Personal Stylist Melbourne

February 2, 2017.Reading time 2 minutes.

I really love Personal Styling. For me it’s a chance to use what I have learnt for the benefit of someone else. I have often struggled with confidence and bouts of anxiety myself and want to elliviate these feelings in others if I can. In a world where we are bombarded by images of manufactured perfection it’s easy to mistakenly think this is something we should aspire to.

I know I have the tools to help someone feel better about the way they look and I believe one of the keys to sartorial happiness is not comparing ourselves to others, the 2nd is accepting where we are at at this moment in time while realising that there are infinite possibilities in our future. The time to ‘do’ you is now, not when you’ve lost weight or have more money. You are worth investing in already.

I am a Personal Stylist because I want people to feel more confident. I want the negative voices to be quietened so that a person can concentrate on the important things in life and step into the world knowing they are presenting their best and most authentic selves to the world.

I’d love more people to experience this confidence and the joy of dressing with ease everyday like Kate has; so I am offering 10% off new bookings this month at Eastland. Please contact me at racheldennisstylist@gmail.com or Guestservices@eastland.com.au to make your booking. Gift vouchers are also available.

Peace, love and style x Rach

New Year New Outfit

December 28, 2016.Reading time 1 minute.

Every Year we get a new one and they feel like they come around faster every year. It’s a time to reflect on the year that has been and dream of what is to come in the next.

Ringing in the New Year is an important part of letting go of the past and embracing the future so get your glad rags on and start the New Year as you’d like to continue.

Here are a few outfit ideas to inspire you to make this year’s celebrations a stylish one…..

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! May 2017 be filled with inspiration, creativity, love, laughter and some lovely outfits!

P.S – Most of these are on sale. Click on the link in captions

DINNER AND DRINKS

Garden Party — From Left – Country Road One Shoulder Dress, Top right – Sarina Suriano Earrings, Middle – Marcs Clutch, Bottom – Tony Bianco Heels

COCKTAIL PARTY

Left – Reiss Jumpsuit, Top right – Christie Nicolaides Earrings, Middle – Nikki Williams Clutch, Bottom – Habbot Heels

BAR-BE-QUE

Left – Morrison dress, Top – Marcs hat, Middle – Jan Logan Earrings, Bottom – Senso Shoes

The Year of the Ear

December 16, 2016.Reading time 1 minute.

Looking for an alternative to the flashing Christmas tree earrings to give you Christmas Day get up some extra sparkle? These stunning Statement drop earrings are your answer (or potential Present, wink wink)

Through the Spring Racing carnival we saw many of our favourite celebrities don some Christie Nicolaides shoulder grazers. Her unique mix of gold with multi coloured stones are guaranteed to add some extra glamour; whether worn with a t shirt and jeans or with your favourite party dress. Style Tip – No need to match the colour of your earring with your dress – they’ll work either way.

If glamorous boho isn’t your thang you might be better suited to the streamlined styles from Jan Logan, Sarina Suriano or Aurelio Costarella’s beautiful collaboration with Atlas Pearls. I’m loving the use of pearls that create something both contemporary and timeless. Which ever style you choose a large drop earring will add some sass to your festivities.

Below are some of my favourites. Click on the caption to head to their store

From Left – Christie Nicolaides, Jan Logan, Sarina Suriano

From Left – Punjabi Diva, Jan Logan, Jan Logan

From Left – Lovisa, Martha Jean, Aurelio for Atlas

Something a little special

May 7, 2016.Reading time 2 minutes.

From top left Wittner – Anita Heel, Olga Berg – Regan Octagonal Pod Clutch, Saint Laurent – Cassandre Clutch from Miss Louise, Tony Bianco – Alita Heel

From top left Olga Berg – Dana crystal embellished Clutch, Tony Bianco – Kappa Heel , Preciously Paris – Let’s Rock Clutch from MISS LOUISE, Tony Bianco – Laika Heel

From top left – Balmain – Tia Heel rom MISS LOUISE , Olga Berg – Ace crystal oval Pod, Saint Laurent – Silver mini monochrome from MISS LOUISE , Aquazzura – Milla Jewel Heel from MISS LOUISE

With The Met Gala on Monday and the TV Week Logies tomorrow I thought it was time to add some Red Carpet inspiration to my pages.

The power of the right accessories shouldn’t be underestimated. They can make or break an outfit and quickly see celebs heading to the worst dressed list. They can take your outfit from sophisticated to clunky or glam to dowdy.

As a rule, I prefer an open toe with a long gown. I think they look more elegant when we get a peep of them and they compliment the finer fabrics often used in black tie gowns. You can’t go wrong with a single strap across your toes but if you prefer more support one that has fine straps running up your foot will do the trick.

Clutches are like a bow on a present, they add a little sparkle or contrast to the ensemble. The fact is, you have to carry a bag so you may as well use it to your advantage. If you have a simple dress you can elevate it with something sparkly in the same colour, on the other hand, if your dress has it all going on with sparkle and glitz you can tone it back with a simple matte clutch.

Don’t let your accessories be an afterthought and check out the links above for some affordable and splurge options..

x Rach

April 18, 2016.Reading time 3 minutes.

Scanlan and Theodore-Double Cotton Trench $800, Viktoria and Woods – Valentina $699, TY-LR – Antonia Dress $490

I love living in a city with defined seasons. Melbourne does it well with a full display of colour in Autumn and beautiful Icy winters. The air changes from one season to the next, affecting our moods and lifestyle. As the leaves turn to gold and red we need to start thinking about how we’ll layer for the coming winter. We’re no London or snowy New York but there is still a need to rug up, don a coat and spend weekends relaxing by fires.

This seasons Coats for women range from waterfall wraps to long and over sized with the trench holding it’s place as a wardrobe staple. I love the colours showing this season from soft pinks to rich tans and teal and of course classic navy. There is a lot of felted wool coming through adding to the unstructured feel and making them super snugly.

An important tip for buying the right coat, especially when the overall style is unstructured, is to make sure it fits you well in the shoulder. The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder bone. Too narrow and it will look to small and your arm will look larger and rounded. Too wide and your neck and shoulder will appear to slope. It’s all about a sharp angle where the shoulder is concerned. If you do have a shoulder the drops away from you neck consider popping in a slim shoulder pad.

The wrap coat is a great option for those that want their coat to mix work with pleasure. Tightly cinched at the waist gives a classic pulled together look for the office. Try swapping the tie belt with a simple leather one for an individualised, look. Then on weekends, loose the belt all together and casually throw it over jeans and roll neck knit.

These are a few of my top coat picks for AW 2016 . Click on the captions to head straight to the On line Stores.

Godwin Charli – Maxine $799, Godwin Charli – Georgia $699

Karen Millen – Mohair and Alpaca Wrap Coat $ 675 , Saba – Penny Coat $499

Diana Ferrari – Maxwell Blanket Coat $349.95, Viktoria and Woods – Altitude Coat $549

Country Road- Military Button Coat $399, Viktoria and Woods – Equalizer Coat $699

February 21, 2016.Reading time 3 minutes.

As much as I am able to appreciate my last Shoe post visually and as a Stylist; the thought of spending more than a few hours in heels is my idea of hell and I know I am not alone. Not all of us trained our feet to wear heels and find the pain a major distraction from living our lives to their fullest.

Here are my picks of Flats and Boots that’s I’d love to get about in this Autumn/Winter.

Most of the brands will be familiar to you but there is one that you might not have had the pleasure of getting to know. I am talking about Habbot. The brain child of Annie Abbott, a talented Melbournite with a passion for shoe design and a desire to have them beautifully hand made at some of Naple’s best shoe makers. They have a store in the newly refurbished The Strand Melbourne and in the iconic Royal Arcade. If you are wanting handmade quality footwear please pay them a visit or head to their online store.

I am in love with the patent leather coming through in flats this season. It gives our comfy flats some glamour, making their limited height less noticeable as the high shine is the attraction here.

This season we’ll see the sneaker hold it’s position as a major trend. This is music to a flat shoe wearer’s ears. Team it with your mid-length skirt and a roll neck jumper for a great off/on duty look. Ginger and Smart have been clever with the hard ware on their sneakers, adding some rose gold zips and studs. Wittner’s Beckett is a less expensive pair that offer similar flexibility with what you can wear them back with.

So go forth and be comfortable. Your feet and the person you’re trying to have a conversation with will thank you!

Habbot – Exposure $395, Walnut Melbourne – Driving Leather Loafer $129.95

Wittner- Jerome Boot $249.95, Habbot – Magnify Boot $450

Habbot – Dose Shoe $395, Ginger and Smart Forte -Sneaker $369

Wittner – Keiko $179.95, Country Road – Carrie Flat $119

Country Road – Ira Knee High Boot $299 , Wittner – Isabelle Boot $329

Habbot – Cha Cha $325, Habbot – Dish $395, Wittner – Beckett $99.95

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

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.

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.