Saturday 30 April 2011

AN ODE TO McQUEEN

What a day for British fashion, and aspiring brides the world over.
Sarah Burton should be one proud lady, not only did she design three amazing gowns (Kate's Abbey gown, Pippa's attendant gown, and then Kate's banquet gown - shown below), she has described designing the dresses as "the experience of a lifetime". 
While some fashionistas have commented the design was quite safe, particularly for Burton who is renowned for her edgy designs, the general consensus from the estimated 2.5 billion judges who tuned in is that Kate looked every bit the Royal bride, and her gown was a fitting first entry into what is sure to be a lifetime of keen fashion watching of the new Duchess. 


Lee McQueen sadly passed away in 2010, but Sleuth is sure he would have been a very proud Brit yesterday, not only for the amazing creations produced by his fashion house, but for the stamp in history his name will now have forevermore. 
We can only hope that both Diana and Lee McQueen are looking down with a chilled glass of bubbles, and clinking glasses to their respective successes.


Sleuth's fave online boutique net-a-porter.com has an exclusive line of McQueen wedding gowns & accessories - but if you're in the market, you'd better hurry as these are now likely to waltz out the door in no time!


Happy Shopping! x


Image - Credit: PA Wire/Press Association Images 

The new Duchess of Cambridge wearing her beautiful banquet gown, also designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen



McQueen Embroidered Duchess Satin Gown - pure quirky bliss US $15,065 - BUY HERE


McQueen Silk-Satin Organza Gown - seriously princess-worthy US $12,395 - BUY HERE

These resin leaf silk-satin peep-toe pumps highlight the mix of couture and wearability McQueen is so loved for. US $1,675 - BUY HERE

McQueen's signature lace-on-satin look perfects the vintage feel of these pretty pumps US $995 - BUY HERE


For a bride with a bit of grit, this bling knuckle-duster will certainly pack a punch at the reception!       US $2,295 - BUY HERE






KATE THE GREAT - get her look


Well, with a waiting mass of 2 billion people all prying to see her frock, Kate Middleton pulled off the almost impossible and rocked Westminster Abbey in a fabulous Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen wedding gown.
Finding inspiration from Sleuth’s all-time favourite Royal bride, Grace Kelly, the new Duchess of Cambridge evoked classic elegance while still looking the modern bride, and drew gasps when she emerged from her Phantom chariot to the applaud of thousands.
It also takes a brave & confidant bride to allow her chief attendant to look as hot as Pippa did. The younger Middleton drew applause, not only with how spectacular she looked (no 80's puff sleeves here), but also for having broken the traditional rule of not wearing the same colour as the bride. 
But it worked, and they looked the beautiful pair, one being escorted to her life in Royalty, and the other being escorted to what is sure to be a life of high social status, magazine covers and rich partners (Pippa that is...!)

So now the replica game begins. Sleuth pities any bride who may have been thinking along these lines prior to Kate's grand entrance, as replicas will be a dime-a-dozen from here on out. 
While seamstresses the world over madly dash to replicate the dress of the century, thanks to brides.com, below is a collection of gowns that have a flavour of Kate the Great, so you too can feel like a princess bride.....

Happy Shopping! x


Kate in her stunning McQueen gown, looking every part the Royal bride. Sleuth was a little disappointed with the bouquet, feeling it could have had a little more grandeur to add to the vintage glamour of the gown...

Image - EPA (L), Sipa Press/Rex Features (R)

Comparisons with the Queen of Brides, Grace Kelly - not a bad comparison to be had Sleuth thinks!

Image - AP Television News

Wow, what a predicament to find one's self in. Which priceless tiara shall one wear on the big day? 
The chosen number? The Queen's 'Halo' Cartier tiara, a 1936 family heirloom & given to her by her parents for her 18th birthday.

Image - Reuters (L) / Getty Images (R)

Pippa performing her duties & looking simply stunning, the cowl neck and gorgeous button detailing screams upperp class, and will hopefully spawn a new tradition in chic bridesmaids wear. 


Oh to be a Royal bride....


Romona Keveza's designs are divine, including this gorgeous gown from the 2012 collection - VIEW HERE


One of the great American bridal designers, Priscilla of Boston's A-line gown will win the crowd $4975 - BUY HERE



Pronovias' 2012 sweet heart dress with lace applique will turn heads and melt hearts - VIEW HERE

For a crowning moment, wear the 'Diane' Pearl & Crystal Tiara by Orange Blossom US $89 - BUY HERE




Friday 29 April 2011

Wedding fever - what Julia SHOULD wear....

For homegrown fashionistas, shopistas and basically anyone with a pulse, the Royal wedding is something of a momentous occasion, not only to find out what Kat(herin)e wears down the aisle to her beloved, but also what Ms Julia Gillard will wear to represent us as Australia's first female Prime Minister (read - the first PM that we've actually cared about what they're wearing....) 

With the countdown on, Sleuth has proposed a look below for Julia, working with her complexion and also keeping in mind she is a head of state, so knee-grazing cocktail dresses aren't going to cut it here (stay tuned for wedding-wear post!)

For Julia's look, Sleuth has taken cues from another famous red-head, Miranda from Sex And The City. 
When the show first began, Miranda's short & severe crop won few fans, but as the series progressed, along with the fashionability of the show, Miranda's look was softened and played with, so by the time the movies came around, they had the right make-up working with the perfect fashion colour palette - resulting in a foxy flame-haired vixen who knew how to strut her stuff.
So come 5pm tonight, we'll see if Julia has also hit the mark with her Royal look, fingers crossed ladies!

Happy Shopping! x

Miranda (aka Cynthia Nixon) working a cobalt Zac Posen gown for Carrie's wedding on SATC

For Julia

Roland Mouret's gorgeous Sapphire-blue gown has appropriate upper-arm coverage,  flattering  waterfall ruffles around the waist & a slight slit to show off heels US $2,910 - BUY HERE




Adding some sparkle with Adriana Orsini's Pave Link Drop Earrings AUD $102 - BUY HERE




The height of glamour - Christian Louboutin's 'Jenny' heels $895 - BUY HERE




Jimmy Choo silver Tube clutch, perfect for lipgloss, comb, mints and other VIP needs US $1,295 - BUY HERE


Hair & Makeup


Miranda's makeup is perfect for Julia's complexion - some colour definition & highlighting on the cheeks, flawless skin (achieved by the-one-and-only Armani foundation) and bringing out the eyes for a more glamourous look.



Soft volume in the hair is also key to achieving this red-carpet-ready look.

See you on the red carpet!!

Get your own 'piece' of the royal action!

What better way to feel part of the wedding action in just 10 hours time by sipping away at your tea (ok, will be subbed for champagne, just this once!) in one of the official Wills & Kate tea cups. 

Thanks to our friends at Victoria’s Basement (Sleuth’s fave shopping destination for all things culinary), you too can dine with the Prince & his bride, whether you’re serving tea (akhem, champagne), or handing your wedding party guests some monarch-worthy canapés on the official fine bone china plate, you're sure to be feeling very regal come vow time. 
Yes, it’s a tad tacky, but Sleuth can’t help embracing the Royal love, and what great kitsch memorabilia to have collecting dust in the cupboards for years to come.....Sleuth is getting the set!

Happy Shopping! X

Big enough to fit a yummy hot chocolate/bottle of Veuve! $19.95 - BUY HERE


Eating from the plates of Royalty for just $29.95 - BUY HERE


A little more dainty & fit for a princess $19.95 - BUY HERE

If fine-bone china isn't really your 'cup of tea' and diamonds are more your thing, perhaps you'd like to sport Kate's bling number - as Will so lovingly put it, 'I'm told it's a Sapphire with some Diamonds around it'. Bless!


Get your bling on with this Kate Middleton silver-tone ring $34.95 - BUY HERE

Thursday 28 April 2011

SWLS QUICK BUY – simply CHARMING!

Colette Accessories has 50% off a very cute selection of jewels and accessories currently in-store, and Sleuth was charmed (pardon the pun!) to find these two dainty & gorgeous necklaces among them. 
Not only does the ‘No 1’ bottle paired back with a twinkly martini glass make Sleuth feel instantly Hepburn, the best part of all is the total price for both after the 50% off discount - $7.46 - very princess-fund friendly!
Head to colette.com.au for your nearest store, and of course....

Happy Shopping! x


Wednesday 27 April 2011

The leopard wedge – spice up your life?

Shimmy to the left if you’re having a good time, shake it to the right if you know that you feel fine…..
Sorry, Sleuth has just been reminiscing aka 15 years ago when Spice Girls fever was at an all-time high. While our favourite lassies from the English ‘burbs have moved on from their five alter egos to the more subdued lives of motherhood, fashion designing, soccer wife, reality tv floozies and international stardom – there are still some fashion trends that crop back up from their time in the Spicy limelight as a fashion force du jour. 



Take the recent batch of leopard wedges that have flooded in for this season’s winter-wear. Part Scary Spice, part Scary Snooki (Jersey Shore fashion, a whole other post!), and part new-season glam, these wedge booties will be a personal wardrobe preference. 
Some Shopistas may feel they are auditioning for Jerseylicious, but paired back with black skinny denims, a tailored blazer and some fierce neck bling, Sleuth can see Shopistas having fun with this look without needing their claws out for a catfight or wearing their hair in pigtails. Check out Kim K working her leopard-clad footwear (albeit them being lovely Louboutins) and be inspired to shimmy to the left and shake it to the right with these prowlicious heel statements. 


Kim Kardashian working this season's leopard look

TONY BIANCO'S 'Brixton' $199.95 - BUY HERE

Sassy ZARA wedges with a point - exclusive to Sydney & in-store now - $159.95

WITTNER'S gone spotty, and has reduced their wedge from $189.95 to $99.95 - Sleuth loves a saving!

Right on TARGET - pick these fierce wedges up for $50

ROC 'Leost' wedge available at Wanted Shoes $149.95 - BUY HERE

Wednesday 20 April 2011

Zara be thy name! Hot buys from Sydney's hottest new store

Well Shopistas... this Sleuth queued, she saw, and she shopped!

The Zara experience starts with a crowd of like-minded Shopistas in Pitt St Mall, all vying for a piece of the big Z action. The front entrance is set up similarly to a rock concert, with crowd control barriers, security and police. Luckily this was one well-behaved crowd, but Sleuth could tell come lunchtime, the chaos levels would heighten considerably!

Kudos to the Zara folk for their foresight, not only were they handing out bottles of water and espressos to waiting customers in the queue, there were ample staff on hand once in-store, and while many of them were buzzing around the place re-stocking and the like, it was fairly easy to track one down with any price or size queries. 


Shopista HOT TIP - If you're planning to hit Zara in the coming days (even weeks!), try queuing on either the lower ground floor (accessible via escalator in Westfield) or top floor (again via Westfield) as queues were much quicker on both levels. 


Set over three levels (lower ground is youth, ground is women's fashion and first floor is menswear), Sleuth suspects most Shopistas will find their joy on the ground level, where coats for the coming chilly months are ample, leopard print is abound and affordable fashion is plentiful. 
Sleuth is happy to report that Sydney Zara measures up to international standards on all fronts. The designs are exciting and bang on-trend, the prices are hopefully not too-good-to-be-true, because at the moment you can pick up some serious fashion for seriously credit-friendly prices. 
And of course, the quality and selection is mind boggling, making Sleuth wonder how a sector of Aussie labels are going to react in the coming months, with this new kid on the block that EVERYONE wants to be friends with now in the playground!
So without further ado, find below some of the hot finds Sleuth came across on today's Zara venture, and SWLS hopes you too have a fabulous Zara experience. Write in and let me know!


Happy Shopping! x

Let the queuing begin!
Fortunately these lines are worth it once you get inside!
Handing out espresso to waiting customers - smart!



And now for the really exciting part....INSIDE!!

Hot fuchsia jacket - Sleuth is just imagining this with denim and drooling - $89.95
Be a fashionable caped crusader in this tweed number - $219
What's more fabulous than this faux-fur coat? The price! $159

Great with a pencil skirt for work, and even better with black denim for the weekend. Animal-esque print blouse $69.95
For those who dare to bare their winter pins, this leather mini skirt is a hottie! $139

PROW! There's nothing Jersey about this classic coat! $219
High-heel hottness with these exclusive-to-Sydney heels $199

Feeling Chanel-fabulousness with this must-have jacket - $199

The perfect tailored jacket - channeling Jackie O (aka Kennedy) in this divine number - $239
A Sleuth favourite, can't wait to swing this puppy (or should I say cheetah?) around town! $219


 
 Sleuth even loved the soles of these hot heels - too cute! $69.95


Every wardrobe needs to have a trench - this is a great start! $119
Classic leather two-tone bag- in love! $99

This soft-look tangerine blazer paired back with the below blouse and clutch? A citrus match made in heaven - just add denim! $89.95


One part Parisian, one part uber cool - the recipe for this season's citrus punch look - $59.95

Complete your look with a hot tangerine envelope clutch - $199.95 
Camel leather with shearling lining, need Sleuth say more? $359
Twinkle twinkle - add some bling to your day-to-night look with this lightweight jacket $89.95

Game, set, match! Putting sexy in tennis, this is a sassy trans-seasonal wardrobe must - $119

This faux-fur vest will have you purring, another Sleuth fave for the coming chilly months! $89.95

Only for the brave, these leatherette short shorts are not for the faint-hearted, and should not be worn around anyone with a heart condition $45.95

A little more tame, this Paddington coat is cosy and stylish, add gumboots for the sophisticated english look (minus the velvet scrunchie) $139

Stand tall with this fabulous two-tone giraffe print cotton scarf - versatile colours in one of THE prints of the season $25.95