Orange

Orange was my favourite colour when I was a little girl, not even in kindergarten and there's nothing more orange I can think of then the Prada Fur stoles of their 2011 resort collection. I longed to get my filthy hands on one of the imaginative, bright and colourful pieces that reminded me so much of the illustrations for Dr Suess' children's books but the opportunity slipped through my hands. I couldn't find them for sale online anywhere at the time though, there's very little solace found in that minute detail for me because somewhere in the closet of some luckier fashion blogger their hiding in a dry cleaners' bag and waiting to be worn by someone like me.

Orange isn't a colour I frequently wear as part of my everyday wardrobe but it is something I do enjoy looking at after enduring a rather sullen day full of proverbial pit-falls as well as unpleasant verbal exchanges.I certainly could swing for a nice floral blouse in orange, vintage and cheap found from Etsy but I have very little motivation to buy anything at the moment since I have a rather empty looking wallet- fortunately a few eBay listings are coming through and finishing on the weekend and I'll pick up about a hundred dollars in the next two days for work.

I've adored foxes for a while with their contrasting shades of grey, white and black and their orange fur but there is no way that I would wear a real fox fur stole. Online there are a few knitted creations of foxes in yarn to be worn as scarves that I certainly approve of but it is rather difficult to find vintage faux fur in fun colours and shades. I know a good website that sells great vintage pieces at massive spiked mark ups and margins but it seems their fur pieces sell out in seconds, even worse when they're in gorgeously outrageous colours such as blue and green and in faux fur too. There's a monkey fur jacket in deep green at the moment that looks beautiful but I would by wracked with guilt if I wore...

If you ever feel like you live in a dull world savaged by businessmen, grey buildings and the industrious revolution take a look at your local pet shop and try and find some cute little birds with sharp orange beaks that seem to be made of enamel and contrasting peach feathers. Birds are one of my least favourite animals, but even I am willing to acknowledge their cute and lovable nature when their large beady black eyes are shining out at you like that.

I can't imagine myself ever owning a brightly coloured Chanel handbag but I do love the contrast of a hot pink pleated skirt, tied up blouse and the bag all together. There's such a tropical nature about this photograph and the coordination is to die for- it seems that I still have a long way to go as far as styling and dress sense goes but at least I follow some of the best in order to be taught in the noble ways of the fashion blogger.

What better orange idol to follow then the lovely Florence Welch shown performing in one of her dazzling costumes the tassels of her dress thrown around as much as her lovely red hair. I only know of two women that are lovely and eccentric sporting red hair, the first being my favourite singer and the second being a dear friend of mine. Both have been blessed with the skinniest legs you have ever seen, a little unfair considering all the running about I do which has only yielded in strained muscles.

I've always wanted to get a great pair of coloured jeans or something in a bold pattern but never really though of what to style them with; the answer? Why a vintage rock shirt of course, I must be rubbing elbows with my brother a bit too much these days but the simple design of a black band shirt or a white raglan shirt is equally effective. Now if only I can afford to buy a few hundred dollar pair of jeans then we'll be in business any moment now...

There's something that always gets to me when I see a group of models dressed similarly together in the same shade, with the varying shades of lipstick. It's seems like the perfect cult phenomena with the neatly tied ribbons in their hair and the orange icy poles poised at their lips. I wished people like that existed in real life, and perhaps they do but I've just been looking in the wrong places all this time.

Prada S/S12

Just when I thought all was lost and the best of Prada, the 2011 Autumn/ Winter collection had slipped through my fingers my breath is taken away by the tantalizing temptation that is the new Resort collection of 2012 full of 50s inspiration. As well as patterns, bold and iconic sunglasses there's a lot of influence of hot rod cars and flames as well as tatoo prints. I can't wait to take strolls around Chadstone shopping centre again holding the hand of my beau once more and slowing down my pace and craning my head to look at the likes of Prada and Miu Miu as well.

The collection is about with pastel tones as well as striking and sharp designs such as the soon-to-be-coveted flame heels with flashing backing lights. Each collection seems to get bigger and better and there's also these small recognisable elements which is leading to a fashion identity for Prada- something I'm absolutely in love with.

My breath has been taken away by these gorgeous embellished jackets which seem to have a Chanel kitsch material about them but also in 40s colours that remind me a lot of fancy garden parties. This notion is further emphasised by the sweet garlands of pink flowers as well as roses in green and black- and the belt of crystal design and floral motifs is absolutely wonderful. Makes me want to pick up my novel of Alice and Wonderland as well as throw a splendid tea party and dress rather dapper. I can already feel my wallet crying out in pain...

Although the resort collection from Prada will be released when Autumn and Winter rears their ugly heads in the Southern Hemisphere, I can't wait to wear some chic boob tubes for myself as well as matching patterned skirts and antique looking jewellery. The earrings, necklaces and belts all remind me of the antique and vintage jewellery available from up-market store Barneys in New York.

As well as wildly designed heels, there's clutches featuring hot rods that are more shaped like sharks in contrast to the feminine floral prints in three-dimensional arrangements. This contrast between the masculine and feminine is also evident in the Men's runway show which is interesting in a design point of view but both of the shows are very rooted in the design of the clothing; it's the patterns and colours that are ambiguous.

The nude coloured make up as well as familiar side fringe high one the forehead echo the model presentation of my much beloved A/W11 collection but there's more pastel and stark shades about the models faces. I wouldn't be so keen to try it myself for everyday but I do quite like the soft ringlets over the shoulder. Depending on the materials and gems used for the earrings you see above I might be keen to get some for myself- it's all in relation to the price of real antique diamonds and similar designs. If not, I'll just opt for flat diamonds in cardboard from Alice Euphemia.

You can expect to see a lot of great Resort collections for big names such as Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Miu Miu. I'm delighted to see a hard copy of this very advertisement above in my March copy of Australia Vogue and I'm sure there will be many more great leads as far as collections, clothing and accessories goes and there will be plenty more pieces of gold to comment on for this blog.

I hate feeling conflicted about my own gender as far as clothing is concerned but I am rather envious of the Men's runway show for their great pastel coloured brogues full of tasseled detail and studded loafers as well. Then their dress pants are more like prints from the 60s and 70s; two eras I've been scouring high and low for on Etsy. Maybe if I could be bothered I could buy the largest sized pants available in the store and give them to be altered to fit the shape of a woman instead? I now, I'm absolutely hair-brained sometimes but it hasn't pushed away any one of importance yet.

The stiletto heels for these gorgeous heels are even made to mimic the antennae of a car! It seems no small detail has been spared in the design of these gorgeous and imaginative beauties, I can't wait to see them in store for myself and maybe even be daring enough to play around with them. There's thin spaghetti straps around the backs of the heels hidden by the flames in the side profile of this stunning runway shot. I can't imagine styling these with an outfit though; now that would be a rather promising challenge!

For those mushy hearted romantics there's sweetly coloured dresses in a lemon colour with high-necked structure and edgy car prints. Now this is something that seems quite versatile for someone of my dress sense as well as affordable without the added cost of embellishment. I can see around the waist a sort of elasticised ruching all the way around the front which insures a flattering fit and comfort when eating meals. I can't wait to see how Prada's craftsmen and sewing machines stitch what is traditionally perceived as a garish way of fitting a garment, along with just about everything else in between for this gorgeous and colourful collection.

Prada S/S11

From the year that was so promising, playful but full of work for me came the gorgeous Prada Spring/Summer 2011 collection which caught my eye with its mesmerising stripes, gorgeous baroque sunglasses as well as wild printed patterns full of streaking water colours in vibrant colours. I loved the presentation of the models, their wavy hair slicked with hair spray as well as perfect side parts and neat little buns on the side. The colours were truly a feast for the eyes and the materials luxurious, especially those devilish fake fur stoles and the real ones too. The sunglasses were like small sculptures and the shoes which came in chunky platform brogues as well as swirly leather patterned high heels made me fall in love all over again.

The collection graced many many magazine covers, and was the toast of the town and the fashion world as far as resort collections were concerned. I myself loved walking around Chadestone shopping centre and peaking into the Prada boutique at the chance of pouring my eyes over the sensational clutches I longed to hold in my hands. A pity the collection was released at the start of Autumn in the southern hemisphere and I was busy and in the midst of my study. I had to time to work feverishly towards earning money for a chance to own a small piece of the collection.

 

At first it didn't appeal to me, but looking back upon it I have grown rather fond of the banana print which came as both a shirt or a skirt for the resort collection. At first it seemed odd amidst the stripes and colour blocking pieces but I now realised that the bold design and stark colours are what make it apart of the collection. There were many gorgeous as well as intriguing patterns in what seem to be painted designs which are thickly outlined with a thick black brush.

One fashion blogger was clever enough to make a paper homage to the large canvas totes of the collection using craft paper, blue, scissors and ingenuity. If I can't have something lovely from a collection, maybe I should follow in her footsteps and aspire to make tiny craft replicas of the pieces and keep them away in a hope chest or something similar. While I may hate the idea at first, who knows? The trend may grown on me. I should have joined my mother on a trip to the library when she offered to scope out craft books but I was in no mood and instead made good use of my time by cleaning my room a little. What I like is the clasp and yellow latch of the bag and the tiny fine liner detail which has cleverly etched out both the stitching as well as the engraved mark of Prada to give the final seal of approval.

 

I went gaga over the pink clutches and the use of stripes throughout the collection. This trio of clutches was what made me aspire towards scouring the Internet and online world for a piece of the action. Even if I had managed to scrap the money together, I dare say I wouldn't have found a use for it nor an occasion to use it. No, it's better I save myself for Deadly Ponies bags which are closer to my price range as well as necklaces in Sterling silver from some of New Zealand's finest brands in the business.

 

My heart is alight by seeing the pink, white and black striped fox fur stole held daintily with the striped dark green and canvas clutch. This is what suckered me into lusting after the fox stoles, the colour and the way they caught the light as well as the soft texture of the fur was to die for, but the clutches were more achievable in the way of price. Still, both pieces seem to have directed me towards canvas bags as well as fox tail charms and woolly key chains. Being eighteen years old it would be remarkable as well as foolish to spend my money on high price pieces from the finest of fashion houses. Instead, I should focus on study as well as operating blogs successfully and having them reflect my personal style.

Prada 2004

 

Full of sweet loving kisses in shades of reds, browns and purple came the Prada 2004 collection which seemed to have drawn inspiration from 1970's office wear with a chic twist. As well as lip motifs there were shades of lipsticks which covered pleated skirts combined with suave and professional looking turtle necks. The length of the skirts also conveys that sensibility but there is sass as well with the black skirt and red lips first pictured as a part of the campaign picture. The look is very simplistic and the models for the campaign were well chosen- strong arched eyebrows which seem to be a darker hue than mousey brown hair, in a soft wave in contrast with piercing eyes. I like the tones of their hair and the muted, natural make up which add to the sensibility of the pleated skirts adorned in digitally printed lips as well as lipstick.

The iconic skirts of the collection can also be worn with  a grunge attitude, there's the black short sleeve shirts and the netted long sleeve with the crisp white pleats of the skirts. I'd like to think the girls pictured above are wearing black lipstick too or at least they're lips match the motifs on their skirts. Normally I believe in eclecticism and that planning and coordinating an outfit can be far too troublesome but to truly let the skirt become the centre of attention, I believe the preceding precautions are necessary. Skirts of such beauty and great design shouldn't be undermined by less important clothing or details. The skirts are lusted over by many a person who reads the blog Style Rookie by Tavi Gevinson. A fashion piece's versatility is it's greatest asset these days and a great piece of clothing, I believe, is marked by it's ability to blend with other pieces within one's wardrobe.

The soft shades of purple in that tone of lilac is one of my favourite muses at the moment; and the soft fabric really brings out the best of that colour and it also goes well with the shades of brown chosen for the 2004 Prada collection. It's not often you see an ostrich skin fabric used in fashion collections these days and I think it further heightens the romantic mood and feminist liberated mood of the most glamorous of secretary inspired fashion.
 

It's almost a dress for a flapper girl really; there's the sheer and luxurious material that seems as thin as the softest flower petals as well as the jewel darts that fall down the dress. It's not just those details, it's everything really from the deep and plunging v-neck from the top of the dress and more fabulous jewels that frame the edges of the dress but also the scalloping of the bustier of the dress which features purple lips; the motif of the collection. It's that clever incorporation of the lips into the natural design and lines of the dress that hints the modern link between the dress and it's design. Although the falling pattern of the jewels in lines from the hips is a bit irregular, it screams 1920's glamour and elegance. I can easily envision the movement of the dress flowing and following a model down a runway and in my mind's eye it is a thing of beauty.

Prada Fur: S/S11

Sully's a big fan of wearing fur and so should you!

As someone who wants to become a veterinary surgeon and has been a lover of animals since she can remember, this is a conflicting moment for me. The stripey and better quality fur stoles are real mink fur that has been dyed, whereas the one colour or two colour blocking fur stoles are faux and not as outstanding.

Even just be looking at the photographs there is a big variation in the texture of the fur used as well as the bright colour. If all this is possible and macroscopic to the eyes, then there must be an even larger difference in real life between the real fur and faux stoles of the Prada 2011 collection.

I'm really envious of all the gorgeous fashion bloggers who get to play and wear these things as well as the models with tonnes of disposable income and people bending over backwards to try to take their street style photographs. Alas this life isn't for me, just eighteen years old and in between my VCE exams. There's still a lot to go, but I can't help using fashion eye candy as inspiration to get me more motivated to study (seems off I know).

I loved the Prada S/S11 collection; it was amazing- modern and fascinating and far different from any other collection of that season. I loved the 1940's soft wave hair on the models, the handbags and striped clutches as well as the baroque sunglasses, the banana shirts and the fat chunky platform brogues. It lent itself well to magazine covers, it was incorporated into so many whether it was the feature or subtly added in as an accessory or shoe. It's fair to say that I was fairly disappointed when I stepped into the boutique (finally had the courage) and there was nothing left of the whimsy and magic of the collection; save for a pale of dull coloured platform brogues after seeing so much colour and frenzy from afar months ago and depriving myself the privilege to see it for myself in person and have a play with their bags. The same goes for Miu Miu 2010, I must learn to have more confidence and become sneakier at taking photographs.