Tuesday, December 29, 2009

¡Viva Mexicana!

Puebla, Mexico


¡Hola chikkas!,


I´m currently gallivanting around Central America (hence my lack of posts). Although i am planning a fairly epic ¨Jaimie´s guide to 2009¨, I felt I needed to highlight some of my favourite (or rather, most memorable) moments of this year.

1. The Caribbean Sea (fuck yes)






2. Animal Collective





3. Phoenix (this is probably my favourite video of the year)




4. Boys





5. Simon and Garfunkel on my mother flipping birthday!

Happy new year lovers.
2009 was interesting...
xxx

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Christmas Twist List

Merry Christmas millionaires!

This is my Christmas with a twist wish list.

Top of my Christmas wish list this year? This great BFF charm necklace from In God We Trust (available on Bona Drag). BFF, but not exactly as you expect it. Plus, you get to give and receive.


Who better to do a twisted version on the 12 days of Christmas than David Lynch. If you've seen Twin Peaks than this will be great for you. If you haven't...well, you'll probably be really confused.


Found here via here


So the twist with this last one is that it has nothing to do with Christmas really, but see it as a hilarious gift from me to you. Merry Christmas!

Props for this one go to my sis. Because she is awesome.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Miso





How incredible are these sketchbook drawings by Melbourne artist Miso? She does amazing street art too, and is 20 (!) years old.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Oopsielon...

xx
Dear Pistachios,

I'm sorry we've abandoned you so much of late.

Maybe this floral scull* will make it up to you?

I hope so...it's really all I have.

*The scull is by ultra talented Melbourne artist/jeweler Irene Grishin-Selzer. Check her out, yo.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

To Market to Market


Hello Periwinkles. I'm just dropping in ever so briefly today to let you all know that I'm having a little stall at the Gorman House markets this Saturday. I'll be selling all kinds of prettie things, many of which would make fabulous Christmas presents! For more details and lots of pictures, check out Quincey. Also, readers of this blog will receive a very special discount, so don't be shy!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Jaimie & Vanessa: Spotlight on Gentlemanly Rogues

V: Ohh, that's good.
J: Mmm, that is good.


J: Hey Vanessa, I really like boys.

V: Yeah. I know. Me too...

J: Maybe we're boy crazy?

V: Probably.

J: I think about boys in tight jeans a lot.

V: Mmm, tight jeans are the best. But I also like tailored pants.

J: Like some kind of "gentleman" would wear?

V: Precisely.

J: Like Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind? Mmm, he's so fine.

V: Totally. Though he's a bit of a rogue.

J: Oh, he's a gentlemanly rogue!*

V: Ooo, I like that.

J: Yeah. They're like polite, charming, good-lookin' man whores.

V: Like James Bond? Or Eric from True Blood?

J: Mmm, or Mal from Firefly.

V: Awesome, space cowboy!


V: Yeah...I would have preferred one with a gun.
J: Oh Ness, he has a gun...


V: Where's Eric's photo?
J: Ness, I've posted a picture of Eric before.
V: But he's so hot he deserves more pictures. MORE ERIC.


J: Oh my god! BRUCE WILLIS!!!!!

V: Dude, what is your obsession with Bruce Willis?

J: Nicholas Cage...?

V: .....

J: Come on!
V: ...


J: Fine Vanessa. They're just flimsy crushes, I really want to marry Chuck Bass and his tailored pants.

V: You're not Blair, Jaimie.
J: Serena...?


V: Back on the bandwagon girlfriend. My dreamboat has to be Daniel Desario from Freaks and Geeks. So much love. Mmm, tight pants.

J: No pants.

V: Pants are for geeks.

J: You're a freak.

V: Look.At.Him.
J: I bet he caught it himself.
V: Totally. What a rogue.




*BAM! That's the title of our post!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Lasso My Heart Already Prince

Hottie found via the Sartorialist


Dearest Prince Charming,

I've been thinking. Roses are really great and all that, but I'm pretty tops and when the time comes for you to woo me, I think I'm going to need something more than a few dead flowers. Don't get me wrong, I'm still expecting a dozen red roses on our first date (minimum), but when you're starting to wonder what you need to do to lasso this wild heart of mine consider this... Not just a bunch of roses, but an entire rose garden!!!

I found out today that you can sponsor a rose in the Old Parliament House Gardens. You get a plaque with a dedication and everything. Maybe you should check out this site for more information. I believe it would be acceptably romantic to propose to me next to my rose bush.

I do hope that you take this advice into consideration.

Your beautiful lady to be,

Jaimie.

xx



PS- If you are the hottie in this photo, I think it's about time you got in contact with me. A comment to this post will be seen as an acceptable way to initiate contact.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Beach Houses and Band Wagons



Photograph by Rune Guneriussen

It has come to my attention, gentle readers, that while we millionaires may be well versed in the vile art of male jewelry, we seem to be less and less in tune with new music. Whoops. In truth, I don't think I've even bought a single new release album all year. Not one. Not even Merriweather Post Pavilion. I just really didn't like the art work, okay?

Yes, I have well and truly fallen of the bandwagon, and am beginning to wonder how I ever even found the time to stay on it.

However, when I heard that Beach House had a new single out, I at least glanced briefly at that fateful wagon - far off in the distance though it was - and I liked what I saw. Or heard. Anyway...

I think Beach House's album of last year, Devotion, still probably gets the highest rotation of any CD in my collection. It's perfect for quiet, meditative nights alone, or for crafting (something I've been doing a LOT of lately, but more on that later - check out Quincey for some clues) or anything involving dim lights and muskily scented candles.

Their new tune, Norway, is more upbeat and jangly than most of Devotion, but still has that lovely lush quality that sends me into a dreamy haze. Just gorgeous.

Beach House - Norway

Beach House
- Astronaut (from Devotion)

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Manlaces: Just Say No!

"Oh Nonna! Why didn't you tell me that ladies laugh cruelly at a blinged up man!"


Goodness gracious! All this posting about modern literature is making me feel a little like we should be re-naming our place in interspace as “Number One Intellect”. But don’t worry, dear readers. You can trust me to bring us down a few levels. Today I am going to raise your awareness to an emerging and very serious problem facing young men; manlaces.

The other night I was happily sitting outside at Transit Bar after seeing a very average Vampire Weekend-esk rip off band, when my poor pretty eyes were violated. First there were scantily dressed, drunk, teenagers groping each other and speaking a little too loudly about what they would like to do to the other on my table, then there was the invasion of men wearing necklaces. I counted approximately eight mother flipping manlaces.

Oh god! Why?


Ryan, my first TV love, you look like a douche bag.


My dear friend Nathan pointed out that this invasion has been taking place over the last few months. Common characteristics of a man likely to develop a problem with manlaces include; tight skinny black jeans, a 'well groomed' mini-mullet, two shirts (a plain coloured shirt worn underneath a buttoned up shirt so that just a little bit of the under shirt can be seen; don't even get me started on how much i hate that look. Dan from Neighbours, I'm scowling at you...) and surprisingly, very nice shoes.

Here's an example of how manlaces can fuck you over. Chad Michael Murray; hottest of the hot to, well...


Mmm, so hot!


I don't know what to say.


The men I've noticed wearing manlaces all seem to look kind of smug. Like they're thinking, "Oh yeah, you're checking me out 'cause this manlace shows that I'm hot shit AND comfortable with my sexuality". Oh how wrong you are little boy, your face gives me nightmares.


King of the douches, complete with manlace.


I know quite a few of you gorgeous specimens of the male race who read our blog already wear skinny, black jeans. I've a not so secret soft spot for men in tight jeans, so yay you! And nice shoes up your stock by at least 20%. But beware! If you notice that you start to want to button up that second shirt you're wearing, or you start to think mini-mullets aren't that bad... BAM! You'll be wearing a manlace and I will have to smack you down.


Friday, November 20, 2009

Summer Reading List

I love making lists. Who doesn't love making lists? I love making overly ambitious, lengthy lists just so I can fantasize about the delicious feeling of smugness I'd be overcome with if I could tick even half of the tick boxes hand drawn next to every item on my list. The lovely thing about lists, though, is that just writing them down feels like an achievement; a declaration of intent.

Thus, here is my achievement of today, a picture of all the books I'd like to read this summer:


From top to bottom:

James Joyce - Portrait of the Artist as Young Man. Me Mam's favourite book. Figured I'd better indulge her. Plus visions of grey Dublin might keep me cool in the oppressive summer heat. Maybe?

Kurt Vonnegut - Slaughterhouse Five. One of me Da's favourite books, apparently. He was way progressive.

Nick Cave - And the Ass Saw the Angel. Bought this after seeing the very wonderful Nick Cave exhibition at the National Library. I'm a big fan of his music, and he's an amazing lyricist, so it follows that this should be good, right? Plus, not just anything gets defined as a Penguin modern classic. I also really want to read his new book The Death of Bunny Munroe. It pretty much has the best premise ever.

Salman Rushdie - Midnight's Children. I loved Shalmilar the Clown. Loved it. But have been too scared off reading this book by others who've attempted it. Still, it's the Booker of Bookers. I think I can handle it. Magical realism is also my new favourite genre.

Helen Garner - The Children's Bach. For my 'Australian' themed book club rotation. I thought Monkey Grip was brilliant and gritty and beautiful, and this has far more universal acclaim and is exquisitely short.

Murakami - Dance Dance Dance and Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World. I went on a bit of a Murakami binge a few years back before I went to Japan, but never got round to reading these two. After Vanessa's last post I figured I aught to give them a go.

Richard Yates - Revolutionary Road. I talk about this as if I've read it, making references to my life, to 'buying into the lie', etc. But I haven't. I haven't even seen the movie. Probably should do something about that.

Gerald Durrel - The Talking Package. He's pretty much the most delightful writer of all time, and after the aforementioned, I might be in need of some delight.

Andrew McGahan - Wonders of a Godless World. Also for the Australian book club rotation. Am reading this at the moment. It's pretty unlike anything I've read before, almost like a fantasy book for children in its simplistic use of language but much much darker. Intriguing.

Not even pictured is Julia Child's My Life in Paris (sounds like the perfect holiday reading, no?) and Oscar and Lucinda by Peter Carey, also for book club.

What's on your list, poppets?

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Perfection



A perfect summer* evening ~ drinking a gin & tonic, sitting outside in the garden, reading a good book.

* I realise it is still technically Spring, but the weather tells me otherwise!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Rare but inexpensive


On Friday I went on a rare but expensive magazine splurge. I was about to go on a rare but expensive weekend getaway splurge, and figured that since I was going swimming, I might as well get well wet. And wet I got. In one of my purchases - the very pretty Fallen - I discovered an article about two Australian peeps who make artisan, semi uni-sex leather shoes and boots and sell them for apparently inexpensive prices (although I'm not sure how exactly such a lush magazine defines inexpensive. Any bids?)


They are called Illex Kinni, and they make me want to frolic in a mossy pine forrest wearing a flawless pair of black leather shoes.



Illex Kinni shoes can be found at Fat4 stores in Melbourne. Please save some for us poor isolated Canberra girls!

Post script: You can read about my rare but expensive weekend getaway splurge over at my new blog - Quincey.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Defenestration

Le Saut dans le Vide (Leap into the Void) by Harry Shunk


Defenestration is the act of throwing one self or being pushed from a height, usually out of a window. I'm seriously considering it. I'd be able to get some type of extension for my uni assignment, right?

At the moment defenestration as a concept has a certain romantic appeal to me. I'm still to determine whether it's because of Harry Shunk's amazing photo of Yves Klein, or whether it's because I see it as a form of escapism.

I do, however, know one thing...






I would totally jump out of a window for you sir!

Agghhh! He's soooooooo attractive!


Saturday, October 31, 2009

Jaimie and Vanessa: Spotlight on Metal People

A sample group


V: Dude, why is it that metal people are so weird?

J: I know right? They all look so strange. How is their hair even possible? So much hair.

V: They're very neanderthalish aren't they? It's so weird because then when they speak, they sound really sweet.

J: That's true. Sometimes they kind of sound smart too. So strange.

V: Mmm and they're always big, and by big I mean kind of fat.

J: Except for the weird skinny tattooed ones. I think they might have hepatitis A.

V: That's a bit nasty Jaimie, I thought we decided they were nice people. Big burly men with hearts of gold.

J: Oh that's right! We did.


Thursday, October 29, 2009

Zines! Zines! Zines!


Buckle up Canberra zine lovers, Little Beats Zine distro is launching! Tomorrow!
Little Beats is the brainchild of two delightful Canberra girls (Katy & Gemma) who love zines and want you to love them too.

At the launch there will be a bunch of zines (about 30!) from overseas and interstate, as well as works by talented local zinesters. Prices range from FREE (totally my favourite price) to approximately $35, but when you are purchasing a handmade masterpiece price hardly matters. There is a huge variety and I think everyone will find something to float their boat.

The very charming and helpful Katy has provided me with a bit of a run down of some of her favourites from the zines available. So now I plagiarise her writing to give you all a bit of a sneaky peek, so to speak. What lucky readers we have!


Wooooo Mag ~
From NY, printed and bound like a novel. Interviews with musicians, artists etc. Really crazy style of writing, incredibly funny.

Lines on Paper ~
Collected images from artists all over Australia and put together in a pretty little A6 bound book. It's the dream thing you could find in your pocket really.

Love is my Velocity Cookbook ~
From the Love is my Velocity collective in Perth, this is the second edition of their cook book. All recipes are from Perth bands and all accompanying artwork is from Perth artists. There's over 40 recipe cards in the book and it's amazing.

Mashanda zines ~
These are from San Francisco and are easily two of my favourites. You, Sir are a Hottie, is teeny tiny and looks at all the babes in an encylopaedia. Guys I would Totally Date is the other from her, and it's all sketched images of some of the funniest but commonly seen men on the streets.

Dilettantes and the Heartless Manipulator ~
Spurzine in Melbourne got a PO box and started getting strangers to send him mix tapes. He writes his "non-reviews" fortnightly and they'll be restocked regularly. He's pretty brilliant actually. TOTALLY FREE.

Elkedearest ~
There are three editions from Elke, Everything's okay I drew this for you, I'll hand it to you and Pictures of people we have not yet learned to look at. She's from Canberra, they're teeny tiny but hold some incredible artwork inside them and are only $1 each.



Little Beats launches tomorrow at Grass Stains 2, at itrip iskip. As well as zines there will be bands, art and fashion and hipster kids. Should be a lot of fun. It all starts at 6pm. Maybe I'll see you there?

Little Beats will also have a permanent selection from now on at itrip iskip and Smith's Alternative Bookstore. You can also find them here.

Poster designed by the very talented George.
All other images from Little Beats.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Love Song No. 7

Photo by Nan Goldin, found via Passion is All


"The human body is vapour materialized by sunshine mixed with the life of the stars."

— Paracelsus



MP3: Tonto - Battles
MP3: This is my Love - Hercules and Love Affair

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

I want...

Things I want, but can't have...




An a(r)mor body chain and Queen Michelle's hair. She's so rad.
Why can't I have them? Body chain is too expensive and it's probably some kind of assault to steal a person's hair.


Mmm, Jon Hammmmmm.
Probably also some kind of assault...


Lots of lanterns above my bed.
No real reason why I can't have this. Just laziness and the lack of a great loft apartment.
Image via The Selby.



Green scalloped shorts.
Why would you only stock these in a size small pixie market? WHY???

Monday, October 12, 2009

Colours in Pictures

Art on left by Robjoe

Coral and Pale Blue

On Saturday in an unusually sartorial moment I talked briefly about the bright, contrasting colours I plan to adorne my body with this summer. Then yesterday when I was too exhausted from staying up till 5am the night before tearing aluminium foil of the walls of a certian Canberra bar to do anything much else, I decided to make colour palates for my summer wardrobe using images from FFFFOUND.

Generally, my fashion visions never become anything near reality, but this was a suprisingly fun and inspiring (if time consuming) exercise.



Neon Green and Plum



Orange and Teal

Art on the left by Andrew Neyer via All the Mountains

Yellow and Lilac

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Summer Snail Mail


There are few materialistic joys greater in this world than receiving a much anticipated brown paper package tied up with string in the mail. The other day, I was woken up when the boy dropped one such package on my head. It was like Christmas.

The package contained two tops and a skirt I bought from the very amazing Moicun store. They're all made out of hippie products like soy and bamboo and organic cotton, and feel wonderful. They were also heavily discounted, which feels even more wonderful.

Only the skirt is too small, which feels less than wonderful. But I'm determined to make it work, even if it means spending an exessive amount at a tailor. I'm totally invisioning it with a bright yellow tank top. I'm totally going to get into bright contrasty colours this summer: vivid coral and pale blue, bright orange and teal, neon green and plum.

Wierd to think that Summer is only a month and a half away. This Spring really has been pitiful. I feel as if I've been robbed of my favourite season. ROBBED!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Where I have been...

xx
I have been drinking lemongrass tea, veggie gardening and trying to sew.

I have been buying prints from the very amazing nosideup and decorating the wall above my bed.

Align Center
Dress by Lover

I have been contemplating pretty summer things like maidenhair ferns, white lacy dresses and yellow hair ribbons.

I have been listening to Girls, Atlas Sound and Volcano Choir. Tasty, if predictable.

Atlas Sound
- Sheila
Volcano Choir - Husks and Shells
Girls - Lust for Life


I have been watching Peepshow. Pretty brilliant stuff. I don't think anything has made me laugh so much since Arrested Development.



I have started a new little bloggy*, but haven't stopped being a millionaire!



I have discovered an aching, devout, ridiculous kind of love for Nancy Sinatra. But more on that later.

*It's called Quincey and will be the new home of all my domestic cooking, crafting, gardening and general nesting projects. Come say hi!