Can we have some inverted commas around inspiration please?

Shakuhauchi studded denim jacket $240 at MyCatwalk

Balmain shoulders, considerably more than $240...

Shakuhauchi

I like the originality of Shakuhauchi's collections and the materials they work with (a lot of jersey etc). So I was quite disappointed to see that their latest range was a mash-up of the trendy pieces seen OS earlier in the year. For example, this "Well placed Tiger" tee [yes, the actual name.. look closely and you will see why] looks very Christopher Kane.

Shakuhauchi Well placed Tiger tee

Christopher Kane baboon dress

Having almost survived two Canberra winters

It's time for swimwear! The Seafolly website is quite good...

Favourite New York thing #467

KATE MOSS FOR TOPSHOP*

*Apologies for yelling in CAPS but tis warranted.

Australian Military Court

In 1995 [in Brandy v HREOC] the High Court determined that the HREOC court was constitutionally invalid.

Today, the High Court determined that the Australian Military Court was similarly constitutionally invalid.

From this ABC article:

"As an interim measure, the Government will give appropriate priority to legislation that temporarily re-introduces the pre-2007 military justice machinery for trials by court martial and defence force magistrates."

But that cannot happen until Parliament resumes in over a week's time.

Constitutional law expert George Williams says that in the interim, the military is left without a justice system.

"Its decisions have been found to be void and until that gap is filled, there simply is no tribunal or the like that can decide these matters," he said.

New Marcs store opened in Canberra

A new Marcs store has opened in the Canberra Centre where Kookai to be. I haven't gone in yet but it looks quite impressive - and larger than any other Marcs I've seen. You can subscribe for updates here.

Scene stealer

Highlights of The September Issue:

1. ALT playing tennis with every Louis Vuitton monogram accessory imaginable and a very bling-bling watch.

2. Shots of New York, Paris & [rainy] London

3. Grace Coddington.

Lowlights of The September Issue

1. They made fun of Testino!

Tight leopard pants...

Quote from the New York Post [emphasis added]...

"Here come the hunks!

Daniel Craig, a k a James Bond, and Hugh Jackman, aka Wolverine, will team up in a new play this fall on Broadway, The Post has learned.

The drama, "A Steady Rain" by Keith Huff, is about two Chicago cops whose lifelong friendship is put to the test when they become involved in a domestic dispute in a poor neighborhood.

Craig, whose Bond movies "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace" are among the highest grossing films of all time, will be making his New York stage debut. He started off in the theater in London, playing bit parts, but he has not appeared in a play in several years.

Jackman won a Tony Award in 2004 for his role as Peter Allen in "The Boy From Oz."

Although the musical received mixed reviews, Jackman became a box-office sensation, shaking a pair of maracas and flouncing around the stage in tight leopard pants."

I can't wait!

A rose by any other name

Ksubi [or Tsubi as they used to be called] is an Aussie street brand founded by a bunch of surfers sometime in the late 90s. One of he founders is George Gorrow, creative director and friend of US model Erin Wasson. The Selby did a feature on Ksubi offices and showroom in Sydney. Tsubi became a lil' bit infamous for releasing 169 live rats down the runway at fashion week in 2001. The first letter in their name [Ksubi or Tsubi] has always been silent.

George Gorrow's postcards

Whenever travelling, George sends himself a postcard. I absolutely love this idea and intend to steal it. Similarly, a friend of mind has a shotglass from every country she has visited. My dad collects hat pins. I just collect photos.

I was inspired to write this post after finding an old pair [very] well-loved Tsubi jeans in my cupboard. Finding old clothes in the depths of your wardrobe is very recessionista [even though I dislike that word.] What do I have to say about these jeans?

1) They are so amazingly comfortable - almost like track pants.

2) I can't believe I spent $250 on jeans when I was at uni. Ironically, I probably wouldn't spend that much money on jeans now [even though I'm no longer a poor uni student]. I think my brand-snobbiness has reformed a little. Or maybe I just discovered that entering "marcs + jeans + 10" on Ebay results in good quality jeans that fit me perfectly for <$40.

3) They still fit perfectly [yay].

4) Wide leg jeans, whilst super-comfy aren't necessarily super flattering. That said, they beat skinny jeans hands down [on me anyway].

Ikea catalogue launch

Only IKEA could pull off a full launch [complete with ribbon cutting] for a catalogue.

New Baubridge & Kay store

A new Baubridge & Kay flagship store has opened @ 80 Clarence Street in Sydney. I assume this is replacing the old Centrepoint double-storey store. They stock some lovely double-cuffed shirts, great suiting, huge range of cufflinks and throw in some shirt dresses for good measure. See b.kay.com.au for some eye candy...

I just wish it was summer already

Latest Sart pic from Greene Street, NYC. I have to visit this street. Many good Sart pics from Greene Street lately... [strictly no stalking I swear]

Edit: apparently the dress is a H&M bargain, sweet.

Dion Lee [update #2]

He designed this gorgeous dress [worn by Australian model Alexandra Agoston] for Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival.

Also, selected Dion Lee pieces are available for pre-order on MyCatwalk. My pick is the twisted sculptural dress.

Imitation the sincerest form of flattery?

"Imitation" Louis Vuitton heels @ Siren Shoes

I've never understood why people buy fake designer gear. Wandering through the markets on Patong beach was my idea of hell - I was worried that plasticky "Louis Vuitton" "bags" [note 2x inverted commas] would give me allergies.

This might sound stuck up and elitist, but I don't think it is. Why buy poorly made, generic fake items when you could spend your money trawling vintage shops? A leather bag that was made in the 70s and carefully looked after is more unique and of better quality than something picked up from Parklea Markets. If vintage isn't your thing, on-trend, quality purchases can be made at Jay Jays, Target, Sussan etc. Or my personal favourite - Cotton On [especially for underwear & basic wrap style tops].

Five more reasons not to buy fake designer gear:

1. Pleather. PVC is not leather.

2. Don't even get me started on trademark law...

3. Be honest with yourself - even if no one else knows it is fake - you will.

4. Louis Vuitton [real or fake] is generally overrated. Especially the Sprouse stuff, sorry. That said, there's a silky leopard/LV print scarf I've got my eye on. [No really...]

5. As I said in an earlier post, part of the joy of buying an investment piece is the experience of the purchase. Bartering a dodgy Thai stallholder out of 50 cents does not an experience make.

I op therefore I am

I op therefore I am is a co-operative Canberra op-shopping blog which is the go-to place for information on op shops in Canberra and surrounds (including Goulburn, Queanbeyan, Yass etc)

For example, the Vinnie's Monster Warehouse on this Friday and Saturday at Mitchell. Almost worth chucking a sickie for? :P More information available here.

Its just not special anymore

Is Oxford permanently on sale? Do they sell anything full price?

Hardly a week goes by when they aren't offering 40% off this or $25 off that. Unfortunately the cut of Oxford suits don't fit me [sad face]. Luckily, I made up for that by collecting 6 or 7 of their french cuffed shirts. However, the quality of their shirts has been a bit hit and miss lately. Such a pity, as its hard to find quality french-cuffed women's shirts which aren't >$200.

Breakfast at Tiffanys x fifteen

Fifteen models assembled outside Tiffany & Co this morning dressed in Jayson Brunsdon a la Audrey Hepburn in the opening credits of Breakfast at Tiffanys.

They posed to celebrate the launch of Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival. RSFF is sort of a reset of Rosemount Australia Fashion Week for the public. The Rosemount Australian Fashion Week Review shows look particularly interesting - esp Dion Lee... sigh. Tickets are available at Ticketek.

PS That RSFF link is worth clicking just for music alone... doof doof doof [ahem]

Transeasonal dressing #1

Denim cutoffs + blazer

Erdem

Fall RTW 09/10

Apparently the slight flaws in the lace hems are on purpose.

New York, the Aftermath?

;)

Little red riding hood

California fleece cape, $123 at American Apparel

New vintage

$17 @ Supermarket HQ

Even wars have laws

60th anniversary celebrations, Federation Hall in front of Parliament House, Canberra

On 12 August 1949 the fourth Geneva Convention was signed. Today marks the 60th anniversary of that day.

The Geneva Conventions comprise rules that apply in times of armed conflict and seek to protect people who are not [or are no longer] taking part in hostilities. This includes wounded or sick fighters, POWs, civilians and medical/religious personnel. Interestingly the first Geneva Convention was signed in 1864 and primarily focussed on the protection of medical personnel. During the negotiations surrounding that Convention the red cross on a white background was dream up as a symbol for medical personnel.

To mark the occasion, the Canberra division of the International Humanitarian Law Committee of the Red Cross hosted a morning ceremony at Federation Hall [in front of Parliament House]. It also launched an IHL magazine and photographic exhibition this evening at the High Court. The magazine is available online here and the exhibition is on at the High Court during business hours.

Whilst the keynote speaker (CJ French(y)) gave a, informative and considered speech, it was a [mere?] Army captain sharing his "war stories" who was the most interesting. He spoke of how the Geneva Conventions work in any everyday context - for example - enabling Palestinian medical people to treat injured Israeli soldiers, and shared some of the less pleasant aspects of his experience. I saw several people commend him on his short address later on.

Interestingly, his stories resulted from him being in the Middle East [he landed on September 1, 2001 no less] in his capacity in the Red Cross - he only recently joined the Australian Army as a Legal Officer. This interested me most. He said that the reason why he joined was the high level of respect for IHL in the Australian Army. I believe that this level of respect for IHL in the ADF is what distinguishes it. The MC similarly recognised and thanked the ADF for fostering such a healthy relationship with the Red Cross. She said that not all national arms of the Red Cross are so fortunate.

I now believe that IHL is the best example of why we study law. It isn't about companies or property rights or money but about protecting a person's most basic human rights at their most vulnerable. Today's events had a profound effect on me - lets hope I do something before it wears off.

Impractical clothing

The white suit.

Will never translate to real life workplaces nor real life people. [And by real life people I mean models.]

Blazer dress

I'm searching for a blazer dress similar to this @ Stella McCartney

I might try this one one ... [Portmans]

Because this one fitted horribly! [Oxford]

Models wearing Calvin Klein

That's all

To Ray Ban or not to Ray Ban?

That is the question.

That sinking feeling

I hate that sinking feeling you get when you've just lost something really important to you. It doesn't even have to be particularly valuable.

I got the same feeling earlier this evening when I realised that my Mum had accidently ordered my birthday subscription to the New Yorker instead of New York Magazine [understandable really]. At first I felt really horrible that she'd spent double the amount on the magazine I didn't initially want - but I've now decided that it look really awesome, and I'm really looking forward to receiving my first copy.

All's well that ends well!

Best. Souvenir. Ever.

Hand-painted cityscape sneakers by Edgarista, $US140. Available at Nor.folks in the East Village, open 2-10 daily.

Aside: When I was last in New York I asked my friend "So, what night is late-night shopping in NYC?" She didn't quite understand the question - almost everything in NYC [Manhattan especially] is open really late. I suppose you can afford to if you can sleep in until 2 the next day...

Woodford & Co

Oh the irony...

Jacobs by Marc Jacobs for Marc by Marc Jacobs... etc

Canvas & leather tote, $28 from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Fashion is a religion. This is the bible.

The September issue of US Vogue is famously chunky & highly anticipated. If often weighs in at over 700 pages.

The September Issue is also a documentary film by R.J. Cutler. He follows Anna around during the making of the September 2007 issue of US Vogue. I find that date interesting - in late 2007 the world economy was a lot happier than it currently is.

The September Issue [the movie] is released in Australian cinemas on August 20 [despite having already premiered into Sydney fashionistas during RAFW a few months back]. The trailer is available here.

"While Anna Wintour remain stoically controlled throughout (even her brief flashes of candour seem calculated), the real star is style director Grace Coddington, whose charming honesty is the antithesis to many of her colleagues' slavish devotion to (and visible fear of) all things Anna." [Australian Vogue, September 2009]

"Anna is like Madonna" [Thakoon]

Spring is in the air

For the first time in months [& months?] it is possible to go outside in Canberra without a coat. As my coat is starting to fall to pieces [cry] this is a very good thing.

The countdown to Floriade begins... [Saturday 12th September - Sunday 11th October]

Rodarte + Target

[Jessica Stam @ Rodarte, Fall RTW NY]

If there was ever a time to pronounce Target "Tar-jay" it is now.

Target (in the States) is releasing a 55-piece international designer collection on December 20. The most interesting contributors are Kate & Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte. Rodarte are recognisable for the thigh-high leather boots they sent down the runway @ the Fall RTW shows in New York. Read about Rodarte @ Target here.

Fashion photography is...

"... a news photograph about the way we look and the way we live, dispatched from the reconnoiterers beyond the front..."

[Tim Blanks, 50th Anniversary Vogue]

re·con·noi·ter (rk-noitr, rk-)

v. re·con·noi·tered, re·con·noi·ter·ing, re·con·noi·ters

v.tr To make a preliminary inspection of, especially in order to gather military information.

v.intr To make a reconnaissance.

Nine West

These shoes make me think that spring & summer aren't *too* far away!

["Pristine" suede collared sandal by Nine West, $289]