When Ted met Sussan

Last week, my bestie/partner in crime, Astrid and I headed down to Adelaide’s shiny new Rundle Plaza for the opening of two very different stores.

The city’s fashion elite flocked to the opening of iconic London label Ted Baker‘s first Adelaide store – a decadent shopfront with a decidedly South Australian twist. As a personable sales assistant explained to Astrid and I, each Ted Baker store is uniquely outfitted to reflect it’s city setting. Therefore, it was only fitting that Ted’s Adelaide home be given a wine-making twist. Wooden planks frame the front window, reflecting the rows of a vineyard, whilst further in shoppers will find hand-blown glass distillery contraptions, spherical metallic wine racks adorning the walls and a counter filled with every bottle-opening tool imaginable.

But what of the clothes themselves? Ted Baker’s garments are the kind of classic items that you’ll spend $200-$300 on and love for forever. Classic structures are livened up with rich hues and eye-catching digital prints – each one unique – in lengths that balance perfectly between office appropriate and tea party approved.

Need more reasons to love Ted? Look no further than his Rolodex of celebrity fans. Disney star and ravishing redhead Bella Thorne rocked the elegantly understated ‘Parisian Birdie’ bodycon sheath at the LA premiere of ‘The Odd Life of Timothy Green’ last August; model-turned-presenter Louise Roe rocked the billowing ‘Attavia’ maxi in Miami last month; and Taylor Swift frocked up to the Tennessee launch of her ‘Wonderstruck’ fragrance in Ted’s chandelier print ‘Marui’ dress. However, I can’t go past Sophia Bush‘s casual concoction of the ‘Margi’ mustard blouse (with adorable beaded Peter Pan collar) and ‘Larinda Decoupage’ skirt. This is the kind of outfit that’ll take you anywhere: pair it with cute biker boots and bare legs for a breezy weekend brunch with friends; or chuck on some opaque tights and black pumps to take you from a day in the office straight to after-work drinks.

Next door, women’s chain store Sussan has had a brand overhaul and now boasts an array of affordable basics for the twenty-something woman. To be honest, I had Sussan labelled in my head as soccer-mom territory; so I was pleasantly surprised with their A/W13 collection. In particular, they’ve got a badass array of chunky knits in bold colours that’ll brighten up even the dreariest of winter days.

Along with the delicious canapés and bubbles, Astrid and I were lucky enough to receive a $50 gift card to spend on the night. Under the recommendation of the lovely Angela (Sussan’s PR & Marketing maven), Astrid and I embraced our inner Justin Bieber with matching onesies. After testing them out on a girls’ weekend getaway down at Myponga beach, I can honestly say that it kicks the ass of any pyjamas I’ve ever owned. Now if only I could figure out a way to make it office appropriate…

You’re the Onesie I want by jacquieohhh on Polyvore

I’m also excited to put the stylish organisational capabilities of this travel wallet to use once Alex and I finally embark on our working holiday (set for November – eep!). Featuring slots for your passport, ticket, ID, business cards, credit cards, cash and even a cheeky pen holder, it also comes in teal, magenta and black – if I wasn’t saving to go away, I’d grab one for every outfit!

Thanks to the crew at Ted Baker Adelaide and Sussan Rundle Plaza, along with Angela Crowe for having us.

xo

Detoxin’ with Thug Kitchen

You may have noticed that it’s been a good two months since anything happened on this blog. See, I’ve been working on this little thing called the Adelaide Fringe – the second-biggest arts festival in the world after Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Specifically, I was working on a program called Fringe Benefits: if you’re in Adelaide and aged 18-30, sign up for free here and enjoy discounts and freebies to festivals, gigs, shows, films and other cool shit all year round. You’re welcome.

With the Fringe now finished for another year (*sniff*), I’m suffering through the traditional post-Fringe flu; yearning to detox my body and return to my favourite past-times of drinking gallons of tea and falling asleep at 9pm. These images from Thug Kitchen are inspiring me to get back on the healthy living wagon… and also making me laugh. A lot.

*If you don’t like strong language, look away now

If you need me, I’ll be in the kitchen, brewing up some tasty lavender lemonade (and sneaking in some gin when you’re not looking)

xx

 

Adelaide Fashion Festival: Brides of Adelaide Bridal Runway Fusion [REVIEW]

Let’s get one thing straight: I am not one of those girls who’s been planning her wedding since she first kissed a boy on the cheek in kindergarten. My string of failed romantic endeavours pre-Alex had me doubting I would ever find a boyfriend I wanted to stay with for more than a month, let alone the rest of my life. And yet part of me is crazy obsessed with wedding dresses; so I couldn’t resist the invitation to check out Brides of Adelaide‘s Bridal Runway Fusion showcase.

As part of the 2012 Adelaide Fashion Festival, entertainment stalwart Thebarton Theatre was transformed into a fashionista’s dream, with an oversized white catwalk (what other colour were you expecting?) flanked by large screens – all the better to watch I Do cinema’s adorbs mash-up of movie weddings on – ensuring that the 84 year old theatre felt as cosy as a wedding chapel.

The list of local, national and international designers on show was impressive even to a bridal show virgin such as myself: Paolo Sebastian, Suzana Lucci, Mariana Hardwick, Brides By The Park, Bridal on Pultney, Lisa Ho (who I last wrote about for LUNA magazine), Red Pearl Couture, Anna Campbell, Jenny & Gerry’s Bridal, Betrothed, Malachi Empire and Eliza French.

Perched in the front row (watch out Wintour!) I had an enviable view of the collections, many of which opted for sophisticated elegance over My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding-style tumescence. Strapless designs were a big hit, as were tulle, french lace and silk concoctions. I’m not a huge fan of stiff corseted, gothic designs, so was glad to see so many classical, streamlined silhouettes on offer, along with alternatives to the traditional snow white gown – the best being a slinky sea green number that could fulfill any woman’s mermaid fantasies. Also, sweeping trains seem to be having a moment – AWESOMESAUCE.

Highlights included Lisa Ho’s subtle cut-outs, Paolo Sebastian’s peek-a-boo streams of chiffon, Red Pearl Couture’s printed offering and Suzanna Lucci’s pretty polka dots – perfect for if Zooey Deschanel ever finds a second hubby. Oh, and local DJ Tink’s pumping soundtrack of epic classical anthems, interlaced with pumping girl power tunes.

Opening with a classical orchestra serenading guests from the balcony, and closing with the Disney Princess fantasy designs of Eliza French, Brides of Adelaide created a dream that seemed to have everyone enthralled from start to finish. If only the post-parade finish (a stilted thanking of the sponsors, followed by dead air and an absence of any “thanks for coming, be sure to check out Brides of Adelaide magazine”, etc.) hadn’t been so abrupt – I feel like a representative from the magazine or event team providing a personal thanks on stage would have gone down much better. But if that’s the only thing I can quibble about – which it is – I think you’d agree that Brides of Adelaide are most definitely onto a winner.

Check out the gallery below for some of my iPhone snaps of the evening (apologies for any blurriness); and if you’re still on the hunt for some frockspiration, I highly recommend my friend Peta’s Pinterest board.

 

Mockingbird Lounge

Have you ever had a brilliant idea, only to awake one day and realise that someone has beaten you to it? That happened to me recently when, upon the recommendation of a customer, I found myself in the kitsch kid’s dream that is Mockingbird Lounge.

Sitting unobtrusively on Glenelg’s Broadway, away from the main drag and hoards of barely-dressed teens and bewildered tourists, Mockingbird is a cafe-cum-bookshop that seems to have come straight from the pages of frankie magazine. The coffee is well above average (and as a girl who sleeps with a barista, I don’t say that lightly), the treats are homemade and deliciously unpretentious, and every spare space is devoted to beauty – whether it be hand-crafted goodies to purchase, local artworks or the books that owner Stacy carefully sources herself.

I could go on, but my beautiful friend Kelsey has already said everything that needs to be said over on her blog, sweet nothings, accompanied by more photos than you can poke a Pinterest board at. So have a read, then make the time to snuggle up in one of Mockingbird’s lustable vintage armchairs and reacquaint yourself with the beauty of the printed word. No i-anythings allowed.

Naomi Murrell Lookbook

I’ve been a fan of Adelaide-based artist Naomi Murrell for a while now, ever since my first adventure to the Bowerbird Bazaar, but I honestly think she’s outdone herself with this recent lookbook. Mostly because the model reminds me of Sansa from everyone’s favourite nerdy obsession, Game of Thrones (hopefully she’s far less annoying though). But also, the ladylike styling of the shoot allows for Murrell’s pieces to shine. Literally – can you see how much sparkle those silver babies give off?

You can find a breakdown of all the pieces worn in these images on Murrell’s website. And good news: she’s currently having an EPIC sale, with up to 75% off her folk-inspired jewellery, prints and cards. I seriously recommend taking a look at her online store – as the proud owner of two wooden Naomi Murrell badges, I’ve lost count of the number of compliments they’ve earned me. And who doesn’t love compliments?

xo