The Femme Files

Bedazzle + Vagina = Vajazzle!

A recent trend to take off in the U.S. is “vajazzling”, which pretty much means what it sounds like – covering your lady bits in sparkly crystals. Why? Well, why not, says Jennifer Love Hewitt who (perhaps in a bid to increase her sagging popularity) appeared on a late night chat show and talked about her penchant for a shimmering va-jay-jay. “After a break-up, a friend of mine Swarovski-crystalled my precious lady and it shined like a disco ball…  I am currently vajazzled… It’s cute.” I’m all about bringing back the bobby-dazzler denim jacket but I’m still wondering about this one. Let’s wait and see if the craze comes “down under”….

Picture Perfect: Port Douglas

There are two types of holidays: those destined for adventure, and those meant for relaxation. I took the latter recently, travelling to the small North Queensland town of Port Douglas for my “babymoon.” I have been going to Port Douglas on holiday since I was a child, and despite growing from a sleepy little seaside village with a couple of hotels to a popular and often overrun tourist destination, the town still retains its unique charm.

We decide to stay at the Sheraton Mirage, the first resort to be built in Port Douglas, opening in 1988. It’s this hotel that is largely responsible for the boom in tourism to the town in the 90s – and staying there you can see why. Despite still looking exactly as it probably did in the 80s, complete with faded pink pylons, jazzy palm tree emblems and brass-buttoned staff uniforms, the Sheraton Mirage is a gorgeous hotel designed to make guests relax. Huge saltwater lagoons snake around the centre of the resort, with little sandy beaches, waterfalls and lush tropical scenery. There are two, three and four bedroom villas to stay in, located around the 18 hole golf course, but we opted for a lagoon-front hotel room (well there is still only two of us at the moment!). The rooms aren’t much, sparsely decorated and still fitting the early 90s vibe, but the bed is comfy, the minibar well stocked and our own private balcony literally perched on one of the many lagoons. With the temperature somewhere in the low 30s, we strip off and dive straight into the shimmering water. 

If you’re after a more luxurious stay, my girlfriend swears by Coconut Grove http://www.coconutgroveportdouglas.com.au - where you can wade in your own plunge pool while admiring the coastline below.  Alternatively, a Hypoxi client recommends Bale (recently acquired by Peppers Group) http://www.peppersbaleportdouglas.com.au if you are planning a trip for a party of 8 or more and want a 5 star experience but the convenience of kitchen facilities.  With the pristine waters of the Barrier Reef at your doorstep – you can’t go wrong either way.

Art That’s Skin Deep

To tattoo or not to tattoo – that is the question!

Is it just me, or does it feel like every second 20-something year old you see on the street is sporting a tattoo?  Last weekend I headed down to my local beach, where I couldn’t help but take notice of the sea of inked up bodies lying on the sand.

While there are no hard stats to point to here in Australia, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, 31% of the American population (51 million people) have at least 1 tattoo.

What is more interesting is that 67% of people between the age of 18-25 think that there is no discernable stigma associated with having a tattoo.

So it appears that the old social stigma that tattoos are the mark of sailors and criminals are shifting.  In fact, having a tattoo is fashionable.  So much so that Chanel released a limited addition temporary tattoo range which it featured in its 2010 runway shows:

Source: Getty

But that doesn’t change the hard fact that a tat is forever.  Whenever toying with the idea of investing in some body art – I have a flash back to that hot November day in 1987 when I saw my sweet 76 year old neighbour watering her garden in a smock dress. The faded mermaid that lay half dead down her bicep (or what was left of it) is stained in my mind forever.

Sure, Angelina Jolie and Sarah Murdoch get away with the exotic designs they have tattooed on their bodies – but I still question how they will look in 40 years time.  Unless the subject matter is something of sentimental value – will you really love your tat forever?  We’d be interested to hear your views on body art. Would you dare to dabble in a bit of ink?

Thank the Lord for Lord Howe Island

“A must-go, must-see, must-experience destination,” was how a recent client Susannah described Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, the first Luxe location on the world heritage-listed island. The luxury lodge sits high above the island’s impressive Lover’s Bay, and the floor-to-ceiling windows show off the lush forests and island peaks to perfection.

With only nine suites, the tones are muted to show off the natural environment rather than overpower the senses. Think timber floors, custom furniture and luxurious linens that create a “beach house ambience.” Bathrooms include oversized rain showers and slick stone features. Along with the gorgeous fluffy towels, beach towels and backpacks are provided to explore the surroundings.

My client describe the cuisine as spectacular, starting with a buffet including organic juices, fruits, muesli and organic yoghurt. As rates include everything from breakfast to sunset drinks and three course dinners, now’s not the time to be on a diet (I think that’s why she’d popped into the studio for a few more Hypoxi sessions!).

After bush walks and beach swims, Susannah popped into the Capella Spa to indulge her aching legs while her fiancé enjoyed a back exfoliation, massage and facial, begging her not to tell his builder mates!

Lord Howe Island is only 11 kilometres long and not even 2 kilometres at the widest point. With two thirds of it covered in forests, trees and palms, at Capella Lodge “you’re pretty much nestled right amongst nature!” Susannah raved, “It’s just too bad it wasn’t my honeymoon!”

Check it out for yourself at http://www.lordhowe.com