Fashion Dialogue

Kaylene's new blog!

2009-06-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

Hi there...just letting you know that i've started a new blog (actually a resurrection of an old blog which only contained 2 posts).

You can visit me at The Captain's Closet.

Love Kaylene

Retiring at the ripe old age of 100.

2009-05-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

Yep...this is the 100th post. A good age to retire gracefully. Though my cyberspace-heart has been broken by the fact that Centine will no longer be my partner in blogging crime, I'll take solace in the fact that i can still read her musings on her new blog.

I will be starting up my own blog soon, so I will do a sneeky 101st post to tell you my address once i have it.

Love from Kaylene.

Introducing Fashion Buzzed

2009-05-20T03:32:00.000-07:00

Hello old chaps!

For me this blog has always been foremost about what's going on in our lives, and secondly how this impacts on our fashion. However, after some rather cutting feedback, I have decided to break off on my own.

My new blog will explore the style and clothing trends which effects myself and my friends. It will also be about my views of high fashion, literature, popular culture, politics, history, basically anything which catches my fancy.

If you would like to visit me at fashionbuzzed.blogspot.com I'd love to have you.

This is Centine, signing out for the final time.

Later!

I am not a number...I am a real man!

2009-05-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

Some stills from my absolute favourite mini series ever, "THE PRISONER", from 1967 starring Patrick McGoohan. The style throughout the series is equal parts inspiring/unnerving. I absolutely love it, hope you do too!

As they would say in The Village, "Be seeing you".

-Love Kaylene

Help I'm Alive/ My Heart Keeps Beating Like a Hammer

2009-05-19T04:14:00.000-07:00

Aaaaand I'm back! Centurian was a blast, and a lot more fashionable than I anticipated.

"This way to the fashion, citizens!"

This is my new hair colour. Though sometimes it looks more red. It's mood hair, displaying my inner emotions like a billboard. This shade means drunk. This is around the 42 minute mark, I'd say.

And this is my designer shot glass, which mischievously led me into this state. I found this tiny little jug/shot glass in an opshop about a month ago. Num num num.

It wasn't long before I traded Cory's hat:

For my John Lennon glasses.

Complete with glasses chain. Nothing says "class" like a drunk Canadian wearing John Lennon glasses at night with a chain.

Except, of course, for a drunk Australian "lady" wearing a cap.

It was an unexpected exploration of man accessories.

And all in all a BRILLIANT night!

Laughing hysterically with Jac and Ru

Cory, myself and Jac

Let's do it again some time, yeah? Though how about a liiiiiiittle bit of a break before we take on the Centaur again.

Love love,

Centine.

Centurian

2009-05-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

This Weekend, in about 7 hours actually, I will be participating in my first Centurian (One shot of beer every minute for one hundred minutes. So about 12 beers in an hour and forty). I feel that as this Centurian is pretty much my name, I'm going to OWN this evening. Watch out, Wollongong, it's Centine like you've never seen her before!

Tomorrow, on the other hand, is a very different story. It is unlikely that I'll be raising my virtual head here for a few days. Therefore, I've uploaded this happy little video from when Kaylene and I went to see Kylie Minogue at the start of this year.

Hope you don't miss me too much

(bwa ha ha, what a wanker)

Love love,

Centine.

p.s. Wish me luck!

p.p.s. If you're out tonight, come to the Harp!

Youtube DJ

2009-05-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

There I was, happily working away on my emails when I realised I needed some "sweet" tunes. Nothing like a bit of boppy hyper-colour music to ease you through your paper work.

Thing is, my music collection is starting to get a bit dated, due to a certain tightness of funds. This is where youtube really shines*. Brilliant unlimited collection of music to DJ the night away.

At the moment I am obsessed with Passion Pit, Metric and Robyn (aka the most killingest popstar on the planet). So imagine my surprise when I watched THIS film clip.

Did you see it? Did you see the dress?

Jeremy Scott, 2007

Ooooo yeah! Love that Jukebox dress! If I had this dress I would wear it EVERYWHERE. I'm talking job interviews, I'm talking the movies, I'm talking family functions. Not only is it extremely amusing, it's also totally hawt. That giant collar is awesome fun.

Groan! I want that dress!!

But here are some more reasons why I love Robyn:

http://www.robyn.com/

I highly recommend looking at her website. It's brilliant. It's a shining beacon of brilliance. It pretty much makes life worth living.

Love Centine.

* youtube is also awesomely shiny in that amusing clips of pandas sneezing or weird animals doing cute things never cease to amuse me.

Touch me I'm sick! No really...I am.

2009-05-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

I found this awesome suede and leather top the other day, it's kinda big and boxy (being leather), but i can see lots of potential for it.

Such a rich blue!

And great subtle details too.

Who is that strange man behind me interrupting my attempt at a serious photo, you ask? Well that would be the one and only Lax Charisma (my fiancé) in his jim jams. He was disappointed that he's never featured in the blog, only mentioned in passing like a mythic character.

-Love Kaylene

Oh....and you simply must listen to this Rolling Stones song, "Emotional Rescue". I love it when the stones do disco. This is the shorter version, but it has a much less epileptic fit-inducing video clip than the full length version.

Giddy up!

2009-05-11T04:33:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about adapted sports in fashion for my current design assignment. As I was brainstorming, it became apparent to me just how many designers have gone done the equestrian path recently. Here are some of the more successful interpretations in my humble opinion.

Balenciaga Fall 2006

Luella Spring 2009

Pollini Fall 2009

Kai Kuhne Spring 2006

Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2008 Couture

Givenchy Spring 2008 Couture

A.F. Vandevorst Fall 2009

I would have loved to adapt such a sport to my assignment, but i just think it's been done too many times, and very successfully in some cases. I need to think of a sport that has a lot of detailing in the get-up - like rock climbing, motorcar racing, diving etc. Anyone got any bright ideas? Here comes the catch....I then have to combine my adapted sports outfit with a textured cultural piece.

-Love from Kaylene *thinking cap on*

Marieke Hardy

2009-05-10T00:12:00.000-07:00

I'm a pretty big fan of everything Marieke Hardy does. Love her on Triple J breakfast radio, love her on First Tuesday Book Club, and today I've found a new reason to love her:

http://www.polichicks.org/index.htm

Are those 'boy-leg leopard print underpants with a political message' I see? Why yes they are! Brill-fucking-iant!

Marieke Hardy and Sara-Jane Chase are the luminous individuals behind (he he, behind) the "polichicks" design. The label "is based on the belief that being aware and actively involved in world politics is sexy". Which I dig.

Loving it,

Centine.

Please allow me to introduce:

2009-05-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

Some of my stylin' friends from tafe:

Cynthia!

Cynthia is so inspiring. At least 99% of the clothes she wears are designed and made by herself.

This trench she made recently is so professional! She makes her own patterns and all.

You should check out Cynthia's blog to see some of her other amazing creations.

This is Anna and Max. I thought their outfits yesterday looked so fitting together - Anna had a bit of french school boy going on:

Whilst Max looked a bit like he could have come off the set of a Jean-Luc Godard film.

À bout de souffle - 1960

And they were both wearing Brogues!!! Too perfect.

Irma bought this gorgeous velour jacket on our way to a cup of tea after class. I think she'll be able to style it up in so many ways. It's very Chanel and very Irma.

And this is Carlie. I had to brighten the colours on the photo so you can see the amazing texture of her top, which is actually a skirt.

-Love from Kaylene

What You Didn't Know You Needed.

2009-05-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

Lazy Saturday mornings are brilliant for the following reasons:

* Sleeping in ridiculously late while fighting off yet another hangover

* Drinking chocolate milk and last nights leftovers for breakfast

* Having an offensively long shower, where you proceed to pluck each individual leg hair out of your shins (or is that just me??)

What made today even more delightful was the discovery of a new Thai label, Sretsis. Designed by three sisters, their latest collection "Metamorphosis" is a wake up call for anyone who might think their wardrobe is complete. Because it is not.

Well, at least it is not until you have your very own... TAIL COAT!

Ahhh, Tail coats!

"Would sir care for a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice with sir's foot massage?"

"A brandy with your open fireplace sir? A leather-bound book, perhaps?"

"Will sir be using the bat mobile tonight, or shall I park it in the cave?"

(Centine will take full responsibility for the above post.)

Bowral Day Trip

2009-05-07T02:58:00.000-07:00

Today, my folks and I decided to spontaneously disappear up into the Southern Highlands. Bowral is a fabulous place to dine in one of the amazing vineyards, and the Gum-nut bakery is absolutely amazing! Look at this lemon tart!
Om nom nom! It's tart-ilicious!

My Ma with a coffee and an empty plate. Gosh, I have to work on my reflexes.

The sparrows were pretty jealous of our yummy deserts...I really like sparrows. They're adorable. They can eat my crumbs any day.

This silly face is a result of successful tart eating. The pretty scarf is an Oilily I've borrowed from Mum.

Bowral tends to be a lot colder than the old gong. A prime time to break out my groovy denim sheepy jacket thing. Worn with vintage dress, gold Chuck Taylors and Leona Edminston tights.

This is our cat, Gerrit. He's pretty much my brother. He's 11 years old, speaks Dutch and enjoys a good ''latte".

... Just reading the paper...

Later!

Centine.

D.I.Y oversized tote-bag.

2009-05-07T00:14:00.000-07:00

I was in desperate need of an extra large Tote bag for that would fit my large design folders. As no such thing seemed to exist, I took to Lax's old jeans with bleach and scissors to create this last night:

DIY bag, worn with vintage dress from Yasimé in Newtown, and Vintage Maud Frizon brogues courtesy of Zema from Medieval disco. I love these shoes! I've worn them so much over the last few years. They're starting to slowly die though, time to go into retirement.

I didn't even have to sew any pockets on. How convenient!

Striding out with my new DIY bag. I'm going to be the coolest kid in school.

-Love Kaylene

New Resolution

2009-05-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

I have come to the conclusion that I need a ring like this in my life.

lesmoking.com

Greedy girl is even wearing two.

So jealous.

Love (those rings)

Centine.

The joy a $4 cardigan can bring!

2009-05-06T03:37:00.000-07:00

In order to redeem myself from my previous op-shop find post, I present you my $4 treasure I stumbled across today:

I love the paneling and the large shoulder pads.

My Ann D's go with everything. I've been in love with them ever since I first saw them on Jane's blog.

With my new favourite stirrup pants from Medieval disco. I'm loving pops of colour with otherwise dark outfits. A great way to incorporate my vast collection of ghastly bright vintage tops.

I got a great new dress today also, but that will have to wait till next time.

Lots of love, Kaylene xo

The op-shop demon!

2009-05-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

Centine, this is the reason I should not go op-shopping without you to tell me, "Kaylene, you've really gone too far this time". Disguised under my lovely new military coat you may be thinking, "oh it's not THAT bad". But oh, it is:

...yet I still couldn't resist. (Apologies for the shimmy...i wanted to make the tassels move)

Love Kaylene xo

Mimco-ordinated

2009-05-03T02:07:00.000-07:00

Quite by chance, my good friend Lara and I arrived at afternoon tea looking surprising co-ordinated. Both in black, both carrying our prized Mimco handbags, we closely resembled some sort of advert...

Mimco's "Brand New Day Bag"

"Saddle Bag" and dirty midriff. Whoops.

Boutique shot. Also, Lara's "Marble Wallet" by Mimco

Note the ring. It's Mimco too.

Oh, how ridiculous! How delightfully ridiculously insane to have so much Mimco in one room. How beautifully, ridiculously delightful!

Love

Centine

Guess Who!

2009-05-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make:

I don't really wear heels. Ever. They're uncomfortable, and if you need to run away from something scary (happens a lot in Wollongong (ex boyfriends, crack addicts, freaky Christians, cheese-burger-stealing seagulls, Brian Martin etc.) you're pretty much screwed.

Also, I'm stupidly tall.

But if I WERE to wear heels, I'd wear these ones. Everywhere.

Isn't she perfect?

Isn't she wonderful?

Isn't she precious?

Oooo!

I am always surprised by this brand. I never expect to like their wares, but so often I end up drooling over shoes or handbags. Which brand, you ask?

Guess.

This is my very awesome friend Steph. We've been eyeing off these black platform shoes for at least a year.

And now they are hers! Yay for sales! Yay for K-Rudd Funds!

Aren't they pretty?

They're Guess too.

And then, as we're leaving the store, my eye falls on this adorable little bag/wallet/purse thing.

And it's Guess. How cute is it!!

Now, I must apologise for our dodgy clothing during this shopping trip. Truth be told, we were heading to a "Gangster" party in the "Ghetto", yo!

And we all know that no gangster is complete without a gang. Meet my ladies!!

Steph got her gang on in a golden hoodie. Oo yeah.

Meet Skankster Ru! Styling it as the Gangster girlfriend.

And this is Jac M.C. Hammer. Don't let her beautiful smiling face fool you: She's bad ass.

Classing it up with a weed reference and a long neck. Niiiice.

Sheila and Rucha. Beautiful beautiful girls.

The ubiquitous ghetto denim.

Group photo! Group Photo!!

Love Centine

Dream Job

2009-05-02T02:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry to those who have heard me rant on about this for the last three days, but I'm just too excited!

Giramondo Publishing (http://www.giramondopublishing.com/) is a small but prestigious book publishing company, based at the University of Western Sydney. They work exclusively with quality Australian literature. And on Thursday they took me under their wing. Over the next few months I'll be helping to design their publicity and marketing campaigns.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!

LoveLove

the overly excited Centine

Soeli Pedrozo - master manipulator...of fabrics.

2009-04-30T23:54:00.000-07:00

It's always exciting to see the work of students a few years ahead of oneself, especially when being shown amongst more established designers at Rosemont Australian Fashion Week. "The innovators" show consisting of 4 graduates from Ultimo Tafe took place directly after the Liso Ho show, further highlighting the contrast between commercialism and innovation.

Christopher Lines, Soeli Pedrozo, Seema Pun, Rachel Sherwood

I was particularly impressed by Soeli Pedrozo's collection. Her cleverly manipulated architectural folds became somewhat of a signature look.

Her witty take on masculine inspired tailored clothing also worked well, with mens pants pockets turning up in unexpected places.

And who can say no to a bit of extreme ruching?

I'm sure there will be many others who saw the show that would agree that Soeli Pedrozi is a talent who won't be forgotten any time soon. I look forward to seeing what direction she goes in next.

-Love Kaylene

(images from vogue.com.au, thevine.com.au, indesignlive.com)

Losing Faith

2009-04-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

So there I was, innocently watching some randomly mind-numbing television (as I am inclined to do on a slow Tuesday evening), when a company called "Lazy Patch" casually strolled into my life.

Perhaps you've heard of this before. Word has it that Hamish and Andy have already tackled the big issues here. Basically, Lazy Patch designs and makes "Duvet Suits" or "Doona Suits", depending on your word preference.

thatsnoice.com

Classy, right?

Luckily, the makers seem to have an awesome sense of humour about their product. One of the listed features of the product is its extra large pockets "for life's essentials, ie tv remote, mobile phone, pizza menus". And on their website (http://www.lazypatch.com/) some clever cat has listed all the advantages of such a suit:

* Lazy days on the couch. Waking up on those freezing cold mornings or returning home from work on those dark dreary nights - throw away those old tracky dacks and baggy jumper.

* No need to get out from under the quilt while leaving the couch (great for those quick toilet breaks!)

And my personal favourite:

* Pretend you're in the opening snow scene from The Empire Strikes Back

Will I be buying a doona suit? No. Certainly not. Will I continue to be amused every time the ad comes on the telly? Yes. Oh, for sure yes.

Centine

xoxoxoxoxox

Pulling Shapes

2009-04-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

I admit that colouring my hair is something of a hobby of mine. I love the smell (like permanent markers, glue, petrol, vodka) and afterwards my locks feel oh so very soft.

Last time I indulged in a bit of Garnier attention, my hair pulled some fun shapes. With the really thick cream, hair becomes like a pot of play doh plonked on top of the skull. I've lost many productive hours making mohawks, asymmetrical cones and curls out of my hair.

I don't know why, but i liked this shape in particular. There is a lot of extra volume up top, and only a thin, shapely tendril tumbling out. I thought it rather dainty. (Gosh, I've never admitted how much I think about this. It's rather embarrassing! Feel like a bit of a w&nker...)

This morning, I thought I would try to replicate the look, using only hairspray and good thoughts. Please excuse my hard-core case of bleary eye. Didn't get all that much sleep due to a desperate desire to have both a social life and a university degree.

And a very long black ribbon to try to "daint" it a bit...

"hmmm"

Love love,

Centine.

Designer Buzz!

2009-04-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

Dion Lee is a designer who i've been following quite closely for the last year (well as close as someone can follow on the internet...some may call it cyber-stalking). After graduating from Ultimo Tafe in 2007, he was given the opportunity to show in the graduate show for RAFW in 2008. Along the way he's been collecting a swag of design awards, including Australian Fashion Graduate of the Year and the 2007 Crosier Evening wear Award.

The buzz surrounding Dion Lee's debut solo show this morning was justified. The event was held in the bottom floor of the Kings Cross underground car park, and whilst too intensely claustrophobic for some, the venue suited the collection perfectly. Lee has continued develop his own recognisable look that is both minimal, yet structurally complex - a reflection of the John Chamberlain crushed car sculptures that he notes as inspiration.

(heraldsun.com.au)

(vogue.com.au)

John Chamberlain

In other unrelated news...a present arrived in the mail for me today. A present...purchased by me...for me. Still, no less exciting!

My apologies for the cliché combination of docs and tartan pants. I was actually having a nap in these comfy at home pants when the fiancé excitedly came in to deliver the box like Father Christmas. I couldn't help but put them on straight away and take some photos.

-Love Kaylene

Shout out to Arianne!

2009-04-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine just pointed out via facebook chat that we've missed an essential example of Mondrian inspired stuff: hairspray.

Cheers, Arianne, love your work!

The Boiling of Elements

2009-04-26T03:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Centine, I've been pondering the following questions you posed earlier:

"If we were to apply Mondrian's concept of boiling art or fashion down to its essential elements, what sort of dress would we get? What ARE the essential features of a dress? And perhaps more importantly, is a so-called 'elementary' dress able to be interesting and viable as a fashion statement?"

I seem to be struggling to come up with a non-ambiguous answer. You see, the problem for me is that all design, whether it be furniture, interior, fashion or other, is comprised of the basic elements of design (line, shape, direction, size, texture, colour, value). So what exactly can we call essential elements? To me all of the elements are essential. So, I'm going to redefine your question Centine. From a fashion design point of view, can garments be more/less "interesting" if the designer places self imposed restrictions on their work. For example, restrictions such as straight design lines, with a minimal colour - black & White, with minimal t0 no variation in texture throughout could result in this:

Narciso Rodriquez SS09

Pronza Schouler SS09

Gareth Pugh SS09

The Gareth Pugh is an excellent example to show that minimal elements does not equal a simple design.

If we consider another emelent, say value, and add it into the equation the result may be something like:

Hervé Léger by Max Azria SS09

Pollini SS09

We can see that another element has come into play, but to say this makes the dresses more or less interesting would be pointless.

So, the conclusion i have come up with is this: The number of elements is not proportional to the interest, viability or simplicity/complexity of a garment. Basically, fashion is not so cut and dry. It is subjective, and there is no guaranteed formular for success.

-Love from a contemplative Kaylene

(all images from style.com)

Overall Wonderful!

2009-04-26T01:59:00.000-07:00

Anzac day is generally a memorable sort of occasion for me. Usually punctuated by some hardcore dawn services, street marches and memorial services, 25th of April is a tough day for Brass Bands players around the nation. Not this year though! Instead of blowing raspberries through a metal pipe, I've been partying like a trooper. Get it? Trooper?

So of course, the only thing I wanted to wear while trudging through today's hangover from hell were these overalls from Zema's line "Kiss Kiss Meow Meow", available at Medieval Disco in Wollongong. Incorporating a harem cut in the pants, and a sleek 'wrap around' shape onthe bust, these overalls are fresh, comfortable and great fun to wear.
These photos are actually from about a week ago when Kaylene came down for a visit. Styled with a mint green cameo of the same line, Steven Madden heels and vintage shades.
In my quest for fashion comfort, I stumbled across this very cute outfit on dropsnap.jp

I love how sleek and modern these denim overalls seem. And capri-length pants are such wonderful fun. Just through a subtle change in shape, this unknown designer has freshened-up the staid traditional overall.

In conclusion, overalls > jumpsuits.

Love love,

Centine.

Mondrian

2009-04-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt in my mind that the aesthetic appeal of Mondrian has attracted numerous and varied designers. And rightly so. The iconic style is appealing, fresh and bright.

furniturestoreblog.com

diplomatics.wordpress.com

flickr.com

And even indirect referencing as the image above still retains a certain crispness which echoes the original work.

I guess what I am asking is more of a theoretical question. If we were to apply Mondrian's concept of boiling art or fashion down to its essential elements, what sort of dress would we get? What ARE the essential features of a dress? And perhaps more importantly, is a so-called 'elementary' dress able to be interesting and viable as a fashion statement?

Centine

xoxoxoxoxoxox

Sign o' the times...I'm going to try and include more irrelevant Prince references as titles.

2009-04-23T00:04:00.000-07:00

You know, I hate to undermine my discipline, but i get the feeling that a lot of fashion is not created in the same intellectualised way that we as a viewer might percieve it. I'm not saying that is a hard and fast rule, but i get the impression that many designers might draw from inspiration on a more instinctive level, like "ooh...this artwork looks effective hanging on a wall...why can't it be just as effective hanging on a person?". That said, the following examples may not be an exception (...in other words a discalimer for contradicting myself).

Yves Saint Laurent has referenced Mondrian directly by imitating the print within the confines of the most simple shift dress, so the focus is not on the silhouette, but the lines of the artwork. Although he actually constructed the dress in panels, we do not percieve them as panelling, but rather as a graphic design

Jump forward four decades to Elie Saab's fall 2008 collection, and we can see Mondrian's iconic paintings referanced and conceptualised in a further developed aesthetic. Saab's dresses are like quotations of mondrian. The recognisable blocks of primary colour, and black lines against a white background are apparent, but then manipulated in different ways to compliment the shape of the garment. The result: more of a subtle nod to Mondrian, as opposed to a full embrace.

If we step back for a moment and look at the differing approaches in context, each designers work makes perfect sense - they are a product of their times. The YSL dress is an artefact of the pop-art era (or at least the tail end when concepts started to filter through to fashion). YSL has placed an image from the "neo-plasticism" movement out of context, and as a result commercialised what would be considered abstract art

Mondrian, Composition with Yellow, Blue and Red. 1921.

Saab however is designing in an era of postmodernism where appropriation is the name of the game. I'm a little hesitant to use the word "postmodernism" in reference to art as it goes well beyond my understanding. So i'll leave that train of thought there.

So Centine, I haven't actually answered your question at all...might have to tackle that one another day with a less frazzled brain. But thanks for listening to my uneducated ramblings!

Love Kaylene

images from flickr.com, style.com, wikipedia.org

YSL is to Mondrian as Fashion is to the Elements

2009-04-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

Hello hello!

Sorry to have been absent so long, but my exam is finally over! Hurrah! And while I should have been paying attention to how "price parity power" is an innovation of the eighth round of the the Doha International Monetary Fund or bla bla bla, I was actually thinking about something very different.

This dress, in fact.

smh.com

Allow me to preface the following rant with "I love Yves Saint Laurent, this dress and this brand". The following is by no means a judgement rant. More of a friendly theoretical rant.

Okay, phew, here we go.

The thing is, this dress makes absolutely no sense. The Mondrian concept was a statement of artwork pared down to its essential parts: colour (the primarys: red, blue, yellow) and lines (vertical and horizontal).

artlover06.blogspot

And since YSL's dress, Mondrian inspired pieces have popped up in the most unexpected places and to amazing effect:

kicksonfire.com

Side note: I love these sneakers. And the car. And the dress, coat, bag, hat, flag, wheels, boxes.

chessaleeinlondon.wordpress.com

Though it is clear to me that these images are representing purely the aesthetics of Mondrian's work, I couldn't help but wonder (Carrie Bradshaw moment) how the concept of elementary design would be best applied to a dress.

There is no doubt in my mind that Kaylene is better equipped and schooled to address these hypotheticals than I am. But I'm going to give it a go.

So it seems to me that the design of a dress is related to:

* Shape (lines, panelling)

* Colour (Would this be primary colours as with Mondrian, or would an appropriation of the concept into fashion translate into DIFFERENT initial colours?)

* Material (Potato sack, I guess?)

and variations on these concepts.

So here are two Mondrian-concept dresses that I found:

Christopher Kane, F09, style.com

Contender through strong use of lines (very Mondrian, don't you think?) and colour choice (oooooh so simple!). However, there is a problematically complex use of pattern in the bust/chest region.

American Apparel Dress, splendicity.com

Use of pure black makes colour extremely elementary. Also, classic shape. However, the dress is so simple and paired down that it borders on dull-as-dog-%$#@

I don't know, Kaylene, I just can't decide. What do you think of the matter?

The bipolar personalities of capes (a.k.a - too much time on my hands)

2009-04-22T03:26:00.000-07:00

This is the sort of foolery that happens when I'm on holidays. Fear not, as of next week I will be preoccupied with Fashion Week, so you can expect less of the following time consuming ridiculousness.

Love from a slightly ashamed Kaylene.

Experimenting with bleach Part 1.

2009-04-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

Like any cautious D.I.Y-er, I did my research and tried a sample from Lax's old jeans before jumping in the deep end with my bleached jeans project inspired by seaofghosts.com. The sample went swimmingly. So you can imagine my surprise when my jeans turned out like this:

Salmon - RED!!!

(This is completely unrelated but when we were last in Melbourne, Centine and I ate a pizza called "salmon rushdie". Hilarious!!)

My second attempt with a different pair of jeans was a little less of a shock, and in my opinion a more successful outcome. Just goes to show what the individual denim can make. Now that I have no black jeans left, I am on the lookout for some more cheap ones. I am determined to get the desired finish, like in my first sample.

DIY jeans worn with old Pixies t-shirt, vintage gold embroidered bolero and 70's brogues.

Love Kaylene

Never gonna give you up...

2009-04-20T00:19:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce to one of my favourite vintage party dresses:

It has been with me through some hallmark events, such as my 21st birthday:

June 2008

Alas, too much partying (and possibly too much cake) resulted in the deterioration and splitting of the silk underneath the armholes. And we all know a tattered party dress just will not do! So today I transformed my old party dress into my new party skirt.

What do you think?

Love Kaylene

Something old, something new.

2009-04-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

The military jacket craze has come in and out of style for the last few decades. The style was worn famously by Adam Ant in the 80s:
And more recently on every fashionista who can afford a Balmain SS09 jacket:While I, (along with the rest of the fashion loving world) adore these Balmain jackets, I have to say, if presented with the choice between owning a Christopher Decarnin interpretation, or an original 19th century uniform, historical accuracy would win out.

Check out these amazing uniforms. I particularly love Prussian Hussar outfits.

Hussar Officer uniform, date unknown.

Prussian Lieb Hussar Officer, 1813 - Front

Back

British 6th Regiment of Foot Bandsmen, 1806 - Front

Back...

This one makes my head spin. Those crazy foot bandsmen!

7th Royal Fusiliers Officers Uniform, 1795

Images from: militaryheritage.com, diggerhistory.info, austenandrews.com, hollywoodstuffs.com,

Love Kaylene

Op-Shop!!!

2009-04-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

So, the delightful Kaylene and I went op-shopping last weekend. And as we are both busy little beavers with plates that are overly filled with annoying day-to-day trivialities which prevent us from ever having the time or peace of mind to BLOG, you are now witnessing instead the brilliance and luminescence of a drunken Centine blog. Quiver in its presence. Quiver.

I am taking this moment of opportunity (before climbing haphazardly into bed, trying desperately not to fall awkwardly) to show you this BRILLIANT photo from Warrawong St Vinnie's. For those of you familiar with the suburb: do. not. judge. Hands down the BEST op shop EVUUUUUUURRR! Again, despite the following photo...

LADIES VELVET WEAR! Damn, that is BRILLIANT. An entire rack devoted.... phew. that was awesome. And now, to bed!

Mirrored Years

2009-04-16T02:46:00.000-07:00

A word of advice: Learn from my mistake and do not go to see the Yayoi Kusama exhibition "Mirrored Years" whilst you have a migraine!

I absolutely loved this exhibition, but i felt like my head was going to explode towards the end of it.

-Love Kaylene

A possible bonus bonus.

2009-04-13T02:02:00.000-07:00

So i've already recieved the $950 Kevin Rudd Stimulus bonus for being a poor student, but word on the street is that I may also get a bonus for being a tax payer last year. Unfortunately the initial $950 is going entirely towards my car insurance, BUT, if that second bonus does come my way, I will be hunting down these:

ACNE fall 2009

My mum just told me to stop stroking the computer screen.

-Love Kaylene

Dress Ups at the Disco!!

2009-04-12T04:27:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce you to a very special gentleman.

This is the most wonderful Zema, my friend, my stylist, my sole reason for debt. Most of my wardrobe has been personally selected and approved by Zema. His vintage boutique in Wollongong, Medieval Disco, is a favourite haunt of Kaylene and myself.

He is a little camera shy, though.

Last Thursday, Zema showed me his latest creation for his label "Kiss Kiss Meow Meow". How fun is this dress? So fun, that a spontaneous fashion shoot burst out in Medieval Disco.

Styled with another amazing "Logan's Run" necklace, Doc Martin ballet flats, and voodoo tights

"Work that corner! Work it harder!!"

Another Disco regular, Bonnie, arrived mid-shoot.

The conversation went a little bit like this:

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"I think I am!"

"It's two model fashion shoot time!!"

Some preparation shots. Bonnie wears Kiss Kiss Meow Meow dress, Logan's Run headpiece, vintage tights, vintage bondage shoes. All available at Medieval Disco.

This versatile little number works long and short.

I love this photo. Bonnie can pull some kick-ass shapes.

Mid-shoot adjustment

SUPER!! STYLING!!

For a while now, I've been speaking with Zema about how to change my look. For the last three years or so, I've accidentally created a rather signature look of 'hour glass dress with belt and ballet flats'.

So Zema styled this rather sleek Urban look for me:

Maroon skivvy, leather jacket olive-green jodhpurs and Coach ankle boots. Available at Medieval Disco.

These boots are GORGEOUS. Softest leather ever, and so comfortable.

Amazing leather clutch. Not going to lie; I'm a little bit in love.

(Please ignore the offensively orange nail polish...)

So what do you think? Should I adopt the lean-bean urban look as my new silhouette and staple? Comments greatly appreciated!

Oh, and before I sign off, check out these shoes!

Crave!

40s lace-up platforms. Versatile!

Sigh. Every time I go visit this store, I die inside...

Love love love love love

Centine.

Beijing - that's where it's at!

2009-04-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to write much...cause it's almost 1am andI tend to babble endlessly when i start writing at this time. All I'm going to say is that i'm very excited about the fashion coming out of the Beijing Institute of Clothing Technology. I think the pictures from their graduate show speak for themselves. (Sorry I don't know the specific designers - If I find out i'll update).

I also really enjoyed these gowns by a Tsinghua graduate. They remind me of an elaborate version of Centine's Alpha 60 scarf.

Night Night, Love Kaylene xo

My head's in a whirr, my thoughts in a blur, when I think of my fur-bulous first rate fur.

2009-04-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

"Gettin' Me Scarf On"

"Got Me Scarf On"

"Untitled Silliness"

"Vampire & Damsel Part 1"

"FUR-thermore I'll love you forever, fur" - Stuie Monster & The Arsitocats

I Have a Crush!

2009-04-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

Like the giant girl I am, I have a crush. A full-on school-girl-esque crush of epic proportions! Oh, these are always such fun...

Until it all turns to shit, that is.

You know what else is initially good, but quickly turns ugly? The latest Dsquared collection. The Olsen, Lohan, Richie inspiration is fun and contemporary (not to mention blindingly literal). I think it a non-wanky and honest reflection of societies current interests. A homage to the celebrity. And I love that the models were smoking and drinking starbucks on the runway.

But it's basically as boring as Tolstoy printed on brown paper. In an effort to depict reality as it really is (which I personally feel defeats the purpose of both fashion shows and literature) Tolstoy and the Caten twins effectively eliminate any sense of whimsy or fantasy from their product. And let's be honest: no one reads War and Peace for fun.

style.com

Seriously, though, is ANYONE inspired by these photos? Anyone? This is no different from the girls walking around my campus. And I get that we're all struggling through a financial crises (and bla bla bla) but my diminishing bank account means I'm a lot LESS likely to fork out $408 for these jeans:

shopstyle.com

I'm with the 'optimistic' designers on this one. I think only amazing, well-crafted, well-designed, distinctive, extraordinary collections are going to survive.

Love from a crushing Centine.

(Crushing as in a "oo, cute guy" and "damn, where did my cash go" kind of way, simultaneously)

The voice of reason ...(a.k.a - Centine)

2009-04-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

Centine and I decided to check out Surry Hills yesterday. For me it was one of those days where I kept finding my self attracted to things that were so wrong that they're almost right...but not quite. Like this:
(I was feeling rather tactile when I spotted this beauty...might be because I'm designing a texture based outfit at the moment).
This one had a tag on it saying "vintage 90's rave top". That alone had me sold. But thank goodness I had Centine with me to say, "what the @#$% Kaylene...you can not be serious!". Usually I would be stubborn and buy such silly things regardless of whether i'll actually wear them, but in my current financial full-time student state, I actually have to start buying "investment" pieces. So instead I opted for this awesome Mad Cortes jacket.
I wish I had a better shot of the detail and cut. The front parts of the jacket loop back up and join behind the neck...kind of like a never ending jacket. That was a really poor description, my apologies.
Unfortunately the Australian label Mad Cortes recently had to call it quits (at least for now) due to a discontinuation of financial backing by Lisa Ho who had a 51% share in the label. Such a shame as designer Mira Vukovic is really talented. Fingers crossed she may find financial backing elsewhere.

...We love you!

-Kaylene xo

That Shoot I was Talking About

2009-04-05T06:15:00.000-07:00

Hey Kaylene, this is that shoot I was telling you about. Can't remember which Blog it came from, but I guess it's originally from Vogue...

It's a little out of order...

One day I will have to post photographic evidence that my father is (related to) Karl Lagerfeld... Truly.

Anyway, I loved it, and wanted to share. Cutest Alice ever. And designer cameos! Way better than my picture book version...

Good Night! Happy Viewing!

Centine.

Military Jacket

2009-04-05T05:46:00.000-07:00

This will be my shortest blog ever. (I am aware that I rant in Blog World, and am attempting to address this issue. (I just have so many THOUGHTS and FEELINGS)) However, I felt it essential to introduce you to my military jacket.

Found this puppy in an op-shop about a month ago now. Love it to bits. Sometimes we snuggle. You know, nothing weird. Just so I have something to hold.

And I know we're all a bit tired of the whole military jacket thing after Balmain and the whole of the fashion blog-o-sphere going bananas for them...

shopnastygalvintage.com

Balmain: style.com

But hell, whatever! This is my coat, and my (by which I mean our) blog! So admire my freaking jacket!It's so much fun! Look, you can wear it done up! Formal! ATTEN-SHUN!

(It's also perfect for that one-finger salute.)

Okay, so this post was still kind of ranty... Sorry about that... All I can say is that I'm working on it.

Peace out!
Centine.

A Stylish Afternoon at the Unibar!

2009-04-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm unemployed, I have so much more time for the important things in life. Like friends. And like seeing friends at the bar. For a beer. Lots and lots of time for important things like that.

Let me introduce you to some of my peeps. This is Jo!

Jo is the Queen of DIY. For all those DIY-ers who would even attempt to protest this, you need not bother. For Jo is Queen by holy decree. Those dreads? She did 'em. That neck warmer? She made it. That third button?
Yes, look closely viewers. That button on the right? SHE MADE IT! Let's see any DIY-ers do THAT. Ha.
Accompanying the lovely Jo, was her lovely husband Jason! Why Jason, that's a lovely scarf you're wearing! Is it perhaps by Alphaville? A Melbourne designer, you say? Who stocks in Paddington? Well, fancy that.
And this is Carla! She is studying law. I love that her incredibly serious shirt dress is teamed with some seriously adorable over-the-knee socks. A wonderful outfit, your honour. No "objections". Would council please stand on the bench?

Carla: Hurry up and take the F&$%ing photo. It's raining you jerk.

Centine: Shut up and look stylish!

Carla: Do I have to stand on the bench?

Centine: ... yes.

Yeah, I was there too. See? Photo evidence...

(Alphaville Scarf, op-shop dress, goofy smile).

The Colour Army.

2009-04-02T04:49:00.001-07:00

This is my little army of colour theory girls. Just a little task for one of my classes, but I thought they were cute and worthy of the blog.

Tee hee....

-Kaylene xo

(I may actually post some proper design work at some point...not just fun little exercises)

Introducing Andyrew!

2009-04-01T06:09:00.000-07:00

I would like to take a moment to introduce a good friend of ours. This is Andrew!

Kaylene and I have known this lovely lad for years and years. He and I have even travelled through Europe together, always in tremendous style I must say...

All in black with Big Ben

Styling at a Hungarian Night Club

Though when Andrew and I met for a game of golf a few weeks ago, he truly blew me away.

Why you ask? Check out that co-ordination! Shoes with golf balls? Now THAT is dedication!

That damn stylish Andrew. Made my own Argyle attempt at Golfing style obsolete...

Ahh! Who am I kidding! Argyle is a classic! Totally styling...

...

Can we see the shoes again?

God damn, he's so damn HIP!!!

Centine

xoxoxoxoxoxo

"You think you know fashion, well fashion's a stranger"

2009-03-31T02:52:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already seen "Fashion is Danger" from Flight of the Conchords, you must watch it right now!

Playing around with some new op-shop finds. The poncho as overskirt thing was a complete accident. I was changing my top, (the lazy way without taking off the poncho) and it just fell down to my hips. I think it looks much cooler like this.

I am also in need of an opinion about this dress I rediscovered the other day. I bought it a couple of years ago and started hacking into it...before getting distracted it would seem. Although it wasn't intentional at the time, I kinda like the idea of having just the one sleeve. I still need to finish the hacked one though.

Should I make it into a little cap sleeve with the pleated shoulder stiffener showing?

Or make it completely sleeveless? One sleeve or zero sleeve?

So many decisions!

I made the hallway my own little runway, hence the "I'm walking towards you and this is my serious face" shots.

Love Kaylene xo

Good Bye, Hospitality, it's been one hell of a trip!

2009-03-29T05:52:00.000-07:00

By now we are all well and truly aware that 2009 is Barbie's 50th birthday. What you might not know is that the very best tribute of all can be found right here! (Click on 'here'... the humble fashiondialogue Barbie tribute, though heartfelt, is hardly worthy of this description).

So obviously, I had to then research Barbie. Or rather, re-research. Again. Because Troll Barbie was a new and exciting discovery for me. Obviously, this lead to a rather drawn out and time consuming examination of all the Barbie dolls on the net. And right between the secretary and flight attendant Barbies was my very own patron Barbie:

www.angelicdreamz.com

Ahh, waitress Barbie. How all us hospo-pigs look up to your pretty pink self! You inspire, you teach, you are our idol.

Unfortunately my own waitress uniform was not quite so flattering:

Yes. You are seeing this correctly. Irwin-esque safari shirts. Why, you ask? People, welcome to Outback Steakhouse! Where everything is deep-fried and served with genuine Australian... hospitality...

However, Waitress Barbie, your time in the sun has run out. Due to a rather ballsy move (especially considering that fun old economic crises we're in at the moment, and the rising unemployment in Wollongong and all) tomorrow night will be my very last waitressing shift. Hopefully ever.

That's right, people, I'm beginning the fun journey into the world of a real job! Not sure where, or doing what exactly. As long as there is no table service involved. Unless I'm the one being served, I'm fine with that. So, in a wildly optimistic gesture, allow me to introduce my new Patron Career Barbie!

bebarbie.net

Though there doesn't seem to be an "editor" Barbie, "book publisher" Barbie, "writer" Barbie or even a "journalist Barbie", so I've decided to align myself with good old ambiguous "career girl" Barbie. Not sure if I'm down with the rather patronising use of "girl" here, but then I guess it is Barbie. No space for feminism or equality here, now is there?

... Wait a minute... This almost seems a bit of track...

... Is this a tangent?...

... ....

Yeah, I'm going to leave it at that.

Love love,

Centine.

Comp-ashish-on...you're so witty Centine! No...really. You are.

2009-03-29T02:30:00.000-07:00

If the temperature hadn't been 30 degrees Celsius today, this challenge would have been much more bearable.

This one is to prove that I actually do own a Fair Isle knit...the colour is just wrong for this purpose though....come to think of it...this purpose is wrong. WRONG WRONG WRONG!

Fun with pom poms!

This is a vintage Bob Mackie silk coat from his "wearable art" range. I bought it on ebay about a year ago, and have never worn it (it's not the easiest piece to casually throw on with anything). But I knew at the time I had to have it, and now I know why.

This is the only leopard print I own, and it's a skirt...poor attempt.

I am fully aware that it looks like i am wearing naught but a pom-pom adorned hat, however I assure you that was not the case.

So my conclusions after the Ashish Winter 2009 challenge: This look was fun for a while...and I love pom-poms, but i don't think it's a look I while be sporting any time soon. I do possess a sizable collection of pom-poms now, so I may put them to good use elsewhere.

Compe-Ashish-On! (It's meant to sound like Competition, but it doesn't...)

2009-03-29T01:45:00.000-07:00

Oilily scarf, Vintage dress and jumper.

SPINNY CHAIR!!

"WHEE!!!!"

Getting a little silly...

... and a little "seductive"...

Shoe Detail. Love these Toni Bianco's, even though I don't ever wear heels...

Funny little hat. Family bought it in China when I was a wee tot.

Best photo of the night...

Unanderra...a land of hidden treasures.

2009-03-28T00:56:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more of our finds from our brief op shop escapade last weekend.

How come there's only one photo of you Centine? I'm sure I took more...maybe they were all bum bag photos.
I like this poncho thing...maybe cause it's primarily made of Ramie. It's always nice to wear some natural fibres. Too much polyester can make one feel constricted. The overnight bag is pretty handy too.

I get the feeling I'm going to be wearing this draped cardigan a lot this winter.

Cute polka dot double breasted vest.

This T-shirt cracks me up! I don't think Centine approved of this one, but I had to have it. It's got little coin/medallion things sewn onto it, featuring the Eiffel Tower, Balboa coins and "patrona bavariae" coins, which apparently means "mother of Bavarians". Well there you go!

Sorry about the boobs close up...

Love Kaylene!

Ashish Challenge!

2009-03-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

You're on!!! Although I feel you have a definite advantage, what with your extensive collection of Norwegian knits and colourful tights. I have a few hidden gems up my sleeve though. Just you wait and see.

-Kaylene xo

The Derivative of Ashish is fun!

2009-03-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

You know I agree that the sources of inspiration in this collection seem rather obvious. The thing is that I still love LOOKING at the pictures. It's all so over the top and colourful, and fun, and exciting. It's like an epileptic fit in clothing. It's as if you open a pack of Neapolitan ice cream, expecting to know what it looks like, but instead of three stripes of flavour, it's mixed into a psychedelic swirl... Or a charming quilted rug...

(amazon.com, etc.usf.edu, cascadingthreads.com)

And I think the reason WHY I love it 'oh so much' is that even though I have quite a few individual items similar to individual pieces in this collection, I'd never think of wearing them like this. A Norwegian jumper with leopard and zebra prints? ABSURD! Two different acid shades of leopard print? PREPOSTEROUS! And yet...

(telegraph.co.uk)

And yet I cannot help looking and staring and coveting this collection. I want it on my body. On. My. Body.

So, Kaylene, I'm setting us a challenge. Let us compete for the most Ashish-ish outfit. We have 48 hours to upload a photo. Loser buys first coffee next shopping trip...

Lovely love love,

Centine.

Ashish Mish Mash.

2009-03-25T23:55:00.000-07:00

Centine, I am truly impressed with your Norwegian sweater. I had no idea you owned such a garment. You're full of surprises!

But now to the topic at hand. When I first saw that Ashish collection I couldn't look past the similarities in styling to previous Romance Was Born collections, more specifically the pom-pom adorned headwear.

Namaste Collection

Garden on Eden Collection

(images from romancewasborn.com)

And when I saw the Ashish Norwegian knits I instantly thought of the Stella McCartney Fall 2007 collection:

(images from style.com)

So basically the Ashish Collection for me was just a mash up of these two collections with some neon animal print thrown on for good measure. Now I'm not saying the results of such a combination were necessarily all that bad, just a bit derived.

Ashish A/W 2009

See what I mean?

-Love from a slightly cynical Kaylene xo

Who Da Thunk It?

2009-03-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

Oh Ashish, I love you so! The wildest, craziest, most colourful, most brilliant Ashish! And though I feel a little iffy about putting myself in a blog next to cheerleaders and Kate Moss, I simply couldn't find a more amusing Norwegian jumper photo than my own. Take that as a challenge, Kaylene! Try to out Norway me!

Norwegian Hugs,

Centine.

Images from

wildhogs.com

(own)

stealthstyle.com

style.com

respectively.

Diamonds are most certainly NOT a girl's best friend...

2009-03-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

Australian Diamond Python. One of these dirty little bastards was on my deck yesterday. Obviously, I am now to weak to blog. Need hugs.

Love from a deeply shocked and upset Centine.

Fanny pack. Noun - A small pouch on a belt, for money and small articles, worn around the waist or hips.

2009-03-24T23:16:00.000-07:00

Ever since seeing this amazing ruffled bum bag on Susie Bubble's blog last year, I've been desperately wishing to stumble on something equally as fun and practical myself.

It must be almost six months now that I have been searching for the perfect bum bag. My criteria for this is basically something that:

a) doesn't make me look like a drug dealer, and

b) is most definitely inappropriate for wearing with tracksuit pants or bike riding.

So, you can imagine my jealousy whilst op-shopping on the weekend when Centine stumbled across her very own bum bag. Knowing Centine she'd probably prefer I refer to her new acquisition as a fanny pack. That's just how she rolls.

Centine's fanny pack is more like a utility belt. It even has pen holders!

The op shop gods must have been steering us towards bum-bag nirvana, because upon entering the very next op shop, I found this leather studded beauty! I shrieked with excitement. The old ladies running St vinnies seemed very pleased to have such a content shopper in their store, and then tried to cash in on my vulnerable excitement by trying to sell me a Ken Done scarf. No luck ladies! The bum bag is all i'll ever need!

It was fate.

Bum bags all round = Happy Centine and Kaylene.

Love Kaylene xo

Graphic Representation of Violence and Torture in Steven Klein's Photography

2009-03-23T03:45:00.000-07:00

additional images available at stevenkleinstudio.com

Hey peeps. Just gave this presentation for a Media and Communications class, and figured a theoretical discussion of Sex, Violence, Torture and Steven Klein would make a great post. Though I did delete a lot of the more boring, theoretical shit...

First appearing in the February 2009 edition of the French Vogue, Steven Klein's fashion spread, entitled "Lara Fiction Noire" quickly polarised its viewers. Featureing supermodel Lara Stone, these images imply physical violence in a domestic setting. Many people supported Klein's unique and uncompromising representations of domestic violence, while protestors claimed that the stylised images glorified and sexualised violence.

Before long, this series of images appeared on the Internet, spreading like a rash across blogs and forums. Three additional images, which had been removed from the Vogue publication, quickly alerted viewers that the magazine had censored out some of the more confronting images.

Western societies have dramatically altered in their views and positions of death. "In earlier centuries, material death was experienced as a nearby reality, as corpses tended to be buried in nearby pits and graveyards, and decomposed bodies and bones turned up when new trenches were being dug. Moreover, criminals were executed in public squares". Death was a concrete and everyday occurance. However, in contemporary society, death as become a sanitized and private experience, occuring in dehumanized settings of hospitals or faraway regions of war. Public deaths, such as road accidents and natural disasters are quickly shielded from the public eye as officials cover the victims with cloths and hurry them into emergency vehicles. Death now comes with an obligatory hushed tone, it is a dirty word we hesitate to utter in public. It is a topic we can largely avoid. It is a shock when its ugly head appears in our lives.

Klein's photography refuses to comply with societies regulations. He describes his inspiration as the conflicting reactions we have to images of blood, pain, death and torture. "It was the mystery of blood, how it stir in us a primal reaction, be it religious, or that of horror and revulsion or viewing it merely as a biological fact. For me, the blood images are about how blood links the body and the soul" (Klein, theimagist.com). Klein's images exaggerate and beautify death and torture to such an extent that as viewers we are forced to review our reactions to these issues. In Geoffrey Gorer's essay "The Pornography of Death" he argues that the growing taboo around natural death has encouraged a resurgence of violent death in the media. These "fantasy representations offered to mass audiences as a kind of arousing image-culture of pornography" have become "entertainment". Our reaction to images of torture in popular culture are problematic and difficult to define. Emotions of indignation, protest, disgust are mixed with a desire to examine, to understand and to experience. "We react to these images like grinning monkeys, as human beings excited and aroused by the magnitude and novelty of the spectacle". It is this dual and conflicting reaction that Klein seeks through the portrayal of torture in a fashion magazine. We are disgusted by the images, yet the spread is intended to sell the clothing. We are expected to covet the clothing while spurning the behaviour.

The similarities in societies reactions to torturous images and pornography are undeniable. Both forms of images are considered adult content and shielded from the eyes of children. This is explored in this spread, as Klein utilises common motifs of sadomasochism and bondage to blur the lines of enjoyment and torture. In one particular image where Stone is handcuffed to the bed, a man in the background is kept in a cage. The sexualised violence of this image becomes a perversion. The framing of this shot is particularly revealing: both individuals are presented in a submissive role. The necessary dominant position required of a sadomasochistic relationship is purposely left unfilled. Through this image Klein is placing us, the audience, as the perpetrators, the perverts involved in the room. "A perversion is a form of revenge, even when the pervert gets hurt or humiliated in the process. For all the sex involved, a perverse act is an act of hostility and rage. It is an attack on the sex object - including the self". Klein incriminates both the model actors and the audience in this sadomasochistic scene.

There is more, but after this it kind of descends into a theoretical argument of violence and has less to do with our good friend Klein.

Appreciation from afar.

2009-03-22T03:44:00.000-07:00

Centine and I are very similar on many levels. We often find ourselves unknowingly lusting after the same clothing. We have very similar humour, and both appreciate soy chai lattes and op shopping. When it comes to matters of beach appreciation, I'm afraid we could not be more opposite. The closest i've come to a beach all summer is sitting here in my sunroom (at night=no sun) reading Centine's wollongong beach appreciation post. I too am a (ex) Wollongong-ian girl, alas, my white/near transparent skin is highly allergic to all things beach/sun related. I fully intend to follow gloomy weather around the world once I have the funds...and don't be concerned, I'll take vitamin D to compensate for lack of natural sunlight.

In my eternal quest for zero sunshine (and when I acquire aforementioned funds), I will hide my skin under the amazing designs of Hiroko Koshino.

SS 2009

And the following are from her most recent AW 09-10 collection:

This makes me want to wear more crushed velvet!

The traditional Japanese influence seems like a bit of an obvious one...but hey...I'm all for embracing heritage when the results turn out this good.

-Love Kaylene

North Gong Beach

2009-03-22T03:05:00.000-07:00

rydges.com

The greatest thing about living in Wollongong are the beaches. It truly is the only place to hang out, study, eat lunch, drink beer, to do anything really.

These pictures don't really do it justice. Sometimes I have to pinch myself as a reminder of how lucky we are to live just five minutes away from the waves.

All good Wollongong-ers have a sizeable collection of bikinis/board shorts. My friend Cory describes his board shorts as "Mardi Gras Bulous" (pronounced like fabulous). My own green/pink/blue etc bikini is truly a colour assault on the eye. Not a great photo, but suffice to say that i lurve them.

Other necessary items include the beach dress and bag. Please note the chain on my kick-ass oil-spill aviators. It's only a matter of time, people, trust me on this one...

Loving you from the Sand,

Centine.

Got My Eyes On You, Lennon

2009-03-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

After my recent visit to Woodstock, I've been fairly in love with these fab sunnies:

Look at how much fun I'm having! They feel so silly, so ostentatious! I always enjoy wearing these little puppies. They complete any outfit. They are heaven in a pair of shades. Perhaps being a little naive, I felt I'd found a unique accessory, something a little different than the ubiquitous ray bans.

But then I was put in my place.

12 minutes ago, now, I discovered this photo on intheolsencloset.blogspot.com

God damn, those twins are hip. Quick shout out to the Olsens: if you are ever looking for a third wheel, I'm ready. I've got the sunnies, I can rock a poncho, I love drinking coffee out of really big take away cups... Call me?

Come on...VOGUE!!!

2009-03-20T04:38:00.000-07:00

There are so many AMAZING vogue covers from the 20s and 30s. I could post hundreds of them, had i the time or inclination.

December 1916

December 1917

January 1925

January 1926

May 1929

July 1929

(all images from http://www.coverbrowser.com/covers/vogue)

Love Kaylene

Two Denim-y Looks I'm Craving

2009-03-19T17:55:00.000-07:00

Title says it all, really.

streetpeeper.com

nastygalvintage.com

Colour colour colour colour colour!!!

Kind Regards,

Centine.

Porter Pink Tartan

2009-03-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

My morning ritual has changed a lot over the years.

In the early years of high school, I'd wake up at 6 to have a jog before class...

... In Senior year, my homework would keep me up until late at night. During this time I'd set my alarm for five minutes before the school bus reached my stop. This was not always successful...

... And nowadays, when I don't have to run off to uni or work, I usually have a hangover. Today is a case in point. Wednesday night is a big one here in the "Gong". The last thing I remember of last night is ordering 20 nuggets from McDonalds drive through...

Which is why I am so so grateful that my daily blog reading list offers me something like 80 posts before I even need to contemplate breakfast. Ahh, this is the life.

One such post by the fabulous Design*Sponge sent me on a delightful journey. Apparently you lucky North American types have a "boutique" air line between New York, Toronto and Ottawa. With THESE uniforms! Applause please!

design*sponge

Of course, I then had to put on my detective hat! Who made these amazing pillbox/silk scarf creations? And can I please have a closer look at that bag?

(I'm sorry if the next section appears naive and uninformed. We don't have your stylish designers here in Australia. We only really wear bikinis...)

So Kimberley Newport-Mimran is the beautifully elegant face of "Pink Tartan", occupying many important sounding positions: Co-Founder, Head Designer, President. It's based in Canada, but after expanding to New York in 2004, they have enjoyed tremendous success and dressed such celebrities as Sex and the City's Kim Catrall and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

But the best evidence is in their clothes. The Spring/Summer 2009 collection was exhibited at L'Oreal fashion week. Featuring glorious head scarfs, Tulip and A-line skirts and a covetable bolero trench, this line epitomised for me the re-appropriation of classic Hollywood style into a contemporary and wearable collection. Using an eclectic colour palette (bright yellows and magentas mix effortlessly with strict black and whites, and pastel knits), Pink Tartan has allowed each individual outfit to exist independently. There's nothing crazy or revolutionary going on here; just well-styled, well-crafted classic and beautiful pieces.

Gasp! Need that scarf!

trench. trench. trench. trench.

pinktartan.com

Sigh. I want capri pants so badly...

love love

Centine.

How Can I Resist?

2009-03-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

I consider myself a (fairly) non-violent person. I don't particularly adore action sequences, and I rarely encourage people to fight. (Fight! Fight! Fight!)

But lady?

dropsnap.jp

I will take you down.

I will take you down for that coat...

Oh, jealousy makes ugly beasts of us all...

Love Centine.

p.s. That first Kenzo model looks a little like you did when your hair was longer, Kay. Coincidence? I think not. Kenzo is sending you a sign. Follow it.

A Kenzo Winter!

2009-03-17T03:29:00.000-07:00

I finally got a chance yesterday to have a proper look at the Kenzo A/W 2009 collection, and I have come to the conclusion, "this is how I must dress this winter...even if I have to make shoddy first year design student quality knock-offs". And yes, the quote marks are necessary as i did indeed proclaim such a statement out loud the first time I looked through the collection.

You've got no just how much I want these platform lace-up ankle boots.

And this is definately the way to go when venturing into the sleeveles fur-trimmed vest genre. I think this may be the perfect garment to try and recreate for myself. Just got to find a place to buy rabbit fur. And no Centine, I am most definitely not cutting up my new rabbit fur jacket!

Inspirational panelling!

Love the shape and the print.

Ridiculously large frogging detail gets two thumbs up from me.

I think this is a look I need to adapt for everyday wear....although I really need to get those shoes....

The contrasting textures are perfect!

Antonia Marras, you're a good man.

Love from Kaylene xo

Fashion Show Down

2009-03-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what a Louis Vuitton versus Alexander McQueen encounter would look like?

Well, Steven Klein did. There is something so cool and other worldly about seeing these two iconic fashion symbols side by side. These creatures have escaped from the confines of the catwalk, and now terrorise us normal folks with their amazingly styled dresses.

"extreme beauty" @ stevenkleinstudio.com

So I'm thinking they're about to fight it out. Who do you think will win, Kaylene? My bet is on LV. I bet Mark equipped her with some kick-ass needles and a toilet pan fit for clubbing...

Be afraid. Be careful. Be safe.

Love Centine.

Woodstock!

2009-03-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

I love dress up parties. Last night, one of my best friends had her 21st, which in my world is code for a "wake up in bath tub" level of drinking. The theme was Woodstock, and being the vain and pedantic fashionista I am, I went to a fair bit of effort to ensure I was authentic.

Here you can see my own "Logan's Run" broach, along with a mass of necklaces.

Tadaa! Woodstock-a-licious!

Peace and love,

Centine

p.s. Kaylene, do you know how to rotate the photos??

The remaining 2/3rds.

2009-03-14T04:57:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are the remaining 2 of the "3 items for $20" sale I found on my way to cocktails.

I was so excited to find an Akira skirt in the second hand store for approx $6 and 67cents. Absolute bargain!

I love the way the tiny knife pleats fan out!

I also found this silk skirt (which happens to be in an almost identical material to a top i own...however i think it would be very unwise to wear them together).

I also felt the need to include this picture to show how ridiculously long the sleeves in my jumper are. This is my lounging jumper. I live in it when in the confines of my apartment. It's kinda like a big mustard cable-knit security blanket. Everyone should have one.

Love Kaylene xo

Yay! Someone else believes!

2009-03-12T05:29:00.000-07:00

Oh my GOD! Love it! Thank you, lefashionimage.blogspot.com, for showing me this amazing picture! I KNEW I couldn't be the only one supporting the librarian chain trend. Cannot wait to start jewelling up my sunnies...

Lots of love,

Centine.

A night of shiny structured 80s jackets.

2009-03-07T03:49:00.000-08:00

I headed out a few hours ago for a few casual cocktails wearing this shining exemplar of an 80's silhouette:

(please note that these were not actually taken before leaving the house, but just 2 minutes ago...hence the slightly frazzled/tipsy expressions). I found this little number in a junk store in melbourne. The thing I love most about this top is the back side. What a great shape!

I digress...

On the way from the Station to the Sly Fox (cheapest cocktails in Sydney) I stumbled across one of my favourite second shops...open at night...and with everything ON SALE!!! 3 garments for $20!!! And so I came home looking like this:

Tadaa!

This tuxedo jacket feels like it was tailor made for me, and it's also really good quality. All these factors however play second fiddle to my main motivation for purchasing this jacket - it makes me feel just a little bit more like Bryan Ferry.

-Love Kaylene.

P.S. - Stay tuned for the remaining 2/3rds of my second hand bargains!!!

Bobby Pins!

2009-03-06T19:37:00.000-08:00

I'm on a break at the moment from my 12-hour shift of waitressing. Blergh. Thought I would escape into the wonderful world of hair accesories.

Deep, right??

style.com

I love this look from Carolina Herrera's '09 Fall show. I think it would be a great and cheap look to pilfer. All you need is lots and lots and lots of bobby pins. Lots.

Though my cravings for hair pieces has dragged me (inevitably) to the Mimco website. This is where I openly admit my addiction, my craving, my unconditional love for all things Mimco. Despite their occasionally questionable designs and rather outrageous price tags, I LOVE THEM!!!

Deco Fan

Kaleidoscope Clip

Snake Skinny Alice Band

Gaudi Prong

Hugs for Mimco!!! Look it up at www.mimco.com.au NOW!!

Judging by the steak grease, sweat and hair spray currently holding my locks in place, I wont be needing bobby pins or prongs or clips at all today. But just you wait. Tomorrow is a new day...

Love love,

an optimistic Centine.

I like "borrowing" t-shirts.

2009-03-05T21:14:00.000-08:00

I've learnt some very useful things about self-photo taking since starting this blog. The first is that you should move the camera to capture yourself, and not move yourself to fit in with the camera. Otherwise such silliness occurs:

Also...I think it'd help if I had just one plain wall in my unit, for a fresh Jane from seaofshoes.com look. (She's my blog hero). Alas, in my crowded apartment it is near impossible.
I love this Madonna T-shirt. It's from her 1993 Australia "Girly Show" tour. I borrowed it from my fiance Lax, who has one of the most extensive T-shirt collections of anyone I know. Thanks love :)

Madonna shirt worn with vintage sequined vest, op-shop belt, cocoon skirt from ebay and Ann Demeulemeester boots.

Love Kaylene xo

Music Revisited - The Raincoats

2009-03-03T02:02:00.001-08:00

Lately I've been revisiting a lot of my favourite bands and albums from when I was in my teens. Today has been all about The Raincoats - one of the first all female post punk bands.

Their sound was distinctly minimalist, punctuated by punchy and John Cale-esque violin playing.

It was not uncommon for their songs to spiral out of control and descend into chaos, only to be directly followed by the most serene and moving of instrumental sections that could parallel more recent bands like Sigur Rós.

Their first two albums are completely flawless. Check them out!

The Raincoats - 1980 (recorded 1979)

Odyshape - 1981

And don't you just love their album artwork?

-Love Kaylene

Circular Argument

2009-03-01T16:17:00.000-08:00

You'll need to bear with me for this post, as I have to give you some seemingly unrelated information in a certain order for this to make sense. It'll end up being like an episode of Desperate Housewives, where all the loose strands are tied up into one fashionable bow mere minutes before the end.

Trust me. I think it'll be worth it.

So, nugget number 1: After a catastrophic summer involving not one, but two, break-ups I recently decided to swear off love and men for twelve months. At least. Six weeks in, and I'm still going strong. Surprisingly strong, actually. I feel like I have more time for my friends, and more energy to do those random things I've been meaning to do for years now. Like start a fashion blog with my darling Kaylene.

flickr.com

Nugget number 2: As a kid I loved to play with Barbie dolls. Unfortunately, my childhood consisted of only one genuine doll, and three of those dodgy rip-offs. My love for the real Barbie entirely eclipsed her faux-Barbie friends.

Nugget number 3: I never had a Ken doll, though my childhood buddy had two. So Barbie had a serious, but long-distance, relationship with a Ken doll in the next street over. They often holiday-ed together.

manbehindthedoll.com

(Side note: Barbie broke up with Ken in 2004, to date some young Australian Surfer dude. Even plastic love isn't fantastic).

peoplemagazine.com

(Does anyone else think Barbie looks surprisingly trampy in this photo? Short shorts with mesh top? And is that fake tan? It's just so divergent from her usual elegant style...)

Fourth Nugget of Information: This year is Barbie's 50th anniversary. To help her celebrate, designers like Vera Wang, Kenneth Cole and Anna Sui made an outfit they believed epitomised Barbie. Please Youtube it. It's beautiful, in a way.

images from Mercedes Benz Fashion week

The Nugget which I wish to provide fifth: Accessories are my thing. Especially bags. I'm addicted to handbags. When I'm feeling the energy, I will post a picture of my large array of handbags. And you will enjoy it. Will.

An epitome! Also known as Sixth nugget! In the Barbie fashion show, it occurred to me that a Ken doll has NOTHING to do with love or lust or whatever. A boyfriend is an ACCESSORY!

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

So, ladies and gentlemen, without further pomp and ceremony, allow me to introduce the it-bag for 2009: The Boyfriend!

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

How did I never notice this before now?

Centine.

xoxoxox

My favourite.

2009-03-01T00:06:00.000-08:00

Rick Owens may not necessarily be my favourite designer, but he is definitely my favourite person who is a designer. Am i making sense? Don't get me wrong, I'd do almost anything to be the proud owner of this vest:Or this jacket
Or even these boots if I had really skinny legs...

(style.com)

But in the mean time, I'm more than happy to watch clips of Rick Owens on youtube. He's so lovable. Before knowing much about Rick, I assumed that he may be a rather austere and perhaps even pretentious avant garde character. But I guess that's a lesson for me to never assume anything, and don't judge a book, etc etc.

The moment I knew I truly loved Rick Owens was when an interviewer asked: "The title of the show is strutter, what does that mean?"

To which Rick replies: "Strutter is one of my favourite KISS songs...Paul Stanley kinda screeches strutter all through the song and once you her him like singing strutter it's kinda like always in your head".

That made me smile.

-Love Kaylene

Can we be that cool?

2009-02-27T05:03:00.000-08:00

Centine,

Are you willing to walk by my side everywhere I go in matching knee-highs, pill box hats and dark shades so that I too can look as cool as the Armani girls?

Please say you will.

Yours truly,

-Kaylene

I'll Emporio your Armani!

2009-02-26T19:19:00.000-08:00

You know what I love? When catwalk models walk in groups or pairs. It just makes them look so cool, like a posse or entourage. Combine that with knee-high (or shin-high) socks, blazer-cut jackets and a-line skirts, and the Emporio Armani collection resembles the beautiful girls from a high-school drama. Or am I the only one feeling a "Mean Girls" vibe?

Either way, Centine = in love.

style.com

Goot schmoot.

2009-02-25T22:46:00.000-08:00

Pictures from style.com

I was so excited to see Josh Goot's new collection today...that was until I actually saw it. To me, the best feature in Goot's previous collections was his amazing dreamy prints. I guess I would have expected that to become his signature and for his prints to be recognisably his own, in the same way that a Pucci print is undeniably Pucci.

Goot retained his minimalist aesthetic in terms of the lines of garments, but there was just not enough substance to warrant any excitement. His theme was "geology", and if you're going to have something as boring as rocks as your theme, you really need to find a way to inject some life into it.

It basically was a whole lot of this...yawn.

The only redeeming features of the entire collection were this top:

..and this print featured towards the end of the collection, finally giving some respite from the endless amounts of black and neutrals:

Unfortunately for Goot, Graeme Black also had a geology themed collection, proving that such a subject can be a little more than a mind-numbing trip back to year 9 science class.

Graeme Black Fall 09

Love Kaylene

RIP Banana

2009-02-25T16:49:00.000-08:00

This is my budgie, Banana.

Sad Face.

R.I.P. - my beloved cape

2009-02-25T02:39:00.000-08:00

I just realised the grey cape thing (which you can see featured in one of my previous posts) has vanished. I wore it to TAFE this morning, and it didn't come home with me. This makes me very sad, as i loved wearing it with almost anything. On the bright side, it was basically a large circle with two small holes for arms which will be easy to replicate. But still, not the point!

What annoys me most is if I was still at the Conservatorium of music this wouldn't be a problem. The students would pick it up and be questioning the purpose of this large piece of grey material. But at Ultimo...aahhh...that's a different kettle of fish. Those young designers can spot a versatile garment a mile off with their eagle fashion eyes.

Oh drapey cape, I hope you find your way back to me. Sigh...

-Kaylene :(

"I'm a man-eating machine"

2009-02-24T02:14:00.000-08:00

Last month I was lucky enough to get tickets to see Grace Jones perform when she was in Australia for the Sydney Festival. She absolutely blew my mind, both aurally and visually, but given the nature of this blog, i'll focus on the latter.

There was a lot of hype surrounding the Philip Treacy headwear, but i must say, some of the capes and jackets she wore were equally amazing, and i've been trying to find out who they were designed by. If anyone knows, please drop me a line.

Photography by Andrea Klarin

Grace has played muse to many famous designers and artists since the late 70's, but her recent comeback with the album "Hurricane" has once again secured her place in the fashion world. In the last six months, her image has been directly influencing many collections and editorials:

Jean Paul Gaultier Sring 2009 Couture

(Images from style.com)

Photos be Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia August 08

Grace Jones...I love you.

From Kaylene. xo

Twilight Sucks Ass

2009-02-22T16:41:00.001-08:00

I am aware this next comment will piss off almost every female currently alive (maybe even Kaylene) but I honestly thought "Twilight" was the worst movie I have ever seen in my LIFE. No, that's not true; "Runaway Bride" was worse, but "Twilight" was up there...

The weird thing is that since seeing that visual onslaught I cannot stop thinking about these tough-ass lumberjack boots Bella wears in one scene. And I want them. For my own. To have and to hold. For eternity.

Twitter.com

Look how comfy they look! Sheep-skin lined! And how cute are they over jeans?

Screen Grabs from Twitter.com

Sorry about the dodgy quality here. I think these were actually taken by a extremely dedicated fan sneaking onto set with a phone-camera. If only they had zoomed in on the boots...

sorel.com

I quite like these guys. Nice and tough, comfortable, perfect for a lil' stomp in the snow.

And I think Proenze Schouler is feeling it to. Check out these boots from Fall '09.

style.com

Don't they just give you warm fuzzies? I'm feeling hot chocolates, woollen hats, rosy cheeks. Oooo, I can't wait for winter!!!

Anyway, I am now off to chop down nature.

That is all.

Love love,

Centine.

Work shoes? Play shoes more like it!

2009-02-22T01:57:00.000-08:00

I got these lovely purple suede shoes from work today. One of the perks of being expected to wear their current stock. They're such a conservative classic shape...but then the purple suede gives them that touch of silliness which i need in order to justify wearing them.

On an unrelated note, I'd like these please:

These are by Derek Lawlor - one of the Central Saint Martins graduates who showed today as part of London Fashion Week. Very talented indeed!

Love Kaylene.

Politician design proposition: The B-Hawke

2009-02-20T20:58:00.000-08:00

In response to your challenge Centine, may i present to you my first sketch of the B-Hawke dress:

Inspired by the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia himself.

Bob Hawke

In order to capture the lustrous waves and texture, i'd take a note from Hussein Chalayan's book and create strongly sculptured lines, enhanced by hi-tech 3-D printed fabric (in a streaky silver-fox grey of course).

Hussein Chalayan Spring 09.

Image from style.com.

The B-Hawke!!! It's an Australian fashion sensation.

Love Kaylene.

Sick Day

2009-02-20T16:06:00.000-08:00

If I had my way, I'd be wearing this Libertine outfit. As well as being extraordinarily hip, it has a built-in cold remover, guaranteed to stop coughing and sneezing. Very valuable to me right now.

sourced from style.com

How cute is this outfit! I love love love the short little jacket with the fingerless gloves. I've tried to wear something similar, but always end up looking like a hobo. If anyone knows the secret of how to pull off this look, please email me immediately.

However, the screen printing in this collection put me off a little, especially the prevalence of Elizabeth II images. After the Dolce and Gabbana and the Alexander McQueen shows of last season, it feels a little dated. We have well and truly been there and done that.

Alexander Mcqueen and Dolce and Gabbana sourced from style.com

The real shame of it is that Libertine appear to be simply following their own aesthetic. There is a wonderful continuity within their collections. When viewed outside the context of other fashion 'movers and shakers', Libertine is happily ambling along on their own little inspiration path, picking daisies and sipping tea from a pastel thermos.

sourced from style.com

Case in point: modelled here by photographer Sigrid Rothe, the 2006 Libertine collection features images and inspiration from good old Queen Vic. So while the screen prints of the 2009 Fall collection still seem hackneyed to me, I do not think they have jumped upon some sort of "fashion-house bandwagon" in honouring the monarchs of past and present.

I, too, find the Royal family extremely charming (especially when Bess's adorable umbrella matches her skirt suit! Aww!) but where has this love affair with England's monarchy come from? Maybe it's an Australian thing - with our so-called disrespect for authority cliché thing bla bla bla - but none of our political, or even cultural, leaders are honoured in our fashion. What do you say, Kaylene, shall we have a challenge to pay homage through clothing to an Australian politician of your choice?

sourced from whois.com

Though that might have to wait a week or so. Unfortunately, even after this whole rant, I currently look more like this:

gormogons.com

Love love,

Centine.

Re: Who Doesn't Love a Onesie?

2009-02-20T06:01:00.000-08:00

It's no secret, we can be candid here: I was one of the people who sniggered at Kaylene's conviction that the jumpsuit was ever going to come into fashion. Unless it is one for sleeping, like this:

sourced from amazon.com

Or, of course, for a baby. Always allowed on babies. In fact, compulsory on babies. This one being particularly worthy.

sourced from babble.com

I still don't really see the point. If a jumpsuit was simply two pieces that matched you could wear them together, or style them separately.

However, in a moment of weakness, I must admit that I did buy and wear a jumpsuit. And I guess I still think it is a pretty cool piece. Though, every time I wear it, I still think "what's the point?"

Answer me that, Kaylene, answer me that!

My own fashion prediction, or rather next fashion prediction, is one I have been campaigning for a while. It's only a matter of time. Soon everyone will be wanting librarian glasses on a string. I'm thinking:

sourced from tradeeasy.com

I'm thinking:

sourced from gizmodiva.com

I'm thinking it has to happen!

I'm also thinking you should never google image search "librarian glasses", as there is a lot more naked pictures associated with that search than you might originally think...

(And yes, I am blogging after going to the pub. Why, you ask? Because drink driving is a crime. And I can't afford a taxi. Oh, the woes of being a uni student.)

Love love!

Centine.

You can call me Svetlana!

2009-02-20T05:08:00.000-08:00

Seeing as we're touching the subject of yesterdays op-shop finds, here's one of mine:

All op-shopped except for Filippo Raphael Shoes

*The rose is a dead remnant from V-day....I was actually on my way to throw it out

but the colour was just too perfect with my top to pass up the prop opportunity..

I used to have a Russian Porcelain doll when i was but a young-en, and she had a dress that reminds me of this top. Porcelain dolls freak me out a little bit. I think it's the eyelashes.

Everyone! To the North Gong!

2009-02-20T02:34:00.000-08:00

I'm about to head to the pub (I live in Wollongong. It's what you do after dark. We're Obsessive Compulsive in that respect...) And as I had a whopping two hours to get ready, as opposed to my usual allowance of 15 minutes, I decided to go all out with the clothes and the make-up and the beauty routine. Ahh, hours of leisure...

I found this dress when Kaylene and I went op-shopping yesterday. As it was way to big, I've belted it in with this fabulous kimono-style silk belt by Carla Zampatti.

And to "youth" it up a bit, I've messily pinned the sleeves up.

And this is an antique Dutch coral choker. I love the gold locket detail, and it has the strangest latch in the world. Will have to show details later, when I finally find my way out of it again.

And just a quick edit on your post, Kay. Zima doesn't actually make the leather pieces, though he does commission them. The actual master craftsman is Logan, part-time artist and part-time Steakhouse chef.

But now I must dash! Time for a schooner of VB, if you know what I mean...

Who doesn't love a onesie?

2009-02-20T01:19:00.000-08:00

Jumpsuit from Obus, Fly London Shoes

Everyone sniggered at me a couple of years back when I was insisting that jumpsuits were going to be big again...who's laughing now huh? (Probably the same people who were laughing 2 years ago...)

This brooch was my christmas present from Centine. It's from my favourite vintage clothing store, "Medieval Disco" in Wollongong. Zema, (the owner and mastermind behind medieval disco) makes these amazing leather brooches which resemble anonymous sea creatures. Centine has a lovely one in an olive colour, maybe she will feature it in a post some time. Unlike a lot of vintage stores, Zema handpicks all of the stock to fit in with his own distinctive aesthetic, rather than just choosing pieces for the fact that they are likely to sell. Be sure to call in if ever you're in Wollongong.

Women don't ACTUALLY play golf!

2009-02-20T00:26:00.002-08:00

...Such was the general opinion in the early 20th century. It was not important for them to be good at golf, and therefore the practicality of their attire was low on the priority list. I'm no feminist when it comes to matters of "women in sports", so i'm sticking with the notion that it's more important to look good on the golf course than be under par.

So Centine, I know I haven't really answered your argyle question, but unless you're of scottish descent, you really have no obligation to stick with argyle. May I be so bold as to suggest any of the following looks:

Malaria Versus the Gap in your Memory

2009-02-19T18:08:00.000-08:00

Last night I woke up from this epically amazing dream with this sentence stuck in my head: "Malaria versus the Gap in your Memory". And my dream brain represented these two, you know, "opposing forces" as brown squiggles of coloured pencil with post-it notes for mouths. I know, right? Scary!

There is a reason I'm telling you about my dreams, promise. You see, as soon as I saw the Sonia Rykiel portrait dress on Kaylene's post, I couldn't stop thinking about two rather abstract thoughts, namely "malaria" and "the gap in your memory". It took me a good hour to realise why. (Dramatic Pause). It is because the hair on the dress is the EXACT same colour of brown as the squiggles.

Sourced from Style.com

So then, of course, I went on a fun cognitive journey this morning of how dreams and life and experience and all that new-age hoo-ha can effect your inspiration. For example, did you know that the black backless dress which closed the Chanel 2007 Fall collection was inspired by a dream Karl Lagerfeld had? And it is amazing! So the way I see it is you cannot be at all picky of where your inspiration comes from. Self-censorship is an ugly word and practice. So, Kaylene my dear, I think that if you are inspired by yourself, than you have found an amazing and rather affordable source. A whole lot cheaper than travelling.

By the way, my name is Centine. This is me, drinking beer. I study Communications and Media Studies and Creative Writing. Kaylene and I will be conducting a "Fashion Dialogue" in this space, purely for your pleasure.

But, Kaylene, I have a question now. I am about to meet some friends for a round of golf. On two previous occasions have I exhausted my supply of argyle. Is it appropriate to wear the same item of clothing to the same event with the same people if the item in question serves a specific purpose?

Hugsies!

Portrait of an artist as a smock.

2009-02-19T05:23:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about the Sonia Rykiel Spring 09 collection, which was in short a joyous celebration of all things Sonia. Her signature was all over the collection, but most obviously in the dress with the image of her face brought to life by a blaze of orange hair. I was aware that this particular show marked the 40th anniversary of the label, but i wasn't aware until...well...this afternoon when i decided to read up on the collection, that the looks which came out at the end of the show were tributes to Sonia Rykiel by an array of designers including Margiela, Rodarte and Gaultier.

The aforementioned portrait dress was by Castelbajac, who made similar dresses last season featuring Kirsten Dunst and Natalie Portman. Before I had gained this knowledge I had assumed the self-portrait dress was designed by Sonia herself...what a ballsy/admirable/self obsessed move that would have been!

For those of you who don't know me, My name is Kaylene, and I have recently (2 weeks ago) started studying Fashion Design at Ultimo Tafe in Sydney. What I want to know is how long will it be before I can justify my own self portrait dress? Will I have to wait for someone else to make a tribute one? I'd be down with that also. I'd wear my own self-portrait dress complete with hair trimmings everywhere.

I only got Photoshop a few days ago and have no idea how to use it properly...you may have already picked up on that.

What do you think Centine? Is it too early to start my tribute dress?