back from travelling the world!!!! :):):)

It's been a reeeeeaaaally long time since last post. I hoped to blog the whole way through my world trip, but it just didn't happen. Along with reading many books from the harvard classics list, learning a new language and becoming proficient in fashionable international liaisons. Suffice to say, none of those aspirations happened. Although, jet-setting for 2 months: almost every week travelling to a new country - There just wasn't time to mentally process and prepare new content for you, my darlings. I missed you of course, terribly. Just hope my little hiatus to see the world (& grasp some much needed life experience) hasn't lost you forever! but I do have some exciting news to share. On a couple of different fronts! (yay!) As already aforementioned, my next post will be on the lovely Emilia. (double yay!) coming this week. see previous post for her teaser image. kind of AHHHMAZE.

World Trip - spent time in Playa Del Carmen (Mexico), New York (USA), Paris (France), Zurich (Switzerland), Barcelona (Spain) and Marrakech (Morocco) over 8 weeks. Fashion shoots in Mexico, NYC, Paris & Barcelona.... coming your way very soon! I'm very very excited to share. It was fun, challenging and all in all a great experience working internationally with some of the beauties of this world!

Literally, just flew in last week back home to Aussyland. Crazily jetlagged and still attempted to maintain the usual social routine with my gorgeous dancer friends at our school Kokoloco's annual diamonds ball. It's one of my fave events of the year, because you get to see so many different people's takes on fashion. We have a theme each ball, it's really fun and interesting to see where the inspiration from the theme can go. 'Diamond' this year - so there was a lot of sparkly classy ladies & handsome boys in suits...and maybe even a cute waiter or two. If you could get off the overflowing energy filled dance floor to notice. Oh and tequila.... Had a greeeeeaaaat night!

I wore a divine beaded, sequinned, jewelled black and bronze 70s glam vintage dress - fresh from my new york tour. Acquired at a quirky, sought after vintage boutique in the east village. 'Angela's Vintage'. Just quietly, totally adore Angela. She's a sweetheart and picked this for me! It was a perfect fit. The rest is history...

Kokoloco Samba Belezas

Trending: Winter Fashion 2012

Note: this was drafted beginning of aussie winter, ooops! we're now spring flinging through to warmer southern hemisphere delights. Let's pretend this is for my euro/american friends currently approaching fall. ;) x 

Heya Kittens,

Once again the next season has already snuck up upon us. Where crimson coloured leaves fall at our feet, winds sweeping and passionate, that transitory limbo time between fire and ice. The beginning and end of summer flings. A reminder cooler times are on it's way. The Australian summer, if you can even call it that, was the least impressive it's ever been. Think I enjoyed more sunny days whilst volunteering in India (in their winter last year), than I did laying by Broulee beach on a questionably 'hot' afternoon. Mind you, in India, the only place I was safe to bare flesh was rooftop tanning. Much to my kid neighbours delight, where we would play 'bang, bang, you're dead!' until his mother called for dinner time and I would resume sunset 'meditation' (also known as my excuse for designated sun worship) to calm the mind in such a busy place. Plus it was my only escape from a house full of some 10 volunteers. Not terrible by any means, but if you normally live alone, with your demanding but lovable cat. Culture shock, granted.

Around this time of year (like clockwork) I resume my winter staple. Burgundy. Anddddd lots of it. (luckily for me this happens to be the 'in' colour of the moment! WINNING) Beret, Scarf, Handbag, Cardigan. You name it, I'll return to earthy tones and remember why layering is the most amazing fashion style for personal expression there is! Also, let's not forget knee high knit socks... Teamed with bodycon mini backless dresses and black sequin crop blazers... *delish!* gahhh so many options! Not enough parties?!

What are some of your fave go-to-winter staples? It can be anything. knit lace leggings, that snug old jumper you can't seem to throw out (not to be confused with the snuggie! ew...hello?!), leg warmers, poncho etc Whatever it is, I want to hear from you ;) comment. comment. comment. xo

Winter Fashion Trends: KLM STYLE

The Perfect Winter Trench 

For me, the perfect winter trench is double breasted. Tailored to purrfection. Classic, but not dated. Audrey-esque with a hint of couture quality. Ideally, without the hefty price tag. Navy, Burgundy, Red, Black, White or Cream (if we're being specific!) preferably with possible feature buttons (gold, silver, coloured) and military stitches. Which to the normal fashion gal, seems all but impossible to find! Depending on your body type and what works for you (fitted, cape, long, etc) it's important to have a warm but wearable solution for the icier times ahead. Something comfortable you can pair with your cute layered outfits. If you're a busy fashionista, you won't have hours to colour match every single outfit to your outerwear. Honestly, what sexy working chica has that kind of time? I recommend neutral 'safe' colour choices. Black, Cream, White, Navy. If your budget allows, stretch out your winter collection to feature colours as well, army green, burgundy, grape, fuchsia, turquoise, electric blue. I like to have one beautiful coat for the three months of literal frozen hell. Usually black or cream. Keep it simple, elegant and beautiful. Instead of buying excessive seasonal fashion you like, buy one thing you LOVE. Treasure. Adore. Collect. You'll thank me later! ;)

Second Skin (skinnies, leggings & tights)

Want to know the secret to being comfortable, looking skinny (no matter your body type) and feel realistically sexy without having to put in hours of style prep? Skinny jeans. Leggings. Skin tight pants. There's something incredibly empowering about wearing pants, as a woman, but even more sexy if they're skin tight. Second skin, as I like to call my favourite black skinnies. When I'm wearing these babies I not only feel in control of my style, but also quite proud to be showing off my curves via subtle confidence. Normally worn with an oversized white shirt, maxi gold necklace, structured blazer and kitten heels or wedges (day/night). I've asked my friends - they all have agreed, in one way or another, wearing this simple casual style has made them feel good about themselves. *tick! I made a point of asking different types because we all have impressions of what works for us in reference to height, weight and skin tone. Majority of my ladies-that-lunch felt comfortable. Sharing similar sentiments by choosing this quick fashion fix for achieving carefree pretty. It's fun too! There are soooo many options out there for making this look your own. From prints, textures, metallics, cutouts to denim and material variety. Every season is another opportunity where you can reinvent yourself, style or otherwise, and explore new possibilities. Fashion should be no different... ;)

The Bat-Cape

Sienna Miller rocking a red riding hood cape. I am currently in the process of designing my new winter staple. (also, worth noting for the less than experienced sewer - can be a totally easy DIY weekend project!!)

Colour Blocks

Colour blocking not exac new but certainly popular. Looking at fashion with the way it has been evolving around colour gradually moving towards more colour pops & ombre lights. Have to admit, kind of love it. Prints & colour NEVER get old. colour + mismatched print in the right colour opposites = LOVE SO MUCH!!!!!! Don't even get me started on the ombre fascination. SRSLY. We'll be here foreves. Some are cautious as this may be yet another fad (refer to: jeggings, the 'belt purse' aka ridiculously renamed everybody's fave: fannypack & hypercolour tees etcetc) that will probs guilty of following but personally, I just can'ts get enough of it....in my hairstyle, nails, design. If you're more of a softer belle can always opt for pastel pretty to lighten your closet pallet.  Your colour blocking play-style does not have to be limited to bolds, in order to create the same effect. If you are looking for tropical inspiration: street style women of spain and brazil have my vote.

Peplum

While I may not be overtly sold on this look, do own a few feature pieces that have the peplum ruffle signature. You can see it everywhere now. Do you likey? I love it in the early 90s and my strapless, bone structure corseted leopard print h&m dress but.. does it really have to be on every single top & dress avail? EVERYWHERE?! Just gonna go right ahead and say it - FAD. You'll be bored of it, mañana. If not, wear it, love, style & ignore. Not the biggest loverrrr of all 90ties revival.

French Lace - every girl's best friend

If you were to meet me tomorrow you'd probably be greeted by an annoyingly chipper girl in a white lace maxi dress. Possibly, with a bow in her hair. That's just how I roll... 'Lace Addict' does not even come close to describing this unhealthy (and often redundant) fascination with the prettier textures of Parisian inspiration. I genuinely think lace suits everybody. Every girl should wear something pretty, feminine and sweet. We spend too much of our lives trying to grow up, act our age, that we forget to embrace the softer aspects of beautiful material pleasure. And, more importantly, dress-ups! Ditch the power suit and add a little girly detail to your collar. (and everything else. always. always.)

Luxe Leather

Lisbeth Salander eat your heart out. Structured, studded, quilted, modern twists on the leather persuasion. Not limited to rocker children of the new world, any longer. Embrace your inner rebel (bad boys & bad girls alike) without the social stereotype. My most coveted and favourite leather-play has to be the Balmain matador inspired collection RTW '12. Every piece designed with impeccable detail, sophistication and vegas flair. Elvis, be proud. The variations of how you can wear it are pretty amazeballs - high waisted shorts, jackets, leggings, fingerless MJ gloves and even crazy colour options.
No matter how you choose to wear your edgy companion, wear it with the confidence and the killer attitude leather demands.

That's all for now, kittens. Epic entry right? Can't help it. Fashion excites me! :)

COMING UP NEXT: style feature (interview & editorial) on the beautiful Emilia. Love this girl's style. She is kind of ahhhmazing.

Get pumped.... until then, here's a little preview

Allura
xoxo

Life Lessons: Why Positivity Always Trumps Jealousy

Recently, I ran into an acquaintance I haven’t seen in years at a party. We both work as photographers. While I was genuinely happy to have a chat, say hello and exchange well wishes. It became apparent this person had a separate agenda to my own, alerting to the fact he was making a comeback to shooting – which I thought was great! Nothing beats that feeling of beautiful flowing creative energy...  everyone should experience :)

After a few shared nice comments, this person started to reveal his true opinion about my work. That there was times he’d be in competition with me, see something I’d create and want to try it out then ‘obviously do it better’.  I didn’t really understand these statements because I never knew we were in competition or thought of our work as being similar. I’m flattered he thought me a worthy opponent ;) My friend went on to talk about himself (a lot) and how although not technical, believes himself to be a true visionary artist ('everyone says so!'). It was all getting very ‘there’s something about this guy’ at this point and awkward for the girl standing next to me, taking in the entire conversation. It’s possible I surprised myself with my response. 

Instead of biting, replying defensively, I said ‘thank you’. That kind of competitive aggression is foreign to me. There’s no place for negativity in my life and never allow self to follow down that path in my personal or business endeavours.  

My philosophy in this business (well, life!) is to always be the best you, you can possibly be. The only person you are ever in competition with is yourself. Everyone else around you, they are there to encourage and inspire even when they are speaking words of negativity. Never see someone as a threat if they do well or even surpass you, momentarily. Choose to see it as a milestone you’d like to someday create for yourself. Instead of compiling mental shopping lists of all the things this person does wrong in comparison to you. Why not save some time (+head space) and congratulate! I can guarantee offering kindness and genuinely being happy for your friends/peers/competition will leave you with more sustained happiness than you would have achieved from spending money, or dare I say it... shopping. When we give gifts, be it in material form or random acts of kindness, we feel better about ourselves and encourage others to smile with us.

This particular moment with an old acquaintance sparked greater dialogue in my head. I wanted to share this wisdom with you, from my experiences and what I have learnt along the way. It is important to be armed with the necessary social tools in any situation to handle yourself appropriately. So long as you do it with pride, stellar charisma and always back your worth....can’t go wrong! :)

The best way to avoid listening to others’ projected negativity is to first: Know Yourself.
 
Understand your strengths. Identify what makes you different. Be confident, and never apologize for being just who you are. With that in mind, you’ll never be open to allowing someone else to make you feel less than you are. Everyone has a gift, and every person is incredibly talented. Celebrate!

There, I said it. Now I’ll get off my soapbox and back to fashion.  (umm...yes please!!!)

Much love peeps of the world. Have a beautiful day!

Allura xoxo

Winter Weekend: wrap up & dreaming out loud

I've spent the weekend in and out of doing a thousand things; partying with my friends (woo!), photoshoot, retouching work, cleaning (arrrggggh *spewtastic*) and now my domestic sunday has been conveniently hijaked by rewatching all my favourite movies.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Painted Veil, Last Night, Babel and Volver.

It's a nice feeling reminding yourself just why those films meant more to you than others, to experience again consequetive frames of visual awestruck cinematographic artistry, defining moments that evoke relateable emotion and interpersonal character relationships and or achievements that leave you feeling inspired. For whatever it is, you are missing. 

Rewatching my faves has almost inspired two entire collections of fashion, inside my head. Wish you could USB that directly to photoshop. Would make for an easier discussion explaining just how you want your patterns made & prototypes designed. *dream*


Since I'm having a lazy creative day, what are some of your favourite films that you watch on these lovely dvd & comfort food winter sundays? Can I just also add...shizzz freezing up in the nations capital. Never envy me for living in the city of public servants and politicians...(laughable, I know!) Canberra sucks when it's cold! So cold you could die of frostbite. Sometimes can't believe I actually live here. But, it's home, you know? It's where I grew up. Where all the beautiful friends are. Where my sister lives. Although I never see her, I know if we weren't so close (geographically) there'd be a hole in my heart.

Today, I am daydreaming about fulfilling my dream to live, study, work & create in New York. I have applied for an arts residency thing, but not sure - don't get vibe that I've been selected. Just a feeling. So in an effort to live my dream of surrounding self by lovely fashionistas, designers and createurs alike - I leave you with some of my fave images of the big apple (including NY street style! LOVE). The Fashion Mecca of western style. You know it.

I bet you're wondering why in all my fave film watching, 'New York, I Love You' wasn't on the list.

ahhhhh, mañana....

Have a beautiful day kittens!

<3 xoxoxox

(edit: I have lots of draft posts coming your way over the next few days! Get in my crazy perfectionista moods & refuse to post anything live until my words are just right... hence the drafts haha as you can see - today was not one of those days! Not to worry bloggerspace, I haven't forgotten about you. )

Style Kitten #3: Jonny Cosmo

It's a Wednesday afternoon and I'm prepping for next style muse! The amazing cocktail connoisseur Jonny Day, charming man behind Jonny Cosmo.

By the time I arrive to his house (edit: downstairs bachelor pad) sunset is nearing. With light and time not entirely on our side, my nerves kick in to overdrive as not totally comfortable shooting in low light. But like all good things in life, we must first survive the challenge of new experience. Make the best of our resources, and succeed instinctively. Which is basically the pretext for: "I'm pleasantly surprised with the results we achieved” ;)

The very first thing you notice about Jonny are those eyes. Magnetic ocean coloured, piercing beyond a welcoming smile. It's clear the boy has presence. When you are in his company, whether it is sipping on insatiable 'can't have just one' cocktails at super stylish hippo bar or hanging out, it is a common understanding you're being charismatically disarmed.

Being the first photographer to shoot Jonny and discover not only does he exude masculine style and fashion expression but can pose effortlessly, in a way I’d expect from a more experienced model. Wooo! Another tick.

Evident by the amount of thought, pride and eclectic personal taste that goes into Jonny’s overall appearance. Judging from interiors alone, his love of design extends beyond beautiful pieces of rich mahogany furniture to quirky modern art one-offs. Vogue Living present on display (and a very hot youthful looking Keanu on the cover! yes!) I expect to see his style and home featured on the likes of 'the selby' someday. If he can find time away from chasing waves....

Hope you enjoy the results of our design filled convo hang out > style editorial shoot. 

Allura xoxo

Question 1: Tell me about yourself. What are your passions, What brings you happiness?

Jonny: "Happy people make me happy, I like making people happy and like being around positive people. I love hearing when people are following through with their dreams and ideas. It's inspiring and I always feel a boost of energy to keep pushing forward with my own projects.

"

Question 2: Tell me about your business ‘Jonny Cosmopolitan’, how long have you been doing this?
 

Jonny:
 "Jonny Cosmopolitan was an idea when I started studying Business and Marketing in 2009 and officially launched on New Years Eve 2009/2010. Jonny Cosmopolitan is a Cocktail Consulting and Catering Events Business. We offer two main products:

1 - Cocktail catering for corporate events and private parties.
2 - Cocktail and Bar Consulting for any hospitality business interested in selling cocktails or training their staff to make cocktails and be better bartenders."

Question 3: Describe your style in 3 words.



Jonny: "Versatile, Innovative, Alluring."

Question 4: Who inspires you, What style icons do you look to for inspiration?



Jonny: "Johnny Depp, Chris Cornell, Tom Ford. Anyone with a natural beauty about them. The weather always plays a role as well.

"

Question 5: Who is your favourite designer?

Jonny: "Tom Ford, Jack London"

Question 6: What are your favourite fashion/accessory items of the moment?

Jonny: "My new Jack London Hat, Black Suede Boots and of course my Turquoise rings.. All of
them!!

"

Question 7: What are you dying to wear this autumn/winter?



Jonny: "My big jackets, I have bought a couple over summer. I have a long wool coat that's rocking and a couple of nice suits waiting to be brought out."

Question 8: What do you predict will be trending autumn/winter '12?

 

Jonny: "Hat's i think guys will take the next step from baggy beanies to hat's. I have seen them come up in a couple of magazines." 

Question 10: If you could choose a song that describes you, What would it be? 

Jonny: "Getaway Car - Audioslave"

Behind-The-Scenes

Happy Mothers Day! xoxo

To all the beautiful & inspiring women out there! Happy Mothers Day & to my mother Rosie, I love you! xo

Talking Kitty: Henri (en francais)

Perhaps a little off topic but here at Kitten La Moda - we can't get enough of a (french) talking kitty, in artistic black and white. The indy arts snob inside me literally cannot stop watching! Even the fact his accent isn't perfect, makes it all the more lovely. Check out youtube the film short of Henri, below :)



xoxo allura

Black Milk & Jeffrey Campbell: make sweet love on Solestruck

Can hardly contain my excitement at the prospect of shoe & fashion heaven meeting in the middle. An enticing creative marriage is born between Australian Fashion label Black Milk and American shoe designer Jeffrey Campbell. Ahhhh, best news eves. Can't wait to pre-order the galaxy 'Damsel' boots (featured below). FAVE.

For more deets: LA RACKED - Black Milk and Jeffrey Campbell Come Together on Solestruck

xx