Charmed by Exotix – Cocktail Party Launch…

Review as featured in Only Melbourne

From the outside, the building becomes one of many inconspicuous shop fronts in Melbourne’s south-east suburb of Caulfield. Upon entering, gold and black balloons set a stylish theme to the vibrant atmosphere of the official cocktail party launch of Charmed by Exotix.

With my Cosmopolitan in one hand, catalogue in the other, I am in every girl’s heaven – jewelry, jewelry and more jewelry is displayed across the room, representing the 10 various collections.

Founder Michael Strintzos started this two-week-old Australian owned online jewellery company that specializes in the highest quality silver charms, charm bracelets and charm necklaces.

At Charmed by Exotix, mix and match to express your individual style. Select your charms from any of the 10 interestingly named themed collections including: Head Over Heels in Love; Sex and the City; Fun in the Sun; Gold Plated Bling and Little Miss Charming.

Affordable and chic, the range of over 70 fun, feminine and colourful charms can be clipped onto a selection of charm necklaces and charm bracelets that are made from sterling silver, gold plated, black leather, pearls and black onyx. Charms range from $15-$75; necklaces $45-$95; and bracelets $60-$75. At this price you don’t have to feel guilty at buying more than one piece!

Michael prides himself in delivering innovative design, quality manufacturing, uncomplicated online purchasing and prompt reliable delivery. So too do his parents Fiona and Peter Strintzos, directors of Exotix who started their online boutique selling jewelry, handbags and wraps eight years ago.

Purchase safely online at Charmed by Exotix with the added bonus of free delivery Australia-wide. Your chosen charmed jewelry will be delivered to your door within one week of placing your order.

For more information, visit http://www.charmedbyexotix.com.au

Charmed by Exotix
Head Office: 469 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield South VIC 3162
Tel: 1300 799 471    Fax: (03) 9523 0966
Email: enquiries@charmedbyexotix.com.au
Website: http://www.charmedbyexotix.com.au
Open: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm (AEST)

Exotix
http://www.exotix.com.au

Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival – Fashion on the Field …

Review as featured in Only Melbourne

With the Spring Racing Carnival in full swing, it is necessary to step onto the field in style and that doesn’t mean spending more than you can bet on the horses!

Keep the following simple steps in mind when putting together your racing outfit:

Dress for your shape and not necessarily what’s on the catwalk …
For those with a slim physique, it is thought that you can wear almost anything. True, but be careful that your body doesn’t look boyish or shapeless. Instead, focus on an area like your legs and wear a dress that is feminine and chic. This doesn’t necessarily mean frills and lace. Instead, opt for a hemline just above your knee and a fabric that is light and breathable like cotton or even a blend of poly-cotton so to avoid creases. If your waist needs some defining, add a slim belt that adds as a contrast to the rest of your outfit.

Hourglass figures should either opt for dresses that are not figure-hugging or made from clingy fabrics. Opt for an A-line dress that contours your bust with a v-neck or yolk neckline for those with a long face, or a two-piece suit of cropped ¾ sleeve jacket and A-line skirt that sits just above the knees or mid-calf. If your dress can be complimented with a belt make sure that if sits under your bust, but avoid wearing a belt at your waist if your hips are wider than your shoulders.

Accessorize – but only in moderation …
Bling is definitely in but not from head to toe. If your outfit is made from embellished material, then think simple and understated. Opt for a classic, slim watch with delicate earrings and bare neck.

If your outfit is made with plain material or looks a little bare then accessorize with understated in mind, but allow for a necklace and bracelet. Try to avoid looking like a Christmas tree with decorations and do not wear watch, bracelet, necklace, earrings and rings as this will take away from your outfit.

If the shoe fits …
It is true that a heel will make the world of difference in making your outfit ‘work’, but make sure that your shoes fit – literally. It has happened to all of us at one stage where we spot a truly divine pair of heels and after trying to squeeze out feet in we can already imagine the blisters and sores that will eventuate. Stop! Avoid this trap of temptation and in the shoe store, try to walk in the shoes on hard floors instead of carpet. If your little toes are turning red take those Cinderella shoes off and try again.

Avoid stilettos unless you are used to pin-thin heels. A heel that is more than ten centimetres high will take its toll so opt for the lower kind, or even wedge heels that will stabilize your step as you walk along the green. Steer clear of chunky, heavy looking heels as bad shoes can ruin your outfit. What’s worse than a beautiful dress that is complimented superbly with accessories but spoilt with ugly shoes! If you tower over everyone’s head, choose some metallic flats or shoes with a small heel.

Hats or fascinators? …
This is really a personal choice but remember that big and bold à la Carmen Miranda is not necessarily the look you want to go for. Instead, choose a hat or fascinator that matches the colour of your outfit or one that adds a little sparkle with the addition of diamanté’s. And don’t forget that if your outfit is colourful to start off with then wear a hat or fascinator that finds the balance between understated and stylish.

For the creative out there or the milliner in you, start off with a clear hair clip, sinamay and feathers that are all available from craft stores.

Shoes and handbag to match …
Not necessarily true. If you are fortunate enough to find shoes and handbags made from the same fabric then snap up your window of fashion opportunity, but for the rest out us out there, there is an abundance of handbags that will match any shoe.

It is true that black goes with everything but watch out for your shoes overpowering your outfit in a bad way. Generally, black and metallic shoes will go with most outfits and can be matched with the same colour bag or to the same or similar colour of your outfit.

Clutch or strap? Bear in mind whether you will be seated with a glass of champers or standing in a marquee with food and drink at the ready. If you fall in the latter category it’s best to have a clutch with a strap so that you can hold your wine and pick at finger food with free hands. Although, if you choose to carry a clutch, make sure that it can be tucked under your arms as you enjoy your cocktails!

Avoid taking a handbag that you wear everyday with half of your kitchen sink in it. Select the necessities: money, only necessary make up, compact Jiffies for sore feet at the end of the day, and perhaps a compact umbrella for Melbourne’s unexpected weather.

For the gentleman …
Guys, you really can’t go wrong with a suit, a crisp shirt, a colourful or artistic-looking tie, clean shoes and plain socks – that’s right, match your socks to the colour of your suit and make sure that they are long enough when you sit down so not to reveal your legs! Avoid short hemlines that sit an inch above your shoes and reveal your socks.

… So remember, simplicity with a hint of style and sophistication will prep you well for Fashion on the Field this spring.

Hats for the Spring Racing Carnival – Melbourne Milliners Guide …

Review as featured in Only Melbourne

With the racing season in full swing, the must-have accessory apart from a stand-out outfit and killer heels with matching handbag is the hat or variation of one. The following milliners are specialists in their industry and provide the perfect accessories for the races:

Rebecca Share Milliner, http://www.rebeccasharemilliner.com.au
Each design is fresh and vibrant, reflecting Rebecca’s desire to make a statement, flattering to the wearer and pleasing to the observer. Whether each creation features hand-dyed silk that Rebecca found in a remote Thai village or antique veiling circa 1920s, Rebecca makes it her priority to source the finest materials that culminates in a work of art that is unique and made with the hands of artistic training.

All hats are handmade in Australia and desired by women around the globe from London to New York. Rebecca Share creations have been worn by celebrities, high profile individuals and women who want something unique for the races.

Torb and Reiner Millinery, 9504 4476, http://www.torbandreiner.com
Lead by Waltraud Reiner, T&R is a Melbourne-based company who design millinery for all occasions and provide millinery education to suit all levels of skill and experience.

Waltraud herself as well as invited tutors conduct the classes locally, interstate and overseas. Since graduating from fashion school in Austria back in 1976, Waltraud has established a reputable name for herself in millinery and fashion as a result of her passion for hats.

Also available is a wide range of millinery materials, supplies and tools, as well as design cutting edge head wear and accessories.

Hats From Oz, 0414 635 468, http://www.hatsfromoz.com.au
A family owned business from Melbourne, Hats From Oz sell a wide range of designer fashion hats, special occasion hats mother-of-the-bride hats, cocktail hats, fascinators, racing hats and men’s fashion hats.

They pride themselves on quality and unbeatable price, with a finish and design that is second to none. With over 150 styles on display, they are the largest on-line hat shop on Australia.

Paris Kyne Master Milliner, 9826 3300, http://www.pariskyne.com
Welcome to the world of Paris Kyne – master Milliner, where everything is possible. A world of colour, movement and strength of line, a world of quality, a world of imagination.

Paris Kyne started in the millinery trade nearly two decades ago and has since built a renowned name and business that is highly regarded in fashion circles, socialites, celebrities, race-goers and those who crave a design that is ahead of fashion. The Paris Kyne style can be described as art-nouveau inspired, made with clean lines and no over-embellishment.

Louise Macdonald Milliner, 9650 1352, http://www.millinery.com.au
Louise Macdonald is known internationally for creating hats that are the ultimate in beauty and style. Her hats have stood out in events such as the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival and the Dubai World Cup (United Arab Emirates).

Her reputation is not only for her fashion headwear, but for her costume work. Hats and bonnets seen in movies and on TV productions including BBC’s Pride and Prejudice have Louise’s signature.

Louise’s designs are available at her Melbourne studio and at exclusive boutiques in Australia and the United States. She also runs a variety of millinery courses in her CBD studio.

Julie Fleming, 9525 2456, http://www.juliefleming.com.au
Trained in London with Phillip Somerville Milliner to the British Royal Family, Julie Fleming is Australia’s leading and longest established milliner since 1989. Julie designs for the bride, the traveler, the race goer, the rich, the famous and you.

Highly regarded in the fashion industry, Julie proudly hand makes all of the items in her millinery ranges and by doing so keeps a unique quality of design that is often hard to find in today’s world.

Serena Lindeman Millinery, 9639 4600, http://www.serenalindeman.com.au
Serena’s hats have been seen on the winner’s dais at Fashions on the Field (notably winning the Myer Fashions on the Field Millinery Award at Flemington in 2006) and on some of Melbourne’s best dressed women. From art teacher in London to milliner for the last 12 years, Serena has been teaching millinery for the last 6 years.

She provides beautiful hats and headwear to the discerning client. Whether you are going to the Melbourne Cup or looking for a stunning headpiece for your wedding this is the name you will want to hear.

A hat from Serena Lindeman combines contemporary style with impeccable workmanship. You can choose something from her collection or Serena can design a piece just for you.

Silk Road – MSFW Modern Odyssey Official After Party …

Review as featured in Only Melbourne

As the name suggests, this glamorous new venue located in the ‘New York end’ of Collins Street draws its inspiration from the historic Silk Road and fuses European, Middle Eastern and Asian influences.

Silk Road - opulent, indulgent, extravagant

Opting for all-out excess and indulgence, this much anticipated new bar from the creators of the Long Room has redefined the notion of ‘opulence.’ Visually stunning décor includes jaw-dropping chandeliers, onyx bar with LED lighting, classical statues as well as oriental-style dragons and long, lush lounges.

Friday nights prove very popular; welcoming suits and well-dressed individuals to this grandiose abode. Upon entering this chic new nightspot in Melbourne’s CBD, a large sculpture of a lion faces Collins Street, as if something out of a Batman movie.

Choice is definitely on your side, where all you have to do is decide which area of the Silk Road you wish to start your journey. Choose from the Dynasty Room, Shahashah Lounge, St George Wine Room or the Venetian Bar where you can try one of the many exotic cocktails or wine from their rather extensive list.

If an after work bite tickles your fancy, have a bite to eat at the Chinese Chop Shop, European Mezze Table, Sushi Counter or Teppanyaki Grill. Freshly shucked oysters teamed with a local Japanese beer or sake proves a favourite amongst the regulars. Or if bite size samples are more your thing then it’s definitely worth trying the mouth-watering tapas.

Encompassing massive ground and mezzanine levels in a heritage listed building, there’s a myriad of rooms, spaces and enclaves, each as devastatingly sumptuous as the other. A premium wine and cheese room and Remy Martell room (serving only premium spirits) will keep the discerning drinkers happy, while the more moneyed lot may opt for a VIP membership and make use of the two exclusive members’ rooms with private lift access.

Silk Road is not the place for a quiet drink or the venue to tap your feet to soft music. Instead, the musical sounds of jazz and swing lay the foundations for this über cool space.

A word of note is that there is a strict dress code of no denim or sneakers, with guys turned down for not wearing a collared shirt. It’s better to play it safe and dress to the nines at this swish abode.

Silk Road
425 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Ph: 9614 4888, http://www.silkroadoncollins.com
Open: Wednesday to Saturday 4pm-3am
Payment: Visa, AMEX, Mastercard, Diners Club

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2008 – Modern Odyssey …

Review as featured in Only Melbourne

Sponsored by the world’s first self-confessed semi professional meteorologist and shopper, Michi Girl presented one of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week’s most talked about shows – Modern Odyssey.

Melbourne Town Hall showcased this epic journey of incandescent designers whose purpose was to define the contemporary and what it entails in today’s 21st Century. This season brings about new shapes, fabrics, silhouettes, cuts, lines, concepts, trends, ideas and design in a brave new light.

Although the fashion parade lasted a mere 20 minutes, it was worth every penny to arrive early and catch a glimpse of fashion who’s who. Lillian Frank arrived arm-in-arm with her two hairdressers in a fur coat and sat smack bang in the best front row seats, while I was positioned further enough to zoom and snap inconspicuously without disturbing anyone behind me because there wasn’t any!

Psst! Lady in blue kaftan - Socialite Lillian Frank

The first designer range to take to the catwalk was Material By Product. The first two women to walk the catwalk weren’t models, but instead, elegantly dressed seamstresses who removed clothes from the many coat hangers and dressed each model as they arrived on stage for all to see. This local RMIT graduate explores traditional bespoke tailoring and couture techniques and combines innovative cutting systems to produce work that has been consistently complimented on the quality of cut, construction and design concept.

Frisoni Finetti is a designer for men who want to make a bold statement. With extreme fitted pants that sit above the ankles as well as tucked in tops, this style is definitely for those who are confident enough with themselves to carry off clothes that aren’t tailored for the mainstream.

In preparation for Spring Racing Carnival, Gail Sorronda was well showcased with girls wearing timeless headpieces reminiscent of 1920s dapper style. She favours black and white and her fabric choices are feminine silk jersey, velvet, georgette to taffeta to create flowing dresses wrapped in billowing capes.

If Frinetti is for the bold, then Leopold is definitely not for the faint hearted. Resembling artist Malevich’s red, white and black squares to a T, Leopold presented males dressed from head to toe in red, blue and black respectively. Perhaps the motto, more is more applies to this designer over most, but at least this collection proved entertaining in many ways.

Dhini is another local RMIT graduate who impressed with flowing fabrics. Although she used safe colours of grey, black and white, her designs were far from confined, instead revealing a well thought out design concept that is practical, comfortable and stylish.

Congo Finale!

Canary yellow, cherry red and tangerine has made a comeback by designer James Cameron. And whoever thought that 80s stonewash wouldn’t make a comeback was wrong. This combination of fashion from over two decades ago coupled with additions from the 60s by way of hems rolled up was reminiscent of The Fonze; however the poncho rug that draped around the final male model on the catwalk stuck out like a sore thumb!

Prior to the models working up a sweat with a Congo line to conclude the evening parade, Jessie Hill left a lasting impression with her Spring/Summer 08 collection – feminine, yet erring on the side of darkness and beautifully embellished. The Jessie Hill collections are truly a metaphor for herself; reflecting her appreciation for film and the visual arts.

This Modern Odyssey was definitely an eclectic mix of contemporary fashion brought exclusively to the stage by none other than our very own worldwide Michi – a girl with a strong eye for unusual fashion.

Hidden Shopping Treasures in Melbourne’s CBD …

Review as featured in Only Melbourne

I have decided to share my five favourite boutiques in our city’s hidden laneways. They are all in close walking distance, with each one boasting its unique treasures.

Chateau Chic - for the girly girl at heart

Chateau Chic is located in a laneway renowned for its jazz, Manchester Lane. Store owner and buyer Alice welcomes you into her artistic abode which is tastefully decorated with chandeliers, lace, kitsch additions as well as her smile and warm service. Not only do you get a range of imported clothes from Paris, Japan, Hong Kong and Korea, each season’s range boasts a collection of one-off pieces and made from the softest of fabrics. This chateau of chic creations caters to the feminine who adores finishing touches like bows, lace and who opts for beautiful lines and quality stitching.

Lady - pearls and lace for les femmes

As the name clearly states in its window display, ‘The more you act like a lady, the more he’ll act like a gentleman.’ Lady’s motto is out for all to see and for all the girly girls and ladies who appreciate flowing skirts, feminine dresses and garments adorned with embellishments that exude character and charisma for every lady who wears them. This local brand houses its own label as well as Emma Veal, Tryst, Jane and Eleni, Miss T and many more up and coming designers, together with reworked vintage pieces for the petite, colourful feminine and intriguing.

Miss Lau - colourful, unique and ever so sassy

Miss Lau is Lady’s next door neighbour and has resided in Scott Alley for the past six years. Made up of Miss Lau’s very own unique and colourful creations, the boutique stocks local designer fashion that is definitely different in design, somewhat offbeat and definitely a relaxed shopping haven.

Smitten Kitten - brings out the purr in you

Smitten Kitten caters for women with a penchant for feminine lingerie that are after a little bit more than what is housed in our department stores. Step into this lavishly pink boutique and lose yourself in the array of richly made bodices, bra’s, panties and camisoles for underwear and outerwear. Chic and classy!

Marais - tres chic, tres belle, superbe!

In case you haven’t been to the French quarter that this spacious boutique is named after, head up to the first floor of the Royal Arcade where Marais lives. Be blown away by the clean lines and racks of gorgeous designer wear from the likes of Victor & Rolf, Barbara Bui, Vera Wang and H. Chalayan to name just a few names synonymous with high-end fashion. As you cover the floor, it is hard to miss the glass display of accessories by Lara Bohine, Balenciaga and YSL. This distinctly European boutique aspires to the aesthetic and elegance of the Marais District in Paris –ever so stylish for those who value quality over price.

Chateau Chic, 12 Manchester Lane, Melbourne, 9654 8495
Lady, Shop 3, 237 Flinders Lane (off Scott Alley), Melbourne, 9650 6285, http://www.myspace.com/ladyboutique
Miss Lau, Shop 2, 237-239 Flinders Lane (off Scott Alley), Melbourne, 9654 1008, http://www.misslau.com.au
Smitten Kitten, Shop 6, Degraves Street, Melbourne, 9654 2073, http://www.smittenkitten.com.au
Marais, 1st Floor, Royal Arcade, 314 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 9639 0314, http://www.marias.com.au

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week…

Let the dark and rainy days fade into the background as the fresh smell of Spring enters the air. And what better way to celebrate this new season of fresh beauty, fashion and style then to attend Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) from 1-7 September.

There are over 100 free public and ticketed events that celebrate the Melbourne’s Spring/Summer 2008-09 both day and night, with the official opening party held at the Melbourne Town Hall. Other events include: lunchtime fashion shows; shopping tours; street parades; markets; millinery workshops; film festivals; and after-parties to be held at Melbourne’s most stylish venues.

Highlights of the MSFW include:

• Official parades which will unveil the new Spring/Summer ranges of Melbourne’s most prominent designers;
• The Flemington Spring Fashion Lunch and the De Cjuba Girls Day Out Fashion Marquee – the finest excuse to dress us from head to toe in high fashion and sip on some champers in the lead up to the Racing Carnival Season;
• The MSFW Style Cruise – enjoy canapés and champagne on arrival as you are treated to three fashion shows from local leading designers, and learn how to take fashion from the runway to the racecourse;
• RMIT presents Mixed Tape Side A & Side B showcases the final year collections from 4th year RMIT Fashion Students from the School of Architecture & Design.

And if that wasn’t jam-packed enough of fun and exciting events to fill your diaries with, head to MSFW’s official website and peruse their full program of not-to-be-missed events … Fabulous Darrrlings!