Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Studio tour.

Kate Maxwell paid a visit to The English Dept. and my design studio, and took some very nice photos. Thanks, Kate! More here.

Thanks...

...for all your supportive comments re: BHLDN and their well-known "design" practices. As a former law student, I do know that there's very little legal protection for clothing designers. I've studied the arguments on both sides regarding whether fashion design deserves such protection, and there's merit to both arguments (although I'm sure you can guess where I stand). I don't usually get in a lather over copying incidents--designers (like all creative people) draw inspiration from many sources, and that inspiration flows in all directions. What bothers me is a very studied practice of ripping off smaller designers' work as a business model. Consumers need to know that Anthro's cute "designs" come straight from uncredited, uncompensated sources. That's how they roll.

Besides being unethical and exploitive, it's just so boring! Way to take the creativity out of fashion. So I did that post. For that reason, and to show solidarity with my good friend Myra, who is wearing herself out trying to protect her work.

Luckily, we small designers have what big companies can never fake, no matter how they try--the urge to create for its own sake, the honest joy of new ideas.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Winter Sherpa

winter fashion @ Friend in Fashion
winter fashion @ Friend in Fashion
winter fashion @ Friend in Fashion
winter fashion @ Friend in Fashion
winter fashion @ Friend in Fashion
winter fashion @ Friend in Fashion

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Dear friends,

If you've been following me on twitter, you would already know just how much I'm loving corduroy at the moment. This lovely baby blue skirt, is the latest to my cord collection, and I've already gotten so much wear out of it.

It has been crazy busy lately, with some very exciting things on the horizon. Holidays, work, and a brand new website, which I can't wait to share with you! As a bit of a heads-up, if you like Aussie fashion, you will love what I have lined up.

I'm wearing:
Sherpa Jacket, Minkpink, via Market HQ
Corduroy Skirt, American Apparel
Knit, Cotton On
Boots, Betts

Luv,
Friend in Fashion
x

Photos: Tim F (now on twitter)

Friday, May 27, 2011

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY??

There are a few things brides dread on their wedding day and rain is definitely one of them.

Most pray for sun allowing for beautiful images outdoors with their new hubby, family and close friends. And if they’re planning for an outdoor ceremony and reception their prayers for a sunny day are even greater. Unfortunately when it comes to weather, there’s no guarantee.

With all the rain we’ve seen over the past few weeks it got us to thinking... Is rain on your wedding day really such a bad thing? Of course it never hurts to have a Plan B, such as a tent or alternate indoor venue when your Plan A is an open air outdoor space in case the clouds appear, but when it comes to your pictures rain can make for some fun and really unique photos if you’re willing.


Chicago based photographer
Kenny Kim had this to say about photographing couples in the rain -

There is an old saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." At every wedding, there is going to be a surprise waiting us around the corner. Regardless of what that surprise might be, we as wedding photographers try to make the best of all the situations. Inevitably, we are going to have days where Mother Nature will try to hinder the day. Instead of being discouraged by the situation, I think of it as an opportunity to get creative with photos. A wedding day is not about the weather but it is a celebration of a couple's commitment to spend the rest of their lives together. Capturing their emotion is more important than having nice weather. When humans lose one of their senses, the other senses heighten. As a photographer, when we are faced with limited options, our creativity gets heightened and often times we tend to see things that we did not notice before. Some of my favorite photos from weddings have come from days when it rained.

So why not go with it? Don’t let the rain ruin your wedding day! Find some fun rain boots, colorful umbrellas, and show the rain who’s boss. And last but not least, remember the Italian saying “Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata” which literally translates to “Wet Bride, Lucky Bride”. Traditionally, if it rains on your wedding day you will have a very fortunate marriage. The rain symbolizes abundance and good luck which will spill over onto the new family.


Photo Credits: Braedon Photography

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Vintage fever

vintage fashion @ Friend in Fashion
vintage fashion @ Friend in Fashion
vintage fashion @ Friend in Fashion
vintage fashion @ Friend in Fashion
vintage fashion @ Friend in Fashion
vintage fashion @ Friend in Fashion
vintage fashion @ Friend in Fashion

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Dear friends,

Introducing my saviour this winter, this faux fur, 'New Heritics' coat.

Corduroy with fur accents, I'm definitely embracing my inner 70's child, in this snug as a bug coat.

Last week I was kindly invited by Betts to kick off their new blogger project '5 Ways to Wear'. I was asked to style one pair of shoes, you guess it, 5 different ways. My choice was the western inspired Taree boot. You can check out my looks and interview here.

I'm wearing:
Coat, Evil Twin, via Material Attention
Vintage boots, also seen here (Wild Flower)
Vintage dress
Vintage belt

Luv,
Friend in Fashion
x

Photos: Tim F

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Photos from Finishing School 2011

 Thanks to everyone who came out on Sunday for Finishing School, our annual do-it-yourself event for making bridal hair accessories and dress embellishments.
Look at the concentration on these ladies' faces!
 
My project: a metallic lace shrug with hundreds of lace "petals" hand-stitched around the neckline. I finally finished it--that's why we call it Finishing School.
 Truly impressed by the artistry on display. Nice work, class of 2011!
 Photos: Lauren Sornberger, Rebecca Westby

The craft

winter fashion @ Friend in Fashion
winter fashion @ Friend in Fashion
winter fashion @ Friend in Fashion
winter fashion @ Friend in Fashion

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Crushed velvet and knee-high socks, dare I suggest a resurgence in 90's fashion? Either way, this lovely little number has treated me well over the last few chilly weeks in Melbourne.

Also picked up this sweet little ring from my friends over on the West Coast (of Australia), Martini + Coz. Their beautiful range of accessories and handbags are lovingly created for the modern woman with a penchant for vintage chic - a label close to my heart (excuse the pun).

I'm wearing:
Dress, Minkpink, via Market HQ
Socks, Cotton On
Ring, Martini + Coz

Luv,
Friend in Fashion
x

Photos: Tim F