What was your first vinyl/cassette/cd purchase as a child? And what was the first/best/worst concert you’ve ever been to?

First ever tape purchase was the cass-single of Frente’s Accidently Kelly Street and my first CD purchase wasn’t so much a purchase but a thieving from Daddy Smaggle. Cher’s Greatest Hits. Yes, I’m serious. In his defence though it was 1990 and there was very little choice in the way of CDs back then.

Worst concert hands down was John Butler Trio. That guy is SUCH a wanker. He started the set late, wouldn’t let anyone take in bottled water (special request because someone clocked him with one last time he was at the venue and to be honest, I don’t blame them) and he played until around 1am doing this weird jam session with just his drummer. No one was into it and it was a really self indulgent performance.

Best concert ever – Michael Jackson. I was twelve and my parents took me see it. Changed my life.

Second Best concert was Matchbox 20. I was so in love Rob Thomas and I was sitting on my mates shoulders and I screamed out ‘I LOVE YOU ROB!!!!!!!!!’ and he kissed his two fingers, pointed them at me and then covered his heart with his hand. I shit you not.

My question is: is there a link to your jewellery? Can we buy it?
Also, another question: when you pack to go away for a weekend/week/month, what is your fail-safe list of fashion must-haves in your suitcase?

Unfortunately there is no link at the moment and no way for purchase either. BUT I’m working on it. When I’m brave I’ll do it. I just want to get it perfect. How unusual for Miss Uber Virgo.

When I pack for a weekend away I always take comfy walking shoes (that are still pretty), scarves because they can make any outfit look fresh, several skirts and tops that go together so I can mix and match, I always take my toiletries in mini bottles to save space, Panadol, my ipod, a good book and extra space to pack my shopping in!!!

Ok here’s my question…what are you deathly afraid of? (oh, and will you ever visit alaska? it’s cold here, you would like it)

I’m deathly afraid of failure. Perhaps that’s why I need to do so many different things all at once so I’m always succeeding at something. Or not failing at something. I don’t do rejection well. I’m not a blamer, I take full responsibility for my failures. That’s the problem. I’m also not the biggest fan of T.V screens in the dark. I can’t sleep in a room with one without covering it. The Poltergeist and The Ring totally screwed me over.

I would love to visit Alaska! Mr Smaggle and I discussing moving overseas somewhere really cold next year. We’d definitely rock Alaska.

Thanks guys for participating in question time. I love you all immensely and had so much fun answering all your questions.

My random winners (drawn out of a bowl by Mr Smaggle) are…

Tameeena, Nadist and Erica Lamb.

Please email me at

lady(@)smagglestyle.com with your full name and address so I can send you your Smaggle Pack!

Again thank you all so much for reading Smaggle – I’m sending everyone virtual kisses and little bum squeezes!

Love Lady Smaggle

xxx

I went to the dentist this morning and she showed me how to brush my teeth because she thinks that I’m not doing it properly. How humiliating…

* Dress from Barkins at DFO in Melbourne

* Tights from Barkins at DFO in Canberra

* Shoes from Funkis

* Brooch from a boutique in Thredbo

* Earrings by Bouvier from Bijoux

* Men’s watch from Fossil

I’m off to have lunch with a friend, spend the afternoon crafting, then to the gym to test out my new and hideous sports bra and then off to visit the Smaggles. Pleasant day…

Love Lady Smaggle

xxx

What do you keep on your bedside table? You always look fab but are you nice to your clothes and follow -directions (eg, Dry clean only, Hand wash, iron inside out) or does everything get put in the washing machine? What was your favorite toy as a child and do you still have it?

On my bedside I always have Lucas’ Pawpaw Ointment, my Iphone, a ridiculous stack of books and magazines, a notebook and pen and a dish full of random jewellery that I have just taken off. In terms of clothes I generally throw everything into the wash. When I lived with Mamma Smaggle she was the queen of fixing my stuff ups but I live hours away from her so I’m having to learn to do it myself. I find that clothing manufacturers are always way too cautious with washing instructions. You can be a little more brutal than they say. My favourite toy as a child was a tea-stained rabbit that I called Tea Leaf. I still have her now, she’s in Melbourne with Roomy Smaggle taking care of her until I get back.

What is your personal definition of glamour? How can one inject glamour into the everyday?

I think you need to dress beautifully and surround yourself with pretty things. You don’t have to spend a lot of money but make sure you have a wallet that you love, a gorgeous mug to drink your coffee from, delicious cotton sheets on your bed and yummy hand soap in your bathroom. Also, fake it till you make it. Think like a glamourous person and the behaviors will follow. Perhaps you might paint your nails every Sunday night? Or start wearing Chanel No.5? Or lipstick during the day? Stand up tall, dress like a queen and be divine. That’s glamour. Oh and be kind. There is nothing more graceful than good manners and kindness.

So, it’s a typical deserted island situation – what CD, book, and movie would you take?

CD – The Complete Symphonic Recording of Les Miserables. Book – The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde. Movie – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Brilliant. Actually can exchange the Oscar Wilde for a subscription to Vogue?

If you had to leave three things in a time capsule to sum up who you are for future generations (well, they’d totally want to know about you!) what would they be?

A theatre program. A Vogue magazine. A pair of pliers. Oh and some lip gloss.

I was wondering about your healthy eating habits. Where did it come from? How do you stick to it? (with the exception of your nighttime forays into cheese and wine) Any favorite standby meals?

The healthy eating comes from the fact that I have really, really bad genes. Digestively I mean. My family is gorgeous we just all have… erm… girth problems. So basically I’ve been on a diet since I was twelve. I have to stick to it or I put my health at risk. It’s as simple as that. I also like feeling healthy and my day is so much better when I exercise and watch what I eat. I’m not the smallest I’ve ever been at the moment but I’m not doing too badly. I just have to keep an eye on it. A typical day of eating for me consists of…

Breakfast – Soy milk smoothie with banana and protein powder or fruit

Snack – Carrot sticks and an apple

Lunch – Big salad with tuna

Snack – Green smoothie or vegetable juice or sultanas and almonds

Dinner – If I’m cooking it will be a lentil soup, fish and vegetables or steamed greens and tofu. I often eat out though which is a bit of a problem. I never buy junk food but if it’s in front of me I will eat it. All of it. I also love Chilli Con Carne and San Choy Bow. I like high protein, low carb dinners although I can’t always manage that. I try to be perfect as often as I can and make sensible choices so that I can drink wine and eat cheese on a Friday without doing too much damage. Holidays are hard because when you’re doing it every night that’s where the trouble starts.

I’m currently studying to become a librarian. As much as I love books and I love to read, I feel like I might not be making the right decision. Did you experience anything similar in your life, and are you happy with the choices you have made?

Honestly, I was so miserable in my first year of teaching that I thought I had made a huge mistake and wasted four years getting a degree that I would never use. Turns out, I just hadn’t found my niche in the profession. You need to love your workplace. If you have specific training your tasks will be very similar no matter where you work. It’s who is standing next to you that makes the difference. That could mean you have a work mate who brightens your day with a smile, it could mean you have an incredible boss that inspires and supports you or it could mean that you meet someone who changes the way you think about your profession and has you dreaming about doing extraordinary things. I’ve always found that it’s not so much that you’ve taken the wrong road you’ve just turned a little earlier than you should have. Or a little later. Think about the times when you’ve been happiest in your study and chase those scenarios. You just have to find your place. Also, no one says you have to be what you trained to be. If you really hate it, get out… but give it a red hot go first.

Whats your name? It is a depressing Sunday. you wake up and all you can think of is it’s work tomorrow. At this point, you know Carrie Bradshaw would be running down the street in high heels, fresh flowers in one hand, large coffee and new magazines in the other. She’s so cool. What do you do? where do you start? Go.

My real name is Carly. I tried to keep that private for a while but magazines wanted to print my real name so I had to let go of that. Well considering that it’s Sunday I would get up off my sad bum, chuck on some high heels and lippy and do as the Bradshaw does. Awesome. Also… you are aware that Carrie is fictional right? It’s a lovely fantasy but the creators of Sex and the City (a show I adore!) can’t honestly think that we believe that Carrie supports herself on ONE small newspaper column a week? Not only supports herself but manages to buy $400 pairs of shoes every week? Seriously? No one has a life like that with out someone else supporting them. It’s just not logical. Who says you can’t be cool like her anyway? Wear gorgeous clothes to work and be a proud and happy contributing member of this amazing human race. If you’re miserable in your job and for some reason you can’t leave then you have to make it your duty to be so fabulous outside of 9 to 5 that it totally makes up for it. After work buy a stack of fashion magazines and some takeaway food and spend the evening on the couch in your gorgeous P.Js. Carry a tiny clutch bag with only your lipgloss and some cash and go out for cocktails with your girlfriends. Do a yoga class before work. Wear a big flower somewhere on your outfit everyday. Unfortunately, unless your parents are loaded and generous, you marry a millionaire or you win the lottery you are never going to be rich with out working freaking hard to get there. And if you’re a business woman living in New York who has enough money to buy Jimmy Choos and live in an apartment where the bathtub is not in the kitchen I can tell you right now you will so not have enough time to be flapping around buying flowers and coffee. So deal with it… and lead the life you want in every spare second that you have. Live everyday with purpose and don’t let life just happen to you. Experience it.

If you have the time and interest to share any more info about green/black/white tea, we’d love to learn where you buy yours and what kinds you like.

Roomy Smaggle is the tea queen! We buy a lot of tea from Asian supermarkets and store them in Japanese tea caddies. From what she’s taught me you generally only have milk in black tea and that’s only if you prefer it. We have brown rice tea which look like brown rice bubbles and it’s amazing for your digestion. We have chamomile tea before bed and peppermint tea before dinner. She likes jasmine tea but I find it quite bitter. White tea is amazing. It’s so cleansing and delicious but it’s crazy expensive. I love T2 Earl Grey tea bags and peppermint  T2 tea bags but that’s just because I’m lazy. Roomy is a purest loose leaf kind of gal.

Do you and Mr Smaggle do the long distance thing? How do you keep it ticking over?!

Yes we do the long distance thing. He lives in Canberra and I live in Melbourne. Here are the reasons why it works for us -

* We are both very independent people and we are both very busy so even when we were in the same city we weren’t joined at the hip.

* We talk on the phone every night before bed. No exceptions. It sounds silly but we actually tell each about our whole day so we don’t miss out on anything.

* We see each other every two weeks. Occasionally if he has to go away or I’ve got something on it will be three weeks but it’s rarely longer than that.

* I come back to Canberra every holidays. I’ve just been here for two months and having those big periods of time together is really important.

* There’s an end in sight. My course is for two years and I’m halfway through. I have no intention of living away from him unless it’s absolutely necessary. I can’t imagine being a long distance relationship with an open ended finish date.

* I have a reason to be away from him. I didn’t just move for the hell of it.

* I have an amazing support network in Melbourne. I would have left long ago if it weren’t for them.

* It’s important to also acknowledge why you are doing the long distance thing. I get really sad sometimes because basically I adore Mr Smaggle and it’s pretty crap when he’s not around but I love my course and I’m loving with Roomy Smaggle and experiencing ’single’ life in Melbourne. Conversely Mr Smaggle is loving  living in his bachelor pad with his brother. Although we are very committed to each other we are being sensible and experiencing everything you should experience in your twenties before we end up with two cats and a vegie garden.

After reading your answers (you’re a doll, and a good person, to boot!) to everyone’s great questions, I want to know, if for some vastly unfathomable reason you ever move to the middle of West Texas, will you be my best friend?

It’s so bizarre that you say that because I have a weird blog thing going on where people always say that I remind of them of their best friend… but in answer to your question… of course! I like my tea with little bit of milk and I’ll bake the scones! You like 90210 right?

You and Mr Smaggle seem to have such a wonderful, loving relationship. The way you write about him is quite heart-warming. My questions is: how did you and Mr Smaggle meet? And how do you maintain your beautiful relationship, especially long-distance?

The ‘Where did we meet?’ question is answered here. Not quite sure how to answer your question on how we keep that alive though. It’s just a no brainer with us. We just really adore each other and the good stuff in our relationship comes from wanting to make the other person happy. We are also very silly, we laugh all the time and send each other stupid text messages and stuff. It truly think it’s the little things that count like last night my feet were freezing when Mr Smaggle came to bed and he actually got out of bed, got some socks and put them on my feet. Part of the secret is also me acknowledging that that was flipping awesome and then doing something lovely in return like making him fresh juice in the morning. We are a really good team and we love to work together too. We share similar goals. At the end of the day though I just think that he’s awesome and that makes me want to do lovely things for him and spend time with him. Plus he is like, totally dreamy.

My questions are: how did you learn to be photographable like you are? Did your ability to pose so you look good and interesting every time come from acting?

How do know I am photogenic? I could just be naturally, really, really, ridiculously good looking. Actually it’s very astute of you to figure that out – I’m one the few people in the world who actually looks better in photos than in real life. Maybe it has a little to do with the acting thing. You only have to appear in the newspaper once with four chins before you start training yourself to look good in photos. I also take around 20 to 40 photos every time I do an outfit shot.  I can say though that the biggest issue with people looking bad in photos is that they are afraid of the camera. You need to sit up, smile and look that camera right in it’s face. If I don’t I always end up looking like hunchback hermit.

And what kind of reading material is always at home on your bedside table/under the bed/in your bag?

I love high fashion magazines like Fashion Trend, Oyster, Russh and I.D. I also love Frankie, Vogue and UK Elle. I’m really not a fiction girl. I love reading about serial killers, murderers and true crime. I also read a lot of cookbooks and books about nutrition and health. I’m also a sucker for a good tragic biography. And craft books… I LOVE craft books.

What are your favorite materials to make jewelry out of and what are some of the most unusual? What jewelry project are you most proud of yourself for making? Also, do you have a “favorite” outfit? Like the kind that ALWAYS makes you feel good?

I love working with wood and leather and recently I’ve been experimenting with mesh oranges bags and rubber gloves. The piece I’m most proud of is a peyote stitch black strap bracelet I made for Mr Smaggle years ago. It’s thousands of tiny uniform beads stitched together to make a bracelet. It’s awesome. If I can find it I’ll take a photo. I don’t really have a favourite outfit but clear skin and something that makes me look really skinny generally makes me feel pretty tops.

If you could tell your teen self one thing, what would it be? Also, what’s your favourite baking recipe?

If I could I’d tell my teen self that your life doesn’t start until you leave school. Also, that it won’t affect your future in any way shape or form if you score less 80% on a test. Oh and that guy that you’ve got a massive crush on? Yeah. He’ll grow up to be a total douche and will possibly try to pick you up in a bar, not realising who you are. When you reject him, that’s the sign that you belong to yourself now for the first time since school. Same goes when you see the class bitch in a club and you don’t take any of her crap. Favourite baking recipe would be the choc chip cookie recipe on the back of Nestle choc chips packets. I’m serious. That recipe is the bomb. Only I always triple the amount of choc chips. I figure if you’re going to do cellulite, you do it well. My favourite no bake recipe is here.

Don’t forget that asking ends at midnight tonight and tomorrow will be the last answers post. Thank god. Who is ready for me to write about something else?

Oh and the Smaggle packs are done! I’m holding the loot in the photo…

You get a Smaggle made ring, a spearmint lipgloss, some of my favourite chocolate and tea.

There are three packs to be given away to three readers! It’s not a competition just a wee little thanks to the people who contribute to Smaggle everyday. Everyone who asked a question in the original post goes into the draw and if you want to enter (but didn’t have a question to ask) just comment below. It’s all about the love people. All about the love. Commenting technically ends at midnight tonight but if you get in before I wake up tomorrow that’s fine too… and also very vague… so get in quick to be safe!

Love you all!

Love Lady Smaggle

xxx

Just ‘coz I’m a bit of a nosy parker… and a romantic… my question is about you & mister smaggle. anything you fancy divulging: how did you meet? how long have you been together? you have mentioned a couple of times that he’s younger than you – how much?

Alright I’ll tell you… It’s 2002. I’m in a theatre watching a play that my friend is in. All of sudden this tall, gorgeous blond thing walks on stage and my brain goes all ‘Well, hello delicious. Who the hell might you be?’. I’m a sucker for man who can act and he was doing the most perfect Scottish accent – swoon. We spoke briefly after the show and I congratulated him on his performance. My friend Gina who I was seeing in the show was watching this interlude. After he left she came up to me and said ‘Dude. Don’t even think about it. He’s fourteen’. Yeah. Awkward much. I was eighteen at the time so um… ew. In my defense he has been six foot freaking four since he was eleven with a baritone that rivals James Earl Jones. So bite me. Then we kept doing plays together and stayed in contact and then one day, four years later, when it was no longer illegal for me to touch him, we went to see a movie and well…. we will have been together for four years in March. He is spectacular. Totally worth the wait.

What places do you love in Melbourne, esp. for going out for a night on the town?

I love Shanghai Dumpling house and then just down the road is the Shanghai Club where we do karaoke. It’s awesome. Both are just on Little Bourke St at the start of China town. I also love the Toff for cool shows and Section 8 the bar next door to Shanghai Dumpling House. I also love the Westgarth Palace cinema, Mixed Business Cafe in Clifton Hill and Night Cat just off Brunswick Street… and those are pretty much the only places I ever go. Sad.

What recipe are you most proud of and can you give us the step by step instructions to make it?

Easily Smoosh’n'freezin.

It’s a no bake slice that you smoosh in the pan and freeeze. Hence Mr Squiggle naming it ‘Smoosh’n'freezin’.

Ingredients -

70 gms butter

1/2 cup condensed milk

250 gms Gluten free plain biscuits (or if your boyfriend is normal you can use Scotch Fingers or Milk Arrowroots)

1/2 cup of chopped apricots

1/2 chopped white chocolate (or more… I’m usually quite generous with the white choc in this recipe)

1/2 chopped sweet baking ginger

1/2 cup desicated coconut

1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts

1 Packet of Milk or Dark melts

You throw the butter and condensed milk in a small saucepan and over low heat. Stir until butter is melted and mixture is all nice and mixed up.

Break up the biscuits with your hands into a bowl. Make sure to leave some chunks for crunchy goodness.

Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. Add butter and condensed milk and mix well.

Firmly press mixture into a lined slice pan. REALLY firmly press the mixture. Only if you want it to stay together. If you want it to be a crumbly mess then don’t.

Spread slice with melted chocolate and place in the fridge until firm. Once you have removed it from the fridge let it reach room temperature before you cut the slice otherwise the chocolate will crack.

This is a great recipe because it’s all in 1/2 cup amounts so you can exchange any ingredients  - I’ve used cranberries, pecans, dried bananas… this recipe is so popular as well. I’ve never left a party without an empty plate when I take this.

If you could wake up with any skill – not superpower, but actual skill, like knitting or something – what would it be? In other words, what would you love to be able to do really well without any practice whatsoever?

Singing. Hands down. I wouldn’t say I’m a terrible singer… I can definitely be given a microphone with out fear of puncturing eardrums but a naturally amazing singing voice would be absolutely number one.

Do you have someone whose blog you read or maybe a writer/author/artist, you love their style, you think they are witty and smart and you just think you could be friends with them, like drinking wine and talking?

Oh great question! Yes. Yes and Yes. Daddy Likey. What Claudia Wore. Seth Godin. I actually laugh out loud when I read these blogs – Except Seth’s. I just silently nod in awe. I could prettily easily eat dinner with anyone at Design Sponge too. Actually, screw it. Let’s just have a big old dinner party and invite them all shall I?

What’s in the Smaggle Pack?

A hand crafted Smaggle made ring and some of my favourite tea, chocolate and lip gloss.

What exactly are you hiding in that hair of yours?

Right now…? You don’t want to know. Previous items include bugs, pen lids (after having my hair in pony tail at school all day I came home and washed my hair and TWO pen lids fell out of it), hair bands that I thought I had lost and we also had a yellow budgie called Buddy who loved to hide in it but sometimes he got a bit tangled and couldn’t get out and Mamma Smaggle had to rescue him.

What does Smaggle mean? why did you choose it as your nom de plume? do your family/friends know what it means?

Smaggle – violent affection. I chose it because it sort of defines me I guess. I’m really feisty and forceful but it’s only because I’m just so freaking excited about everything all the time. Plus it’s just a great word. And Mr Smaggle fought tooth and nail for the domain so we felt it was meant to be. Family and friends know the meaning and lots of them now refer to me as Lady Smaggle.

How would you classify your style? I tend to go off-duty-dominatrix/sexretary at work & blogger-casual in evenings/weekends, et vous?

I’m like an art gallery owner in the office. A gypsy in the jewellers workshops. I’m a kindergarten teacher meets house painter when I’m teaching – the kids are gorgeous but very dirty. I’m a fashion week wanna be when I’m out for dinner and on weekends. I experiment the most in my free time. I don’t really have an identity… it’s a bit bizarre actually.

Would you blog if you had no audience? What would your superhero/alterego look like/dress like? If you could rock one look you currently can’t for whatever reason (i cant rock dresses, because i haven’t the presence of mind to sit like a lady, for instance..) what would it be?

I blogged for three months before I made the site live. It was like a dress rehearsal to see if I could commit. So yes, I have blogged when I didn’t have an audience and I would blog without one again. Although it’s so much for fun with you guys around! I would do sleek sophisticated like Audrey Hepburn or Cate Blanchett. I can’t pull off this look because of my hair and general urchin like appearance, most of the time I look like a crawled out from under a rock. If I could I would wear long silk dresses with no accessories and fitted pants and blazers. I look weird when I try to dress too ‘neat’.

Love Lady Smaggle

xxx

Today I got up early…ish. Did some writing, spent some quality time with the Wii Fit, who by the way, I am not longer speaking too because he makes me have guilt. Then I went and did some bead shopping and made some some delicious truffles for dinner at the Smaggle’s tonight. It’s becoming my signature dessert.

* Dress from Ebay years ago. I love it.

* Shoes thrifted in Canberra.

* Coin necklace from Poppy Smaggle.

* Earrings from Girlprops.

* Men’s watch from Fossil.

* Rings from Mlebourne, Mamma Smaggle and a director of a play I was in around ten years ago.

* Head scarf from that place that sells socks from a table in the mall.

How was your weekend my dear?

Love Lady Smaggle
xxx

I would like to know who, in your opinion, has taken the greatest fashion risk in past 12 months and totally rocked it? And what was it?

Hmmm… interesting question. I can’t think of anything in particular that was a huge risk although I loved the L.V Bunny Ears but I never saw anyone wearing them off the cat walk except Madonna and she looked like a freakin’ idiot. In terms of fashion risk takers in general here a few people that rock my sartorial world Daphne Guinness, Tilda Swinton, Queen Michelle, Susie Bubble and Vivienne Westwood.

Best place/area in Melbourne to shop for affordable but still stylish clothes? Annnnnnd … in your opinion, top ten staples/must haves for a rounded wardrobe?

I don’t really shop much in Melbourne because I’m insanely busy but the DFO there is fantastic. Co-Dependant Smaggle and I clean up every time we go there. I love Alice Euphemia, IDS, Brunswick Street in general but particularly the Alannah Hill outlet and a truly divine store called Harem. For not affordable but flipping pornographic clothes go to Gorman. That shop is beautiful. Avoid Chapel Street – I’m disappointed every time I go there. High street in Westgarth and Northcote are great too for little boutiques and cute things.

My top ten?

* As many dresses as you can get your hands on

* Scarves

* Tights

* Comfortable heels

* Boots

* Cardigans

* Good underwear

* A gorgeous winter coat

* Big earrings

* Eye shadow in natural colours

What do you like about living in Canberra (besides the obvious family/friend/life partner thing)? Anything that drives you crazy about the nation’s capital?

Oh I love Canberra! I grew up here. I know where everything is, the roads are wide and easy to drive on, I know where to get the best Bi Bim Bab in the city and I know which restaurants to avoid. I have been a part of some incredible theatre there and I had a wonderful, creative and awe-inspiring childhood there. Obviously the fact that a good majority of my favourite people live there helps a bit too. Things that drive me crazy would be that there are so many areas that could be used to give Canberra more life but it seems to be happening quite slowly. The lake would be incredible with bars, shops and cafes but developers seem to have a mind block with building there. I hate that people hate Canberra but I know why. It’s a difficult city to visit but a great place to live. I also have contacts in Canberra – if I want a job, an artist to collaborate with, wholesale beads or a part in play I can get it. I’m finding Melbourne to be a bit difficult in that regard and also there is so much more of everything it’s hard decifer what’s legit and what’s not. It’s always easier to live in the city that you were born in but if you stay there forever you’ll never appreciate it.

I don’t want to know everything about you in stalker-ish detail as I like random disclosures, that air of mystery and the way you often channel the divine Miss Vreeland. But I would love the Smaggle-made swag – so ….. the kaftan hour – is it now like, so over? Also – your thoughts on the kimono.

The kaftan hour is definitely not over. Never will be. Kaftan is in your heart. I love the kimono – Roomy Smaggle is Japanese and we often have evenings in our kimonos drinking brown rice tea and watching Scrubs.

Hello! The thing that got me attracted to your blog was “Why don’t you?” which was one of my favourite old columns in Cosmo magazine (I have no idea if they still have it).
So my question is, was that your inspiration? If so, good job. And I like your ideas better.

No way! My inspiration came from the divine Ms Vreeland who wrote ‘Why don’t you?’ columns for Harpeer’s Bizarre when she was the editor. I assume Cosmo got their inspiration from her also. I remember a reading a few of her ‘Why don’t you?’s in a book and then I found a whole book FULL of them and I was so sad when I finished the book because she’s dead now and obviously wouldn’t be writing anymore so I thought I’d just write them myself. Glad you like them!

What character from the ORIGINAL cast of Beverly Hills 90201 would I be?

By the way for everyone else it’s Grant from Ink and Leather who is asking this question. Jackie. Kelly’s mum. She’s a total queen who loves shopping, dining out and men. Plus I have a feeling you may be a closet alcoholic. Just a hunch.

What is your guilty pleasure music?

All of my music is guilty pleasure music. I love Whitney Housten (seeing her live in March. Squeal!), Cher, Michael Jackson and musical theatre soundtracks. At any given time I’ll either be singing ‘Beat it’ or ‘La Vie Boheme’ from Rent or singing the entire score from Les Mis – playing both Val Jean and Javert. I’m a musical disaster. Let’s stop talking about it now.

Please keep doing what you’re doing & don’t ever become a sellout?

Okay! I’ll try not to. What exactly constitutes a sell out though?

I love your posts where you talk about fitness and your ridiculously healthy lunches and exercise sprees (i like exercising vicariously through you  ), would you tell us how you developed a healthy balance between life and being healthy throughout your life until now, and any exercise/diet tips etc?

I’m a really busy person and I lose the plot if I don’t take care of myself. Here are a few tips that I live by -

* Generally speaking I don’t eat carbs. I rarely have bread and pasta. If I eat any carbs it will be rice or crackers  - my two big weaknesses in the white refined cards group.

* I eat vegies all day, everyday. I have carrot sticks, celery sticks and a big salad for lunch. I also have green smoothies and fresh vegetable juice as snacks.

* I rarely eat packaged food on a day to day basis. The one exception is canned tuna.

* I try to exercise every day but if I don’t exercise for one day I try to do a whole hour the next day to make up for it. I HATE cardio but I make myself do it and I love pump classes and strength work. I’m an ex-ballet gal so I love to stretch and tone.

* It’s important to eat for well being not weight loss. I struggle a lot with my weight. I always have. I find that it’s easier for me to resist sugary, refined foods if I think ‘I’m going to feel really sick if I eat that’ rather than ‘I will gain weight if I eat that’.

* I keep a food dairy where I track my calories and exercise everyday. It’s sounds obsessive but I have terrible genes and if I stop concentrating on what I put in my mouth and taking responsibility for it I gain weight really, really quickly.

* I’m not too strict about my ‘rules’ because I hate fussy eaters. If I go to friends house and they serve me rice I’ll eat it but I’ll go easy on dessert and work out a little harder the next day.

* I believe in eating like cave men. I think if you can hunt it, catch it, pick it or grow it then you can eat it. Which is why I don’t eat Mars Bars. Or McDonalds.

* I make my lunch everyday. It’s easy once you make a habit of it.

* I always pack my gym gear and schedule in classes. I drive there before I can even contemplate not going.

* I rarely weigh myself because my weight is bizarre. I fluctuate in a horrifying way so I go on measurement and how my clothes fit me. Otherwise I get unhealthily obsessed about it.

* All bets are off in Friday nights when I have a glass of red in my hand.

I’m a new-comer to your blog and you may have revealed this while you lived in Canberra but…do you spend more time north or south of The Lake?

South side bro! I’m a Kambah gal from way back. I used to work at the Kambah Village newsagent. My parents and Mr Smaggle are still technically Southsiders in Barton and Griffith but we spend most of our time in the city and in Manuka.

Love Lady Smaggle

xxx

How on earth do you get your headscarf to do what it’s doing in this photo?

It’s all about the scarf being thin, soft cotton and tying it very loosely. I fold a square scarf in half (triangle way) then the fold the point in a few times so the scarf is a long, thick rectangle. I place the centre of the scarf on top of my head, flick my whole head/upper body forward while loosely wrapping it around the back of my head. I bring the two points to the front and LOOSELY tie them in a messy bow. Loose, loose, loose.

What would be your dream outcome for your blog? Do you have one? Do you want to start selling merchandise? A book? A cook book? A jewellery line? A reality show? Custom made Smaggle gin? I get the feeling you just started this more as a hobby but it seems to have really taken off for you so are you thinking about a big bright blogging future out of this? Also one of my other blogging faves Gala Darling calls her followers “nonpariels” the shiny adornments on cupcakes. What would followers of Lady Smaggle be?

Blogging is really unpredictable and I don’t think you can plan any outcomes really. I’ve been published in Cleo, Cosmo and Bust last year which was great and I’m hoping to do some more print work this year. I will have jewellery store eventually I just want to take my time and do it right. I’d love to write a book one day. As for a reality show… I’m thinking no. But if Getaway ever needs a new presenter *raises hand enthusiastically*. I’m open to any opportunities that may arise from my blog but I’m not counting on anything. As for a name for my readers… Smagglets?

I myself make jewellery, beaded leather/felt/semi precious wire work/found objects etc…and have been rather enjoying the success of sales at my local community market, and have finally decided to take the plunge and begin listing on Etsy (Etsy = frickin’ drool-inducing awesomeness!!). As I usually make only two or three pieces in a similar style – and each of those being quite different in their own right – I find pricing very hard. From my years managing jewellery shops I know that things – in a retail sense – are usually only worth what people are willing to pay for them…
How can I learn to balance the passion/business acumen ratio and price fairly for the market , whilst remaining true to my craft and effort?

I always think that you should charge what your stuff is worth. Don’t just account for materials and labour. What about design? If you spend three hours designing a product and one hour assembling the product and only charge for the labour you’ve just short changed yourself for three hours of legitimate work. I think that consumers need to be taught to appreciate the design of a product. Sure they might be able to get something similar and cheaper in a chain costume jewellery store in a mall but it won’t have been made with purpose and by the hands of an artist. Package your product beautifully and be fussy about where you sell your stuff. Make your pieces special, give them a history and story. I once bought a single strand of tiny red beads with a charm on it for a ridiculous amount of money because it had a poem attached to the tag. The product was also really thoughtfully put together and the identity of the designer was strong and showed through the marketing. Also ask yourself – would rather sell 50 cheap pieces? Or 5 exceptional pieces? Both answers are fine – you just need to figure out which one you want to do.

Smaggle – so cute! What is the story? Are you a primary or secondary teacher? Why the shift to jewellery making?

Smaggle is a word that Mr Smaggle and I invented. It’s a cross between a smash and a snuggle. It’s really violent love. Like when a kitten is so cute you kind of want to squish it to death. That’s a smaggle. I used to be a secondary drama teacher but now I teach kids with special needs. The shift to jewellery making wasn’t so much a shift it was just me doing something that I always wanted to do. It would be great if I could make a full time career out of it but I love teaching my special kids so I might not ever stop doing that. I just like to do a lot of different things…

I would like to know what Lady Smaggle plans to do when she grows up. Where does she see herself in 5 years? 10 years? And how does she plan to get there?

I want to be everything when I grow up! In five years time I would love to be designing my own jewellery line, writing regularly for a few different magazines, perhaps publishing a book and doing some theatre work too. In ten years time I would love to own my own house somewhere near a rain forrest with a studio where I can work. I would love to be able to work for myself. Plans to get there? Participate in life. You’ve got to be in it to win it right?

Any recommendations on new styles for curly girls?

I had my hair cut at Barbarella on Gertrude Street in Melbourne and it was the best hair I’ve ever had. Get it cut all unevenly so it’s a big tangly mess. Ask girls with awesome curly hair cuts who their hairdressers are. That’s how I found my last two hairdressers. Embrace the messy look – realise that with curly hair you’ll never look polished. I also love wearing fake birds and bugs on clips in my hair. Makes it look like a fairy tale nest.

Can you talk about how your style evolved? You seem to really know what you like and what suits you.

I think style is a rather spiritual thing. I have a serious aversion to pants not because they look bad on me but I feel strange in them. Like I’m wearing someone else’s clothes. My style has always been quite girly with dresses, skirts and lace. I do actually think a lot about what I am wearing before I leave the house. Sometimes, even if something looks okay, if it doesn’t feel right I take it off. Also, when someone catches my attention in the street I try to pinpoint exactly what it is that makes their outfit so special. I also think I owe a lot to Mamma Smaggle. She has a beautiful eye for detail and was very honest as I was growing up about what worked on my body and what didn’t. Like mini-skirts and low cut jeans were bad. Dresses and long skirts were good. I also read a lot. I devour style books and read lots of magazines and blogs. I worked in a newsagency through out high school and developed a serious magazine addiction.

‘how many clothes do you own?’ Numbers please! How many skirts, dresses, cardis, tops, pairs o’ shoes?

Dresses – 40, skirts- 10, tops – 50, jeans – 3, pants – o, shoes – 40, cardigans – 10, jackets – 6. Guess-tamations of course because half my clothes are in Melbourne.

I’m curious about your day job, how you got there & what it consists of? We know bits and pieces from the blog, but I’m nosy, I want to know more.

Well I graduated from a double degree in secondary teaching when I was 21. I went straight to a college to teach drama to 18 year olds. It was great but I didn’t really fit in there, I loved the students but the school was full of teachers who were about to retire and they were cranky, bored and really uninspiring. I then went to work at a university in the English language institute and stayed there for two years running English tests for immigrants. Then, when I started my course in Melbourne I sent resumes out to local schools for relief teaching work and the first one to call me happened to be  a special school. I totally shat myself on the way there in the morning thinking ‘What the hell are you doing?’ but I had the best day teaching that I had ever had in my life. Slowly I just stopped teaching mainstream and I only teach special kids now and I love it.

I do all kinds of things depending on what type of needs the kids have. Lots of music, games, puzzles and sensory activities like playing with shaving cream. If they are higher functioning I do life skills which I love – I take them shopping, teach them how to catch trams, do sex education and teach them social skills. They are gorgeous creatures. Every one of them. I always finish my day with a smile on my face and the people I work with are amazing. The profession just attracts these great people so it’s always lovely to be at work with them.

Would you rather be a pirate or a ninja? Why?
Which are your favourite spots to socialise in the ‘Berra?

Please. Ninja. I fall over a lot so the idea of being stealth is quite appealing. Also I like boxing classes at the gym because they make me feel like I’m a Charlie’s Angel. I imagine being a ninja would give me equal amounts of please.

For socialising in the Berra… to be honest I like my friend’s balcony. But it would be weird if you hung out there so I’d say Knightsbridge in Braddon for cocktails, Regatta Point is great for afternoon coffee, I love meeting a girlfriend at the Gorman House markets on a Saturday and having yummy Lao food for lunch, Iori is great Japanese restaurant in Civic, A Bite to Eat in Chifley is a fabulous cafe, Chairman and Yip is my favourite for special dinners, I have to have Sammy’s at least once every time I come to Canberra, Tuesday night Trivia at University House is also a place that my friends and I frequent, I love a walk up Mt Ainslie or ride around the lake, there’s some lovely Thai resturants in Manuka. Also Braddon is quite up and coming these days. There’s some great stores like Unit Concepts, Itrip Iskip and Bourgeois Pig and pretty decent resturants and galleries. We also have some great tourist attractions that are great even if you live here. War Memorial, National Gallery, Portrait Gallery… most of which have great cafes with pretty views.

Love Lady Smaggle

xxx

P.S Don’t forget that question time ends on Tuesday.

Here are the answers to the first ten questions. I’ll do ten a day until I’m done. Here’s some hefty weekend reading for you!

As a curly-girl myself I have to ask, is your hair natural curly? And what products do you use on it?

Yes, my hair is naturally curly as of my ninth birthday. Before then it was long, thick and slightly wavy like Brenda in 90210. My hair looked like hell for most of high school because I was trying to get the balance of maintence and product right. Here a few hair rules that I live by…

* Embrace your curls and aim for volume. Don’t try to flatten, thin or layer it. Let it do its glorious, unkempt, been-rolling-naked-in-an-Elizabethan-field thing.

* Curly hair looks best when slightly dirty. Sad but true. I only wash my hair twice, maybe three times a week tops.

* Serums, gels, and special frizz sprays are crap and expensive. For washing, I use Head and Shoulders shampoo. I use any yummy smelling conditioner. Then, while my hair is still wet I slather on heaps of a creamy leave in conditioner. My favourite is a cheap Sunsilk frizz free leave in conditioner that I buy from Coles.

* I let my hair dry naturally whenever possible and when I blow dry it I only do it to about 60% dryness. I then add a little wax – at the moment I’m using Vo5 Matte Putty that I also buy from Coles. God, I’m a cheapskate. Then scrunch and dry a little more. I use a little spray of Cedel hair spray every morning too.

* I also never brush my hair. I only finger comb through conditioner in the shower.

* I’ve been dying my hair a few shades darker in the last few years and it’s really helped with the frizz. I’m naturally a mid to dark brown. Now I’m brown to black. I just use a chemist semi-permanent like Loreal. Roomy Smaggle dyes it for me and she’s the bomb.

* I also take a multivitamin every day and I eat heaps of fish with yummy good oils in them in. I’m sure they are both having magical potion like effects on my hair. Oh and when I went on the contraceptive pill a few years ago my hair went straight. No joke. I stopped taking the pill immediately but it still took a while for my hair to go back to normal… it’s still not quite the same.

I work in a less than stimulating office job which leaves a lot of time for online shopping. What are you favourite online stores?

I don’t do a lot of online clothing shopping because I’m fussy but here are some stores that I regularly use and have had OUTSTANDING service from.

Etsy – for crafty goodness, American Apparel – for cotton basics, Active Skin – for my favourite cleanser and moisturiser, Funkis – for clogs and Swedish goodness, Dymocks Online – For books. I’m boycotting Amazon because they are annoying me, Suppbitches – for supplements, proteins and vitamins, Girlprops – for junky funky jewellery, and as lazy as it sounds my new favourite is Coles Online – you can do all your grocery shopping and they deliver it to your door and carry it up the stairs and PUT IN ON YOUR KITCHEN BENCH for $9. I may never grocery shop again.

How did you achieve such a lovely, elegant blog? No matter what you blog about it makes me happy.

Wow I’m having a serious blush fest over here! If you’re referring to design, the secret is Mr Smaggle. He makes my blog pretty. If you’re talking about content… well… I just kind of write articles that I think I would like to read. I’m generally a happy person and I seem to attract a lot of weird, wonderful and crazy situations so I’m never short on stories to tell. I also stick to a rule that if I wouldn’t tell Mr Smaggle’s mum, my grandparents or my little cousins (all who read Smaggle) then I won’t write about it. I don’t censor myself and I’ll talk to anyone about anything – tampons, periods, the annoying girl that served me at the supermarket, stupid drivers – but I leave my truly personal experiences private. I think that keeps my blog a little more professional. Or ‘elegant’ as you say!

What would be your best, inexpensive tip of making your old wardrobe feel new so that you catch a glimpse of yourself in a window and think ‘My! Don’t I look fabulous today!’ without spending much (or any) money?

I’m a total tight arse when it comes to clothes but I will spend money on anything that is perfect and made from 100% natural fibres. Anything else is just dress ups for me. Here are a few tips for when you’re short on cash -

* Clean out your wardrobe. You will be AMAZED at what you find.

* Make a rule that you have to wear different accessories everyday and mix it up. A necklace one day, big earrings the next, then brooch, etc. That way you end up working your way through your accessories collection and getting out of your style rut at the same time.

* Scarves are awesome. Tie one around your waist, your head, attach one to your bag… Scarves are the most underused and over purchased accessory in the world. Make use of the sneaky drawer full of them that I know you have…

* Alter your clothes. Get any ill-fitting pieces tailored to fit or hem your own dresses to change the length.

* Have a clothes swapping party. Invite all your similar sized friends to clean out their wardrobes, have them over for afternoon tea, throw the clothes into a pile in the middle of the floor and go nuts. Donate any unwanted pieces to charity.

* Thrift. Always.

* Think of different ways to wear your existing clothes. Find pieces in neutral colours and use them like a blank canvas. Like this skirt that I’ve worn  here, here and here.

Any tips on op-shopping? I’m quite good at finding things but not so good at adapting them into my everyday wear.

I don’t really see how op-shopped clothes are any different to retail clothes when working them into your wardrobe but here are some tips for op-shopping – Canberra Style!

* Don’t buy something because it’s good quality and cheap. A $10 Country Road top is a waste of money if you’ll never wear it.

* Never op-shop with a particular purchase in mind. You just won’t find it.

* Look in the men’s and plus sized sections. I’ve found excellent drapey shirts and dresses by shopping outside the box.

* Never pay more than retail for anything. This is a real problem in Australia with Supre and Valley Girl clothes fetching prices of up to $15 which is barely less than the original price. Just don’t go there.

* Don’t buy anything that needs major alterations. If it needs a button sewn on or a hem fixed then fine. It’s not worth it if needs anything more than that.

* Material Pleasures – the Gorman House Markets and Kingston Markets second hand store is awesome. They just opened during the week in Fyshwick too. The lady who owns it is very enthusiastic and she often gives discounts for multiple items. Best second hand shopping in Canberra by far.

What foundation items would you suggest for someone rebuilding their wardrobe from…well nothing?

Like, actually nothing? Cool! Lets pretend I just skipped the country with nothing but a credit card… Once I got to Copenhagen (dream destination) I would buy…

* Beautiful nude seamless underwear. Bras, knickers, form fitting body stockings and full briefs. A few of each in black as well. I have no need for bras that are colourful or covered in lace or undies that have half the arse cut out of them and I have never understood the purpose of white underwear.

* Cardigans in grey, black, brown and plum.

* Calf length dresses in pastry colours – taupe, beige, nude and cream. Black, forrest green and teal blue also.

* A beautiful pair of leather boots in black, camel or brown.

* Strappy leather sandals in brown, nude or black.

* Killer heels. No rules. Go wild.

* A pair of neutral wedges.

* A pair of red shoes. I have a theory that red shoes go with everything.

* A pure wool coat in grey.

* A trench in beige.

* Tailored skirts in floral prints.

* Linen and cotton shirts.

* A few hair clips and head bands with feathers or flowers.

* A million pairs of tights in every colour. Black wool, grey, red, berry, yellow, polka dot…

* Some delicious, thick knee high socks.

* Scarves. Big square ones with tasselled edges for wrapping around my head turban style.

* A long sterling silver necklace with a simple pendant on it.

* A pair of large stirling silver earrings.

* A chunky silver men’s divers watch.

* Several pashminas.

* The perfect shade of lipstick.

* Good quality work out gear with funky Nike hi-tops.

* A million wooden bangles.

* A giant pair of sunglasses.

I have no need for pants but if you must buy some dark denim slim leg jeans.

That was fun.

What gave you the impetus to move states and pursue your jewellery course? I mean you are clearly following your passion, but how do you reconcile that with all the practical stuff?

I think it’s bullshit when people say that you can achieve anything as long as you believe in yourself. I think you can achieve anything if you know what you want, you’re realistic about it and you work your butt off. It’s really difficult to make a living in any creative industry. I just don’t see why everyone puts pressure on themselves to ‘make it’ in their field. Being paid for your creative contribution to the world doesn’t validate it.

The reality is, at the end of the day you have to pay your bills. I’m an actor, writer, jeweller, designer and teacher. I make money doing all of these things but teaching pays my bills. I could give myself over to all or one of these industries and try to ‘make it’ but you know what? I like money. I like wine. I like shoes. I like going away for weekends with Mr Smaggle. I like paying my rent like a grown up and having a fridge full of food. I’m not about to gamble a comfortable life away on something that may or may not happen. When I finish my ‘real’ job I come home, write an article for Smaggle, do a few hours at the jewellers bench, do some sketches and head to a rehearsal.  I’m actively involved in all of these industries so if I happen to get ‘discovered’ at some stage then that’s great. If not, I have money in the bank to buy my silver, my stage make-up, pay for my internet connection and buy a sketch book. If you work hard enough you have enough time to do everything. Sorry Scribbles dear, that sounded cranky didn’t it? I meant it be optimistically forceful!

You always have new outfits on with beautiful accessories and the like – how do you afford to keep up with the latest fashion? Also dressing for your body shape? Is there a special formula to know what you look good in?

As I’ve said before I’m a very frugal shopper but I mostly buy good quality clothes in nuetral colours as my basics. I also NEVER dress in the latest fashions. I usually find anything on offer in chain stores is pretty bloody vulgar. I shop in boutiques for funky affordable pieces, Target and K-Mart for basics and recently I’ve been shopping in old lady stores like Table Eight and Sportscraft. They actually have beautifully designed dresses that cover your backside and there’s nothing made from nasty polyester. I’m currently having a love affair with linen…

In terms of shopping for your body shape. Just look at yourself. Really look. I refuse to believe that the women out there sporting muffin tops, side cleavage and cellulite can’t see it. They either don’t care or are lying to themselves. When trying something on, don’t hold your stomach in and pull your shoulders back or try to hide whatever flaw the piece of clothing is highlighting. Jog, jiggle, sit and slouch. If it looks good in all these positions it’s a keeper. If it only looks good when you tilt your head to one side and stop breathing don’t buy it. Der.

I also wrote an article about this a little while ago.

How to find your body shape and learn to rock it.

What would you recommend as key items in any woman’s wardrobe?

This one was sort of covered earlier but I don’t think that my basics will help anyone really. Trinny and Sussanah (who I love) list basics like -

* A good white shirt

* Well fitting black pants

* A light weight tailored blazer

* Plain white t-shirts

So… um… are we going horse riding then? All of the above items look terrible on me and as such I don’t own any of them. There are women out there who look sleek and sophisticated in tailored suits. I look like a man. I do think all women need good quality shoes – flats and heels, clothes that flatter them, supportive and invisible underwear and signature jewellery in precious metals. A good hair cut and skin routine is also essential.

Do you have a special cup or mug or glass that you use? One that’s special enough that you have a nice little internal (or external!) tantrum when you see someone else using it? And if so, what does it look like?

Brilliant and ridiculously appropriate question. Yes. I do have a special mug. In fact, I have two. One lives in my Melbourne house and was given to me by Co-Dependent Smaggle years ago. It’s white with ‘PRINCESS’ written on it in pink. It’s chipped and I refuse to throw it out because I love it. No one uses that mug because they are very aware of the consequences. I tip out their tea.

The second one is a white mug with flowers on it and it lives at my old work place in Canberra. I still work there on my holidays and my mug is still in the kitchen. Someone has now adopted it and it regularly disappears. It then shows up again, dirty, in the sink. I don’t know who the culprit is yet but Browny and are watching… our eyes are everywhere. Someone else used it once about two years ago and I saw him take it into his office and then he went away on holidays. I had security unlock his office door and stole it back. A-hole. Take MY mug…

Love Lady Smaggle

P.S Part two is on its way. If you have any questions to add you have until Tuesday.

Etsy

* Seth Godin rocks my world. That man is a genius. If I ever meet him I’m going to touch him in his special place.

* Eyeliah, if you ever get sick of that dress I know someone who could give it a really good home… just putting it out there.

*These leather necklaces at the Coveted are giving me serious DIY hankerings…

* Awesome celebrity mug shots over at Cat Party. I love the picture of Myra Hindley. She is a disgusting woman but so fascinating. Her boyfriend was Ian Brady together they were responsible for the Moors Murders.

* The new collection from Lover that Rhiannon blogged about is pretty much what my new fashion concept is all about. I love cream, brown and beige. Sounds boring but I think dressing like pastry treats is a beautiful thing.

* These illustrations at the Clothes Horse are so delicious.

* I’m an old fashion gal and I love to send thank you cards and I just ordered some of these little bargains over at Etsy. They come with PERSONALISED ENVELOPES! That deserves capitilising.

Love Lady Smaggle

xxx

P.S The questions are making me so excited. I’m having to stop myself from responding immediately.