Christmas time is always such a whirlwind in houses across Australia with present shopping, last minute deadlines, food preparation and school holidays colliding with long ques, traffic jams and sweltering temperatures. I have just moved into a new apartment and all of my worldly sartorial possesions sit in 48 boxes in my new office, completely filling the room. To say that I look at it and feel overwhelmed is an understatement of the century; so after closing the door and hoping it would go away , I have slowly edged back in and started sorting through this cardboard hill, coming swiftly to a realisation that all I needed now is a clowder of cats and then I could be labeled not only a hoarder but a crazy cat lady as well.
Melancholy is my vice and sentimental attachement to clothes as memories my ultimate downfall. Funnily enough, since I was travelling so much over the last 3 months after selling my house, I had no permanent home, and with all my possesions in storage, I made do with one suitcase of essentials. It was an eye opener into how many things I truly need in my life and it inspired me to really, truly cull through my material possesions. I forgot all about my things and felt free and easy with my simple life …until December came. It was then that I realized I needed clothes for all the ocassions that come with the holiday season and less was definitely not more anymore. On my new wishlist? Beautiful dresses and separates, luxe shoes and immaculate jewellery . Maybe Santa wants to trade me in for some mystery boxes?
White is always in in the summer, but romantic sleeves and cute flippy skirts are on my lust list this year ( Ellery top and skirt ) Above:Metallic mules are the right mix between summer ease and tongue-in-cheek Barbie doll.
(Gucci mules)
Who could be angry with a Santa that brings forever jewellery? (Tiffany&co bangle and necklace )
This little black dress in neoprene is my wish list go-to. Not only is it an interesting take on sport luxe but the oversized proportions will be a welcome detail when asking for second helpings.(Balenciaga dress from MyTheresa and Camilla and Marc shoes).
Who says getting nailed is a bad thing? These gorgeous accessories prove otherwise.
(Cartier bracelets and ring).
When meeting the in-laws,please observe the less skin is better rule. This nude toned lace dress with its unlined sleeves is the perfect mixture between maintaining chic and staying cool in summer.(Burberry dress and Valentino heels)
See more on vogue.com.au here!
It’s that time of the year again! You know, the one where we attend multiple Christmas parties, defriend our livers, spend weekends lying on the beach with friends dreaming of endless holidays, stepping up exercise because: beach bod, trying to make every meal on the BBQ because who has the time to clean the stove and generally feeling festive enough to think that midnight is the new 9pm. I am not immune to any of these predilections but I do have my little needs come party season.Hereforth are my top picks of covetable party season essentials.
1. Clinique Even Better Foundation: All those late nights = uneven skintone, discolouration and general un-glowiness. This foundation will deliver dewy, even , light coverage whilst correcting minor flaws and pigmentation .Bonus: the SPF15 protects the skin from further discoloration and sun’s damaging rays.
2. Giuseppe Zanotti heels – Um, it’s Zanotti, snakeskin & gold. Enough said. (from Miss Louise )
3. Givenchy sunglasses: because they are dark, cool and make everything better. So much need for these come the morning after.
4. Bollinger champagne : "I drink champagne when I'm happy and when I'm sad. Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I'm not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it - unless I'm thirsty” – Lilly Bollinger. This quote may be borderline alcoholic but Bolli is still the best.
5. Bottega Veneta Knot perfume : with top notes of clementine, mandarin, lime, neroli and orange blossom and heart notes of peony , white rose and lavender this perfume screams summer sophistication.
6. Louis Vuitton Vivienne bag: Classic bag with an awesome gold logo and beautiful chain. An investment that will pay handsome cost per wear dividents
7. Topshop gold skirt: 80s rock n’roll never goes out of fashion and is always par-tay ready.
8. Amber Sceats ear cuff, earrings and ring: Because : bling!
9. Ford + Harris gold cuff: Resembling a thorny vine, this goldtastic cuff will meet all your goldtone matching needs.
10. Clinique’s Long Lasting lipstick in Runaway Coral: pigment, comfort, moisturising and long lasting? Yes it can. Seriously good lipstick in a seriously great summer shade!
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
