2011 the year that was

Hi guys

As you read this some of you will be recovering from last night's festivities while others are still probably celebrating. Me, well I had a fabulous day spent trackside with loved ones at Ascot's Perth Cup and am taking it easy today. And what better way is there to start off the year than blogging and reflecting on 2011 and filling you in on what's in store for 2012 - so here goes:

2011 was a whirlwind. There were many highs and a few lows but just so I don't lose you guys right here I'm going to keep this post upbeat and full of the highs. This year my job as a journalist has taken me to so many happy places and I got to meet the most amazing people too. In no particular order here's a list of who and what left a lasting impression on me last year. 

• My city Perth: I became the food writer for ishoperth magazine in May and got to work closely with a fabulous team of writers who cover everything happening in our CBD. I reconnected with the city and discovered it has come a long way and there is nowhere I'd rather be. The nightlife has improved, the shopping is getting better and the restaurant and small bar boom holds its own and even rivals some of our eastern states counterparts. Seriously people of Perth if you haven't done so lately do it soon and discover everything our beautiful city has to offer.

• Homegrown talent: My favourite things to do are to eat and shop and sometimes I do them at the same time - trust me it's a skill not getting macaron crumbs in my Belle Bijoux Evangaline hangbag! Which brings me to the fabulous homegrown talent I got to know - Belle Bijoux, Aurelio Costarella, Steph Audino, Debbie Kelly , Dianna Monastra and Keiko Uno are just some of the people I got to work with last year.  I have always been a fan of Belle Bijoux's leather accessories and last year I got to meet her in person (after countless emails and phone-calls). Since our initial meeting we've caught up over coffees, cocktails and handbags and like her designs she is bright, bubbly, an absolute joy to be around and someone I now consider a good friend - she is as I like to say - amazeballs. Also last year, I got to meet my favourite Australian designer Aurelio Costarella. I have admired him and his work for a long time. His collections are stunning, timeless and make you feel a million dollars every time you wear one of his pieces. We crossed paths at last year's Perth Fashion Festival and have to say he was just as I thought he would be - lovely and genuine (he definitely left a lasting impression on me as well as a giant hole in my pocket after buying several of his ah-mazing garments ). Dianna Monastra, Steph Audino, Debbie Kelly and Keiko Uno are  the other talented designers I worked with and stumbled across last year. These ladies even though so different in what they do, share the same qualities - professionalism, passion, overall niceness and are oh so easy to work with. I encourage you if you haven't done so already to check out their websites and see why I'm smitten.

• Food for thought: The establishments that kept me satisfied last year include a French favourite, Italian stallion and a Japanese icon, I also got to meet some local talent too - so who made the list? Jean-Pierre Sancho for baguettes, macarons and palmiers - yum! Nobu Burswood for black cod miso, spicy tempura shrimp and their lunchtime bento box - such good value. Barolo on Beaufort for their braised beef cheeks, antipasto platters and yummy desserts. Rooftop bars were also the rage and the Greenhouse and flavour of the month The Aviary were great little spots to grab a drink while FIVE Bar in Mt Lawley became my favourite place to hang with friends and the Luxe Bar introduced me to their delicious cocktails. People to get my attention was Emily Galante whose candy buffet business Candy Couture blew me away and Kathleen Milner of Flirt with Dessert satisifed my sweet tooth with her unbelievable cupcakes - seriously talented the two of them! 

• Interviews: As well as interviewing the people mentioned in the above categories other highlights included chatting to some of my favourite chefs including Bill Granger (my absolute fave), Manu Feildel (yes he is definitely a charmer) and Adriano Zumbo. I also got to meet Nigella Lawson (dee-lightful) and Matt Preston (love him). While on the entertainment side of things I got to interview my teenage boy-band crush New Kids On the Block's Jordan Knight (again I think I just died a little when I typed that). 

• Charity: When it came to charities I supported Down Syndrome WA, Telethon and held a breakfast for Breast Cancer Care WA. Held at the Rydges Perth it was a huge success, with fashion parades, guest speakers, prizes and the gorgeous Nine News presenter/journalist Ebbeny Faranda as MC. I've decided to hold an event annually in support of this fantastic charity organisation and we are currently planning our next one as I type - so watch this space.

• 2012: This year I'm hoping my work and scheduled travels over east, to the US and Canada will bring with them even more adventures, opportunities and the beginning of new friendships. Im also looking forward to discovering more of the hidden gems hiding in our beautiful city. Until then I bid 2011 goodbye and welcome 2012 in the hope it will bring myself and all my followers good things.  Happy New Year everyone xoxo

So what about you guys, how was 2011 for you? Do you have some beautiful memories or do you have any New Year Resolutions? I'd love to hear from you Bx

Bye bye 2011 - Hello 2012

Belle Bijoux and I at a fashion event last month

Me in the Aurelio Costarella Venus Dress

Ready for New Year's Eve race day @ Ascot's Perth Cup

Merry Christmas from Ms CIC

Merry Christmas everyone! Stay safe, eat, drink, be merry & enjoy the company of your loved ones this festive season xo

Emerging Designer to watch - Steph Audino

Be dazzled by beach gems

GLIMPSES of the Maldives, Margaret River, Rottnest and Bali have been captured in Scarborough jeweller Keiko Uno’s latest collection, Ocean Intrigue.

The premier jewellery collection, which was launched last month, features 18 carat gold and platinum bespoke jewellery with fine diamonds, South Sea pearls and colourful gemstones and is currently being exhibited at Claremont’s Greenhill Galleries until Wednesday December 21.

The artist said her latest collection was perfect for WA, where a large portion of the population living on the coast engaged in activities centred around or influenced by the water.

“These pieces are sophisticated, yet express vitality and energy which is the essence of the Indian Ocean surrounding our shores,” she said. “If you love the ocean, you’ll love the exhibition as all the pieces are inspired by the sea.”

Ms Uno, a qualified gemologist who has been creating jewellery for as long as she can remember, said her love of design and fashion came from her grandmother, a major influence as she was growing up.

“My love for creating began during my junior school days when I would put together chunky bracelets, rings and pendants using all sorts of materials found around home and at Boans,” she said.

“But my passion for luxury jewels was ignited while watching my grandma get ready for important state functions.

“I used to love as she’d make the magical transition from my loving and much loved everyday grandma to this lady of distinction.”

Uno’s latest collection took years to create, with one of the pieces – Sea Breeze – taking the designer four years to put together.

“While the initial sketches for this piece were down on paper over a long weekend, it took over four years of searching to source the right material to depict the mood and feel of the ocean at the instant when the sea breeze brushes over, turning the surface from glassy to choppy,” she said.

“For this piece, and others in the ‘Ocean Horizon’ series, I collaborated with a fifth generation master stone cutter from the Idar Oberstein region in Germany who skilfully shaped then etched into large crystals of blue topaz and Bolivian amethyst that I sourced to perfectly capture the scenes of an ocean sunset, sunrise and sea breeze.”

Visit www.greehillgalleries.com or to see other works in the collection visit www.keiko-jewellery.com.

Keiko Uno

Jus Right

SERVING UP THE PERFECT BURGER IS HARDER THAN IT LOOKS, BUT ONE PERTH BURGER BAR IS CONSISTENTLY HITTING THE MARK. BY BELINDA CIPRIANO

   
What makes a good burger - ah-mazing? I get this question asked of me a lot. To some it’s the delicious, tender patty, while for others it’s the sweet taste of the relish or a combination of both.

   Like most people, I love a good burger and when asked who makes the best in the city I have got to give it to Jus Burgers, time and time again.

   Jus Burgers, the brainchild of foodie Justin Bell, opened its first store in Leederville in January 2009 and has since expanded to Subiaco, Fremantle and more recently Northbrige.

   And while the Guvnor, Spanish Snag, Mullet and Pommy all sound like a prelude to a cheesy joke, they are in fact all names of the delicious burgers available at this burger bar/institution.

   On my recent visit to Jus, I ordered the Pommy Burger with a side of onion rings while my friend ordered the Spanish Snag with a serve of chips.

   My Pommy burger was just as I remembered it – how could I forget (I don’t even look at menu anymore, even though I should) it’s the only burger I order off the menu and it never, ever fails to disappoint.

   Western Australian Amelia Park Beef, which is Meat Standards Australia approved, hormone free, char-grilled, cheddar and back bacon served on a Turkish bun with homemade aioli, relish, lettuce, tomato and Spanish onion – this burger is to die for – especially for those who are a bit more carnivorous.

   The Spanish Snag devoured by my friend was equally delicious and similar to the Pommy burger but served with chorizo sausage and sweet red peppers instead.

   Our sides were just the right size and having never tasted the Jus’ onion rings, I have to say I was impressed.

   Made fresh daily, as with everything served up by Jus, these delightful rings were the perfect accompaniment to my delicious burger and left me more than satisfied.

   I love what Justin Bell has brought to Western Australia and the way he supports WA growers and suppliers but most of all I like that his burgers are always jus right!

   JUS BURGERS NORTHBRIDGE

   Open:

   Monday and Sunday 11.30am to 9pm Tuesday to Saturday 11.30am to 10pm

   Where:

   Shop 11/189 William St Northbridge 9227 0668 www.jusburgers.com.au  

HUNGRY FOR IT Jus Burgers director Justin Bell tucks in to a Pommy burger 

The delicious Pommy with a side of onion rings.

Jessica follows up on Ruby’s Campaign

IT’S not often your fictitious novel becomes reality but that’s exactly what happened to author Jessica Rudd, daughter of former prime minister Kevin Rudd.

   The 26-year-old’s first chick-lit novel Campaign Ruby, which was based around the plot of a prime minister overthrown by his female deputy, was released just as her dad’s leadership was challenged by now Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

   Her second penning, Ruby Blues, is a follow up to the first novel and finds the main character Ruby Stanhope going through the lows experienced when working with a first-term government that isn’t faring too well.

   Speaking to Jessica during her whirlwind book tour around the country, the Canberra-born, Brisbaneraised and now Beijing-based writer said she was excited to be home and was looking forward to meeting everyone on the tour.

   “I miss everything about Australia,” she said.

   “I’m really looking forward to travelling around the country and getting back to WA. It will be great having a chat and a laugh with everyone – I love what your great state has to offer.”

   Describing the character of Ruby in her second novel as a bit of a cow and a best friend in a terrible mood, Jessica said she decided to write the sequel as she knew the character had a lot more to offer readers.

   “Originally the idea of Ruby came from when I was living in London with my husband and it was in the middle of the financial crisis,” she said.

   “At the time, a lot of investment bankers were losing their jobs and one of the things I wanted to explore with Ruby was that sense of having lost your job and the depression that comes with that, and also the excitement that can come from the clean canvas.

   “I took her way out of her comfort zone when she lost her job as an investment banker in London. I put her in Australia and I put her in politics.

   “In Ruby Blues, two years on, she is struggling at work, her relationship is disintegrating, the Government is doing terribly, and she’s just finding it hard to get that sense of fun and adrenalin back into the game.

   “But even now, I don’t think Ruby is finished yet. I think she has a lot more to do with her life.”

   When asked about what her family thought of her book this time round, considering the sequence of events following Campaign Ruby, Jessica said they were extremely supportive of her writing career but her dad and husband have yet to read the book.

   “My dad hasn’t read it yet, nor has my husband and one of my brothers hasn’t read it yet,” she said.

   “But mum has and she loved it. She was really thrilled and gave me encouragement along the way but I am looking forward to seeing what dad, my husband and my brother think of it.

   “It’s always really interesting when you give your work to the people you love because they are always looking for you in your protagonist, even if subconsciously.

   “My brother said to me last time ‘I can really hear your voice in Ruby’, which kind of frustrated me to be honest because I tried really hard to create believable Brit.”

   Jessica read excerpts from her book Ruby Blues at her book launch at the Joondalup Library last week.


belindac@communitynews.com.au  

Fashionista’s tips for the new season

Fashion blogger Alyce Cowell gave out style tips at Westfield Innaloo last week.Pic by Dom Menegaldo

WESTFIELD Innaloo got a visit from Alyce Cowell, one of Australia’s savviest shoppers, as part of a series of in-centre events held around the country last week.

The 23-year-old fashionista whose job it is to shop and blog for a living hosted the events, which showcased the current spring/summer trends and answered questions about the biggest fashion challenges of the season.

The former editor of Covet Magazine and Sportsgirl stylist said the style session at Innaloo involved making over two local women, discussing key trends and investment pieces for the wardrobe.

“The style session was fantastic; we taught the ladies how to get more for their money by building key investment pieces for their summer wardrobe and how to take them each from day to night,” Alyce said.

“Our two Facebook fans who were chosen were naturals on stage as our real women models.”

With spring in full swing and summer just around corner, Alyce also talked about the trends of the season and how they could be worked into most wardrobes and suit different body types.

“Colour blocking is the biggest spring/summer trend but we’re also seeing big movements towards other trends like boho, animal print, white on white, monochrome and stripes,” she said.

“The trends for this season are great because they’re all really adaptable for different ages, shapes and lifestyles.

“It can be daunting experimenting with new trends, so my tip is to tailor it for you.

“For example, if you’re not an animal print person but would love to start wearing it, try adding an accent instead, through a heel or clutch until you’re comfortable.”

Other tips she offered shoppers was to add a bit of colour to an outfit with accessories and to buy a great pair of jeans.

“It sounds boring, but when you have the building blocks of your wardrobe sorted, you can start having fun with trend items and mixing and matching for multiple looks,” she said.

“A pair of well-cut jeans that suit your shape will never date.”

NEW LOOK, NEW MENU @ Rydges CBD Restaurant Perth

I haven't written a personal restaurant review on this blog for a while. There's a few reasons why - I do it a lot for work and just like everybody else like to enjoy dining out sometimes without having to take notes, pics etc, secondly you can read a lot of my reviews in ishoperth and lastly I haven't come across a great lunchtime feed in a while - that is until I dined at the Rydges CBD Restaurant last week. This, well this I had to share.

I had actually heard the hotel's CBD Restaurant had gone through a few changes including with their menu and their new head chef Sam Southall (who I interviewed earlier this year see ishoperth interview below) so when thinking of places to dine for a girlie catch up I thought I'd give it a go.

The lunch menu (see below) is reasonably priced with the most expensive item on the menu Wagyu @ $62. On this day the two of us tried the Cauliflower Soup with truffled hazelnut honey (AMAZING!) for our entree and the linguini with meatballs, parmesan, tomato, tomato and basil was my choice for a main.

I'm not one to go for soup when I dine out, because I'm usually left underwhelmed, but this delicious and light dish served in a little le creuset pot was just beautiful. Creamy but not rich and just delightful I could have easily had a second serve - yum!

The linguini was cooked perfectly al dente (to the tooth) and the combination of tomato, olive, basil and parmesan is always going to be a winner for me. Add to that melt -in-your-mouth meatballs and I'm a happy girl. 

It was a pleasant afternoon and sitting amongst the city suits lunching it was nice to relax and not worry about going back to work or even having to write anything down - just perfect. So next time you're in the city drop in and say hello, have a bite, or enjoy a drink and say I sent you ;) Bom Approveito!

Linguini with meatballs, tomato, olives and basil - YUM!

NEW LUNCH MENU

My interview with CBD Restaurant head chef Sam Southall

Frocktober in November - Melbourne Cup EDITION

Apologies for being MIA over the last few days, I'm on holidays, have family visiting from overseas and  it's been CRAZY BUSY!!! As well as this I've been a little under the weather & trying to shake off a cold hence Oct 31st's lack of FROCK.

As promised though 31 frocks for Frocktober so I kept the Frock theme going on until Tuesday which was Melbourne Cup Day.

Those of you who read my blog know I am OBSESSED with anything Spring, Autumn - racing and carnivals. The glamour, the excitement, the champagne - everything about racing carnivals gets me excited. This year however there were a few things that didn't go my way and I ended up doing something completely different and suprisingly enough I had a fabulous time and would do again if the opportunity came up.

You see last year I decided (after being so annoyed at missing last year's cup, you can read about that HERE ) that I would be in Flemington this year. Turns out it wasn't meant to be don't ask and I ended up with nothing to do - cue my lifesaving friend Dianna (who also won an award for best dressed on the day) who organised a girly lunch with a few of her favourite girlfriends at Burswood's Modo Mio Restaurant.

Anyhoo after dealing with the drama of not being able to attend The Cup, I resigned myself to the fact that it probably wasn't going to be worth going to anyway (I mean really, who goes to these things anyways - I'm looking at you SJP, Miss Jay, Shurley & you Joan Collins) and maybe, just maybe it wasn't my time to get back there. That of course was until I got a beautiful invite for brunch with Dan McPherson, Vince Collosimo, Rikki Lee and MEL B!!!! I think I died again just quietly!!!

But it gets better so after coming to terms with the fact that I was not going to get up close and personal with my celebrity free pass (Dan McPherson for those of you playing at home) I again got back into the spirit of celebrating Cup Day at one of the nicest restaurants in Perth and decided a new frock was in order - you know, to make me feel better and for Frocktober of course!!

This is where it gets funny people, funny for you, not so funny for me - new shoes, new frock, vintage head piece RTW and a BLOODY wardrobe malfunction!!!! My beautiful dress, bought the day before ruined with the husband having to strategically remove it from me as I had a mini (OK it was major) meltdown in the bathroom. Once removed I tried fixing it, I did, but could not think of anything more scary then my backside on display while guests tucked into their barramundi - cue operation back-up dress.

My back-up dress, which I now refer to as the one that saved the day, was lovely - just lovely but what broke my heart the most was no matching headpiece (the unfinished person in the pic below is me). Race-day is all about the headwear and on the biggest day in our Racing Calendar I had no head piece cue the violins. 

Anyways to finish on a high note, it really did turn out to be an awesome day with lots and lots of laughs, good food, copious amounts of bubbly, fashion and dancing. And as for those of you wondering what happened to the dress - it went back the next day and as for Melbourne Cup Day 2012, I'm already onto it ; )

Burswood Glamour 

About to tuck into the yummy fare @ Modo Mio

Insalata Misto Mare - Yum!

Dish of the day - Tiramisu

Dianna & I dancing off the alcomahol @ Eve

Frock deets: Frock by Wish, Necklace by Sportsgirl, Ring by YSL, Shoes by Wittner and purse vintage - my high school ball one actually!

Rock that frock - As seen in Ishoperth Magazine pg 8 Issue Oct 20 2011

IF YOU SEE A LOT OF WOMEN FROCKING UP IN THE CITY THIS OCTOBER, THEN CHANCES ARE IT’S FOR A VERY GOOD REASON. BY BELINDA CIPRIANO.

   The challenge was to wear 31 different dresses during the month of October while raising money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, too easy – or so I thought.

   I try to support as many charities as I can so when the Frocktober challenge was put to me in September, I thought “pfft, I can do that without even breaking a sweat”.

   I mean really, what better way is there to raise money then to frock up every day and have people sponsor you for doing so.

   So how have I been doing so far?

   So far so good. I’m 18 days in at the time of going to print and I’m doing well.

   However, it’s now that the challenge really starts to present itself – I mean how do you get away with wearing a sparkly, sequin dress to work?

   I need to look smart, not like an 80s back-up singer, as my husband politely puts it.

   And here is where my problem lies.

   I have exhausted all my corporate dresses and am now left with party frocks – what’s a girl to do?

   Do I a) wear my party frocks to work and shock the hell out of my colleagues, or do I b) blend in nicely with a bunch of newly bought dresses for work? I’m going with b – after all, you can never have too many frocks!

   Follow me on my journey and let me know which frocks rock and which frocks are not so hot, then hop over to my Everyday Hero Page to make a donation.

   Visit cookinginchoos.blogspot.com   to see a picture diary and donate at everydayhero.com.au/belinda_cipriano  . Visitfrocktober.org   for more info.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 28, 29, 30

Frocks worn over this CHOGM, Queens Birthday weekend - -note the way too relaxed vibe going here on both in the get-up & make-up dept:

Friday chilling on the public holiday:

 Frock deets: Frock by Villains Clothing, Thongs by Havaiana.

Saturday night in enjoying a bbq sans the Queen:

Frocky by TEMT, jewelled sandals (covered) by Shoe Show.

Chilling out again in a maxi on Sunday:

Frock by Villains, Jewelled sandals by Shoe Show.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 26

These last few days are killing me & I scraping the bottom of the barrel (especially in the workwear department & my poses) Here is Wednesday's workwear:

Frock deets: Black & orange frock by TEMT, shoes by WITTNER, Jacket by COTTON ON, necklace by All Glitz & Glam.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 25

Tuesday workwear:

Frock deets: Jacket by Portmans, Dress by Frankie, opaques by Target, Pumps by Zu.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 24

Lazing around the house Monday evening:

Frock deets: Dress by TEMT, sandals by Shoe Show.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Days 21,22 & 23

I've had a full-on weekend hence the absence of my last three frocks. So here they are Friday, Saturday & Sunday for your viewing pleasure:

Friday workwear:

Frock deets: Dress by DOTTI, Belt by WITCHERY, Shoes by WITTNER, Jacket by COTTON ON.


Saturday hen's day at the Races - Ascot:

Frock deets: Dress by Sportsgirl, Belt by Witchery, Shoes by Zu, Ring by Cultstatus, head piece Elegant Punk by Debbie Kelly Millinery

Sunday morning chilling out:

Frock deets: Dress by TEMT, thongs by Haviana.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 20

Thursday workwear:

Frock deets: Dress by TEMT, Leggings by JUNK, Belt by TEMP, Ballet flats by NOVO.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 19

Frocktober Wednesday workwear: 

Frock deets: Frock by Barkins, leggings by JUNK, shoes by Wittner and Blazer by Cotton On.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 18

So the rain has thrown a spanner in the works this morning - here's what I came up with.

Tuesday workwear:

Frock deets: Vintage Smock by Forever New, leggings by TARGET, Boots bought in Melbourne.