Ready, set go! Net-a-Porter (US) sale now on! Up to 50% off!

Ok, had to share this stat, as this just landed in my inbox...

The Net-a-Porter sale on the US site has started with up to 50% off! I'm rushing off to see if my wishlist items are on sale.  I will come back and share my 'picks/sale edits'.  You can start shopping by clicking on the pic below, or here.

So, on your marks...get ready, steady....

GO!

net-a-porter.com

Oh, and if you buy anything, please do share! I love living vicariously through others, hehe...

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Street Style at the Autumn/Winter 2013 Fashion Weeks - Coats

Brrr......it's cold here Down Under! As the cold weather has 'set upon us', I started trying on my coats, and thought it was time to post these photos I've had sitting in my 'drafts' box for a few months.  Starting with the most gorgeous coat, and including Hanneli's stunning Calvin Klein coat, a beautiful oriental-printed Dries Van Noten coat and loads to draw inspiration from:

pics via style.com, vogue.com, grazia.it and vanessajackman.blogspot.com

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Recent Buy: Isabel Marant Dicker boots in Anthracite

For years I dismissed the Isabel Marant Dicker boots for myself because they were suede. Having owned an off-white Paco Rabanne suede bag, I know how impossible it is to keep it clean.  After that bag, I practically never bought suede again, that is, until my Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers...I had read how very comfortable the Dicker boots were, and when they were released in leather, I thought: woo hoo! But somehow, they don't quite look the same in leather, I think something about the different shades of suede, and the matte finish, make the suede boots more versatile.  So, in my pursuit for a grey/gris pair (or even taupe maybe), I came across the anthracite, and caved...

pics via my iPhone

Isabel Marant Dicker boots in Anthracite available here (also available here, here, here and here)

Now that they've arrived, my pursuit for a grey/gris pair is stronger than ever, I tried these on with a big pile of clothes, and it goes with practically everything! And, it's most likely certainly the way my mirror is angled (it's a full-size mirror which leans against my wall, so at a slight angle), but my legs didn't look as short and stumpy as I thought it would.

I tracked down a grey pair in London (boo hoo, still very sad about Matches Fashion selling out), but the store wants to charge me the full amount (VAT inclusive), and said they could send me the VAT form to try to claim my VAT back.  Has anyone done this before? I've always had stores remove the VAT, and would love to hear anyone's experience regarding this!

TIA!

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Street Style at the Autumn/Winter 2013 Fashion Weeks - Nautical Stripes

pics via camilleovertherainbow, grazia.it, style.com

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What I'm wearing today: Zara embroidered bomber jacket and Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers

After seeing these pics I changed into my larger-sized bomber, I think I like it slouchier when worn with sneakers...

I didn't actually crop my face out, my camera did...I'm terrible with tripods!

Was going to wear my Zara skort today, then swiftly changed my mind on seeing how horrendously pale my legs are...

1. Zara embroidered bomber jacket (was lazy and borrowed previous pics from here - it was too hard getting the camera to focus properly with the timer function!)
2. Bonds neat raglan t-shirt (bought for $15!)
3. Topshop Boutique silk jogger pants (sold out, but similar here - am thinking of upgrading mine to these, mine are a bit big, and I have to roll the waistband a few times)
4. Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers in Taupe (available here, and in craie here)

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Speaking of packing, Louis Vuitton teaches us 'THE Art of Packing' - A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!

Not quite helping me with what to pack into my suitcase, but rather, how to pack them in my suitcase, Louis Vuitton recently released a series titled 'The Art of Packing', with many helpful hints (although the actual 'tips' flash on the screen so crazy fast on the website)! Some of them I've used before (I layer my pieces on top of another before folding them, but there is lots to learn:

pics via park & cube 
(can be viewed larger when clicked on)

click to enlarge

Tips from LV's Art of Packing series:

1. Place heaviest items towards the bottom of the suitcase (e.g. 2-3 pairs of shoes can be placed in each corner)

2. Central area is great for accessories (e.g. travel guides and toiletries bag) - I am actually planning on bringing the Jiffy Esteam, a travel steamer I recently bought (I absolutely abhor ironing). Just because my usual 'wrinkled look' may look out of place during Haute Couture week...

3. Lay delicate items like shirts and dresses

4. Fold and roll t-shirts

5. Fold a suit carefully and put in the separate compartment

6. Roll belts or place them along the exterior wall, with buckle facing outwards

7. Place on top delicate items such as sunglasses and jewellery

8. Jeans are simply rolled from bottom up

9. Knits & tees, fold and roll to save space

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How to pack for a holiday in Paris and Haute Couture Fashion Week with two babies?

In 6 weeks time I will be strolling around Paris, arriving the day before Haute Couture Week.   I know it may seem early to start thinking of packing, but having to also pack for Lil' Brigs #1 & #2, and knowing I usually leave things to the last minute, it is probably wise imperative to do.  I am also starting early because I really I am struggling to think things through...Traveling with kids is a whole new ball game when it comes to packing, my already limited suitcase space is made even more limited by the fact that we have to bring the kids' stuff too, as well as baby gear (nappies/pram/travel cot/etc)! Also, I have to be even more practical with my sartorial choices than usual.  Having said that, somehow, I will have to fit a couple of dressy outfits, as I will be attending a couple of fashion shows (haute couture week!), and possibly even meet with an haute couture designer or two!

I found the following 'how to pack for a holiday' post from 'A Pair and a Spare', which started the ball rolling:

How To: Pack For A Holiday

How to Pack (I adapted her tips to what I'd pack):

Step 1.  Check the weather and the cultural expectations – Lucky for me, it will be summer in Paris. Lucky, because clothes are less bulky, and I don't need as many layers (tights, scarves, coat, etc).

Step 2. Gather Your Basics - breton style nautical top, black and white tank/tees, khaki cotton jacket,  shorts, denim jeans, one LBD  (am thinking 3.1 Phillip Lim's rosette t-shirt dress, so it can be dressed up or down) and a white (or black?) silk collared shirt. As in every day life, good basics are the foundation of a versatile travel wardrobe.

Step 3. Add key colour items – choose a colour palette for a few additional pieces. This reduces the likelihood of having mismatched outfits.  You can of course choose a couple of colours for your palette, just try to make sure they are all compatible.  I haven't added many 'key colour' items as yet...

Step 4. Rationalise your shoes - Shoes are the bulkiest part of your luggage and the lesser the number of shoes the better. But you don’t want to feel like you lack shoes either.  Usually I used to bring a pair of ballet flats, a pair of dressy shoes and a pair of sandals.  This time, for the first time in my adult life, I will be bringing my sneakers!  Yes, my Nike's are coming along. I'm also thinking a pair of boots that I can walk in, but that will also allow me to go out for a nice dinner, and then heels, which will depend on the outfit(s) I pick for the fashion shows...

Step 5. Complete with Accessories - A few nice statement pieces of jewellery to dress up any outfit if needed.  I also almost always take a bag with a long shoulder strap so it can be worn cross body, especially with 2 'babies' (well, Lil Brigs #1 is now 3, but I still call her my baby).  I am bringing my Dries Van Noten large gold ball necklace (even though the one pictured below is silver, mine's gold).  Normally I'd bring a scarf, but seeing it's summer, I may forego that one.

Other tips from the author?

Make sure to roll your clothes up tightly so all of the above can fit in your carry on (I do this already).

Do a layout – when packing make sure to lay everything out on your bed so that you can visualize the outfits and how they will go together. This has been the one single factor that has helped me to create better holiday wardrobes. 

Well, I thought I'd use Polyvore, haha! My sister laughed at me, attempting to 'pack' online, and also pointed out the obvious: the numerous striped tops I am 'packing'.  But in real life, I use stripes almost every day!  I know it's cliche to use stripes in Paris (and later we'll be heading for a week in Provence), but I can't not wear them (oh, and the 'Bonjour' top is coming for sure)!

Ok, so I started with this:

I am going to bring my Topshop harem pants as PJ's, so then it can fill in as an extra pair of pants if needed, same will go for the top.  I am also bringing my Suno plaid playsuit (which I haven't included in my sets).

trying to narrow it down...

Packing attempt (take 1) by brigadeiro

Decisions, decisions... 

Decision, decisions by brigadeiro featuring a tshirt dress

I still need to decide between bringing:

1.  My Balenciaga Extra Courier in 'blood orange' (not quite the colour below), or the slightly smaller Courier in Anthracite.  This will be my travel/nappy/daily bag.

2. Was thinking of bringing my Chloe's, but was worried about them being ruined. Considered the Isabel Marant Bobby's, but two pairs of 'sneakers' is probably too much, even if the IM Bobby's are 'dressier' than the Nike's.  Today I purchased the Isabel Marant Dickers in Anthracite as I've heard how comfy they are, although I still really want the gris/grey/taupe version.

3. Decide which 3.1 Phillip Lim rosette dress will come. The black t-shirt dress will be more practical (sleeved and not white), so am leaning towards that one.

4. Decide on my 'dressy' outfits - that's a tough one, I only want to bring one pair of shoes, and that's tricky, 'cause whatever I choose will have to go with the same pair of shoes/heels.  The Margiela x H&M beige plexiglass pumps are quite versatile, but won't go with some of my dresses...

Ok, this is me trying to 'think out loud'.  Hoping that I can visualize this better once this post is up.  Will update when I figure things out further...

What are your packing tips?

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Recent buys: Preen, 3.1 Phillip Lim x Koi Suwannagate, Dries Van Noten, Equipment Signature Silk shirt, Asos striped 'Bonjour' jumper & THE Zara skort

I have been a little pleased with myself that up until recently I have mostly been adding pieces to my wardrobe that I actually wear day-to-day...But I am feeling slightly guilty because I have recently 'relapsed', even though some of these items have been on my 'obsession-list'...

The Preen 'Akiko' dress (on sale for a steal at Boutique 1) and 'Kimono' sweater (now sold out at My Wardrobe) are from one of my favourite collection by Thornton & Bregazzi for Preen, remember me posting about it here?  I am crazily slightly obsessed with this collection; practically every single piece was absolutely amazing!  And you all know how much I love oriental/kimono/Japanese prints...

The 3.1 Phillip Lim strapless rosette dress is something I've drooled dreamed of since it was first shown on the runway.  Remember this post with my 3.1 Phillip Lim pieces (strapless dress in taupe, and the rosette tank dress in navy) from his collaboration with Koi Suwannagate.  Since then I've added the rosette t-shirt dress in black and white.  This ivory linen strapless rosette dress was erroneously listed as a maxi dress, which means the bidding war was less vicious than what I have previously witnessed on rosette pieces, serendipity!

I recently bought the Equipment signature silk shirt in black, and as soon as it arrived I knew I just had to also get it in white, I see this will get plenty of wear (providing I don't stain it *cross fingers*)

It seems like every man and his dog blogger out there has a pair of these Zara skorts.  Since discovering the comfort of playsuits, I love the fact that I can still run around with two little ones while keeping my decency in shorts, which these skorts will also afford me.  I plan on bringing them with me on my upcoming Paris trip (more on this to come).

Speaking of Paris, when I saw the striped Asos 'Bonjour' sweater on the stunningly gorgeous Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper Vintage, I was giddy as a little schoolgirl, only to be let down by the fact that it sold out.  Ok, I know I should be chastised for this, but I found it on Ebay 'scalped' at double its retail price. But I didn't care, it had me at 'Bonjour', stripes and all (I asked myself, if I didn't know what brand it was, if I saw it on a rack for that price, would I buy it, my answer was 'yes').  Call me cheesy (I know my sister will, and her French boyfriend will cringe), but I absolutely cannot wait to wear this in France. Hope I don't get any too many dirty looks.

1. Zara black skort 2. Dries Van Noten striped silk Cee top 3. Preen Akiko silk dress (still available on sale at Boutique 1) 4. Preen Kimono sweater 5. 3.1 Phillip Lim strapless rosette dress 6. Asos striped 'Bonjour' jumper 7. Equipment Signature Silk shirt in Nature White


pic via atlantic-pacific

pic via Gary Pepper Vintage

pic via atlantic-pacific

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OMGoodness! 50% off selected Isabel Marant, Stella McCartney, 3.1 Phillip Lim at The New Guard!

This just in (literally, I only just opened my email, and excitedly clicked on to The New Guard's site to check their sale out), and just had to share.  These are all open in my tabs, and I almost don't want to share them in case they sell out (must not to be selfish, you see).  At the same time it'd probably be a good idea, because I am debating about a pair of Isabel Marant Dicker boots I tried in store this week (shame they're not on sale *sigh* - I was on the waitlist for a pair at Matches Fashion, but they somehow sold out within hours! Boo!), while the gorgeous and lovely Erin (co-owner of TNG) was there, as well as a Dries Van Noten dress (also sadly not on sale)...

I can't believe I have not written about The New Guard until now.  I was uber excited when they first opened a few years ago, as we don't have that many good stores/labels here in Ads.  My excitement grew as they stocked more and more of my favourite labels (which I cannot believe I can now find here!).  Anyway, I digress, here are some of my 'sale picks' (some at 75% off):

 Stella McCartney Christine pants now AUD$449 (sadly not in my size, this has been on my wishlist from day one)

 Etoile Isabel Marant Calvin perforated leather jacket (seriously considering this, but am telling myself I need to wear my Burberry washed navy leather jacket more)

 This Stella McCartney knit top now $399

Acne With You Tape Shirt $175

Etoile Isabel Marant Anderson jacket now $299 (the matching 'top' to the pants I want, which sadly TNG don't have in stock)

Stella McCartney Anemone dress (ooh, so tempting!)

 Isabel Marant Manet pants (was a bargain at $169, but not my size)

Etoile Isabel Marant Calvin leather jacket again, but in blue

 Isabel Marant Serra pants now $149!!! (seriously! 75% off)

 Isabel Marant Vatelle Suede jacket now $865

Isabel Marant Tundra skirt now $249! If I had the models' pins I would definitely snap them up!

all images via thenewguard.com.au 
(sorry, I didn't get to link each picture to the product page like I usually do, but they're easy to find)

Have a great weekend everyone!

xx
CC


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