Fresh-faced.

To put a halfway mark on an absolutely crawling week, I wanted to share my absolute favourites from New Look's latest Idol 5 collection. When Sophie from New Look showed me these pieces that had been an instant hit in stores the week before, guess who fell for the chin-down-glares-out vibe that pretty much drips from every piece?

What I love most in this collection is that there is nothing remotely in-between or no-man's-land about it. Hems were either high or low, finished or destroyed; heels were skyrise or nonexistent; and pieces were punked out, or undeniably sophisticated.

Extremes are for me. It clicks. I likey :)

Check out more HERE!

P.S. The mini-giveaway is now closed! I'll announce winners tomorrow. And never fear! I have a couple more well on the way :D Get excited!

*love*

xx

Paula Walden.

Paula Walden: designer, model, and artistic mastermind, showcasing a very impressive range of jewellery and accessories. With the creativity, industry experience and collaborations with the likes of Gail Sorronda and George Wu under her belt, Paula's innovative approach to the entire concept of an 'accessory' really anchors her pieces to a versatile, but original, theme. And fun and passion is evidently a big part of her line:

Can you give us a brief summary of what a day at the office is like?
Everyday changes, but I generally begin my day starts with a journey down to #63 on Racecourse Road for a Vanilla Latte...I peruse my list of things to do and I hence forth...

What would you describe as the Paula Walden vibe?

Fun.

What are you working on at the moment?
Right now, costume accessories for Groove Armada front woman to wear at Glastonbury. Most importantly though, the next collection- 'My Third World', it's a culmination of my philosophy being that jewellery and fashion are inextricably linked. I'm hoping to create a visual spectacular and move people.

What kind of work goes into designing and releasing one piece?

It all starts with a direction in line. Straight or curve...straight dictates a logical approach or if I see curve, this involves an artistically directed approach. It's all emotionally driven though.

Who’s your favourite style icon of the moment?

Erte, he's an historical figure but I find his way in design valid to my contemporary nature.

What’s the biggest style trend you see coming through this year?

The colour brown, beneath all it's overtones that it'll be exampled through...it ultimately symbolises earth. We had the ergonomic and sustainability trends floating around metaphorically and now it's becoming visually literal.

What do you think of the new wave of bloggers coming through?

Some are legitimate, some aren't.

Random question: What you pack for a picnic in Summer?

Cheese, crackers and beer.

And last of all, what’s a random question would you like to ask the next interviewee?

Have you ever looked at the number three and seen it symmetrically?

Thanks Paula!

Side note: how gorgeous is she?

What I love about Paula's pieces is the way she brings new ideas to generically drained pieces, so they can be thrown with anything you happen to be wearing, and still carry out a personal vibe.

Check out more of her work HERE.

*love*

xx

Backlight |ˈbakˌlīt| n. illumination from behind.

Junk Clothing Mesh Shoulder Top - Bardot Tutu Skirt - Generic Sheer Tights - Dr Martens 1460 8 Eye Boots in NAVY WORN - SpinDizzyFall Vintage Sunglasses

Some black and white fun to start the week - in terms of photography, I've been working on backlighting and clarity. Or as much as I can with a friend's camera anyway. Unfortunately (or thankfully... depends on how you're feeling today), only the first and last of this lot were successful. But I'm getting there :)

So much love for this mid-cropped top from Junk - the perfect gunmetal colour and the smoothy-smooth texture makes it the ideal pullover for anything in pretty much any season, not to mention the mesh shoulders. I'm thinking it would go fantastically with something high-waisted because of the crop - thoughts?

Particularly happy with that last shot :) I've now realised that glasses are so very PRADA-esque in terms of material and the shape is Chloé to say the least. I will definitely be pulling out the red lipstick and pigtails next time I wear these :p

A shout-out to the lovely Courtney and Brigitte for passing on a sweet blog award, which entails me listing three things I love about myself, with a picture I love:

1. My love of blogging
2. My wrists (weird)
3. My self control (weirder - except when it involves icecream)

And my favourite picture is HERE. I'll be passing this on to Delightful Bitefuls, .themoonchild., salad of my life, The Space Boy, and tweet.

Hope you've all had a great start to the week?

P.S. I have some fun giveaways on the way :D and don't forget to enter the current one!

*love*

xx

Time.

Over the weekend, 2threads.com sent through a Q&A for their 20 favourite bloggers, based around the concept of time. So, accompanied by a selection of seemingly random photos, here is Margaret in a time machine :)

1. The time you felt most inspired by fashion – your most inspiring fashion moment.

For days after Viktor & Rolf's FW10 show earlier this year, I was rendered nothing short of speechless - the concept of combining a genuine performance, with a fast-forward process of design, art, and ultimately, a very real presentation of design talent, had my mind blown. Not only that, but the collection itself was an insanely accurate representation of bringing the runway to the streets - every piece was an artform, but a versatile one, and the complete babushka of Kristen McMenamy reinforced this tenfold.

The inspiration in this was how the industry suddenly accepted that fashion isn't just about pretty editorials and standing ovations at runway shows - the process itself is an art, and that ought to change the way so many people approach the field.

The only downside of this ground-breaking show was that I wasn't there in person :)

2. The time you were proudest of your outfit or style

The first - my feature in GRAZIA Australia alongside other amazing bloggers whom I have nothing by admiration for.

The second - the Sydney Fashion Forward Festival, when Erin McNaught admired my RUSSH jacket all night, then asked me backstage where it was from. Fist pump for Australian designers!

3. The Time in Fashion you would most like to return to

I've always loved the idea of flying back to Marie Antoinette's court for a day, just so I can be dressed up in elaborate things, eat macaroons, and marvel at Versailles.

But, if we're talking more recently, I think the 80s would have been an amazing time - high-waisted skinny jeans are amazing... I'm currently looking for some, actually :)

See my daydreaming?? :)

Thanks to Gracie and Storm Watches for facilitating this!

Have we all had a fantastic weekend?

*love*

xx

Billycock Denim & Co.: Jem & Goldy.

On the note of getting back into jeans and pants, it's more than my pleasure to introduce the talented and outrageously fun faces behind the force that's out for world domination with their amazing denim label, Billycock Denim & Co.

Bondi Beach based Billycock Denim & Co. has been established by the dropkick duo Jem + Goldy as an alternative to the mass of sub-par consumer denim labels which have sprung up over the years.

Billycock jeans are individually hand-made in Australia using only artisanal Japanese denim and each pair crafted is a singular and unique creation. The look and feel of each Billycock piece is as individual as a pair of tits. Through experimentations and epic collaborations the anti-establishment label aims to reinvent conventional fashion from the roots up.

The name Billycock comes from the gangsters which emerged out of Manchester around 1870. They were called ‘The Scuttlers’ and these hoodlums were Britain’s first youth cult. They would dress alike in brass-toed clogs, wore neckerchiefs which had patterns to denote gang membership and had hair cropped very closely at the back and sides but with long fringes at the front that were longer on the left hand side than the right. Most importantly they wore Billycock hats. These ruffians would dress up as sartorial warriors and kick the shit out of other gangs. Billycock draws its inspiration from ‘The Scuttlers’ attitudes and ideas of brotherhood and living for the streets.

I'm absolutely obsessed with their latest collection - cuts and colours, people. That's the way jeans are done. When I met these two talented and hilarious people at the Fashion Forward Festival in Sydney, I was struck by, not only their showcase jeans' ability to make me stand there for a half hour and stroke their denim-y goodness, but also their amazing personalities and not-your-head sense of fun that is such a big part of the Billycock label.

But the thing I love most about Billycock's work is its mission of world domination by redefining the term 'staple'. We don't want shiny black Selvedge. We want acid wash, stone wash, distressed, happy colours, sparkle, slouch, antiqued, and everything else that is at the drawing board and being stitched at Billcock Denim & Co.

Check out more of their work HERE. Disclaimer: addictive.

P.S. I just got home from my friend's outrageous birthday celebratories, so there should be some smiles and trip ups coming your way in the form of photos

*love*

xx

Desaturated.

Altered Knit - Junk Clothing Biker Jean - Tony Bianco Dodge Boots in Ash Suede - Agent99 Sheer Panel Tee - Yolo Om Leather Slouch Bag - Agent99 Diamond Cut Out Ring - Nightmarket Rings

So I know I've been in denial about the dropping temperatures (i.e. running around in pretty strapless dresses and shorts), but the mercury is going into hibernation, so I spent the afternoon giving in and pulling out all my beloved winter things. In doing so, I came across this knit that Mum had given up wearing and shoved in some dark little corner between a Hello Kitty belt and a ridiculous pair of cords that she insists on keeping in case we ever need to paint the house. It had this terrible, suffocating turtleneck happening, so (with permission and assorted blessings) I snip-snipped the stitching et voilà. You have an unfinished neckline and the warmest knit of my life!

More to the point, though, are these amazing jeans thanks to Junk Clothing. I think I gave up on all forms of jeans and most forms of pants half way through Winter last year (I'm still a bit unsure as to how I survived), because I could never find a pair that were skinny enough, straight enough, long enough, short enough, or affordable enough to be worth my time and glaring. So, you can probably imagine how ecstatic I was when I tried these on and they fitted perfectly... with a bonus sticker for the likes of knee pads, stitched detail on pockets and seams, and zippers for the badass. Junk, you have restored my faith in pants. And possibly saved me from frostbite :)

Understatement of the century: I will be living in these jeans and knit (and the Tony Bianco favourites if circumstances permit) for every other last minute adventure to the lonely little store down the road to buy vanilla essence - kind of essential for cupcakes (I wasn't just walking around outside for funzies :D)

Today was the last day of the school term too. I accidently pulled an all-nighter last night (I swear I had no idea and kept working until I started to wonder what the hell a retard bird was doing screeching outside at that hour) so this is the biggest breath out I've had in a while - hopefully my body doesn't stop functioning on me... does anyone else get that?

Hope you've all had an awesome week with a well-deserved Friday :)

*love*

xx

Ayaka Nishi.

Ayaka Nishi is the sweetest person and the fullest head of ideas I've ever come across. I love her extension of edgy jewellery into skeletal pretties that are sure to catch on super fast. I am, personally, waiting for her next pieces to be released - then I can stare cross-eyed at them. :)

On that happy note, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking to the lovely Ayaka about her work.

Hey Ayaka, how’s it going?
I'm good.currently I'm preparing for a show in June.
It makes me busy but I'm exciting to collaborate with my mom in this show.
She is a floral designer.The show will be Jewelry and flower show.

How did you start out with design?
Sometime, I start sketching but sometime I get inspiration from materials.
In bone bracelet, I found unique coyote bone in a shop and I thought it was perfect shape for a bracelet and I started make a piece. Firstly I made a simple one rib bracelet but I wanted to make something bigger, so I connected snake spines and 7 coyote ribs.

What would describe as the Ayaka Nishi vibe?
Natural, Organic, Biological, White and Black

What kind of work goes into releasing one piece?
Designing, wax carving, metal working, beading, molding, casting, pricing, photo shooting, updating website, promoting...



I’ve been loving your bone-style designs as of late – are you thinking of expanding to anything else?
I'm working on bone necklace now. I'm going to make bone ring and earring too.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I want to expand my brand to not only U.S, but also Europe, Asia, Australia and other countries.
I want to collaborate with many other creators.
I want to participate in fashion shows.
I want to go to other countries more to get inspiration.

Who’s your favourite style icon of the moment?
Edwidge Belmore.
I met her at a party.
She was a 80's punk icon.She is turning 40 years old now, but still she keeps mature punk style.
I like sophisticated, elegant, mature punk spirit even my fashion is not really punk.

What do you think will be the biggest jewellery trend this year?
Boooooooooooone!

What do you think of the new wave of bloggers coming through?
It is really great that people can dispatch information without any restriction and the ease of sharing with other people.
It is nice to see people's direct opinion through blogs.

Sue-Ann, designer at Stylestalker, would like to know: McDonalds or KFC?
Both is same thing to me.
I eat Papaya dog ;) It is right near the corner of my studio.

And last of all, what’s a random question would you guys like to ask the next interviewee?
What kind music do you like?

Working Picture : Tal Spanzer
Other Jewelry Pictures : Drew Kelly

Thanks Ayaka!

What I found most fascinating was Ayaka's photo of her workspace :O It speaks for itself really.

Check out more of her work HERE and you can buy the Coral Necklace and Spine Bracelet HERE and HERE.

*love*

xx

“Believing that a girl will wait is just like jumping with a parachute packed by someone else.” ~ Nikolai Chepik.

Ruche "The Way You Look Tonight" Dress - Dr Martens 1460 8 Eye Boot - Agent99 Diamond Cutout Ring - Nightmarket Thumb Ring

This amazing dress arrived from Ruche last week, and I've been waiting for the perfect sunny afternoon to jump around in all its ruffled glory. What I love most is its asymmetry - the ruffles down one side make it that much more unpredictable - and what better way to play this up than with my beloved Docs (navy matching was totally unintentional :p).

The second point of obsession is the vintage vibe, which I think can be safely attributed Ruche's vintage inspiration. I've noticed that everyone was going all out vintage for a good few months, and now the pendulum's swung back a bit to just vintage-inspired designs with a twist. Have you guys bought anything like that?

My hair has finally gotten long enough to put it up in a non-retarded-looking bun again, but do excuse my crazy Tweety Bird fuzz that has appeared around my hairline. Don't really know what the go is with that :)

This week is going so slowly! Does anyone else find that? It's like... the mid-year slump. And clearance sales won't do anything to fix that. I need sleep.

:)

P.S. Take a walk and follow me on Twitter and Bloglovin' if you're so inclined :p

P.P.S. I don't actually believe the quote in the post title :)

*love*

xx

With such and such a place.

As much as I do love snuggling up in layers of shapeless clothing, there are only so many hot chocolates and miserable bouts of grey sky a girl can handle. Spanish Moss Vintage's Summer lookbook confirmed this tenfold... I need to be in the Northern Hemisphere to slide around in the lazy dryness, and put my polaroid to badass vintage goodness.

Though the Bahamas are good too.

So, in my dreamings of a distant season (by which time I will have finished school forever O.o), I have fallen in love with Spanish Moss pieces and their versatility despite their unique look-at-me standup - that's pretty talented, I'll say :)

Spanish Moss. Yum. :) The best part is that the vibe is just as good as the amazing pieces.

*love*

xx

Not all there.

The Scarlet Room Chiffon Lightweight Toga Dress - Tony Bianco Dodge Boots in Ash Suede - Ruche Turquoise and Pearls Ring - Agent99 Diamond Cut-out Ring - Nightmarket Thumb Ring

This incredible chiffon dress arrived from The Scarlet Room a few days ago, and I couldn't think of a better occasion to wear it at than a friend's belated graduation lunch.

This is one of just two one-shouldered dresses sitting in my wardrobe. I tend to steer clear of single shoulders because they are, admittedly, a bit fussy, a bit restrictive, and sometimes a bit forced, but the gorgeous cut and perfect semi-sheerness of this dress really softens the silhouette... and makes me dream of Summer when I can wear it out at night without a shoulder getting cold :D

This ring is also a new obsession of mine - the turquoise is the exact shade I've been looking for (thanks for BarelyVogue). Believe you me, it'll be brightening up a black ensemble more than once :)

Do pardon the sleepy eyes and half-half hair - unlike Miranda Kerr, I don't feel well-rested when I step out of the shower.

What did you all get up to this weekend?

Mischief, I hope.

P.S. Don't forget to Enter My Giveaway!

*love*

xx