Battle of the Fashion Cities: Brisbane

We can all agree that Australian's like to stick together... we are a loyal bunch after all. However, there is one topic that will forever divide the country... what is Australia's fashion capital? We know that Canberra is technically the capital of Australia (yes, Canberra, not Sydney), Melbourne is famous for it's cute lane-ways bursting with culture, Sydney has the Opera House, Bondi beach and the Harbour Bridge and Brisbane is the sunshine capital with expanding white beaches on either side of the city. Each one brings something unique and appealing to our country, but which can be crowned as Australia's Fashion Capital? Of course, it all depends completely on what you think makes a city the "fashion capital," but for the next three weeks I am going to do the battle of the cities as I analyse the fashion trends and styles for Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and let you be the judge of who is the righteous owner of the desired fashion crown.

Firstly, the state I was born and bred in: Queensland. Queenslanders have an effortless manner like no other thanks to the picturesque environmental surroundings and a focus on the beach and sunny climate. With 30+ days a usual for this bunch it is no wonder they dress for outdoor activities in a relaxed and casual demure. Although you will find diversity throughout the state with the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast opting for denim shorts and a white tee as their staple outfit, Brisbane prefers a more edgier, classic look. One thing is for certain though, Queenslanders are a fan of bold prints and loud colour, making them in their element this season with block colours having a major fashion moment.

Although Queensland is often forgotten about in the continuous "which city is more fashionable" debate, it is home to some of fashion's greatest including the Sass and Bide duo and Leona Edmiston. While the sunshine state get's most of it's inspiration nationally, it also looks to its international counterparts including LA and Miami for influences focusing on attire suitable to the climate. Local brands including One Teaspoon, Maurie and Eve, Shakuhachi and Brisbane born Gail Sorronda are fashion favourites while swimsuits from Zimmerman, Anna and Boy and Seafolly become almost a uniform during the summer season.

All in all, Brisbane, and more generally, Queensland is a fashion capital based around the amazing climate that they are blessed with. With the majority of the year being warm enough to wear your swimsuit it is no wonder why this fashion bunch favour local labels that also know how to design for the Aussie weather. Their relaxed, cool and casual look is put together in a way that oozes confidence and street appeal and while they are normally overlooked for fashion inspiration, I think Queenslanders are a fashionable bunch knowing better than no other how to rock a summer ensemble. 

Your Little Hussy

Everyone's favourite Aussie label Hussy has now bought out a so cute (yet, so wrong!), titled label, Little Hussy. Little Hussy is their new juniors range consisting of sweet silk dresses, cute jersey tops and cotton bloomers in grey marle, rich purple, turquoise and a jungle inspired print taken straight from Hussy's current collection, Enchanted.

The range is inspired by Hussy designer Marie Ritchie's young daughter believing that the Hussy fan base has grown up alongside her and, similarly, wants to shop for beautiful and simple pieces for their daughter, as well as themselves. Hussy has made it that much easier for busy mums on the go to shop for classic,  effortless and on-trend pieces not just for yourself but your daughter all at the same time. And with pieces this adorable I wish I was 15 years younger!

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The glamorous life of fashion pr.. or is it?

It's not all freebies, glamor and lunch dates- although that is a great part of it. But the public relations world is also hard work, long hours and as un-glamorous at times as it comes. There's a perception about the fashion world that many people believe. For some reason, (The Devil Wears Prada springs to mind!) the fashion realm is thought of as a bitchy, catty and a competitive workplace filled with shallow people caring only about designer labels and living off a diet of lettuce leaves. I recently discovered working within the fashion world couldn't be more opposite to this. For two weeks I had the privilege of working at a fashion PR company in Sydney and it was the most rewarding and full filling two weeks I could have imagined.

At first I was thoroughly intimidated (we all hear stories after all), but that intimidation quickly turned to admiration as the workplace was filled with laughter, energy and drive. Everyone possessed a commitment to produce the best outcome that I greatly respected and it's this love for the job that constructs a positive workplace. As I got a taste of what really goes on behind closed doors of a fashion and lifestyle public relations company my time was generally filled with sorting through racks and racks of clothes (heaven!) and working closely with magazine editors and assistants packing, sending, receiving and unpacking more bags of clothes than I dared to count! Another major requirement in this world is schmoozing and dining with all the fashion folk (not that I did any of that being at the bottom of the ladder), the closest thing I got to dining was going on coffee runs and getting handed a shopping list for the lunch order. However, it taught me the the importance of building and maintaing a strong relationship with the ones your working with, especially editors and stylists. It is a difficult and strenuous job, with lots of people to please but you quickly realise that pleasing everyone is a hard gig to do.

At the end of the day my expectations about the fashion pr world were morphed into reality and I realised it's not all about scoring awesome freebies, wearing high heels and going out on free lunch dates. It's dedication, commitment and a special love for what you do. It's not a 9-5 job, it's network building and long hours but it's an extremely rewarding world. I met some amazing people and contacts and in the fashion world all you need is that perfectly manicured foot in the door. Oh, and some make up freebies were in the job description too, but who wouldn't expect freebies after two weeks of unpaid work. Ahh the joys of being an intern.

Put a spring in your step.

We have officially ended the first week of Spring and I couldn't be happier. Spring is my favourite season by far, it's time to throw off all those heavy clothes and rejoice colour, patterns and an all round happier lifestyle. It is the season for camping, picnics in the park and bike rides with friends. In some sense, I feel like spring is the beginning of a new year, a new chapter. It is a time where you can forget your winter blues and just look forward to the warm weather ahead, whatever it may bring. 

However, tran-seasonal dressing comes in to play with the weather fluctuating between being winter-esque or more of a summer feeling. Lightweight fabrics in pastel and paisley prints provide a perfect choice and are great for layering while the bright florals are a drastic change to the usual drab winter tones. On those days where the weather is as unpredictable as your hair in the wind it is best to mix your summer favourites with winter staples like shorts and a leather jacket or a dress with an oversized blazer. But remember spring is all about rejoicing the outdoors so make sure you show off some skin in skirts, shorts and mini dresses and pair it back with a jacket or long sleeves. So rejoice this happy season in the company of the ones that matter the most and make your stylistic choices reflect the season change.

Australian's Do it Best.

We're a country known greatest for our rolling white beaches, red outback, distinctive cities and mostly, for our relaxed and causal demeanour. These are the things that evidently influence our Australian fashion designers and the way in which they design and put together each outfit. With a lifestyle that evolves around the outdoors and sunshine there is no wonder why we are the leaders in Summer styling. Favouring shorts, hats, mini dresses and tanks you can pick out an Australian designer a mile away as their design qualities are often integrated in vibrant colours, unique prints and innovative shapes. Australians design with a loose and casual aesthetic and are not afraid to experiment with different styles and rich colours and textures. We're an independent and modern bunch who favour to step away from the often synonymous collections from our American and European counterparts. Arnsdorf, Therese Rawsthorne, Camilla and Marc, Bec and Bridge and Rachel Gilbert are among the Aussie bunch that is becoming sought after around the world and we are now not only on the world map for our amazing surroundings and friendly personalities. We've officially landed on the fashion map and are applauded for our distinctive, fresh and dynamic design elements.

Camilla and Marc

Dion Lee

Rachel Gilbert

Arnsdorf

Arnsdorf

Therese Rawsthorn

Bec & Bridge

High on Hyatt...

I remember so well the days of growing up in Melbourne and the friends who's parents had holiday homes in sunny Queensland. I too remember wishing that one day I could visit Surfers Paradise and be part of the pilgrimage that my school friends made every summer. In New York it's the Hamptons, in Melbourne it was the Gold Coast.

My dream did come true but I did have to wait a while until my 12th birthday where my late father asked me what I wanted as a birthday gift. "A holiday to Surfers" was what I really wanted and lucky for me, he did in fact make my wish come true for the most part. We drove the whole way from Melbourne.....okay so it wasn't a Qantas flight but the road trip is something that will be in my memory and in my heart forever.

Sunny Queensland and the Sunshine Coast is a dream for many, sun drenched days by the beautiful blue sea, endless blue skies and the glitz and glam as well as rest and relaxation that is synonomous with paradise. Recently our travelling bunny and Private Access intern experienced one of life's little pleasures and learnt how a simple day at the Hyatt Regency Coolum spa would give her a new lease on life.

Combining luxury and nature to create a unique spa environment, the spa at Hyatt Regency Coolum evokes total relaxation and wellbeing for men and women. The spa is totally enclosed within the extensive natural grounds of the resort and treatment rooms are surrounded by native flora and fauna. The spa provides guests with a 25 metre lap pool, an aqua aerobics pool, men's and ladies steam and sauna as well as indoor and outdoor relaxations areas.

Their 'Diamond Facial' with frozen marine DNA, grape seed extract and lavender essential oil leaves the skin smooth, hydrated and radiant. Sounds pretty amazing, diamond facials, diamond rings....both of these are definately a woman's best friend!

There is so much you can do in this one little place. Enjoy the resorts 150 hectares on a leisurely bike ride or, for the most energetic, hike up Mount Coolum and feel like you're on top of the world. There's even a Camp Hyatt for the kids, classes in the creative art gallery or 18 holes on the golf course. I think we may have just found the gold and the diamonds right here on the beautiful Sunshine Coast & Gold Coast, the place that will always remain very special to me and maybe one day I may just make it my home but for now Sydney and Bondi Beach will do.
www.coolum.regency.hyatt.com

Coles....Entering the world of fashion

We all know the feeling of dreading doing the weekly grocery shopping. We put it off until there is nothing left to eat except for a drop of milk and last nights left overs. However, supermarket giant Coles has changed all those preconceptions about grocery shopping, with the release of Australia's first supermarket fashion and accessories collection. This may not be ideal to everyone; clothes shopping amongst stacked dog food and frozen vegies, however, if you're a busy mum or dad and in the middle of juggling work, taking the kids to school and cooking dinner, there is nothing more convenient then being able to pick up some casual basics for the weekend and tonights dinner all in the one easy location.

With tees starting at $8 and everything else under $50, the label titled MIX is an assortment of casual basics and accessories priced perfectly for the busy family. And what's better yet, with new styles and looks updated every two weeks, you are sure to find something to love every fortnight. The first collection will drop into Coles Burwood VIC on September 1 and other locations nationally from October 8. MIX incorporates this season's hottest trends with vibrant colours, stripes, neutral shades and prints which form the bases of the collection in a range of pants, shirts and dresses. You can also pick up some accessories including beach bags, hats and a blue gingham print bikini.

The Coles MIX collection is perfect for time strapped, budget conscious parents offering a collection of standard basics or for the more fashion conscious a range of simple, fresh and affordable items that are right on trend. The Coles fashion line is innovative and fresh mimicking some of the major retailers in the US and European markets and bringing the highly sought after concept to our Aussie shores. It's convenient shopping at it's best!

A living fairytale.

They say it's the happiest day of a woman's life. It's the day she dreams about it since being a little girl. perfecting every detail and imagining the day she get's to dress up like a princess and walk down the aisle marrying her own prince charming. This fairytale came a reality for Kate Moss as she recently wed rockstar from the band The Kills, Jamie Hince. Her wedding was complete magic, it was spontaneous, mystical and mischievous with her Costwold home providing a gorgeous backdrop on a perfect midsummer's afternoon. Guests included fashion royalty Naomi Campbell, Jude Law, Stella McCartney, Anna Wintour and Carine Roitfeld, among others. Her delicate wedding gown was pure Galliano- vintage inspired, slim fitting, intricate detailing and delicate sheer panelling which she offset with minimal make-up and loose curls that fell perfectly around her famous face. Moss was perfectly complemented by a handful of bridesmaids and flower girls, among them her daughter Lila Grace who each wore white dresses, ballerina flats and a floral head garland. Moss looked like a fairy princess with the whole scene replicating that of a fairytale.

Whether you prefer a dreamy wedding like Moss or a more simplistic exchanging of two people's loves or you dream of an extravagant and outlandish wedding, it really is the epitome of every girls' fairytales. I have never been a big one on wedding's, I don't remember ever spending hours dreaming about my big day or sketching my perfect wedding dress in my notepad, believing more that weddings aren't a necessity in defining your love for someone. However, these images of Moss and Hince projecting their love in a simplistic and gypsy inspired wedding are everything I would wish for on my day. Some people prefer not to tie the knot and are comfortable with their love, while others' believe life isn't complete without it. Whatever you choose, whether you opt for a wedding or an exchanging of nuptials just in the presence of your other half, it is certain that your special day must be filled with love, happiness and an overwhelming joy that you have been lucky enough to find the one in this world that completes you and makes you believe that anything is possible. Moss looks stunning, happy and in love and until the day we each find the one we truly deserve we can only dream of a wedding as half as magical as hers.

Brisbane's Finest.. Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival

It is that time of year again, when all the fashionable flock to the sunny state for the hottest thing in the fashion industry, Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival. For it's sixth year running, MBFF once again brings together local, national and international labels showcasing their Spring/Summer collections to the eagerly waiting public. From August 20-26 South Bank transforms into an extravaganza of runways, cocktail parties and  showcases. Queensland's fashionistas will be out in full force to catch some of the action which boasts an impressive line-up of more than sixty designer's including Akira, Easton Pearson, Scanlan and Theodore, kaftan Queen Camilla and Sass and Bide. With a mix of fashion transcending from consumer focused merchandise, swimwear, independent and ready-to-wear, there is something to satisfy everyone's inner fashion cravings.

MBFF is a festival aimed entirely on the consumer and public with all the collections available in store and ready to buy immediately. Unlike many of the other fashion events held around the country annually where the designers showcase their upcoming collections, MBFF presents collections that are accessible to everyone, right now. The event will feature nine group shows, and an offsite swimwear/ resort show as well as a series of high teas and the most anticipated collection every year, the emergence of the next generation. The next generation show is an integral part of the festival which supports emerging talent and is often the most creative and innovative part of the week. The week long event is filled with fashion, champagne, delicious food and beautiful Brisbane weather. But the best thing about this event is that it's not left only to the fashion insiders, but fashions loyal admirers... you! It's time to pull together your hottest outfit, pop on your highest heels, grab your friends and enjoy a whole week of fashion at it's finest. 

From The Streets.. To You.

For this week's style inspiration I headed straight to the online shopping experts: Net-a-porter.  With an array of cutting edge international labels including Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Alexander McQueen and Isabel Marant, Net-a-porter knows what's hot and what's not. And it's no wonder they know how to spot a few stylish woman from a mile away. These are the woman that are bold, confident and daring in their outfit choices and love to mix and match contrasting and opposing pieces, ultimately having fun with fashion.

The thing I find the greatest in street style photographs is  the array of individuals and how they all have their own way of styling and putting together different pieces. Each day we all wake up and throw on an outfit unconsciously making a decision based on the weather, our current mood and with our own little inspirational pictures in mind. One person's way of wearing something is totally different to another person and it is these quirky and individual choices that make style so intriguing and interesting to me each and every day.