at one with nature

blouse Topshop; shorts Aspesi

Birds, they fly through the light peaceful air,

singing songs of serenity
one moment perched on a blossoming branch,
next visiting here and there

Hi there ladybird, wondering along my finger,
with your presence that's always pleasing
a charming combination of red and black,
how I could I be disgusted by your linger?

Good afternoon, butterflies, socialising amongst the flowers,
your wings are like works of art
A pretty feature under the clear blue sky,
I could sit with you all for hours

Ah Spring and Summer, don't you just love them? Equally as charming are statement accessories full of character and colour. You can always count on Tatty Devine for super fun jewellery and their Spring Summer collection is no exception. I believe they have captured the essence of that time of the year well and I can't think of anything better than a lady bird permanently attached to my finger.

BLOGLOVIN' ♥ INSTAGRAM ♥ TWITTER

Shakuhachi.

We all have our opinions on the delicious shininess of Burberry Prorsum's Spring Summer collection and the intergalactic disco ambience at Jonathan Saunders but, whatever our take on the so-called sci-fi trend, we should all take a moment to at least glance at what Shakuhachi has install for Australia's 2014 summer.

I wonder what the perfect planet would be like. Earth has its perks but I'm sure it could be better. If looking at Jessie White's planet from up in space through the Willy Wonka-style glasses present in this collection (which, for the record, are totally awesome), it's a pleasantly decorated planet with pretty flowers and warm weather. The sneakers and bomber jacket represent the care-free, casual mindsets of its inhabitants who do not take themselves too seriously. And the backpacks only mean they are outgoing as there is no time for laziness in the world of Shakuhachi. The structured tops make for a structured society. There's no flaws, no chaos, no bombings or fears of a nuclear attack; everything's happily in its place. The shimmering explosions of the necklaces symbolise the fun atmosphere and the mermaid-like sparkles are like the beauty of both the scenery and the population's personalities. The patch of zebra print found on one of the dresses can only mean animals are present here too and the sweatband style headbands? Well seeing as this is a planet of perfection, it can be home to Rafa Nadal too. Hmm, I don't know. Maybe I should just leave thoughts on this collection with you.

BLOGLOVIN' ♥ INSTAGRAM ♥ TWITTER

floral bikes? yes please.

If you are somebody who doesn't like attention drawn to their body and finds the prospect of wearing swimwear daunting and unflattering then (I'm sure you are actually beautiful)  stay away from We Are Handsome. With their vibrant photographic prints spread across the likes of swimming costumes, the Aussie brand's creations are a captivating sight- making all eyes become transfixed to the bodies of the women who wear them.

Their latest collection is no exception but, although it's all extremely wonderful, it was the bikes that really sent me into a lustful daze as some of the models made an entrance on the specially designed ones from a collaboration with Bondi Beach Cruisers. These were specially designed bikes with prints matching what the models were wearing and it just made me think how perfect it would be to ride on one in the spring/ summer weather, whilst wearing pristine whites and a straw hat, with a basket attached to the front.

Hat Accessorize; Dress LightInTheBox; Shoes Converse

BLOGLOVIN' ♥ INSTAGRAM ♥ TWITTER

Coachellalala

Top Etsy; Shorts Alexander Wang; DIY daisy chain belt; Boots Modern Vice Jetts; Necklace Forever 21; Bracelets Joya/ Sundance; Bag Ralph Lauren; Sunglasses Sheriff & Cherry

If Glastonbury is the king of festivals then Coachella is the queen. Set in a beautiful location surrounded by mountains and Californian palm trees, full of glamour and the 'coolest' of people and always, always consisting of an incredible lineup, it is no wonder that it's all repeated the following weekend in order to make sure people don't feel left out. I'm not going. Oh a girl can dream. But I can sit in my living room and put together a Coachella-inspired moodboard and an imaginary outfit which would be worn whilst dancing around to Blur so I guess I'm not missing out on much.

I tried not to make it as cliche as possible but boho-chic, sun-kissed beauty and lots and lots of rock 'n' roll is all that I can picture when thinking of the festival and therefore it had to be transferred onto the pictures below and the outfit above.

All photos taken from Pinterest, Tumblr, Weheartit, Asos Marketplace

MBFWA: Camilla
Coincidentally, Camilla's latest collection showcased in Sydney this week could not be more suited for this occasion. Bohemian prints and exotic colours danced within the floaty maxi-skirts, dresses and loose-fitted tops, while positively embracing hippy life. The accessorising  of a crown and bowler hat only made me further wish that it was possible to whisk Camilla Frank's creations off to Indio with me right this moment.

BLOGLOVIN' ♥ INSTAGRAM ♥ TWITTER

robot love

I've always perceived robots to be a fairly masculine style of species...until Patricia Chang's Spring Summer collection entered my life. She's a relatively new designer (by that I mean I am only aware of two collections) situated in the heart of New York and it was whilst scrolling through blogger Margaret Zhang's beautiful Instagram photos that I decided to check Chang out.

The pretty girlishness of the light dresses and skirts combined with the fun quirkiness of the robot motifs equals an excitable me. And please don't get me started on the jewellery. It was the only the other day when I was (perhaps randomly) searching for robot necklaces so imagine the delight when my eyes met these...

Now please excuse me while I lust over the above and dream-up a summer Central Park picnic with these robots in my company (an occasion which the collection is made for)

BLOGLOVIN' ♥ INSTAGRAM ♥ TWITTER ♥ YUMMY LIKE CAKE

g'day

Prada resort 2013, Helmut Lang ss13, Missoni ss13, Helmut Lang ss13, Lacoste ss13

Yay the Australian Open is underway! It's a shame Rafael Nadal is not competing (I was so unbelievably excited about his return like many others were) but let's all pray for him that he will be back fit and fighting soon! As I understand tennis is probably not an interest of many of you, I thought I'd keep with the theme by messily putting together a selection of sport inspired clothing by designers for this year, including Prada's combination of Bjorn Borg headbands and neat polo style shirts and Missoni's goggles and glistening zip-up jacket.

While I am sat in the heart of the UK where it's misty, cold and snowy, I imagine being in sunny Melbourne wearing shorts (sequin Karl) and crop top, Thierry Lasry sunglasses and comfy shoes; getting into the Aussie spirit with the Bondi Beach bracelet (different city but whatevs) and keeping my daily belongings safe in a fetching Marc Jacobs backpack. Oh what a life.

BLOGLOVIN' ♥ INSTAGRAM ♥ TWITTER

Spring Summer menswear. Say hello to LF Markey

trousers: costume national; tops from top to bottom: bottega vaneta, dsquared2, versace; outfits from left to right: bottega vaneta, salvatore ferragamo, dries van noten; all three blazers: salvatore ferragamo; trousers and bag: costume national; shoes from left to right: dsquared2, emporio armani

New year, new beginnings, new resolutions. Whether the start of January sees you commencing the process of achieving your year's goals (and trying not to let the novelty wear off leaving your aims demolished) or you're just taking each day as it comes like it's nothing special, why not use this moment to open your wardrobe and take a detailed look at your clothes? One's choice of outfit can usually tell a lot about their personality. The more outlandish the clothing commonly means the more creative and extrovert the wearer is and a refined suit with polished, well-kept shoes tends to represent the sophistication of its owner. I know from experience that many males tend to shy away from wearing something too eye-catching in fear of attracting negative attention or exercising the connotations of being gay (although why should that be anything to be ashamed of?) but creating a bit of life to an outfit does not necessarily mean buying the most peculiar thing you can find or dressing beyond your comfort zone. It can merely mean adding a small unexpected splash of colour or an animated print. 

While many designers supplied us with a variety of bold designs for Spring Summer '13 (from Costume National's striped trousers and Salvatore Ferragamo's watercolour blazers to the more subtle yet effective leopard print shoes courtesy of Dsqaured2 and Emporio Armani), If there is one designer who has recently informed us on how character can be brought to an outfit in the most effortless of ways then it's Louise Markey,  founder and creative force behind the brand LF Markey. Australian born, she studied at London's Central Saint Martins graduating in 2008- the same year she made her catwalk debut, came runner-up at the Fashion Fringe Festival and launched her much-loved shirt line. Yes, shirts.  The friendly component to everybody's wardrobe. Work, night out, first date, funeral: there is undoubtedly a shirt for every occurrence and Markey's comfortable, minimalistic creations in bold colours and shapes means they are perfect for the occasion of more lively dressing.

Her Spring Summer 2013 collection, showcased at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia in Sydney as part of the New Generation crew, involves monochrome Aztec patterns and denim shirts covered nonchalantly in darkened polka dots- playful but by no means in-your-face. Given that there is a segment on her website's blog dedicated to 'the great shirt wearers of our time', it is no wonder she has the ability to produce versatile,  fun-looking garments and if this year you decide you are one of those who feels they should add character to their outfits then turning to LF Markey only seems natural.

BLOGLOVIN' ♥ INSTAGRAM ♥  TWITTER

la camisa

Burberry Prorsum, Creatures of the Wind, Holly Fulton, Paul & Joe, Chanel

A shirt can tell a lot about a person. Given the variety of styles a shirt can come in, you will undoubtedly find the perfect one for you and a specific occasion. It can be the most simple yet effective way to change from day wear to evening wear. By exchanging your denim for lace, or checks for a glamorous metallic, you can unleash that ideal personality to fit your mood. A shirt can define an era. Ruffled and elegant, cheesy and bold, baggy and careless, the list can go on.

Now that fashion month has ended and style enthusiasts everywhere are reflecting on what to expect during a season that seems an eternity away, I thought I'd pick out some of my favourite shirts-an item which, as a whole, never goes away.

I was delighted when the sweet-wrapper metallics from the menswear collection made an appearance on the women at Burberry Prorsum. The moment I saw the green and blue shininess, pictured above, I imagined wearing it with a pair of leather shorts strolling through the city. Sigh.
Holly Fulton's LA inspired summer-wear is perfection. Sea blues and fun patterns make up the ever lively, Fulton-fueled clothing and I'm particular loving the blue rosy number with its preppy stripes across the chest.
And there are so many congenial pieces at Chanel that I just had to mention the collection in here somewhere.

As for street style, these were captured by the photographers over at Vogue HQ. Whether it's designer or vintage, or the trustworthy high street how do you like to wear your shirts?

Giorgio Armani SS13

source 

I am immensely smitten by all things spacey when it comes to art, especially in fashion. Christoper Kane's 2011 resort collection? my favourite collection ever. Yet, in this moment in time, galaxy prints are beginning to lose their sense of captivation as they are constantly being spread on leggings and crop-tops that unfortunately all look the same. But, behold! Giorgio Armani has saved my doubts and exquisitely put my affections back in place. Kaleidoscope (the name of Armani's spring summer collection) is magical to the eye. It has a delicate beauty to it as constellations illuminate on midnight silks and navy blue's glisten admiringly. Fabrics are kept light and dreamy with draped tunics, flowing skirts, sheer shawls and pyjama suits and the futuristic wired embellishments make it all the more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Star gazing has never been so exciting.

source

MBFW Madrid: Francis Montesinos

Ah the excitement of fashion week. For me, it is far from exciting as I become firmly fixed to my laptop, perusing through all the latest shows, pretending I am sat in the front row amongst all the action. But that moment when you discover a collection that stands out for its perfection or artistic creativity is exciting.

Francis Montesinos has entitled this summertime spectacle 'Spanish Garden', a name which is a complete representation of what is included. My first impression was this is a garden party. A garden party I want to be a part of. The merging of yellows and blues form the sky and the idyllic weather; the floral embellishments, the 3D flowers, the head-wear blossoming with colour create the picturesque setting- as do the moss covered handbags, making it all the more real; the dresses and skirts, which can be found in presentable white lace, flow playfully, producing the guests in their ideal uniform for looking the part at the social gathering. Like every event in life, it has to come to an end and the dark elegant black is the evening that follows, the twinkling illustrating the starry sky. And the silk trousers? the moon, of course, shining in the clearness above.

heatwave

This morning I was volunteering in the near by charity shop that I volunteer in most Sundays and, my gosh, it was stuffy. That kind of stuffy that makes you really tired and long to go home and eat a miniature tub of Ben and Jerry's ice cream.  (Which is exactly what I did when I finally darted into the house) These pictures below are a way of highlighting my mood. All I wanted to do was catch a flight to Barcelona and spend my afternoon being childish in the twinkling blue sea before playing tennis on the soft, silken sand, just like I was doing around this time last year.

Sara Sampaio in Elle Espana; Lily Donaldson in Vogue Espana (I adore this photoshoot shoot. If mermaids were real, she would be one); Hailey Clauson in Vogue Espana; Bar Refaeli in Elle Espana

To me, the epitome of the term 'beach babe' is Abbey Lee Kershaw with her dip dyed pink and blonde hair posing with a surf board on Bondi beach and Gillian Zinser (Ivy, 90210), the surfer chick with one effortlessly amazing fashion sense.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend
xx

On the playlist
Beirut- Elephant Gun
The Tallest Man On Earth- 1904
Arctic Monkeys- Black Treacle

troipical fringing

As I type this, I am sat in a jumper drinking Caramel hot chocolate whilst it's dreary and drizzly outside. Here in England it is now a regular occurring motion for us to be solemnly glancing at our calenders, reminding ourselves yes, it is July and that is why the only summer I seem to be experiencing is from admiring collections such as MSGM's.

Thin strands of palm tree leaves blow gently from a relaxing sea breeze above bowls of refreshing, tropical, fruit salad bursting with colour, which are placed next to amiable gatherings of vibrant flowers alive under the clear blue sky and citrus lemon sunshine. Now that's summer. 

Valentino Spring 2013

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo piccioli have both expressed how they want to bring couture into menswear and this collection certainly has many classy elements to it. High-end sports luxe, shall I say (Sport luxe: a term used regularly this summer but, with the leathery jackets, the sophisticated striped trousers, and the rubber studded sneakers, it undoubtedly applies here)

London Collections: Men DAY THREE

The third and final day went along the lines of what's below.
(I am still not responsible for the photos, as much as I wish I was)

J. W. Anderson

There was a cutesy, feminine touch gently swirling around the ICA during J.W. Anderson's showing. There's soft colours of yellow, pink, blue, and lilac, teddy bear t-shirts,  and see-through tops and trousers with a floral-like appliqué. 

Margaret Howell

Margaret Howell has created a lightweight, easy-going assortment of shirts, sweaters and rolled-up trousers. 

Baartmans and Siegel

At Baartmans and Seigel, April (and May, June, July, August..) showers have been taken into consideration where the Liam G parka and slim, shiny anoraks are present. The colour pallet is very nonchalant- white and greys- and the complementing sunglasses only create more of a calm and collected persona. 

Richard Nicoll

Then at Richard Nicoll, looks were sporty but suave with tennis whites, casual suits partnered with converse-style trainers, and slick shorts

Omar Kashoura

Forget granny chic as it's all about granddad chic now. Or so it is throughout Omar Kashoura's latest offering with the presence of aran sweaters and grey, kept-to-tradition suits.

Meadham Kirchhoff

Which brand would be the one to sport the face masks on the third consecutive day of fashion shows? Of course, only Meadham Kirchhoff! As you are probably aware, Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff like to make a statement with their clothes (especially in a bold and kooky manner) I am yet to be informed on what their concept is, but my initial thought was unemployment- the messy, sleepover setting with bored, sprawled about men in pyjamas and trainers, seemingly giving up on life. Unsurprisingly, there is no lack of colour as the punks with electrifying pink hair and dyed blue eyebrows have proven.

Pringle of Scotland

And light knitwear, such as Argyle and camouflage-style sweaters and slender cardigans, can be found at Pringle of Scotland. That and the radiant blue and pleasant tailoring which adds a bit more variety to what is Alistair Carr's final Pringle of Scotland menswear collection before he is replaced by an in-house design team.

London Collections: Men DAY TWO

A selection of what jour nombre deux of the London Collections had to offer.
(pictures, once again, from the official website)

Sibling

What is it with men hiding their faces? Today it was Sibling's turn, although there were humorous elements to it- such as the huge pom poms which gave more of an impression of a friendly monster than a down town looter. Gangsters are very much a theme of this collection, however, what with the gold, skull chain embroidery and baggy t-shirts.

MAN

MAN is the perfect way of showcasing rising talent and this year's three new stars are as follows:

Agi and Sam- Here there are woven suits in light floral designs, Japanese style prints over blues and oranges, and a bundle of 80's moustaches.

It is game on at Astrid Andersen with the large basketball vests over baggy shorts, the mesh fabrics, and the see-through tops with lime green appliqué showing off the well looked after bodies. 

And free and loose is how Shaun Samson roles. In his collection you can find finely knitted sweaters finished with an excess white and shorts that flow more like skirts (but, because in a robotic silver or accompanied by a cat with an ample amount of piercings, you know it's anything but girly) 

E Tautz

A burst of fuchsia commenced the show and this was followed by a surge of yellow and an explosion of turquoise. Combined with the smart black and navy tailored-wear, it creates a fresh and summery ambience.

Katie Eary

Katie Eary describes her designs as 'glamorous streetwear' and for her latest collection this is made apparent from the, at first glance, exuberant designs in opulent colours. Although, when looking more closely, you can see that the designs are made up of fish, their scales, and the ripples of a perfect ocean.

Christopher Shannon

To me, there seems to be a bird theme taking place for this spring, summer collection. Models walked down the runway in tinsel-like wigs (which could resemble a bird's nest) and the fringing continues, large and distinct, in huge gatherings. Detailing is left intentionally incomplete- like the rugged edges on denim shirts and the sections of coloured stripes- but this all contributes to the interesting, innovative look of the garments.

Mr Start

Quite simply formal wear for the young and trendy. There is nothing odd or old-fashioned about the tailored suits the collection mostly consists of and each one is stylish and appealing- perfect for those starting their first 'real' job in the city.

 RAKE

Tailored clothing has gone casual with Clive Darby's RAKE collection. Double breasted blazer jackets are paired with loose-fitted trousers and there is an all round holiday feel with the sandals, shorts, beaded chains, and jewellery.

James Long

And at James Long, because of the monochrome colours and electronic-style patterns, it is as though we have been transported into a sci-fi world, surrounded by all things technological, whilst mingling with secretive men who continuously seek to battle trouble.