Stand and Deliver AW16

February 9, 2016.Reading time 1 minute.

We don’t need an excuse to look at amazing shoes but I want to give you a reason. I have scoured some of our favourite Australian Shoe brands to bring you my Picks for AW16.

This season it’s all about the detail. I love Manning Cartell’s take on the mule and the subtle tassel detail on Siren’s Honour heel. Heels are either super slim and sharp or solid and blocky; not much is in between. Suede and Metallics features again this season and we see the introduction of Velvet.

Designers are still loving the 70’s vibe. I prefer a nod to a previous season rather than a costume like reference. So Mules are in but I’d avoid tan Suede ones…..

Siren *Honour* $189.95, Manning Cartell *Clear and Now* $449

Saba *Ava Lace Bootie* $249, Tony Bianco Aztec $239.95

Manning Cartell *Leisure Seekers Mule* $499, Siren *Dawn* $219.95

Willow *Work Shoe* $650, Saba *Roxy Velvet Heel* $229

Manning Cartell *Kick Starter Bootie* $549, Ginger and Smart *Helix $449*

Let’s hear it for the boys

February 7, 2016.Reading time less than 1 minute.

If I were a boy this is what I would wear. The end

February 4, 2016.Reading time 1 minute.

I am often told I must have a huge wardrobe, given my job and all. The truth is my wardrobe is quite simple. I have 2 children… Anyone with kids knows that the window of daily styling is a small one, often involving sticky fingers tugging at our shirt tails.

A well planned wardrobe is the key to maximising the outfits you can create without the fuss.

Capsule wardrobes are popular in blog land and for good reason. You have a select number of items that all work back together.

Keeping colours simple and compatible is the trick with this plan. I find this easy due to my love of black, white and denim. But I could easy add coloured pieces to work with this selection from pastels to bright red or khaki.

In this lay out I have covered most possible styling scenarios from school and errand runs in black jeans white shirt and denim jacket to evening in black dress pants, white shirt and tuxedo jacket; lunch with friends – denim shirt, Aline skirt. The options are endless.

I created this lay out on Polyvore. Sadly Balmain is out of my budget so that wont be the exact jacket I purchase but the inspiration is there to keep me focused on my sartorial plans!

February 3, 2016.Reading time 1 minute.

This is a question people around the world ask themselves everyday as they get ready for work, head on their first date, open an invitation or drop the kids at school.

For some it’s an easy question to answer, for a lot it can bring with it a great deal of anxiety and some pretty toxic thinking.

As a Stylist it’s my job to make people look their best; dress them in a way that hides their least favourite bits and accentuates their best. The confidence that comes from knowing you have something on that does this is priceless.

Last year, after 11 years as a Senior Stylist at the Seven Network, I made a very tough decision to leave the comfort zone of a secure job, a salary, super, holiday pay etc to pursue a career and a Freelance Stylist and launch my Private Styling business.

I am very passionate about helping men and women become confident. I believe that having the knowledge to dress confidently has a great impact on someone’s ability to be their best.

If you can relate to anything I have written you will benefit from a Styling Session.

I’d love to work with you.

Shady Lady

February 4, 2015.Reading time 2 minutes.

From top left -right Celine, Prada, Tom Ford, Prada, Celine, Prada, Tom Ford, Prada

I had planned to post this in January but Melbourne’s weather has been very uninspiring. Even the trees are confused with some changing colour thinking Autumn is here. Last week I had an open fire because I love them and it was cold enough to justify it.

However, I have just checked the weekend’s forecast at it is looking like Summer will visit us again, at least for 2 days. Time to get your shades on….

I have always been a fan of sunglasses. For me they have more appeal than a pair of heels. They don’t cause pain, are slightly cheaper (mostly) and have a huge impact on your overall image. My first pair of memorable sunglasses were bought when I was 15. They were Vogue and had huge frames with rectangular lenses, they were awesome. Everything I looked at was framed by golden tortoise shell. Inevitably I broke them and years later tried to find a replacement to no avail. I think that’s when my love of sunglasses began. They transformed me into someone adventurous and brave; I wore them proudly because I loved them.

The ‘feature’ sunglass is a huge trend this summer. Never before have so many coloured, embellished or mirrored sunglasses been available. Above are a few of my favourites from legendary Lensers Tom Ford, Celine and Prada.

Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive to look the goods. I would suggest having them properly fitted with professional advise because they can alter facial features. A good pair of a sunglasses should compliment your best features and make you want to wear them.

Portsea Polo

January 5, 2015.Reading time 1 minute.

It’s only 5 days until the Jeep Portsea Polo; an iconic Melbourne Event that marks the real start of Summer’s social calendar. The dress code is relaxed but stylish. The Panama and Fedora’s that are popular this Summer are perfect for a day at the polo. Not only do they look good, they protect your skin from the harsh January Sun.

Nerida Winter has some amazing Fedora’s and Boaters available. You pay a little more for the attention to detail that make these investment pieces. For a moderately priced alternative Ace of Something have a beautiful selection including soft pastels and wide brim varieties.

When wearing a brimmed hat it is all about proportion. An easy rule to remember is – the more skin the wider the brim. A wide brim adds elegance to a shoulder bearing dress or plunging neckline. A smaller brim is great if you’re wearing a higher neckline, adding an element of fun while showing more of your face and hair.

Hair and makeup should be natural at the Polo and works perfectly with these hats. If you decide you want a pop of colour add a great pink or red to your lips with bare eyes and bronzed cheeks.

Pair them with a great Romper, some Broderie Anglaise or floral Onsie by Thurley and you are ready for a day by the sea.

So summer begins…next the Austrailan Open!

Hello Darling

November 24, 2014.Reading time 2 minutes.

Darling Style Merchants and The Parlor Milk Bar and Kitchen. 40 Weatherall Road, Beaumaris

There is no better time to introduce you to Darling Style Merchants than now. With Christmas only a month away this is the post you need to read.

Beaumaris didn’t know what hit it when The Parlor Milk bar and Kitchen opened it’s doors in 2011. With the help of family and friends; business partners Tamare Karakulahian and Bonne Squires transformed the tired Weatherall Road address into a thriving cafe and in 3 short years it has become a destination for locals and good food and coffee hunters alike.

When the hairdresser in the same building revealed she was closing her doors Bonne and Tamare quickly teamed up with Charlotte and Tania Squires to realise another dream; opening a gift and clothing store and soon, Darling Style Merchants was born.

When you meet the creative team behind Darling it becomes obvious that the name was a natural and suitable choice. The dictionary meaning for Darling is a person very dear to another; one dearly loved. This sums up the connection these four wonderful women have with each other and the special bond that gives this burgeoning empire such a bright and addictive energy.
They are now a genuine triple threat – food, gifts and clothing all under one roof.

They have sourced an amazing collection of brands from all over the world. This is truly a one stop shop for Christmas.

Click on the names below to learn more about the wonderful brands they have sourced for you to enjoy!!

Citta Design (one of my fav homeware brands)

Have you met Miss Jones

And more…..

Jason Grech Spring Summer 2014

October 11, 2014.Reading time 1 minute.

A couple of posts back I interviewed my dear friend Jason Grech as he worked crazily to finish this collection in time for MSFW. Since that post I have seen these stunning gowns grace the catwalk and now have these beautiful images taken by Andrew Maccoll to share. Jason teamed up with the very talented Richard Nylon who made the striking headpieces that are so complimentary to Jason’s vision for his ‘ Birds of Prey’ collection.

I believe this is Jason’s strongest collection to date. I feel privileged to have witnessed his creative process 1st hand; from sketching, planning the fabrics, the runway and this fabulous shoot.

Enjoy!

Shoot credits
Andrew Maccoll Photography
Production : Blackcanvasproductions.com
Talent : Emily Louis Thomas
Hair and Make Up: Trish Sousa

Going Bust

July 28, 2014.Reading time 4 minutes.

Every woman has them and whether you have big ones or small, whether you wear a size 6 or 18, there is every chance you need a hand getting your breasts in an optimal position. Like boobs, not all clothing is created equal so inevitably different garments will suit some figures more than others. But there are products out there to help bridge the gap; making smaller busts appear larger and large, more compact.

Panache Lingere AW14 — Source – Panache LIngere AW 14 Lookbook

Issue #1 – Small bust = Hollows

A common issue when styling corporate clients is that breasts don’t sit where the darts are placed on the garment or simply don’t fill out the space designed to house breasts. It would be easy to rule out that piece of clothing and move on. But what if there was a solution? After all the jacket is the perfect colour and the shoulder line is super flattering and it’s a great price . The solution could be as simple as swapping your soft lace bra for a moulded cup with slight padding or push up.

My Favourites are… (click for link)

Intimo – Trousseau Push Up Bra

Intimo – Dream Bra

Pleasure State – My fit OMB Super Boost Bra

This is probably one my best finds recently. To further enhance the bust try Uniqlo’s Bra Camisole. This light weight camisole has built in bra cups and shapes without clasps. Not only is it comfortable on it’s own; it can be worn on top if a push up bra, adding an extra cup size.

Issue #2 – Large Bust = Overspill

A large bust can have the opposite problem and the width of the breast can spread outside the chest panel, edging it’s way across the bicep. If the correct cup size has been established it’s likely this unflattering problem is caused by an unsupportive bra without enough internal structure confining the breast. Remedy it with a bra that offers side support. This is an extra layer within the bra that scoops around the outer side of the breast bringing it up and in.

I am a busty 14DD and having breast feed two children need some help with lift and shaping. It was soon after having my 1st daughter that I discovered Panache Lingere and I’ve loved it ever since. The wonderful people at Big Girls Don’t Cry Anymore fitted me with what I fondly refer to as my boob job bra. It makes me feel perky and secure while still being a cute basic. Panache cater for sizes 30D- 38G also offering an amazing Sport Bra and Swimsuits with sized Cups.

My Favourites are…

Panache – Porcelain Viva aka Boob Job Bra

Panache – Dahila – side sling support for extra shaping

Maquerade – Rhea

Panache – Sports Bra

Panache Swimwear – Marina

So next time you try a tailored jacket or shirt, don’t rule it out immediately. Think about what you are wearing underneath and the impact that can have on your clothing choices.

Guest Post for The Boudica Files

June 19, 2014.Reading time 3 minutes.

I recently had the honour of writing a guest post for my friend Amelia’s beautiful blog The Boudica Files

Here it is..

Just as the weather in the Southern Hemisphere becomes colder the Fashion World starts showing us what will be on offer next summer. These are some of the trends that will start to hit the stores in the coming months. Here are some of the Key Trends for summer 14/15

White Shirt
This is really a year round trend but it’s the styling that differs this summer. Shapes are loose and comfortable teamed back with patterned mid length pencil skirts *. The white shirt is treated like a tshirt this summer; no longer seen as smart workplace attire; the movement, like tailoring, is towards casual and relaxed.

White shirt

Photo Credit – Vogue.com.au
*Styling Tip – Choose either top or bottom for volume and balance the other half with something fitted for a more flattering silhouette.

Head to toe print.
While it’s still very fashionable to clash your prints*; wearing the print both top and bottom is the fresh new way to style prints this summer. I love the way Ginger and Smart have mirrored the print but used a different texture to differentiate the top and skirt.

*Styling tip- Large print + small print is the key to the clash

Ginger and Smart – Photo credit – Vogue.com.au

Sheer
What a perfect trend for warm weather. The lightness of the fabric screams summer but it’s also looks elegant without completely covering up. The area of sheer can vary in position depending on your body type. If you don’t want to give a glimpse of your midriff opt for a mid-calf length and have the sheerness from the knee.

Sheer

Haryono Setiadi– Photo credit Vogue.com.au

Pastels
Thankfully we are steering away from head to toe highlighter shades and the trend this summer is for soft pastels. They are much kinder to most complexions and more complimentary to the prints still dominating this summer. While we have seen pastels in knitwear during winter; tailoring has also been painted in pale shades of pink, peach and soft sage green next season.
By Johnny

By Johnny– Photo credit Vogue.com.au

Soft Tailoring
Sharp tailoring and the stern peplum silhouettes of previous seasons make way for soft tailoring this summer. Shirts and jackets are slouchy and often unlined; perfect in the heat.*
*Styling Tip- To make this trend more flattering, make sure the line on the shoulder is square to your arm. If that line starts to creep down your arm the jacket will appear ill-fitting and become unflattering.

Maticevski

Maticevski –Photo credit Vogue.com.au

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