I'm aware I'm a wolf

Wearing: Thrifted jacket, J.W. Anderson X Topshop sweater, POMS earrings, Target shorts and Chloë Sevigny X Opening Ceremony shoes.

Bill Cunningham once described clothing as the armor for everyday life and today I chose to interpret that in the most literal sense. Armor doesn't have to feel weighty or oppressive though, its purpose is to offer you some kind of protection. In this case that comfort was purely psychological for me but came in the form of knitwear, feathers and the colour red. I came to realise I was unconsciously referencing the garb worn by San from Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke. She too wore large earrings, moved with the ease and fluidity of a wolf and had had red markings on her face, as well as blood stains from fighting. My marabou feather earrings felt more like the feathers collected from arrows which again exaggerated this warrior-like state. Largely it feels like I am fighting with myself most days, or that any turmoil is completely internalized as I struggle to do what is right and keep myself satisfied. Self-exploration has become more important than ever as I continually try to figure out who I am and who it is I am trying to become.

5. 7. 3, 10 & 12- Princess Mononoke (1997).

Shrimps Resort 2016

In an article penned for Style.com by Emily Farra she noted that 'historically' Resort was once an understated affair comprised of bikinis, dresses and other holiday essentials. However, in recent years the image of Resort has been gently remolded by London based designer and relative newcomer Hannah Weiland. (I say 'relative newcomer' as her brand Shrimps has already reached worldwide acclaim and seen on British IT girl Alexa Chung, as well as Brix Smith-Start, Aimee Phillips and Pixie Geldof JUST TO NAME A FEW). Her label Shrimps is best known for their whimsical faux fur coats, stoles and accessories and this season is familiar and yet new. For one thing her signature pieces were paired with denim-inspired pants and white linen pieces, perpetuating this idea that silk pajamas are perfectly acceptable as daywear and as a university student, can I just say this is possibly the greatest thing to have ever happened.

For one thing, if you own a nice pair of pajamas or vintage bedroom jacket you could only really wear it while on holiday. Or when trying to impress your significant other. If you were to say, go grocery shopping while wearing something ultra comfy you have either a.) lost the plot or b.) are a slob. Or perhaps your underpants radius has expanded so far you are now able to transcend all barriers as a result of a devastating breakup as demonstrated by Marshall in How I Met Your Mother. But now that is all totally OK and what's even better is we can look chic and be comfortable at the same time!! Many probably wouldn't call that progress. I say that since the 1960s there has been a distinct lack of excitement about the future or the cars of tomorrow and I will take pleasure in the little things. Something as simple as an all white outfit, which is despicably difficult to maintain in the first place, can be dressed up with a fabulous fur stole and matching clutch. For mere mortals that seems utterly impossible but I'm sure Bjork would be totally into that. 

Finally while I was pleased with the inclusion of dogs in these photographs I wonder whether the fashion world has been oblivious to their potential up until now. While many animal rights advocates are usually quick to criticise the use of animals in runway shows, as was the case with Discount Universe earlier this year it seems the overwhelming majority of cases involve an assistant's or model's own pooch worming their way into the photos. In the context of this lookbook it subtly signifies the collection's connection with nature, albeit in a very controlled environment. Whatever the true intent I hope this means that more people will dress fabulously when walking their dogs, even if they are just walking to their nearest cafe as is the case in Brunswick. Brunswick being one of the trendier suburbs outside of Melbourne and where I generally hangout whenever possible. But I digress! Knowing that I can wear fur in just about every season, (except Summer because I live in Australia) makes me a happy little pleb.

*Photos via style.com

I can feel it

I've been so up and down lately it's hard to know whether a feeling will last for more than a moment. Lately all I can do is act as a vessel through which these emotions flow through- try not to freak out and just enjoy it. That's meant crying a lot at uni, wiping away the tears, reapplying makeup and then getting on with the job. Talking about my feelings with good friends, no matter how irrational and strange they might seem has really helped me a lot. My friends have been unbelievably patient and supportive throughout the last couple of months and I feel truly blessed. I didn't have the same support network when I went through high school, then again I never quite felt like this in high school. I chased boys but never was my love reciprocated. In many ways I was a late bloomer, although now I know that not to be true. I mentioned a few weeks ago I thought I wanted time alone and to grow but it turns out all I really wanted was friendship.

1- Naomi Campbell, 2- Angelina Jolie. 3- Larissa Hofmann at Fausto Puglisi Spring 2015 Backstage, 4- Ali Michael shot by Petra Collins, styled by Alexandra Horton, 5- A special MEAT by Nicolas Coulomb by Georgia Pendlebury & Florence Tétier. 7 & 10- Kate Bogucharskaia at Andrew Gn Spring 2014 PFW, 9- Baby It's You lookbook by Shop Tunnel Vision. 11- unknown via. 12- via, 14.
6, 8, 13- Marina Fini tumblr.

Dream Cave

Wearing: Josh Goot dress, Perks and Mini hat and Rubi shoes platforms.
 
So I've mentioned a bunch of times that I'm a geologist and specifically a palaeontologist but I've never really showed off any knowledge. It's only now that through obsessively thinking about the importance of science communication in society that I've wanted to combine my love of science with fashion and creating interesting outfits. When I talk to my friends from geology they all talk about collecting rocks from their field area or places they've been, but what draws them in is an aesthetic taste. Obviously they also understand the theoretical framework and environment in which those rocks forms which enhances their understanding but fundamentally they like the shiny pretty things. I've also come to understand how important it is to break the construct of a scientist. Ultimately I want to change the way people come to view and interact with scientists, and in particular encourage young girls and women to pursue a career in science.

5, 10, 12, 21, 27- Glitterous Clitoris. 2- Kentallenite in cross polarized light. 3- via. 6- Olivine teschenite thin section in cross-polarized light. 9- Metamorphic rocks in Canada, by Les Palenik. 13- Gassets Schist in cross polarized light. 16- Gneiss. 17- high-pressure schist in cross-polarized light via KLKGeo. 20- Kentallenite in cross-polarized light. 23- Kentallenite in cross-polarized light. 24 & 26- Migmatite in the Sand River, South Africa shot by Pierre Thomas for Planet Terre. 30- Leucogranite via University of Maryland.