This week we picked a few of our favourite & most engaging doco's. We cover a few categories from true crime to sports and nature. Put one on your list for this coming weekend!
Amanda Knox
The story of the trial, conviction and acquittal of Amanda Knox for the murder of an exchange student in Italy.
Sour Grapes
A crime documentary about a young wine savant who took the wine industry by storm, conning millions of dollars out of wine enthusiasts and investors.
Dark Days
Propelled by a soundtrack from DJ Shadow, Dark Days reveals a community that has thrived for years in the abandoned New York City underground.
The Last Dance
Docuseries following Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during their NBA reign in the 1990’s.
A Life On Our Planet
This doco explores all of the wonders and creatures living on every continent in the world and host David Attenborough has visited them all. Also showing the impact the impact that climate change has had during all of his years 93 years exploring.
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A little life by Hanya Yanagihara
This is an incredibly moving & challenging novel that follows 4 friends navigating love and friendship in contemporary NYC. Delving into difficult and dark subjects the book evokes strong emotions.
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
This book follows the lives of three women, completely unrelated, & similar in that they share under- lying themes, female suffering & desire - you’ll find yourself connecting with these women, maybe because you have experienced something similar or you know someone that has.
Find Me by André Aciman
Sequel to the novel & film that inspired our last collection. The novel follows Elio & his father Sam 10 years after ‘Call me by your name’ - this is a beautiful love letter to all us hopeless romantics.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Okay, we are not late to the party on this, we just love it that much. Exploring first love and the complex relationship between teenagers Connell and Marianne as they ascend into adulthood.
We chat to writer Christina Macpherson on how she's staying positive in the current climate.
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We chat to writer Christina Macpherson.
What are 3 things 2020 has taught you?
Patience, gratitude, adaptability What’s one ingredient you put in everything? Salt! (Even in my hot choccies!)
A book that everyone should read?
Ohhh there’s sooo many goodies that it’s impossible to choose! But the most recent I’ve read that I think could be incredibly useful to people (especially given the current climate)is Talking To My Country by Stan Grant
What has helped you stayed positive during such an uncertain time?
I think with all the awfulness we have experienced this year, I’ve taken solace in that we are both individually powerless yet altogether powerful. If we come together (in an emotional sense - not physically ha ha) to defeat the sicknesses and the evilness, we are almost guaranteed a future that is beautiful, healthy and healing. That makes me positive - seeing that togetherness. That, plus a fun husband and some pretty incredible people who I’m lucky to be surrounded by.
A skill you’re working on mastering?
I’m getting back into playing the drums (I used to play a lot), and I want to learn how to basket weave!
If you could have dinner with one person (literally anyone), who would it be & why?
Ahhh, too hard! It’d be between Leonardo Da Vinci, Homer ( the Ancient Greek author, not the cartoon), Billy Connelly, Ricky Gervais, Cleopatra. I realise I’ve just made a whole dinner party reservation, but how fun!
Thank you Christina! xx
We chat to model & influencer Vivianne Tess.
]]>We chat to model & influencer Vivianne Tess.
You have a beautiful portfolio, do you have a favourite shoot to date?
Yes, a few years ago I shot an editorial with Dutch photographer Carlijn Jacobs. We went hiking to find ‘Atlantis’ in Ibiza, a secret mythical cove. We found it and we shot a Helmut Newton inspired editorial. These are my favourite pictures!
What would you say is inspiring you in life right now?
Paris. Living here makes me feel like I can grow unlimited as a person but also in my career. Coming from a small town in Holland, the city is full of opportunities and it is exciting to wake up here and see what the day brings.
You’re based out of one of our favourite cities. How would spend your ideal day in Paris?
My perfect day would just be a day strolling around the city. I love Paris and there is always a new neighbourhood to explore. My favourite is Montmartre. I love to walk around the Sacré-Coeur and sit down in a little café for a coffee.
Best piece of advice you’ve received?
One of my friends told me to never use the words ‘I can’t’.
If you could switch lives with someone for a day who would it be?
I would like to be a man for one day. Just to know how it is to think like a man and to workout in a men’s body. Experience the differences!
A book that everyone should read?
Daring Greatly -Brene Brown
Thank you Vivianne!
the weather begins to warm up and naturally we look at updating our wardrobes. well, make room for the sporty sandal. you may have seen them described as sporty, ugly, a tourist sandal? or just simply a dad sandal - well, whatever you want to call them, they are about to establish themselves as a strong component of our spring/summer profile. |
think chunky soles, velcro fastenings & bulky silhouettes. we have seen the trend featured everywhere from cecile bahnsen to chanel & prada. contrast the sporty vibe and style them with an oversized shirt or a silk dress for something femme! or our essential look as always is a white ribbed tank with some good fitting vintage denim.
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quickly becoming a core component of our offering, we have incorporated woven into our essential and most adored silhouettes. over time it has established itself as an integral element of our brand identity. we have now featured the fabrication across more than 8 styles in varying colours. let’s take a look at all the times woven reigned supreme.. |
Ingredients :
100g Butter
3 organic lemons (use the zest of 3 and juice of 2)
300g blanched almonds
1/2 cup milk (or alternative milk is fine)
5 fresh eggs
1 cup refined sugar (i prefer to use coconut sugar)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup white chocolate chips (optional if you're feeling naughty)
Pinch of Salt
Method
Preheat oven to 170 degrees celsius
Separate egg whites from yolks
Lightly grease a springform pan and line with baking paper
Place 300g of blanched almonds and half of the sugar into a food processor (nutribullet works well!) and blend until it forms a flour like consistency
Melt the butter and allow to cool on the side
in a large bowl mix the almond flour, zest of 3 lemons, white chocolate and. baking powder and lemon juice of 2 lemons.
whisk the egg yolks with the remaining half of sugar until soft and fluffy, then add melted butter and also the ingredients in the large bowl above and mix together.
beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks, then gently fold into the mixture above with a spatula
now you're ready to transfer the mixture to the cake tin and bake for 45 mins (approx) the cake should remain moist and light in colour.
Allow to cool then sprinkle with icing sugar and decorate with fresh lemon slices or flowers to brighten up your kitchen bench where it will stay perfect for 4-5 days.
we recommend eating this like the Italians do!
Per Colazione con Café!
(maybe with a pair of cute kitten heels and an apron of course...)
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so here’s a little sentimental story for you ... seeing as we’re getting a little more personal these days.
i am australian, well half british, but very australian. my love affair for italy started many years ago... i grew up surrounded by beautiful authentic italian families... i went to a school that was largely multicultural being in the heart of perth city. i loved the traditions, their warmth and sincerity and especially their appreciation for “la bella vita” on another note, my grandfather was a prisoner of second world war and was rescued by an italian family after escaping from the camp - they took him in for several months and he became fluent in italian. years later when sharing these stories with my mother he explained a deep connection to this family and the culture. one that he wished would be passed down the line somehow. i studied italian at school from the age of 6, it was important to my mother who was very close to my pop... i suppose i didn’t realise until now these little parts along the way would shape my future. it was like i had a love affair with italy in my head long before i ever experienced it in reality. fast forward to now, i’ve been living in italy on and off for the last 5 years, but permanently for the last 2. every moment of every day i’m inspired by the richness of culture and tradition.. it moves me in a way that’s difficult to explain. the small moments here are somewhat bigger. so there you have it, if you’ve ever wondered why there’s such an italian flair to our australian brand. mixed emotions this weekend experiencing what felt like an artist’s blank canvas in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, i felt totally moved as always by the small things, but deeply sad for the larger picture. patriotic? yes. ti amo italia tantissimo ti voglio bene
Breeana xx |
we speak with paola - italian photographer and creative director!you’re from milan, how are you feeling after the extensive lockdown period? is there anything you’ve learnt from the experience?i feel positive. i used the free time of the quarantine to rediscover myself. for the first time after a long time i could do all those activities that, in a normal busy period, i didn’t have the time to do: reading the books i left unfinished, painting my feelings, just thinking and analysing myself. this experience thought me that, even in the busiest times, i have to stop, breath and do what i feel.
if you could have dinner with one person (literally anyone) , who would it be & why? david lynch. one of my favourites film directors
what travel destination are you currently dreaming about? sicily. i’m incredibly nostalgic for my hometown
your 3 rules to live by? - be unapologetically yourself. - dream big. - always get out of your comfort zone.
your ideal weekend in your home town? aperitivo / museum / picnic at parco sempione
thank you paola! xx |
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where do you live and what do you do?
i live in london and i’m a track and field athlete.
if you could have dinner with one person (literally anyone), who would it be and why?
that is a hard one! one of the people I would sit down with is daniel lee (creative director for bottega veneta) and pick his brains on his thought process in reviving and refreshing bottega veneta.
what travel destination are you currently dreaming about?
ITALY! i went there a few years ago and i absolutely loved it. the food, the picturesque drives. there is so much to explore and learn about Italy. unfortunately they too were hit hard by the pandemic but i hope once the borders open we can once again enjoy the country and all its beauty!
your 3 rules to live by?
be grateful, work hard and work smart.
your ideal weekend in your home town?
i’m lucky enough to live in one of the greatest cities in the world so there’s always something to do here. but nothing beats chilling with your friends and/or family with good food, drinks and weather.
we speak with shanaya king - part time model / part time cop!
what’s your heritage? my mum is aboriginal / mauritian & my dad is european / australian.
how did you get into modelling? I’ve always had an interest in modelling. I was scouted by Country Girl Management in 2017, where they taught me about the modelling industry. I was lucky enough to be selected for their national final in Queensland. When I returned to Western Australia, I met with Chadwick Models Perth and I was lucky enough to sign with them.
you’re also a police offer - how did you decide on this career? When I was younger, all I wanted to do was make a difference and to help the community. I was never interested in going to university and I wanted a job that kept me on my toes, that’s why I decided to become a Police Officer. modelling is a nice balance because I love getting dressed up in my spare time!
3 key mantras to live by? - create a life you can be proud of - life doesn’t become easier you just get stronger - never stop doing your best just because someone doesn’t give you credit.
we loved having you in the studio, what was your favourite style from our new collection? My favourite style from the new collection would have to be the ‘Messina Mule’ white croc!! I absolutely love this shoe, the detail is so beautiful and it’s such an elegant shoe to wear with anything.
thanks shanaya! xx |
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We love seeing all our amazing James Smith followers wearing their slides, heels and mules worldwide. If you want us to see your pics and share them, don’t forget to tag us @jamessmith_thelabel.
Just in case you missed some of the recent babes in James Smith (amongst the endless European summer pics on Instagram atm) here they are.
If you don’t follow Olive on instagram (@olivecooke) you should. Aside from her infectious smile she clearly knows how to travel. Her Instagram feed is filled with drool worthy locations and a seemingly endless summer wardrobe.
We love our newest addition “Café Society” because they are so versatile. Wear them in the summer as Olive has done with a vibrant silky dress or with your favourite worn in denim jeans and tee.
The Café Society shoes feature an enclosed toe and open back and a mid-heel. Available in 5 colourways, and a variety of materials. From suede to leather, the Café Society Heels are a wardrobe essential for any season.
Jamie is another travel blogger and model that you should get acquainted with on instagram (@jamienkidd). With over 300k followers, Jamie has enviable hair and a passion for sharing her adventures with her husband (and the world).
Our Off Duty Leather Slides have become a wardrobe staple for so many ladies because of their minimalist appeal. They go with just about any outfit you can think of and are comfortable enough to wear all day and all night. Pack them on your next vacay!
The Off Duty slides are available in a multitude of colours and materials online here.
We love it when our stockists share their campaigns with us! Shop Van De Vort recently shot the beautiful Alden of Elite Models and we are obsessed with the entire outfit. Green is a winner in 2018 and the fresh white Café Society Heels look amazing.
Photography of the below photo by Becca Batistia
Styling by Van De Vort
Hair by Alexander
MUA Kissed by AML
Finally, if you missed the sneak peek of our Steph Claire Smith Campaign on Instagram here it is “La Belle Vie.” Steph wears the Wrap espadrille in black canvas available soon.
Keep your eyes peeled on the launch of this campaign because we can’t wait to share it with you.
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Prior to the event Steph Claire Smith was spotted in one of our favourite James Smith colourway slides, OFF DUTY Ballet. It’s accurate to say that these slides have seen more of the world than most of us!
That being said, we have recently launched our winter style, Le Point, in ballet. The enclosed mule design of the Le Point heels has been a best seller for Autumn/Winter 2018. Designed to elongate the leg and with the added comfort of a block heel, these babies can be worn from day to night (or on the cobblestone streets of Europe!).
The Le Point Mule is available in three colour ways: Dolce, Noir and of course Ballet.
If you’re looking for a more textured slide in a similar colour tone, the Off Duty Slide in pink suede is perfect. It’s the ultimate summer colour and these suede slides look amazing with a floral dress or denim shorts.
Here at James Smith we have been busy creating some amazing new designs and some of our favourite slides in new colour ways.
Make sure you are following us on Instagram to be the first to find out about new James Smith styles!
Check out James Smith on Instagram here @jamessmith_thelabel
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Camilla and Marc returned to Fashion Week Australia after a hiatus with a show stopping Australiana themed set. They set the bar really, really high. The collection featured earthy tones, florals, high necklines and pastel blue heels and white boots made more than one appearance.
Bianca Spender, Lee Matthews, Micheal Lo Sordo and Hansen and Gretel were some other crowd favourites this year. Camilla closed the show with a breathtaking floral runway. Featuring cherry blossom trees and Victoria Secret style orchid wings on the models, this show was everything that Camilla encompasses.
But most importantly, what did we learn from the IT girls and fashion influencers attending Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia 2018? Check out the top 3 MBFW Australia 2018 trends below.
Side Note: We are excited to announce that we are off to “Splash Paris” to showcase our latest James Smith designs. Get ready for an amazing new colour palette and some fresh new heels coming your way soon. Stay tuned!
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Pink was definitely a thing late 2017 and some would say early 2018. It was officially termed “millennial pink.” But pink is on the out and believe it or not, neon is back. It’s time to embrace full on colour in 2018. Most stylists are screaming at girls to go all out in head to toe colour, but if you aren’t quite ready for that try a bright shoe with a neutral outfit.
Check out our Le Pointe Mule in Red here.
It’s time to step up the dressing game ever so slightly with the tailored blazer pushing casual jackets out the door. A blazer is such a versatile wardrobe piece especially in this season’s trending ‘check’ print. Dress it up with tailored trousers, or dress it down with jeans and a casual tee.
This Winter we love the café Society enclosed mules with tailored pants, a casual tee (front tuck of course) and tailored blazer. Shop them here.
Sock boots were huge thanks to Yeezy’s Collection last year if not 2 years ago. It’s time for a little more structure in 2018 when it comes to boots. Anything with a chunky heel, square toe and sits around ankle height will work in 2018.
This Winter we love the Brooklyn Boot with jeans, a casual tee and leather jacket. Coming soon.
Shop the new James Smith slides, mules, enclosed mules and boots online here.
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Now if it’s your first foray into mules, fear not; we’ve already compiled an impressively thorough guide to the best outfits to pair with mules. You’llalso be glad to know they’re one of the most versatile footwear trends your wardrobe will ever see. From midi dresses to jeans and culottes, you can be sure there’s a mule style that’ll work with all three. Whether you’re shopping for your first-ever pair or are simply expanding the collection with a new-season update, we’ve got the ultimate pick of 2018 mules you need to add to your wardrobe this season.
The Café Society Mules are available in 3 colourways, woven tan, tan suede and black suede. Designed with comfort and elegance in mind, the Café Society Mule feature a small heel offering a little height and an enclosed toe to carry you from Autumn right through to Winter.
Style with a pair of jeans and t-shirt for a casual look, or your favourite midi slip dress for a more formal look.
Take them on a European adventure or wear them as your go to shoe as we transition into Autumn.
The Street-style Mule are a relaxed open-toe style with a medium height heel creating a dressier alternative to flat mules. Worn with pants, a dress or skirt, these mules will be your go-to this Autumn.
Available in three colours - Blanc, Dolce and Noir.
The Le-point Mule are a sophisticated style featuring a point toe, medium heel and open back.
The perfect must-have shoe in your Autumn wardrobe, these mules can be worn out for dinner, for a birthday celebration or more casually with your favourite pair of jeans.
The Le-point Mules are available in Dolce.
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It's the event where President Trump proposed to Melania and Taylor Swift danced her way into a romance with Tom Hiddleston and the night that provoked Jay-Z, Beyonce and Solange's infamous elevator fight.
Traditionally held on the first Monday in May, the 2018 Met Gala brings together the biggest names in entertainment, fashion and politics for one night of revelry in New York.
Only Hollywood's biggest award shows boast guest lists that rival that of the invitation-only Met Gala. Anna Wintour has final say over every attendee and celebrities from A-list entertainers to political heavyweights mingle together at the event.
The theme for the 2018 Met Gala was Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, exploring the intersections of fashion with the practices and traditions of Catholicism. The exhibit featured 50 pieces on loan from the Vatican, some which have never exited the city’s walls and an additional 150 pieces inspired by Catholicism, including designs by Coco Chanel, John Galliano and Christian Dior.
See here some of our favourite red carpet arrivals from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Bella Hadid and of course the woman who pulls together fashion’s biggest night: American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Not to mention this year’s 2018 co-hosts—Rihanna, Amal Clooney and Donatella Versace—who have truly embraces the theme.
Presided over by American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour since 1995, the Met Gala has become an annual celebration of fashion featuring some of the world’s biggest stars (Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are all regulars.) But it’s not just a party for a party’s sake - officially it’s a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, timed to mark the grand opening of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibition. The event consistently raises eight-figure sums, with last year’s edition raising a record $13.5 million.
As always, the event will take place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City’s Upper East Side. An army of nearly 200 photographers will be scattered across the red carpet waiting for attendees to arrive.
]]>Fast fashion is rapidly declining this season as fashionistas opt for staple pieces that will last the distance. The older the better as each piece improves with age. But how do you choose the perfect minimalist wardrobe? It’s all about embracing less is more.
How to create the perfect minimalist wardrobe
Decluttering your wardrobe makes it easier to organise and focus on the key fashion pieces you love. Some of the key staples to building a minimalist wardrobe are:
This isn’t to say you can’t purchase your next favourite on trend outfit but the above will form your go-to wardrobe pieces for the basis of a chic tailored outfit.
The other key points to a minimalist wardrobe are that you should love each item and they should be comfortable and easy to throw on.
Shop our minimalist leather slides here.
We’ve got you covered for each season with our new arrivals to James Smith. Starting with our latest edition Café Society.
Café Society is available in 5 colourways and the enclosed toe makes it the perfect transeasonal shoe. The Café Society leather shoe also features a small heel to add some height to any outfit.
If you are lucky enough to be coming into summer then the Streetstyle Mule is the perfect addition to your minimalist wardrobe. The street style mule features a small heel and is currently available in black and red leather.
Shop our Street Style Mules here.
Finally, we have our Brooklyn Boot which is soon to be available online and with stockists. This new boot features an ankle height cut and medium heel. You can read all about our favourite new James Smith addition the Brooklyn Boot here.
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