Fashion Journal (FJ): It seems clear from the name of your blog you’ve got a bit of a weakness for shoes – can you elaborate on that for us?
Geneva Vanderzeil (GV): I love all aspects of fashion but shoes are a particular obsession – the right pair of shoes perfects any outfit.

FJ: Can you tell us a bit more about this collaboration with Tony Bianco.
GV: I’ve been wearing Tony Bianco for years and often updating my favourite styles with little tweaks, removable rope ankle straps or chain embellishments. When we started talking about doing a collaboration it felt like a natural progression, from DIYer to designer. It’s such a great synergy working with a company I know so well and a brand I love to wear — let’s just say they’ve helped fuel my shoe addiction!

FJ: Of the 5 designs, which pair is your favourite from the collection and why?
GV: That’s kind of like trying to pick your favourite child! Haha, they’re all my favourite in different ways because they reflect my favourite details – chain, fringe and monotone!

FJ: What do you look for when selecting shoes – do you have a checklist of ‘must haves’?
GV: The perfect shaped heel is the most important thing to me!

FJ: You’ve described this process as ‘eye-opening’ in a recent blog post (here) – can you elaborate on that?
GV: The thing that surprised me the most was how long it takes to actualise an idea in a design sense – we’ve been working on this for over a year!

FJ: Who’s the woman you had in mind when designing these shoes?
GV: I chose a classic silhouette and sophisticated details for the modern woman, in the hope that they would appeal to everyone.

FJ: Do you envision this will be an ongoing relationship with TB or is it a limited edition range?
GV: I know we’ll work together long term, in what exact capacity I can’t say!

FJ: You worked closely with fellow blogger, Margaret Zhang to create the campaign for this collection – how was that experience?
GV: Amazing, Marg and I go way back so it was nice to work with someone I know so well. For that reason I think she was able to reflect who I was so perfectly in her photos.

FJ: Just switching gears a bit to your blog – where do you find the inspiration for your DIYs and fashion posts?
GV: I look to lots of places, on the runways, then in magazines and online, I use Pinterest obsessively to categorise my inspirations.

FJ: How would you describe your own personal style?
GV: Classic with a touch of DIY.

FJ: Can you describe your interest in fashion DIYs – did it grown from a yearning for runway fashion on a budget or have you always just had the creative bug?
GV: I’ve always been creative when it comes to fashion — when I was much younger it was out of necessity because I wanted to look great but rarely had a lot of money so I would always go to my local thrift shops and recreate pieces I found there using my mum’s hundred year old singer sewing machine.

When I was living in London I became aware that people were starting to get more interested in DIY fashion so I started my website, and haven’t looked back!

FJ: When you started your blog back in 2009 – what were your hopes and visions for it?
GV: At the time it was just a place to keep all my DIYs but it grew into so much more than that – it was clear after a while that people loved DIY.

FJ: What’s next on the horizon for A Pair and a Spare – any follow up book planned perhaps?
GV: ☺ After realising that so many of my readers struggle to get their hands on the right materials for their DIY projects, I’m working with a new start up called Wander & Hunt (www.wanderandhunt.com) — a super cool online craft store where you’ll be able to get your hands on hand to find materials (think studs, gorgeous rhinestones, sequin fabrics), as well as DIY kits designed by me. I’m also currently working on my second book — covering a different topic to my last book book which is fun!

FJ: Any advice for up-and-coming bloggers/shoe designers? Any advice you wish someone had given you back when you were just starting out?
GV: I think the biggest thing is to choose a topic to blog about that you really love – find your niche, there are so many websites out there now days that it’s important to stand out by doing something different.

Yes, ASOS are turning us all against each other in a bid to find out which is the most fashionable state in Australia. They are on the search to settle the arguments, clear the confusion and determine which state is home to the most fashionistas showcasing best fashion Australia has to offer.

Do Melbournians wear too much black? Does a Queenslanders fashion knowledge only cover flip-flops and board shorts?  You decide in this all out state war of fashion.

Australia’s fashion royalty are even in on it. Some of the hottest bloggers from around the country have been handpicked to represent their state and don their favourite winter outfits to gain votes!

So head to asos.com.au and vote for your favourite, or if you’re feeling uber stylish even upload a winter look for your own to join in the running for the major prize.

The Aussie state with the most votes will be crowned state of fashion, and the entrant with the most votes will win a $1000 ASOS voucher to kick-start their winter wardrobe!

What you’ll need:
Jersey or t-shirt fabric (0.20m x 0.70m) / Jewellery making chain / Pliers / Scissors / Glue Gun / Bakers Twine / 2 x elastic bands.

Start by cutting the jersey into four strips (75cm long by 7cm wide) then pull on the pieces of jersey at either end until the fabric curls into little tubes.

Secure the four tube-like jersey strips with an elastic band and begin creating the straight knot. This might seem tricky at first but it’s pretty simple once you get then hang of it.

When laid flat you’ll have four strands of fabric in a cross shape formation and you’re always working with the pieces opposite each other – think of it as working within a square.

So start by creating a loop towards the front. Think of this as the ‘width’ of the square.

Take the opposite strand and make a loop towards the back.

Now move onto the remaining strands (the ‘length’ of the square) – take a strand a loop it under the front loop.

Take the remaining strand a loop it under the back loop, now pull tight!

Click the image to see the straight knot in progress.

Hide and secure the unsightly ends with a scrap piece of jersey fabric. Glue the scrap piece over the elastic band and excess strands, wrapping around and around on itself until you reach the end. Add some more glue to keep it in place.

Cut a small piece of Baker’s Twine and glue onto the ends of the necklace creating a loop.

Now that you’ve secured the ends with scrap jersey and have created a loop for the necklace chain to attach to, finish off the ends by neatly wrapping in Baker’s Twine. Secure in place with a hot glue gun.

Use your pliers to attach the necklace chain and you’re done! 
Words by Nadia Draga. Head to Nadia’s blog The Dusty Foxx for more fashion DIYs.

To introduce myself, it’s easiest to use the term ‘slashie’: I’m a journo-slash-newsreader-slash-fashion blogger-slash-presenter-slash-all-round fashion lover. Has a ring to it, right?

In the mornings you’ll find me sipping Early Grey and making sense of the day’s goings-on (from K-Rudd to Kim-K), for listeners of Nova100, as Hughesy & Kate’s newsreader.  It means I get up early. Very early.  Whatever you’re thinking – earlier.  Then go back another half hour. That early. Yes, I know!

Most other times I can be found here, laptop atop my lap – funnily enough – having a little fashion love-in and writing all about on my very own blog, www.thecutandpaste.com.

It’s an affair that’s been going on for as long as I can remember, and one I’m sure you know well. As affairs do, it started innocently enough: a friendship bracelet bought here, a hypercolour t-shirt there. Fine. No problems. It’s my pocket money/Maccas wages/other teenage source of income, and I can stop whenever I want!

But you know how these things escalate. Now it’s a fully-fledged affair, and I’m pledging my undying love for this mistress, fashion.

Not that she’s ever led me astray. To the contrary, fashion has taken me to some fantastic places. Here, for instance! And last year, she helped me become one of six Melburnians chosen to front the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival. At previous festivals I’ve hosted LMFF TV, and worked on countless events with Myer, DJs, Spring Fashion Week, hosted book launches, runway shows and glam Spring Racing events – all because of my love for fashion. So it’s a give-take thing we have going on.

Lauren as an LMFF Ambassadors in 2012 (image credit: LMFF)

When it comes to my personal style, I find it increasingly difficult to define where exactly it sits. I envy those people who unwaveringly dress in their ‘look’. Not me. One day I’m loud in prints and colours, the next it’s monochrome. I go from sports-luxe to military to nautical depending on – I’m not sure really? What is a constant though, is my love for styling outfits, putting my bipolar looks together with accessories, hair and make-up. In fact, my alternative career is a make-up artist! (Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s invented a fake job that I’m totally and utterly unqualified for .. but like to think I might one day do anyway?!)

No? OK. Forget I said that. Let’s pretend I’m intelligent again. So smart in fact, that they’ve given me an email account – with a REAL address and everything – to help you out with any of life’s sticky situations: fashion, lifestyle or otherwise.

If you wanna know about your BF or BFF, your perfect winter boot, dressing for a particular occasion, or my top make-up tips (I am a qualified *fake* make-up artist remember?) – just ask!

There’s even be a little prize for the best question so email asklauren@fashionjournal.com.au and we’ll just see where this crazy ride takes us.

xx LB.

Oooh ooh ooh, I just got myself a new ‘slash’.  Fashion columnist

Read more of Lauren’s fashion posts at The Cut & Paste.
Photographs of Lauren provided by Aubrey Devin (www.aubreydevin.allyou.net)

Highlights include the African inspired prints and iconic DVF wrap dress reworked into a very cute playsuit. Brightly printed skinny jeans teamed with wild animal illustrations capture the excitement of discovery. Also available are the hibiscus bud print, signature DVF heart print, and the exclusive DVF for GAP graffiti print. Who says winter has to be a somber affair?

Available exclusively in GAP’s Melbourne Central and Sydney Westfield stores so get in quick!

An unassuming beginning, it started with a kindly birthday gift for mum. Luke saw the potential in Jeremy’s DIY gift idea, which played on the charisma of vintage decor and the beauty of a sustainable product that brings nature indoors. The basic premise is taking hard cover novels with classic and timeless titles and binding and carving them as plant boxes. The boys are now experimenting with new inclusions such as scented candles and styled arrangements with beautiful succulents and cute miniature cacti.

‘Placing a plant in a book, although unique and not many people have seen it, has in-fact happened before.’

They source their books from council pickups and local school donations — repurposing something that would ordinarily end up as landfill. Growingbooks started as a stall at local car boot sales and quickly caught the eye of their first retailer. From here they have had a steady rise in production and sales (and kindly re-planted for their customers who lacked the green thumb).

After generating a strong following on instagram (@growingbooks) they decided to venture south and start setting up stalls at Sydney markets to service the demand from interested followers.

While they love their craft, both still juggle night jobs with the production and design process — drying, cutting and planting in time for monthly markets and to keep stock in-store at The ReStylers in Terrigal and more recently Octopus Garden in Long Jetty.

Neither Jeremy nor Luke could imagine that their simple idea could grow quite so rapidly into such a highly sought after business. Presently, they are working on ways to expand the business and find feasible ways to ship and move product over longer distances. With opportunities to expand being presented to up and coming designers and creators everyday, I can’t imagine it will be long before someone snaps up these two smart chaps and help them to reach a broader audience. For now, those who aren’t located locally can enjoy and be inspired by the beautiful snapshots on their instagram. Both boys are a tribute to the creative talent of their local community.

Words by Marley Tinnock / Images provided by Growing Books

Check out the event video featuring Shane O’Neill, Nick Bose­rio, Mikey Men­doza and the Nike SB Australian team.

NIKE-Skate Media Immersion Day from Fashion Journal on Vimeo.

The latest in progressive men’s streetwear, 10,000 DAYS is a young, urban label that features unique and limited edition designs. Delivering contemporary styles for the everyday man, 10,000 DAYS offers the best in tees, tanks, sweatshirts and caps while being completely PVC free and environmentally friendly.

The Melbourne-based label is Australian owned, designed and made, with pieces appealing to guys after innovative graphic prints. From crosses to bats to skulls, 10,000 DAYS is label that gives fashion-savvy men options.

FJ and 10,000 DAYS are giving you the chance to win a a tee pack, consisting of five tees from the Broken Dreams collection (pictured below). To enter, all you need to do is like the 10,000 DAYS Facebook and comment below in the comments field of our website that you’ve entered. Good luck! Entries close Monday June 3.

10000-DAYS.COM.AU 

www.facebook.com/10000days

Starting with “Hello” and ending with “Goodbye”, Kaling chatters about her love of dieting (having no other hobbies), “The Code” between best friends, one rule outlined is: “I can borrow all your clothes” and a handy 12-step guide on how “Guys Need To Do Almost Nothing To Be Great.”

In her chapter “How I Write” Kaling confesses to her own struggles as a writer and the labels that sometimes come with the job.

“It’s always been incredibly challenging for me to put pen to page, because writing, at its heart, is a solitary pursuit, designed to make people depressoids, drug addicts, misanthropes, and antisocial weirdos.”

Told through Kaling’s endearing and charming voice her witty observations and ironic anecdotes are relatable and undeniably hysterical – or at the very least, a bit of a giggle.

Words by Natalie Claire King