ART & SOLE - A Review by Dressing Down Under

ART & SOLE

Jane Gershon Weitzman

05.12.2014

 

 

 

A review by Dressing Down Under:

Like most women when I think of Stuart Weitzman I think shoes, detailed, jewelled, special statements that make every woman wearing them feel like a real woman and every female who saw them being worn hate the owner out of pure jealousy. Being a shoe obsessor myself I could not pass down the opportunity to gawk at the wonderful creations displayed by collaborating artists and imagine them on my feet. “Stuart Weitzman understands that a great shoe is about more than form or function; it is about making a woman feel beautiful.” (GRI, 2014, http://www.griretail.com/brands/stuart-weitzman/ )

When the book arrived I was delighted, they don’t make books like this anymore, and when I say ‘book’ I mean a proper book, a hardback novel with vibrant colours, and gold edged thick pages. It is the kind of volume you dreamt about having in your extravagant imaginary library when you grew up.  Everyone wanted a library right? There was something about having a room dedicated to dusty, oversized novels that just screamed excessive success.  With vibrant red, gold and embellished shoes Art & Sole is every girls dream to read with a cup of tea snuggled up on the sofa.

Art & Sole written by Jane Gershon Weitzman, Stuart Weitzman’s wife, contains a selection of stunning and unique shoes that in her mind “represent the best of more than a thousand that have appeared in Stuart Weitzman stores over the years.” (Jane Gershon Weitzman, 2014). Opening with a short and punctual introduction you are given a personal insight into the world of Weitzman, the inside story to the creation of one of the most iconic shoe designers in the world.

Containing 150 fantasy shoes excellently photographed by Lucas Zarebinski, Art & Sole beautifully captures the best of collaborating artists who were commissioned for Stuart Weitzman’s Madison Avenue retail store, and displays in spectacular detail the wonder of each unique piece. Every page and every single photograph beautifully exhibits the individual shoes as unique works of art. With over 30 diverse artists, the range of materials used is vast and highly unusual within the footwear industry.  Made from silk, acrylic film, ceramic, frosting, Swarovski crystals, corrugated cardboard, steel, resin and even paper, you start to believe that there is nothing that cannot be used to make a killer pair of heels and probably nothing left, that hasn’t been used in a pair Stuart Weitzman shoes.

My favourite shoes from the collection are Tiny Trellis (pg. 39) by Anthony Rosiello, Bedazzled (pg. 151-151) by Kathy Wegman and Jewels at Work (pg. 186-187 image below) by Sharon Von Senden.

Jewels at Work, Sharon Von Senden

 

Art & Sole is a beautiful book and I would recommend it be the perfect gift for any self-confessed shoe fanatic, fashionista and art enthusiasts.  Buy this for your shopping buddy, your mother, your sister or even men buy this and slip it into your girlfriends stocking this Christmas. It is a guaranteed hit and something that will keep us women quiet, well maybe only for 5 minutes but that is why they invented chocolate no?



Stuart Weitzman - Art & Sole A Timeless Holiday Gift Pr

PRESS RELEASE BY PAULA ROSADO PR
Press Contact: Paulo Rosado
paula@paularosadopr.com
P: 212.594.2552

S T U A R T

W E I T Z M A N

ART & SOLE

A Timeless Holiday Gift

For Shoe and Art Aficionados Everywhere

By Jane Gershon Weitzman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK,  September 2014 - The perfect book for shoe lovers, fashionistas, art aficionados, and a timeless holiday treasure, Jane Gershon Weitzman's ART & SOLE features shoes made from highly unique materials - feathers, paper, ceramic, metal, resin, playing cards, corrugated cardboard, Swarovski crystals, even fresh flowers and frosting - with remarkable intricate construction. ART & SOLE showcases approximately 150 shoes of the more than 1,000 Jane Weitzman discovered and commissioned for the windows of the first Stuart Weitzman retail shop on Madison Avenue in the mid 1990s. Using the best of this collection, many of the shoes are in printed form for the first time.

With an introduction by Jane Weitzman, the shoes are featured along with brief, identifying captions, in an impeccably designed, graphically compelling, package making a timeless holiday gift for anyone on your list. Author Jane Weitzman is continuing her cross-country tour where she has had speaking engagements at over 40 locations nationwide including The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh and the Mint Museum in North Carolina. Throughout her tour she has been speaking book fairs and for charities such as the Philadelphia Aids Fund, and local Breast Cancer events as well as many others.

A vibrant red cloth case with an elaborate crystal shoe embossed in detail on the front cover, gilded edging and a satin ribbon marker make this book an irresistible treasure and great conversation starter for the shoe lover, art enthusiast, or interior designer worldwide.

About the Author:

Jane Gershon Weitzman was the Executive Vice President of Stuart Weitzman and the first Vice President of Stuart Weitzman Retail. She spearheaded philanthropy for the company by generating funds to support breast and ovarian cancer research and awareness. Her efforts were brought to life through innovative charity events on the brand's website, such as the Stuart Weitzman Celebrity Breast Cancer Shoe Auction, and is retail stores. She serves on the Trust Board of the Boston Children's Hospital.

IMAGES FEATURED INSIDE ART & SOLE

AUTOMATA VI (Pg 129)

TIN CAN ALLEY (Pg 32-33)

CORRUGATED CURVES VI (Pg 107)

Boohoo you are amazing as always

After the announcement and press release of the Exclusive Australian Boohoo Collection, I proceeded to have a look through their current offering. 4 hours later on their website and I have convinced myself that I have to have all three of these amazing pieces in my collection.

Go to boohoo.com now and get lost like I did, trust me it is well worth it :)

Exclusive Australian Boohoo Collection

boohoo introduce ‘The Edit’

A new SS14 collection built around the 8 key wardrobe essentials every girl should own

This Spring Summer sees leading UK based fashion retailer boohoo introduce ‘The Edit’. 

The new season collection delivers the latest SS14 trends with something for every occasion from the upcoming festival season to Christmas holiday, but this season all of the trends have been built around a 8 piece capsular wardrobe. 

'We travel to Australia regularly and noticed that the ever fashion conscious Australian girl often built her outfit around a classic wardrobe essential, such as the denim cut off or classic white shirt.  Building on this idea we decided to build our new season trends around these key items.’               Carol Kane, CEO at boohoo

The Edit is made up of the classic white shirt, the boyfriend jean, the Breton top, denim cut off, classic white blazer, the skinny jean with ripped knees, the lace white dress and denim shirt.

Inspired by the casual elements of Australian fashion, California Road Trip is a relaxed trend with simple silhouettes and a cool toned colour palette. Key pieces include the white maxi dress and the tasselled top, with denim playing a big part of the collection.

Teamed with the basics, Liquid Metal is a structured trend of elegant co-ordinates and dresses with a metallic focused endgame.  Key details of the range are sequin embellishment and a colour palette of gold and silver with complimenting accessories such as the body chain and metallic gladiators.

Bold tones and tribal prints are the main focus of Indian Jungle, a textured trend with a heavy emphasis on detailing. Beading, feathers and jewelled accents are set on running shorts and longline kimonos, with key accessories including printed headbands and gold accents.

A little bit about boohoo  

·         From Manchester’s best kept fashion secret to one of 
the fastest growing international etailers, boohoo.com 
has quickly evolved into a global fashion leader of its generation. 



·         Combining cutting-edge design with an affordable price 
tag, boohoo has been pushing boundaries for the past eight 
years to bring you all the latest looks for less.


·         With up 
to 100 pieces hitting site every day and a new collection
each week, we never stop - it’s 24/7 fashion at its best.

(See the following post for Dressing Down Unders Favourite pieces from the collection.)

Dressing Down Under: Everyone is wearing dungarees - Yes that 90s fashi...

Dressing Down Under: Everyone is wearing dungarees - Yes that 90s fashi...: Denim Dungarees - Cotton On Sunglasses - Supa Sundays OK I know your mum used to put you in them whilst you were younger, but trus...

Everyone is wearing dungarees - Yes that 90s fashion trend

Denim Dungarees - Cotton On
Sunglasses - Supa Sundays

OK I know your mum used to put you in them whilst you were younger, but trust me it is time to revisit that childhood memory. Everyone from Katie Holmes to Blake Lively has hopped on board. From baggy, tailored, slim fit, denim, cropped to patterned, this 90's fashion faux-pas is making a come back and you have to give it a try. With so many different options available and so many ways to wear them, it is very rare that you will wear them the same with everyone else.
Alexa Chung is the Queen of Dungarees. Whether it is smart or casual, she has a way of dressing them to suit every occasion.

Alexa Chung - Denim Dungarees Trend Casual

Alexa Chung - Denim Dungarees Trend Smart

Thank you Cotton On for these I Love them :) And as always Supa Sundays you are awesome. My Denim Dungarees are worn with 3 sets of lace, because 1 was just not enough.

The legs are out....eh maybe not quite yet.

Thought I would be brave and get the legs out for the first time since winter started coming to a close in Perth, however it wasn't to last, within 30mins the wool tights were on. I have become soft since moving over here. When I was in Aberdeen 20 degrees was shorts and tank weather, here its cover every piece of skin on my body possible and huddle in thick coats. Think I shall have wait till its 25+ degrees at least. Champagne problems!

Orange Fluro Shirt - Seed (Harbour Town) = $39.99
Grey Floral Drop Hem Dress - Topshop  = $36.00 Approx.
Black Pony Fur Boots with Gold Zip - Hobbs Shoes
Gold Light Earrings - PigeonHole = $29.99

Review - Hello Hair Hydrating Treatment

With my relentless determination to become a firey red head, it is safe to say that my hair quality isn't the best it has ever been. One of the many prices we have to pay for beauty. Naturally I have very fair hair, and recently it has been exceptionally dry and was constantly breaking every time I tried to put my hair up. My poor boyfriend wakes up every morning with hair all over his side of the bed. How it gets there I will never know. It is not exactly the most glam thing to wake up to in the morning. 

I had enough and (of course) begun some serious social media research. Cue 2 hours of reading before bed. That is when I remembered that a while a go I had come across Hello Hair Hydrating Treatment. Their Instagram profile was engaging and so informative that it made me like the product before I even identified it as a requirement of my lifestyle. 

100% natural Hello Hair hydration mask is a treatment which utilises Almond, Argan and Coconut Oils to strengthen, condition and provide nutrition to damage and weak locks. What really hooked me was their next statement:

"It is a great remedy for colour treated and bleached hair, chemically treated hair, and hair which is regularly affected by heat exposure from the sun, blow drying and straightening." (Hello Hair, 2014)

I mean which of us ladies doesn't over style or sun bathe, we are in Perth WA aren't we? Within 2 mins of being on their site their Hello Hair Hydrating Mask was purchased for only $15.00 BRILLIANT! 

4 days later and I came home to a very full post box. With a girly Saturday night in the cards it was the perfect time to treat my hair to exactly what it needed. I was not disappointed. My first impression was yum, the smell was incredible, I felt like I was on a tropical beach. 45 mins later and my hair was soft, shiny and smooth.  Even better there was enough left in that tube for 2 more applications (I am dancing up and down right now as I type this).

If you have similar problems to what I had give Hello Hair a go. I know you will love it as much as I did. 

Mount Lawley Saturdays

It is becoming a tradition that every Saturday whilst my brother is here that we explore new areas in Perth. Our aim is to get lost. If we know where we are we ain't trying hard enough. So yesterday we decided to tackle Mount Lawley. My look for the day was comfy casual and cool enough for the first warm spring day that we have had in a while. 

Skirt by River Island - 40.00 GBP approx.
Topshop Vest - 18.00 GBP
Cotton On Cardigan - $19.98 AUD

Back Drop is bold piece by Beastman, Numskull and Creepy in an alley way just of Beaufort street. Features punch colours and smooth lines, i am in love with this piece. For more photos of this Peice click on this link which will take you directly to City of Walls. 

Originally set up in 2011 City of walls was created with the aim to promote and inspire street art in WA. 

"City of Walls focuses on a range of creative practises in urban places including street and graffiti art, murals, paste-ups, stencils and stickers, temporary installations, lighting and projection projects, and other urban interventions.

City of Walls aims to connect artists, businesses and councils and has led to a number of unused and lacklustre wall spaces being transformed in Perth, Fremantle, Midland and the Pilbara." (City of Walls, 2014)

City of Walls - Dressing Down Under

Places visited in Mount Lawley:

Cantina 663 -  Further up Beaufort Street in Mount Lawley Cantina 663 is a popular and exciting spot serving seasonal food and smooth coffee, from breakfast all the way through to dinner. If you are going for breakfast I highly recommend the polenta porridge with apple Dulce DE Leche and cinnamon. If you are also a soy fiend like me, you have to try their latte. As I am writing this i am getting increasingly hungry.

Beaufort Street Merchant - I am a huge fan of this place and proud to admit it is a regular on my date night list, love all they have to offer on all of their menu's including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Only time I have been disappointed there is when they took polenta chips of the menu for a short time :(. I highly recommend the following: Breakfast - Green Scrambled Eggs. Lunch - The Smoked Salmon Salad or the Pulled Pork Bagel, this was deemed the best bagel my brother has ever had. Dinner - Butterfield Scotch Fillet with a side of baby potatoes, brussels sprouts, truffle mayo and capers. Wash it down with one of the best espresso martinis that I have ever had :)

I must confess I am a Lipstick Addict

If you are like me and you love the bold lipstick look then you know that not all of the time you get it right. In fact I'll admit I get it wrong more than I do right. Whether its pick the wrong brand, smudge it all over your face, choose the wrong colour or seem to get it more on your teeth then your lips, I think you would agree with me that lipstick is an art form.

 What do you find the most difficult about lipstick application?

My Lipstick Collection - Mac, Benefit, Topshop, Sportsgirl & More

With so many brands and colours out there it is hard to identify which are the best for you. It can seem over whelming and there is nothing worse than buying an expensive lipstick and finding out that upon application, it smudges to easily or dries out your lips.

So here is my 5 tops tips that I use when buying a lipstick:

• Take advice - Listen to your friends, family, colleagues or anyone that you know in the industry. Buying a product that they have tried, tested and loved saves you all the hard work :). If it works for them then it is more than likely going to work for you. Just make sure that the colour you chose suits your colour palette.
• Higher the price does not mean better quality - I will not name brand names here but I have been very disappointed in the past in paying more $$$ for a luxury brand lipstick. It turned out to be too oily, unwearable and after an hour left me extremely smudged and with a horrible uneven colour. My favourite products, and ones that I have found to be the most durable,  tend to be from everyday high street brands. Don't be fooled by the allure of a designer name for quality when it comes to lipstick there are some amazing high street lipsticks out there.
• Trial the product before you buy - Now this is my secret. So shhh! Often before a girlie night out on a Saturday I'll go and visit the makeup counter. There is a reason they have the utensils there and make up chairs, you are allowed to trial lipstick, just don't directly apply it use a cotton bud. Wear it out, drink with it on, eat with it on, take photos with it on. You will soon find out whether its what you want from a lippie. Do this before you buy and you wont be disappointed.
• Do your research - As I have said before there are so many varieties. I favour a matte lipstick which slightly stains my lips, but what do you like? What colours suit your skin tone? Whats your budget? Know the answers to these questions and it will narrow down the market place quite considerably.
• Stick to a brand YOU love - Found a lipstick that works every time? Good then stick to it, just try new colours. If it works every time why settle for anything less?

At Dressing Down Under I stick to 4 main brands, MAC, Maybelline, Topshop and Sportsgirl. All readily available on the high street and a variety of prices.

1) MAC - "Matte so Chaud"
2) MAC - "Viva Glam Nicki"
3) Maybelline - "338 Midnight Plum"
4) Sportsgirl - "Dark Angel"

In Cosmopolitan's September Issue 2014, "The Red Lip" is one of 3 Makeup Looks that everyone needs. Give it a go today :)

"Red symbolises power; passion and sensuality. Paint the classic shade on your pout and fingers, and then depending on your outfit, you'll be ready for a day in the office or a night on the town. Warm up the rest of your face with a cream bronzer and highlighter." (Cosmopolitan, 2014)

What is your fave lipstick and why? 

Dressing Down Under Finally Has a Facebook Page

Its taken a while, but I have finally gotten round to creating a little Facebook Page for Dressing Down Under. I think both my friends and family will finally thank them for not bombarding their news feeds with my posts. I am very excited for this step that we are taking, DDU is now available on 4 social media platforms and constantly looking for new avenues and channels.

If you are fans of Dressing Down Under like us on Facebook and you will receive frequent updates, photos and reviews as and when they happen. Simply follow the link below :)

Like Dressing Down Under Now

Metallic Spring Trend 2014 - My interpretation CLAREMONT

My Interpretation of Metallic - Dressing Down Under
Topshop Metallic Pleated Skirt - Sale 10.00 GBP
Sportsgirl Leather Biker - Sale $65.00 AUD

Evident on the Spring 2014 Catwalks Metallic was a heavy feature on runways including Givenchy, Altuzarra and Saint Laurent. Whether its making a bold statement from head to toe copper hues or a flash of light reflecting silver, metallic is a fun trend that any one can incorporate in numerous different ways. 

"Somewhere between the sky-high shoulder pads and bedazzled skirt suits of the eighties, metallics got a bad rap. Today, however, shiny clothing and accessories mean one thing: glamour. On the Spring 2014 runways, everyday outfits were injected with a shot of glitz thanks to some flashy, not trashy, twists on the metallic trend." (Fashion Magazine, 2014)

Givenchy Spring/Summer 2014 - (The Guardian 2013)

Christopher Kane Spring/Summer 2014 (Bychill.com 2014)

Designer Metallic Finds - I'm Dreaming
With this trend being every where on the runway its not hard to find many killer designer pieces which follow this to a tee. See my favourite pieces below. If you can afford these I am jealous and slightly hate you :).

Bottega Veneta Satin Clutch - $2,192.47

High Street Finds
If you are like me and your budget doesn't stretch to over the top two thousand dollar gorgeous clutches  then here are some picks from some of your favourite high street brands. Find the trend without the credit card maxing out. Both Witchery and ASOS have some of my favourite.

Metal Yarn Tank Witchery - $99.95

ASOS Halcyon Heeled Sandals - 38.00 GBP

New Label Alert - Correy & Lyon Contemporary Fine Jewellery

Correy & Lyon is a newly launched jewellery label that was conceived one snow filled winter in Berlin. Inspired by the effortlessly cool aura that the city emits and draped heavily in the lure of flea market gold digging that is synonymous with the culture and holds a nostalgic place in my heart. Focusing on fine costume jewellery made from sterling silver 925 and gold plated in 14k gold. Correy & Lyon have been very well received in the designer’s native country of Australia, with 2014 seeing the label expand into the international market.

Designer Kristy Correy has always been more than just a little obsessed with creativity, and looking back at her career the evidence is plain to see. Her journey through the world of fashion and design has taken her from humble beginnings in a small collective studio in the suburbs of Perth to the luxury retail market in Europe. After starting her own fashion label back in 2006 she went on to open a boutique as a platform for emerging Australian designers, co-founded a not-for-profit arts organisation aimed at bringing creative life back to a forgotten part of Perth and worked for a university nurturing creative talent. In 2010 Kristy moved overseas and into luxury retail, most recently residing in Berlin as the menswear buyer for a luxury retail concept store. Now dividing her time between Australia and Europe, Kristy has gone back to her design roots and is currently launching the jewellery label Correy & Lyon.

http://www.correyandlyon.com/ 

Holy Funk - Melbourne Based Furniture Brand with an edge

We stumbled across Holy Funk following our obsession with The Block Australia 2013. If you haven’t checked out The Block Shop you have too, it gives you a real insight into homewear designers and has links to their sites directly. Another two brands you have to check out are Ali McnabneyStevens, A Melbourne Based British artist, and Feliz an organic and ethical homeware brand.

Holy Funk describe themselves as:

“An online concept store specialising in a range of unique industrial, vintage & retro furniture. We continue to work tirelessly to develop a wide network of specialist suppliers, manufactures & designers.” (Holy Funk, 2014)

I describe them as one of the best priced, unique furniture brand that deliver excellent service and delivery even to Perth WA. The quality of the products will not let you down. We were so impressed with our first purchase, our bedside tables, that we were instantly on the lookout for our TV cabinet which arrived last week. A mixture of homewares and products are offered which feature different materials and concepts. Popular products usually feature a mixture of vintage and industrial inspiration such as their Two Tier Coffee Table $349.00. See our bedside tables and container TV stand below. Whats next do I hear you ask… a coffee table J.

Bedside Tables - Holy Funk

TV Cabinet - Holy Funk

In His Shoes

According to Wonder Mika this winter in Perth Australia there are two staples to any fashionistas wardrobe: 

"Two things you need to wear to look cool – structured coats and mannish shoes or loafers. Seriously, that easy! Whether you wear the structured coat with a dress or your rolled up BF jeans or simply throw it over your shoulders, you will look amazing. Manish shoes (loafers, brogues, creepers) all look fabulous with cropped pants, skinny pants and rolled up jeans. Go Jacko with white socks or go bare. Either ways, you are rocking an easy-to-wear and fail-safe look. Now, where did we put those school socks?" (Wonder Mika, 2014)

Man Style Shoes? Yes Yes Yes! Love this trend, re-phrase that I am obsessed with this trend and my collection is growing steadily every day.

Designers who featured "In His Shoes" on their Runway this season included Hermes, and Paul Smith.


Paul Smith Fall 2014-2014 Collection

Paul Smiths take on "In His Shoes" included cracked bronze, fringed loafers, high shine brogues, dip dyed leather, velvet and sequins. Detailing was the main focus, therefore the shoe stayed along the classic shapes that we know and love; lace up brogues, leather loafers and capped carter shoes. See my favourite from the collection below: 

Paul Smith Cracked Bronze Leather Fringe Costello Loafers - $620.00

"Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. After that, who cares? ...He's a mile away and you've got his shoes." (Billy Connolly)

Haven't got $620.00 to drop on a pair of shoes? Just like me no matter how nice they are my bank balance doe not stretch quite that far. Instead I hunted down 2 (almost 3) pairs that pack a punch whilst not smashing my savings. First are a studded pair of loafers from Nine West and the second are a monochrome pair of loafers from Wittner. Yum Yum Yum. I also have my eye on a pair of turquoise brogues from Office. Oops! Check them out on my Instagram page : http://instagram.com/dressingdownunder 

Monochrome Loafers - Wittner

Pink Champagne - Guildford

Pink Champagne Guildford is one of my favourite vintage shops in Perth, full of hidden gems and designer fashion. It is best known for ball gowns, glamorous outfits and antique wedding dresses. Whether they are real or not is another question, but I have a pair of killer stud earrings from here, which I wear all the time and have already featured on my Instagram account @dressingdownunder. I loved them when I first saw them, over the top bling; rose gold and little Chanel symbols what more could you want?

Chanel Rose Gold Earrings – Pink Champagne - $59.90

At the moment Rose Gold is a slight obsession of mine, I already have my eye on Calvin Klein’s "Sumptuous Ring", hoping for it to be dropped into the sale, if not it will be added to the never ending Christmas list or, the list of things I promise myself I will save up for. Made from polished stainless steel and finished with a delicate tint of rose gold the Calvin Klein Sumptuous Ring is a killer addition to any wardrobe and can be easily mixed with other gold or silver accessories. Available from David Jones.

If like me, you’re not willing to pay the ridiculous $$$$$ for rose gold accessories, here is a couple of options for you. Tempting I know.

Witchery Woman  have a great selection this season from earrings and rings to statement necklaces, prices range from $9.95 to $79.95. My favourites from their collection are the Confetti Stone Necklace ($79.95) and their Tribal Ring ($24.95).

Tartan Textiles and Biker Chick

Taking Inspiration from Clemence Poesy and her grunge tartan look by Chanel (See Image Below) I decided to layer up and mix textiles to create a look which worked easily from day to night, cinema to dinner and drinks. 

Tartan Textiles and Biker Chick Look Smart Casual

Sheer over sized waterfall cardigan from Paper Scissors - $19.99

Tartan Studded Shirt (Unknown)

Faux Leather leggings - Dotti $39.99

Black Suede Point Pumps- New Look $29.99 from ASOS

Over sized Blue Spiked Studded Necklace - H&M (Gift)

Total Price for outfit: $89.97 

Clemence Poesy Tartan Grunge Chanel

Another Leading Fashion brand following suit in Tartan Grunge was Versace in their Ready to Wear Autumn/Winter 2013-2014 . Red, Grey and Yellow Bold Tartans were wildly featured with contrasting electric PVC. Love Love Love, definitely taking elements and inspirations from this runway.

“Any self respecting Scot knows that a good tartan is the solution to everything: it tells you where you are, where you belong, who your friends and family are. Forget the Vikings: those guys just can"t hold a candle to a delicious battle-weary warrior whose fighting skills and wicked sex appeal have spawned a thousand Scottish heartthrobs.”  ― Trisha Telep, The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance

Gordon St Garage Coffee Bar and Kitchen

One word Yum. Obsessed! I get all my coffees, cakes and juices from here, I am lucky in that it is right round the corner from work. With cool decor, friendly staff, yummy breakfast choices, fresh juices, killer coffee, freshly baked treats and even a kick ass ham and cheese toastie, the Gordon St Cafe is a place you have to try. Watermelon, apple and mint juice is a regular purchase for me. YumYum Yum. I took my boyfriend there today and his silence is testimony to how good their ham and gruyere toastie is.

Gordon St Coffee Bar/ Kitchen

16 Gordon Street, West Perth, 6005

Studded Loafer Love - Inspiration from Alexander McQueen

Add a bit of punk rock to your wardrobe to work in with your smart, casual, professional or even going out style, with these gold studded loafers from Nine West Shoes. Inspired by Alexander McQueens squared toe black leather loafers with gold-tone studs. 

Gold Studded Loafers from Nine West = $69.00

Harbour Town Perth

I am already eyeing up these next ones to continue my obsession with boyfriend dressing: Wittnerberry Flabert Slipper $10.00 and Black and White Paloma Leather heeled loafers $149.95, limited edition. 

Alexander McQueen Loafers

Floral and Butterfly embroidered suede loafers with leather piping. 100% Lambskin $780.00.

Metal Cap loafer. 100% Leather $905.00. 

Dressing Down Under: Rings Rings Rings Animal Rings

Dressing Down Under: Rings Rings Rings Animal Rings: My Collection continues to grow, with Vintage Pieces, Liberte surprises and Lovisa's finest. Sitting here thinking about the countless...

Rings Rings Rings Animal Rings

My Collection continues to grow, with Vintage Pieces, Liberte surprises and Lovisa's finest. Sitting here thinking about the countless others that are out there with my name on them. 

"My mother says I didn't open my eyes for eight days after I was born, but when I did, the first thing I saw was an engagement ring. I was hooked." Elizabeth Taylor

Left: Liberte Gold Structure. Central: Vintage Victorian Dress $5.00. Right: Lovisa Large Gold Detail.

Lovisa's Curled Gold Snake Ring has already caught my eye at $9.99 it would be hard to say no.  Inspired by IAM By Illena Makri and the stunning Tiger Snake Rose Gold Platted Sapphire Ring $193.10 a killer animal ring is a definite addition to any winter wardrobe. Team this ring with some denim ripped jeans and a tartan chiffon blouse for an edgy and on trend day to evening look. 

Curled Gold Snake Animal Ring = Lovisa $9.99.

Tiger Snake Rose Gold Ring = $193.10