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.

Inspiration - love this

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Hey guys just want to say a big THANK YOU for your support with Frocktober . I have now reached my target of $300 but am determined to raise more. Please help me get to $500 - it's for a good cause! Thank you & please donate - you know the drill  - http://www.everydayhero.com.au/belinda_cipriano xox

Fare & Simple

So those of you who follow me on Facebook and Twitter will know I had the pleasure of interviewing Bill Granger about his new book Bill's Everyday Asian. I can honestly say he is as genuine as he comes across on television if not better. Here's a pic of me with him and below is my interview which is featured in this week's ishoperth. Enjoy!

TELEVISION CHEF BILL GRANGER HAS DONE IT ALL. THE RESTAURATEUR, FOOD WRITER AND TELEVISION CHEF IS ON THE BOOK LAUNCH TRAIL, PROMOTING HIS LATEST COOKBOOK BILL’S EVERYDAY ASIAN IN PERTH NEXT WEEK. BELINDA CIPRIANO CAUGHT UP WITH HIM.

   Tell us what you’ve been up to?

   This year has been enormous; we are in London now getting ready to open our new restaurant. I also shot Bill’s Everyday Asian, opened a new restaurant in Japan and we renovated our Surry Hills restaurant in Sydney.

   You are one of the original celebrity chefs, have sold more than a million cookbooks, filmed three television series, are about to launch your eighth restaurant and you still cook for your children most nights – how do you manage it all?

   I have a fantastic team of people who make it all possible, including my wife Natalie who has been a great support, and I think that is the most important thing. I mean it is not just me, it’s everyone involved – all the talented and passionate people. I cook for my children every night and I think I have not cooked two times in the last three months. I manage to do it unless I am travelling. It’s what life is about I think – spending time with your family.

   Tell us about your new book Bill’s Everyday Asian?

   Asian cuisine was the first food that really opened my eyes – I was blown away at how food could taste so wonderful. I grew up where food was very ‘meat and three veg’, so very simple, not bad, just plain, and it opened my eyes to a whole new world and that’s where my love affair started. In this book, it is my version and not authentic at all – I have ‘Billised’ it!

   What do you think of the Perth dining scene and what is your favourite restaurant?

   This will be my third time in Perth and I can’t wait to get back there because it has changed so much, the foodie thing has exploded. I’m so excited I haven’t been back there for about a year-and-a-half and I can’t wait to go to the Greenhouse. I haven’t been before and I really want to go because I think he (Matt Stone) has great energy and is very talented.

   Growing up, was there anyone who inspired you to cook?

   Inspiring me to cook ... I think it was my own palate. I used to try dishes when I’d go out then go home and try to recreate them. Stephanie Alexander and even the Women’s Weekly cookbooks were also a source of inspiration to me. I’ve never worked in a restaurant and I’ve never been taught by anyone else how to cook – I’m totally self-taught.

   Do you have a cooking philosophy?

   Keep it simple – it’s only food and that’s what we have to remember. But what food does is a great conduit for enjoyment of life.

   What’s your signature dish?

   My scrambled eggs. It’s in all the restaurants and it’s three ingredients; eggs, butter and cream, and it signifies everything I do by stripping things back and doing them in a faster, simpler and easier way. I built the restaurant business on scrambled eggs. I mean it has developed into something else but it’s where it all started.

   Tell us about your newest restaurant venture in Notting Hill?

   It won’t be a Bill’s - it’s going to be something different. It’s still a similar idea breakfast, lunch and dinner, casual dining and we will be open in mid-November. It’s going to bring a little breath of Australian sunshine into London.

   Lastly, is there any chance of bringing Bill’s to Perth?

   It’s definitely on the list. Once London is completed, we have a new Tokyo restaurant opening in April so I’m working on that madly at the moment as well as Notting Hill. My business development manager is from Perth and she’s always pushing for it.

   BILL GRANGER will launch Bill’s Everyday Asian and host a dinner on tomorrow at the Perth Town Hall. Visit dymocks.com.au   for more information.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 17

Day 17 Monday workwear:

Frock deets: Frock by Spicy Sugar, leggings by JUNK, ballet flats by NOVO.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 16

Day 16 and I decided  to go vintage by resurrecting my Yeojin Bae for a cousin's bridal shower -what do you think?

Sunday bridal shower frock:

Frock deets: Frock by Yeojin Bae, nude pumps by Peeptoe Belt by TEMT.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 15

So today marks the halfway mark of my challenge and I'm happy to report I'm only $65 off reaching my $300 target. Knowing I'm nearly there I'm  thinking I should up the ante and try for $500 but I need your help to get there.  Let's go guys, help me get to $500.... pretty, pretty please!!!!

Saturday shopping frock:

Frock deets: Frock by DOTTI, Sandals by Shoe Show, Coin necklace by All Glitz & Glam

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 14

Friday workwear: 

Frock deets: Frock by Portmans, Blazer by Dotti, Belt by Portmans, Shoes by Indulge Clothing, Ring by Cultstatus.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 13

So the other day I was chatting to my ishoperth editor about my Frocktober journey and she thought it would be a great idea to write a little piece on it for the magazine. Here's a little sneak peak of the photo-shoot I had this morning & lookout for the article in next Thursday's issue!

Thursday workwear:

Picture by Emma Reeves

P.S Keep those donations coming http://www.everydayhero.com.au/belinda_cipriano - you know the drill xo

Frock deets: Dress & belt by Portmans, Jacket by Dotti, Ring by Cultstatus, Opaques by Target, Boots by Indulge Clothing Mt Lawley.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 12

October 12 Wednesday workwear:

Frock deets: Dress vintage, Leggings by Junk, Belt vintage , Ballet flats by Novo, Jacket by Forever New.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 11

Frock 11 Tuesday workwear:

Frock deets: Jacket by H&M, Dress by Temt, Belt vintage, Shoes by Wittner.

Frocking Up for Frocktober - Day 10

Frock 10 - Monday workwear

Frock Deets: Dress by Portmans, Belt by JeansWest, Shoes by Wittner.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 9

Day 9 of Frocktober was again a challenge considering I still wasn't feeling the best and had promised my sister I would go along to the Melville Markets (up at 3.30am ugh) with her. I mean yes it was a great idea at the time, it always is, months before that wake up call but jeepers how the hell do people do it week in, week out - trust me there are diehards. 

This market, I decided to sell some of my unwanted frocks with half of my takings going to Frocktober. Unfortunately we were sent packing early due to rain and can you believe it, HAIL!!! I know HAIL in the middle of spring - what a nightmare. 

Anyhooo so after a bout of stomach bug washed down with torrential rain and side of no sleep you can imagine how I was feeling. Never-the-less I was still going to get into some sort of frock and here it is (not the best I know but a frock of some sort anyway). This week I intend on bringing it - promise!

Frock deets: Frock by forever new, tights by junk, ballet flats by novo, belt by sportsgirl, tank by b&s

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 8

Frock 8: Day 8 of Frocktober and I have to say I was quite unwell today, so instead of going out with friends for coffee & macarons :( I hung around the house feeling sorry for myself in my shirt dress & tights. Here's hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Frock deets: White shirt dress by Live Clothing, Tights by JUNK, Tube top by B&S and ballet flats by BIG W

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 7 Week 1

This look completes my first week. So far its been relatively easy to put my frocks on and raise a little $$$$. At this stage I've raised $130 but still need a lot more to get to my target so I'm hoping you can all help me with this by keeping those donations coming -you know what to do http://www.everydayhero.com.au/belinda_cipriano

Frock deets: Frock by Dotti, Footless tights by JUNK, Singlet by B&S and tan ballet flats  by NOVO

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 6

Frock number 6 Thursday workwear:

Frock deets: Frock Forever New, Opaques Myer, Boots from Indulge Clothing, YSL Arty Oval Ring from Cultstatus - King Street Perth.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 5

Frock number 5 Wednesday workwear:

Frock deets: Frock Forever New, Opaques Myer, Boots by Indulge Clothing Mt Lawley, Coin necklace All Glitz & Glam

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 4

Frock number 4 - Tuesday workwear:

Frock deets: Dress by Ally, Opaques by Target & boots by Indulge Clothing Mt Lawley.

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 3

Frock number 3 - Monday workwear:

Dress by Dotti, Belt by Jeans West, Shoes by Wittner

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 2

Frock number 2 worn to a first birthday:

Frock by vintage B&S, leggings by Cotton On, ballet flats Big W & necklace by All-Glitz-Glam-Jewellery-By-Design

Frocking up for Frocktober - Day 1

Hey guys I know it's been a very long while since I last blogged but I thought I would get back in the game with frocking up for Frocktober! What is Frocktober you ask? Frocktober is an event where I get to don a frock everyday during the month of October and you get to donate to a very important cause - Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

My promise to you is that I will document every frock I wear with a picture and details of the outfit. What you do then is up to you but what I would like you to do is DONATE. So please follow me on this journey and let me know what frocks rock and what frocks are not so hot then hop over to my Everyday Hero Page to make a donation.

For more information on the event visit Frocktober

Here is outfit 1:

Dress & necklace by Forever New, Shoes by Peeptoe