a summer sandal: the eternal search

I’m not sure about you but finding a sandal that I’m happy to look down at from December – March is somewhat of a mission, and an often-fruitless one at that. Until recently, I’m delighted to admit.

I trawl markets and boutiques, online stores and shopping centers (as a last resort) and always manage to find something I like – but nothing resembling footwear. Maybe I could somehow use shoelaces to tie a Dinosaur Designs platter to each of my feet? It’s a better idea than the generic alternative.

I suffer when it comes to footwear and finding something unique. It’s a separate matter to clothing – the way you wear a jumper is different to the next person, but everyone has feet. And those feet look pretty similar. I’d be worried if they didn’t, but the fact that all feet look the same merely reiterates my desire to make mine look different, which in a roundabout way is what I’m trying to explain is hard.

Until about six and a half hours ago when two things happened. The first instance was a delightful accident that caused my fingers to stumble across one of the best, most innovative and clean shoe designers that I’ve seen in a long, long while. The refreshing brand is called Pour La Victoire. The label’s ethos is to create simplicity with an individual edge, and it makes me incredibly sad to have only stumbled across them recently, three years after their debut collection. The Macbeth sandal is bliss. If only Jesus was still here, I’m sure he’d appreciate the quality leather and craftsmanship.

Also deserving an honourable mention is the Raquel sandal from Australian eco-friendly label Gorman. Its quirky little seam at the heel is the best part of a very pretty shoe. Another is from a relative newcomer, Sydney label Watson X Watson who have released the most exquisitely classic but charming creations, particularly the Carlo sandal, or the Lucca if you’re after a cheeky summer wedge.

Pour La Victoire Macbeth, Watson X Watson Carlo, Watson X Watson Lucca, Gorman Raquel

I believe the illusive ‘perfect’ shoe ought to be a mixture of simplicity and functionality, with a dash of character. The added extra is the reason we scour the stores. The X factor that jumps out at you, that makes the shoe to yours, suiting you and to complimenting the necessary other parts of your ensemble.

At the moment for me it’s something edgy, a big gold buckle, some well-placed studs or laser cut suede. Whatever your style, keep an eye out for that je ne sais quoi, tangible or otherwise.

G x

burgundy: the colour of the androgynous set

I thought to myself about a month ago that there seemed to be a denim epidemic happening on the streets of Melbourne. And I consciously thought, ‘No – don’t blog on them, surely they will go away!’ Say it isn’t so. It’s airborne. This trend seems only to have just begun.

Coloured jeans haven’t just popped up overnight, as a short jaunt down Chapel St would have us believe. Ksubi recycled the trend at least a few years ago, with a fresh take, but their multicoloured styles were kept under the radar in comparison to the rainbow of block colours we’re subjected to at the moment.

At first I thought it was nice, the block colour trend. What’s not to love about a bright pop of green to a regular ensemble, or a two tone t-shirt to liven up an everyday jeans, tee and jacket combination?

That was until I realized, about a week ago that you actually can’t walk down the street without every Jill, Lucy and Harry sporting jeans in colours that are causing irreversible retinal damage.

My least favourite - strangely because they sit close in the colour chart to my top pick - are red. Fire engine red jeans. They offend me.  People, please don’t wear them. They don’t look good. On anyone. Ever. Except Giselle, and even she would only wear them once for fun.

Painful, right? 

My very favourite, with a nod to the hipsters of the North who will argue they started the trend a while ago, along with facial hair and rolled cigarettes, is the burgundy variety. The sole reason these ones work, and red ones don’t is the level of versatility. Burgundy is an earthy enough tone to wear down the street at midday and not look like you stepped off the set of Playschool. What’s more, is that you can team it with black, camel or khaki and you’re not assaulting anybody’s visual senses. The jury’s still out on teaming burgundy with white, when it doubt go cream or bone. White can be a little too white sometimes, you know?

You can apply this theory to most colours, the darker the shade the better they’ll look, and the higher the likelihood will be that you can slot them into your current wardrobe without too much fuss. The best thing too, is that they look better on men than on women and when a trend rolls around, especially one of a denim variety that’s relatively androgynous, it could very well be here to stay.

Verdict: you can’t go wrong with a colour that was named after wine. But keep the grass greens, pinks, cobalt blues, and revolting reds where they belong: on shoes, bags and cocktail rings.

G. x

moving to egypt

As if being a supermodel wasn't enough, Australian beauty Nicole Trunfio is the latest glamazon to become a blacksmith (think Erin Wasson/Pascal Mouawad creating Low Luv and Abbey Lee for ManiaMania). She's just launched her signature jewellery line - and it's amazing. 


Eight and a Half is based around the geometric principle of pyramids but the collection has come far from it's Egyptian roots, in only 27 days. 


Spiked rings, long pendants and chunky, metallic cuffs are the stand out pieces, whilst the already iconic Eight and a Half Bracelet with it's interchangeable attachments centres the collection.


We all search for pieces that are wearable but unusual enough to stand out, modern but classic in structure, precious but not contrived. Eight and a Half promises that, all with a little attitude. 

Clockwise from top left: sun ring, single stack ring, open triangle ring, one pyramid drop earring, claw pyramid ring, prism ring with white diamonds & quartz cuff. 




The only thing I don't understand is why the models have wet hair... 


G. x

fashion inspiration - seminar by Prospect 360

Last week I had the pleasure of listening to four gorgeous and talented women speak about their experiences, tips and tricks from their corners of the fashion industry, in the annual Fashion Media Seminar organized by the team at Prospect360.

Anthea O'Connor, former Vogue Melbourne Editor was MC for the evening, and she was joined by Kate Gaskin, freelance stylist and contributing fashion editor of The Age Melbourne Magazine, freelance journalist and fashion consultant Emma Power and Melissa Hoyer, who needs no introduction.

All four ladies gave advice about getting a foot in the door in the notoriously competitive fashion industry, each contributing their own anecdotes, do's (be prepared to do anything and with a good attitude) and definite don't's (like steal the clothes!)

I left so inspired and mind-blown, with my own set of ideas about what I needed to do to get ahead and get my career rolling. Kate Gaskin's words resonated particularly with me, having been toying with the idea of styling for a while now, and since then I feel like I'm heading in the right direction.

So glad I went, and already looking forward to next year!

(photos courtesy of girlwithasatchel & allthelovelies blogs!)

G

rad new website discovery!

I stumbled across a fantastic new online clothing website the other day, thanks to Lookbook.nu and Alexandra P (www.lovelypepablog.com). The most fantastic colour blocked dress is on there, for $26! Ridiculous! I just bought an amazing pair of dusty pink shorts & am seriously contemplating the dress..

I'm picturing them with a white tee and chunky heels for summer, oversized sunnies and a big straw hat... Or with a cute blazer and dark brown legs with gold rings on each hand..

G x

the maxi skirt

As I continue to mention, winter is hot on our heels. And lets face it, Autumn in Melbourne requires copious amounts of winter clothing anyway because the seasons are bipolar. Which has lead my mind to pre-plan many, many outfits for the crisp mornings and afternoons full of weak sunlight.

To combat this odd weather, I was thinking clothes that can be layered, but cozied up at the same time, and a thought came to me: maxi skirts.

A regular feature on the catwalks of NY, London and most recently, Milan the maxi skirt is nearly the epitome of cool. Only to be worn with attitude, the look can take you from coffee first up through to after work drinks, only with the tiniest amount of tweaking. I'm loving the thought of the skirt with some relaxed strappy sandals, but also with a pair of camel or black chunky wedges for that edgy look.

They're unbelievably versatile, too. Warm up with a knitted cardi, or go full-on maxi with a knee length version.

My inspiration for these thoughts is the mental image of a girl I saw in St Kilda last week, she had on a black racer-back tank top that stopped just above her hips, and on said hips was a burnt orange maxi skirt, with one corner tied up in a knot, (I'm assuming to combat the warm weather) and it looked mad. Hair up in a top knot, and rounded Karen Walker sunglasses completed the look, and it worked - so much so that I'm still thinking about a random person who was 20 metres away.

I found my own orange maxi on clothing Mecca - eBay and am still waiting for the right occasion, (and the right wedges to arrive in the mail) before it gets an outing.

Orange still wins.

G. 

they've done it again.

Unsurprisingly, the sass and bide AW11 show on Friday was unbelievable. 


Bright, striking colour matched with tribal, almost tipi-like canvas patterned jackets, rope and tassels. Somehow it feels like only Heidi and Sarah could pull this off. The long limbed, fresh faced models became breathtaking clotheshorses as they sauntered down the runway with suede hats, boots, gloves and handbags all of different shapes and textures. Earthy oranges and reds proved the constant throughout, giving the tribal feeling an urban twist.

The clothes clearly speak for themselves, but this collection will cement the label as international heavyweights for years to come.

I can't pick a favourite, although the suede coat is a definite frontrunner, a perfect bright yet understated staple winter piece to brighten up any dreary winter day. I think though, for it's wearability alone the skirt and dress that resemble fishes scales could be a total show stopper.

OR the orange sequin Isabel Marant-esque pants. Okay I'll buy them all.

G.

front row

NYFW is in full swing, and my first favourite show was Mary-Kate and Ashely Olsen's label The Row. Fur was huge on the catwalk, as was lace and bright pops of understated colour. I can already picture the style snaps on the streets of New York, as fashionista's all over scramble to recreate the sharp lines with suit jackets and tailored pants, juxtaposing fur hats and scarves to combat the winter chill.

If I could choose one to be hanging in my overstuffed closet right this second, I would undoubtedly go for the outfit in the fifth pic, the casual-tailored chic meeting the attitude of fur really makes for a classic-but-cool winter look, complete with gorgeous male model in tortoise rimmed specs. Mmm.

More to come. 

G.

Schooler Cooler

It's nearly time for this long summer to be over, and for timetables, early starts, packed out trains, coffee and warm weather clothes to once again rule my life, gladly. It's a very productive feeling packing a satchel in the morning full books and my Mac, knowing by the end of the day my head will be swimming with communication theories and the latest advice from one of my hardcore Journalist tutors ringing in my ears.

That's not the point of this post though - the point is that even though everyday routine is necessary in most people's lives - you don't have to feel dull doing it. Perhaps an outfit of neutral shades can be spiced up with a ruby red ballet flat, bright accessories, a funky hat or in keeping with the school theme - a funky yet functional satchel or oversized tote to hold all those important learning accessories, cigarettes and keep cup!

These coveted Proenza Schouler PS1 bags are hands down the most perfect everyday schoolgirl-chic look to finish any outfit. The extra large tobacco leather has perfect old school charm, whilst the updated coral and green leather gives the pop of colour that this season will be famous for. The downside? They'll cost you about three months rent. 

On the more affordable and still nice is the Luxe Lock Tote from Mimco. Great soft canvas for everyday wear, even though after the PS bags, this one makes me sigh a little bit and close my eyes wishing it was green..

I haven't done this before, but I've found this bag on eBay, from a seller who makes them in Mexico (and ships from London, don't stress). He's got a great range of these handmade beauties, all at very affordable prices. Great if you want something more original, and if you love that vintage look. find his eBay store at http://shop.ebay.com.au/jim_5elf/m.html

Something more to add to the wishlist.. along with a money tree!

G.

Oh, and this late addition by 3.1 Phillip Lim. I just came across it and it had to be included. 

Mmmmmmmmm... 

unnecessary or amazing?

During my once daily search for new and fantastic fashion sites, I found Matches Fashion (www.matchesfashion.com), and this one delivered. In the world of consumerism, one often wonders what is 'too much', but at $222-ish I'm yet to understand the theory behind 'that's too expensive'.

If you think it's too expensive, you just don't love it enough, like these cute/naughty-depending-on-the-person day of the week undies by Stella McCartney..

Totally necessary, and amazing.

G.

the right shade

Sunglasses. The accessory you can't live without, the one that gives off the instant impression of 'cool', adds the extra edge to an outfit and finishes off your look. The added benefit of having something to hide behind is always handy too!

Even though summer seems a bit shy, there's no reason why you can't rock your favorite shades all year long. I know I love to break out an oversized pair in the cooler months (rain permitting - that's going too far), even if to just remind yourself that summer is just around the corner.

A lady walked into the store one day and had on a pair of the most incredible sunglasses I'd ever seen, and after the heart palpitations had subsided, I found out they were from the French designer Thierry Lasry's latest collection. It's safe to say, since then I've been obsessed with his work. Available all over the world, Lasry's designs are available here in Melbourne at Arabella Ramsay in Armadale and Henderson, in the city. 

These two amazing creations come from the Italian brand RETROSUPERFUTURE, which you can tell by the name, oozes cool. And if you don't believe me, look harder. Or find shades in any colour of the rainbow at retrosuperfuture.com. There too you'll find a list of worldwide stockists, and for us Melbournites, Fat4 is our new fav store. 

These Cateye pair are from none other than the dynamic identical twins, who go by the name of Olsen. Yep, you got it. Launched in 2007, their label The Row started making eyewear in 2010, and haven't looked back. Please girls, don't stop. Ever. Seriously. (therow.com).

All these mind-numbingly amazing shades have given my current Sportsgirl pair a bit of a complex. Even though they should know I only bought them due to my unfortunate habit of losing or breaking any pair over $50. 

I think I just found a new-New Years resolution.. three words, retro.super.future. 

G.

Autumn must haves

I went for my weekly trip into Sportsgirl, and pleasantly found that I liked alot of their new Autumn collection. As always, Sportsgirl is great for basics, but I find that I hesitate to buy much else out of fear I'll see someone else wearing it - or someone will know where I bought my clothes. Does that make me a fashion snob?

Either way, I thought it might be a good idea to collect some of my favorite picks for an Autumn shoe. This season I think we'll see alot of the 'bootie', (especially the heeled variety) as well as the essential low-heeled or flat ankle boot, you know the ones that are perfect for daytime over tights, or paired with leggings and an oversized knit? I'll throw in some irresistible pumps for safe measure.

Ellery.. need I say more?

Camilla Skovgaard, preorder from My Chameleon.

Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony

And lastly, Jeffrey Campbell. 

Inspired? 

G.