This winter, it’s all about luxuriously exotic, yet classic pieces. Our selection reflects the after-hours glamour of a bygone era, modernised with contemporary detailing and timeless style. From structured clutches to statement jewellery, please enjoy our seriously luxurious lineup this week!
It was perhaps the ‘Barbie Fashion Shows’ that Ashleigh created for her family from age 5 that suggested one day she might actually do this for real people.
A love of, or should we say an addiction to, shopping soon turned professional when Ashleigh moved to London and began working for the iconic luxury department store Liberty of London. For two years, as Personal Shopper and Stylist to London’s savvy fashionistas, Ashleigh shopped and styled her way through some of most exciting labels in the world.
She returned to Sydney to guide women through their retail therapy in Pitt Street Mall where she was Personal Shopper and Stylist for Westfield’s Pittstop.
With over five years experience, Ashleigh now works with retailers, private clients and celebrities alike.
What trend/s or look/s are you most excited about this season?
I’m excited that the colour palette is back to neutral tones with a focus on old-school tailoring pieces with a 40s edge (any trend that makes you want to dress like a ‘lady’ is a good thing!). But that said I’ll still be keeping an eye out for my favourite nautical tees, great blazers, silk dresses and soft knitwear and may just play around a bit with the 70s vibe that’s going on.
What season are you usually most interested in – Autumn-Winter or Spring-Summer?
Autumn-Winter! Oh I wish I could live in Autumn-Winter all year round and only travel to Spring-Summer holiday destinations (yes, keep dreaming Ashleigh). AW allows for so many more accessories and with all those layers it also lets you show off a lot more personality rather than letting one simple dress wear you.
What are you currently lusting after at HoneyHoney.com.au?
Where to start! If I had to choose three items they would be 1) MAB bag in black by Rebecca Minkoff: I love my bags big, roomy and in the softest leather plus this style will never date 2) Chequerboard Ring by Karen Walker: A self-confessed Karen Walker addict, I have been coveting her ring collection for a long time, the colour and style will suit all skin tones and finger lengths 3)Shopaholics Gift Pack Trio by Archie Grand : I’m forever scribbling, whether out and about shopping (ahem researching) or interviewing designers, plus these are a perfect gift for any fashionista.
What is your favourite café, restaurant or bar?
I love that we’re seeing a revival of ‘High-Tea’ in this country but my heart is still with Claridges in London – their high tea is my favourite, taken with Earl Grey tea, and you can simply slip into the gorgeous Claridges bar afterwards for a G&T.
Where is your most desired holiday destination?
Italy! I can’t believe I still haven’t been there, so many wonderful places to visit, things to buy and meals to eat…and of course it’s only a stone throw from Paris, the best inspiration for any fashionista.
What is your “go-to” comfort food?
Definitely licorice, the Darrel-Lea original soft eating kind – like my mother I can devour a whole pack in one sitting.
What is all-time favourite album?
Maybe in 20 years time I’ll have narrowed it down but for now… Frank Sinatra Live at The Sands, the world’s best entertainer doing what he did best in Las Vegas; Bach Cello Suites by Yo-Yo Ma, he is such a master of his craft and this album is utterly beautiful; Dancing On The Ceiling by Lionel Ritchie, brings back lots of happy 80s childhood memories and a girl’s gotta dance.
iPod, Blackberry or neither?
Blackberry, I’m on the go a lot and this keeps me up to date without being too much fun plus the camera works a treat when I spot great shopping buys.
Share a style secret with us…
Not only should you try to keep your wardrobe to a tight colour palette but you’ll find it easier to shop keeping to a selection of your favourite designers as they are trying to create capsule collections for you each season. The majority of pieces in my wardrobe are by New Zealand designers Karen Walker and Kate Sylvester with more luxe pieces by Belgium’s Dries van Noten and basics by Petit Bateau.
Style Collective is always worth a read, we think. Especially today … not least because they’re featuring the Angel Jackson 472 Spangle Satchel in grey snakeskin with matt sequins. Gorgeous!
We loved what Home Beautiful had to say about us in the April 2011 edition, p 38. Thank you, Vanessa! xxx
Comfortable, casual and on-trend. What better way to spend a relaxed weekend?
We have collated a selection of key pieces that work together effortlessly and help you to get the most from your weekend. Start with denim – either shorts or jeans – and add a stripey t-shirt, over which you can add a long pendant. The signature piece will be a comfortable crossbody, satchel or sling, which defines your look while being a practical accessory about town.
Rebecca Minkoff is one of our favourite accessories designers: each collection is truly exciting to have in-store! We were thrilled to be able to speak with Rebecca after her NYC show when she launched her AW11.12 apparel, footwear, jewellery and, of course, handbag collections. Here, a very relaxed Rebecca Minkoff lets us in on some of the things that inspire and delight her.
1. What has most inspired you this season?
Charlotte Kemp Muhl and the idea of the Urban Gypsy. Charlotte was the muse for my A/W 2011 collection and she and her boyfriend Sean Lennon played at my show!
2. What trend/s or look/s are you most excited about this season?
I’m really looking forward to wearing maxi skirts all summer long. They look so airy and elegant on. I did a grey snakeskin one that I’ve already started to wear and I love the floating gypsy dresses, too.
3. What is your favourite local diner in NYC?
Freeman’s Alley. i just love that you walk down a charming NY alley into this restaurant with great décor, a homey environment and delicious food!
4. Where is your most desired holiday destination?
Turkey. It has the bluest waters. Last year I took a boat around Bodrum with my husband and four of our closest friends. It really was amazing. I can’t wait to go back.
5. What is your “go-to” comfort food?
It simply has to be Mac and Cheese!
6. Do you have an all-time favourite album?
Yes, it’s FLORENCE + THE MACHINE’s very first album “Lungs”. It’s ethereal with a rock and roll edge.
The Spring-Summer 11.12 catwalks were brimming with colour-pop ethnic styles, enhanced with woven detailing and cut-out panels (we especially loved Prada’s take on the story). Here, we’ve brought together a collection of Navajo Nomad-inspired accessories to see you through the autumn-winter months and beyond.
Our advice: invest in a key accessory and pair with a patterned top and jeans, or a textured, panelled dress; try not to add too many pieces all at once or you may risk looking like you’re just back from a holiday on the Mexican border (on second thoughts, go for it!).
What’s not to adore about Woody Allen’s classic character Annie Hall played to perfection by the inimitably stylish Diane Keaton? This week, we’re focusing on photographer, art-lover and sometime tennis player, Annie Hall, whose independent spirit, confident attitude and unique personal style are our inspiration for a decidedly downtown-meets-uptown 1970s redux.
To create this androgynous late 1970s look, you’ll want a streetsmart tote that can port your life around (think: big enough to fit a tennis racquet, books, spare shoes and camera), a slouchy brimmed hat, a tie (a quick visit to St Vinnies might help) and a waistcoat; oh, and a decent pair of relaxed pants.
To act the part of Annie Hall, enrol in a photography course and get snapping (or simply download Hipstamatic on your iPhone for an instant retro look), take it to streets in comfortable sneakers and spend your spare time musing around an art gallery or two.
It’s time to update your boho look with some serious luxurious textures and sparkling crystal details. This season, boho goes deluxe: part ski resort, part downtown glamour, the boho babe exudes an effortlessly relaxed style that’s all her own. We’ve updated the look with textured leather details, fine luxurious fur shawls and scarfs and chunky jewellery.
One of this year’s key looks is Ladylike Moderne. Reminiscent of the 1950s with more than just a nod to the early 60s, this elegant, timeless look is all about feminine detailing and womanly silhouettes. Create a modern look with a classic business satchel or top-handled bag, worn with a three-quarter sleeve cardigan and why not add in some pretty adornments, such as a bow headband or bow jewellery.
Ladylike doesn’t have to mean old-fashioned and out-dated, but rather the timelessly elegant looks perfected by 1960s style icons, Jackie Kennedy-Onassis and Audrey Hepburn. With tailored yet feminine silhouettes and statement accessories (who remembers the Tiffany sterling silver telephone dialler in Breakfast at Tiffany’s?), craft this look with a contemporary urban feel that’s right on trend for making a positive impression at work, and at play.
Invest in a tailored suit or a shift dress with a matching jacket and a top-handled tote bag. Keep your palette fairly neutral – black or nude works well – and work in some vibrancy with a chic silk scarf, a slick of lipgloss and a coat of nailpolish. Add some discreet and feminine fine jewellery by day; for post-work drinks, switch to larger scale costume jewellery, such as a statement necklace or signature bracelet.
Now, is it afternoon tea at The Ritz or cocktails? … better make it both!
