Melbourne is the culture capital of Australia. There, I said it. We believe that we have something a little more special than any other Australian city (and we don’t need a harbour bridge or opera house to prove it - take that Sydney.)


Our diversity is impressive, the theatre scene is thriving, art is at the heart (ha, see what I did there?) of everything Melbourne stands for, and fashion is the way we communicate.
And before you accuse me of being presumptuous – we have the title to back it up, we are ‘the most liveable city in the world’, thanks Forbes!

Muccia Prada once said, “Fashion is instant language”, and if that’s true, Melbourne is defiantly the United Nations translation room.

Amongst the buzzing alley ways of the city, the tourist filled Bourke Street Mall, the fashion forward Chapel Street and bohemian Brunswick area, Melbournites everywhere are communicating through fashion.

And although Australia’s fashion industry may be based in Sydney, there is no arguing that Australia’s fashion capital is Melbourne – you just have to look around you to see it.

Melbournians reek cool factor. Fact. We appreciate design, have a love for the colour black, set trends and aren’t afraid to have fun with how we dress. We march to the sound of our own drum, because we are all individuals.

I hit the streets to snap some shots of some lovely Melbourne individuals, to demonstrate the style and variety on our streets.

Vulette

Meet Vulette, I spotted her when waiting in line to see Tavi Gevinson speak.

What I love about her outfit is the variety of texture, and how although she’s wearing greys and blacks, she’s wearing different variations that create contrast throughout the look. Also her shoes are fierce and the pop of an orange lip makes this a kickass ensemble.

This is what Vulette had to say…

Your style is... always changing! One day I decide I'm going to dress simple and minimal, next day I'm clashing patterns and colours. But the running theme for my style is something I've coined 'schoolgirl-scruffy-meets-tomboy-chic’...

Who is your style icon? Jessie Bush from We The People Style.

Favourite clothing item at the moment? My Nike Roshes and my Gorman leopard print shorts oh AND my TwentySevenNames striped tshirt. That's 3 items, sorry but I just can't choose 1!

Where do you like to shop? All over! I buy lots online because you can spend HOURS searching without being hassled by sales assistants. Also I'm still quite loyal to nz labels which you have to get online mostly. Like Ruby, TwentySevenNames For bricks and mortar stores, I really like Incu, and of course A Quirk Of Fate.

What do you love about Melbourne fashion? That you can wear basically anything and get away with it. In NZ there is a lot of pressure NOT to stick out too much ... 'tall poppy syndrome' I believe it’s called. So I definitely like the freedom in Melbourne to dress a bit more out there. 

Bianca

This is Bianca. Bianca was spotted on a night out on the town and her pants were so unique I had to shoot her.

An overall sophisticated and put together look. I love the monochrome colour palette (classic), and her dramatic choc-berry-lip is very vampy in a great way!

Let’s get to know Bianca a little better…

Your style is... Edgy, fierce and fun!

Who is your style icon? Lara Bingle (I hate to admit that)

Favourite clothing item at the moment? Marc Jacobs gum boots

Where do you like to shop? All over! I buy lots online!

What do you love about Melbourne fashion? Melbourne lets you experiment and make something different of the classic looks. People aren't afraid of standing out. The mixture of quirky boutiques, designer labels and flagships stores create infinite fashion possibilities.

Joe

Now repping it for the boys, here we have Joe. I really love his clean, cut aesthetic and minimalism that make this outfit so on par.

Slouchy jeans, a button up shirt and Nike jacket? I had to shoot him – ultimate cool factor of the ideal Melbourne male specimen.

Let’s see how Joe approaches his style…

Your style is...

Comfortable and clean.

Who is your style icon?

Hirari Ikeda.

Favourite clothing item at the moment?

That would definitely be my Nike Lunarglides, because when I wear them I feel like I’m god walking on clouds.

Where do you like to shop?

End Clothing, Farfetch, and Opening Ceremony!

What do you love about Melbourne fashion?

I think it's so fun that in a relatively small city, you can jump from one side to another and people dress so differently, like little tribes.

Mary

This is Mary. Mary has to be the best 15 year old I’ve ever met. Not only is she adorable, but her style was kickass.

I love the oversized granny coat, socks and sandals, bejewelled collar (she made it herself – so talented) and denim pinafore combination. She is a prime example of a Melbournian having fun with her dressing!

Shall we fall even more in love with Mary?

Your style is...

Hmm...I don’t usually think about my style, but it’s very inspired by my surroundings and influences and I see it as way for me to explore the jumble of different aesthetics I like. So I guess it’s partly classic vintage, minimalist, junk princess, teen witch, and some days just utter dag.

Who is your style icon?

I don’t really have a specific style icon who I consciously try to emulate when I dress up. That being said I am definitely inspired by certain people and fictional characters like Tavi Gevinson, Duckie and Andie from the 80’s film Pretty in Pink, Lizzie McGuire and lots of other awesome people.  

Favourite clothing item at the moment?

This is hard because I’m really indecisive, possibly my glow in the dark alien socks, or my 90’s style plastic black choker, or actually my new pretty pastel purple creepers from Asos.  

Where do you like to shop?

 I shop anywhere really, but at the moment I’ve been buying clothes at places like the thrift shop, Asos, Topshop, St. Leonard’s vintage, Dangerfield and Kinki Gerlinki.

What do you love about Melbourne fashion?

It’s so diverse and there really isn’t a stereotypical “Melbournian outfit”. I think in Melbourne people dress how they like unapologetically and without giving a damn and I find that very inspiring. I don’t know what makes Melbourne fashion specifically different to that of other cities but we do have lots of people who know how dress damn fine.

Chiara

Now here is a classic example of the Melbournian’s love for black. They say we have all four seasons in one day, so black is the perfect colour to brave all the elements outside!

Chiara here is showing us how to do all black, without looking like your mourning the loss of your pet cactus.

Her use of sleek lines, textures and pop of colour in the collar make for a chic and sophisticated outfit.

Too good Chiara…

Your style is...

A mix of sports luxe/modern chic

Who is your style icon?

Alexa Chung

Favourite clothing item at the moment?

My black cape.

Where do you like to shop?

Ksubi, Zara and online retailers.

What do you love about Melbourne fashion?

Melbourne fashion has always had such a diverse range of styles and trends, it really just encourages everyone to dress as they please.

Tori

Now I would be a bit of a hypocrite if I didn’t do myself wouldn’t I?

I always dress according to my mood, and this time is no different. Happy days call for a happy outfit!

I love a bit of quirky detail, and this Louise Grey for Topshop is the perfect top for that!

Also, I loved that skirt so much I bought it in black off ASOS as well! Living on the edge!

And now for the questions…

Your style is...

Quirky, fun and a way to reflect what vibes I’m feeling on that day!

Who is your style icon?

I luuuurve Audrey Kitching, Alexa Chung, Aimee Phillips (look her up, she hangs around with the ‘It Brits’), and a bit of modern-day Kelly Osbourne.  

Favourite clothing item at the moment?

Either my new Air Max 90 Tapes or Givenchy bag. Probably the Givenchy bag.

Where do you like to shop?

I am a sucker for online shopping - Topshop, ASOS are my heaven on that front. For designers I love a bit of Alexander Wang, House of Holland, Romance Was Born and Emma Mulholland. My ‘go to’ high street labels for me are Sportsgirl and Glassons.

What do you love about Melbourne fashion?

I love how unique we are. Go to any other state in Australia and people will pick where you’re from just by what you’re wearing! I think we’re practical, but have an appreciation for the art in design and have an overall sophisticated look. There is just so much variety here, it’s why we are the fashion capital of Australia.

And there you have it folks! My little retrospective on Melbourne fashion! Hope you enjoyed it! Also, come to Melbourne if you’re ever in Australia! I can promise you it will be enriching for the soul! (One more time all together now – ‘Melbourne is better than Sydney!’)

A big thanks to Amy! Catch you on the flip side!

NOTW 001 - Confetti Accent

Hi there!

Now that I have started Sixth Form/a new school I can finally paint my nails on a regular basis!

The main colour is the Avon Speed Dry+ in the colour, Fast Time Teal. I really love this nail polish as it is probably the easiest to use. For someone like me, who is fidgety and has little patience to wait for nail varnish to dry, this is a perfect product! However, the only issue I have with buying Avon Nail Varnishes is that the often don't look like the colour in the catalogue. This particular one I thought was going to be quite bright so when it arrived I was slightly disappointed. That is the only problem with this product but I rather like the colour it has come out like anyway!

I apologise for the awful painting but this is amazing for me! 

For the sprinkle accent I used Barry M's Confetti Nail Effect in the colour CNP 5. The accent nail trend has been around for quite a while now and this is definitely not the first time I have done it but I thought the colours went well together. I absolutely love Barry M as they are great quality for a low price, read my other post on their nail varnishes here. 

Just a quick little post! Hope you enjoyed, leave a comment!

- Amy Caitlin xo

September Empties

Hi there!

I've been having a clear out of all the empty bottles on my vanity table and thought I'd do an 'empties' post.

This is the before and after pictures:

And these were the products that I discovered to be empty after sorting through the mess!

First up is just my Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner. I tried a different one this month: 'Bee Strong'. I think it's meant to strengthen your hair but I haven't seen an obvious difference yet - it does make my hair smell lush though!

Another hair product! I've had it for quite a while so it is definitely worth the money! John Frieda 'Go Blonder' Lightening Spray. My hair is naturally blonde but as I've got older I've realised it goes quite dark (almost brown) in the Autumn/Winter months. Because I didn't want to completely dye my hair I chose this instead! However, you have got to be quite careful not to put too much in your hair or it can look like you've bleached it.

       

 The picture on the left is when I used too much in my hair a few years ago and the picture on the right was taken in July.

I am so sad that this next product ran out! It was my favourite perfume from The Body Shop called "Love ETC...". Now I'm not good at describing smells, so bare with me. It has a sweet scent which I would describe as floral but I have no idea what flower it makes me think of!

This is what used to be a press powder by the brand "Witch", it includes antibacterial actives which can help target spots and breakouts. It is great for controlling shine and your skin's oils. I think it really works, compared to other press powders I have used this one definitely keeps my face less shiny for the longest!

I don't normally buy Olay as it is quite an expensive brand for me (someone with little money) to buy. However when I went on holiday and forgot my moisturiser, this was the only one Boots had so I just bought it and gave it a go! This was definitely a life saver for that holiday! But at the end of the day it felt like any other moisturiser with an added bonus of SPF 15, probably just going to stick to my Vichy and Simple.

That's it for this month's Empties! Hope you liked the post!

- Amy Caitlin xo

The Style In My City: Introduction

Hi there!

I've had an idea. 

Being a young blogger, I haven't seen a lot of the world and foreign fashion. I love to see how people express themselves through their clothing choices and their accessories. So basically, my idea is to use the wonderful internet to connect fashion bloggers (via my blog!) to present their favourite street fashion in their local area.

What a post would include

There are a few things that I'd like to be included in these posts:

- Taking pictures of around 5 people's outfits on the streets of your city

- Comment on their outfit (favourite item, how it fits a trend etc.)

- Where they got each item of their ensemble from and how much it was 

- Their favourite part of their outfit

Also don't forget to get their name, age and occupation. If you happen to find a person with their own blog, put that on their too and spread the word!

I really want this project to work! But it will need the effort of people from all over!

 If you are interested in writing a post, email me at cloudcaitlin@gmail.com with the subject "SIMC" or tweet me @CloudCaitlin with the hashtag #SIMC.

Get your blogger friends involved!

- Amy Caitlin xo

Herbal Essences Split End Protection

Hi there!

I often find my hair can get split ends quite quickly as I use straighteners quite a bit. So I did a bit of searching and found these products from Herbal Essences.

First I am going to start with the Split End Protection Intensive Mask! This product is designed for dry or damaged hair,  to protect and defend your hair against damage and make it feel “voluptuously velvety”.

How to use:

Now I would write my own ‘How to’ but I love the way that Herbal Essences have worded it on the tub so much I’m just going to copy it out! You’ll notice it’s written in the first person as though it is the product telling you how to use it. I don’t know why but this makes me like the product even more!

“First pamper your hair with Beautiful Ends shampoo. (This is optional any shampoo will do!) Then lavish me from root to tip, giving extra attention to those tips. Leave me to luxuriate for up to 5 minutes, then rinse me away. Let me give your hair the VIP treatment once a week.”

My Experience

For some people they may think that a hair mask will make their hair go solid just like a face mask would – it doesn't. This product is literally a more intense conditioner, it gives the same texture as a normal conditioner but with such a better result, I really feel the difference after I use it! And it smells great too!

The next product is the Split End Protection Cream, which is designed to be your hair’s bodyguard against split ends and breakages.

How to use:

Again, I am going to copy it off of the bottle because I love it!

“Lavish me through to your tips to give your hair the daily special treatment. Don’t rinse out – just put me on towel-dried or dry hair and I’ll keep loving your locks and help protecting your tips all day long”.

My Experience

From using this product for quite a while now I have discovered that if I put this product on my hair when it is too dry it makes it feel thick and gloopy – like when you forget to wash out a bit of conditioner. However, on wet (not soaking) hair it works really well! It has definitely helped to reduce the amount of split ends I get between haircuts.

If your hair is particularly damaged and in need of rescuing, I would recommend getting both of these products as well as the Beautiful Ends Shampoo and Conditioner.

- Amy Caitlin xo