Rihanna meeting everyone half way

I've tried to hold off on publishing this blog because I thought it would be yesterdays news by now, however it seems the topic is still fresh enough to discuss. I'm talking Rihanna's very controversial Adam Selman dress, covered in 216,000 Swarovski crystals - and for those who've been living under a rock it was practically sheer.

Obviously everyone is entitled to their own opinion of fashion meets edge, I for one have always supported Rihanna's daring style, however this one definitely caught me off guard. It's fair to say she didn't leave much to the imagination and the debate continues as to whether or not a red carpet look should have copped the same, if not more, sexual attention than her own, very fitting, best seller 'Skin' (points to those who understood the lyrics reference in the title).

As I flick through my countless fashion magazines; for me there is nothing sexier than a plunged neckline, backless ensemble or a sneaky slither of side boob. However this is purely because I'm all about Subtle Sexy - and Rihanna's bear naked look at the CFDA Fashion Awards was far from it. Women don't pull out half buttoned, oversized, white shirts paired with stiletto Louboutons and a trusty red lip for nothing - they do it to create an illusion, to demonstrate power and perhaps remind him what he's been missing. Now that every man and his dog knows what Rihanna has got going on under her lace undergarments (as seen in previous outfits) a touch of mystery has been lost. 

Like Beyonce says I'm all for independent women buying the shoes on their feet whilst waving a house key around holla-ing 'I bought it'. However to the critics dropping headlines proclaiming this is one of the most feminist statements the pop world has made to date - I say get a grip. I don't see male music artists walking around with diamonte encrusted mankini's proclaiming it's a testament to their manhood. What's next? Female pop stars fronting 'vajazzled' - because we've ran out of other feminists statements to make. 

At the end of the day Rihanna made an outfit choice, and although I think it was particularly more suited to the bedroom rather than the red carpet I don't think she should be stripped of her Fashion Icon Award over it. In fact, at the beginning of this week I entered a discussion with local fashion store Goldilocks Boutique and a top trending comment was that this sort of dress code, by stars, is becoming increasingly impressionable upon younger members of society. In light of this, others found it amusing and almost ironic that she would accept this iconic award in a dress that was so controversial - but I guess that's what fashion is all about.


Perhaps a nude lining wouldn't have gone astray but it certainly wouldn't have racked up as much attention as this very memorable number has...

Who else is interested to see Rihanna's next red carpet look? I know I am.

Bow Down as Kylie steals the thrown

Photos circulating of Kylie Jenner at the recent private store opening of DASH-Miami have jaws dropping across the globe. There's no denying she's always had a flare for fashion, and in my eyes a step up on sister Kendall, but from these latest shots she's managed to make the entire Kardashian clan look like her entourage.  

Sporting a pair of petite stiletto pumps, Kylie perfectly compliments her very on trend sports luxe dream.

After an hour of impulse stalking I managed to track down these sensational pants in an attempt to bring 3/4 sexy back. Located! However before clicking the link brace yourself for a sold out status, elaborate price tag of $430 and 'sheer' regret you didn't see them first. Replicas of the Avelon White Mesh & Leather Trousers can be found online, however will most likely need some DIY hemming of sorts to achieve a similar look - I'll let you know how I go.

As most of my friends are aware I'm a big fan of the effortless-I had to throw these heels on to hide the fact I just came from a desk job-carefree look; and Kylie is definitely ticking all the boxes. At just 16 I'm waiting in extreme anticipation to see what this smart cookie has in store for the future of fashion. 

Face-lift

Those who know me would understand that my staying in one place for a duration lasting longer than 3 months is some sort of record. But with Perth's isolation and a full time job under my - recently purchased leather studded - belt, the luxury of being able to take a quick 3 hour flight across the border is no longer an option, nor is it feasible.

In the effort of trying to distract myself I decided to delve into some poetic justice to help give me some perspective. There were 2 google searches that seemed to be the only logical solutions to my dilemma:  

Tips to win lotto 

Change

And whether it was because of its truth or the money advertisers paid to push it to the top of my search results, the quote 'Change is as good as a holiday' seemed to be popping up quite a bit. In my wiseness I decided to pursue the solution with slightly better odds (I'll most likely be regretting this decision if someone I know wins the $70 million in tonights Oz Lotto).

Before I knew it I had several tabs open with links feeding back to my Pinterest. And seens as my room has been treated like that of a deceased family member, in my absence, over the past 4 years I thought it would be nice to finally give the walls someone to look at. 

24 hours later and a quick trip to IKEA meant that my room finally got the face-lift it needed, mum that bottle of red she'd been eyeing and the two of us with far too many screwdriver injuries as a result of the previous.

Although the interior's not finished, it's a perfect start to what's been missing over the past 7 months... plus I finally have a big girl makeup station that I have been holding out for since my parents got rid of my plastic one in road side collection when I was 8.

Sending much love to IKEA - as this change was definitely cheaper than a flight interstate.

Illustration by Pippa McManus - to be featured soon.

Furniture courtesy of IKEA - White Dressing Table $299, Sheepskin Rug $59, Black Stool with Blekinge White Cover $49. 

Foot in mouth yoga

It seems we are now living in a state of mind where appearing to look fit conscious is becoming more important than actually being active. 

Don't get me wrong I'm guilty of sporting sneakers and fit pants even when I'm not going to the gym, but after hearing what Lululemon's multimillion dollar founder had to say about the types of women sporting his yoga pants - it's made me reconsider my branding choices. Chip Wilson was quick to contribute his two cents worth when he was recently interviewed on Bloomberg TV's Morning Show defending the wear and tear quality of his products. However when Wilson started slamming women who add more pressure to the inside of the pant legs - his blame soon shifted from a quality issue to a body issue. We soon learn from Wilson that not in fact all women are meant to wear his products - merely women with already thin legs. I won't bore you with the details (although I do encourage you to have a look for yourself at http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/11/06/lululemon-chip-wilson-womens-bodies_n_4228113.html) but with each sentence that leaves Wilson's mouth you can see him dig himself further down the rabbit hole. And as you can imagine, if copping a mouthful from angry customers, feminists and competitors alike wasn't enough for him to realise his out-of-line statement then maybe his plummeting figures next EOFY will (hopefully).

A brand not taking responsibility for its low-quality and snagging products is one thing but to publicly announce that big women shouldn't in fact be wearing active wear is another. The last time I checked active wear was made for the very purpose of losing weight and/or keeping fit - not just showing off stick thin legs as a fashion statement making those using it for its rightful purpose feel unworthy. When did it become okay for women trying to do right by their bodies, to feel embarrassed? We've all heard the box gap debate. Because let's be honest if your thighs don't touch you're superior in a bathing suit!?! 

With weight loss and body image sitting at the top of the sensitive topics pile - other sports brands are wiping the sweat off their foreheads being happy to point the finger at somebody else. It's not enough to know everything about your brand any more. Companies have to know what its customers are eating for breakfast, what their favourite day is and even how many times they're exercising a week. Aside from Wilson's verbal mistake, Lululemon's good intentions of motivating weight conscious women with good quality prod... oh wait it's failed on both accounts.

Although creating a great debate via blog has never been my intention, I find it concerning that a man in the sports-fashion industry (who is behind one of the most sought after active apparel brands) hasn't stopped to consider that the purpose of active wear is just as much about the journey to weight loss than the weight loss itself. Not to mention his, what seems to be, uneducated idea of the nature of women's bodies. We all know that the science behind whether or not your thighs touch is largely determined by your genetics, not your weight. I'm not a professional but I think it's important for young girls to understand that there are many contributing factors to the shape of their bodies. You could live off carrot sticks and celery for a month and although you may drop a fair few kilos, there's a strong possibly that you still wont be able to fit a bus between your legs.

I am 5"4, 56kgs, eat moderately healthy and exercise at least 5 times a week - and my thighs still touch. 

Ironically, Lululemon is an ambassador for yoga and thus its pants have been designed to cater to this. If its pants are snagging through isolated stretching I'd hate to see the outcome should a user switch up their regime and decide to go for a jog instead. I'd also like to see the pants fate, should I happen to take my fat arse out for a run in a pair. 

I'm excited to see how Chip flex's his way out of this one... I wonder how good he is at yoga, he seems to be pretty good at putting his foot in his mouth...

CORNROWS

Although not everyones cup of tea, I've had my heart set on crossing over to cornrows for the last couple of months. The only issue I've found with having them though, is not wanting to take them out. 

This stylish 'do which over time has found itself on the heads of Fergie, David Beckham, Snoop Dogg/Lion/<insert new animal>, our favourite Kardashian sister Kim and even James Franco in the box office flick Spring Breakers; is now slowly creeping back as an on-trend look. So to all those who hung out to get their hair braided on the annual family Bali trip; kudos to you, you successfully predicted cool.

Whether you're a fan of the cornrow or not, you surely can't deny its individuality and temporary nature. You can distance yourself from the ones who don't share your groove for as little as a few days up until a month; the longer you leave them in the messier, more bedridden they'll look. Although I would very much like to rock that stage of cornrows, I don't think my boss would - therefore neat and tidy will have to suffice. As simple and straight forward as it may sound, washing just half of your head whilst trying your best to keep the cornrows in tact proved to be quite difficult... I'll be turning to a buddy with a basin for the next time. 

For those interested in daring to be different Head Studio can fix you up with your new weave for as little as $65, with some variation depending on each clients request. With 3 salon locations across Perth (King Street, Rockingham and Success) you shouldn't have too much trouble booking in for an appointment, I managed to secure mine within 3 days of booking. After 10 years experience with Head Studio I can assure 10/10 customer service, some of the quirkiest characters you'll meet this side of Australia - all with killer style, a team who is more so a tight knit family than working colleagues and award winning stylists acting as the cherry on top of the cake.

Looking forward to seeing many more this summer!

Wearing: Twiggy Stardust Triangl bikini bralet, Mink Pink leather look skirt, Nike TR Fit 3's, Ray Ban aviators, Garnier BB Cream.

a 'cheeky' summer ahead

Each year Perth sees hundreds and thousands of beach goers flocking to the shores of the iconic Cottesloe beach for some summer fun. 

But, whether you've a prepubescent bod or been naturally blessed by the gods, it's a rare sight to see a cheeky cut bather bottom or one that bares ones buns to the world. 

Although a scarce and often frowned upon sight on our Australian sands, if you're found wearing anything more than a g-string in Europe, you're sure to cop a few looks. Big, small, short, tall, an ass that could swallow up a g-string or not, the Europeans appreciate all different sizes and certainly don't mind seeing a bit of skin. 

In the lead up to this years summer, Australia has seen a handful of local brands taking risks in swim apparel that will see a new outlook on swimsuits this season. One of these brands in particular is Eaupaixvie or, for some of us who find confusion in its pronunciation, EPV. 

Its cheeky cut bikini bottoms makes it a stand out in the market and with its vibrant fuchsia colours there's no excuse for grommets shaking their sandy towel out and 'claiming' they didn't see you. With bottoms averaging $55, ranging between S, M & L and stocked in an abundance of eye popping colours; it's no wonder the brand has recently launched sets to its very niche line.

I've always steered clear of skimpy cut bikinis, and to be honest I've never been able to fill triangles, but something clicked when I started packing about 6 months early for my Greek getaway. I suddenly realised that I no longer had to stress about running into anyone I knew, dwell on the decision of going back for spaghetti seconds or worry that I'd ever see those I'd meet ever again. I was a blank canvas, and from a spectators perspective - a confident and daring girl who really couldn't care less of what others thought of her appearance. 

If you're a 6ft model with a 3 inch waistline, I needn't preach to you. But for those with a more natural curve who may be fearful of letting it hang out this summer, I strongly recommend paying Eaupaixvie's website a visit. I am an average 163cm short (tall - wishful thinking) girl and decided to invest in a pair for my european adventure; to prevent the luminosity that forms under my bather bottoms each summer.

Having paraded them around the Greek islands and never feeling so comfortable in my own skin, I have vouched to keep doing so on Australian sand. With many brands following suit we are bound to see a new Australian beach culture arise, visible cheeks to be the new topless tanning perhaps?

There's always going to be someone skinnier, prettier, taller - and majority of the time someone carrying all three traits. But it's time to mimic the europeans approach, regardless of whether it's merely filled with tourists whom lack identity. Because in the wise words of one hit wonder TV Rock just "flaunt it and shake what your mumma gave you". 

Visit http://www.eaupaixvie.com for the full range Eaupaixvie's bottoms and swimwear.

Wearing: Eaupaixvie Milkshake bottoms, Wrangler loose fit top, Seafolly sunhat, Givenchy Embossed Rubber Grommet Sandal, Ray Ban sunglasses, Tiffany & Co. necklace.

Sinful maxi

Don't mix prints.

Horizontal stripes double your size.

Red and green should never be seen (unless on a holiday reindeer sweater). 

Denim on denim is not a statement (Justin and Britney couldn't even win that battle).

Velour tracksuits never did anyone any good (not even Regina's mom).

And jeggings... well, not much more needs to be said.

Regardless of their relevance to current fashion trends, these are just a handful of rules that have seen so many conform to the what's hot and what's not. But with the fashion world recently flipping a 180 on us, its now actually acceptable to sport a pair of kicks with a leather mesh skort, pair polka dots with stripes and in fact get away with denim on denim.

So whilst society has always instilled fashion dos and don’ts, I have always lived by a few of my own. I’ve never minded a horizontal striped sailor tee and can somewhat wrap my head around the odd animal print outfit (on somebody else), however when it comes to maxi dresses on the vertically challenged; alarm bells have always sent me running in the opposite direction. I’ve always carried around the baggage that I’m short, and therefore if my legs are covered, it'll appear as though I don’t have any. Rational thinking I know but hey - until surgery will break both my kneecaps and extend out my joints by a couple of inches, I guess heels and these dos and don’ts will have to suffice.

Although told many a times that my theory was bizarre, and that that full length white maxi dress in the front window of David Jones - a couple of seasons ago - would have looked great on my petite figure, I just couldn’t shake the idea that I was setting myself up for failure.

That was until now.

I tied the knot (at shin length) with a black maxi dress I met whilst holidaying in Santorini. I was sold when the sales assistant suggested taking baby steps in the length that would gradually lead me to fronting the long fabric in all its glory. Knowing myself far too well in all my inelegance, I figured I’d probably mimic the village idiot tripping up the white steps of Santorini and into a pile of Donkey shit, had I not taken into consideration the assistant’s advice. So between knotting and holding the bottom of the dress in the palm of my sweaty hand – I managed to pull off a seamlessly stack free tragedy.

There’s just something about taking fashion risks in new environments that impulses us to dress the way we want to be seen. Hidden from the ones that know us best, not only do we experience the realms of new surroundings but also our own style.

I now stand here slapping my wrist at the thought of the vertically challenged not being able to pull off a staple item in women’s wardrobes. 
Meet my significant other below, born and bred from a Santorini boutique, Spicy. It features a low dip back and two pieces of pleated fabric to move away from a typical little black dress. The boutique stocks local Greek brands and designers, and more importantly ships overseas. If you're wanting to sport the most recent European styles for our summer, I’d definitely recommend paying the site a visit for some inspiration.

Wearing a Nidodileda black maxi dress, Givenchy Embossed Rubber Grommet Sandal, Ray Ban sunglasses & Tiffany & Co. necklace.