In part 2 of Amy Cassell’s interview with burlesque dancer Evie Red, Evie discusses how burlesque affects her relationships, what it brings to her life, how she finds the confidence to get on stage, her idols and the misconceptions that plague the industry.

Hysteria directed by Tanya Wexler is an offbeat, mischievous romantic comedy set in Victorian England during 1880, a time when germs were thought by most to be a mere myth, people pondered whether an invention like the telephone would ever take off and any problem a women should have from insomnia to disturbing thoughts was attributed to the catch-all ailment of ‘Hysteria’. The film tells the story how the invention that is known today as the vibrator came about.

Sunday the 5th of August was the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s untimely departure from this earth. As someone who adores vintage dames, it may come as a surprise that it wasn’t until watching Michelle Williams’ recent portrayal of Marilyn that I fell head over my strappy heels in love with her. And it’s left me wanting more.

Burlesque. It’s a mysterious art form. It brings to mind images of Dita Von Teese, giant cocktail glasses and balloons. But what is burlesque really all about? MWSG speaks to one candid neo burlesque performer, Evie Red, to shed a little light on the subject of striptease – and we like what we see!

It’s winter in Melbourne and this weather is not exactly screaming party time. Nope. It’s screaming hot steam rooms, warming massages and luxurious facials. Introducing two of Melbourne’s most indulgent day spas, with treatments guaranteed to revitalise mind, body and soul. Skin Temple Medi Clinic & Spa The luxurious ‘Queen of Sheba’ Hammam steam package at the Skin Temple Spa is based on a traditional Turkish Steam Bath. Incorporating steam, [...]

Resident Health Expert Bridget Jane Thompson, shares her journey from striving for perfection with its endless self recrimination to finding inner peace and connecting with what beauty really means. And for her, there is nothing more beautiful than a woman who is at ease and peace with herself, others and life itself. Relaxed, calm, graceful and feminine.

Some time ago, I open-mindedly asked my boyfriend “what do you want to do this Saturday?” “We could go to the footy!” was his response. “No!” was mine. Maybe not that open-minded. But, as he whined that we always did what I suggested, I wondered, do you have to share all your partner’s interests? After all, I’d always thought he wanted to do what I proposed. We both love food [...]

{First published in the Teenage Girl’s Survival Guide.} I’m a worrier. A stress head. A bit of a pessimist. A perfectionist. I put enormous amounts of pressure on myself, in whatever I am doing, to get things as close to perfect as possible. While everyone likes to do their absolute best in whatever they put their efforts in to (I’m sure my parents aren’t the only ones who have ever [...]

I learn something new every day. Within any given moment, I can be incredibly inspired by people, and then in the next, absolutely disheartened by them. I’m the most positive person you don’t know, but I’m probably also the most likely to tell you how it really is. I’m passionate and complex and mad about life; about romancing the everyday (something you should know as an avid Modern Woman’s Survival [...]

As a modern woman with a penchant for all-things pop culture, you can immediately and fairly assume two things about me. My interest in all things celebrity would render you right to say that I’m addicted to questionable American television (e.g. Gossip Girl, The Real Housewives of practically every city in North America).  As well as that, the age bracket I tick on any form (18-25) places me somewhere between being [...]

Every month, Editor-in-Chief Gaynor Alder peers from behind the red curtain, to bring you a personal column reminiscent of the early days. Gaynor. Straight up. Right in the middle of slamming deadlines, my mac’s logic board decided it was time to die. Not like I need it or anything like that, being a writer and all. After a week of non stop tech issues, my mac dying was the final straw that [...]

Here at The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide, we like to romance the everyday. But some days need more romancing than others, like anniversaries. So, for hers, Amy and the boyfriend decided to spend three whole days romancing in THE romance capital of Victoria – Daylesford.

If you’re looking for a luxurious B&B that’s nestled just out of town in the Byron Bay hinterlands, The Summerhouse is the perfect retreat. But if you’re looking for a breathtaking view then you cannot beat the unbridled panorama of The Seaview House. Gaynor Alder reviews these two majestic getaways.
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Cassie Spanner has been hibernating all winter and bonding with family sized blocks of Cadbury’s. But she’s joined a gym and will look like Jessica Alba in no time. Right?

Dear Kez, Hello! It’s me! Your 43 year old self! I have so much to tell you, but first thing’s first: Don’t worry. The haircut will grow out. I know it looks crap but your hair will look fabulous again very soon. Just stop trying to cut fringes. They never work on us. Ever. Also, please try to stop biting your nails. I’m spending a fortune on acrylics because years [...]

After two years of redevelopment, the newly refurbished Hamer Hall is opening and they’re celebrating with a four day program full of festivities. It kicks off on Thursday the 26th of July with a commemorative concert featuring Moulin Rouge’s Caroline O’Connor, Offspring’s Eddie Perfect, k.d. Lang, opera singers and a 75 piece orchestra; and continues with art installations, guided tours and events hosted in the Arts Centre and spilling over to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

Melissa Koutoukidis drank diet coke on her 18th birthday. Unlike the majority of her peers who awaited the chance to guzzle down alcopops, she shunned the teenage rite of passage like an egregiously high pair of heels. Melissa discusses why she chooses not to drink.

You may have noticed the growing trend of rainbow coloured tresses. Celebs and colour lovers alike are embracing the craze and using their locks as a creative outlet. From bright to pastel and dip-dyed, nothing is off-limits. If you’d like to join the movement have a chat to your hairdresser about colours – you will make their day, because expressing creativity through hair is their thing!

Last weekend I was talking to my friend Pete and he showed me his Blendr account, asking if I could proof it as he wasn’t seeming to be having very much luck with the ladies.  Upon doing this, I thought to myself, how had I not thought to use something like this before?  Being that I only recently moved to Melbourne, I don’t know that many people and it seemed [...]

Some mornings you just don’t want to get out of bed. You want to sleep-in and then swan out for a delicious, relaxing brunch. To hell with housework, errands, exercise and other commitments. What have they done for you lately? Exactly. So go back to sleep and then make a beeline for one of these fab brunch spots.

In order to feel beautiful we need to feel comfortable. Romancing the Everyday is a simple reminder of that. Romancing the Everyday suggest it’s the little things in life that make all the difference and it’s incredible at how these little differences have the ability to make one smile.