Lady Melbourne: April 2007

21.4.07

Art Melbourne 07- Friday Night Live, Royal Exhibition Building

If ever you want an exercise in distraction, get yourself along to a large event promoting art such as Art Melbourne07- I didn't know where to look the entire night being surrounded by inspiring art work, and just as inspiring and stylish women. There is literally so much to see it can be quiet confusing, particularly when the bar runs out of glasses and god forbid there is no wine at an art show, but I digress. When I wasn't checking out Kate Bergins beautiful still life’s of telephones and butterflies at Mahoney's Gallery, or Carey O'Grady's hyper real/surrealist work like 'Dog on Horse,' at Pivotal, I had time to come across these beautiful gals who were refreshingly interesting and effortlessly oozed confident style, something you don't always come across on the street every day:

Jane,24:
dress: some shop in sydney
beads: antique jet from France
boots: custom made in korea
'I love the label World, and I'd describe my style as dependant on my mood, it changes all the time.'

Sarah, 20:

dress: Zara

jacket: opp shop
shoes: dianna ferrari

'I'd describe my style as vintage inspired, I like prints.'

Aly, 30:

dress: french connection

shoes: stretsis

jewellery: top shop

'My style changes everday really, its hard to pin point. My favourite label is Top Shop, I'm on topshop.com every day.'

Jo, 32:

dress: alice mccall

shoes: top shoes

earrings: zoe & morgan

'My favourite designer is Alice Temperly and I'd describe my style as typically 'London.'

19.4.07

Lovely

Rebecca,29:

shoes: wittner

cardi: rosemin

shirt: sportsgirl

brooch: mums

'I'd say my style is different and quirky. I like Sass & Bide.'

14.4.07

Gemology for Shoes

I found these adorable shoes today in one of the best Asian import shops I've been into on Smith St. Despite the uninspiring name ('HDL International' doesn't have the same ring as 'Hot Potatoes' my other favorite) there were so many curious and delightful things that I spent a good 45 mins rummaging around. I left with these, and only $8 poorer.

11.4.07

Oak Bank Racing Carnival, Easter 2007

I am a firm believer that if you're going to go to the races you should do it properly. Hats, gloves, dresses with realistic hem lines, it may be old fashioned but why wear anything but race wear at the races?

So with that in mind I set off to find out what people had come up with at Adelaide's' Easter racing carnival Oak Bank. Although I am a traditionalist, I soon learnt that all of the above was not compulsory for country racing, and was absolutely delighted to come across these well dressed gals below. I saw my fair share of Supre inspired 'racing attire,' but as I pointed out to one quiet tired and emotional young man that kept trying to get into every photo I tried to snap of his female companions- 'of course I can take your photo, it doesn't mean it will be posted.' Of course you can look like your going out clubbing, doesn't mean you will look stylish...

Behold Adelaide racing style:

Adelaide Girls Know It.

I have just spent Easter in Adelaide and I don't care what you say- Adelaide girls have a distinct and unique style. Although this diary is all about Melbourne, I simply couldn't go past showcasing the amazing style I found on the streets everywhere from Rundle Mall to Oak Bank Racing Carnival. The girls I found were fashionable, passionate and most of all stylish, they definitely impressed Lady Melbourne that’s for sure.

Club House Lane Boutique
Part of the purpose of Lady Melbourne is to find absolute treasures, gems and unusual shops that you won't always find walking down the main street. I really felt as though I'd hit the jackpot with this beautiful shop, tucked away in Croydon just outside the city centre. Shop owners Georgie and Kelly tell me they are beginning to find a loyal following of Adelaide girls rocking up by the Corolla full to seek out their mix of Australian, overseas designers and hand selected vintage. You can also find custom and hand made shoes, accessories, vintage furniture and soon to be added local art work. Go and take a look if not for curiosities sake, you will not be able to leave empty handed I guarantee. Love it.

Co-owner and super chic Kelly

Handmade shoes and boots from Adelaide lable 'Kelly.' I couldn't go past a pair- so comfortable- and Kelly was patient enough to help me select from her unique and beautiful range of leather available.

Found these stylish gals shopping and couldn't help get some snaps:

Annabel, 22(left) and Jade, 22(right):

Annabel:

dress: salvos

jacket: target
bag: ebay

shoes: salvos

'My favourite piece of clothing is a cropped navy jacket with shoulder pads from the Salvos. I love 80's style and fashion.'

Jade:

skirt: opp shop

earrings: shitty shop

shoe: novo

'I love my $10 slouch boots from the Salvos. One of my favorite designers is Jayson Brundson, and my style is definitely influenced by the 50's and 60's.'

Emma, 22:

shoes: novo

bag: natasha

necklace: red jade, from a friends mum

glasses: vintage christian dior

'My style is thrown together.'

Hype and Seek Furniture

Shop Loved this treasure of a shop because it's basically all the things you see at garage sales, flea markets and vinnies, want to buy but ask yourself what you'd really do with it once home...Dexter and his partner have created a shop from that concept but refined it with simply the best and most authentic retro furniture and ornaments you could imagine. Autumn scene wall paper to cover your dining room wall with? No problem. I loved it, loved it, loved it.