One day last week I realised, whilst idly flicking through street fashion blog www.dropstitch.com.au and then Facebook pics (thereby avoiding doing any actual work) that I have some extremely stylish friends. Some dress like rock stars, some throw together shabby chic (and manage to look chic rather than cheap) and some love to show off in designer head-to-toe. But no matter what their look - they all rock their own individual style. They’re a very eclectic mix of classic upper Eastsiders, sexy beach babes, vintage queens and quirky cats, but they all own it.
So this week I thought who better to seek advice from, than these very gals and guys? So grab a coffee and absorb these words of wisdom from people who really do know what they’re talking about.
First I talked to vintage queen, Amber Scott, who is a Senior Soloist for the Australian Ballet (and an all round awesome person I might add). She says, "Regardless of trends and eras, if it makes you feel great, wear it.” She also added (and take it from a dancer who knows) that good posture and a happy face makes everything you wear look 10 times better. Agree. Well said.
Next I chatted to designer queen, Tarra Chong (a gorgeous and lovely Sydney fashion publicist) who advises, “Be adventurous but know your limits. Don't go so crazy that you don't feel comfortable. Do go crazy enough that you love what you're wearing!” Amanda Norton (Retail Area Manager for Ginger & Smart) agrees: "Be brave and try on new things that you wouldn't usually wear... But only buy the pieces that you truly love!"
Jade Schoemen (National Sales Manager, Mink Pink) is blessed with the kind of Amazonian good looks that others (including myself) can only dream of. She looks amazing at all times because she knows exactly what works for her body shape. When asked to divulge her secrets she had this to say; “I believe in style over fashion. Once you know what works best for you, shape wise, you can look amazing in anything.” Claire Obeid (stellar publicist and writer) adds, “Move with the times and update your style, but don’t let the times move you so you end up following a trend for the sake of it”. No wonder Claire always looks amaahhaaazing darhhling!
Jade also mentioned that she “likes to invest in quality.” Fabrics over fads – I like it. “And whilst I love fashion, it’s got to be comfortable. I like garments that I can wear to work all day and then simply add a pair of heels to step out at night.”
Fashionista Assia Benmedjdoub (Editor of Ragtrader – THE fashion trade magazine) agrees. “Simply add five inches to any outfit. A killer pair of heels will work wonders on your classic wardrobe staples” Her current heel status? Nude gladiator sandals.
It does seem like everyone is obsessed with shoes doesn’t it? Sarah Stavrow (fashion publicist - yes I know a lot of them) confirms the rumour, adding that “it’s all about the shoes, bad shoes can completely destroy an outfit.” Sarah, for the record, is one of those girls that always looks amazing, but when you try to copy her outfit at home, it never quite works out. How does she do it, I always think? Well, she tells me not to be afraid of sparkle. Not sparklers you understand, but sequin and beads and the like. And it is true – Sarah wears sequins to breakfast and gems to lunch. I love brunching with her! A final footnote on the subject though. Sparkle doesn’t mean glitter. Leave the glitter well alone. In fact throw out any beauty products or clothes that contain glitter immediately.
And in case you ever find yourself lunching with someone fabulous like Miss Stavrow at short notice, take Diana Taranto’s advice. As the owner of fab new websitewww.fourthcrusade.com.au she knows what she’s talking about when she suggests that you “Always have a pair of cute heels, an amazing statement necklace and red lippy in your car. That way you will never have to pass on a last minute dinner or drinks invite when you are wearing jeans and t-shirt. You will suddenly look effortlessly chic and instant glam”. Great advice – especially when you are surrounded by stylish people like I am. Packing the car as we speak….
But back to Sarah. She also advises young Perth fashionistas to “play around with their wardrobe to find their signature pieces and not to be scared of mixing prints. Try pairing a floral pattern with an animal print and finish it off with a turquoise necklace and metallic heels.” Sarah’s signature look? A cute dress, big watch and designer handbag. Noted. Dress, watch, bag - I’m on to it!
Next I spoke the owner and founder of www.fashionwa.com, Jacqui Brown, who had some more great advice for y’all. She said, “If it doesn’t feel right - it won’t look right! If your outfit isn’t working when you leave the house, it’s going to feel even worse by the time you arrive at work/ catch up with your friend/ see your boy. Take the time and change – a non-stressing-about-your-outfit-day is always worth those few extra minutes.” How very wise. If only I had known Jacqui before I wore pants that I couldn’t sit down in to an art gallery launch. Awkward, to say the least.
Last but not least I spoke to Emma Abrahams an amazing creative director and stylist from Melbourne. Emma, incidentally, has topped the Best Dressed list compiled by The Age (Melbourne’s main newspaper for those of you wondering) so when she offers advice – I listen. In fact I take notes. Her advice? “Own at least one classic Chanel black tailored jacket. It will take you everywhere!" If you can’t afford Chanel, then look for a good cuts and fabric and invest in a tailor to tide you over until you can! Just in case you’re wondering – Emma’s husband, Justin, was also voted best dressed on the men’s list. This is a seriously stylish couple.
And so now that you’ve had the low down. Where will you actually buy your new wardrobe? Well in Perth I like to shop at the following:
Online
It’s important to support our local talent and you really can’t go past this website:www.fashionwa.com.au
Or hit up Ginger&Smart’s website to purchase their latest collections:http://shop.gingerandsmart.com
For beautiful accessories try: www.thisismakebelieve.com and don’t forget:www.fourthcrusade.com.au
Perth
Gorgeous Vintage and Collectibles
879 Beaufort Street, Inglewood
Tel: 9271 0441
Scanlan & Theodore
36 Bayview Terrace, Claremont
Tel: 08 9385 4747
Post Emporium
23 View Street
North Perth
Tel: 08 9228 0373
Iridescent Sea
44 Hubble Street (Cnr George St)
East Fremantle
Tel: 08 9438 1110
Harry High Pants
259 William Street
Northbridge 6003
Tel: 08 9328 2635
Failing that, the editor of Box Magazine tells me that best place for Perthites to shop is Singapore! I Facebooked a friend who lives there and she confirms that it is so. The inside tip? Head over in June to escape Perth’s icky winter and take advantage of all the sales. Or if you can’t wait head to www.lastminute.com.au and see what cheap flights are available right now!
You can read more of my work at www.sunsetmag.com.au
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