MOLTENSTORELAUNCH

A few sneaky snaps I took with my Blackberry this morning at the amazing, intimate Molten Store launch.

WARNING: If you have a soft spot for jewellery, interiors, brownies and/or champagne, you may experience excess frothing so have a towel handy.

Hang tight for the official photos. You will lose your marbles.

I'm so proud of you Jessy.

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Interview: Felicity Loughrey, Online Editor at Vogue

As I mentioned in my last post, I had the pleasure of interviewing Vogue.com.au's new Online Editor, Felicity Loughrey.

Why do you love shopping online?

You can do it at anytime. You can find exactly what you're after. And you can find brands that you might not be able to get so easily in your hometown..

What site functionality do you look for most on an online store?

There are lots of online bells and whistles but really I like big clear photos. And if the clothes and accessories are photographed on a real person, that's great too.

Our exchange rate is pumping at the moment, what do you think that means for Australia based online retailers, especially when their goods are available for less in The States for example?

I think Australian retailers have a lot to offer. They're local. Then can ship the next day. And they have first dibs on Australian designers.

What's your best tip for even the most seasoned online shoppers?

Read the returns policy!

Some people have a love/hate relationship with the disposability yet convienance of vertically integrated fast-fashion giants like Zara, ASOS and TopShop. What is your stance on the issue?

You're right, it is a vexed issue. Fast fashion is so democratic and yet over-consupmtion is terrible for the planet. We would say, buy what you love and buy quality when you can.

It was a pioneering moment when Google merged high-tech and high fashion with the launch of its new image recognition technology through Boutiques.com. What do you predict for the future of online shopping?

We agree LikeSense/GoogleGoggles is amazing. And I love when it's applied to personal style on Weardrobe. It's so genius. Facebook is also doing some really interesting online shopping portals. But I'd be hesitant to make any predictions. There's probably someone in the Google Beta Labs dreaming up something we haven't even thought of yet.

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Now Accepting Donations: Inquire Within

For the past three weeks, every time I go into work I slip this bad boy on and the other PR staffer Torah and I have a major swoon sesh, convincing ourselves that we need it in our lifes. Out comes the calculator, the budget book and the list of pro's and con's. The con's of course, are along the lines of "it would be a CON if it weren't in my life"...

I'm considering lay-bying this bad boy for self-21st birthday present (which is coming up in July). I don't like jewellery, I don't want a car, I don't want some party dress I'll wear only once, and I'm obsessed with fur. So it makes sense...right?


Though it wouldn't be just a birthday present, it would be a graduation present, a commemoration to my big move and a pat on the back for my general goal kicking over the past few years.

Somebody tell me this is a good move.

 Camilla and Marc Blacktail Fur image via Oyster Magazine

PS. Torah, if you're reading this: I still shot-gun the size 8. Love always, Thun Luzzy.xox

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Hot Under The Collar

The other day I bought a blouse with a leather collar. And I know what you're thinking (you filthy beeyotch) so cut it the eff out.

S&M connotations aside, it's actually a trend that I am majorly digging*. Like, I'm literally sitting here panicking about the fact that I only have one blouse with a leather collar. ALL MY BLOUSES SHOULD HAVE LEATHER COLLARS. It's unreal. Especially on a sheer blouse. I feel like I'm totally vibing Lolita right now. The kick-ass of the leather mixed in with the lollypop-cuteness of the sheer. It's innuendo, baybay! 

*To put into perspective just how much I'm freaking out over leather collars at the moment, let's all sit back and enjoy pure unadulterated sex via Tom Ford campaigns. Come back in 10 and tell me you're not a just little hot and bothered. 

images: Sarah Timmermann 

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Buying Blackout Relapse

So it appears we have a little problem on our hands. And as alarming as it is I'm sure (I hope) that at least more than one of you can relate. Here goes.

A little while ago I had a buying black out; I'd purchased something off eBay in some sort of pre exam-educed online rage and had totally forgotten about it until the confirmation email popped up in my inbox. Like, what the eff, oops!

I've since recovered from this episode with a fresh outlook (thanks to my shrink) and a new dress (which, praise the lord, wasn't a total fucking disaster purchase). Life was good, I'd sorted my spending out and apparently was on the bright path to recovery. Though, judging by the surprise package from NastyGal sitting on my doorstep the other morning, I have relapsed.

What the eff is in that box? Why had I made this purchase? What is the meaning of life?

I pondered for a while and decided to check my credit card statement. Turns out after a ridic messy 4am break-up fight with my ex, I'd done the most logical thing a girl in that situation does, and confided in some online shopping.

Apparently, I'd fulfilled my yearning for a new pare of shades (and a turban, too wtf?). What's more is that my eyewear void has now been consolidated with a $40 pair of cat-eye frames*, that I'm actually now obsessed with. #Winning! And to think, Charlie Sheen thought he was killing it!

*Unfortunately my new sunglasses do not in any way remind me of batman. A girl can only dream.  

images: Nasty Gal, my blackberry

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Lust List: Eye-wear

Sequential to my trip down memory lane the other day, as promised here is my current eye-wear lust list.

After going on a trying-on rampage in the city yesterday and pissing of shop boys and girls the mall over (I'm looking at you Shades), I thankfully knocked quite a few contenders out of the competition, however the last few are still vying for the prime position on the leader board aka. my face.

In third place we have the Karen Walker Super Duper Strength frames. Thick heavy frames (me like), round with a hint of cat-eye, perfect for hiding a multitude of sins, even though this multitude can include err, my entire bone structure (me no like). Like, hello, I need my cheekbones! Still, for the sake of fashion I do love these. Swoon!

In second place we have another strong contender from Karen Walker, this time round it's of the  tortoise variety with the Number One's. The structural kitty silhouette frames also remind me of Bat Man, though I have absolutely no idea why so I'm just going to go with it. It worked for me with my old Persol's and it's still working for me now. You do the math.

Coming in under the radar to take first place are the sneaky Betsy frames by Isson. Cute name aside, they're a bit more Bat Manish than the others which I'm tres digging. Also a bit awkward; the frame at the top doesn't quite know what's going on (like me a lot of the time) and it's trying to be cool (me, again) and it's kinda getting there but it still makes you think hold on, do I hate this or do I love this? A bit of an aesthetic dilemma never goes astray. My only problem (who am I kidding). One of many of my problems is do I want the black or do I want the purple which is equally as compelling in the love/hate relationship stakes.

The jury is still out, so I may kind of really desperately need your advice on this one.... s'il vous plait?

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Eye-Wear Memory Lane

I'm considering splashing out on a new pair of frames, all the while getting all nostalgic over the previous pares I've loved and lost.

So if you're up for a trip down memory lane, lets examine my eye-wear time line, shall we?

Year: 2007

Purchased: Sportsgirl

Style:Deep blue and masculine 

Lost: On a surf-ski in Byron

Year: 2008 

Brand: Persol

Purchased: Shades

Style: They reminded me of Bat-Man

Lost: Stolen at pre-festival drinks (assholes)

Year: 2009

Purchased: Sportsgirl

Style: Dark brown transition into the cat-eye trend

Lost: Bundaberg op-shop

Year: 2010

Purchased: Jay-Jay's (don't ask)

Style: Round frames with the most amazing stripe print

Lost: Sydney. Last seen in a washing basket

Year: 2010

Purchased: Nasty Gal

Style: Dark cat-eye frames

Lost: Still have them. Kinda over it

Will soon post the sunnies on my lust list. 

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Dion Lee x Cue

So today's the day..... and I slept in.

Not that I have any money in my bank account, but I was planning on joining the cue (pardon the pun) and getting amongst the designer capsule collection madness.

In the lead up to this much anticipated event that includes the southern hemisphere in the collaboration madness (following on from Lanvin for H&M) I had done my best to predict what direction the collection would take. Of course, it would put any office fashionista on the top of the aesthetic status ladder as a lot of Cue's structural pieces do, however I expected delicate fabrics reminiscent of his SS2010 stand-out collection at RAFW. Today however I was pleasantly surprised with a well tailored shirt which I am absolutely coveting more than anything else. The collection also channeled a corporate winter including heavy textures of wool, felt and knit, a somber colour palette and on-trend injections of camel and khaki.

Below are my favourite picks.

 Blazer With Sleeve Slash $450 arrives March; Dinner Shirt $99 arrives March; Double Ponte Bike Skirt $320 arrives April

Felt Moulded Dress $360 arrives April

 Trench With Floating Yoke $550 arrives March; Utility Pocket Skirt $250 arrives March; Dinner Shirt $99 arrives March

Beware if I see you in store and you're trying on my Dinner Shirt.

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Grazia Up Late: The Aftermath

Following on from Sydney's pioneering Grazia Up Late at the Intersection Paddington, the buzz surrounding the Brisbane event could be felt city wide weeks prior to last month's night on James Street.

Loz of Vogue Contradiction picked me up in her mama's pimpin ride and we whizzed across town listening to phat beats all the while complaining about a) the rain, b) our bank accounts and c) how we got ready in under five minutes after working all day. Lame central, right? WRONG!

Turning into James St at around 5pm the style spotting had already begun. First we saw the news crew outside the then unfinished Rebecca Manning pop-up store which was built specifically for the night. Next I spotted the Black Milk model in all her six-foot glory who I later found playing the part of live-mannequin at the amazeballs Calexico grand opening. We got a pretty decent park (sometimes it pays to look like shit and arrive early), and made our way past The Tribune and Easton Pearson. We could hear the music, see the fashionista's eyeing each other off and then like the red sea parting infront of Moses, we saw our holy grail. Behold, Frockshop.com's flagship boutique in a wash of pink light, schmoozy cocktail music and every Brisbane it-girl bumping oversized Balmain-esque shoulders in the one room.

We hobbled over to the store facade (yes, our platform heels prevented us from dropping everything and running) and proceeded to fog up the glass leaving sticky nose smudges, only to realise that the door was a few meters to our left and we were infact permitted to enter this shopper's dream. Tossing  asside our wet umbrellas as if they were as out the LV Monochrome, we entered the room and immediately spotted  Frockshop PR girl Jessy Cameron of Wide Awake Thoughts in the middle of interviewing Camilla Freeman-Topper of camilla&marc (OMG) before being tapped on the shoulder by a handsome gentleman asking if I would like a champagne. Pol Roger? Why, thank you.

A few air kisses, customised FS cupcakes, battles in the changrooms and a limited edition Kelly Smith  x Frock Shop totebag later, I walked out with the much blogged about Arnsdorf Jersey Strap Skirt in Nude. Holy crap. This was lit-er-ally the first time I'd worn a skirt since high school - even if this one does just cover my derriere. To combat my fear of skankiness, I have since teamed it with my grey suede wedges from Aldo, a luxuriously soft model cotton loose fitting grey tank and a grey/blue silk Country Road blazer. Since dying my hair I've really been getting into grey. But I'll leave that for another post, another day. 

Where was I? Oh yeah. Heidi Middleton was rumoured to be mingling in Sass & Bide, so we trotted over and traipsed through the store, noting all the pieces I'd seen around and a few others I hadn't. I was pleasently surprised. Immediately we spotted the taller than expected one half of Sass & Bide. More than anything I was looking for the star tattoo that my thirteen-year-old self had so unapologetically admired. And there it was, in the flesh - not to mention the amazonian woman in an amazingly styled outfit.

Oh, I also bumped into Tom from Felix&Slink - all the while making a total ass out of myself on my way back to the car (instert stammering and stumbling here) from the Calexico opening after three too many Veuves and french martinis.

The result? See for your self...

some of the FrockShop staffers and the delicious customised cup cakes

Camilla of Camilla and Marc with FrockShop Director Marnie Goss

Lauren of Vogue Contradicion and myself



To top it all off, yesterday I was notified by @bdashing that one of my drunken tweets had made it into the pages of this weeks Grazia magazine. Woohooo!!

images: fs style, bdashing

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Lust List: Jeffrey Campbell x Pixie Market

I am absolutely lusting over these Austen Floral Shoes. Conceived by collaboration between shoe king Jeffrey Campbell and the owners of Pixie Market, I hope I get a chance to snap these up before the feverish masses beat me to it.Share

Dear EvilTwin poncho

Dear EvilTwin poncho,

I must own you ASAP.

I will wear you with shiny black platform stilettoes, black leather leg warmers and some sort of black dead animal.

Is this okay with you?

Miann xx

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FrockShop and Fashion Falsehood

This afternoon I was contacted by the lovely Jessy Cameron over at FrockShop.com regarding crossing our blogger/fashion PR paths for a possible cheeky collaboration project. It's just a whisper though, no full blown rumours just yet.

In the mean time FrockShop are offering all my readers a 10% discount on both sale and full price items! Just enter the codeword: FASHIONFALSEHOOD at the checkout to redeem your share of the love. But be quick, the offer is valid until midnight Australian Eastern Standard Time this Sunday the 18th of July... not to mention they're already having an up to 80% off sale on labels such as Antipodium, Camilla and Marc and Elizabeth and James!!!

Speaking of Elizabeth and James, Jessy also sent through some snaps from a recent photoshoot they did using pieces from current season Elizabeth and James, Karla Spetic and Ginger & Smart. I'm inlove with the pallette, especially considering it's starting to feel like winter is ready to surrender to spring already!

shoot by Red Eclipce Photography

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Buying Blackouts

Am I the only one that experiences these? Like a literal black out?

I bought and paid for a dress about two hours ago and just got an email saying "Thankyou for your purchase."

"THANKYOU FOR WHAT? WHAT PURCHASE?"

I actually had no idea what I had bought.

Thankfully, it was this dress:

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images: American Archive eBay

My Boyfriend's a Stud

These slouched, slashed and studded babies arrived in the mail today. I ordered them from PAWS ON ANNIIEEMAL. Celine studs the shit out of everything and it's fantastic.

Look forward to an outfit post feat. my studded boyfriend shorts. They're just so damn slouchy!

images: Paws On Anniieemal

Jail Bird Escapes to Sydney

So I've been totally running around in Sydney. It's been absolutely non-stop, just the way I like it! I've been doing the touristy thing every afternoon: Face buried in map with the high-fashion stores highlighted, I feel like I know this city already (which is a gross generalisation but makes me feel less like a tourist and more like a Sydneysider none the less).

For the most part I've been so excited to see the street style, but all the while I've been bitterly dissapointed. In a city of 4,000,000 people, I've noted about three truly stylish people on the streets. Maybe I'm just not looking in the right places, or maybe my expectations are too high. But for Brisbane - the seemingly too-small-to-be-fashionable city - the saturation of stylish people in comparison to the population is something to be said for.

To avoid boring you to death with my overtones of egotism and ramblings of a girl discovering a new city, this post will be cut short.

This is a dress I bought while shopping in Paddington, specifically in this boutique called Museum on Oxford St - one of the places I spotted one of those hard to find stylish Sydney girls. It's kind of bat-winged, and because I'm inlove with swamping my frame in oversized cloaks and the like, the stripes made this dress even better.

It's by Backstage and to update the stripe trend, I teamed it with a Balmainesque velvet blazer and my vintage battalion boots.

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Mon traitement à moi-même

After making possibly one of the hardest decisions we females ever have to make (to follow thy head or thy heart) I have decided to treat myself to a few luxuries I've recently otherwise denied myself.

Yesterday I spent the day shopping with mon meilleur ami (my best friend) Mia and the day before that I spent my waking hours crying into my pillow in between bouts of finding much sought after comfort in my teddy, a tub of ice cream and the latest issue of Shop Til You Drop.

With my new found solidarity and bff on arm, we tackled the mall and fought off all conversation regarding the male race on a whole. So prepare yourselves for a very near future outfit post featuring an out-of-this-world Bianca Spender blazer.

But in the mean time today I'm working on my tan to complement my newly acquired wardrobe for my internship in Sydney!

Isn't it a wonder what a spot of retail therapy can do?

I highly recommend this kind of pedigree self-love. Until next time être fabuleux et régalez-vous! (Be fabulous and treat yourself!)


Miann
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Houdini was a famous magician

What's better than finding the ultimate thrift piece and altering it into something even more ultimate than what you began with... on top of that (already knowing you payed about $2 for the item) having people plead with you to reveal where it's from?

I'm not sure but if you have an answer, I'd love to know.

On yet another of my recent thrift store rampages I picked up this amazing, old, floor-length nylon skirt with a blue/black shine and narrow knifepleats right to the hem. I could not stop cooing over it in the middle of the store, like some nylon-obsessed freak. Never mind that I was paying more love and attention to my new skirt than the cute-as-a-button toddler running around with the little old ladies behind the counter. No. Not cuter. My skirt was definately cuter.

So anyway desperate for something new and exciting I decided to cut arm holes in it and wear it as an oversized cape. Running around on Saturday night I felt like a magician and if I swiftly pulled up my cloak to my face, I could whisk away under the cover of darkness into the warm summer night.

And a photo of my gorgeous boyfriend and I for good measure...

Wearing: vintage Country Road skirt (made into a cape); Wittner heels; vintage bag; jewelry from Diva, Italy, eBay and some trinkets I made myself.