Faux

The winter season always brings with it an influx of fur, whether real or fake, and this season is no different. Although I prefer to opt for the ‘faux’ kind, fur coats are my token item this winter. As well as being spectacularly warm, they’re incredibly chic and easy to pop over any outfit. Green and silver faux fur jackets have been favoured, and I’ve also witnessed a number of of baby pink long-haired coats which is a nod to the re-emergence of the ‘pink’ trend (as if we needed fashion authority to wear pink). No longer being donned exclusively by the elite and wealthy, fur coats are back with a multi-coloured vengeance.

I actually purchased (well, snatched out of a woman’s grasp) my green and black fur from the famed Balmain x H&M collection from 2015. I had only worn it a handful of times before this season because I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t have the confidence to pull off something so fabulous (as if that’s ever stopped me before!), however now that it is a staple trend this season, I wear it everywhere I possibly can. And wow, do I feel fabulous wearing it.

I matched it with a red lip in order to take a break from the dark tones. Plus, I am always an advocate for a bright red lipstick, and a pop of colour in winter should always be embraced.

Jacket: Balmain x H&M

Pants: Witchery

Shoes: Siren

Top: Missguided 

Earrings: Mimco 

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Prada and Me

The devil wears Prada – or so they say. When I was handed a Prada bag as an extraordinary congratulations-for-surviving-surgeries gift from my parents, I certainly went to heaven. In fact, my hips felt better immediately.

I love the fact that it’s red with a gold chain. I adore how it’s big enough to fit all the necessities. And I appreciate how it’s going to force me to stop wearing silver all the time, because let’s be honest, my silver obsession is becoming a concern. It’s amazing how a bag can possess so much superiority and significance, which is demonstrated by the fact that every future outfit component will revolve around this piece of Prada.

This was actually my Easter outfit for last weekend, where the family and I spent the day cracking eggs, eating plenty of food and collecting way too much chocolate. To cater for the mild temperature, I wore a blue cotton dress with light beige gladiator sandals. The earrings were courtesy of my grandma, since her hand-me-downs comprise of the only gold jewellery I own. I chose a simple dress to place the spotlight on the bag, as that’s what it deserves.

Dress: Witchery

Shoes: Lipstik

Bag: Prada 

Earrings: vintage

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Viktor & Rolf in Melbourne

It’s not enough to refer to Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren’s creations as simply fashion. Rather, they undoubtedly produce stunning works of art, and their couture collections often blur the lines between wearable fashion and art. This differentiates the Dutch designers from other prominent fashion houses, as the pieces from their  bold collections would not be seen on the typical celebrity at the red carpet.

Every collection has a unique theme that may reflect current events and is completely embodied by the unsubtle designs which never fail to intrigue an audience. For Viktor & Rolf, a jacket is not just a jacket and a dress is not just a dress; they are individual creations of art and nothing less.

I had the pleasure of viewing many of their creations at the Viktor & Rolf exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. It was an insightful display of their work which successfully brings attention to their exciting artistry.

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These Dutch designers are proof that fashion can be an art form.

Fabulous Kylie

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.

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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

Ball Season

So many balls to attend and so many dresses to choose from. Being an ardent shopper means that I have a wardrobe that provides for any occasion, so naturally that includes plenty of formal wear options. But after having a sneaky shop on asos and finding ‘the dress I really must have’ (all of them tend to come under this category), I justified purchasing a new dress for the next uni ball. Because if you can’t stop thinking about it, then it must be fate- isn’t that right? Further justifications included not having the summer glow needed to pull off my variety of colourful dresses I purchased last summer, and also as this dress features long sleeves, it is an absolute must for a winter ball, obviously. Sometimes I impress myself with my creative reasons.




Not to take anything away from the dress, I wore black peep-toe Guess shoes with a matching black clutch. I love the reflective silver and pink beads- the only issue is how delicate it is! Probably have to avoid the mosh pits with this one.

For an impulsive online shop, there were no regrets. In fact, regrets are for the weak, and you ought to remember that next time you question your snap purchase.

Dress: asos 

Shoes: Guess 

Clutch: Kate Hill 

Hair and make up by Lana Fried. 

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Winter is Coming-so best to get your Coats out!

There is really only one good thing about the weather getting colder and the nights getting darker: winter fashion. There is an abundance of potential available in winter with layering clothes; the opportunity to wear cute scarves with matching beanies; and of course the pinnacle of winter fashion- the coat. Luckily I stocked up on coats and jackets whilst ironically op-shopping during the summer. I am more than ready to put those to good use.

A couple of days ago Melbourne showed the first initial signs of winter, and so I donned a woollen mulberry-coloured coat which I bought last year from asos. I am currently obsessed with wearing dresses with round-toe sneakers (and ONLY white round-toe sneakers) because they are incredibly versatile and take the feminine edge out of wearing a dress while still maintaining a stylish vibe. I never thought I would come to a point where I would voluntarily pair sneakers with a dress, but I uphold the fact that it can only be done with this style of shoe which technically isn’t a legitimate sports shoe anyway.

I also updated my wardrobe with a few grey pieces amidst the realisation that my wardrobe is almost devoid of every other colour a part from black, and hence this mercifully comfortable and warm dress from Witchery is one of those pieces. Fashion has just miraculously become so comfortable, and for the sake of my hectic schedule and for everyone else, we are sincerely grateful.

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Coat: Asos

Dress: Witchery

Shoes: Witchery

Bag: Zara

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Trends of the Summer

Summer has officially ended for us southern hemisphere-ers, so it’s a better time than never to reflect on some of the most noticeable trends of the warm season. This was inspired by the spring/summer 2016 international runways, some serious street-style stalking and painfully careful observations.

Middle-aged Dad sandals

Okay so that’s not exactly the name for them, but I couldn’t find the name for flat sandals with wide straps and a platform which were initially designed for Dads who prefer comfort over appearance. Now these beauties have a more superior standing in the fashion world and are considered the staple sandal for the season with the bonus comfort factor included. Chanel has even approved the notorious socks and sandals duo, complete with illuminating lights to ensure that these bad boys do not go unnoticed.

tommy hilfiger, burberry prorsum, chanel
Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry Prorsum, Chanel
Round Toe Sneakers

If there is ever a sneaker to wear with skirts and dresses, it’s this one. Comfort continues to be an overriding feature of shoes this season, and also the simplicity of the plain white enables the shoes to match practically any casual outfit. Just avoid wearing socks with these ones, as the ankles are meant to be visible and socks would add an unwanted schoolgirl element to it.

Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Joseph
Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Joseph
Super Baggy Pants

Long, wide-leg pants appear to be popular for spring/summer 2016. Hopefully they will prove to be more popular than flared pants, because these pants, although resembling trackies, are far more chic and cosy. Match with a fitted turtleneck and round toe sneakers for a perfect day-time look.

missoni, tod's, ralph lauren
Missoni, Tod’s, Ralph Lauren
Chokers

These violently-named accessories have made a spectacular comeback since the 90’s and have been reinvented through all sorts of styles and diverse fabrics. Throw on a choker to enhance a V-neck top or jacket, tubes tops and over-the-shoulder tops.

Etro, Versace, Dior
Etro, Versace, Dior
Lingerie-style Clothing

Louis Vuitton’s fall/winter 2013 collection introduced the idea of day lingerie, and I experienced mixed emotions about it. Lingerie is beautiful, feminine and sexy and I just didn’t believe that it had a place in casual day wear. Despite my reservations, the trend has persisted and was a popular style for Balenciaga, Calvin Klein, Chloé, Givenchy and Celine just to name a few.

Chloe, Givenchy, Celine
Chloe, Givenchy, Celine
Lace up Shoes

Lace-up sandals and heels were a highlight of the spring/summer collection and were purchased by essentially every girl I know. Chloe and Valentino employed similar styles when opting for the lace-up shoes, going for wedges that were infused with the 90’s factor. But whether you choose stilettos, wedges or flats, lace-up is the way to go.

balmain, chloe, valentino
Balmain, Chloe, Valentino
Metallic Silver

Hints of metallic silver ran rampant on the runways and were displayed through bags, shoes, dresses and jackets. If you have been following my blog then you would recall my affinity with metallic silver and my persistent need to add a bit of silver to every outfit I wear. And this is because it automatically adds some shine and a futuristic element to an outfit. Metallic silver shoes have been a particular standout this season, particularly in sneaker-form and flat sandals.

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Dior, Givenchy, Milan Fashion Week
Snakeskin Print

Alongside the metallic silver trend there is snakeskin; arguably one of the less tacky prints in the fashion kingdom. Snakeskin-printed bags have been around for long enough, however this season could not get enough of the reptilian print as exemplified by Fendi’s snakeskin jacket, and Louis Vuitton’s stunning snakeskin heels. It is an edgy addition to any outfit that is reserved for those who want to bring their outfit to the next level.

Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada
Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada
Fringe

Fringed garments have remained a favourite on the runways for a while now and it does not look as though it’s planning to slow down anytime soon. It was a favourite on suede clothes in autumn/winter 2015 in light of the bohemian trend, however the sky’s the limit as designers have shown with inspiration drawn from western, tribal, flappers and bohemian perspectives. Think Cate Blanchett at this year’s Golden Globe awards in Givenchy: fringe is daring, fabulous and incredibly flouncy.

Dion Lee, Prabal Gurung, Givenchy
Dion Lee, Prabal Gurung, Givenchy
So, those are my picks for some of the top trends that spring/summer ’16 had to offer! If there are any that I missed, please comment below!

Follow me here on my blog and on Instagram @ilikeyourshirt_blog for more fashion trends and my personal style. x

Classy Darling

About a month ago, I was in the Gold Coast and visited one of my favourite places on the coast for some afternoon tea: the visually stunning Palazzo Versace. The setting proved irresistible for photo-taking, especially with this white belted gilet I had recently purchased after christmas. I had my eye on this piece for a couple of months before I purchased it, but being the typical economically downcast student I forced myself to wait until it became half price.                                                             Poor student note: A good piece of advice is that everything will be on sale in due course, and if you don’t need it urgently then it is ALWAYS more satisfying to purchase it when the price tag is halved.

Being an exuberant fan of white clothing, I knew I needed this gilet despite not exactly knowing where I’d wear it. Its versatility allows you to wear it as a dress with a slip underneath (as seen below) or as a sleeveless summer jacket with the belt hanging loosely across your stomach or by your sides. Hence I justified buying it through all the ways I could wear it, and most importantly, by how refreshingly classy it makes me feel.

I wore it with light tan gladiator sandals, rose gold jewelry, a black Guess bag and I even threw in my Chloe sunglasses to make me feel as designer as the hotel.

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Belted Gilet: Witchery

Shoes: Lipstik

Bag: Guess

Sunglasses: Chloe 

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The Golden Girls

With the first notable fashion event of the year done and dusted, it’s time to reflect on the real stars of the 2015 Golden Globe Awards and their killer adornments. Although everyone appeared dapper and decorated on the evening, there were a few who particularly stood out against the luminosity of the red carpet.

Lady Gaga wearing Atelier Versace
Lady Gaga wearing Atelier Versace- Getty Images

She was the vision of a classic Hollywood siren, complete with a Marilyn Monroe-like curly bob and dazzling diamonds. I love the voluptuous shape of the waist and hips and the tasteful neckline.

Brie Larson wearing custom Calvin Klein
Brie Larson wearing custom Calvin Klein- Getty Images 

What’s not to like about a sparkly gold dress with cut-out pieces in all of the right places?

Cate Blanchett wearing Givenchy
Cate Blanchett wearing Givenchy- Getty Images 

The pale pink tassels are a very bold choice from fashion icon Cate, however she manages to magnificently pull it off with her typical elegance and a matching custom purse.

Jaimie Alexander wearing Genny
Jaimie Alexander wearing Genny- Getty Images

This emerald creation by Genny exudes glamour and perfectly compliments the stunning wearer with her dazzling green earrings and striking eyes.

Jenna Dewan Tatum wearing Zuhair Murad
Jenna Dewan Tatum wearing Zuhair Murad- Getty Images 

What can I say? It’s a Zuhair Murad creation that could stun even the most elaborately dressed Disney princess.

Rooney Mara wearing Alexander McQueen
Rooney Mara wearing Alexander McQueen– Getty Images 

This Alexander McQueen nude masterpiece looks as though its an extension of Mara’s skin in the least gruesome way. In my opinion, not everyone could pull off a gown as unique as this but the Carol star makes it look effortless.

Taraji P. Henson wearing Stella McCartney
Taraji P. Henson wearing Stella McCartney– Getty Images

The Empire winner appears fiercely goddess-like in this simple Stella McCartney piece. Ahh that cape…

 

So, who do you think took the award for the best dressed on the night?

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Balmania

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I never thought I that I would line up for 7 hours for anything in my lifetime – for anything – but I proved myself wrong. The Balmain x H&M collaboration was one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year, with flagship stores selling out of the collection instantly upon opening. I heard that people in Turkey were tearing clothes off the mannequins and that people in London were getting into full-blown arguments over a top, while others set up camp at the store door from 2pm the previous day. Its bizarre and ridiculous considering the amount of hype and effort being exerted over a bunch of clothes. But it’s in the name of Balmain, and for those who are familiar with Olivier Rousteing’s mesmerising work at La Maison Balmain, that’s enough said.

Firstly, the collection is everything that Balmain stands for: bling, beautiful fabrics and attention to detail, plus a hint of 80’s inspiration. For the majority of us who can’t afford Balmain’s ready-to-wear prices, it’s a chance of a lifetime for regular people to have a piece of Balmain at an affordable cost. For a 19 year old student with a dismal bank account and an infatuation with Balmain circa the 2012/2013 A/W collection, it was a miracle. So off I went, dragging my confused sister with me at 2.30 in the morning.

The line had already at least 100 people in it, all chilling in their camp chairs and wrapped in blankets. Everyone was in high spirits though, and it didn’t take too long for 7 am to roll around. By this point I was concerned that we wouldn’t even receive a wristband, but my concerns were dismissed once we found out that we were in the 9.15 slot. In order to cater for the masses, people in line would be given a wristband saying which slot they had to shop the collection, and each slot was strictly confined to 10 mins each for 20 people per slot. The store officially opened at 8 am but they started giving out wristbands at 7 am. Once it was our time to shop, it was such a surreal experience. People were in a flurry trying to get the items they wanted and were viciously taking things from racks- including me. You literally just took anything you could get, because so many of the items had already sold out in the short space of time. Naturally I had high hopes to purchase a couple items in particular which I was vying for ever since they released the campaign pictures, but alas, they were already gone. HOWEVER I was lucky to come out of the bizarre experience with three dresses, one very furry jacket, a t-shirt and a fabulous belt – with help from the lovely sister, of course. Honestly we were the lucky ones, because those who were a part of the 10 am session really did not have much to wait for which would have been extremely disappointing. But I suppose all is fair in love and fashion when it comes to designer collabs.

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Despite the lack of sleep and lengthy waiting period, it was actually a pretty great experience. It was an undeniably exciting event and I feel SO content with my purchases that I wanted to wear them at my exam today just ’cause (but I didn’t FYI). I know it’s cruel not to show my purchases now (taking photos of the pieces alone doesn’t do them justice, and I can’t be bothered putting them on right now), but I can guarantee that I’ll feature them on the blog sometime soon, so stay tuned!

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