SOCKS AND SANDALS ZINE

This year I've had the pleasure of contributing as Fashion Director to Socks and Sandals Zine, a Brisbane student-spawned publication. Last week it hit screens (read here) and is soon to be gracing local cafes, boutiques and so forth.

Founded from a love for all things under the fashion, beauty and lifestyle umbrellas, the project was fortunate to score funding by QUT, as well as the support of numerous local companies and businesses.

It's been interesting to watch the project unfold under the guidance of Editors Maddie Daly and Ayla Dolan. Considering they did not, until now, have editorial backgrounds or experience in publishing, the entire venture was carried out seamlessly.

When you bring together a team of 20 or so starry eyed students with differing specialities, ideas and styles, the process is potentially going to be huge challenge. However, everything fell together quite organically considering each of us were studying full time and juggling other commitments.

In fact, one of the best parts of the process was meeting and collaborating with enthusiastic, talented creatives who I hope to work with again in the future. I look forward to contributing to the next issue, as well as watching the Zine evolve in it's content and aesthetic.

Here are a couple of articles I wrote.

Local fashion writer Sasha McDonald also wrote this sweet feature about my e-boutique BELÁ TESORO.

CANBERRA DIARY: DAY I

On a sunshiny Friday morning three weeks ago, my partner in crime and I packed our swag and flew down to Canberra to partake in Australian Capital Tourism’s ‘Human Brochure’ weekend. While Australia’s capital city is not synonymous with being an ideal tourist destination, the purpose of the campaign was to offer non-Canberra residents a fresh perspective of the city – one that debunked its cliché politics-parliament-poor weather image.

125 fortunate winners were divided into their chosen categories – food and drink, family fun, adventure and, our pick, art and culture. In return for being set up in luxe accommodation, excessively fed and watered and chauffeured to and from the city’s key attractions, it was our duty to shine an honest light on our experience through social media.

Upon arrival in Canberra, we were met by some of the organisers and driven to our accommodation. Art and culture designated folk were allocated to the Diamant Hotel, an “80 room, award winning boutique meets art gallery hotel boasting elegant interior design showcasing an eclectic collection of emerging and established artworks”. After being warmly welcomed by the wonderful hotel owner and ushered to our rooms, we mutually agreed that we didn’t want to leave. Ever. Check it out…






After a convenient lunch at nearby organic eatery Urban and a round of celebratory champagne (it was International Champagne Day, after all), we were taken to the Australian War Memorial for the campaign’s official welcome ceremony. Amidst the hustle bustle of news cameras, photographers and fellow “humans”, we were invited to tour the premises before a welcome presentation and the unraveling of the evening’s shenanigans. It was hard not to be moved by what we saw. After the proceedings, attendees were relocated to the ANZAC Hall for a short film and unlimited canapés, sweet treats and beverages. There were no complaints on our behalf.




With food comas, sugar highs and tipsy-induced deliriousness, the weary humans were dropped back to their relevant hotels to sprawl out on cloud-like beds. Day two and three coming at you soon. X

MARKET HQ: DISTRACTION AND EUPHORIA

Q) What happens when you combine babetron Rachel Rutt with:
- sequin blocking (like colour blocking, but with the addition of sequins - win!)
- a zodiac circle
- kaléidoscopique intergalactique motifs (my spell check went French there for a second - I will leave it be for self-entertainment purposes)
- *a pretty pooch
- a wall of ravishing retro pin-up lads
- **tropicaltastic prints
- faux grass and daffodils

A) The latest MarketHQ lookbook!

* I don't mean to be crass, but the "cute as f#%K" tee needs to be mine. :)
** Latest annoying habit: unnecessarily adding "tastic" to the end of words. E.g. "That is foodporntastic" (in restaurants) ... "They are simply furrrtastic" (in reference to my cats) ... "You are so bargaintastic" (in reference to friends with clever shopping habits) ...

Which MarketHQ piece tickles your fancy?

DESTINATION PARIS FASHION WEEK

Happy hump day, dear readers. I hope you're having a wonderful week.

Pardon my absence as I've been soldiering through my final semester of university, refurnishing my apartment with my newly moved in boyfriend, traipsing around the nation's capital courtesy of Visit Canberra and, now, wallowing in a sea of tissues, medication and vitamins.

When I'm no longer ill-ridden and can conjure the strength to do something other than guzzle green smoothies, cuddle my cats, explore internet land and watch back-to-back online TV, I have a year worth of photos to upload and all kinds of tidbits and tales to share.

In the meantime, here's a little tête-à-tête with four of Brisbane's fashion sweethearts following their recent Paris Fashion Week getaway. Discover their spring/summer fashion must haves and vicariously live through their tales of exciting discoveries and unforgettable moments enjoyed along the way.

PRUE BAUER | CAMARGUE

1) Stand out trend of the season?

One of the really noteable things about the SS13 season was the interplay between masculinity and femininity. Designers presented strong, bold lines, juxtaposed with sexy, sheer silk and organza. Dries Van Noten was a prime example with his double- breasted blazers executed in the most stunning spectrum of transparent checks. Expect to see the full array at camargue next April!

2) Most memorable Paris moment?

Too many! On Day 2 I was photographed with Kate Lanphear whilst having a chat at the Ann Demeulemeester show. I've always admired her style, and love the fact that she wears black daily better than anyone else! I was also photographed alongside Grace Coddington, but that was more coincidence than anything!

3) Discovery you're most excited about?

Life outside the Marais! I have been to Paris six times now and have never managed to explore the city beyond the shows and our appointments! This trip I was fortunate to have my partner join me – we had a great time exploring the city, hunting down some fantastic restaurants and bars. You must try to get to Spring if ever in Paris – it’s amazing!

MICHAEL MAKRAS | OPTIKO

1) Stand out trend of the season?

The cats eye shape has been on our radar since last season, but this shape will continue to feature prominently and in more configurations next season – both in optical styles and sunglasses.

2) Most memorable Paris moment?

Cooking a chateaubriand for my family, purchased from the best butcher at the Marché St Martin, along with the most amazing chanterelle mushrooms. It was complimented perfectly by an €8 Bordeaux from the supermarket, and made all the better by enjoying it together in our quirky apartment!

3) Discovery you're most excited about?

Courreges sunglasses – French retro-futuristic design at its best! They’ll be available exclusively at OPTIKO in January 2013.

SUSANNAH GEORGE | THE URBAN LIST

1) Stand out trend of the season?

There seemed a marked shift away from dresses and toward separates this season. Crisp, tailored trousers were paired back with oversized, transparent blouses. There was no fuss with the styling – the sheer blouses messily pushed into waist bands, the tails floating dreamily behind as the models walked. Hopefully they’ll float equally gracefully with our humidity!

2) Most memorable Paris moment?

Where to start?! Either the lunch we enjoyed as guests of bistronomy brain-child, Stephane Jego of Chez L’Ami Jean (lauded as Paris’ best bistro); or chancing into a table at Frenchie with the Brisbane fashion contingent (generally impossible!), before continuing festivities at local hot spot, Café Charlot!

Fashion-wise, I’d have to say the Haider Ackermann show. The man is truly a genius. Keep your eyes peeled for big things from him!

3) Discovery you're most excited about?

Chéri Bibi in Montmartre! A Parisian friend escorted us to this 20-seat hole-in-the-wall that serves fantastic food, in the coolest Scandinavian-50s-flea-market décor, with the most hospitable team! The bill for 6 of us came in at under €200, even with 4 bottles of wine involved!

JOSH JONES | JEAN BROWN

1) Stand out trend of the season?

The colours coming through the SS13 collections were fantastic! Red, blue and yellow featured strongly – easy to wear, yet fun and fresh! I am also loving the sorbet colours. So feminine and pretty.

2) Most memorable Paris moment?

The Chloe parade at the Tuileries is always mesmerizing – a key event at every Paris Fashion Week. This season was no different for me, only to be topped off by turning around and realising that Bill Cunningham was taking my picture!

3) Discovery you're most excited about?

Saint Laurent Paris (the former Yves Saint Laurent), was very exciting! A change is upon us and Hedi Slimaine didn’t disappoint! A strong collection – it will be a sensation in store!

What's on your fashion radar for summer?

SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED

I have five double passes to giveaway for the pre-screening of Safety Not Guaranteed at Palace Barracks next Wednesday night (19 September). Kicking off at 6.30pm, the flick stars Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation), Jake M Johnson (New Girl) and Mark Duplass (Your Sister’s Sister). Simply leave your name and email address in the comment section below if you'd like to attend. I'll be in touch with the first five commenters who do so. X

GIMME MORE A-MORIR

What better way to break the blogging dry spell than by shining the light on these dazzling A-Mori sunglasses. Championed by the likes of Anna Dello Russo and Nina Garcia, along with pop princesses like Beyonce and Gaga, they're a superstar-worthy way of shunning the sun's rays. Saving your pennies? Why not DIY.

I hate to use the ol' "I'm so busy" excuse, but I might as well become a clown in light of the bazzillion commitments I feel like I've been juggling. E.g.

- Interning at Australian fashion retailer Jean Brown
- Working for BELÁ TESORO (new lookbook coming at you oh so soon!)
- Playing Fashion Director at Socks and Sandals Zine
- Shopgirling at Review (check out the new online store - pretties galore)
- Scoring a gig as a Rouge Beauty Insider
- Turning 23 and aptly spending the day running amuck at Dreamworld like a 3 year old, being ridiculously spoilt and sipping on/spilling champagne
- Attempting to get my study on for my TENTH (!?) and final semester of university
- Seating my geeky derrière front row at MBFF
- Visiting family interstate, having family visit from interstate
- Cat-mothering, girlfriending, you get the drift...

No more excuses y'all. I'm going to churn out posts here more frequently, even if merely to document my crush on blingtastic sunglasses as per above. I hope you're all happy and healthy. X