bag a bargain

With Christmas, Chanukah and general end-of-year gift giving season fast approaching, here are two events that will help discerning shoppers snaffle a bargain.

For those interested in purchasing a bit of bling for either themselves or as gifts (and what self-respecting fashionista isn't?), head down to Siri Designs Summer Jewellery Night on Thursday November 29th from 8pm.  Siri Designs stocks a range of unique pieces, either handmade or personally selected by Siri herself.  You can check out some of what is stocked on the company's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SiriDesigns 

For more info about the night email siri@siridesigns.com.au

As an Oroton devotee, I can highly recommend signing up for the O-List.  Oroton will then send you great offers on their products, including advance knowledge of their amazing outlet sales.  At the moment, Oroton is holding a 'Family & Friends' sale, which allows O-List members 50% off everything in store and online.  You really can't beat that!

What are you waiting for?  Stop reading and get out there and grab yourself a summer bargain!

less is more

The other evening I had the pleasure of venturing out to Crown with some girlfriends.  I should mention that this is not something I do terribly often.  Generally speaking, the ‘World of Entertainment’ serves to simply depress me and induce a massive migraine.  However, post-Stakes Day provided this little blogger with a plethora of fashion crimes to report on.   

1.  Too tight, too short

I am all for flaunting your womanly curves, however there is a line where alluring ends and “OH MY GOD, WHAT IS THAT GIRL WEARING??!!!” takes over.   A good outfit is one in which your positives are accentuated, attention is drawn away from your less attractive areas and the finer details are left safely to the imagination.  As a general rule, if the world can see your underpants, or lack of underpants, you shouldn’t be wearing it. 

It’s okay to wear something body conscious, it’s okay to wear a mini, it’s okay to wear something low cut, it’s okay to wear something backless.  It is not okay for one dress to be all those things.  And please ladies, if you choose to wear a mini-skirt, try it on for a friend before you wear it out – just because it covers your bits in front, doesn’t mean you’re all covered at the back. 

Included in this category is the dreaded muffin top.  Pants are meant to actually fit.  End of story.

2.  Just the right height

Like many other fashion devotees I love a good heel.  As a member of the more petite portion of society, I need a good heel.  However, there is a point at which an elegant pump or even stiletto stops being the finishing piece of a stunning ensemble and becomes plain stupid.  If you are wobbling, hobbling, stumbling, if you’re in danger of losing your balance then the heel of your shoe is too high and rather than remembering your killer shoes, most will be more likely to remember the chick who ended up sprawled face down at the bottom of the escalator. In fact, they won’t need to remember you, they can just check out the latest uploads to the “Embarrassing Nightclub Photos” Facebook page.  I am a huge fan of wedges – they can provide height, while still being reasonably comfortable.  But again, keep it within reason.  Overdo it and you end up looking like a reject from The Brady Bunch Goes to the Circus. 

3.  Oompa Loompa Factor

I get that some go the fake tan to help them attain a healthy glow.  Truth be known, looking at my pasty white legs, many would claim I could probably benefit from a bit of fakery myself.  However, there seems to be many Snooki wannabes out there who fail to understand that at some point one ceases to look sun-kissed and starts to look like a walking cheezel.  If you must partake of this particular fad, please try to remember the advice of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, “Less is more”. 

stylish samm

One of the greatest parts of being a High School teacher is that you get to meet some extraordinary young people.  This year I was privileged to meet and teach the amazingly talented Samantha Guss.  It was clear from the beginning of the year that Samantha was a young woman of style, but it wasn't until later in the year that I realised what an incredible young designer I had been teaching all year.

If this is what the girl can do in Year 12, I can't wait to see what the next few years holds for her!

I have a sneaking suspicion that it won't be long till Samantha's creations are hitting the runways. 

style bar

Over the past two days Chadstone the Fashion Capital has once again cemented itself as *the* Melbourne shopping centre for the fashion conscious by hosting a Spring Racing Style Bar, providing FREE 15 minute styling sessions full of tips to help look fabulous for the upcoming spring racing carnival. 

Ashley from Burberry Beauty at David Jones was providing makeovers, noting that race-goers this season would be wearing bright lips in everything from fire-engine reds to intense plum colours.  If you're going to go with this trend, stick with smokey eyes in neutral tones.  Avoid pairing bringht lips with coloured eyeshadow unless the tent you're heading for is the big top.

As every girl knows, a bad hair day can ruin even the best outfit, so many were flocking to the amazing Campell Ritchie who was tending to tresses of all lengths and colours and giving advice on how to ensure your hair lasts as long as you do on race days.

Melbourne Milliner Melissa Jackson was on hand to help choose the perfect headpieces to go with race day outfits, while stylists Franco Schifilliti and Anika Walker were giving individual expert advice about how to marry personal style with on-trend, showstopping looks.

Franco emphasised that 'co-ordinating' does not mean 'matching'.  Would-be fashionistas should be looking achieve a "total balance" with their look.  To do this, Franco recommends never combining more than three colours in a single outfit.  Anika and Franco agree that this season is all about colour, colour and more colour (yay!) along with a healthy dose of prints. 

Accessories came from a range of stores including Portmans, Colette, Wittner and Rubi Shoes and highlighted the focus on bright colours and embellishment.

What did Anika choose for the Cheeky Fashionista?

seduce bliss cap sleeve dress

I must admit, not a piece I ever would have chosen myself, but I guess that's the point of a style bar - to push us out of our comfort zone and into a whole other world of fashion possibilities!
 

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'.