COVET MAGAZINE ISSUE 5 by COVET MAGAZINE

DEC/JAN 2011 - ISSUE 5

Philip Boon Celebrity Stylist

The Talented

Grant Smillie

Brodie Harper

Postcards from the Top

Summer Edition

CONTENTS FEATURES 10 54 68

FASHION 16 18 22 30

Ms Couture Camilla Franks: The queen of kaftans Brave Territory: Wayne Cooper Samantha Wills

BEAUTY 46 47 50

Philip Boon: Celebrity Stylist Brodie Harper: Postcards from the top Brodie Holland: From football to feeding time

Summer skincare for dummies Treatment review: AHA / fruit peel The best of: Summer beauty

MENS 62 65

The male grooming revolution Music for men

HEALTH AND FITNESS 104

72 74

Diet truths: What works best for you The Covet shorts-ready challenge

ENTERTAINMENT AND LIFESTYLE 106 The talented Mr Smillie 118 Around the world in 90 days 120 Drink. Dine. Stay. Relax.

COVER Leah wears Ellery ‘Hannah’ blazer from Cactus Jam POA, sass and bide denim shorts from Amora $190 and Kate Carnegie ‘Edward Scissorhands’ boots $700. Photography: Anthony Licuria Styling: Fashion Trading International Model: Leah @ Scene Hair: Michelle Furst Makeup: Lucy Simpson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ALYCE COWELL

alyce@covetmagazine.com.au DIRECTOR ANTHONY LICURIA anthony@covetmagazine.com.au FASHION EDITOR MAGGIE HELLYER

maggie@covetmagazine.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGN RIZZIERI IDINI

rizz@covetmagazine.com.au CREATIVE DIRECTION LYNDEL YEO

info@mlyblacklabel.com CONTRIBUTORS NATALIE ANNETTA SNJEZANA BOBIC JAMES BUTLER CATHERINE CICCONE MELISSA COWELL ALAN DAW ALEXIS J. TAYLOR KELLY RITA ABI KHALIL SARAH MANTON TIFFANY NEWMAN CHARLOTTE NUGARA EMMA MERKAS ELENA PAPARGIRIS LIZ RUDENKO BEN SIONG LARISSA THORNE JULIA VOGL AARON WEINMAN STYLING

FASHION TRADING INTERNATIONAL MELBOURNE STYLISTS LIGHTING

FRANCESCO VINCENZI HAIR

MICHELLE FURST LUCY SIMPSON MAKE-UP

KRISTAL HOLDEN LUCY SIMPSON ELISE CONSTABLE PHOTOGRAPHY ANTHONY LICURIA / APL PHOTOGRAPHY 0411 806 447 | www.aplphotography.com.au For advertising, please contact Anthony Licuria Website by Visual Moda

letter from the editor

For nine months out of every year, the men and women of Australia will for summer to return, brighter and hotter than ever before. It’s in our genes – we’re not about boots and coats, we’re into bikinis, boho and laying by the beach. Or more specifically, we’re tailored shorts, pop colours, relaxed 70’s vibe kind of people. This year, you may just get your wish. Summer 2011 is going to be brighter, and hotter, than ever before. Why? Because COVET is here for the first summer ever to put that extra sparkle in the newly clear night sky. This summer, we’re giving you a heavy dose of fashion with features and reviews of our favourite labels for beachy days and party nights. We show you how to renew your body and home from winter hibernation, help you Christmas shop for your family, review some amazing holiday destinations and talk technology and grooming with the guys. Best of all, we chat to celebrities from all walks of life including music, sport, fashion and TV. Along with all of that, prepare for our best photoshoots to date that will not only inspire you, but have you craving, desiring and (hopefully) indulging in everything you see on these pages. It’s finally time to turn the heater off from winter, pack that picnic up from spring and start fresh for 2011 with your beach towel and best issue of COVET yet. Enjoy!

Alyce X

Editor-in-Chief alyce@covetmagazine.com.au

what i’m coveting sass and bide Can You Hear It Bodysuit

Is it a bodysuit? Is it a swimsuit? I better buy two, just in case…

Philosophy Gingerbread Girl Bubble Bath Karen Walker Eyewear

Every summer my eyes do a little dance of joy over the fact I get a new pair of sunglasses. And every summer my eyes involuntary lead me to Karen Walker Eyewear. I don’t even tell them to, I swear. 8

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a cute little beauty item you wouldn’t think to buy for yourself. Other than the adorable packaging, the gingerbread scent will fill you with cheer every time you shower.

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boon stylist philip celebrity

Who is Philip Boon? I am a fashion stylist with 24 years experience in the fashion industry, first as a clothing designer and for the last 13 years as a stylist. How did you get started? I started out as a stylist after being approached by an agent to enter the industry when styling in Australia wasn’t very well known, not as it is now with every second girl coming out of school wanting to be one! What big names have you worked with? Any special memories of your clients? I had a wonderful time with Magda Szubanski on holiday in New York a few years back when we had my birthday there. Actress Daniela Farinacci and I are also great friends and I continue to enjoy her friendship and styling her. Glamour aside, what is being a stylist really like? A lot of the job has nothing to do with being ‘stylish’ – it is about being a people person and being a chameleon. Contrary to popular belief, a good stylist should not be about styling clients/brands/campaigns that you personally like but more so if you can fill the brief! What do you consider the most important part of a look? For a celebrity client the most important part is not to lose the person in the clothes. What are the biggest fashion hits and misses in your eyes? I do HATE thongs, but a spray tan for me is totally wrong – especially if you live in Melbourne where it’s not hot and sunny all the time. Please girls, STOP looking like tandoori chicken! Alabaster skin is so much more stylish… No model on the Paris runway would be seen dead with a spray tan! What is style to you? Can we all achieve true style? Style is about being true to yourself; some people have it, some people learn it and some people will never have it. Many stylists at the moment don’t have it. Tell us about your blog Stylist Says is my blog about the behind the scenes of my life, magazine shoots, celeb fittings, events, discos and mad lunches. Just your normal life, really! You always see the finished product of an image – my blog gives you an idea of what leads up to the image. Where do you draw your inspiration from? I draw my inspiration from many places, history, books, films and wonderful fashion friends. I am continually inspired by individuals that have carved out a personal image for themselves that is totally not based on trends, which to me is really what being stylish is all about. Who are your style icons? Halston, YSL and Helmut Newton. What do you crave, desire and indulge in? I love driving my gold 1973 Vintage Mercedes Coupe around while wearing something vintage YSL and my gold vintage 1973 Rado watch (do you get i like vintage?) That said I love anything from the Australian labels Trimapee, Limedrop, Clemente Talarico and Leopold. 11

the heat is on:

6 trends you need to try this summer by Maggie Hellyer

Summer style is the epitome of relaxed chic. It should inspire you to dream of languid afternoons by the pool sipping cocktails and soaking up the sunshine. Undone hair, sheer fabrics, fun prints, and sexy nudes will be killing it this season, but if there are just a few trends you should dip your toe into all summer, this is them. Enter - the top six of S/S 10/11. Enjoy! THE FEMENINE BRAID This is a huge trend with many designers embracing the braid on the runway. Variations range from intricate weaving all over the head at Alexander McQueen, to unruly plaits and braids with inspiration from Alexander Wang. A cleaner take on the braid was seen at Valentino with centre parts and low shiny braids. Keep it wispy and feminine for an ultra chic and summery look. BLOCK PARTY If you’re new to the notion of colour blocking, you need to do some serious fashion research. It’s bold and sexy; structured chunks of stupidly bright colours contrasting. Basically, it’s modern art meets fashion chic. Colour blocking is a statement look, so don’t over accessorize. Ensure that you keep hair, makeup and accessories neutral, and let the clothes do all the talking. DIGTIAL PRINTS Electric, psychedelic, monochrome – you name it, digital prints are huge this season. And it’s not just an international trend. For their latest collection our own sass and bide went nuts with digital prints. Balmain is doing some amazing things with insane grungy prints in earthy tones like red and orange. Think outside the square, get creative, and show off an artistic silhouette. Don’t be afraid to mix prints either – it’s 2011 and anything goes! SHEER SHILOUTETTE Feminine fabrics and layers of sheer bliss that somehow manage equal parts girly and sexy! Light layers create a soft silhouette while keeping you cool on those hot summer nights. Don’t be scared to experiment with a patterned or statement bra underneath – this can add a quirky character to your look. Otherwise, play it safe and opt for a classic black under garment. Sheer clothing should be worn simply to avoid taking the look in the wrong direction. Wear back with sophisticated pieces and never overload on the trend, or else you’re heading for a sheer disaster. WHITE WASH An explosion of white with classically tailored pieces and basic structure takes control this season. Designers such as Gucci, Stella McCartney, Calvin Klein, and Alexander McQueen have been coveting the look perfectly. It’s a fresh, clean slate; a perfectly chic outfit for summer. Play with a white blazer and white maxi for a casual option. Or you can dress it up with a sexy white pencil skirt, shirt and blazer for a more professional look. All white can be quite harsh, so relax the vibe by toning it down with sexy cool hair, and neutral bronzed makeup. THE TURBAN Thank you Jason Wu and Giorgio Armani! Extraordinary jewel coloured tones such as midnight blues and magentas make this trend scream for attention. The turban is tricky, and a little left-of-centre for those who like to play it safe. Wear it with a sexy bikini and bronzed tan for a super cool beach look, or wear it with a maxi skirt, singlet and some pretty beaded jewellery for modern boho. An alternative take on the turban is using a wearing a luxurious Hermes scarf wrapped into a sexy low braid. 14

M by Sarah Manton

rom a young Sydney girl who loved to play dress-ups, Juliee Chione-Tuillo is rapidly becoming one of the most inspiring and original fashion designers in Australia. After 15 years in the industry assisting other well-known artists, Chione-Tuillo is now working to develop and evolve her own range in the highly competitive lingerie market with her exclusive Ms Couture label. Ms Couture was launched in May this year at the illustrious Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW) in Sydney. Her range “Angels by Day, Vixens by Night” was the culmination of 18 months of hard work and the only lingerie collection to show.

“When I was putting the idea forward to fashion week they were concerned to how lingerie would come across, but when they saw the angle and my designs they were impressed,” says Chione-Tuillo. “The response from the event was very overwhelming, and I think as a designer you do what you love and you are never quite sure how it is going to be received in the marketplace, but I am still true to my essence, both creatively and personally, and I loved what I did and what I created. “I was just hoping it would be well received and it was, it was really phenomenal in terms of the press I received and the feedback from the industry so I am exceptionally happy with the result.”

COU

MS Chione-Tuillo was born into a fashion family with her Mum having been involved in the industry since she was 15 after training in Italy, so the lure to follow in her footsteps was great, but it was in the area of lingerie where this talented designer found her true calling. With a love for past centuries and cultural trends, Chione-Tuillo strives to marry sensuality with old world extravagance. “I’ve always loved the whole boudoir thing, but it’s more than that, it is just such a beautiful thing that has the power to transform you, it is like a foundation and it is also very indicative of how you are feeling, it’s something that goes through all the layers and you can emotionally connect with,” says Chione-Tuillo.

“When women wear my pieces I want them to feel exactly the way they want to feel; lingerie is something you can play with and you can have some fun with, and it certainly transcends how you are feeling, or how you want to feel. Feminity and sensuality are the two things that have the power to inspire.” Following the hugely successful showing at RAFW Chione-Tuillo is already planning her showcase for 2011, while concentrating on her store located at the Strand Arcade in Sydney. Looking towards the future she also has aspirations to break into the Middle Eastern, London and Asian Markets, but for the time being will continue to pursue her passion of creating beautiful pieces of clothing to encapsulate and encourage a women’s sense of sensuality.

UTURE

camilla franks: the queen of kaftans by Catherine Ciccone

aking the world by storm with her vivid imagination and colourful beach and resort-wear is the vivacious Camilla Franks. Speaking with COVET, Camilla gives us a glimpse of her creative process and the inspiration behind her show-stopping Babylon Collection.

So many things come to mind when describing the Babylon collection. For one, the captivating colours and striking prints make for interesting blend of fashion and individuality. Inspired by Mother Nature and Camilla’s own vivid imagination as a child, the collection takes you on a journey through the mystical Secret Garden with its dramatic scenery and brilliant hues.

Always coming up with new ideas, Camilla collaborated with 20th Century Fox to create a spectacular Avatar theme for the runway at Rosemount Australia Fashion Week in Sydney.

“The inspiration of Mother Nature and the synergy between my love of Mother Nature and what it offers is similar to what James Cameron created with his film Avatar,” Camilla tells COVET.

Camilla’s attention to detail is present in every aspect of the collection. Her fascination with Mother Nature prompted use of gardens, plants, leaves and even fish scales in her designs. She explains that they experimented with heating and squashing the sequins to create a scale-effect. The prints are all designed by Camilla herself and embody the scenery of a beautiful oasis. Graphics such as butterflies fluttering across silk crepes and a tropical paradise brought to life on silks and chiffon with glittering Swarovski crystals all add drama and glamour to the collection. This season Camilla stepped out of her comfort zone following the mantra, “from beach to bar and from desk to date”. Taking into consideration diverse markets and our various wardrobe needs, Camilla has incorporated more options such cute frocks, glamorous tops, cool pants and playsuits along with her signature kaftans. Almost everything can be manipulated and worn in many different ways. The embellished minis, such as the stunning Atlantis Dive, can be dressed down for day with jeans and sandals and later glammed up for evening with fabulous heels. So what’s Camilla’s perfect summer outfit? “One of my favorite kaftans – The Neytiri Roundneck kaftan with the matching shoes from the collection – the Neytiri wooden high-heels,” she says. What’s impressive about Camilla is that she really embraces diversity amongst women. “I don’t discriminate. [It’s a label] that really celebrates all women,” she says. Each garment is one size, which means that most women would have no trouble throwing on a Camilla garment and feeling fabulous. Using only the finest silks, all the pieces are designed to flatter the female form. Structure is introduced via drawstrings or an elastic waist, ensuring comfort and style. Camilla Franks is a designer who resists convention and follows her own instincts in sensational style. With new company headquarters and several exciting projects on the horizon including a new coffee table book titled ‘Women of the World’, Camilla is certainly not resting on her laurels. We wait anxiously to see what this amazing designer will come up with next.

brave t A

fter launching his eponymous label of the same name in 1996, Wayne Cooper quickly became recognised as a brand synonymous with strong, flirty and feminine designs. His label, which allowed Cooper to dip his toes into the Australian fashion scene in 1991, open the first ever Australian fashion week in 1995 and grow the Wayne Cooper brand is back.

Described as “cheeky and irreverent with a rock ‘n’ roll sense of style”, brave by Wayne Cooper will launch in January 2011 with a collection of “luxurious, utilitarian pieces that has that certain je ne dais quoi brand of chic that is androgynous, sexy, and utterly effortless.” brave by Wayne Cooper encapsulates refined minimalism. Subdued palettes of black, grey, khaki, soft white and strong, clean lines, make the range easily identified against the classic Wayne Cooper collection. Soft draped jackets and loosely layered tops mix back with sculptured skinny pants to create an overall effortlessly chic look. A neutral colour palette makes the collection ultimately wearable, fresh and edgy.

Despite the anticipated launch of the brave brand, Cooper manages to sustain an equally strong image for his Wayne Cooper collection which remains aesthetically different to his new venture and is tailored more to the client looking specifically for outwear.

“Girls generally come to me for we’re-going-somewhere dresses. That’s what the clothes are supposed to achieve. They’re supposed to take you away from mundane, everyday life and put you in to something special,” Cooper says through a video on his website, www.waynecooper.com.au. “Our clothes are quite sensual, they’re quite sexy. We use iconic, more powerful women for inspiration that maybe some designers wouldn’t. So you get snapshots in your mind of certain women at certain times.”

territory by Taylor Kelly

The strong lines and bold palette that are so characteristic of the brand are further emphasised through Cooper’s inspiration. “The collections I design are about a mixture of iconic women and music. I’m listening to music that inspired me at the time. Everything is an iconic moment that I think is relevant for tomorrow,” he says.

While the brand continues with its aesthetic from past seasons, there is still an evident change in the line and colour palette used between his S/S 10/11 collection and his S/S 09/10 range. Cooper speaks of the latter collection ‘Addicted to Love’ as a combination of the icons of yesterday and the icons of tomorrow, amalgamating to form “beautiful saturated colours and strong silhouettes” which will take the wearer through to “tomorrow’s parties”, envisaging the future.

In fact, the softest he has ever done. From amidst the grey and white dip dye, the gentle shapes and soft, flowing lines, pop splashes of mandarin, luscious peach tones and electric blues maintain a particular vibrancy that Cooper is renowned for. He sees the smokes, gun metals and light misty blues as a reflection of the summer skies.

“This year we’ve made it a lot softer and a lot more drifty. There are sweeping layers so the skirts drift and move and open when you walk. We focus on some quite sculptural shapes, making beautiful folds and tucks in contrast with soft bodies,” he says. brave by Wayne Cooper is available for purchase from January, exclusively at Myer and Wayne Cooper boutiques. Wayne Cooper is available at Myer and Wayne Cooper boutiques now.

In contrast, the S/S 10/11 collection ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ features a softer, more muted palette.

style in the silly season by Maggie Hellyer

ummer has arrived. But quite honestly, it can be a headache trawling through a wardrobe full of winter knits, leathers, and layers in search of those forgotten, heat suitable items.

After three months of neglect, we need our summer wardrobe to get us through Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, the office Christmas party, lazy summer BBQ’s, and cocktail-fuelled functions by the pool, whether we like it or not. “I have nothing to wear” is a line uttered by millions of women across the world (probably as we speak), but the first hurdle to getting you party-ready is not staring blankly at your “empty” closet – it’s figuring out the dress code. The term silly season” does not apply here. To ring in the new year, you want to be bright and vivacious. Look out for colour-drenched pieces, textured patterns and fabrics with some serious colour blocking. Hot hues this season range from tangerine to canary yellow and gorgeous lavenders to misty blues. Here, COVET decodes the important events on your social calendar. THE WORK CHRISTMAS PARTY: It’s safe to say that arriving to the work Christmas party in the reindeer t-shirt your grandmother bought you may not fly so well with your co-workers. Keep in mind this is the party of all parties to turn their heads, but not in the opposite direction. Play it safe by sticking to dressier options such as a figurehugging pencil skirt or a draped cocktail dress in one of this season’s flattering hues then adding some bangin’ accessories for character. If you’re partial to the mini, opt for something classy yet sexy, such as White Suede’s ‘To Be Or Not’ leather mini in white. Remember that maintaining a professional appearance is still important (that means no denim) – you don’t want to be next week’s water cooler gossip for wearing the shortest skirt. CHRISTMAS DAY: In terms of getting dressed, this might seem like any other ordinary day. Well, it’s not. It will be hot, there will be food, children and some of the guests may not have seen you since you played naked under a sprinkler when you were four. Besides, everyone loves putting on a brand new outfit on Christmas morning, right? The key to today’s outfit is being practical but festive. If you’re planning a day at home with your family, go with a summery dress and sandals, with your swimsuit underneath. Christmas at a relative’s place or venue elsewhere? Try a pretty skirt and top that will be comfortable all day. Your hair and makeup should be no-fuss – natural and relaxed. 26

THE BOXING DAY BBQ The humble maxi serves its purpose as the comfortable yet undeniably classy option for a casual yet not-so-casual summer BBQ. Think digital prints, block colours, and feminine fabrics that don’t cling or hug in the wrong places. The perfect maxi should allow you to walk freely without tripping on lengths of excess fabric. Wear with some killer wedges, beachy accessories and tousled, relaxed hair. For a chic twist, pop on a Panama hat. If you’re ready to try something a little more on trend this season, try the maxi dresses sibling – the maxi skirt. Seen on many celebs in recent months (think Mary-Kate Olsen), the maxi skirt earns major fashion cred when worn with chunky clogs, bangles, a loose shirt and pork-pie hat. For something a little dressier check out Wayne Cooper‘s S/S 10/11 collection, which features some amazing variations of the maxi. Grecian goddess in sheer layers of fabric of pastel shades and soft metallic hues? Yes please! NEW YEARS EVE: Amazing heels. Check. Tousled hair. Check. Structured cocktail dress. Check. Looking the best one at the most important event of the year? Check! Channel your inner party goddess by wearing something cheerful, exciting and confident. Dresses with structure and different textures are great, as are cut outs, interesting shapes, insane embellishment and festive colours like red, blue and silver. sass & bide have some great summer foolproof options, while Wayne Cooper is doing beautiful feminine pieces with floaty fabrics in soft washes of light metallic silvers, white, nudes, and misty blues. Dresses not your thing? For something with a little more edge, try a wide-leg pant in a lightweight fabric and match with a peep toe heel and printed bodysuit.

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aman by Maggie Hellyer

The Aussie jewellery designer and international jet-setter talks to COVET about her latest collection, her inspirations, and what she Craves, Desires & Indulges in... Who is Samantha Wills? A very lucky woman! I am eternally grateful for all the success I have had. My business and I are constantly growing; we both have lots of aspirations and exciting projects to come. What was the inspiration behind your latest collection? The Diversity of Life – is a reflection of my crazy and diverse life, sharing my home between Australia and NY. I am never in the one place for more than a few weeks. Whether it’s being in Paris one week or Asia the next I am always searching the world for new materials and constantly being re-inspired. I make sure to embrace my surrounding and I think my designs reflect this. The Diversity of Life is a mix of bohemian stacked bangle sets, Moroccan signature pendants, Parisian Swarovski crystal encrusted earrings, and matching statement necklaces. How did you feel when celebrities started wearing SW? Although it was never something we intended on doing it is a true honour that celebrities choose to wear Samantha Wills. You have done some great charity work such as REDKITE and WORLD VISION. What has been the most rewarding part? I think when working in fashion there is respectfully no ‘need’ for what we do – however if you can utilize a profile or brand’s success and be able to give back, that is what is most rewarding. What are five things you could not live without? My blackberry, my sketchpad, my MacBook, my amazing team and very understanding friends and family!

ntha wills How would your friends describe you? Creative, honest, compassionate. You are quite the jet setter! What is your favourite place in the world? Thank god for Qantas lounges, I say! I am so passionate about NY and I think most of my best designs are done there, however home will always be where my heart is. There is nothing like flying over Sydney Harbour and looking forward to seeing family and friends. What do you CRAVE. DESIRE. and INDULGE. in? I love to just sit and read a book. This may sound so simple and boring, however when you are moving so much time is a forgotten luxury. To actually make time to just sit, and be still, and pass the day with a good book is a rarity; and when I am able to do it, I revel in the luxury of it. What role do accessories play in completing an outfit? I believe an outfit begins with the accessories and the clothes are the canvas. SW pieces are distinct how would you describe the SW brand? Individual and confident. Do you believe it is possible to over accessorize when it comes to jewellery? I think it comes down to how the individual owns the look – if you pile them on and wear it confidentially then that is what matters. Style is about confidence in your own look. Any parting words of advice regarding fashionably accessorizing? Choose pieces that reflect you – don’t try and wear something that you feel uncomfortable in just because it is ‘in fashion’. It will show that you do not feel comfortable! What do you predict for 2011 for jewellery and accessories? Stacked rings (lots of finer ones stacked to make a chunky statement look), statement necklaces, but mixed with finer, personal jewellery.

classic cooper

by Natalie Annetta

If Sally Cooper, world class violinist, is comparable to any fashion item, it would surely be the Christian Louboutin patent leather pump – classic, elegant and stunning with an unexpected fiery red soul. This unshakeable, blazing passion was the subconscious spur behind Sally’s transition from a classical trained child prodigy to a pop princess. As a young girl Sally was always different from the others. While her friends played, she practised. Sally and her father would stick to a tight rehearsal schedule. Unless it was Christmas, a birthday or special occasion, Sally would rehearse for up to thirty hours per week! But unlike most of us who whinged and moaned about practising our childhood instrument, Sally diligently studied her scales until she achieved her idea of perfection - nothing less was passable. However, it seems the countless hours of plucking strings paid off. At the ripe age of nine, Sally made her debut as a soloist with the Queensland Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 1994, Sally placed first at the National Youth Concerto Competition and in 1995 she received the ABC Young Performers Award. Also that year, Sally was awarded the highly prestigious ABC Percy Grainger televised national competition QUEST and was named Young Australian of the Year. And if you thought that was enough awards to last a life time, Sally’s successful in the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition and was one of only four finalists to be chosen by Lord Menuhin to play at his Gala Concert in England! Her career reached a new high when she received a standing ovation by a crowd of over 25,000 whilst playing with the Melbourne Symphony in 1996 as well as treating an audience of 23,000 to a spine tingling display as part of the ASO at ‘Symphony under the Stars’ in Elder Park. Since then, Sally has played solo with countless orchestras all over the world. However, after playing in a lifetimes worth of symphonies, Sally decided to play her way into the world of Pop Music- aiming to prove that classical is ‘cool’. To achieve this, Sally accepted the off to lead the Strings section on Dancing with the Stars. She told COVET, “Beginning work on dancing with the stars introduced me to the world of performing in the pop/crossover genre.” On the show, Sally and the band accompanied guest performances from Il Divo, Tina Arena, Anthony Callea, Westlife, Nick Lachey and Ronan Keating. Sally also toured Australia and New Zealand with Ronan on his tour earlier this year.

Sally’s undeniable talent, showcased on the weekly show, was noticed by some of the biggest names in the music industry. She was asked to accompanying world class artists such as Craig David, Kate Ceberano, Delta Goodrem, Rod Stewart and Guy Sebastian. Sally told COVET, “I perform with Guy regularly, over the past four years I have performed with him for approximately a quarter of each working year.” Sally also dabbled in a bit of modelling, in which she often adopted her violin as a prop. She has also led the strings section on various TV series, including, It Takes Two, Australia’s Got Talent and X Factor. Most recently Sally has taken part in the revamped ‘Hey Hey its Saturday’ band. Sally recently performed a violin melody during an episode of ‘Hey Hey’, in which she definitely showed that the violin can be contemporary! She began her feature performance playing clean classical music that seemed to ooze out of her instrument like warm butter. She was suitably dressed in a fashion forward, lingerie inspired bodice paired with a full length satin skirt. The audience watched in silence: a silence only to be interrupted by Sally’s wild costume change! As she whipped off her skirt to reveal a micro mini lace dress, Sally transitioned into feisty, pop and Latin inspired melodies forcing the audience to clap along. Sally has mastered the knack of linking fashion and music, performing in unique and playful fashion trends. Affirming her love of fashion, Sally took part in this year’s Fashion+Aid Ball, the charity event that tops all others. The Crown Palladium was filled with stylish starlets, socialites and heavyweights, who arrived, awaiting a night of style, music and glamour in exchange for their hefty donations. Even though the event was filled with up-and-coming fashions and unique performances, Sally Cooper stole the show. Her exquisite sound cut through the buzzing atmosphere as she performed her rendition of Vivaldi’s Storm to awe-struck silence. At the young age of 27, Sally has achieved and experienced a lifetime of successes, all thanks to her father’s assistance and a lot of hard work. But, by the looks of things, our stunning Sally has no plans of slowing down. She recently signed with Universal Music Australia with whom she is recording her first solo album, which is due to be released soon. With her career booming, and the music industry starting to take notice, it’s fair to say that Sally Cooper has injected ‘cool’, spunk and fire into classical tunes.

Sally wears Rachel Gilbert dress from Amora $1150 and Siman Tu necklace from Fashion Trading International $600. Photography: Anthony Licuria Styling: Fashion Trading International Hair and make up: Kristal Holden

cut it out 34

Photography: Anthony Licuria Styling: Melbourne Stylists Model: Kake @ Scene and Alessio @ Independent Hair: Michelle Furst Make-Up: Elise Constable Kake wears Zimmermann swimwear $220, Ralph Lauren sunglasses $510, miss KiKi necklace $89 and bangles $29. Alessio wears Funky Trunks $79.95, Porsche sunglasses $600, Burberry watch $1,200, Cartier ring POA.

Kake wears Jets swimwear $200, Seafolly hat $49.95, Ralph Lauren sunglasses $510, TXT shoes $529 and miss KiKi earrings $50. Alessio wears Porsche sunglasses $600.

Kake wears Zimmermann swimwear $195 and miss KiKi earrings $50.

Kake wears Zimmermann swimwear $385 and miss KiKi earrings $50. Alessio wears Funky Trunks $79.95 & Burberry watch $1,200.

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summer skincare for dummies by Melissa Cowell

ure, getting a tan is a great idea when you’re 25, but what about a couple of decades down the track when you start resembling your favourite leather handbag and the doctor tells you it’s not looking good? This summer, that visor just won’t cut it. Know your stuff and take care of your skin the COVET way. What’s your skin type? Your genetic skin type is determined by the amount of oil secreted. Most common skin types fall into one of four categories - dry, normal, oily or combination. There a many different factors that can intensify the symptoms of your skin type such as environmental conditions, diet and the use of products that have been incorrectly prescribed. Skin Cancer Fact: Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. You can reduce the incidence of skin cancer by following a few basic rules. 1. Limit your sun exposure. We all know that the body needs vitamin D for strong and healthy bones, but in an Australian summer just 10 minutes of being outside will give you your daily requirement. 2. Follow the old rule of slip, slop and slap. Many of our face and body moisturisers now contain some sun protection. Try and go for products that have an SPF of at least 30+. Apply these products to your skin about 30 min before sun exposure to ensure total absorption (don’t forget to apply to the tops of your hands), grab a light long sleeve linen shirt, pop on your panama hat and you’re good to go! 3. Stay in the shade. With the huge selection of fake tans available there is really no need to lie in the sun all day to achieve the perfect tan. If you love to lie in the warm sun to relax, make sure you have slathered yourself in sunscreen, your hat covers your face and you cover any exposed skin with a sarong or towel. 4. Avoid solariums completely – this is by no means a safe way to tan. Research shows that using a solarium increases your risk of skin cancer and contributes to the premature ageing of your skin. Using a solarium before the age of 35 could increase your risk of melanoma by between 75 and 92 per cent. Caring for your skin this summer It’s vital to maintain a good skincare routine in the summer months. All skin types should follow the basic practice of double cleanse (once to remove makeup and sunscreen and again to treat the skin), tone, treat and moisturise, however each skin type will react differently to the warmer weather.

Our skin will change slightly or significantly over the different seasons. Make sure that you are using the right products - you may not need that heavy moisturiser that you were using through winter. Have your skin analysed a beauty therapist or skin care professional to ensure that you are using the correct products to treat and condition your skin. If you have combination skin, exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week to remove any dead cells that have clung to the surface of the skin. This will allow the moisturiser to penetrate a little deeper and reach the areas it’s really needed. Foods to cleanse your skin from the inside out: Great skin isn’t just achieved by what you are using topically eating a balanced diet will also help you maintain that healthy glow. • Fish contains oils that will help nourish your skin • Linseeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote good skin health • Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin. Eat plenty of dark orange (carrots, sweet potatoes) and dark green (broccoli, spinach) vegetables rich in vitamin A • Vitamin E helps promote good-looking skin. Nuts such as hazelnuts and almonds are high in vitamin E. Your guide to understanding cosmetic labels Substance that preserves the moisture or Humectant: water content of the skin. Look for humectants if you have a dehydrated skin. AHA’s: Alpha Hydroxy Acids include glycolic, lactic, malic and citric acids. These are either synthetically produced or derived from natural sources such as fruit or milk. They effectively exfoliate skin and also have a moisturising action. AHA-based treatments are key to addressing acne, wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation. Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a moisturiser that occurs naturally in the skin. It makes an ideal moisturiser base, reducing the need for other lubricants and emollients. Hyaluronic Acid is a must for severely dry skins, but is also good for other skin types. Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect skin against free radicals, which can damage the skin’s DNA. This leads to wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Antioxidant ingredients such as green tea or grapeseed extract make perfect preventive skincare for all.

treatment review:

aha/fruit peels Rita Abi Khalil is an advanced skin therapist, makeup artist, eyebrow specialist and owner of Opulence Makeup Artistry & Skin Therapy. To book a private appointment with Rita, call 0425 729 799 or email missopulence@gmail.com.

hh, summer. It brings the good (no more coats) and the bad (bikini meltdown), but if there’s one thing we just love about summer it’s fruit. Whether it’s in a bowl or on our face, we can’t get enough of Australia’s favourite natural food! Right now, it’s time to step away from the heater and think about getting zingy and fresh once more. We want to say goodbye to three months worth of dull, dry skin and prepare ourselves for the warmer part of the year. The best way to do it? A refreshing and refining AHA/Fruit Peel. Most salons across Australia will be able to offer you some sort of a peel if they stock cosmeceutical products. You should look out for brands like ASAP, Priori, MD Formulations, Indio and Skinstitut as they are well known for their peels. So how does it work and is it safe? An AHA/fruit peel comes in a gel formulation that is brushed onto the skin to freshen and refine. It is extremely exfoliating and hydrating at the same time so it’s suitable for skin concerns like dehydration, congestion and breakouts, dull and sun damage. Your therapist will determine if your skin will benefit from a course of peels and what kind of homecare you will need afterwards. You will need to wear sun protection during the course and you will experience a tingly warm sensation on the skin. Your therapist will determine how long the peel stays on for (depending on your situation), usually anywhere between three and 10 minutes. If you feel extreme burning, ask your therapist to remove it. The AHA/fruit peel is safe because it won’t do as the name suggests. Rather they will push underlying skin congestion to the surface, plump dehydration and brighten dull sun damaged skins.

diy beauty by Elena Papargiris

leopatra was a woman of surpassing beauty, marked in history as the Egyptian queen with an immaculate complexion. One of her many beauty secrets was a luxurious bath of milk and honey (the ingredients of which were derived and delivered by her servants). Cleopatra didn’t have a draw of top-brand beauty products – she relied on nature for her strong white teeth, vibrant skin and bright eyes. Try making these products from your pantry as a fun weekend project to benefit from natural ingredients and save hundreds of dollars a year! You could also make a few batches, wrap in environmentally friendly paper and give to someone special for a thoughtful and affordable Christmas gift this year. Fit For A Queen MILK BATH The alpha-hydroxy in milk refers to the contents of lactic acid that is able to breakup proteins that keep dead skin cells tight. According to this research, milk is a natural exfoliate. It also increases skin renewal when absorbed into the skin, mositurising and smoothing the cells. Honey, retains and attracts moisture, and has long been used as a healing agent for skin. Simply fill a little over half of your bath with warm water, add ½ a cup of milk powder, ½ a cup of raw honey and about two teaspoons of Jojoba or olive oil to recreate Cleopatra’s beauty secret. After Shower Dessert APPLE TART SOAP This is a quirky recipe to replace the boring bar of soap currently occupying your shower. You will need 28 grams of unscented glycerin soap (glycerin is a natural by-product used by soap-makers that attracts moisture to your skin), one tablespoon of liquid glycerin, one tablespoon of liquid soap, two drops of red food colour, and ½ a tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Melt the soap in a pan over low heat, and add the liquid soap, glycerin, fragrance of your choice, food colour and cinnamon, then stir gently until all is combined. Let the mixture stand above the heat until it thickens a little. After you’ve done this, pour the mixture into a mould and pop it in the freezer. When it is hard, wrap your soap in plastic and it is ready to use!

Baby Approved Skin MOISTURISING CLEANSER Aloe Vera – our best friend during summer, and the archenemy of the dreaded sunburn. It has amazing natural healing properties that soak deep into our skin to replenish and hydrate. If you suffer from dry skin, especially during the change in the season, try this clever moisturising cleanser. Blend 30ml of aloe vera gel, 50ml of olive oil, 30ml of rosewater, four drops of rose essential oil and two drops of grapefruit seed extract in a blender. Pour the mixture into a bottle and keep it in the fridge – it’s as simple as that. Shake before use, massage the cleanser into your face and wash it off with water or a damp cloth. Sweet Lips CHOCOLATE AND ORANGE LIP BALM Try making a scrumptious chocolate and orange lip balm, but be careful not to eat it all! Melt three tablespoons of organic cocoa butter in the microwave, then add three to four dark chocolate chips and stir until melted. Add one tablespoon of vitamin-E oil and a ¼ tablespoon of organic orange extract. Pour the mixture into a small container and you will have easily created your own tasteful lip balm. Place it in the fridge to harden. Sole Struck RELAXING FOOT SOAK Take some lemon, cinnamon and milk to start – no you’re not making a cake, your setting up an all-natural beauty bath for your feet. Combine one cup of lemon juice, a dash of cinnamon, two tablespoons of olive oil, a ¼ cup of milk, and some water. If you don’t like the smell of cinnamon, you can replace it with rose petals, a different spice or essence. Soak your feet in this fragrant wash and they will feel completely replenished.

the best of:

summer beauty by Charlotte Foster

Charlotte Foster is a beauty therapist and nail technician with over 10 years experience. She has worked on A-List celebrities, at London and Paris Fashion Weeks and was often sent to Windsor Castle to tend to royalty. HERE ARE CHARLOTTE’S TOP 10 BEAUTY PRODUCTS FOR SUMMER. 1. Aveda Intensive Hydrating Mask 150ml/5oz - $40 www.directfragrances.net.au An oil-free masque that contains potent plant-derived humectants. The skin will be intensely re-hydrated thanks to moisturizing aloe, kelp and lavender. Rosewater will soothe, calm and cool the skin’s surface. Hint: This mask is great treatment for sunburnt skin on the face and body.

2. Skinceuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30-90ml - $61.80 www.advancedcosmeceuticals.com.au This broad-spectrum sunscreen contains 7% transparent zinc oxide to help protect against the damaging ageing effects of UVA and UVB rays. The moisturising formula is ideal for daily use on all skin types. PABA, oil and fragrance free, this sunscreen is suitable for the most sensitive skin.

3. Clarins Total Body Lift 200ml - $75 www.adorebeauty.com.au A specialised treatment designed to assist in the breakdown of localized fatty deposits and stubborn cellulite. You will see visible results in contouring, a reduction in cellulite and an improvement in skin quality.

4. Napoleon Perdis Summer Sun Self Tanning Spray - $30 www.napoleonperdis.com With so many self tanners on the market now it’s hard to find the right one for you. Napoleon has created a spray tan enriched with the moisturising benefits of Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. The result? A long lasting, instant deep tan. The added advantage of Vitamin A will assist in the reduction of fine lines.

5. Sugar Baby Little Spray of Sunshine 24k Golden Shimmer Body Oil - $19.95 www.hula.com.au An amazing tan enhancer, this beautiful little spray is a moisture rich dry oil made with skin perfecting sweet almond, monoi and castor oils. The addition of the Sugar Baby 24k glow adds a shimmering gold sheen to skin. Perfect for use on tanned or fair skin this spray will leave you gorgeously smooth and glowing.

6. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant 75g - $83.50 www.adorebeauty.com.au This gentle exfoliating product can be used every day without irritating or sensitising any skin type. A rice-based enzyme powder that activates with water, this exfoliant will remove dead cells and instantly leave the skin smoother and brighter. The combination of papain (an enzyme found in papaya), salicylic acid and rice will smooth the skin and accelerate cellular renewal.

7. i.d bareMinerals Matte Mineral Makeup SPF 15 8g -$38 www.getprice.com.au No one feels like wearing a heavy foundation during the summer months so it’s the perfect time to switch to Mineral Makeup! This mineral powder with a light, almost creamy texture glides onto skin to cover imperfections and even out the skin tone without feeling heavy. Free of preservatives, fragrance, oil, talc & dyes – the chance of irritated skin or breakouts is greatly reduced.

8. Dior Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm -$37 www.getprice.com.au This beautifully packaged lightly tinted lip balm is a summer must have! Nourishing, smoothing and plumping, this balm also has a beautiful rose scent. The added bonus of sunscreen means your lips are protected all day. Pop it on at night with a darker lip liner to achieve a deeper colour.

9. Kevin Murphy Born Again 250ml - $34.95 www.myshopping.com.au Without a doubt this is my absolute favourite hair treatment of all time. The essential oils in Born Again are so small in their molecular size that they can penetrate the cortex of the hair instantly. Antioxidants will stop any further damage or stress on the hair cuticle and bring a balance back to the hair and scalp. After use you are left with beautifully soft, hydrated and silky hair with an amazing fresh scent.

10. Shiseido Advanced Essential Energy Body Exfoliating Gel 200ml - $67.95 www.click4beauty.com.au A special combination of exfoliating ingredients and conditioners smooth away roughness and reveal a fresh, soft, smooth skin. The skin’s delicate natural moisture level is left undisturbed while the gel will refine the skin and prepare it for further beauty treatments such as body moisturisers and masques. The exfoliant is also a great preparation for self tanning.

postcards from the top S

tep back to the ripe age of 19, and Brodie Harper would never have envisaged the life she leads today.

“When I finished school I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life, so I began working as a dental nurse,” Harper tells COVET. “When I was 19 I was out with a friend and scouted by a modelling agency. I wasn’t sure about the prospect of modelling but thought there was always the possibility of going back to dental nursing in the future if I decided that’s what I wanted.” Though it turns out fate had another plan. Brodie is currently the presenter for Channel 9’s Victorian-based travel program Postcards and has been for four years, returning to the program after a short stint filling in as a Channel 9 weather presenter. “Postcards was my first ever television job,” she says. “I was spotted in a commercial for the Queen Victoria Market which only ran for about a week and they called me in and asked me to audition. I got the position on Postcards straight away.” Being in a position that lets her travel the world, the age old question begged to be asked: What do you love about your job? “I love postcards. I think it’s one of the best jobs in the world,” she says. “Victoria is so beautiful. I always joke that I’m a walking Melways for Victoria and my friends always ask me, where should we go on the weekend? “I’d have to say my favourite is Willow Creek Vineyard on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. It’s where I got married so it was great to be able to tell and show everyone about it through Postcards. Salix, my favourite restaurant in Victoria is there too.” And to the already lengthy list of career markers achieved, Brodie can add 2010 Caulfield

by Taylor Kelly

Classic Style Ambassador. She says there are a few key rules a woman should always abide by.

“A lady should always have a nice pair of heels on, even if they’re not as comfortable as flats,” she says. “And the classic rule stands; if the top of a dress is low cut then the hem should be to the knees. Or if the neckline is high cut the dress of the length can be a little shorter. It’s like the old saying if you’re wearing dark eye make-up keep the lips nude.” She narrows one of her favourite Australian designers down to Thurley. “There are so many amazing Australian designers, it’s hard to pick,” she says. “But her (Helen O’Connor’s of Thurley) designs are so amazing and easy to wear and look great on all shapes and sizes. I’ve never seen anyone look bad in a Thurley dress.” She also lists Alannah Hill as one of her favourites for her womanly, feminine designs. But while Brodie continues to be loyal to the Postcards program, she won’t dismiss live television as a potential career path. “They’re both so different,” she says. “Reading the weather was a lot more daunting because it’s live. With postcards you can edit and retake. I’m very much used to laughing a lot and goofing around, but I love that they’re so different. “I’m in a win/win situation and for now I’m putting my energy into that. I’m a firm believer that everything will happen for a reason. I think it’s important to plan for the future but not to think too much about it and just go with the flow.” Postcards airs at 5:30pm on Sunday on the Nine Network.

Brodie wears MLY Black Label tulip bow down gown $420 and Damselfly jewellery. Photography: Anthony Licuria Styling: Lyndel Yeo Hair and makeup: Kristal Holden 55

tailored edge

Photography: Anthony Licuria Styling: Fashion Trading International Model: Leah @ Scene Hair: Michelle Furst Makeup: Lucy Simpson Leah wears Willow jacket from Cactus Jam $695 and Willow leggings from Cactus Jam $375.

Leah wears Willow jacket from Cactus Jam $695, Tigerlily denim shorts from Amora $119.95, ‘Volcanic’ bracelet $70, ‘Nomad’ fish scale cuff $129, ‘Nomad’ ring $89 and necklaces all from Damselfly.

Leah wears Ellery ‘Hannah’ blazer from Cactus Jam POA, Philip Lim top from Cactus Jam $979 and Damselfly neckpiece.

the male grooming revolution by Liz Rudenko

or as long as anyone can remember, women have gone to great lengths to take care of themselves. Everything from waxing to dying to the daily makeup routine has given us titles like ‘princess’ and my personal favourite, ‘high maintenance’. Men, until now, were a different story. It would seem that the recent male revolution (otherwise known as the ‘metro’ movement) has taken over bathrooms all around the globe – the once empty shelves are filled with products that would raise even a woman’s carefully plucked brow. It would seem that no matter where you look the male grooming routine has spread from products to salon treatments, to big screens and reality stars. Suddenly the beauty addicted are asking, are men the new definition of high maintenance?

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few months you would have undoubtedly heard about the US reality show Jersey Shore – a show that brought the term ‘guido’ into our lives, as well as subjecting us to the overuse of gyms, solariums, trips to the barber and hair gel. Away from Jersey Shore, retreats like Kiora Medical Spa offer an assortment of treatments for men, ranging from microdermabrasion facials to body scrubs, manicures, pedicures and hot stone massages. Spas are often known to offer couple packages and exclusive custom designed packages for the man who needs ‘me time.’ Of course. But it isn’t only day spas that give men a chance to feel rejuvenated – some of the biggest and best names in the world of beauty have jumped on the bandwagon of the male grooming revolution. Lancôme, Biothem, Garnier and L’Oreal are just some of the big names previously associated only to women, but over time have developed an impressive line of men’s products with equally impressive celebrity endorsers to match. From Gerard Butler to Patrick Dempsey, male celebrities have sworn by products such as L’Oreal Hydra Energetic Ice Cool Eye Roll-on and Men Expert Vita Lift, because “you’re worth it”. The men’s grooming market still lags behind the women’s, but what is most fascinating about the issue is the way in which men seem to have embraced not only the obvious beauty products like shaving creams and cologne, but also those that until recently were reserved for the female beauty regime. The three-step cleanser, toner and mosituriser routine, exfoliating and fake tanning prove times they are a changing… at least in the bathroom. Whether the male grooming revolution will lead to greater harmony between the sexes or create even longer lines outside the bathroom door remains to be seen. Will the inevitable increase in beauty disputes be outweighed by the advantages of a trimmer, cleaner, sweeter-smelling male presence? Perhaps. Or maybe we’ll all decide we want our grubby guys back instead? Once thing is for sure though – you better start making some space in front of the mirror for the man in your life, or risk getting that expensive eye cream stolen right out of your makeup bag. 62

technological evolution by Aaron Jude Weinman

n what has become the biggest craze since basketball cards and Cross Colour jeans, technology has slowly taken over almost every aspect of our lives. Everything from video game consoles to smart phones, there is nothing these gadgets cannot do. As I navigate myself through this article I have my MacBook for typing, iPad with email on screen, my BlackBerry not an arm’s length away and my trustworthy LCD television playing the football – life really doesn’t get much easier than this. With the popularity of the iPhone, competing telecommunications giants are looking to impede Apple’s supremacy. But the question remains – are they worthy? The Blackberry Bold 9700 remains very popular for the business-minded, including everyone from Anna Wintour to Barack Obama. Adopting various colour schemes and high resolution screens, along with a 3.15 megapixel camera the 9700 leaves no stone unturned. Without being as versatile in email functions, the HTC Desire seems to be Apple’s latest rival. Offering almost all that the iPhone can at a more affordable price, the Desire has become the premier Google Android smart phone. With a sleek touch screen design, the Desire is a dream to navigate. Equipped in Android software and a fivemegapixel camera, the HTC Desire is sure to be a big hit. Add to this the latest additions from Sony Ericsson and Motorola, the evolution of the smart phone is just the beginning in this recent windfall of technology. The race continues to run between giants Sony and Microsoft with both striving to create the ultimate console for gamers. Both Xbox and Playstation have taken the gaming world by storm since its inception in the late 90s. Despite the loyalty various brands have had toward each respective console, certain umbrella gaming companies release their games across both consoles. With Christmas fast approaching, what’s my hot tip for a foolproof gift for any male? Look no further than F1 2010 created by British geniuses, Code Masters. With an unparalleled realistic weather system and immensely detailed visual appearance, this is virtual F1 like never before. This game is sure to be a winner this Christmas and is highly recommended amongst gamers around the globe. With 2010 drawing to a close, looking back on technological developments would be considered null and void without mentioning 3D. Since James Cameron’s Avatar, there has been a myriad of cinematic brilliance strutting their stuff in the three-dimensional world. In less time than it takes to put on your 3D glasses, its evolution has gone from sci-fi fantasy to the next big thing. Over the last twelve months, the resurgence of 3D television came from left field, leaving many experts baffled on how quickly it re-emerged. That said, technology is nothing without content. Needing the respective eyewear to make it work, most homes are doing this at ease, mainly due to the television networks adaptation to 3D. Commercial television has slowly started broadcasting in 3D and pay TV is following suit. So what is the viewing experience really like? I was shocked to see that the difference between the home and cinematic 3D experience was minimal, making this technology a sure-fire hit in the not too distant future. Video games, mobile phones, television and handheld devices – expect this trend to pick up during this year’s Christmas shopping and continue well into 2011, before a bigger, better and brasher technology hits our shelves and our pockets.

Mark Ronson & the Business Intl. - Record Collection It’s safe to say that most producers never make it far out of the recording studio, but Mark Ronson, brother of fashion designer Charlotte Ronson and Lindsay Lohan’s former girlfriend Samantha Ronson, has long been making waves as both producer and artist in his own right. Taking to covers in his 2007 release Version, Mark Ronson’s new album Record Collection extends its reach from his typical sixties sound to eighties synths, funk and latin grooves. Play ‘Bang Bang Bang’ and try to convince me you’re not dancing – I won’t believe you.

The Morning Benders Big Echo

music for men by James Butler

ou’ve just had the most amazing evening with the girl of your dreams. Dinner was delicious, the restaurant small and intimate, the movie interesting and the conversation never-ending. She leads you by the hand up the stairs to her apartment, sits you down as she lights some candles and wanders over to the stereo to put on a CD. By the time her finger lingers over the play button you’ve decided that you’re going to marry her. But this is where it all goes horribly, horribly wrong. As she walks back to you, no soft acoustic music comes out of the speakers, no husky-voiced songstress or smooth jazz, but instead the Blondie classic ‘The Tide is High’ as covered by Atomic Kitten – this dream has become a nightmare. Music, in all of its spine-tingling, endorphin-inducing goodness, can also be the not-so-silent killer. As much as one bad actor can ruin a movie, or one sour ingredient can turn an amazing meal into forgotten leftovers at the back of the fridge, one sub-par song can clear the dance floor or become a massive dint in your otherwise coveted good taste. But fear not! With some suggested listening material to make sure the tide doesn’t go out on your summer soundtrack.

Zooey Deschanel is cute. Dogs wearing people clothes are funny and cute. The Morning Benders’ new album Big Echo is also very cute, not only filled with really catchy but genuinely easy listenable tunes, but also ensured to make any girl who hears it fall in love with you – I’m pretty sure several cash donations and a Nobel Peace Prize are headed their way in appreciation. The first time I heard opening track ‘Excuses’ it gave me the feeling you get when you see an elderly couple holding hands, as if a hand on your shoulder reminding you that life is great. It’s like Mumford and Sons without the incessant banjo: that is to say, music to my ears.

Sam Cooke Portrait of a Legend As Yves Saint Laurent said: “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Why bother with trying to keep up with whether the eighties revival is in or out, or be up to date with the continuous debate of whether Lady Gaga is a creative genius or musical abomination? Take off the fluoro and put that meat dress back in the fridge, play this classic best of, don a smart suit, and let Sam Cooke and his smooth vocals do the talking. Try ‘Chain Gang’ or ‘Shake’ for some seriously danceable soul.

The Avalanches - Since I Left You Ten years is a long time. Ten years ago we were introduced to Destiny’s Child and saw the first ever Australian reality television show Popstars, and fashionable girls wore massive hoop earrings and track pants with ‘Juicy’ emblazoned across their behinds. But it was ten years ago that The Avalanches released their debut Since I Left You, and nine years and eleven months since music critics and listeners alike have been waiting for a second album. Rumours have circulated, interviews with the record company have both made fans hopeful and let down. But until that second album arrives, at least enjoy the splendour and wonderment of their seminal first LP. But like any diet, a musical guilty pleasure now and then hurts no one. Some things are best enjoyed with the blinds drawn and doors locked, and others, such as Mark Ronson, The Morning Benders, Sam Cooke and The Avalanches, are best enjoyed driving down the esplanade with the windows down or walking hand in hand with the girl of your dreams – images of family holidays and a very docile Labrador named Agnes fresh in your mind.

e craves chocolate, he desires more time in Bali and his biggest indulgence is time with his beloved family. For nine seasons he donned the Collingwood Football Club’s prestigious black and white Guernsey, and in 2007 he endeared Australian television audiences with his handsome looks and rhythmic dance moves in Dancing with the Stars, but these days one of the magpies former favourite sons is reveling in his new roles as husband and father. Born in the small Tasmanian town of Glenorchy, Brodie, now 30, emerged on the AFL scene in 1997 when he was drafted to Fremantle. After three years with the Dockers he was then presented with an opportunity of a lifetime when he was traded to the Magpies. “It was a pretty big thing being traded to Collingwood, and it was a no brainer really to cross over and play for the Magpies who are arguably the biggest sporting club in Australia,” Brodie told COVET.

Brodie went on to play 119 games for Collingwood, but after an injury prone year in 2008 in which he played only one game, he was delisted. When attempts to continue at another club failed he decided to retire and commence the next phase in his life – something he initially found daunting. “It was a bit stressful at the start because I didn’t know what I was going to do; I was pretty keen on living my own sort of little lifestyle for a while… I went onto do a bit of corporate fitness and personal training just to find my feet,” he said. Brodie’s transformation from elite footballer to family man began in October 2008 when he married his long time love, model Sarita Stella in Bali – a location the young couple absolutely adore. “We love Bali, I could actually live there,” he said.

from football to feeding time by Sarah Manton

“We have been together for nine years now, but I could have married Sarita straight away so whether we were married or not was irrelevant because it was always there, and now having children together has taken it to a new level. Everyone tells you how great it is, but until you experience it you don’t really know.” In May this year Brodie become a first time father when he and his wife welcomed their daughter Stevie Holland into the world, and now they are eagerly awaiting the birth of twins, due at the start of next year. Having three young children under the age of one is an exciting but slightly frightening prospect according to Brodie. “It’s scary; we try not to think about it too much at the moment, even though that’s a silly thing to say because it’s all we think about, but we don’t concentrate on how hard it may be at the start, but how good it will be in the long run with three beautiful children that will be all around the same age,” he said. “It’s certainly going to be difficult early and will take a high level of commitment, but we are looking forward to the challenge and the whole experience.”

Brodie couldn’t completely avoid football after his retirement from the AFL and has spent the last two years as Coach and Captain of the Maryibrynong Park Football Club where he lead the side to back-to- back Premierships (2009-2010). Next year he will once again fade away from the game he loves to concentrate on his family and his athome Network Marketing business. “I’ve got the network home business and I am just going to focus on that and work pretty hard for the next six months so when the twins come I can ease off it a bit and help Sarita out as much as I can,” he said. “I want to be a good father. I don’t want to be tied down to a selection table, I want to be home and around my kids and see them grow up”. After the initial apprehension of life after football, Brodie is looking forward to a bright and very busy future and in this new and exciting phase of his life he will continue to enjoy his favourite cravings, desires and indulgences.

Brodie wears Truth or Dare t-shirt $79.95, Lee shorts $119.95 and Burberry watch $1,200. Photography: Anthony Licuria Styling: Melbourne Stylists

diet truths what works best for you Diets. They seem to be the hot topic on everyone’s lips leading up to summer. But do they actually work? We dissect three popular celebrity diets and find out what exactly makes a diet work for you. by Benjamin Siong Founder and Master Strength Coach Australian Strength Performance www.trainasp.com

Ask The Expert With COVET’s Resident Fitness Expert, Benjamin Siong (www.trainasp.com) Benjamin Siong is not only Melbourne’s premier personal trainer but also the Founder and Master Strength Coach of Australian Strength Performance. He has over 12 years experience in athletic development, sports psychology and physique conditioning, has worked with the likes of champion athletes and is a published fitness author. Whenever I’ve gone to the gym and done a leg workout, I always find that my thighs get bigger and my jeans don’t fit. I feel that I build muscle very fast, and this deters me from continuing to gym as I don’t want muscular legs. How am I to get around this? I want a pair of sexy, lean legs. Dianne H. It is important to understand that when you first work out, your body undergoes additional physical stress. This causes micro tears in your muscle tissue, and brings

about an inflammatory response, so the specific area that is worked tends to swell. In addition, most women also tend experience fluid retention throughout the first four to six weeks of doing weights regularly (particularly in the lower half). It is a natural child-bearing mechanism that the female body undergoes. The fluid tends to drain away overnight, leaving you feeling toner and firmer. As for building muscle, it is the hormone testosterone that is primarily responsible for muscle growth. Studies have shown that women have up to twenty times less testosterone than men, thus reducing their ability to build muscle that easily. My advice is that you continue exercising with weights, (try giving the COVET Shorts-Ready Challenge a go) and make sure this time, you push past the six week mark to see all that hard work finally pay off. What can be greater motivation than knowing that your legs will look and feel leaner in no time! Email your fitness questions to Ben at bensiong@trainasp.com

Atkins Diet

Zone Diet

The Atkins Diet has been widely popularised by the rapid changes dieters see in their weight. The diet works by switching your body into a state of ketosis, using fat as the main source of energy instead of carbohydrate, thus inducing drastic weight loss.

Created by Dr Barry Sears, the Zone Diet was not originally intended for weight loss diet but in fact, had an initial focus of decreasing heart disease. The diet focuses on the consumption of a correct ratio of food groups. In particular, each meal should comprise of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat. Sticking to this ratio means reduced inflammation, more sustained energy, a better metabolism and the best part of – all the weight falls off.

Dieters follow a regimented four stage eating plan. The first stage is a two-week introduction phase where only fats, meats and certain cheeses are allowed, and starchy carbohydrates, fruits, nuts and legumes are kept to an absolute minimum. Selected carbohydrates are gradually increased with each subsequent phase, and done so until the desired weight is achieved. Celebrities who have been on the Atkins Diets include Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. The Pros: • Good for people who are pre-diabetic and those with type II diabetes • Works well for people who are overweight and need to lose body fat fast • Great for meat lovers, given that it’s a high fat, high protein diet The Cons: • Non- sustainable long term • Depravation from carbohydrates can cause one to ‘rebound’, and over indulge in sweets when getting off the diet. (So don’t be surprise when you are heavier than when you first got on the diet!) • While it allows for unlimited saturated fat, it does not specify the need for organic saturated fats. The increasing incidence of heart disease and high cholesterol nowadays is due to the accumulation of trans-fats, plastics, chemicals and stress hormones in non-organic animal fats.

South Beach Diet Founded by Arthur Agatston MD, the South Beach Diet has been followed by big names such as Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, Jessica Alba, and our very own Nicole Kidman. This diet is based on the theory that cutting out ‘bad’ fats and carbohydrates will help your body lose weight and be less susceptible to heart disease, thus helping you become healthier and slimmer. Unlike the Atkins, the South Beach Diet does not restrict carbohydrate portions, but emphasizes the use of ‘good’ low glycemic (GI) carbohydrates over ‘bad ’ high GI ones, such as highly processed foods, sweets and soft drinks. The diet is divided into three different phases all of which include specific allowable foods, meal plans and recipes. The Pros: • Good for people who want an rough outline on nutrition rather than a structured program • The focus on ‘good’ and ‘bad’ carbohydrates has been found to decrease the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and help with type 2 diabetes • Carbohydrates are not cut out completely, but are substituted by ‘good’ low GI carbohydrates

Celebrities including Madonna, Demi Moore, Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston have all claimed success with the Zone diet. The Pros: • Places a focus on lean protein and ‘good cholesterol’ which is healthy for your heart • No specific foods are forbidden, thus giving the dieter a wider variety to choose from The Cons: • While an ideal ratio is specified, the total amount of food to be consumed within each meal is not. Eating large quantities despite keeping a ratio does not make it healthy to the waistline! • The Zone can be time consuming as food has to be prepared in a fixed proportion. As such, it can deter dieters from reaching their goals Diets may work better for one individual over another. This highlights one fundamental truth – that we are all different in body chemistry and physical structure, and therefore have different nutritional requirements. Unless we are eating what our body really needs, it is not going to be helpful to our weight nor our health in the long run. If you really what to shed those extra kilos and keep them off for good, make sure to give these tips a go. 1. Make eating healthy a lifestyle, not a temporary band-aid. 2. Do not just focus on weight loss but fit of clothes and muscle gain. 3. Stop counting calories! 4. Understand that foods stimulate specific hormonal responses, like insulin. 5. Aim to have protein in every meal. 6. Stick to natural, unprocessed foods. 7. Stay off packaged, canned and preserved foods. 8. Eat good fat to burn bad fat. 9. Eat and enjoy your foods slowly. 10. Exercise with weights – they’re more important than you think.

The Cons: • The diet can be a slippery slope for carbohydrate addicts, as no clear guidelines about portion sizes or grams are given. This is left open to the dieter’s interpretation and may lead to overeating. • Focusing on the Glycemic index (GI) can be rather misleading and cannot be taken as an absolute indication for healthy living. For example, French fries have a lower GI than baked potatoes, but that does not mean it is a healthier option. 73

the covet shorts-ready challenge by Benjamin Siong

Ladies, get your legs ready for those mini skirts and short shorts. Here’s a simple yet challenging leg workout that is guaranteed to tone up your thighs and tighten up your behind in just 20 minutes, three times a week. To get the best results from these exercises: 1. Perform them in the order presented. 2. Try and stick to the rest times between sets. 3. Maintain your form.

1. Front-on Step Ups Set-up: Standing in front of a knee-high platform (e.g. a firm stool), place one foot firmly on it. Action: • Step up on the platform, exerting force through the heel of the front foot until your leg is straight. • Ensure that the back foot does not push off to help you with the step up action (You should feel the action on your quads and your gluts) • Once stabilized at the top position, let yourself down slowly to the starting position, maintaining that your body is kept upright throughout the motion • Finish the number of repetitions on each leg first before proceeding to the next 1.

Tip: To get the maximum benefits out of the step-up, try exerting force through the front heel only.

2. Supine Single Foot Hip Raise Set-up: • Begin by lying down on your back with your arms by your side and palms open • Bent your knees and keeping your feet together, bring them close to your bum 1.

• Now, straighten one leg so it is continuous with your body, and the other foot kept in the same position, planted firmly on the ground. Action: • With pressure kept firmly on your heel of the bent leg, raise your hips as high as you can (your body should be in a diagonal with one leg outstretched). • At the top position, you should feel your gluts and lower back tighten. Pause.

• Return back to the original position by lowering your hip and keeping pressure on heels. • Finish the desired number of repetitions on each leg before proceeding to the next Tip: To maintain tension in your glutes, try lowering your body as close to the ground as possible without actually touching the ground, then raising it again almost immediately.

3. Bulgarian Split Squats Set-up: Begin in a lunge position (feet in front-on split stance) with your rear foot elevated on a platform. Action: • Bend your front knee, keeping pressure on your heel and maintain that your body is kept upright and facing straight throughout the motion. • Stop once your back knee is close to touching the floor and pause. • Exert pressure on the front heel to return to starting position (note that your rear heel is elevated throughout the exercise).

• Finish the desired number of repetitions on each leg before proceeding to the next.

4. Donkey Kicks Set-up: Kneel on the floor with knees straight under hips and waist directly below shoulder Action: • Lift one knee, keeping your leg bent at 90 degree until your thigh is parallel to the floor •

Press your foot up towards the ceiling to a comfortable extension, then pause holding the contraction in your lower back and gluts (in this position, your torso should also be parallel to the floor, and not twisted)

• Slowly lower legs (still at the 90 degree bent) back to starting position. • Finish the desired number of repetitions on each leg before proceeding to the next

Tip: To maintain tension in your glutes, try lowering your knee as close to the ground as possible without actually touching the ground, then raising it again almost immediately, ensuring your body does not twist while doing this.

5. Deep Sumo Squats Set-up: Begin in a side-on split stance position, with your feet significantly wider than your hips, and toes turned 30 degrees outwards. Action: •

With pressure kept firmly on your heels, push your bum back as though you were sitting down (Think Donald Duck! Try to stick your bum out while trying you keeping your chest tall).

• Descend into a squat, ensuring that your body is kept upright throughout the motion. •

Go down as deep into the squat as you can without your pelvis tucking under your hips, and pause at the bottom position (you should feel your inner thighs and quads starting to work here).

• Exert pressure on your heels and return to starting position.

GROUP ORDER EXERCISE

SETS REPETITIONS REST BETWEEN SETS

Front-On Step Ups

10-12

30 sec

Supine Single Foot Hip raise

12-15

30 sec

Bulgarian Split Squats

10-12

30 sec

Donkey kicks

12-15

30 sec

Deep Sumo Squats

12-15

30 sec

Standing Calve raises

12-15

30 sec

diary of a dieter by Melissa Cowell

It was all because of Kellie Osborne. An unlikely motivator, she was never really a picture of health. But over the last two years she has simply transformed. A stint on US Dancing With The Stars contributed to her new attitude towards her health, which resulted in an amazing 20kg weight loss. Her secret? There isn’t one. She spent 18 months (yes, months) eating healthy and exercising. Why didn’t I think of that? When I moved to Melbourne two years ago, the food and wine proved a pretty good excuse for well, everything. But enough is enough! After trying every fad diet – Atkins, South Beach, The Master Cleanse to name a few – I’m taking a leaf from Kellie’s book and taking the realistic approach. No cayenne pepper lemon juices, no counting nuts – just simple life changes. Will it work?

THE PLAN With the help of my new iPhone app “My Fitness Pal”, I’m ready to take the first steps towards my new body. It has determined that I should consume no more than 1200 calories per day to reach my goal. I’ve decided to cut back on simple carbs like bread, pasta and biscuits, fatty foods, junk food in general and my beloved (yet full of sugar) wine. I’ve joined up at my local gym with the intention of going minimum 4 times a week on top of walking 20 min to and from work everyday.

EGG WHITE PIZZA WITH THE LOT Serves 2 Calories per serve - 226 INGREDIENTS Base 4 egg whites 1 egg yolk ¼ cup of cottage cheese Mixed dried herbs Topping ½ a zucchini 25g leg ham 25g short cut rindless bacon ½ a Red Capsicum ½ cup of Pak Choi ½ a tomato

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Pre heat grill to medium setting Heat a non stick fry pan Beat egg whites and egg yolk with cottage cheese Pour egg mixture into pan ensuring there is a thin even layer, this will be your pizza base, sprinkle with mixed herbs Cook on the bottom side only until mixture becomes firm and the top is still quite “wet” Slide base onto pizza tray wet side up Sprinkle with all of your chopped up ingredients Place under grill for 10 mins until the top of the base is firm and toppings start to brown slightly.

Monday First day in the gym, I chose to start my first week off slowly by doing 45 min of cardio. Not feeling too bad! Maybe I’m fitter than I give myself credit for?

Tuesday My first spin class in two years. I’m scared. I find a bike in the back row next to an older lady who I think I might impress with my youth and vigour. I was wrong. This woman was like a well oiled spinning machine. Regardless, I somehow manage to make it through the class without vomiting or falling off the bike. I win.

Wednesday My first encounter using weights. My friend and I “joke” about how much we’re going to hurt tomorrow. As I used the lightest weights available, I ruled out the possibility of feeling sore the next day.

Thursday Restless sleep last night due to the feeling of my hamstrings and quads being ripped from the bone. I decide that if I can still walk I will go to my second spin class. Unfortunately I could walk.

Friday Ok, today I can’t walk. I waddle. Trying to sit down is beyond painful, trying to stand up is impossible and going down stairs... forget about it. I pretend that if I sit down I’ll buy myself a Big Mac but when that fails, I get a lift to work.

Saturday I actually wake up feeling a bit better through the legs, maybe the worst is over? I decide to go for a long walk rather than the gym. This walk made me feel so much better.

Food Intake Staying within my daily limit of 1200 calories was quite easy. I religiously entered all of my food into my fitness planner and was surprised to see how much you can actually eat when you’re eating the right thing and doing plenty of exercise! I reward my diligence with a couple of glasses of red!

Monday Spin class number three. I feel like I was OK this time around. Whether it’s because I knew what to expect in the class or I was magically fitter? I’m going with magically fitter.

Tuesday Feeling happy with how my fitness is coming along I decide to take on a Body Attack class. It’s like I’m doing a class with a bunch of fierce ninjas. They actually yell when they punch...

Wednesday A little overexcited after my last Body Pump class, I decide to increase my weights. A little pre-emptive I hear you ask? Perhaps, I just felt like a bit of a moron flinging around weights so light they just about dislocated my shoulders.

Thursday Expecting to spend the day bed ridden in excruciating pain, I was surprised to find I felt OK. A little sore but I think the worst is behind me! Chickpeas are fast becoming my little friend in the draw.

Friday Rather than spending Friday afternoon having after work drinks, I thought I’d give Pilates a try. Impressive I know!

Saturday After almost two weeks of eating well and exercising, my clothes feel tighter. That’s right tighter. I throw a hissy fit and curse Kelly Osbourne accusing her of being a big fraud. Refuse to do any exercise and spend the morning sulking (and eating Mars bars).

Food Intake As mentioned on Saturday I had a great food week but felt fatter than before I started on day one! I don’t know what’s happening! Feeling disheartened I pull myself together and decide to keep going.

Wednesday Squats and lunges should be illegal. Tottering to work in my heels seems unthinkable so I finally do what I always said I’d never do – wear runners with my suit. I’ve never been a fan of this look but desperate times call for desperate measures!

Thursday No pain from Pump! Head off to spin feeling like a total gym junkie! Leave feeling like someone had swapped my bones to gelatine. Got off the bike looking like a newborn deer taking its first steps.

Friday Raining... Warm bed… I pull out every excuse I have to avoid getting up. I’m such a pushover. No gym for me today. When getting dressed for work I thought, “hang on, my face doesn’t look as chubby! …Neither do my arms!!” Go against my personal rule of weighing myself. I’ve lost 2.2kg!!

Saturday Encouraged by my small weight loss I head off to the gym and do my own cardio circuit. I could actually do 60 min quite easily! What an awesome feeling!

Food Intake Again I stuck well within my 1200 calories per day and let myself have a small popcorn and frozen coke at the movies. It’s all in moderation.

Wednesday The thought of doing weights today seems impossible! I head off to see my old friend the spin bike.

Thursday I woke up thinking that a beautiful morning shouldn’t be wasted being inside a gym, so I go for a long walk and actually try to run! I’ve never been a natural runner but at this point I’ll try anything!

Friday Today, my boyfriend put his arm around me and then seem surprised when he touched my shoulder. I have a muscle there now! Well, a slightly more prominent one anyway!

Saturday Inspired by new found muscles I head off to Pump class and increase my weights slightly. It’s tough but I manage to do the whole class without stopping!

Food Intake I’m truly in the swing of eating my prescribed amount of food. I’ve started to mix it up a little and get inventive with a few new recipes. At the end of the day eating well really isn’t that hard. I’ve changed my mindset to treating food as fuel – not a hobby.

Monday Today I was talked into going to a boot camp. I’m not a violent person but I think I could have killed the drill sergeant with my bare hands.

Tuesday I arrive at spin class and spot my nemesis – old lady in the back row. I’m going to take her on in the sprint track. How did you go I hear you ask? Let’s just say I won’t saddle up next to her for QUITE a few months.

Tuesday I can’t lift my arms... and I thought that all those weights in Pump would’ve prepared me for a few rounds with I start off the exercise a punching bag. I was wrong. week with some boxing! I remember when skipping rope used to be fun. Monday I’m craving some Mondayitis sugar but try to stay strong with healthy snacks.

ocean bloom Photography: Anthony Licuria Styling: Fashion Trading International Model: Emily @ Chadwicks and Nigel @ Scene Hair and makeup: Lucy Simpson

family christmas menu, 2010 style by Julia Vogl

Entrée:

Christmas isn’t Christmas without prawns! Barbecued Honey Prawns • • • • • • • •

1.5 kg green King Prawns 2 teaspoons of fresh ginger finely chopped 2 garlic cloves 2 tablespoons of honey ¼ cup of lemon juice 2 table spoons of oil ½ cup of soy sauce Freshly ground pepper

Steps: 1 2 3 4

Peel and devein prawns leaving the shell tails intact Combine remaining ingredients in a plastic container and toss the prawns through the mix. Seal and leave to marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight- shaking container occasionally to distribute mix Thread prawns onto skewers BBQ prawns and brush marinade during cooking

Main:

A modern take on the roast turkey

Baked chicken stuffed with ricotta and sun dried tomatoes, wrapped in prosciutto • • • • • • • • •

85g ricotta 200g semi-dried tomatoes Thinly sliced prosciutto pieces Chicken breast fillets Tin of peppercorns ½ ltr of cream Potatoes Corn Carrots (or any vegetables you wish)

Steps: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Pre heat oven to 180°C Lay the chicken breast out flat and with a small sharp knife make a slit at one end of the breast, using your fingers push down to the other end of the breast. You must work gently and carefully so as not to break the skin Stuff the pocket with the ricotta and semi-dried tomatoes Close the chicken and wrap it with the prosciutto carefully, and pierce through with a skewers to hold in tact Place chicken breasts into a pre oiled baking dish with vegetables which have been neatly sliced Cook until chicken and vegetables are slightly brown, checking on them regularly Slowly boil the cream and peppercorns to drizzle over the dish.

Each year family and friends gather for the celebration of Christmas, and more often than not, the same dishes are cooked time and time again. Why not try something a little different this year, while still using those flavours we love in the name of tradition.

Dessert:

No fruitcake in sight

Chocolate crepes with cream cheese filling (Makes about 18 small crepes or 10 large crepes) Crepes: • • • • • • • •

2 eggs 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour 3 tbsp (45 mL) sugar 2 tbsp (30 mL) cocoa ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt 1-1/4 cups (300 mL) milk 2 tbsp (30 mL) melted butter Vegetable oil

Filling: • • • • •

1 pkg (250 g) regular or light plain or chocolate cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup (75 mL) sugar 1 cup (250 mL) whipping cream (35 % M.F.), whipped Grated chocolate or icing sugar Chocolate sauce (optional)

Steps: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Beat eggs in a medium bowl with a whisk or an electric mixer. In another bowl, stir together flour, sugar, cocoa and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to beaten eggs, alternately with milk, beating until smooth. Stir in melted butter. Refrigerate batter for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 days. Once batter has set, heat a non-stick frying pan or crepe pan on medium-high heat. Brush lightly with oil. Pour batter into the pan and ensure batter covers the bottom of the pan evenly. Cook until bottom is slightly browned. Flip crepe over and cook for about 20 seconds, repeating this with remaining batter. To make filling, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Spoon 2 to 3 tbsp, filling down the centre of each crepe or spread over crepe. Fold or roll up crepe. Sprinkle with grated chocolate and serve with chocolate sauce and strawberries if desired.

the foolproof covet gift guide by Tiffany Newman

It is that time of year again! Christmas cheer, flashing lights, over-eating and ticking off Christmas lists. With busy crowds and so little time, shopping for gifts can only be described as nightmarish! Follow our gift guide to give creatively and thoughtfully this year. The Boyfriend/Husband - The GHT E-READER 7” BLACK This fabulous device is not only a portable e-book, but can play music mp3, mpeg/DivX videos and Jpeg photos all on its huge combination 6GB memory. With its 7-hour long battery your man can take the portable E-reader anywhere. This fabulous gift won’t disappoint, or break the bank at only $128 at any JB HIFI store. The Girlfriend/Wife - A DAY TRIP TO A WINERY A foolproof gift to impress your lady, it means a whole day of eating good food, drinking great wine and enjoying each other’s company. From only $155pp, All Day Tours provides day trips to many wineries around Victoria. From Mornington to the Macendon Ranges, they have a tour to suit you. Each tour includes tastings and a two course lunch. The Mum - INDAH BODY PRODUCTS If a day at the spa isn’t her thing, why not bring the pampering to her? INDAH’s range of body bars, butters and lip balms will make your mum feel relaxed and special this Christmas. Soft on the skin and heavenly to the nose, INDAH’s products are 100% natural, Australian-owned and made in the tropical tranquil surroundings of Bali. Give mum the Dreamland Body Butter for only $32.95 and watch the Christmas stress will float away. The Dad - VIGOR HEALTH AND FITNESS MEMBERSHIP Get your dad outdoors and loving life with a membership to Vigor Health and Fitness. With options like kayaking, cycling, mountain biking, swimming, triathlons and adventure racing, for only $77/year your Dad will have access to all the adrenalin-pumping events and activities Vigor Health and Fitness has to offer! The Teenager - MP3 PLAYER Let’s face it. Once we hit our 30’s it’s hard to know what’s in and what’s out with teenagers. Take the pressure of buying for boys and girls, by buying a present suitable for both at any age. With an MP3 player they can store their own music and consider you just a little bit cooler. Try the Apple iPod Shuffle from JB HIFI in their favourite colour for $187. The New Parents - INDULGENCE BASKET For the last nine months they’ve said no to anything indulgent and now the baby has arrived all these wonderful delights can be consumed once again! Head down to your local gift store and buy a basket to fill with goodies such as coffee beans, chocolate, a sushi kit, wine and cheeses. The Co Worker - T2 COFFEE MUG A daily cup of coffee or tea is essential in an office environment, so naturally your own personal cup is a must-have. This Christmas give your colleague one from T2 who guarantee to satisfy all thirsty guzzlers while showing off their personal style. Their Curve TMug is a fabulous choice at only $26.95. Merry Christmas!

what to wear in summer Photography: Anthony Licuria Styling: Melbourne Stylists Model: Emily @ Giant Hair: Michelle Furst Makeup: Elise Constable

Manning Cartell ‘Mr Tango’ bra from Green With Envy $179.95, Willow skirt from Green With Envy $595, Damselfly cuff POA and Peeptoe heels POA.

Zimmermann ‘Waterfall’ dress from Green With Envy $349.95, Damselfly necklace and ring POA and Peeptoe heels POA.

Diane von Furstenberg dress from Cyberia $1300 and Bianca Buccheri shoes from Dolci Firme $509.

Aje dress from Cyberia $500 and Damselfly ‘Animalia’ rings POA.

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Camilla dress from Cyberia $500, Bianca Buccheri heels from Dolci Firme $589 and jewellery from Damselfly.

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style for your home by Snjezana Bobic

ny fashion follower knows style isn’t just about the clothes we wear on our back. Personal style should flow through our wardrobes, into our beauty cabinet and over our entire house. Whether you’re spring cleaning or planning a total makeover, this coming summer season is all about knowing the biggest trends for your living space and getting a little creative on a Sunday afternoon to add a little personality to the place you call home.

Why not make your own personalised boxes with photographs or postcards that you’ve collected over travel trips? You can even add fabric to the boxes if you like to have that extra lush feel, after all, your home is the second best out fit you can show off.

In the fashion world, we like to mix things up a bit. Trends, cycles, seasons… Whatever you call it, the bottom line is that every few months we like to rid the old and welcome the new. This should most certainly be the case not only for your closet, but for your home as well. And what better time to do it than a fresh new year?

Do anything you like really, but remember the key is to focus on one thing at a time and to de-clutter as much as possible.

1. TREND Just as neutral tones are in on the fashion scene this season, colours like creams, browns and beiges (warm) and whites, greys and blacks (cool) can stylise your space. Liven the place up using bursts of colour with cushions and homewares. A good tip is to get yourself a colour wheel to ensure you’re picking colours that will match. Another big trend in the home furnishing industry is white. And by white, we mean all white. This theme looks clean, minimal and will never go out of style. Try white throws, books, vases and candles for a breath of fresh air to your lounge room. If the thought of all white plus children makes you queasy, swap the neutrals for summer brights – everything from rugs to bath towels to crockery looks great in bold colours (and lots of them) like red, green, blue and yellow.

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Stores like Kikki K and Howards Storage World have countless options for filing, organising and storing, in the most stylish way possible.

3. CREATE If you’re looking to decorate your walls without painting them, practise a little creativity with fabric paints and canvas instead. It gives you the same lush feel, the difference being when you tire of looking at it, you can change it up with just a couple of bucks and a lazy afternoon. The possibilities are endless, so use some fashion sense and go wild. For a creative centrepiece and talking point that the kids can help with, try making your own puzzle from a sentimental family photograph. All you’ll need is some cardboard, the image you’ve chosen and a puzzle piece template. Place the image on the cardboard and trace the puzzle pieces. Glue, cut and hey presto! Your own puzzle. If you’re looking for something more relaxing and romantic why not try making your own candles? It’s simple really – you can find a candle-making course online and have the candle contents sent to your home with instructions. Who knows, perhaps you will create your own signature scent!

If the idea of an airy, beach vibe this summer is more your thing, try tapping into the Asian- and tribal-inspired trends we are seeing everywhere on the catwalks. Rustic wood, earthy tones, splashes of red and coconut scents will make you feel like the only thing that’s missing is a hammock and a Singapore Sling.

4. OVERHAUL If your space requires a little more love than a few DIY projects and you’re planning on overhauling your home, make sure you do your research beforehand. Know what to splurge and what to save on. Large furniture items like lounges and beds will last a lifetime and will be the first thing your guests notice. Spend a little more on those and save on the smaller pieces around it.

2. DECLUTTER Feeling like you have no room left in the house? Get yourself organised with boxes and folders for all the bits and pieces around the house.

It’s important to spend on big changes like re-flooring and bathroom renovation – you’ll thank yourself in the long run. Shop around for quotes and designs and make sure you’ve got the best professional for the job.

the talented Mr by Taylor Kelly photography by Anthony Licuria

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“S

leep while you’re dead” is Grant Smillie’s motto and it’s no surprise given the many projects and accolades the talented entrepreneur has under his belt. Amidst a myriad of differing talents, Smillie is renowned for his music and in particular his partnership in the acclaimed music duo TV ROCK with partner Ivan Gough. But how did it all begin? “I began DJ’ing 12 to 13 years ago. I guess the steps you needed to take to become big in the music industry back then were that you had to play alongside someone with profile,” Smillie tells COVET.

“We have the most crazy contract system, which is you only get signed for one record at a time so that no artists are bound, because I’ve been bound by contracts and I hate them. “I guess it’s sort of built on trust and good music, so we only sign stuff we love and I think it’s a good way to approach it.” Checking DJing and record labels off his todo list, Smillie set his sights on radio and TV. “I guess I am an ambitious kid so I pitched them a show many years ago and that was Novanation (National Nova radio show Saturday 8pm),” he says.

“I got my first break playing New Years Eve 2000 with Derrick Carter, Bob Sinclair and Dimitri from Paris and I played the closing set.

“I rang John Course and said why don’t we do this together? And it’s great we get to play a lot of new music and we’ve got complete autonomy – they don’t tell us what we can and can’t play, other than please don’t drop the F bomb before 8oclock at night.”

“It was exciting to play alongside those kinds of guys. And that was sort of the first of my big parties I played at, the first of my festival sort of gigs. But now it’s all about music really.”

What about his new position hosting Club[V] on Channel[V]?

Since then, Smillie has been nominated for five ARIAS and collected two.

“It’s different to be on the other side of the camera,” he says.

“The whole process was surreal. We got nominated for five ARIAS the first time we were up. To win two on the first night actually was ridiculous,” he says.

“It’s talking to the same people, covering music and dance... It’s pretty easy to talk about when I guess I’ve been around it for a while and I’m great mates with a lot of the guys I interview.

“You don’t get an appreciation of how hard they are to win [when] the first time you’re nominated you win. In retrospect... some people spend their whole lives making records, never to get a nomination nor win one and to win one the first time was pretty lucky.”

“I’m not the best presenter, let me tell you that, but I give it a go.” For most people, this list of accomplishments would be more than enough to make you smile each morning. But for anyone that’s met Smillie, you’d know there’s always another surprise.

For Smillie, it’s not enough just to be a musician. He developed The Neon Records label which was born out of the desire to push a track that funnily enough, TV Rock had trouble signing.

He’s the founder of Onelife Food which provides sliced and packaged apples to fast food restaurants and other retailers like Qantas, McDonalds and soon-to-be 7Eleven and cinemas as a healthy alternative. He also owns and directs the 360 Agency, which will soon host electronic master classes to “help people open up a door to a career” and open pop-up bars around Melbourne for six-month stints.

“Ivan and I wrote Flaunt It with Sean and no one wanted to sign it, so we took it to Sydney and took it to all of the big labels but it was largely overlooked,” he says. “That was the catalyst to start our record label and that’s sort of how it was born. “We had two decisions, either to say leave it as is or go for it.” Having always harboured ambitions to own a record label, once it was off the ground it seemed there was no looking back for Smillie. And it might have had something to do with his experience as a signed artist and his strict “all killers, no fillers” theory. “We’ve been really lucky, I mean last year we had over 20 weeks at number one on the club charts here,” he says.

While Smillie is busily juggling multiple positions, he hasn’t lost track of one of his major ambitions. “Ultimately I’d love to help people with ideas for their businesses, get them to fruition I guess, be it if you’re a singer, a songwriter, or if you’ve got some crazy idea and everyone says is stupid, I’m more than happy to figure out a way to make it happen,” he says. “I guess I like to chew with my mouth full, that’s for sure – I am an entrepreneur. “Nothing’s set in stone, there’s nothing you can’t change and I like to take the best out of everything, I think I’ll always like to. I don’t want to be tied down to any one job.”

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glass and a half

by Larissa Thorne photgraphy by Anthony Licuria

ou’d be forgiven for thinking it was some sort of modern-day fairy tale. A Balinese princess marries an Australian swimming champion and they live out the rest of their days in comfort and relaxation. But relaxing is one thing Lindy Klim doesn’t do.

designer to make it sort of baby-ish on the front and not so man-like.”

The beautiful Australian-Balinese’s foray into modelling at the age of 20 was a natural progression.

“I tried so hard to keep the price down. It’s all organic and it’s all made in Australia, so it’s like what more can you do? So we do struggle and that’s one major thing we do try to push, to have the prices down as well.”

“As a child that’s all everyone ever told me I would be – a model,” says Klim. But nobody predicted she would turn out to be such a hard-working entrepreneur as well. On top of modelling she has also had a successful career as a DJ. After being coached by world renowned DJ Grant Smille in 2008, she went on to play for the Myer Marquee at Oaks Day and the Ovarian Cancer Ball as her first gigs. “I’m a really bad singer and I can’t play an instrument. But I’ve got a good song selection and good taste in music so I just figured it can’t be that hard.” With diverse musical taste from 90s hip hop acts De La Soul and Beastie Boys to more recent bands like Cut Copy and Little Red it’s no wonder she has already drummed up a legion of fans. “I wouldn’t say I’m the best DJ in the world by any means, but I do know that I like to play songs that people like to listen to, so I think I kind of have that right.” Her latest endeavour has been into the world of skincare with her MILK Baby range of products. “Michael (her husband, Michael Klim) had done the men’s range and then we had Stella and I couldn’t find anything I wanted to use on her. So I thought that I would just copy Michael’s packaging and make something organic and natural that looked really stylish for children.” With a personal style she describes as ‘casual chic’, it is no surprise even her baby products have an air of sophistication. “It’s really, really hard to find nice things for children that aren’t kitsch and too baby-like. Michael had the design for the packaging custommade so I just copied that. But then I got our

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The MILK Baby range boasts a minimum of 69% certified organic ingredients as well as being made in Lindy’s hometown of Tasmania.

The range includes a Bath Time Wash, the Sleepy Bubs Massage Oil and three room sprays: Nighty Night, Stinky Winky and the best seller, Snotty Grotty. “And they actually work. The amount of people who have called us and been like, “Snotty Grotty is amazing.” You spray that when your baby’s got a cold and it’s instead of using a vaporiser. So I think that’s definitely been a winner. I mean we sell out of that during winter.” Drawing from her own experiences as a mother, Lindy has created all-natural products that are beneficial for babies. Her Balinese background influenced the creation of the Sleepy Bubs Massage Oil. “In Bali they use a lot of massage and oils and all that sort of thing and when Stella was a baby I just massaged her with olive oil instead.” The birth of her second child, Rocco, also influenced the MILK Baby range. “Spotty Tots is an eczema cream and I made that because Rocco had really bad eczema as a baby. So we got our ladies down in Tassie to come up with something. It’s really amazing for your skin and it works really well.” So what’s next for Lindy? “I’d like to do a maternity range; a home sort of range and just to bring it all in together with a lifestyle range, with beautiful cashmere wraps and all those little things. But that’s a long way away, we’re just so busy as it is right now with what we’ve got. So we’ll see in a few years’ time and we’ll sort of reassess and see if it’s doable. But it has definitely worked for us so far, we’re very lucky.”

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beyond launch at sandbar For booking enquires please contact Sandbar on (03) 9696 6334 Photos by APL Photography

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nacho figueras at ralph lauren collins st. Photos by APL Photography

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around the world in 90 days Travel bug gotten under your skin, but you can’t decide where to set sail to? Do you need a beachside break or is a white Christmas more your thing this Australian summer? At least you know you won’t be sitting in the inflatable pool for another three hot months. Our holiday guide will soon have you living the life you deserve, if only for a little while. by Emma Merkas

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Beachside Bliss:

Thailand

There is so much to love about a relaxing holiday in Thailand. Food, massages and cocktails are ridiculously cheap and the weather is uniformly beautiful almost all year round so you can enjoy crystal blue water and palm trees from a sun lounger. Where to stay: The best parts of Thailand are the ones away from the tourist strips. Try Surin Beach, Phuket – a good 20 kilometres away from the mess that is Patong. The strip is full of five-star resorts, the best of which has to be the Twin Palms Phuket (twinpalms-phuket.com). Paying a little extra for one of their swimout rooms that run alongside the pool or a private villa is well worth the dosh. Don’t forget to check out their Beach Club – a luxury lounge meets-restaurantmeets-nightclub-meets-sundeck right on the sandy beach. Top Three Things to Do: 1. Eat dinner with your feet in the sand. Surin Beach boasts a strip of great, cheap Thai, Italian and Seafood restaurants along its shore. 2. Get a massage. Every. Single. Day. At roughly $10-$15 a pop for a full one hour massage in the open air beach parlours, you can afford to indulge more than once. 3. Sail the seas. There are many, many uninhabited slices of paradise to be explored in Thailand.

Don’t-Want-to-Be-Bored:

A Sensory Indulgence:

Be still my beating heart! Manhattan is a living, breathing city that never sleeps. It has everything to offer, and you never have to leave the island at all. Five days here will not be enough. Two weeks here and you may get the bare essentials covered. You’ll wish you didn’t have to waste time sleeping here just so you can see more.

Ah, Paris. So easy to lose yourself in. Only the finest in cheese, champagne, café au lait and fine cuisine. The fashion. The macaroons. Montemarte and the bohemian culture. Absinthe! If you want a holiday you may never fully recover from, Paris is the place to be. Just keep an eye on your waistline, your credit card and your heart. They’re all in danger here.

Where to stay: I’m probably going to get in trouble from the City of New York for letting you in on this little secret, but here it is - Airbnb.com. What’s that, you ask? It’s a site where real people can offer up their studio apartments or spare rooms for your accommodation.

Where to Stay In the city of fashion you can’t go past a boutique, 34-room hotel designed by none other than Christain Lacroix. Le Bellchasse (lebellechasse.com) is located in Saint-Germain, and a night in this exquisitely fashionable hotel starts from around €151. Each room is completely different, so you won’t know whether you’re getting an art installation of giant dragonflies or a hand-painted mural of Provencale France on your wall until you open the door to your room.

New York City

Here’s the kicker: you’ll find something fabulous and comfortable in the heart of Manhattan for a third of the price of any hotel room in the city. You have to hurry though, this website will be banned in the Big Apple from May 2011. It’s just that good. Top Three Things to Do: 1. Get an Overview of the City The very best way to start your stay in NYC is to get your bearings amidst the huge concrete jungle. Where to start? The Empire State Building of course. Invest in the audio tour, it explains each neighbourhood on the 360-degree view. Also try Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Centre – you get all the same views with half the crowds. 2. Lunch and Rowboat at Central Park Lake Stroll through Central Park, past all the world-famous landmarks then sit down to lunch at The Loeb Boathouse Restaurant (thecentralparkboathouse.com), overlooking the lake before a romantic row down the lake. 3. Join the Cool Crowd Unequivocally the coolest part of the city right now is the East Village. We recommend the likes of Inoteca (inotecanyc.com) for divine Italian tapas-style eating, or 2-for1 happy hour (cocktails!) from 12-8pm every day at the grungy Ten Degrees (10degreesbar.com).

Paris

Top 3 Things to Do: 1. Dine at a Classical French Restaurant Incredibly romantic, eat foie gras while surrounded by fine paintings and sculptures at Restaurant 1728. (restaurant-1728.com). This is a true French dining experience in a venue steeped in history, that won’t cost you a few hundred Euro per head. 2. Poshest Wine Tour on the Planet How does a cellar-door romp through the likes of Moet, Mumm and Taittinger sound? Now you could hire a car, but the combination of Paris traffic and can’t-refuse bubbles makes that a poor option. How about a private limousine tour? It will set you back a few hundred Euro, but isn’t that what indulgence is all about? 3. Drink in the Art There’s the Louvre, of course where you will overload your senses with scores of beautiful artworks. Should the queues prove too much, try the Orangerie Museum (musee-orangerie.fr), which also houses the likes of Renoir and Picasso and the extraordinary Nymphéas – Water Lilies – by Monet, displayed in twin oval rooms so the viewer is surrounded by the artist’s vision completely.

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DINEDRINKS Kobe Jones

Tuscan Bar

Level 1, 427 Docklands Drive, Melbourne PH (03) 9329 9173

Level 1 & Rooftop, 79 Bourke St Melbourne (03) 9671 3322 www.tuscanbar.com.au

With the setting sun throwing glorious shades of amber across the glimmering harbour water and the city skyline beginning to flaunt its enchanting evening lights, the outlook from Kobe Jones restaurant is an enviable backdrop for any special meal.

Climb the stairs to the rooftop of Tuscan Bar and you will be greeted with the joyful and lively atmosphere that emanates from a venue filled with people enjoying the beginnings of warmer weather.

Spacious and smartly styled in romantic neutral tints, the sophisticated yet simple space of Kobe Jones is located on the upper level of the Docklands Drive restaurant strip where it is renowned for delivering contemporary Japanese cuisine infused with the unexpected influences and tastes of the west. The extensive menu is centred on the ‘graze dining’ movement and offers guests a wide selection of plates that have been produced with the intention of being shared among friends and family.

Perched above one of Melbourne’s busiest strips, this Italianinspired bar offers patrons a rare space to spend an evening overlooking Bourke Street and the cityscape – with their drink of choice in hand. Decked out with a retro bar and tromp l’oeil murals capturing the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, the rooftop is a favourite in the summer months but remains a popular winter retreat due to being partially undercover and fitted with heaters.

The ‘Perfect For Two’ banquet is an indulgent 2-hour dining experience that allows you to sample the complete taste range on offer from western-inspired lollipop sushi to an artistically assembled collection of sweets adorned with chocolate chopsticks. Each course arrived with the most impeccable and creative presentation and was accompanied by a matching wine or sake which proved to intensify the luxury of the whole occasion. And might we suggest the ‘Number One Special’ – a Kobe Jones delicacy?

Tuscan Bar prides itself on serving up a selection of authentic Stuzzichini (tapas, Italian-style), as well as reasonably priced traditional meals such as hand-rolled pasta dishes and a collection of imported cheeses.

Throughout the experience the fast and attentive wait staff at Kobe Jones look after you so well that you feel as though you are receiving the quality of service aligned with fine dining but in a relaxed and romantic atmosphere and an inventive spin on Japanese.

In contrast to upstairs, the adequately named “Grande Room” on level one presents a more refined ambiance. Featuring a long marble topped bar as the focal point, the cocktail lounge and restaurant is lavishly appointed with cosy leather couches, corner booths, glittering chandeliers and ceiling decorations. The smooth jazz tunes that filter throughout the space allow you to slip easily into the relaxed mood as does the wine list, 25 varieties of boutique beer, Pimms and Tuscan Sangria and the cocktail list. Whether day or night, Tuscan Bar’s distinct presentation, tasty food, extensive drinks menu and inviting Italian atmosphere makes this venue well worth climbing the stairs for.

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STAYRELAX by Kate Dockery from NiteGuide

Hotel Charsfield

APL Photography

478 St Kilda Road, Melbourne (03) 9866 5511 info@charsfield.com

Anthony Licuria 0411 806 447 www.aplphotography.com

Nestled amid the hustle and bustle of Melbourne CBD stands a tranquil majestic oasis that presents its guests with a most unique accommodation experience – the opportunity to stay within the elegant surrounds of an historic mansion.

Christmas and the summer holidays are almost here and that means you’re looking for ways to unwind from a busy 2010! The end of the year is also a great time to do those things you’ve always wanted to tick off your to do list but just never got the chance.

An icon of St Kilda Road, The Hotel Charsfield is a beautiful example of early Victorian architecture that has been carefully restored to all its former glory. From the manicured front garden and the gracefully ornamented arches on the face of the building to the lavish Victorian carpets and drapes, airy high ceilings and refurbished period features, the Hotel Charsfield is practically brimming with character and old-world charm in all of its 41 rooms. Opposite Fawkner Park, close by Albert Park Lake and only a short tram ride from the National Gallery of Victoria, the Arts Centre, Botanical Gardens, Southbank and the CBD, the hotel is an ideal resting place for those planning to enjoy the delights of Melbourne. Those wishing to wind down at the hotel can choose to recline in the Reading Room which provides guests with daily newspapers, magazines and free wireless connectivity while the historic Snooker Room is also fitted with a full sized snooker table for more lively entertainment. The hotel’s Bar and Restaurant sports a contemporary Australian menu and guests can also access a fully professional Gym (offsite) and a beauty treatment room.

APL Photography is Melbourne’s leading photography company, covering all of the hottest events, celebrities and photo shoots. It is also the official snapper for COVET Magazine, with director Anthony Licuria shooting all of the fashion photo shoots and celebrities you see on our pages! Get the star treatment this issue with APL Photography as they offer a FREE consultation for your very own photo shoot! How about organising for a friend for Christmas? Or creating memories to keep forever with your family? Contact Anthony Licuria on 0411 806 447 or www.aplphotography.com.au for your FREE consultation.

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The Hotel Charsfield has also established itself as a distinct function and meeting centre, with a Boardroom and conference room. In this truly unique setting, the Hotel Charsfield is the ultimate getaway destination for those that appreciate the enchanting character of old world refinement. 121

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