THE EDIT

By Alexandra Thompson, Stylist & Blogger, THE EDIT

IT'S IN PRINT...DID I SAY PRINT?

Tell us about your style? 

I love colour, prints and textures- often all at the same time.

Tell us about what inspires you?  Friends, colour, travelling & designers like Marni, Dries van Noten & Erdem. 

Your favourite way to spend a day in your city? 

Definitely at the beach. In Sydney we're in the unique position of having a major city so close to such beautiful beaches and I can't think of a better way to spend a day.

What inspired your outfit? 

I love coral, this necklace is the kind of thing you can put on with the daggiest t-shirt and make it look amazing. I completely forgot I owned these shoes, and this necklace reminded me, I'm not hugely matchy-matchy but they just looked so beautiful together. In summer I wear this skirt all the time, its really delicate because of the laser cut pleats so I have to be really careful with it, particularly around my nieces and nephews!

I'm a bit of a hippie at heart, and will wear these earring with a scarf tied around my head in summer when I can't be bothered washing my hair (which is a lot). I love that these are so versatile, they're perfect to wear at night too, the soft green colour of the stone works well with this printed silk Chloe dress that I got on sale for around $30- probably the bargain of my lifetime!

How do you wear your SAMANTHA WILLS jewels? 

I love that these jewels have a really unpretentious glamour about them, I can wear them just as easily to a Sunday afternoon BBQ as I can on a night out. They feel like they have a history, and a story to tell- which I absolutely love. 

Has living in your city influenced your style? 

Growing up so close to the beach has definitely given be a pretty laid-back style with a hippie feel to it, and also cultivated my love of bright colours and prints! 

Which piece would you gift your best girl friend and why? 

I'd love to give this coral necklace to my friend that lives in New York. Its such a beautiful piece that you can't wear it without a heap of people commenting on it, and I'd love that every time someone commented on it she would think of me and maybe move home sooner! (Am I being a little selfish?)

Alex wears the Castles in the Sand Necklace

What is your tip for jewels/accessories this season? 

Pile them on. Summer is all about having a really easy style, not thinking about it too much, and I think if you keep you clothes really simple and comfortable you can make any outfit fabulous with cool jewellery. 

What celebrities can you see wearing this piece/s? 

I could see Abby Lee Kershaw in these earrings, she is such a modern hippie and these would work perfectly with her haphazard style. Margherita Missoni would looking amazing top-to-toe in Missoni with this necklace, she has such an easy elegance about her- plus it helps to have a wardrobe filled with Missoni!

How do music, art, culture influence your style? 

I love prints (um, have I mentioned that?), so cruising through fabric stores and finding new prints to make things out of is one of my favourite things to do. I studied Fashion Design and print making was a subject I did so I have an understanding of the process of print designing (i.e.. tedious) which makes me appreciate it even more.

What’s your all-time favourite piece of jewellery? 

I had this beautiful rose gold antique locket, with a picture of my nephew Ben in it. It was so lovely but also very old and fell off the chain one day so it’s lost forever. I was so upset when I lost it, but I decided that it was off on some wonderful adventure exploring the world...we might catch up with each other one day.

Take a look at Alex's blog - THE EDIT

JAPAN LOVES...

By Sarah Moore, General Manager, SAMANTHA WILLS.

TAKING ON TOKYO

So last week I was lucky enough to fly to Tokyo to work with the SW Japan team, visit some beautiful stores, spot trends in Harajuku and eat delicious Tonkatsu! Heaven XX

“Planning some outfits for meetings and dinners before I leave is essential– sometimes jet lag effects my ability to put a look together!”

“Cannot travel without the Melody necklace in Red, Hunter Gatherer Bangle set and the Byzantine Empire necklace in gold. I also love the new Bohemian Bardot studs that are coming out for summer, I pinched them from the sample box before I left and haven’t taken them off since!”

“I was happy to brave the snow to visit some of the most amazing stores in the world!

“The view of the famous Shibuya crossing from my hotel window was beautiful at night.”

GRITTY AND PRITTY...

By Eleanor Pendleton, Gritty Pretty & Instyle Magazine – Beauty Editor.

WE GET DOWN AND GRITTY WITH MISS PENDLETON

 Eleanor wears the  Frida Earrings

 Visit GRITTY PRETTY BLOG

Tell us about your style?
 My style is androgynous with a flirty and feminine touch. My style changes with my moods but I tend to have an eye for earthy tones like khaki, caramel and tan intermixed with monotones like black, grey and white. I tend to steer away from mainstream pieces and invest in original one-offs, samples or original cuts. Being a Beauty Editor, this edgier style is always softened with dewy make-up, a bold, coral lip or if I'm feeling extra flirty with life, liquid liner cat eyes.

Tell us about what inspires you?
I'm inspired every single day. Whether it's by a random note left on my mirror by my boyfriend, an email from my best friend, a new blog I've accidentally stumbled across, a new song aired by Triple J Radio or a ridiculously beautiful stranger crossing the road in an incredible and well-put together outfit. In this world, how can you not be inspired?

Your favourite way to spend a day in your city?
Being a Bondi Beach local, the perfect Sunday to me is spent waking up and doing the Bondi to Bronte coast walk before stopping off at M Deli in Tamarama for a bircher muesli breakfast. After reading the weekend newspapers, my boyfriend and I will head down to North Bondi Markets to scour the stalls for vintage finds and jewellery pieces. After a delicious lunch at Beach Burrito, the afternoon is spent watching the sun go down into the horizon with good friends and a few drinks on North Bondi Hill before walking home. Bliss!

 Elanor wears the  Coral Reef

What inspired your outfit?
Having recently taken a trip to Europe, I'm still gushing over my Topshop and ZARA purchases from Paris and London. Brown leather shorts: Topshop. Laced-up wedges: ZARA. Grey marle jumper: American Apparel. Necklace: Samantha Wills.

How do you wear your SAMANTHA WILLS jewels?
Jewellery to me is about making a statement. While I adore subtle pieces of metal, I love nothing more than wearing huge, statement necklaces, bright and bold earrings or big metal rings. Whatever way you wear your jewellery, you must wear it with confidence!

 Elanor wears the  Coral Reef

Has living in your city influenced your style?
Having grown up at Terrigal on the NSW's Central Coast, I've always been a coast girl with a relaxed sense of style. This hasn't necessarily changed since moving to Bondi Beach but with age, I've certainly become more confident and adventurous when it comes to my own style. I'm not afraid to try something new or something strangers might not necessarily find nice in their own taste. Every morning, I read and live by a quote that sits on a post-it note on my vanity. It inspires me every single day - it reads: "Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn." Gore Vidal. That quote is my life motto.

Which piece would you gift your best girl friend and why?
I would gift my best friend, Katie with SAMANTHA WILLS Miss Money Penny Bracelet ($59). Not only does it pay a beautiful homage to Bulgari's coin jewellery circa 1880's but it would serve as a personal joke between Katie and I. We're currently in the midst of saving for a trip to LA and NYC together next April - I probably annoy her by telling her to save her pennies more than her own boyfriend does so I know she'd appreciate the constant reminder!

What is your tip for jewels/accessories this season?
With summer fast approaching, it's all about lashings of colour, statement rings or necklaces. Working at a magazine and alongside three extremely talented Fashion Editor's, I'm able to see what trends are coming in fast and going out even faster. This season, it's about going above and beyond simplistic pieces and embracing statement neckwear and shoulder neckpieces à la SAMANTHA WILLS and Sass & Bide. When it comes to jewellery, the rule is there are no rules. OK, maybe there is one when it comes to long strands of pearls that shouldn't go anywhere past 1980's dress-up parties.

What celebrities can you see wearing this piece?
With a statement show-stopping piece like SAMANTHA WILLS Coral Reef Necklace ($420), I can see someone like Swedish blogger, Elin Kling or indie IT girl, Ashley Olsen wearing it with a simple grey marle tee. The bold, exotic Samantha Wills Frida Earrings would suit actress Eva Mendes, model Chanel Iman or model/blogger Rumi Neely and their tanned skin tones perfectly!

How do music, art, culture influence your style?
Incredibly! Music and photography surrounds my life from day to day. I'm surrounded by an incredibly, talented bunch of friends and work colleagues including writers, stylists, designers and photographers so there isn't a day when I don't feel influenced or inspired. Whether it's attending Glastonbury Music & Arts Festival in England last year or flying to LA for Coachella Music Festival next year, music always serves a huge inspiration to me. I couldn't write my articles without listening to my favourite tunes.


What’s your all-time favourite piece of jewellery?
My oval Tiffany & Co. silver ring which was an anniversary gift from my boyfriend - it features a special sentiment engraved inside. I've never taken it off!

HARPERS BAZAAR BEAUTY

By Nikki Parsonage, Marketing Manager, SAMANTHA WILLS.

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL. KATY PERRY, HARPERS BAZAAR COVER.

DIOR ILLUSTRATED

By Samantha Wills, Designer SAMANTHA WILLS.

THRU MY LENS...

Rene Gruau created some of the most instantly recognisable & enduring fashion & beauty images of the 20th century. Together with his great friend Christian Dior, Gruau created a fresh ideal of feminine beauty, one that embraced a new kind of elegance & sophistication. I was lucky enough to be able to see the 'Dior illustrated' exhibition in London today, viewing Gruau's original artworks, still with pencil lines beneath the paint, white paint covering what he saw as mistakes. It was beautiful & enchanting & beyond inspiring to be able to view the original artworks & read the inspirations behind his decades of work. 

FASHION TO ME IS...

By Samantha Wills, Designer

ANOTHER LAYER OF YOUR PERSONALITY

 

Comfort in feel, but more so comfort in self. You can tell when someone is not comfortable in an outfit. With comfort comes confidence.

For the majority of the time, fashion should not be taken too seriously. I am very adamant there is no ‘need’ for what we do, we design & produce specifically for ‘want’, & I think this message can sometimes get lost in this industry. I like to enjoy fashion & fashion should be another layer of your personality that allows you to express yourself comfortably & confidentially.

STYLE ICONS & LIFE IN...

By Jane Young, Guest Blogger, Cellist.

THE GORGEOUS CELLIST JANE YOUNG TELLS US ABOUT HER STYLE ICONS AND LIFE IN THE FASHION CAPITAL NYC

Jane  wearing Atlantic Pearl Necklace

Tell us about your style?
I'm positive I was born in the wrong era. I'm madly in love with vintage clothing, particularly 1940's & 1950's dresses. I only wear dresses and I'm proud to say I do not own a single pair of jeans, shorts or trousers.

Tell us about what inspires you?
My idol is Grace Kelly. She was a woman of effortless beauty and style, and continues to inspire me every day. The gorgeous city I live in is also highly inspirational, as I am surrounded by talented friends, beautiful architecture, the worlds best museums and a highly competitive cupcake culture that always keeps my days sweet. 

                                         Jane wearing Beau Beauty Ring


Your favourite way to spend a day in your city?
Morning coffee with my best friend at Stumptown, afternoon session in the recording studio, dinner date with my husband at Inoteca, finished with a nightcap on our rooftop.

What inspired your outfit?
There is a gorgeous photo of Grace Kelly boarding a plane in NYC, which I absolutely love. I have always craved her travel attire. You can never go wrong with a classic vintage black belted dress in your wardrobe. It's timeless and beautiful. My dress is enhanced by my Atlantic Pearl Necklace which gives it perfect modern twist. 

Grace Kelly in New York

How do you wear your SAMANTHA WILLS jewels?
I wear my beau beauty ring every time I am in the recording studio, it has become my addiction and I can't live without it. A lady can never go wrong with a gorgeous bow sparkling on her hand. 

Has living in your city influenced your style?
Living in New York City has given me the creative freedom to wear whatever I desire. There are amazing stores and incredible flea markets that have fueled my vintage obsession.

What is your tip for jewels/accessories this season?
As NYC is coming into winter, there is nothing more surprising and glamorous than discovering a SW statement necklace hiding under your winter coat.

The beauty behind SW jewelry is that it translates to every woman's style palette. I wear highly stylized vintage dresses, yet a woman wearing a military coat & jeans could absolutely share my SW jewelry collection. Samantha Wills' designs are a perfect fusion of culture, beauty and creative design. Her artistic vision never ceases to amaze and inspire me. 

Jane Young - Cellist and connoisseur of all things beautiful in NYC!

FASHION DHHHARLING...

By Natasha Lombart, Harpers Baazar- London.

WE TALK TO FASHION DHHHARLING NATASHA LOMBART ABOUT HER GRANDMOTHERS JEWELS, CHATEAUS AND WORKING AT HARPERS BAZAAR

What inspires your style?

In general my style is very feminine. Shiny, pretty things distract my attention. London and what it has to offer also helps create a certain style. My working staple is skinny black jeans, blazer, cute top or smart t-shirt, heels, pendant necklace and a cocktail ring (the bigger the better) v.s red carpet dresses and show stopping earrings with a vintage feel for the evening.  I never want to be too old to play dress up! Second on the list to jewellery are hats! I do love a hat.

I also like to know what the trends and make them work for me...comfort is key and mixing items up is the best way to not look like a victim to a trend!  I think a wardrobe should be made of staples with interchangeable accessories and cute accents of the latest trends. 

                                           Natasha wears Glory Fleeting Necklace

On working in London...fashion designers, traveling Europe and treasures...

Working for Harper's Bazaar in London means that I am lucky enough to be see to all the finest fashion and jewellery brands new collections in advance so I'm quite particular when choosing something to wear myself. My favourite designer at the moment has to be Phoebe Philo's and I am lusting after the divine Celine python tote!

I have worn my SW jewels to London Fashion Week - check out the pic of the Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte shoe straight from the catwalk, fashion, art, print and sculpture), events (such as Julia Roberts latest premiere of Eat Pray Love) but my most favourite place is.....Chateau D'Arnac in France.

I wore my SW pendant every day at Chateau D'Arnac in France...along with a quintessential French outfit! What better place to wear my swallow necklace in a place that I feel as free as bird!  We go to visit I a family friend who lives there every year and it is the most divine, picturesque Chateau with stunning surrounding villages, in the whole of France. Luckily Lady Sarah at the Chateau hosts weddings and has a romantic retreat gatehouse, so I know where I'll be going when I get that one ring every girl secretly dreams of! I unashamedly admit that once again...I want a big one! That said my most treasured pieces of jewellery are actually my four rings passed on from my mother, great grandmother and great, great grandmother. I think jewellery is a gift that should evoke emotion and have meaning...each ring has a story that comes with it which is now mine to pass on, and I wear these rings around my neck so they are close to my heart...very corny but true! For this reason jewellery is my favourite thing to buy not only for myself but for others too! It's the perfect gift to one’s self and for others.

My love of...

I love how Samantha travels the world for inspiration...this adds to timeless designs and styles. She is a girl after my own heart having trekked to the Sahara (cue desert head scarfs, Berber style), shopped the souks in Marrakesh,  travelled and safaried in South Africa, and indulged in great food and wine in France in the last 6 months alone.

My mantra is 'one for you, one for me'!!!!

Natasha Lombart - Harpers Bazaar - London