Spotted...

After her trip to the Land Down Under, Kim Kardashian arrived in Los Angeles in style, wearing head to toe sass & bide. 

Seriously... who looks that chic after a 17+ hour plane ride? Not me, that's for sure!

My 2012 Emmy Picks!

I loooooove Award Season, the fashion hits and misses keep me entertained for hours! The Emmys marked the start of the 2012 Award Season, and it certainly did not disappoint! The red carpet was filled with fashion faux-pas as well as a tonne of deliciousness... Here are my top 10 picks from this year's Emmys (in no particular order)

Girls star, Allison Williams channels her inner glamazon in this emerald gown by Oscar de la Renta 

Revenge is one of my fave shows, and I love this J. Mendel dress on Emily VanCamp!

Jinnfer Goodwin is a dark horse when it comes to the red carpet, she always knocks it out of the ball park and this incredible Monique Lhuillier dress is a perfect example of that. 

January Jones, for me, is generally a bit of a disappointment when it comes to red carpets, but this Zac Posen dress is KILLER! I am just not a huge fan of that hair... But the dress is so sick I can look past the hair...

Oh Elaine Julia Louis-Dreyfus! This Vera Wang dress is everything; the fit, the colour, the sapphire earrings, the train... That's how you do effortless glam everyone, take note!

I am obsessed with this chartreuse colour this season and Julie Bowen works the trend in this show-stopping Monique Lhuillier strapless gown

I'm sorry, but how does a 12 year old become so chic? Kiernan Shipka is always impeccably dress and I am in love with this Zac Posen look! It is just perfect for her and the Emmys.

If you wear this colour, you are more than likely to end up in my top 10 picks, I cannot say no to this colour, and this Monique Lhuillier gown looks phenomenal on Padma Lakshmi; it's simple but speaks volumes!

Like January Jones, Tina Fey is more often than not a red carpet mess, but today was an entirely different story. This Vivienne Westwood dress is simply stunning! I live for that plum colour and it fits her like a glove.... And would you just look at her body?! It's insane! She gets my most improved award for sure!

Jessica Lange is probably the coolest 63 year old on the planet! This J. Mendel dress isn't anything entirely special (except for the fact it's that colour) but Jessica just rocks it! She proves sunnies on the red carpet isn't just for men. Love her!

Spotted...

90210 star, Shenae Grimes was out on Friday night celebrating at EW's Pre-Emmy Party. The 22-year old kept it simple in a black lace dress by Stylestalker. This dress is young and flirty and perfect for Shenae and the event! However, I do wish she wore a coloured lip, I think it would have taken this look to an entirely different place. 

Spotted...

Kim Kardashian has officially ditched the monokhrome whilst promoting her weight loss supplement, Quick Trim in Australia. The bootylicious babe flaunted her curves in a dress by Michael Lo Sordo in Melbourne today. This dress is sick! I just gotta have it! I am seriously having a major digital print moment right now.

Spotted...

The Queen of Reality TV, Kim Kardashian is currently Down Under promoting weight-loss supplement, Quick Trim. The brunette bombshell was spotted out and about in Melbourne killing it in a Josh Goot ensemble. 

I have to say, I am totally digging Kim's style evolution... she's looking uber chic and sophisticated and this look is no exception! Mind you, it's hard to go wrong in Goot... his latest collection in particular is off the chain!

Spotted...

Modern Family actress, Sarah Hyland was recognised for her work with The Lopez Foundation at the 6th Annual Power of Youth Event this weekend. 

As a kidney disease and transplant survivor, Sarah's role at The Lopez Foundation involves increasing community awareness about kidney disease and organ donation.

She accepted the honour in a gorgeous floral Zimmermann dress. Everything about this look is flawless, the hair and make up are perfection, and I love the bright blue accessories!

SKYY Vodka Cocktails!

As most of you would know (if you follow me on Instagram), I love a good cocktail! 

With Spring in the air, and in celebration of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, New York, MBFW's official sponsor SKYY Vodka has released a collection of cocktails to celebrate the Spring 2013 collections and trends. This MBFW fashion insiders will be treated to four signature SKYY cocktails:  Classic, Romantic, Glam, and Progressive.  From the Bohemian Classic, embodying a clean, modern aesthetic, to the Futuristic Fashionista, an avant-garde cocktail inspired by the progressiveness of fashion’s most daring designers, each signature SKYY cocktail represents a crucial aspect of the fashion landscape.

I just figure, if I can't be at MBFW enjoying the cocktails and fashion, I may as well pretend that I'm there and enjoy one of these bad boys! 

Classic: Bohemian Classic – A lighthearted twist on the timeless daiquiri, the Bohemian Classic repurposes this favorite cocktail with a hint of apple juice. Mixed with lemon juice, simple syrup and muddled raspberries the Bohemian Classic is served up in a martini glass, making it the quintessential accessory for fashion week aficionados.

60ml  SKYY Vodka
60ml  Apple Juice
15ml Lemon Juice
15ml oz Simple Syrup
6 Raspberries
Muddle all ingredients. Shake and strain in to a martini glass. Garnish with Honey Sugar Rim with little pieces of orange peel.

Romantic:  Enchanting Kiss  – Echoing the whimsical fabrics that grace the fall runways, the Enchanting Kiss blends SKYY Vodka, crème de cacao white, simple syrup, cream, and ground cinnamon and finishes it with chocolate flakes.

45ml SKYY Vodka
15ml Crème de Cacao White
7.5ml Simple Syrup
15ml Whole Cream
0.25 tsp Ground Cinnamon
Sprinkle Chocolate Flakes
Shake all ingredients except the chocolate flakes. Strain in to a martini glass. Finish with the chocolate flakes.

Glam:  Catwalk Queen – Just as fashion often reinterprets the past, the Catwalk Queen is an evolved take on a white cosmopolitan, incorporating one of fall’s hottest trends:  honey.  Give your outfit an extra dose of glam with this delectable blend of SKYY Vodka, white cranberry juice, lemon juice, triple sec and honey solution.

60ml SKYY Vodka
30ml Lemon Juice
45ml White Cranberry Juice
15ml Honey Solution (equal parts Honey and Water)
15ml Triple Sec

Shake all ingredients. Strain in to a martini glass.

Progressive:  Futuristic Fashionista – Fashion’s next big thing may be hard to identify for some, but true visionaries know a ground breaking idea the second they see it glide down the runway… or across the bar.  Made with muddled red grapes, SKYY Vodka and lemon juice and topped with red raspberry vinegar, the mixology world’s ingredient du jour, the Futuristic Fashionista is served in a gold sugar-rimmed martini glass.

60ml SKYY Vodka
30ml Lemon Juice
7.5ml Red Raspberry Vinegar
5 red Grapes
Gold Sugar
Muddle all ingredients except the vinegar. Shake and strain in to gold sugar rimmed martini glass. Add vinegar.

My SS12/13 Must-Haves!

I absolutely love Summer, nothing beats spending the day on Bondi Beach catching some rays and cooling off with a lemon Calippo! And with Spring officially here and in full force, I decided to compile my Spring/Summer must-haves.

1. Floral Shorts - Florals were huge during AW, and they're back for Summer! I practically live in shorts during the Summer, I think they're more comfortable than skirts, and a little edgier. Floral shorts are super versatile, and can be worn casually or more dressed up for a night out. If you aren't a shorts fanatic like me, a floral skirt or pants are a great alternative. I love this pair from Bec & Bridge because the print is somewhat muted, the colour combination is spot on and Bec & Bridge always cut the best shorts!

Bec & Bridge, $160

2. White Tee - if you don't have a great white tee in your wardrobe, once you're done reading this, go to the shops and buy yourself one... or five! A white tee is a MUST in anyone's Summer wardrobe, you can wear them with practically everything, and nothing beats white cotton in Summer! Bassike does amazing tees, so if you're one of those who's missing the perfect white tee in their wardrobe, a Bassike white tee is something you should definitely invest in!

Bassike, $80.00

3. Loafers - loafers are the new ballet flat, they're a little more masculine but boy are they fab! Literally every shoe designer has incorporated loafers (or something similar) into their SS12/13 collections, but these Steve Maddens are my fave, the blush colour and the wooden sole is a great neutral combination... I would wear these babies with my floral shorts and white tee to complete the perfect day look!

Steve Madden, $129.95

4. Candles - I am the candle queen! I love candles, they create such a romantic and warm atmosphere, while keeping the house smelling beautiful. I love Lucia candles, they're made from 100% organic soy, are totally eco-friendly and smell divine!! They've just launched a line for Spring, which are amazing... I got my grubby mitts onto the Thyme Flower and Coriander scent, which is just magic. My logic is that everyone has a Spring scent, so it's only fitting you get one for your home too!

Lucia Candles 

5. Strappy Heels - *sighs* strappy heels are going to be the death of my wallet! They are by far one of the most versatile and comfortable pairs of shoes heels you can own. Tony Bianco has nailed the strappy heel by coming out with a tonne of styles in a huge range of colours. I seriously urge you all to GET. INVOLVED! You will be wearing them 24/7... Trust me.

Tony Bianco, $149.95

6. Leather! - now many people are skeptical about this whole leather in Summer situation... but believe me when I say this, it's amazeballs! I have a pair of shorts, very similar pair by Stylestalker, which I wore all through winter with stockings, and I wore them this past weekend with a silk, coral shirt and it worked an absolute treat! The great thing about this Witchery pair (and the pair I own) is that they are a fashionable take on an athletic design, so they're right on the "sporty luxe" trend, which means they can also be worn very casually too, with a tee and flats. The elastic waist means they're ridiculously comfy, and they leg is wide enough to avoid the mortifying camel toe (sorry, I just had to say it... leather shorts are often synonymous with the old "CT") I promise you, a relaxed leather short is not too heavy and hot for summer... I dare you to give it a go :)

Witchery, $199.95

7. White Dress - so I cannot express to you how much I love white in Summer... it is so clean and fresh looking. Forget the LBD, it's all about the LWD in Summer!! If I could, I would fill my wardrobe up with white dresses just for Summer and wear one everyday. Lover consistently makes the most gorgeous and decadent dress, which I always lust after. Their most recent SS collection is no different and this white dress is to-die-for! Everything about this dress; the paneling, the sheer organza, the cap sleeves and the flock design, gives me goosebumps, it's 100% perfection, and I think I'm seriously going to have to save my pennies, because I don't think I can live without this beauty! (On a side note, Miranda Kerr said this dress was her favourite look out of all the looks she shot for David Jones' SS12/13 campaign)

Lover, $595.00

8. Sunglasses - if you don't wear sunglasses in Summer you are crazy... especially in Sydney where it is so damn glary! Not only are sunglasses essential to protect your eyes against harmful sunlight, they are also the perfect Summer accessory! This season you will see sunnies available in a range of styles, shapes and colours.. But I do love this cat eye pair by Ellery, they're super chic and glam... and I also feel like they're a little bit naughty! Jump on the sunglasses band wagon... Sunglasses are like a bag, or a piece of fab jewellery, no Summer outfit is complete without them!

Ellery, $330.00 

9. Metallic - ahh... I love my bling, so I was insanely excited to see metallics make their return for this season. Metallics instantly dresses up an outfit and makes it more fun... it shows you don't take yourself too seriously! Metallics are perfect to wear day or night, paired with jeans or stilettos... don't think about it, just do it! This dress by Manning Cartell is phe-nom-men-al, I drool just looking at it... It is definitely the ultimate investment piece for this season. I mean, look at the pewter beading contrasted with the silver trims!! Man oh man, it is so delicious, I cannot get enough!
BTW, the curved stepped hem is so flattering, it makes your legs look much longer, just an added bonus!

Manning Cartell, $699.00

10. A high ponytail - the high ponytail has made a serious comeback, with it being one of the most popular trends on the catwalks of New York, Paris, and of course Sydney. The high ponytail is the perfect remedy for when you're having a bad hair day, and when done right, creates the illusion of high cheekbones (which is always a good thing). And when it's really hot, there's nothing worse than having your hair all over the place, so the high ponytail is also an easy and stylish way to keep cool.

Staccato GIVEAWAY!

To celebrate the relaunch of Staccato's flagship store in Bondi Junction, The Fashion Patriot is giving away a pair of these must-have, red and nude flats, valued at $179!! 

All you have to do is visit The Fashion Patriot on Facebook, "like" and share the competition post with your friends, or retweet our post on Twitter, or "like" our competition post on Instagram. 

All entries must include a brief description about your Spring/Summer must-have!! 

It's really that simple! So get entering.... Winner will be announced on Monday, 10 September.

TFP on Facebook - facebook.com/thefashionpatriot

TFP on Twitter - @fashionpatriot

TFP on Instagram - @thefashionpatriot 

Good luck! xx

P.S. here's your invitation to Staccato's relaunch - it's sure to be amazing and full of fab discounts just in time for Summer!