Fabulous Kylie

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogDecember 23, 2016

When I was five, my eyes would be glued to the television during the ‘Can’t get you out of my head’ video. I admired Kylie’s array of cheeky outfits (who can forget that white number that resembled a bed sheet) and exciting choreography accompanying the infectious beat. To me she has always appeared as a cool, sexy princess who would know what to do in any situation, and I think that was conveyed through the fabulous costumes she wore while performing.

I was able to see plenty of her incredible costumes at the Melbourne Arts Centre ‘Kylie on Stage’ exhibition where admission is free. It showcased outfits from her first tour in 1989 and until her Kylie Aphrodite Les Folies in 2011 – and it is clear that costumes have been a big thing with Kylie. Every tour had a specific theme, and the gorgeous outfits expressed the theme she wanted to capture with the help of powerhouse designers Jean Paul Gaultier, Dolce and Gabbana, Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano and Australian designers Peter Morrissey and Mark Burnett. Some of the costumes were eccentric and loud, others were glamorous and classy, and others resembled an ancient Greek goddess. There is one thing for sure: a pop princess must always have an out-of-this-world wardrobe.

Here are just some of her beautiful and bold outfits featured in chronological order.

When I was enviously staring at these creations, it was like I was a child again. Some of these outfits were constructed out of the most exquisite fabrics and embellished by Swarovski crystals and stunning pearls. I would literally do anything to try on some of these pieces, just so I could feel like a highly successful pop princess. Oh well, maybe in my next life.

The Kylie on Stage exhibition only runs until January 22 at the Arts Centre Melbourne, so make sure you see it before it leaves! x

To the 1950’s and Back

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogJuly 3, 2016

Dungatar is the fictional rural Australian town where the Dressmaker movie is set.

As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I visited the delightful Dressmaker costume exhibition at Rippon Lea estate and the requirement was to dress in 1950’s get-up. I looked to my history of fashion books for inspiration on the design classics of the 50’s, and naturally had a bit of help from Google. The fashions were classy, accentuated a petite waist and typically involved bags that matched with hats. Fur was a necessity in the winter time, and hair was of utmost importance. I wouldn’t mind travelling back into the 1950’s for fashion purposes, as I love the elegance and femininity that it exuded. There’s a hypnotic power that is conveyed from some of the 1950’s fashion photographs, as the women pictured appear untouchable and formidable with their armour of graceful clothing. The dramatic effect of the black and white filter definitely enhanced that.

I dug deep into my wardrobe and produced a blue mint A-line skirt from Forever New, a vintage lace top from a market and a shapeless winter coat from Asos. My accessories had to be matched with my crutches, so I chose metallic silver for my bag and sparkly loafers.

I stumbled on this issue of hair. I overreached and hit 1960’s territory with this Jacquie Kennedy inspired hairdo. There wasn’t much time to get the curlers out so I let my hair do what it did once I blowdried it, which happened to be flicking up at the ends.

Everyone abided by the dress code and it was so wonderful to see the effort each person had exerted to look as though they had jumped out of a 1950’s film. Women had borrowed their grandmas’ fur stoles, home-made dresses were worn and some must have spent the afternoon wearing hair rollers. Complete with champagne and dancing, it was a fantastic evening of going back in time.

Coat: Asos

Top: Vintage

Skirt: Forever New

Shoes: Aldo

Bag: Nine West

Want to see more of my personal style and fashion musings? Follow me here and on Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog ! x

The Dressmaker Exhibition

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogJune 27, 2016

On a bitterly cold winter’s evening in Melbourne, my family and I attended The Dressmaker 1950’s party at Rippon Lea estate. The Dressmaker is a book-turned-movie starring Kate Winslet and is set in rural Australia in the 1950’s. Its poignant and often unexpected storyline was immensely entertaining, however the costume designs by the award-winning designers Margot Wilson and Marion Boyce truly brought the aesthetic appeal.

The Dressmaker costume exhibition has been on display since April and will continue until 31 July, and it was a real treat to be able to experience it when an exclusive 1950’s pop-up bar evening was hosted. Not only was everyone required to dress in 1950’s attire, but there was even a band playing 50’s music in the ballroom to enhance the old-fashioned setting. The main reason why I wanted to go was to see the breathtaking costumes, of course.

You could not compare the way Kate Winslet’s character’s costumes looked on her in comparison to how they sit on the mannequins. Her curvaceous figure practically made those dresses look as stunning as they did.

The effect of the embellishment is divine, particularly with the golden sash of leaves. Gertrude wore this when making her debut with her new makeover.

This didn’t exactly come under the category ‘breathtaking’, but it was certainly startling.

This pale gold lamé dress is one of my favourites. It’s sheer Hollywood and I love how it accentuates curves.

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Simply fabulous. The pink socks are a striking touch.

The costumes showcase some of the best design elements of the 1950’s, including plenty of glamour and gorgeous fabrics. If you haven’t yet seen the film I would recommend it purely for the delightful costumes, and if you are in Melbourne I would urge you to see them for yourself! Stay tuned for my next post on what I wore to the event. x

Follow me on my instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog for more of my fashion musings and personal style.

Tulle is Cool

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogFebruary 26, 2016

I was the quintessential wannabe princess in my early years when I would don my princess dresses, tulle skirts and tiaras whilst dancing to the dreamy tunes of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Never mind whether I was playing in my bedroom or walking up to the coffee shop with mum; a full skirt with the corresponding jewellery, bags, wands and glittering tiaras would always be in order. And apparently you can never take the princess out of the girl (minus the magic wand and tiara) as full tulle skirts and fabulous accessories are exactly what I want to be wearing nowadays too.

The tulle skirt has made a comeback since Autumn 2015 on the streets with fabulous results. The femininity of the skirt can be contrasted with leather to create a tough-girl look, matched with wool and knits to cater for winter, and worn with denim to downplay the formality of tulle to offer a day-appropriate outfit. No longer should it be aligned with tiaras and sparkling bodices, because the opportunities for versatility don’t solely resign it for wear at a royal ball. The tulle skirt, as of recently, has been unleashed.

I found a relatively inexpensive one at a chain store and thought ‘why not?’ It resurrected so many childhood memories. On a day out in the city I wore it with a simple black and white stripped sleeveless top, a vintage leather choker and a contemporary clutch bag my sister bought for me on her travels in Europe. Oh, and a new haircut I recently coerced myself into having.

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With my newly-short hair, princess skirt and continued love for Disney musical scores, it almost feels like I haven’t grown up. But I suppose my previous career plans to become a princess and marry Aladdin have changed dramatically.

Skirt: Ice

Top: Witchery

Shoes: Forever New

Bag: Atmosphere

Sunglasses: Chloe

Follow me here on my blog and on Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog for more about my fashion musings and style! x

Top 10 Serena Van der Woodsen Dream Dresses

by ilikeyourshirtfashionblogFebruary 19, 2016February 19, 2016

It has been a little late, but I just finished watching the entire series of Gossip Girl in the space of about three months. I was pretty into it and not because of the superb acting or completely realistic drama plots, but due to the amazing fashion I was exposed to in every episode. Although they may not have been great people, Serena Van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf were the ultimate style queens who I most definitely bowed down to. With their Chanel this and Prada that, those ladies tossed me into a great big pool of green envy I would never be able to escape from. And there is no doubt that Serena Van der Woodsen was the object of the majority of that envy from girls around the world. So to demonstrate my appreciation of her unwavering beauty and formidable fashion, I compiled a top ten list of my favourite formal fashion she wore through-out the entire series. You may acknowledge that it was not an easy task to undertake. So, in no particular order:

The dress that made Dan Humphrey fall in love with Serena Van der Woodsen. She established herself as the golden girl in Pamela Dennis couture, and undoubtedly the best dressed at that ball.

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Looking like an ethereal rockstar with the waist embellishment and tulle skirt with the varied length.

peach orange dress

Grecian gowns will always be in fashion, particularly with the modern twist of the thigh split and grey sandal heels. Oh S, why were you such a grecian goddess?

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You can never put a foot wrong when wearing a black, sleeveless long gown with a hint of sparkles. Instant class and seduction.

ellie saab grey dress

Zuhair Murad created a masterpiece with this transparent grey lace dress. The satin sash provides a unique and elegant touch which perfectly balances out the intricate lace.

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Fierce and fresh gown by Jenny Packham. That aquamarine beading is on point. At first I found the peek-a-boo at the front slightly distasteful, but eventually I decided that it compliments the long sleeves and the entire visual of the dress is gorgeous.

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Perhaps even overshadowing the bride herself, Serena looked like a high-class couture model in this ivory pink chiffon gown as a maid of honour. That one-shoulder touch practically makes the gown.

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Is there a colour she can’t wear? This periwinkle blue gown looks fairytale-esque with the frilled bottom of the transparent skirt and blue flowers decorating the bust and waist area.

So simple, yet so elegant with the subtle lace and faced yellow. The belt offers a modern touch to a feminine gown.

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Final season wedding dress

….And she always remained the golden girl in Georges Chakra. It’s only fitting that she married the love of her life in gold, the colour that caught Dan’s heart. Yes that was cringingly corny, but so is the whole of Gossip Girl. After six seasons of fantastically bad drama it was sure to rub off on me. Ahh, that golden train. Probably constructed from real gold, too.

So, what are your thoughts on my top 10? Did I miss any staggeringly gorgeous S moments? Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo Laura