Alice be Curious

Jeffrey Campbell and Alice Be Curious get together...

Sat, 12 May 2012 05:10:00 GMT

Some very exciting news! I’m still pinching myself, think I’m still dreaming…

Why?!

Jeffery Campbell has hit Australia and even better gracing ALICE BE CURIOUS, both in store and online! (cue the standing ovation)

For those who don’t know Jeffery Campbell (JC) you need to!

JC is coveted by bloggers and fashionista’s around the globe. If you don’t already own a pair I must warn you. Buy one and it will lead to multiple purchases. Having been wearing JC for four years now I swear by their comfort and unique style. JC has follows the same principles as Alice Be Curious, daring to be different and pushing the boundaries.

Our first JC drop will arrive about July – August. Why tell you now? Well I couldn’t hold it in any longer. ABC’s summer drop shozies are made to order hence the long wait but I tell you it is worth it!

Signing off rather happy and excited that my own shoe collection will grow and as will yours - xo xo

Met ball 2012- Schiaparelli and Parada: Impossible Conversations

Wed, 09 May 2012 13:42:00 GMT

To be invited to the Met Ball would be a dream come true it’s like the “Oscars” of the east coast. Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art this annual ball has become an evening to ogle at celebrities dressed in gowns we could only hope for. Well back to reality unless you have about 5-15k to spare for a ticket we are left with drooling over the fashion on the red carpet.

This years theme was Schiaparelli and Parada: Impossible Conversations. Schiaparelli is actually one of my favourite designers. I love the Skeleton dress from her Circus Collection very much. To think she made this in 1938. Perhaps she was the catalyst for Lady Gaga’s style today?

Getting side tracked, lets get back to the Met Ball 2012.

Beyonce Knowles, Diane Kruger and Cate Blanchett opted to flock together.

Victoria secrets models illustrated that "all that glitters is gold". This woman makes anything look good! I'm sure if I tried this dress with that hat I would look like a mermaid gone wrong with a swimming cap. She carries this dress with elegance and such simplicity when this dress is so over the top!

Whilst we are on metallics it's worth reposting images of Camila Belle in Ralph Lauren.

Let's just take a moment and admire this dress. It is simply beautiful. The plunging neckline is sexy but elegant, and the back with the mesh overlay is gorgeous. *Sigh

Have you ever been invited to an event and didn't really read the invitation properly and rocked up inappropriately underdressed?

Don't feel bad it seems that this even happens to hollywood stars. Kristen Stewart arrived wearing a Balenciaga design. Yes it's designer and the top half s cute, but the skirt and those shoes.

Poor girl how awkward!

Xo Alice

Neon Brights

Sat, 05 May 2012 23:44:00 GMT

Around the globe you can’t miss the advent of neon. It has been around for a while now and it is staying put. Highlighter hues from your pencil case are now starting to creep their way into your wardrobe. Spring 2012 is set to be a bright one.

Don’t be afraid it’s the perfect way to brighten your winter wardrobe and ease the transition into spring. At ABC we recently got in this hot Neon Clutch (below). So hot it didn't even make it to the website it sold in store! Never fear we are getting more early next week. At $35.00 it is a great way to introduce these electric tones into your wardrobe.

If you are not sure how to wear neon, start small by wearing either accessories or jewellery with neon accents. Pair this with some neutral tones and it’s really not that scary. Just try not to think about the hyper colour t-shirt you wore when you were 8 years old and you will be fine. For spring ABC will be getting some Neon tones via Naven and nOir Jewellery.

These two brands are stunning, and unique. The above images are a sneak peek. I can't show you more until the items are closer to delivery. I hope you will love them as much as I do.

Still not convinced? See how celebrities have been seen wearing neons.

Fergie's take is for those of you who are a little more modest. (Pssst I'll share a secret with you ABC is getting neon pumps similar to Fergie's this in July... keep an eye out but it's not like you'll miss they being a yellow neon patent.)

JLo, style goddess shows a more bolder, risky take on the neon. Not everyone can do head to toe, but she carries herself well. Paris on the other hand is an example of what not to do. Yes she is at Choachella Arts festival but... this is a prime example of where the less is more rule applies. I'm actually not one to say that often but you have to in this circumstance.

Tip: Stay away from mesh gloves, glow sticks when wearing neon. I don't mind the coloured hair extensions worn by Paris but perhaps she should have reserved these for when her outfit wasn't screaming Flubber!

At the end of the day you live once and hey we all need photos of our youth so that one day we will show our kids and the will gasp with horror or giggle like we do to our oldies.

Enjoy xo

Dark matter and all things nOir

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:58:00 GMT

Lately I have been drawn to the dark side (cue Darth Vader breathing sound effect). Skulls, lace, spikes and crystals.

Delfina Delettrez ticks all the right boxes for me. This amazing designer creates the most intriguing designs. Her skeleton bracelet is to die for.

So much so I had to find an ‘inspired’ version. I also recently had been asked to style a noir inspired shoot. This bracelet fit the bill perfectly and how could I say no to working with Robert Coppa one of my favourite togs.

This shoot was the first time I got to test out my hat making skills as I was commissioned to make essentially a tulle hat for the photoshoot. Having never made one before I think it turned out well. Moulding hats from felt hoods is definitely something that I would like to explore again. See the image below.

From lusting for items that are different I have discovered nOir jewellery. Coveted by famous celebrities like Rhianna, JLo, Beyonce and Lady Gaga nOir Jewellery features statement pieces that you just can’t live without. I fell in love nOir Jewllerys’ aesthetic for the bold and different so much so I am bringing it to Australia!

nOir Jewerllery will arrive to ABC in a couple of months. I can’t wait! This line will be available online and in store.

Love life

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:36:00 GMT

Just a quick note as a reminder to take the time to stop and appreciate all the things we have in life.

Enjoy each moment xo

MIxing Prints Photoshoot Part II

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:29:00 GMT

In March I posted "mixing print photoshoot". I have finally managed to get around to editing the behind the scenes video from the photoshoot. Love doing this sort of thing especially when you get to work with a great team. I hope to be doing more of this in the future.

Watch it, like it share it. Enjoy xo xo

Winter and leather a simple pleasure

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:10:00 GMT

Winter is pretty much upon us. The dark clouds, cool chill in the air (artic breeze if you’re in Canberra) and a soft rain drizzle almost daily. It’s hard not to become depressed.

The way I see it, you need to actively seek happiness in winter, and one of my remedies as shallow as it sounds is adding fun items to your wardrobe.

This season I particularly love the use of traditional fabrics such as leather in cuts that you wouldn’t typically expect. I love the fun, feminine shapes of the full circle skirts and a-line dresses.

One of my favourite dresses for this season is this leather dress by Thakoon (pictured below). It’s only $3450, (insert long winded sigh). Unless I ate nothing for a while I could maybe save and get it. But lets face it I love my food way too much. Luckily Armarni Exchange do a very similar cut (Leather bias dress) for $299. Our Australian store Portmans also do this style for $250. I must say Portmans are stepping up their game after what seemed like years of style hibernation. Very happy to see that.

So true to my shopaholic nature I had to have this dress style for myself. Even though I am trying to save I couldn’t go past it. I can wear it to multiple occasions. I can wear it to coffee or out to a club AND can wear it to the office with a buttoned up blouse layered underneath it and some opaque stockings. I figure if a piece of clothing has multiply was to wear it itis a loss not to buy it.

Not only have I worn this dress style heaps already I even used it in a shoot for a models portfolio...

Model: Divya Kiran

Photographer: Doug Hall (T8 photography)

So if your also saving remember there is ALWAYS room for an investment piece like this! (and a few other bits and pieces you can't go walking around naked)

XO Alice

Mixing prints photo shoot

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:25:00 GMT

I can say I am a lucky girl. I have an awesome network of talented of people to work to essentially have the opportunity to play dress ups producing amazing images.

On monday I had a play date with Jolina O'Hair (Make up artist), Ellen Hodgson (model), Jack Grayson (Photographer) and Jessica Lewis (Hair design).

This is a sneak preview of what we came up with when we mixed texture (hair) with clashing prints and colours.

To see the rest of the shoot pop by the Alice Be Curious Facebook page.

Camberwell Sunday Markets Melbourne

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 13:21:00 GMT

I love Melbourne. It has great food and night life, and a fashion culture where people aren't afraid to dress out side of the box. This is partially fuelled by the abundance of vintage stores and markets. You could spend a whole weekend just shopping vintage and that's exactly what I did. One pit stop was the Camberwell Sunday markets. So much fun.

The Camberwell Markets are held every Sunday from 7am - 12:30 at the Station Street Carpark. For a gold coin donation to charity you enter a world where you never know what you will find. This market has random items from vintage and preloved clothing, music records to more random things like car parts, exotic leather hides and old school coke bottles.

I personally love haggling especially when I go to China and Hong Kong markets. It is like a sport for me, I am competitive and I like to win. It also make the purchase so much better... but... at Camberwell this didn't work so much. Don't get me wrong don't be afraid to haggle just don't get disappointed like me when the vendors don't feel like engaging in your attempted bargaining banter.

So what did I find?

Well my favourite piece for myself on the day was this cute hard case vintage bag (as seen below). This costed a total of $5.00. Yep $5.00 I didn't even need to try and bargain. What's best is that this bag sets of one of my latest shoe purchases, Gavin by Messeca. Love when that happens. When buying vintage bags I'm always sure to check for any obvious damage and stains especially on the outside of any silk or beaded bags. This bag ended up being versatile as it has loops giving my the option to attach a chain to it so I can wear it across my body.

My other purchase for the day (well technically not mine), was vintage suitcases for my friend to be used at her wedding. Would love to use these is a fashion shoot!

If all else fails you could always turn the vintage suitcases into a chairs... so many clever and creative people out there.

If you can only go to one op shop I would make it Savers on 330 Sydney Road in Brunswick. It is like Salvos on steroids. The floor space is massive. I managed to pick up an mint condition red leather pencil skirt, no doubt from the 80's. I'm going to try use it in a photoshoot to debut it. So watch that space.

Happy shopping ladies and remember become best friends with a tailor. It's super handy if you love vintage shopping because where there is a will there is a way.

xo xo

SAGS 2012 reviewed

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:26:00 GMT

Nothing beats a hard days work then coming home relaxing and watching shows like E!, How Do I look? etc. Tonight I indulged in “fashion Police” with Kelly Osborne.

It's nice to look at those who judge other celebrity's fashion once in a while, and you know what Kelly Osborne surprises me. I’ve got to say looked amazing at the 2012 Sag awards. She wore a stunning white Bagley Mischka gown. I would kill to get that dress. Although I’m not sure what the deal is with her dyed grey hair. ??? Most women would cringe to see one white hair when they wake up in the morning. Kelly you have years ahead of you that will be filled with grey why bring them on early?

Another favourite from the SAG 2012 awards was E! presenter Guiliana Rancic. I love red and she wears it well. She’s also such a resilient woman considering she has gotten back to work so soon after her double mastectomy.

All thought not everyone ticked the right boxes. Not sure if you guys have even gone op shopping or to garage sales and seen those old school toilet roll dolls. I swear one of my cousins mum had one.. the horror.

Now it seems one got mis-placed and ended up at the the SAG awards. Not a fan. Sorry Kaley Cuoco.

An Alice Be Curious Fashion Shoot

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:34:00 GMT

We are lucky at Alice Be Curious, we ge t the opportunity y to play dress ups with local models, photographers, makeup artists and hair dressers.

In December 2011 we did a shoot with Jack Grayson (photographer), Jolina O’Hair (make up artist), Sheryn O’Connor (hairdresser) and model Julia Price.

We filmed a behind the scenes clip on set. The clip features a track by Lana Del Rey our latest music muse.

Here is a sneak peak of one of the final images:

If you want to see all the others, which we think are stunning, they are available on our facebook page.

In the next month we should be doing another fashion shoot with some local talent. Stay tuned!

Frocks, Gowns and who wore the style crown at the 69th Golden Globes

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:41:00 GMT

The stars surely impressed at the 69^th Annual Golden Globes. We love watching this every year.... wIshing we had a. the budget to buy couture and b. have some where to wear it. Blush tones and fish tails were definitely the style trend.

Our style queen, crown winner would have to be Charlize-Theron. This blush tone gown has a modern plunging neckline but takes notes from old school Hollywood glamour. Loved the detail of the brooch on her hip and elegant yet simplistic hair.

Love her or hate her Angelina Jolie didn’t fail to impress at the Golden Globes. True to her understated sultury style she used accents of red to turn up the lust factor. The gown was high necked with a thigh high split The detail on her waist reminded us of the 1940's. True elegance never goes out of fashion. Mental note * great posture makes for great photos...

Mara Rooney Star of Girl with the Dragon Tattoo opted for a dress like her character, dark. This gown looked fantastic and we think she managed to avoid looking like Morticia from the Adam's family. The short hair works for her. This black gown had a classic skirt cut with what appears to be a bubble hem. Love the a modern cut outs on the bust and side seam.

Another star worth mentioning was Sofia Vergara. She wore a gorgeous figure hugging teal gown. She apparently went to the gym twice a day to prepare for this night, and we think it paid off. If we look as half as good as she does at her age we’d be cheering.

Although not an actress Elle Macpherson should get a mention. This woman just gets better with age. This would be awesome as a wedding dress. Dum dum da dum da dum da dum.

One final dress that caught our eye, (well there was many but we can’t list them all) was Nicole Kidman’s. We love beading! Who ever fit Nicole in this dress did a fantastic job. It fits like a glove. Wonder if she can sit in it?

Palm Springs 2012- LBD

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:21:00 GMT

We can't wait for the 69th Golden Globes!

In the mean time, The Palm Springs international film festival presented CharlizeTheron with the indie Impact Award.

We want to give her an award for the best LDB on the night. She looked elegantly polished and a siren all at once. Other stars also proved a simple black dress never goes out of style!

Lucky ABC has LBD’s so you to can be in style.

Starting online

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 06:31:00 GMT

Not all women enjoy shopping (my mother is one of them). But for me, I love it! If it was a sport I know I would be ranked world champion or something to that effect. And...you know you have a problem when your shopping with your best friend and you squeeze each others hand cause you have just both seen the most amazing dress and don't even need to utter a word to know are thinking the same thing.

Ok so maybe I am a bit obsessed. But what is life without some sort of an addiction and well mine is clothing, shoes and accessories.This addiction of mine is good news for you why? Well it made me open a store in Canberra. After a year and a half I realised this wasn't enough. I needed to expand online…. And so here is Alice Be Curious.

I wanted to bring my love of fashion to a wider audience so you too can expand your wardrobe and take over your partners side so he only has one shelf and maybe a little bit of hanging space for a shirt or two.

Being only a few days old we are still in the process of listing new stock so hang in there this site will soon become your new bff for shopping online.

If you see something on facebook that is not yet listed on the online store please feel free to email us at enquiries@alicebecurious.com and we can arrange to get it to you.

Much love