31/03/2014

H&M Australia

Biker Jacket

The opening of H&M in Australia at Melbourne's GPO building on the 5th of April should not be news to anyone, word on the street has been out for what feels like ages and when sustainability, affordability and up-to-the-minute trends are in question, there definitely won't be anything stopping me!

Here are my picks from the online site for this season, you'll notice that they're pretty much wardrobe basics for autumn/winter (except maybe the corset):

Leather skirt


Super Skinny Super Low Jeans


Denim shirt
Coat in a wool blend
Corset top

Knitted jumper

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26/03/2014

Transitionables



Because a few rainy days was all it took for me to miss Summer and because I spy a few days in the mid-20s coming up despite it being the start of autumn, I thought I'd go ahead and post my last warmer-weather-appropriate outfit(s) for the season...

An important skill that would have saved me hours of stress in the past, is being able to to quickly and easily transition an outfit from day- to evening-appropriate. With long 10-hour uni days, it can be difficult to find the time to run home, change and make it to an event on time so I've learnt a few things through trial-and-error to maximise efficiency and cater to my laziness (changing in a uni bathroom is the last thing I want to do after a full day of classes). Read below to see how a casual uni outfit made it through the day and to the Chadstone AW14 runway show later that night.

Pick a simple silhouette that can be dressed down or accessorised later on, for me this was a leather skirt in a skater style and a double-layered tank; the lower layer was tucked in and the shorter cropped length was left out. These pieces can easily be called wardrobe staples and are used and abused often thanks to their versatility and basic design. Pair the all black look with a pair of brogues, a denim jacket and basic jewellery and you're ready (and maybe even awake for your 8am lecture). To keep things interesting, don't be afraid to mix metals when picking jewellery, this was a big no-no for me for a long time until I actually gave it a go; here I've mixed silver (necklace, earrings, bracelet), rose gold (jacket buttons) and gold (watch and sunglasses).






Photo credit: Thilina Appa (Facebook), editing by Jude Newton (Facebook) (Instagram)

Double Layered Tank (Portmans - sold out) (Similar from Portmans)
PU Skater skirt (Dotti)
Denim Jacket (Portmans)
Brogues (RMK - on sale!)
Sunglasses (Tiffany & Co. - sold out) (Similar from Tiffany & Co.)
Watch (JAG)
Earrings (Tiffany & Co.)
Necklace (Lovisa)

For the runway show, I swapped the denim jacket for a dressy black blazer with a baroque embossed design; contrasting textures and fabrics is the oldest trick in the book to keep black-on-black looks from looking bland. A pair of white lace up heels, a red envelope clutch and a matching lip colour took all of 2 minutes to add and I was all done and barely able to contain my excitement long enough to shoot these looks before I went to drool over everything at the show.







Blazer (Forever New - sold out)
Heels (Novo - sold out) (Similar from Spurr) (Similar from Tony Bianco)
Clutch (Jo Mercer - sold out) (Similar from Marc Jacobs) (Similar from Olga Berg) (Similar from The Mode Collective)

Happy shopping!
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Thigh High

Lorra by Tony Bianco


Yes you read correctly, thigh high as in over the knee. Don't you just love the very start of a change in trend? Theres a level of uncertainty and a little bit of an adrenaline rush associated, but there's no denying that any excuse will do to buy boots!  While the ankle boot has had its reign over the past few seasons and probably won't be going anywhere soon; the time has come to embrace the new and exciting in terms of shoes. I realise that I have dedicated quite a few posts to shoes, but how can I resist when I procrastinate for days staring at these beauties?

Think black leather or suede with a sensible heel (if you're like me, then you probably won't survive in a 4 inch stiletto heel during the day time, but otherwise go all out) and you've got yourself a good buy for the coming months.

Mid Range:
ASOS

Revolution Black by Siren Shoes



Invest:

Alicia by Tony Bianco


Tribute by Tony Bianco


Happy Shopping!
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22/03/2014

Dressy leather



As promised, here is the dressier look featuring that favourite leather pencil skirt of mine, I hope you're not sick of hearing me rave about leather, if something works, make it work hard right?





Photo credit: Jude Newton (Facebook) (Instagram)

Leather Pencil skirt (Bardot- sold out) (similar Bardot) (similar Oasis)
Shirt (Cameo the Label - sold out) (similar Cameo the Label) (similar Equipment) (similar Equipment)
Shoes (Windsor Smith) (similar Therapy
Neck plate (Bardot - sold out) 


To say a long-sleeved white shirt is an essential, is a huge understatement. I bent this rule a little bit here and opted for a nude/blush toned chiffon shirt by Cameo the Label with an interesting double-layered cut; going for an ivory or cream shade would have also worked well to avoid looking too 'corporate'. You'll notice that the links to shirts are a bit on the pricey side, however, as shirts like these are the definition of a wardrobe staple, it's not worth wasting money on shirts that will just deteriorate after a few uses; Equipment and Cameo shirts have a stellar reputation for being not only exceptionally good quality, but also an exceptionally good fit. Teamed with my favourite Gillie heels from Windsor Smith and a neck plate from Bardot, this is definitely date-night-appropriate; swap the seductive heels for refined pumps and the neck plate for a simple chain and you might even be ready to meet the parents.

Happy shopping!
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17/03/2014

Denim/Leather Mix


Now that the weather is starting to cool down, its time to start thinking about long pants and layering and the easiest options are, by far, denim and leather. The first combination that comes to mind is a pair of jeans in a classic blue wash and a leather jacket that will see you through the entire season. This is all very well, but if you're up for trying something a bit more interesting, why not turn this on its head? I was ecstatic when I found a pair of white leather or "jeather" Bettina Liano pants on sale earlier this year and they are definitely proving to be a highly used-and-abused wardrobe staple. The practicality factor was a big motivator for this particular purchase; white pants in other, more 'high maintenance', materials such as silk are beautiful but not viable for the uncoordinated and accident-prone such as yours truly. This tougher denim/leather mix has the advantage of being resistant to stains (no one will know when you've spilled a drink) and machine washable; I am in no way organised enough to visit the dry cleaners on a weekly basis so this is just as well. Pair it back with a casual denim shirt and dress it up with a pair of heels and statement jewellery to keep it from looking bland and you're set. 

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Photo credit: Jude Newton (Facebook, Instagram)


Denim Shirt - ASOS
Leather Pants - Bettina Liano (sold out) (Similar ASOS) (Similar Lover)
Shoes - Siren (sold out) (Similar Giuseppe Zanotti)
Necklace - Lovisa (sold out)

15/03/2014

Chadstone AW14 Runway - 13/3/14



What better way to end a hectic 8 hour day at uni than with canapés and champagne at Chadstone's Autum-Winter 2014 Runway Show (I have been counting down the days for this!) I really admire the ease with which looks from higher end designers (Manning Cartell, Coach, Sass & Bide and the like) were matched with equally impressive looks from 'high street' designers (Dotti, Bardot and Kookai were standouts). Trends that are definitely here to stay include leather, stripes and monochrome which should be good news to those that have already stocked up on these last season and even better news to those that plan on treating themselves this season. The Gentlemen's Club and Sports Luxe styles also reigned strong and if you're looking to invest in some colour after two or three seasons of monochrome and black-on-black, navy and shades of plum are smart buys. Apologies for the amateur iPhone photography, I definitely should have dragged my photographer friend along to the show.

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07/03/2014

Laser Cuts and Leather-on-Leather


I know what you’re thinking, since when do I hang out in graffitied alleyways that conveniently bring out the colour of my shoes? Well location-hunting in the Melbourne would not have been the same if I hadn’t checked out Hosier lane, if you haven’t been here before, it’s worth a trip, street art really doesn’t get as much credit as it deserves…




Photo credits to Jude Newton (Facebook) (Instagram)

Leather Skirt (similar) (similar) (similar)
Laser Cut Top (similar) (similar) (similar)
Leather Bralet - Sportsgirl

This look is a bit edgier than my usual, prim-and-proper style of dressing, however, I’ll admit, trying out new ways to wear things I already have, is actually entertaining. It's no secret that I live in this Bardot leather skirt, I can proudly say that I have worn it countless times during the Spring and Summer and plan on wearing it just as frequently until it falls to pieces. For those of you that haven’t tried to incorporate a leather skirt into your wardrobe (either in a pencil or skater style), I can guarantee that this will be, by far, one of the most versatile pieces you’ll own. The pencil skirt shape has always been a favourite of mine; its high-waisted style has an elongating effect, which is fortunate for those, like me, who are a bit vertically challenged. Also, keep it at a modest length; this will keep it edgy rather than trashy.

The laser cut tank was also bought from Bardot; it is definitely one of my go-to stores for mid-range clothing options. The quality is above-average for the average price tag, also, their silk camisoles are DIVINE, I have to restrain myself from buying one every time I’m there. This laser cut tank could be worn with a plain singlet underneath or a bandeau top but I chose to layer it with a leather bralet from Sportsgirl to keep it interesting; another option is to wear a sheer cotton or transparent chiffon shirt (like this one by Ladakh) over the bralet if the tank is too grungy for you. Pair the mostly-monochrome look with a pair of interesting shoes and you're done, I’ve chosen heels here for the sake of styling but coloured flats would work well for a more laid-back look. Lastly, don't underestimate the transeasonality of this look, this was shot on a perfect 25 degree day however, adding stockings, ankle boots and a denim jacket would make this very autumn-appropriate.

Stay tuned for a dressier take on this look coming soon...

Happy Shopping!
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06/03/2014

SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker


SJP 'Fawn' Pump
Did someone say new shoe line? *insert ecstatic squealing here*...

If you've had a hectic first week back at uni like I have, then it might be worth treating yourself a little, think of it as motivation to stay awake in class for the rest of the semester. The much anticipated SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker line has been released at Nordstrom; think shoes, handbags and trench coats! A fan of anything minimal and timeless, the heels immediately caught my eye and at around $400 a pair, they are cheaper than your average pair of designer pumps however pricier than a pair of Tony Biancos; the latter I'd be more inclined to buy on impulse, whereas I think this line requires careful consideration before you key in those card details. The shoes are made in Italy and co-designed by the CEO of Bahnik USA, George Malkemus. Since a decent pair of Manolos would set me back around $1K, I'd like to think that this is saving money with a very comparable alternative.

Far-fetched justifications aside, my favourites from this line so far are the pointed pumps; I'm eyeing off a nude leather pair as I'm writing this. The countless number of ways and situations I could wear these are convincing me that the above-average price tag isn't quite so bad. Some of the strappy heels look like they are more mature in style so if you're out gift-hunting for mothers/aunts/cousins and the like, then you might be in luck. 

Happy shopping! 
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SJP 'Fawn' Pump


SJP 'Alison' Bootie

03/03/2014

FWTN on Instagram


FWTN now has an official Instagram, click following and be sure to share it around!


Much love,
Eresha
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