Bowed Beauties

On New Zealand design team Stolen Girlfriends Club's Myspace they proclaim in their "About Me" section that:
"WE STARTED OUT AS AN ART BAND BUT NOBODY LIKED OUR MUSIC BECAUSE IT WAS SHIT. SO WE TRIED TO BE ARTISTS BUT GOT SUED FOR COPYING BASQUIAT. THEN WE WANTED TO BE PRO SURFERS BUT EVERYONE WAS DOING IT. SO WE TRADED IT ALL FOR HIGH FASHION/LOW INCOME."
It was a move that payed off for the brand - having since been thrust into the spotlight for their rebellious take on fashion and design unpredictability. The brand has etched its way into the hearts of the "alternate" (yet still uber chic) crowd through a high exposure in magazines such as Oyster and Attitude. The brands artistic influences can't be escaped - with each range being accompanied by an installation and gallery show. "Statement Pieces" highly recommends the brands jewelery range "Heavy Metal", particularly for readers who are looking for pieces with a bit more edge...

There were a number of pieces that we fell in love with as part of the Heavy Metal range, however, our hands down favourite had to be the "Silver Bowtie Ring". This chunky statement piece was one of the more feminine pieces in the range and is something we felt you could wear on a day-to-day basis. This femininity made it perfect for work which we felt was a plus - sure the entire range is stunning - but you have to think logically, you don't want to spend $200 on a pendant if the only place you can wear it is a concert/festival (ok, maybe you do - but here we try and stay level headed and sensible).

The ring retails for $154 which is a little pricey, but once you feel its' weight you'll understand that you're paying for quality. It goes with anything - however, we think it would look gorgeous with a tailored vest + singlet, skinny leg jeans and a pair of kitten heels. Just make sure your nails are in good condition and if you're a biter (a problem I know all too well) it'd be worth getting a short set of gel acrylics to really finish off the look.

Make sure you check out Stolen Girlfriend Club's Website (it's aesthetically stunning) - if you like what you see you may be interested in a campaign co-founded by the brand (in accordance with Oyster magazine) called "No Safety Helmut" in which some of Australasia's finest photographers got together for a series of shoots dedicated to legendary photographer Helmut Newton. Whilst some of the pics are visually confronting (they're almost all nudes) they are all breathtaking...

Patchwork Purses

For today's post we've returned to "Statement Pieces" basics and the principal that bold colours/patterns = a winning accessory. This can't be more clearly conveyed than in Australian brand Armineé and Frank's Patchwork Folding Purse.

This cute purse demands attention and is a nod to artist Piet Mondrian's works. It is available in 3 colour variants each comprising of tonal combinations - they are:

1. Peruvian - lipstick, marine, peanut butter, mercury
2. Mod - chalk, black, peanut butter, mercury
3. Rodeo - ochre, marine, peanut butter, western cedar

Each colour panel is made from either Italian or butter leather - they retail for $105 AUD.

"Statement Pieces" is particularly fond of the "Rodeo" purse as the colour combination is perfect for spring - the neutrality of the browns mixed with two of this seasons hottest hues - yellow and cyan make it a great investment. We suggest teaming the bag with block coloured maxi-dresses (bright or dark colors will suffice), or to be really on trend, multi-tonal dip-dyed maxi-dresses (think a pale blue that cascades into a deep navy). Throw on a couple of bangles (Dinosaur Designs Veneer Bangles would work fantastically with the browns tones) and you'll be looking stunning in no time.

Make sure you check out Armineé and Frank's entire range of accessories - as they have some truly stunning pieces.

Art Deco Designs

When one thinks of the Art Deco movement they automatically associate a decadent opulence ironically viewed from a modernist perspective. Without it we wouldn't have The Chrysler Building in New York, nor the Golden Gate Bridge - but is it relevant in 2008? Do we care about the faceted forms of cubism and futurism in fauvism's palette? In normal circumstances (barring the architecture geeks) the simple answer is - no, however, it's prevalence in the fashion world is gaining it a notable amount of 'cred'. Did we at Statement Pieces know what fauvism was a month ago? No - but we suddenly started paying attention to a close friend's wanky art rants when we realised that art deco had become chic. What better way to raise our own fashionista profiles than being knowledgeable about the amazing pieces that dangled effortlessly from our necks - "What's that? You like my necklace? Yes it is beautiful, but did you know that it's inspiration came from Picasso and Georges Braque mixed with a good dose of ancient Egyptian/Aztec influences?" A statement piece AND conversation starter - we're sold...

A specific range that we were particularly endowed by is by Australian designers Cheri Uppal and Theresa Nguyen of "Lola & Bailey" called "Dial D". Each unusual necklace takes inspiration from the 1930's Art Deco movement - with a fabulous modern twist. It features a layered and sculptured pendant made of perspex (your choice of mirrored black and silver or mirrored black and gold). It features a long adjustable chain making it versatile enough to wear with most outfits. It is available in 5 different styles including the "Behind That Curtain Necklace", "The Cat & The Canary Necklace", "Murder in the Mews Necklace", "Sinister Hands Necklace", and "The Bat Whispers Necklace". Each Piece retails for $55 AUD.

When wearing these pieces we say embrace the kitsch-ness of art deco! You can do this one of two ways:

1. Sticking to the minimalist view - using the necklace as the statement - think block colour, straight lines, conservative, sleek, modern...
2. Going patter crazy - kitsching it up - mixing bold prints (hello cubism!) with splashes of colours, maybe even layering the necklace with a few others for a more bohemian feel...

Whatever you go with just remember to use your wanky art deco knowledge gained here - and if all else fails you know where to head:
Wikipedia Our Saviour - ARTDECO101

Decolletage Dinosaurs

You know those moments in life where you're just left kicking yourself? It haunts you, follows you around and eats at the pit of your stomach - just generally drives you insane. It can be over the most trivial thing too - "Why did I say that to so-and-so?!" "Gah! Why did I not give that person a chance?" Or even something as simple as spotting the most perfect necklace in the history of the world but deciding that at the time you didn't have the confidence to pull off such a statement piece. Fortunately the world works in mysterious ways and you often find yourself being granted second chances, as was the case with the particular necklace aforementioned. Yes, in 2004 when it was first released I may have been a young, timid lass who hadn't the slightest gusto or bravado to pull off such a brazen piece - but I'm an emphatic woman now and nothing will stand in my path...

Tatty Devine have released a "Best Of" range giving me a second chance - the necklace I fell in love with all those years ago is being re-made (along with 50 other well-loved designs). This is Tatty Devine's way of thanking loyal customers and also quashing the constant pleas from fashionistas demanding that pieces be remade just for them. As part of the relaunch 30 well known London fashion designers, musicians, artists, hairstylists, journalists and actors got together to model their favourite pieces. What ensued is a calamitous viral campaign which displays true "Tatty-tude"

We strongly recommend that you browse the whole range (you might even be surprised by who you find sporting your preferred Tatty piece), however, our hands down favourite piece is the necklace that I mentioned earlier - yes the one that got away... It's called (quite simply) the "Dinosaur Necklace" and it is breathtakingly eyecatching - perhaps the definition of a statement piece in itself. Said to be inspired by the designers love of the dinosaur exhibit at the London Natural History Museum the necklace is made up of 50 separate bones threaded onto a metal ring and separated by seed beads. It is available in black, gold and white and costs approximately $230 AUD. It is not available in Australia yet, however, it should be arriving shortly - Incu is your best bet for getting your hands on it, and if you're interested in any of the pieces on the Tatty Devine website the folks at Incu are more than happy to order it in for you - so give them a call - 9331 6070 (Paddington Store).




I know we've said it a million times before but this necklace REALLY isn't for the faint hearted, Tatty Devine chose the perfect model to show off this quirky piece - Robots in Disguise singer Sue Denim (aka Noel Fielding from The Mighty Boosh's girlfriend) and London bratpack socialite. We favour the black necklace worn on bare skin - so a low cut or scoop necked top is in need. Things need to be kept completely plain, nothing can detract from the necklace - due to this, we think a classic shift dress or pinafore would work fabulously - with opaque black tights, it's all about keeping a block colour until you reach your decolletage - you want people's eyes to go straight to the dinosaur - you don't even exist when you wear this necklace! The only other thing you could add would be a couple of black or white Dinosaur Designs Wishbone Bangles. Go out and get your hands on this phenomenal piece before you regret it!

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.