St Jerome's Laneway Festival Melbourne 2014

Thirst, sweat, exhaustion and MUSICAL EUPHORIA are just some of the words that come to mind when thinking back on the day that was: St Jerome's Laneway Festival 2014!

Now, we know we're not usually ones to chronicle our not-so-overtly-fashion-related experiences but, well, here's the thing - If we love it, we want to share that with you! stcksandstnes is all about our lives as fashion lovers, so we're going to share all our adventures if we think you'll enjoy them. AND, we did make sure to have the perfect festival ensembles put together, for both practicality and personality just for you guys!

In true Melbourne summer style, it was a balmy 36 degrees and sunny for the most highly anticipated festival of the season.  Armed with all our festival necessities, we ventured over to the Footscray Community Arts Centre located alongside the Maribyrnog river.  This location perfectly encapsulated the 'indie' and 'hipster' vibe the festival so naturally exudes.  And if you weren't sure of this before you arrived it was made pretty clear when walking into the grounds alongside people dressed in pretty much anything of the floral, plaid or aztec variety (except for those declaring it too hot for actual clothes and coming in swimsuits instead). Button up shirts and backpacks were also a staple with every hipster looking more 'hip' than the one before.

Now onto the main event of the festival - the music! The lineup featured big names including Vance Joy, Haim, Lorde, Chvrches, Cashmere Cat, xxyxx, Daughter and The Jezabels to name a few.  Choosing to come to the festival solely to see our faves Daughter and Chvrches, it was DEVASTATING to say the least to find out they were scheduled to play at the same time.  As such, it was with much sorrow that we skipped out on Daughter's set to get prime spots for all the other acts. 

Our faves of the day:

Chvrches got off to a rocky start with the microphone failing lead singer Lauren Mayberry during their opener "We Sink" (a favourite of ours!!), but as they say 'in times of technical difficulties, true musical camaraderie shines through'!! After what we have described as the most 'adorable' cover by a band member, Martin Doherty stole our hearts when he started singing the lyrics to the popular song in an effort to "recover" the opening act! The crowd cheered him on before they regained sound and continued on with hits "Mother We Share" and "Gun" to name a few!  Such a cute moment we won't forget! 

Next up was Californian valley girls Este, Danielle and Alana from the highly acclaimed band HAIM, (which we found out is actually pronounced 'hime' to rhyme with 'time')  And what a performance! The girls were electrically captivating; these sisters are sitting at a whole other level of talent.  The incredible rhythm and stage presence exuded by the girls made them hypnotising to watch and left us with smiles as large as Este's for the rest of the day. Este's facial expressions - earning her the nickname 'bass face' - are some of the most entertaining things we have ever seen. Ever. Both crazy and endearing, Este and her gorgeous sisters' unparalleled commitment to their performance kept us wanting more well after the set came to an end. And when Alana declared to the crowd that we were the 'craziest' they'd encountered, it only further fostered our adoration for this indie-folk-90's-pop trio. And if their incredible live performance wasn't enough, Haim's impromptu free-styling on the drums and 'was a highlight of the set, as their natural talent and rhythm was shown to the crowd! Safe to say we are still mesmerised by the beat of Haim's "Don't Save Me" playing on repeat in our minds. 

Kiwi teenager Lorde was fresh off the plane from LA after receiving the Song of the Year Grammy for her catchy tune "Royals".  Lorde's quirky stage presence was incredibly captivating as her deep voice lulled the crowd into a "living fantasy!"

Overall Laneway 2014 was a HUGE success! While we were sad to have missed 'Daughter', the five hour mosh session did see us secure pretty incredible spots in front of some of the biggest musical acts in the world!

Love Jess and Bella 

xoxo 

Royal Botanic Runway: Akira

Akira Isogawa was the final designer showcased at the Royal Botanic Runway in Melbourne this year. 

Akira is internationally recognised for his fresh and unique contemporary designs with a visible Japanese influence. Born in Kyoto, Japan, Akira then moved to Australia to study fashion design at the Sydney Institute of Technology.  Isogawa's collection was mesmerising with every colour of the rainbow incorporated into his designs, making them memorable and striking to say the least! Set amongst the backdrop of the magical Guilfoyle's Volcano and accompanied by floral pieces from Wona Bae, this fashion meets flora moment was an incredible sight to see.

We would like to say a big congratulations to all of the talented Australian designers in this years inaugural Royal Botanic Runway show! We cannot wait to see next years production. Absolutely, a mid Summer nights' dream come true!

Love Jess and Bella
xoxo

Royal Botanic Runway: Collette Dinnigan

Collette Dinnigan is no stranger to the Australian Fashion scene with one of her most recognised accomplishments being the first Australian designer to be invited to show at the official Haute Couture week in Paris.  

Best known for her flirty feminine gowns and bridal wear, Dinnigan's style is incomparable when it comes to sculpting clothes that dazzle the female figure. The Royal Botanic Runway collection showcased the best of Dinnigan's work with each piece covered in flowers and the backs of the gowns just as romantic! The beautiful pastel flower arrangements were provided by Grandi Flora Sydney and they perfectly complimented the bright colours of Dinnigan's designs. Collette Dinnigan was an absolute standout at the Royal Botanic Runway 2014!

Love Jess and Bella
xoxo

Royal Botanic Runway: Aurelio Costarella

Next up, the breathtaking Aurelio Costarella. 

It's not the first time we've come face-to-face with Costarella's dazzling designs as we were wowed by the sparkle factor at MSFW! But it's safe to say that these show-stopping looks partnered with the beauty of the Botanical Gardens and exquisite headpieces from Reny Kestel and floral pieces from Katie Marx were a match made in heaven! With over 30 years experience in the fashion industry, Perth-based Costarella international reputation has earned an enviable celebrity following including the likes of Rihanna, Dita Von Teese and Tyra Banks. His trademarks silk chiffon gowns, intricate beading work and delicate embroidering make his evening looks ethereally elegant and red carpet ready. What a magical collection!

Love Bella & Jess
xoxo

Royal Botanic Runway: Martin Grant

Just back from tonight's Royal Botanic Runway Event and we're still buzzing! The intoxicating mix of florals and fashion made for a magical night showcasing some of Australia's most talented and iconic designers. 

Styleyes: Spain snapshot

Spanish fashion is far from understated. This culture rich nation perfectly represents their individuality through the colourful and vibrant clothing designs that saturate the city! 

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Dear Santa: Love stcksandstnes round 2!

In addition to ALL of the items listed on Jess's wish list this Christmas I found a few additional items that I wouldn't mind being the proud owner of!

Shakuhachi Giraffe Pinafore

Bella's Picks! 

First up a little Shakuhachi of course!  While I already have an amazing jumpsuit from this Australian designer, there's something about this one that leaves me with jumpsuit envy!! The blue print and white pleather straps make it perfect for any occassion! Please be mine!!

Next on the list would be shoes to go with this little number! After having lusted over the chunk sandals from Windsor Smith for the good part of this year I have finally gotten over them (sorry Jess for all the ear bashing about how much I needed them), and have moved on to other white platform sandals that more than do the trick!

These Tony Bianco's are perfectly white and the Velcro straps only heighten my love for the platform sandals!  

Tony Bianco Raz sandal in white

Similarly these white sandals with black rubber soles from Shakuhachi are to die for and would perfectly compliment any outfit.

Shakuhachi Glossed Patent Sandle Heels in white

In keeping with the Shakuhachi rant I am currently leading, I'll add this metallic backpack to the list. I have to confess however, that while this was on my wish list it has since been purchased as a pre Christmas gift to myself and as an incentive for school next year! Jess and I are going to be out in full force with these awesome uni accessories!

Shakuhachi Mash Metallic Coloured Backpack

Up next a little bling from Miss Wills of course! The bohemian Bardot ring made exclusively for Mocha Australia stores has been on my mind since, well, let's face it I was dreaming about it before it was released. The dark blue turquoise is my absolute favourite and matches the two turquoise necklaces that I shamelessly wear with everything.  The matching bangle stack with the same gold trim is naturally also on my list.

Samantha Wills Bohemian Bardot ring exclusive to Mocha stores

This next item has been on my mind ever since I saw a picture of one of our favourite fashion bloggers, Chiara Ferragni wearing it. It's a sweater from the Isabel Marant for H&M collection which was released earlier this Summer (European and US Winter). I have tirelessly searched every H&M in Italy, France and Spain for even a glimpse of this sweater and alas it is no where to be found :( hopefully one will come to me somewhere soon! 

H&M for Isabel Marant Sweater

I'm obsessed with skorts, this is no secret. But when I saw this one from Scanlan and Theodore my heart skipped a beat. The uniqueness of this skort lies in the fact that the short part of the short/skirt combo is actually at the front whist the back looks like a skirt! Combined with this awesome pink and black pattern, I really cannot control my style envy.  

Scanlan and Theodore S/S13 Skort and Matching Top

A denim jacket with a sheering collar. More specifically this one from ba&sh has been high on my wardrobe must haves for some time. This one has the most perfect ratio of collar to jacket, and  the medium blue tone denim makes me think this jacket and I are meant to be. My obsession with this jacket combo is because, 1. anything with a fluffy collar and I'm sold, and 2. the extra warmth a fluffy insert can provide makes this fashion dream that much more practical. 

ba&sh Denim Jacket with Sheering Collar

Cat Eye Ellery sunglasses were a styleenvy moment back in 2012 after meeting designer Teale Talbot from Friend of Mine. I'll take these babies in pretty much any colour, but I do really like the latte coloured ones! Additionally the black with the gold trim or tortoise shell wouldn't go astray!

 

What would a wish list be without some form of black boot?! Not one of mine or Jess's that's for sure :)

First up this stunning knee length pair Stuart Weitzman! When I got the email about the release of these babies at the start of the year I almost died, and when I saw them being re-released this fall I couldn't help but think someone somewhere was trying to tell me "it's not too late!". But at $598 a pair these will remain on the wish list for now. I have a sneaking suspicion however, that good old Tony Bianco made a similar looking pair that Jess may have picked up at an amazing sale this summer?! Fingers crossed!!

Stuart Weitzman 5050 boots

Number 1 on my wish list this year was always going to be some kind of combination of my two loves: boots + chanel = eternal happiness and satisfaction (yes I'm materialistic...and a dreamer, but hey that's why it's a wish list right?!)

These boots hit me like a wrecking ball (hehe, Miley) when I saw them on Cara Delevingne's Instagram post from Brazil. They continued to haunt and taunt me when they appeared on every one of our favourite bloggers feet making every single outfit look complete. The chains, the gusset, the ankle bolster, the heel ahhhhhh they are a piece of art. 

Put simply, I NEED these boots.

That rounds up our Santa´s wish lists for 2013. I hope you have enjoyed looking at these goodies as much as we had compiling the list of our favourite things! Let us know what is on your wish list this Christmas by commenting below!

Love Bella
xoxo