Blogger Profile – The Animal Orchestra

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Photos by The Animal Orchestra

The other day one of my friends asked me to recommend some of the blogs I follow, as she wanted some new inspiration.  I follow hundreds of blogs (no exaggeration), but I definitely have my favourites, which i look forward to with each new post. So I thought it would be a great idea to also share some of these favourites with you all.

First up, this month, is one of my favourite Australian blogs The Animal Orchestra by the lovely Nadia Bailey.  Although Nadia’s style is very different to my own, I find it extremely inspiring. Flick through the pages of her blog, and you will see there is a very strong black theme in her styling.  A great amount of minimalist garments mixed with the most exquisite chunky Mania Mania jewellery, and interesting hair pieces.  She really has a way of making her outfits her own, I love how a delicate Lover dress suddenly becomes more edgy and original in the way she wears it! Not to mention, she also has the most beautiful photography.

Nadia was kind enough to answer a few questions for LiLT. Thanks again Nadia, I look forward to many more of your posts! xo Luciana

How long ago did you start “The Animal Orchestra”, and what made you want to do it?
The blog has had a couple of incarnations, but the version that you see now came about in May 2010, just after I moved from Melbourne to Sydney. I’d finished my university degree and wasn’t quite sure how to get where I wanted to go – namely, the fashion industry – so I started my blog as a way to explore my interest both in fashion and writing. It’s also a somewhat selfish exercise – a place to indulge in writing about the ideas and aesthetics that interests me.

How did you choose the name of the blog?
I liked the way the words sound together – it’s an oddly evocative phrase. The Animal Orchestra is also the name of a cafe and the title of a children’s story book.

How would you describe your personal Style?
I have two conflicting facets in me: there’s the me that wants to dress in sleek minimalism (leather, clean lines and simplicity; Rick Owens and Dion Lee) and the me that wants to draw on a dreamy, romantic aesthetic (lace, wide-brimmed hats, ornate jewellery; Lover The Label and ManiaMania). Sometimes I struggle to reconcile these two aspects, but I’m learning to embrace both!

What are the top 5 things you think are absolutely essential in ones wardrobe?
I can’t really speak to what is essential in other people’s wardrobes, but for me, the following are key: a pair of leather leggings, cropped at the ankle; a plain white t-shirt; a pair of ankle boots both beautiful and functional; a piece of jewellery that has been created especially for you and a tube of MAC Russian Red lipstick.

What is your favourite part of blogging? The community – I have met so many amazing people through blogging (shout out to my girl Alicia at Sea of Ghosts!), and it’s constantly rewarding to connect with people here and all over the world.

The Great Gatsby Countdown

The Great Gatsby 01

I have been waiting, and waiting, and waiting (like millions of others) for this movie to hurry up and come out!  Finally the countdown can begin as it will open in cinemas in exactly 10 days.

I am so excited to see this movie, and especially so because of the collaborations that Production and Costume designer Catherine Martin has set up in order to create, what looks like is going to be, an incredible world of 1920’s fashion.

We’re talking collaborations with Tiffany & Co, Brooks Brothers, and Prada. What an incredible wealth  of resources!!!

Check out these videos on the exciting collaborations. Now…who wants to get all dressed up and come see it with me on the 30th?

Dreaming of…

Pony Calf Hair Bag BootsLast year I saw a beautiful bag in a shop window made with the softest pony hair and felt immediately in love. I bought it straight away, but didn’t purchase it for myself as it was the perfect present for a loved one. Ever since that day I have been on the hunt for the perfect hairy bag or boot, and although this gorgeous bag by Maiyet is WAAAY beyond any budget I will ever hope to have for such an accessory, these super cute (and sturdy) booties by Gorman fit the price and lust quota perfectly.

Boots by Gorman / Bag by Maiyet

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Lilt Blog Mother's day Gift Ideas

Next Sunday is Mother’s Day, and although showing our mums how much we love them should not be reserved for this day, it is a great opportunity to make all our mum’s feel extra special.  Whether it’s the simple act of baking up some scones, a functional and beautiful new bag or a luxurious spa treat, take a peek at some of my top picks to spoil your mum.

Palm Beach Coconut and Lime Candle / Nomadic Five O’Clock Friday Laptop Bag / Seed Heritage Betty Flats / Peter Alexander Lace Trim Gown / Uimi Ruby Blanket / Donna Hay Scones Recipe for a Devonshire Tea treat / Elke Kramer Sorcerer Bracelet / Demeter Daphne Pick me up Cologne Spray from Kleins Perfumery / Rapp Ostara Silk Scarf / Aurora Spa Luminous Gift Pack

Lauren Marinis – Store Opening

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Lauren Marinis store opening, with my lovely friend Bec from Frocks & Crumpets.  You may remember the  Australian shoe label from my previous post and interview with the Melbourne designer (HERE).  The event was held at the beautiful new store in Rupert st, Collingwood last Saturday afternoon, and it was so great to be invited to share in the celebration of Lauren’s new store.

Staying true to her impeccable style Lauren has created a beautifully light and inspiring space, with sky-high pumps and gorgeous ankle boots displayed on their own individual pedestals, to showcase the works of arts that they really are.  It was such a fantastic night, with a combination of some of my favourite things, fashion, cheese, champagne and SHOES!!! I may have even left with a new pair of pumps and boots!

You can purchase Lauren Marinis Shoes at the online store HERE, but I definitely suggest you pop in to have a look at the beautiful presentation of incredible  shoes Lauren has to offer.  Store is open Wednesdays and Saturdays 11am-4pm at, 74 Rupert Street, Collingwood, VIC, 3066.

Lilt Lauren Marinis 24

Lilt Lauren Marinis 22

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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2013

Last week, in-between a whirlwind of work, errands and outings, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week came and went.  I have finally gotten through watching the shows and am so excited for fashion this upcoming spring/summer, even though we’re only hitting colder weather now. Here are some of my favourite looks from MBFWA. It seems I have a thing for volume at the moment. It’s all about full skirts,  long vests, and roomy tops.

Alice McCallAlice McCall

Camilla and Marc ElleryCamilla & Marc / Ellery

Karla SpeticKarla Spetic

By Johnny Bec and BridgeBy Johnny / Bec & Bridge

ShakuhachiShakuhachi

MaticevskiToni Maticevski

Easton Pearson Roopa Pemmaraju copy

Easton Pearson / Roopa Pemmaraju

All images form Vogue & MBFWA .

If you want to see more of my favourites you can check out my Pinterest HERE