After a trip to Paris, a hectic work schedule and a mountain of blogging backlog, this Saturday I finally got some me time to enjoy the sheer pleasure of being able to sit and read a whole book in one sitting. A serious luxury.

If I had a bathtub, the afternoon would have been pretty perfect but lacking this, the couch, together with the heater, a blanket and enormous cups of tea made for a wonderful few hours.

My winter read was Destiny, by Louise Bagshawe. A master of chick lit, Louise has penned a number of my favourite beach books which now live on the shelves of my parents’ holiday abode, ready to be picked up and plunged into any summer the notion takes me. However Louise’s books don’t only lend themselves to the beach, but also to a glass of red wine and some dark chocolate.

Bagshawe’s latest, Destiny, takes the same formula as her other novels – pretty much the rise and rise of the starlet – but as this one is set in the fabulous world of magazine publishing, it goes without saying this novel would take a special place on my bookshelf.

Kate Fox is an orphan whose sole purpose in life is to marry up – rich and powerful men are her Saturday night dates until she meets Marcus Broder, the richest and most powerful of them all. Kate believes her destiny is to marry Marcus and live happily ever after, but as we well know: be careful what your wish for.

Kate finds herself divorced and starting back at square one. What does her future hold? What is she good at? Destiny is Kate’s story of how she will achieve the life she desires, even if there are a few bumps along the way!

With plenty of bedroom romps (and we all know this is what chic lit is famous for!) and a very healthy dose of fashion (it is a magazine story after all) you’ll be polishing your Prada’s to run to bookshop. Your perfect winter night in.

Destiny, Louise Bagshawe, published by Hachette Australia is available now RRP $19.99

So while I have to go to Sydney this weekend, if you are in Melbourne, everything is on sale. Visit the Collingwood Town Hall for Trelise Cooper, the Anna Pappas Gallery in Prahran for Nevenka and Willow in Richmond. Happy Shopping!

WILLOW Melbourne warehouse sale, 60 Tanner St Richmond
Nevenka Sale at the Anna Pappas Gallery 2-4 Carlton Street Prahran

Cleo, short for Cleopatra, was pretty much a goddess of her time. Miss Elizabeth Taylor did an excellent job of portraying her in the film of the same name and now everyday ladies can get their own little bit of goddess – from the supermarket.

Australian owned Clio was established in the year 2000 and offers quality hosiery to women who purchase their legwear when they get their groceries. In other word? The modern woman!

The hosiery starts at just $4.25 and the new Italian Collection – actually made in ITALY – starts at just $6.99. So chic for so cheap!

As the days gets colder (read: simply freezing in Melbourne!) I’ve broken out the hosiery with everything – under skirts AND pants. Last week I went through three pairs in one day. The cheap stuff just doesn’t cut it anymore – I need Italian craftsmanship.

Pop into your local supermarket and pick up your own bit of luxury. Clio also comes in bodyshaper and slimming styles, just perfect to counteract the winter nights in on the couch with Thai!

While I have totally been caught up in the Parisian flavour of my life of late, in the week before I left, there was some fashion action in Melbourne that rates a mention. Better late than never right?

On Monday 11 April, the Vivienna Lorikeet store on Smith Street in Fitzroy was transformed into a fashion wonderland complete with faux grass runway, fairy lights and quaint white garden chairs.

The parade opened in a creative manner with clever aerobatics and circus acts performed in Vivienna originals wowing the audience before the music pumped up a notch and the parade began.

Colours, tulle, smiles and playfullness skipped over the grass to the oohs and ahhs of a delighted crowd.

I was lucky enough to have Vivienna fit me for a dress prior to the event and loved every minute swishing through the audience for the post parade nibbles and champers. So special was this frock, it warranted a spot in the suitcase to Paris (tulle skirt and all!) and a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Ooh la la.     

Vivienna can custom make a dress for you too – contact her at viviennalorikeet.tumblr.com

I miss Paris. There is no denying it. I see the Eiffel Tower around every corner, spot macaroons from a mile off and continue to wear Spring clothes when Melbourne is clearly experiencing the bitterest of cold days and nights.

But after a hot tip at a get together the other night, I’ve found a piece of Paris just around the corner – South Melbourne’s newest hot spot, Chez Dre.

Translated (by Google translator so it could mean anything) Chez Dre means ‘from Dr.’ – and the place is just what the Dr. ordered. A gorgeous space completely hidden from view off busy Coventry Street, a stone’s throw from South Melbourne Market.

I believe this is the brains behind Chez Dre – the good doctor! Watch this space while I find out more!

A small sign on the main street indicates it is there, but it is truly word of mouth that will make this place shine. A patisserie/boulangerie/café with a full French kitchen in plain sight of the dining area, macaroons and cake are produced before your very eyes while the coffee is pretty awesome too.

Roomy and yummy all in one, this place could be my new fave South Melbourne place to hide out. It’s the perfect spot to plan my next trip to Paris!

Chez Dre
Rear 285-287 Coventry Street
South Melbourne
Open 7 days 7.30am
Twitter: @chezdrecafe
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chezdre

In collaboration with Whitehouse Institute of Design, Mission 65 are delighted to present a night of 1940s glamour and war time chic, made from garments from Prahran Mission Op Shops and hosted by celebrity stylist Philip Boon and Australia’s Doyenne of Fashion Jenny Bannister.

The Fashiow show will feature garments, restyled, deconstructed and redesigned by Melbourne fashion designers Madam Virtue, Jenny Bannister and Project Runway winner Anthony Capon. All garments are available for purchase via auction – more details to follow.

Join in the glamour by wearing your own interpretations of 1940s glamour or ‘make do and mend’ war time chic – prizes for the best dressed.

Mission 65: Fashion, is a salute to the 1940s and celebrates Prahran Mission (born in 1946) which sits on one of Melbourne’s most stylish and fashion conscious streets – Chapel Street!

VENUE: Red Bennies
DATE: Wednesday 1st June
DOORS OPEN: 7pm

http://mission65fashion.tumblr.com/purchase

Tonight my friend decided to set me up with a ‘friend’ of hers.

I haven’t met this boy yet but I already want to buy him this coat. Doesn’t it just seem like it would suit anyone?

Lazaro Coat $495 (Wool/Cashmere)

Dom Bagnato designed this one and says that ‘while the 80’s, 90’s and naughties saw men wearing many different styles of jackets from the bomber to denim to hoodies and the puffer jacket, this season the look is all class with pea coats and trench coats all the go for men.’

I’m suddenly taken back to Paris when the European sophistication of a coat like this is as common as a street sign.

Very MadMen-esque. Don Draper? Dom Bagnato? I’ll take either one.

DOM BAGNATO stockists can be found at www.dombagnato.com.au

The lovely Cheryl over at Busichic (Business Chic for those of you not in the know!) launched her newsletter last week, featuring this wonderful manifesto. Take on the world ladies!

We all love a party and what better reason to celebrate than sustainable fashion, new clothes and a hit of champers?

Nevenka plans to do just that in Melbourne from May 20 to 22 at the Anna Pappas Gallery (2-4 Carlton Street Prahran 3181), showcasing pieces designer Rosemary Masic has passionately spent hours designing.

The collection uses her very much loved vintage fabrics and trims library, signature prints, embellishments and embroideries, all sewn into silhouettes that are a must have for any fashionista.

The main aims of the fashionable weekend are to cleanse and re-use past fabric and trims into brand new garments in a sustainable matter and offer shoppers the exciting opportunity to purchase new garments at wholesale prices. Prices will range from $50-250 with sizes 6-14 available.

Fabric samples from the Nevenka archives

The Nevenka celebration sale is different from a ‘normal’ one off sample or stock sale – this one will have Yering Station champagne and wine, beautiful flowers and the chance to meet and be personally styled by the Nevenka team.

This is truly a one off event not to be missed. Come and celebrate Nevenka and all things past and present.

It’s for a good cause and it’s fashion so why wouldn’t I attend?

TLC for kids is a charity running a campaign with a twist. Casual clothes day? Hell no!
Introducing Tracky Dacks Day!

A day when Australians will wear tracksuit pants to promote awareness of 1.8M kids undergoing treatment in hospitals each year. Why? Because each day in hospital, kids are encouraged to change out of their pyjamas to help keep a healthy mindset.

Trackies represent recovery.

On July 1st, Australians will sport their favourite tracksuit showpiece and (publicly) celebrate their love addiction for this essential wardrobe staple!

At the other end of the scale is a runway show to be held on Thursday 9 June of an arm’s length list of fabulous Aussie Designers, putting on their glad rags for the cause. Tickets are $40 and all mean you get to have a drink and meet with some fabulous Melbourne fashion people. Tickets are on sale now and will go quickly, so support the cause!

ONE NIGHT. ONE RUNWAY. SIXTEEN DESIGNERS.

Carla Zampatti
Leona Edmiston
Aurelio Costarella
J’Aton
Jenny Bannister
Dhini
Alpha60
Lui Hon
Anthony Capon
Neo Dia
Clarence Chai
Extinct
Ellery
Rachael Gilbert
LIFEwithBIRD
Trimapee

Come along for the cocktail soiree & runway show on the rooftop at Melbourne’s Whitehouse Institute. Expect fashion, celebrities, media, and a unique showcase of designs created especially for this one night event hosted by Sarah Gale.

Australia’s leading fashion and celebrity stylist, Philip Boon will be styling the runway, and DJ Georgia Sinclair (courtesy of 360 AGENCY) will be on the decks.

Tickets are available now, $40 from TLC for Kids, with all proceeds being donated directly to TLC for Kids.