2 Many DJs + Gucci Mane + Soulja Boy + Waka Flocka

Alright, so I already posted "Bingo." Whatever. We all know the song's the hottest new things since sliced bread, so why not give it all the exposure it deserves? The video just surfaced, so that means another post - deal with it. And though it's not much to watch, Waka Flocka kills the video just as hard as Soulja Boy kills his verse in the track. And did I mention that everything Gucci touches is pure gold?



I don't have much to say about the next clip. I mean, nothing really needs to be said. New stuff from 2 Many DJs. Get flippin' excited, y'all. Gonna be huge. I've seen Soulwax perform live, but I've never seen these gents DJ. Someday I will and I will cry tears of unmistakably joy. Can't wait.

Christmas Pondering...

Hey there lovelies,

First of all, Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate it. I don't celebrate Christmas in any religious sense (usually it ends up being another excuse for my family to get rip-roaringly drunk together), but I do have plenty of fond memories of Christmas day. Seeing all my extended family members, my brother & I dunking each other in the pool, playing boardgames with the little kids, and awkwardly sitting at the "grown-up" table. But more than anything else, as I've grown older Christmas day has ended up becoming a time when I reflect on the previous year, and all the things I have learned. And boy, have there been a lot of lessons this year.

If you've been around for awhile, you'll know that this year hasn't been the easiest year for me. I lost my job just before last Christmas, and it took six months to find another job (or, one that wasn't spending between 20 and 40 hours a week folding & delivering catalogs for about $100). Once again, I struggled with depression, lost interest in the things that make me happy, and began to question my future. I had two panic attacks, and saw a lovely psychologist. I've fought with good friends, had incredible trouble making new friends and felt like The Boyfriend was the only person in the world who cared about me. I spent many days in bed crying because I couldn't bring myself to get up. Then I got a new job, but The Boyfriend and I ended up working opposite hours, with me unable to sleep in the nights he was gone. I felt guilty, because I'd promised myself I wouldn't be depressed again, but it just seemed to happen. Then, last month The Boyfriend lost his job in some really fucked up circumstances, and just before my end of year exams, meaning we've barely had money to pay our bills, let alone buy Christmas presents (or any luxuries for that matter). I also weigh nine kilos more than I did this time last year.

But, the main thing is, I've learned. Sure, life kicks you in the shins, trips you when you aren't looking and then kicks the shit out of you while you're on the ground wondering what the hell just happened. But getting back up, well that's up to you. I've learned that I can't just keep laying on the ground, waiting for life or the universe to send me all the answers. By getting back up, I've chosen to move forward. By accepting that sometimes life sucks, I've realised that it doesn't always suck. I've learned that you really have to work for the best things in life. Job opportunities, good communication with your partner, happiness, self-acceptance - all these things take work, and no one else is going to give them to you. And just because these things sometimes escape you, that doesn't mean that you've failed. It just means that you get back up and keep damn trying. Usually when you work hard at something you are rewarded, and just because this doesn't always happen, that's no excuse to stop trying at all. We all have our own personal demons, but if we refuse to face them then we can never move forward. We just get stuck facing the same problems over and over again.

At the beginning of this year, I felt like my life was broken. I felt like there was no way all these problems could be mended. Emotionally, I hit rock bottom and I've been spending the rest of the year building myself back up. And don't get me wrong, I can see why people find it easier to just stay there. I've had to be honest with myself about many aspects of me that I don't really like. I've had to be ruthless with myself, and I've had to make really hard decisions that I couldn't run away from, or pass off onto someone else. But I am stronger, I am wiser, and I know myself better than before. I am in no way perfect - but I am improving. Sometimes, I fall apart and feel like I'm back where I started from, but every time I pick myself up it isn't as hard.

I'm not going to do what I usually do, and violently exclaim that next year better be nicer than this one. It's not that this year didn't suck big sweaty balls - it totally did. But, if it wasn't for this year I wouldn't have learnt a multitude of things about myself, and about life. The way I see it, the harder the lesson is to learn, the more valuable it must be. In the words of Thomas Edison:

Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close they
were to success when they gave up.

What about you? Has this year been hard, or easy? And what have you learned along the way?

Again, Merry Christmas, and until next time, xo.

Ke$ha + Friendly Greg Mix

I promise that someday this blog will be more than just a tribute to all things Ke$ha. But before that happens, I'd like to flaunt my correctness yet again. 'Cause I'm humble and all, that is. I started playing "Tik Tok" ages ago. I thought it'd be a hit and it became a hit. I thought it'd shoot up the Billboard Hot 100 and I'll be darned if it isn't currently sitting at number two. Boom. Next up: "Backstabber," take my word for it. Now if only I could get my paws on a high-quality version of the cut to play out when I DJ. Hm.



Anywho, enough of my unconditional love for Ke$ha and utter inability to be humble about even the most obvious of predictions. I have a new mix (Top 40-free) up for listening at Let's Mix for their Next Generation DJ contest. (That embedded thing below may or may not allow y'all to listen to the mix while remaining on Panda Toes, but let's be real - I don't understand the internet and I'm entirely unsure as to what that little rectangle does.) So the idea is this: listen to the mix. If you like it, vote for me here. If you don't, stop listening. Much appreciated, much love, etc. My DJing MySpace page is here, f.y.i. - show me love.

Where the H is BBS? from Friendly Greg at Letsmix.com.

P.S. Ke$ha puts on a no-nonsense live show. Didn't expect it, was entirely blown away. Serial.

One Size Fits All?

Photos via V Magazine

Hello there lovelies,

I heard through the grapevine that V magazine is doing a "size" issue at the moment. Don't get me wrong, I love the editorial photoshoot of Jacquelyn Jablonksi (left), beside Crystal Renn, with both wearing the same pieces. But I have to admit that I cringe a little inside when I hear about a magazine doing a "size" issue, or a "diversity" issue. In fact, it plain pisses me off. It's not that I think these things are bad - rather, I feel that magazines should be featuring models of all shapes, sizes and races to begin with. Instead of celebrating diversity with scattered magazine features and editorials, why not celebrate it by including a wide assortment of models in every issue?

We have thin people, medium-sized people, and fat people every day of the year. We have Caucasian people, African-American people and Asian people, every day of the year. We have tall people and short people, people with crazy hair and big hips and small boobs. I can't be the only person in the world who would rather see fashion shown on a variety of different bodies, right? This V Magazine editorial does a damn good job of showing how two completely different women can make the same styles look amazing. And, if we made images of different body types, or people of a multitude of races normal, then we wouldn't need diversity issues to highlight them. I guess my point is, hats off to V Magazine for featuring different types of women in this fashion shoot - but why can't they, and other magazines do it in every issue, instead of reserving special ones for diversity?

What about you guys? What's your take on this?

Until next time, xo.

Grindin's Best of 2009 + Crookers + Soulwax + Mixhell

I'm well aware that the vast majority of this world's inhabitants live for the Grindin chart, so it's my great pleasure to give y'all our Best of 2009 chart. And, as you might expect, every last song on the list is spectacular in every sense of the word. Granted "Party Time" is the best song ever made, but I won't fuss too much about it being number seven on the list. And for your listening pleasure, peep the new track from Crookers - "We Love Animals" - which features Soulwax and Mixhell. Yea, you've probably already heard it. But in case you haven't - well, you're in for quite a treat.

1. Joy Orbison – "Hyph Mngo"
2. Major Lazer – "Pon Di Floor"
3. Florence + The Machine – "You Got The Love (The XX Remix)"
4. L-Vis 1990 – "United Groove"
5. Health – "Die Slow"
6. Gucci Vump – "Sha Shtil (L-Vis 1990 VIP Remix)"
7. F.L.Y – "Party Time"
8. House of House – "Rushing to Paradise"
9. Kingdom Feat. Shyvonne – "Mindreader"
10. Fuck Buttons – "Surf Solar"
11. Duck Sauce – "aNYway"
12. Salem – "Redlights"
13. Diplo & Laidback Luke – "Hey"
14. Fake Blood - "I Think I Like It"
15. Burial & Four Tet – "Moth"
16. Michel Cleis - "La Mezcla"
17. Bok Bok – "Ripe Banana"
18. Classixx (Feat. Jeppe) – "I’ll Get You"
19. Ellie Goulding – "Starry Eyed (Jakwob Remix)"
20. Curses! – "The Deep End (Holy Ghost! Dub)"

Sia + Lauren Flax

Some time ago Lauren Flax put out a little ditty called "You've Changed" that made my heart skip fifteen beats. Flax's girl Sia was in town when she was recording the tune, so the former invited the latter to be featured on the track. Then Sia was all, "hey, umma straight up record my own version of this here song." And she did, and it ruled. And then she made a video for the cut and it somehow managed to turn out even more impressive than the song itself. This joint's mind-blowing enough that I'm not even embarrassed by how incomprehensible the last five or so sentences have been - I'm simply too flabbergasted to function.

Thought For The Day...

Hey lovelies,

I've got a very sweet little video/song here, which serves to illustrate that good advice comes in the most unlikely places - including from 30-something male comedians with crazy hair who tend not to wear shoes.

Until next time, xo.

Young Money + Lloyd + Trey Songz + Fabolous

There are many, many things in this world I don't understand. Why isn't Ke$ha president? Why is everyone so flippin' in love with Drake? (Dude's fine and all, but is he really as good as everyone seems to think?) Will the Mavericks ever win a championship? And finally, will the Cowboys ever win a playoff game?

However, the question that's most recently haunted me is this: how is it that Young Money's "Every Girl" could peak at number ten on the Hot 100 while their remarkable "BedRock" is stuck at number twenty? It's true that you might as well call this the Wayne + Lloyd show, but who cares? The former's got a nice verse and the latter straight kills the chorus. This thing is stupid infectious and should be played everywhere at all times.



However, there do exist places and times in and during which "BedRock" should not be played. Example: where and when "Say Aah" is bumping. Trey Songz kills it throughout and Fabolous continues to destroy everything in his path. Five months ago I was shocked to find myself seriously feeling a Fabolous cut; now I fully expect to be wildly into anything he puts out. This track is most certainly no different.

Gucci Mane + Soulja Boy + Wacka Flocka

Three names: Gucci Mane, Soulja Boy, Wacka Flocka. Panda Toes' love for the former two has been well documented on these here pages. Our love for the latter is a newer development, but believe me when I say it's the sincerest of loves. And when the three come together something special (see: "Bingo") happens. Oh my dear sweet goodness, this song is simply unstoppable.



And then there's the recent single off of The State vs. Radric Davis, "Lemonade." The song can't quite match "Bingo," but it's nice nonetheless. And the video. Very pleasing. Peep it and be sure to cop the album pronto, it's not to be slept on.

A Dose of Style - Dresses & Heels

Hello there lovelies,

It's pretty picture time again! It's almost the weekend, and normal people usually go out and party right? I wouldn't know, because I work weekends/have no life in real life. Anyway, here are some killer dress-and-heels combos for all of you heading out on the town this weekend. Hopefully you'll be inspired to shake things up a little!

Oh Leighton Meester, eternally one of my style favourites. Completely digging the wacky pattern on the dress, and the peep-toe boot-heels.

Ok, so I'm not usually a Rachel Bilson style fan - she seems to play things pretty safe. But how could I not love this insane rainbow tiger-print dress? You win the internets Rachel!

Hey Fergie-Ferg, you're looking pretty damn sexy in your studded dress there. I don't care what anyone else says, this dress is a masterpiece.

And to finish off, another one of my style favourites, Rihanna. This take on the black red carpet dress is so cool. Simple, stylish design made crazy with the floral cutouts. Hmm, ontrend but not perhaps?

Photos from Dolly.

There we are! I hope you're feeling inspired to wear something a little out of the box when you head out today/tonight. I'm sick of seeing the same outfits on everyone! We're all individuals right? And if anyone gives you trouble, I'll sort 'em out.

Until next time, xo.

Get Organised, Today

Hello there lovelies!

Now, if any of you are anything like me, then you have a pile of stuff to get done and it seems like there are never enough hours in the day. But you can get organised, and in a few easy steps too!

1. Make a list of all the things that you need to get done, preferably on pretty, brightly coloured stationary, so that you're bound to look at it later. Be honest, and don't leave any tasks off your list.
   


2. Don't freak out at the size of your list! This is important. Again, if you're anything like me, your lists of things to do will be pretty damn big. But, you shouldn't let that stop you. No matter how big, accomplishing all the tasks on your list is not impossible.
   


3. Now go through your list, and decide which things are most important. Example: buy food wins out over brush the dogs teeth. Some things are always going to be more important than others, and they need more of your time and attention.
   


4. Get started on those important things! This is probably the hardest part, but really, is any of that stuff going to get done if you don't get started now? I know, I know, it's a beautiful day and you'd rather be at the beach/playing dodgeball/skydiving, but think how many future beautiful days could be saved with the sacrifice of a few hours of this one?
   


5. Also very important - don't sweat the small things! If you've gotten all the big things done, then it's probably not going to kill you if some of the small ones wait a few more days. You'll drive yourself crazy trying to be on top of everything, all the time. Give yourself some credit. You achieved something today right?

Simple as that guys. Don't get me wrong, I know that "simple" isn't as simple as it sounds - but it can be. All you need to do to get organised is get started.

Until next time, xo.

Hump Day DIY Break

Hello there beautiful readers,

What better way to spend my mid-week weekend than with a little DIY madness? Excuse my nearly week-long posting hiatus - I've been sick, unusually tired & feeling a bit blue. Not sure what my mystery illness is yet, but I'm sure they'll figure it out in the end. Onwards to the adventure of my crazy mind, and magical sewing machine!

The "I Have A Heart On" recon - started life as a Jay Jays 3 for $15 t-shirt, now chopped and rearranged. In my mind it was going to be a dress, but I'm a little too tall for that, so now, it is a long top.

Remnant Camo skirt - made from remnant fabric I scored from Lincraft in the Brisbane CBD. Cost me only $4.01. You can't really see because my photography is shite tonight, but it has small pleats in the front, sides, and back.

What's been going on while I've been away? Exciting news lovelies?

Until next time, xo.

EDIT: Last minute addition!

Half-Hour Sailor Skirt - Thought I'd pop pics of this one up before bed. Again, really shite photography, but this skirt is super cute, and so easy to make. I took two t-shirts (or one was a dress, but t-shirt material), and cut one tube of fabric off each one. One of the tubes I folded in half to make the waistband, the other became the skirt piece. As I kept the original hem from the sailor dress, only one bit of sewing required - attaching the waistband to the skirt piece. Sweet!

Now really, until next time, xo.

Things I love Thursday (Or maybe Friday..), In Honour of 100 posts!

Photo by rogvon

That's right, this is my 100th post, good readers! So here are 100 things I loved this week:

Sewing; free magazine headphones; helping a friend shop for a faux engagement ring; forcing my cat to give me a hug; being told I do the work of five people by my boss; my other boss finally remembering my name; customers who say "Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it"; customers who politely ask if they have enough time to try things on fifteen minutes before closing; cans of Pepsi Max in my fridge; reused denim wallets for $9; compliments; early morning cuddles.

That's 10!

Putting the alarm on for ten more minutes; being greeted by a crazy dog when I come home; constantly chasing my cats away from the iron (LOLworthy); cold water on a hot day; my sewing machine; wearing things I've made myself out of the house; getting lots of nice comments on said handmade things; finally plucking up the courage to wear my bowler hat shopping; paying bills & getting ahead; stealing kisses in the middle of the night.

Just hit 20!

Finding The Boyfriend reading the book I made him for our first Christmas; parties with friends, and without drama; cool fabric remnants for cheap; doing my Dressmaking coursework & making it pretty; free headphones with a magazine; collapsing on the couch after a hard days work; coffe made lovingly by The Boyfriend; vegemite & cheese on toast; actually having tailors chalk for once; coming home to find dinner in the oven.

Can I hear a hoorah for 30?

My comfy shoes that I bought for work & now wear everywhere; reading A Clockwork Orange, midnight swimming; being a cheap drunk; sneakily staring at The Boyfriend when he thinks I'm writing in this blog (sneaky!); smiling at random strangers & seeing them get unsettled by it; dresses at work with peacock-inspired patterns; having loads of crafty inspiration; watching a storm roll in over a beautiful lake; Jillian Michaels fitness DVD's.

That's 40 guys!

Seeing the pets sprawled in hilarious positions while they try to keep cool; Max California's 31 Skirts; random urges to rewatch all my episodes of House; seeing Leighton Meester on an episode of House (before she was Blair Warldorf); my friend having an interview for a job at an adult shop - she had to "sell" her interviewer a vibrator; going to work because it is airconditioned; putting my birthday card that was handmade by my friends right beside the TV; my favourite pair of jeans; carrying my Tim Minchin merch bag everywhere, reading magazine meant for teenagers.

50 things, who knew?

Finding out it's a small world after all; impromptu breakfast with a friend turning into impromptu shopping with a friend; a seam ripper that actually rips seams; all my animals staring at me from the bathroom foor while I change my earrings; butter tarts; getting all the washing folded; Gala Darling's style tips; realising just how much jewellry The Boyfriend has made me over the years; being able to say "over the years" when referring to my partner, good friends getting engaged.

Coming up on 60 there!

Reheated pizza for breakfast; Reheated garlic bread for dinner; Family Guy - Blue Harvest; Watching Idiocracy and worrying about the future of the human race; Subway that is totally worth the 15-minute wait in line; 4-hour firefight matches on Halo 3; going to bed early & actually getting enough sleep; meeting cool new people; having someone say exactly what you need to hear; Having a huge pile of books waiting to read.

70, I'm getting there guys!

The feel of just-washed hair; days where there is nothing to do except laze around with The Boyfriend; having amazing parents; when the pattern on your fabric lines up perfectly when you're done; discovering things in the back of your wardrobe to fall in love with; random telephone calls & long conversations; thinking up designs faster than you can sew them; having a sense of purpose; my work shirts coming up bright white after a bit of bleach; when you leave the fan on all night & then the morning is cold enough to curl up in a blanket.

Whew, 80!

Net-stalking people I think are cool; getting a new fitness plan organised; Nubby Twiglet's wardrobe; assorted bloggers' "what I wore" pictures; being in a generally good mood most of the time; having someone to hold me when the good mood fails; not spending money on clothes I don't need & that I can make myself; staring off into the distance & dreaming about the future; crossing my fingers that The Boyfriend gets the awesome job he wants; remembering my weight is just a number.

90, that's what I'm talking about!

Being loved - by my partner, my parents, my friends & the rest of my family; buying cute little notebooks to keep in my bag & record my design thoughts on; when my cats lay looking like mirror images of each other (yin/yang perhaps?); having curly hair; looking through old photographs; talking to my best friend; eating Macdonalds beside a lake at nighttime; being taken care of; being appreciated.

And what is the 100th thing I've loved this week? ALL OF YOU! All you people who read this blog, leave comments/love, and make this whole blogging thing extra fun!

Photo found at kind over matter

On an administrative note, as much as I've enjoyed Blogger, I'm considering switching over to Wordpress. Has anyone else out there done this, and would you say it was worth it? Any awesome/horror stories? Let me know (also, let me know what is making you happy)!

Until next time, xo.

Fitout + Ke$ha + Little Boots + Matt & Kim

As y'all know by now, I'm more or less convinced that Ke$ha is the second coming. Thus, it only makes sense that the young lady's DJ is equally dirty. Meet Fitout. His "Earthquake" remix is heat, the "Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare" interpretation he whipped up is quirky and refreshing, and the dude's originals on Hot Biscuits are very much in good taste. Some day I'll make beats like this. Some day I'll be Ke$ha's touring DJ. Some day, some day. Until then I'll stick to DJing fraternity parties, blogging, and brushing my teeth with Beam instead of Jack. So it goes.

Thought For The Day...

Picture by pipeline confections

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Simple but true, no? Think on it lovelies.

Until next time, xo.

A Dose of Style - Off Duty Models

Hello lovelies,

It's time for another dose of style, and today I bring to you some of the coolest (in my opinion) off-duty model style. Lets face it, some of these chicks really know how to dress. Onward to the pretty pictures!

Erin Wasson - I am probably in love with this chick, which is an achievement for a model. I love the way she pairs quirky things with a punkish edge, and still looks classy all the time. Also, leopard print pants for the win.

Daria Werbowy is apparenly a Canadian - Ukranian model. Never really heard of her, but this outfit makes me wish I had. Anyone who wears crazy vests is ok by me!

Magdelena Frackowiak is a Polish model, who again I had never heard of until I fell in love with her outfits. The hat + jacket = full of win.

Freja Beha Ericsen - a Danish model, who is really rocking boy style. Man oh man, I love girls dressed like boys. Simple, but she still looks great.


Agyness Deyn - I don't think I could focus on off-duty model style without including her. Her outfit choices are generally insane, and I heart them so much that it might actually be detrimental to my health. I really like this particular outfit, as it shows that an all-black outfit doesn't have to be boring.

Photos from Cosmopolitan & Grazia.

That's all folks! Any off-duty models who have style you admire?

Until next time, xo.

Todd Edwards + Kingdom + Flashing Lights

Today is Friday, December 4th, which should mean a good deal to those of you posted up in N.Y.C. Why, you ask? Tonight both Kingdom and Todd Edwards will be guesting at the weekly Flashing Lights party alongside residents Ayres, Catchdubs, and Jubilee. Yea, that's big. The former is quickly rising in the scene (peep the monster of a mix he did for Discobelle) and the latter's a legend. Edwards's remix of "Next of Kin" is still a set staple and one of my favorite songs. But for now, give his new single "Never Far From You" a shot. And if you're so inclined, check out his remix of Kingdom's massive "Mindreader" here.

Info:

88 Palace
88 East Broadway (2nd Floor)

$12 or $7 with R.S.V.P.
10 p.m. till 4 a.m.

Maluca + Diplo + Feadz + Gant-Man

I may or may not have seen Maluca at S.X.S.W. last year. Let's be real - I saw enough artists that I wasn't all too familiar with and slept little enough that the whole week is one big blur. An awesome blur of course, but a blur nonetheless. Anywho, for some reason or another I think I caught Maluca at the Fader Fort (a.k.a. heaven on earth). And seeing as how I can't even really remember whether or not I actually saw her, there's really no way I could tell you whether or not she's impressive live. Thus, this entire opening paragraph was more or less entirely useless.

So. Moving on. Apparently the young lady's El Tigeraso E.P. just dropped. And apparently Diplo produced it. And apparently I really dig both the title track and its video. So you should a) sneak a peek below and b) cop the release, which features remixes from Feadz, Gant-Man, and others. Can't wait to here 'em.

Lil' Boosie

O.K. Finals. Whatever. Know what's more important than finals? Lil' Boosie. Dude's new album - Superbad: The Return of Boosie Bad Azz - isn't getting the hype it deserves. I mean, the record's ridiculous. This thing dropped two months and change ago, and it should've sold upwards of umpteen trillion copies by now. Sadly, people don't buy music no more. Watch the video for his "Gin in My Cup," then drop some bills to acquire the album. Best decision you'll make this week.

Lil Boosie – Gin In My Cup from Motion Family on Vimeo.

In other news, I just hopped on the Twitter train. Late, I know. And I don't really understand how to use it, but whatever. I follow some people, some people follow me (y'all should join this group), and I'm confused approximately 100% of the time. Anywho, show me some love.

What I Wore Today (Tim Minchin Edition)

Hello lovelies!

I went to see my favourite comedian tonight at QPAC. Oh Tim Minchin, how I love you. If you ever get the chance, I would wholeheartedly recommend seeing this guy live. His DVD's are insanly awesome, and yet, they still don't even compare to the live performance I saw tonight. Utter hilarity, and his voice is amazing. I'm still running high on adrenaline/snarky humour, so I thought I'd post my outfit tonight.

Outfit Rundown:

Headwrap: Tree of Life, $8

"Help Me Paris" Necklace: Made by The Boyfriend

Cardigan: Jay Jays, $30

Singlet: Trade Secret (Living Doll), $6.95

Jeans: Off Ya Tree (Tripp), present from Mum

Flats: Target, $12.90

Note: I was totally trying to play air guitar, and think I only succeeded in looking like Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz.

Enjoy all!

Until next time, xo.

Campaign for Real Beauty

Hello there!

Here's a cute little video for all of you out there today who aren't feeling so great about yourself - to you, from someone who thinks you're all beautiful.

Video from tpiper

The Dove Campaign for Real Beauty began in 2004 and has been working ever since to open eyes, and widen peoples perceptions of beauty. You probably saw their campaigns featuring real women of all ages, shapes and sizes as models. I know I did, because I was pretty much in love with that advertising campaign. I fully support their efforts to expand on the traditional notion of beauty, and in particular the belief that beauty must be young. I believe that women are beautiful at any age - and this video from Dove's Pro-Age campaign certainly backs me up.

Video by wllmsjennifer

Their website also contains lots of cool resources for young girls, including information about self esteem, image manipulation, and being media-smart. There are also resource for mothers of young girls, including a workbook of fun activities that you can do with your daughter to improve her self-esteem. Even better, the Dove Self-Esteem Fund is supporting self-esteem programs in Canada, Amerca, the UK, Mexico, Australia, Korea, Austria, Hungary, and many other countries. Their aim is to reach five million young women by end of 2010. The counter on their website has them at just over three million so far, so I thought I'd help spread the word. Every little bit helps right?

Until next time, xo.

Horrifying Trends That I Love #4

Hello lovelies,

I'm here with another embarrassing trend-related confession. Right now, I'm really in love with floral prints. That's right, floral prints. The self-confessed tomboy, who has barely stepped outside of the black/tartan box is in love with clothes covered in flowers. I've never been big on floral prints before - in fact, I've been known to screw up my nose in a very ugly fashion, or run screaming in the other direction. But they've won me over with the black-based floral prints that seem to be doing the rounds at the moment. Lately the floral prints I've been seeing seem to be more funky, and less princess than usual. Black, bold colours - and at work I've been seeing the floral print mixed with exposed zippers, studs and at like, which are all completely up my alley. Here's a few of the floral-printed things that really take my fancy:

Floral Stuff by Miss Peregrin featuring Dr.martens boots

Perhaps I'm turning into a girl after all? Hah, or not.

Until next time, xo.

What I Wore Today/More DIY Madness

Hey there my beauties!

This was what I wore today, until lunch time when I got called in to work. So, after I work the weekend and Monday, I will have worked six days in a row. FTW. But also exciting, is that fact that I reconstructed the shirt I'm wearing. Another one of my 3 for $15 Jay Jays babies, I like to call it the Ribcage & Spinal Cord. I did the slashy-tornado back thing, resized a little, and added the red sleeves. Also, I'm in love. I wish I worked somewhere that I didn't have to take this shirt off when I go in tomorrow. I may even sleep in it, that's how much I love it.

Outfit Rundown:

Oh no, I'm a Jay Jays whore today!
The t-shirt (before recon), belt (2 for $15), and pinstripe pants ($5) all come from Jay Jays.

Headwrap thing: Tree of Life, $8

No shoooes.

Also, my TAFE materials arrived today, and I'm so excited. I'm doing two short courses, one in Basic Dressmaking, and the other in Pattern Making. I'm doing up a little study plan right now, so that I know when things are due. It may or may not be highlighted in neon green. Yay! In other news, tomorrow I'm going to make a dress out of one of these handy 3 for $15 t-shirts.

Until next time, xo.

Things I love Thursday!

Yay, it's Thursday! And Thursday is a little bit like Friday, because I have the day off tomorrow. Hmm, what did I love this week you ask?

MY 21ST BIRTHDAY PARTY! - Seedy karaoke bar, private room, pool tables and an enormous drink tab. Enough said. Or, if not, here's some pictures that say much more:

Oh hai! We can has awesome nao?

Oh look, I sing something that is probably Avril Lavigne. Only cooler, cuz it's me, right?

Only the cool kids congregate around the pool table.

I love that I look like I'm wearing some kind of Catwoman suit here.

The Boyfriend being passed out on by someone who actually wasn't drunk yet. LOL.

They feel pretty, oh so pretty.

I love me some of this picture right here.

Look, intoxicated people dance now too!


The Boyfriend and I - before the shiny crown started hurting my head.

Other happiness gems: my new sewing machine; 3 for $15 t-shirts at Jay Jays; "I want these in the biggest size you have" - in reference to said t-shirts; "I know this is supposed to be a barrel of monkeys joke, but you know most of these are apes?" - in reference to one of said t-shirts; hot chips ; rearranging the walls in Ladieswear so they look pretty; head wraps from Tree of Life; bucketloads of inspiration; lots of time with The Boyfriend; the way cats lay around the house in Summer; enrolling in my TAFE courses, & lots of kissing.

It's Thursday guys! What do you love?

Until next time, xo.

DIY Madness!

Hello there lovelies,

Long time no see ay? I assure you, I haven't died in a freak gasoline fight accident, oh no. I've just been super busy, first anticipating my 21st birthday party, then attending it, and then being completely in love with my brand new sewing machine. For those in the sewing know it is a Janome DC2101 - freaking sweet. It's certainly a big change from my old machine, which may have in fact walked with dinosaurs (aww, don't worry old machine, I still loved you). This one has lots of fancy things, such as an up-down needle button. Hey, don't laugh! That's a big luxury to me! Anyway, I made three skirts last night (plus, sketched out ideas for a skeleton back t-shirt, and a t-to-dress reconstruction).

Note to self - next time, make sure you have the skirt on straight before taking pics. This skirt was made from a t-shirt found on a 3 for $15 table at Jay Jays. Obviously, the pattern was meant to be suspenders, but I thought "you don't just use suspenders to hold up your pants", and made what I refer to as The Garter Belt Skirt. So easy to make! If you get a shirt the right size, then it's really just a matter of cutting, hemming and adding the waistband.

Pacman! (Once, next time remember to put the damn skirt on straight!). This used to be a Jay Jay's womens tank top with a Pacman print on the front. As you can see now it is a fairly indecent skirt. Once again, cutting, slight reshaping, hemming - and the addition of cute little back pockets! Man oh man, do I love me some Pacman right now.

Now this is probably the most complex project I've ever undertaken. This is not a reconstruction people, but a for reals from scratch skirt. I picked up the tartan material for $2.50 from the op-shop, and the zipper once upon a time for 50c. The tutorial I used for this skirt was made by the awesome Max California. I made my skirt a waisted skirt rather than an underbust skirt - and it did come out slightly shorter than I intended! I'm tossing up adding another layer to it, just for the sake of my dignity, but time will tell. I'm so proud of it!

So there's a nights worth of crafty endeavours for you! By the way I'm finally enrolled in my first set of TAFE courses now - a basic dressmaking course, and a patternmaking course. I can't wait for my materials to arrive, I'm so excited! What have you all been up to?

Until next time, xo.

Mike Posner + Gigamesh + Grindin Chart

Oh, the Grindin chart. The monthly list of the world's fifteen best songs (fact, not opinion) rarely features any of the cuts I've submitted for potential inclusion. Let's face it: Grinders simply aren't in love with Top 40 the way I am. On top of that, the dudes and dudettes on Grindin are all superstar DJs, producers, and bloggers and thus consistently have a grip of tracks the rest of the world (myself included) hasn't yet been able to get their paws on. Granted every single song ever featured on the list has ended up being simply huge (again: fact, not opinion), but I'm left in the dark relatively often. Oh well. However, I managed to sneak a pick onto this list this month, so please celebrate with me the recognition of Skeet Skeet's downright filthy "Tik Tok" remix. Then peep the video for the Gigamesh remix of Mike Posner's "Cooler Than Me," yet another song that I tried (unsuccessfully, as it were) to get on the November chart. Sigh.

1. Erol Alkan and Boys Noise - "Waaves (Gonzales Remix)"
2. Jose James- "Blackmagic (Joy Orbison's Recreation)"
3. Florence + the Machine - "YGTL (Renaissance Man Edit)"
4. Little Jinder - "Youth Blood (Bok Bok Remix)"
5. Roska - "Elevated Level (Kingdom Refix Feat. Brandy)"
6. Buraka Son Sistema - "General (L-Vis 1990 Remix)"
7. Hostage - "Valhalla (Momma's Boy Remix)"
8. Boris Dlugosch - "Bangkok"
9. Deadboy - "U Cheated"
10. Deadboy - "Heartbreaker"
11. Simian Mobile Disco - "Cruel Intentions (Maurice Fulton Remix)"
12. Dubbel Dutch - "Trollsta (Round Table Knights Remix)"
13. Hot Chip - "Take It In"
14. Ke$ha - "Tik Tok (Skeet Skeet Remix)"
15. Untold - "Stop What You're Doing (James Blake Remix)"



Disclaimer: I haven't yet watched this video. In fact, it may not even be a video at all. I'm on a bus, the internet connection is piss poor (I mean, it's a bus after all, not the Dartmouth College library), and I'm just anxious for y'all to hear the track. No patience whatsoever.

P.S. Click here to check out some pictures of the Posner + Wale + Gym Class Heroes concert I opened for a couple of months back.

P.P.S. I'll put up a Posner pic later. Flippin' bus internet. Too slow for much of anything. Predictable.

Wiley + Chew Fu

Wow. Chew Fu. I feel like the dude was starting out about the same time I was starting up Panda Toes. I was a fledgling blogger and he was just a wee producer churning out electro remixes of Top 40 cuts one after another. And now look at what's happened: I'm still running a goofy site with a moderate readership and he's off producing tracks for Wiley. Always good to see that others have accomplished heaps in the amount of time you've done more or less nothing.

Wiz Khalifa

Khalifa's latest mixtape, Burn After Rolling, is probably one of the better among the best rap releases of 2009. Going over tracks from Empire of the Sun and Pink Floyd, Khalifa has always been about crossing over into different genres, but as he flows over Jay Rock's All My Life, there is little doubt that he has hit his stride. Here's "This Plane" from Deal or No Deal which drops next week.

Three 6 Mafia + Tiësto + Flo Rida + Sean Kingston

O.K. So. Where to start? I have no idea what I think about this track. I love Three 6 Mafia. Flo Rida has put out a grip of solid singles. Heck, I even ride for a select few Sean Kingston joints. But those three names working together on a Tiësto-produced track? Now that's something I never expected to see. I'm not nearly as mad at this as I expected to be. Heck, I might even like it. Who knows? Develop your own opinion:

A Little Summer Inspiration...

Hello there lovelies!

My fellow Australians will most probably feel my pain when I say it's really starting to heat up down here in the Southern Hemisphere. Now, my main problem with this is that I find it hard to keep my style interesting once it starts getting hot. It's far too tempting to sit around the house, under a fan in shorts and a ratty old singlet. Especially when we have horrible days like today where the temperature reaches 41 degrees celsius! So, just in case there are others out there in the same dilemma, I put my brain and Polyvore into a blender and came up with some quirky options for keeping cool in the Summer. Readers, meet the products of my poor, possibly heat-stroke afflicted brain - my inspiration for cool Summer style:

Tomboy by Miss Peregrin featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs bags

For those who, like me, haven't grown out of wearing hats with animal ears.

Who the? by Miss Peregrin featuring Miu Miu accessories

Why have only one crazy element to your outfit, when you can have many? I'm in love with those shoes.

Little Bit of Turquoise by Miss Peregrin featuring Lulu Guinness bags

Oh crazy hats, I just can't get enough of you.

Where The Wild Things Are by Miss Peregrin featuring Betseyville bags

I can always use more neon colours in my life. And shoes that say "sex".

Black Widow by Miss Peregrin featuring aerie socks

Ok, so maybe this one had less to do with Summer, and more to do with me thinking that the bird-skull ring is total Black Widow material. Awesome.

And there you have it! These are the kinds of thing running through my head this Summer. What is running through yours? Don't hesitate to share if you're currently in the midst of Winter right now. I may be jealous, but I love Winter fashion inspiration far more than it's Summer cousin. Share and share alike! What is filling your current style musings?

Until next time, xo.