stcksandstnes

The Big Crunch: A true love affair

There is a feeling so unique to New York that at any moment something magical and unexpected can happen - and in my experience, will! And so as my love affair with the big crunch takes a turn for the 'lets try long-distance', I hold out hope that we'll be reunited soon...

In such a big and at times daunting city, the refuge to be taken in a wander through MoMA, a thirst-quenching 'aqueduct' mocktail on the Met rooftop or a Hollywood-blockbuster-worthy solo stroll through Central can never be underestimated. It seems it often takes a big step across the international-date-line and well outside your comfort zone to appreciate the accomplishment of independence and the joy that brings.

So here's to independence, fitting as I spent my 4th of July with new friends setting my sights on Manhattan and new adventure!

Here are my TOP 5 heavily clichéd tips from one first-time New Yorker to another that don't disappoint - and you can do them all by yourself (or not...whatever you want) New York is the city of possibility!

1. The Met

As a fashion obsessive, this lucky girl managed her Met steps stumble while the 'China: Through the Looking Glass' fashion exhibition à la Anna Wintour was still showing - and it was certainly beautiful enough to warrant the dress-code filled with such lust-worthy fashion confections as adorned everyone from Gigi to RiRi at the Met Ball Gala earlier this year! My little tip that persuaded more than a few friends to make the venture across Central was to make sure to hit up the 5th floor and Met rooftop for a magical skyline view and a summer mocktail after roaming the gallery!

2. Broadway

My one true love!! On venturing to the big apple, I could only dream of a life where seeing a new, magical show every night was a reality...and that dream felt quickly squandered by a not-so-polite hotel concierge who told me my chances at seeing Book of Mormon were limited at best and I'd be shelling out a cool $500 to in the process...BUT then I met my very own broadway baby who showed me the ways of the world, oh there are ways - and in the process I saw a casual 4 BROADWAY SHOWS that were beyond incredible!!! 1. Kinky Boots; 2. On the Town; 3. On the Twentieth Century; 4. Book of Mormon....and never did I pay more than $40USD for a ticket (and I even saw Kinky Boots, my first ever show, FRONT ROW!)...There are many tricks of the trade - mobile lotteries, in-person lotteries, standing room lines, TodayTix...and sheer dumb luck! And this is in addition to the normal websites or the discount line in Times Square. So just remember, anything is possible in New York - if you want to, you can make anything happen!

3. Sleep No More

No words - I will NOT be responsible for ruining any part of this mind blowing experience - just see it - TRUST ME - here's a link - http://www.sleepnomore.com/

...............as in seriously no, I'm not giving anything away...............

4. MoMA

Another one for the books and a just-as-dreamy change of pace from the Van Gogh and Monet at the Met. Highlights: Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and the Klimt, oh the Klimt :) Even got some posters for my room...although buying them before a commute to DC and back again before a flight home with two-stopovers wasn't so clever on my part, should have just mailed them home. Still, my bedroom walls are happy!

5. Top of the Rock - Sixtyfive Bar

Feeling on top of the world! This made the excursion to see the magical New York skyline that more experiential - it felt like we were part of some lush lifestyle that included amongst its' perks flutes of french champagne with our heads in the clouds <3

Until next time, NYC <3

Love Jess
xoxo

Never thought we'd say it but it's official - #FROW #PRESS

#frow at the Shop Til You Drop show in the Docklands

We've missed you! Here's what's been happening...flash back friday is an understatement to say the least - but hoping you've been keeping up with us on the insta

This magical evening front row at the Shop Til You Drop show for the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (aka VAMFF) was one we won't be quick to forget!

Think: Shakuhachi + Alice McCall + @_singular_ gem encrusted ear cuffs left right and centre + the sickest take on cornrows we've ever seen + yonce blasting through the speakers - the atmosphere was so freakin hip you could taste it - as if we'd stepped into the wonderland of a Bryant Park tent

Thank you for having us!
Bella + Jess xoxo

It's official - we're press!!

A #stcksandstnessandwich with our fave fellow blogger @alliveheard - we miss you babe!!

St Jerome's Laneway Festival Melbourne 2014

Thirst, sweat, exhaustion and MUSICAL EUPHORIA are just some of the words that come to mind when thinking back on the day that was: St Jerome's Laneway Festival 2014!

Now, we know we're not usually ones to chronicle our not-so-overtly-fashion-related experiences but, well, here's the thing - If we love it, we want to share that with you! stcksandstnes is all about our lives as fashion lovers, so we're going to share all our adventures if we think you'll enjoy them. AND, we did make sure to have the perfect festival ensembles put together, for both practicality and personality just for you guys!

In true Melbourne summer style, it was a balmy 36 degrees and sunny for the most highly anticipated festival of the season. Armed with all our festival necessities, we ventured over to the Footscray Community Arts Centre located alongside the Maribyrnog river. This location perfectly encapsulated the 'indie' and 'hipster' vibe the festival so naturally exudes. And if you weren't sure of this before you arrived it was made pretty clear when walking into the grounds alongside people dressed in pretty much anything of the floral, plaid or aztec variety (except for those declaring it too hot for actual clothes and coming in swimsuits instead). Button up shirts and backpacks were also a staple with every hipster looking more 'hip' than the one before.

Now onto the main event of the festival - the music! The lineup featured big names including Vance Joy, Haim, Lorde, Chvrches, Cashmere Cat, xxyxx, Daughter and The Jezabels to name a few. Choosing to come to the festival solely to see our faves Daughter and Chvrches, it was DEVASTATING to say the least to find out they were scheduled to play at the same time. As such, it was with much sorrow that we skipped out on Daughter's set to get prime spots for all the other acts.

Our faves of the day:

Chvrches got off to a rocky start with the microphone failing lead singer Lauren Mayberry during their opener "We Sink" (a favourite of ours!!), but as they say 'in times of technical difficulties, true musical camaraderie shines through'!! After what we have described as the most 'adorable' cover by a band member, Martin Doherty stole our hearts when he started singing the lyrics to the popular song in an effort to "recover" the opening act! The crowd cheered him on before they regained sound and continued on with hits "Mother We Share" and "Gun" to name a few! Such a cute moment we won't forget!

Next up was Californian valley girls Este, Danielle and Alana from the highly acclaimed band HAIM, (which we found out is actually pronounced 'hime' to rhyme with 'time') And what a performance! The girls were electrically captivating; these sisters are sitting at a whole other level of talent. The incredible rhythm and stage presence exuded by the girls made them hypnotising to watch and left us with smiles as large as Este's for the rest of the day. Este's facial expressions - earning her the nickname 'bass face' - are some of the most entertaining things we have ever seen. Ever. Both crazy and endearing, Este and her gorgeous sisters' unparalleled commitment to their performance kept us wanting more well after the set came to an end. And when Alana declared to the crowd that we were the 'craziest' they'd encountered, it only further fostered our adoration for this indie-folk-90's-pop trio. And if their incredible live performance wasn't enough, Haim's impromptu free-styling on the drums and 'was a highlight of the set, as their natural talent and rhythm was shown to the crowd! Safe to say we are still mesmerised by the beat of Haim's "Don't Save Me" playing on repeat in our minds.

Kiwi teenager Lorde was fresh off the plane from LA after receiving the Song of the Year Grammy for her catchy tune "Royals". Lorde's quirky stage presence was incredibly captivating as her deep voice lulled the crowd into a "living fantasy!"

Overall Laneway 2014 was a HUGE success! While we were sad to have missed 'Daughter', the five hour mosh session did see us secure pretty incredible spots in front of some of the biggest musical acts in the world!

Love Jess and Bella

xoxo

Royal Botanic Runway: Akira

Akira Isogawa was the final designer showcased at the Royal Botanic Runway in Melbourne this year.

Akira is internationally recognised for his fresh and unique contemporary designs with a visible Japanese influence. Born in Kyoto, Japan, Akira then moved to Australia to study fashion design at the Sydney Institute of Technology. Isogawa's collection was mesmerising with every colour of the rainbow incorporated into his designs, making them memorable and striking to say the least! Set amongst the backdrop of the magical Guilfoyle's Volcano and accompanied by floral pieces from Wona Bae, this fashion meets flora moment was an incredible sight to see.

We would like to say a big congratulations to all of the talented Australian designers in this years inaugural Royal Botanic Runway show! We cannot wait to see next years production. Absolutely, a mid Summer nights' dream come true!

Love Jess and Bella
xoxo

Royal Botanic Runway: Collette Dinnigan

Collette Dinnigan is no stranger to the Australian Fashion scene with one of her most recognised accomplishments being the first Australian designer to be invited to show at the official Haute Couture week in Paris.

Best known for her flirty feminine gowns and bridal wear, Dinnigan's style is incomparable when it comes to sculpting clothes that dazzle the female figure. The Royal Botanic Runway collection showcased the best of Dinnigan's work with each piece covered in flowers and the backs of the gowns just as romantic! The beautiful pastel flower arrangements were provided by Grandi Flora Sydney and they perfectly complimented the bright colours of Dinnigan's designs. Collette Dinnigan was an absolute standout at the Royal Botanic Runway 2014!

Love Jess and Bella
xoxo

Royal Botanic Runway: Aurelio Costarella

Next up, the breathtaking Aurelio Costarella.

It's not the first time we've come face-to-face with Costarella's dazzling designs as we were wowed by the sparkle factor at MSFW! But it's safe to say that these show-stopping looks partnered with the beauty of the Botanical Gardens and exquisite headpieces from Reny Kestel and floral pieces from Katie Marx were a match made in heaven! With over 30 years experience in the fashion industry, Perth-based Costarella international reputation has earned an enviable celebrity following including the likes of Rihanna, Dita Von Teese and Tyra Banks. His trademarks silk chiffon gowns, intricate beading work and delicate embroidering make his evening looks ethereally elegant and red carpet ready. What a magical collection!