A walk through Melbourne

Posted on May 17, 2013 by SdV

The number one query I get is ‘why don’t I take my camera around more often?’

My first love would always be portraiture whether it’s fashion or beauty related. I do however enjoy taking photos of new places and people in other countries but for some reason I’ve just failed to do as much in Melbourne. The other day I’ve had the great fun of accompanying my awesome film director friend J and just rediscovering how cool Melbourne really is. Here are some photos. Enjoy =)

Immigration Museum’s Chocolate Festival: Melt

Posted on May 16, 2013 by SdV

Can I just say I love being my friend (of I’m So Hungree fame) Ashley’s plus one, because I simply get to eat and eat and smile at random people. Occasionally I get to dress up. So that’s a bonus.

This time I got to tag along to the Immigration Museum’s new Melt exhibition (an exclusive preview woohoo) which celebrates chocolate from all over the world with the help of the local Belgium, Brazilian and Mexican communities who created the delightful treats.

Melt: A chocolate festival

It was very cold so boy was I happy to be given a warm cup of thick Mexican chocolate, accompanied by some freshly baked sweet breads covered in cinnamon and cocoa. I was definitely the first to quietly slink away to a seat to sip and savor the concoction which was so delicious with a good punch of spices.

Mexican Champurrado and sweet bread

It was really interesting to hear the background stories of these treats and the role they play in the day to day lives of different people. For example the sweet breads are made by the men in the community from 3 am in the morning in time for breakfast because they require a lot of hard work. I say woohoo to that if I’m getting breakfast in bed

Brigadeiros

In addition there were samples of chocolates and brigadeiros (named after a politician in fact) and chocolate skulls to decorate! You should see the look of concentration on our faces =)

Chocolate Skull decorating

Ashley from I’m So Hungree

The Festival is taking place for one day only on 26th May. You can find out more details here, and I’m told there would be more chocolatey delights including waffles and a chocolate fountain and some workshops for us to get our hands deliciously dirty! You would also get to speak with the people involved and learn about the history of chocolate.

In the mean time I am wondering how to eat my punked out chocolate skull =D

Bling and punk Chocolate Skull

My Alexander Wang Rocco Dupe

Posted on April 24, 2013 by SdV

Its been a long time! Things have been rather chaotic; I am now a newly minted lawyer busy with job hunting and keeping a level head. I have also been working with some amazing creatives doing some brilliant photoshoots which I’ll be excited to share soon, but in the mean time here’s something which I absolutely LOVE!

My New Bag

So the Alexander Wang Rocco bag has been making the rounds and I have to admit I was intrigued. Retailing for $895.00 though, I could either beg for this or resign myself to the fact that I shouldn’t have such expensive tastes. The I spotted something eerily familiar on the colettehayman site and was like ‘hello!’ A quick trip to the store at Melbourne Central ensured this little baby is ALL MINE.

Alexander Wang Rocco

The Colette Hayman studded tote is a superb dupe of the Rocco, in fact I’ll say it’s the more accessible cute twin brother, considering I got it for about $40.00! It is a barrel shaped tote, of a convenient middle size with an inner zip and pouches for phone and keys. The exterior is a soft pebbled texture faux leather with four lines of gold studs at the bottom, two handles and a detachable shoulder strap with gold hardware. Really the only difference is that the Rocco is 100% lambskin and the studs are bigger but I do prefer my bag as it’s much lighter! I’ve really enjoyed carrying it around as it carries everything I need and suits all my outfits, it feels really well made and durable and super chic!

At LMFF

So here’s for finding a super bargain. I’m pretty sure it’s still in store but have a look for yourself because I know Colette Hayman has two kinds of studded totes which I saw that are similar but not quite the same!

Torn: Self Portrait

Posted on April 11, 2013 by SdV

It has been a while. And seem to be a perpetual cycle.

I am torn, tied up, broken.

And I will rebuild.

SdV’s Favourite Youtube/Beauty Bloggers

Posted on November 15, 2012 by SdV

At the end of the day when I need to unwind, I love watching beauty videos and hauls and read up on what other people are loving. Here are some of my favourite beauty bloggers and youtubers!