GO AWAY, GIVE ME A CHANCE TO MISS YOU

“Go away, give me a chance to miss you. Say goodbye, it will make me want to kiss you…”

A Pink fan and an ardent DVD ‘Live’ procurer I have enjoyed countless hours of her music. A slightly hoarse throat and ringing ears are usually the only side affects of a night spent lip-sinking her lyrics.

However, while singing passionately to Leave Me Alone (I’m Lonely) one evening it suddenly occurred to me that I am totally this individual (and not in a way like every woman actually believes they are Carrie from Sex in The City). I honestly am this person. I adore sharing my time with those I love, but geez I love it when they’re not there.

I need my space, that’s just who I am.

It was in the midst of this epiphany a sick feeling rose from the lowest point of my stomach and exploded out of my forehead giving me an instant headache. You know that feeling. When a new level of consciousness smacks you right between the eyes and you can’t believe it’s taken you so long to get it.

HANG ON.

Does that mean that distance is all that’s required to renew my feelings of passion? OMG! How am I only seeing this now, what’s wrong with me? I consider myself particularly introspective so this abrupt revelation comes as somewhat of a shock.

I loved them. I loved them dearly but I got bored so I happily set them free. Yes, I should have realized when I saw them with someone else and felt a slight pang of resentment but I shrugged it off as boredom with what I have now. The new version just doesn’t seem to be cutting it anymore. It never occurred to me that I actually missed them.

The good times we had together. They were so versatile, so happy to go with the flow.

Metallic heels are like that though. They go with everything, which is why I think I got bored with them in the first place, but on the gorgeous friend I gave them to they look sooooo good. What was I thinking? Maybe these were the ones?

You know, the classics you wear, look after and nurture then pop back in the box for twelve months and pull out again when you’re feeling nostalgic. The ones you earmark for your first born daughter because they’re utterly destined to become vintage must-haves.

What if I’ve let ‘the ones’ get away? Oh, Manolo, can you ever forgive me?

This exposé of my emotional behaviour has made me realize that we women are a little like 7 year olds. My mother keeps telling me to rotate my child’s toys by packing up one third of them and hiding them away, only to return them to her six months later and see her embrace them with renewed vigor.

I survey my over-the-top purpose built shoe storage and cast aside my favourites, for now. Digging deep in each rung, I reach into the melancholy depths and haul out a selection of dust covered shoe bags. Oh, the exhilaration of it all. Trips to Italy, shopping sprees in Melbourne, cheeky strappy sandals in sensible beige – Ah, the memories…

Flinging off the Chloe ballerinas that are my current wardrobe staple, I slide on the 9cm heeled beige strappy sandals. I feel a smile creep across my face as I recall wearing them some years ago and a good male friend telling me that only I could find sexy strappy sandals in sensible beige.

Black 2004 Gucci runway platforms peek out from beneath black and silver dust covers. With 87 people on the waiting list for these shoes in Sydney I walked straight up to the Gucci Boutique in Waikiki and walked out with them on my feet. A little overdressed but exhilarated.

Memories good and bad come with these unintentionally archived objects. I find myself completely in love for a second time.

Some of my current favourites are rotated to the back and the old / new ones given pride of place once again. Stimulating ideas for wardrobe choice over the next week the old guard has rehabilitated many other discharged wardrobe items. I feel good. Fresh. Revitalized. Externally Spring cleaned almost.

So. I presume with that theory well and truly proven, there is one last thing for me to do.

I should probably duck off and attempt to rotate my daughter’s toys.

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Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
or read Tracey's columns @ http://www.babesinbusiness.com

LILO STRIDES TO HER CELL IN LOUBOUTINS

Lindsay Lohan wasn't sporting her sober anklet as her best accessory last week when she was marched back to the clink, it was a pair of USD$1,200 Christian Louboutin booties (according to Fox News).

This could mean she wasn't expecting to go back to jail post rehab or it could merely be that she's trying to elevate her convict chic.

Who knows! Anything's possible with this wild-card.

(Image Credit: FoxNews.com)

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PRE LOVED VINTAGE GLAMOUR

Nothing like a little vintage to stir up a girl's walk-in.

While end of season sales are one sure-fire way to save yourself a little cash, pre loved vintage is yet another.

Avoir Luxury Vintage on Queensland's Gold Coast has been established to provide quality pre loved designer luxury accessories to Australia.

Each item has been personally sourced by experts from across the globe and the stash includes; shoes, handbags, purses and scarves. Once authenticity is verified the pre loved designer trinkets go on offer via their store and website.

Pre loved items are inspected and detailed descriptions and images are provided so that you know exactly the level of quality you are purchasing.

Love these Dolce and Gabbana floral linen and white with python straps, RRP $1100 Avoir price $550 and these gorgeous limited edition Bally patent ostrich pumps, RRP $1500 Avoir price $750.

Save yourself the eBay non-genuine article headache and visit Avoir.

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SHOE HEAVEN @ SELFRIDGES

Oh dear Lord, not even in her wildest dreams could Carrie Bradshaw even have imagined 35,000 square feet (approx 3,250 m2) of shopping space dedicated to shoes.

Last week, on the eve of London Fashion Week, Selfridges' new shoe department was finally unveiled.

The mammoth space will showcase over 5,000 pairs of shoes from 120 brands, ranging from designer styles to collections from high street, according to the Daily Mail.

Designed by architect Jamie Fobert, there are six different salons, each with a different look.

Unbelievable, almost a good enough reason to spend more time in London.

For more go to the Daily Mail.

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SPRING INTO WEDGES

OMG. Love!

Just arrived @ Nat-Sui's Fortitude Valley shoetique. In nude & pale green. Get onto it people these will not last.

Email info@nat-sui.com.au for stockists around Australia or go to the website.

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Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
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CRAZY SHOES OF NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

When The Huffington Post's craziest shoes of New York Fashion Week appeared in my inbox it was clicked within a millisecond of its arrival.

During a good fashion week one can always marvel at the frequently impressive and terrifyingly high stilts in which models somehow manage to strut their stuff. Loving these Christian Siriano for Payless platform sandals.

Thanks to The Huffington Post, for your viewing pleasure, a collection of the craziest, most unexpected shoes this particular fashion week had to offer.

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BABES COLUMN: AND WE'RE OFF & RACING

Ah the Races. Spring Racing Carnival is almost upon us; the horses, the fashion, the champagne, what’s not to love?

Decadent marquees lined up along the track with seemingly endless supplies of delicate canapés and champagne; provide glorious viewing pleasure from the corporate boxes that sit above them.

Women submit themselves to hours upon hours of flowing summer dresses, corsetry and this season’s super high heels, while gents put on their latest Sunday best and shoe finery.

Ah yes, the Races, where the fashion pendulum can swing from impressive interpretations of chic to horrifyingly short sequined dresses within minutes.

I’m unsure as to whether it’s the swift melodic sound of the race call or the enthusiasm that comes hand in hand with being glam-packed at a bar with half a dozen of your nearest and dearest but the expeditious consumption of alcoholic beverages seems to be part and parcel of the good Aussie race day. More >>

Read the rest of Tracey's column @ Babes in Business.

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Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
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BABES TIPS: HOW TO WORK THE ROOM

Last night @ Babes in Business new Life's an Art series we learnt: How to be the life of the party.

As promised to those Babes who attended here are my 10 tips:

1. Wear an outfit you love and shoes you are comfortable in; this may sound a little crazy coming from me - but wear shoes you can go the distance in. The exception to this rule is that if the outfit you love shows 4 litres of boob and the colour of your underwear then you may need to rethink it. What you should take into consideration is; according to colour studies vibrant colours will draw people to you so try reds, royal blues or purples.

2. Exude confidence. If you don't have it, fake it. They say imagining yourself to be the most popular person in the room can help make it so by boosting endorphins and lowering stress hormones. Others will be drawn to you.

3. Show up on time. While it may be fashionable to be late people will already have started to congregate in groups which can make introducing yourself a little more difficult.

4. Play host; offer to get someone a drink or direct them to food or bathrooms. Playing host can have you moving around a room and meeting as many people as possible, along with ensuring you don't get caught in any one spot for too long.

5. Stay standing. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to isolate yourself on a chair making it impossible to mingle.

6. Ask a lot of questions, people love to talk about themselves. If it doesn't come naturally to you avoid overly academic language it can sound clumsy, or worse, pompous. If you are at a business function avoid sexual connotations, for obvious reasons.

7. Pay genuine compliments.

8. Use people's names, you make a connection and it shows you're listening.

9. End on a strong note, try bringing up something the person said earlier, again reaffirming that you're listening to them. Give them your business card before you leave the conversation, you may not have the opportunity again. Remember: The last impression counts. Know when to leave and do so quietly or you'll be saying goodbye for hours.

10. Eat. Now this last point may bother the restrictorexics among us but if you're anything like me the last thing you're going to do is gnaw on a chop while you're trying to have a conversation with someone. If that's the case - I'm begging you - eat before you go. It doesn't have to be elaborate a piece of toast will do, just eat. Nothing gets you liquored up quicker than two glasses of champagne on an empty stomach.


Now for some DONT'S:

In the salubrious words of Snoop Dog in his song Life of Da Party; you know it's all good when you're not drinkin' all my liquor.

Booze. Know how to handle it and learn how to handle those who will overindulge in your presence. Corporate marquees and functions are notorious for plying their guests with liquor. As fabulous as that is, it isn't a race. It's not a competition to see who can get the best value for money. You need to control your own intake and learn how to handle someone if they become a little too loose.

While I love a good function just as much as the next guy I struggle with the post match carnage. Women who arrive wearing laboriously crafted ensembles leave half dressed and holding their shoes while throwing up in the gutter, sans underwear! (Bird Cage, Melbourne Cup 2007).

We've all had a little too much champagne on odd occasion but throwing up on the Monolos you had layby'ed @ Jean Brown for 3 months is just not cool. Nor is carrying them in your hand while you walk to the taxi rank in your fishnets. Shoes belong on your feet not in your hand.

Most of us have resembled the man or woman in the latest government community service announcement for alcohol abuse but your Firm's client drinks just isn't the place to replicate this.

Ladies, if you attend enough functions it's likely you will hear confessions of love from boozed post private school twice divorced lawyers. You just need learn how to deal with it. No matter that when you resist his 'charms' he is going to call you a lesbian. Of course you are. So be it. It has nothing to do with the fact he is an arrogant narcissist that has abused the wait staff and stinks of booze and cigarettes. Don't make a scene, just live with it and move on.

75% of people say they're shy in social situations so if you are one of them don't despair. True socializing is a skill you can learn.

If all else fails you'll be pleased to know that Apple has you covered. There is an iPhone App @ just $1.19 called Life of the Party, apparently guaranteed not to have you stuck in a situation with nothing to say.

Enjoy!

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Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
or read Tracey's columns @ http://www.babesinbusiness.com

LIFE'S AN ART @ BABES IN BUSINESS

Life's An Art - How to be the Life of the Party

We know that many of our babes are seasoned networkers but for those who feel they could do with a tune up or would like to hear from the pros, Babes in Business is introducing an exciting new event series entitled Life's an Art. To kick the series off we'll be learning: How to be the life of the party.

Babes will enjoy champagne, wine and canapés at Queensland's hottest new venue, RUGBYQUAY and will be treated to networking and socialising tips from industry experts including Brisbane's very own Etiquette Queen Lainey Loneragan, Networking Expert Lisa Butler and Fashion Writer / Blogger Tracey Gillinder.

Babes will also put their palates to the test with a special wine tasting hosted by Purple Palate.

See you at the party!

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Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
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NOW THAT'S A FASHION FESTIVAL

I have to admit, I've been to a lot of fashion shows but last night's Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival Group Show was most certainly up there with the best.

Still in its infancy, (this is its 3rd year), the The Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival has become the most prestigious fashion event on the Sunshine Coast (Queensland) showcasing local designers alongside national and international guest labels.

Last night's Group Show @ the new Quay West Resort & Spa Noosa (gorgeous hotel & one I'd like to see in the light of day) did not escape a little pre-show drama having to relocate from the glorious poolside to indoors due to rain.

Not to be deterred the show did go on in spectacular fashion showcasing 14 local designers & 7 guest designers (all in Princess Chic shoes) including internationally acclaimed & Australian design hall of fame recipient Richard de Chazal, one of Australia's most respected haute-couture designers, make-up artists, stylists & photographers.

Uniquely the Festival offered a Market Hall to guests open after parade to purchase the latest summer fashions before they are available in-store.

Through the diverse range of events; fashion parades, buyer opportunities & workshops, this year's SCFF was a winner.

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STILETTO'S IN THE DARK @ SCFF

Those fabulous gals from Princess Chic did it again with Stiletto’s After Dark @ the Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival last night.

On arrival guests walked the red carpet while their photograph was taken then it was down to bubbles and girly talk – shoes!

Oh thank you for training the lovely crowd how to walk in stiletto’s. Princess Chic herself demonstrated firstly how not to do it, then the physical aspect of how to do it right.

A touch of Q & A with trend forecasts (nude, nude, nude people) and then the silent shoe auction, which with all of those ladies, wasn’t so silent!

Loving SCFF - refreshing and fabulous. See you again tonight ladies.

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Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
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RALPH LAUREN'S HERITAGE CHIC

Loving Ralph Lauren's latest offering, Heritage Chic.

Plenty of rich textures, shimmer, clog-love & fluffy detail. Particularly loving the Natalia Shearling platform boot (left).

Get to your nearest Ralph Lauren boutique or go online.

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KARDASHIANS ADD STILTS TO BEBE RANGE

According to US People magazine the Kardashian gals are adding shoes and handbags to their popular bebe collection. If you've ever wanted to walk in the Kardashians’ sky-high stilettos for a day, here's your chance.

Kim, Kourtney and Khloe are adding sexy stilts and up-to-the-minute bags to their existing bebe designer collection. Available from September 9th, the range is set to hit bebe stores and will be available online.

Bebe says the Kardashians’ new accessories 'will embody their own unique breed of sex appeal while keeping in step with fresh-off-the-runway looks.'

With shoes priced from $159-$228USD and handbags set to retail from $79-$298USD, the latest additions to the collection are a sure hit.

(Image Credit: bebe)

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ARE YOU THE LIFE OF THE PARTY?

Queensland based Babes in Business is set to launch its new Life's an Art series.

The first event cheekily titled Art to Being the Life of the Party is set for September 14th @ The Strand RugbyQuay.

Bookings open soon, go to Babes in Business.


NB: While the lovely folk @ Babes have called me a Fashion Journalist, I am merely but a humble fashion writer. Will leave the serious Journalism to my esteemed Journo friends!

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Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
or read Tracey's columns @ http://www.babesinbusiness.com