heavenly knits

These two pieces are the most recent additions to my wardrobe- the Lafayette knit dress and Smith sweater by Friend of Mine. When I saw this incredible knit, slightly metallic spun yarn that creates an amazing texture, I knew I had to have some. And what's better than one sweet knit? Two! I know it's a little OTT wearing them together but they're so perfect for each other I couldn't resist.

[wearing: Friend of Mine Lafayette knit dress & Smith sweater, heels from iOffer, choker from ebay, DIY perspex cuff]

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]

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]

botanical

My new Sara Phillips dress. What can I say? Possibly the most gorgeous floral print I've ever laid eyes on. Did I mention it is pure silk and cost me a measly $150?! Unfortunately I think it's sold out now, but there are still some incredible bargains to be had at their online store HERE.

[Wearing: Sara Phillips cape dress, Windsor Smith Loren heels, choker from Ebay, Asos cuffs and vintage bracelet/ring]

candy stripes

My spontaneous sewing ventures seem to turn out quite nicely these days. I've been wanting to do something with this striped cotton for a long time, whether that be upholstery or clothing I just wanted to make use of it somehow. I only had about 1.5m so was originally going to just make a skirt, but upon cutting decided there was enough for a full dress. Turns out my subconscious knows what's up, because it seems there are completely accidental similarities with a dress I've had my eye on for ages now, Josh Goot's Float mini.

It's an extremely summery fabric, which is very unfortunate as Melbourne gets colder by the hour, but I'm quite certain it will get a lot of wear come spring!

[Wearing with Asos cuffs and boots, Tatty Devine perspex bow ring]

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]

midnight velvet

 So how do I avoid working on important uni assignments? Procrastination in the form of sewing! I came home from the Ellery sale yesterday and all I could think about were peplums, so rather than forking out a few hundred dollars I'd rather keep in my pocket I thought I'd try my hand at replicating one of the tops there. I was going to do a toile, but they always seem like a waste of time and fabric... I found this beautiful midnight blue cotton velvet in my collection, it's got a very small pile and feels lush and thick, exactly what I needed to hold fairly stiff gathering.

It's a pretty basic design, two sideless bust pieces with darts running down the front and a peplum. I left the hem raw to get a good fraying effect, similar to the Ellery ones, and added an invisible zip and a couple of hook & eye clasps down the centre back.

I'm looking forward to giving this piece a work out soon, probably will be wearing it with a bra though, just in case I twist the wrong way and flash some poor unsuspecting citizen.

Wearing with: Country Road jeans, H&M cuff, vintage bracelet and watch, necklace from Vietnam

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