Available in classic black and high-way worker orange, the clutch measures a whopping 42 x 25 centimeters and features a handy strap on the back side for your carrying convenience. The bag oozes quirky, yet professional style and is perfect for those who work within the creative industry. We love the day-glo orange, but if you're a bit more subdued in your style, the black is a perfect option. Keep all other accessories to a bare minimum when wearing, this bag demands all your attention, and doesn't like sharking the spotlight! The clutch costs $305 plus P&H.
Some objects remind you of something straight away - you can't explain it, it just happens, a reaction your brain manifests, brought on by some sort of deep seeded ideal or memory. You can't explain this reaction, but it can shape your interpretation of something entirely.
This is what happened when I first came across Australian brand Peeptoe Shoes', "Miss Dance Hero" heels - maybe it was the name, the shock of fuchsia on the shoe, or the fact that I was listening to bizarre French electro music when I spied them - but for some reason I felt a sense of fun, rebellion and a general 90's new wave vibe. The emotions that the shoes stirred within me puzzled me, so I went about asking my fellow "Statement Pieces" cohorts if they felt the same way - everyone was in agreement about the shoes - they had a certain irreplaceable "it" factor that evoke feelings of effervescence and joy - if they had a personality, you'd definitely characterise them as being "bubbly".
Made in luxurious black suede with fuchsia pink textured leather, they feature a twelve centimetre heel and cost $220. We recommend saving them for play rather than work because the angle of that heel is an absolute killer and should definitely not be tackled 9-5... They call for a slinky cocktail dress (perfect now that the weather is warming up), just make sure that you team them with black opaque tights to really make that fuchsia pop!
"Statement Pieces" adores it when we find a new and innovative designer and we were tickled pink when we stumbled across Australian designer Claire Suzy Stannard. Her designs are described as, "a playful exploration that resembles part 70's sci-fi movie, brutalist forms from the old Soviet block and some 1950's modernism for good measure", there is no doubt that the range is edgily chic. Perfect for those tiring of our constant "mainstream" statement pieces - these pieces come with an attitude of their own ( and finally we're giving independent artists a fair go!)
Each to their own with these designs, especially considering their diverse qualities - just wear a smile on your face knowing that you're helping Aussie industry... OK, we can't let you go without a little bit of advice - black, black, black and nothing more - these are art installations - you are the canvas...
No long and drawn out explanation for you today - just simple advice and accolades...
"Statement Pieces" favourite accessory brand/store "Mimco" continues to deliver stunning pieces that are both aesthetically delighting and practical. The "Grande Tassel Wallet" is simple and striking in sophisticated colour combination's of either elephant and citron yellow or tan and schiaparelli pink. Featuring contrast detailing, external zip coin pocket and sweet tassels. They are the most stylish way to organize your money and cards.
"Statement Pieces" predict that the silver/gunmetal tassels will become an instant Mimco classic, already they are cropping up on wallets and shoes as well as spring-racing styled hats. We recommend stashing your wallet inside your classic Mimco Button Bag - Rounded, French polished nails would really complete the look when zipping your hard-earned cash away under the ever-protective tassels. At $199 the wallet is a little on the pricey side, but as with all Mimco products you know that the quality of the products is well worth the price.
It's common knowledge that the fashion industry reveres the size 0 lifestyle - but what of our favourite sweet treats? Is there room in the fashion world for donuts, jelly beans and gummy bears? "Statement Pieces" may have found a way... Now before we get slaughtered by hungry fashionista's, let me point out that it involves consuming absolutely zero calories, but, gains countless style cred.
I'm talking about Australian brand "Jelly's Edible Wearable's", which (despite the kitsch name) contain some quirky statement pieces that are bound to put a smile on your face. When asked about the collection, the designer stated, "By using recognizable, childhood candy I hope to evoke a nostalgic feeling within the wearer. I'm inspired by the memory of lollies making things ''better'' as a kid and through making these lolly wearables permanent - I hope to preserve that link to these happy memories." This goal is certainly achieved through this collection.
"Statement Pieces" favourites include, the "Sprinkle Heart Jar Necklace"($27 + P&H), the "Small Donut Brooch"($40 + P&H), the "Jellybean Hair Clip" ($22 + P&H) and the "Love Heart Ring"($22 + P&H). Each delightfully sweet piece is hand made. We recommend teaming them with casual T's, and jeans combo's (and why not dust off those converse's?). The look you're hoping to achieve is fun, flirty and laid-back - by wearing accessories like these you're inviting people to comment on their past and to connect with you - they're real conversation starters. Our only rule - if they make you hungry go out and buy the real thing, these ones are NOT edible!!!
"Statement Pieces" is the first to admit we are not the most ruminant of blogs - we don't spend time meticulously pondering the reasoning of our existence, nor do we pretend that this is the case. But whilst we can't openly delve into erudite debate about religion or the state of economics - we can, quite confidently, speak with pride about the trivial things in life...
But before you disregard our blog in its entirety, maybe you should think that to someone, somewhere this content IS important - it is the lifeblood of an entire industry. But to most, it's an escape... a way to cast off the harsh realities of the world and delve into a superficial wonderland. This is often helped when you can recognise the fact AND have a sense of humour about it, as is the case with cult hair care giant GHD.
As a loyal devotee of the brand (I purchased my first GHD straightener a few years back and literally have not left my house without using it since - most of my closest friends have not seen my hair "naturally") when I stumbled across one of GHD's past viral advertising campaigns I had to laugh, it summed me up wholeheartedly...
Believe it or not, that was a legitimate viral campaign started by GHD in 2006 - This, is the 2008 one:
Both are delightfully clever and when juxtaposed against the world-renowned reputation of GHD, are made all the more cheeky. But wickedly savvy advertising campaign's aside, "Statement Pieces" stance on GHD's products is simple - if you don't already own one, do whatever it takes to get your hands on one - they are genuinely the holy grail of hair care. At approximately $325 they are one of the most expensive stylers on the market, but they are well worth the price. Ever wonder why your hair always looks so good when you're hairdresser styles it? There's a good chance they used a GHD.
There are three different types of stylers available, the GHD IV Styler, which is suitable for all hair types, the GHD IV Mini Styler, which is suitable for short hair (and great for guy's) and the GHD IV Salon Styler which is suitable for long, thick hair (especially Afro-Caribbean)- each of these stylers can be used to create a multitude of styles including curls, waves, flicks and of course sleek straights!
"Statement Pieces" reccomends that you purchase the limited edition GHD IV Pink Kiss Styler, effortlessly on-trend in gloss 80s-vibe fuchsia pink, the striking styler comes packaged with three pink ghd lip glosses to suit your every mood, Dare, Dazzle and Demure for style and gloss in one gorgeous package. And the best part? $30 will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (Australia). Goddess worthy hair AND a good deed done? From now on you need to be praying at the alter of GHD (which stands for Good Hair Day, by the way!)
You know, this necklace makes me think of this totally random memory of my mother. I was a little kid, and I was crying for one reason or another. And she was cradling me, rocking me back and forth, and I can just remember the silver balls rolling around. And there was like snot running down my nose. And she offered me her sleeve and told me to blow my nose into it. And I can remember, even as a little kid, thinking to myself, this is love... this is love.
- Andrew Largeman, Garden State
The necklace being referred to in the movie is an iconic, antique "puzzle" necklace - an enchanting piece of jewellery which harbours a certain level of character. "Statement Pieces" have searched high and low for a similar specimen, trawling antique stores, markets and high end op-shops to little avail - it seemed just as in "Garden State" the puzzle necklace had been buried forever - or had it?
Australian Designers Georgie Swift and MilenkaOsen forged the brand "Turn Me On Design" and with it came the revival of the puzzle necklace through their range "Oh Fiddlesticks!". "Fiddlesticks" was inspired by Georgie's obsession with constantly "fiddling" with the charm necklace she always wore, they expanded that obsession by aiming to create a range of "interactive jewellery" that made the act of "fiddling" seem all the more "aimless". This amounted into simple balance-ball mazes set within wooden necklaces. Said to be a favourite amongst bored University students (the mazes act as a great distraction during lectures), the brand's popularity has skyrocketed and a second range is soon to be released.
The range retails from $90-$120 and is available in both light and dark wood (the future range will be in silver). "Statement Pieces" favours the "I Think I'm In..." in light and the "Squared" in dark. We like the earthy neutral tones encompassed by the range and suggest you keep with that vibe. A worn-in, cropped, brown leather jacket is a must over a muted dress - perfect for a cool spring evening. Just make sure you don't lose yourself in the hypnotic rhythm of the floating ball bearings - this really is love...
We all need a bit of magic in our lives... we pretend that we're these hardened superbeings driven to achieve wondrous things - but in reality, deep down we're always searching for that fairytale we were promised when we were young. Were they false promises delivered by our loved ones to shelter us from the harsh realities of the "real" world? perhaps - or perhaps that magic comes in reminiscing the ways we used to feel, our harboured innocence and vulnerability. That's the way we at "Statement Pieces" feel when we set eyes on the jewellery pieces from the Disney Couture range.
But enough of our soppy sepia-toned nostalgia! Sure the pieces make you reminisce about your "fairytale" days - but did we mention that they're also effortlessly chic? A simple, modern statement piece akin to a comic book collection, the only difference? Instead of it collecting dust in a dreary cabinet you can proudly display it for the world to see.
"Statement Pieces" top three pieces (that are currently available to Australian customers) are:
The Alice in Wonderland Wrap Bracelet, which features various handmade charms (including Card Suits, Clocks, 'Eat Me' and 'Drink Me') plated in 18kt yellow gold and strung on blue braided Italian leather. ($160 + P&H)
Tinkerbell Treasure Chest Ring, which features a cream-coloured, hinged enamel lid that opens to reveal Swarovski 'treasure' set inside. ($60 + P&H)
Snow White 'Fairest of Them All' Necklace, which is a 14kt plated yellow gold "nameplate" necklace, featuring a red enamel 'poison' apple. ($89 + P&H)
Each of the items, as well as a large and ever growing range of Disney Couture items are available on Miijo.com - whilst you're there why not check out the store's amazing statement pieces. Grab a copy of your favourite trashy mag - pick an accessory off a celeb you love and you're sure to find it on Miijo. They're really helping to broach the gap between Hollywood fashion and the humble Aussie - sign up to their mailing list too - you'll be constantly surprised by their up-to-the minute fashions, great sales and fantastic special offers...
I dreamed about Paris again last night... This is a phrase commonly uttered by many an aspiring fashionista, however, time constraints, not to mention skimpy budgets often mean that that dream may not be manifesting itself for some time. "Statement Pieces" asks 'why wait?' when you can own a sliver of the dream for yourself, effortlessly draped over your decolletage without having left the country - did we mention it's a steal at only $150?
Mimco delivers yet another stunning statement piece with its Parisian inspired double-stranded necklace. The 'Dreaming Of You' Pendant puts a sweet take on this season's return to 1920s glamour. Featured on a sterling silver chain with brass and sterling silver lettering, its whimsical design invites all that glance upon it to be lost within its charm. Dazzle with your command of the French language and pretty soon this necklace won't be the only thing people are dreaming of...
"Statement Pieces" suggests you either follow the feminine detailing of the necklace and play up to its 1920's charm with delicate florals and frills with simple denim - or if you're a rule breaker modernise it with sleek, masculine lines and chunky, hardware pieces - think sophisticated biker chic. Either way you're guaranteed to charm with this gorgeous neck piece, just a note though, don't be paranoid if people seem to be staring... Because it is in a different language people will spend extra time trying to decipher its secrets, whether or not you want to reveal the translation is up to you.
Statement Pieces was created for the fashion conscious within the creative economy. It aims to provide up-to-the-minute fashion advice for people who work within the creative industries, whilst staying true to what embodies this form of stylised fashion - Classic lines, colours and cuts of clothing juxtaposed with statement accessories.
