fashion garments

Red Capelet by Grazed Youth AUD $99 from the indie art & design store

Through their innovative new label, Spoke + Spool, Sydney designers Alia Parker and Laura Pike have threaded together their love of both fashion & cycling. They've released a fantastic range of creative clothing for guys and girls with all garments designed & made by Laura. The label was launched at the recent "Where To From Here" exhibition at Fraser Studios (Chippendale) which celebrated bike culture in Sydney and showcased the work of a number of progressive designers, artists and makers around town.

The Spoke + Spool collection is remade from existing vintage clothes which are made from beautiful fabrics such as silk and wool. The clothing is transformed with an emphasis on functionality - achieved specifically through reflector tape, screenprinted bicycle map linings, and compasses for navigation. I really love the little bolero pictured above. When the coat tails are buttoned up, the woven reflector tape patches look like a pair of ladybird wings!

Aren't these photos beautiful? The photo shoot was at local Sydney Park (the grassy hills seemed very familiar!), and the talent behind the lens was Sudney photographer Laura Friezer. This pretty bike fashion is a far cry from lycra bodysuits!

I think this is my favourite from the range. The "onesy" has been totally transformed from the original garment, with legs that were once sleeves, and frills which used to be a belt... The diamond-shaped reflector detail makes a cute pattern which matches the stylish, airy feel of the outfit.

Spoke + Spool represents a duality of style & function for the inner city commuter propelled by pedal power. The label endeavours to be as resourceful and ecologically sound as the transport method it's made for. With designs springing from superior second hand and vintage clothing & fabrics, each garment is both unusual in style and totally unique. The vintage woolen vest pictured above is reversible, so it's ideal for both on and off the bike.

The Spoke + Spool range is stocked exclusively at The Vintage Clothing Shop, Shop 7/80 Castlereagh St, St James Arcade, Sydney. To find out more about this collection of "Freewheeling Clothes for Bikelovers", visit www.spokenspool.com. With compass vintage wristbands to guide them, these girls know where they're going!

Poketo Skirt (left, AUD $95) and Tux Dress in Black (right, AUD $195) from Secret Squirrel Clothing

Hi there Indie kids, so lovely to meet you all. As I pondered over what I should share with you in my debut post, the thought occurred to me that it might be nice to share a bit of myself with you all. A getting-to-know you sort of deal. So here we go: I adore dresses, especially the wintry kind that, when teamed with some thick black tights, patent black heels and a cute beret, equal perfection. So when I stumbled across Sydney label Secret Squirrel's winter '09 collection, I couldn't resist sharing it with you all.

From humble beginnings under a canvas umbrella in Sydney's Glebe Markets, Secret Squirrel's playful yet elegant creations can now be found in a handful of retail and online boutiques in Australia and New Zealand. It is the beautiful love-child of designers Bri Cheeseman and Andrew Prince, who produce two seasonal collections a year.

Velvet Smoking Jacket (left, AUD $189) and Christina Dress - Lace (right, AUD $209) from Secret Squirrel Clothing

Their latest collection, Darker Than Blue (AW09) sees their classic cuts teamed with antique lace, opulent silk and just a hint of velvet. The winter collection also sees the duo team up with another cult Sydney design duo, We Buy Your Kids, to create some super cute and quirky t-shirts.

When asked about their creations, Bri says that Secret Squirrel aims to make clothes that will stand the test of time; collections that are simple and elegant without necessarily looking like it. "We are young and modern, and a little innocent, but there is a splash of gorgeous and grown up about us, too."

Christina Silk Dress (left, AUD $198) and Smock Dress (right, AUD $209) from Secret Squirrel Clothing.

My personal favourites from the collection are the Christina dress in red silk (above left) and the navy silk smock dress (above right). To see more of Secret Squirrel's luscious collection, or to purchase one of these beauties for yourself, visit www.secretsquirrelclothing.com.au.

Smock Dress (left, AUD $209) and Button Skirt (right, AUD $115) from Secret Squirrel Clothing.

Even better news: right now in The Grand Social's online store, Secret Squirrel items from the sweet summer collection Kaleidescope are on sale. Pretty and cheap! What more could you ask for. :)

Kimono Dress (left, AUD $220) and Tux Top (right, AUD $145) from Secret Squirrel Clothing.

You'll find Secret Squirrel's Darker Than Blue collection hiding at the following Australian stockists:

NSW: Pigeon Ground Records and Clothing (Camperdown), Somedays (Surry Hills), Abicus, Made 590 (Newtown), Glamourpuss (Erskinville), Lee & Me (Wollongong)
VIC: Some Buddy Loves You (Fitzroy), Little Salon (Fitzroy), Dorothy & Evelyn (St Kilda), Pussycat Black (Brunswick), Lu Lu Design Store (Balaclava), Hummingbird 60 (Northcote), Wolf Whistle
WA: Subway DC (Perth, Freemantle, Claremont), Atlas Devine (Leederville)
ONLINE: www.birdmotel.com.au, www.thegrandsocial.com.au/secret-squirrel

Posted by Jacquie

Feline Fox necklace in cherrywood, AUD $49.50 by limedrop

Since I first spied the Feline Fox printed tee in Kids in Berlin a few seasons back, I've been in awe of the talent behind Melbourne label limedrop. I'm very happy to report that I now have my own Feline Fox in the form of the sweet cherrywood pendant draped over my neighbour's lime tree pictured above.

Lockface necklace in cherrywood, AUD $49.50 by limedrop

Platform (at LIFE inSTYLE) lured limedrop to Sydney to show off their unique line of cherrywood accessories. The stand was a beacon for those on the prowl for something edgy & cool! The intricate designs have been laser cut & engraved into cherrywood, which is also availble with a black, white, silver or gold veneer finish.

HER: Heart Turtleneck Long Sleeve Sweater (Charcoal) & Pleated Twist Pocket Skirt (Red Fade Check) and HIM: Soft Drape Cardigan (Black Modal), Moosehead T-shirt (White) & Baggy Pants (Cable Knit Print) by limedrop

limedrop's wooden accessories began with a set of hanging mobiles designed for an exhibition at Melbourne's Milly Sleeping (as part of the L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2007). A number of extra hanging pendants were made into necklaces & quickly snapped up by customers!

Sinking Ship necklace in cherrywood with black veneer, AUD $49.50 by limedrop

I love limedrop's fresh & tangy marriage of illustration and jewellery design. The collection has a spirit of fun & adventure, storytelling & romance... just like the tale of the intrepid twosome who brought the label to life. limedrop began as a love story between designers Clea Garrick and Nathan Price. After falling for each other in their hometown in the tropical far reaches of the Northern Territory, they travelled hand in hand to Brisbane, Sydney, and finally to Melbourne, where they launched the label in 2005.

Floaty Fluted Collar Dress (Navy Check Crinkle) & Sateen Racer Jacket (Black Sateen) by limedrop

limedrop's sixth fashion collection entitled "The Huntsman" has arrived for Autumn | Winter 2009. limedrop are known for their use of clear lines, bold colours, structured pieces and curious proportions. I just love the colour & textures of the Floaty Fluted Collar Dress pictured above. Doesn't it make you long for chilly winter evenings?

Doily necklace (AUD $49.50) and Doily pop-out earrings (AUD $39.50) both in cherrywood with gold veneer by limedrop

The limedrop fashion range is both contemporary and wearable - and you know I adore the cherrywood accessories! There is so much energy in this label. Clea & Nathan are a clever pair and I can't wait to see where the fashion world takes them!

T-rex necklace in cherrywood, AUD $49.50 by limedrop          GRRRRRR

The limedrop tree branches out to the following locations:
NSW: Our MishMash (Bondi), Via Alley (reopening in Surry Hills, March 2009), Pigeon Ground Records & Clothing (Camperdown)
VIC: Milly Sleeping (Carlton, Melbourne), Kids in Berlin (North Melbourne), In the Woods (Northcote, Melbourne), Lady Boutique (Melbourne City), Pussycat Black (Brunswick, Melbourne),
WA: Atlas Devine (Perth), Ruck Rover (Perth)
QLD: Outpost (Brisbane)
ACT: itrip iskip (Canberra)
ONLINE: Pitbull Mansion
INTERNATIONAL: Slick Willys (Dunedin, New Zealand), Iko Iko (Wellington & Auckland, New Zealand), Epitome (Singapore), Actually (Singapore), Tomodachi (Indonesia)

...and of course, they can be found online at www.limedrop.com.au!

Bamboo Dress by Kisu

New dress! New dress! As I type, I'm wearing the prettiest new addition to my wardrobe - the Moon Flower Dress by Sydney label Kisu. I'm over the moon about this new find, first spied through the window of Kisu's Newtown boutique a couple of weeks ago. I chose the black/grey patterned option pictured in the style below left (in the red/orange colour combo). It's hard to see the pattern in the photo, but it features same delicate geometric design as the Jasmine Dress on the right.

Moon Flower Dress (AUD $139) and Jasmine Dress by Kisu

It's always a challenge for me to find a dress that fits well. The extra curves don't really suit the strappy dresses or crossover tops which have been everywhere the last few years. Not only does the Moon Flower style have a gorgeous neckline and fitted & flattering A-line cut, it is also made from cotton with a little stretch, so it really sits beautifully - and not just in the tiny size being modelled in the pic! The detailing around the waist is so cute too...

Butterfly Shorts and Summer Grove Top by Kisu

Kisu is the creation of Sydney fashion designer Mylinh. The doors opened to the Newtown store a couple of years ago - any Sydney indies from the Newtown area will recognise the cute & enormous head of the Japanese mannequin as well as other characters who have appeared in Mylinh's colourful window displays. It's always hard to resist popping in to admire her designs (and shoes!) which are totally different from anything else in the area.

Red Leaves Dress by Kisu

You can download Kisu's full Spring/Summer 2008/2009 catalogue from the web site at www.kisudesign.com.au or visit the store at 179 King Street, Newtown 2042 (phone: 02 9519 2668). The designs are all quite different - so something to suit everyone!

Spearflower Stitch Dress and Lotus Dress by Kisu

"re-strüctured" is a showing of Melbourne label MüCKE's process-based, sustainable clothing design practice. It has been installed in the window of gorgeous Brunswick boutique, Pussycat Black, and opening drinks are on tonight from 6-8pm (13.6.2008). If you're in Brunswick & see this post in time, get a move on! If not, make sure to drop by the store sometime between now and the 27th June. Make your way to:
Pussycat Black 3 Edward St, Brunswick, 3056. (ph. 03 9387 2129)

I've included a little information below which I found on Betty Jo's LinoForest blog - thanks Liz for bringing the installation to our attention!

"In this exhibition, Ellie Mücke explores the processes intrinsic to her labels roots in sustainable design. Observe the inner detail and intricate construction techniques of MüCKE garments, as the designer openly shows the de and re-construction of her recycled clothing practice. "re-strüctured" is a close encounter with process based clothing design."

Hope Street Markets is on again tomorrow - in a brand new location at Paddington Town Hall. This wonderful event has gone from strength to strength over the last year or so & has collected a vast array of talent along the way!

Unique handmade jewellery by Raspberry Beret

Maggie Scardfield of Raspberry Beret creates unique jewellery pieces which each have a story to tell. Her collection of handmade, custom designed jewellery combines vintage & antique findings with semi precious stones, swarovski crystals, oversized chain and freshwater pearls. A few of her designs are pictured above & many more will be on display tomorrow!

Bronze & silver jewellery by Claire Suzy Stannard

Claire Suzy Stannard creates unique, striking jewellery & accessories utilising white bronze, feathers, leather & sterling silver. See more at www.clairesuzystannard.com or visit her stall at tomorrow's markets.

Pictures & fashion by Smitten by Stephanie

Smitten by Stephanie is the cutest! Stephanie creates all sorts of goodies - pictures, fashion, shiny things, soft stuff, jewellery & toys. She finds her inspiration in shiny things, rainbows, love poems, art, pop, ice cream, sad clowns, underworld, mythology, music boxes, crystals and kittens. Definitely one not to be missed!

I love shopping at Yoshi Jones in Newtown. The light-filled store is colourful & vibrant, bursting with great gifts to suit all occasions, and I know I'll always find gorgeous clothes that I love to wear... but apart from all those girlie things, I'm always impressed at the large selection of interesting menswear on the shelves. Yoshi Jones carries t-shirts aplenty, with screen prints guaranteed to please the boys. They also stock a unique collection of cotton shirts that are something else! They are designed & made in Australia by Yoshi Jones, using contemporary cotton fabrics sourced in Japan.

The striking patterns feature geometric shapes and colour palettes that work brilliantly. A couple of my favourite colour combinations include peach partnered with both warm & cool blue variants (as pictured at top) and orange, brown & aqua (as pictured below) both on a crisp white background. The various designs suit all tastes but mostly they are unique in a bland environment where the male shirt seems to be reserved for the conservative workplace.

The mens shirts are available in two different styles - fitted and a side vent style that can be worn with jeans, shorts or a skinny pant. (Perfect for all those summer celebrations!) There are both short sleeve & long sleeve options, and prices range from AUD $99 - $125. Pictured below is a detail from one of the shirts showing a more delicate design - both in its hand-drawn style and the mauve & eggplant colours - again on a crisp white background, punctuated by orange & blue highlights.

The fabric range is so eycatching it has appealed to men and women alike leading Yoshi to design a range of colourful shirts for us girls as well as the boys. This new range will be appearing instore throughout this month, so if you are in Sydney, be sure to check them out! The Yoshi Jones store is at 134 King St, Newtown (near the intersection of King St & Missendon Rd).

P.S. If you're a coffee lover, stop by Campos Coffee (a block down Missenden Rd) for the best coffee & beans ever!

Also at Preview is Bethany Joy and her first collection of luxurious evening wear. With a wide variety of styles, Bethany has created elegant, romantic garments perfectly suited to a formal occasion or the glamour of the races. Each piece is crafted from beautiful fabrics and to the highest quality. I especially love the dress featuring her hand drawn design in a grey/silvery pattern on white. The image is a stylised design based on the natural world and the dress is reminiscent of an elegant bygone era. You can view Bethany's collection online at www.bethanyjoy.com.au.

Surface Art creates handprinted contemporary fabrics here in Australia & fashions them into simple styles & homeware basics which are really striking. My favourite print is "dispersal" - shown above on my Surface Art A-line skirt. While many of the patterns are bright & bold, the "dispersal" and "feather" prints are incredibly delicate & so pretty. (I also have a small blue purse featuring the "swan feathers" print in white.) Made590 stocks Surface Art products & you can view more at the Surface Art web site.