Sarahs Style Emporium

Having recently attended the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival business events, and heard about the plethora of new technologies available in the US and UK, it seemed only a matter of time before Australia caught up and we were riding the retail wave with the best of them.

One of the first to introduce some of this very cool technology is Highpoint Shopping Centre, leading the way by bringing digital fashion technology to Australia.

The latest craze in retail therapy is MiMirror, an experience that allows shoppers to compare outfits and ask friends for advice via social media – all from the change room.

A similar product from Germany, Tweet Mirror, shows how the technology works.

Just when you thought happy snaps with your iPhone on funny angles in a confined space was the best way to send a new outfit to a friend for a second opinion, MiMirror takes out all the agony of getting the shot right and allows comparisons and the ability to send to a friend.

The technology features a touch screen and inbuilt camera that doubles as a mirror, allowing a consumer to use their social networks to gain opinions and advice from friends and family. All of a sudden, you can be asking your mum and your best friend for their opinion on that little black dress – the short one with the high neck, or the backless long one?

Highpoint’s fashion stylist, Daniela Orlando, is around until Friday April 6 (5pm to 8pm) to offer further advice on the trends of the season and help consumers understand how amazing this new technology is.

‘I’m seeing more and more of my clients wanting to instantly share their shopping experiences online with friends, whether it be for a second opinion, comments on a new purchase or even just a nice compliment’ Daniela said.

Highpoint will host MiMirror until April 11, running a facebook competition simultaneously with a $1000 gift voucher prize for the shopper with the most ‘likes’ on their happy snap.

Last week at LMFF I was lucky and honoured to be able to wear shoes courtesy of Zu Shoes. These ponyhair and gold glitter stunners were my absolute favourites and I can't stop looking at them.

And now they are on sale for your buying pleasure.
Half price. Go. Now.
Qualla Heels $80 (online only)

Dear ladies, girls, women, who read this blog (note: anyone I work with, am related to or who possesses male genes might like to head somewhere else for a few minutes).

This is a blog about bras (and all the boys who kept reading just left).

I realise this is a topic not usually attempted here (or on many blogs for that matter) and I guess that's because it seems like a bit of a taboo. But I am here to tell you that bras - underwear in general - is essentially the building block of a decent outfit and those bits of lycra and cotton are just as important as your accessories.

Here is what I know about bras.

They are a pain in the butt. Or, rather, the boobs. Let's face it - they are painful and annoying and expensive. They pinch, twist, get in the way, can ruin a neckline and rob us of a decent chunk of disposable income that could be spent on shoes. Much like tampons, they are painfully necessary.

But, having said this, I have a few bra stories to tell from recent weeks that I hope will enlighten you.

Berlei Ambassador Kate Ceberano

I recently had a birthday - a shocking twenty eight years old (pause for the horror). But, the shock to more of my girlfriends (following a hilarious discussion around the five dates in five weeks concept) was that I didn't own a push up bra. Oh yes. Terrible isn't it!

Now, this was not an intentional error. I didn't realise there was some kind of push up bra sisterhood that I hadn't been informed about; I'm a rather naturally endowed lass who has never wanted for any extra oomph. Until I went for a little birthday shopping trip (with some birthday dollars from Nana who will probably be horrified I bought lingere instead of books).

My friendly Myer assistant poked and prodded and measured and flitted back and forth between the sales floor and my change room until I felt like I had tried on every bra in the store. And you know what? I still didn't think I need a push up bra. But I bought some pretty lacy things and was properly fitted for a day to day bra that was comfy and practical. Cause that's what I'm all about - the practical (probably also why I don't have a date).

The Berlei Barely There. Available in 7 colours, RRP $59.95

Until a little invitation arrived in my inbox from the Berlei bra bar. They would be setting up shop at LMFF and offered fittings and champagne. Of course I said yes.

I learnt that you are supposed to get fitted (PROPERLY) for a bra every six months. I learnt that having a bra that doesn't fit properly can do horrible things to your back, neck and posture. I learnt that a bra should most often be done up on the middle clasp. I also discovered the most comfy and flattering bra I have ever worn.

The Berlei Barely There is everything it promises and more - and for this well endowed lass, just the right amount of tee shirt smoothness coupled with 'oomph'. I'm not about to photograph my chest and post it here for you to see (sorry for the boys who kept reading) but I assure you, I recommend this bra and then some. I'm going back to get it in all the colours.

And just so you know I am practically an authority on bras, I'm going to reveal my size. I can tell you I can't buy bras at Kmart and finding something with with right balance of support and sexy (I am only 28 after all!) is hard when you move past a C cup. I was officially fitted as a 10E. Yep, E. I bet you thought you were two cup sizes less than you were too. Go get fitted!!

Unfortunately (unless you live in Sydney), this sale is only for the kids in Sydney.

I was lucky enough to meet Kirrily last week at the Fashion Industry Forum for LMFF and in addition to designing amazing clothes, she is also a gorgous girl who is just divine.

Stock up on the recent SS11/12 'Habitat' collection, timeless Kj basics and past season favourites.

Don't miss out on shoes, bags, jewellery, swimwear and signature Kirrily Johnston pieces at never seen before prices!

Last week I was lucky enough to attend the business events at the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival. One of the speakers was Kevin Panozza from Engage P/L, at the Herald Sun Marketing Breakfast.

His presentation was largely focussed on re discovering the message of 'the customer comes first' but as part of his keynote speech, Kevin showed this video of Abbey - the cutest (and most advanced 'digital native' you will ever meet).

If you ever wanted to question the future of digital, I think this answers your query and leaves no stone unturned. Business can not afford to not be online.

Dress by Cue (from Savers), Clutch by Faith, Shoes, Graffiti by Zu Shoes 
Pictures thanks to Cheryl Lin and Meagan Harding

Dress by Deception at Design a Space, Clutch from Albert Park Op Shop, Belt by Peter Lang for Cue, Shoes, Qualla by Zu Shoes 
Pictures thanks to Jennifer Estrada

All images thanks to Jennifer Estrada

One of the hubs of Melbourne fashion, QV is again coming to the party at LMFF with a series of lunchtime workshops designed to reveal all about the world of fashion and share a few tips and tricks at the same time.

As part of the cultural program, the workshops will run for 45mins from 1pm and best of all, they are FREE.

Photographer Woodrow Wilson will present on photography, Stylist Connel Chiang on developing personal style, trendhunter Kate Vandermeer on creating style and blogger Micah Gianneli on what it's really like to work in fashion.

Connel is on at 1pm on Sunday, March 11, Micah on Friday March 16 and Kate on Friday March 23 - plenty of time to plan your workday around your fashion.

Grab some lunch and come down to hear about fashion from the inside.

www.qv.com.au

Romance Was Born for David Jones
Image thanks to Jennifer Estrada