cadillac

I haven't been able to wipe the smile off my face all weekend due to my most recent acquisition of this glorious jacket. It was hands down the best thing ever when, after talking myself into the Midnight version of Friend of Mine's Cadillac jacket, I stumbled upon a smaller sized black one (in a 6 - not even a plausible option originally) and miraculously it fit like a dream! I was quite relieved really, considering I have so many black clothes in my wardrobe and I'm not the biggest fan of navy blue and black worn together. Pure silk with leather lapel and pocket trim- this is a ridiculously perfect jacket that will no doubt become my staple dress blazer for many seasons to come.

wearing [Friend of Mine Cadillac Jacket / Nobigtruth blue ombre skirt / DIY silk tank / Asos boots (old) / DIY copper jewellery]

Also, apologies for the recent absence, life's crazy busy at the moment and it's causing serious blog neglection :(

black on white

VPL Insertion bra / 3.1 Phillip Lim silk shadow shirt / Camilla Skovgaard ankle wedge boot

I seriously think there is nothing better than the clean simplicity of black and white. This shirt pretty much sums up my entire reason for living, pure unadulterated heaven in garment form.

[all images from tumblr]

black velvet

Here's a little project I did today in between painting my mini collection (nearly finished!). I dug up this little black velvet cat dress I remember being thoroughly attached to as a child. Eeither I was a very fat kid or this dress swam on me because that's the only way I can explain how what used to be the under-bust of my childhood dress now fits my waist perfectly! I chopped off the skirt and added a zip so I could get in and out, shortened the hem and voila, the perfect black velvet mini skirt. I absolutely hate throwing out my baby clothes, so I think this is the best way of simultaneously keeping my childhood spirit alive whilst also recycling perfectly good fabric and reducing waste. I think I'll have to find a good use for the cute furry kitty face as well!

[wearing: Zara tee, H&M cuff, DIY velvet mini skirt, vintage clutch/rings/bracelet/watch]

neoprene

So here's my latest purchases; the best winter jacket and some serious boots. It mightn't look snuggly, but this jacket is super insulating and comfy. I figure the best way to beat the elements this winter is to wear the fashion equivalent of a wetsuit. I wish neoprene was sold non-commercially, if I could buy that stuff by the metre I would be making my entire wardrobe from it!

Very excited about these Therapy boots, so much height and still comfortable, perfect for winter nights out.

[wearing: Asos neoprene parka, thrifted knit, jeans from ebay, Therapy boots via The Iconic]

blue steel

Here's my latest sewing venture: a metallic peplum jacket inspired by THIS gorgeous Ellery one shown at fashion week recently. Would have been so good in that black/forest green colour combo, but I work with what I have, and luckily I had a heap of this fabulous metallic blue taffeta sitting around. So tailoring is not really my forte, but I think I did pretty well considering this is my first attempt at a fitted jacket, or any jacket for that matter (excluding a fur disaster I had recently!). This sort of flashy jacket will be perfect paired with a nice simple little black dress or jeans and killer heels for a night out. Can't wait for it to get some public exposure.

[wearing with: Asos velvet trousers & cuffs, Santini heels, vintage bodysuit, ebay choker]

hydrangea

Very much in love with my beautiful hydrangea blazer from Staple the label. It's the perfect understated floral print in a lovely purpley-blue, plus it's cut nice and long making it that little bit formal. I'm looking forward to winter so I can wear it with this White Suede dress I picked up at their Melbourne warehouse sale recently which is made of the coolest perforated suede-like fabric with mesh detailing on the neck and down the arms.

[Wearing: Staple the Label hydrangea dress blazer from The Iconic HERE, White Suede dress, Asos thin silver cuffs, Office London boots]

ellery armour

This morning I dragged myself out of bed to get down early to the Ellery pop up sale in Melbourne's GPO. I'm glad I did as there was some pretty good stuff, but I held off temptation to buy everything in sight, settling on yet another little black dress to add to my collection. Not your average black dress though, it's made of this wonderful ponte fabric that looks and feels a lot like neoprene, but a lot less heavy! It also features the incredible armour sleeves which played a huge part in the Spring 11 range (HERE), which makes this dress so striking.

So if you're in Melbourne I highly recommend you check out the sale quick smart, it ends Monday!

Wearing: Ellery ponte armour sleeve dress, Windsor Smith Loren heels in cobalt, DIY copper choker (tutorial HERE), Ebay cuff

DIY helmut lang inspired jersey mini/maxi

Image: Net-a-porter

A little black dress with a difference.. Detachable 'modesty'!

I made this dress from some black stretch jersey I had lying about. It started off as a simple mini with merely side seams and a slit to slip my head through, with a panel down the back holding it all in shape (almost). Until I came across this wonderful Helmut Lang asymmetric jersey 'maxi'! I was inspired to make a detachable 'side skirt' (not sure what else to call it really), it's just a piece of jersey with a couple of hook and eye fastenings attached. I think it turns the dress from casual to elegant status instantly.

Wearing with Asos boots and DIY Kirrily Bengal choker (seen HERE)

black & blue ambush

Recent wardrobe additions include these paper bag waisted shorts, DIY black tank and boots. Ok so now I swear I'll stop buying things I don't exactly, desperately need! (Although, technically I didn't know I needed these things until they arrived)..

Wearing:

DIY black tank

Asos paper bag waist shorts

Topshop Ambush boots

Necklace & bracelet from Vietnam

Vintage ring