Outdoor Cinemas

This is the only time when rain will prevent you from watching a movie. 

There is something so fun about lying back on a picnic rug under the stars on a balmy summers' evening while watching a film on the big screen. Outdoor cinemas really do take the movie experience to a new level - with plenty of leg room, lying out in the warm night air, and being able to bring an entire basket full of food!

Outdoor cinemas are a great summertime activity for anyone who enjoys spending time with friends, watching films and being outdoors – aka all of us! So why not grab a friend or two, pack a picnic basket and attend the next movie screening near you (provided the weather is good of course)

I went last week with my sister and a basket full of delicious food to a screening of 'Gone Girl’ in the Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. The evening was incredible – perfect weather and an amazing film, with the city skyline as the perfect backdrop. 

Here are a few tips, if you are going to your first outdoor cinema event: 

1. Get there early as the prime spots are sure to fill up quickly!
2. Bring plenty of blankets and pillows. Not only does it get chilly as the evening progresses, but the ground can get a little uncomfortable and you will need something to prop yourself up on to see the screen. 
3. Check the weather forecast before booking your tickets. There is nothing worse than having your movie session rained out (although most cinemas will allow you to redeem your ‘rain out tickets’)! 

There are plenty of outdoor cinemas open during summer, so it is likely that you will have no problem finding one near you. 

Enjoy!

Genevieve 

Your Guide to Secondhand Shopping

aka your guide to fashion minus the $$$

I've always loved second hand clothing. For me the excitement of a market or an op shop is not knowing what I will find ... or if I will find anything at all. There will always be those days where the only good item you found turned out to have a giant hole in the back, an odour suggesting the previous owner died in it or ... the dreaded pit stains. And while these times are always incredibly disappointing, the times when you find the hidden gems of second hand clothing are amazing!

Let's not dodge this any longer, one of the best things about second hand shopping is the price! You are able to buy clothes that cost less than a fraction of the RRP. I don't know about you, but my wallet can't afford to shop at Chanel every other day (or even every other year if I'm being honest)! And don't be quick to judge the small price tag, you can find plenty of quality and relatively unworn clothing  (designer if you're lucky) that would ordinarily cost an arm and a leg!

Top Tips for Second Hand Shopping

Markets

1. You can tell a lot by what the seller is wearing. If you like their outfit then it is often a sign that what they are selling will suit your taste. If their clothes don't match your taste then take it as a sign to walk on by.  
2. Don't be afraid to negotiate with the seller. Took debating in school? Then dust off those old skills and get yourself a bargain! If you aren't happy to spend the price they have recommended, ask them if that is their best price (and be sure to cross your fingers). Hopefully you can take some money off the asking price! Just make sure you are being reasonable. 

Op Shops 

1. You will need to hunt through trash to find treasure. When shopping second hand you will need to go through the items that smell a little bit funky and look less than attractive. But don't dismiss certain sections just because there doesn't appear to be anything good at a glance. Often you will come across something you love when you least expect it so hunt through everything!

Sincerely,

Genevieve 

3 Summer Outfit Ideas

The sun is shining, ice cream shops’ opening hours are longer, and your skin is looking bronzed; this can mean one of two things – 1. you live in California or 2. it’s summer.

As the weather gets warmer not only is it time to start shaving your legs again (uh I know!), it’s also time to say goodbye to winter coats and hello to summer dresses and sandals! The change in seasons is the perfect time to update your wardrobe …

… or at least that’s what they (I) say, right?

But after months of neglect, your summer wardrobe is probably in need of a revamp. But with every shop enticing you in to purchase that pair of suede knee high gladiator sandals and the questionable crystal embellished kaftan, it can be a little difficult to refine your shopping list! 

I’ve experienced the problem of going home with items that you plan on saving for that “what if day" and some that look completely different now that you’re outside of the store's dimmed lighting – once chic is now boderline shabby. Luckily a few minutes researching summer street style (allowing time for ogling at Olivia Palermo’s flawless style) can help you figure out exactly what you need!

Luckily for you, I’ve gathered some of the best looks to inspire your summer wardrobe!

Leandra Medine

Um did anyone say cool? This outfit completely redefines summer style! I am in love with this look for those cooler summer days. If you want to try this look be sure to invest in a great pair of white jeans that are flattering and fit as if they were made for you! 

Daria Shapovalova 

Daria shoes us how to wear a unique print and oversized collar and make it look effortless! This amazing printed dress is perfect for everything from Sunday brunch to cocktail night, ensuring that after the summer the cost-per-wear will be virtually nothing! Be sure to keep an eye out for dresses in interesting prints and colours in the shops to wear all season long. 

Olivia Palermo
Can the queen of fashion do no wrong?! Olivia’s look is effortless and casual while maintaining an air of sophistication and a certain je ne sais quoi. If I've learnt anything from this outfit it’s that small details (such as the black bows on her ballet flats and the neck scarf) can make or break an outfit. When shopping for your new summer wardrobe don’t forget to pay attention to accessories as well as the clothes!

Good luck with all your summer shopping! 

Genevieve 

Cowderoy's Dairy

The place to go when you want a home-cooked meal but can't make toast without burning it. 

Cowderoy’s Dairy is a cross between café and milk bar, located in the west of St Kilda. During the week the café is often filled with mums and their toddlers, attracted by the multitude of delicious and simple foods on offer as well as the playground next door. The café is constantly supplying crowds of people with a variety of delicious bites to eat or serving a line of kids queuing up  to exchange a gold coin for a bag of lollies or a freddo frog. 

On the weekends Cowderoy’s Dairy is filled with a wider selection of people - friends catching up over a steaming mug of coffee, cyclists filling up with bowls of sweet porridge, kids slurping down milkshakes before hurrying off to the park.  The Dairy is a family friendly café stripped back of everything but the bare necessities; minimalism has never tasted so good! 

Cowderoy's Dairy is open every day from 7:00 am - 4:30 pm on Monday to Saturday and on Sunday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.  

Genevieve