Girls On Film

See them walking hand in hand across the bridge at midnight
Heads turning as the lights flashing out it's so bright
Then walk right out to the fourline track
There's a camera rolling on her back, on her back
And I sense the rhythm humming in a frenzy all the way down her spine

Girls on film, girls on film, girls on film, girls on film...

Taking photographs used to be easy. All you had to do was press a button and SNAP. This would usually result in a precious moment in time being captured on film. Well, maybe it wasn't that easy.  Firstly, there was the mundane task of intricately threading the roll of film through the camera, making sure that the film wasn't exposed to the sun. Then you had to wait painstakingly for your film to develop, praying that there were at least two good shots you could use out of the entire roll!

These days with the development of the digital camera, picture taking has never been easier. But with the dawn of this new technology, civilisation has lost something far more precious: the candid photograph.

Victor Burgin summed up photography beautifully when he described it as “certain physical materials [that] are technically handled so that meanings are produced.”


In films, an image is the first thing the viewer witnesses. When the viewer sees an image, they associate reality with the image. However, images can also have a meaning. When watching the opening sequence of a film, there are many elements, in which the viewer must take in. The first images of the film give the audience clues as to what the film is about. The characters are introduced and from that point, the viewer tries to analyse where they fit in the storyline and predict their outcome. Viewers are active participants reading the film.

The same can be said for the photographs. There is not a single word of dialogue. The images tell the story. A single shot is used to implant an image into the audience’s minds, serving as visual reminder of a memory, place or time.

Which only makes the loss greater. We manipulate the ways in which we are perceived by our friends and family. We do it everyday through social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. And it's as easy as uploading a photograph. We delete the shots we don't like. We pose in certain ways to capture the attention of certain individuals. We sexualise even the simplest of photograph. We have taken away the real essence of picture taking. And it all begins with our Facebook profile picture.

They say the eyes are the window to your soul, well, I say your Facebook profile picture is how you want the world to see you. Well, namely that grade 10 jerk who called you ugly or your junior high crush. Choosing a profile picture is not a task that should be taken lightly. After all, how else will people know that you've turned into a total babe or that you've been to the zoo?

So I thought I would re-create some of the photos you should NOT have as your Facebook/Twitter or any other social media profile pic. You know the ones I'm talking about. You don't?

Well then take a look at these shockers!


Sex Bomb, Sex Bomb ( The I'm Too Sexy Shot)

My apologies. I wasn't aware that you were (insert country) Next Top Model. Yeah, well Tyra didn't know either. Anyway, that's not a reason for you to plaster the newsfeed with pics of you looking like you've sucked on a lemon. And you can not possibly be that 'perfect'. Let's face it, when God was moulding you, he wasn't thinking that one day you would photoshop away all the special things that make you who you are.

But this shot is becoming more and more popular amongst the 'kids'. There are many versions of this photo. Some of the most popular photos are taken in front of a mirror. You know the one I'm talking about. I refuse to demonstrate. But think Miley. In her underwear. Yep. That's the one.

There is also the awkward lean. Again, something I refuse to do. But take a look at these girls. My biggest fear is that I end up on this website. Sadly, out of all the shots I've seen on Facebook, this shot is probably the most popular amongst young girls. And I'm talking about really young girls. Yikes! Someone needs to be having a conversation with these kids.

  I look like I belong at Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Or worse - Jersey Shore!

This pose is very popular amongst the 12-15 demographic. Can a...er..20 something pull it off?

Cougar or sex kitten? Do girls actually think these poses come naturally?

Take A Picture (The Celebrity Photo Shot)

Yeah, yeah, yeah...we get it. You meet a lot of celebrities. But do you have to leave me a constant reminder that my life may not be as interesting as yours? Ok, I'm jealous. Do the world (i.e. me) a favour and upload the pics into an album titled, "I met another really cool celeb and you didn't". Then I can comment about how much I hate you and wish that I could be you! Only kidding!! 

But seriously, unless that celeb is someone I couldn't care less about (I will publish a detailed list very soon) then reserve it for an album, not your display pic!

K Rudd at the height of his fame. He looks a little flat. Hmmm...

Lover's united: The Talented Mr Grohl

Right place, Right time

Flaming hell! Everyone needs a shot with Ray Meagher!

Baby, Baby, Baby...Ohhhhhhhh....Dear (The Baby/Babies Shot)

I'm not a mother...yet, but it doesn't mean that I don't think kids are one of the most precious beings on this planet. But let's face it. Not everyone wants to be bombarded with pics of your kids. Especially not if your child is your profile picture. Could you imagine the creepiness that Facebook stalkers feel when they are looking at your profile? Your kids shouldn't be subjected to that.

Someone made the good point that if they wanted to know every little thing lil' Billy does, they would add him on Facebook. Save the updates and pics for people that really care about your child. In this day and age, do you really want random acquaintances to know every little detail about your child? I know I wouldn't that's why my babies Tinkerbell, Harley, Billie Madison and Batman only get random mentions on my page. Don't worry babies...mommy loves you!

Batman sleeping after a hard day of being a...cat?

Tinkerbell has got his mother's smile!

Thanks to Harley, I'm now a grandmother seven times over. Billie Madison is in there...somewhere!

You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby ( The I Was Cute Back Then & Nothing Has Changed Shot)

If you're dumb enough to use a picture of yourself as a child, then you're asking for the obligatory 'You were so cute back then. What happened?" comment. Most people don't care what you looked like back then. And correct me if I'm wrong, but don't people use Facebook to connect with people from the past? Namely for the reason to see what they look like now. Not back in 1875!

So if you're going to use a shot from when you were a wee pup, don't be surprised if you get de-friended. Because nobody wants to be friends with a baby!

I trace my photo-whoring back to my youth

Work Of Art (The Arty-Farty Shot)

This should have been the 'emo' shot. Emo shot? Yes, you know what I'm talking about. The black and white shot. Black fingernails...broken glass. But who am I kidding? I'm too happy to even re-create that look, so instead I present to you the artsy 'I know how to use the cool photo apps on my smartphone' shot.

Sure we know how to use them, but do we really need to use it to take a display picture? Let's face it. There is a reason that your photography skills are limited to taking half decent profile pictures and nothing more. You are NOT a photographer. Try leaving all the curves/denoise/shadow techniques to the experts!

Crazy In Love ( The I'm In A Relationship shot)

There is one shot that I refuse to put on Facebook. The 'I'm so in love with my boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband' shot. Yes, even I believe some things should be kept private.

I don't know about you, but the last thing I want to see when I log into my Facebook is pictures of you and your lover dry humping on my computer/phone screen. Yet, it never ceases to amaze me. I wasn't aware that I was friends with so many softcore porn stars.

And whilst were on the subject, enough with the 'I'm so in love' statuses. I get it! Your Facebook friends will thank you for allowing them to keep their breakfast down. Keep your declarations of love for private moments for two. 

As long as there are social networking sites that allow us to upload our most intimate snaps, then there will be countless images of us for the world to see. Only now it seems that we have the power to gain control of how we are seen to the world.

Fashion Attack

Celebrity Style Watch

Rachel Bilson mixes it up at launch in Beverly Hills

It looks like Rachel Bilson is taking style inspiration from her latest character at the launch of her new television show, Hart of Dixie in Beverly Hills.

Pairing a pretty floral Erdem blouse with bright red tapered Erdem pants, Rachel’s red carpet look could mirror that of Zoe Hart, a New York City doctor, who moves to a remote town in Alabama to practice medicine.

With the perfect mix of colour and textures, Rachel added a little of her own style to the look, by clashing her prints and adding a gorgeous pair of leopard print Louboutins to complete the edgy look. Rachel kept the accessories light, choosing a sleek black Giuseppe Zanotti clutch to compliment her trademark ombre hairstyle. Just another example of how Rachel rules the red carpet.


Gwen maxes out her latest look

Gwen Stefani usually gets it right. Think signature fire-engine red lips and soft sheer layers. She was even rocking harem pants seasons before they became cool. Yes, Ms Stefani has proven time and time again that she has the power to turn a tablecloth into an instant fashion masterpiece.

So imagine our surprise when we spotted Gwen in this interesting (to say the least) ensemble. Great pieces on their own, but put them together and you’ve got photographic evidence of Gwen at her worst! Incorporating some of her fave trends (Red lips. Check. Long flowy skirts. Check), fashion forward Gwen has taken one step backward!

Gwen is fond of teaming up sleeveless tops with monochromatic maxi skirts, but this time it just looks oh so wrong! The wrap top is beautiful, but paired with the skirt makes her look frumpy. Not even the black skirt, with its intricate embroidery detail on the hem, can save this look! It shortens her legs and detracts from her mustard hued peeptoe booties (which is by far, the most interesting part of her outfit!).

 Come on Gwen, pull it together!




New Fashion Trends
Itty bitty Denim Club





Bare legs this time of the year can only mean one thing – summer is almost here! And what better way to show off your tanned and toned limbs, then by wearing this season’s latest trend: the denim short.

Just make sure you’ve...um...armed yourself with these simple tips and soon you’ll be sporting a sure-fire hit!

It’s all about the legs:

Cover up the top half of your body if you want to rock this look. Just like the eyes or lips mantra when it comes to makeup, you should only be highlighting one part of your body. In this case, you want to focus ALL the attention onto your legs.

Belt it up:

For a more all over ‘put together’ look, wear with a belt. You can’t go wrong and it can easily take your outfit from casual to dressy.

Peasants and Plaid:

Just like pearls and lace, plaid and denim go hand in hand. And you can’t go wrong with a flowy peasant top to add balance to your outfit.

If the shorts fit:

Find the right pair of shorts for you! Not all people can pull off very short shorts, so make sure you’re wearing the right style for your body.

Katie Holmes wears her denim shorts with a white v-neck tee, a black blazer and caps off her look with a straw fedora (perfect for those balmy summer nights!).

Hilary Duff shifts the focus from her belted shorts to her very pricey accessories. Draped in a coral crepe Vanessa Bruno jacket with structured shoulders, Hilary opted to splurge on a beige quilted Chanel bag and a Hermés leather wallet. Victoria Beckham’s oval frame sunglasses in forest green and white Brian Atwood pumps finished off her look. It’s just a shame about her pockets hanging out on the outside. What a way to bring down an otherwise classy outfit!

Jessica Simpson chooses to team up her daisy dukes with a cropped blazer to elongate her shapely pins.

Don’t forget to pair your denim shorts with the appropriate footwear that suits your look. You don’t want to ruin a great outfit because of the wrong shoes!

New Style Trend


Happy feet are here again




Have you wanted to make your outfit pop by adding a hot pair of shoes to the mix, but don’t want the aches and pains of walking around in heels all day? And flats are not an option. We think we have the answer. It was only a matter of time before the fashion gods put two and two together to come up with summer’s hottest new trend to hit the catwalk: the flatform.

The flatform is a cross between a platform and a flat. With all the comfort of a flat shoe combined with the height of a platform, the flatform is the must have shoe this summer!

Ok, so it’s not totally flat, but that’s the best part. You get the lift of a platform AND you get the comfort of wearing flats all day long! Not to mention they’ll add inches to your height. Flatforms are trendy additions to your summer wardrobe and will give your outfit that extra oomph!




You can dress them up or you can dress them down. They’ll take you from day to night and you can find them in all shapes and styles.

Pair them up with summer dresses or with a cute pair of denim shorts. Jessica chose to wear her flatforms (whilst pregnant with daughter Haven!) with super long jeans. DON’T pull a Jessica! You don’t want to cover them up. The idea is you WANT to show off these babies! If you want to wear pants, make sure they are neatly hemmed.




For a look that will take you from a day shopping with friends right through to a summer beach party, pair your flatforms with a striped maxi dress and a vintage looking denim jacket. Don’t forget to treat your digits to a mani and pedi in one of summer’s hottest colours. We’re loving Slushied by OPI!





Fashion News


If the rumours are true, it won’t be long before famed US designer Marc Jacobs takes the helms of the Dior fashion house.

The Paris design house has been without a designer after sacking John Galliano, who had been charged with racially abusing people in a Paris cafe.

So the label must be relieved to be close to signing Jacobs. The designer, famous for creating shoes, handbags and clothing envied by women worldwide, has long been touted as a replacement for troubled Galliano and it looks as though things have started to come to fruition.

Jacobs has responded to the claims by saying he would take up the offer, but only if it meant he could keep his current design team (well, if it ain’t broke...)

But what does this mean for Jacobs, who is the current creative director of Louis Vuitton? Well, it looks like it will be possible for him to continue with LV even if he takes over Dior.

Can Jacobs juggle the two fashion houses without compromising their style and integrity? Only time will tell...