The opportunity to embrace a little glam is something I’ll happily do, particularly when party dressing is concerned. I’m always on the hunt for a killer party dress, and while you can take the concept in many different directions, I do have a soft spot for LBDs. The great thing about a little black dress is that it works for myriad occasions, and you generally cannot go wrong with such a design — there’s a reason why it’s a failsafe option. Generally an LBD is flattering, can be styled in different ways and will suit almost any dress code. What I love about this Area mini dress is that it oozes glam, with the simple slip dress silhouette and deep V neckline accentuated by crystals. Embellishments are always one way to take an LBD to another level.
Accessorising this dress was always going to be tricky given there’s already a lot going on with the crystal detail on the dress. So I had to make considered choices that were going to accentuate the dress rather than compete with it. In this instance, I thought it might actually be better to embrace the bling element of the dress and extend it to my choice of earrings. When I saw these drop earrings by Isabel Marant I knew they’d play nicely with the vibe of the dress without being too overwhelming. It extended the silhouette of the dress, rather than breaking it up too abruptly with an earring that was totally different in style. However I knew I had to pare it back with my shoes, as adding an embellished or overly fussy shoe in this instance was going to look too “done”. So I opted for a minimalist approach with these two strap Giuseppe Zanotti heels. Sleek, simple and sexy, they’re the ideal shoe to complement a statement-making dress and accessories and achieves a nice balance.
Credits: Dress, Area; Heels, Giuseppe Zanotti; Earrings, Isabel Marant
There’s nothing fresher than a little white dress. For me, it’s right up there with the LBD is a go-to for easy, effortless, but oh-so stylish dressing. This Isabel Marant midi dress from Cettire is just the thing to have as a failsafe option for those days when I need to wear something polished, without being too fussy. Also, the design elements are just perfection and work together to create a really feminine and sophisticated look. The mutton sleeves are right on trend and a feature piece, and a silhouette that is impactful and makes a statement—a great way to elevate a dress that’s anchored in simplicity. While the deep V, makes for a flattering neckline, and one that helps elongate my frame. I always tend to gravitate towards midi length dresses as I find them to be classic, and such an easy hemline to dress up or down.
The beauty in white dresses is that they’re a blank canvas. You can go anywhere with them. Add punchy, colourful accoutrements for a bit of playfulness, or some ultra glam pieces to take it into statement-making territory. I went for something quite understated with this particular look as I really wanted the dress to do the talking. So a simple mini Gucci bag added some interest, while black Bottega Veneta heels achieved a nice contrast to the perfectly crisp white hue of the dress.
What a week! It was the last day of Fashion Week today and I decided to go for something a little more relaxed for today’s look. And what better option than embracing denim all the way. These jeans by Isabel Marant are such a great fit, and they’re just the right crop (important when you’re petite). Also whenever I wear anything high waisted it’s important that it’s just the ideal level of firmness around the waist and hips for the most flattering fit, and these jeans ticked both those boxes. To tie into the light blue wash of the jeans, I went for a paisley sky blue top, also by Isabel Marant. I wanted a streamlined silhouette so I decided to opt for a waist belt to cinch in the top, making for a more flattering fit.
My outfit embraced a slightly softer colour palette so I wanted accessories in more understated hues. I decided on a structured fawn Tory Burch bag to add a ladylike touch this look. While my white Bottega slingbacks made for the ideal accompaniment to the slightly more casual nature of denim, giving it just the right hint of dressiness to achieve balance. For the finale of one of my fave events of the year, this combination was just the right ensemble to see out the week.
Credits: Top, pants and belt, Isabel Marant (via David Jones); Bag, Tory. Burch; Heels, Bottega Veneta
I went to two shows today, Oroton and Maggie Marilyn and it called for a day of embracing soft neutrals. Specifically this Isabel Marant look which is a great example of the beauty of elevated staples. This jacket with its puff sleeves and cinched tie waist is reminiscent of a safari jacket, but with softer lines, and feminine vibes. And all those details combined make for a jacket that’s wearable but with a little extra personality. And what better staple to pair it with than a pair of crisp white jeans? The neutral on white felt very fresh and I loved the fact its such a departure from the usual hues you’d expect on the first day of winter.
I always like to wear something from the brands whose shows I’m seeing and this time around, I zeroed in on this tan Oroton bag. It’s got such a beautiful structured silhouette which adds a bit of polish to the more relaxed silhouette of this outfit, and I could wear it clutch-like or throw it on over my shoulder which is perfect for a day with back to back events. It was then all about these white slingbacks from Bottega Veneta, and wearing white bottoms with white shoes I feel gives a nice elongated effect. And to top it off, gold oval-framed sunglasses to add a hint of playfulness to this look.
Credits: Jacket and jeans, Isabel Marant via David Jones; Shoes, Bottega Veneta; Bag, Oroton; Sunglasses, Ray Ban
Printed dresses are always a guaranteed winner in the style stakes especially when it comes in the form of this Isabel Marant number. The motif is a little bit abstract which makes it interesting—I like unexpected details as they can really lift an outfit. If you want a universally flattering fit I highly recommend getting on board with ruching. I love the overall ruched effect of the dress which is quite whimsical and romantic but the structured shoulders help offset this by giving it a touch of dramatic edge. Also take note: any wrap style neckline works well with virtually any figure and shape.
When it comes to prints it’s always worth considering how far you want to push your accessories — I think it’s great to either take a step back and keep it quite simple or go up a notch with pieces that have statement finishes. These Jimmy Choo heels and the bag fall into the latter camp, and whilst they’re standout pieces on their own, I think they still work well with a printed dress. Anything in black will work well with almost any piece you match with it, whilst the crystal embellishments provide a glam touch but aren’t competing for attention with the dress. Also, they’re the kind of accoutrements that are perfect for any party look so take note this festive season!
The first show of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia is always exciting as there’s a huge buzz on the day as it officially kicks off proceedings. I’m a huge fan of Aje so attending their show today was exciting as I was looking forward to seeing their new collection and what pieces I’ll inevitably fall in love with!
It’s always good to support the designer whose show you are attending with your outfit so I opted for a beautiful pink and black Aje dress. The gorgeous print is a little moody in its vibe but the pops of pink perk it up and add a feminine touch.
I wanted to keep the rest of my accessories quite pared back so my black Bulgari bag and simple Isabel Marant ankle boots were the ideal complementary pieces. I found they didn’t detract from the overall feel of the dress. Having shorter hair has made me want to incorporate a few more statement earrings into my look and this pair by Reliquie helped to lift my outfit without detracting from the rest of my look.
If today was anything to go by, I can’t wait to see what else this week has in store. Stay tuned for more Fashion Week Australia coverage this week as I take you through the next few days, one outfit post at a time.
One of the things that I’ve found to be quite a versatile piece in my wardrobe is a statement top. Whilst there are some things that are just way too bold to achieve true versatility, I think there are definitely some elevated pieces that can still be styled in multiple ways. This cream Zimmermann top is one of them. With the elegant draping and dramatic sleeves it definitely has impact but I think the neutral tone means it can be easily paired with numerous colours and everything from a skirt to tailored pants and denim. For this outing I decided to pair it with a textured Isabel Marant tulip skirt with a metallic sheen. I think the futuristic vibe of the skirt provides the perfect contrast to the classic Victorian feel of the blouse.
As I was already working with some strong silhouettes in my outfit I kept my accessories quite streamlined and simple. My new go-to Dior bag and Balenciaga sock boots were the ideal finishing touches. A structured bag works well to contrast the fluid, and slighter softer textures of the blouse and skirt, whilst wearing boots instead of heels helped ground the look. Overall it was great to be able to work with contrasting pieces and find a way to give them some cohesion without losing their individuality.
Australian model Elyse Taylor was discovered at 18 and went on to walk for Victoria’s Secret, Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger and has been on the cover of Australian Vogue. The 29-year old, born in Sydney and based in the United States, is now the face of Nude by Nature make-up and involved with Milea swimwear. Taylor chats to me about life, juggling motherhood and modelling, and her quirky cleaning habits.
What’s a day in the life of you when you’re at home in the US?
If I have a day off, I have breakfast with Lila and then I walk her to school, with my neighbour. Our kids are the same age and go to same school. While she is at school, we go to the gym, work out and pick her up and have lunch, and then have enough time with her and just hang out. But then if I’m working, I’m up at five [o’clock] and gone. So it’s constantly changing but it’s good.
How do you juggle it all?
I’ve learnt to be a little bit more aggressive. I’ve had to say no to certain jobs, just because they’ve been back to back. I don’t really want to spend more than four or five days away from my daughter because she is just growing and doing so many things and you don’t want to miss anything. I start getting a little strange after five days. I get really anxious and hostile. So I just try and make sure that I have enough time off and enough time on.
What do you enjoy most about motherhood?
Just the milestones and watching her and seeing her personality come through because she is two now.
Do you have plans to grow your family?
I would definitely love to have more children. It’s just trying to find the right time. If it happens, it happens. It would be wonderful. But we’re just taking it one step at a time.
What’s next for you?
I have this amazing relationship with Nude By Nature, and Milea is about to launch … And then, I think I was planning on coming back for Australian Fashion Week in May.
What made you get involved and become the face of Nude By Nature?
I think it was just like a natural alignment. Nude By Nature had a worldwide search for a face that was an Australian kind of beauty. When I got the call saying “it’s you”, I was so humbled and honoured.
What’s your top beauty secret you’ve learnt while modelling?
If you’re doing smoky eye, you put your foundation on afterwards … and with highlighting, just highlight the bridge of your nose and cheekbones.
Out of everything in your life, what are you most proud of?
In life, I feel like I’m most proud of Lila, but my career probably has been over 10 years now. As a model, you never think it’s going to last that long.
When you did the Victoria’s Secret show, what was the most surprising part about that?
The grandeur of the show. You don’t realise how big it is, and how big the machine is behind it. I was also surprised at how it is like a little family – doing the catalogue, doing the commercials and then doing the show. I still keep in contact with the girls.
What’s the worst part about your job?
That it’s not forever. That’s always in the back of your mind, especially as I get older!
What’s your plan after modelling?
There is no set plan. I would like to keep building my brands and keep moving forward and seeing where that takes us. There’s definitely a lot of opportunities, especially in the States. So it’s just trying to find the right outlet for that.
If you didn’t become a model, what would you have done?
I like to be creative. So I think I would like to stay within the industry, but maybe in art direction or maybe on the other side of the lens. I would still like to create content for brands and stuff like that, so that’s very natural for me. I enjoy that.
Do you think Lila will follow in your footsteps?
I don’t know. If she wants to, and if she is passionate about it, I’ll support her in her work. I’d love her to have a real job, one that lasts forever. But if she is passionate about this, then, of course I’ll support her and direct her in the right direction.
Who do you look up to and admire?
I look up to other women that have children with really intense careers. Especially how they find the balance to make it all work and have success after having children as well. You don’t realise how intense and what a whirlwind it is having children and then how much you are actually taking on.
Do you have any quirky habits that no one knows about?
I really am OCD about cleanliness … I clean all the time. I can’t stop. With my nanny’s cleaning, I’ll clean over the top of her cleaning and she is like, ‘is something wrong?’ I’m like, ‘Just go find, Lila. I have to finish this’.
Do you have any fears?
I don’t really like heights … I climbed the Harbour Bridge and I was dying inside.
Where is your favourite travel destination?
My favourite personal travel destination is St Barths, especially with my daughter. It’s a quiet place, to just be with the family, be on the beach. We know the island really well so there is no surprises, which is always great, especially when you have a kid.
How do you stay in shape?
I work out and I try a lot of different diets, and a blood-type diet works best for me.
What is a blood-type diet?
Each blood type is different. I’m an O blood type, so I can have lots of meats and certain kinds of fruits. I can eat as much of that as possible and not gain weight, which is great … because before I was juicing and eating all these types of salads but I was holding all this body weight. Then, once I started that, all the weight came off, all the extra baby weight.
If you have this strict diet regime, what is your biggest indulgence?
Pizza. If I’m in Australia, I like seafood pizzas. And then, if I’m in the States, macaroni – because I try and think of like the worst possible thing I could eat after a week’s rigid diet.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I guess I see myself just keep working and keep planning for the future and keep building on what we’ve already been building; constantly working with different brands and just trying to diversify myself as much as possible. There’s definitely things in the States with [talent agencies] WME and IMG combining, so there is a lot more film and television options that weren’t available before, which is exciting.
WE ATE vine ripened tomato salad; salad of beetroot, balsamic glazed heirloom carrot, goats curd and hazelnuts; buffalo mozzarella, figs, witlof, basil and vino cotto; pan fried barramundi fillet with mashed peas, crème fraiche and confit spring onion, sunflower seed and caper beurre noisette.
This is my take on a traditional suit. It might be too plunging or risqué for others but you could easily make it office-friendly by putting a shirt underneath or swap the skirt for one sans split. If you had a lower heel for the office and a statement heel for a night out I think it’s a really great look to take you from the office to after work drinks.
Want to see what happened behind the scenes during this shoot? Don’t miss tonight’s episode of Fashion Bloggers at 9.30pm on E!
I don’t think you can ever go wrong with Isabel Marant. This top and jeans combination by Isabel Marant is a great weekend outfit option. I can’t go past a crisp white pair of jeans worked back with a bold top. The detail on this top is just amazing and really gives it a unique point of interest.
