Yellow Submarine

Photos by Max Rowan

I wore this outfit what feels like many moons ago to Fashion Weekend Sydney. 

It was only a matter of time before this sunshine-tastic blazer made a reappearance on the blog. Alike my name sharing blazers debut, I unintentionally paired this energy-inducing piece with a print and staple black. Must be due to some sort of inner bumblebee subliminal messaging. 

Regardless of what this piece is styled with the amazing texture to it will add depth to even the simplest of outfits. I love wearable garments that are multidimensional. 

On another note there is nothing quite like the feeling of perfectly worn in boots. These Tony Bianco beauties feel like moulded pillows around my feet.

Shirt: Zara

Blazer: MINKPINK

Skirt: American Apparel

Boots: Tony Bianco

Bag: See by Chloe

Ring: Carly Paiker

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MBFWA: Kooey

Whilst sipping tea and thinking warm thoughts I bring to you my picks from the Kooey show.

Swimwear can be quite 'hit or miss' however the seawater shades, neon brights and interesting prints in the collection were very much welcomed. The classic cuts allowed for the incorporation of colour and print without looking too busy.

Being addicted to blue hues it is no surprise that the first bikini is my favourite from the collection.

Now all I need is a European Summer holiday...

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MBFWA: Bags and Accessories

Benah

Carly Paiker

Sylvie Markovina 

In between attending amazing shows, meeting all-round awesome people and being surrounded by super cool street style inspiration; I was fortunate enough to attend a few collection showings at the Shangri-La hotel.

Whilst my last post featured pieces from the Watson X Watson SS12/13 collection (let the swooning begin), I wanted to show some love for the bags and accessories that need to be in my life. 

In particular Benah, Carly Paiker and Sylvie Markovina presented the most covetable pieces in the forms of bags and jewellery. 

Firstly I desperately need some Benah bag love in my life after feasting my eyes upon the amazing use of stripes and rich burgundy suede in the collection. Also a pretty big fan of the silver/gunmetal cuff combination as shown here.

It is no secret from my personal style posts that I am huge Carly Paiker fan. The dreamy leather wrist candy in cloud and fairy floss hues were stand out pieces in the collection. Love anything that reminds me of sugary treats. 

Sylvie Markovina's 'Twin Oracle' collection featured a strong, symmetrical aesthetic. The perfect curves in the last statement piece remind me of the stunning rainbow Sydney got to experience last weekend.    

Which piece is your favourite?

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MBFWA: Watson X Watson

Here are a few of my favourite pieces from the Watson X Watson SS12/13 collection.

I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek of the collection one day prior to the Watson X Watson MBFWA show. Whilst I loved the show it was great having the opportunity to admire and experience each piece up close.

As you can see from these shots I was immediately drawn to the use of deep blues, metallics and neons in the collection. That metallic pom pom knit has the perfect balance of edgy and cute whilst maintaining wearability. Must make a mental note for my upcoming Spring/Summer wardrobe.

If neon blocking is not your thing the collection features great alternatives. For instance, I love how the neon yellow piping adds impact to the deep blue dress, without being too overpowering. The neon sandals are also another fantastic option to incorporate the trend into your current wardrobe. I really like how the patent neon yellow pops against the chic tan leather.

Those of you following my Instagram account (username: darkbluestripes) would have noticed that I got to meet the lovely Liberty, who is one half of the designing sister duo. It was great to see just how passionate she is about this aesthetically pleasing, yet incredibly wearable collection.

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MBFWA Outfit: Day five

Photos by Melissa Ong 

I let my inner penguin shine with this fun, preppy outfit on the last day of fashion week. 

This amazing 'grand room' print skirt was the springboard for the outfit. The print on the skirt took me back to a childhood fantasy of being a princess that lived in a cool English manor (haven't we all been there?). Like Don Draper I derive a lot of inspiration from nostalgia, and was sold on this skirt upon first glimpse.

Fashion week outfit sourcing showed me that a shirt is not just a shirt when preppy collars and black contrast sleeves are involved. This Lover piece seemed like the only logical partner for my nostalgia skirt due to its 'preppy chic' quality. I love when classic, staple pieces are given a new spin.

Shirt: Lover

Skirt: Alice McCall

Heels: Topshop

Bag: See by Chloe

Sunglasses: Ray-ban

Ring: Carly Paiker

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MBFWA: toi et moi

I got to experience a little dose of Paris at the toi et moi show during Fashion Week.

The fun, vibrant collection of ready-to-wear pieces partied down the runway to an upbeat French soundtrack. I was unashamedly swooning over all the striped eye candy before me in the form of super cool shirts, dresses and playsuits.

To say that this collection fits with my personal style would be an understatement. It is definitely looking like I need some toi et moi in my life this Spring/Summer.

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MBFWA: flowers For a VagabOnd

A dark,'foggy' scene set the tone for the flowers For a VagabOnd installation at MBFWA. 

The 'Desirable Darkness' collection featured a continuum of light and dark that began with monochromatic neutrals and ended with bright pops of colour. 

The collection's modern aesthetic is evident through the interesting use of tattoo prints, feathers, tassels and metallics. The addition of these elements take staple pieces such as shift dresses to the next level. 

Whilst the awesome metallic skirt in the last shot does not necessarily mesh with my typical day-to-day wardrobe, I could definitely see myself rocking this piece at a factory style party. Think Warhol (metallic balloons included).  

   

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MBFWA Outfit: Day four

Photos by Stevie

I was definitely in a preppy state of mind when I selected this outfit for day four of MBFWA.     

My outfit was styled around this amazing PinClove polka dotted shirt that I originally came across in RUSSH magazine. Whilst the pink version of the shirt is not my cup of tea, the yellow/blue combo fits my personal style with absolute ease. I love the preppy collar and cuff details on the bright, energetic shirt. 

I also found my dream pleated mini skirt in this Lover piece of perfection. The skirt with its staple shade of black and classic cut will be a regular fixture in my wardrobe for seasons to come. 

The highlight of day four was definitely attending the inspiring Susie Bubble talk. Susie's talk was incredibly insightful and reinforced my love for blogging.

Watch this space for an upcoming blog post on what I took away from Susie's talk.

Shirt: PinClove

Skirt: Lover

Sandals: Topshop

Bag: See by Chloe

Sunglasses: Karen Walker

Ring: Carly Paiker

Bracelet: Marc by Marc Jacobs

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Park Avenue PR Spring/Summer Preview

Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending the Park Avenue PR blogger breakfast and viewing, held at their awesome new showroom in Surry Hills. The Spring/Summer viewing featured a range of great brands including Steele, Unspoken (formerly Tato & Memi), Pratten, Coco Ribbon, Viktoria + Woods, L'avion, boohoo, Sterling & Hyde and Watson X Watson. 

It was lovely to catch up with fellow bloggers post the MBFWA rush over delicious jars of yoghurt and muesli, whilst perusing the gorgeous pieces on display.  

My eye was immediately drawn to the feminine, floaty pieces by Steele in shades of mint, grey and yellow. Such a perfect colour palette that would fit seamlessly with the majority of my wardrobe. 

Prints were also high on my radar in the forms of a floral blouse by Coco Ribbon, and a lovely silk scarf by L'avion that has my wanderlust levels at an all time high. 

Thanks Mary and the rest of the Park Avenue PR team for a wonderful collection preview. 

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