RIP Lee McQueen

I was watching the news this morning whilst having breakfast, and saw the news that Alexander McQueen has died, at the age of 40.

Now I have loved fashion pretty much since I was two, and literally grew up in the fabric departments of Myer and Aherns, flipping through the pattern books and playing with the habadashary with my mother.

But it wasn't until I moved to London at age 22, that my overwhelming adoration and obsession began, and that had a lot to do with Alexander McQueen.

I had already had a brief flirtation with London fashion & music my first trip there (we lived down the street from EMI records, and would see Blur all the time!), but the second time Cool Britannia had hit and all these amazing designers were let loose.



McQueen's influence for me really started with his love of tailoring (which I assume sprang from his apprenticeship on Saville Row). The way that a piece of fabric could transform or enhance your shape - this was magic to me. And then over the years his amazing collections would always be a stand-out...even if it wasn't necessarily something I would wear (or could afford), I was always moved.



So to hear of Lee McQueen's passing has really affected me. It seems odd to be this affected by the death of a man I have never met, and whose life has been so different to mine, but I suppose his designs (and what they represent) made such an impact on me that I feel like a little part of my past has gone too.



RIP Mr McQueen - you certainly won't be forgotten.

Ooh la la

Ooh la la indeed - just been trawling the web looking at some of the upcoming collections and I found these gorgeous dresses from Friends of Couture's A/W 2010 collection:



And I'm simply in love with this hat (although I don't know how I'd go on the streets of Melbourne with it):



For more on this collection, you should take a look at Style Melbourne's blog (the link is in my faves)

I have decided my most pressing shopping needs however, are definitely summery work clothes. Luckily, almost all the recent mags have had articles on putting together a great capsule work wardrobe, so I've been very inspired. Now only to have the money to shop!

Naughty Zuel!

Gah - so here I am again after not writing anything for months! I was thinking that I need to start writing again, so have made a pact with myself to try and update this blog once a week (minimum). So you have my official blessing to rap my knuckles if I don't keep it up!

Back to fashion - I am simply longing to be able to wear autumn/winter clothes again, especially with all the magazines touting the new collections. Did I mention I'm a magazine junkie?)

Unfortunately it's high summer right now, so I'm stuck trying to work my favourite things into a summery outfit. Ah well, that's why god invented accessories, right?

Mr Zuel and I recently moved to a new apartment, and I have discovered a new favourite shop on Carlilse Street, Balaclava, called Little Lost Land. Its filled with new and vintage treasures and well worth a look if you're down this way.

Because of the new apartment, I've also extended my magazine habit to design & interiors. Its so exciting to see it all come together, and to change various inspirations into our own style reality.

Ok, well I'd better fly! Staying in tonight to get my beauty sleep and do my nails (or perhaps the other way around)...tomorrow, Ikea and Inspirasia await.

#1 Desire for the week

I walk down Collins Street in Melbourne every day on the way to and from work, and this particular bag from Wittner is currently beckoning to me....

Can't find a picture to show you, but its the beautiful navy & white stripy clutch, named "Camille".

Check it out at: www.wittner.com.au and if you're super lovely, buy it for me darling?

Darling Dior

Ohhh, I am so in love!! Just had a look at the latest Dior show from the amazing and inspirational John Galliano, and these are my faves: (pics from The Age website btw)

All-over stunning:


I think I shall always have a thing for leopard...



And how Dynasty/Joan Collins/bloody fantastic is this hat!!

Chanel, and other such ramblings

Currently hanging out to see the new film about Coco Chanel! I totally love Audrey Tatou, and am also hoping they focus on her design work as much as they do her life. I can never go past anything Chanel (or on my budget Chanel-esque!)...even though my figure is certainly more to the hourglass shape rather than the original flapper girl of the 1920's.

I like to describe my personal style as "quirky classic"...which basically means I do base my wardrobe around the classic shapes and colours that have always done a girl a favour, but also like to mix in my own twist. Today's outfit for work is a pair of man-style black pants, black & grey tiny striped top with a black cardigan over the top, black beads, black patent leather heels (with a vintage edge), hair has been left curly and bobbed, and topped with my faithful raspberry beret.

Speaking of Chanel, and quirky classics, how fantastic are these shoes:


I'm in love!

Swoon!

Currently lusting after an amazing pair of red high heeled slippers, featured in an inStyle article about Dita Von Teese. Certainly I do tend to drool over most things Dita-esque...but these shoes are just stunning. They're on page 56 of the new InStyle magazine (Australian) if you're curious.

Also considering a sequinned beret. I currently own about 4 berets (black felt, raspberry felt, white woollen and grey woollen), but am thinking a sequinned beret might make a fetching addition to the collection, in kind of a Roseanna Arquette in "Desperately Seeking Susan" way - you know, after she regained her memory but still kept the "Susan" style, when she's making out with Aiden Quinn in the cinema.

Hmm, I don't know, still thinking about it!

Also considering the purchase of a 1950's style frilly apron, to surprise my man with on our upcoming holiday. Apron + nothing else but a pair of heels and a smile of course...