MANIAMANIA Mesopotamia

When some people (namely would-be archeologists) think of the word Babylon, they may think of what was once the holiest city in Mesopotamia which now lays in ruins somewhere in the wild of Iraq (thanks Wikipedia). And others, they may just think of Indiana Jones wearing a dorky hat wrestling a boa constrictor. Me on the other hand, I have other ideas when I hear the word 'Babylon'.

Aaaaand cue Maniamania's latest collection, so fittingly entitled Babylon. If you haven't heard of the Australian jewellery label then nows the time to jump on its already crowded band-wagon (seriously, don't worry about a ticket, even the Mesopotamians hate Myki). Launched in 2009 by designers Melanie Kamsler and Tamila Purvis, Maniamania has gone from strength to strength, receiving notable coverage in the likes of Vogue, Ruush, W Magazine and the New York Times. The moody, beautiful jewellery has a captivating quality that can only be seen as original design at its finest. With the release of their most recent collection I'm having to practice some serious self-restraint...which, despite my efforts, usually lasts all of five minutes. Babylon has struck an interesting niche between costume and fine jewellery, utilising silver, brass, crystal and soft suede elements to form unique sculptural creations. The collection has an exotic mysticism about it, making the wearer feel as though they should be walking through an ancient mesopotamian city (this may be accompanied by images of a hotter and younger version of Indiana Jones who happens to look as though he just stepped out of a Calvin Klein add...but I guess it depends on how much freedom you give your imagination). Each piece has a story to tell, a symbolic meaning, that make them feel alive and powerful to wear.

Sure, a jewellery collection may be less appealing to those archeologist-types who, for some ungodly reason, seem to enjoy dusting dirt of old pottery all day while wearing cargo pants, but me? I'd have Maniamania's version of Babylon any day! Oh, and i'll have the hot Indiana Jones too thanks.

These Boots Were Made For Walking

Sometimes I think the one thing that makes the bitter cold and wet of Winter bearable (apart from Tim Tam bombs) are the beautiful boots that appear in our shops. You'd usually find me pouring over calf-hugging knee highs, but this season I haven't been able to get enough of the humble ankle boot. Sure, Winter's almost over (hooray!), but armed with a pair of ankle boots it's easier to transition your way to Spring in style than to eat a whole jar of peanut butter! When I laid eyes upon these bad boys from Australian brand Django and Juliette, I had what can only be described as an epiphany moment...that is,  God and I concurred that I really really needed these shoes. Comfort is a big focus in Django and Juliette designs, so all my misconceptions of comfortable shoes coming from a chemist flew out the shop door when I slipped on these boots. Let's be honest, no one, I repeat, no one should ever have to buy shoes from a chemist. Their comfort makes them tough enough to take everyday wear and tear (read: shopping) and the beautiful leather and well-sized heel make them date-night appropriate. Just add a slick of red lipstick and you're ready to go!

So now that i'm armed and ready with the perfect trans-season shoe, bring on the Spring! But seriously Melbourne...we're all over this rain. I'll keep the Tim Tam bombs though.

A Melbourne Shop Fit For A Wannabe Ballerina

We all do stupid stuff sometimes. These may include (though are not limited to) things like tripping up stairs, reading the Herald Sun, or accidentally melting your microwave because you turned it on without anything inside. Or, like me, you could do the stupid thing of trying on a beautiful dress that you know costs the same as a Bali holiday....or half your uni degree. But when I saw the eye-catching shopfront of Anaessia, located on Little Lonsdale Street, I could hardly resist. With perfectly pretty dresses displayed behind the shopfront's shiny glass, I was a mere porn in a game of sartorial chess. And I really suck at chess.

The shop immediately caught my eye on a drab, cloudy Melbourne day, as it stood out like a shiny beacon among all the black and grey of the passing pedestrians. Exquisite princess-like tutus rotate tantalisingly in the window and the soft glow from chandeliers draped in coloured silks creates a warm and inviting ambiance. At some stage in her life, every girl (and perhaps boy-hey, I don't judge) has dreamed of being a ballerina, and this really is the place to have that dream come true. Sure, it comes with a hefty price tag, but even just walking through the shop and admiring the lace gowns is enough to make you feel as though you're on the set of Swan Lake.

Established in 2005, the Australian label is all about delicate craftsmanship that incorporates perfectly tailored, highly shaped pieces using the finest vintage fabric sourced from around the globe. You'll find tutus covered in taffeta and tulle, floor-skimming gowns draped in detailed lace and pretty silk ribbons adorning flattering necklines. Each of the unique, hand-made pieces exudes femininity, capturing elegance and glamour as well as a vintage, etherial romanticism. You won't find  the scoff-worthy words 'one size fits all' (seriously, when does that ever apply...except in the case of scarves?) uttered here. Instead, you will receive complimentary alterations with your purchase, because these guys get that you're just as individual as the dress you're trying on. There's something nice about being fussed over when trying on a dress that can be tailored to your every desire...how many textured skirts would you like under your dress? How high do you want the neckline? Would you prefer the dress in cream or white?

 

How do I know these questions, you ask? Because I stupidly tried on a dress. And now I can't stop thinking about the beautiful cascades of tulle, exquisite lace detail and hand-stiched sequins. I guess I might not ever be able to afford a dress from Anaessia (unless I sell my kidney on the black market), but you what, i'm glad that I had this moment of stupidity. Because for just one second I got to feel like a ballerina. Now, does anyone know where I can get a cheap microwave?