RECAP - MELBOURNE FASHION WEEK

RECAP - MELBOURNE FASHION WEEK

Melbourne Fashion Week took over the footpath of Swanston Street for its annual week long offering that launches the beginning of Spring and Summer and the social season in which Melbourne comes alive. 

Suit: Jack London

Shirt: Department 5

Socks: Gucci

Shoes: Ben Sherman

Bag: No Name

Sunglasses: Arockonalens

The fashion obsessed flowed into the Melbourne Town Hall to view the latest offerings from both designers and retailers with their glasses of champers in hand. It is always a great environment to catch up with your fellow stylish friends, see familiar faces behind a camera and meet new and exciting people that your normally only communicate with through your instagram feed. The MFW Bar meant serious business inside with its set up and exhibition space, which unfortunately did not flow outside to the claustrophobic outdoor area on the footpath either side of the entrance. 

Courtesy: Mamamia

For dedicated fashion addicts there were a handful of people on the street that peaked my interest. Hoards of bloggers, influencers and wannabes presented their best offerings for the camera's as they circled the block. As you know the louder and more individual you are in your clothes, the more likely you are to peak the interest of the papz and be snapped. In this case I felt like I was stuck inside a photo shoot for a menswear suit catalog. After a week of viewing the street styles I was left with the impression that Australian menswear fashion is still relatively conservative, with not much evolution between seasons or even years. Thankfully there were standouts from the ladies who bought their A game to the footpath injecting understated chicness and colourful combinations whilst braving the chilly nights.

Shirt & Blazer: James Harper

Pants: Department 5

Shoes: Lacoste

Bag: Doucals

Sunglasses: Gucci

Trends that dominated the footpath outside the shows:

Street Luxe - The number one dominating trend was the mixing of streetwear with high fashion. Of course all black ensembles were everywhere, and the opposite. All white was also present like a flock of seagulls searching for a potato chip. 

Florals - As Miranda Priestly so eloquently put it, florals for Spring. Groundbreaking. Let's move on.

Belts - Belts were everywhere. Some good, some bad and some that I will be happy to never see again. If I see one more GG gold belt I think I will scream as it has replaced the tiresome YSL tassel bag that every woman has been renting for the last year.

Men in Suts - When it comes to men's suits there were some stylish accessories to set off the slim tailored fits that were on display. Plenty of pocket squares and lapel pins which showed individuality of the wearer. There were minimal pleated trousers which have been huge in Europe for the last two years and plenty of loafers with no socks. Special shout out to the gents who took the stuffiness out of menswear and wore something a little different and didn't play it safe. Bravo.

Pretty Ugly Shoes - Delighted to see so many wonderful shoes with different hardware and embellishments in a variety of styles both on men and women. Thigh high leather tan boots on women with chunky heels were a regular staple. The elaborate shoes would not normally be considered pretty but the vulgarity and opulence was beautiful and refreshing to see in Melbourne. ADORE!

Fur - Fur accessories adorned everything from earrings to bags and shoes. Poor little critters will live on for seasons to come after being dyed in fabulous colours providing a lux

vibe to ensembles.

Blazer & Coat: Oxford

Shirt, Tie, Pocket Squares & Shorts: James Harper

Sweater: Ted Baker

Socks:  Gucci

Most of the shows were exactly as I feared, producing safe visions of well groomed and pruned ensembles ready for the horse racing season in a few months. The flare for dramatics or igniting a point of difference was eliminated by many big designers that played it safe and delivering much of what they have for the previous seasons. However there were a few examples of inspiration and creativity that will be burned in my mind for a while. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for updates

Garage Runway - As much as I enjoy a good summer dress, there was a lot of black and muted tones or uninspiring patterns that were constantly reused. I understand ethical fashion and the need to be wise with materials, but without variety comes boredom. I have seen so many dresses inspired by Queen B's baseball bat twirling dress to last me a lifetime. 

Menswear Garage - Alike the aforementioned it was held in the basement of the Melbourne Town Hall, the likes of Amxander, Jack London, Autonomy, Chris Ran Lin and Dom Bagnato sent styles down the runway that unfortunately did not peak my interest. Following European trends with oversized bumbags across the chest and numerous patterned materials that were reused for different pieces, there were a few nice pieces but nothing that made me gasp. The overall vibe of the show was trying to be edgy with the model selection, music, skateboards and styling, that it all felt the same. I left a little deflated after this showing.

David Jones - The creative styling team behind the show should be commended for creating safe ensembles that would peak the interest of suburban housewives and gents who require a suit for the races. A huge retailer like David Jones do know their target audience very well and this showcased their knowledge of their consumer, right down to the YSL heels or The Kingsman inspired gentlemen that will soon appear on movie screens.

Premium Runway Four - Finally an injection of what fashion means to me. There were opulent embellishments, tassels, fabric choices, voluminous sleeves and dramatics in the styling including a little homage to good old Formation film clip. The line up of deisgners meshed well together although once again there was a little too much black on the catwalk for my liking, but it is Melbourne after all and black sells. 

Premium Runway - Closing - The saying "Leave the best to last" was true of closing night of the festival with some inspirational displays sent down the ice melting runway. In a week that started off rather underwhelming it was good to wrap the festival up on a positive note with some of Australia’s most popular labels such as Romance Was Born, solid stand out for me.

After a few seasons not attending what was Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and rebranded MFW, it was pleasant to see new ideas influence the program and inject some much needed innovation into the festival. Melbourne has serious pride in it's events and the team behind Melbourne Fashion Week should be commended for staying current and on trend whilst producing a solid program. A huge shout out to the volunteers who spent 12 hour days holding the festival together. Round of applause.

I believe that some of the designers need to lift their game if they wish to retain current supporters of their brands, or attract new customers. By the end of the week photographers were not on the streets, media pit at the end of the runway appeared a little thin and there were many empty seats in the town hall creating an underwhelming atmosphere. With Melbourne Fashion Festival receiving an injection of funding from the State Government recently it will be interesting to see if the fashion capital is big enough for both Fashion Week and Fashion Festival. Let the catwalk battles begin.

Basic Fashion For Teenage Guys - Tips For Boys Only.

Basic Fashion For Teenage Guys - Tips For Boys Only.

One of the most important things for teenage boys is to feel at ease with themselves. As a teen, you want to be yourself and fit in with everyone else. Self-expression and acceptance are crucial things for teen guys and style has a lot to do with it.

Your appearance is a big part of who you are and looking on the outside as you feel on the inside is something that, especially during your teen years, can be hard to achieve. Teenage boys are faced with many aspects of style which they don’t know how to handle. Because your body is changing so rapidly, and often not evenly, it might be hard to find the right clothes to wear and your apparel might sometimes make you feel bad or embarrassed. Moreover, boys tend to get frustrated by the fact that other boys look so different from them, even though they are the same age. This is why it is important to learn how to make the best of your body and body type.

Don’t forget, you can always change your body, working out can make you lose weight if this is what you wish or it can build muscle, but, often, these things take time. It is always crucial to make the best of what you have now, as this will give you the confidence and power to work towards achieving your goals.

Here are some style tips that can be applied at any age and regardless of your style and taste in clothes.

Have something for every setting

Teen boyA teen must have clothes that are suited for any setting. Since you are probably spending most of your time in school, at arts or sports classes and hanging out at the mall or studying, you probably don’t need as many business clothes as an older man. However, it is recommend to have at least one go-to suit.

Here is an example of a versatile, basic wardrobe:

1. Jeans

2. Khakis, chinos, etc.

3. Shirts

4. T-shirts

5. Vests

6. Jackets

7. Jumpers

8. Long sleeve shirt

9. Socks

10. Underwear

11. Dress shoes

12. Casual shoes

13. Sneakers

14. A suit

15. Accessories (watches, ties, bow ties)

Wear fitting clothes

Teen boy styleWearing clothes that fit is probably the single most important fashion advice you will ever receive. Regardless of your size or body type (which, if you are a teen might still change), wearing clothes that fit is the one thing that will make you look best.

But what does it mean to wear clothes that fit? Basically, it means that the clothes you wear should fit your size, they should not be smaller or bigger.

A small guy who wears clothes that are too big for his size will look as if he is drowning in his clothes. If you are a small guy, and want to appear bigger by wearing smaller clothes, that won’t work either: you will look even smaller and strangled by your clothes. On the other hand, if you are a bigger guy, wearing clothes that are bigger than your size will make you look even bigger and wearing clothes that are too tight will make you look as if you are hurt by your clothes.

How to tell if something fits

Teen guyIt might take a while until you get the hang of how clothes work, but until then, there are a few things you can check to make sure your clothes fit. First of all, if you are buying a shirt, a jacket or any other kind of top piece (sweaters, t-shirts, etc.), you should check the shoulders: the sewing line that connects the shoulder line to the sleeve should match your natural shoulder line.

Also, when you are buying pants, make sure that they start at your waist, not at your belly button and not lower. Moreover, you should check the bottom part of your pants. If, while wearing them, they have more than one fold, they are too big.

Generally speaking, clothes that fit have three characteristics:

1. They touch your body without squeezing it

2. They are comfortable

3. They make you look good

Also, it is recommended to always wear good underwear. Don’t wear any underwear that is too tight: it might cause rashes; it can harm your privates and feel uncomfortable. Don’t wear underwear that is too loose either: as a teenage guy, you probably have many unexpected erections, which you don’t necessarily want to share with the world.

Tailor your clothes

This all sounds good in theory, but, as a teen, you will find that at often times, the clothes you find on a store shelf don’t necessarily fit your body. The reason for this is because each guy is growing differently, and therefore, at most times, if a jacket fits in the shoulders, it won’t fit in the arms’ length and so on.

This is where the magic of tailoring comes in. A good tailor can do wonders for your looks. The sooner you will realize this, the better it will be!

The trick is, however, to know how to buy clothes that you will be able to tailor. For example, when you are shopping for a blazer or a jacket, you should make sure that it fits in the shoulders. A tailor can adjust pretty much anything about the fit of a jacket, but they can’t change the shoulders.

Moreover, it is recommended to buy clothes that are slightly larger, if you wish to have them tailored. If a piece is too small, it will be hard and costly to add fabric to it to make it look good.

Some clothes however, don’t necessarily need tailoring. For example, before considering tailoring your jeans, you should wash them twice. The reason for this is because jeans will always shrink in length when washed. This is why you should always buy jeans that a little longer than you’d need them. Also, when you are in doubt about which pair of jeans to buy and have to choose between two sizes that both seem to fit, always choose the smaller size, as jeans stretch with wear. Also, as a style tip, dark-wash jeans look dressier, are more versatile and are better at hiding dirt, which, let’s face it, as a teen, you might get on your pants.

Get a hairstyle

Teen guysWhen it comes to your haircut, it is important to find a haircut that fits your features and traits. However, if you are not a guy to invest a lot of time in doing your hair and maintaining it, you should be advised that a buzz cut is better than an unmaintained hairdo.

Care for grooming

When you are a teenager, you might be faced with a number of grooming-related issues you don’t know what to do about.

Here are a few tips:

1. To make sure your skin is always clean; exfoliate a few times each week. It is not recommended to exfoliate more than three times each week.

2. If you start shaving, you might experience rashes afterwards. For some guys, this is a temporary thing, while others simply have a more sensitive skin. There is nothing wrong with that. Either way, you can use a good after-shave lotion for sensitive skin to reduce the rashes.

3. Make sure you always use a good deodorant. Moreover, if you have sweaty feet, pour two or three tablespoons of baking soda in your sneakers in the evening and tilt the shoe to distribute the soda evenly. The baking soda will absorb perspiration and odor. Make sure you take the soda out before putting your shoes back on. This way, your sneakers will be clean and neat all the time.

To conclude, we can say that, regardless of your style, wearing fitting clothes and keeping it clean will make you look polished and clean. This will result in people taking you more seriously and in you feeling more confident about who you are and about everything you do.

Fraquoh and Franchomme

TRAINING WHEELS

TRAINING WHEELS

What I adore about the wonderful world of fashion is there are no rules anymore. With summer clearly over in Melbourne, I like to dwell in the past and resurrect one of the looks I enjoyed from last Summer. Of course I am talking about the Suit-Trainer ensemble. One of my favourite and easiest looks too style. This is by no means a Jerry Seinfield denim and trainers story!

Thanks to the big fashion houses leading the way with remaking the trainer and branding them to within an inch of their life via bright colours, signature monograms, embellishments, there has never been a better time to dress down a suit and still remain stylish.
I am not one to confirm to a uniform at work but still want to achieve chic, clean and classy looks that are required when working within the sector I do. 

Whatever your budget maybe, you can achieve this look. You will find similar no name shoes at some of the biggest variety stores across the country for next to nicks! Of course your trusty kicks that you wear to the gym or from your recent marathon will not help you achieve pulling off this modern look. 

As always you know I am a dress for purpose person. It is always important to consider the occasion you’ll be sporting this look for, or any look for that matter. I like to wear this look to work or out for dinner with friends. It's chic and simple to achieve and is super comfortable.
For my friends out there who love to wear lots of black (there are many of you ) using statement trainers in a bright colour against a monochromatic ensemble works particularly well. Furthermore for a casual look  chinos and an untucked shirt with trainers is a perfect casual look. Other options are  

You do not need to stick to a white trainer! Embrace a print or strong colour, and remember if they are white, look after them. No one enjoys a white shoe that is not clean!
Personally I like to stick to a slim fit suit and pair with trainers that pop or in contrasting colours. 

The biggest question I am asked is should I wear socks with a suit or go sockless? Honestly, I hate socks being shown unless it is completely intentional and they are a focus point for your ensemble. The second question then is "Don't your shoes stink?".
It is like people have never heard of sockettes!

What do you think of this style?

Suit: BrigginsShirt: Bell & BarnettShoes: Adidas

OODLES OF OUTERWEAR

OODLES OF OUTERWEAR

Back in Melbourne after my vacation to Noosa and I am feeling the cold. From days on the beach soaking up the sun to jumping puddles and constant coffee runs to stay warm, there could not be more of a contrast. Either way I am to inspire both men and women with experimenting with their own personal style. To inspire you to engage with the world outside your front door and step out of your comfort zone. Clothes can either maketh the man or woman but in truth the clothes should not wear you. You should wear them, and they should make you feel amazing and be an extension of your personality. A great item to showcase your personality and style is the coat and that is what this post is all about.

Hat: @asos_man

Sunglasses: @lespecs
Coat: @vanheusenau
Shirt: @dangerfieldclothing
Scarf: vintage find
Pants: @topman
Gloves: @dentsgloves
Shoes: @jacklondon_official

Whether you're running around town attending gallery shows or catching up with friends over a nice brunch, make sure you're warm and cozy this winter. A wardrobe necessity for me is a good winter coat (or 3 or 4) Wherever you are this winter, you want to ensure that the coat you choose is both functional and stylish. Personally I favour long coats as I like to feel warm and secure. Bomber jackets and denim are great but not practical for cold winters in Melbourne or Hobart where you need a coat that can battle the elements. 

This coat is called "The Grant" from @oxfordshop Naturally I bought it 
Coat: @oxfordshop
Suit & shirt: @briggins_clothiers
Tie: @bows_n_ties
Shoes & bag: @ted_baker
Socks: @paulsmithdesign
Sunglasses: @gucci

Being a savvy individual I adore coats that are easily "Go-To" or "Do-It-All". Simply throw it on and run out the door and look effortlessly chic, coats that are able to be paired with many of your wardrobe items. Great coats will be fitted with some sort of stylish feature from buttons, fur trims, pipping, deep pockets and luxurious fabrics.

Sunglasses: @gucci
Scarf: @frenchconnection_au
Coat: @bossinimenswear 
Pants: @connor_clothing
Gloves: @dentsgloves
Shoes: @ash

Obviously this is one wardrobe item that does need to be fit for purpose and deliver in protecting your from the elements. You will find a large portion of winter coats will come with a hood. The aim of a winter coat FYI is to keep your body warmth in and block the elements from getting in. I look for deep pockets (user-friendly), high collars, and a point of difference in the details such as buttons. 

Coat: @boohooMANofficial
Shirt: @jamesharper_
Pants: @manuelritzofficial
Waistcoat: @connor_clothing
Shoes & bag : @ted_baker
Sunglasses: no name

Keep in mind when shopping for a coat what the material actually is. You will find these days most coats are not fully made of wool, or partial inferior fabrics and insulation are used. In saying that you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars (so many great bargains around town) to get a great coat. There is a large variety of online retailers that produce quality winter coats for fraction of the price and the quality is quite good. 

Coat: @boohooMANofficial
Pants: @edderedidelduca
Shoes: @adidas
Scarf: @karllagerfeld
Bag: @ted_baker
Sunglasses: @lespecs
Gloves: @dentsgloves

The great thing about fashion and style (both two very different things) is there is no right or wrong these days. From clashing prints, to changing your body shape with the use of different fits and styles. Invest in a great coat and it will last years. I do not understand why people invest in something that does not fit their personal style and will be thrown out after the current season. Prime example is Burberry trench coats. They stand the test of time as they are classic and the quality is amazing. 

Cape coat: @jacklondon_official
Sweater: @oxfordshop
Shirt: @oxfordshop
Pants: @boohooMANofficial
Shoes: no idea
Hat: @connor_clothing

Family and friends always ask my advice with how to choose the right fit for a coat. Here are some handy tips:

1) If you cannot lift your arms parallel to the floor the coat is too tight

2) Swing a punch (seriously). If you cannot the coat is too tight across the back

3) Throw your keys or phone in the pockets, if it feels to restricted it is not for you

4) You need room for layers, such as suits, scarves and sweaters or thermals

Sunglasses: @gucci
Coat: @boohooMANofficial
Shirt: @oxfordshop
Pants: @topman
Shoes: @targetaus
Scarf: @frenchconnection_au

Make sure you're ready for the winter season with a great coat or two. My advice is to purchase a black and a camel. Always in fashion and remarkably go with everything. Shop smart and pick a great coat. 

POWER OF RED

POWER OF RED

In this post I show you how powerful the colour Red can be when dressing. It is the color of fire and blood, associated with energy, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. Red is a very emotionally intense color. Combine with other colours for a strong combination that will have you standing out in a crowd. Even red accessories (which are not overly expensive) are a great way to update your wardrobe.  

Red accessories are an easy way to introduce the colour Red into any wardrobe. This knitted scarf was a sale find for just $2! The Vivienne Westwood was a little bit more pricey.

Sunglasses: @gucci

Jacket: @roger_david

Shirt: @roberto_cavalli

Bag: @viviennewestwoodofficial

Pants: @boohooMANofficial

Shoes: @roberto_cavalli

Scarf: @dotti_squad

Using the colour red in block colour outfits is also a wise way to style an ensemble. In this case the red is reflected off both with the turtleneck and the pants. 

Coat: @bossinimenswear

Shirt: no name

Pants: @manuelritzofficial

Shoes: @ted_baker

Gloves: @dentsgloves

Bag: @ted_baker

Sunglasses: @oxfordshop

Balancing an outfit can easily be achieved by using small accessories such as pocket squares.

Blazer: @oxfordshop

Shirt: @ydaustralia

Pants: @boohooMANofficial

Shoes: @jacklondon_official

Sunglasses: @oxfordshop

Bag: @davidelfinofficial

Ring: vintage find

A red tie can be just as effective to make an outfit pop and to gain interest. Side Bar: also makes you look taller!

Sunglasses: @gucci

Shirt: @oxfordshop

Blazer: @oxfordshop

Shoes: @connor_clothing

Pants: @boohooMANofficial

Socks: @paulsmithdesign

Shoes: @oxfordshop

Watch: @roamer_watches_belux

Ring: vintage find

I believe every man should have a bold red blazer. It is perfect in creating fresh looks, like this one I wore to Virgin Australian Melbourne Fashion Festival. Do you like nautical looks? If so, perfect with a striped blue Tshirt underneath.

Sunglasses: @oxfordshop

Blazer: @bossinimenswear

Shirt: @oxfordshop

Pants: @manuelritzofficial

Bag: @viviennewestwoodofficial

Shoes: @cesarepaciotti

Ring: vintage find

Watch: @roamer_watches_belux

Bonjour! You do not need to wear head to toe red to stand out. Using Black as a contrast can make a simple striped Tshirt and bandana scarf look new and modern. 

Sunglasses: @lespecs

Blazer: @oxfordshop

Shirt: @iuter

Pants: @connor_clothing

Bag: @doucals

Shoes: @adidasau

Scarf & ring: vintage finds

Watch: @roamer_watches_belux

A true wardrobe classic, the perfect trench coat. In a bright bold colour 

it is easier to create lots of different looks. True fact: The trench coat was originally developed for soldiers in World War I. The streets are the new battle grounds, so dress accordingly! 

Sunglasses: @gucci

Scarf: @frenchconnection_au

Coat: @bossinimenswear 

Pants: @connor_clothing

Gloves: @dentsgloves

Shoes: @ash