Friday cynicism

Just a little warning: the following content may be considered blasphemous among 99% of fashion-lovers... but it dawned on me the other day as I was wandering around an antique market with my mother and sister - I find vintage shopping quite annoying. Actually it's a bit more than annoying, it's just plain awful. I know this would cause most to have closed their internet window by now, but it's sad but true. 

Not only do you have to sift through mountains of tinsel, faux leather and shoulder-padded disasters, but because when you do find something that is remotely attractive you are tempted to try it on and buy it just because it looks okay compared to everything else you've seen.

Maybe it's because in Brisbane, vintage shopping is difficult, and it has proven to be more fruitful in places such as London and New York of course. But then again does location really matter? In the past I have found some hidden gems in west Brisbane's Paddington - a pair of leather pants and a rabbit fur clutch bag (which ensues the occasional disapproving glance).

I think perhaps the reason is because, as a typical Gen-Y-er, I have become accustomed to the ever-so convenient (and more so dangerous) nature of online shopping. These days I'm simply too lazy to physically dig through piles of clothes in the hope of finding something nice, when I could have bought something online in a click. Maybe I'll rekindle my love someday, I'll just have to stop being so lazy I guess!

(Ps - the photograph at the top is a beautiful print by Brett Weston from 1947 entitled Vintage White Sands - how apt!)

daisy chain

I apologise for the unoriginality of this post, as Shakuhachi is not exactly an unfamiliar brand to many these days but I just had to share my love of this dress. For those who need a little getting-up-to-speed, Shakuhachi are an Indonesian brand and since their inception in 2000 have accumulated quite a following. Their newest collection Shoot Me! incorporates an array of great textures like leather, lace, draped silks and mesh embroidery with equally great colours (jewel greens and coppers, etc.) and shapes.

This bell-sleeve daisy chain dress is a complete stand-out for me, I've wanted something completely sheer like this for a long time (despite this it does come with a slip, which would probably need to be worn if you didn't want to attract too much unwanted attention!) 

Go check out the rest of the collection, I'm also quite partial to the maxi dresses, macrame fringe dresses and some of the drapey blazers.

winter wish list

Waking up on Monday morning it suddenly dawned on me that winter is on it's way, while some time ago the thought of that would have made me quite frankly depressed - having to psyche yourself up to leave the house, and having to plan out your layers, etc. I have come to not only an acceptance of the change in seasons but in actual fact it's a pretty nice and refreshing change... There's something so nice about winter that I always forget, and it's not just the clothes!

Exhibit A: Cream botanical flower print kimono dress (courtesy of Topshop of course). This dress doesn't only kill two birds with one stone, in the sense that it combines a bold print with an oriental feel (both big looks) but it's also incredibly cheap at only 45 pounds (about $70, go the Aussie dollar!) I'd love this with some big turquoise jewelled earrings and 70's wooden platform wedges.

Apologies for the crap quality picture, it's all I could find. But these Topshop Boutique Black silk Chinese print wide leg trousers are truly beautiful. That print is stunning, I want it on the walls in my room! You can get the dress equivalent here which is nearly as amazing.

 

They are starting to begin filtering through to Australian shores but that doesn't diminish my love of the cape. I'm currently eying a couple off on eBay, but do I go for the camel or black?!

 Okay, I really surprised myself with these Topshop metallic Logan platforms (but seriously why the ugly name 'Logan'?) While the rest of the world is in a mass wedge-induced frenzy I saw these and thought they were amazing! I haven't seen a decent stiletto in a while that's for sure. Then I realised they are a near-copy of these jewel-toned stilettos seen at Gucci S/S '11 - saving us a lot of money there, thanks Topshop!

 I have a distinct feeling these Topshop shorts would go with everything... wierd. Such a great winter short and the terracotta colour is my favourite.

Ahhhh my heart still skips a beat whenever I looks at these haha. Definitely up there on the wish list but I think they have nearly sold out everywhere. They were gone from Pixiemarket in just a few short hours. I think they would look equally cool with or without a big pair of cable-knit socks. 

 Karen Walker is another that never fails to disappoint, with her designs that incorporate the masculine and feminine, bright and monochrome colours and geometric shapes. Her latest collection is a sort of extension of her last 'Sun Gods' collection, with some recurring shapes. These are my favourites. Mickey Mouse ears... but for your face! I don't think my bank will allow me to get another pair of Karen Walkers anytime soon so there are a near identical pair on Cobra Shop and the 'Stevie' Mink Pink ones are a little less mod and a little  more 'Almost Famous' but are great all the same.

This Topshop fringed bag is a lot like a designer one I saw in Grazia recently but for the life of me can't remember the brand. Anyway it's amazing and real suede and would be the best winter investment!