olympic ready

2012. There is just so much going on this year. Elections. Elections Oh! and the London Olympics! What and how could the Olympics take part in the fashion world? How can a pair of track pants be more fashionable? Okay, maybe not so much updating the good ol' trackies with more stripes and possibly some sequins along the pocket lines. It'll be about silhouettes, shiny coatings, structured shapes and bright colours.World events do take a spin on fashion trends (Braukamper. T, 2012).
Have a sneak peak at Chanel's S/S 2012 campaign "features gymnastics' apparatus" (Arthur. R, 2012). They turned out so amazing once again. I think it's just an excuse to look trendy while you cheer-on during the 100m Freestyle race

If you are still not sure on how sportswear and fashion can mingle, Fashion Museum in Bath, UK, is exhibiting "Sport and Fashion" throughout 2012, which "examines the close connection between active sportswear and fashion by showcasing historic sportswear" (Fashion Museum, 2012). While you're there, grab some tickets to the Olympics!

This trend isn't only for the women, but men can and will partake! They were the first ones to take it onto the runway (Braukamper, T. 2012). With their varsity jackets, jersey knits with contrasting, mix and match fabrics, and padded quilted jackets (Holmes. L, 2012).
:Photo courtesy of Christopher Shannon S/S 2012:

Actually, let me go back on my word about the track pants. I'm not too sure, but I do believe track pants are more acceptable to be worn out more rather than only when you are heading to the gym, walking the dog or a quick snack grab from the corner shop. There are some trendy-looking track pants I must say. From printed to leather to cuffed. On the plus side, who would not want to be wearing comfy "track pants" for a lunch date with the girls? And speaking of being comfortable, there is another trend surfacing that I am dying to try but have not got the guts to. PYJAMA PARTY! Yes, people suiting up into a more relaxed style of wearing their pyjamas out for eveningwear (ironic, but that makes perfect sense!) (Hutchings. L, 2012). Look how cute the girl below on the left looks, throw over a leather jacket and it completely upgrades the innocent bedtime look.
:Photo courtesy of Harper's Bazaar (left), Sartorialist (right):

I was hoping to bump into some sporty luxe look but I hadn't. But will keep posted if I do.
SO, let's get comfortable in 2012. The world is ending anyway right?

roadtrippin' pin-ups

As you may already know this year's Spring (Northern Hemisphere) colours are pastels. Just in time for Easter! I don't know about you but Easter reminds me of soft bunny rabbits holding soft coloured eggs. Yes, I am talking about those soft greens, pinks, yellows, peachy orange and lavenders - are perfect for Spring time. Check out the full colour palette for Spring/Summer 2012 at Fashionising.

But on top of the pastel trend, we're heading into the 50's. We've passed through the 70's and the 60's, now it's the 50's to have their moment in the 21st century. Remember those girls on massive billboards with cute little outfits... what are they called again..? PIN-UP GIRLS, but, revived and modernised. Think, Americana...diners..."neck scarves....flashy, oversized cars..." road-trips...flashbacks starting up? Although it's not about the "cliches like we're off to a costume party",  we're throwing in some touches of inspirations from different styles of the era (Braukamper. T, 2012).

Here are some of the key elements you can mix and match to modernise the pin-up 50's look:
+ The peplum skirt/dress/top
:Photo courtesy of G.V.G.V S/S 2012 "In the Spirt of Miami Beach" collection:

+ Scarves; head scarves, neck scarves...  :Photo courtesy of Rochas S/S 2012:

+ Cat's eye sunglasses :Photo courtesy of Prada S/S 2012:

+ Florals; floral adds that final touch to just about everything these days

If you still feel as though you are heading for the costume dresser watch the new TV series Pan Am (IMDB, 2011) - those air hostess know how to get right, and the new movie My Week with Marilyn (IMDB, 2011). Although they are the feminine of the 50's, clash it with a "kick-ass tomboy Route '66 roadtrip" look, to keep it 21st century (Women's trend forecast S/S 2013, 2012). It's all about looking feminine yet rockabilly.

Here's what I found in our very own streets

Pikka Turangan; streets of  Brisbane; 18 March

he got swag

What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone says ...man bag? for me probably this.

I mean, it's cute ...but doesn't actually shout, "hey girls, I got good taste - let's date!". Unless it is what you see. Men may thank Alan from the Hangover (2009) to get this man bag trend started. It's a trend that has been going in and out for years and designers such as Bottega Veneta are pushing it back on the runway (Thread NY, 2011). It's been a continuing key item for men's accessories (WGSN, 2011).

Now, I am not asking you men to grab your girlfriend's purse and carry it for her.

SO, solution? bring your own!! It actually makes you look intelligent, as if you have somewhere to be. Important. Secretive. & plus? When you're holding that "man bag" forcefully near your chest, that arm definition ...there's something going on there.

- I adore the whole oversize pencil case style. Okay, it is obviously not a pencil case, alas it should not stop you from using a trendy pencil case from the 7th grade that could pass off. With the number of tech gadgets men tend to carry around (iPads, Kindles tablets etc.), there are now bags and cases that will hold those precious devices for safe-keeping during transits between the office and home (ReutersVideo, 2011). It is safe to say "technology has completely transformed men's bags today" (ReutersVideo, 2011).

:Photos courtesy of StreetFSN:

-backpacks; they send this rugged, "I'm a backpacker" look (but stylish, don't get me wrong). It's manly and inviting?
:Photos courtesy of StreetFSN:

-side/crossbody bags; they are so chic to men. It makes me think, you've got somewhere to go "in a hurry and I can totally sweep you off your feet in seconds" :Photos courtesy of StreetFSN:

What I'm trying to say is, it makes you look 10x smarter. sexier. and ...well, that's all I can think of. But who wouldn't want to look smarter and sexier?

Here is what I found as I was getting some breakfast the other day..

 

Lachlan Spencer; Warrigal Square; 15 March



 Lachlan's bag is Herschel Supply Co.

You can buy it from their website or one of my favourite sites, Karmaloop

RED for MCQUEEN

fresh off the rack!!

um, hi? is this dress just not perfection?

I want this as my wedding dress. birthday dress. going-through-labour dress. bury-me-in-this dress.

S/S 2012

dress crush, anyone?