DJB World Photography – Melbourne Photography Walk ‘Laneways, Rooftops and Street Art’ Review

Looking for a unique and interactive way to discover and explore some of the overlooked areas within the city of Melbourne whilst brushing up on your photography skills? DJB World Photography offers a fun way to discover and appreciate the quirky, colourful city of Melbourne through the lens of a camera for photography beginners. Let me assure you that I am probably the best example of an absolute beginner photographer, I can barely work out the number of automatic camera settings and functions on my camera let alone dare to brave the switch on my camera dial from automatic to manual. However, DJB Photography School aims to help its students do exactly that, offering a casual introduction to what could be the start of your new love for photography. DJB World Photography runs a number of different Melbourne photography walks and I attended the two hour sphotography walk ‘Laneways, Rooftops and Street Art’.

DJB World Photography Melbourne Photography Walk

DJB World Photography Melbourne Photography Walk

The session was run for two hours on Sunday afternoons in a small size group (eight people maximum). My session was led by the ever knowledgeable Rachael. Upon joining the group of attendees at the designated meeting spot on a Sunday afternoon, I was at first a little intimidated seeing the rest of their group with their serious photography gear, SLR cameras and big lenses. However, attendees are invited to bring whatever camera and photography gear they feel comfortable using. You can simply choose to bring along an iPhone if you wish and my Sony digital camera ended up doing the job perfectly!

We started off with an introduction on the manual settings, and the features of shutter speed, aperture, ISO and exposure levels, but keep in mind this was really the only time during the session we were taught about manual camera functions as this is not intended to be an instructed class about camera functions, but more of an introduction to manual settings and a guided tour focused on exploring different areas of Melbourne for creative photography. Although if you do have any questions about camera functions (as trust me, I had many!) Rachael, our guide was always more than happy to help. All of the locations we stopped at during the walk were perfectly selected as I found myself taking notes on where each was so I could come back and explore on my own. That being said, we were able to explore different areas at each stop at a very leisurely, relaxed pace and were never rushed to move on.

DJB World Photography Melbourne Photography Walk

DJB World Photography Melbourne Photography Walk

Whether you are looking to learn photography techniques, explore the often overlooked pockets of Melbourne’s CBD or meet new people, a DJB World Photography course offers an artistic new perspective on Melbourne city streets while allowing you to brush up on your photography skills.

For more information on DJB World Photography and the Melbourne Photography Walks on offer, visit the link below:

DJB World Photography- Melbourne Photography Walks

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post and Melbourne Darling was not invited to attend the DJB World Photography walk as a guest. The opinions shared in this article are based completely on my own honest and personal views, thoughts and experiences.

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The Love Vintage and Retro Fair Melbourne

love vintage logo

The most exciting and entertaining vintage shopping event is nearly upon us! The Love Vintage and Retro Fair, being held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne this weekend!
Make your way through the extraordinary collection of vintage fashion and home ware dealers and shop for the best quality selection of vintage treasures. See the classic cars on display, fashion parades, special guest speakers and burlesque shows or take part in a vintage styling makeover and photoshoot, and try out a burlesque workshop! See the full program of events here and a full listing of exhibitors and retailers here.

For anyone who loves being inspired by the fashion and lifestyle of the dazzling eras gone by, the Love Vintage and Retro Fair is an event not to be missed!

Let the good old’-fashioned fun begin!

 

Opening Hours:

Friday, May 16th 5.30pm – 9pm

Saturday, May 17th 10am – 5pm

Sunday, May 18th 10am -4pm

 

Location:

Royal Exhibition Building

9 Nicholson St

Carlton VIC 3053

Carlton Gardens, Melbourne

 

Admission:

Adult $15 (at the door)

Age & Disabled Pensioner $12

Senior Card Holder $12

Student $12

Children 10-16 years $7

Under 10 years free

Or buy your Early Bird tickets online here!

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Style Notes: Don’t fall victim to this sticky fashion faux pas – What’s worse than a VPL? A VPS! (Visible Price Stickers under the soles of your shoes!)

Eva Longoria Image Via

Eva Longoria Image Via

I feel the need to warn you about a dreadful fashion faux pas that I have recently been noticing more regularly around the city of Melbourne. A fashion faux pas so bad, it has claimed victims amongst the chicest of the chic, the most famous of celebrities and the trendiest of Melbournistas.

Madonna has done it, Eva Longoria has done it, even ultimate style maven Gwyneth Paltrow has been a victim! I’ve seen it happen to the most polished of Melbourne women strutting down Collins Street oblivious to the teeny tiny thing they forgot to do while getting dressed that morning. You’ve heard of the dreaded V.P.L or visible panty line and don’t even get me started on its tacky ugly step-sister the visible bra strap but what you may not be as familiar with, is the sneaky little cousin in this family of fashion faux pas. Without further ado, let me introduce you to the V.P.S – the Visible Price Sticker (particularly those stuck on the bottom of high-heeled shoes!)

Basically, you could be wearing a head to toe amazing outfit but making this little mistake could instantly diminish your style cred and ‘le horreur’ of it all is that while everyone else can see it, you may have no idea you are doing it!

Any girl worth the red soles of her Louboutins or purple soles of her Peeptoe shoes for that matter understands how eye catching a pop of colour can be under an enchanting pair of pumps. Therefore, I stress to make sure you remember to remove the price stickers off the bottom of your heels before you wear them!! That deserves a double, if not triple exclamation mark ‘!!!’ because you would be so surprised at how many polished and professional looking women I see on a day to day basis strutting around the city, immaculately dressed all for one little but alarmingly distracting flash of white, or god forbid a flourescent sales or reduced price sticker stuck to the bottom of their heels.

If they were a jaw-droppingly expensive pair of shoes, don’t showcase it to the world behind you, it just cheapens the entire look of your outfit and we all know money doesn’t buy class so it’s best to keep the price to yourself. Of course, even if they were an absolute bargain, you

Gwyneth Paltrow Image Via

Gwyneth Paltrow Image Via

don’t want to spoil your little secret, so make sure you remove those sticky little devils before you take those brand spanking new heels on their maiden voyage about town.

If you are finding the price stickers are tricky to remove or leave a sticky residue, then apply some Eucalyptus Oil with a cotton ball or cotton pad to the sticker which helps remove the glue. Just be careful to apply the oil only to the soles to ensure the oil does not destroy the material of your shoes.

On a side note, if one day I fall so in love with a pair of heels that they don’t leave my feet from the moment I tried them on in store, help a sister out and let me know I’m flashing a dollar sign on my soles, and I promise I’ll do the same!

Madonna Image Via

Madonna Image Via

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Ask Melbourne Darling: Bachelorette Party / Hens Night Ideas for Melbourne CBD

Hi Melbourne Darling,

A few friends and I (aged late 20′s early 30′s) want to organise a fun filled hens night for our work friend who is getting married in October. We’d like a fun girl’s night out, but want to keep it classy. We’d like to start in the CBD for dinner and then head out for drinks and dancing (the bride to be likes RnB). Any recommendations will be really appreciated! Also any suggestions of what we can do to make the night a memorable one will be great.

I think there some great options you can choose from in the CBD for a fun (but classy) girl’s night out on the town for your friend’s Hens Night.
Wherever you choose to go for dinner, because there will be a group of you, I strongly suggest you choose a restaurant where you can book a table in advance, as a lot of popular restaurants in the city usually have a no booking policy, so I haven’t suggested many of these, as unless your group is extremely patient, you will not want to spend the majority of your night lining up for dinner!
I’ll  provide suggestions for three places, restaurants, cocktail bars and clubs. I think going to different venues is an exciting change of scenery and hopping from one venue to another becomes a bit of an adventure in itself to make it an exciting night! But don’t worry, I’ve tried to keep the places fairly close to each other so they are as stiletto friendly as possible!
Please note I have provided links to the Urban Spoon website entries for all restaurants and bar locations, as I find you get a more honest judgment of the venues through the reviews and votes on Urban Spoon, as I’ve been to most of the places noted, I haven’t yet written a review on my own blog about them all yet! All Urbanspoon entries also have links to the venue’s official website.
Here are my suggestions:
Restaurants:
A wide range of different cuisines, depending on the preferred tastes of your friends, please note that calling at least a week before hand to secure a booking is ALWAYS advised…
(Popular Asian eatery)
(Thai food, similar to Chin Chin, also do great cocktails)
(Mexican food, festive atmosphere, similar to Mamasita but take bookings)
(Asian fusion cuisine, again, similar to Chin Chin, delicious cocktails!)
Cheaper options:
(great Japanese sushi train venue, small intimate space, you may be seated on a bar setting ie. not facing eachother as a group, so if you don’t mind that its a great, fun place with delicious food!)
(Authentic modern Italian and pizza restaurant)
Gingerboy. Image Via.

Gingerboy. Image Via.

Cocktail Bars:
I like to suggest girly cocktail bars for Hen’s nights, because a girly night out is what Hen’s Nights should be all about!
All gorgeous venues, and full of yummy cocktails! The Emerald Peacock is notorious for being strict on entry so it’s always good to have a back up option, just in case!

Madame Brussels. Image Via.

Clubs:
Younger crowd (18-28)
Modern Rnb and Hip Hop Music
Live Jazz / Soul band playing before 11pm
Guestlist recommended ($10 entry charge before 10pm, $15 after 10pm)
Contact Nathan on 0431 237 553 for all your guestlist needs or group packages at Club YoYo.
Older crowd (25-35)
Mix of dance music
Guestlist recommended
Cover charge (generally $15)
Older crowd (25-35)
Very pretty and elegant venue (used to be a bank!)
RnB music and Top 40
Guestlist recommended
Cover charge ($15-$20)

Silk Road. Image Via.

That being said, I’ve some of these options together a couple of suggested itineraries to help you plan out your night:
1.
Restaurant: Sakura Kaiten Sushi or Gingerboy
Then
Cocktail Bar: Lily Blacks or Madame Brussels
Then
Club: Spice Market

 

2.

Restaurant: +39 Pizzeria , Red Spice Road, Cookie or Touche Hombre

Then

Cocktail Bar: The Emerald Peacock or Seamstress

Then

Club: Key Club

 

Here is a link to a Google maps I created to help you see how close each place is to one another and help you plan your night.
Place the below link in your browser to access it:
In addition to that,  I think a good combination of delicious food, exotic, girly cocktails and lots of dancing will be a perfect Bachelorette Party / Hens Night for the modern cosmopolitan woman! There are always little things you can do as a group if you want to make the night a little more fun. For example, your group could all wear a matching accessory ie. a playful beaded necklace or bracelet. It doesn’t even have to be a typical flashy, borderline tawdry piece, it could all just be the same cute but inexpensive cocktail ring or wearing the same flower in your hair or flower crowns (visit Colette, or Lovisa for some cheap and chic pieces) for a nice alternative to a hot pink flashing sashes or tiaras. Alternatively, if you did want to incorporate small games into the night, it could be as simple as getting the bride-to-be and or/ guests to try an exotic food item or making the bride-to-be hold the cocktail menu and closing her eyes, she must order and drink the first cocktail her finger lands on!
Hope these suggestions assist and inspire you in planning your fun and memorable night!
Love,
Melbourne Darling xo

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Roule Galette French Crêperie – Dining Review

It’s said that there is a little piece of Paris can be found in Melbourne if you were to head to the ‘Paris end‘ of Collins Street. Well I am here to debate that claim because I just had a wander down a little Melbourne laneway off Flinders Lane that I found to be très bohème and très Parisien. Scott Alley and the laneway across from it, Manchester Lane are fine examples of the cutest little laneways you can find hidden amongst the Melbourne CBD. Manchester Lane is where you will find hip new not-for-profit cafe Shebeen (which I can’t wait to try for myself!) and Lady Petrova, a store akin to a Polly Pocket pastel wonderland filled with one of a kind designer pieces handcrafted by fashion designer and store owner extraordinaire Petrova (whom you might recognise from the 2008 season of Project Runway Australia).

Across from this store is a quaint little French crêperie lined with colourful lights and a wooden facade called Roule Galette. Upon being seated we were greeted by a French gentleman who provided us with menus and water for the table. The menu was extremely extensive for a crêpe place and there was an extensive selection of sweet and savoury options in addition to a list of extra toppings you could add to your selection as well as a specials board. I will point out that it is worth reading the entire menu as we found it quite entertaining to see some of the names and descriptions of menu items possibly a little lost in translation… For example, goat’s cheese just doesn’t have the same appeal when it is translated literally from French to ‘goat dung’  and some descriptions in attempting to come across as poetically descriptive just ended up sounding a little odd, for example;  ‘where fresh strawberry prepared by my grandma flirts with the whip cream’, ‘where vanilla ice cream meet with melted chocolate under a rain of almonds’ or ‘where hot chocolate try to come in a pouch full of whip and ice cream’. But owners of Roule Galette, if you are reading this, please do not change these adorably funny descriptions in your menu, we loved it and felt it added to the authenticity to the foreign roots of the place, as though the crêpe store was freshly plonked here in a Melbourne laneway straight from the streets of Paris. To complete the romanticised European atmosphere, we could even hear the sounds of a jazz band floating through the night air. Well played Melbourne, very well played.

Roule Galette Exterior

Roule Galette Exterior

The staff we encountered at Roule Galette were entertaining and accommodating, happy to make alterations to the menu items. I ordered ‘The Piaf’ crêpe from the specials board with toppings including caramel sauce, bananas, almonds and ice cream. The waiter was friendly and jovial, serving my order but not before asking me if I knew who Piaf was and jokingly telling me I had to sing one of her songs before I could have my food (don’t worry, ears were saved that night and I was actually served my meal without having to belt out Non, je ne regrette rien). The crepe was beautifully presented and tasted delicious and decadent. The crepes were soft and with a nice, even consistency which I was thankful for after a recent visit to Breizoz French Creperie in Gertrude Street where the crepes looked fantastic but tasted what I imagined to be like eating paper thin crunchy autumn leaves through mouthfuls of air… not good.

Piaf Crepes Special at Roule Galette

Piaf Crepes Special at Roule Galette

On my visit I was dining with a large group of and staff had no problems when we had an extra few people join us later, and we didn’t feel any pressure to pay and leave right away. This is the cutest little place to wander to after dinner in the city for a scrumptious dessert. The crepes I had at Roule Galette were the closest thing I have so far found to the authentic French crêpes I encountered in France and I am so glad to now know of this sweet little spot. Collins Street can keep its ‘Paris End’; Manchester Lane and Scott Alley are my little pockets of Paris in Melbourne!

Roule Galette on Urbanspoon

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Chin Chin Restaurant Review

I was so looking forward to this place but unfortunately my visit here was a disappointment. Yes, they have good food but there are other restaurants that offer very similar if not better meals, and I’d prefer my serving of pork belly without the smother of pretentiousness thank you.

I found what really let this place down for me was the attitude of the staff. Making guests feel like they should be lucky to have the privilege of dining here… come on. We went on a Friday night; we put our names down at 6pm and were told there would be a 1.5-2 hour wait. We were prepared to wait for this amount of time. We waited down stairs in the bar and had some drinks although when I wanted to pay for these with cash, I was consistently pushed to leave my credit card with them since ‘that’s how we do things here, and when you’re ready to pay for your meal upstairs we just transfer your card upstairs’ again, I said I did not want to do this but the waiter insisted. Alrighty then…

It was 7.45 when we thought we would see how many people were in front of us waiting to be seated before ordering another round of drinks, but when we politely asked the man taking the bookings he abruptly replied ‘I told you 1.5-2 hours and its only been an hour and forty-five minutes’, Sheesh. However he continued to say there were only three people in front of us and it would only be another 10-15 minutes. So we returned to the bar. It wasn’t until another forty-five minutes later that we were seated. When we were seated, we saw that the tables are pushed together so closely along the side of the wall that the people sitting on either side of us kept apologizing as it was a combined two table effort whenever someone got up from their seat and had to squeeze through between the tables. It was extremely hard to get the attention of wait staff. I understand it is a busy place but when people are waiting two hours just for a seat they shouldn’t need to wait too another ridiculous amount just to be served. When a waiter asks you if you ‘understand the menu’ you would think they would explain things that are not clear on the menu. Though never was it explained that many items on the menu are d.i.y. It’s a shame that the hype of this place did not live up to the actual experience and it seems that this place knows all too well about its hype and as a result has let its service standards fall to the wayside. I would like to return to give this place another go, but not if they don’t pick up their game.

 

My review was based on my experience and as I said, I would consider giving Chin Chin another go but until then, I would suggest if you want to give it a try for yourself, go if you are in the area during a less busier time, say a Weekday lunch (or even dinner) or Sunday lunch and hopefully you won’t have to endure a long wait. The venue itself is funky and exciting and because the food is not your typical High st Chinese cuisine, I would even dare to take a friend here who may not normally like Chinese food, but is up for trying something a little different. Chin Chin would make an impressive weeknight date or a good choice for celebrating a birthday with friends during the week with their small share plates perfect for grazing on in groups, and the best way to try lots of different dishes!

 

Chin Chin on Urbanspoon

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