I’m an Ivyologist!

NEW FAVOURITE WEBSITE ALERT!

Not only am I beyond giddy at my new online discovery, Ivyology, I’ve also fallen head over pink glitter pumps in girl crush with it’s creator-girl, Ivy Vine.

She’s a pinch of rockabilly, handfuls of fabulous and a whole lot of awesome and is proof that Ivyology is a kick-ass way to rock out in life!

Ivyology - the science of being amazing is a too-cool-for-school blogzine that highlights super-cool artist types, bee-you-tiful stylin’ and tips and features to make your life a gazillion times better - it’s offish, I’m an Ivyologist - are you?

Describe Ivy in five words…
Caring, silly, vibrant, creative, funkadelic.

So, who is Ivy - care to share?
I’m 24 years old, I live in Melbourne, Australia and have an obsession with fashion, painting and all things kitsch! I’m also a Water Pig, a Scorpion and an INFJ. You’ll find me in the occult section of the library reading about magic and fortunetelling, or getting dressed up for no apparent reason, or painting a masterpiece, or finding ways to change the world. But I’m just like most girls, I love to inspect pretty things, dance in my bedroom like a crazy rock star, sing (when no one’s listening!), and think about boys too much. I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one (ha, I love John Lennon).

Ivyology - what’s that exactly?
It’s a blogzine focused on aesthetics and art, there’s a tonne of visual delights, along with craft projects, ‘how to’ guides, beauty tips and fashion.

I wanted to create a site where ladies can visit and not be restricted by their budget, or be insulted for their tastes, and can feel inspired to dress up and create their own reality. A lot of fashion blogzines tend to focus on one particular style, but I wanted Ivyology to be a huge mish mash of styles; alternative, indie, gothic, rockabilly, nerdy, girly, bohemian, raver, nu wave – the whole shebang.

I’ve always loved learning about nutrition, psychology, health and personal development, so I write about tips to make you feel great about yourself, too, which can include anything from meditation to yoga to crystal healing!

It’s is pretty much my brain in 2D format.

Where do you get your inspir-o from?
Oh, lots of places! Sometimes it’s in nature, or in art, or a book, but mostly it comes from other people (especially my inspirOgirls!).. I love the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s so a lot of it comes from film noir, b-grade horror movies, vintage glamour, retro toys and just the lifestyles that people lived in those times. I think music plays a huge role, too, I’m constantly listening to some and I’ve noticed it really affects what I write about.

Is the site a full-time job or do you do other stuff too?
I wish it was a full-time job, I love everything about it! Although it kind of is in a way, as I’m working on it all day and dreaming about it all night, but I don’t get paid for it. At the moment I’m studying to be a Social Worker. One day I’d love to work in places like Africa and India, and get a real insight into their conditions. I have a strong urge to help others less fortunate, and for me, university is the first step in making an impact.

What 5 tracks would be total must-haves to an Ivyology soundtrack to life?
Ohh, that’s a hard one! I have quite an eclectic taste, from hip hop, to electronica to swing music. They’d have to have a good beat, make you dance and giggle. So how about…

1. Prince – Sexy Motherf**ker
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Date With a Night
3. Ween – Voodoo Lady
4. Bob Marley – Three Little Birds
5. Missy Elliot - Shake Your Pom Pom

We love girls with kick-ass ‘tude - what’s your secret to being a positive pink thinker?
To remember that whatever happens tomorrow is another day. Each morning is a fresh start! Remind yourself of all the things you do have and appreciate them. For example, if you’re reading this, that means you have access to a computer, which means you’re more fortunate than 78% of the world! I like this quote: “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” There’s always something to be thankful for.

Who are your inspirOgirls?
Yoko Ono, Oprah Winfrey, Beth Ditto, Bjork, Mother Teresa, Karen O., Dita von Teese, my mum, grandma, sister and friends. Pretty much anyone who follows their dreams and isn’t afraid of taking risks!

We love to visit new places - can you introduce us to your city? what would be your perfect way to spend a day there? what would you do? Where would you go?
There is always something to do in Melbourne! It’s very arts focused, and that’s what I love about it. The perfect day would start by having a picnic in the Fitzroy Gardens (there are HUGE trees there, some hundreds of years old), then taking a tram to Federation Square where you can view art galleries and watch a show, then go to Luna Park in St.Kilda for a ride on the rollarcoaster, then go to Lentil As Anything (a vegetarian organic restaurant where the customers decide how much they want to pay!), followed by a stroll on the beach, then a boogie on the dance floor at The Espy (there’s always live bands playing there).

What makes you jump-in-the-air-happy?
A lot! Hanging out with my friends, hugs, dancing, animals, making future plans, giving gifts to loved ones, beginning a new project (or even completing a project!), when someone cooks me a meal, or makes me a cup of tea, going on road trips, people who say thank you, or even when something I love is on sale (haha).

What do you wish you could have known as a teen girl in the world?
That you really can be what you want to be, no matter where you’re from and what circumstances you were born under. That people are right when they say “effort and hard work pays off”. That there’s no such thing as ‘impossible’ or ’unrealistic’! That the un-cool kids in school, usually become the coolest kids out of school. That life is like a giant playground - so much fun to explore!

What’s your life motto?
I think this one says it all for me: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi.

Quick fire round: What’s your favourite…
Shop: Do thrift stores count? I love them because it’s like going on a treasure hunt, the money goes to charity, it’s recycling so it’s good for the environment, and you find cheap original fashions – what more could you ask for?!
Book: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.
Website/blog: Oh my gosh, I have about 100 of them! I’m really into reading fashion blogs at the moment, but I love craft and personal development sites too. Um, I can only narrow it down to four!

http://freelancersfashion.blogspot.com - for her rockabilly style and cool art work.
http://superkawaiimama.blogspot.com - for her vintage 50’s style (plus she is such a lovely person.)
http://www.threadbanger.com - for their awesome craft ideas.
http://www.positivityblog.com - for sending their positive thoughts across the web!
Hang-out: Arcades. I’m addicted to air hockey and skill-tester machines.
City: New Delhi. I’m fascinated by the colours and chaos of India.
TV prog: Project Runway (fashion-aholic!).
Food: Fruit in general. Especially cherries! Yum yum..

The colour pink. Discuss.
When I think of pink, I think of love, and that gives me little pink butterflies in my belly. I also think of my pink shaggy rug, eating strawberry ice-cream on sunny days, marshmallows, coconut ice, watermelons, Care Bears and my hair! It’s a colour that I associate with hugs, kisses, hearts, dreams and wishes. I heart pink.
Go visit my new favourite website at: www.ivyology.com