Fashion Commentator Glynis Traill-Nash talks about Alanna Hill’s new online store, tells us why blazers are so stylish and tells us how to wear the loafer.
Alannah Online
Fans of Alannah Hill’s particular brand of feminine frivolity will be thrilled to hear that the Melbourne-based designer has just launched an online store. The autumn/winter collection can now be snapped up at www.alannahhill.com.au/shop, and it’s currently offering free shipping to anywhere in Australia just to add to the enticement. Deliveries will, naturally, arrive in a beautiful beribboned box.
Blazing A Trail
With the weather turning to winter (yay!), it’s time to start layering up. A key item for this autumn/winter is the blazer—if you haven’t had one previously, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one once it’s in your wardrobe. There are plenty of colour options currently available, from classic black and navy through to white and cream, via poppy shades of red and orange or go-with-anything beige. To get good mileage out of this item, choose a colour that is going to play nice with the other pieces in your wardrobe. And also choose a streamlined shape that is flattering to your shape. One button is enough, and brings the eyeline in to the waist, but there are multiple-button options out there if you prefer. There are others without fastenings, designed to hang loose at the front. You’ll wear a great blazer with everything—it will ground a pretty dress or dress up jeans and a tee for a casual work outfit. It slots right into the whole androgynous style with trousers and lace-up shoes, or can be thrown over a printed maxidress and wedges. Many Australian designers have blazers in their current collections—try Camilla and Marc, Life With Bird, Fernando Frisoni Manning Cartell, Scanlan & Theodore and Little Joe—as well as high street brands such as Cue, Portmans, Country Road and Sportsgirl (pictured).
Supermodel Chic
Christy Turlington shows off her style credentials yet again and highlights why deep blue and black is still such a winning combination. The embellished jacket updates what could have otherwise been quite a vintage look, but overall this look also taps into the ladylike trend, with the full knee-length skirt and ankle-strap shoes. The simple clutch is a winner, as are the tied-back hair and minimal make-up. Effortless chic.
Loafing Around
Here’s a quick lesson in how to wear loafers, and it’s not just about man-style chic or the whole androgynous look. Style maven Alexa Chung wore black penny loafers late last year with this gorgeously feminine Chanel dress. Anyone else would probably have paired a dress like this with delicate heels or a classic pump. Not Alexa. She knows how to mix and match her styles in an unexpected way. The matte leather envelope clutch is also a little at odds with the dress, with its sheer panel and floral details. As a whole it comes across as cool and not at all overdone. That’s just one more option for your favourite new flats.
Also by Glynis Traill-Nash…
