My name is Sarah and it’s been one week since my last post. As much as I have tried to get in front of a keyboard and screen, the universe has conspired against me and events have stolen me away. So now I am going to binge on posts with a run down of a weeks worth of activity – I promise that just because things are light-on now, January will definitely be worth the wait!

Thursday: The Sartorialist at GPO (www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com)
There are many things a girl will do in heels. Queuing to see a world renowned photographer is one of them. Scott Schumann, style snapper, is currently promoting his book, The Sartorialist, around Melbourne town and made an appearance at the GPO last Thursday evening. Miss F and I frocked up and headed on over to the 6pm event just after five and were greeted with a queue already over 30 ladies long. We joined the fashionable throng and endured the next hour and a half on our tippy toes while waiting for Scott to grace us with his presence. By the time the Sass and Bide ladies had him set up and the queue started to shuffle along, the fashion set were blocking the halls of the GPO and spilling out onto the street on the other side. Miss F had her book signed, over two pages in fact when Mr Schumann underestimated the length of his scrawl. The visit was worth the wait, if not to meet such an icon of the industry but to peek at the outfits of those who had come to meet the man with the eye for style. Everyone was hoping to impress – not one had left one iota of their outfit unplanned. I wore layers, tight belt and high shoes, I didn’t eat most of the day (tight belt wouldn’t let me) and the heels saw me wearing flats for a week but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

After our long wait, wine and sustenance was called for, so Miss F and I ventured out into the city, only to be hit with the freak storm than sent Melbournians running for cover. We dashed through laneways in our heels, avoiding puddles and those annoying 6 inch gaps between canopy’s and made our way to Degraves Street to an Italian restaurant that was at least indoors. The weather was tropical to say the least, balmy even, and made the night one to remember.
www.melbournesgpo.com

Friday: Alexi Freeman at GPO (www.alexifreeman.com)
Friday night saw the end of the working week and what better way to celebrate than with the launch of the Alexi Freeman pop up store at Melbournes GPO? Located on Level 1 opposite Belinda, the store is modern and edgy, and features brilliant art installations by the designer himself. In addition to the gorgeous clothes you will surely want to visit, call in and admire such clever design. Some people really are just that talented! It was truly a pleasure to meet Alexi and celebrate the opening of the store over champagne – the pop up is planned to be in residence at the GPO until at least mid January. Perhaps if we are nice enough to visit often, Alexi will want to stay?

Alexi’s is a Melbourne designer whose current collection consists of 44 dazzling pieces in shades of grey, black, silver and a splash of melon. The fabrics are varied and include mesh, silk, jersey and plaid giving the designs a modern and luxurious edge. Alexi’s designs are fresh and well suited to an Australian summer, as well as being timeless pieces you will be able to wear for seasons to come.

Friday: Onya Magazine Christmas Function at Tjanabi (www.tjanabi.com.au)
As I am sure most of my readers are aware, I began writing for Onya Magazine this year after I got back into writing through this very blog. Friday night was a celebration of everyone’s efforts this year and their inputs to the magazine. Being an online publication, the writers do not sit around in an office all day meeting at the water cooler for a catch up and chatting about last night’s Australian Idol winner – we are fortunate enough to be able to write in bed in the middle of the night or on the beach in the middle of the working week. Great benefits, yes, but it does mean some of didn’t actually get to meet until Friday night! The result was many laughs, great stories and fun had by all.

Of course an Australian publication could only celebrate at a truly Australian restaurant and Tjanabi at Federation Square ticks all the boxes. There was kangaroo, crocodile, duck and calamari supported by outstanding Australian produce and wine. No one went home hungry.

We all look forward to more Onya in 2010, as well as the exciting news that Onya will be a print publication later in the year! Watch this space for more information.
www.onyamagazine.com

Saturday: Retrostar Vintage Sale (www.retrostar.com.au)
I love a bit of vintage. Unique, one-offs finds that are special, have a history or just something you found that looks great. Retrostar, located in the Nicholson Building on Flinders Lane, hosted their once a year, nothing over $10 sale this Saturday just past, and hoards of bargain hunters flocked to Brunswick to find that special something. I headed over around noon and scored several pairs of sunnies and a mens blazer with the most amazing lining I have ever seen. The jacket is ridiculously huge but as my imagination runs away with me I envisage a belted dress of sorts – perhaps a trip to the tailor will assist in putting the ideas in my head into practise.

A bit further down the road is the Savers superstore and my first visit was not disappointing. An orange Howard Showers blazer, Top Shop strappy sandals,  ‘A million little pieces’, book by James Frey and ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (the original!) DVD all for under $25 – a great Saturday shop! Make sure you leave sufficient time if you are visiting – finding the good stuff takes patience!

Saturday: 70s Party
With all the vintage finds on Saturday, I still managed to wear a brand new dress to a 70s party I attended on Saturday night. My bardot maxi dress (as recommended by fellow twitterer @stylemelbourne), was a hit teamed with white oversized
sunnies (thank you RetroStar), white Top Shop sandals (thank you Savers) and gold jewellery. Hippy hair and a laid back attitude all added up to party time! There was fondue (6 types!), salmon mousse and cocktail onions, a best dressed competition and the Nutbush. You have to be happy with a night like that. I wasn’t here first time round for the 70s but I think any of you that were would have had a LOT of fun.

Coming Up:
Tonight I am visiting the Butterfly Club in South Melbourne before the work party circuit begins. The weekend signals the start of the family get togethers before throwing in a few birthdays before Christmas just for good measure. I hope this post has satisfied those missing their Style Emporium fix, I hope you are all enjoying the food the season has to offer and that you all have your Christmas party outfits ready to roll!