Vera Wang Store Opens in Sydney

Vera Wang has just opened her first store in Australia. Of course all a girl dreams of is detailing of ruffles, gathers and frills, yards of lace wrapped around her body and an adornment of embellishment to add a smattering of sparkle. All the brides-to-be lusting over a Vera Wang dress better get in there quick smart as I'm sure the appointment book will be filling up fast.

The NEW Vera Wang store is located as a stand-alone bridal boutique at the InterContinental Sydney, 117 Macquarie Street.

Source: Bride To Be. Photos by Anna-Lisa Yabsley

Iris Apfel launches glasses collection

Iris Apfel X Eyebobs

A woman famous for her round owl glasses, way before Rachel Zoe's time, Iris Apfel has collaborated with American reading eyewear label Eyebobs. Now before you switch off, they ship internationally so Australians can sport the Iris owl glasses. Ninety-year-old fashionista Iris Apfel says: ““Without a doubt, eyewear is an important accessory because it can change your whole look, and I think accessories are the most important part of a woman's wardrobe."

Available in tortoise, red and plain black, released in both polarized and sun-reader magnifications, these glasses retail for $99 and $75 respectively.

And even better, for every sale of the Iris glasses, a donation is made to Lighthouse International, which fights vision loss and is reportedly one of Apfel’s favourite charities. www.eyebobs.com

Christian Louboutin Lust

I was recently in store at David Jones Queensplaza checking out the NEW Personal Shopper Suite. There were beautiful large glass windows with the sunlight flooding in, filling the room.

As I walked into this beautifully decorated suite with plush carpet, silk curtained fitting rooms, leather couches and then I saw the accessory wall. A beautiful merchandised glass shelved accessory wall. Instantly a clutch and shoe jumped out at me calling my name LOUDLY. I stood their gazing at the prettiness, too scared to touch. Of course, typical me, I have expensive taste and this time was no different. What I was gazing over was the Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity bag $1695 and Lucifer Bow Heels $995. Ooooooo........

Mawi Rose Gold Necklaces: Spike, Skulls & Bling

These Mawi 24kt rose gold plated necklaces set with skulls, spikes and crystals are AMAZING!
It combines my love for bling, rose gold and spikes. Bit of glitz with edge. Ooooo I love!

Both Mawi Necklaces are $995 from CultStatus.com.au

Think Mawi is my new favourite accessory lust brand for chunky edgy jewelled statement accessories.

KL Lust: Valentino Studded Boots

VALENTINO
Studded suede and leather ankle boots
AUD$901.55 from Net-a-porter.

The iconic glamour of Valentino and the rock-chic attitude of creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli are a match made in fashion heaven. These leather and suede ankle boots with gold pyramid studding are sexy, sleek and sophisticated, all in the one boot. These boots add some edge and will toughen up more polished outfits.

Aurelio Costerella: SS12 Collection

Aurelio Costerlla @ Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Australia 2012

Aurelio Costerella is magnificent at creating glamorous after-5 evening wear known for his embroidery and beaded embellishment. His dresses have a elegant allure making a women instantly graceful and elegant. This collection had a nod to the 1920's in design with the colour palette in pastel shades of blush, chartreuse and turquoise with neutrals of pearly shell pink, cream and black.

A lot of the dresses were absolutely beautiful however there was a few made in multiple colours and whilst one colour in the dress was amazing, the other colours were not as strong. One dress was like a 90's straight black silk dress with shoestring straps and beaded bust bodice, a little underdone in comparison to the other magnificent gowns that were waltzing the runway. Sometimes I feel it is best to show less dresses with each one being breathtaking rather than showing one dress style in multiple colours when one colour is so strong in comparison.
Aside from that small critique, many of the dresses were made for a red carpet moment with heavy beading, corsetry and cascading hemlines. The gowns were styled with feathered heels and Pom-Pom headpieces. The key highlight feature were the ostrich feathers as shoulder detail, full feathered boleros and skirts and also the heavily beaded bodices.

Aurelio Costerella is making his way up the fashion stakes and his brand is propelling with great momentum. As he keeps on growing I feel the international stage will come calling.

KL's Picks:
- shell pink cream fully sequined gown with low sweeping back = effortless glamour
- khaki olive green combination, draped silk top, lace skirt & ostrich feather bolero = sexy sophistication
- cream silk frilly jacket with ruffle detail sleeves & bustle with the fitted below-the-knee skirt with pleated detail=feminine detailed conservatism
I would wear this in a heartbeat!!!!

Image Source: Fashioning.com

Mimcos Next Campaign- Kaleidoscope Cinematopia

Mimco has released images of their next campaign Kaleidoscope Cinematopia featuring a very Hollywood glamour vibe. Shot in Palm Springs', Mimco creative director Cathryn Wills styled the shoot with a “nostalgic view in mind, focusing on the glamour of the deco 1920s Charleston era, to the tuxedo days of the ratpack in 1960s Palm Springs.”

The locations are simply old school Palm Springs glamour with a Ford T-Bird, some palm trees and some glamourous poolside lounging to create the retro campaign.

Taking inspiration from Louis Vuitton and Prada Spring Summer 2012 collections, Mimco has delivered an on-trend collection. Featuring prim handbags, totes and envelope clutches with loafers, block heeled pumps and metal tipped ballet flats and heels styled with wide brimmed visors and aviators and cat-eye sunglasses. Any girl lusting over a modern take on 1950's retro, eat your heart out!

The new Mimco range will be available in stores and online from July 2012.

Source: Vogue.com.au

Finding a Winter Coat

A Winter coat is an investment. I think every women should invest in a Winter coat ideally every year or second year. But if you are going to buy a new one every year you must buy a different cut and colour to what you already have in your wardrobe. There is absolutely no point having 5 black winter coats/jackets in your wardrobe. You'll most of the time only wear one of them because it's your favourite and you like how you feel in it. So ladies, chuck the others out and make the promise to yourself that the next winter jacket you buy is not at all like the one you have.
Here's some coats to inspire you to break out from the "I'll buy a black coat because it goes with everything" mentality.

TREND: THE CAPE & The COCOON

Both these jackets are cut oversized. The key is to ensure it does have a waist tie

so that it does pull into a waist otherwise your shape can be lost. These two are great to achieve the oversized look but still be flattering.

Hussy Burning Man Poncho $389

Rodeo Show Celine Cocoon Coat $349

TREND: COLOURED TRENCH COAT

Ginger & Smart Prospect Trench $685

David Lawrence Classic Double Breasted Trench $279

Dsquared Block Colour Trench $1215

TREND: NAVY COAT

Alannah Hill Cupid Angels Fly Coat $549

Sabatini Leather Panelled Coat $530

KL's Pick: WIDE COLLAR WRAP COAT

I absolutely love this coat and desperately want it!

So many elements to this jacket work for a women's body.

Saba Amelia wrap coat $599 now $449

TREND: The Colour- Burgundy

Cue waist shaped coat $385

KL Lust: Tiffany & Co 1837 cuff

Rose Gold definitely has the fashion pack a flutter with it being the hottest metal tone in both designer & chain stores accessory collections. Anyone from Tiffany & Co to Sass & Bide, Saba, Mimco and Sportsgirl all are offering accessories in this pretty pink tone.

Lusting over this Tiffany & Co 1837 cuff. We can dream can't we........

This Tiffany & Co. 1837 cuff is made from RUBEDO, a new metal not unlike rose gold that was created in honour of the famed jewellery company’s 175th anniversary this year. The piece is even inscribed with the founder’s signature. But at $7,500 I'm not sure how many they'll be selling. Can you just imagine the heart wrenching moment if you got a scratch on it!

Even though it is beautiful, unfortunately I think it will be staying on my fashion lust list of pretty things to dream about when I sleep.