BLACK LEATHER GOLD HARDWARE

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A lot of people think I go through clothes like Kinder Surprise toys – you keep opening more chocolate eggs to see what’s inside then the toys go in a box somewhere. It’s probably true that I buy more clothes than may be considered healthy, but it’s only because of my skittish tastes in clothes which tend to jump from one fad to another in quick succession. This time last year it was spikes and studs on everything, then six months ago it was perspex shoes, and most recently – black, black and more black. All of such vagaries are of course, meticulously chronicled on this very blog. But unlike a kid’s sentimental relationship with capsule toys, and contrary to popular belief, I don’t have a particularly large wardrobe. My mild OCD with having things unaccounted for would never allow it. In fact, I have a regular sized walk in, half of which is taken up by my pretentious lawyer costumes. I have hard and fast rules about when clothes must go. For example, clothes are not kept on the off chance they may be worn ‘some time’, and while poor quality is a strong reason for recycling after a few wears, good quality and craftsmanship alone are not reason enough to keep something that does not suit. I routinely resell clothes, mainly for funds to buy more, and partly as a means of atoning past style faux pas. I do have one rule that perhaps is more on the emotional side: before I sell a piece of clothing, I wear it one last time – its last chance to show me it shouldn’t be spring cleaned. And that long story brings me to the last hoorah of my Zara biker coat, which was a frenzied, foaming-at-the-mouth kind of impulse buy from last season, when Zara finally opened its boutique in Canberra. I found no more seeming way to war this jacket over winter than with leather and more leather, today, with my Vera Moda leather skinnies, Windsorsmith studded western boots (which I also have in silver studs) and my 3.1 Phillip Lim satchel. I absolutely love the perfect contrast of gold hardware on black leather, and the oversized zipper on this Zara coat was a huge selling point for me. My only complaint is that the hip pockets are fake – don’t you hate that? I mean, when I wear a jacket, I can’t stand not being able to put my hands in those pockets. Is it just me? Zara Biker Coat \\ Bonds T Shirt \\ Vera Moda leather pants \\ 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel in Multi-media \\ Windsorsmith ‘Lassoo’ studded western boots \\ Swarovski Pendant

TRAVELLING IN BIRKENSTOCKS

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I must say I don’t understand the controversy around Birkenstocks. Yes, they are worn mainly as house slippers; and yes, in the past decades they have been popularly paired with unkempt beards; and yes, every couple of years fashion writers predict the Birkenstock’s triumphant return to style while mainstream columnists ridicule the idea that they were ever in style. But what’s so contentious about the Birkenstock’s intrinsic bohemian appeal and ultra-minimalist aesthetic? To me these contoured soles are the one legitimate example of the meeting of the worlds of style and comfort, and genuinely has appeal for just about every societal demographic. Take me, for example. I am not one who thinks of the word ‘comfort’ as a sartorial dirty word, but my lovely boyfriend and I couldn’t be more divided in this space. Nothing much in the world excites me more than clothes, and his interest in clothes is limited to their pure utilitarian value. And yet we both own identical pairs of of Birkenstock two strap Arizona’s. His is for gardening; mine are for, well, I’ll let these photos speak for themselves. In other news, you might know that right about now I’m somewhere in China climbing the Great Wall or riding horses up mountains, or more likely, sitting in a restaurant having my fifth mean of the day. I can’t deny that I’m truly terrible at being a tourist. But what ever I’m doing, I’ll leave you to imagine that I’m doing it in an outfit much like this one, which I ‘prepared earlier’. By which of course, I mean that I scheduled a few posts to go while I’m away. Yup, I’ve turned the page on my ‘Flakey Twenty-Something’ chapter and next up is ‘Well Prepared Adult’. For once, I’ve put some thought into making an overseas trip easy for myself. This time, my luggage will have working wheels; my shoes will be for walking; and my hair products will not be confiscated at the security gate. I thrifted this amazingly cool military jacket at one of me and Heather’s (Heatstorm Blog) ‘Thrift-ventures’ last week. It’s perfectly light weight and just as warm as it needs to be – perfect for travelling. I guess that’s what it’s designed for. I’m not much of an expert in army uniforms, but Google seems to indicate that this could be a World War II US army jacket. That knowledge makes me really regret not buying this with the pant that made this a set, considering it might have historical significance. And all I’m going to do with it is wear it in yet another one of my ridiculous pairings. Military jacket and gypsy skirt? Military jacket and cowboy shirt? Thrifted military jacket \\ Bonds black T shirt \\ J Brand Adrian Distressed Boyfriend Jeans (here or here) \\ Vintage Cross Shoulder Bag from my mother’s wardrobe \\ Birkenstock Arizona Sandals in Smooth Leather (here) \\ Marc by Marc Jacobs Watch (similar)

MY MISSGUIDED LATEX ADVENTURES

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I can appreciate that after a shamelessly attention seeking (and misleading) post title like the above, it’s going to be hard to redeem myself with my usual commentary on the metaphysical implications of my outfit. So I’ll just keep it simple and get right to the point: I’m seriously obsessed with my Missguided latex pencil skirt. And by that announcement, I’ve well and truly made myself the biggest hypocrite ever. I mean, how many times have I said I hate girly pastel pink? And, that pencil skirts don’t work with my figure? And, that plastic does not, quality apparel, make? But maybe I’m not all that inconsistent. This adorable latex skirt may be baby pink, but it’s definitely got a mean streak. On a recent ‘thrift-venture’ with fellow Canberran Fashion Blogger Heather of Heatstorm Blog, I bought myself what could quite possibly be the most cliché thing one can buy from a charity shop – an ‘I heart NY’ faux souvenir T Shirt. I bet there isn’t a girl past their twenties who hasn’t owned ‘this’ T shirt—less than half having actually been to New York—and then donated it to a charity shop. Be that as it may, I just loved how this shirt fit on me – men’s cuts are always so much cooler, and worn, of course, with the sleeves hurriedly rolled. Mircia PVC Midi Skirt In Baby Pink c/o Missguided \\ Thrifted I Heart NY T Shirt \\ Heart Sunglasses from Opshoppers \\ Rebecca Minkoff Woven M.A.C. Convertible Cluch \\ Zu Shoes Spike Perspex Double Ankle Strap Pump

Art Nouveau Leggings Giveaway!

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“Your Meme is Not Funny” Shirt from Iro Iro Clothing \\ Art Nouveau Leggings c/o Galaxy Leggings \\ 3.1 Phillip Lim Medium Pashli in Multi-media \\ Shoe Cult by Nasty Gal “Strut” Cutout Chelsea Boots Printed leggings are probably the single most difficult item to style (that, and maybe dresses made of meat), but the trade off is that they look and feel amazing on legs. You just don’t want to take them off once they’re on. These art nouveau print leggings (Alphonse Mucha’s  to be precise) from Galaxy Leggings reminds me of somewhat of medieval armour. So understandably, I feel real badass wearing them. Going back to my point about styling printed leggings, my tip is you can’t lose with paring them with blacks and whites. My printed T Shirt is from Canberra Facebook shop Iro Iro – Miona always has the coolest unexpected pieces. Since I knew you guys would be foaming at the mouth with desire like I was over these leggings, I’m giving one away to one lucky reader! All you have to do is share this giveaway on Facebook!

MISSGUIDED IN A LATEX SKIRT

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It’s stretchy, it’s clingy and unequivocally sexy, but it’s the bordering-on-dangerous shininess of latex that totally gets me. It’s so obvious to see grunginess and fetish undertones in anything made from PVC, but clothing needn’t ever be confined to their stereotypical applications. For me, latex can be ladylike and chic – in fact, it’s simply crying out to be. It all depends on the accessories - ladylike heels, a vintage cross shoulder bag and minimal bling. Of course, a very Parisian looking sidewalk in the background does wonders, also. It might seem somewhat of a faux pas to order an entire outfit from one brand and then wear it verbatim according to serving suggestion – something very ‘me’ to do—but why tweak with a good thing when certain pieces are just so good together? You’ll have to agree that the juxtaposition of the candy floss like jumper and the ultra-glossy latex skirt, both from Missguided, is just too cool. To an extent the pieces really need each other so that neither is too sweet or spicy. I’m so in love with the perfect cropped length and extra long sleeves of this Misguided ‘eyelash knit’ jumper that I’m planning on getting one in every colour, especially the pastel pink, so I can wear skinny jeans and a beany and really dress up as a big candy floss on a stick. You think I’m joking, but I’m really not. Stay tuned for the next installment of my – brace yourself – ‘latex adventures’! Mikako PVC Full Midi Skirt & Flafica Eyelash Knit Cropped Jumper c/o Missguided \\ Tony Bianco Studded Ankle Strap Pumps \\ Vintage Cross Shoulder Bag (from my mother’s wardrobe) \\ Marc by Marc Jacobs Watch (similar) \\ Swarovski Pendant (here)

Shop my wardrobe and WIN!

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There comes a time in one’s life when a girl realizes she’s being buried alive in clothes! You sit there quietly, but I know, you know exactly what I’m talking about. So I’ve decided to make the tough choices and do a serious clean out. I’m been really brutal this time, and I’m selling even my former favourite pieces on eBay. Brands I’m selling include Jeffrey Campbell, Sam Edelman, See by Chloe, L’America and Zara! ==> MY EBAY SHOP <== Help me promote my sale by sharing the above image on ebay! One lucky winner will receive and adorable vintage embroidered purse. Just click here and share on facebook to enter!

Leather for the weekend: steal Heidi Klum’s cool casual look

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When it comes to dressing for your days off it can be tricky to strike the balance between fashionable and functional. ‘Yes’ to model-off-duty, and ‘no’ to neighbourhood-cat-lady . In my book, Heidi Klum has the model-mum-off-duty look down to an art. Needless to say, a former Victoria Secret model and TV presenter would probably look good in a bed sheet, but Heidi’s secret is never stepping out looking sloppy and never over-styling (unless it’s one of her outrageous Halloween costumes!).  She was even spotted looking trendy at her daughter's football match in LA. Heidi dressed up her chunky trainers and skinny jeans with a leather biker jacket - she's also been seen working this piece on a shopping trip with boyfriend Martin Kristen and her kids. Channel Heidi's effortlessly edgy look and put some creativity back into your weekend wardrobe. Biker babe Heidi proves that a leather biker jacket is a great investment piece: it can be thrown on over the most casual clothes to take any outfit from so-so to whoa. There are plenty of designs to choose from in this season's women's coats. If you want a real leather version try this Myleene Klass number. The close cut keeps your silhouette sleek and trim, while the asymmetric zip gives the jacket an authentic retro look that adds instant cool to your casuals. Top it off Heidi's kept her look low-key with a simple black sweatshirt. An oversized number contrasts with the tight-fitted jacket, but give witty slogans a miss if you want to avoid looking like you've raided a teenager's wardrobe! For something a little more elegant, soften the edgy look of the biker jacket and jeans combo with a pretty blouse. The beaded detail on this smart embellished shirt draws the eye without being too over-the-top. Fuss-free footwear Dressing with style doesn't have to mean squeezing into some fancy footwear. Heidi's trainers are perfect for a weekend stroll in the park, so find yourself a soft but trendy pair for those more casual occasions. Be careful not to confuse comfy with scruffy - no one wants to see the muddy remnants of your last country walk following you down the high street. When you're headed somewhere a little smarter, switch your sports shoes for a pair of ankle boots, but give the biker style a miss to avoid an awkward clash with the jacket. Go natural When you're getting ready at the weekend keep the time you spend on hair and make-up to a minimum. Heidi's loose locks and nude lipstick exude effortless glamour, and sunnies are a must if you're after that aloof celeb style. Rather than struggling to tame your mane into a tricky and fussy 'do try to embrace its natural texture, whether that's tight curls, loose waves or dead straight. Now you've got this simple look nailed, don't overload it with jewellery: pick a favourite piece as a final touch or go without – you guys know how much I love pared back bling. Weekend fashion shouldn't be a chore, so channel Ms. Klum's effortless cool whatever you get up to!

BIRKENSTOCKS WITH EVERYTHING AT CASLAZUR SS14

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I’ve gone a bit mad lately with my sudden obsession with Birkenstocks. At first, it started out as the search for the best holiday shoe to take with me on my up and coming China trip, such search inevitably leading me to the Birkenstock. I must say I don’t understand this stigma with Birkenstocks being seen as daggy thongs or ‘Jesus slippers’. Far from thinking they’re daggy, I’d call them ‘elegant’, but not in a demure, feminine kind of way, but in the way that a mathematical formula is elegant – simple, effective, and so practical it’s beautiful. It’s the perfect shoe for the minimalist, which I am often on the cusp of being. Whatever your personal preferences, it’s that signature German design that demands at least a detached kind of respect. I was blown away by the slouchy chic CASLAZUR SS14 VA VA VOODOO lookbook and their exclusive use of Birkenstock Arizonas in the styling – it works so incredibly well, too well, like you’d never want to wear these outfits with any other shoes. The collection captures that quintessential Aussie cool (that’s talked about but only locals can truly understand), with edgy prints inspired by designer Cassie Snelgar’s African heritage.

BARE THEM LEGS

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I won’t deny it. I’m a shameless leg-barer – always have been. Even back in high school I used to wear tiny shorts every single day, even if my butt cheek showed, and I had 10 pairs of them. But it wasn’t because I thought I had great legs. On the contrary. I’ve always hated how ‘athletic’ they look. People would always ask me if I was in a basketball team or something. The irony was that I’ve never run a full mile in my life. I’m pretty sure the last time I tried I threw up at the 100 meters mark. Ok, I exaggerate for effect, but I think you get my point. No, it wasn’t about showing them off, or even because I liked to see them myself (heck no!). It just feels great, no? So liberating. You feel like you could get up and do kart wheels if you wanted to. And trust me, the urge does inevitably hit once in a while. The short short is still among one of my favourite things to wear, but these days I opt for the non-butt-cheek-baring styles. That’s why I love these perfect Jorge lace trim shorts. They are decidedly short but cover up all the places that need covering including the notorious fat part of the thigh. Wearing sleeveless tops with short shorts is way too obvious in my books, so on this warm spring day I paired these with a breezy silk blouse. These days I love everything in slouchy fits. I guess it’s like leaving the figure to the imagination, like, does she have any boobs, or not? Keep them guessing! Ray-Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses c/o ASOS \\ Equipment Signature Shirt \\ 3.1 Phillip Lim Medium Multi-Media Pashli Satchel \\ Polka Dot Lace Trim Shrots c/o Jorge\\ Shoe Cult by Nasty Gal Strut Cut Out Chelsea Boot \\ Tiffany & Co Necklace

[Giveaway] Get Your Legs Ready for Summer with Schick Hydro Silk Razor!

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There’s so much to get excited about summer – the sun, the beach, the party season – for me, it’s all about the mini dresses and shorts I’d been dying to wear for months. One thing that isn’t so exciting, however, is revealing our embarrassing winter legs, which have had all winter to grow hairy with gay abandon. I know that you’re all about to run out to buy something from the bewildering selection of hair removal products out there. So let me just save you the half hour of pacing the toiletries isle, and point you in the direction of my secret for summer legs: Schick Hydro Silk Razor! This time last year, I was asked to try out the newly launched Schick Hydro Silk Razor. The revolutionary features include 5 ‘curve sensing’ super sharp blades, high-tech skin guard to protect against irritation and ‘water-activated moisturizing serum’ that leaves the skin silky smooth (get it, ‘Hydro Silk’?). Behold, the close up! Having tried this razor personally, it’s now the only shaver I use. Not only does it shave incredibly close every time, I just go crazy with it in all the *ahem* ‘nooks and crannies’ *ahem*, knowing that it’s perfectly designed to reach them all without nicking the skin. I’ve also clean out all my other shaving products like shaving gel and aftershave, as Hydro Silk’s ‘water-activated moisturizing serum’ does everything in one go. As it turns out, I wasn’t the only one won over by this perfect razor. After launching last year, Schick Hydro Silk has received rave reviews and is now the number one selling razor amongst Australian women – women with good taste think alike! To help get your legs ready for summer, I’ve teamed up with Schick to give away a Schick Hydro Silk Razor to one lucky reader! Just follow the instructions below to enter: Be a follower of my blog via GFC, Google+, Bloglovin’, Facebook or Twitter Leave a comment to this post briefly stating why you need Schick Hydro Silk in your life To be counted for 2 extra entries, share this giveaway on your blog or social media, providing a link to where you shared it in your comment The winners will be announced on this blog in TWO WEEKS. Easy! Good luck everyone! If you can’t wait to get your own Schick Hydro Silk Razor, you can buy a starter kit at Woolworths, Coles, Priceline and pharmacies nationally. For more information visit www.schick.com.au!

White Giveaway Winner Announced!

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Thanks to all of you who joined my White Wardrobe Giveaway! The winner will receive the following items in the mail! ____________________________________________________ The prizes: White Sheer Panel T-Shirt White Leaf Motif Sandals (8/39) White Zip Detail Fitted Pants White Cable Knit Sweater Dress It Radiant Whitening CC Cream White Asymmetric Wrap Skort (all sizes S /Au 8) ___________________________________________________   An now, without further ado, I’m happy to announce that the winner is (drum roll!!!): Monica Hu! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Villainess – Canberra Fashion Photography Exhibition

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This week Villainess launched, a fashion photography exhibition born out of a collaboration between Georgia Kartas (blogger at Red Magpie), Elley Freer (Photographer) and Laura McLeanne (Makeup Artist). The photography series sought to vivify those thespian alter egos that we would not dream of inhabiting in our mundane nine-to-five lives, but that, no doubt, lie deep within – our inner Villainesses. Incorporating pieces from Canberra’s local independent designers, legendary female antagonists of familiar bedtime stories, modern film and video games were reborn, from Morgan Le Fay of Arthurian legend (in EDITION (Alice Sutton)), to Silent Hill’s terrifying Pyramid Head (in Kathy Kalokerinos). Many items photographed, including headpieces by Bronwen Stead and Annika Hutchins, were created especially for this project. Also involved was Canberra evening wear designer Sofia Polak. The Villainess team’s vision of the ten female archetypes were dark and sensual, and savagely beautiful. Notably, the Borg Queen (Star Trek Next Generation, if you were wondering) in SZN (Suzan Dlouhy) dress, worn upside, was unsettling but thrilling to behold like a good horror movie. Tying the wildly diverging images together were underlying themes of femininity and elegance, which were expressed as powerful but corrupt by vulnerability. This, perhaps, is a simplistic but passable summation of the female condition. After all, it only makes sense that our villainous alter ego is both the antithesis and the reflection of our true natures. Villainess is showing through 9 November 2013 at Kaori Gallery, Corner of Hobart St and London Cct, Canberra.

Morgan Le Fay

The Borg Queen

Georgia Kartas, Fashion Editor for Villainess

Audiences overflow onto street.

Pick up the beautiful Villainess booklet while you still can!

Shoe Cult Strut Cutout Chelsea Boot

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It was shoe - *ahem* - love at first sight, guys, as you probably saw from my Pinterest spam a couple of weeks ago how obsessed I was about the Shoe Cult by Nasty Gal (Yup! They make shoes now, and so awesomely too!) ‘Strut’ Cutout Chelsea Boot. It turns out I found out about this shoe almost too late and I was somehow able to nab the very last size 37 left on the Nasty Gal website – see, it was meant to be! I just love the shoe-slash-boot-slash-sandal idea, and with the transparent strap, the ‘Strut’ looks as though they’re magically adhering to your feet. If there was such a thing as a ‘summer boot’ then these are them! I don’t have the research and data analysis to prove it, but I’m pretty darn sure the cut out feature make legs look longer!

Label Ministry is almost here!

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Above via NATALIE & SARAH As the date draws near, I can’t help getting giddy about Sydney’s Label Ministry Runway Event 2013, which will be held in less than two weeks, on 13 November! There are so many local Australian designers to get excited about this year who will be showing collections at the event including Canberra’s very own Alice Sutton (EDITION) and Andie Meredith! Also to get excited about are Natalie & Sarah (as seen at Merceded Benz Fashion Week), and amazing Perth designer Yan Zion. In the big bad fashion world - which all but alienates us average folk - events like Label Ministry is as much about us as it is about the fashion. It always amazing how much world class talent is coming out of Australia all the time, and these events give us the unique privilege to experience their beginning before they conquer the world (which is surely only a matter of time). It’s the same emotionally invested feeling you get being the first to buy that indie rock band’s CD or making that newly opened corner cafe your hang out before anyone else does. Exclusivity via obscurity - nothing is cooler than that. So now I’m wondering, will you all be joining me at this years’ Label Ministry Runway Event? For Canberrans it’s guaranteed to be worth travelling up to Sydney for! The deets are this-a-ways: Time: 7:30 pm Date: 13 November 2013 Place: Cell Block Theatre, National Art School Forbs St, Darlinghurst, SYDNEY BUY THE EXCLUSIVE TICKETS HERE!

 

EDITION by Alice Sutton

Andie Meredith

 
Yan Zion

The location: Cell Block Theatre

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