Introducing ...

THE PALACE POOCH!

He goes by the name of Romeo, and yes, he certainly lives up to his name. He was most recently spotted wooing the girls at Louis Vuitton in Perth where he picked up a cute little studded LV monogram dog collar – because studs are so in this season!

This pampered pooch certainly knows a great label when he sniffs one.

Romeo xx
a.k.a Palace Pooch

And the winner is ...

Congratulations to Flamingo Sands for being awarded Best Designer in Swimwear - Pick 2 from popular Aussie website 2threads.com

If you haven’t yet discovered Flamingo Sands through the Style Palace eBoutique – you are guilty of lacking some serious style in the bikini department!

Flamingo Sands is Australia’s premium designer swimwear label, inspired by the world’s most exotic seaside destinations.

The label has become famous for its use of luxurious fabrics and bold prints with quirky trims and attitude to boot.

Congratulations Nicky and Jane – love your work!

Check out some of Flamingo Sands’ hottest styles for Spring/Summer 0809 right here at stylepalace.com.au

Trend Alert!

Here at Palace HQ we’re loving fringed accessories and embellished clothing.

Check out some of our favourites …

Bec and Bridge Wild & Free Vest or Flik Flak Vest http://www.becandbridge.com.au/ or Mimco’s cute fringed clutch available at http://www.mimco.com.au/.

But if you take your trends seriously, get your paws on our fav – the Prada Fringe bag. It’s comes with a price tag of over $3K, but thankfully you can rent it for a month from around $199 through Australian website http://www.lovemeandleaveme.com.au/

Enjoy!

SP
xx

Melbourne welcomes Louis Vuitton

Pic courtesy of grazia.com.au

Melbourne’s fashionable elite turned out for the recent opening of Louis Vuitton on Collins St – part of the city’s infamously fashionable inner-city precinct.

Among the star-studded crowd was the lovely Jennifer Hawkins who looked classically elegant in black, but stealing the limelight was none other than Perth model, Rebecca Twigley. Rebecca looked stunning in this white one-shoulder tiered ruffle dress, but the killer heels stole the show!

Another knock-out outfit to add to her repertoire …

Oh, and Rebecca’s boyfriend, AFL footballer Chris Judd was there too!

SP
xx

High Heeled Art

If you’re anything like me, footwear took on a whole new dimension the moment I tried on my first pair of high heels.

It was some time between the ages of 4 and 5 while playing dress-ups in my mum’s wardrobe. Despite swimming in the oversized skirt and top ensemble I had created, there is photographic evidence that proves when I teamed the outfit with a pair of killer heels –
I looked every bit the grown up woman….even with the tissue-stuffed bra!

Every woman knows that slipping on a pair of stilettos can change your look in an instant – not to mention boost your self confidence and cause your sex appeal to skyrocket! The fact is, women love wearing them and men love watching women wear them – even if they don’t understand why we are so fascinated with buying so many pairs of them.

Well, one man [finally] understands the fascination with high heels and is making a name for himself by exploring footwear as works of art.

Mark Schwartz is an accomplished shoe designer who spent 25 years traveling the world for inspiration. He spent five years honing his skills under the renowned Roger Vivier and also gained inspiration from artistic icon, Andy Warhol.

It was Warhol and Vivier who encouraged Schwartz to explore his shoe fascination and pursue his ‘high heeled art’. Such esteemed encouragement sparked Schwartz’s flourishing career as an artist and he now has a worldwide following from a growing private, corporate and celebrity clientele.

Schwartz’s paintings bring shoes to life by capturing the beauty, excitement and spontaneity associated with wearing such fabulous heels. His works are one-of-a-kind original artworks and are sold unframed and shipped FREE worldwide.

So if you eat, sleep and breath Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik, here’s your chance to capture your favourite pair on canvas for a fashionable eternity!

For more, visit the official Mark Schwartz website www.highheeledart.com
Or check out his blog www.highheeledart.blogspot.com

Cosmetic Acupuncture Proven Over 1000 Years

Medical research confirms Modern Japanese Therapeutic Cosmetic Acupuncture works.

Within the range of cosmetic treatments around the world, Cosmetic Acupuncture is now seen as the natural safe alternative to more invasive procedures that require injections and surgery.

Cosmetic Acupuncture is natural and can make the patient appear younger, smoother, brighter and uplifted. It has also been shown to remove puffiness and it's understood that acupuncture points stimulate the increase of collagen, relaxation in muscles as well as provide other holistic health benefits.

New to Australia, Cosmetic Acupuncture has been a tradition in the orient for more than a 1000 years. Its practice has been revered by Empresses & Geishas as one of the secrets to maintaining youthful beauty.

ShiiZen is a division of the Zen Acupuncture Clinic which has been established in Nicholson Road, Subiaco, Western Australia for more than eight years. It has established a national reputation for results and efficacy.

Treatments at the ShiiZen Acupuncture Clinic are claimable on Ancillary benefits or appropriate Health Funds.

To discover the wonderful benefits of Cosmetic Acupuncture contact the ShiiZen team on:

Cosmetic Acupuncture – Diane Carter (08) 9388 9188/ 0422 944 004
Traditional Japanese Acupuncture – Michael Herman (08) 9388 9188
http://www.shiizen.com/

Start Shopping with Style Palace!

The long awaited, highly anticipated launch of stylepalace.com.au has finally arrived.

The team at Style Palace HQ would like to thank you all for your ongoing support and patience while the SP eBoutique has been under construction.Today we open the Palace doors and invite you to peruse the collections from some of Australia's leading fashion designers, accessories labels, swimwear collections and pampering body products.

Happy Shopping

SPxx

It's Playtime!

Channel 70’s glam in this season’s hottest alternative to the summer frock. Playsuits are back in a big way and we have all the options to take you from beach to bar and even to the race track.

For relaxed poolside glamour you can’t go past the cute aqua blue vintage print playsuit by Lil Designs. For a night out with the girls, check out Story by Tang’s version - a sexy little black silk number that looks great with a pair of killer heels.

For a knock-out evening option, our favourite is the Madame Marie Illustrious Whispers Catsuit in Oyster. The flowing fabric and wide-cut leg will ensure you float into the room, to make it an entrance everyone will remember.

These styles and more will be available from www.stylepalace.com.au very soon …

SP
xx

Story by Tang playsuit

The Milkmaid Braid and Hot Hair Tips for Summer

Paulette Contessi, owner of The Parlour Aveda Concept Salon in Nedlands, Western Australia said the hottest hair trend for summer was the milkmaid braid – a look celebrities including Sienna Miller and Jennifer Lopez have recently been seen sporting.

“This look is a playful alternative to the standard braid or ponytail and it’s simple to do with long hair – using your centre part as a guideline, create two plaits at the back of your hairline then run the plaits around the side of your head, over the crown, meeting up at the start,” Paulette said.

Ms Contessi offered five other top trends for the season and tips for summer hair care to protect against the combination of sun, salt, sweat and chlorine:

NATURAL INGREDIENTS

The myriad of chemicals in commercial hair products can lead to an itchy, dry scalp and weakening of hair strands so stay away from nasty chemicals in your hair and beauty regime and instead stick to naturally-based hair dyes.

SUN PROTECTION

With summer’s heat and dryness, it is vitally important keep your hair protected by regularly using an intense hair masque treatment – a great new product to try is Aveda Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque.

BEACH BABE LOCKS

The hottest look this summer is natural relaxed waves and the great news is that it’s a very simple look to achieve simply by applying a light leave-in conditioner and curling each strand of hair around your fingers as you blow dry your hair!

NATURAL COLOURS

Frizzed-out, crazy coloured hair is out – this season it’s time to go back to nature and embrace your natural colour or ask your hairdresser to put in some natural looking highlights and lowlights.

CHOP IT

A short do is the easiest way to keep your hair looking fabulous and healthy during summer, so if you dare, take the plunge this season and chop it!

For more information about hair treatments, visit http://www.theparlour.com.au/.

What the heel is all the fuss about?

Posh wore these Antonio Berardi black latex thigh-high heelless boots to her latest fragrance launch and started tongues wagging about the latest fashion dilemma to strike shoe lovers everywhere…to heel or not to heel?

That is the question, but the answers are varied and while there are some staunch heelless shoe lovers out there - there certainly are some haters too!

Australian designer shoe store chain, Evelyn Miles, is currently stocking the Mark Jacobs heelless shoe which has reportedly received a mixed response from shoppers.

They have been most popular with the younger Gen Y and Gen X shoppers who, let’s face it, are often a little more daring and more eager to adopt new trends the second they emerge. But who also haven’t yet developed the nasty ‘foot issues’ us older chooks have been left with after years of wearing killer heels.

Needless to say, these heels bring new meaning to the phrase ‘killer heels’ and besides the fact that they may (or may not) look good, they are guaranteed to give you sore feet – if not a snapped Achilles heel!

Style Palace Spring Summer Collection 0809

The SP launch parade was held during Perth Fashion Festival on Friday, 5 September. We have just finished putting together the parade highlights and if we must say so ourselves we are very proud of the finished product. Click on the pic of our Princess to see the footage.

We hope you enjoy the show! And stay tuned as SP will be live very, very soon.



SP
xx

Hot new European Salon Trend Opens in Perth

Australia has opened its doors to Europe’s hottest hair and makeup trend – an express-service blow dry and makeup salon.

The nation’s first concept salon, Style Bar will offer fixed-cost 30 minute hair and makeup sessions with a backstage at fashion week atmosphere.

Style Bar clients can walk in off the street – no appointment needed – and select from a carefully-crafted menu of classic and seasonal hair and makeup styles.

“Style Bar will be the nation’s first express-service hair and make-up beauty salon, following suit of new concept salons that have been making waves in glamorous cities like London and New York,” owner and creator Paulette Contessi said.

Ms Contessi said Australia was making a name for itself in global fashion and the introduction of Style Bar was another example of the country’s pace in worldwide style trends.

Style Bar will initially be established in Perth but had already received interest from Sydney and Melbourne and the intention is to expand across Australia in the near future.

Style Bar will have an exclusive line of makeup – ‘Style Bar Cosmetics’, and will be the first in Perth to stock the full range of GHD hair products and straighteners.

Style Bar will also be the exclusive Australian outlet for Jonathan Products – created by world-renowned stylist Jonathan Antin, who has worked with a host of celebrities including Madonna, Kate Bosworth and Olivia Newton John.

Style Bar is set to open in Carillon City, on the Hay Street Level in Perth. For more information on Style Bar please visit stylebar.com.au.

Extremely Ethical Clothing

It is always great to hear about people and businesses that give a little back to the community and support making the world a more sustainable place to live. I came across this great site called lightningfast.com which was set up in 2006 by Steve and Will who wanted to make a difference and help the plight of children in some of the world's poorest communities. They have developed a range of groovy organic t-shirts and channel 50% of their profits to charities helping children and families in countries around the world.

Sustainability is part of all activities Lightning Fast is involved with and it's great to see fashion supporting such a great cause.

Please check out lightningfast.com and see what it's all about.

Congratulations Steve and Will from everyone at Style Palace - we salute you for making a difference.

Perth Fashion Festival Wrap

The 2008 Perth Fashion Festival wrapped on Friday after 10 days of exciting fashion-filled events. Celebrating its tenth year, the Festival served up a fashionable frenzy of shows and parties to lure the style set out from their winter slumber.

The VIP Launch Party on opening night saw Pierucci celebrate 25 years in the industry with a spectacular showcase of stunning gowns, cocktail dresses and Pierucci’s signature trench coats for the ladies while the lads were catered for with sharply tailored suits in plaid and velvet finishes. Guests sipped champagne in the Kurv Fashion Bar which became a favourite haunt for fashionistas throughout the Festival.

The weekend was welcomed with the official launch of Style Palace (in case we forgot to mention it previously!). Perth A-listers and the local style set converged at Perth Town Hall to celebrate Australian style and fashion from the likes of Aurelio Costarella, Wayne Cooper, Camilla, Flamingo Sands, Bec & Bridge and many more.

Indigenous designer Joanne Pellew launched her hot swimwear label, Kooey, in a spectacular show that will no doubt catapult her designs into the international spotlight.

WA fashion icon Melanie Greensmith of Wheels and Dollbaby fame was recognized with her induction onto Perth’s Fashion Walk of Fame in the trendy King St precinct, the same street where she recently opened her stunning new boutique.

The WA Designer Collections showcased a bevy of our State’s finest with spring/summer collections from the likes of Aurelio Costarella, Joveeba, Story by Tang, Ae’lkemi and a host of amazing new student designers.

The Mercedes–Benz WA Fashion Awards closing night was the perfect finale to the 2008 Festival. Congratulations to all nominees of the Student Fashion Designer of the Year awards. Newcomer Leanne Lim took out both runner up and winner of the contemporary evening wear category, and Alira Callaghan was awarded for her designs in the student ready-to-wear men's wear division. Best costume design was awarded to Louisa Bannah.

We’d also like to congratulate two of our SP models, Emily Cattermole for taking out the Runway Model of the Year Award and Pip Bingham who was joint winner with Letecia Price of the Photographic Model of the Year Award. The Hot New Talent award went to Rosie Tupper.

If you would like to check out all pics from the Festival visit http://www.stefangosatti.com.au/ for all official event photographs.

It was an exciting, busy and fashionable 10 days and now we must get back to work at The Palace. Only a couple of weeks to go and we will be live so keep an eye on your computer screen and we will let you know when!

Until next time ...

Love & Style
xx

Emily Cattermole - Winner, Runway Model of the Year

Winner - Leanne Lim, Contemporary Evening Wear Category

Photos courtesy of www.perthnow.com.au

Style Palace Launch

The official launch of Style Palace took place last Friday, 5 September at the Perth Town Hall as one of the feature events of the 2008 Perth Fashion Festival. It was an amazing night and the show has had so much wonderful feedback. It was the perfect way to bring Style Palace to life. Thank you to everyone involved - it was a brilliant team effort.

Check out the story and some great pics at PerthNow. Style Palace will be open for trading at the end of September. In the meantime, check out the following pics from the show and what will be available at The Palace. Pics courtesy of PerthNow.

Lara - our Palace Princess in Aurelio Costarella

Sophia in Wayne Cooper

Crystell in Flamingo Sands

A Summer in Wittner Shoes

For hot, hot heels you must check out Wittner’s latest collection.

This wholly Australian owned company was born in 1913 in Footscray, Melbourne and is now managed by three generations of the Wittner family.

Their spring/summer 08 collection is dominated by baby soft matte and patent leathers in hard-edged Gladiator sandals and heels. Also look out for rock-chick studded embellishments with enough attitude to knock his socks off!

Previously a favourite haunt of mine when shopping on the east coast, Wittner is (finally) opening soon on William St in Perth, Western Australia.

Get inspired or shop online at http://www.wittner.com.au/

What's Hot ...

Cocktail rings were hot in the 50s and they are back again. Check out gorgeous pieces on page 86 of the September issue of Vogue Australia or simply Google 'cocktail rings' and take your pick!

Kerr Crazy!

As the new face of David Jones, Miranda Kerr is creating a fashionable frenzy wherever she goes. Miranda was named the new face of the retail giant after fellow Aussie, Megan Gale announced her retirement from the catwalk.

Miranda shot into the international spotlight thanks to her sizzling appearance in last year’s Victoria’s Secret show and later became romantically linked to Hollywood heartthrob Orlando Bloom.

But despite her growing appeal to the paparazzi, this girl has made it in her own right for being Australia’s quintessential girl-next-door, with just the right amount of cheeky sex appeal thrown in to drive the boys’ wild.

The gorgeous girl from Gunnedah walked the boards for DJ’s with her signature cheeky style, opening the show in a stunning hot pink one-piece swimsuit by Jets which was styled with an elaborate feathered head piece, reminiscent of a Venetian carnivale.

Kerr closed the show in this show-stopper silver beaded Collette Dinnigan number – proving that every girl loves a little bling!

We’re not afraid to admit it – we love Miranda!

SP
xx

A Style Palace Tribute to the King

At Style Palace we believe that fashion is not only about what we wear but also about music - we love music and we love The King - and of course we're talking about the 'King of Rock 'n Roll' - Elvis Presley. Today is 31 years since Elvis died. Elvis Presley is a legend and a style icon to many and will always have a huge following the world over. Did you know that there are at least 85,000 Elvis impersonators in the world compared to only 170 in 1977 when Elvis died.

Elvis lives on in daughter Lisa Marie and granddaughter, Riley Keough, who in fact is a sought after model and made her modelling debut in 2004 for the Dolce & Gabbana runway show. Riley was also the face of Christian Dior's perfume, Miss Dior Cherie in 2005. See ... fashion and music do go hand-in-hand!

Elvis & granddaughter, Riley

Elvis will always be in our hearts and here is our Style Palace tribute to the King ...

Click on the play button on the MP3 player below to hear the song 'Who Killed Elvis?'© - written and performed by singer/songwriter, Peter Chase. NB you may have to click it a few times, be patient.




"Til we meet you again, may God bless you. Adios.”
Said by Elvis in 1977 at the end of a concert during his last tour.

Is it Getting Hot in Here?

Get ready to turn the temperature up a notch because Flamingo Sands’ summer 08/09 collection, A Wonderful Life, is sure to get hearts racing ... and bring all the boys to the yard!

Expect to see their seriously flirty triangle bikinis in cute paisley and tropical prints and also a head-turning micro sequin bikini that will ensure the spotlight remains on you.

Cover up in sexy silk chiffon caftans and comfy wide-leg silk pants which take you from the beach to bar in a flash.

This season’s colours are magical emerald green and hotter than hot pink so bust out the fake tan and get that bikini bod ready because Flamingo Sands arrives at the Palace in October 2008.

Style Palace Launch a Sell-Out!

Tickets to the official launch of Style Palace have sold out in a record two days!

The event is to be held on Friday 5 September as part of the Perth Fashion Festival program of events.

Sponsored by Saville Australia, this night promises to one of pure glamour, as style savvy guests come together to celebrate the best of Australia’s established and emerging talent.

Keep an eye on local press for event coverage or watch this space for a full post-party wrap.

Hair is Art

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate styling product – look no further.

Bumble & Bumble’s Bb. Spray de Mode is exceptional when it comes to styling and easily morphs from a flexible working spray to the ultimate finishing spray.

Perfected by haute couture hairdresser, Laurent Philippon, Bb. Spray de Mode is known for being ‘shocking versatile’ and ‘uncannily flexible’. This product can be used on dry hair, with heat styling tools or as a flexible setting spray. It also responds well to repeat styling and brushing – so no more starting from scratch when things go horribly wrong.

We have no doubt this miracle product won’t stay a stylist secret for long!

Find Bb. Spray de Mode at http://www.spraydemode.com/ or http://www.meccacosmetica.com/

We Love ...

Summer seems so far away – especially after laying eyes on these hot summer dresses from Wayne Cooper. The collection boasts bright prints, draping layers and soft feminine ruffles which just scream summer fun. Whether you’re looking for a head-turning cocktail dress or something more dreamy and demure, this collection is sure to impress.

Start counting the days until summer, because Wayne Cooper is available from Style Palace from September.

The Hunt is On

Hi all Style Princesses - we have a little challenge for you. We have had a request to find out where we can purchase or who the designer is of the gorgeous dress Miranda Kerr was seen wearing in the picture below. It was pictured in the Daily Telegraph and was titled 'Miranda Kerr Back in Australia'. Any ideas? If you get back to us with the answer you will receive a $20AUD Style Palace shopping voucher.

If you can help please email stylehq@stylepalace.com.au

xx
SP

True Friendships Last a Lifetime

This is not a fashion or style related entry but more a special message and a beautiful story for all animal lovers. I just saw this story on the late night news and had to share it with you.

It's about two guys who, in 1969 bought a lion cub from Harrod's in London. Named Christian, they raised the cub until he became too big to stay with them so they eventually had to travel to Africa to set him free into his natural habitat. 12 months later they returned to Africa to see if they could find Christian and were told that Christian would now be wild and wouldn't even remember them. Check out what happened on YouTube - Christian the Lion.

Have a box of Kleenex handy!

xx
SP

The latest women’s fragrance by Gucci, aptly named Gucci by Gucci, is the first major fragrance release under the fashion and beauty house’s new Creative Director, Frida Giannini.

In the past, Giannini has been known for her attraction to masculine fragrant notes, but this new scent is intended for the strong yet feminine woman and though a little overpowering at first, it settles beautifully on the skin.

The fragrance notes include patchouli, honey, musk, raspberry, spider lily, guava and orange blossom which meld together to create a very seductive scent.

We Love Camilla ...

Style Palace Princesses are so excited about the new Camilla range. There are plenty of gorgeous pieces coming in for everyone including the Saville Mini Peasant Dress which has been causing a media frenzy of late. Camilla is coming to Style Palace in September 2008 and we can't wait!

Camilla Saville Mini Peasant Dress

Strike a Pose

Strike a Pose with Lee Lin Chin is a vibrant photographic exhibition showcasing the Australian fashion scene of the 1960s and 1970s - celebrities, trends and society.

Co-curated by Lee Lin Chin, SBS World News Australia presenter and host of Fashionista, the exhibition explores the defining influences that shaped our Australian style and the colourful events that are fixtures on the fashion follower's social calendar.

If you live in Canberra or plan on visiting soon don't miss out on seeing this exciting exhibition ...

11 July to 12 October
Free entry, open daily 9am-5pm

National Archives of Australia

Queen Victoria Terrace

Parkes ACT

naa.gov.au

A Pierre Cardin fashion parade at the Canberra Theatre Centre, 1967

The Powder Puff Girls

While holidaying in Bali I met up with Sydney makeup artist, hairdresser and stylist, Katrina Raftery who was in Bali to work on a photo shoot for popular resort fashion label, Biasa. The Biasa model just happened to be fellow Perth girl, Bridget Harries from Scene Models. We spent an evening hanging together in tropical Bali before the girls had to go on location to Lombok for the shoot.

We spent much of our time together chatting about makeup, fashion and style tips and tricks which brings me to the original reason for this blog ... Katrina told me to check out a great website called The Powder Puff Girls and I wanted to share it with you too - I think it's great!

That's all from me ... I just wanted to share The Powder Puff Girls with you as well as a pic of gorgeous Perth model Bridget Harries.

SP now signing off from a great cafe in Bali called Grocer and Grind - also the brainchild of a fellow Perth girl. I'm feeling right at home!

xx
SP

The Princess Wears Prada

If you share our fetish for fabulous shoes, you will no doubt appreciate these recent floral-embellished offerings from Prada.

We love the floral-heeled black peep toes. Simple and elegant but the stunning feature heel make them a work of art.

For weekend fun, the Flower Chamois cork wedges are perfect to team with your favourite denim or summery dresses.

If you prefer something a little more adventurous, check out the Art Nouveau inspired heels which boast organic lines and whimsical detailing – Daring, but a true collector’s item.

Story by Tang

We can’t wait to bring you the spring/summer 0809 collection from Story by Tang.

The Perth born label is renowned for its sassy and whimsical party dresses and edgy printed tees, and has a loyal following throughout Australia, the UK and beyond.

This season’s instalment offers sexy satin playsuits in fun, youthful prints and stand-out party dresses in crinkle fabrics and stunning signature floral prints.

Story by Tang will be available from Style Palace in October 2008.

Love Them and Leave Them ...

Are you currently lusting after a high-end designer bag, but can’t actually bring yourself to splurge on the extravagant price tag?

If you’re anything like us, you also know that the bag you lust after this month will soon be replaced by a new handbag love affair, leaving you with a rather large credit card bill and an unfulfilled desire for new arm candy.

Well thanks to the ingenious idea of Melbourne’s Simonne Santana, you can now join hundreds of ladies who practice loving their designer bags (a little) and then leaving them for the next best thing that comes along!

Love Me and Leave Me works on the basis that not everyone can afford to indulge in luxury designer handbags – despite the little voices in their heads trying to convince them to splurge!
By joining LM&LM you can simply rent your favourite new bag for a period of time, and then send it back to them or swap it for a new little number when you’re over it.

If your handbag fling turns into a full-blown love affair, you can even keep it for yourself and buy it outright at a reduced price.

Choose from a range of beautiful bags from luxury labels such as Chloe, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Gucci, Balenciaga, Chanel and Dior.

So if the pure mention of these labels has got your heart racing already, log on to www.lovemeandleaveme.com.au ... and let the games begin!

After all, “all’s fair in love and fashion!”

xx
SP