Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Threats against Women Bloggers



I knew there was the occasional spat of nastiness and child like behaviour on occasion happening on the internet regarding peoples attitudes to other businesses and their products. I have been the target of a  copy cat and I have had friends and colleagues harassed and provoked online. These things although unacceptable can be handled and dealt with if you are a member of a strong online/offline community. Indeed if you have a support network at all these may be not much more than stumbling blocks.

However it has been increasingly brought to my attention that cyber bullying of women in small business and women bloggers is escalating. Naomi Dunford has decided to bravely stand up and denounce such behaviour.

(Read her blog post of today here -Death Threats and Hate Crimes, Attacks On Women Bloggers Escalating)

She is currently being targeted by online bullies and has even received death threats. DEATH THREATS! For writing things - and inspiring women. O.M.G

In 2007 Kathy Sierra was also in a firestorm regarding the same topic. She has sadly closed her blog and even cancelled her talks at conferences. Kathy's blog was Passionate - Creating Passionate Users. She was 100% voluntary and independently writing here and giving talks. She was never paid for any of it. It was her love and passion and it was 'taken' from her.

There are murmurs that these attacks are not sexist. That these women are not being targeted because they are women. Perhaps not - but why then are they continually being attacked about their sexuality, their bodies and their womanhood?

In March 2007 Lynn Harris wrote an article entitled "Evidence of rampant misogyny, or the price of doing business in the blogosphere?"

Joan Walsh also wrote an interesting piece entitled "Men who hate women on the Web And the women (like me) who try to ignore them. Or at least I did -- until the Kathy Sierra affair"


We need to stand up to these bullies and make it known that this shady, low down, hiding behind computers crime is not acceptable. Don't accept it in your workplace or at home on your computer. Don't instigate it! Don't write that snide little comment you might regret later! Everything on the internet is forever. FOREVER people.

Another post on this topic comes from LoveLeigh Designs Blog "Sista's .... Why can't we just rise above???"


Sadly a lot of our laws have not caught up with the times ... but what will it take? For someone to actually be murdered before we can  have justice?
 

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Let's Go Shopping!

I'm playing along with BrisStyle's 'Let's Go Shopping' meme this week! It's been a while since I have found myself with some time to do this! I know I am a day late (what's new) but these trinkets and awesome handmade goodies are too good not to share!


My theme for this shopping adventure is Foxy Goodness. I know it's a little on trend but I do love a good woodland critter :)


The Little Prince and His Fox

Fox Mask

The Fox and The Owl

Fox Ring in Sterling Silver

Fox Ring Bowl

Fox Upcycled Slip Bustle Skirt



To take part in our weekly Let's Go Shopping meme, post your Etsy finds on your blog then pop over to BrisStyle to add it to the Mr Linky. Anyone can play along so come join in the fun!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

BrisStyle indie Twilight Market Fri August 19th



The BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets in the heart of Brisbane's King George Square offer a unique home-grown experience like no other event of its kind in Australia. These Friday night markets combine the laid-back attitude of south-east Queensland with the buzz of Brisbane's CBD to create a lantern lit celebration of local independent art, craft and design. 

Meander through the stalls of over 60 emerging and established local artisans who specialize in producing soulful and stylish handmade wares with a unique Queensland twist. With a café, restaurant and bar onsite along with the sounds of Brisbane's premier jazz bands wowing the crowds, this is late night shopping like you've never experienced it!


Support your local Queensland community and shop ethically at Brisbane's HOTtest destination for everything handmade under the stars!



Alternate Location in Wet Weather: As with all our Twilight Markets if the weather is a little on the crazy side then look for us up on the large undercover Deck located above The Groove Train in King George Square. Do check our facebook page after midday on the day to check if things have changed and where you can find us.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival - Brisbane 20-26 August



It’s that time of year again: when Queensland’s fashionistas don the season’s must-haves and flock to the South East, where Brisbane’s South Bank is transformed into a glittering stretch of runways, discussions and stylish cocktail parties.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival – Brisbane, hosted by South Bank, is back for 2011 and promises a stellar lineup of designers and a range of fashionable events to satisfy even the most sartorially starved crowds.
Running from Saturday 20 until Friday 26 August, the Fashion Festival 2011 will showcase Spring/Summer collections from more than 60 local, national and international designers.

This consumer-driven event will present an eclectic mix of fashion, from broad-appeal merchandise and swimwear to independent ready-to-wear designer labels, all of which are available in-store and ready to buy.
Now in its sixth year, the Festival makes fashion accessible to everyone, with nine group shows and an off-site swimwear/resort show. Guests can also enjoy a drink and a catch-up amid the buzz of pre- and post-show festivities in the Fashion Bar at the Cascade Court, QPAC.

If that’s not enough to get you salivating, the Festival will also host a series of fashionable high teas, an Australian Fashion Graduate of the Year competition, a “fashion after hours” discussion program and a gala closing event.

In the wake of the recent natural disasters that have struck the Sunshine State, fashion may be considered a somewhat frivolous pursuit by some, but it is now more important than ever to support our local fashion industry and the many jobs that it provides.

“In what can only be described as a challenging few months for the entire state, we need to promote the best that Queensland has to offer to the rest of the country. The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival is a serious business and generates wide exposure for the city and the designers and retailers involved,” said Festival Director Lindsay Bennett.

The Fashion Festival generates huge revenue for the Queensland fashion and retail industry. Last year’s festival alone generated reported retail sales in excess of $4.35 million and print media coverage of more than $8.1 million.

The festival also stages a fashion shoot each year that involves some of Queensland’s most well-known designers at iconic locations and helps to draw tourism for the state.



Saturday, August 6, 2011

New Dresses for August!

Although it is Winter here in Brisbane, it's slowly moving into warmer weeks for the entrance of Spring, the days are so mild that you can still wear singlets and dresses quite comfortably. The nights however get really quite cold still!

I thought my stock of sundresses might go the distance over Winter but I have had to produce stock just as much as in Summer. It's been fun but not without a bit of pressure now we're getting closer to the Wedding. (We've started counting in weeks! So exciting and nerve wracking!)

Anyway I digress, here are a handful of the new lovelies I have now in stock and will be available for purchase tomorrow - at The Young Designers Market, Little Stanley St, South Bank 10am - 4pm.


















Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Featured Young Designer: YDM Article

I have had the honour of being interviewed and blogged about over at one of Brisbane's favourite markets, Young Designers Market.

Kitty Boo Boo

These markets are held on the first Sunday of every month in Brisbane at Little Stanley St, South Bank. The next of these is Sunday 7th August.

You can read all about it here at the blog of Young Designers Market