Poppyseed Markets was created by Poppy Elfes from Sydney who has spent over 15+ years in the Fashion Industry and totally understands how hard talented local designers work to bring you gorgeous handmade products.
 
With so many popular designers making their products offshore, it’s refreshing to see why Poppyseed Markets is so popular. The main reason is that handmade has made a huge comeback and customers prefer to buy original designs, which are not mass-produced.
 
Whether you are after something special be it vintage, retro, chic or designer, you will sure find something special for your newborn, baby, toddler, teen or even loved one at these markets. Not only can you purchase clothing, the market features, girls hair accessories, tote bags, delicious cupcakes, jewellery, soya candles, stationary, canvas art and pictures and s much more.
 
It’s a market geared to babies & kids wear and accessories, ladies fashion, home wares and other special nick knacks.
 
The markets are currently held in Rockdale, Bulli, Newcastle, so don’t miss out on their Gold Coast launch - this Sunday 17th October at the PCYC from 10am – 2pm 180 Monaco St Broadbeach Waters.
 
For more information please contact Poppy Elfes – 0419 61 85 73 or poppy@poppyseedmarkets.com.au

Not fashion strictly speaking – but for a gorgeous young woman that loved everything fashion and to everyone on the Gold Coast who were privy to know or be part of the journey of Jessica and Karen Dunne, I was so very sad to hear Jess passed away on Wednesday morning at home.

The fashion playground had the privilege of meeting Karen last year, taking her shopping and dressing her for a fundraiser for Jess. Larger than life, Karen is truly one of the most inspirational, motivational, loving mum and woman who dedicated her life to helping Jess recover after contracting Meningococcal in 2007.

There is no need to go into details of everything Karen did, as it was well known and covered in local media, but we just wanted to send our love to Karen, her other daughters and the rest of the family during this sad time.

All we can say is clearly there was a need for more angels.

Much love.

One thing I love about flying is the opportunity to sit back, chill out, no interruptions and pay TV. A luxury we have held off from investing in at home. I was a little excited to see the finale of Australia’s next top model on Fox 8 and especially given Virgin’s Live to Air was complimentary after the IT debacle earlier in the week, no questions asked this was my program for the flight.

First up, Amanda Ware. Not only does she have the most insane body, she is just so genuinely natural and lovely. The name was familiar, I knew I had heard it somewhere, oh my goodness I actually heard her sister on hot tomato last weekend sharing her excitement about her sister and encouraging everyone to  vote for her and I kind of felt left out not knowing who she was, but now I knew and wow has this girl got talent and the potential to be not only Australia’s next top Super model, but an International face of the future. Clearly Alex Perry’s favourite, he made no secret that his choice was Amanda and even told the Audience to get behind her.

The other two finalists – Sophie the blonde bombshell from Melb, whilst stunning and had a very Grace Kelly look to me just didn’t seem refined enough. Don’t get me wrong she certainly seemed to have come a long way from her early days in the series where she was likened to Paris Hilton and Barbie!

Kelsey from Sydney, the third finalist who kind of reminded me of a playful puppy. Sweet, joking, laughing and not taking herself too seriously, very natural and easy going – she was probably Amanda’s toughest rival.

So, with the plane about to land in Sydney and the Winner not yet announced, I had to wait till I arrived at my parents place (who thankfully have Fox, finally Dad’s love of the Discovery Channel pays off!).

And the winner is… “Kelsey”…my heart sank momentarily, she was lovely but I really wanted Amanda to win. Hang on one moment….. Sarah Murdoch (host of the series) corrected herself naming Amanda as the winner.

What? How does this happen? Apparently the votes were so close there was an incorrect feed to Sarah and the real winner was Amanda. Talk about the joys of live TV.

So, a HUGE congratulations to Amanda Ware from the GC who at the beginning of the show had no idea about fashion and was real enough to admit it.

She is so versatile, well spoken, has a genetically gifted body and will most certainly do Australia proud on the International circuit. Remember her name as you will be seeing her face in many Capital cities world wide.

Nothing like a delayed plane to catch up on some quality mag time – lucky for me the October issue of Shop was delivered to me yesterday, just in time before we jet-setted off to the US of A. Yep, I am spending the next 12 days between LA and NY and just quietly, I can’t wait!

A NY Virgin, I have received lists on what to do and where to go from every person I know who has ever been there. Not sure I will have time to do it all, but I intend to give the US economy a fair cash injection in the best interests of helping them get back on track, nothing to do with wanting to spoil myself with a few new pieces for my wardrobe what so ever.

So, for the 12 days I will bring you a few highlights from my trip. I couldn’t possibly visit NY without doing the SATC Tour – yes we get to shop where Charlotte bought her “Rabbit”, have a Cosmo at the bar “SCOUT” owned by Aidan – please god let him be there, enjoy cupcakes like Carrie and Miranda, take in the sights at Greenwich Village, waft through the venue of Carrie and Big’s wedding rehearsal dinner – all that in 3.5 hours!!

It’s been quite a while since I have sat down with a glass of wine to enjoy a chick flick is as well and as sad as this may sounds I’m every so quietly hoping that Letters to Juliet is showing on the in flight entertainment. So with that I bid you farewell……next stop LAX.

Want to find out what the most stylish trends are for this season?   Well pop down to Robina Town Centre tonight from 5-8 pm and meet mygc’s Fashion and Style blogger Michelle from the  fashion playground at the Style Lounge outside Country Road.

They are dresses that exist mostly in our dreams, their extravagance, beauty, uniqueness, sophistication and elegance. They are dresses worn by royalty, Hollywood celebrities and those really in the know. The attention to the elements of design is almost beyond words – especially coming from someone who is unable to take up a hem in a straight line – yes that goodness for alteration studios.

Valentino was and still is in a league of this own and today I had the pleasure of floating around the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane admiring the simply stunning Valentino Retrospective Exhibition. A favourite dress…too many to choose from, but I must say the number Julia Roberts wore at the Oscars in 2001 was elegance in its truest form.

As the man himself said “My work is the one of a writer over the years. I wrote only one story, the one of my style, where each collection represents a single chapter with all of its emotions, ideas and interplay.”

If you are a fashionista at heart, have an appreciation for the fine things in life or simply just don’t want to miss out on what everyone is talking about, you MUST MUST MUST visit the Gallery of Modern Art before 14th November 2010.

It’s always a worry when you choose a heading for a blog and then grab a copy of a new mag (in this case Vogue) at the airport and realise that you’ve chosen a heading that is a feature of their September issue.  So, at the risk of being slammed, I am sticking to my original title – “Spring clean your style”.

Spring really is my favorite season of the year. Not only does it add a little spring to my step, it means no more layers upon layers in the early hours of the morning exercising, it also means a change in fashion, new season trends, summer is getting closer and most importantly it is the BEST time of year ever to detox yourself and your style!! As we all start to come out of our winter cocoons, we start to turn into beautiful butterflies.  Here are my tips on how to kick off spring on the right foot and rediscover yourself and your style:

1. Empty everything, yes everything, out of your wardrobe either onto a spare rack or your bed.
2. Grab a BFF or hire a personal stylist to come and help you work your way through what’s to stay and what’s moving on. Try everything on, yes that’s right everything!!
3. Anything that doesn’t fit – put to one side. Depending on whether it’s an “ I’m just having a fat day today” or “I really really just cant’ get that button done up day”, will help you decide which ones stay and which ones go. If in doubt, space-bag up pieces and pop them under your bed or above your wardrobe. The more you get rid of that you don’t wear they better you will feel.
4. Jump onto ebay to sell anything that could give you a few extra $ to put towards some new season pieces or if that’s not your thing, drop a bag off to your local Salvo’s, Red cross or Charity. If you have unwanted suits look up your nearest branch of “Dress for Success” – a fabulous non profit organisation that supports women getting back into the workforce.
5. Hit the shops! Be daring, go on and try on things you would never usually try on. You just might surprise yourself with how wonderful you look. If you don’t know where to shop or what to buy or could really do with some friendly advice – book a personal stylist. Most shopping centres have ones they recommend and I too have a great network of the best and loveliest stylists in every state. Personal stylists are cheaper than a fashion mistake. That’s for sure!
6. Get dressed up. Organise a night out with your partner or the girls – getting dressed up and having a meal out you don’t have to cook and few good laughs with great friends is so underrated and almost as good as a holiday.
7. Set your alarm just half an hour earlier and start pounding the pavement. Summer will be here before we know it and walking even 20 mins every morning is a great way to shed that excess insulation that may have crept up over winter and kick start those feel good endorphins.

I actually heard Arn Doh – one of my most favourite comedians talking yesterday about the release of his first book that he wrote in two months. One thing that stuck in my head was his dad said to him Arn “ There is now and there is too late”.

So no excuses,   NOW is  your time – what are you waiting for?  There is no better time to start than NOW.  Go on get cracking… NOW!

Conceptualising designs, pattern making, sourcing materials, hand sewing, long hours, limited budgets…. who on earth would want to be a fashion designer? It’s not always glitz and glamour, parties and overseas inspirational trips, however on Wednesday night it was time for four of the Advance Diploma of Fashion Students from the AICD to present their magnificent collections to a hand picked guest list at Lauxes in Broadbeach.

Blessed with perfect weather, although a slight chill – the night opened with Alana McBains 2011 Summer collection Mac&Bain which had been designed for women that enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and like to wear simple and elegant garments.

Following Mac&Bain was Astrid King by Candice Turner whose collection titled The Future Ancients  took on a classic styling with ornate details fused with a twist of modernity and futurism.

Next up Je z a bel  by Aubrey Wright with his collection “Ruins of Reality” which was inspired by moments captured in desolate landscapes and neglected wastelands with the underlying theme that we often forget what beauty lies in the past. Unique and edgy pieces that very much reminded me of Ksubi’s early days.

Last but definitely not least Amit Ayalon whose collection “Becoming Silhouettes” was inspired by fantasy movies such as Neverland, Lord of the Rings and Avatar. Anything that existed in dreams and floated about in our imagination was transformed into a magnificent collection. ” Becoming Silhouettes garments are all about giving the wearer a dreamy feel. It’s very avant-garde comes femininity, the fairy and the warrior”.

I was blown away by what was presented, even having had the pleasure of seeing all the garments pre-parade, the amount of detail in every garment, that was hand sewn in the months leading up to the parade was truly phenomenal. They are four very talented individuals.  With between 10-14 garments each it was certainly a night for them to be extremely proud – even if they were competing for attention with Will Ferrell And Mark Wahlberg next door  dining at Moo Moo’s.

A HUGE congratulations to all the AICD Styling, Makeup and Fashion Business students who assisted behind the scenes – a mammoth effort to dress and prepare all the models and to the models (from Viviens and Katz and those not with agencies) you were all fabulous.

A massive thanks to Keegan Buzza from Hot Tomato -  MC for keeping everyone entertained throughout the formalities.

For more info on fashion design, styling courses visit www.aicd.edu.au

I must say as much as I love my fashion and style, sometimes even I struggle for inspiration. Lately, there has been a slight drought in my inspiration pot – as new season threads trickle into store (with the best still yet to come), I actually thought to myself this morning “Michelle it’s time for a wardrobe detox”. I do these regularly, monthly in fact – doesn’t mean I haul everything out but I re merchandise. Everything comes out, some go back in others go into space bags and voila a whole new fresh perspective on getting dressed every day. It’s the cheaper alternative to a good dose of retail therapy!

So, with the lack of inspiration and a move of a meeting from today to Monday, I decided to grab a couple of spare hours with both hands and head to the brand spanking new concept The A Room!

The A Room is located conveniently next door to Adrenalin at Australia Fair and together these 2 stores are new bff (that’s best friends forever in case you missed out on the new lingo abbreviation trend). It is taking ready to wear fashion to a whole new level with new pieces arriving daily from the catwalks of NY (Willow), London (Sass & Bide), Ginger & Smart (a fav of mine), Camilla and Marc (a close second favourite), Kirrily Johnston, KJ (her new basic range at a lower price point), Natasha, Jac and Jack…..I could go on forever!!!

Whilst I know Australia Fair may not be everyone’s choice of places to shop – I promise you (and I never make promises I can’t keep), it is well worth a venture. It is a destination on the GC. A diamond in the rough you could say.

Dean and his wife Kat have done a fabulous job in refurbishing the old Adrenalin, which did need a little bit of love. If I wasn’t so tired I’m sure I could think of more clever way to write “You just need to get your butt’s up there and see for yourself!” Stock is walking out the door, sizes are limited and re ordering is not always available – although lucky for me it was this afternoon.

Now, all I need to do is try to work out how I break to my husband that I ordered a Camilla & Marc jacket…..pops guess I just did!

Taking the political aspect aside and whilst I am proud of the fact Australia has it’s first female PM – there is definitely a little bit of room for improvement in the wardrobe dept! Perhaps the cabinet reshuffle could have included a new stylist??

I understand that Ms Gillard is an incredibly busy woman and what she wears is probably the furthest thing from her mind but her image is now more important than ever, so Julia, we are here to help!

I know not everyone has time to shop, let alone enjoys shopping, hence why we have stylists, but her current wardrobe lacks a consistent style, consistent basics – it is very hit and miss, no wonder she’s struggling.

I know it must be hard being in the public domain 24/7 and the last thing we all want is to have a bad picture of us published…anywhere, but the fact of the matter is –  she is who she is now and with her position comes an enormous amount of responsibility and so she must dedicate time and resources to looking the part!

Pre PM – Gillard was very conservative, tended to wear very boxy corporate masculine suits. Very rarely did we see her in anything feminine.

Post PM -There is improvement but as they say improvement is the biggest room in the house and seeing the lodge is now empty…. She could definitely do with a little assistance in developing her own classic perhaps more feminine style, similar to that of Quentin Bryce (our GG) who optimizes grace, style and elegance as did Jackie Onassis and Audrey Hepburn. Anna Bligh for that matter is always appropriately and elegantly dressed.

My advice….Ms Gillard would look fabulous in a classic cream Carla Zampatti suit, Anthea Crawford or Veronica Maine number.

I do like her in the black and white polka dot jacket that she was recently snapped in, very stylish indeed. Simple, classic – it just worked, however the necklace did not compliment her outfit and took away from its sophistication.

Mixing of patterns also rarely works so she needs to be very careful ie: a black top with a swirl embedded into the texture under a grey pin stripe suit, did her no favors at all and is definitely a no no.

Its no secret, getting dressed every day can be hard, no denying that.

It can be even trickier for red heads especially when the colour of her hair goes from a fresh vibrant rich red to an orange red.

At least her hair always looks immaculate, id love a boyfriend or husband that gets up at 4.30am in the morning to blow-dry my hair every day…heaven!

So, in a nutshell Julia, keep persevering and if you ever need some assistance, drop us a line, we are here to help!