Cristiana: Dawn Kingsbury.

Dawn Kingsbury's design work with the very sweet jewellery label, Cristiana, has been working its way into my much-loved list - particularly as the expansion of my pitiful jewellery collection has somewhat plateaued over the past month or so. Cristiana is all about the pieces that manage to add a little boho, a little pretty, a little fun, and a little meaningful into anything, however unconventional, you happen to be wearing - which suits me just fine! I got to catch up with Dawn about the workings of her brain :D and her amazing label

Hi hi, how’s it going?
Just lovely thankyou!
Can you give us a brief summary of what a day at the Cristiana studio is like?
It’s crazy! Starting with a skinny flat-white! And then either catching up with internet orders, stockists, suppliers, and paperwork which I hate most. Keeping track of stock, what I have and what I need to fulfil orders, rushing to the post office to get orders off. I am always on my Blackberry 24/7….. And also developing the new collection!

What would you describe as the Cristiana vibe?
I would describe Cristiana’s vibe as boho-luxe. I love the vibrant colours and spirituality of Mexico, and this is worked into the pieces which have a very ethnic, Aztec feel. The collections are individual and eclectic, but versatile. The type of day-to-night pieces that become staple accessories.

What are you working on at the moment for Cristiana?
I am currently working on the July (summer) collection. The collection is inspired by the human need both to adorn and to communicate through jewellery and it will include lots of meanings and symbolisms. Equally important is the power jewellery has to express the value of strength, love and faith. It is going to be quiet different from the current collection and but I will keep my favourite and best sellers.

What kind of work goes into designing and releasing one piece?
Just developing and releasing one piece of jewellery takes heaps of inspiration, designing, sourcing relevant material or making a sample wax model, making modifications, selecting finishes…the list is endless!!

Who’s your favourite style icon of the moment?
Alexa Chung – she looks consistently and effortlessly fabulous.
What’s the biggest jewellery trend you see coming through this year?
I think we are going to continue to see layers of jewellery, and statement pieces coming through. Stacking unique pieces in different metals, textures and colours is a favourite look of mine!

What do you think of the new wave of bloggers coming through?
I love the individual voice of blogs and the creative outlet they inspire. The interactive, instant nature of the internet makes the blog such a dynamic medium – giving fashion a refreshing direction. It’s amazing to watch the growing influence of bloggers on the fashion world, and makes for an interesting time to be in the industry.
Having said that – I do still love the feel of my new Vogue in hand!

One of our previous interviewees, jewellery designer Ayaka Nishi, would like to know: What kind of music do you like?
I love all kinds of music!!!! Different genres – from Smooth Jazz to Latin, Rock and Easy Listening.

And last of all, what’s a random question would you guys like to ask the next interviewee?
What is your ‘must-have’ purchase for Winter 2010?

Thanks Dawn! Can't you just imagine all those sweet bracelets stacked up your arm in all colours?

Check out more of Cristiana cute-goodness right HERE.

P.S. don't forget to enter the giveaway!

*love*

xx

La Dama GIVEAWAY.

I did say that another giveaway was just around the corner and here it is!

This time, you'll be in the running to win this endlessly awesome silver arm chain thanks to the lovely Letty of La Dama - the greatest way to start the week! I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this brilliant piece of hardware - especially in kicking along the ridiculous amount of chiffon that has somehow found its way into my wardrobe as of late - as evident here above :)

The rules are dead easy as per always:

1. Be a public follower of both Shine By Three and the La Dama Blog
2. Comment below telling me what your favourite item from the La Dama Boutique is, as well as leaving your name and email

This giveaway is open to all international readers, and will close on midnight of July 25, so get in fast and tell your friends by blogging, tweeting, you name it - who doesn't want a badass arm chain? Really? :)

*love*

xx

Slat.

Urban Originals Clockwork Orange Clutch - The Cassette Society Cyrene Silky Playsuit

This clutch is thanks to the lovely Samantha of Urban Originals (the amazing Aussie bag, accessory and leather label that you're all more than familiar with), who was sweet enough to send along some samples for me to play with. I can't get enough of the super soft leather and intense studding. The slightly marbled grey is as transeasonal as the same philosophy UO stands by, too, which is as much a day-brightener as it is an outfit one.

And what better way than to wear it with my new Cassette Society playsuit that has the awesomest cut alive - sure, it's three sizes too big (only one left), but I couldn't imagine it any other way - and next time I wear it, I'll have to get better shots of the incredible shoulders!

Several things that need to be excused:

1. my hair - don't even ask: probably why I never wear my hair up
2. white wall vanity - my excuse is that the lighting upstairs was amazing this afternoon... and you all know fun lighting makes me happy :)

Om nom nom:

So many more bags to obsess over HERE. They're also having an awesomely huge stocktake sale right HERE. Who loves a bargain :)

Hope you've all had a fantastic weekend!

Get excited for the giveaway that shall go up tomorrow :D

*love*

xx

Blur |blər| n. a thing that cannot be seen or heard clearly.

Seventh Door Alternative Asymmetrical Pocket Tank - S&G Leather Jacket - Generic Sheer Tights - Seventh Door Over The Knee Socks - Tony Bianco Dodge Boots - Rubi Snuggle Scarf

This is what I wore to my two gorgeous friends' 18th dinner - and everyone, please have a moment before we all freak out that I'm wearing knee-highs over tights. It was cold. Very cold. For Sydney. One of these days, I'll be living in northern Russia or something, so I should probably get out of the habit of dressing like it's Spring when it's not. Though I do love it :)

There are two main things about this post. First is my experimentation with shutter speed and light - I've been playing around with both for a while now, and these are the best results I've gotten so far, which is a bit exciting! I also find it pretty strange how much light can change your face.

Second is this amazing tank/dress thanks to Carrie over at Seventh Door that has the coolest pockets I have ever had the pleasure of wearing - note to new readers: this is saying so so much given my obsession with dresses with pockets. Anything with pockets. The day I discovered pockets behind the pockets of my ski jacket two years ago was a good day. The magenta colour and awesome burnout detail makes it so easily transeasonal too - can't wait to wear this in months to come without the scarf and jacket!

And speaking of Seventh Door, it's time to announce the lucky Seventh Door giveaway winner who was drawn this afternoon... and... is...

Michelle Elaine of FVNCY

Congrats to you, lovely!

Thank you all so much for entering :) and not to worry if you weren't the lucky winner:

1. you can still drool over Seventh Door's pretty things HERE
2. there is another giveaway just around the corner. Quite literally. Permission to get excited!

Hope you're all having a great weekend so far! What have you all been up to?

*love*

xx

Yorkshire Pearl.

Given my recent liking for chunky jewellery (not that I have managed to pull it off yet), UK up-and comer, Robert Clayton, has got it pretty on point with his label, Yorkshire Pearl. I imagine that wearing one of his creations (and they really are - creations) would be like carrying around a box of trinkets on your wrist - every time you look, there'd be something you hadn't noticed before. Maybe a little story behind each button or pearl. And to say the least, an absolute killer of a highlight for any little black dress :)

photos: Sam Kemp

Checkout Robert's blog and store HERE.

"Oh my god that bracelet is amazing - where's it from?"

"It's by Yorkshire Pearl"

How cool does that sound :) A new goal in life, my friends :p

Hope you all had a great week!

P.S. The giveaway is now closed and I'll announce winners today or tomorrow!

*love*

xx

That's where you'll find me.

Junk Clothing Striped Crop Tee - Lee's Hi-cheeky Short - Rubi Lace Tights - Sleepy Face

On Eliza's beloved balcony again (taken by the lovely girl herself too), with a slightly dazed expression that's usually a result of drinking too much lemon tea before I go to bed - the fact that I know that weirds me out a little :) It could also be because I haven't touched anything distantly related to makeup in the past 2 weeks for reasons unknown (this is about to change for the better). Either way, apologies that I look slightly off the planet :p

I'm yet to figure out how exactly the fabric on this Junk Clothing is logically possible (and this observation of mine isn't done any justice in these shots) - the white stripes are actually the prettiest lace, and yet there are no seams between them. Either way, I'm in love with the boxy cut and the ever-so-slight sheerness that makes the cold more (known fact that sheer + sunlight = :O).

Hope you've all had a fantastic week - with a very well-deserved weekend, I'll say. And can I just say: this year is flying by ridiculously fast... please do slow down...

P.S. Only one more day to enter the giveaway! So get clicking!

*love*

xx

Lulu in Chains: Shadi Tambrchi.

Lulu in Chains is gaining momentum like the cutting-edge ball of sophisticated energy that it is. The hard work, precision and aesthetic balance in every one of designer Shadi Tambrchi's pieces have really set the label apart from the recent surge in new names in the Aussie (fist-pump!) fashion industry - and she's certainly picking up some well-deserved acclaim: she's just been selected as a finalist in the 2010 Chambord Shine Awards, winning the Peoples' Choice award on the night! What I personally love most about Shadi's work is that she's not scared of bringing opposites together, and I so thrilled at the chance to catch up with her about herself and Lulu in Chains:

So tell us a but about yourself and how Lulu in Chains came about.
Like alot of good things in life, Lulu in Chains was an accident. I used to design for myself and everytime I wore one of my designs out, I was approached by stores wanting to stock the style. I soon started thinking that perhaps I could start my own label and that is how the label was born. Prior to the birth of Lulu in Chains, I actually practised as a lawyer for four years.

What is Lulu in Chains’ design philosophy?
Lulu in Chains has a motto - "because life is too short to wear a dull dress". Through each Lulu in Chains dress, I aim to give the woman wearing it that "wow" factor. I refuse to allow women to look "ordinary" - yet I want women to stand out with elegance and style. Whilst a beautiful, unique dress may not change the world, it can be a very powerful thing - it can help you be noticed, it can enhance you, it can help you be remembered. Afterall, if you remember the dress, you remember the woman wearing it. I hope that through my label, I can give women a taste of the power that comes from wearing that incredible dress.

What are you working on at the moment?
A black leather dress with protruding layers upon layers of white soft tulle on one side (sounds ridiculous but will [hopefully!] be amazing).

And what are you working towards in the long run?
My desire is not to be stocked in every store in every country. In fact, I say no to stockist requests more than I say no. I want to keep Lulu in Chains somewhat “exclusive”. I don’t want women to be worried that they will see fifty other people wearing the same Lulu in Chains dress when they are out. My long term goal is for women to seek my label when they want a “wow” dress that will make them stand out but with grace and beauty. I would like Lulu in Chains to have a “quiet” following by confident, strong women who are proud of their femininity, and who want to be remembered – afterall , if you remember the dress, you remember the woman wearing it. My label is not designed for the woman who wants to be lost in the crowd or sit in the corner of the room the entire night.

What kind of works goes into designing and releasing one Lulu in Chains piece?
How much time do you have? I am obsessed in two regards – the style and the fit of the dress.
In relation to style, I always want to ensure that the dress is not ordinary or dull, however that the dress remains elegant and wearable to a range of functions. Also, my designs are usually based on a contradiction of ideas . For example, for alot of my winter styles, I have combined french lace with black leather – with the overall effect being the juxtaposition of femininity in the lace and masculinity in the leather. This implies that a women can both be confident and strong, sweet and feminine all at once.

In relation to fit, I don’t care how great a design you have – if the fit is not flattering no one will want to wear it. I spend as much time ensuring that the fit of the dress is flattering than I do on the design.

What do you think of the new wave of bloggers coming through?
I think that it is great. The more opinions and information that is out there, the better.

One of our previous interviewees, designer Marina Makaron, would like to know: Do you like wearing your own designs?
I only design clothes that I want to wear myself. In fact, this is another of my “rules of design”. If I wont wear it myself, it will not make it to the store.

And last of all, what’s a random question you would like to ask the next interviewee?
What do you think is the worst characteristic of the fashion world?

Thanks Shadi! I am so certain that there are some big years ahead!

Check out more of Lulu in Chains HERE.

*love*

xx

One of the boys.

Something for the boys today! The oh so awesome Manush of Enviart is exclusively offering my gorgeous readers 25% off anything in their online store :O so get clicking! As I said in my little interview with them, which most of you would remember, Enviart's prints are the absolute bee's knees of printed tees, so just type in the promo code, BFSPECIAL25, at the checkout!

(And pssst: there's also some awesome tees for you girls once you've bought the boyfriend's)

Click HERE to get shopping!

*love*

xx

Substitute Sky.

ModCloth.com Skies of Blue Dress - We Love Colours Sheer Knee Highs in Black - Wanted Shoes Co. Brown Patent Leather Heels

Despite the fact that it is, quite literally, the middle of Winter here, this amazing Dahlia dress that ModCloth.com so sweetly sent me last week has inspired me to continue my apparent liking for defying the seasons and girly it up for a dinner outing with my dear brother (he took far longer than reasonable in getting dressed - boys, we're onto you).

There really isn't anything not to love about this dress - the print is a perfect size (we all know how particular I am with print sizes), the colours are the dusty shade I'm always looking for in florals, and the fabric is matte and light enough that I can imagine wearing it in ridiculous heat (Summer: please hurry up and get here), and closely woven enough so that I didn't freeze in the slightest, standing outside. It also has the most gorgeous layers of black tulle under the skirt to make it that much more flattering: plenty of wear to come out of you yet, Miss Skies of Blue Dress.

Same goes for these awesome knee-highs from We Love Colours that I haven't taken off since I got them. Full-length tights are so obsolete :p I've been converted - knee/thigh-highs all the way! We Love Colours is also being super sweet and offering all Aussie and New Zealand readers free shipping on orders over $30 :O Just type in the code WELOVENZAUS - don't you just love free shipping.

I always thought these shoes were so so high... and now looking at them, they really aren't :O

If you feel like staring (drooling) at more of ModCloth's shots of the dress, click HERE. :)

P.S. only three more days to enter the giveaway! So clicky-click.

*love*

xx

Kostas Murkudis.

Kostas Murkudis' work is an amazing source of artistic inspiration - this collection, in particular, plays with the most incredible mix of fabrics that and silhouettes that become really obvious in the equally impressive photography of this lookbook - all you have to do is scroll through and stare at the shadows dancing all over that wall from some incredible lightsource to understand the depth Kostas was set on achieving when he developed his concept. I'm always one for asymmetry and movement, and these pieces have both of those with unexpected colours and cute to go with it.

I would do anything to traipse around town in that white cape.

Speechless yet? :) See more pieces HERE.

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

*love*

xx