Practice what you preach

I love Project Runway. I honestly cannot get enough of it - it's amazing! For those in the big wide world who are oblivious to all things good and great, Project Runway is a show that has rocketed many aspiring fashion designers in both America and Australia alike into the spotlight. The other day, I had decided to take a much needed lazy day off, and in my blur of bottomless teas and warm blankets, I was amazed to find the last seven episodes of Project Runway season 8 waiting patiently in my TV recordings. A solid win. And let me tell you, this season did not let me down! Full of all the necessary drama, and backstabbing antics you expect when clawing your way to the top, reality TV style. And as the season was coming to a close and the five remaining designers sewed their poor little fingers to the bone to showcase at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, one of them really got me thinking: April Johnston.

Let me enlighten you: April is a mere 21 years old from Georgia. She was definitely one of my top favourite in the show, flaunting her expertise in dark structured yet flowing pieces full of raw emotion and ideas. As the show was winding up, it became painfully aware that April did everything in their power to keep her ethereal meets sinister design ethic strong in every piece, from every challenge. But as breathtaking as they were, it was this very stance that saw her fall shy of Fashion Week debut and subsequently finish fifth.

Designer trademark, or just playing it safe?

This pushed a button in me. So as I peeled myself off the couch and down to my wardrobe, I shifted through in shock. So many of my beloved clothes now looked strikingly the same to every other piece staring back at me. Somewhere in my shopping madness did I lose track of what I loved in fashion, and simply ended up buying pieces that blurred together and looked all too manufactured. Granted, I have been dappling in some differences lately - my scarfs are becoming statement pieces in colour and texture, and I am really turning to outstanding blazers and jumpers to speak a little louder than others. But I feel like I have been playing it all too safe. So in some last minute salvation before my weekend getaway with my boyfriend Nic, I ruffled through all my clothes, and found some .long lost items that I once bought out of rash decision making. No better than the present to re-invent some items.

Saturday. Harbour side brunch and shopping in Sydney. Outfit made up of a black high waisted maxi skirt with brown, tan and white stripes on the bottom hem. Topped with a tight black top, tanned woven belt, and my ever-handy black and white striped structure blazer. Now first I tought it was all a little too matchy matchy but when looking in the mirror for the millionth time (the vanity in me), I really took a liking to it. Much was the same during our harbour side dinner, with a strapless black shirt with a high waisted leopard print maxi. Though it was a small step in my new found voyage, it was such a refreshing break away from mundane black tights and jeans. Finally, a breath of air that my poor outfits needed!

Now, dont get me wrong - this was only the passing weekend, but almost immediately once wearing something different did I start looking for outfits more striking and one-off than what I already have. The best thing about it is that I really don't need to start pulling out all the big bucks, because in reality it is all hanging up in my closet as we speak. All I (and you!) really need to do is to dig through those treasured items of yours, watch hours of designing shows and really get your fashion juices flowing! So soon will you find clothes once over-worn to look fresh when topped with something different... dare it be an outspoken necklace, a different hairstyle, a different type of pant or shirt.

Find what you love ladies, and run with it. Fashion always comes back around but so be free to make it your own.

xo