Monday, March 30, 2009

Nick Littlemore

Dear Nick Littlemore,

You're a pretty cute hunk of spunk.

Love,

Alligators Apple

x

My friends tell me I always have strange, unfounded, abstract crushes and this might be one of those but Mr Littlemore is ccccc---ute! He is a member of Empire of the Sun and PNAU and, well, I just think he has rainbows, sunshine and bluebirds surrounding him!

NARS


Now, I don't want to get into an age old MAC vs. NARS debate (NARS FTW!) but I did want to express my undying love for NARS.


Both the oil free and balanced foundations are long lasting yet super easy to apply (no trowl required), the Laguna bronzer is one of the best on the market, and the Orgasm blush (in the cutest pink) is a dream.

SO
I thought I would share with you the source of my NARS lovin'.
Go to http://www.kissandmakeupny.com/ (if you haven't already visited Fay's treasure trove!) The site is a New York based online store that stocks the likes of Khiel's, NARS, Frederic Fekkai and Mario Badescu. She carries almost the whole line of everything, and is pretty much a cheaper verison of 'Mecca'.


It is in US dollars, so always best to keep an eye on the ever changing dollar, but when our dollar is good, it is a real steal. Better still, she only charges a flat rate for International shipping, $7.95 -- what a star!


Thursday, March 26, 2009

Recent Purchases

Tristian Blair Patent Metallic Wedges: eBay-- $50!!


Maurie and Eve Raw Edge singlet (to wear under blazers & with leggings) mycatwalk.com.au


Skull ring!!! So bling'n! eBay $0.99!!! BARGAIN!

Phoebe Philo


Not only does she have one of the 'poppy-est' names in the industry, but this mother and design extrodinaire has become my latest idol.
Starting as a design assistant for Chole and suceeding the etheral Stella Marcartney as Creative Director, Philo was responsible for the "It bag" epidemic at Chloe; having the Paddington and Edith bags as credits to her name.
She then took some time off to spend with her family and has now been appointed by LVMH as Creative Director of Celine.
Her first collection is Celine Cruise 09, and I will locate some pictures shortly. Until then, I will continue to envy her life!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Its a hell of a town..

~ NEW YORK, NEW YORK~
I am off to the city that never sleeps! I am not actually physically able to contain my excitement!
Thanks to Mr Geoff Dixon (CEO of Qantas for those playing at home) I am going to be quaffing giant Pretzels, booty shakin' in Harlem and lounging in a Four Seasons bath robe (well, for one night!) for only $1,100!! so cheap, you cant afford not to!
I am crashing with my beautiful buddy Bianca in a loft in Brooklyn (OY, Vey!) , who went last year and is destined to not return to the land of Aus.

I will also spending a week cruising from San Fran, to LA, to Las Vegasssss-- get your glitterati on!

If anyone has any must sees, should do's and for god sakes do not go there's-- I would love to hear them!

I will be posting pictorial updates of my adventures when I go!

xx

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Tristian Blair "Ashs to Dust"

Adorable patent ankle boots/heels, this seasons merged shoe (second from the bottom)!

Very cute, very chic, very not affordable, but why not splurge on this Aussie designer? I myself cannot think of a reason not to!?

The rest of the collection, and all previous collections can be viewed here: http://www.tristanblair.com/

Thursday, March 19, 2009

LMFF Paris Runway 1 Presented by Grazia

Pumping music, champagne flowing and a bevvy of leggy blondes opened Runway One of the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Best dressed at this show were in fact, the crowd! So many stunning young girls in shaped trousers, tailoring, patent heels, shirts, luxe tribal dresses and the classic ‘bed hair’.

The models: of those that could walk, they were amazing. Their make=up: dewy and highlighted, their hair: in the words of Lady Ga Ga: poker straight.

The clothes: Stand out for me was J’Aton, probably because the collection stood out to the remainder of the show. Casino Royal Cocktail dresses, Versace hair and luxe luxe luxe. Such a juxtaposition to the current state of the economic climate and designers falling in its wake.

Loves: The stripes at Kirrily, the excessively pink pumps at Tina Kalivas, the dreamy space prints at Ksubi , the metallics at Sass and Bide, the tie dye fringes at Romance was Born.

Hates: The model who walked like an ape and Karen Walker.

Some highlights through pictures:

(please excuse the downright crappy quality of my photos, more can be found at http://www.six6photography.com/)
J'Aton:




Romance was Born:






Sass and Bide:




Tina Kalivas:





Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Recessionista's Rent Crisis

Tough times...

Here is a link my sale thread on the vogue forums:

http://forums.vogue.com.au/showthread.php?p=5352172#post5352172

Worth a look-see, selling clothes to buy more is the new black.

Also have an eBay account of the same name (ashleigh7024)

You can email me on ashs_uni@hotmail.com

:)

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Alice Mccall Sale Melbourne


Exclusive alice McCALL Sale Pieces Not Yet Released, Vintage Steals, Pretty Party Dresses, Great Winter Coats, Limited Sunglasses… Get in early to grab the one off pieces!
WHEN
Friday 20th & Saturday 21st March, 2009
WHERE
Level 1, 568 Oxford St (Off Chapel St) South Yarra Melbourne
TIMES
Friday: 8am - 6pmSaturday: 10am - 6pm
PAYMENT
Cash & Major Credit Cards Accepted

Trend Spot: The Velvet Blazer

"She wore bluuueee velvet"

Melbourne's own (OK, other parts of the world are PROBABLY doing it too) tweak to the tuxedo style blazer seen out and about already given the colder months.

I predict, through my crystal ball, the mysterious the velevet blazer will not be stocked in mainstream stores. So get clicking on eBay and burrowing through grandma's sexy nighty sheaths down at the local Salvos or Savers.




Colours to look out for: navy blue, deep burgendy red and black!




Monday, March 16, 2009

Stretsis- School of Rebellious Sweethearts Collection

With most Australian pre-order sites having sold out of their new Stretsis items before their drop, it seems this Thailand based designer is going to be the hot ticket item of the coming Winter season.
School of Rebellious Sweethearts is the cutesey name of the new collection, and it features soft lace layering, bows, sheer fabrics, purples and royal blues. The "girly geek" reigns in this series of short mini dresses, ruffles, pinks and tees. There is hints of the a Ballet influence in the whimsical Swan Lake dress, and the military styel Nutcracker jackets.

Uber cute and now more affordable with price drops on comparable peices form last season. For example, the Double Bow Dress is only $247.50, as compared to prices of last season around $500+.


My picks, the Sweetheart Ruffle dress






















The Double Bow Dress:


















The Lace Bow top:



















and, the Swan Lake dress:

Online stockists with pre-order stock are: www.pitbullmansion.com.au, www.instylefashions.com.au and www.whistles.com.au
x

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Bally Bow Patent Flats


So ohh la la French chic, so 'just popping down the shop with my careless hair and effortless style'


These Bally flats (actually last season) are tres adorable! http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/2995559.shtml


BUT--such a flat can now be purchased from Zu shoes (as pictured), for $100AUD. Yes, please. Much more up my alley.


I think only my bank account can tell the difference between these two!


Dermalogica on the cheap!


Dermalogica is currently 30% RRP at all ENDOTA spas nation wide! Now that is cheaper that eBay and skinstore so stock up, I know I will :)

Prospect 360

Was an information event for budding fashion journalists held on the weekend.

http://www.prospect360.com.au/sem11/index.html

Not only was it honest and uncensored look into such a cut throat industry it was quite empowering as a woman to be in the company of such successful driven women such as Bronwyn McMahon (Editor of Cosmopolitan Magazine) and Anthea O'Connor (Melbourne editor of Vogue). Not only were they absolutely stunning women, they were eloquent, pragmatic and engaging, and I for one have a serious case of the green eyed guzangas!

Kate Vandermeer, (Stylehunter.com) another speaker at the event, also has some involvement in new website: http://www.onlinedivas.com.au/ It is a new online social networking tool for female Entrepreneurs and definitely worth a look if you are part of an online store, blog, magazine, etc, and a women, or just up for a sticky nose!

My turn...

My turn to join the blogging arena. Welcome, says I.

I may have been a little late to jump on the online bandwagon, but I am on nonetheless.

My blog and I will cover all areas of Melbourne fashion, sales and budget buys, luxe and ladylike, cool eats and bars, the haps around the town, events and opinions.

Enjoy!