On a cold, overcast weekend in Amsterdam we hopped on a train to Paris. From Amsterdam it’s only 3.5 hours and the time flew by, sending the world into a blur of flat countryside and the occasional cow.

We arrived to equally cold and overcast weather in Paris but we were not to be deterred because after all, we were in Paris!

We found our accommodation, dropped our bags and set off to explore. There was a touch of sun in the late afternoon as we crossed the Sine but it didn’t last long.

We spent our time tracking down delicious coffee, I would recommend La Cafeotheque de Paris, for it’s laid back vibe and tasty coffee. Ben wasn’t keen to see the Eiffel Tower, but rather to traverse the city on foot, and by metro to discover it’s hidden gems. It sparkled with christmas lights in the evening bringing us closer to the understanding of a white christmas.

This weekend was just a taste and we definitely plan to return in warmer seasons.

Sustainable Luxury Basics

It’s no secret that I am a friend and fan of Aicha Robertson of The Fashion Heist. We have collaborated on several shoots, so when she told me about her new clothing line, I was excited to see what this talented lady had in store. Of course this meant organising a photo shoot to give you a sneak peek of the new line! This was a fun and spontaneous shoot and I hope you love the results as much as I do.

Her label, The Great Beyond, created with partner, Nick Azar, focuses on beautifully soft basics created with sustainability in mind, using bamboo fabric. Even the colours are named to reflect the environmental focus: cloud, stone and night. Coming soon to an online store near you.

The Great Beyond’s vision is to create sustainable goods that compliments the fashion forward women or man and our environment.

A message from: THE GREAT BEYOND

Basics with a green twist, designed in Australia.

Australian fashion label The Great Beyond supplies the essentials your wardrobe needs all year round with the help of bamboo fabric. The Great Beyond’s vision is to create sustainable goods that compliments the fashion forward women or man and our environment. Each piece has been designed in Queensland, Australia referencing the classic styles you love and know.

Launch Collection: The Classics Collection

The Classics collection is here to stay for forever and a day, with a range of 12 designs available in four different colours. The Great Beyond works with a simple formula of expanding from your Classic Shirt into four garments with a simplistic design that will fit into your everyday outfit.

The Great Beyond’s Classics collection is for everyone who loves a classic tee to the simple black maxi dress. With our favourite four colours, cloud, night, stone and deep blue.

Last month I met the lovely, Isabella Thompson, the Brisbane fashion blogger behind Style Market. We found that we had a lot in common and it was unfortunate that this single meeting would be our last, as I was moving to Amsterdam. However, we did get a chance to frolic in the Roma Street Parklands and match some of these perfect-for-the-races dresses, with the beautiful flowers blooming in the park. Spring is here! Read on for more about Isabella and her future ambitions.

5 Minutes with Isabella Thompson of Style Market

What do you love about blogging?

I love blogging because It allows me to interact with other fashion interested people and share and create an online community for Style Market. Social media sites such as Instagram and Facebook permit you to have a broad reach of followers so millions of people all around the world can view my blog and be apart of Style Market. I love that I can express myself and people follow me because of my unique sense of style. I think that is a very special thing!

What inspires you creatively?

Most definitely fashion and style. I’ve been an avid follower of fashion blogs like Tuula, Fashion Toast, Sincerely Jules and the list goes on since the early years of high school. I found that personal style was evolving on blogs and even through celebrities in a huge way. I found that I always loved and was curious talking with other girls about where they shop, and where they got their outfits. So the things that inspire me are most definitely other style icons, fashion bloggers and most importantly my amazing friends.

Who are your favourite designers?

I have three favorite designers. Firstly the duo behind Aje, Adrian Norris and Edwina Robinson. I love everything they do, from tartan, to sequin – they do no wrong by me. Then Kirsty Irwin whose the designer of Jaggar the label. She never ceases to amaze me, she’s so unique in everything she does, she always somehow finds a way to be different, who would have thought she could make a giraffe print blazer look so fricken awesome! And last but not least Cydney Morris whose the head designer of Stone Cold fox. They do a lot of beautiful wedding gowns but they also do lace tops and amazing silk rompers. They are all self designed textiles, and I’m particularly impressed with the pickiness to the exquisite texture of their sand-washed silks, each item is thought out and personal.

Do you have any future goals you are aspiring to achieve?

In the future I would love to work in the fashion world. Whether its helping with the marketing of big companies or even with runway events. It would be my dream to work with one of my favorite designers too!

What were you wearing and how would you describe your personal style?

I was wearing two dresses from Kikki Lane boutique (yellow and blue) and the red strapless from Pilgrim clothing. Shoes were both Steve Madden and accessories were: red bag was alexander wang, and gold clutch was Grace Inspired. Check out Style Market for full clothing details.

Which shows will you be attending at Brisbane Fashion Week?

I’m going to the Fashion in the city parade and Myer spring summer 15′ at Mercedes Benz fashion week.

Although winter barely touches us in Brisbane, the slight chill in the air does allow for scarves, boots and jackets to be integrated into our regular wardrobe for a few weeks. This was an assignment shot for a client which unfortunately, didn’t get published. Which means I have the opportunity to showcase Brisbane’s cool, laid back, weekend style. Thanks to all the lovely ladies that let me snap their outfits!

Blogger and writer, Aicha Robertson, snapped in Brisbane city on a break from work.

Blogger and stylist, Ally Dunlop, snapped in Brisbane city, identifying trends for this project.

Viann, snapped on Albert Street, Brisbane City meeting friends for lunch.

Jess, snapped on Queen Street, Brisbane City, spending the day shopping.

Edita, snapped on Albert Street, Brisbane City shopping for the races.

Sharon, snapped on Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City, having a pampering day.

Clare, snapped in Gaythorne on the way to breakfast.

Sarah, snapped in Gaythorne on the way to breakfast.

Georgia, snapped on Elizabeth Street, Brisbane, spending the day shopping with friends.

Vanessa, snapped in Brisbane City, spending the day shopping.

Hannah, snapped on Albert Street, Brisbane City, spending the day shopping.

Jess, snapped on Albert Street, Brisbane City, seeing a movie with her family.

I’ve highlighted the awesome work Undress Brisbane do to challenge how we think about our clothing purchases and ask ourselves, ‘where do our clothes come from’? Their next project involves teaming up with the Valley Fiesta to host a ‘Swap Shoppe‘, where attendees can bring 1 – 5 pieces of quality clothing to swap for pre-loved or vintage garments from the closets of fellow fashionistas, reducing waste and breathing new life into unwanted items.

What could be better than getting new clothes for free and reducing waste while supporting local music? It’s win, win! Now it’s time to go through your wardrobe and locate items to swap with fellow fashion and environmentally conscious ladies on Saturday the 23rd of August.

How does it work?

1. With each item, please bring a clothes hanger.
2. ‘Check in’ your clothes in between 10am and 12pm.
3. When you ‘check-in’ your clothes, you will be given shopping tokens to swap for other garments when the shop opens at 12pm.
4. When you ‘check out’ of the event you will hand in your tokens and show the clothes you have taken.

The rules

• You can bring anywhere from 1 – 5 items to swap.
• Underwear/lingerie, nightwear/pyjamas and swimwear will not be accepted.
• Garments will only be accepted if they are clean, undamaged and unsoiled.
• If you bring 5 items but don’t find 5 items to take home grab a few garments for a friend as your garments may not still be available to take home which is the nature of this event.
• Bring a bag to put your newly found treasures in to take home.
• If there are any garments left at the end of the event they will be donated to Vinnies and Lifeline.

All images courtesy of the Valley Fiesta / Undress Brisbane.

Thanks to Emerge Events, Ally Dunlop (stylist and partner in Rendezvous PR) and I, had a front row seat at the Emerging Designers show at the Teneriffe Festival. The Fashion Precinct transformed London alley, which included a fake grass runway with a white picket fence, VIP tables and Alfred and Constance’s pop-up bar.

Local talent was on display as part of the emerging designers showcase. The structured monochrome designs of Hungry Wolf the Label juxtaposed against the feminine, flowing designs of Anna Hulm, Ivy Rose Design Studio and Harriette Hill to the bright, futuristic cuts of Anessa.jai The Label.

We also bumped into Natalie from Interlaced Media.

Anna Hulm

Inspired by dance, Anna Hulm’s colourful designs are a perfect fusion of style and comfort. With soft, flowing silk her dresses are perfect for Brisbane’s warm climate.

Hungry Wolf The Label

Hungry Wolf The Label is dedicated to the elements, strong with a touch of edge to its collections. This collection featured geometric lines and a warm looking, looped cardigan/jacket, perfect for this cooler weather.

Ivy Rose Design Studio

Ivy Rose Designs are conceived on the beautiful Fraser Coast. This collection showcased evening wear with sexy, flattering cuts and a monochromatic palette.

Anessa.jai The Label

This Brisbane based designer, brightened up the runway with light-catching metallics, and geometric colour blocking to showcase their futuristic collection.

Harriette Hill

Harriette Hill is ethically and sustainably manufactured in Australia, minimizing their environmental footprint. Designer, Claire Goldsworthy is also a partner in Emerge Events, who organised the Fashion Precinct and are committed to showcasing Brisbane’s emerging fashion talent.

I found this location six months ago and thought it would be perfect for an early morning shoot, which are more accessible during the winter months as the sun rises later (I’m not really a morning person). It was a small team, only three of us, Ally Dunlop (talented stylist, hair and makeup artist) and gorgeous model, Holly Susan Leong, who I had not met before the shoot, but I had seen her sassy style on the runway at Undress Brisbane.

When we arrived at the location, just before dawn, there was a beautiful fog over the paddock and I was so excited to shoot, I was jumping around trying to hurry the styling of the first look. In those minutes just before the sun rose, the light was very soft and the fog on the paddock painted a magical scene. Then the sun came out in full bloom and bathed Holly in a lovely warm light. This shoot is the reason I love photography because it allows you to explore many different locations, experiencing amazing scenes that take your breath away.

Thanks to Whim Magazine for publishing our shoot in their latest online issue. Make sure you follow them on Facebook for more amazing photography and fashion by talented locals.

Although it was a cold winter morning, Holly embraced it, looking amazing in hand-made bralettes by Mirandalee Intimates and an Evelyn Curtis skirt.

Credits

Photographer: Yolanda van Kimmenade

Hair, makeup and stylist: Ally Dunlop

Model: Holly Susan Leong

Clothing

White skirt & bralette
Mirandalee Intimates bralette
Asos sheer maxi skirt
Dotti Faux Fur Vest

Black skirt & bralette
Mirandalee Intimates Bralette
Evelyn Curtis maxi skirt
Sportsgirl Faux Fur Coat

I have blogged several times about Claire Goldsworthy and her contribution to promoting up-and-coming designers on the Brisbane fashion scene. Once again her organisation, Emerge Events, is taking on this challenge by setting up a Fashion Precinct at the Teneriffe Festival.

Over one day there will be seven runway events scheduled encompassing accessories, shoes and bags, emerging designers, swim and resort wear, Woolmark and winter collections, established designers and boutique, sustainable styling and avant-garde hairstyling and make-up.

Ethel Street will be transformed into a fashion wonderland with a pamper station, pop-up shops, styling workshops and much more!

Where?

Teneriffe Festival, Vernon Terrace, Teneriffe, Brisbane

When?

Saturday 5 July 2014, 10am – 9pm
For the full day schedule and more information please head to www.emergeaustralia.com or www.teneriffefestival.org/fashion

How much?

Entry to the festival is free but if you want access to the front row then VIP seats and table packages are available at: Brisbane Tickets.

All tickets include a complimentary gift bag with Red Bull, free Grill’d vouchers, fashion magazines, designer discounts and goodies, product samples and more!

* images courtesy of Emerge Events and Teneriffe Festival.

On a recent trip to Melbourne I had the opportunity to visit the Collingwood Children’s Farm and Abbotsford Convent and see some amazing autumn colours that Brisbane’s trees rarely show.

The beautiful old buildings of Abbotsford Content have been 60% restored and, even as a work in progress, it’s inspiring to know the site is now inhabited with studio and office spaces and venues for performing arts. On the fourth Saturday of each month the convent hosts a Slow Food Farmers’ Market and there are several permanent places to eat such as vegetarian restaurant Lentil as Anything which trades on a ‘pay-what-you-want’ model.

The Collingwood Children’s Farm was also a pleasure to wander around, even on a cold, rainy afternoon, being on a farm, only 5km from the city of Melbourne was a magical experience. The smell and sounds of farm animals and fresh air on the seven hectare site made me feel like I had been transported to another time. It really made me want to slow down and take it all in.

And a big thank you goes to my amazing friends, Sean and Sandy for bringing me to this delightful place!

Summer may have gone for the moment, but we’re pretty lucky in Brisbane that our winter’s are very mild. This shoot was for ROMM magazine and I was so excited that one of my images was chosen for the cover! It’s always fun working with models who let their beautiful personalities shine through in their pictures. And if you can’t tell we had a lot of fun on this shoot playing with balloons and our always faithful flamingo friend!

As today is a cool and rainy day in Brisbane I thought it was the perfect time to reminisce about summer, swimsuits and cocktails by the pool!

Credits

Team

Photographer: Yolanda van Kimmenade
Models: Aicha Robertson and Emily Kathryn
Fashion stylist, hair and makeup artist: Ally Dunlop
Photography assistant and set design: Alisha van Bone

Clothing

Look 1 – pink swimsuits
Aicha
Molly and Polly – Jet Set Life High neck, Collette Earrings, Lovisa Necklace, Factorie Sunglasses
Emily
Molly and Polly – Lulu High Neck, Collette Cuff, Collette Ring, Factorie Sunglasses

Look 2 – blue flamingo swimsuits
Aicha
Molly and Polly – Flamingo Bay Full piece
Emily
Molly and Polly – Flamingo lovers full piece, Collette Earrings

Look 3 – pink / blue two-tone bikinis
Aicha
Molly and Polly – Beach Cruiser Balconette Top, Molly and Polly – Alma Bay Panel Frill Brief, Lovisa Ear Cuff
Emily
Molly and Polly – Beach Cruiser Balconette Top, Molly and Polly – Echo Beach Panel Frill Brief, Lovisa Earrings, Factorie Sunglasses