Going Brogue...

A slick alternative to ballet flats, brogues offer the perfect solution when you need to strut faster. Here's three inspiration looks that will have you kicking off your heels in no time.

Going Brogue... by jessica-rara on polyvore.com

Back to Work Outfit Inspiration

Well as my holidays wind down, I had a peak in my closest and reinvented some of my outfits.  This is what I came up with (on polyvore ofcourse!)

Back to Work Outfit Inspiration by jessica-rara on polyvore.com

An Era of Decadence - Fashion in the 1920's

After watching The Great Gatsby (2013) several times, I decided it was time to pull a post together on the much coveted style of the 1920's. There is nothing more luxurious and fascinating than the way people lived during this Art Deco inspired, champagne sippin' time.  

The film is set in the 1920's and if you weren't in existence during this time, well that's no problem! here's some context to keep you in the loop.

The 1920's...

-is commonly referred to as the Jazz Age and/or the Roaring 20's 

-was the beginning of Art Deco & Surrealist movements

-was a period of economic boom following World War 1

This economic prosperity led to lavish lifestyles, faster cars, glittering diamonds and flamboyant parties... but what did this mean for fashion? 

Ladies Fashion (more diamonds please)

Challenging traditional Victorian societal roles, women's fashion played a significant part in liberating women. Corsets were swapped for long unrestrictive dresses known as  'flapper dresses'.  As the Jazz age progressed, the late 1920's saw hemlines creeping up to just below the knee.  Flashes of silk or rayon stockings were held up by garters and could sometimes be seen as girls danced or walked. Outfits were accessorised with feather boa's and cloche hats in luxe materials.

Combined with the Art Deco movement flapper dresses were adorned with eclectic beaded patterns.  Geometric prints in gold, silver and pastel colours were also popular choices. Shoes incorporated a small block heel with t-bar detailing and a strap. This allowed women to dances to styles such as the Charleston in chic comfort. Embellished flapper dresses would swoosh to the rhythm of ragtime jazz music, the spectacle can be seen here during the party scene in The Great Gatsby. 

Gatsby Style on the Runway

The 1920's may seem like a long time ago but in 2012, one year prior to the remake of The Great Gatsby, fashion designers all across the globe ventured back into the past and produced collections inspired by the roaring 20's. Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Marchesa & Marc Jacobs are just to name a few...

Gucci Spring/Summer 2012

Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2012

Marchesa Spring/Summer 2012

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2012

Gentlemen, your turn to suit up... 

Men's fashion also encountered an upgrade. Suiting in lighter shades become a symbol of wealth.  Silk pocket squares and geometric ties complemented Club collar shirts in white or light blue.  The whole look was pulled together by a well cut single breasted jacket, often in pinstripe pattern with matching Oxford pants. Shoes were all leather of course, brogues were a favourite in contrasting colours such as black and white or brown and cream. A straw boater was a quintessential staple to the modern man's wardrobe.   

Brooks Brothers 

Brooks Brothers

Ralph Lauren Purple Label 2012

Fashion Collaborations in The Great Gatsby 

My jaw dropped when I found out the number of fashion collaborations that made The Great Gatsby the visual extravagant affair that it is.  Diamond and pearl encrusted Tiffany and Co headpieces, Bespoke designer flapper dresses by Miuccia Prada, Fogal for hosiery and Brooks Brothers for suiting. Gastby looks dapper and soft spoken Daisy is simply just beautiful. I wish I had signed up to be an extra!  

Miuccia Prada costume sketches for The Great Gatsby 

Daisy's 'Chandelier' dress (centre)

Tiffany and Co Ziegfeld Collection - purchase here

This headpiece is divine! A modern take on the tiara. 

Fogal, The Great Gatsby Hosiery Collection - purchase here

Brooks Brothers - OrotonGroup is bringing Brooks Brother to Australia, stores are opening February 2014. You can read the article here

Luxe Review - Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 Damier Ebene

Toted on the arm of Audrey Hepburn, the Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 is certainly an iconic piece.  I bought this bag almost 1 and half years ago when I stepped out of the world of retail.  After working for two premium Australian fashion labels I finally decided it was time to purchase my first luxury 'it' bag, and this was it.

Louis Vuitton introduced this bag in 1933.  Over the last decade this bag has come in numerous material and patterns.  The Speedy comes in several sizes 25, 30, 35 & 45 making reference to the length of bag in centimetres.

At first I was quite hesitant to drop hundreds of dollars on a bag made out of canvas (yes canvas, not leather) but it was well worth it.  The Speedy 25 is a durable and functional bag and is a great piece to start your collection.  

When choosing a print I opted for the Damier Ebene canvas, which has been surprisingly versatile.  There were a couple of reasons for this, the main one being that LV monogram is possibly the most copied monogram in the entire industry.  The only thing I hate more than bad coffee is fake handbags.

As for the quality and finish of the Louis Vuitton Speedy 25, it is unparalleled. The inside of the bag is lined with royal red so it's easy to locate your keys.  

I love the detail of the little gold lock (well actually it's made of brass)
For a small bag the barrel shape ensures that you put every cubic square centimetre to use.  It's quite handy for heading out for a night in the city,  I've managed to stash a pair of heels and do a swap for flats. The only issue I have is, that as it is a top handle style it does get heavy so only carry what you can lift at the gym.

What's in my bag? 

1. Fujifilm Instax 90 camera 
2. YSL Pure Shine Lipstick, colour and link TBC
3. Scholl Ballet flats
4. Swarovski Crystalline Lady Ballpoint Pen, White Pearl 
5. Miss Dior Eau De Parfum, purse size
5. Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses 
6. Oroton wallet 
7. Work phone, iPhone 5 (white)
8. Personal phone in Kate Spade iPhone case, iPhone 5 (black)
9. Penguin Books, The Consolations of Philosophy by Alan de Botton
10. Apple Iphone 5 charger

Men often wonder why women spend so many hundreds and thousands of dollars on luxury handbags (and shoes, clothes, etc). Whilst this blog makes no attempt to justify this cause, I can suggest it has something to do with the fact that we have to haul these objects around all day (and you may as well make it a statement while you're at it).  Male companions, don't complain... especially when you decide to treasure their entire life story in her Louis Vuitton on your next date.  But just remember no matter how many dollars you spend on your bag, it won't remind you to give back his keys ;) 

The Designer Series, Introducing Mr Oo la la

Or Oscar de la Renta as he is known in the fashion world.

Photograph by Irving Penn.  Published in Vogue, May 1982

For a little background, I have decided to start a series - titled The Designer Series (yes I know original).  Each week I will attempt to distill fashion's most fabulous and influential designers.  Sort of of a 101 guide, so you can trip down the Champs-Elysees and also be fashion/design guru.  

So who is this guy? (de la Renta)
Well I call him Oo la la, because his designs are just that.  

- De la Renta was born on July 22, 1932
- He is a Dominican American haute couture fashion designer 
- At age 18 he studied painting in Madrid, but soon left to pursue fashion design
- His first big break was in the 1960's, where he became internationally renowned after he dressed Jacqueline Kennedy 
- Known for red carpet gowns and evening wear 

You know it's a Oscar de la Renta design when there are...

1. lashings of tulle in shades of sorbet
2. little floral details
3. dramatic and often voluminous full skirts 

Haute Couture is seasonal, (well some of it anyway) but the magenta text highlights a designers 'signature' look. His/her hallmark to become one of the fashion elitist. 

Pretty little satin bows and interesting textures

Pastel pink and embroidered lace

Monochrome polka dot full length gown 

Tulle in tangerine 

Organza in shades of grey

Mojito's and a snapshot of Sydney's skyline, yes please

Last night I wound up in Lryic theatre to watch Greese with my Mother.  I was slightly disheartened, the show a solid 5 out of 10 (average) but as I wandered through the Casino post 1950's flashback my eye was drawn to beaming images of Sydney's trendiest new rooftop bar, Sky Terrace.

Finally a open air space where you can sit back and indulge in Sydney's gorgeous skyline.  There's always something so special about being perched high above the ground amidst scrapers and the hustle of the city.  Sky Terrace comes complete with all the trimmings, the hottest dj's (and hopefully bartenders),  an impressive menu and stellar views.

Now, this is definitely the place to be.  Just need a sparkly dress and a martini.

See you there...

http://www.star.com.au/sydney-nightlife/Pages/Sky-Terrace.aspx

First sketch/post of the season

Now i'm no expert, but at least it resembles a fashion sketch?
(10 points for trying)