Weekly Inspiration: 31/12/08

Can you believe this is the last day of 2008? It's gone sooo fast.

So the last weekly inspiration I'm giving you is full of carnival fever, paris, driving lessons, the beach and sleep-ins.




Have a fabulous New Year Eve and I'll see you next year.

♥ Clairzy

Weekly Top 5: 29/12/08

White skirts, Court Heels, Satin Dresses, Oversized Clutchs & of course flower power brooches and hair pieces.


In the words of Miranda "That Is All". hahahaha

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Free Thought: 28/12/08

"a life without regrets is not a life at all."

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History Books that Impressed (November-December 2008)

History may not be for everyone but it is one of my greatest passions. Each novel or article I read based on or filled with history teaches me something new. Each book gives me a new point of view on human nature, from amazing women who nursed Anzacs back to health to mysteries concerning royalty.


A Rose for the Anzac Boys by Jackie French (2008)
The wounds from this book are still open as it was Christmas night when I set the book to rest on my desk after hours of reading as I let the book captivate my mind, my soul and my heart. “A rose for the Anzac Boys” is not for the faint hearted. It describes the war and the trauma experienced both during and after in such great detail you can picture each and every sentence in your head. My heart actually skipped a beat quite a few times when the character felt a great shock.

The story is about Midge, a New Zealander during the war, who at the beginning of the book is only sixteen and learning how to be a young lady in England. Her two brothers are both in the war and when one is pronounced ‘missing in action’ she decides she has to do something. She and two of her friends open up a canteen at a train station that is passageway to both the war front and the hospitals, so that they can serve the soldiers nice warm cocoa and other warm foods. She soon finds herself helping the wounded in other ways including driving an ambulance and working as a nurse’s aid. This opens her eyes and mind to the many horrors of the war, leading her to experience war firsthand as she gives herself to the cause appreciating every moment life has to offer.


The Diary of a young girl by Anne Frank (1995)
This book was first published in 1995 but was written many years earlier during World War II. The book was so good I was unable to put it down, and so it only took me five days, if that, to read it. Anne Frank’s story is so different from those written in textbooks and historical articles about World War II. For one thing it is written by a girl, who is, as she is writing, experiencing that time in history.

The diary is written by Anne Frank during her time in hiding. The last entry of her diary was written only three days before her and the other seven Jews she is hiding with are found and taken by the authorities. Anne talks about her feelings about hiding, the war and her family friend whom she has come to grow fond of; She also writes about “after the war”, which makes it so painful for the reader because they know there was no “after the war” for Anne.


My story; Titanic by Ellen Emerson White (1998)
This story like many others is fictional although based on historical events, in particular, the sinking of the grand ship the Titanic. It pulls the reader into a world of parties, seven course dinners, lace up boots and excitement, as well as pain, suffering, poverty, homelessness and fear. While reading this book I actually cried, a rare occurrence for someone who likes to look at things, such as literature and film, with an objective point of view.

Margaret Anne writes her diary, at first, during her residency at an orphanage in England. Her brother lives in America and both her parents have passed previous to the diary. One day she is lucky enough to be chosen to accompany a rich woman on the new ship the Titanic. Margaret is delighted as this is a chance to reach her brother in America, all expenses paid. When she steps aboard however she suddenly realises that although the ship is grand and is home to so many marvelous parties, foods and guests, it is not the all expenses paid trip she had thought it.



Anastasia by Colin Falconer (1953)
“Anastasia” is a household name to many a family. Yes, there was a fictional cartoon made about her in the nineties. Yes, she died at age seventeen. Yes, she was the youngest daughter of the last Tsar of Russia. Not many people know however, in which circumstances the reality became a childish cartoon. Not many people know that it was Colin Falconer who first pieced together a piece of fiction based on rumours that the Duchess had survived her fate. Yes, it is not a childish book but a book of romance, courage, passion, hatred, pain, suffering and above all hope.

The piece is split into two, with the chapters moving backwards and forwards between Anna’s life and the life of Michael Sheridan. Sheridan is an American journalist that stumbles across Anna, who has a striking resemblance to Anastasia, in one of Shanghai’s Taxi Clubs (brothels). They have awkward sex and he is left entrapped in her beauty, her mystery, the lonely eyes. After saving her from her attempted suicide he becomes her guardian and they trail through many challenges, both together and apart, seeking happiness for those lonely eyes.



♥ Clairzy

Weekly Rambles #021: 26/12/08

Yay It's boxing day which means that it's also 2008's last weekly rambles! Hope you all had a spectacular christmas. What did you all get? What did you all do? I'd love to hear about all your christmas adventures. Email me at clairzy91@hotmail.com or comment here.

So down to business. You're probably all ...
a) hung over
b) over your family
c) happy for your day off
d) ready to hit the sales

(or)

e) all of the above

So I'm here to help you out by bringing you some boxing day cheer here are a couple of fabulous videos for you to enjoy this festive holiday.

Jerry Time brings an EYE-POPPING holiday video for all ages, or maybe not.



Thread Banger's episode on Gala Darling.



Have a fabulous day whether you're having fun at the sales or making a killing selling half price stock to happy costumers.

Love you all
♥clairzy

weekly inspiration: 24/12/08

Quick Note

Have you decided on a New Year's Resolution yet? Everyone needs a Resolution or Resolutions to conquer during the year so why not come up with yours now.

My tips to finding a good resolution are:

1. don't make it too difficult otherwise you won't keep it
2. try 2008's resolution again but simplify it
3. don't diet as your resolution because there's no way it will stick
4. resolutions like exercise are good as long as you don't add too many conditions

So you may be wondering what I'm planning to do next year?
Well as of 2009 I plan to keep an A4 diary, which i will write my commitments & study, as well as everything I buy so that I can keep a lid on my spending.


Have a great day, ♥ Clairzy

Weekly Top 5: 22/12/08

Slogan T-shirts are back whether you like it or not. This summer try them tucked into some shorts with a pair of canvas flats or over your bathing suit at the beach.

Sheer scarves have replaced knits for summer. Fasten one to you with a belt or let it fly with your hair in the breeze.

Tailored shorts give a sophisticated look to this summer must-have.

Neutral handbags are going to make a huge comeback in 2009, with coloured patent heading out the door again.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, PEARLS ARE HUGE at the moment. Whether you wear a small strand or layer a few different types they will make any outfit chic.


♥

Free Thought: 21/12/08

"A person should not be judged on the failures of their life but on how they pick themselves up after such failures."

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Weekly Rambles #020: 19/12/08

With less than a week until christmas I thought I'd give you an extra long list of links and videos as an early pressie.

Animals can be so funny and it's great when it's all caught on film. Check out this youtube video for some hilarious clips.



If you've had a bad day at work or your just after something plain funny head to Funny.com. It's full of pictures and videos so humourous that you may fall off your chair.

However, if you're reading this during your lunch break how about some downtime on miniclip.com(the best games site by a landslide).

check out this video. it happened earlier this week.
Watch as George Bush ducks matrix style.




When there's goss to be told Black voices is there to tell it.

Forget Oprah! Ellen is the best daytime host that's come out of America. She is fabulous. Head to her website for the latest on her show or [if your in australia] tune in to channel nine/win at 12noon monday-friday.

This has got the be one of the funniest youtube videos in existence! haha. I was in stitches when i saw this on "weekend sunrise". It's Beyonce, justin timberlake and two others (can't recognise them) doing a "single ladies" parody.



My dad showed me this video of a 'pug rocket'. it's funny but i suggest you turn down your computer's volume before playing it. It's quite loud.



For those who have just graduated from Secondary school in Queensland, Australia and you're anxiously awaiting Saturday when you get your Op, here's a link to help you out.

Two links to help any graduate are Get Out There and Going to uni, two government websites.

If you have 9 minutes to spare you just have to wait this video on 60's fashion:



and if you're after a bit of sixties influence in your own style, check out this "How to 60's hair" video from Ford Models.



If you're after some great tailored shorts or a crisp blazer head to Ezibuy.com.

New.com's own fashion HQ is anything but boring.

The best place to seek out the latest chain store sales in Australia is definitely Style Hunter.

Have a Merry Christmas.

♥ Clairzy

This Summer's Feminine take on grunge

All last season's trends seem to have developed into new masterpieces. One of the culprits is indeed grunge, which became popular in the eighties and has been reinvented many a time since. This summer grunge is getting a feminine twist with sequins, sheer blouses and floral prints. Faux Fur and gladiator heels add a touch of femininity to the trend without taking away the dark mysterious feel that it is so famous for. Head into Dotti, Bardot and Sportsgirl for the latest in feminine grunge.




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Weekly Inspiration: 17/12/08

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Sweet Outfit: 16/12/08

Yesterday I was up down and all around. I had to go to the orthodontist in the morning, pick up some things for the renovations and that had me going out to woop woop. haha.

Last night I went out to the cinemas to see "Four Holidays" starring Reese Witherspoon. It was good with some cringe-worthy moments though.

This photo was taken in the mirror of the cinema powder room.



Valleygirl Dress
Gioriano Bolero
Cotton On Belt
Jay Jays Scarf
Jay Jays Bag
All jewelry Diva

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Styling for the fashion focused

If you're off to the bach why not finish your look with a straw trilby? It will add a touch of bohemian glamour to your bikiniwhile also hiding that wet mop after a swim in the ocean. (Trilby, Dotti, $19.95)





We all know bows are back but how do we adapt our hair to this trend without overdoing it? Bow decorated bobbypins are the latest craze and Diva is the place to buy with pins such as these for only $8.95! (Pins, Diva, $8.95)





For a little more noise head into sportsgirl for this delightful floral design. The ribbon ties around your head like a headband and only costs $19.95! (Headtie, Sportsgirl, $19.95)


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Sweet Outfit: 15/12/08

This is what I wore today.
I went to work and then did some browsing at the shops and bought a parosol (more on that later).


Temt Skirt
Ice Design Belt
All jewelry Diva

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weekly top five: 15/12/08

Have a merry christmas and a happy new year with fancy clutch bags, statement party frocks and killer heels! It's the season to party and that's so easy with the write wardrobe.

♥

All i want for christmas

1. AUDREY HEPBURN CALENDAR




2. LIKE I GIVE A FROCK BY MICHI GIRL




3. "CIRCUS" BY BRITNEY SPEARS




4. DAISY BY MARC JACOBS

Free Thought: 14/12/08

"He who becomes successful often uses such success for another goal and therefore develops a pattern of longing, unconscious greed and angst, however even if acknowledged he shall never change as he is only human like every other successful man and woman to face such truth."

♥

Gucci by Gucci

Gucci by Gucci only just hit the stores in October and has already become one of the best selling fragrances of the Spring/Summer season. It is also one of the first major products from Gucci under Creative Director Frida Giamini. This fragrance is filled with scents such as honey, raspberry, musk and orange blossom and comes in an adorable 50ml or 75ml Eau de Parfum.



♥♥♥

weekly rambles #019: 12/12/08

hey all,

well for the past week i've been staying at a lovely apartment on the sunshine coast. It's been lovely. Markets, shopping, a private rooftop spa, the beach and of course a chance to relax. It's been great as I don't have to worry about everything for a change and simply take in the beauty of my surroundings.

Today (as i only have 20 minutes and a very slow computer network - internet stall) i was unable to prepare a dose of weekly rambles. But for those of you who i have disappointed i do have a couple of links. They are probably familiar as i blog about them all the time, but alas, its all I can do for today.

www.galadarling.com
www.seaofshoes.com
www.diva.net.au
www.dotti.com.au

i promise next week's "weekly rambles" will be more fabulous than ever!!!!


♥

The world of Harajuku is now in stores.

There are five new fragrances in town and no Paris Hilton doesn't have her name to them this time. No, the star behind these five new baby's is not even taking credit for them. Gwen Stefani has brought out five new fragrances but says that they were inspired by Harajuku, Tokyo. She gives credit to the girls who play individual style so much better than the others.

Love is the romantic scent of the pack with a floral fragrance.

Lil Angel is the secretly sexy scent with a fruity fragrance.

G is the leader of the crew with a tropical scent.

Music is full of vanillas and jasmine to give it a beautiful scent.

Baby is full of flowery scents such as violet and rose.


To find out more head to this website.

♥clairzy

Weekly Inspiration: 10/12/08

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Expressing the faith fashionably

Catholics with Attitude is a company which sells religious shirts online.

With shirts such as "Jesus is my homeboy" and "Enjoy the holy spirt. So refreshing" they are sure to receive sales from catholics and atheists alike.



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weekly top five: 8/12/08

Click for description

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Free Thought: 07/12/08

Only time can tell how the problem shall be solved.

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Diva's collection boost

This week Diva proudly released some new pieces to their signature "diva" range Collection. Here are my top five favourites in the collection.


Hanging Dia Hearts Earrings $29.95


Leather Bow Necklace $34.95


Dia Oval Pendant Necklace $29.95


Mega Stretch charm bracelet $34.95


3 pack dia bangles $19.95


♥

So Night Owl. So Dotti.

Weekly Rambles #018: 05/12/08

A fairly short ramble today. Sorry about the lack of links this week.

A room of Ones own is a blog full of beautiful quotes and photography.

Fashion.net. Need I say more?

Check out this apartment in Brisbane City that up for sale. $2 million!

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Boho Luxe tries braiding

Bohemian Chic, as every other trend does, has reinvented itself again with floral scarves, tailored shorts and of course the seventies inspired plaited headpiece. The headpiece began to make a comeback in the fashion shows in October of 2007. It then trickled down to magazine spreads in journalism giants Vogue and Bazaar. As soon as word spread that the palited piece with the next 'big' thing to hit the fashion world chainstores worldwide made the prophecy come to life.


In Australia stores such as Diva, Dotti, Valleygirl and Sportsgirl it will only cost you between $8.95 and $29.95 to get your hands on the most recent item to become an essential. Style the headpiece up by wearing a neutral band with a bright outfit or add a splash of colour to a neutral outfit with one in blue or green.

So, what are you waiting for? Get our there!
Take charge of the latest bohemian piece to grace fashion's stores.

♥clairzy

Sweet Outfit: 03/12/08

Today I'm going to do some christmas shopping. I think I may take a hop, skip and a jump on a little trip round to a whole range of shopping centres and districts. I am going to amuse myself as i'm between chapters in my life with not much to do with all the time on my hands. How cool is my Christmas tree? It was my turn decorating this year and so simple pieces are key.



Today I'm wearing:

Purple Dotti Blouse
Pinstripe Dotti Waistcoat
Black Cotton On shorts
Pandora bracelet

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Weekly Inspiration: 03/12

Sweet Outfit: 01/12/08

Monday the 1st of December



What I wore:

(Old) Supre Dress
Cotton On Waistcoat
(New) Jay Jays Bag
Girl Xpress @ kmart sandals

♥

SUMMER IS HERE!!!

What we have to look forward to this season...

* Days at the beach
* long weekends
* morning walks
* citrus fruits
* chain store sales
* blockbuster movies
* short dress
* red lipstick



♥

Weekly Top 5: 01/12/08

I remain in love with trench coats even when summer hits. Pearls are fabulous as always as are bright heels and sandals.

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Free Thought: 31/11/08

Only when a woman accepts that she is a woman shall she be free

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