Lately

Here I go again, declaring another "monthly feature," but this one is here to stay! Wanna know how I know? Because I buy something - whether that be a scarf with a gift card or a too expensive yet so flattering swimsuit (because I forgot mine when I went to Tampa) - every month. Therefore, there will always be some item (ahem, items), that I've bought lately that make me neglect my budget and buy more hangers.

Nine West pumps; Stella & Dot Libby layering necklace

Francesca's scarf; American Apparel cotton blouse; Derek Lam for Kohl's chambray jacket and skirt

Apt 9 chiffon blouse, Stella & Dot Foundation bracelet; Tommy Bahama bandeau one-piece

ON ASSIGNMENT | THE CORNER MELBOURNE CENTRAL

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Dear friends,

Yesterday, I was invited by Melbourne Central to check out their newest retail space, known as 'The Corner' - dedicated to urban fashion.

One of my favourite stores in this  precinct, is Co Op Surfection. Not only does the store have a great range of my usual brand go-tos: StyleStalker, Cassette Society, One Teaspoon and Sabre, but every time I visit, I uncover a new Aussie label, like The Astral Plane (pictured), who have some of the best pastel tees and shirts going around.

Whilst I was in-store, I took the opportunity to play dress-ups and share with you two of my favourite trends of the moment: mixing prints and pastels. How outrageous and fabulous are these yellow print jeans!

Next time you're in town, be sure to check out Melbourne Central and 'The Corner' - assignment or no assignment, hands down my favourite shopping 'mall' experience in Melbourne.

Luv,
Friend in Fashion
x

P.S. Some of you have asked where my iphone case is from - it is UK brand Iconemesis, who collaborate with some of the best artists to create incredible case designs - enjoy!

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Ermine

Today we are going to take a waltz through my process:

getting what I want in my little fashion world!

How do I find an item I am obsessed with?

Why the obsession? 

How do I obtain it?  

How do I search for it? 

Should I just make it? 

How the hell do I wear it? 

How can you make it?

Why the obsession?

Every period had found a way to sneek ermine into fashion

but it hasn't been taken seriously as a trend since the 1950s!

Um its the symbol of anything regal....

Well I'm mad about Ermine and I'm bringing it to the 2010!!!!

There's something so crisp and almost graphic about the black and white

While still keeping its elegance in the silky fluff and texture of the black tails

I have found in the first part of my research that

secretly people have kept up a longing for ermine

I imagine this creepy but amazingly eccentric woman who opens her cupboard to get something and all of these ermine capes, collars, coats, hats, and muffs come tumbling out, and she shoves it in with haste before slamming it shut.

I secretly want(need) to be the woman ;)

anyway...

How do I search for it?

I have either been outbid 

or come across a giant text: SOLD flashing before my eyes all over vintage websites

I was about to jump off a bridge while dreaming up layaway possibilities 

to make this cape be mine

I mean come on! Really why the torturous price of $4500 

wwwahhh!!

I just want to touch it please???

Its only a matter of time when a museum or celebrity stylist (Yes Rachel Zoe/ Met museum that means you!) will soon get their grubby hands all over this one

How can you make it?

Very frustrated I started to think about making it....

I found a tutorial that is pretty simple

Which can lessen your frustrations as well

I recommend the "difficult" choice, which isn't so difficult!

side note:  The Elizabethan jewelry tutorials are super magical and I want to try them out myself!

One day I found the perfect 30s scarf

I bid

I won

I conquered!!!

How the hell do I wear it?

search half way over!!!

Why half way you ask?

Well when I'm obsessed 

one piece is not enough for my taste

I need at least a set or better a full ensemble covering me head to toe

So my search went like this

ermine fur cape.....nothing

ermine hat.....nothing

ermine muff.....nothing

ermine shoe clips.....nothing

I then found myself

(going to the source) 

visiting the lovely online shop 

Dorotheas vintage 

side note: you can follow her on face book to get constant updates

..trust me its worth it

And so....

yep you guessed it!

look what I found......

this muff is going to be fantastic!

outfit post will be posted ASAP

Learn a little about the little cuties and my fur views:

They are actually stoats, but during their winter coat period

they are referred to as Ermine

I believe that fur should ONLY be worn if it is vintage or fake.

I personally would never buy anything else, but can understand cow and rabbit fur only if its from the same animal that is eaten..and since it is practically impossible for the two to exist and still be quality I continually stand by not wearing anything else.

There is such a thing as a beautiful fake.  In fact fake fur that has been designed extraordinarily well can be fantastic and precious.  It angers me when people actually set their minds to cheapness when working with the fake fur

EX: On project runway this week Chris actually said "I was looking at all the fake furs and they look soo cheap".  Well I'm sorry but what you came up with when using real fur (you thought you deserved) insulted the animal killed!!!

I feel it is ok to make up for the mistakes of the past.  To simply sweep 1000's of years worth of animals that we slaughtered is simply bad for the environment and disrespectful to the creatures.

Feedback that I would love to hear from you:

1) I'm wide open to a very tired, old, but still interesting, and valid(due to current fur trends) discussion about fur...pro..against..solutions...disgust....anything I want to hear it all

2) Did you like the process of my vintage search...would you like to see more?? I have many more obsessions to explore..trust me hahaha!

Shop Friend in Fashion

I write to you from Hong Kong airport, waiting for my next flight to Sydney.

As promised in my last post - here is a sneak peak at some of the new items available at Shop Friend in Fashion.

Can't wait to get home to see family and friends AND pick up four weeks of online purchases.

Have a great week.

X

Flower power

As mentioned in my last post, I picked up these great sandals and pretty floral dress from my favourite shopping spot in Hanoi, Hang Ngon, both for less than $20.

In addition to magnificent food, friendly people and a beautiful geography, Vietnam has some really good shopping, particularly if you know where to look. I’ve picked up so many of my now favourite pieces: shoes, dresses and accessories during my stay here, and fear that I’m going to be way over my luggage weight allowance.

I have only three more weeks left to enjoy Vietnam, before heading back to Australia for a week to visit friends and family and then I’m off to explore again! First on the itinerary: Singapore, Barcelona and Portugal.

I’m wearing:
Dress – Hang Ngon, Hanoi
Shoes – Hang Ngon, Hanoi
Vintage charms – Markets (New York)

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Back to basics

This is a simple but striking outfit that exists in everyone’s wardrobe. Adding a graphic tee and a splash of colour adds interest and lifts the classic black and white.

My tip: transform a black and white base outfit by experimenting with different textures (leather, satin, metallics), prints and accessories.

Photos: Sasha Pazeski: http://www.flickr.com/photos/owmyhands/

x

Bandage me up

I picked up this great bandage skirt for a steal (A$10) and can’t stop wearing it. I like to team with ankle boots and a metallic clutch for a night out, or with a t-shirt and flats for something more casual.

My tip: When styling the bandage look avoid pieces that are too tight. Although a figure hugging style, there is nothing worse than a ceased circulatory system. To avoid bulging in the wrong places, try the next size up, or layer your bandage skirt/dress over smoothing underwear.

Photos: Sasha Pazeski: http://www.flickr.com/photos/owmyhands/

x

Autumn hue

The trench coat is a staple in any wardrobe. Teaming the trench with a sweetheart cut dress perfectly defines and compliments an hourglass figure, creating a bold, yet feminie look.

Photos: Sasha Pazeski: http://www.flickr.com/photos/owmyhands/

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Playful brights

Wearing bold, bright colours always brings a smile to my face and this has to be one of my favourite outfits. I love the contrast between the pink and green and how the black ties the whole outfit together.

Shoes: Nude, skirt: Ladakh, belt: lace trim - Lincraft, tank: Supre.

Photos: Sasha Pazeski: http://www.flickr.com/photos/owmyhands/

x

Power Dressing

"Dress sharply and they notice the dress. Dress impeccably and they notice the woman" – Coco Chanel

Power dressing is back, sprawled across magazines and catwalks alike - the reintroduction of shoulder pads, suiting and bold colours. Power dressing is a style of clothing intended to convey the impression of assertiveness, confidence and competence.

Photos: Sasha Pazeski: http://www.flickr.com/photos/owmyhands/

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Prim and proper

A favourite look of mine at the moment is tailored and feminine dressing. Outfits that radiate femininity and elegance are classic, suit every body shape and are simple to achieve.

My tip: Look for clothes that highlight your figure - think pencil skirts, detailed blouses and cropped cardigans. Define waists and accentuate curves.

The key to mastering this look is in the finer detail and accessories are a must. Keep an eye out for pearls, lace, brooches, flowers, gloves, ruffles and skinny belts.

Thanks to my gorgeous model and the talented Sasha Pasezki. You can find more of his work at: www.flickr.com/photos/owmyhands/

X

Featured photographer: Sasha Pazeski

Last weekend I was lucky enough to work with the fabulously talented Sasha Pazeski.

For this shoot I decided to head outdoors to demonstrate some key looks and trends. Over the next few weeks I'll be posting our collaboration.

Sasha is a fabulous photographer and an even nicer guy. I would encourage all fans of beautiful photography and great talent to check out his work at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/owmyhands/

x

Ways to wear: Stretch cotton dress

This is another of Alice Wark’s designs.
A simple stretch cotton dress is a great versatile addition to any wardrobe.


Here I demonstrate just a handful of different ways you can experiment with the one design to create a range of different outfits easily and inexpensively.

My tip: Be creative, but stick to styles that compliment your body shape and always dress to accentuate your good points. For example if your problem area is your legs, try a fitted style up top and a fuller/flared skirt.

A simple style dress like this also looks great with accessories so why not try creating new looks by adding different belts, jewellery, bags and shoes.

x

Featured designer: Alice Wark

A friend of mine put me on to the super talented local designer, Alice Wark.

This is just a sample of Alice's designs. I am loving her 60's and 70's inspired print maxi dresses. A very feminine cut, gorgeous colours and superbly priced at A$80.

These make for great summer dresses - simply add flip flops and your favourite accessories. The maxi dress also works just as well in the cooler months - layer over a fitted skivvy or team with a leather bomber jacket (Ways to wear: Leather jacket), add some tights, boots and shorten the hemline by adding a belt - perfect!

If you would like more information about Alice check out her Etsy site.
If you are an up-and-coming designer that would like to be featured, PM me.

x

Ways to wear: Leather jacket

In keeping with my last post, I thought it would be helpful to demonstrate ways to wear the leather jacket.

Here are just a few ways I’ve styled my friend’s leather jacket.

My tip: Add feminine touches to the leather jacket for a polished and pretty look. Team the jacket with pastels or floral prints and experiment with different sleeve lengths.

Alternatively add a denim mini, tights and ankle boots to achieve a rock inspired look.

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