Natalie, 23, Student

I am wearing a Lover dress, Repetto shoes, Chanel bag and a hat and belt from Savers.

Annabel, 21, Student

I am wearing an Leona Edminston dress which I cut.

Rosie, 24, Retail

I am wearing a hat which I bought in New York, my friend’s jumper and RM Williams boots.

Crystal, 19, Student

I am wearing a Natasha Gan top, Manning Cartell jacket and shorts from Lover. My bag is from Dior and my shoes are Chanel.

Fenella, 24, Retail

I am wearing a Country Road dress and a ballet top. My tights are from a shop in the city.

Zoey, 20. Student

I am wearing Moschino trench , Zara skirt and American Apparel top.

Welcome to my Friday treat (Happy Friday!). A couple of days ago I got to speak to Jolet Ucchino, the designer behind the innovative Melbourne label Jolet. Featuring beautiful tailoring with one of kind silhouettes and highly individual pieces I was intrigued to find out where these shapes came from. I wasn’t surprised to find out that Jolet has a background in graphic design with a honours degree in graphic design- that explains her finely tune eye for balance and shape.

I spoke to Jolet about her new summer range, her background and her favourite pieces….

Tell me a bit what path led you to starting your Label, Jolet ?

I started the label after completing a clothing production course at Box Hill Tafe in June of last year. Prior to that, I completed an Honours degree in Graphic Design at RMIT. I couldn’t stand the idea of working in front of a computer all day, every day, so I decided to change direction and use my design skills in fashion instead. 

JOLET the label, (pronounced ‘Yolette’) has a signature style that plays with edgy, sophisticated design, clever tailoring and quirky details. It may be my graphic design background that has instilled in me a constant pursuit for the perfect balance of originality and practicality. Garments are versatile, sculptural and comfortable with special attention to high quality fabrics. I strongly believe in supporting locally made product and the local manufacturing industry (what’s left of it) therefore all the garments are Australian made, mostly in Melbourne.

What inspired your spring/summer 2009 range ‘Ode to Innocence’ ?

Ode to Innocence pays tribute to a time when the heart was untainted and full of romantic optimism. Anything was possible. I use soft, circular shapes repeated throughout the range to reflect a shy femininity. Whist ice blue, the highlight colour of the collection, symbolises buoyancy and youthfulness.

My favourite piece would have to be the high waisted Farrah Skirt. It’s so flattering to wear and the scalloped panels make for an interesting feature. It’s a piece that’s versatile and can be worn as a casual summer skirt to the beach or a spunky skirt out at night. Another favourite of mine is the Blade dress. In particular, it’s the sculptural shoulders and hip detail that create a contrast to the soft and draping viscose body.

You pieces and ranges are so individual and a little bit quirky, tell me about where you get your ideas?

Designing is a very emotive and introspective process for me. I often design to express emotions and feelings and tend to design a range entirely on how I may see myself at the time.  Another influence is people. Random people I may come across or meet. Often people with a unique style or quirky personality will inspire me.

Tell me a bit about the Jolet girl who is she?

The Jolet girl is creative, intelligent and quietly confident. She can be flirtatious and cheeky. She’s sometimes shy, and quiet in crowds. She’s inspired by the avant-garde and appreciates subtleties in design and timelessness. She seeks to express her own sense of style with edgy sophistication.

Jolet is stocked in the following Melbourne boutiques. Eliana - Balaclava (03) 9527 6275, Lupa - Northcote (03) 9481 1614, Eliana Design - St Kilda (03) 9534 1458, Monk House Design - East Brunswick (03) 9381 1191 and Pussycat Black - Brunswick (03) 9387 2129.

Break out the bubbly!  Memoirs a gorgeous little boutique in North Melbourne is holding a fashion bonanza - their first ever fashion event! Think a fashion show, make overs (by Gorgeous Cosmetics), discounts from fashion labels, finger food, music from DJs and more…. at the Precinct. Plus you get to see Amber Renae from Project Runway who will be hosting the event.

If you haven’t already been to Memoirs, you should, it is a cozy little hidden gem of a store selling new and recycled high end fashion with special pieces from overseas and local designers. In line with their namesake at Memoirs every piece is painstakingly chosen with the intention of creating timeless ‘memoirs’. I love the girls’ devotion to their customers and finding them their special piece.  Check them out at Memoirs, 502 Victoria Street, North Melbourne, VIC 3051.

 Date: Saturday 24 October 2009
Time: 6.30 til late
At: Precinct, 525 Little Lonsdale, Melbourne.
Tickets: $ 25 Purchased either in Memoirs or e-mail: vainjanescloset@gmail.com or call 61393288131 / 0406189783

Cute photo of memoirs from their blog!

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.

.

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