Melbourne Cup: The Style that Stops a Nation

The first running of the world-renowned Australian Melbourne Cup race was held all the way back in 1861. A time when the Gold Rush was occuring in Victoria (yes, gold-diggers still attend now…slightly different kind, though!), and wealth was in abundance, 4,000 people swarmed to Flemington race-track to watch the birth of the Melbourne Cup.
By 1880, 100,000 people out of Victoria’s population of 290,000 were trackside at the ‘Peoples’ Cup’. With the appeal of tales of controversy, endurance, tragedy, heroism and scandal, how could they not?!

In the Cup’s very early years, all the way back in the 1800′s, the Victoria Racing Club issued each of its members with two ladies’ tickets. Why? “Where ladies went, men would follow”.
77 years later, Mrs McDonald was the first female racer to win the world-famous race, and 49 years after that saw the first female rider, Maree Lyndon, compete as a jockey.

In 2010, the 150th anniversary of the Melbourne Cup was celebrated.
And this year, with a $6,175,000 total prize pot on the table, Melbourne Cup is nowadays well and truly the race that literally stops a nation.

Personally, though, I’ve never been all that interested in the actual race itself - it’s more the style that appeals to me (believe it or not!). Speaking of which…
Fashions on the Field has been a tremendously popular feature of the entire Melbourne Cup Week for decades, starting with a truly iconic moment for FOTF (and for style in general, in my opinion): Jean Shrimpton, 60′s stylista, ruffled feathers in a mini dress and sans gloves, stockings and hats, at her 1965 trackside appearance.

Jean Shrimpton in 1965

My highlights of the 2011 outfits that stopped the nation included…

Love this LB/WD ('Little Black/White Dress')!

Beautiful lace hat - bang-on trend!

 

Both halves of Sass & Bide with MYER fashionalities, Jennifer Hawkins & Rebecca Judd Beautiful displays of millinery, left, right & centre!

 

Pretty in (HOT!) Pink

 

Three ladies opt for an elegant, classy approach in vintage inspired, classic silhouettes

 

 

 

And, of course (and rather unfortunately), after the ups must come the downs…

 

Modern day gold-digger...Where to begin...Brynne Edelsten, this is not good in so many ways! Too much... Sack the stylist!

 

Sister of Aussie supermodel Jess Hart (Ash), we love your skirt & blouse! As for that thing on your head...?

 

Are those supposed to be matches? WEIRD! Just weird!

 

 

 

Until next time, lovers, stay stylish
(and, please, keep those darn matches off your heads!)

xx

 

 

 

 

Summer’s Approaching

Pretty fast.

Thought I’d start hitting you all up with some of my favourite trends for the coming months, starting with COLOUR BLOCKING.

Pretty much my favourite trend at the moment, and I’m so addicted to this latest Betts campaign…

Betts Spring Catalogue

 

It can be a little scary for a stylish lass who usually prefers all-black ensembles to brave one colour, let alone a rainbow of them, but I think the key is to let loose and go all out. It’s not about perfectly matching colours, but working with the shapes and styles that suit your body shape best and adding a little dose of spring fun by clashing big time.

 

Still a tad too scared?

Why not start off with just one colour. You can still mix and match, and it’s still a fab statement of a spring/summer look.

Take a leaf (or a colour) out of Dylan from Project Runway Australia’s collection…

Photo by Foxtel

And another tip: add a little bit of spring-time celebration into any outfit with my favourite summer must-have…lippy!
Find a colour that works with your skin type and colouring, and you’re set for the rest of the season – promise!

My colour of choice? Coral!

 

 

Until next time: stay stylish, lovers!
I prescribe a good dosage of colour

xx

Perth has gone crazy.

Perth is pretty much the most isolated city in the world… Personally, I think it’s completely underrated. It’s a beautiful place to live, and packed full of super talented people. But, alas, they all eventually leave us BECAUSE NO ONE DOES ANYTHING COOL HERE!
All those talented creatives, gone. Gone to Sydney or Melbourne. Gone to New York. Gone to London. Even if not permanently, it’s something we all pretty much HAVE to do – travel out of this small, summery town in search of something MORE.

I found it this year when I ventured back to my home land, England.
I shopped almost every day, and spent a whopping $6,500 + (insert shudder…), mainly in Topshop and Zara.

So, this morning, I kind of wet myself a little. I heard on the news that Topshop and Zara will both be opening their stores in Perth in 2012. At first I thought perhaps I’d fallen asleep again, and it was all part of some fabulous dream. But no. IT’S REAL!!! THEY’RE COMING!!!

I instantly shared the exciting news with my friends on Facebook, and within 1 hour around 35 people had liked my status, and now, 11 hours later, 49 people have hit that little ‘Like’ button. I considered that perhaps I am just generally well-liked and incredibly popular. I have a feeling, though, that it was actually more a case of an adoration for the news as opposed to the news-bearer (though, who knows…).

So, why is everyone in Australia, and Perth in particular, so obsessed with British fashion?

After chatting with friends, peers and family, and performing a wee bit of research, I think we can put it down to three reasons:

1. Price.
Clothing, shoes and accessories are fairly expensive in comparison to the rest of the world. In fact, most things are far more expensive here at the moment. Customers are wanting more for their buck; more range, more choice, more unique styling options, and a reduced risk of wearing the same outfit as someone else (dread, horror!). And where are they finding it? The UK!

2. Up to date, unique looks.
Everyone has their own style, as well as their own budget. Sometimes we just can’t fulfil both – something usually has to give. However, this is happening less and less with online shopping; ordering insanely good fashions from abroad.

3. Choice.
Plain and simple. Have you been on the ASOS website? The Topshop website? You could literally spend all day browsing through all of the styles they have to offer (how do I know how long it takes? Let’s just say, I regularly conduct a little ‘research’ on online shopping on my days off).  Choice is pretty limited in Australia, with variations of repetitive styles appearing in chain store after chain store. Whereas, online there’s a dress for just about every day of the year, allowing for 2-3 outfit changes per day…perfection!

Why is Perth just so darn excited about two of our fave UK stores?
Well, now we get the best of both worlds: we’re open to better choice, to better and more up-to-date fashion, and to better ‘bang-for-buck’ ALL while having the ability to try everything on, the ability to browse with friends over coffee, and the ability to pop in in a haze of desperation before heading out in two hours’ time…

YAY!

To celebrate and share in my excitement, check out my top picks from this week’s ‘New In’ at Topshop.com:

Pyramid Flared Heel Boots

 

Sleeveless Skater Dress

 

Marc B Olivia Bag

 

Tweed Fur Collar Coat

  

Baroque Bodycon Dress

   

Stud Bussle Back Leather Dress

  

Ombre Fringe Bralet & Knickers

  

Chiffon Mix Maxi Dress

 

 

 

xx

How far to Neverland?

Not too much further.

On this particular sunny May day, Neverland was found.
A location not far from something of a dream, and a beautiful model complete with porcelain, doll-like face to play dress-ups with all afternoon long.

Words can’t really describe how perfectly everything came together in Neverland. So, I shall show you the following images instead (for words speak a thousand words); welcome to this dream.

FOREVER NEW top.  CAMEO skirt, from Meg & Wally.

CAMEO dress, from Meg & Wally.

LAURA GREGORY dress. SPORTSGIRL headpiece.
POPPY LISSIMAN dress.LITTLEGRACIE dress. Necklace from Black Beret Boutique.POPPY LISSIMAN dress.

Photos & Video:
Justin Griffiths, with assistance from Amanda Wakelam
Model:
Ali Caldwell @ Viviens
Hair & Make-Up:
Tamzin Mulder @ Viviens Creative
Styling:
Emily Bathgate, with assistance from Asha Overstone
Special FX:
Amber Bateup
Lighting Assistance:
Josh Jasper & Alanna Kusin

 

 

Dream away, darlings

x 

Sydney Street Style

I’m going to Sydney next week and seriously cannot wait.

For some reason, it just seems far more acceptable to dress outrageously stylishly there than it does in Perth.

To assist me in packing, and to provoke feelings of deep jealousy for all you readers (unless you’re in Sydney/Melbourne/generally anywhere that’s not little ol’ Perth – lucky bitches), I’ve found some serously inspiring street style shots from sweet Sydney town.

4 days, 23 hours to go!

xo

If I won the lottery tomorrow…

I would discard my current wardrobe, chuck and donate it all.

I would then travel to the closest Miu Miu store (or maybe I’d officially invent apparation as a real-life, every-day form of travel, and then apparate there), and proceed to BUY BLOODY EVERYTHING.

Why?

Possums, let me show you just why these first few steps would lead me to the happiness of life as a lottery winner.

 

Chances of this occuring considered, perhaps I will make do with some MM inspired yellow tortoise sunglasses for now (thanks to the delightful Karen Walker).

xo

FASHION FIGHTS: Breast Cancer

I like to think I’m a pretty nice person. This year, though, I took my charitability to a whole new level.

 

It was one afternoon in very-early May that I felt the need to actually stand up and do something about the devastatingly horrible Breast Cancer (did you know that one in three women is affected by BC in their lifetime? Shocking…).
I decided that although I would never ever want to study medicine (I can’t stand blood, feel faint at the mention of needles, and am generally terrified of all things hospital-related), I could still help out via my passion – fashion styling.

And so began the six months of preperation for my event, FASHION FIGHTS: Breast Cancer.

The event was overwhelmingly stressful to organise, but by October 15th I’d independently organised and accomplished a hugely successful event with over 250 guests in attendance, 15 awesome local (established & emerging) designers showing off their talent, champagne and slushy-cocktails flowing, and some delicious canapes…+ great music mixed by local DJ Jackness…+ some seriously hot Scene models…+ some fabulously dressed people…+ some publications and a TV show in attendance…the list goes on really.

FF:BC raised over $6,400 for The National Breast Cancer Foundation.

 

Laura GregoryMy wonderful backstage crew

She Said Yoo Hoo

The runway!

On Tour

Filming...

T-SHAY

Amazing MC Ashleigh Munro-Smith

Betty Sugar

National Breast Cancer Foundation speaker, Lindsay

Natasha Mapleson accessorised by Belle Bijoux

Mylie, backstage co-ordinator extraordinaire

Jonte Pike

Models' interval outfits from Cite Clothing

Lonely 8-Bit Heroes

Crowd

Pardon My French

CINNshe

Catering by Catergirls

Bernice Sara Swim & Resort accessorised by La Belle by Claire

Calling the show!

LittleGracie

A sweet end to the evening, thanks to Catie's Cookies & Cupcakes!

Poppy Lissiman

Despite the exhaustion post-event, I feel so incredibly proud to have been involved in fundraising for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and am beyond thankful to every single person who helped turn my dream fashion fundraising event into a reality.

Plans for another FASHION FIGHTS event will begin in 2011, and this time I’ll be looking for one or two assistants to help ensure the next event is even bigger and better!

 

 

Forever keeping you Stylish (and charitably!),

E

xo

 

 

P.S. Many thanks to John Koh photography for the above photos.

P.P.S. If you’d be interested in joining my FASHION FIGHTS team as an assistant, email your resume through to fashionstylingbyeb@gmail.com!

Digital Prints? So Handsome.

Being a stylist, I happen to have a huge interest in photography and in fashion (duh) – so when the two combine, I find myself in heaven just a little bit.

There’s something truly magical about an amazing photo, so when you put one onto an amazing little bodysuit you’re onto something good.
Sydney label, We Are Handsome, have done just this.

Irresistably cool and undoubtedly unique, I find myself drooling over these campaign shots.
Feel free to visit my wardrobe once I’ve (finally) won the lottery – I will own one of each!

We Are Handsome bodysuits – Get your own!

 

Digital prints are still a massive trend right now – so don’t miss out!

 

Forever keeping you Stylish,

E

xo

Did someone say free shipping?

Watch out, my adorable little Marc Jacobs purse!

My favourite ever website, ASOS.com, is offering FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE right the way up until Christmas!

My plan? The 12 days of Chrisasos. One item per day in the lead up, as presents to moi.

Check out some of my fave pieces from UK brand River Island’s new collection (it does seem a bit funny uploading pictures of jumper dresses when it’s still about 28575 degrees outside…but these are damn cute clothes!).

 

 

Forever keeping you Stylish,

E

xo

 

Bright White.

One of my top tips this summer? White.

So, Australia’s a pretty damn hot country (it’s going to be 39 degrees this week, and it’s not even past Spring yet?!) and – despite being an avid fan of the colour – I think that wearing black will contribute to intense overheating. Therefore, I have come up with this simple solution : wear white.

A minimalistic white piece or two in your wardrobe is no doubt a fantastic investment. Classic shapes in white remain for ever “in fashion”. And honestly, with inspiration from Calvin Klein how can you not look eternally stylish during hot months?

The Spring 2011 New York Calvin Klein collection show was white hot. A few black pieces were shown, but my favourites are undoubtedly the whites.
Take a look as to why…

Forever keeping you Stylish,

E

xo