Lady Melbourne: Fashion

Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts

27.4.10

The Big In-between

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!

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.

15.4.10

New books, boxes and heels

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

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.

30.3.10

A new circle skirt

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!

29.3.10

Sonia Rykiel for H&M

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

22.3.10

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

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.

17.3.10

Keeping up appearances

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

Well hello third row....

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

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.

13.3.10

The Style Tyrant Rules

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.

11.3.10

Boho Day 4

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

10.3.10

Boho Day 3

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

9.3.10

Boho Day Two

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

8.3.10

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

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!

5.3.10

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

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!

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

23.2.10

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

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!

22.2.10

Dear Autumn, when will you arrive?

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

Lady Melbourne has a new home!