Cannes the magnificent

Image source here

As the Cannes Film Festival comes to a close, and the best and worst dressed lists are being analysed, deals have been made, films have been watched and hair has been blowing in the breeze, so too dresses as photographers all hustle to grab a winning shot. The standard was high this year, with both men and women dressed impeccably, but for me, it was the women of a certain age who stole the show. Namely Joan Collins who at 80 years of age, showed that if you take care of yourself-age has nothing to do with it! She held those photographers attention as much as any young starlet walking the red carpet. So good to see amongst Sophia Loren and Jane Fonda! They truly are in inspiration on how to live your life! Bravo!

The Independent Woman on show at LMFF

Trois 

Last Sunday night saw LMFF close a week long fashion extravaganza at Melbourne's Docklands with the Independent Runway, showcasing Australia's emerging and established designers. It's always a buzz to arrive to an empty runway awaiting what will be delivered down its long white path, camera finger eagerly poised and ready. I was not disappointed with the women's wear on offer and started creating mental outfits in my head with each snap on my camera.

Fashion on show at Highpoint

Well there has certainly been no shortage of fashion of late. With LMFF wrapping up just last night with a fabulous runway show(post on that soon) and more and more shops opening up to satiate the retail appetite.

SPENCERLACY Enchanted Forest AW13

It's hard to imagine thinking about Autumn/Winter here in Melbourne when we are about to have a 38 degree day tomorrow (3 cheers for that!) but before you know it, Melbourne's good old changeable weather means you can never quite fully pack away your seasonal clothes as you'll still be fishing out that jumper or long sleeved tops when the inevitable cooler days approach and layering becomes a necessity. This is where Melbourne label SPENCERLACY as a brand comes in very handy as their pieces are not only great for layering, but also very comfortable and free flowing for the wearer so there is a real no fuss feel about it. 

Street Spotting-80's Rock and Colour Pop

I really do meet the nicest people Street Spotting. It is a strange thing stalking your subjects before having the courage to ask them to be photographed, and it's another to have them pose in a crowded shopping centre. But I had two very obliging and happy participants with these two who I could not take my eyes off until I finally interrupted their conversation for some snaps. Shopping centres at the best of times can be bland and the clothes themselves in the shops as well as the wearers frequenting them, can begin to all look the same. So, it was rather refreshing to my 80's aesthetic when sitting down for a coffee to see colour explode before my very eyes! I felt like I had entered the film 'Desperately Seeking Susan' (an absolute favorite fashion film for me) with the printed jacket and lace top with the cross necklace, bright hues and striking hairstyles, it was more like costume dressing, creating characters and evoking that mood, which I absolutely love to do myself, and I commend them on being so brave to wear their outfits out in the suburbs with such confidence. It made my day, and I'm glad I made theirs. 

Street Spotting: Layering Colours & Print

When you live in Melbourne you know that you can't necessarily get dressed in the morning by looking out the window and seeing what the weather is doing- as it will change at least 4 times throughout the day, you have to be prepared. Case in point over the weekend when I hastily put out a load of washing in the sunshine, blue sky, wind. Yes, what was I thinking when a mere 10 minutes later it was grey sky, wind and rain. But I digress. To survive Melbourne, it is all about the layers. And putting them on and off throughout the day. Making them a colourful assortment is half the fun. Strolling down the street, I immediately noticed the colour combination of this outfit and stopped to capture it. It certainly pops mixed together and I love the contrast with the black & white patent shoes. A print is always a good way to jazz up an outfit by giving a focal point, as does a great accessory like her belt which breaks up the outfit and gives her a good shape. How many layers and colours can you cram into one outfit? (Yes- that's a challenge- go for it!)

SPENCERLACY Pops Up To Delight The Senses

Thursday night I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Melbourne womenswear label SPENCERLACY Style Lab, a new pop up store sensory experience aimed at enlightening the 5 senses in a retail space. For the brands first foray into a retail venture, they have done a great job in providing more than just clothes on racks, but a warm, welcoming space that offers the consumer something special.

For the sense of Touch- there was plenty to go around with garments beautifully displayed around the store. Great chunky knits that you would want to live in on a cold winters day, to patterned leggings and stretch pants as well as shirts with beautiful cutout back detail. I really love the colour palette of this collection as I think they are great basics you could easily incorporate into your wardrobe and would suit most complexions. I felt quite happy amongst them.

Guests had their sense of Smell uplifted with candles burning from Melbourne brand Plain & Simple while sounds came from the Style Lab soundtrack, which were exclusively mixed by Melbourne DJ Lauren Mac. It was a great atmosphere mingling amongst some very fashionable people enjoying great conversations.

A beautiful cabinet from Izzi and Popo who were in charge of our sense of Sight, fitted out the Style Lab with vintage furniture and bold pieces that certainly attract your attention upon entering the store. I felt I needed to introduce myself to our horned friend that watched over us from a great height. The cabinet was well stocked with bold statement pieces from Liberte. I had to divert my eyes from falling in love with too many things as everything in store is for sale, I mean everything, which can be hard for the wallet to comprehend. 

For our sense of Taste, we were in for a unique food experience. In the presence of chef Daniel Dobra from The Aylesbury it was an opportunity to pay attention to mastery and creation in its most mouth watering form, or should I say molecular gastronomy! Using liquid nitrogen to create chocolate mouse balls that were hard on the outside and smooth on the inside and these spoon fulls of Tzatziki and cucumber were so refreshing and it was a joy watching everyones face as they popped them in their mouth. Some very happy customers indeed.

My brogue partner in crime on the night was my fashionable friend James Nolen who was sporting these hot red brogues and blue pants and by coincidence I wore my silver brogues and red pants. Great minds really do shoe alike! Thought we made a nice pair.

For more information on SPENCERLACY, check out any of of the options below and if you are in Melbourne, make sure you pop in to their Style Lab at 124 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.


spencerlacy.com


facebook.com/SpencerLacyStyle


twitter.com/spencerlacy


pininterest.com/spencerlacypin

GT lust-haves...

For the love of Stripes and Spots

Highlights of MSFW- @city square runways- Jigsaw Runway

Part three of the free City Square runway show was Jigsaw.
Again we saw great colour with bold print and stripes. Lace work on dresses also featured.
A great show that made me long for Spring as the Melbourne weather outside on the day was cold and blustery. Which made me wonder how long I would have to wait before getting the chance to wear the first outfit!

Beautiful, feminine and flowing.

Pop she goes!

Gorgeous stripe dress. Love love love it!!

A classic white suit, always tasteful.

Ending on a flirty little number.

The grand finale.