Dries Van Noten to Zara Winter Coat

So, I've been searching desperatly for a winter coat. Finally, only today, did I find something me.

I have a few requirments when it comes to coat shopping, some of which may sound a little pedantic or materialistic.

Firstly, the coat must be of an established, classic brand. This is not because I'm a materialistic air head, but because I trust bigger brands to use better quality materials, to have better made garments, and to treat and pay the workers who make the garments with more respect (I hope, anyway). For this, I don't mind paying a little extra. Secondly, I look for a flattering, yet fashion forward shape. Thirdly, I look a colour that will go with my whole wardrobe, as I expect to wear coats for many years to come.

This winter, designers have been pushing the envelope in terms of oversized, man-style shapes and slouchy silouettes. Celine and Dries Van Noten (large bright blue coat and top dark grey coat, as pictured) are among my favourites. I love this look, however the only place I found an affordable look was in the Zara kids section.



Russh, June/July 2012

 I'm also really liking the long, masculine coats done by Hermes, Miu Miu and Maison Martin Margiela.

Russh, June/July 2012

There are some lovely coats in Barkins. This coat was featured in Harbour Town's VIP Fashion Parade on Thursday night.Teamed with a striped skirt (see Prada to Barkins Striped Skirt post), a black V neck wrap shirt and burnt orange pumps, the blonde model looked divine.

 

Swing Coat $129.95 from barkins.com.au

  It was in Zara, however, that I found my 2012 winter coat. Found it the teen section of the store, last of it's kind and miraculously in my size, I couldn't leave the store without it.

The coat is super soft, incredibly warm and is good quality. It fits perfectly- it shows enough waist, and the length is very flattering on the leg. There are two sets of pockets; one at the hips and one at the ribs. There is also a sneaky pocket in the lining. I also love how the buttons are quite rustic and worn, as it gives the coat an earthy sort of sophistication.

Many thanks to Cassie Yankoff, my shopping buddie, fashion extodinare and great friend, whose enthusiasm for the coat makes me love it even more!

Happy winter- enjoy the warmth of your stylish coats!

Sharmonie x

Inspired by Emma Stone's Gucci moment

I am in awe of Emma Stone's Gucci moment at 'The Amzing Spiderman' premier in Paris.

The dark, sultry gown is complemented by loose fingerwave curls, a moody eye and dark plum lips. The glamorous 1920's inspired look is simply divine. 

How to get the look:

Who does "expensive" glamour better than Australia's own Alex Perry?

This sultry 'Michela' gown is fabulous for red carpet or black tie events.

Perry's 'Enrica Top Coco Corset' frock works well for a less formal occassion, whilst still evoking that smouldering sexiness.

'Anjana' black patent Tony Bianco heels $139.95 from tonybianco.com.au.
YSL 'Rouge Per Couture' lipstick in Violet Edition from yslexperience.com.
Aurélie Bidermann 'Mamba' 18-karat gold-plated ring £112.50 from Net-a-porter.com.

Similar snake rings can be found at stores such as Collette and Lovisa, whilst YSL lipsticks are sold at most David Jones. I myself bought a YSL lipstick from David Jones last year, and can guarantee that paying the extra $20-$30 is well worth it. The rich colour lasts hours and is the perfect lipstick to wear to out dinner- not even a 3 course meal could wear off the colour.

Enjoy your sultry Gucci inspired moments,

Sharmonie x

Prada to Barkins Striped Skirt

Still mesmerised by Prada's ss/'11 bright, striped collection?

You're in luck!

I found the perfect skirt in Barkins that evokes the playful, yet sleek essence of this collection.



Selling for $59.99, you can find this 'GEO Metric Pencil Skirt' in-store or at barkins.com.au

Happy Thursday night shopping!

Sharmonie x

Harbour Town VIP Fashion Parade

Harbour Town (Adelaide) is hosting their first VIP Fashion Parade tonight.

There will be two fashion parades; the first featuring more coorporate attire and the second featuring more casual attire. I've been assisting the marketing team in styling and preperations in the run up to the event, and I can guarantee that the models both are and will look fabulous!

Maz will be entertaining throughout the evening whilst Adelaide blonde bombshell, Sarah Loyd, from The Voice, will be performing.

Free gifts upon entry to VIP members, and the first 100 people to arrive, I believe, will recieve a glass of complementry champagne!

Becoming a VIP member is as simple as a few clicks. Just jump onto the Harbour Town website, fill in a short form and voila!  Congratulations, you're now a VIP!

 

SS Prediction: Transparant Booties

My Style Scout senses are tingling.

Although it may take a while to reach adelaide, I predict that there will be a transparant bootie trend.

On what basis do I predict this?

Behold:

Maison Martin Margiela ankle boot from farfetch.com

"Black leather mesh boots from Maison Martin Margiela featuring a round toe, a zip fastening on back, an ankle cut and a perspex heel." - farfetch.com

I was scrolling through Farfetch footwear, when I stumbled upon these magnificent ankle boots. Yes, they are ugly. Yes, they are unpractical. Yes, that's what makes them divine.

I havn't seen many people wear them, however, I have found a few fashion bloggers that have (albeit wearing the nude version):

Blogger, Hanh Merriman from Life In Travel wore these in her 'Affair with a Pair' post ( 6 April 2012). She splayfully states that loves the "nakedness" of the boots, which I totally agree with.

Eva Domijan wears the boots in her blog Dressful. She looks gorgeous!

I really hope this trend hits Adelaide stores.

Sweet dreams,

Sharmonie x

The Row to Country Road Classic White T

I'm a firm believer in the Classic White Tee. Like the LBD, the CWT is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing.

I myself own at least 10 different CWTs. Whenever I'm shopping, I am instantly drawn to white Tees. I can't help it. I am constantly on the hunt for the ultimate, perfect CWT.

My current favourite is one of my Country Road Tees. In all honesty, it isn't perfect. I mean, the fabric is a little harsh, and the hem is too straight for my liking, but the top half is great.

So, I have a few CWTs on my wishlist...

The Row sabeen jersey T-shirt, £137.50 from Net-a-porter.com

The Olsen twins, renowned for their relaxed, comfortable, hobo-ish style, are my ultimate fashion inspirations. They just so happen to have their own label, which focuses on quality  relaxed clothing. Perfect!  Needless to say, the CWT on the top of my CWT Wish List is from The Row.

T by Alexander Wang classic jersey T-shirt, £72.34 from Net-a-porter.com 

I love Alexander Wang. I love a classic loose fitting T-shirt. Need I explain more?

Rag & Bone JEAN burn-out jersey T-shirt, £70.83 from Net-a-porter.com

3rd on my Wish List is of course Rag & Bone. Effortless cool summed up in one perfect Tee.

Saba crew neck T-Shirt, $14.40 on sale in-store or saba.com.au

I think I may actually go in and buy this now that I know it is on sale... perhaps writing this post wasn't a good idea.

StyleMint maxwellT, $29.99 from stylemint.com

I know, I know. StyleMint doesn't ship to Australia. But a girl can dream, can't she? It is my Wish List, after all. All the goodness of Olsen design, packaged up and shipped to your door step for only $30... cry.

This post is more of my Wish List, rather than your directory for the perfect CWT. My excuse is that I havn't found the perfect one yet. I'm still on the look out.

However, I will share some of my more successful CWT stories with you. I bought a lovely cropped CWT from the Country Road outlet at Harbour Town last year for approximatly $30, and a staple high-low one from Sportsgirl for approximately $20 in 2010 that I still wear. I also had a perfect white loose fitting tunic, from Jetty Surf that I wore to death. Unfortunately I had to throw it at the beginning of 2011, and I can't find another anywhere. My friend also found a perfect loose-fitting fitting CWT from French Connection in January on sale for $15. Oh! And I found a nice fitting baggy white Tee from K-mart as well!

I shall resume my hunt, and hopefully buy and review the Saba CWT mentioned above.

Happy hunting my friends,

Sharmonie x

Chloé to Asos Bow-tie Ballet Flats

Ah, the simple bow tie ballet flat. How I love thee.

My obssession reliance upon this make of shoe is unnatural. I wear them with everything.

I first saw them online, when looking at fashion blogs and what not. Apparently, any one who is any one wears them on their days off. America and Europe alike.

Why so slow Australia?

Thankfully the wonders of online shopping came to my fashion-rescue. Asos.com, how I love you.

Anyways, I shall proceed to show you what the stars are wearing. And then what Adelaidians will most likely be wearing.

My favourites: Gucci cracked leather ballet flats, £275 from Net-a-porter.com

Chloe leather ballet flats, £254.17 from Net-a-porter.com

Jimmy Choo walsh perforated textured leather ballet flats, £216.67 from Net-a-porter.com 

Repetto BB leather ballet flats, £137.50 from Net-a-porter.com 

Lovely arn't they? The Gucci ones are my favourite. But, being the bargain hunter that I am, the following look more appealing.

Rubi Shoes maggie flat, $14.95 from your local Rubi Shoes store or shop.cottonon.com

Country Road winona nubuck ballet flat, on sale for $52.96 in-store or on countryroad.com.au



London Rebel leather ballet pumps, on sale for $37.41 at Asos.com

  I bought the above pair in black from Asos for the consideraby lower on-sale price (down from RRP $51.02 AUD), with a 10% off student discount and free shipping to Australia. They are super cute, super comfortable and are really great quality. The biggest selling point, for me, is that they never smell.

As I said, these are a really convenient shoe to have in your closet- a definate staple item.

Happy days and comfy feet!

Sharmonie x

Givenchy to Nowhere Ankle Strap Sandals

Alas, the ankle strap heel has returned.

These sexy heels have graced the feet of many women over the last few months.

Prada, Givenchy, Calvin Klein- everyone is doing it.

Givenchy £1,069.20 at Net-a-porter.com

Christian Louboutin £1,133.55 at Net-a-porter.com

Miu Miu £537.50 at Net-a-porter.com

Calvin Klein at

Prada at Nordstrom.com

As Red Carpet Fashion Awards points out, Celebrities are loving them too.

There arnt any in shops around Adelaide at the moment. I have seen some online at Zara, but I havnt seen them in person. So, I bought myself a $30.00 pair (in black) from ebay.com the other day. I'll review them when they arrive. Even  if they're bad quality, I'm hoping they'll hold out until Adelaide shoe shops stock them.

I'm going on a shoe hunt...

28/6/2012 Edit: You can find a delicate pair of ankle strap stilettos, similar to the above Christian Louboutins, at Tony Bianco.

$149.99 at in-store or tonybianco.com.au

These beauties come in black suede (as pictured), black patent, flesh suede, stone snake, gold metallic snake, brown multi snake, teal snake and sienna snake. 

'Sumadi' Vintage and Recycled Boutique

'Sumadi' is a vintage and recycled boutique in Semaphore, SA. It is simlpy gorgeous and I absoutely adore it.

The quirky boutique sells items ranging from Witchery to Givenchy- you never know what you'll find.

Last weekend I decided to treat myself.

Among a large armful of other clothes [wanted, not needed], I bought this 50's, green and white polka dot vintage frock. I paid a very reasonable $35.00

Red lips and my black suede peep toe Wayne Cooper heels will no doubt complement this frock on an evening out with the girls.

Miu Miu to Sportsgirl Cat Print Blouse

Bemused by the quirky and whimsical feel of Miu Miu's cat print creations? Me too.

You can get the look now at Sportsgirl for only a fraction of the cost.

Sportsgirl kitty shirt $79.95

Cute, right?

Enjoy!

Chanel to Zara Jacket

We all love a classic Chanel Jacket, yes? Yes. To me, its a wardrobe staple.

I wear my black Chanel-inspired Target (Tarjeeey is fabulous, darling) jacket ALL the time. It goes with everything.



Chanel jackets on the Runway.



Chanel jackets on the stars.

 So you can't quite afford to pat a few thousand dollars for an authentic jacket? How about a few hundred?

This stunning Rebecca Taylor SS12 sequin-trimmed boucle-tweed jacket is $543.50AUD (approx) at Net-a-porter.com.

Still can't quite afford that? Thank the lord for Zara. Zara has a few versions of the Chanel jacket, all of which come with a pleasant price tag.

Zara piped fantasy cardigan $87.92AUD

Zara frayed blazer with zip $74.81AUD

Zara fantasy blazer $99.75AUD

Zara frayed cardigan $57.38AUD

Zara sequinned blazer $99.95AUD

You can find all of these jackets at zara.com. *I converted EUR to AUD using a basic online currency converter on the day of publication. Prices may vary.



I was going to include some Target jackets, but they are pricier than Zara at the moment.

Alternativly, op-shops are great for finding look-a-like wonders (or, if you're lucky, bargain authentic gems priced by unaware volunteers- I found an authentic Armani Exchange halter for $5 at my local Semaphore Vinnies yesterday!!).

Stay classy,

Sharmonie x