I won!

Hey Everyone, just a quick one because I wanted to share some exciting news...I came joint first place in Katy Potaty's Valentine's day nail art competition. WOOT WOOT! I was so suprised because i thought my entry was crap commpared to everyone else's. Needless to say I am stoked! I certainly don't need any more polish but I always want more and winning it is extra great :)

How did I achieve this amazing joint first-place feat? I used OPI's That's Hot Pink underneath a couple of coats of OPI's Excuse Moi. If you want to buy your own (they are both wonderful and essential items in any nail polish collection) you can get them at a reduced price over at The Glossery. Here's a dodgy instagram pic of my nails and then a slightly better one of my Valentine's day outfit. I went for pink because I adhere to Faux Fuschia's style guidance that channeling the Fashion Icon that is Barbie is perfectly acceptable and in fact encouraged.

Alannah Hill Top (so old), Vintage Bally Belt and hand sewn pencil skirt.

How did everyone enjoy Valentine's Day? The Boy and I don't really celebrate as we like to express our love for each other throughout the year. We got Mexican take out in our gym gear. Not super romantic but it was still awesome because we were together :) I really do think you can feel the love in the air on Valentine's Day don't you?

Anyway, sending my love you way
xx Kirst

Lustworthy: Gorman Autumn/Winter 2012

You all know I love colour...and Gorman.  So it's no surprise I am lusting over pretty much everything in the latest collection.

And I'm certainly not the only one. The splashes of colour and mix of patterns has been well received by Bloggers and fashion types across Australia.

I have taken a particular fancy to the yellow coat and black and white spotted dress...and the coloured jeans! I am jumping on that trend despite the protests of some of my friends. Bring on the saving, I'm gonna get me some Gorman.

Which is your favourite?Are you looking forward to new season dressing? Tell me everything

xx Kirst

A-dressing a Dilemma Part 3: The Engagement Party.

So it’s been months. MONTHS since I’ve posted one of these a-dressing a dilemma posts…but you know what? Now they’re back on the blog as an occasional feature.

So first up. With three couples I know planning on holding their engagement parties this year, and more and more people I know announcing their plans to wed and settle down I thought I’d address the dilemma of what to wear to an engagement party.

As it’s a special occasion you need an extra special outfit, but what does one wear for such a celebratory shindig? And what happens if you’re a little strapped for cash? Well first things first - you need to dress to fit the venue - and be classy about it.

Engagement 1 by kirst84 featuring sparkle skirts

If it’s at a fancy cocktail bar

Glam it the hell up but try to limit the cleavage and legs on shoe – you are not the centre of attention today. I tend to gravitate towards colour but I do think it's nice to be a bit girly or to rock a 'softer look' at an engagement party. Of course this depends on your style but I would say a fluro pink body-con dress is probably not appropriate at most engagement parties held outside of Vegas.

Strapped for cash? 

Why not breathe life into an old skirt or dress using this tutorial. Dip dying is simple and can look great paired with simple accessories.

Sit down dinner at a restaurant?

It pays to look polished. Your outfit should be chic but still comfortable (preferably with room to hide a food baby).

A sit down dinner may limit the time you’re on your feet mingling and result in potential outfit crushing so I would definitely go with a fabric that doesn’t crease if possible.

You can afford to make a statement with accessories here – those killer heels you can’t stand up in for long, some massive sparkly earrings or a chunky necklace will catch the eye and lift a simple outfit.

In a park or back yard?

Relax a little. A pretty summer dress with some cute sandals or some structured pants with a printed top and flats are perfect for this kind of occasion.

So what would I love to be wearing to some of the engagement parties I've got coming up? Probably any of the above. A little romance and girlieness makes up my perfect party outfit...especially if there's a little sparkle thrown in there! I can feel a sewing project coming on...

xx Kirst

Sewing with Gorman

Way back in September or October (it’s so long ago I can’t actually remember which month it was) QueensPlaza did a promotion with Gorman where they ‘gave away’ a free Gorman dress pattern.

When I say ‘gave away’ I mean you signed up for a promo email and they sent you instructions on how to download the pattern and instructions.

Well I’ve finally got around to making this dress and let me tell you it was not easy. I am lucky I have a wonderful mother with superior sewing skills to mine who saved the day!

The first problemo?
The pattern was out of scale. Sure I can hear you ask ‘Maybe you printed it wrong?’ Rest assured my friends I did not. I followed the careful printing instructions laid out for my by Gorman (as did some friends of mine) and the pattern was still not right. Luckily I actually already owned the Backgammon tea dress of which the pattern was for (you can see it here) so I was able to use the cut out pattern and my actual dress to mark and cut out the fabric.

The second problemo?
Man those instructions are hard to understand! Trying to sew a dress without some printed ‘how to’ steps accompanied by instructions was a first for me – and my mum who’s been sewing for about 35 years.

It was like reading a foreign language to be honest.

"Join front and back fabric bodice side seams and join front"...join front what?? Can you be a little clearer?
It was about here that my mum took control of the situation, decoding the instructions, advising me what to do and basically taking over the whole project.

And thank god she did. If I had persevered any longer I may have fallen into the ‘danger zone’ *

The third problemo?

I was too god damn tired (and a little unwell) which is never a good time to start a new sewing project. Sewing when you’re not in the mood is pants.

But it was all worth it because look what I (ok so really my mum should have most of the credit) made.

I really wanted to buy this Gorman dress because I love the fabric so much but instead I used it for fabric inspiration and ended up with this.

Ain’t she a beauty? What do you think? I wore it for my birthday party this weekend and everyone loved it just as much as I do. Also please excuse the wrinkles in the pics - I was too tired to iron before outfit photos.

How are your sewing projects going? Have any of you tried sewing your own Gorman dress with the free pattern? How did you find it? And more importantly have you seen the latest collection? I LOVE Lisa Gorman for always giving us patterns and colour and I promise I'll do a post on the Winter Collection soon.

Until then, Happy sewing everyone!


*the point at which sewing makes me so crazy frustrated I resort to eating peanut butter from the jar and crying during the advertisements for the new series of ‘Biggest Loser’.

Jason Wu for Target

Whilst Australian shoppers have been lucky enough to see Target's Designer collaborations with Stella McCartney and Collette Dinnigan in the past, it looks as if we will be missing out (like Missoni) on the Jason Wu capsule collection that is due to launch in a few days.

I for one am very disappointed. The collection is really polished and whilst it’s always hard to determine the quality of fabric and fit when online browsing, it looks as if Mr Wu has put together some beautifully feminine and softly structured pieces.

I would wear all of these.They're girly and fun but still sophisticated enough for the office or a special occasion.

WHY OH WHY can't we get these in Australia?!?! I have a feeling there will be lots of ebay browsing going on in the next couple of months!
You can view the entire capsule collection here. And if you’re so desperate you want to get your hands on some pieces now rumour has it that some sneaky fashion editors are selling it on ebay…for 5 times the price.

Happy shopping…or if you’re in Australia happy dreaming.

Theres a New Girl in town

It seems that women (and men) everywhere are falling for Zooey Deschanel in her new sitcom; New Girl.  And what’s not to love? Her character Jess is truly ‘adorkable’ and has the cutest style around. 

Don’t believe me? Here are some pics to prove it:

These shorts for instance. I am obsessed. OBSESSED! I know they are Marc Jacobs and I would never be able to afford them but they are soooo cute and would be such a fun and wearable item to own.

And this is simply perfection.

I like how her wardrobe sits between items you could wear for work (at least in a slightly more creative job area like mine) or for play.She isn't afraid to embrace colour, patterns and girly details like bows and yet her outfits are totally wearable!

So how can you get the look? There is only one answer: Modcloth. Head on over and get lost in the amazing fashion...you'll feel like a new girl.

New girl 2 by kirst84 featuring a tshirt dress

Images courtesy of google and http://wwzdw.com/. 

Fair trade and fashionable - Bags to love

As a dedicated blog reader, I have spent months watching my favourite bloggers like Jen from Little Bird and Susie from Take-out in Couture sporting satchels from Cambridge Satchel Company. 

These amazing bags were all over New York Fashion week last year and celebs can't seem to get enough either so of course I want one. 

Even though I don't go to university or school and therefore don't really have a specific need for a satchel (and I received a beautiful Mimco satchel for Christmas) I still really, really want one of these bags.

Not only are the Cambridge Satchel's company satchel's available in a rainbow of hues but they can be embossed with your initials and are handmade in Britain which makes them none other than fair trade fashion. 

I do believe that's what we like to call a Win-Win people. 

The biggest problem is choosing which one to buy...should it be a classic colour, a gorgeous green and navy one or a designer leopard print one that is exclusive to asos.

Cambridge Satchel Company Classic Green and Navy

Cambridge Satchel Company ASOS Exclusive Leopard Pony Skin Pocket Satchel

Cambridge Satchel Company ASOS Exclusive Leather Plum Satchel

Thoughts?

Of course Cambridge Satchel Company aren't the only British, fair trade company creating amazing leather goods. Zatchels is hot on their heels producing fun and quirky bags to boot.

You can purchase a pink and white polka dot satchel, a satchel printed with love hearts, lady bugs or flowers or one that's simply a Kaleidescope of colour. 

Zatchels satchel in Yellow

Zatchels Pink and White Polka Dot satchel

Limited Edition Zatchels Kaleideskope Satchel

Zatchels Colour Block Satchel

Of course, DIY is another great part of ethical fashion so if you love the look of these bags but aren't too excited by the price head of over to the wonderful DIY blog Glitter 'N Glue to see Kristen's amazing Cambridge Satchel Inspired tutorial here. She is one talented lady!

Which bag is your favourite? Do you have a Satchel by one of these wonderful fairtrade companies? I'd love to hear from you.

xoxo Kirst

Lustworthy Summer threads by Mister Zimi

Despite the pouring rain outside, I can't seem to escape thoughts of long summer days and balmy nights. I'm hoping summer returns to us if only so I can buy and wear the entire Summer 2011/12 collection of Mister Zimi.

Mister Zimi is the brainchild of Zoe and Jimi Paul - a bright young Australian couple living in Bali. They produce beautiful on trend clothing  (some of the most standout pieces I've seen in a while) at super reasonable prices.

I already have a number of their pieces on my wish list including all of the following. The current collection seems to have that effortless and relaxed glamour I am always attracted to in clothing...hence I must buy some.

With my Birthday coming up I think I might purchase either the Red or Green Tina Mexican Dress provided it doesn't sell out first...fingers crossed.

All Photographs available at and courtesy of www.misterzimi.com. No offence of infringement is intended in the publication of these photographs. Any issues or requests for withdrawal will be attended to immediately. Please contact me if there is a need for problem resolution. 

QUT 2011 Fashion Graduate Show

Phoebe Younger

I'm no fashion expert, but I can tell you that there are a lot of talented young designers in Brisbane.

How do I know this?

Well last night when the style set were all attending the Chanel show, my lovely friend B and I were sitting second row at the 2011 QUT Fashion Graduate Show.

I can just hear you all now…Second row? What a loser… she wasn’t even invited to Chanel…but before you step away from your computer have a think about it: champagne and fashion.

There is no loser here.

The show was titled SIX as most of the graduating students presented six pieces from their final collection – the culmination of their university studies. The collections were mainly womenswear but there was also swimwear, lingerie, menswear, accessories, and theatre costumes on show and the quality of all the collections was simply outstanding.

The show was billed as having an international flavour and it did not disappoint.

There was Kirsty Glynn’s romantic and Victorian-esque ‘Out of Colonial Africa’, Alexandra McGuire;s stylish swimsuit collection ‘Border Lines’ which seemed to be inspired by the chaotic colour of India and Pakistan (I want!  I want!) and the quirky unisex collection ‘Boys and Girls are choice’ by Sally Edwards which featured a lot of tartan.

Meredith Howell

Ali Kornhauser

 

Kirsty Glynn

Katrina Gaskin

Franchesca Blardony

I don’t think I could choose a favourite collection but I absolutely adored Phoebe Younger’s ‘Cue 2012 – New Royalty’ collection, Katrina Gaskin’s ‘The Fallen Romantics A/W 2012’ lingerie collection, and Jacqueline Curran’s ‘Mirror Animal’.

If I wasn’t wearing my super high heels, I would have tried to crash tackle the 16 year old models to get my hands on some of the pieces.

Of course, at a fashion show you tend to get caught up in the moment and I apologise that my photography skills were a little lacking (check out Suburban Intellect for better photos and B’s account of the night). Despite this I feel like you can still get an idea of some of what was on show and hey, if you are free tonight or tomorrow night, you can go see for yourself! Tickets are available here or you can view the video QUT put together to showcase some of the students work below.

six: QUT Fashion 2011 Graduate Show from QUT Creative Industries Precinct on Vimeo.

Please note all photographs are author’s own of original work by 2011 QUT Fashion Graduates. No offence is intended in the publication of these photo and if you have any issues with the publication or a request for withdrawal please contact me immediately.