Mariana Magic
Mariana Hardwick’s latest collection, New Age Heirloom, draws inspiration from the ‘Belle Époque” or beautiful era, a period in European history that began during the late 19th century. Cascades of lace and ultra feminine clothes were in high demand, no expense was spared.
La Belle Époque was a wonderful time for fashion, a time when clothes showed off the female body with great elegance and style. Silhouettes of La Belle Époque focused on the female form giving the body shape through intricate corsetry techniques. Like gowns of the Le Belle Époque the latest collection from Mariana Hardwick has achieved a rich lavishness. Effortlessly romantic this collection showcases Mariana’s signature decorative techniques while maintaining modern simplicity.
A soft and romantic colour palette, matched with the most feminine of silhouettes and fabrications. Refined and delicate hues of pearl whites, ivory and latte with highlights of dusty lemon and lavender gives the collection a precious quality. Luxurious fine silk and silk satin, a soft mix of silk georgettes, organza’s and
sequin georgettes, satin crepe, beaded and silver gilt lace and embroidered tulles feature in the collection. Visit Mariana Hardwick at www.marianahardwick.com.au for further infomation.


Belleepoque

Jonquil

Rosalinas

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Left Hanging
Banish the wire variety to the back of the wardrobe and replace them with these gorgeous padded coathangers. Perfect for protecting precious gowns and dressess, they're available from Toast in the UK. They ship internationally so don't allow your clothes to suffer any longer than necessary.





Thanks to Emily Style for the lead.

Posted by Jane Cameron

Hurry Up Summer
It's on cold winter days like today that a longing for summer sets in. My favourite swimwear designer, Zoe Elizabeth has the most gorgeous site full of sun-drenched images that capture the quintessential Australian summer. Perfect swimsuits for a sunny honeymoon.





Posted by Jane Cameron

Paris: The Home of Couture
Once again Paris turned on its beauty an unmistakable charm for the Autumn/Winter 08/09 couture shows. As always the looks were outrageous, spectacular and full of colour with the big names proving why they’re the kings of couture.
Dior and Elie Saab paid homage to the ball gown sending elegant and ultra feminine gowns in yummy shades down the runway. Gaultier, as always, added his quirky touches to gorgeous fabrics in rich olives and purples. Chanel bought puffy shoulders back with gray’s and silvers ruling their roost. Valentino and Armani Prive kept it elegant and sophisticated with blacks and neutrals being a big hit.



Short bobs were a hit at Chanel



Christian Dior paraded classic updo's


Red lips and nails added impact at Jean Paul Gaultier




Big hair and smokey eyes created drama at Elie Saab



Valentino kept it stylishly sleek



Elegance and sophistication ruled at Giorgio Armani Prive

Pictures Copyright imaxtree.com/vogue.com

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Italian Brilliance
I'll admit that one of my weaknesses is gorgeous dresses. Whether I can afford couture is the next question however I'm happy and content, for the time being, to be the doting fan who gasps in amazement when pics of the latest creations grace my computer screen. Jane, the fabulous Style Guide Art Director, forwarded me this link today and I have to say... well really, words don't do these dresses justice.
The designer is Italian Luisa Beccaria luisabeccaria.it. Made from the most divine tulles, silk satins, brocades and organzas and embellished with feathers and deluxe fabrics her creations look good enough to eat. In shades of a gelati rainbow they truly are works of art. Luisa's pieces have graced the covers of mags such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Instyle and have been worn by stars like Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron. Although written in Italian her website is gorgeous and will make any bride or bridesmaid green with envy. Visit luisabeccaria.it for serious fashion eye candy!









Posted by Emilie Harrison

London Heats Up
I love chekcking out the latest trends coming out of the UK as you're never short of divine inspiration. To me London really is the home of chic and cool and London based net-a-porter.com always have the best selection of amazing designer pieces that you can buy online from anywhere in the world. With British designers such as Matthew Willimason, Julian Macdonald, Stella McCartney & Alexander McQueen available, along with big wigs Oscar De La Renta, Chloe, Roberto Cavalli and Fendi it's and guaranteed thing you'll find something to fall in love with. Visit net-a-porter.com for all the latest trends from all the hottest designers.


L-R - Oscar de la Renta saffron floral dress £2,794 & Marchesa layered ruffle dress £2,860


L-R - Roberto Cavalli cross front mini dress £1,898 & Isaac Mizrahi candy cocktail dress £2,250.


L-R - Aquascutum Pippa cocktail dress £995 & La Petite S***** Corsage cocktail dress £979.


L-R - Temperley London Leonella dress £765 & Roksanda Ilincic asymetric color-block dress £704.

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Zampatti the Queen of Australian Fashion
Congratulations to Australian design maestro Carla Zampatti. She's recently been awarded the 2008 Fashion Laureate, the highest honour in the Australian fashion industry. The Italian-born designer owns a retail chain of 30 Carla Zampatti boutiques Australia wide, and with a career spanning over 40 years is one of Australia's most recognised designers.
The Laureate was open to Australian fashion industry leaders who had made a significant contribution to the growth, development and/or promotion of the Australian fashion industry with nominees being put forward by industry peers.
Visit carlazampatti.com.au to view her spring/summer 08/09 collections.


Carla Zampatti


Spring/Summer 08


Spring/Summer 08

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Only Orla
Flavour of the year it seems is Orla Kiely, a UK based designer. Her line has grown to include everything from fashion to bags, homeware and stationery. These divine purses carry her signature print and would make smashing bridesmaid's gifts - why not get one for yourself while you're there - they do ship internationally.





Posted by Jane Cameron

Nightie Night
Just received my mail order of some gorgeous Peter Alexander pyjamas that I ordered from his new Spring 2008 range. Every season I look forward to his catalogues and cant resist updating my pj wardrobe! There are some really pretty nighties there as well for adding a bit of romance to your honeymoon!!


The pj's I purchased!







Posted by Emma Henderson

Collette Cruises into Summer
Collette Dinnigan has proven, once again, why she's the queen of the fashion scene. Her Cruise 2008 collection is bright, sexy, sophisticated and glamorous. Launched at a rather fitting locale, Qualia Resort on Hamilton Island during Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2008, it was everything you'd expect from a designer who has dressed some of the worlds most gorgeous women. If you're island hopping on your honeymoon I suggest you do it Dinnigan style! Visit www.collettedinnigan.com.au or view the runway show here.








Photos courtesy of Vogue

Posted by Emilie Harrison

In the Bag
Are these clever or what! With the introduction of plastic bag laws taking effect early next year, there's a very good reason to get organised ahead of time with a nifty carry bag. No more schlepping around town with a dowdy supermarket bag - use these and stride in style. These are from Showpony in the UK, £10 each + postage and they do ship internationally.


Harriet


Clarissa


Beatrice


Viola

Posted by Jane Cameron

Romantic Ruffles
The new Spring 08 Laura Ashley collection was launched today and one of the lovely details is this Romantic Pirate Shirt, AUD $159, due in the store end of August. Can't wait to see what other pieces arrive as the seasons change.



Posted by Jane Cameron

Naughty but Nice
Every girl needs beautiful lingerie. Australia's Kit Willow Podgornik's Willow Lingerie brand boasts some of the best. Available nationwide, check the website for stockist's details.





Posted by Jane Cameron