MBFWA Day 1 Street Style - What I/we wore

Apologies for going MIA once again, it has been a hectic few week weeks, leading up to MBFWA, the week at the Australian Fashion Week itself, and then coming back to the little ones being on school holidays.

It was an action-packed but lovely week spent in Sydney for MBFWA with my sister Elisa (who also blogs at Jadorais), spent to-ing and fro-ing to shows, squeezing a bite to eat whenever we could, and laughing a lot at trying to snap pictures (I am hands down the most camera awkward/shy person ever, truly).

I will save 'What we saw' for a further post.  I am afraid I didn't get the chance/time to snap 'Street Style' shots like I did to previous fashion weeks, but took a few for day 1, so will share them with you here.

What I wore:


Dress: COS (a few seasons old), Cuffs and Collar: Etsy (cuffs from Etsy US and collar from Etsy UK), Bag: Chanel quilted Boy (some available at Real Real and Vestiaire Collective), Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana (available from Net a Porter and Bergdorf Goodman), Shoes: Aska Collection Harem loafers (I found them TTS - in case I get asked).

 Cuffs and Collar: Etsy (cuffs from Etsy US and collar from Etsy UK), Bag: Chanel quilted Boy (some available at Real Real and Vestiaire Collective), Sunglasses: Ray Ban Polarized folding Wayfarer, Shoes: Aska Collection Harem loafer, Headband: Assad Mounser

PS. Little Picture from when I visited the Chanel Couture Ateliers in Paris

Please excuse my goldfish expression.  I stumbled on this picture of myself by accident, and had no idea I was being photographed, haha.  Photo by Jamie Cho (Sydney-based photographer). Love my Sarah Frances Kuhn camera strap which has served me well quite a few years now.

 Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana (available from Net a Porter and Bergdorf Goodman)

 Which way again?

 The best thing about this year's MBFWA was attending it with my sister Elisa (of Jadorais)

Day 1 we managed to squeeze a little lunch between shows, yay.

What they wore:

My sister Elisa, blogger for Jadorais:

Blouse: Daniel Avakian (whose show we watched later that day), Clutch: West Elm (lent this to her, and loved the pop of colour it added to the outfit), Boots: Alexander McQueen (love! A few seasons old I'm afraid), Leather shorts: Blessed are the Meek, Leather Coat: Alk'aemi (I have loved this Perth-based label for over a decade!)

 Elisa and I are fans of Kerrie Hess's beautiful work, so I just had to snap this picture, she was a vision in this beautiful outfit.

Absolutely adored Carmen Hamilton's (of The Chronicles of Her) pyjama stripes by Bassike, and am trying very hard to resist this Balenciaga tote (and the smaller crossbody version too - somebody please stop me! Or not)

Met this beauty, fellow Ministry of Talent (and former Adelaidean) blogger of 'Friend in Fashion' Jasmin Howell in a gorgeous Macgraw ensemble I just loved (we saw their show that day, and I'm already coveting way too many pieces).

The one and only Christine Centenera, by the time I decided to go for it and try for a picture I was a little late, but ah well...

All pictures taken by me (except for the ones I'm in, of course, those were taken by my sister Elisa)

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Brigadeiro's (Christmas - or not) Gift Guide Pt 1: 'The Boys' (boyfriend, husband, partner, colleague father, brother, friend, and so forth)

I once wrote about my love for well-curated gift guides, as I am quite often stumped for gift ideas ideas.  I never thought I would actually compile one as I'm the one always hungry for suggestions.  But this year, I looked back, and thought that for once, I actually have some purchases I could compile and share with you all.

I thought I'd start with the toughest one: "The Boys".

I don't know about you, but every year I am stumped as to what to get hubby, it doesn't help that his birthday is only a few weeks away from Christmas either.  Let's face it, there are only so many ties/cufflinks/sunglasses/wallets/CD's (well, that was a few years ago) that one can buy for them, but here I some other items I've given, from all different price points, and some especially good for the 'boys' who have 'everything':

Details for each item (including links to where you can buy them) below (and some items that didn't make it in this pic).

THE BOYS:

 1. A coffee subscription (such as the one from Nobs Coffee), until recently I never knew such a thing existed.  As a coffee aficionado, I find the idea of receiving coffee in the mailbox each month absolutely brilliant.  Especially since I get to sample the coffee from the best roasters in Melbourne without having to board a plane.  Each month I receive coffee from a different roaster, which keeps things interesting, and means I get to drink something different to the 2kgs of Tanzanian and Colombian beans we buy each month.

2. A portable alcohol breathalyzer - I think anyone who drinks alcohol and drives should have one of these, especially if they can fit in a person's pocket, they can range from $200 (here), $150 (on sale from $250 here, or this one from Target) to $50 (here), or even colourful ones on a keychain (here).

3. Zetronix video goggles - Shhhh...don't tell hubby, I am giving these for his birthday next week.  I first saw them on Moda Operandi (I've gotten amazing gift ideas from them!), and am so very pleased I did! Hubby is forever watching soccer matches and what not on his phone, and these Virtual Display Video Glasses by Zetronix create a simulated 50” personal screen for watching music, television and so forth, they connect to almost every device—from smart phones to cable boxes—to deliver a virtual experience anytime, anywhere.  

4. Daniel Wellington watch - they are not very expensive and is fun to have as you can get interchangeable straps to change its look from workday to weekend - available from East Dane (Shopbop's male counterpart), Bloomingdale's, and Asos.

5. Ullu leather iPhone case - I absolutely love the leather on this, and I used to work with leather (once upon a time), these are beautifully crafted and are such a great affordable present to give!

6. Parrot Zik by Philippe Starck noise-cancelling wireless headphones - another brilliant gift idea I got from Moda Operandi last year (via their gift guide).  I first saw them at Colette in Paris with hubby and forgot about them by the time his birthday came around, thank goodness for Moda Operandi's gift guide which reminded me about these gorgeous headphones.  I'm eyeing the white and gold headphones myself (from Selfridges).  Hubby absolutely loves these and pored over 100's of reviews before hitting 'buy', to make sure it wasn't just a 'pretty face', these headphones deliver form and function!

7. Diary by Mi Goals - I wouldn't normally think of a diary as a gift, but I really love this one, obviously many of these presents on this post aren't just for men, as some of these items are my own, haha...But this diary in particular is inspirational and motivational yet funky at the same time, love the stationery range at Mi Goals! These are available from The Iconic.

8. Ray Ban folding sunglasses - these again are my own, but seriously, how absolutely cool is it that these sunglasses fold into this tiny square that you can easily fit into your pocket? I'm eyeing their aviators and clubmaster sunglasses next (for both hubby and myself, haha).  These are available from Revolve Clothing, East Dane and Shopbop, The Iconic, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's.

pics from Larsson & Jennings

9. Larsson and Jennings Chain Metal watch - these are mine but hubby is always wanting to borrow it, love unisex watches! And absolutely LOVE this watch (also love it in silver or gold, and their leather-strapped versions are gorgeous too)! Available at Liberty's, Net-a-Porter, and directly from Larsson & Jennings.

10. Aesop x APC Post-poo drops (remember my post here?) - haha, I know, this may be a funny present, but in all honesty, we love it! It is absolutely brilliant! Great present for the guy/person who has it all! Available at Liberty's.

11. Everlane Twill snap backpack - ok, so these items above are not quite 'manly', but I bought this backpack for hubby for Christmas last year, and one in navy for my brother-in-law (secretly or not so secretly wanting both).  They are stylish, practical and won't break the bank! I absolutely love them, and uhm...borrow it almost every day!
Available directly from Everlane (I used Hop Shop Go mail forwarding service, since Everlane don't ship to Australia directly)

(pic from Urban Outfitters)

12. Donut Pool Float - ok, I also have this on its way to me (for Christmas presents - shhhh, don't tell!).  Look at it! How cool is this?!? Who wouldn't be floating on a giant iced doughnut, haha? I bought mine from Urban Outfitters.

13. Iacoli and McAllister designs 'Hex bottle opener - another one I am going to buy this year, how beautiful is it? Love it when something sports both form and function - available from Moorea Seal.

Like I said, most items here are not at all confined to 'just boys', so perhaps there will be items in my next Gift Guide(s) that could be added to this category and vice versa, so watch this space!

Any other favourite 'gift ideas' for 'the boys' you'd like to share?


n.b. All pics my own unless otherwise stated, taken on my iPhone/Instagram.

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Accessories du Jour: Celine, Ray Ban and Swiss Legend

 Celine knot bracelet, Ray Ban folding wayfarer sunglasses and Swiss Legend Karamica watch

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Popbasic's Sunday collection - easy like Sunday morning...

When Maddy (aka Madeline Veenstra) first emailed me about Popbasic, I was genuinely excited about the brilliant concept behind her 'baby' 'Popbasic', what ensued was an embarassingly gushing reply from yours truly:

"What a brilliant concept to Popbasic! (...)
That's probably enough exclamation marks for one email, but I was/am genuinely excited for you, Popbasic's concept is so simple and clever. (...) But your carefully curated pieces are versatile/wearable/classic and elegant 'pop basics' ;) Well done!" (seriously embarassing)

The entire premise behind Popbasic is that Maddy wanted to create a service for women to build their basics and trend pieces gradually, without sacrificing quality, by creating micro-collections.  Pieces that could be added to anyone's existing wardrobe, as building blocks to those who are starting a new one, or just those who want to freshen their existing wardrobe with easily wearable pieces. Now whenever Maddy realizes that something is missing from her wardrobe she instantly starts researching styles and fabrics.

The pieces in her 'Sunday Collection' particularly appealed to me.  I have recently gone on a silk shirt binge, and they are true staples for my wardrobe, especially now the weather is starting to cool down.  I love the versatility of a silk button down shirt, effortlessly elegant, with sneakers, boots or heels, jeans, pants, skirts or even under dresses...it goes with most items already in anybody's wardrobe.  The microcollection comprised of a blue silk shirt, a white gold wishbone ring and a matching wishbone bangle, I seriously baulked when I saw the price for the whole collection was $85 including international shipping!  This micro-collection is perfect to use on a lazy Sunday, or a party-filled one.

I must admit I am very picky, and don't often accept 'gifts', as I would only say yes to something I actually love, would actually buy and wear (because my wardrobe is already packed to the rafters).  When I was generously gifted the 'Sunday Collection' from Popbasic/Maddy it was not under the premise that I would write this post, but I am genuinely excited about Popbasic, the Sunday Collection, and had to share it with you all.

I was so excited and intrigued about Popbasic, that I emailed Maddy some questions, which she kindly replied to.  I told her some were just out of my own curiosity, and that I wouldn't share them all with you.  But just in case others are as curious and intrigued about Popbasic as I was, here are my questions and Maddy's answers, unedited:

CC: How long will Sunday collection be available for?  
MV (from Popbasic): Our Sunday collection will be available until the 20th of March, or until sold out. 

When will the next collection be released?  

25th of March.

I was dumbfounded to find out the whole collection is only $85 INCLUDING international shipping!!! That's amazing! How do you manage that?  

All of our pieces are Popbasic own, so we're able to completely cut out the middle man and offer beautiful pieces at unheard of retail prices.

Will items on the permanent collection be similarly priced?  

They will be. All of our pieces will be under $100 with free international shipping.

Speaking of permanent collection, that is very exciting! When do you envision this to start being stocked on your website? Are we allowed to know which items are 'making the cut'?  

Our first permanent piece is our Le Breton, it will be available in classic navy and white later this month. Afterwards, we're releasing the Le Breton in red and white stripe. We're also bringing back our leather clutch in an assortment of colours.

What were you doing before you started Popbasic, before your move to San Francisco*? And what lead you to start it? It is such a brilliant yet simple concept!   

Prior to Popbasic, believe it or not, I was an economist. But I always had an interest in fashion and retail. During university I worked at Country Road for a few years, so I grew an appreciation for good quality pieces, and have an understanding of how difficult they are to come by. That was one of the main reasons I started Popbasic. I had sold so many of my pieces on Ebay, that I realized I didn't have my wardrobe foundation right. So I set out with the mission of making the perfect wardrobe for myself.

What are your plans for Popbasic? It has received great press and exposure, I love the sense of community you have created around it**!  

Thank you! I'm super proud of the community we have built around Popbasic. I'm really excited to launch our permanent line and also our silk blouse series later in the year.

Ok, I know I had better, more clever questions, but my cold/flu is preventing any brain cells from functioning, so apologies once again.  Is there anything you'd like to share about Popbasic that I haven't asked? If I could just clarify that it's not a subscription, and that our micro collections are all limited edition? Thanks!

* Madeline is originally from Australia but relocated to San Francisco.
**Popbasic has an amazing community through their Facebook page

 The beauty about wardrobe staples is that you can mix and match them to create countless outfits, here just swapping shoes takes this look from day to night:

Outfit details: Silk shirt: Popbasic (with white gold wishbone ring and bangle on it - all available here), Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 bag (available at Net-a-Porter HERE, HERE and directly from Proenza Schouler HERE), Shoes: Nike Roshe Run sneakers (above) and Celine Bam Bam sandals (from Barneys NY - below pic), Watch: Seiko, Sunglasses: Ray Ban Folding Wayfarer, Leather Pants: Vince (similar here), Rings: Balenciaga bow ring (from Matches Fashion), and usual e-ring and wedding ring.

All pics via www.popbasic.com alternating with my own pics via iPhone.

Thanks again Maddy!

xx


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More stripes? I heart NY via 3.1 Phillip Lim

I usually make my pancakes thin and big, more like crepes than pancakes really.  Over the weekend my mom (who has been staying with us for a few weeks) made some griddle pancakes, which I layered with some sweet and creamy greek yoghurt, cherries and blueberries.  Berry berry yummy!
 

Silk top: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Sneakers: Nike, Leather pants: Current/Elliott Leather 'The Ankle' Skinny pants (available at Shopbop, here, and here) , Bag: Chanel Boy, Sunglasses: Ray Ban folding Wayfarer

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Black and white: Seed Ava two-tone leather espadrilles

Apologies for going MIA! I had my sister and little nephew visiting for over a week, and even though I've been pretty active on Instagram (if you haven't already, you can join me here), my poor blog has been neglected.

I thought I'd share one of my recent purchases (that didn't break the bank, thankfully), these leather espadrilles from Seed Heritage.  These things have been selling like hotcakes, so I bought them in two sizes to make sure I got the right fit.  As it turns out, I'm keeping my true size even though I found the run a bit long, and will keep the smaller size for my mom, who is finally returning to Australia next week! So excited!

 Outfit details: Scanlan & Theodore boyfriend (drop crotch) pants (must post about this soon, these have been a workhorse since I bought them a few weeks ago), Celine Trio bag, Ray Ban folding wayfarers, Swiss Legend Karamica watch (i.e. the only watch I use, pretty much), SABA Kylie striped tee (available here).

 Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

xx

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Black and blue all over - (What I wore today): Burberry leather and Isabel Marant Betty sneakers

This jacket will always bring me fond memories of Barcelona. I have written about this before, but after a Burberry shopping spree with Mr Brigs and my sisters in Barcelona, we were snapped outside the store and interviewed for a local newspaper, which we laughed about for so long the following morning when we saw our pic on the newsstands. It is one of my favourite jackets: the washed leather, the ribbed knit cuffs and waistband, the flap pockets, and the purple plaid lining (how can one not feel happy with purple plaid?.  

Normally I'd wear this jacket with black jeans, but I don't have any that fit me at the moment (it's on my 'wishlist').  This is what I wore to the post office to send some lovely items from my store to loving new homes.

Jacket: Burberry leather jacket (old), Jeans: Rag & Bone 'The Dre' in Wells (available in Bradford here), Shoes: Isabel Marant Betty sneakers (the all-suede Bobby is available here, here and here), Knit: Willow black cashmere knit, Sunglasses: Ray Ban Folding wayfarer (available here and polarized version here - that is what I have)

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