I love...Iris Apfel

Iris Apfel is just one of those women. She has a style all her own, that has evolved over time. She is unapologetic for her style and her seeming eccentricity because, she is a pragmatist at heart. Many make the mistake of thinking that if you interested in fashion you must be off with the pixies, this is really not so and Apfel is testament to this. Just look at how happy she is!

I love...Carmen Dell'orefice

A picture can tell a thousand words words and it is a struggle to find the words to describe this woman. Words like 'elegant', 'sophisticated' and 'mature' are all accurate but, often over used and somehow not quite adequate to articulate what it is about Carmen Dell'orefice that is so captivating. To break it down it;s her posture, her radiance, her vigour and her life force that breaks it down.
Here are some pictures to show you exactly what it is:

Decoration and Books

This book has so many dimensions. It offers ideas on great spaces, showcases gorgeous homes, offer tips on furniture and reinvigorating an old piece and even flower arrangements. If you don't know the website you really, really should get familiar with it.

This book has such a wonderful 'London apartment' feel to it. Konig (who has written for Vogue and Domino amongst others and whose mother in design creator Nina Campbell) has such a wonderful sense of style and mixes it with her humour and taste. There are so many great tips in here. I return to it again and again any time a space needs a little pick me up.

If you were luck enough to read Domino magazine before the magazine folded you are luck indeed and know immediately the type of design this book refers to. The use of space in the homes featured in Domino are genius. Like a lounge room with two distinct ares, one huddled around a TV for home cinema nights and another for the sharing of stories and swapping of tales that focus the sitees on each other. These simple but excellent ideas will be found here.

This book is a step by step guide to being your own interior decorator. It gives you all the tools you need to make your home lovely, purposeful and comfortable. The images are brilliant and showcase the work of the author beautifully.

This lovely book focuses strictly on the bedroom and even more so on the bed. The book is not actually based around decorating your room but about all the lovely bedroom bits and bobs needed for a sanctuary of sleep. Any reader will enjoy the whimsy of this; I almost want a friend to get sick so I can send them this book.

A Crisis in Australian Fashion

Australian fashion has been hit hard this year and its victims are many industry leaders. Some have stepped away, some walked away and others were (sadly) pushed. They will never be forgotten for the contribution they have made to our lives and our landscape...
Alannah Hill
Lisa Ho
Collette Dinnigan
Kit Willow
Sass and Bide

As buying big, international brands has become easier, faster and more affordable it has been easy to fall for the siren song of these well known labels and, it is noone's fault that many of our most creative people are not able to use their creative outlet in a viable way in this country.
There is a lesson to be learnt here though and at the most basic level we must be mindful to support our local designers.

Let's make 2014 the year of the Australian designer and buy from our designers at hand!

AHM Fashion Exchange

The idea of a fashion exchange is intriguing and beguiling. Knowing that something no longer wanted can be swapped for free is an ideal way to update your wardrobe. AHM are holding exchanges all over the country to help women make a positive change to their wardrobe. This weekend it was Melbourne's turn, on Saturday, at 1000 Pound Bend.
There was a two hour window to drop your clothes in and then a return time of midday to start shopping. You simply hand over your unwanted items, get tokens to 'spend' and away you go!
This is not for the laid-back shopper, you really must be hard core as the snatch and grab is very intense. Even if you don't find something to take home all left-overs go to charity so it's a win/win situation.
Sign up and have a go!

The Design Files Open House

Vintage Swimwear

The wonderful Nicole Jenkins has been at it again; this time teaching a crowd of wistful summer sun worshippers about vintage swimwear. Nicole is the go to girl of Melbourne when it comes to all things vintage with her boutique. Circa Vintage Clothing in Mitchell House on Lonsdale Street.
Nicole is quick to point out that the focus of ladies swimwear has always been comfort, convenience and functionality and that these simple principles have been the driving force in major innovation in swimwear design and construction for the last 100 years.
And so, here is a brief history...

1920s
Swimwear was made of wool which  felt truly unbearable to wear, just thinking of it hot, heavy and heating up as soon as one left the water is awful. Backs were high as a lady did not tan and suits were difficult to wear and care for - the driving force in their innovation.
There is some use of cotton knit here but, used in a men's racing swimsuit. Not yet used for ladies.

1930s
Construction changes a lot in this era with cotton knit being used predominantly and suits made with bust cups built it. Backs are lower for tanning and it is also the era of the swimdress and beach trousers for ladies. During the later part of this decade rayon and rubber blend is used to make swimsuits, far more practical.

1940s
The beginning of the 'fit and flare' style, suits are made of rayon fail and rubber and often accompanied by beach jackets worn to and from the beach. This decade launched the bikini in the U.S. but they were not seen in Australia until the 1960s.

1950s
For the first time there are no buttons or zips required suggesting that stretch had come a long way and that fit had improved. The emphasis is on the figure and swimwear highlights the bust, waist and bum.