Little Black Dress Mel's Blog

It’s amazing how images evoke so much emotion and feeling. They can make us laugh, cry and really feel.  It takes exceptional talent to capture the perfect image.  One of the most amazing photographers to cross my path is Ariana Gillrie.  This talented young photographer has such a brilliant talent I highly recommend checking out her beautiful work;  every time I look at her new pictures I cannot help but smile.  http://arianagillrie.com/

I know this is a shameless plug but when I get excited about something I can’t hold back.  Lacoste one of my most loved watch brands has released the Goa range.  A collection of fun 80′s inspired (I am a child of the 80′s how can I not love it!)  pieces in hot on trend colours and styles.  Retailing for $100 they are a bargain to be had in the land of watches.  A great present for any girl (or guy there are some hot unisex pieces too)  available at Myer nationally.

It’s only twelve sleeps to LMFF L\’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival  and I am very excited to be going for the first time.  My goal this time is to figure out how to “fashion festival” on a budget so those fashionistas on a budget can figure out how to experience something as great as LMFF but do so without breaking the budget. Stay tuned!

Do you remember the madness and chaos that surrounded the release of the Stella McCartney collection for Designers for Target range  in March of 2007?  I do, I was there babysitter in tow (I have a wonderful mother in law) grasping for luscious garments hoping they would fit and having a blast.  Well here we go again…on the 29th of October Stella once again releases a divine range for target. 

I am a big lover of diffusion ranges as I believe you get great cuts and designs for a fraction of the designer price.  The range includes a collection of beautiful pieces in nudes and silvers with highlights of french blue, magenta and petunia.  It is slightly more expensive this time around but a fraction of the cost of a typical Stella piece.  Dresses start at $149, tops $99 and jackets $179.  My picks of the collection are the wide leg trouser in black for $119 a beautiful looking pant in a great cut that is a fantastic staple and for a bit of romance I love the french blue lace dress. 

To be honest this I think this collection is divine and I would have every piece if I could, it is a tribute to the beautiful artistry that is Stella McCartney.  Make sure you do your homework before you venture into target on the 29th of October; go through the lookbook online first and pick your top three pieces so you know exactly what to run for when the doors open.  Have fun shopping!

Designers for Target Stella McCartneyStella_lookbook_2010

I want to let you in on a little secret…shhh…I have applied for the Westfield Insider.  I had people email and call me telling me to enter so my thoughts you’ve got to be in it to win it!  I want to share with you a little bit of my application as I think it applies to all of us so here it is.

Before entering the world of Westfield it’s important to do your homework.  Sometimes when looking for the perfect outfit it’s hard to know where to start that’s why I always recommend checking your favourite fashion blogs and websites to get a fix on what’s on trend.  If you googled fashiontoast.com you would see delicious statement scarves now replicated in Sportsgirl; like the yummy spliced lace scarf.  Fashionclique.com.au are featuring soft tailoring now mirrored in the fly away spring collections of Portman’s who are delighting us with beautiful daisy maxi dresses. With one click of the mouse you will be amazed at the inspiration at hand.

Now the trick is to take what you have seen online, think about your budget and then head on down to Westfield to unleash the savvy shopper inside.   My recommendations for spring are easy to wear, fresh feminine pieces.  What you want to do is invest in the pieces that you will be able to carry over seasons like the drape front blazer for $199 from Witchery and then team it with a cute little Valley Girl layered chiffon top for $14.95.  Hook this up with one of the ten pairs of skinny jeans already lurking in your wardrobe or throw it back with a pair of Target Hot Option military shorts for $29.95 and you are on your way. 

Remember my motto COST PER WEAR if you are going to carry a piece over seasons then invest in a quality garment; if it is a this season only (think mc hammer pant’s) then go for the cheaper option.  This way you are leaving your wardrobe full of staples with a little fun on the side and making the most of your hard-earned cash.  Be smart, have fun and be beautiful you.  Love Mel

The Westfield Insider

Check out these new hot wedges from Nat Sui.  A pair of these babys are not only a sexy add to your shoe collection but a practical piece to take you through summer.  Be a savy shopper one pair of wedges can carry you from office to lunch date to night on the town, remember my motto cost per wear!

G Lord Art is having an exhibition at the Mooloolaba Wharf from the 18th to the 26th of September 10 – 4 daily.  Original art is such a wonderful thing to adorn your home with.  It captures feelings and emotions and creates memories for you to share in your home.  I really recommend checking out this budding artist as I can guarantee in a couple of years time none of us will be able to afford to buy this fabulous artists work!