Wednesday, April 27, 2011

d'Orsay







I am sightly obsessed with this shape of shoe. While I don't usully gravitate towards a stiletto heel, there is just something so timeless - not to mention incredibly sexy - about the exposed arch and cutaway sides of this style. We were trying so hard at work today to figure out what the style is called, and, as usual, I couldn't sleep until I had my answer. The d'Orsay. Yes, like the Parisian museum. The Frenchness of the name seems quite fitting I think when you consider the sex appeal that the sharp heel, pointed toe and sleek cutaway ooze. And they are definitely a shape that is timeless and loved by all - men included (unlike, say, harem pants). Although I am definitely going through a head-over-heels (sorry) obsession with wedges, I know that I will never be able to pass up the perfect d'Orsay. 
Swedish blogger Elin Kling is proof (if any is even needed) that d'Orsays add instant chic to any pairing - ripped blues included. I could keep my wedge obsession intact with the Olsen's interpretation of the shape for their label Elizabeth and James - the perfect combination of my two favourite types of shoes. But, I really would love nothing more than to get my hands (feet, rather) on a pair of the patent heels from Stella McCartney's A/W 2010 collection. For now though, I'll settle with the black suede pair I spied in Zara. Oh, the joys of our Sydney store! 

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Family Matters







A random assortment of fashion's finest and their families. I had a lovely Easter with my cousin visiting me in Sydney - so glad I could spend it with some of my family! 

Natalia Vodianova and family. Stella McCartney A/W 2011 Show, Paris.
Miranda Kerr and Orlando and Flynn Bloom. JFK Airport.
Carine Roitfeld and Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld. Vogue Paris 90th Anniversary Masquerade Ball.
Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Annual Women in Need Benefit, NYC.
Arizona and Nikko Muse. J Crew May Catalogue.
Peder Bakker and Natasha Poly. Their Wedding.

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Thursday, April 21, 2011

The inevitable Zara post...



Sometimes, in this little fashion bubble I live in, I am sure that things I consider to be of interest, those living in "the real world" would not have not a clue about, let alone care. This is definitely not the case with the opening of Australia's flagship Zara store in Sydney. From the rumours that began circulating as far back as 2007, to their confirmation by the way of the brand's billboards in the windows of three levels of Sydney's new Westfield since late last year, the wait is finally over. Zara has landed on Australian shores. And what a landing it seems to be. The opening night on Tuesday - which drew a crowd of over 500 VIPs - was only a small indication of things to come. 

With the store opening its doors to the public a 9am yesterday morning, I literally haven't been able to walk through Pitt Street mall (let alone make it into the store) without pushing my way through a teaming mob. When you consider the fact that yes, people, they are just clothes (did I really just say that?) it seems rather ridiculous the amount of queuing that has resulted in excessive security and even police patrols outside the store. Maybe an indication that we should have had Zara a long, long time ago. But, better late than never! Which brings me to the entire point of this post... a sentiment that certainly wouldn't be shared by the Australian retailing community. Let's just say, stores such as Witchery, Sportsgirl and Cue should be very, very afraid. 

The Spanish giant - who, by the way, will be dropping product into stores twice every WEEK - will provide some much needed to change to the Australian high street. Their price point is quite a bit lower than that of existing Aussie retailers - while their quality and breath of selection is often much higher. They have such an insanely quick turnaround (for those of you who paid attention in economics class - it's called supply and demand), where they can see something on the catwalk, follow the dissection of trends through the various media outlets and have runway-inspired pieces on their shelves within three weeks. That's before the original designers even know which pieces from their collection will be manufactured. And - of course - all before our own retailers have had a chance to blink. So what may be bad news for the Australian retail sector can only be good news for the Australian consumer. 

Before I went overseas and discovered the joys of Zara, along with H&M, Topshop, Cos and many other stores us Aussies miss out on, I was quite happily forking out $149.95 for a pair of Sportsgirl jeans. $60 for a plain tee from Witchery? No problem. $189 for those cute wedge boots at Wittner? You betcha. (Yes, these prices aren't that expensive... but when you consider the fact they are for clothes from mass-market chain stores that everyone else will be buying... they become grossly overpriced. I'd rather spend a bit more a get quality Australian designer pieces.) I distinctly remember stepping inside my very first Zara store in Saint Germain in Paris, and seeing things I could almost swear black and blue were going to be expensive. Not so. Half an hour later I walked out having paid around a hundred euro (at the time, about $130) for a black, knee-lenth, 100% wool coat. Fast-forward to Nice where I picked up some (nice) suede wedge boots for 50 euros that haven't seen a week go by without me wearing them. And don't even get me started on my classically tailored wool blazer with real silk lapels that is slightly reminiscent of YSL's famed Le Smoking... that cost me about 80 bucks.

 We'll have to wait and see, but the message Zara is sending to our retailers seems to be clear - shape up (that is, lower prices or up your product offering), or move out. For far too long we have been ignorantly paying the exorbitant prices set by local retailers because we didn't know any better. We had no choice. Until now. Retailers - be scared, shoppers - rejoice. Zara has arrived. 

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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Natasha.

And in other model news this morning, Natasha Poly got married on the weekend. Oh, the things those models do. Flowers and Givenchy. Beautiful. X




image via vogue.it

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Again...

Some of the things I've been up to whilst neglecting this blog...

Moving! I've finally moved into a little terrace house in Paddington in Sydney, just off Oxford St. So I've been spending what little spare time I have.....

Exploring. Love finding little gems around my local area in the way of boutiques, vintage shops, bustling cafes and hidden bars. Took my friends from Adelaide to a cute pizza place when they were visiting which had grass sprouting from the ceiling and crayons supplied at all the tables to entertain the (grown-up) kids. Can't wait to trawl around the eastern streets some more with my friend from the CakeFace.

Lusting over some very very very amazing items both online and from some of Sydney's best stores - namely the Corner Shop in Paddington, and namely thanks to the ever spot-on Hannah-Rose, from my favourite Capture the Castle. Some of these include (and are most definitely NOT limited to....)

A Benah Canvas Box Bag 

Isabel Marant Gwen Lady Slipper


Acne Pearl Skirt


Dries Van Noten Velda Jacket


And finally... working! Very excited to say that I've landed my very first job in fashion. See below for hints ;)



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