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

four seasons

Today is my last day on the tropical island of Vanuatu, and all I can think about is winter.

Warm, cozy, chunky knits, long leggings, boots, scarves, gloves.

I can't wait to layer a plain white tee over some black woolen leggings, with little knitted socks under the knee-high black biker boots and to complete the look with an oversize grey knitted jumper. I can just feel the warmth and imagine myself walking through the city, takeaway cup of tea in hand, in a total state of winter bliss, safe underneath the layers.

Maybe the heat has turned me slightly insane, but right now I'd love to fast forward to July in Melbourne so we can all rug up. Winter fashion is always superior anyway..

I know! I'm mad right?!

I could post a million pictures of all the coveted winter essentials, but I'll restrain myself today and post only jumpers, coats, cardis etc, I want to string out this longing to be covered head to toe in cushy, stylish warmth..

This is my ULTIMATE winter purchase. Bodkin would have to be up there with my favourite winter designers. From foundersandfollowers.com, it's getting purchased a.s.a.p.! (AND it's recycled wool - sustainable and everything!)

Also by the Bodkin genius Eviana Hartman, this mind-blowing (and budget-blowing!) coat,

again from foundersandfollowers.com

This exquisite creation is Giambattista Valli, from net-a-porter.com, and sets my heart a-fluttering

3.1 Phillip Lim, always a winner. Again, from net-a-porter.com.

 A mohair miracle from Opening Ceremony, at lagarconne.com.

 And lastly, this twist on a regular biker jacket - in wool by Rika, again at lagarconne.com

..I'm leaving on a jet plane..

G

the toast of the town: Rebecca Judd (nee Twigley)

On the red carpet with Judd in J'Aton

With the design duo J'Aton

At the races with fellow model Jennifer Hawkins

Her stylish self during an interview

On the Brownlow Blue Carpet with Judd, in J'Aton

The Wedding of The Year, at The Carosel in Albert Park, in bespoke J'Aton

Melbourne's queen of style Rebecca Judd can hardly put a stiletto-clad foot wrong these days.
Catapulted onto the fashion scene after her now husband AFL star Chris Judd won his first brownlow, she wore 'that red dress' and has been in the fashion pages ever since.
Pictured mostly with Judd, she wears gowns by Melbourne fashion duo J'Aton, including the absolutely breathtaking wedding dress they custom made for her to wear down the aisle on New Years Eve just gone. Rumour has it that it weighed 30kg and took around 300 hours to create. I wouldn't be surprised, it was the background on my iPhone for a while, I couldn't get it out of my head.

To be fair, she is the face of Melbourne's spring racing carnival, as well as a Myer ambassador, so she would get a fair few incredible outfits come her way, but there's no denying she knows what she's doing in the fashion world.

G.

all for the image.

Ashley Olsen, shopping in NYC

"I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men." - Marlene Dietrich

It's all an image, and fashion gladly lets us play it up.

This is my little slice of the world, in which I will bask in the endless possibilities that fashion can create



.. care to join me?

G.