Jellystone Designs
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
One things I love about life is discovering new things that excite you, it’s like being a kid in a candy shop and this is exactly how I was when I came across Jellystone Designs silicone jewellery – Bangles in particular.
Jellystone Designs have designed an adult and child-friendly range of jewellery for mums to wear that baby can be free to suck on. They are made from non toxic, lead and BPA free silicone that’s soft on teeth and gums. Not only do they scream style and savvy mumma, your little one will love them and even better you can continue to wear them for years to come.
The organic bangle (featured below) is only $15.
The Fiesta Bangle $18 comes in Tangerine, Scarlet Red, Watermelon, Purple, Licorice, Blue illusi, Snow White and Citrus.
The chunky pebble bangle $17 comes in purple, snow, grey, black and red.
So you too could be sipping your late’s as stylishly as the woman below…..clearly her kids must be in day care for the day looking that good 
.
A little miracle
Sunday, April 3, 2011
It has been a while since I have posted a blog – not without good reasons! Firstly, we have moved from the GC back home to Sydney – yah (but for anyone that has ever moved interstate…you know what I am talking about), secondly I started a contract with a well known and loved Australian Retailer and thirdly (most importantly) I’m having a little baby.
Photo courtesy of Anne Geddes (copyright)
It was quite a shock when we found out, I must admit. Although I hadn’t been feeling well for a few weeks, it just never occurred to me that I could be pregnant. For personal reasons, my husband and I were told we would not be able to conceive naturally, so we were due to start IVF in the coming months…but now I have a little miracle growing inside me, a real miracle. WOW indeed! So much to try and get our heads around!
Most obviously (to me)…my body was changing and whilst I haven’t given up the gym (yes I am still walking daily and doing some weight training twice a week), the changes my body was experiencing were not the type of changes that can be fixed with a week of protein shakes and /or detoxing! My wardrobe, my wardrobe that I just love and have been investing in for years…just wasn’t fitting as it use to. Some of my favourite pieces…they just were not doing up??? But I didn’t look pregnant??
I have dressed hundreds of women over the years, some early stages of pregnancy, some post and as much as I thought I understood what they were saying, there is nothing quite like the experience first hand! As if my boobs were not already large enough (for my liking), no no they decided they needed to be bigger (albeit to my husbands delight).
I am now 14 weeks and starting to get a grip on things…reality is starting to set in and I am starting to feel excited. I took to my wardrobe with a bottle of Ginger Ale and space bag and said ‘see you soon’ to a few of my favourite things that I wasn’t going to need to for a while. No need to tease myself with the skinny clothes that had no chance of making it onto my body over the next months.
Lucky for me having previously stocked up during the oversized trend earlier this year, I was pretty well equipped. But interestingly enough I had never really noticed how there really is a market for some more fashionable maternity wear. Just because us women might be feeling down right dreadful, it doesn’t mean we don’t want to look good in order to help us try and feel good does it??? And I must admit, it is incredibly hard to muster up the energy some days, in between being sick to try and piece together an outfit, something which use to be such an easy task!
So over the coming months, I’m looking quite forward to bringing a few of my favourite things that I find that can help us women still look good whilst dealing with our ever changing bodies!
Day 2 NYC!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Day 2 – probably one of the best days of my life, seriously!
It started with me spending the morning on the set of Rachel Zoe filming live for QVC.com at their pop up store near the Rockefeller Centre as part of Mercedes Benz NY Fashion Week. My goodness has she gotten skinny, a little too skinny if you asked me, but then again we all tend to loose weight when we have ridiculous schedules and I hate to think what hers is like. I took loads of pictures and will do a separate blog on Behind the Scenes of RZ – it was pretty cool.
Next stop, 5th Ave. I cannot remember the last time when I actually didn’t have to be anywhere at any particular time to meet anyone, do anything, my time was my own and it was a feeling of total freedom and god how I loved it!
Then back to 5th Ave it was…H&M was the first store calling me in to play and play I did. Picked up this gorgeous little pleated dress $54.95 and shoes $24.95 BARGAIN and god they are good! I have had so many comments on them since I got back.
From there I ambled ever so slowly enjoying every moment of the most spectacular NY day, with not a cloud in site, soaking up the architecture and environment and NY city life.
As I kept meandering through the city streets (with a pounding head that not even Panadol was relieving) I passed the Empire State building, came across the most amazing second hand Vintage Store – Cheap Jack – completely insane. Old dresses from movie sets and other mismatched pre loved bits and pieces, but was a little unwell to bring myself to try anything on.
5th Ave then took me to Broadway….
which took me to Madison Sq
where I ‘copped a squat’ under the tree on a perfect patch of green green grass and took my shoes off and rubbed the grass between my toes – and did my interpretation of Richard Gere in pretty woman (ok so I’m in NY and LA but who cares).
Hello style.com pop up style van
(also for Fashion Week) opposite Madison Sq where they were showcasing brands in a different light – very cool indeed, how I would love one of those vans, vans that money can not buy, not to mention the amazing product inside – oh wish list is getting very loooooooong.
Next stop Union Square and a $3 tub of freshly cut Mango, my taste buds were in heaven as these women made peeling Mango’s look so easy and these were BIG Mango’s!
Broadway, Bloomingdales…….all the way back to Soho where I fell into a Spa to give my little feet some love with a Mani / Pedi and… hello, whilst your nails are drying they sit you on these special chairs (the ones you face forward in and your knees lean on padded support) and give you a massage – um hello Aussie Nail Spa’s, nice little added touch of pampering, could do with replicating in Aus! Absolute Heaven.
And then, I found myself having a quiet night in after the previous night’s debauchery. Room service, a hot shower, NCIS and some sleep so I am prepped and ready for my Sex In the City Tour tomorrow. God how life is good, so good.
I’ll leave you with one of my favourite pics from the day…sums it up really.
x
Let’s hear it for New York
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Well even though I have been home for over a week now, it still feels like yesterday I was as free as a bird strolling the streets of NY, that previously I had longed to be a part of. Scenes from Sex and the City, NCIS, CSI, Ghostbusters, Sleepless in Seatle, An affair to remember all coming to life right in front of my very eyes. Ahhhhhh, is this heaven? Well better late than never, here is Day 1 of my time in the city that never sleeps.
So, DAY 1 – I am officially in love with this city. Finally a city that sleeps as little as I do (although I am definitely feeling the need for some sleep tonight) after the flights to get here!
The city is truly amazing and being a NY virgin, I was wondering whether it would live up to it’s reputation. It did – BIGTIME!
The chorus of Alicia Keys and Jay-Z’s Empire State of Mind really does sum it up ”In New York, Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, There’s nothing you can’t do, Now you’re in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you, lets here it for New York, New York, New York”. Yep let’s hear it for NY – I feel brand new and as inspired as ever!
Some would say a rather large co-incidence it was NY fashion week, others less believing – well let’s ignore you. I was very lucky to catch up with some familiar faces and pull in some favours to get to experience a couple of NY Fashion Shows and head backstage to the set of Rachel Zoe filming for QVC at their Pop up store near the Rockerfella Centre. (Will upload pics to facebook shortly). Always fun to do something out of the ordinary.
Now sadly as some of you might say with all the wonders of Fifth Ave and Maddison Ave (don’t worry I did get there) but my first stop was Zara. It had to be. It has been over a year since I shopped up a storm in HK (even though I did pop in to Zara at The Grove in LA), I was gagging to see what copy runway pieces NY had to offer. Don’t get me wrong whilst I don’t condone designers ripping other designers off, let’s face the reality there is a lot of “inspiration” that designers get from each other and whilst I would love to have a $3000 Stella McCartney Cashmere jacket in my wardrobe, it would leave little room for much else, so I decided I’d settle for a picture of that jacket.
Zara, I must admit, didn’t really have much that I hadn’t already seen during out fall (aka Winter) in Aus, seriously (hence my previous blog on how good I think Aussie designers are!) So, next stop….Legoland, you just have to go. So much lego, every piece you could have ever wanted! Present for hubby. Tick.
The rest of the afternoon, believe it or not was not spent shopping, but wandering, getting my bearings and just lapping up the scenery – mentally planning where to shop later in the week. The weather was magnificent, NY was making me feel brand new.
Whilst I’d love to say I went out and partied, actually hang on we did. As tired as we were, I think we got our tenth wind by then so we grabbed some Italian Tapas from across the road of the hotel in Soho, enjoyed several bottles of prosesso (just for you Steph) and then somehow back at the hotel bar, we moved onto vodka and then manhattans. I can’t recall who it was that decided about midnight that everyone should have manhattan’s, let’s just say I think the older I get, the more painful hangovers are!!
Aussie designers leading the way
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
After spending a short but rather intense period o/s in the US of A, I have come to the conclusion that no longer are our Australian designers a season behind our fellow international designers but we are in fact a season ahead. Seriously, we have just had what is known as our fall, yet they are coming into fall. I saw very little that actually I had not seen done by our own born and bread. Nude and Camel which were so prominent in the Aus market over winter, are featured heavily in the US. Bianca Spender is well ahead of the time and trends with her collection as is Jac and Jak, Camilla and Marc, Ginger & Smart. The only real point of difference was the availability of heavier fabrics that were produced clearly to cater for the cooler temps following fall.
Our Aussie designers definitely need a little more of a pat on the back. They really were up there if not better than most of the brands hanging in lonesome spaces in barney’s (among other Dept stores). Barney’s has definitely lost their exclusivity in my opinion. I was eagerly bursting at the seems to get to the upper levels, only to be incredibly disappointed by not only the service but the array of product. Chloe, was definitely stand out, but as I said before our Aussie designers are definitely up there when it comes to innovation and the latest seasons colour palettes. I was very proud when I had some random chick from a NY trend forecasting Agency aks to take my picture outside of Macy’s in Herald sq and she asked what I was wearing, to which I responded, everything is by Aussie designers – Jac&Jak silk harem pants, C Road singlet top and C Road black tuxedo jacket – that I have had for at least 7 months. She looked at me as if to say are you serious and my eyes responded before she even needed to question me.
No more needs to be said really other than I am in LA, bout to board flight back to Aus and will then post all blogs from time in NY….
Crush on Peep Toe Shoe Bag x
Monday, September 13, 2010
Speaking of the latest edition of ‘SHOP til you drop’ in my last blog, we have a massive blog crush on the new Peep Toe fabulous quilted carry case for shoes – the ultimate shoe bag!! Yes something our beloved Carrie Bradshaw probably can’t live without and I most certainly wont be when I get back from NY either. The case is magnificently designed and it comfortably fits 4 pairs of your most prized possessions. Your shoes will be travelling first class for the rest of their life! No scuffing and ruining of patent and leather when squished in between your hair straightener, no squashing and bent out of shape shoes when you arrive at your destination….it’s your new must have! Pg 48 of SHOP is where you will see the little beauty featured and for those that can’t wait to get your mag, you can purchase straight away (nothing like instant gratification) from http://www.peeptoeshoes.com.au/item/quilted-shoe-bag–black. Only $179, cheaper than a case of wine and boxes of chocolates that you’d need after you ruined your fav pair from not having one!!
NY here we come…
Monday, September 13, 2010
Nothing like a delayed plane to catch up on some quality Mag time – lucky for me the Oct issue of Shop was delivered to me yesterday, just in time before we jet-setted off to the US of A. Yep I am spending the next 12 days between LA and NY and just quietly, I can’t wait!!! A NY Virgin, I have received lists on what to do and where to go from every person I know who has ever been there. Not sure I will have time to do it all, but I intend to give the US economy a fair cash injection in the best interests of helping them get back on track, nothing to do with wanting to spoil myself with a few new pieces for my wardrobe what so ever.
So, for the 12 days I will bring you a few highlights from my trip. I couldn’t possibly visit NY without doing the SATC Tour – yes we get to shop where Charlotte bought her “Rabbit”, have a Cosmo at the bar “SCOUT” owned by Aidan – please god let him be there, enjoy cupcakes like Carrie and Miranda, take in the sights at Greenwich Village, waft through the venue of Carrie and Big’s wedding rehearsal dinner – all that in 3.5 hours!!
It’s been quite a while since I have sat down with a glass of wine to enjoy a chick flick is as well and as sad as this may sounds I’m every so quietly hoping that Letters to Juliet is showing on the in flight entertainment. So with that I bid you farewell……next stop LAX.
The CRAZY lives we live
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Life is great! I must admit. It does sometimes feel like a rollarcoaster and anyone who runs their own business who denies there are ever times that are challenging for whatever reason…is lieing…But lucky for me I am going through one of those stages of being ridiculously busy and I wouldn’t have it any other way. What I enjoy most I think is the wonderful people I meet along the way (most of the time). The not so wonderful ones, well we forget about them and move on. So, this week brings more travel, more excitement and yes a few changes and new adventures looming…..We are off to Sydney today for Sydney Fashion Festival, it was me Spring Summer Launch tonight, CAPITAL L’s Relaunch at Hugo’s tomorrow night featuring a Parade from some of my very favourite labels including: Arnsdorf , Antoine & Stanley , Friedrich Gray , Friend of Mine , PleaseLouise , Tighttigers , Rittenhouse , Lonely Hearts , Jessie Hill , Jaimi Lee , Young Lovers , Trimapee , Nicole Fendel Jewellery , Jack London , Saint Augustine Academy , ManiaMania Jewelleryand Karen Walker Eyewear….to name a few.
Then onto Melb for Fashion Exposed (the best Trade Show the Industry has) where I am sitting on the Fashion Group International’s Trend Presentation Panel for what’s hot for Spring Summer 2010/11 Trends on Sunday morning. Not sure how I will deal with an 8am start on a sunday, but hey, we do what we do. I am very looking forward to checking out the new labels, Preview and having a sneak peak of what’s coming our ways for Autumn Winter 2011 as well.
In between all that yes I often have people ask me how I earn a living well, I do squeeze in meetings and appointments with current and new potential new clients, I am always working on a project or 2 and I like I said I have a couple of rather exciting meetings that could result in……mm stay tuned…can’t say too much for now.
With only 16 more sleeps to the big Apple, yes we are heading to NY….I’ve started to put together a jam packed itinerary of what I’ll be getting up to. Rest assured I will compile the most comprehensive shopping itinerary of all times !!! Whilst I have been very fortunate to travel to many places, the Big Apple is still waiting for me….and let me assure you…I will attempt to improve their economy!!!
So, that’s it from me, a little bit of love before I jump on the next Red plane to Syd – Yes they do fly faster.
Till next time I share more exciting news…
AICD Student Parade
Friday, August 20, 2010
Conceptualising designs, pattern making, sourcing materials, hand sewing, long hours, limited budgets …. who on earth would want to be a fashion designer? It’s not always glitz and glamour, parties and overseas inspirational trips, however on Wednesday night it was time for four of the Advance Diploma of Fashion Students from the AICD to present their magnificent collections to a hand picked guest list at Lauxes in Broadbeach.
Blessed with perfect weather, although a slight chill – the night opened with Alana McBains 2011 Summer collection Mac&Bain which had been designed for women that enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and like to wear simple and elegant garments.
Following Mac&Bain was Astrid King by Candice Turner whose collection entitled ‘The Future Ancients’ took on classic styling with ornate details fused with a twist of moderninity and futurism.
Next up Je z a bel by Aubrey Wright with his collection ‘Ruins of Reality’ inspired by moments captured in desolate landscapes and neglected wastelands with the underlying theme that we often forget what beauty lies in the past. Unique and edgy pieces that very much reminded me of Ksubi’s early days.
Last but definitely not least Amit Ayalon whose collection ‘Becoming Silhouettes; was inspired by fantasy movies such as Neverland, Lord of the Rings and Avatar. Anything that existed in dreams and floated about in our imagination was transformed into a magnificent collection. “Becoming Silhouettes garments are all about giving the wearer a dreamy feel. It’s very avant-garde comes femininity, the fairy and the warrior“.
I was blown away by what was presented, even having had the pleasure of seeing all the garments pre-parade, the amount of detail in every piece, that was hand sewn in the months leading up to the parade was truly phenomenal. They are four very talented individuals. With between 10-14 garments each it was certainly a night for them to be extremely proud – even if they were competing for attention with Will Ferrell And Mark Wahlberg next door dining at Moo Moo’s.
A HUGE congratulations to all the AICD Styling, Makeup and Fashion Business students who assisted behind the scenes – a mammoth effort to dress and prepare all the models and to the models (from Viviens and Katz and those not with agencies) you were all fabulous.
For more info on fashion design, styling courses visit www.aicdedu.com.au
A plus plus for the new A Room
Monday, August 9, 2010
I must say as much as I love my fashion and style, sometimes even I struggle for inspiration. Lately, there has been a slight drought in my inspiration pot – as new season threads trickle into store (with the best still yet to come), I actually thought to myself this morning “Michelle it’s time for a wardrobe detox”. I do these regularly, monthly in fact – doesn’t mean I haul everything out but I re merchandise. Everything comes out, some go back in others go into space bags and voila a whole new fresh perspective on getting dressed every day. It’s definitely the cheaper alternative to a good dose of retail therapy!
So, with the lack of inspiration and a move of a meeting from today to Monday, I decided to grab a couple of spare hours with both hands and head to the brand spanking new concept The A Room!
The A Room is located conveniently next door to Adrenalin at Australia Fair and together these 2 stores are new bff (that’s best friends forever in case you missed out on the new lingo abbreviation trend). It is taking ready to wear fashion to a whole new level with new pieces arriving daily from the catwalks of NY (Willow), London (Sass & Bide), Ginger & Smart (a fav of mine), Camilla and Marc (a close second favourite), Kirrily Johnston, KJ (her new basic range at a lower price point), Natasha, Jac and Jack…..I could go on forever!!!
Whilst I know Australia Fair may not be everyone’s choice of places to shop – I promise you (and I never make promises I can’t keep), it is well worth a venture. It is a destination on the GC. A diamond in the rough you could say.
Dean and his wife Kat have done a fabulous job in refurbishing the old Adrenalin, which did need a little bit of love. If I wasn’t so tired I’m sure I could think of more clever way to write “ You just need to get your butt’s up there and see for yourself!” Stock is walking out the door, sizes are limited and re ordering is not always available – although lucky for me it was this afternoon.
Now, all I need to do is try to work out how I break to my husband that I ordered a Camilla & Marc jacket…..opps guess I just did! x
Welcome to the fashion playground’s new look
Friday, July 9, 2010
Recepción, Bienvenue,Willkommen,Welkom, 歡迎, Benvenuto, ยินดีต้อนรับสู่, WELCOME to the fashion playground’s online home. Anyone that has ever undertaken developing a website, I take my hat off to you, because this has been one of THE most challenging things I have ever done, but here it is.
There are still a few things to be tweaked, but that’s for me to know and you hopefully not to see.
Without sounding like a Logies thank you speech, Mark from Fashion Identity has been superb as has Donna from Donna’s creation (who helped me define my logo). I actually started my website design journey in Dec last year. I made a couple of bad decisions and went with “cheaper” alternatives to design and develop my website, as like any business you try to save money where you can. If there is one thing I have learn’t and seriously I should have known this better than anyone, pay peanuts you will get monkey’s, pay professionals, you will have a site that makes you smile.
With that, I hope you do enjoy our site.There is plenty more to come, but for now, this is a good start! Myself and my team have years of experience in retail therapy and love everything to do with fashion, style and image. We look forward to sharing with you what makes us quiver with excitement, takes pride possession in our wardrobe and thing that you simply just must have or know about!
We’d love to hear from you on what you think of our little project, so please drop me an email – michelle@thefashionplayground.com or visit us on facebook. Time for a well deserved Champagne! x
Our new PM’s style….
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Taking the political aspect aside and whilst I am proud of the fact Australia has it’s first femal PM – there is definitely a little bit of room for improvement in the wardrobe dept! Perhaps the cabinet reshuffle could have included a new stylist??
I understand that Ms Gillard is an incredibly busy woman and what she wears is probably the furthest thing from her mind but her image is now more important than ever, so Julia, we are here to help!
I know not everyone has time to shop, let alone enjoys shopping, hence why we have stylists, but her current wardrobe lacks a consistent style, consistent basics – it is very hit and miss, no wonder she’s struggling.
I know it must be hard being in the public domain 24/7 and the last thing we all want is to have a bad picture of us published…anywhere, but the fact of the matter is – she is who she is now and with her position comes an enormous amount of responsibility and so she must dedicate time and resources to looking the part!
Pre PM – Gillard was very conservative, tended to wear very boxy corporate masculine suits. Very rarely did we see her in anything feminine.
Post PM -There is improvement but as they say improvement is the biggest room in the house and seeing the lodge is now empty…. She could definitely do with a little assistance in developing her own classic perhaps more feminine style, similar to that of Quentin Bryce (our GG) who optimizes grace, style and elegance as did Jackie Onassis and Audrey Hepburn. Anna Bligh for that matter is always appropriately and elegantly dressed.
My advice….Ms Gillard would look fabulous in a classic cream Carla Zampatti suit, Anthea Crawford or Veronica Maine number.
I do like her in the black and white polka dot jacket that she was recently snapped in, very stylish indeed. Simple, classic – it just worked, however the necklace did not compliment her outfit and took away from its sophistication.
Mixing of patterns also rarely works so she needs to be very careful ie: a black top with a swirl embedded into the texture under a grey pin stripe suit, did her no favors at all and is definitely a no no.
Its no secret, getting dressed every day can be hard, no denying that.
It can be even trickier for red heads especially when the colour of her hair goes from a fresh vibrant rich red to an orange red.
At least her hair always looks immaculate, id love a boyfriend or husband that gets up at 4.30am in the morning to blow-dry my hair every day…heaven!
So, in a nutshell Julia, keep persevering and if you ever need some assistance, drop us a line, we are here to help!
We shopped till we dropped!
Friday, May 14, 2010
How I love a good bit of retail therapy and that’s exactly what we got at the opening night of Sydney Fashion Weekend last night at Moore Park. The Hordon Pavilion (which no longer resembled the space Ksubi closed RAFW at last week) was transformed into a shopping mecca. It was jam packed with Fashionista’s of all ages. As we walked in the door, first stall to our left was Samantha Wills which resembled a scene from Confessions of a Shopaholic where Isla Fisher was at a sale and had eyes only for the Prada Boots and nothing was going to stop her from getting those boots!
Samantha Wills stall - out of control!
My favourite purchases of the night were 2 necklaces from 7 pers (whom is designed by a gorgeous ex work colleague and friend Alison Gibson)
7 pers by Alison Gibson
I found Pip and Bec from It was me and managed to pick up a few essential colours of their resin range that were missing from my collection (and the missing earings – unlike RZoe, I’m a fan of things matching)
Ahh more from the It was me girls
And last but definitely not least another favourite designer of mine Erin Louise (whom I discovered at Bondi Markets nearly 3-4 years ago) whose range stays true to her core basic of singlet tops but whom is now experimenting with a few more quirkier pieces and it’s working. I love the top and necklace I picked up from her and met her gorgeous family too.
Necklace and singlet top from Erin Louise
So today, I am finally getting the chance to head to Chatswood Chase to collect my first $250 Gift Card. I can’t wait. Im going to have a special section on my blog dedicated to everything I purchase from CC over the next 12 months. Then I am off to Surry Hills to meet the girls from Capital L and last stop Bondi at 2.30pm where I am being interviewed by Serena Star and Johnny B on the Live Peep Show (a tad nervous I must admit). Happy Friday to all.
Am I dreaming?
Monday, May 10, 2010
Ever receive a phone call or email that you think is too good to be true? Well that is what happened to me on Saturday morning when I got an email and then a phonecall telling me I had won the Chatswood Chase, Sydney Women of Style Competition. I was like sorry have you got the right person, me??? Since then, I havent been able to wipe the smile off my face.
“A Stylish Woman is one that epitomises style through her unique approach to fashion and life. She is elegant and captivating, an inspiration to her family and friends. Michelle’s style has been described as a vibrant young professional who knows that success only comes after hard work and that you need to present well to be on top in business. Congratulations Michelle!”
I guess I made the right decision leaving my career as a Lawyer behind and following my passion to bring fashion and style to everyone. I cannot wait until the Instyle Women in Style Awards tomorrow night. I’ve decided not to do a wrap up of Fashion Week last week because there are hundreds out there already and for those wanting to know more jump onto the RAFW Facebook page, Matt Peroz from howgreenisyoureco did a fantastic job blogging every show – even had the privilege of sitting next to and behind him in a couple. I promise Wed morning to bring you everything about the Instyle Awards – I can’t believe I am going to be in a room with so many women that inspire me. Till then thanks Chatswood Chase, for such an amazing opportunity.
It was me
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
It was me.
I’m in love with these amazing resin bangles. Seriously I want the entire range! Whilst officially launched in April 2010, it was me evolved from pip and juju, 2 Sydney girls who started a smaller label that began in 2008.Now it’s Pip and Bec, two of the nicest girls you will ever meet.
The bangles are to die for and they will be taking pride of place among my accessories range very very shortly.
They are eclectic, individual, so so stylish, raw, organic, LARGE and seriously the hottest thing to have right now!! www.itwasmecreations.com . Go forth and conquer the world girls, we’re glad it was you.
Inside Australian Fashion Week
Sunday, May 2, 2010
I don’t really understand astrology. I mean I like reading the different versions of what people predict is going to happen in my love life, work life and family life and somehow twisting it to fit whatever my current circumstances are. I don’t really understand how when planets align in certain ways, stars can mean so much. However, whatever is going on right now in my zone, astrological chart, whatever it is, I want to bottle it up and keep it here, right here, please. You know those times in your life when you don’t think life can get any better, yet it does, I’m having one of those times and just quietly loving every minute of it! Not only is it only one more sleep till the week of RAFW commences, last night we Stepped out in Style at the ‘FROCK STARS’ exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum. It truly was a spectacular night.
Mark Scarrott and myself at FROCK STARS last night
The ‘FROCK STARS’ exhibition gives anyone and everyone who is a fashionista at heart an inside view into Australian Fashion Week. It showcases and celebrates the 15 years RAFW has been in existence and what goes on behind the scenes – at head office, on the cutting table, the production rooms, backstage on a runway in the dressing room and hair and makeup studio’s. Last night the Redken team (one of the best) teased and manicured models hair as they prepared to showcase several young and upcoming designers work from local Colleges.
My favourite designer of the night was definitely Bradley Macleans range called Oscar Brennan (Oscar being the name of his dog, and Brennan being a combination of his first and second name – clever). His edgy yet ready to wear collection closed last nights show.
A teaser of the collection from Oscar Brennan
And a small, but exciting side of last night, I was honoured to have a little yellow dot stuck on me which meant I was put under the eye of 2 celebrity judges -Anthony Capon from Project Runway and Nancy Piltcher (ex Australian Vogue Editor) to be judged in the line up of Stylish Men and Women of the night and to my surprise I tied equal 2nd/3rd and received the best box of Redken goodies but more so it was the honour of having my style admired by two people whom I admire.
‘FROCK STARS’ Exhibition runs till the 29th August, is open daily from 10am – 5pm at the Powerhouse Museum. I highly recommend for all fashion lovers to check it out. It’s only $10 entry, best value you will get for $10!
Here’s to a fabulous week at RAFW. x
AICD Diploma of Styling class
Saturday, May 1, 2010
There are many wonderful things in life. clothes, fashion, style, shopping, shopping and oh more shopping. I feel incredibly lucky I am able to earn a living from doing something I love – helping educate men and women on what to wear. There is nothing quite like the satisfying feeling of having a client walk away from a Personal Shopping session with a new found confidence.
In addition to my gorgeous clients, this year, I undertook the challenge to teach the Diploma of Styling at the Australian Institute of Creative Design on the GC. It’s always a little daunting.. first class, what will the students be like? Are they going to relate to me? To say the least, the group of girls I have the pleasure of guiding and mentoring on their way to becoming world class stylist…. are incredibly talented (or maybe it’s just they have a dam good teacher…haha). I am though, seriously a very lucky woman. I have 11 students in my class, whom each week continue to blow me away. Their dedication, creativity have truly exceed the expectations I had of them so early in the course! Over the past couple of weeks, the girls have undertaken a flat lay shoot, client makeover and this week an inspired shoot, whereby they were to create a shoot without any guidance of a scene that inspired them. Below I share with your a few of their inspiration shoots from today. You can see more images in my gallery.
Cassie Bray preparing Bree Anketell for her shoot
Stunning Bree styled by Cassie Bray
Hazel Suarez styled by Nikki Dunlop
Win a $500 Lounge Apparel wardrobe !
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
www.loungeapparel.com – Bookmark it into your browser now and then head straight to the website. Click on the sign up button to not only be in the know about everything Lounge BUT by registering your details you go in the draw to win a $500 Lounge wardrobe or a day spa voucher, either way you are going to feel like a new woman! What are you waiting for?
the fashion playground spends a week in Bali..
Thursday, April 15, 2010
I love Bali, not only is the weather warmer, the people here are so lovely. So, i thought it only fair that I share with you some of my favourite shopping destinations here! Don’t get me wrong it’s not all about shopping in Bali but sometimes when you need a break from the sun and don’t feel like hitting the spa, why not shop I say!
1. Discovery Mall - guess what is there.. TOPSHOP! uh huh. Still not sure if its the real deal, but hey it’s as close as we get to one in Aus. Located at the
TOPSHOP and TOPMAN at Discovery Mall in Kuta, Bali
2. Joy Jewellery in Seminyak- inspired by the magical culture of Bali. You haven’t been to bali unless you visit Joy Jewellery. Original hand made jewellery made with real, yes real metals and stones. With her range now being distributed around the world, Bali is the proud home of Joy. I often get asked for the address of Joy, so here it is… Most taksi (yep that’s how they spell them in Bali) know where Joy is, but if not head to the Corner Store (best coffee in Bali) and it’s diagonally opposite, you can’t miss it!
"Joy"
The front of the Joy store - actually being renovated today
Inside the newly renovated "Joy" store
3. Jellyfish Kids - for seriously the cutest of cutest kids stuff. Kind of out there, but if you love something different then this is the place to go. I keep telling them they need to make something in my size!
Inside the Jellyfish store. The entire outside and inside is hot pink!
4. Market – a gorgeous store just near the corner of JL Caplack Tanduk and JL Raya Seminyak
5. Kuta / Legian are the place for street markets and all your COPY COPY bags, sunnies and clothes. Not that I endorse COPY anything (as a previous IP lawyer I understand and sympathise the battles many companies have with facing the various counterfeiting operations – especially in Bali). If you do want COPY all I can say is don’t be fooled and think the quality will be anything like the real deal, after all this is Bali!
Overall the best shopping (in my opinion) is definitely Seminyak. If you want any advice on where to shop, what to do in Bali just drop me an email – michelle@thefashionplayground.com x
Joy French
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Seriously, it is exquisite AND it’s 100% organic cotton. To touch, it is incredibly soft yet quality is clearly evident which in some organic ranges is lacking. I discovered Joy French at The Village Markets last Sunday and spent most of Tuesday at her place viewing her new range and talking about what inspires her, her vision, her partner, gorgeous dog Rasta and everything else in between. If money was no object, I would ask her to design me an entire wardrobe. Her current range, yet small is basic in its finest form, the fit is effortless and truly just perfect. Joy is about to release her first male range in a few weeks. All I will say is watch this space and keep an eye out at your favourite boutique….This girl is going to make it and you heard it hear first! You can view and purchase her collection at her eboutique – joyfrenchgallery.com