It is hereby so.

I have come to the conclusion that there are certain pieces that I have stumbled upon in the past year that will keep following me around in the form of editorials, vintage finds of other bloggers and runway shows, until I get my act together and hunt them down, then buy them.

My point being: black leather platform ankle boots have joined Gaultier FW09 tights, Collette Dinnigan SS10 tights, Marc Jacobs Magazine Clutch, draped jersey and chiffon, and the rest of an impressive list, in my little inanimate stalkers that won't leave me alone until I find them :)

Cushnie et Ochs (above): you make me happy. I loved that the collection was so purely Winter - the make up even had slightly red eyes and noses :) Embellished gloves and that amazing... knitted... head glove? are also taking my fancy.

*love*

xx

Peace.

Here's to one of the most talented, cutting edge designers of all time.

You don't come by outrageousness every millennium.

*love*

xx

The pigeon has landed.

I have been waiting for NYFW, and don't you all know it :) the only problem being that I wish I was there - but hey, there's always next year.

I now commence my rave about the BCBG Max Azria (there will be so many such raves, believe me). I think there were some mixed reviews on these ones, though they were pretty extreme - people either loved it, or hated it.

Given my current love for chiffon, platform ankle boots, asymmetry, cinched waists, neutrals, uncinched waists, layers and oversized clutches, I think it's fair to say that I am in love with this collection. I'm also hereby convinced that I will live in white tights this coming winter.

Thoughts?

*love*

xx

Waste Paper Basket.

fashiongonerogue

I don't know what it is about this shot of Constance Jablonski (by Chadwick Tyler) that is so unreal.

*love*

xx

Bowerbird Vintage.

So, we've all tried vintage with varying degrees of success... but recently I have fallen in love so many of the pieces that find their way into the Bowerbird Vintage, run by the very talented Joanna, who somehow finds the most amazing pieces that anybody could do so much with.

Joanna took some of her precious time to answer a few questions for you all :)

Hey hey, how's it going?
Great!

So what is Bowerbird Vintage's style philosophy?
Well, the idea I guess is to provide fabulous, unique and affordable vintage to women who adore dressing up and who love the idea of owning a beautiful, wearable piece of history. The philosophy? Be creative and have fun with fashion!

What do you find to be the best way to wear a vintage piece?
I always say it’s best to mix vintage with contemporary pieces so you don’t end up looking like your Gran. So if you are going to wear a fabulous vintage dress, try and mix up with a studded belt, this seasons heels, or some really cool accessories.

How do you find all the gorgeous pieces that go up in the store?
I’m constantly taking little trips away both to country areas and other great cities like Melbourne and Brisbane to source vintage. I also get a lot of people contacting me with vintage they want to sell which often turns out to be the most amazing pieces belonging to their aunts or mothers from the 1950’s and 60’s. All perfectly preserved!

What would you say are the most sought for vintage pieces at the moment?
Definitely a vintage dress! Any style from the 40’s to the 80’s. Dresses are my biggest seller. Also, my Rescued by Bowerbird reworked vintage range is pretty popular. I deconstruct vintage pieces to make them more contemporary. I also embellish things with vintage trims etc! Oh, and handbags and little evening purses also fly out the door!

Do you see vintage fashion staying big in the international industry?
Designers are still influenced by a vintage aesthetic. Many of the top designers are taking inspiration from various decades each season. As long as fashion is still being referenced like this, I think it will always be popular in main stream fashion.

Also, women are much more comfortable these days wearing vintage. I think they like the authenticity of it and also the idea that vintage is good sense in that it is recycling and therefore ecologically sound.

Who is your favourite style icon?
Well, from the past Audrey Hepburn of course! But I’m influenced by so many others also…Edie Sedgwick, Jackie Onassis, a younger Marianne Faithful and Grace Kelly was a great beauty. Today, I love Dita Von Teese’s quirkiness, Eva Mendes always look a million bucks, Nicole Richie's relaxed elegance is cool and Victoria Beckham is high fashion perfection. So many!

What are Bowerbird Vintage's plans for 2010?
Well, I’d like to include more handmade accessories on the site. There are so many crafty, talented people out there doing wonderful stuff with beads and recycled materials.

Finally, what's a random question you'd like to ask our next interviewee?
What’s your biggest daily inspiration???

And here's something special for all of you lovely people :)

Until the end of February, Bowerbird Vintage is offering my readers 15% off storewide! Just type in the code 'shinebythree' in the discount field on the checkout page. Start hunting :D

Thank you so much, Joanna!

*love*

xx

Distressed in Cold Blood.

From Left to Right: Alexander Reptile Print Silk Dress - Chloé Heloise Leather Hobo Bag - HTC Studded Leather Belt - CASIO Calculator-Tele Watch - Mulberry Hayden Small Leather Wallet - TOPSHOP Pork Pie Straw Hat - TOPSHOP Leather Boots

It may be possible that I died when I saw the McQueen reptilian dress at Net-a-porter. I don't know about this collation - I'm in a very odd mood today and I think I just saw the McQueen dress and decided to mash it together with the exact opposite shoes to those insane Armadillos from SS10, and my current love of brown leather and brass.

One more day till the weekend - we can do it!

*love*

xx

Natalia Vodianova for Zoo #25.

fashiongonerogue

There is nothing about this editorial, shot by Bryan Adams, that isn't amazing :O Of course Miss Natalia is so gorgeous, but the styling and the movement concept! So much love.

Those Cavalli thigh-high boots are also pretty damn cool :)

*love*

xx

Mais oui, Bonjour.

Altamira: Models Off Duty

Just sharing the favourite street style photo I've seen recently - the lovely Jac Jagaciak and Frida Gustavsson leaving the Elie Saab show that I went so crazy about - the hair is so amazing.

*love*

xx

Marina Makaron Moscow.

I have loved the very talented Marina Makaron's designs since I stumbled across them in photos of them in Philadelphia Fashion Week last year. I am so in love with the simplicity and wow that goes into every piece. I was so lucky to be able to do a quick interview with Marina about her work and the crazy industry she works in:

Hey there, how's it going?

Pretty warm during this chilly season.

How did you first start out as a designer?

I always wanted to do design however as a family compromise went into business. After finishing schooling and trying to work as a corporate worm (there’s nothing wrong with that!) I realized I spent more time color coordinating than linking formulas. So I grabbed my computer and started doodling. After applying that doodle onto silk I noticed a warm reaction. Then things started snowballing and here I am hoping to avalanche.

So what is your design philosophy when you start any collection?

Do not stay within the lines. Not having a proper design education paid off in a way that my creativity is not boxed in the rules. I permit myself to say “why not try this if it feels right and looks good”. Do not get me wrong, I do not brake the rules just for the sake of braking them, I respect history and classics yet I allow myself the juxtaposition.

I love the bold colours and prints in your latest collection - where does your inspiration for this come from?

The 2010 Silk Fantasy Collection is inspired by artistic interpretations of Eastern European folklore and village imagery. It blends together nostalgic influences, vibrant colors, and dream-like shapes. The designs are at once mysterious and bold, ideal for modern fashionistas and classic fashion lovers alike. The 2010 Vintage Chiffon Collection is inspired by dusk colors and abstract floral designs. A Gaudi village of the modern garden… or vise versa :)

What would you say is your greatest influence at the moment?

The age of globalization and consumerization. The diminishing of perceived distance between people and cultures. The drive to consume and fame over the drive to self-actualize and give. That really makes me want to scratch everything I have ever learned in business and take the new route to people not for the sake of selling but for the sake of giving them a good product.

What kind of work goes into putting together one piece in a collection?

It’s a sneeze of love (or desire) onto a screen which is transformed onto silk. Then it is hand finished. For the hand finish I have a story of its own, of course, I have a story for everything. My scarves’ edges are unique to give them the extra fluff and flow. And my pinned FIfi Flowers take a whole day to create! Basically like the designs, each piece is uniquely finished.

I'd love to watch all those bright patterns go down the runway at the biggest international fashion weeks - is this what you're working towards?

I have taken part in Philadelphia Fashion Week last October and Russian Fashion Week last April. This spring I am planning on being a part of Moscow Fashion Week. But really I want to hold my own show this fall.

What are your plans for 2010?

I want to meet the demand. Greet the recovered market with its new philosophy. I want to have not only a pretty product everyone likes, but offer something that everyone wants and needs. Which I am currently cooking in my kitchen.

Who would you say is the most significant style icon at the moment?

I will have to say Gaga for her brilliant sharpness. And Coco for her simplicity. So I’m Coco for Gaga or Gaga for Coco.

What changes do you see happening in the international fashion industry in the near future?

This is a tough one which I have been contemplating for some time now. I suspect tremendous change due to the new econ environment and the information overload. It can either go the fast-food fashion direction where cheap fads dominate the day. Or on the contrary, see the return of clothing as a piece of art... which with cheap mass production and desire to save I am afraid is dying out.

And finally, what is a random question you'd like to ask our next interviewee?

Do you love wearing your own products?

Check out all of Marina's amazing designs HERE. I'm looking forward to seeing these alongside John Galliano in a few seasons time :)

What do you all think?

*love*

xx

Fabulosity.

10 000 hits! That's pretty exciting, isn't it? :) Thank you all so much.

I was on my way out to do some photocopying, as you do, so I did some photos for you to celebrate!

Admittedly, I wear this dress a lot, but normally I belt it and play around with how it drapes and tucks and the works. So, I decided to just leave it as is. With a black platform Acne boot, I think this would be all the more perfect, but my over-worn lace-ups will have to do. For now :)

Please pardon my terrible hair from swim racing today!

Hope everyone had an awesome start to the week.

*love*

xx

Singularity.

Hanne Gaby Odiele by Lina Scheynius for Numéro Korea

It's not too often that one picture is enough for a day's worth of inspiration.

*love*

xx

"... they want to be taller, they want to be slimmer, they want a waist. I'm not here to make people look like sack potatoes." ~ Alexander McQueen

In the space of two days, the amazing symmetrical McQueen prints gracing two international editorials:

1. Anne Sophie Monrad by Felix Lammers in Glass Magazine (styled by a very talented Darren Knight)
2. Freja Beha Erichsen shot by Josh Olins for VOGUE UK (March 2010), styled by Superwoman

Superwoman being Lucinda Chambers :)

I wish those McQueen SS10 shoes and dresses could be watered down for retail - I would be there in a flash with all my yet-to-be life savings :)

Happy Friday all! I thought the end of the week would never come.

*love*

xx

Zara Spring 2010 Campaign.

Previously, Zara has never been my kind of place (when given the opportunity - rarely) for anything other than staples or simple pieces. But how: amazing: are: these: shots? The Alexander-Wang-esque braid looks so beautiful on Toni Garrn (if she doesn't already, she should wear her hair like that every day) and as of now, I want those high-waisted leather shorts.

The whole muted street style vibe is perfect.

*love*

xx

Beaucoup. Beaucoup, I said.

Vintage White Chiffon and Lace Blouse - Lee High-waisted denim shorts - Wanted Brown Platform Heels

I think lace and billowy sleeves are something that people either love or hate or aren't entirely sure about... comme moi :)

The sleeves on this vintage blouse have tiny tiny pleats all the way up them, and a sweet lace collar. It is, admittedly, a bit much, and I didn't do the best job of edgy-ing it up when I threw this together when we went out for a rather late dinner, but when I do find away of making it pop, I will probably wear it every second day :)

Ideas?

*love*

xx

Nudie with a twist.

Miu Miu Leather Cutout Sandals [front] - Sportsgirl Cord and Bead Bracelet - Sportsgirl Rosetta Ring - Alexander Wang Donna Hobo Bag in Sand - Jason Wu Silk Chiffon Pleat-knot Skirt - Subtitled Crop Box Tank - Eugenia Kim Liliana Rosette Hairband - Miu Miu Leather Cutout Sandals [back]

Perhaps, I wouldn't be stepping out head to toe in nude chiffons and silks and cashmeres, but today I'm feeling the neutrals for Winter (which still has a while yet to knock on this door, but hey). But not boring neutral. Neutral with pow or pop or kaboosh. Whatever floats your boat.

I'd be interested to play around with the Jason Wu skirt and maybe... a graphic tee - galactic, maybe? Thoughts?

Hump day everyone! Two days until that weekend.

*love*

xx

The Cloud and the Bubble Blower.

Can I just draw everyone's attention to the fact that Kim Noorda looks ethereal in this Vogue Nippon editorial shot by Laura Sciacovelli.

Love that stripey hair bow.

Sharing something of today: my beautiful Mel bought me some TOPSHOP tights when she went to London and proudly presented them to me yesterday - I was so excited. They're so soft and preeetty - I'll have to share them some time.

That is all. :)

*love*

xx

Made with...

I think your title for it should be "made with..." or something. Because then theres a massive heart so its like "made with love" but not. Get it? Ha! I'm so funny.

Granted, my lovely! Beautiful friend Samie drew you all the amazing piece of art above - appreciation of... everything you all appreciate. :)

I would... have written something like "much [insert heart ie. love] to the beautiful Marge and all her fellow beautiful people, whomever they may be." Or something terribly witty and inspiring like that.
Feel loved!!
Have a lovely evening all.
*love*
xx

So walk a little slower.

My favourite model-off-duty photos from 2009 - I couldn't bring myself to delete them when I was trying to clear my computer of unused things. Both of these girls have the most flawless personal style. The best piece in both has got to be the blazers.

Note to world: I have always wanted to cycle around the streets of Paris with such a bike. Some day, some day.

Hope everybody's Monday was bearable!

*love*

xx