Winter 2012

It's that time of year fashionista's... time to see what will be in store for Autumn/Winter 2012!

The fashion that we are seeing on the runway for the Autumn/Winter season includes angular cutouts, fabric contrasts, cut off styles, jackets of all lengths and a mix of military and androgynous styles.
Autumn/Winter fashion is not without it's feminimity, this season we will see the return of 50's style dresses with cinched waists, flowy fabrics, lace and soft prints. We will also see a return to the 70's with flared pants and wedged shoes and boots.

Italian Autumn/Winter Fashion



London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter Fashion

Milan Fashion Week Autumn/Winter Fashion

New York Fashion Week Autumn/Winter Fashion

What some of our home grown designers are doing for the upcoming season...



David Jones Autumn/Winter Collection 2012

Sass & Bide Autumn/Winter Collection 2012

Alex Perry Autumn/Winter Collection 2012

Department store, Myer, is yet to release it's Autumn/Winter 2012 collection. The collection will be officially released at their Autumn Winter Fashion Parades in Melbourne on March 2. 



Women In The Industry

Women In The Industry is a business that I started in December 2011 after I realised how difficult it was for women to break into the fashion industry. One of the things I noticed was that most fashion related roles, whether you be a model, photographer, stylist etc, required previous experience which of course is hard to attain if most roles have require you to have experience in the first place. So came the concept of Women In The Industry, a TFP organisation that would bring together photographers, models, stylists, designers, make up and hair artists together to work on projects with one common goal, to gain the much needed experience required to break in to the industry.

I started the Women In The Indsutry facebook page and didn't really have any expectations of what it would become. I decided that I would use inspiration images so the women on the page could register for roles they were interested in and that matched their skills list. I began taking applications for roles in late December.

In January, as Women In The Industry started getting bigger and gaining more popularity, I decided to bring extra help on board in the form of adminstrators. Davina Moynahan joined WITI in late January as the Marketing, Advertising and Charities Administrator and then in February, Mel came on board as our tech guru and Amanda Clarke and Taleah Clare Baird came on board as casting administrators.

Women In The Industry has grown to over 550 clients in just three short months, has cast the majority of the community in shoots and charity projects and is taking on exciting new clients and campaigns.

Women In The Industry is a one of a kind concept, an original concept that had never been considered before, and is to date the only concept dedicated to bringing women who are interested in working in the fashion industry the professional experience they need to break in to the industry.

Our goals for the future are to expand the business to be able to cater to even more clients through photo shoots, charity work, campaigns and events.

To be involved please visit:
www.facebook.com/womenintheindustry

Examples of WITI work:

Model: Caitlin Redgrave

MUA: Michelle Dube

Photographer: Willow Belle Portraits

Model: Melissa Hanes

MUA: Ayla Weeks

Stylist & Photographer: Keziah Sugarat

Model: Rea Jane

MUA: Karen Chapman

Hair: Genevieve Baba

Stylist: Mel Issa

Photographer: Bababoom Photography

Model: Harmony

MUA: Jewleyah Sophia Márquez

Photographer: Seray Niyazi

All that glitters ISNT gold!

I should have been born a bird, because nothing attracts me more than something shiny!

I'm not one for following current trends or only wearing certain styles for certain seasons. Style is individual and should reflect who you are and what you're feeling, and you're bound to feel amazing in any of these because this post is dedicated to glittery, gleaming and gorgeous clothing, shoes and accessories.

Shoes so shiny they'd make Cinderella jealous!

Clashing Prints

The thought of wearing more than one print can be understandably daunting and whilst this can be a tricky trend to master, the results of getting it right can be amazing.

Here are my tips for clashing prints:

• Start with basic prints. Don't choose somthing too bold, polka dots work well for people who want to use prints without going over the top.

Ruffled Polka Dot Blouse Michael Kors



• Choose lighter coloured prints such as pastels, whites/greys.

Lily Print Dres Mui Mui



• Use printed accessories such as shoes, purses, scarves.



• Don't be afraid to mix up more than one type of print, eg. floral and stripes.

•   Take your tips from celebrities. Celebrities enlist top notch stylists to help them get trends right, if you follow their general style rules you won't go wrong!



 

 



Begitta

Every now and then I am lucky enough to be browsing Facebook pages and come across something amazing. One particular day I came across a label called Begitta. A label from a woman so talented that her amazing designs have the ability to completely take you away to another place.

la bella vita. was lucky enough to be able to talk to Begitta about her passion for design and how she got started in fashion.

1. When did you first start Begitta?

I graduated from college in 2008. The same year I was a student finalist at the National Retail Awards. Officially the label began in 2009 when Begitta was featured at Gold Coast Fashion Week in the HIGHLIGHTS show. From then on it snowballed! Since, I have worked with so many wonderful clients creating beautiful Custom Couture Wedding and Formal gowns. Now, having completed my final studies in Paris last year and have since released an exciting new Ready-To-Wear Collection “Le Chateau”.

2. Have you always been interested in designing?

I’ve always been very creative. I would spend hours as a child drawing and making things and I’ve always loved dressing up. The teachers at my Kindergarten would wait at the gate “To see what Begitta is wearing today”. I guess I have always been drawn to theatrics and pretty things; it was a natural succession to end up doing it for a living!

3. What inspired Begitta?

I guess it has all just been a fluid transition from growing up, loving to create things and being quite artistic. I really couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I love, live, breath to create and what better way to use that passion than to make pretty dresses for beautiful girls!

4. Tell us a little about the label, your designs etc.

Begitta is a label that was born from the dream of love, passion, romance and fairytales. Begitta creates a fantasy of fabric adorned with beauty and elegance that can only come from the sweet surroundings of all that can inspire you. 

As a designer I strive to offer garments of excellent quality, fabulous fits and high style, which are well finished and beautifully embellished. Using the five staple words of the label, Feminine, Fun, Flirty, Elegant, Fabulous, each garment is designed with special attention to detail and finishing, using quality fabrics and decadent trims.

5. Which is your favourite collection?

Choosing my favourite would be like picking a favourite child. I think I could choose a favourite piece or two, which would have to be the “Lost in Wonderland” gown; a frothy pink layered tulle concoction with hand draped bodice that has been a favourite among all. The other would have to be the “Lady Divine” gown I created in Paris. It was created using techniques learned from the couturier hand of a designer named Madame Gres. Gres created such wondrous work and dressed the likes of Jackie Onassis and Princess Grace Kelly. Needless to say, it was very inspiring working on the gown using these amazing techniques.



Lost In Wonderland Gown

Lady Divine Gown

6. What are your favourite parts of designing?

My favourite? There are just so many things that I love about designing. The absolute best thing would be the reaction of the wearer. When you work so hard on a dress, whether it be beading, hand draping or a technical pattern, you put your heart into the piece. When it’s finally finished and your client puts on the dress and says “I feel like an absolute princess” it really makes you feel as though you are floating on a cloud. To have someone show such appreciation for your work is such a wonderful feeling!  

7. What does it mean to you to be an inspirational women?

I never thought of myself in that way. To do the work that you have so much passion for and to have the opportunity to pursue your dream is such an exciting thing in itself. Life should be about following your dreams, following your heart and having the strength and passion to really go for it, no matter what you come up against.

8. What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?

I have been given so many wonderful opportunities. I cannot begin to thank all the amazing people who have supported me on my journey. To pick just one though, I would have to say working with Peugeot Car Company, creating a custom dress design for the launch of the new RCZ at the Australian International Motor show. To work with such a large and well-known brand has been such an amazing adventure and an absolute dream come true!



Begitta Customed Made Hostess Dress for Peugeot

9. What is next for Begitta?

The future has endless possibilities and so many exciting things to come, most of these I can’t reveal just yet. But I can say that we are excited to be moving into a new studio very soon, which will make room for fabulous new collections as well as some beautiful custom-made bridal & formal gowns!

Some of Begitta's amazing designs...

Tea Party Collection



Doll House Collection

Carnivale Collection

Bridal Couture

To see more of Begitta's fabulous work, visit...

www.begitta.com

Best Foot Forward...

It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I am a bit of a shoe freak. I'd fill my closet full of shoes if I had the money... and a bigger closet space. So, I thought it only fitting that I share with you some of my most favourite shoe styles and online stores.

I like Winter a whole lot more than summer. I would much rather be snuggled up than sweating so, I prefer winter outfits. I love blazers, coats, layering, winter greys and I especially love a good boot! And, at the moment I am absolutely crushing on military style, lace up boots.

Dayton Boots $129.95

www.wittner.com.au

A second shoe wardrobe must have is a good pair of heels. I have a bunch of heels in my wardrobe but more often than not the first pair I reach for are my black peep toes. They are without a doubt the most versatile shoe you could possibly own and I guarantee that they will get more wear than any other shoe in your wardrobe.

Tony Bianco Cannes Black $159.95

www.styletread.com.au

While I do love Winter, it is still going to be warm for a few more months yet and warmer months call for suitable shoes. My favourite shoe for warmer seasons is the wedge. They are so versatile, you can wear them with cute dresses, shorts, jeans on rainy days and dress them up as well as down.

Monaco $49.95

www.shoebox.com.au

The next pair of shoes every girl should own is a pair of heels that makes her feel like a princess. My honest pick would be a pair of Louboutin Swarovski encrusted Daffodile's but at $6,395 I don't think I will ever get a pair. Luckily for us though there are a bunch of shoes out there that will make you feel just as special for a whole lot less!

Zinga Gold $80.00

www.shoeshow.com.au

Some of you may frown at my next shoe suggestion but I do have my reasons. I recommend that every single own of you should own a pair of thongs/sandals etc. Feet need a rest and squishing them into boots or heels, as fabulous as it may look, can be tiring for your feet. Plus, there's days where all you want to do is dress down.

Venetian $59.99

www.betts.com.au

Shoes can be an expensive addiction which is why my biggest shoe buying tip is hit EBAY. Not all of the shoes are second hand, in fact a lot of stores now use Ebay to sell their goods as well and you will usually always find a bargain.

Happy shopping! x

Happy Valentine's Day

Saint Valentine's Day was first established in 496 AD by Pope Gelasius 1 and was associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending hand written greeting cards .

Today, Valentine's Day has been commericalised and is more about offering extravagant gifts rather than honest sentiments. This Valentines Day I urge everyone to show their loved ones how they feel by giving gifts that are meaningful, such as hand written cards, hand written token books or even a stay at home movie night, rather than buy a mass produced gift.

I'll be spending this Valentine's Day having a GLEE Marathon in bed with my Fiancee of two years. And I'd love to know how you are spending yours....



Jesinta Campbell

Jesinta first came in to the public eye in 2010 when she was crowned Miss Australia. She then went on to Miss Universe where she placed second runner up and was crowned Miss Congeniality. Since then Jesinta has worked for The Morning Show as a guest reporter, become an ASICS ambassador and the face of cosmetics brand Savoir Faire and even appeared on the Australian version of Celebrity Apprentice rasing $160,000 for the charity REACH, proving that she is so much more than just a pretty face.

Jesinta kindly agreed to take some time out of her busy schedule to talk to la bella vita. about what it means to be an inspirational women and what's coming up for her in 2012.

1. How did you get started in modelling? What do you like to do outside of work?
I kind of just fell into modelling. I did a catwalk and deportment class on the school holidays and it all just went from there. My life is pretty much work at the moment, I don't get much time off but in my free time I love being outdoors, spending time at the beach, painting and hanging out with friends.

2. What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
A big highlight for me was raising enough funds on The Celebrity Apprentice for REACH to have a home here in Sydney...its great to know that teenagers in sydney will have access to their programs!

3. Do you consider yourself to be an inspirational women?
Its a humbling thought that people would find me inspirational. I am just living my live and going after my dreams, if my journey inspires people then thats an awesome accomplish!

4. What three words best describe your time on Celebrity Apprentice.
Fun. Challenging. Life changing.

5. What are your goals for 2012?
My personal goals in 2012 are:
1. Run a half marathon
2. Go on a European Holiday
3. Skydive
4. Create more balance in my life

6. What advice do you have for young women?
Your playing small doesn't serve the world. Dream big, be courageous and know that your best is always good enough!! And its ok to ask questions....infact, ask as many questions as possible, its the best way to learn!!

Strawberries and Cream

I absolutely love to bake and I've tried making everything from cakes, to cheesecakes, to cupcakes, to biscuits and cookies. But I found an amazing recipe for Strawberry and Cream cupcakes which is just delicious.

Ingredients:

Makes: 12 cupcakes

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 1 1/2 cups sifted self raising flour
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pink food colouring

Preparation method

1.

Preheat the oven to 160 degrees. Line a 12 cupcake pan with cupcake papers. In a medium sized bowl, lightly beat the eggs and add butter and sugar, then mix until fluffy.

2.

Add milk, flour, vanilla and food colouring, then stir to combine. Beat with electric mixer until creamy. Divide the batter into 12 cupcake papers. Bake for 15-20 minutes until risen and firm to touch.

3.

TOPPING - I decorated mine with Betty Crocker Ready To Spread Vanilla Icing and Sugar flowers.