Lauren Leigh Valentine.

Sunday 11 August 2013

VALENTINE'S LOVE PARTY

I had a ball shooting these party themed promo images for my upcoming show-

"VALENTINE presents LOVE on a G-STRING"

- the indie-pop cabaret at the Melbourne Fringe Festival. Oct 1-6 at Gertrude's Brown Couch, Fitzoy.

Info and tickets here:

melbournefringe.com.au/fringe-festival/show/valentine-presents-love-on-a-g-string/#

Images by Skull Windows Photography

Hair and Makeup by Rochelle Donnarumma

Thursday 27 June 2013

"Almost Gorman" // quirky chic on a budget //

Argh! The most hideous word in the shopping language- "Budget". Yet sadly it's a reality for us mere mortals.

Those who know me well, know that my shopping weakness is quirky Aussie label, Gorman. I adore anything and everything from Gorman and am lucky enough to have some serious lust-worthy piece in my wardrobe (all bought on sale, during promotions or from generous gift givers).... However, I think it is time for me to sub in some Gorman-esque alternatives to team with my gorgeous original pieces. So I give you-

"Almost Gorman"

// quirky chic on a budget //

1. I am totally in love with the "modern love" leopard print in the Gorman first winter season.

Yet with the above shift dress at $229 for the reduced price and the shirt dress a little more, as heavenly as these pieces are, and in a beautiful linen blend fabric... No matter how hard I wish, I just don't have the dough to make them mine...

SO....

I decided to purchase this bad boy from trusty Asos, on it's way in the mail for $35. Winner!

I think it will go perfectly teamed with a genuine Gorman sweater and/or scarf.

2. SPLURGE WORTHY:

Speaking of scarves; this is a fabulous investment piece to purchase from a store such as Gorman. It is a really easy way to add luxury and quality to an outfit. I wear my "tic-tac-toe scarf" ($149) to instantly "Gorm-ify" any look. It is made from 100% Merino wool and is so cosy and warm and always makes me feel special. (I chose the blue/white but the red/pink is amazing too!)

3. Another Gorman item I've been crushing on all season is the beautiful "Morse Code" jumper. But... at $199 I just can't justify such a seasonal and colourful piece, even though I love it!

Asos delivers again with a similarly colourful and quirky look for only a fraction of the price and in a 100% pure cotton versus Gorman's cotton/nylon blend for this particular piece. This one is just under $35.

4. Gorman socks are so special! I have quite the collection and at $16 they are really worth it, especially when worn with sandals, clogs, peek-a-booing up from inside boots or with sneakers when they are on show. If you are in need of a bulk-up to your quirky sock collection on a budget though, I can recommend TopShop who do "3 for $15" and have some really different prints or, even better, Cotton On Body who do "3 for $10" in adorable spots, stripes and marles.

Just a few tips to get you (myself!) through Winter without spending an entire week's pay on beautiful Gorman. Don't get me wrong... I'm obviously obsessed with the label and it can do no wrong by me in terms of design and quality and fabrication but a girl's gotta eat... actually na, let's skip lunch and go to Gorman :P

(It's been known to happen)

LLV xx

PS. What do YOU lust over??? Let LLV find you a fashion alternative on a budget! Send budget challenges to laurenleighvalentine@gmail.com

Saturday 15 June 2013

Style Diary: Cara Delevingne Style

A lovely mate of mine, Kathleen, recently sent me the following images of supermodel and style icon Cara Delevingne...

... and asked me; "How do I do this but not look like a man?"

The short answer is... "Confidence". Cara Delevingne is known for her quirky, androgynous and brave street style choices. It certainly helps that she is 5'9, built like a glorious beanpole and is one of the most in demand supermodels in the world right now! You're probably thinking, "She can wear what she likes!!" But the truth of the matter is that you can too. Yes, you! Anything can work when pieced together correctly in balance with other items and worn with CONFIDENCE.

As a rule I would say, team the masculine pieces with a hint of the feminine. For example, if you are going to wear a man style beanie or baseball cap, make sure those luscious locks are out, styled and looking fabulous. If you are going to wear a baggy t-shirt, oversized denim or tartan shirt or loose camo pieces, make sure whatever is on the bottom of the outfit is streamline and shows off your womanly curves like fitted leather pants, high-waisted jeans or even a pencil skirt. If in doubt, when wearing an androgynous style outfit, you can always slap on a bright lip if you feel the need to balance the look.

As requested by Kathleen, inspired by the photos she sent me, I have put together the above Cara looks in an affordable way: