The ultimate in style

This photo just ticks all the boxes. The clothes by Dior, circa 1950s, are to die for and the composition of the models is sublime. What I also love is the position of the models on the background. True art.

Loving Kate Middleton's engagement announcement dress

I thought Kate Middleton looked gorgeous in her blue jersey dress by one of her favorite designers, Issa of London, for the official engagement announcement. It showed off her slim figure and fabulous legs beautifully. Not to mention complimenting the stunning sapphire and diamond engagement ring that belonged to William's mother Diana, Princess of Wales. Thanks to theclotheswhisperer.co.uk I have discovered it cost 385 pounds.

Time and place

If I see one more pair of cut off denim jeans/shorts in the Brisbane CBD I am going to go crazy. They have become a world-wide uniform, taking over from the ubiquitous leggings. Showing my age ... you bet. Girls please show some originality and flair and find your own style.

Vintage reigns supreme

I just thought this winning dress stood out right from the start. Melbourne Spring Carnival Fashions on the Field winner Jaydee Paino from Cairns was very creative restructuring an $18 dress with a horse print she bought online from the US. She won a huge stash of cash and a fabulous car.

My picks for the Spring Racing Carnival

It's that time of the year again and I see vintage is a big trend for the Spring Racing Carnival. I can just imagine the black and white spotted dress above, teamed with a fabulous black hat of course, at Derby Day. These dresses are all at www.vintageclothing.com.au

David Dowton captures the essence of style

While strolling through Queen's Paza in Brisbane yesterday I came across a small exhibition of some of the supremely talented David Dowton's fashion illustrations. In a previous life I also worked as a fashion illustrator for the iconic store David Jones ... which is now in this complex. It was very fitting to see this form of artwork, so beautifully done, being displayed there. I am so thrilled it is being done again as the style it conveys is only possible through this media. Unfortunately fashion illustration lost favour in the late seventies when photography took over. What I'd give for one of Downton's prints. The exhibition is on until early October.

David Downton is also Editor in Chief of Pourquoi Pas? the only journal dedicated to fashion illustration. To see more go to http://www.pqpmagazine.com/

Fabulous film frocks

Dinner at Eight, 1933. Costume designer: Adrian

Gilda, 1946. Costume designer: Jean Louis

A Place in the Sun, 1951. Costume designer: Edith Head

Niagara, 1953. Costume designer: Dorothy Jeakins

Sabrina, 1954. Costume designer: Edith Head

Cat on A Hot Tin Roof, 1958. Costume designer: Helen Rose

Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1961. Costume designer: Givenchy

While researching the divine white dress Elizabeth Taylor wore in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof I came across 'Send in the Gowns, Freddie Leiba, 22 seminal film frocks that bewitched the world', by Robin Sayers on latimesmagazine.com. Sure enough Elizabeth is there in that amazing white silk dress by Helen Rose. I've uploaded my favourites but for more go to http://www.latimesmagazine.com/2010/02/send-in-the-gowns.html
There are also some fascinating details about each dress.

Would love to hear what your favourite film dress is.