I have a bit of a dress addiction. If I even wander near a market, I will find myself frantically scouring the racks for that perfect vintage number. A trip to the mall means checking out the latest basic dresses from chain stores, just begging for some accessorizing and amazing shoes. Venturing into a boutique label store can have me in conniptions over how I could possibly go on without an acid colour dress, whether I can get through summer without this divine new addition to my wardrobe. Dresses are without a doubt the most perilous item for my credit card.

They are also (and I’m not just justifying here) one of the best investments you can make. They can be worn through out the year with leggings or black tights and are a fuss free way to express your personality. A brilliant dress can be transformed with accessories, make up and hair. They are a platform from which you can create individual looks and styles time and time again. So what looks are on my radar right now? It’s all about the print and texture. I have fallen in love with a grey jersey tank dress that looks amazing with fluro or coral coloured accessories and some of the more unusual prints that are around this season. A palate of fluro, acid colour, pastels and earthy colours are blending together in a hyper swirl of confused fabulousness.

Here are my favourite dresses for this summer…

All in a blur

This print is erratic and eye catching. I love that it almost looks like static or some blurry misprint. The brilliant thing about this pattern is that it makes such a statement that it looks best with few accessories. For a simple, everyday dress – go the digital print. I love this pretty one from I love Milk and Honey!

The cream dream

I found the perfect 70s dress. It’s so lovely and delicate and almost exactly like Alexa Chung’s. Finding a beautiful vintage dress takes dedication – you have to be up for lots of rummaging, bargaining and a trip to the tailors to have it fitted perfectly. This summer I am loving dreamy, lacy dresses. Wear with loads of gold and red lipstick.

Waisted maxi

Maxi dresses are confusing. People tend to think they are flattering for all shapes, as they are largely shapeless themselves, but I disagree. I always remember one of my guy friends saying that he thinks maxi dresses are worn by girls trying to hide their body. While every girl I know would say that we want to look feminine and show off their shoulders and chest. So meet in the middle – find a maxi dress that has a fitting midsection, like this lovely one (on left) from I love Milk and Honey!

Disheveled shirt

Vanessa Hudgens has seriously gone up the style stakes in my opinion. She walks a fine line between classic and edgy while looking fresh and effortless. I love this belted shirt dress, especially with the wide sleeves. I’m definitely on the hunt for one of these!

New tribal style

The new tribal print is earthy, Amazonian and playful. It’s an updated version of the Sienna Miller inspired ‘BoHo’ look of last year. This print looks amazing with loads of silver jewellery and a shearling bag, Perfect for a night on the town. I love Zoe Saldana in this sculptured dress, so chic and strong.

Labels on my radar: I Love Milk and Honey, Sportsgirl, Oli, Mango, Urban Outfitters, Oak, Birds of a Feather, Witchery, Mambo, Country Road, Grandma Takes A Trip.

My knowledge of sport is about on par (golf term! right?) with that of my knowledge of knitting. And my care factor is in that area too – I can appreciate a beautifully knitted scarf, but don’t want to spend hours making it. In my opinion, sport provide great montages, perving opportunities, scandals, a charged atmosphere and most interestingly, great fashion. This is a fairly recent development. Sponsorship became a major part of the tapestry of sports in 1984 when basketball player Michael Jordan became the spokesperson for Nike and thus was born the ‘Air Jordan’ – one of the highest selling shoes in history.

So how does this translate to high end fashion? With major fashion labels seeking a new way to get their clothes on the backs of the youthful, good-looking, influential and wealthy, a new alliance was formed. If a sports star has the face, body, respect and fans, their wardrobe will become coveted. Surfing, golf, tennis, skateboarding, basketball and runners are the main sports in which the stars are pulling in the big dollars, but it happens in almost every sport imaginable.

What I love about the combination of sports and fashion is that it provides unique opportunities to bring innovative style to something practical. This is a growing industry and designers have to keep up with trends and technology to create that perfect look. It has also added to the viewing pleasure for those of us not hooked on the game it’s self; nowadays I watch the tennis just to check out the outfits.

Here are my favourite alliances between sport and high end fashion.

Thunder Italian Boxing team for Dolce and Gabbana

I LOVE this. Can you get much more Italian than Dolce & Gabbana and the testosterone fueled sport of professional boxing? What a perfect mix. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana said of the new partnership: “Boxing is a sport which requires discipline, willpower and courage: values we firmly believe in and that we try to pour into everything we do.” What a knock out idea.

Azzura Yacht team for Emporio Armani

Yachting is one of the elite sports that fashion labels hanker to be a part of. There is the Louis Vuitton cup (one of the most prestigious yacht races in the world) and almost every yacht will have the sponsoring of a high end fashion label. I love the Emporio Armani design for the yacht crew. Uber stylish.

New York Yankees for DKNY

I don’t get baseball. Having recently been in the US I sat through a game and couldn’t for the life of me figure out the appeal. But when combined with DKNY, it suddenly gets more interesting! This is a great alliance of two iconic New York institutions.

Mark Webber for Prada Eyewear

I love Mark Webber. What a chin, what a man. He has been selected, along with a handful of other equally chiseled sportsmen, to be the face of Prada’s new eyewear range. Even though the only thing I know about Formula One is the high pitched “rrrreeewwww” noise of the cars on the track, I understand why Mark Webber is a national hero.

David Beckham for David Beckham

If you think of ‘fashion’ and ‘sports’ as loving parents, David Beckham is their prodigy child. The empire of Beckham has touched every type of clothing and has had a connection to almost every major fashion label. Whether he’s sitting front row at a fashion show, showing off his abs in a campaign, propping up Victoria at her latest fashion collection launch or simply wearing sneakers only ONCE before throwing them away, he seems to be happily linked to both athletic and fashion circles.

They grow up so fast don’t they? It feels like only yesterday a bushy haired Hermione, an adorable Ron and a wide eyed Harry were meeting for the first time on the Hogwarts Express. Now the young actors who play these much loved characters are seen as style icons, sex symbols and are some of the most wealthy people in the entertainment industry. Who could have anticipated how huge a story about wizards could be? With a total box office earnings of over 5.3 billion, the Harry Potter franchise is one of the most successful in history. And my favourite.

If you aren’t a fan of the Harry Potter books, best to turn away now. In honour of the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part One, I thought the least I could do is salute the stars’ style. Since they were eleven, they have grown up before our eyes and appear to be grounded and have a good perspective on life, fame and their futures. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Daniel, Rupert and Emma.

With only two sleeps to go until the first installment of the final chapter of Harry Potter is released, here are my favourite looks from the stars of Harry Potter…

Daniel Radcliffe

Ahhh… ‘the boy who lived’. I predict Daniel Radcliffe will have the most successful acting career post-HP, as he has already conquered Broadway, indie film and even learned an Australian accent for the coming-of-age film, The December Boys. I think Daniel’s style is a bit mish-mash; part English man about town and half whatever he can find 10 minutes before he leaves the house. I love the silver blazer with the handkerchief. Dapper and cool.

Clemence Poesy

Clemence Poesy plays the beautiful Fleur Delacour in the HP series and although she is not one of the central cast, I couldn’t leave her off a style list. A French actress and model, Clemence has a very Parisian Chic look. I love the bowler hat and blazer, did she raid the Harry Potter wardrobe department for this look? Tres daring.

Rupert Grint

That cheeky grin and mop of red hair… Rupert looks like he would be a lot of fun to hang out with. His style is very cool and comfy – a fitted blazer, print T-shirt and black jeans kind of guy. As he has gotten older he has seemed to develop a love for the seventies look, loving velvet jackets, thin ties and paisley shirts.

Emma Watson

I know I’ve recently profiled Emma Watson’s amazing style, but when I saw her red carpet look for the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – part one, I honestly gasped with fashion envy. I feel like the end of the Harry Potter movies is a chance for Emma to reinvent herself. She seems to be loving her new found freedom and is opting for very mature and stylish fashion choices. And the hair! best pixie cut of 2010.

Bonnie Wright

I wonder if Bonnie ever felt that she was in Emma Watson’s shadow? Well, now she is a little fashionista in her own right! That beautiful red hair and alabaster skin are complimented with bold prints and luxe fabrics. I love the leather pants and white scarf look – youthful, cool and simple.

Have I left anyone out? Which Harry Potter star do you think has the best style?

Can you hear it? It began as a whisper but is becoming louder… it’s coming in under our office doors and through our bedroom windows… it’s the call of the ocean. Summer’s less than a month away and it means it’s time to pull out your Havaiana’s (what the hell did we wear before Hav’s? I can’t even remember) and get shopping for some new beach wear.

First of all, regarding bathers: DON’T PANIC. I know some people get whipped up into a frenzy about the idea of being in a bikini/one piece, but seriously, what else are you going to swim in? I love fashion and how clothes look, but it’s never worth getting anxious over. Swimming is an amazing part of summer and no one should miss out because they are self conscious. No one is looking at any of your faults. People are too worried about their own or, more likely, just enjoying themselves. I say this because as a teenager I used to be so worried about how I looked that I would never enjoy myself. Now I know it’s just silly to think that anyone is spending their day off, at the beach, looking critically at you. So stop it.

So this summer, it’s time to let go and find some easy styles that work for you. Every year new Aussie swimwear labels pop up and they are just getting better and better. Being one of the most ‘beachy’ countries in the world and being one of the first to have summer (well, in Jan and Feb!) each year, we are emerging as leaders of swimwear. Our prints are playful and bright, the fabrics pioneering and the designs are being developed more and more to flatter and give support to women of all shapes.

Here are my must/lust haves for summer 2010!

Girly girl bikini

Go Seafolly. Not only have you helped launch the career of one of my fave girls, Jess Hart, but you continue to make some of the most reliable and comfy togs around. I absolutely love this hot pink colour, which would look amazing with any skin tone and the cute ruffles just tip it over the edge. Number one on my lust list.

New sunglasses (not Ray-Bans)

Death to the Ray-Ban! Oh no she didn’t! Oh yes I did. They are still cool and I still like them, but just feel like they are lacking that ‘wow’ factor for summer. These Cat Eye glasses on the other hand…

Sailor stripes

Summer and sailor stripes go together so perfectly. Even though we have all been rocking stripes during the colder months, now that it’s getting warmer they are coming into their element so to speak. I love Vanessa Hudgen’s striped bikini – so simple and flattering. If you don’t already have a million rompers (guilty) then I love this striped romper from Birds of a Feather, get it from incityfashion.com.au!

Jersey mini & maxi

You know what I like most about summer clothes? They are so light, comfy and feel amazing. Especially now labels are giving the planet so much love and only using materials like eco certified cotton. One of my must haves for this sunny season is a lightweight, flowing dress in a jersey cotton material. I will go for the shorter version (as I’m a shorty) but if you have height, go for the maxi.

500 bags of summer

As always, my obsession with bags is both indecent and draining. Indecently obsessive and draining on my finances. Two of my favourite bags for this season is the tribal print slouch and the backpack. The backpack is back! Amazing. Put one on and you instantly feel 10 years younger. Who needs anti-aging cream?

Labels on my radar: Seafolly, Birds of a Feather, American Apparel, Zimmermann, Milk and Honey, Helmut Lang, Gorman, Isola by Megan Gale, Lover, Mela Purdie, Sportsgirl, Le Specs.

I have fallen in love with Carey Mulligan. We are going to run away together and wear bonnets and paint ducks on a pond. No, not really… But I think she is so cute, sophisticated and looks like you could have a giggly night in with her watching old movies and eating ice cream. Sweet and fresh faced, Carey has a unique look that is both classic English rose and contemporary. Her cropped pixie hair has become one of most coveted styles around and her red carpet looks have sparked a return to a more demure and lady-like way of dressing. She always appears polished and humble, but has a fun twinkle in her eye.

Carey was born in Westminister, London and also lived in Germany as a child. She didn’t even think of acting until she was about fifteen when she saw her older brother performing in The King and I and cried because she wasn’t a part of it. Since then she has done the rounds with British plays, TV and film including Doctor Who, Pride and Prejudice and The Seagull. It wasn’t until her appearance in the poignant and beautiful film An Education that the Hollywood really took notice of this emerging talent. Carey won a British Academy Film Award for her portrayal of 16 year old school girl Jenny who falls for a dashing man-about-town twice her age. Her latest film, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps sees her play the daughter of the notorious Gordon Gekko along side her former boyfriend Shia LaBeouf.

Although she is only 25, Carey’s sense of style is mature, elegant and playful. She is loved by fashion designers, especially Miuccia Prada, and isn’t afraid of going with bold colours or quirky details. I loved her in the black Prada gown which was covered in tiny forks and wrenches. So daring and chic.

Here are my top five Carey Mulligan style moments…

Classy casual

You know why I love this outfit? It’s simple and unaffected. She doesn’t look like a Kardashian or a Lohan or anyone else really. I also love the pale lemon with the red hair and the zip details on her pants. This outfit is a lesson on ‘less is more’.

50s print deluxe

So pretty and flattering! This is lady-like dressing at it’s best. This A-line shape will be everywhere this summer and it’s a great shape for any size.

Modern royalty

I feel like Carey is channelling Princess Mary of Denmark or Carla Bruni here. This deep purple looks amazing with pale skin and I love the simplicity of the belt and shoes. And she looks so tall! Remember to stand up straight and proud… you look amazing, why not look super confident? Altogether, it’s a dream outfit.

Prada, Prada, Prada

Although Carey has worn Prada on numerous occasions, these two dresses are my favourite. The Oscar 2010 look and the silk beach print dress. These softer colours (dress on right) are an amazing palate for summer and image prints like this will be everywhere.

Mellow yellow

I honestly gasped the first time I saw this dress. Carey looks like a happy daisy in this sunflower yellow dress and I adore the slight tulip shape around the hips. It’s very 50′s and has a slightly Virgin Suicides look to it.

Labels on my radar: Prada, Miu Miu, Cue, Country Road, Witchery, Grandma Takes a Trip, Diane Von Furstenburg, Willow, Camilla and Marc.

Summer is awesome. Long days, clear skies, warm ocean water, amazing sunsets and the lure of the festive season… It offers holidays, romance and the beginning of a new year, ripe for turning over a new leaf. And the clothes. If I look back through photos of myself over the last ten years, I can almost pin point which year it was from my outfits. The year of the Sienna Miller BoHo maxi-dress? 2008. Nicole Richie-esque over-sized sunglasses? That would have to be 2006. One Teaspoon printed singlet? Oh my goodness… that’s right back to 2003! Summer is when you tend to be more experimental and free-spirited with your fashion choices. In summer fashion is like the tide, each day brings a fresh start and something new.

So what do we need for this summer? Well, it all depends on the occasion. I could rattle off a list of trends you will see (return of the trucker hat, cutaway bikinis, gelato colours, bleached denim) but what I want to focus on more it the moments of summer that you will want to have the perfect outfit for. Those times which you will reminisce about for years to come.

Here are my top five fashion moments that will be… SUMMER 2010!

Lunch (that becomes all afternoon drinks, dancing, dinner and more dancing)

You know how it goes – you get together for a girly lunch in the sun with some mates, then you check your watch and it’s 4pm, then you feel like going to a bar, and dancing, and then dinner and, well… it goes on and on. These long lunch moments can require an all afternoon outfit that will keep looking fresh and neat. This pretty cream dress (on right) is perfect for an all day event! Available at incityfashion.com.au!

Beach dreaming

Have you noticed how many new swimwear collections are around this year? This cute bikini is from the Australian label Lover, who will be one of the many beautiful collections around this summer. Make sure you pick a swimsuit that you feel amazing in for that perfect beach moment. Check out Isola by Megan Gale, Zimmerman and Seafolly for the best bikinis.

Work parties

I know it will be hot and you probably wouldn’t pick long sleeves, but for a work ‘do’ – this is a fantastic look. Actress Michelle Monoghan wins the prize for best great legs/long sleeves combo, and I think your co-workers will be blown away by this sophisticated work function look.

Surprise BNO

Some of my favourite summer moments are the ones which come to you by complete surprise. Like when you decide to extend an afternoon into the evening and end up having a BNO (Big Night Out). When the days are long and warm, I always pick an outfit that can go anywhere. My number ‘go anywhere’ outfit is great heels, a fabulous skirt and a casual T-shirt to bring it down to earth. Ashley Olsen does this perfectly here, she is ready for anything!

The roadtrippers

When’s the last time you did a road trip? Too long ago! I think it’s time to revive this summer fun activity and the best piece of clothing you can wear on a road trip is a denim shirt. That’s right, they will still be going strong this summer and can be thrown on over anything. Happy summer moments, everyone!

Labels on my radar: Birds of a Feather, Mimco, Elizabeth and James, Isola By Megan Gale, Sea Folly, Zimmerman, Camilla and Marc, H&M, American Apparel, Top Shop.

We may not celebrate October 31st in all it’s spooky glory too much in Australia, but I thought if the Simpsons can do a Halloween special, why not In City Fashion? After all, as long as fashion has been around it has had it’s dark moments, inspired by the macabre and devilish. A classic spooky TV show, The Addams Family, were all in fact a very stylish bunch. The gloomy matriarch of the family Morticia Addams rocked her long silky black hair and high cheek bones, she could have fit in on a catwalk in Milan.

Designers have also looked to the dramatic and dark for inspiration for their collections, especially with the current worldwide vampire obsession. True Blood has been hailed as one of the most stylish shows of the decade and even inspired Australian fashion label Saint Augustine Academy to create a collection around the vampire theme. Karen Walker’s recent eyewear collection where presented with all the models wearing cute plastic vampire fangs. The scary and morbid can be a perfect match for fashion, drawing on the theatrical and sensual side of gothic culture.

Whether you are getting into the party spirit this weekend or not, it can be fun to kick off the festive season with a little silliness. Here are some of my favourite Halloween-y fashion trends…

Skull and crossbones

Any celebrity worth her salt would have a skull and cross bones scarf hanging in her giant walk-in-wardrobe. Alexander McQueen made these insanely popular a few years ago and I think they deserve a place in our Hallows Eve special. I also love Parisian label Zadig and Voltaire for their amazing leather bags featuring their iconic skull logo.

Witching hour

How could I not include a little black dress? This one in particular is perfect for Halloween, with it’s sequin details and simple neckline which is perfect for accessorizing. If you want to go simple this Halloween, a simple LBD with a splash of fake blood = scary chic. This gorgeous dress is from Milk and Honey designed by Ruby Rose and is available at incityfashion.com.au!

Spooky accessories

Cute much? I get a bit freaked out by bats in real life, but in jewellery form they rock! It’s a nice way to incorporate a little bit of a dark edge into an outfit without going too OTT. Pick up something like this at a weekend market. Happy hunting! (or should I say ‘haunting?’)

Jack’o'lantern orange

Does everyone look good in orange? Maybe not… but I think more people should give it a go! I love Blake Lively’s summery maxi dress, perfect for watching the sun go down over the ocean and sipping on a cocktail. Chloe Sevigny shows how orange can make you look tanned, young and glowing.

Red and white delight

Anyone a fan of Dexter? Well, this choice a nod to his blood-spattery look! Plus, Olivia Palermo’s outfit here is very spooky themed. I love the huge black satin bow against the sailor stripes. Very Madeline! meets American Gothic.

Labels on my radar: Milk and Honey designed by Ruby Rose, Polli, Alexander McQueen, Saint Augustine Academy, Karen Walker, Chanel, The Row, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Agent Provocateur, Zadig and Voltaire.

James Franco is the new king of indie film and is catching people’s attention for more than his award winning performances and James Dean-eque looks. His fashion style is just like his choice of movies roles; off beat, high quality and loved by everyone. James dresses with expression and seems to have a romantic yet nonchalant attitude towards fashion, mixing beatnik style with modern prints and slimline suits. All in all, he is my new fave fashion icon and any man looking to get a more hip and happening wardrobe, this is the guy you want to be.

The other cool factor to James Franco is that he is constantly improving himself. Not only is he taking on more challenging and diverse acting roles (playing Allen Ginsberg in upcoming film Howl and Aron Ralston, a rock climber who was forced to cut off his own arm, in 127 Hours) but his hunger for more education has seen him cramming in lectures and essays between films. He has studied at UCLA, Columbia University, has completed his thesis and is pursuing a joint Ph.D in English and Film Studies this year. He is also a talented painter, director, poet and has just released a collection of short stories called Palo Alto. No wonder he was recently photographed having a nap in a lecture. Is there anything this boy can’t do?!

But enough gushing, back to the fashion. Here are my top five lessons to learn from the super talented and well dressed James Franco…

Mix ‘n’ match

Sometimes I think men get the raw end of the deal with fashion… jeans, shirts, T-shirts, shorts, suits, repeat. But what guys need to remember is that although you don’t have as many options as women (if want to wear a skirt, go for it! John Galliano has been encouraging it for years!) you can mix and match your formal wear, work suits, casual clothes and even sportswear to get more outfit options. James does this really well. I love the striped T-shirt with lighter wash jeans and a crisp, formal jacket. Tres cool.

The Freshman look

Ties with regal patterns aren’t just for accountants or teachers. They are back with a vengeance right now and leaving everyone looking a little bit smarter. I really like this polished and old-fashioned look, it harks back to a time when people went to more effort with their clothes on a day to day basis. Next time you are getting ready for a big night out, head to your Dad’s wardrobe and borrow a couple of those ‘daggy’ ties. I dare you.

How now brown trou(sers)

There is something happening with chinos. I have spotted many cool guys wearing rolled up light beige pants with a belt… maybe they are the new jeans for 2011? Chinos have been given a new lease of life for the summer and I think everyone should get in on this look. Chances are you have a pair in your cupboard but if not, here are some classics from Coast (on right) available at incityfashion.com.au!

THE suit

Ummm… Yes. This is a good look. This is a great look. Any guy buying a new suit today should take this picture in and just say “Give me five of these, please”. This is a tighter fit suit that has a 1950s feel to it but still remains very ‘right now’ by the texture of the material. Ask for something ‘more slimlined’ rather than going a smaller size, we don’t want short sleeves or the dreaded ‘business leg’ (where socks are visible when sitting).

Layering 101

Layering is not a difficult concept but I still think it can be done really well and really poorly. James is definitely on the ‘really well’ side. It’s all about colour, shape and length. Always make sure the hoodie is longer in the body than the jacket (as pictured) and doesn’t add too much bulk. Little details make all the difference.

Labels on my radar: Coast, Diesel, Von Zipper, Flinders Lane, Cheap Monday, Mambo, Burton, Ksubi, Chronicles of Never, Life with Bird.

Spring is well and truly in full swing, but until I have felt the frantic panic of finding the perfect fascinator to match my dress and shoes, it doesn’t feel like the beginning of the end-of-year party season. For the one day (or couple of days) spent track side, we all become well dressed horse racing experts; advising friends on which horse to have a ‘flutter’ on and commenting on the condition of the grass. Ahhh… I love a good Race Day. But there are some pit falls to avoid when ‘tizzying’ up for the big day:

1. Always pack a pair of flats. If your shoes are beautiful but hurt like hell, having a quick rest in some comfy ballet slippers will do your feet the world of good. And it’s not okay to walk around barefoot. Ever.

2. If you are wearing a bright lipstick, bring a mirror and check it regularly. Also get a girlfriend to be your  ‘lip buddy’ to keep and eye on it for you. I love a bold lip colour, but not so much when it’s smudged or all over your teeth.

3. For men: sunscreen! It’s hot, sunny and you don’t want your face and neck to match your girlfriend’s fuchsia dress by the end of the day.

But of course the most fun aspect of any racing day is the fashion. From the crazy hats to seeing your friends who can usually be found in trackies and singlets in a suit, a day at the races is always a memorable event. Across the board fashion should be colourful, fun and daring. It’s the one time of year that you can get a bit silly with Spring fever and get away with it.

Here are some trends you are sure to see track side this year!

FOR GIRLS

The ‘blank canvas’ dress

Now I know I said ‘colourful’, but this pretty number is calling out for bright and fun accessories. It’s got such a classic shape and I love the lace detail. It’s from Birds of a Feather and available from incityfashion.com.au!

The look-at-me clutch

I LOVE this clutch. Feathers are huge right now and as they are more appropriate for the daytime, are a perfect addition to a Race Day outfit. Make sure they compliment your dress colour and are not too OTT, subtle is the name of the game.

Acid floral print

Goodbye pastels, acid is in town! It’s the age of bright and bold, where patterns are louder than the crowd at the Melbourne Cup. For this look, go with a very simple with a hat and bag.

FOR GUYS

Two-toned shirt

A two-tone shirt always reminds me of king of cool, Mark Ronson. Team with a charcoal suit and a thin black tie and you will look super slick. This shirt is from Flinders Lane and is available at incityfashion.com.au!

Skinny pants

Wanna feel like a rockstar? A pair of these slim line suit pants will do the trick! It’s rockabilly meets Mad Men and is super flattering for men of all builds. Make sure your shoes are shiny and not too pointy. Ryan Gosling gets 10/10 for this look.

Return of the bowtie

Bowties have made a huge comeback, and the Races are a perfect time to experiment with this fun and dapper look! The key to looking great in a bowtie is to find one that is the right size for your face and height. For a slender build, go a smaller tie (eg: Joseph Gordon Levitt) and for a broader build go the Kanye look.

I’m a girly girl. I like cupcakes and pale pink and Julia Roberts movies. When I was younger I loved My Little Pony and Barbies and when I played dress ups, I was always a Princess or some sort of high society ‘lady’ who drank tea and wore hats. All signs pointed to me being a very feminine woman in my grown-up years. But for the first time in my life my sense of style is showing signs of definite tomboyishness. Maybe it’s because of all the simple and androgynous fashion that’s been everywhere lately, which has more neutral colours and comfortable and loose fabrics, or it could just be a reaction to too much Strawberry Shortcake as a child. Either way, I am loving the fuss free, fabulous approach to fashion. And where do you find the best basic clothes? In the men’s department!

The ‘boyfriend’s clothes’ look has been around for a while now, but heading into summer we will see lots more oversized T-shirt dresses, white, flannel and denim shirts, loose denim shorts and the return of the long deceased trucker cap. It’s time to raid your boyfriend, brother’s, dad’s or flatmates wardrobe for your latest piece, or head to the guy’s department of your fave store. To keep this look strong but still feminine, team with delicate jewellery and a stand out bag. And remember the ‘boyfriend look’ rule: if top is baggy, bottom is tight and vice versa. If everything is oversized, it can just look like your drowning in fabric.

Here are my fave must-haves to get the guy look:

Man-up your denim

I am obsessed with my denim shirt. You can throw it over absolutely anything and it looks good. I love it over a floral dress, with a leather skirt, with dark denim jeans or really whatever you find in your closet. My shirt started up in my boyfriend’s side of the wardrobe, but it’s now a regular in mine! This great shirt (on right) would look amazing on a girl! It’s available at incityfashion.com.au!

Cut-off city

Love, love, love this look. The oversized cut off shorts, the army inspired boots and the pink blazer all equal a boyish delight with a touch of girly-ness. This is a great lesson in blending both masculine and feminine to create a comfy and simple style.

DIY T-shirt

Oh Ruby. How can she take such basic pieces, add a little of her personality and look so amazing?? This is an easy to do look though: Find a basic white T-shirt or sweater, get creative with some scissors and get ready for instant summer style.

Army parka

This army green colour is a great addition to your summer wardrobe. It compliments all other colours and can be worn with any pattern too. I love the slouchy, oversized, ex-army jacket, but an olive fitted blazer is a super stylin’ look too.

Easy sneakers

Ever since Kristen Stewart rocked a pair of converse sneakers with an extremely pricey Yigal Azrouel dress, ‘Chucks’ or ‘Cons’ have been ultra huge. I love how iconic and timeless they are, not to mention super comfy and versatile. I love Ashlee Simpson’s barber shop striped jacket and slouchy bag, this outfit gets 10/10 from me!