Your girlfriend has it easy. Summer comes around and all she has to do to accommodate the rising mercury is throw on a dress and slip into some sandals. You, on the other hand, probably aren’t looking to do that or you’d be reading a completely different site.

Instead, for you, summer brings with it annual footwear frustrations over how to stay stylish but also stay cool. Sandals look faintly ridiculous on all but the most sartorially advanced men. Thongs are too adolescent for your grown-up tastes. Peep-toe pumps are definitely out of the question. So you’re left wondering how to wear shoes without socks.

Liberation is the answer. The kind of liberation that exposes your ankles and calves to the elements and lets them enjoy the seasonal sun alongside the rest of you. More and more men are going sockless for summer, but do it without taking precautions and not only will you look foolish, you’ll likely have a biohazard on your hands.

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind before you decide to rock no socks with shoes.

Suitable Occasions For Shoes Without Socks

The classic sockless look comes with an occasion already built in: boat shoes on the deck of your spectacular Wolf of Wall Street yacht. If you’re not there yet, don’t worry – the yacht can wait and the boat shoes can be worn elsewhere in the meantime.

Besides, boat shoes aren’t your only option for socklessess. From Oxfords to Vans, you can free your feet in all kinds of footwear. The resulting impression can either be care-free and casual, or sophisticated and slightly daring, depending on the rest of the look. Most anything can work – including denim, shorts, and even lightweight summer suits – but it must be appropriate for the occasion. Going sans-socks is a Don’t with business attire and formalwear. Beyond that, feel free to experiment.

Choosing The Right Footwear

With no socks to share the spotlight, your shoes need to stand on their own. Beginners can’t go wrong with a classic loafer. It’s the easiest shoe to sport sockless, and it’ll look stylish in plenty of situations. Other slip-ons, like driving shoes and moccasins, and low-cut sneakers are also easy to wear.

On the less casual side of things, try Oxfords, bucks, brogues or…pretty much anything you want, actually. Almost any dress shoe is fair game, as long as it isn’t too formal for the rest of your look. Since you don’t have any socks to show off, now is a good time to get a little experimental with your shoes.

Keep in mind that a little extra maintenance may be required if you plan to have consistent foot-to-shoe contact. Allow each pair a 24-48 hour resting period before slipping into them again. In the interim, use cedar shoe trees to help them properly dry out. If odour is an issue, invest in a foot antiperspirant to stop any unsavoury smells.

Sockless Styling Advice

You’re free to try this look with a variety of garments on your lower half. Jeans, trousers and shorts are all viable options, but the classic is a slim-cut chino. Avoid elasticated or skinny cuffs, but keep your hems close. Aim for the base of the trouser, whether cropped or cuffed, to hit about two inches above your shoe and expose the bottom of the ankle. If you go any higher than that, you’ll look like you’re wearing capri pants and that’s a definite no.

Know Your Accessories

You could rock no-socks without any supporting materials, but we wouldn’t recommend it. It’s tough on your feet and on your shoes, and both could use a little extra TLC. Eliminate the unpleasantries that can come with sporting bare ankles with these accessories:

No-show Socks: Is there anything worse than the squelchy sensation that comes from a day of going barefoot in leather shoes? Then there’s the smell. And let’s not even talk about what might be growing down there. Going sockless doesn’t have to mean going totally sockless. Invest in the low-cut invisible kind that’ll keep you fresh and won’t ruin your look.

Cedar Shoe Trees: As previously mentioned, this handy accessory soaks up sweat, helps prevent bacterial growth and deodorises. Win-win-win.

Stench-neutralising Spray: For obvious reasons.

Powder: Sprinkled in small doses, the right powder has a cooling effect on your feet and helps absorb moisture.

Insoles: Terry cloth or leather insoles also aid in absorbing sweat and eliminate odours.

Need More Inspiration?

Hit the gallery to see how every type of suit can be worn with no socks or alternatively, check out our pick of the best dress shoes for men and how to correctly wear them. Or if you really prefer to wear socks (why are you even here?) we’ve also got you covered with the coolest sock brands for men today.

Shoes Without Socks FAQ

The post How To Rock Shoes Without Socks If You Want To Look Like A Sartorial King appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Owning your own home is an aspirational goal shared by practically everyone. Nobody really wants to rent and pay somebody else’s mortgage for them, but saving up enough money for a deposit alone is a task in itself. And that’s before you even take into account the astronomical house prices currently being experienced in major cities such as Sydney, where prices have risen sharply since the 1970s.However, with the arrival of the global pandemic, many Australians have now realised they are able to work from home/remotely, either on a permanent basis or, at the very least, more often than they were, and so have found themselves moving away from major cities to more regional areas.While this is good news for potentially fledgeling housing markets in Australia’s regional towns – and for the pockets of the wealthy who are able to snap up low-cost homes (relative, of course) and renovate them to their heart’s content – it spells bad news for those either already living and renting in remote towns, and for those who are unable to afford to live near more urban, built-up areas.RELATED: Australia’s Most Desirable Suburbs Could Be In For A Rude AwakeningAccording to the ABC, data supplied by CoreLogic has found house prices in regional areas such as Victoria’s Grampians region, Noosa and the Noosa Hinterland are recording house price increases of “at least 13 per cent [in 2020] as coronavirus cut off overseas trips and working from home made it easier for people to move away from the cities.”Another reason cited for the increase in demand has been put down to innercity residents wanting to distance themselves from the threat of contracting the coronavirus as much as possible.A similar situation has been seen in South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, with real estate agent Kim Stanitzki telling the ABC “when people couldn’t go overseas, they bought houses with a view so that the whole family could go on holiday together.”

“People will buy and take on a significant project because there’s no other choice.”

RELATED: ‘Dump Of A House’ Actually Australia’s Most Wanted Property Of 2020However, as we mentioned earlier, the increase in demand and the sheer amount of wealth arriving in remote areas has forced many current renters to be forced out of their homes, with owners either moving back in or selling up for a profit and the new owners wanting to take up residence or increase rental prices dramatically.And with other local properties seemingly scarce, including in coastal towns such as Byron Bay and Victoria’s Surf Coast – which are usually swamped with vacant properties during the winter months – many renters are having to turn to their cars for temporary accommodation.

 

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While recent years have seen a significant uptick in people living on the road – from ‘grey nomads’ to yuppies doing up campervans and going on extended holidays – the rise in normal Aussies having to ditch normal living arrangements for living in their vehicles is a depressing (and rather scary) trend.Not only does this present the issue of what happens to their belongings, but there are also laws within each state of Australia that actively discourage sleeping in your car for extended periods of time. According to Car Advice, Queensland has some of the strictest laws in the country regarding sleeping in your car, where it is “considered camping” –

“As such, it is illegal to sleep in your car anywhere that is not a designated camping site.”

Within the other states in Australia, there are no laws strictly prohibiting sleeping or living in your car, but you will still need to abide by parking laws wherever you find yourself parked up. For those looking to get a few nights to rest in coastal towns, this usually presents a major obstacle, as tourist hotspots such as beachside towns have some of the strictest parking limits.While this isn’t a pattern we hope becomes a trend, it could – for those with fewer commitments – give further rise to the car and van conversion trend that is giving Australian domestic tourism a much-needed boost.RELATED: This $20,000 Retro Nissan Van Is The Perfect ‘Statecation’ WarriorIt’s something the country’s surfing community has been engaged with for many years but now, it seems, more and more Australians are looking to four wheels instead of the sky, either for short weekend getaways or longer multi-stop road trips.For renters now being forced out of their homes, it could provide the perfect opportunity to either de-stress or find somewhere new to live, in a part of Australia they would never have thought about.

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The post Australians Living In Cars As Regional Property Prices Soar appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The last twelve months have been a wild time in the world of men’s grooming.The Spicy Cough saw the rise of the ‘lockdown beard‘ as men around the globe found themselves mostly homebound with no need to stay trim. We’ve also seen the humble mullet – and its raucous cousin, the skullet – come back into fashion in a big way.The other big COVID grooming trend for men has been to get a buzz cut or just shave all your hair off – dubbed the ‘hard reset’ or ‘midlife crisis’ cut, even celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo have got in on the action. It’s a similar school of thought to the lockdown beard: if you’re looking for a low-maintenance haircut, it’s hard to beat…I’ve always been a fan of 90s style, and nothing gets more 90s than Brad Pitt as Tyler Durden in Fight Club. I’d been rocking the same haircut for years and thought it was time for a change – and short hair’s great for summer in the meantime. So over the new year, I decided to bite the bullet and get a #1 all over; commit to the hard reset. Less than fifteen minutes in the barber’s chair and I was reborn. A blank canvas. Or so I thought.Here’s what I learned.

You’re unlikely to like it straight away

Once the novelty of your freshly-buzzed head wears off, you’ll probably find out in the coming weeks that you’ll fall into one of two camps: either that it’s not short enough or it’s too short.Personally, I fell into the latter, although I expected to fall into the former. I thought before I went in that maybe I’d been too conservative and should have gone even shorter: a #0.5, maybe. But actually, I’ve found that as my hair grew out a bit, I found I preferred it to how it looked straight from the hairdresser.Much of that was to do with how surprisingly (and unsettlingly) my scalp was. Which leads me to my next point…

Jesus, my scalp is so white

Not only does my hair grown incredibly thick and fast, but I’m also one pasty, pasty boy. So it was pretty shocking to see just how pale my scalp was without a forest of hair – proof positive I have spent too much time indoors over the last twelve months.It’s definitely something worth keeping in mind before you commit to the clippers, especially if your complexion’s darker than mine or your hair isn’t as dense. Just as a singlet tan makes you look like a dorky middle-aged British life insurance salesman, too much of a contrast between your head and the rest of your skin can look rather jarring. Be warned.RELATED: ‘Slop Shaming’: 1950s Mentality Australian Men Need To Ditch This Summer

A-listers are A-listers for a reason

Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis and Jason Statham might all look great with a buzz cut but that’s because they’re super fit, super confident, super charismatic men that’d look great no matter what haircut they decide to rock.But I’m not a Hollywood superstar. Rather than looking like I was straight off the set of Fight Club or The Transporter, I looked like I was straight off the set of Orange Is The New Black. Yikes.

how lads think their isolation head shave will look vs how it turns out pic.twitter.com/eWpRkYIWRx

— joe (@jxeker) March 26, 2020

If anything, it’s been a potent source of motivation to start working out so that my summer rig matches my summer ‘do. So that’s a positive, I guess.RELATED: European Men Being Rewarded For Getting David Beckham’s Worst Haircut

The maintenance factor is a big plus

It has been pretty refreshing not having to worry about styling or really even brushing my hair. Again, super short hair is great for the summer (the risk of a sunburned scalp notwithstanding): it’s been a game-changer where going for a swim is concerned, too.Of course, short hair doesn’t mean you can completely forgo hair maintenance. Skin conditions like dandruff and eczema are naturally more obvious when you’ve got less hair to disguise it, and if you’re already losing your hair, you need to pay extra attention to your buzz cut to make sure it’s consistent.Ironically, men who are losing their hair often have to spend more time cutting their hair than those who’ve got plenty. Shout out to my dad. (He rocks the buzz cut better than me, truth be told.)

Expect commentary

Of course, part of the appeal of the hard reset is that it’ll get people paying attention. So far most of the feedback I’ve got has been positive, but if you’re in your 20s like me you should also expect plenty of people to have a go at you (especially women). Gotta take the rough with the smooth…

I dunno what boy needs to hear this right now but shaving your head is NOT the answer

— mil♡ (@amelianashh) March 23, 2020

I’ve started calling it my quarter-life crisis (although as my brother pointed out, that’s perhaps quite an optimistic take).

The verdict?

So far, so good. I have to admit that the idea of doing the hard reset sounded really good in my head but like most of these sorts of things, the reality set in quick.Much like anything grooming or style, confidence is key. Initially, I felt hesitant; self-conscious; deeply regretful that I’d taken the nuclear option instead of trying to subtly restyle my current haircut. But I’ve really grown to love the buzz cut – it’s comfortable, liberating and surprisingly versatile. Once you own it, it reaps rewards.I’d be lying if I wasn’t looking forward to having my hair back out to its previous length and being able to experiment with different styles, however. In short (get it?) I’m not sure if the buzz cut will be my permanent look, but I’m enjoying it while it lasts.Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself. But that’s half the battle, isn’t it? And perhaps that’s the moral of the story.If you’re feeling inspired, check out our guide to the best short hairstyles and haircuts for men. The clippers await…

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The post I Got Brad Pitt’s Fight Club Haircut & Now I Deeply Regret It appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

France is the world’s most popular tourism destination, with its capital Paris one of the most visited cities in the world.The tourism sector is responsible for 10% of the entire country’s GDP and jobs – with those numbers even bigger where Paris is concerned. 2014 alone saw tourism generate over 13 billion euros for the City of Love, according to Mastercard, and almost a fifth of all workers in Greater Paris work in the tourism industry, the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau relates.But while 2019 saw a record 38 million people visit Paris, 2020 didn’t top those numbers – far from it. The Bat Kiss has dramatically impacted tourist numbers, with France one of the worst-affected countries by the virus in the world. As of January 27th 2021, France has over 3 million active COVID-19 cases (less than the UK but more than Germany or Italy), with both case and death numbers gradually climbing. The government is even considering a third lockdown, France24 reports.The economy in the toilet, Paris’ once-lively streets now empty, and a resurgent pandemic… Things don’t look great for France. Yet that hasn’t stopped the country from doubling down on investment in tourism, in a move that’s not only been widely lauded but also demonstrates the value of a positive outlook.DMARGE reported earlier this month on how the French government is pouring over 400 million AUD into revitalising the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics: a brilliant move that will transform the heart of the city and bring new life to the world’s most famous street.Now, the Musée du Louvre – another iconic French landmark and the world’s most visited museum – is taking advantage of the COVID crisis and embarking on a “grand refurbishment,” The New York Times reveals.

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The Louvre is normally one of the busiest museums in the world, with tens of thousands of people pouring through its galleries on a daily basis, but COVID has seen the artistic institution endure its longest closure since WWII.Bad news for art fans, perhaps, but a golden opportunity for the museum’s curators. The lack of foot traffic has made it easier for renovation projects that the Louvre desperately needs to get underway, with everything from dusting to complete gallery remodelling being able to take place without impediment.“No one is celebrating the virus… but we can welcome this situation because it lets us concentrate on the work,” Vincent Rondot, the Louvre’s director of Egyptian antiquities, shared with the NYT.

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The post International Tourists Set To Benefit From France’s ‘Positive’ Pandemic Response appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Recently we asked the D’Marge community what the must-have fashion accessories for men are. The responses we received ranged from the basic to the down-right bizarre.

What we found most interesting though was that most responses didn’t involve material goods, but instead mentioned behaviours that a man can only perfect, not purchase.

Here are the ultimate accessories for men that will never go out of style.

A ‘Smart’ Watch

There’s a lot to be said about a man with a nice watch. It shows he appreciates the finer things in life and that he does not rely on his iPhone to tell the time. A quality watch should be high on every man’s list. It doesn’t need to be expensive, it needs to be classic and preferably not a Thailand special which you purchased after a visit to soapies. You finissss?

A Decent Smile

Even if you have pearly whites like Steve Buscemi there’s still much value in being able to smile. Nothing says you take yourself too seriously like the guy at the bar who’s too busy being cool rather than having a good time, who attracts e-taggers (B&Ts) and voids the accessory below. Smiles cost nothing and last a lifetime, so use them often.

A Beautiful Woman (Or Man) On One’s Arm

We all know beauty comes in many forms, but there’s a lot to be said for a man with a beautiful or smart or funny woman on his arm. If you get all three, then put a god damn ring on it. A quality partner tells the world that you’re a discerning chap who doesn’t have The Clap, she’ll bring out the best in you too. Pick a bad one and they’ll think you drink the bath water.

A Real Classy Pen

No, not a biro, rather choose something that’s been handed down or recently purchased from Caran D’Ache or Montblanc. A gentleman’s special pen (no not that one) should be only used in times of triumph like signing the papers after selling your business or perhaps after putting that final nail in the divorce coffin. Choose wisely because it will be noticed. Remember to purchase a valet tray to store it of an evening.

Bloody Good Manners

All to often forgotten in the game of being a Cad & Bounder. We’re not quite talking using your coat to cover puddles, but remember your P’s and Q’s, refrain from eating like a Neanderthal and when the time comes do NOT ask ‘if they are real’. Manners are always noticed and noted, giving a man an air of success and maturity.

An Inoffensive But Memorable Cologne

We all have smells. Some good. Some bad. When it comes to cologne, I prefer to wear one that’s unique, sensual and memorable. It’s time to ditch the teenager deodorant and invest in a scent that will assume the role of chief panty remover and all-round deal maker. Take yourself down to David Jones and spend some time smelling the likes of Comme Des Garçons, Six Scents, Dior and YSL.

Knowledge & Book Smarts

They say knowledge is power and power makes the dishwasher and other cool things around the house work. Nothing will stop a man in life like limited knowledge of what’s going on in the world around him. No need to be a scholar but at least know something other than the process of how Fosters is brewed and you’ll be well on your way. Pick up a book, go to an art gallery and take in some culture.

Nice Shoes, Asshole

A timeless and true mark of a man is his shoes. Nothing kills a date with a beautiful woman quicker than a dirty pair of Cons and some Explorer Socks. Invest in dress shoes made from leather, the Italian type that will outlast the many women you’re trying to impress. If you can afford it we recommend owning more than one pair and alternating so they don’t get worn out. Some inspiration can be found here.

A Helping Of Confidence

Nothing says you’re a man who people want to do business or get busy with like a man with his head held high, chest out and walking tall. Confidence has allowed some of history’s biggest failures to get to the top and stay there for oh let’s say…8 years (a fool me can’t get fooled again). Find something you’re good at, do it well and be proud that you do it so well. The feeling will extend to other areas of your life and soon you’ll be John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.

A Sense Of Humour

Like the aforementioned smile, having an unflappable sense of humour should be a part of every man’s repertoire. It’s one thing to be the prim and proper man in the right context but for all other purposes, there’s no need to be a Ned Flanders type. Make others laugh and, when possible, make yourself laugh. Not only does it draw you positive attention from peers and potential lovers, but it’ll also help you be content with life’s cruel ways. Warning: There’s a fine line between light humour and douchebag. Getting your best mate’s sister pregnant is no laughing matter.

A Lot Of Patience

When we say patience we don’t mean be a professional bum. As men, patience is a virtue many of us must master over time if we’re to stay centred and sane throughout life’s biggest trials. Biologically as programmed hunters, men tend to work in logical ways – cause and effect. We want something, we engage in an action to get it ASAP. That’s fine in some aspects of one’s personal pursuits, but when it involves other people or other parties, the line isn’t as clear and things don’t always go your way. As a confident man, it’s here you need to be strong enough to state what you want from the other party and walk away if it doesn’t meet your goals or needs. This ideal can be applied to relationships, work, business deals and life in general. And it all ties back to patience where it’s due and living a happy life without drama.

Your Friends

The last and most important of all accessories are your friends. They say you can never soar like an eagle if you’re surrounded by turkeys, and this rule I’ve stuck to all my life. That’s why I have a fantastic group of underachieving sociopaths as my closest acquaintances. Whether you like it not, you’ll always be judged by the company you keep. Choose wisely and don’t be afraid to let the occasional one go if you’re no longer aligned with total world domination. 

Fashion Accessories FAQ

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The post The Ultimate Men's Fashion Accessories That Will Never Go Out Of Style  appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

A ‘shagged’ Brisbane apartment, a grim Sydney ‘sunroom’ and a creepy abandoned mansion have all made news in recent weeks. They are all ominous in a voyeuristic sort of way. None of them, however, have quite the same level of personal terror involved as the following story, recently posted to Reddit by a user in their thirties, entitled, “Just found out fiance is in $70k CC debt, advice please.”“Still in shock and not sure how to process this, but would appreciate advice on what to do moving forward and how this affects me,” the user wrote. “I have a stable job and earn over 100k, have a credit score of 842 [and] have a joint property investment with my brother. I’m not as savvy with my finances as you guys…but live within my means. I have 50k in savings, which I was planning on using a portion for the wedding and have been working on my spending habits and building this.”“[It] recently came to my attention after a serious discussion where [my partner] told me that he has at least 70k in credit card debt over several cards…and a car loan. From what I’ve been told he earns about 80k.”

“I don’t plan on breaking up, but am working through the confusion, frustration and anger whilst trying to formulate a plan to sort this out.”

The user then posts a series of dot points, which they would like answered by the r/ausfinance community.

• When we get married does his debt become mine? Does this only become an issue if he passes away or we divorce?
• How much will this affect his credit score and subsequently our ability to buy a house when the time comes? What time frame are we looking at after the loan is paid off for it to not be an issue?
• Does it make sense for me to pay off a portion of the debt and for him to secure a consolidated 0% interest card for the remainder of the loan? My logic is that if I don’t help out, the extra money paid to the bank in interest is money we could have kept, saving for our future?
• If there is a 0% interest option, is there a point in getting that paid off ASAP or just minimum repayments?
• Can anyone provide finance management advice for couples that live together?
• Should we keep our finances separate until it’s all paid off? Even if we’re married and living together?
• Is there a point of him paying me back if after we get married (‘what’s mine is yours’)?

Many questions, not many ‘silver bullet’ answers. In any case: the advice flowed thick and fast.

adults really drilled “stop, drop & roll” into our heads but didn’t teach us how to balance a check book. i have never ONCE been on fire and i’ve been in debt for years. riddle me that

— Sativa Plath (@CAlien__) May 30, 2018

“I think first and foremost you should engage a couples/financial councillor to help guide you through the situation,” the top comment reads. “I would also recommend unpacking what he has racked $70k in CC debt on that’s quite a lot based on his annual salary, is there is a potential addiction that has caused him to get so far in debt and not disclose it to you?”“Definitely counselling,” commented another. “But don’t be afraid to walk away if you disagree. A mate of mine had a counsellor say his wife should have sole access to all their banking passwords etc to show the trust he had in his wife… after she nearly bankrupted them several times. He was aware of her financial literacy issues before marriage, but thought his influence would fix. 15yrs, 3 kids and several surprise calls to/from the bank later and he seems ready to walk away once the kids grow up… only 10yrs to go.”

“Been there. Thought my good example would be enough to slow my wife’s urge to drain bank accounts. I was almost financially ready to retire when we met. 15 yrs and 2 kids later, we’ve sold & spent all my investments and spent my inheritance. We’ll never own the house we’re in and now I’ll probably work till I die. I’ve only got about 6 yrs to count down though.”

Other users were a bit more cynical, with comments like, “To OP : you’re just a get out of debt free card…..” and “that isn’t groceries” rolling in. Ouch.

“Fiance is probably either a desperado consumerist or has an addiction you don’t know about.”

Further pieces of advice included:

“I would be putting the wedding on hold until he clears his CC debt. If he’s gotten himself into this mess once, it is, unfortunately, likely that he will do it again. Trust me, a marriage can’t work when you don’t trust the other person with money.”“For the love of god, don’t even think of paying his debt. I know it may not seems like a big issue for you at the moment and you really want to help him, but it will hurt your relationship in the long run.”“Extremely appropriate, callous as it sounds OP needs to do some serious reflection on the quality of their relationship given the gravity of this secret. Like this isn’t something small like “I have a bad habit of leaving dishes on the counter”, this is “I wanna bind our financial existences together. Oh, that CC debt I have that’s as much as a fucking house deposit?”

Finally, perhaps the most brutal comment of all: “Honestly and bluntly. Someone on 80k a year with about that much in credit card debt is NOT someone to marry. They are a financial liability. This guy needs to find someone who earns $500k+ to marry him.”“To answer your questions: Yes – his debt will become yours for nearly all practical purposes once you are married. If he has X debt then together you have X less money. He will not be able to be part of any mortgage you apply for. He will not be able to pay his own way. He will be requiring money from you often.”RELATED: ‘Amateur Hour’: Wall Street Investors Sheepishly Admit To Following Twitter’s Day Trade Army For Stock Tips

“Some of the hardest hit industries include hospitality, tourism, arts and non-essential retail. With Australians working less and more consumers staying home due to the lockdown, they are spending less. So, it’s really been a double hit for the Australian economy.”

Likewise, Mathew Cassidy, Managing Director at Partners Wealth Group has also told DMARGE, “It’s hard for young professionals because they’re at the stage in their careers where they’re not the ones making decisions on their careers.”

“Young lawyers have had to put their jobs on hold and sign an agreement to say they won’t work anywhere else for 12 months.”

Cassidy told DMARGE this is “extreme stuff that’s never happened before” and a time where “people are going to have to show their value to an organisation more than ever as people in leadership positions ask: ‘how do I get through this period?’”How? Cassidy suggests that young Australian professionals can gain from being more proactive in the office, and getting a clear sense of where they stand: “people are going to have to think long and hard about how they are going to deliver value to their organisation in a way they haven’t before and have the commercial confidence to speak to the leadership group about how important they are to the organisation.”“They need to accelerate their commercial confidence in going to the people that run the organisations and say, ‘Hey, I know it might be tough to keep people on board but this is what I’m going to do, and if you can see me through this particular period this is going to be my degree of loyalty to the business.”

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The post 'Just Found Out Fiancé Is In $70k Debt, Advice Please' appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Over the course of numerous years we’ve managed to see a lot of progress and milestones in the men’s fashion world. But with great responsibility comes some truly spectacular atrocities.

The Interesting Shirt

You’re interesting, a shirt like this is not. Patterns (like these) should be reserved for SAS soldiers deep within the PNG jungle. If you think you have a place in Operation Desert Schmuck, then think again. Don’t get ‘spicy’ with your choice of shirts, I suggest taking a step back and sticking with basic colours and fine patterns. These will be something your girl (or guy) WANTS to wear the next morning.

Bad Dress Shoes

Choosing shoes can be a difficult task, but if you think that bargain = good, then you have it even harder. Men’s dress shoes should not look like camels feet, not should they have a sharp square toe. Take the above example – if you think this is good, then I suggest you read this article. You will soon understand that shoes women notice do not come in packs of three.

The Shark Tooth Necklace

So cool in 1991, even I had one. I used to rock it out with my Cross Colours / Happy Pants. This category is not limited to shark tooth necklaces, but all novelty or nature-inspired neck hanging devices. If you want to wear jewellery, keep it ultra simple- either don’t wear any or check out a guy named Johnny Ramli.

White Socks & Black Shoes

I shouldn’t still have to bang on about this, but guys are not listening. Whether you’re in a rush to make happy hour or get in line for a spit roast, you should never ever wear white socks with a suit or dark jeans and pants. It’s like drink driving, just don’t do it. Get a cab, get black socks and get serious.

Ill Fitting Suits

No, no and a little more no. I don’t care what brand of suit you buy or even if it’s your Dad’s, you should always have a suit tailored to fit you. Whether you’re slim or a little portly, you need to embrace the fit. Remember, a suit should make you feel like a king.

Shit Underwear

I can’t say I’ve seen much bad underwear in my life, but I know it’s out there. If it’s on the internet, then people are buying it. Also it’s important to note that underwear has a shelf-life. As soon as you see slight wear, stains or funky odour, it’s time to send them to the big underwear draw in the sky. Underwear is cheap, so invest well.

Speed Dealer Sunglasses

No matter how much further these go into the time/space continuum, guys continue to wear them. The Prada, Dior, D&G brands seem to be the worst offenders in these wrap sunglass types. The lads who sport them…let’s not go there. It’s time to let them go and invest in some aviators.

Going Shirtless In Public

Even if you have a body carved by the gods (RIP Zyzz), it still doesn’t give you the right to take your shirt off at every public occasion.  The girls or boys you might think you’re impressing are not the types you want to take home to meet Mum. The great tale of Bluebeard says he kept his many wives intrigued by his closet of secrets. Let your chest be one of them.

The Trilby

Every Spring Carnival I see guys rocking these oddball hats with their suits, so it pains me to know that you MUST have a hat to enter men’s fashions on the field. Regardless, the trilby is just a shit look. If you want to wear a hat, go baseball or panama with a beige suit. Ze plane, ze plane!

The Goatee

Just like Spock or AJ from the Backstreet Boys, you deserve to be teleported to a world far far away, where you can do no white-trash harm.  Facial hair is best kept full or non-existant. Take cues from the Most Interesting Man in the World, but not Cletus.

Crocs

When you die and go to heaven you’ll notice two queues at the pearly gates. One for people who wore Crocs and one for those who did not.  Crocs were born out of boredom and excess rubber, they become a worldwide phenomenon for children but adults somehow got sucked in along the way. Apparently, they now make them with sheepskin linings. Brrrr.

Southern Cross Tattoo

I’m all for patriotism, but the southern cross tattoo is a symbol which has a better affinity with rioting than Advance Australia Fair. Vote, pay your taxes, fight in wars but leave the southern cross tattoo out of it.

Exercising In Fitness Leggings Without Shorts

This just kills me. Why guys persist on not wearing shorts over their gym leggings is beyond me. The last thing anyone wants to see when you’re jogging around the park is someone coming toward you with their meat and two veg jumping about the place. Do us all a favour and keep them covered.

Shirt Collars Outside The Jacket Lapels

Unless you’re Chad Reed or up for an AVN award, then do yourself a favour and buy shirts with collars that stay inside of your jacket lapels. This look is a dead set giveaway that you were born in a caravan or at the carnival.

The Overstuffed Wallet

A good friend of mine recently pulled out a wallet that was more stuffed than a Christmas turkey.  I took it upon myself to purchase him a nice slim looking Ralph Lauren wallet which I hoped would solve his woes. Big wallets make big bulges in all the wrong places. Buy a basic card holder and leave your Blockbuster membership at home.

Canvas Slip-Ons

These are almost as bad as Crocs but have a slight redeeming quality in that they’re a disabled cousin to the Espadrille. The new wave of canvas slip-ons sees men take a further step down the road of footwear mediocrity. These nasty specimens are poorly made, fall apart and get so dirty you think the people wearing them are homeless.

Heavy Print T-shirts

Ed Hardy is dead, long live the king. Sorry, I mean the Chapel St douchebag. T-shirts with prints on the front went out of style about 5 years ago. They are now reserved for football players who start fashion labels and distant relatives who persist on buying you crappy birthday presents.

High Waisted Jeans

Through the ages men have taken it upon themselves to buy jeans that accentuate their man hips.  What’s even worse is when men decide that the full shirt tuck and or the t-shirt tuck is the perfect way to compliment their special jeans. Next stop, Wrong-town.

The Big Headphones

Since when did being seen in public with MASSIVE headphones become cool? Do you really want everyone to know that you take your music quality seriously? Can you really tell the difference anyway? Do away with the big headphones, you are not in a studio and they make you look like Micky Mouse.

Men’s Cargo Pants

I thank the good lord that these vile specimens are not in season, however there are still some foolish souls who dare to wear them.  Cargo pants are without a doubt one of the most heinous kind of pants a guy can wear. They’re bulky, unflattering and unless you’re a soldier serve little or no purpose.

Runners (For Running) Or Ratty Sneakers With Your Suit

We never said looking good was ever going to be comfortable, so don’t try to break the rules by wearing runners with your work suit. The most common offender of this style sin is the city office worker. All too often we see these ‘efficient’ people donning a pair of Brooks and heading to the tram or train. Dress to kill, not to out-run Ussain Bolt.

Mug Refilling Of The Common Take Away Latte

I’m going to immediately piss off the environmentalists with this sin, but bringing your office coffee mug to get your morning latte is a style shocker. Spotted all over the city, these men often travel in packs so you cannot miss them. Love your latte, but leave the mug in the office next to the ficus and inspirational poster.

The Coupon Guy

With all the daily deal websites popping up, it’s no wonder there’s a rise in this low quality behaviour. Nothing spoils a classy dinner like the man who pays with a coupon. Keep your coupons for buying online, where everyone can agree that saving 10% on your next Mr. Porter purchase is a winner winner chicken dinner.

Owning And/Or Operating A ‘Beach Tent’

Now remember, this sin is null and void if you have kids!! If you don’t have kids and enjoy a day at the beach in your beach tent, then think again. We’re all for slip, slop and slap, but cowering like Hobbits in a plastic tent is not how summer should be spent.

Travesty T-Shirts

Nothing burns quite as deep as guys knocking around in Travesty brand t-shirts. We have a cultural phenomenon here in Australian of football / AFL players who are often seen in this brand. Recent sightings lead me to believe they’re often purchased by unknowing girlfriends. Regardless, they’re still a no no even if your frail Aunt Mavis purchased it for you.

The Job Stopper

Not content with your 15 tattoos, you decide it’s time to add one “where everyone can really see it”. The Job Stopper is the term given to a tattoo on an area of your body that guarantees any future employer or potential mate will question your sanity. We’re not against tattoos- for some people they make up for a squeaky voice (DB)- but if you’re going to get them, try and be a little undercover.

Crumpler Messenger Bags

Crumpler messenger bags were cool at the turn of the century. Not anymore. Once designed for those daring chaps who get around town as bicycle couriers, the Crumpler infiltrated itself into the wardrobes and work repertoire of many men. It’s time to ditch the courier look and invest in something real classy, like a Want Les Essentiels bag. Tips hat to Adrian Fernand.

The Lanyard Brigade

You’re working hard, going from meeting to meeting and you need to be opening doors like a boss… We suggest opening doors like an undercover boss. Keeping your access pass (or keys) conveniently around your neck is a no no. The same goes for those elastic ones you keep on your belt. When you’re out of the office, keep your lanyard and access pass in your pocket and ONLY use it emergencies, such as fires, hurricanes and all-out nuclear war.

The Finger Shoes

Heaven knows why such heinous things were invented. As if there weren’t already enough ugly shoes on the market. These whack specimens are often seen in the local gym on guys who are training for a role in Spiderschmuck 3D. Like drugs, just say no.

Jeans In The Gym

While on the gym topic, nothing burns me up like the guy who’s wearing his jeans for a workout. Whilst denim is known for its durability and style, it does not give itself the right to enter the sacred ‘house of weights’. What’s even worse is the cut-off jean phenomenon that’s sweeping society. Remember D is for denim and denim belongs in the disco. Can you believe we’re already up to our fourth edition of the D’Marge men’s style and fashion sins? It seems every year we continue to discover men’s fashion faux pas that grind our gears. We’ve curated this list based on the D’Marge community’s feedback and our own self righteous opinions. Together they make one awesome list. Enjoy part four.

Zuckerberg Sandals

Something happened this weekend. I saw three pairs of these sandals on men walking around Melbourne. Clearly there’s been an Adidas fire sale and men have picked up a few pairs. These sandals are hideous. If you own them, burn them. If you see Zuckerberg, burn his too!

Black Work Socks For Run/Gym Workout

Here’s the guy who thinks he’s killing two birds with one stone. Your black work socks may have already had 8 hours of wear but that does NOT give them the right to go running with you. Pack an extra pair of white socks and stop being so lazy (and Dad-like).

T-shirt Tucked Into Jeans

Unless you’re Marlon Brando,  avoid tucking your t-shirt into your jeans. We see this phenomenon happen most Fridays in the corporate world. Leave your t-shirt untucked and sport a well cut blazer over the top – you’ll look much more modern and cool.

Black Shirt, White Tie Combo

Seen most often at bogan weddings and within the IT industry, the black shirt / white tie combo is often accompanied by a poorly fitting suit and fake D&G wrap around sunglasses. Black shirts in general should only ever be worn with black ties or with an open collar. Keep the gangster vibe for your next dress up party.

Belts & Braces/Suspenders

I die. The manager of a local Chinese restaurant always rocks his Hermes belt and his colourful braces. Choose one or the other, but they should never be worn together. Even if you own a Chinese restaurant.

The Collapsed Shoe

Dress shoes are called dress shoes for a reason. They’re meant to be clean, polished and not falling apart. Guys who insist on wearing dress shoes long after the toes have collapsed inward need to take note. It’s time to trade them  in for a new pair that will last the distance.

Leaving Tags On Your Suit

You know those cool little tags that are often sewn into the sleeve of the suit? Yes well those need to be taken off before you wear the suit, Einstein.  I’ve interviewed many a candidate who does not know this rule. Remember this. It will save much embarrassment.

Farmer Tans

Nothing says you’ve arrived like a good ol’ fashioned dose of Australian sunburn, the most common being the variety when t-shirts or singlets are worn too often. Sunburn sins also come in varieties such as the popular the Racoon or the I fell asleep on my stomach sunburn. Cover up or uncover but make it even, Steven.

Male Midriff

This style sin happens when men forget t-shirts and tumble dryers don’t mix. After considerable shrinkage, men continue to wear said t-shirts that eventually show off their midriff like a teenage girl. This means exposure of navel fluff, outties, fat white bellies and perhaps the occasional 6 pack. Buy new t-shirts and keep your gut covered up.

The Deep Vee

Lastly, we have the deep v-neck t-shirt. Once an essential part of any young man’s wardrobe, the deep v is now strictly saved for urban thugs and inked up heroes.  It’s time to ditch the deep v and invest in some scoop necks or v necks that don’t show off as much of your Heavage.

Leather Sports Jacket

Why these were ever created still plagues scientists globally. The leather blazer is something that men ask for on a trip to Bali. “There’s a leather shop, that’s a nice leather blazer, uma get me one!” When worn it gives the district impression that your creepiness knows no limits and you probably own black satin bedsheets. Keep away.

Earrings

When I was 16 I had my ear pierced and to this day I can’t get rid of the hole. Many a sleepless night has been had because of this. We don’t care whether you’re Lewis Hamilton or Jack Sparrow, the earring needs to stay in the 80s along with slap bands, happy pants and Molly Ringwald…and maybe Corey Feldman.

Square Toed Shoes

Remember the last time you went shopping and you walked out with 2 pairs of square toed dress shoes? Now get in your time machine, go back 18 months and give yourself a slap. Square toed dress shoes need to be burned and new investments need to be made.

A Dirty Car

It’s date night, you look great, she looks better but your car’s dirty inside and out. This is ‘cool guy’ seppuku. Dirty cars tell the world you have skid marks in your underpants and 6-week-old cheese still in the microwave. Get into the habit of washing your wheels regularly.

Skipping Leg Day

Now that music festival season is upon us, we’re seeing the bros with their chicken legs out in full force. Do yourself a favour: make friends with the squat rack. You’ll be better proportioned and won’t blow over in a strong breeze.

Ugg Boots

Or any sheepskin lined shoes / boots or sandals for that matter…Possibly the worst invention since herpes, the Ugg boot has become the international symbol for those without a sense of decency to unite as one. This guy’s thinking, ‘I can’t figure out why she left me.’ We can, mate.

Bright Silk Ties

A few years back I took part in an advertising pitch where our leader had one of these. To this day, the colour still burns my retinas. These items of sin tell the world you know nothing about looking good in the boardroom. I’m pleading with you, if you own these, burn them. Burn them all! (FYI – They’re highly flammable.) And no we didn’t win the pitch.

Rented Tuxedos

Nothing fits quite as badly as a rented tuxedo. Maybe a bed sheet, but that’s about it. With the rise of ASOS and other fast-fashion retailers, there’s no longer an excuse to rent a tuxedo. A tuxedo should be a wardrobe staple for most men. Start investing.

Using Selfie Sticks

If we could track down the sod who invented these, we would flay him/her. As a man (straight or gay), owning such a contraption should be met with a good hard look at oneself in the mirror. Feeding the selfie phenomenon is like feeding the seagull at the local Fish & Chip shop. Nobody wins, wanker.

Riding In The Back Of Convertibles

Sunny day with the boys and girls, and you draw the short straw and must ride in the back seat of the convertible. Let me tell you, the only person who ever looked good in the back seat of a convertible was JFK, and we all know what happened to him.

Carrying A Spirax Notebook

Unless you’re about to graduate from school or conducting some sort of study on Mars with Matt Damon, please leave the Spirax at work. Its ugly yellow grid cover and tendency to gather bits of paper in its spiral will make you look sloppy in and out of the office. Opt for a classic black or brown moleskin teamed with a classy pen instead poindexter.

Skimpy Singlets

Here at D’Marge we follow a simple rule of thumb: if your singlet doesn’t cover your nipples then probably best you give it a miss. We live in a hot climate so we understand the need for comfort, but if there’s only a millimetre thick piece of fabric between your bare, sweaty chest and the rest of the world, is it even worth wearing a singlet at all, Mr. Total Recall?

Backpack With A Suit

Again, we understand the need for convenience and that an after-work gym session requires extra luggage, but really? A bulky gym-branded backpack in electric blue or red is going to take your sharp suit down about a million notches. Even worse is announcing to the world that you hit the treadmill hard once a week max. Try a chic leather bowling bag or duffle instead, Rocky.

Wearing All White

Stop kidding yourself. You’re not sipping cocktails in the Hamptons white party, nor are you about to cut a rug in Saturday Night Fever. Wearing all white is not only going to give you dirt and red wine-induced anxiety but you’ll also look like you take yourself just a little too seriously (think KKK). Unless you are channeling your inner Travolta, break the white up with different tones and textures.

Overabundance Of Jewellery

There’s a clear distinction between confident and just plain loud. The right jewellery and accessories can provide subtle touches that tie an outfit together perfectly, but that doesn’t mean you need to wear all kinds at once. We endorse men wearing jewellery, but keep it to a minimum. Go for a simple ring, understated bracelet or necklace.

Short Pants

While the trend of skinny jeans means now dudes can get away with all sorts of hem lengths, if you’re wearing looser fitting jeans or any pants for that matter, do yourself a favour and make sure the hem isn’t too short. The worst? Jeans that are too short paired with sneakers. No one needs to see that.

Dirty White Laces

Fresh pair of kicks? Cool. Dirty laces? Not so cool. Your white sneaker laces should be taken care of as well as the rest of your shoe. You can clean them by using a toothbrush and soaking them bleach.

Fashion Faux Pas FAQ

The post The Most Unforgivable Men's Fashion Faux Pas appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Graduate style: how much does your suit really matter when starting out as the new guy in the corporate world? If the adage “first impressions are the last impressions” still carries weight in modern times, then your corporate style – from day one – needs to be on point.

Why? Looking good at works means you can be trusted to represent the firm well on the outside. And you’ll more likely build rapport within the day-to-day runnings of the glassy-walled firm because you’ll be more confident in your appearance, even leading to the chance of promotion.

Even ancient academics knew the sartorial worth of the well-dressed. Herbert Harold Vreeland couldn’t have put it better: “Clothes don’t make a man, but clothes have got many a man a good job.”

So, young chap, a sharp office look does give you a stylish step-up in the corporate jungle. Here are five office pieces that every businessman should own. And how to work them, like a negotiator, from the get-go.

The Suit

A tailored two-piece suit is the foundation of your corporate office look. For the more traditional workplaces, stick to a navy, black or charcoal single-breast suit with a streamline notch lapel. Venture into light grey, dark brown, or a subtle check jacquard (not windowpane, too casual), if feeling adventurous. And a soft pinstripe (never chalk stripe) is a nice finish also.

While a bespoke or made-to-measure suit is always best (giving you a glove-like fit not possible off-the-rack) shopping from a reputable suit store – and then getting alterations as required, is a solid secondary option for newly-salaried graduate who can’t afford something custom made – just yet. As a guide, the suit should broaden your shoulders and cinch in at the waist, oozing confidence and impeccable attention to detail.

For suit fabrics, look to pure wools and cotton blends (depending on your budget); the polyester content increasing as the price lowers. All sized up, invest in two or three solid suits, having them readily available for workplace rotation. Then, look after them well, which means doing less. Only dry clean a suit every two-three months due to the chemicals typically used, spot cleaning any blemishes in between.

The Shirt

A button up shirt in a crisp cotton fabric is your next point of call. While white is the fallback colour of choice, splashing around with pastels gives you a step up. For a tonal look, with a navy suit, a pale blue shirt is business-style savvy. A faint pink, green or lilac hue is a subtle hint for sweeter palettes, avoiding oranges and yellow, which tend to offend more corporate firms.

For an easy yet stylish tie-and-shirt combination, button-up patterns should be kept to a minimum – lean stripes and fine checks only, using discretion with butcher stripes or gingham checks, which may be too casual. Instead of prints, you can opt for texture to create visual interest, via a herringbone fabric or cotton poplin.

Finally, the shirt collar is very important: the cutaway for a more traditional formality; straight point for something contemporary and the tab collar for the bespoke taste. A great all rounder is the button-down, particularly well-suited for day-to-night dressing and casual Fridays.

The Tie

“A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life,” wrote poet and dandy, Oscar Wilde. Stepping into your first big boy job, selecting a tie that is both stylish, functional and office appropriate is vital. For the city office worker this involves mild colour, offsetting the muted, somber tones of a navy suit and white collared shirt combination.

Silk business ties are great, opting for traditional prints such as dogtooth or tile, or something more polkadots or a thick stripe. Again, texture may be your preferred option too. Grenadine ties – woven from a high-twist silk yarn to create a fine knitted look – are a nice way to add depth to a neutral tie colour.

Finally, silk knit and flannel ties are having a moment, creating a strong textural look over flat cotton shirt. Cap the look off with a silver tie bar.

Pocket Square

Like the tie, a pocket square will awaken tailoring from its slumber. The pocket square is reactionary to the tie, opting for a complementary or contrast tie-and-square colour combination, depending on your taste. Our complete guide to colour matching will refresh your memory.

As a rule, let the pocket square do the sartorial talking. Due to the pocket square’s more demure positioning, geometric, floral or some sort of mosaic print will liven up a boring suit look, without the need for a garishly patterned tie. Finally, the either-or rule will keep you in the boss’s good books, coordinate your accessories, without matching exactly.

For example, a hint of burgundy in your pocket square’s print or pattern will team well with a burgundy tie.

The Shoe

Shoes are where your personal office style can shine, literally. A decent leather becomes the city slicker, and that means formal and refined, complementing all that hard work you put into tailoring. Key styles include oxfords, monk (single or double) strap and brogues, with a sturdy sole to pound that city pavement.

Keep the shoe leather black or dark brown for superior sophistication or something shady such as burgundy/oxblood. Consider tan as a fresh version of brown, which looks particularly stylish as a brogue with a Goodyear welt sole.

Finally, consider dress boot varieties of the aforementioned shoe types, ensuring the trouser break hits the top of the boot as it would a regular lace-up. And keep the sole neat and sleek, nothing with traction or hiking tread is necessary for the urban commute.

Final Word

As a new kid on the office block, money may be tight for a time. So invest in a clean cut, neutral suit and quality leather shoes as your main priority, and a solid shirt, tie and pocket square combination.

Like a coveted share portfolio, take the time to build up quality workwear stock that you’re proud to wear. Soon, any rookie status, pertaining to your lack of professional style, will soon overshadowed by just how well-put together you now are.

The post How To Build A Work Wardrobe appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Brisbane has become the fastest growing city in Australia with sunshine that never says die and an ever-evolving urban scene which leaves out the deconstructed cold drip coffee of its snobbier cousins. It’s a place everyone should visit at some point in their life, whether it be Australians making a domestic getaway or international visitors jetting in to discover everything the Gold Coast has to offer. Don’t expect just beaches, however, as Brisbane is home to a number of menswear shops, sneaker stores, cool bars and restaurants, making it an ideal place to go to just for a weekend if it’s all that time allows. It’s no surprise the area continues to drive Queensland’s profile up the ranks of liveability. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious getaway in Cabarita Beach or a fashionable suburban oasis, here are the coolest hotels in Brisbane to get your thongs on for. Expect decadent poolside bars and lounges, impressive restaurant dining and rooms and suites that are to die for. The rooms, by the way, will tend to reflect Brisbane’s unique design aesthetic, something you can replicate in your own home by visiting any of the city’s coolest furniture stores. Alternatively, for those who prefer their vacations self-catered, you’ll want to check out this list of the coolest Airbnb stays in the city and surrounding areas. 

The Calile Hotel

The Calile Hotel is worthy of a visit for the architecture alone. Designed by local architects Richards & Spence, the hotel has been created to offer guests a resort-style stay but in a wholly urban setting. You’ll see this mantra reflected through the colour scheme, which is unmistakably tropical, using pastel hues of pink and green.The Calile is simply cool and is somewhere you won’t regret booking into. It’s not a small boutique hotel, as there are 175 rooms to stay in, although each is generous in size and amenities. Most offer an individual balcony or terrace and all feature Chromecast, Bluetooth soundbar, automated blackout blinds, Grown Alchemist bathroom amenities, a locally curated mini-bar, 55 inch UHD television and complimentary Wi-Fi.Address: 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley, 4006Book Now

Spicers Balfour Hotel

Spicers Balfour Hotel is an urban oasis for travellers who want the city feel without all the hustle. Located in the affluent suburb of New Farm, this 110-year-old traditional Australian building brings quaint and luxury together under one roof. Each room sports a sleek, contemporary fit-out with eclectic vintage furnishings and high-end amenities. Spend your weekend getaway in the spacious 1940’s art deco style Balfour Suites with a private sun-soaked lounge before heading to The Balfour Kitchen for local tastes and an awesome brunch which attracts hungry natives. For the adventurous at heart, head out for a night on the town before heading back to base to enjoy a nightcap on the 24-hour rooftop bar.Address: 37 Balfour Street, New Farm, 4005Book Now

The Johnson

Art mavens and highbrow modernists call The Johnson home when staying in Brisbane. Australian born abstract painter Michael Johnson lead the interior design for this boutique hotel. From the lobby to the open planned suites, his works showcase the sensual beauty of unconventional realities. Vibrant colours, altered aquatic landscapes, and symmetrical geometry offer an inspiring atmosphere for the artist within. This cool hotel in Brisbane sports a 50-metre pool designed by Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Klim which offers captivating views of the surrounding city. Hole up for Happy Hour in the chic Tumbling Stone Restaurant & Bar or just spend your days lounging in Brisbane’s beautiful weather with a refreshing cocktail in hand.Address: 447 Boundary Street, Spring Hill, 4000Book Now

Halcyon House

Located in the laid back coastal town of Cabarita – so ok, technically not Brisbane, but just over the border into NSW – the Halcyon House offers a peaceful getaway for city dwellers. Australian-born Anna Spiro took creative lead on this newly renovated surfers motel, revamping it into a whimsical, world-class stay. Each room captures the essence of a quintessential summer’s day with curated national artefacts and English fabric-upholstered walls. Foodies can dine at the Paper Daisy for unparalleled local cuisine or relax on the suite balcony for a bout of sneaky sunset cocktails. Rugged gentlemen of the outdoor persuasion can also choose to explore the pristine coastal beauty of NSW’s little pocket of paradise. A precursor though – leaving the comfort of this humble home ends up being quite difficult. Address: 21 Cypress Crescent, Cabarita Beach, 2488Book Now

QT Gold Coast

Back over the border from Halycon House brings you to QT, a hotel that offers a quirky and cool stay for those heading to the lively city of the Gold Coast. Cheery staff in vintage threads welcome guests as they enter the premise which also happens to tie in very well with the themed contemporary rooms. A classic fun-in-the-sun feel with a twist of industrial modernism designed by Nic Graham and Melbourne’s Spacecraft best describes the atmosphere. The hotel even offers unique self-service dining at the Bazaar marketplace with endless options of worldwide cuisine, an organic cafe and local Japanese favourite, Teppanyaki Grill Yamagen. Once the belly is content, unwind at spaQ which is fancy speak for a designer spa or kick back with a cocktail at the tropical poolside refuge.Address: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise, 4217Book Now

Tryp

Dive into the urban grind of Brisbane at Tryp in Fortitude Valley. It’s a creatively restored historical building in Brisbane’s CBD that lays claim to being the only street art hotel in the city. The original building was home to an international secret society known as the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, but nowadays it ditches the cult vibes and plays host to curious travellers seeking a truly unique stay.Think heritage furnishings which contrast ultra-modern fit-outs while works of world-renowned artists like Fintan Magee and Numskull adorn the room’s edgy designs. Punters can also choose from a collection of themed King rooms offering private balconies, internal spas and secluded courtyards when booking at this cool Brisbane hotel.Address: 14-20 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley, 4006Book Now

NEXT

In the middle of Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall lies the popular NEXT Hotel. From its key CBD location to a thoughtful ‘Transit Zone’, this cool hotel is ideal for the modern businessman with little time. Minimalist travellers will also enjoy the simplicity of the hotel’s crash pad rooms designed for quick overnight stays. The hotel features ‘More’ rooms that provide ample space and a bathroom fit for families, while all rooms enjoy a metropolitan fit-out with cool, neutral palettes. Honour the Queenslander’s legacy of Lennons Hotel by dining at the renowned Lennons Restaurant, a popular foodie spot known for its elegant atmosphere, edgy gastronomic ventures and the best fishtails in Brisbane.Address: 72 Queen Street, Brisbane, 4000Book Now

Hilton Brisbane

The Hilton Brisbane sports a fashionable stay for business travellers, leisurely visitors and families alike. A simple trip down the glass lift connects you to the Queen Street Mall where good shopping, people watching and casual dining makes for an excellent way to kill time. The spacious modern suites feature generous work areas and seriously comfortable beds accompanied by panoramic city views. Those in a celebratory mood can grab a beer and some canapés at the exclusive Executive Lounge on the 25th floor by night or enjoy a cocktail and innovative Australian plates at the Chef’s Hat awarded Vintaged Restaurant Bar & Grill.Address: 190 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane, 4000Book Now

Emporium Hotel

Known as Queensland’s first luxury boutique hotel, Emporium Hotel provides an upscale stay in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. You’re welcomed by a flashy red foyer and a valiant copper and cast iron check-in desk, alongside an exotic atmosphere which expands into a hip cocktail bar where locals and guests can intermingle. For the nostalgics, Emporium’s rooms offer a refined mix of new age and old Hollywood where frangipani patterns contrast striped walls and striking upholstered fabrics don’t go unnoticed. Staying at Emporium will surely have you question your own home’s interior design. Suites are equipped with oversized marble bathrooms and Queensland high-rise balconies for a relaxing stay in this boutique hotel.Address: 07 3556 3333Book Now

Gambaro Hotel Brisbane

Located off the lively Caxton Street, Gambaro Hotel boasts a central location to Suncorp Stadium which makes this cool hotel in Brisbane an optimal spot for conferences and events. Famous hotel designer Hirsch Bedner deployed nine different room types into the Gambaro Hotel, encompassing single rooms with views of the Gambaro’s elaborate, fish-inspired atrium to luxurious multi-room suites. The calming, warm tones of each bespoke room will make any luxury traveller feel right at home. Should you book at the Gambaro, don’t miss the award-winning Gambaro Seafood Restaurant for Hervey Bay scallops, signature mud crab and Moreton Bay Bugs.Address: 33 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace, 4000Book Now

Ovolo Inchcolm

Formerly owned by MGallery but since being acquired by the hotel wizards that are Ovolo, the Inchcolm has brushed off its 1920s Gatsby-style interior décor to be pulled into the modern day. While the building itself still reaints its heritage look and feel, inside it’s a completely different story.There are 50 rooms on offer in this boutique hotel, and only seven are classed as standard rooms, as the rest are luxurious suites. All are individual, however, not only in shape and size, but by decoration too. What they do share is an in-room iPad coupled with Apple TV, high-quality furnisghins and best of all, a free minibar. But if the in-room drinks don’t tickle your fancy, you can pay a visit to the Salon de Co bar where you can savour a cocktail or two along with a charcuterie board to be shared with friends.Address: 73 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, 4000Book Now

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