Black and Gold

Wearing: Tokito Lace Dress, Vintage Book Clutch from Asos Marketplace and Stolen Girlfriends Club X Jeffrey Campbell Emma Lita Boots. 
Please excuse my magnificently blurry face, the lack of concentration of poise and my complete incompetence when it comes to lighting a photograph properly. It has been quite a long time since I last shared an outfit and I'm afraid the execution of camera-work has rather hindered the gorgeous lustre of my 'cowboy boots'. It was love at first sight when I bought the collaborative shoes from the Pitbull Mansion's eBay store and had them fight so well, being a size 10 in ladies' footwear. I've been out of control lately and have bought three pairs of shoes from Jeffrey Campbell as well as a Deadly Ponies handbag with Mr Lure key chain. I can't wait for all my goodies to finally arrive at my door as well as the splurge on impulse items to end, but when a deer leather handbag that will last my a lifetime is at half price and I have been saving diligently for an end of year holiday... I can always work hard next week and pick up a few extra shifts.

I love the adorable stitched detail on the spine of this clutch masquerading as a novel. While I do have quite a bit more dough for fancy things than usual I won't be able to afford any pieces from Olympia Le-Tan in this lifetime and this clever bag will have to do me. I also bought two pairs of vintage denim Levis shorts last night in addition to all my other purchases. I think it's fair to say I have developed a problem and should keep my money away from my Paypal account.

Susie Bubble

There has been a distinct lack of revered figures of my childhood in which I have feverishly idolised those for celebrity status, talent or looks.  In this strange world of materialism I have found solace in the transformations of mere mortals to socialites purely on their appearance, or rather, their choice of dress. Fashion bloggers and those able to master the art of articulation have been the subject of my study outside of actual academic work- and I crave it. I originally wagged my tongue in contempt at those who chose to study artistic subjects, but internally I was crushed at having to decide between science and creative endeavours during high school. If I had taken the easy path of arts with less hours on my hands, I could have easily fitted in more hours of part time work and become a barista- and fund all my dreams of fantastic clothing and footwear. Instead a lot of my time is spent slaving away over a hot textbook trying to keep up with academic content and lighten the load of any last-minute-cramming (something which is still, wretchedly foreseeable in my future).

It's hard to think that any sort of career could be forged for sitting pretty and smiling for a camera, but it seems that with the explosion of the Internet and sharing thoughts and ideas with people globally, those who stand out visually have a great opportunity to publicise themselves as a product (in the nicest sense of the word). There's such a glamorous appeal about being some sort of fashion insider as well as rubbing shoulders with fashion royalty around the globe, but there would be a certain depth of detail and though for each outfit. Even with a wonderful wardrobe of some of the finest and most outstanding clothes I would imagine that an impressionable outfit isn't as simple as it looks- or perhaps I'm just struggling to excuse my own inability to come up with such beautifully composed outfits myself.

Susanna Lau of the Style Bubble is a icon who I applaud mentally on a monthly basis for excellent outfits as well as being named by the Telegraph as one of Britain's best fashion blogger. There's a certain adherence when it comes to her use of colour in outfits such as this mixtures of blues and browns accompanied by her long black hair. I love that maturity and the certain tones about an outfit that she sets out to create, but also visually weaving in and out of different textures is very youthful and childlike (reminds me of me #1 blogging idol Tavi Gevinson). The jacket pictured above is from an Australian label by the name of Limedrop and is made of silk with a textured appearance of clouds. I love how rich the leather patched knees of her trousers look in comparison to the light blue and white of the jacket.

I do enjoy following the work of stylish bloggers, fashion stores and models alike to keep up with the latest collections and hits with runways as well as longingly staring at all the unearthed vintage gold others before me have been lucky enough to claim for themselves. The craftsmanship, sheen and colour of that skirt would be enough to drive an artist insane with it's vivid patterns of flowers as well as meticulous hexagonal sewn shapes and the Prada brogues are only something I could ever hope to own. Imitation is said to be marked as the highest form of flattery; all I can really say is that I'm thankful for knock-offs of runway brands from China in terms of footwear.

There have been some stunning professional photographs captured of the fashion blogger, including this dream-like image incorporating jellyfish-like movement and a sultry stare down the barrel of the camera. There's such a stunning transformation from the camera+tripod photographs of Lau at home on her balcony posing shyly with head tilted at the ground to the bombastic young woman we see before us. Her sense of style has remained as imaginative but well maintained and controlled but has flourished into something so special and visually exciting. I'm still too much of a wallflower at heart to show off bright blue, orange and yellow all in the same outfit but I do like the cute laced heels worn by the eccentric British blogger. If there's one thing I'll be properly prepared for when any sort of pace is maintained as far as photographing my own outfits is concerned, I will have plenty of amazing and wonderful shoes to show off and a very empty and sad wallet, at the pace I'm going at lately.

Including the same wonderful skirt (possibly my favourite piece from her wardrobe), Susie Bubble has taken on yet another transformation and a subtle oriental hint to another outfit. There have been a number of Mongolian lamb pieces, including a large satchel bag that I've had my eye on with the same texture as those lovely woolen boots worn above and again a series of different materials are all combined beautifully. I love how bright her lipstick is in contrast with that knitted jumper; I could take a useful and practical leaf from the Style Bubble gospel and invest in a good jumper as well as extravagant skirts to wear to university when I need just a little more spark to my day. There's the small inconvenience of having to wear closed-toe shoes just about everyday that I do attend classes, due to the many science courses I participate in and laboratory exercises run throughout the week. Being a well-dressed student in the faculty of science is going to be a lot harder than I first thought.

A ruffled skirt worn with a bulbous sleeved grey shirt and metallic tights?

My love for this quirky British blogger was reignited upon her coverage on the Frankie Magazine website in which they discuss her appearance and interview at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Australia. I missed her hair neatly pinned in buns as well as those wonderful brand name labels she mixes in with her wardrobes; currently coveting the floral Prada earrings pictured above which look so soft and feminine with the filtered effects of the photograph. I'm not as much an avid reader as I am an avid writer now (and full-time student), but every now and then I will meander to her website and look over her latest musings. It's a little intimidating at times because there's such great length to her articles as well as consistently new material to read through that it feels like a mountain of information pouring over you, wave after wave. There can't really be such thing as too much of a good thing when images and photographs of wonderful, one-of-a-kind outfits are concerned though.

A very chic and European environment suits Susie Bubble well as she shows off another amazing outfit. After seeing this one I was in a frenzy to find a fur skirt as well to sweep around town in and I never did find such an item- although I am currently being lured in by the thought of a vintage faux fur jacket in luxurious tan colour. Despite needing to save money for holidays at the end of the year, as well as study abroad and assurance for the future I remain hopeless as ever when it comes to financial decisions and not buying glorious clothing pieces with large price tags.

A favourite hobby of mine on public transport is picking on stranger's outfits and thinking how they could be improved upon or I simply sit their in awe of them and marvel at them. I could better use my energy to think of what to wear for the next day, or design a clever but humorous iPhone app to determine what clothes look good when worn together. Rather than putting people down nastily or feeling jealous of them and their appearance I repeat my new ceremonial hymn- if they can dress nicely then why can't I? And indeed, why can't I then share that with the online media and try to impress them? I am naturally competitive by nature but I think a positive spin on my primal behaviour is a little more useful then any other means of harnessing it.

Her blog, Style Bubble is six years of cumulative work relating to her outfits, trawl through wondrous boutiques as well as attendance on fashion calender events. It's always hard to trace a fashion blog back to it's roots and where the individual first started and their initial outfits but I would love to one day trawl through and read every single post written by Lau. Time (as usual), is my foe and not friend at the busy end-of-semester trials of assignments to hand in but there will certainly be a little more observation of popular trend setters around the world for style and fashion. As much as I think I have it all together and can put together outfits, it seems I need to break basic habits such as wearing the cosiest jumper and comfortable pair of jeans. Fortunately I am still young, impressionable and reckless and will most-likely fall into the trap of some peer pressure if I perceive daring outfits to be most popular. Watch this space for anymore exciting developments and commentary on cool pieces and clothes.

Street Style at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia

The biggest event on the Australian calendar has been in full swing in Sydney (rather than my beloved Melbourne), and a myriad of dazzling sirens dressed in colourful clothes and ostentatious black. My favourites as hosted from the Vogue Australia website collection are the clashes between assorted patterns and prints as well as gorgeous colours. Melbourne has been suffocating me with its dreary weather, grey skies and freezing cold nights, but it looks like other fortunate ladies get to sport sunglasses and culottes for the cameras. I am blatantly envious of the lucky few that fluttered about and gathered for such a prestigious event and by invitation as well, and try to learn from their experiences and spur on any career I may have in working as a fashion blogger. The girls mixed vintage pieces with some of the featured labels showing at the runway shows for the week emphasising the key importance of letting Australian fashion really take bloom and become something important on the global stage.

A well versed lesson I've attained in 2012 and in particular fashion weeks across Australia, is that hair parted down the middle and in two separates shades laterally worn with a colourful outfit and gorgeous clutch is always a winner. I don't necessarily have the guts to take on such drastic locks and match jacket and accessory with chameleon finesse but one can always try out pastel hair colours with the add of digital enhancing and a little program called PhotoShop. I'd love to have such versatile laneways and buildings behind me to truly make me shine in a colourful and eye-popping outfit; but I struggle now to make my room barley liveable, let alone venture out into the world in extremely noticeable outfits. There's a definite time and place for high-end fashion and dress so daring and exciting- fashion week is like the Batman signal to all aspiring super-heroic fashionistas who aim to capture the imaginations of wonderful and also impressionable young bloggers.

There was no real common thread amongst all the outfits of fashion bloggers snapped on the streets of Sydney, but I think prefer that everyone does as they like and instead wear something that really represents themself as a creative mind. Gorgeous shoes with some sort of heel or wedged platform to them seemed popular, even when worn with a sportswear top from Adidas as above. It's a bit hard to make out underneath all that fluffy fur and golden hair and the sheer pants with a tribal print about them really bring it all together. Those who get sent to fashion week events are all so well kept- hair without regrowth and hands delicately manicured giving the finishing touch of domestication about them. It would be almost daunting to have so many eyes and camera lenses on you without the proper preening precautions taken. Many years ago, Vogue Australia gave some wonderful advice about wearing colourful tones and patterns; if you're beauty routine isn't up to the attention then avoid dressing up as it were, in colourful costume. Just another reason to admire all the inspiring women and their amazing outfits; they don't shy away from the spotlight like tame wallflowers, they embrace the attention with good grace and humility.

From the outfits featured on the Vogue Australia website, there were either clashing colours and patterns of all combinations, more than you could possibly hope to imagine and their polar opposite- all black. I know it's a model dress code to wear all black when about the town and there was only one outfit that I identified as having a wonderful flair of elegance in the style of Morticia Addams. Those sharply outlined and puckering lips as well as gorgeous, healthy hair are heavenly already, but the addition of headband with black rosettes (the kind for present decoration) and a cape wrapped around the shoulders had me won over. The small injection of colour into the outfit and almost theatrical pose on the railing by the sea seems to outdo Rose of the Titanic but also present a sultry black widow. Out of interest, above is designer Gail Sorronda who made her own clothes and accessories in the outfit above- what a clever clogs! The interplay of different materials and textures within this outfit all in the same shade gave an effective air of mystery without sacrificing anything in terms of interest to the beholder.

Fashion blogger Nicole Warne from Gary Pepper Vintage also opened for the runway show of Talulah at Mercedes Benz fashion week, but could also be spotted being her usual lovely and celestial self in soft pastel tones and equally passive make up. I dare not turn up to my lectures in heels or wedges and am reluctant as well when a long day of walking in the city is ahead of me, but I can't help but wish I were that extra bit tolerate to sore legs and feet as the result of extreme footwear. No offence meant to the designer of Talulah but I prefer Ms. Warne as she is pictured here- the definition of grace and elegance and naturally beautiful. While I do prefer the look of wildly coloured hair and cut tresses, it takes a special type of person to shine while looking naturally beautiful as Nicole does.

Jessica Stein of the fashion website and blog Tuula wore a smart matching suit in tropical tones and cadences with shoe from Zara and a bag I have been dying to get my hands on. Proenza Shouler have released the most sumptuous array of bags you could possibly dream of in colours named Orchid and prints named Python in the rectangular style of school satchels, but with metallic hardware do finish off the premium leather pieces. Matching suits in colourful designs have been circulating around on Asos for a while but I have not yet summoned the courage (or funds) to buy something that is both wild but chic such as a matching blazer and pants combination. I'm much more keen to feed like a vulture on other people's rejects and cast-offs from eBay.

In her second appearance and outfit amongst the collage of Street Style photographs at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2012 is the captivating and mysterious woman in pink hair. She is ironically named Meg Gray and is quite the opposite of gray, neutral or dull. I can't help but feel my mouth water at the delicious shade of her pink/purple hair, the Miu Miu clutch in a saucy wine colour and the chandelier Prada earrings which continue the stunning floral theme of her outfit. One could only hope but to find such a wonderful and exuberant shirt in the back of a second hand shop that is such a striking reminder of the loose and casual shirts from the Prada S/S11 runway shows. Despite nothing matching with anything else and what may seem at first to be an overbearing clash of colours, the cheeky smile and real sense of laughter and enjoyment pulls it all together. Fashion isn't just for the sallow faced models and stick thin who eat nothing but celery; and something as simple as a pearly white smile should be coupled more often with such an eye-popping outfit. It's not often you see such a healthy but fashionable woman look so thoroughly delighted by the state she finds herself in; the fairy wonderland I commonly think of as fashion week in any country or city.

Just as I thought my interest in owning an oversize clutch was over and I could breath a sigh of relief, a fashionista dressed more like a goddess of the sun strikes a pose so lovely it almost makes you want to cry. They aren't exactly practical in nature and something useful for long days spent on campus for university, but some of the extravagant outfits from fashion bloggers are the opposite of that. They are showy and flashy as well as that little bit uncomfortable, but made worth it when photographed for the world to see. On that note, it is often things become to specific and meticulous and specific in their execution they become an artform, but I like to think that some of these wonderful women have the idea of outfit making and clothes matching down to a science. It's the small things such as sunglasses held to bag, graduated and tiered necklace in gold and sun lighting up the back of the head that make this outfit as alluring as it is. Unfortunately such tiny details as gold rings and finely chained necklaces with amazing pendants are often overshadowed by the greater appeal and look of an outfit; something I personally have yet to come to gripes with.

My favourite outfit of all those shared on the Vogue fashion gallery from their website (as if it were even possible) is Emma Mullholland for the most zany, weird and wonderful outfit! I immediately recognised the caped crusader on her vintage t-shirt (something my brother would surely approve of), and sunglasses by Karen Walker which brought out the colour of lilac hair and that amazing jacket. Emma is the head designer of Emma Mullholland and produced that amazing jacket which fits so seamlessly with vintage backpack and shirt. It almost makes me want to abandon my science degree and defer to TAFE to pursue in fashion dreams all over again, but we can't all be brightly coloured eccentrics and brighten the dull lives of the masses. That rite is reserved for a special and select few that truly have a certain spark to them and I'll have to remember to watch out for Emma Mullholland in the future as well. If her own creations are as creative as her wardrobe and outfits, you better watch out!

Susana Lau of Style Bubble has teamed up subtle shades of black from her long dark hair with navy and blue; and I love it. There's always been a great layered affect and flow to any of her outfits and it seems she's been getting bigger and bolder with more appearances at fashion week events. I'm especially envious of her circular sunglasses and cute blue sandals; but my favourite feature of her outfit is that cheeky smile emphasised by pearly white teeth and glossy red lipstick. Describing her outfit in a single phrase? Biker chic with the elegance and tranquil blues of a mermaid. I myself sometimes wear a black bandana as a headscarf to keep my ears warm curing the cooler months and I think it's about time I re-awaken the beast and unleash it on the world.

Model Chloe Sargeant displays the typical model uniform of all black with a futuristic and tufty platinum blond fringe as well as a distant and moody gaze towards the future. I've fallen head over heels for her gorgeous jacket from Wish- there's something so comforting about an oversized coat to shy away into of soft texture and all the better when it's versatile and black. Cheap Monday jeans are no longer a well kept secret to the fashion forward and I'm so pleased to see them circulated around the glamorously gifted working class of the fashion world. A small injection of colour is included in those thickened wood heels of iconic Jeffrey Campbell Lita boots- perfect to finish off any outfit that has such sass about it and poise.

As a habit from school uniforms for thirteen years of my life, I do not freely associate with hats or smother my skull with them for fear of dreaded hat-hair and losing lovely volume to my locks after sleeping lightly. If someone had pitched to me the idea of tweed decorated with a pom pom as a stylish accessory, I would swear that they were joking but it seems there's no limit to creativity in the world of design. It's not often that someone can wear a hat with such a striking energy about them, but Candice Lake is disproving many of my theories, as are the other lovely ladies to grace the streets of Sydney for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Tan and red has been a colour combination to die for and the leather skirt with swish pleats really shows off those killer legs as well! It seems that I'll be heading over to Rubi Shoes for more cheap shoes in a range of different colours and suede block heels to curb my enthusiasm for expensive brands such as Jeffrey Campbell and Opening Ceremony (for now).

My love of things coloured pink and textured with feathery fronds or fur was reignited after witnessing the Prada runway show from their resort collection of 2011. As you mature you are meant to move on from those childhood toys of fluffy bears in shocking shades, but my childhood innocence was again rekindled with the generous addition of a pink feather vest that more closely resembles some sort of cotton candy than clothing. It's simply not enough for fashion to experiment dangerously with colours that challenge one's perception, ideas and values as far as dressing ones self is concerned, but texture can also have a discerning factor between a stunning outfit and a flop. The clash between those sharp black high heels and the billowing shawl in soft pink is simply magnificent- if only I could tame my hair and prevent it from behaving as such a beast some days. Until I crack the code to joining the fashion elite I am more than happy to continue collecting photographs of a stunning legacy of socialites before me.

Black Magic

Wearing: Ashish X Topshop Studded Jumper, Wowch Leggings, Dr Martens Floral Boots, Vintage Frilly socks and various silver necklaces.

I've been very cautious when it comes to wearing my Dr Martens boots without adequate thick woolen socks to protect myself from blisters, hence my reluctance to wear such an outfit for university. The combination of a studded jumper and combat boots is enough to ward off any fellow commuter so this outfit would be reserved for only the worst of my bad moods. The frilly socks almost didn't make it into this outfit but I'm rather glad they did; it makes my odd feline friends look a little sweeter. I'm also sporting a new haircut with tidier ends, but it will take a few more days for it to properly settle in to a recognisable shape. It's the same dark, brooding brown colour as it has been for the past few years that doesn't really do much for such a dark and sombre outfit, but I have faith that a colourful vintage knit will contrast well with hair that's almost-inky-black.

Cat Woman

Wearing: T-Bar Pink Shirt, Wowch Leggings, Jelly Beans Pink Sandal's, Vintage Frilly socks and cardigan.

At last I've been given a good chance to show off some of my latest acquisitions to my wardrobe: the cat leggings have been my companions all week and I absolutely adore the printed cat faces on the knees. Printed designs have the habit of flaking off, and on the inside of the leggings the Wowch symbol is already tearing apart at the seems, but since I bought the largest size possible I'm certain the knee motifs will stay in tact. I've had the shirt for a few years now but it seems like a match made in heaven for the two screen-printed images to be brought together. The Jelly Beans sandals haven't had a chance to be shown off properly to the world due to poor weather but I love their transparent and pink nature. I don't normally buy something so outlandish and bright, and the frilly socks haven't been properly worn since my youth and childhood but I enjoy this exploration of creativity through dress.

It's fun getting to dress like cat woman without all the leather and spandex as well as the whip-I am in no mood to cater towards some sick man's fantasy at the moment and the printed cats already have an artistic flair and edge about them. Maybe I just like the spiked edge around the word 'ECK' on my shirt and the way it resembles so many comic book action clouds of 'POW' whenever someone takes a hit to the face; as so many comic book villains do.