Day 2 of RAFW and the perils of really really tight hair!!

Lee Mathews Show on Day 2 at RAFW; ++ texture combo's. But nothing groundbreaking in the shapes and cut.

Camilla & Marc Collection on Day 2 at RAFW; Great hair. Average Collection.

Photos: www.rafw.com.au/

Just a few quick snapshots of some of the shows today at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. Nothing too special to report about today-it's been a long tiresome day- so I'll leave you all with these pics to admire and critic. Tell me what you think. Personally I love the tight hair-especially with a long straight ponytail at the back- at Camilla & Marc, which is the creation of Daren Borthwick. But I find that it always gives me a bit of a head ace afterwards and looking at the severity of these models hair I'd say that by the weeks end the girls are just going to be stumbling down the catwalk. That is if this trend continues to prevail through the rest of the week...talk about the pain of beauty, this is just plain suicidal! Not that that's ever stopped me before!!

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week pulling int the Stars!

Hotel Bondi Swim's debut collection at RAFW today!

Miranda at Kirrily Johnston this morning.

Miranda and Orlando at Sydney's Randwick Racecourse

Miranda in all black with a dash of red.

Photos: Ruth Schwarzenholz/Getty, Splash News Online, http://www.rafw.com.au/

S.A.A favourite Miranda Kerr is officially back in town -that is if you call Sydney,Australia home- for a number of events predominantly that of the 2008 Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. But before the shows got underway Miranda was spotted at Sydney's Randwick Racecourse on Saturday for her first public debut with boyfriend, Orlando Bloom. Ms Kerr was said to be wearing black Collete Dinnigan, a Prada Clutch and matching Yves Saint Lauren shoes and hat.

But once the shows began today, it was off with Orlando and on with Kirrily Johnston as Miranda was seen up front and centre at RAFW's first show today. Other shows featuring today were Hotel Bondi Swim, the product of designer duo Damion Fuller and Fern Levack which debuted today to a crowd of hype with its hippie prints, laid back local Bondi values and prominant, shinning knuckle dusters! Described by the duo as being designed for the 'bondi boat ramp girl' (Vogue.com.au) ; that being '...Australian, Japanese, Brazilian, English, freckled, tanned, pale, long haired, short haired and happy' (Vogue.com.au). Which is obviously quite the eclectic silhouette and not the stereotypical blonde hair, brown skinned Bondi girl.

With Nicola Finetti, One Teaspoon, Wayne Cooper and Lee Mathews done and gone that leaves tomorrows big shows, which are; Camilla & Marc, Lisa Ho, Zimmerman, Silence is Golden, Life with Bird, Kate Sylvester and the big one that everyones been waiting for, Alex Perry!

Until then,

Love always xoxo
S.A.A.

check out the belly !

Color me beautiful..

Check out our hand-painted tattoo...done in 10mins and no pain, we promise you !

This artform can be worn on nails and body, and even decorate your accessories. For more information about this technique, check out our website www.ecsalonce.com for course under "Folk Art Painting" or call 62381890 for details.

Weekend Road Show

You girls rock ! Thanks for the hard work ;)

The New Face of Chloe Fragrance

Photo: Chloe ad Campaign staring Chloe Sevigny

Can't wait to smell this new fragrance from Chloe! Only because Chloe Sevigny and Anja Rubik are the faces! Plus the bottly looks very chic! I just can't get over how beautiful this indie Queen looks!

love always xoxo

S.A.A.

Indiaspirational...The new trend inspired by India.

Vogue Australia April Issue with Catherine McNeil

Vogue Australia April Issue with Catherine McNeil

Spring Summer of 2008 O.P.I Nail collection

Campaign: Lakshmi Menon for Hermes spring/summer 08 shot by Thierry Le Goues

The Catalyst: Australian Vogue October 2007

Lately I've begun to notice that everything is turning Indian inspired! Everyday I find something new that stems its roots from India! Just yesterday I was talking to my equally understanding fashion friend J who further proved my point by reminding me about the new Hermes ad campaign staring indian model, Lakshmi Menon and a number of other impressively photogenic elephants (literally) ; but this is not where the trend began. You may remember. 'may' what am I talking about? You 'should' remember late last year the editorial from the September issue of UK VOGUE and October issue of Australian Vogue with Gemma Ward on the front cover in those striking blonde dread locks and the huge yellow overcoat. This, is where I think the trend has evolved from. The bright colours, funky knits and vibrant/cultural vibe of the shoot was the bold catalyst for the campaigns and collections to come! Next on my list of all things Indian is the latest Spring/Summer 08 collection by nail giant, O.P.I, entitled, india. The bold collection of colours were inspired by the 'vivid, warm and enchanting' colours of traditional indian culture.

Further indorsement of this growing trend is last months edition of Australian Vogue. The SUPERLATIVE photoshoot; Maharani moment, staring S.A.A favourite, Logan local and 'Indian Princess' Catherine McNeil was a true indicator if you're still not convinced of this whole Indian trend. The stunning McNeil, photographer Richard Bailey and fashion team at Aussie Vogue really captured the juxtaposition between the countries lavish opulence and impoverished bare under layer. Last of all in my list of small influences is last months edition of Russh which also caught onto the craze! With a Bindi clad model pouting terrificly whilst sporting the colourful accessory; it's no wonder why I've already started to bug my indian/hindu friend about where it is she gets hers from!

Can't wait to see you all in your cute Indian motifs and colourful clothes soon!!

Love always xoxo
S.A.A

It's finally finished....

I finally finished my unfinished inspiration...3D mixed media on Nfu.Oh shocking tips using the opal enamel collection and acrylic color powder. Also a special design on 10 self-made design tips to bring out the beauty of natural shells, shell wraps and mother of pearl.

Miranda back on the cover of Cleo!

Miranda on this month's Cleo!

Miranda on Cleo Magazine's September 07 cover
Miranda on UK Harper's Bazaar April Issue

Photos: http://cleo.ninemsn.com.au/cleo/ and UK Harpers Bazaar April Issue

Aussie Victoria's Secret Supermodel, former All Hallows School student and S.A.A. favourite, Miranda Kerr is back on the cover of Australian Cleo magazine this month and was also on the cover of UK Harper's Bazaar last month! The lucky lady will also be appearing at the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week reportedly with boyfriend Orlando Bloom up front and centre. What I would really like to know now is whether there is ever a week that goes by now without some form of news on the gorgeous dimple faced stunner? Answer: Ahhhhh NO! Which is just the way I like it!!!

love always xoxo
S.A.A.

The Doctors Back!!!!!

90's Doc Martens

The docs revisited -Chloe winter 07

Erin Wasson at Ksubi

You'll never ever guess what I'm digging at the moment!! Here's a couple of clues.....1. They're big 2. Black 3. hard 4. hardcore 5. did I mention big, and finally 6. come with the general connotations goth, punk and emo!!!!! Ahhhhh crazy I know since I am not one of all those things listed. So what am I crushing on at the moment and can't wait to get my hands on?

DOC MARTINS!!!!!

I know, I know what your thinking ewwwwwww what a freak! But hear me out; Lately these androgynous clob hobbers have started to become girls best friend and standard model attire. The classic and standard black leather 8 eye boots have been making a chic comeback, seen at the Chloe fall runway show and on a collection of fashion forward females notably the models. Not since the 90's have we seen such an influx of fashionable people sporting the shoes -unless you think the crowds at the latest marilyn manson concert are fashionable- in ordinary day to day wear! Fashionable alumni such as Agyness Deyn, Erin Wasson and other models have been seen parading and posing in them over the last couple of months. Recently Chloe collaborated with Dr Marten on their autumn/winter 07/08 collection creating a collection of larger scarier versions of the originals which is saying something considering the connotations that come with the originals.Red heads know best!

Sartorialist girl

Agyness Deyn in Docs.

Love always xoxo
S.A.A.

Happy Family

Nfu.Oh Singapore and Malaysia family gathering at the luxurious Nfu.Oh booth during NailExpo Korea 2008. We came back with new designs, new techniques, new ideas....and a burning desire to propel our skills to another level and just can't wait !!!

S.A.A.'s Favourite Supermodel in Fashion Giant Squeeze! - Miranda Kerr

Breaking News today with our Golden Girl Miranda Kerr is that the soon to be David Jones ambassador was discovered by arch rival MYER to have appeared in a couple of the stores catalogues and runway shows in Ms Kerr's early days before she made it big with underwear giant Victoria's Secret and other lucrative brands. A 'very young looking' Miranda was found in 'several [Myer] catalogues in 2002 and 2003' two years before her shoot to stardom. This recent shock discovery left a poor DJ's spokeswoman with nothing more than a melancholy, no comment.

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

Article to Left: Courier Mail, April 16, 2008, p.30

How old is too young? Australian fashion Week News

Article: The Courier Mail, April 12-13, 2008, P.11

The recent buzz surrounding the up and coming Rosemount Australian Fashion Week has not been all that positive after event casting directors choose to fly in a 14yr old model from Poland named Monika Jagaciak. Monika a stunning 14yr old caused quite a stir after plans were released a couple of days ago making her the star model at Fashion Week. Influential members in the industry (Kirstie Clements, Vogue Australia's Editor-in-Chief) cried out in protest at the suggestion of a 14yr old girl heading down the runways, saying that girls of this age should be at school and not modeling in what is considered a cut throat adult industry. Organisers of the event then backed out of the deal with Ms Jagaciak. Creating a ban on all girls under the age of 16 from appearing on the catwalk.

The removal of the 14yr old has cleared the catwalk for 16yr old local Brisbane model and Sandgate state High school student Kristie-Lee Hughes. This shift has been heralded as a much more sensible option, giving exposure to 'the next big thing' in modeling who is also a local talent. This issue brought up the old debate about what age is too young on the catwalk and whether age limits should be set? With set age limits being the growing trend among fashion festivals it won't be long before Paris and other fashion capitals follow suit. Forcing the industry to take a much more realistic approach when selecting their models and the images that they wish to portray.

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

How to keep your wardrobe looking as efficient and shinny as Gisele's Hair!

Photo: Ikea.com screen capture of wardrobe option available
My Shoe system :HINT: Stuff boots with plastic bags to help retain their shapeWooden hangers help preserve garment shape!

Wardrobe Systems. Some folks dread them and others relish in how great theirs are. But for all of you who happen to have one...that looks like a moldy bowl of pasta this 'How to guide' in wardrobe maintenance and organization should be a god-send.

First of all Wardrobe's should be at all times systematically organised period. No Wardrobe is too big or to small to house quality coat hangers, proper packaging and systematic storage compartments. If you don't believe me just go to www.ikea.com which has great storage solutions for both small and large homes and wardrobes.

Getting back on track... Every good and efficient wardrobe -regardless of price- contains these 5 vital ingredients:
1. Quality Wooden Coat Hangers-Keeps garment shoulders in shape and doesn't rust like wire hangers do all over your pretty spring dresses
2. Shoe Boxes - whether they're the boxes the shoes came in or specialized clear containers
3. Moth Balls - even if you don't have the nasty things living there, one day you may just open the cupboard door to find your favourite cashmere sweater in tatters wishing you'd just thrown in a couple of dollars worth of balls to save the heart ache.
4. Tissue paper - great for retaining the shape in shoes and wrapping delicate garments
5. Cardboard dividers- Makes it easier to distinguish the socks from the stockings and the Belts from the Bras.

Now with these tools you can ensure all of your clothes stay just as beautiful as on the day you purchased them no matter how long ago. And to keep track of all these wonderful garments any wardrobe OCD (Obsessive Compulsive) will tell you 'systems are the key to success!'.

This nifty system ensure all of my beauties stay in front of my eyes and not long lost with the mouldy socks and other long forgotten fashion flops ...ahem... bubble skirt:

All of my wardrobe that is not hanging up is divided into 7 basic sections which are:
1. Uniforms -work or school
2. Tops
3. Socks Hosiery and Swim-wear
4. Winter staples
5. Bottoms -shorts, skirts, skorts etc
6. Pj's and;
7. Shoes

These 6 different sections suit me just fine but some people may find that they have twice as much tops as they do bottoms and so you can adjust the amount of storage given to either accordingly. The second part of this system involves organizing each section generally it goes as follows:
1. Tops are sorted in either colour, season, most worn and least worn, fabric, style or a mixture of a couple.
2. The same is done for bottoms
3. Socks Hosiery and Swim-wear are sorted accordingly preferably within cardboard dividers as previously mentioned and;
4. Pj's are sorted into winter and summer with which ever season's crop sectioned towards the top or front.
5. Shoes are sorted so that everydays are at the front moving down to the 'rare occasion' good dress shoes at the bottom and each box has a Polaroid of the shoe inside attached to the front so that you can keep track of them all!

These solutions should help give order and purpose to your wardrobe allowing you to make quick clear sartorial decisions in times of hast or crisis. You should also remember to have at least two fail safe 'look amazing' outfits in times of dire desperation and these should only be used in these situations to avoid over use. Some other handy hints to make your wardrobe look like the fashion closet of a star (if you have the time) are:
1. Pretty ribbons can be placed tied to the tops of coat hangers to add a decadent boutique like finish
2. Yummy smelling salts and Potpourri can be kept at the bottom of your wardrobe to keep you clothes smelling clean and fresh and;
3. Cute wrapping paper or specialty wallpaper can be applied to the insides of your wardrobe to help inspire you to be creative with your outfits each day and also to show off all of you glorious clothes, cause lets face it after spending all that money on each item you want them to still look pretty even if they are patiently waiting to be worn.

So there you have it the perfectly organized, presented and smooth running wardrobe to ensure that you'll never be caught out looking for those grey marle tights; or finding that favourite scarf....moth eaten at the back of your undies draw ever again!!!

Love always xoxo
S.A.A.

ELLE Veteran Fashion Director Sacked?

In other News... I've just found out that veteran fashion director of ELLE magazine Nina Garcia has been fired or rather 'let go' according to sources. I just recently was talking about her new book 'The Little Black Book of Style' in a post and now this?

But judging by the rep this girl has she's shore to have something lined up in no time at all. Only question is will she still be judging on the highly successful TV series 'Project Runway'? Whatever the case no need to worry cause I can guarantee we'll be seeing her back on the masthead of some other lucrative magazine sometime soon!

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

Gail Reid Designer Profile

Photo: Gail Sorronda A/W 08 entitled: White Knight

New Person taking the fashion scene by storm: Gail Reid
What is she?: Fashion Designer/Model
Label name?: Gail Sorronda
Where is she from: Brisbane, Australia

Gail Reid's eponymous label Gail Sorronda is predominantly monochromatic in black and white with a stronger emphasis on the cut and structure of the designs. Gail caught the attention of fashion heavy weights with her debut collection 'Angel at my Table' when she won the Queensland finals of the Mercedes-Benz start up Awards in 2004.

Ms Reid is also regarded by a number of reputable sources as smart savvy and refreshingly charismatic. Some have described her as having an "innately complex and captivating personality"Vogue Australia and striking "intelligence" Oyster Magazine. These attributes only add to the overall appeal of her creations which push the envelope of design whilst still remaining chic and understated taking it's wearer from day to evening.

Gail and her designs have also appeared in notable magazines such as VOGUE Australia, UK and Swedish ELLE and both the Australian and UK Harper's Bazaar. She has also expanded her talents to a Jewelery line; featuring later this year at the Designer Awards in Melbourne, sponsored by Tiffany & Co. Gail also showcased her first individual collection at Australian Fashion Week last year to much hype receiving rave reviews through out the industry.

With sales going well on all 7 continents that the label is sold, things could not be going better for this 25yr old All Hallows Alumni, who has just recently set up a freestanding concept store in Brisbane's Fashion savvy suburb of Fortitude Valley. Which is also home to high end fashion store Blonde Venus.

So all that's left to say is good luck cause it's not likely that this design dynamite will be slowing down anytime soon!

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

Up and Coming...

Photo: Gail Reid of Gail Sorronda (Myspace Image)

Hey not much of an entry today cause I'm a bit tired so I'm just poppin in to say hi and to tell you that I'll be doing a profile on Gail Reid designer of the up and coming label, Gail Sorronda and I will also be writting soon, a how to guide on wardrobe efficiency, layout and design so that you can all keep your beautiful frocks and expensive shoes safe and organised!

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.

Patricia Field's Sex and the City on a Budget

See the Dior gladiator sandal used through out and the stud belt in outfit no.1 and large statement bag in outfit no.2.

Long monotone grey thigh high socks and a cute pair of shoots (shoe boots -much more forgiving on the calves-) Also a great use of layering so that you can get more outfits out of just the one dress!

Large statement bag: CHECK, Leather Gloves: CHECK

And again we see the use of layering this time in bolder colours and those SOCKS + Gladiator heels!
Photos: Unknown sources

Now here is what you've been waiting for....How to get that Sex and the City Vibe happening! First of all I have to say that the wardrobe for this movie is HUGE and the cost of that is even bigger so for any girl worth her Jimmy's knows that we all can't live like this all the time so when it comes to budget some items are definitely worth the splurge while others you'll just have to take a miss. So to avoid the dilemma of knowing when to splurge and when to save I've already done the hard work for you!!!!

Ok so the main trends followed through each of Carrie's outfit in the move are the brown and black pair of Dior Gladiator sandals, a thick black leather silver studded belt used to cinch the waist (kinda bondage like which is very in this season), a couple of pairs of predominantly black leather gloves a huge statement bag and long school girl socks!

Now I have a treat for all those girls like me who are desperate for those amazing Dior Gladiator heals...

TA-DA ... This exact copy of the Dior Gladiators are available exclusively at Wittner stores or online at www.wittner.com.au for wait for it....just $169.95 a fraction of the thousand dollar price tag of the originals!

Other key trends in the movie as previously mentioned are Long socks
Photos: Wittner.com.au and Sportsgirl.com.au

that reach either just over the knee or right up to mid thigh -depending on how daring a mood you're in- which can look great over stockings and tights if you wish to be a little more conservative! You can pick up these socks now from your local Dotti or Sportsgirl (see above picture) store which have them in a variety of colours and I also think that Witchery may have some as well for around $15. But as far as colours go I'd stick with more the muted tones of Beige and grey otherwise your outfit could start to look a little to Japanese school girl/tranny rather than New York Chic!

As far as the studded belt goes I know that Bardot had one or two similar but slightly smaller black leather studded options that would work equally as well if cinched around the waist or worn loosely over the hips with a pair of jeans (black skinny preferred cause yes they are still in and you won't catch me throwing mine out too soon).

Photo: Cropped from the Bardot Winter 08 ad Campaign

I hope these little key trends and hints help you add a little Sex and the City into your wardrobe cause I mean we couldn't just let Carrie have all of the fun!!!

If you have any more questions about this eclectic outfits just give me a bell and I'll wright back as soon as possible!

Love Always xoxo
S.A.A.


P.S. Dents have some great leather gloves and other accessories at the moment which you can get from your local David Jones!