Brownlown 2014: Standouts and Burn Outs

Definitely very off topic to my usual blog posts, but Brownlow Night is always one of the most exciting things to watch for me.

If you guys don't know, the Brownlow Medal Night is basically the most prestigious award night for the AFL - Australian Football League. It awards the best player of the season based on the umpires votes after every round. Except, the Night has extended from the award to the Red Carpet arrivals. These days it's about the WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) as much as it is about the footballers.

I've picked out a few of my best dressed, personal favourite, and those I think missed the mark by a bit.

Standouts

Rebecca Judd is regarded as Queen of the Brownlow Red Carpet, ever since her infamous red dress in 2004. This year she stunned in a gorgeous muted grey/dull white J'Aton Couture gown with a slim fitted torso and voluminous skirt, creating a fuller bottom half. I especially loved the Victorian-like detailing on the chest.

Nadia Bartel is another WAG who constantly shines on the Red Carpet, and whilst this piece is a little different to what she wears, I think she pulls it off exceptionally well. The One Day Bridal design is actually leather, and contains studs and straps.

Contrary to the more adventurous looks on the night though, Candice Quinlan appeared in a classic full-length gown. It's elegant, and the colour choice is refreshing and fun. I actually really like the yellow, because that colour can definitely be very disastrous.

 

Full points to Jessica Holtman for looking absolutely adorable. She looks like she's just stepped out of a fairytale, and whilst the dress does have a more bridal cut, the muted grey makes it more appropriate.

Jesinta Campbell is an absolute babe! I love that she's gone for a more conservative look, with the grey and long sleeve, but she's kept it interesting with the shoulder cut. Elegant and tasteful. She just resonates beauty in this Steven Khalil piece.

Abbie Noonan is a surprising addition, but this lilac dress (Georgia Young Couture) is so unique and eye-catching. She looks absolutely gorgeous in it as well.

Personal Favourite

Alex Davis would definitely have to be my favourite though. I'm all for classic and elegant looks, and this beautiful blue number by Julie Simonelli is exactly that. I feel like Alexis does veer towards this colour quite a lot - remember her Versace gown in 2011 - but it is a perfect colour for her. It's sexy in a subtle way, pulling in the places needed to show off her curves, whilst being modest with the floor length train and long sleeves.

Burn Outs

There's always the ones who just seem to not get it, or maybe they think they do, and then it doesn't work out like how they want it to. This is definitely my personal opinion though, so I do understand that we do all have very err .. different taste.

I just couldn't agree with any of these, and I really have to question what they were thinking. 

Gabo Greko deserves a category of her own. The self-designed dress just yells out confusion to me, and I actually don't want to know what's going on. The metal poking thing on her hands just gives me an Edward Scissorhand's vibe. She definitely took over Brynne's position, practically overshadowed her. 

Thanks to my friends, Kim and Hang for working through this with me. 

Who were your favourites?
(Photo Sources: AFL Media & Getty Images via DailyMailUK)

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Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods - Rick Riordan

Title: Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods

Author: Rick Riordan

Publication Date: August 14th, 2014

Genre: Fantasy/Middle Grade

Add to Goodreads | Buy from The BookDepository

Ever wondered about the gods who kept popping up in the Olympians series? Well here's your A-Z guide (sorta) narrated by the famous demigod himself, Percy Jackson. The origins of the Greek gods and the Universe is told in a sarcastic and witty manner, but don't worry, it is 100% accurate.

Review

I'd have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I have studied Greek mythology before, so the thought of reading about it all over again wasn't exactly enticing. However, once I read the preview for the first chapter I immediately knew this was a must buy.

Rick Riordan's writing is witty and hilarious, and it translates so well in Percy Jackson's voice. I actually missed his narration after finishing the Percy Jackson and Olympians series so this was a great way to revisit him. Because he adopts such a joking manner, the tone is light and enjoyable, making the topic a lot more interesting than what it would be. I'm not saying Greek mythology is boring, I mean I chose to study it, but that its told in a more modern and relatable way. Have you ever heard of the gods referring to people as "dudes" and wearing sunglasses? Exactly. It makes for learning about the origins behind the entire Percy Jackson stories easier and fun.

I did struggle to finish the last 50-80 pages, because the book is quite lengthy, but also partly because I was falling into a reading slump. Still, it was great to "revise" and revisit the Greek gods and their doings, and I liked that some of the events Riordan included weren't as well known/was new to me.

It's a great companion novel and very enjoyable. If you loved everything else about Percy Jackson then definitely check this out.

P.S Sorry if I sound inarticulate, I haven't written a review in 2-3 weeks! Also cause I read this 3 weeks ago as well.

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September Problems

It's annoying but it's happening. I'm not blogging as much as I want to these days! I had planned out September to be this great month with exciting new posts - hell yesterday and today there were going to be new reviews up - but alas, life is poking me in the rib and asking me to pay attention to it more. So here I am with my lame and generic excuses.

• University is quickly sweeping me up and rolling me under all it's work. A part of it is me constantly procrastinating, but seriously, I have a stack of assignments and tests to study for. I don't ever find time for anything else more! 

• Lack of time also means I don't get to read much either. I've actually hit a reading slump, and have over 3 books that are currently "on-hold" until further notice. Usually I read on the train ride into uni and back out, but now I just sit there and listen to music instead. This is freaking me out! 

• When I do have time, I'm working. That $$ you know. 

I just have to push through these next couple of weeks and shuffle my schedule around so at least I've got some content for you guys. Sit tight because I'm not going anywhere yet. 

I just wanted to say sorry and explain the situation, that's all!

Hope you have a great month!

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August Wrap Up

Yes, it's finally the end of Winter! August wasn't a great month personally, so I'm glad it's actually over. It started off with me cracking my phone screen, then being sick every few days, and having to start university again. Still, there were the ups as well as the downs so I'm going to stop my complaining now.

On The Blog

I've started some new features on my blog, which I'm actually really happy about it. They're not very original, but I look forward to writing them every week/month. 

"The Waiting List"

I list the most exciting new releases for the upcoming month. It gives me an opportunity to check out new authors or novels that I didn't even realise existed, so my research is definitely useful. September's Waiting List is up if you wanted a read!

"Sunday Spotlight"

I love this one the most because I get to talk about my favourite book of the week, and sort of rave about it forever! Ok well not forever, but I like that I can recommend you guys something to read every week and know that I've really enjoyed it! It does require some commitment though because sometimes I don't read that many books in a week and I sort of get stumped.

"Talking Personal"

The title is literally what I do for the post. Half way during the month I'll update you guys on what's going on in my life - I know, how exciting. 

Posts For Thought

• Lite-Rate-Tune gives a handy hint on hiding spoilers, which helped me so much with my World After review. I know, I'm still getting the hang of things.
• Queen of Contemporary's Blogging Manifesto is a great declaration for her blog, and in such an elegant tone as well. 
• All Things Beautiful's A-Z Blogging Tips is one to keep in mind - succinct and relevant. 
• Not sure if e-books are your thing? Amarisafloria might change your mind with just four reasons! 
• SnugglyOranges outlines her blogging (and reading) schedule, and it's inspired me so much! 

Reading Time

Reading wise, August was actually really good for me. I participated in two read-a-thons again - the AYearAThon and Bout of Books 11.0. I didn't try to be as ambitious, but even then I didn't read everything I wanted to read.

The #AYearAThon topic for this month was Middle Grade, so I was able to whittle down part of my TBR list!

With Bout of Books 11.0 I wasn't as attentive as I would've liked, but I read some really good books. I did a couple of update videos as well as a full wrap up post, so definitely check it out here!

In total I read 11 books which are *drumroll*

Favourites

     

Reviews

         

      

Haul

Tell me how your month went!

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Top Ten Tuesday

The Broke and The Bookish, where we list our top ten according to a topic of the week. I'm actually not participating in this weekly, only because I know that for some of the topics I really can't come up with a list of ten. For future topics though, check them out here.

Top Ten Characters I'd Have At My Lunch Table

Back to School Edition

1. Will Herondale of The Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare 

The question is why wouldn't he be there? Step back people, power couple coming through.

2. Penryn of Penryn & The End of the Days Series by Susan Ee
Here comes my right hand girl, better watch your backs.

3. Rose Hathaway of The Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead
I guess Rose takes the left side, but she's equally as sassy as Penryn. Maybe more.

4. Fred & George Weasley of The Harry Potter Series by J. K Rowling
You can't have one without the other, sorry.

5. Tiny of Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan and John Green
Tiny is the best person you will ever meet, ever.

6. Levi of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Just a little eye candy y'know.

7. Luna Lovegood of The Harry Potter Series by J. K Rowling
She made me some turnip earrings and we've been friends ever since.

8. Celaena Sardothien of Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
Her badass-ness scares me.

9. Elizabeth Bennet of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
We all have that one friend who keeps our heads screwed on tight, even though they go through with all the silly stuff in the end.

10. Noah Shaw of The Mara Dyer Trilogy by Michelle Hodkin
Danger alert, seriously.
I can't believe I adopted a persona for this entire thing LOL. I'm from Australia so we don't really have the whole lunch table clique thing, like what I see in US movies/TV shows. I still think this was such a fun topic thing and definitely very interesting to think about.

Do we have the same top ten?

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