Venture Down The Garden Path...

Two weekends ago, I was lucky enough to embark on a 'discover your own backyard' tour of the city of Stonnington. It's a council initiative to encourage people to opt to shop in their local area, by unmasking all the hidden gems that can often be overlooked.

After the tour I can say without any doubt that Stonnington definitely has some unmissable places on offer - not only for fashion but also for food and general experiences. (and is it really any surprise with chapel street, prahan and Armadale all within its boundaries!)

My write up of the day is now up on Onya Magazine, but thought I'd also share with you some pictures of the day.

Me in the sunshine of Prahran. Wearing FCUK dress, Sportsgirl sunglasses. Photo kindly taken by thejulietreport

My first taste of coffee! From the coffee connoisseurs at Market Lane

Cool plant hangings at CYLK

Behind the scenes at Lisa Barron

Best burger I have ever eaten - Parlour Diner on Chapel St

Gorgeous illustrations at Lisa Barron

Homemade candy from The Red Ballon, Prahan

Between the Bookends

So I hope this is a start of a brand new section to the Halcyon Future Fashion blog! As I've already mentioned, I'm a complete bibliophile and beside my bed lies an ever growing and tottering pile of books.

One collection I've been looking at recently expanding is my collection of fashion and style books. As an aspiring fashion editor and dangerous clothes addict, they provide me with role models to aspire to be and images to be inspired by. They're informative, gorgeous to look at and unsurprisingly look damn good on the bookshelf too.

So I thought I'd share my current collection with you, especially because I made two new additions yesterday that I'm particularly excited about.

Latest purchases

The first is 'The Vogue Factor' by Kirstie Clements, former editor of Vogue Australia. It charts her career from the front desk of Vogue where she worked as a receptionist, to her rise to Editor some 14 years later. I couldn't wait to start reading, so am already devouring through it.

The Vogue Factor - Kirstie Clements

The second was a book I hadn't planned on purchasing, but was conned into by a clever marketing scheme. I'm always a sucker for those - the '3 for 2' or 'buy one, get one half price!' signs that lure you in. That said, it ended up being a great bargain and its a beautiful book to add to the shelf so I'm not too heartbroken about the whole thing. It's one of a series of books published by Vogue (common theme today!) called 'Vogue On', with each book a definitive little history and guide to iconic designers.

There were two on the shelf - Alexander McQueen and Christian Dior, which made it a hard choice to make! I ended up opting for Christian Dior, as I'm feeling more inspired by the classic styles at the moment, and I love looking at old fashion photography. I'll probably end up going back for McQueen at some point though...

The others...

1. Grace: A Memoir  by Grace Coddington

This was actually a gift I bought myself for Christmas (this seems to be a common theme with my fashion books actually.) I absolutely love it and would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in fashion (or cat lovers). Her personality shines through the pages as she recounts her incredible career - from growing up in the middle of nowhere in Wales, to a promising modelling career, to finally being the huge force she is today at US Vogue. I love the commentary she provides in general about modelling and the changing landscape of the magazine industry and she also draws the cutest illustrations! She was the surprising star of the fashion documentary 'The September Issue' which I would also recommend.

'Grace-ing' the cover of I-D Magazine

2. The Sartorialist Closer by Scott Schulman

This is the second book from the man behind pioneering street style blog The Sartorialist. I find this particularly inspiring when I'm facing the daily challenge of deciding what to wear. It's filled with pictures of stylish strangers from the streets of London, New York, Paris and Milan. But the main reason I love it is because its not just about fashion - it's focus is on style, which could be the way the subject carries themself or an interesting way they're wearing a particular accessory or colour combination. It's these little things, such as attention to detail and attitude, that really make you stand out from the fashion pack.

3. Style Notes by Maggie Alderson

A collection of Maggie Alderson's columns from The Age. Maggie is a london-born Australian author, magazine editor and fashion journalist. She's edited ES (the Evening Standard magazine), British ELLE, and in Australia Cleo and Mode. I was lucky enough to meet her when she was promoting her latest novel Everything Changes But You last year at the bookshop I used to work at, and she kindly signed a copy for me. The articles provide interesting commentary on anything and everything related to fashion - always funny, witty and informative.

4. Front Row - Anna Wintour: What lies beneath the chic exterior of Vogue's Editor-in-Chief  by Jerry Oppenheimer

This is a very well-thumbed copy that I picked up for about $10 about five years ago. It's an unauthorised biography of Anna Wintour and follows her from birth to her current position as possibly the most influential and important figure in fashion (and obvious US Vogue Editor). There are detailed accounts of both her personal and professional life and although admittedly - given that it is 'unauthorised' - one cannot verify that it's 100% truth or fact, it's certainly extremely interesting to get a clearer idea of what she is like. I always come back to this book and re-read certain parts, and if you can find it in any bookshops, definitely pick it up!

5. Beauty in Bloom - A collection of beautiful inspiration by Natalie Bloom

This is one that I bought on sale at my old bookshop, mainly for the beautiful illustrations. It's written by Natalie Bloom of Bloom Cosmetics and as well as looking absolutely gorgeous, it's also full of some great make-up and (inner) beauty tips, quotes and inspiration.

Gorgeous illustrations in 'Beauty in Bloom'

And that, so far, is my fashion bookshelf. Know of any books I should add to the shelf? Let me know in the comments below!

Easter Weekend; Halcyon Future on the go!

Firstly I hope you've all had a brilliant Easter and indulged in lots of hot cross buns, Easter eggs and time with everyone you love! It's one of my favourite times of the year as it signifies the reunion between one of my true loves and I - the Cadbury creme egg.

Yes, it's sad that one can feel so much love for an egg shaped chocolate but I just can't help myself. It's the epitome of everything chocolate should be - fun sized, chocolatey and stuffed with something unexpected in the middle.

My sister and I (mainly my sister - she's the far better cook!) actually made the Cadbury creme egg brownies this year, which were delicious but, as expected, very very rich and sweet.

Our Cadbury creme egg brownie masterpiece

Aside from all the chocolate, (and speaking of true love) this Easter weekend I also attended the wedding of a family member of my boyfriend. As a bit of a soppy and hopeless romantic, I love a good wedding, so I was really looking forward to it. Add to that a black tie dress code and an excuse to dress up - bonus!

I think there's always something a bit daunting about dressing for weddings, particularly if, like I, you don't actually know the couple in question that well. Obviously you want to look good but you don't want to steal the limelight, plus there's the challenge of finding something that's suitable for both the church service and the reception!

I ended up going for a figure hugging black mid-length, long sleeved dress with a split, my favourite black/silver ankle strap heels, a silver chunky necklace, silver rings and earrings (various gifts from le boyf) and hot pink clutch and nails. The dress was one of those ones that look pretty ordinary on the hanger but that you put on and just feel amazing in. That's really the key to dressing for any situation - the most important thing about an outfit is how you feel in it. If you feel fantastic, that will radiate through and you will LOOK fantastic!

My boyfriend and I <3

It wasn't until we were sat in the service that I realised this would be my first church wedding. With a lot of my family being Jewish, obviously the wedding process is slightly different. Despite there being no crushing of glasses and lifting up the bride and groom on chairs (haha!) the wedding and service was absolutely beautiful - complete with candlelit tables, a gorgeous floral chandelier and a breathtaking view of the Melbourne skyline.

Melbourne skyline and floral arrangements

The gorgeous floral chandelier - handmade by the groom!

The 'on the go' part of the title is in reference to the fact that I've just downloaded the blogger app for my phone so can now post on the go! Hopefully that means more frequent posts, but we shall see!

Brittany x

March On

Fashion fever has finally faded in Melbourne as the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival drew to a close last week.

If you've read my last few posts, you'll know that I was lucky enough to attend a few of the events. Obviously I haven't had the luxury of attending multiple fashion weeks around the world, but I love LMFF largely for its accessibility and proximity. So often fashion can be so involved with itself that it forgets that the public and the consumers are actually some of the most important people in the industry. LMFF celebrates that - with runways and seminars that anyone can buy tickets to, as well as a huge range of free pop-up and cultural events all over the city.

My mum and I have been going every year since we moved to Melbourne from London (coming up to five years now!) and it's something that I really look forward to doing. We've been to a range of runways, presented by Vogue, Instyle, Grazia and this year Madison. There's always a fantastic atmosphere and a luxurious feel to the evening and this year was no different. We went to the later show, which meant we missed the opportunity for beautiful sunset photos over the docklands but did enjoy some champagne in the Woolshed Pub. I'm yet to see a runway show in which all the clothes bowl me over, but i love the atmosphere and excitement associated with seeing a catwalk show live, as it's something you normally associate with VIP and exclusivity.

The Madison show had an impressive line-up of models including Alice Burdeu, Cassie van den Dungen and Rachel Rutt modelling the collections of designers Megan Park, Flannel, Alannah Hill, Hardwick, Jayson Brunsdon, Aurelio Costarella and Kirrily Johnston.

My favourite would probably have to be Hardwick, who I hadn't heard of before but I thought their collection to be extremely wearable - with lots of sheer, black and lace. Alannah Hill too had some gorgeous coats in bright colours, but looked similar to ones I've already soon before. I'm a massive fan of playsuits (current count is at least 6 in my wardrobe) so I enjoyed the silk brocade jumpsuits from Jayson Brunsdon as well.

Alice Burdeu in Hardwick

Jayson Brunsdon

Cassi van den Dungen in Jayson Brunsdon

All photography from LMFF official photographer Lucas Dawson

Not the best photo (mum photography!) but what I wore to the Madison show. I went for a blue silk floral patterned shorts and peplum top, white Zara jacket, black tights and heels, salmon clutch, bright accessories and a cheeky Topshop lipstick in 'Brighton Rock'.

My write up of the High Fashion High Tea is also now up online on Onya Magazine, which I hope you'll have a read of...the food was absolutely to die for and has affirmed that afternoon tea is most certainly back on the menu!

High Fashion High Tea - LMFF event

I also covered the 2013 LMFF National Designers Award for a university assignment and was lucky enough to interview two finalists (and hugely talented designers!) Livia Arena and Michael Lo Sordo. I was only able to use a few quotes in my assignment but found them both so interesting to talk to that I will hopefully write up a profile of them here for you to enjoy... stay tuned!

Brittany x

My Week Living The Dream

This week has been an amazing one - full of interviews, events and writing that have totally reassured and convinced me that a career in (fashion/arts&culture/music) journalism is exactly what I want to do.

To read more about it, scroll down or click the links below.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

These are my three very different looks I wore for my three fashion related assignments for Onya Magazine.

1. The opening of The Woodsfolk in Hawthorn on Wednesday evening.
I'm wearing a white long top from a boutique in Phillip Island, leather skater skirt from H&M, My favourite Wittner shoes and a studded leather clutch, also Wittner.
 - See Part 2 or the full review on Onya Magazine.

2. VIP Launch of the Wardrobe Weekender, Captains of Industry on Thursday evening.
I'm wearing my mum's black silk draped top, skinny herringbone trousers, the same Wittner shoes and an electric pink, black and white clutch from Dangerfield.
- See Part 3 or the full review on Onya Magazine.

3. High Fashion High Tea, L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival at the Park Hyatt on Sunday afternoon.
I'm wearing a monochrome silk shirt from H&M, leather skater skirt also from H&M, black/silver chanel-style jacket from Sportsgirl, red suede heels from Novo and a red leather/leopard print bag - a christmas gift from mum!
- See Part 4 or look out on Onya Magazine for a full review very soon...


Which one is your favourite? Would love to hear your feedback!

Brittany x

My Week Living The Dream - Part 4

This is a fashion-related part of a larger series of four blog posts about 'My Week Living the Dream' - don't forget to check out Part 1 , Part 2 and Part 3

Just as I thought the fashion assignments for Onya magazine couldn't get any better, I found myself waiting in the lobby of the Park Hyatt for the High Fashion High Tea event presented by Fashionista's Australia (Emily Power) as part of the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival. It was absolutely surreal. I was sat on Table 1 - the official media table - surrounded by extremely stylish women (and a few men!) about to have afternoon tea at one of Melbourne's most luxurious hotels. Pinch me!

Although I was doing it stag this time, it was a glorious afternoon. I was sat alongside many fashion bloggers who I admire, including Phoebe Montague of Lady Melbourne, Sarah Willcocks of Style Melbourne and met some new ones that I quickly became fans of, including Cecylia. There were finger sandwiches, tarts, cakes and scones galore - as well as a catwalk show, shopping avenue and amazing goodie bags. Watch out for my full review, to appear on Onya Magazine very soon....

That concludes my week living the dream! It's been absolutely amazing and has made me even more determined than ever to work hard and be successful in I believe is the most interesting and exciting career paths I could possibly have chosen.

Brittany x

My Week Living The Dream - Part 3

This is a fashion-related part of a larger series of four blog posts about 'My Week Living the Dream' - don't forget to check out Part 1 and Part 2

The fashion fun for Onya Magazine continued on Thursday night, this time at the VIP launch of The Wardrobe Weekender, a highlight of the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival's cultural program.

This time I had my mum by my side as my +1 and we had a lovely evening. The basic philosophy of the event, organised by Lala productions and The Clothing Exchange, is a simple 'swap-shop' format. Everyone brings clothes they no longer wear to swap with others. I was a bit confused and ever so slight weirded out by the idea at first, not being a particular lover of second hand clothes, but after attending I can honestly say I'm a changed woman (limitations and exclusions apply!). I got myself two new (to me) items of clothing that i can't wait to wear and cleared out things in my wardrobe that were taking up unnecessary space. Not only that, there were also stalls of local boutiques and designers offering fantastic one-night only discounts, a complimentary glass of bubbly and vintage frocks for hire! Check out my review and please keep an eye out for any similar events coming to a town near you - can't recommend them highly enough!

1. My outfit for the evening. Recognise those trousers!? 2. Vintage clothes for hire 3. Mum and I went for dinner afterwards and had what I reckon is the best pizza outside Italy. Maybe even in Italy as well. The place is called +39 on Little Bourke Street. Thin bases, delicious tomato base and the speediest service i've had in a long time!

Firstly, I'm so grateful that i'm able to be getting experience in the industry by writing things for Onya as a contributor. I'm also hearing about and attending events that i would never have heard of otherwise - and hopefully by writing about it, am doing the same for you! I would really love a career in fashion journalism, so to be attending the events i'm attending and getting the opportunities i currently am is absolutely a dream come true.