The Coming of age.

Is it timely to be considering all issues of our life cycle as a birthday draws near?  “That time of year again” one side of the brain says, while another, like clockwork reflects on the things you have and haven’t done, achieved or flatly folded.  Birthdays have synonymously been a time of reflection, drawn to self-pity and judgment.  Another year older and still doing the same thing, still waiting on a pay rise, a promotion, an opportunity, a chance, a career….  Some people, more than others, place more importance on finding the right job, the right house, car, partner, clothes, hair cut… but what if you never end up finding it and you’ve spent all this time searching for it?  Is it worth the search?

The thing with searching is not appreciating what you’ve got in front of you.  Being in the moment and savoring the situation for all its glory, right here and now.  The people in your life, the one’s you love and the one’s you’d rather flick away.  The adventure of the search can be reveling.     

What happened to celebrating the coming of age?  A party where age is announced with excitement and pride, stating your age and proudly adding “and a half!”, making a birthday cake to display your age and being praised for being a year older.  Why not this year, make a birthday cake out of your age, with blue, red, pink, yellow icing and line it with smarties and marshmellows.... 

Nail it

Yves Saint Laurent’s two tone nail duos

Part of their 2010 make-up collection, the Yves Saint Laurent Manicure Couture is a twin set polish twist on the classic french manicure through combining striking colours of indigo purple, turquoise (Belle de Jour) and rich plum coupled with shimmering gold (Belle de Nuit).  Try the combination pictured above; No 2 Rive Gauche, cherry-pink and orange-red nail colour.

The Manicure Couture duos, $59 each, are part of the Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2010 collection (www.elle.com.au).

Ugg-terly embarrassing

Miss Universe entrant Jesinta Campbell wearing high-heeled Ugg Boots

The iconic ugg boot strikes back as part of a national costume in this years Miss Universe pageant.  Australia's Jesinta Campbell who is competing in next month's Miss Universe contest will showcase the high-heeled ugg boot by Sydney designer Natasha Dwyer as Australia's national costume.

Campbell, 18 who described the costume as "incredible" will wear an outback inspired outfit with a one-piece swimsuit hand painted by an aboriginal artist, a multi layered silk skirt, a lambswool shrug and high-helled ugg boots.


The costume has sparked controversial views with many expressing embarrassment over the choice of the ugg boots.  Is this a McLeods Daughters costume gone wrong?  Bogan boots.  A viking costume in the Miss Universe Pageant.... Yes, I agree, ugg boots should only be worn in private and not in the public domain.  To have them featured as a national costume is embarrassing, is that all Australia is known for?  It's either that or a pair of flip flops and a meat pie...

Return of the jumpsuit

The one piece jumpsuit was originally used by skydivers.  It resurfaced in the 1960s as a fashion statement and made a big comeback in the 80s.  Now, the jumpsuit is back again, reappearing above as worn by Helena Christensen; the jumpsuit shorts.  


There are many different jumpsuit styles: shorts, skinny pants, genie pants, strapless even backless.  The popularity of its return is obvious why, it's comfortable and looks great!  The wide leg jumpsuit with exposed back below is elegant style.  Alternatively, skinny leg jumpsuit pants with strapless top, side pockets and belt can be dressed up with a pair of heels or down with sandals.  What's not to love.  

Subject to personal style, preference and taste.  But can be a lot of fun.

Letter from Charliefrankie

Sole Obsession Christian Louboutin
Madame Butterfly Bootie. 

The most mentioned pair of heels right now in the latest editions of Harper's Bazaar & Elle magazine are Louboutin's booties.  The French designer knows style and never ceases to disappoint, the latest:  Nappa leather platform peep-toe bootie with triple bow detail and side zip. 150mm thin heel with signature red leather sole. Made in Italy.  This image perhaps does not do Madame Butterfly justice, and  may instead appear heavy and bulky to the eye.  But just imagine how they would feel once you put them on, the soft leather lining moulding to your foot, secure and firm fitting, ah the picture now comes to mind, divine.

Price: $1,195.00 (US)  
www.elle.com

Letter from Charliefrankie

Baggy pants, also reffered to by some, such as my husband, as nappy pants.. You know the pants that have the baggy front and behind with skinny legs? Interestingly enough girls love to wear them because theyr're comfortable and extremely practical during the winter months when one eat's that little bit extra to insulate yourself from the bitter winter cold. I was surprised to read in a recent newspaper a column compiled by a female that baggy pants were not favoured by most men because they lacked visibility of the female figure. 


I don't think I've ever dressed for the comfort of other men but for the comfort of myself, so I found the comment made by the male, that they simply don't like these pants was quite a shock. Although I may have an extra layer of insulation this winter, I'd rather feel comfortable and hide my lower half behind my baggy nappy pants than to shamefully try to squeeze in to my skinny jeans and display muffin tops. 


Take your pick boys, but I'm sure both parties will be much happier if they can have their cake and eat it too.

Letter from Charliefrankie

Charliefrankie has and will be a journey; one of discovery and adventure.  6 months after spending a week at Elle magazine in Shanghai, China, I am ready to share the experience together with my interest in all things fashion-istic.  

It took me this long not only to feel ready to write and create this site, but also to remember my blog password! Finally, both have emerged and I feel excited about what I have to share.