Classic Charms (with a modern twist)

I think every woman secretly dreams of receiving a gift harboured inside one of those magical blue boxes... it doesn't even matter what's inside so much as what that colour signifies - a wealth of culture, an enviable history all broken down into one shade - and don't even think about trying to stuff a cheap knock-off inside... Part of the Tiffany policy is that the boxes are not allowed to ever leave the premises unless they are accompanied by their matching jewellery piece. Perhaps that's why our heart skips a beat when our brain registers the trademark shade - because it signifies something painstakingly well thought out, and well taken care of - if only we were treated as well as the Tiffany Blue Box...

A girl can dream, and because of this we have gone through the arduous task (oh poor us) of poring over the latest Tiffany and Co. collections to find the perfect statement piece. We were overwhelmed by the amazingly beautiful pieces on offer (though some were so beyond our price range it was depressing) and it is a certainty that Tiffany pieces will feature on this blog in future posts. But, for today we decided to choose a piece which we felt embodied our audience - it's classic, with a modern twist and you won't need to get a home loan to afford it!

The piece in question is the "XOXO Heart Lock Charm" in sterling silver which is a thick classic-styled Tiffany heart lock (which actually opens and closes) with laser etched "hugs and kisses". It's a quirky modern take on the archetypal stylings of the lock pendant - bringing it in to the 21st century with a sense of youthful humility (the last thing you'd expect from a Tiffany and Co. piece!) The charm is available on its own for $190 or with a 16 inch sterling silver chain for $260. The simplicity of the necklace works fantastically with all outfits (and we mean all of them) and it can be worn on it's own or layered with others. It's actually a cute idea for a gift (for yourself or a loved one) because you can continue to add to your collection each anniversary or birthday etc., because there are numerous complimentary pendants in the range - so each birthday you get to open up your own little blue box with a new Tiffany charm to add to your collection!

Ethreal Etchings

Within the modern world it is quite common to feel a sense of yearning for things of the past, a desire to reconnect with a certain time which embraced values different to those in which we are now accustomed to. We do what we can in our pitiful attempts at escapism, often absconding from the "real world" through the works of famed authors - our trivial problems dissolving as our eyes rake over their precious parables. But what if you could capture that feeling of escapism - whack it into submission and wear it around your neck (or dangle it from your ears)? Australian designer Simone Walsh has managed just that...

Her silver jewellery range, "The Things my Grandmother Never Told me" is an homage to all things recounted by our favourite Victorian authors (think Thackeray, Brontë and Dickens). Each painstakingly handcrafted, the range includes pendants with direct etchings of text from "Vanity Fair" as well as a legitimate Victorian-era travel journal. "Statement Pieces" favours the "Victorian Etched Pendant - Vanity Fair Text" (US $68), the "Victorian Etched Earrings - Handwriting" (US $38), the "Cameo Pendant on Chain" (US $62), the "Picture Frame Pendant - Rectangle", (US $72), the "Victorian Cut Out Earrings" (US $70), the "Text Cufflinks" (US $62) and the "Victorian Lady with Umbrella - Pendant" (US $54).

We recommend playing up to the delicate, ethereal qualities of these pieces so keep clothing soft and flowing. Warm, muted neutrals work best and make sure you avoid anything overly structured - frills are a key trend this spring and would really complement these pieces. We'd also suggest you revamp your whole look - if you normally go for a domineering sleek straight style, try some soft, effortless waves - the next step is to invest in some spring make-up hues, think pale "you just mentioned the guy I like and it made me blush" pink with an organgey base (don't ask why, but orange is so on-trend right now)for your blush and lips and a slick of mascara on your eyes to keep it natural, but still make them "pop" (We reccomend Lancôme for all your cosmetic needs) - it sounds simple but this "romantic" look is actually quite hard to pull off!

Martian Marvel

Look - I know what your thinking - I can read your mind: "Is this one of those horrible 'adverblogs'?" "Is 'Statement Pieces' commissioned by Mimco?" The honest answer is - no, we just happen to be huge fans of their products, and whilst we try and be as unbiased as possible when it comes to delivering fashion advice, it does come down to personal taste. It's difficult to separate and distance ourselves from what we're writing and often this blog becomes another way of documenting our latest splurge! But we do try and remain level headed in the hope that we can offer some good advice.

So whilst we intend to go out and buy the piece we are about to comment on we are not just blogging about it because of that - we genuinely believe that it is a breathtaking statement piece and are therefore more than happy to offer a bit of advice to someone who may be struggling as to what pieces to select in a world filled with fashion choices.

The "Life on Mars" pendant first entered our fashion radar for it's genuinely quirky name, however, it was it's ancient Egyptian stylings that lured us in. We first spied it on the Mimco website a few months ago and were left underwhelmed - it was neither here, nor there - a little ho-hum for our liking, basically the name was the only thing that made it stand out. It wasn't until a few weeks later when we were actually in the Mimco store that we were drawn towards a structurally magnificent neckpiece with a striking pyramid in the centre - after inquiring about it we were shocked when the shop assistant uttered it's obviously memorable name - surely this bewitching piece wasn't the same necklace I had so quickly ignored? But it wasn't until recently when I was reading "Shop: 'Til You Drop" Magazine in which they featured the pendant that it took on a whole new light - transforming from a Cleopatra-esque Egyptian dream to a breathtaking nautical heaven (it sounds bizarre - but trust me it worked!). It was this transformation which showed the stunning versatility of the piece.



The above image does not do the necklace justice and I suggest that if you are interested you should check out the current (November) issue of "Shop" (page 135) or head to your nearest Mimco boutique - it is definitely well worth the trip. The pendant features a futuristic mixture of silver and gold with marble blue acrylic, and the length can be adjusted to a long or short profile to take you from office, to party, to bar. It retails for $249. We suggest throwing it on with every outfit combo imaginable just to test out that versatility - but nothing beats a simple black blazer (as Shop clearly demonstrates). Don't be afraid by it's seemingly Egyptian/Ethnic elements, take control and manipulate its features to your advantage - something as simple as a button can shift the focus (for example a casual jacket with a gold button can heighten the gold ring taking the focus off the blue pyramid, minimising the Egyptian feel). Whatever you choose to wear - make sure you have fun experimenting!

Charming Charitable's

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the whole of Australia has been swathed in a layer of pink - but an equally important cause is the (often overlooked) Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

DID YOU KNOW ONE AUSTRALIAN WOMAN DIES EVERY 10 HOURS FROM OVARIAN CANCER?

Fortunately, a myriad of Australian companies have joined the fight against this horrendous disease and we at "Statement Pieces" are thrilled to be able to write a blog that not only puts gorgeous fashions in the spotlight - but also encourages our readers to make ethically conscious decisions when choosing these pieces.

Australian clothing and accessories store Witchery is an enormous supporter of the OCRF. The White Shirt Campaign is Witchery's latest effort in their ongoing quest to raise money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF). In 2007, the brand raised over $330,000 for OCRF through the ‘Every Cloud' project and this year they are aiming to raise over $500,000 through the White Shirt Campaign. Featuring five beautifully crafted white tops, The White Shirt Campaign will donate 100 per cent of funds raised through the sale of each top directly back to the OCRF. The white shirts take their cues from this season's hottest trends with inclusions such as a classic oversized boyfriend shirt ($99.95), delicate silk-satin ruffle sleeve blouse ($149.95), tuxedo vest ($149.95), pretty asymmetrical silk jersey ruffled top ($109.95) and a sexy take on the classic tank, with silk voile pleat front ($89.95). (We at "Statement Pieces are in love with them all and can easily justify buying the whole collection - come on! It's for such a good cause!)

In an Australian-first Miranda Kerr, Catherine McNeil, Alyssa Sutherland, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Nicole Trunfio, Skye Stracke, Pania Rose, Sarah Stephens, Jessica Gomes and Elyse Taylor will grace the November cover of Madison wearing five different white shirts from Witchery's White Shirt Campaign. The White Shirt Campaign is also supported by a beautiful community service announcement (CSA), featuring the ten supermodels, which will be broadcast across a range of outlets including television, radio, billboards and eyelites. This is the ad: (note the models are wearing the gorgeous shirts!)



As a secondary campaign, Witchery has also released a range of silver jewellery and gifts from which $5 from each sale will be donated to OCRF. The range is stunning and each piece is a symbol of hope for sufferers of Ovarian Cancer - they would all make great gifts for someone special - a gorgeous gift AND a charity contribution? Count us in! Our favourite pieces include the Floral Petal Necklace ($129.95), the Silver Stretch Charm Bracelet ($49.95), the Silver Bell Key Ring ($29.95), the Silver "Love" Spinner Necklace ($19.95), the Musical Egg Necklace ($29.95), the Silver Leather Key Ring Purse ($29.95) and the Silver Room Spray ($29.95).

So get shopping!!!

Winged Wonders

"Statement Pieces" thought we'd take a trip back down memory lane to the end of 2006 (hey, almost two years can seem like an eternity in the fashion world) and pay homage to our favourite Australian artist's Louise Olsen, Stephen Ormandy and Liane Rossler of Dinosaur Designs. More specifically, to their breathtaking range of resin encased butterfly wings that have been tiresomely replicated ever since they broke onto the fashion stage.

The wings were created as a part of the summer 06/07 "Eclectic" range and their popularity has made the range one of the most in-demand collections ever created by DD. Even two years after the original inception the designs still feature in the store, taking pride of place along side the new collections (including the recent "Delicate" and "Pearl" ranges). Whilst many brands have taken to copying the idea (Damselfly and Clare de lune to name and shame), no one has been able to directly replicate the charmingly organic qualities characterised by the DD pendants.



We at "Statement Pieces" implore you to go out and buy the "original and best" Dinosaur Design's Butterfly Chokers, they are truly stunning and original creations that deserve to be worn with pride (especially considering that all wings used are guaranteed to have been sustainably harvested from butterflies who have died from natural causes from The Sydney Butterfly Habitat - aww). The pieces start at $290 for the single strand choker. The necklaces work well with all outfits, be that a pretty, floral blouse or a chic structured jacket - and don't let the "choker" deceive you - the necklaces can be adjusted to any length, long or short, to suit all your style needs.

Colossal Clutches

Being a fashion blog concerned with statement fashion we are firm believers of the phrase "bigger is better", there is no better example of this than Nicola Finetti's Axessory brand's Oversized Patent Business Clutch.




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.

Heroine-ly Heels

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!

Industrial Icons

"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!)

To be honest we're in love with every piece and are in awe at the versatility of the ranges, (how can one shift from gangsta grunge to Goddess glam in a heartbeat?) however, our top pics include the "Dark Horse Adjustable Neckpiece" ($60), the "Danger! High Voltage Cuff - Silver Plated" ($80), the "Large Biba-Nova Vintage Earrings" ($60), the "Bronze Shield Neckpiece" ($85) [Our absolute fave], and the "Pocahontas Feather Earrings with Leather & Silver - Aqua" ($60)

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...

Precious Purses

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.