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
A few years ago, I decided I didn’t want to turn around when I am older and realize that I have run out of time to see all the places I’ve always wanted to go to, so I decided that I would travel to a couple of bucket list places each year until the day I give up the ghost.
This year, one of those places was Tuscany, the long revered and wistfully imagined Italian countryside. Italy, I have been to plenty,but Tuscany was always a little too far from the action of Rome, Milan or Capri to make a trek to when I was younger. Funny how things change as one gets older- now all I search for is a place where peace can overcome my whirring brain into blissful submission.
First thing to know about Tuscany is that it’s actually quite big. Not perhaps by Australian standards, but it became clear that to see the region you’d have to put aside at least 2 weeks of holiday, not just a long weekend. Winding country roads make for slow driving and that’s exactly how it should be when traversing rolling hills, ancient hamlets and the gold of summer wheat fields. Not that this impressed my 11 year old daughter Coco who wanted to know when we would get to a pool.
Our destination ; Castello Di Vicarello, a romantic boutique hotel set in an old castle run by two brothers passionate about preserving the best artesian techniques and marrying them with the most luxurious 21stcentury comforts. Boasting their own veggie garden, olive grove and vineyard plus game, wild mushroom and truffle hunting in the fall and spectacular wildflowers in the spring, the hotel also has extensive grounds, dual pools, excellent locally sourced produce, beautiful rooms and well, it’s perfect ok? We didn’t want to leave it’s literally that amazing
I packed light for this trip -just a few dresses, a couple of swimsuits and two pairs of shoes. Travelling light is a change for me but a perfect white dress in summer is non negotiable. This one made me feel like Brigitte Bardot by hugging my curves whilst miraculously giving me an actual cleavage.
( Sir the Label dress, vintage gold medallion necklace worn throughout)
I may be multitasking my clothes but my toiletries bag is well stocked, especially during the summer months when the heat and the sun’s rays become too drying. I always carry some coconut oil for my skin and hair (apply in the shower for ultimate hydration), then I follow it up with the John Masters Organics Blood Orange and Vanilla body Milk. For my face I love Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil followed up by the Hop & Cotton The Skinshield zinc protector, however if things get really dire I will do a La Praire Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask to get my skin back to life. My hair becomes brittle without the Damage Remedy Aveda shampoo and conditioner and the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Coconut Breeze leave in conditioner, and as far as make up; all I really do in the summer is a smidgen of Giorgio Armani’s power fabric foundation, Charlotte Tilbury beach stick in Moon Beach, Clarins Mascara Supra Volume, Shu Uemura eyebrow pencil and a good lip balm like Carla Oates Beauty Fix balm that can also double as an emergency moisturizer .
I love that the slow food movement originated in Italy – it is in Tuscany that you really notice how amazing ingredients equal incredible food. One of my favourite moments was eating wild boar pappardelle and artisanal copper stamped corzetti pasta with nettle, along with good chianti and a sunset dip in the pool ( Matteau swim)
It was hard leaving heaven but on our way back to Rome, we visited many beautiful villages and towns such as the incredible Pitigliano, Montepulciano and Cortona as well as Terme Di Saturnia, where warm healing mineral rich water bursts out of the ground in a waterfall seeping into a series of natural pools. Book dinner at the Ristorante Due Cippi or Bacco E Cerere for one last hit of Tuscany food porn. ( Zimmerman bikini, Prada sunglasses from Sunglass hut )
With thanks to Castello Di Vicarello and my daughter Coco
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!
( Versace sunglasses from Sunglass Hut, Hermès scarf, Max Mara bra top, Tiffany & Co Smile necklace )
As the summer came to pass, unfairly amidst 6 weeks of rain, I was inclined to shout curses whilst waving a closed fist to the heavens. How dare the powers up there deny us of the best part of the season? All those late march barbeques and languid lazing on the beach gone up in a poof of neverending rain.Then, I started editing pictures for this story and realized the summer was plenty alright, even if it had prematurely ejected itself from my overzealous plans. In collaboration with Sunglass Hut, I spent the past few months wearing amazing sunglasses I had edited from their extensive collection and these babies made every one of my outfits incredible by extension. So without further ado, here is my summer diary…in sunglasses
Above: In December, my boyfriend and I took a trip to India. It had been my dream to visit Kerala since I saw a documentary on the region’s food a few years back so he surprised me with the trip (more on India coming soon in a travel post!) We rented out a whole houseboat and sailed the backwaters , all the while eating delicious seafood curries. These Versace sunglasses are my favourite shape; somewhere between a cat eye and wayfarer and are uber versatile with their tortoishell tones
( Prada sunglasses from Sunglass Hut )
After the boat, we spent a few days on Kerala's serene beaches where the fisherman's boats were painted an obviously on trend shade of orange ; ). I'm absolutely in love with the Prada sunglasses I wore in this picture and still mix them up with everything from jeans to LBDs
( Ray Ban sunglasses from Sunglass Hut, Agent Provocateur bikini )
After India we jumped onto a plane to Sri Lanka, where we stayed at the beautiful Anantara hotel surrounded by hectares of coconut plantations. I loved how these Ray Ban sunglasses had reflective lenses...perfect for napping on day beds whilst pretending I'm reading a book
(Miu Miu sunglasses from Sunglass Hut, Rebecca Valance top, Sarina Suriano earrings )
Back to Sydney post holiday and off to a friend's birthday. Loved how these Miu Miu shades added elegance and metallic sheen to my pretty ruffled top
( Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses from Sunglass Hut, Max Mara top, Thomas Sabo necklace, Cartier bracelet )
Taking a break from shooting in possibly the best aviator sunglasses I have seen in a while. With their geometric and exaggerated shape, these honeys cover a multitude of sins whilst making every outfit cool AF.
( Prada sunglasses from Sunglass Hut, Binny dress, vintage earrings )
It's now autumn but the sun is out again so how about pretending the summer is still going? Certainly, looking through pink tinted lenses might help to see the glass as half full - that's why these Prada sunglasses are staking a firm hold in my wardrobe
Pink is a more contentuous colour than any other; some love it, some hate it but most are shrug–the–shoulders ambiguous about it. Most don’t really mind it but when there is a perfectly good non-pink palette of colours out there to choose from most will give it a wide berth. To me it evokes childhood memories of spun sugar coloured starched frilly dresses, sherbet hued bunny rabbits and sparkly fuchsia tiaras - all things I vehemently disliked as uncool.
Since I was a tomboy, pink only crept into my life around 18, when I developed an obsession with the 80s. Living in the East Village of New York City listening to punk rock and early electronic music while vintage shopping Patti Smith and Blondie sartorial references, pink came in as a sash here and Nars Schiap lipstick there - gateways that led to a patent kitten heel and then full blown crystal encrusted bodycon worn with a military jacket . Slowly my perception of the colour changed until it became a hue that akin to red gets one noticed.
This season, pink plays on the 70s with dusks and dirty pinks, paired against browns, floral prints, or traffic-stopping brights.
Above: Long sleeves and a covered up decolletage balance this dress out perfectly with its mini length in an outrageously decadent pink. Alex Perry dress, Gianvito Rossi sandals and Alexander McQueen clutch from Miss Louise.
Balance out a pretty dress with studs and flat, mannish sandals. Balenciaga dress and Valentino bag from Cosette and Coach sandals.
Choose dusky pinks when pairing with suede and browns then add a brighter coloured accessory for a touch of unexpected pop. Lover bra and shirt, Frame Denim culottes from Edward Imports, Max Mara bag, Mania Mania crystal necklace and vintage Prada sandals.
Pale pink doesn’t need to be sweet – it is a modern shade that plays well with neutrals and monochrome. Nicholas skirt, Gary Bigeni top and Chloe wedges
Photographed by Alice Wesley-Smith
