Style for any age

I was flipping through the Satorialist book that I have and what struck me is to see all people of all ages wearing some current or past trend piece in a way that is their own. So really does trend or styles have an age limit, hell no.. Are we supposed to because we are a mum or a nana give up on ourselves and put ourselves at the back of the social scene because we don't relate or want to do what the up and coming trend setters are doing.. No hopefully we are in tune with what works for our body type and then explore the boundaries of that.. Reuben's art teacher was rocking a great ensemble today and he is in his 50's and styling it even for school.. He's a well traveled man and an established artist so his style is reflected in a little tailoring and a little relaxed.
The point is we are not determining our style by our age but by our lifestyle and our experiences.. Who you really dress for is you, and other women, but it should 90% be down for you.
Is it really an age thing for style.. As long as you don't wear outside what your body can pull off. I don't mean that you shouldn't wear wide leg pants because you are short and of a lovely proportion. I have plenty of clients who wear my wide leg pants and fit that body shape and they rock it.. It is about who you are and what meets your personality and what makes you feel confident. Body language is the biggest part of our communication and our dress sense and style helps us convey that..
Living in London for 2 years, I met loads of Punks and I can tell you they are lovely people in general, but in their social demo they encourage that style to reflect the music they listen to and the political view they endorse..
I think the attempt to write an all encompassing Style book would be impossible because there are differences in every body and personality that can break or bend a style rule.. I surprise myself all the time on what I can pull off, accessories are your greatest friend seek them out and get a few of everything so it goes with your wardrobe.
When you play with the basics and allow yourself to explore I think that is where you really define the boundaries of your style and break them.. Try on something different, just have a play, cause sometimes it can be the make, not the style that rules that one out for you..
Have fun next time you have time at the shops and take in things that you don't normally try. If the shop is quiet they won't really mind you having a play with ideas, in fact you could be helping the girl on the floor..
Enjoy

Creative Fashion

I love this time of year as it is the time to put together the new collection for Spring.. I never work in a conventional way as I kind of design on a whim.. I love being inspired by creative people and art, so I like to bring a bit of that into my designs..
I research on many fashion websites not to copy but to be inspired. Seeing how things are put together in street fashion blogs, on real people...
Fashion to me should always be practical but it doesn't hurt to work on your assets and show the best of you.. Although today I have a trilby on as my hair isn't playing fair which is usually in Winter, this morning it was a beanie. No-one has to know your reason for what you wear but if you look smoking then that is where your fashion becomes art.
So this coming season for me is going to see cowl tees, singlet tanks and dresses, that will be worn under my silk caftans that are already in production.. They are going to be so addictive I am already looking for more fabrics..
There are two new vintage dresses coming into the range but I am working on tweeking the vneck ruffle into a decadent maxi with metal tabs on you so you put that skirt wherever you want it so it can be a short dress or dragging on the ground...
There is also going to be some old designs coming back, a-line skirts, more colours in the rolldown pants and Grace pants, linen/cotton drawstring pants and I am working on my own screen prints for tees. These aren't going to be just any kind of tee, they are going to be super vintage style...
Life is good. Enjoy the sun..

Courageous You

In life you have to step out of your comfort zone when you reach a fork in the road where you are bored or unsatisfied with your momentum or feel a niggle for something different. Be it in your wardrobe, career or relationship.. When I say change I mean spice it up, do something different, start new habits, wear new designs, try new colours, different languages, different holidays.. It doesn't have to major but just something that makes you skip out the door into life..
Here are some inspirational quotes from Reading for Success. I love this guys stuff.. Remember you are always learning so make sure you put something worthwhile in there..
Remember the anchor of who you are. Learn it. Live it.
Anytime you feel uncomfortable, no matter where you are, greet someone. Make a connection.
When you find yourself looking to someone else for answers, it’s time to stop and reflect. You have all the answers you need.
Do things because you truly feel powerful, not because others actions tell you. Stop trying to keep up.
Track when you feel awesome and when feel terrible. Notice what causes each. Stop the later. Enhance the former.
Be impeccably you. Boldness means pushing. Innovation’s messy. Enjoy it.
Ask why for everything. Don’t do anything without a good reason.
How do you want to feel when you accomplish a goal? We are after feelings, not check boxes. It’s the only way to really enjoy a victory.
Everything is progress.
This is not to get permission. Nothing is. The answer is yes. If you want it then do it.
Do what will make most money the fastest and then what makes most money. First think what can you make money from tomorrow. As that supports you, shift to what makes you most money over time.
It’s a risk. You could totally bomb. You could suck. But the fun makes it worth it.
Use your most precious gifts. Not just any gift. The most precious and uniquely yours.
The things you see as negative may turn out to be unique qualities. Own them
Your true purpose is to be ALIVE

Irene

Mama Couture

I was given this book by my husband and children for Mothers Day and it is written by an Australian writer by the name of Moya Kate. It is part pregnancy advice, which when you are past that stage you might want to lightly skim over those bits, but she is validating the making of that change from being a career woman to being a mum and then going back to find a happy medium.
I wrestle with this all the time and just having another woman write about it in such a funny way allows the sense of community in that this battle is not just mine.. The fashion industry yes is a funny monster all of it's own, but if you look at it from a different point of view it too has its opportunities to make a difference.
Moya gets political too on how woman, mothers are not validated in the workspace or the social system. Just imagine though when our load is a little lighter from having to be available for all minor and major things in our childrens lives on a day to day basis. Just how much we will be able to do in the world..
There is no greater force than a mothers love or her organisational skills either.. Planning food for a week for 4 people, investing in our passion, being a lover, teacher, carer and cleaner. All the while doing things that encourage the feeling of being a beautiful woman of the world.

http://mamacoutureshop.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11

I think we too believe in the underestimation and sometimes we just need to do things that allow us to realise just how much we have grown..

Winter Personality

Well the bom has just advised us we are in for a long cold Winter.. It's hard to stay focused on gorgeous frocks and silks etc when we are about to enter a long cold winter.. But it allows you to play with your style personality as you can mish and mash things that you wouldn't normally do..
I have some caftans in the range that I am looking into making some long sleeve tops out of Bamboo to layer underneath it. I have my first range of tights coming out this weekend so that will open up potential for frocks to be worn with them.. Bamboo colours will be here soon in those as well.
But before you go shopping, take time to get to know your clothes, if you put away your seasonal clothes to make room in your wardrobe then lay out your winter wares from last year and be ruthless in assessing which are keepers and which just don't have the mojo to see out another season.. Also don't be afraid if the designs that you can't bare to let go of may just need a little splash of colour to bring them back to life.. Natural fibres are another plus for this reason they are the easiest thing to dye..
Always go for good cuts, they are easy to mix and match and they will have more potential to be appropriate for different occasions. Also too look at necklaces and bracelets as they are your opportunity to add a different personality to an outfit that you love. Change your tights style as well, detailed or prints (be careful too busy and it adds bulk) or some that are plain.. It can be the grounding factor to an outfit even though only a splash is seen.
Enjoy rugging up..

women in business

Where I am today and where I see myself going is not even thinkable without the amazing network of women I get to work with every month.
Stacey and Southbank Markets for both Young Designers and the Lifestyle market, she has been so enthusiastic about my developments in my business.. Emma from Red Revival for doing my funky brooches and being a beautiful person to work with. Minnie for teaching me how to sew 8 years ago and still comes in a critiques my work, love you..
My mother in law for giving me perspective, my mum for always checking in to see how I am going and if I am jumping hurdles.. My ever supportive friend Rachael for always putting things in perspective for me and being there.. The girls at Portside for being so encouraging and supportive and all the other women in fashion that share the excitement and the challenges of being in this trade.
And of course all the ladies who come and shop with me. Giving me feedback, support, encouragement and when I need it, criticism.
To the Etsy, BrisStyle team, the support through the emails and forums makes the world of business at home that little bit bigger..
Leonie at the Collective Store at Wynnum for being willing to think outside the square and starting an awesome shop in the middle of a town that is yet to find it's funky side.. Thanks for taking it in the right direction..
Vicki from Incub8r in the Valley for also being a hub for creative women, thanks for taking on that challenge and doing what it takes to make it a success.
So whether you think you make a difference whether it be big or small. For a woman in business it could be just the leverage they need to jump that next hurdle. So thank you, thank you, thank you..
Support Australian Designers..

Wynnum Up Late Shopping night..

I know this is a wee way away but the amount of creative people working on it has just got me so excited I have to blab, now..

Firstly Leonie from the Collective store has a plethora of artists and designers wares in there, Kylie Gartside's amazing contemporary silver jewelry, kids clothing, wind and water designs and other fashion pieces and natural body products to mention just a few of the other 20 business women being represented in her store.

Each month Leonie features a new designer on her website that tells you a little bit more about their concept through to fruition..
http://www.thecollectivestore.com.au/feature.php

There will be lots of other local shops open late including, Mason and Daughter, Papertrenz and lots of other little stores that will have lanterns out to indicate they are open for business..

There will be a suitcase rummage down the alley way to Mason and Daughter, a footpath Fashion Parade and other little special events happening in Bay Terrace and Edith St. on the 16th of June, 2011..

There will champagne and nibbles out and about at certain shops and it will definitely be a night filled with lots of beautiful wares made by talented people.. See you there..

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150123983594095.300420.119894169094#!/pages/Wynnum-Up-Late/216591298355078

Stone and Metal.

Ok so I stumbled across this store in Arthur St in the Valley, I think about 5 months ago. What pulled me in was this black onyx faceted bracelet with a sold silver skull on it. Now this bracelet always gets a great reaction from people some positive and some quite confronting, so therefore I love it..

It is run by a beautiful lady named Sam who just happens to have a child at the same school as my son's, great coincidence.. She also has this insane chair made out of horns and cow skin that makes it just an amazing piece of work that is also functional..

There are many artisans with their jewelry in there and the price points are insane reasonable.. They are unique and diverse, I love going in there to see which piece I can lust after next. So if it is for a special event or someone, or just because it is time for a treat, go and see what little gems are on offer..

Stone and Metal..
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stone-And-Metal/141349025895330

Arthur St,
Fortitude Valley, Brisbane..

Streamline Luggage

I have a love of vintage luggage or bags. I don't know why they just make me feel, magical.. So I have been on this endless search to find someone who made just the stuff and didn't live in England and not post outside of their country. Frustrating..

So I was watching this modern French movie the other day and I saw it, so I thought I would google the movie and the luggage used in it and voila. I found them..

http://www.steamlineluggage.com/ is the website you need to get to to find some amazingly gorgeous and user friendly luggage.. Hopefully they have the forethought like Spencer and Rutherford who supply you with a plastic fitted bag that goes over you luggage to protect it in the airplane and also stops you having to use all that plastic in the airport.

I think if you collect a few pieces here and there they make a great investment piece. Like anything you love, you don't have to say no to them just pick your moment to spend time with them.

Golden find, share with only your closest girlfriends as we don't want them to become too popular..

Designer Brisbane - the Loft

I put my hat in the ring for being the fashion blogger for Broadway on the mall and as such I had to go in there and interview shops to get their perspective on their shops ethos...
I found awesome shops in there on the second and top floor. A bit of a maze to get around it all but still a little adventure if you have the time to let it unfold.

Natalie Denning is a machine, she has the Loft - ladies wear, Dirtbox menswear and Bessie head. Her collection of designs in all her shops are so desireable you want to sell your house and use all your capital to have those clothes. But to be honest unless you go there when there is a sale I don't see how the average person who wants a little something new regularly would be able to go there regularly. On and off over a year maybe 2 or 3 times maybe but not exceptionally regular. So put your name down on their mailing list and run to them when they have a sale on. Rachel Gilbert is so my favourite designer right now, that woman has it all covered and if she isn't the next big thing from Australia then that would only be a crime..

I could rattle about these shops as they are a big step in style for Brisbane. Including on the ground floor where Scotch and Soda are, it is like walking into a big warm walk in wardrobe with all your favourites in there. There are staples in such cool fabrics and colours and mostly natural fibres. Hurry with them though they are moving away from those as their main port of call which I hope they don't go too far down that track.. Divine pieces, a step out of the usual for you staples. Men and Women can shop in there side by side and come out feeling that retail satisfaction.. Most of their designs are pretty reasonable but some are definitely up there.

The rest of the Broadway Mall well, it goes from this high end to well Just Jeans and this discount store that has mainly synthetics and so many copies of each you would be afraid to buy anything in fear of being a carbon copy of the cheap and nasty. Sorry have to be brutal here, even though I liked some pieces the fabric was cheap and there were too many of the same thing there..

This is where my label and other hand made and local designers, I feel fills a need, that middle road fashion. Awesome uniqueness without insane prices to be different.. There are some amazing designers at local handmade markets like Etsy sellers at Bris Style events, soon to Laneway markets on the first Saturday of the month in Winn Lane where the Flamingo Cafe is. Also at places like Portside Markets (2nd and 4th Sunday) and of course the Young Designer Markets on the first Sunday of each month. So support the little guys and be unique, it will be easier on your wallet and give you diversity that isn't always available in stores..

Then from the money you save from shopping there you can go to Bessie Head and Scotch and Soda and be decadent for a day and not feel guilty..

Make your dollar and your style count..
Irene