Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2018 i ELLE Australia

GROWING UP IN THE ’80S, we didn’t know much about the environment, other than that we were all supposed to “Do The Right Thing” to “Keep Australia Beautiful”, just like the sticker on the back of our dad’s Commodore told us. That, and also that all the hairspray we were using to make our fringes stand on end had made a gigantic hole in the ozone layer that was likely to make us all die from skin cancer. That was bad. But as far as we were concerned, it was pretty much the extent of it. Don’t litter, stop using aerosols, save the world. We’re just a bit more environmentally woke now. And even though our concern has been growing steadily since way back then, it seems like recently (as…

IN OUR EXPERIENCE, the best collaborations are the least expected. So when Gucci teamed up with Major League Baseball for a series of caps, we knew it would be, well, major. A longtime wearer of the New York Yankees hat himself, designer Alessandro Michele plastered Gucci patches onto pink, navy and scarlet caps to instantly up the want factor. How to hit a fashion home run? Treat the cap as your ace (that’s baseball lingo for a team’s best pitcher) and pair with textured, cuddly pieces in warm winter tones.…

As comeback trends go, corduroy hits the perfect mix of retro and modern-cool. With its ’70s nostalgia and touchable texture, it helps you master that effortless “oh-I-just-threw-this-on” appeal. For a fresh take, couple muted pieces with crisp white tees and ribbed knits. Finish with shaggy hair in homage.…

After years scaling your knitwear pile, the humble, cuddly cardigan has been crowned a new-season statement piece. Feminist labels like Prada and Marni are longtime cardie champions (it’s the unofficial symbol of the women’s movement) and with its go-anywhere versatility, it’s little wonder. Go large with a chunky DIY-style knit or go minimal with a super-fine ribbed version. Wear it all buttoned up, tucked into trousers and layered under coats. Or style it in a way that would make your granny proud: over a floaty dress when it’s not quite jacket weather but there’s still a chill in the air.…

Lenny Letter, by Lena Dunham and Girls creator Jenni Konner Featuring guest essayists as eclectic as Emily Ratajkowski and Nigella Lawson, Lenny Letter also publishes fiction, illustrations and poetry. Think of it as a  ’90s zine with 21st-century wokeness, exploding in your inbox. The Collected AHP by BuzzFeed writer Anne Helen Petersen Petersen deconstructs topics like Taylor Kitsch’s Instagram (weirdly fascinating) and how we fell for Jennifer Lawrence’s cool-girl image (hard,  fast). The newsletter is also a  peek behind the scenes of her reporting role. The Squiz A news-focused newsletter, it’s delivered to your inbox every morning with a quick explainer of the headlines you need to know. Like CliffsNotes for the real world (aka actually useful).…

MAYA HAWKE In a breakout fitting of the spawn of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, Maya landed the role of the outspoken Jo in the miniseries remake of Little Women (on Stan), a role in the past taken on by Katharine Hepburn and Winona Ryder, before scoring what could be one of the most coveted gigs in television –  a  spot in the Stranger Things season three cast. Like most 20-year-olds, she Instagrams lo-fi hangout shots – though hers often include her famous parents, her actress friends Rowan Blanchard and fellow one-to-watch Kathryn Newton (of Big Little Lies and Lady Bird), and her Met Gala look (she wore Diane von Furstenberg). Along with the much-anticipated ST return, she’ll also appear in Ladyworld, a thriller about teen girls trapped in a time warp. MORGAN SAYLOR Sharp eyes will recognise Saylor as…

There are two types of people in this world: those who would happily slurp on a pickle juice slushie, and those for whom that would constitute a very bad time. But it’s not just your farm-to-table-preaching friend who falls into the former: Pinterest saves for pickle recipes are up 114 per cent since this time last year, and market research company Technavio has estimated that the global pickle market will be worth $17 billion by 2020. While the flavour is turning up everywhere – in potato chips, vodka, iceblocks, beer and the aforementioned slushie (a creation of American fast-food chain Sonic Drive-In) – pickled cucumbers and gherkins (a miniature variety of cucumbers) are increasingly finding their way onto menus as a  standalone dish, and the incarnations are unlimited – whether pickled traditionally in…

CLASSIC PIECES ARE THE FOUNDATION OF ANY GOOD WARDROBE. They make trend purchases look chicer, high-street buys seem more individual and enable your personal style to bloom. Sure, they may involve a financial commitment now, but these quality pieces are guaranteed to pay dividends for years to come. Inspired by the best-dressed women we know, we’ve mapped out the new, anything-but-basic essentials. Read on for more lessons in treat-yourself purchases (minus the buyer’s remorse). THE GO-ANYWHERE COAT In versatile grey, a  statement maxi coat will take you from desk to drinks to dinner with just a  change of shoes. PUT IT IN NEUTRALS Like black, grey and white, beige is a  wardrobe must. Team with hints of saffron, mustard and cyan blue for a  contemporary take on an old favourite. KICK UP YOUR HEELS Pumps and mules get…

Chanel’s shoes are iconic for a  reason – their ability to work with any personal look. Pick a style (or five) and see how well it fits in with your round-the-clock wardrobe, whether you’re modernist, bohemian or prim-but-not-so-proper. BLACK BOOTIES This block heel is comfortable enough to get you through a  day at work yet tall enough to wear for post-work adventures. BALLET FLATS Wear the two-tone leather flats with everything from suits to mini-dresses and watch your outfit transform into French It-girl chic. ESPADRILLES No weekend or holiday attire is complete without this laid-back flat. A chain detail ups the glam factor for evening. SLINGBACKS A cream kitten heel works for weddings, meetings and everything in between. The ELLE team’s favourite way to style them? Paired with straight-leg denim. MULES Meet the new…

There’s something about Giedre Dukauskaite – the Lithuanian model effortlessly merges ladylike silhouettes with of-the-moment styling, managing to appear both ageless and current at the same time. We decode her clever style. 1. PAIR TAILORED PIECES WITH A PLEATED SKIRT It’s borrowed-from-the-boys up top, polished and playful down below. 2. RECLAIM THE WORKING-GIRL SET Skirt suits in complementary checks are the height of old-and new-school cool. 3. EMBRACE TRENDS THROUGH TEXTURE A classic coat gets the 2018 treatment in a patent fabric. 4. OPT FOR A GREY PANTS SUIT Just as versatile as all-black, a smoky, strong-shouldered suit should pay tribute to its ’80s heyday with a  double-breasted cut or fabric with subtle shine. 5. STICK WITH POINTED COURT SHOES And if you’re yet to invest, now’s the time. 6. TIE A PRINTED SCARF…

I’ve always enjoyed great food, but when I fell pregnant with my first child, I really started to think about what I was eating, and where the food came from. There’s nothing like pregnancy and supporting another life that makes you reassess what you’re putting in your body. As I researched and spoke with more and more experts, I was struck by just how much food production and agriculture affect our world climate. The food system we’ve built around us is the largest contributor to climate change – and 40 per cent of the food we grow ends up being thrown away. Every time we eat, we cast a vote with our dollars. If we started directing our votes toward a better food system, the collective impact on our lives…

IN MARCH, BALENCIAGA, ANNOUNCED ITS SUPPORT FOR THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME, THE FOOD-ASSISTANCE BRANCH OF THE UN. THE LABEL’S A/W 18-19 COLLECTION FEATURED COLOURFUL CAPS, KNITS AND HOODIES WITH THE WFP LOGO, AND THEY DONATED A  PERCENTAGE OF THE PROCEEDS TO THE ORGANISATION. ADIDAS HAS COLLABORATED WITH PARLEY FOR THE OCEANS ON LIMITED-RELEASE ULTRABOOST PARLEY AND ULTRABOOST X SHOES. EACH PAIR IS MADE USING PLASTIC FROM 11 SINGLE-USE BOTTLES. CHOPARD NOW USES 100% ETHICAL GOLD FOR ITS WATCHES AND JEWELLERY. LUXURY LABELS LIKE RALPH LAUREN, GIORGIO ARMANI, GUCCI, MICHAEL KORS AND GIVENCHY HAVE BANNED THE USE OF ANIMAL FUR IN THEIR CLOTHING. H&M IS ADDING TWO NEW SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS TO ITS CONSCIOUS LABEL: RECYCLED SILVER AND ECONYL, A FIBRE MADE FROM REGENERATED NYLON. H&M, ZARA AND TOPSHOP HAVE PLEDGED TO BAN THE USE OF MOHAIR IN…

ANOTHER REASON TO AVOID FAST FASHION: clothes made from synthetic materials like nylon, polyester and acrylic shed millions of tiny microfibres that end up in our waterways and in the aquatic food chain. Plastic fibres have been found in seafood sold in California and Indonesia (so far) and research shows 85 per cent of human-caused shoreline pollution across the globe is caused by microfibres. How can we stop the flow? First, buy natural (and ideally organic) fabrics as often as possible – cotton, linen and wool. Buy a  Guppy Friend, a  bag you can wash your synthetic clothing in that’ll trap the fibres so you can dispose of them safely. Wash these clothes less often, in cold water with liquid detergent, which cuts down on the fibres released. Electrolux’s washing…

I WAS DYING. Not just in the way that we’re all inching inevitably toward our own deaths each moment; I was hurtling towards a specific death with a name, a shape and a timeline. I was 37 years old and I was dying of leukaemia. I was lying in a hospital bed, so ill that diagnosis – when someone finally named the doom I had been feeling in my body for months – was a relief. At least the sense of vague terror and impending catastrophe I had been feeling had a name. A cure, in the shape of a stem cell transplant, was possible, but it required the complete and utter dissolution of myself, dangling my broken body over the edge of the very cliff a cure is meant…

KEEP CUTLERY, A CHIC CONTAINER FOR BOUGHT LUNCHES AND A REUSABLE COFFEE CUP AT YOUR DESK. USE THEM. EVERY DAY. USE A MENSTRUAL CUP, AND INVEST IN A SAFETY RAZOR. SAY NO TO PLASTIC STRAWS. ALWAYS. AND NO MORE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. EVER. GIVE UP BEEF, OR EAT LESS OF IT, OR GO MEAT-FREE AT LEAST ONE DAY A WEEK. BUY WELL, BUY LESS AND FIND A NEW HOME FOR OLD CLOTHES, SHOES, BOOKS AND HOMEWARES TO ENSURE THEY’RE USED AGAIN. AS WELL AS YOUR REUSEABLE GROCERY BAGS, BUY REUSABLE PRODUCE BAGS FOR FRUIT AND VEG WHEN GROCERY SHOPPING AND REUSABLE CONTAINERS FOR MEAT AND DELI ITEMS. CHOOSE A BANK AND SUPERANNUATION COMPANY THAT DOESN’T INVEST IN FOSSIL FUELS. (SEE HOW YOURS COMPARES AT MARKETFORCES.ORG.AU.) SWITCH TO A RENEWABLE ENERGY…

The process of extracting gold from rock can be highly destructive, using high volumes of water and toxic chemicals, often in hazardous conditions. One gold ring can produce up to 20 tonnes of waste and some open mines are so immense they can be seen from space. Earthworks is working to ensure gold mining operations respect the environment and human rights through the No Dirty Gold Campaign, enlisting the support of consumers, retailers and manufacturers to help reduce the ecological effects of mining.…

With thanks to Continental Deli…

TWO YEARS AGO, James Vivian Dermal Therapies became the first skincare clinic in the country to partner with Sustainable Salons Australia (SSA). “I was looking to significantly reduce our salon waste,” says Vivian, who was dismayed that the regular council-supplied recycling bins didn’t allow for much of the plastic his Melbourne and Sydney clinics dispose of daily. “As an industry, I believe we contribute heavily to the amount of waste that pollutes our earth. Within our clinics, we were becoming increasingly aware and disturbed by the amount of items used in our treatments that were ending up in the trash.” By joining SSA, he’s now able to recycle up to 95 per cent of what’s used (and anything that SSA is unable to take, such as hairnets, gets tossed in a…

For many women, the first and easiest way to go green is with deodorant. The key is in the lexicon. “Think about the names,” says dermatologist Dr Ted Lain. “Deodorants stop odour. Antiperspirants stop perspiration.” Traditional antiperspirants rely on aluminium salts, which melt with moisture to form a gel that plugs your sweat glands; natural deodorants use ingredients (usually a strong essential or coconut oil) to mask odour. Lain recommends looking for absorbing ingredients, such as activated charcoal or baking soda, and to keep expectations realistic. “Depending on the weather and how much you sweat, you might not wear natural deodorant in front of someone you want to impress,” he says.…

IF YOU'VE BEEN WRESTLING with guilt over how much packaging all of your best lotions and potions have you racking up, you’ll be pleased to know the sands are finally shifting. In Queensland, you can shop at eco retailer Biome’s Naked Beauty Bars, where you can buy the ingredients (in reusable jars, or get the exact amount you need from the bulk range) to blend up your own beauty products. “In 2016, Euromonitor International estimated that the global beauty market produced nearly 19 million squeezable plastic tubes alone,” says Biome founder Tracey Bailey. “Many people don’t realise that most plastic tubes and containers for body and hair care, makeup and toothpaste can’t be recycled through household recycling bins. So several years ago, we turned our attention to solving the waste generated by…

1. SQUEAKY CLEAN When your locks are weighed down by a build-up of dry shampoo and hairspray, this clever exfoliator sorts out the scalp with salicylic acid and kaolin clay. It’s deeply cleansing in a way that shampoo can’t be, without drying you out, so use it monthly to bring back balance. 2. POP STAR Peach, vanilla and apple notes make it inexplicably like wearing a  bubble bath. Spray it on days when you need a little more light and sunshine in your get-up. 3. TWINKLE TWINKLE Paris-based hairstylist David Mallett’s Volume Powder already has a cult following. Now that formula comes with a  generous side of sparkle, adding a delightful level of luminosity (plus body and volume) to all hair types and colours. That it makes you feel like Tinker Bell is…

HERE’S SOMETHING YOU PROBABLY NEVER THOUGHT YOU’D BE TOLD: “Your glutes are incredibly lazy,” says Matt Best, a  trainer at Sydney’s Flow Athletic. “Thanks to modern sedentary habits, we must find a way to connect with them and turn them on.” Yes, Best is on a mission to activate your glutes – and he has a  secret weapon: a resistance band. The unassuming elastic loop is a  vital part to his training sessions and, while it looks harmless, it is anything but. “It is devastatingly effective. Its kind on the joints but still gives fantastic toning results,” he says. “I  use mini-bands as an essential tool in my lower-body exercises, especially as a way to activate the bum before any squats, lunges or lower-body lifts.” Slipping on the band, he insists, takes…

“Studies show it’s the contrast of eyebrows against the skin that make us appear more youthful,” says Hannah Mutze, Benefit’s national brow artist. “Unfortunately, our brows naturally fade and lose definition as we age, but we can maintain the contrast by adding colour through product application and regular brow tinting. Try a tinted brow gel like Benefit’s Gimme Brow+ for quick and easy colour, or opt for a semi-permanent dye job every two to three weeks – a customised colour will enhance, define and refresh the brows.”…

KATAMAMA SEMINYAK, BALI In this 57-suite boutique hotel, almost everything is locally sourced, including the hand-dyed textiles and hand-pressed bricks. The resort is plastic-free and lighting dims when you leave the room. katamama.com JACKALOPE MORNINGTON PENINSULA, VICTORIA About an hour-and-a-half from the Melbourne CBD, Mornington Peninsula’s Jackalope is uber-sustainable by design, without forgoing any super-luxe trimmings. It has several rainwater collection tanks, an on-site waste water treatment and recycling system, and incorporates solar power along with energy-efficient fixtures and fittings. jackalopehotels.com THE ZETTER TOWNHOUSE CLERKENWELL, LONDON This boutique hotel and co-working space is one of the greenest options in the capital, thanks to its energy-saving technology and eco-friendly materials. thezettertownhouse.com GROOTBOS GANSBAAI, SOUTH AFRICA This luxury eco nature reserve near a wild beach has a  plant-a-tree programme, bans plastic bottles, supports…

LEO jul 24 – aug 23 YOU’LL FEEL A NEED TO MAKE ASSERTIVE CHANGES WITHIN PARTNERSHIPS AS YOU DISCOVER WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU. KNOWING WHEN TO FALL BACK ON WHAT’S FAMILIAR VERSUS WHEN TO SHAKE UP THE STATUS QUO IS SOMETHING TO BE MINDFUL OF. MEANWHILE, A GROWING ITCH TO ACKNOWLEDGE EMERGING ASPECTS OF YOUR PERSONA, PARTICULARLY THROUGH CHANGES TO YOUR LOOKS, INVITES YOU TO DIG THROUGH YOUR CLOSET AROUND THE SOLAR ECLIPSE IN LEO ON AUGUST 12. BY AUGUST 18, MERCURY’S STATION DIRECT OFFERS MORE SATISFYING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTWARD EXPRESSION. VIRGO AUG 24 – SEP 23 August puts focus on Mercury’s transits, including multiple clashes with Jupiter before and after it stations direct on August 18. While the first confrontation will make you retreat and reflect on your…

THERE’S NO CHANGE TOO SMALL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THIS MONTH ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK, WE’RE ASKING YOU TO LET US KNOW AN EVERYDAY CHANGE YOU’RE MAKING WITH THE HASHTAG #ELLETIMETOACT. HERE ARE SOME OF OURS: “I’m using only natural or homemade cleaning products in my home.” RACHEL WAYMAN, FASHION DIRECTOR “I’ll be composting my kitchen scraps at my local community garden, which will help enrich soil, reduce the need for watering and chemical fertilisers, and keep food waste out of landfill (and therefore nasty methane emissions).” GENEVRA LEEK, DEPUTY EDITOR “I’m banning single-use plastics, and taking a  Tupperware container to my fave lunch spot instead of using disposable plastic.” LAUREN SAMS, FEATURES DIRECTOR “I’m going on a fast fashion detox for a year, only shopping from sustainable and ethical fashion labels.” NATALIE REEVES, COPY DIRECTOR…

CIENNE DESIGNERS: CHELSEA HEALY AND NICOLE HEIM. HOME BASE: New York, US. THE LOOK: Relaxed but polished jumpsuits and separates – beloved by Gwyneth Paltrow and Emma Watson. It’s the brainchild of a duo from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology who also worked in design at Victoria’s Secret and bonded over a desire to create seasonless, sustainable garments. “The minimalist silhouettes and soft tailoring are beautiful, but what makes the brand even better is that everything is made in New York from textiles that have been handwoven by artisans from around the world.” FANM MON DESIGNER: SOPHIA DEMIRTAS. HOME BASE: US, Turkey and Ukraine. THE LOOK: Breezy, A-line, frocks elevated by colourful Eastern European embroidery and slow-fashion principles. “I love how Sophia has updated simple shapes with playful embroidered…

HER NEW NOVEL, BEAUTIFUL REVOLUTIONARY, IS A FICTIONALISED TAKE ON THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE JONESTOWN MASSACRE IN NOVEMBER 1978, WHEN 909 PEOPLE – INCLUDING 200 CHILDREN – DIED IN A “REVOLUTIONARY SUICIDE” ORCHESTRATED BY THE CULT’S LEADER JIM JONES. HERE, THE MELBOURNE AUTHOR SHARES HER INSIGHTS AND INSPIRATION AND REVEALS HER NEXT TRUE-CRIME PROJECT. The idea for the book really began while looking at subjects to write about for the stories in The Love Of A Bad Man [Woollett’s 2016 novel about women in relationships with history’s villains]. Jonestown naturally came into my mind. I  was interested in Jim Jones’ mistress [Carolyn Layton] to begin with. I began researching her and just found her so fascinating. She was married when she joined the Peoples Temple, and I became interested in…

If you’ve ever complained about being too busy, consider actress and musician Hayley Law’s schedule. The Canadian native, 25, has only been in the biz for two years and already has two Netflix shows (she plays Valerie on Riverdale and Lizzie in Altered Carbon), two movies (sci-fi fantasy flick Spontaneous, with Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer, and rom-com The New Romantic) and a  music career on her resumé. As if we needed any more confirmation she’s a woman after our own heart, after bidding farewell to the Spontaneous crew, she also made sure to say goodbye to...  the catering department. “I did a little drive-through,” she says. “I’d never had devilled eggs before, and they are so good.” Here are more reasons to love her: SHE’S A JILL OF ALL TRADES Before making the…

ARTISTS TO WATCH DALE FRANK: “One of Australia’s foremost contemporary artists and leader in the field of experimental art practices.” KARLA DICKENS: “Keep an eye out for a new body of work by this Indigenous artist.” JON CAMPBELL: “His new works were made specifically for the fair.” BUZZ FACTOR “A solo exhibition of new work by Japanese-born, Berlin-based artist Chiharu Shiota. She’s known for her intricate, large-scale installations created with hundreds of metres of delicate thread.” QUIET ACHIEVER “The solo show from Melbourne-based artist Ann Debono is one to seek out. She only graduated from art school in 2015.”…

JUST AS THIS ISSUE WAS GOING TO PRINT, two things were happening in the news cycle: 1) the royal wedding and 2) the ACT government’s commitment to install 50 electronic vehicle (EV) charging stations. How are these two related? Well, did you notice the newlyweds’ car? It was a one-off, converted electric E-Type Jaguar. And just like the Duchess’ second bridal gown by sustainability advocate Stella McCartney, worn as she was stepping into the car, the Jaguar subtly signified a new era of social consciousness heralded by the couple. Unfortunately, when it comes to committing to an infrastructure that will support the ever-evolving, crazy-cool technology of emission-free vehicles, point number two is the biggest headline Australia has had of late. Sure, the ACT government introduced a mandate that all newly…

Well-cut jackets, coats and blazers in forever-stylish fabrications will add bonus sartorial points to any look. These are the styles to try. A CHECK BLAZER For a timeless look, opt for an equestrian style (cinched at the waist and snug on the shoulders) in an easy-to-wear colour such as grey or rust. AN ALL-LEATHER COAT With the coolness of a  leather jacket and the warmth of a coat, it’s the outerwear you never knew you needed (until you start wearing it with everything). A PUFFER JACKET The weekend and commute essential becomes super-sleek when it loses the hood and is finished in matte black. A BLACK BLAZER WITH A TWIST Be it quirky buttons, undone threads or oversized lapels (this one has an open back), your black blazer should be reliable but…

Classic enough to still treasure in 10 years, cool enough to be street-style gold today – these are the bags worth shelling out for (and how to wear them). LOUIS VUITTON TWIST How to: Go cross-body over a sports-luxe sweater or blazer. LADY DIOR How to: Opt for clashing prints and colours to juxtapose the ladylike shape. BULGARI SERPENTI FOREVER How to: Looks best with block tonal colours. PRADA CAHIER How to: Wear it at the hip with statement knitwear. CÉLINE CLASP BAG How to: Maintain the lo-fi vibe with mannish suiting and sneakers. TOD’S THEA How to: Play with texture and layer your leather in earthy tones. ACNE STUDIOS MUSUBI How to: Complement the roomy shape with relaxed tailoring. CHANEL GABRIELLE How to: Nod to the label’s heritage with classic tweed and denim.…

“EVERYWHERE WE HAVE LOOKED, WE HAVE NOW FOUND PLASTIC,” Professor Richard Thompson told me on my visit to his International Marine Litter Research Unit laboratory at Plymouth University in the UK. It’s a statement that continues to haunt me. Microplastics have been found on beaches from the Atlantic to Antarctica. They’ve even been found in the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the world’s oceans. Over the past 20 years we have truly been plumbing new depths, in the form of submersibles and remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs, that crawl along the deepest trenches of the ocean and record what’s going on in this incredible universe 11,000 metres below. This has changed our thinking. We now know that the Abyssal and Hadal zones of the world’s oceans are not the…

RECYCLING ONE PLASTIC BOTTLE CAN CONSERVE ENOUGH ENERGY TO LIGHT A 60-WATT BULB FOR UP TO SIX HOURS “THE FASHION INDUSTRY’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE IS THE AMOUNT OF RESOURCES BEING USED. The key is to reuse the fibres we use, again and again. Just a few years ago, circular fashion was a concept for the future. Nowadays, it’s mainstream. One man’s waste is another man’s gold – that is very cool.” ANNA GEDDA, HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY AT H&M “I WISH MORE PEOPLE REALISED THAT EARTH DOESN’T RELY ON US, WE RELY ON THE EARTH. Humanity is controlling the planet’s future for the first time; we have the ability to change it, and with that realisation comes great responsibility. We cannot simply turn a blind eye or, worse, sit back and observe…

BEHIND OIL PRODUCTION, THE FASHION INDUSTRY IS THE WORLD’S SECOND-BIGGEST GENERATOR OF POLLUTION. The facts are sobering, and affect almost every facet of the clothing we wear, from single items of clothing (making one pair of jeans guzzles, on average, 3,500 litres of water) to the materials we use (regular cotton production accounts for a quarter of the world’s pesticide use) to the packaging (just 15 per cent of the 8 billion plastic coathangers produced yearly will be recycled – the rest are sent to landfill, where they’ll take up to 1,000 years to break down). The fashion industry is also the world’s second-biggest polluter of water, and accounts for 10 per cent of the world’s carbon emissions. And none of this takes into account the devastating effect of fashion…

During Fashion Revolution Week in 2016, a  customer emailed me to ask who made her clothes. We’d always been so proud of the partnerships with our factories around the world, so I was able to tell her all about who made our clothes and how we scrutinised the ethical conditions of our garment factories, but I realised in that moment “my word” wasn’t enough. We researched and discovered WRAP, SEDEX, BSCI and other third-party ethical accreditations that work closely with our factories. You can’t consider the social impact of your manufacturing without considering the environmental impacts as well. What started as a very helpful question from a customer has snowballed into a  huge journey toward sustainability for us. One of the first steps to reducing your footprint is knowing your…

AMBER VALLETTA IS IN A HURRY. After our shoot, she’s headed to the Copenhagen Fashion Summit, the world’s leading event on fashion sustainability. It’s the third time she’s hosted, and Valletta’s passion for making change is palpable. “Lack of awareness is our biggest problem,” she tells me. “The second is the excess of clothing, shoes, bags... And we’re not just talking luxury goods: it’s anything that there’s an excessive amount of.” Indeed, fast fashion in particular is a huge problem for the environment – an estimated 80billion new garments are produced each year and when you consider that it takes 2,700 litres of water to make one cotton T-shirt, that’s a lot of resources being squandered. For Valletta, whose mother was an environmental activist and inspired the model and actress’s quest…

“EATING SUSTAINABLY IS SUCH A BROAD TERM,” says Dianne McGrath, laughing. “Where do we even start?” It’s exactly how I feel, but I expected McGrath to have the answers – she is, after all, a  sustainability expert. “It depends on what you mean by sustainable,” she goes on. “Is it food we can continue eating for a long time? Do you really mean ethical food? Food that’s grown responsibly, by people paid a fair wage? Food that’s from animals treated with respect? Food that doesn’t harm the planet?” McGrath’s questions give me pause. “I mean, all of those things,” I tell her. She laughs again, kindly. “Look, we have to eat,” she says. “We all want to make good decisions. But sometimes it’s not possible – you might eat fast…

The turning point for me came in 2004, when I visited the Amazon rainforest for the first time. For a few days, I had the opportunity to live with an Indigenous tribe, which gave me a close-up view of the destruction caused by humans, health problems created by deforestation, and poisoning of the river from pesticides and mercury. I told myself I would do everything to make others aware of how we were destroying our natural resources and our planet. I began supporting several environmental projects, including ones in the Amazon forest and Atlantic Forest, and my family and I also created the Agua Limpa Project in my hometown of Horizontina in Brazil. Agua Limpa translates to “clean water”. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting…

ANTWERP’S CENTRAL RAILWAY STATION IS BUZZING. Commuters barely give its marble pillars and vaulted ceilings a glance and are only mildly more interested in our impromptu photo shoot. But it’s easy to see why the landmark building, finished in 1905, has been dubbed the Railway Cathedral. It’s a fittingly grand introduction to the Diamond City, a proud nickname that goes all the way back to the 15th century, when Antwerp first rose to become a world diamond hub. Today, approximately 84 per cent of the world trade of rough diamonds passes through Belgium’s cultural centre. And it’s for that reason that ELLE and social media sensation Sarah Ellen are also passing through. Just a stroll from Central Station is where the business of daily diamond dealings happens, and where the…

They may not be completely rejecting tradition the way baby boomers did in the ’60s and ’70s, but today’s twenty- and thirty-somethings are carving out beliefs of their own. The most progressive are getting engaged on their own terms, eschewing flashmobs and #avocadoproposals in place of a mutual proposal where both partners take an active role. And it’s important that the ring feels unique, personal and ethically sourced. Marking their shared commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s widely dissected engagement ring features two diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal collection and a central stone sourced in Botswana – Harry’s second home and one of the world’s largest producers of conflict-free diamonds. A 2017 survey by wedding marketplace The Knot shows one in three couples shop for the engagement…

LIQUID-LIP FATIGUE is a real thing. So for those craving a break from balls-to-the-wall, painted-on colour, barely there tints offer a welcome hiatus. They boast skin-repairing properties paired with just a hint of colour, so you feel comforted but polished enough to face the day.…

“The best spray to help tonged waves last for days.” 1. Imperméable Anti-Humidity Spray, $52, ORIBE, 1300 725 122 “Masks are a great way to smooth and hydrate, making hair more manageable. I  alternate between two – the Balmain Repair Mask is super-luxe and nourishing, and the Kérastase one has been my go-to for the past five years.” 2. Repair Mask, $64, BALMAIN PARIS HAIR COUTURE, balmainhaircouture.com.au 8. Nutritive Masque Magistral, $66, KÈRASTASE, kerastase.com.au “I use essential oils daily –  on myself, my kids and anyone I  see at my salon or on set. I always start each appointment with a beautiful shoulder and neck massage – it’s calming and sets the tone for a relaxing experience.” 3. Family Essentials Kit, $217, DOTERRA, doterra.com.au “It’s hands-down my favourite oil around; it’s so hydrating yet lightweight.” 4. Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective…

Q. I’ve heard of a hair serum that costs more than my haircut. Is it worth it? A. You’re no doubt talking about Sisley’s new Revitalizing Fortifying Serum and, yes, it’s totally worth it. In case you hadn’t noticed, your scalp is made up of skin, and skin needs a different kind of care to hair. So Sisley took all of its skin know-how and applied it to this serum, part of its new Hair Rituel range that promises to fuel the scalp and fortify the hair. Massaged in regularly, strands will be stronger, denser and shinier. And don’t ruin all your hard work with hair tools that sizzle. Invest in a dryer that regulates its temperature, ensuring the scalp (and serum) can work optimally.…

Proving that some things are worth the wait, the new generation of cushion foundations is offering stellar skin coverage and then some. Refinements in design are allowing for better distribution of the product (without it accumulating in the bottom of the compact) and anti-microbial innovation means they last longer than before. Then there’s the protection factor. Sisley’s new cushion comes equipped with mineral sunscreen to the power of SPF 30. La Prairie pairs a respectable SPF 25 with the brand’s famed Caviar Water and a light-to-medium glowy coverage. La Mer’s new SPF 20 cushion is also designed to create radiant coverage – and like La Prairie, has the option of purchasing just a refill, so it’s eco-friendly, too. “The formula is very flexible. It builds up beautifully, while keeping a satin finish,” says…

I NEVER USED TO THINK ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS IN MY SKINCARE. Now, if I can’t eat it, it doesn’t go on my skin. Skin is an organ. You wouldn’t drink poison, so why put it on your skin? I try to choose products that are natural and/or organic, as well as cruelty-free. LESS IS ALWAYS MORE. Dr Hauschka’s cleansing milk is gentle, simple and easy. THE BRAND’S DAY CREAM IS ALSO AN OG PRODUCT OF MINE. Every time I try something new, I go back to it. It suits my skin and I like the way it doesn’t leave a  shine, but my complexion glows. KORA’S FACE BALM HAS A GREAT CONSISTENCY. I also like the fact that, because it’s a roll-on, my hands don’t have to touch my face when I rub it…

Forget forever young. The new name of the game is forever fresh IN OUR CURRENT CULTURE OF SELF-CARE AND ACCEPTANCE, discussing ageing with an “anti” vibe is, well, antiquated. Mindsets are finally shifting and women are no longer looking to erase every sign of a childhood summer well spent (we’re looking at you, freckles). But there’s also no denying that the desire to feel our best is linked to looking our best – even if the definition of “best”  is becoming a hell of a lot more gracious. With the oldest cohort of millennials reaching 37 this year, it’s no surprise that the global anti-ageing market (their words,  not ours) is growing. According to Research And Markets, the worldwide anti-ageing business will reach a  staggering $88 billion over the next five years when the first…

MAKE A FUSS If we all talk louder about the hotels that do support local suppliers and consider their environmental impact, it will prompt others to be more responsible. Before booking, email to ask the hotel about water preservation. And request menus that promise local, seasonal ingredients from small producers. SAVE WATER Shower instead of having a bath and limit your laundry, including bed linens and towels. Take a  refillable water-filtering bottle such as LifeStraw (lifestraw.com) and make sure drinks in the restaurants are local and not imported. AVOID PLASTIC Oceans are teeming with rubbish and microplastics from beauty products, many tropical destinations are landfill disaster zones. Leave all packaging out of your luggage, avoid plastic water bottles and never use a  plastic straw again. BE NATURAL Chemicals in toiletries are…

…INVESTMENT PIECE YOU BOUGHT? A sculpture by Christabel MacGreevy. Clothing-wise, a dress by The Vampire’s Wife. …THING YOU BOUGHT WITH CASH? A skinny flat white. …THING YOU DID BEFORE LEAVING HOME TODAY? Picked up the baby [Sykes’ five-month-old daughter, Zadie]. …PODCAST YOU DISCOVERED AND LOVED? Breasts Unbound. …SONG YOU PLAYED ON ROTATION? “Sexual” by Neiked, featuring Dyo. …MEAL YOU COOKED? Fish tacos. My secret ingredient is pomegranate seeds with pickled onion and cabbage. …ITEM OF CLOTHING YOU BOUGHT? A vintage checked wool blazer from Portobello Road. …POST YOU TAGGED SOMEONE IN? My [The High Low] podcast co-host, Dolly Alderton, in a photo of us doing a live podcast for Google. …ACCOUNT YOU FOLLOWED ON INSTAGRAM? @tat.london for vintage interiors. …BEAUTY PRODUCT YOU FINISHED? NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla. My desert…

MAR Y SOL Quirky and fun holiday hats and bags made with sustainable materials in collaboration with Madagascan artisans. MISHA NONOO Born in Bahrain, raised in London and educated in Paris, the designer creates waste-reducing, produce-on-demand pieces for professional women, including good friend Meghan Markle. SHICATO Shirley Gutierrez’s accessories brand employs and empowers female Ecuadorians and crafts cool collectables from eco-friendly materials. RAFA Designed and handcrafted in Los Angeles, this luxury footwear brand is building a name off the chic Simple Sandal made using vegan recycled textiles. UNREAL FUR The PETA-approved Australian label is creating a luxe and ethical alternative to fur.…

“EVERYONE RELATES TO THE HEROES – that’s why they’re the heroes,” says actor Charlie Plummer. “But I’ve realised there are more layers to characters who have been through something dark.” That doesn’t mean Plummer is going the villain route. At 19, his performances are as emotionally rich as they are gritty and complex. After a breakout role leading 2015’s King Jack, about a bullied small-town teen, Plummer – the son of actress Maia Guest and writer-producer John Christian Plummer – is pulling double duty as young men on opposite ends of the coming-of age spectrum. In Lean On Pete (out October), his performance as Charley, a high schooler who befriends a racehorse and embarks on the road to self-discovery, earned Plummer the 2017 Venice Film Festival award for best young…

If the only thing stopping you from curling up into a news-cycle-induced foetal position is the vague hope that humanity hasn’t completely gone by the wayside, “uplit” could be the book trend for you. Despite what its peppy label might suggest, uplit isn’t about fluffy or preachy tomes, but bittersweet stories with substance and grit that – despite acknowledging life’s downright shitty moments – leave you feeling hopeful. The movement is led by the wildly popular Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine – about a lonely and socially awkward woman who reluctantly forms a life-changing friendship, now picked up for production by Reese Witherspoon’s company Hello Sunshine – along with titles such as How To Stop Time, The Lido and The Summer Of Impossible Things. Even last year’s Man Booker Prize winner, Lincoln In…

I have this vision of my ideal self hosting a  lively dinner party attended by a charismatic crew of famous writers, directors and artists. This fantasy gathering takes place in my New York apartment, furnished with cream couches that never get dirty. I’m wearing fabulously soft, brown loafers. I say witty things that are cutting, but not so cutting that people remark to each other “whoa, that was mean!” on their way home. This fantasy is not mine alone. Actually, it has been entirely informed by the work of Nora Ephron – the journalist, screenwriter, novelist, playwright, filmmaker and creative magnet, who was the force behind the modern romantic comedy. This year, two of her most iconic films, Sleepless In Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, celebrate their 25th and 20th anniversaries respectively.…

“MY FIRST MEMORY IS OF MY AUNTY PICKING ME UP, carrying me as she ran. I had no idea where we were going or what was happening. It was the middle of the night and it all happened so fast. We ran and ran through the darkness, with hundreds of others. I was too small to run alone, so my aunty carried me. I  could hear gunshots, but it was impossible to tell how far away they were. Later, I heard that people had been killed. We were the lucky ones – we made it out of our camp, to a random home where strangers took us in. When I look back, I  realise that my life as a refugee has only been possible because of these acts of kindness. I was…

Forget a black tote or pearl studs – these are the new accessories every modern wardrobe needs. PEARLS THAT AREN’T LADYLIKE Necklace, $360, SARAH & SEBASTIAN, sarahandsebastian.com A LUXE BACKPACK Backpack, $2,290, BALLY, bally.com A DAILY-NECESSITIES CLUTCH Clutch, $2,410, CHANEL, 1300 242 635 A SUBTLE LOGO BELT Belt, $615, LOUIS VUITTON, au.louisvuitton.com SLIDE-ON-AND-GO SANDALS Sandals, $620, STUART WEITZMAN, hermanns.com.au A COOL BROOCH (IT EXISTS!) Brooch, $520, SAINT LAURENT, ysl.com/au CRISP WHITE SNEAKERS Trainers, $695, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO, ferragamo.com UPDATED GOLD HOOPS Earrings, $3,650, TIFFANY &  CO., tiffany.com COMFY LOAFERS Loafers, $595, TOD’S, (02) 8203 0901…

Square, round, rectangular, oval – just ensure the face is clean and the strap luxe. These opulent watches will make telling the time an infinitely stylish affair for generation now and next.…

BEAT THE MICROBEAD: Scan barcodes with this app to avoid buying products containing harmful plastic particles that can kill marine life. ZERO WASTE APP: An amazing resource to locate eco-friendly stores, cafes and restaurants, farmers’ markets, composting locations, water refill stations and zero-waste groups across the world. ECOSIA: This impressive search engine donates 80 per cent of its ad revenue profits to tree-planting programs around the world. OLIO: Lets you share excess food with your community. Whether you’ve got a bumper lemon bounty or you’ve overcatered for a party, it helps cut down on waste. GOOD ON YOU: Rates fashion labels according to their environmental ethics. There are more than a thousand to pick from. OROECO: Tracks the carbon footprint of your everyday activities, such as the length of your shower or how you…

COSTING THE EARTH Combining the gripping storytelling of The Moth with the real-life drama of Serial, this BBC podcast explains the devastating effects of climate change. Somehow, it also manages to be uplifting. THE MINIMALISTS Not strictly about sustainability, The Minimalists is about living a life with less. If you’ve ever wanted to Kondo but found yourself unable to fully commit, this will push you to start with baby steps. THINK: SUSTAINABILITY This Australian podcast tells the human stories behind climate change – flood, fire, drought and more. Think Hacked meets This American Life.…

CRADLE TO CRADLE A method used to minimise the environmental impacts of products by employing sustainable production, with a  focus on social responsibility, too. ECO-FRIENDLY Takes into account the product’s life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to manufacture it, to how it is distributed, and finally, how it can be recycled or disposed of. ECOCERT CERTIFIED A benchmark in organic accreditation, this label denotes clothing that’s been made with 95 per cent organic materials, with minimal impact on the earth. FAIRTRADE Denotes clothing made by workers who are paid equitable wages in ethical working conditions and companies that are committed to benefiting farmers, workers and their communities in some of the world’s poorest countries. GOTS CERTIFIED GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard, the world's leading textile processing standard for organic material. The measurement…

AS THE DAUGHTER OF A BEATLE (Sir Paul, to us), Stella McCartney could have lived an idle life of luxury – all long lunches and international shopping sprees – if that’s what she wanted. But what she truly desired was something much bigger than that kind of life. What she wanted was nothing less than leading a  fashion revolution. From her very first collection, the lifelong vegetarian has avoided using leather, fur and other animal products in her clothing. And while critics once dismissed this as a gimmick, it’s clear she was 10 steps ahead of us all. Nowadays, ethical fashion is becoming the norm – and we have McCartney to thank for that. The first designer to truly bridge the gap between eco-conscious and fashion-conscious, McCartney recently bought back…

Many of us eat meat, nuts, legumes and eggs as a source of protein, but what if there was a  more sustainable (crunchier) alternative? Westerners may cringe at the thought, but an estimated two billion people worldwide include insects in their diet. Dianne McGrath has been eating them in powder form for years, in smoothies, stir-fries, pasta sauces and her baking. “They’re very sustainable because they don’t require a lot of water – about one litre for one kilo of crickets (which is a hell of a  lot of crickets).” If you’re into the idea, go to bugsybros.com.au.…

I was 17 when I moved from Missouri to New York City to start modelling. I was such a nature-loving girl. The city made me question things. Where does our trash go? What is our water supply? What about waste? Food? Air quality? I began to research it all and was blown away by what I found. It became really clear that so many people – myself included – had no idea of what was going on. I felt the urge to take action. I got involved in green organisations, then I started my own foundation, Collage. I saw the power of media and its ability to expose information and put a light on solutions. Climate change is real and devastating. When I was recording footage for an environmental advocacy group…

If you’ve ever brushed up against a  lavishly printed Dries Van Noten dress then you’ll have experienced first-hand the kind of intelligence of design, quality of fabric and construction and season-defying appeal of the Belgian’s creations. Antwerp rebranded itself as a  world-class fashion centre back in 1986, when a  collective of avante-garde designers – Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs and Marina Yee – packed their wares into a truck and headed for London Fashion Week, becoming known as The Antwerp Six. The graduates of Antwerp’s Royal Academy Of Fine Arts each went on to establish their own unique styles and, together with honorary member Martin Margiela, paved the way for the likes of Calvin Klein’s Raf Simons.…

Last year, Tiffany & Co. came out in support of the Paris Climate Agreement in a very public way, taking to Twitter, Instagram and booking a  full-page ad in The New York Times calling for President Trump to take bold climate action. There was no question it was the right move, says Tiffany’s chief sustainability officer Anisa Camadoli Costa. “We felt it was important,  especially in this day and age when companies need to lead, to voice our perspective on something that we feel is a  global concern and a business goal,” she says. Next year the Tiffany & Co. Foundation, of which Costa is chairman and president, celebrates its twentieth anniversary and to date has awarded more than $70 million dollars in grants to non-profits working globally to preserve the world’s most treasured seascapes and landscapes. In addition…

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT A BELOVED CELEBRITY COUPLE SPLITTING UP THAT CAUSES US REAL GRIEF – as in, the public. As in, people who do not know this couple personally. As in, people who are emotionally invested in the lives of two strangers. We project our collective desire for a happy ending. “There is this sense that people in Hollywood are untouchable – that they’re superhumans,” says psychologist Melanie Schilling. “We look to them, even at a subconscious level, for guidance on how things should be.” So when Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum announced their separation in April, the reaction was universal devastation. They seemed so in love! The Lip Sync battles! The gorgeous baby! The PDAs! In short, they made us believe in their love, and then they pulled the rug…

Our favourite tinted balms? Fresh has released a range of treatments using sugar and grapeseed oil to smooth and soften lips while offering a sheer dose of colour. Tatcha’s camellia oil-packed balm creates a rosy sheen with a hint of gold, and Caudalie uses aloe vera to repair, leaving behind a buildable tint (and a sweet scent). UNLESS THEY’RE STARRING on RuPaul’s Drag Race, no-one likes to actually admit to wearing foundation – it’s the Spanx of beauty products. But let’s be real, sometimes you need more coverage than a tinted moisturiser. Enter Benefit’s Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation. After three-and-a-half years of development, this sheer-to-medium-coverage base is all the things you want: blendable, lightweight, a  bit dewy and available in 12 shades. “We tested thousands of shades to find the perfect line-up,”…

IN THE COURSE OF BECOMING A TOP-SHELF STATUS SYMBOL, green beauty has splintered into nuanced, often bewildering, factions. “Organic” products are cruelty-free and untouched by pesticides, GMOs and synthetic chemicals, while “vegan” products don’t contain animal-derived ingredients. Beauty offerings labelled “natural” are perhaps the most confusing, as they’re unregulated but generally deemed to be made without any artificial ingredients or fragrances. With today’s emphasis on purity and sustainability shaking up industries from food to fashion, this last classification has become especially desirable – and abused. “Natural is a classic marketing word,” says pharmacist and founder of Truth Treatment Systems skincare brand Benjamin Fuchs. “To a chemist, there’s no such thing as natural. The distinction the body makes isn’t between natural and synthetic,  it just looks at the molecular structure. If I  take…

A BIT OF SPARKLE never hurt anybody, we say, so the return of primary-school barrettes with a not-so-adolescent jewelled logo is the hair accessory you need right now. Even better, it’s  the perfect way to jazz up second-day hair (it’ll stay put better than on squeaky-clean strands) and looks cool against tousled, lived-in texture.…

“I’M OBSESSED WITH SKINNY NECKS,” says Valli Shubere during my first appointment for her unique detox facial. “Because I don’t want the neck to have to take on all the stress in your life.” Me neither. I thought my neck was just... fat, and I tell her as much. She laughs a conspiratorial giggle while she gently pats me on the shoulder. Unlike a  lot of the experts I get to consult in this line of work, I came upon Shubere’s Melbourne clinic, Herbario, in the most organic of ways. Someone told me about her – and not someone whose job it is to tell people like me how great people like her are. It was a friend of a friend, who’d had a  treatment with Shubere and found cheekbones she…

WAKE UP TIME: I’m usually up around 6am to try to squeeze in a  morning meditation before my son [Flynn] wakes up at around 6.30am. BEST PYJAMAS: I love silk PJs. My favourite brands are Equipment and Stella McCartney. MORNING BEAUTY ROUTINE: Each morning I dry body brush – I find it’s the best way to get the circulation going and remove any dead skin cells. I have a shower, washing my face with Kora Organics Foaming Cleanser. Afterwards, I apply a combination of Kora Organics Noni Glow Body Oil and Noni Glow Body Balm all over. MAKEUP MUST-HAVES: I use La Prairie Radiance Cellular Cream Blush on my eyelids – the Rose Glow shade accentuates my eye colour. I  also like to use RMS Lip2Cheek in Beloved on my lips and cheeks.…

1. INVEST IN A SONIC TOOTHBRUSH and learn how to use it properly. “It’s not a  substitute for good brushing technique.” 2. WHEN SELECTING A WHITENING TOOTHPASTE, look for hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. And don’t rush a  brushing session, but do manage your expectations. “Whitening toothpastes will only be present in your mouth for the duration of brushing and therefore won’t have the same effect clinical whitening can have.” 3. THINK OF GOING PRO. “The best chance of getting adequate results is to visit your dentist to see if you are a good candidate for whitening. It can then be arranged to be done in the dental office, at home or a  combination of the two.” 4. CUT OUT COFFEE OR TEA, but if you just can’t  bear the thought, you can try drinking them through a…

GIVEN HER OCCUPATION as the purveyor of some of the finest linen bedding, care of her cult brand In Bed, it’s no surprise that Pip Vassett’s Sydney home is decked out in the tactile, cosy fabric.  She pairs the natural weave with blond timber,  well-worn denim, leather and skins, plus ample deep-green house plants, to create a  modern,  Scandi-heads-Down-Under aesthetic. “Being by the water in Rose Bay, we tried to create a  bit of a coastal, not beachy, feel,” says Vassett, who shares the top-floor apartment with her husband (and In Bed’s brand director) Eddie Arnott and their gorgeous cocker spaniel Buddy. “The floors are dark timber, so we used a very pale grey paint on the walls, rather than white, so it wasn’t too stark.” The bedroom and office, with matching glass doors, share access to a sweet…

I DO… BUT ALSO, KIND OF, I DON’T I want an open relationship. I have broached the topic numerous times, but my man won’t listen to my pleas. Also, I want to move abroad. He wants to stay put. Finally, he wants children, and I despise children. We’re both 23. He is a wonderful man, and we’ve been so happy together that I married him six months ago. But do these three disagreements foretell our doom? – MRS CONTENT FOR NOW Content, my cumquat Yes. However, because you’re happy now… because the hard part of marriage isn’t the disagreements but the boredom in between… because nobody knows what to do in a marriage until they do it… because next week, you may choose to picnic under a 100-year-old tree in…