Daisy in paisley

Daisy looked gorgeous today in a bright, sunshine yellow frock that looked cool and breezy. Not many people dare wear yellow, although I am not sure why it is any more frightening than other bright hues. It must be this perception, however, that makes it scream ‘look at me!’ that makes most people run a mile from it though. Daisy shares her love for it with Gingersnaps and myself – perhaps we’re all attention-seekers.

How long did it take you to put it together this morning Daisy?

Not long, a few minutes.

That sounds very definite! Why’s that?

It was meant to be hideously hot today – 39° in fact, so I chose the lightest, floatiest thing I could find. Although now I’m regretting it as the temperature has dropped significantly and the wind has picked up. This dress doesn’t mix well with wind.

The dress is basically the whole outfit so that’s where I started; the sandals were a last minute change as I was running out the door. I didn’t fancy walking 20 minutes home after a 39° day in closed shoes!

It’s a very distinctive dress with that giant paisley pattern. Who’s it by?

The dress is by Anu and it was from Phillips on Chapel Street. The sandals I had made a few years ago in Vietnam – they’re a bit tricky to walk in but worth it on a hot day.

I seem to recall that most of the jewellery you wear was given to you? Tell me about your necklace.

This one’s no exception! The rose gold chain and heart locket was a 21st birthday present from my uncle who found it in an antique store. It’s my favourite piece to wear because it goes with everything and is very understated. I wear it most days.

Well, your silhouette is certainly understated, but that pattern is a great contrast! Thanks for making our day brighter Daisy.

The backdrop in these pictures is part of one of the princess’ suites in Bao Dai's summer palace in Dalat, Vietnam.

It’s all blue hues for Sapphire

Inspired by Katherine Hepburn, my friend Sapphire (aka Pure Gin) tends towards a masculine style, and would love to wear three-piece suits often if she could. (“I only own one! Wish I had more though,” she tells me.) She’s in the market for a vintage-style suit for starters.

On weekends she is more of a jeans and t-shirt girl, but likes to dress up for occasions, inspired by different fashion eras. Heels are usually worn only for going out on the town. Sapphire has tried to go for feminine, flirty things particularly this past summer, but she just does not feel quite herself in them, which is something I can totally relate to, having several fluttery summer dresses languishing in my wardrobe.

It’s Australia Day on the day I interview Sapphire, and quite warm though not hot. My own original outfit has suffered a disaster (the zip split open on my dress) and we both kick back on the balcony with wine from New Zealand and anti-pasta from the Vic Market.

You’re all in blue, Sapphire; how appropriate. Tell me about your outfit.

The shirt is vintage. There’s no label, so it could actually be homemade. I bought it from Shappere on Chapel St, which sells refashioned vintage clothing, such as old shirt dresses turned into tube dresses. The shirt actually has a small hole, and was discounted because of it. I really like it because it’s cool and breezy, and the colour is a great contrast with my hair. I’m longing for more blue in my wardrobe!

I know you like vintage clothing; do you ever go op-shopping?

I prefer to shop in second hand boutiques, rather than op-shops. The culling and sorting has already been done. Although I wish I did make an effort go to op-shopping more often – but I have to be in the mood or zone for it. I’d like to shop more on eBay too.

Oh, I love window-shopping on eBay when I’m bored! I often have ten things on my watch list and then don’t bid on even one.

I prefer to shop in second hand boutiques, rather than op-shops. The culling and sorting has already been done.

I don’t often see you in skirts. Where is that one from?

It’s from At Store [an inexpensive boutique in Chapel St], she tells me sheepishly.

I wouldn’t normally shop in there, but sometimes you can find some gems hidden amongst the more trashy stuff. I bought it on sale, and I like it because it’s not an ordinary denim mini-skirt. I like that it’s high-waisted.

I like the pocket details, with the triple flaps. What about your shoes?

They are from Zomp, by the Zomp label. They are a copy of a Miu Miu shoe, and I quite like the square cut.

And lastly, your jewellery?

Both the bracelet and the ring were gifts. The glass bead bracelet came from MOMA, New York. A friend of my mum's sent it for my 15th or 16th birthday. At the time I didn’t really like it, by the time I was in my 20s I loved it.

My dad gave me the enamelled, sterling silver ring. [Not visible in the pictures, it’s 60s-style geometric, with little squares and stripes of colour.] Dad used to stock up on knick-knacks such as jade horses and chain-mail fish; stones; and jewellery from Thailand and Hong Kong if they could be made into gifts. He was travelling through Asia in the 60s and 70s.

Well thanks Sapphire – and if your dad happens to have any sapphires amongst his treasure-trove, you should have some earrings made to match your eyes!

Vive la liberté!

Aren’t they cute, the pair of them? On the right is Fifi; she is hugging Gingersnaps, who starred in a Bright Young Thing back in November last year.

Let’s start with you Fifi. How would you describe your style in general?

Fifi: Pretty; girly, but hopefully sophisticated. I like the classic French-Riviera style – white stripes with red or blue; and cute outfits like a recent nautical look I put together with a striped Marcs top.

And last time you described yourself ‘casual with a bit of rock n roll’, Gingersnaps. Yet today I find you both in floral Liberty prints! What’s going on?

Gingersnaps: It wasn’t the floral print that attracted me to this dress, although I did grow to appreciate Liberty prints from my time working at Alannah Hill. I remember a very cute pair of frilly knickers with a print of a girl with a poodle…

Fifi: I generally don’t like florals, but this top is a favourite. I really liked the colours, and the cut – particularly the halter neck and tie at the bottom. It’s from Fragile, which is a trés expensive maternity shop in South Melbourne. I wore it for both my pregnancies and loved it so much had it tailored to fit me now.

Gingersnaps: That’s exactly what I liked about my Lush dress: the cut, and the colours. My sister bought the dress first when she was working in the sales shop – all of my sisters and I have worked at Lush at some stage – and I loved it, so I bought one too. We got the last two size 8s.

So it was completely chance you both wore your ‘Liberties’ today? No phone calls in the morning?

Fifi: (laughs) No! It was going to be very hot, so I needed a cool top. The busy pattern needs to be teamed with something quite plain on the bottom – these nice-fitting black trousers are from Coopers St.

And you, Gingersnaps?

Gingersnaps: Yes, the weather forecast was a factor. When the temperature rises it’s time for Liberty prints, bare legs and light fabrics. And as little black as possible.

When the temperature rises it’s time for Liberty prints, bare legs and light fabrics. And as little black as possible.

How long does it take you both to get dressed in the morning?

Fifi: Just ten minutes. With two little ones I don’t have time to try five different looks any more like I used to.

Gingersnaps: No time at all today. It was an easy decision; it’s my coolest dress.

What about your accessories?

Fifi: Although I wasn’t wearing any jewellery today, because of the busy pattern and the high neck, the best accessories are earrings. I need to wear my hair up to accentuate the halter neckline. A chunky bracelet always looks good with this style too as my shoulders are bare. Oh, I also had some gorgeous leather, magenta and silver heels from Jigsaw, made in Spain.

Gingersnaps: I was wearing a little silver locket on a fine chain, a birthday present from my boyfriend last year. My Giallo ballet flats are just comfy to walk in.

You’ve worked in a few great fashion boutiques, Gingersnaps: Lush, Frauhaus, Alannah Hill. Great opportunity to increase your wardrobe with a staff discount! How often do you shop now?

Gingersnaps: Rarely. I’m too poor to buy what I really like – I have expensive taste. But when I do, it’s never department stores – I tend to wander into little boutiques, like Lush.

What about secondhand?

Gingersnaps: No, it just doesn’t suit me – I can never find anything that fits. I don’t have the patience to sift through the racks of grotty clothing. I do like shopping for secondhand furniture, and knick-knacks.

You mentioned you and your sister both bought this dress. Does this happen often?

Gingersnaps: All the time! My mum and my two sisters and I are all similar shapes, with similar taste which is convenient. Mum loves shopping – she should have been a stylist. We have stuff that passes from mum to sister to sister, so I guess you could say that’s where I shop. We’re good recyclers.

I like to trawl the high streets – you can find anything from Kookaï to Colette Dinnigan.

And you Fifi? How often do you shop?

Fifi: Every day! Just whenever I get the chance I slip into a shop here or there. I like to trawl the high streets – you can find anything from Kookaï to Colette Dinnigan. I’m not snobby either; I’m perfectly happy to go into a cheap store to find a bargain. This time of year it’s very tempting too, with all the sales on.

Guerrilla-style shopping, eh? What are your favourite shops?

Fifi: Cactus Jam – domestic designers and the international boutique. I go to the QVB store as it has a broad selection. On a recent trip there I went looking for a wedding outfit. I bought two options, a third dress, and then a pair of Chloe trousers on sale. I also like Cue, as they do a lot of clothes for petite frames.

Gingersnaps: If I could afford to splurge, I really love Nicola, in Greville St; White Suede on Chapel (great swimwear); Frauhaus; and Hand in Glove. I tend to prefer Australian designers with small runs – it’s more exclusive.

Okay, last question: what new items are you looking for this season?

Fifi: More dresses! And a new winter coat. It needs to be fitted on top with long sleeves. I didn’t like the three-quarter sleeves that were popular last year – my arms got cold. I’m also on the lookout for a jazz outfit. (I do jazz for exercise.) I tend to wear sports clothes, but I want something fun, and pretty. I find leggings and tops abhorrent, and that’s what most people seem to wear.

Gingersnaps: I also need a new winter coat. My Lush ‘backwards’ style coat is three years old. I’d like something black, plain and maybe in a 40s style. It needs to be fitted, not oversized. I’ll know it when I see it. I’d also like some new shoes – flats, from Giallo – that would work with stockings and bare feet.

Fifi: I’ve never been one for shoes really. But I did recently get the cutest green Keds wedges with a yellow bow.

Gingersnaps: I’d also like some pretty tops that aren’t black. I said it before, but I need to Walk Away From Black!

Ah, music to my ears. On that lovely note: happy shopping until next time.

Cloud photos: Antonio Gillo, from http://www.sxc.hu/

Fresh as a daisy

I work with Daisy, and I love to check out what she’s wearing every day. She always looks so fresh and bright and jeune fille – like a pretty spring day! This has in part to do with her wardrobe’s colour palette: there are quite a few light hues, and also the air of wonder in her wide eyes that make me think of Bambi exploring the world on his wobbly, new-born legs.

It amuses me to compare her with myself at a similar age: fresh out of art school when grunge was big, I wore a lot of vintage, and colourful eccentric items that allowed me to adopt a different persona every day. It took me a while to pare down!

…But fashions change, and Daisy has refined a look that is sophisticated and modern, yet certainly not hard.

How would you describe your style in general, Daisy?
Well it has definitely evolved over the last few years. But at the moment I like to wear more classic, feminine pieces that still have a modern or unique edge to them. I love beautiful clothing and appreciate it, but it usually has to be paired with comfort.

Did it take you long to put it this outfit together?
No – about three minutes! I knew it was going to be a warm day so I thought it would be a good opportunity to wear a dress. That’s what I love about dresses – they cut out all the work, and are the ultimate in comfort. And because this dress is pale, I like to pair it with the hot pink flats for a jolt of colour.

Yeah, I love adding bit of acid to something pretty. It makes a great contrast. And your nail polish is a great match! Where did you source the shoes from?
They're from Witchery. I had been searching for weeks for new summer flats without any luck when I stumbled across these beauties. The patent pink detailing makes them feel very fresh and summery.

That dress also has some great details: the slight puff to the sleeve and the inverted pleat. Who is it designed by?
It’s by the French label Ba&sh, and came from a shop called Chambermaid on High St, in Armadale. It’s silk and feels amazing to wear because there is quite a bit of weight to it with the full lining. I love wearing it because it was a gift from my boyfriend.

What a great boyfriend! I also really like the button detail – like a built-in brooch. Tell me about the other jewellery.
The bangle is new and I’m in love with it. It was a gift from my boyfriend’s parents, who bought it for me in Paris! And the necklace was a birthday present from one of my best friends. I tend to only wear jewellery if it has sentimental value; I like looking down and being reminded of the person who gave it to me.

That’s sweet. I’ll be keeping an eye out the next time I see you wearing a ring, then! Thanks Daisy!

The bee's knees

Gingersnaps and I have two things in common. They are not our age (a vast chasm of years yawns between us), nor our figures (she’s a slip of a thing … I pack a mean punch). What we do share is similar colouring. Although she is fairer than me, the same colours suit us. And we both love yellow. Therefore, I was pleased when she declared she would wear it for our shoot.

Some people are afraid of yellow. I am not sure why: I have never heard of a colour mugging you in the street and stealing your shoes.

Be that as it may, I was doubly thrilled when I heard the yellow garment would come striped. “It makes me think of a bee,” Gingersnaps told me the day before our proposed shoot.

As this bright young thing was preparing to imminently dazzle Europe with her smile, I found it hard to pin her down to answer some questions, but finally managed it on the eve of her departure.

How would you describe your style, Gingersnaps?

Casual with a bit of rock n roll and a touch of feminine.

Gingersnaps does like her indigo skinny jeans; another work colleague was pleased that I had managed to get her out of them and into a skirt on a Friday.

Being a Melbourne girl, I’m sure the weather forecast had some bearing on what you chose to wear.

Yes, it was a weird Melbourne day, warm in the morning but cold in the afternoon. I knew it wouldn’t be freezing so I went with bare legs.

How long did it take you to pull this outfit together? Did it start with anything in particular?

Hmmm, about ten minutes! I had already considered my options; I definitely knew I wanted to wear yellow. I also have a gorgeous yellow scarf that I often wear, but yes, my stripey top is my current fave. It’s been a while since I’ve had splashes of colour in my wardrobe, so something bright is a nice change.

I love hearing a Melburnian say that! Where did you find that little gem?

I bought it recently in a shop in Apollo Bay. I was wandering around with some girlfriends and we slipped into this little clothes shop. Despite being on a strict budget, (the Europe trip, as you know) I bought the top. I really want more yellow things, so when I find the right shade it becomes a bit of a must.

And the cute pinafore?
The pini is from Frauhaus, I used to manage the store. The label is an offshoot of Lush, but Frauhaus clothes are always a bit more quirky. I think it has a real Fitzroy thing which I love, because I’ve lived and worked around there for so many years.

I like both labels, too. I must say I absolutely loved your shoes the first time I saw you wear them. Tell me about those.

I actually bought them to traipse around Europe in, but there is no way you can do a lot of walking (and still be comfortable) in those heels! They are utterly impractical but I love ankle boots. I spotted them in Giallo when they were full price and nearly died but couldn’t afford them. At sale time they were still there and I couldn’t say no!

Don’t you love it when that happens? Well, thanks for your time Gingersnaps. I look forward to admiring the several pairs of shoes I’m sure you’ll snaffle in Italy!

Ciao!