Dear Melbourne Fashionista,

I am working so hard at the moment so I have absolutely no time to get something together for the races for Derby Day. Do you have any suggestions for some good on-line sites to get my outfit together?

I hear you sister. I know all about having no time to do anything at the moment - Maggie noodles, frozen peas and me have become very good friends recently. However I can always find time to scour a few of my favourite on-line sites (Australian ofcourse!) for a few races appropriate pieces. Being Derby I always stick closely to the traditional black and white - you really can never go wrong can you? The first places I always check out are oldies but goodies, mycatwalk.com.au and www.frockshop.com.au. For a bit of celebrity inspiration of the accessory kind I always check out www.miijo.com - but I have difficulty leaving that site without buying something! I am totally in love with these black shiney numbers at www.thegrandsocial.com.au. Not that long ago I came across the little gem of www.maximillia.com  with gorgeous illustrations which are updated regularly. If I am busy and can’t get down their myself www.witchery.com.au is always worth a look. Another one which I came across recently is www.getstylednow.com.au. I cheated a little with this cute French Connection number www.frenchconnection.com.au, I tried it on a couple of weeks ago - so cute! Anyway hopefully this points you in the right direction!

Ooohhh went to the launch of frankie’s photo album last week and while I loved the whimsical dreamy photos (all which had their own story to tell and from all over the world) on display I was totally distracted by the well dressed frankie friends!

Michelle, 21, Student

I am wearing Friedrich Grey pants, my jacket is from Lion in Love and a vintage corset.

Kaaran, 22, PR

I am wearing a jacket from Topshop and a vintage Dress.

Prue, 29, Web Producer

My cardigan, shirt, skirt and shoes are all from County Road. I did well in the sales! My tights are from Marks and Sparks and my bag is from London. I have a blog too mrsbrunswick.

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Daniel, 22, Designer

I am wearing a Rest in Peace Jacket, my necklace is Cherry Tree Road, Nudie jeans and Ksubi top.

 Jesse, 19, Student

Most of what I am wearing is from the op shop. My scarf is from Thailand and my bag belongs to my mum.

You might remember a couple weeks ago I got the inside scoop that Arabella was opening a pop-up shop in the City. Well it has happened! Temporary Pleasures by Arabella Ramsay can be found in the old Sportsgirl Centre on Collins Street (Gee I remember fittering many happy hours in the basement at the old Dangerfield and Revivial before Dymocks took over. Now I spend many happy hours at Dymocks in the cooking book section…..am I showing my age now?).

Temporary pleasures is here for a good time not a long time and opened until January only so Melbourne city folk can get the pleasure of an Arabella ramasay experience too. This white washed walls, beautiful denim and leather pieces, whimsical florals and ipanema hats - beautiful summer wardrobe here I come!

Chloe, 19, Retail

I am wearing all Forever New, I am working there today.

Last night I attended the City of Stonnington’s spring fashion precinct runway show. Under the beautiful ceiling at Malvern Town Hall the show combined fashions from Stonnington’s four fashion precincts, Toorak Road South Yarra, Chapel Street, Toorak Village and High Street Armadale. So if you are stuck what to wear to the races head to these locations, as after tonight my head is bursting with spring racing ideas.

Lisa Barron, the ambassador for Toorak Road South Yarra kicked off the show proudly representing the sophisticated precinct. Sakes, Faye Officer, Stile 220, John Cavill, David Medwin featuring Zapa Paris and Lisa Barron all appeared. Clockwise from top right, David Medwin featuring Zapa Paris, John Cavill, Lisa Barron and Stile 220.

Following the strong oranges and red hues, came Jenny Bannister representing the Chapel Street precinct. She showed Stevie, From Luka, Chocolate City, Fool, Olrik Denmark, Rajat K Tangri for Noir Desire, Leona Edminton Vintage and Jenny Bannister. 

Clockwise from top right, Jenny Bannister, Rajat K Tangri for Noir Desire, Leona Edminton Vintage and From Luka.

The Toorak Village precinct was next with Mal Bradley as the Ambassador. Della Spiga, Kondo Tricot, Henry Bucks, Fells Boutique, Italy Direct, Marino and Scott Menswear, Irresistible and SaDotNa showed their wares.

Clockwise from top right, Henry Bucks, Irresistible, SaDotNa and Della Spiga.

Connie Simonetti closed the show representing High Street Armadale with John Cavill, Decjuba, Perri Butten, Bue Boutique, Shirin Moore, Lisa Barron, Hemden, Amaline Vitale, Raffaele Ciuca and Connie Simonetti. 

Clockwise from top right, Bue Boutique, Hemden, Amaline Vitale and DeCjuba.

A repeat for the show is on today at 1pm, you might still be able to get tickets! Or attend the Stonnington Hall of Fame tonight - bookings essential.

Here’s a scoop for young players, a little birdy told me that for VIPs Fat is opening their annual garage sale the evening before the official start. Get the bargains before everyone else. Thursday 8th between 6pm-9pm. You can’t get more Melbourne than the Fat garage sale huh? Find labels such as Alpha60, Antipodium, Ksubi, Claude Maus, Bassike, Nom D, Schwipe and TV.

WHERE: 210 Brunswick Street Fitzroy

New Mist Summer Dresses and Kaftans are in at  Fenton!  So last week I dropped in to check out the merchandise and I went to retail heaven.

If you haven’t already been to Fenton you should drop by. Opened around a year and a half ago by sisters Lucy and Emma Fenton, Fenton is a little shop packed to the brim with beautiful treasures ranging from clothing, jewellery, accessories, homewares and just delights all around.

The girls formerly worked with renowned antiques dealer Graham Geddes travelling with him on buying trips before branching out on their own. Sourced from all around the world including Morocco, China and India, but also locally the shop is an aladdin’s cave of colourful goodies. Think beautiful vintage and handcrafted pieces and artwork from local artists.

I am practically enamoured with the beautiful accessories including a range of beautifully printed scarves and a giant glass cabinet with coin rings and beautifully original bracelets and  necklaces.

You should drop by, I was instantly inspired to decorate my house with a multitude of colours.

Fenton, 377 Malvern Road , South Yarra, Victoria, 3141, Australia, +61 3 9824 1444

Camilla, Designer

I am wearing all Camilla and Marc. I was really happy with the way out the range turned out. We worked together with Portmans, for example, chosing the fabrics together and we, (Camilla and Marc) produced the items. I love the mix in the collection between the girlish dresses in soft tulles and the tailored blazers and simple strapless frocks.

Sarah, PR

I am wearing Camilla and Marc too. We have had really positive feedback about the range. It is great that is it really exclusive and only 50 pieces of each style in store.

Portmans by camilla and marc

Oohhh just a little reminder that the launch of Camilla and Marc’s capsule collection for Portmans is in store tommorrow at our friend Chaddy. In distinct Camilla and Marc fashion the range is a little bit girly, a little bit cool and all so wearable. Comprised of 8 dresses and 2 jacket styles, the styles include one shouldered frocks, feminine tulles, and tailored jackets. The limited edition collection is only available at Portmans Chadstone Melbourne, Portmans Glasshouse Sydney and Portmans Queens Plaza Brisbane.

Chintra’s Closet’s Stupendous Spring Soiree  

Just to further reinforce my sharing and caring mood this morning I had to let everyone know that Chintra’s Closet is having one of her ‘fabulouso’ fashion shows! If you want a little piece of Chintra’s romance and fantasy in your life you should get a ticket, her shows have been sell out shows in the past so get in quick.

Incu and Topshop and Topman

Oh, and if you live under a rock and haven’t already heard Topshop is coming to Incu in Sydney and not us unfortunately. It is comments galore in the blogosphere with indignation sounding in the hearts of Melbournians. I myself am not too fussed - its all online anyhoo…

topshop and topman photos from thevine.com.au

Jenna, 23, Assistant Designer

I am wearing a Peter Alexander sample which I sewed in to my size. My jacket is also Peter Alexander and my jeans are Usual Suspects. My shoes are from Papuchi.

Nicole, 36, Mum

I am wearing a Celyn B Jacket which I bought in Todi, Italy. My boots are from overseas.