NYFW

One thing I love about being on the south side of the equator is that technically we can wear trend in the right season MONTHS before those up in the northern hemisphere can. It's very easy if you know what you're doing.
Because events such as NYFW occur a good six months before the season they are actually show for, Designers of more frequent collections in Australia (say bardot, Sportsgirl, Dotti, Lorna Jane, Portmans etc etc) can wrap their heads around a trend in much less time then the year long design-to-store cycle that the big labels have. Thus resulting in that must have new trend on the catwalks yesterday -personally, I am awkwardly giggling at the cute owl hats on the runway at Anna Sui, while secretly loving them- being in stores and available within a few months, and just in time for our Autumn! (I don't think I'll find owl hats though, sadface.)
This also works amazingly to increase the longevity of items in your wardrobe. If you get an idea of what they're wearing next season, months in advance, you'll find that fashions tend to peak about a year after they creep in. First year around, things like high waists, bold shoulders and even the recent peter pan collars were on the back burner while people looked at them and thought "Oh my god, really??" While somewhere between six months to a year later, they're back with a vengeance as people come around to the idea. The more you see models and advertisements with something, the more you'll find you want it as it tricks you into thinking everyone is wearing it. In reality, it's only the few who are ahead of the ball that are.
Just for shits and giggles, owl hat!

Source: Style.com

Sportsgirl introduce 'window shopping'

How's this for something new and nifty? Sportsgirl have come up with an innovative and new way to shop their collections by just looking at a window (well almost).
Using QR codes, you simply scan the code correlating to the item you want with your smartphone, it then whips you to a site where you can add to bag and purchase. Too easy!
While it's only available at the rather trendy store in Chapel Street Melbourne for now, there are plans to set it up at random spots throughout the country, with the idea that this will make the flagship store range available to a wider audience.
Also yay, I hear that there's a special gift with each mobile order!

Has anyone given this a go? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Bake it! White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies

Something a little different to read.

I made these up for a friend of mine who mentioned that you really can't go wrong with them, It was her Birthday on Thursday and I stupidly forgot that she wasn't coming in to work that day. Silly me, she had told me last week. They were enjoyed none the less by everyone else, especially my boss who ate a quarter of them himself before I had to tell him to share! I couldn't find a recipe in my books so I mangled one I already knew.
Follow the jump for the method!

Incoming: Ladylike Glam Pieces

This is one of those trends that hides in the background for a few seasons before coming back with a bang. Prada did some beautiful frocks a few years ago that evoked a very classy fifties feeling, and the accessories -particularly handbags- have been slowly taking on the look.

Must have piece one: The structured handbag.
I did post about this a little while ago, anyone remember this bag I stalked for weeks? To help bring this look to life, a structured handbag is going to be the quickest and most worthy investment, look for details like a top handle, a twist or kiss lock of some description and a solid shape.
If you want to go completely on trend with the new season, I love this bag by Mimco. The texture and colour-blocking are brilliant.

After something more cheap chic? Dotti has this cute little magenta number, while Ooh la la from Myer has some gorgeous styles.

Click through for piece two!

Shopper of the year competition

I have to say I am rather cut that they have chosen four locations for this competition, and only spread them between Sydney and Melbourne. But check it out.
They're going to let 200 shoppers on the loose in DFO locations with $200 up their sleeves. They then have 45 minutes to race about DFO and put together an outfit with the money they have been given, best two outfits chosen on the day are crowned finalists and will have their outfits posted online for voting to choose the ultimate winner of $5,000 and the title of Shopper of the Year.
If I could justify it, I'd fly down and do it, but unfortunately it just skips the days I'm already in Melbourne in march by just two days, sadface.

Check it out online for more information and to sign up here.