The Magpie Attraction

For a long time now I've known that I'll pretty much buy anything if it has sequins attached to it...this is dangerous because I've often come home, taken out my latest shiny thing and come to realise that my purchase is hideous and will date within 48 hours...

That being said, I still think its fun to look and play with shiny things, so here are a few of the best new pieces to come out of Spring/Summer 09-10

This also gives me an excuse to enjoy a photo of the one and only CHUCK BASS

Chuck Bass...in Sequins

Our very own Rachel Gilbert, available at www.net-a-porter.com

Diane Von Furstenburg, at www.net-a-porter.com

Raw Talent

Hobart based artist/illustrator Kelly Smith has an undeniable talent. Her hand sketched pieces are simply beautiful, and each one captures the true essence of what the original photograph intended.

Erin Wasson in Balmain, what more could you want?

Kelly bases much of her art on fashion, thus the basis of its appeal, but its the simplicity of her work which really grabs me. I can imagine my bedroom covered in these pieces.

Kelly has been published in major print format including in Yen, Vice and Modern Bride Magazine...

Gucci Spring/Summer 09

Smith and fellow 'Kelly' Kelly Thompson from New Zealand will be holding an exhibition in Melbourne on the 27th of May....please see below for details, or visit www.birdyandme.com.au.

Images courtesy of Kelly Smith - www.birdyandme.com.au

Feel Good Wrist Bling

So I'll get all philosophical on you....I'm loving little quotes that just seem to put all the unecessary worries in your life into perspective. Short of getting something inspired tattooed on your arm, why not try one of these beautiful hand carved bangles from Etsy seller ValleGirlDesigns? (Please see link below)

Here are some of my favourites:

Be The Change You Want To See In The World

Breathe...It's Going to be OK

This Moment is the Only One You Can Change...

Images courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5245494

Supre Ruins EVERYTHING

I hate Supre. They have destroyed everything that I may have possibly enjoyed this season. Not that I would wear Harem pants or leggings, EVER, but I must admit that on the right body, I can appreciate this trend. However...Supre has managed to ruin this completely.

As if leggings as pants are not bad enough, Supre have taken the disgustingness one step further by making DENIM print leggings. Couture House Balmain started this shit. I'm sorry Balmain, I love you, but no no no!

Above: Balmain shittiness, Below: Supre shittiness

Harem pants are also something that I am yet to get my head around. I realise they were introduced to the mainstream about a season and a half ago, but shit...they fugliness is astounding. Even my old faithful Gorman can't seem to get it right, so what the hell hope did Supre have?

Above: Gorman poocatchers, Below: Supre poocatchers

The lesson here people? No matter how much you are willing to blow on a seasonal trend, if it's shitty in couture, it's going to be even shittier in a chainstore. Just give it a miss rather than being a slave to the season.

Russell is a Rat

Us Aussie girls have known about the instant coolness points you get by sporting a pair of iconic Sass & Bide Black Rats leggings. I'm personally against the leggings as pants trend, always have been, always will be.


I'm cringing as I write this because I have an absurd, inexplicable crush on Russell Brand (explanation, he's filthy hot). Despite this, I want to strangle him. What the FUCK were you thinking wearing these during your visit to Sydney Russell? More importantly, did you wash them at all? Or do you own 5 pairs? Every single photo here was taken of Russell in Sydney last month. I do believe he was there for at least 3 days.


I am also concerned as to how on earth he fits his manbits in there comfortably. I know that crack and heroin has a shrinking effect on male addicts, but surely...

Anywho, enjoy the hotness that is Russell, despite the 'pants' problem that he seems to have acquired...and well done to Sarah Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton for ensuring that Russell no longer can pro-create, which is probably a good thing for the multitude of women that he is sure to bed during his lifetime.

Lisa Mitchell

Apart from being an absurdly talented musician and song writer, Lisa Mitchell has began emerging as someone of an Australian made style princess. The 18 year old possesses a kind of effortless 'just got out of bed' beauty, with her fair skin, sprinkled freckles and intense eyes.


In the April issue of Madison magazine, Lisa's charm and grace was truly captured when designer Aurelio Costarella dressed her for a shoot based around some of Australia's up and coming talents.

Haute Couture probably isn't Lisa's normal choice, preferring ripped jeans and a flowy blouse. She has perfected effortless feminine style, choosing vintage pieces and coupling them with an on trend leather jacket to update her look.

Whether it be on stage or just hanging about, Lisa is one to watch in the style stakes.

A Lesson in Geometry

To be honest, I failed year 10 mathematics. I can't work out percentages unless I have a calculator, therefore I hope that any clients that I have looked after in the past 2 years aren't reading this, because odds are your account balance is a couple of million short of what I claimed it to be.

Today I bring you a lesson in geometry, FASHION geometry people...shape, this season it is all about SHAPE.

Whether it be a bias cut dress, body con, voluminous sleeves or a bit of pouf (you know who you are) if you only make one indulgent purchase this season, make it a piece with a dramatic silhouette.

AS seen on the LMFF runway, the amazing, bold cuts of local designer Maus Cat Berlin provided a true feast for the eyes for those lovers of dramatica.


If pretty is more your style, Alexander McQueen may just be the answer (not so much for your credit card but thats ok). The bias cut of this dress is sure to flatter most shapes, and the wild colour is so this season.

In paying homage to my favourite student designer of the past few years, Ms Sarah Schofield did not fail to impress all those in attendance at the Metamorphosis Runway (LMFF). I first spotted Sarah at the Caulfield Fashions on the Field last year with a simply amazing frilled collar top paired with a sleek pencil skirt. She didn't win that day, however she went on to win the Derby Day FOTF with her memorable black shift adorned with laser cut plastic...with matching headwear by the one and only Richard Nylon of course. Below is a sample of Sarah's most recent work. This is one girl who obviously passed geometry.


Thanks to Style Melbourne, APL Photography and Net-A-Porter for images

The Resurection

So it appears that all the cool kids are getting on the blog train, and although I boarded nearly 12 months ago (proving my superior coolness rating) I have failed to give this blog the love and respect that it obviously deserves.

I blame this entirely on the absolute shit storm that life has handed me these past six months, some good, some bad and some fucking atrocious. I'll list them here:

-September 2008, www.stylemelbourne.com came to life much to my delight. I am working with a fabulous team and love them all for the amazing effort they have put in over the last six months. My editor rocks my socks and it's so wonderful to be an underling to such a talented writer and all round top chick.













-December 2008, so called 'best boss in the world' rained fire and brimstone upon me for the last time, causing me to morph into a hermit who was so sad and miserable I literally had to be dragged to a winery (the happiest place on earth - under normal circumstances) on Christmas Day. I have finally managed to move on and quite cheerfully told him where to shove it two weeks ago, which was possibly the most liberating experience of my life thus far.

-January 2009, Boyfriend of 7 years (or some similar length of time that is equally terrifying) abandoned me to take the trip of MY DREAMS....bastard...he's in Zanzibar right now, and bitch, if you're reading this....here is me flipping you off....luv ya kid xoxo















-March 2009, Got myself new job. Starting early April. Thrilled, despite the paycut, I figure my sanity is the number one priority. NO more dreaming about stock portfolios and the Dow Jones Industrial Average thank you very much ... bitches.

-March 2009, First Loreal Melbourne Fashion Festival for our baby, Style Melbourne. It was a week of insanity, lack of sleep, amazing fashions, amazing people and extremely beautiful models. I can't remember much of it, as I remained intoxicated for as much of it as possible (making up for the fact that I didn't touch a drop during the Melbourne Fashion Festival last year.)

















-Today, 31st March 2009, Bought an amazing dress, top and top....retail therapy is good for the soul, should you disagree with that statement, you clearly have never fully given into your shopping addiction.

So there you go kids, the coolest kid on the block is back, and time permitting I will bring you love every single day...maybe.

(Thanks Allan at Fashionising for the pic of the amazing hot Hannah Glasby)

Our New Baby

Today is the day that www.stylemelbourne.com comes alive!

My Editor Sarah and I are so excited that our hard work has finally paid off and we now have a fashion website to call our own. Despite numerous setbacks, we were determined to make this happen, and now its alive!!!

After branching out from another Australian online publication, we've set up our very own baby and are extraordinarily proud parents!

The website will cover fashion events throughout Melbourne, feature the latest catwalk looks and have a focus on primarily Melbourne style and local designers.

We will be updating constantly so please stop by every so often and check out the latest.

You can also sign up to receive our fortnightly newsletter, which will keep you informed of the upcoming events around our wonderful city.

www.stylemelbourne.com

Enjoy!

Some More Milan

Marni

Marni's collection screamed graphic prints, sharp design and an unusual clashing of prints. The colour palette ranged from crisp white all the way through to dirty mustards. Pieces were edgy, and accessorised with Marni's trademark acrylic jewelery and statement handbags.

Roberto Cavalli

Cavalli put on a show fit for a princess this season, or perhaps he actually designed each piece with the intention of making every woman who donned a Cavalli outfit feel like a princess. Pretty pastels dominated, adorned with lace, sequins, ruffles, feathers and all things pretty, with several stunning corseted ballgowns featured throughout the parade. Cavalli is renowned for beautiful, feminine pieces that flatter women of all shapes and sizes, and this Spring is no exception.

Dolce and Gabbana

I stayed up waaay to late last night so I could watch the live feed from Milan on Fashion TV (this is the best time of year to get Foxtel!). The Dolce and Gabbana show was on at about 11pm, and yes, it was worth the difficulty I had getting out of bed at 6.30am this morning!

The show featured luxurious Japanese inspired satin wrap shirts with matching pants, beautiful brocade structured skirts in rich hues of red wine and navy. The obligitory D&G ballgowns were adorned with floral rosettes in a colour palette of stormy greys, blues and purples.

Fabulously jewelled clutches featured with almost every outfit, along with highly embellished wedges and heel sandals. Toward the second half of the show, a Russian Babushka theme was subtly created through scarves, ruffles and the deep colour palette.

Enjoy!