February

Timeless Style – Couture from Home

By Super Kawaii Mama in Uncategorized

Exhibition: Shaping Elegance – Robert Fritzlaff Couturier
1960s Elegance on show at Como Historic House and Garden
12th March – 14th June 2009

Unknown photographer. Model in doorway
of Fritzlaff’s salon, Toorak, Robert Fritzlaff, designer,
Melbourne ca.1965

Robert’s work. So beautiful, so current- you’d have me wearing this in a heartbeat.

With so much fashion on offer during the Loreal fashion calendar, how do you pick and choose the best events? For me it is no contest. I choose the events which are both a feast for the eyes and the mind. One such rare event to add to your schedule is Shaping Elegance, an exhibition celebrating 25 years of the work of Robert Fritzlaff – a Melbourne
couturier. With guest curatorial advice by Toni Maticevski, you can be assured of a well honed collection celebrating vintage fashion in a contemporary light.

“Although little known today, Robert Fritzlaff appeared on the 60s fashion scene as
an important force in local design. Hailed as ‘a brilliant young designer’ Robert
was making his own fashion in a milieu of ready to wear and European copies.
Fritzlaff trained in 1950s Paris. Sharing classes with Yves Saint Laurent, and
attending salon shows at Dior, Robert’s early work drew inspiration from
European couturiers, but, he soon developed his own designs drawn from these
traditions and adapted them into his own practice.” – Shaping Elegance press release.

If you are not familiar with his work, you can thank the National Trust for bringing such a gem to your attention. Not only will you be treated to the garments themselves, but also a close look into the creative process, as Robert shares his archive of fashion illustrations. This is a rare opportunity to indulge your love of vintage fashion, couture and celebrate the work outstanding local master.

robert frtizlaff 2 Timeless Style Couture from Home

Unknown photographer. Robert Fritzlaff in his
salon, Toorak, Melbourne 1963

Reminder: This weekend I’ll be walking for Circa Nocturna – The Alternative Fashion Show. So you won’t see me again until Monday, but there will be lots to show and tell next week!

24

February

Fashion Fix-It

By Super Kawaii Mama in burda style, shopping, wardrobe problem

8 Comments »

From the Forever New Collection

I’m getting back to basics this week and shoring up my wardrobe with some cracking buys pre autumn winter. You’d think that with the size of my wardrobe this wouldn’t be necessary, but as it seems I have been buying for love rather than need of late, I am seriously bereft of some essentials. So I made an actual list, knocked back two coffees and tried to put on my blinkers as I focused my eyes on the prize.

For very affordable chic, I’ve just discovered how great Forever New is. A big step up from the style offerings of Valley Girl and Tempt, but still in the same(ish) price range. It’s all up to you what you make of their pieces, as there is enough variety to get creative and turn a piece from this seasons trend into your signature look. I was particularly turned on by their range of very cutting edge trend accessories. Wandering through the racks I could clearly see the reflection of certain bloggers iconic style, and at the price the possibilities are endless. Yes, one did end up in my possession for a little jewelry cannibalism.

I’m on the wait list for this stunning sapphire velvet tuxedo jacket by Cue. Drool… But in the meantime, I’ve snatched up a ST-UNN-ING houndstooth number and a couple of very tailored shirts. During a small wardrobe crisis on the weekend, it came to my attention that I did not own even one white shirt! How on earth that happened I’ll never know, so I took immediate steps to remedy the situation. After searching several top name stores I was very disappointed by the bland offerings – until I got to Cue. I can always count on them for superb tailoring and unexpected detail.

Portmans high waisted stretch skirt with back ruffles

I cannot remember the last time I went into Portmans and it is possible I’ve never bought anything there before. But if this weeks offerings are indicative of their future direction, I’ll be back in a heart beat. I came away with the perfect black knitted tank, a little cropped cardi, ( a favorite of mine and I had so much trouble choosing only one), and the piece de resistance – this great black skirt. Not having an “office job” to go to these days, there are a few things that haven’t been replaced over time. One was the classic pencil skirt. For the longest time I couldn’t find just what I wanted, and never got around to making it. Yet, I focus my shopping thoughts and lo and behold it appeared, in the shape of this high waisted stretch number above. I had rather a hard time sticking to the plan with so many pieces right up my alley. In saying that though, you may walk in and not at all see what I see, but the secret is in the styling. Of course outfit shots with all these pieces in traditional SKM style are all forthcoming.

Suede Victoria heels from Witchery

Last on the list was a new pair of classic peep toes in black. I hardly need to tell you why I’ve chosen these babies.
Love.

**Shhh… something is happening. Stay tuned for a big surprise this week**

23

February

Colour My World

By Super Kawaii Mama in daily outfit, Getting dressed

16 Comments »

I was going to give you something today about Oscars fashion, but I know that’s not why you’re here. Let’s just say that there was a serious teary moment here when Heath Ledger was announced the winner of Best Supporting Actor. Sniff..

So instead of showing you what every Kate, Heidi and Angelina is wearing, I am of course going to show you what I was wearing instead. Sunday I headed into Fitzroy for a rehearsal for this Saturday’s fashion show, Circa Nocturna. I’ll admit I was having a rare wardrobe crisis moment, in which I stood in front of the over stuffed closet bemoaning my lack of things to wear! Possibly the result of having too much time on my hands to choose, (which is usually not the case), or just trying to build an outfit around a pair of fabulous but particularly tricky shoes. The Melissa shoes were especially worked in for the lovely K. Line who is wondering about their practicality. After much deliberation, here is the result.

Outfit Details: Purple top – MNG, Pants – Living Doll, Suspenders – Costume shop, Crown Brooch – ?, Shoes – Melissa, Panda Earrings – SIX, Glasses – Vintage Store.

So to answer the shoe question – yes they are comfortable (but I probably should have bought them a half size smaller), no they don’t get any hotter than leather shoes, and the best part? They smell like bubble gum!

21

February

Girl Crush – Masumi Max

By Super Kawaii Mama in pin up, style icon

16 Comments »

I’m a lover of contrast. I like my colours bright, my whites white and my blacks so velvety they melt. And so it is with my girlfriends. It isn’t all Rita Hayworth and Doris Day over here, in fact Doris has nipped out to straighten the bathroom while Rita makes the Margaritas as they wait for my next guest to arrive.

Meet Masumi Max – pin up, fetish model, contortionist and fire performer extraordinaire.

Image by Amaleaphoto.com

Wearing the Black Salsa dress from Pinup Girl Clothing

She has a killer style, dangerous curves and takes a mean portrait.

You won’t see her sitting in the front rows at fashion week, nor will you see her splashed across the tabloids Starbucks in hand. More likely than not, you won’t see very much of her unless you’re into hot rod shows and mens mags. Nevertheless, there is something about her I find captivating and worthy of a good dose of Jean Paul Gaultier. Perhaps the designers showing at this years fashion week should have given Max a call and avoided the runway carnage aka the Stitt Storm. Either way, I predict you’ll be seeing a lot more of Miss Max’s style in the shops this season.

But if the latex and the heels are all a bit much for you there is one leaf you can take out of her book. Next time someone whips out the camera, look straight down the lense and give them a that Masumi Max stare. Killer.

20

February

You’re Such A Doll

By Super Kawaii Mama in Getting dressed, shopping, style, style icon, Vintage style

10 Comments »

Barbie portraits used by permission. Photographs by Torno Photography.

This year, March 9th mark Barbie’s 50th birthday! And my doesn’t she carry it well? With an army of designers and plastic surgeons (quite literally) at her beck and call, it is no wonder this lady can still knock ‘em dead. For her upcoming birthday she was being presented at New York Fashion Week with 50 new outfits by some of the world’s most illustrious designers including Diane von Furstenberg, Anna Sui and Vera Wang. But why should she have all the fun?

Celebrating the style of a little lady we have all owned at one time or another, I’ve put together a selection of outfits just for you to channel your inner Barbie. And while I’m not a huge advocate for that awful phrase “dressing your age”, I went with a certain feel for each age group. Feel free to mix, match and possibly steal from others as you please.

BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFnhpblRPdkhfM1JHLUxxd09lRE1NSHcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ Youre Such A Doll

barbie+W+40+Portrait+2 Youre Such A Doll

BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFkJHVkNDLUxfM1JHY1JlVVBlRE1NSHcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ Youre Such A Doll

BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFnpySVY3ZkxfM1JHWUtfVVFlRE1NSHcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ Youre Such A Doll

So whether you are a fabulous fashionista, a domestic diva or a queen in need of a new frock; get yourself a little Barbie style this week and celebrate the woman she made you.