Flies Don't Bite
Flies Don’t Bite is a site filled with the Brisbane Scene kidlets inc. happy snaps.
I'm always around. My eyes are peeled like a banana.
Cobrasnake eat your heart out.
Writer/Creator: FDB
fliesdontbite@hotmail.com
S.C.E.N.E K.I.D.S?
This new page will feature some of Brisbane’s most fashiontastic people.
http://fliesdontbite.tumblr.com/SceneKids
A favourite of FDB is... Verge!
http://fdb-verge.tumblr.com/
Jun 24th, 2011 @ 9:40 pm
Shoes Glorious (And Not So Glorious) Shoes…
I am sick and tired of all the ugly shoes out there. I handed in my last assignment for my degree yesterday (pause for a moment of bliss) - and while I usually spend my weekend workdays completing said assignments, I have a ridiculous amount of time to look at shoes online.
I am not impressed. The only thing that is getting me by is the rare sighting of the prices of the ugly shoes being slashed. And that is it.
I had a few comments about my shoes yesterday which was super lovely, and then I started thinking about everyone elses shoes. The best I saw were my friend Caroline’s brown flats (very cute) and this lovely girl at Princess Polly (tres chic).
I am now keeping an eye out for fantastic shoes. If you have them, I’ll photograph them. If you don’t, hurry up and get some! With the beautiful end of financial year sales, you really have no reason not to.
And please, if not for me then for you, chuck out those shoes that you feel too bad to throw away but you’ve:
a) outgrown them
b) only bought them because you were peer pressured
c) only bought them because your mum wanted you to
d) only have them because your mum BOUGHT them for you
e) realise they are actually insanely hideous…
Just take that leap. Within a few hours/days you’ll forget you even owned them. Then when you DO remember them, you’ll just be grateful they’re gone.
Now I am off to read some trashy magazines, keep wanting shoes I can’t afford while cursing the ugly shoes, and basking in the glory that is my holidays.
Eyes Peeled Like A Banana,
FDB
Jun 14th, 2011 @ 9:42 pm
Photo Phun
I know I haven’t put up photos lately… and I know these still aren’t my NY ones (which are still going to be put up…) but I thought I’d pop these babies up.
A big thank you goes to my model, Jenny - who braved the cold, cold night we took these… especially considering most of themwere taken on a concrete rooftop. You, my child, are an angel.
Anyway… I hope you enjoy these photos from FDB Photography!
Eyes Peeled Like A Banana,
FDB
@ 9:42 pm
Photo Phun
Jun 3rd, 2011 @ 11:50 pm
You’ve Been Given The Boot
It’s nasty time.
Why the hell do people in Brisbane not understand that boots are not supposed to worn at stupid lengths with ugly skirts that are way too long?
Just stop. Now. Please.
I have seen a ridiculously large number of people lately abusing the fabulous Winter weather.
Knee lenth skirts with mid-calf boots… What is that…?
3/4 length skirts with ankle boots?
I’ve had enough. I want to stick a sticky note to you with some witty comment written in thick black pen.
‘Kick me with my stupid boot’ just doesn’t have a ring to it.
I know I’m sounding mean but I’m tired and hungry and I hate when people are silly with their clothes.
There is a rule that apparently no one has been following…
When you buy something, whether it be shoes, accessories or clothes - make sure you have at least 1 (aim for 3) already-owned items that you can wear it with.
I bought a dress a little while ago. A beautiful white lace one. I have basically worn it out as I wear it so much. I made sure I had a belt, a jacket, stockings and shoes to match. I know it’s just a white dress but that can still go wrong.
I also tend to plan my shopping days… they can come unexpectedly as well but I like to be all excited about the day of window shopping… and actually being able to buy things. So, when getting dressed for my shopping day… I think about appropriate shoes, bag, accessories and stockings. It may seem a little extreme, but think about how much easier it will be.
I can’t count how many times I’ve said to myself (or a friend) “Ok, so picture it with a different bra” or “Crap I knew I shouldn’t have worn this dress… it’s so hard to get on and off” or “So these shoes are cutting off my leg in that weird place but think about it I wore those black shoes that go with everything”
You should have worn the black shoes.
Please, people of Brisbane/all my followers from wherever you are - think about your wardrobe before you add to it.
I’m apparently wearing my cranky pants today so I’m going to leave it at my plea.
Eyes Peeled Like A Banana,
FDB
May 25th, 2011 @ 1:17 am
Say Nay To The Spray… Australia Says No!… To Fake Tan During Winter
I am not the biggest fake tan lover in any Season, really, but especially not Winter. I know that some tans are ridiculously good and look completely natural and to that I say yay to you. But let’s face it, more often that not, the fake tans are just that. Fake. Orange and streaky. Which results in girls looking more like burnt toast than hot peppers.
So how about we say no to fake tans this Winter? It is not really necessary. I can forgive… or maybe just forget… if you are going somewhere where swimmers are to be worn, like a different country at the moment, but not when it really and truly seems to be getting quite cold.
Ok, enough on - NO FAKE TAN THIS WINTER - that topic.. moving on…
I was asked the other day how I come up with my ideas or blogs. I know there have only been a few lately but I will be finishing uni soon so be prepared for more.
Anywho… it got me thinking. I wonder if you wonder how I come up with the blog topics?
Is it just my hatred/love for certain things?
Is it things I want to wear/wouldn’t be caught dead in?
Have I seen things and write them down so I remember to write about them later?
Is it things I’ve seen on tv? Movies? Fashion shows? Friends?
Well, if you were wondering - and even if you weren’t - it is a mixture of all of the above.
But I find myself realising how selfish I have been. Why don’t I blog about the things you see? The things you love and hate? The things you want to wear/wouldn’t dare?
Let’s remedy this, shall we? Send in your ideas to fliesdontbite@hotmail.com and I will write about the topic. You can send in an idea and see what I think about it… or you can write your own thoughts and I will post them up, as well as my own thoughts.
Beware, as my thoughts could be very, very different. Please don’t think it’s because I don’t think you are fashion-able, I’m sure you are. It’s just my opinion.
I would love to hear yours though - so write in and tell me about something that really bugs you, something you have loved forever, something you just started to love or even something you just purchased and you want to tell the world (or a hand full of people online) about it!
I look forward to reading all about your thoughts on fashion. You can even refer to Fashion Man and Kaftanman!
Enjoy the rest of your Wednesdays kidlets - I know I will, sitting in Starbucks, watching the fashionable and fashion-not-so-able in Brisbane.
Remember, Say Nay To The Spray
Eyes Peeled Like A Banana,
FDB
May 20th, 2011 @ 6:30 am
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner…
We have a winner for ‘Who is Fashion Man’s’ Sidekick?’
And the sidekick is…
Kaftanman!
I know, a girl would have been awesome but then I thought… wait… a girl would be the better main superhero. And that, my kidlets, is a boom.
Congratulations to Emma from London yay! You win absolutely nothing… Except the love and respect of all my followers? Yay?
Yay.
More to come… including my promised pictures.
Eyes Peeled Like A Banana,
FDB
May 19th, 2011 @ 6:54 pm
In The Navy…
You know when people say they are ‘feeling blue…’ it means they’re down? Sad? Tired of life in general and just want to eat the pain away?
I just don’t understand. I love blue. Blue makes me happy, not sad. I feel bad for the colour blue as it’s just sitting there, being a pretty colour and people dismiss it. Well I say enough.
I understand why the word brown isn’t used because.. well.. icky. But what about purple?
Don’t get me wrong, I like purple just fine. But it’s not the happiest colour. Dark green isn’t exactly smile-worthy… black (although one of the best shades) is obviously not a happy colour. Refer to: Goth… Emo etc…
So when you are feeling down (firstly, I’m sorry you are feeling down and I really do hope you feel better soon…) but how about instead of feeling blue, you remember this post and feel Black instead… or Burnt Orange… Or Jungle Green…
You never know, it might even cheer you up a little.
Just stop hating on blue. Blue is… dare I say… majestic.
I dared.
I hope you all enjoy your day kidlets. I am still keeping my eye out for the best dressed in Brisbane. I have seen quite a few well dressed people but I want to see more!
Eyes Peeled Like A Banana…
FDB
May 9th, 2011 @ 7:45 pm
We’ll Weather The Weather, Whatever The Weather, Whether We Like It Or Not
I like it. Yesterday was nice and cool, until I got into the Telstra store on Queen St and starting sweating as I got all excited over this crazy lady knocking over all the signs describing the phones.
Security came and she said she wouldn’t leave until she was served as she had waited in the line for (first it was for 25 minutes… then over half an hour etc)… Then when she left she started shouting that the manager had shoved her… Oh it was fantastic…
Then a man who claimed to be a lawyer was getting short with the poor tech man because his phone had to be sent away to see if it could be fixed before they gave him a new one. Then the “lawyer” asked if he could scribble bits of the contract out. That would be a no. Then he started talking to me and I was close to using the words ”prissy bitch”. Close call.
Onto bigger and better things…
I looked at the weather forecast. I will not be throwing rocks at the weather man. On the contrary actually.. I would like to rape his cheek with kisses.
That’s an attractive visual.
It is currently around 15 degrees… and the top temperature for the entire week is 20. I know it’s lame that I’m so excited but oh my! Stockings… mmm…
Anywho.. I would like to say a big thank you to some new people who have started following my blog. I have had a few messages saying “hopefully future stalker” has started following you on tumblr…
It’s fantastic. I dedicate this to you (and my loyal other followers)…
Eyebrows.
Oh how I love and hate them.
One, if not the, most important part of the face… And most get it wrong.
I have always been a fan of thick, tailored, dark eyebrows and yes, I do love the white hair with dark eyebrows look (when done correctly…)
Whether you dye them, gel them, powder them, pencil them or draw them on completely, just follow the proper guidelines…
Actual guidelines:
Grab a ruler or pencil etc…
1. Put said object vertically against the side of your nose. Follow the line up and this should be where your eyebrow starts
2. Put object on an angle, crossing it over the centre-point of your eye. This should be where the peak (arc) of your eyebrow is.
3. Move the object further to meet the end of your eye. Follow the line past your eye and this should be the end of your eyebrow.
FDBs Guidelines:
1. Follow the guidelines above
2. Stop over plucking
3. Don’t do it yourself unless you’re a pro/it is that stray pluck that you know won’t destroy your eyebrow.
Note: Please do not pluck said stray if you are unsure of the repercussions…
4. Please stop shortening your eyebrows…
5. Please don’t have one end an extreme opposing version of the other…
6. Enjoy your eyebrows. Show them off by making them the statement every once in a while.
I know this has been a post about eyebrows… but I am extremely weird about them (which I tell any beauty therapist that goes in for the pluck)
So, to round up this post - dedicated to my followers - and also apparently, eyebrows… Change it up every once in a while. Make your eyebrows a statement today, your lips a statement tomorrow and your eyes the next… Go nuts.
Experiment right before you hit the showers so if you scare yourself with a face-gone-wrong, you can always wash it away before a loved one sees you and loves you no more. I know a few of my mishaps would have driven me to hermitland.
Side Note: Looking forward to reading more of your ideas on Fashion Mans sidekick. A few good ideas already but I yearn for more.
Eyes Peeled Like A Banana,
FDB
May 8th, 2011 @ 6:45 pm
Winter Wonderful Fashion Land
It’s coming! June, July and August means… WINTER!
Well “Winter”, really, as it is Brisbane… And it probably won’t go lower than 23 degrees during the day. I guess I can be happy from around 10pm-6am…
Instead of moping… Let’s look at the silver lining and think about what we love about Winter:
1. Scarves. An obvious choice but sadly overlooked by many.
2. Beanies. When worn appropriately, they are fantastic. Be wary of your choice of beanie though, as it is probably one of the hardest choices in Fashion Land. Where I have apparently decided we all live. What a magical place that would be…
Moving on…
3. Boots. Oh the boots. Whether they are flats with laces or heels with a tastefully-slutty zip or the perfect boots (I happen to own) with no zip, no laces, no visibly comfortable way to get on but once they’re on, they’re on… you can’t go wrong with a fantastic boot.
4. Coats. Oh the beautiful, beautiful coats.
(Insert creative name here): Holy Toledo Fashion Man! Did you know that double-breasted coats are one of the most fashiontastic items of clothing in Fashion Land?
Fashion Man: Of course, (Creative name), I am Fashion Man. You have insulted me. Give me your fashiontastic Burberry scarf.
and last but certainly not least…
5. Layering. Probably the most popular and fun part of Winter dressing. Care must be taken, however, to end up looking more chic than Michelin Man. There is a fine line.
Now, I realise the ever-so-subtle (Insert creative name here) section of the incredibly plausible conversation with Fashion Man could have gone unnoticed. I will explain. I would like readers out there (most likely only 2 of you including myself and my boyfriend)… to send in your ideas for Fashion Mans sidekick! It can be a boy or girl… Preferably girl as I want them to fall in love and make the worlds most fashiontastic baby. Email in your ideas: fliesdontbite@hotmail.com
I’m off to check the weather forecast for the week (I’m at work with nothing to do, so don’t judge)… So cross your fingers that it’s good news for me (no rain unless we can pajama it up all day and 15 degree weather!) so I don’t feel as if I have to throw rocks at the weatherman. For his sake, really.
Can’t wait to see your ideas for Fashion Mans sidekick.
Eyes Peeled Like A Banana,
FDB
May 6th, 2011 @ 10:50 pm
Scene Kids?
@ 10:48 pm
Anonymous asked: Jocelyn is a babe.
Yep.
You mean FDB… yay!
@ 9:32 pm
AWOL Or A Floor?
Warning: This post is a tad nasty as I have written it before breakfast.
FDB + No Food = Mean
I know I have been away for a long… long… long long time. The photos of my NY fashion escapades are coming, I promise.
It seems like forever ago I was there with my (now beautifully dressed *thank you H&M and Zara* boyfriend). Good news though… I will be returning at the end of the year!
I know, I would hate me too. I will be going to NY and also… HARRY POTTER WORLD WOOOOOO! I really want to dress in character too. I’ll grab me a pair of grey pants, a nice crisp white shirt with a green and silver tie (I do have short white-blonde hair so I have to be Malfoy… Yay for hair gel)
Anywho.. onto more pressing matters… (However, there is nothing more important than NY)…
I was at uni a couple of weeks ago and saw this girl with the shortest shorts ever, a white singlet with a polkadot bra showing and black sequined suspenders…
I was so sad. I actually had to be on a panel with her which made it worse because I couldn’t help becoming progressively sadder and sadder. She was also wearing a sloppy beanie. And not in the good “I-look-so-trendy-chic-in-this-huffulump-of-a-beanie” kind of way. It was bad. It was all very bad.
Teamed with the heavy eye make up (at 10am)… it was a disaster.
I just had to get out a little judge time there. I am done. With that particular person…
Now onto the good stuff:
Jewellery Overdosing. It’s a serious epidemic that has apparently infected 75+% of Brisbane’s population. Now I’m not saying that we have that many people, resources (of fashiontastic things) or the most appropriate weather at the best of times… but come on Brisbanites, at least give it a go…
Why put so much jewellery on? I understand the dilemma of “I have so many shiny things I want to show off all at once” but we have to hold back. You can’t have a necklace on with bracelets, earrings and rings. I’ll make a rule (that I’m sure none will follow) - 2 is maximum unless the earrings are standard ‘keep the hole open’ type ones. Then 3 is maximum. I think that sounds fair, yes? Yes? Yes.
Also… I’ve seen MX. I love it, I really do… but the people they put in the “Spotted” section for Brisbane is just sad. The Sydney and Melbourne kids (who most of the time aren’t really that much better) must laugh at the sad outifts that are wastes of ink. I’m not saying they all dress horribly… some of them are quite good. And even if they aren’t so good, that is sort of ok… but just don’t put them as a sort of “fashion-face” for Brisbane.
I apologise if you are reading this and have been in MX. I’m sure all of you are the exception.
So.. to the people who are reading this for the first time, have re-stumbled across it from the past or have loyally waited for another post (ha… I’m sure), let’s step it up for the good of Brisbane. Let’s put us on the fashion map as not sad creatures, but the Paris/Milan/NY of Australia. It will take a few thousand giant leaps but we can do it. Let’s beat out Melbourne and Sydney! Yay Brisbane!
Side Note:
I now live in the city, so no one is safe. I can see you all from the comfort of my rooftop. Just letting you know :) I also hope to run into you at Starbucks Queens Plaza which I now frequent for a sneaky treat of tea in a paper cup.
Eyes Peeled Like A Banana,
FDB
Jan 1st, 2011 @ 6:20 pm
The New Year Has Arrived
The New Year has arrived! I must say, I think this year has gone so fast, I haven’t been able to catch my breath.
So now that a new year has started… I’m hoping everyone will have a new outlook on life.
And by life. I mean fashion.
And by fashion. I mean perdy clothes.
I am leaving for New York in less than 2 weeks! I am ecstatic but now that it is drawing nearer… I know that it will end. Which is so very sad :(
I have decided that while I am there, although I am going to buy some beautiful clothes… ok, MANY beautiful clothes, I am limiting myself. Not to a number, but to things that I love and that I (hope) to wear all the time rather than simple things that fill up my wardrobe that I already have. Plain things. That are fantastic paired with anything, but I have too many of.
So a New Year’s resolution for all can be this:
‘I vow to only purchase things I love’
Let’s admit, it will only last for a while… but it will save us money too.
Also… on a personal note… another of my New Year’s resolutions is…
‘I will buy a pair of jeans that I want and love’
It’s a leap for me. Because I (nearly) never wear pants.
But I vow to wear them this year. And a nice pair that I can continue to wear until they are sad and hobo-like (not in a ‘chic’ way).
Now… if you have New Year’s Resolutions that you would like to share, I am eager to learn them. As are your fellow bloggers.
Send me them, or even a post/idea you would like to share with everyone including your name/if you would like to stay anonymous and I shall post them up pronto.
Enjoy your New Year kidlets,
Eyes Peeled Like A Banana,
FDB
Dec 11th, 2010 @ 8:18 pm
Scarf Luck
I once had the most beautiful scarf.
I bought it from Country Road (which isn’t a store I frequent)
It was dark blue with black plaid-print on it.
It was beautiful.
And I left it on the bus.
But then my mother returned home from teaching overseas.. and I got a new scarf which I love.
It is “Burberry” and it is about two metres long. Praise the long scarf.
Now, I know it isn’t winter but I am preparing for my trip to LA and New York.
I have everything I need including my trusty scarf, my black-buttoned, double-breasted red coat, my so-hideous-it’s-fashionable beanie and my new leather gloves with the cutest bow on the wrist, compliments of my sister for my birthday.
The person I am thinking about scarves for is my boyfriend.
My very own doll I can dress up while in New York. I am so excited.
Note to my boyfriend: I don’t think you are a doll. But I will be dressing you :)
So if you have found any beautiful scarves or jackets of late.. let me know. I am curious to see your tastes.
And even though it is a sad looking Sunday and the air con has broken at work.. I still have my…
Eyes Peeled Like A Banana,
FDB
Dec 10th, 2010 @ 12:37 am
Just Keep Swimming… Just Keep Swimming…
I love swimwear.
I’m not saying I WEAR it, but I love it.
And maybe one day I’ll have the guts to actually go buy and wear some of it…
One day…
Anyway! I thought I’d post up a little list of the better swim lines around in preparation for the (non-rainy) days we will soon have for Summer 2010/2011.
(Just because I don’t wear them, doesn’t mean I’m not in the loop)
1. Jets by Jessika Allen
Thank you Jessika. (Most of) your designs are so classic and so flattering.
Best of the Season:
Coastline
Classique Spot
Riviera
2. Seafolly
Honestly, a hit and miss situation here. But still some beautiful styles.
Best of the Season:
Black Goddess, Maillot
Black Goddess Priscilla Maillot
English Rose Bustier Bra with Vintage Skirted Pant/Boyleg Maillot.
Cyber Surfer Bustier Maillot
Red Matt Separates Halter Maillot
And, because this list could be endless, last and also kind of least..
3. Zimmerman
I have never liked Zimmerman, I’m sorry.
Well, I’m not sorry… I’m pretty sure I’ve saved myself thousands.
But I have to admit, they know their swimwear.
I have fallen head-over-heels for quite a few pieces I have seen in their Summer 2010/2011 collection.
Invest some time in having a look. I can’t afford anything, I am sure, so if you can… firstly I hate you, and secondly - hurry up and get yourself some beautiful swimwear.
Remember though, these aren’t the only brands of swimwear. We have the ultra expensive range (see Zimmerman above) and then we have the still expensive range, and then the cheap range.
I’ve stayed around the middle to high range with this post.. so there’s also Camilla and Marc with their pretty pastels, and Anna & Boy… some nice pieces here but the models just wear way too many accessories. It’s a bit much.
For the modest/sun-smart and/or ultra trendy…
I can understand wearing a sarong, buy only if it is super perdy. So if this does not exist in your wardrobe, invest in those mid-shin/ankle length skirts I’ve been seeing so much of lately. My personal favourite is a nice baby pink one with a black waistband. Mmm.. perdy.
And for me, wear pretty shoes.
Eyes Peeled Like A Banana,
FDB
