I know the majority of the posts on this blog are geared towards females, particularly with the fashion and beauty posts that I do. But it's what I know and they interest me - so sue me! I do however know that I have some wonderful male followers as well and don't pretend like you've never used my advice to find your lovely lady something ;) But I thought it's about time I threw you a bone. After a few requests on social media, I bring you the top 3 barbers in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. These guys will have you lookin slick in no time, whether you're after a pomp or a flattop.

 

 

602 Wynnum Rd, Morningside (07) 3899 6995

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, these guys are responsible for bringing old school barbers back into the spotlight up here in Brisbane. Continued on by a family tradition, the shop's distinctive boxing old boy logo is almost as famous as the cuts and shaves they give. Creators of the Upper Cut Deluxe pomade range, Aussie rockabilly heavy weight Pat Capocci has even written a song about them.

Shop 4/326 Old Logan Rd, Camira (07) 3818 3303

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 8am to 1.30pm, Johnny Voodoo's is a real man's shop. Covered wall to wall in Kustom Kulture artwork, skate decks and oddities, recline in an old school barber chair and let the boys work their magic on your 'do. Stocking pomades and products from all around the world, these guys also do a pop up barber shop at the Woolloongabba Antique Centre on the last Sunday of every month.

325a Oxley Ave, Margate 0431 392 274

Open from 9am to 5.30pm Tuesday to Saturday with late night until 7pm on a Thursday and an early finish of 2pm on a Saturday, this intimate little shop just a short stroll from the waterfront. Offering everything from specialty cuts to the iconic rockabilly quiff, this shop is described as a little left of centre. Better yet, you can crack open a cold one while you wait.

3/29 Brisbane St, Surry Hills  (02) 9262 7777

One for the girls and the boys, this shop is one of Sydney's most famous. But we're all about the guys today and I think it's safe to say you'll feel like you've stepped back in time to the very chair where your grandad's hair was cut. From the girlie pictures on the walls to the vintage barber chairs and the dying art of cut throat razors, the whole experience is perfected by the music and friendly staff.

21 Jaques Ave, Bondi (02) 9130 3684

Open Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Friday from 9am to 9pm and Saturday from 8am to 7pm you're guaranteed a great cut any time. Started on his grandmother's tiny inheritance, owner Dan Dixon has created an accessible salon that promotes no pretension, just great hair. Featuring tattoo-style artwork on the walls within the salon, this boutique barber shop is just a short stroll from famous Bondi Beach.

183 Riley St, Darlinghurst  (02) 9267 0057

 

Open Monday to Tuesday from 11am to 7pm, Wednesday to Thursday from 11am to 9pm, Friday from 11am to 8pm, Saturday from 9am to 7pm and Sunday from midday to 6pm, is an old school barbershop with a modern twist that caters for both the lads and the ladies. The walls of their shop are absolutely covered with edgy imagery and it could almost be mistaken for a trendy rock n roll bar. From buzz cuts to something a little more interesting, Ziggy's has got you covered.

 

 

237 Church St, Richmond  (03) 9645 8898

 

Open Monday to Wednesday from 9.30am to 6pm, Thursday from 9.30am to 7.30pm, Friday from 9.30am to 6pm, Saturday from 8.30am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm this barbershop is a stalwart in the Melbourne barbering tradition. Specialising in style cuts, particularly those of the old school cool variety, as well as cut throat shaves, these guys have been around longer than barbers have been cool.

 

558 Queensberry St, North Melbourne  (03) 9328 5599

 

These 'gentlemen haircutters' are open Tuesday to Wednesday from 9am to 6pm, Thursday to Friday from 9am to 7pm and Saturday from 9am to 4pm and pride themselves on keeping things simple. Surrounded by antique barber’s accoutrements and taxidermy you too can enjoy the simple pleasures of a great haircut and shave accompanied by great tunes and the quintessential cold beer.

240 Gertrude St, Fitzroy  (03) 9416 3999

 

 

Open Tuesday to Wednesday from 10am to 6pm, Thursday to Friday from 1am to 7pm, Saturday from 9am to 4pm and Sunday from 12 noon to 4pm these 'barbers of distinction' offer a free beer with every cut and spin classic vinyl while your follicles are seen to by their talented team. With a shop who's looks have been likened to the cover of a glam rock album, you know your in stylish hands whether you just want a little off the top or a completely new look.

 

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So there you have it, the top 3 barbers in the major cities along Australia's east coast. Whether your a local who needs grooming or find yourself out of town and looking for a last minute close shave, you wont be short of places to go for a cut...or a beer. All that's left to do is choose your style.

 

 

Do you enjoying going to the man caves that are barber shops? Lets face it, in rockabilly it's all about the 'do and getting it slicked back or high and tight!

My love of all things tiki has been well documented on these pages, but lately it’s all I can think about! I’ll be sharing some exciting news about that soon…but in the meantime, I want to indulge my tiki fixation by sharing with you the latest from Black Lagoon Designs.

Completely designed, hand sculpted, fired, glazed then sold and marketed by the beautiful Danielle, it’s been an absolute privilege to watch this lovely lady turn her passion from a hobby into a business. Dani is a tiki-o-phile herself and the stuff her crazy brain dreams up is pretty awesome! She also makes a mean cocktail, which is lucky because she specialises in tiki mugs.

 

From puffer fish to boneheads, pirates to octopus, pinstripers to head hunters and everything in between there’s a mug to suit your drink of choice. Better yet, Black Lagoon Designs do custom creations so if you’ve got some bizarre idea floating round in your head Dani loves nothing more than to make it a reality. Her mugs generally retail at around $35 but if you want something custom just shoot her a message and she can give you a figure.

 

Made from ceramic, the mugs are 100% handmade, durable and hold PLENTY of your favourite drink. Trust me (ouch my head!) Unsurprisingly, Dani's designs are in high demand so her Etsy store is currently sold out but I've heard word from the lady herself that she'll have some pretty new babies restocked by mid-October so be sure to keep your eye out. Until then, join me in drooling over her Facebook page. I’m really looking forward to seeing Black Lagoon Designs take off…and sharing some more tiki news with you soon!

What would you put in your tiki mug?
Do you love a good Mai Tai or are you more the Navy Grog type?

Brooches - do you wear them? I wish I wore them more often but to be honest I've always struggled with their placement. Given my larger bust, I've found it hard to know how and where to put them so that they don't flip up, stick out, go wonky or look like some kind of weird nipple cover. Occasionally I  get brave and decide to give them a go but after I spend 10 minutes positioning and re-positioning them and still feeling weird about it, I generally freak out and decide not to bother. I don't have many for this reason but there are so many cute ones out there and I'm sick of missing out. Especially seeing as I hardly ever wear necklaces now with my full chest piece. I need something to fill that cute accessory hole!

 

Enter the brooch. I decided if I was going to start wearing these cuties then I needed some advice. As I was scrolling through Instagram the other week I came across this photo of Bec's huge brooch collection and knew she'd be able to help me! She also runs sells-cute accessories which she handmakes herself - but more on that later. I put the call out to Bec and between her and a couple of her lovely followers they gave me tips on how to wear brooches with big boobs. The main advice was to wear them higher up so you don't get the weird 'nipple cover' action going. But they also suggested using your bra as a guide and in line with your collar bone as a general rule. And if all else fails, pin them on to collars, scarves, hats and kerchiefs!

 

So with that in mind, I decided to give my Peta Pledger brooch a go the other day. This was a good outfit to start with because the stitching and pocket was a great guide for where to put it. Baby steps people. Apart from the fact that I was already in love with this Freddies of Pinewood Grease Monkey I picked up from Western Wac, I was super chuffed and excited to finally be wearing a brooch! Perhaps I need to get out more? Whatever, I kept looking at it and playing with it all day haha The only other time I've worn a brooch (and it is also one of the only other brooches I own) you may remember this outfit by Stars & Swallows in the lead up to GreazeFest. I'm a sucker for anything dog-related and this Erstwilder brooch is just too cute! I was a little worried about using the brooch when the package first came but the little winged collar on the dress definitely helped with positioning.

 

 

Now that I'm a little more informed when it comes to brooches, I can't wait to start stocking up on some new pretties and wearing them out. Here are a few on my lust list, beginning of course with Bec's little business MoxieLou.

MoxieLou: Can we first please just take a moment to enjoy her logo? Love! I'm also in love with ERMAHGERD pug brooch! And these Frankie & Bride and FLAMINGOES!! She sells at markets regularly and her next locations are listed on the website.

So there you have it. These are on my list to own. In the meantime I'll keep practising.

Do you wear brooches? How do you usually wear them? Care to share some tips?