Textstyle

2008-08-13T17:24:00.004+10:00

I really, really hate poor customer service. If I'm wandering into your store, figuring I can afford to drop a few hundy on your gear, the least you can do is help me spend it, right?

Apparently not.

I wandered down to my local Country Road this arvo, looking for a pair of t-bar heels I'd seen in the catalogue that arrived at my house on Monday. Yeah, it's a chain store, so no, I don't expect premium service, but I did (still do) expect a little more than what I got. After checking out the shoe section, and not seeing any in the color I was after (or in my size) I picked up a pair and took them to the counter to ask if they had what I wanted. Cue grouchy saleswoman demanding to know what I want, then taking her sweet ass time trying to find a pair on the shelf I told her I'd just checked: "I don't understand. There were some here yesterday."

Yes, and someone probably bought them. That's the whole point, correct?

Me: "Will you be getting some more in?"
Grouch: "I don't know..."
(period of awkward silence)
Grouch: "Maybe I can check for you."
Me: "Thankyou."
(taps on computer)
Grouch: "No, we don't have any."
Me, thinking we'd already established this: "Yes, but will you have more delivered?"
Grouch: "The computer says yes. So we must be getting some..."
Me: "Any idea when I should pop back in?"
Grouch: "eh..." (shrugs)

So, I kept my four hundred bucks in my pocket today.

Label: Juliette Hogan

2008-08-06T17:28:00.004+10:00

New Zealand is pretty much part of Australia, right? I mean, we basked in the glory of Phar Lap and collectively wished Russell Crowe back from whence he came (ok, some of us did) - the point is, we've got a long history of 'sharing-is-caring' with our friends across the Tasman, and Juliette Hogan's stuff is well worth sharing.

Clean lines marry well with feminine shapes in Hogan's S/S 08/09 collection, As you were. It's a classic/contemporary mashup, genuis in its simplicity -a formula that allows the peices to be trans-seasonal without being boring. The dresses in particular are divine...get on board, kids x

Coming up...

2008-07-23T16:29:00.011+10:00

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week is just around the corner, Sept 1-7. Officially launches Aug 5th, get on it! xx

"Showcasing some of Melbourne's key designers, the Official Evening Parades at the Melbourne Town Hall are just some of the highlights of the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week program. Official Parades are held at 6.30pm and 8.30pm each night."

Hit List: JULY

2008-07-23T15:20:00.011+10:00

I've recently re-ignited my passion for running and nothing (besides making others jealous of my buff - hey, I'm only human) motivates me more get off my arse than looking cute while pounding the pavement. This month's Hit List, therefore, centres around all things sweaty - enjoy! xx

Top: L-R Bonds Platinum crop & short, American Apparel unisex running shorts and grey marle bodysuit.
Bottom: L-R Life WITH Bird l/sleeve tee, Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate runners, Adidas wristbands, Apple ipod.

TREND: Back In Black

2008-07-23T14:19:00.005+10:00

Life WITH Bird, courtesy Vogue Australia

It might be because I'm Melbourne born and bred, or (more likely) that I am not quite of model-esque proportions and as a color (okay, shade) it's pretty damn flattering, but black will always hold a very special place in my heart. Having been kicked to the curb for most of the summer in favour of tan, grey and white, black is back, baby - and it's hot as hell.

Forget the traditionally conservative tag, 'cause this season's incarnation sees black vamp it up in wet-look fabrics, figure-hugging shapes and razor sharp tailoring, oozing some serious sex appeal. Yum.

Sass & Bide Vie/Camilla & Marc, courtesy Vogue Australia

2008-07-23T14:13:00.002+10:00

I'm back, baby.

Life has a way of biting you on the arse when you least expect it, and since my last post (which saw me happily ensconsed in a new place with my lovely boyfriend) so very much has changed.

Example: boyfriend is now ex-boyfriend.

But this isn't a blog about my personal life, it's high time I got back to business and started talking shit about the stuff that really matters - the state of Aussie fashion!

x

2008-01-02T17:38:00.000+11:00

Okay, so, you'd swear that I moved to the other side of the world and not 600m up the street, but it's all sorted now and I'm back in business!

Anyhow, here's to a great 2008!

x

Label: Sue Sensi Design

2007-12-02T22:09:00.000+11:00

What started as a hobby has turned into a growing label for local jewelry designer Sue Sensi. Spurred on by growing interest in her pieces, her current collection is now stocked in a handful of boutiques across Australia and is also starting to garner celebrity interest overseas.

The face of Bondi Blonde beer – Sydney model Jaime Wright – is said to have given Paris Hilton a Sue Sensi Design piece before their public bust-up over a heel-deal gone awry.

“What inspired me most was Lisa Ho wanting to see my collection. It gave me the drive and determination to do more” says Sue, who adds that she’s had to push herself incredibly hard to ensure the success of her label so far.

Each piece is individually hand crafted from sterling silver in Sue’s Melbourne studio, using colored gemstones and silver charms. Inspired by her travels, Sue also includes an “eye charm” on each piece.

“In ancient Greek times, the eye charm was worn to protect you, the gemstones were used to help people with what they wished for, and the coins were used for good fortune” she explains.

Featuring a selection of bracelets designed to bring the wearer success, luck, protection or love through semi-precious gemstones, the current collection also includes a range of chunky, long-line necklaces, perfect for layering over loose summer frocks.

For Sue, designing jewelry is more than just chasing aesthetic satisfaction. “I’m proud that I’ve created pieces that are not only unique, but blend fashion, history, love, peace and faith in my collection.”

Stockists:
Lisa Ho boutiques nationwide

VIC
Louis & Lady, Port Melbourne Ph: (03) 9686 4932
Kattina, 454 Sydney Road Brunswick Ph: 0422635540
Rose St. Trading Co., 1a Rose St Armadale Ph: (03) 9822 9444
Tilkah: Chadstone, Highpoint & Chapel St. stores Ph: (03) 9681 9414

QLD
Signatures, Shop 3 Sheraton Resort Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, (07) 5447 2344
NSW
Moree Gallery, Sydney
Enquires: suesensi@optusnet.com.au

Kiwi Styling

2007-09-30T20:39:00.000+10:00

Feature on NZ designers, for the full article click here

MMSFW Roundup

2007-09-23T13:51:00.001+10:00

Fashion week was a blast, each year it just keeps getting bigger and better, so I thought I'd share a few ideas as to what I'll be adding to my wardrobe this spring/summer.

- Lots of white: think floaty, sheer tops and dresses over bikinis (No shorts!)
- Silver & pewter. Sexy/sweet
- BIG heels. Chunky platforms, thick leather straps, stilleto heels, buckle details. Unleash your inner stripper
- Stirrup pants. Hell yes.
- Cropped bomber jacket. Grab one in a lighter fabric.
- Pouffy short shorts. It's all in the detailing now!
- Tunic dress: short, loose and perfect paired with tough heels.
- Maxi dress in a crisp resort print

Balance tough with femme and get the tight bottom/loose top silhouette down and you'll be right.

xx

Label: HOODA

2007-09-23T13:44:00.000+10:00

Personally, I think Aussie streetwear labels have taken a dive in terms of originality and quality (blame the Travisty loving bogans for that) and that's probably why I've taken such a shine to Hooda's gear.

Made by someone's mum, right here in oz, each Hooda hoodie is made to your color/print specs, and there's also a limited run line of printed ones with only a handful in each print made. My horsey print one arrived last week, and it pretty much kicks arse. Take that, Travisty.

Check out Hooda's wares for yourself at www.hooda.com.au

xx

Recent Purchases: #1

2007-09-23T13:41:00.000+10:00

So, I'm adding this new section cause it's always interesting to see what other people are wearing right now, and I'm looking for a way to justify spending half my income on clothes.

Here goes!

xx

MMSFW: Object Of Desire

2007-09-14T20:32:00.000+10:00

MMSFW 2007 runway review for Object Of Desire, featuring Alice McCall, Kirrily Johnston, Gorman, LIFEwithBIRD, Shakuachi and Jessie Hill.

For the full version, click here

MMSFW: The Looking Glass

2007-09-14T20:25:00.000+10:00

MMSFW 2007 runway review for The Looking Glass, featuring Anna Thomas, Jayson Brunsden, Aurelio Costarella, Christine, Nevenka and Husk.

For the full version, click here

MMSFW: Style Wars

2007-09-14T20:08:00.000+10:00

MMSFW 2007 runway review for Style Wars, featuring TV, Alpha 60, Material Boy, Friedrich Gray, Claude Maus, Kate Hurst and Romance Was Born.

For the full version, click here

TREND: White-Hot

2007-09-06T12:08:00.000+10:00

If the first runway show of MMSFW 2007 taught me anything, it's that white will be massive this summer. White Suede & Bettina Liano showed us how it's done, keeping it loose and fluid for a sweet, girly feel.

The soft ruffled singlet top and halter dress from White Suede were a particular favourite of mine, epitomising easy breezy summer glamour.

xx

MMSFW: Hot In The City

2007-09-06T11:54:00.000+10:00

MMSFW 2007 runway review for Hot In The City, featuring Bettina Liano, Leopold, Flux, Clemente Talarico, White Suede and Flamingo Sands.

For the full version, click here

Hit List: AUGUST

2007-08-29T13:18:00.001+10:00

Seeing as August is my birthday month, I thought I'd indulge in my dual obsessions for this month's Hit List. Ponies AND fashion. Hey, it's my birthday, I can do what the hell I want!

This mustang head necklace from Trinket is BIG. Just how I like my jewelry - chunky, silver, and loooong.

I absolutely loathe mass-produced printed tee's, and while this MLP one isn't a complete original - you can bet that you won't see a dozen other people rocking it at the same time as you, cause you can't buy it off the rack. YAY! (from mrvintage.com.au)

I knowwww it's last season (and Mintshop have run out of my size)

but I've coveted this horse-print bikini from Azzolinni for AGES and if I had the body to rock it well, it'd be mine in a snap. Believe.

Finally...while flipping through Frankie the other week I found a sweet little limited edition horse-print hoodie by Hooda. I loved it so much I had my boyfriend buy it for my birthday, and I'm waiting on delivery as I type. Stay tuned for some snaps!

Trend: TOUGHEN UP

2007-08-29T13:05:00.000+10:00

I've been waiting MONTHS for my fave footwear look to trickle down to an affordable level (under $300...c'mon, I'm a student) and now, just in time for summer, I'm seeing some start to hit the shelves. Wheeee!That's right, buh-bye pretty peeptoes, hellooo souped-up sandals! This summer it's all about the juxtaposition of tougher elements with feminine accents (pair some of these babies with cute shorts or a floaty mindress) so I'ma get my hands on a pair asap.

Let's face it - nothing says "I kick ass" more than a pair of tough, gladiator inspired platform heels.

MMSFW update #1

2007-08-21T17:47:00.000+10:00

Okay, so I'm completely super-pumped to be going to MMSFW again this year on behalf of thescene.com.au, and have been jamming my schedule outside of work/class time full of fashion week-y happenings.

So far, the Baroq House events look interesting, and I'm desperately trying to figure out how to get myself into the salon shows...

xx

Label: LIMEDROP

2007-08-21T17:35:00.000+10:00

I saw one of Limedrop's cute little foxhead necklace in a magazine, and fell utterly in love with it immediately. Dear boyfriend, if you're reading this - buy me one.

Limedrop is based in Brissy and these little cherrywood charmers are available for under 50 bucks. Adorable AND affordable. Sigh.

Trend: NU-RAVE

2007-08-21T17:17:00.000+10:00

People, grab your glowsticks - the Nu-Rave trend is here to stay. For a little bit longer, anyway.

Think bright colours, crazy patterns, insane cuts (who knew that Material Boy would ever take design inspiration from a Kylie Minogue video?) and op-shop originals - not those hideous 'brite' slogan teeshirts from Supre (nobody likes faux-nu-rave).

I didn't predict that the 80's craze of last summer would trickle into the indie-kid club scene, bringing the UK-centric nu-rave wave to our shores with such speed, but I'm pretty glad that my blue fluro boardshorts are still somewhat wearable this coming summer.

Summertime is almost here...

2007-08-15T10:30:00.000+10:00

Lucky for us, two of my fave labels have launched swimwear lines in time to beat the heat. Both Camilla & Marc and Lover have made their first forays into the competitive world of designer cossies as part of their 07/08 SS collections.

The duo behind Camilla & Marc have released a line of swimwear under the label C&M Camilla and Marc, and follow the same principles applied to their clothing - fabulous fit and great cuts paired with sophisticated, forward design. The line is inspired by "a European escape" and features pretty prints, "sweet details" and looks to be pretty bang-on for the emerging Parisienne trend.

Lover's signature feminine style oozes through their debut swimwear collection, released under the label One Plus One. The duo behind Lover saw designing swimwear as an extension of the bodysuits which feature in their existing collection, coveted by fans of the label.

It's going to be a sweet n' sexy summer for sure!

xx

What's On: MMSFW

2007-08-13T20:50:00.000+10:00

The program for Motorola Melbourne Spring Fashion Week has been announced, this year over 120 official events will be held including new "salon" shows - exclusive, invite only parades.

Four runway shows are scheduled to take place at Melbourne Town Hall from Tuesday 4th Sept. till Friday 7th Sept. each evening at 6.30, with repeats at 8.30. All shows will be followed up with official afterparties (yay!)

Tues. 4th Sept. "Hot In The City"

Featuring Bettina Liano, Clemente Talarico, Flamingo Sands, Flux, Leopold, and White Suede.

Wed. 5th Sept. "Style Wars"

Featuring Alpha 60, Claude Maus, Freidrich Gray, Kate Hurst, Material Boy, Romance Was Born and TV.

Thurs. 6th Sept. "The Looking Glass"

Featuring Anna Thomas, Aurelio Costarella, Christine, Husk, Jayson Brunsdon and Nevenka.

Fri. 7th Sept. "Object Of Desire"

Featuring Alice McCall, Gorman, Jessie Hill, Kirrily Johnston, LIFEwithBIRD and Shakuhachi.

I'm betting the hottest tickets will be for nights 2 & 4 so get in quick!

Label: ARABELLA RAMSAY

2007-08-08T12:24:00.000+10:00

Okay, two words to desribe Arabella Ramsay's spring/summer collection.

Love. It.

'Nuff said. Ima get me some.