Smaggle

Oh the Mimco show. What a disaster. For me, not for them. I arrived late, sweating and flapping like a one winged bird but because of my lateness I was given what I thought was a prime seat in the second row. Unfortunately this ‘prime seat’ meant that I kept missing the trays of wine that were circulating around the room and at that stage of the afternoon I was in need of some serious self medication. The show was scheduled to start at 5pm but it didn’t start until 5.30pm which left Harbour Master and myself in a flurry of tweets trying to figure out how the hell we were going to make it to Central Pier by 6.30pm for the Paris Runway. Fashion week blogging is not all goody bags and social photos let me tell you. Here’s what went down at Mimco…

Layers of diamante necklaces, giant sunglasses and leather gloves.

Blue rimmed eyes, bauble neckpieces and hoop earrings.

The greatest rain coat in the history of the universe. Mimco are selling them apparently but they are POA. I don’t even want to ask.

Slouchy beanies and giant pendant necklaces.

Jaunty asymmetrical trilbys and beaded chains.

Waist length chains. (and erm… stretchy pleather shorts?)

Messy strands of pearls and antique hued chain.

Thick piles of pearls with a floral neckpiece.

I really enjoyed the intimate nature of the show and it was great being able to see a saturated performance featuring just one label. Speaking of saturated I think they could have backed off on the accessory overkill. There were some pieces that I missed completely because they were hidden under a pile of sparkle. True show highlights? Each time the models walked out they had to go a different way and alternate their route. They nearly always got it wrong and walked back the way they came only to walk into the next model who was also walking the wrong way. They did well to cover it but I was right at the door and I could see their seething eye communication. It was awesome. There was also a delightful Carmen’s muesli cookie in my goodie bag that was a fabulous emergency lunch.

What do you think of Mimco’s work this season? Would you buy anything from their stores?

Love

Smaggle

x

Yesterday was MENTAL at Smaggle with four epic posts about LMFF. There’s just one more to go and it’s a little one so feel free to ignore it if you’ve had your share of shows this week. Today I’m off to an event in Sydney. I’m literally flying up for the evening and then straight back to Melbourne tonight. My trip does include a hasty catch up with my gorgeous auntie so it’s not all business. Here’s what I’m wearing -

* Dress from Diana Ferarri – I got it on sale and it is just the most perfect and flattering cut. I made the mistake of lending it to Co-Dependant Smaggle (the bestie) and I had to prise it out of her clenched fingers to get it back.
* Shoes from Whittner – These are the greatest shoes on the planet. I wear them almost every day.
* Cardigan from Valley Girl
* Bangles from Dinosaur Designs
* Earrings from Bouvier
* Ring Smaggle made

Hey did you know I’m on Facebook? And Twitter? Maybe you could like me… or follow me… I’m just saying.

Love

Smaggle

x

The LMFF Menswear Runway was by far my favourite show of the season. I don’t know whether it was the excitement of my first show of the year, the rad dancers that bookended each collection or the fact that I was sitting directly opposite Josh Thomas, Alex Perry and Melissa George. I had a major Angel from Home and Away fixation when I was in primary school and I literally started eating Vegemite because I saw Angel eat it once. True story. She is stunning, and lovely and lively. It made my night… or possibly ruined it because I spent most of the evening staring at her. Anyway, on to the fashion!

Alpha60

Loving the monochrome base with geometric patterned breaks in the design. I love their playful twist on the argyle sweater.

Arthur Galan

This was one of the labels that really raised my eyebrows. I’ve never seen pants tucked into boots look so damn sexy. I’m also fond of the giant circular scarf and the return of the chino. More young men should wear chinos.

Autonomy

This label was also a huge favourite of mine. It felt very French with boat necked striped t-shirts and their subtle use of navy. Any of their coats would be divine on Mr Smaggle. Oh and what’s this? Shoes and no socks? I have a feeling someone wrote about this recently…

Campaign

While I applaud the concept of boots over pants I feel that Campaign’s effort is unflattering and inferior to Arthur Galan’s collection. Having said that there was some excellent outer wear happening with tailored coats and more relaxed jackets.

Farage

I would love to write about Farage with unbiased eyes but nothing undoes me more than skinny boys in suits. It’s my major weakness. Putting my lust aside though, the dark blue pinstripe is gorgeous and paring it with brown dress shoes was genius.

From Britten

I really liked this collection with its quirky twists on standard items, like the wrap suit jacket and the dress pants tucked into socks. Rollnecks on men are exquisite and I’m pleased to see them making a return.

Three Over One

This one copped some bad talk at the bar after the show but I thought it was quite fresh and cheeky. What’s not to love about dessert boots, rope belts and navy?

Vanishing Elephant

Sadly V.E did not get my vote this year. I thought the cut of their pants was unflattering and the whole collection felt like it was lifted straight from an indie-film hipster.

I also got to see the beautiful Helena Christensen walk. The fash pack were beside themselves before the show about seeing her and I was confused as to why it’s so amazing to see a person walk. Isn’t it about the fashion? Well my friends I was proven wrong. I didn’t realise that a person could be so good at that. She was simply and bizarrely breathtaking.

How did you feel about Menswear this year? If you are a guy, would you wear any of these ensembles? Ladies? Could you see your man in anything from Menswear?

Images from Lucas Dawson

If you don’t want to leave a comment then feel free to add me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

Love

Smaggle

After spending an hour or two in the fabulous Westfield Bar where my red wine glass was refilled more times than I can count, I headed to Paris Runway  6. Here’s what went down.

Alice McCall

I wasn’t the greatest fan of this collection. Bicycle shorts are more universally unflattering than leggings and they were used in every ensemble. I did enjoy their muted colour palette and chunky boots though.

Alpha60

Their men’s collection was great this year so I was a little disappointed in their womenswear. It was all a bit Power Lady Jedi for me. Thankfully there are some unisex pieces in menswear this year so I’ll still get my Alpha60 fix.

Dhini

I was actually seated with two ex-interns of Dhini and they were excitedly nudging each other as outfits that they had worked on walked down the runway. I’m a sucker for cream and nude shades so I quite liked the collection but I could give the opened toed boots a miss. I’ll be delighted when that trend disappears. The models also wore star-shaped bindis on their foreheads which I loved. Totally feeling a Gwen Stefani revival.

Gormon

I loved the splash of colour that Gormon provided and as I have been underwhelmed by my last few visits to their stores I was pleasantly surprised by their collection. Although it was not really my style I did quite like the use of woven threads in the belts and colourful fabric pins on jackets. A crafty outfit accessory is always fine by me.

Karen Walker

Lovely. Fabulous mixes of grey marle and punchy orange, with twee little printed shirts and skinny belts.

Kate Sylvester

Despite my penchant for all things lace and frilly I actually enjoyed Sylvester’s collection this year. It had a sporty/professional mesh going on and a fresh take on using socks as an accessory.

Limedrop

I didn’t find their collection this year terribly wearable but they took risks with shape and fabric which is exactly what fashion week should be about… and I do love that red lined blazer.

Nevenka

This collection ticked nearly every staple item off my list. Maxi dresses? Check! Grey knits? Check! White dresses? Check! Beige, beading and boots? Checkity check! Gorgeous.

What did you think of Runway 6? I’m always interested in everyone else’s opinions, particularly on fashion because it’s so subjective. So please share!

If you don’t want to comment you can leave a message on Facebook or follow me on Twitter! I love a chat.

Images from Lucas Dawson

Love

Smaggle

It would be impossible for me to cover every show that is on during fashion week especially the events that are open to the public but I really wanted to cover the City Chic Sidewalk show because I think it’s fantastic that a plus size store was showing this year and I hope they continue to show in the future.

Here are some looks that I loved.

I really love the way that City Chic has such a youthful vibe. There are quite a few plus size stores in Australia but they seem to think that everyone over the size of 14 is also over the age of 40. I have heard that there are a few complaints about City Chic making their clothes too short or making the clothes look too revealing but these models look fab. I kind of want to bite a few of them.

What about you? What do you think of plus size fashion stores showing at fashion week? Are you a curvy gal? Do you shop at City Chic? What do you think of their clothes?

Photos from Lucas Dawson

For more fashion updates like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Love

Smaggle

On the Friday night of fashion week I headed to Central Pier with the awesome Harbour Master and her delicious friend for Runway 5. Here’s what went down.

Aurello Costarella

He (Aurello is not a woman, as the Harbour Master so kindly pointed out to me) revamped the obi-belt into a corset style waist cincher and completely stole my heart with his use of neutrals, blacks and greys. My favourite piece from his collection is easily the fish scale leather camisole. I believe I gasped as it walked past me down the runway.

Collette Dinnigan

No matter how long I live in Melbourne or how in love with leather I fall I will always have a place in my heart for lace and beading. I don’t believe I have ever been disappointed in Dinnigan. This season she mixed black and cream lace with splashes of nude tulle. There were also some stylish winter ensembles in the form of wool maxi skirts and belted sequined jackets. Love.

Dion Lee

I’m exceedingly jealous of those ladies that pull off white shirts with out looking like wait staff and if I was one of them I’d certainly be snapping up one of Dion Lee’s white tailored numbers. Although to be honest I’d wear mine with pants. Crisp white and velvety grey set the tone for this structured and classic collection. The models wore simple black pumps which were utter perfection.

Jayson Brunsdon

Not a fan. Although the still shots of this collection are fantastic (well done Lucas Dawson) in real life the fabrics seemed awfully flammable and there were loose threads hanging from some of the pieces. I do applaud the use of colour though, which is a rarity on most designer catwalks.

Scanlan and Theodore

Utter, utter love. On my list for winter is a long neutral cardigan and slim leather belt to knot around my waist. I also love that indescribable burnt-orange-pale-terracotta colour that pops up through out the pieces. The collection is relaxed yet still sophisticated and I think we can all add a pair of chunky ankle boots to our winter wish lists.

Toni Maticevski

Much like Dinnigan, Maticevski rarely disappoints. I especially love the use of gathering and ruching in combination with detailed beading. It’s all in the details people. I was also fond of the few winter ensembles with heavy three-quarter length black dresses with waist ties over pants.

Willow

Loved this collection. I’ve been seeing a lot of grey and yellow trending in interior design recently and I’ve been waiting for it to hit the fashion catwalks. What can I say? I love gathered pieces and I live for a bias cut. Gorgeous.

The models’ hair and make-up was striking too. I’m feeling a recreation coming on…

What did you think of Runway 5? The Blogeratti were torn on a few collections including Scanlon and Theodore which I loved, but was not well received by other members of the fash pack.

Would love to hear your thoughts!

All images from Lucas Dawson.

If you want more updates then like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter! It’s going to be a very fashionable day…

Love

Smaggle

Fashion week is over and I’m utterly exhausted. I had this marvelous plan of doing day by day outfit posts so everyone could see what was I wearing everyday during fashion week but my media accreditation pretty much fell all on the same day which means there was really only one official LMFF outfit.

What I wore -

* Dress from Heart My Closet which is an awesome made to order store on Etsy. I wrote about them on Lustable if you are interested.

* Shoes from Trippen. I ordered them straight from the site they are incredible, I could buy nearly every pair of shoes they make.

* Earrings by Bouvier. These were an extremely generous gift from an old boss of mine when I worked at a boutique jeweller.

* Ring is Smaggle Made.

I attended three shows on Friday and was utterly exhausted by the end of the day. I did manage to catch up with the awesome Harbour Master, Poppy Gets a Life, Fashion Hayley, Dear Selena, Sea of Ghosts, Tullia Jack, Ish and Chi and Style Melbourne. The night ended with a 2am dinner at the Supper Inn after several wines and raucous hours of laughing. Fabulous.

Just a warning, you’re about to get pummelled with fashion show reveiws. You lucky bastards.

Love

Smaggle

xxx

Ah lovely ones! I’m back in business. Sorry for the extended absence but I’ve been moving (back) interstate for the last few days. It’s all very tiring. Especially seeing as my fridge is temporarily four flights of stairs away from the kitchen. Ah… first world problems. Today was day two of LMFF and I went to the City Chic Sidewalk show… more on that later as well as the Forever New Sidewalk show that I attended yesterday. It’s been a busy few days people!

* Dress/top from Maxine’s on Brunswick St in Melbourne. That place is a gold mine.
* Body con dress from Metalicus
* Shoes from Whittner
* Bracelet from Mama Smaggle
* Cream bangle from Dinosaur Designs
* Clear bangles from Equip
* Dinosaur head necklace from Limedrop
* Heart necklace was a gift and Mary pendant was from NZ
* Manicure is OPI’s ‘We’ll Always Have Paris’. I had a spontaneous manicure at the Tivoli Arcade on Bourke Street. They are AMAZING there. The manicurist must have spent 15 minutes on my cuticles alone.

This evening I wandered down Brunswick Street and had Veggie Bar for dinner with my bestie. Bliss times.

How have you been? Any goss?

Oh and if you aren’t/haven’t already do follow me on Twitter or like me on Facebook. I’m sometimes witty. Sometimes.

Love

Smaggle

xxx

My accreditation at LMFF started on day two this year with the Forever New Sidewalk Show at Federation Square. Not a lot of the sidewalk shows get coverage as they are usually presented by major chain store labels with huge advertising budgets but to be honest, unless you’re rolling in cash or are particularly gifted at vintage shopping if you live in Australia it’s likely that a good portion of your wardrobe has been purchased from high street stores so I think it’s rather appropriate to cover the clothes that the majority of my readers will be buying.

The show started with a small Swan Lake inspired ballet performance and concluded in a similar fashion. The season collection consisted of nudes, creams and baby pinks with faux furs, pearls and sequined hair pieces. Casual lace featured quite prominently in several ensembles which is pleasing because I consider lace to be a true basic item and one that has worn a formal tag for far too long. Forever New saw lace teamed with leather boots and denim making this luxury fabric far more accessible.

Honestly, the collection was a little youthful for my taste which is completely understandable as women in their late (gulp!) twenties like me are by no means their target demographic. Having said that I’m definitely checking out the Bourke Street store so I can get my hands on some polka dot tights that I’ve been craving since last season and I also have my eye on their half sheer black pleated maxi skirt.

Show highlights included finding a giant, giant man to seek shade under in the searing afternoon sun. Win. Also one of the ballerina’s did an arse flop on stage and as I think people falling over is second only to poo jokes in the humour stakes, obviously I was delighted. I was also photographed by a sneaky street photographer so I’m hoping that a photo of me strutting/tweeting across Fed Square will pop up on the web at some point. Do let me know if you see it.

What do you think of the collection? Are there pieces that you could see in your wardrobe for Autumn/Winter?

For more LMFF coverage where I tell you what REALLY happens at the shows do follow me on Twitter or like me on Facebook. Please like me on Facebook. Aprroval is my crack.

Love

Smaggle

I am totally and completely gutted that I had to miss my favourite LMFF event, The Spirit of The Black Dress this year because I’m not currently in Melbourne. I’m also a big, horrible, sweaty, spotty ball of feverish jelly so it’s a good thing I also can’t make the fabulous gala event either. Sad face. The Spirit of the Black Dress is a brilliant event that’s been held for the last few years at LMFF. Ten independent up and coming designers whip up a gorgeous black dress and then a flash band of models walk through an area of the city, unbeknown to those around them.

Today’s flash walk happened at the State Parliament steps and from the images that I got sent today it looks as fabulous as last years event.

Please do take the time to visit their incredible exhibition. It’s on at The Trust, 405 Flinders Lane, Melbourne at 12-6pm, from 10th – 19th March.

I’ll be there the second I get back to the fashion capital!

Love Smaggle

P.S Follow me on Twitter or like me on Facebook! Go on… all the cool kids are doing it.