The best Royal Wedding pic

Why?  Check out Little Miss Cranky Pants here

Another Harper's BAZAAR cover for Bambi

On the cover of Harper's BAZAAR's June/ July 2011 issue, on sale this Monday, is Bambi Northwood-Blyth who poses topless with model Jack Vanderhart. They're channeling Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg’s on-camera chemistry for Calvin Klein and boy do Australia's hottest model exports do it well. 

Just me or do Bambi's eyebrows remind you of the beautiful Brooke Shields who starred in the label's controversial 1981 campaign?

Bossie for Japanese Vogue

Last month, I expressed my dislike for the recent styling of Kate Bosworth in editorials.  But guess what? Finally, someone's gotten it right - tousled hair, fresh face, pink lip, lots and lots of jewellery and bohemian dresses. Well done, Japanese Vogue. Well done.

The other McQueen dress that (almost) stole the show

Oh wow!

That's what Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge said as she walked onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace and saw the gathered crowd, but it's also what the 2 billion people watching said when they saw THAT Alexander McQueen dress designed by Sarah Burton. 

When you see hipsters on the street...

The 'Yo!' Files: Yo, I need these on my feet!

Repetto John Derian BB ballerina flats

Wake up and smell the bacon

Bacon Alarm Clock

A dual coloured mani

I've always been a fan of a dual coloured mani.  I usually alternate the colours but this is something different.  I don't know if it's how Garance has captured the image which makes it so appealing or if the person's perfectly manicured nails. Props to whoever it is for their choice of colours.  I love the contrast between the cool blue and tomato red. I'll try it out and no doubt I'll get crazy looks but who cares?  Fashion and beauty are supposed to be fun form of self-expressions. 

P.S. Don't you just love Garance's handwriting?

Image: Garance Doré

The 'Yo!' Files: Yo, hurry up and drop!

I'm eagerly awaiting these mulberry coloured jeans to drop into stores.  HURRY UP!

sass & bide lovestate super crop jean

The 'Yo!' Files: Yo, I'm green with envy!

Friend of Mine Emerald Jacket

 Rainy days are bad.  I've spent all day discovering new online stores where I could do some serious damage, since as you know, I don't have much self-restraint when it comes to online shopping.

Friend of Mine's "The Crusader" collection is simply beautiful.  I'm loving the rich hues - the mustard, the plum and the ochre, but this particular item took my breath away.  And it's velvet so it's an instant winner.  It's modeled by the gorgeous Hannah Glasby who I used to see in the office for castings all the time.  The last time I saw her was a good year ago and she had just gone brunette. Only a few days ago I was thinking, 'Where has Hannah Glasby gone?' Well, I guess she's back.

Heart in a cage

Back in 2008/ 2009, I desperately wanted this pendant but I had left it too late to purchase it (as I always do).  I searched high and low and the found it on Ebay for double the price. I was a poor student at the time, I couldn't afford it and it left me heartbroken.  While during that time I've seen a thousand knock offs, nothing captured my heart as much as the original. But guess what? It's back.  I'm seriously celebrating and tracking down where to buy it now.  I just hope I haven't missed out again!

Stolen Girlfriends Club Heart in a Cage pendant

Image: Violent Green

Walking with dinosaurs

Dinosaur pendants by P.S. ILU (the love child of Iggy & Lou). Until now, never in a million years did I think that I'd call dinos "cute".

Ralph Lauren Big Pony x fashiontoast

This may be a few weeks old now, but I'm still watching it over and over again. 

The 'Yo!' Files: Yo, don't you give me the evil eye!

This ring will keep you safe from evil curses and the envy of others.  How about making this in a size 5, Erin?  I want to be safe too!

low luv by erin wasson Evil Eye ring

Ridiculously cool or just plain ridiculous?

Karen Walker Pegs Orange sunglasses

My brother is currently in London on a holiday. Before he left, he asked what I wanted him to bring back for me.  Clothing is incredibly difficult to buy for another person full stop but due to my pint size stature, I'm even more difficult to shop for.  So, I told him it was best to stick to accessories.

"You know what I like," I said, "little quirky, little edgy, nothing boring, nothing tacky." 

It's a pretty good summary of my style or at least what style I like (and what I'd kind of stuff I would like to own).  I'm not too sure how well my brother will do based on that description but I'll let you know when he returns from his travels in a few weeks time.  Now onto the more pressing matters, what do you think of these Karen Walker sunnies - I love them but am I taking quirky a little too far?

Kate still hasn't given up on Young Americans

Uh Bossie, do I need to remind you that Young Americans got scrapped a good eleven years ago? 

She may not have very good memory recall but the girl sure has style.  At the ultimate American music festival Coachella,  in the middle of the desert, Kate rocked this all-American girl look with her own grungy take.  How? By piling on the accessories from her own line JewelMint of course!

Are your hands open or closed?

Isn't this the cleverest little thing you've ever seen?  Purchasers of this ring, you'll certainly be getting your money's worth with this two rings in one knuckleduster combo.

Mix up the message depending on how you feel or how much liquid courage you've drunk.  Open the hands to reveal the message, "text me" when chatting up that hottie or just feeling super brave. From what I've learnt from working in advertising and watching The Gruen Transfer subliminal messages do work.  

There's the option to close the hands when you're feeling shy and not so interested and when that hottie comes past your way again, viola, "text me" is back.  

For him just to text you not enough?  Too easy, go that step further, the ring is also available in "Marry me".  

Disclaimer: The Loh-Down accepts no liability for the content of this blog, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  

i.e. I will not be held responsible of any brainwashing of others that may occur wearing the above ring, nor the suggestion that the brainwashing of others originated here.

The 'Yo!' Files: Yo, it's Kate the Mouse!

Kate Mouse tote bag by Simeon Farrar

Down the rabbit hole

What's not to love about Easter?  Bunny ears, chocolate and gorgeous fashion. As you already know, I love head frou frou lots and lots, especially when it's worn by stunner, Victoria Lee, so naturally I'm obsessed with this Grazia shoot.

Images from Grazia magazine on-sale today.

Dear Monday

The 'Yo!' Files: Yo, these are what I call tough!

Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony boots

How to be a popular fashion blogger

My friend, Ross, sent me this hilarious quiz the other day.

Another season, another skirt

With every collection the brilliant Karla Špetic releases, I fall in love with another one of her skirts.  This season, I'm determined to actually purchase one.  I'm saving my pennies. Starting now.

Sunday's indulgences

Fruity jeans

Bella and I have been searching high and low for the fruitiest pair of cranberry/ plum/ beetroot coloured jeans. The search has been absolutely tiring and exhausting experience, while we've had some success finding some, they all turned out to be rotten fruit. Now that they're in season and no longer rare fruits,  we're seeing them all over the place.  Could these fruity ones be our perfect pair?

Lee "Jets" in Cranberry

What a clever ad

T-Mobile tells us "Life's for Sharing" in a pretty clever way.

The 'Yo!' Files: Yo, I just bagged this baby!

I thought I had missed the boat, but as it turns out, I purchased 'the only one left'.  That fire truck red statement of urgency sure does work like a charm. I panicked like a mofo and ran for my Debit Mastercard as soon as it popped up on my screen. Especially after that earlier fright which made me groan, "Not again!" (See here and here), I was not going to take any chances.

What am I talking about? Oh, just this super chic thing.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Kitty St. James clutch

Dinner dreams

Mini Wagyu & Co. Burger

I'm not sure if I have mentioned this before, but dinner is my is by far my favourite meal of the day.  I don't think I'm all that picky about my food (my family would probably disagree), but there's just some things I don't enjoy eating - vegies.  I don't eat carrots, celery, eggplant (although I love baba ganoush) and the list goes on.

What do I like?  Meat. And lots of it. A fact which is very well-known by most friends, especially the ones I made at uni. My "Where's the fucking meat?" rage episode of '09 is a classic representation of my love of meat (and my hate of onions). But seriously, who likes to fish for meat on a plate of onions? The story has become a dinner time favourite, retold by those who weren't even present at the event, so much so that I now frequently find myself tagged in Facebook photos as large amounts of meat, just in case I am unable to find it.

The 'Yo!' Files: Yo, I found you!

Since my blog about getting an iPhone and my attempt to find the perfect case, I still hadn't found my match.  Until now. I love, love, love the typography.

I really, really, really want it.  You're not allowed to buy it before me and just in case it sells out I'm not telling where it's from! (Even though it's oh so obvious!)

Supergal Alexa works it for Italian label Superga

Brit hipster and IT Girl, Alexa Chung is at it again, modelling away. This time, she's lending a hand to Italian sportswear label, Superga and helping them widen their UK audience.  With Alexa's cult following, I'm certain word of Superga has spread beyond the UK. 

Check out the beautifully shot campaign video, with Alexa showcasing the label's wares in her own casual chic, quirky Brit style.

Blacker than the night

Black shouts sophistication. Black shouts edge. Black shouts grunge. Don't be afraid to vamp it up with black.

Bottega Venetta cuff, Christian Louboutin clutch, Linda Farrow Luxe sunglasses, Sportsgirl skirt, Alex Perry for Diva necklace, Kor Michael Kors wedges

Dipped in candy

The hair trend first emerged late last year with celebs including Gaga, Peaches Geldolf and Katy Perry sporting pink and purple candy coloured tips. On and off the runway, models such as Dree Hemingway, Abbey Lee and Charlotte Free have showcased the trend. Now, months later, we're seeing dip dyed hair really take off.  

It's been featured in Grazia, not once but twice. Just look at the sneak peeks of Topshop's soon-to-be-released lookbook - models are rocking acid green and fairy floss pink ends and you know this look is going to big. It's a little bit punk rocker, edgy enough but not too out there.  

Will you be jumping on the candy tipped hair bandwagon? What colour will you be dipping your hair in?

The 'Yo!' Files: Yo, I Lykke these sweet tunes!

Currently listening to:

Wounded Rhymes by Lykke Li

The countdown begins: Zara is coming to Sydney

April 20.  Ink it in your diaries, peeps! The arrival date of Zara at Westfield Sydney has finally been announced and boy am I counting down the days. The three-storey store will stock Women's, Men's and Children's collections, and as the most anticipated store launch in the Aussie retail market, I bet the queues are going to be huuggge! Should I start camping out the front now?

The 'Yo!' Files: Yo, now that's a trench!

sass & bide jacket

The 'Yo!' Files: Yo, you winter warmer!

Kicking off The 'Yo!' Files is this Kirrily Johnston warm and fuzzy coat.

Kirrily Johnston Ceremony Coat

Introducing The 'Yo!' Files

"Yo" is my word of the mo.  It's on high rotation and it comes out my mouth like word vomit.  If you don't know what "word vomit" means, you need to hire, download or do whatever you need to do so you can watch Mean Girls.  Then, you'll understand and also see LiLo at her very best.

Tonight, I've decided the word, "yo" is so good, it calls for a whole new section of my blog to be named after it.  Introducing, "The 'Yo!' Files": A daily edit (I hope) featuring a single "Yo! I want, need, must-have-you-in-my-life!" item.  The most important kind of items on Earth, really.
 

If you beg to differ, let me know. Holler if you disagree. Don't just think, "Hold up.  These shoes don't scream 'Yo!'" Tell me and correct me!

CUE: DION LEE drop #2

The second drop of Dion Lee's collaboration with high street chain, Cue hits stores today.  I'm a big big big fan of the Newtown designer although I must admit, as a Dion Lee cut-out blazer owner, I'm slightly disappointed that the style is now available in his diffusion range for Cue. 

All designers who produce diffusion ranges face the same predicament.  As a designer, you want to expand the brand and make it more accessible to new consumers. So, you introduce them to the elements which made the brand popular to begin with, and there's your dilemma - you run the risk of alienating the old fans. 

Well, Dion, aren't you glad I'm a loyal fan that won't hold a grudge?  In fact, I'm quite happy that I can now purchase your designs for half the price. More wearable, more affordable whilst still maintaining inventive tailoring and innovation in fashion, boy you've done well. I can't wait to check out that sexy cut-away leather mini dress in person.

View the complete CUE: DION LEE lookbook.

A Saturday arvo experiment

On Wednesday, I added four more nail polishes to my ever growing collection. You've read about it before and no doubt, you'll read about it again.  Now, I present you with the proof. And before you ask, yes, I am well aware of the fact I only have ten fingers and ten toes. 

Yesterday, Zoë Foster from Primped blogged about her little nail experiment which inspired my own DIY job.  I stress the DIY part - I've never been any good at art, nor have I ever been very good with fiddly templates or tape, so please excuse my messy application.

So, what do you think?  Are you inspired to conduct your own nail  polish experiment?

All you need is a love...

... or so say saying goes.

After seeing this collection by jewellery designer, Saskia Diez, I think it should be "all you need are golden hearts".

Did her own gorgeously golden heart inspire Love/Star collection? Who knows but the lovely Saskia, herself, is donating 5% of sales from her website to the Japan earthquake relief.  Well, if you're going to buy, might as well do it now.

Are you a Karl Lagerfeld fashion victim?

Left: Karl Lagerfeld’s Limited-Edition Diet Coke Bottles

Right: Karl Largerfeld’s 2010 Coca Cola Light Bottle

The Godfather of the fashion world has done it again and has released another limited edition Coca-Cola bottle line. And this time, the collaboration is with Diet Coke. With the fuschia colouring and crazy patterns, it looks part Willy Wonka, part Andy Warhol pop-art.  The wackiness of it all is obviously Karl Lagerfeld - you know, just in case you didn't notice his silhouette on the bottles. 

How much of a Karl Lagerfeld fashion victim are you?  Will you be purchasing this latest collection?

Tasty pens

Edible pen by Dave Hakkens

Are you one of those people who chew the end of their pens?  It's O.K, I am too.  I'm not as bad as I used to be (recently I've become one of those annoying people who incessantly click their pens when concentrating or when deeply frustration) and I certainly don't that I mean to but every now and then I'll come across a pen with bite marks on its end.  

While plastic can be fantastic, we all know that it doesn't quite taste it so Dutch designer, Dave Hakkens has created a solution for us pen gnawers.  Candy coated pens.  It's edible, it's a pen, it's a sweet and it writes.  It ticks all of my boxes  (I am also one of those people who forget to eat when they're stressed). 

Oh, Dave Hakkens, you're just solving all my life problems.  Is there any way you can fix the state of my bank account?  Funds are kind of dire.  What do you mean I'm on my own on this one? Oh, I suppose you're right, buying that sass & bide dress last night did not help, but hey, who am I to resist an one-night only 20% discount? P.S. Thanks Grazia.