ISSUE 50 WE LOVE...

Clash-tastic

Hot Mess

Brash Beauty



From left: Clash combo; Oliva Palermo; Elena Perminova

If you are a little cautious at delving into such a daring trend like clashing prints, then the way to blend it seamlessly into your outfit is by pairing it with a pair of statement heels. This adds a hint of edginess without being OTT.

Olivia Palermo is known for her subtle and chic style. While she isn't afraid to try the trends, she isn't ever one to be too loud in her choices. Here she works a bright purple print dress in a modest style which she clashes beautifully with a leopard print belt - which is an easy way to test out the clashing trend with little cost.

Russian model and street style icon, Elena Perminova knows how to tread the fine line between effortless and trying too hard. She makes this loud ensemble look extremely elegant and natural. A street style pro.

ISSUE 49 WE LOVE...

Velvet Vamp

Sequin Sensation

Metallic Magic



From left: Topshop Velvet Halter Dress, Aje Fonolo Dress, Asos Angel Eye All Over Animal Sequin Wrap Dress

Velvet can be known to conjure cringeworthy memories of bad prom dresses and 90s unforgiving crushed poly-blend styles that are better left collecting dust in the thrift store. But modern fashion brands recently resurrected the plush fabric and remodeled it in the form of fun, fresh party dresses, like this gorgeous mustard halter style from Topshop.

While diamonds might hold the ranking for jewellery, sequins certainly top the list as a girl's best friend in fashion. Whether shiny, matte, distressed or glitzy the sequin has been reinvented into a seductive and chic look. Australian label, Aje have mastered the art. Seek them out for a major sequin injection.

Metallics are no longer the fabric of rock stars. This season will see the glistening styles shine on in metallic coated jeans, mini dresses and gilt skirts. Amp up the volume!

 

ISSUE 48 WE LOVE...

Scarlett fever

Searing hot

Heat is on



From left: Paige Scarlett jeans; J Brand coated red jeans; Balmain red leather pants

There is nothing sexier than a pair of red hot and tight jeans. And Paige do some of the best. Pair with a simple white tee for daytime or a sequinned tank for evening and spice up the night.

Leather pants aren't for everyone. So for those afraid to take the plunge, then you can still have the rock'n'roll aesthetic in a denim jean with the new J Brand coated jean.Rhianna is already a huge fan.

But if you prefer to channel the real rock legends, then leather is for you! Opt for the Balmain variety, they might break your bank but it'll be worth it for the attention they'll garner!

 

ISSUE 47 WE LOVE...

Sheer Genius

See-thru Hue

Street Seen



From left: Anja Rubik at Milan Fashion Week, Bianca Brandolini, Christine Centenera at New York Fashion Week

No-one works the sheer trend quite like supermodel Anja Rubik. This daring look is not for the faint hearted.

If you are keen to try out the see-thru style and don't wish to reveal your knickers, then take style advice from Bianca Brandolini. She's worn a simple mini skirt underneath with a simple white tank top for a casual feel.

Or you could take note from Harpers Bazaar Australia Fashion Editor, Christine Centenera who is always the eptiome of style and class. She opts for a subtler version with a sheer lace skirt and revealing side split, worn with a cozy oversized sweater to give it an urban edge and take the sizzle off slightly.

 

ISSUE 46 WE LOVE...

Royal Hue

Lovely in Lilac

Hot in Heritage



From left: Andy Frock, Cameo Lilac Accordian Sleeve Dress, Halston Heritage gown

Update your cocktail dress with a modern twist and swap the staple black hue for a sapphire blue.

Pop the colour blocking trend into your street style with this sweet lilac dress with a 70s gypset flavour.

Dare to be dramatic in this floor-sweeping bright orange gown. Ensure you're a standout on the dance floorwith and pair it with crystal-embellished accessories and nude heels.


ISSUE 45 WE LOVE...

Man Up

Trendy tomboy

Boyish vibe



From left: Ellery vest, Therese Rawsthorne shirt, Willow jacket

Man up this season with this structured Ellery vest over a white shirt for a fitting fashion look at the office.

Tackle the trendy tomboy with an mannish jacket that fits the female form to flatter the figure.

Work this season’s man-style trend with this T.R Ensemble rib sleeve fitted shirt in a lavender hue.

 

ISSUE 44 WE LOVE...

Crop it Up

Midriff Maven

Belly Grazer



From left: Ellery Leather crop top, Asos premium zip back leather crop top, Kahlo leather tank top

It doesn’t get any sexier than this, a leather midriff courtesy of cutting-edge Australian designer Ellery. Wear it with high waisted pants or a maxi skirt to flash just a smidgen of flesh this summer.

This Asos leather crop top in the chicest citrus flavour ticks two crucial style boxes – the everything-leather trend and the season’s love for bold brights.

If you don’t dare to bare this season’s belly grazers, then opt for a leather tank in a cool box shape that sits squarely on your hips. This one is by new Australian label, Kahlo.

 

ISSUE 43 WE LOVE...

Lace-tastic

Lover-ly romance

I see-through you



From left: Christopher Kane lace biker jacket, Lover RAFW 11/12, Friend of Mine RAFW 11/12

First it was the sheer trend with see-thru shirts to silk organza maxi skirts, now enter peek-a-boo lace.
Christopher Kane combined the feminine fashion with this season’s love affair for everything neon when he designed this acid green lace biker jacket. Who’s turning green with envy?

After their return to the RAFW catwalks, Australians have fallen in love once again with home-grown designer duo, Lover. Think flowing lace gowns and sweet decorative dresses in the girly fabric that evokes whimsical fantasies of youth and innocence.

It’s not often we see lace with an attitude, but this cheeky mini dress from Melbourne brand, Friend of Mine at their debut fashion week show, is a little naughty and nice.

 

ISSUE 42 WE LOVE...

Faux fur

Caramel coat

Ankle booties



From left: Decjuba faux fur cardigan, Michael Kor camel coloured coat, Tony Bianco ankle booties

Get the look this autumn with faux fur detail, on jackets or cardigans. Nothing shouts now like faux fur.

To quote the great Michael Kors “camel looks indulgent like winter white but has the pragmatism of gray and black. It’s the best of both worlds. … A camel coat evokes throwaway glamour.”

Stay on trend with a pair of ankle booties, you can’t fail to go wrong with this season’s must have.

 

ISSUE 41 WE LOVE...

Girlie girls

Whoa Mildred!

Elephant boys



From left: J Crew Rosalie Dress, Alpha 60 Mildred jacket, Vanishing Elephant.

Hailing from US retailer J Crew this wonderfully girly girl's dress is also refreshingly modern. For parties or summer play dates - thank heavens for little girls.

Alpha 60 has a knack for creating genuinely original clothing that often bucks current trends and always offers something new. Witness the gorgeous silk Mildred jacket.

Offering genuinely offbeat looks and a distinct penchant for quality, Sydney brand Vanishing Elephant is giving Australian menswear a run for its money.

 

ISSUE 40 WE LOVE...

Orange burst

Shine on

Summer lovin'



From left: Sambag wedges, Top Shop mac, Kingston Road dress.

Sambag's Angelina wedges offer knockout comfort and style, and dressed in this citrus orange number your feet will feel refreshed all day.

When cooler, wetter weather threatens, do as the Brits do. Face off the grey, dank skies with a shiny, sunny yellow mac like this one from Top Shop.

US style giant Anthropologie reminds us that summer is on its way for some, with this brightly striped vintage style Kingston Road dress.


ISSUE 39 WE LOVE...

Mesop fable

Flower power

Belle of the ball



From left: Mesop; River Island Tote; BelleBika.

A mouth watering collection of basic garments to complement existing faves, Mesop is a wardrobe keeper.

This tote from River Island provides s fresh, floral take on an accessories staple.

Up and coming label BelleBika combines slick looks and daring hues to admirable effect.

 

ISSUE 38 WE LOVE...

Gypsy queens

Twice the ice

I am man



From left: Nevenka; Elk double wrap belt in ice blue; French Connection menswear campaign.

The Gypsy trend returned in force for spring/summer 10/11, building on the immortal boho look. Nevenka's aptly named Gypsetter range channels the vibe with its own uniquely modern style.

Ice blue has emerged as a statement colour this season and Elk accessories has gone to town with the glacial hue; witness this double wrap belt - two shots of cool for the price of one

Fashion ads sometimes take themselves a little seriously, but not French Connection's men's campaign, in which fooling around with squids is just one of the refreshingly silly things this hairy fellow gets up to.

 

Issue 37 WE LOVE...

Boxed up

Stripe-erama

Tribal treat



From left: Penhaligon's cufflink box, Saba Mimi striped knit; Karen Millen tribal print clutch.

As sold through Melbourne emporium Harrolds, this marquetry cufflink box from Penhaligon's is just right for the man who has everything.

Bold stripes are back... in a big way - check out this hip oversized black and white knitted number from cool style arbiter Saba.

This stunning clutch from Karen Millen is a keeper. Described as ‘Tribal' and channelling current trends, it also has a classic Deco edge that will last a lifetime.

 

ISSUE 36 WE LOVE...

Cuff it

The art of Envy

Get waisted



From left: Oroton Polsino cuff; Green With Envy; Eyelet Belt from Peeptoe Shoes

Looking to bring out your inner Beverley Hills diva? Look no further than the fearsome Oroton Polsino cuff.

This ultra-seductive image from Australian designer emporium Green With Envy tells us everything we need to know about the brand.

This groovy belt from Peeptoe Shoes features gold eyelets and a woven look, adding a gilt edge finish to any get-up.

 

ISSUE 35 WE LOVE...

Merry kids-mass

Baubles

Cool Yule



From left: Country Road shirt, apple necklace, Nicola Cerini T-shirt.

This scrumptious Country Road gingham shirt is a great festive style statement for little folk.

Made in Victoria, the Kearnsie apple necklace is a Christmas bauble with a difference.

Nicola Cerini's floral and geometrical print T-shirt promises a cool Yule.

 

ISSUE 34 WE LOVE...

Art of retail

Lightheaded

The London look



From left: Natalie Lete working on a Blue Illusion window; Sussan trilby; Jack London.

Blue Illusion's recent partnership with French artist Natalie Lete produced a unique product line as well partner events at which Lete embellished the windows of selected stores, captured on film. How's that for a great integrated brand experience?!

Fresh, simple white is a key note for the summer season, and while some of us might hesitate to wear it head to toe, sticking to the head will work well with something like this clean, cool Sussan trilby.

Wanna join the band? Melbourne label Jack London lets young men dress like the tailored, if slightly dangerous, lead singer of that rock posse that only guys who are truly wired in have heard about.

 

ISSUE 33 WE LOVE...

Boys of summer

Colour splash

Lounge love


From left: Ben Sherman, Gant, Bendon.

The official go-to for great men's threads, Ben Sherman offers the quintessential summer look, featuring a signature shirt and the season's hottest trend; tailored shorts.

Typically associated with the crisp, clean style of classic chic, Gant has released these beautiful frocks, proving it can also supply exotic sass on demand.

Bendon is widely seen as another word for bra, so triumphant is it in that category, but check out the brand's loungewear offer for a mind-altering experience.

 

ISSUE 32 WE LOVE...

Frills 'n' spills

Sharp angles

Maximum chic



From left: Freya bikini; Martin Grant Rectangle dress; Maxi dress by Forever New.


Itsy-bitsy? Teeny-weeny? Not exactly... This emerald polka dot bikini by Freya provides generous coverage and flirty frills in all the right places. Perfection.

Based in Paris, Australian designer Martin Grant is beloved by discerning style-stas including Cate Blanchett. This bold graphic Rectangle dress demonstrates why.

A floaty maxi dress like this one from Forever New will have chic chicks all set for summer. Accessorise with blooms, beads and bicycle.

 

ISSUE 31 WE LOVE...

Galan man

True blue

New denim



From left: Arthur Galan, David Lawrence, Dries Van Noten.

Arthur Galan will always remain a staple for sartorially minded menfolk. A suit tricked up with a dapper, colourful scarf in hot seasonal hues is still wearable through the cooler days of spring.

No longer the preserve of public transport officials' or school kids' uniforms, blue is as big as the night sky this season, with this lustrous deep sapphire number by David Lawrence proving a show stopper.

Is there any designer hipper than Dries Van Noten? Here, denim has reached new heights of slouchy yet tailored cool. Teamed with gleaming crisp whites, just looking at it brings the body temperature down.

 

ISSUE 30 WE LOVE...

Summer lovin'

Bird in flight

Cool Crew



From left: Easton Pearson, Nancy Bird, J Crew.

Brisbane label Easton Pearson always offers something hot for summer; the zesty yellow in this sizzling frock with ruffled neckline is enough to get anyone ready for the rising mercury.

Australian accessories label Nancy Bird offers exquisite flights of fancy, with this number, the Poppy Clutch, boasting locally printed fabrics, a sumptuous lining and a dash of spring colour.

US retailer J Crew is heading into northern hemisphere autumn (aka fall) with plenty of neat little cold weather options like this Merino Moto sweater with asymmetrical ruffle and two way zip.

ISSUE 29 WE LOVE...

Blue skies

Heavenly threads

Cool Britannia


From left: Seafolly, Limedrop, Burberry.

Aah, the clear blue skies and crystalline waters of high summer... Seafolly will always get Australians in the mood for the year's hottest season, evaporating winter worries in its rays.

If you have a tendency to keep your head in the clouds, edgy label Limedrop will allow you to do the same with your body, these unique digital print garments wrapping in you in a slice of heaven.

Once worn by the upper classes, iconic Brit brand Burberry has reached the higher echelons of hipdom. This campaign shot is enough to make Aussies mourn winter's passing.

 

ISSUE 28 WE LOVE...

Shifty chic

Shining star in fog

Pretty puzzle


From left: Paul & Joe, Christina Hendricks for London Fog, Jigsaw.

French label Paul & Joe does a nice line in continental European dressing... this glamorous emerald shift epitomises the brand's hip style, lending itself easily to daywear or cocktail hour.

Cyberspace is thrumming with Christina Hendricks, thanks to the ‘Mad Men' actress' unabashed voluptuousness. US brand London Fog picked up the craze, featuring her in its A/W campaign.

Jigsaw is a great buy for classic feminine clothing, with the brand's latest campaign, including this dashing striped blazer, is reminiscent of summer garden parties at crumbling aristocratic homes.

 

ISSUE 27 WE LOVE...

Into the Wood

Issey forever

Laser Lustre

From left: TL Wood; Issey Miyake, Zoemou.

Melbourne brand TL Wood's latest ranges blend a muted palette with splashes of colour to evoke an intriguing, introspective mood.

Japanese fashion design icon Issey Miyake just seems to keep getting better and better; witness the sky high panache of his autumn winter 2010 collection.

Reminiscent of art nouveau designs from 1920s Paris, Australian jewellery label Zoemou's lazer cut pieces make a sublime statement.

 

ISSUE 26 WE LOVE...

Young roadies
Hope springs
Going hunting

From left: Country Road, Emma Hope frame bags, Twitchett & Tonge Hunter Vest.

There's something subtle but significant happening at Country Road, with its latest campaign rocking a distinctly young vibe. What's not to love about that?

UK high end designer Emma Hope does a nice wee line in shoes and bags for the top notch crowd. These mock croc frame bags incarnate the brand's classic covet factor.

Knitwear label Twitchett & Tonge has done wonders for the category, with this Hunter Vest channelling hard edged style... a blend of Mad Max and Roxy Music backing vocalist.

 

ISSUE 25 WE LOVE...

Eye candy
Black beauty
Technicolour

From left: Miu Miu, Ruby Smallbone, Gorman

Candy colours meet striking hues at Miu Miu, the house of Prada darling that fuses sensuality with a distinctly independent spirit.

Ruby Smallbone is beloved of women everywhere, including the likes of Eva Mendes and Kate Hudson. This unique take on black elegance explains why.

Gorman has played a big part in adding a unique yet attainable twist of wit and colour to Australian fashion, unravelling the ‘Melbourne black' cliché in the process.

 

 

ISSUE 24 WE LOVE...

Flipping out
Great stuff
Style seduction

From left: Boden skirt, Burberry great coat, Seduce.

UK mail order company Boden is a leader in its category, offering wardrobe staples like the fabulous Flippy Panelled skirt at the click of a mouse.

Who says men draw the short straw when it comes to fashion? Complete with delicious shearling over collar, this Burberry double breasted great coat is well, quite simply a great coat.

Girls in the mood for summer should turn to sizzling fashion brand Seduce, which continually updates its ranges to provide 100 per cent boredom-resistant style.

 

ISSUE 23 WE LOVE...

Luxe travel
Tasty taupe
Watch me

From left: Mela Purdie, Paris watch from Witchery, Tony Bianco boots.

Mela Purdie manages to be reliably consistent and continually fresh and desirable at the same time, a tough feat in today's fashion rat race. Designed for long haul voyages, her clothes suit armchair travellers equally well.

Grey browns and taupes are the colour of the moment when it comes to footwear and accessories. Witness this great style from Tony Bianco, which offers a great alternative to blacks and browns.

New in at Witchery is the fabulous Paris watch. With stainless steel pyramid stud band and teeny tiny pyramid stud indices on the dial, this goes beyond fashion jewellery into the realm of the true classic.

 

ISSUE 22 WE LOVE...

Holy Trinity
French dressing
Wired up

From left: Trinity frock by Rachel Gilbert; Chipie kids; John Varvatos wire collared shirt.
 
Sydney based designer Rachel Gilbert is known for perfectionism and business savvy. This Trinity dress epitomises her. It's perfect; it's the business. Need we say more?

You've gotta love the French for their ability to dress children in a style that is smart and fun without being precocious. Letting kids be kids is Chipie's selling point.

US designer John Varvatos has a keen eye for understatement and practicality, witness this wire collar shirt that can be customised to suit wearer's needs.

 

ISSUE 21 WE LOVE...

Wave riding
Beasty boys
Long on style

From left: Anthropologie wedges; Calibre, long frock by Leona Edmiston.

A favourite with retail aficionados everywhere, US store Anthropologie's current line of footwear is nothing short of mouthwatering. Pictured: Overlapping Wave Wedges.

Melbourne menswear brand Calibre has an untarnished reputation for re-styling Australian men. Its most recent campaign fuses urban hip with animal magnetism.

The trend for long dresses continues apace, with this colourful number by the one and only Leona Edmiston embodying the look to perfection.

 

ISSUE 20 WE LOVE...

Style on Cue
Winter white
Pretty panels

From left: Cue, Morrison, Pure Pod.

Cue clothing has really vamped up its look in recent seasons, taking sleek women's clothing to the edge. Key looks include heavy gold edging and a shot of ‘Balmain-ia'.

You've got to love Morrison, not just for their stunning clothing but for great styling. Now everyone will want a white frock and black tights this winter.

For city chicks with green souls, Pure Pod may just be the answer to everything, with this beautiful panelled skirt epitomising the label's time-travelling style.

ISSUE 19 WE LOVE...

Cash-ing in
Funky scarves
Brooch-fest

From left: Alessandra cashmere, Funkis print scarf, Elk accessories.

The only bad thing about cashmere is that once you've experienced it, nothing else will do. The good thing about Alessandra is that you'll never grow tired of wearing it. In short, it's cash well spent.

This print scarf from Aussie Scandinavian specialist Funkis Swedish Forms is perfect for dealing with cooler climes without compromising on cooler looks.

A brooch from Elk accessories is the perfect accompaniment to wardrobe staples, adding a dash of wit and colour to anything from a smart grey marl tunic to a black knit ‘sloppy Joe'.

 

ISSUE 18 WE LOVE...

Potent prints
To Move it
Sass-ey chic

From left: Anna Thomas; Move by Metalicus; Sass & Bide.

After a tsunami of blousons and crops, formal tailored jackets are making a comeback, pepped up, like this sartorial poem by Anna Thomas, with a dash of print or texture.

Metalicus has made a business out of stretching the possibilities of fabric to the limits, literally. Now it's asking us to do the same with our bodies, with this season's release of its activewear sub-brand 'Move'.

Sass & Bide's quasi tribal approach to self adornment sits well with current seasons' ethnic sub-trend - if there's one brand to make a saucy harness look like a classic, it's got to be Sass & Bide.

 

ISSUE 17 WE LOVE...

Veronika oh Veronika
Mini me
Baker's delight

From left: Veronika Maine womenswear, Little Leona, Ted Baker menswear 

Jewel colours with an earthy muted edge are a match made in heaven, and Veronika Maine, still holding sway as a high street label to be reckoned with, does them proud.

It was only a matter of time before Leona Edmiston applied her unique vision to a younger demographic. She's done so with Little Leona; chic without being precocious.

Ted Baker puts fun and colour into menswear without draining off any of its style. Like movie icon Cary Grant, there's humour and pizzazz in all TB's ranges... and if you're lucky, a parrot.