2011 a return to blogging

Well a belated hello to all,

It's been a long time and a crazy crazy year (well almost a year) since my last post. I've gone from volunteering backstage at fashion shows to a full fledged stylist after working 24/7 ...months on end. I think one of the reasons for my success would be my realistic attitude and sheer drive and focus on where I want to be, there's nothing quite like doing what you love as a career (or in my case as a lifestyle). Many of you have been here from the start, many of you are new and many are yet to come.. so here's a glimpse at the story so far... I'm going to gloss over a fair bit as it has been very eventful.

The beginning story:

So it's been 3 years since I up and left my career in retail to jump head first into the real fashion industry (long long story short.. I was in retail for 5 years where I honed in my people management skills and frequently would style for VIP events and TV personalities/supply outfits for magazines... but it wasn't enough to satisfy me). I started this blog about 7 months after I left my job and also after being inspired by an intern I was working with (who is now a close friend) I needed an outlet to talk about fashion so this was a great way to share my views and passion.

The middle story:

The friend I mentioned above stumbled across a fantastic writing opportunity for herself and mentioned the site was looking for a stylist assistant, naturally I applied 3 weeks later as I was so nervous writing a letter. After meeting with the creating director I was actually offered the role of Fashion Editor due to my knowledge of fashion, my passion and the standard of work I presented (pretty much said my letter sold me instantly but wanted to see if I was the same in person). That's when I abandoned this blog as I was writing for the site, conducting photo shoots as well as juggling my assisting work so I didn't really have any spare time to write here.

It was about 4 months after joining the site that I decided to go solo and see if I could survive without assisting, this was not really my choice... I couldn't assist many people cause I don't drive... for aspiring stylist's out there you MUST drive... trust me you're going to see why later on in future posts. The first 3 months solo were really tough, work was really intense for really low pay (it beat working for free which I did for a YEAR! full time) I had a few jobs which back then seemed like high paying roles so they balanced it out a bit. A client who booked me the most went away for 3 months to do charity and I really learnt the downside of freelancing, 8 weeks of no work and you really start to panic and realise that maybe you have to put your dream on hold to get a job you hate in order to pay bills. The day she returned I went from bored and worried to flat out busy and jet setting interstate, it started with a few small fashion show cases to big fashion launches (including the infamous Vogue Fashion's Night Out which I styled fashion showcases for some of Australia's leading designers). Through all these projects I met some amazing people and my network exploded which led to new clients and amazing opportunities... oh and also did I mention fashion parties? this is a great way to have a free night out but also to meet new clients, where other people would run to the bar I'd stay in the group to socialize and network.

The present story:

Last year flew by it saw me go from assisting on shoots and runways at fashion week to styling fashion editorials, reviewing the runway shows at fashion week, styling runway shows, fashion show cases, hosting fashion talks, styling event launches, supplying outfit options for people like Jennifer Hawkins, personal consulting, being a Fashion Editor and being a personal shopper/stylist. .

The online magazine will be focusing on features rather than blog posts so I now have time to focus on my "wants/loves/needs" to share with you like in the past. I'm currently working on my website which will be going live soon (after I've changed my mind on layout 100 times.. my web designer is very patient) and I look to keep this blog up to date with not only on things I want/love/need but also what projects I'm working on so I can share some behind the scenes stories and photos with you.

Here's to an exciting and stylish future.

Mitch . S xx

Long time

Hey guys,

Been a long time since I've posted. I've been super busy now I'm starting to make it as a stylist and I've also been crazy busy with design studies.

I'm now the Fashion Editor of the online magazine www.anewmuse.net so check it out for my usual articles and for fashion editorials (doing first shoot this week so stay tuned)

Talk soon and don't forget to stop by the online mag and day hello ;-)

Mitch. S xx


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Coffee with a twist of sophistication

I'm having a coffee right now and as I was getting ready for some posts, I randomly thought of Jayson Brunsdon and his current collection. Jayson is an Australian designer and he makes gorgeous and really feminine looks. Whenever his name or work is mentioned I think "Sophisticated, glamorous, chic", he really knows how to make flattering garments and play with our senses using textured fabrics and wonderful colour pallets that have references to the Australian landscape.

I know it's been and is currently almost over in fashion land, but I decided to show off his SS/09 collection as I've had people in LA, London and Italy ask for some Australian fashion, so I dare not disappoint. Jayson's SS/09 collection took us to a really classic realm, over sized collars, big bows and shirt dresses played a major role throughout the range. I had the pleasure of using pieces from this collection at a special Designer showcase night at Myer (one of Australia's biggest department stores) it was great to see that the garments were even more amazing in real life and not just fab on the runway.

I love the pearly pink fabric that these shorts were made out of, it creates dramatic shading giving a lovely draped look and smooth silky textures that excite your eyes. This shirt is a must have, the masculinity from the over sized collar and rolled sleeves just makes a woman look sexy and chic.

We all know I have a thing for texture (well you should by now as I've used the word 28 times this week) but how amazing does this dress look! I love the over sized bow (another obsession of mine) It cinches in at the waist giving a gorgeous hourglass silhouette and I'm loving the mint green shade.

Nothing says 'Glamour' more then accordion pleats in a dress or skirt, Marylin Monroe eat your heart out! This look transports me to a croquet club when the ladies are having high tea while the gents are smoking cigars and talking about the new railroad being built....... ok I did go to a strange 1940's scene with that, but still it's a lovely thought.

I'm looking forward to his next collection and working with the garments again. Next year will be busy so I'm sure I'll get my grubby hands all over the collections in no time at all.

Mitch. S xx

Copyright © Mitchell Steed 2009

All images used are from the Marie Claire Australia website

Tight and Textured

DKNY PF 2010, I must admit I didn't fall in love with this entire collection, some of it I felt I'd seen 1000 times, or it could quite possibly be that I've viewed so much fashion in the last 24 hrs that the similarities shown between designers blended, either way I did find some great pieces that I melted over.

I loved that the collection had a high focus on texture, from the crumpled effect to gathering we saw some great silhouettes on display. The thing that attracted me at first was the use of colour against that good old classic body con dress, I loved how the fabric looked as though it had been wrapped around the models right there on the spot creating that perfect fit. After the garments from this collection that I loved and the men's line, I'm really starting to warm up to DKNY

I absolutely love these body con dresses, especially the electric blue number. These are the two I had in mind when I was imagining the fabric being pulled around the models

Here we have that lovely texture detailing, the obvious texture is in the jacket and skirt with the crinkle fabric, but with the dress above colour played a stronger part in the texture effect.

These images are of the looks that I loved in particular, head on over to Style.com to see the whole collection and decide what you like.

Mitch. S xx

Copyright © Mitchell Steed 2009

Sharp, Short, Stylish

After my day break from blogging I've noticed I'm now officially behind on my Pre Fall 2010 blogging. Everyone, everywhere is excited about the collections and I don't blame them, we see the fashion industry battle the GFC (Global Financial Crisis)by showing what's beating in our hearts, fashion will never die out and style is forever!

I know I normally blind everyone with my addiction to colour, but I loved the sleek & sharp design used in Jason Wu's PF 2010 collection. I loved how everything was cinched at the waist, it really shows off a ladies curvature and creates that lovely hourglass shape. The pleating in the skirt details really adds that feminine charm to the strong looks shown. It really reminded me of the Australian label Cue and what they have to offer instore currently (their current campaign shows off their edgier looks so don't relate it to this post)

Hints of colour, sharp lines, pleating and strong feminine looks, Jason Wu's PF 2010 collection reminds us why we love him so much. Check out the rest of his collection at Style.com

Stay tuned for Australian fashion posts to come (once I get some great images)

Mitch. S xx

Copyright © Mitchell Steed 2009

Tokyo Lights

WOW.....is all I can say, Versace's Pre Fall 2010 collection has excited me enough to be writing about this in a room with a temperature of 38*C (I have a towel...)

Taking inspiration from Japan and the Tokyo lights, Donatella Versace has created an ultra sexy and colourful collection. Body Con silhouettes, eye popping colour, tantalising prints and a new take on the mullet dress (I'll point it out later)

There's not 1 piece that I don't like, fashion is meant to be fun and this certainly has made me smile. I've gone all giggly over the amazing boots and heels, gorgeous bags and a killer utilitarian style jacket. For all those with humble incomes, don't fret as I for see many chain stores taking inspiration from this range and I'm sure you'll all get your versions of it, for all those with deep pockets, I can't wait to style you and see you show it off on the streets.

In this first block we see the bright pops of colour inspired by the neon lights of Tokyo, also some great prints that Japan helped inspire. I absolutely love the patent crumple booties and blue lace up heels, not only does the colour excite me but they are extremely wearable and versatile. We also see a homage to the 60's but with a street twist which makes this not only modern but relevant to the new generation.

In this second block we see the muted tone of navy, the first one is the jacket I feel is to die for! The peek=a-boo style skirt just adds that playful sexiness to the whole look. The bags are a must have, the multi colour blocks, the shades and shape just make it worth the effort to save for. Lastly we see the new take on the mullet dress, I love how it's asymmetrical, it adds that kind of blend of side split meets mini dress... either way I just love it

Here's to pop colours and edgy looks in 2010. For the rest of the collection visit Style.com

Mitch. S xx

Copyright © Mitchell Steed 2009

"Gams" a GO-GO!

Each year we see men's fashion getting more creative, we see the average guy care more about his appearance, we see the edgy get edgier and now we see more .....legs aka "gams".


The short shorts have made a comeback and I must say I'm actually liking it, obviously it looks great on male models so mere mortal men need to be careful when attempting this style. I first started liking the look when I saw it on the runway's a few months ago, but I was fully sold when I saw Brad Goreski sporting short shorts with dress shoes on The Rachel Zoe Project (where I learnt the term "gams")

Brad looking preppy and cute in Rachel Zoe's showroom (girls look at all those shoes... and this is a cropped shot!)

Dries Van Noten here showing us some clashing, one of my fav looks for this trend

Trussardi 1911 kind of sailor meets sports club meets 80's.... you following?

Michael Bastian mixing up the geek chic look with a buff model and street sneakers

Prada with shorts that seemed to be more like underwear, but still the overall look is chic

Gilded Age giving us a very American feel to this look, I met this guy a few years ago in a night club in Sydney, I swear he's wearing the same pants but cropped them into shorts...

Revenge of the nerds at Jil Sanders, I quite like the blazer with scrunched sleeves

Louis Vuitton, those sparkly shoes are still a lust have for me, the upper half of this is very wearable (so everything bar the socks) I would sport this in the warmer winter nights

LV at it again, this look makes me feel like I'm on holiday in the tropics... I have no idea why, maybe the bum-bag, sunnies and thongs combo (thongs = flip flops in Australia)

As it's Summer over here in Aus I may have to test out a few of these looks (fake tan all the way)

Mitch. S xx

Copyright © Mitchell Steed 2009