Bamboo Beauty's

Summer is just around the corner and already the days are getting longer and warmer - with it comes a plethora of sunglasses, each more beautiful than the last. It can be difficult not to lose ones head in this sea of optic pleasures, fortunately, "Statement Pieces" can be your guiding light during this difficult time... By our calculations, all things point to Tom Ford.

Or more specifically, to his "Claudia" style sunglasses. Featuring similar shaping to the current Hollywood to-die-for styles (think soft, round frames, large enough to hide a multitude of sins), you'd be forgiven into thinking "Statement Pieces" had just gone with the flow and gone for a direct carbon-copy approach. Tsk Tsk, fair reader, you obviously haven't been paying attention to our posts. Sure, the shape ARE cliche - but that's not where our interest stemmed from, in fact, it wasn't even the delightfully playful aviator-style rust brown gradient blue lenses that sealed the deal. It all came down to detail. Bamboo detail - to be specific.
These arresting shades give new meaning to the term "panda eyes" and are an exquisite statement piece. Available in 5 different colour variants the lilac/brown combo (as above) happen to be our favourite as the contrast between the two colours best highlights the texture of the bamboo. They can be worn with anything from a floral maxi-dress to a stark business suit and be sure to add them to your indoor repertoire as well, they would look great on perched on top of a messy up-do, or used to slick back needle-straight hair. At $520 they are a little bit on the pricey side but are a great investment - where as other shades may date, these are quirky enough to instantly become classics. These unusual sunglasses almost have a personality of their own, and everyone will be asking you where you got them from - dare you share your secret?

Tanatalising Tassels

When "Statement Pieces" heard that the devotees at Australian shoe design company Wittner had included a shoe with tassels in their summer collection we were more than a little surprised. Immediately envisaging sky high, clear heeled "stripper" stilettos with garish glittered tassels we breathed a collective sigh of relief when we saw what the team had dreamed up.

Further proving why we at "Statement Pieces" are the sheep and the Australian designers we covet are the shepherd's are the brand's "Elite" T-bar heels. These satin gems are available in pink, aqua and classic black, each with a cluster of tassels in complementary colours hanging from the top of the T-bar. The shorter heel adds a feminine touch to the shoes, making them the ideal statement piece for spring. We recommend the pink shade, as pastel colourings are very popular for spring/summer 2008 - these shoes are a way of updating your look, and at only $139.95 you won't feel too guilty!

NB: "Statement Pieces" apologises for the quality of this photo, we strongly recommend that you check out the Wittner website to see a true representation of the shoe. We will try to upload better pictures as they become available.

Lustworthy Lashes (and an apology...)

Fashion has a heartbeat, this is something we at "Statement Pieces" recognise, we also recognise that due to this fact there has to be someone with their finger constantly on the pulse. Unfortunately, human beings have a heartbeat too and when something affects that beat everything around it can ultimately be affected. "Statement Pieces" realises that we have dropped the ball of late and want to make a formal apology to anyone who has perused our humble blog, (be that random browser or loyal follower) to find a lack of posts in recent times. Something affected our heartbeat, but we are determined that from now on our finger will be well and truly on the fashion pulse, regardless of what is happening within our own lives - we have a responsibility to keep the fashion alive and that is what we hope to do.

Now, for today's post we thought we might do something a little different, we're not going to feature a "traditional" fashion accessory, but rest assured it's undoubtedly still a statement piece... Best known for creating the eyelash curlers coveted by every make-up artist/model/actor/fashionista on a global scale, shu uemura now dominates the global cosmetics market with skin care, make-up, fragrances, and of course the tools of the trade. His latest venture into the idyllic world of false eyelashes has won worldwide acclaim, enough so, that department store mecca David Jones recently introduced a shu uemura Tokyo Lash Bar in both their Sydney(0292665544)and Melbourne(0396432222)stores.


They offer a range consisting of 37 lashes, which is the biggest collection in Australia and include designs such as the Premium Black Gown lash (see above). The lashes are synthetic, cost between $30 and $50 a pair and can be applied free of charge at the lash bar. They can be reapplied approximately six times. The range is diverse and new designs are released seasonally. Collaborations with the likes of Viktor and Rolf, which resulted in a paper clip inspired lash (see below), and Japanese photographer and film director Mika Ninagawa, also helps to keep the range fresh and innovative.


"Statement Pieces" reminds wearers that these are NOT for those who lack confidence, in fact only those who ooze aplomb need apply. Prepare for every eye on the room firmly transfixed on your mesmerising flutter wonders - your attitude needs to say "sure my eyelashes are more beautiful than a small exotic bird, but that doesn't mean I couldn't kill you with one look!"

Our favourites include the truly majestic "Mini Indigo" lashes, (and for when we want a more subdued look) the effortless "Luxe" lashes. Let the team at shu uemura work their magic on you and let the lashes do all the talking, a few bats of these bad boys and hearts will melt...

Holey Heels

"Statement Pieces" has been keeping tabs on a particular look for some time, stalking it from run-way to mainstream - ready to pounce the second it met our despotic yearning. The look is "art-house" heels, and we think we've found "the ones".
Australian shoe store ZU may have only opened in 2003, but they have already made their mark on this great Southern land (and into the hearts of fashionista's everywhere). Offering up-to-the-minute styles fresh off the catwalks and sidewalks of Milan, London, New York, Madrid and Japan at a fraction of the price. ZU could single-handedly clothe the entire creative industry's toes and everyone would still come out looking like urbanite individuals. But before we gush any more we better get to the nitty gritty and reveal our favourite "art-house" heel.
The ZU Donut shoe brings stacked platforms to a new level, managing to command the statement piece look without coming across too chunky - the secret is all in the hole. And what cinches the deal? The fact that the shoes are remarkably comfortable! This comes down to the fact that the thick, contoured platform and bulky heel offer a surprising level of stability. This means that you can walk tall, comfortably and confidently... All to often we see well-meaning fashionista's tottering around in needle thin stiletto's - the shoe might be the most amazing piece in the world, but if you can't walk assertively they go from fab to laughable.

We want to convince you to buy a pair in every single colour, however, the avant-garde properties of the shoe would be lost. Instead we encourage you to think about it before you make the purchase. Personally, "Statement Pieces" is in love with the jelly bean green patent pair (which we would team with long, black, high waisted pants, a black camisole and basic jacket/cardigan with a splash of green Dinosaur Design wishbone bangles). But for those too timid to experiment with bold colours, the patent black may be the way to go. Whatever your colour preferences we implore you to go out and grab a pair, and if you're new to ZU you may have just found yourself a new favourite store.

Fatherly Fashion

"Statement Pieces" would never stoop to taking fashion advice off our Fathers, in fact our talent for spotting what's hot and what's not may have stemmed from having to view what's not on a daily basis. Sure, we all share a giggle over the stereotypical "Dad" fashion (especially here in Australia), but have you ever stopped to think that your Dad might hold (gasp) more style than you think?

OK, we're not saying that you should immediately raid your fathers wardrobe (so put down the polo's and oldschool Oakley sunglasses) - Think more of using his style for inspiration...

One of "Statement Pieces" contributors recently found herself eating her words after vilifying her father for years about his penchant for bumbags/fannypacks. After finally convincing him to ditch the dreaded accessory, she walked into her favourite store to find herself swooning over the very thing she spent her youth fighting against. We thought she'd lost her mind, finally snapped after staring at too many pieces of shiny jewelery - We were wrong...
The Mimco Waist Pak Bag (already oozing cred with the exclusion of any words relating to ones derriere)is so wrong its right. Reminiscent of 80s days and power walking, this hip bag has been modernised with tough hardware, multi-zips and compartments, oversized external zip tassel and pearlised skiver leather with top-stitched detailing. It retails for $299.

Available in pearlescent violet and silky beige, we say go for the purple to make a simple outfit "pop" and to stand out from the crowd. Whilst the purpose of a waist bag is to wear it on ones waist, "Statement Pieces" suggests you add a quirky vibe to the bag by slinging it over your shoulder, like any other handbag. It's all about bridging the gap between 80's kistch and modern statement piece. Just don't wear it when you visit your parents - your father will take any excuse to revive his beloved look.

Circus Chic

Everyone loves a circus, but with Cirque du Soleil normalising the humane bigtop those of us who have grown up watching performing animals harbour a certain lust for the same levels of danger. Of course, all of us here at "Statement Pieces" support the fair and ethical treatment of animals and would never dream of encouraging a revival in animal based circuses, but that doesn't mean we don't hold a certain nostalgic avidity for the past.

Fortunately, we can indulge in this desire in a safe and exceedingly forbearing way (and to be honest, the way we know best) - through the power of fashion.
Channel your inner ringmaster by wearing Karen Walker's Lion and Hoop Pendant. Available in sterling silver, gold, (and for those who really want to splurge) white gold with a diamond eye. Prices start from US $113.
"Statement Pieces" has truly been astonished by this New Zealand fashion mogul and strongly suggests you check out her entire fashion range, especially her jewellery and sunglasses. Her quirky yet understated persona leaks in to each piece, which can be seen in this pendant (who knew that a necklace this tiny could make such a statement!)
"Statement Pieces" recommends that you stock up quickly on Walker's pieces, as her fashion stocks continue to sky rocket upwards - This is definitely one designer you're going to have to keep an eye out for! Don't say we didn't warn you...

Delicate Designs

"Statement Pieces" are continually impressed by the one off works of art that Australian designs team Dinosaur Designs come up with, and their new range is no different. Considering that the main material used to produce DD jewelery is resin, the designs often depict a brawny dominance - That's all about to change...

The "Delicate" range consists of resin and silver pieces in hushed, feminine styles. The range does not rely on bold colours, unusual shapes or large sizes to create statements (as is the normal case with DD), instead each piece is simplistic, yet intricate. When wearing the pieces you feel they harness a kind of ethereal power which radiates out with the help of the wearer's own femininity.

"Statement Pieces" suggests you check out the whole range, but the standout pieces include the:

TEAR DROP COBWEB CHOKER ($535)
PRECIOUS GEMS PENDANTS (From $325)
TRIPLE DEW DROP ON CHAIN EARRINGS ($280)
CHROME ORGANIC ROCK BANGLE ($369)
DEWDROP SUNRAY CHOKER ($925)


"Statement Pieces" love this range so much that we're at a loss for recommendations of what you should wear with them! (But we can't condone women running around wearing only a DD choker - Can we?) Just keep it simple, and let your inner beauty radiate forth...

On a side note, one of "Statement Pieces" main contributors is being admitted to hospital tomorrow (cue collective "aww"), she'll be trying to keep all you fashonista's up to date with the latest statement pieces, even if it means wheeling herself to Oxford St, IV in arm, wearing a hideous hospital gown (and a statement necklace of course)! Thank God for Eboutique's!

Pen Pals

The handwritten word is a dying concept, where once children were taught to meticulously craft their handwriting skills, they are instead encouraged to hone their speed on a keyboard. Calligraphy is all but dead - we'd rather punch a few buttons on a keypad than sign our own name. And yet, we work within the creative industry, where the written word holds great significance to us - its just never truly "written". Because of this "Statement Pieces" is dedicating this blog as a homage to the humble ballpoint, fountain, rollerball, felt and gel pen. We recognise the contribution you made to our industry and for that we are truly thankful. Which brings me to today's statement piece...

"Statement Pieces" have always been a fan of Tatty Devine's work and when we stumbled across this Giant Nib Crystal Pendant we new it was a match made in heaven - just read what Tatty Devine had to say about this necklace:

"Perfect for the writer in you, this big nib is glamorous and smart, and hangs sexily low. Four heavy Swarovski crystal drop beads dangle from the point of a shiny gold mirror fountain pen nib, decorated in true Tatty style. It's all on a chunky gold chain, making this one of our collection's statement pieces!"

For TD to call it a statement piece it indicates something pretty special! (We recommend you check out their other pieces to see what we mean) To compliment the "sepia-toned nostalgia" feel of the piece we suggest a feminine blouse with a low sitting pussy-bow, and mix it up with some retro specs - its all about recreating that authorial look. This piece is apart of Tatty's new range called "Attack of the 50 FT. Jewelery", It's not available in Australia just yet but should be arriving soon. If you're desperate for this piece (which you should be) you can order it online from Tatty Devine.com, but if you can wait I suggest hounding stores like Incu until it comes in. It will cost around $180 (AU) - Enjoy!

Kindergarten Couture

It is a well known fact that people who work within the creative industries tend to be of a younger age compared to most workplaces. Due to this, these employees often face an internal battle within themselves - do they publicise their seemingly "immature" passions or censor themselves in order to appear sophisticated?

In most cases the latter is chosen - Surely there is another solution? A way of conveying an air of maturity without sacrificing our seemingly callow pursuits?
Fortunately Chanel has intervened, creating a tasteful hybrid of juvenescence and refined elegance through their 5138 Sunglasses.
The classic styling of the frames and lenses are a well orchestrated nod to Audrey Hepburn's famed role in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and when juxtaposed with the technicolored tones of the Chanel logo these glasses go from ho-hum to statement piece. The glasses are available in several colour variants, the black and rainbow just happened to be our favourite combo.
When "Statement Pieces" first spotted these specs we were instantly won over by the simplistic contrast within the design. The coloured logo reminded us of a box of crayons and we realised the youthful charm these glasses held. The large frames can hide a multitude of sins in a cheekily astute way. When wearing the shades, "Statement Pieces" recommends that you sweep your side fringes back into anything from a neat chignon, to a messy bun piled on the top of your head - If you're paying close to $500 for the glasses you might as well show the brand off to the world!