Early Christmas present

As a bit of an early Christmas pressie, we have decided to go on sale. Pop in to grab some bargains and bask in some Christmas cheer.

Happy Christmas to all Frisck blog readers!

Petit four? Yes please!

I can see why Fleur Wood calls this the Petit Four smock. It would have to be the perfect frock to wear while eating these little numbers, don't you think?

Out of this world

Grey has always been an underrated colour. Sure, sometimes it gets heralded as the 'new black', but who ever takes that seriously? So it might interest you to know that, not only can grey look absolutely gorgeous (see above pic of Cohen et Sabine frock), in popular UFO conspiracy theory intelligent alien humanoids are often referred to as 'greys.' I wonder if it is because they are so stylishly dressed. Does Cohen know about this? Was this dress designed to be worn in outer-space? Please call Bill at the UFO investigation centre if you know anything, anything at all...

Timeless in floral

Call me a loser, but I recently went to see The B52s and they were great. But apart from the fact that they played Quiche Lorraine, the best part of the entire evening were the band's two leading ladies, Kate and Cindy. Now Kate and Cindy must be well into their 50s, maybe even 60s, but they totally rocked and not in a scary, overly-botoxed/yogacised Madonna-esque way, either. Their bodies certainly weren't perfect and their faces weren't frozen smooth, but in their blue sequined mini-dresses and garter belts, they were both beautiful and inspirational.

While this Cohen et Sabine frock might not necessarily be something either of them would wear, it reminds me of those girls. Ageless, timeless and totally cute. My aim: to be wearing floral prints all the way to my grave. And beyond. I mean, you never know...

Take a stroll through Highpoint and it's all about jeans/tops. Sometimes this combo works, but so often it doesn't. In fact, it never ceases to amaze me how what one would assume would be a winning combination can look so, well, blah.

But then, on occasion, the planets collide and you stumble upon the perfect jeans top. Like this one. Chic, comfy and gorgeous. And absolutely nothing blah about it.

Oh Christmas tree

It is a well known fact that pregnancy affects the brain. Combine this with some of the disastrous maternity wear available and you get a rather dangerous combination. Which brings me to my point. A few years ago, some time just before Christmas, I was perusing through Coles while heavily pregnant. Obviously there was something wrong with my brain and I was wearing some kind of hideous red and green baby doll number from Tree of Life. Standing by the pasta aisle, I was approached by a woman I vaguely knew who told me that I looked Christmassy.

Aaaaargh!

When I got home and checked myself out in the mirror I knew she was right. Disaster. Who wants to look like a walking Christmas tree, complete with a giant stomach and swollen ankles?! However, I think this Cohen number would be perfect for Christmas cocktails or even New Years Eve. Yet while it is celebratory, it is also stylish and gorgeous and not red, green or even gold. Thankfully, now that the baby is out, so is my common sense. Phew.

Strawberries and cream

Picnics in the park. Strawberries and cream for dessert. It's summer. And this lovely Fleur Wood frock is the perfect way to celebrate.

More Christmas party wear

Okay, so the silly season is only just beginning, but there are times when a girl just wants to be comfy. Which is why we at Frisck love, love, love Body, a label famous for their ability to suit just about anyone. Can't you just imagine sipping champagne at a Chrissy BBQ while donning this frock and not having to worry about sucking your gut in? Heaven.

Christmas cocktails anyone?

It's not even December, but the Christmas party season has begun. Sometimes when I get over it I remember what a great excuse it is to buy lots of new dresses. Though I may have done it once (or twice) there's not much point in sitting on the couch watching Ugly Betty re-runs in a cocktail dress. I would team this one with an 80s inspired cocktail - a Long Island iced tea perhaps? Maybe a Daiquiri? Hmmm...

House of Baulch

Let's face it, Rachel Zoe gets a really bad wrap. She starves her clients, is totally neurotic and bosses her husband around like he's some kind of poor working dog. Personally, I find all this very entertaining and am therefore totally addicted to her show The Rachel Zoe Project. But even if I wasn't, there's no denying it - she has great style. And these necklaces by former Mimco designer, Kathryn Baulch, are so Zoe it's bananas. They are also very affordable and new to Frisck, so we are totally excited by them. Would also make for great Christmas pressies. Pop in and check them out. Like now.

Am I dating a Mormon?

It never ceases to amaze me the way a single garment can look so different on various individuals. I, for example, recently tried on a lovely navy summer frock. While it looked amazing on my friend, who subsequently bought it, it made me look like someone who should be handing out 'Embrace Christ' pamphlets at Flinders Street Station. Which brings me to my friend who is currently dating a very neat dresser. So neat, he could in fact be mistaken for someone who spends his Sunday mornings door knocking in an attempt to save wayward citizens from the wrath of Satan.

The dilemma, of course, is what should one wear when in the company of a man of such tidy appearance?

He hates leggings, so they're out, and it's possibly not too far-fetched to assume that one should also avoid gold hotpants, jeggings and 'I heart my (picture of pussycat)' tees. This gorgeous dress by Natasha, however, is perfect for all occasions. Sexy, but not overtly so, this is one frock that won't be likely to offend Mormons, but nor will it make a girl look like one.

I wish Mischa Barton would wear this...

So I'm stuck in the beginning of this century, when we were all carefree, but I truly believe Mischa Barton sparkled on The OC. So what happened? A series of fashion crimes, that's what. Sometimes I even think about her and wish she would go back to her stylish Marissa Cooper roots and have a comeback or something. I hear she's trying with The Beautiful Life, but sadly, it's apparently very bad.

Which is why I think it would be a good idea for her to rock this gorgeous Cohen et Sabine number. So Mischa. In a good way. And check out the embroidery detail.

Divine.

Top 10 teetotal celebrities

Not only is this SQ top drop-dead fabulous, there is no denying that it's hip to be square. Welcome to the Frisck teetotal celebrity awards. Top ten finalists include:

Alice Cooper
Kim Katrall
Kristin Davis
Jim Carrey
Tom Cruise
David Bowie
Adam Ant
Eminem
Isaac Asimov
David Beckham

But the winner, without a doubt, is none other than Tyra Banks. How she gets through taping after taping of America's next top model without a stiff drink is truly incomprehensible.

Summer saving

The lovely ladies at Fleur Wood describe this little number as a 'hardworking summer-saver.' And with this crazy, first-time-in-100-years heatwave we have going on at the moment, we could all use a couple of those. Pair with a pomegranate vodka cocktail and a cool breeze. Ah, the heavens have opened...

A little white top and a little black dress...

In many ways, the little white top and the little black dress couldn't have been more different. Little white loved kittens, walks on the beach and sunset picnics. Little black loved horror films, vodka martinis and graveyards. But for all their differences, Little black and Little white were BFFs because, you see, they were devoted to gorgeousness and neither owned a pair of tracksuit pants. And they knew that if they were ever to become famous, they would never, EVER appear in a NW crimes against fashion story. Nor would they show up on the Go Fug Yourself website. And if worst came to worst and they were chased down Rathdowne St by the paparazzi, they would always be stylishly clad.

* Top and dress both by Cohen et Sabine.

Best dressed: Nancy Botwin from Weeds

Okay, so it's kind of embarrassing to admit, but I once did a Google search to find out where they get Nancy Botwin's clothes on Weeds. Because while she may be a self-obsessed drug pushing, drug-lord loving, child-neglecting TV character, she always wears the cutest outfits. Then I stumbled upon this frock and thought, 'That is so Nancy!' Don't you think?

It's actually by local designer, Natasha, who I think should ship one over to the Weeds wardrobe people ASAP!

Fat day saviour

There's nothing worse than a fat day in summer. At least in winter you can throw on a coat and boots and no one can really tell that you feel like a giant marshmallow on legs. But summer. How cruel the warm weather can be when one is not feeling their best. That's why I love this dress. Universally flattering in the most gorgeous navy silk, this is one of those throw on pieces that won't dig into your stomach, reveal your bra strap or flash your Nana knickers when you bend down. Also easy to brighten up with a fun necklace or an arm full of bangles.

Fleur Wood perfection.

She wore blue Cohen

She wore blue Cohen
Bluer than Cohen was the night
Softer than satin was the light
From the stars
She wore blue Cohen
Bluer than Cohen were her eyes
Warmer than May her tender sighs

Wearable art

My handy hint for justifying spending $400 on a dress you don't really need - just say it's art.

Marnie Skillings and I are obviously on the same wave length, as you can see by this Pollock inspired piece of sartorial loveliness. Sure, you're probably never going to own an authentic Jackson Pollock painting, but in many ways, this dress is even better because, not only is it comparatively affordable, but you can wear it on your body and look all gorgeous and arty at the same time. An investment piece and bargain rolled into one.

Hi Ho silver!

She had arms of satin and a torso of knitted cotton. She was a bomber, but also a cardi. The kind of top who loved a beer with her curry followed by a night on a rich man's yacht. Wherever she went, people were not quite sure to make of her. She confused them. Was complicated. Some said too smart for this world.

Here creator, Marnie Skillings, called her the 'bomber cardi.' We call her pure genius.

Stars in her eyes (or on her top...)

A star is a massive, luminous ball of plasma that is held together by gravity. The nearest star to earth is the sun, which is the source of most of the energy on Earth.

Star is also a term used to describe someone who is considered outstanding, prominent or celebrated.

Here at Frisck, we think Kate Sylvester is a star, so it is not surprising that she has come up with this cute-as star tee, which we stock in the darker grey color. Applause, please.

Not too fancy

There are times when we need to shop for basics, which I personally find a boring and unexciting way to spend my money. Could these Sambag wedges be the antidote that makes basic shopping fun? Not only will go with everything and make you look taller and thinner, they are fun. Also available in a lovely burnt orange.

Brave new world

In the year 2050 there lived two Zimmerman sun dresses. The first, a lovely blue called Tulip, was disatisfied with her shape. She wanted to be longer and tied at the waist. And what she would do for some shoulder straps! Tuck, however, wished she were a lighter colour. Something summery and tulip-like, rather than the boring old black she was born with. Thankfully, in the future, genetic engineering is as easy as turning your Grade 4 crush into a Facebook friend. So the two dresses visited their favourite store, Frisck, and asked to be transformed into their dream sun frock. Voila! We have the Zimmerman tuck dress in the lovely shade of tulip.

Dance to celebrate - spring shopping!

Sure it's a little grey outside, so even more reason to update your wardrobe with some spring colour. This sweet Nevanka blouse says, 'dance to celebrate.' And why the hell not? Lots of new goodies in store now. Am now tempted to quote bad eighties lyrics and must restrain myself.

To jacket, with love

Dear Manderville Bomber,

Please do not think I am a crazy stalker, but I just had to write and let you know how much you mean to me. I have been wearing you daily and you always make me look great. Once I even threw you over my nightie and popped down to Coles for some milk. The check-out lady commented on my stylish late-night getup! I hadn't the heart to tell her I was in my jimjams.

Of course, I love you with jeans and my extensive floral frock collection. I even take you to yoga with me, though I do tend to get a little sweaty and respectfully remove you for odour prevention. You are my pride and joy.

I suspect you think I say this to all my jackets, but honest-to-sweet-cotton, this is the first love letter I have ever written to an outer garment. I just wanted to say thankyou for all your comfort, support and gorgeousness.

Your number one fan,

Well adorned torso.
xxooxx

As seen in...

There's no doubt about it, we at Frisck love a good floral frock, especially when it's a white Cohen et Sabine adorned with orange daisies. You can also check out this sunny little number in this week's Grazia. Or even better, pop in and try it on for yourself.

She wore blue lace

According to my research, the throat is the area from which we express what we think in our minds and feel in our heart. Blue lace agate, from which this Mink necklace is made, is said to enhance self expression and the ability to speak openly in conversation. Particularly handy if you are planning to go on The Dr Phil Show, or even on Oprah if you are aiming high. But even if you are not one for self disclosure, this necklace is so pretty it might be worth taking the risk. Not recommended for those working in the secret services.

Best basic

You hear of people who own, like, 100 pairs of jeans and are obsessed with buying more MORE MORE! Me? I just love a stripe tee. I have a million: long sleeve, short sleeve, tank style, wool, cotton, shrunken, oversized...Now I have found another to add to my collection. Great with basic black, I would also team it with a pattern skirt. Not to matchy, matchy, but no print explosion either.

Total 'f' bomb

So we all know Serena Williams has been dropping a few 'f' bombs lately. So has Fleur Wood - as in fabulous, fantastic, f*#!ing gorgeous. Perfect for spring time BBQs and twilight soirées, this paisley frock is more hip than hippy. Love it!

Imagine...

Imagine the above dress...

In this colour.

The Kate Sylvester Civilian dress in poppy. Perfection.

To a tee

I recently made a rash and regrettable premenstrual decision and cut off all my hair. It was one of those drab wintery moments when all I wanted to do was lounge around in an oversized t-shirt and eat popcorn while watching back-to-back episodes of Drop Dead Diva. Unfortunately, I got off the couch and went to the hairdresser instead.

Perhaps I should have ditched the oversized tee and donned this more flattering version of the tee-dress by Zimmerman. With tights, boots and hot pink lips, this winter pick-me-up would have taken me right through to spring, summer and beyond. Without the bad-hair fall out I must endure for the rest of the year. If only I knew then what I know now...

Tilly the toffee coloured bag

I went to the market and I bought: a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a toffee coloured bag called Tilly. The tea and cake went down a treat, but Tilly, in all her soft leathery goodness lasted forever and ever. Even when she became an old bag, she remained soft and wrinkle-free. They call her a miracle of nature. I call her lovely.

So noir

'A woman doesn't care how a guy makes a living, just how he makes love.'
Rita, The Big Combo

But a woman does care about adorning herself with appropriate arm candy. Which is why we're so pleased that Marnie Skillings and Jasmine Noir teamed up to create wonders such as this ribbon/chain bracelet.

Nails shmails, she was invincible

She knew the state of her nails didn't really matter. At least not while she was wearing her favourite cropped jacket by TL Wood. A chip here, a frizzy hair there. She could get away with murder if she had to, so long as she was wearing this jacket. Not that she believed in superpowers. She didn't need to. In TL Wood she possessed something far greater. Sartorial satisfaction and timeless elegance. Nothing could stop her. Not even the long cold arm of the law.

All dotty

Sure, there are some spots nobody wants. Like when they peskily appear on your face, or your favorite silk dress during a much deserved night out when all you want to do is let loose, and flail your arms around a little bit, not be punished with sartorial destruction when you knock over that glass of red, not that I am bitter or anything...

But is it even possible not to love polkadots? Or ballet flats? These gorgeous little numbers are by Sambag and would be ever so cute with a little spring frock, or some jeans and a floaty blouse. I'm sold!

What I wore

Does anyone know the blog, What I wore? Basically, it's creator Jessica Schroeder takes a picture of herself every single day and posts it online. She has great legs and a definite knack for putting things together. So I am a bit obsessed with her in a totally non-creepy way.

Anyways, one day Jessica advised a fashion-frustrated reader to plan her outfits a week in advance. I like this idea, but it would never work for me. Too fickle. Too disorganized. Nowhere decent to hang preplanned outfits.

However, another arguably fail-proof solution could be to purchase a few items from the ever reliable TL Wood. That way you will always have something to wear because her pieces are just so versatile. Take this dress for instance. Strappy sandals for summer, boots for winter, a chunky knit, a scarf, heels, flats, hat, no hat...Endless possibilities. In fact, you could wear it every single day for a week. How's that for pre-planning?

Dear oh deer

Once upon a time there was a small girl called Amelia. Upon birth she appeared perfectly normal, but as she grew so did the antlers upon her head. Amelia hated her antlers and tried everything to remove them, but alas, they always grew back. One day, after a particularly brutal day at school, Amelia decided to run away.

Unfortunately she had very little money and had no choice but to hitchhike. It seemed that no on wanted to offer a ride to a small girl with antlers and poor Amelia stood by the side of the road for what seemed like an eternity. Eventually, a bleached blonde woman in stilettos and a tight leather skirt pulled over. 'Get in antler girl,' she said. 'I'm going to make you a star.'

Before she knew it, Amelia was bracing the covers of magazines all across the world. She was also an Internet sensation and her YouTube video, 'How to grow your own antlers' was viewed by billions. Boys loved her, girls wanted to be her.

Amelia relished in her celebrity. She even loved being chased the the paparazzi and made them cupcakes when she had the time. One particular paparazzo named Ernie was so touched and inspired (he was so used to being scorned and treated like vermin) he decided to create an Amelia the antler girl tee. Flattering, stylish and versatile, the above version by Woodford and Co is is a particularly delectable take on the now legendary style.

Purple haze

Bless me Fleur Wood for I have sinned. You see, it's been a while since I wore purple. Possibly because my childhood obsession with this glorious shade was tainted by my great old Aunty Ingrid who told me that I looked like a Catholic Priest - not a compliment when you're an 8 year-old Cindy Lauper fan rocking it out in the 80s. But now I have seen the light. I am moving on. Nothing remotely robe-y about this sassy little number. Hallelujah.

No apologies

There comes a time in every woman's life when she must apologise for something. Accidentally spilling red wine on her best friend's new sofa, forgetting her husband's birthday, swearing in front of small children.

But this Samantha Wills cuff is called Unapologetic Glory for a reason. A particularly useful handcuff substitute when making a citizens arrest, this cuff will not only provide one with a superpower-like sensation, it also looks amazing with jeans, a LBD or a floor skimming maxi. In other words, this cuff is unapologetically stunning and powerful. Wear without caution. And don't ever apologise when making a striking sartorial statement.

Welcome to Frisck

Frisck

- noun

1. Iconic clothing boutique nestled in the cosy confounds of Rathdowne village.
2. The place to source Australian and New Zealand sartorial satisfaction.
3. Inspiration for this new blog that will keep you posted on all things fashion. Exciting new stock, bargaintastic sales and all-round gorgeousness.
4. Enjoy!