Just gorgeous dress, from H&M. Can’t wait for them to get to Australia!
2014: Here we go!
This year brings about two milestones – the first, my 30th birthday, and the second, the 5th anniversary of my blog.
Both have gone through many phases – I vividly recall my high school ‘happy pants’ days, and corporate wardrobe, while the blog has housed recipes, bar reviews, fashion and the fabulousness that has been my late 20s. We’ve both grown up.
It’s strange to think the last five years of my life have been housed here, and shared with all of you. From a move to the city from the burbs, really learning what I want to do with my life, the stressful jobs and the fun ones, new friends and old ones, the half decade of 25 to 30 is a real turning point in one’s life.
The next five will likely be just as crazy. But how exciting to be in a place where I can look forward to that!
Happy New Year readers. 2014 – let’s do this!!
Diamonds are a girls best friend
Is the man in your life at a loss as to what to put under the Christmas Tree for you this year? I know mine is – and I think my subtle hints are getting lost in a flurry of end of year parties, wrapping things up at work and too many late nights.
It’s not easy to find something special for the one you love at Christmas – or birthdays, or anniversaries for that matter. But jewellery is a tried and tested winner – you really can’t go wrong with diamonds, boys!
Bevilles, established in Melbourne in 1930, is an ideal spot to shop for your beloved. These guys know what they are doing (they’re pretty good at it after 80 years!) and are on hand to help hapless chaps this Christmas. Find something sparkly for your girl and you’ll be in line for boyfriend of the year. They’ve also made the stores easier to visit, so it’s really a no brainer when it comes to gifting.
It should also be noted that diamonds shouldn’t lay waiting in the drawer for a special occasion – Bevilles new tagline encourages women to ‘Feel Fabulous’ all the time – and why shouldn’t that include wearing your diamonds whilst vacuuming the house, or popping out for a spot of shopping?
I know I love to pop on a pair of heels sometimes, just to watch tele in. Because who doesn’t love feeling fabulous?
So here is the really hot tip you have all been waiting for – this Christmas, with thanks to Bevilles, I have a gorgeous pair of 9ct white gold diamond sparklers valued at $399 to give away to one lucky lady (or gent!!). Just comment on this post and tell me what you do to Feel Fabulous. Is it something glamorous, like going for a facial? Or something silly, like watching TV in your heels? Perhaps, in the spirit of Christmas, it’s giving to another and simply seeing the expression of gratitude and excitement on their face.
Competition opens midday December 14 and closes at 5pm December 17. Winner will be drawn randomly on December 18 and notified via email. Your prize will be sent directly from Bevilles. Good luck!
VAMFF Launches
Last night, in true Melbourne Fashion Festival style, VAMFF (or, Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival) launched.
Located at the impressive Docklands Studios, the launch was reminiscent of the ‘off schedule’ shows you only hear about in Paris and New York, hidden in cavernous warehouse spaces on the outskirts of the city.
Formal proceedings commenced with CEO Graeme Lewsey introducing the 2014 concept, followed by Chairperson Laura Anderson and Virgin Australia and Government representatives. And then the lights went down and a short, sharp fashion parade showcased our very best design talent on a dramatic runway.
Champagne flowed, cheeks were kissed and by 9pm, the fashion set was buzzing about the 2014 festival. Tickets are on sale now and are sure to sell out, with a stellar line up of not to be missed events.
Visit www.vamff.com.au
PS If you’d like to volunteer at VAMFF, sign up now. I can tell you it’s an amazing experience you won’t soon forget, and if you nominate the Business Events as your choice, you’ll get to work with me!! Visit Event Gallery for all the details.
Wish Registry
When I was a kid, I used to write a letter to Santa every year explaining in detail what I wanted for Christmas. From Barbie Dolls to hair accessories, I would outline the colour and style I wanted to ensure the man in the red suit didn’t stuff it up. I was never disappointed.
As an adult, it’s much harder to get across what you’d like to find under the Christmas Tree without coming across as greedy or rude. Little hints dropped on Facebook work quite well, however I’m pretty sure Santa hasn’t started a profile page yet and my Pinterest Christmas Wishes board is looking a little bare for this time of year.
The latest in telling friends and family what you’d like to open on Christmas morning (or your birthday, anniversary or other gift giving occasion) is Wish Registry, a simple app for your phone with the premise to ‘Wish, Snap and Share’.
While out shopping for others, and you spot something you’d like for yourself, simply take a quick pic, upload it to the app with your desired size and colour and while you continue to buy for others, your wish list is being shared with your nearest and dearest. The clever app is powered through Facebook, so the right people are seeing it – and at the right time: it even allows a little pop up message when you boyfriend is walking by that jewellery store where you saw those diamond earrings you like.
As an added bonus, Wish Registry are running a Christmas giveaway, working with some of the retailers who think this is a brilliant idea. Every day until December 24, you can upload a shot of something you wish for at that days featured retailer, and as easy as that, your wish could come true.
No more worrying what size to buy, whether she’ll be impressed or that awkward moment when you wonder how difficult it will be to return an unwanted gift.
Download the app and start wishing!
Chanel dreaming
If I was on death row because I committed some kind of hideous crime, like wearing leggings as pants, my last wish would be to attend a Chanel fashion show. The amazingness, theatrics and sheer scale of the Chanel fashions shows, staged in Paris, are second to none and inspire the kind of return to fashion as an art form rather than a throwaway trend.
Chanel FW12 – image thanks to Peter Stigter
Chanel Fashion Show 2006
When I studied fashion history, and learnt of the incredible lengths Coco Chanel went to in order to create her brand, it’s easy to see why the label has lasted as it has. Even today, the dedication of Karl Lagerfeld in maintaining that aesthetic is one of the main reasons why the Chanel brand is as widely known and coveted the world over as it is.
The promotional material is treasured as much as the items themselves – invitations are worth framing and look books akin to coffee table works of art, with most of the divine photography being taken by Karl himself. Is there nothing that man can not do? The videography is simply stunning; short films of such beauty, you can watch them again and again.
At Chanel Rue Cambon, Paris, in 2010
On my first visit to Paris, and my first trip to the original Rue Cambon store, I was quite overwhelmed with the awesomeness of it all. My first purchase – the classic interlocking C’s earrings – are still treasured and worn everywhere, from breakfast dates to formal affairs.
There is something Chanel for everyone, from lipsticks and nail polishes, through to sunglasses, or for the more high earning among us, shoes and clothing and jewellery and bags that are passed down to children and grandchildren.
The new Chanel store in Melbourne, corner Flinders Lane and Russell Street
Tonight, I am honoured (thrilled, excited, crazy looking forward to) to be attending the Chanel store party as a guest of Sarah Willcocks from Style Melbourne. The new Melbourne store is said to evoke the spirit of Paris and if I never get invited to anything else, ever again, it won’t matter. This is just about as close as I’ll ever get to a Chanel fashion show, and I’m so happy to be experiencing it with good friends, at my ‘local’ store.
As an amusing aside, while searching for my old posts about Chanel, I discovered one I wrote four years ago, promising I was going to buy myself a Chanel 2.55 bag for my 30th birthday – isn’t it funny the things you say (and record for prosperity!!) I’ll be 30 in less than 3 months – better start saving!!!
Fashion Torque turns 3!
Fashion Torque celebrated their 3rd birthday last night, in the only way they know how – with champagne, leather and a killer view. Chandon provided the bubbles and the killer view included a half naked man – much fun was had by all.
Philip and Jenny rocking ‘Cocktail Leather.’ Image by Meagan Harding.
Sadly, you can’t see the half naked man that decorated the window across the street in this shot!
Philip Boon and Jenny Bannister have come a long way since their little talk show took place in the back room of Globe Cafe in Prahran, and last night was a testament to this. Covering extensive topics, discussed by prominent persons in the fashion space, the duo truly have bought Australian fashion issues back to the table.
And now, they are turning their talents to TV, with several previews of ‘what’s in store’ screened last night.
Check out this little snippet of their fashion film, Media Whore.
Laugh til you cry. Happy Birthday Fashion Torque!
Congratulations to Philip, Jenny and all those involved with Fashion Torque over the past three years – an amazing achievement!
Fashion Film by Hinny Tran.
Images to come via Meagan Harding. You can catch Fashion Torque again from February 26, at The Carlton Club on Bourke Street.
PSSSST: In other fashion news revealed yesterday, the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival has a new naming rights partner – we’ll look forward to the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival this coming March!
