Time to Get Happy

Enough of those fashionably bitch-faced models strutting down the catwalk. The models in next month's L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival will actually be told to smile, for a change.

WITH facial expressions running the emotional gamut from unimpressed to downright moody, catwalk models appear to have an unpleasant job. That's because smiling on the runway is, well, frowned upon... Which will make the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival almost revolutionary when it kicks off next month: models will be told to look happy... - The Age

A model photographed smiling on the catwalk in Paris. | Photo: Patrick Kovarick

And why not? In the real world a stunning smile can literally stop people in their tracks, so personally I think that a genuine grin is the best accessory to compliment any outfit. Go on and give it a try.

Valentine's Day Heart Attack

If you're going to wear your heart on your sleeve...

I Heart You Valentine's Day Card + Copper anatomical heart necklace +
Heart Attack screenprinted narrow necktie

Polyvore, Mi Amor!

I had almost forgotten about this site which I used to faithfully frequent some time ago. A grown up dress-up application for all, Polyvore was a gem I first discovered through Facebook. It is a limitless source of clothes and art. Pretty, pretty things all available for your perusal.

I have lost hours of myself going through the items I could play around with and which most people would agree, would be accessible only in our wildest, glamourous dreams ^_^

Get your inspirations from the biggest labels to the newest indie trends. Here's what I just came up with minutes ago to kick off our games ^_^

My favourite part of all, picking out clothes and throwing them around without having to clean my room up later ;)

Style Inspiration: Colourful Eyeshadow

A dear friend of mine mentioned that she always wore her eyeshadow smoky and eyeliner flicked at the tips. Which is not a bad look at all. She was just wondering how else she could spice up her eyeshadow repertoire. I suggested colourful eyeshadow. Hope these give you some ideas!

The key, it would seem, is to finish off with dramatic falsies or lashings of mascara. And yes, the flicked-out eyeliner is still a feature.

Asian Makeup [taaz.com] + Glamour IIIII [~Eviloution-Media] + Purple Eyeshadow [taaz.com] + Yellow / Fuschia Eyeshadow [nessasarymakeup] + Picture Tutorial [christiana divine] +
Get The Look [cosmogirl.com]

Dyeing to be different: Alternative style in the workplace?

So you're hiring for an accounting position and you have to choose between two candidates. One holds a degree, and from the interview you sense they could be management material - but they have hot pink hair, and an eyebrow stud. The other is "normal" but you can see that they really can't tell their earhole from their ar$ehole. Which would you pick? Would you rather pass over both candidates, even though one is clearly qualified for the job?

In an ideal world, a person will be hired and valued for their abilities and not for how they look. Unfortunately, this is not an ideal world. The corporate jungle - where most of the money is made - is still off-limits for those of the alternative persuasion, not matter how capable they are of doing a particular job.

A US poll found that 36 per cent of people between the ages of 18 and 29 had a tattoo and although there are no figures for Australia, bosses here have taken note of a change.

In June 2006, one of the nation's biggest and most conservative employers, the Defence Force, lifted a rule that allowed it to bar anyone with a tattoo from joining up. - The Age

Let's face it... enlisting isn't for all of us. Many other workplaces still require people to cover up their tattoos. Personally I don't see a problem, unless the tattoos are of offensive subject material. That said, I guess "offensive" is open to interpretation as well -- but that's another discussion.

When I was in university I changed hair styles and colour a lot. Very often I got complimented on my various 'dos. No matter what my hair colour du jour was I was still a good student. Sadly, graduating from university also meant the end of the blissful period where my creativity and individuality was being encouraged. Instead, I was left to make my way in a world where conformity is king.

Why don't we continue to nurture our fellows throughout their lives? Is hair colour, or body art, not as valid a form of personal expression as coming to work wearing $500 designer shoes? Why is it OK for me to go from brunette to blonde, but not deep purple? It's a still topic not many employers are willing to consider.

Right now those with "alternative" leanings have to make do with "alternative" jobs. And while some are pretty cool (tattoo artist, hairstylist, rock star...) we can't all do that. Some of us need to consider "normal" jobs to support our lifestyles. But surely I can aspire to both being an accountant and having a neon green pixie crop?

People will tell me that "grown up life" isn't fun -- I already have to worry about rent or a mortgage, and utility bills, debt, and so on. So why does the rest of my life have to be monochrome? I guess I'm just waiting for all the boring to eventually dye out. ;)

Photoshoot: Wonderland

Via bechance.net

Wonderland tribute to Aya Kato
Magazine: Ae
Photographer: Paco Peregrín
Art Direction, Digital Art and Styling: Kattaca
Make up artist: Yurema Villa
Hairdresser: Natalia Mendez

Maternity Today

We live in a day and age where thankfully, getting pregnant doesn't mean you're any less beautiful, or glamorous, or fashionable. Once upon a time, getting pregnant meant you would have to hang up your heels and start with maternity wear - practical, but not quite stylish.

These days the range of options for pregnant women are wide and varied, from casualwear, to black tie events. Today's woman is embracing pregnancy without the cover of old maternity wear - today's fashions are all about enhancing the bump - they're pregnant and they're proud.

The idea that pregnancy does not mean a woman loses her sense of style, or is any less beautiful is heralded much more strongly, from the celebrities on the red carpet, to the women in power. Today is the age of MILFs and yummy mummies, and I for one, am thankful that I am a woman born in this era.

Yay or nay? Black Sequin Blazer

I will be honest: I've never been a big fan of sequins. Could have something to do with an early childhood memory of my mother over-embellishing her tops with hand-sewn sequins and beads. So kitsch!

But of course, the cyclical nature of fashion will dictate that at some point all that bling will come back in style - with a vengence. I guess mum was actually ahead of the fashion curve. Recently we've seen sequins encrusting everything from tops to shoes, making my mum's bedazzled customisations seem reserved by comparison. Despite this I have made it a point to stay away from all that shimmery silliness...

Though I have to admit to a morbid fascination with the black sequin blazer. I think they look pretty rock chic, particularly with distressed skinny jeans. I have also seen some gorgeous looks with denim shorts, black leggings, and shirt dresses.

Warehouse Sequin Blazer @ asos.com

I saw a black sequin jacket similar to the one above in a shop the other day, and was close to buying it. But could I pull it off? Perhaps I am still feeling a bit of that old sequin-phobia, because I left it on the rack.

Where would you wear a black sequin blazer? What would you wear with it?

rap products: owl about that

I sort of stumbled upon Rap, on a walk up Bourke Street in Melbourne. I went inside and was just taken aback at all the cool stuff they were selling, including awesome laser-cut chandelier shaped mirrors. I didn't really have time to browse that day, but I will definitely be returning to sort through their treasure trove of unique homewares.

The owls are cute

There were plenty of knick knacks that would make cool gifts (or a present for oneself, perhaps?) and their wrapping paper and gift accessories are really cool too.

Amore de Mori: Taxidermy as art, death in fashion

Artist Bonnie Wood showcases some fascinating work on her website, Amore de Mori. The photoshoots are gorgeous. Turn up to the Spring Races with a fascinator made of dead birds? Seriously considered it.

I was exploring Vanitas in art and had the idea of death in fashion to emphasize the frivolity and transient nature of beauty. - Bonnie Wood, Amore de Mori

Cool Designs: Made By Girl

Check out all the beautiful, colourful prints and cards at MadeByGirl.com

The Tights Revolution Part:2

If the Melbourne weather is a little too chilly for tights, the Japanese are rejoicing in the remaining warm days of Summer. Having long ago embraced this convenient trend, tights are seen everywhere and paired with everything one is able to. Dresses, shorts, skirts, rolled up pants, anything goes in the wonderful and unpredictable world of Japanese fashion :)

Pictures are from www.style-arena.jp

The Tights Revolution

When Miley Cyrus first stepped out with the ripped tights early in the year, most people couldn't stop bagging her about it.

Fast forward a few months, and the ripped look is everywhere.

I have to admit, I have a secret weakness for the ripped look - pair it with a slinky dress and it adds a bit of edge to nightwear, or dress it down for a very rock and roll look; the appeal is the sheer (no pun intended) versatility of it.

Now, if only Australian weather would warm up enough for me to venture out with a pair.

The Statement Tee

It took me awhile to get into statement t-shirts, especially since it seemed so crass to be advertising something on your chest. It definitely didn't help that there was an influx of really in-your-face statements, and it seemed like it was one trend that I would rather have missed out on.

However, statement tees have evolved with the times, and I am slowly coming around to the them; from the Save Britney tees, to Karl Lagerfield's 'Bling is over', statement tees are getting smarter and more understated.

I think the defining moment was me stumbling into bed at 2 in the morning absolutely exhausted and finding my boyfriend's t-shirt strewn on with the words 'Sleep is so last night'.

Sometimes, a statement tee really does say it all.

Sweet Treats: Laser-Cut Cupcake Wrappers

I loooove cupcakes! Nevermind the sweet-tooth, cupcake decorating and presentation is now an art unto itself. I would totally host a Mad Tea-Party featuring cupcakes nestled in these awesome laser-cut wrappers from Pink Frosting.

Serve up some Old Fashion Devotion, or make it fancy with the Filigree.

The trick to making that Halloween party a treat is this spiderweb cupcake wrapper; while the red heart swirls cupcake wrapper just sets my ticker thumping.

Spring Sandals: Roman Invasion

Spring has officially sprung (calendar-wise at least) here in the Southern Hemisphere. While the temperature here in Victoria is still pretty cool (and windy), at least we're seeing a bit more of the glorious golden face of the sun. Some things I look forward to in spring - besides the sun and warmer weather (hey, I may flirt with the Dark Side, but Tropical blood still runs in my veins!): firing up the 'barbie' every evening, weekend trips to the Surfcoast, the Spring Racing Carnival, and ditching the winter-warming layers.

It would appear that this season the footwear is continuing the gladiator trend from last year, only now the high-heeled version is coming to the fore. I was not a fan of the gladiator flats then, but the heels are just... wow. Maybe I'm partial to heels because I'm vertically challenged? Anyway, some personal favourites include:

I. Kentaro (Nine West) • II. Jamie (Nine West) • III. Blondie (Zu) • IV. Victoria (Mollini) • V. Vera (Wittner)

Upcoming: Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2009

If you're in the Melbourne area, from 31 August to 6 September you can enjoy all the excitement and glamour of Australia’s fashion capital as it comes alive at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week.

Check out all the hottest designers, labels, styles and retailers in and around Melbourne - including the fourth year collections from The RMIT School of Architecture & Design.

Tickets available here.

Fundraiser: Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Giveaway

Help raise $30,000 for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer and you could win some stylish goodies!

Show that your beauty is more than skin deep. This is for a good cause, and one that I am passionate about, so I thought I would share this with all of you stylish philanthropists out there.

Help raise $30,000 in 30 days for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, a global breast cancer research charity endorsed by the world’s top models and style-lovers, by making a small (or large) donation here.

Your donation will give you the opportunity to win a prize pack kindly donated by Bobbi Brown, Pandora and Akira. Check out what you can win by clicking here.

Entries for this competition close at 11.59pm on 30 September, 2009.

It's All About the Small Things

My philosophy to clothes is always about the fabrics. I have a weakness for the softness of silk especially, or the wonderful blends that are out there today. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of finely made fabric on bare skin.

Why compromise on the things that will be closest to your skin, day in day out?

Photo from waterhamphotographic

Dizingof - Melbourne Fashion Label

Dizingof is a Melbourne based label established in 1999. It is an Australian-owned label, designed solely by Haim Bzezinski, produced in Australia, and prides itself on "keeping local manufacturing alive".

Miss Aida is a huge fan of the label and having gone with her to the VIP Night at the QV store (despite the majority of new season clothes being waaaay out of my budget) I can now see why! The quality of the fabrics were amazing, but it's the versatility of the clothing that really sells it - the staff enthusiastically demonstrate how a brocade jacket could be worn in about eight different ways, how a skirt could not only double as a dress but also be wrapped and draped about the body in a multitude of flattering ways, and how a top could be worn inside out to astonishing effect.

Selection of goodies from the 'Love Mysterious' collection.

Now if only I was earning an extra few hundred dollars a week! I did settle on an obi and a crisp white frilly shirt, though even with the 20% VIP discount I was very close to throwing my monthly budget out the window. That was a while ago now, and I am still salivating over "the ones that got away". Oh, the temptation!