim firmly secured to the top. Ermmm ok not quite what I had in mind (nor on my 'classics only' investment list) but before I knew it I was wiggling myself in and am now head over heels for my new, banging 70's denim halter jumpsuit. Me-ow.

I think Wrangler has made a very well informed decision taking on Boo George as their latest asset, the last 3 campaign images gaining lots of love & attention web wide. I particularly love the choices he makes in models. How can something come across as being so deliberately orchestrated yet so organic at the same time?

Photos: Boo George

imagein

2012-01-16T13:04:00.000-08:00

Apologies for the exposed lump of uneccesary thigh flesh peeps.

More? Ok. Cute babies & flowers gooooo

Just getting you up to speed with my film shooting adventures which are still new and novelty to me so I will apologise if every time I post photos that have been shot this way I feel the need to mention it.

PS hey guys I'm going to New York next week...just found out yesterday. Heard some bloggers will be in town? HOLA!

x

Photos: Kodak Porta 400 Pentax 67 by Rachel Kara

hello

2012-01-08T01:38:00.000-08:00

I have missed blogging. Sharing, connecting, venting, challenging, discovering. I have seen a lot but I haven't shared. I have had time for people, but I have kept to myself. I have too many thoughts and let them go round and round my head. I have had ideas, but haven't implemented them.

I have learnt that for me, more emotion -or at least emotion that brings action- comes from my heartbreak & trials than love & stability. My loneliest days last year brought the most viewed, commented, frequent and real posts. I forged ahead with work and was given new opportunities that I took on boldly. I wrote and noticed things about myself and how I relate to the world around me. I took time to dream a dream for my future. Something that seemed like a far off fantasy...that I can't even seem to remember now.

And then I stopped. Or slowed down at least.

I aim to get this back not this year, or this month - NOW, tomorrow, the day after....and the one after that. Not the heartbreak part but the activating bettering part of me that gets switched on with it.

Oh and I like the 'personal' section of photographers website the best. I mean, why not get personal?

Photos: Sofia Sanchez & Mauro Mongiello

gah

2011-12-27T04:31:00.000-08:00

I am still digesting prawns, champagne etc from the past few days but felt the need to share this photo - it's my new desktop background which only happens when an image is at obsession status.

Photo: "Swing Time" feat Abbey Lee by Norman Jean Roy for Vogue US Jan 2012

How was everyone's christmas? Best present, dish of the day, most awkward family moment etc GO! Tell me yours I'll tell you mine.

a garden party

2011-12-18T23:22:00.000-08:00

It was sister 1's birthday yesterday, for which she had envisioned a garden soiree.
In the lead up I was picturing myself all braids and garden wreaths, creamy skin and flushed rosy cheeks, muted flower toned dresses, nude sandals, all very soft and whimiscal - a big, but desired step away from my unofficial uniform of jeans, tee and button ups.
Having just moved into our new home it's a hot mess of boxes and last minute bit's and pieces so cleaning, organising (ie hiding sh*t in places that won't be seen by guests) and decorative preparations left only 10 minutes for personal preparations. I ended up fresh out of the shower with a side plait, makeup of no such description, in an old floral number with a sheer white tshirt underneath a tied up pale pink shirt and my beat up converse...it was far from what I had imagined but very close to what I had predicted...that's just me and I think I'm ok with it.

See rest of this stunning Flowergirl ediorial here.

Photos: Signe Vilstrup for Elle Denmark May 2011 feat Julie Rode, Maria Palm Lyduch + Solveig Mørk Hansen

greetings from paradise

2011-12-13T17:46:00.000-08:00

This post is about sunshine, smiles, silliness and encapsulates my hopes for the summer that is coming to Sydney soon, please Lord VERY soon.

It's not just the girls it's the photo's, but it's just not the photo's it's the girls. Healithy obsessed with everything that is seen through Ms Maya Villigers lense.

Photos: Maya for Turnedout.tv

luscious

2011-12-06T23:28:00.000-08:00

Y'all can pretend you're not interested in the whole Pirelli calendar phenom, but really, there is no denying the beauty of this....

Less smut than usual for 2012 which, a well recieved surprise. It has been decided this Saskia de Brauw shot needs to be hanging life size on my wall, pronto.

As a side note, I want a Phase One 65+ back for my travels next year so I can zoom in on grains of sand and have them this crystal clear. YUM.

Photo: Mario Sorrenti for Pirelli 2012

walkabout

2011-12-05T03:53:00.000-08:00

He has mornings off (I seem to have the whole day off) and likes to feel like we've lived a little before the daily grind begins...so we wander down to Salvador Coffee on Kings Lane and sit and listen to the loud South American make coffee, eat some avo on toast with nothing more than a crack of S&P and squeeze of lemon, take some photos, take the scenic root home, do some general meandering always looking around for new things to feast our eyes upon, find a pretty little lane with a grey cat on a garden table, take note of a big leafy wall and try and figure out how we could shoot that (scaffolding?), see that the vine covered and ever intriguing MiniMeanwhile (the outlet store of what is thought of as a mens Blood Orange ie AMAZING) is finally open so pop in for a browse, reconfirm the fact I love mens clothes way more than womens and before you know it, it's 11am and time to say goodbye.

Stylestalker leather jacket // Comme Des Garcons tshirt // Nicola Finetti pants // Senso shoes // Lucky Brand bag
well, that felt weird

Photos: Rachel Kara

this is about him

2011-11-30T20:07:00.000-08:00

Have long been obsessed with Darren Macdonald's work, that you may better know as Cold After Midnight. This little beauty is his recent campaign for Ellery Resort Collection feat the always relevant Kim Noorda shot under the beautiful & unmistakeable Parisian light. le sighhhh

Photos: Darren Macdonald

faithful

2011-11-27T02:40:00.000-08:00

Was impressed by the beautiful light in these portraits of Heleen Scholten (via FGR) enough to follow through to the photographers site...turns out I'm generally impressed by Saskia Wilsons work.

She see's simple, natural beauty and knows exactly how to place her subjects in those stumble upon pockets of natural light. Not only that, she so perfectly conveys the feeling of peace & tranquility you get when you're presented with a stunning landscape. Love.

Photos: Saskia Wilson

days gone by

2011-11-20T16:56:00.000-08:00

*keepin it real with fluffy hair but so not ideal for picture taking

Some wonderful moments were had this weekend just gone. One being the time we spent on Saturday afternoon after the shop had shut and we were left with nothing but the 3pm sun, ciders, salad and sweet 90's disco tunes.
Other highlights include; the balmy night on a pretty rooftop with fairy lights and a spectacular view of the city, old friends, swimming in the ocean as the sky was grey and rain started to fall, chai to warm from said ocean swim, good company, brunching alongside Tobey Maguire and co, carrot cake cupcakes for my beautiful friend and her birthday picnic, afternoon sun, goodnight kisses & giggles.

How was your weekend?

x

Photos: Tim Ashton

the coffee stand

2011-11-14T21:45:00.000-08:00

Film: The Selby for Zara feat Lucy Chadwick

fair vein

2011-11-14T15:58:00.000-08:00

Ladies, If you're not sure if he likes you, just check his instagram....

Saturdays / Watsons Bay / Jasmine Dragon Eyes @ Youeni Provides / The clouds when he leaves
Zicos got a rig, I'm hungry on the job / waking up ugh / city scenes / on the job Hyde Park
Top knot / Magnums in bed / beeeachhh / when he used to creep me @ Youeni
My monster / JASMINE! / Nice view / On the job in a stair case
Sunshine beach / Noosa / In a bush, Surry Hills / Smiling universe

Photos: timjohntom - follow him for a live pictorial stream of my life. No but really follow him, he's good.

INSTAGRAM FOR ANDROIDS? Somebody please use your web power to make this happen.

yeah yeah yeah

2011-11-10T22:43:00.000-08:00

Must say, Bazaar isn't one of my usual reads but this months deliciously warm Miranda Kerr cover was just too glorious to not take a peek and see what the latest fuss (of Australias first ever Victorias Secret Angel) was about.

THIS is what.

But of course - shot by Simon Lekias. Was pleasantly surprised to read the interview and find more than a few suggestions that she was impatient and tired (but rightly so) throughout the brief interview. If she was smiling golden sunshine and offering tasty home baked organic vegan goods whilst breast feeding her baby boy after a full days work I would have been genuinely upset - no ones allowed to be so close to perfect, ruins it for the rest of us more normal folk.

Photos: Miranda Kerr for Harpers Bazaar November 11 by Simon Lekias

personified

2011-11-09T20:28:00.000-08:00

Liu Wen werks it. Starting to notice this more and more, much like my long time notification of being more in love with Asian publications above all others. Vogue China, Vogue Nippon, Numero China, Elle China et al. They're that little bit off beat...but not in the way that other mags are when they're marching to their own sound and end up just presenting as dark and a little too twisted (and unnecessarily nude) for my liking.

Photos: Maciek Kobeilski for Numero China

//Bell's ringing? Maciek's cover shot of Abbey Lee holding a muffin with a crumb on her lip for The Journal feat back here

true II

2011-11-08T23:04:00.000-08:00

Follow up of this Tim White post from a couple weeks back.

One of if not the most beautiful series of bubs I've ever seen.

Been thinking...

Things I need in life; travel & babies. And photo's of travel and babies. And really amazing healthy fresh food to eat whilst I travel with my babies, and my love. Yep I've decided that's it. There's obviously a few factors that need to be negotiated around this but instinctively these are my most basic (yet oh so complex) needs.

Photos: For Genea IVF by Tim White

let it be known

2011-11-07T02:06:00.000-08:00

I nonchalantly declared my ignorance of the name 'Ruven Afandor' when the boy mentioned Ruven is in town and borrowing gear from his studio (to shoot Janet Jackson no less). Turns out it's kinda a big deal as I am now finding that he is one of the leading editorial & celebrity portrait photographers the world has to offer these days. Oops.

His editorials are like the final products of my unactualised, subconscious day dreams. His portraits are laced with an opinionated and dominating visual language that have the subjects taking on a character that is their unguarded self plus just that little bit more.

Whatever he does it unmistakeably and recognisably his own.

Photos: Ruven Afanador

bonjour

2011-11-06T22:23:00.000-08:00

Who saw Midnight in Paris and fell in love with Lea Seydoux after shockingly being snapped out of the long dreamy affair you'd had with Rachel McAdams as the perfect woman? Me.

...only to be set straight by this. Oh Rachel. You are a dream boat.

But wait that's not the point, the point is the image of Lea for the Prada capsule jewellery collection/resort campaign. I have to admit the campaign as a whole didn't quite meet my soaring expectations but in my books that one image alone gives it enough credit to ride on the wave of it's hype.

Images: Prada 2012 Resort shot by Steven Meisel, Lea Seydoux, Woody Allen & Rachel McAdams at Cannes for Midnight in Paris

melted cheese oozing from my (glittery gif)heart

2011-10-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

Some things we do:
1. Close our eyes and think of where in the world we could be right now. And not just any country that haphazardly first comes to mind, you've got to really feel it - and have reasons.
2. Kiss in public places...blissfully unaware (ok, so maybe a little bit aware) of how "inappropriate" it actually is to most people.
3. Wake up and talk in the special language that actually is no language at all that sets the tone for our whole morning.
4. Wear your clothes - both of us.
5. Fight over who pays, lately you win.
6. Silently dream together
7. Lose things - including time. We talk about how annoying it is but secretly, I love that we even share our downfalls.
8. Have your hand tucked under my leg as I drive
9. Crave new things. Places, experiences, knowledge, foods, feelings, locations, objects. New things that can become old, familiar memories one day - memories that have been created together
10. Love

deliciosity

2011-10-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

Annie Novak has a green farm on top of the Eagle St building in Brooklyn where cucumbers, bees and basil grow best. She loves where she is for the foodies and a rockin view of the best city on the planet.

SO CUTE!(not food).

This is Tartine Bakery, San Francisco. Liz licks the bowl and recognises toast fried in butter (!!!!! trying that ASAP) as being one of the best smells. Gimme some of that banoffe pie. With that much baked goodness I too would be satisfied with self serve filter coffee, assuming that's what that is at the table?

Rockaway Taco, Rockaway Queens...the subject and location of only my favourite Selby film ever (well, so far, out of the 4(?) that have been made), where the work is hard - but feels so much easier because it's beside the beach. Amen.

Forget Willy Wonker, The Mast Brothers have a chocolate factory AND it's in NYC AND they have hip beards so whatever they're doing has got to be good. They do what they do because it makes people happy..and I think they like sailing...or just made the most of hamming up their last name.

Humphrey Slocomobe is an icecream shop in San Francisco. Their flavours include: Boccalone Prosciutto, Sweet Summer Corn, Foie Gras, I Have A Dreamicle, Peanut Butter Curry, Rhubabrb, Salt & Pepper, Creme Fraiche, Cinnamon Brittle, Dirty Girl Strawberry, Sour Cream, Tahitian Vanilla and so on and so forth. I think that's all I need to say about the place.

My apologies for bombarding you non-Selby lovers with such a slay of pictures. I love the imperfection, the nonchalance in every shot. I know it doesn't excite everyone the way it excites me but I'm concinved he's not out there to do what pleases people anyway, which is exactly why so many people love it.

Photos: Edible Selby

A whatsamacallit

2011-10-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

Everytime I call it a cossie my Brisbane born lover laughs at me. Everytime he/someone says bathers, togs, trunks, swimsuit et al. I imagine nose turned up and living in the motherland where clearly swimwear is not even relevant. Ew.

Anyways, these are a couple of favourites for summer so far. And when I say favourites let's just establish I mean within the realm that I could actually have some chance of twerkin'. Through time and too many years as a fit-model I've become very good at visualing clothing before it's on the body, which I'm always so grateful when remembering how horrendous shopping can be - ripping jeans off, undoing sandals/laces, bra, messing hair, pulling tops over head, coming way too close to mirrors in the change room and other annoying things like that. I know right, life's tough.

A big UNthankyou to Photobucket and/or Photoshop for wierd image compression.

Credit: Zimmerman, Missoni, We Are Handsome

Part II

2011-10-18T05:17:00.000-07:00

Photos: Rachel Kara

Part I

2011-10-17T04:43:00.000-07:00

Photos: Rachel Kara

daytrip

2011-10-16T03:27:00.000-07:00

The crabapples were in full bloom and we stood amongst them. The air was so fresh!

true

2011-10-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

I saw Tim White's work in the most recent issue of NO magazine whilst I sitting having a pot of tea at my most favourite cafe. It was soft and loose and muted and I repeated his name over and over in my head so when I returned home to my beloved (computer) I could bang it in to our dear friend Google. What I found made me breathe easy and long for; a road trip to an unknown town, a new camera and solitude - the good kind that allows you to really watch the world and connect with it in a way that you don't when you're with an/others.

I think I will show you some more of my favourites in a next post. Perhaps some with babies...beacuse I really do love those tiny little human things a lot and he juts happened to do an incredible story of them.

Photos: Tim White, preview from True North

Little Dutch Girl

2011-10-06T05:06:00.000-07:00

yum

Few things I learnt Lara did during this shoot in her Dutch home land;

spent 10K whilst having a quick break between shots in Amsterdam on a few vintage jewellery pieces
wore fluffy yellow souvenir clogs
came to the conclusion whores get more benefits than models
got changed in front of patrons of the cafe they were shooting in
received very little attention from previously mentioned patrons
ate home cooked "flapjacks", "as big as personal pan pizzas"
hung out with her Mama & Papa
looked hot as all hell in a white tshirt and jeans

Conclusion: I love her.

Also, feel like I struck gold when I just found these outtakes from photographers website (NB: it pays to do your research)

Photos: Angelo Pennetta (for T Magazine)

new

2011-10-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

I updated my website. As much as I thought I hated RAFW this year I now realise that perhaps my brain was just distracted and numb to beauty...but I have since regained that appreciation so had a good ol' time trawling through Lightroom and resurrecting what I had let die back way back in May.

Photos: Fernando Frisoni backstage, joy of age at Rozelle markets, Kate Sylvester, the man who manned an animal farm at a first birthday, Miss Unkon backstage with Julia Nobis, bed - all by Rachel Kara

the days

2011-09-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

I'm 100% convinced Alex Jennings was the best decision Tigerlily ever made...but that was over 5 years ago and now I am not so convinced...on Tigerlily that is, not Alex Jennings. He took almost unattainable beauty and brought it to a place that you felt like you were a part of. I could almost feel, smell and hear the salty sounds of the ocean as I looked at those catalogs. I still have them. I wanted to be a Tigerlily girl, the Tigerlily girl. I think they need to book him again before one more over tanned, over processed photo of a girl with a sunset behind her ruins me from the brand forever.

Photos: Alex Jennings

unchange

2011-09-21T03:21:00.000-07:00

I hope to look back in the not so distant future and see in my own work that I have been influenced by the pure, simple beauty Ditte Isager see's and captures in the finer facets of life.

This was only a recent introduction...I do suggest you go explore (Tuscany).

Photos: Cofoco, Ditte Isager

romeo

2011-09-14T00:35:00.000-07:00

T-minus 5 hours!!

My visits to Le Love have decreased significantly over the past couple of months. I have my very own.

Photo: Tim Ashton

du jour

2011-09-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

...and don't even get me started on the Chloe Moretz cover.

OBSESSED. I saw it at the airport on Sunday on the way home from a Melbourne girls weekend away and have looked at this image every day since...I would have bought it but well if you read that sentence and noted the words: girls, Melbourne, weekend - it would be obvious that the $35 they were charging for an express import was simply not do-able.

Photos: Love Magazine Issue 6 by Mert Alus & Marcus Piggott

providing

2011-09-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

The very man who caused the gathering by his farewell to our sunny country...doin doubles with Steve yew

Just some spokes n shit

Oh boyy-ys - ring a ding ding, time for a gin

MEAT///Salting the MEEEAT

My hat's bigger than yours

Ca-ute!

Ssthteve- you're pretty.

Apparently this is how you say "more beer" in Macedonia or something.

The spread

Howyoudoin. Dan, such a smooth criminal.

I could show you how the afternoon carried through to the night but you know, I wanna keep this PG you guyz. And also, I think Bert, Chris Starkes alter ego, is something that needs to be experienced first hand...sometimes pictures just aren't enough.

Beyond blessed to have a world that brings me such an array of good humans to share life with. I mean, seriously, these guys are "work" colleagues - that feel far more like family and each have such solid, individual, genuine, grass roots character that simply can't be bought, pretended or replaced. The afternoon was long and lazy filled with the most delicious food, sunshine, chats, laughs, a touch of mischief and a good dose of karaoke to top it off. More of these please.

Photos: The thing is, things get a little hazy when you're swimming in a pool of creative talent...so credit goes to some/one/all of the following: Youeni provides, Kyle Haus, Tim Ashton, Wolfganged, Rachel Kara

damzel

2011-08-30T04:54:00.000-07:00

Shiver me timbers it's been a quite some time between posts. I miss blogging. Real life needs to piss off just for a little while...oh and Mario Testino please feel free to drop by my wedding, yep my wedding, that almost non existent barefoot beachside soiree with little to no guests and just a whole lot of love.

Photos: Mario Testino for Vogue

boy

2011-08-16T03:22:00.000-07:00

Hey, here's something new for you, it's me.

Preempting spring with a late lunch of squid ink spaghetti washed down by a lazy sunset with my love.

Photos: Tim Ashton

bio

2011-08-11T23:47:00.000-07:00

These were my highlights of the current issue of Russh and that Michael Kors body suit makes me melt like a popsicle on the 4th of July.

Some time soon I'll tell you how in love I am...it's sickeningly great.

Photos: Will Davidson feat Aymeline Valada for RUSSH #41

niceties

2011-08-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

How can you not be in love with everything that's going on here?? I love the way my heart feels light and eyes fresh and soothed after browsing the many forms of Miss Moss <-- click it, now, go on, treat your self.

Images: Diana aka Miss Moss

On a side note, seeing that style snap of Connie reminded me of this video which if you haven't already, must watch.

better be

2011-08-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

That guy, Alfred Eisenstaedt. Oh yeah he's kind of a big deal, he took that V-J Day photo...

It's simple really, surround yourself with things that make you want to be better.

Photos: Alfred Eisenstaedt

tomorrow

2011-07-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

I hate all this silly religion,
but you, God, I trust.

I'm leaping and singing in the circle of your love;
you saw my pain,
you disarmed my tormentors,
You didn't leave me in their clutches
but gave me room to breathe.

Be kind to me, God—
I'm in deep, deep trouble again.
I've cried my eyes out;
I feel hollow inside.

Desperate, I throw myself on you:
Hour by hour I place my days in your hand,
safe from the hands out to get me.
Don't embarrass me by not showing up;
I've given you plenty of notice.

His love is the wonder of the world.

Trapped by a siege, I panicked.
"Out of sight, out of mind," I said.
But you heard me say it,
you heard and listened.

Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up.
Expect Him to get here soon.

Photos: Helen Korpak
Words: The Message

365

2011-07-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

Posting has slowed down as life has sped up. I'm playing full time Mum at the moment but baby is sleeping so I'm taking myself to dream land via photographs.

Exactly this time last year I was here, or Barcelona or somewhere in between. STOP!

Photos: Monterosso, Cinque Terre by Rachel Kara

glory be

2011-07-14T00:04:00.000-07:00

I am going to be playing milfy as of next week for a couple of months. I thought I could pretend these will be my inspo to stay chic in kaftans, maxis, peasant tops and luscious locks...but have decided not to kid myself and just love these images for the fantasy, dreamily lit Bruno Barabazan masterpieces that they are.

Trackies 4 lyfe.

Photos: Gloria by Bruno Barabazan

real stuff

2011-07-12T01:33:00.000-07:00

My intrigue to view ~~examine~~ these images of girls I hold in such high aesthetic esteem admittedly sky-rocketed when I knew they were unretouched. It is not so I can pick up on their flaws, take them off the pedestal of beauty & perfection and give myself a pat on the back for knowing that they're not so secretly, not so perfect and feel a bit better about myself. No, that's not it...they're still up there (EDITA). I thought as I typed I would be able to flesh out what then is the reason but 4 lines in and I still don't know what exactly it is... your thoughts?
Shot beside a window in the photographer Scott Trindle's admittedly dodgy London apartment, the girls came as they were with no makeup, hair or styling.
They're personal, revealing, intimate, endearing. That scar near her eye, those cracked lips, freckles on her nose, blemish on the forehead, lines in the corners of her mouth - no longer flaws - character. That which never fades.

///Just had an afterthought - as humans we are not, and never will be perfect in this human life, and by our nature we desire connection. How can we connect with (falsely via retouched) perfect (yes even in the idealistic aesthetic sense which I realise can be argued) beings when we know they are not real? Do you get what I'm saying? What a hot mess of my thoughts. I would invite you into my brain if I could...but I can't. I think my mind just started to become aware of a new somethin somethin that must have been scattered around my cerebral cortex. Woo

Photos: Scott Trindle for Viva via models.com

x

universal

2011-07-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

Watch it. Do it. Pushed over the edge of the bed, I want to be in Spain again.

Video: Wildflowers on the edge of the universe by Kris Mileski

the cycle

2011-07-10T05:14:00.000-07:00

I wake, I float, I snap, I fall, I sleep, I wake, I see, I remember, I forget, I dream, I sleep...or something like that.
Early morning is my most sacred time. Need me some more of this

Photos: by Rachel Kara

damned

2011-07-05T23:21:00.000-07:00

"There is a fine line between your goodness and your hell, I have stopped searching."

I have to.

Photos: Alex Jennings

DRY JULY

2011-06-28T03:23:00.000-07:00

ANNOUNCEMENT: the all time amazing team at my (other) place of employment, youeni provides, are going dry for July. That is; we are abstaining from alcohol for the 31 days of next month. No gin & juice's, no complimentary and utterly refreshing vodka & sodas, no glass of red with dinner. Yep that's right, zero zippo zilch none nada nothing not one bit of any alcoholic substance will be entering the temples that are our bodies.

....but wait this ain't just a random novelty social experiment, the point is we raise funds for Cancer reaseach at Prince of Wales Hospital.

If you've ever enjoyed the delights of youeni provides, donation is kind of not an option, it's a requirement. We are after all the ones who prepare your food & coffee if you are get the conniving undertone of what I'm saying...?

It's so super easy to do HERE and will all contribute to our team donation.

DONATE
DONATE
DONATE

Great, well we're cool then.

I won't push the Designated Dryver thing too much (even though I think it's the best part) because the internets is full or creeps but if you are a reasonable human you can purchase a seat in my car and I can drive you home from your wet night...wet being the opposite of dry meaning you've been drinking...duh. Pretty cool huh?

Photos: Shady Pines by Rachel Kara just to tease myself a little. I like a challenge.

prime

2011-06-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

When I'm happy with the universe I seek out sunny photos.

2004, Daria Werbowy at her prime and Patrick Demarchelier - always.

Photos: Ticket to Paradise Vogue Dec 2004

baby

2011-06-21T05:01:00.000-07:00

This is the kind of photo that won't be old in 50 years. These are the kinds of photos I want to take & make for life...new niche market, DILFS & their kids. Ha ha ha......um seriously.

Photo: Scott Schuman in collaboration with Kiehls

2011-06-20T06:21:00.000-07:00

The fact that they very cleverly chose the one with a muffin crumb on her lip as the cover shot should have been indicative that there would be something of worth accompanying it...

Sweet mother...I mean really, seriously, how can a creature be so mystifyingly, beautifully, imperfectly perfect? The light could be described in much the same way.

A little less long toned stomach, little more boob and I'm kinda (not really) channeling Abbey big time right now. Living on top of the bar heater next to my desk.

Photos: Abbey Lee Kershaw by Maciek Kobielski for The Journal

it is well

2011-06-20T04:31:00.000-07:00

I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it.... People think pleasing God is all God cares about. But any fool living in the world can see it's always trying to please us back.

Photos: Rachel Kara
Words: Alice Walker, The Color Purple, 1982

pierced

2011-06-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

Q. How do you say goodbye to someone who is already gone?
A. Easy! Publish things you journalled about them whilst they were around on a forum they will never read.

Lucky you. If it wasn't midnight I wouldn't even consider posting this. But I do quite enjoy looking back at my angst-ridden youthful writing and finding it at the very least, and if nothing else, amusing.

Goodbye
x

Photo & words: Rachel Kara

run

2011-06-15T05:50:00.000-07:00

Best use of colour I've seen in an editorial probably ever. I'm going to be lazy with my words and give you benefit of the doubt that you are aware and alert enough to see how purely genius this whole thing is without me breaking it down for you. Need to brighten shit up around this place before I give you a slice of life...the real part.

Photos: by Viviane Sassen for Dazed & Confused July 11

go

2011-06-13T00:39:00.000-07:00

Lately, every time I check out a portfolio I straight up hit the 'Travel' section and come away feeling both inspired and restless. Pining for a change of scenery.

Places on my travel list right now (in no particular order)

Africa (North, South - the whole thing)
Tibet
Hawaii (chill house on the North Shore) (revisit)
Paris (revisit)
New Zealand
Perth (Margaret River)
The mountains, rainforest, treetops of any South East Asian country
New York (overdue)
Tokyo (revisit)

Photos: Oh Sweet Aloha by Zenaida Kwong

worthy

2011-06-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

I once read this book called The Element - How finding your passion changes everything. There's this one chapter on finding your 'tribe'...
Tribe members can be collaborators or competitors. They can share the vision or have utterly different ones. They can be of a similar age or from different generations. What connects a tribe is a common commitment to the thing they feel born to do. This can be extraordinarily liberating, especially if you've been pursuing your passion alone.

When I met Tanja, the brains AND hands behind PetiteGrand, I could immediately see she was truly living out her passion, a vision which is was so perfectly her own - she was in her 'element' if you will. (Love me a bit of book bought psychobabble talk every now & then). We were able to bond over the ups and downs of working from home - hello snuggie days in front of the heater, see ya later style & socialising - and a common aesthetic & appreciation for understated, simple, laid-back, accessible luxury.

Having spent many an intimate hour photographing (therefore OCD obsessing over every detail of) the collection I feel like it, along with it's maker, is my friend. I fell very quickly for a certain pair of chain earrings and was so kindly given a slightly customised pair to call my own. Since I received them 3 days ago they have been worn to dinner with a dress, to work with jeans and a jumper, out dranking with my one & only LP33.3 shirt & cashmere jumper, afternoon tea in a dress, sweater & cosy coat and um awkwardly enough with my trackies as I sit here typing this. What can I say, I fall hard & fast.

You can buy online at My Chameleon or head to Incu to check out the rest of the collection in real life...watch this space. Big, bright, shiny, pretty, delicate things ahead for this label.

Photos: Rachel Kara

line

2011-06-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

I like the streets I roam. And those people thrown in there - I think I like them even more than the streets, maybe definitely even more enough to be LOVE.

Photos: Rachel Kara

the time to come

2011-06-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

First things first, milkshakes are simply delicious cold beverages of various flavours and I thought the picture was worth a post because 1) Kelis is pretty ultimate and 2) I guess I wouldn't mind boys in my backyard just for like a bbq or winter jacuzzi or something like that. I don't warm it up though. If you don't follow - don't worry.

Hey so I'm kind of bored of me, another human to diffuse my thoughts and energies on would be ideal. As sick as it is I would be more than happy to be consumed by someone at the moment. It's winter, work is a little slow, it's cold, I've got plenty of evenings free, my feet get cold at night and I've got a new plush bed. Like I said....ideal right? Distract, unfocus, unsettle. I'll take it all.
If I advertise as a seasonal positional that's only 3 months which is perfect ~~as I tend to get a little restless a little too quickly for any mans longevity~~ (correction) as any many who crosses my path with potential longevity are the types* that are too restless for me.

Previous candidates have failed to meet requirements so consider applications officially open - apply within.

Maybe that's it.

Photos: Tumblr assortment

*my 'type' has a proven track record of being dark, handsome, clever, a little troubled and keep me guessing - always. ((sighhh))

nobody pretend. just be.

2011-06-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

I am about to get into my freshly made white sheeted bed but the ocean is a little cold at the moment. It's times like these I wish I was a mermaid...genuine wish. A month or two on the sandy floor would be great - I'd let the world keep progressing & rejoin shortly enough.

I'm both fascinated and disappointing by the commonality of human thought & emotion. Do we ever feel something that no one ever has before?

Photo: Adam Taylor

free

2011-05-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

Vogue China editorials always come up trumps for me. On the whole I find everything a little less glossy than what has come to be Vogue standards and that's exactly how I like it. Still swoon over this shoot I posted way back when.

Photos: Mark Segal for Vogue China May 2011 feat Liu Wen

tush

2011-05-30T04:14:00.000-07:00

Nice everything.

Photos: Manolo Campion for Tush #25 feat Ali Lagarde

start to fall

2011-05-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

I saw a theme of Autumnal shades and went with it...

Photos: Rachel Kara

sky high

2011-05-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

Words: It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want To Be - Paul Arden

bask

2011-05-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

Doing a standard Wednesday morning browse through one of my favorite Sydney photographers, Alex Jennings, portfolio I was just as surprised as I was delighted to stumble across these montages featuring yours truly...

Not sure that I am meant to admit I am "delighted" by coming across works starring me, myself & I but hey as I keep reading lately, blogs are all about unashamed ego stroking right? ~~Wrong.~~

Alex is probably one of the most passionate, knowledgeable photographers I have encountered. Rarely do I admire someone's work with such genuity, a true artist in every sense of the word.

art·ist/ˈärtist/Noun
One who is able by virtue of imagination and talent or skill to create works of aesthetic value

Whenever I'm around him I catch photography fever - it's highly contagious I tell you - being able to "rabbit on" (as he likes to say) about his ideas and inspirations for many, many minutes without stopping. I always walk away craving film and the desire to create a distinct, organic vision of my own.

Do yourself a favour; brew a pot of tea, settle in, keep that online ADD we all have under control, and allow yourself to have a long browse through his portfolio. I'll refund you your time if you're not inspired.

Montage/portraits: Alex Jennings

vidz

2011-05-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

It doesn't have much point (or much quality for that matter) but for me, putting moving images to music is like therapy but betterer.

All of these found whilst clearing out my hardrive hoping to give my baby some extra whir power. One thing that puzzles me - why I had 40 minutes of HD footage of me cleaning my room? Meh.

O

2011-05-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

Tom Craig, if you are ever to my knowledge anywhere within a 50km radius of me I will be hunting your genius self down to force my love and affection upon you for making these images. I'd say that's being rather reasonable, modest even, especially after taking into consideration the not so small detail that your website is Flash based.

.......I think he just changed my life.

Photos: Dree Hemingway for Vogue UK June 11 by Tom Craig

collector

2011-05-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

Rachel Rutt - walk through Miss Unkon

I barely know what to do with all my RAFW photos SO let's get interactive you take control - tell me what you want to see. Ask of a theme, model, show, moment, colour, subject etc etc and I'll pick & post my favourites. Plan?
Be as abstract, direct, broad, specific, obscure as you feel is necessary. Go!

Photos: Rachel Kara

playa

2011-05-18T02:30:00.000-07:00

I appreciate this clip a fair amount. I don't however appreciate long acrylics...come on Lan's you're too pretty for that.

Video: Video Games - Lana Del Ray

down

2011-05-14T01:24:00.000-07:00

1. Emma - one third of our sisterly love club
2. Oak at sunset - can resume breathing

Photos: Rachel Kara

the sum of all your words do not equate

2011-05-13T22:31:00.000-07:00

first time

2011-05-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

I don't usually venture into street style photography but oh man I just couldn't resist, she's one of those "if I were a boy..." girls.
Even if dressed in rags I would have been likely to feign interest in her wears just to get a shot of that face, just sayin'.

~~Jasmine~~ Tiffany works at one of Sydney's Belinda boutiques who, in the process of trying to stalk some more information about the babe, I discovered have a fabulous blog. Love her LD Tuttle boots. She was on her way to see the Christopher Esber show at RAFW.

Photos: Rachel Kara

Lover

2011-05-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

I don’t just want your heart

I want your flesh,

Your skin,

Your blood and bones,

Your voice, your thoughts

Your pulse

And most of all your fingerprints,

Everywhere.

Nothing is more criminal than love

It steals hours from the day

Dreams from my head,

The sun from the sky.

Perhaps it shone today,

I don’t recall

I distilled all of your words and made my own climate.

Words: Isobel Thrilling

crowned glory

2011-05-06T01:04:00.000-07:00

An all star lineup at Fernando Frisoni's RAFW show provided angelic faces on a sunny Wednesday to tantalise my cameras sensor.

I mention the sensor > eyes because I swear it really is like that, my eyes don't get the pleasure of the days goings on until late at night when I sit down to my dearly beloved (iMac), transfer, view and edit files as I listen to it steadily whir away in the background keeping up with all my whims and whimsy.
I don't chose computer (/photos/cameras) over a relationship...it is my relationship and what a sad sad sentence this is.

Too bad.

Off to a big field, a few stages and some people making music for the weekend. Plenty to review upon my return

x

Photos: Rachel Kara

drop it

2011-05-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

Jenny Holzer - Inflammatory essays. Pompidou Paris, 2010

I need to write, to release, to clarify, to consolidate, to see my thoughts but it's not flowing so here's my reworked Holzer essay....

FREEDOM IS IT! YOU'RE SO SCARED. WHAT CAUSED THIS SITUATION? WHAT HAPPENS NOW? LET PEOPLE FULFILL THeIR NEEDS. FREE PEOPLE ARE GOOD, PRODUCTIVE PEOPLE. LET IT EXPLODE. RUN WITH IT. DON'T CONTROL OR MANIPULATE. CLARIFY THE MIND. DEFINE THE WILL. RESTRAIN THE SENSES. VOMIT THE HEART. REJECT ACQUAINTANCES. DISSECT MYTH. SLOW MODIFICATION CAN BE EFFECTIVE. MEN CHANGE BEFORE THEY NOTICE AND RESIST.
DON'T TALK DOWN TO ME. DON'T TRY TO MAKE ME FEEL NICE. YOU THINK I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON. YOU THINK NO ONE CAN REACH YOU. LET ME IN.
LET ME IN.

I have one zzzzillion RAFW photos to post but y'all are being bombarded right now so I'll probably save it for next week when no one gives a shiz.

everyday is Saturday

2011-05-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

This photo needs a story but time is of the essence right now so I will keep my story to myself and let you make yours.
My hand looks like a dinosaur but we had a wonderful night none the less.
We like dancing, people watching, honesty, eyes, piercing eyes, characters, fur, gin & apple, heart explosions, taxi drivers & last but never least we love love.
We don't like (most) men in Sydney.

shades of

2011-04-29T01:29:00.000-07:00

Not realising your getting on a roll with a colour pallete until reviewing your Tumblr at the end of a sesh = great feeling. Almost as great as Giseles bod (boobs), but not quite.

Photos: see meine Tumblr for specifics

aYO

2011-04-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

It's the angles of objects, the lines, the horizon, the focal points, the balance, the where he stands to shoot from in relation to the corner of a room.
I feel an almost numbing calm come over me looking at this Spanish dreamboats portfolio.

Can't understand a word of this. Don't even care. Want to go for a wander through the world with me and my camera.

You know that feeling: "...if I'm not going to be in love I may as well not be stuck here"? If not congratulations you don't love love therefore your life will be far more satisfyingly smooth sailing than those of us who do. But anyway, it's not exactly where I'm at for now but do remember that all too clearly from not all that long ago - if I was looking at this then I would be outtie before I'd even had the chance to post this.

Photos: Yosigo

P.S. If you're new here, welcome. I get some pretty awesoment sentence structures going on and way too much sarcasm for most average humans but you soon warm to it...or so they say.

Say hi! x

fffiesta

2011-04-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

A midweek mexican feast is promised.

It's not a party without some kitchen woes.

Whoever said a microwave can't cook 50+ tortillas at once was wrong.

Sangria! Putting the fie (Spanish for 'guarantee'..I looked it up) in fiesta since forever.

Aodhannn. Notice gun to head action in background.

People hurt my head...time to climb stairs.

My steadfast companion and his burritos.

Freedom! You taste so sweet and you are so free.

We talked of rhyme & reason whilst straddling a rooftop wall before progressing to a derelict couch. Great night had by us :)

The end.

Sorry about the slow posting. Lots to come x

Photos: Rachel Kara

not dead

2011-04-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

Janie Taylor for Chloé on Nowness.com.

Ballet seems kind of hip right now and I am led to believe Black Swan is the catalyst for this. No complaints from me but as one who tends to gravitate away from 'trends' I have a bad habit of defending my interest in the topic, and perhaps even get a touch self righteous knowing it's been a big part of my life since forever - pretty sure I was wearing leotards before I was out of nappies.

Moving forward...

This beautiful video styled by James Worthington DeMolet, directed by Bon Duke and choreographed by Justin Peck features NYC's principle dancer Janie Taylor road testing Chloé’s dance-inspired Spring/Summer 2011 collection.

I think more than almost anything else I am in awe of the way she navigates those long luscious locks as she dances....

Film: for The Block Magazine via Nowness

eye sea

2011-04-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

There is nothing I don't love in these images. Military jackets, fur, green leather with gold hardware, laceups, black jeans, sweaters, studded laceups, hoodies, tough brown leather.

Photos: Garance Dore

squirm

2011-04-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

The seriously lovely Lucinda of Thrift and Thread payed a visit to my uncharacteristly clean room a couple of weeks ago to share a cheese platter, delicious watered down guava juice, sunshine, a little picture taking & chats. The purpose and product of our afternoon - an interview for On the Streets of Sydney.

Everyone in creative arts industries needs to add 'pimp' to their job description.

Click here to see read a snippet of my ramblings

Leona Edmiston Spring/Summer 11 Part I

2011-04-14T22:10:00.000-07:00

First up: The girls...

Tania Pozzebom

Tiah Eckhardt

Caris Tiivel

More to come

Photos: Rachel Kara

un monstre

2011-04-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

It's a strange mix of comfort and creepiness when someone articulates your deep muddled thoughts...

Excerpt from Michel Houellebecq, The Art of Fiction No. 206

Interviewed by Susannah Hunnewell

INTERVIEWER

You’ve written that one source of inspiration is the stories people tell you about their lives. Apparently, strangers like to confess things to you.

HOUELLEBECQ

I think I could have been one of the best psychiatrists in the world because I give the impression
of being nonjudgmental. Which isn’t quite true. Sometimes I am very shocked by what I’m being
told. I just don’t show it.

INTERVIEWER

What is your concept of the possibility of love between a man and a woman?

HOUELLEBECQ

I’d say that the question whether love still exists plays the same role in my novels as the
question of God’s existence in Dostoyevsky.

INTERVIEWER

Love may no longer exist?

HOUELLEBECQ

That’s the question of the moment.

INTERVIEWER

You have said that you are “cyclothymic.” What does that mean?

HOUELLEBECQ

It means you go back and forth from depression to exultation. But in the end, I doubt
I’m really depressive.

INTERVIEWER

What are you then?

HOUELLEBECQ

Just not very active. The truth is, when I go to bed and do nothing, I’m not badly off.
I’m quite content. So it isn’t really what you would call depression.

INTERVIEWER

But what stops you from succumbing to what you have said is the greatest danger for you, which is sulking in a corner while repeating over and over that everything sucks?

HOUELLEBECQ

For the moment my desire to be loved is enough to spur me to action. I want to be loved despite my faults. It isn’t exactly true that I’m a provocateur. A real provocateur is someone who says things he doesn’t think, just to shock. I try to say what I think. And when I sense that what I think is going to cause displeasure, I rush to say it with real enthusiasm. And deep down, I want to be loved despite that.
Of course, there’s no guarantee this will last.

INTERVIEWER

What do you think is the appeal of your work, in spite of its brutality?

HOUELLEBECQ

There are too many answers. The first is that it’s well written. Another is that you sense obscurely that it’s the truth. Then there’s a third one, which is my favorite: because it’s intense. There is a need for intensity. From time to time, you have to forsake harmony. You even have to forsake truth. You have to, when you need to, energetically embrace excessive things. Now I sound like Saint Paul.

INTERVIEWER

You once wrote in your biography of H. P. Lovecraft “No aesthetic creation can exist without a certain voluntary blindness.”

HOUELLEBECQ

Yes, it’s true that you have to choose your family, so to speak. You have to exaggerate a little.

INTERVIEWER

Who would you say is your family?

HOUELLEBECQ

It may surprise you, but I am convinced that I am part of the great family of the Romantics.

INTERVIEWER

You’re aware that may be surprising?

HOUELLEBECQ

Yes, but society has evolved, a Romantic is not the same thing that it used to be. Not long ago, I read de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. I am certain that if you took, on the one hand, an old-order Romantic and, on the other
hand, what de Tocqueville predicts will happen to literature with the development of democracy—taking the common man as its subject, having a strong interest in the future, using more realist vocabulary—you would get me.

INTERVIEWER

What is your definition of a Romantic?

HOUELLEBECQ

It’s someone who believes in unlimited happiness, which is eternal and possible right away.
Belief in love. Also belief in the soul, which is strangely persistent in me, even though I never stop saying the opposite.

INTERVIEWER

You believe in unlimited, eternal happiness?

HOUELLEBECQ

Yes. And I’m not just saying that to be a provocateur.

Source: The Paris Review via Our Youth

horchata

2011-04-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

Mya Henry and Eric Werner packed up their New York life to travel, plan, build, collect antiques and finally open Hartwood in Tulum, Mexico. (I swear if Mexico is thrown in my face once more - this is the 4th time - this month I'm taking it as a sign from God and packing my bags).

You Todd Selby know how to press all the right buttons - pun intended. This one time, he wrote me an email. TRUE STORY!!!!

Whilst I do (sort of) appreciate love, recognition and pats on the back, the sooner someone can pay me for taking pictures like this the better.

Photos: Edible Selby

Apologies if you're vegetarianNOT

window seat

2011-04-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hands of one I love.

The table at which we sat.

Mid doing of my hurr hair, opposed to erm framing my head with triangles to get my picture taken.

The love we share spills over the edges and drips down for all to see.

hit it

2011-04-06T04:16:00.000-07:00

Another one of those way too frequent moments of "why didn't I think of that". The shapes the pretty girls cascading locks make...so dreamy.

Two points:
1. If the man of my dreams doesn't sleep with white sheets on his bed he is no longer the man of my dreams
2. I miss pillow talk.

x

Photos: by Kid @ Hobogestapo

wider than a smile

2011-04-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

"Oh dream maker, you heartbreaker
Wherever you're going I'm going your way
Two drifters off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbow's end
Waiting round the bend..."

Photo: Lady & her Captain, Nanna & Poppa - personal scan.

Lyrics: Moon River

blue turning grey over you

2011-03-30T05:42:00.000-07:00

Photos: Zanita, NewYorkCityLights, Billy Kidd, Nicole Bentley, unknown, Rachel Kara, The Sartorialist, unknown for Lula, Picasso

tastey

2011-03-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

Completely blissed out from a rare, relaxing, computer free, book reading, bath soaking, journal writing, freshly washed sheet filled eve. Didn't think it could get any better until my Mum delivered this to my bed at around midnight. Happiness is!

The cover puts the eff in fresh. Will post highlights soon for those unlucky enough to not yet get your hands on a copy.

Cover: Jessica Stam for Russh #39

night at the museum

2011-03-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

You should probably go to Jurassic Lounge if you live in Sydney even if it's just to feel bad ass and have a ssssnake wrapped around you. Looking back I'm devastated I didn't bust into parseltongue.
Other highlights included silent discos, attractive creatures littered throughout the place (human beings included), the smell of party pies, wine, minerals (see below), discovering wildlife photography is NOT boring, dress ups, short films and the snobbish satisfaction of getting 'cultured' on a Tuesday night whilst everyones at home watching Top Gear. Ew.
More info here

Photos: Rachel Kara

the desires

2011-03-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

I love this so much I could cry, actually I think I did.

If you read this I am making you make me accountable to these next words: I am creating a Sasha Pivovarova by Mikael Jansson inspired shoot with my first born.

Yeah I don't have a man and I talk about my future babies what are you gonna do about it?

Photos: by Mikael Jansson for French Vogue

ta dah

2011-03-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

rachelkara.com

Website finally up & rockin'!

I don't believe in endorsing every service you use (you become numb to bloggers pimping very quickly, no?) but I do believe the talented creator of the site deserves a mention. Ryan at Revelry Studios had a sixth sense not like ESPN of knowing how to turn all my fluffed up airy cupcake words into a real living breathing clickable viewable thing of sorts. (Yeahtheinternetisaliveanditbreathesshutup).
Can not recommend highly enough revelrystudios.com.au

Frequent posting to resume here stat.

xR

swan

2011-03-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

Play.end.sigh.repeat.
Play.end.sigh.repeat.
Play.end.sigh.repeat.
Play.end.sigh.repeat.
Play.end.sigh.share.
Indescribable beauty that has left with me with stars in my eyes and dreams to the sky.

Video: by the Aeon for Lover

reflection eternal

2011-03-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Songofsongs The Man 04

The sweet, fragrant curves of your body,
the soft spiced contours of your flesh
Invite me, and I come. I stay
until dawn breathes its light and night slips away.
You're beautiful from head to toe, my dear love,
beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless.

Photos: Rachel Kara

salty

2011-03-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

I love wide angle backstage photos. I also love gold...and pretty things, and Jason Wu so you can guess my feelings towards the above.

Photos: backstage Jason Wu FW 2011

wild

2011-03-16T02:52:00.000-07:00

After 30 seconds my net browsing attention deficit disorder self was itching to close the tab not having time ('cause I'm like really busy and stuff) to cringe through another hipster forest gang bang.
Just as I went to scratch that itch a decent beat dropped buying another 30 seconds, then....BOOM!

Once Kat George has written about something I suddenly feel so ineloquent(?) so watch the video then head here to read about Melbourne sensation Kristina Miltiadous.

Video: by Josh Harris feat Kristina Miltiadous and her "super cool bros".

head south

2011-03-13T04:55:00.000-07:00

The most perfect Sunday.
Scenic train trip. Read book front to back. 3 hour brunch. Try to unravel mysteries of attraction. Learn of a theory that makes me happy. Get excited about cameras. Be inspired. See potential. Lay on bed. Walk the dog. Dive in ocean. Observe Miss Thai bikini shoot. Vomit in our mouths a little. Eat Mums Macedonian home feast. Party in our mouths a little. Drive home. End the day with Sunday soul food.
Refreshed.

Tell me your Sunday story.
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