The Weekend Away - my latest article for Australian Fashion Guide

Click here to read my latest article for Australian Fashion Guide! xoxox

The Weekend Away - Fashion & Beauty, Fashion Designers, News & People - Fashion Directory - Australian Fashion Guide

You get the call last minute. A weekend away with the girls and you need to be packed by this evening in order to make the flight. Don't panic, AFG has you covered. Simply follow this fool proof guide to packing for that ‘surprise trip-out-of-town’, and you'll never have reason to stress again.

The first item on the agenda is taking the right bag. Forget lugging an oversized suitcase through Tullamarine, that’s so 2005. These days it’s all about taking carry-on luggage, so you can quickly skip off to your destination as soon as you hit the tarmac. The Samsonite Carrylite Wheeled Duffle in black is perfect. It is large enough to fit a weekend of necessities and small enough to fit in the overhead compartment. It has even been approved as carry-on luggage by Samsonite.


Shortly after you check into your hotel, it's off to the latest tapas bar for a light dinner and a few cocktails. Work all dress codes in Camilla & Marc's interpretation of this seasons jumpsuit, the "Harmonia" in navy blue silk. Slip on this Charlies Angels inspired piece for a little one-step chic. $550 from Camilla and Marc.


The sun is up and the birds are singing! What better way to spend the day than by hitting up the markets and doing a spot of shopping, and we all know this means wearing something comfortable. In the softest cotton chambray, and cheeky peek-a-boo cut out at the back, select the “Romantic” jumpsuit by Aussie style favourites Sass & Bide $350 complete this outfit with a pair of Tony Bianco ‘Spencer’ flat sandals. As we all know, nothing ruins a shopping expedition faster than a blister!


We all know a weekend away with the girls wouldn’t be complete without hitting up a club for a dance and some mingling with cute boys, so get your flirt on in this super cute Shakuhachi off-the-shoulder wrap dress in the very on-trend blush tone. With black sheer mesh panels for a hint of sauciness, nothing’s sexier than leaving a little something to the imagination!


Exhausted after a night out? Then the only way to spend your last day in town is to go for a splash down the beach and check out the sights. Go for something a little unexpected on the sand in this Seventh Wonderland 7pm Zip one-piece $265 with bandeau wrapping around the bust and contrasting panels that flatter the hips, this is the sort of piece that could take you from beach to bar with the simple addition of a tube skirt.



As the sun starts to set over the sparkling Pacific Ocean, it’s time to cover up, and who better to assist than the Caftan Queen, Camilla. The Waterfall Off-the-shoulder rouched caftan, in silk crepe with Swarovski crystals is ideal. This loose fitting floaty piece is exactly what you want on your salty skin after swimming all day.

Call me patriotic ....

Going through my wardrobe the other day, I noticed a little mini-trend occuring. Stars and Stripes, the Union Jack, you name it - flags and emblems are popping up everywhere! Even furniture brand Domayne have featured them in their 2011 catalogue!

And without being aware of it, I too have fallen for this look!

It all started with this super hot 'straight out of the 80's' vintage jumper I scored at the Camberwell Markets a few months back. A slightly unhinged lady with a bright pink wig and crazy tutu sold it to me, discounting the price from $75 down to $20 after I scared off a nasty pest who was harrassing women as they shopped. Yes, Liberty Harlow to the rescue! Forget the fashion police, the real-deal cops were almost called, so with a story like that, this jumper has a cool history ... along with some fierce shoulder pads!



Next up is my 'Twinkie Goes to Town' singlet by Sass & Bide. The last one left at the Sass & Bide warehouse sale, I had to stalk a girl around Collingwood Town Hall for a good 20 minutes, waiting for her to discard it, and it was definately worth the hunt. Yes, its too big for me, but I make it work by tying a knot in the back.

And then there is my new Union Jack bodysuit from my new favourite store on Chapel, Bronzesnake.

Another purchase that was made and snuck into the house. When I pull this one out of the wardrobe in a few days time, it will be to the tune of 'This old thing? I've had it for aaaaaages!'

Unless of course 'he' reads this, in which case I'll deny everything!

Apologies for the crappy iPhone pics ... but this blog couldn't wait!

Bragging Rights

I wanted to share this pic of the very gorgeous and talented Zandra Rhodes and I, taken at the Melbourne Cup last month. From Royalty to Rockstars, Zandra has designed for them all and it was an absolute honour to meet her.

How hot is her hair?

Dior Cruise 2011

The scent of freshly cut white roses, softly lit candles and a private suite 30 floors up at the Crown Towers set the scene for last weeks showing of the 2011 Dior Cruise Collection.

Inspired by Parisian New Wave cinematic bombshells such as the devine Brigitte Bardot, the collection showed lots of pastels, candy colours, stripes and subtle floral hints, whether printed on the fabric or through intricate beading.

Even leather with the finest of flowers attached, on close inspection you know you're in the presence of design genius. John Galliano's attention to detail is impeccable, fabrics loomed with the same cross stitch as the original Dior quilted bag and signature bows featured prominently on finer details such as belts and shoulder straps.

The collection flashes back to the past, with the light floral trench being a modern take on an actual 1950's archived piece.

Straight from the runway, were showstopping necklaces, cuffs and chokers, adorned with pearls, swarovski crystals and ebony wood, snapping shut with magnet clasps and pins.

And then there is the metalicised goat skin leather handbag and matching wallet. Drool.

I had to try a few pieces on, all in the name of research of course! And as you can see, I felt like Alice in Fashion Wonderland!

Watch the collection being shown here, as shown in Shanghai earlier this year. Enjoy! xoxox

Huge thankyou goes out to my photographer at Shh .. you know who you are!

Dior Cruise 2011 - available from late December 2011.

longing for lashes

Devestated after hearing my favourite show, 'The City' had been cancelled, I had a little re-run marathon party last week. It's funny watching a program the 2nd time around, you become obsessed over the smallest things.

Firstly, I love Whitney Port. As a fellow blonde with brown eyes, I often use her for style inspiration. And dont even get me started on her arch-nemisis Olivia Palermo. Does she ever put a perfectly manicured fashion foot wrong? From her Birkin to her Balenciaga, I have to contain a little squeal every time she appears onscreen.

But fashion aside, its her peepers that have caught my attention. Those big bambi lashes of hers are breathtaking, and when I found out she does her own eye makeup, I couldn't believe it! Even more exciting is the thought I could re-create this look at home, after sourcing an interview from US Glamour Magazine where she swears by Revlon Fantasy Lengths Maximum Wear eyelashes.



Now, I consider myself a connoisseur when it comes to false lashes for a big night out on the town, but I'm not a fan of messy glue that I always seem to get on the carpet, or worse, my robe. With that thought in mind, I was pleasantly surprised to find these lashes are self adhesive. Like little stick on nails for your eyes, they were easy to apply and held fast all night!


I think I've just found my new favourite beauty product!

Revlon Fantasy Lengths Lashes $10, from Kmart, Target and leading pharmacies.

photo courtesy of www.revlon.com

Cuff Stuff

Going through my phone the other day, I came across this pic I took as I was sitting backstage at the Design Awards for the Melbourne Cup. I can't remember the designer of this decadent cuff (which is really bugging me ... although I do remember she was based in Brisbane) but thought I'd share this little piece of heaven with you all the same.

Loving!

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

I just had to post this super cool pic my photographer friend took of me today as I was racing to an appointment at Crown Towers. The foyer of this place is amazeballs. Seriously.