Love, sweet love

In the spirit of Valentine's Day

You may think Valentine's Day is just another day to play on materialistic values, and to provide consumerist society with an excuse to spend money on fulfilling idealistic values or expectations. 

Or, you may not believe that you need to celebrate your love for another person just because the calendar says you should. You might be single, lonely, heartbroken or just plain not interested in the whole thing.

I've felt this way in the past, and I respect each of these views, but I choose to take a different one when it comes to Valentine's Day this year. I will be lucky to be spending it with my boyfriend of 6 years, so you may think I'm biased, but that doesn't take away from the bigger picture.

I know I sound corny (in fact, I am corny, more often than not), but I truly believe that if there is any reason for a special day to set aside on your calendar, it should be for love. I'm not just talking about romantic love, or being in a couple. I don't need to go into too much detail about why love is important, but in times of confusing and upsetting natural disasters occurring the world over; the ever-present issues of war, famine, crime, death; and more close to home in each of us, loneliness - all of these things inspire us to share love and compassion, and make sure that those we hold dear know just how much they mean to us. 

Although we might aim to be romantic or show our appreciation for people on a daily basis, in a time poor society, it's often just not a reality. I know I often forget to thank my family for all that they do for me, and to make sure my friends know I really do love having them around. This is the real reason why I am celebrating this year. 

Now, onto the fun side of Valentine's Day. 

No matter how you are spending the day, I've observed that women love taking the opportunity to dress up a little for any occasion. Spoil the one you love, or yourself! Even if it's just a simple bow in your hair, swipe of red lipstick or an excuse to whip out your favourite Alannah Hill dress, most like to take advantage.

I've collated a few outfits and beautiful pieces that would be perfect to wear on a romantic evening with a date, a night of cocktails with friends, or some for even just a picnic with your best friend. 

First, the LBD. These are all by Lover, and they are all simply incredible as standalone outfits. Saucy, or ladylike, they've got you covered.

Another option is to take the demure and feminine route - these stunning dresses come from Zimmermann, Alannah Hill and Oscar de la Renta.

Or, you may choose to wear the colour of love itself - red. This outfit is a little unconventional, but would look gorgeous. I admit, it's a little bit Carrie Bradshaw...

Zimmermann lace bodysuit and Alannah Hill red tulle skirt and black high-waisted belt

Finally, if you want to go for something a little more unconventional, but still beautiful in it's own right - this Zimmermann wrap dress, Topshop playsuit or Tucker bustier and Alannah Hill skirt could be more your thing.

I encourage you to celebrate in your own way this Valentine's Day, and I don't doubt that you'll do it in style.

xx

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OHAI, KUWAII

Similar to the Japanese word, 'kawaii', meaning 'lovable, adorable or cute', Melbourne label Kuwaii could almost entirely be defined the same way. The soft pastel focus, sweet pleating and muted grey pant suits echo a truly understated prettiness. Not to mention, the styling for this photoshoot presents the collection just perfectly - I want to emulate the whole look!

The designer's past career involvement with Lover, Arnsdorf and Phillip Lim shines through in the  collection's clean lines, quirky details and modern edge that is so crucial to each garment; A true testament to the advantages of interning.

Is anyone else feeling the alluring Lover vibe of the gorgeous collar in the above white dress? If I were not so self-aware of my addiction, I would certainly wear a wardrobe consisting ONLY of blouses, dresses and tops with these beautiful neck-orations.

With a store presence in the vibrant shopping area of Brunswick St, Melbourne, and online, I feel that this brand has its' roots firmly planted in the right places in order to help it grow and blossom over time. Using local manufacturers and creating the garments in Melbourne is not only important to the designers, but also to the greater Australian consumer public. This is a label that I hope is nurtured for the future...and could easily become a favourite in my books.

xx

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Child's play at Chanel

CHANEL x LEGO

There have been plenty of Lego collaborations to surface in the last couple of years, but one in particular has really elevated the children's toy brand out of the cluttered toy box and onto a much higher shelf - a shelf which is definitely out of toddler's reach, and a whole lot closer to Mummy's favourite things. Especially those favourite things which are kept on visual merchandising displays in luxury department stores. 

Enter, Chanel Spring/Summer 2013. Karl Lagerfeld's latest accessory design, the lego clutch, is innovative, fun, and such an incredibly simple idea. But the beautiful thing about this simple yet imaginative idea, is that he brought it to life. 

Many younger, less experienced or more daring fashion designers may have toyed with design concepts similar to this before; but for such a highly esteemed, iconic and elegant fashion house like Chanel, taking a risk like this is incredibly bold and brave. It's a refreshing and youthful approach for the French brand, usually known for its classic black, or black and white classic ensembles. 

Chanel's recent hula hoop handbag has shocked and inspired many of the fashion elite - but instead of being just a statement bag to appreciate from afar, the lego clutch could easily be worn with many different Spring outfits - without inviting the public to a harsh judging of your personal taste because your bag is getting all-up-in-their-grill.

The gorgeous cubic edges of this hardcase clutch in punchy primary colours are perfect to add a playful edge to your outfit. I love accessories that take the seriousness out of getting dressed - and make it feel more like playing dress up!

It may not overtake the iconic Chanel 2.55, but in my opinion, it is so much more exciting, which makes it all worth it.

This one is my personal favourite, but the cobalt blue is hard to beat!

xx

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Where the wild things are

Tribal designs have taken on a whole new form. I've never found myself too passionate about anything the trend had to offer, until now. Spring 2013 has breathed new life into the typical tribal elements, and I am impressed!

A few of my favourite pieces are from Sass & Bide, Carven, Molten Store and All Saints...but I'll be hunting for more soon enough, no doubt.

I'm particularly drawn to each of these lust-have items for their magnificent balance of bold graphic elements, striking colours such as fuchsia, green, orange and metallic accents, and gorgeous angular geometric shapes and lines. Together, these elements are a killer combination.

Sass and Bide 'The Statement'

Molten Store 'My One and Only' Bag

All Saints Aztec Sequin Mini 

(Wish I'd bought this when I was in London last year!)

Sass and Bide 'The Definitive'

Carven, Spring 2012

Take a walk on the wild side.

xx

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Romance revival: Chloe SS13

Stumbling upon a fashion piece that truly makes your heart stop is continually wonderful - and not at all difficult, if the designs from Chloe happen to be present.

Always a favourite of mine, Chloe has reached a whole new level with their Spring Summer 13 collection, just in time for the French fashion house's 60th birthday. The collection has really struck a chord with my penchant for pieces that balance feminine shapes, modern tailoring and those beautiful little details that truly make them standout pieces. All in a beautifully balanced colour palette of creamy white, midnight blue-black, apricot, lilac, pumpkin and oatmeal. The designs weave all of these elements to beautifully craft the narrative of the modern Chloe woman. 

Creamy white dresses and tops with billowing peplum-style frills on the hem and sleeve; sheer mid-sections; origami-like folds and bold black and white prints.

Delicate white tailored blouse paired with intricate netting; wavy asymmetrical frills; pleated frill at the waist on a lavender playsuit.

Sheer cleverness; architectural netted fabric, pleated and frilly collars.

Oatmeal tailored separates; decorative white flowers; square and no-fuss silhouettes in the form of pumpkin tailored shorts and pants.

Edwardian frilled sleeves and collars; cropped wide-leg pants; ruffles and sheer pleated brilliance.

Midnight inky blue-black; sport luxe suit with metallic stripes; cream floaty layers; white with gold glitter stripes.

And to top it all off, the strappy high-shine metallic pumps are the perfect accessory for the entire collection. The forecast for Spring Summer 13 with Chloe is romantic, modern and refreshingly beautiful.

xx

Images: style.com

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Kiss the boys and make them cry

We can all admit that the colour might have become a distant memory, absent from our wardrobes since primary school, but it's now time to dust off the playful pinks of your childhood playdates, and make them more alluring and bold than ever.

Once worn to look innocent and feminine, the fuchsia, pastel and neon shades of pink available for the seasons ahead have grown up and transformed into striking statement-making hues that add instant sex appeal to your look.

Look to Rebecca Minkoff, Maurie & Eve, Acne, Wildfox and Josh Goot for doses of the luscious colour.

For the more minimal or androgynous at heart, play it up with your accessories or nails, or even a dash of bold fuchsia lipstick. 

xx

Images: Wildfox, Topshop, OPI, Tommy Ton, Tumblr, Frockshop, Shopbop, Asos, Nike.

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