DIY Sequin Bra!

IMAGES AND INSTRUCTIONS COURTESY OF  ♡

You need:
- A lightweight plain triangle bra. I used skin colour but black would look great too. 
- Sequin fabric. I used bronze coloured metal style sequins which I think have a more subtle look to them.
- A needle and black thread.
- Sewing pins.
- Tracing paper of any kind.
- Scissors.

How to:
1. Lay your triangle bra on a flat surface and cover with tracing paper.
2. With a pencil trace the outline of the bra - essentially where you want the sequin fabric to go. I wanted mine within the piped edge of the bra.
3. Cut out the triangle of tracing paper and check to make sure it fits properly on the bra.
4. Pin the triangle to the sequin fabric. 
5. Using the traced triangle as a guide, cut out the sequin fabric.
6. You should have a triangle that fits on the bra - check it and shape the fabric if required by cutting away any excess.
7. Pin the sequin triangle to the bra.
8. Using small stitches, attach the sequin fabric to the bra. I made sure that the edges of the sequin fabric were underneath the edge of the bra so it looked more finished. Where possible I sewed the sequins on the edges down so they would not come loose.

And there you have it - a perfect statement bra to wear underneath a sheer singlet or tee. By the time this post goes up Australia Day will have passed, but something like this is sure to see you through the rest of your Summer BBQing/beach/boating activities!

Interview with Emily Miller-Sharma of Liam

I have always been a fan of Ruby Boutique so when I found this interview with designer Emily Miller-Sharma of Ruby's new label Liam, I just had to share it with you! 

Hey Emily. Describe the premise of the Liam brand to us.

Liam is about a sense of curiosity and wonder coupled with confidence and a relaxed sophistication. The clothing is modern with classic touches; soft, feminine silhouettes with the simplicity of men’s tailoring.

Tell me about the Winter 2012 collection.

For winter 2012 I was thinking a lot about what a modern ceremony is, and the way the we dress for them. This linked in quite naturally with symbolism: the objects and representations that we treasure. Little symbols incorporated themselves so easily in to the details of the:

A) pineapple ring and necklace, symbolizing welcome.

B) lace that symbolizes peace (olive branch) and joy (oranges)

C) an acorn embossed on a rivet that is attached to every garment, referencing the tradition of placing an acorn on the windowsill to protect from lightning.

The pieces are a lot about relaxed work wear and simple elegance. Tailored pieces mixed together with soft, feminine silhouettes. Navy, white and tan with bursts of vermillion, cobalt and a bright orange & yellow floral. The lace I was talking about before and a loose weave canvas bring in an element of gold.

Tell us about the four Podcasts you have made for Liam in collaboration with Charlotte Ryan.

Charlotte and I developed a series of Podcasts called “Thinking out Loud”.

Basically it’s really important for me as a designer as well as Liam the brand to be in conversation with others whether they are in a different discipline in the creative industry or in a completely different field altogether. I think that this kind of knowledge and opinion sharing is so important for the growth of our community and also just to keep our minds turning over. So Charlotte has brought together an array of people who we find really interesting, really admire their work, or we like their take on the world.

Interviewees include: Merrill from tUnE-yArDs, Carl Koppenhagen from The Engine Room, James Milne, Emily Perkins, Jacinda Ardern, Dee Dee from Dum Dum Girls, Jason Munn and eating designer Marije Vogelzang.

The Podcasts will be played on Morning Glory on 95bFM and available to download from the Liam Soundcloud profile and here.

The Podcast themes & Release dates are as follows:

1. Modern Ceremony, Monday 20th February: what are modern ceremonies of today that we participate in and what do they mean to those interviewed?

2. Scent, Monday 27th February: how does scent work to evoke memory and influence the way we enjoy a space or moment in time? What is the      significance of scent through history?

3. Elegance, Monday 5th March: how do those in creative industries perceive elegance within the context of their field of work?

4. Modern Symbolism, Monday 12th March: how symbolism is projected in music and design in a modern context and how do those in these fields incorporate and perceive symbolism in their daily lives.

Finally, tell me what role you think clothing plays in our lives?

Clothing is something that we interact with every day, whether we think a lot about what we wear or we don’t, it is (almost) always with us. I think of it as our second skin, or the first space that we inhabit (and the room that I am sitting in right now for example being the second).

It plays a huge part in the way we experience the world and also in how other perceive us. From things which are as simple and practical, for example how a beautifully fitted dress makes the wearer feel compared top that is too tight and scratchy under the arms. Conceptually the amount of skin we choose (or choose not to reveal) alters the way that we interact with others, and the way that others interact with us.

You have always applied fine art to your designs for both Madame Hawke and Liam. Why do you think clothing can be a powerful communicator of ideas.

In a sense it’s just the sheer time that we spend in clothing: it is everywhere that people are. And it’s such an interesting combination of extremely personal (it is touching your skin) and public (someone you have never met before and will never speak to is able to see you wearing it)

Liam’s Winter 2012 campaign:

{Interview and Image Credit}

Little Black Dress

Denim Jacket - Cassette Society, Dress - Unknown boutique in France, Shoes - Converse

Trend I'm Loving - Leather Pants!

One of my favourite trends right now is leather pants. I absolutely love them, they look so stylish and bold. I would definitely love to have a pair in my winter wardrobe, the only problem - the cost. Oh well, I guess I can dream! Take a look at these gorgeous pictures of trendsetters such as Alexa Chung, Kate Moss and Miranda Kerr spotted wearing this trend.

New In - Lonely Hearts Dress

I know I got this dress for my birthday but I never got the chance to share it with you so better late that than never! 

Huffer Winter 2012 - The Colden Days

I have been in love with this collection since I first saw it at New Zealand Fashion Festival. It seems so wearable and versatile. It could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The military theme with pretty and delicate prints is just amazing. Feminine dresses and skirts dressed down by beanies, bomber jackets and anoraks create the signature laid back huffer look.

Chloé Fall 2012

Chloé Fall/Winter 2012 consisted of structured and feminine coats in light colours, natural hair and makeup alongside Chloé handbags. For the girl who's look resonates effortlessness. I particularly love the look above for its clean lines and gorgeous colours and the look two images down for the cute but classy coat against the baby blue skirt.

{Image Credit}

The Coveted Wardrobe - a Modern Luxury

When you walk into your wardrobe, what do you see?

Is it A. Bursting with clothes you never wear, you don't like and are of rubbish quality with the exception of a few pieces you quite like? 

Or is it B. A curated, handpicked, personal collection of pieces you adore. A few nice, cheap basics, a few timeless, staple pieces you treasure and a few vintage, handmade or tailored items totally unique to you. 

For the fashion forward, 2012 is the year for the curated wardrobe. This new vision of a luxurious wardrobe is a minimalistic, timeless and personal collection of pieces that shows off your individual style. It hasn't always been this way. Before, mass production and our obsession with labels dominated our wardrobes and for many, still does. With collections being shown 6 months before being in stores, chainstores are able to create replicas at top speed which are in stores within weeks. The result of this is that virtually anyone can have a wardrobe fill to the brim with fast, cheap fashion. This new way of mass producing recent trends has accustomed us to buy short life, trend driven pieces that are destined for the landfill or the back of our wardrobe, never to be worn again. 

On the other hand for many, someone covered in labels was the ultimate style icon. Even if they were cheap replicas, they were still labels. However, the fashion forward among us have taught us the new way. Take a look at Alexa Chung, possibly the most influential fashion icon in the U.S. Yes, her wardrobe consists of amazing designer pieces, however, they are incorporated into her wardrobe alongside chainstore pieces from Zara or H&M, vintage pieces found during travels to different countries and often random and unique pieces found while op shopping. 

Putting together your own, perfectly curated wardrobe means reducing the size of your original wardrobe down to your favourite, most timeless pieces, strategically allocating money on quality, not quantity and making sure that proper consideration is put into place before making the final purchase. 

Not only is this new way, financially easier on the bank account due to cutting back on excessive shopping, but it allows us to let our personalities and personal style flow through every garment in our wardrobes. It allows us to pick out an outfit in seconds and to be truly original. 

{Image Credit 1&2, 3, 4, 5}

Pastels and Tears at Jil Sander Fall 2012

Jil Sander's Fall 2012 collection was amazing. As Raf Simons' last for the house, it finished with a standing ovation, a humble smile and plenty of tears. The garments themselves were exquisite from elegant figure hugging dresses to statement coats. The white runway and wild flowers encased in glass boxes on top of white podiums arranged in intervals were just divine. This was one of my favourite collections to date. Where to now for Raf Simons? We don't yet know, but one thing I'm sure of, he has definitely marked his place in the fashion industry. 

{Image credit}