Spring Racing - Derby Day

Black and White!

How do you stand out when everyone is wearing black and white this Derby Day?

I like this Jigsaw lace dress, the lace makes a simple dress elegant.

Worn with a black and white facinator available from fashionaddict.com.au

I would also recommend wearing wedges as we have had a couple of wet days, this will stop your heals sinking into the grass.  What about these Mimco wedges?

Out of your comfort zone

Recently I posed as a "client" for another Stylist in training where I had to let her guide me in what she thought I would look good in.

She was fantastic and worked out my style, often picking out pieces that I either wanted or already had. But she also took me out of my comfort zone; into shops that are not really my demographic. She suggested a great belt which I bought, something I had been looking for but hadn't found in my favourite shops.

This got me thinking - how many of us are stuck in our comfort zone?

I challenge you to take yourself out of your comfort zone the next time you are out shopping - walk in and check out the accessories, look for the well made basics, or the quirky piece you would have otherwise missed.

Have fun shopping!

Style Review

Last  Monday I had a girls night out with a couple of great friends at Cindy Newsteads' Style Review.  Twice a year Cindy has a fashion parade; Springs /Summer and Autumn / Winter; modeled by her clients who have real figures and flaws, and uses accessable clothes available at most malls.

With a glass of champagne in hand we watched seven models in three looks each; Smart Casual, After Five and Spring Racing. Using outfits from Alannah Hill, Cue, Veronika Maine, Trenery, David Lawrence, Ted Baker and Jigsaw, Cindy explained why outfits worked for each model and how to make outfit more versatile.

My personal favourite was the collection from Alannah Hill and I am loving these green shoes (they come in pink too).

Have a look at the professional photos here.

Zara Opening at Doncaster

Spring is here - toss it, donate it or sell it?

Hope you are enjoying the typical Spring weather, hot one day and wintery the next.  This a great time to take out your Summer clothes and pass a critical eye over them.  You will need to toss some out and donate some to charity or sell it.

Here are some tips to Spring cleaning your Spring/Summer clothes.

1. Are your whites still white?  Make sure any white clothing doesn't look grey or have yellow deodorant stains on them.  If it does toss it out and replace them.
2. Are your darks still dark or have they faded and look worn out? Yes then toss it!
3. Do any of your clothes have stains, rips or pilling; then decide if you love it enough to try and remove it or if you should toss it out.
4. Do you remember the last time you wore an item? If the answer is no then donate it to charity or sell it.
5. Do you still like it or wear it? You may have outgrown a certain style or it may not fit your current lifestyle. If you don't like it then donate it to charity or sell it
6. Does it still fit you (or did it ever fit you)? If not donate it to charity or sell it. Clothes may not fit due to weight loss or gain or pregnancy, or it simply may have got out of shape.
7. Does it flatter you - if either the shape or colour or scale is unflattering then donate it to charity or sell it.

So now you have weeded out all the bad pieces in your wardrobe it is time to pickup some new pieces!

Fashion's Night Out

Fashion's Night Out is a global event sponsored by Vogue and the CDFA, which started in 2009, as an initiative to encourage people to shop and support the fashion industry.

In was originally only in NYC but is now in 16 countries.  This year I was lucky enough to be in NYC for this event.

People line up outside their favourite stores, dressed up, to see what the stores are offering for the new season.  Patrons get to rub shoulders with celebrities and get exclusive offers.

As an America's Next Top Model fan I was happy to see Nigel Barker at Nine West. Designers, models and fashionisters attend this event which kicks off the first day of NY Fashion week.

Sydney hosted the event in Australia with Miranda Kerr.

So as Melbourne is dubbed the Fashion Capital of Australia I think we should campaign for the event to come here too.

Shoes Shoes Shoes

Those of you who know me will know that I have just had a shoe closet built that can take around 40 shoe boxes and some room for flats on the floor (and handbags on the top shelf but that is another post all together).  So it is not a surprise that I bought a few new pairs on my recent trip to NYC.

A lot of the "High Street Brands" rip off the designer brands and for me it paid off.  A while back I posted a pic of some Christian Louboutins that I loved; a lovely pair of gold heals.

Well I didn't buy them but I did buy these ones that I love just as much.

My best bargin shoes were these Ralph Lauren Collection shoes from Century 21, a bargain as they were reduced by $540!

And these great wedges which I can't wait to wear - bring on summer.