Fit for a Princess (to be) - SWLS hearts ISSA

The end of April couldn't come quicker for this SWLS Sleuth! No, it's not the temptation of abundant easter eggs that has fueled my eager anticipation...nor the 5 day weekend....it's the count down 'til we all get to see THAT wedding dress, on who is sure to be the world's next 'fashion idol'. 
Kate Middleton sure has a lot of pressure on her (now somewhat trim) shoulders, but with her recent display of gorgeous garments, we're sure she is going to deliver and have us squealing into our champagnes (come on, you're not having a Royal Wedding party??)
One of SWLS Sleuth's favourite labels that Kate has catwalked on the world stage recently is ISSA, the London-based label designed by Brazilian Daniella Helayel, which was sealed as a wardrobe essential when Kate chose to wear the midnight blue cocktail frock to the official Royal engagement announcement. 
Sigh. Not only was she toting a prince on one arm and Diana's sapphire & diamond ring on the other, she looked absolutely divine in a swathe of blue silk that was a sell-out worldwide within hours.
Luckily for us, Kate isn't always prone to donning designers whose price tags are likened to the GDP of Peru, so we too are able to dream of, and even purchase, original fashion that she is making 'hot right now'. 
Enter ISSA stage left. With fabulous prints, bold bright hues, and with most prices just sitting under the US$1,000 mark...we too can now feel every bit the princess (just waiting for my invite to Sunday brunch at Windsor Castle to arrive in the snail mail....) and purchase a bit of designer history, as no doubt once Kate is officially 'Princess Katherine', everything she wears/touches/breathes on will be high on our hot lists.
Below are some of SWLS Sleuth's picks from ISSA's current collection available at net-a-porter.com


Happy Shopping (Princess Shopistas!) x

Princess-to-be Kate Middleton wearing ISSA

ISSA's ruby red silk-chiffon gown USD $715 - BUY HERE

Add a splash of the Orient with ISSA's printed silk-chiffon Kimono-style dress USD $725 - BUY HERE

The colour of love - ISSA's draped silk-jersey dress USD $495 - BUY HERE

Chic sophistication with ISSA's silk-crepe one shoulder gown USD $660 - BUY HERE

Princess-perfect emerald for ISSA's ruched crepe halter-neck gown USD $655 - BUY HERE

Casual glamour - ISSA's printed silk maxi dress USD $600 - BUY HERE

Market forecast - Love...and a bit of luck!

I have written recently of the evolution of fashion, and the way in which we now shop for it. Nothing could be more true of this than the changing nature of the traditional ‘markets’.

Once a selling space preferred by bohemians, punks, and rock ‘n’ rolla’s to sell their pre-loved gear or hand-made wares, markets such as Glebe, Rozelle, Paddington and Kirribilli were the breeding ground for up-and-coming designers, and those who had a desire to create and sell something original. 

Recent years and the introduction of ebay as a selling forum for second-hand goods has seen the popularity of markets somewhat plummet. With so many cheaper stores now also having opened with both on-trend and ‘vintage’ designs, the desire to trawl through racks of rags at a market in hope of finding a great retro or original piece has somewhat diminished.

What is interesting is the new life being breathed back into this age-old shopping experience, by the very retail giants who used to squash their fun. 

Markets have found a new home, and strangely enough it's within the polished retail space of the new Sydney City Westfield. 

Sitting below the glossy veneer of high-fashion emporiums Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and the like, lies 100 Squared - a funky space housing open-plan ‘stores’, brimming with some fabulous fashion finds.

One store in particular, Love & Luck, caught SWLS Sleuth’s eye as having an eclectic collection of cute accessories, jewellery & gift ideas…along with essential must-haves for thy self…

With most of the wares in Love & Luck being designed and created by husband-wife team Merlin & Sarah Luck, you really get a feel for genuine creativity, as well as finding pieces that you won’t see in your corner knock-off jewellery store.  

Along with their space in Westfield, Love & Luck can be shopped by phone and soon online, and with their first showcase at May's Rosemount Fashion Week to be a sure-fire hit, these are certainly pieces to get your hands on fast! 

See below to peruse through some of SWLS Sleuth’s fave pieces, and tag your own new-season must-haves!

X Happy Shopping!

Love & Luck's retro-inspired Eel skin clutches - YEOW! Add a splash of neon or more subtle berry to your look. Clutch comes complete with shoulder strap and SWLS-fund-friendly $140 price tag! BUY HERE or call 1300 955 556

Oooh-la-la pink - SWLS Sleuth's fave hue to brighten up a winter's day!

Love & Luck's Eel skin collection also includes 3 tier ($79) & 2 tier ($60) wallets and coin purses ($50 with strap) - all in fabulous Skittle-esque pop colours.

Adding some serious growl with this 2-finger panther ring - also available in silver. 

Panther-perfect for $90!

L&L's GORGEOUS bottle necklaces, available in a number of different themes. Above is 'wish', complete with definition and wishing well charm....the perfect gift for a dreamer!

The bottle necklaces come in a range of different inspirations including 'dream' and 'luck' - for $50 these are the perfect gift for someone special (and yourself!)

Rock On! Druzy jewels to get the heart thumping...

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but druzy crystal jewellery is the hottest thing to be rocking right now!

In a multitude of colours, you'll find these sparklers not only grab attention, they bring a cool, calm serenity to your high fashion look. 

Whether you decide to dust your knuckles with some serious geology action, or choose to hang your hard side around your neck or wrist, these rocks are sure to pack a punch and make a seriously hot statement this season. 

From YSL to Anthropologie, everyone OS is cutting a piece of this sparkly 'pie', and SWLS Sleuth will be keeping an eye out for blinging rocks a little closer to home...
An honourable mention is ubermodel Erin Wasson's new line 'Low Luv', currently available at Trilby Phoenix, and the molten-hot lines by Jasmine Pennamma & Nina Nguyen. 


Enjoy some of the below rockin' specimens found by SWLS Sleuth, and of course.....


Happy Shopping! x

Erin Wasson's Low Luv Collection Rough Crystal Cocktail Ring AUD $229 at TRILBY PHOENIX - BUY HERE

Nina Nguyen Roswell Bracelet USD $150 at MAX & CHLOE - BUY HERE

Yves Saint Laurent's Aco Stone Ring from SAKS - the queen of all druzy rings!
AUD $198.98 - BUY HERE

Jasmine Pennamma 'Victoria' necklace USD $385 - BUY HERE

Anthropologie Verdigris Couplet Ring USD $148 - SWLS hearts this ring! - BUY HERE

PRIMADINA Ruby Anar Hoop Earring USD $220 - BUY HERE

TOPSHOP Agate Slice & Charms Necklace approx AUD $11.70 - BUY HERE

RIVER ISLAND Turquoise Stone Ring approx AUD $20.25 - BUY HERE

PRIMADINA Amethyst Cuff Bracelet USD $529 - BUY HERE

Dara Ettinger 'Bridget' Ring from NATIONAL JEAN COMPANY USD $89 - Serious bang for buck! - BUY HERE

Nina Nguyen Purple Amethyst Druzy Bracelet from MAX & CHLOE USD $150 - BUY HERE

Jasmine Pennamma 'Paris' necklace USD $200 - BUY HERE

Anthropologie Astral Spectacle Ring USD $118 - BUY HERE

Urban Outfitter's Druzy Rock Ring USD $29 - BUY HERE

Jasmine Pennamma 'Tara' two-finger ring - a serious SWLS statement ring! USD $295 - BUY HERE

Primadina Turquoise & Tan 'Double Date' ring from MAX & CHLOE - love at first sight! USD $165 - BUY HERE

Jasmine Pennamma's 'Carrie' cuff - serious investment! USD $425 - BUY HERE

Urban Outfitter's Raw Stone Ring USD $29 - BUY HERE

Coralia Leets White Druzy Stud Earrings at MAX & CHLOE - BUY HERE

Mondayitis? SWLS cure = Richard Nicoll for Sportsgirl

Are you currently sitting at your desk this brisk Monday morning, wondering if you actually even departed the building on Friday afternoon?

Along with an ample supply of coffee, some funny emails and the hope that your boss has taken an extended weekend, SWLS has another antidote for your Monday-morning-blues.... Richard Nicoll for Sportsgirl.

While Nicolls may not be as well known on Aussie shores, this former Louis Vuitton collaborator with Marc Jacobs sure knows how to tailor, and is a loved favourite by our British counterparts. 

Launched in-store today, SWLS Sleuth recommends you grab some sushi-to-go for lunch and head to your nearest Sportsgirl store, as with only 9 pieces in the capsule collection, it's bound to walk its pretty self straight out the door...

Happy Shopping x

SWLS Sleuth is loving the 'I Heart Boiler Suit' AUD$180 - would look perfectly cute with a fab pair of ankle booties...BUY HERE

SUIT UP! This hot blazer paired back with black will be a seriously hot corporate look for winter - AUD$200 - BUY HERE

 This ultra-chic bomber is a trans-seasonal must, and can be layered up once the chill really hits! AUD $180 BUY HERE

Frivolous Friday!

With the Australian dollar currently swanning around the $1.03 mark with the Greenback, what better time to celebrate Frivolous Friday (Shopista's favourite day!) than with a mini shop of  US brands?

Here are some of SWLS Sleuth’s fave pieces currently online - 

Happy Shopping x

Marc by Marc Jacobs Percy Turnlock Crossbody bag at SAKS - AUD $202.51 - BUY  HERE

Michael Kors IP Gold Stainless Steel Twist Chain Watch at SAKS - AUD$230 - BUY HERE 

Diane von Furstenburg Ethyl Silk V-Neck Maxi Dress AUD$557 at SAKS - BUY HERE

AMAZON Kate Moss by Mario Testino, US$44 - THE must-have coffee table book - BUY HERE

Tory Burch 'Robinson' Envelope Wallet at NORDSTROM AUD$230 - BUY HERE

US Vogue subscription - International subscription US$70 for 12 issues - BUY HERE

Shopista SNAP!

Is your mission in life to have a walk-in wardrobe adorned with red soles aka Christian Louboutin? Me too!

If you’re not quite there yet though (or waiting for your Powerball numbers to come through), then check out these gorgeous shoes ‘inspired’ by Mr Louboutin’s fabulous footwear!

If your heart was set on the Canonita 100mm, priced at US$995 (and sold out world wide)...never fear, Nine West is here!

Their gorgeous rendition priced at $189 will definitely help mop up any tears shed over Canonita's sell-out!

Happy Shopping x

Christian Louboutin's Canonita 100mm - serious SWLS Shopista crush!



Nine West's 'Exposure' - these heels were made for struttin'!!! AUD$189

It's a wrap (on the wrist!)

Leather bracelets have been hot-to-trot for a number of seasons now. 

Ever since CC Skye launched her legendary leather and chain wrist-twister, its been at the forefront of fashionistas, celebrities and Shopistas minds alike.

CC Skye's holy grail of leather bracelets - buy HERE from Trilby Phoenix

What was once worn by bikie gangs and heavy metal rockers is now the du jour of slick chic, especially where metal hardware and leather are combined to create a strong, yet luxurious arm statement.

Celebs from Nicole Ritchie, Jen Aniston and fashion-queen-bee Victoria Beckham to metro males Johnny Depp and David Duchovny have been sporting leather accents on their wrists, and of course don’t forget the pop tart crew of Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Vanessa Hudgens, who all add a bit of leather to (try to) toughen up their look.

NR, KP & VB loving their leather.....

Of late there has been a resurgence of the lovely leather, and SWLS Sleuth has been out in force finding Shopistas the hottest leather bracelets, both in Australia and OS.

Whether you like to wear a single leather band or stack them up high, check out these gorgeous finds below and add a bit of ‘ol leather luxe to your look!


Happy Shopping! x

SWLS Sleuth picked up these rockin' leather bracelets at Lovisa, and with their current 'Buy one get one free' promotion for these bracelets (and many more!), the total cost for all four? AUD$46.98!

SAKS Alexander McQueen Whip Wrap Bracelet AUD$302 - BUY HERE

JUICY COUTURE Leather Turnlock Cuff US$48 - BUY HERE

LA diva store KITSON's Nakamol Designs - Gold/Brown Studded Leather Cuff US$58 - BUY HERE

LORI's Starburst Medallion Bracelet US$32 - BUY HERE

KITSON's Vita Fede Olive Leather Bracelet US$98 - BUY HERE

BLUEFLY's Vita white leather 'Sole' bracelet $US69.99 (was $175!) - BUY HERE

REBECCA MINKOFF loop & stud leather bracelet US$48 - BUY HERE

BTY House of Harlow 1960 Metal & Leather Wrap Bracelet US$150 - BUY HERE