Switched on Style

Hey guys i'm Kami-yeah weird name, I know- I'm an 18 year old girl from Brisbane studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries majoring in Journalism and Media Communication at QUT. I'm so inspired by fashion and particularly the individualism and creative freedom it generates. I'm a big believer in forming individual style over following commercial trends. As John Fairchild once said, "style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style".

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Sick of monotonously meandering through Queen St Mall trying, in vain, to find some unique and exciting wardrobe additions? Well look no further than here, because if you can check out all these online shopping sites and not have a holy-out of body-praise the lord-hallelujah-miracle experience then there's really not much hope for humanity.

- asos  - NASTY GAL [despite the name] -  UrbanOutfitters - My Catwalk  - Etsy Also the Suitcase Rummage is on today! Head down to Reddacliff Place between 12-5pm and <3 kami

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europe!

hi all, sorry for my absence! I spend my holidays backpacking around Europe but i'm glad to be back to share with you all my amazing fashion finds. The first immediate trend I noticed circulating the continent was the preppy look- everywhere I looked all I could see was rolled up ankle length denim, man blazers, navy stripes, collared blouses, knee highs, coral high waisted shorts, heeled ankle boots, more stripes and A-line skirts. This look can easily be translated to our fashion climate given it's timeless class and suitable weather conditions. I love this look because it's so versatile and be adjusted to flaunt any body shape and size! If you've got bigger hips, trade the denim for an a-line skirt to flaunt your waist and enhance your curves! If you're long and lean (and lucky) it's too easy to pull off the ankle rolled denim or add some shape and show off your limbs with some high-waisted shorts. Shopping I fell in love with a lot of little boutiques over there but never fear they have some brilliant chains with wonderful price tags and, best of all, international shipping! My top 3 (affordable!) stores in europe: 1. TOP SHOP. This shop is a literally a dream come true. Imagine Sportsgirl in Queen ST Mall...now triple it's size and add three levels and that's what you'll find in Oxford Circus, London. They have an entire level dedicated to vintage and upcoming designers, an entire floor for make-up and accessories, some really lovely mens clothes and totally affordable, amazing womans wear. There should be warnings on the door because this shop can be dangerous - enter at your own risk. 2. Zara. You might've already heard but Zara has also opened up in Sydney and Melbourne so if you're planning  trip be sure to pop in. reguarly. The most amazing thing about Zara is that they claim to need only two weeks to develop a new product and release it to the stores, compared to the average change-over time of six months. check it out here. 3. H&M. This place is. so. cheap. I was amazed! They have some really great lines, and some not so great ones but it's worth sifting through because their price tags will become your best friend. Their website also offers some great styling tips- check it out. Don't forget Fashion Week is just around the corner so get your tickets asap before you miss out! <3 Kami

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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane

Get excited!!!! Fashion week is just around the corner and it's time you got organised! Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane is on again this year running from August 20th - 26th. The program has been posted, revealing a long list of AH-MAZING designers (i.e. Versace, Sass & Bide and Lisa Brown!) who are sure to produce some incredible shows. I've already popped the dates in my diary and now I am on the prowl for a perfect outfit, and maybe some Anna Wintour sunglasses... hmm maybz not. Actually, i've got to admit, I'm almost excited about the high tea as I am about the shows... GET ORGANISED: - Check out the program here: http://www.mbff.com.au/program.html - Don't be fashionably late! Get your tickets now from QTIX on 136 246 or online at www.qtix.com.au - Or if you want to put your name on the map in the fashion industry, I highly recommend you take up on this amazing opportunity to volunteer. The MBFF are looking for volunteers in the areas of front-of-house, back-of-house, event management, public relations and chauffeurs-  fill out the following application form and get yo' foot in that door! http://www.mbff.com.au/volunteers.html

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FUR

Furroooo guys! As the weather cools it seems our hearts are getting a little colder too this winter in Brisbane indicated by a rapid rise in fur!! Fur can be a beautiful addition to the wardrobe, but you shoud definitely tread with caution before making the purchase. hHre are a few handy tips: 1.Real Fur.... fur real? First and foremostly there is nothing cool or classy about real fur. Fur is for beautiful animals and ugly people. A better option is Faux Fur (fun fur!), which removes any murderous guilt from the purchasing process and doesn't leave a gaping hole the size of the Burmuda Triangle in your wallet. Also if you're careful enough,  faux fur can be hardly distinguishable. 2. Don't over-do it. Only one (faux) fur item per outfit, and probably no more than three in your whole wardrobe. No one wants the reputation of Cruella De Vil! If the occassion's pretty casual, opt for a fur vest or fur trims rather than something as bold as a coat. 3. Be very very careful about mixing prints and fur! i.e. my cousin pulls off this dotti coat (which is actually on sale at the moment, check it out at http://www.dotti.com.au/) by matching it with an understated black dress, stocking tights and black ankle boots. INSPIRATION:  FURRULIOUS STORES IN BRISBANE: - Sportsgirl. Entirely fake, fun fur but not that you'd be able to tell.  - Dotti. Take advantage of their crazy June sales and get some cute, cheap fur pieces. - get this fake fur vest by Alice In The Eve- possibly my favourite young and upcoming designer- at General Pants co.  - If you're not too fussed but a little curious about this fur craze, don't under estimate Ally. You can find some cheap (yay!) fashion gems there, that literally mimic bigger brands but with a much prettier price tag.

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P.S

I've just fallen in love with http://www.etsy.com/ . check it out for inexpensive, ecclectic fashion, furniture and accessories

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Suitcase Rummage

Hi Guys! Hope you all had fun at The Valley Markets, but they were just a taster for what's coming up this weekend! I've never felt more passionate about the expression "one mans trash is another mans treasure" than at Suitacase Rummage- it is, by far, my favourite markets in Brisbane. The cute concept of literally filling a suitcase with your treasures and totting off to the city to sell them on a lazy sunday is so simple yet ingenius. There's such a great vibe and you won't leave empty handed.  Like The Valley Markets, there's a really great mixture of little handmade trinkets from quirky, local designers and classic vintage finds- without the price tags that make you want to set your hair on fire (first world white girl problems?). Anyway, come along to King George Square this Sunday (June 5th) between 12 and 5pm and prepare for some serious spending satisfaction.   see you there! Kami  

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The Valley Markets

Sick of your old, boring wardrobe to your wardrobe but a bit strapped for cash? I know I am. So join me at The Valley Markets this weekend where Brunswick St Mall and China Town Mall transform into a buzzing array of emerging local fashion designers and quirky retro stalls.  I always find something special and extra satisfying about market purchases. The garments are always so fresh and unique and the laid-back, outdoor atmosphere makes for a thoroughly enjoyable shopping experience... the ridiculously low prices might set off some endorphins as well.  I always find some great accessories and vintage dresses and I love to grab a coffee or a bite to eat at one of the numerous bustling little cafes that run down the street! The markets are on every Saturday and Sunday form 8am to 4pm at Brunswick St Mall & China Town Mall, Brunswick St Fortitude Valley. See you there! <3 Kami

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Cowboys and Indians

Ye Ol' Western- Relive your childhood Cowboys & Indian fantasies and look great too. This trend is all about mixing earthy tones and tribal patterns with tassles, faded denim, leather and feathers!! My love for it was ignited by various bands and designers such as Ashish and her  rodeo style collection at London Fashion Week SS11. Get this look: - http://www.etsy.com/shop/fancyThataccessories - https://shop.sportsgirl.com.au/index.html - http://www.facebook.com/dissh Check out some inspiration pictures below..

The Beatles

Brisbane psychedelic band, The Otchkies

you can almost smell Nevada

The Killers

Julian Casablancas (The Strokes)

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Wedding fever

As my first post, I thought i'd share with you my passion for style over fashion- of it's eternity, it's class and the immense respect that true style omits.   As it turns out, the perfect definition of 'style' in my eyes, simply turned out to be Kate Middleton's wedding dress,                    designed by Alexander McQueen.   The appreciation began with the Cartier diamond halo tiara, a beautiful antique treasure passed down from the Queen’s Mother. The admiration then spread over the simple, sheer lace veil, adding a necessary sense of modest mysterious to the occasion. The veil draped over a long-sleeved, soft lace bodice which was particularly reminiscent of Grace Kelly’s 1956 wedding dress, though contemporised with a low V-Neck. The design drew in at her slender waist where the skirt then fell in soft folds and revealed a breath-taking, but not audacious, train. The simple yet elegant gown reinforced images of modesty, respect and quiet power- not a bad look for the potential future queen of England. Indeed, the gown was so respected that it is suspected to form a new bridal trend. When I first heard that this was likely, prior to the wedding, I thought people were being absolutely ridiculous. I now understand. So girls to replicate Kate’s look all you need is to acquire some hand-made lace appliqué from the Royal School of Needlework based at Hampton Court Palace for the bodice, a few layers of ivory silk tulle trimmed with hand-embroidered flowers for the veil, a royal vintage diamond tiara and an Alexander McQueen Designer to put it all together- Voila!   Kami <3