the Melbourne Walking tour I had to take

Sunday was a most glorious Melbourne winter's day and mine started with having to be at the clock on Flinders Street Station for a date....not that kind of date, but a date to see the city through someone elses eyes.  If you are going to meet someone in Melbourne, then under the clock is the place that first comes to mind when you decide to sync watches for a planned adventure.

 

I'm coming up to my 2 year anniversary of being in Melbourne, so I think I can take on the title of now being a Melbourner - even though I haven't adopted the much loved black clothing, I think I am fitting in and bringing my own flavour to this city and starting to sprinkle my "Janergy" around.  I've done a lot of walking, but no walking tours since moving here, although the chocolate walking tour really really appeals to me. Yum.

When I saw this one come up in my social media feed, I literally jumped at the chance to get my shoes on, grab my camera and join in. This was no ordinary walking tour (I'm sure none of them are ordinary), because this one was being done by Chris Cincotta, who most people know as the face behind the faces of Humans in Melbourne and Melbourne I Love You, both of which bring me and thousands of others joy when we see his photos and get inspired and behind the stories he shares, which we all then share to spread the love. These were some of the first accounts I started following when I moved here as they really made me feel connected to the city.

 

As someone who loves wandering the laneways and arcades of Melbourne, I knew that Chris would be able to share some great history and stories of the city, especially the artists whose works take residence.  Chris also does many great things and is involved in paving the way to make change on a real genuine level for so many people and his creative thinking, enthusiasm and care for others is beautiful to watch and to now be a part of, as I was lucky enough to be on his first ever Melbourne tour.

Of course I don't want to give too much away in case you decide to go, but I loved every minute of it. The group was small and ranged from a guy who had been in Melbourne for only 2 months, to people who had a history with Chris and wanted to be part of his new history. The weather was chilly, so he even lent a jacket to someone who was feeling the cold as we were waiting to start. That's the kind of guy he is.

First stop was Degraves St, which is part of my usual route to the city as I love to stroll up Flinders, turn the corner and see what awaits.  It's also home to the well known orange vespa at Clementines, a place that sells locally crafted products. We dropped in to say hi and were given a little gift that was specific to the city postcode of 3000. It created quite a buzz with the group.

 

We then headed to Centre Place which is a laneway full of energy and a hive of activity. Here Chris shouted us all coffee at 3 Little Monkeys, (the second place in on the right) and the caffeine flowed, as did the friendliness of the group and the coffee shop.  I'm keen to go back and enjoy a coffee there and just enjoy the laneway vista cause I hear from a good source that this is where the locals hang out during the week and guess who is a local?

 

Next stop was the Soup Place where the pay it forward mantra is alive and very very real.  Pick up your lunch, buy some for someone else in need and leave a post it on the wall so it can be claimed.  The place is jam packed with post its containing messages from those who are being so giving. There are a couple of big containers on the counter where the post its get put once someone has enjoyed the meal given by another and those bowls were at overflowing.  Having a roof over my head, water, warmth and food are things I don't take for granted, so for people to have access to this basic need without judgement or questioning is just fantastic. It would be awesome if these post its made their way into a giant art installation somewhere as a reminder of how generous the people who live and visit the city are.

Onward we strolled, coffee in hand hearing stories and learning more about Melbourne's people, history and culture. We also got to see where Chris has taken some of his amazing photos which he sells in his booth on the corner of Bourke and Swanston.

  

There's something to be said about finding out where the best public amenities are as well...and not being in a group of people where an umbrella is held up to ensure that no one loses the guide.  Chris ensured we were always in sight but without the pressure of feeling like we had to stick close by.  We could wander, observe, take photos at leisure, stop and chat and enjoy as we just moved and flowed without feeling rushed.

 

  

 

We walked through the Block and Royal Arcade's as we headed towards the Bourke Street Mall and made our way to Elizabeth Street, where we were entertained, and I was in awe of the violinist who was busking.  He was amazing and has been asked to play with Mumford and Sons and that's a pretty big honour. Chris also shared with us the story of the Golden Purse at the bottom end of the mall and the enormity that is the busking scene in Melbourne. After having this little sit down and a musical intermission, we headed in search of laneway art and Union Lane was first spray can off the shelf.

 

After this, we headed towards Swanston St where the film clip for the AC/DC hit It's a long way to the top was made in 1976. Oh my god, I was 10 but I can just imagine standing there watching it happen. Such a great song and that was a perfect segue for our next laneway which was in fact AC/DC Lane.

 

Up to the Paris end of the city we went and into the lane. This was one of the first places I went to when I arrived in Melbourne, as I had to go to a work dinner. My first visit there was dark and cold and I did the necessary work thing and then went home not really having my bearings given everything in Melbourne was so new to me at the time. I didn't realise the significance of this lane as it's more than just a namesake after one of our greatest bands. It's home to the Cherry Bar and it's a lane that I am putting on my to do list again for next week, as there was just so much to see ranging from art that took up whole walls to tiny pieces that you would catch out of the corner of your eye as you strolled past. I can't believe I haven't wandered up there again since arriving.  My Melbourne to do list is going to need its own personal assistant soon.

Not sure if the latest installation below was a hit with everyone, but I loved it.  It took me back to the 80's when I made a pair of pants with fabric that was inspired by this style of art. I think I could have a sewing project on my hands, as another pair of pants with some crazy artwork would be a fun addition to my wardrobe.  I'd be walking graffiti. Wouldn't that be cool.

 

It's in this laneway that there are a lot of pieces of art that are both highly respected and a bit controversial in terms of the styles and that's the beauty of this city. It's a thinking city. It changes, it moves, it's alive and I'm in love with it.

 

Oh god, there is just so much to photograph that I need to remind myself that my passion is writing, I think... but with so much beautiful work to look at, each piece with it's own appeal, I hope it's possible to find a balance between the written and the visual.

 

More information kept coming forth about the artworks and the artists, some of which have incredible stories behind them and I was happy to be an information sponge. Chris knows his stuff and apart from his street knowledge, has built great relationships with many people and this forms a beautiful circle of giving, receiving and giving back.  It was then a short stroll to Hosier Lane, which is probably the first name that comes to mind when you think of street art in Melbourne, but keep your eyes open, because great stuff is everywhere. Up, down, around unexpected corners and in nooks and crannies. Eyes must be peeled at all times. 

Hosier Lane became the back drop of my fashion style photo for the day. Who would have thought that my outfit would have blended in so well with the art work....Me I guess, cause sometimes, I feel like I am a piece of art. The style challenge for the day was double denim and I assure you there is only so many times you can wear jeans and a denim jacket before it is no longer interesting, so I used my chambray shirred strapless top that I designed, as a little skirt over my jeans and posed my big happy double denim heart out.

From here we walked back to his photo booth where we took some selfies and were given one of his beautiful prints which we were asked to choose when we made the booking for the tour. The tour can be booked on his website and included getting to meet some new people, having a strolling coffee, getting some exercise, learning about the city laneway's, and taking away some momentos from the day. What's not to love.  I'd recommend this to anyone who has moved or is visiting Melbourne, or if you would love a relaxed laid back wander around the city with someone who has spent part of their life being a tour guide overseas but whose heart is all about Melbourne.

I'm so pleased I got to be part of Chris's journey as he branches out his incredible skills for all things people. For me, it was the perfect thing to really cement my roots in this city I now call home.

the sunday session 12 - hello stranger

right, i am going straight into business. fucken hell - 8 great outfits, one to debrief and a story. where do i start.

fave outfit of the week -- was it the top i wore twice? no. was it the chance to wear a puffer? no - that means goodbye to the warm weather. was it the shorty short kaftan? sorry for flashing, but no. vintage dress? warm and on par with the shiny flowery pink number, but i am drawn to the 1980's white blouse and the jeans.  it's just soooooo not me in 2016, but i loved the regalness of it.  it was a vintage find just sitting on the hanger waiting for some unsuspecting nearly 50 year old woman to walk by and appreciate its beauty knowing that it had made an appearance in a fashion lovers paradise last century but was still looking hot.

i teamed it with some boyfriend jeans from target which i rolled up and my men's shoes sans socks along with vintage mis matching pearl clip on earrings. it felt good, it looked good and it was my winning look of the week. now fashion is out of the way, it's time for a story...

when i moved to melbourne one of my friends who reads my blog said that i could be just like Carrie from Sex and the City and share my single city adventures.   Well, i have had a couple - really 2 but none that involve the lessons of love that Carrie would share.  And when i did write a story about being single in my new city, it was met with the broken hearted record that i had to listen to for so many months.  that record soon changed when a tinder match opened a door for the record player to change tracks - rather quickly and move on.  each to their own.

what i am so grateful for, is that i have had time to reflect, grow, grieve, release, consider, reconnect with me (the woman who was suffocating) and just enjoy my new life being me, while finding my rhythm without needing someone by my side to do it.  it's been very liberating and as each day goes on, i just feel more confident, more at ease and more free.  the free is delicious. it's like ordering your favourite anything with a side of free. you want it, you got it.... fucking enjoy it.

i know there was the whole fortune teller thing and that was awkward cause she said i had to search out love and i know there's been the past online dating horrors and it doesn't take long to get up to speed in the whole dating lingo - between the catfish and the fuckboys, it's like speaking a second language.

i discovered a number of instagram accounts that pave the way for women to have their voice when they have the audacity to say no or reject a man online.  i've been on the receiving end of this. oh god you are so gorgeous.....thanks, but i am really not interested in engaging further.......well fuck off fat bitch....if you ain't feeling it then it should be ok.  this is the reality for women in a world where men are more physically overpowering in the flesh and not okay and with virtual rejection. sorry ego. this at least gives us a voice of solidarity. this is not about power, it's about being able to say no, without retribution, because you have said no.  it's okay to say no. and it's brilliant to be able to voice the no on sites such as tinder nightmares and one of my favourites bye felipe, who also have a podcast.  i started listening and i've started learning more about the online dating world. it's the new reality, it's a thing, it's always going to be a thing. i'm not sure if it's always a great thing cause it's become transactional. i for one don't care for short term deposits and transactions and i am sure there are going to be men out there like me who feel the same. well i hope so. this is the future of any person finding themself with a busy life, working hard and looking for a companion. it's an online mine field.

i went out on sunday with a stranger.  yes a bonafide stranger. it was a him, it was his idea and i felt comfortable enough to say yes. we met online, shared some messages (after a bumpy start) but i actually felt okay about it.  there was grilling of course - cause there are some lines that the sisterhood just doesn't cross and there was a natural flowing engagement that i enjoyed.

of course, there has to be that moment when you decide to meet for realsies and ladies, do it sooner rather than later - rip that fucking band-off and let nature takes its course.

i did it and it don't regret it for one minute.

i agreed to pick him up (the stranger) and he agreed to take my ootd photo on sunday. i would normally never do such a thing, but my gut feeling was totally okay about it (what would my mother say).  today was only ever going to be coffee and conversation (for me anyway)

we drove to an out of the way location and he got to choose the backdrop.  i''d never seen this wall, but this was my kind of backdrop.  i am sure the decision was not about the act, but about the creative. i went with it.  he got to be the photographer, i got too be the model. win win.

after this, it was coffee and conversation and it flowed - i had awkward nervous - cause i don't ever do this....we ordered the same brekky - coffee and croissant, we both shared stories - creative, adventure, family, food.

we didn't end it there, we went to the gallery and we saw the warhol exhibition.  we took silly photos, we talked, we had fun - it was fun.  i like fun - he liked fun. it was fun fun

 

 we  shared a plate of food and we said goodbye.

this was just what the doctor ordered. i was out of my comfort zone, he got to be janergized (who doesn't love that).  i got to enjoy something that i have never experienced before and for me it was great.  i felt comfortable letting the guard down to speak and i hope he feels comfortable knowing that not all women are going to turn up on the doorstep after one meeting declaring undying love. how creepy is that....

so i guess this was a sex and the city moment - i wasn't being samantha, charlotte, miranda or carrie, i was just being me, i wasn't overthinking, i had no expectations, i was doing what i wanted to do, being in the now and embracing or declining whatever was to come.  that meant really stepping out of my comfort zone.

and with this i thank him for opening up a side of me that i never knew existed and a confidence i never knew i had. thank you. it was a yesman moment. #yesman

the sunday session 6 - chop chop

WTF - it's the sunday session and i am already at wednesday! first up, here's all my spunky looks from the week and i am out and loud calling them spunky. there's a few pieces from the huudaverti sunset collection which i am loving to wear and share pics of, along with pieces i made myself.

i also ran into Connie - i don't know her, but i stopped her and said how fab she looked and insisted she post with me.

she was all no no no, but i think she's a pro, as no sooner was the camera pointed, she decided to hide her walking stick.  she's a fashion shark.  loved her.

for me personally i was again torn between 2 looks.  my huudaverti shirred skirt (cause it felt amazing and gave me sky high legs) and my jeans and plaid shirt, but i am going to have to debrief on the jeans and plaid number, cause it was one of those outfits that just made me feel amazing. not that i don't feel amazing in huudaverti, but the reality is that i am huudaverti all the time - the woman who wants to stand out in the crowd.

i am someone who just loves to create and am always looking for ways to do things differently - that relates to my work and of course my fashion - call it process improvement. and there was a lot of process improvement in the plaid shirt that's for sure.  i bought the shirt back in 2012 from coles at fairfield in brissy and it featured on my blog post - guess whose mum. that's a blast from the past.....and haven't i come a long way, especially in the hair growth area.

and the shirt is back, better than ever in 2016.

casual friday is the work day of the week when i can wear jeans - i love jeans. and on this particular friday, i didn't feel like wearing just a t-shirt, but wanted something a bit more structured and if you follow my instagram, you will see that i very rarely wear anything with collars and buttons.  it conflicts with my sense of freedom.

as i was getting dressed, i saw the shirt and thought, gee, i would love to wear it, but it's summer and the sleeves are bulky - being men's and all - i decided to just cut the fuckers off.  trick was to cut on the sleeve side, so it left a nice clean finished edge. the shirt went on, the buttons got done up and i felt pretty dang fine.  to move it from masculine to femine, i added the red high heels, some fun earrings and popped my hair up.

so apart from enrolling in the next level of salsa dancing i didn't do much apart from have to deal with a couple of ninkumpoops on dating sites - like this guy...

and this one- class act. hiding behind an online profile is no excuse to degrade any woman and i for one, won't stand for it.  it's totally uncool and i have to wonder how they treat the women in their lives and how they want the women in their lives to be treated by other men.  scary.

let's bring it back to the fashion, it's far less hideous.

sometimes we have stuff in our wardrobe that you may think is no longer fashionable, but why not think outside the norm and find a way to give it a new lease of life.  it's amazing what some safety pins, or some knots, ribbons or even a pair of carefully placed scissors can do to give an outfit a new twist, as i did witth some of these looks.

 

go forth and explore the possibilities. pull it up, pull it down, turn it round, inside out, and let your fashion creativity shine. ciao fashionista sistas!