It’s gonna be a hot summer…a hot, hot summer…

It’s only the first month of spring and already Brisbane temperatures are climbing well over 30 degrees! All signs point to it being a scorching summer so we have a few tips to keep you looking cool in the blistering heat…

A bronze glow…

Tis the season to bare lots of skin… and there is nothing like a golden tan to boost your confidence in those hotpants. But be sun smart…no one wants their skin to look like leather when they’re 50 or get skin cancer!!! There are so many fake tans on the market that give an even, natural result… there is sure to be one that is right for you.

Here are some top tips for a smokin’ fake tan…

1. Exfoliate the body…exfoliating mits are great for this as you can just use soap or a body wash and they last for months…don’t waste money on expensive exfoliants…save your dosh for some new threads!
2. Make sure you are hair-free…
3. Rubs a little moisturiser into your elbows, knees and heels…these bits are normally drier than the rest of your skin and grab onto the tan…dead giveaway for a home-job.
4. Apply a coat of fake tan ensuring you cover all of your body…Rub in well just like you are applying moisturiser.
5. Wash your hands immediately…orange hands are another dead giveaway for a DIY.
6. Using a cotton ball or make-up pad apply (sparingly) a coat to the top of your hands as this would have come off when you washed them.
7. Now let the tan dry…don’t put clothes on otherwise the tan will stain…close the door put on some tunes and enjoy dancing naked!
8.Repeat steps 4-7…a second coat ensures even coverage and a deep golden colour!

GET THE LOOK: Le Tan fast tan; instant self tanning mousse $10.95 (Priceline)

Get your hat on…the fedora.

Now everyone has seen the old fedora popping up at the beach or your last music festival… but when I saw this image at Family nightclub I was thrilled! What a great way to add some attitude to a simple black dress…the juxtaposition of a glam outfit and a casual hat is just inspiring…buy one… be cool.

A little bit of history…

“The word fedora comes from the title of an 1882 play by Victorien Sardou, Fédora, written for Sarah Bernhardt. The play was first performed in the U.S. in 1889. Sarah played Princess Fédora, the heroine of the play, and she wore a hat similar to a fedora. The fedora became a female fashion which lasted into the early part of the twentieth century. When the fedora became a male fashion, it was popular in cities for its stylishness, ability to protect the wearer's head from the wind and weather, and the fact that it could be rolled up when not in use.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fedora, Wikipedia)

GET THE LOOK: Fedora; assorted colours and fabrics, $19.95 ( http://www.hatworld.com.au/ )

As always, stay tuned to see if YOU make Brisbane's fashion cut...

Scratched and Stitched - June 2009

Scratched and Stitched is a regular event that showcases a selection of Brisbane's best emerging and established designers and boutiques...and some unbelievable new talent on the decks and mic’s!!

And it was all about the accessories at the recent Scratched and Stitched event at Mirra on the 26th of June 2009.

Accessories for the boys… Tie, Scarf, Wayfarers…

A black tie should be a staple in any boys’ wardrobe. Winter 2009 sees the black tie teamed with collared shirts of any colour – the bigger the contrast, the better. The tie adds an element of class and completes a strong masculine look. And more importantly will carry into next season. Similarly the scarf is also a must-have for the boys this season…. Whether it be thick and full, skinny, patterned or plain - adding texture instantly updates a tired winter look…

But the most exciting accessory is the Ray-Ban Wayfarer….guaranteed instant street-cred! Work the wayfarer in classic black for a rockstar look (think Bob Dylan) or add a splash of colour with Ray-Ban’s new season styles.

A bit of history…..”The Ray-Ban Wayfarer is a design of sunglasses manufactured by Ray-Ban since 1952, when their design was a revolutionary break from the metal eye-wear of the past. Wayfarers enjoyed early popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, especially after they were worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. Though the sunglasses had faded from the limelight by the 1970s, a lucrative 1982 product placement deal brought Wayfarers to their height of popularity. Since the mid-2000s, the sunglasses have been enjoying a revival.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray-Ban_Wayfarer, Wikipedia)

GET THE LOOK: Ray-Ban Wayfarers $229.95. (Sunglass Hut)

Accessories for the girls….Capelets and Collars…

And texture and layers to any outfit with a charming capelet or collar. A capelet is a mini-cape..the most popular length this season finishes half way down the upper-arm. The pictured black and white frill collar adds texture and height to a sleek black outfit. If you are feeling adventurous try fur or feathers to get a little wild! A perfect solution to add some edge on a budget!

GET THE LOOK: Hussy Black Feather Capelet, $198. (www.frockaholics.com)

More accessories for the girls….Statement Clamshell Purse…

The clamshell purse is a vintage lovers dream… rare finds at a vintage market or boutique can make your weekend shopping splurge! If you’re minted then designer Judith Leiber (think the swan purse Big gives Carrie in STC) is renowned for her quirky designs. An excellent statement piece that adds fun and individuality to any outfit! Fabulous!

GET THE LOOK: Vintage boutiques, Markets, ebay (http://www.ebay.com.au/) ….it’s the thrill of the find!

As always, stay tuned to see if you make Brisbane's fashion cut...

Acid Wash, Leather Jackets and Cut-outs

The children of the 80’s have certainly lived up to all expectations this weekend! Check-out images from Decadence at The Met and Vandalism at GPO....delicious!

Loving this high-waisted acid wash black denim skirt, teamed with a basic black singlet. The best way to wear this trend is simple… Anything acid wash is a huge statement so best to stick to complimentary block colours….the idea is to bring elements of the past to create a fashion-forward look…not to look like you are stuck in a time-warp!

GET THE LOOK: Acid Wash Dress, $75. Princess Polly (5 / 152 Adelaide St, Brisbane).



When it’s cold, cold, cold, how do you stay super trendy and not ruin that hot outfit underneath? Why, a leather jacket of course!! If your budget allows it, then splurge on high-quality leather… the investment will ensure you look stylish and can carry the piece into next season... Of course if the budget is a bit tight then there are a number of cheaper alternatives that will do the trick! Think bomber and hoodie…. two features that have bought the leather jacket into Winter 2009.

GET THE LOOK: Agent Ninety Nine Pu Biker Jacket, $139.95. General Pants (192 Albert St, Brisbane).



Can anyone say cut-out?

Instant sex appeal by baring flesh in all the right places... The cut-out dress puts a new twist on the fashion staple – the Little Black Dress (LBD). Simple, sexy, fun and right on the fashion money. Wear this look with statement heels and watch heads turn!

GET THE LOOK: Style Stalker Cut-out Dress $119. (http://www.stylestalker.com/shoponline/)

Stay tuned to find out who will make Brisbane's fashion cut next week...

Meet The Photographers…

We would like to welcome “getanightlife.com,” “PenyLane” and “Myles James” to the BrisbaneThreads team. These talented photographers will be snapping your pics at nightclubs and events throughout Brisbane and have kindly given us permission to use their images in our fashion blog... So be sure to be on your best fashion behaviour!

Getanighlife.com

“getanightlife.com is the definitive guide to what has happened and what will happen in clubs, pubs, bars and festivals in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast... and all across Australia.

Not only are our photographers out and about every weekend tracking the party animals at the best events, but we provide coverage, reviews and updates about everything you can't afford to miss.

Throw in prizes, competitions, scantily clad boys and girls and a whole heap of other exciting stuff, getanightlife is the best place to find yourself online after the weekend.

Send us a message, check out the site, post a picture or make a comment - whatever you do, make sure you getanightlife.” (http://www.getanightlife.com.au)

PenyLane

Penlane.com was originally developed as a place of creative expression through articles and photographs, the website quickly began to have a cult following within the indie creative Brisbane scene.

After only 5 months of running the website they were approached by the owner of iconic Brisbane bar Alibi Room to publish a book of photographs. The book was launched as part of club night Monster Joes and all copies sold out in one night. Since launching the book penylan.com now receives an average of over 500 visits per day from Australia and all over the world. Feeling an insatiable thirst from its audience, they have recently ventured into online videos covering anything from fashion events, music festivals and unique club nights.

Check out the new PenyLane layout featuring an adorable new coverboy, fabulous red shoes and of course access to the latest, fascinating events in Brisbane’s fashion and underground entertainment scene.

Yours in the never-ending quest for something different,
Peny x

Myles James

This 23-year old photographic genius has been capturing nightclub and event antics across Brisbane and has been growing in popularity for the past couple of years...

His photographic blog www.eye-saw.blogspot.com is a MUST-SEE for anyone who is anyone on the Brisbane nightlife scene….

Where there’s a party…there’s Myles James...



BrisbaneThreads encourages you to visit their sites and get to know their work! (See our list of favourite sites…)

What is BrisbaneThreads?

Welcome to BrisbaneThreads! The blog that answers the question “How does Brisbane interpret international fashion trends?” Each week our roving photographers will be snapping outfits in Brisbane nightclubs and streets…will your threads make the fashion cut?

Find out...

• Who got it right…
• Who’s taking risks …
• What fashion trends are influencing Brisbane….and
• How YOU can get the look…
  

Look forward to guest bloggers including upcoming and established Australian Fashion Designers, Fashion Journalists and Boutique owners.

So polish up those patent heels and squeeze into those skinny jeans.... BrisbaneThreads is on the prowl!