Cathleen Jia Premieres Her New Collection

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure to witness the launch of the Cathleen Jia Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection. Cathleen creates all the garments herself, with intricate beading and lace using silks and sheer fabrics, all locally made right here in Melbourne. This beautiful afternoon soiree was held at the fragrant Domain Flowers where her feminine, drapery dresses stood just as elegantly beside the natural floral display.

Guests were cueing up to indulge in beautiful mini cupcakes from Cupcake Central. Unfortunately, yours truly had to only but admire from afar (thank you gluten intolerance), but I didn't see an unhappy customer go by.

This beautiful model transformed into the gowns from the collection like a pop up fashion show and allowed us an up close view of the garments, seeing how they hang on the body.

Nothing like a nice glass of wine, fashion to look at, great company and being surrounded by sensational flowers to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Head pieces and accessories all hand crafted by Cathleen.

The designer herself was coaxed up on the platform to take her moment and accept the applause.

It obviously got too much for her as we cheered her on, and all her hard work was realised. Mind you, she had also just 'whipped' up the dress she is wearing the night before! Amazing! Congratulations to Cathleen on a beautiful collection and to the team from Couturing for putting on such a wonderful event, I most certainly had a great time.

Link This!

Have you got something really beautiful and precious to you tucked away somewhere in a drawer or hidden in a box? I think most of us do, for whatever reason be it lack of space, necessity or saving it for a rainy day. Well my beautiful collection of vintage cuff links hadn't been seen or used since I cast them in a film I made, yet I love them dearly. Not owning a shirt myself that can be used for cuff links, they continued to remain hidden in my drawer until one day...

I discovered them again at the back of the drawer and pulled them out to have another look. I love the way they feel and the sound they make as they rub up against each other. From the corner of my eye caught my attention a gold chain that I bought from a jewellery supply store with the intention of doing something with it one day. Well, this was the day. I attempted to thread the links through the chain and to my delight, they just fit! So, one by one I added the three sets and tried it on. Presto! Instant jewellery without having to leave the house to buy it!I have now even cleared space in my drawer, and used up another item waiting in limbo. I like even laying it on my diary on my desk to look at it as a pretty object- even spent the day doing housework in it!

Surprisingly, it goes with many outfits in my wardrobe, but I just love the simplicity of a black blazer jacket, a striped t-shirt and a bit of bling to set me on my way! What do you have lying around that can be transformed and given a new lease on life? I'm sure you can come up with wonders. Set yourself a DIY challenge!

Street Spotting

I first spotted (Pardon the pun!)this gorgeous shirt and when I turned around and saw the whole outfit and her beautiful face, I just had to interrupt her meal to take some photos of her.

This outfit and the colours suit her so well, and she had such a gentle demeanour about her which I found incredibly charming. Just love spots and hats on just about anyone, I think it instantly creates a personality that is timeless.

Outfit was spot on from head to toe!

Summertime DIY

I'm a bit of a crafty girl- in a good way I tell you, and the summer season is usually spent indoors on sweltering days in front of the sewing machine whipping up a cute summer dress, skirt or top. I recently came across one of my favorite quotes by John Wooden- 'Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do', in this case, my funds to go shopping for new clothes may be low, but that does not stop me creating some of my own. Thrifty is my middle name!

I was lucky to receive an addition to my fabric haul as a Christmas present from my good friend James in this gorgeous candy coloured striped fabric, wrapped in a pretty bow. The yellow striped fabric is actually from IKEA and is a very sturdy cotton which will form the basis of another DIY cushion project.

Last week I received another beautiful gift of fabric by the gorgeous blogger Cecylia who wanted to encourage my creativity, and it sure did work a treat. It turned into a dress that I wore to the Couturing Launch.

Fashion ideas can come from all sorts of places. This printed fabric is a craft piece from Big W that I plan on turning into a shell top and team it with a denim skirt for a bit of a rockabilly look.

No secrets here that I love my three S's- SPOTS- STRIPES- STARS. And when you happen to have nail polish to match- Bonus!

This fabric I turned into a pair of leggings that command a certain amount of attention every time I wear them. They are my all time favorite DIY piece to date and I was so excited when cleaning out the fabric stash to discover I have another small piece left that I will incorporate into a top. I love it because it reminds me of magazine covers. Very fashion! 


What DIY projects take your fancy and do you sew by the seasons, mood or necessity? Whatever the reason, it sure is an amazing experience seeing a piece of fabric transform before your very eyes. 

Self Branding

Allow me to introduce myself again- in ink! No, I was not brave enough to go out and get a tattoo for three reasons- money (lack of), I'm a chicken (don't like needles of any form) and I change my mind too much (yes, I'm a Gemini), so I don't like the idea of a permanent accessory stuck to my skin. I do love tattoo's (my favorite show is Miami Ink- go watch it) and believe they are an amazing art form, but for me, and the reasons I just mentioned, this is the next best thing- and it comes off in the shower!
A self inking stamp!

I ordered this stamp to use for my accessories business (of the same name) and when it arrived, I thought what better way to promote it, then to wear it as an accessory itself! Plus, you can style it up with other accessories too! It also helps to introduce yourself at events and parties when people only know you by your Twitter name, all with just a flick of the wrist!

So the next time you are bored or having an afternoon slump at the office, why not amuse yourself with some stamps. My personal favorites used to be 'Void', 'Draft' and 'Processed'. The ink levels on those might have suffered a bit. But a lot of fun. 
What would you stamp yourself with? Get stamping!

Street Spotting

I spotted this girl waiting for a tram and asked if I could whisk her away to take some quick photos. Her gorgeous yellow top and shoes stood out for me, teamed with a denim skirt that had a very 70's feel about it. 

The oversized sunglasses, with a bit of a tint, really suits her.

I love the textural elements of her outfit with the detailing on her top, to the plaited silver belt and woven bag with silver chains. 

These shoes are very simple yet the detail around the ankles give them an interesting point of difference.

Steve Madden Launch Party

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the Steve Madden Bourke Street Mall store in Melbourne. Officially opened late December last year, the three floors of shoe heaven for ladies and gents to peruse right in the heart of the city,  needs a bit of time to get through.


I took my trusty fashion sidekick James along, and when he arrived, I of course as I always do, look down to see what shoes he is wearing, and given that the night was all about shoes! To my absolute delight, it thrilled me to see that our fashion brains psychically linked up and we ended up wearing matching shoes, which were the talk of the night! And no- seriously- it was NOT planned!

We mingled up through the three levels, dodging mini hot dogs and cupcakes to the top floor where Ruby Rose was on the decks providing groovy tunes to put you in a shoe shopping mood.(Although seriously, for most women- we don't need to be put in the mood- it comes naturally!) Staff were on hand to help out with sizing and a spinning wheel was at the door for your chance to win a free pair of shoes! A lot of fun!

By the end of the night, we all wanted to hang up our tired shoes and rest our feet and check out our goodie bags! It was a great night, with a special thanks to the gorgeous people from Steve Madden who where warm and welcoming and encouraged a great vibe on the night. I did indeed leave a very happy woman!