Lady Melbourne: Dresses

Showing posts with label Dresses. Show all posts

21.4.10

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

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

19.4.10

Lady Melbourne's favourite dress

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.

13.4.10

Eco Fashionista A/W 2010 Review

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.

7.4.10

An old favourite now autumn has arrived

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!

26.3.10

Heading Out

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

18.3.10

The little Old Lady Who Lived in Her Pearls

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

15.3.10

Day One

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.

24.2.10

Honey and Cinnamon: What is your favourite scent?

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

20.2.10

A piece of Paris....

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.

19.1.10

Hardware

I just realised that this outfit really hinges on the accessories I'm wearing. I'd been after a grey dress-scratch that the perfect grey dress- for ages when I happened upon this in Episode and the more I wear it the more it love it. Only thing is, it's not a natural fiber which I prefer in my clothes, but still it seems to be proving itself quite versatile. I'm still on the look out for a silk version so let me know if you find anything.

I can't stop wearing these heels- why haven't I bought a neutral pair of heels before?! They go with everything and I just love them.

Necklaces: Valley Girl

Dress: Episode

Bag: Siricco

Heels: Verali

Belt: Salvos in Abbotsford

Sunnies: Scarlet & Sly

14.1.10

Where is Lady Melbourne?

I've been kinda busy the last few days and I've let my photos slip- sorry guys! Yesterday I went to the dentist and had a general anaesthetic that knocked me out with a valium hangover from hell for the rest of the day so I'm only getting around to a new post now.

So here I am, not to be deterred, with a party to go to and a cocktail or 3 to be had. I made this dress to wear to the wedding last week but the Isabella Oliver dress arrived in time so it's kind of perfect that I have somewhere to wear it this week. It was literally a sheath of sequined fabric that I made into a sort of caftan creation with a low back. Perfect explanation Lady M but you get my drift.

I needed a 'quick fix' pair of heels to go with, and found these Verali shoes on sale under $100. Puuuuurfect!

11.1.10

Lady M in Isabella Oliver

So remember last week when I was talking about how Isabella Oliver were Fed Exing me a dress from London?

Well this is it. Worth the wait don't you think! It got here just in time for when I needed it so I need to give a huge shout out to Lucy from Isabella Oliver who organised the whole thing.

I love my dresses, and this one is a truly special addition to my wardrobe. It's 'The Goddess Dress' and I'm not kidding you feel like one walking around the house in it. The make, fit and fabric are superb, and even better the dress is on sale too. Clickity click!

Speaking of dresses I have to announce the winner of last weeks give-away:

Josephine from Tale Peddler!

You've won a vintage dress, Mag Nation vouchers and a double pass to see 'Bright Star.' Congratulations

The three runners up for the movie tickets are:

Indigo

Ms Lauren

Whats for Tea?

All you have to do is email me with your postal details!

8.1.10

Happy Friday!

It's my first Happy Friday post for 2010 so I'm kind of thrilled that a competition ends today. Don't forget to enter, there could be a vintage dress and other fabulous finds in there for you!

I bought this dress at Episode on Sydney Rd and it had a ghastly(seriously, who uses that word) canary yellow collar and trim on the pockets and sleeves. I unpicked all of that, took it up and now have a lovely grey dress that I have wanted for, well, forever.

H.L thinks that I look like Noeline from Sylvania Waters with those glasses on and begs me not to wear them, but I'm rather fond of them in a Florida-retiree-kind-of-way. I love Nana Chic so they are here to stay.

I'm kind of blown away by all your entries into the comp, I can tell by my analytics that visitors have dropped(which isn't unusual this time of year) so I guess I thought not many people would enter. For all you troopers back at work in the new year while the rest of us are on holiday, I hope you find this entertaining and win yourself a prize! I know I hated going back to work just after new year before my big career change so thanks for tuning in while the rest of us are sleeping in or at the mall.

Dress: Episode

Bag: Leather market, Florence

Bracelets: Random Indian shop in Oakleigh

Belt: Far East Plaza, Singapore
Sunnies: DFO
Earings: I made them
Heels: Tony Bianco, DFO

(I just realised what I united nations effort this outfit is. Hilarious.)

6.1.10

I love my Mum

I have an event and then a wedding on Friday evening, and the good people at Isabella Oliver are Fed Exing me a dress, but as a back up Mother Melbourne bought me this to wear.

I love it, it's not a colour I would normally go for but for some reason with the divine weather we're having it makes me feel all summery. I'm wearing it right now around the house- can't take it off!

4.1.10

Time for another Lady Melbourne give away I think!

I hadn't checked my PO BOX for a while and was thrilled when I did the other day to find it stuffed full of wonderful packages.

The Hanging Space sent me this darling vintage dress as a surprise and I think it's fab. Their website stocks Australian and vintage labels with a nice mix of accessories as well.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Then I opened up a rather slick envelope from Mag Nation to find this:

I also have some movie tickets to give away as well to the latest Jane Campion film, 'Bright Star' staring our own Abbie Cornish.

So I thought as it's the new year what better way than to put it all together as a give-away to say thanks for all your support in 2009.

All you have to do is leave a comment, comp closes this Friday 8th January AEST.

3 runners up will each win a double pass to see the film as well!
You will receive:
One vintage dress, no tags so no size but if you think we look the same it will fit. Precise, no?!
Two x $5 vouchers to Mag Nation stores valid in Australia and New Zealand. Check out their website for locations.
One double pass to see 'Bright Star' at participating cinemas Australia wide.

28.12.09

Summer Days

I haven't put up photographs with a film like quality in a while but it's really my favourite style of photography.
Mother Melbourne bought me this fan to use when it's hot and I usually forget to take it anywhere useful with me, but it makes quite a good prop if I do say so myself.

I braved the sales today with His Lordship but most of the shelves had been ravaged on boxing day and there was seldom little left but XL's and weary looking sales assistants. I got a pair of grey jeans and a lovely silk top from Country Road and am on the hunt for a killer necklace to wear to a wedding next week. Something in amethyst, something show stopping, something that sparkles. I found a necklace in Swarovski for $1000 but I don't have $1000 and even if I did I wouldn't spend it on a necklace. I could make it myself and that's my problem-it's the first thing I think when I shop for accessories.

I'm giving myself two more days of shopping for it and then I'll be setting about to make my own.

Dress: Bugis St market, Singapore

Earrings: Diva

22.12.09

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas: Day3

I think you are going to see this bag more than you might like, but since I got it from H L as an early Christmas gift I can't stop wearing it.

I hope you found yesterday's little gift guide helpful, I made a pledge in Peppermint magazine that I would hand make this years Christmas gifts(I know the lollies were cheating!) and I've really tried my best. I did it last year for Christmas, mainly because I was broke but the response was amazing. Everyone loved the fact that I'd taken the time to make the gift, rather than buy it. It sort of set me on a path of trying this year to make a big effort to make as much as possible.

Anyhow, hope the week isn't too crazy for you!

16.12.09

Your last chance to vote...for me please!

This dropped into my inbox today and it was a lovely surprise I can assure you:

'You are receiving this email because your label, blog, or collection has made it to the final 3 in your category!
There is no panel of judges, so it really is people power that counts. We urge you to rally your fans, database, and friends and family for any support over the coming days.

Voting for the awards will close on the 20th of December, with winners being announced on the 23rd of December.'

Your loyal fans will be eligible to win any number of fabulous prizes from our following sponsors simply by casting their vote:

· Estile.com · Mino HD Flip Video Cameras· Diva · Bras n Things · Dressed Up · Cristiana · Mavi · RetroSuperFuture · Converse · Williams · FrockShop

So I guess this is one last push to ask for your vote, I didn't realise there were prizes to be had as well!

I bought this dress at Savers but re-cut it. Sadly I didn't take a before picture for you but it was almost down to my ankles and baggy. I like the colour, the stamp on the fabric says 'Paris, France.'

I'm happy with that!

Vote for me for Best Fashion Blog in the 2threads Fashion Awards!Pretty please!

6.12.09

Saturday Op-Shopping and new dresses

Today I have been at the Camberwell market and found all manner of kitschy goodness, but here for your viewing pleasure are yesterdays op-shop and general shopping finds.

I often look in the larger size department at Savers because you can get great fabric in often simple shapes that can be re-cut.
The floral dress was a size 18 but I cut it down to fit me, put in an elastic waist, new buttons and it's like new. All the mauve dress needed was the hem to come up and a new neckline.

Finally got my hands on the latest issue of Lula magazine, my all time FAVOURITE glossy read.

I got the book at Savers, it has lovely illustrations inside and the Louis Vuitton organiser I found at a church op-shop for $1. I don't know if it's real, it is in really great condition and seems to have all the stamps and logos in the right places but I'm no Vuitton expert.

It was underneath a whole heap of stuff, the Nana's that sold it to me had no idea what it was. Even if it is fake it looks pretty good to me!

Vote for me for Best Fashion Blog in the 2threads Fashion Awards!Pretty please!

Lady Melbourne has a new home!

21.4.10

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

19.4.10

Lady Melbourne's favourite dress

13.4.10

Eco Fashionista A/W 2010 Review

7.4.10

An old favourite now autumn has arrived

26.3.10

Heading Out

18.3.10

The little Old Lady Who Lived in Her Pearls

15.3.10

Day One

24.2.10

Honey and Cinnamon: What is your favourite scent?

20.2.10

A piece of Paris....

19.1.10

Hardware

14.1.10

Where is Lady Melbourne?

11.1.10

Lady M in Isabella Oliver

8.1.10

Happy Friday!

6.1.10

I love my Mum

4.1.10

Time for another Lady Melbourne give away I think!

28.12.09

Summer Days

22.12.09

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas: Day3

16.12.09

Your last chance to vote...for me please!

6.12.09

Saturday Op-Shopping and new dresses

You must be curious....