Thankyou India

Spending the last 1.5 years in London searching for a dream Fashion Buying position but proving unsuccessful (for now) after interviews with Yasmin Sewell, Topshop (Arcadia Group), Acne and Jaeger to name but a few I was at a loss for where to search next, nursing a broken spirit and a demotivated soul.

Cue: unintential spiritual journey. And I found everything I needed and more in India.

Ashrams, yoga, meditation, ridiculously inspiring people, a Reiki course, detox, hug from Amma and forced reflection has made me the most content I've ever been in my life. Please remind me of this in the future if I become less 'zen'!

While finding my inner peace I also managed to scope out some fashion finds. Definately will be popping back for more in the near future hopefully. Being taught that ultimate bliss and consciousness is loss of ego and becoming unattached from anything in life, fashion can feel like it's at the opposite end of the spectrum. But I have always believed the positive effect you have from feeling confident about what you're wearing goes beyond ego. It is your soul reflecting who you really are. And that's absolute inner truth. So I encourage you to look in the mirror every morning and really see yourself, be content that you are in the right place in that very moment and love the soul reflected in the image that stares back at you.

Ommmm shanti.

Credit to Jonathan Clifford for his amazing photos, top three, taken in North India on a separate journey but at the same time in November 2010.

 

THE dress of the season: London A/W10

The lust I had for this dress from MiuMiu's catwalk collection was intense and then as it started appearing on magazine covers, literally everywhere, showed I wasn't the only one. This is old news now but I felt the need to reflect on the season that was and still post this dress of beauty. I love the hardwear, colour palette, line and shape plus quirky, sexy edge which this girly dress still has. Start emulating this look with a belt from Zimmerman I recently picked up (although not at this price...grr!) now on sale for AUS$75.

Flower Power

Make Believe have conjured up this dreamy collection of necklaces, created by dipping silk into resin, titled Petal to the Metal. They are absolutely to die for! Available at Blonde Venus, Brisbane for AUD$259. It reminds me of Rihanna's Only Girl (in the world) film clilp at 2.10mins http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa14VNsdSYM . And I love this connection because the necklace and this film clip are both such sexy, powerful statements. Rhianna's styling, by Mariel Haenn, has been brought to the next level and the empowered, strong body language of Rhianna shows how far she's come since Umbrella. I'm not ashamed to enjoy a bit of cheesey pop music occasionally but I love everything else about this song, more than the song itself.

Because COS

Enamel and silver square braclets (GBP12 each) I wish I'd purchased.

Again, a skirt I wish I'd added to my collection last season. Crochet with a plastic feel (GBP49).

A great take on the Burberry zip-at-the-waist winter coat (GBP150).

 

James Bond cool. Men's blazer (GBP175).

Dress with oversized bow (GBP99).

 

Hipster cool. Ankle length chinos (GBP79).

In my opinion, COS (Collection of Style) is the best high street label in the UK. Only young, it opened in 2007 with the first store on Regent St London, still the flagship. I'm enamoured by its consistent design aesthetic, creating beautifully simple pieces, wearable day and night. The brands clean cut design doesn't stop there, incorporating the look into the store interior (simplicity at its best, by interior architect William Russell). And this is what the recession has brought...a minimalist trend. They say, the brand is 'for women and men who want high fashion with good quality, at an affordable price'. COS begins where H&M (it's parent company, based in Sweden) ends. Taking pride in fair trading, 80% is manufactured in Europe and 20% Asia. When I interviewed with Yasmin Sewell, she was also a big fan, as is purse-friendly blogger of Wearing it today, Laura Fantacci. Visit http://www.cosstores.com/

Breaking the conventional mould

This lightweight summer leather jacket by Camilla and Marc named Adora AUS$1050 is now on sale in Melbourne at Green with Envy for that half price. The sleek design fits the body like a dream, squaring the shoulders off with thick shoulder pads and draping at the front like fine silk would. The cut is perfect and the feel...like you're enveloped in a cloud. Where's my unicorn?...

MONA

These slick boys from Nashville, Tennessee are worth a click www.myspace.com/monatheband to discover their indie alternative rock sound, much like the soothing tunes of Kings of Leon. Playing New York 12/13 January, followed by UK shows.

I heart Rodarte

I believe this collection by Rodarte SS11 set the scene for what's to come. Abstract floral prints, the flounce at the waist, conservative blouses, ankle skimming pants, chunky ornate shoes...there's just so much i can see going further, for other designers and for future collections. Ankle socks and long skirts, although I'm in favour, I feel may have had their day. But all in all, a beautiful collection.