Lady Melbourne

Lady Melbourne has moved! www.ladymelbourne.com.au

2010-05-29T11:38:00.003+10:00

For all my readers who read this through various RSS feeds, the blog has moved to:

www.ladymelbourne.com.au

If you are inclined please update your links, then you will be able to see all the photos you know and love, not to mention the competitions and videos!

Beautiful one day, perfect the next

2010-05-02T13:26:00.003+10:00

I have had a lot of time to blog whilst I've been here at Audi Fashion Week but I did want to make sure that these photos made it onto the blog.

I was lucky enough to be invited in store to Raoul to view the Spring/Summer 2010 collection and the darling people there let me choose an outfit to keep. Pictures of that will come, but the shoes, oh THE SHOES!

Apparently there was one size range in store so I feel even more special to be taking these home with me. Of course I wore them at last nights parade, perhaps I hobbled home but I almost slept in them I love them so much.

Sing Sing Sing!

2010-05-01T01:52:00.005+10:00

The Frockette and myself outside the festival tent.

Hey y'all, so did you know I'm in Singapore for Audi Fashion Festival? No?!
Well in that case welcome to Singapore!
I'm so thrilled to be here, I'd been off the plane not 2 hours before I was seated front row at the Herve Leger and Tiffany retrospective show. Beautiful does not do credit to the gowns that strutted in front of me, not to mention the accessories.

I couldn't help but show you what I got up to between shows because I thought it was just so gorgeous that you could be sat in front of $6000 gowns one minute and on the street eating ice-cream the next.

I got a hot tip that you could get wedges of ice-cream between bread(yup you read correctly, bread) from street vendors on Orchard Rd and low and behold there was a man right outside one of the tents at fashion week.

I actually chose to have mine in wafer, but I'm going back for the bread at some point during my stay. For $1 you can't really beat mid show action to cool you down.

Blogeratti: The Sart, Garance and Lady M

2010-05-01T01:14:00.003+10:00

Garance Dore, myself and Scott Schumann of The Sartorialist

Me and Chris Roman, Garance's assistant

"I'm a communicator, not just a photographer, blogger or illustrator. How you find the way to show the world who you are is most important," said Garance Dore at the launch of her illustration series for Westfield at the Doncaster styling suite on Thursday.

I was due to fly out to Singapore but pretty much put the brakes on that when this invite dropped in my in-box- miss the chance to catch up with blogging royalty? Not me.

"Four years ago when I started it was not fashionable to be a blogger. My friends were like, 'You have a blog, what?! You need to get out more!' I never thought I would end up here," she said.

When asked what she looks for in the women that grace the pages of her blog, Garance said that it's more about the personal appeal of the subject.

"To me I think, 'I want to be that girl.' It's very intimate. It's not exactly what they are wearing, its more, 'Wow, she's amazing!' "

Happy Friday! Welcome to my new home...

2010-04-30T10:00:00.003+10:00

So some of you are probably reading this from my new wordpress blog and I hope you like what you see. There will be another post coming about the change but for now I thought I would enlighten you all with some shots from the day that the ABC came and filmed for the story of Art Nation airing this weekend.

Fellow bloggers Fashion Hayley and Patty Huntington are also featured in a story which the gorgeous host Namila Benson is presenting on the influence of fashion bloggers on the industry at large.

It's airing to coincide with the start of Rosemount Australia Fashion Week which I shall in attending next week and I've noticed online and on twitter that there seems to be a bumper crowd of old and new bloggers attending.

I'd love to know your thoughts on what influence you think bloggers have, it can be so insular sometimes plugging away at your computer and I do wonder whether bloggers themselves are a little bit perplexed by the tag 'influential.'

Me and Namila Benson. Follow her on twitter....

You can watch a little preview here, that's how much I love ya!

I am of course in Singapore for Audi Fashion Festival but you will no doubt see me lurking around online and twitter :)

The winner of the Melbourne Internation Jazz Festival tickets is....

2010-04-29T18:51:00.001+10:00

Madame Dollface!

Congratulations, all you have to do is email me to claim your prize!

Photo-oto: Behind the scenes from my latest photoshoot

2010-04-28T16:25:00.003+10:00

Here I am on a photoshoot last week, I love the behind-the-scenes photos from shoots. I've got no make up on and my hair has just been brushed out and put up after being teased out all afternoon. This photo was taken at the end of the shoot but I'm not allowed to post photos until the project is ready to launch. Bummer!

The Big In-between

2010-04-27T17:26:00.003+10:00

Not quite autumn, not quite winter here in Melbourne I've found that I'm doing what Melburnian's do best and that's layering.

When I first moved to Sydney I found it hard to get used to just wearing a t-shirt all day, or just a sweater. What was this crazy concept where the weather stayed the same all day?

I dressed for all four seasons, every day in Melbourne thank you very much.

Anyhow, it gives me pleasure to pull items like this vintage, Irish linen, a-line coat out of the wardrobe that has sat there quite lonely all summer.

The coat was given to me by one of my aunties who had it for years but never wore it. I wasn't sure at first whether I would myself, but now I find that I wear it with everything. Well, this week that is.

In other Lady Melbourne news my new blog is just about ready to launch and later on in the week when you visit you'll no doubt see a new look.

Don't fear if you visit and can't see anything, there may be minor transmission interruption while it all swaps over but come Friday I'll be at my new home.

I hope you like it.

Vintage coat: gift

Scarf: This is actually a trimming that I bought at a fabric shop.

Earrings: Forever New

Pants: Country Road from the salvos

Heels: Siren

Bag: Longchamp

p.s- yes, I'm on the phone!

Jingle Jangle: New bracelets

2010-04-26T10:41:00.002+10:00

Just because I couldn't live without yet more jewellery in my life, I bought these cuffs last week at The Bead Company(or The Bead Shop- not sure!) in the basement of Melbourne Central.
They have just started to get excess accessories in from major chain stores and are selling them rather cheaply- the above cost me a grand total of $18.

Never pay retail!

Art Melbourne Launch

2010-04-24T18:11:00.002+10:00

Me and Max Sanderson
Elle from Ellski Design who I've know for years. She'd bought the prints we were standing in front of.

On Thursday evening I was invited along to the Art Melboure opening at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton.

I bumped into some old and new friends which was lovely but soaking up the atmosphere, the art and general people watching was the best part.

Dress: Barkins

Heels: Vicenza

Bag: Oroton

Jewelling: The Bead Shop, Melbourne Central

Happy Friday video blog....a little late

2010-04-24T10:15:00.002+10:00

Lady Melbourne TV: Happy Friday chat about travel from Lady Melbourne on Vimeo.

So I'm moving over to Vimeo and it look a lot longer than than I thought to get there. I'm happy at new video home, but I now know that it might take me a little longer to upload each week.

Enjoy!

Happy Friday Give-Away: Tickets to the Melbourne International Jazz Festival

2010-04-23T09:17:00.003+10:00

Yep that's correct, I have a double pass to 'Baby it's Cold Outside' on the opening night of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

Inspired by the popular ABC release Baby It's Cold Outside, the opening night of the 2010 Melbourne International Jazz Festival will celebrate the great jazz torch songs penned by George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hart and made famous by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra.

For one night only, these timeless classics will be reinterpreted by an all-star cast of singers including Lior, Whitley, Clare Bowditch, Megan Washington and many more.

You don't have to be from Melbourne necessarily to enter the comp, you just have to be in Melbourne on May 1st so you can see the show.

Leave a comment on this post to be in the running, entries close next Wednesday 28th April, winners announced Thursday 29th April.

Kimono sleeves: Lady Melbourne says knowing what fits you makes the world of difference

2010-04-21T08:59:00.005+10:00

This is somewhat of a new purchase for me, in that I actually bought the item, brand new. I don't always shop second hand but I realised lately that I don't mention the new clothes that I buy as often as I do my op-shop or vintage finds. I don't normally wear a kimono sleeve but I was attracted by the dramatic print of the dress and of course it is now the most comfortable dress I own.

Sleeves are so key to the fit of a garment and are often overlooked when we are out buying clothes. You've no doubt stood in front of the mirror thinking 'This just doesn't look right!' but not perhaps knowing exactly why.

Sleeves have indicated changing fashion trends for hundreds of years. Before hemline's rose in the 1920's, it had long been scandalous to show a ladies ankle in public, so necklines and sleeves were what was changed to suit fashion trends.

Victorian sleeves courtesy Ageless Patterns

There are plenty of sleeve options, some of the most popular used in every day fashion are:

Capped sleeves
Short sleeve
3/4 sleeve
Long sleeve
Puffy sleeve
Raglan sleeve

Knowing what suits you and what doesn't can make a huge difference so it's worth identifying different types of sleeves, how they sit on your body and then trying them on. I guarantee when you see the difference between the styles hanging on your frame it will make all the difference to the type of clothes you buy.

Sleeve illustration from Patterns that Fit You

Beautiful Objects

2010-04-19T19:30:00.005+10:00

I was given these delightful prints for my birthday recently by my dear friend over at Lulki. Knowing that I love illustration she gave me the bathing suit beauty from Truth be Told and the other print was $5 at a garage sale. She knows I love my 'Chinese Lady' print and thought this was a perfect edition.

And it is!

EDIT: It seems you all like the table and phone. It's a wall decal that I bought at a cheap junky shop for $3. I've had to use invisible tape to keep it on the wall, but it looks pretty good!

Win a Singapore Fashion getaway

2010-04-19T12:07:00.006+10:00

So I've twittered about it but haven't officially anounced that I'm off to Singapore for the Asia Fashion Exchange at the end of April.

I'm excited and honoured to be invited to attend such a huge event on the Asian fashion calendar.

I'll be blogging, tweeting and generally bringing you front row and behind the scenes action from a jam packed schedule.

As I've come on board at the last minute I can only bring you this competition that ends TODAY, but it's a super easy way for you to join me and win an all expenses paid trip to Asia Fashion Exchange.

You can enter here and the top 3 winners will get the following:

Return air tickets to Singapore

2-night hotel accomodation(30 April - 2 May 2010)

Fashion makeover

An exclusive outfit from BenWu or Raoul

Invitation to the Audi Fashion Festival 2010, Blueprint Emporium & the After-Party at Zouk Club

Submit your winning look now. Your ticket to a fashion vacation in Singapore is just a photo away!

Lady Melbourne's favourite dress

2010-04-19T09:59:00.003+10:00

I really love this dress, I love the movement and the fluid motion of the fabric. It's become one of my wardrobe favourites because it seems that I can wear it everywhere. Do you have a dress like that?

I've worn it during the day, to dinner and then onto after hours events as well. Which got me thinking about fashion economy or fashmatics: maths + fashion.

It's not a hard and fast rule, but when I'm shopping I do think about cost per wear and how versatile the garment will be in my wardrobe.

For example, I have a sequined dress that cost me a couple of hundred bucks that I bought to wear to a NYE party a few years back. NYE is a special event so I wanted a special dress, but there have only been a few occasions since that I've been able to wear it. Ergo, was it worth $300?

My black ballet flats on the other hand cost me $200 but I wear them all the time. $200 might seem like an extravagant amount to spend on ballet flats, but is it warranted if you wear them every day?

I think it's a really interesting argument because how we shop and what we spend is such an individual choice. It often depends on lifestyle and means, but then even though I could afford to buy something new, if I need something I will often shop in op-shops first to see if I can find it.

Winner of the Jumi Ballet Flats give away is....

2010-04-17T11:26:00.002+10:00

Leisha!

Congratulations on your new pair of ballet flats, you can view a screen shot of the random name picker I used here. Ugly backgrounds like that will never make it onto the blog!

All you have to do is email me to collect your prize.

As always, thanks so much for your entries, I hope to be able to bring you plenty more give-aways in the future.

Happy Friday video blog!

2010-04-16T12:49:00.002+10:00

Happy Friday to you all, here is a little video on the etiquette of thank-you notes. There will be detailed photos to come, I just have to jet this very minute so if you like what you see pop back in the next day or so for updates.

From the archives: A time before Lady Melbourne

2010-04-15T23:13:00.003+10:00

I've been wondering whether or not to sell these camisoles because they are original and one off, but then, they are simply languishing in my studio at the moment so I thought why not put them out there?

Before Lady Melbourne when I had my own accessories label, I dabbled in a couple of ranges of camisoles hand made in Melbourne from vintage fabrics. They sold well, I only ever used the same design but different, beautiful fabrics.

As I still make my own clothes but don't have a label at the moment I thought this might be a nice way to get back into the saddle so to speak because I'd love to start selling clothes again.

Anyhow, enjoy and remember, once these are snapped up they can't be repeated!

p.s- the white one will be for sale, I just didn't like the pictures I took of it :)

New books, boxes and heels

2010-04-15T10:51:00.003+10:00

On twitter yesterday I posted a picture of me toppling off these rather vertigeous heels while shooting these photos. It was quite funny until I wondered if I was going to cause myself a serious accident because of my heels.

I have some new books to get through, I've just finished Sonya Hartnett's 'Butterfly' and just loved it. I think I may have asked a while ago if you had any recommendations for new books to read and that was one of them.

If you like Sonya's writing then I would definitely recommend the book, it was beautifully descriptive and enthralling.

I picked up this Cuban Habanos cigar box at an op-shop, and not that I want to promote smoking here but I fell in love with the imagery on the box. On the outside and inside cover there is this divine colour illustration of Romeo and Juliet with scenes played out in little illustrations around the sides of the box.

I'm going to re-appropriate it and turn it into a jewellery box to sit on my desk. I'm forever taking off my earrings and leaving them sitting on my desk so I figured they could hang with Romeo and Juliet.

Heels: Siren
Jacket: Sirrico

Jeans: Agent 99 from General Pants

T-shirt: Barkins

All jewellery: Ritual

Lady Melbourne's new shoes

2010-04-14T10:05:00.002+10:00

Like I need another pair but with Australian fashion week looming the bargain hunter got the better of me when I found these. For $80.

Yep, I was doing my usual stalking around DFO and found these Siren heels reduced from I think about $220 to $80, last pair in my size. That's good shoe karma for you.

The are the 'Geisha' heels and are from a couple of seasons ago hence the price, but I just found this seasons version (heavily reduced!) that unfortunately has two ugly straps across the front. You could always chop them off, or they may just tickle your fancy!

Eco Fashionista A/W 2010 Review

2010-04-13T12:47:00.003+10:00

Minna 'Maria' dress in vintage print $399

Ivana Helsinki 'Hazel' dress $340

Ivana Helsinki 'Love' dress $360

Minna 'Maria' lace dress $429

Eco Fashionista is a locally run website that show cases eco friendly clothing that is uber stylish- no hemp fisherman's pants in this online wardrobe.

When the founder Alex Hume asked me if I would like to review the A/W 2010 collection and talk about winter trends at the launch party I jumped at the chance. It's about time that there was a platform for ecologically sound clothing that is seriously beautiful and stylish.

The key on the website informs you about whether the garment you are purchasing is made out of organic fabric, locally sourced or vintage remnant amongst many other options.

From the website:

'We use the term 'eco fashion' holistically to encompass all fashion products created in an environmentally conscious and socially responsible way. We also use 'eco attributes' to help you identify how each item in our collection is eco-friendly. '

The labels come from all over the world, but the thread that pulls them all together is that the clothes look like something you would see in the pages of any fashion glossy. Alex told me that it has been hard to source really stylish clothes that are ecologically friendly as most of the stuff out there falls into the alternative/hippie category.

I'm looking forward to the launch tonight, but here is a peak at some of my favourites from the collection.

If you would like your collection/website reviewed please email ladymelbourne@gmail.com for a media kit.

I've been busy, forgive me!

2010-04-13T10:02:00.001+10:00

A new post with lots of photos is on it's way, sit tight!

Happy Friday!

2010-04-09T11:23:00.003+10:00

Hey guys, it seems as though you love my videos where I give you tips and tricks to make your blog the best it can be. Today I'm talking about how to make your blog functional but using effective back grounds and getting rid of unnecessary widgets on your page. Enjoy!

Happy Friday Give Away Time!

2010-04-09T11:01:00.006+10:00

The good people over at Jumi Footwear have given me a pair of their gorgeous ballet flats to give away this week. The basic premise is that they look like ballet flats but perform like sneakers which is perfect for me considering I live in ballet flats.

I don't think I've ever given away an actual pair of shoes before- so exciting!

No only that they are of your choice, so head to the website and pick a pair to enter. That's it!

Leave a comment on this post with which pair you would like to win to be eligible, entries close next Midnight Thursday 15th April. Winners announced on the blog Friday 16th.

EDIT 13.4.10: I am so sorry that I originally had the date set to end in March. It goes without saying that it ends in April, sorry if it confused any of you. Luckily there is still time to enter!

Inside my world: filming with the ABC

2010-04-08T18:54:00.002+10:00

This afternoon was spent filming a day-in-the-life of a blogger in my apartment for a new arts program on the ABC.

It was fun having my place turned upside down in order to get the shot 'perfect,' and kind of funny as well having someone tell you to 'act natural' while there are 4 people standing around watching.

After the interview they just wanted to film me going about my business, taking my photos and organising my clothes. It's something I do every day it was so normal to me- having people stand around watching you do something mundane can feel silly but I've been told it will all edit together seamlessly. I have put my life shamelessly in TV's hands!

I can't reveal any more pictures at this stage but stay tuned.

I made scones and served coffee for the crew which they all seemed happy about, Mother Melbourne would be proud.

Now I'm off to watch 'Ladette to Lady'- horrible Aussies at their worst and snobbish Brits at their most hilarious, perfect TV.

My hair: One year ago

2010-04-08T18:47:00.003+10:00

I was just reading on Twitter @goaskalica tweet about how with personal style blogging there is always a record of what you wore exactly a year ago.

So I thought I'd step back in time which I rarely do and found this picture taken at the end of March last year. I can't believe how much my hair has grown in a year!

It's a strange phenomenon having your daily life online and being able to look back at what you were doing on a certain day. I'm not sure I like the idea actually- all those bad hair days, wrong shoes, O.T.T accessories are there for the world to see.

Would you like a record of your daily outfits so you could step back and reference, or is what you wore a year ago best left forgotten?!

Lady Melbourne on a $100 op-shop challenge for ACA

2010-04-07T22:22:00.007+10:00

Jenny from Melbourne Op-Shop Tours

A little while ago I participated in a challenge set forth by A Current Affair, where by they got a couple of people to see how many outfits they could find for $100 at op-shops.

I seem to spend most of my life in op-shops so was thrilled when they got in contact with me and asked if I would like to take part.

Jenny from Melbourne Op-Shop Tours and I were the guest judges for the day and our job was to pick the best outfit of the bunch. It was tough because they all seemed to do extremely well from the exercise, but I have to say that the boots that Zoe picked up from {also} Fabulous Op Shop were hard to beat.

You can watch the video here, I only wish I'd been given $100 to spend myself!

We visited:

Savers in Sydney Rd Brunswick

Salvation Army store in Erol St North Melbourne

{also} Fabulous Op Shop in Smith St Collingwood

An old favourite now autumn has arrived

2010-04-07T19:22:00.002+10:00

I know when the seasons change in Melbourne because I can wear this dress again. It's kind of perfect in autumn, but I can wear it with tights and a coat in winter too.
Day light saving has just finished here and it's already much darker earlier now- I got a shock when I exited DFO this afternoon and it was dusk at 6pm.

I was featured on tonight's episode of A Current Affair for a segment they did on op-shopping. If anyone out there knows where I can pick up episodes online I would love to post it on here so you can all watch it. Failing that I might try and record it from my TV with my camera or something.

Thanks for you comments on my previous post about thank-you notes, I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. If there are any other etiquette related questions you might have just send them my way!

Some new stationery for my collection....

2010-04-05T09:45:00.003+10:00

I did think that I was going to get new stationery for my birthday from London, not the grey boots which were a complete indulgence.

Some lovely thank-you cards were delivered however and I now have some gorgeous new cards to add to my collection.

These are from Scribbler in London but you can buy online as well for overseas readers.

There is a theory that you give gifts that you would like to receive yourself. I like to send thank-you cards and use notepaper because I personally love to get snail mail and cards. The thrill of pulling a beautiful envelope out of a pile of bills cannot be replaced by text messages or emails of thanks.

I send cards for all sorts of reasons but here are some occasions where you might send a thank you card or note:

You have been to an event or party at someone else's expense
You've received a gift
Someone has done you a favour
Weddings (always, always thank your guests by snail mail!)

The key to thank-you notes is that they must be personalised. There is no point writing to your guests ahead of time and thanking them for un-opened presents. If you are going to take the time to hand write a note, make mention of the gift/event/favour that has been bestowed upon you- recognising the persons effort is the highest form of gratitude you can express.

Happy Friday!

2010-04-02T11:46:00.004+11:00

Happy Friday and happy Easter everyone!

Today's video is a little historical overview of head scarves and how I like to wear them. I had a request from @cannedcontent on twitter if I could do a little video on the topic so here it is.

Enjoy!

Thank You

2010-04-01T21:50:00.002+11:00

I can't reach out and thank all of your for coming here and reading every day, or for the notes, cards and general well wishes I receive. I can take photos however and post them, just to give some kudos to the lovely people who make every day special.

Thank you!

Hello grey boots, welcome to my wardrobe

2010-03-31T08:57:00.003+11:00

These leather boots are a gift for my birthday all the way from Zara in London(why oh why don't we have Zara here!!!)
I thought I was getting some stationary, so when I opened up the bag to discover these babies I swung from speechless to ecstatic in seconds.

I don't have time for a lot of words today, off to celebrate but I did end up receiving some beautiful writing paper and thank you cards, more on that tomorrow.

A new circle skirt

2010-03-30T18:40:00.004+11:00

I made this skirt to wear to fashion week but only wore it once. It ended up being so hot that I completely changed up my outfits every day from what I had planned. I am looking forward to it being a staple in my autumn/winter wardrobe, when I saw the fabric I thought the colour pallet was just perfect for the season ahead.

I've picked up a copy of Peppermint magazine, if you are inclined I've written an article in the current issue on what to look for in second hand and vintage stores when shopping for a wedding. It's the love issue and there are so many sweet things to read!

Winners of 'My One and Only' film tickets....

2010-03-30T09:09:00.002+11:00

All you have to do is email me with your postal details and the double pass is on it's way to you!

Sonia Rykiel for H&M

2010-03-29T21:50:00.003+11:00

A while back on Twitter I talked about how I was eagerly awaiting a couple of items from the Sonia Rykiel for H&M range.

Well, they arrived and I couldn't be happier with my little package!

Apparently it was near impossible to get anything in XS or S, most of the range had sold out within 24 hours so when this turned up I was pretty excited. I love Sonia Rykiel and own a few pieces, generally it is out of my price range though so this diffusion line was highly anticipated.

Bring on autumn now!

Jumper: Sonia Rykiel for H&M

Skirt: Vintage Fletcher Jones, belonged to Mother Melbourne

Heels: Urban Original

Bag: Sonia Rykiel for H&M

Scarf: Country op-shop

A very late Happy Friday video!

2010-03-28T00:15:00.002+11:00

This week's video post has taken me six attempts but it is finally here!

I apologise to those of you who expected it Friday morning- technical difficulties and sound distortion have rendered all previous attempts futile.

However, here it is and as additional content I have included links below in case any of you wish you discover further what I am talking about in today's video.

Enjoy!

Heading Out

2010-03-26T22:03:00.002+11:00

This dress seems to inspire desire and dislike equally when I wear it. I personally love it, but some of my friends: not so plussed.

On another note, I am moving my blog shortly to bigger and better pastures so that I can bring you the best possible content I can create on a daily basis.

As I consider Lady Melbourne a family of sorts, it wouldn't be without your input that I make this move.
So, what would you like to see? More of something? Less of something? The new format is about 3 weeks away so before I lock down the new layout I'm turning it over to you guys.

Much love,
LM
x

Happy Friday!

2010-03-26T18:06:00.004+11:00

Happy Friday to you all out there!

I am all dressed up today in lew of today's give-away which is tickets to the new film 'My One and Only.'

Here is what the film is all about:
My One & Only set in the 1950's, is inspired by the incidents in the life of actor and Hollywood icon George Hamilton. This breezy journey follows the refined and enchanting Ann Deveraux (Renee Zellweger), who packs up her life, including two teenage sons, buys a Cadillac convertible and embarks on a cross-country trip to get away from philandering, society bandleader Dan (Kevin Bacon.) Anns goal: to find herself a new husband. Yet what this unconventional family discover is something altogether more wonderful.

This comp is going to close on Monday evening as the film is already in cinemas and I'm anxious to get it out to you all as soon as possible.

There are 5 double passes to give away, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post to be in the running!

Comp ends Monday 29th March, 5pm AEST. Winners announced Tuesday 30th March.

On my desk

2010-03-23T21:17:00.005+11:00

I am often asked where I got this bag, and where it can be purchased. It is quite special so I thought I'd show you some detailed shots.

My brother bought it for me on his travels at a market in Florence, Italy. I believe it ended up costing me the unbelievable sum of $80AUS. It's leather, I don't think that it's real ostrich skin but who would know.

I'd bought this bag quite possibly from the same market when I was there in 2006 so when I heard he was visiting I implored him to drop EVERYTHING and find me another bag. He did and I was thrilled to find out that the prices had barely changed.

I look at these little tins every day as they sit on my desk so I thought it was apt that I share pictures also.

As I've mentioned before I buy my flowers from the florist at Flinders St station, generally when I am on my way home from somewhere. I have flowers every week in the house, they make me so happy.

The colour combination was purely subconscious but as I am pedantic about colours matching I'm not entirely surprised they have ended up in a little cluster.

I posted about the French pastilles at Christmas, they are from Cote Provence in Rathdown St and the flavour is 'Violette.' Just gorgeous.

My other little trinkets are Magnolia Eau de Toilette from L'Occitane, MOR Lip Delight in 'Violetta' (clearly I like violets!) and Perfumeria Gal balm in 'Fraise.' I have it in violet flavour, just not sitting on my desk.

Now that the dust has settled, some thank you's...

2010-03-23T17:59:00.016+11:00

Last week I had a couple of people help me out with my wardrobe and on the communications front.

Jude's fabulous necklace caused so much chatter and conversation where ever I wore it- some people even felt compelled to touch it. A little disconcerting to say the least, but I can understand it as he has made it by hand and the craft work is incredible.
I felt honoured that he lent me something so special, it may just be for sale soon if you fancy it yourself.

Telstra sent me their latest HTC HD2 phone that is so exclusive it has only just been released. I had requested something to help me get onto twitter so I was a little apprehensive when it was pushed in front of me.

Over coffee the delightful ladies from Telstra assured me that even though I'd missed the smart phone band wagon it wouldn't take me long to catch up, and soon enough I had discovered why they call them 'crackberries.'

It was put to the test the first night of fashion week when I got lost in the Docklands. Fretfully staring at my phone willing it to transform into Aladdin's lamp complete with genie, I spied a 'Where Is' application.
A map appeared with my exact location within seconds, and then asked me where I wanted to go from there. I wondered then what else this magic machinery could do- my laundry? Deliver dinner? World peace?

I twittered away all week, uploaded photos and even managed to blog from the device- something I didn't know was even possible. I have just loved using the phone and may just try and catch that band wagon before it rolls out of town. It made my coverage so easy and I felt quite the fash hag sitting front row with notebook and HTC in hand.

Eva from My Sweet Muse sent me a box of accessories to use for the week and they complemented everything that I wore. It arrived with each piece individually gift wrapped- a gal after my own heart! She very kindly included a pair of earrings for me to keep and I can't wait to wear them to a wedding I have coming up.
I am now coveting this garden of accessory delights necklace on her website.

All of these items have been loaned and are being returned this week. So you know I have not received any money to talk about or wear these products, they have kindly been lent for me to use just for fashion week.

Thank you for getting me through the week!

Back to normal programming.........

2010-03-22T21:29:00.003+11:00

Ahoy! Is that Chanel you're wearing?!

We are having such divine weather here at the moment that I'm trying to ride my bike about as much as possible.

I thought it was important to present photos not of the heels I wear but the ballet flats I ride around in because lets face it, riding in heels is a/near impossible and b/just plain stupid.
Also on riding, a friend of mine who is also a lady rider was shocked to find out that I don't have a name for my bike. Do you have a name for your bike? I felt left out of some secret club when I found out.

I found these Country Road woolen pants when I was out on a shoot two weeks ago at the Salvo's in Erol St Nth Melbourne. They have the old school Country Road tag on so you know they're goodun's from the 80s. I've worn them cuffed but mid winter they should be long and lean and I can't wait to wear them!

Vintage silk blouse: I don't remember the name of the shop.
Hounds tooth pants: Original Country Road
Earrings: Op-shop
Ballet flats: Jadd
Heels: Urban Original
Leather bag: By brother bought it for me in Florence.

Lady Melbourne for GPO TV

2010-03-21T21:55:00.002+11:00

I didn't have time to do a Happy Friday video blog last week but I knew that this was waiting in the wings.
I am up to my usual bag of tricks here chatting to the ever lovely Kim about the circus that is fashion week.

How about a nice cup of tea.....

2010-03-19T23:37:00.002+11:00

The week is almost at a close but I can't tell you how many cups of tea have got me through this week.

I do apologise for not popping up a video post today, I was interviewed for Melbourne's GPO tonight so I will have that video tomorrow for you as well as my weekly- just a day late!

I really need to give a big shout out to Jude from Design by Jude who I only discovered a little over a week ago at the Oak off Chapel party.

He specifically made this necklace for me to wear this week and apart from the fact that I love, love, love it, I'm thrilled to be wearing a rising star of the Melbourne fashion scene.

He may just make you something to wear as well.......www.designbyjude.com

Jacket: Made by me

Leather skirt: vintage

Silk blouse: Also made by me

Heels: Verali

Necklace: Design by Jude

Blacklisted & Fleurage Perfume launch for LMFF

2010-03-19T22:42:00.003+11:00

Fleurage perfumer extraordinaire Emma Leah and myself.

Trying to get off the beaten track during fashion week can be difficult, but is almost always rewarding.

Last night Blacklisted and Fleurage jointly launched collections for LMFF with Fleurage having created a fragrance specifically for the event. I was kindly gifted the fragrances exclusively made for the event and am here to tell you that they quite literally have the power to transport you entirely to a dream like place.

Small, intimate and eternally inspiring, I felt as though I was back in the early 1920s viewing an intimate showing of fashion and scent.

Designer Debra Mar's collection was inspired by her travels to Morocco last year, and coupled with the deco opulence that Fleurage evoke the whole evening was quite special indeed.

Metamorphosis parade presented by Sportsgirl

2010-03-18T22:31:00.003+11:00

Christiana Livadtis

info.kristiana@gmail.com

Danielle Van Camp

www.daniellevancamp.blogspot.com

All week people have been asking me whether I planned on catching the LMFF Metamorphosis Student parade on Wednesday night. I had heard that it's a highlight of the week and I wasn't left in any doubt that it is one of the best parades of the festival.

The students are the creme de la creme of fashion graduates from around Australia and showed innovative collections free from commercial restraints.

From dream like silk at Alyssa Choat to layered nylon and lingerie at Laura de Vries, the exceptional craftsmanship and intelligent approach to their individual collections was so refreshing.

I have showcased two that stood out for me but you can check out a gallery of the parade here.

The little Old Lady Who Lived in Her Pearls

2010-03-18T17:41:00.003+11:00

One of my friends is in the background cracking me up, she wonders if I will be one of those elderly ladies you see down the street completely made up, walking stick in tow buying bread or on her way to bingo.

I couldn't agree more.

I have last nights parade shots, and of course will have more from tonight as well.

Short, short posts this week but at least there are photos.

LM
x

Dress: Vintage from Velour in St Kilda
Heels: YSL Tribute
Pearls: Primark, London

From the front row....

2010-03-17T23:37:00.002+11:00

Tullia Jack, Director of Spirit of the Black Dress and I deep in discussion ;)

Keeping up appearances

2010-03-17T17:00:00.005+11:00

It's a little bit difficult to keep up with outfit posts this week, but as not all of you are based it Melbourne I thought it might just get a bit boring if I bang on about fashion week all the time.

We are having really warm weather this week so all the outfits I had planned to wear have been thrown into chaos- it's impossible to look chic when you are sweating buckets of sweat. I hope that my shorts will work for and not against me tonight, we'll soon see!

Boots: Sense Diffusion

Shorts: Barkins

Blouse: Vintage

Necklace: Design by Jude

L'Oreal Paris Runway 2 & 3: Day Two

2010-03-17T10:15:00.004+11:00

Day two of LMFF and here I have managed to salvage my photos from the large, bald, head in most of my photos as mentioned previously.

As there is no room to sit in the media riser, I have some pretty good court side seats but it means by photos aren't as good. As with my coverage and write ups, you can see it all at Melbourne Street Fashion every day this week.

Romance was Born

Arnsdorf

Antipodium

L'Oreal Paris Runway 3 presented by Madison

Bertie Blackman opened the show with 'Byrds of Prey'

Sea of Ghosts, Hayley and moi. I like this picture, I think it perfectly illustrates our unique styles.

Well hello third row....

2010-03-17T00:00:00.003+11:00

I got offered a very covetable seat tonight but opted or the third row as it was spaced back and elevated. I hoped that would mean my photos would be better but a rather large, bald man sat in front of me so my plan was shot to the proverbial when I noticed a shiny bald head appearing in all my shots.

Lesson: If you get offered the good seats, take them.

Wearing:
Vintage top
Max Mara Skirt
Brooches by My Sweet Muse

L'Oreal Paris Runway parade presented by Grazia Mag: Day One

2010-03-16T10:19:00.002+11:00

Last night I attended day one of LMFF and it was a fab kick off to the week. Plenty of media personalities front row, mini skirts and long legs strutting around(off the catwalk no less) and then little old me amongst the biggest crowd I've seen at LMFF in years.

A 50MT catwalk says it all I think.

Here are some photos for you, my run down you can read over at Melbourne Street Fashion.

Pap pit or media riser depending on which side of the fence you sit.

Sass & Bide

Nicola Finetti- I want, I want, I want.

Toni Matichevski

Connel Chiang and I after the parade mucking around.

Day One

2010-03-15T16:50:00.002+11:00

So I'm off to the first parade of the week and have a lovely new vintage dress to wear for the occasion.

It was a bit of a granny affair but I've customised it to fit me so am quite happy.

I don't have a lot of time now but will be blogging all week here at over at Melbourne Street Fashion with show coverage.

Winners of the Lavazza 2010 Calendar give away are.....

2010-03-14T22:15:00.002+11:00

Congratulations, all you have to do is email me to organise your prize!

Lady Melbourne in Sosume for LMFF

2010-03-14T19:18:00.005+11:00

Over the weekend I was part of a panel to speak at LMFF on blogging, fashion and the internet. It was a great discussion with some really interesting questions from the audience and I got a chance to meet some my readers which was lovely.

My outfit comes with a little story however...

At the Oak off Chapel party a little while back I met Melbourne man Alex Trimmer behind the label Sosume. After chatting to him and falling in love with this jacket I was over the moon when I found out that the crew at Bam Brands wanted to lend it to me to wear this week.

Off to their showroom I went to chat about the labels they represent and find out everything I needed to know about Sosume. Like the fact that there are only 4 of these pure wool tux jackets available to buy in Australia.

I was greeted however by Murphy the dog and I think perhaps it was love at first sight. Founder of Bam Justin told me that he rescued Murphy from Venice Beach while he was living in LA and couldn't bear to part with him when the time came to move back to Melbourne.

Any showroom where a dog is welcome has my heart and my vote, it reminded me of being in Paris where people take their dogs, well, every where with them.

So that is how I ended up wearing Sosume yesterday, I couldn't help but share the story with you all because it's not often there is a cute story behind the clothes I wear!

Jacket: Sosume

Silk blouse: Vintage

Skirt: Pierre Cardin

Heels: Verali

Bag: Sirrico

Rebecca, Murphy myself and Justin from Bam Brands.

Hushi Mortezaie's label Trash & Luxury tshirts

The Style Tyrant Rules

2010-03-13T09:45:00.003+11:00

This was snapped at MSFW last year.

‘Greetings from the holy trinity of street style.’

So says Sydney’s Style Tyrant aka Matt Jordan who has created a blog dedicated solely to men’s street style. The first of it’s kind in Australia, S.T wouldn’t be out of place on the street corner of any major city around the world- Matt’s eye for every day men interpreting catwalk trends is finely honed.

Having spent time creating Imelda, Matt’s attention is now spilt between keeping up appearances as the despotic queen of shoes and capturing what’s going on street style in Sydney.
I’m thrilled to introduce my readers to Style Tyrant, just see if you can get yourself snapped whilst in Sydney.

Happy Friday!

2010-03-12T22:41:00.003+11:00

I've had many requests lately to see how I create my hair and make-up looks on the blog. Today's video is all about two of the key Lady Melbourne looks and how you can achieve them. It is simpler than you might think!

The amazing necklace I'm wearing in the video is from My Sweet Muse and you can check out all of Eva's designs and more at her etsy shop.

And so it begins: Spirit of the Black Dress Launch @ Georges

2010-03-11T23:00:00.003+11:00

L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival hasn't officially begun, but there have been parades, openings and parties almost every night this week.

Spirit of the Black Dress launch was no exception, and what a tidy little party it was. Tullia Jack put together an amazing event but the highlight and kudos has to go to the designers who once again have showed that there is a plethora of young design Australian talent.

It was nearly impossible to get near all of them, but the few that I spoke to were brimming with excitement at being involved with an event that will no doubt be a fixture of LMFF's calendar for years to come.

In a similar vein to the Oak off Chapel launch last week, I'm really proud to present the designers and finalists in this competition as no doubt they are what you will be seeing on the catwalks and clothing racks any day now.

Are you on the list?

Myself and Tullia Jack, Project Director

Melissa Mahony dress

Divine Kyra from Pybus PR. Boho done correctly.

Me with a Michelle Czech dress. This unbelievable dress was made from two pure wool jumpers Michelle found at Savers in Dandenong. Amazing.

Marita & Joe Saba, competition judge

Justin, myself and Rebecca from Bam Brands.

Paul Broomfield from Style Melbourne.

How insanely divine are these sisters? Love.

Designer Alexis Belcher with her dress.

Stylist Philip Boon and I.

Boho Day 4

2010-03-11T10:19:00.004+11:00

Why did I commit to this the week before fashion week? I'm asking myself that now because I'm really running out of outfits and it has completely distracted me from next weeks proceedings.

So what would boho be without a maxi dress? I love this dress that I picked up in Singapore last year, but I never wear it like this. It's always worn in a more glam, garden party way. However, I do own all of the clothes and accessories, so it is teaching me a lesson at a/ I have too many clothes and b/can wear them so many ways.

Congratulations to Silvara who won the double pass to the internet/blogging forum at LMFF this weekend, for the rest of you tickets are only $8 so don't fret if you missed out.

I have also joined the ranks of Melbourne Street Fashion, joining the likes of my pal Fashion Hayley as a contributor. My first write up is now live on the home page, and I'll be covering LMFF for them next week. I'm really thrilled to be part of something that is all about Melbourne style and fashion. Marriage made in heaven.

Jacket: I've had this for almost 10 years now! Vintage of course

Dress: Bugis St market, Singapore

Bag: MNG in Barcelona on my travels

Winner for the tickets to LMFF is...

2010-03-10T22:23:00.003+11:00

Silvara!

Just email me for the details.

Here are the shots of the names and winner, the only fair way is to plug them into a random name picker.
I suppose the only consolation is that the tickets are $8? I run a classy show ;)

Boho Day 3

2010-03-10T15:14:00.002+11:00

Day three and so far so good. Research has told me that I can't do boho without a fur vest(faux or otherwise) and that it's all about earthy, neutral tones. I am struggling a little bit in that in three days I think I've worn all the brown I own(which isn't much!).

Your suggestions have kept me going though so I'm determined to get two more days of authentic boho 'looks' in before I return to 1984 and my shoulder pads.

Vest: Savers

Shirt: Susan

Scarf: H&M in Prague

Jeans: Agent Ninety Nine

Boots: Salvos

Earrings: Diva, I think!

Glasses: Vintage

Spirit of the Black Dress launch for L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival

2010-03-09T22:07:00.005+11:00

This morning I was invited down to a wonderful spectacle of black, frocks and Flinders St Station. So quintessentially Melbourne, the launch of the Spirit of the Black Dress as part of the LMFF was just what the steps of a Melbourne icon needed as the sun broke through the looming clouds.

The event seems to have outgrown it's meagre beginnings last year and that was no more evident than in the photo-scrum that spilled onto traffic in Flinders St. I just adore this event, for me it is a high light of the pre-fashion week calendar because it is just so chic, yet so grass roots.

The models looked like they needed to eat something and had skipped school for the day, but they wouldn't have been the divine creatures they are had this not been the case. I expect to see a plethora of underage waifs next week, but I digress. They were ethereal and beautiful, as were the dresses in question.

The Fashion Photography exhibition runs from 12-6pm 12-21st March at Georges on Collins, 195 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, free entry. There may be a frock or two on display as well!

What care I for traffic when there are black dresses to photograph!

And if you want a true belly laugh, introducing.......

Lady Midget Melbourne!

Project Director Tullia Jack has outdone herself with year considering this is only the second year the competition has been running and I would urge anyone in town next week to hop on down to see some incredible Aussie design talent.

Win tickets to LMFF Blogging Forum

2010-03-09T21:29:00.004+11:00

The kind people at LMFF have given me two tickets to give away for this weekend's forum on blogging.
This is a snap competition and will end tomorrow evening at 5pm!

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post to be in the running, and obviously you must be in Melbourne this weekend so as to attend.

Oak off Chapel opening party

2010-03-09T20:22:00.003+11:00

Last week I was invited to the opening party of Oak off Chapel. Staying true to Melbourne's love of all things hidden, the gallery come fashion co-op is set in a disused warehouse down a lane with you guessed it, minimal signage.

Despite the sweltering conditions, it was worth the trip to meet some amazing design talent and discover some new labels some of which I predict will be ones to watch.
Enjoy the party pics.

Patrick Butler of St Lucia Footwear for men.

Myself with Jude the designer behind Design By Jude. He let me flit about in one of his necklaces for a while- divine.

Serious embellished shoulders by Jude.

Jude and Calvin. Too cute for words.

My date for the evening Mark.

I Heard They Eat Cigarettes t-shirt

One half of Sosume Alex with me wearing a tux jacket from the winter collection. They are kindly dressing me for my appearance at LMFF this week.

Poppy Gets a Life, Jetsetting Joyce and I.

OAK Off Chapel and Fashion Gallery officially open for business Wednesday, March 10th. Fashion Gallery hours are Mon-Thu 10-5, Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4.

Boho Day Two

2010-03-09T13:19:00.002+11:00

Ok, ok, ok, forgive me the take away coffee but I couldn't help myself. I kid you not every google image search I've done with 'boho' in the title has produced at least one photo of an LA starlet dressed head to toe in boho clutching a take away coffee. Hilarious!

Do they just walk around LA with coffee cups? Do they drink that much coffee? What kind of coffee? These questions need answers.

Back to the task at hand, I took note that someone mentioned brown seemed more boho than black in relation to yesterdays outfit. So with that in mind I put this together and I am amazed that apart from the dress, I actually own everything else in I'm wearing. I just never wear it like this, and probably never will again because I don't really feel that comfortable.

It's all part of the challenge and I am enjoying it, but I miss my pearls!

Scarf: Auntie Joan

Dress: Borrowed from a friend

Boots: Sense Diffusion

Necklaces: Collected over the years from my travels

Bag: Oraton 'Fortuna' bag

Belt: Second hand

Ring: Dotti

Take a deep breath: Can Lady M do 5 days of boho?

2010-03-08T02:29:00.004+11:00

I asked you guys last week, 'What you would like to see me wearing for the next 5 days?' and I thought your suggestions were just fantastic. This little diversion is aimed at getting me to step outside my comfort zone for a couple of days(plus I love a challenge!) so I chose to go with boho because quite frankly, the thought terrifies me. It is a trend/look/way of life that just seemed to pass me by so I had to try pretty hard to pull this look together.

I realise it's still going with the hippie luxe look a la Gucci AW08 but hopefully as the week goes along I will relax into it. Otherwise god knows what you will be seeing this week!

I'm using all my own clothes as well, in an attempt to prove to myself if nothing else that it's all about the way you put things together. The black lace vest and scarf as seen in this post is how I would normally wear these items, and the little embroidered vest from H&M would normally be seen with a silk dress and Chanel bag!

Anyhow day one, let's see how long it lasts!

Dear Lady Melbourne: 1984 called, it wants its shoulder pads back

2010-03-07T11:57:00.003+11:00

Right so you know that I'm into D.I.Y don't you? And I am totally into this embellished shoulder trend at the moment, but I think it is just that: a trend. Come 6 months and I will no doubt be seeing the chain store knock off's on the racks at Savers.

So with that in mind, I created my own that I have pinned to my Tina Kalivas tux jacket. This is possibly the EASIEST D.I.Y project I have ever attempted and if it's something you have been considering then I'd urge you to try it. You basically just decorate shoulder pads to your liking. That's it.

I went a little overboard, but as it's fashion week next week I thought why the hell not make something to wear that's a little bit over the top.

I would like to see Lady Melbourne wearing.....

2010-03-05T21:19:00.002+11:00

Dear Lady Melbourne,
I love the way you put your outfits together from opp shops and create great fashion trends. I would love to see you do something more outrageous something different to what you normally do like for example do a whole week with you just in hair and makeup or dress up in street wear. Something less girly maybe…
Love Miche

So guys, I'm throwing this over to you, the weekend should give me enough time to prepare depending on what you come up with, but what would you like to see me do for a whole week? Or lets say five days just to give me a starting chance in case y'all have got something wild in mind!

Happy Friday!

2010-03-05T14:16:00.002+11:00

Hi guys, it's been quite a week, what with losing one of my digital cameras, in particular the one that I've been using for my video blogs. It was a tough pill to swallow realising that it was gone, but not to be deterred I've borrowed a camera this week in order to bring you my Friday video.

As requested by one of you, today I'm talking about how to appear confident in your photos, and little tricks you can use to get the best out of your photography.

Hope you enjoy!

And the winner is.....

2010-03-04T23:22:00.004+11:00

After collating all of your names and running them through the most ugly but functional website I've ever used, the winner of last weeks give away is:

FIREHEART!
All you have to do is email me to collect your prize.

You can see the screen grabs of the names and the winner here and here.

As always, I wish, wish, wish I could give away something to you all, perhaps one day I'll have my own chat show like Ellen and I can give stuff to the whole audience. Sigh.....

Happy Friday! More give-aways!

2010-03-04T23:06:00.004+11:00

Hey y'all, just to carry on from last weeks give away, I have the lurvely limited edition Lavazza 2010 calendar shot by Miles Aldridge for you. And not one but five of them to give away. I love it when I get multiples, I don't feel as though so many of you miss out in this case!

The eighteenth calendar speaks the universal languages of Music and Photography. British photographer Miles Aldridge has been given the task of visually interpreting six of the ultimate Italian classics: Va' Pensiero, Guarda Che Luna, 'O Sole Mio, Con Te Partirò, Baciami Piccina and Nessun Dorma.

My personal favourite is Con Te Partiro:

Click to enlarge.

As with all the give aways, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post to be in with a chance!

Entries close Thursday March 11th 5pm AEST. Winners announced Friday 12th March.

Imagination Clothing Exchange, Sunday March 7th

2010-03-04T10:14:00.003+11:00

I'm extremely excited about this event that's happening this Sunday March 7th in Melbourne, and Saturday March 13th in Sydney- the Honda Jazz Imagination Clothing Exchange!!

Rather than me trying to explain the ins and outs of how it works you can click on the links below, but bascially you arrive with 5 items you own that you are prepared to swap, and leave with 5 new items after the exchange. I love, love, love this kind of thing!

I'll be going down, not sure if I'll be swapping much because one of the rules is that the clothes you bring must be no more than one year old- most of my closet is at least 20 years old!!

What will you be swapping?

Not to be forgotten, here are the details for my Sydney friends:

Beautiful imagery: Zetta Florence

2010-03-02T19:50:00.004+11:00

It's not something I shout from the rooftops, but I love paper products, stationary and books. With that in mind I was shopping today for new thank-you cards and notepaper, but ended up buying this de-lovely print from Zetta Florence.

I'm putting together a 'wall' at the moment of prints, illustrations and kitschy paintings I've been collecting. Not that I have a spare wall, so everything is sitting in a pile until I find the right spot for it all.

If there are any illustrators of note you think I should check out let me know, or anything else that might sit nicely in a wall of paintings and mirrors. I was twittering today about where to find gorgeous stationary so thank you kindly for your suggestions, looks like I have plenty of happy shopping hours ahead of me!

Vintage silk blouse: I honestly can't remember where I bought it....sorry!

Leather skirt: Value City Savers

Heels: Verali

Cuffs: Made by me except for the spikes, that is from Bugis St market in Singapore

Watch: His Lordships.....ssssshhhhhh!

Don't forget to enter the competition to win a fabulous prize pack with loads of lady trinkets! You must leave a comment on the competition post. Clickety click!

An education: Fleurage Perfumery Melbourne

2010-03-01T20:47:00.003+11:00

'Scent is so primal it is what drives us and whether we realise, we are searching for scents all the time. The primal urge is linked to our emotions.'

As we sat down over a cup of tea served in the most delightful art deco tea cups, director and perfumer of Fleurage Emma Leah tells me about her 15 year journey to create Melbourne's only perfumery.

I won't proclaim to be the first person to discover Fleurage, but Emma and her partner Rob don't exactly shout from the rooftops its existence. It is niche process where people discover scent, rather than it being forced upon them by mass marketing campaigns that are duplicated the world over. Fleurage is 100% pure botanical fragrances.

The perfume and derivative lines are produced on site in Prahran at Fleurage's art deco inspired head quarters- it is truly worth a look if you are simply interested in being surrounded by beautiful things all day.

I felt honoured that Emma and Rob indulged me for two and a half hours, it was one of the most beautiful spaces I've been to with not a single detail overlooked. They truly are people for whom scent is a passion and you can see that right down to the art deco inspired bottles and packaging.
Simply beautiful.

Beautiful art deco tea cups, the smallest details are not over looked at Fleurage.

Soaps to compliment the perfume.

Emma, me and Rob infront of their perfume range.

Checking out my gift bag at home, deeeeelightful!

New in Lady Melbourne's Etsy shop

2010-02-28T17:06:00.004+11:00

This Versace Sport dress is on sale now in my Etsy shop and if you are inclined you can find some serious heels here too!

Happy Friday Give Away!

2010-02-26T15:51:00.003+11:00

It's been a while since I've had a give away, but I've been busy putting this superb prize pack together, all with Australian labels involved.

It includes:
1. The latest 'So Frenchy So Chic' CD illustrated by Kat Macleod, an illustrated poster and badge
2. A Gammazon 'Velvet Body Butter' from the CocoNilla range, 2 x Lollipop lip balms
3. 'Clipa' silver hand bag clip
4. A gold 'Starlet' Tampurse

As always, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post to be in the running!

Comp ends Thursday 4th March, 5pm AEST, winners announced Friday 5th March.

Lady Melbourne loves you!

Happy Friday!

2010-02-26T09:30:00.000+11:00

Honey and Cinnamon: What is your favourite scent?

2010-02-24T21:42:00.003+11:00

Well, thank you all for your kind comments on my nails, perhaps next time I do them I'll video it and do a little tutorial. I promise you that it's really quite simple!

Not that this is fashion related, but I was curious to know about your favourite scent.

Mine is cinnamon, I was reading today that the Roman Emperor Nero burnt a years supply of it at his wife's funeral. What a homage.

I like honey as well, and naturally honey and cinnamon combined is just heavenly to me. The reason I ask is that I'm researching for an article I'm writing on fashion and psychology: why we wear the clothes we do. I'm planning on making it two part, the second being about beauty and scent. I think it's really interesting how we are all attracted to different smells and scents, and why.

Anyhow, your thoughts are as always most appreciated!

Dress: Episode

Heels: Barkins

Earrings: I made them

Tell me the time while I do my nails....

2010-02-23T18:19:00.004+11:00

For quite a while now, I've been meaning to try a manicure a la Dita Von Teese with reverse tips, or over stated cuticles depending on how you look at it. I figured the easiest way was to paint fake ones and stick them on, so that's what I did!

I trundled down to my local Priceline this morning, bought a pack of 200 plain fake nails and painted them with my Revlon 'Valentine' polish. Added a top coat and stuck them on, that easy.

I'm not sure how long they'll last(I don't wear fake nails) but even for a week they look cute and achieved perfectly the look I was going for.

I often get asked when I include my little cuckoo clock in the background where I got it. I picked it up about two years ago at an el-cheapo variety shop for $2. True story!

Dear Autumn, when will you arrive?

2010-02-22T18:57:00.004+11:00

I've become obsessed of late with organising my autumn/winter wardrobe, what care I for 34 degrees when there are boots to buy online?

I've started collecting pieces of what I want to wear this winter already and this little grey number is the latest edition. I've scoured the town for the perfect cropped, grey, soft leather jacket. When my search turned up nothing(and believe me, I searched) I turned to the internet and found this on Etsy. I picked it up today and couldn't be happier that it's now mine. I just can't believe that someone wanted to sell it.
I've already bought a pair of boots, a trench coat, today's jacket, Sonia Rykiel for H&M stuff is on its way, and I have my eye on the Sportsgirl boots from this post.

Today's outfit is almost head to toe vintage or second hand, and while I don't always post pictures of the tags I thought I'd just show you a more intimate look inside my wardrobe. It's not uncommon for my daily outfits to be op-shop/vintage/second hand finds, but I don't explicitly point out that I'm wearing it head to toe.
I pour my money into my accessories, choosing the thrill of the chase of beautiful labels second hand and at second hand prices. It's funny how we choose to shop, I know girls that wouldn't be caught dead in an op-shop, and then they want to know where my Max Mara skirt came from. Funny.

I received a rather exciting invitation today to speak at LMFF as part of the cultural program. Details are being worked out, but if you'd like to come along and listen to a forum on fashion and blogging I'll be posting the details here closer to the date. I'm very excited and a little nervous!

Tous Les Jour heels

A piece of Paris....

2010-02-20T23:57:00.003+11:00

Last year when I was commissioned by N.E.E.T magazine to do a showcase of cool and quirky shops in Melbourne, I came across Velour in St Kilda.

I was of course on a 'work' visit, but work often involves shopping and I couldn't go past this D.I.V.I.N.E vintage dress from Paris. It fed right into my love of black and white, the polka dots were too cute and it's floaty.

I have had it for a couple of months now but haven't put it up properly yet, as it was hot and windy today it was kind of perfect for what I had to do.

Thank you kindly for you responses to the video post, it looks as though I already have plenty of topics to chat about next week! Please do write in if you have anything you'd like addressed and I'll do my best to answer for you.

Happy Friday! Welcome to Lady Melbourne's new Friday videos

2010-02-19T08:55:00.003+11:00

As I mentioned yesterday, one of my friends and fellow bloggers suggested that I do a video blog once a week because she'd love to see more of Lady Melbourne TV.
So rather than it being as styled as last time(read: my editor moved to London and I'm rubbish at Final Cut) it will be more conversational between you, and me.

This is the kick off video, please feel free to write in each week!

A House is not A Home

2010-02-18T18:20:00.009+11:00

Just a disclaimer before I begin: I do not sit around on the couch all kitted up reading like this, I'd just arrived home and saw the light so jumped into frame. It's my favourite time of day to photograph, honestly you just can't replicate the light. I'm reading 'A House is not A Home' by Polly Adler.

Anyhow this is another contender for fashion week, probably something I would wear during the day I think for kicking around. I just found out today I got a writing gig for the week covering all the shows- freakin awesome! I can't reveal too much(yet) but you'll all be able to read it online which is fab.

I was out at Darn Cheap Fabrics today and in case you don't know it and are interested the fabrics are a/ fabulous and b/ darn cheap.
I've decided that rather than buy a new wardrobe or fuss about what to wear to LMFF, I will just make myself a new 'Lady M' wardrobe. I've been buying up accessories and have a dove grey, kid leather jacket arriving any day now from the States (god bless you etsy.com) so I think I will be sorted by the time it swings around.

I've thought about starting my own little label, after doing jewellery for 7 years I know what I'd be in for and I'm not sure I want to be a slave in my own sweat shop! I know every gal and her Prada bag wants to be a designer but I'm going to keep it in mind.
I will show you my autumn/winter collection I'm going to create just for myself when its complete. It will consist of Lady M staples: circle skirts, silk blouses and cropped jackets. Stay tuned.

Pants: Agent Ninety Nine
Blouse: Carla Zampatti

Earrings: I made them
Cuffs: Bugis St market, Singapore

p.s- One of my readers and fellow bloggers suggested I start to video blog, tomorrow the first installment will go live. You heard it here first.

Her mind was buzzing with questions.....

2010-02-16T18:19:00.002+11:00

I think that this skirt is too long so I'm in the process of taking up the hem,but I like it because it's light and the colours just seem to go with everything I own.
I thought I'd see how it looked with a darker, tougher pallet of leather and black and white- there is a lot of black and white in my wardrobe.

The tag says 12 but the waist measures 25" so I'd say that it was made when a size 12 measured completely differently to today's standards. You can only imagine how tiny an 8 must have been if a size 12 is 25"!
To borrow a line from Just Say When, this is pretty much how I felt when I tried it on:

'Her mind is buzzing with unanswered questions:
(a) Who the hell made this dress?
(b) Did some unfeeling fool change the dress/size label?
(c) Has the whole world gone mad?'

You can read the whole article here, but it's a nice little piece on what many of us face when we shop for second hand clothes.

On another fashionable note, the Sonia Rykiel range for H&M has been released in London and you can see a gallery here.
I have my spies in London working to get my hands on a couple of pieces, the sweaters would be just perfect to wear this autumn don't you think?
And don't get me started on the fact we don't have H&M here is Australia......

Get ready

2010-02-14T17:29:00.004+11:00

My post about the giant shoulder pads the other day got me thinking about what I'm going to wear to L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival coming up in March.

One of you suggested that I keep the shoulders for the event, so it got me thinking about what I'm going to wear every single day of the week. It might sound ridiculous to some of you that I am sat here pondering what I will be wearing for one entire week in the distant future. I barely wear the same thing all day every day, so to think that I will have events, shows and parties to attend kind of sends you into a spin.

I have an over flowing wardrobe but naturally nothing to wear, so for the next few weeks I'll be putting things out there in an attempt to work out how I want to look for the week. I will of course need your help so this is the first contender. I made the jacket and I have a beautiful Carla Zampatti jacket underneath but you can't see it unfortunately.

Jacket: Lady Melbourne

Skirt: Vintage piece, Mother Melbourne wore it years ago, now its mine!

Heels: Urban Originals

Blouse: Carla Zampatti

Leather bag: Value City Savers, it cost me...............................................$7. Read and weep.

Charles and Ray Eames, welcome to my home

2010-02-13T11:50:00.006+11:00

I was talking on twitter yesterday about how I had to schlep halfway across Melbourne to retrieve 'something,' but didn't say what.

Well, it was this beautiful Eames chair and ottoman that I bought for His Lordship for his birthday. He has everything he wants so I though that an investment piece of furniture that we could both enjoy would be perfect.

We both like Fler furniture and bought a suite last year, so in trying to keep with the theme of 1950's designed furniture I've added this. Now I'm on the hunt for a coffee table and side board.

The black and white photo is of my brother and I when we were little, and yes, I realise it isn't straight but I kind of like that it's a little off kilter. It's in the original frame and I can't bear to change it.

So, welcome to my lounge room!

Trying to stay dry on the edge of a storm

2010-02-11T16:42:00.004+11:00

I took this photo right before the storm hit Melbourne, on my way home from town. I don't normally walk down the street with a book in my hand, but it just looked so good against the wrapping paper for my roses, I couldn't resist.

The flowers are from Flinders St, I buy most of my flowers there on my way home or on my way somewhere because they are convenient and cheap. $7.50 for a bunch of roses is pretty good value if you ask me. I have fresh flowers in the house every week in different spots, I think it brings the outside indoors, plus it just gives me so much joy to look at them.

Oh and thank you for your comments on whether or not I should keep my shoulder pads from the previous post, some of your comments made me almost fall off my chair laughing and I've decided to publish a few right here.

Bucca said...
If I saw you out and about I would half expect you to stalk across the room and throw a drink in someone's face before staring into the distance with a vacant expression lol

Jetsetting Joyce said...
Take them out, quick! You'll lose your peripheral vision :)

katiecrackernuts said...
I also have a jacket with shoulder pads to rival that. Op shop number and man, if you got tired, you could just lean your head to the left or right and have a snooze. Comfy and stylish.

Blouse: I bought it on the island of Burano, off Venice
Skirt: Camden maket, London
Heels: Verali
Bag: Value City Savers

Out of my way: Shoulder pads coming through

2010-02-10T15:33:00.006+11:00

I found this little jacket at Value City Savers in Preston, but before I remove the biggest shoulder pads I have ever seen in my life, I thought I would play dress ups first.

I haven't really presented a retro look for a while, not because I don't dress like this but mainly because I thought for a while I might be pigeon-holed if I only ever dressed like this. Plus someone told me it made me look old. Hilarious!

I don't like to take myself too seriously anyhow, so this is Lady Melbourne come 1940's come Dolly Parton for your Wednesday afternoon viewing pleasure.

If you think the shoulders should stay(sooooo on trend) then let me know, I'm inclined to take them out.

Edit: The darling Vintage Verve just suggested on twitter that it's more Alexis Carrington than Parton. Made my day!!

Vintage jacket: Value City Savers
Vintage leather skirt: Value City Savers (photos of tags coming for all you vintage purists out there)

Heels: Verali

Cuffs: All made by me

Sportsgirl winter preview parade and some blogging fun

2010-02-09T08:30:00.004+11:00

Last night I attended the winter preview parade for Sportsgirl with fellow Melbourne bloggers Alicia from Sea of Ghosts and Fashion Hayley.

It was cute, fun and typically Sportsgirl- high energy, young and the models just seemed to exude that aura of the girl with the wardrobe we all want.
It can be hard to review a chain store in that you know you are never going to see anything ground breaking or trendsetting, their place in the realm of fashion retail is to interpret trends and sell them to the masses.

I think the key to Sportsgirls on going success however is that they know their market and don't try to be anything they're not.

I have no doubt the autumn/winter collection will walk off the shelves, in particular the shoes and boots that by all accounts were well made, affordable and completely on trend.

These boots, they will be mine.

Me, Alicia and Hayley.

Twirling like a crazy woman

2010-02-08T11:56:00.003+11:00

I found this book under the stairs on the weekend, half read with a book mark in the middle. I'm not sure why I would have put it down(probably in the midst of studying last year) because it's quite entertaining. If you haven't read French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano then I would recommend it as the best non-diet diet book around.

I was going to head outside to take my photos today but we are sweltering in 34 degree weather so I am indoor bound.

I like a little breeze to show off the full circle of this skirt but a twirl I realised can suffice. Thank god for curtains so the neighbours can't see me twirling in the lounge room like a crazy woman.

Bag: Inherited

Skirt: I made it! Just do a search for 'circle skirt' and previous posts will come up

Singlet: H&M

Heels: Barkins

Belt: Far East Plaza, Singapore

Happy Friday!

2010-02-05T08:37:00.003+11:00

Happy Friday out there folks, first Friday in Feb!

I like to dress for occasions, meaning I like to look appropriate for the venue/event/party I am attending. Hence my post asking your opinions on what I should wear to the tennis.

Anyhow I'm going to the pub tonight and possibly to see a band(relying on other peoples plans is always GREAT) and I haven't worn this dress as yet but thought c'est parfait.

I gave it a test run last night at ladies night and got the thumbs up from the gals- I was a little worried I might look like an ice skater from 1984 who got lost in a biker shop but they put my fears to rest.

Dress: Bought in Hong Kong on my travels and never worn

Boots: Senso Diffusion

Jacket: Sirrico

p.s- thank you my dear readers for the French lesson!

Peppermint Magazine is still available

2010-02-03T22:05:00.004+11:00

Sniff, sniff, it's the last month I'll be a cover girl for the delightful Peppermint Magazine so if you want a copy rush to the shops!
I'll still be writing for them in coming issues but I have to say that the current issue is pretty special to me. I never could have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would have ended up on the cover of a magazine when I started blogging.

If you can't get it locally you can buy it online from Mag Nation, or you can read all about it here.

And just to satisfy the voyeur in you, here are the photos of the Peppermint Party I threw to celebrate.

A cup of tea....and a party

2010-02-03T16:50:00.004+11:00

Sometimes before I head out I like to have a cup of tea just to relax. It doesn't always happen but my eclectic mix of china tea cups make me so happy. So does my black manicure by the way, Mother Melbourne's not into it at all, but I think against the pale colours it really 'pops.'

Bag: Vintage, inherited from my Aunt Joan

Heels: Verali

Skirt: Tempt

Blouse: Vintage

Cuff: Bugis St market, Singapore

OMG WTF SRSLY I ND HLP!!

2010-02-03T11:45:00.003+11:00

Okay, I need to admit something as a blogger and texter: I can't speak Textese. I know some basic abbreviations, but with a mother who was a teacher and having studied journalism, that kind of thing has simply never really absorbed into my vocabulary.

I sat at the computer screen when I was on gmail chat just two weeks ago wondering why Dr.Jones kept typing 'brb.' Does she need to burp but can't type it? Is there a fascinating blurb of a book she wants to tell me about?
I ended up googling the answer.

My friends will contest that my text messages come complete with full spelling and punctuation, I find it impossible to get the hang of txt speak.

So, in an attempt to become enlightened, here is what I know but I am reaching out to you to help Lady Melbourne get with the sartorial times!

WTF: What the f*ck
OMG: Oh my god
LOL: Laugh out loud
BRB: Be right back
SRSLY: Seriously
HLP: Help
BTW: By the way
ATM: At the moment.

This entire outfit cost $35

2010-02-01T17:31:00.003+11:00

I haven't posted for a while about how I shop for second hand clothes, mainly I suppose because it's just something that is so natural to me. I am always shopping, I never turn off from what is going on around me in terms of retail.

I. Love. To. Shop.

If someone enquires about what I'm wearing and finds out that its second hand or vintage, the first question I am mainly asked is, 'Where do you find this stuff?'

'I don't know...?' isn't really a helpful answer, but I hope as today's post shows the stuff is out there if you care to look. I found this entire outfit in the one Salvation Army store, spending a grand total of $35 and about 1 hour shopping.

It was all there for the taking, I guess my number one tip is that you simply have to look at everything. EVERYTHING. That means home wears, manchester(I found a lavender wool coat once someone had put under a duvet), furniture, childrenswear, books- EVERYTHING.

Make 'scour' your new mantra.

The second tip is that it takes time to shift through racks and racks of clothing, the reward is that you may just find a complete outfit for under $40. If I've learnt one thing from op-shopping since I was 13, it's that you have to spend time going through everything. Literally pulling every single scarf out of that 1 mt high bin.

Dr. Jones found a black and red Christian Lacroix scarf once doing this(the couture end of the business is now closed= collectors item= $$$) and you've seen some of the labels I've found over the years in op-shops.

It's all out there, happy shopping!

Dress: Second hand $7

Glasses: $3

Cotton trench with leather details: $5

Glomesh bag: $10

Leather boots: $10

Sunday Sessions

2010-01-31T23:15:00.002+11:00

I am often reluctant to put jeans on the blog, only because I see them as 'boring.' I wear them, but not as an everyday item, I tend to think of them as super casual attire.
Anyhow, I'm not so precious that I won't wear jeans to the pub on a Sunday, this outfit is a testament to that.

It's always a fine balance- I could substitute the heels for flats, but then the outfit would just scream complacent.
I've been meaning to showcase these new heels anyhow from Verali, who knew nude heels went with everything?!

Ta again for your suggestions on what to wear to the tennis, it was mighty helpful!

Top: Sportsgirl
Jeans: Country Road
Bag: Oroton
Heels: Verali
Necklace: Valley Girl

R.I.P: J. D. Salinger

2010-01-29T16:52:00.003+11:00

"All the kids kept trying to grab for the gold ring, and so was old Phoebe, and I was sort of afraid she'd fall off the goddam horse, but I didn't say anything or do anything. The thing with kids is, if they want to grab for the gold ring, you have to let them do it, and not say anything. If they fall off, they fall off, but it's bad if you say anything to them."

J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

Normally I would bring you Happy Friday on the last day of the working week, but today I'd like to pay tribute to J.D. Salinger who died on Wednesday.

Here is what the New York Times had to say:

"Mr. Salinger’s literary reputation rests on a slender but enormously influential body of published work: the novel “The Catcher in the Rye,” the collection “Nine Stories” and two compilations, each with two long stories about the fictional Glass family: “Franny and Zooey” and “Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction.”

“Catcher” was published in 1951, and its very first sentence, distantly echoing Mark Twain, struck a brash new note in American literature: “If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.”

I don't pretend to be a literary expert, but I love reading and books. I am named after Phoebe Caulfied, Holden's younger sister and the book has had a long lasting influence on my life.

R.I.P, J.D. Salinger.

'It was that kind of a crazy afternoon, terrifically cold, and no sun out or anything, and you felt like you were disappearing every time you crossed a road.'

J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

Little treasures from Adelaide

2010-01-28T17:05:00.003+11:00

Chilling on Rundle St

Whilst I was in Adelaide last week I visited Bauhaus on Rundle St. It's a sort of a home wares, jewellery, art and general stuff-for-the-home kind of store with a bit of a twist. At the moment they had plenty of stuff from Mexico (very Frida Kahlo), Indian pashmina's, bright and huge canvas pop art prints, and of course plenty of kitsch.

I gasped out loud when I saw these figurines because a/ I love dogs b/I love black and white c/ I love kitsch and d/ I love figurines. I could see the look of defeat of H.L's face the minute I had spotted them, a sort of 'Oh sh*t, she's seen more stuff we don't need but she wants to clutter up the house.'

He did end up buying them for me so underneath it all I think he likes them as much as I do ;)

Bauhaus sadly don't have a website, the lovely gals working there told me they have such a high turnover of stock that it can't be facilitated. So just like in the dark ages pre-internet(gasp) you'll just have to do things the old fashioned way and call or make a visit in person. Worth it.

257 Rundle St

Adelaide

SA 5000

T (61 8) 8215 0003

E email@bauhaus.com.au

And the winner is......

2010-01-28T09:51:00.004+11:00

I took one of my readers advice and used a random name picker rather than cutting all your names up and popping them in a hat like I usually do!
I hate that there can only be one winner, and by the look of some of your answers you could really do with the prize, but I gotta keep things fair so, here are the screen shots:

The entries
The winner

Congratulations to Hannah, please email me so you can collect your fabulous prize!

I went with outfit 4

2010-01-27T21:47:00.004+11:00

I don't even know how to explain what/why I am doing this, lets just say it was in a promotion tent.Me and my pal Shiori, ain't she gorgeous?!

Woah guys- I can't believe all your fabulous suggestions for what to wear to the tennis!

Thank goodness I have such fab, creative readers :)

I took all of your masterful suggestions and rolled them into this outfit for the tennis today. It seemed that pants or shorts were a key outfit staple- god forbid you flash the person sitting in front of you! That hadn't even entered my consciousness but as I sat there today lets just say I felt very comfortable that I'd gone for the pants option.

It wasn't as hot as I thought it might be(24 with a cool breeze) so that's why the jumpsuit seemed perfect- and it was!

My hat topped off the whole thing and kept me cool and out of the sun which was super important.

Overall I had a great day, I'm not that into sports but much like the races at Flemington they cater the grounds so you could be at a random festival and not see a sporting event in person all day if you wished.

Rest assured despite the fact I had no idea what was going on, I watched plenty of tennis!