The Oscars 2012

Bridemaids star, Maya Rudolph was styled by Rachel Zoe's ex-assistant, Brad Goreski at this year's Oscars... and she looked picture perfect! I usually feel that she doesn't wear clothes that flatter her and make her a little matronly. But she really hit it out of the ball park this time in a gorgeous eggplant coloured gown by Australia's own, Johanna Johnson!

It's always so amazing to see Australian designers represented on international red carpets... But the Oscars are on another level, I'm sure the team at Johanna Johnson are thrilled!

Love the beading! So feminine and chic!

David Jones AW 12 Launch

As some of you may already know, last night David Jones held their annual AW launch at the newly refurbished 7th Floor at their Elizabeth Street Store in Sydney.

David Jones also opted to let their customers into the exclusive event by streaming it live online.

I've already sung my praises for this year's AW 12 collections from Aussie designers, so now you all get to see them live and moving! (generally photos don't do garments any justice)

Check out the above video of all the highlights from the launch, featuring; Collette Dinnigan, Alex Perry, Dion Lee, Zimmermann and Lover. 

Spotted...

Australia's own supermodel, Miranda Kerr was out and about at David Jones in Sydney promoting her skincare line, KORA on Valentine's Day.

Mrs Orlando Bloom looked absolutely radiant in a Willow blouse and skirt.

This look is darling! It has the right amount of sophistication and fun... And just check out her killer stems!

Designer Spotlight: Natasha Gan

I have always been a huge fan of Natasha Gan, she makes some of the most beautiful clothing and uses the most amazing fabrics. I recently asked her a couple of questions regarding her AW12 collection and asked the Natasha Gan team to choose their favourite pieces from the collection... How amazing are the orange pants and cream dress - LOVE!

Be sure to check out their website, www.natashagan.com.au 

Spotted...

Australia's very own Victoria's Secret Angel, Miranda Kerr was spotted leaving the Sydney Opera House last week in a printed Josh Goot shift dress.

How does she always manage to look so gorgeous? It's not fair!

AW'12 Review

I can't believe I am saying this, but I am SO excited for winter... namely because the AW'12 collections are so major!

I am so in love with the fact that this year's collections are such a departure from the usual AW collections... this year wearing colours and florals are embraced and even encouraged for the chillier seasons. Obviously black, charcoal and navy are still staples in one's winter wardrobe, however they no longer seem to be necessities with mustard, pink, bold floral prints, red and even white being prominently featured in most collections.

One element I noticed that was missing was fur. Fur is literally no where to be seen. Mind you I find fur totally timeless, so the fact that it doesn't really appear in any collections definitely won't deter me from wearing my faux-fur vest. My instincts lead me to believe that fur and boho pieces have been exchanged for structured and tailored cuts this year... Which I am inspired by because the tailored cuts are generally juxtaposed with fun prints, florals, soft pastels or a bright colour that ultimately create really beautiful pieces that are super feminine, chic and simple yet hugely effective.

So because I am so excited I am going to show you my fave picks from some of my favourite designers.

:) Enjoy! x

P.S. to check out entire collections follow the links provided.

Coats

 

Zimmermann

I kind of obsessed with coats this season, just because they make such an impact and this season come in some of the most amazing cuts and colours.

A great coat can really transform your outfit... So don't be afraid to go with a bold colour, it can brighten up a neutral outfit, or can be used for colour-blocking, which continues to be a popular trend this season. Also don't be afraid to try different textures, mixing textures is one of the easiest way to create a really interesting look from basic pieces.

Check out my coat picks!

Dresses

 Lucette

Dresses have to be the easiest item of clothing to wear... You pretty much just throw it on and you are guaranteed to look fab (if you choose the right dress!)

This season dresses seem to be taking a very structured form. Bold colours and clean lines are evident in most collections with the classic swing dress and LBD's making a few appearances too.

You can't really go wrong in a leather or jersey dress this winter... But be sure to play with textures, whether it be pleating, draping or simply wearing two contrasting fabrics together. (as seen in the Lucette dress below)

Shorts and Skirts

Shakuhachi

I literally live in shorts... I adore them! I find them a more feminine version of pants and an edgier alternative for a skirt. However, I do love a good skirt... So luckily for me there is a great range of skirts and shorts on offer this AW!

My general rule of thumb regarding skirts and shorts is; find a good print or texture and pair it with a simple tee, blouse or sweater. And on really cold days both shorts and skirts look fab with a pair of opaque tights.

A quick FYI, I am literally drooling like a puppy for the Shakuhachi look above!

Tops

Manning Cartell

 

Basic tops that fit properly and look amazing are really hard to come by... and ironically enough are probably the most essential part of any wardrobe (next to jeans). 

This season sees basic cuts like tees and blouses transformed into somewhat of a masterpiece by using gorgeous fabrics and combining them with varied and contrasting cuts... Recontrusting the humble t-shirt into a statement piece, which is obvious in the above look by Manning Cartell, or below where an ordinary white button-up blouse has been made over into a provocative key-hole tuxedo shirt by Tim O'Connor.