I only realized today that I have never posted this.  Spike Jonze spent a day with M.I.A when she was just starting out.  I've had this in my bookmarks for ages and have been meaning to post and so seeing as I intended to post something tonight and just throwing up a youtube vid is a lazy way of blogging but hey, I am going through a hangover right now that would make Courtney Love's eye water so you can just suck it.  There are 6 parts to this vid, I'm posting the first and you can figure out the rest because I know you are all pretty clever.

 

Good night!

Love The Grumpy Owl x

 
Hello everyone, how are 'tings?  I'm alright thanks for asking.  I still love Melbourne and have been going through a few adjustments of late.  A few doors have closed on old wounds and a few exciting ones have opened.  But that is life hey?  Imagine there was a nerve connected between our brains and our emotions that could just be switched off!?  If the nurses think they've got something to strike about now, then whoah imagine if that shit could go down.  Haha, I kid though.  Heart break and heart ache and making up and breaking up are character building and all part of life experiences.  Like, how good does summer feel after a long winter?  Exactly.

Metaphors aside and on to some real weather and me self indulgently talking you through my instagram pictorials.

We just woke up one morning and summer had done a runner in the night like a one night stand. 38 degrees on the Sunday and then rain like a cow pissing on a flat rock on the Monday morning and it's been here to stay like the last irritating friend at a party. But then again, this is Melbourne so tomorrow we could all be in our bikinis again. Well not me, but girls who can. FUCKING WEATHER, WHAT A CONVERSATION STARTER.



This was taken in the midst of summer. Australia Day to be exact. My homie Paul with his ginger book ends Dave and Nick. Nick is the bloke on the right who has just moved to Australia from London along with his missus Emily and they are also my new housemates. Australia Day was their induction haha. I think they're loving it thus far but they dun know too many people so be sure to say g'day if you see them about, Most likely to be found in sneaker joints.



This is Emily. She is a vision of pastels and blonde hair and a booty you can crack nuts on. Fashion designer, bike rider and cocktail umbrella wearer. I took this photo last night at The LuWow in Collingwood. Dolly Daydream here was in her element.



They're also really good at dinners. Look at this guy for instance. Yummo. All protein and nutrients up in there. Which is good 'cause I'm back on the protein horse. I had a FUCKED 2011, I really did and this gut I'm carrying around is not only physical, it's emotional so I joined the gym and I told bread to take a long walk off a short plank.



This dress for instance. I used to fit in it like it ain't no thang and now it's just a decoration in my bedroom. Well nah ah gurl fran, I am sorting this shit right out. Stay tuned for the purple dress self shot. Hopefully it's sooner rather than later. Can ya'll feel my determination? I drank soda water and lime all night last night for Gods sake.



So a few weeks back there was the GIRLS IN KICKS exhibition here in Melbourne and yours truly was amongst the girls in the portraits. New Balance sent me these babies to wear to the opening night. Now I have always been a loyal supporter of the swoosh (even though I have been pretty much glued to my Vans Authentic's of late) but you know what? I am feeling NB in a big way. Plus they're made in England and I love England AND they are comfy as fuck. I quite fancy a pair in green hmmmm



What would the OWL experience be without the nail pics? A more tasteful one no doubt haha. WHATEVER, ACRYLICS FOR LIFE. Those who have followed this blog for a while will know I rocked the long, square, hoochie claws for a minute, then I took them a bit rounder and now they are 10 little pointy triangles and I luz dem. These are last month's though...



These are the ones I have currently. Except I broke 2 and then just had them painted black. They did it for free because APPARENTLY I'm 'there all the time' . I wonder if I will ever grow out the nail phase hey? Probs not, it's been 7 years



Every year I buy a new wallet and a new diary. Now I'm involved with Moleskine distribution, they were a natural choice for my diary game and bloody Hell you can see why it's such an iconic brand. I am never looking back. I usually get bored of diaries around mid year and then get stuck in again as Christmas approaches but I would actually be lost without this little guy. Green leather wallet I copped from FAT 4 on Brunswick street, holler.



Notice my cushion covers? A reader from Queensland made them and sent them to me with this cute little card! How is it that a stranger knows me better than some of my own family? Girl, you should give them tips in December. Not even worried if Mum reads this 'cause she quit reading the OWL a looooong time ago. Follow 'erincq' on instagram, she's such a doll. And I'm not just saying that 'cause she gave me stuff, she really is.



Has anyone popped into the Converse store in Melbourne Central of late? I haven't been back in since last year when I copped some black low's but I've been meaning to go because I quite fancy some plain white high tops. How good are their carrier bags?



This is another little addition. It kinda makes my room look like a brothel but maybe that will bring me some action. Nah I've just always liked neon lights, found mainly amongst red light districts and strip clubs. Hmmm, no coincidence I swear but really, it says 'LOVE' for fucks sake, it's cute and innocent like moi



Speaking of love. This broad. I think everyone deserves that friend who will straight up tell you like it is and not what you want to hear, and I have found one in this barrel of laughs. My girl Alex has beauty and brains and can sink beers with the boys with finesse.



Lately...well not lately, I guess I/we have always known that with every action comes a reaction and reactions come with consequences. The chicken and the egg story..how did it all begin, where did it all start, whose fault is it, who can we blame, how do we handle things when we're hurt and confused. The truth is, while there are those that really do just like to fuck things up for people, I think that acting on our emotions are what make us human but what separates us from animals, is our ability to have a little self control. Today somebody told me happiness is letting go and moving on. I agree. Holding the happy memories is a lot easier to carry than the heavy weight of baggage. That reminds me, I need new eye cream.



 


K_A_R_M_A_G_E_D_D_O_N from CASSETTE PLAYA on Vimeo.

 

CASSETTE PLAYA


 


NEW YEARS EVE. People love a clean start don't they?  Who can blame us really, the dream in many cases is wishing we could start over and a new year is the closest we'll ever come to that.  2011 was a tough one for me personally...I won't go into it...mainly because I'm sick of talking about it and also, there are many who are worse off than me and I don't want to fucking moan.

I'm going to reflect in pictures, it's easier.

This year I moved from the hot, dry city of Perth in Western Australia to the leafy, cultural city of Melbourne. Resolution number one: Embrace my new home. Explore it's crevices and make it mine. It was voted the most liveable city in the world this year...who the fuck am I to argue with the statistics?



I went for a month long trip to the city that I hold close to my heart back in October. Nothing has changed about how I feel about London, but my experiences there and crushed expectations have inspired me to make some important decisions. Resolution number 2: Nostalgia is for the weak and worrying about the future gives you wrinkles. Live in the now and choose better men, friends and luggage. Rubbish ones will only slow you down.



My world is full of colour...and I wouldn't have it any other way. But my wardrobe is bursting with rainbow hues that I just no longer wear. Resolution 3: Strip back and embrace the chic. Quality over quantity and all that jazz.



I've made some great friends this year and I've been disappointed by a few as well. I have drifted from some and have been pleasantly surprised to have a few drift back in. But that's life yeah? Number 4: Instead of spending energy on cutting people off and forcing issues, nurture and appreciate the good ones. The keepers.



This humble blog has taken me down roads I only dreamed of when I stared it 2 years ago. I have my own column in 2 publications, I guest write for a mirage of blogs, I've worked closely with people I admire and met a bunch of people who have done nothing but enrich my life. Reso #5: Work like a boss and take my money a little more seriously.



Eat better. Not to lose weight as such although Lord knows I could stand to lose a few, I just want to be a little more aware about what goes into my gob. Fruit, veg and grilled protein. All the exciting stuff basically :/ But there is no way in HELL I am giving up cheese, coffee or wine. Resolutions are all fine and well but I'm fucked if I'm gonna be boring.



Finish the OWL book.



The mothership resolution that is the umbrella for the others: Smell the roses. Expect the best and prepare for the worst. Life goes on and there are highs and there are lows, the highs are great and make life worth living, the lows are inevitable and can make it difficult to get out of bed...but them's what stops you from becoming a spoilt brat innit?



Happy New Year Owlies.  We're only going to have the same resolutions in 365 days time anyway, but like most things, the best you can do is try.  Do what feels good and take your fuck ups on the chin.  Now let us drink x



 


You know how I went to London last month? Well I had THE greatest couple of days hanging with a true lady and true talent, London rapper LIONESS.  This girl man...where do I even begin.  The humility and warmth that comes from this woman (and she really is all WOMAN) is astounding.  And then she opens her mouth and starts spitting bars and you're like 'WHOAH! Where the fuck did that come from?' We spent a day eating and getting WAH mani's and trying on clothes and it was so refreshing to see someone who has talent that is bigger than their ego for a change.   I jumped at the opportunity to style her for a promo shoot and it was one of the easiest projects I have ever been a part of...for one she is a babe and 2) she is uber professional....more so than me as I was an hour late.  MTV have named her an artist to look out for so get listening to ROARNESS! It should be called Raw Ness haha...it's so good!

Styling was all done by moi, but I needed great garms so the wonderful BUTCHDIVA shipped some over all the way from Brooklyn, Nessie sure looked fierce in that choc chip honey dip!  Shouts to BEYOND RETRO for getting involved and to WAH for some killer claws. And lets not forget our cute photog,  James Ari King who brought it home.   With all these cats in the mix it kind of made my job as a stylist a walk in the park.

Enjoy Nessie in her concrete jungle that is London.




Leggings by BUTCHDIVA. Jacket from Beyond Retro.




Leggings and Gold Top by BUTCHDIVA. Jacket from Beyond Retro.







Jacket from Beyond Retro. 'Basket Case' Nails by WAH







Jacket from Beyond Retro. WAH Nails.


LIONESS  


BUTCHDIVA 


BEYOND RETRO


WAH NAILS 


JAMES ARI KING PHOTOGRAPHY 


 
Hey guys remember when I came home from London with THIS...



Yeah I know, there is a lot going on what with the nails and phone and err thang, but I'm sure you are all used to it by now. ANYWAY, I went in for my last mani at WAH before I left for home, and the girl that did my nails had the most amazing cover on her phone...now I think we over use the word 'amazing' but come on, I was amazed.  So I hit her up and she said she a) makes them and b) sells them.  So I gots her to make it so I could cops it.  And the icing on the cake is that she is also a sweet heart.

Meet Loui...


I'm going to ask the same question everyone who lives in London gets asked...what do you love about the city?


What I love most about London is the diverse culture, fashion, shopping and random little places you discover on your journey's.

 

You are so creative! (hello check out my nails for one thing) What gave you the idea for these phone cases?


Thanks Tammy! I come from a creative family and love designing and decorating things.  I first saw the phonecase on someone else , and decided I wanted to make one for my self. At first I never thought other people would want one aswell but they did so I started experimenting and making more :)

 

What's the inspiration? (other than candy!)


The inspiration for the phonecases is from Japan , they go all out when it comes to things like this !! Plus I love all things to bling, sparked, and look pretty.

 

What is your trademark?


My trademark.....is probably my phonecases and nail designs (can that be a trademark?)

 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?


Oooh hard question , I'm a homegirl at heart but if I could still have my friends and family probably somewhere that's tropical, but still like a city ummm not sure lol . Maybe Jamaica or Miami!

 

If someone wanted one of these phone cases, how could they contact you?


If someone wants a case they can contact me on my email which is :
louloumarie80@googlemail.com

 

Will you ship worldwide?


Yes I will try and meet everyones needs and will defo ship worldwide!

 

Do you like OWLS?


Owls are cool ,I wish I could turn my head round like that. And there in fashion right now from jewelry to tattoos.

 



Loui's designs are all custom and hand made, so just tell homegirl your feel and she will try her best to accommodate. Prices range from 20 to 25 pounds depending on your demands! I miss these WAH girls and their multi talented hands! (not in that way)

xxx

INSA


 

Y’OH





If I were a booooooooooooooooooooyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy .... I would wear this shit - shipping worldwide. 


 

 

LEGO

Old news here in the Yoo Kay but I haven't heard many speak of these cats down under which is surprising considering when you throw an English accent on a fella  Australian girls suddenly need a knicker change.

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