Black and White and Chic

Lulue has already appeared on the pages of SNAP a number of times, but only in the capacity of a model. One night after a boxing session, I took her to a bar, sat her down with a nice glass of red, and grilled her about fashion.

I love this black and white outfit of yours Lulue! I don’t often see you this dressed up either.

Thanks. I did come straight from work, although this is more dressy than usual for me. Actually, when I was putting the outfit together this morning, it was even dressier, and I had to pare it back. I originally tried a belt with the dress, but it looked too formal. It also made the dress much shorter, and inappropriate for work.

Let’s back up a bit. Did the outfit start with the dress? What inspired you?

Yes, the outfit started with the dress, as the weather was so gorgeous. In winter I wear this dress with tights and boots, but today in honour of the sunshine I went with bare legs (spray-tanned!) and heels. I decided to be more casual and ‘let it flow’, so I dropped the belt.

The dress has a really unusual shape, and I love the print – it’s so elegant.

I was pretty pleased today when someone thought it was by Scanlan & Theodore! It’s from a boutique in Canterbury I often shop in, Inzagi. It has an unusual triangular shape that forms these gathers on the sides, which I wasn’t sure about at first as I normally go for more classic styles. 

I was pretty pleased today when
someone thought it [the dress] was by Scanlan & Theodore!

It’s very cute – I love a bit of volume. The cardigan is certainly a classic though.

That’s from Country Road. I wore it for extra warmth, as the showroom can be quite cool. It has batwings, and bell-shaped sleeves that I really like. I’ve had the cardi for quite a long time, and it goes with everything.

Everyone needs at least one classic black cardigan in their wardrobe. I have at least two – one long, one short. I really like how well your accessories work too. It’s a great collection of jewellery.

The black bangle [not shown – Lulue brings the wrong bangles to the shoot!] is from Hawaii, and was a present from my sister who lives in Tahiti. It’s made from some kind of seeds – not sure if it should have made it through quarantine! It ties with a ribbon that matches the ribbon on the wooden chain necklace – also a gift, from a friend who bought it in a boutique on Chapel St. The black onyx pebble earrings are from Palm Beads in Greville St.

It’s great how all the jewellery matches so well, considering it all comes from different places. How about the shoes?

I don’t have as many shoes as you, and these were the only ones that complemented the outfit. The shoes are classic black pumps from Nine West, and were a bargain, reduced to $50. Eighty per cent of my shoes are from Nine West.

I love a good pair of jeans and a
t-shirt – anything comfortable
and casual.

I’m the same, but it’s Wittner in my case. How would you describe your style in general?

I would say very classic. I love a good pair of jeans and a t-shirt – anything comfortable and casual. I’m not into high-end trends – or at least, it takes me a while to catch up. I’m not really very extravagant – most of the time!

Is there anything that particularly tempts you to extravagance?

I have my eye on another pair of shoes from Nine West. I also love scarves and belts, although these days I tend to wear scarves only on the weekend, not at work. Otherwise I just wait until something catches my eye, and I’ll think about it for a while before I take the plunge.

So chic and classic, with a dash of discretion and a hint of sexy. Lulue is French after all. … Another glass of wine?

Thanks Lulue for swishing onto SNAP’s pages once more. 

Summer Spirit

My cousin Amelia-Jane is laid-back. So laid-back that it took us a year and a half to get round to doing this photoshoot, and another three months to have the interview. It’s not surprising then, that the outfit is missing an essential element. But regardless, the light summery spirit has not been lost.

So Amelia-Jane, what do you remember of the day you actually wore this outfit?

It was really hot!

Yes, I recall that distinctly. This is what I wore that evening when we went to the theatre. Is that what inspired this outfit?

There were lots of people wearing white that day. Definitely the weather was a consideration, but the pants were new, and I loved them, and I had to wear them!

What’s their story?

They’re from Country Road. I often shop there for pants because they make clothes for tall people, unlike many other brands. I really loved the colour – I love anything grey. At the time I was looking for pants for spring, something high-waisted, with flared trouser legs. They’re also like a semi-jean, so you can dress them up or down.

I wish I’d bought a second pair, because I ruined the first pair. They were stained with paw-prints from a friend’s dog, and I neglected to wash them right away. Then I ended up soaking them in Napisan too long, and now there is a faded pink spot! I still can’t chuck them though.

Bummer. Funnily, I have a favourite pair of CK pants in a very similar colour that are also stained – but I can’t bear to throw them out either. Where is the peasant top from?

That’s from Sportsgirl. I revisted them after many years, and was pleasantly surprised. I was totally sucked in by the shop’s styling! They had real vintage, and it was quite bohemian.

Yes, they make it look almost like a little boutique, and less generic chain store. … You had all red accessories with this outfit. Is red and white a favourite colour combination?

Not in particular, but the outfit was quite light, so I knew it needed a shot of colour to lift it. What’s missing from the photo is the essential item that pulls it all together: my red scarf!

Never mind, you still look fresh and pretty Amelia-Jane. Thanks for stepping onto the pages of SNAP!

Ginslings And Secretary Things

She loves pearls, pussy bow blouses, tailored skirts. Appropriately dressed all in blue, Sapphire tells me her work style is very “secretary” – a look that is completed with classic black-rimmed glasses. It’s rare that she wears anything other than black at work, she says, so this splash of colour is pretty special.

How long did it take you to put this outfit together Sapphire? 

Not long at all – maybe 10 minutes. I had pretty much decided what to wear the night before.

I usually do that when I’m excited to wear some new item.

Yes, that’s exactly it! I was inspired by my cardi, because it’s a naughty new buy. (A little too naughty, actually, I'm getting guilty flushes about spending so much money...) It’s from T.L. Wood and I loved how delicate it looks and feels – from the tiny white button loops to the fine weave. I love navy and coral – I think they’re going to be my favourite colours this summer.

The lovely spring weather also influenced my outfit. I decided – as it was supposedly going to be a little warmer today – to be daring and bare my legs.

I totally love that cardi, I have to say, although I can understand the guilt that comes with shopping at T.L. Wood. That shirt is very pretty too – so delicate.

It’s my favourite top at the moment – white silk, from Alphaville. As for the skirt, it’s a very old FCUK number and a trusty staple in my work wardrobe. I chose it because I wanted the cardi to shine without competition from the other items.

It certainly does that! I’ve always admired that silver name necklace of yours too – it’s not the usual Carrie Bradshaw-style.

No, it’s not. A friend of mine had it made for me in Auckland, and gave it to me for my twentieth birthday.

It’s pretty, with that swoop curling back to the dot of the ‘i’. What is the other jewellery you are wearing?

The silver bracelet was a graduation gift from mum and dad, and the faux pearl earrings are from Retro Star. I generally keep my accessories pretty minimal at work, as I find noisy jewellery distracting usually.

Yes! I hate it when my bangles ‘bang’ on the desk when I’m using the keyboard. And your shoes?

They’re vintage, also a gift from a friend. I don't usually like slingbacks but for some reason these seem to work for me and are comfortable.

They are so cute. If you get tired of them I'll take them off your hands, so to speak. (Do you need that in a memo?)

Well, we can file that one now; thanks Sapphire. It was great to feature you on SNAP again.  … Um, is it time for a G&T yet?

Olive Oyl meets Wally

It’s been a while since Gingersnaps was featured on these pages, and I find things have changed a little.

How would you describe your style in general?

Olive Oyl – Popeye’s paramour – meets Where’s Wally chic. (Hehe!) That’s Waldo in the States, where I’ve just been.

I’m amused at the difference: last time it was ‘Casual with a bit of rock n roll and a touch of feminine’. But I am totally into your style inspiration, because I love stripes too!

How long did it take you to put this outfit together?

Not very long at all. I’m sure I was blearily groping around my drawers for something suitable to wear. I was going for appropriate office garb – black is always a safe choice. The cardigan was thrown on to insulate me against a cold chill, but the stripes liven up the whole outfit. I love the little embroidery on the pocket too. Of course, you always need a cardi in Melbourne.

And an umbrella! Where are the basic black items from?

The skirt and cardigan are both from Alannah Hill. The skirt is black with a faint mauve spot and mauve silk inserts, so it’s smart with a subtle twist. The top is by label Lush (actually an offshoot label called Hand in Glove, which is usually a bit prettier and more feminine); the fabric has a very faint floral pattern burnt into it, which gives it a point of difference too.

I know you like to often wear a bit of Alannah – you even used to work there.

Yes, definitely! The cardigan is a favourite; I adore wearing red and also stripes. Alannah Hill always makes tops, skirts and dresses in fantastic reds. I love her quirky designs; when I wear them I feel like I’m bringing a little bit of fantasy into my world.

The shoes were by Diana Ferrari – I say ‘were’ because they broke this weekend while I was riding my bike. Boo. And they’re such a handy pair that it was the second time I bought them.

You don’t wear a lot of jewellery, so I’m guessing that ring is special?

Yes, it’s from my boyfriend. It’s three black sapphires set in white gold. Between the sapphires are two diamonds. I love it – it’s very simple, classic and understated.

We took these photos last year, and Gingersnaps was proud to report she is still wearing that cardi. I’m more chuffed to learn of her new fashion icon: I hadn’t even mentioned to her that I have been plotting an Olive Oyl dress-up for a while. I think I have found my muse!

Thanks for sharing once again ’Snaps.

Forties in the Naughties

Sapphire likes to dress up just as much as I do, if not more, so when I heard she had a Forties-themed party to go to, I wanted to hear all about it.

Tell us about the party, Sapphire. 

I was invited to a 40th birthday party, with a cute Forties theme. I absolutely adore Forties and Fifties style so I was pretty excited – I’ve always loved Katharine Hepburn too.

The Andrews SistersOriginally my two friends and I wanted to go as the Andrews Sisters, and we searched high and low for some place that would loan us an old army outfit for a reasonable price. But alas, the only thing that looked good was $140 a piece – it was authentic, which explains the price. Then the only thing that was at the right price turned out to be “dancers’” costumes in a previous life and, well… just a little to revealing!

So what did you do instead?

I decided to put my own costume together, especially hoping to find pieces that I would wear again. The shopping process took me quite a while, as it was really hard to find things that are actually Forties. It doesn’t seem to be a very popular decade with vintage shops!

Or there just isn’t much of it around unfortunately. And when you do find something, it doesn’t fit!

Yes, and it was August, so a pretty cold time of year. The fur shrug and thick wool cape helped keep me warm. Stockings were also essential, but not just because of the weather – no woman in the Forties would have been seen anywhere without wearing her nylons!

One of the few people at the party who actually lived through the 40s absolutely loved my costume – the ultimate compliment!

Do you have a favourite piece? 

Definitely – the two piece suit! It's actually a Sixties number which I found in Retro Star, but I managed to twist it to look a little more Forties. I love the little cape with the pinky-red lining! It was just a matter of choosing the accessories after that.

Hmm, as for that lining, I think we could even call it puce! Tell me about your accessories.

The turquoise blouse is from Retro Star, as well as the faux pearl earrings. I absolutely adored the dainty navy straw hat, with its trim of little white flowers. It was from Shag and individually, the most expensive item. The fur collar was from Chapel St Bazaar.

And how did you go on the night?

One of the few people at the party who actually lived through the 40s absolutely loved my costume – the ultimate compliment! She was dressed in a heavenly ensemble of pink wool, pin-curled hair and a precious matching pink hat. Unfortunately people then thought we were the Andrews Sisters after all, and as the night wore on the calls for us to get up and sing grew and we had to make a quiet and quick exit! 

Well, I hoped you rolled out the barrels on the night and drank lots of rum and Coca Cola. And on that note… I’ll say my last goodbye… shoo-shoo baby! 

* The backdrop is of Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar on Bourke St in Melbourne.