Tuesday 31 May 2011

Kaftan Queen Camilla Franks' new winter wears (watch out bank balance!)

Just when it looked like the Winter Fashion Flu might take hold with this dreary weather, Sleuth was invited to check out kaftan queen Camilla Franks' first foray into 'winter-wear', and for a designer who prides herself on bright summer hues and floaty beachwear, the latest Woodstock collection is (not surprisingly) fabulous!

Camilla's self-titled label was created seven years ago, and has since gone from strength to strength, now being stocked in key international boutiques and retailers such as Harvey Nichols in the UK, Intermix & Calypso in the US and David Jones on home soil. Camilla was also the kaftan of choice for Oprah, worn on her Aussie adventure last year, making Camilla a label that certainly doesn't shy away from having ample celebrity and fashionista followers alike.


Oprah celebrating her trip to Australia in her Camilla kaftan

With her flowing kaftans, exclusive prints and unique styling, Camilla told Sleuth she aims to 'celebrate all women, no matter what size or shape they are'.

At Camilla's flagship store, the 'Beach House' in Bondi, Sleuth was treated to an exciting preview of the lush fabrics, prints and embellishments that adorn winter's Woodstock collection.
While maintaining her signature flowing silks, Camilla also took some risks this season, by adding new fabrications such as angora, leather and cashmere to the mix, resulting in a luxe collection of pieces perfect for winter layering.

Camilla's colours for this season are certainly richer than her normal palette of brights and fluoros, with Woodstock infused with deep tones of jewelled reds, oranges, greens, greys and black. Inspired by warm fires, red wine and cosy nights in, the Woodstock Collection is an ode to winter warmth at its most fabulous!
By no means are Camilla's creations on the less expensive side, with most kaftan pieces being in excess of $500. However they do infuse true luxe into your wardorbe, and as the online style guide shows, can be worn in a myriad of ways and be layered up or down depending on the season. So if you're after a truly gorgeous investment buy, look no further than these luxe creations to add a bit of eclectic charm to your style!

Happy Shopping! x


Kaftan Queen Camilla Franks at her showing of Woodstock 11 - Sleuth loves her divine turban, also available to purchase

Camilla talking through her inspirations for the Woodstock Collection

A Camilla-ette wearing the fab Kozmic Blue kaftan-legging combo that Sleuth LOVES for chillier days!

Sleuth's fave Kozmic Blue print shown here in the one-shoulder and string kaftan versions, the one on the left is actually a long kaftan that has been rolled up, another example of how versatile these creations are!

Sleuth being shown the different ways in which Camilla's creations can be worn - you can also VIEW HERE for inspiration!

Camilla's Woodstock Collection 2011

Marakesh Express Long Sleeve V-Neck Dress AUD $598 - VIEW HERE


Marakesh Express Diamond Feature Dress AUD $715 - BUY HERE

Can't Turn You Loose Turban AUD $182 - BUY HERE with Loose V-Neck Drawstring Dress AUD $799 - VIEW HERE


Voodoo Child Oversized Reversible Coat AUD $950 - VIEW HERE


Proud Mary Winged Kaftan (on left) AUD $660 - BUY HERE and Proud Mary Drawstring Dress AUD $599 - VIEW HERE

Bad Moon Rising Round Neck Kaftan AUD $550 - BUY HERE

Voodoo Child Beanie AUD $129 - BUY HERE


Absolutely divine in the flesh - Proud Mary Knotted Top AUD $682 - BUY HERE

Kozmic Blue Round Neck Billowy Tank AUD $297 - BUY HERE and Kozmic Blue Leggings AUD $249 - BUY HERE

Voodoo Child Oversize V-Neck Dress AUD $550 - VIEW HERE


Can't Turn You Loose Lace Up Shirt AUD $420 - BUY HERE and Sleeveless Cardi AUD $429 - VIEW HERE


Kozmic Blue Winged Kaftan - a Sleuth favourite! AUD $660 - BUY HERE


Bad Moon Rising Winged Kaftan AUD $660 - VIEW HERE

Marakesh Express Hendrix Vest AUD $880 - VIEW HERE with Round Neck Billowy Tank AUD $297 - VIEW HERE with Express Leggings AUD $249 - BUY HERE


Camilla's Beach House in Bondi

Lots of lovely jewels are also available from the Camilla boutiques

Friday 27 May 2011

SWLS Friday Fashion Fun - infusing our wardrobes with Marc Jacobs diffusion

With the news that Balmain will be releasing a diffusion line 'Pierre Balmain' in September, Sleuth saw this as the perfect opportunity to profile a SWLS diffusion favourite, Marc by Marc Jacobs. 
Diffusion lines have now become something of the norm for high-fash designers, where fashion greats such as Marc Jacobs (Marc by Marc Jacobs), Dolce & Gabbana (D&G), Versace (Versus) Michael Kors (MICHAEL by Michael Kors) and Armani (Armani Exchange) release a collection that is more relaxed than their normal high-fashion wares, and are also without the hefty price tag that comes with the designer's original collection.
Even downunder designers have got on board with the diffusion concept, with Wayne by Wayne Cooper, Nylon Flocks by Nicola Finetti, Hi There from Karen Walker (NZ) and Leona by Leona Edminston all being successful sub-labels of their more expensive counterparts, offering on-trend and less expensive fashion to the Shopista masses.
Then there are also the designer collaborations with the likes of Target, Big W and other retail juggernaughts. Stella McCartney, Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, Collette Dinnigan (lingerie), Josh Goot and the much anticipated Missoni Collection (US stores September) have rocked Target's fashion world, not only bringing mass sales, but adding fash-cred to a store that has been deemed anything but fashionable in the past. Peter Morrissey has also seen great success with his fashion at Big W, charging his pieces with fashionability not high prices. 
Marc by Marc Jacobs is one of Sleuth's favourite designer diffusions, bringing youthful, exhuberant and best of all, affordable fashion to our wardrobes. Created in 2001, Marc by MJ is now celebrating 10 years of being at the forefront of our fashion conscience, having lead the way in the diffusion arena. 
Thanks to one of Sleuth's fave online fashion emporiums shopbop.com, below are the stunning campaign shots from the Marc by Marc Jacobs S/S 11 collection - and of course, the ability to purchase the look for yourself. Sleuth has also searched for the hottest Marc by MJ pieces currently available to keen Shopistas, so you too can now inject some Marc-lovin' into your wardrobe, as well as have the Sleuth problem of what NOT to buy!


Happy Shopping! x




Marc by Marc Jacobs S/S 2011


Marc by MJ Florence Blouse AUD $255.52 - BUY HERE - perfectly paired back with Gwyneth Twill Trousers AUD $265.43 - BUY HERE


Colette Floral Shorts AUD $185.24 - BUY HERE

Kitty St. James Satchel AUD $421.72 - BUY HERE

Ankle Wrap Wedge Sandals AUD $443.40 - BUY HERE



Amelie Strapless Floral Dress AUD $365.31 - BUY HERE


Celeste Raincoat AUD $227.92 - BUY HERE paired back with the divine Schooner Stripe Jersey Dress AUD $146.92 - BUY HERE



Pleated Sabine Flower Dress AUD $395.09 - BUY HERE

X Band Wedge Sandals AUD $392.11 - BUY HERE

Marc by MJ Lady Drawstring Tote AUD $454.65 - BUY NOW



Ursula Georgette Trousers AUD $295.82 - BUY HERE



Some of Sleuth's fave Marc by Marc Jacobs hot-right-now pieces....

The Simone Stripe Dress - a Sleuth must-have! AUD $623.41 - BUY HERE

Marc by Marc Jacobs Side Stripe Sunglasses AUD $109.20 - BUY HERE

Marc by Marc Jacobs 10th Anniversary Bow Wow Dress - celebrate in style! AUD $323.19 - BUY HERE

Marc by Marc Jacobs Color-block silk crepe de Chine dress USD $600 - BUY HERE

X-Band Wedge Sandals ready to bling up south of your ankles AUD $445.68 - BUY HERE

Sleuth is drooling over this Lucy Ostrich-Effect PVC Tote USD $400 - BUY HERE

A Sleuth favourite, this Elm Print Colourblock Jersey Dress evokes feelings of fun in the sun! AUD $295.14 - BUY HERE

Totally Turnlock Key Pouch. Totally. AUD $68.56 - BUY HERE


Printed Silk Dress USD $280 - BUY HERE

Turnlock Katie Bracelet AUD $97.28 - BUY HERE


Faceted Jessica Necklace adds a point of difference to your jewellery box. AUD $116.87 - BUY HERE

Marc by MJ 10th Anniversary Roxy Rose Print Dress AUD $324.85 - BUY HERE

Faceted Stone Studs - divine! AUD $47.30 - BUY HERE

Marc by MJ Jorie Large Watch - another quirky & classic MJ timepiece AUD $171.89 - BUY HERE

Retro fabulousness with the Simone Solid Blouse $244.36 - BUY HERE paired back with the Colette Floral Shorts AUD $185.24 - BUY HERE

Every Shopista needs a slouchy hobo, and what better than this Classic Q Hillier Hobo from Marc by MJ, AUD $400.11 - BUY HERE

High Tide Colourblock Bolt Bangle AUD $67 - BUY HERE

Zip it up with these fab Marc by MJ signature earrings USD $58 - BUY HERE

Mixing Parisian chic with red white and blue, Sleuth is loving this Schooner Stripe Jersey Top AUD $146.58 - BUY HERE

Spotted canvas and patent-leather wedges - nothing dotty about this pair! USD $395 - BUY HERE 

Metal Bow Stud Earrings AUD $37.64 - BUY HERE



Birds on accessories are a Sleuth favourite, so am seriously loving Marc by MJ's Pouchette Small Leather Bag USD $230 - BUY HERE


Marc by MJ Pelly Silicon Watch AUD $201.06 - BUY HERE

Sleuth will never shy away from a bit of animal action! Marc by Marc Jacobs Printed Silk Dress USD $280 - BUY HERE


Kitty St James Baladine Shoulder Bag - MJ is known for his poppy brights and this is no exception! AUD $279.47 - BUY HERE

Square sunnies by Marc by MJ are this season's must have! AUD $98.52 - BUY HERE

Dress with a difference! Cee Cee Jersey Long Dress AUD $275.33 - BUY HERE

House of Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha bag - a classic look at its best! AUD $392.16 - BUY HERE

Classic Marc Katie Bracelet - also available in silver and rose gold AUD $97.06 - BUY HERE

Don't let your kitty near these cuties! Patent Mouse Ballet Flats $227.79 - BUY HERE

Faceted Stretch Bracelet AUD $97.28 - BUY HERE


Your cosmetics deserve a fabulous place to live, so how about this mini cosmetics bag? AUD $48.25 - BUY HERE

If the weather starts to get you down, pop on this Candy Logo Bracelet to bring the bright back into your day! AUD $32.07 - BUY HERE

Plastic fantastic! Loving the Rivera Logo Dial Watch AUD $175.41 - BUY HERE 


Putting the pop in your rock - Acetate Headphones USD $68 - BUY HERE

Marc by Marc Jacobs Melinda Sweater AUD $171.93 - BUY HERE

Saloni layering necklace AUD $47.65 - BUY HERE