Dressed to the...lets say, 7.5's?

This dress is one of my favourite things I picked up from the Barney's CoOp in Chelsea!
Its 100% Silk and by a brand called Joie. Having a look at their website, most of their pieces appear to be good quality, sophisticated basics, and I think this dress is the hidden gem. I LOVE the soft ruffles and the fact that if you tie the neck up, its makes a bit more sweet and innocent. Grey, as always is my absolute number one love. Firstly, it suits ANYONE. Secondly, it goes with EVERYTHING. For a low-key NYE get together this evening, where I am a plus one, so I don't know anyone, I decided to keep it simple with the vintage red silk scarf tied around my wrist any my favourite new accessory, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Skull necklace from the store on Bleeker Street. There is something about the combination of grey and red that to me says "soft" and "sexy" at the same time. On a make-up note, I was very excited to try out the shiny new things I got at New York make-up wonderland, Sephora. However, I kept it very light, natural and fresh looking. Its summer, its casual, lets not scare off people I don't know with crazy dark eye make-up. Leave that for my Alexander Wang boots that are burning a whole in my closet they are so desperate for a night out.
And on that note, I wish you all a very happy new year!
I tend to make resolutions every Sunday night as I fall asleep. However, I feel as if the last year was one where I learnt a lot of lessons, but didn't really achieve much. So my plan for this year is to make every day count for something that I can be proud of. And if I write it up here, its more incentive for me to keep my word!

Lots of Love! xx

I swear, I did not buy 10 kilograms worth of clothes

More importantly, I must REALLY love everything I paid so much for to struggle with 40kgs of luggage halfway across the world. Quite frankly, yes, I do. I spent the majority of the flight home imagining all the outfits I can put together to go with my Givenchy gems and now I just need to dig myself out of the mess of unpacking so I can go out and wear said dream outfits!
I was confronted with an interesting concept whilst unpacking my room with a dear friend this afternoon and he stumbled upon my scrapbook of sketches and cut-out pictures from magazines. He commented that in some of the shots from runway shows, things like the hair and make-up seemed totally outrageous, so much so that it actually detracted attention from the clothes. I used the following example from John Galliano's 2005 S/S collection for Christian Dior to illustrate my explanation for all the theatricality:

My theory is that the runway show of any design house is the most concentrated version of the collection. The hair, the make-up, the selection of models and the combination of the different pieces are all chosen in order to express the designers inspiration for that season. This Dior show, for example, used very elaborate make-up and hair designs that strongly evoked the 1970's/Hippie inspiration for the collection. The intention of such exaggeration is not to suggest that girls start to go crazy with purple glitter eye shadow, but to give a clear reference for the collection and to fashionistas everywhere. If you a having a hippie moment, then pairing the "Dior Not War" top with flared jeans and lots of necklaces can be your more wearable moment of John Galliano's vision. The theatrics are so important in order to inspire trends. It is so much more creative and invigorating to display a collection with the full support of hair, make-up and accessories than to just send the clothes out on bare models. It is rare that anyone would buy a complete look from a collection and wear it exactly as it was styled on the runway. The pieces that tend to be the most popular are those that are not the collections "signature" pieces, but the ones that are more classic, versatile, and less likely to date. However, if a girl is able to accompany that piece with their version of the collections make-up look, that enables them to get into the particular character that the show represented.
I must be in a Dior mood, because I am using another brilliant Galliano example:

This is from the '09 Couture collection, which makes the collection as itself even less accessible, as the couture collections generally contain the most extravagant pieces and concepts that can barely even find a place of the red carpet, let alone to a bar for Friday night drinks. However, to me, the girls in this collection look incredibly sophisticated and sexy. So, when I feel the need to step out with my best 1950's sex bomb attitude, I throw a dress on top of my suspenders and stockings and do my best impersonation of Dior's eyeliner flick and bright red lips. It works, and I don't destroy the innocence of children on the train.

You only live once... and I will do so with beautiful shoes in my closet and nothing in my bank account!

There are several ways to spend your last day in New York. You can be a good, sensible girl and curl up in your bed and read the book your lovely friend gave you about traveling while the rain falls outside your window. Or you can have an attack of temporary insanity. Firstly, I have been battling a cold since two days after I arrived here and I proceeded to head out into the rain without an umbrella. I apologize in advance to Sydney, I will be the one spreading the cold when I get back in 4 days. Secondly, I have already spent all of my money. Well, all of the money that I had absolutely limited myself to so I can pay off a big chunk of the loan that I took out to finance this adventure. I told myself "Kate, you are cutting your trip short by 6 weeks, DO NOT SPEND ALL OF THAT MONEY THAT WAS MEANT TO FEED YOU FOR THE NEXT MONTH AND A HALF". Thirdly, I have a distinct feeling that I may have already breached my luggage weight restrictions.
However, for as long as I can remember, I have never missed the Boxing Day Sales. It is the best part of Christmas for me. So, even though they don;t celebrate Boxing Day over here, I figured it was my patriotic duty to carry on the tradition.

Oh, and did I do our country proud... except if my Dad ever reads this blog, he will be the most unimpressed Australian, ever.

I started off well. I wasn't really impressed by anything until I stepped into DKNY on Madison Avenue, dripping like a nearly-drowned rat. I found a gorgeous little denim motorcycle jacket for $80, score! This purchase is an example of buying something, not because you were specifically looking for that item, but because you know you probably won't be able to find that item, by that designer, that fits you so well, for that price again, in New York. Most of my wardrobe is made up of those kinds of purchases. Personally, I think its the best way to shop, because even though I may have needed a pair of black ballet flats for months, if every time I shop, I do it with an open mind about what I might find, eventually I find a bargain in the form of black ballet flats. And along the way, I pick up all sorts of magical things that I wouldn't have otherwise noticed, being so focused on black ballet flats.

Unfortunately for my bank balance (not for me, I couldn't be happier) Barneys is across the road from DKNY. I had been in there earlier in the week, and I had also been to the Co-Op store in Chelsea. Its very lovely and very expensive. However, they had an offer of an additional 33% off already reduced stock. Duh, I am going to look. Well, maybe not just look. I actually don't even think I made it to the clothes. In my soaked, sniffling, bleary minded state, I decided to check out the designer shoe department. And about 15 minutes later was kissing goodbye what will take me about 2 weeks to earn when I get another job. In the form of these absolute beauties:



Look down past the pretty face and pretty, yet boring sweater dress, and the very decent legs and you arrive in heaven. Heaven is a pair of Givenchy Studded Zip Sandals. With a 12cm heel. In my defense, I did try to frantically call my friend in fashion crime, Zoe, before I handed over my card. It was about 5am in Sydney and she didn't pick up. So really, I can't be held responsible if I end up regretting this because I am on the street with nothing but these shoes. Doubt it (not the homeless part, but the regret part. Seriously, I may never take them off)

Well, at least my New York fashion experience ended in with a bang!

Learning the most important fashion lessons from a homeless man on the subway

I have been SO lazy these last few days, so sorry! I get back to my hostel in the evening after a day of shopping and exploring and I immediately loose all motivation to give you an (hopefully) witty and entertaining report of my exploits. Once that happens a few days in a row, I have too many stories and no idea where to start. So I think I might write a few short posts instead of one huge one, making it slightly easier for me to process.

So, Monday I walked down Madison Avenue. This is the kind of street where the stores lock their doors and you have to ring to be allowed in. Even though a lot of the designer boutiques such as Gucci and Anna Sui had 'Sale' signs in the window, no matter how reduced things may have been, I knew I still cannot afford anything that high end. Even if I could, I still have mixed feelings about carrying around things that are worth THAT much. I think I would be constantly paranoid that I would ruin it (very likely) or it would get stolen. Therefore, I checked out boutiques carrying a range of different local and international designers as well as the department store Barney's.
Shockingly, I found something for summer! A gorgeous tartan print cotton mini-dress that I am so excited to try with those Alexander Wang ankle boots.
Speaking of summer, I have some news! I will be heading home next Monday! As is my nature, I always quickly realise when a situation is not right for me (my lovely Mother pointed out my tendency to jump from one decision to another). I am having a fantastic time, but having a blow-out two weeks shopping, discovering and spoiling myself and then coming home and getting a new job and pursuing my goals for my styling is the best way for me to move forward. As I mentioned, this trip was originally planned for a couple, and living in chilly New York for a month is much better suited for a couple than for a single. But I had to get over here to figure that out and I have no regrets!
This is a blog about fashion and style, not just the cool things I am finding from myself! So I thought I would share a little revelation I had the other day on the Subway. A man who was either homeless or just struggling to get a bit of a break sat down opposite me. He was wearing three puffy winter jackets at once, which even in this weather seemed excessive. He started counting out $1 bills and then sticking them inside his sock. But what I noticed most about this man was the way he took pride in his appearance, even though he clearly had bigger worries on his mind. He picked lint off his track suit pants and re-adjusted the brim on his hat. This is a point on which my Dad and I would disagree, but caring about your appearance is a very significant thing you can do for yourself. Showing that you respect yourself by taking care about your appearance goes a long way in having other people respect you too. My Dad would say that people should respect you no matter what you look like or what you wear, but that isn't the point I am making. No matter what you are wearing, if you care about what you put on your body and the way you look, its showing that you respect yourself. If others don't respect you, that's one thing, but self-respect is important and something only you have the power to control. As I sat their observing this gentleman, I was dressed up for the first time in weeks. Seriously, I hadn't even put make-up on since I had finished work. I hadn't been bothered about what I looked like, I had no one in particular that I wanted to impress. This guy made me realise that bothering to think about what clothes I put on at the beginning of the day changes my attitude for the rest of it, and the only person that needs to be impressed by my outfit is me.

So there you go! I hope you are all having a very merry Christmas Eve and I look forward to your comments!

Let it snow...

Oh yes kids, its a white winter wonderland here in the big apple!

I have been suffering horribly from jet-lag. After 4 nights of only getting 1-2 hours sleep and being knocked down with a cold, it was time for the "sleeping aids". Which knocked me out for 24 hours! The most magical thing to wake up to (apart from the bug crawling across my face) was snow falling down outside window. So magical!I finally managed to drag myself out of bed and go to the diner a few blocks away and got myself a club sandwich and fries.
I was so exhausted yesterday, I couldn't update you on my day, and it was such a good one! First off my celebrity sightings so far consist of Tim Gunn on the subway, Amanda Seyfried walking her dog and Claire Danes in Opening Ceremony (an amazing boutique where I spent SO much money). As much as I was excited to see her, I was very bummed that Hugh Dancy wasn't with her.
The night before I had made friends with another girl from Sydney staying in my hostel. I had asked her to mind my computer and the second she spoke a word I practically demanded she tell me where she was from. So we decided to spend the next day shopping in Chelsea.
First Stop: Century 21. I think I might have to make another trip down there, because it is so massive and being in the throws of a head cold puts a gal slightly off her game. I ended up with a stunning black Calvin Klein trench coat with purple satin lining. Oh sweet heaven! It wasn't exactly on the wish list but a girl should NEVER turn down a classic designer trench for under $100.

Second Stop: Opening Ceremony. Situated just off Canal Street, this is an amazing gem very well hidden amongst a street full of fakes. Its more than slightly off putting to see a street full of men start bolting with their suitcases full of fake Chanel every time a siren goes off, however this haven is well worth it. This is where I crossed two things off my wish list (in one store, in one day!).

1. The Corset.
Not exactly in the form that I had originally envisioned, but it is stunning nevertheless.



You can't see the stunning detail very well in the picture, but even trying to squeeze myself into one that was too small made me happy! My size is being transferred from L.A and I will pick it up on Monday. This dress incorporates so many elements that are on-trend at the moment. The corset bodice, silver applique, sheer sleeveless top, micro miniskirt and pleating detail are all features that many designers are exploring at the moment. Here are some examples I grabbed off style.com






2. Ankle Boots.

I had fallen in love with these lil beauties online and when I stumbled across them (on sale) I thought I might try them on, if only for the fact that if I didn't, my friend Zoe would kill me. Well that sealed that deal. I love the fact that they are so comfortable and that the buckles jingle when I walk.



Those are the special things that I have found!

In the time that it has taken me to write this post, a motorcycle got buried in snow outside the window...

21, freezing, and fabulous

Firstly, I am so sorry I am not putting up any photos! Honestly, I haven't taken any. Its not my natural tendency to snap away with a camera on every street corner, taking photos of every street front. I don't like to look like a tourist (although the perpetually confused expression and the map may do that anyway). Also, its difficult to juggle a camera with a heavy handbag on one shoulder, a shopping bag in one hand and you're wearing so many layers that its difficult to move your arms. Also, its FREAKING cold here, especially today. I figured that the best way to not become a frozen street statue is to keep moving as fast as possible. HOWEVER, I promise I try harder to use that camera I got for my last birthday, if only to prove that I am actually here doing these things.
Moving on! I am having a lovely birthday! Although it did get off to a rocky start. I have been having issues with sleeping past 3 AM, which is both annoying and boring, except when you meet cute Danes in the common room of the hostel. However, at 6 AM this morning I woke up having a panic attack, with my heart racing. That is when my homesickness gets to me, very early in the morning when there is no one around and I can't go anywhere and do something, which is actually really impractical. The good thing is that I manage to calm myself down and when I get up and out for the day, I am too distracted by everything to get upset before 3 AM the next day. So fingers crossed I won't wake up at 3 AM tomorrow morning!
Getting to what I actually did for my birthday, I had a fantastic tour around downtown with a local New Yorker. The service is called Big Apple Greeter, its free, and my guide Gustavo was so cool! If you a planning a trip here, definitely give this a go, but make sure you book a month or so in advance.
Onto the fashion aspect of this blog, Downtown Manhattan is my heaven! This area includes Chelsea and the Meatpacking District (if you have heard of these areas). I WALKED PAST CARRIE BRADSHAW'S FRONT DOOR!!! And can I just say, we were walking down the street, and I spotted it from 5 doors down, Gustavo was very impressed.
There was a line outside the Marc by Marc Jacobs store, so I lined up to see what all the fuss was about. EVERYTHING WAS LESS THAN $100! If that was not New York saying "Happy Birthday Kate" I don't know what is.

This is my gorgeous birthday present to myself. I got a few other things as well, but this is the special one.
Next, I went to the original Magnolia Bakery, also featured in Sex and the City. For $5, I got myself two birthday chocolate cupcakes. Coolest 21st birthday cake I could imagine!
At this point the cold was getting a bit painful, so I headed back Uptown on the Subway to my hostel. It was lovely to wrap up my day with a call to my folks back home! I am just going to do a bit of research about what I might get up to tomorrow before I try to get some sleep.
Finally, I felt slightly over-dressed heading out in my fur coat last night to get McDonald's. In my defense, it is the warmest thing I have with me. However, the adventurous fashion spirit of New York encouraged me when I passed man wearing a much more pimpin fur coat, fur ear muffs, snakeskin shoes and more bling than I actually own.
This is clearly the place for me.

Thank you for all the birthday wishes!

Things I am learning

1. Pigeons are frightening.
2. Spending your Sydney birthday in New York watching a movie set in New York in the 1930's starring Zac Efron is pretty damn awesome.
3. I have to stop buy hot chocolates just because I think it would be trendy to walk around with a coffee cup.
4. I have no idea how people in New York can shop for more than an hour or two, taking off all those layers gets old REALLY quickly (except I am going to do it all again tomorrow!)
5. A room that might appear to be the size of a shoe box at first sight can actually become quite a lovely place to stay simply because its rat/mouse free, is warm and has a window to watch the snow through (when it starts snowing).
6. All those people who made fun of my suede, studded, fringed bag in Sydney (mostly, if not all, males) know nothing because it has been officially confirmed as gorgeous by several New York retail professionals.
7. For the three days that I didn't have a phone, I kept having phantom vibration sensations.
8. Even though its a bit of a let down to make friends with two cute boys from Denmark the day before they go home, its still fun to make friends with two cute boys from Denmark on your birthday.

seriously, this was the best idea I have ever had...

Just a quick one because apart from participating in the social experiment that is sticking random people in an enclosed space together for 13 hours, I haven't done a great deal. The flight was awesome and I am really glad I decided to spend the night at a friend's place, it's making the transition much easier. Its not as cold as I expected, but we are hoping to get some snow later in the week, which would be amazing!
I am getting very excited about celebrating my 21st birthday this Thursday!! But I am going to start the celebrations early tomorrow once I get all my stuff into the hostel (ok, I might admit that bringing this much stuff was a bit ambitious). First stop, Opening Ceremony, an amazing boutique that will definitely challenge my powers of self-control. Wish me and my bank account luck!

Now boarding QF107 to New York City

It is the night before, and I am not scared, upset, stressed or freaking out in any way. Neither am I particularly excited. I have been waited for all of these emotions to arrive at my tears ducts for weeks now, and there hasn't been so much as mascara running down my cheeks.
I started to plan this trip 10 weeks ago, with the very romantic notion of following my heart halfway around the world. That romantic journey came to a screeching halt over 2 months ago and I was left with these plans and ideas for great adventures without someone to share them with.
This evening, dragging my recycling across the road to the neighbor's bin under the cover of darkness, I figured out a potential reason why my heart rate is far more regular than I expected it to be. My journey doesn't begin when I get on that plane tomorrow. It began 8 weeks ago when I decided to choose my own adventure. The strength I have developed with making my own choices and relying on myself since then makes the person I used to be a mere shadow of the person I am now.
I am not trying to profess how awesome I have become. I figured out that if you are ready for change, then it isn't frightening at all. I wasn't ready 10 weeks ago, but I am now. Anything that this trip teaches me and shows me will just be a bonus on top of what I have figured out in order to get there. What I mean is, I feel much more relaxed about what this trip will bring because I have already come a long way.


Words I may regret when I get held-up at gun-point and spend my food money on shoes...

If none of that made sense, perhaps the cliched saying "Its not the journey that matters, its the destination" might put it into better context. New York is just my destination and for the first time, I feel like the journey is totally up to me.

Dress to impress?

Having been officially single for a good while now, I realised a significant change in my attitude towards dressing myself and the outfits I have ended up in since my last relationship ended. I believe the general trend for most girls is to go to a lot of effort when you are single in order to snag the guy, and then after your pretty sure he'll stick, drop the act and the hemlines and start getting around in outfits that take much less thought and are much more comfortable. Both guys and girls will attest to this. Without realisation or intention however, I have done the exact opposite. As a single girl, I am no longer rocking up to uni in a pair of platform heels every day with a bright scarf tied around my head. Instead, my uniform has become one of jeans and a grey/black/white t-shirt and flats. I haven't completely lost my edge, I still accessorize, and my uni bag was a stunning suede fringed, studded masterpiece that made so much noise when I walked it was impossible to sneak into a lecture late without being noticed. Still stylish, and yet lacking the real edginess or dramatics that had made getting dressed in the morning so much fun. I hadn't stopped caring, I just didn't care nearly as much. Which lead me to assume that I cared more about what I was wearing when I had someone who I wanted to impress. It was a great feeling when I took that extra time and they looked at me with such appreciation. That logic is somewhat romantic, wanting to look nice for your partner is a lovely gesture. However, what about dressing for yourself? It has taken a bit of concerted effort, but my heels and bright colours have been trickling back into my every day ensembles. I don't believe you should stop caring about what your wear and how you express yourself with fashion as soon as you get into a relationship. I also don't believe that you should dress for anyone else except yourself.

My mother recently commented that the way I dress intimidates people, and if I wanted to be more approachable, I should dress more casually. I considered this, because its actually not the first time that the idea had been presented to me. I came to the conclusion that if I started to think about what I wore based on whether it would affect people's minds about whether they should talk to me, it would do myself an injustice, as well as create insecurities I don't need. What I wear reflects who I am. The friends I have weren't scared off by that and have accepted me blisters from heels and all. These are the people I want in my life. So I encourage you all to think about putting a bit more of yourself into what you put on your back, and seeing how the world reacts. I think you will pleasantly surprised and liberated.

After a witnessing a frightening conversation between two spelling and grammar fanatics today, I am slightly anxious about publishing this post. Its nearly 1am and I was extra vigilant today, so please, be kind.

My Wish List

So, I have worked my ass off for 6 months, borrowed money, and I still don't think I will ever have enough money to satisfy my shopping needs in New York. Some consider Paris to be the fashion capital of the world, others think its London or Milan. For me, New York is the fashion explosion of my style and personality. So, with only half a suitcase to fill and a fairly limited budget, I will have to satisfy myself with a few amazing pieces and soaking up the rest through my eyes. Therefore, here are the things I will be searching for....

1. Erin Fetherston

This delicious label is only 4 years old, and yet it delivers so many amazing qualities. Starting the label as Parisian couture, each of the ready-to-wear pieces has a strong couture quality to it, in the strong structure and exaggerated silhouettes. In each season, Erin only uses a limited color palette, and yet all of the pieces could be mixed and matched with each other. The entire vibe of this label is feminine and sweet, and yet it exudes such subtle sexiness that a girl need only slip on one Erin Fetherston garment to feel like a million dollars. Coincidently, that is not far off how much each piece costs, especially those gorgeous party dresses. So I will be hitting up Opening Ceremony and Barneys to try and find something reduced (really, really reduced). Another special thing about this label is that all of the seasons are classic, they don't look dated and many of the pieces can be worn year-round.





This jacket is my absolute favorite. Throw it on over a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and you have an instant rock-star look. However the classic shape and neutral colors would go with just about every party dress in my wardrobe. To my great disappointment, I don't have occasion to wear that stunning tea-cup dress (it might be pushing my uni wardrobe a bit too far...) Photo from erinfetherston.com

2. Corset

I literally just had to sort through a million ripped out magazine pages to find this one corset that has been stuck in my dreams. I don't understand women that say they feel at their most sexy when they are comfortable. Nor to I understand when men say that their girlfriend looks her sexiest when she is lounging on the couch in sweatpants. Clearly I am making life harder for myself, but wearing a corset is the best sexy confidence booster. Tucked into a high waisted pencil skirt, peeking out from under a dress, the corset has the naughty appeal of underwear as outer-wear. As uncomfortable as it may be, aesthetically, nothing can do better things for your figure and posture. Not an every day item, but pulling out something as special as this crystal encrusted sheer piece of magnificence will make your evening before its even started...



This is Antonio Berardi design. With a very high end-style, each of his pieces worships the female figure. At the moment, I am in love with all things sparkly, so this piece became my obsession immediately. Photo from style.com


3. Ankle Boots with Attitude

The ankle boot is here to stay!!! Just before I get into my very excited praise, I want to make one thing clear. FLAT ANKLE BOOTS ARE HEADING BACK TO WHERE THEY CAME FROM!!! Yes, I am talking about those little pixie, flat ankle boots that every girl aged 14-21 decided to torture their legs with for the past 2 years. By torture, I mean they are the most unflattering footwear you could put on and I nearly cried every time I saw a cute outfit ruined once I looked down and saw a pair of these monstrosities on a girl's feet. The good news is that this was passing fad, like peasant blouses and neon t-shirts. But if your desperate to keep your ankles warm girls, there is a much more flattering option that is the obsession of EVERY high end designer. Tough, edgy, ankle boots with heels that could scare any man into submission. Sound like fun?



OOOOOOOoooooooohhhhhh so pretty!!! These are Alexander Wang and while they may appear scary and intimidating, they are seriously one of the most versatile items you could purchase for your wardrobe. Making jeans and a t-shirt instant rock and roll works in winter and they can still sex-up a t-shirt dress in summer. And one of the best things about this craze that is sweeping the world, is that you don't have to spend a small fortune, everyone is doing them!

Life goes in swings and roundabouts...

One week to go and my days are being filled with cleaning, packing and farewells. So far, no tears, however I did hug my dad twice within ten seconds this afternoon, so the terrified emotional displays may occur at any moment.
A year ago, I didn't understand the concept of traveling and why people do it. Why work so hard and save up $10,000 just to live somewhere else when you can have all the comforts of home back here, as well as a stunning wardrobe? A roller-coaster of a year later and the key change in my former attitude comes down to that one word: comfort.
In the lead up to this upheaval, I have been thrown off the mountain of my comfort zone and into the deep end of independence. Taking baby steps and usually making panicked phone calls to my fabulous friends at each one, I have figured out that once you burst your own bubble, life awaits you, and all of us can handle it.
So the last thing to do is (literally) fly away from my comfort zone and expose myself (not literally) to anything opportunity has to bring.
Acknowledging that your life goes in swings and roundabouts (or merry-go-rounds if you prefer) brings you the greatest comfort in times of struggle. But what will happen if you push the swing as high as you can and leave the rest up to fate?
I'll keep you posted
xx
(The Header photograph of this blog is by Nick Knight, sourced from his webisite)