Body Con Extreme

Children bring you lots of surprises, but one of the unknown side effects to me was that having children can expand your rib cage - permanently! I've been getting quite frustrated recently when trying to find some great evening wear that fits in all the right places, and a friend suggested I should try waist training with a corset. She too had the same problem after having her children and has had a corset custom made to help her bring her ribs back into shape. Wearing costume corsets have not really been the most comfortable experience for me, so I was a little wary. But after talking to a few experts, I am told that having a corset custom made by a true corsetierre is a completely different experience. That the overall effect should be more like a hug than spinal torture. Along with the rib cage reduction, there is the benefit of greatly improved posture which may add an inch to my height. And so I am considering it.

I know that there will be many of you that say, "No, celebrate your body the way it is!" but to be honest, that just isn't the way my brain works. Don't get me wrong, this is not me saying that I am unhappy with myself. I do not lie awake at night bemoaning the state of my rib cage or over analysising my thighs for signs of cellulite. I do however, believe in being the best version of myself I can be. That is why I eat well, stay out of the sun and go to the gym. It is all about the balance. It is interesting to me that the term "body modification" causes such an emotional response. And yes, I could probably write a dissertation on the topic.

I am not considering waist training for any fashion points. I'm not looking to achieve a wasp waist or begin an obssession with Victorian costume. I'm simply thinking of the practicalities of bringing things back to where they were, and reducing my Chiropractic bills after all this time at the laptop. So my stylish readers, do any of you have any first hand advice for me?

What Do Snow White and Madame de Pompadour Have in Common?

What do these two ladies of legend have in common? Both of them would have been well dressed by Dolly Q. I meet the lovely Danielle of Dolly Q at Worn Wild the other week, and was immediately taken by her work. In a sea of black, her mannequin swathed in golden brocade drew you straight into her fantasy world. With a sensibility influenced by fairy tales, baroque and even a little steam punk, we were a fashion match made in heaven.

Launching her label only 18 months ago, Danielle named her new creation for her grandmother who taught her to sew. Unlike so many of Australia's larger fashion houses, one of the beauties of this local couture label is Danielle's commitment to both local labour and textile producers. When you consider how much emotion we put into our decision on which spiffy new threads we choose to spend our hard earned cash on, it is not often you find a designer that puts so much of themselves and their passion into each and every garment. But I think this is critical to her success. As much as she wants to create something beautiful and flattering, she also wants to evoke a strong reaction from both the wearer and their audience.

Soon to launch an online store, Dolly Q is about to become a whole lot more accessible. To date almost everything has been custom made, but the upcoming site launch will see her signature pieces available in a range of sizes with the click of the mouse. I predict, if marketed well, that Dolly Q could just become Australia's answer to McQueen and Westwood. So for me that puts them on my red hot list!

Images courtesy of Koukei and Digital Obliquity

If you just cannot live another day waiting for the new site to come up, you can contact Danielle at Dolly Q here.

Wearing it Wild at Worn Wild

Yesterday saw the inauguration of the alternative fashion event Worn Wild, and wild it was! My intention was to bring you a single review of the day, but after meeting with so many creative designers in one day, I have so many gems that one post would not be enough to do them justice. So I'll bring you a series of interviews with my favorite designers and a look at their wares over the course of the next two weeks.

Me - Super Kawaii Mama dressed by Minikem

The event was held at La Di Da in Little Bourke street, the perfect venue with its retro chinoiserie decorations and well stocked bar. The brain child of Melissa Clare from Geomythik, this was the first fashion event I've seen in Australia with such a diverse collection of local, alternative fashion. In my usual manner I wanted to know as much as possible about this event from the inside, and so was kindly dressed by one of the designers for the day. Minikem outfitted me in a rather Gothic Lolita styled number, complete with tutu and corset. Although her designs range from the corporate to the extreme, I couldn't possibly tone it down for such an event. I know some of you were also planning to attend, but there is a strong chance you wouldn't have recognised me in this number.

One of the things that surprised me most about the day was the diversity of the crowd and the lack of attitude and angst. There is much more attitude to be encountered at the mainstream shows of Fashion Week, so in contrast Worn Wild was like being at one fabulously dressed party.

Samantha

Celeste, Brett and Sif the Ferret

Pink haired beauty

Rachelle and the darling Ruby




Kitty Elixir, Natalie, Samantha Doll, Howsie



Michael



Tall, dark and striking




Super Kawaii Mama, Miss Nic and her lovely assistant

Even if hard core alternative is not your thing, you couldn't help but be inspired by the colours, (yes, there were some amidst the sea of black) textures and craftsmanship of the garments. Each of the designers I spoke with had such a strong passion for their art which was clearly seen in the detail of each piece. There was whimsy and fantasy, the sharp and the strong, the dark and the dirty. My tip on the trend to watch is what I'm terming Erotic Baroque, strong silhouettes in luxe fabrics, worked in soft and gilded colours. Think Miss Haversham (Dickens) meets Marie Antionette - as played by Helena Bonhman Carter. I even saw a few little bird headdresses that Susie Bubble would have been proud of.

For a complete list of the days exhibitors visit the Worn Wild official site and be tempted by some spanking style.

Something a Little Different

Outfit details: Plaid dress - Review, Black top - Esprit, Opaques - Voodoo, Shoes- Luca & Marc, Earrings - Groove, Rose ring - Accessories.

As a Goth from way back, I'm always looking for opportunities to indulge this side of my personality. So heading out for dinner with my family was a great excuse. I have an addiction to dark colours, heavily textured fabrics (hmmm... velvet) macabre motifs and lots of shiny black. Generally I use all these elements in moderation, but occasionally a little excess is just right. I like to call this my "Sophisticated Gothic". I don't go in for oversized velvet skirts and peasant tops, I find them a tragically unflattering combination. As with any look, I like to take key elements and mix them up to create something uniquely me. Dressing in a formulaic manner, or subscribing to one specific subculture, would simply become too boring.

But probably one of the biggest shocks of this look will be the absence of the red lips! Yes, I do occasionally leave them behind. Truth be told, I was planning such a large and delicious dinner that I didn't want to worry about getting lipstick everywhere, and so I went with a very dark eye and super pale lip instead.

And while we are on the Something a Little Different Train....

For those of you in Melbourne, you'll be aware that Spring Fashion week is almost upon us. Amongst the slick, chic and high profile fashion shows on offer, is one gem that the true fashion innovators amongst you cannot miss. Worn Wild - an alternative designers showcase and market, will be making its debut at this 2008 Spring Fashion Week. Hosted at La di da at 577 Little Bourke Street on Sunday September the 7th from 1pm, this will be a fashion event like no other you have ever experienced. The event features the work of cutting edge local and interstate designers of rockabilly, raver, clubwear, cyber, corsetry, street style, emo, gothic, lolita, queer, vintage, burlesque, flower powered and fringe inspired fashion. You will even have the opportunity to try on items that are usually reserved for custom orders. So yes, I am very excited! And the icing on the cake? I am being dressed by one of the designers for the day to rocks their wares as only Super Kawaii Mama can! So see Daddy in the morning for Father's Day, then head on down to Worn Wild with me.

A Very Fine Line

House of Holland A/W'08

I've been trying to do some decorating research for my ongoing boudoir makeover. A large part of my mad, mad plan involves a gratuitous use of tartan and glossy black surfaces. I'm going for a "Vivienne Westwood does Renaissance Burlesque House" look. When it's done, I'll let you know what that is!

Googling for "Tartan" and "Bedrooms", brings up some of the most hideous results, that for any other sane person, would kill their desire to use such a statement fabric. Of course for me, it simply solidifies my resolve to show that it can be done with style, and come out as a whip crackingly sexy room.

But as usual I keep taking a detour from my original mission and finding all sorts of fashion related lovelies. Why is it that the only decent examples of a nicely executed use of tartan is in fashion? Every decorating related piece leaves me shuddering at its sheer bed and breakfast quality. I am somewhat encouraged by the thought that, "tartan is going to be huge next winter" (they say), because at present I feel like I could be creating Frankenstein's monster if I even have so much as one off day.

Tartan Corset from Engineers of Desire.




Corset Dress from Miss Katie's



Ralph Lauren Tartan Boot

Happy Buck's Night Mr. Bachelor

Outfit details: Top and skirt - by Adeline Street from Faster Pussycat, Jacket - Free Fusion, Shoes - Urban Originals.
Lipstick - Russian Red by MAC

Here it is, the Bachelor Party outfit. For those of you that tuned in the other day, you'll know that my opportunities to get this outfit together were limited. Actually I had 45 minutes, with baby in tow, to shop for last night. So to get a really clear idea of the look I wanted to achieve, I put together three ideal looks. Perhaps if I'd gotten my act together weeks ago, I could have replicated one of these beauties. As it is, I used these sets as inspiration and worked elements from each to create this look. Can you see them?

I chose a pencil skirt with great lace up rear detailing( seen below), matching corset style top, patent platform stilettos to echo the colours in the skirt and top. I was fortunate to already have in my wardrobe this cropped blue jacket that tied the shoes into the whole thing, rather than leaving them sitting out there on their own. I skipped the stockings all together, as their was no room for any extra frippery under this skin tight skirt, and I wanted to keep a smooth line. I kept the hair much simpler, knowing that with such a structured outfit, I needed to soften the hair. So I put the whole lot in hot rollers for ten minutes and this was the result.

I cut back on the accessories, as with such a tight print ( and VERY tight fit), I didn't want to overload on extraneous detail and confuse the issue. So other than the crystal crown brooch on the jacket, all I carried was this black box style, faux crocodile handbag. A girl needs supplies for such a big evening and a bag such as this holds all my secrets along with being large enough (but not sloppy) to carry the jacket.

Rear detail of skirt.

Faux Crocodile handbag.

Congratulations Mr Bachelor!

Decisions Decisions

I'm heading out tomorrow night and I haven't a thing to wear! "How can that be?" you ask. Well the call for delicious party wear has been few and far between over the last few years. While I have had lots of occasions to celebrate and evenings on the town, tomorrow night is a little different. It is a good friends buck's night and the perfect chance to pull out all the stops. So before I get into a tizz and start tearing apart my wardrobe in the hope that something perfect will magically appear, I shopped the closets of Polyvore.

Cherry-licious

Decadent Diva




Burlesque Bombshell

The question now is how to put one of these looks together from what is already in my wardrobe. The problem is I think I only have one or two similar items, and none of them are clothes! I have a feeling I'll be hitting the shops tomorrow to find something seriously spank worthy. But then, which of these looks to chose?

Playing Dress Ups With - The Lil Midget

Finally, the third winner of my 'Dressing Up' contest, is The Lil Midget. As a fellow Australian, The Lil Midget is coming into Winter and lives in an area that can be rather chilly at times. Her special outfits requests were to help her look taller as she is only 5'2", and outfits for both everyday, (Lil Midget is a university student) and out on the town. I also happen to know that she loves both Gothic and alternative fashion, so as a Goth from way back, I have a bit of an advantage here. It is my opinion that Goth can also be sophisticated. Cliche Goth really doesn't take all that much creativity and can be quite formulaic, I suggest showing your darker side with style. Besides which, this is one Goth look you can take from Den to Dinner.

Firstly, in my aim to create both an elongated and elegant look, I have aimed for a lean silhouette. I don't want to swamp her small frame with long, flowing skirts or trailing sleeves. Floor length flowing skirts can create a 'pillar' look, with the heaviest part of the silhouette at the bottom, they draw the eye down and can get quite weighty. Rather, I want to draw the eye inward and upward, so I have allowed for volume in the sleeves and shoulders.

Also (and I know she probably won't like this idea), but to help her look taller I suggest getting rid of the long hair. Long hair, while beautiful, can also be quite weighty both literally and visually. I'd love to see a sharp, asymmetrical bob; something a little avante garde and edgy, for our Lil Midget.

First up, a rather special 'Evening at the Opera' or perhaps Graduation outfit.




You'll notice in these sets that I have worked with block colour from head to toe, (with the odd splash) which if done correctly, will also create an elongated look. This fabulous dress has the added advantage of the vertical stripes running from top to bottom, and the square neckline continues the vertical line. The snake skin bangle and fur shrug, push this whole ensemble from office to opulence.

This one is Gothic Mistress at cocktails, or an evening of seduction.



Once again, you'll notice the use of a single predominate colour, even keeping with a dark red, (black could also work, but is much more predictable) for the tights rather than chopping her off at the knees with skin tone. The ruffled cardigan allows a little width at the shoulders, but the skirt and heels allow the eye to travel all the way up without stopping. I do love the Hare Cameo and skull clasp clutch. If you're budget doesn't stretch to some of these designer picks, check out Etsy for some fabulous near matches on the cameo, or customize your own clutch.

After these stunning looks, I can't forget that Lil Midget is a student after all, and will need some practical solutions for everyday. Thus; The Sophisticated Goth goes Casual.



Okay, same thing with the block colour, I have chosen two tops here as I couldn't go past the ruffles, but I know how cold it is where Lil Midget lives, so I have thrown in this beautiful muted purple trench for good measure. Keeping the interest, I have added this fabulous leather corset top with big button detail, a more modern take on the studded cuff and (this time) all the puff is in the bag. The wonderful linen, buckled boots should handle walking all over campus, but still give you a lift with their square, stable heel. The Victorian Momento Mori brooch should be just the conversation starter with that dark, brooding chap in the cafe.



And to show the versatility of all these pieces, I have taken something from every look, paired with a pleated red satin flat, and created yet another casual look. How's that for bang for your buck? I can see so many combinations of all these pieces, it is really just a matter of sticking to the rules and keeping that eye traveling upwards.


And If you do decide to cut your hair, please let us know.

A Weekend in The Country

My Man had a big bike race this weekend, (well done baby!) so we packed up the car and headed out to "The Bush". Not quite up for camping, we stayed at a little hotel in town, where we even got more than one towel!

Time tramping around in the bush does somewhat limit ones fashion opportunities, but it did give me a chance to take my new gumboots for a test run. I love their skulls and roses print. It reminds me of days spent hiding from teachers on the back oval at school, listening to Guns N Roses on a walkman, with whichever Bad Boy I was in love with that week.

This week I am looking forward to one of my favorite Autumn tasks - unpacking all my Winter wardrobe goodies. Those hats, scarves, gloves and the like, that are packed away every Summer. I was lucky enough to inherit eleven pairs of gloves from my Grandmother a few months ago. Some lovely black beaded ones, little red wrist length ones and various ivory embellished pairs. The weather here is still in that in between phase, so my arm warmers are getting quite a work out at the moment too. I love their slouchy grey goodness, always making me feel just a little Eliza Dolittle. So between the boots and the gloves I say , "bring on Autumn". Oh, but I do think I may have to go shopping for a new umbrella now.

Jean Paul Gaultier corset umbrella from Sera of London