What better way to get into the holiday season than with a fresh look for summer — and of course a complementary wardrobe to match.  Yo-Ko Women’s Fashion Boutique is ready and equipped for the temperature rise with amazing new spring and summer stock, including the addition of eight new versatile labels. 

Yo-Ko has expanded its brand portfolio to cater for its more ‘curve-conscious’ clientele and is excited to now stock the size-inclusive brands Hope & Harvest (see full page advert), Coral & Co, Meri by Design, PQ The Label and Advocado.  Available in up to size 22, these gorgeous labels have been designed in a range of fabrics — 100 per cent silk, smooth jerseys, digitally printed micro pleating, cotton and linen. 

Summer-favourite labels Firefly and Phoebe & Rose in vibrant exotic prints and cotton fabrics are perfect for those warmer days ahead. The ever-popular Boho Australia and Café Latte labels both include more highly sought-after natural linen and cotton qualities in their garments this season. Lior’s summer range has landed, and if you snapped up Yo-Ko’s winter sell-out range you won’t want to miss out on these pieces! Also available are favourite jeans brands Country Denim and Refuge.

Three fun new labels have joined the line-up at Yo-Ko: Revoque event dresses in stunning classic shapes and larger sizing, Faye Black (formerly Faye Browne), plus Lincoln Street, a cute and casual collection including easy-wear jersey dresses, tops, and leisure wear.  Yo-Ko also stocks a huge selection of shoes and sandals from No! Shoes and Step on Air, jewellery and bags from Trio Rouge, Mikaia, and Lior.  

For easy gift-giving, pick up a voucher in store. Layby is available. 

YO-KO ORIGINAL BOUTIQUE

A: 10 Station St, Seaford

T: 9782 4442

FB: yokooriginal

INSTA: yokooriginal

Have you ever thought about giving something back to your community? If you’re ready to put your hand up and volunteer, then the team at the Impact Volunteering Information and Referral Desk would love to meet you.

Impact Volunteering works with local volunteer organisations to make sure that potential volunteers are placed in the right roles for their skills and interests. Based in the Frankston Library, the Referral Desk is a great starting point for your volunteering journey. After a face-to-face consultation with one of the friendly Volunteer Referral Officers, you’ll be matched to currently available volunteer positions across the Frankston area.

And if you’re a community-minded person with a can-do attitude, then Impact Volunteering is currently recruiting to grow its team. Volunteer Referral Officers are the heart of the organisation and require volunteers who can make an ongoing commitment. Most importantly, you’ll be making a huge difference to the volunteer organisations and volunteers you help to match.

For more information about becoming a Volunteer Referral Officer or to be paired with your perfect volunteering opportunity in the community, simply contact Impact Volunteering by calling 9770 6492 or emailing [email protected]

Your search for the dream venue to host your end of year celebrations has ended. The superb courtyard at Guildford’s Restaurant Café is the vibrant venue you’re after. Function bookings are taking off and their semi private area is ideal for group bookings.

Owner Guildian, encourages you to stop by her florist shop next door to pick up a last-minute present or table centrepiece for your event booking at Guildford’s. The Seaford Florist can also assist with a stunning floral bouquet to take home for your Christmas event. 

They’re open for lunch on Christmas Day which means you can hang up your apron and relax as you indulge on a set menu of all your Christmas favourites at the buffet but with a touch of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisine. A free glass of bubbly is included in the $95 fee to kick off the festivities. You’ll receive a three-course meal starting with a variety of hot and cold antipasto, followed by a feast of ham, turkey and lamb with a side of roast veggies. A sampler dessert dish will dazzle you with a lemon tart, panacotta and of course, you can’t go past the traditional Christmas pudding with a strong coffee or soothing post feast herbal tea. 

Santa will also be making a guest appearance and kicking back with a much deserved freshly made baklava and authentic Turkish delight. Book now to stay on Santa’s nice list!  

GUILDFORD’S RESTAURANT CAFE
A: 132 Nepean Highway, Seaford
T: 8774 6044
FB: Guildfords Restaurant Cafe
INSTA: guildfords_restaurant_cafe

Before you even think about putting the star on top of your Christmas tree, you need to book your end-of-year break-up or Christmas party at Food Star. 

Choose from seafood, Asian cuisine, carvery, salads and all of your usual quality Western favourites. For dessert, indulge in black forest cake, tiramisu, fruit tarts, sundae station and much more. 

Food Star is also putting on a brilliant Christmas Day buffet with servings from 11am-1pm and 1.30-3.30pm. Feast on such traditional fare as roast turkey and plum pudding for $42 a person — and Santa will be there too! 

FOOD STAR FRANKSTON

A: 315-321 Nepean Highway, Frankston
T: 9770 0122
W: foodstar.com.au/base/frankston
FB: foodstar.frankston

The festive season is a timely reminder that Christmas can often be particularly difficult and lonely for many. Dunkley federal Liberal MP Chris Crewther has been a strong advocate for providing assistance and opportunities for people who are homeless, less fortunate or in need. 

Chris recently secured the relaunch of the hot meals service for the homeless and those in need after calling together various community organisations more than a year ago to try to bring back the service. Many people said it would be impossible to achieve, but persistence has paid off. The breakfast service, which is run out of Chisholm Institute by the Frankston Churches Breakfast Club and Frankston Life, currently operates two mornings a week, and there are plans to expand it to include more breakfasts and dinners.

With the help of Donation Chain, Chris has also been fighting for permanent, private and free public hot showers and change facilities in Frankston for the homeless and those in need. He recently secured $10,000 from the Federal Government to help build these facilities. Chris and Donation Chain then received matching funding and a location from Frankston City Council. A hot shower and change facilities will now be built within the Comfort Station and will be operated at set times each day by volunteers.

Finally, Chris has been able to secure an increase of more than $100,000 a year for Community Support Frankston, which provides significant support for our community. This brings its total funding to more than $1.5 million over the next four and a half years. 

If you would like to donate to those less fortunate this Christmas, contact Community Support Frankston on 9783 7284. Chris can be contacted on 9781 2333.

Join Bayside Shopping Centre on Saturday, November 24, for Bayside’s VIP Shopping Day. There will be a whole range of exclusive one-day-only retailer offers, a live DJ, a heap of fun activities and giveaways in centre. What’s more, Baysiders can also enjoy the magic of Christmas when Santa arrives in centre — and don’t miss the Santa parade from 10am. You can also grab a snap with Santa on Level One.

There is so much fun for the whole family to enjoy at Bayside Shopping Centre’s VIP Shopping Day on Saturday, November 24. For more information, follow Bayside Shopping Centre on Facebook to stay up to date with what’s happening this festive season, or visit baysidesc.com.au 

BAYSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE
A: 2-8 Olsen St, Frankston
W: baysidesc.com.au
FB: baysidecentrevic
INSTA: baysidecentre 

Mitchell Torre Real Estate’s pelican has spread its wings and opened a new office in Frankston. This will be an extension of the company’s Patterson Lakes office, which has boomed over the past 22 years.

“We have been looking to expand for some time now, and we felt the time was right,” said Director Hamish Mitchell. “We pride ourselves on being able to help people, and Frankston is such a great marketplace. Our team works closely with an array of bayside properties, so it seemed like a really good fit.

“We believe the service we offer our clients continues to impress our business contacts and exceeds their expectations time and time again. Frankston will consist of property management and sales. We can’t wait to show Frankston clients a different perspective on how real estate can work better for everyone.”

Earlybirds inquiring at the new office from Monday, April 9, will receive special fees. Larger than normal LED window displays that will be installed will adorn the shopfront in the office’s prominent location, providing unlimited exposure for its clients.

“We’re really excited to be opening in Frankston,” Hamish said.

MITCHELL TORRE REAL ESTATE

A: 471 Nepean Highway, Frankston

T: 9002 1115

W: mtre.com.au

FB: @mitchellTorreRealEstate

If you’re on the lookout to update your window coverings, you can’t beat plantation shutters from Dollar Curtains & Blinds.

DCB’s custom-made plantation shutters are an ideal choice for thermal insulation. Open the louvres to stream light into rooms and close to insulate, offering you a more energy-efficient home through autumn and heading into the winter months ahead.

Extremely practical, you will have excellent control of light and airflow and also peace of mind with no cords, making DCB’s plantation shutters child and pet-safe.

Adding plantation shutters across your home’s front windows can make a huge impact to your home’s façade and kerb appeal. Along with these aesthetic benefits, shutters also add sound insulation from outside road and traffic noise.

Ensure you opt for true custom-made plantation shutters like those from DCB, which are designed and hand-crafted specifically to fit your window dimensions for a snug fit on your windows. DCB also has plantation shutters that are suitable for wet and high-humidity areas such as bathrooms, toilets and laundries.

Check out Dollar Curtains & Blinds on Instagram for ideas on how shutters can transform your home.

Call 9704 8654 or visit DCB’s Fountain Gate team at 10/44 Victor Cres, Narre Warren. Alternatively, contact the Mornington team on 5975 3655 or drop by their showroom at Peninsula Home, Shop C4, 1128-1132 Nepean Highway, Mornington.

Both showrooms are open seven days.

DOLLAR CURTAINS & BLINDS

A: 10/44 Victor Cres, Narre Warren

T: 9704 8654

A: Shop C4, 1128-1132 Nepean Highway, Mornington

T: 5975 3655

Whether you’re looking for classic elegance, eclectic chic or a modern contemporary feel, curtains from Dollar Curtains & Blinds provide colour and impact to every room. In addition to the exciting and endless visual opportunities they offer, there are many practical reasons that make them a wise and long-term investment.

Curtains provide excellent light control, ensure privacy and reduce outside noise levels, allowing you to effortlessly and effectively control your environment depending on the occasion and your mood.

Being one of the best window treatments at improving your home’s insulation, drapes can preserve up to 20 per cent of the total heat in your home.

If you select from DCB’s exclusive Free Make curtain fabric range, you won’t have to pay for the making of your curtains. So you can enjoy all of the practical benefits that make custom-made curtains a wise choice but for an affordable price. DCB also makes it easy for you when selecting your fabric and colour with full-length curtain samples that you can take home and hang up.

Dollar Curtains & Blinds curtains are all proudly made in Australia, ensuring support of local textiles and the highest standard of quality.

Phone 9704 8654 or visit DCB’s Fountain Gate team at 10/44 Victor Cres, Narre Warren.

Alternatively, contact the Mornington team on 5975 3655 or drop by the showroom in the Peninsula Home Centre, Shop C4, 1128-1132 Nepean Highway, Mornington.

Both showrooms are open seven days.

DOLLAR CURTAINS & BLINDS

A: 10/44 Victor Cres, Narre Warren

T: 9704 8654

A: Shop C4, 1128-1132 Nepean Highway, Mornington

T: 5975 3655

Long hair styling educator Lorna Evans has been in the industry for over 30 years and specialises in bespoke bridal hairdressing. We asked her what you should expect from your bridal hairdresser.

Getting your hair just right involves putting a lot of trust in your stylist.  This should start with a face shape and lifestyle consultation to work out a plan that suits you.  Ideally, your hair trial should pre-booked for two to four weeks before the big day.

Bridal styling is very creative, even for the simplest looks, so choose a stylist who has both the passion and skill for styling.

Be prepared for your trial. Set up a folder on your phone with all the looks you like, along with a picture of your dress.

Finally, what’s hot in bridal hair fashion this season:

Accessories are big - tiaras, chains, charms, and loads of fresh flowers, including baby’s breath.

Braids are very much the thing and are best worn loose. Look at rope, fishtail and knot braids.

Hair down and even half up-half down is super popular, but preparation for a lasting curl is extremely important.

To see the work I teach to stylists, visit www.lornaevanseducation.com.au

For all wedding party inquiries, call me direct on 0413 488 570 or email

ZUMAY
A: 8 Blake St, Mornington
T: 5977 0711
W: zumay.com.au

If you’re on course to tie the knot but are still a fair way from settling on a venue for your reception, look no further than the Mercure Portsea Golf Club.

The club recently took out the title of Best Club Reception in Victoria at the 2017 Australian Bridal Industry awards.  Not only that, it was also a finalist in the Function Coordinator category.

As a fairly new venue, the club was honoured to pick up the award, thanking all the brides and grooms who voted for it.  “We couldn’t have done it without such an amazing team that ensures our weddings run smoothly and provides a wonderful service,” a club spokesman said.

The Mercure Portsea Golf Club’s modern clubhouse has 24 boutique-style accommodation rooms, while the breathtaking main reception room has facilities to cater for up to 200 guests.  The club can also host ceremonies on the beautiful lawn area or on the balcony overlooking Port Phillip Bay.

So contact the events team on 5981 6141 or visit for more information on what the club can offer for your wedding at this beautiful venue.

MERCURE PORTSEA GOLF CLUB
A: 46 London Bridge Rd Portsea
T: 5981 6100
W: mercureportsea.com.au

The team at Peppers Moonah Links Resort in Fingal are experts at making your wedding day a sensational celebration that everyone will remember for years to come.

This naturally stunning resort caters for the most intimate of gatherings right through to lavish affairs for up to 120 guests, and the experienced wedding team promises to make your celebration as breathtaking as the scenery in which it is set.

The ceremony lawn has a magnificent vista across the open golf course which sets the scene for romance, commitment and festivities. Imagine marvelling at the moonah trees and the rolling dunes while saying your vows!

Not far away is a wonderful selection of reception venues and accommodation sites for you to choose from. The permanent executive marquee overlooks the golf course and seats 120 guests banquet-style, while the Boobialla, Lomandra and Marginata executive lodges have elevated views of the dunes. Each contemporary building contains 12 accommodation rooms (with balconies or patios) plus a private function room ideal for a reception of up to 80 guests. Glass walls allow the natural beauty of the region to be viewed extensively.

It’s all about you at Peppers Moonah Links Resort where everything wedding is catered for. Think amazing on-site photos and ceremonies, luxurious accommodation, and access to all the wonderful adventures the Peninsula offers.

Various wedding packages are available for your perusal and all include a fabulous three-course menu option plus an extensive wine and beverage list.

PEPPERS MOONAH LINKS RESORT
A: Peter Thomson Drive, Fingal
T: 1300 987 600
Wedding Coordinator: 5988 2016
W: peppers.com.au/Moonah

Irene Laskaris is a wedding dress designer/creator who helps brides turn their vision into reality with custom-made designs that feature both quality and the perfect fit.

After completing her formal fashion design training in Greece, Irene began creating beautiful couture gowns at Pronovias in 1987 before moving with her family to Australia in 2010.

Irene considers it a true privilege to be a part of a bride’s special day, creating the perfect dress for her clients without the price tag.

IRENE LASKARIS DESIGNS
M: 0448 445 656

Every girl wants to look gorgeous on her wedding day, right?  Well, Cosmetic Injectables Victoria can help you. 

Viktoria is a fully qualified, registered and insured aesthetic cosmetic injector whose drive for perfection and eye for symmetry will have you looking fabulous.

Viktoria offers anti-ageing, anti-wrinkle treatments, plasma lifting (PRP) facials, dermal fillers, lip augmentation, liquid face lifts and permanent double chin removals – everything you need to be a beautiful blushing bride.  

COSMETIC INJECTABLES VICTORIA
M: 0450 927 511
FB: @cosmetinjectablesvictoria