Gary Pepper Vintage

M O N O C H R O M E .

2012-01-23T06:00:00.002+11:00

(Zara Skirt/Top, Vintage Necklace/Bracelet/Bag, Jennifer Hawkins for Siren Heels)

I don't know if it has something to do with the start of a new year and my 'try new things' mentality but all I feel like wearing lately is simple black and white combinations. This is something my wardrobe usually tries to avoid but at the same time so desperately needs. Of course it had to be Zara who ignited my love affair with monochrome pieces, with this simple black skirt with a cropped front and fishtail back being one of my absolute favourite Zara purchases to date. A simple yet sultry piece that shows the perfect amount of leg and easily compliments a bold red lip and a messy bed hair bun without being too over the top. Sculptured shoulders and cut out detail also help to keep this minimalistic look bold rather than boring (well, I hope so anyway) and have inspired me to work towards building a more balanced and diverse wardrobe this year.

D A R L I N G .

2012-01-20T06:00:00.006+11:00

(Zara Top/Pants, Vintage Jacket/Belt/Bracelet/Bag)

One of the things I love most about vintage is the entertaining comments you receive when wearing something that isn't deemed mainstream. This pale pink jacket has to be one of my favourites finds and after nearly six years together I still can't bare to part with it. Strangely enough I've only ever worn it twice before, and on both occasions had complete strangers strike up a conversation about how it reminded them of Marge Simpson. I can only hope you will all know the reference I'm talking about (Marge's Chanel Suit she keeps changing to make it look different) and hope I'm not the only one who finds it amazing. Sadly this isn't Chanel, but seeing as my daily life somehow always comes back to a Simpson's reference or quote I'm more than happy to bring this little Marge Simpson number to life by adding my own simple and modern twist. Vintage always keeps life interesting.

P O O L S I D E .

2012-01-18T12:05:00.002+11:00

(Amber and Thomas Bikini, Shona Joy Shirt Dress, George Jensen x Red Cross Bracelet, Ray Ban Aviators)

Is it just me or is finding nice clothes to wear at the beach or poolside a lot harder than you thought? I often steer clear of denim shorts and singlets but living so close to the beach makes it hard to find pieces I can just throw over my bikini when I'm running out the door. So when I found this maxi shirt dress by Shona Joy I couldn't stop layering it over all of my beach attire, nor could I stop twirling beside the pool in it too. Perfect to wear buttoned up as a light, summery maxi dress or unbuttoned as a cool addition to throw over your beachside bikini. The thigh high splits also make you feel sexier than you should when you're sitting alone by the pool... which is something I seem to be doing a lot of lately (sitting by the pool, that is. Can't say that I ever feel sexy) as I'm officially stuck in holiday mode. It's the summer that I never want to end.

This is just a sneak peek so head over to Harper's Bazaar to see my latest post HERE.

A Q U A R I U S .

2012-01-12T10:37:00.001+11:00

(Stolen Girlfriends Club Dress, Beginning Boutique Necklace, YSL Ring, Jennifer Hawkins for Siren Heels)

So it seems when this time of year rolls around I always fall off the face of the earth. I think it's a mix of taking holidays, visiting my family in Tasmania (with absolutely no reception) and sitting down to assess the year that's been and the year that is to come. A little time to yourself is always healthy but I do apologise for my lack of posts! Here is my first post for Harper's Bazaar 2012. Often I'll try to steer clear of darker colours and floral prints but this pretty little number by New Zealand designer Stolen Girlfriends Club was the perfect mix of both. A nice little addition to my usual soft, feminine wardrobe or brightly coloured pieces. With a new list of goals I want to achieve this year and ideas I want to bring to life, I'm hoping it's not just my wardrobe that changes this year.

You can read my latest post for Harper's Bazaar HERE.

Photos by Jessica Stein.

A . D R E A M . S T A T E .

2011-12-31T13:23:00.006+11:00

(The Babushka Ballerina Dress)

This time last year I'm pretty sure I was jumping up and down on the side of a cliff (here) with a few foil love heart balloons, ready to welcome the new year and to celebrate my blog's first ever birthday. Well, seeing as this is my last outfit post for 2011 I thought I would carry on the tradition and put a little more effort into this special end of year post. This year I opted for a red lace and pleated dress by an up and coming designer from Queensland called The Babushka Ballerina, which we shot on a picturesque dry lake down in Tasmania. It catches the wind perfectly and with a slight breeze becomes full of volume and resembles the petals of an open rose. The perfect dreamy dress to help my mind wander into its usual whimsical and unrealistic state.

So with another year drawing to an end and another year full of your incredible love and support, I just wanted to thank each and every one of you - new and old readers alike - for taking the time to visit my blog. Whether it be once a day or once a year, a comment, a tweet, or a 'like', it all matters to me so thank you over and over again. So many amazing opportunities await us in 2012 and I just cannot wait to see what this exciting new year will bring for us. I have a feeling it's going to be our best year yet. So as I said last year, here's to a new year full of light, love, happiness and health, with no fear and absolutely no looking back. Wherever you are in the world, whatever you inspire to be, always remember to do what you love and do it well. Leave them all behind.

Happy New Years Eve everyone!

G I V I N G .

2011-12-27T12:05:00.003+11:00

Every year I spend my Christmas break visiting my family in Tasmania. It's such a nice and refreshing break from this crazy online world, being able to escape and have some time offline with the people I love. With no reception and no internet it really helps to put everything into perspective and to asses what I really want from this life. So this post isn't dedicated to an outfit, a designer, or a new purchase, but instead to the best present I have ever received (and one I plan on giving each year) - the gift of life. My sister-in-law added these to our presents this year and I thought it was so perfect I wanted to share it with you all. If you owe a few belated Christmas presents or have a birthday coming up this is one of the best presents you can ask for. A mere $5 can buy water purification tablets for a family, $15 can buy vitamins for young children, or $30 for something a simple as a warm blanket. It's crazy how a few dollars can provide basic necessities that we take for granted every single day. You can purchase various gifts from World Vision HERE. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas with the people you love, and I can't wait to finish 2011 with you in style! x

D A Y D R E A M E R .

2011-12-19T22:30:00.003+11:00

(Michael Lo Sordo Skirt/Top, Zara Jacket, Asos Ring/Clutch, Stylists Own Cuffs, Thrifted Heels)

There's nothing like a beautiful ethereal print to get you into the summer mood. I absolutely fell in love with Michael Lo Sordo's SS 11/12 collection so choosing one item seemed near impossible. This beautiful pink and peach smoke print was the perfect whimsical piece to help me daydream about the warmer months to come (that is if it will ever stop raining) and to feed my obsession with crisp whites at the moment. A breath of fresh air and a nice change from the usual colour blocking, I can't help but feel like I'm floating around on a cloud whenever I wear this skirt, or anything by Michael Lo Sordo for that matter. I got goosebumps when I saw his look book and now envision my daily outfits to incorporate at least one piece of his clothing each time. Unfortunately my memory card was wiped so I lost half the images I wanted to include in this post. It seems my mind really is somewhere else right now and all I can think about is the exciting bright future that lays ahead. 2012 is drawing oh so close now.

O V E R A L L . H A P P Y .

2011-12-17T09:30:00.001+11:00

(Vintage Denim Overalls, Marcs Top, Steve Madden Loafers)

Usually when I shoot new stock for the store I try to jam in about 100 pieces per day. This doesn't really leave me any time to leave the studio to shoot separate outfit posts, but seeing how adorable these denim overalls were I just couldn't resist. Feeling young and happy in this cute denim number, It only seemed appropriate to go all out and use a smiley face balloon as my main accessory. Not a serious outfit post, just one that brings a smile to my face and a good break in between shooting new stock today. Over 300+ vintage dresses are being uploaded into the store between now and the new year, along with some of my favourite vintage finds to date including a whole lot of metallic foiled pieces in both dresses, tops and jackets. I have three pairs of vintage denim overalls (including the pair you see in this post) in sizes XS, S and M available in store on Monday. Wishing you all a very happy weekend!

I V O R Y .

2011-12-15T12:01:00.004+11:00

(Bec and Bridge Dress, Vintage Belt, Stylists Own Gold Cuffs, Asos Clutch)

A feminine maxi dress is the perfect staple for summer here in Australia. Easy to throw on if you're quickly leaving the house and even easier to wear in the evening with a few gold accessories. I couldn't help but channel some old Hollywood glamor when I spotted this Bec and Bridge maxi dress. Red nails with a matching bold red lip, side swept hair and a delicate clutch always seem to compliment this timeless staple all too well. This ivory maxi dress is made from a slinky fabric and feels somewhat like a second skin, which is super flattering and falls perfectly from the waist down. The mini pleats add a touch of elegance which helps compensate for any uncoordinated dancing you do later that night. This is just a sneak peek at my latest post for Harper's Bazaar so be sure to head over to Style Network to see the rest of the photos!

You can read my latest post for Harper's Bazaar HERE.

M I D N I G H T . B L U E .

2011-12-13T13:00:00.010+11:00

(Brian Lichtenberg Dress, Samantha Wills Bangle, Thrifted Heels, Asos clutch)

It's safe to say I haven't worn a one shoulder number since I was at a school disco in year 7. The craziest part is it was an off the shoulder top that was bright blue and covered in glitter, just like the dress you see here but on a whole new level of hideous and cringe-worthy. It was cropped with cut out holes down the side and.. well, I'm not even going to go into detail because I'd rather forget about it to be honest. Perhaps this is why it's taken me eleven years (no joke - It's been eleven years!) to venture into the world of one shouldered pieces again? I'm not entirely sure what drew me to this dress in the first place. Binding cocktail dresses aren't exactly my cup of tea and I think one shoulder pieces can just look weird most of the time. But I suppose maybe that's why I liked it? I love how satisfied you feel when you wear something people don't expect of you, or even something you don't expect of yourself. Plus it helps if it's a stunning piece by Brian Lichtenberg which has been doing the celeb rounds and was seen on Rosie Huntington Whitley in Transformers. Perfect for the Louis Vuitton party I went to last week. My fear of one shouldered glitter pieces has now been cured. Thanks Brian.

B I N D I .

2011-12-12T06:00:00.001+11:00

(Sara Phillips 'Bindi' Skirt, Topshop Shirt/Heels, Vintage Bag/Necklace)

I just couldn't help but shoot some more close up photos of this amazing Sara Phillips skirt. Obsessing over the unique print and even more so over this talented Australian designer after previewing her new Autumn/Winter collection the other day. There's something very Mcqueen-esque about these prints and I just can't wait to show you Sara's creative and innovative prints in her next collection, which will be dropping in stores next February. Here I styled this 'Bindi' silk skirt with a few colourful pieces and a matching bold fuchsia lip to show how versatile this piece really is. Also added the faux crocodile clutch to give this outfit some interesting texture and of course, to match the reptilian vibe I'm so utterly in love with.

P I E R . 1 9 .

2011-12-10T06:00:00.002+11:00

(Vintage Dress/Necklace/Bracelet/Snake Belt, Thrifted Heels/Clutch)

It's ridiculous how the mind starts to work when you're a 'blogger'. Every corner, street, meadow, or in this case pier, becomes a photo opportunity and you find yourself taking time out of your schedule just to shoot a few photos. Luckily for me my there was a 3 hour gap between my friends wedding on Sunday so Luke and I quickly took these photos out front of the reception. Trust me, I wouldn't have taken these if there really wasn't anything else to do besides freezing and shivering outside. This dress has been sitting in my wardrobe for over a year now but it was only until I turned it backwards that I felt the need to wear it. Now with a plunging front and split up the back it seemed a whole lot sexier which as you know isn't my usual cup of tea. No idea why I felt like revealing myself at a wedding of all places but at least I finally got some wear out of one of the few vintage pieces I've kept for myself since starting my online store. Added some touches of gold with a few vintage accessories and a gold snake belt to compliment the subtle gold lining along the hem. In hindsight I should of taken a coat with me but at the time I thought a faux fur clutch would keep me warm. I think I was nearly as confused as my backwards dress that day...

L O U I S . V U I T T O N . M A I S O N .

2011-12-09T10:00:00.006+11:00

Last Friday I had the absolute honor of attending the opening of the Louis Vuitton Masion store on George Street in Sydney. Being only the 13th of its kind in the world, the Louis Vuitton Maison is spread out over three beautiful levels and is Australia's largest stand-alone luxury store. Full of exquisite and breathtaking pieces, this store is home to $6 million dollars worth of jewelry, each with its own story and inspiration behind its design. Trust that my favourite piece (the jeweled statement necklace above) is worth a cool $1.5 million dollars alone. Cate Blanchett was described as "part of the Louis Vuitton family" and was there to show her support by cutting the ribbon to officially open the LV Maison store, which just so happens to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Louis Vuitton in Australia. I didn't know it was humanely possible to illuminate the way Cate does in real life, but apparently it is. Besides its incredible decor and mouth watering collections, the most fascinating part about this store is the VIP room located on the very top floor. Here you will find Haute Maroquinerie, the luxurious service where customers can custom build their very own Louis Vuitton bag. Only the second store in the entire world to receive this exclusive 'Made to Order' service, customers have the option to choose what leather, shape, size, colour, lining and hardware they desire to suit their own personality and taste. Designed to be a 'dream of a process', each bag takes between six to twelve months to make in Paris and comes with your initials iron stamped on a leather patch inside. Considering there are eight different types of fine and exceptional leathers, including shiny or matte crocodile or alligator skin, available in a range of twenty-six colours and over eighty thousand shades of silver and gold hardware to choose from, I think someone as indecisive as myself would have to spend a week in there just to choose what colour I would want the lining to be! That being said it would be a process I'd be more than happy to undertake for such an iconic and timeless piece such a Louis Vuitton bag.

A special thank you to Matt, Natalia and Sophia from EVHPR for making this happen, and also to Amanda Gay, Phillipa Jenkins, Yves Carcelle and Jean-Baptiste Debain from Louis Vuitton for taking one day to new heights of surreal. This experience is definitely in my top three. Ever.

T R I P L E . C H A I N E D .

2011-12-08T12:00:00.003+11:00

(Portmans Pants, Vintage Top/Belt/Sunglasses, Thrifted Heels, See By Chloe Bag)

Just a sneak peek at my new post for Harper's Bazaar. I've been waiting to find the perfect pieces to style with this insane vintage belt I found in a little vintage store on Venice Beach. These flare pants are still quirky enough to keep this outfit interesting and they easily compliment how unique this black and gold belt is. Absolutely love the triple chain feature and chunky god medallion plates along the front. Still deciding which way I would rather prefer to wear it as it looks even better when worn backwards. You know you're onto a winning outfit when you've got as much going on in the front as you do on the back, especially when you have to fight the urge to walk into a room backwards just to show it off.

You can read my latest post for Harper's Bazaar HERE.

L A S T . N I G H T .

2011-12-03T15:53:00.006+11:00

(Brian Lichtenberg Dress, Vintage Clutch)

The past 24 hours feel like some sort of dream. Yesterday our day was dedicated to the grand opening of the Louis Vuitton Maison store on George Street in Sydney. The day began with the media conference and store tour in the morning, and was followed by an intimate dinner with bloggers and the LV online team and VIP party later that evening. Zanita and I were reunited with Oracle Fox and Studded Hearts who flew in just for the event, and we finally had the chance to meet the beautiful 4thandbleeker who is a fellow Harper's Bazaar blogger. The day was full of incredible and equally surreal moments. One being able to meet and have a few drinks with Yves Carcelle, the Global Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton (pictured above). I wore this blue one shouldered Brian Lichtenberg dress that I'll show more of later as this is just a quick little post. For now I need to somehow cull down all of my photos to put together the LV in-store post for you all!

J B R A N D . G I V E A W A Y .

2011-12-01T15:02:00.002+11:00

(J Brand Jeans, Zimmermann Top, Vintage Earrings/Necklace, Stylists Own Cuffs, Thrifted Heels)

If you've been reading my blog since the beginning you may have noticed (I'd be surprised if anyone has actually picked up on this) that I rarely wear jeans. It's not that I have anything against them. It's just that It's near impossible for me to find any that fit my body shape. I won't even try to explain the weird proportions of my body as I'm sure many of you will roll your eyes, but I can tell you right now that J Brand has cured any doubt I had about finding the perfect jeans. The fit, the stretch, the comfort - I just wish I had found these sooner! Often one to steer clear of wearing black I realised the one piece of clothing I so desperately needed was a pair of black pants. These high waist skinny leg jeans by J Brand were one of the best investments my wardrobe has made in a very long time, and I can't get enough of their unusual coated and shimmery texture. Too easy to style with a casual tee for the day, silk blouses for the evening or even statement pieces like this cutout 'Idyllic' shirt by Zimmerman. I have been wearing these jeans non-stop and love them so much that my-wardrobe.com and I are sharing the J Brand love to my beautiful readers! My-Wardrobe.com will be giving away not one, but two pairs of J Brand jeans worth over $410 each!

To enter simply follow these super easy steps:

ENTRIES HAVE NOW CLOSED.

Entries are open for one week and the winners will be drawn next Thursday the 9th at 7PM AEST. Loving these bright and bold colours below so head over to my-wardrobe.com to take your pick between the J Brand brights or black coated skinny's like mine! Love a early Christmas present so good luck everyone.

R E P T I L I A N . L O V E .

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000+11:00

(Sara Phillips 'Bindi' Skirt, Vintage Blouse/Jumper/Clutch, Topshop Heels)

Just a sneak peek at my latest post for Harper's Bazaar Style Network. Absolutely smitten with this insane silk skirt by Australian designer Sara Phillips. At a quick glance it could easily be mistaken for a cute floral print but after looking closely you can spot some serious reptilian love. Snakes, alligators and frogs are mixed in with this colourful floral print and the slightly cropped front gives this skirt even more of a quirky and unusual edge. I have a feeling this particular style of skirt is going to be absolutely huge this season after spotting similar styles in a few SS 11/12 collections at RAFW. I can tell you right now the fit is incredibly flattering and slightly addictive. It's definitely an easy DIY that will transform any of your old pencil skirts in your wardrobe into something new and refreshing.

You can read my latest post for Harper's Bazaar HERE.

B L U S H . T O N E S .

2011-11-24T12:09:00.005+11:00

(Secret Squirrel Top/Shorts, Vintage Necklace/Bag, Samantha Wills 'Jasper' Bangle, Thrifted Heels)

Lately I've been feeling a little uninspired. I think it's the curse of being in between seasons and waiting for the Australian weather to make up its mind on whether or not it wants to act like spring. I mean, sun baking at the beach one day and rugged up in leopard print mink coats the next (currently what I'm doing right now - weird). But when these pretty little numbers arrived in my mailbox yesterday I couldn't even wait for the sun to come out to wear them. They're the perfect set of blush tones I've been patiently waiting for after countless seasons, and seem to work well when worn apart but even better when worn together. The top and shorts are both by Secret Squirrel and have a beautiful shimmer to the fabric, adding to the whole minimalistic and chic look I've been obsessing over lately. Secret Squirrel are also having a 30-50% off sale next Wednesday at Pigeon Ground in Camperdown so if you're around come say hello! To be honest it's killing me not being able to post this whole outfit so be sure to head over to Harper's Bazaar to see the rest of the photos.

You can read my latest blog post for Harper's Bazaar HERE.

L A . D I A R Y .

2011-11-17T14:00:00.014+11:00

A few shots from my time spent in the LA sun. Highlights definitely include vintage shopping along Melrose and West Hollywood Boulevard, sun baking on water beds on a rooftop pool with a mojito in hand, finding my dream pink wigs (I may have bought two), meeting Rachel Bilson and also the beautiful Olivia from Lust for Life, Liz from Late Afternoon and Rachel from That's Chic. I can't forget the one afternoon we bought probably the only healthy dinner I had on my entire US trip from Whole Foods and walked up this hillside to watch a golden sunset over the Hollywood sign. Still deciding If I loved Wholefoods or Disneyland more. We also met up with Jules and Aimee again who I had already missed after our time in New York. A special thank you to Aimee and her boyfriend Wes for taking Luke and I along to the premiere of Rachel Bilson's new show Hart Of Dixie. I was a little overwhelmed to find out what they meant by premiere was really 12 bloggers, a few staff and Rachel Bilson standing around mingling on the set of her new show. It was amazing to see Universal Studios organize this event specifically for bloggers and I managed to keep calm for the majority of the time. If you're visiting LA be sure to visit American Vintage and Wasteland for some of the cheapest and craziest vintage I've ever seen. At one point I even found myself dressed up as a giant ketchup bottle and was seriously scheming ways to try and bring it home with me. Only in LA...

G O L D . L A C E .

2011-11-17T09:33:00.005+11:00

(Vintage Coat, American Apparel Top, Alkemie Gold Lace Cuff)

Here's a sneak peek at my latest blog post for Harper's Bazaar Unfortunately I can't post the whole outfit so every week I'll be choosing my favourite shot to share with you all here. I've been in awe of the beautiful and intricate details of this gold lace cuff by Alkemie ever since it arrived the other week. I spotted it on Free People and as soon as I saw how cheap the shipping was ($7.95 US!) I thought why not? I'm so happy Free People has finally decided to ship to Australia. It's been torture seeing bloggers overseas wearing cute Free People pieces and not having access to them in store or online. And considering how quickly the shipping was, the beautiful packaging and cute little notes inside I'm one happy customer. Just another store to add to my online shopping addiction. Sigh.

You can read my latest blog post for Harper's Bazzar Style Network HERE.

K A R L A .

2011-11-15T15:39:00.003+11:00

(Karla Spetic Top/Pants/Jacket, Styslits Own Gold Cuffs, Zara Heels, See By Chloe Bag)

I'm a firm believer in you don't have to spend a lot of money to look nice, which is one of the many beneficial factors of buying vintage. But when I spotted this fluorescent citrus green two piece by Karla Spetic hanging beautifully in Desordre the other week I knew right there and then that they were going to be worth every penny. Karla Spetic has always had such beautifully tailored and structured minimalist pieces that always leave me assessing how unchic my wardrobe is most of the time. These silk pants have an amazing fit and their tapered legs create a relaxed yet refined look. I had to get the matching top that provides a fresh breath of inspiration for any pants and maxi skirts in my wardrobe right now and don't worry, I borrowed this jacket from a friend so I didn't go too crazy. Loving this green and citrus colour combination for summer here in Australia which is on the verge of being a blinding neon. Amazing. You just can't beat how beautiful Karla Spectic makes you feel. You can purchase these pieces at Desrodre boutique here.

S T Y L E . N E T W O R K .

2011-11-14T22:30:00.004+11:00

(Thrifted Knit, J Brand Jeans via my-wardrobe, Zara Coat, Vintage Necklace, Stylists Own Cuffs, Topshop Heels, Alexander Wang Bag)

It's been a while in the works and a huge kept secret but today Harper's BAZAAR Australia finally launched their innovative new concept - Style Network. What has been described by TheVine as "The largest Fashion Glossy-meets-Fashion Blogger project Australia has ever seen. This project sees seven of the country's most influential and credible fashion and personal style bloggers team up to create a portal of daily updated content.". I could not be happier to be in such good company and to be blogging alongside some of my dearest and talented blogging friends - Mandy from Oracle Fox, Zanita from Zanita Zanita, Sara from Harper and Harley, Alex from 4th And Bleeker and Geneva from A Pair and A Spare. Each week you'll see us blogging exclusively for Harper's BAZAAR so be sure to head over to Style Network to stay up to date with our weekly posts and musings. A special thank you to Harper's BAZAAR for this amazing opportunity and to Anna, who I can imagine is already pulling her hair out trying to manage six busy bloggers. This is an absolute honor and an exciting new project I hope you will all love, support and help grow with us. This is a sneak peek of my very first post City Gold which you can read the full post here.

D E T A I L S .

2011-11-14T15:00:00.002+11:00

(Iro Top, Vintage Pants/Necklace, Stylists Own Gold Cuffs, 3.1 Phillip Lim Heels via Mywardrobe.com, Smythson Ipad Case)

A sneak peek at a few new details that have recently found their way into my wardrobe. Absolutely loving this vibrant emerald green colour at the moment. So much so that I just couldn't resist these delicate multi-buckled 3.1 Phillip Lim Heels that perfectly match these vintage tailored pants I found in a little vintage store in San Francisco. They have a sateen-like finish which adds a beautiful sheen and elegance to any outfit I style with them. Add a vintage necklace and these amazing gold cuffs I received from Stylists Own last week and you're looking at a few of my favourite things right now.

H A P P I N E S S .

2011-11-11T18:17:00.006+11:00

(Topshop Top/Shorts, Vintage Belt/Nacklace, Flint Glasses via Ruby, Rachel Comey Boots, See by Chloe Bag)

For someone who's only been to an amusement park a few times in her life I was having an out of body experience when we walked through the Disneyland gates. I felt like I was just jumping out of my skin with excitement and it seemed every other person there was feeling the exact same way. Everywhere we looked there was vibrant colours, constant smiles and too cute for words Disney characters, souvenirs and buildings. The sound of laughter from both adults and children filled the air and I just couldn't wipe the smile off my face the entire day. This left little time to think about what to wear so I wore a simple striped top, black ankle boots and probably the tiniest pair of shorts I own in an attempt to beat the intense LA heat. A simple and fail safe outfit. I've been a little obsessed with these new boots by Rachel Comey which are absurdly comfortable to spend the day sightseeing in. They have the perfect amount of heel that adds height to your casual day to day outfits, without looking out of place for wearing platforms instead. I'm sure I'm not the only one who wishes I was taller... A special thank you to Ty from Solestruck.com who sent these to my NY apartment on my second day. You know me too well and I absolutely love them. Apologies for the slide show of holiday photos too. This is kind of an outfit post so hopefully you guys still find it interesting! This was my first time visiting Disneyland and it definitely won't be the last. Disneyland really is the happiest place on earth and a world I would happily live in. Now all I have to do is figure out a way to get these life size tea cups home...

S P R I N G . L O V E .

2011-11-10T09:30:00.003+11:00

(Vintage Top and Pleated Skirt, Thrifted Shoes, See By Chloe Bag)

A sunny day spent wandering the beautiful streets of San Francisco. It's funny what us bloggers end up doing for a photo. After finding rows of these little white houses over the road from the Golden Gate Bridge we stopped to take a few photos. Only after rolling around on the front lawn, sniffing balls of flowers and sprinkling them all over a foot path did we realise the house we had stopped at was actually occupied by a very concerned and confused person peering through the windows. But no harm done as everyone I met overseas was incredibly kind and lovely, making the move there just that little more tempting. I found these gold heels at a little vintage store on Haight Street for a mere $20. I think I squealed a little when I realised they actually fit as vintage shoes usually run so small (What's up with everyone having size 5 feet back in the day?). The beautiful glitter reminded me of the recent Miu Miu's I've been eying off and I love the slight glamorous element they add to a outfit, without being too tacky. Paired with a feminine coral knit and light pastels I think I'm officially in Spring mode!

G O L D E N . G A T E . G I R L .

2011-11-09T09:00:00.004+11:00

(Topshop Top/Skirt, Zara Coat/Heels, See By Chloe Bag)

After leaving the hustle and bustle of New York City Luke and I flew over to LA where we spent the next 10 days. I'd heard endless praise about San Francisco so we decided to hire a car and do a little road trip up there. Emily from Little Black Book and Jessica from Tuula came along as well and it was refreshing to not only see the ocean again but also spend time with girls who reminded me of my life at home. We were welcomed with cute pastel houses as far as the eye could see, twisted caterpillar roads, picture perfect streets and beautiful vintage stores on Haight Street. San Francisco was everything I had heard it to be and more. And don't even get me started on the vintage there. Amazing pieces that made my baggage allowance for the store exceed well over 50kg. I just wish we had longer than two days there but it was probably a blessing in disguise as I wouldn't have stopped buying! After watching the sunrise over the Golden Gate Bridge one morning Luke and I decided to take some proper photos of what I wore on day 3 of NYFW. I really love these colours together and the warm morning sun and clear blue skies made this outfit really pop. It's always so lovely this early in the morning, especially when you're looking at the something as beautiful as the Golden Gate Bridge. The perfect way to spend some much needed downtime before my 12 hour flight home.

N Y C . D R E A M S .

2011-11-07T20:44:00.010+11:00

Just a few photos from my time in New York City. Each bringing back a fond memory of their own and making it impossible to choose which one I loved more. Whether it be eating cream cheese bagels on my fire escape every morning, admiring a star studded roof in Grand Central, bike riding through Central Park, parties on rooftops with water beds or simply wandering down beautiful streets with a hot dog in hand whilst admiring the incredible street art, New York City really is the city of dreams and each moment was better than the last. I had the pleasure of shooting with Candice Lake whilst I was there (a few sneaky photos above) and finally meeting some of my favourite bloggers - Nadia from Frou Frouu, Aimee from Song Of Style, Julie from Sincerely, Jules and the Suarez sisters from Natalie Off Duty and Color Me Nana. From running around in the pouring rain in Times Square, numerous NYFW after parties to quiet Italian dinners and experiencing my first New York slice, spending time with these girls was even better than the shows I attended and I can't believe how lovely, kind and accommodating they are. A special thank you to Jeannine from The Coveted too who was kind enough to take me to a few shows with her and IFB. Hoping to make it back to this beautiful city as fast as my feet will take me and discovering even more of what it has to offer. It already feels like a lifetime ago but perhaps that's because I already have a lifetime of memories from it. This is an extremely culled down version of my original post and it's already exceeding the acceptable amount of photos permitted for just one post. Really need to make more time for traveling - It's definitely going to be my New Years resolution for 2012!

(Outfit photos via From Me To You, Frou Frouu)

B R O O K L Y N . B R I D G E .

2011-11-02T10:21:00.007+11:00

(Topshop Top, H&M Shorts, Vintage Necklaces, Flint Glasses via Ruby, Steve Madden Loafers)

Well I'm not entirely sure how many photos you can handle of one bridge but after seeing this landmark in nearly every New York movie I've seen I wasn't surprised I came home with hundreds of photos of the Brooklyn Bridge. Luke and I walked across to find a cute little wooden chair in the middle, where we settled in for an hour or so to watch the sunset over New York City. You can even spot the Statue Of Liberty from there too, which was beautiful sight over the water and one I would highly recommend for anyone visiting. Unfortunately I spent too much time doing things other than taking outfit photos so we didn't manage to get that many. Perhaps you could say I was a little distracted? Can't say it was an incredibly inspired outfit though. When you're in a city like this it's seems impossible to sit still and find the time to put together an outfit you'll be comfortable (and warm) in from 9am till 9pm when you're out for a full day of exploring. All I wanted to do was race out the door and see as much as I could. So I basically threw on whatever was on top of my suitcase at the time. I kept it simple and just wore red on red, with some chunky vintage necklaces I layered up and a gold cuff from H&M. I found these necklaces at the Brooklyn Flea Markets so it seemed very appropriate. I honestly think you can never have too many vintage statement necklaces. For me, they make everything better.

P E N N I E S & P O P P I E S .

2011-10-25T15:55:00.006+11:00

(Marcs Top, Zara Coat, Random Jeans, Vintage Necklace, Steve Madden Shoes, See By Chloe Bag)

A beautiful afternoon spent roaming Wall Street and various other places near by with Luke in New York City. We were tempted to catch the ferry around The Statue of Liberty but after finding some cute lavender bushes lining the ferry docks we decided to relax and take in the view from a far instead. It was the perfect temperature for warm winter coats and Luke's bear hugs to keep me nice and cosy on the waterfront. I couldn't have been more content at that very moment. Here's a better view of my black patent loafers too. Really simple and so easy to throw on with basically anything. Shortly after purchasing these I discovered there's actually an endless supply of patent loafers in NYC and was torn between a penny loafer style I spotted at J.Crew. The style was more structured but had an additional $180 price tag, so I was happy to stay with my Steve Madden's. I've always felt really young and little when I wear ballet flats (is this just me?) so I just love how easily these loafers have replaced them and instantly added a preppy and polished feel to my outfits. Not that they need to get any more preppy but you know what I mean. I'd never say no to more man style dressing. Next stop, Brooklyn Bridge and their unbelievable flea markets!

P R E S S & P R I N T .

2011-10-25T11:15:00.006+11:00

A few places Gary Pepper Vintage has been spotted recently - Marie Claire US, Cosmopolitan Australia, Who Magazine, Barneys New York, The Cut (New York Magazine), Refinery29, Whowhatwear, Elle.com, Vogue.com.au and Chictopia. It was surreal coming home to see a few features I had done months ago had gone to print like 'What the fashion pack are wearing this summer' for Cosmopolitan magazine and guest judging for Who Magazine. As well as seeing my interview with Barneys New York go live which was easily the most intimidating, daunting and hardest interview I've ever done. You can also see what I wore to NYFW on the two days I was there. It was bizarre seeing these features as I honestly spent 3 hours on site in between sight seeing and holidaying. Hopefully I can go back next year and do it right though. A special thank you goes out to Chictopia for the Influential Blogger of the Year Award nomination. This was the first of its kind and I was honored to be a part of it. I missed out on the title but was so happy to see it go to someone so deserving. Congratulations to Folake of Style Pantry for the wonderful win!

B E T T S . B E A U T Y .

2011-10-19T18:46:00.007+11:00

(Stylist/Model: Nicole Warne, Photographer: Zanita Whittington, Hair & Make Up: Vanessa Collins)

A few months ago Zanita and I collaborated on a new spring/summer campaign for Australian shoe retailer Betts. The campaign revolved around a colour blocking theme which I styled and modeled, whilst Zanita worked her magic behind the lends once again. Candy coloured pumps, bright two toned wedges and chunky platforms packed a punch in Betts new summer range and made this campaign a breeze to shoot. This was actually the project that started my full on colour on colour phase which you can see is something I'm still going through months later. I love how Australian brands like Betts and Bonds are embracing, supporting and encouraging the blogging community and I couldn't be more grateful for this wonderful opportunity. Like always, it was like mixing business with pleasure shooting with Zanita again and I even picked up the 'slightly concerned' and 'half surprised' look this time round. As well as a lovely little feature in one of our national newspapers, The Sunday Telegraph (pictured above).

Betts are also running a styling contest over on their Facebook Page where you have the chance of winning a $5,000 shopping spree with Westfield! All you have to do to enter is submit a photo here of your most stylish outfit with your Betts shoes and get your friends to 'like' your look. The girls with the most likes will make the finals and the winner will be chosen in a weeks time by none other than Vogue photographer Candice Lake. I thought I'd choose my favourite 6 styles to provide a little inspiration for you all. I have a feeling this summer is going to be our biggest and brightest yet!

T I M E S . S Q U A R E . M A G I C .

2011-10-17T19:49:00.005+11:00

(Topshop Dress/Heels, Zara Coat, Mynamenecklace.com 'Nicole' Necklace, See By Chloe Bag)

Times Square. Possibly the most magical and surreal place in New York City. Billboard screen after billboard screen light up the streets and highlight just how many hundreds of people are swarming along them every minute of every day. The bright lights, naked cowboys, beeping taxi's and a Forever 21 that's open till 2am (!!) can be a little overwhelming, but to me it's one of the most beautiful places in NYC that had me pinching myself when I saw it for the first time. You can probably tell by now but I was a little obsessed (and I mean obsessed) with shooting on our fish eye lens when we were away. It really is just perfect for a place like this. I love how it shows you how tall these buildings are, how easily they can tower over you and how small they really make you feel. Add these incredibly bright lights and you kind of have a blog post that makes me feel a little nauseous, but in a good way? Kind of how I felt when I was really there. After strolling through Times Square, swinging on street signs and laying in the middle of a busy road to take one of these photos, Luke and I had Japanese in Hell's Kitchen before finishing our night with The Lion King Musical on Broadway. Only one word comes to mind when I think about this night: magic.

S U N S E T . O V E R . S O H O .

2011-10-16T11:00:00.006+11:00

(Zara Coat, Topshop Top, Supre Skirt, H&M Cuffs, Mynamenecklace.com Necklace, Charlotte Olympia Boots)

To any New Yorker this may have been just an ordinary rooftop. But to someone who had never climbed a fire escape let alone been to America before this was one of the most magical afternoons I had in New York City. After climbing out of our apartment window and up a few stories to the little rooftop awaiting us, I was welcomed with a stunning view of Soho and it's surroundings. This rooftop really was everything I had always dreamed it to be - a big, open and quiet space that you could escape the bustling streets below, if only for a few moments. The only part I didn't expect was how terrifying it actually is climbing a fire escape. It's nothing like it is in the movies but then again nothing really is! We spent the afternoon watching the sunset over our new home away from home and even saw The Empire State Building light up in the near distance. Soho really is my favourite neighborhood in New York City. It just has everything you need from shopping on Broadway (Topshop, Zara, H&M, UO, J.Crew) to cute little cafes, bars, theaters and an array of delicious restaurants too. It's also home to Little Italy which just so happened to celebrate it's annual Feast of San Gennaro street fair when we were there. I may have experienced my first deep fried oreo on it's crowded streets and I can tell you right now it's as good as it sounds.

M A D I S O N & F I F T H . A V E N U E .

2011-10-14T17:10:00.008+11:00

(Topshop Shirt/Shorts, Lonely Hearts Bra, Vintage Boots/Belt, See By Chloe Bag)

Bursting with beautiful, luxurious and high end designer boutiques makes Madison and Fifth Avenue a very dangerous place to spend your afternoon. It's also home to one of my favourite online stores, Saks Fifth Avenue, so I just couldn't wait to go there in real life. I spent what felt like a lifetime wandering down the streets, taking photos of nothing and everything and leaving unattractive smudges from my face and fingertips all over the pretty store windows. Surprisingly I was too busy trying to process the fact that I was finally in New York to even think about buying anything, so I came home without any new purchases but a much happier wallet. Perhaps it was also because I was a little overwhelmed by just how beautiful not only the stores were but the buildings and streets too. But Madison and Fifth Avenue are just a tiny highlight of what's on offer in Midtown Manhattan. To the east you'll find The Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, St Patrick's Cathedral and Grand Central Terminal, to name a few. To the west you'll find Rockefeller Center, Top Of The Rock, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and Hell's Kitchen, with the magical Times Square sitting in the heart of it all and glittering as much as ever. There really is just too much to see and places to go when you're in New York City, which made me realise I really should have packed better shoes.

N Y C . H E A R T S .

2011-10-10T09:32:00.004+11:00

(Marcs Top, Topshop Shirt, Supre Skirt, Vintage Boots, Flint Glasses, See By Chloe Bag)

So after easily the longest flight I'd ever been on I landed in New York at 2am in the morning. By 9am Luke and I were up, feeling fresh and wandering the streets from our cute Soho apartment all the way up to Fifth Avenue. For anyone who has been to New York you'd probably think we were crazy to walk that far, but Luke thought it would be the most enjoyable way to show me around this magical city and help me get my bearings (I have absolutely no sense of direction!). New York City had welcomed us with a beautifully sunny and warm day and I just couldn't wipe the smile off my face all day. We found our way down Bleeker Street and stopped in at Magnolia Bakery, where I had to fight my way through the front door due to the intense amount of people lining up for their mouthwatering cupcakes. You can imagine how annoyed people would of been with me when I held up the line by quickly trying to take some photos, but how could you be unhappy in a place like this and how could I not take photos of a place like this? With Pinkberry in hand we wandered up to Fifth Avenue, stopping to admire cute boutiques, love heart sidewalks, hot dog stands, stunning sky high buildings and basically everything there is to love about New York. Wish someone could have recorded my face when I spotted my first yellow taxi and proceeded to take 30 photos of it. An hour later I already had a few new purchases and my new favourite shoes, a pair of black patent loafers that would accompany me everywhere. I'd be warned by nearly everyone that I'd love this place but nothing really prepared me for just how much I would love it. A wonderful and surreal first day in New York City. By the second Luke and I were already looking into renting an apartment and somehow building a life here. Crazy and unrealistic, I know, but New York City will do that to you and I was more than happy to oblige.

G O O D B Y E . N Z F W . 1 2 .

2011-10-08T19:30:00.004+11:00

I know it's a few weeks on since the fashion weeks began but traveling and blogging seem to never go hand in hand together. No idea how any of the girls do it but I admire anyone who manages to get their FW content online in the same day (Katherine Lowe I'm talking to you!). NZFW has truly been one of the best highlights I've had during my blogging career and it wouldn't have been possible without the kindness and support of everyone involved. Big and loving thank you's going out to NZFW, Air New Zealand, Pullman Hotel Auckland, Ruby and NZ Tourism. And more specifically Anna, Calvin, Sammy, Eleisha, Jessica and Len Brown, who took care of me during my time in New Zealand. Also to all of the NZFW designers who invited me to their beautiful shows. It was a dream.

One of the craziest parts for me was I hadn't had a break or been overseas in over two years so when left Sydney and landed in New Zealand a mere 3 hours later I was in awe. This is usually the amount of time I spend in front of the computer editing photos so to think I could be flying to New Zealand in the same time is just crazy. The people, the scenery, the shopping - there really is something so refreshing about New Zealand that is has me itching to go back. I didn't get much time to explore the city but I did manage to go vintage shopping on K Road, wandering down the beautiful boutiques along Ponsonby Road and spending too much money on High Street in the CBD. And to think this dynamic fashion scene has been right on our doorstep the entire time! Luke has never been to NZ before so I'm planning on taking him there for a nice little holiday and dedicating some proper time to discovering more about this beautiful place. With Air New Zealand offering direct flights from all Australian capital cities to Auckland I'm tempted to stop editing and just jump on a plane to NZ instead! You can find more information about flight schedules, ticket pricing and booking details here.

Still so many shows to blog about from NZ (Zambesi, Jimmy D and Twenty Seven Names coming soon!) but I thought I'd take a break from FW coverage and start blogging about New York. Definitely feeling more inspired than ever and I have NZ and NY to thank for that.

M I S T E R . N Z F W . 1 2 .

2011-10-08T11:00:00.000+11:00

I discovered MisteR during their quick appearance in the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Show on the last day of NZFW. Unfortunately I had missed their show the day before due to work related reasons and after seeing Yvan's photos I was kicking myself for not being there. MisteR launched in 2006 as a menswear label and debuted their first womenswear line this year at NZFW. MisteR's style can be described as "an artful collision between the heritage of British tailoring and the experimental fun and quirkiness of Asian fashion". This could not sound more perfect to me. Titled 'Not So Grim', MisteR's new winter range was a structured and playful take on the "The Brother's Grimm" childhood stories like Goldilocks, Rapuzel and Pinocchio. Brightly coloured and two-toned plaid clashed with candy stripes, polka dots and an autumn leaf print in what looked like every Harajuku girls dream. Gingerbread men featured as cute accessories and pinned to the lapels, hems and back pockets of garments. A quirky touch that didn't go unappreciated here. Using only natural fiber fabrics, buttons and linings, each range has a strong focus on Eco-friendly and sustainable fashion, with limited quantities of hand numbered pieces being produced each season. It's the little things like this that makes all the difference and I can see why this is NZNTM Judge Colin Mathura-Jeffree's favourite label. A warm congratulations to Mickey and Ra on their 10th season and 5th anniversary. Being a huge fan of Japanese fashion I personally hope to see MisteR being carried in boutiques throughout Australia. Definitely a niche for quirky menswear in the fashion industry at the moment or is that just me?

H U F F E R . N Z F W . 1 2 .

2011-10-07T16:00:00.001+11:00

As you can see, Huffer sure knows how to put on a good show. Their new AW 11/12 range was full of interesting menswear jackets, shirts and trousers, with a sharp focus on functionality and detail. One jacket could even be transformed into a practical laptop bag. Genius. A brand that prides themselves on being known as 'board sports inspired fashion' I was surprised to see how cute and feminine their womenwear line was. Full circle skirts, sheer lace and box pleats were a few reoccurring winter staples. The autumn season was reinforced with a cute leaf print found on dresses, skirts, shirts and matching turbans in grey, orange and blue. Models had their hair carefully pinned up to resemble Russian Babushka dolls and were sprinkled in fake snow before walking down the runway. Loved the beautiful layering of button up shirts, cable knit jumpers and trenchcoats paired with more knitted beanies, Prada-esque flatforms and jumpers tied around the waist. This was cool styling without even trying to be cool. And who can forget when they closed the show with a girl in a bikini jumping out of a giant cake with tinsel and poppers. Yes that really happened... Models then ran onto the runway laughing and cheering, pulling each person sitting on the front row onto what quickly turned into a huge dance floor on the runway. I think I was the only person who managed to fight off the models but how could I miss taking photos of Yvan, Natalie, Alex and Anna dancing away? No idea where the alcohol and American flags came from but like I said before, Huffer sure knows how to put on a good show. Or should I say spontaneous party? Thank you for having me guys. Twas a very fun show indeed!

N Z F W . D A Y . 4 .

2011-10-07T06:00:00.002+11:00

(Vintage Chanel Two Piece via Thread People, Zara Blazer, See By Chloe Bag, Flint Glasses via Ruby, Topshop Heels)

These are the only photos I have of my outfit from the final day at NZFW. Unfortunately I didn't even get a chance to take one photo of what I was wearing on the third day due to our crazy schedule. Sorry these aren't more detailed shots but you get the idea. Absolutely LOVE this vintage Chanel two piece I bought a few months ago. It's paper thin so I've been waiting for the weather to warm up to wear this. It's pale blue with a red cherry print - the perfect playful designer piece I was more than happy to invest in. I have a feeling that it actually might be pajamas or something which I suppose makes me love it even more. It has a wrap around design which you can change to have a open, plunging neckline so I plan on wearing it like this when I have a bit of colour on my winter skin. These are a few photos I quickly took after lunch with Natalie Cantall, Tiffany Low and Yvan. No idea how we managed to actually eat something in between shows but I think you can tell by the first photo that we're pretty freaking happy about it.

(Photos by me and Facehunter)

T R E L I S E C O O P E R . N Z F W . 1 2 .

2011-10-06T15:33:00.004+11:00

With over 12 flagship stores, 300 stockists worldwide (including Australia's David Jones) and a legion of high profile clientele including Reese Witherspoon, Liv Tyler, Julia Roberts and Miranda Kerr, it was no surprise that NZ's most successful fashion label, Trelise Cooper, was easily the biggest and longest show at NZFW. The show was divided into two parts with three very distinct collections, each as different and desirable as the next. First up was Trelise Cooper's diffusion line Cooper. A collection with an American Country Western influence there was plenty of denim, plaid, crochet knits and oversize cowboy hats and lace up boots. This was followed by Trelise Cooper's main line which I'm sure you would all know just by looking at it that I would be a fan. Preppy, pretty and polished are a few words that come to mind. Soft pastels in lilac, blue, pink and green were worked into flattering two piece suits, tailored coats and checkered pants and skirts. A bright and colourful floral print complimented this soft spring colour palette, with doll-like make up and mary jane pumps finishing off these pretty and feminine looks.

As the show progressed the collection quickly transitioned into black and white tweed jackets, cream lace, bead embellished evening dresses and chic fur stoles. Particularly love the navy and cream swan print paired with cute white stockings. "Each piece in the range has been lovingly crafted using diverse fabrics and finishes to create the final beautiful result, which ultimately delights both the wearer and the observer" says Trelise. And after experiencing my very first Trelise Cooper show it was exactly that. A pure delight to observe and experience first hand.

Closing the show was a group of models in nothing but black suit jackets, sheer thigh high stockings, heels and underpants with the word "Boardroom" written across the back. Everyone seemed confused but equally intrigued by what it meant. One person even whispered to me that this was the eye wear line Trelise was launching (She already happens to have one, of course) but after the show I found out it was actually a "cheeky" introduction to her latest collection "Boardroom", which is being described as “an affordable collection for the executive woman”. Yet another performance at the Trelise Cooper show and another extension to her ever growing fashion empire, which already consists of Trelise Cooper, Cooper, Treslise Cooper Jewellery, Treslise Cooper Interiors and a perfume fragrance called 'Trelise'. Now that's an inspiring business woman.

S T O L E N G F C L U B . N Z F W . 1 2 .

2011-10-06T09:21:00.005+11:00

Before the craziness of NZFW began I had the pleasure of popping into the Stolen Girlfriends Club studio to preview their new AW 11/12 collection titled "Here Lies The Bones". There's something about seeing the garments sitting neatly on their racks and being able to touch and feel each one, inspecting them closely to discover tiny little details you would have missed on the runway, then seeing them come to life on each model and look even better then you originally thought. I suppose that's the beauty of hiring attractive models, right? Things to note are the insane and extremely intricate lace pieces, faux fur bucket bags and hats, padded leather laptop cases that double as a side bag and Stolen Girlfriends Club's second consecutive year collaborating with It shoe designer, Jeffrey Campbell. The result I saw was a chunky wooden platform boot and customized Doc Marten's with a silver chain trim that I can see hoards of girls wearing down Oxford Street. A special thank you to Marc for taking time out of his busy schedule to show us around his showroom.

Two shows that drew the most interesting and fashionable crowds during NZFW was Ruby and Stolen Girlfriends Club. I wasn't sure if I was more interested in people watching or watching the show. Stolen Girlfriends Club are renowned for their unique and unpredictable shows, so I knew we were in for a treat when I arrived at a brightly lit and grungy warehouse. Staying true to their reputation, SGC surprised everyone by sending their models down a runway made entirely from metal scaffolding and concrete floors in what looked to be 80's prom gowns. With Madonna's 'Like A Virgin' blasting in the background, each model paused, ripped off their gowns, and revealed sexy sheer dresses from Stolen's "Here Lies The Bones" AW 11/12 collection. A very cool way to grab our attention to say the least. What we saw was a collection that stayed true to the their grungy, sexy and down right cool aesthetic, with skull printed denim, oversized knits, corset leather shorts and mammoth faux fur jackets and skirts. Delicate sheer lace dresses and free flowing skirts and dresses added an element of sexiness, with knitted beanies and chunky boots giving this collection it's SGC edge. Faux fur bags and oversize backpacks made their debut and I couldn't help but think how much Mandy from Oracle Fox needed these in her life. I for one am already envisioning how many things I could shove into this backpack for summer. Loved how Stolen Girlfriends Club Marc Moore and Dan Gosling closed the show by carrying a life size cardboard cut out of their missing Creative Director Luke Harwood down the runway, reinforcing just how unique and quirky this NZ trio is worldwide famous for.

R U B Y . N Z F W . 1 2 .

2011-10-05T22:01:00.003+11:00

There are just so many things I love about Ruby that it's taken me over three weeks to finish this post. For some reason I found it too daunting to try and write how I felt about this show in just a few paragraphs. Will I do it enough justice? Why didn't I take more photos? Oh god is that shot out of focus? But at the end of the day a photo says a thousand words so I'm sure you can see why I'm absolutely smitten with Ruby's AW 11/12 collection. Titled "Capital City", Ruby's playful new collection has been described as "futuristic, psychedelic, tribal wears" with "a definite nod to the future" by NZFW. Covering everything from beautifully tailored jackets, to slouchy knitwear, to silk evening dresses and printed pants, skirts and jumpsuits. This collection was definitely given a quirky and futuristic edge when metallic clutches, boots and platform heels accompanied Aztec inspired and geometric prints in a colour palette of orange, blue, green and yellow. What I loved most about this collection is if you pulled apart each look you have incredibly versatile and wearable pieces. Yet worn all together with bright colours, clashing prints and a touch of metallic, you have a show stopping look that you wouldn't have necessarily put together in the first place. Ruby held that element of surprise and I just cannot wait to see what their designer, Deanna Didovich, does next.

Below is short video of Ruby's new sister label called Liam. Liam made it's beautiful debut the very same day and will be replacing Ruby's previous line, Madame Hawke. A little more sophisticated and sexy, Liam is full of clean lines, tailored suits and chic, timeless pieces for the mature Ruby customer. Add some black patent brogues, preppy styling and bright pops of colour and you instantly have my seal of approval! A big congratulations to Emily and Deanna for a stunning and inspiring show. Hands down my favourite show of the entire week.

L O N E L Y H E A R T S . N Z F W . 1 2 .

2011-10-05T14:59:00.006+11:00

When I arrived at the Lonely Hearts show I was greeted with one of the longest lines I saw at NZFW. It seemed nearly anyone and everyone was there so I wasn't surprised when I heard even people with invitations didn't make it in due to a bursting full house. Lonely Hearts is easily one of New Zealand's most loved fashion labels and one I've been following for quite some time, so to be seeing their collection from the front row was quite an amazing feeling.

Launched in 2003 by Helene Morris and Steve Ferguson, Lonely Hearts can be described as "that indefinable clash of feminine vs masculine. It has its serious side but always maintains a sense of fun; you'll always find subversive versions of Helene and Steve's pop culture experiences running through their pieces". This was clearly evident in Lonely's new AW 11/12 collection when simple and feminine pieces clashed with a darker Gothic look and cool, edgy styling. Staying true to an Autumn colour palette I saw sheer fabrics, pleats, florals and leather being offered in delicious shades of burgundy, beige, blue, gold, grey and red. Leather jackets, baseball caps and red and black leather chokers reinforced the rebellious and youthful nature of the Lonely Hearts brand. Especially when models were walking down the catwalk to Prodigy's 'Smack my Bitch Up'. Loved how Lonely Hearts incorporated their "Lonely" by Lonely Hearts lingerie line into the show by pairing delicate lace bras and underwear with open leather jackets or cut out tops and dresses. A clever balance of feminine and masculine with a sexy and highly desirable end result, this was a show that well deserved it's excited and full crowded house.

N Z F W . D A Y . 2 .

2011-09-16T06:00:00.002+10:00

(Ruby Jumper, American Apparel Shirt, Zara Pants, Topshop Heels, See By Chloe Bag)

The second day of NZFW kicked off with one of my favourite shows of the week, Ruby, where we enjoyed some fresh beverages prior to the show. It was the perfect way to start what was going to be an intense day of back to back shows starting with Ruby, Celine Rita, Jimmy D, Lonely Hearts, Trelise Cooper and finishing with Stolen Girlfriends Club in the evening. Oddly enough the highlight of our day wasn't the amazing shows we saw but in fact the amazing news we received a few hours before our flight. Originally we were scheduled to fly out after Jimmy D to go straight to New York but after meeting Len Brown, the mayor of Auckland, he arranged to cover the costs of changing our flights so we could attend the full week of NZFW. I'm not going to tell you how much this was but let's just say it was something I never thought possible! Incredibly kind and incredibly surreal. New Zealand really is a beautiful place and home to some of the nicest people I've ever met. Now off to catch up on all my blog posts!

(Photos via Facehunter, Katherine Is Awesome)

S A L A S A I . N Z F W . 1 2 .

2011-09-15T06:00:00.007+10:00

Set in St Matthew Church in downtown Auckland, Salasia's AW 11/12 collection titled "Uncharted Territory" suited this dark and eery setting all too perfectly. High ceilings, stone walls and dim lighting created a mysterious backdrop for Salasai's highly praised show. A little darker than my usual aesthetic, it was refreshing to see how Salasai's designer Kisha Witcher worked what usually would be quite feminine elements - lace, pearls and silk georgette into an androgynous yet highly wearable collection. Teamed with tartan prints, Doc Martens and black leather, this entire collection had an admirable balance between light and dark. A stark change from her previous SS 11/12 collection, we enter a darker world of Salasai. With a slight preppy vibe evident with lace peter pan collars, oversized knit cardigans, button up shirt dresses and uni sex blazers. There was a little bit of everything even for the vintage lover in me. It's one thing to present your collection but it's another to create a certain atmosphere or mood during it, and Salasai executed this beautifully as I left the show feeling haunted and inspired. A wonderful way to finish what was the very first exciting day of NZFW.

H A I L W O O D . N Z F W . 1 2 .

2011-09-14T08:56:00.004+10:00

There was definitely an exciting buzz in the air before and long after Hailwood's highly anticipated AW 11/12 show. Everyone I spoke to on the first day of NZFW told me is was a must see event so I was eager to see what all the hype was about. Named after Adrian Hailwood's mother, "Catherine" was a collection as beautiful as it was unique, which didn't disappoint in the slightest. Focusing on simplicity and a sleek "grown up glamor", models were given natural looking hair and clean minimal make up with a striking bold red lip (A look I personally love). Black, white and cream dominated most of the collection with subtle hints of navy and blue floral prints occasionally making appearances in kimono like jackets and tops. Wide brimmed hats, large side splits and black fringing reinforced the Spanish meets Country Western vibe with one dress made completely out of two toned fringing that took over 55 hours to construct by hand. Personal favourites was the "Zora" blue lady print dress which was named after Adrian's friend and long time muse Zara Boyd, and the pom pom poncho seen above. Hailwood will be taking his show to LA on October 18th and If NZFW was anything to go by I'm sure he'll find global success far beyond our sunny shores.

J U L I E T T E . H O G A N . N Z F W . 1 2 .

2011-09-13T08:21:00.004+10:00

If anyone asked me what my favourite NZFW shows were I would immediately think of three designers and Juliette Hogan's AW 11/12 "Bitter Sweet Memories" was at the very top of my list. Not being familiar with her beautiful line before I was literally gasping and muttering "Oh my god, I love that" every 10 seconds to the poor people beside me, and I'm sure you can see why. Juliette's collections have been described as "quietly sophisticated clothes that well mannered girls want to wear". Two toned collared shirts, whimsical and soft feminine fabrics paired with chunky autumn knits, vintage inspired grandma cardigans and beautifully tailored suits. Vibrant floral prints in an autumn pallet of maroon, cream and mustard and even a hint of leopard print too, my brain was in overdrive and I left the show proclaiming (and slightly shouting) my love for Juliette to anyone who would listen. No word of a lie. I absolutely loved the whole collection from start to finish and Juliette's use of leather collars, chunky gold chains and messy low ponytails gave this collection a new found edge and in my eyes made it a flawless collection. A modern take on classic feminine pieces creating a timeless yet on trend collection that girls everywhere should be taking inspiration from. New Zealand's darling may have just found her number one Australian fan in me.

S I D E . B R A I D S .

2011-09-03T21:34:00.006+10:00

A little hair inspiration from NZFW. Loving the small side braids and side swept hair I saw at Jimmy D, not to mention the detailed and eery eye make up that complimented his dark androgynous show all too perfectly. I think this is one of my favourite photos I took during the week as it's near impossible to shoot crisp photos when the models are walking past you so quickly. Definitely going to be trying this hair style out soon.

N Z F W . D A Y . 1 .

2011-09-02T00:58:00.008+10:00

(Vintage Top, Topshop Shirt, Zara Skirt/Jacket/Heels, See By Chloe Bag)

As you can see I'm still going through a pretty big colour blocking phase. Every outfit I've worn to NZFW so far has been full of bright and bold pieces and to be honest I haven't seen a lot of colour around NZFW. Apparently NZ is renowned for wearing black which is bizarre seeing how bubbly, nice and friendly every kiwi I've met so far is! I absolutely love how happy wearing bright colours makes me feel so I couldn't even imagine what they would be like If they were too. These photos were taken by NZ style blogger Marcella of Fashion Distraction and her boyfriend, who are the sweetest pair of kiwi's and remind me of how Luke and I work when we shoot together. Actually, Marcella reminds me a lot of myself. She stayed up late editing these photos before she sent them to me so they were perfect. Nice to know I'm not the only crazy perfectionist out there. Thank you Marcella!

I've backlogged all my NZFW posts so they're coming shortly. There's so much news I need to share with you all NZFW and non-NZFW related. One being some very exciting news with Chictopia and American Apparel, but I'll spill the beans when I'm not already running late to a show.

(Photos by Yvan Rodic, Fashion Distraction)

I N G R I D . S T A R N E S .N Z F W . 1 2 .

2011-08-30T15:57:00.014+10:00

With only knowing a handful of designers showing at NZFW it's amazing being deep in the unknown, writing completely unbiased reviews based only on what you've seen and taken in during their 15 minute show. Discovering new designers and starting a love affair with their line for years to come is the most exciting part of any fashion week, and I've definitely fallen in love with a few newcomers after the first day of NZFW already.

The first being Ingrid Starnes, a NZ based designer and the very first show to open day one of NZFW. Launching her label in 2009, Ingrid is no stranger to the NZ fashion scene and started her journey at none other than Kate Sylvester, one of New Zealand's greatest fashion houses. This stunning collection was full of feminine tailored suits and double breasted coats styled impeccably over pretty and dainty lace, floral or button up shirts. The entire collection flowed so beautifully as look after look was sent down the floral runway. A few inspiring colour combinations caught my eye which to be honest I never would have thought would work together, but do? Bold red and cobalt blue were mixed with autumn floral prints and khaki stockings with navy, yellow and mustard always working all too well together. The very best part? Ingrid incorporates natural materials and traditional elements into her collections using vintage laces and embroidery. She also designs her own signature prints and dyes her own silks to custom colourways to ensure pieces remain exclusive. Eco-friendly, exclusive and vintage? Why Ingrid I think I've run out of reasons not to love you.

N Z F W . 1 2 .

2011-08-30T11:36:00.009+10:00

So I arrived safely in New Zealand on Sunday afternoon after 4 hours of sleep and a few missed trains to the airport, as always. Yesterday NZFW had the wonderful idea of setting up a yoga class to help us to relax for the busy week ahead. I've only ever done yoga a few times before and it was so refreshing to clear my mind and see everyone without the heels and makeup pre-fashion week. Shortly after NZFW mode kicked in and we were off to visit the Lonely Hearts studio and Stolen Girlfriends Club, then it was straight off to the MAC x NZFW Opening Ceremony and a beautiful dinner afterward with the NZFW team - Emily from Little Black Book, Marcella from Fashion Distraction and her boyfriend and Yvan from Facehunter. A very exciting week ahead that I just can't wait to share with you all. Absolutely jumping out of my skin to see my favorite NZ designer Ruby tomorrow. Currently sitting in the media lounge of Day One with freshly baked cupcakes and way too many photos to edit. NZFW posts coming soon if I can think straight for a few minutes. The atmosphere here is absolutely buzzing!

R O D E O . S H O W .

2011-08-27T06:00:00.001+10:00

(Photographer: Steven Chee / Stylist: Sarah Bonett / Model: Krystal Glynn / Hair & Make-up: Anastasia Pappas)

Loving the latest Spring/Summer look book from Australian designer Rodeo Show. You would all know by now I have a major weakness for whimsical lighting, romantic settings and a pretty, feminine and vintage-inspired aesthetic. It seems Rodeo Show have found the perfect balance between simple yet sophisticated pieces with their beautiful use of flowing and flattering silks, delicate lace and feminine frills. Sometimes designers can go a little overboard with sweetness and add frills, bows and pleats all at once and in all the wrong places. Less is always more and Rodeo Show seem to have got it just right. I think that lace collared shirt will be the perfect addition to break up my plain shirt collection too. Also might have a slight girl crush on Krystal Glynn after shooting with her for the General Pants Co campaign. She seems to be popping up in every other campaign at the moment and I still can't believe she's only 16. Amazing.

D O T T Y . C H L O E .

2011-08-25T20:01:00.011+10:00

(Rodeo Show Dress, See By Chloe Bag)

You know you're dedicated to your blog when you start to panic for not being online for a few days and you start to have dreams about doing posts. Time seems to have slipped away from me again. I had to fly to Melbourne yesterday and I'm leaving for NZFW on Sunday, flying back into Sydney on Wednesday then straight off to NY/LA the next morning. I haven't done anything at all to prepare myself even though I know I'll regret it the night before I leave. That's just me, leaving everything to last minute and working better and faster under pressure. Instead I've spent the past week preparing the store and shooting stock to backlog for when I'm away. To be honest I kind of feel like I've bitten off more than I can chew. I haven't had a holiday since I opened the store nearly two years ago so I had a somewhat warped perception of the amount of stock I could get done, but I'm nearly there. So daunting, scary and nerve racking to leave the store for 5 weeks but hopefully it all goes smoothly.

Recently purchased this See By Chloe Dotty Satchel for my travels. It's the perfect size to fit all of my cameras as well as all the other things a girl doesn't really need to carry with her, but does. Can't wait to break her in and show her around New Zealand next week!

F E E L . T H E . C O L O U R .

2011-08-23T12:29:00.012+10:00

A few weeks ago Bonds commissioned 5 Australian bloggers to star in their new summer campaign called "Feel The Colour". The brief was.. well, brief, and we were given complete creative freedom to interpret it however we pleased. Bonds are known for their iconic basics and briefs and have just released their new Microfiber and Mesh Hipster range in an array of bright and bold colours for summer. I wanted to stay true to the Bonds so I kept the styling extremely simple and focused on creating a mood instead by trying to capture natural action shots. I basically spent the day jumping, leaping and rolling around the grass in my underpants (which wasn't as awkward as I thought it would be), often forgetting we were shooting because I was laughing too much or trying to stop 21 helium balloons from floating away. After working on a few things together it's become second nature to shoot with Zanita and I'm constantly learning something new every time we do. I love the natural shots she's captured here and now you all can finally see what I look like when I'm smiling!

Bonds gave us a few meters of their new fabric to play with and I absolutely love how slinky and smooth the Microfiber feels on your skin, which I made into a billowing maxi skirt that caught the wind perfectly. The textured mesh is available in bright neon colours and I felt instantly happier by wearing it, even if it was hiding underneath my clothes that no one else could see. When I think of Bonds I think of young, fun, colourful and playful campaigns so I hope mine is something along those lines too. Special thank to Bonds for having me on board. I grew up wearing Bonds and have always been a boy leg kind of girl. Definitely feeling the colour for Spring/Summer!

All underwear and fabric: Bonds
Knitted Pink Jumper: Ruby
Red Blazer: Zara
All other pieces: Gary Pepper Vintage
Nail Polish: Bloom x Sass & Bide

H E L L O . K I T T Y .

2011-08-15T09:19:00.001+10:00

For me there are only a handful of designers that are absolutely flawless and those are Chloe, Miu Miu and Charlotte Olympia. I've been a lover of Charlotte Olympia for quite some time and each season she amazes me with her beautiful, unique and incredibly chic designs. Each perfectly executed with no faults to note. I feel like she just gets me and everything I would want in a shoe. Simple, classic designs turned into beautiful statement pieces with her gold foil platform or touch of quirkiness. Unfortunately I couldn't justify the hefty price tag on her "Banana's is my Business" platforms but I'm finding more and more reasons to buy these amazing red cat face platforms. I think I'd call them Yumi so she can come with me everywhere I go. The most dangerous thing? They're available at Bergdorf Goodman which I'm planning on visiting in a few weeks when I arrive in New York.

(Images via Charlotte Olympia)

P A L A Z Z O .

2011-08-14T18:21:00.002+10:00

(Vintage Top, Shona Joy Pants, Sass & Bide Belt)

Palazzo pants with huge splits up the sides are the best/worst thing to wear when it's windy so we opted to sit down to take these photos, which is a shame as you can't really see how awesome they are. Love how they resemble a cute printed maxi skirt when you're standing still and then come to life when you start walking with their thigh high but tasteful splits up the sides. A little too fun to wear and their light weight and breezy cut makes them perfect for Spring. I'm not entirely sure why it looks like there's a bread roll shoved down my top either but I think it had something to do with the direction of the wind? Damn these unforgiving velvet tops. And damn me for bringing up food! I've basically spent the whole weekend eating my entire pantry and when I'm not eating I'm thinking about what I'm going to eat next. Come to think of it I wonder If my roommates have any chocolate hidden in the house?

G I R L . A B O U T . T O W N .

2011-08-11T20:24:00.008+10:00

You'll remember a few weeks ago I did a post (here) on a little shoot Zanita and I worked on together for the Westfield Giveability Store. Here are a few behind the scenes photos taken by Jysla Kay, a wonderful photographer/blogger who came and assisted Zanita during the shoot with her lovely boyfriend. I love seeing the day through someone else's perspective and also how she managed to capture how I carry my shoes around when I don't feel like wearing them anymore, which conveniently leaves both my hands free to tweet, eat chocolate or talk with my hands as I tend to do most of the time. I'm still working on how to do all of the above at the same time though.

S N O W Y . G R E E N .

2011-08-09T06:00:00.002+10:00

(Ruby Jumper, Topshop Shirt, See By Chloe Silk Shorts, Miu Miu Heels)

I found these shots of my fluffy Ruby jumper at RAFW floating around on We The People the other day. I absolutely LOVE this jumper but didn't manage to take a photo of it's true colour during RAFW, but now you can see what it really looks like. Unfortunately I still haven't found a photo of it's amazing cut out back. I know, a jumper with a cut out back? It actually has a huge circle cut out between the back of my neck all the way down to my bra. I'm such a fan of this shade of green too and the fact that I feel like I'm wearing a super soft but light weight mink blanket. For all of my friends who know how I am they would think this is my dream come true. I've even suggested cutting a hole in my mink blanket to wear around as some sort of poncho. The sad thing is that when they all started laughing I was actually being serious. At least the jumper is a little more socially acceptable.

(Photos by We The People)

A J E .

2011-08-08T06:00:00.002+10:00

What better way to start the week than with a pretty look book full of pretty dresses. This is the Aje SS 11/12 look book titled "The Patchwork Romantic", which is full of stunning full sequined and bead embellished pieces. I thought it would be the perfect time to post this as I know quite a few of you have formals coming up and after searching high and low for the perfect dress myself before the Cosmo Awards I thought this might help you as it helped me. Love how Aje have embraced the mullet dress or what I like to call "fishtail dress" (it just sounds so much nicer) but have added some of their Aje glamor to make it unique and always interesting. It's like sexy from the front but elegant from the back, plus they're so much fun to walk in as the fabric billows behind your legs.

These Aje pieces will be available in October but you can pre-order or inquire about them at Desordre Boutique here. It's just too hard to choose!

D A L M A T I A N .

2011-08-06T00:01:00.003+10:00

(Vintage Coat, Topshop Shirt/Heels, Viktoria & Woods Socks, Alexander Wang Bag)

Kind of rediscovered this coat when I was looking for something to wear around the city for a few meetings last week. Coats for me are the outfits I fall back on when I'm just too busy/uninspired to put something together. You can still make a statement with a buttoned up coat and you don't have to spend too much time on what to style it with because basically all you see are your shoes. It's always fun to change the buttons on your coat to give it a little more character too. Vintage buttons are so cheap and always fun and quirky, but then again isn't vintage in general just fun and quirky?

I didn't realise how "preppy" I looked until my friend Jessie pointed it out and afterward I couldn't stop laughing at how much I looked like I had walked out of Clueless with my black pencil skirt, knee highs and button up shirt. I suppose that would make a lot of sense as I watched that movie on the weekend. I don't know how it's possible but I still love everything they're wearing, and Alicia Silverstone is still as perfect as ever. Perhaps I'll leave the coat buttoned up and start working on not quoting Clueless every other minute of the day. "Hellooo, it was his 50th birthday!" doesn't really apply to every day conversation.

(Photos by We The People)

P R E S S & P R I N T .

2011-08-04T23:49:00.006+10:00

Just some places Gary Pepper has been spotted recently - Harpers Bazaar Australia, Instyle Australia, Grazia Italy, Marie Claire The Netherlands, H&M, Dolly Australia and Sweet Magazine Japan. Just finished up a few more exciting interviews and style features that hopefully I can share with you all very soon, with one being for Shanghai Daily in China!? So random. It still amazes me to hear when people besides my friends and family read my blog. A special thank you goes out to Chloe at Instyle who was far too kind with her words. I'm so happy to see her writing for such a prestigious publication and following her dreams of becoming a fashion and beauty writer. Tis only the beginning for all of us and I can't wait to see what the rest of the year will bring!

L O V E . N O T E S .

2011-08-03T22:14:00.006+10:00

Spotted these beauties by One Teaspoon from their new Spring/Summer collection and haven't been able to get the suede lace up shorts out of my head since. And what's better than two amazing pairs of shorts that start to get you ridiculously excited for summer? Well that would be two amazing pairs of shorts that start to get you ridiculously excited for summer sitting on an adorable chair that reminds you about the one true happiness in life. So just a little post to say, all you need is love..

C I T R U S .

2011-08-02T23:56:00.003+10:00

(Yeojin Bae Shirt, Desordre Leather Skirt, Zara Coat/Heels, Alexander Wang Bag)

Believe it or not but I don't actually buy a lot of new clothes for myself very frequently. I've always been a crazy opshopper so I kind of fill my shopping cravings by purchasing stock for the store instead of for myself. Last week I had to style a colour blocking shoot with Zanita and went a little crazy in Zara. I think it's because I knew I had to and as soon as those flood gates opened it was just too hard to stop, splurging on what felt like a whole new wardrobe and spending what felt like a lifetime in those crazy queues. I absolutely LOVE this green pea coat I picked up and matching green shoes. They go perfectly with this green leather skirt by Desordre (yes they even design their own clothes too) and Yeojin Bae shirt which I've been itching to wear. This shirt is so versatile and its structured shape makes it too easy to pair with skinny leg jeans or fitted skirts to create a beautiful and polished look. Plus anything by Yeojin Bae is a guaranteed to be a perfect and extremely flattering fit. I finished the whole look off with this epic citrus nail polish which is a collaboration between Bloom and Sass & Bide. I'm kind of obsessed with colour blocking at the moment and having three shades of green in one outfit is always fun. It's sounds crazy but I even felt happier wearing such bold and bright colours from my the tips of my fingers to the ends of my toes. I suppose you could say I'm definitely in spring mode!

C O S M O . A W A R D S .

2011-08-01T19:00:00.004+10:00

(Aje Rantango Dress, Samantha Wills Earrings, Charlotte Olypmia Boots, Vintage Clutch)

So here is what I wore to the Cosmopolitan FFF Awards last week. It's crazy to think how long I had to prepare for this (let's say about 6 weeks) yet I still manage to leave all the preparation extremely last minute. Luckily the beautiful girls at Desordre helped me out and went above and beyond to make sure I found the perfect dress for this special event. This dress is by Aje (you can pre-order it at Desordre here) and was absolutely perfect with its cut out back, cropped front and long flowing fishtail train, not to mention it was made completely out of rose gold sequins. If I was ever going to wear a full sequined dress it would be to something like this! I kept the rest of my outfit really simple with natural make up, nails and minimal accessories. I had to have a bit of vintage in there too so I took along my faux crocodile skin clutch which I accidentally left in the taxi on the way home. And I was sober! I'd had it for years so I hope our male taxi driver appreciates it as much as I did.

Regardless of my missing clutch it was a beautiful night on the water at Rose Bay, where we enjoyed an intimate dinner of 125 guests and live performances from Jessica Mauboy and Stan Walker. Wish I took some photos but I got caught up in the experience again.

I also wanted to thank everyone who took the time to vote for me. Unfortunately Sara and I missed out this year but it was an honor to make it to the finals and to be there in a room full of fun, fearless females that I have personally admired for so many years so thank you for getting me there. A few more thank yous go out to Aje, Shannon and Lucinda at Desordre, Brad Ngata, Maxted Thomas PR, Sophie at Ellery, Yeojin Bae and of course Zanita, who was nice enough to take time out of her busy schedule to come take a few photos of us. You all helped make this night extremely special to me and one I'll remember for years to come. Now It's back to reality!

(Photos by Zanita Whittington)

B R A D . N G A T A .

2011-07-31T10:45:00.005+10:00

(Thrifted Jumper, Vintage Skirt, Camilla & Marc Coat)

Late Wednesday afternoon I had the pleasure of having my hair styled at Brad Ngata Hair Direction at The Ivy, Sydney for the Cosmopolitan Awards. Little did I know that Brad Ngata of Brad Ngata Hair Direction was the one actually doing my hair and I was overjoyed to finally meet the man I'd heard so much praise about. Brad is usually booked by glossy magazines, advertisers, tv or runway shows so meeting him was an absolute honor. He created this beautiful small plaited bun on the lower back of my head with the rest of my hair swept around and billowing down the right hand side of my face, which suited my dress perfectly. His French-boudoir-inspired salon was absolutely beautiful so despite trying to remain professional I just had to take a few photos for you all. Pink velvet drapes, black and white floral wallpaper, red roses and Swarovski-studded chairs, this romantic interior design was Parisian chic to a whole new level with tea being served in real porcelain tea cups and the staff uniforms designed by Fleur Wood. Amazing delicate details you wouldn't have noticed at a quick glance but always makes all the difference.

You can stay up to date with Brad Ngata on Facebook here and visit his website here for more information, contact details and salon locations. Thank you to Brad for having me and prepping me for the wonderful night ahead and to Maxted Thomas PR. Photos of the dress coming next!

A N . E V E N I N G . W I T H . C O S M O .

2011-07-27T15:00:00.004+10:00

So just a super quick post. I've been so flat out I haven't even had a chance to post the final shots from the old Hollywood glamor shoot I did with Cosmo a few months ago! I was wearing a stunning pink gown by Rachel Gilbert and was paired with Laura Enever for the shoot, a junior world champion surfer who was as laid back as they come. The Cosmo Fun, Fearless Female Awards are tonight and I'm about to race off to have my hair done at Brad Ngata's Hair Salon, one of Australia's most prestigious hair stylists who has worked on everyone from Instyle to Australia's Next Top Model. Words cannot express how excited I am! I couldn't even imagine if Sara or I took out the "Best Blogger" award so please keep your fingers and toes crossed for both of us! I think I'm more excited to see Sara though as we haven't been reunited since RAFW. It's going to be a fun night!

S A M A N T H A .

2011-07-27T09:37:00.005+10:00

(Vintage Dress/Bag, Thrifted Jumper, Sass & Bide Belt, Samantha Wills Ring/Earrings, Asos Boots)

I haven't worn earrings in so long that I nearly forgot my ears were pierced, and it takes a while for your earlobes to having any sort of weight dangling from them. These matching stone pieces are from the new Samantha Wills collection and I love how the neutral tones seem to work too well into my wardrobe at the moment. I've been a little obsessed with wearing light colours on light colours and if it was freezing I probably have worn a off white coat with this too! I don't like to pigeonhole winter as being the season of dark colours but maybe that's because I don't actually own a lot of black? Keeping it light and leaving the dark colours to walls in the background or my never changing hair colour. Can't imagine how epic this would look if I was platinum blond. Also added a touch of space cadet to what is quite a feminine outfit with this rose gold Sass & Bide belt and layered this jumper over another jumper and a pleated dress just to try and keep warm!

A . G A R Y P E P P E R . S U M M E R .

2011-07-24T12:35:00.009+10:00

I don't know what's better, the joy I felt when I received these photos or the strange feeling that I was actually there when these were taken. My best friend Laura is overseas at the moment and took Gary Pepper on its very first European summer. She's currently over there with three of my closest friends so these photos helped with how much I am missing them. Loved feeling like I was there running around in gumboots with her at Glastonbury, or sun baking on a sailboat in Croatia, or watching a beautiful setting sun over the white painted houses in Santorini. It's so cute imagining her climbing up the side of the boat to hang the bag up there and seeing the thought that went into each photo. Friends like these don't come by often, and my heart and head knows I'll hold on to her forever.

PS. For this week only I'm offering a free Gary Pepper Tote Bag with every purchase. If you'd like just the bag they're only $5 and available in store here. Laura still has to send her photos of Gary Pepper in Spain and Portugal so if you already have one of my tote bags take a photo of it, wherever you are and whatever you're doing, and email it to me at nicole@garypeppervintage.com. I'd love to include it in my next post and see what my bags get up to when they leave my office :)

T H E C O R N E R S H O P .

2011-07-22T14:27:00.011+10:00

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the opening night of The Claire Inc Pop Up Store with The Corner Shop on The Strand Arcade, Sydney. As you can see, there were racks full of covetable vintage designer pieces with no shortage of Chanel, Moschino and Karl Lagerfield. After sitting through some of the most intense traffic I have ever experienced (It took me one and a half hours to get from Elizabeth Street to the QVB!) and crazy down pours of heavy rain - which seem to be creating ponds instead of puddles on the side of every road - I was determined to not let a day of miserable misfortune deter me from getting to the event to meet Belinda and seeing what I knew was going to be a flawless collection. Any stress I had carried with me throughout the day vanished as soon as I ran through those front doors, and excitement quickly took over. One word: Stunning. The range was absolutely stunning. Anyone would appreciate the beautiful clothes on offer but to someone who sells vintage and knows exactly how hard it is to source pieces like this, it was so much more than that. Admirable is one word that comes to mind. A must see if you are around the Sydney area over the next two weeks. But be warned, The Corner Shop is also home to labels like Isabel Marant, Alexander Wang and 3.1 Phillip Lim so be prepared!

B R E A T H E .

2011-07-20T23:00:00.004+10:00

(Shona Joy Dress)

Finally listened to my friends and family who always keep telingl me to stop, breathe, and relax. Luckily I had my camera with me to capture one of those rare moments where I escaped the craziness of work and the pressure of new deadlines. Nothing calms me more than driving around to find a beautiful location, a setting sun and shooting photos for my blog. Here is one of my favourites we took the other day where I was feeling calmer than usual. More photos to come soon.

K N I T W E A R .

2011-07-18T21:36:00.006+10:00

Just a little bit of winter outfit inspiration from a 80's knitwear book I found at an opshop recently. I absolutely loved flicking through the pages to see flat lays of bright clashing colours, chunky knit jumpers layered over cute collared shirts and of course the over accessorizing of plastic jewelry that just makes this book so 80's! My vintage knitwear are some of the quickest items to sell in my store so I thought these photos might give you an idea to see how people styled them a few decades ago. So crazy looking through this book and reading all of the confusing techniques and precious time invested into knitting one jumper, and also seeing trends repeat themselves again. You can shop my knitwear here with another 50+ doily jumpers arriving tomorrow afternoon! Personally I wouldn't mind wearing outfits 1, 4 and 11. I might even scan in a few more catalogs if I have time. Always so fun to look at or is that just me?

G I V E A B I L I T Y .

2011-07-15T09:00:00.007+10:00

LOOK 1: Sunglasses: Karen Walker Agent Sunglasses $100, Dress: Collette Dinnigan dress donated by Miranda Otto $500, Shoes: Tony Bianco $60

LOOK 2: Sunglasses: Karen Walker Escape Sunglasses $100, Ring: Samantha Wills worn by Drew Barrymore – Auction, Shorts Bec & Bridge $80, Bag: Deadly Ponies $180

LOOK 3: Jacket: Vintage Cropped Leather Jacket donated by Sass & Bide $150, Dress: Arthur Galan dress worn by Jennifer Hawkins $300, Ring: Samantha Wills ring worn by Eva Mendes $60

LOOK 4: Earrings: Samantha Wills $60, Dress: Yeojin Bae $350, Clutch: Tan + Brown Snakeskin Clutch $300, Ring: Samantha Wills worn by Drew Barrymore - Auction, Shoes: Alexander McQueen donated by Charlotte Dawson $1500

LOOK 5: Sunglasses: Karen Walker Derby Sunglasses $100, Necklace: Samantha Wills Necklaces $90, Pants: Notion of Legacy $100 donated by Pip Edwards.
LOOK 6: Dress: Zimmerman $760, Ring: Samantha Wills $60

So this is what happens when Zanita and I take the day off together. On Monday we teamed up and spent the day creating a mini fashion shoot to help support the Westfield Giveability store - a fashion focused charity created to help raise money for kids living with cerebral palsy. I styled a few looks from the racks of beautiful pieces donated by celebrities such as Kylie Minogue, Rose Byrne, Naomi Watts, Mirando Otto, Bambi Northwood-Blythe, and designers like Sass & Bide, Ksubi, Zimmerman, Alex Perry, Marnie Skillings and Yeojin Bae - just to name a few, which Zanita then photographed me wearing around the city and being a "Girl About Town". The aim was to show you all how beautiful these donated pieces are. Can you spot the Alexander Mcqueen shoes worth $3,500 or the $950 Zimmerman dress from their latest RAFW show? Seriously amazing and all up for grabs next week.

All donated items will be available to purchase from the Giveability pop-up stores which open their doors in Sydney at Westfield Bondi Junction from the 19th-24th of July, before moving to Melbourne at Westfield Doncaster from the 26-31st of July. Exclusive pieces will also be auctioned off online at www.westfield.com.au to help make this charity available to everyone and a truly national fundraising initiative. 100% of the proceeds from all sales will go to Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Scope.

It's just amazing to see so many celebrities and designers get behind such a worthy cause and I hope you will too! A special thanks to the girls at Arc Factory PR for letting us take over their office for the afternoon and to Zanita for coming up with this wonderful idea.

F O R Y O U .

2011-07-14T18:00:00.001+10:00

Just wanted to wish my better half, best friend and love of my life a very happy birthday today. Luke is half way across the world right now and it's the first birthday we've been apart for in nearly 5 years. This is the boy behind the lens, the one who helps make my blog what it is and the reason I found the confidence to take a chance and start Gary Pepper in the first place. I really don't know where I would be without him. Happy Birthday darling. Wish you were here.

L I T T L E R E D .

2011-07-14T10:38:00.005+10:00

(Something Else Jumper, Maurie & Eve Lace Shorts, Jeffrey Campbell Boots courtesy of Solestruck, GPV Bag)

These Jeffrey Campbell boots have easily found their way into my "comfort" category and I wear them when I feel like adding some serious height. I didn't think it was possible but they're even more comfortable than the Lita's and perfect for peeking through lace curtains and dusty windows to see if cute but deserted looking houses are actually occupied or not. Loved the timing of these photos as the owner literally walked past just as we had finished and was nice enough to take us inside and let us have a look around. Turns out it was actually a really nice little hotel with chandeliers and mismatched carpet. Who would of thought?

Lately I've been driving back and forth from Sydney that I feel like I should replace my tyers or at least get my car serviced to see if it's not falling apart yet. Meetings and events are always a wonderful (and at the same time productive) way to get out of the house until you get hit with a $60 parking fee or even worse, a $200 parking ticket. But I just locked in two new creative projects with some Australian brands which I'm really excited about. Best thing is I heard Zanita and Mandy are on board too so I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with! There's a two week deadline so I'm still figuring out how I'm going to make this work with my full-time store, organising New York, tax returns and paying the bills. First step? Hiring a new model for the store..

(photos by Leah Tracey)

G P S H O O T .

2011-07-11T06:00:00.017+10:00

Just a few behind the scenes photos I took during the General Pants Co shoot. It's crazy how I always have to remind myself to take a few photos with things like this but I always seem to get caught up in the moment (and spend hours talking to everyone else instead) and forget to take any at all! I suppose being surrounded by four walls of bright and colurful bubbles it's easy to get a little distracted. Cute, colourful and playful pieces, killer styling, feather plaited hair, lilac lipstick, random balls of yarn and bright yellow nail polish, this really was wonderful day with some incredibly talented folks. Really loved the pleated maxi skirt I was wearing and also the super slick ponytail I had. You'd be surprised how hard it was to achieve this - my hair is so thick and heavy that a high ponytail is near impossible to maintain! Sending much love to all the GP team for this amazing opportunity and one I won't be forgetting any time soon.

N Y C .

2011-07-09T08:00:00.024+10:00

(image via New York, New York)

So last Friday Luke left to go traveling around the US for three months. At the moment he's currently shooting in Mexico, soaking in the sun and exploring with two of our friends. I just booked my flights to go meet him in New York for NYFW in September, as well as a little apartment in Soho for the three weeks we're there. I am beyond excited and cannot wait to explore what this beautiful country has to offer, as well as meeting up with some of my favorite bloggers when I'm over there too! After New York we're heading over to LA for a few days before hiring a car and driving up the coastline to spend a few days in San Fransisco. If you have any recommendations on where to go, what to do, things to see or know of any amazing vintage stores please let me know. This is actually a work trip and I plan on doing some serious buying for the store when I'm over there so any tips would be much appreciated. I can't wait to meet you New York City! 8 weeks and counting down..

Y U M I .

2011-07-08T11:00:00.003+10:00

Here is the little bundle of joy that has recently come into my life. Everyone this is Yumi, my 13 week old little ragdoll kitten. Luke got her for me as a belated birthday present and she is just the cutest little thing ever. The reason why I'm working like a maniac this week is because last week I basically played with her every second of the day, not being able to leave her for more than a few hours and racing home to find her curled up on my computer chair. It's just too hard to work when this is pawing at your side and trying to walk across your keyboard. It's honestly like having a small child, the overwhelming love that instantly comes with it is unexplainable. I quickly took these photos today when she was curled up on my lap, which is where she likes to sleep most of the time. I think it's safe to say I am officially a crazed and committed cat lady. There's no turning back now. I'm in love.

N E A P O L I T A N .

2011-07-07T10:06:00.009+10:00

(Thrifted Silk Shirt/Top, American Apparel Pants, Asos Boots, Chan Luu Bracelet, Vintage Watch)

Lights and whites are getting a big revival in my wardrobe at the moment. White, light pink and brown are on high rotation which is mainly due to my suede ankle boots that go with pretty much everything and the thought of Spring just around the corner. Perhaps it was the Neapolitan Ice cream sitting in my freezer that inspired this colour combination too? Who knows. I was going to wear a pink blazer with this outfit but opted for an unbuttoned silk shirt instead. Less formal and more comfortable. Now off to update the store with hundreds of new vintage items. Currently in the middle of working a 90 hour week and It's been incredibly productive so far.

I'm not sure if all of you follow Gary Pepper on Facebook but It's where I update previews of all of my new stock daily. For some reason I don't like posting photos of my stock on my blog (maybe because there's just too much to post) so be sure to become a fan here to stay up to date with my store and to see all of the vintage pieces which arrive weekly. It just ticked over 80,000 fans too so I couldn't be happier! Thank you for everyone who already follows, you are honestly the best. Love to each and every one of you.

S U N D R E S S .

2011-07-05T10:00:00.001+10:00

(Vintage Dress/Bag/Necklace/Watch, Asos Boots, Chan Luu Bracelet)

As a vintage seller I come across hundreds of dresses in every shape, colour and print. I think one of the strongest traits you have to have is the ability to become immune to everything you source for your store and the willingness to pass your finds onto another without hesitation or regret. Mostly you'll have good days but once in a blue moon you'll have your moment of weakness, wanting to keep nearly everything and convincing yourself that no one will appreciate it just as much as you do. But these days pass quickly and I always feel a hundred times better letting them go. It's very rare that I'll actually keep anything for myself but if a vintage piece just so happens to find it's way into my personal wardrobe it's because there's really something about it that I know I won't be able to find again. This dress is one of those things. The mid calf length, long sheer sleeves, the interesting black and cream tulip print and full circle skirt, it's basic and simple and perfect for those days when all you want to wear is a sun dress to feel pretty and feminine. Unfortunately the photos we took of me getting a little too excited over Yum Cha and eating as many pork buns as I could in one sitting was anything but pretty and feminine. At least the dress looked nice, right?

G E N E R A L P A N T S .

2011-07-04T08:00:00.002+10:00

So here is the new campaign Mandy from Oracle Fox and I did with General Pants Co called "Colour Your World". General Pants is one of the biggest fashion retailers in Australia so it's surreal to think this photo is in every one of their windows Australia wide! I popped into the bustling Sydney CBD to quickly take some photos and was a little overwhelmed to see the words "Read Oracle Fox and Gary Pepper" just sitting there in a big blue bubble with hundreds of people walking by. It was a very weird feeling taking photos of a photo of myself so I tried to get out of there as quickly as I could!

The shoot was so much fun and I really loved that the GP team let us be ourselves, dressing me in this pleated maxi that I had personally chosen only moments before and letting me keep on my YSL rings and Maurie and Eve boots. I couldn't feel more like me and loved the clashing bright colours of my look, finished off with bright yellow nails and lilac purple lipstick. No idea what the shade of this lipstick is but I'll have to find out. Funnily enough I didn't even have a chance to tell my friends about this so hearing their reactions has been extremely entertaining too. Behind the scenes photos of the shoot coming very soon!

C L A I R E I N C .

2011-07-02T09:44:00.004+10:00

(images via claireinc)

If you've followed my blog from the beginning you'll remember some of my very first posts back in 2009 were about Claire Inc, the Adelaide-based online boutique that specializes in high-end designer vintage pieces and those unbelievable gems you just can't believe she finds. We've both come a long way since then and I owe Belinda so much, as she was somewhat of a mentor to me when I began my store and would always take the time to reply to my emails with advice and guidance. This is something I will never forget, and her store and achievements continue to inspire me beyond words which is why I am sharing her with you once again.

Claire Inc has just announced their exciting pop up store with The Corner Shop in Sydney for 2 weeks from July 21st. As you can see, Belinda's carefully and impeccably curated SS 11/12 collection is absolutely beautiful and full of vintage Chanel, Karl Largerfeild and Moschino. I love the "Read Between The Lines" Moschino skirts and Karl Lagerfeild gold cuffs pictured above. Amazing. You can view the full SS collection with prices here. This truly is one of my all time favorite stores and the perfect destination to get your designer fix. July 21st can not come quick enough!

S T Y L E Y O U R S E L F .

2011-07-01T12:26:00.006+10:00

So this little surprise popped up in my letterbox the other day. Last year I was asked to take part in "Style Yourself", a book about style and full of fashion advice from some of the top bloggers around the world like Susie from Style Bubble, Tavi from Style Rookie, Kelly from The Glamourai and Jane from Sea Of Shoes, who actually was wrote the foreword and was involved with this book from the very beginning. As you can see the very best way to experience this book is to quickly flick through the pages to grasp how many hundreds of colourful and inspiring images there are packed into this beautiful book, and then once the excitement settles maybe make a pot of tea and snuggle up on the couch ready for hours of insightful reading. Only $16.50 and available here.

Style yourself are offering my readers a chance to win a copy of this book. To enter simply:

Entries have now closed.

It was an honor to be a part of and I was so happy to spot Zanita and Margaret from Shine By Three in there too! Looks like I know how I'll be spending my Friday night tonight :)

W I N T E R L A C E .

2011-06-30T09:53:00.003+10:00

(Vintage Cardigan/Jumper, Maurie & Eve Lace Shorts/Boots, Cotton On Scarf, Alexander Wang Bag)

It's hard to do these adorable lace shorts justice in this winter weather. I can't seem to stop wearing them despite how chilly it is. As you can see the sun was out this day though so It made it easier to justify. Plus I was a little top heavy and was wearing four layers (a top and three long sleeved pieces) so really that evens out my body warmth. Maybe that's why I decided to actually wear a scarf for once too? Not really my thing but felt like adding some colour, plus they're practical and actually serve a purpose. Can't wait until it's warm and I don't have to cover these little lace shorts in hundreds of layers. They're so pretty and feminine and there's no doubt in my mind I'll be buying these in cream too. So perfect for Spring and already planning on skipping through a meadow with camera in hand as soon as I get some colour on my legs again. Available here.

B R I C K L A N E .

2011-06-28T18:00:00.005+10:00

(VM Shirt, Zara Jumper, Asos Pants/Boots, Agent 99 Hat, Chan Luu Bracelet, Alexander Wang Bag)

You can't really go wrong with long sleeved jumpers. They're perfect for layering with a button up shirt for a cute preppy look or worn with long maxi skirts for a laid back chic vibe. I really love the look of a fitted top with a free flowing bottom, loungewear at it's best. They seem to have the perfect amount of thickness to act as the in between layer of your top and your jacket without making you look bulky and always seem to go with everything. Plus If you find the right kind they're extremely flattering and hug all the right places, whilst being comfortable at the same time. Wow. Did I just write an entire paragraph on long sleeved jumpers? This is one of the few purchases I managed to pick up during my visit to Zara. Can you believe that place is still as hectic as ever? I actually have a minor heart attack every time I see how many people are in there, no matter what time of day. Then again this little jumper was only $24.95 so I can't really complain. Actually, I did the complete opposite and wrote an entire blog post about how much I love it. Zara will do that to you.

F E D O R A .

2011-06-27T06:00:00.003+10:00

Kind of instantly fell in love with this fedora hat by Agent 99 when I saw it in General Pants Co. It's this weird shade of blue with a perfectly sized wide brim. Can't get over how well it fits my head too. Luke asked If I really needed another hat but I suppose he already knew the answer to that. It's like girls asking boys if they really need to go for another surf? You can never have too many hats and boys will never stop surfing! More photos to come tomorrow..

C A N D Y L A N E .

2011-06-25T12:32:00.007+10:00

(Thrifted Top/Cardigan, Cameo Skirt, Asos Boots, Vintage Bag/Necklace/Sunglasses)

You know the feeling where you feel like you're being pulled in a hundred different ways and you wish you could be in all of those places at once? Well things have been like this lately, but it's definitely a good thing and I am counting my blessings. I know every week I always go on about how busy work is etc etc but the past two weeks have been a little insane. I'm still struggling to divide my time efficiently between my blog, running the store, uploading stock consistently and being in Sydney for events or showings, but with so much news to share with you all this week I'm hoping to pull it together! I just got home from a short stay in Sydney where I hosted a "Style Off" for Pedestrian TV and LG but I'll fill you in on that later once I catch my breath.

For now, here's a little weekend inspiration full of everything I'm loving at the moment - mixing bright pops of colour, fishtail skirts/dresses, winter ankle boots you can't decide if you like wearing more during the day or night, beautiful sunny days that would make you think it's Spring and stumbling across painted lanes that remind you of candy popcorn or pastel painted doll houses. Come to think of it I really hope a bag of candy popcorn magically appears in my pantry right now. Mmmm..

S N E A K P E E K .

2011-06-19T15:18:00.006+10:00

If you follow me on twitter you'll remember I was tweeting about a shoot I was doing a few weeks ago with General Pants Co, where I was reunited with my lady love Oracle Fox. Well here's a tiny snippet of their new campaign "Colour Your World" and what's to come. It's going live this week and I can't wait to show you all what it's about!

C O S M O . F I N A L S .

2011-06-16T09:38:00.007+10:00

So very exciting news, Sara and I made it through the first round and into the finals for the Cosmopolitan FFF Awards for 2011! We had an old Hollywood glamor shoot the other week, which will be out in the next issue of Cosmo. We were given 1920's mermaid waves through our hair and I was dressed in a stunning light pink Rachel Gilbert gown with a silver diamante encrusted top, the kind of dress you love but wouldn't have anywhere to wear it to. I'm so excited to see the final shots! It's been a very humbling experience so far and made ten times better that Sara is alongside me too. I read a wonderful quote by Hanneli the other day - "Bloggers aren't competitors in the way magazines are. We stick together." and I couldn't agree with her more. Love that Sara and I are in this together.

I'd love if you could spare a few seconds to vote for me here (www.funfearlessfemale.com.au). Remember you must vote in every category in order for your votes to be valid, but you don’t have to enter the competition at the end. You can also vote once a day and it's open to my international readers too! The overall winner with the most votes wins $10,000 from Libra. I couldn't even imagine the new heights I could take Gary Pepper with that kind of money! It would be going straight back into my business.

Thank you to everyone who has voted for me so far and got me to the final stages. I really appreciate you taking the time. Now all we have to do is find something to wear to the awards night! Suggestions?

G Y P S Y .

2011-06-14T16:21:00.004+10:00

A sneak peek of the new California Sunshine Crowns by jewelry designer Moorea Seal which are available in store tomorrow. Each headpiece has been handmade from vintage chains and is size adjustable to ensure the perfect fit. I don't know if it's just me but I've spent years trying to find a cute head chain, so I pretty much jumped at Moorea when I saw these in her beautiful store. A truly amazing design and one I couldn't wait to get my hands on for myself, channeling a little bit of Nicole Richie with a touch of bohemian goddess at an affordable price of $55 each, you can't help but feel like a gypsy princess every time this golden delight touches your head. Girls have even been wearing these to their weddings like Molly, one of Moorea's customers pictured below. How beautiful does she look? Love is all around..

(image via Moorea Seal)

B O N D I M A R K E T S .

2011-06-13T14:38:00.009+10:00

Torrential rain, strong gusts of wind and a very icy "Yes this is definitely winter" temperature welcomed my very first market stall at Bondi on Sunday. Despite how crazy the weather was it still didn't deter us from setting up, and to be honest I was amazed to see how many girls actually braved the weather to come down and visit (even I struggled to get out of bed once I heard the pitter patter of rain on my roof!). Against the odds we managed to keep everything dry with the tent quickly filling up with girls eager to sift through the hundreds of vintage pieces I had somehow managed to squeeze into one little van the night before. I was so nervous to see how it would go but all I can think about now is why I haven't done one sooner? Vintage furs, poncho capes and knitted cardigans literally flew out of the stall and I was so happy to finally meet their new owners in person and see each of their individual and unique sense of style. Highlight of the day? Handing out "free love" in the form of little red love heart lollipops and fresh white daises :)

A big thank you to everyone who came down to visit, and for turning what could of been a miserable day into one full of warmth, laughter and colour. It was so lovely meeting you all and it made the day in every way worthwhile, it was actually the only reason I decided to stay! This definitely was a tiring and whirlwind adventure, and I'm sure once I've recovered it will be one I will do again soon. I can tell you right now markets are not in any way easy. They might even be as exhausting as running an online store!

P O P - U P S T A L L .

2011-06-09T14:13:00.006+10:00

Would love to see you all there if you're around so be sure to come down and say hello! All of the stock I'm taking to Bondi has never been seen before online and I have over 100+ new knitted cardigans and jumpers, with another 80 doily collared pieces coming with me too. There will be half winter stock, half spring stock with pretty dresses, maxi skirts, shorts and tops mixed in there as well. I'll also have a few boxes of $25 sale dresses that I've had sitting in my office for months and would like to clear. I hope you all find something you love and we can have fun styling my vintage pieces together!

D E S O R D R E .

2011-06-06T06:00:00.000+10:00

Here are the rest of my photos from my visit to Desordre with Emma from Spin Dizzy Fall. We quickly popped in to visit one of the owners, Shannon, who we met during RAFW and is just as beautiful as the store itself. We spent the afternoon peeking through the carefully curated racks which are bursting with some of my favourite Australian designers like Ellery, Maurie and Eve, Flannel and NZ trio Stolen Girlfriends Club, and as you can see, this cosy boutique is full of so many tempting and swoon worthy pieces. I didn't realise until I got home and I was editing my photos that the majority of shoes I seemed to gravitate towards were Maurie and Eve, who seem to be absolutely killing it at the moment. Temptation didn't get the better of me and I resisted the cat eye Ellery sunglasses, for now anyway.. A must do visit if you're in Sydney and looking for that perfect investment piece, or if you simply feel like spoiling yourself.

L A K E S I D E .

2011-06-05T22:34:00.006+10:00

(Vintage Top/Skirt/Cardigan/Bag/Pendants, Miu Miu Heels)

If I owned some fancy lakeside house I would imagine my outfit would look something like this. Long skirts to catch the breeze, little crop tops to soak in the sun when it gets too warm and an oversized cardigan that is so easy to curl up in when the sun starts to set. Kind of exactly what I did the other day except I didn't own the lakeside house (still working on that part). I don't know if it's the lack of sleep I've had lately or the fact I'm purely in denial about the weather but little cropped singlets and a slight bit of "torsodriff" (I would like to think this is more tasteful than the midriff with ones exposed bellybutton) are working their way back into my wardrobe, or should I say winter wardrobe? Yes it doesn't make any sense to me either and I'm still yet to find that perfect cropped singlet I know exists out there somewhere. I just have to find it first - Isn't that always the way? Loving white on white after seeing the the Dolce and Gabbana SS 11 collection but even more obsessed with this cocoon cardigan I can't stop wearing. It's that perfect length to create that shaggy chic look when styled with pretty much anything. Well, anything besides a non-existent lakeside house..

S T Y L E S T A L K E R .

2011-06-03T06:00:00.003+10:00

(Stylestalker Dress, Vintage Necklace, Camilla & Marc Ring, Jeffrey Campbell Boots, Alexander Wang Bag)

Usually I shy away from dresses because I feel like they can be a little too simple at times as there's only so much you can style them with, but this Stylestalker dress was one of only a few to change my mind. There are so many things going on with this dress that I can't decide which one is more fun to wear; the pink and black crocodile print, the crazy over-sized batwing sleeves or the plunging back with some sort of spiderweb straps? This dress is out of control yet everything seems to work in a beautiful and refined way. I was so happy to finally meet the Stylestalker girls during RAFW and it's absurd how down to earth and nice they are. One thing's for sure, they do know how to have a good time!

In other news I booked in for my very first market stall at Bondi Markets next Sunday the 12th so If any of you are around be sure to come down and say hello! I have over 400 vintage dresses hanging and ready to go and will also have some winter stock available including my customized crochet peter pan collar jumpers and cardigans. Looking forward to bringing GPV to Sydney but even more excited to meet everyone :)

E L L E R Y L A N D .

2011-06-02T10:00:00.002+10:00

The other day I popped into visit the girls at the Desordre store on Oxford Street and spotted this jaw dropping beauty. Trust my eyes to wander to the prettiest but most expensive piece in the store. Made entirely from thousands of sequins and swarovski crystals, It's one of only two ever made by Ellery. The first belongs to Kym Ellery herself, whilst the other was sitting here looking like it had floated out of my dreams and into the store. The word "skirt" doesn't even do this piece justice. If anything it's a work of incredible art, which is now preserved on the pages of my blog before it vanishes, never to been seen again. Just had to share my few minutes of dancing between reality and Elleryland, which already feels like a distant dream. Sigh.

G A L L E R I A .

2011-06-01T11:32:00.004+10:00

(Gifted Maurie & Eve Top, Gifted Bec & Bridge Dress, Vintage Cardigan, Asos Boots, Alexander Wang Bag)

Currently coveting long maxi dresses to keep me warm in this freezing weather. Perfect for hiding thicker than thick stockings underneath and comfortable bed socks in your boots, as well as layering with long sleeve tops and fluffy cardigans that look like they could be some sort of mink blanket you've just cut a hole in and decided to wear as a poncho. Too big and too warm, and absolutely perfect for doubling as a rug when you decide to have a spontaneous picnic in the grass. Spent the afternoon cloud gazing and watching tiny robins chase each other around whilst attempting to catch it on camera at the same time. Near Impossible. These Asos boots are so comfortable but still not comfortable enough to endure an entire afternoon of walking through art galleries. I may or may have not nearly sat down on what I thought was a seat only to find it was actually a seat-looking sculpture. How awkward..

P E T E R P A N .

2011-05-31T11:54:00.004+10:00

Apologies in advance for going missing for nearly a week. Things here are moving so quickly and I feel like I'm finally getting on top of my work, amongst juggling new projects, ideas and travel plans. This could be because I've recently hired a new assistant. Her name is Hayley and she's an incredibly hard worker and extremely efficient, so it's becoming easier to manage the store and keep up with everything. I am flat out teaching her the ropes so hopefully she can manage the store when I go on a buying trip to the US in the next few months.

I also just escaped for a little holiday in Sydney over the weekend and have come back feeling refreshed and inspired to move even faster. Upon my return I was so happy to see one of my little DIY ideas had finally been finished. Like every other girl, I've always been in love with peter pan collars but they're so hard to find, so I thought why not make them yourself? I've wanted to make these for so long and I couldn't be happier with how they've turned out. Here is a sneak peek of the adorable vintage knits I have coming for the store tomorrow afternoon, customized with vintage lace, crochet and doily peter pan collars. Some even have a cute doily front pocket finished off with a little vintage button! All one off designs so no two are ever the same, which after all is what makes vintage so beautifully special. I hope you love :)

K I N G S O F C A R N A B Y .

2011-05-25T23:38:00.002+10:00

(images via Spook Magazine)

After launching my e-store it was only natural to progress to the next exciting stage for Gary Pepper Vintage, which is incorporating up and coming designers into the "Shop New" section of the store. Ideally I'm aiming to carry smaller designers who can offer my customers something special, not mass-produced and something you can't find at many other places. After months of scouring through lookbook after lookbook, Kings of Carnaby was the breath of fresh air I was desperately searching for and I was so taken by their A/W look book that it only took me a few days before I placed an order for the store.

Kings of Carnaby is a Melbourne based fashion label who "Take inspiration from that of the 1960's English mod era, the collections reflect an elegant, preppy, mod chic look with a modern Melbourne twist". Created by Nick Tologlou and Micael Lamacchia, their items can be described as cute, feminine, and extremely on-trend, with no shortage of pretty pleats, playful frills and peter pans collars. What I love the most about KOC is they've clearly drawn inspiration from vintage past loves but blended them seamlessly with current trends, making them perfect for every Gary Pepper Girl.

This was my first time I'd ever placed a wholesale order with a designer so to be honest I really had no idea what I was doing! It was nerve racking investing money into something new but exhilarating to be learning on my feet again. Luckily Nick from KOC was kind (and patient) enough to walk me through it, calming my nerves and making sure I understood the entire buying process. This is definitely the direction I would like to my store so I can only hope I can continue to expand this "Shop New" section, and of course that you all like what you see!

Pictured above are the new winter dresses arriving in store tomorrow night at 7pm AEST - Falls Dress, Julibee Dress, Vanna Velvet Dress in Maroon and Emerald Green and the Nikola Dress. Prices start at $179 AUD and all items are available in sizes 6 - 14. Be sure to visit the Kings Of Carnaby site here, and follow their Facebook page here to stay up to date with all of their exciting news. Just wait until you see their Spring/Summer range too. Super, super cute and my cup of tea.

R U B Y .

2011-05-23T10:31:00.007+10:00

(images via Ruby)

I really wanted to share the Ruby AW 11 lookbook with you all. Ruby is a NZ brand which only popped up on my radar a few months ago and I've been smitten ever since. I'm constantly looking at their AW look book which is styled absolutely perfectly and overflowing with so much winter outfit inspiration for these cold and chilly months ahead. I don't know why people tend to dress in black during winter (maybe to suit the dull and dreary days?) but I love how Ruby have kept things bright, beautiful and unbelievably feminine with a super soft colour palette and interesting mix of textures and layers. I would happily wear every outfit in this look book from top to toe, and may have already bought myself a little something to add to my beloved shoe collection. Please say hello to Bianca, the newest addition to my little family and fully equipped with a wooden platform and gold mirror heel.

You can shop the Ruby Boutique here, and remember all prices are shown in NZ dollars so be sure to convert them to your currency first. My Bianca heels were listed for $399 NZD so I couldn't jump quicker at them when I discovered they were really $290 in AUD! It's like a constant sale, but not really?

T A K E T W O .

2011-05-21T10:14:00.007+10:00

(Zara Top, Vintage Skirt/Necklace/Bag, Charlotte Olympia Boots)

This is basically one of the outfits I wore during RAFW but the completed version I had in my head. I felt a little overdressed when I paired this Zara top with my full circle skirt and lightweight cardi so I opted to keep it simple and dress it down with leather shorts instead. Still, I couldn't help but feel like my outfit was half finished so when a suitable occasion came up I jumped at the opportunity to wear it again, but styled with the pieces I had in mind in the first place. Kind of felt a little desperate over this top when I saw it for the first time. Let's just say I waited (or lurked) around during the Zara Sydney opening for an entire hour, waiting to see if anyone was going to put it back in my size. Yes, I was that crazy lady eying off anyone else with the same top in their hand and trying to casually see what size they might of had. Zara will do that to you.. and I don't know why I just told you all that.. Surely I couldn't be the only one who has ever done that, right?

Wishing you all a very wonderful and sun filled weekend. Which version of this outfit did you like better?