The Intern Diaries Part 2

From all the movies I had ever watched, my perception of an internship wasn't glamourous. I expected to be making regular coffee trips, stressed and doing all the little jobs that the employees didn't want to do.

However, an internship at Studio Agency was far from this. It was an internship of a lifetime and the best experience that far exceeded my expectations.

I came into this as a way to hopefully cure my confusion about what I want to do with my life. Throughout this experience I never did any coffee runs, nor was I stressed and I was actually doing things that would help me in the future. The girls here are so supportive and regularly check in with you to see how you are going and ask you what you would like to learn. You do real tasks that help the business and learn from people who are so passionate about what they do.

This experience could not have been more inspiring and I could not recommend and internship at Studio enough! 

A Busy Gal's Guide To Indoor Plants

We have all seen those envious photos online of gorgeous bedrooms filled with lush potted plants. However, plants are not always as easy to look after as you'd think - especially if you're super busy!

Here at THG we love indoor plants. They can completely change the look and feel of a space, making you feel more at ease and added bonus - they help you breathe better too.

Therefore, we have put together a list of the perfect indoor plants for you busy gals out there who may not have time to give it all the TLC it needs but still want the vibe in your favourite space. 

String of Pearls 

String of pearls are also known as rosary string of beads and are actually considered a succulent. That means that they are ideal for busy gal's as succulents require such little care. We recommend hanging them to showcase the draping beads. 

Peace Lily 

As indoor plants go, peace lilies are some of the easiest to care for. They will immediately brighten any space and are well known for their ability to clean the air of the room they are in. 

Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair ferns come in so many varieties and sizes that there is sure to be one to suit your space. They look beautiful in a range of pots or can be hung to let the foliage drape and add a bit of extra dimension. 

Snake Plant

Snake plants are super resilient as it can go weeks with neglect. Like the peace lily they are excellent at removing toxins from the air. Additionally, there are so many varieties and sizes so picking one to suit your space shouldn't be a problem.

Top Tips To Beat the Heat

Global warming is in full effect in Brisbane this week. Temperatures have soared into the 30s and we are all definitely feeling the heat… and it's only November!! Surviving this kind of humidity is certainly a skill so here our top 5 tips for beating the heat. 

Fruit Popsicles

A super quick and easy way to quickly cool yourself down is with a popsicle. These bad boys are so simple to make and there are endless combinations to suit your tastebuds. One of our favourite and super refreshing combos is watermelon, lime and ginger. See recipe below. 

You Will Need: 

• About 5 cups of chopped watermelon
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• Pinch of fine salt 
• Popsicle sticks 
• Popsicle moulds 

Directions: 

• Puree watermelon, sugar, lime juice, ginger and salt until smooth
• Pour mixture into moulds. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze until firm 

Frosé

Dubbed the 'it' drink for the Aussie Summer, what better way to cool down and enjoy the weekend with your new favourite cocktail. See recipe below. 

You Will Need: 

• 750mL bottle of rosé
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Punnet of strawberries (250g)
• Juice of 2.5 limes

Directions: 

• Pour rosé into 33x23cm pan and freeze until almost solid.
• Meanwhile, bring sugar and 1/2 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan' cook, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Add strawberries, remove from heat, and let sit 30 minutes to infuse syrup with strawberry flavour. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl (do not press on solids); cover and chill until cold, about 30 mins. 
• Scrape rosé into a blender. Add lemon juice, strawberry syrup and 1 cup crushed ice and purée until smooth. Transfer blender jar to freezer and freeze until frosé is thickened (aim for milkshake consistency), about 25-35 mins. 
• Blend again until frosé is slushy. Divide among glasses. 

Head to the beach

We are so lucky here in Brisbane as we have access to so many beautiful beaches. Go for the day or even the weekend and enjoy the cool water. 

Tallebudgera Creek - Palm Beach

Dress Appropriately 

Another way to beat the heat is to dress appropriately! Wearing the wrong clothing can make you agitated so here are some of our favourite THG outfits to keep you cool.

Dakota Crepe Set | $75

Bailey Ribbed Top & Shorts | $85

Maggie Collared Mini | $75

Roxy Frill Hem Dress | $75

Crafternoon Inspiration

It’s a Sunday afternoon, the sun is out, and you’ve got a refreshing mojito in your hand, surrounded by a group of talented gal-pals. What a perfect setting for my favourite type of gathering, a crafternoon. Here are some foolproof ideas that would suit from a beginner to a seasoned crafternooner. 

1.     The super easy and super effective tassel garland!

This one is always a winner; all you need is assorted colours of crepe paper and metallic foil paper, scissors and some brown twine. Begin by cutting the paper into long strips that are about 2-3cm wide and as long as double the length of your desired tassel (i.e. 10cm tassel means 20cm strips). Lay all of your strips out in their own colours (or you can make multi coloured if you prefer) grab the half way point and wrap it around a long piece (total length you are after) of twine then fasten the strips by wrapping a small piece of twine around the head of your new tassel and knotting.

Easy as that, now continue making them until you reach your desired amount/combo of colours. Here are some pictures of how we would style ours. 

2.     Flower Framing

This project required a little foresight with the preparation but these pressed flowers are a beautiful way to preserve the magnificence of nature in your home. If you don’t have glass frames, this project is still very effective in a regular frame backed with white card. All you need to do is gather a bunch of wild flowers, or old flowers gifted to you (mustn’t be large blooms as they don’t press well, think small flowers and foliage), place flowers inside a heavy book and place a large weight on top of the book – leave for one to two weeks in a cool dry place.  Once dried, place flowers in your frames and voile – done! 

3.     Macrame plant hanger

You’ve all seen them, they look fab, now you can make one of your own! I have tried a few online tutorials for this project and this is the best video I found, it really takes you through step by step, it looks a little more complicated than some other versions, but trust me it pays off in the end. This DIY should take you about 1-2 hours to complete. All you need is a few bundles of rope, either in a neutral tone or multi colours, you can buy this is craft shops and hardware stores. You will also need assorted bolts/beads, D-ring and a hook, all of which are available at your local hardware store. Here is a picture of my finished product and some other (more) inspiring versions! 

TOP 5 DATE SPOTS ALONG THE BRISBANE RIVER

Summer is fast approaching and along with the amazing weather comes the perfect atmosphere for romantic dates beside our iconic river. You may be just starting to get to know someone or you may already be in a relationship. Regardless, these spots are perfect for spending time with that special someone.

1. New Farm Park

This park is huge so you will definitely not be short of places to have a romantic picnic. Grab some cheese and wine from one of the local stores and take a seat next to the river and enjoy the amazing sunset hues Brisbane has to offer. 

2. The Jazz Club 

Something a little bit different but definitely worth checking out! The Jazz Club sits right next to the Story Bridge offers the perfect atmosphere to kick back and listen to some amazing Brisbane talent. 

3. Cliffs Cafe 

If you are looking for something a little more casual, the Cliffs Café in Kangaroo Point is sure to be your thing. They offer amazing views of Brisbane and is the perfect place for a meal or a lazy afternoon drink. 

4. Alechmy Restaurant & Bar

This spot is perfect for that special occasion. Treat yourself to an evening of fine dining experience and one of the best views of the Story Bridge. 

5. Wheel of Brisbane 

Nothing says romantic like a Ferris wheel ride. Luckily for us, we have one in the heart of the city that offers panoramic views of the city. Take a quick ride after dinner in South Bank or better yet, hire a carriage out and have wine and cheese as you watch the world go by. 

Brisbane must-see events October

James Street RESORT

RESORT is back for its third installment from October 12 to 15. Take a hike through this year’s urban vacation as we travel headfirst into nature’s own utopia – the James Street National Park. This event celebrates James Street as a creative hub for fashion, lifestyle, art and design influenced by Queensland’s subtropical climate. Each beautiful store has individual offers running on the UP-LATE night (Thursday 13th) including generous discounts, champagne, live music, goodie bags and in-store designer visits. 

BN GIRLS Exhibition & Book Launch

Over the past 12 months, Birsbane babes Dani Marano and Hannah Roche have styled and photographed a series of 27 portraits celebrating creative women throughout Brisbane. Together they have produced a portrait book which features the talented beauties below:

• Phoebe Paradise
• Niqui Toldi
• Patience Hodgson
• Emily Devers
• Savannah Van Der Niet
• Vlada Edirippulige
• Rachel Burke
• Mairi Mackinnon
• Erin Lightfoot
• Eliza Rogers
• Jessie Webb
• Trina Massey
• Yaseera Moosa
• Jaala Alex
• 100% / Chloe Baxter, Grace Stevenson, Lena Molnar
• Bridie Gillman
• Bianca Mavrick
• Wendy Ma
• Kylie Newton
• Naomi Blacklock
• Kitty Danger
• FOREVR / Sam George-Allen, Kate Mackenzie
• Elisa Jane Carmichael
• Jolie Chatfield
• Laura Patterson
• Mariam Arcilla
• Swasthi Iyengar

They are celebrating the release of BNE GIRLS portrait book on the 21st of October at Junky Comics in West End (7-9pm) followed by celebratory drinks at The End bar.  

Valley Fiesta

Valley Fiesta, Brisbane’s free, all-ages festival for music, arts and food, will be held in Fortitude Valley over the weekend of the 28-30 October 2016. Brought to you by Brisbane City Council and now in its 20th year, Valley Fiesta will showcase all of the favourite music events that everyone knows it for.

This years Fiesta will be bigger than ever with more than 50 performers across three main stages, laneway parties, art displays, street parties, world music, food and band competitions.Acts include the likes of:

The Vines, KLP, UV Boi, Harts, Hey Geronimo, These Guy, Jess Kent and many more. 

Wherever we go, we like to be prepared. From the office to the bar we have ourselves covered! Step inside our office and see what our top handbag essentials are. 

G:         I’ve always got some nude lipstick or balm in my bag and a compact face powder for touch ups during the day/after work if I’m heading out for a drink. 

J:          I always have some Carmex in my bag (I’m obsessed – my boyfriend even bought me bulk Carmex for my birthday) and my Miu Miu sunglasses – I love this style, I feel they work with almost any outfit and colour 

S:         I don’t leave the house without a tube of trusty Lucas Paw Paw ointment (the most versatile and soothing product ever) and of course my credit card – you never know what you’ll come across that you simply must have! 

Z:         I really don’t go anywhere without some business cards, they come everywhere with me – you never know when you’ll need one. I usually always have some tampons, even if they’re not for me, you never know when you’ll need to help a gal out. Also, my super handy mini sewing kit, were talking needle & thread, pins, bra strap, buttons etc. 

E:         Perfume is my handbag essential (GIVENCHY Very Irresistible is my favourite) and of course like the other girls, no one can stand dry lips - a Chap Stick. 

Summer Ready Detox

With summer looming we are puling all the stops to ensure that summer body is looking better than ever. Along with regular exercise we have a few (delicious) secrets to help us on our way. Brewing your own infused waters and teas has many benefits from digestion to fat burning and immune defense properties – did we mention that there are also delicious!

Make yourself a large jug and sip on it throughout your day for a healthier alternative to regular juice/coffee/energy drinks.

Here are a few super easy recipes to get you started. 

Slimming tea fusion

2 x cups of chilled green tea

2 x cups of filtered water

1 x small handful of fresh mint leaves

1 x fresh lime sliced

2 x cups of Ice

Blood sugar & digestion

1 x kiwi fruit peeled and sliced

1 x handful of strawberries slices

½ x cucumber sliced

1 x small handful fresh mint leaves

4 x cups of filtered water

2 x cups of ice

Immune defense

1 x lime sliced

1 x lemon sliced

1 x orange sliced

1 x spring of rosemary

4 x cups of water

2 x cups of ice 

Your Cruelty Free Beauty Crash Course

So you have probably heard a lot about cruelty free beauty lately. You might have seen it online or have a friend that shops cruelty free. But what does that really mean? Not only is it important because we love animals but also so you can make informed decisions as a consumer when shopping for your beauty products. 

What you need to know first. Animal testing has been done for generations as a way to determine if products were safe for public use. Not only are final products tested but individual ingredients. Long story short testing of ingredients in no longer required for many reasons and here is why:

• There are thousands of ingredients available to cosmetic companies that have already been proven safe they can use to formulate their products. 
• With the continued development of new technologies there are alternative methods available that makes animal testing uanessacry. These include in-vitro testing and the ability to replicate human organs that can best used for testing. 
• There is a genetic differences between animals and humans meaning that although something could be determined safe for animals it doesn’t make it safe for humans. 
• many countries around the would have realised the many reasons animal testing is uanessacry and have taken action to ban animal testing on cosmetics. These include the European Union, India, Norway and more. Australia can soon add its name to this list after annoying in June that they are banning cosmetic testing on animals. You can read more about how awesome we are becoming here. 

The term Cruelty Free refers to testing on animals and the term vegan refers to products without animals by-products. In cosmetics these can be bees wax, Carmine, Lanolin and many more. 

The easiest way to think about it is their are many different things that can make your beauty products are home cruelty free or not. 

Do they consider themselves cruelty free? 

Whats important to know here is the term “Cruelty Free” is not regulated so it can be used by companies, when in fact they could be testing on animals. Where it can get a little confusing is that the final product (e.g. your cleanser) may not have been tested on animals so companies will state it is cruelty free however the ingredients inside your cleanser may have been tested. Just to add another factor into the mix, much of the time the products will be tested by a third party which is where we talk about selling in China. 

Do they sell in China?

When beauty brands enter the Chinese market and are selling their products in China they agree that their products can undergo animal testing before they can be sold. This is a requirement by the Chinese government. 

Note: Companies can manufacture products in China and still be considered cruelty free as it is only if they are selling in China they are required by law to test. 

Only tests on animals when required by law.

This section is important because it is a statement you will see on a lot of cosmetics websites. Many companies are cruelty free and do not test their products or ingredients on animals. However many of these same company sell in china making them not necessarily cruelty free. 

Are they owned by a parent company that tests on animals?

Some brands are owned by bigger cosmetics companies and many of these companies do test on animals. Because of this many people believe that companies that are owned by larger parent companies that do test are not consider cruelty free because the profits for the products go to the parent company. This is an issue that is not black and white and looked at differently by many people. 

So what now?

There is a lot of information out there on the topic. Its important for each individual to decide whats important to them and the educate themselves. Lucky for us their are many great beauty bloggers that have done all the hard work on this issue. Blogs such as Cruelty Free Kitty and Logical Harmony provide a wealth of knowledge and have developed their on “Cruelty free list” you can use as a reference. 

You also have many organisation that are dedicated to ending animal testing and have approved lists of companies that don’t test on animals. Your top three you can refer to are

Choose Cruelty Free // Leaping bunny // Peta

Have a look at the massive list of cruelty free beauty brands you can buy from. Cruelty Free Kitty is a good go to list.

x

Polaroid Camera Displays

We LOVE polaroid pictures here at Studio Agency and what we love even more is displaying them! We’ve put together some cool DIY ideas that you can do at home to spice up your bedroom or living room and create a beautiful memorable display.

No Place Like Home

After all, home is where the heart is. It is where we rest, love, grow and entertain – it is an environment that can shape and influence your outlook on life. For inspirational spaces we look at cozy, luxurious fabrics such as velvets, knits and faux fur for furniture/soft furnishings to give your space a warm inviting feel. We also love printed rugs, personal artworks and thrifted eclectic tables and chairs. Plants are also an amazing addition to your space, not only do they look great and create a more intimate environment but they purify the air, improve productivity and help keep illness at bay!

If you’re new to indoor plants we’ve got a list of the best and easiest species for beginners:

1.    Prayer plant: needs a bright but not directly sun lit room, regular water

2.    Mother in laws tongue: Likes a well lit spot, water when dry

3.    Philodendron (basically indestructible): Likes a well lit spot, water when dry 

4.    Devil’s Ivy: A climber that will grow in dull or light spaces, water when dry 

And Voila! Your space can be your dream home just like that.  

Calm your Cravings: Brisbane's Best Sweet Treats for the Young and Carefree

Nodo Donuts – These guy’s products have been lovingly prepared with nothing but good intentions, a focus on health and the best possible, naturally gluten free ingredients so you can spoil yourself guilt free. Who said    

Location: 1 Ella Street, Newstead

Chester Street Bakery – Voted Brisbane’s best place for desert! If you’ve got a tea party organised or a birthday coming up, then this is the place to come if you want to impress or surprise your guests! They’re SO good!

Location: 32A Chester Street, Newstead

Secrete Trees Coffee - This is a hidden gem, tucked away in the backstreets of Robertson, serving sweet treats, excellent espresso and out of the ordinary specialty drinks. Their specialty drink is fairy floss suspended over a cup of long black whilst dissolving into your cup! Their milkshakes are also served with a fairy floss top in flavours like lime, caramel, strawberry or vanilla raspberry. YUM!!

Location: 7/17 Barrett St, Robertson

Flourish Superfood Café: Decked out in a shipping container this amazing little place will fill you up with the best Acai Bowl in Brisbane! Nestled up James Street, serving nourishing eats like acai bowls, smoothies, juices and raw treats this has to be your go-to for a quick and easy healthy option on the go. 

Location: 76 James St, Fortitude Valley

Bella Hadid: Style File

Her signature bad-girl minimalism has taken the platforms on social media by storm. Her dreamy and strikingly beautiful looks are undoubtedly mesmerizing and it’s no wonder Dior Beauty wanted her as the face of their brand.

The 19-year-old sister of supermodel Gigi Hadid has become a modelling force in her own right, with high profile runway appearances in New York and Paris, as well as on the Grammys Red Carpet with boyfriend The Weekend. You can’t help but admire this gorgeous genetically blessed beauty and we are just loving her timeless style!

Fashion gets personal: The pieces you can personalise.

Fashion is getting more personal then ever before. Their are now a number of brands that will put your name on pieces so its as if it was made just for you. If your like me and have a name with unusual spelling and have never owned a keychain or mug with your name on it in your life, this is especially exciting. 

Watches

Eoniq Design - Eoniq Design allows you to create your own custom watches down to the smallest details. this includes everything from the watch hands, the watch face (both top and bottom), wind type (hand-wound or automatic), engaging and more. 

Jewellery

Sarah Chloe - Sarah Chloe does everything from bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, cufflinks and a number of finer jewellery option all which come in a range of colours and styles. 

Clutches

Edie Parker - Make your clutch represent you or your mood. You can pick not just the text but the colour, font, but also from a number of styles. They also do trays. 

Apparel, Bags and Fragrance. 

Burberry - You have probably seen the many clubs getting around with their monogramed Burberry scars which we fall sleep thinking about. But to add to your dreams Burberry also do Rucksacks, pouches, ponchos, fragrances and their iconic trench coats. 

Pyjamas

Jasmine and Will - Offering a range of mens, womens and children pyjamas that look super lux and comfy. We need these asap and then a full Sunday in bed please. 

Bags and Accessories. 

The Daily Edited - You have probably heard of them and see them on Insta. They offer a range of men and womens accessories including wash bags, a range of bags, travel accessories, phone cases, key rings (yes finally!) and so much more. 

Mon Purse - Customise your own bag by designing it from start to monogram. Picking everything from the style, colour, lining to studs it will truely be YOURS. 

The Intern Diaries

Why you should Intern at Studio Agency, written by an Intern.

Stare at me straight, and give it to me true. Internships, the all essential stepping-stone to any career in the industry. Our childhood dreams are all grown up - interning at one of the leading fashion agencies in Brisbane.

After twelve magical weeks, my final day has descended, bringing with it tears of sorrow and heartbreak. Raw and real, young and modern, Studio is the place you just want to keep coming back to. They’ll nurture your creative impulses, fulfil your fashion visions, and teach you invaluable lessons, to take with you now and forever. The rest … is up to you.

Let your inner fashion desires take hold, and step into their world, an invitation to learn from their direction and endless opportunities. You can count on having exposure to photo-shoots, styling, design, production, and the online realm – coffee runs not included.

A veteran of the internship world, Studio Agency will forever be my number one. 

I leave fresh and fearless, ready for it all. 

10 THINGS TO DO ON YOUR RAINY WEEKEND

The rainy weather can scare off the happiest of moods. Here is some ideas on how to brighten your rainy weekend. 

1. Get your pamper on. I’m talking the full mani + pedi, hair mask, face mask and exfoliate. No pamper session is complete without a robe and some tea. 
2. Clean out your closet. Make some bags to donate all the clothes you don’t wear anymore and to make room for some new season pieces. 
3. Now you have all this spare room no better time to do a pinch of online shopping and fill that space with with new season pieces. 
4. Do a Lonely Planet stalk. Nothing better then day dreaming about all the amazing places you can go to. Paris, Morocco, LA, India, Bora Bora and more. Also a great time to plan your next holiday. 
5. Yoga. No better way to make yourself feel great then to do a little workout. Not only is Yoga super good for you but we all love that little nap at the end. I mean meditation. 
6. Get baking. Not only do you get to experiment with somethings you’ve never had the chance to make before but you have a delicious treat to reward yourself with at the end. Oh and you get to lick the bowl. don’t forget that part. 
7. It might be an obvious one but, the cinema. In addition to seeing Finding Dory (or whatever else) think of the popcorn, choc tops and frozen coke. mmmm. 
8. Check out GOMA and all the amazing exhibits on at any given time. It’s also nice and warm in there. 
9. Binge watch the new season of Orange is the new Black because watching a full season in one day is the only way to live. 
10. Practice making cocktail with your friends. They don’t have to taste good as long as they are insta worthy.