Summer New Arrivals!

Today it was actually warm and sunny ALL day. Like, not just at lunchtime, or a sunny morning, but the whole day has been above 20 degrees, which is somewhat of an achievement. It means that after having loads of lovely summer frocks stockpiled, I can finally bust some out (though the tanning moisturiser needs to be busted out first). Here's some new summery stuff we've received recently:
 

Pink Stitch Muse Dress, $79.95 I'm not really a brown-wearing kinda person, which is actually quite irrelevant as this dress is more in the tan family. Ergo, I can wear this dress despite it not being the colour palette I usually go for. Hurrah! It looks so sophisticated and you only need minimal accessories - some delicate earrings and some killer heels should finish it off quite nicely indeed.

Birds of a Feather Pretty Woman Dress, $119.95 Alot of stuff about the early 90's was not cool. Flower hats, for example. But Pretty Woman was. And polka dots are. So this dress - it's cool. It's pretty. It's womanly. Love.

August Street Last Breath Dress, $74.95 This is so model-off-duty. With some ankle boots and layered necklaces, you could float around clutching a water bottle, phone, and giant latte and just generally look cool. It wouldn't matter if you were on your way to have your bikini line waxed or bunions removed, people would still think you were awesome. It's that kind of dress.

Birds of a Feather Naughty or Nice Top, $59.95 It's stripey and channels nautical chic without the need for rope acessories or wideleg white pants. Wear it with denim or contrast it with bold red. Or go all black and white and just swipe on your brightest lippy!

Living Doll Patched Distinction Tank, $34.95 When a plain black tank is much more than a plain black tank, it lends itself to a cute front pocket with lots and lots of beads of varying sizes and colours. A great top for those who love sparkly things in the daytime but who have to fend off complaints about people's eyes being dazzled in the summer sun from their sequinned mini. Sparkly daytime glam, for just $34.95.

New Stuff For Little Frockers: Knuffle Kid & Freshbaked

Our Little Frockers only get deliveries a couple of times a year, as most labels only do A Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter drop, but when they do come in it's well worth the wait! (And, I've been spending the morning doing buying for next winter - February/March/April deliveries and it's all absolutely gorgeous, making my job harder but your job of stocking your littlies wardrobes that much easier...!)

New in this week we have Knuffle Kid summer styles, a Melbourne independent label that has serious vintage flair.  The Dapper Cardi in blue or black stripe is a cute unisex style which is just the ticket for Spring, while their well-knbown reversible vintage dress is back, this time in a cool black and white "Aloha" print and dark denim reverse. Too cool!

Freshbaked's first drop only just arrived yesterday, along with a box of thongs that we're giving away with every order of two or more Freshbaked items (including one new season piece). The next drop is due next month, but for now boys can pick up stylish summer shirt or two ($34.95 - $44.95), while girls have the option of two different , super comfy tank dresses ($39.95 - $44.95) or must-have tees ($19.95 - $24.95).

Blue Juice Spring '10 Collection

Blue Juice continues to be one of our best-selling labels, and it with much cyber-whooping and cheering that the new collection has been received by you guys! Online for a week now, heaps of styles are already low on stock so make a move and nab your fav pieces quick smart. There's loads of party dresses to get you ready for party/races/wedding season (and the most expensive is just $119.95) as well as a host of gorgeous tops that will be perfect for sunny weekend brunches and/or shopping trips. My picks:

Oh So Pretty Ruched Chiffon Dress, $99.95 It might be the same colour as my mum's bridesmaid's dresses in 1984, but this dress really is oh so pretty. So pretty it would appear that Blue Juice's designers were lost for any other words to title it with. So. Pretty. And Peachy.












Face The Future Cap Sleeve Top, $39.95  In the depths of the greyest days of winter, Spring collections hitting the shops are always so refreshing, and nothing says "new season" like a dash of bold colour. Just like nothing says " buy me without feeling guilty" quite like a $39.95 price tag.

To Sir With Love Strapless Bow Dress, $89.95 Slightly confusing as it's clearly not strapless, but has a very on-trend single shoulder strap. Still, it also has a cute front bow, is a classic LBD, and has a sensational price tag.

50's Sweetheart Shirt $69.95 It's pale pink, it has polka dots, it's postitively pretty! Very feminine, it has a cool cutout detail on the back (but a bra-friendly one) and a totally retro feel.

Candy Street T-Bar Zip Back Top, $49.95 If you're not going for the pastel look this season, you'll be pleased to know the other major must-have is cool, grungy, military-inspired pieces like this simple t-back zip tank - easy to wear, it adds a little something extra to a versatile basic. You might not be able to see the people behind you admiring the back detail, but they will be, Trust me.

FrockQ: Philomena Kwok, Featherhead

The talented creator behind hair accessories label Featherhead gives us the rundown on her brand, her inspirations, and her feathers:

How long have you been designing for, and how did you get started in the industry?

I've been making and designing jewellery since I was fourteen! I first started out with my jewellery label, the purpose divine, making bespoke bridal jewellery and pieces in silver, resin and semiprecious stones. It was great fun, and I used to have a stall at Paddington Markets in Sydney.

Last year however, I started Featherhead - an accessories label making the sorts of things I actually wanted to wear. It was partly inspired by a trip to Japan where I spent a month gawping at the fearless and totally fab girls in Tokyo. The fashion may not have always been right for everyone but it was definitely FUN and the girls there must have had a blast getting dressed and accessorising every day. Experiencing things like that definitely washes into you. When I came home I started a millinery course to expand my skill set and try my hand using some different materials - the rest is Featherhead history.

What is it about feathers that inspires you to create your pieces?
I've always found feathers incredibly fascinating and used to collect them when I was tot. You never Ever find two the same, so even after working with them for so long I am still astounded at how beautiful and unique they are. Some are ethereal and wispy, others bold or irridescent with unbelievably vibrant colours, its hard not to be inspired by something so pretty and textural.

My favourite thing to do at the moment is to use gorgeous natural toned feathers and then add in a contrasting splash of colour with bright dyed feathers. It adds a edgy toughness without taking away from the natural beauty of the feathers.

Do you have a particularly favourite piece that you've created?
One of my recent favourites is a crazy shoulder piece I put together for a fashion parade raising awareness for the Aids Trust. Huge red ostrich epaulettes and dripping with heavy metal chains. I wish I could get away with wearing these every day! The piece had been put on a bit wrong in this photo but you get the idea. Too much fun!

How would you recommend wearing your feathered creations?
I'd recommend wearing a Featherhead piece to add a subtle edge to a toned down urban look. Either an unexpected splash of softness and colour with a cute feather hair clip, sweater dress and tights, or a textural edge with one the snakeskin lined cuffs or necklets, skinny jeans and boots.

What trends are you looking forward to rocking for Spring/Summer?
I cannot wait for warmer weather to wear my feather epaulettes pinned onto cute singlets and tanks (interesting shoulders are the best thing since skinny jeans)! And just enough sunshine to wear a cute tshirt dress, big wispy feather earrings and gumboots without tights underneath. I'm not ready to give up gumboots just yet!

FrockQ: Irena Geller, Lucky 13

FrockQ has an uber-quick chat with the uber-cool Irena Geller, designer of Lucky 13:

How long have you been with Lucky 13, and what's your position there?
12 years and I am the head designer.
What are your duties on an average working day?
Sourcing materials, fittings, coordinating ranges, emailing, going out to stores, communicating with customers via email and in person.
Who is the Lucky 13 customer? She is young and fearless and loves to experiment with new textures ands shapes and express her self through her clothing. She also loves mixing the pre-loved clothing with the new and definitely has her own individual style!
Where do you source your style inspiration for Lucky 13? From everywhere, music, books, people inspire me the most.
What are the key looks we can look forward to from Lucky 13 for Spring/Summer? Military with a soft distressed finish; Alice in Wonderland soft, drapey dresses; see-through and sheer finishes on everything.



And with that in mind, what's coming next from Lucky 13? Pieces like these, for starters:
 

New Arrivals: Motel

It';s always an exciting day when new season Motel arrives. Despite there being a difference in seasons - as a UK label, we're currently getting the Spring stock just as we hurl ourselves into the depths of winter. But no matter, most of these pieces are easily layered and thus wearable year-round!

(Unless you live in QLD or somewhere perpetually warm. Then, you;re in luck. But can QLD'ers stop posting on Facebook/Twitter about how chilly it is when it gets down to, you know, 18? Not cold! Cool, but pleasant. Though of course, even Tassie winters are wamer than what the Poms get. So perhaps we should all shut our traps about being chilly and just enjoy seasonal changes. Enough rambling.)

Here are the lovely pieces you can pick up (and yes there are more to come in a 2nd drop!). Lots of soft dark chambray; a gorgeously sooooft grey sweat (which is a must-have in some form or another in your wardrobe this season; and of course the pretty floral prints we all know and love!

Melanie Dress $100

Sisi Dress $100

Geraldine Sweat $85

Camilla Dress $90

Belinda Dress $90

Laura Dress $100

Lazy, But Informative: Sale Information

Finally, all the midseason markdowns have been finalised! It took several days and many Facebook procrastinations, but they're all done, and there are some absolute doozies. And because I'm quite over looking at them, what I'm going to do is give you a taste of what went out in tonight's member newslettter - all the best buys and biggest markdowns, conveniently in a few little captioned pictures:

New Bits: Birds of a Feather Winter '10

"Like a first kiss, Birds of a feather is a brand to fall in love with - flirty party frocks, dress tops and cute bottoms all in the sweetest, vintage-inspired prints for the blushingly romantic at heart." I didn't wirte that, the team at Birds did, but it sums up perfectly what the brand is about. If your buzzword is "pretty", this should be your first stop!

These pieces have just been uploaded today, and already us Frockers are frothing at the mouth to get our grubby little paws on them. Um, ew. Please be assured hand washing and regular use of antibacterial hand cleanser is a regular part of the day here at Frock HQ. Not in an OCD way, but still in a hygienic way. Promise.

So, what bits are our germ-free fingers clawing at? Me, I love the Pink to Make The Boys Wink Sweater ($89.95) which is really more purple than pink, but it has cute red buttons on the shoulder. It's the new version of last year's hugely popular Clicking Heels Sweater - one of those casual little pieces you can throw on with jeans and flats and instantly look done, but not overdone. Love it.

Ebony latched on to the Read Between the Lines Dress ($89.95) and wouldn't let go. Which is bad news for the rest of you, as we were only delivered limited sizes. It's stripey, has a bow, is mega comfy AND you can wear it year-round. Get in quick.

And Gen? Well, she's the type of gal who wears square glasses and berets and looks like a fashion blogger, though she's actually studying Law. But she's also the type of gal who loves simple layering pieces with their own personality ie, the Love Forever Top ($49.95). The cut is simple, but the print is arty enough to make others on campus a bit jealous. Mwahahaha.

30%off Storewide Birthday Sale!

Frock You is turning 3 so, in the true spirit of celebreation, we're having a massive 3 day sale so we can work ourselves into the ground, drink too much coffee, generally get tired and cranky...on second thoughts, I'm having the week off, that would be a much better way to celebrate, no?

(pic)

Yeah, that would make me really popular around here. "See that flood of orders? Oh and those cartons of new stuff? You work it out, I'm off to rent some DVD's and eat the rest of my Easter eggs. See you Monday!"

What will make you popular, however, is buying some new shoes. Or a winter jacket. Or a wicked new top. Then everyone will think you're cool, and when you say flippantly, "oh yeah, nabbed this at 30% off," they won't go, "you cheap bastard", they'll say "smart cookie". 'Cos in 2010, it's cool to be a frugalista. Use the code BIRTHDAY30 from now until Thursday, and celebrate your sensible economising. It'll make those towering new heels seem that much better.

Sensible Flats. Seriously.

I read somewhere the other day that kitten heels are back. Again. It seems our feet are weary of towering stilettos, which means your mum was right. Sensible shoes have their place. With that in mind, the latest arrivals from Sunday by Andrea & Joen were welcomed yesterday with delight (and after less than 24 hours on the website are selling through ridiculously quickly). Work or weekend, these styles are all so versatile and under $100!

Dove Pointy Toe Flat $89.95 'Pointy toe' is perhaps a bit of an exaggeration in the same way that Sandra Bullock is 'Best Actress'. Almond toe is perhaps more accurate. But these are plain and simple and therefore go with everything - guilt-free purchasing at it's best! The grey colour works perfectly with a winter palette and is a fresh change from black...

Peacock Crystal Toe Flat $79.95 These have a whimsical, romantic feel and are perfect with a floaty skirt or to dress up denim. Ew, I just had an image of denim on denim (it may be 'in', but only the coolest of cool can pull it off). Don't wear these shoes with a denim shirt and jeans. They're too pretty for that.

Swallow Ankle Strap Flat $99.95 These have a sweet, preppy kinda vibe that will look great with black tights and a blazer (er, and pants/skirt of some description) and an adjustbale ankle strap so they fit just so...

Toucan Patent Bow $89.95 If quirky's more your thang, these cute little flats are calling. Not only are they nice and shiny, but they have a bow you don't need to actually tie. Points all round.

Sooki Baby AW10

I just love SOoki Baby, and was suitably sademoticonface when my daughter grew out of it (currently they only do up to size 2).

BUT next season, we'll be stocking the brand new Sooki...yep, for Little Frockers 3-7! Woop woop!

For now, however, here are some of the very cutest bits from the new season range. We're loving it 'cos it's suitably infant-like (re: cute) but still seriously stylish (re: cool):

It's Raining On Me Padded Reversible Jacket, $49.95 - a cute, vintage-sttyle print on one side and awesome red-and-white stripes on the other. Jack (or perhaps more Meg) White, eat your heart out.

Hide & Seek Ruffle Bum Leggings, $26.95 - basic black goes with absolutely everything, the ruffles make it exra adorable.

Nan's Wallpaper Dress, $32.95 - love the funky retro print contrasted with the cute baby pink base! Fresh and light for winter, go for a totally vintage inspired looks with some little mary-jane soft shoes and a pretty hair bow! Naw!

The King Hooded Reversible Jacket, $49.95 - one side is ubercool black, the other is funky lime green and grey marle stripes. The whole thing is downright rad!

Boot Camp Snapsuit, $32.95 - military style is always awesome. And in this case, practical as well.

Superhero tshirt, $24.95 - what little boy (or girl, for that matter) hasn't thrown a towel over their shoulders, donned some swimming goggles and slipped their undies on over their trousers? At least this way, they can indulge their inner superhero and you can avoid tring to navigate a decked-out superman through the shopping centre.