He's worth it

There is still a FAMINE going on in the Horn of Africa region. This situation is really serious, literally millions of people are at risk of death by starvation. It makes me so sad, it is not even their fault that they were born in an area where growing any vegetables or even raising livestock is almost impossible because of the climate. The current crisis is due to a drought in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia which has only exacerbated this situation. At first I found it really hard to care, but now I understand that each one of these lives are worth just the same as my own and my friends, no matter where in the world we live. According to the UN organisation, the World Food Programme, you only have to donate 50 cents (US dollars.. which is pretty much the same in Australian dollars), to 'save' a hungry child or mother. And like, if you give up just one coffee today and donate that $3 to the famine aid, you are literally saving six people.

You can donate to the World Food Programme here: https://www.wfp.org/donate/hoa_banners

There's a link on the bottom left to claim a tax deduction from the Australian Government.

One person's life, just 50 cents. It's worth it!

Interview: Who Told You That?

The team behind Who Told You That? covers a unique mix of fashion, music, art, food and life in general. I interviewed them to find out a little more about the idea behind their blog.

What made you start Who Told You That?

Diana: It was Becki's idea!
Becki: Yes, I've blogged since high school. I really like fashion, and not many blogs cover street style and hip hop.
Inez: It was Becki's idea. I have a different style- I like hiphop and street style, with a bit more attitude.

Are your styles different for each of you? What are you wearing right now?

D: I love vintage, vintage jewellery and whimsical pieces. I don't really have a particular style, whatever works best!  I'm wearing jeans, a black blazer and a black skirt.
B: Oh my God, I'm totally not fashionable now. I'm a mix of everything- although I prefer a bit of hip-hop, a bit feminine but tomboy and a little preppy. The edgy sort of stuff.
D: A lot of random market things. I mean I like to find pieces at the markets.
I: I like lots of preppy street styles and plain casual, you know? Basics with some accessories. I'm not into really feminine stuff- jeans with military boots are more my thing. I also like loose, hooded jumpers.

What does your blog mean to you?

B: I think of lifestyle- food, clothing, music.
I: Nice songs.
B: Clothing.
D: Travel and stuff.
B: The blog is more on the side...
I: I think the blog is more of an outlet for us as a stream of consciousness-
D: A creative outlet.

Has writing a blog together strengthened your friendship?

I: I think so!
B: Sort of! I can't really say now because we're not all in the same country.

So, are you all from Singapore?

B: The other side of the world!
D: I'm from there.
I: And then we all came down to Melbourne.

Where do you get your inspiration?

D: Gary Pepper Vintage!
B: Wendy Lam from Nitrolicious, and Yoshi from Adventures of Yoshi. She gets gifts and samples from companies all the time.
D: But we have to save up for it (laughs).
B: I'm so jealous of her!
I: I'm inspired by anyone who follows us and actually enjoy what we post.

Where did the name Who Told You That? come from?

D: It was Becki's idea!
B: I wanted something catchy.
I: We had a few to choose from.
B: Like, 'Burn City Babes'.
I: I think we choose Who Told You That? Because it wasn't random or clichéd. And it wasn't feminine or vintage, more street, very out there. It's a casual name.

How do you see Who Told You That developing?

I: I want to keep sharing and inspiring people. It would be awesome to have a solid fan base. I mean our master motive is to share our own style- I prefer to stand out from the crowd, not blend in- and that's worth sharing with other people.
D: The short-term goal is to blog more, for people to enjoy Who Told You That?.

Has your style changed since starting Who Told You That?

I: I think I'm more aware of how I should be putting an outfit together- thinking about pieces I would blog about. It makes me more aware of things I can share.
B: It makes me more aware of things I can use to create outfits properly. Like, it definitely pushes me to try.
D: It makes you appreciate the experience. Even the food we're eating. I like the food photos.
B: Me too!

B: In response to how we get our ideas, put our opinions out there. We don't have a particular style.
I: I think that's what makes us different from other bloggers. We're classy but more down.
D: It's more like what you'd put together from your own wardrobe.

Any more goals for Who Told You That?

I: To inspire not to impress. Because it's better to live differently rather than to impress other people.
B: Keep following us and see what we have to write.
I: Just let the intention to be inspiration- I guess to use just what's in front of you.
D: Fashion shouldn't be pressurising and you shouldn't seek to impress. It should be an expression of one's self and your own style.

Thank you to Inez, Becki and Diane for your time and inspiration!

Blog: http://whotolduthat.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/whotolduthat
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Wh0tolduthat
All photos courtesy of Who Told You That?

At the moment

Sorry for the lack of sewing posts! Currently resting up after The Fashion Fund and working on a Belle costume for a friend. We were able to donate $12,000 to our charities! On a new note, thank you to Maria Brenkman for following! Shall be posting up a boyfriend blazer re-sizing tutorial soon.

For Work

So I've gotten a summer internship, and I'm not sure what to wear. Asos is happily my catalogue of 'things-to-make'. What do you think is appropriate attire for work?

The Fashion Fund Media Launch

The Fashion Fund Media Launch @ The Grand Ballroom, the Hotel Windsor Melbourne

We had our media launch at the Hotel Windsor last night! They were kind enough to lend us their Grand Ballroom with wait staff- and it looked really impressive! Sportsgirl gave us access to their visual merchandising warehouse, so we hauled over a vanload of vases, crates and candles to create a beautiful room. And we had the best cheese platters and champagne from Farmgate Cheese. I took this shot- no Photoshop required. Quote of the night came from one of our models, Hannah- "I look awesome!". Hahaha. More pictures to come!