Stella Loves ... Marnie Skillings (RAFW 2011)

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It was so refreshing to see a wide collection of prints at Marine Skillings compared to the clean minimalism we were seeing at most other shows. Don't get me wrong - I love LOVE that look, but it was nice all the same to see Marnie steer away from the pack. A very eclectic and flirtatious range - throwing together vintage florals, dainty leopard print, delicate lace, 70s maxi dresses, feathered cardigans and floaty tiered ruffles, all teamed up with chunky cuffs and coloured mesh socks. Just fabulous!

Stevie Loves ... Amber & Thomas (RAFW 2011)

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Melbourne based label Amber & Thomas have been holidaying it up with their latest collection "Le Voyage" - apparently inspired by recent trips to Morocco and the Hotel Il Pellicano in Tuscany. Umm ... could someone throw a little annual leave with some spending money this way?! Anyway, some killer resort wear to kick-start your holiday romance. Look uber sophisticated in those 70s wide leg trousers, any of the tan items or the Moroccan inspired diamond print in pale blue, jade and cobalt blue.

Stella Loves ... Nookie (RAFW 2011)

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I must admit that I was not really anticipating on going to see the Nookie show, but seeing as it was in between two shows in my schedule, I went anyway. And I'm glad I did. Not only were guests entertained with an African drumming introduction, we saw body painted models parade around a tribal inspired circle catwalk in prints that mirrored this boho desert flower theme. Favourites were definitely some of the lace/crochet numbers and I-just-chucked-this-on maxi dresses, however wasn't a fan of the guys "skants" (skirt/pants). Nookie were also very generous in their gift bags (everyone got one!) and did I mention they had twin models? How cool is that?!

Stella Loves ... Carl Kapp (RAFW 2011)

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In a whirlwin of colours, models almost flew down the catwalk (so fast we couldn't catch up with the photos!) in gorgeous fluid silk dresses - both floor length and shorter cocktail numbers. Apparently he was inspired by ballet shoes, and this you can definitely see in the assymetrical ribbon strapping detail around the shoulders and waist. There was a wide specturm of colours in both tones and hues, however I was especially loving the peach, nude and coral coloured dresses. Mmmm very Aphrodite

Stella Loves ... Sara Phillips

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A new favourite of mine, Sara Phillips delivered a soft and sweet collection with somewhat of a understated Western feel to it. Lengths were short and waists were high, teamed up with lots of sheers and layering and interesting details such as peek-a-boo cut outs, pleated inserts and symmetrical sleeves and necklines. The standout of the collection however, was a water-coloured Manhattan skyline print used in both the swimwear and apparel. No doubt we’ll be seeing a fair bit of these stunning pieces in upcoming editorials.

Stella Loves ... Zimmermann

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Now I know it's been quite some time since fashion week (forgive me for the lack of posting - things have been so crazy busy round here!) but I am still determined to put up all the photos we took throughout the week. We'll get there .... hopefully a little quicker than previously :S

Anyway, nothing gets my heart racing when I look at a RAFW itinerary quite like Zimmermann. Judging by the amount of people packed in there too, I don't think I was the only one. A beautifully sleek and modern collection, "The Vanishing Point" unfolded as a soft progression of both colour and print (as its name would suggest). Beautiful smoky florals and geometric prints (linear/spirographs) were in a gradient of either monochrome or tones of lilac, aqua, sherbet and nude. Swimwear was very feminine with mainly 50s silhouettes, lots of high waists (above the navel), slashed pieces with mesh inserts, cropped tanks and off the shoulder tops. And as for the apparel, you'll feel fabulous in layered sheer and draped numbers, stylish pieces with fringing and cut-out panels, wide leg pants, sleeveless shirt dresses and column like maxis. Yes indeeeeed - another stroke of genius from the Zimmermann sisters.