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A FRUITY AFFAIR

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 04:17:00 GMT

To introduce Ella Baché's newly certified organic Fruit d’Eclat range, Australia’s leading beauty editors were treated to a beautiful lunch at Orto Trading Co. in Surry Hills, and a fun art lesson by Melbourne artist, and food illustrator – Dawn Tan.

Dawn describes her style as “loose” and that her style of watercolour painting is not about neatness or sticking in between the lines, it’s quite the opposite – a style nobody could get wrong! And that’s just fine with us! Dawn’s art lesson included water colour painting of fruit and vegetables, which were displayed on each table and included tomatoes, carrots, grapes, oranges and blackberries – all key ingredients in the Fruit d’Eclat range.

Consistent with the Ella Baché’s philosophy of ‘Skin Good Enough To Eat’ and keeping with the organic theme, guests were served a delicious organic lunch, the menu made specifically for the event which incorporated ingredients from the organic Fruit d’Eclat products. Mains included: Handmade potato gnocchi with heirloom tomatoes, black olive tapenade and ricotta, Whole roast spatchcock with grilled apricot, carrot and toasted almond and Baked lemon sole with pickled grapes and vermouth. YUM!

Here are a few snaps taken from the day. Photography by Dominic www.dlphotography.com.au

The gorgeous table settings.

Ella Baché CEO Pippa Hallas welcoming guests.

Artists at work!

Dawn lending a helping a hand (which most of us needed!)

Dawn demonstrating how to paint.

Ella Baché's Francesca Caleffi, Instyle Magazine's Eleanor Pendleton and Nadia Stennett from Just Be Magazine.

OK! Magazine's beauty editor Sharon Goldstein and Girlfriend Magazine's Lauren Carter.

The beautiful Orto Trading Co.

Artist – Dawn Tan

Roast spatchcock with grilled apricot, carrot and toasted almond - yummy yummy!

Mouthwatering baked lemon sole with pickled grapes and vermouth.

IT'S CHRISTMAS!

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:31:00 GMT

As a final post from us for 2011, the we're sharing what Christmas time means to us, what we're doing to celebrate and what’s on our wish lists from Santa:

Xmas means lots of snow, cooking all day, candles burning and red lipstick kisses on my cheeks. And just before dinner, you can hear my brother playing electric guitar with my uncles.

On my Santa wish list there is: an Hermes bracelet, a new tattoo, a La Prairie serum and a beautiful crystal.

- Stephanie.

Xmas to me is family time around the fire place, drinking wine, cooking roasts, lots of sparkly decorations and being happy with those who you love. This year I will be flying home for Christmas for a few then off to the UK for NYE!

My xmas wish list is a Mac Jacobs rose gold watch, A Cannon G12 camera and a Stella McCartney bag (high hopes - come on santa/parents).

- Amy.

I celebrate Christmas with family & waaay too much food over both Xmas & Boxing Days. After dessert, my cousins and I get together with our instruments and perform a mini concert for the rest of our family, consisting of Christmas, Beatles and Queen songs that everyone does their best at singing along to.

I have my fingers crossed for a Gretsch White Falcon Guitar with Cadillac Tailpiece this year. But then again, I want that every year...

- Rosa.

Christmas is my favourite time of year! There’s just a sense of joy and love in the air and everyone is always happy. I spend Christmas every year with my family back home at my parents house on the Central coast. The best part is being woken up (very early) by my nephews screaming that Santa is here! The look on their faces is priceless... But most importantly Christmas to me is family, friends and FOOD!

On my wish list is a Comme des Garcons wallet, tickets to NY (dream on), Deadly Ponies handbag and Michael Kors perfume.

- Shantelle.

Christmas to me is two things - Family and Food. Oh, and LOTS of Champagne and Pimms. By the time we get organised - particularly if my uncle is hosting the gathering - we usually eat around 3pm. One year we ate at Midnight.

I’ll never forget the day my grandmother walked into the kitchen at around 2pm and asked anxiously if there was anything she could do to help - and Neil responded, “Oh yes, you can peel the potatoes.” AT 2PM!!!!!

It is a lot of laughs and sharing, and despite my outer scrooge I adore celebrating Christmas with loved ones - having a small family makes it all the more special to be together.

There is not enough space for my wish list on the internet, but here are some suggestions if you are feeling generous!! An Hermes leather bracelet, Alexander McQueen Shawl Collar Cashmere-Blend Tuxedo Jacket, and after that, of course, World Peace.

- Thomas.

Christmas is about breakfast in bed, orphan’s dinners, reindeer ears on my best friend Krumpet and presents of course! My husband Titus buys the best gifts.

Wish list is: to be able to celebrate Christmas with my family in Borneo and a Celine bag. Amen.

- Rose.

Christmas means love. My family, friends, my nonna and lots of Italian food. Nothing beats the smell of a fresh Christmas tree.

Wish list: A relaxing holiday...

- Rochelle.

Christmas Means: Family, Food, Friends and Fun.

What I want for Christmas: is Summer sunshine for poolside action. Or will I have to settle for the book?

- Claire.

GET FIT FOR SUMMER WITH PUMA & BERLEI

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:04:00 GMT

To celebrate the beginning of summer and to launch the Puma summer fitness range, Puma in conjunction with Berlei, held a “Get Fit For Summer” yoga event at the Andrew Boy Charlton Pool with Australia’s leading fashion, health and lifestyle media. Hosted by celebrity yoga instructor (Miranda Kerr’s in fact!) Charlotte Dodson with Puma Soccer ambassadors (and hotties) Nicky Carle and Mark Bridge.

The morning kicked off with a warm up jog around the Domain’s picturesque view overlooking Sydney Harbour, we couldn’t have asked for better weather! Birds chirping, sun shining with not a cloud in sight! Following the warm up jog, guests then took place at the Andrew Boy Charlton outdoor deck for the outdoor yoga session with Charlotte.

After getting our “zen” on, guests were treated to a delicious an healthy breakfast of: fresh fruit, bircher muesli with natural yoghurt with passionfruit coulis, tomato + avocado + basil breakfast bruschetta on rustic toast and passionfruit & orange fresh fruit frappes to drink. YUM!

It was the perfect way to welcome the new season. Bring on a sunny summer of fun and fitness we say!

A few pics from the day...

Yoga instructor Charlotte Dodson with Puma Soccer stars Nicky Carle and Mark Bridge

The ARC team with soccer stars Nicky Carle and Mark Bridge

ARE YOU AUSTRALIA’S HOTTEST NEW DESIGNER? SALLY FITZGIBBONS WANTS YOU TO DESIGN HER SURFBOARD!

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:15:00 GMT

We’re on the hunt for the country’s most creative talent to design Australia’s No. 1 female pro surfer - Sally Fitzgibbons’ surfboard! Currently ranked No. 2 in the world, Sally needs a new surfboard design to match her bubbly and fun loving personality that she’ll use to compete with throughout the 2012 ASP Women’s World Tour season.

Hailing from Gerroa, on the NSW South Coast, Sally is living the dream of chasing the summer while travelling the world for her job! Described by Vanity Fair as one of the “Girls of the Endless Summer”, Sally is one of the world’s most accomplished female surfers, is still on the rise and put women’s surfing under the spotlight.

WHAT DO YOU WIN?
You’ll have the honour of having your design on Sally’s board plus one for you to keep to bask in your glory! You and a friend will fly to the Roxy Pro in Coolangatta, to watch Sally in action! Not only that, you’ll take home $1,500 in fresh notes!

To share the love, there will also be a People’s Choice winner – the design with the most ‘Likes’ will take home $1,000 cash! So make sure you spread the word. Keep your eyes on the gallery, view the competition entries and make sure you ‘Like’ your favourite designs!

HOW TO ENTER
Jump on the website www.redbull.com.au/sally from December 1 and simply register your details, download the kit and submit your entry before the deadline on 22nd January, 2012.

Sally will then hand pick 20 of her favourite designs that will be exhibited at an exclusive gallery event in February. Of this top 20, five finalists will be picked and flown to Sydney with a mate for the exhibition, where the winner will be unveiled!

Beautiful, athletic, genuine, bubbly, smart, determined - these are some of the words that describe the laid-back 21 year-old. Get to know Sally on her Facebook Page to inspire your designs!

The canvas is blank - so get creative! Register now download the kit and get started! Entries close 22nd January, 2012. GOOD LUCK! xx

Images by Titus Pengelly.

ARE YOU THE NEXT BETTS STYLISTA?

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:56:00 GMT

Our friends at Betts are on the hunt for their most stylish fan! Oh that's you, you say? Well then, strike a pose and enter the competition for your chance to win $5000 worth of Westfield Gift Cards PLUS a personal stylist one-on-one session!!!

The shortlist will be posted on the Betts Facebook page, where fans can vote for their favourite. The 10 most "liked" images will go into the final selection to be judged by guest judge, international fashion photographer and blogger, Candice Lake!

To enter, simply upload a photo of yourself in your favourite Betts Spring Summer shoes to betts.com.au/competition. Good luck!

Nicole Warne from Gary Pepper Vintage

JESSICA WATSON'S ANOTHER CHALLENGE!

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 05:12:00 GMT

20th September 2011

We arrived at Coolangatta, Gold Coast Airport bright & early Tuesday morning - a toasty 25 degrees with the distinct smell of summer in the air. What a day to launch Jess’ new, “Ella Baché - another Challenge” in all its pink glory!

An official boat christening ceremony was held at the Gold Coast Marina with a celebratory champagne smashing with Ella Bache CEO Pippa Hallas (we certainly hope that’s not Veuve) who will be appearing on Network Ten’s Undercover Boss next week.

At just 16, Jessica Watson captured our hearts on her voyage to become the youngest ever to sail around the globe solo, non-stop, unassisted, sailing 23,000 nautical miles and 230 days at sea in ‘Ella’s Pink Lady’ – ‘nuff said.

Now at 18 and a National Treasure, Jess is Young Australian of the Year, UN Food Ambassador and all round great girl; Jessica will skipper nine other crew members, all under the age of 21, in the famous Rolex Sydney Hobart Race on Boxing Day December 26th aiming to be the youngest crew to ever complete the race in its 66-year history. This girl is unstoppable!

XOXO

Rochelle

The boat is lowered into the water for the first time for its first official cruise:

We look forward to watching Jess on race day, December 26th !

BURNINGMAN

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:17:00 GMT

"Trying to explain what Burning Man is to someone who has never been to the event is a bit like trying to explain what a particular color looks like to someone who is blind" quotes the Burning Man website (www.burningman.com)

Although sadly no-one in our office has been, we all daydream about it! And after seeing the photos from this year's event, it's the number one "must do" on all of our lists for 2012!

Below are a few of our favourite pictures!

Images via itsbooyah.tumblr.com

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT SPRING

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:16:00 GMT

Bare legs & spring floral!
- Rochelle

...it's the start of denim cutoffs, the hunt for vintage glasses, colour, sunlight, new love, classic moments with your friends, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, & dancing barefoot.
- Eliza

My official sound track for Spring is Gotye, Making Mirrors ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ with Kimbra is on high rotation on The ARC Factory playlist. Love, Love.
- Claire

Freckles, fresh face, flowers, promise of a summer breeze, tear jerking sunsets, globetrotting and the soulful sounds of Katalyst’s Deep Impressions
- RMP

What I like about spring is actually a confession...
I like to steal miniature blossoms and rustic flowers. Is this bad? Love to put them on my bedside tables, and sleeping with the window open.
- Stephanie

I love that I can unpack all my summer shorts making my morning walks to work fresh and crisp – unlike the muggy December trek.
- RM

What I love about spring is..
Walking home at sunset, floral dresses, picnics in the sun, weekend road trips up the coast, fresh fruit, outdoor dining, warm breezes, sleeping to the sound of crickets, wearing denim shorts with everything! And most importantly ice cream!
- Shantelle

Road Tripping!
- Carmen

What I love about Spring is the lingering crisp coolness still hanging in the air from winter mixed with the distinct smell of sunshine. Each morning I have been LOVING the intense wave of jasmine that the small terrace front gardens have been permeating as I walk to the bus stop. This fresh and clean combination mixed with the harsh city air and climbing temperature definitely hails springs arrival. The scent reminds me of Monet’s Garden in Giverny, just outside of Paris, which I visited on a holiday to Europe.
- Armfield

I have spent hours trying to find the perfect picture – but I just can’t quite nail it. The feeling of the start of Spring is indescribable. It’s the unexpected warmth of the first light, the extra hour you get just when you think the day is over... it’s flowers and fresh fruit, green trees and best of all.... CALYPOS! YUM!
- Ella

The smell of jasmine in bloom; the sound of Gil Scott Heron and Sam Cooke on the record player; the sight of pink and peach skies on my walk home, the feeling of clean, crisp linen; the taste of frosty fruits.
- Rosa

My favourite thing about spring is blossom and the giggles Archie had when the wind blew and petals fell on him yesterday in the park.
- Lucy

BETTS HOT TO TROT WITH SPEEDO!

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 07:12:00 GMT

Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival kicked off the week with a colourful bang! Getting us all excited for summer was the Speedo swimwear show on Wednesday!

Bronzed up models strutted the runway in the new swimwear, with the gorgeous Rachael Finch gracing the catwalk with her Miss Australia slender physique, also joined by Cleo Bachelor of The Year’s winner Eamon Sullivan who stripped shirtless to model the men’s new colourful board shorts range! Eamon joked on twitter “I need a tan” to which Rachael replied, “Bronzing powder works wonders!” The show was styled by the talented Jonathan Nicholls and shoes by Betts! All styles featured are available in stores now, check out the below styles for steels on the hot shoe looks!

BONDS BLOGGERS

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 02:32:00 GMT

If you’re a fan of fashion blogs like we are, you’ll love what our top Aussie bloggers have created for the Bonds Microfibre & Mesh, Feel The Colour hipster campaign for summer. It’s not an easy task selecting which bloggers to work with as we are lucky to have an abundance of very talented and creative bloggers in this country.

We will be revealing the different volume of work on our facebook page in the coming weeks, but here’s a sneak peek of their work so far...

Natascha of In Search of Little Sadie took the luscious Bonds Microfibre and Mesh Hipster fabric across the shores, feeling the colour all the way to Bali. Check out how she painted her creative canvas with this shoot:

Next up is the stunning work by Aussie Photographer and former model, Zanita Whittington. “The story of the shoot revolved around this beautiful strong confident neon warrior woman, the styling being inspired by character in films who embrace clashing elements and colours against a stark but beautiful desert landscape”. Using the new Bonds fabrications – Zanita created a stunning Bonds campaign that we are in love with!

Do you feel the colour?

Love,
CC x

WELCOME TO WOODFORDIA...

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:09:00 GMT

It has been 8 days since my Splendour experience came to an end... Nonetheless it’s pretty clear that our “crew” are still trying to hold on to the intimate moments shared together as we continue to circulate, receive, share and tag our favourite music clips, blog reviews, “insider” jokes and random pictures found on our phones - that despite having already uploaded massive albums taken from the trusty G12, we are still so excited to stumble across... Note, our intimate crew of 5, turned into a crew of about 500 over two days (!!)... So news feeds are getting some pretty exhausting work outs

The rumours are true. It’s official... As of July 2011 Splendour in the Grass is Australia’s hottest music festival!

A couple of highlights from the weekend...

Two words... KATE MOSS. Splendour in the Grass became the new Burning Man, Coachella, Glastonbury... The perfect mix of music and fashion splendour, beautiful people, VIP and killer outfits, all because of the appearance of one smoking fashion icon... The fact she picked up Tree of Life from the shopping gallery at the festival makes it all the more cooler.

Kanye West opened the weekend – his only gig in Australia this year! It was a nice start to kick off a hippie festival, with a bang from one of the hottest hip hop artists.

In between acts the only place to be was the Gold Bar – pretty sure some people (who will remain unnamed) didn’t leave much at all...

Pnau was amazing! I can’t remember them playing anything new... Have they released anything new in a few years?? But, the crowd was so into it as they headlined Saturday night – and Wild Strawberries never sounded so good!

At one point we all went to check out/chill out in the camping grounds where the winnebagoes were parked up together... I was pretty impressed when we stumbled across a wedding marquee our friends had set up – complete with fairy lights!! Everything goes in Woodfordia!

The mass uproar that Jay Z caused when his appearance ended up being just some hyped up talk... I'd even heard of people from “my crew” boycotting his much anticipated new album - which coincidently launched today - as they are still “hurt” by his non appearance... (I wonder whether Kanye’s sales will go up??)

Smaller bands caused quite the stir – The Jezabels, Foster the People, Kimbra and Gotye all packed out their tents and a highlight was seeing the guys from Architecture in Helsinki cutting up the dance floor to their own DJ set in the Jager Hunting Lounge.

For the rest of my life, when I hear Coldplay... I will think of that hill, those thousands of people sharing in the moment, the Amy Winehouse tribute, the lighters... and the colour YELLOW!!!! Chris Martin, you are something else.

It was my first Splendour festival, and it has started a lifelong love affair for me...

Love Ella xx

Kate Moss photo courtesy of VOGUE.COM.AU

NEED A REASON TO SHOP?

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 03:54:00 GMT

We are in love with the ‘Girl About Town’ photo shoot collaboration between the very talented Zanita & Nicole from Gary Pepper Vintage, showcasing the gorgeous items up for sale at the Westfield Give Ability store.

Open for 5 days in at Westfield Bondi Junction and Doncaster, the charity store is stocked with fashion items donated by celebrities, fashion designers and retailers.

Ambassador and actress Miranda Otto launched the national opening this week to an adrenalin charged queue of shoppers, gearing to grab a bargain and to own a one-off piece of wardrobe from their favourite celebrity or designer.

As Sami Lukis, ambassador to Cerebral Palsy Alliance said, “Where in the world can you stand in a shop - buy vintage clothes from such a collection of amazing Australian’s celebrities including Naomi Watts’ Liberty beauty case, Sarah Murdoch’s much loved Calvin Klein silk strapless dress that she bought in NY, Dan Macpherson’s Hugo Boss suit, Liev Schreiber’s sweater from the movie Manchurian Candidate, Jennifer Hawkins heels, or Top Model Kelsey’s Alex Perry dress worn on finale of Australia’s Next Top Model?”

Don’t feel left out if you’re not close to the centres, exclusive items have been reserved for online auction on westfield.com.au from Kylie Minogue, Naomi Watts, Miranda Otto, Anthony La Paglia, Olympic champion Torah Bright and Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson. The Drew Barrymore ring donated by Samantha Wills’ is currently in the lead at $344!

100% of sales goes to Cerebral Palsy Alliance (NSW) and Scope (VIC).

Never has shopping felt so good!

Much love,
Your resident shopaholic
xoxo

Photography: Zanita Whittington
Styling & Model: Nicole Warne

OAKLEY TRUE DIGITAL AND FAST JACKET EVENT!

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 06:32:00 GMT

Oakley launched its latest eyewear collection True Digital™ and Fast Jacket™ at hot spot Ms G’s joined by Oakley Olympic Athletes Ky Hurst and Courtney Atkinson, presented by the very charming Glen Moriarty from Channel Nine’s Postcards.

The media were joined by long time Oakley athlete Layne Beachley, and celebrity ambassadors James Tobin, Tom Williams, Tim Webster and Tiffany Cherry.

Head Chef Dan Hong (who you may have seen on the latest season of Masterchef) took us on the express train to food heaven. The highlight of the meal was definitely dessert, which consisted of doughnut ice cream, chocolate, rice bubbles, pretzel & peanut brittle and marshmallow all served together in what was called ‘Stoners Delight’. OMG. If you haven't tried it, you haven't lived!

Check out some photos below:

LIGHTS, CAMERA, SALLY!

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 05:12:00 GMT

Last week we shot pro surfer Sally Fitzgibbons for a Roxy summer shoot. Sally looked absolutely amazing! With a fresh tan from Mexico and her killer body, she had us all counting down the days until summer.

Some behind the scenes photos from the day.

Styled by Emily McGregor, hair and makeup by Michael Brennan and photographed by the lovely Richard Freeman at Sun Studios.

SHOP FOR A GOOD CAUSE!

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:19:00 GMT

Here at ARC we are proud to be a part of the biggest fashion charity event of the year!

In July, Westfield Bondi Junction and Westfield Doncaster will launch the Giveability store, a fashion charity store stocked with second hand designer items donated by celebrities and designers to raise much needed funds for children with cerebral palsy.

In conjunction with WHO Magazine, the giveability store will bring fashion designers and celebrities to create awareness of cerebral palsy and raise funds for therapy and equipment, respite, early intervention and education programs for children with cerebral palsy and their families. The store will be open for two weeks leading into National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week. 100% of the proceeds from all sales will go to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance in NSW and Scope in VIC, which provide vital services to people living with cerebral palsy and their families.

The Give Ability Store will be open over a 10 day period in Sydney and Melbourne in July 2011 and replenished each day with new items. 100% of all sales in the store will be donated to charities who support kids with cerebral palsy and their families.

How can YOU help?

You can donate your unwanted fashion pieces and let them rub shoulders with items donated from Australia’s top celebrities and fashion designers. The store will be manned on occasion by celebrity volunteers – so who knows, your donated fashion pieces might end up on the red carpet!

So go on, do an early ‘spring clean’ of your wardrobe and donate your unwanted fashion – clothing, jewellery, shoes and other accessories – for a great cause. You’ll get some much-needed space in your wardrobe (more shopping yeah!), maybe get a chance to see your fashion pieces on our celebrity volunteers and best of all, you’ll know you’re really helping to make a difference to kids with cerebral palsy.

Just drop your fashion donations by 1st July to us at The ARC Factory, 58 Riley Street, East Sydney NSW 2010.

Like all charities, it is up to us that make the difference! So show your support by donating product or purchasing product from the Giveabilty store.

Shopping never felt so good! Jewellery designer Samantha Wills, one of many Australian designers that have donated some beautiful items to the Giveability store