When Alessandro Michele was appointed at the helm of Gucci at the beginning of last year, there were many that were completely shocked and quite miffed at the arrival of this relative newcomer at the helm of the mega popular designer brand. Within a month,  the multifaceted young designer created a womenswear collection for Gucci that was a huge departure from his predecessor Frida Giannini yet felt more whole, extensive, exciting and diverse than anything that was happening a season before.

My love affair with the brand started when I moved to New York in the 90s and Tom Ford was doing amazing things at the helm of an extremely desirable and overtly sexy Gucci . Still, when Alessandro's first collection came down the Gucci runway, my face may as well had turned into a heart shaped eyes emoji, since the instinct wasn't so much:  "I want this" , but an overwhelming: "OMG! This is amazing! I need this! When is it dropping? Can I call the store and reserve NOW?" It made no sense. Here were clothes and accessories that were as eclectic as they were beautiful, as Wes Anderson kooky as they were flowing and cinematic, as gorgeously nerdy as they were iconic. Here was a style that didn't scream practicality yet produced an immediate emotion of excitement and desireability.

The way I explain it ( and have justified to myself the numerous purchases from Gucci since )  was that I witnessed a significant moment, a turnaround in the way women respond to fashion. Whereas I think so many of us are so wrapped up in building matching wardrobes by acquiring simple basics and quality staples; this was an abrupt intrusion into that frame of mind. It showed that no matter how much lamè, floral, sequin, embroidery or animal motifs there are layered on top of each other ; it can work and it can look really good - it is possible to build a wardrobe around gorgeous ott pieces in a way more original and fresh than practicality could ever muster. On second glance something else became apparent: Alessandro created his own practicality by meshing amazing pieces together and creating his own staples of comfort ( enter the slippers, mules and beautiful loafers ). It became easy to be a bohemian bird of paradise with the new Gucci classics - all it took was some iconic pieces and the right attitude. Some of his items became a legitimate craze for women; I personally hunted the fur lined slippers around the world like some sort of crazed fashion stalker.

When Gucci approached me to do a story on the launch of the new gucci.com website and it's lust worthy accessories , I couldn't think of a more exciting project. Not only am I obsessed with the brand but the sensibility of the new aesthetic made me decide to style this project entirely out of my vintage collection. The accessories are so intricate and breath taking,  the detailing impeccably gorgeous. To herald the launch of the new, fully shoppable Gucci website all the product links you see in this post lead you directly to the new online store. We shot this as an ode to the new Gucci girl - a wild thing with beauty, brains and enough pizazz to keep a room captive. Hope you enjoy! x

The new Gucci Dionysus GG supreme bag comes in many incarnations - I love this style for it's rock and roll attitude mixed with pretty detailing 

When a snake as pretty as this one slithers atop GG Supreme canvas (made using an earth conscious process) plus snakeskin and tiger head detailing ; who wouldn't bite the apple?  (Dionysus GG Supreme embroidered bag , vintage jewellery and dress )

All aboard the mule train! Not only do these babies go with everything and are extremely comfortable but look! How pretty!

Platforms make their return this season as a perfect pairing to flares, suits and anything 70s inspired. Gucci's vertiginous offering comes replete with spiky studs and the signature tiger head. Don't forget to cinch everything in with the iconic CC logo belt

More is more this season, so make like a Gucci girl by gathering all your sequin, velvet, rhinestone and print , then mix and match with wild abandon - life is too short not to! 

 

photography and video by Alice Wesley-Smith
Styling and direction by Tanja Gacic

The cool breath of blue has been stalking catwalks this season and it comes baring fun names such as blue hydrangea, serenity, limpet shell and snorkel, whilst flirting around on pretty lace, crepe and tech savvy mesh.

Who doesn’t want to be wrapped in periwinkle while they dance away this Indian Summer or light up the night by draping themselves in moonstone blue? Homegrown designers have come up with some gorgeous options for day and night that will have you feeling fresh, crisp and modern in a flash. These babies can go turning my brown eyes blue any day.

Above: Take this gorgeous creation from day to night and it will be equally as happy. (silk top and skirt both by Lover, Coach bag and Christian Louboutin heels)

More pale lilac than blue, this baby just wants to party - and who can blame it? It’s made for the dance floor (Toni Maticevski dress and Stuart Weitzman sandals)

How to feel relaxed and elegant at the same time? Choose serenity now in this beautiful pleated number (Tome dress, Karen Walker clutch and Stuart Weitzman sandals)

Take this baby blue mini and comfortable gladiators out on the weekend and watch them work their magic ( Jet Set Diaries dress and custom made K Jacques sandals)

View the full story and more looks on the vogue.com.au page here!
Photographed by Alice Wesley-Smith

The morning I woke up and realized I was now in my third decade of life I remembered being 8 years old and asking my mother how old she was; when she replied she was 30, I exclaimed out loud: ‘ but mum, you’re so old ! ’. This number seemed like something ancient and fragile then and yet, here I was; in my 30s now, yet ironically feeling as if my life had truly just begun. My mind whirred with ideas and creativity while my age was a traitor that had inexplicably creeped up on me and now it stood behind me with a decayed knife, waiting to plunge it into my still youthful skin and laugh as it turned papery and lined. Or so it seemed in my panicked mind for all of a sudden I started thinking about anti aging potions, wrinkles and sun spots whilst shaking an embittered fist at my new invisible enemy.

The following summer I travelled to Croatia for my annual holiday. After unpacking I ran down old stone stairs to the little beach for an afternoon swim in golden sunshine and lay my towel next to all the old grandmas basking by the water in their high waisted swimsuits, shimmering gold chains and oversized sunglasses. They chatted about their daily routines so I looked at their animated faces, laughed with their amusing anecdotes and all the while felt a happiness radiating through my body while a realization slowly formed in the back of my mind : age is truly only a number and happiness is the number one reason people look youthful.

In the days that followed my obsession with age disappeared. It wasn’t as important to me anymore to look young but for my face to reflect the glow of my inner health and positivity. My aim became more about cultivating a peaceful outlook and aiding my body in functioning well so that my skin glowed. When I would work late or my child was sick, I would no longer berate myself on my dark circles and deep crevices; I would know that it was but a reflection of my current lifestyle so I’d concentrate on holistic ways of making my whole being happy; exercise, vegetable juices, sleep, cutting out gluten and eating a mainly organic diet. That is not to say that I forgoed skincare all together, because I understand that care of the skin is important, just as it is important to service a car - it’s just that I stopped obsessing about it and using a time consuming myriad of peels, acids and multi step procedures to reverse the passage of time. My skincare routine was simplified: a great cleanser, a beautiful skin oil and an exfoliant once per week. That was it.

When SK-II approached me to do a review of their star products, I was intrigued for I had heard about their incredible ingredient. As the story goes SK-II was developed by Japanese scientists who were looking into using more naturally derived ingredients for their products. While observing workers at a sake brewery, they noticed that elderly workers had lines on their faces yet their hands were smooth and younger looking by being submerged in the fermenting sake. After much research and development, the strain of naturally-occurring yeast was isolated for use. This magic ingredient was called Pitera and it is an intrinsic part of SK-II products, in particular the ever popular Facial Treatment Essence. My package contained this product and a new product to the range- the Facial Treatment Oil. Now, I am kind of obsessed with facial oils so I was dying to try this product: not only does it contain 6 types of exotic oils such as Latin American jojoba oil, South African avocado oil, Mediterranean olive oil, Japanese Riceterol Ester, rice bran oil and squalane but it also contains Pitera for an added anti aging boost.

After showering, I applied the Facial Treatment Essence which seemed to refresh and firm the skin and then applied the Facial Treatment oil to my face with fingertips, warming it slightly in the palm of my hands , then pressing it in - it felt soothing and comforting as it melted into my skin and carried a delicate scent of citrus and lavender to boot.

All in all the SK-II program took me less than 5 minutes to apply and my skin felt smooth and moisturized instantly; for me the simplicity of the routine and the way my skin glowed afterward was the real winner of this exercise. As for the unlined skin and anti aging benefits? Well, we will see. Since the routine is so simple to implement I will continue using the product for the way it makes my skin feel - the anti aging effects can only be a bonus.

Wearing: Calvin Klein robe, Karolina Couture lingerie set, Jordan Askill x George Jensen diamond necklace 

photographed by Ana Suntay- Tanedo

Sydney siders can grumble about this year’s lack of a real summer yet nothing can stop time; here in the Southern Hemisphere the days are regardless getting shorter and the nights longer. We don’t even have seasonal perks such as autumn turning our green streets into an explosion of yellows, ochres and browns, neither do we get mulled wine or street roasted chestnuts but we make do with warm ocean temperatures, pink sunsets and even tempered weather. Still, autumn remains one of the hardest times to dress for; it can be surprisingly cold in the morning and boiling hot in the afternoon so wearing pieces that work for both is a godsend. I partnered with the Australian label Backstage to bring you a transeasonal edit of their collection - perfect for the upcoming months. These are items that you can buy now, then when days get cooler, layer with additional pieces and still be on trend

Above: It’s all in the details - emulate Brigitte Bardot in a simple black playsuit with beautiful split cut bell sleeves then pair with knee high boots and a fisherman’s hat to complete the look . Perfect with a vintage fur bomber in winter ( Backstage playsuit, vintage Martin Margiela boots, greek fisherman’s hat)

This season, dare to bare…shoulders that is! Showing a rounded back, sleek neck or tanned clavicle is one of the strongest fashion trends of this season. This dress is relaxed elegance with it’s pretty stripes, tie front, loose sleeves and off the shoulder prettiness... throw a cashmere turtleneck over it when the sun goes down

Wine, burgundy, ochre - get a headstart on autumn by implementing muted reds into your palette then add a heavy coat over this look when mornings get frosty ( Backstage top, choker and skirt, Lack of colours hat and vintage Martin Margiela boots )

A pretty slip is a parennial wardrobe staple and an all time favorite - this baby sports a scooped out back and peek of a thigh to boot. In autumn I love to throw on a long grungy angora cardigan over for warm cred ( Backstage slip, Proenza Schouler mules)

Photographed by Alice Wesley-Smith

The best thing about doing my job is combining travel and fashion- two of my all time favorite passions folded into one synapse tingling experience : exciting locations, amazing clothes,new people to create with and at the end of it- beautiful pictures to take home. This is what my dreams are made from...but sometimes it can be nail biting suspense and flirting with chance, like shooting this season of Bec and Bridge Autumn '16 in Cuba.

After arriving into Havana, my bags were checked by beautiful yet stern border patrol girls ( all curiously wearing patterned fishnet tights, go figure ). They pulled me aside and dragged out some of my B&B clothes, spoke quietly in Spanish, then looked at me with narrowed eyes and asked all sorts of questions (as if they were pretty fashion police stopping a haul of contraband clothes) whilst I perspired imagining what a Castro jail looked like. Thankfully, they were satisfied with my answers, compliments on their cool 80s stockings and reassurances that I too grew up in a Communist country; after all I am an ex Yugo girl soooo...they let me go. Buoyed by this I made my way for the city and the closest mojito to calm my nerves.

My next problem came the next day; when I realized my phone didn't work at all and internet isn't really a thing yet in Cuba. I had made sporadic contact with a Cuban photographer named Viktor Rising in the weeks prior; I liked his style and punchy, contrasty photos so among faulty emails we made a loose plan but now, I had no way of contacting him.

It took me half a day to find out there were some hotels that have internet in front of them and vouchers I can buy somewhere else to get on so I sent an S.O.S to him and waited. It was the day before I left when I heard back and we made a hasty plan. I stayed up late sourcing a steamer for the clothes from a few different hotels, then got up early to get ready, straightening my hair and applying perfect make up...until I walked out into 42C, 90% humidity Havana sun and my hair bounced back into it's curls immediately while make up melted off faster than I could re-apply it. Ay!

Fortunately, Viktor was a cool and funny guy and the shoot itself was a dream ; we wondered the eclectic streets, men whistled and women asked where my dresses were from ( such is the power of Bec and Bridge's well honed sexy dresses ). I danced the salsa and ran over the squares but most importantly, our team had a ball and the dresses looked hawt juxtaposed against the colours of this beautiful city. I hope you like! x

Take lace into another dimension with a scooped out neck and choker detailing ( B&B dress, Chloe sandals )

Nothing like a skintight striped dress to take you from hot days into steamy nights (B&B dress, Gianvitto Rossi sandals, Clutch from Net-a-Porter )

All this baby wants to do is salsa! ( B&B dress, Chloe sandals )

Talk about a trifecta: wrap around, scooped out and leg baring in the most beautiful shade of cornflower blue ( B&B dress, Versace clutch, Valentino sandals )


This silk number is endlessly versatile- wear it loose in summer or over leather leggings in winter (B&B dress, Aquazurra sandals )

Let's talk sex in a dress because this dress is IT- seriously, I could've been married 5 times 🙂 ( B&B dress, Gianvitto Rossi sandals)

Photographed by Viktor Rising

2016 is here! I've taken a few weeks off over the summer holidays and moved into a new apartment; between unpacking boxes, hanging out with my daughter over school holidays and catching up with all my visiting overseas friends, I forgot to share my personal pictures of Cuba with you all! But here they are...and along with it, a diary entry I wrote in Havana. Hope you enjoy my peek into this amazing city...

Havana 13.11.2015

My worn out desk at the Palacio O'Farrill hotel is decorated by an old landline phone and a quickly warming pina colada while I listen to the tropical rain cooling Old Havana. This is my 4th hotel in 4 days ; it was busy when I tried to book almost a month ago, even the nice private accomodation at the so called casas particulares was gone so all I could get was single nights at various hotels. It seems the whole world fervently wants to come see Cuba before the country loses it's decrepit nostalgic beauty when (if?) the sanctions are lifted.

On my first day at Hotel Florida there were no window panes on my room's balcony doors , the heaving noise of the city's busy main street below welcoming me to this seaside town and when the night fell ,humid and heavy with a blanket of heat, the sound of whistling men and laughing women reverberating through the dusty neighbourhood. Down in the lobby bar, mojitos flow by the double while couples dance the salsa; Latino men and women oozing unbridled hips, wet skin and well practiced sensuality.

Havana is both beautiful and haggard, fresh and utterly filthy, excitingly full of opportunity and desperately stuck in the past. On one corner there are newly paved streets and colourful walls but turn left and it's crumbling balconies and the stench of dead chickens rotting on the road while huge vultures circle the skies waiting to claim these Santeria offerings to the Orisha.

If Havana were a person, it would be both the one legged old man I photographed on the merikon where the old city walls meet the sea, and a happy little girl on her way to school with a faux LV bag and stars in her eyes. It's  those that wearily improvise and upkeep their possessions with a dogged resignation under a lead backpack of the embargo but also those who re-invent rules, trying to establish a hipster utopia with makeshift bars and great organic food.

This town presents insane mid century architecture that will take your breath away and cold soviet era buildings greying and peeling in the island sun. It breathes in fragrant peanuts in white paper cones, 1 peso rickshaw rides , huge papayas sold by handsome mixed race hunks , billboards of revolutionary slogans instead of advertising, hotels whose star ratings are not an indictment of quality but a representation of a time long gone and people that will either try to fleece you or charm your socks off or both.

To be honest , I wouldn't have it any other way - I had such a fun time here exploring the streets, meeting people, drinking white rum in all it's incarnations, riding in an old pink car while the sun pounded bleached out neighborhoods and dancing the hot nights away. Don't go a changing Cuba Linda!

 

Stay:
Hotel Terrigal (newly renovated)
Hotel Serratoga (what's good for Bey & Jay Z...)
Hotel National (iconic)

Eat:
Chanchullero (Brazil between Christo and Bernaza )
Sia Kara Cafe
Rooftop Hemingway hotel
La Terraza for great bbq

Do:
walk the streets and practice spanish
go to a salsa show and dance the night away
take the Havana tour in an old car
visit the close by beaches for a day trip
lounge by the pool at hotel Nacional
drink a lot of mojito

Favorite city tour guide:
Matias Da Via
9841004601
majada@hotmail.com

With thanks to new friends and wide horizons <3

When it comes to shine, nobody did it better than Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie's concocted 70s alter ego who pranced around the stage in his otherworldly glam rock outfits, dancing straight into the world’s most cherished fashion memories. Blame it on David’s untimely death but his legacy lives on this season because lurex is once again king of the OS catwalks with designers such as Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Pucci, Jil Sander, Missoni and many others reviving the glittery fabric in all it’s fabulous incarnations.

Closer to home, designers have been utilising high tech fabrics and intricate metallic weaving into eye popping incarnations of the trend; across footloose and fancy free maxis, trophy evening wear or classic tailoring, the innovative ways of incorporating gleaming concoctions are as beautiful as they are impressive. Here is the run down of my favourite looks to buy now and covet forever...
Above: Eternally classic combo of elegant skirt and long sleeve top gets an update with ultra fine light reflecting sequins that make one feel like the Moon incarnate (Ellery top & skirt)

Mesh grows up:  this top is in fact made of super fine shimmering beading which makes you feel more princess than punk ( Rachel Gilbert top, bustier and pants)

 Whilst loose and covering everything, this dress possesses high octane shimmer that is beguiling and unforgettable. Wear it with tough boots for 90s grunge or heels for a take on the 70s with a touch of Game of Thrones medivialness. ( Zimmermann dress, Gucci heels )

Metallic thread, lace and pretty flickering sequins coexist in a pretty shift that is high on mermaid magic ( Zimmermann dress)
Beauty note: Armani Luminous Silk foundation, Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze& Glow in Light to Medium, Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick in Ibiza on top of cheekbones and lips, L'oreal False Lash superstar mascara, By Terry eyebrow liner in brown

Photographed by: Alice Wesley-Smith

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!

Happiness is a confounding concept in today’s quickpaced world ; elusive as a unicorn and slippery as a catfish it is increasingly difficult to notice or appreciate it , even when it’s standing in front of us waving both hands in our faces. All the modern obstacles lie in it’s path, fogging our view : a lack of time and perpetual busyness, quick fix solutions, fear of missing out and boring old tiredness can choke natural levity, yet, happiness is the feeling we all want to snag -and why wouldn’t we?

After all, it feels like soft electricity and connectedness, flying with a flock of butterflies or floating over marshmallow fields while bathed in warm Caribbean sun. Happiness is stubbornly subjective, and this is where I believe we sometimes struggle as a society: we are told that there are paths and things and futures and people that make us happy, but sometimes, irrationaly and utterly annoyingly, they just don’t ring true for us.

We can start second guessing ourselves and feeling like maybe, somehow, we ended up on an out with happiness; why otherwise would it avoid us in this incessant way? Yet life is beautiful , joyous and filled with synchrinocities and surprises at every turn so just when we think there is nothing else, another path opens, another knowledge is learned, a little bit more we grow… and just like that, our very own definition of happiness changes.

When Lancome approached me about doing this collaboration, they asked: What is happiness to you? I reflect on the things that bring me joy in life

Blogging: Someone once told me not to fret about what I am going to do with myself because perhaps my dream job hadn’t been invented yet - I definitely feel this was the case with being a blogger. Which other job could give me freedom to travel and creative control whilst requiring that I write, take photographs and wear fabulous clothes on a daily basis? It gives me so much joy to create beautiful content and see projects through from the beginning to the end. This picture was taken by Adam Katz Sinding in my happy place of Paris. Because Paris, with it’s beauty everywhere and wonderful people is always a good idea.

( Alex Perry dress and Louboutin shoes, Toni Maticevski skirt and top )

 

My daughter Coco was born 8 years ago and not a day goes by where I don’t look at her and feel infinitely happy and blessed. She is a handful - a jokester and adventurer with a glint in her eye that is terribly contagious. I find complete happiness in the simple fact that she still enjoys to snuggle me, like in this picture taken on holidays in Croatia.

Time off : Dalai Lama once said: “Happiness is not something readymade; it comes from your own actions”. When reflecting on this quote I realised that for me, happiness comes from the action of consciously prioritising inaction. Yoga, meditation and daydreaming give me time to reflect, be alone and get in tune with my inner world. Without being mindful, I cannot be connected to the wavelength of joy.

Flowers: are one of my earthly pleasures that I spend inordinate amounts of time and money on. There is nothing I love more than waking up to a bunch of fresh gardenias on my bedside table. It’s absolute olfactory bliss - and to me, Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle evokes this same feeling of joy. It is a perfume of positivity and femininity - one that combines the elegance of iris as the main story, with a touch of patchouli and some oriental sweetness. A few spritzes in the morning and I’m ready to start the day with a positive attitude.

Travel : I love all the aspects of travelling – from planning my day-to-day schedule, meeting new people, my terrible attempts at speaking foreign languages, to capturing all the different cultures with my camera. I particularly enjoy buying one-of-a-kind, handmade crafts for my daughter from different parts of the world – these ones are from Mexico!

Cooking and and especially eating is something I look forward to constantly. My grandfather was an avid foodie who knew his way around the kitchen, taught me the importance of good ingredients and how to cook well. I’m now obsessed - it gives me great happiness to make feasts for my friends and family.

Gifts: Whoever says gifts couldn’t make one happy has clearly not encountered the joy of receiving glamorous accessories and elegant perfumes.
Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle, Christian Louboutin shoes, vintage earrings, Karen Walker sunglasses.

Go to the Vogue website now to enter to win $2000 to spend on your loved ones at Christmas, thanks to Lancôme La Vie Est Belle. View the competition here and be sure to enter before December 18, 2015.

I adore the minimalist trend – the simple, monochromatic outfits, clean cut shirts and dainty, barely-there accessories, but I’ll always have a special place for statement, unique jewellery pieces – especially those that have been thoughtfully handcrafted and will surely one day have heirloom status.

Strolling through antique jewellery stores when travelling overseas I would sometimes make impulse purchases ,slowly managing to build a little collection I tried to hide from my boyfriend - who should probably know by now that all this jewellery couldn’t possibly be from my deceased Croatian grandmother who lived in communist times.

So when I first heard of the Hardy Brothers Vault Collection, I couldn’t hide my excitement at the prospect of shooting this story. Heirloom inspired and unique yet timeless, this collection is handcrafted by master jewellers using some of the most sought-after diamonds and gems in the world.

Wearing an Alex Perry gown and Hardy Brothers necklet and ring.

I’m a firm believer that wearing statement jewellery is something that should not be strictly limited to special ocassions. An art deco ring can work just as well with a day dress or an evening gown. The trick is to invest in pieces that are classic, with gems that will complement most of the colours in your wardrobe.

Statement jewellery needs to be enjoyed and celebrated for their unique beauty and intricacy - so why keep them locked up and hidden away?

Wearing Hardy Brothers rings, Christopher Esber top and skirt, Max Mara coat.

full story with more pictures now up on vogue.com.au here!

Beauty note:Beauty note: Lancome Miracle cushion foundation in shade 3, Nars lipstick in Schiap and M.A.C lipstick in Russian Red, Charlotte Tilburry blush in Love Glow, Super Liner eye liner by L’Oreal.

 

 

 

photographed by Alice Wesley-Smith

Hello khaki my old friend. I see you stalking the runways and being worn by all the cool kids again . To me you have never gone out of fashion- a military green anorak has shielded me in it's grunge embrace since '94 turning everything it touches a little bit more awesome, whether that is a ballgown or a pair of beat up jeans. You work with heels and sneakers, simple neutrals or patterns - a wardrobe neutral in my eyes just like leopard ; ). If I were a beauty pageant contestant my plea for you would be this : My wish is for world peace and for you, dear khaki to get released from your army duty so that you can take your rightful crown as an iconic fashion hue 4eva. Amen!

Wearing: C&M skirt, Jac&Jack linen t-shirt, APC bomber jacket, Balmain booties, Versace bag

photographed by Alice Wesley Smith

After living in our home for 9 years, we recently sold it to a lady who gave us a fantastic offer . When we bought the place, it was a falling apart shack on the beach, a crack house backyard full of broken glass, rubbish and weeds and an inside that smelt dubiously of mould, rust and wet swimmers. The place needed to be completely gutted and I got incredibly excited to roll up my sleeves and play architect/ interior designer. Then I got pregnant. Nausea was an understatement yet it was still fun to see a dream take shape in front of my eyes... that is, until well into my third trimester the whole project became a nail biting experience; the floor of the house was still just dirt and there was no toilet to speak of. I may or may not have ( I did ) turned into a fire breathing dragon the builders had nightmares about - hey, I’m Croatian after all and clearly there wasn’t enough motivation since it was running way over schedule!

Anyway, the house turned out beautiful and I've been so grateful to live here and raise our daughter Coco in such a special place. Apart from the amazing backyard, deep Boffi bath and huge ensuite bathroom, the one thing that I made sure of was that the house had oodles of storage. Deep, vast storage that for a while lay empty until it filled to the brim.

Tonight, on the last night in this house, I sit among a crazy amount of boxes and reflect on just how many things we collected over the years. How does this happen? Why does this happen? Am I a compulsive hoarder that will end up with lots of malnutritioned cats, mountains of decaying stuff and expensive council clean up fees? This last week of organizing has been insane- there were cupboards I haven’t looked into for years and things I haven’t worn , well - ever ( Saint Vincent De Paul's should crack open some champagne today! ) but the whole experience has thought me so many lessons it’s not funny. Here are some of my newfound pearls of wisdom..

1. Being a minimalist is great. I envy French women and my blogger friend Sarah Donaldson for having succinct , stylish, tonal wardrobes where everything goes with everything and stuff seems so orgamanized and clear. After digging through my walk in for a week, I have sadly recognized this will never, ever be me. I go ga ga over sparkles, textures and colour. Hardly any of my things go together. I am doomed for a life of haphazard impulse buys, magpie choices and off the cuff styling. I am both happy and sad about this.

2.  This is not to say that I don’t have a uniform wardrobe of go to easy pieces. It’s extremely important to have great basics and good quality staples, aka forever pieces, however, I started uncovering so many basics that it made me wonder what exactly I was doing when shopping. As someone who is a sucker for a good sale, it’s easy for me to get carried away on a whim. After my clean out, I now pledge to go into sales with a clear note to myself on the things I truly need and not be swayed by the enticing price tags.

3.  I have kept all my vintage but not all my expensive designer clothes. Weird huh? I don’t know if it is sentimental value, the hope that one day I will redesign all my special vintage pieces into something exciting, or wanting Coco to have something so old for posterity but I just couldn’t let go. Which leads me to..

4.  Just because it was once expensive doesn’t mean it’s worth keeping. You know how you have those things that you bought or were gifted that are in theory completely lust worthy and amazing but in practice just don’t look at all good on you? These pieces are the great cloggers of wardrobes. They are hard to get rid of because of their monetary value, but let’s face it; those pieces will never, ever look good on you. Just let them go. Unless you are waiting to slim down or fatten up to fit them ( and sincerely, is this truly ever going to happen?) or you have a clear plan to take up swimming lessons to broaden your shoulders just to fill that statement jacket you love , just release them to a better home and choose something that actually fits.

5.  Identify the things you buy over and over and break the cycle. I don’t need 17 yellow dresses , 11 pairs of culottes or 15 red bras. I don’t need 9 pairs of “stylish” tracksuit pants, 5 oversized sweaters or 4 pink skirts. Why does this happen? Do I not remember I have similar things in the wardrobe? It’s such a weird phenomenon. Keep the best one of these, possibly a second one if the cut/vibe is very different, a third if spectacular . Re-home the rest immediately and keep track of your compulsions when shopping in the future.

6.  The old adage of “If you haven't worn it for a year, get rid of it” is not just horribly wrong but insanely incorrect. Those pieces you really, really loved, that fit you like a mould and perfectly encapsulated a trend will inevitably come back around the fashion wheel again. And then you’ll be sorry you let them go. Preserve good pieces and they will become awesome vintage full of fun stories.

7. Cull, cull then cull more! Having a wardrobe that air can actually circulate through is a definite benefit when it comes to Sydney's mould problem just as it is great to see everything that is hanging up orderly. I said goodbye to half my wardrobe in this move and it does feel cathartic to let go. I think it was Louise L Hay that coined the affirmation that went something like:  " As I clean my wardrobe so I clean the corners of my mind " and it is definitely true. Seriously though, don't get too carried away , you may need some of those things again!

Remember being a maximalist is both a curse and a blessing! Here’s to sartorial zen!  : )

Like all mothers, my morning make up protocol is overshadowed by hurrying, nagging and sandwich making. Thinking about looking radiant while unearthing school socks is hardly practical and most times, I do my 5 minute make up application in the rearview mirrow while stuck in traffic, making me the ideal candidate for any beauty product that shaves time off my routine and really delivers. Enter Miracle Cushion, Lancome’s answer to a fluid foundation in a compact. To be honest, I was sceptical at first; how can a fluid stay in a compact and what sort of texture would this product provide? My Korean friend was more enthusiastic, assuring me that this sort of technology has been all the rage in her home country and that it encapsulates BB cream, foundation and 23PA++ sunscreen in an easy to use format.

Upon first inspection, I felt a little like Tarzan coming out of the jungle into civilisation - there is a soft cushion inside filled with a wet liquid that doesn’t leak and an applicator that delivers just the right amount of foundation when pressed into the cushion ( what?! no messy fingers, no dripping onto my blouse?). The packaging is gorgeous and refillable, so do not throw it out - it's perfect for changing foundation shade due to the change of seasons . The results? This is a buildable foundation so the results can range from sheer to opaque depending on application - I must say I was quite impressed by the way the texture seemed light and natural while covering lines and blemishes. This is not a cakey foundation, in fact you will forget you are even wearing make up at all. And in the end- isn’t that exactly what we all want?

This story was shot at the heavenly Qualia resort in Hamilton Island,a child free paradise where I could incapsulate my fantasy of a perfectly serene beauty routine while wearing amazing clothes and accessories

Above: Make it sparkle: Miracle Cushion joins a host of light reflecting treasures (Clockwise from bottom: Balenciaga cuff and Oscar De la Renta clutch both from Net-a-Porter, Dita sunglasses, Paspaley pearls ring and earrings )

Applying Miracle cushion is a breeze. Dab on in small motions until the desired opacity is concieved ( Qualia bathrobe, Paspaley earrings )

Tako on the 70s trend in spring ready white in a Zimmermann dress and gorgeous accessories

Miracle Cushion fits in the smallest of clutches ( Oscar De La Renta clutch, Balenciaga cuff, Paspaley pearls ring )

Perfect for touch ups on the go! ( Paspaley Pearl earrings and ring )

Photography & film by Alice Wesley-Smith

Synchronicities. Some say they don't mean anything in particular and others in the more spiritual camp say that circumstances perfectly aligning , like de ja vu , is a sign from the Universe that you are on the right path in life. When I heard that Willow wanted to collaborate on a post I also received an invite to attend Hamilton Island Race Week so in my eyes it was a no brainer; beautiful ethereal location coupled with gorgeous clothes is always a win in my eyes.

The Spring Summer 15 Willow collection is part glam rock, part modern goddess so I wanted to convey this in the colours , tones and contrast of this editorial. The first thing I felt and saw in my mind when I looked at these clothes is that girl who is at a beach party as the sun is rising, slightly messy, reflective, dreamy and dangerous with wind catching her hair and the hem of her dress. There is an edginess and sexiness to these looks but ultimately, I found these clothes extremely comfortable to wear - which is a miracle for evening wear. Hope you like! X

A beautiful lace dress is a forever piece. This one features long sleeves and spider web fine lace ( Givenchy booties ) shop it here !

I love mixing high and low and this combination of a t shirt top and intricate skirt is one of my favourite combinations for day or night ( Cartier bracelet, worn throughout ) Shop them here and here!

A good bustier dress is a miracle maker. This one features a corseted top for amazing support and zip down access ( Aquazzura sandals ) Shop it here! 

Make like Khaleesi in this Grecian dress that is perfect for summer with flats or high heels due to it's elongating effect ( Ancient Greek Sandals, Sarina Suriano earrings ) Shop it here! 

Feather light and oh so soft, this dress is all about details and flattering body con that doesn't cling in the wrong places ( Hatmaker hat , special Hamilton Island edition ) Shop the dress here !


This dress had me wishing I were dancing all night waiting for the sunrise with it's light fabric and asymmetric hem that rippled with the breeze ( Aquazurra sandals ) Shop it here! 

 

 

 

Shot by Alice Wesley Smith
With thanks to Hamilton Island and Qualia

Editing these pictures has taken me nearly a month to do- there were so many visceral moments to remember while looking through the files that I would find myself procrastinating and daydreaming; memories of eating ice cream in wet bathers, running barefoot around little cobblestone streets of "my" little island, the intense heatwave, bargaining for cold watermelon with a stoic grandma clad in black, the anticipation of arriving somewhere on a ferry you've never been to before or that serenely exhilarating feeling after an evening shower, sun kissed oiled skin cooled by an evening breeze,getting dressed in evening attire to run out into a dusk befallen night promising fun.

When I started this blog, it was as a hobby that I never thought would grow into work ; simply, I wanted to chronicle my life as it unfolded and preserve all the feelings and memories of my travels and experiences. I never knew my little blog would amount to anything except an online diary- especially since I used to post only a few times per year!

M-E-L has morphed into a business and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with brands in a multi dimensional way whilst creating beautiful pictures with talented people and carving out my aesthetic. Still, it is important to me to take time out and really see the world; document and devour it, be a traveller, a tourist; an open mouthed, awed and enthralled piece of this Universe.
Since I've been back, I have shot so many stories that I cannot wait to share with you ; life has been a blur of activity. This is why the moments on this page are so golden to me - they encapsulate a fantasy; a bubble where clocks don't exist.

Bower swimwear one piece

Coco wears a Coach t-shirt

Lack of Colors boater, Kate Sylvester peasant top, Bianca Spender skirt

Zimmermann x net-a-porter swimsuit, One Teaspoon shorts

River swimming in the Rastoke region

With thanks to my little photographer Coco

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