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.

only 20 days..

there's 20 days left of summer, so I think we should all make the most of the weather we've been enjoying lately and keep cracking out the short shorts until we can't anymore!

In the last, I guess, 6 hours I have officially become obsessed with suede shorts. I know, I'm a bit behind the times, but I'm on board now so let's stop the uproar.

In particular, I'm crushing hard on this Shakuhachi pair below. The culotte-style high waisted pair are a summer dream, I'm picturing them with a cream or pastel pink silk singlet, or an after dark long sleeved floaty white number with a cute pair of beige clogs, or create an edge with a pair of chunky wedges. Talk about versatile!

Also - Shakuhachi are having a killer sale, nearly everything is 50% off online at www.shakuhachi.net, go!

Giving the Shakuhachi shorts a run for their money are these leather beauties from Ellery, the apricot colour alone is enough to make me want them, let alone the shorter-at-the-front-longer-at-the-back leg flattering amazingness. Feel special - they're made to order.

online at www.http://www.thegrandsocial.com.au/e-l-l-e-r-y

On the less bank balance destroying side are these Maje suedes, in a striking navy colour and a little more on the tight short short, must have amazing legs to pull them off side. Still, style is all about HOW you wear the clothes..

from net-a-porter.com

So whip out the legs whilst you still can, or until we have to run out and buy a new pair of black opaques to wear underneath.. 

G