Blogs

I’m blogging this: when inspiration runs dry…

Elizabeth – February 7, 2010 – 7:08 pm

…spend countless hours browsing the web in hopes that it will soon return? Am I on the right track? Somehow, I doubt it.

Back in the days of my juvenile blogging, I would blog everything and anything and somehow manage to grab lots and lots of views considering I was a 15 year old emotional teenager.Somehow my scrabble score from last Saturday, some inappropriate new names for slow computers and myself and a friend’s translation of Sense and Sensibility into ditsy-girl msn speak were thrilling reads.

I like to think I’ve grown up a bit, thus why I no longer feel the need to share such mundane things with you. However, this means I am often prone to bloggers block. Often it’s more a case of I have so many media-related things I wish to cover and so little time, that I end up not getting my pieces in within the appropriate period of newsworthiness.

*slaps own wrists*

Tomorrow, I will be proactive. Tonight I might consider purchasing this necklace, choosing to revert to my old blogging ways where anything was fair game. Hmmm…

By CupcakesAndMace

Interview with Manvi from Mochatini

Elizabeth – February 4, 2010 – 8:29 pm

So you want to be a design blogger? Well, it’s a tough market out there, one in which it’s difficult to stand out. With so many design blogs out there, it truly becomes a case of being able to communicate your own vision and translate your own skills online.

Mochatini, however, does just that.

Its author, Manvi, posts her own personal photographs and styling as well as other lovely things she finds around her. Sounds simple, but the result is a blog where you can ALWAYS find a chic, elegant and inspiring image to kick your inner interior-designer into gear.

Manvi was kind enough to share some of her secrets with us -

Tell us a bit about yourself, where are you from and how and when did you get started blogging?

Hello, RR readers. I am Manvi Drona-Hidalgo from the blog Mochatini. I live in Washington, DC with my husband. We moved here from NYC and before that we were in Dubai, UAE where I worked and went to high school.
When we moved to DC, I started to work in the non-profit sector mostly managing website content and graphics. In 2008, I started to develop a site for my work. I had fun designing the site, logos and banners and decided to create one for myself in the process. Initially, I thought of focusing solely interiors, but soon realized my interests went farther than that. I am constantly inspired by good photography, fashion, and my travels and wanted to include those topics on mochatini as well.

Where did the name “mochatini” come from?

I sort of always had the name mochatini in mind for a future entrepreneurial project. My lil sister calls me mocha and thought why not call my blog mochatini?

How did the blog evolve? Has it changed a lot since you first started it?

I enjoy website development and banner designs, and play around a bit with the look and feel of the site. I am constantly adding plugins and widgets, as well as giving mochatini a fresh look once in a while. So yes, mochatini has changed a lot since I first started it.

Your blog is always so bright and beautiful, what inspires your elegant and sophisticated sense of style?

Thank you. I find inspiration in just about everything around me. Traveling, fashion, flowers, vintage, books, magazines, art etc.

Your feature lots of images including photos taken by yourself as well as others, have you always loved photography and styling?

I have always loved decorating. I used to constantly redecorate not only my own bedroom but also my friend’s bedrooms. I took a course in interior design at NYU, and enjoyed it every class. The course strengthened my love for interior styling and empowered me with some essential skills to pursue a career in it. I enjoy photography immensely too. I spend most of my free time styling and taking photographs.

How do you think design blogs differentiate themselves from the millions of other blogosphere?

I think everyone is different and bring their own unique perspective and style which sets each one apart.
Read More »

Blogs: Interview with Erica Bartle of Girl with a Satchel

Elizabeth – January 21, 2010 – 7:52 pm

When one embarks on the arduous journey of beginning their first ‘grown-up’ blog, experts often tell you to find a blog in your niche from which to learn from.

For me, finding Girl With a Satchel was a really exciting experience. GWAS is a media blog written by Erica Bartle, a former editor of Girlfriend magazine. The blog is so unique in the way it mixes new media with the old, discussing the changing magazine landscape and the wide range of cultural connections we share such as celebrity, fashion and lifestyle online. I loved it instantly – I love magazines, I love blogs, I love pretty things – is she reading my mind??

So you can imagine how excited I was when she agreed to share her thoughts with me recently…

RR: Girl with A Satchel continues to be praised for the way you’ve taken your love of print media, magazines, and created a new niche in the blogosphere. How did it all come about?

EB: I was working for Australian teen magazine Girlfriend in 2007 and felt the urge to create an online home for myself – I was due to be married in four months’ time and working as the deputy editor of the magazine, so the blog allowed me to express my thoughts and indulge my passions (print media) in a way that was transportable and instantaneous at a time when my life was undergoing a massive change.

How has GWAS evolved since it began?

It is an industry meets personal blog, which I sometimes find hard to reconcile, so (spoiler alert!), you may see the evolution of GWAS into another blog sometime soon. I’ve been lucky in that I’ve found a niche to address – and, really, who doesn’t love a glossy magazine?

Your analyses of the magazine industry are both insightful and a really special aspect of your blog, do you think the blogosphere has a lot to offer the print media in terms of bringing a critical eye to the industry?

Blogs have tended to be hyper-critical of magazines and the industry, which has been a good thing for shining a light on some of the more dubious business practises. However, having worked in magazines, I’m familiar with the constraints and pressures that editors face, so hopefully there’s an element of empathy that comes across in my blog posts. I think it’s important to keep the magazine industry honest and in check, as it really is so influential, particularly for young women.

GWAS has translated many characteristics of a glossy magazine into the online format. As a trained journalist, do you find your skills acquired both at university and through the workplace have relevance online? Or can anyone be a good blogger?

I think it helps to have a media background, but it’s not essential. There are many beautiful, authentic and addictive blogs out there created by people without a lot of experience or industry nous. You have to play to your passions. My blog’s aesthetic is important to me, as it’s my online home – I have to look at it all day! – and it represents who I am in a visual sense. Pretty is of the essence! In that respect, blogs are very much like magazines – melding images and words to create something visually stimulating and worthy of reading! I am learning as I go about what suits the online medium best in terms of copywriting: I was always an over-writer in print, and am much the same online. It’s hard to edit yourself back, so that’s been a challenge.
Read More »

Blogs: Revenge of the Camwhore

Elizabeth – January 6, 2010 – 6:38 pm

I know it’s hard for some people to believe, but there was a time when Myspace was cool.

It was somewhere around the time when we were addicted to The OC and the iPod mini was the coolest invention ever. During this time, there was a somewhat unhealthy epidemic of ‘camwhores’.

Trusty urban dictionary explains this concept better than I ever could -

3. Camwhore

Someone, usually female, and often of the scene, emo, or goth“subculture” who enjoys taking countless pictures of their heavily made-up selves and posting them online. Camwhores usually post their pictures on myspace, less often on livejournal and xanga, and sometimes even on our very own Urban Dictionary, out of a desire for attention and to show off their low-cut t-shirts and pale, underdeveloped boobies under poor lighting.

- urbandictionary.com

Having grown up in this aforementioned era, I was beginning to think that all hope was lost for those who post self-portraits online. Thank goodness that fashion bloggers have helped the practice to regain its street-cred and evolve into something fashionable, artistic and entirely enviable. These fashion bloggers, it seems, have worked wonders -demonstrating that online self-portraits need not be stereotyped. I challenge anyone who to tries and call these fashionable ladies ‘camwhores’.

Lady Melbourne

Tavi Gevinson – Style Rookie

Gosh, if only I could work my digital camera properly!

Blogs: Editorial Design – Rough Review@designtavern.com

Elizabeth – December 27, 2009 – 10:25 pm

Ch-ch-check this out – it’s short, but sweet. =)

Rough Review on Editorial Design

- 27/12/09 @designtavern.com

It was only yesterday when @designtavern and myself were in my ordinary local newsagent, buying the latest issue of Frankie. The friendly man behind the counter, by no means Frankie’s target demographic, remarked happily “I love the design of this one, it’s really great!”.

This is someone who looks at the hundreds of different covers every single month. So you know what? I’m inclined to trust his judgement.

Editorial design is now going beyond merely getting a mag off the shelves and into the hands eager readers. Intricate folds, a nod to minimalism and all things organic, perhaps this shift is just what the magazine industry needs.

Read the full article…

The Sartorialist is in town, baby.

Elizabeth – December 9, 2009 – 2:46 pm

Yes, he’s back – Scott Schuman, otherwise known as the genius behind The Sartorialist fashion blog, will be signing books in Melbourne on Friday 11th December at Sass and Bide’s GPO store in Bourke Street. I’m so there and will be dressed as per the instructions from Refinery29 below.

how-to-get-shot-by-sartorialist

Happy Birthday, Rough Review.com

Elizabeth – December 8, 2009 – 6:35 pm

screenshotI RECEIVED AN EMAIL IN MY INBOX YESTERDAY AFTERNOON WHICH BROUGHT HOME THE REALITY THAT THIS YEAR HAS FLOWN BY – MY DOMAIN NAME RENEWAL NOTICE.

Since its conception, Rough Review has undergone more identity crises than your typical teenage girl.

Should I cover reviews? Do I have the capacity to start an online magazine? What should I write about? Where do I even begin? How do I do this without looking like I’m copying this? Has everything worth doing with a blog been done before?

All these were questions which have been plaguing me over the past twelve months. With rollercoaster-like numbers of pageviews (sometimes they’re up! and sometimes they’re down) I’ve felt overwhelmed by blogging at times.

Read More »

Media/Best Blog Bits: The Power of Great Journalism

Elizabeth – October 15, 2009 – 12:05 pm

Yesterday, Girl With A Satchel wrote about the latest campaign by ACP Magazines, “The Power of Great Journalism” with some trepidation.

Editors

The campaign has caused a considerable amount of controversy and perhaps I’m simply silly for initially failing to see why. Bartle writes,

“Given that the equally cut-throat free-to-air TV networks invest considerable cash in orchestrating their rating’s season promos, this showcasing of editorial talent may set a precedent for the glossy publishing world, which has really come out of its bubble thanks to interest piqued by The Devil Wears Prada, reality TV and The September Issue.

Whether the Australian public will think it wonderful or wanky remains to be seen.” – Oct. 14 2009

commentThe comments from both the mainstream media and the followers of Bartle’s blogs are somewhat horrifying. The general jist of the the reponses can be summarised in that below:

“Ugh, beyond horrible! I hate to say it (but opinion has been sought!) – this is sooo out of touch and tacky.

The age of the ‘editrix’ is over, and I can’t believe ACP are still pushing this rubbish. I think readers want relatability, realism and a friendly face to put to their favourite magazine – not a bunch of gussied-up black-clad editors staring down at them.” – Rochelle @ GWAS

Can I just say, I resent this. If anything is missing from the glammed up magazine, incredibly over-concentrated media industry, it’s journalism. A blatant marketing attempt this may be, but I am utterly depressed at the reaction.

The actual Press Release from ACP stated that

“”It is about cultural change within ACP Magazines and we are delighted to show our commitment to producing better magazines through the calibre of the people editing them,” said Phillips of the greater focus on content and editorial standards” – ACP

acp

Well, we probably need some of that. I did work experience with one of Australia’s magazine companies (I suppose it’s in my best interest here to avoid naming, considering my desire to enter the industry) and I was sat at a round table for a week. My duties included sitting at a table, ensuring that I did not bother the editors and staff members, getting mail, picking up cakes for a farewell party (to which we were not invited to intend) and not much else. Whilst I am one who would happily do any dirty work in order to gain some insight into the industry, I felt like a nuisance and a bother to those in the office. I left depressed and unsure of the validity of the industry.

Fast forward five years, two years into my media degree and I’m back in love with the industry. Not because it’s glamorous, full of freebies and parties – but because it’s a social phenomenon. Magazines are cultural artifacts, symbolic of consumerism, popular culture and journalism. It’s one thing to write a piece about a news item, it’s another to take something newsworthy and make it part of your set of ideals. Magazines can do this.

Back to the advertisement, of course it’s wanky (as our industry isn’t really as good as it could be) – but not for the reasons everyone keeps commenting on. Glossed up, glamourous and powerful these women do appear, but our industry needs a bit of help.

The Sydney Confidential PDF chart to which Bartle refers outlines the struggles and pressures placed on these women. I’m sorry, but how does that diminish from their power and/or journalistic skills? If anything, I think this campaign will encourage accountability on behalf of these featured women to truly pick up their game and improve upon the publishing industry.

Am I just being naive?

Blogs: Style Rookie (Guest Post)

Amy Sawyer – September 25, 2009 – 8:01 am

webtevi 2Ok I’m just going to come right out with it. I’m jealous of a 13 year old girl. But not just any old 13 year old girl, but one with a sickingly innate sense of fashion and the ability to write with an insightfulness way beyond her years.

And if that’s not enough to flair up the green eyed monster she was a star guest at this year’s New York Fashion Week. She was spotted on the front row of shows from some of the world’s most respected designers, including Marc Jacobs, and hobnobbing with Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto.

If you haven’t already guessed I’m talking about Tavi Gevinson, the new teen blogging sensation that has taken the fashion world by storm. Pretentious by her own admission the Chicago dwelling blogger is set to give The Satorialist a run for his money.

Awkward and geeky she’s not your traditional style icon. Whilst most 13 year old girls wouldn’t know who Rei Kawakubo or Martin Margiela are, Gevinson explains with a typically roundabout clarity why they are her favourite designers.

tevi

With her personal style an eclectic mix of granny chic and serious fashionista she doesn’t follow trends preferring to gain inspiration from the way clothes are put together and the emotions they evoke. Gevinson explains:

“Using fashion as self-expression can go beyond wearing a shirt with a slogan, as clothing has the ability to evoke an entire feel, or atmosphere, or emotion, or world.”

Ironically she doesn’t succumb to the typical notion of style icons:

“I don’t really like the idea of ‘style icons’ or ‘beauty icons’……Or rather, I don’t understand it. Immortalizing celebrities for being able to afford a decent stylist and lots of pretty dresses just doesn’t get through to me.”

Gevinson’s blog, Style Rookie, follows her day to day musings on her outfits and magazine analysis. At times hard to follow the blog isn’t what you’d call polished, with slang, capital letters and amateur photos typifying almost every entry. But witty and accurate it’s no surprise that it was first assumed to be created by fashion professionals.

But it’s not all about fickle fashion. Gevinson shows an admirable understanding of the world with a ‘Clothing with a cause’ campaign in April aimed at raising money for STAND, a division of the Genocide Intervention Network. Multitalented Gevinson is more than a kooky hat or statement jacket.

‘I wish I was a cat,’ she explains. ‘ I would have a life to fulfil my fashion dreams, one to fulfil my acting dreams, one for guitar, one for writing, one for movie directing, one for photography, one for fine arts, one for a normal life, and one for teaching.’

taviThe success of her blog, which gets 1.5 million hits a month, highlights the role the Web plays in breaking down barriers of traditional journalism. Anyone can have an opinion on anything. Experts have however stirred up concerns about the safety of the internet for teens. Early nasty comments on the New York magazine’s fashion blog about her true age upset Gevinson. Tavi’s Dad, Steve Gevinson, explained: “She woke up, and again woke us up, and said – and this is really heartbreaking- ‘I just woke up crying and I don’t even know why I’m crying.’”

But whilst most teens are impressionable resilient Gevinson soon bounced back and I’m happy to say wasn’t put off. Although I don’t condone taking time of school to watch fashion shows I hope she enjoys her experience and doesn’t let it all go to her head.

Before reading her blog I was unconvinced, and found the notion that designers would gain inspiration from a 13 year old girl ridiculous. Now I’ve read it I find myself enthralled by her totally frank depiction of the world. It’s certainly got me hooked and I’m looking forward to her next installments!

Check out Tavi Gevinson’s blog @Style Rookie

Amy is a 23 year old Writing Fashion and Culture graduate. English born and bred, she is currently travelling the world with her “two sidekicks and best friends”, her triplet sisters. “No we never tricked the teachers at school and can’t feel each others pain!”

Blogs: Best Blog Bits

Elizabeth – September 2, 2009 – 2:23 pm

Here’s your Wednesday round up of some of the best articles I stumbled across this week – enjoy!

Butt-Cam via MamaMia

Butt-Cam via MamaMia

Butt-Cam: Coming to a Fitting Room (or your nightmares) @ Mama Mia

“I’m not sure whether to give Jeans West a standing ovation or recoil in horror at the news that they’re going to roll out butt-cams in their change-rooms (can I also just share with you that to locate the clip below, I had to search “butt-cam” on Youtube and I am still a bit cross-eyed from the results that popped up but THAT is how far I will go and how self-sacrificing I am for you, dearest MM reader).” (Tuesday, 1/9/09 @ Mama Mia)

What can I say, I lol’d at the concept and Mia’s take on it effortlessly captures what we’re all thinking.

“Government Proposal Would See Junk Food Ads Banned before 9pm” – Ben Packham @The Herald Sun

JUNK food ads would be banned until after 9pm and new health labels required on packaged food under a blueprint to make Australia the world’s healthiest nation.

The price of alcohol, cigarettes and even chips and chocolate would rise under the plan.

In addition, Kevin Rudd’s hand-picked Preventative Health Taskforce called for legal action against tobacco companies to recoup health costs. And movies showing people smoking could attract an MA rating.

Are they for real? The article goes on to say that alcohol ads would be banned during sport broadcasts. Okay then. Just be prepared to say bye bye to advertising revenue! *rolls eyes*

Mark Burstyn’s Photography @Mochatini

Mark Burstyn@Mochatini

Mark Burstyn@Mochatini

OMG THE INTERNET IS DEAD @TechCrunch

TechCrunch has gone mental this week, what with their faith in the higher power of Google being obliterated to shreds with the downtime experience by Gmail, and all.
Reactions started as most do in the most catastropic scenarios – calm realisation, but hidden panic with: “Gmail Now Really Down – Can I Get My Email Back Please (Update: Its Back)“. Then, they progressed to reveal the slightly more unreasonable, “Talk Of Gmail Being Down Is Trying Like Hell To Bring Down Twitter“, before launching into the accustory conspiracy theories with “Alright, Who Broke The Internet? Dell.com Also Knocked Out. (Updated) before moving onto well-reasoned explanations this morning with “Why Gmail Failed Today“.
That’s the TechCrunch I know and love!