My Nan Is A Style Icon

My Nan Ingrid is an artist and effortlessly creative. Her creativity is a gift manifested not only through her art but also through her fashion sense. This innate style she possesses is still present but is the most interesting to me in her youthful years. I particularly adore her love for colour, big patterns and prints that speak for her warm and lively personality. I am also drawn to the way she brought life to the clothes she wore, simply through her presence and demeanour.

Getting dressed is an act that is deeply connected to us both personally and socially. The way we dress is governed by two main factors, personal tastes and aesthetics and an inclination to follow the sameness of our peers. Ingrid explains that she dressed in “bright, bold, loud clothing” to draw attention to herself, however, her desire to be noticed did not exceed her need to fit in. “I looked to popular trends and my friends for what to wear because I wanted to fit in. I wanted to stand out, but I still wanted to belong.” It can be seen that behind the decision of choosing what to wear, is the desire to be included and accepted into wider groups whilst still maintaining a sense of individuality.

The clothing choices we use to construct our appearance, act as a façade that we present to the world to depict not necessarily our true self, but who we aspire to be.  As a young working woman with feelings of inferiority in the workplace, Ingrid describes how she constructed her own self-image, to reach the same status as her colleagues. “I wanted to be taken seriously. I wanted to be perceived as smart, sophisticated and educated. So I lead people to believe that I was, through what I wore to work.” Uncontrollably, our clothing is always read as having insight into our true self. However it is suggested that through fashion you can manipulate the perceptual reading of your character, into making people believe you are whoever you  

want to be.

Fashion allows us to develop and openly express our creativity and personal style .  It is through this exploration of our true selves that we are able to toy with our identity. Using her love for fashion as a means of escape from the restrictions and hindrances of a difficult home life, Ingrid explains how by expressing herself, her identity was able to blossom. “I expressed myself through what I wore. I was breaking away from a hard home life and my clothes were how I escaped it all, they were a way to take control of myself and my own life.” Fashion is a medium for expression that allows you to discover pieces of your  

identity through freedom and creative experimentation.

There are multiple layers of complexity that form Ingrid’s personal style. Her sense of self has been formed by her desire for both sameness as a group and differentiation as an individual, her ability to manipulate the way others view her through her fashioned appearance and the exploration of her self expression on the way to discovering herself. All of these elements combine to make her the beautifully fabulous and strong woman that she is today, all for which are the reasons she is my style icon.

Kisses, 

MBFWA

I'd like to think that each year in Australia, April graces us with Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (MBFWA) to make amends for the introduction to cold and brutal weather (you're forgiven). To say this is my favourite fashion event of the year is a vast understatement and I'm already counting down the days until next April. Last month marked the 20th anniversary of MBFWA and there was no doubt in my mind that this year would be as amazing as ever. This year featured some of my all time favourite brands such as Ellery, Toni Maticevski, Tenpiece, Manning Cartell, Carla Zampatti, Stephen Khalil, Ginger & Smart, Alice McCall and many more. 

This annual event showcases the best of Australian fashion whilst incorporating a sophisticated sense of Australian culture. The designers integrate a unique sense of nationalism and personality through their work which in my opinion, is what truly makes Australian fashion week so distinctively astounding. 

Ellery kick started the week with possibly the most talked about show. Featuring black swan ballerinas from the Australian Ballet company this show was a-maz-ing. The highlight of the show was definitely home grown supermodel Gemma Ward opening the show. Her collection was both innovative and classic and portrayed a real sense of her. Not only are her silhouettes original but they're of impeccable quality. Definitely a jaw dropper and personal favourite. 

Alice McCall's 'One Track Love' collection transported us to a magical land of ruffles and high waists. With a dreamy sky garden installation by the wonderful Daimon Downey this show was definitely one to remember. This collection was fierce yet feminine, with subtle vintage touches. Featuring sleek metallics and elegant pastels it is evident that McCall has matured and transformed as a designer. Incorporating bold eye make up and a bubble gum soundtrack only further elevated her collection. Overall this Alice in Wonderland inspired show was elcetic and made us Aussies proud. 

Toni Maticevski is an iconic designer and personally one of my favourites. This show was highly anticipated and once again proved why he's the king of couture. This collection was sculptural and sophisticated featuring bold and futuristic patterns juxtaposed against the crisp white backdrop. His silhouettes were ultra edgy and gave a modern twist on classic nostalgic pieces. This collection was romantic and proved that Maticevski continues to be a force to be reckoned with. 

Until next time. 

Winter is Coming

Although this Game of Thrones reference makes me want to snuggle up in my pyjamas and stare at Jon Snow all day this winter, I didn't see the look 'couch potato' at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. So don't use this weather as an excuse to stare at dreamy British actors and not shave your legs for three months!

The cold is lingering in the air again and you're just going to have to face old man winter like an ex-boyfriend, cold and looking even better than usual. 

I've been requested to do a colder months look book so I thought we'd have a look at comfort and couture and how you can tackle the temperatures and trends of this season. Take a look!

1. Scarves

Went it comes to scarves, size does matter. The bigger the better. Giant scarves are essential for both your warmth and aesthetic. Not only do they provide comfort but they can elevate an oversized coat and make you look sophisticated. This is definitely a must accessory! 

Im not sure if I adore this look because it's Gigi Hadid, because I'm obsessed with tartan scarves, or because she's with her equally as well dressed Australian beau. Maybe a combination of all three? 

2. Turtle Neck Knits 

Turtlenecks are coming out of their shell and definitely making a comeback. Not to mention they're one of the most cosiest and stylish trends of the season. So disregard all of your preconceived notions and accept the effortless chicness of these chunky knits. Emerge out from under your rock and incorporate one into your wardrobe ASAP!  

Sometimes I think I keep up with the Kardashians better than myself, but with their style it's totally worth it. Love love loveeee this look. Kimmy K you've done it again. 

3. Coats

In the name of fashion and at risk of sounding like your mother, you need a good quality winter coat. A good coat is timeless and will remain loyal through every season. It can instantly upgrade a look and leave room for layering, which is paramount in the colder months!

Style icon and coat queen Alexa Chung. My love for this woman never ceases to amaze me. Marry me?

4. Boots 

As a boot lover myself I must say, boots go with anything. Skirts or dress? Knee highs. Jeans or leggings? Ankles. They were sent by the fashion god to give women stylish footwear and warm toes (Open toe shoes are definitely a don't in winter.) Black is always a good idea with boots, it's a dynamic choice that can be brightend up with a bright lip. But a brown boot can also compliment the right outfit. 

This look is definitely a favourite of mine. Simple yet sophisticated. Remember ladies there is style within simplicity. Sometimes less is more, and in the case of Miranda Kerr it is definitely more. 

Hopefully having read this, any fashion fear has been replaced by newly found winter confidence. 

Stay Warm.

50 Shades of Brunette

Getting your hair done is empowering and so unbelievably underrated. Whether this liberation stems from the boldness and bravery of change or divorcing your not so beloved split ends, I will never know. What I do know however, is that becoming emancipated from old trends and bad decisions is definitely worth hurting your wallet (your mimco loves you unconditionally). 

As of recent I've gone from Jessica Alba to Kendall Jenner on the brunette scale. This change was less dramatic but made me feel more confident not only in my roots but in myself. Having healthy and luscious hair fit for some kind or ridiculous day-time infomercial is like a superpower. A superpower that every woman can have. That's why it's important to invest in and maintain your hair, it's your best friend ladies. Treat it well and it will treat you well. You'd be surprised how well good hair can compliment those jeans, or make you come to the realisation that you don't need x-pro or valencia to look good today. It is an indirect self empowerment that in my opinion, not enough women appreciate. So if you're reading this and you're due for some highlights, or you're looking to reinvent yourself in any way, shape or form go out and indulge in yourself a little. You're under no obligation to have the same boring perm you had five minutes ago. At the end of the day you're the one that has to look at yourself in the mirror everyday, make sure you like what you see. If your regrowth is screaming 'HELP ME' than it's appointment time. Thank me later. 

And at times like these, when I'm sat in a hair salon pretending to read boring gossip magazines whilst eavesdropping on even juicer gossip, sipping on a latte and waiting for my appending new look, that I completely and utterly adore being a woman.