Life in Techincolour

#186 - Back-To-Basics: The Nude Shoe

 

Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are

 

This time, I can totally explain my absence. I've been culling, packing and redecorating. It's been a week-long project that has gotten my senses reeling in excitement because it's got me discarding the superflous and keeping the needful. Old treasures have been dug out and given a new lease of life. Items of sub-standard quality from my early days as a working adult are gone, and it's got me relooking at new items I might need for the future. Through multiple cycles of culling, some things find their way back into my closet time and time again. And I thought, now would be as good a time as any to introduce to you some of my wardrobe staples starting with the nude shoe.

The Nude Shoe??? What??? Are you crazy? Black! Black is a classic. True that, but the nude shoe is HEAPS better. What it does, is that it basically blends in with the foot, giving you a nice visual height boost! Realising that, I now have just as many nude shoes, in different permutations, as I do the black shoe. Wait, no, that's a lie. I have more black shoes than nude.... just a teeny bit more. And what better way to work them, then with all the pretty things that came yesterday!

The Nude Pump:

(Wearing: Maison Martin Margiela embroidered face vest, Black Milk Muscle & Bone catsuit, Aldo nude pumps)

Here's something a little closer to the actual colour:

The nude shoe is one of those things that, if found in the correct shade, can help elongate the legs and give that added height without any kinda of bone reconstruction or knee-cap surgery. *Insert: Muscle and Bone catsuit* I was truly struggling with this catsuit, because, let's face it, I'm not exactly Halle Berry a la Catwoman. In fact,  I would describe myself as more Munchkin height. And truth be told, I thought I looked a little stumpy in the suit, as it were. So I thought, if I could just make myself that LEETLE bit taller. And, well, this is as good as it is gonna get! Not perfect, but I find the final silhouette just that little bit more tolerable. If your option is the towering nude pump, I wouldn't exactly describe the experience as painless, but beauty, as they say, often comes with a price.

The Nude Boot:

(Wearing: Black Milk Suicide of Morozumi dress, Topshop Anaconda booties)

I cannot begin to explain the pros of owning a nude boot. For one, it's all badass without being Wild Wild West. And, it's for lack of better phrase, comfy. As it's a little chunkier than the pump, it helps to balance proportions out a little better, a big 'DO' if you're kinda top-heavy. I don't know about you, but I kinda like a bit of chunk in my shoes because it lends itself more personality, and actual stablity. A bit about the Morozumi dress.  I know moot about Japanese history (the little sis is an expert though), but I do love its rather fussy print because it hides the gut. Best reason to own a Suicide of Morozumi dress if I ever heard one.

The Nude Crazy Shoe:

(Wearing: Black Milk La Trappistine dress, Topshop leather paperbag boot)

Lest you be tempted to assume that all nude shoes are basics, let me interject at this juncture with a big "WRONG!!!" Admittently, this is certainly a shoe you either get or don't get, but I've never seen a little fun in the wardrobe hurt anyone. So, when in doubt, pick out a fun shoe. Or in my case, a paperbag shoe. Me little sister calles these hooves, and shuns me when I attempt to wear them out of the house to have lunch or the like with her. My reply? YOLO!!!

So, I've been a bad panda with the posting. But, things will get better... I hope. Vacation OVER, it's back to work for me tomorrow. So, I leave you with this! Happy It's-Almost-Friday!!!

XOXO,

J

#185 - Peek-A-Boo

(Wearing: Thrifted fur stole, Black Milk Jack O Lantern swim, Bysi sheet pleated skirt, Zara cuffed sandals)

Guess what peeps, I am FINALLY on vacation!!! Woohoo!!! Here's to 7 days of pure bliss!!! Tomorrow, I start by packing and organising my DVDs and books. When in doubt, clean and pack. And what is going to ensue is a week-long decoration project. Cull, declutter and reogranise my life, that is the plan. Gonna put TONS of things into storage and hope for the best.

Special shoutout to Louise who got this swim for me at the Brisbane sample sale. She even went to the trouble to size swap this for me. Sometimes, I think I am surrounded by angels! Thanks for making this happen lovely!

XOXO,

J

#184 - Virtual Insanity

It's no secret I am a basket case. And also, always full of what I think are great ideas. So the Life in Technicolour dress came earlier this week and you've already seen it in this space, but I'm photographing it again because.... of this top!!! I saw this top before the dress arrived but thought nothing of it. The morning after, I got up to a Eureka moment! Of course, I had an inkling the colours would match, and made it a life goal to purchase the said top. And so.... we have.... THE RAINBOW TOP!!! Then it got me thinking, why stop at the top, throw on your rainbow legs and shoes too!!! I have a wig as well, but I TOTALLY forgot to put it on for the shoot because I am a derp. And now, let the shameless posing ensue......

(Red 2 rainbow chiffon top, Black Milk Life in Technicolour dress, MessQueen rainbow legs, Jeffrey Campbell Avalon platforms)

But really, in reality, I'm more likely to look like this!

(Red 2 rainbow chiffon top, Black Milk Life in Technicolour dress, Pedder Red patent nude pumps)

I wouldn't hesitate to wear the top with the dress, considering the sweltering weather lately. I did contemplate the black cardi, but that was kinda done-to-death. Strangely, the colours blend in perfectly together and there really isn't a better top to go with the dress. Shoes... oh yes, shoes! Nude pumps are even more important than black pumps, IMO. There are just some things that don't go with black. But a nude shoe the colour of your skin will make your legs look like then go on for days, or in my case, that I actually have legs and not tree stumps.

(Black Milk Life in Technicolour dress, Pedder Red patent nude pumps)

Then, there are those moments where it's just best to let the dress do the talking. Especially when it has an array of colours as loud as this. And so, the token dress-and-shoes-only shot.

Meanwhile, it is Sunday night. I hope this burst of colour helps chase away your impending Sunday gloom and Monday Blues!!!

Love you all 10000XXXX

J

#183 - Two Times The Trouble: Pug Power!

I have been lurking on the interwebs again. This time, it's a girl I must have cyber-stalked a million times for her gorgeous styling. The absolute babe....

Debbie Renee!!!

“She is the famous pug-lady”, were the first words a Brisbane Sharkie said to me when I first met 26-year-old Renee. Of course, I never told her. Instead, I was lurking at a corner (I’m surprisingly quiet irl) and quietly admiring her a) incredible height (she’s a towering 5”9), b) bad-ass styling and c) trying to figure out that whole pug business - Rusty Puggles is her three-and-a-half-year-old fur baby. So, when I received my Pug dress, it was only natural that I should approach her to do the next style challenge with me on this blog. And if there are a few things I have learned from her about styling, is that it’s totally cool to pile it all on. Such remarkable styling philosophy!

1. Describe yourself in one sentence.

I'm complicated but simple, loud but introverted, a realist, but a big dreamer- the good kind of crazy, and often misunderstood.

2. Tell us where your hawt leetle spandex-clad ass is from?

I’m from a little city called BRISBANE, where BlackMilk was born—just a hop, skip and a jump (and a short car ride) away from BMHQ!

3. What do you do to feed your Crack Milk addiction???

To feed my crack milk addiction, I work in the wholesale fashion industry for a ladies accessory label—a company with our own line of handbags, shoes, wallets and belts… Did I mention my second addiction is shoes?

4. Collecting your mail, hitting the supermarket or just hanging out with the girls, describe your daily BM uniform.

I’m lucky enough to be able to wear what I like to work, which means I can wear BM every day! Now that its colder, my BM “uniform” would have to be leggings, styled with a top, fingerless gloves and scarves, and either hightops or boots. I also love jackets. And vests. And costume jewelry. For nights out, I love BM dresses and crazy shoes (or boots!) and again, probably a jacket or vest and some costume jewelry.

5. Complete this sentence. When my Black Milk arrives at my doorstep…….

I’m usually about to walk out the door, on my way to work- so I start the day off in a great mood because I’ve just gotten new nylon! I try it on when I get home

6. If you could trade your firstborn for one piece of Black Milk, what would it be?

Original Tiger Leggings. I love animal print, and tigers, and these are super rare, made in the early days of BM.

7. When I am not feeding my Crack Milk addiction I am……..?

Feeding my face. Haha, just kidding… kind of. I do love going out to eat with friends:P Other than that, I try to keep active, so you will usually find me at the gym, if I’m not going on an adventure.

8. Which is the one BM piece you have worn to death?

My grey circuit board leggings --They were in my first order and I’ve swapped them twice for dream pieces, but I missed them so I got them back a third time! They are my go-to pair of leggings, and seem to work with everything.

(Wearing: Thrifted croped eyelet jacket, Black Milk dress, Black Milk Red Pyramid suspenders, Zara tri-colour booties)

(Wearing: H&M men's embroidered jacket, Black Milk Pug dress, Cotton On thigh-high socks, Zara maroon booties)

If like me you've been speculating the Black Milk print for ages. I suggest you get it. And believe me when I say that it is wonderfully flattering. I have half the mind to get them in legs as well.... Oh Yes... I shall do that indeed. Sometime between now and finally geting some basic sheer spartans (which I cannot believe I don't own) and some matte blacks and navys. I have a HUGE problem with basics. Simply put, I don't own much. That explains my clown-like appearence and irreverence for normalcy. I wore a basic dress to the conference on Monday, my boss actually asked me why I was trying to be normal. *Disgruntled*..... At the very least, it is the thumbs-up to dress as I wish.

Before I zip out the way I came, I thought I should let you know...

Debbie is currently working for an online radio station (www.fullclipradio.com.au). She starts her first show next Sunday (23rd June 2013), and it's gonna be a weekly talk show-type thing from 7-9pm (Brissy time). Give this little Sharkie all the support eh???

Love you!

J

#182 - A Simple 'Thank You'

(Wearing: Zara military jacket, Black Milk Life in Technicolour dress, Cotton On over-the-knee knitted socks, Jeffrey Campbell Night Walks)

You might or might not know that I have an irrational obsession for colours, particularly rainbows. I think it perfectly fine to walk downtown clad in two or more prints. Better still if they clash, like the titans. Nonsensical gibberish aside, colours lift moods almost instantly. So you had best try it if you're having a particularly crummy day. Afterall, it is pretty hard to get mad with a clown. Here though, I decided to let my insanity take a step back. And instead, let the dress do the talking for once. It is pretty rare that I should wear THIS much black these days, but sometimes it is best to let a single signature piece do most of the talking.

A simple 'Thank You' is in order to jL, Cam and the BMHQ team for being awesome. Our 2nd Anniversary is coming right up, and it reminds me how much I love and miss you all so!!! For making all of us Sharkies feel so fabulous and special, and so belonged in a community of like-minded Hot Leetle Bosses! Keep up the great work!!!

Till next time, if tomorrow's conference presentation doesn't get the better of me.

Love you poodles mucho!

XOXO,

J

#181 - Guest Blogger: Kristy Cartan

My second EVER guest blogger needs no introduction. Kristy is a spitfire, a fashion daredevil, and quite honestly, one of the funniest, most entertaining and expressive Sharkies I've ever had the priviledge of knowing. I've never met her in person, but her expressions and videos crack me up often and much. She's always brought a smile to my face, and I hope, she brings one to you too!!!

 

XOXO,

 

J

 

When Miss J asked me to do a blog guest spot, I jumped at the chance, after I stopped squealing that is. I adore J’s style. I’m a huge fan of mixing prints, styles and colours and boy, does the lady know how to do that.

I was also super excited by the 7 days and 7 colours challenge she presented me and decided to make it tricker by not only wearing legs or dresses but mixing it up and using a different style for each outfit.

So here goes, the 7 days, 7 colours,
7 styles Challenge.

 

Day 1 - Style: Dress - Colour: Orange
 

Sheena the wild one

Dress: Sheena
Copper skull necklace & cuff: China Town Markets in Sydnet
Boots: Torrid

Sheena is a new acquisition for me and I’ve been struggling with how to style it. That’s when it occurred to me, simplicity is the key, let it shine with a few copper accessories and let the dress do the rest. Trying to find my inner wild woman was another thing entirely as Sheena was fiercely proficient in fighting with knives, spears, and bows, and improvised with makeshift weapons. Her primary ability was to surprise her opponents, either human or animal. As the thought of me using any other weapons than hugs is ridiculous, I decided that my surprise attack would be dance. Yeah, that would scare people away right? It certainly scared my cat who refused to be my jungle cat and pose with me after seeing my awesome dancing skills.

 

Day 2 - Style: Skirt - Colour: Yellow
 

Golden Girl

Skirt: Metallic gold velvet
Top: Crossroads
Necklace: eBay
Shoes: Thrifted

When life hands you lemons, buy a lemon button up and wear them! I was feeling the 60’s vibe and was reminded of my grandmothers love of printed tops. She had so many colours, prints and styles. I remember as as small child standing in her wardrobe looking at all the colours, running my probably very grubby fingers over the different fabrics and thinking this is what heaven must look like. This outfit it a homage to my Gillybird (grandma) It has her favourite elements, bold print, micro skirt and barbie shoes. This is something she would have worn in the 60’s.

 

Day 3 - Style: Swim - Colour: Brown
 

I shot the sheriff

Swim: Sheriff
Skirt: Rockmans
Belt: Thrifted
Boots: Torrid

As a new admin for the BM Luscious Ladies group, I was delighted when my sheriff swim arrived but totally stumped as to how to style it. Brown is one of my least favourite colors but this swim is so amazing. The first time I put it on, I felt like an extra from Desperado. Mmmmmmm outlaw Antonio Bandaras........where was I? Oh yeah. Brown. So I figured, why not get a little cowgirl with this. The result was actually pretty cute. A salmon skirt, paired with brown boots, a brown belt and pink bandana.

 

Day 4 - Style: Crop - Colour: Blue
 

The Large Mermaid

Crop: Mermaid
Skirt: Tempt
Crown: Couronne De Fleurs

The Little Mermaid was (is) a favourite movie growing up. Though I could never understand why she would change herself so radically for a man. I was a feminist even as a kid! I always wanted to scream ‘Keep the tail Ariel’. I always thought Ariel was an idiot actually, Ursula is my girl. So this is my Little (large) Mermaid, Ursula inspired look. My two dogs flat out refused to be my Flotsam and Jetsam, much to my great disappointment.

 

Day 5 - Style: Leggings - Colour: Green
 

Money makes the world go round.

Leggings: Dollar
Dress: Ettalong Markets
Boots: Dr Martens
Jacket: Baby Phat

I was singing a medley of Abba’s money, money, money and Pink Floyds money. This was not a good thing but it did result in this outfit. Green for the American dollar and the gold for our humble Aussie dollar. Simple, fun and very comfortable.

 

Day 6 - Style: Catsuit - Colour: Pink
 

Punky Brewster

Catsuit: Scribble
Skirt: Hand made (not by me, I’m not that clever!)
Shoes: Converse
Leg warmers: The Sock Draw

When I was eight, I adored Punky Brewster. She embodied all that was cool and fun with her odd socks, pigtails and I don’t care attitude. So I decided that I don’t care either and hunted down the funnest (yes, funnest IS a word. I said it so it must be true) outfit I could find. I thought about what my eight year old self would approve of. She certainly would approve of jumping on the bed in her leg warmers and tiara.

 

Day 7 - Style: Bodysuit - Colour: Black

Black Kitten

Bodysuit: Hooded
Suspender Hoisery
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Vicious
Skirt: K-Mart

Today I saw a picture of a tiny black kitten warming it’s self in front of an open fire. It’s little feline face was a picture of pure contentment and that got me to thinking, what makes me content? Looking like a Hot Large Boss, thats what! Cats are often associated with a slinky playfulness and I wanted to see if I could portray that through my clothes. I felt sexy, understated and oh so content, like a cat who got the cream.

 

I like the outfits that I wear to tell a story, wether it be subtle or in your face. For me style will never go out of fashion. So that’s me in words and pictures. 7 days and 7 ways.

 

-Kristy-

 

#180 - White Noise Challenge

Owning white in my closet is really a guilty pleasure. Mostly because I NEVER wear white things out. Off-white, yes! Cream, of course! But white, white is a big no-no because accidents almost always happen. A runaway fishball dunking itself off your spoon and onto you shirt, opening a pen and having ink splatter all over like Dexter post-throat slitting. Bottom line is, with daily life in tow, I can't beat those odds. But once in a while, inspiration strikes and that white shirt or a pair of white BM sees the light of day. And when that day comes, it is a rare and rather joyous occasion. So I managed to gather a few Sharkie souls to brave this new challenge I like to call...

The White Noise Challenge!

Alexa Catherine:

Carolyn McGraw: 

Jennifer Henderson:

Julie M Shields:

Kathryn Williams:

Louisa Phalange:

Mary-Anne Valla:

Mia Vidic:

Morgan Elizabeth:

Rachael Taylor:

Sarah McLea:

Schnuck Puck Feldhase:

Soup legs are easy, as are Candy Canes and Bloodsplatters, because they are kinda badass. But the Roses White legs are an eternal challenge for me, even though I've styled it more than once here. Yet, this pair was a gift, and I fall in love with it every time I put them on.

(Wearing: Trish Sommerville for Girl With The Dragon Tattoo X H&M burgandy leather biker jacket, Kitschen t-shirt, Black Milk Roses White legs, Jeffrey Campbell Night Walks)

I had fun, we had fun bringing this to you! One more week and it is time to get ready to go on vacation. I cannot wait for my much-deserved break!

XOXO,

J

 

#179 - Flamin' Flamingoes

(Wearing: Zara Military cropper jacket, Black Milk Flamingo swim, Mossman borcade skater skirt, Aldo Military Boots)

This massive haystack is growing on my head. I best do something about it soon. Meanwhile, I decided to shoot this evening, because I feel like spiders have taken up residence here. So I dusted off the proverbial cobwebs, spent the ENTIRE afternoon till evening cleaning out my closet (hrm.... only managed to cull two big bags) and fending off separation anxiety. All my seldom-worn BM swims have been pushed to the front, along with some other Lovelysallys, CMs, Messqueen and Trash stuff that I barely wear due to accessibility issues. Regular closet rotations are important if you want to keep wearing your pieces. Mix things up once in a while, and you'll find little treasures deep in your closets that you even forgot existed. Moral of the story: I really don't need anymore dresses, skirts or tight shiny nylon.

Cleaning today led to the rediscovery of a skirt I only wore once to BMHQ last June, which led to the revisiting of a pair of military booties I bought 2 years ago. Since the Flamingo swim was sitting right at the top of my nylon pile, and the colours seemed to work together, I decided to pile everything on. Getting dressed most days, is an exercise in layering and layering. Two fashion rules I never live by: 1) Throw out anything you haven't worn in the last year, and 2) Before you leave the house, remove one item you are wearing. In fact, I often find myself revisiting items 3 years later and before I leave the house, I am more inclined to add another item to my get-up.

Tomorrow, I shoot again! See you peeps around!

XOXO,

J

#178 - Moon Goddesssssssssssssssssssssss

(Wearing: H&M oriental embroidered cloak, H&M mint tulle gown, Topshop aquamarine heels)

Right.... so about a month ago, my friend sent me this amazing picture, of this AMAZING dress from H&M. Initially, I didn't have much faith in the local outlet stocking it, but I was wrong. Last weekend, I finally got my act together and went downtown after a pretty long time, and purchased these two pieces together. Mostly because I've gotten it into my head that one needs to shop for entire outfits. With such a shopping philosophy, it certainly explains the bursting closet. Truth be told, pastels do poorly in my closet, and I have barely anything to go with it. So, I've been making an effort to start injecting more subdued hues into my get-ups lately. At the moment, I'm eyeing the baby blue blazer at Zara, to quite possibly go with some pastel leggings from Black Milk and Lovelysally. 

Such an ardous Monday. It's not even 9.30pm and I'm already getting struck by the Z monster. Night poodles, I love you oodles.

XOXO,

J

#177 - Mere Cats

(Wearing: Biacci gold brocade jacket, Copine's Love sheer silk top,  CM custom Meerkat legs, Prada black heels)

Got in at a pretty resonable time this evening and got cracking on the shoot which I promised the lovely Claire of CM (you can totally check out her rockin' work here!) They were a custom piece that I love to death, and paired with a gold brocade jacket from a trip to New York City back in 2009. It's a designer piece by Biacci which I have never worn and only just removed the tags this evening. It's kinda scratchy, but that's the beauty of structured brocade. I guess there is a price for everything. You can't see my Copine's Love sheer silk top here, but it is one of my favorite go-to pieces because all you need to do is throw on a tank top under and a pair of pants and you are basically good to go. My Prada heels I've finally located tonight, after a 2 year disappearing act. I used to wear them everywhere and style them with everything. It's like finding an old friend, and this evening really couldn't get better.... unless I sleep before 10pm... that is....

XOXO,

J