Weddings — the perfect excuse to frock up. I've had a truckload of friends get hitched recently, with another one coming up in a few weeks. I've exhausted all my wardrobe options lately and am in need of a fun-but-appropriate new dress to rely on when the church bells ring, you know? The task hasn't been easy. I've been searching for the perfect mix of dress-code appropriate, flirty, and comfortable for a while now but everything has either been too heavy (as Australian stores gear up for Winter), too exxy (new Spring/Summer pieces online can equal a few month's rent), or just plain inappropriate (body-con, cut away mini? Thanks, but no thanks).
I was beginning to give up when I noticed this little beauty by DKNY on Net-a-Porter. Divine, no? The strapless shape and above-the-knee length suit a day to night wedding, and the sequined spots give just enough pizzaz without being too flashy. The midnight blue colour will work for any season, and I can easily add a capelet or shawl as the weather cools down. I think it's a winner!
Have you checked out the latestTiffany & Co. Give Voice To Your Heartvideo ad? It literally brought tears to my eyes! Featuring Tiffany favourites Shalom Harlow, Sasha Pivovarova and Liya Kebede, the video takes you on a romantic journey to see how the ridiculously good looking celebrate a white Christmas. Incredible! I've seen it over ten times now and still keep noticing glimpses of new jewels I'd like to steal (who doesn't want to play the piano in diamond drop earrings?).
Highly recommended viewing! And don't forget, you can shop for your very own turquoise box easily online!
I must admit, it's taken me a while to warm to animal prints. Even the whole Louis Vuitton leopard print scarf craze didn't affect me much, which is weird considering I jump on the celebrity accessory bandwagon at any given moment (Excuse me while I remove my Mischa Barton inspired Shari Wacks necklace from my Vanessa Hudgens Miu Miu bow bag). Don't get me wrong, I can admire others pulling off the animalistic look - good for them! But on me, well, I can't help but form images of Grandma Yetta from The Nanny in my mind.
After a spot of shopping on my new favourite website - Pixie Market, I came across this red and blue So Sexy leopard print dress, which I think could very well have cured my aversion to animal prints. Is it not adorable? I'm loving the simple sweetheart shape and knotted waist detailing. Finally, an animal print I can wear, minus images of bi-focal glasses and visits to Mr. Sheffield's house. Success!
Um, I know this letter must come as a surprise, seeing as the last time we spoke was a couple of decades ago and all, but I'm desperately in need of help this Christmas, and you seem to be my only hope.
You see, I'm quite in love with a Christopher Kane dress (No, not the sort of superficial love which came over me for the Christopher Kane for Topshop collection, I agree, that was just plain silly), but true, unconditional amore. I've been searching high and low for the perfect party frock, and this seems to tick all the right boxes. Panel detailing on the bust, silk pleated skirt, and black velvet trimmed edges. It really floats my fashion boat in a Fall 2009 collection kinda way. Here are a few images for you to get a visual.
I know, I know, if only I was one of those girls who got excited over a partridge in a pear tree, life would certainly be easier, but I'm afraid if this little number isn't under my tree come Christmas day, I may actually experience a fashion meltdown. It's a matter of health now Santa, don't you agree?
So, all I ask is, if you happen to be flying around my hood this year, I really hope it's via Net-a-Porter...
Delicious. Upon seeing Roland Mouret's latest limited-edition collection for Net-a-Porter, salivation did occur. The candy-coloured collection kicked off today, but I must warn you: it doesn't come cheap. The seven minidresses in seven bright colours, made from stretch silk gazar, are priced $US1,495 for a cream crepe dress to $US3,070 for a turquoise one (dibs!). But if I ever saw an investment piece, in your favourite colour , this would most certainly be it. Mouret — who isn't necessarily known for high hemlines — is shaking up his approach: "I wanted to do something really fresh with bright colours for cruise. This collection is for young girls. It’s easy to wear and to take from daytime into cocktail hour," he said. Source
I like to think of myself as a connoisseur of ballet flats. I'm endlessly searching for the perfect pair, styles which are low cut, show just enough toe cleavage and have a supportive yet barely there sole. I'm often after block colours (black are a wardrobe staple), embellished styles (for times when you can't be bothered with heels) and quirky prints (when your simple outfit needs a boost). As much as I love heels, there's a certain casual cool element to the perfect flat which really completes an outfit. Kate Moss gets it, so does Alexa Chung. These girls know how to work a designer outfit and chic flats with ease. I'm yet to find the clincher, but these featured styles come darn close.
Italian footwear brand Supergahas finally made its way to Australia! The popular canvas shoe has walked its way onto our shores, with styles now being stocked in Zomp, Platypus Shoes and Universal stores locally.
The simple lace up sneaker has gained a celebrity following, featuring on the feet of Katie Holmes, Ashley Olsen, Liv Tyler and Kristen Stewart. Velcro styles have also made their way onto celebrity mini-me's including Violet Affleck. Founded in Torino Italy, 1913, the unlikely shoe star is going from strength to strength, with a new concept store set to open in London soon.
Grab the Superga Classic Heritage style for $89.95! (For more stockists details, phone 02 8399 0000)
I'd say stripes were my favourite print. Bold statement, I know, especially since I'm quite fond of its little cousin, the spot, but there's something so easy and Summery about them which instantly transforms an outfit. Coco Chanel was onto something when she took the idea of a sailor's striped breton and transferred the look to the street, making the nautical inspired boat neck top a wardrobe classic.
If you find yourself asking "what should I team with this skirt/jacket/pants" when getting dressed, I think you'll find the right answer almost always ends with stripes. They maketh the look, oh yes indeedy, they do.
I often stalk around for the perfect striped garment each season, and this year I think I've found it thanks to Kirrily Johnston's Spring/Summer 09 range. Introducing the Frequency Knit Tunic:
Cute, non? I'm loving the ultra comfy knitted fabric and the loose yet streamlined style. The crossover back detail means you can team with a singlet top for day, or with a peek of lacey black bra for evening. This dress would look great with a neutral sandal or statement wedge. I can't wait to get my hands on it, and luckily it's never been easier thanks to Kirrily's E-Shop. Bien sur!
Get your pins out ladies, the weather is heating up and your favourite jeans just aren't cutting it. There's a huge range of skirts on offer ranging from mini, skater style, high waisted and embellished, but I think I may have found the perfect 'all rounder'.
Introducing - the jersey twist skirt by local label Shakuhachi. I love this skirt for a few different reasons. Firstly, the subtle grey colour is easy peasy to match with most seasonal colours. Team with pretty pastels such as peach or lilac, or go for something more dramatic with a bold colour like red. It'll all work.
Moving on to the shape. Yes, it's quite tight, but not as scary as you may think. The clever twist detail on the front can hide a multitude of sins - no one will ever know if you ate a bag of maltesers in between breakfast and brunch. And let's not forget the fabric - jersey. Nothing bad comes from jersey. Jersey cows, for instance, provide milk, which helps make chocolate, which consequently turn into maltesers. Are you hearing me?
Now, where was I? Oh yes, the skirt. It really is the perfect summer piece, and if you're after something a little more classic it also comes in black. Available from My Catwalk for $180.
Every so often, a pair of shoes come along and you instantly know, they are the one. The perfect pair, to get you through work, functions, fun, and everything in between. Having learnt my lesson from missing out on Spring 09's Stella McCartney mesh heels, Fab's now not wasting any time in snapping up these new Miu Miu heels. Someone say, charge it!?