m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day eighty-six

Just when you probably thought that one person couldn't own any more sweater dresses, I'm here to prove you wrong. It's another one from Paris, and yes I'm very aware of the fact that I bought three over the course of the month that I was there. But this one, also from Comptoirs des Cotonniers has cashmere in it and it's also got a high neck, critical in temps such as these. The stripes are a nice touch for day, and the colours are pretty neutral and easy to pair back with either my brown or black boots. The sweater dress is the type of garment that's so versatile, and can so effortlessly discard the dilemma of choosing tops to go with skirts or pants, the decision is already made. Job done.

Menswear Spring Summer 2011

It truly is becoming evident just how much of the 90's influence is sweeping through the rest of the menswear collections that shifted from Milan over to show in Paris.
None more evident than at Dior Homme, where designer Kris Van Assche kept his guys in black, grey and a soft powdery grey across the board. All grown men with Superman fantasies will enjoy his caped crusaders at the end of the show.
And that powder colour was translated exceptionally well into the Hermes menswear Spring Summer 2011 collection, with a very refined and preppy feel that the luxury brand is famous for.
Kenzo men were substantially more vibrant though, and used a grey palette to ground the blues, greens and reds that were vividly dictating the upbeat mood for the overall show.
There was a technique used at Lanvin to suggest something more fun too, in a more subtle way though, if you can call jail cell stripes subtle. The collection also included distressed seam finishes and heavier textures for a summer range but that's the Lanvin way, even when it comes to their womenswear collections.
Paul Smith went for the iconic British rocker style that influenced his show, and if Russel Brand doesn't suit this collection, I don't know who will.
That's it for the boys for another season.

Chocolate

Like I need an excuse to eat more chocolate. But I most certainly do enjoy flicking through old magazines and stumbling across the articles that made me store them for safe keeping in the first place. And this chocolate orange cake is exactly one of those reasons. Here's the recipe for you, and I'll bake it over the weekend. Photo's to come later.
At a greater level of appreciation for the article, the photo shoot itself is a beautiful quality that conjures all those feelings of associations I have for my affinity with chocolate. There's nothing cold or clinical about these images, as the linens and cutlery, fabrics and wooden walls make for an inviting domestic setting. I'm encouraging you to click on the images and print them out for your own enjoyment. Enough said. Eat more chocolate.

Oatmeal Pancakes

I haven't put many of my cooking experiments up lately, but this is one that I had to share. You may or may not feel quite so guilty about eating a stack of pancakes with this one, so here's my gift from me to you.
1) Place 1 1/2 cups plain oats in a blender.
2) Add 1 cup (soy in my case) milk.
3) Add 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
4) Add 2 eggs.
5) Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
6) Blend until combined.
7) Heat non-stick fry pan and pour to desired size. These cook quickly so watch for bubbles to burst in the surface, flip and the pancake will only take about 30 seconds to cook on the other side.
8) Pour maple syrup or any other topping you like. Enjoy.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day eighty-five

Ever get the feeling you're wearing as many clothes that you own as possible all in one hit? That's how I was feeling this morning, just to break through the ice cube that Sydney has turned into in the last couple of days. It's nice to bundle up though, there's something about it that reminds me of Europe. I think this weekend is going to require busting out the beanie too, it really is that cold. It's impossible not to look to food for comfort in weather like this and as I cover it all up in my Coach coat, I gave into my cravings and made pancakes with lashings of maple syrup. That's me in a nutshell, smiles all round.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day eighty-four

With the chill factor through the roof today, I'm rugging up and still managing to feel feminine in this outfit. Merino wool has to be without a doubt one of the most versatile fabrics, and as soon as it's layered, it's incredibly warm. I combine a lot of Fleur Wood and Willow I've come to realise, and it's a great feeling to know I'm supporting Australian designers. These little booties aren't too high either so they're stayers for the day, Midas always manages to provide shoes with varying heel heights. Podiatrists will be rejoicing nationwide.

Body Image Friendly

The National Advisory Group for Body Image is recommending that Australian publications highlight when an image has been re-touched and to also use more 'naturally healthy' looking models rather than some models we see today with disturbingly low BMI's. The formalisation of this information, I believe, is the first real step in a very positive direction. It's a fantastic initiative to finally instigate some real changes rather than continually talking about making changes and only implementing these kinds of measures in a minimal part of the publication. The trend in body shapes has always changed from decade to decade, much as the fashions adapted to change with them. I was introduced to a wonderful way of describing that if we put the energy out, we're rewarded by encouraging energy received back. Mia Freedman and Youth Minister Kate Ellis (pictured) has taken the first step in a big battle and I encourage you to support the cause.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day eighty-three

Annandale is fast becoming my favourite breakfast hub. If The Gallery Cafe on Booth Street has performed spectacularly the last two weekends, Revolver on Annandale Street deserves a standing ovation. Followed by delicious baked treats, it's been a very fun and social weekend all round. When the temperature drops like it has, what better way to spend it?
There's a lot to be said for the versatility of this trench coat, it really can take its humble owner from special dinners over dresses to weekends relaxed and warm over jeans. I always enjoy an opportunity to wear my little pink lace-up brogues, thankful for the cracking good day.

Menswear Spring Summer 2011

What's going on with menswear fashion? Influences from womenswear are running rife through the collections, particularly the 90's trend to put men in skirts. Not going to fly.
Givenchy's gents are ultra feminine, jumpsuits have jumped ship and the fella's are now attempting to pull off what womenswear tried last season.
Yves Saint Laurent's range was also gender confused, with a distinct lack of wearability to many of their pieces. Where are the chic suits they're famous for, even if only one or two, just to balance the show.
Kaftans and skirts popped up at Jean-Paul Gaultier's show, but he was the first to put men in skirts a couple of decades ago, and this collection proves how to pull off such a trend in the naughties just by reinventing textures and colour combinations.
Speaking of colour, there was a vibrant theme running through the Issey Miyake collection that will surely keep the fashion editors happy.
And it was all a bit naff at Commes des Garcons as they attempt to pull of skulls in black, white and red colour creations that didn't show of the designer's talent at all.

Menswear Spring Summer 2011

Yohji Yamamoto took us to a renaissance of a time and modernised it with a twist. It was colourful to Yohji, it was fresh and different. Insert applause here.
And it's safe to say that the boys at Viktor & Rolf were wearing what the women are adapting at the moment. When the mens wardrobe influences the women's, this is what they emerge with. It was as though the mens clothes that the women are wearing were worn by men, you get me?
Dries Van Noten's guys were all very art school cool and the jeans and sweaters will no doubt trickle down. There was a nice injection of subtle colour too, enough to keep the audience guessing.
Louis Vuitton's men have to stand next to incredible feminine Louis Vuitton women this season don't forget, and so masculinity was kept to travel at the best of times, this was the presentation of a gentleman on holiday.
Of course, this contrasts significantly with Rick Owens' typically angry and androgynous male, presented once again predictably in Rick Owens' trademark style.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day eighty-two

Ok, here we go. I'm running about on this lovely Saturday in my Marc Jacobs gumboots and I possibly look like, as my dad so expertly pointed out, that I've just emerged from my Range Rover. Good observation. It's a bit of fun and I always get a compliment in these purple beauties, they're fun.
This is a huge trend sweeping across the globe, and even Hunter wellies are available in Jigsaw stores in Australia. It was certainly noticeable in the States, and they're just so practical at the end of the day. I know practicality isn't supposed to get in the way of good fashion, and they make for a striking photo paired with a tux in a vineyard shot at dawn, but times are a changing and puddles are a waiting. Don't be scared.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day eighty-one

I figure that because I'm still this side of 25 I can just scrape by wearing tights as pants. Just. And I solemnly swear to never even attempt to try jeggings over the age of 16. Deal.
There comes a time when every person looks at pieces in their wardrobe and contemplates if it's still age appropriate or not. In my opinion, a day in the city gives me a leave pass and grants me the right to a slightly more daring outfit than if I was in the suburbs, there's something less conservative about where the big kids play. I'll be covered by my trench coat anyway so it doesn't really matter, but that's the nature of the game and we've all got to accept it at some point. Not quite as reminiscent of the historic and epic tennis match over night, but good game none the less.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day eighty

On a significant day when Australia swears in it's first ever female Prime Minister, there is a lot to be said for the response to her ability in the role. For political commentators to mention that she "looks and sounds the part" primarily goes to show that she's dressing for the role she wants and not the role she has. It's a question of how she wishes to be perceived, and this day, like no other day before, most importantly depends on how she is perceived. The days that follow leading up to the federal election will no doubt focus on many other strategies that Julia Gillard wishes to address, however if you're watching the coverage on mute, the one thing you'll notice is how she is presented. I rest my case.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day seventy-nine

It's time to mix things up a little. Having worn my white Willow shirt dress a number of times in the last couple of weeks, I needed extra warmth to step out today. So the Coach coat instead of my trench is standing in. I feel the look needs an extra hit of colour though. The outfit is all a little too matchy match for my liking. I think I'll need a colourful scarf or something of the like to add some interest and keep the look fresh. What else have we got to look forward to on rainy days like today?
Perfect for rainy evenings is a night out with the girls at the movies though. And last night we finally saw Sex And The City, not that there was much city. All colourful and extravagant, the ladies took their Louboutins to the United Arab Emirates and although indulging in all the fashion and luxury that accompanied their journey, Samantha took her personally indulgent experiences to a whole knew and some might say offensive level. The movie was light and kept us laughing from start to finish. The fact that Liza Minelli shimmied around the stage singing "Put A Ring On It" made famous by Beyonce, and Penelope Cruz had never looked so stunning in her brief cameo kept it all very entertaining, all I ask is that they don't make a third. Pretty please.

Marni Menswear Spring Summer 2011

Standing out amongst the big fashion players, is the humble school boy in Marni's character. There's a strong influence for this short, sharp but well executed collection and it's testament to the designers that they have managed to still give a substantial amount of maturity to otherwise youthful pieces. Mixed up with each other and other pieces in a man's existing wardrobe will ensure the success for this classic and of the moment collection. It's just enough fashion, just enough practical, and all together the zeitgeist for menswear that's otherwise looking for something more typically masculine. Class dismissed.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day seventy-eight

Just like I needed someone to pry the spoon from my mouth as I devoured freshly baked apple crumble on Sunday, it appears someone needs to do the same as I wear predominately black for the second day running. It's an important day though for reasons I hope to be able to share at a later stage. There's a point to being dressed as how you wish to be perceived, and it's significant to take into account the reasons many wear what they wear. If the best accessory is a smile, then everyone deserves awards. These Sophia Kokosalaki pants make me smile, as does this little Collette Dinnigan jacket. But to lift the whole outfit, I'm going for the colours that I officially declare as part of my uniform. They're latte, dusty pink and cream, and if there's any three colours that typically define my wardrobe, these come first. They're neutral enough to break up the black and give some texture to the blank canvas ensemble.

Menswear Spring Summer 2011

Selectively editing these menswear shows to present the most 'wearable' looks felt relevant for the current climate. People are still cautious about what they're buying and it makes sense to consider what Aussie guys might possible look at for influence. I'm not saying they'll run out to purchase these exact pieces, but other more accessible brands like Country Road or Witchery Man will provide similar options to what you see here.
They're all going on a summer holiday at Dolce & Gabbana, and a very stylish one at that. Plenty of white summer parties and black tie balls as well as relaxed foreshore afternoons are catered for with this 2011 collection.
Ermenegildo Zegna's men also looked as cool as can be, with a relaxed colour palette offering a considerable options to choose from. The double breasted suit has also made a comeback and without appearing too 90's, they're worn with slightly more tailored pants to define the shape rather than camouflage it.
Showing even more shape (and skin) than we're seen at the menswear collections for a long time was no more evident than at Calvin Klein Collection. Midriff's to rival Britney won't necessarily take off but thank goodness for that, it's not a flattering look at all.
Burberry's fella's may be a little warm this summer, there were coats galore to choose from but all in the quintessential Burberry style that confirms it's necessity in every man's wardrobe.
And Bottega Veneta caters for the casually classic gentleman with shorts that may be too short for the humble citizen but carry the theme through this catwalk collection to match the bright colours that can only spell summer.

Menswear Spring Summer 2011

Suspecting a huge change in menswear this season? Don't be surprised if you're left feeling a little disappointed then. There was a strong military theme running through many of the shows from colour choice to fabrication and pocket applications. It's a nice sentiment to the Autumn Winter collections prior, but the main ideas were still there and I'm sorry to say, weren't really reinvented. Beggars can't be choosers though, as you can see at Jil Sander and Pringle of Scotland, there were still glimpses of avant guarde styles that I can safely say won't appeal to the average guy. Prada, Alexander McQueen and Gucci kept it closer to home, sending out the looks they're famous for. It's interesting that menswear won't necessarily make the most revenue for these luxury houses, but it continues to run a signature thread through the history of the brand and that's the main achievement. Job done.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day seventy-seven

Why is it that in such miserable weather, well I don't know about anyone else, that I dive straight in for black. It's crazy, you'd think that a little colour would counteract the sky's dreary mood. But I'm comfortable in this today. It's pretty streamlined as you can see, thanks to Collette Dinnigan's craftsmanship and knowledge of the female shape. There's not much else to add except for my black trench, and as easy as that, I'm out the door.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day seventy-six

There's nothing like a bit of sunshine to close out the weekend. With smiles all round, simplicity is key. I've been very comfortable in my Burberry sweater with jeans and boots, perfect for backyard barbecues. Bright colours didn't really factor into today, the sun was bright enough for all of us. It's becoming more and more clear to me that this style is my 'uniform'. It's my personal brand, and that's not such a bad thing after all.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day seventy-five

Adoring the sunshine, there's that battle when it's cold inside and refreshingly cracking outside. So it's on with the Zara jacket and Gap scarf today, thanks to my recent trip. Which also means there's the possibility of a spring clean in the wardrobe department. I honestly don't know what I can part with because I'm usually pretty good at keeping it all up to date, but there are things bulging out of places they shouldn't be and it's time to make some room.
Very excited at the prospect of wearing my Rupert Sanderson brogues again too. Thank you sky for staying dry, otherwise you'd be sick of seeing my boots. After a fabulous and very indulgent brunch and what's fast becoming a new fave at The Gallery in Annandale, here's to a stellar Saturday.

m i n d i n g m y l a n g u a g e | day seventy-four

Excited by the prospect that it's Friday and Colefax is probably on the agenda at some point, I put my very lovely sweater dress from Sandro in Paris on. This one has kept its shape much better than my Comptoirs Des Cotonniers and it just goes to show that it really is easier than you think to put together an incredibly comfortable yet still stylish and classic outfit. It hasn't got many components to it, there's a top and tights to keep me warm underneath and then simply the dress and boots to pull it all together. Just what the doctor ordered. I just found out that I didn't win the British Vogue writing competition but I won't let it get me down, you've got to be in it to win it. Smile everyone, it's Friday.

Monique Lhuillier Resort 2011

We've all seen that person walk into a room and they stand out, they're effortless. We've all wanted to know how they pull it off, wanted to understand the secret they're obviously in on, as to how they just put everything together and get it so right. That's the feeling I got when I looked at Monique Lhuillier's resort collection. The collection sets the bar for garments that can transcend from work to play, and she's kept her black and white palette simple, with injections of lace and tweed to pull textures together. Her rainbow assortment of gowns to conclude show her extraordinary skill at surface application, and it's clear that anyone wearing these pieces would be able to pull of that je ne sais quoi. Effortless.

Lanvin Resort 2011

Suspecting that Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz knows the answer to what every woman wants in her wardrobe is a big call. But it's one I'm willing to agree with. He's thought of all the resort necessities and then some. Colour, black, white, dresses, pants, blazers, pool side, weekend, work, if you want it, he's thought of it. And his sense of humour has come out in the presentation too. He's peeking into the frame like 'Where's Wally' if you can find him. Thank you Mr Elbaz, your vision continues to inspire me.

J.Mendel Resort 2011

Whimsical and creative, J.Mendel has staged their preview collection in a dance studio with dramatic effect. It fits in perfectly with the style of their clothes and creates an overall feeling of femininity. The romance behind this collection is wrapped up in the colours, the soft fabrics and the delicate applique features to some of the garments. They have a clear vision and kept it consistent. Worthy of a ballerina's curtsey.