Exploring Australis

Australis has undergone a makeover (zzzzing!), revamping its packaging and stepping up its game by offering quality products, gorgeous packaging and an irresistible pricepoint as part of its latest range. I gave the "Paparazzi Perfect High Definition Eyeshadow" a try, which consists of five shades per compact for only $15.95. That's less than the price of lunch, really.

The brown palette (Snap Attack) has a lovely selection of darker shades and lighter base colours. I found that the shadow went on well, with only a little bit of product going quite a long way. The pigment is also fantastic, giving a really rich colour immediately and allowing for plenty of blending.

{Australis' new pink-on-black packaging is chic and looks gorgeous when pulling it out of the handbag for a touch-up}

{I created a smokey eye using the dark brown shade on the outer lid, crease and lower lash line, champagne shade on the lid, cream shade on the inner v and lower lash line, and the light brown shade to blend out the darker brown}

 {the key is to always open your eye to check how high up to bring the smokey colour}

{voila!}

Pulled Up

{frock: vintage from Friperie Fitzroy, knit vest: Sportsgirl, cropped cardigan: Lolitta, shoes: Aldo, bag: Mimco, sunglasses: Chanel}



Inspired by pleats, I decided to take one of my favourite pleated 50s-style summer frocks and make it autumn-appropriate. What I love about this dress is how the tailored look of the bodice is balanced with long, pleated a-line skirt, which gives a feminine silhouette and makes you feel like twirling all over town.

Being a light, cotton frock, I added some texture and a more wintry, neutral palette by throwing on a cropped cardigan and short-sleeved knit vest. I was excited to try the socks-and-stilettos combo that I have been eyeing off of late, so I paired platform heels with some old high school socks, which transported me back to the classroom instantly.

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Ladylike

There's something beautifully old-fashioned about pleats. Modest and delicate, yet bold and uber-feminine, pleats are making a major resurgence. With winter approaching, I am keen to acquire many more pleated pieces to pair with cashmere and structured blazers. As evidenced by these lovely ladies, however, one must not be confined by the weather - pleats are proven to look elegant all year round.
 

{wider pleats are given structure with a belted blazer}



{teamed with cashmere, this is a perfect colourful get-up for dreary winter days}



{this bright, mint-coloured knee-lengh skirt ensures pleats can transend into the warmer months}



{bold shoes give some spunk to a more conservative, ladylike look}



{styled with a plain tee and peep-toes, pleats prove to be perfect for spring}



{a bold colour ensures pleats excude confidence}

 

{keeping those pins warm in winter, a pleated maxi is the answer to chilly mornings}

* Images from Stockholm Street Style, Vanessa Jackman (2, 3, 5), Le Fashion, Lucy Lacht, Color Me Nana and Citizen Couture.

Pout Perfection

For me, make up is an essential part of one's style. When piecing together a look, I put a lot of thought into ensuring that my makeup and hair works with, and accentuates, my outfit. I find it fun to be able to add drama and colour to an outfit, purely by playing with what's in your cosmetics drawer.

Recently, I have been experimenting a lot more with lipstick. I love the way it can provide an overall freshness to the face by drawing attention to your smile. Wearing bold hues on your face means it is essential to style your outfit accordingly; this can mean toning down your clothes to let the pout do the talking (zing!), or as I have found to be most fun, working in ways to tie in matching hues on your fingertips or garments.

{pops of pink styled beautifully with white and purple}

{plum is most certainly on my list of winter colours to try}

{red lips and bum bag = fabulous}

{red wine lips and nails can transcend into evening with a chic black dress}

{matching lipsticks and prints are a perfect pair}

{bright lips and nails pop with a completely neutral outfit}

* Images from The Blonde Salad (1, 2, 7), Gary Pepper Vintage, Hanneli, becauseimaddicted and The Glamourai.  

Street Styling

Just as exciting as seeing what comes down the runway is oogling at RAFW's attendees. An eclectic mix of models, designers, fashion insiders, and bloggers provided some serious eye-candy, as well as inspiration on how to transcend the latest trends into daily style.

While colour was certainly prominent, what caught my eye were the quirky prints, fabric clashes, flowing skirts and clever layering. There was a delightful mix of feminine and edgy styles, all of which ensured that the international spotlight was certainly beaming on the Australian fashion scene.

* Images from Vogue, Lifestyled and On The Streets Of Sydney. 

RAFW 2011: Kirrily Johnston S/S 11

Kirrily Johnston's RAFW S/S 11 campaign was so perfectly represented by its title, "Subtle Strength". The collection is the perfect tango of hard and soft, light and shade. Strong fabrics with whimsical drapery; intense colours with delicate lines. But what Kirrily really nails, is conveying her message that strong pieces do not necessarily always have to translate to being 'statement'. It's about being strong and stylish, without having to turn heads. It is a fine balance, but Kirrily shows how it's done.

The combination of suede with delicate drapery results in a flattering bandage-style dress that can either be worn as by itself, or a perfectly as a layering piece.

It's all in the detail. Rigid combined with gathering, using colours reminiscent of the sunburnt Australian desert.

This beautiful burnt orange is such a strong hue, but the pleats and consevative cut of this dress keeps it wearable. Trend Alert: is that footwear perhaps the Aussie spin on the Gladiator Sandal?

This simple moss-green slip dress is paired with a fresh take on the evening clutch.

The hair and make up really embodies this collection brilliantly. The slicked back, sharp pony tail is relaxed with this contrasting, diagonal fringe that drapes modestly over part of the face. The luminous skin is punctuated by a matte auburn lip, with the eyes kept subtle with fresh with a light bronze shadow and barely-there eyeliner.

This magnificent, flowing, leopard skirt is punctuated by a basic two-toned t-shirt, yet the statement necklace and bronze cuffs are paired as if it is armour; the perfect embodiment of the Warrior Princess.

… And I love how we get a glimpse of the unbelievable chic Kirrily herself. You can just see how this collection epitomises her aesthetic perfectly, and represents both her as an individual, and as a talented designer.

* All images from Fashionising.com.