New to Wardrobe: Evening Dresses

If you are a very close friend of mine then you are probably aware of the excessive and somewhat overflowing collection of dresses I have in my wardrobe. They just might be my favourite item of clothing; easy, mostly comfortable, chic and feminine. Though I probably own a dress to suit every occasion twice over, I seem to keep buying them. Let’s call them my sartorial weakness. I like to know that I have a backup dress should an event arise, one that I love, that fits well, was on sale (of course) so that I am not rushing to the shop the day before, choosing a dress for the sheer need. Today I bring to you three evening appropriate dresses that have recently made it into my wardrobe (Correction: there is no more space in my wardrobe so they hang on my dresser). 

H&M Jersey Dress

About a month back I saw this dress on the H&M website, as I often like to have a browse of their incoming stock, and I took a screenshot so that I would not forget about it. Well, it seems like my memory lapsed as I picked it up in H&M not knowing it was the dress I had been lusting over just a month before. What attracted me about this dress was firstly the length; I just love a midi or longer length on a body-con. I find that a longer length, tight fitting dress that nips the waist and shows off the décolletage suits my body shape the best. The darker grey, thick, jersey material gave the dress a more casual feel and I could envision wearing the dress with a dark lip and gold accessories. I wore this out clubbing last weekend and I was happy with it, though I did have to adjust it every now and then around the bust. Overall, a fantastic dress at an even better price tag.

Bardot Pin Up Dress

This dress is all kinds of dreamy. I first spotted this dress in a frantic shop to find an outfit for a glow in the dark party. The colour is so vibrant and pink. I do love a bit of pink; classic girly girl. I couldn’t justify the $129 price tag at the time, so waited and prayed that it would eventually go on sale. Finally the dress was reduced to $70, but my mum didn’t want to fork out the cash. Yes, I could’ve bought it myself but I’ve had to restrain my spending in recent weeks. When I saw it go down to $40 my heart raced as it’s purchase was nearing. In store there was only a size 10, which I tried to squeeze on, but it was never going to happen. After a search of all the stores in Australia a size 12 had sold out everywhere, and I’m certain my cousin can confirm my disappointment. There was still hope as Myer stock Bardot. The very same day I was in Melbourne Central my mum was in Highpoint and had spotted the size 12, so the next day we went and bought it. It seems that great dresses are somewhat difficult to pin down (pin down, get it?). This dress was definitely well worth the wait, and with all the effort it took to purchase, this will become my birthday dress. Much like the dress for my 16th birthday I have purchased this about half a year before my birthdate. See, I like to be prepared. 

Asos Origami Bow Pencil Dress 

In about a month long intensive search of Asos almost everyday trying to find a dress for valedictory, this dress made it into one of the final edits. Fortunately I found a dress in Australia, in store that I could try on and purchase on the spot. Is anyone interested in seeing what I wore to valedictory? When this dress made it into the sale I was overjoyed, and at around $32? Absolute bargain. I will admit that this dress does look better on the model (though doesn’t everything) and it will require some adjustment around the bust, but I think that this dress is perfect for a formal evening occasion. The deep navy scuba material is very thick and therefore expensive looking. The subtle bow detail is a modern take on a classic mini dress which I adore. Concludingly, a dress that will come in very handy for any cocktail events (not that I have any planned, of course). 

OOTD#5 Feminine Power Dressing

Often, it’s the outfits that require the least effort that become the most striking, or give the wearer the most confidence. On this particular day, I had the idea that I wanted to wear my new wedges, and given that the weather was 25 degrees, I wanted to wear a skirt. Putting on my white wedges with my grey midi skirt I looked to my wardrobe for a top. Pulling out a black top, something that is almost rare amongst my rack of pink, printed and textured tops, I decided to try it on. Instantly, I knew it was going to be a good outfit day (therefore, worthy of being documented!). 

The power this outfit gave me was almost unidentifiable. I instantly felt like the editor of a magazine; understated, strong, powerful and minimalistic. A Jackie French, an Anna Wintour of sorts. Not that I have the deluded idea that my fashion sense is anywhere near the realms of fashion royalty, though one can play dress up even if they’ve passed the age of five. “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have” is the quote that encapsulates this outfit. 

The slightly flared, wide arms and the straight cut neckline gave power to what might have been a plain black top. I decided to skip wearing a necklace as the neckline felt like it was a feature in itself, and wore a black and gold watch instead which added an androgynous vibe. The slightly oversized top paired with the midi skirt gave this outfit a mature look; one that is different to my usual form fitting pieces. One not need don a blazer and a tailored trouser to emulate the strength and authority of their male counterparts. Power dressing is usually defined by garments that radiate a masculine undertone, but here a skirt can create the same effect. 

So what have I learned from this outfit? Feminism is still alive and can be reflected through fashion, I do not need to wear a blazer to feel like I can conquer the world and fashion can truly create an identity for the wearer. That and perhaps I need to work on my “editorial” face, as I was trying to create more serious and professional looking photographs. Maybe I should just stick to smiling?

Outfit details:

Black top- Portmans

Grey Midi Skirt- Sunnygirl

Watch- Asos

Shoes- Kmart 

Bellabox January 2015

I had seen advertisements for Bellabox in the past, browsed the website and even proceeded to checkout but had never fully committed to the subscription. After an Instagram post from Harper’s Bazaar Australia appeared on my news feed publicising Bellabox’s February edition (which will be curated by three leading Australian fashion magazines), I finally applied. I decided it would make for an interesting post and fill the void of incoming mail that had somewhat diminished following my recent and quite excessive spending.

In summary, Bellabox is a monthly subscription service that sends out a box of 4-5 beauty samples at the price of $15 (per month). It seemed like an exciting way to try new beauty products at the retail price of a couple full sized products. Perhaps the “risk” and uncertainty of what will be sent each month enticed the very minute risk-taker in myself. I will probably never jump out of a plane but dive right into a box of unknown beauty products? Sign me up.

The cautious and ever rational dominating side to my personality took over when it came to the monthly fee. Signing up for $15 a month with cancellation at any time seemed to entail a lengthy process and large amount out of my monthly spending. Essentially, I gifted myself a three month subscription as a trial of the program, completely free of commitment.

Communication between Bellabox and the customer is established from the outset, where an email is automatically sent to your address as soon as you sign up. In alliance with Australia Post, an email was sent of the arrival date of the package. What shcoked me the most was that I was at my laptop one morning, and received an email to say that my package had been delivered. Going to the front porch, the package had just been placed on my front door step. It seemed so strange that an email told me what was at my front door before I even realised! 

Overall, I am completely satisfied with the whole Bellabox process. Here’s to next month’s box being even better!

Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibition at NGV

I finally made it to the Jean Paul Gualtier exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria only after it having been open for around three months. I really have no excuse; I have been on holidays for two and a half months and been to the city countless times. Nevertheless, I am very glad I had the chance to go before it closed. So here is my reminder and gentle prod to check it out if you can, it is truly a fantastic exhibition even for those not all that interested in fashion. It closes on the 8th of February so make sure to get in quick!

Today I bring you a small photo diary of my trip to the gallery, and a selection of my favourite pieces. Firstly, I respect the gallery’s decision to allow photography in the exhibition itself which is most often restricted in such an environment. The press and publicity given to the exhibition was outstanding with even ATMs being encased in Gaultier’s signature blue and white Breton stripe. It truly brought a little piece of France to Melbourne! Also, with the voice recordings of Gaultier speaking both English and French (which were somewhat difficult to hear above the crowd), it gave the impression that the designer himself was hosting a “show and tell” of his work, not simply a gallery shipping various pieces over and placing them on display for mere profit. It was personalised, achingly beautiful, well planned and truly a fashion girl’s dream outing. Now, if only I could have them shipped straight to my wardrobe...

Here is a tourist style photo of myself standing in front of Jean Paul Gaultier’s neon sign. Going to a gallery, and most importantly a fashion exhibition, denoted that my attire must be “fashionable” at least to a certain degree. This navy, pleated, pussybow dress I thought would be perfect for a gallery; it has the right amount of modesty and playfulness. Paired with my white wedges and a red lip (which I absolutely loved and must wear more often during the daytime), I was the quintessential Francophile. Blue, white and red: the colours of the French flag, bien sûr. 

I fell in love with this dress the moment I walked into the exhibition. It’s a floor length, blackened gold dress with the gold, almost glittering texture woven into the actual thread. It was part of a mermaid inspired collection and this is reflected in the repeated scalloping across the entire body. Every minute detail expresses the overall vision in the collection; the form fitting shape fanning at the ankle, the larger scallops accentuating fuller hips, the flower shapes covering the breasts and the halter neck detail. Each feature characteristic of the mythical creature. Fashion and fanstasy; the perfect sartorial marriage.

Immaculate No. 3 by Miles Aldridge for Numero, 2007

I must have gasped when I saw this image. There is something about it that immediately made me want to hang it on my wall. Perhaps it is the sharpness of the image, the saturated colour, the suggestive yet demure pose, the contemporary depiction or the model’s undeniably perfect bone structure. Interestingly, this photo is very reminiscent of Lady Gaga in her Judas music video. I bought the card pack (which features in the last image) with this photograph inside, so at least I can have a miniature in my bedroom. 

I needed to photograph this image because the colour of the velvet is dreamy. In person it was a frosted pink with a hint of a purple tone to it. The ruching on the dress is so meticulously done as to accentuate the very fine points of a woman’s body. I am not the biggest supporter of the conical bra but it is one of Jean Paul Gaultier’s defining creations, perhaps reserved for those powerful women game enough to pull it off. I can just envision this dress with disheveled, curled hair, smokey eyes, black pointed pumps and a martini in hand. Sex appeal done tastefully. 

The train of this dress was constructed entirely out of individual feathers. I was speechless at the sight of this. I had always wanted a dress with a feathered trim and the longer I look at this image, the more and more I would love it as the train of my wedding dress. A girl can dream...

Again, another gasp inducing dress. The powder blue material hinted at a shade very close to cornflower blue, one of my favourite colours. Tone aside, the draping on this dress is just perfection. One would have to have a perfect frame to wear this dress, which Cate Blanchett most certainly did when she wore this to the 2011 Golden Globe Awards. A dress that is certainly more prêt à porter compared to Gaultier’s haute designs, which makes it a lot more wearable (in my imagined, old Hollywood, cinema style cocktail party). 

This dress might very well be my favourite of the entire exhibition. It is hard to tell in the poor quality phone picture but the fabric of the dress is black velvet. There is an air of sensuality and charm about velvet, and black velvet in particular is quite exquisite. It was a much more elegant change to the quality of velvet fabric seen in stores nowadays. I adored the old Hollywood, glamorous aura this dress carried with the train, the tassels and the cape draped over the right shoulder. The corset style bust created a Gaultier exclusive dress, worn by Dita Von Teese, nothing short of provocative and voluptuous. 

Clockwise from top: Card pack (8 cards with envelopes), Ready-to-wear nail appliques in Blue and White Stripes, Postcard of Nicole Kidman by Peter Lindbergh, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier From the Catwalk to Australia by Thierry-Maxime Loriot

I couldn’t help but leave the gallery with some Gaultier inspired merchandise. Think of it as the band t-shirt you buy from the illegal seller on the street after the concert, which in this case is completely legal and will be kept on display. As the exhibition is shortly drawing to a close a large amount of the merchandise is on sale, which you can imagine excited the inner bargain hunter in me. An unexpected positive of visiting late! I mainly bought the card pack as it featured the image Immaculate No.3 which I raved about above, and in general card packs attract me. I had been hunting for the nail stickers for over a month as I stupidly thought they were carried in Mecca stores, but I finally had the chance to tick them off my ‘to buy’ list. The Nicole Kidman postcard was to add to my collection of photographs to place on my bedroom door and the book was an inevitable purchase. Overall, I left the exhibition with lovely memories of what I saw, photographs to aid my memories and some physical reminders of my visit. 

Picnic Appropriate

It was only time until I, yet again, featured a Kmart product on the blog. On a recent trip and a surprisingly quick browse of the shoe aisle (as my sister commented, which happened as I was already aware of every show Kmart carry due to many previous trips), I found a lovely pair of white wedges. As I’ve commented on the blog before, I find it quite difficult to find shoes that truly fit well, are flattering and don’t cost an entire week’s month’s pay. Therefore, whenever I see a pair of shoes that I remotely like I take the effort to try them on. Despite the slight incline on the arch (the wedge, so to speak), they seemed quite comfortable. What enticed me most about these shoes was the situation that immediately formed in my mind about, ideally, where I would wear them. What I love most about fashion, perhaps, is the feeling a piece of clothing or an accessory can give; an emotion, a memory, a daydream.

As soon as I spotted these shoes I had visions (not the supernatural kind) of wearing these shoes to a garden party. A picnic on the grass complete with cucumber sandwiches and a full skirted, pleated, cotton summer dress. Now that I think about it, wedges are a very good choice. All I need now is an invitation to a celebration on grass. For now I’ll have to settle for the printed flowers on my quilt cover. 


(Bonus points if you can spot the tip of my sister's rabbit slipper)

Getting scammed: A survivor’s story

I’m normally one in shopping centers to completely disregard any shop assistants trying to push samples in my face, often rushing past and avoiding eye contact. I tend to “look down in shame” at those few vulnerable victims who get pulled in by the shop assistant’s charm. For some reason, on a particular weekend, I succumbed to a dubious exchange between a beauty assistant. It appeared that the first mistake I made was to even consider looking at the card the assistant was holding. In a matter of moments he was covering my hand in a honey-like mixture. Perhaps it was the weather, the fact that I had too much time on my hands or that I wasn’t shopping with my mum, but I had become a “victim” like all those I had previously looked down on. 

I could feel my sister beside me cringing and praying that I would just walk away, but unfortunately she was made to stand there and watch while my hands were slathered in beauty ointments. I’m aware I am making this sound a little like I have been taken advantage of perhaps in a more offensive manner, but the general story is quite similar. Replace sexual predator with pushy shop assistant.

Although I studied Psychology for only two years at a secondary level, I sometimes like to think that I’m an expert, often picking up on cues in everyday life. Firstly, he asked my name, also giving his. Using my name repeatedly ensured we established a connection, on a ‘first name basis’ so to speak, and not just two complete strangers. He also commented on how my name ‘Anastasia’ is like the Russian princess; I noted his attempt at flattery. I must admit that he was fairly cute with his foreign, almost unidentifiable accent, but I could see his motives. He told me he was studying Psychology at university (far too coincidental), and then his intentions were confirmed. 

I did, however, gain some new information about skincare. It would be rude to undergo such an experience and not relay it to you all!

• A good moisturiser should take only seconds to sink into the skin. A great test is to run your fingernail across your skin’s surface; there should be no moisturiser settling into your nail beds
• Green tea is a natural SPF for everyday use, though not recommended as enough protection for repeated sun exposure
• It is necessary to exfoliate the skin so that the moisturiser sinks in beneath the surface, not resting on the outer layer of dead skin

After a tutorial of the products, we started discussing prices. You can usually perceive a scam when the price lowers from around $150 retail, where you can buy it for only $70 today. Moreover, the shop assistants will aim for you to buy the product on the spot, but if you are not interested just say that you will have a shop around and think about it. 

This is not so much an attempt to condemn these type of shop assistants or any products in particular, it’s simply a recount of my experience with a warning about such shopping. Maybe you’ll think of this post next time you pass by a beauty stand in a shopping center!

Chocolate anyone?

 

A new purchase and a philosophical new year’s post thrown into one. It would’ve also been a pick of the sales had the item still be in stock, but sadly it has been sold out. However, do have a look at New Look’s other clutches as there are some other whimsical ones, such as this champagne shaped purse.

I don’t believe I’ve done this before (written and uploaded a post on the same day, and late), but how very fitting that it’s a new year to have first times. Today my Asos order arrived much to my excitement. I had shown some self control and only bought two items from the sales. One was this chocolate bar clutch, which has exactly the playful and almost childlike disposition I love about fashion. Ironically, I have seem to lost my appetite recently. Perhaps it’s my body’s reaction to the excessive amount of food I consumed, almost without thought, during the Christmas and New Year period. I’m content enough with my chocolate clutch; there will be no more Lindt Milk Chocolate balls for me. 

And so I move on from fashion onto a more psychological rant. On New Year’s Day I underwent a reevaluation of the self which, interestingly, reminds me of the context topic we had for English last year. It was not so much a “mid-life crisis” of sorts but a new way of looking at myself; the values I stood for, my identity in the mind of others, my own perception of my identity. In doing so also thought about the new year and my intentions to enjoy and really live in 2015. 

A few of my yearnings involve a desire to learn, to feed the soul, to add warmth through knowledge and new information. To be full, not physically but spiritually. To experience new things. To step a little outside my comfort zone, but not so far that I do not recognise the face I see reflected in the mirror. All the things that seem so cliche, but have been clear in the thoughts I have had in the first five days of the year. Not so much promises or “resolutions” to do such and such, but of wanting “being” to be enough (inspired by the wise words of John Fowles). A life where there is something to take away from each day, of gratitude for life’s greatest moments and smallest frivolities. A life where I catch myself in a moment of laughter, in the fading light at sunset, or the slow return to reality after reading a book. Perhaps it’s the freedom of having finished school that allows such a “rebirth” (though I cringe as I type this word), of finally having the decision of how to live one’s life. Not being confined to a routined day, a syllabus that dictates what will be learnt, a set of rules, an honour to uphold for the institution. It’s almost like being alone and free in the world, though surrounded by the love of friends and family, where you guide your own happiness. 

I often find myself waiting so desperately for a particular event in the future that the days in between simply disappear into mass of nothingness. Living is not spared merely for the holidays or the weekend; living is everyday. It’s sitting on the couch watching television, it’s dancing from night into the next morning. Maybe living in the moment and not longing for tomorrow should be my “resolution”?

My sartorial and physical cravings seem to have been fulfilled, but it seems that it may take the year to satisfy my philosophical needs. May 2015 bring us all happiness, peace, fulfillment, thrill and just a little bit of crazy to keep us sane.