Behind the Scenes with Markus van Driel

Today I had the wonderful opportunity to shoot an amazing editorial shoot with photographerMarkus Van Driel. Here are some behind the scene shots.

Credits:

Photographer: Markus Van Driel

Photographer's Assistant: Nick Dorehy

Hair & Makeup: Krassi Toma

Stylist Assistant: Marlies Meijlink

Model: Tessa Butler - Vivien's Models

Clothing Credits- Gary Yang, Rachel Gilbert, Gina Kim, Satchi, Shoes of Prey, Diva

Personal Slogans

I saw this in the window of Rubi Shoes in Bondi Junction and had to take a photo. It totally sums me up in a nutshell.

Boy Shoes and Weekend Party Outfits

How utterly fabulous is this photos display but Net-a-porter.com.

I thought I would include with this post some random photos that the Lovely Charmaine took of me this weekend. My flatmate and I combined our birthdays with Halloween and had a fantastic little house party.

As usual I dressed up. Thankfully most everyone else did too. It was a great night. Everyone we invited bar one person showed up and it was a great crowd.

Wearing Zac Posen dress, Bottega Venetta copies by Siren Shoes, Chanel Earrings and using my new smart phone - Nokia E63 (am trying to work myself up to using the E71 but baby steps are needed with new technology).

Feeling the Wang

Yesterday I went on a sight recky with fantastic photographer Markus Van Driel. We visited an amazing beach that isn’t used very much in Sydney. That could be because it has a reputation for surf gang violence. The Bra Boys have given Maroubra a bit of a bad name.

Whilst wandering up and down the cliffs I got Markus to photograph me. I told him how much I LOVE Alexander Wang and that I tried to do an inexpensive version of one of my favourite looks from the Fall 2009 collection.

I love this look, the denim shirt with tailored black trousers and those fabulous shoes. In my version I trade the pants for ruched leggings and the shoes without the rings. I think this is going to be my new favourite outfit.

Photo taken by Markus Van Driel

Yesterday’s outfit is brought to you by: Dress (worn as a top) – H&M, Tank (underneath) – Supre, Ruched leggings – Supre, Bangles – mixture of vintage & gifts, Necklace – Givenchy copy by Portmans, Earrings - thrifted via Uturn, Shoes – Alexander Wang copies by Tony Bianco, Handbag – Vintage Valentino

All That Glitters Is Not Necessarily Gold

My camera has finally died and I have to use the camera on my phone for now till I gather enough

money to buy the camera I really want.

Today I was feeling a bit glitzy girly. Wanted a bit of bows and sparkle. I had a bit of fashiony

running around to do and wanted to be a bit fierce.

Sorry in advance for the blurry photos.

Today's outfit is brought to you by: Jacket - Zimmerman, Dress - Quicksilver, Belt - Supre,

Shoe - Miu Miu copies by Wittner, Handbag - Louis Vuitton

Behind the Scenes with Paul Green

Behind the scenes with Photographer Paul Green, Make up artist Natalie Biller and Model Sebano of Chadwicks - Great shoot.

WhoWhatWear.com - Inspired by Balmain

WhoWhatWear.com - Always the BEST inspiration

1. French Connection Lust Dress ($288)
The long-sleeve mini dress is a fall fashion must-buy, so why not go for it with gusto? If you're ready to brave the Balmain look, don't miss this amazing marine blue sequin dress from French Connection. It's the perfect piece to wear to all of your upcoming holiday parties or it could be the saucy centerpiece for a girls'-night-out ensemble. To ensure you don't look like an eighties lounge singer, we suggest pairing the glizy frock with some slightly punk footwear, like buckle-embellished boots or studded pumps.

2. Bakers Buckley Boots ($170)
Whether they're in leather or suede, Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain's Buckle Boots ($1605) are strikingly cool. They're also an extravagant splurge, so when creating this Inspired By story, we knew it was imperative to find a suitable substitute. Enter Bakers' Buckley Boots: a super-affordable style with all the attitude of the runway version! They'll look amazing with a bandage skirt and tucked-in tee or simply worn with your favorite pair of skinny jeans.

3. H&M Shirt ($25)
One of the most intriguing looks from Balmain's recent show involved a pair of split leg harem pants and a black t-shirt with silver sequins. While you might be a touch wary of wearing the head-to-toe look, it's easy to incorporate the interesting tee into many different outfits. H&M happened to create a stylishly similar shirt for fall, which we would wear under a boyfriend blazer or paired with some slouchy trousers (sans slits, of course).

4. Current/Elliott Moto Skinny Jeans ($435)
Decarnin always creates the most amazing denim pieces and definitely knows how to start a jean craze (such as the bleached-out and thrashed trend). So when he sent out a slew of motorcycle jeans at Balmain's F/W 09 show, we couldn't help but notice. While tastemakers like Vanessa Traina adore the originals, personally, we will invest in a pair of Current/Elliott's Moto Skinny Jeans instead. Like everything else from Current/Elliott, these jeans are beyond darling, fit like a dream, and are totally on-trend.

5. HTC Electric Multi-Chain Belt ($240)
As we mentioned earlier, one of the must-buy accessories for the Balmain look is a chain belt. While the uber-expensive designer options are certainly desirable, we like this heavy-metal style from HTC. It has multiple chains mixed with sturdy leather, a very appropriate combo for today's topic! Throw it on with an elegant pair of pants or just add it to your casual jeans, either way, it's an awesome item to have on hand!

6. Zara Black Studded Pumps ($80)
Though Balmain's killer buckle boots are hogging the majority of the footwear press, we must point out that they're not the only shoe-style worth noting. The house also created Diamante Studded Pumps ($775) that are obviously more interesting than your average pair of heels! While they're cool, we actually heart a studded style we found at Zara just as much. They'll perfectly punctuate your outfits all autumn long and we have a feeling you'll appreciate their very affordable price...

7. Dannijo Sparo Cuff ($538)
While Decarnin didn't use much jewelry in his fall runway presentation, we couldn't resist including this beautiful cuff in our roundup. It's a got a hint o' vintage thanks to the rhinestone pattern, but the silver-chain element gives it some necessary edge, which means it fits in with the rest of our Inspired By story fantastically.

8. Topshop Embellished Biker Jacket ($310)
The sculpted shoulders of a Balmain jacket are eye-catching and highly desirable, but not everyone wants to wear such an identifiable piece. To achieve a subtler silhouette while still executing the collection's spirit, we suggest picking up Topshop's Embellished Biker Jacket. The shoulders are strong, but less exaggerated than the runway style, so we think it's much more wearable.

9. Club Monaco Jen Beaded Clutch ($80)
Last, but certainly not least, we have a beautifully beaded bag from Club Monaco. Though it's patently different from the Crystal Leopard Suede Shoulder Bag ($3590) that was carried on the runway, we think its pewter-gray color, slight shimmer, and squared-off lines would totally fit in with the collection. It's a great antidote to the typical basic black bag; we'd wear it with a tuxedo jacket, a slim pair of cigarette pants, and dance off into the night!

Location Location Location

Today I went on a recky for a location for an upcoming shoot with fabulous photographer Paul Green. We drove up to the Blue Mountains and found the most magnificent place. So exciting. Paul took some amazing shoots of the location and some ok shots of me.

I am experimenting with harem pants. I have to say they are extremely comfortable if a little weird looking. I felt a really strange walking around this country town in my extreme heels and harem pant outfit. Though I felt comfortable and confident, I can see how this is a look that wouldn't be embraced by the masses.

Today's outfit was brought to you by: Jacket - no label from sidewalk sale, Top (underneath jacket) - Alice McCall, Harem Pants - Cotton On, Shoes - Alexander Wang copies by Tony Bianco, Handbag - Marc Jacobs copy

Birthday Celebrations

Today was my birthday and I had a wonderful day out with my bestie. He took me to a fancy schmancy lunch in town and I wanted to dress up. I thought about being age appropriate but couldn't figure out what that was so I just decided to do what I always do and dress however I feel. Today I took inspiration (again) from Ms Diabolina. This photo appeared in her post.

And I thought to myself "this is a look I can do." So I threw on my Alice McCall dress, my leather moto jacket and my new Alexander Wang copies by Tony Bianco and made my way out the door. Love Ms Diabolina - she is my fashion Shero.

Today's outfit is brought to you by: Dress - Alice McCall, Jacket - no label from sidewalk sale, Ring - Tiffanys, Bangles and Bracelets - combination vintage and Tiffanys, Earrings - Chanel, Shoes - Alexander Wang copies by Tony Bianco

Photoshoots and My Francis Border Stripe Dress

Last week I shot the first of 3 amazing outdoor photoshoots with Keith Haist and Roxy Lee. We shot at Tamarama beach in Sydney. Now this is a little known fact about me but I hate sand and beaches. I know it's crazy since I live in Australia the land of beautiful beaches. The whole time we were shooting, the model was in the water and I was standing at the edge getting more stressed with each passing minute. Eventually I relaxed and the shoot was amazing. The poor model got knocked over a few times by the big waves but she looked amazing.

The lovely Keith took these pics of me at the waters edge.

Big Hat Hides Bad Hair

I'm fortunate to have several wonderful styling clients. Yesterday I had the extreme pleasure of working with one of my personal styling clients who is now going behind the lens to shoot a fantastic set of photos for her upcoming book. Roxy Lee is a blogger and TV host and now Author and has been one of my clients for a few months. Roxy is an amazing person, and has lived an fantastic life. I won't ruin the story cause it will be in the book. Make sure you read her blogwww.roxylee.com.

Yesterday she shot me for the blog - Thanks Roxy.

Yesterday's outfit brought to you by: Hat - Target, Top - Alice McCall, Jeans - True Religion, Necklace - Givenchy copy by Portmans, Bracelets - combination vintage and gifts, Watch - Bvlgari, Shoes - Gucci copies by Siren

New diggs Old clothes

I have finally become one of those women who goes everywhere with their dog. I went to visit a PR agency and the rep (whom I never met before) takes a look at my business card and says "I know you, you are the stylist who takes your dog everywhere with you." Should I be embarrassed? I'm still trying to figure that out.

I'm all settled into my new place and LOVE it. I have the most amazing closet, it takes a whole wall in my bedroom. Will be doing a closet post ala Sharon Rose. In the meantime I've taken my first set of photos in my new place.

Today's outfit is brought to you by: Skirt - Vintage thrifted via Uturn, Top - Kids Tee from Target, Jacket - no label from sidewalk sale, Necklaces - combination thrifted and gifts, Bangles and Bracelets - combination thrifted and gifts, Watch - Bvlgari, Boots - Gucci copies by Tony Bianco, Handbag - Marc Jacobs copy

Currently Channeling: Return to Oz

Retrosun Vintage Cazal Sunglasses ($220)

Topshop Ultimate Jeweled Jacket ($410)

David Lerner Spandex Equestrian Style Leggings ($204)

Alexander McQueen Red Faithful Glove Clutch ($994)

French Connection Softly Stretch Dress ($188)

Marc Jacobs Suede Molded Ankle Boots ($900)

Mawi Emerald Heart Necklace ($446)

Dolce & Gabbana Intense Nail Lacquer ($20) in Stromboli

(all prices in US dollars)

Stupid me thought this had something to do with Australia when I saw the email in my inbox.

Whowhatwear.com has done it again for me with the perfect montage - all pieces I would love in my wardrobe.

More Proud Mama Moments

I hate to brag, but I can't help it, I have a fantastic son. He is a natural born leader and he has done me soo proud. He has been a school leader serving on the Student Representative Council since Year 8 and for his Senior year of High School he has been elected by his peers to become a school Prefect. Today was the ceremony and here are the photos.

Principal Duncombe - who I believe has been an amazing asset to the school.

KJ walking in with the Official Party

Because I'm one of those moms, I took heaps of random photos of KJ just on stage

Another random on stage photo

And yet another random on stage photo

The Principal giving his very inspiring speech on leadership

These 3 boys are brothers and moved me to tears with their rendition of Il Nuovo from Cinema Paradiso

KJ crossing the stage to receive his Prefect Badge and sign the register which has been in existence as his school since 1962

The school choir

All the newly inducted Prefects getting ready to take their oath

Close up KJ cause again I'm one of those moms

KJ and I after the ceremony at the morning tea.

Side note - I'm wearing a Nougat Dress with Chanel earrings and Diva necklace, oh and a very proud mama smile.

Quick Oufit Post - Floral amongst the boxes

Today's dressing adventure is about my take on the floral dresses with cowboy boots trend that was really big here in Sydney. I bought this dress recently but have been waiting for better weather to wear it. Unfortunately I missed the good weather by one day. While yesterday was so hot that people were getting heat stroke, today was windy and cold. Nevertheless, I wore my beautiful new dress with the lovely roses on the neckline. I paired the dress up with my mildew smelling cowboy boots (the smell isn't so bad anymore but if anyone knows how to get rid of the smell please please please tell me).

Today's outfit is brought to you by: Dress - label cut out, purchased from Uturn, Boots - Pulp, Jacket - Supre

Don't forget to visit my sale blog