Material Monsta (www.mecho.com.au)

The Vampire Diaries has returned in its third season with a second episode called “the Hybrid”, and even though (of course) i loved seeing Jeremy’s cute new haircut the episode, I felt that the show had a weaker opening than Season 2. And here’s why:

1. The Dynamics are EXACTLY the same as ever

This week’s episode saw Elena putting her life on the line to save Stefan (again) from Klaus’ possession like an idiot while Klaus used a pack of werewolves as guinea pigs for his “army of hybrids”- which, apparently, he’s building with no apparent enemy in mind. Damon (again), of course intervenes and argues with Elena, but then eventually got sick of her moaning and bitching and decided to give the mission a try just to shut her up. Then later in Elena’s bedroom, Damon again tries to get all “handsy” with her and (OMG shocking!) she’s left feeling confused. Alaric, of course, needed to walk off the hangover before (hopefully) shaving his chest and hitting the gym with Jeremy, who’s looking extra fine this season!

Can those two just acknowledge the pink elephant in the room, and learn from Caroline and Tyler’s example of animalistic supernatural sexual intercourse already? The viewers have had 2 entire seasons of Damon saving Elena’s ass already; if Elena hadn’t been so up herself hung up on Stefan, she would have seen the light and rewarded Damon by recreating his favorite positions when he did Katherine 145 years ago. In any case, the dynamic between these two just needs a refreshing change. There’s no growth in the characters, and it’s as though the circus act that went down taught them nothing. 

2. Weak Villains (or just poor casting?)

Speaking of the (hands down) sexiest female villain on TV, where the bloody hell is Katherine? One of the reasons why I looked forward to VD every week last season is largely thanks to Nina Dobrev doing a kick-ass job playing Katherine. I genuinely miss her crazy manipulative mind games: toying with the brothers by undoing her blouse, compelling Jenna to stab herself, sleeping her way back into the possession of the moonstone (in addition to general fabulosity). Nobody, not even Klaus, has as much aura and mystery as Katherine. 

The writers decided to send Katherine on another run for the Bahamas her life- which is fine; but left the big villain shoes for the lanky, weedy Klaus to fill. In this week’s episode, when Klaus rocked up to the werewolf pack with a loose T-shirt and skinny toothpick arms blazing, it just became obvious that there’s no terror factor to Joseph Morgan’s portrayal of the character. In fact, when he brooded over the failed experiment to build an army, he didn’t look powerful OR in-control with those puppy dog eyes. There’s no cheekiness to Klaus, and honestly, Paul Wesley can diminish Joseph Morgan any day, just saying. They haven’t even shown off what he can do with his newfound hybrid powers yet! It’s like buying a new Ferrari, and driving at 30km/h. UNDERWHELMING.

3. The Supporting Plots are more interesting than the Main

A little bit of a red flag! The supporting plots have actually been more entertaining and refreshing than the main Save-Stefan plot. Caroline and Tyler’s vampire-werewolf relationship is leading into an epic feud; with Carol now changing her views about vampires and Caroline chained up by her father knowing her son is a dog once a month. 

Side Note: It is true that every show has a previously-molested character with an Electra Complex, but can we just let Caroline have a week of school without being tortured or vervained like a whore-on-the-run? Maybe torture Elena instead? 

Matt’s bromance with Jeremy is getting to be too hot to bear. Last week M gave J the “I wanna spend the night having D&Ms over wine” look after they fulfilled the post-pot munchies. This week J walks in on M as he’s changing. Wonder what Bonnie thinks. Anyway, poor Matt has to watch Jeremy talking into thin air, while Vicki and Anna both tell Jeremy various ghostly B.S. I wonder where the writers are going with this one. 

I suppose every show has to evolve: hell, even the spoiled-to-death, caviar-munching brats on Gossip Girl eventually went to college and stopped wearing colored tights. And yes, maybe I’m asking for too much. But judging from the first two episodes in Season 3, the level of suspense just isn’t as intense as before; and the show’s become slightly “predictable” and slower. 

NONETHELESS, an absolutely fantastic show and episode. Well done, Kevin and Julie, for keeping the dream alive! 

I hardly ever use this blog anymore, but hey, I might start again!

To wrap up a very distressing Friday, what with the chaos in the sewing room (trying to get a glimpse of Donna’s demonstration amongst an eager pile of first years) and the general bleakness of 3 assignments due in the next week and none finished, I took a few hours off to remind myself I’m human by watching the latest episode of the Vampire Diaries, titled “The Sun Also Rises”.

Vampire Diaries totally suprised me in an era where a TV show can earn ratings purely based on: a) a jaw-droppingly attractive cast, b) a semi-decent storyline, and c) relentless marketing. In the beginning, I thought it was Twilight-on-the-small-screen-for-teenagers-to-gush-every-week-instead-of-every-six-months— but MAN did the writers do anything but that! It’s become the most anticipated TV break of the week—- Gossip Girl can go suck a fat dick. Yes, we know Blair and Chuck are destined to be together— Blair, if you like him then you should have put a ring on it.

Few things that’s put me in a weird, semi-hyperactive mood on this chilly Friday night:

1. The extremely fast pace in which this episode went by: they could seriously have called it a finale seeing as it was the most action-packed, gorey and jaw-dropping episode in VD history— hands down. 40 minutes felt like 15.

2. Although Jenna never part-took in any of the MAJOR storylines, she was a sweet, caring, warm, intelligent, selfless, human-being (in a town where supernatural creatures seem to favour) who took VERY good care of Elena and Jeremy when (gush) their parents died. She was out of the loop until last week, and already, the writers are turning her into a vampire, only to kill her off in the most cruel way possible minutes later. Klaus did not think TWICE before driving a big fat stake through her heart, and the close-up at her as she dies just BROKE MY HEART INTO A MILLION LITTLE PIECES. SHE’S INNOCENT! SHE DID NOTHING WRONG! ALL SHE’S EVER DONE WAS PROTECT HER CHILDREN! fuck, she even spent her last chance at running on ATTACKING THAT BLACK BITCH WITCH instead of bolting— although if i were her, I would have just ripped her head off instead of spending minutes draining her blood… ROOKY MISTAKE, JENNA! Sure, her time was probably up on the show— it’s hard as fuck to write her into ANY major storyline considering she has plenty of hot, young competition stealing the viewers’ attention (Tyler, Jeremy, Damon, Katherine— not Elena, to name a few. Hell, even Mrs. Carol Lockwood is ONE FINE MILF).

Let’s just have a moment of silence to mourn what was, an undermined talent in the show: she made the scared face SO CONVINCINGLY I was actually scared WITH her. JEREMY on the other hand, although played by the oh-god-i-just-came-in-my-pants-HOT Steven R. McQueen, needs to show a little more emotion and maybe a few tears seeing as your only guardian just died?

Bottom line is: Although VERY underwritten, the sexy Sara Canning did the best job anyone could have with Jenna— and I will miss all the sarcastic moments where she wittily bitches about life. RIP AUNT JENNA. WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE IN GOD’S KINGDOM!

3. Although the Originals are known to be more cunning and heartless than any other vampire, ELIJAH, after this episode, has lost ALL of my respect (and I’m sure the 3.6 million viewers around the world will agree with me). Ever since he’s bursted on the scene, all we’ve been hearing is that hes a man of his word. He promised to kill Klaus. He promised he wont fail everybody. After Elena died (with a) vampire blood in her system, and b) Uncle John’s love spell— talk about life insurance!), Bonnie held up her end of the bargain and incapacitated Klaus to the point where he’s about to die. Elijah even had his hand in Klau’s gut, about to rip out his filthy heart— but oh no, a simple “i can take you to the dead bodies of your siblings after I turn into a hybrid and can bite you to your death any moment— and I may or may not be lying just so I can get you later” from Klaus, and puffff, he CHICKENS OUT LIKE A PUSSYCAT. What. a. hypocrit/dumbass. That is ONE hasty way for writers to put Klaus’ death on hold just so they can drag it on for another season. YOUR FAMILY IS DEAD, AND KLAUS KILLED THEM. SEEING THEIR BODY ISNT GONNA CHANGE IT!

4. KLAUS, is one fucking villain. Although people say his British thing scares people, I DONT FIND HIM INTIMIDATING AT ALL! He doesn’t command as much attention nearly as Katherine or Elijah when they were the big badasses. There was nothing DRACULA-LIKE about Klaus. I hope for the show’s sake that Joseph Morgan (although is ONE FINE MAN), shows more of his psycho side next season…

5. Is it just me, or has stefan become one of the dullest characters on the show? A) hes not NEARLY as hot as all the other male cast members, B) he has NO dual personality whatsoever, C) when he said he’ll offer himself to replace Jenna in the sacrifice ritual, I GENUINELY DID NOT CARE! He MUST break out of the Edward Cullen image and become more 3-dimensional…

6. MUCH PRAISE FOR IAN SOMERHALDER in pulling off Damon’s character so flawlessly episode-after-episode. He’s the ONLY ONE who can master the fragility and vulnerability of a hero-and-villain character. He needs an Emmy. and NO I firmly believe he will NOT die from the werewolf bite, because A) who’s gonna watch the show when Stefan and ELena are the only ones left, continuing their twilight romance? and B) it’s the vampire diaries, there’s a cure and solution to EVERY PROBLEM. Hell, we thought at first that Elijah is indestructable, but hey, there’s a dagger out there! HOWEVER this near-death experience will definately make Elena realise how much she, deep down, cares for him despite his mistakes (and really, what’s so bad about an insurance policy— in fact, if it wasnt for Damon, Elena could have died in MANY occasions. She ought to get down on her knees and suck him off). That’ll probably make Elena realise that Damon is worth loving and change things between the love triangle.

7. They’ve kept Katherine alive for obvious reasons: A) she’s hot and outshines Elena in every single scene, B) she’s hot, C) she’s so hot but we can still see glimpses of humanity in her— it’ll be interesting to see her fate in season 3.

Well, I’m glad I took the minutes to gush about this episode as it is certainly A WILD FUCKING RIDE.

Now, seeing as I’ve had my hours off to fantasize about the supernatural, I must get back to reality and my plan to dominate the world as the next Marc Jacobs. Seeing as the man of my dreams is out somewhere, drinking more than he would ever drink in front of me— yes we’ve settled everything, but I can’t help the way I feel. He’s held up his end of the bargain, and I have to hold up mine. And really, I should just be more laid back when it comes to relationships— and god forbid i ever lay eyes on a straight guy ever again.

DOING WORK AND DOING WELL IS THE ONLY WAY I’LL REMAIN SANE AND CALM, so i must now attend to it.

XOXOXOXOXOX

Object > Blend > Make

• Select all the objects within each other
• Once you’ve “made” it, you can change settings in Blend Options.
• Can use a direct selection tool, pen tool to add anchor points which you can then manipulate.
• At any stage you can go back to your blend options to change the number of shapes and even release the blend.
• Good for pleating / folding where you want repeated shapes to look 3 dimensional.
• It can be any colour/shapes/ size.

Object > Path

• Normal Pen tool line (unjoined)— select the ends of the anchor points
• Object > Path > Join— joins up the shape and fixes most fill problems.
• You can add / remove anchor points and divide objects.
• Can also outline stroke of lines in the Path menu.
• New anchor points will be in place and you can manipulate the shape however you want.
• You can OFFSET paths in the paths menu > gives another extra layer of the stroke around your object.
• These tools can allow you to make intricate patterns which can be then turned into symbols / brushses— saving you a heck load of time.

Mesh Tool: (under gradient tool)

• Have an object you’re applying it to
• Drag your mouse over the selected object and click when you wanna place an anchor point.
• Makes a big “grid” of invisible ruler guides full of anchor points
• Can also be applied to lines and spheres/circles
• The sharper your curves are, the stronger the gradient will be. It’s importatnt to have SOFT lines.
• Play with blending/shading by changing the opacity in the transparency menu (right)

Pattern Swatches

• In your swatch library, you can find some general textile patterns which you can apply to shapes / objects as a colour.
• Look online and create your own to get what you wanna get.
• You can make images into a pattern as well— select the shapes, hit Edit > derfine Pattern > give it a name and it’ll appear on your pattern library

Yesterday, I had the privilege to represent mecho in reviewing the work of quite a few memorable clothing labels associated with BAM Brands—an international brand management firm that recognizes emerging fashion talent and fresh ideas across the world. The intimate view-by-appointment showcase of the upcoming Autumn 2011 collections was held at the Boutwell Draper Gallery in Redfern—a venue as urban and edgy as the fashion within. It all seems to be about retro humour for menswear.

The most memorable and jaw-dropping pieces are, without a doubt, the all-black unisex Glam-Rock extravaganza from Dan Jones. The Sydney-based designer, who debuted at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in June this year, stole the show with an edgy variety of over-the-top black embellishments on very masculine/feminine T-shirts, tank tops and loose-fit pants. Everything from sequins, rhinestones and beads to even ostrich feather are individually hand-beaded with love onto the garments to ooze the dark, sultry glamour of his usual androgynous audience. Each piece had a genuine fierceness and unstoppable confidence that is unlike anything we’ve seen from the usual put-together, “suburban princess” aesthetics of other Australian designers. The versatility of Jones’ designs—whether in terms of gender audience or styling options—has me genuinely convinced that it would be a wise decision for boys (and girls… and boy-girls) to invest in some hardcore goth glamour before the prices escalate even further once he makes it onto the radar! A touch of sparkle would definitely turn heads in the clubs next fall. These lookbook images are for the current Spring season- which also feature lots of hand-beaded goodness.

(www.dan-jones.com)

Asuza, a Gold Coast-based duo-designer label gave us Lord of the Flies with the monstrous beachwear designs that will set one apart in a sea of generic Billabong. There’s such a strong sense of chaos and incoherence (even within the clothes themselves) that you can genuinely believe that the wearer (or the stylist of this lookbook) is out of his mind- but that, people, is the beauty of Asuza. It is wild clothes for wild people who party hard in the summer. Individually, many of this season’s pieces can quirk up your look, especially the unique and unpredictable prints on the surf shorts. There’re also a range of washed denim items- shirts, shorts, and surf shorts that are printed to look like denim ;). It’s okay to make no sense- because that’s part of the fun.

(www.asuza.com.au)

The showcase was also living proof that the obsession about shoes and bags are now also acceptable amongst males. Study Footwear, an American young footwear design house offer a quirky line of college-friendly shoes that are breathtakingly quirky and statement-making. What’s even better: it’s aimed at us students, and hence, nothing exceeds $120. Multi-coloured lace-up loafers (or rather tackily, boat shoes) are revived to be worn by young preppies- and they’re great for injecting some freshness (and god forbid, humour) into an outfit. I’ve already got my eye on either the colour-blocked loafers or the blue sneakers. Yummy…

(www.studyfootwear.com)

Melbourne’s hand-made accessory designer Mercurialist is although, no Louis Vuitton- they however, have these gorgeous butter-soft leather bags that are oh-so-luxurious and versatile. From more abstract pieces, like the simple shoulder tote to the elaborate weekend bag, Mercurialist pieces have this incredibly vintage feel that goes with any outfit in a super-luxe way- and are almost half the price of a big-name-label bag!

(Mercurialist Official Blog: http://mecurialist.blogspot.com/)

It’s that time of the year again, when the US lingerie giant Victoria’s Secret launches its annual stripper parade runway show that stars all of the world’s most famous, sexy, high-profile supermodels, hopping down a glittery runway and pass of air-kisses as poses.

NO, it’s not a real fashion show. Not since 2002. But that’s part of VS’s appeal- the ridiculous wings aren’t for sale next season- they’re just for the lols show. And that’s why every year I would faithfully tune into youtube so I can see Miranda Kerr exhibiting her skinnier-by-the-year body.

This year’s show was held in New York and featured performances by Katy Perry (gasp, I’m so sick of her!) and Akon. Although Heidi Klum recently quit, and Miranda Kerr, the only reason to watch the show, is busy being preggers with Orly’s baby, the outfits this year actually flatter the models and the themes seem to be more distinct and fun! You can tell they’ve really gone all out with the wing designs!

Adriana Lima did the honour of showing the 2 million dollar fantasy bombshell bra. (who else after Gisele left?) After not eating for several years, Karolina Kurkova returned to the runway this year looking thinner and more porn-star like than ever (much to the joy of Hugh Heffner). Alessandra Ambrosio is of course back with her usual tanned exotic prossy appeal. And then there were the newbie angels: dumb blondes Lindsay Ellingson, Candice Swanpoel and Erin Heatherton (what’s the point of hiring 3 of them when they have the same look), full-lipped Rosie Huntington Whitley, and of course, the stick-thin Chanel Iman. She’s the only one who can successfully juggle commercial and high-fashion modelling and pull off both. Fillers were high-fashion runway girls Magdalena Frackowiak, Lily Donaldson, Anja Rubik and Hong Kong’s Liu Wen.

After watching the Vampire Diaries again last night and seeing Katherine Pierce’s endless legs, I thought I’d dedicate a post to honour the best and worst leg moments in the 21st Century!

“A girl’s legs are her best friend, but the best of friends must part.”— Redd Foxx

“Legs are sexy because they suspensefully lead up to the p***y.”— my brother

2010: Nina Dobrev in the Vampire Diaries as Katherine Pierce

Never in my life have I seen such a GORGEOUS LEG TAN on VAMPIRE who’s supposedly rotting away in a DARK TOMB. I love how the stylists from the Vampire Diaries throw in immaculate outfits for the most un-glamourous occasions: Katherine getting thrown into a tomb in this bombshell dress, Elena getting kidnapped in super-fab True Religion jeans. Caroline fed on humans when she first turned wearing super skinny jeans with heels- and Bonnie wears a fabulous leg-baring Pucci-esque dress for her witchy showdown with Lucy. This time, the skimpy lace dress shows off Katherine’s thighs at exactly the right places: just an inch below the crotch, no cellulite at all, but not so boney that the thighs are as big as the calves. Basically: go for whatever you want, but only eat half, and drink plenty of human blood.

2009: Any red-carpet event where Blake Lively is present

Since this 5”11 blond barbie bursted on the scene as the ever-slutty Serena van der Woodsen, whose plot mainly involves sleeping with every Upper-East side millionaires and every other girl’s boyfriends— her unapologetically high hemline is definately what put her on the map. You can’t miss it at any red carpet event: the Emmy’s, the Oscars, the Met Gala— she will give us what she promised: a view of her long, tanned, well-proportioned legs (and probably some clevage). No wonder people call her Boobs Legsly. So, really, go for a run every other day :)

2008: Any full-length photo of Miranda Kerr

Her thighs ARE as big as her calves. Isn’t it just fabulous?! I’m not sure how our David Jones girl managed to strike such a big pose in Louboutins (yes, the soles are red!) after having not much to eat for breakfast other than a glass of water and an apple and with no ass. So, to get this look: keep servings smaller than the size of your palm.

2003-present: Any concerts, music videos or photos of Beyonce

For some reason, Beyonce is the ONLY GIRL IN THE WORLD who can get away with thunder thighs (or as conservatives would say: a bottom-heavy body)- and she makes her billions with it by incessantly showing them off and jiggling them in every fast-paced song (I can honestly say not one of her songs did not advertise her juicy legs). But there’s so much make-up and oil on that body her skin is literally reflecting light like the girls in spandex behind her. Ewww. Point is: if you got a juicy booty- match it with your personality.

WORST LEG MOMENTS

200X: Mischa after getting ran over by a car in the OC

She looks cute here, but come on sweetie— JEGGINGS?? At least shop around the maternity store for some subtle boot cut jeans to fool a few people. That’s what Marissa would have done!

2010: Rihanna in the “Rude Boy” video

Are her legs STILL insured for a million dollars each after all the “OMG Chris hit me” emotional eating she took a break from her work? This is a leg disaster purely because the stylist was blind for choosing over-the-knee-high boots and pairing it with such a revealing combo: the fat supply from her leg is spilling over the thight boots. No wonder why they’re worth a million— they can feed people!

At the end of the day, we get the legs we’re born with. And whether you like it or not, everyone has their genetic limits. The most important thing is to shape AND style them towards their very best version and use them towards your advantage.

It’s ONE thing women have over men. The power of hot female legs.

The warmth in summer means that rising hemlines will make it easier to make a statement with your shoes. So why not turn up the drama with some sexy short boots and enjoy some male attention to your legs?

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It’s officially sunny again! So put away those smelley uggs you’ve worn all winter and show some leg, honey.

It’s my personal belief that strappy sandals with heels are the best way to keep your feet cool and still stay sexy and strong. Invest in the right pair and you’ll find that your entire look can be elevated to look like the pages of Vogue rather than Seventeen. They can take you anywhere from university to cocktail parties while lengthening your legs to make you feel sexy.

Take a look of these latest hot styles I’ve scouted!

You can’t go wrong with the holy trinity of designer shoes. Jimmy Choo (top left) does hardcore studded leather with class with these caged heels. Something like this would be perfect to toughen up any look, whether it’d be skinny jeans or a long evening gown. The Sex and the City shoe legend Manolo Blahnik (top centre) gives us colour and mid-town New York glamour with these hot pink suede slingbacks. Wear it with a simple dress or a black suit and it will still be super young and fresh. Sergio Rossi (bottom centre) brings us exotic, literally red-hot sex appeal with these suede peeptoes with ostrich feather detail. Very holiday-friendly indeed.

The Big Brands also have cute ideas. Louis Vuitton (top right) gave us poetic elegance with the extra black feather brooch that can make your feet look effortlessly feminine and expensive (just like any other item on the Vuitton menu). The multi-coloured cage peeptoes from D&G (middle left) brightens up the day: fresh, young, sexy, daring- perfect for a younger audience. And if you feel like going British punk, the studded platforms from Burberry Prorsum (middle right) will lengthen your legs like no other and give you that edgy, warrior feel.

Up-and-coming designers have such a quirky aesthetic that is luxurious and sexy at the same time. Nicholas Kirkwood (bottom centre) give the usual glittery princess sandals a futuristic and industrial edge with the asymmetricality of the straps and wheel cutout details. Over the last few years, Kirkwood designs have made it onto the radar of top-tier designers- being the shoe designer for 3.1 Phillip Lim and Zac Posen. Italian fashion badboys Dsquared2 (bottom right) quirks it up with steel metal heels crafted with extreme detail. The platforms themselves are encrusted with red gems. This is an evening look to die for. Stuart Weitzman (middle centre) recently began its invasion into Australia with the first store in Westfield Sydney. The angelic, subtle gleam of crystals makes these sandals perfect for a classy occasion: wedding, funeral, cocktail party, going to the Ivy etc.

For More Info, visit these links: http://www.manoloblahnik.com ; http://www.jimmychoo.com/; www.sergiorossi.com; http://www.louisvuitton.com; http://www.dolcegabbana.com/deg; http://www.burberry.com; http://www.nicholaskirkwood.com; http://www.dsquared2.com;  http://stuartweitzman.com

With the summer holidays approaching, along comes the party season. Let loose and show some skin in this “punk meets tribal” ensemble:

1. “Path to freedom” bustier dress by Sass & Bide / AUD 590 / Sass & Bide Stores

2. Snake Skin Skull Clutch Bag by Alexander McQueen / 909 EP / Net-A-Porter

3. Panelled leather platform ankle boots by Versace / 829 EP / Net-A-Porter

4. Studded leather bangles by By Malene Birger / 60 EP / Net-A-Porter

5. Bow and pearl embellished necklace by Lanvin / 349 EP / Net-A-Porter

Turn up the heat in the room with this ferociously sexy bustier from our very own Sass & Bide. With the over-the-top mirror and gold embellishment plus slimming placement of lines, this signature piece commands free drinks attention and makes hell of a statement to other girls. Fashion is what it is: competition.

Pair this revealing number with supersized studded bracelets and sky-high Versace ankle boots to be the hottest punk vixen of the night. Complete the look with the latest McQueen clutch and this outfit can take you anywhere from the Cross to the Ivy.