Louis Vuitton Pre-fall 2013

I know it could seem unorthodox of me to post one collection after another, but stay with me here. How could I pass this up? After seeing bright hues for their spring collection, I’m actually refreshed by

Let’s deconstruct the collection’s trends:

• Darker tones, besides black, such as red and navy blue are obviously very common.
• Shoulder pads and boxy upper silhouettes were often used in jackets
• Lace was a commonly used textile. Lace prints, jacquards and debossing techniques on silk twill were all used.
• We can take inspiration from Vuitton's inspiration. 'The Bride Wore Black', a 1968 film by François Truffaut about a widow's revenge, in which she hunts down the five men that made her a widow on her wedding day. She methodically kills each of the five men in different ways. Freaky.

Day

One of the shorter length dress/skirts, this look can be used for day (as well as night). The outfits are simple, with leather on one side and lace jacquard on the other. Look at the shoes! They’re delightful.

 

With a plain black t-shirt and skater skirt, you can get both of the girls looks by switching between a lace jacquard blazer and a feminine leather jacket. If it’s too hot, this statement peter pan bow collar fits the scene perfectly. If you’re too shy of a leather jacket, you can amplify your leather stats with patent leather pumps and a clutch.

Office

Here we have a look that could work for school or the office. Relatively modest and sleek, combining trousers and a lace blazer or coat will be in this Autumn without a doubt.

Here I’ve given you the options of a lace coat or a blazer (happens to have a lace back, but that’s unnecessary for you) with a blue black lace peplum top. Highlight the blue black in your bag or clutch and shoes – particularly if you can incorporate lace here, too. Accessorize with dark drop earrings.

Evening

An evening look, here is a midi-dress featuring a peter pan collar. Over it goes a large, large coat. Again, the shoes are just precious (NB. I might have to pick up a pair similar).

You’ve got a tonne of oxblood pieces from 2012, right? We all do. We can skip the lace, as the lace blend gives the illusion of this tone anyway. I’ve used a shearling bag here as it has both oxblood and black, and to add an interesting textile to the outfit. A chunky coat is featured on the bottom left as you can see. This is more of an adult look, you could wear it out of a night without a doubt.

So what do you think? Too dark and gloomy? Or a grown-up, Wednesday Addams sort of sophistication? Tell me what you think. My next post is ‘How To: Dress for a Plane Flight’. Come back soon.

Source: Style.com

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

Barbara Bui Pre-fall 2013

This collection was not similar that I’m used to doting over, but I just adore it. Maybe it’s the minimalist look coming into trend, or my current love of monochrome, but I think it’s just fantastic.

In order to re-create these looks, we need to identify the collection’s elements

• Monochromatic colour scheme – The use of white, black and a bit of pinkish ivory. Each outfit is predominantly one colour, with the exception of a few outfits having two or three.
• Minimalist designs – The lines of the garments are very minimalist, with little design (except for one look featuring a gold design)
• Leather and other interesting textiles for contrast – Leather is the most commonly used contrast textiles, some outfits comprised totally of leather. There is also a silky jacket and patchwork jacket among pieces of other textiles.

Leather Top

Here a textured leather-like sweater is paired with trousers and elbow-length leather gloves.

De-intensify the look by wearing a simple leather top that flatters your shape with dark navy blue jeans. Short leather gloves are apt for a more every day look. Both the shoes and clutch are minimalist and black. Keep hair smooth and polished so that you look more fashion follower and less heavy metal fan.

Suit Look

The suit look, a fitted blazer with no lapel and contrast leather pockets has a pair of matching trousers and a minimalist black bag.

Every woman (working in a white collar occupation) should have a suit in her wardrobe. Under the blazer, a nude top gives you the best of both worlds between appropriate and sexy. Cinch the blazer at natural waist with a simple belt.

Nude Night Out

A creamy sleeveless mini dress is paired with socks of the same colour and red heels.

With a simple nude dress, add splashes of red with heels, a clutch and red pearl earrings (or something else that’s very simplistic). For those going the extra mile, you could take the extra inspiration and wear a matching pair of socks with the heels.

How do you feel about Barbara’s collection? What about the minimalist trend? I’d love to know what you think. My next post will show you ‘How To: Dress for a Plane Flight’.

Source: Style.com

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

Katharine Hepburn

Sometimes, you don’t want to wear a skirt, just as a break or maybe you just generally dislike them. Does that mean that you can’t be fabulous? No!

“Any time I hear a man say he prefers a woman in a skirt, I say, ‘Try one. Try a skirt.’” 

Katharine Hepburn (on her dislike for wearing skirts). 

Last Style Profile, we saw Grace Kelly, the epitome of elegant retro feminine fashion. Today we’ll be looking at Katharine Hepburn, a style icon whose controversial fashion choices influenced the ready-to-wear fashion industry for women to accept comfort in the same hand as style.

Katharine was a pioneer for early masculine-inspired fashion, a style icon for those who wanted to wear the pants in 1930’s fashion. She often wore high waist pants, showing off here tiny 20” waist, and button down blouses.

Monochrome

I’ll begin with a simple monochrome colour scheme, too easy.

I’ve paired adorable white high waist trousers with a simple black long sleeved blouse with typical masculine features such as a loose fit and pockets. Over the top, a white and black blazer can be added, increasing the masculine feel of the outfit a bit. To combat it looking overly masculine, I’ve added a pair of heeled brogues (a little from column A, a little from column B). Lastly, a thin black belt to top it all off! This is a versatile ensemble you could wear to the office, the cinema or to dinner with some friends.

Warm Weather

I live in Queensland, Australia, and it gets really hot here! So I thought, “hm, how would I wear her fashion in summer weather…”

Shorts instead of trousers are a necessity for hot weather, but instead of choosing those high waist shorts that show the world your butt (you’ve seen them, you know what I’m talking about), these look a little more fitting to the Katherine's look. I’ve used a simple blouse from Acne (which is a little reminiscent of a school uniform, I’d say), with beige brogues, a silk brown scarf and some Raybans. This outfit is great for withstanding summer heat!

Pink Feminine

Love the trouser look, but still love pink and pearls? I’ve got it sorted!

Trousers and a skivvy are typical Katharine Hepburn – but with a white and pink colour scheme, things are a little different. If adding simple pearl earrings, a necklace and a plain white headband didn’t do the trick, I think the pink oxfords and wallet sold it! I’ve used a very plain wallet, with plain oxfords and headband so that it's not too girly, but the colour scheme really does it. I had to add pearls; I think they work so well here.

I hope you enjoyed my outfits! Who thought working with pants could be so much fun? I had a ball putting it together. I hope you come back for my next post ‘Barbara Bui Pre-fall 2013’. Have a good day!

                                                                                      

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

Prepare for Australia Day

BBQs, sitting by the pool and seeing red/white/blue, wherever you go. We’re all looking forward to Australia Day. In this post, I’ll tell you about the day (for my foreign readers), as well as a (non-tacky-supre-novelty-bikini) outfit for the day, and preparation for the day, 2 weeks in advance!

"Celebrated annually on 26 January, the date commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 ... With community festivals, concerts and citizenship ceremonies the day is celebrated in large and small communities and cities around the nation ... as the biggest annual civic event in Australia."

(Thanks, Wikipedia)

So, how to prepare? I’ll give you a fortnight breakdown

1 Fortnight Before

-          Start today! Find out what you’ll be doing. Whether it’s a BBQ with your friends and/or family, or you’re going out that night – know what you’re doing.

-          Also, start watching your diet (especially if you’re going to a pool party). This doesn't mean “stop eating”, it means up your water intake and look for healthier meal options (such as soup or salads) until the day.

1 Week Before

-          Have you’re outfit prepared. Make sure pieces are in good condition (don't need repairs etc). Hang it up in your closet so that you don’t forget. Decide on shoes and make up after you figure out your outfit. I've prepared a sample outfit.

Blue Dress - Orla Kiely / Red Dress - People Tree / Red Swimsuit - Esther Williams Swimwear / Flats - Simply Soles / Bag - Marc Jacobs / Sunglasses - Romwe / Pearl Earrings - John Lewis

Step away from the novelty Australia day gear. You’ll never wear it again. It’s a waste of money that I could rant about for days. I’d say for non-swimwear your best bet is a short sleeved shirt dress. Protect your shoulders from the UVs, stay cool and look cute all at the same time. Celebrate the day by using blue, red and white. I would stay away from using white on main pieces, but if you want a little, opt for polka-dots. Incorporate white through a comfortable pair of flats and a slouchy bag that you can fit all of your things into. Simple earrings and sunglasses are all you need to accessorize with today.

-          If you didn't get a tan this summer (and you want one) spray tan today. I don’t condone sun tanning or solariums  but if you’re thinking about it – you’re too late. You’ll run the risk of looking red on the day.

-          Figure out your hairstyle. As it’s a hot summer, you probably want to wear your hair up. Pictured, Taylor Swift dons a chic neat up-do with natural makeup (minus eyes, I think).

A Few Days Before

-          Figure out what transportation you’ll be taking. If you’re drinking (as most adults do on this day), set aside money for a taxi or organize a designated driver.

-          Have a beauty day or night if you can. Take time out to exfoliate your skin, and maybe a facial. Use products that you have tried before so that you don’t have an unexpected bad reaction.

-          If you’re not wearing swimwear, iron your clothes today to make sure they’re lovely looking for tomorrow.

1 Day Before

-          Pack your bag for tomorrow. This could mean a few of the following:

- beauty essentials (lip balm, pressed powder, perfume/deodorant)

- sun cream, the most important thing to take if you’re attending a daytime event

- cash, keys, ID

- digital camera, preferably water-proof

-          Take a calming bath with candles and make sure to shave if you haven’t already waxed. Don’t wax tonight if you haven’t already.

-          Go to sleep before 11pm to ensure a good night’s sleep and no panda eyes.

Australia Day has arrived!

-          Have a light breakfast such as an egg-white omelette

-          Make sure all plans are secure if it rains (crossed fingers it doesn't)

-          Have fun! You’ll have a great day

Well, this was the first schedule I've ever written for Contemporary Classic. I hope you enjoyed it. My next post is a style profile of Katherine Hepburn, so hopefully you’ll come back for that. Do you have any plans for Australia?

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

Outfit Photo Friday

Congratulations to me for doing another Outfit Photo Friday! I knew I could stick to it if I tried. I’m moving in just a few days so I've been busy writing many posts, but I’ll always have time to dress up pretty. This was my outfit for the day.

Polka-dots and Pleats  

What am I wearing?

Round Cat Eye sunglasses from Ebay

Playsuit from Miss Cherry

Skirt from Ebay

Flats from Factorie

When did I wear this? 

I wore this on Wednesday, for the whole day. This photo was taken at 5:30pm.

Where did I wear this?

I wore this to the library, and to walk my dog with my mum.

Why did I wear this?

I love this outfit because it's fun, and perfect for summer afternoons.

This skirt goes with everything (and I mean everything). I love the play suit, but after losing 10+kgs, it doesn't exactly fit right. Faded, ill-fitting and old, I never want it to leave my side. So this wonderful skirt that nips in at the waist helped me give in another chance to get some sun.

Extra Photo

This is my beautiful pup. Her name is Ella, and after the 17^th, I’m not going to be able to see her for 3 months. I walk her every morning and night. To leave her will be so sad!

My last Outfit Photo Friday in Cairns, I can’t say I’m upset about it! Hopefully after I move (further from the equator) I’ll actually be able to wear winter items, like woolen scarves and big coats. Oh, I can’t wait! My next post will be ‘Australia Day’, I hope you like it.

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

How to Move Away (With Your Clothes)

I’m moving across the state (out of my family’s home and into a student apartment). My finances, medicare, lease and uni are sorted. One of my biggest issues are, what do I do with my clothes!? Fortunately, I can leave the clothes that I don’t take at my mums, but now I have to choose between clothes. After researching efficient ways to choose and move my clothes, I've come to a few conclusions.

Choosing what to take

I hate this part. So many times I've stood in front of my wardrobe and thought ‘Would I take this over that? But what If I need that for so-and-so occasion!’ etc. So here’s how I judge the value of my clothes.

                                                               

Priority list:

-          Quality – Top priority, pieces in impeccable condition (no rips/tears, good material, durable)

-          Size and fit – Needs to fit well, and if it doesn’t, sizing needs to be easy to fix

-          Classic or trend – Trends are out, classics are in (of course)!

-          Season – I can get winter pieces from my mums later, I need summer clothes!

-          Price – It’s harder to let go if you paid an awful lot, but not if you’re over it

Examples of what I’m bringing

-          Light, chiffon blouses

-          Pencil skirts

-          2 semi-formal dresses

-          1 spring cape

-          A pair of versatile capris and well-fitting, navy jeans

-          3 pairs of ballet flats

Examples of what I must leave

-          Gorgeous, Italian winter coat (too hot for that!)

-          Ill-fitting blouses that I meant to mend and never did

-          Obviously old clothes

-          Things I hadn't worn in over 6 months

-          A few formal dresses

-          Boots – fur trimmed and knee-high pairs

Packing the clothes

So, I love my clothes dearly, but I’m travelling by car with my 5-person family – and no trailer. I was faced by the dilemma, how do I take it all? I have so many things to take, but after some searching on the internet I've found some tips to fit my things!

-          Sort clothes into types (eg. Jackets, shirts, pants, underwear etc.)

-          Turn clothes inside out to decrease the amount of creases in your clothes!

-          Roll thinner items into a tube (thin blouses, underwear etc.) instead of folding

-          Pack heavy things/less-likely-to-crease pieces at the bottom of box/bag/case

-          Pack clothes in heavy duty bin liners – it’s cheap, clean and fits awkward car boot space

-          Take some clothes in a big handbag on the way down – you don’t want to open the bin bags

-          Shoes are packed in boxes with scrunched newspaper in the feet

-          Put jewellery in a separate ‘valuables’ box

What to wear while I drive

Being in a cramped car for three days will comfy. It’ll be 30C+ degrees, hot hot hot! Anyone that has been on long road trips should know how to dress, but if it’s your first time here’s an example outfit.

A skirt won’t be too comfortable, so shorts or play suits are a must. Light coloured clothes will deflect light/heat more than darker. Jersey cotton is comfortable and breathable choice. For shoes, open-toe ballet flats are my go-to, but some would prefer sandals. To top it all off, a pair of cute sunglasses will protect the eyes and some cute hair clips would help to pin back your hair. These are the type of outfits that I will be wearing on this hot summer trip!

Well, I’ll be testing how this all goes in a few days, and reporting back with how my move went! I’ll be driving 1722km/1070miles in the space of 3 days, it should be very tiring. I’ll see you soon with my next Outfit Photo Friday.

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

Grace Kelly – Channeling Your Princess Within

Movie star and Princess of Monaco, the Grace Kelly fantasy belongs to girls around the globe. As a fashion icon of mine, I admire her feminine and very elegant dress sense; it’s the sort of look I hope to achieve.

Before we look at outfits, I want to talk a bit about Grace’s general fashion choices.

• She preferred soft pastels (a typical feminine favourite) and jewel tones such as navy for a darker look.
• For main items, she often wore simple blouses accompanied by a pencil skirt (usually woolen), tailored high-waist pants or jeans.
• Grace always accessorized perfectly, with elegant white gloves, a silk scarf and never forget, the ‘Kelly Bag’.
• To emphasize her slender arms and fine shoulders during the evening, she would wear off the shoulder or thin strapped gowns teamed with longer gloves

Leisure Day Wear

This look is mainly to show off a Grace look with pants. She rocked them looking as feminine as the princess she was.

Her outfit here is actually modeled after an outfit of hers in the film High Society. She wears a beige blouse with darker beige/camel high waist pants. To accompany these pieces she wears a brown belt, brown kitten heels, a simple pearl bracelet, and of course, the Kelly Bag! This has been one of the more masculine outfits that I've constructed and I’m very happy with it.

Sensible Day Wear

Grace had mastered the art of sensible, elegant day wear while looking effortlessly fashionable.

This ensemble is quite simple, as Grace never looked like she was trying too hard. I've matched a woolen pencil skirt with a fitted blouse, and accessorized with a pearl necklace, a Chanel bag modeled after the Hermes ‘Kelly’ design and some simple black heels. You could wear this to office and go out for a drink after work, still looking very chic.

Evening Wear

Princess Grace! Oh how stunning she looked in an evening gown. Like I've done many times before, I’ll channel this look in semi-formal attire.

Here I have a stunning, full red dress which would really show off Grace’s arms and collar bones. I've teamed it with a white pea coat, a red Hermes crocodile Kelly bag, some red sling-back heels. For accessories, I've simple used some diamond earrings and longer white gloves. This look is all about looking like royalty, effortlessly!

This post has been so much fun, I've really enjoyed looking at Grace’s outfits and picking apart her style. In my next post I look at ‘How to Move Away (With Your Clothes)’.

Did you enjoy reading about Grace Kelly today? She is one of my favourite princesses throughout history. How do you think she goes up against Kate in the fashion department?

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.