Seeing Stripes

When I was buying this navy and white striped sweater from Subtitled with the same triple button detail on one shoulder, I thought it looked exactly like something that I could eventually find from A.P.C., and lo and behold here it exists. But I'm satisfied with the one from Subtitled; the relaxed fit is both comfortable and flattering, and it is one of the few items I've worn almost immediately since buying (something my sister always makes a point of saying to attempt to deter me from further spending).

Photos courtesy of www.net-a-porter.com

Invasive Exotics

I am loving Gail Sorronda's current collection Invasive Exotics for Spring/Summer 10 - especially the Dot Dash Bolero and Dot Dash Skirt in the last image, as well as the Miniscus Jacket with the large front bow and made of 100% silk organza. The photography for the collection is also spectacularly shot as well - there seems to be a Helmut Newton-esque feel to the styling as well as the photgraphy. I really love the slow shutter speeds used for the last two photographs illustrating the delicate and flowing nature of the garment. Beautiful.

Photos courtesy of Gail Sorronda

Back to School Cool

I love this leather messenger bag by Proenza Schouler - without any obvious branding or too much hardware. Perfect for understated cool. For a less expensive option take a look at these Country Road imitations which are just as nice, but without the pricetag.

Photos from www.net-a-porter.com and www.countryroad.com.au

Sasha Pivovarova for H&M

Russian model Sasha Pivovarova is looking very fresh-faced and cool in these promo shots for Swedish chain H&M. The first photo feels like she's channelling Alice in Wonderland with the short, blonde hair and black bow atop her head. Even though H&M currently operates in 34 countries, it has yet to open a store in Australia. However, I still have my fingers crossed that the mega chain stores H&M, Topshop, as well as Zara will one day open its doors over here.

In the Mind and Home of Lover

As you probably already know, Lover is one of my favourite labels. The designs - and the designers - are always unique and inspiring...their home is no different. I keep looking back at these photos and I thought it was about time I shared them with you in case you haven't seen them yet. I really love the photo of Susien and Nic in their ceiling-to-floor library (something I've always dreamed of ever since I saw Beauty and the Beast as a kid). If that were not envious enough, I have to say that Susien in her flowing boho dress relaxed on the floor is very reminiscent to me of the photo of Talitha Getty in her ornate silk kaftan on the roof of her home in Marrakech.

Photos courtesy of www.theselby.com

The Latest on Alexa

Alexa Chung with Jim Sturgess, wish I were in that audience!

I love Alexis' boots! I wish I knew where they were from...

Photos courtesy of buzzworthy.mtv.com

Nostalgic for Mimco

It seems Mimco has sought to return and reinvent the iconic Lucy Tote and Lucy Hobo, first introduced to Australians in 2001. They fell out of production when all chain stores began imitating the original and mass-marketing them, eventually becoming overdone and boring. It has been a fair 3 years or so since shoppers have seen the like of these ingenious satin handbags in stores and on the streets. Famed as much for their unique and clever portability - able to be folded back up into a miniature wallet, as well as their colourful prints and interesting design features, they added the quirk necessary to make an outfit interesting. The prints have also been used on small pouches used for carrying all sorts of knick knacks that somehow can never be found whenever they're searched for in the handbag. I am very excited to see these once again on the arm of (and in the handbag) of all shoppers young and old.

Photos courtesy of www.mimco.com.au

The (50th) September Issue

This special edition issue of the 50th anniversary of Vogue Australia is available in four collector's covers illustrated by UK artist David Downton, one of my favourite fashion illustrators. The designers of the outfits Cate Blanchett is wearing are (clockwise): Alexander McQueen, Martin Grant, Balenciaga and Giorgio Armani.

This is a snippet of the 28 page spread of the shoot titled 'Come As You Are' with models Abbey Lee Kershaw and Catherine McNeil photographed by Greg Kadel. Love the earthy sensibility. Every shot emanates radiance and ethereality.

Images from Vogue Australia September 2009

Thurley does Flapper

Gatsby Dress

Beaded Deco Flapper Dress

Charmed Lace Shift

20's Deco Motif Dress

Flora Garland Tulle Flapper Dress

Geo Flora Lace Shift

Tiered Decadence Dress

Parisian Bourgeoisie Dress

Jazz Dress

Zelda Cornelli Dress

Beaded Lace Charleston Dress

Thurley's Spring/Summer 09 collection, 'The Beautiful and the Damned' (incidentally the title of F. Scott Fitzgerald's book) had me melting as I was looking through it. Inspired by lace, beads and Zelda Fitzgerald, these fabulous frocks evidently evoke the glamour that was the roaring twenties. The cut of the Tiered Decadence Dress is particularly accurate for the straight line from shoulder to hem - without accentuation of the waist - and the deep, round neckline, definitely my favourite! How delightful would it be to kit out all your friends in these frocks and throw a swinging twenties themed event?

Photos courtesy of www.thurley.com.au

Vogue 50th Anniversary

Vogue editor-in-chief Kirstie Clements

Cate Blanchett

Abbey Lee Kershaw

Jenny Kee (right)

Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton

Anna Plunkett of Romance was Born

Alexandra and Genevieve Smart

Simone and Nicky Zimmermann

Camilla and Marc Freeman

Kirstie Clements and Cate Blanchett

Vogue Australia threw a massive party to celebrate 50 years, and needless to say a whole host of people attended. Vogue staff mingled with actresses, designers, models and past cover girls including Vogue Australia's first cover girl, Maggie Tabberer. The September issue cover girl Cate Blanchett stole the show looking stunning in a red Ossie Clark, as did uber editor-in-chief Kirstie Clements wearing vintage and Tiffany diamonds. I can only imagine that the party must have been amazing. Just in case you didn't already know the Vogue girls were glamorous.

Photos courtesy of www.vogue.com.au