STYLE NOTES - Winter Investments

If there’s one thing to invest in this Winter, it has to be a fabulous coat. With the international couture fashion weeks all wrapped up, it was clear from the attendees spotted on the streets that a statement coat is the must have piece of the season.

Taking inspiration from the streets of Paris, New York, London and Milan, it’s all about the coat. Key trends for AW14 are pastels; pale pink, baby blue and lilac, classic neutrals black, navy, grey and camel, pops of colour like cobalt blue and purple and statement plaid and houndstooth.

STYLE NOTES - Assess and Dress

For some of us Summer is a daunting season. With rising temperatures comes the need for less clothing which means baring a little more skin that some of us are comfortable with.  If coping with the summer heat is enough to deal with, then noting these style tips might hopefully take the sting out of summer dressing.

STYLE NOTES - Summer Stripes

As another Summer rolls around, a sense of fun and festivities fills the warmer air. Weekends call for more socialising, more entertaining and more reason to dress for the party season. So what do you wear to a weekend soiree where enjoyment is key, and style is more casual? A striped tee is a must in any wardrobe and is a great way to look up to date without having to try too hard.

STYLE NOTES - Introducing the Red Carmella Tote

STYLE NOTES - A spring in your step

STYLE NOTES - Winter Warmers

There’s nothing better than feeling warm and cosy in winter but it’s hard to do this without a good coat. And the best news is, you only need one. 

From the Stylist - Minimalist Monochrome

Monochrome: ‘a style developed or executed in black and white or in varying tones of only one colour’

Monochromatic black and white is more than just a season-in, season-out trend. There is no better example of how enduring a trend it is, than iconic fashion designers Coco Chanel and Carolina Herrera.  Always chic in her black Boucle Chanel suit and white blouse was Chanel and the gracious Herrera in her signature white shirt and black trousers (or vice versa) is the absolute height of elegance and sophistication.

Monochrome in black and white is one of the simplest, most stylish of looks to try whatever the year, and whatever your age, and never fails to gain attention when done well. Bright whites tempered with inky blacks can be used to create a truly bold statement.

How to wear it-

The fact that you probably already have a few black and white items hanging in your wardrobe makes a monochromatic look possibly one of the easiest of Autumn/Winter trends to execute. Another plus about monochromatic style is that is helps to slim and lengthen, visually making everything look longer and leaner.  And long after all the colored garments from the past seasons have faded into fashion’s oblivion, you will still be able to wear monochrome classics that stand the test of time.

Queen of Black and White - Carolina Herrera

SARAH CONNERS Carmella Shopper

Nicholas Kirkwood Elaphe heels

Bassike checkerboard leather top and pants

Our "From the stylist" tips come from Melbourne stylist and personal shopper Sally MacKinnon 

From the Stylist - Trans- Seasonal Dressing

The fashion seasons may well be moving full steam ahead into AW13, but whilst winter clothing fills the shelves of our favourite retailers, temperatures are still mild and unsettled for most of us. It’s the time of year that if you know how to take your favourite summer pieces and rework them to suit the changing climate, you’ll get more bang for your buck from your wardrobe.

The key to taking your summer pieces into the new season, without having to buy an entire new wardrobe, is having key staple pieces. These include blazers, dresses (silk tunics, wraps and shifts) silk shirt, jeans, ankle boots and scarves.

How to wear it-

A stylish and easy way to create a trans-seasonal outfit is to start with your favourite silk dress. 

Silk is a versatile fabric that can move you from summer to winter. 

Add a tailored blazer and roll the sleeves to the elbow to create a relaxed, contemporary style. 

Swap the pumps for a modern ankle boot, but keep the legs bare. 

Add a lightweight scarf if you require more warmth or alternatively some low denier black tights. 

And remember that your outfit doesn’t have to be too matchy-matchy; have fun with mixing patterns and textures.

Accessorise your transeasonal style with the SARAH CONNERS Tender Ines Satchel , Acne blue blazer, Rag & Bone grey boots and Palmers Coco Butter Self-Tanning Lotion.

Our "From the stylist" tips come from Melbourne stylist and personal shopper Sally MacKinnon 

From the Stylist: Cool Summer

Our very favourite stylist Sally Mackinnon is back with us in 2013 to share more of her practical style tips for every season. With a month left of the Australian Summer we are kicking off with tips to keep you looking great in the heat.

Summer calls for a more relaxed approach to dressing, but that doesn't have to mean thongs and sarongs. Whether you’re sunning poolside, watching the tennis courtside, or just enjoying any opportunity to be outdoors, high summer style can be both stylish and comfortable. Keeping our harsh sun in mind, it’s important to cover up to avoid looking like a lobster the following day.

How to wear it-

Choose natural fibres like cotton and linen that will breathe even if the temperature’s hot and you’re covered in a long sleeve or skirt. It’s a common myth that wearing black in hot weather will only attract the sunlight and make you feel hotter. The type of fabric you choose rather than the colour is more important. 

Accessorise your look with a sun hat. Fedoras are funky and minimalist, but if you’re looking for more coverage, opt for a floaty, wide brimmed sunhat.  And don’t forget the most important accessory, sunscreen.

Accessorise your cool summer style with the Sarah Conners canvas tote and Ray-Ban wayfarers.

Summer Cool

Boy. Band of Outsiders Cotton Shirt 

SARAH CONNERS Canvas Tote 

Cancer Council Sunscreen 

Classic Ray-ban Wayfarers

Eugenia Kim Fedora 

Habbot Silver Hamper Brogues

Our "From the stylist" tips come from Melbourne stylist and personal shopper Sally MacKinnon 

Silver Love @ SARAH CONNERS

Silver, sequins and stripes are the perfect combination! Get Sparkly this season and mix classic Breton stripes with slouchy sequins pants for a witty festive look.

Team your silver and stripes with our Tilly Clutch and you will be set for Christmas. 

From the Stylist: Festive Style

Whether it’s a work Christmas function, summer cocktails on a city rooftop or a laid back Sunday beer garden session, it’s the season to be jolly. And with temperatures rising, it’s time to start thinking about your festive season wardrobe.

With all the options available, it’s hard to know where to start when choosing the appropriate outfit. Keep in mind the company you’ll be keeping and the purpose for the celebration. If it’s a work function, dress in a way which still presents a professional image, yet is in keeping with a fun, festive occasion.

How to wear it-

If you work in a conservative environment, then be mindful of things like skirt and dress length, cleavage and over exposure.  And if you do decide to show some skin, choose your legs or your bust, not both. Also, you’ll probably be busy with drink in one hand, canapés in the other, so choose a clutch or handbag that you can throw over your wrist or shoulder to keep your hands free to indulge in the festive spirit.

Camilla and Marc Dress, Manning Cartell Boote, Sarah Conners Clutch

Accessorise your festive season outfit with Sarah Conners ‘Tilly’ Silver Clutch (with handy wrist band)

Sarah Conners Silver Tilly Clutch 

Camilla and Marc Howling Dress

Manning Cartel Hatters Castle Boote

Sarah Conners Vintage Glass Bag Ornament

Our "From the stylist" tips come from Melbourne stylist and personal shopper Sally MacKinnon 

Glass, Markets, Paris and Inspiration @ SARAH CONNERS

I am not usually very sentimental but I wanted to tell you a little story about these new bag ornaments.

A new love and a trip to Paris is what led to these beautiful silver and glass bag ornaments. On a cold and rainy Paris morning quite a few years ago (after brioche for breakfast of course) we made our way to Le Marche aux puces. This Paris flea market is nothing short of pure heaven.

In a little stall tucked in the market surrounded by braids, beads and tassels I found the gorgeous handblown glass beads now sitting proudly on these ornaments. I bought 10 of them and they have travelled with me through new loves and two different workrooms waiting for the perfect time and the perfect piece of leather.

These glass beads were bought with love and then made into ornaments with love. Perfect.

 Find the Vintage Glass Bag Ornament in our online store 

Christmas Wishlist @ SARAH CONNERS

Christmas Gifts are hard! To make it a little easier for you we have put together a list of our picks for a perfect Christmas. We have pulled together some of our favourite items from this year.

Angie Necklace $90

Tilly Silver Clutch $265

Splash Multi Colour Keyring $50

Carmella Mini Tote $410

Silver Antique Keyring $80

Python Double Purse $265

From the Stylist: Spring Racing Style; Getting it Bright

Stylist Sally McKinnon

This year’s Spring Racing Carnival has kicked off and fashionista’s will be taking the opportunity to show off this season’s trends trackside.

One trend that is sure to get you noticed is wearing bright or neon colours. Not quite as fluorescent as the 80s, this season’s brights are a great way to inject some fun and colour into your race day outfit. The key is to mix and compliment your colour combinations with accessories, but you don’t have to be too matchy-matchy. Stick to the three colour rule when choosing your race day accessories; match either your shoes and hat, shoes and bag, or bag and hat (i.e. not all three) The third accessory can match or compliment a third colour in your outfit.  

How to wear it-

If the idea of wearing a bright colour head to toe is a little daunting, then choose pops of colour in your accessories. Classic colours like black, navy and white work well with brighter shades like yellow, pink, red and orange. 

David Lawrence Suit, Sarah Conners Python Clutch and Belt

Accessorise your spring racing outfit with Python Belt and Python purse in yellow.

Josh Goot Dress, Lover Pantsuit

Sarah Conners Python Belt 

Sarah Conners Python Belt

Our "From the stylist" tips come from Melbourne stylist and personal shopper Sally McKinnon 

Colour @ SARAH CONNERS

Silk, Canvas, leather and bone. Naturals, both colour and materials are perfect for Spring.

SARAH CONNERS Canvas Tote www.sarahconners.com.au
DOLCE & GABBANA Crystal Clip www.net-a-porter.com
SARAH CONNERS Angie Necklace www.sarahconners.com.au
AQUILANO.RIMONDI Spring 2013 www.aquilanorimondi.it
YVES SAINT LAURENT Horn Effect Sunglasses www.net-a-porter.com

Styled by Sally @ SARAH CONNERS

Sally Mackinnon is one of Melbourne’s leading Personal Stylist and Wardrobe Consultants, renowned for her down to earth, intuitive and personable approach to working with her clients.

We are thrilled to have Sally join the SARAH CONNERS team and every month Sally will be sharing her tips on the how to wear the latest trends, what’s happening in fashion and keeping us in touch with some of the best shopping buys around. We have long been a fan of Sally’s and you can see her work in our very elegantly styled Python Range video.

When she’s not tracking down the latest trends for us to share with you Sally can be found keeping clients happy with Style Consultations, Personal Shopping Experiences, Workshops and Wardrobe Edits. She has her finger on the fashion pulse.

As Sally says “You can look fantastic every single day.”

New @ SARAH CONNERS

Here they are! After lots of suggestions, requests and waiting here are our signature skinny belts in cowhide. We now have the skinny cowhide belts in single length - perfect with jeans and in double for a great look with a shirt or dress. 

Double Belt in Black, wrap it around twice and loop it at the front.

Single length belts in Black and White and Black.

Also new in the store are our Carmella Ballet Shoes in Black and White and the Angie Necklace.