Brands Stevie May, ISLA and Talulah will be offering AW16, SS16 samples, stock, one offs, homewares and vintage at up to 80% off. Prices will be starting at $20.

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Style seems to be a part of the French woman’s DNA – it’s something they know instinctively. It’s my belief it’s because the French build their wardrobe around 10 basic items. It’s all about simplicity – the single piece of clothing and how and what you wear with it. And style is not about being in possession of a black American Express card – the top 10 basics don’t have to break your budget…

1. Cashmere sweater. Nothing says casual elegance louder than this wardrobe basic. It is one of the most adaptable pieces, great under a blazer for a classic corporate look or with jeans for instant street sass. Make sure it’s either navy or black and buy a piling comb to keep it in good condition.
   

   Classic. Cashmere. Chic. Say no more.

2. Many argue the Little Black Dress takes precedence over everything else on the top 10 basics list. This wardrobe staple should sit just above or on the knee and no higher – you’re going for classic look here. Pay attention to cut and fabric. A good LBD can take you from your desk to drinks with a change of shoes.
   

   Timeless, classic & every wardrobe should have one. The essential LBD.

3. Sailor top. The ‘mariniere’ is one of those standby items that can be dressed up or down to suit most occasions. Navy and white stripes are the preference but make sure it’s made of quality cotton. Cut is all important here too – be careful it’s not too tight, nor do you want to swim in it. Gaps should always be avoided.
   

   All the nice girls love a sailor top…simple stripes never go out of fashion.

4. Ballet pumps. Ballet pumps go with everything on the top 10 basics list. Choose a pair in black for universal usefulness. The soles of your ballet pumps should be super thin and they should be cut close to the toes for ultimate chic. Repetto are the brand of choice for that extra touch of French flair.
   

   Flat, black, and just a little special. Dress them up or dress them down…

5. Leather jacket. The best leather jackets are fitted, sit on the hips and have ultra-thin sleeves to the wrist. This is where a good vintage find is the absolute ideal – as a great leather jacket looks lived-in. Stick to either black or tan for a look that endures for more than one season.
   

   Figure hugging, cool as, must have leather jacket…

6. Trench coat. The Burberry trench is the all-time time classic – but if that’s out of your price range there are plenty of other versions with similar lines. However, be sure it is cut in a high quality gabardine or buttery leather. Tan is the only colour to attain that classic finish and versatility to go with all of the top 10 basics.  Gabardine was invented by a young draper, Thomas Burberry, who designed a coat to keep soldiers dry and warm in the trenches.
   

   More at home on the catwalk than in a war zone, the trench coat never goes out of style.

7. This is one item when quality should be the priority, as a good blazer will last a lifetime. A blazer needs to be fitted and should sit no higher than the hip. Navy, black and charcoal grey are the only colours to consider. Avoid too much detail and avoid anything with branding – once again, simplicity reigns supreme.
   

   A classic blazer never goes astray – until your best friend comes over and pinches it from you.

8. No wardrobe is complete without a pair of jeans that make you feel absolutely fabulous. As to choosing between skinny or boyfriend cut, low or high waist? Without doubt, the most timeless cut is straight-leg with a midrise waist. A pair in ink, faded blue and white will see you through anything life throws up.
   

   Jeans mean…well, anything you like really. Jeans go with…well, anything you like really.

9. Black tailored pants in 7/8 cut. Think Audrey Hepburn – fitted but slightly tapering off at the ankle. Perfect with ballet pumps or open toed sandals – just make sure your toe nails have had a pedicure. You know when you have found the perfect pair of black tailored pants as you always seem to be wearing them.
   

   Figure hugging black tailored pants.

10. Flat-heeled boots. Slipping on the perfect pair of flat-heeled, knee high boots is one of life’s pleasures. Choose a pair in the equestrian style for an enduring look and stick to either black or tan. Again, this is a wardrobe basic that can last a lifetime, so it’s better to spend a bit more on a great pair.
    

    These boots are made for walking…and that’s what they’re going to do.

    For Northern Rivers stockists of your fashion essentials, go to:

    Bell & Ford Clothing and Interiors: 3/111 Jonson St, Byron Bay. (02) 6685 7095

    Driftlab: 40 Jonson Street, Byron Bay. (02) 6680 9869 and16 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar. (02) 6687 0751

    Witchery: 28 Johnson Street, Byron Bay. (02) 6685 7177

    Tupelo Boutique: 3/33 Jonson St, Byron Bay. (02) 6685 6911

    Red Lane Shoes: 185 River St, Ballina. (02) 6681 4714

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Just in time for Christmas – The Locale Group is holding a massive sale of its Talulah, Isla and Stevie May brands next weekend – so if you’re looking for a must-have item of clothing from a group of local designers don’t miss out!

Stevie May designer Cassie Vecchione is thrilled with the success of her Byron Bay label , which launched with its first collection at the beginning of this year.

“Stevie May was a character that we were talking about in the design room for quite some time before it became a reality,” says Vecchione. “We would talk about what sort of a woman she is, feminine, energetic and creative, and everything about her was cool. We decided as a team that there’s no way we can have this amazingly clear idea of the Stevie May woman and then not follow through with it. And so Stevie May was born!”

Stevie May ‘Block Foliage Top’ rrp $180; ‘Block Foliage Shorts rrp $160.

The label launched at MBFWA – a huge achievement considering the Stevie May brand was just an idea a few short months earlier.  “I was so proud of us all,” says Vecchione, “and then again when we became a Myer brand, which was another massive achievement.”

Stevie May launched its debut collection, ‘Odyssey’, in January 2015. The Australian brand showcased an instantly recognisable aesthetic drawn from the modern bohemian lifestyle of Byron Bay and its design team.

 Byron Bay Clearance Sale
Talulah, Isla and Stevie May brands available
Past and present collections
Up to 80% off
18-19 December
1/64 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay Arts and Industry Area
9am – 5pm

To contact The Locale Group go to: thelocalegroup

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There’s no doubt that little Newrybar, nestled in the hills between Bangalow and Ballina has been transformed from the Whitechapel of the Monopoly Board to Mayfair over the past six years or so, with the expansion of the Harvest cafe and restaurant, the opening of Driftlab and the Harvest Deli and weekend bakery (by brothers Zane and Tristan Grier respectively).

The impressive collection of artisans gathered under the Merchants collective label includes Sibella Court of Society Inc, Jai Vasicek, Patterson and Steele, Shannon Fricke Heart & Home, TigmiTrading morrocan rugs, Fate and Fortune stationery, handmade bespoke leather goods by Wolf & Maiden from Cape Town, and clothing from a few handpicked sources, stocked under the Miller Trading Group umbrella, which includes Todd Miller and his artist wife Diana.

Until recently the Newrybar Merchants store was the much-loved Newrybar Antique Store, which is still present, but in a much smaller way, and the current occupiers have kept the charm of the original 1890’s building, carefully blending country charm with a sophisticated feeel within this somewhat unique retail space.  Another Newrybar institute, Beautiflora, with its weekend cart tucked down at the bottom of the old bakery, has also come on board, and as you go into the shop, the first room on the left is a riot of colour – not to mention creating a wonderful fragrance for the space.

Newrybar Merchants will provide an exciting addition to the already bustling village of Newrybar which features the popular Harvest Café & Deli and Driftlab. It will be sure to become a destination for those seeking a unique retail experience in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

Newrybar Merchants is located at 19 Old Pacific Highway, NSW (the site of the old Antique store) over the road from Harvest Café. Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm Monday – Sunday.

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Heading into the last day – grab some last minute Splendour fashion tips via River Island, from three top bloggers – Sam from Style Paws, Domenica from Vogue Vandal and Emily from She Does.

The post Princess? Boho or Grunge – choose your Splendour style… appeared first on .

Anna wears Samson & Bronc vintage fabric floral top $50 and skirt $60

Maya wears Myee Carlyle hand dyed silk fringe flower cape $279 and Tashia singlet $59, Ghanda Clothing Pom Pom pineapple shorts $19.95 and Crystal Castle Chakra bracelet $18

Amber wears Myee Carlyle Marrakesh hand dyed silk skirt in tourmaline $279 (worn as dress) and Crystal Castle Bluelace agate and Rhodonite bead necklace $69 and quartz crystal pendant $18

Mia wears Ghanda Clothing lace swing top in antique white $29.95, Myee Carlyle hand dyed silk Akina kimono in ocean $289, Crystal Castle Garnet necklace $29 and Moonstone bracelet $19

Anna wears Ghanda Clothing cropped cotton t-shirt $14.95 and Bandana leggings $29.95, Crystal Castle Howlite bracelets $22 each, Mia wears Myee Carlyle Maisha dress $95

Anna wears Myee Carlyle Sibella silk mini-dress in Henna $289 and Shikha citrine earrings $65, Crystal Castle silver chain $59 and quartz        pendant $29

Little girls can be big girls too…

Armani wears Ghanda Clothing glitter daisy heart t-shirt $14.95 and Ghanda Pom Pom pineapple print shorts $19.95, Hannah wears Myee Carlyle Tashia singlet $59, Samson & Bronc wrap top $20, Crystal Castle Chrysophase bracelet $39

Armani wears Ghanda Clothing original owl t-shirt $14.95 and daisy polka leggings $17.95, Hannah wears Ghanda Clothing Aztec heart singlet $14.95 Aztec owl leggings $17.95

From left Mia wears Myee Carlyle Maisha dress $95, Anna wears Ghanda Clothing cropped t-shirt $14.95 and bandana leggings $29.95, Crystal Castle Howlite bracelets $22 each, Amber wears Ghanda Clothing ornate elephant t-shirt $24.95 and boyfriend jeans $39.95, Maya wears Ghanda Clothing Stripe cropped t-shirt $14.95 and boyfriend shorts $34.95

Maya wears Samson & Bronc 60’s top $50, Myee Carlyle Zalia pants $119 and Crystal Castle Howlite bracelet $22, Mia wears Samson & Bronc halter top $40 and 60’s skirt $70

       Anna wears Ghanda Clothing daisy floral Indi dress $29.95

Anna wears Ghanda Clothing boyfriend jeans $39.95.  Amber wears Samson & Bronc patchwork shorts $30.00.

Mia wears Ghanda Clothing lace swing top in antique white $29.95, Myee Carlyle hand dyed silk Akina kimono in ocean $289, Ghanda Clothing boyfriend jeans $39.95, Crystal Castle Garnet necklace $29 and Moonstone bracelet $19

Websites:

myeecarlyle

samsonandbronc

ghanda

Photographer: The Lioness. Stylist: Desiree
Models: Anna, Maya, Mia and Amber
Hair & Makeup: Äsa Chegwyn
Location: The Crystal Castle

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It seems that more and more these days people who care about their communities are supporting like-minded charities, and that’s got to be a good thing. The idea of ‘sharing’ has spread like topsy and it was well in evidence at the Thread fashion show, part of the Come to the Heart of Lismore push, which is helping Lismore claim its rightful place as the largest (and funkiest) city in the Northern Rivers.

This show, as well show-casing the best of Lismore fashion retailers, the graduating students from Lismore Tafe and an exclusive collection of featured designers, also supported the charity Under the Red Dress.

If pink is generally more associated with cancer causes (at least, breast cancer anyway), Beth Whaanga, the head of philanthropy and creator of Under the Red Dress, has taken visibility to a whole new level, both colourfully and courageously.

When the 32-year-old underwent a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy last year, instead of retreating into a world of pain and isolation, Whaanga shed her clothes, and posed naked for a series of emotionally confronting, inspirational  and beautiful – in my opinion – photographs.

Talking to the night’s MC, Gretel Killeen, Whangaa told the crowd: “When I first put the photos up on Facebook I was ‘unfriended’ by around 100 people, and that really made me think about how people see scars as something ugly, but cancer survivors know that scars mean they’re alive.”

Nadia Mascot and Beth Whangaa (centre) talk with MC Gretel Killeen about Under the Red Dress.

When the photos began to find their way to media outlets and the word spread, the photos suddenly went viral – all around the world people could either identify with her journey or simply couldn’t  believe her courage. Since then Under the Red Dress has began a world-wide commitment to photograph and talk to survivors of cancer.

Sitting in the Back Alley with a drink and canapés as part of the ticket experience, on a beautifully clear, cool night as models strutted their down the catwalk, was a great way to spend a Saturday night, and Verandah Magazine was doubly proud to be there since our Style Director Sam Drewe was also in the show with part of his latest collection from his Samson & Bronc label. (Proud publisher-slash-mother-moment there.) Samson & Bronc and the newly created House of Tailors (brainchild of William Katunga – ex Project Runway) were the only two indie labels showcasing male fashion which allowed both of them to stand out from the crowd.

Samson & Bronc black and white shirt and shorts.

The women’s fashion had a broad age-range to it, which was a relief since there were clothes in there that if you were older than 30 (even a decade or two more) you could actually wear. Miss Mildred, for instance, Bodypeace Bamboo, Kay Lee Williams Designs all showed wearable individuality. There was, of course, plenty for those younger and skinnier types…the dreamy, fairy-tale designs of Chip the Teacup and the slightly 50’s inspired nautical flavoured Siren & Sailor both struck the fancy of my teenage companions.  And with Melbourne Cup fever fast approaching there were plenty of fascinating fascinators from the ever-imaginative Julie Casey.

Fantasy fairytale clothes from Chip the Teacup.

The programme was cleverly broken-up into half-an-hour sections, and just when we were getting a little chair-sore, who should come along but Byron Bay’s own Tommy Franklin, who bust out his moves. The audience tried to resist, but Tommy, is quite, frankly, or should that be Franklinly, irresistible – to all of us but Gretel Killeen who showed an unusually conservative side and dashed off the catwalk as quickly as she could at very idea of cutting loose. (Some of us weren’t so shy which may or may not have been a good thing.)

Business development officer for Lismore Council, Jason Mumford, and event co-ordinator Libby Lund McDonald couldn’t have been more pleased with the evening.  McDonald of GEM events, and Grace School of Deportment and Grooming was particularly proud of the models – many of whom had come through her school, and excited that several have been picked up by some of the largest agencies in the country, including IMG. Mumford also suggested that Lismore would be hosting not only more fashion, but more events in general, particularly in areas in which the region excels. Hmmm. Arts, food, culture, lifestyle – which one of those springs to mind?  My guess – food – an obvious connector for everyone in the region.

For more information on Thread and the featured designers go to: thread For more information on what’s happening in Lismore go to Come to the Heart

Photography: Candida Baker

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Lismore designer Monique goes for pink with her new label, Chip the Teacup.

Young Lismore designer Monique Hope has always wanted to be a fashion designer. She recently launched her own label, Chip The Teacup – inspired by music and fairy tales – and for the past year Monique has been blogging and selling handmade designs online whilst preparing for the launch of her debut clothing line. The 24-year-old Northern Rivers resident has her sights set on sharing Chip The Teacup with a global audience, writes Style editor Sam Drewe.

 Q: What sparked your interest in fashion and design?

I remember the moment I first really looked at fashion from a design point of view, I was about 16 and I saw a yellow Vera Wang dress in a magazine and I clearly recall looking at who the designer was because it was the most stunning thing I had ever seen and I wanted to know who created it because it took my breath away like nothing I’d seen before.

Q: Where did the name of your label come from?

In my favourite fairytales there is always an element of beauty, femininity and fragility contrasted with a darker tale or beast. Beauty and the Beast is my favourite fairytale and I chose to name my label after the name of a character in the Disney version of the story called Chip Potts (he is a little teacup with a chip). To me it represents something sweet and quirky, cute and individual.

Q: What was the inspiration behind your new collection?

My debut collection called Dirty Pop Fantasy and it’s inspired by my love of Aussie band Regurgitator and the aesthetic that I see when I listen to their music. The collection is bubble-gum, cotton candy colours mixed with unusual silhouettes, sparkly organza cutouts and frill accents. Its totally unicorn spew – obnoxiously pink with lots of attitude!

Q: Who is your typical customer? 

The Chip the Teacup girl is brave and unique and not afraid to stand out in a crowd for being different. She’s a sweetheart who loves all things sparkling and has a big imagination to match her big dreams. She loves music, art and of-course tea (or vodka from teacups and most likely cats too!).

Q: What has influenced your style? 

I adore Kawaii Japanese fashion – so original and always super cute!! I am also always keeping an eye on street style in area where I live – and I’m lucky because street style around here in Lismore, and places like Byron Bay is very eclectic and interesting – and also I browse the Internet. I’m also fascinated by the fashion of musicians past and present.  People can check out my designs on: www.chiptheteacup.com <https://www.chiptheteacup.com/>

Q: Which Australian designers do you look up to?

Lady Petrova, Romance Was Born, Sretsis, Dyspnea, Her Pony, House of Cards and Wnd.Lnd.

Q: Is there anyone you would like to see wearing your designs?

Katy Perry, Cara Delevingne, How Two Live (Jess + Stef), Doe Deere (Lime Crime Makeup), Petrova (Lady Petrova)

Q: What is inspiring you at the moment? What’s in store for the label in 2014?

Lately I am drawn to textural materials and DIY– fur, sparkles, hard and soft, Clashing patterns and prints. I am loving making handmade pieces like my fluffies and furkinis as well as patterns and samples for the next collection.

Monique’s Dirty Pop Fantasy collection will be out this Spring (Sept 2014) and this summer the Chip the Teacup Glitter Seas Swim Capsule will be released, as well some limited edition Summer garments. Her crowd-funding campaign is currently raising funds for the launch of her label, check it out here: https://www.pozible.com/project/183308

Monique Hope: Chip the Teacup was inspired by Beauty and the Beast.

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