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
Walking past opal digging equipment in a Zimmermann dress, Hermes hat, Aquazurra sandals, Jordan Askill heart and diamond pave ring, Ole Lynggaard pearl and diamond ring, Cartier Love bracelet worn throughout.
As the days get longer and warmer I start shedding layers like an overexcited snake after hibernation. Summer is my favourite time of the year because it’s so easy; no need to think about umbrellas, overcoats or waterproof boots – all I need is a few dresses, hats, sunglasses and sandals and I’m ready for any occasion.
I travelled to Coober Pedy in outback Australia to shoot this story and escape the still chilly shores of Sydney. What a treat to shoot somewhere so remote and beautiful. I was struck by the vast horizons, Aboriginal sacred land and gorgeous sunsets whilst I donned some of the stand out trends of 2017.
Summer calls for colour
Above : Welcome summer in exuberant shades of yellows; my bet is on sunflower, ochre, buttercup and gold. A wide brimmed hat and pretty jewellery is a must.
A bumbag is a bag for any occasion
This season, the practical and long-maligned accessory is having its time in the sun after reaching ironic cool status. Wear with anything from jeans to gowns for that on trend je ne sais qui.
Exploring the mysterious Moon Plains in a Rachel Gilbert gown, Miu Miu bag, Prada earrings and necklace worn backward.
Invest in simple staples
My perfect summer day look is always a mixture of linen in neutrals and browns and amazing accessories.
Hanging out with emus by the Dog Fence in a Nice Martin playsuit, Hermès bag and Chaine d’Ancre punk bracelet, Dior sunglasses, Akubra hat from Strand Hatters and Seed slip ons.
Accessorise wisely
If you must do heels in summer, this season choose from a variety of kitten heels and low block-heeled mules. A structured white bag goes with a wide variety of summer looks, whilst shirting works day or night.
Bathing in the outback sunset while wearing a Prada bag, dress and heels.
This story originally appeared on vogue.com.au here!
One of the greatest things about fashion is that it isn’t about simply fulfilling a functional purpose, even though some people (cough, cough; my boyfriend) seem to not understand this at all.
After all, to some, fashion is just that, a utility that serves us as we go about the world. It isn’t about adornment, it has nothing to do with being afflicted with an unfortunate case of sparkle obsession or an inability to solely exist in monochrome.
Sure, I like a well cut pair of black pants as much as the next girl, but how beautiful is the world with a little whimsy in glorious colour? And to be frank, when I look at the things I have kept in boxes that I take down from tops of cupboards and plunder once in a while to mix in with my new purchases, I can see something surprising: it is all the extraordinary clothes that I keep — the items adorned with beautiful detailing and interesting cuts in gorgeous fabrics.
These have become the prized items I’m keeping for my daughter, not that amazing pair of black pants. I suppose that is because I know she will always be able to find a perfect pair of black pants but will she be able to find a pale pink silk satin wiggle dress? Will she equally squeal with delight upon discovering a white shirt or a sequin bomber jacket?
Time will tell but I’m betting on the latter. Fashion has seemingly rejected austerity measures and it has paid off in a big way. Gucci, whose collections have gone from restrainedly sexy under Frida Giannini to eccentric and deliciously bonkers under Alessandro Michele, has been hitting record sales. I’ve compiled some of the lust worthy pieces worth buying now and keeping for posterity.
Yellow is back in a big way and I love it re-imagined in a delicate slip. Co-ordinate with orange and shades of brown for a modern version of outerwear as innerwear '70s nostalgic.
Wearing: Gucci bag, Marysia slip, Prada jacket and sandals
Of course a feathered pyjama suit is practical – the silk feels heavenly on and you don’t need to get dressed again in the morning
Wearing: Prada pajama set, Kate Sylvester faux fur coat, Dior slides
A floral dress has become a staple item – not only worn with sandals in summer, you can now wear it over leather tights, thigh high boots, or with slippers for a casual weekend look.
Wearing: Dress by Alice McCall, jacket by Christopher Esber, slippers by Alexander Wang, bag by Bvlgari, sunglasses by Miu Miu
Mix your prints and animal skins for a deliciously eccentric blend.
Wearing: Bracelets by Hermes, Bag by Bvlgari, Slippers by Alexander Wang from Farfetch, dress by Alice McCall
Photography by Alice Wesley-Smith
Styling by Tanja Gacic
Hair and make-up by Claire Thomson for Oribe
Model: Eilika from Chic Model Management
This story originally appeared on vogue.com.au here!
Fashion has been morphing so much the last few years that no one decade has precedent anymore. This season, the 80s are entering centre stage, early 90s are all the rage, the 70s is still going strong, sports luxe has stretched its tendrils into evening wear, the rock and roll chick has gone into Samantha Fox territory and all things lurex have taken charge.
As Vetements predicted fashion is now all about diversity in taste, age, gender and style. It is no longer taboo to mix up pieces that don’t belong together — we just witnessed the trend of mixing puffer jackets with cocktail dresses, remember? Here, we investigate the highlights and must-have trends of the season and how to wear them now.
Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses from Sunglass Hut, Max Mara crop top, Gucci belt, Rolla’s jeans, Isabel Marant boots, Ellery jacket, stylist own vintage earrings
Choose high waisted, slightly cropped, carrot shaped jeans in stiff denim this season - this shape is surprisingly flattering across all body sizes. Boots are either cone shaped in the heel department and wide in the ankle or socked and pointy with a stiletto heel– choose your poison. An updated motorcycle jacket will get you through everything – oversize,studded, embroidered; fancy is the new norm.
Hermés pants and jacket, Calvin Klein swimsuit, Givenchy slides, stylist’s own vintage earrings
Embrace your new comfort zone in wide legged pants that can be worn for any occasion and are sure to become the antithesis to the legging. Slides continue their reign as the ultimate chilled shoe.
Sportsmax jumpsuit, Balmain slides from Farfetch, Dior bag, Max Mara jacket, Bvlgari Serpenti necklace
Sports luxe has grown up, so choose across a wide array of applicable items including stirruped 80s exercise pants worn with heels, puffer jackets worn with everything, tricked up slides and jumpsuits that belong in the disco.
Don’t be aftraid of OTT jewellery this season, it can go with everything any time. The bigger and flashier the better, whether it is across ear cuffs or drop earrings.
Rue Stiic jacket, Interval top, Prada skirt, Gianvitto Rossi booties, Ray Ban sunglasses, stylist’s own earrings
Don’t give up on your army greens – khaki is set to stick around for a while. Pick out an oversized jacket, then drape it over your nighttime or daytime look.
Styled by Tanja Gacic of My Empirical Life
Photographed by Alice Wesley-Smith
Hair and Make up by Claire Thomson
Model: Stephanie Joy Field from Chic
This post originally appeared on vogue.com.au!
While in Paris recently, I had a couple of nights off so I decided to shake off the cobwebs and hit the dance floor. Being away on the other side of the world yet with my best friend Lindy by my side certainly gave me the incentive to check out a couple of iconic Parisian night spots and dance a few hours away. Silencio and Regine are both awesome for some high heel cardio , a cocktail or two and watching the kids get dizzy. The only question was - what to wear? After some deliberation , I chose this amazing dress because it ticked so many spring trends.
For my third post for L’Oreal Paris, I thought I’d talk not just about what is so exciting about evening wear at the moment but what I personally love about being a bronde. To me, being a bronde is everything I love about summer- looking sun kissed due to it’s shimmery highlights but also healthy because the highlights aren’t too bright or drying to the hair. It’s about being easy going and not having to schedule upkeep too often, truly allowing me to relax knowing that even if my hair grows out a little , it will still look fabulous. I also love how the L’oreal Glam Highlights collection comes in many shades as I always go a little darker in winter, then brighten up with highlights again in the summer to match the weather.
Backless - personally, this is one of my favorite current trends in evening wear. I think the back is such an under utilized and forgotten part of the body and also one of the most sensuous and beautiful . Look for a covered front or long sleeves for a sexy yet demure take on this trend
Cuffs - cuffs are big at the moment and come attached to unexpected silhouettes in a wide variety of fabrics, sizes and textures. Adding a little bit of shirting appeal to otherwise unsuitable looks somehow just works so cuff it good!
Shine baby shine! - Glitter, sequin or lame, this season is all about making like Ziggy Stardust . Hit the dance floor in something that will truly give the mirrorball a run for it’s money. Bonus point : there is no way that boy won’t notice you!
Wearing: Aje dress, Dior earrings, Sarah and Sebastian ring, Jordan Askill ring, Proenza Schouler mules
photographed by Alice-Wesley-Smith
Make up is a special weapon us women have in our arsenal to keep ourselves looking fresh ( men were blessed with facial hair to cover their imperfections) but this coup can quickly become a curse when it becomes a tedious, time sucking routine . It took me a long time over my long modelling career to work out what make up works, what doesn’t and in which order, but now, I have this daily ritual down to 10 minutes flat - which is always a blessing when all you want to do is savour your morning coffee a little longer before rushing to work.
Step 1: Apply Hourglass Veil primer over moisturiser -this luxe,mattyfying primer will help foundation glide on easier and keep it on for longer -use it sparingly for best results. Lightly dot multi performing Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation on the face, then rub in with your fingertips. The warmth of fingers will help blend the foundation seamlessly into the skin.
Step2 : Fill in eyebrows with Anastasia’s Perfect Brow pencil then brush out with the brush attachment for a natural look. Doing this first frames the face and lets you easily identify the high and low points you would like to highlight in the next step. I have fair eyebrows, so filling in all those light hairs really helps me find my features!
Step3 : It’s all about reverse contouring! I find this is the most natural way to highlight/lowlight a face. Simply apply YSL Touche Eclait to the bridge of your nose, chin, under the eyes , under the arches of the eyebrows and just above the cupid’s bow to gently highlight these areas, erase dark circles, smooth lines and make the lips appear more plump. Finish off with a super light dusting of gorgeous, light Ilia translucent powder.
Step 4. Curl eyelashes and apply lenghtening mascara such as Giorgio Armani ‘s Eyes To Kill. Take an eyeshadow shortcut by using Clinique’s eyeshadow chubbies in Lots o' latte to the eye sockets, then add a little of the lighter shaded Ample Amber just above it. Blend until edges are softened.
Step5. With a soft wide brush such as all vegan Eco tools , swipe a light dusting of Natio bronzer in Sunswept just under the cheekbones, temples , hairline and jawline for added lowlights. Follow up with a little bit of Nars blush in Deep Throat on the tops of cheekbones for a healthy, rosy glow.
Step6. Apply a lipstick like Tom Ford’s lipstick in Blush Nude or a grown up lipgloss such as Dior’s lip plumping Lip Glow Colour Reviver Balm and voilá!
Tools of the trade: (clockwise from left) Nars bronzer in Sunswept, Ilia translucent powder, Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara, YSL Touche Eclait, Anastasia Perfect Brow eyebrow pencil, Eco Tools brush, Clinique eyeshadow chubbies in Lots o’latte and Whopping Willow, Tom Ford lipstick in Blush Nude, Dior’s Glow Colour Reviver Balm, Nars’ cheek colour in Deep Throat, Hourglass Veil mineral primer and Georgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Wearing: Uniqlo x Ines de la Fressange shirt , Tiffany & Co necklace and Cartier bracelet
Photographed by Kasia Werstak
Next season is all about bronze. Yep, I'm calling it. Never have I been so excited about brown make up in my life. You see , I've discovered it's incredibly versatile. Not only can you shade and define, but you can add warmth, depth and contour. It is less obvious than black, yet just as sexy as a smoky eye.
I started this look by first applying the magical Diorskin Nude Tan BB cream as a primer and to brighten and even out the skintone and then applied Giorgio Armani's incredible sheer Maestro foundation over the top for a natural, yet flawless finish. Next up, I used Giorgio Armani's gorgeous bronzer in Bronza Mania just on and underneath the cheekbones and blended it outward toward the temples. Ofcourse, always use a little bronzer to define the jawline and the contours of the face for a photo ready finish. I wanted this look to be strong and defined so I used Benefit's eyebrow pencil to fill in eyebrows and create a full brow that will serve as a frame for the eyeshadow. I love the new Stila eyeshadow pots - pigment rich and easy to apply, they are a marbled mixture of different shades that are easy to blend into each other. Using it's shade in Groupie, I started with the darker portion in the inner corner of the eye and then blended that with the lighter portion to the outward corner of the eye, sweeping slightly upward at the outer edge and all the way up to the eyebrows.
Finish the eyes with a double application of Dior's Diorshow Iconic Curl mascara for eyelashes that are so intensified they could double for falsies. I wanted this look to be somewhat 80s, like Yves Saint Laurent girls on Rive Gauche and in fact, if you wanted to make this look more dramatic, it would be great paired with a dark red lip.For a more natural and luscious look , I matched this with Dior's incredible new Jelly Lip Pen in Ilhabela. These pens deliver just the right amount of sheer colour and shine without any stickiness associated with gloss while delivering moisture and care to the lips. I am not someone who likes gloss but these pens have had me converted!
Finally, add some sheen to the body with Nuxe's Huile Prodigieuse which mixes 95% natural ingredients to soften and moisturise and looks wonderfully golden in any light . Finish up with a light spray of Byredo Parfums' Rose Noir - just the sort of "dirty" rose scent I use when I want to be a little bronzed and dangerous.
Necklace by Samantha Wills
Hemp dress from Byron Bay markets
