The Lilac Mannequin

By Popular Request: Menswear!

Monday, June 6, 2011

I've decided to turn The Lilac Mannequin up-side-down for this post...this post was inspired by none other than my brother! A few weeks ago my brother started a new job, so we spent half the weekend shopping and I couldn't resist styling him. I'm surprised by the many guys who seek my style and fashion advice and who follow my blog. So I've decided to try something new and start incorporating fashion posts for my male followers. Don't hesitate to let me know what you would like to see..style advice, male celebrity inspiration, street wear, corporate wear, editorials, runway collections! But because this post was inspired by my brother and his corporate wear, I leave you with Lagerfeld's new Fall 2011 collection featuring Baptise Giabiconi.

Rachel Zoe Resort 2012 Collection

Thursday, June 2, 2011

If there's one person I'd love to meet, it's Rachel Zoe..Just when you thought she couldn't possibly out do herself, out comes her Resort 2012 collection to make you go completely bananas! For her second collection, Rachel of course remained true to her 70s aesthetic and style however, pushed the boundaries, adding dashes of vibrant colour and played with prints and proportions... high waisted coloured and denim flares, maxi dresses and skirts with subtle slits on the side, ruffle mini dresses, simple shift dresses, leather and sequins, jumpsuits, structured jackets, cut outs, and my personal favourite..the long simple, halter, black and white dress with sequins! L.O.V.E. What's next for Rachel Zoe? Well the fourth instalment of The Rachel Zoe Project is set to air in July! But that's not all Rachel is planning a jewellery line for Fall 2012! Rachel loves 'excessories' more than clothes, so I can only image what she has planned!

Never Fear, Flipsters are Here!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

A few weeks ago I attended Fashion Weekend Sydney. There I ran into Ben and Rick the creators of the amazing footwear innovation, Flipsters whom I met a year ago at Fashion Forward Festival. I was really excited to see just how much Flipsters had grown since then! When I first blogged Flipsters a year ago, there was one style and about two colours to choose from. A year later and the Flipsters original style is now available in more colours and the Flipsters product range now includes fold up ballerina Flipsters flats. When I'm not in heels I'm in ballerina flats, so when Ben and Rick handed me a pair of Flipsters ballerina flats to try, I was quite excited! The Flipsters flats are available in three colours, black, silver and black and white. Whilst I spent the time trying to decide which colour to choose (a very hard decision because I love all three), the guys' main aim was to ensure comfort and fit with the right size. Sizes range from 5-12, so no matter what your size, Flipsters have you covered. So what do I love about my new Flipsters flats? The most important thing, comfort. The sole of the shoe is cushioned and strategically designed to ensure comfort. What amazes me about Flipsters is how they fold..so small, directly into a little pouch, that can fit into a clutch and weigh next to nothing! If only I had a pair of Flipster flats during fashion week! For more information or to purchase a pair of Flipsters head to http://www.flipsters.com.au/ Oh and I ended up with the black pair.. I'm always in tights and they suit them perfectly.

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Constance Jablonski for Harper's Bazaar UK

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Constance Jablonski never ceases to amaze me! This time she is gracing the pages of Harper's Bazaar UK's May 2011 issue...A combination of minimalistic pieces, mixed with vibrant prints.

Camilla takes us back to the days of Woodstock!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

She's the Kaftan Queen, one of Rachel Zoe's "most cherished worldly designers" and her pieces are endorsed by celebrities including Oprah, Beyonce, Fergie, Elle Macpherson and Nicole Kidman.. I'm talking about the one and only Camilla Franks, whom I was so fortunate to meet and view her amazing new A/W 2011 Woodstock collection. I recently attended an exclusive event at Camilla Franks' Bondi Beach House boutique. Camilla's Beach House is exquisite! It's her 'baby', her little sanctuary and after spending the afternoon there, I can see why!
To my surprise, Camilla actually began her career in theatre. However, it wasn't too long before Camilla discovered she had a natural flair and talent for design. Camilla's pieces are sold in high end boutiques and luxury department stores across the world...not forgetting she has three gorgeous boutiques in Australia and sold nationally in David Jones stores and online. When I think about Camilla's pieces, I automatically think long kaftans, vibrant neon colours, psychedelic and unique prints and exquisite beading, featured in her S/S 2010/11 Babylon collection. However, Camilla claims she has two sides to her personality her bubbly and vibrant (her Babylon collection) and her more relaxed, love of nature and music side (her Woodstock collection). Camilla's current collection is inspired none other than the famous Woodstock Festival of 1969..think rock music like Jimmy Hendrix, hippie fashion, campfires, peace and mother nature. For this collection Camilla remained true to her design aesthetic, but decided to add a few new colours, techniques, pieces, styles and prints. Camilla opted for a traditional winter pallet with natural earthy tones. Camilla gave us an insight into the different ways to wear a kaftan.. you name it, long, short and even a skirt! The versatility is unbelievable and so trans-seasonal. Her Woodstock collection incorporates her signatory kaftan, however, now it’s all about 'layering'. Take the kaftan and create your own style, by adding layers! Camilla's product range has increased and now includes, leggings, leather vests, harem pants, cashmere knitted jumpers, camisoles, reversible cardigan, beanies, scarfs, shoes and my favourite, the 70s turbans! What intrigues me most about Camilla's collections, especially this one, is her attention to detail. Each print is unique. Camilla designs her prints, one even featuring her jewellery. Each piece is individually printed so it sits perfectly on the varying necklines and silhouettes. Her use of Swarovski crystals, beading and silks is exquisite. As for the leather vest? Camilla used an old art form where stones are embedded in the leather and then hand painted. Camilla embraces every woman's shape and size by enabling each individual to adapt and style the pieces according to their shape.
Not only do I love Camilla's unique aesthetic, but I also love her warm and friendly personality. She really took the time to talk to everyone and made us feel really welcomed. It was a pleasure meeting Camilla, her 'kaftan princesses' and the team from Hush Communications.
(Images taken by me)