lushaliscious

ODLR Gets Innovative

2012-02-16T19:11:00.004+11:00

For those who might not know, my day job while not daydreaming about a life more fashionable is in advertising strategy. Which explains one of the reasons I get excited about fashion campaigns like this and this. I think the ad industry shares many similarities with the fashion industry... it is fast-paced, creative, evolving and is communicating "something".

I got well over excited when I read about the delectable house of Oscar De La Renta crowd-sourcing the brainstorming stage for their next resort collection (read more here). For those who love Pinterest, this campaign is for you. "The Board" is ODLRs space where fans can get involved with the brand in a way that has never been made possible on a mass scale before - they can contribute to the fabulous fashion process by sharing a photo or video they personally believe to be inspiring. As the process evolves; there will be more specific requirements, such as colour or texture. But for now, if you are inspired - you can share it with Oscar de la Renta and influence them.

From a communications and fan point of view I love this for many many reasons - builds a community and is organically shareable; creates a new owned media channel; offers personalisation; creates a collective brand ownership and gives something back to fans - like me!

I always love hearing from you, what do you think?

*Sorry this is slightly different to the usual type of post on lushaliscious...

My First Blog Hop...

2012-02-14T16:21:00.001+11:00

I like to try new things.. and this newbie experience is a blog hop! Kori from Blonde Episodes is our hostes and we're hopping around to talk about luuurrrrve on Valentine's Day. So linky ladies who love to blog hop: to me, love means "being you, only better when there are the two of you".

I'm actually boycotting Valentine's Day, Mr Jack and I don't believe in the "Hallmark Holiday" so instead we are going out for a fun dinner with good friends for chats and laughs.

Whatever you get up to, have a Hapy Valentine's day and Happy Blog Hopping!!

{Photo via Pinterest}

Seeing Red

2012-02-09T23:33:00.000+11:00

{Jacket: DAY Birger et Mikkelsen; Shirt: ASOS (old. similar here; Jeans: Zara; Bag: Sportsgirl; Shoes: Miss KG; Jewellry: Marc by Marc Jacobs; BFrend; Cat Hammill}

Last night, some friends and I went to the Open Air Cinema (saw The Iron Lady, how amazing is Streep?). It was a stunning set-up: seated at the tip of the botanic gardens over-looking the Sydney cityscape all lit up, harbour and all. As it has been quite unpredictable weather wise for the last few weeks, I took every opportunity to be prepared with my new jacket. I like how the jingle jangle shoulders and pockets transform it from a functional coat into something that feels really spesh.

A big thanks to my friend Drapes, for taking my photos and putting up with my outbursts of laughter (I felt thoroughly silly taking these shots infront of picnic-ers - but I will get better).

Fore Play

2012-02-09T00:10:00.000+11:00

Last weekend was one of the few 'proper' sunny weekends we've had in Sydney allll summer... the British in me a) allows me to whinge about the current weather and b) allows me to be eternally optimistic the weather will improve and that, yes, we will have a long, hot, (late) summer.

{skirt: French Connection (old), vest: m&s; hat: Sportsgirl; trainers: puma; golf glove: titleist}

The sunny weekend was packed with early morning runs around the harbour; dinners on beaches; reading in the park; playing golf with friends (wearing the most un-golf-like attire, my Golf Club at home would never allow me to play wearing this ensemble!). We also explored a new beach in the National Park where I encountered my first ever leech attack - it was very unlushaliscious - but didn't stop the weekend being a load of fun.

Welly Outfit

2012-02-03T21:07:00.000+11:00

{T-Shirt Dress - The Gap ; Necklace - Kookai; Sandals - Nine West; Bag - Miu Miu (old); Bracelets - Tiffany, Thomas Sabor}

I was so kerfuffled over what to pack for our Christmas holiday to New Zealand. I knew we would be hopping from beach to mountain to city to glacier and that the climate was going to be unreliable - layering was my main strategy. After a week of being nowhere near a city I got excited about our 24 hours in Wellington for a chance to wear a city outfit. I absolutely loved this t-shirt dress from GAP - it was perfect and I layered it with a white blazer from Zara (no photos of that... error!).

The last photo is me being a fairy trying to walk down a very steep hill (although doesn't look it in the photo...typical!), much to my boyfriend's amusement. It took me a while - I didn't want to scuff my sandals!!!

I have to make a disclaimer: I ended up having to return this dress at GAP (along with an identical one in grey) as they both shrank after one cool, gentle machine wash. Gutted - I thought it was going to be a staple season hump item. I wasn't sure whether to include it in a post but thought it is best to share these things.

What are your fav items to take on holiday?

Campaign love :: Prada

2012-02-03T00:05:00.000+11:00

I don't know what isn't to love about this video from Prada to promote their Spring/Summer 2012 collection:-

- Sorbet colours

- Delicate fabrics

- Pleats

- Lushious pink lips

- Silk scarves

- Retro 50's Americano

- Oversized jewels fit for any Kate (not just Middleton)

- Fierce automobiles

- Killer tunes

As I said, is there anything not to love?

Ace

2012-01-27T17:46:00.000+11:00

I've been wanting to start tennis lessons for about 5 years; there has been a pledge on my c.v - in that section that talks about aspirations - along with learning french for aaaaages!!! Well, 2012 is the year. Yes! I am starting tennis lessons on Tuesday night.

I went out to buy a racket this week and surprisingly convinced myself to opt for funtionality over style - luckily I'm in love with it's gnarly black/white/gold colour scheme. It was a challenge to not choose the piece of equipment that looked the prettiest, but I did get to choose a glittery rubber heart dampener (for all the novices like me out there: it's the thing that is stuck to the strings and stops the vibrations).

Call it Australian Open fever, but I am now switching my attention to the perfect tennis lesson outfit and would be overjoyed to have this retro Wilson bag filled with anything from the Stella McCartney for Adidas range.

This weekend will be mostly spent watching the finals of the Australian Open interspersed with running, swimming, a date night to see La Soiree, Sunday baking and of course getting in some sneaky practise with my new racket in anticipation of Tennis Tuesdays that start next week.

Have a lush weekend. Good Luck to Murray tonight!

Where to buy:

1, 2, 3, 4 - Stella McCartney for Adidas
5 - Wilson Leather Bag
6 - Wilson Cierzo Two Racket

White Maxi skirt and top - Hermes S/S 2010. Image from here

Zesty

2012-01-19T14:44:00.000+11:00

I haven't used a Body Shop product in what must be over 15 years (remember the white musk spray - what a delectable treat that was on a birthday!) but when I saw the limited Satsuma range in a store window - the hot weather and sweet smell got the better of me an I was lured in to the store to buy the body butter and matching shower gel.

I later realised that I am in the midst of a zesty fest as I am also steaming my way through the Clarins Energising range full of vitamin C, it smells fresh and feels light on the skin - perfect for this muggy Summer we are having in Sydney.

My sub-conscious citrus crush piqued yesterday when I bought this playsuit from Sass and Bide. I had been swooning over since the SS/11 range hit stores and it was a snip in the sale! I just so happened to have bought some cute earrings last week too. I feel fresh and ready for 2012 with my sweet smelling smellies and floaty light new threads.

1. Satsuma Body Butter, Body Shop
2. Satsuma Shower Gel, Body Shop
3. Rose Stud Duo Set, Sportsgirl
4. Clarins Energising Cleansing Gel
5. Clarins Energising Cream Gel
6. The Legacy Playsuit, Sass and Bide

Christmas 2011

2012-01-19T14:31:00.000+11:00

Hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I spent the holiday in New Zealand with my Australian family (we have a lovely group of friends who feel like family over here!) and Chistmas day was very relaxing in the Coromandel. It felt so strange to open gifts while sat on the beach, sipping chilled champagne - you don't get that in Cardiff!

Shirt - J.Crew, Lounge Pants - Abercrombie, Sunglasses - Thrited

10 sec hotel review :: The Lyall, Melbourne

2011-11-21T18:40:00.001+11:00

I stayed at The Lyall, a boutique hotel situated on a trendy and leafy lined street of South Yarra, for four days last week. Even though I was non-stop all week while attending a work conference, I still somehow managed to walk away feeling revitalised and refreshed. I put this down to:

- the ambience of the hotel being chic but calming, it didn't feel stuffy or ornamental
- the impeccable personal service from all the staff meant I didn't even have to think
- my suite having the comfiest pillows and bed (dangerously comfy! Don't forget to set your alarm)
- the indulging power rain shower and spa bath every morning and night
- the scrumptious breakfast I had to fire up my day, every morning (there are plenty of healthy options, but I would most recommend the 'french toast and crispy bacon' - it's devilishly tasty)

I didn't have time to take advantage of the gorgeous spa or gym facilities, which would have made my time even more relaxing - well, I was there to work after all!

Sassy Spree

2011-11-21T18:09:00.000+11:00

Forgive me savings account, for I have sinned.

I spent the majority of last week in Melbourne for the Creative Innovation conference. My time here confirmed two things:

1.I absolutely love love love the energy and heart beat found in the little back streets and jizzy jangle bars

2. Melbs trumps Sydney for shopping hands down.

I blame the electrifying city-feel for bursting my shopping embargo and prompting me to make some naughty purchases in Sass and Bide. I have been eying up the bright and shiny aztec summer collection for the last few weeks - it was only a matter of time before I cracked. I was best friends with the sales assistant after I left!

Can't wait to wear these newbie embellished shorts the most.

Did you make any naughty but nice purchases over the weekend? What was your fav buy?

Psychedelic Angels

2011-11-10T17:23:00.000+11:00

The blog-o-sphere will be an Angel overload today following the infamous Victoria's Secrets Fashion Show at 69th Armory, New York last night. The live jukebox courtesy of Kanye, Jay Z (Beyonce FROWed it up in a beautiful white gown) and Maroon 5 provided the beats while the flurry of hot angels strutted their 6 foot stuff down the runway.

You have to appreciate the Victoria's Secrets show for what it is - energizing, bright-a-li-scious, (ultra neon bright this year - love it!) sexy, girly, frou-frou galore, over the top - fun.

Here are my best bits and for the record, my absolute fav is the neon disco ball angel at the top - would you wear it in wigan? Yes!

Photos courtesy of Grazia Australia, Fashion etc and USA Today

Oodles on Coggles

2011-10-20T18:21:00.000+11:00

Brace yourselves lushettes, for I have found a new nemesis to my "dream home" savings plan... it is called Coggles, and it is an online retail dreamworld. Here are a few items on my shopping list and hopefully will be up in my Elizabeth Bay apartment very soon (especially that light).

PS Not your usual online find, but you can actually buy this Vintage Style Caravan from Coggles too.... race you to Glastonbury in one.

1. Rockett St George Vintage style light
2. Chloe Croft magenta flamingo print
3. Xavier Pauchard reproduction vintage Tolix chair
4. Chalkboard wall clock (for noting date nights!)
5. Rockett St George Cushion
6. Vintage Caravan

Lush Gush

2011-09-22T18:03:00.001+10:00

{My surprise date night at the newly re-launched The Star to watch Hairspray the Musical. PS.... The Key Lime Pie cocktail at cherry Bar is tastyliscious}

This marks my 31st annual birthday week and they get better and better (I started making my birthday celebrations last at least a week long about 6 years ago!). Living so far away from home: from my 'Diff and 'Don friends and my gorgeous family, it would be very easy to get crazily homesick. But you know what, it's amazing to indulge in long distance phone calls and receive such thoughtful cards and gifts from all around the globe - the distance only makes me feeler closer to the people who matter most.

And then of course - there is my Sydney crew, who I have grown so close to over the past 18 months - they know how to treat a girl to a great birthday, and I thank you all.

An extra special big thanks to Mr.Jack for somehow having the patience and the creativity to make my birthdays even better than the ones before, despite my incredible knack of unknowingly ruining surprises. I love you x

{My birthday treat to myself, introducing Flossy - adore!}

{Mr.Jack making the most of our new unfurnished apartment and taking Flossy for a quick spin}

Serendipitous

2011-08-31T16:02:00.000+10:00

Sometimes all it takes is a smile, a good morning from a stranger or an unexpected surprise to turn your day in to a great day.

I had one of those today.

During my lunch hour I was naughtily browsing* Sportsgirl in search of a new beach hat to take on my holibobs this Friday when; like a happy accident, I bumped in to a dear friend of mine. My lunch hour morphed in to a delightful natter with a lovely girly over sushi sat under a tree in the CBD. Don't you just love it when things like that happen!

*I never ended up buying the said hat!

My first Lomo

2011-08-30T17:27:00.001+10:00

I was a very lucky girl to receive the Diana F+ Mr. Pink lomography camera for my birthday last year; thanks to my Sydneyside crew, heart you guys!! The first film I took was a bit of a disaster; after years of digital point and shoots, I hadn't quite got the knack of "winding on" and managed to completely over expose the film when I opened the back to take it out. Gutted.

My second attempt was okay. Out of sixteen shots, these four taken at Little Beach; (Bouddi National Park) turned out semi-ok-ish.

There are some super nifty digital photography apps like Instagram and Hispo knocking around, but I have been bubbling with excitement all day waiting to pick up my developed reel. Although taking analogue is a heck of a lot more expensive, there is something a lot more charming and romantic about these shots I have in my hands, and soon to go on my wall.

Here are a few really good lomography pictures using double and triple exposures....ahhhh, maybe one day I will be able to create something half as good with my Mr. Pink.

{inspiration images via pinterest}

Moving like a pro

2011-08-29T19:32:00.000+10:00

Yaay! Since the last post we found out that our application on a gorgeous apartment in Elizabeth Bay has been approved. We are moving....again. This is the third time we have moved in 18 months (not including the move from London to Sydney) and boy is it going to be hectic as we are off to Tonga for 12 days on Friday too. It's a good job that experience tells me what to do (see more here). Here are my top 5 tips for moving:

1. Make lists - okay, like most girls (Virgo girls especially!); I make lists for everything, but it really helps me keep focused on what I need to achieve day-by-day

2. Categorise by room - I take on one room at a time so I feel like I'm getting big things done and I love ticking rooms off the list!

3. Don't be distracted by old photos and tickets - make a me-date to go through old memories with a lovely glass of wine when you are comfs in the new pad, moving is not the time!

4. Russian dolly bags - start off with the smallest of purses, pop one bag in to another until you have a super-space-saving bag-of-bags

5. Up tempo Music - turn the iPod on shuffle, when a cracker comes on it will lift your mood and you will be much more efficient!

Extra Tip: Don't blog when you should be packing, it gets you in to serious trouble.

Do you have any moving tips that might help me out this week?

{images all found here: pinterest}

Stylishly Running Sydney

2011-08-24T18:03:00.000+10:00

I really upped the running ante over the past month in preparation for "City to Surf" (a brilliantly fun Sunday that starts with a 14km run from Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach, followed by a massive party that takes over every Bondi Street).

Amazingly, I somehow beat my 2010 race time despite considerably less training than last year so, I've signed up for the Sydney Half Marathon later in September. The intense training schedule means that I'm burning through my workout wardrobe as fast as I am calories, so I've a license to invest in some new lycra gear. If getting up at 6am to run around the Sydney harbour while the sun rises over the city to Gaga's Edge of Glory wasn't motivating enough, slipping into some of this gear would put an extra spring in my step.

What is your current work out style and song?

{photos: tumblr, flickr, pinterest}

P.Interesting

2011-07-12T13:13:00.000+10:00

I've had a scrapbook, called "the book"* for about 5 years. It's a place I keep all my magazine cut outs of couture dresses, gorgeous restaurants, table settings, craft ideas, recipes, editorial shoots... basically anything that inspires me. If it's a treat to look at - it gets stuck in "the book".

It's such a lovely pleasure when I thumb through the pages and find a beautiful hotel in Santorini or a vintage gown from the 1930's, a custom made reference book!

I've been getting involved with Pinterest over the last few months. It is A-MAH-ZING! I used to copy and paste images and articles that I found online and make collages in powerpoint - Dullification. Now, thanks to Pinterest (a digital pin board), I've got a lovely online place to keep and organise all of the lushaliscious things that I read and find on the world wide web.

These are a snapshot from a few of my pinboards and you can find my full collection here

* A note to my darling boyfriend: it is NOT a wedding book!

{All sources are found on my Pinterest pages}

She's the one

2011-07-08T02:09:00.000+10:00

I am working on a few biggy projects at the moment, some are for the re-vamp of lushaliscious, exciting times! But it means I have not been posting nearly as often as I'd like. I have a few regular weekly features that will start to make an appearance and I'll be hosting my fist give-away.

In the meantime, I just wanted to share my love for Terry Richardson's candid shots of Mossy and Hince at their MossStock festival-style wedding reception. So glam, so whimsical, so cool, so Kate.

{photos via popsugar}

McQueen @ the Met

2011-06-14T18:16:00.000+10:00

One of my gorgeous friends; Draper, recently went to New York for a romantic break with his girlfriend. While there he did a very naughty thing. He went to the McQueen Savage Beauty exhibition at the Met Museum and took some naughty snaps with his iPhone (which is obviously against the rules of the museum)... I was mega jel, but he bought me a cute fridge magnet and seeing as there are pictures of the exhibition on the website, I feel it is OK to share these ones.

I had already done some reading on the exhibition, it sounds amazing. I can only imagine the impact of walking into the gallery and seeing the work from one of my all time fashion favs curated in one place; from the Givenchy gowns to the ironic interpretations of history and politics; from the red lace mask famed by Gaga at the 2009 VMAs to the eternal patriotism for Scotland. We will always live to miss McQueen in our fashionable lives.

Thanks so much for thinking of lushalisicous when you were on holibobs, Drapes!! I hope no-one minds me sharing the naughty pics - they make my jaw drop.

Luminous Laneways

2011-05-31T23:19:00.000+10:00

I am nervous about this post. It's my first outfit post and I feel like I'm putting myself out there big time! It felt like the right time to take some snaps while I was in Melbourne over the weekend with the girls. We meandered down some of the famous laneways and I took a big gulp of city air and said let's just go for it.

As mentioned here and here, I really love razzle-dazzle coloured clothes. I liked how my bright pink skater dress and floral cropped jumper clashed with the bright grafitti that was covering every surface from doorways to dustbins.

{Zara pink skater dress; ASOS floral cropped jumper; Topshop black tights; Nine West black boots; Alannah Hill peach box clutch; Mikey Red glitter ball earrings; Teenage Dream OPI nail varnish}

A Lover of Lace

2011-05-30T17:20:00.000+10:00

The Rosemount Australian Fashion Week was at the beginning of the month and one of the labels that caught my attention was Lover. This 2012 spring summer collection marked the tenth year for designers Susien Chong and Nic Briand and they chose the iconic Sydney Opera House to host their show.

I really like how elegant but laid back the collection was. The expensive French lace feels grown up and sophisticated but the mixture of loose and fitted silhouettes makes the collection feel wearable and comfortable. I love how lace doesn't need to be strictly white or cream too and don't think I have ever seen something red and lacey look so refined.

All photos from here

Bake Off

2011-05-26T17:07:00.000+10:00

Today is the day of Australia's Greatest Morning Tea, a national fundraising effort by the Cancer Council to help raise funds for more research, prevention and support (read more about it here). We are hosting our agency charity event next Thursday but have given it a slight twist by making it a bake-off. Damn, it just got competitive. This gives me the fear. Big time. I am totally shocking at baking. I readily admit that I'm not the best cook in the world, but I'm slowly getting a few go-to dishes like this Chorizo and Pea Risotto recipe or this Thai Green Curry recipe.

The few times I've tried to bake have been - let's just say - unsuccesful. My poor friend Joey once had a birthday cake that resembled a cookie for her birthday as I didn't realise I had used the grill setting and not an oven setting. I completely burnt the top and then had to try and flip it upside down to try and cook through the rest. Disaster (but she is too much of an angel and was thrilled with having a cake anyways!).

This time I am going to take extra special care and try and bake like I've never baked before. I have been looking for some inspiration and although all of these are out of my range of difficulty, I can't help but dream that I'll create something that looks half as delicious. I'll be attempting my first cookery post next week to let you know how it goes.

If anyone has any good recipes, please let me know them!!!

Strawberry Cream Cupcakes from Call Me Cupcake
Rainbow Cupcakes from trublmaker Tumblr
Pink on Pink Cake from Call Me Cupcake
Ice-Cream Cone Cupcakes from I Heart Katie Cupcakes
Mint Cupcakes from Tumblr
Lemon Cupcakes from 52Cupcakes
Thin Mint Cupcakes from Ingredients of a 20 Something

Trolley Dolly at Home

2011-05-23T18:42:00.000+10:00

I have been making a case (read: pestering) my boyfriend to get a side-board for a while now. I feel really old wanting to spend my money on furniture as opposed to footwear but I'm finding I get as much pleasure out of home interiors as I do for fanciful fashion.

After hosting another pre-party cocktail hour at Pelican HQ on Saturday, I am now even more adamant that I want to get a sideboard to house a drinks tray or I even fancy going the whole hog and getting a snazzy drinks trolley. Here is some inspiration that shows how the bar cart can be stylised to suit any style of room.

I particularly love the one above as it houses some bar games too - perfect for when Cocktail hour gets a little more high energy.

1. The Glitter Guide
2. Elements of Style
3. Apartment Therapy
4. The peak of chic
5. This is Glamorous
6. Mustard and Sage
7. Design*Sponge

Loft Style Fashion

2011-05-21T10:40:00.000+10:00

Happy Friday! I am very excited about the forthcoming weekend. It is jam packed of fun things starting with a pamper session at the salon with the girls tonight before a Saturday of gym; lunch; boyfriend jean shopping for the boyfriend (somehow managed to convince him to spend an inordinate amount of money on a pair of jeans!) and then heading to the Sydney Finders Keepers Market which looks brilliant. All this before getting dolled up for a New York themed Secret Party Saturday night (who knows where the secret party will be!?).

{Image of Finders Keepers Market from Time Out Sydney}

Of course, you say Saturday night and New York to a girl, And I immediately think of a certain Bradshaw. Wish I was a bit more imaginative sometimes, but those glam outfits that we habitually watched for 6 seasons and 2 films are etched on my New York state of mind(even though the second was awful, you have to admit that the styling was consistently brilliant). When I think New York I think glitz and glamour, even though that actual New Yorkers are a lot more laid back - I blame SATC!

For my Saturday night Loft Style party, I will mostly be channelling a Halston Heritage vibe and here some goldaliscious items that I would love to be hanging in my wardrobe.

1. Halston heritage Gold - Sequin Dress
2. Sylivia Toledano - Initials Gold Metal clutch
3. Halston Heritage - Gold Dress
4. Gianmarco Lorenzi Collector - Gold Crystal Heels
5. Anna Sui - Sequin and Feather Dress
6. Dolce & Gabbana - Gold Sequin Shoes
7. Halston Heritage - Gold One-Shoulder Dress
8. Eickhoff - Gold Glamour Clutch Box
9. Adam Folded - sequin silk-organza dress
10. Mac - Gold Shimmer Eyeshadow
{All images from Polyvore}

A Runway Stream

2011-05-17T17:57:00.000+10:00

One of the reasons I love my job is the fact I'm tasked with staying on top of new trends and interesting ways to communicate. It excites me doubly more when my love of fashion and advertising come together (see here and here).

There are some great things happening in social media for us fashion lovers. One house who clearly understands what their admiring fans want, is Oscar de la Renta - who streamed their Resort 2012 collection live today at 6PM EST. As I talked about here, resort is my absolute favourite and I just love that we get to pretend we are on the front row next to OdlR patrons Anne Hathaway and Michelle Williams.*

I feel this is quite an eclectic Resort collection. I love the hispanic feel with the slightly cropped jackets and the oversized hats while there is a dose of the OdlR frou frou that we come to expect from the gorgeous Oscar.

* Oscar de la Renta also streamed their Bridal Runway collection live on their facebook page a few weeks ago too. Dreamsville!

{All images from Oscar de la Renta Facebook page}

Aquamarine Dream

2011-04-05T17:17:00.000+10:00

I have been inspired by a collection of lushaliscious photos that share one thing in common today. They all vary in hues of aquamarine; and it all started with the Zimmermann Cruise 2010/11 shoot - how adorable is the colour of that pool? How adorable is that poolside lycra? From pieces of furniture to shoot locations and darling bites. It is such a gorgeous colour palette.

What colour has inspired you today?

{Images from: Zimmermann Cruise 2010/11, Traditional Home, Pinterest}

Your Disco!

2011-03-31T17:55:00.000+11:00

As someone who considers style a hobby* I shouldn't really complain when a certain style becomes fashionable. But there are some things that feel signature, so when the crowds start to borrow something that feels yours, you feel like saying "Stop it, that is mine". The of-the-moment-look I am talking about specifically is the 70s inspired styles hitting stores.

All the while, I've been over excited about Disco wear since I can remember - the sequins, the lame, the glitter but most of all the glamour. There is one label that manages to craft Studio 54 in todays demanding fashion world. That is of course Halston Heritage. I have pieced together some items from the last season (some bargains to be had on theoutnet.com) and the present collection.

And what about shimmying on those disco dancefloors? I really don't want to be a stereotype when it comes to shoes but Monsieur Louboutin just nails Discowear for the feet, so I make no apologies for the gallery of sequin and sparkle from CL.

1,2,3,4,6,7,9 - Halston Heritage
5,8,10 - Christian Louboutin

*if only I could pull of a stylish look every single day a la Hepburn, Lively, Bilson, Moss et al. In reality I don't! And I don't claim to, but a hobby wouldn't be a hobby if you didn't want to get better at it...

A 20kg capsule

2011-02-23T20:31:00.001+11:00

Aaaaargh!!! I've got a month-long work project back home in London town and have to leave in 36 hours. I am freaking out at the thought of squishing work wear, play wear, disco wear, weekend wear, sports wear and the just-in-case wear in to a suitcase, in miniscule time. My usual packing strategy is to make a list, then refine the list and then add accessories to the list (jewllery, purses, appropriate shoes and hats). It sounds over-the-top; but this always adds to my excitement of going away, whether it is a mini-break with the girls or a mini-adventure with the boy.

I need the perfect travel outfit (I always want to don a lovely flying outfit like the stylish ladies used to wear in the 50s, but in reality I always end up looking totally dishevelled). Most importantly I need to make sure I have just enough outfits in my 20kgs to get me by whilst leaving plenty of room so I can pick up some new threads from my fav UK stores (that I miss so dearly since living in Sydney).

What is your perfect travel outfit?

Goodbye New York: Hello London

2011-02-18T18:44:00.000+11:00

As London Fashion Week kicks off in the way that only London can, I have been reflecting on the last seven days in New York, it looked a right hoot. One day, I will be there to witness the fervent occasion of frocks and cocktails myself, but in the meantime I'm scoaring the pictures and write ups on fashion pages and blogs and imagining what the shows must have felt like. One that really captured my imagination and truly represents New York style for me was the Marc Jacobs collection.

This show has class. It almost feels like a couture show with the attention to tailoring and lines. It really stood out with it's eclectic mix of fabrics (latex, lame, rubber, lace) and I adore the Victoriana feel to the high neck lacey details. Mix in a bit of pill box hats (loving hats here) and appeasing my love of spots too (also mentioned here) it is easy to see how the mirrored catwalk and talented Mr. Marc Jacobs gave me dotty fever. I couldn't pick out a very shortlist of faves, so I have posted rather a lot to show the breadth of the collection. What do you think?

{Photos from Vogue.com)

Hats by Suz

2011-02-15T22:55:00.000+11:00

I went to Randwick Races on Saturday and was so lucky to have been loaned a gorgeous mint and lime green fascinator from Suzanne O'Brien. It went perfectly with my salmon pink dress (a bargain I picked up when I went home to the UK last Autumn) and mean-green Alan Pinkus shoes, which unfortunately had a running with the cobbled entrance to the marquee and need some S.O.S on the heels...hate it when that happens. Suz's hats are gorgeous and very popular during race season, especially Melbourne Cup. Check out the range of hats and fascinators here. Thanks Suz xxx

{Sorry this photo is a bit blurred, we only had a phone handy...}

Happy Vera Day

2011-02-14T12:38:00.000+11:00

Happy Valentine's Day dollies!

I'm going to take this opportunity to talk about the dress of all dresses. Yes, we are talking about the wedding dress. No, I'm not married, nor am I engaged (or even close!) - call it a guilty pleasure. I think it's the dress that defines your personality and your relationship, so quite a big deal then! Bridal couture is breath takingly gorgeous but so, so unaffordable. The big risk is: after perusing Vogue Bride and falling hopelessly in love with the perfect dress, the majority of off-the-peg high-street collections will look cheap, relentlessly old-fashioned and uninspiring.

A queen of the wedding gown is Vera Wang: known for layers upon layers of tulle and lace with expert craftmanship. There is no risk of a dress by Wang being upstaged! The brilliant news is that there is a new Vera Wang difussion range made exclusively for David's Bridal. The White collection ranges from $600-$1,400US and sings of the specialness that we would expect of a vetran bridal designer. Here is a sneak peak at the collection which launched a few days ago. Enjoy xx

Net-A-Dello-Russo

2011-02-12T08:29:00.000+11:00

{ADR wears silk-organza Roksanda Illncic frock}

One of my style icons, Anna Dello Russo has been hand picked by the online fashion mecca Net-A-Porter to star in a print campaign that will launch on Wednesday. Just in time for February the Fashion Month when she will be turning heads as much as the new collections with her wacky-wears. I bloody love A-D-R for her flamboyance and fun she has with fashion, one of the reasons why I am so excited about going to Japan for Christmas. (In my head, I think because I am now in Australia I will befriend a Minogue and I am sure that when I am skipping around Japan I will buddy up with Dello-Russo, I really do live in a fairytale sometimes!!).
Another celeb to don some designer clobber for Net-A-Porter is the fabulously Brit chic Alexa Chung. It's the first time N-A-P have used celebs in any ad campaign, but I am now certain that it won't be the last. Am looking forward to seeing the full campaign if pink satin and a little pooch is something to go by!

{Alexa wears Erdam lacey frock}

Fash-o-rette

2011-02-10T18:30:00.000+11:00

Let me just get one thing straight - I am not a fan of the schmoke. I actually hate smoking - especially when one is idly walking along a street and then, blurgh, cough, cough, cough, a puff of smoke creeps around the person in front of me and strangles me as it enters my lungs. (I am going to try and not use this white space as a forum to upset all the smokers out there, I promise). So, I have gotten utterly depressed at myself getting slightly allured by the "sexy" side of smoking either courtesy of the amazing Betty Draper in Mad Men (as drooled about here) or by campaigns like this Tom Ford Spring 2011 for Vogue Nippon. Damn those white sticks of nicotine, or rather damn the hot girls like Carolyn Murphy who make these thin white sticks look profoundly provocative and mysterious.

{images from trendhunter}

Rooms with a blush

2011-02-09T08:49:00.000+11:00

I vividly remember growing out of the colour pink when I was a little girl. I know, I hardly recognise myself! However, in my adult life, there has been a very committed relationship between me and the varying tones of rose. Psychologists claim that pink is the colour of romance, love and gentle feelings - ahhh, smile! One of the (very few) sacrifices I've made since co-habiting with the man in my life is omitting pink furnishings (of all sorts) from any room in our apartment. It is hard girls, I am not going to lie. When I came across these photos it was interior porn for me....indoor, outdoor, lounge, dining room, kitchen - it is such a versatille and workable colour either as a hero or an accent tone. And, doesn't it just add a bit of romance in these spaces?

{All photos from House Beautiful}

iCandy

2011-02-07T16:01:00.000+11:00

Loving this Barbie-esque Alessandra Ambrosio shoot by Solve Sundsbo for the ever-so-cool LOVE magazine #5 S/S '11 issue.

Doesn't this shoot look so much fun? I imagine loads of poptastic tunes like Katy Perry's California Gurls pumping out of a ghetto blaster - getting the whole team feeling candyliscious. Fashion fansies from Versace to Mulberry and Stella McCartney; big hair and a maximum high gloss finish was the expert styling of Victoria Young, creating this popsicle piece of editorial. My absolute fav item is the Celine shirt above, totally gorg.

Mary K hits Topshop

2011-02-01T17:24:00.000+11:00

As I blogged about here, I adored Mary Katranzou's Spring 2011 collection - the cool girl from Greece living and learning in London said post show “With this collection, I wanted to put the room on the woman, rather than the woman in the room.”

Fresh off the departure of Ms Moss, the bloody marvelous Greenster has scored Mary Katrantzou to design a capsule collection for Topshop. Two dresses and two matching scarves in psychedelic prints will be released on February 14th.

Good luck girls, see you in the hububble

Rosey sparkles from Chanel Runway

2011-01-26T11:19:00.000+11:00

When I first saw the collection in this video I was not allured by the collection as much as I thought I would be - I wasn't overly fussed of the skirts/long tunics over drainpipe trousers - but then the good stuff started to float down the strip lined of fashion lurvelies. And phewf, I was back in the Chanel bubble - how couldn't I be? Rose tinted, delicate, beaded and romantic threads started to beacon in my eyes like disco balls. I have posted a few of my favourites here. Check out the full collection at Vogue.com

I'm waiting for a very important date!

2011-01-24T17:56:00.000+11:00

What kind of date could a girl be waiting for, I hear you ask....the one when George Clooney asks you out for a coffee? Or the one when John Galliano asks if he can create a couture gown for your next Birthday party? Or the one when Kylie's Australian tour dates are announced - Yes, I am that sad! It is driving me crazy that the Ozzie dates of the Aphrodite Les Folies World Tour 2011 have not been announced yet. She usually saves this part of the world for the last leg and brings the show home, so to speak, but come on, let it out people! Excitingly, and un-surprisingly, Dolce & Gabbana have been given carte blanche as costume creative directors, which is their 3rd tour following Fever and Showgirl/Homecoming. Oooh - it just adds to the excitement! If anyone knows anything, I am all ears....

Vintage inspired summers

2011-01-23T18:46:00.000+11:00

{Marie Claire, Australia, Feb '11}
I went for a lovely girly lunch today at Manly Wine.What I love most about this venue (besides noshing on v.tasty food with spectacular views of the gorgeous Manly surf crashing on the beach and the sun flirting on the emerald sea) is the kitschly delicious decor that fills every nook and cranny. The grainy, retro photos of beachlife in the 1960's that adorn the walls have most definitely inspired this post today. This editorial is one of the few shoots from an Australian magazine that has really hit a nerve - vintage inspired swimwear, on location in Halong bay - dreamy....another glass of vino and cue sunset...

A new denim dream

2011-01-19T12:41:00.000+11:00

I am not a modern day lover of denim. I fell in love with and wore (like we all did) the Levi 501's and Calvin Klein stonewash high waisters of the 90's when i was too young to know better. But now, I am pleased to say that I do know better and just because the likes of Kate Moss, Jennifer Aniston and Rachel Bilson look hotter than a hot thing in a pair of skinny's, bootlegs or bells - I've learnt that this doesn't excuse the fact that I've got an ample bootay and not-so-cigarette-thin thighs. So, I have been mind numbingly bored over the past decade of denim this and that.

However, I am going to be eating my denim words once I can get my hands on a pair of the new American label, Mother. Vetrans of the denim industry (Tim Kaeding of 7 for All Mankind and Lela Tillem of Citizens of Hummanity) have combined all their passion and knowledge of la jean - the wash, the fit, the texture and come out with what I can only describe as the most enticing bit of denim that I have seen since I first clocked those Levi's. They are promised to give the look of Jane Birkin and Bridget Bardot and seeing as I am a sucker for all things retro glam, I am getting my name on the waiting list for a pair of The Drama Flared - please please please let my denim nightmare be over. My Mum always says "Mummy know's best" and on this occasion I really hope that Mother does!

Twenty Eleven

2011-01-04T22:23:00.000+11:00

{A very happy me, doing windmills in a Melbourne Park on Boxing Day}

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I felt so lucky to have my family come to Australia for 3 whole weeks and we had an ace time holidaying in this amazing country. From Hamilton Island for some chillaxing to the maxing, to Melbourne for a fabulous few days of family festivities (staying at my cousin's gorgeous 5 star boutique hotel, The Lyall, check it out) and finally back to Sydney for surfing, sky diving, shopping and of course to celebrate the end of a very memorable 2010 and welcome in a new decade by having a bbq (very ozzie of us) on the balcony while watching the world famous firework spectacular in the harbour. Happy New Year to you all and am looking forward to talking about a load more lushaliscious things in 2011. xx

{Mine and Jack's home made Ozzie Chrimbo cards}

{Theme for Christmas wrapping 2010 was bright and beautiful and pink, of course}

{A kitsch tree with crackers, dalmations and boas, glittery reindeer and koalas hanging on branches}

{Home made mince pies}

{The beautiful table at my cousin's house with personalised Christmas hats all the way from Monaco}

{A stunning view of Hill Inlet at Whitsundays}

{Some lushalisicous prawns with garlic butter for the BBQ}

{The harbour bridge at midnight - simply stunning}

Fashion wall

2010-12-08T13:15:00.000+11:00

I've stumbled across a new kind of collection today. Rachel De Joode has a gorgeous array of geometric wallpaper which, upon closer inspection is a flurry of fashion and interesting photography all bundled together in a kaleidoscopic vision of wonderfulness - plastered on your wall. When I have my dream house, with a walk in as big as my living room, I can imagine making a feature wall using this pink ballet-esque roll of paper. Wallpaper has come an awful long way since the naff magnolia painted embossed rainbows - yuk!

More Moss

2010-12-03T13:40:00.001+11:00

Sorry to sound like a broken Moss record, but I'm so in love with the new Kate Moss editorial in Vogue Italia. She is so incredible. I'm in equal parts transfixed with the (sometimes trashy) retro-glam styling courtesy of Edward Enninful, the grainy and awkward photography of Nick Knight and of course the amazingly believable minx that is Moss. Oh yeah, the clothes aren't bad either (lingerie by Yves Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana and Jean Paul Gaultier)

Fizzing for a Fast fringe

2010-11-25T18:11:00.000+11:00

OK, so this isn't the easiest collection to wear for a brunch date in Bondi. I am almost positive that any sort of food intake would result in unwanted "food podge" protruding through the cobweb style threads. For the last few seasons Mark Fast has sent an array of women of all shapes and sizes down his catwalk and they all look equally mesmerizing. I am completely in love with the SS '11 collection for the structured bondage type bodices teamed with the mega feminine fringed and feathery bottom halves that sashay with any type of movement. I just can't picture enjoying a big meal while wearing one of these beautiful creations! (However, I am sure some cocktails in a jazz bar would work a treat).

The Moss appreciation society

2010-11-22T18:05:00.000+11:00

So, Kate Moss has been voted Vogue's best dressed woman of the decade. Nice one Mossy. Gosh, a lot has happened in the last decade - there was that loser Pete Doherty, whom she dated for a while (that lasted way too long), the cocaine scandals and the contracts lost. Then there was the come back: the Topshop contract, the Burberry, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Roberto Cavalli, Longchamp, Stella McCartney, Bulgari and Chanel campaigns. I came across a lovely Blog called When Decades Collide on the weekend and they posted a Moss shoot from French Vogue, 1992. I have not been able to stop thinking of the gorgeous bubblegum-a-liscious shoot and just had to share. Moss really is timeless and I can't wait to see how she continues to influence us over the next 10 years Vintage Kate Moss.

Moving on up

2010-11-19T16:50:00.000+11:00

We are moving flats this weekend. Yay! Moving up to the 13th floor of our building to a bigger pad with views over looking the epic Sydney Harbour. Perfect timing just ahead of the Holidays so we'll have a wicked spot for the New Years Eve fireworks extravaganza.

I always like to dress for any occasion and handy work is no exception. I will mostly be channeling denim and white over the weekend (the classic traders' combo) and just wish I had some dungarees to pull off. These Ralph Lauren ones would do just fine. Have wonderful weekends everyone!

Love love love Lara

2010-11-18T17:30:00.000+11:00

Lara Stone is the shizzle of 2010, isn't she?! Her Calvin Klein Jeans campaign was the victim of much debate (for the record, I don't think it was offensive, I think it was bold, provocative and hot), the Louis Vuitton Spring '10 campaign was deliciously feminine and she has walked for the best of them this year: Chanel, Christopher Kane, Givenchy, Hermes, Jaeger London, Jonathan Saunders, Miu Miu and Prada. She is (gasp) a size 10, she has brilliantly round and ample boobies, which she isn't afraid to get out, she does nude artistically and gracefully, she does pretty, edgy, glamorous, rocky, seductive, pristine, sultry and alternative with aplomb. Basically she can pull off anything a stylist, artistic director and photographer throws at her. She is AMAZING.

To top off "the Stone year", she's done an amazing editorial feature for Vogue China (Dec 10), which I just had to share. Photographed by Willy Vanderperre and styled by Nicoletta Santoro, what I blooming love about this shoot is the contrast of raw, distressed and derelict walls, vintage and tatty furniture with rich, opulent and prestigious premium fashion from Valentino Hautre Couture, Louis Vuitton, Donna Karen and others. Sometimes too much of the same thing is boring, but when it comes to Lara Stone - I always want more. Fashion crush? Girl crush? Too damn right!!!

{wish we could have seen more of this dress!}

Mmmm..... Manoush

2010-11-17T20:16:00.000+11:00

{The magical shop on Rue du Temple}

On a recent trip back to Europe, me and my lush Mummy went to Paris for the day for a bit of girly fun. We strolled around the Marais all morning and I remember stumbling across one of the most amazing boutiques I have ever been in. See if you can picture it... Pink and glossy, spacious but a cosy, fantasyland feel about it thanks to the little kitsch animals laced around the place, it had some chintzy music playing and the racks were adorned and I mean adorned with bright colours (loads of pink!), boho prints, really luxury and unique textures, sparkles, frou frou, romance, and fun. Je t'aime! Here are some of the beautiful pieces from the Autumn Winter 2010 collection. Enjoy my lushaliscious friends!

{Spring Summer 2010}
{S/S 2010 campaign}
{S/S 2010}

H&M gets the Lanvin treatment and it is smoking

2010-11-03T17:43:00.000+11:00

Ooooh, it pains me to be so far away from all the luscious frills and affordable frou frou from the ever so wonderful French house of Lanvin. Am just loving the work of Alber Elbaz - the fabrics look gorgeous and the colours are certainly how I like them, bright. It would even be fun to join the queues at H&M Oxford Circus to get my mits on a piece. Good luck girls - get there early from November 23rd.

{via youtube}

Head start

2010-11-01T18:45:00.000+11:00

{Moschino}

I have always been a great fan of the hat and there were some corkers go down the catwalk during the Spring shows. There are some seriously stylish chicks on the fashionable streets across the globe rocking out the hat - showing how you can go from catwalk to everyday with ease. Yes, a hat has the ability to masquerade a bad hair day but it is sooo much more than that. They are a punctuation of style and can turn an okey-dokey outfit into a fabulous one. I like to start off with a hat somedays and build the rest of my look around it. Advice? Wear with confidence.

{Missoni}

{Christian Dior}

{John Galliano}

{Andrew Gn}

{Hermes}

{Steven Alan}

{Suno}

{Marc Jacobs}

{Carolina Herrera}

{Marc by Marc Jacobs}

{Badgley Mischka}

{Michael Kors}

{Alberta Ferretti}

{Alberta Ferretti}

{from lookbook.nu}

{from lookbook.nu}

{from lookbook.nu}

{from lookbook.nu}

{from stockholmstreetstyle}

{from stockholmstreetstyle}

{from style by kling}

The book of dreams

2010-10-28T20:09:00.000+11:00

Going straight to the top of my Crimbo list (hope Santa's little helpers are reading this!!!) is the incredible new book from Harrods publishing entitled "Couture in the 21st Century". In depth and detailed interviews with the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Matthew Williamson and Jason Wu combined with portrait photographs by the infamous Rankin. Pass me a Sherry Martini, please!!!!

{images from mydaily.co.uk}

Interior design, not as you know it!

2010-10-28T19:00:00.000+11:00

I would like to introduce you to my new crush: Mary Katrantzou. I came across her Spring 2011 collection on Anna Dello Rousso’s blog after perusing all her wonderfully crazy outfits she wore at Paris Fashion Week earlier this month (I want to be this woman!). So, the low down on Mary Katrantzou – after graduating from Central Saint Martins; she started getting her name known amongst the world’s fashion crowd thanks to her immense skill in pop-esque digital printing. This collection has taken her to a whole new playing field, inspired by the incredibly stylized seventies photography of Helmut Newton and Guy Bourdin, she was aroused by the interiors as much as the models. You can certainly tell – I love how the cuts resemble vintage lampshades and tassels and chandeliers become heavy duty accessories. I have a love for bright, pop-like clothes and prints (as seen here and here) so it is no wonder that I am completely putting any one of these items on my (never-ending) wish-list. Lush!

Thirty-liscious

2010-10-28T18:02:00.000+11:00

Wow! I can’t believe how quickly time has flown by. I have missed writing about lushaliscious things over the past month, but I’ve been a busy bee having some amazing fun with my boyfriend, friends and family to celebrate my 30th birthday. I am not joking, the celebrations have stretched 5 weeks. Not bad! I am so grateful to everyone for being so thoughtful and kind. Turning 30 really wasn’t a bad thing, I am loving it! And for all those who are knocking on the door of their 4th decade in life, my advice would be - just chillax and enjoy the champagne and presents. Time doesn’t define you, it is what you do with the time in your life that matters*. Thanks to the lovely Cripps’ for my thiryliscious card – how apt!

* Advice my best friend, Sweetpea, offered to me the week before my birthday – she is so brainy and philosophical when she isn’t dragging me to a karaoke bar!

Le petit sac

2010-09-10T22:38:00.000+10:00

{The classic Chanel 2.55 quilted bag}

I used to associate cross over the body leather handbags with middle-aged teachers (containing the obligatory blue plastic Bic pen with optional red, black, blue or green ink and a whistle) but they have turned a style corner! These days they are both a practical and chic addition to an outfit. My two fav ways to wear a cross over bag are 1) day - light blue 70s inspired wide leg flared jeans worn with a white lace sleeveless shirt and tan wedges or 2) night - slim fit, figure hugging knee length sweetheart bustier dress worn with funky shoe boots. The usual luxe leather suspects have got some gorgeous designs to provide some inspiration - I am just going to go into my dreamland for a mo and wish for a vintage black Chanel 2.55...

{Ted Baker}

{Reiss}

{Marc by Marc Jacobs}

{Lanvin}

{J W Hulme}

{Chloe}

{YSL}

Inspiration for Twenty Eleven

2010-09-05T22:19:00.000+10:00

{Chris Benz - Pop}

Designers showing at New York Fashion week have given a sneak peek into their inspiration for Spring 2011 articulated using only one board and one word. Some are rather abstract while others are pretty straightforward using sketches and swatches. Of the 100 beauts, here are my top 10 - a mixture of bold, nostalgic, flirty and fun.

{Tadashi Shoji - Cielo}

{Old Molly - Peacemaker}

{Lela Rose - Efflorescent}

{Jason Wu - Enigmatic}

{Elie Tahari - Heroism}

{Cynthia Steffe - Jet-Set}

{Charlotte Ronson - Adorn}

{Bensoni - Electromagnetic}

{Alexander Berardi - Breathless}

(images via NYMag)

The sixties are the sexies

2010-09-03T18:35:00.000+10:00

{The gorgeous January Jones as Betty Draper in Mad Men}

I know I'm not alone in being completely smitten with the martini lunches, hourglass figures and romantic petticoats on display for a whole 45 minutes during every episode of Mad Men. What a fabulously sexy era to be a woman living in your twenties, talk about embracing those curves and getting your hair flicks high. I'm pretty glad the cone shaped bra is a thing of the past but the stylised head-to-toe look embracing hats; pearls; gloves; stockings; petticoats, even matching your apron to your outfits - gives me the fizz whizz. Louis Vuitton's 2010 Fall collection has totally nailed this ladylike but sexy look and brings it right into the contemporary, I can drool over this campaign for hours. Betty Draper eat your pretty heart out!

{One of my fav Betty outfits}

Hello yellow!

2010-09-02T22:37:00.000+10:00

{D&G}

Woo hoo, it’s officially springtime in Sydney! I am totally tuned in to yellow right now; whether it is sorbet lemon through to sunshine bright. It's traditionally quite a hard colour for blondes to wear, but I find that as long as you choose the right shade or opt for an accessory to add a pop of colour - blondes can definitely get away with it. Here is a selection of lushaliscious options that are in stores right now. I am most hearting the D&G polka dot silk-satin dress and am looking out for a high-street version.

{Nicola Finetti}

{L.K.Bennett}

{Jesire}

{Diane Von Furstenberg}

{Deco Trees}

{Christoper Kane}

{Maxx New York}

{Giuseppe Zanotti}

{Guess}

{Emporio Armani}

{Betsey Johnson}

{Adidas}

{Bow Bandeau Bikini}

Who knew about Wu?

2010-08-30T13:18:00.001+10:00

{S/S '10 collection}

Sometimes you see something that makes you stop in your tracks and shouts "look at me". This exact thing happened today when I came across this piece from Jason Wu's 2011 collection. I have been reading a lot about this young and international starlet for a few years, but I didn't get 'it' until today how totally gorgeous his vision is. Maybe it's because I have really grown into what I love over the past few years and his ultra feminine and decadent wears inspired me to find out more. Now I feel like I need to make up for a lot of lost time - kind of like when you were 19 and on holiday and as luck would have it, you'd meet a hot someone on the last few days of your holiday! Resort collections are my fav (as mentioned here) so I have showcased a few pieces from Resort 2011 below but in my hunt for more Wu today I also went back to S/S 2010 collection (as the weather heats up downunder - so does my appetite for summer stuff). Wu - I now heart you!

Resort 2011

Spring 2010

Miu Miu + Madonna = Magnificent

2010-08-27T09:22:00.000+10:00

I came across this video this morning, not sure how true it is, but I don't care because it is funkyliscious. Legendary photographers Mert and Marcus were on the Miu Miu photo shoot with the stunningly fresh faced Gina Lapina, Lindsey Wixson, Siri Tollerød, and Daphne Groeneveld when M&M's friend Madonna, walked through the doors and asked permission to direct an ad hoc behind the scenes-esque video to the beats of a remix version of Generations of Love by Boy George (which sounds lush and I'm already on the hunt for the track to put on my iPod ahead of some parties this weekend!). The basic plot is girls messing about while being incredibly sexy in a photobooth. Love everything about the styling of the shoot from hair and make-up to clothes and accessories but I always always always love Miu Miu anyways, so I am slightly biased. What do you think?

I want a D&G video pleeeeeeease Domenico & Stefano?

(Video via here}

A white spring in my step

2010-08-25T21:09:00.000+10:00

{Christoper Kane}

There is something cathartic about wearing white; especially crisp white cotton. You know that Spring is in the air because the days are getting longer, the air is fresher and pockets of the city start bursting with hues of green. So, what better than to cleanse your wardrobe of wintery dark colours and resurrect the lighter and brighter fabrics that have been in hibernation? I think a white outfit is really striking and requires minimum accessories. Here are a few things that are giving me inspiration for the Ozzie Springtime that is knocking on the door.

P.S This post is dedicated to my dear friend Lightus for showing me how to wear white well - she has the most enviable wardrobe of white loveliness and looks simply stunning in every single item.

From top to bottom:
White dress - Jil Sander
White cotton dress - Whistles
White cotton shorts - Vero Moda
White leather skirt - See by Chloe
Cream espadrilles - Miss KG by Kurt Geiger
White Turin eylet cotton dress - Maje
White playsuit - Lisa Jayne Dann
White sleeveless top - J. Crew
White cotton shirt - J. Crew

Hearts and spots

2010-08-21T13:42:00.000+10:00

{Miu Miu 2011 resort collection}

I have a real guilty pleasure for clothes and accessories adorned with spots, hearts, cherries, bows or anything that looks like a child might also like it. The latest Miu Miu collections have really shown how these prints can look grown up and edgy but I love the sugary and softer side too. So sweet!

1. Navy blue heart shorts - Sportsgirl
2. Light blue heart cardigan - Topshop
3. Navy blue heart top - General Pants Co
4. Pink dolly heart dress - Topshop
5. Red snakeskin patent clutch - Lulu Guinness
7. Cream heart shorts - General Pants Co
8. Navy bow playsuit - Sportsgirl
9. Pink bow peep-toe heels - Yesstyle
10. Navy crystal bow brooch - Avalaya

30 days

2010-08-19T16:06:00.000+10:00

19th September 2010 is the day I kiss goodbye to the jam-packed-fun-filled lesson learning decade of my 20s. In three words: Oh My God!! So, in the last 30 days before I am 30 years old I am going to make myself do something I haven't done before and have a new experience everyday. Starting from tomorrow....Here is the list:-

1 – get up and watch the sun rise in maroubra beach
2 – learn to be a scuba steve
3 – adopt an accent for the whole day
4 – go rock climbing
5 – midnight walk on a beach
6 – go to the cinema on my own
7 – go to a drive in movie
8 – make cookies from scratch
9 – fire a gun
10 – hold a koala
11 – do a runner from a bar
12 – watch all of the Star Wars movies
13 – read The Great Gatsby
14 – spend a whole day without talking
15 – surf in Australia
16 – have a tango dance lesson
17 – make a pizza from scratch
18 – make my own lemonade
19 – eat a snail
20 – spend more money on a bottle of wine than the dinner I am eating
21 – go to an open mic night and read something
22- take a ferrari for a test drive
23 – adopt an polar bear
24 – buy a pair of Louboutins
25 – go for a morning skiny dip before work
26 – wear red lipstick for a week
27 – watch the scariest movie that is available to man
28 – go commando on a date night
29 - learn first aid
30 – watch the sunset from Mrs Macquaire's Chair with jack and a bottle of champagne and strawberries

What would you do?
{Photo via Flickr}

Gentlemen prefer blondes

2010-08-17T12:30:00.000+10:00

{Marilyn Monroe singing "diamonds are a girl's best friend" in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes}

While it was the most glorious of Sydney winter weekends outside, I have been homebound with flu since Friday evening. Hufflepuff. Although, the situation has been made all the sweeter thanks to Twentieth Century Fox and Universal Studios. Mostly with one eye open and dazing in and out of sleep, I have got through a pile of movies this weekend. My fav was Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; the oldies are such goodies! The costumes are beautiful, the hair and make up is what Hollywood is all about and the scripts are so funny in such an innocent way. Here is a selection of my favourite blondes.

{Farrah Fawcett}

{Brigitte Bardot}

{Marilyn Monroe}

{Reese Witherspoon}

{Kylie}

{Scarlett Johansson}

{Charlize Theron}

{Cameron Diaz}

{Jennifer Aniston}

{Sienna Miller}

{Heidi Klum}

{Kate Hudson}

{Claudia Schiffer}

{All pics sourced from Google images}

The Wang video

2010-08-13T10:21:00.000+10:00

Loads of people are talking about the Alexander Wang Fall '10 video that premiered on Thursday. Inspired by the shenanigans on wall street and personified by Wang's muse - Abbey Kershaw. I love the balance of the video, it is fast paced and energetic with the newspapers flying around yet still feels slow and sensual. It is impeccably sultry but sophisticated. And there is a sense of mysteriousness but you also feel like you are getting closer to the house of Wang. In a word amazingness.
{Video from here}

Resort me away

2010-08-12T19:07:00.000+10:00

It has come to that time of year when I'm sat on the edge of my seat waiting for winter to be over and it to officially be spring. I am so dazed this August as it is my first year of experiencing the upside down and back to front seasons of Sydney. My impatience is only being fueled by the totally gorgeous resort wear hitting the shelves in all the department stores. OMG - I adore resort ready to wear collections: so elegant and impeccably stylish while also looking the most comfiest of all collections. White is always featured so heavily, which when worn correctly - is lush. Coco Chanel's breton top kicked it all off so many years ago and Karl Lagerfeld has totally come up with an absolute winner for Chanel's resort 2011 collection. I simply love it - get me on a yacht and sail me away with a sundowner cocktail in toe!

{All images taken from style.com}

Wall-zzzzine

2010-08-11T18:18:00.001+10:00

{lonny magazine - see nancy howard bespoke collage walls}

I discovered a really cool ezine called Lonny yesterday. A New York based duo set up the mag after Condé Nast closed Domino (the magazine they used to work at) in May 2009. It's defo a sign of getting old, but I love flicking through design mags and getting inspiration for new art projects; or style of photography or cute ideas to spruce up a boring nook and cranny at home. I have a few projects up my sleeve which I hope to share soon.... I saw this picture of a really vibrant loo using pics of flowers and dogs in the Aug/Sept issue and it reminded me of a really cool vintage shop in London called Bang Bang (on Goodge Street). They completely collaged their boutique walls with quirky/sexy/fun pics from magazines. I haven't got a photo of the whole space but here is an example off their myspace page.

{bang bang, goodge street, london}

I was inspired to find more walls plastered with pages from magazines. I love the idea of updating a space in such a personalised and cheap way and for some reason I think it really works in the loo!!

{nancy howard dining room}

{metropolitan life magazine - now closed}

{working space}

{sitting space}

Dolly mixture

2010-08-09T18:09:00.001+10:00

{1985s Peaches 'N' Cream Barbie - my Fav}

I kicked off the weekend by going to see Toy Story 3 3D on Friday evening – wow what an awse movie. I laughed and I cried…no surprises there then! The best addition to the movie was villain turned goody, Ken, all us girls swooned over his “dream house”. The Barbie and Ken fashion show was amazing and had me all nostalgic about the days I would change my Barbie’s outfit a gazillion times and play out another romantic love story with Ken. I still love Barbie and even had a Barbie and Ken themed party for my Birthday a few years ago - it is a really great theme!

{Me as Ballerina Barbie on my Birthday in 2008}

It seems only appropriate to dedicate a whole entry to the girl who put the P in pink and say Happy Birthday to Barbie – 50 years old this year! What a fabulously stylish 50 years she has had.

{The first Barbie outfit in 1959}

{1950s}

{1960s}
{1970s}

{1980s}

{1990s}

{2000s}

{2010s - Barbie and Ken from Toy Story 3 movie}

{2010 - 50th Anniversary Barbie}

Frilly fansies

2010-08-06T15:10:00.000+10:00

{Fleur of England}

I have a lot of things to thank my Mum for (don’t we all!); but my two most grateful lessons in life stem from an education she taught me at 13 years old. I remember it vividly. This was the year Mum got me using posh skincare and insisted that my underwear HAD to match – both lessons have cost me a small fortune in life, but totally worth it.

Investing in lingerie has plenty of rewards. Whether it is the softest and simplest of white cotton or the elegance of silk, frills and lace. I love how lingerie can effect your mood – a red and white polka dot French knicker set will make me feel cheeky all day. While a pale pink, almost nude, lace balconette and panties will put me in a romantic mood ahead of date night. Here is a selection of some of the most gorgeous brands on the market: mostly handmade and made to measure.

{Left to right: Heidi Klum in Victoria's Secrets Show 2009; Toad Lillie; queen of sexiness: Bridget Bardot; Toad Lillie; Myla; Strumpet and Pink; Strumpet and Pink; Strumpet and Pink; Fleur of England; Strumpet and Pink; Chantal Thomas; Kylie looking pretty in pink photographed by the ultra feminine and sexual German photographer (and ex Supermodel) Ellen Von Unwerth}

I am really anti the trash that gets served up in high street stores, with horrendous scratchy material and unsubtle sexiness. Smalls/undies/lingerie - whatever you want to call it, in my opinion is all about glamour and is the base layer to a killer outfit. Let's all remember what made talking about underwear out loud totally acceptable: gorgeousness!

{Eva Herzigova in the 1994 Wonderbra ad campaign}

About 6 years ago I read a book by Helena Frith Powell called Two Lipsticks & A Lover after being hideously attracted to the front cover (it has a poodle on it!) in this book, Helena goes on a mission to Paris to understand the ins and outs on why French women are simply so stylish. I don’t want to be a book spoiler so read no further if you want to read the book for yourself (it is fun and would recommend)….. one of the main secrets – French women don’t step a stiletto on any boulevard without being dressed in great underwear. Every day.

{Two Lipsticks & A Lover by Helena Frith Powell}
For more inspirational photographs and lingerie lushness visit Frou Frou Fashionista

Chunky dory

2010-08-05T12:16:00.000+10:00

Don’t know about you, but I’m totally hearting the mega chunky skyscraper footwear that’s dominating just about every fashion house this season. These are pieces of art on your feet and make a real statement. I would tone down the rest of my outfit to allow for these puppies to sing loud and proud “look at me!” because they are worthy of attention. Chunky heels are so much easier to wear than spindlies as they are much less painful! Here is a selection for playful nights, fierce days and glamourous work wear.

{All photographs taken from product websites or net-a-porter.com}

Everyone loves a dance sequence

2010-08-03T09:26:00.000+10:00

{Film: 500 Days of Summer. Song: Make my dreams come true by Hall and Oates}

On a grey, windy and wet Tuesday morning, there is only one thing for it - a jolly good dance sequence. Since watching 500 Days of Summer a few weeks ago during a movie marathon Sunday (such a cute film), I have been so obsessed with this clip. It is so lush and happy! Doo-woop-hoop-hoop! Happy Tuesday!!!

What is your happy song?

Friday fashion fantasies

2010-07-31T13:07:00.000+10:00

It's really hard to concentrate on Friday afternoons, isn't it? Like most people, I'm actively seeking any kind of distraction and usually find myself drooling over a fancy hotel that I would love to stay in or fantasizing over luxe items that quite simply - I can't afford. My usual obsession is with Christian Dior's Haute Couture shows. Every single one is simply amazing. So, this afternoon I dwindled away the last few hours re-watching as much of the Paris 10/11 Show as I could... how lush is this collection?? I just love the extravagance of John Galliano. No one needs dresses like this in their life, but oh my god, I want one of these dresses. My fav is the big blue tulle one above - another Friday afternoon happily bites the dust - Thanks Dior!

{Images all taken from here}

Luxury laziness

2010-07-29T23:54:00.000+10:00

{Images taken from product websites}

When it is pouring with rain and the air is so chilly that it feels like you are being nipped by piranhas all over your body, there is only one thing for it - a lush hot bubbly bath (I adore Clarins Relax body and shower concentrate); scented candle (diptyque candles are just the best for fragrance and they last ages) and settle in for a cozy night wearing my favourite PJs (I wish I had the ones above from Victoria's Secrets!). I know it isn't exactly rock and roll but I have been waiting for the perfect moment to indulge in UK's June edition of Elle Magazine and see the full Kylie shoot. Amazingness - roll on Friday night!

What is your perfect night in?

Swap Shop

2010-07-28T10:39:00.000+10:00

{Photograph taken from here}

A few years ago my girl friends and I got into Swap Shopping. It is such brilliant fun because you get to
a) spend a cosy evening in with your girlfriends and the mere sound of “shopping” results in your boyfriend happily giving you free reign of the house for the evening
b) eat delicious finger food and drink cocktails at home
c) de-clutter all the stuff that is taking up valuable space in your wardrobe, and
d) by the end of the evening you have a whole load of new merchandise to add to the wardrobe – for free.
The cliché is true I’m afraid girls, one man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure.

Host your own swap shop party! All you need to do is get a date in the diary with the girls, go through your wardrobe and make a pile of all the clothes/shoes/bags/accessories/jewelry that you have fallen out of love with, your girlfriends bring around their swap shop bags of potential treasures, make some delicious finger food, pour the cocktails and start sifting through the bags of lushness and start swapping.

A retail treasure chest

2010-07-27T14:20:00.000+10:00

New cities. New faces. New places.....to lunch, drink and more importantly shop. I love exploring new cities and finding all the little gems of shops tucked away off the main high streets. The pinker – the better! When I arrived in Sydney two and a half months ago I was pretty uninspired by the concrete towers of the Westfield shopping malls; lacking in soul and character. There was one shop that captured my imagination and got my dollars burning a hole in my purse. When I walked in, it was like walking into a treasure chest: the fabrics were vibrant in print and colour, the materials were sensuous and diverse from delicate silks to the softest of cashmere and the accessories, oh boy, did they sparkle. Alannah Hill is like a retail playground for girls who love romance and indulgence. Here are some pics from the 09/10 collection .

The extra brilliant thing is – I discovered a store in the cute area of Paddington so no need to step foot in the nasty shopping mall again. I hope you enjoy this lush collection.

{All photographs taken from here}

I wish it could be Christmas every day...

2010-07-27T10:25:00.000+10:00

The only good thing about kissing goodbye to a British summer is that the "countdown to Christmas" begins. Yay! I simply love the whole build up and like to eek it out as much as possible.

Much to my delight, I get to do it twice this year! Christmas in July is a rather big deal in Sydney so my friends and I rented a house in the Blue Mountains on the weekend to celebrate. We successfully managed to hunt out a Turkey, brussel sprouts and parsnips - all harder than you'd imagine in July and prepared a scrumptious Christmas lunch that our Mums would have been proud of.

I made some lush little stockings as place settings for the table. You can make your own by following these easy steps.

You need an A4 piece of red felt, scissors, a fabric pen, some material glue, gold glitter glue, a wool needle, white yarn and a stocking template. I got mine here.

Place the template on the felt and trace around the shape with a fabric pen. Then cut out the shape using scissors/arts knife.

Go around the edges with fabric glue. Aim for about 1cm from the edge of the fabric so the glue doesn't squirt out of the side. And, don't glue the top of the stocking as you want to be able to put in a little treat from Santa :-)

Once the glue has dried, stitch around the edges using nice and chunky white yarn to get the rustic feel to your Christmas stocking.

Now, using a glitter glue pen, get creative and personalise your Christmas stocking. Because I wanted to use the stockings as place settings, I used my friend's initials, but you can do whatever you fancy!

Finally, pop a little something special in your beautifully crafted stocking and wait for the gasps of enjoyment from your friends. Everyone loves a little bit of hand made loving.

Lustable lovelies

2010-07-20T19:16:00.000+10:00

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I simply adore looking at glamorous merch and I somehow got lost in the lustable world of lush dresses today. Could have spent a dangerous amount of money on net-a-porter today. Here are my dreamy favs...

1. Antik Batik - salma sequined chiffon dress - £320

2. Sass & Bide - embellished jersey mini dress - £1,633.50

3. Day Birger et Mikkelsen - foxy pleated crepe dress - £204.26

4. Forever Unique - cuba dress - £185.00

5. Valentino - paillette tulle dress - £4,136

6. Karen Millen - one shoulder signature dress -£185.00

A Sweetpealiscious weekend in Auckland

2010-07-19T21:09:00.000+10:00

Like most 15 year old girls, my best friend Sweetpea and I used to spend hours, actually days making mental lists of all the stuff we wanted to do together when we were "older".

As if by magic, fast forward a few years and we are both living out those dreams - I'm in Sydney and Sweetpea is in Auckland, both with our loves. I got back from NZ last night after our first girlie weekend together since we both moved to the South Pacific. It's a-mazing what a weekend with your best friend does for you. We went to a spa for treatments, we went for lovely drives around the beautiful city, we went running, we lunched, we dined, we got glammed up and we went out for cocktails-all the sorts of things we would have put on the list at 15.

{Takapuna beach, Auckland}

Whilst sipping our cosmo/mojito cocktails at a very cool bar called Snatch it dawned on us that we were out having our last cocktails together with us both in our 20s. Oh My God!! It called for another cocktail to celebrate! A thoroughly lush weekend with the best cocktail of all - best friends, reminiscing about old times, laughs laughs laughs and making new memories that we will reminisce about when we are in our 60s.

{Picture of Happy Hour cocktails taken on a holiday in Thailand}

Lushaliscious

2010-07-19T19:10:00.000+10:00

{Photo of Sydney Harbour Bridge from Kirribilli}

There are many things I see, hear, taste, smell, desire, need (!), want and dream about that I would call lush. I hope to bring all those wonderful things together in one place and that place is this blog, called lushaliscious.

Since moving to Sydney 2 months ago I have been mesmerized by the sight of the infamous harbour bridge. I think it is at it's most lush as the sun sets in the early evening. I'm sure you'd agree.

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