Mi Nah Follow Trend. Mi Set The Standard!

This morning I felt like wearing something feminine and upbeat colourwise. It was going to be a hard day but I was running late so decided to not overthink things and simply wear an outfit I'd worn just over a week ago but with different accessories. I had a DHL depot guy to pacify to ensure the fast processing and delivery of an important package to the other side of the city so my OOTD was the least of my concerns. My ensemble by Desert Designs, a little-known Australian brand, had me foolishly ignoring the weatherman and shimming out of my apartment listening to Set The Standard by Mr Williamz. I was ready to melt DHL hearts.

Eleven months ago, I'd never heard of Mr Williamz but after a friend showed me a short video of him on BBC 1Extra Robbo Ranx's show, I was hooked. If only he knew the night I heard "We nah follow trend. We set the standard." was the night my outlook on a lot of things changed and his lyrics became one of my fashion related mantras. 

I thought I'd share a shortened version of the video I watched months ago. Listen carefully from 0.58 to 2.00mins. You'll hear the lyrics that had me whiling out this morning thinking "Aboriginal artwork printed on silk is not in fashion but mi nah follow trend. Mi set the standard".

 

I thought I'd also share the outfit that got people on the street beaming at me last week but today giving me the most awkward looks. 

Last Thursday

  Today

Top and skirt - both Desert Designs

Thursday's bag - (not pictured)

Today's bag - Donna Karan

Thursday shoes - Charles and Keith

Today's shoes - Miu Miu

Thursday's sunglasses - Ray-Ban

Thursday's jewellery - Chanel vintage earrings + BVLGARI ring

Today's jewellery - all BVLGARI

Psssssst -----> OPI The Thrill of Brazil nail polish 

I remember trying on the two garments in FAT, a Melbourne boutique that picks up bits and pieces from both emerging and established edgier designers, and thinking wearing them together was a little too much. Yes too much for work but perfect for birthdays, engagements, break-up dinners with my girls and more casual industry events. I'd planned to leave empty handed and give it a few days before deciding what to do but half an hour later I was back at FAT picking up both pieces. Je ne regrette rien!

Christine Centenera, Vogue Australia's Senior Fashion Editor, has women all over this country and beyond searching high and low for those sculptural shapes and scuba inspired tops. Not me. I'm looking for well-priced Australian and non-Australian brands whose prints not only tell a story but move me. Desert Designs' prints do just that. 

xxx

Time To Share

Happy Thursday everyone!

I'd thought I'd share photos of the street art that had me taking off whatever eyewear I was wearing at the time and saying "Yowe! Yowe!" out loud. Thought I'd also share the little things that inspired me on my mini break and some of my favourite Instagram memories. 

Belleville's other treasures

"You can buy me diamonds

You can buy me pearls

Take me to a patisserie for eclairs 

Baby you know I'm worth it"

Makeup free me in Graffiti Paradise

Menswear inspired outfit

(cashmere v-neck, straight leg jeans and patent loafers)

"The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love 

colour the most." - John Ruskin

Thicker thighs thanks to this family-owned patisserie 

My gig guides 

Where France's serious social problems were discussed

I couldn't help but think of the water situation back home

Knock 'Em Dead Dressed pressed just in case

Read Weingarten's “You're never fully dressed without a 

good manicure." and minutes later I was at this nail spot

When in Paris, show a little skin. Show a little lingerie!

PFW venue (Centquatre)

Give me Dom - I'm happy

Give me sunshine, a little reggae and a pint - I'm happiest

My black is forever beautiful

black Up visual at Galleries Lafayette

black Up products

PFW show venue (Grand Palais)

That door

Bryan Boy and his fabulous and fierce friend

adidas Originals by Jeremy Scott JS Bear 'Flower Power'

Uphill-in-heels shenanigans 

There's just something about this corner

J'adore ses lunettes 

Paris maps and their many uses

Always look up. You just never know what's going to bring 

you immense joy (St Pancras)

I was there

Iosselliani earrings at Liberty

Mad about Manolo flats 

This eager beaver couldn't sleep and went to Browns early

New on the wishlist

The swing tag that made me look NAS style

Love the name of the brand - Gogo Philip

Wardrobe planner slash personal shopper off-duty outfit

(basic top, cargo pants, coat, scarf, ballet flats, 

sling bag and minimal jewellery)

Best believe I had a Lil Jon moment 

I was so tempted to plonk myself in it at The Sanderson

Yayoi Kusama installation at London's Selfridges

If only you could walk with me, ride the tram with me and sit curbside with me and I'd point out the little things that I see that might even inspire you. 

xxx