20.12.10

Love this dress: Gucci Cutout silk-blend dress.


So, we've arrived at the Million Dollar question...who has 2,030 British pounds to spare? You know you want to.

XO LC.

9.12.10

Transitions into a better NOW.


Talk about too much to wear and too little time! AKA story of my life (closet).

I have to admit that if there is any real 'transition' period going on in my life, it's probably now and right now to be precise. At the moment, I feel as though I'm juggling a lot of opportunities and possibilities which could ultimately alter exactly how my life could be in the next year and this is slightly strange because I've come from the girl who was always so focused and now, there's just way too much coming to me and if anything, I am in desperate need of a break.

However, one thing still stays true. I'm always on the search to make more money. How very entrepreneurial of me right? I know people say that the best things in life are free and I completely agree (to a point) but it is undeniable that without money, it is extremely difficult to enjoy your life to the greatest potential if you've always got to consider how much things cost, especially in an expensive city like Sydney where everything costs something.

As a result, I've started my own eBay store where I can sell some beautiful pieces from my closet which I have either bought and never worn or worn once and discarded. I realised that if there is any way for me to slowly merge into the person I wish to become, I need to get organised and rearrange my life quick smart. There are times I go into my closet and as beautiful as the pieces are, I honestly cannot appreciate them because they are scattered on the closet floor (a'la Carrie Bradshaw) and as a result, I feel like I'm devaluating a beautiful item that I originally paid quite a lot of money for. My parents say that I don't appreciate them because I've never really had to 'do-without' and as a result, I feel the need to prove to myself (and them) that I can appreciate things and I can be proactive about my life. All for the better, of course.

I've put the link to my eBay store below so that you can check it out. I've listed things cheaply so you'll be sure to get a very stylish bargain. I really do feel like this is Step One of cleansing my life. And do let me tell you now that it is a mighty good feeling. And I feel like it can only get better from now.

Visit: The Front Row Show Luxe
http://shop.ebay.com.au/thefrontrowshowluxe/m.html

This divine Roberto Cavalli inspired piece is just one of the many available on my new eBay account. Check out that gorgeous print!

XO LC.

6.12.10

Sydney winter vs Other winter.


The texture of the luscious fur, the opaque tights and perfect ankle boots make the ultimate chic winter look.

In Sydney, I find that winter is usually a very lazy season in which we do without late nights out at cocktail bars and instead late nights in bed or at the very least, we catch up over chocolate fondue and wood-fired pizzas as opposed to alfresco dining. We trade our vintage printed sundresses and sandals in favour of flats, boots, coats and scarves. Remarkably boring stuff. In winter, I usually like to dress in all black (which is something I also do in summer, seasonal changes don't really affect my common sense as you can tell) so think chic cigarette leather pants, man style Ralph Lauren shirts with a fitted RL blazer, patent leather ankle boots and woolly scarf usually does the trick but then again, this is Sydney winter and that's definitely looking at lows of 8 degrees with highs of 15 degrees not -3 with highs of 4 degrees. Quite the contrast.

I have this great black mink fur coat from Russia which my grandmother gave me last year. As luscious and luxurious as it is, it's way over the top for a Sydney winter whose style is about understated, effortless chic. A fur coat would also alert PETA and I know this because I live in a very stylish but eco-friendly suburb so for me to prance in fur (vintage or not) might not be the wisest thing I do in my life.

I can't exactly confirm anything right now but if my instincts serve me right, I can most likely say that I am preparing to forego the hot Sydney summer season in favour of an incredibly cooler weather to add to my seasonal palette sometime later. Can you guess where I might be headed?
Welcome to the city of chic.
XO LC.

30.11.10

On my Christmas Wish-list.

Pretty self explanatory post. What's on your wish list?

1. Hermes twilly scarf: Covetable, collectable and ultimate luxury.
2. Charlotte Olympia heels: Move over Louboutin, there's a new heel in town.
3. Gold Rolex watch: Telling the time will be so much more luxe.
4. YSL cocktail ring: Iconic knuckle-duster for added statement.
5. Isabel Marant jacket: Parisian effortless chic. Need I say more?
6. Christopher Kane dress: The ultimate party dress.
7. Alexander Wang bag: The 'it' bag of the downtown jet-set. Love the colour.
8. Elle Macpherson Intimates: Sexiness with a touch of class.
9. Givenchy gold croc-embossed Nightingale bag: A bold twist on a new classic.
10. Airline tickets to NYC: This will be the cherry on top of a good year.
XO LC.

25.11.10

Best cheap & chic XMAS fashion gift ideas.

There's nothing like the feeling I get when I receive anything from Tiffany & Co in that iconic blue box. Holly Golightly would be proud.

I know that many of my readers don't work in fashion however like everyone they live and breathe it and simultaneously they too would love a taste of affordable luxury. Being an avid shopper (and in their Topshop shoes once upon a time) I've selected my favourite Christmas luxury stocking stuffers that won't blow the budget. Perfect to buy for a friend and with a little spare change so you can spoil yourself as well.

1. Chanel nail polish (www.chanel.com): AUD $39.

If there's any fashion house that screams luxury, it'll definitely have to be Chanel. Okay, so you probably missed out on the Chanel skin art but never fear, designer nail polish is NEVER out of fashion (and you can quote me on that). From the label that brought 'greige' onto the 'it' scene and on the fingers of socialites, fashion people and the 'it' girls alike, it's no wonder why I collect these Chanel nail polishes. What's not to love about a little bit of Chanel cheap & chic?
2. Christian Lacroix Papier: From $29.99+AUD

Lacroix Papier first caught my attention on a department store catalogue and since then, I've never looked back for affordable and artistic stationary. I could spend hours just writing in the cute signature Lacroix note books complete with monogrammed Christian Lacroix on the footer of each page. Designer note cards are also a part of this covetable collection. It is undoubtedly a true luxury to be able to write on designer paper and send your closest girlfriends Lacroix fashion illustration note cards which I'm positive they'll love.
3. Jessica Walker London Chocolates: From $5.95AUD

Chocolate is probably one of the most indulgent foods available and what better way to spoil yourself and a friend with divine Jessica Walker Chocolates in their pretty brown and white striped boxes? These are available in deluxe boxes or alternatively in (my favourite) heels and inside cute handbags. Sure, their not Godiva but Australian designer Leona Edmiston has collaborated with Jessica Walker to create the most perfect choc-a-lats! These sweet treats make the perfect stocking stuffer and I've never met someone whose said no to these delights before!
4. In Vogue: The Illustrated history of the World's most famous fashion magazine. (www.amazon.com)

Coffee table books are always a safe present option. Sure there are plenty of other ways to spend your money but coffee table books are what I like to consider as an oldie but a goodie. This In Vogue book is perfect for fashion photography lovers with a variety of fashion editorials and it's contributors include the one and only Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington, therefore making this the ultimate book buy.

5. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte lipstick (www.ysl-beauty.com).

This is the perfect lipstick for your to pucker up to someone special with. Silky, sensual and full of colour, Yves Saint Laurent is the epitome of chic and this lipstick does not disappoint. It's won many beauty awards and made it on the top of Allure and Glamour Magazines product list. Keep on trend with the haute-est pop of lip colour. The perfect accessory.
Happy Christmas Shopping!

XO LC.

The art of being well-heeled.


Dior, you know I love you but you're shoes are killing me! Not the Rachel Zoe 'I die' way either. Ouch!

The idea of fabulous and comfort are two words that I'd hardly put in the same sentence. I mean, if it's comfortable, how fabulous can it 'really' be? Surely not fabulous enough!

The party season has begun a little early and right now, I'm positive that every chic fashion girl is on the hunt for the ultimate pair of statement heels to take them from effortless garden lunches and alfresco dining straight into the sophistication of luxe cocktail parties where we stand eloquently and sip 'it' cocktails before making a fast getaway to dance the night away at a haute new speakeasy and such. Oh, the fabulous life.

The perfect pair of heels should be comfortable in the sense that wearing them for 30 seconds outside of the house should not cause immediate heel pain or discomfort. Sounds impossible but really, this is the making of every 'it' heel at the moment. I recently tried on a pair of sky-high Dolce and Gabbana velvet sculptural heels and to say my feet died is just putting it frankly. I could barely move because of both the instant pain and the fear that I was going to topple into the rows of Louboutins which seemed to stare at me as if daring me to complain! Talk about a fashion faux pas on my behalf. You'll be glad to know that I didn't get them.

There seems to be a new emergence of this 'ideal' of foldable flats. A PR company recently sent me a pair of foldable flats to review and as 'comfortable' as they were, I have to honestly admit that I find the concept just a little, okay a lot, tacky if not irritating. I mean, why spend a $1500 on a pair of amazing heels only to have to change into a pair of foldable flats? I know beauty is pain but there's nothing worse than wearing a beautiful dress which you've had to trade down because the accessories are just not 'with it'. I mean, is that not a huge fashion contradiction in it's own right?

I've seen 'those' girls at the Melbourne Cup race events who will look appropriate dressed up at the event in a pretty cocktail dress, fascinator and such but only once it's over does comfort rear it's ugly head and the heels are gone and thongs, of the Brazilian type, have replaced the heels immediately. From click clack comes flip flop. I honestly cringe at moments like that! It's not called 'Fashions on the field' for no reason!

So what's my ultimate luxe party season survivor heel? Louboutin peep toe platforms with extra pailettes (sequins) never ceases to get the job done! In both comfort, style and, my favourite, pizazz.
These sparkly, statement and dare I say, comfortable Christian Louboutins are my ultimate party season pick!

XO LC.

17.11.10

My sophisticated style in a nutshell.

I'll have one of everything thanks, Tom Ford.

It's not unlikely that people ask me who are my favourite high fashion designers. Usually, I have a few in mind but in all honestly, it's not that easy to find designers who really epitomise your style, capture your personality and reveal a slight alter-ego from within and this is just from a collection of beautiful pieces (supported obviously, by the right brand philosophy).

Generally my style is generally metropolitan sophistication meets luxe embellishments otherwise a 21st century Great Gatsby meets Holly Golightly is perfect too. Imagine a pair of perfect cropped Balenciaga cigarette pants, an extravagant loosely beaded camisole (Oscar de la Renta) finished off with a pair of classic sky-high Louboutins, Yves Saint Laurent le smoking tuxedo jacket and a luxe Celine tote and a fierce lashing of Tom Binns cocktail jeweller...yes that is really me in a nutshell.

Designers? Think Yves Saint Laurent, Isabel Marant, Armani...and now: Tom Ford. Tom Ford captures the allure of ultimate feminine sophistication in a range of to-die-for pieces. The pictures below really speak for themselves as I'm left completely speechless! Enjoy.
XO LC.

15.11.10

On my Christmas Wish-list...

This is my current desktop wallpaper. Hope it's subtle. And I hope everyone sees it.

14.11.10

Frock yourself into the festive season.

So many Christmas parties, so many frocks.

With just over a month left until Christmas fever really hits, I've kept my eyes open for the ultimate party frock, in particular one which can take me from day to night and without the need for snide 'Didn't she wear that yesterday?' comments. Hypothetically speaking, of course. There's something about Christmas which makes me feel the need to either be understated and effortless for day (pastels, sequins and chiffon) and over the top, ostentatious, extravaganza (Daphne Guinness meets Studio 54) at night. Here are a selection of statement frocks that will take you from 'now' to 'wow'.

Day ONEBaby-doll silk crepe and lace dress by Rosamosario.

Night ONE:Bead embellished dress by ADAM.


Day TWO:

Silk flower and pleat embellished dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Night TWO:

Chain embellished pailette dress by Balmain.
Day THREE:

Angel-silk jacquard dress by Alexander McQueen.


Night THREE.Strapless lace corseted dress by Jason Wu.

XO LC.

Have yourself a merry little pre-Christmas.


Would it be okay to put these Chanel Christmas ornaments on my Christmas wish-list?

I know that I've been going crazy for Christmas and pre-Christmas celebrations and traditions right now but if there's anything that's motivating me to get my current work over and done with, it's definitely Christmas. With all Christmases, it doesn't help that my favourite department stores (David Jones- Sydney, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks- New York) have already started going a little crazy with beautiful glass decorations, amazing flourishing real (or faux-real) trees, tradition carols played on the piano-forte, piles of designer gift-wrapped presents and buckets of faux (or real) snowflakes. In two words: beyond bliss.

Every year since I was very little, we've always had a Christmas tree which my sister and I would decorate with baubles and dangly things we've accumulated and collected over the years. It would be a mid to late November tradition and we'd always have more fun in concept because building a Christmas tree is no simple business (as fellow Christmas tree builders might know) and before you know it, all that's missing are a big pile of boxy presents which we patiently wait for on Christmas Eve.

However, unlike every other year, I've just recently learnt that my mum threw out our Christmas tree as I recently moved (a year ago) into my own place which is a lot smaller and admittedly I'm sure that a 2.9m Christmas tree will go very nicely with my high ornate ceilings but might simultaneously eat up all the space available in my living room. Instead of watching television, I think I might find myself watching the tree. Lucky me.

In a celebratory manner, I think that it only seems like a slight blessing in disguise that for once I get to decorate my own tree, my own way to suit me and my interiors. I've been looking for some chic XMAS inspiration which connotes a polished and stylish appeal. Something cheap and chic and ultimately, very 'me'. An affordable tree is first on my to-buy list followed by some beautiful embellishments to jazz it up a little bit...or a lot, depending on my mood which is usually unpredictable and at times, spontaneous.

Silver themes may appear a little frosty (no pun intended) whereas gold looks a bit more regal, proper and conservative, multi-coloured trees can look a little over the top and out of place (or at least, a good idea at the time) whereas red, gold and green can seem to be a piece shot out straight from Santa's Workshop. This year, I'm sensing intricate snowflakes, Hallmark glass baubles, and layers of clear crystal beads and absolutely NO TINSEL or GLITTER as, from experience, tinsel usually equals post-Christmas mess and glitter equals tackiness. Sigh.

Still, there's a lot of thinking to do, a lot of inspiring to consider and a lot of pizzazz to execute. And there's seriously nothing stopping me from calling St Nick himself for a different opinion...and definitely Karl Lagerfeld for the last word.

Christmas dilemmas would be solved if only this Dior by John Galliano Christmas tree fit through my front door...

XO LC.

27.10.10

All I want for Christmas...

It's already a pre-Christmas season frenzy!

I know this sounds crazy (especially in the end of October) but I cannot wait for Christmas! There's something just so much fun about the festive holiday season where food, friends, family and fabulousness just comes together in a very positive and harmonious way! As a result of this Christmas excited-ness, I'm already making my wish list along with a gift list for my family and friends and if there's anything I'm getting out of it is, Christmas will surely be extremely costly this year!

I think the older you get, the more expensive the gifts become. Gone are the days when you'd get away with receiving a cute Barbie doll which would bring a smile to your dial. As someone who works in fashion, if I were to get a Barbie doll, you can expect it to be a Christian Louboutin Barbie doll at the very least not because that's on the top of my Christmas wish-list but because it's who I have become.

Right now, it's all about less presents but in saying so, more pricey presents. Quality overrides quantity and I believe Christmas is no exception. It's unlikely you'll spend $20 on a gift other than a Kris Kringle occasion. I have a 12 year old sister and she has made sure that this year I must buy her a M.A.C Christmas make up gift box (nothing more and nothing less) to ensure her a Merry Christmas. Starting young indeed. My 8 year old cousin has also reminded me that he would just LOVE a box of lego and at $70 a pop, what's not to love? Other than the price...

Now, I'm not complaining about buying Christmas presents. If anything I love the idea of 'the gift of giving' which I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to do. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing the smile on someone's face after you have given them a beautiful gift. A gift which you know they'll treasure for at least a week before some cooler, better, more amazing thing comes into the scene. Until then, there's nothing to really worry about.

So all in all, the purpose of my vent is to show how much I love Christmas especially the idea of presents. I know that Christmas is about so much more but the power to put a smile on someone's face is just such a powerful and satisfying feeling and if that's the rewards I reap as a result of gift giving, then the opportunity and experience is just priceless.

XO LC

25.10.10

Home inspired Part TWO.


Probably the cheapest way to jazz up your home on a weekly basis.

Okay, it's official. I'm a huge sucker for divine flowers and floral arrangements in regards to the idea of interior decorating, actually make that, especially in the area of interior decorating.

There's just something so beautiful about organic, soft, buttery petals that fabric and furnishings can't really compare with. My favourite flowers are peonies (blood red in Autumn/Winter, pastel pink in Spring/Summer) but I'm extremely willing to enhance my floral knowledge and vocabulary. I'd love to be the type of person, elaborate but knowledgeable, who can just enter a cute little flower shop and say confidently 'One bunch of (insert unique flower name) please!' and there you have a weekly home garnish of a sophisticated name!

I've also figured that fresh flowers are also probably one of the best ways to brighten up your home for a great price. I don't mean to say that one must spend an extravagant amount for a humble bunch of fresh flowers but it's probably cheaper to buy fresh flowers on a weekly basis than it is to say, buy great fake flowers which you will always look at and know that it's fake. Plus you can completely alter floral designs to be something different each week leaving you room to play with different floral emotions and feelings which you want to connote in your own home. It's seriously a no-brainer. I'm disappointed I didn't think of this before.

You can be sure to know what I'll be up to this afternoon, flower shopping! I'll be sure to twitpic my floral arrangement this afternoon so keep your eyes open for a new bouquet every week. Plus, if there's anything else I learnt out of this: it is a lot less painful to pay $20 for a bunch of flowers than $800 for a new Missoni pouf. Point taken! Good day!

PS: I also love how flowers remind me of LOVE.

"Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."
Hans Christian Anderson.
XO LC.

Craving right now: Laduree

Now, this is total French Chic...what's not to love?
XO LC.

24.10.10

Home inspired Part ONE.

My house looks something like this right now...a little boring after a year.

If you follow me on twitter, you probably would know that at the moment, I'm feeling extremely inspired to re-decorate my home. I live in a very sweet 100+ year old house and at the moment, the colour palette is extremely luxurious at a minimalistic level. I'm not a fan of clutter although I seriously admire people's vintage shabby chic places with a wall full of unique photographs and frames along with elements of countless ritzy cushions, a turkish rug, a wall full of clocks and ten candles later...not to forget the countless sequinned shawls and throws hanging dishevelled over a velvet couch. Kudos to the effort but if that was my house, I'd feel it was over the top and a tad messy which it probably already is.

When it comes to my place right now, just imagine crisp champagne walls, antique decorative ceiling plaster and beautiful vintage chandeliers along with vanilla candles which add that little pizazz in what was originally an unliveable house. Add a gazillion dusty fashion coffee table books which sit politely on a Japanese black wood coffee table and a beautifully tarnished timber floor, it sounds extremely beautiful but the realisation has hit me (a year later), I'm stuck in an interior decorating rut.

I've lived in my place for a while and nothing has really changed. I'll try my best to innovate a certain drawer or add a unique statue but really, it's so subtle I'm probably better off without these little intricacies. I need a more extreme (but chic) solution where buying ONE item is more practical and of more value and jazzing it up with 50 or so little bits and pieces. I've always wanted to be a bit more fashion-y. As in, I figured I'm in desperate need of some iconic zig zag Missoni print cushions and arty floral poufs as well as a beautiful zebra rug. Other things I need include a beautiful vintage lamp (1920's flapper-esque preferably), a line of antique French milk bottles with lots of peonies, ornamental and oriental fan, an inky glamorous abstract piece of artwork and finally, a tea tray filled with Lady Gaga-esque tea cups.

Ultimately, I'm going for 1920's Great Gatsby meets Holly Golightly meets Upper East Side matriarch with a touch of exuberance and sheer decorative craziness. In this case less is more.When it's complete, I'll be sure to fill up a Lady Gaga tea-cup and sit around staring at the final masterpiece (or interior decorating mess?). I will post pictures along the way, so you can enjoy the view from my side of the house.

I will be sure to call Ms Chapman's interior decorator next time.

14.10.10

Love. Want. Now.

1. Fendi Large Peekaboo brushed-python tote: $6820
2. Yves Saint Laurent leopard print scarf: $995
3. Isabel Marant Fulber leather-trimmed wool blazer: $1,005
4. Alexander McQueen Silk and wool knit leggings: $1020
5. Yves Saint Laurent studded tribute heels: $1250
All items are available on Net-a-Porter.

XO LC.