One of my favourite quotes is dress for the job you want, not the job you have. It’s no secret I want to work in the fashion industry and the daily compliments I receive in my job that is quite far removed from the fashion industry is a testament to this quote. Sky high heels (my favourite question is ‘how do you walk in those?!’ The answer? Putting one foot in front of the other!) and outrageous colour combinations. Patterned tights and dazzling accessories. Formal dresses mixed with corporate staples. Every day when I walk down the stairs (ok, sometimes I take the lift – stairs and heels are not the most practical combination) I feel confident in my outfit and the fact that one day I might be able to walk into an office filled with others in a similar unique getup. 
 
When I had my first ever interview for a fashion related job a number of years ago, I wore my favourite pinstripe suit, heels and a crisp white shirt. The interview was for a junior marketing assistant at Guess – I was thrilled to even be offered an interview and as with any opportunity like this that presents itself – I was nervous beyond words. Choosing my outfit that day was a lesson in itself. University classes had prepared me for corporate marketing jobs – not fashion ones – and I went with what I thought would be most impressive. At the time I didn’t realise that possibly the most impressive thing I could have done was wear something that would make me stand out and show the company my personal style.

Obviously I didn’t get this role; my lack of retail experience being the main reason; but I can’t help but wonder if the way I dressed in the interview was a little to blame. Roles I have interviewed for since this job included marketing at Kmart and my current job – both pure corporate roles where a suit and a well pressed shirt could always go the distance. I do recall my second, or perhaps third, interview for my current role where the interviewer complimented my shoes. I knew I was in.

Late last year I interviewed for a week long internship at an accessories label, a role where I thought I would have the opportunity to show some of my fashion savvy and where my daily fashion parading would be appreciated. Trying to find the balance between what is corporate and what is fashion is a fine line and I walked it – magenta shirt; full, high waisted skirt and fabulous heels – an interview where my skills and passion for all things fashion landed me the job.

This being my first actual role in a fashion environment opened my eyes to a lot of things. While I was working with fashion savvy people and agonised daily over my outfit, my wardrobe still consisted of a lot of corporate wear and I had to mix and match pieces to make it work. As much as I thought I was expressing my personal style through what I had to work with, the people I was working with didn’t seem to agree, acknowledging that my dress sense was perhaps ‘too corporate’ for them.

I learnt a lot about work environments and dress from this experience and this further fuelled my desire to create stunning looks and wear them to my corporate job. Perhaps the reason they work so well here is because they are so far removed from standard issue corporate wear. But what I think is corporate and what you think is corporate could be worlds apart. At the end of the day, personal style is what YOU think it is, no one else. When it all comes down to it, attending a job interview still has some basic rules whether you are applying to be a CEO or a check out chick.

– Make sure what you are wearing fits properly. Not too big, not too small, but just right. Don’t flash too much leg or too much cleavage. If you can’t fit your own clothing, what else can’t you do?
– Heels should be of a medium height that fit well; too high and you risk tripping over (it happens to EVERYONE and you have no idea what the flooring in the interview location will be like) while too low says ‘schoolgirl’.
– Popular opinion says women should wear a skirt to a job interview – I beg to differ. As long as you are presented well, it shouldn’t matter if you are wearing a skirt or pants.
– Iron whatever you choose to wear. Creases = career fail.
– Hair should be off the face and make up clean and minimal. Less is more. Avoid distracting hair accessories; these will divert the interviewers’ attention.
– Similarly, jewellery is a grey area. You don’t want anything flashy or noisy but you want to show that you can accessorise well. Take your cue from Chanel and remove something before you leave the house. A watch is always a good idea.
– Handbags should be practical. Clutch purses are best kept for evening, oversized beach bag totes belong at the beach.
– Nail polish is a personal choice but it’s best to go with something you think fits the brand you are being interviewed for. Natural or neutral colours are best if you are unsure and then amp it up for a second interview if you think it’s appropriate.
– Always arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. While sitting in the waiting area, don’t fidget. It’s okay to be nervous – the interviewer knows this and will usually take it into account – take a deep breath and answer questions confidently and without babbling.

Remember, your CV got you this far and now you have the chance to impress with your brilliant personality and stunning outfit. Smile, and shine!

Cartoons thanks to www.CartoonStock.com

Last night I had the pleasure and privilege of attending a preview screening of the new Chanel film, Coco & Igor. The film picks up around the same time as Coco Avant Chanel concluded and through the films are in no way related through writers, directors or the like, it is a continuing journey through the life of this fashion visionary.

The story begins in Paris 1913, where Chanel (Anna Mouglalis) and Boy Capel are lovers and Chanel is driven by her passion for her work. Chanel attends Igor Stravinsky’s (Mads Mikkelsen) opening night performance of The Rite of Spring, a powerful and modern musical ballet. While the audience do not appreciate the performance, writing it off as scandalous, Chanel is enthralled.

The film then skips ahead to 1920 when Chanel is wealthy and successful. She is in mourning after the loss of her lover (where Coco Avant Chanel concluded) while Igor and his family are living a penniless existence in a hotel after the Russian Revolution. Their introduction immediately sets wheels in motion for a tumultuous love affair, played out at Chanel’s villa on the outskirts of Paris.

While we get to see Chanel’s impeccable taste in fashion and Stravinsky’s modern and unusual musical styling’s, the film is also about emotion, longing and loss. A particular highlight for me was the inclusion of the process of creation of Chanel’s signature perfume, Chanel No. 5 and the flawless nature of the Chanel brand, down to personal inspection of the salesgirls before trade began for the day.  

If you enjoyed Coco Avant Chanel, expect something slightly more dark and foreboding but still a worthy way to spend two hours. Fashionable, arty and educational.

When I was a kid, Good Friday was all about the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Mum would let us call in our donation in the morning then we would sit glued to the television all day waiting for our name to be read out. I was in the Royal Childrens Hospital as a baby, and though I don’t remember the experience I’m sure I wouldn’t be here today without them.

One year we rattled tins, I think I was about ten, and my brothers and I went door to door in our neighbourhood under the watchful eye of Mum and Dad on the footpath. This was just the start of my involvement in the Good Friday Appeal and three years ago was my first as a volunteer in the phone room. I loved every minute of it and never hesitate when they send me the letter asking if I would be interested in participating again.

I work the 6pm til midnight shift and can easily admit to being a GFA lifer. They say you will do it once and be addicted to the thrill of the event and I can definately confirm this. Plus you get the added bonus of doing something good for the kids. When the telecast begins at 7.30pm (for the evening session) the phones go crazy and it is hours before you can take another deep breath. Calls from children donating their pocket money, businesses donating thousands and individuals doing their bit – every cent counts towards the record breaking grand total for the kids. This Good Friday my single biggest donation was from clothing boutique, Green with Envy, located on Flinders Lane.

Besides the thrill of helping such a good cause, there is the added bonus of meeting local celebs and getting happy snaps, and making new frends. The list of participating celebs this year was as long as both my arms but my photos with Hugh Sheridan (who is just gorgeous!) and FiFi Box (who was dressed in a fabulous leopard print frock) were faves.

The appeal is a worthy cause, this year raising $14.4million for the kids. All Victorians should get involved, whether it be donating, volunteering or collecting – visit www.goodfridayappeal.com.au to register to volunteer and help make 2011 even bigger!

Visit my facebook page www.facebook.com/sarahsstyleemporium to view all the photos from the appeal.

I’m studying. Fun huh? Fabrics is my subject of choice (aka: the subject the university deemed I should take this semester) and I’m working on my assignment – a study of Silk and Georgette, Gabardine and Flannelette. I didn’t choose those fabrics either. Anyway, I’ve discovered a way to make study bearable. Do it in a bar.

I’ve always wanted an excuse to be able to go to a bar alone (not like THAT, I’m not some kind of raging alcoholic) but when the café’s are closed (and I am ok with sitting in a café alone) where else am I meant to go? The vast majority of the people I know live a good 40 minutes away and I didn’t move to the city to sit in my apartment every night listening to the guy upstairs play Michael Jackson.

That’s what brings me to a bar, alone, on a Wednesday night. I realise I’m distracted now, given I am writing and all but I already put in an hour on the books over a glass of wine and I think that’s more than I would have done at home. At home there are other distractions like a well stocked chocolate supply, DVDs and the Internet. There are full bottles of wine, rather than individually priced glasses that make you stop at 2.

At the bar, no one talks to you (at least not on a Tuesday), the music isn’t at an eardrum piercing level and you can people watch, street watch and daydream. I know I still need to get through my study, that my assignment won’t magically appear on the day of the presentation, but if you have to study, why not do it somewhere fun?

I studied at Honey, cnr Park and Clarendon Streets, South Melbourne. Say hi to Steve. www.honeybar.com.au

PS. Your dog ate your homework is not a valid excuse if you drink too much and don’t finish your assignment. You are more creative than that!

Wednesday night continued much later though, as I attended a 10pm secret show at The Butterfly Club (204 Bank Street, South Melbourne). When we walked into a dark room guided only by torchlight, I was terrified; what was to come? Not knowing anything about what to expect, I anticipated something scary and was pleasantly surprised to be treated to a Melbourne Comedy Festival Show, I heart Frankston. This amusing cabaret stars Gerard Lane, Adrian Portell and Laura Burzacott. Highlight moment was the rendition of Beyonce’s All the Single Ladies. You won’t believe what they change that song to and it will have you laughing for hours afterwards. The season runs for two weeks this April, so head to www.thebutterflyclub.com to get your tickets.

In the aftermath of LMFF, new things continue to take up residence in my house. Just last week, five pairs of shoes found their way into my apartment and are now calling it home. They are currently living at the foot of my bed where I can look at them daily, admire their beauty and imagine where I will wear them and the adventures they will take me on.

The first pair was purchased during LMFF. Having worked with the Betts Scuba Shoe for three days (Designer Award and LPR2 fittings and shows) I was in love. It was after 10pm when I arrived home on third day but I battled through tiredness to log on to Betts and with a few clicks, was promised they would be mine in 5 to 7 business days. Sure enough, the following Monday (the week after LMFF and the start of my official shoe bonanza), I received the Australia Post calling card.

Tuesday and I felt the need to shop. Desperately. LMFF had taken over my mind and my credit card. Heading to the shopping centre formerly known as Spencer Street DFO (I’m not sure what to call it since South Wharf opened), I tempted fate by walking into Aldo Shoes. Just like that, I was trying things on. While my imagination ran away with me, I found low heeled sandals in burgundy and peach, the colours seen at the Ansdorf parade at LPR2. While the girls had worn suits, skirts and shirts in these shades, with tan shoes and socks, I couldn’t see why I couldn’t wear tan clothes with the shoes in the on trend colours. They fact that they were on sale was an added bonus. It was just meant to be.

By the time Wednesday rolled around I was feeling pretty good. My online purchases from Sportsgirl (a top and a ring) had arrived in record time and my shopping void seemed to have been filled, yet it was around 4pm on Thursday when the pang hit again. The familiar emptiness had returned and by the time I finished work I hightailed it to Target in search of an 80s shouldered lace top I had seen at the Target Rocks Red Market.

I tried on a multitude of the new season cheap and cheerful fashions (no lace top though) and came away with a red rose top (though it looks like a dress), a black tee with a diamante and lace bustier painted on it, some very cool socks and pair of shoes number 3 for the week – Black suede thigh high boots (flat soles). A total impulse buy – they were the last size seven. It was so obviously just meant to be.

Friday rolled around, arguably the best day of the week, and also saw the purchase of some of the hottest shoes of the week. A midday scan of my favourite online shopping haunts scouted a massive sale at PeepToe Shoes. A quick conference with a friend (yes, she would love some too!), we pooled postage and with that, the fluoro melon pumps were on their way to me.

I planned to run away for the weekend, far from shops, computers and all manner of other temptations but it seems I can’t escape. A Saturday morning trip to the Op Shop at my coastal getaway revealed 50% off all stock. A Op Shop Sale? What a novel idea! Brand new Pierre Fontaine sandals were $3, now $1.50. So what if they are a bit big? For $1.50 I can afford insoles. And so pair of shoes number 5 made it’s way into my bag and my life. Also picked up three handbags and a pair of earrings. $6 (including shoes). I am insatiable.

Five pairs of shoes, three handbags, three tops, three pairs of socks, one pair of earrings, one ring and god knows what else I have forgotten, all in one week.
What are your post LMFF inspired (blamed) purchases? 

Image One: Scuba Shoe, by Betts www.betts.com.au

Image Two: Ansdorf new season (Image thanks to Ansdorf) www.arnsdorf.com.au

Image Three: PeepToe Shoes Miss Munroe in Fluro Melon, www.peeptoeshoes.com.au – currently on sale for $100

You might also like to visit: www.target.com.au; www.freefusion.com.au/index.php; www.aldoshoes.com/australia; www.sportsgirl.com.au

LMFF Wrap Up 2010

I have been quoted in this article by LMFFs official blogger, Kate from i spy style, as one of her favourite tweets of the week (during LMFF). You can see Kate’s work at www.ispystyle.net and you can follow her on twitter www.twitter/iSpyStyle_Kate. Thanks Kate!

Just when I thought chocolate couldn’t get any better, it does. Last year I was all about the peanut butter m and m’s – I was buying them on eBay, shipping them in from out of the state, making sneaky runs to the store at the station mid afternoon for a fix.

Less than a month ago I was introduced to the delights of Wispa Gold, an imported Cadbury bar that is like an aero bar with a caramel layer. Available only at Coles supermarkets (and for the bargain price of 99 cents) I was thoroughly impressed with this gem and started buying them two at a time on my shopping run. 

But then along came the Easter rush of new things to try and buy and as my chocolate specialist friend Miss F said – this one is to die for. Lindt – already a number 1 chocolate brand in my book – has created peanut butter Easter eggs, in a bag with about 10 eggs, for $5.99 (available at Target, watch this space for more places to buy). And they are better than ANYTHING you could possibly ever have tasted. It’s a peanut butter centre (smooth, in case you were wondering) with a Lindt milk chocolate coating. It’s heaven in your mouth and I may choose to live out my days as a hermit eating only these Easter eggs. Stock won’t last long (especially since I’ll be buying a lot of them!) so get yours quick!

http://www.lindt.com/au

Saturdays Independent Runway, supported by Network Ten, was to be the last of the parades for L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival. After a week of frocks, shocks and some fabulous fashion, the independent runway for up-and-coming and semi-established designers was to be a highlight of the week, placed somewhere between the official runway shows and the student showcase.

I took the opportunity to dress to the nine’s with a long dress, big hair and bold make up – a trend it seemed I copied from the catwalk before I even saw it. Channel Ten celebs were out in force; Video Hits’ Fuzzy and Neighbours boys Sam Clarke, Matthew Werkmeister and Jordan Smith while the Nervo twins rocked the room before the show.

Karen Webster spoke to everyone who stopped to congratulate her on another successful festival, her fifth and final go round. Karen really has bought the festival into the international spotlight, making LMFF the biggest consumer festival in the world, a massive achievement she should be very proud of.  

And so the lights went down for the final time and the parade began with Alistair Trung designs. Fur coats cut like they should have adorned the floor straight from the animals back were actually quite nice (animal cruelty if applicable aside). Some models wore flat shoes (one of the only ones all week!) while draped jersey dresses in muted greys with halter and cowl necklines were divine. Males wore heavy black layers.

Thanh’s cute knits and cutaway dresses with drills were again featured in greys, overly long sleeves presented as warm and inviting, single shoulders continued the trend.

Designer Award nominee Lui Hon began with menswear and also featured fur coats tailored like rugs for the floor. Hooded jackets and harem pants were an odd combination that seemed to work before he ventured into womenswear with knit dresses that had cowl necks to the side. The leather layered wrap top belted with a velvet skirt was a highlight.

Magdalena Velevska used matte metallic for a grey dress with feature shoulders and just as I was beginning to think I had woken up in the early minutes of the Wizard of Oz with all this black and grey, acrid yellow pants and jackets appeared, then tangerine orange dresses in different styles including one shoulder and oversized shoulders. A brilliant jade blue dress with one shoulder completed her collection.

I had clearly woken up in Oz when Fool took to the runway – no black to be seen, and I LOVED it. Working with the colour spectrum yellow was paraded first, followed by red, hot pink, plum, blue, green and lime. Unusual head veils joined dresses with cut out circles and lots of layers. The collection was big, bold and brave, and futuristic in is simplicity by using such primary colours. 

A hard act to follow, House of Baulch accessories dressed models in see through skin tight body suits to best highlight oversized neckpieces, headdresses and earrings. Black and gold were used heavily, a gold ladder necklace hanging to the waist and black fan earrings my favourites. This crazy collection was one of the most exciting yet.

Recent GPO tenant Alexi Freeman bought back print dresses in cream and black with matching leggings and coats. His jade green pussy bow blouse and dress are on my wish list, while the geometric prints and staple black coat were also good.

Men’s label Papillion showed clean cut blazers teamed with skinny jeans. The cut of the blazer had short lapels and high buttons, an unusual but interesting angle. Braces were seen, not for the first time this week, and skinny ties.

Daniela Orlando created georgous tarten style coats in purple and red, more leather was seen in dresses and thigh high boots while fur appeared again on sleeves of a jacket. Charming corporate white shirts and high waisted mini’s were very wearable for the office.

Of Cabbage and Kings has an extraordinary name but their collection was rather simple. Black and white striped shirts, printed halter dresses, a blue satin halter dress and more one shouldered dresses. The one shoulder dress trend scares me – I remember wearing that when I was 17!

KUWAII, featured in last years Spirit of the Black Dress competition, presented gorgeous 20s styling and patterns, prints and headscarfs, but did stick with a palette of blacks and grey with some olive green.

Pink leather waistcoats at Kylie Hawkes were popular, teamed with basic black top and grey pants. A grey military coat with pink embellishments rather than gold was divine and these colours continued through her collection. Silver shorts and a taupe and cream knit a highlight.

I love the name of the label, Who am eye, and I loved their collection. Grungy menswear with three quarter pants, army green jackets and black hoodies were great and the cream pants and shirt combo with army green jacket made me wish for a boy of my own to dress!

Label Above opened with a gorgeous open backed steel blue dress and continued with this colour and tan. The two tone shirt was unusual but seemed to work and a suit in taupe was perfect for your next business meeting.

Final designer Melanie Bower sashayed down the runway in cute print dresses, slate blue dresses with cut out side features, simple grey skirts and black on black layers. I felt the parade had come full circle from the black and grey of Kansas, to the wonderful colours of Oz and back to Kansas; Melbourne; back in black and safe and sound.

It doesn’t matter what anyone says – Black will always be the new black in Melbourne. I hope you have enjoyed the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion festival as much as I have.

Harpers Bazaar L’Oreal Paris Runway 7 this past Friday night was set to be a hit with some local celebs turning out for the occasion and the fashion set frocking up for the last of the premium designer shows. Ruby Rose, the Nervo twins and Amber Renae were up front and centre and when the lights went down while Natalie Imbruglia, Emma Lung and Teresa Palmer joined us via a big screen montage and mini backstage pass to the Harpers Bazaar photo shoot featured in this months’ issue. A fabulous mix of whimsical and the completely unreal, the shoot placed celebrities and models in fairytale scenarios with extravagant costumes and make up, have-to-be-seen-to-be-believed locations and impressive photography. You can see all this and more in this months’ Harpers Bazaar, but for us, it was time to witness some of the hottest designers of the moment on the catwalk.

Martin Grant opened the show with a fantastic strapless little black dress with bodice detail; he made hips a feature on a grey and black dress then mixed things up with a hot pink coat and strapless dress.

Local favourite Akira was cute in a belted red dress before introducing red, pink and turquoise polka dots. His orange and blue dresses were flowing and quite Spring-like before returning to structured tailoring with a navy dress.

The leather trend seen at previous shows was apparent at Fernando Frisoni. The designer used patent leather as a feature on most garments, combined with high waisted leggings in mottled green and black, draped scarves and a floor length coat.

Scanlon and Theodore also used leather on a palette of grey, taupe, brown and black. Lot’s of leather skirts were on the runway as well as prominent hips and pocket features. As someone who loves pockets, this was a favourite of mine.

In what appeared to be a Hawaiian pool party from the 60s inspired collection, Easton Pearson opened with a green print dress with sequins and a velvet gold skirt. Black and gold feathered earrings were fab, and a navy crochet dress was brilliant in its detail.

Continuing the theme with wild colour and vivid imagination, Tina Kalivas’s collection reminded me of Lego. Jamaican colours of red, yellow, green and black were featured on all outfits in square blocks laid out in geometric shapes. Some grey basics slipped in and gold earrings but nice to see some creativity!

Timothy Godbold used suede on a taupe dress, featured silver metallic as a feature on dresses and elected to concentrate on shoulders by parading tops with just one. His angles and draping were consistent with the season, layered over black basics.

The final designer of the night was Michael Angel but there was nothing angelic about his collection. Cinched in waists over wide exaggerated hips in rich plums and navy, a black dress with a dominatrix feel and a navy fur coat rounded out a parade that showed Melbourne might dabble in colour occasionally but our staple palette of black and grey will always be in fashion.

Image thanks to Harpers Bazaar