Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2016 i ELLE Australia

Maybe its because of that significant birthday I recently celebrated. Maybe it’s the Stranger Things effect. Or maybe it’s because we shot this month’s cover with two people who have a rich and storied history with this very magazine. In 1984, French photographer Gilles Bensimon and Australian model Elle Macpherson were fashion’s It-couple. At the time, Gilles was a prolific photographer for ELLE France, and together they shot for the magazine – well, no-one seems to remember for sure, but legend has it that Elle (the person) was featured in ELLE (the magazine) every issue for six years. And in France, ELLE comes out weekly. Among those shoots were some iconic covers, including my favourite, with the zinc, on this page. (So to all those uncles and aunts who asked…

MISO TOOTHFISH SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 140ml sake 140ml mirin 330g caster sugar 500g smooth white miso 4 x 160g portions Glacier 51 toothfish 20g yuzu peel (freeze dried) 20g sea-salt flakes 1 piece takuan PREP MISO MARINADE Add sake and mirin together then flame. When the flame has gone out, add sugar and stir until dissolved. Add this mixture to white miso and stir until combined. TOOTHFISH Skin toothfish and coat in the den miso marinade. Place in a container and refrigerate for 2 days. METHOD PREHEAT oven to 180°C and cook toothfish for 5 minutes before transferring to the GRILL part of the oven. Gently continue cooking on a medium heat, turning when necessary. CARAMELISE the top of the fish until it has a deep caramel colour and check…

“It’s about banding together and making yourself strong enough that you don’t care what anyone has to throw at you” On maintaining a strong self-image You know how a girl can walk into a shop and see something Cara Delevingne’s been wearing so she instantly buys it, whether it suits her or not? Well, I want to teach girls like that they can feel equally strong and beautiful by just being themselves – it starts from within. I’ve gone through so many different stages of my career and my personal life, and my appearance – things any other girl would, only perhaps magnified as I’ve grown up in the public eye. I’m only 27 and I’m still learning. I don’t know everything but what I do know is that I…

Before you invest in a new-season handbag, it’s natural for your brain to switch into cost-per-wear calculator mode (start with the price, divide by opportunities to wear, subtract guilt and there’s your figure). Thankfully, Burberry’s Bridle bag, fresh from the label’s see-now-buy-now September runway, makes arithmetic easy. This satchel is a take-it-anywhere, it’s-paying-for-itself, life-proof acquisition. The thick, detailed guitar strap elevates even the simplest of blue-jean-white-tee ensembles, or you can switch to a thin, long cross-body strap when life requires two hands. A cover-all flap hides tangled earphones and makeup bags. Patterned outer layers are durable, even for a middle-of-the-dance-floor bag drop. And, if it doesn’t go with everything in your wardrobe, well, as the Burberry show can attest, that’s kind of the point. See, maths is fun.…

“A completely sequinned skirt can work for daytime, just pare it back with accessories in shades of cream and tan.” “First it was arms in, then the two-shoulder shrug. Now the fashion set have taken their jacket styling to new heights with the one-shoulder sling. Balance accordingly.” “An all-white outfit gets a wow-factor update with pops of bright colour. Is there anything more fun than matching a rainbow bucket bag to pompoms? Probably not.” “Everyone has a denim jacket. (If you don’t, get one.) Make yours special with iron-on patches and personalised embroidery. More is more, people.” “For never-fail chic sophistication, go tonal. Playing around with textures – like this pleat, velvet and leather combination – keeps the look modern.” “Never quite nailed the Windsor knot? Here’s proof you don’t…

JOAN OF ARC: BY HERSELF AND HER WITNESSES by Régine Pernoud Before they burned St Joan at the stake – for, among other things, dressing in male garb – the British imbeciles who did it wrote down every word she said at her trial. She began: “In my town they called me Jeannette, and since I came to France I have been called Joan.” I follow Joan’s rule: believe the voices you hear. GIRL SCOUT HANDBOOK Many editions exist, each more brilliant than the last, but the 1953 version, by Catharine C Reiley and Margarite Hall – plus the movie Dumbo – wins every merit badge on my heart. JANE EYRE by Charlotte Brontë This is one of the most entrancingly angry books ever written by a woman. Incredibly wonderful!…

WHEN: 9-11.30am, Saturday, November 19, 2016 WHERE: Level 6, Quayside Room, Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney HOW: Buy your tickets from elleinspires.pleezpay.com Explore the possibilities and power of change at our third ELLE Inspires event. We’re celebrating what it means to be a woman in 2016: how to lean in, lead well, influence thinking and network like a boss. Join editor-in-chief Justine Cullen along with actress Miranda Tapsell, Australian netball captain Laura Geitz, model and musician Cheyenne Tozzi, communications exec Christine Burke, CEO Lynette Phillips and activist Ollie Henderson for a morning of idea-sparking discussion and useful advice. TO FIND OUT MORE… visit ELLE.com.au/culture/we-are-women/ brought to you by…

DERBY DAY Derby Day might call for timeless black and white, but that doesn’t mean your outfit has to be boring. Pleats, frills and off-the-shoulder styles are all big news this season and will elevate your look from simple to stand-out. MELBOURNE CUP DAY Forget the big race; combine two of the latest trends – maximalism by way of statement colours and fun fabrications, and borrowed-from-the-boys suiting – and you’ll be the one to stop the nation. OAKS DAY For the most feminine of all the race days, embrace this season’s opulent vibe with a chic embellished dress. Just keep the tone neutral and the fit loose to ensure the look stays suitable for daytime. Attention to detail Put the finishing touch on your race-day outfit with practical accessories that…

SARAH PATTERSON, 34, executive assistant to SIOBHAN MCKENNA, director – Woolworths, Network Ten and Foxtel SAY YES. Everyone talks about networking but watching Siobhan in action is on a whole other level. She’s dedicated to building her network – meetings with colleagues, drinks with peers, catch-up phone calls – and she has a long list of contacts to call upon when she needs to get a result. But she’s genuine about it – she gives each person her undivided attention and is there when they need to call on her in return. I quickly learned it’s a big part of this job because it leads to new opportunities and better collaboration. THIS IS A PARTNERSHIP. In my position, I represent my boss’ personal brand.…

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Captain’s call MIX CLASSIC KNITS AND SHIRTS WITH PJ-INSPIRED PIECES FOR A NAUTICAL LOOK AS COOL AS OUR COVER STAR’S. WHEN IN DOUBT, ADD A STRIPE. The button-up, redone Shirts get a twisted, shoulder-baring treatment. Wake up like this No longer just a lazy, far-fetched fantasy, street-ready pyjama pants have hit full stride. Clash or coordinate your stripes up top for an ultra-dreamy effect. River girl START WITH A COMBAT-COLOURED BASE, ADD EARTHY ELEMENTS AND FINISH WITH A FEARLESS SPIRIT. THIS OUTDOORS WEAR IS NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED. Lost sole Tan or black, slide or ankle strap, these textured sandals are made for heading off the beaten track. Down-to-earth Add the slightest touch of tribal to your everyday accessory rotation with hints of nature and embroidery.…

find your form TV programs, spray-tanning formulas have improved significantly in recent years. “There’s now an option of using green-, violet-, red- or blue-based products, so you can take into consideration ethnic background, current skin tone and desired colour,” says pro tanner Lauren Capelin, who co-founded Sydney’s Beach St, where they apply about 100 faux tans a week. St Tropez’s already-beloved formulas (the brand sells a product somewhere in the world every 15 seconds) have had a clever renovation this summer. They’ve incorporated technology that masks that much-maligned tan smell your man probably hates, plus added perfumes designed to put you in good mood. But the perfectly natural colour pay-off, you’ll be relieved to know, is still the same. If the eau still offends your delicate nose, try Skinny Tan’s…

I SPEND A LONG TIME WORKING ON A CLIENT’S COMPLEXION SO IT DOESN’T LOOK LIKE THERE’S ANYTHING ON IT. I prep with bio-cellulose masks from British skincare brand 111Skin – they’re my secret weapon for making skin look plumper and more radiant, more juicy. It’s the perfect pre-makeup texture for the foundation to go on really evenly and flawlessly. I recently began applying foundation with a damp BeautyBlender sponge – it creates a natural finish. If I spend 45 minutes on someone’s makeup, I’ll spend the first 20 just on the skin – I think any facial feature can be played up or kept simple if the skin has that incredible healthy and radiant thing going on. TWO CONCEALERS ARE BETTER THAN ONE. For any spots or redness that need…

“Pelvic-floor exercises, with commitment and time spent, can make a huge difference, but an alarming 50 per cent of women don’t know how to activate the muscles correctly” Remember the scene in Friends With Kids when unconventional parents played by Adam Scott and Jennifer Westfeldt welcome their “friends with kids” to their home and the discussion quickly turns to Kegel exercises? Jennifer Westfeldt’s character boasts she is in fact doing hers at that very moment. The exercises were also the punchline in a Sex And The City scene, when Samantha – while Kegel-ing over cocktails – responds to Charlotte’s query about what a Kegel muscle is: “If you have to ask, you haven’t been doing your exercises.” All joking aside, the pelvic floor is an enormously underrated and neglected muscle…

“This place is your Pride And Prejudice fantasy come to life” Picture this: you’re Elizabeth Bennet, you’ve just married Mr Darcy and now you’re on that old money train. Where would you go to holiday? The answer: Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland – this place is your Pride And Prejudice fantasy come to life. Set on 350 acres, the 83-room castle was built in 1228 and refurbished in 2015, and is now part of the Leading Hotels of the World stable of properties. Here, the attention to detail is nothing short of amazing, from the carefully curated antique furniture and bespoke beds in the heritage-style rooms to the nightly turn-down service for when you return from dinner at the hotel’s home-style restaurant, Cullen’s At The Cottage. And if you…

SHOP MARCS x maricor/maricar If you like your summer with a dose of colour and wit, the latest capsule collaboration from Marcs is going to be right up your boardwalk. With an open mind and a relaxed brief, the brand approached Sydney-based art duo Maricor/Maricar and asked them to let loose with their drippy paint and embroidery techniques. The result: a small collection of iconic shapes – the shirt, mini-skirt, tank, tee and shift dress – done over in fun patterns and cheesy graphics. “What we ended up developing was a loose theme based on what our favourite summer days are like, which always includes family, friends and food – all the good things,” say twin sisters Maricor and Maricar Manalo. “So days that start with a lazy morning fry-up…

We played host to an evening with covergirl Elle Macpherson Supermodel Elle Macpherson and photographer Gilles Bensimon (above left) flew to Sydney to unite their collective photographic forces for the cover of the magazine you have in your hands. So naturally, we made them stay for dinner and invited 50 of our closest friends to celebrate. With the sun setting over the city skyline, guests munched on a meal by Saké Restaurant & Bar (including the mouth-watering miso toothfish, right) and sipped on golden goblets of Moët & Chandon. White sweet peas and cascading pieris by Sydney florist Hermetica Flowers gave the room wow factor. The night was followed by a week of fun activities at Twitter HQ, from an early-morning stretch sesh to a performance by Montaigne. Not…

When iconic French designer André Courrèges departed this world in January, he left behind a legacy of streamlined modernism that was revolutionary in his heyday, the ’60s. Now, next-gen up-and-comers Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant are making his namesake label incredibly relevant for today, starting with these sporty colour-blocked jerseys. Just the thing for covering up under the Australian sun, or the office aircon.…

in the beach bag Always a Seafolly swimsuit – something that won’t fall off in the surf. Plus, the perfect pair of vintage Levi’s cut-offs, sunblock, Birkenstocks and an awesome book. new-season buy I’m on the hunt for another Fleetwood Mac tour shirt. And also everything Chloé – I’m obsessed. own too many Striped shirts. I have them in every cut, colour, style and fabric. next holiday My home town of South Fremantle for Christmas. favourite beach worldwide Fays Bay, Rottnest Island. I grew up on that beach. sand to plans Add a black slip dress and leave the salt in your hair. Simple and sexy. always bring home I love local handmade jewellery, something with a taste of the culture. long-time label love I’m a big fan of Saint…

There’s something so satisfying about frothy, foamy goodness, whether it’s the milk in a morning latte or our favourite shampoo’s suds. So when a slew of “no-poo” co-washing products hit the market (the sulfate-free formulas promised to protect dye jobs while cleansing and conditioning in one step), not only did it disrupt the two-product process we methodically perform each morning, it challenged that feeling of satisfaction thanks to their decidedly unceremonious lather-free consistency. But now there’s an option for those who love the one-stop shop of a cleansing conditioner and crave the good ol’ frothy suds: foam. The latest buys from Joico and R+Co are whipped cleansing conditioners – a single step that cleanses and hydrates using an ultra-gentle, light-as-air formula. “Creams tend to contain heavier ingredients, so they often…

AS AN ACTOR, YOU TAPE AN AUDITION OR YOU GO INTO AN AUDITION ROOM. I try not to think about it again because if you invest too much after it’s done, then you’ll just drive yourself crazy. So I had no expectations [about Outlander]. Then I got a call to audition with Sam [who plays Balfe’s on-screen love interest, Jamie], and all I knew was it went really well in the room. Sam was really lovely, and we had some great themes and it felt fun. Then everything happened so quickly. I think they told me less than a week later [I’d won the role of Claire], and then three days later I was in Scotland. I didn’t really have time to think about anything other than packing. AFTER THAT…

WHAT I REALLY LIKE ABOUT THE RESPONSE TO GLORIOUS HEIGHTS IS THAT IT RESONATED WITH A LOT OF PEOPLE. It hasn’t been just, “Oh, I like the music.” It’s nice to know I’ve made something that not only helped me through hard times, but also helped others. The album is diverse; there are so many different feels and messages and stories. There’s at least one song that speaks to any individual. I REALLY WANTED DRAGONS ON THE COVER ART. I described what I wanted to illustrator Wes Talbott, who does a lot of Zelda-type stuff, and that’s pretty much exactly what I got. I wanted to be dressed as a not-sexy Lara Croft sort of figure, with two dragons bookending me, on a floating rock podium. I really like fantasy…

At one time – the ’70s to be exact – sherry was so popular that when sales began to decline, the industry dubbed it a market correction: a short lull that would lead to an even bigger boom. Instead, as a generation of fortified-wine drinkers started, ahem, dying off in the ’80s, Australia’s non-fortified wine (nicknamed “sunshine in a bottle” for its freshness and affordability) skyrocketed in status. People wanted their drinks light, fruity and refreshing, not dry, rich or creamy. But, you know the deal: time is a flat circle and this summer it’s sherry’s turn to reclaim the spotlight. If you’re a frequenter of hipster small bars and dingy drinking holes, you might have seen sherry (or apera, as Australian winemakers term it) appearing on wine lists and…

THE IMAGE OF THIS SWIMSUIT SHOULD MAKE YOU HAPPY Why? Because we’re opening our style guide with a one-piece – a sure indication of its place in this season’s swimwear pecking order. But forget the boring maillots of years gone by; new cuts and tricked-up details make them just as sexy as their two-piece counterparts. “One-pieces have really evolved,” says Miléa head designer Leigh Hawkes. “This one creates a slim silhouette – the ribbed fabric and square neckline emphasise all the right curves.” The other reason this image should make you happy? It means the Aussie summer is upon us... and we’ve found everything you need to (stylishly) get you from point A to point beach in the next three months, and beyond. THE ANTIDOTE TO PLAIN-BLACK-SUNGLASSES FATIGUE Dior has…

THE DRIVE TO MY GRANDMOTHER’S HOUSE WAS LONG FOR A KID. WE’D LEAVE WHEN SCHOOL BROKE UP, AND THEN DRIVE THROUGH THE NIGHT. BUT SOMETHING ALWAYS WOKE ME BEFORE WE GOT THERE. I THINK IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE SMELL. Even when you were still a fair way away, once you’d crossed the bridge over the Murray River, you could smell the orange trees. Even when they weren’t in bloom, that sweet scent lingered. My grandmother’s house was surrounded by rows of these trees and, at certain times of year, sunflowers too, Van Gogh style. My siblings and I played among the trees with cousins, ate the dripping fruit in our fists and lined them up along the road to be squashed by a car or ute when it passed,…

I wasn’t really expecting the visit to go any differently to be honest. My mother is only in her late sixties, but recently she has turned from an independent, active retiree into a full-blown recluse. Three years ago, for example, such a trip would have been a different story. Three years ago, my mother would have flung the door open, wrapped me in a bear hug and made me coffee. We’d have caught up over far too big a roast lunch for two diminutive women and enjoyed thimblefuls of the fun-size bottles of rosé my mother likes to buy but, mysteriously, refuses to refrigerate. We’d have laughed. We’d have bickered. She’d have told me off for swearing so much in print. I’d have rolled my eyes at her insistence that…

Oh, you pretty things The Other Art Fair, the UK’s largest artist-led contemporary art fair, hits Sydney from October 27 to 30. Following on from a successful debut in 2015, the expo will present 100 of Australia’s most promising new artists, curated by industry experts. There are talks and workshops, too, though you’ll probably find us rehydrating at the Young Henrys, Archie Rose and Espresso di Manfredi pop-up stalls. I’ll drink to that Start toting your own glasses to backyard BBQs and insist you’ll only down your Aperol spritz if it’s served in a pink Maison Balzac tumbler. That’s right, the brand doesn’t just do candles anymore, with the individually mouth-blown glasses proving just as covetable. Can’t get enough of candles? They double as cute tea-light holders, too. Culture club…

With a cult-and-growing following and styles to suit all the SS16 trends, Melbourne label Alias Mae is definitely one to work into your wardrobe, now. A favourite with fashion bloggers, celebrities and Instagram’s most-followed – Laura Dundovic, Elle Ferguson, Rozalia Russian, Kirsty Fleming and Inka Williams are just a few of the famous faces who’ve been snapped in the brand’s creations – the footwear is renowned for craftsmanship and quality, not to mention couture-grade styling. Well-balanced heels, cushioning in all the right places and rich leathers mean the designs are insanely comfortable and super good looking – another reason why the A-list is jumping on board. For wear-everywhere shoes that work with downtime summer dresses just as well as for the workplace, these strappy styles are your go-to, and the…

It’s a tough gig trying to be impressive when you’re so close to Australia’s best known and most beautiful natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef, but somehow Hamilton Island manages to pull it off. For decades it’s been the tropical getaway of choice for both locals and passport-toting holiday-makers (blame the consistent sunshine, high-low mix of accommodation and stunning beaches). The fashion industry makes its annual pilgrimage to “Hamo” for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, an international regatta that offers as much action off the water as it does on. In need of a quick break? Look no further... sleep Beach Club Positioned in the thick of the action on the sands of Catseye Beach, this neat little boutique hotel somehow manages to feel secluded and romantic. If it’s all…

From left: Revitalising Facial Scrub, $9.95, Sukin, sukinorganics.com – “I exfoliate my face with this gentle scrub as soon as I get up in the morning.” Facial Moisturiser, $9.95, Sukin, sukinorganics.com – “This moisturiser is great for dehydrated skin.” Purifying Shampoo With Jujube Bark Extract, $44, Christophe Robin, quecolour.com – “I give my hair a good lather and rinse in the shower.” Regenerating Mask With Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil, $87, Christophe Robin, quecolour.com – “After a wash, I use this conditioning mask to restore moisture.” Rich Nourishing Body Lotion, $5.40, Nivea, 1800 103 023 – “I always moisturise after a shower.” The POREfessional Face Primer, $53, Benefit, benefitcosmetics.com/au – “Great for minimising pores.” Foundation Primer, $50, Laura Mercier, davidjones.com.au – “The perfect base for makeup.” Shade And Illuminate in…

KIM RAVAILLION #WorthTheSacrifice Achieving your goals is so worth the sacrifice – the sweat, the tears, missing your friends’ birthdays and weddings. When you achieve something you’ve wanted for so long, that is by far the best feeling in the world. It makes it all worth it. Take nothing for granted The best role models put in the hard yards not only on the court but off the court. They give back to their fans and appreciate all the good things in life. Never give up I believe you need the hard times in your life to realise how hard you can actually push yourself. If you really want something you won’t have any excuses. A healthy work/life balance takes organisation – making sure you have enough time to do…

How to HACK A LONG-HAUL FLIGHT   with Julie Reid, United Airlines director of sales for Australia and New Zealand This year alone, I’ve taken 26 international and 18 domestic flights (and will inevitably have chalked up more by the time this issue hits stands). With all that time in the air, I’ve developed a few steadfast rules to make international flying a cinch. 1. DOWNLOAD THE AIRLINE’S APP. They’re great for quick flight updates. 2. ALWAYS WEAR FLAT SHOES. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t had to run for their flight at one time or another. 3. SLEEP AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. A decent eye mask and noise-cancelling headphones may seem expensive but they’re worth the investment. 4. TRAVEL WITH A SECOND SET OF CLOTHES. An essential…

HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS DEAR E JEAN, My friend is almost as bad as Jennifer Jason Leigh in the movie Single White Female. She screams over people to get my attention, pesters me to find out what I’m doing and where I’ll be, and then shows up uninvited. She has tried to befriend all my friends. She has adopted my manner of speaking (down to specific phrases particular to my family), my style (which is not particularly on trend) and even my facial expressions. She references events I’ve told her about and retells them to me as if they happened to her! It’s beginning to frighten me. We’re both in our mid-twenties and met when we were at university; now that we’ve progressed out of that period, I find myself…

FAST FIXES Spent one hour too many at the beach? Here are some remedies for what ails you (with stuff you can find in your kitchen) SUNBURN Mix up a paste of baking soda and cool water and apply to burn to reduce heat and pain. FRIZZY HAIR After shampooing, rinse hair with a solution of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. CHAPPED LIPS Take a slice of cucumber and rub it over your lips until they’re coated in the juice. Rinse off after 20 minutes (but repeat the process every few hours). SUNSCREEN-INDUCED BREAKOUT Whip up a mask using yoghurt and honey. The soothing, antibacterial properties will fight blemishes and quell redness. INSECT REPELLENTS How to deal with the Australian summer critters you’d rather not have hanging around…

BORN: Middle of nowhere in France. LIVES: All over – I’m a gypsy. BACKGROUND: French and Gabonese. SEE HER: Embracing her natural instincts for our “Call Of The Wild” shoot with legendary photographer Gilles Bensimon on p130. MAINTENANCE HAIRDRESSER: Mauricio Bermudez – the best colourist in NYC. MAKEUP MVP: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat and an illuminator. SKIN SAVIOUR: Everything La Roche-Posay, especially the micellar water. HAIR HERO: Bumble And Bumble Surf Infusion. SCENT: Tom Ford. I’m a big fan of his fragrances, especially on men. NAILS: Essie; always nude and natural. SPA: The sports massage at Seapoint Boutique Hotel in Mauritius. WARDROBE DENIM: Vintage Levi’s are the best. SHOES: Gucci trainers. BAG: Also Gucci. I love all of them. SUNGLASSES: “Nero” from Le Specs. JEWELLERY: APM Monaco for cool…

FINANCE It was Destiny’s Child who first sang the independent-woman mantra: “Depend on no-one else to give you what you want.” While it’s safe to assume few of you have a nest egg as big as Bey’s, when it comes to whether you’re truly financially independent, you answered: SEX What is the reality of your sex life? WORKPLACE Even Mad Men’s Peggy was guilty of excusing herself to the bathroom to open the floodgates, but you were surprisingly divided about the thought of showing emotion in the office. ELLE AUSTRALIA @elleaus Sep 13 When do you think it’s acceptable to cry at work? 17% Never 21% Alone in the bathroom 30% In extreme circumstances 32% Anytime. Let it out! WELLNESS 49 % want to learn how to meditate...…

If The Undone were a gang, we’d want to be part of it. The dress code alone is enough to make us want to join the ranks: black and white, fuss free. Right up our alley. Only it’s not a gang. More of a religion, led by Sara Donaldson and Georgia Martin, close friends who, for all intents and purposes, may as well be one and the same. The ex-flatmates are freakishly in sync – their mutual devotion to button-up shirts, denim and sneakers, and sandals with slip dresses, was largely responsible for the launch of their online store midway through this year. If they could build enviable wardrobes around simple, pared-back pieces with a near-absence of colour then other women would want to too. Of course it helped…

THE BIG BLUE With nautical details trending (thanks, Tommy Hilfiger), it’s time to get your tips and toes onboard. From top: Vinylux Weekly Polish in Denim Patch, $19.95, CND, 1800 449 109; Colorstay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel in Lovestruck, $16.95, Revlon, 1800 025 488; Nail Lacquer in Sailing & Nail-ing, $19.95, OPI, 1800 812 663 EAU, YEAH! Verbena and cherry blossom add a cheeky spin to the fragrance’s signature rose note, creating a fresh scent that conveniently pairs well with endless glasses of rosé. Fleur De Parfum, $130 for 50ml, Chloé, 1800 812 663; available October 30 A LIP STAIN THAT PLAYS NICE WITH WIND, SAND AND COFFEE CUPS A single swipe gives six hours of perfect matte colour, plus enough hydration to ditch your lip balm without a…

IT’S 1945 AND WAR NURSE CLAIRE IS IN SCOTLAND WITH HER HUSBAND FRANK. AFTER TOUCHING A MYTHICAL STONE, SHE TRAVELS BACK TO 1743 AND FINDS HERSELF CAUGHT IN A FIGHT BETWEEN BRITISH REDCOATS AND REBEL SCOTTISH HIGHLANDERS. FRANK’S SINISTER, YE OLDE DOUBLE TRIES TO ATTACK HER, BUT IS INTERCEPTED BY A HIGHLANDER WHO TAKES HER BACK TO THE GROUP’S HQ, WHERE SHE MEETS THE GORGEOUS JAMIE. CUE SEXY SPARKS AND DARING ADVENTURES. IT SOUNDS CRAZY, BUT TRUST US, IT’S GOOD.…

What does your ideal day look like? Is it waking up at 6am, dragging yourself to the gym for an obligatory one-hour slog, putting in a 10-hour work day (including desk lunch), then heading home to order takeaway Thai and down a glass of pinot gris before falling into bed around midnight? At some point in those 18 hours, did you manage to squeeze in 10 minutes of meditation because you’ve been told it’s a surefire way to combat all the damage you’re doing to your mind and body by working so hard? A little namaste might work for some, but not everyone can say their daily dose of mindfulness is enough to return them to sanity. Dammit! If only there was an alternative. But wait, here’s one: do nothing.…

How far would you go to get an edge at work? In Silicon Valley, some tech geeks and budding entrepreneurs micro-dose themselves with LSD while on the job. Rather than sending users on a 14-hour acid trip, the dosage is said to boost productivity and happiness. Going all “Grateful Dead” is a fairly extreme (and yes, technically illegal) way to improve cognition, but it’s just one part of a bigger movement that can be traced back as far as 600AD, when bacopa monnieri, a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda, was taken by scholars to sharpen brain power. The technical term for these cognitive enhancers – which can take the form of herbs, supplements, natural or synthetic chemicals – is “nootropics”, and chances are, you’re already using them. Caffeine, nicotine…

BIKYNI This LA-based brand nails seamless, streamlined, no-fuss pieces. FLAGPOLE Luxury colour-blocked performance swimwear from New York. MIDSOMMAR SWIM A Cali-based brand all about fashion pieces that just happen to be waterproof. 5THPOSITION Inspired by the silhouettes of dancers, this Istanbul label has mastered the lounging leotard.…

Not too long ago, I copulated regularly with a woman who screamed a lot during the act, invited me to attend an anal sex workshop with her, insisted on giving hand jobs in taxis (to me, just to be clear), exclaimed, “Fuck me!” with such enthusiasm and urgency that I couldn’t help but believe her – and comply – and who shuddered and moaned when she had an orgasm, which was most of the time we shared nakedness, at least in my fevered and admittedly sort of credulous brain. She was 20 years younger than me, had been a professional dancer and had confided, on our second date, before we’d even kissed, that “really intense sex is very, very important to me”. In other words, I was – according to…

This season, we’re making way for the new neutrals as shades of blush, cream and white take a starring role in spring’s ultimate wardrobe. The look is fresh, fun and right in keeping with fashion’s current obsession with all things pretty and polished. And like any great outfit, this one starts with a striking pair of shoes. Ziera’s leather bootie is the chic everyday, all-day option with its elegant peep toe, woven ankle detail and sturdy block heel (not to mention stealthy cushioning and arch support that cocoons the whole foot). Teamed with lightweight layers and modern lengths, it’s the perfect weekday shoe that also works for the weekend. The message: lighten up and step into something more comfortable.…

THE DECONSTRUCTED LAMINGTON FOR THE CRÈME PÂTISSIÈRE: BRING milk and 50ml cream to the boil with vanilla. In a separate bowl, WHISK eggs, yolk and sugar together with cornflour. Meanwhile, SOAK gelatine in iced water to bloom. Pour hot milk over egg mixture, whisking slowly but constantly. Place back in pan and on heat. Continue to whisk until thickened. Remove from heat, WHISK in gelatine and butter gradually. Pass through a fine drum sieve. Place cling-film on top to cover and chill. SEMI-WHIP remaining cream. Once cold, remove mixture from fridge and fold cream through. Place in fridge until required. FOR THE VANILLA SPONGE: Heat oven to 180°C. CREAM butter and sugar together until pale. BEAT in eggs. SIFT flour over mixture and fold in. The mixture should be of…

Like penning a sequel to a beloved novel, the opportunity to adapt an iconic scent comes with unspoken expectation. But Chanel’s in-house perfumer Olivier Polge (who’s no stranger to success – he’s behind blockbusters such as Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb) wasn’t too intimidated when he set out to modernise No.5 – the fifth version in the scent’s storied history. “I wanted to give the impression of fluidity, freshness and lightness with No.5 L’Eau. It needs to tell a new story.” Here we break down how the tale unfolds. APPOINT A (VERY) FRESH FACE She’s no stranger to the fashion house, but Lily-Rose Depp scored her first beauty contract when she was appointed the face of No.5 L’Eau, signalling to the world that this isn’t a scent for your nanna. It…

NANCY GANZ Let’s face it, shapewear may be an essential but it’s far from sexy... until now. Nancy Ganz’s new Lingerie With Benefits collection blurs the line between shapewear and lingerie, doing double duty to make you feel seductive, supported and confident. nancyganz.com.au MARC CAIN Can’t decide between flirty florals and look-at-me leopard? Get the best of both worlds with Marc Cain’s Fleo pattern. Adorning coats, dresses, skirts and on-trend kick-flares, it’s the perfect way to buy into this season’s maximalist vibes. marc-cain.com TABLE EIGHT Table Eight’s latest collection will take you on a journey to Morocco, by way of soft metallic tones, tile-inspired prints and pops of colour. The stand-out piece? The chic Charlotte Dress – great for navigating exotic bazaars or sprawling Aussie beaches. $130; tableeight.com.au…