the challenge

Spring is officially in the air and with it comes some pretty important events on the Australian fashion calendar.  We've just seen Melbourne's Spring Fashion Week and as I type the Perth Fashion Festival is underway.  Melbourne's Spring Racing Carnival is certainly a reason to head to the shops and discover what is on offer.  But for Year 12 students (and their teachers!), Spring is also about graduation ceremonies, dinners and a whole raft of other events associated with the end of the school year.

For those young ladies about to graduate from the clutches of High School, the challenge of what to wear to these functions can be a difficult one.  Many seek something youthful and fashionable, but understand that this is not the occasion for leather mini-skirts and mid-drift tops. How to meet the modesty criteria without looking like you are swathed in your mother's hand-me-downs can be a difficult task. 

So, in an effort to help all the wonderful young ladies I am lucky enough to teach this year, I have searched around and come up with a few options for those seeking something stylish that won't make daddy blush.



ted baker

I adore this Ted Baker dress.  Its has a vintage feel thanks to its cinched waist and full skirt.  The floral print gives it quite a prim feel, but that is offset by the sweetheart neckline.  The book-a-holic in me loves the fact that the print resembles pages torn from an old-style botanical guide.

country road

This 'Spliced Dress' from Country Road is a clean, modern look that is available in two colourways.  I like its simplicity and subtlety.  I also love the potential in a piece that could be so easily dressed-up or dressed-down.


cue

Cue's 'Spiked Orchid' dress has a fitted bodice and is made of contrasting panels of sateen, satin and georgette.  Featuring a full skirt and details such as pleated sleeves, this number is slightly avant garde thanks to the print and the combination of fabrics.

morrison

Morrison is one of my favourite brands.  The label originated in Freemantle, WA and all garments are still designed and produced in Australia.  Designs are organic and evoke a classic simplicity and effortless elegance.  The 'Maddie' shift dress is a timeless and beautiful piece.  Wear with a stunning pair of shoes and minimal accessories.

leona edmiston

For some 50s inspired glamour you can't go past Leona Edmiston.  The 'Hazel' shirt dress features a full pleated skirt and fitted 3/4 sleeves.  No need for much in the way of accessories - let the gorgeous ikat print be the statement.

thurley

And just because I'm kind of obsessed by Thurley at the moment and because lace is experiencing a massive comeback, my final suggestion is the 'Lady Lace' dress.  Made from fine French lace, this exquisite and very ladylike design features a full skirt accentuated by layers of featherweight tulle.  Perfect for a twenty-first century fairytale princess.     

5 reasons i love penny mccarthy

penny mccarthy, associate fashion editor vogue australia

I officially have a super-sized crush on Penny McCarthy, Associate Fashion Editor of Vogue Australia.  I should let you know that I develop crushes on random people quite easily and for no apparent reason, however in this case there are some pretty good reasons.

Reason one:

"Fashion doesn't have to be expensive to be fabulous." 

Sitting at the Vogue Australia Style Workshop at Chadstone the Fashion Capital yesterday,  I was acutely aware of my mortgage, kids' private school fees and all those other lovely little costs that relentlessly eat away at my savings account.  And so, I was totally thrilled to hear Ms McCarthy share these words of wisdom.  In fact, lots of what was on show were totally affordable ways of updating your wardrobe.

windsor smith pixie black/gold studs $159.95

Reason two:

"Tailoring is the backbone of your wardrobe."

I am a girl who likes her tailoring.  I am a firm believer that unless one has been blessed with the body of a supermodel, which unfortunately I have not (thanks mum and dad!) good tailoring is vital.  Tailoring can help give you shape and lend your outfit a touch of elegance.  This rule of thumb was clear in the 'City Luxe' trend on show.



portmans jacket, witchery skirt, coach bag

 

escada jacket, saba dress, clavin klein shoes, coach bag



arthur galan dress, portmans jacket, wittner shoes, cue bag, david lawrence cuff, diva necklace

 Reason three:

"When mixing prints, keep within the same colour palette."

You would have to be living in a cave to not be aware that prints are on trend this season.  However, despite the claim that there are no rules when it comes to fashion, the reality is, if you want to avoid looking like one of the Von Trapp children who has had their latest outfit made from hideous old curtains, BE CAREFUL.  The right use of prints can be amazing, gorgeous, inspiring.  The wrong use can cause onlookers to fall into an uncontrolable seizure.


country road pants, emporio armani shirt, wittner shoes, mimco bag

 

lisa ho jacket and pants, wittner shoes, coach bag, mimco bangle



witchery jacket, shirt and skirt, wittner shoes, coach bag

 Reason four:

"Break it up - put your own stamp on it."

Best. Advice. Ever.

Reason five:

Thurley

Enough said.

armani exchange jacket, thurley pants, withery tank, mimco necklace and bag

thurley jacket and pant, witchery top, windsor smith shoes, max alex vnder head piece

thurley jacket and skirt, windsor smith shoes, mimco bag

thurley jacket and pants, emporio armani shirt, armani exchange necklace

         
 

fashion vs. style

I should have been focused on the runway.  There was so much to see - cobalt blues, graphic prints, embellishments.  But I have never been very good at doing what I am meant to do.  Here I was - first assignment as official blogger for Chadstone 2012 Spring/Summer season and I was more focused on those in my immediate surroundings than the lithe and perfectly coiffed beings floating down the runway in the latest fashions.

I guess for me fashion has always been about wearability.  So, while some six foot tall size two glamazon might look amazing in something, the stark reality is even if we purchase the identical items, most of us mere mortals will look vastly different than the walking mannequin being paraded before us.  So for the Cheeky Fashionista, while the Vogue Australia Runway Show presented some breathtaking creations, ever the pragmatist, I was more intrigued by what 'real people' were wearing.  This was revealed in spades at the Australian Designer Cocktail Party.  

Chadstone, Vogue Australia and Laurent-Perrier put together an outstanding 'do' - an elegant and classy club smack bang in the middle of a shopping centre complete with a DJ spinning the decks.  Gorgeous looking hors d'oeuvres, lovely Laurent-Perrier bubbly and of course, a smattering of Melbourne's beautiful people.

However amongst the beautiful people and the bubbly were also some who confused fashion with style. 

Now let me say straight away that I am certainly not the most attractive human being to ever walk the earth.  I am uber-short, too rounded in some areas, and not rounded enough in others.  My nose is too wide, my jaw too square and thanks to an often incomprehensible love of teaching, I lack the means to robe myself in the labels I covet.  But I do my best.  And most importantly, I don't kid myself.

Lycra mini-skirts might be in vogue, but I am acutely aware of the fact that thanks to short and relatively stubby legs if I chose to don one I would look less like Rachel Zoe and more like a slutty oompa loompa.  Likewise, while I adore the embellishments being used by designers like Sass & Bide and Manning Cartell this season, I need to be selective with my use of it to ensure I don't end up looking like something one should hang on their Christmas tree this December. 

That's why I love this little number:


sass & bide

Separates always appeal to me, because while I can't see myself stepping out in the full ensemble, one of the two pieces would certainly work as a way to update a classic other half.  The top half would work beautifully as a companion to an existing pair of black pants, skirt or even a pair of jeans.

Likewise, these gorgeous pieces from Thurley:

thurley

Either the shirt or the skirt could be worn to update a range of other items already sitting in your wardrobe. 

There was one dress that caught my eye and I have the distinct feeling this beauty would make me, and any other woman, feel like the fairytale princess most of us dream of being at one point or another.

adolfo dominguez

Adolfo Dominguez is a Spanish label that has been around since the 1970s and now has over 600 boutiques globally.  Its Chadstone store opened late in 2011.  Complete with the simple but sparkly Oroton mini clutch, this look embodies modern romance.

I view runways and the images designer bring us as something we should take inspiration from, not slavishly follow.  Truly stylish individuals borrow from the latest looks, knowing what works for them and what doesn't.  Truly stylish individuals don't look like walking advertisements for a particular label, they advertise themselves and their own unique sense of style.

Truly stylish individuals know that looking like a slutty oompa loompa is never 'in'.

the divine ms. eva

Is there anything Chadstone the Fashion Capital can't do? 

I am the first to admit that I have limited talents.  However, one of my few saving graces is my ability to be completely honest about what someone should and should not wear.  So, last week I combined the power of Chadstone with my abilities and joined a friend in search of some key wardrobe items to complement her new slender physique. 

Now, I must first tell you that Ms Eva is an absolutely stunning woman - both inside and out.  Chestnut hair, beautiful eyes and one of the most kind and generous individuals I know.  She works, runs her own business and is a complete supermum.  Ms Eva was also in desperate need of jeans.  The ones she had been wearing were being kept up by a thick belt and doing that baggy arse thing that was clearly the result of her weight loss, but none too attractive.

Off to Just Jeans we went.  Ms Eva tried on a range of styles and brands (thank you awesome customer service assistants!) - Levi, Mavi, Lee, bootleg, skinny, straight leg.

riders by lee mid rise skinny black coated jean

riders by lee bumster skinny dark aqua jean

In the end Ms. Eva selected a gorgeous indigo Mavi pair.  Firm where they should be with just the right amount of give.  Seeing Ms Eva in these jeans reaffirmed my belief that the right pair of jeans is all a woman needs to feel amazing about herself and her body.

 

After that we were off to ZARA to find Ms Eva the perfect pair of work pants.  After scouring one of Chadstone's latest additions and discovering a heap of possibilities, we were off to the changing rooms.  Yes, 'we' - I couldn't help myself! 

 

Ms Eva's final choice? A classic colour (charcoal) and cut which can be worn for both the office and casually.

 

 

zara cotton trousers with turn up hem

Witchery was next, where we were lucky enough to scoop up some bargains.  A few cute tops for Ms Eva, a dress for me, and even a couple of skirts for the Little Fashionista.

A quick visit to Decjuba and Portmans for accessories rounded off our little expedition.

portmans metallic pop belts



decjuba hardware tassel necklace





Three hours.  Five stores.  One gorgeous woman.  Love your look Ms Eva!

socks off

From my experience there are two sure signs that Spring is fast approaching.  1. The Year 10 corridor starts smelling like freshly sprayed deodorant and 2. Primary Schools send out flyers announcing their upcoming Father's Day stalls.

This week I have encountered both. So, I think it's time to focus on what men are going to be wearing this season.

As a Melbournian I am well aware that black is a staple in our city, but this year I encourage men to consider greys and navys - still dark, still classic, but a tad softer.  As an added bonus, you can team it with a crisp white shirt and you won't look like a waiter or a sales assistant at MYER.

jack london baskerville suit

Over the last year hubby has become a huge Jack London fan.  They use a range of interesting fabrics to compliment fine tailoring.  Their cuts seem to suit the more... ahem, 'slender' man.  The baskerville suit is done in a herringbone tweed, perfect for those looking for a slightly thicker material and a jacket they can wear over jeans for a casual but still beautifully put together look.  All pieces are sold separately, so if you're not a fan of the whole three-piece suit thing you can ditch the vest.  But before you do consider how you could wear the items individually with other pieces in your wardrobe.  Would the vest look amazing with a pair of plain black pants and a shirt in a playful print?

Still corporate, but sans suit, I love this look:

jack london daventry mod shirt

Another Jack London, I love the colour of the shirt and the thin, plain tie.  Totally hot.

Hunting for something more casual?  The number of places one can purchase jeans these days is awe-inspiring, if not incredibly confusing.  I am a girl who likes shops that specialise and I favour the places I know I am going to be offered knowledgeable and consistent service and assistance.  And in the vast area of denim, there is no place like Just Jeans.  Great range (they now carry Mavi), and staff who know the cuts, the fabrics and are able to match your needs and wants to the most appropriate choice.

This season it's all about coloured denim.  And while I it takes a great deal of courage for a man to hit the streets in pastel pink pants, a slightly stronger shade is a good option.



just jeans coloured fashion super skinny jean in shiraz

 A final word of advice for those heading out to shop for dad, hubby or boyfriend and for those men going out to bulk up their wardrobe for Spring - lose the socks.  This season men are flashing a bit of ankle skin.  Just let the kids know before they hit those Father's Day stalls.    

hip hip hooray

I am what is euphemistically referred to as the 'curvacious type'.  For those of you who don't speak bullshit, this means I have hips and thighs.  Real ones.  Jewish ones.  For many, many years this area of my body caused me great anxiety.  You need to understand that I came of age in an era when 'the waif' was all the rage.  In 1992 every teenage girl in the Western world wanted to look like Kate Moss and didn't care how little they needed to eat to achieve this look.

For years I despised what a friend so kindly referred to as my 'childbearing hips'.  Thanks to the cult of Kate I also came to resent my boobs.  Why couldn't I be flat-chested like all those other lucky girls out there?  I chose clothes based on their ability to hang loosely, unaware of the fact that this sort of strategy often makes you look bigger.  I refused to wear tops that did not at least reach past my hips.  I hid under loose sacks, terrified of people getting a glimpse of all those attributes I now recognise make me who I am.  Like many other women, I was ashamed of being me. 

And then I had an epiphany of sorts.  I came face-to-face with a woman so sexy, so stylish and so hippy, she took my breath away.  I met Joan Holloway of  Mad Men.   

Here was a woman who embraced her curves and was loved for it - by men, by women, by fashion designers.  I was and still am smitten.  Joan sashayed her hips as she walked through the offices of Sterling Cooper and you loved her for it.  There was no shame, no attempting to hide the woman she was, or starve into a skeletal version of herself.  I began to change how I dressed.  I bought tailored, well-fitting shirts and pencil skirts.  I recognised that the most important part of a woman's outfit is a well-fitted bra.  I began to realise that stylish isn't the same as fashionable.

So I was thrilled to see the following image on Vogue Australia's facebook page yesterday of women voted this week's 'Best Dressed'.



jessica mauboy, kelly rowland in victoria beckham and jessica biel in zac posen


All of these women have curves.  Luscious, womanly, gorgeous curves.  They have boobs and they have hips and they are dressed to accentuate those features. 

Maybe this is just another trend.  Maybe tomorrow the waif will be back.  But I hope not.  And if it is, there is at least one Cheeky Fashionista who has learnt that loving who you are and paying tribute to the assets you possess is the most stylish thing you can do. 

spring style

Like many of you, I am totally over winter.  So, while it may still be freezing out there, I am attempting to generate some inner-warmth by planning my next purchases.

For those lovely ladies wanting to add a bit of trend to their Spring look without taking out a second mortgage, consider purchasing one or two key vibrant, colourful items and teaming them with basic black or white to achieve a classic yet funky look.

lisa ho neon flower print pants

This Spring, the fashion gods also bring us the peplum dress.  Perfect for work, or even for the races, this structured style provides as instant put-together look - a blessing for us busy mums. As an added bonus the peplum gives you curves where you want them and often works to cover those less attractive regions - say 'Thank you fashion gods!'.  Team with a slim belt in a bright colour to give a black or white dress a bit of pop, and to draw attention to what will (hopefully!) be your smallest area.  No need to save this one for when the sun starts shining - a crisp white collared shirt underneath keeps this look tailored and elegant.

cue pleat peplum dress

Unique and colourful patterns are showing up everywhere - skirts, pants, jackets and shirts.  Find a lust-worthy pattern, but make sure the cut is flattering!  And if it isn't, put your visa card back in your purse and run.  The print might be gorgeous, but if the style fails to flatter put it back on the rack where it belongs.  Here are two looks I can't wait to try on.  Pray for me!

witchery monet digital denim print

lisa ho orchid print skirt

Remember, it may be cold out there, but it's warm and cosy at Chaddy!