Sistaco

Awoke Monday morning to the sound of my friendly local postman ringing the doorbell. He dropped off this cute little brown paper package which felt heavy and jangled as I took it off him. Hmmm. Scrawled over the front was the following little motto:

Be Inspired.
Be Yourself.
Be Sistaco.



Sistaco is a jewellery label started in May 2011 - the name Sistaco came about after it was decided that the business wanted to support women, not just in Australia but in less fortunate countries as well. A company run by women, for women, means that a large part of the philosophy is to inspire women to be themselves and to be strong, independent and confident. This philosophy is not only met through the confidence women gain in wearing the product, but through education, inspiring stories and the knowledge that they are supporting something bigger than themselves.



After much deliberation, the first charity Sistaco is supporting is Awaken Mozambique, a ‘not for profit’ organisation that provides women in the African country of Mozambique the chance to realise their own dreams, by starting a business through micro-financing. Not only are the women assisted financially, but part of the package includes business education, teaching them techniques such as budgeting, purchasing and salaries.

I think that this is a beautiful philosophy for a brand to have! To check out what Sistaco has been doing with the ladies from Awaken Mozambique, check out the page on their website :)


Here are my three pieces from Sistaco that were in my package!

Also if you haven't already feel free to my Instagram to see how I wore the first piece I received. I can't wait to wear these gorgeous pieces in my upcoming outfit posts (which will happen I swear!). Exams are drawing to a close, I've only got my piano recital left next week. So expect a few more posts coming up.

Hope everyone's having a good week, and Happy Hump Day!

x x Stace

Shop Sistaco.


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Knots & Knits - interview with Megan Todd

I first encountered the beautiful & talented Megan Todd, behind the fashion label Knots & Knits at the Tom Gunn Melbourne store launch last year! She had a few pretty clutches and bags on display along with the Tom Gunn shoes, and from then I was captivated by the process and ideas that Megan went through to create such unique pieces.



Megan crafts her art using needles as large as tent pegs and high visibility roping, the outcome is a vibrant mélange of colour and raw textures. Recently I've been seeing so many of her knitwear accessories floating around the blogosphere & internet, so I thought I'd catch up with her and introduce some of my readers to her wares. Megan was kind enough to agree to be interviewed so here it is - some insight into her life & her label knots&knits :)

***

S: What's the story behind knots & knits? How did it all start and where did you get your ideas from?

M: Knots & Knits all started, back when I was working in London in mid 2011. I never dreamed I would own my own label, however while I was working for Antipodium, I started to think of all the things I would do if I had my own label. By the time I was working for James Long (amazing knitwear designer), I knew I had to come home and start a business creating knitwear that was essentially me, combined with the concept of creating knitwear for Summer.



S: What is your current inspiration in terms of designing and creating?

M: I draw inspiration from all sorts of sources, it may be in music, or beautiful imagery, or colour and texture combined. At the moment I seem to be doing a lot of reading. I love reading biography's on incredibly successful people who seem to have the common thread of creating and doing things in the unconventional way in order to make an imprint in this world. I have just finished reading Grace Coddington's, Grace: A Memoir, and it was a brilliant source of inspiration - it was almost like a select history lesson on fashion editorial and photography from the early 60's to current. So I found myself researching and googling along the way - digging deeper into the history of fashion and moments that impacted the turn of a new age.

With the actual creating and designing, I think that comes down to me having an idea or vision of new designs, sourcing materials from everywhere I can, and then beginning to play with the concepts I've had in my head. Which always evolves into something more. I have to keep bringing myself back to the idea of "functionality" and not stray too far into unwearable territory.



S: What kind of girl is the knots&knits girl?

M: It's every kind of gal! I have customers who are 13 all the way up to the 70's. And I love that. I love that my bags do not exclude anyone due to their age, shape or size. They are accessible for all the beautiful women out there, who dare to swing a different kind of bag over their shoulder. I think we are all drawn to texture and uniqueness. I think in a world of increasing fast fashion and mass produced goods, we crave something a little more grounded - something that is hand made in Australia with lot's of good energy. So I think the Knots & Knits girl, is the one who appreciates that kind of creation.



S: What do you love the most about what you do?

M: I love that I work for myself, and I can spend all day every day completely creating. My world is filled with colour, whether I am knitting neon pink and papaya custom orders, from madly pinning and tumbling beautiful imagery, to choosing roping colours for the new range, I love that my world is filled with so much colour and texture. I think what I love most about what I do, is the complete freedom to be truly me and truly creative, and that people out there actually like it and respond to it. How lucky am I?



S: Do you have a motto or mantra in life?

M: Dream Big - "What you think, you become" (Buddha)
Also - I believe the secret to life is gratitude and happiness.

S: What was the last thing you bought?

M: 4 books online.



S: What are you working on now, and where do you see knots&knits in 5 years time?

M: I am currently wrapping up the existing range, and putting together the new range. Very excited for some fresh energy, with new colours and designs. A lot of sourcing has gone into the new range, so I hope people like it!

5 years? Well it's only been a year and half and I cannot believe where the label is already, so who knows! Definitely a studio space and some Knots & Knits employee's, travelling to further corners of the world to source amazing materials, branching into a lot more avenues of ladies (and maybe even men's) accessories - and of course, still doing custom orders, however turning this into a bigger practice!



***

What an inspiring lady!! I can only hope to find myself in a place where I can be as creative and fulfilled as Megan is, and I will definitely be watching out for where knots&knits goes in the future!

Megan's range of quirky, unique and beautiful knitwear accessories can be found on her knots&knits website. Other stockists include Alterior Motif + Molten Store + Rock & Royal.



I've promised myself that as soon as I get a full-time job one of the slouch bags such as the green one above will be mine! mine! mine!

Enjoy the pictures and definitely check out Megan's website as well as her instagram - find her @knotsandknits & also knots&knits on Facebook :)

Happy Monday...even though it's been cold & grey in Melbourne - *sigh*.

x Stace


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Justin's 21st Birthday

My boyfriend Justin turned 21 over the weekend. He had a big house party to celebrate, and I thought I'd take the opportunity to just share a few photos with you guys of my outfit and the people and food :) There was plenty of food & drink because his family is wog and they always make sure no one goes home hungry! It was also the first time Justin drank a lot of alcohol since his whole life he's stayed away from it for 'fitness' purposes haha.



My cutie & his two best friends hehe.










What I wore: Sportsgirl dress + tights, I Like Wolves jacket from MarketHQ.

Overall a really good night, even though I was the one looking after drunk Justin & I didn't know what to say in my speech...and I've already got heaps of ideas to steal from his (especially that huge cake) to bring to my 21st in a few months :)

Hope everyone in Melbz had a nice long weekend, Happy Birthday to the Queen & all that.

xx Stace

Wedge Sneakers III: Game On!

So I thought after a lady-like and a night time dressy interpretation of my JC wedge sneakers I'd finally get to the 'sport luxe' or sporty look that these sneakers were created for.

First things first: what is this 'sport luxe' trend popping up? Well my post a while ago about sneakers as fashion-wear was only the beginning. Sports clothing/gym gear is fast becoming much more than just an item of clothing - the line between fitness and fashion is definitely blurring. Women are taking their athletic wear from the treadmill to the street. From bright neon Nike trainers with dresses, to skin-tight compression pants, to sweater dresses, crop tops and even leather trackies! But far from being tomboy-ish and lazy - it's about being a little feminine about it, and more luxurious, more sleek.








Adidas tank, American Apparel chiffon skirt, Jeffrey Campbell sneakers, Unknown brand headband worn as necklace.

What do you guys think of this look? Obviously if I were to actually go out I'd tone the sportiness down a little - the headband-necklace thing was just a prop and I'd pop a blazer over the top of the tank. Overall I think it's a pretty basic look and you can mix 'n' match pieces too. For me, it's just a great excuse to feel totally comfortable - no stilettos, no super-tight jeans, no being restricted in button ups or zips or buckles. Just slip on clothes that make you look super-fit and cool :)

I'm pretty happy so far with my efforts to keep my wardrobe sustainable, ethical and environmental - the skirt is AA, a sweatshop free brand which has all it's garments made in LA, and the sneakers I bought secondhand.

By the way, I took these photos in the cold. Yes I did. Am I dedicated or what? Although I was running to and from the camera getting the self-timer right, so I felt pretty warm afterwards haha. And it's swotvac. The dreaded week of essays due, exam revision and general procrastination. Boo.

x x Stace



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My Beauty Routine

Okay - it's a pretty undisputed fact that many of the "well-known bloggers" are absolutely gorgeous and model-like in their stature, their wardrobes and their make-up. I for one am neither the typical representation of pretty, nor am I photogenic. I thought I'd just show you guys my typical make-up routine for going out.

WARNING: there will be a non-edited photo of my just-woken-up face below...try not to run away :P



Yep, that's me. No edits, no nothing. Just woke up, half asleep, messy hair. As you can see my skin is pretty blemished. I have pimples, red patches, dry lips, and my eyebrows look kinda crazy. So obviously I need to take a few steps to ensure that I don't scare people away with my face. Just kidding! (Sort of...)

First step: Wash my face with a cloth and then QV cream as a moisturiser, I use it on my lips too instead of lip balm.



Second step: Use my fingers to dab The Body Shop foundation on my blemishes & Maybelline finishing powder swept over my face with a brush.



Third step: Maybelline Line Stiletto liquid eyeliner over the top eyelid and a couple of coats of mascara on the top lashes.



Fourth step: (most of the time I don't do this, only for parties etc.) some eyeshadow, this one is Luview.



Once all that is done (about 10 minutes in my case) ...this is what I look like.



Wait, I better do a little comparison so you can see the difference.


Left: before shot. Right: After shot.

My skin is still not flawless, as I only put a light layer of foundation on, but overall my face looks more bright and energised and my eyes are opened up :)

Voila that is me! I'm nowhere near perfect but I make do with what I have.

What do you guys do for skin-care? Do you wear make-up day to day? Or are you photogenic/have nice enough skin not to have to wear any? If that's the case I'm very jealous!

Happy weekend lovers.

x x Stace

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Easy Breezy

Easy Breezy by stacylong featuring yves saint-laurent ring

Lanvin
$970 - montaignemarket.com

Zara flat sandals
zara.com

Yves Saint Laurent yves saint laurent ring
saksfifthavenue.com

Illesteva logo sunglasses
$285 - avenue32.com

So lately I've been a little bit "cbf" with clothes, shopping, outfits, my looks etc. I thought I'd just put together an easy breezy little outfit featuring just a plain old t-shirt. It's not always about going OTT with the bling or wearing designer dresses all the time - this look is simplicity at its best.

This grey tee is from Pop Basic's newest micro-collection titled "Sherwood". This "Grey Marl Tee" is the ultimate wardrobe staple. It has a v-neck and is perfect for tucking into high-waisted jeans. It is meant to be matched with a green pleated maxi and a pretty necklace. Check out Sherwood by Pop Basic here!!

The ring & sunnies add enough pizazz to the outfit without grabbing attention from the beautiful emerald green pants, and any other top would also detract from them. So my new motto: simple is best. Bonus points because the sandals and loose attire makes for comfortable sitting, running for the bus or even just going for a walk to the supermarket.

I always end up wearing plain tees with printed jeans or skirts to great effect too! Although I have a feeling I may be looking to invest in a pair of silky coloured pants in the near future...

Happy Wednesday e'rrrybody! Hope you're staying comfy and warm :)

x x Stace

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CLASSY & COOL

These are a few of my favourite things...leather shorts (hell leather anything), classy yet glam outfits to go with equally classy it girls, sultry stares, confidence and wise yet simple words of advice.

Enjoy the weekend inspiration!

Love,
Stace xx

img source: theyallhateus blog & tumblr & vogue.


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