Lets look at a lookbook.

As I said before, Ruby has previewed their new line (in shops July). Summer is officially here, in fashion. So lets have a look.

I'm not in love, although I am sure when I get into the shop and run my fingers along the rack (much to my mothers dismay), I will succumb and buy a lot of it.

Pieces of note are the cute white knit jumper, black dress with cut out sides, spotty dress, the entire outfit of skinny jeans and the shoes!

Some of the patterns coming through remind me of Chloe's last season.

The spots remind me of Karen Walkers coming season…but done better!

I will however be in line to purchase those shoes as soon as they grace the shelves; I completely adore them (again, mother will not be pleased).

I don't often find a good high-heeled summer shoe, they are usually a bit to hot and sticky for a summer day, or, they are the jandal with heel. That was grim day in fashion.

What do you think? Does it bring the smell of summer?

To bling, or not to bling.

I bumped into a friend of mine the other day, an old high school friend. I have always found him to be quite stylish. Not a fashion follower but a very good dresser.

On this particular day he had a piece of man-jewellery on (just a simple chain around his neck). I found this incredibly distracting. I kept looking at it and giggling, expecting him to bust out some rad T-Pain moves. Maybe it's highly old fashioned of me, but I believe men only look good (in a jewellery sense) wearing a wedding ring. Jewellery suits woman, and in my opinion, not men.

Stolen Girlfriends Club disagrees with me some what, with their own line of unisex jewellery.

I however still find myself prone to jewellery-less men. So blog world, what do you think? Do you like your men blinging?

Capetastic.

This is my new favorite possession. With my favorite shoes.

It is the result of spending a fabulous Saturday morning sauntering around The Department Store with my folks. This was my second visit and it was better than the first, less crowded, much more enjoyable.

Takapuna seems, to me, to be the hip destination for a Saturday morning. After an hour of shopping at some of the coolest designers in NZ we headed to Takapuna Beach Cafe for lunch. It is one of the most beautiful spots to lunch.

Anyway, back to the task at hand. Cape-love.

So here are some pictures to inspire your obligatory cape purchase for this season.

Team Karen. Usually.

Karen Walker has recently previewed her next collection. Honestly, I'm a bit underwhelmed. Karen Walker is usually my friend. She is usually my sure fire - walk in, fall in love, spend all your pay and eat home brand Rice Pops for the next month - designer.

The Karen walker shops are where I go when I am having a bad day, to brighten me up. I turn to Karen (yes, during the Topshop launch I stared at her like a twi-hard at a Cullen, so we are now officially on first name bases) for some shazam. Some beautifully cut, well fitting incredibly wearable pieces of fashion that scream out in wonderfully bright patterns or kooky lining. Dresses where the skirt pouffes out, just a touch too much. Or when the ruffles on the blouse have just brushed the surface of extreme. And I love it.

We don't pay through the nose to be ignored. We pay to be noticed.

I am not sure I would notice a sad floral dress. Would you? Her Resort line has a floral print that I am keeping fingers and toes crossed is a lot better received in person. It also features a really cool spotty pattern (I have a big soft spot for spots), but in seemingly all the wrong cuts!

Also a strange looking petticoat filled a-line skirt that ends just bellow the knee (so, on me, just before the ankle), not the most flattering.

I have selected a few that I did like the look of for you here, if you wan to scout it yourself and tell me how woefully wrong I am then look here: www.karenwalker.com/collections/resort-mainline-1011/ and report back!

Cool.

No Flare Ups.

So, I have been trying to ignore it, trying to push all evidence aside. But, alas, I have something to share, I don't think I'm happy about.

Flares are back.

They haven't hit the ridiculous. Yet. But I can see it. It's coming. They have already cropped up in Prada's latest ready to wear collection (the mini flare).

I have spied a few in the Karen Walker show (previewed in New York recently).

And Rocha had some flares rocking in their last preview.

Even my all time favourite fashion blogger Rumi has been waltzing around NYC in a pair.

Now don't get me wrong, I actually like the look of the above, but I have a past with flares, a past that was happy when skinny was in.

I am short. Barely 5ft 2. Flares have a way of making the short look dumpy (not that it's hard). Try telling this to an 11-year-old girl. I had all kinds of flares. If they didn't kick out at the bottom, I wouldn't wear them.

I distinctively remember my mother and father bought me a pair of leather Miss Sixty trousers. They were cool. Very cool (and how often can you say something you wore was cool 10 years on). But I couldn't see the cool, through the skinny. They weren't flared. So, as per the rule I introduced earlier, I didn't wear them.

I used to have a light, it was triangular (picture a cone, that lights up, well that's what it was). I used to put the leg of these trousers over the light as i slept (plan was to stretch them). Long story short, it didn't work, they were barely worn and I miss them to this day.

So flares, don't come back, please, because I don't look good in you, they hide shoes (and that is a sin) and, much like a bad ex boyfriend, I know I will fall for your trap again.

Canne be done right.

So, its a few days old, but I really have to post this picture of Michelle Williams.



I adore adore adore this dress, and her hair and everything she is wearing this year at Cannes. She is the epitome of fun, easy going chic. I have always admired her fashion sense! She has done a lot better than some at this year's festival...



I know I am not the norm, but I believe Cannes should be a little less glitz and glamour. It should be the time to don those exquisite pieces from the Prada or Rochas ready to wear collection. To saunter down the streets looking flawlessly chic, not Oscar ready. There is a time and a place, and agree or not, I think it is not Cannes. Never was.

Fontastic.

For anyone as obsessed with typefaces and just general graphic design (or even just cool looking shit)...

http://www.hyperactivitypography.com

enjoy!

Take Two.

Next up is Ellery.

All I can say is I am in love. I am going to scrimp and save to afford anything and everything I can from this collection. It is edgy, yet still has pieces that are really wearable and feminine.

One question though, what is with the crutches? Was the stylist channeling his/her inner Lady Gaga?

Oh and I also adore the sunglasses....

Fashion Week thinking.

So, Melbourne Fashion week has recently wrapped for another year, I have taken a look at some of the collections that's showed... enjoy.

Luela

Two women who have aimed to create a "feminine and elegant" collection. Fairly new to the Aussie scene, a young 2 years old.

I really liked the idea of these designs, but found myself just staring at the nice shoes and wishing my hair to be longer (to pull off the wispy style plait).

I really loved some of the pieces....

Others had a bit more of a 'night gown' feel too them, too much lace and flow for me. Sorry guys!

Overall I much preferred their previous summer collection. But I do really enjoy the floaty feminine feel, especially among a quite Military influence we have had this season. Check it out at http://luela.com.au and tell me what you think!