Pip Edwards and I have been friends for 20 years, way back when we had terrible hairstyles, wore questionable clothes and did a lot of dancing on the weekends.

We both had kids before any of our friends and then navigated heartbreak, single motherhood and career life in parallel timing, so these days when life gives both of us a snippet of free time at the same time, we like to live it all the way up.

Pip is a powerhouse at the amazing sportswear brand P.E nation, so catching her is near impossible. But, it just happened to be that we were both in Los Angeles at the same time so we drove into the desert, Thelma & Louise-style, to one of my favourite hotels in the world: the Parker Palm Springs.

This iconic accommodation is an oasis in the desert teeming with hummingbirds in beautiful lush grounds, with mid-century styling, hip restaurants and cool art. I managed to persuade Pip to take part in this trend-based story. And, oh boy did we have some fun along the way!

Scroll on to see five summer trends showcased in the iconic desert surrounds of Palm Springs.

Above: Tanja wears Double Rainbouu dress, Reliquia scrunchie and star earrings, Le Specs sunglasses; Pip wears Balenciaga sunglasses and Versace swimsuit.

In Sydney, we’re big believers in pretending winter doesn’t exist until the Antarctic southerly sets in and we are sitting in front of the heater cocooned in layers of blankets. As much as I’m thrilled to pretend I am a fearless explorer trapped in an avalanche when I need to go to bed in my thermals, during the day I like to make an effort to appear as though I still run my life based on something other than my body temperature. Enter: four jackets and coats that are both functional and fashionable.

The coloured coat
Most people think they should go for a black or neutral-hued coat, and while I believe that neutral coats are a necessary part of an adult woman’s wardrobe, I can’t tell you how much I wear my coloured coats too. They brighten up gloomy days and look perfect over neutrals.

Above: Tanja wears a Max Mara coat, Dior sunglasses, Mulberry top, pants and bag, Dion Lee skirt, Balenciaga mules.

The weekend denim
Weekends are the perfect opportunity to get cosy and comfortable. It’s usually all about denim and sweatshirts for me. It may be too cold in winter for a denim jacket, but this one above is lined with shearling. Another winter dressing hack I love is that I started collecting coloured leather pants and leggings that I layer under skirts and dresses.

Above: Tanja wears a Levi’s shearling denim jacket, P.E nation top, Bassike pants, All Birds sneakers, YSL bag.

The classic trench
The trench is like the turtleneck of the coat world – throw it on with anything and it transforms you into a sophisticated woman.
Above: Tanja wears a Camilla and Marc trench coat, Rebecca Valance top, Anna Quan dress, vintage fishnets, YSL sandals.

The perfect puffer
A puffer will get you anywhere these days – wear it over denim, suiting or evening wear. Did I mention a skirt over pants is totally a thing now? Get those layers working to your advantage.

Above: Tanja wears Dion Lee layered tops, Vetements skirt from The Outnet, Romance Was Born pants, Christopher Kane sandals, Valet earring.

This story originally appeared on vogue.com.au

Snowflakes softly falling, novelty reindeer sweater, eggnog, a roaring fire, making a snowman…wait what? This is not an Australian Christmas! It’s more like prawns on the barbie, swim in the ocean, schvitzing in the heat and flitting from family to friends’ events because it's not like we are getting stuck in a blizzard for three days. We don’t celebrate like other countries do, so of course our wardrobe isn’t going to be a one size fits all either. Unencumbered by the cold, blessed by the warm breezes with no coat or beany in sight, I’ve compiled a list of 6 dresses that are perfect accompaniments to every activity you may have this holiday.

FORMAL CHRISTMAS EVE

I was born in Europe so a big, fancy, ott dinner is a must. Along with going so extravagant on food that I have leftovers till the New Year ( I’m eagerly awaiting you turkey sandwiches), I always dress up in something beautiful. This year I have slotted this star spangled Leo and Lin dress, Roger Vivier slippers and matching Kismet by Milka star diamond earrings at the top of my wish list.

 

 

 

 

 

XMAS BRUNCH WITH FRIENDS:

One last catch up before everyone flies off to see their families so it’s an opportune time to take the festive mood board and deconstruct it. Give the Xmas tree a run for it’s money with this cool Prada dress while making Santa jealous with red hot Christian Louboutin boots and Prada bag

 

 

 

 

 

CHRISTMAS DRINKS :

Heading out to a party? It’s time to slip into some Bec & Bridge dark green lamé , grab a Dior saddle bag, put on some Mercedes Castillo mules (from Net-a-Porter) and turn yourself into a disco goddess. Trust me, this dress loves a dance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHRISTMAS ON THE BEACH:

Having Christmas lunch with the family, then heading to the beach for a dip?  You need a dress that can multitask , so may I suggest this Zimmermann silk number that loves to play with the breeze whilst keeping you as cool as a cucumber. Accessorize with a Lack Of Colour hat, Karen Walker sunglasses and Christian Dior slides for tonal perfection

 

 

 

 

 

CHRISTMAS BBQ WITH FRIENDS:

Hanging with your homies this year and just kicking back? You need something cool and chill, yet sexy enough in case that cute guy is there- I feel this Dion Lee baby is your ticket. Pair it with a roomy Cult Gaia bag, Ancient Greek Sandals and a Reliquia initial necklace that will help him remember your name.

PICNIC WITH YOUR LOVE

:Family isn’t on the cards this year but gazing into your boyfriend’s eyes as you eat ham sandwiches and sip champagne is? It doesn’t get more romantic and gorgeous than this fine lace Dior dress. Add a snakeskin print bag by Rejina Pyo ( from Net-a-Porter) for a reference to Eve in the Garden, while keeping it dressed down in Ancient Greek Sandals

Self shot on Nikon D750
This editorial first appeared on vogue.com.au

Fashion Week only swings around once a year in Australia so come May everyone in the industry is lining up their outfits, pillaging pr agencies, last minute online shopping, loaning from friends and otherwise spending solid quality time in front of the mirror.

Dear reader; I wanted to be one of these people but I was doing the MBFWA review story for vogue.com.au in the lead up and hence was too overwhelmed with existing loans,countless emails and shoot production to think street style.When Monday came around and I had no outfit, I sent some emails and my assistant to pick up a few things from a couple of ravaged pr offices that now looked like supermarkets before Hurricane Irma hit ; barren and sparse.

First world problems these may be but one needs to get through the week clothed and my preference is a tad more fabric than what Bella Hadid wears on the Cannes red carpet 😉

Even though many Australian heavyweights didn't show this year, there were many highlights to the week so I decided to do a little photo diary - I want you to see all the fun that was to be had ! Sadly, I'm not posting all the shows I went to- some of them I just didn't get great pictures at - sometimes the lights are too low and the models move too fast.

 

DAY 1: Camilla & Marc started off the week with a bang, all cool tailoring, oversized jackets, shoulder pads, ruffles, off the shoulder dresses and skirts over pants. There were so many things to love here, all I can say is: send separates guys!

The Camilla & Marc stage was this amazing outback-ey looking set that every single person tried to get a photo in after the show. Here's me, semi soaked still cause it was pouring outside, elbowing my way to a quiet corner with the help of Yan Yan Chan who took these photos for me (thanks Jan ; )).

Wearing Rebecca Valance skirt and bustier, Balmain Top, La Perla bra, Gucci bag, Zimmermann shoes and a vintage Versace jacket

DAY 2 :Monday was a busy day, so what better way to start it but by wearing head to toe pink and matching it to a double shot flat white in a Dion Lee Vittoria cup ? Wearing Dion Lee top and pants, Michael Lo Sordo jacket, Fendi bag, Charlotte Olympia shoes, Balenciaga earring and vintage Balenciaga sunglasses

I loved the Bianca Spender show; all oversized, feminine suits and flowing, sensual silks. Well tailored and flattering with a sustainable bend, I can't wait to wear some of those slinky silk dresses over wide legged pants

En route to the Alice McCall show  (Alice Mccall pants, Ginger and Smart top, Gucci shoes, YSL bag and Matteau bikini top )

If Alice Mccall had a girl she were making clothes for it would be a fun party girl with vintage sensibilities. Some of her dresses and shorts used to be so short they'd make my eyes water ( cause I didn't have the guts to expose so much of my pins ) so I'm loving how some of the hemlines are longer this season and there are amazing maxi gowns in the fray too. Lace detailing and lamé dresses never hurt the party girl either, let's face it

My mates Mikey & Toby over at Double Rainbow did an amazing job growing their hawaiian shirt label into a veritable style reference of their own. This show was pure festival summer incarnated with mesh tops, prints galore, tracksuit combos, clever t-shirts and beach shorts we all need once the heatwave hits. Big love to Sarah Starkey who styled this show to perfection, within the restricted confines of the Landsdowne hotel non the less.

It was 9 pm when the Double Rainbuu show finished so I rushed to the intimate dinner Michael Lo Sordo was hosting at the city institution that is Bambini Trust. I had to make a swift change into a Michael Lo Sordo look in the car, across the road from a packed bus stop which was as hilariously awkward as you can imagine. The girls and I were all Lo Sordo brides that night- Sunny Vandervelde took this fun snap of us in front of the restaurant before we all settled to a gorgeous candlelit dinner. Thanks Michael and MCM pr for this wonderful night!

DAY 3 When you're dressed so farshion but you wish you were wearing a bikini and diving in!

Wearing Undone Project pants, Jill Sander t-shirt from Net-a-Porter, Zimmermann shoes, Dinosaur designs earrings and bracelet, From St Xavier clutch and Double Rainbuu x Le Specs sunglasses 

The Emilia Wickstead x Matches Fashion was a pure delight. Not only was it held at the spectacular Wylie's baths which I'd never been to before but the weather was incredible, the clothes lovely, the atmosphere magical, the champagne cold and the appetisers delicious. Can every show be like this? I wanted to twirl in these pretty dresses and dive into some long gone Riviera pool whilst wearing a pink swim cap. This show evoked so many feels that I escaped through a portal to another time. When the show finished, I still didn't want to leave because the reality was wonderful too.

Snakeskin, lamé, 70s, gingham, sheer...the Hansen & Gretel show had all the trends. All I can say is: I'm coming for you head to toe snakeskin print, don't even bother hiding cause I'll find you!

I had some time to rush home and get changed for the Romance Was born show ( wearing Romance Was Born, Gianvitto Rossi from Net-a-porter shoes, Reliquia earrings )

Hello lamé, hello slinky goddesses, hello prints, ruffles and the joy of seeing creativity unbridled - Romance Was Born show is always such an unmissable event on the week's calendar. This year, the underbelly of Hubert's was transformed into a Parisian salon where models twirled between tables and enchanted us with ruffles, lace and batwings.

 

As if the beautiful clothes weren't enough, guests were presented with a delicious 3 course sit down dinner and drag queen singers that ravished the captive audience with vintage hits. The night also served as a launch for RWB's incredible retrospective book - if you love fashion, buy this book as it's sure to be iconic ( and whilst you're page turning, play a little find Tanja game- there are a few pictures in there from my modelling days ) The fun didn't stop there- after the show, some of us stayed on for a nightcap and danced on tabletops ( i'm looking at you Isabella Manfredi ; ))

DAY4: One of the highlights was the Christopher Esber show today, with it's impeccable detailing and painstakingly beautiful beaded knits. I wanted so many items from this show. Worn as a look , these were strong pieces but equally important; any one of them would elevate plain old t-shirts or jeans to new heights. I also had a deadline today so I spent most of my day just editing : (

Wearing Zimmermann pants, Michael Lo Sordo top, Gucci Belt, Byfar x Net-a-Porter sandals, YSL bag from Net-a-Porter, vintage necklaces and jacket, Reliquia earrings

Day5: Nothing like the joy of arriving to the Ten Pieces show at Icebergs and finding my girl Lindy Klim was seated next to me. Love an early morning catch up! ( Wearing vintage top, Fendi sunglasses, Lindy wearing Rama Voyage and Dion Lee)

Maurice Terzini and his partner Lucy did such a great job with this collection. Modern, fresh,androgynous and wearable, the clothes were as cool as the show was fast paced and to the point, a bit like mr Terzini himself. Bonus points for casting some of the coolest characters around who promptly started a dance off on the balcony when the show ended.
The evening saw the ethereal Akira show and the tribal inspired Camilla show, followed by Russh magazine's dance party extravaganza ..needless to say the weekend in bed was heaven sent!

Thanks so much to all the designers, models, hair and make up artists, pr and my fellow journalist and bloggers for making this MBFWA such a hoot

Layers may not be the sexiest clothing option in the world, yet winter is the most imaginative time in the style stakes because we finally get to play with investment coats, beautiful boots and cosy knits.

Each year I invest in a few pieces that will take me through the coldest months, yet I want to make sure that my purchases last me through another winter without looking dated whilst staying reasonable in the cost-per-wear equations. And oh boy, were there some trends across the autumn/winter '17/'18 runways! From silver to folklore and ostrich feather, individuality was celebrated, but here are the ones I think will stand the test of time — or until next year, at least.

Winter may be threatening with its icy fingers but it has nothing on blanketed padded jackets in high tech incarnations. Even if it did, the oversize knitwear trend would stop it dead in it’s tracks. Still not enough? Matrix style patent leather brings out our inner dominatrix, whilst the stunning combination of blue and black will make winter surrender through sheer fashion domination.

(Ellery pants and jacket, Jac&Jack sweater and cardigan, Dion Lee sunglasses, Ole Lynegaard pearl earring sold individually)

Choose high-shine accessories with a lot of high power attitude.(Stillettos and bag both Saint Laurent from Farfetch)

(Tome dress, Sarah and Sebastian choker, Jimmy Choo sandals, vintage bracelet)

Gilded saffron spice, mustard, 70s sunflower and all shades of yellow are my colour crush. Mix them in any and all combinations including lime, earthy tones, reds, plums, even turquoise for a colour explosion – or just wear on their own.

Read more on vogue.com.au here!
photographed by Alice Wesley-Smith

Spring is awakening in the depths of the Antipodean countries like a shy deciduous leaf bud, magnetic fullness of the sun tingling it's roots outward with a promise of warmth . Just as the golden rays of summer dim in the North by a minute at first, then two are added to days here and just like that, the light changes and daylight after 5pm starts again. Oh sweet daylight life after 17 o'clock! I have missed you!

Ok, ok, I must disclose, and many of you would know if you follow my instagram, in fact I slightly cheated and spent 3 weeks in my birth country of Croatia in July enjoying a hiatus from blog life, each day filled with sun, swimming , cooking and watching my daughter pull out an array of various sea urchins out of the sea for inspection before throwing them back , wide eyed, each time, as if it were a miracle. Which, indeed it is, as is anything we really look at with unclouded, curious eyes. Everything around us is a wonder, a dream within a dream, and a dear friend of mine tells me each time he sees me : "Tanja, all you touch and all you see is all your life will ever be!", quoting of course Pink Floyd's Breathe. And he is right. If anything I'm realising more and more with each day of being alive, it would be how much more I can open my eyes,  how many more ways there are to see, to touch, to taste, to smell, to understand , breathe, love, embrace. It truly is all about perception of our experience, what we allow ourselves to compute once we peer past the programs we run in our heads as defaults.

Take next season's curious mix of burgundy, maroon, pink and mauve shades for example. Not just because they are your ticket to one of 2016/2017 's hottest fashion trends but also because they are a conundrum of simultaneously being sweet as spring berries, punchy and spicy as heavy Malbec wine and other non simile laden , simple adjectives such as understated, feminine, elegant and earthy. For my third collaboration with Thomas Sabo, I picked out my favourite jewellery pieces from the new collections for three different personalities, then mixed them in with lustful new season examples of marooney, pink camellia goodness . My Moon, after all is in Gemini, so personalities I know!Above: Unleash your inner punk but switch the Christian symbolism with ancient Egyptian. For example, did you know that some speculate an Ankh was a symbol for a primitive energy transformer? It may sound like a conspiracy theory but the mere whiff of magic excites me, as do winged goddesses on necklaces and the sheen of silver

  Wearing: Ring, bracelet, earrings and necklace by Thomas Sabo, bralette by Agent Provocateur, vintage leather pants, Dorateymur mules, Oroton bag, Dion Lee coat 

Fine jewellery looks best layered and the new triangle collection is no exception. Add a scarab for extra wondering tribal goddess vibes

Wearing: Thomas Sabo bracelets, necklaces and rings, dress by Dion Lee

As the sun sets any self respecting bohemian will reach for her plunging maxi dress - for what else could be more perfect for displaying rows of her protective amulets? Or maybe they are her swan caller charms?

Wearing : Thomas Sabo rings and pendant necklaces, Zimmermann dress

photographed by Alice Wesley- Smith

Our designers on their inspirations and favourite Paris haunts

During Fashion Week, Paris is a whirlwind of activity – not only is it an arguable epicentre of the world’s most eagerly awaited fashion shows but numerous buyers flock to Paris for re-sees of collections that occurred elsewhere in the world. This year, I enlisted my dear friend Lindy Klim to help me find out what Australian designers love most about the city of love. We used the opportunity to visit their Parisian showrooms and choose our favourite pieces for a whirlwind shoot whilst picking their brains on their beautiful collections…

(above)Dion Lee

Tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind the collection, which fabrics did you use and why?

With this collection I wanted to explore evening wear silhouettes, that felt grounded and relatable.The silhouettes were created through slashing into the fabric at different points and alloying the fabric to collapse around the body.
We have worked with silk satin, triple viscose, leather and mohair; a mixture of contrasting, luxurious textures.

What do you love about Paris?

I love the sense of intimacy.You feel like you are in a small town, on a large scale.

Favourite spot in Paris?

Comptoir De L’Image on de Sevigne;An incredible archive of photography monoliths and rare design books.

Christopher Esber

Tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind the collection, which fabrics did you use and why?

Desert landscapes were a major notion in this seasons collection influencing the white chalky hues and burnt yellows through to the Raffia textures and finer pleat details. I wanted to take a skewed approach on the Classics- the essentials that every woman needs in her wardrobe.

What do you love about Paris?

All the doors and architecture

Favourite spot in Paris?

Brezih Cafe would have to be my favourite café

Tome

Tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind the collection, which fabrics di you use and why?

This season we chose two female artists: Belgian dancer Ann Terese Der Keersmaker and American Designer Donna Karan .They both rose to prominence in the early 80s and their aesthetic involved feminising and sensualising traditionally masculine elements . We took on their love of jersey and leotards -from Ann we took her geometry and from Donna the business banker cotton shirring stripes, bias cut satin dresses, and love for animal print. Then we took animal print in different directions by distorting it and elevating it in printed tissue silk lame, embroidered organza and wool blend jacquard

What do you love about Paris?

The food, the museums, the Bon marche!

Favourite spot in Paris?

It's not so secret but my favorite place is the Brancusi Atelier just outside the Centre Pompidou.

Michael Lo Sordo

Tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind the collection, which fabrics did you use and why?

My inspiration for Spring Summer would have to be the creative gathering of models, photographers and fashion designers in early ‘70s Paris mixed with a hint of romance. One thing I’ve always loved on a woman is a sexy dress that makes her not only feel beautiful but also empowered. The collection has a hint of softness with movement of the sheer pleats – chiffons in black, white and red with an undertone of relaxed and effortless dressing.

What do you love about Paris?

There is a certain buzz that hits Paris during Fashion Week. You can feel the spark all around from the Eiffel Tower to the Sacré-Cœur. It’s hard not be inspired on a daily basis - whether I’m in the car or walking the streets – you never know what might see and grab your attention.

Favourite spot in Paris?

Every time I go to Paris the first thing I do is attempt to make a reservation at Breizh Cáfe in the Marais which is impossible at times because they are booked out until like 2018 and even though you must make a reservation over the phone they never pick up. But without a doubt the best crepes you will EVER have.

Toni Maticevski

Tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind the collection,which fabrics did you use and why?

It started out purely about the fabrics. I noticed they all have a papery feel- everything was a bit tone on tone and shade against shade. So then I worked on silhouettes and shapes to exaggerate that flinging of supple crispness. I wanted it to feel clean but the detail in the garment to be really structured. So the whole thing felt a little constrained and relaxed at the same time.

What do you love about Paris?

Whats not to love! The pastry, the language, the people, the city. It really feels like my second home. Since living there over ten years ago just being able to go down any street and still discover something amazing is exciting.

Favourite spot in Paris?

Hmmmm. I love the little gardens across the city.. its so nice to be able to sit for five minutes outdoors surrounded by beautiful buildings, watching kids play and perfectly manicured flowers blooming.

Kym Ellery

Tell me a little bit about the collection, which fabrics did you use and why?

Artist Egon Schiele’s expressionistic painting kicked off inspiration for the collection, and is the muse you can thank for the voluminous, twisted, sharp, soft and asymmetrical shapes which were strong throughout the showcase. Think flared pants which are more office-chic than 70s flower child and frilled criss-cross draping on layered shirting, both exuding a certain sophisticated and clean-cut femininity. Fabrics: When designing I tend to choose my fabrics first.
I feel like they really set the mood for the collection. I love to source unique textiles from Switzerland, France and Italy and there is never any substitute for quality.

What do you love about Paris?

I love the culture and history that comes with Paris. The city has such a rich history with so many stories, I really feel that when I walk the streets there.

Favourite spot in Paris?

I love sitting on the grass in the garden at Place des Vosges. Watching the children play in the fountain's water is one of my favourite things to do on the weekend.The fountains are the closest things to being at the beach for Parisians so and as an Australian it is so fascinating to watch.

 

Ellery photographed by Jake Terrey
All others photographed by Claire Price

Monochrome is a mainstay of most women's wardrobes and a clean,tidy and polished way to dress, especially for work. Best of all, everything can mix and match, eliminating the headache inducing need for making up outfit combinations in the rush of the morning. Sadly, monochrome can also sometimes mean boring, as in yawn inducing separates that go together, yet don't provide any inspiration, cool factor or most importantly - fun. They fill a need, yet don't possess originality or je ne sais quoi. Well, here at M.E.L ,we like to have fun with clothes, so for this story, I picked some sexy, awesome pieces that will work hard at having fun during holidays and beyond...

White doesn't have to mean pristine or virginal. Toughen up white with a leather skirt mixed with a cuddly angora sweater = a devilishly angelic look perfect for a hot date. (Above and here : MLM leather skirt, Life with Bird sweater, Gianvitto Rossi heels,Swarovski rings, by Charlotte diamond necklace )

Black doesn't need to spell s.i.m.p.l.e. This baby makes the best of curves and has cool details to boot ( Dion Lee dress, Christian Louboutin shoes)

Jump on the bandwagon of voluminous , wide legged pants that are all the rage now and next season. Choose flattering high waisted cuts paired with easy t-shirts for a 70s inspired summer ( Macgraw pants, Rag & Bone t-shirt, Gianvito Rossi shoes)

Feminine and polished yet vintage inspired and fun - culottes are the perfect mix of all of the above. Mix with a simple bra top and jacket for urban cool ( May The Label bra top, Shona Joy lace culottes, Christian Louboutin heels, vintage Lover jacket )

photographed by Ana Suntay-Toledo

To me a good holiday conveys the following experiences in no particular order: sunny, beachy days and moonlit nights full of starlight and romance, the promise of spontaneous adventure and no set schedules or obligations, the allowance of laziness but never at the expense of a new experience, feeling languid and lost in thought as if caught in a constant daydream, a giddy excitement that feels like radiating warmth straight from the belly, that thrilling book you’ve been meaning to read for like, forever, now actually read every day with fervour and commitment, a rediscovery of pleasures that ought to be slow like eating and drinking and diving under the sea, the chance to connect with family and friends old and new and above all - what I love about holidays most is that moment you catch yourself feeling alive, really, truly alive in the current moment.

But let’s face it, holiday time also requires some amazing fashion essentials. Resort is my favourite collection of the year – clothes are generally more colourful and exciting – not to mention more affordable. For this story, I wanted to focus on some of my holiday necessities and I was fortunate enough to shoot on the beautiful beach of the stunning and utterly luxurious Qualia resort on Hamilton Island utilising the must-have pieces to covet now for a stylish getaway.

A humble denim shirt works hard dressed up or down, on a boat or in a taverna. Just unbutton and wear with a bikini underneath to highlight jewellery and a tanned decolettage.(Levi’s shirt, Zulu & Zephyr bikini, Dion Lee skirt, Prism sunglasses, Lucy Folk necklace and bracelet, Monica Vinader bracelet, Pushmataaha ring, Stuart Weitzman gladiator sandals.)

A gorgeous dress in a maxi length is my first choice for relaxed elegance and easy glamour. Leopard print is always a print de jour, but this season more is more. (Roberto Cavalli dress and cuff, Nina Ricci fur coat, Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses -all from Net-A-Porter.)

Once the temperatures cool with nightfall a cosy knit is a must. This cashmere/merino wool blend is soft and beautiful with its ribbed, pleated detailing. (Gasparre cashmere sweater, Prism bikini bottom, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi sunglasses, Prism espadrilles. )

See the full story, now up on Vogue.com.au here!
Photographed by Scott Lowe

One of the best aspects of being a blogger is playing dress ups with fabulous clothes - whereas I usually dress down in everyday staples, Fashion Week is always a great excuse to go a little wild and have some fun. My outfits this year were so intricate and beautiful, I felt that they needed a post of their own to show off the sheer amazingness of the details .

We shot this post in front of my house at Bondi Beach and boy, did we get a lot of looks and even a little audience from the nearby Muscle gym, but not for reasons you'd think! The boys were more enamoured with the lace and the crystal encrusted jacket then they were with the two girls shooting. I'm not surprised, I mean who wouldn't swoon over the way the near artpiece sparkles in the sun ?

The light kept playing peekaboo behind the clouds and the night came quickly with autumn daylight savings giving the looks from Burberry, Dion Lee, Toni Maticevski,Alex Perry and Dyspnea their own special glow.

When I saw this Burberry outfit, I fell in love..hard! It's crazy beautiful embellishments, plastic capelet detailing , mermaid-esque scaled clutch detailing and shimmering crystals are out of this world. The near exact match of Sarina Suriano jewellery added to the drama. ( top, jacket, skirt, clutch and sandals -all by Burberry, necklace and bracelet by Sarina Suriano )

 

 

 

 

One of the big trends this season is the exuberant shade of yellow. This gorgeous lace dress made me feel like a candy hued princess coupled with hundreds and thousands accessories (dress by Alex Perry, bag and shoes by Christian Louboutin )

 

 

For the last few seasons a momentum has been building for a flashback to fuller, ladylike skirts and cinched in waists. I wanted to juxtapose the elegance, softness and femininity of the silhouette with intricate hardware and toughness of a leather corset. It made for an interesting sartorial dynamic - I coined it the dominatrix princess ! ( Skirt and bustier both by Toni Maticevski, Christian Louboutin pumps, Louis Vuitton bag, vintage earrings )

 

 

Pale pinks are the new way to do neutrals this season and this beautiful, shimmering, python scaled leather dress is this trend personified. Combined with gorgeous silver jewellery, it made for a subtly glamorous, figure hugging look. ( Dress by Dion Lee, cuffs by Tiffany & Co, vintage earrings, A-esque clutch, Sheriff & Cherry sunglasses, Giuseppe Zanotti pumps)

 

 

Sheer layers, mesh fabrics, metallics and pastels are huge at the moment - I wanted to give this trend a spin in an elegant lilac coat and mirror encrusted dress that made me feel modern and feminine at the same time. ( Dyspnea dress, Toni Maticevski coat, Sarina Suriano jewellery, A-esque clutch , Giuseppe Zanotti pumps )

 

Photographed by Kasia Werstak

If a black dress is the sartorial equivalent of the daily coffee: practical, sharp and dark,  then the statement dress would be the wardrobe counterpart of an iced hazelnut triple shot macchiato with cream and chocolate syrup. These dresses are meant to be talked about , admired, swooned over and envied. They are the dresses you buy for a special ocassion, the sort of dresses your daughter will want to steal. The Alex Perry dress pictured above is like a gelato on a summer’s day: pastel hued, light and delicious.

 

Josh Goot has really played with proportions this season – I love this beautiful bustier, thigh split, long sash number. It’s modern and sexy at the same time. 

This Dion Lee number is a sexy and  intricate play with textures and lenghts.
3 more outfits and the full story up now on Vogue.com.au here !

photographed by : Alice Wesley- Smith

Most famously hung across the shoulders of such 80s icons as Madonna and Sid Vicious , mesh fabrics used to be synonymous with punk gods, metal heads and OTT styling replete with studs, nose rings and creepers. If there were a song that described mesh it would be David Bowie's anarchist  anthem "Rebel,Rebel". However, this netted fabric has gone a long way in it's evolution through the decades and here it is before us in an utterly more grown up version that is , dare I say it - precise and refined.

Elusively hinting at nudity yet demurely chaste, the new mesh fabrics are as innovative as they are ultra cool. Close to home Dion Lee has utilised the trend in a number of looks ranging from tops to dresses , and the results are nothing short of extraordinary. Still keeping it's subversive core, while appearing completely wearable, these pieces are a practical summer godsend - airy and light, they keep the wearer comfortable in the summer heat. Nose ring optional.

For day , look no further than a quilted metallic skirt, worn with a comfortable loose top and wedge booties - snarl wearer's own. (Kenzo skirt from stylebop.com, Dion Lee bralette and top, Isabel Marant booties, Amber Sceats jewellery )

 

Pulling up on it's disobeying credentials while being impeccably tailored has produced a sexy elegance in this mesh Dion Lee dress. Cutouts and clever twists serve to add to the perfectly hourglass way it moulds to the body. This is one night time look that won't go by unnoticed.  ( dress by Dion Lee, shoes by Vionett, jewellery by Amber Sceats)

Photographed by  Ana Suntay - Tanedo

Ahhh, New York! City that never sleeps, the ultimate urban jungle, the place where dreams come true and anything is possible...My history with the city goes way back to the late 90s when I lived there for a few years, so whenever I go back, I love to check out my old haunts ( East Village I'm lookin at you ), do some awesome shopping and generally tap into that crazy Big Apple electricity. This time, I made a decision to visit NY Fashion Week at the last possible minute, hopping on the plane while hoping I packed my brain.The few days I had there were fashion packed and cray cray, so I didn't have time to indulge myself ( oh, Natural History Museum, I miss you ), but I squeezed in this shoot on an industrial roof in Soho , showcasing some of my fave outfits that week.The funny thing was, a building was going up on one side and the workmen thought my shoot was great entertainment, especially during their lunch hour, when they cheered with every new outfit. I played it tough and aloof , like a true New Yorker and put on my I-can't-see-you face...

 
Josh Goot says : hello tiger! - with this awesome bustier and pencil skirt duo that is as polished as it is cool and right on animal trend.  Keep the accessories  punchy but minimal . (Dolce & Gabbana sandals , Celine necklace )
 

 
Tough meets elegant. Dion Lee's intricately platted white leather skirt hugs in all the right places , with gorgeous detailing and an impeccable cut, while Lover's silk top keeps things light and ladylike ( Giuseppe Zanotti shoes )
 

 
Monochrome doesn't need to be boring. Case in point ; Josh Goot's collection features cool, interchangeable separates that work well together or separately ( Josh Goot top, skirt and bustier. Valentino heels, Jordan Askill bracelet and rings )
 

Pink has become a mainstay colour the last few seasons and it doesn't seem to be leaving.This season invest in a rose hued coat and throw it over any old thing. Here I go OTT in honour of NYFW and paint the town pink ( vintage coat, Fendi bag, Sheriff & Cherry sunglasses, Giuseppe Zanotti pumps )
 
 
Self shot with a Nikon D7000