Friends or foe?

A new discovery has found basis for the theory that good behaviours — like quitting smoking or staying slim or being happy — pass from friend to friend like contagious viruses! Social scientists Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler used information collected over a number of years about several thousand neighbours in Framingham, Massachusetts to make the connection.



This discovery reported in The New York Times is sure to end up on high rotation in womens magazines and have many women looking at their friends with sideways glances. It certainly has me thinking that next time I am in a bad mood I better watch myself as my bad mood will have my flatmate and friends cranky and ready to dump me quicker than I can say “cranky pants”!

Lucky for me all my friends are happy, funny, slim, gorgeous and healthy and while this may be exhausting at times I now realise it is a blessing in disguise! How many times have I bought chocolate and offered it to a friend only to hear them decline. This certainly helped me to limit my consumption and therefore help keep my waistline in check.

Now all we need is the study that confirms that boyfriends make us fat and we’ll have discovered two of the worlds least kept secrets.

Images: www.rolemommy.com

Portmans - guilt free

If you haven't already heard or seen in print, Portmans has collaborated with Camilla and Marc designers Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman to create a capsule spring racing collection. The collection includes 8 dress and jacket styles in black and white, black and gold, cream and white, and peach. The designs include some traditional racing styles - full skirts, one shoulder dresses. Unfortunately, they get the thumbs down from me. As will always be the hurdle with cheaper capsule collections, the challenge of designing a collection with cheaper fabric and fewer design features has seen Camilla and Marc's attempt produce less than lux looking and fitting dresses.

Ignoring the Camilla and Marc collection, Portmans has really upped the anti with its last collection, surprising many with some very edgy pieces that got everyones attention (see below). Its new collection follows on from the last and doesn't disappoint. Check it out at www.portmans.com.au I never thought I'd say it but you'll see me heading to Portmans this season for sure.

Images: http://grazia.ninemsn.com.au/

Tom Binns and the First Lady

Who would have thought that an Irish bloke who learn how to make jewellery from Middlesex Polytechnic would end up selling his wears at prestigious stores worldwide including Collette Paris, Harrods in London and Net-a-porter, and go on to collaborate with Vivien Westwood and Malcolm Maclaren and have his designs worn by a First Lady? Tom Binns is he and his designs are it. I just love his tough take on modern classics and his use of colour and that he is a man most unlikely. Check out these neon chandelier earrings and Michelle's hot look below.

Tom Binns neon earrings




Michelle Obama wearing Tom Binns necklace and a Tom Binns design







Images: www.lostateminor.com, nymag.com

Topshop FINALLY Downunder!!

Australians need no longer despair at the latest Topshop Unique collection as Topshop is set to open here in 28 days (as reported in SHM) or 2 weeks (as advised by Incu when I asked)! Sydney's Incu has secured an exclusive deal with the chain which will see Topshop move into Incu's Oxford Street Store. TO get you excited here are just a few of the looks from Topshop Unique's London Fashion week show. Think 80's band Bananarama, singer Boy George and cute mechanic cool. The collection is easy and fun and well suited to the masses of fans worldwide that love and live the brand.

PS Don't miss out on Topshop's Crocodile Print Dress by Christopher Kane Its great if you loved Frederick Gray's SS09/10 dark tube dresses but can't afford the price tag!

Exxy and Cheapie

Christopher Kane for Topshop Crocodile Print Dress

Friedrich Gray SS09/10

Images: Style.com, http://whatshaute.com/?p=3362

Siren calling!

The latest collection for Siren shoes is hitting stores and you don't want to miss out. Can't afford YSL and Louis Vuitton? Neither can most but you needn't worry as Siren mimics the European looks and sells their shoes as prices we can afford! You're guaranteed to be seeing these in the editorial pages of your favourite mag soon.

"Jealous"

"Cube"

"Dash"

"Jewel"

"Appro"


"Cult"


"Cubic"

Images: ScooterShoes

I am finally the owner of a copy of The Sartorialist the book! I was so excited when I saw it in Borders on the weekend. It is amazing how fashion lovers and non lovers alike enjoy this book which will no doubt be a historical reference of fashion culture for years to come.

It was exciting to see Australia editors featured - Kate Lanpher, Vanessa Coyle, Christine Centenera, Michelle Jank and Yasmin Sewell. Keep it coming girls and keep snapping Scott!

Images: The Sartorialist

Licorice high

Josh Goot got all trippy this week displaying psychedelic colour and illusionary prints at London Fashion Week. I'm not sure what the inspiration for the collection was but it reminds me of high times and licorice all sorts. The prints play on shape and change the body by drawing the eye away from the normal figure lines.

Goot's collection looks to a colourful summer to come. If you love colour but are unsure about wearing it, introduce it in accessories. Colour lifts the mood and makes for a playful day. If you aren't afraid to wear colour be careful not to go too far. Pair your Josh Goot coloured tank dress with mushroom or tan coloured heels, you don't look like a Pro Heart or Ken Done painting!!

Images: cocosteaparty.com, vogue.com.au, peeptoe, dinosaur designs