Merry wives of Windsor... Smith.

... words cannot express the degree to which I adore these Windsor Smith babies.

And how much of a strangely happy exhausted mood I'm in as I drag myself around in this beautifully balmy weather, getting ready for Law Ball tonight. Hopefully I'll snap some happy photos before I leave!

Think For Love & Lemons.

How was everybody's week? Mine was a whirlwind of exciting project initiations and reunions with wonderful people who have not appeared often enough given my inability to say no to blog-related propositions.

Having said this, bright shoes are my pick-me-up.

Hope it's yours too as you work your way into Friday evening!

Apologies for the nonsense post :)

P.S. Last day to vote for your favourite Voi Shop window if you care to pitch a vote my way! HERE.

*love*

xx

Bright and búl.

búl Button Maxi Dress - Dutzi Bag - Market HQ Cross Ring - Factorie x Australia's Next Top Model Filigree Ring - Polli Bear Necklace

I don't think any word or photo is ever going to express how happy it makes me that Summer is well and truly on the way. So what if the breeze gives me goosebumps from time to time? I'm going to carry on dressing like it's December and the weather will eventually catch up with me.

Given the brilliant quantity of sun today, I could hardly resist the brightly draped comfort of this búl dress. Because of the lighting, I'm not sure that these photos quite express the full impact of the dress' burnt orange, but be sure to keep an eye on their website for the full collection to pop up - I had the pleasure of rifling through a rack of them on Friday afternoon when visiting the ladies of Trish Nicol Ageny and I have to say, the pieces are very much the epitome of dreamy Summer dressing.

I really do use this bag a lot more than would be evident on the blog - it's the perfect size for pretty much everything, and the leather and stitching are far too perfect to stay inside. It's definitely one for the warmer weather though, so expect to see much more of it!

I know I tweeted so this morning, but I'll say it again: this necklace is the most adorable piece of jewellery I have ever had the pleasure of owning.

How have all our weekends been? Mine, unfortunately, hasn't been terribly productive - I have managed to catch up on some sleep, though, and gone on several wonderfully long runs in preparation for Blackmore's Sydney Running Festival (more on that later).

I also discovered that I'm moderately gluten intolerant (which would explain why I feel a bit ill after my daily sandwich) and so spent the most part of last night planning ridiculous salads for the rest of the week.

P.S. Don't forget that you have less than a week to be in the running for winning a $275 Sgt Sookie Wardrobe! Right HERE.

*love*

xx

Castañer x The Fable Collective: Behind The Scenes.

By some miracle of my uni timetable, I sorted out some time on Wednesday to not get the 308 bus down to Alexandria (where do such large vehicles hide... seriously) and snap and film happily behind the scenes in what stylist Kim Payne called a 'bright fiesta' of the brightest colours - Castañer x The Fable Collective's campaign shoot. Needless to say, I've already fallen very much in love with the relaxed but undeniably fun colour-pop of the shoe collab - you'll agree when I finish my behind-the-scenes video and, eventually, share the campaign itself. It was definitely a treat to see Holly Blake working her magic!

Aside: I don't think I've ever been on a shoot that doesn't involve faces! Good stuff :)

*love*

xx

On top.

Mrs Press Coat - Evil Twin Bad Moon Rising Shirt - Factorie for Australia's Next Top Model Leather Look Pants - Therapy Shoes Tower Pumps

While this wonder of a coat is from Clare Press' equally wonderful Spring/Summer 2011/12 collection, I'm going to be honest and say that I really wasn't feeling Spring today - Sydney had it coming (it had been sunny for far too long!). So, I thought the next best thing would be to floralise a little with this fantastic piece of Evil Twin work. The khaki and nude is something I haven't tried before, and now that I've said that, it will be all you see for the next two weeks. Such are the workings of my mind :)

To juxtapose that again: these Emmanuelle-Alt-esque seamed leather pants from Factorie's collaboration with Australia's Next Top Model. I'm very excited to be sharing some of the pieces from  the collection with you - the degree of wearability (or model basics, I suppose you'd call them) is definitely alive and breathing.

I'm telling you now I will never get sick of these Therapy Shoes.

Ever.

Less than an hour left to enter the Style Yourself giveaway! Get to it :)

*love*

xx

Bardot likes you. So does Wednesday.

Bardot Layered Tulle Skirt - NEUW Denim Shirt - Romwe.com Bat-wing Sleeve Oversized Cardigan - Yves Saint Laurent Brun Vibrant Lipstick from YesStyle.com - Dotti Tights - Therapy Shoes Big Ben Boots

So aside from me pulling out my favourite pile of tulle from Bardot that hasn't be subject to my twirling for a while, I thought (in the spirit of taking of photos of what one is wearing) you'd like to know about the little Street Style competition Bardot is running where you could win a $500 voucher and star in the next Bardot email newsletter, just by snapping yourself in your favourite Bardot before June 8th. How easy is that? Get entering HERE.

On a slightly different note, who's feeling the Wednesday-Addams-had-a-baby-with-neon-nails-on-an-American-roadtrip vibe? I made that up. As you may have gleaned from my excited Tweet (and happy photo), I finally found the perfect not-red-in-disguise dark lipstick to wear like a boss for the entirety of winter. I should have known that YSL would be the solution - there were oh so many failed attempts with others.

On top of all that, I'm very much obsessed with my Romwe Knit. As are most people who happen to be around on a cold day, I promise, it fits multiple people in some wonderful bubble of warmth - but with enough of a plunging neck to button collared shirts all the way up like a raging hipster.






I'll have to take a proper photo of my new nail polish before it runs out (I'm working through it so fast - good thing it's $2 from Chinatown).

P.S. I've been nominated for the 2011 Colourdujour awards and would love if you could all pitch a vote my way simply by clicking 'Like' right HERE! And while you're lurking around Facebook, how about a 'Like' on the Shine By Three page too :)

*love*

xx

B-b-burgundy.

MINKPINK Boat That Rocked Pea Coat from Market HQ - MINKPINK Stockholm Syndrome Shirt from Market HQ - Dotti Burgundy Wide Leg Pants - Therapy Shoes Tower Heels in Taupe Suede - Angus & Coote Studs

Why yes, I have been liking the idea of all-one-colour for the past couple of weeks. And yes I did just throw together some distant cousin of a coloured pantsuit in a clash of textures. These Dotti wide-legs are definitely among the most incredible pants I've ever had the pleasure of floating about in, regardless of their overwhelming tendency to billow as you stroll. I've been loving the double collar effect of wearing a shirt and a blazer recently as well - please expect to see a lot more of this.

Thanks.

Thank you all so much for the sweet words about the DOLLY feature - it really does mean so much!! And a shout out to those of you who I've met while in many a chai-latte line around uni over the past week and a half! It's always so much fun to meet readers away from the computer :)

Make sure you're tweeting, Bloglovin' and Like-ing daily!

P.S. much love to dearest Mother for the beautiful early birthday earrings

*love*

xx

Step two.

YesStyle.com.au Double Breasted Cape Jacket - YesStyle.com.au Highwaisted Canvas Shorts - Romwe Striped Tights - Therapy Shoes Big Ben Boots

It makes me feel slightly old-and-wise to say that my dear little blog is now 2 years old. I would just like to extend a wonderfully clichéd thank you to all you amazing readers for bringing me all this way and for kicking me along into such incredible opportunities - through blogging I've been able to meet a ridiculous number of inspiring people that have been so kind as to guide me a little in an equally inspiring multitude of ways. Then next year is certainly going to be some happy internetted ride. Be prepared!

And bazam: here's me jumping in what you would think are the most unjumpable boots to celebrate that. Definitely not that case.

I wore this cape to uni this week and got a lot of what-are-you-wearings. Yeah well screw you all - I'm warm. It takes a lot of willpower not to sit in the corner petting the super soft navy blue. Disclaimer: Please be prepared to get sick of this cape as a serious repeat offender :) (I have also taken a liking to tucking my hair in to all sorts of necklines).

In my hurried in-the-door-out-the-door blogposts recently, I'd completely forgotten to announce the winner to my Gigi Vintage Easter Giveaway! SO I'm jumping to announce (so appropriately too) that the winner is...

Maria from Wild Space Monkey Adventures

Congratulations lady!! I'll be in touch to get your details soon.

Otherwise, tell me tell me - how has everyone's week been? I feel an odd half-asleep detachment from this space that really needs to be picked up.

*love*

xx

ELLERY SS11/12.

As ridiculous as it sounds, I had been tossing up as to whether I would board the offsite bus for ELLERY's SS11/12 show - it had been getting to the end of the week and (without sounding like a whiney kid) I was ridiculous rundown, with attentions left, right and centre.

Thankfully (after being kicked along by beloved blogger friends - seriously: what would I do without you guys), I tripped on over to the White Rabbit Gallery where the models had certainly been cast for their statuesque gliding between the two floors across which the show was held. The whole experience was, needless to say, wonderfully surreal - surreal in the eye's tendency to zoom in and out on the boxy silhouettes of outerwear to the intricate crystal work, the mix in weights of fabrics, the perfectly beige leather, and (for dorkus starstruck me), the towering Jennifer Hawkins, and a stripey Christine Centenera chatting away 5m down the row.

While some would complain about it, this time round, I think I took some twisted creative delight in knowing that some looks would stay on the runway.









Don't even start me on Kym Ellery's shoe genius.

As always, more photos are up on the Facebook Page.

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

*love*

xx

Bubble-bursting.

DITA Clear Frames - RIMMEL London Lipstick - Events Blazer - Vintage Blouse - LadyLovesGreen Leather trousers - Therapy Tower Heels in Taupe - Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutch

It was an absolute pleasure to meet the sweet and ever boldly style-comfortable Susie Bubble over the entirety of RAFW. I'm always so terribly dorky (and ever so slightly starstruck) with people I look up to, but it was so lovely to have quick chats here and there with Susie (who was running around OPT like a crazy lady all week!) and seeing her views and approaches to designers and style is a mishmash of art and creativity in action.

This snap was after Sara Phillips SS11/12 (of which I'll have snaps up soon), and conveniently, here are some quick shots of what I wore that day.







These leather pants (from fantasitc Etsy seller LadyLovesGreen) were a perfect fit, a perfect colour, perfect warmth for a bit of a windy day, and so perfectly timed (thank you Ruth!) that it wasn't even funny. I quite enjoy the leather-on-leather that's going on with my infallible Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutch, and combined with these perfect Therapy block heels (which were definitely my favourite Therapy shoe of the week), drew almost as much attention as wonderfully geeky clear frames and BAM lips. I'm all about a block heel at the moment, and taupe suede is definitely the right way to do it.

The equally sweet and humble Phil Oh (Mr Streetpeeper) also snapped me in that ensemble earlier that morning for Harper's Bazaar's coverage of RAFW:

Thank you all for bearing with me on the blogging! Getting back into the Uni rhythm has definitely been a bit of a rocky road. I promise to get back onto all your emails and questions and sweet comments super soon!

*love*

xx

Raffaele Ascione.

Raffaele Ascione is a ball of talent and energy if I've ever known one. Having worked under Max Mara, Julia Clancey and Gareth Pugh, a few solo shows in Frankfurt and London under his belt, his fantastic FW11 collection stomped down runways at London Fashion Week last year, and some love from Lady Gaga, Raffaele is definitely on an upward trajectory with his intriguing structural ideas, and contrasting textures to match. Needless to say, I was more than excited (not going to lie) to catch up with the goings on in Mr Ascione's headspace and career:

Hi Raffaele! How’s it going?
Hey there, I am good…feeling a huge anticlimax right now in my life. I have just finished my MA in Womenswear at Central Saint Martins and I have to say it was the toughest thing I have done so far. It wasn’t even about the work load as I can handle pressure well, but it was more about learning about myself and how far I could be pushed with my design work. So now, I am catching up on sleep and getting myself out there with my work.

Can you give us a rundown on how you started out with design?
I always wanted to be a designer or dancer, when I finished school back in Germany I could either go to Drama school or Art school. At the time I went for the dancing and did it professionally for 3 years. But then I had the urge to go back to Art and Fashion, I started with my HND in Ireland in 2003 and continued my BA at UCA in the UK, spent a lot of time interning and eventually went working for MAX MARA in Italy until 2009. When I got accepted on to the MA course at CSM I moved back to London.

What would you describe as the vibe of your work?
My aesthetic is always very focused on feminine qualities. I am a sucker for fluid fabrics, lace and flattering silhouettes. I love making clothes that women feel empowered in. Detail and surface application play a big role in my work too. I just really feel strong about making beautiful clothes, nothing cutting edge or wired it should always be something interesting and desirable.

I suppose if I had to wrap it up in a sentence it would say:
“It’s a feel of delicate and intricate under garments accompanied by a strong outerwear piece that holds the quality of a protection shield.”

I really love the a-lines and strong structures in your latest collection – where did you source your inspiration?
My inspiration originated from looking at women during their pregnancies. Focusing at the characteristics such as deformation, re-shaping and juxtaposition. Designers such as Cardin, Christobal Balenciaga and Hubert de Givenchy were important references. The A line silhouette happened by accident, I was toiling until I received something strong and new that hadn’t been around in a while that could support the rest of the very structured tops and uppers of my collection.

Which are your personal favourite pieces?
I really love the sister looks, that are composed together of the panelled jumpers mixed with different tweeds, black ottoman wool and the rubber/lace yoke supported with the strong a line dresses underneath. I also love the curved high waisted pants and the white Rubber coat with the Lace applications. And my accessories and shoes are things that I am very happy with too. The shoes were an exciting collaboration with shoe designer Claire Davis.

Where do you see yourselves in 5 years time?
Hard question, but I suppose I have always had goals that I have fulfilled so far. So my next step is to get a job with an exciting house and then in a couple of years time go and start my own label.

Who would you most like to see wearing your designs?
It needs to be a very strong woman who has balls to wear certain things and who is very comfortable with her sexuality. If I had to name a celebrity I think it would be someone like Chloe Sevigy or my friend up and coming designer Sorcha O’Ragghlaigh.

Where do bloggers stand for you in the design game?
I was very sceptical of bloggers a couple of years ago, but I suppose with time when I discovered some really good blogs with great content and interesting posts I changed my mind. I think they are very important in today’s society, as they have a voice that can matter a lot.

One of my previous interviewees, designer Clare Press of Mrs Press, would like to know: Tell us about your biggest hair mistake!
My biggest hair mistake….ha ha ha I have had a lot of them, but I think the worst was when I glued two strips of long black hair to my shaved head that worked like a long fringe. And it wouldn’t come out anymore, so I had to run around with this filthy all knotted fringe for two weeks….bad move!

And last of all, what’s a random question would you guys like to ask the next interviewee?
My question to the next designer is based on my love for Britney Spears. What was your most exciting Britney Spears moment?

Thanks Raffaele!

I'm very much in love with the panels and that burgundy colour happening in the collection. Be sure to check out the rest right HERE.

P.S. so sorry about the relative silence over the past couple of days - first-time law essays are not a strength of mine and I'm battling pretty hard to get to this mid-semester break. Having said that, a ridiculous amount of exciting happenings are about to go down. Watch this space.

P.P.S. Facebook love? No? No?

*love*

xx