OUR TOP PICK

Soldier Man by MIA designs

Having a child like obsession with bead design throughout her school yard days, Mia Chicco  turned her dreams into reality. With an Italian heritage and a love for the country, at 21 years old Mia relocated to Florence to enrol in an intensive jewellery making course at the accredited Art Fuji Studio in Florence where the passion was reunited.

A fascination of vintage techniques and a obsession of turning a piece of metal into a beautiful artwork led her to her current career. Now at 25, Mia has taken her jewellery designs into her own Pyrmont based studio where she creates her unique handmade pieces. Whether it be melting down gold or starting with a piece of sheet metal, it is milled down, domed, formed and soldered to produce the desired design. Some of the pieces are hand carved from wax and then cast- all constructed with Mia's own fingers.  

OH, CUT IT OUT !

THIS WEEK'S TOP INTERNATIONAL BUY

You could try a DIY job on your last season leggings, but we say why bother when you can snap up a pair of Miss Selfridge laser cut out leggings for GBP 18?

Remember - HBTN Style told you first!

www.missselfridge.com

THIS WEEK'S TOP PICK

Ladies, head over to Australian Flavour and snap up a pair of Hussy Bohemian Lover Pants. We simply love the slouchy harem style.

Go, on. Nurture your inner voyeur!

Buy a pair HERE for AU $ 220

OK, SO I STOLE THE JERRY MACGUIRE LINE

Carla Caruso

One of the things I love most about Sydney Fashion Week is trawling through the stalls before the parades.

You just never know what hot, new fashion gem you're going to find! It's kind of like digging through a vintage shop and finding a mint condition Chanel handbag.

At the April-May shows, my Chanel handbag moment was discovering Adelaide label None The Richer.  It had me at hello. OK, I just wanted to steal a line from Jerry Maguire. It actually had me at its white skull cut-out dress.

The brand has a quirky sense of humour and is the creation of Ulyana, a self-confessed fashionista who honed her style from a young age in her parents' retail business.

Pieces include flamboyant and fringed waistcoats and singlets, papillion sleeved sweaters with art deco shapes, and cocktail dresses which go from pretty to punk - think skull cut-outs and racy hemlines.

None the Richer also have fabulous accessories. The bold collection includes chunky cuffs, leather fingerless gloves, brassy gold knuckle-dusters and glo-mesh clutches.

Coolio.

www.nonethericher.com.au

Ed note: For all things sparkly, check out Carla's blog at www.diamondsandwhirls.blogspot.com

A MOMENT IN THE FAIRYTALE SUN

Monique Ancora

So not all of us can afford the ultimate luxuries when it comes to fashion labels but there's no harm in just looking right?...or admiring?...or maybe just purchasing one little item that is absolutely versatile?

If you succumb to temptation this season (by this I mean purchasing an item that is equal value to your last pay cheque, and a little more of the next one) then you simply must investigate the new, and utterly amazing range by fashion goddess, Malene Birger.

Perusing the images from her latest collection is like diving in to the pages of a vivid fairy tale. The colours, the silks, the bouquet-like headbands and floral pieces embody a pretty princess, dream like wonderment.

Each ensemble is striking, idyllic and translucently feminine to the ultimate definition of perfection. Malene Birger captures the essence of beauty in a supremely empowering collection.

Ladies, it's time to treat yourselves. At least one piece will appeal to your inner 'pretty princess' desire. Don't you deserve to have a moment in the fairytale sun? 

Now all that's left is to decide......which piece?

Find the Annice v-neck kaftan and more By Malene Birger delights at www.net-a-porter.com and www.my-wardrobe.com

MELBOURNE LOVES GLAM PUNK

Monique Ancora

The emergence of up and coming fashion labels in Melbourne seems to be a common trend, but when a new label is launched that defies all odds and inserts a truly unique and funky flavour into Melbourne fashion, it certainly is a rarity.

It isn't often a label 'moves' me but the best way to describe Modern Lovers is a refreshing gasp of fresh, fashion air. This hidden treasure of a fashion label was launched early this year in Australia but has been sold previously in Japan whose fans simply can't get enough!

Designer, Mary Zaf is an incredibly funky, cutting edge young lady who creates one of a kind pieces from things that inspire her. Her muse emerges from "music, travelling and people watching" and she is "determined to provide women of the world with unique, feminine and original designs that will allow them to stand out from the crowd."

Her first Melbourne store is stocked with her latest killer collections that will not disappoint. Her exclusive designs will leave your mouth agape, and are perfect if you thrive on wearing truly unique ensembles.

Modern Lovers is a must see for every woman who considers herself the ultimate fashionista!

Check out The Designers' House in Harbour Town or online at www.modernlovers.com.au

ED PICKS:

buy online at www.modernlovers.com.au

Left to right: 1. baggy pants, $170 zippy jean (our favourite!) $170 ruffle mini dress, $280 one shoulder dress $120

TIME TO STOCK (ING) PILE

Marianna Tigani

Now we have plunged into the chilly darkness of winter, you have probably noticed, as have I, your winter wardrobe seems to be lacking a certain something.

Exhibit A

www.net-a-porter.com

If you've already spent your stimulus cheque and can't afford the best of this season's sharp shouldered trend, (refer Exhibit A, the Alexander McQueen silk printed jacket from Net-a-Porter) I suggest a simple, inexpensive way to update your look. Hosiery (refer top right hand corner, American Apparel opaque over the knee sock, $16)

Creatively warm up your legs in brights or sheers - the choice is yours. This season, it's all about texture so forget the black opaques (so plain, been there, done that) and retire your well worn leggings to the back of the closet. It's time to show off your pins!

Here are some of our top picks for AW09.

Exhibit B

www.designerlegs.com.au

We found the Cosette by CALZETRASPARENZE (Exhibit B) at www.designerlegs.com.au . Perfect for girly baby doll dresses, fur capes and pearls, snap them up for AU $29 + GST.

Exhibit C

www.lilmama.com.au

Hop over to www.lilmama.com.au  , and snap up a pair of macrame style lace thigh highs. They certainly add interest to a polished lady-like look. Match with your favourite pencil shirt and secretary style blouse.

Exhibit D

www.store.americanapparel.com.au

American Apparel stocks a divine collection of supersheer pantyhose in virtual pink (pictured), black, sherbet (blush pink), dandelion (buttercup yellow), cactus (apple green) and snorkel (sky blue). Pair with all black to make a statement. Find them HERE , AU $24 a pair.

Exhibit E

www.hottopic.com

And finally, our favourites. If you can't afford Chanel, you can afford these two tone tights by Hot Topic . These babies slim the leg and look awesome under your favourite Winter mini US $10 www.hottopic.com

Now that you've stock(ing) piled for winter, don't forget a good quality lingerie bag. This is essential if you're too busy/lazy/other to handwash. We found the adorable spot bag (below) at Bras N Things.

www.bnt.com.au

NICE GIRLS DON'T GET THE CORNER OFFICE

Ed note: uber b*tch or pragmatic career girl? You be the judge...

Model 101

INSTALLMENT #3

Last week I had a shoot for an Australian designer on location. It was lots of fun even though we were kind of roughing it, I had my make up done on the sidewalk and it was freezing. But in the midst of getting changed behind a screen and warming my hands against a skim double shot espresso, I had a pretty good time.

Today I got the test shots back (a preview of what they'll eventually look like). Happily, I was happy. They turned out amazingly well seeing it was such a dirty grungy look, unlike anything I've ever done.

Rule # 29

But behind all of this fun there were a couple of issues I had to tactically resolve.

Firstly, I had an earlier appointment so I hadn't been home in hours. I was exhausted and grumpy, and I'd moved my car 4 times to avoid parking fines. So when I finally turned up and found out there were four models (one of which had braces + not a good look = sent home) and just one make up artist I was sooo not impressed.

Look, I'm no diva but who wants to wait on the sidewalk for 3 hours in the cold and wet? Especially seeing I'd been out most of the day! I'll be honest, I was not willing to wait before it was my turn to be styled. So  I made up an excuse about not feeling great and having worked huge hours that week (the last bit was was true). Voila!, The stylist took pity and I went first. One quick hour later, I was out of make up and in to hair, 50 minuets after that I was shooting. 30 minutes of posing for the camera (and freezing my ars* off), I was released from duty.

The designer chose to go with my shots - undoubtedly because they spent more time getting me ready and had more time to focus on my shoot. (Those poor other girls only had 20 min make up and hair- eek!).

Do I sound like a manipulative b*tch? I'm not really, although I do appear as such. At the end of the day though, you've gotta do what you've gotta do to get ahead (even if that means lying).

Nice girls don't get the corner office. If you're sweet, you're the one with wasted time and a pile of useless shots.

This is the first instalment where I have read back and thought how terrible I sound. The thing is - either you want the work or you don't. If you cared about everyone's feelings and what people think, then you're destined the V8's.

Need I say more?

DADDY PLEASE BUY ME A PEONY...

Vanessa Laraine

The other day I wandered down Auburn Rd in East Hawthorn (Melbourne) and came across Peony. Now, on a side note, this quaint little village pres de la gare is a brilliant little secret. Here you can shop for vintage fashion, fast fashion, , kids fashion (super stylish), european homewares, furnishings, organic soaps, trinkets within a 100 metre stone throw. The Geebung is a mere 50 metres from Auburn station and is a popular watering hole with locals and 'suburb tourists' alike. Perhaps my favourite thing to do though, is nurse a soy latte at Sprout. This cute organic grocery-cum-cafe has the best sour dough w goats cheese and vine ripened tomato I've ever tasted. One can pour over the Saturday Age for hours and watch the sleepy weekend life pass by.

Having said the above - the entire point of this article is not Auburn Village - although if you do live in Melbourne it's definitely worth a visit.

Now back to Peony. It's a luxurious and exquisite space offering home fragrances, perfumes, bath and body products and skin care. By self admission, 'a combination of deliciously sensual scents creates a unique Peony experience'.

I'm a big fan of creating an inviting atmosphere through fragrance. But would I spend up to $100 on a candle? Would you? I have to admit, my first reaction was absolutely not! However, it suddenly came to me to me that I thought nothing of spending hundreds of dollars on my favourite perfumes. Why then, was I hesitating over fragrance for the home?  

With a heady selection, you'd think a migraine would shortly ensue a visit. Oddly enough, my experience was the opposite. Upon leaving, I felt calm, yet joyously inspired that my new Tocca candela would replenish the missing je ne sais quoi in my apartment.

Order online at www.peonymelbourne.com.au  or contact jill@peonymelbourne.com.au for further information

STICKING THE BOOT UP SUMMER

New York City correspondent, Rebecca Long

Days from summer, I can't help but notice the absence of sandals on the street. On the contrary - the dominant footwear is boots.

And we're not talking peeptoe versions or those silly cage thingermibobs I blogged about this week (sooooo Monday the 11th). Oh no si-ree, these clodhoppers could squishety-squash a small child.

Word is orders are pouring in for Aussie shoesmith Tristan Blair's patent wedge boot, due - you guessed it - first week of summer. Not sure whether that says more about New Yorkers, the times, or the crazy spell fashion marketers cast over wage slaves.

But Mother Nature hasn't been very kind to me since I landed in New York City, so I too am going to stick the boot in. YSL Studio style. Now what ever happened to end-of-season sales?

Follow Rebecca's global fashion adventures at www.imwearing.wordpress.com   and www.styleitinery.onsugar.com

Pictured: Tristan Blair patent leiza wedge boot, buy online HEREat www.amelieboutique.com  (image credit) GBP 270

www.tristanblair.com        www.amelieboutique.com

Read Rebecca's original post: http://imwearing.wordpress.com/2009/05/16/sticking-the-boot-up-summer/

CAGED BIRDS IN MANHATTAN

Vanessa Laraine

Empires rise and empires fall. Witness the demise of the mightiest of all.

The Gladiator.

I'm not suggesting The Heel to End All won't feature heavily in your summer wardrobe. It's still got at least one, if not two more SS season(s) before the world's trend dictators tire of aggressive strapped leather. On the feet, ladies! Heads up!

Slowly, ever so slowly, caged birds are emerging. We've seen them in Manhattan. Or rather Melbourne's chic publicist and blogger Bec Long has. Birds of all breeds are sporting interpretations of the YSL cage shoe. Suddenly lattice work became cool. A mere two weeks ago I would have baulked at the idea of wearing such waffle wrap .But such is the subconscious power of influence, I'm coveting my own pair.

Thanks to K-Rudd I may be able to afford the Real Deal, but why bother when almost identical interpretations hit the High Street?

I've just got to find them in Australia. Or somewhere that ships to my PO Box in Melbourne's inner east. Has anyone got the lead on this? Email editor@hbtnstyle.com.au

Pre-order your very own pair of YSL cage boots for US $990 HERE

Or, snap up Jeffrey Campbell's own interpretation at one of these stockists (for less than $200). info@jeffreycambellshoes.com or nycshowroom@jeffreycampbellshoes.com WE CAN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE!

Follow Bec Long's global fashion adventures at www.styleitinery.onsugar.com

Image credit: www.ysl.com

LONDON CALLING

Rebecca Lucas

For weeks I have been pulling out my hair trying to decide what clothes and shoes should be packed for my move to London. Statement pieces that I had collected over the years lay on my bed like a fashion line-up waiting to be interrogated. Tears and hissy fits followed as I brutally culled some of my favourite clothing. Yet through this devastating time my BFF Aimee kept reassuring me that there was better fashion in London.

But no matter how many times she told me this, I just couldn't / wouldn't register. As much as I love shopping, I didn't want to buy a whole new wardrobe, it just seemed so expensive and a waste.

Like a true friend, Aimee took me to Oxford Street on my first day in London. It was like I had died and gone to fashion heaven! Shop after shop were ranges of uh-mazing clothes. And they were affordable! From H&M to Topshop their high street fashion is equivalent to Australia'fs Sportsgirl & Witchery - but on steroids.

Excitedly I called my parents to annouce this discovery. In true Dad fashion, he asked why then, had I bothered to lug a massive suitcase, the same weight as a child 20,000 kilometres around the world. My answer? There was no way I could have imagined this. You've got to see it to believe it! Plus I'll need the extra space to carry my new wardrobe home.....

Ed note: Bec, if I wasn't inspired already to come and visit, I am now. I'm preparing that 'empty' suitcase tonight....

EMBRACE EUROPE THIS WINTER

Kelly McNeill

Australian women are pushing for that European feel, saying good-bye to traditional black boots and welcoming the exciting look of brown.  

With the softest leathers covering the spectrum of tan to chocolate, this enduring Euro trend screams style.  Cool, hip, chic, no matter how you say it, brown = looking good.  Worn with the perfect pair of jeans, boots such as Wittner's Cajun looks and feels superb.  Even men are walking the trend - think brown leather oxfords.

Indeed brown is the new black where footwear is concerned.  

To dress the trend, remember: the best boots don't need accessories. - They are the accessory. So forget zips, buttons and fringes, keep it simple and sophisticated.  Brown boots keep your look casual, but still manages to stir things up.

So why not step out in something different this winter?

Find the Wittner Cajun boot, and other fabulous styles at www.wittner.com.au We love online shopping!

Pictured: Chloe leather calf high boot. Available at www.net-a-porter.com  (image credit) for GBP 353.19. BUY NOW

WARDROBE DETOX

Carla Caruso

Have you noticed whenever you have a career change you need to do a total wardrobe detox?

While at uni, I had a part-time job as a bank teller and I started looking a little mumsy. Think 90s-style blazers and crisp cotton shirts. (Most of the people I worked with were double my age - their fashion sense kind of rubbed off!)

These items, however, were ditched as soon as I landed a retail job at a top-end shoe store and needed ultra chic threads to match my new ultra chic heels.

Then, I kicked off the skyscraper heels when I got my first real job (they didn't work too well at the sheep auctions in my first gig at a country newspaper).

Since then, I have held down various media jobs, each requiring their own uniform, depending on the location and staff. 'Cause you can't help being influenced by those you work with, even if you don't admit it. (Feels a little schoolyard!) One gossip reporter at a daily rag I worked with had a penchant for wearing cream-coloured skinny jeans - and, soon enough, I sadly, found myself slipping into my own pair.

Now, I'm about to head into the big, wide world of full-time freelancing and I'm not sure what my wardrobe should be. I definitely won't need so many party dresses now I've left the glossy! Instead, eBay is going to be my new bestie. And I won't have any colleagues to draw inspiration from.

It all makes me wonder though, if I'd stayed in the same job all these years, how much dosh could I have saved on clothes? (I'm too scared to do a rough tally!)

COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET (AND IN TO YOUR WARDROBE)

Vanessa Laraine

www.net-a-porter.com  's little sister has come out of the closet. The team behind the award winning online designer boutique have created a global site retailing discounted designer womenswear and accessories. Yes that's right. Designer! Discounted! In the one sentence!

Natalie Massenet, Founder and Chairman of NET-A-PORTER explains, "Great fashion won't disappear - it will go to theOutnet and we are delighted to create a vibrant, fun and edited destination for the global sale shopper to call her own." As part of the NET-A-PORTER group theOutnet stocks an (almost) endless collection of top designer apparel. Best of all, the authenticity of each item is ALWAYS guaranteed. No more spending a small fortune only to discover you've been ripped off.

So what sort of fashion delights can be found at theOutnet? How about a Stella McCartney rhinestone paillette mini dress ?(HERE) Or a pair of Christian Louboutin bretelle swarovski sandals? (HERE). Not your style? Perhaps you'd prefer a Chloe Heloise patent tote (HERE). Just a side note: don't bother asking us how much these products are. If you have to ask, you (still) can't afford them.

Happy shopping!

www.theoutnet.com

image credit: www.theoutnet.com

YES! YOU CAN AFFORD THIS

Vanessa Laraine

We've avoided talking about the economic crisis for ages. Why? Because everyone else is, and we like being different. Sadly sometimes, if you ignore things, they don't go away. We've been forced to talk about it because everyone keeps asking - where can I find affordable, yet luxurious items that are fad proof?

Whilst browsing www.net-a-porter.com  (yes we get to do this legitimately during work hours) we came across the stunning violet Rebecca Taylor strapless dress, available HERE for US $295

Some may balk at forking out AU $410 for a party dress, but we say it's worth it. Nothing beats the feeling when you slip in to a garment of supreme quality - and style.

www.rebeccataylor.com

image credit: www.net-a-porter.com

GOSH, WE LOVE REBECCA TAYLOR SO MUCH

Vanessa Laraine

Still on the Rebecca Taylor train - she's our new design crush, snap up this all too cute cashmere sequin tank top. Now, we have no good reason to buy this except it's right on trend, and it's so very now. Sequins! White cashmere! You sooo need this versatile wardrobe item, darling. Pair it with your favourite black skinnies, studded leather belt and gladdies. Step out in style, sweetheart. Because that's what we're all about!

x

US $345 at www.net-a-porter.com

BUY IT NOW

image credit www.net-a-porter.com

THE REAL WAY BEHIND THE RUNWAY

MODEL 101. 

She's coveted and highly paid. So shrouded in mystery is she, that her identity remains disclosed, even to the HBTN team. To quote the mademoiselle herself: 'I want to keep my job'. We may never Model 101s identity, but week by week, this Aussie beauty will take us behind the scenes and expose the underbelly of the fashion industry.

INSTALLMENT #2

This week's muse is a little sad and very sobering. Can one have no friends in this industry? How then did one of Melbourne's top fashion PR chicks become my new fab friend?

In this installment, Model 101 tells us friendship is an impossible daydream, and that one should feed her rivals disguised carbs to get ahead....

Friends are almost non-existent in the fashion industry (this is not to say that it never happens, but it is as rare as a Hermes Birkin in modern society.)

Rule  #17 "Trust no one".

All other models are your potential competition, and at some point you will literally be compared to and insulted in front of one another. Girls (and guys) laugh and brush of the incestuous flow of criticism as if it were last years failing season of Rock and Republic, but there is no denying it hurts.

Well-armoured models are the key to their own success; nothing drags them down (PS tears at a casting are a tacky sign of a drama queen). For those of us who get the work, we might attend up to 5 or more castings a week on top of other commitments and socialising. As you can imagine wearing this heavy coat of armour is not so nearly enjoyable as the new Prada RTW.

The truth is, girls suck up to designers and makeup artists in the hope that they get the best pieces to wear, or that the makeup artist might inadvertently "forget" to adorn the other models with fake lashes, thereby rendering her the most beautiful........

Lets face it, we all know there are models who have strong influence in Australia's high society. These are the girls whom you want to befriend. The rest don't matter, air kisses and impromptu primping of egos is a sneaky trick that most use to get ahead. But, at the end of the day modelling is a job. You do what you have to do to get ahead. If that means feeding the other models high fat/high carb snacks that you 'mistakenly' thought were diet then that's what you must do..

INSTALLMENT #1

I am a model, I walk the runway, I pose for shoots, I get to wear nice clothes, I get paid great money for 10 minutes in the limelight, but all is not as it seems.

In this series of installments I will tell all, the true story, all real, no crap, no dreams, just the truth.

I was in several runway shows for the recent L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, I wore some items which I loved and some that I hated but over all I enjoyed it.

Rule #1 never complain (Only two models ever have the right to do this, Kate Moss and Lara Stone)

One 16 year old diva was put in her place after she refused to wear something backstage at LMFF 09 (ok it was a truly awful dress which creased when you touched it (similar to grease proof paper) and she could hardly fit her tiny (twig like, if I may use that term) arms through the holes. Regardless, she hasn't worked a runway since. Being a model is not all it's cracked up to be, its mostly boring and exhausting and for many, an endless battle with our mortal enemy...FOOD!  Just forget that carbs exist before we go any further. (I told you I was honest).

Rule #2 epitomise perfection

Your body is your temple. You are paid to look perfect, always. No excuses (plus you can claim it all back in tax deductions). Endless amounts of manicures, pedicures, hair treatments, cuts, colours, trims, touch ups, facials, massages, skin treatments, peels and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Paramount to this is diet (rules #15-28).

Next week:

• True tales from back stage
• Drug use and supplements
• Hissy fits and divas
• Designers (that's a whole new ball game)
• Competition and 'friends' in the industry

image credit: www.fashionising.com

We stress this is NOT Model 101 in the photo! Although it was taken at the recent 2009 L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.