Hippie hippie shake

The hippy era- a time of free love, protest and collective movements. But it was also a time when tie dye fashion reigned supreme. Loosely draped bright, psychadelic prints were the go, and comfort clothes was not a concept to be shunned at. But like trends for most eras, tie die fashions slipped into the periphery...

Until now. Yes- tie die is back. Well, at least I think it will be! According to the runways, fashion editors and my own observations, tie die is the next big trend. And it's going to go off.

(Title image- Stella McCartney dégradé skinny jean, $355, available at www.net-a-porter.com, Images 1-2: William Tempest F/W 2009, Images 3-5 Costume National Resort 2010, Images 6-7 Beradi)

Chainstores have even started to get in on the trend- as can be seen with Sportsgirl's newest collection One le Blue:

I have to admit last year I probably couldn't imagine wearing tie dye (although I do remember wearing it for a period as a kid), but now I'm warming to the trend. I think if the dying is executed well- and it doesn't look like a 8 year old kid made it- it can be a very fresh look. I think the key to wearing this trend will be to balance tie dye piece with a neutral item/s. It definately has the potential to bring a bit of vivaciousness into the fashion scene, which will be especially welcome after the dull and sombre colours we often pull out in winter.

The ordinary individual (namely, you)

You, yes I'm talking to you. You're my inspiration. The ordinary individual. I use the term ordinary rather carelessly, because god know you're more interesting then a pack of primped and proper celebrities. But you know what I mean...



Have you ever walked down the street, minding your own business, and then -bam- you see the most amazing woman just striding down the street. She has everything right: The face, hair, shoes, bag, and of course, clothes. Yet, whilst everything is so immaculate, there may be nothing particular special or notable about the individual. But she just oozes style. This gawking may be followed by some brief stalking. Or maybe that's just me....

A prime example of this is my mother, who at a flashy restaurant saw a woman wear the most amazing, assumedely expensive print shirt, only to find it a week later in an affordable chain-store (and yes, she did buy it!) Or my fabulously stylish friend who followed a girl around in the hope that her top would conveniently reveal its label.

The point is, that it's not what all about what you wear, but also how you wear it. I'm always saying to anyone who will listen, that OF COURSE celebrities look good- they have the means to. In fact, there is no excuse to. But, when you see a fellow passerby looking like $2000, you know that's style.

Yes, that little word 'style' plays part in why that girl walking down the street can pull off the 'I-just-rocked-out-of-bed-and -have-an-impossibly-bad-hangover-but-can-still-get-other-f emales-to-envy-me' look. We more often than not look to the stars for style, but, I truely do find it more exciting, and in turn inspiring to look to our fellow mere mortals for an instant (and honest) snapshot about what fashion's about. There are no flashlights, makeup artists constantly ready for a prep up, or stylists to convey a glamourised and perfected version of fashion. So be street smart and look to your neighbours!

Photos taken from The utterly divine The Sartorialist.

This girl has a different best friend

They say that "diamonds are a girl's best friend".
I contest!
If we're talking in materialistic terms, my best friend is rougher, tougher and classier than yours...
That is, if you don't share my undying infatuation with Coco Chanel's gift to (wo)man-The 2.55 Bag.
Arguably, there is no fashion item that is more synonymous with timeless glamour. It has withstood the decades to remain perpetually coveted by fashionistas the world over. Those smooth curves, shiny hardware, and lucious quliting... What I would give just to touch one. I think what makes it so remarkable is that it manages to be astoundingly beautiful, without having an air of pretention.



Wipe that drool up, stat!

(I know, I know, two Chanel related posts in a row. Fabulous.)