Inspired by the vintage Brunswick culture, the Saleh family have opened up a hidden gem just under our noses, in the heart of Thomastown. No matter what season the outdoor courtyard with its iron-wood heaters, makes it perfect for an after work sip or a satisfying hearty meal in the colder months. The courtyard walls are drenched with street art and the landscaping is extremely organic and playful with its white picket fences, vintage lawn furniture and fairy lights draping above like a blanket of twinkling stars. The decor is an eclectic collection of old and new. Modern stainless steels mixed with vintage furniture such as old typewriters, television sets and brass trinkets surround the room.

Taking their experience from working in such restaurants as Grossi Florentino on Bourke and The Italian now on Collins the menu is saturated with integrity. Everything from the pasta to the strawberry eton mess is home-made and delicious. The menu throughout although supplying traditional meals has a modern urban twist. Examples of this include; the mouth watering stacked pancakes with orange mascarpone and mixed berry compote or the traditional florentine served with sauteed spinach and herb mushrooms on a potato rosti drizzled with hollandaise.

Being the food connoisseurs that we think we are, we thought we’d try something for the vegetarian and the meat lover. Taking Mark Saleh’s recommendation, we were lucky enough to indulge in the vegetarian risotto made with butternut pumpkin, fried eggplant, spicy zucchini, goats cheese and tangy lemon zest. Although absolutely scrumptious we couldn’t resist the sight of the rustic sausage and peppers pizza. But it wasn’t over there, being the undeniable sweet lovers that we are, dessert wasn’t even a question. To satisfy our sweet tooth we couldn’t go past the white chocolate Nutella pizza served with vanilla bean ice-cream (We are still salivating thinking about this now!).

By this time we were extremely satisfied, even more so upon receiving our bill, on the discovery of how incredibly priced our banquet actually was! With prices from as little as $3.50 for breakfast (fruit toast with condiments) to the most being $15 (seafood pasta) for a main, you will encounter a delectable meal at an affordable price.

What we really loved most about our experience was the great atmosphere and vibe the Saleh family has brought to St Alexanders Kitchen. It was great a pleasure and honor to see the unity of this talented family and we will surely be returning soon.

street.cred.thread

xxx

<a href=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1691733/restaurant/Melbourne/Lalor/St-Alexanders-Kitchen-Thomastown”><img alt=”St Alexander’s Kitchen on Urbanspoon” src=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1691733/biglink.gif” style=”border:none;padding:0px;width:200px;height:146px” /></a>

Australia’s hottest new export – Samantha Wills jewellery – is taking the world by storm. Growing up in Australia’s east and moving to Sydney later on, she started her empire at the early age of 21. Six years down the track, and the likes of Kate Bosworth, Rihanna, Katy Perry and Eva Mendes all swear by her jet-set creations. 

Her new collection is called ‘A Decadent Solstice’ – Also join the VIP section at www.samanthawills.com to receive 50-80% off when you shop online. 

Mario Testino is the ultimate fashion photographer of our generation. Working for the likes of Vanity Fair, Vogue, Dolce & Gabbana and Burberry, the Peruvian-born photographer transcends fashion in his imagery and creates works of art. 

His latest compilation of photographs – shot of life-time friend Kate Moss – could be his greatest work yet. In a limited edition bound book, he has composed over 100 images in both black and white and colour of the model. 

Kate Moss has also contributed to the book with her own personal essay regarding her friendship and work relationship with Testino. 

This book is the consequence of two decades of extraordinary friendship, and phenomenal glamour, this iconic collaboration is an intimate insight into the lives and minds of two of the world’s definitive style leaders. 

Mario says “I met Kate very early on. Shortly after her first Galliano show I went backstage to congratulate her, only to find her crying: she was disappointed that she had only been given one outfit to model in the show. My answer to her was this: “In life there are perfumes and colognes. You need to use lots of cologne as the scent fades away; with a perfume you just use a drop and it lasts all night. You are a perfume, you will go on and on.” Little did I know just how true that would become! And that I had made a friend for life.” 

In a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the industry’s most private figures, Kate Moss also gives her insights into her life with the celebrated photographer, expanding on both their professional and personal relationship. 

“Mario took me to a new level of glamour. I don’t think anybody had seen me as any kind of sexy model before he did. He was the one that transformed me. Before him I was just a grungy girl, but he saw me differently. He’d seen me in a pair of heels, getting glamorous – and he was the first to start taking pictures of me in that way. He changed the way people thought about me as a model, for sure. Later other people started working with me in that way, but he was the first.”

As huge fans of Kate Moss and Mario Testino, we are definitely ordering a copy of this amazing work. http://www.taschen.com sell the book online. Check out some of the images; 

Click to view slideshow.

Dalai Lama in Australia

The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet visited Melbourne this past weekend, and I was one of the lucky people who went and listened to his teachings at the Melbourne Convention Centre. 

Speaking on the paths of buddhism, how to control anger, jealousy and greed, discussing the situation between China and Tibet, the situation in Mongolia, having faith in more than one religion and the art of meditation, it was a full on seminar, but totally worth the 6:30am wake up. 

The day started with guided meditation from a different monk – Vietnamese, Tibetan and Mongolian – followed by each countries chanting and prayer. His Holiness would then enter – the whole audience standing as he did so – before greeting everyone with a ‘good morning’ and a giggle. 

He made no claims as to being a god and did not preach one word. He acknowledged China’s portrayal of him as the devil, however still spoke of the country with great respect and admiration. 

He was teaching in Canberra today, and tomorrow arrives in Brisbane to do a three day seminar on dealing with loss and grief after being affected by the floods. The public conversation is sold out, however www.dalailamainaustralia.org still has private tickets for sale. 

It is not something you want to miss. 

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER OUR 5 DAY SALE WILL BE HELD AT BOTH TIGER MIST BOUTIQUES! A STOREWIDE SALE FOR THE FELLAS AND THE LADIES! THIS IS OUR BIGGEST SALE TO DATE!! ALL DRESSES, TOPS, TEES, DENIM, JACKETS YOU NAME IT’S ON SALE! 

SO GET DOWN TO GRAB A BARGAIN AND STOCK UP ON YOUR WINTER WARDROBE!

DOORS OPEN AT 9AM THIS WEDNESDAY AND THE SALE ENDS THIS SUNDAY!

GUYS JEANS 20% OFF
SALE RACKS FOR GUYS AND GIRLS: $19.95, $29.95, $39.95, $49.95, $59.95, $69.95!!!

Yeah so this is definitely a sale you don’t want to miss. We all know how good the stock is down at Tigermist in Eltham, and this time round it’s in both Eltham and Ivanhoe stores, which only means double the bargins and double the brands. Get down and see all the lovely girls even if your not after a  bargain (who isn’t, anyway?) for a chat.

SCT XXX

To enter, all you have to do is select one of five shades from the Chanel ROUGE COCO SHINE collection and tell us in a video (one minute or less) how your personality captures the essence of the selected shade. Win this and it’s “Bonjour, Paris!” One lucky reader will be living the dream of every couture connoisseur. Visit www.collegefashionista.co.uk or www.teenvogue.com/chanel for more details!!

There is a hidden gem in Melbourne and I know maybe writing about will expose its glory and over populate it BUT we want EVERYONE to enjoy this experience as much as we did!!!

HISTORY

Ok so in 1928 this dude Leon Satanovich fled from Russia to Australia and based himself in Melbourne sadly after seeing his family perish back home. Leon had a few jobs one being a cleaner but in his heart he was an entrepreneurial man and a vodka maker..just like his grandfather.

The name naked for Satan came from obviously his surname but as every Aussie has a nickname Santanovich was way to long, so Satan it was!

Long story short, during the Great Depression alcohol was expensive and rare, so Satan would share his secret creation with anyone that would help. Oh did I forget to mention that?!?! It was a secret location and empty warehouse space in Fitzroy ( the hidden gem)

During Summer in Melbourne the heat coupled with the steam coming off the boilers was almost unbearable for Satan so we would work day after day in his undies, so that’s how he coined the phrase “Naked for Satan”

Now back in the day this place was such a secret that for those who would partake in the experience would only be allowed in if they use the super secret phrase “Lets get naked for Satan”….

If you want to enjoy the amazing drinks and spanish tapas for only $2.00 each (and .50 cents during the hours of 2.00 and 4.00) visit Naked for Satan at ..

285 BRUNSWICK STREET, FITZROY 3065

Melbourne, Australia

(03) 9416 2238

NAKED@NAKEDFORSATAN.com.au

LMFF is an annual celebration that features fashion, design, business and creative endeavours. It brings industry people from all over the world to Melbourne, and definitely has put us on the fashion map!

The Melbourne Fashion Festival Ltd was established in 1996 as a not for profit organisation (bet you didn’t know that) to promote the Australian fashion industry, stimulate sales and present Melbourne as a centre of design excellence.

Currently LMFF has become Australia’s premium consumer fashion event offering more than just a fashion show over the month but parties, fashion forums, international shows and a sense of inspiration.  LMFF continues to inspire and connect the designers, consumers & retailers who keep Australian fashion alive!     

Please go to http://www.lmff.com.au/ to check out any further info about LMFF 2012…The site is amazing to look at and full of interesting images and facts about new and existing designers, photographers and models…

A MUST SEE! xx

He’s coming to AUS!

He has taken the TV and Fashion worlds by storm, and is an internationally renowned author. Gok Wan never thought he would be someone who people would one day aspire to be like, however now his title falls no shorter than that of ‘guru.’ In an Australian first, Gok is teaming up with shopping centre giant Westfield in order to launch the Westfield Styling Tour accross the country! He will be visiting Westfield stores in VIC, NSW, QLD and SA so stay tuned for more information and permanent marker the tour dates into your calendar!

And big kudo’s to Westfield for continuously providing Australian women with style advise, help and most importantly, amazing places to shop! For your nearest Westfield store and all the Gok tour dates head to www.westfield.com

WESTFIELD PRESS RELEASE:

Westfield today announced that it will play host to one of Britain’s top fashion gurus, Gok Wan, for a national tour that shoppers across the country won’t want to miss.

Fashion stylist to the stars, author and host of TV show How To Look Good Naked and Fashion Fix, Gok will hit our shores late March, embarking on a national tour with Westfield’s talented team of Stylists on the Westfield Style Tour.

Taking Aussie women under his wing, Gok will share his style tips through a series of revealing makeover sessions, showing ladies how to maximise their body shape with this season’s trends from the best Australian retailers.

Launching Westfield’s team of Stylists and services, the Westfield Style Tour will hit the road for 10 days – bringing Gok’s brand of bold, brassy and interactive fashion fun to Westfield centres in NSW, ACT, SA, QLD and VIC. During each show, one lucky winner from Westfield’s online ‘Win a Makeover with Gok’ competition will receive a full makeover, along with selected audience members.

Commenting on the tour from his home in London, Gok said, “I can’t wait to get Down Under. I love Australians and wish I could spend more time there! It’ll be fantastic to see what looks everyone’s wearing because every country has its own unique style.”

The Westfield Style Tour will further bolster Westfield’s position as the destination for style inspiration and guidance, translating the latest Autumn Winter trends into real fashion for different body shapes.

With services available 24/7 at home and in-centre, Australians can get style-savvy with the following services from the Westfield Stylists:

Free 15 minute one-on-one Style Sessions – Launching mid March, these sessions will take place with Westfield Stylists at Style Lounges in selected Westfield centres; Personal Style Sessions – A current favourite, these in-depth, personalised shopping experiences start from one hour, with a Westfield Stylist in-centre; Style Workshop – Sessions designed specifically for larger groups, the Style Workshop offers tips and advice for an audience of 30+ shoppers; ‘Ask A Stylist’ – This brand new online function joins the Westfield Style stable from mid March allowing shoppers to seek professional style guidance at http://www.westfield.com.au and receive free, personalised advice from a Westfield Stylist within 24 hours.

“We’re excited to be expanding our Westfield Stylists offering and can’t wait to bring Gok to Australia to help kick it off. Whether you’re visiting a Westfield centre, or seeking style advice online, Westfield will show you how the latest trends from leading Australian retailers are right for you,” said John Batistich, General Manager Marketing, Westfield.

For the chance to be in the running to ‘Win a Makeover with Gok’, visit http://www.westfield.com.au for more details.

WESTFIELD STYLE TOUR DATE CENTRE TIMING: