I am terrifically excited to be the August 1, 2010 featured article on Wikifashion. Wikifashion? If you haven’t heard of it, maybe you’ve seen Wikipedia, which is basically a big collaborative online encyclopedia. That means anyone can contribute to it. Wikifashion is the same thing, but exclusively for topics related to fashion.

Grit and Glamour featured on Wikifashion on August 1, 2010.

What is Wikifashion?

Wikifashion’s About page explains it beautifully:

Wikifashion is a way for fashion lovers to catalogue brands, designers, fashion shows and all things fashion in a highly effective and collaborative way. Wikifashion will allow fashion lovers and designers alike to update clothing from season to season and to enable access to the most up-to-date information on fashion.

All members of the fashion community- from fashion lovers to designers are encouraged to contribute and edit content.

Wikifashion is based in Brisbane, Australia and was founded by Madeline Veenstra (the fashion lover) and Coen Hyde (the techie).

Information that is contributed to this site, should remain unbiased and not include any form of advertising.

http://wikifashion.com/wiki/Wikifashion:About

It’s been on my to-do list for a while, but I finally got around to creating a proper page for G&G on Wikifashion, which, admittedly, is not as simple as it may appear. I sent a tweet about it and Madeline Veenstra contacted me and said that she wanted to feature me on the site, and I was so flattered. (Thank you Madeline!) It is a great resource that fashion lovers and bloggers should support.

Since I knew I’d be featured, and having had some challenges in creating my own Wikifashion page, I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to spread the word about the site and as well as some tips (and code) for creating a page for your blog on Wikifashion.

Creating a Wikifashion Page

• First, take a look at the page for Grit and Glamour on Wikifashion so you get some ideas for your own page. I also encourage you to explore other pages within the site.
• Next, you’ll need to create an account and be given permission to upload files.
  Tip: To save yourself trouble later, make your username your blog name, the way you want to appear on the site.
• Also take a look at the In-depth Manual and  Blogs Style Guide so you can get an idea of how the back-end works. These sections of the site will be very helpful as you develop your page or contribute to others.
• Get into edit mode for your new page. Copy and paste the code below from my page into yours. I’ve left my copy fully-intact—be sure to replace relevant portions with your own info.{{Blog
  | name = Grit and Glamour
  | created = 2006
  | author = Vahni Georgoulakos
  | style = Fashion and lifestyle
  | image = [[Image:Gritandglamour3.jpg|frameless|center|250px]]
  | website = [http://www.gritandglamour.com www.gritandglamour.com]
  }}

  ==About Grit and Glamour==
  Grit and Glamour is a fashion and lifestyle blog by Vahni Georgoulakos. With wit and honesty, Vahni explores topics and trends in fashion and how they relate to her own personal style (and ever-growing shoe collection).

  ==About Vahni==
  Vahni is a professional writer and Web content manager with a Master’s Degree in English. She is a first-generation Greek-American from the southeastern U.S., who is also a contributor to:

  * [http://heartifb.com Independent Fashion Bloggers]
  * [http://www.intheircloset.com In Their Closet]
  * [http://www.askmissa.com Ask Miss A]
  * Examiner.com—[http://www.examiner.com/x-17462-International-Style-Examiner International Style Examiner]

  ==Features and Coverage==
  [[File:Grazia_feature_GritandGlamour.jpg|frame|Blogger Vahni of Grit and Glamour in the November 23, 2009 issue of Grazia Australia.]]
  Grit and Glamour has been featured in the print edition of [[Grazia]], and was selected by Jennine Tamm for a Blogger Spotlight on [[Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB)]] in July 2010.

  On Vahni and Grit and Glamour, Jennine wrote, “Aside from her lovely and wearable style, beautiful photos, great life and style tips and pop culture, she’s also contributed great posts to IFB. We love her enthusiasm, knowledge and belief in the community.” Tamm, Jennine. Blogger Spotlight: Grit and Glamour. Independent Fashion Bloggers. [http://heartifb.com/2010/07/28/blogger-spotlight-grit-and-glamour/ http://heartifb.com/2010/07/28/blogger-spotlight-grit-and-glamour]

  Additional coverage includes:

  * [http://areflectionbytuesdai.blogspot.com/2010/07/interview-by-her-grit-and-glamour.html A Reflection by Tuesdai], July 8, 2010 featured blogger.
  * [http://www.beautifulstranger.tv/blog/post/2010/06/Vahnis-Grit--Glamour.aspx BeautifulStranger.tv blog], June 10, 2010. Featured entrant in ”Are You the Next Beautiful Stranger?” blogger contest.
  * [http://www.beautifulstranger.tv/blog/post/2010/06/Vahnis-Grit--Glamour.aspx Jeffrey Campbell blog], June 1, 2010. Featured in “NEW STYLE ALERT: MUCHO. Are you a bootie, or a cuffed pump?”
  * [http://missvinylahoy.wordpress.com/2010/04/30/featured-blogger-for-may-grit-and-glamour/ Miss Vinyl Ahoy], May 2010 featured blogger.
  * [http://stylesamplemag.com/2009/11/holiday-shopping-what-will-you-buy/ Style Sample Magazine], November 2009. Featured in ” Holiday Shopping: What will YOU buy?”

  ==Contact/Follow==

  * [http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/1191017/grit-and-glamour/follow Grit and Glamour on Bloglovin']
  * Twitter: [http://twitter.com/gritandglamour @gritandglamour]
  * In a reader: [http://feeds2.feedburner.com/gritandglamour/bHJu Subscribe to Grit and Glamour through RSS]
  * Email:[mailto:gritandglamour@gmail.com gritandglamour@gmail.com ]
  * Ask a question: [http://www.formspring.me/gritandglamour Grit and Glamour on Formspring]

  ==References==

  [[Category:Blogs]]

  [[Category:Blogs of USA]]

• Once you have permission to upload files, upload a photo for your page that is exactly 250 pixels wide. It will not automatically be re-sized for the info box on the right of your page. After uploading, grab the filename and replace my filename (in orange above) with yours.
• If you don’t want as many subheadings, or want more, you can create more easily by copying and pasting relevant sections of the code above, or by simply deleting.
• If you want to include additional images in the body of the page, you can. Read more about images and placement.
• You can preview your page before publishing/saving. You can move pages to a new page if you mess up, but you can’t delete without special permission. Read more about deleting a page.
• The key is to present accurate, factual information—like you’d find in an encyclopedia—about your blog. What you choose to list is totally up to you. I created my page on my own. If you choose to include your blog on Wikifashion, you decide what you are comfortable sharing with the world.

What’s a cozzie, you ask?

In Aussiespeak, that’s a bathing suit, aka, swimming costume, or a cozzie for short. Cause y’all know the Australians shorten everything, right? Brekky, rego, arvo, relo = breakfast, registration, afternoon, and relative. Anyway, enough with the Australinglish lesson.

The Zimmermann Cruise Swim Collection 2010/11 was just posted to the company’s Australian site, and don’t I wish I could get my hands on these suits for this summer in the States! I’m a huge fan of Nicky Zimmermann’s woven, corset detailing on both her dresses and swimsuits—it’s a signature motif that any Zimmermann fan can spot a mile away. The 2010/11 collection was a departure from the usual Zimmermann details, but still breathtaking:

Zimmermann 2010-11 Copy Cat Waisted D Ring Bikini in Bronze. Image: zimmermannwear.com.

Zimmermann 2010-11 Poppy Lattice Back One-Piece in Nude. Image: zimmermannwear.com.

Zimmermann 2010-11 Mirror Mirror Slash One-Shoulder One-Piece. Image: zimmermannwear.com.

Unfortunately, the most covetable pieces from the current 2009-10 swimwear and accessories collection (like the Raffia clutch shown below, and several bikinis) aren’t stocked by U.S. carrier shopbop.com. Net-a-Porter does have a limited, but still swoon-worthy selection of ready-to-wear and swimwear. So mark your calendars ladies—when the fall/winter collections drop here in the U.S., that’s when the latest Zimmermann spring/summer collection will launch.

Zimmermann Rafia Clutch With Pom Poms. Image: zimmermannstore.com.

This collection is so stellar, it really needs no words. Not only is the Dion Lee S/S 2010-11 collection his finest yet, it was shown at the Sydney Opera House, which also needs no words. But I have to add some anyway…yours truly has had the good fortune to not only visit the Sydney Opera House, but see a Shakespearean play there. It is one of the most breathtaking modern structures I’ve ever seen. One day I’m going to have to move back to Sydney just so I can claim it’s in my backyard.

Anyway, Dion Lee + the Sydney Opera House = probably the best show of the season. Which is a hell of a big accomplishment considering Mr. Lee just graduated from design school in 2007. You read that right. Now read this: RAFW 2010 – Dion Lee by The Vine.

The photo below was posted to Marie Claire Australia’s Twitpic account. Amazing, up-close-and-personal photos. Be sure to check out all @marie_claire_au photos—they’re very good. Also, the Marie Claire Dion Lee 2010 review for more stellar coverage of this hauntingly gorgeous collection. Seriously swooning.

Dion Lee spring/summer 2010 inkblot print dress. Twitpic by @marie_claire_au.

Ahhhhhhhh. To sum up the latest shows at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW), let me put it in two words: Mind. Blowing.

The Greek trifecta of designer Alex Perry, makeup maestro Napoleon Perdis, and hair stylist Renya Xydis came together for Perry’s massive show held in an equally massive off-site space. Looks started small (think Gaga/no pants), and literally grew into a spectacular display of frothy frockery. With all the lace, sequins, and embellishment, much of this collection falls into the special occasion category. But the Greeks promised an OTT delivery, and they made good on their word.

Here Napoleon Perdis describes his recipe for the Arabian princess look:

And the show…gotta love a final strut to a Kelis Milkshake remix.

The Bowie/Ziggy Stardust-inspired S/S 2010 Ellery collection gave me goosebumps. The leather pieces…skinny pants and little dresses…have me thinking I need. Leather. Now! Sparkling bell bottoms and a palette of neutrals accented by metallics definitely kept this show very 21st century, even if the inspiration was all 70s. View the complete Ellery collection.

Manning Cartell. I’m smitten with the sculptural earrings. I am in lust with the lace tops and dresses in contrasting black, grey, and white. I know it’s blasphemy, but I can just see that black asymmetrical lace dress thrown over some Sass & Bide Black Rats for everyday life. And the nude lips and center-parted, sleek ponies? Ouuuuuuuuiiiiiii! Love. View the complete Manning Cartell collection.

Side note: You must see the Manning Cartell Autumn/Winter 2010 collection out now. Go to www.manningcartell.com.au. Gorge.

P.S.: Don’t forget RAFW to read Loving and Loathing: Day 3 by Vogue Australia. We’re on a roll now.

P.P.S.: Tomorrow: DION LEE!!!

The fashion hysteria in Sydney at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW) is in full swing. Street peepers and uber-famous bloggers (Scott and Garance) are snapping away, the music is pumping, and the fashpack is tweeting as fast as their manicured little fingers will allow.

Day 2 at RAFW
Show of the day was definitely by dynamic duo/brother and sister camilla and marc. While I’d like to see the turban trend disappear forever, the soft shades, draping, and diaphanous fabrics were an absolute delight. Crazy about this collection. See camilla and marc S/S 2010 show photos.

Models at perennial fave Zimmermann wore wide, shiny silver metal chokers, straight, center-parted hair, and deep burgundy lips and nails. Many looks fused watercolor and abstract prints, for a very bold, very busy collection. I’ve seen stronger collections by Zimmermann in past seasons; this one didn’t speak to me. But the show’s timing coincides neatly with the designer’s New York pop-up, at 112 Greene Street, New York, NY 10012, which is now open until the end of June.  See Zimmermann S/S 2010 show photos.

Love is definitely in the air—and the dresses—of Gail Elliot’s S/S 2010-11 collection for Little Joe Woman. But Elliot tempered floral prints and ruffles with bits and pieces of utilitarian edge, and armloads of bangles. See Little Joe Woman S/S 2010 show photos.

PS: Read RAFW summary Loving and Loathing: Day 2 by Vogue Australia. Air con obviously won’t happen. But hot and stinky? Lord have mercy.

I’m sure my American readers are looking at that title, that curious string of digits and letters wondering what it all means. I’ll tell you what it means: it’s one of the best weeks of the year Down Under.

It’s the 15th year of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW) in Sydney, and all those awesome Aussie designers are showing their spring/summer 2010-11 collections. Remember, their seasons run opposite of ours. But I love it because wherever you are, someone’s country gives you inspiration for the season you’re actually in!

Pre-show and Day 1 Lovelies
Seasoned designer Carla Zampatti kicked off her superb collection prior to RAFW, at her very own mansion. Her S/S 2010-11 collection is an homage to clean, sophisticated glamour. I loved the makeup, especially the bright orange and fuschia lips by MAC—they were brilliant with her elegant, mostly  monochromatic dresses. See Carla Zampatti S/S 2010 show photos.

Photo: Getty

This year it seems like the designers are really stepping it up because, there is so much to love.  So far, for the glam quotient, Aurelio Costarella wears the crown. His gowns are a-maaaaaaaaaaa-zing. I would so love to see him dress an American celebrity and crack this market. His work is phenomenal. See Aurelio Costarella S/S 2010 show photos.

For chic wearability and overall gorgeousness, Ginger & Smart stole my heart. Flowing silk in muted earth tones and pastels were chased with just the right amount of abstract prints. Adored the skinny pants and airy feel of this show. See Ginger & Smart S/S 2010 show photos.

PS: Must read RAFW summary Loving and Loathing: Day 1 by Vogue Australia. Why is air con (or lack thereof) a permanent issue in Oz? I think we need to send some HVAC boys down there and cool all those poor people off.

I fell in love today. With a Frenchie named Poirot. Not Poirot, the detective (though he was named after him). But Poirot, the gloriously gorgeous, insanely huge, absolutely breathtaking, Australian-bred French Standard Poodle.

I’ve  had a thing for poodles ever since I met the daintiest white Standard Poodle named Zsa Zsa (I will steal that name one day, I’m sure of it).  I was in obedience class with my Doberman, Krieger, a dog that came into my life for about six months between my other two Dobie loves, Ruger and Kanon. Like Ruger, I adopted Krieger, and knew very little about him. Unlike Ruger, Krieger, as sweet as he was to people, was vehemently anti-animal. He had no social skills and was a bolter. So we found ourselves in obedience class near Mademoiselle Zsa Zsa, and my heart melted instantly. It’s too bad I couldn’t spend more time with her. But I was afraid my dog would eat her.

Back to Poirot. He was not only outstanding in appearance, but just the calmest, loveliest creature. I contemplated doing a runner with him, but I couldn’t exactly fit him in my purse. So I cuddled him, kissed him, cooed in his ear, and told him how beautiful he was. He charmed me. He captivated me. I was smitten.

And then, like all the beautiful males in the world, he left. Sigh.

I recently had the good fortune to visit the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere, Nan Tien Temple.  Nestled in the hills of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia, Nan Tien is an amazing traditional Buddhist temple that is open for tours, ceremonies, and prayer. It is a stunning, serene place…if you ever find yourself in Sydney, you must make a trip.

Front Shrine

Main Shrine

Inside the Main Shrine

In the Tea House

Vegetarian mince served in a lettuce cup with rice.

Breathtaking Lotus Pond

Koi in the Lotus Pond

The Pagoda

Gratitude Bell

So The Sartorialist popped over to Oz again for a visit and a book signing at Sass & Bide (in not-so-easy-to-get-to Paddington) from 6-9pm on December 8. I went. Ostensibly to get a book signed and meet the man who put street style blogging on the map. Or, maybe my motivation was really to see or meet his fiancé Garance, whose blog I love and adore.

Let me just say that adoration for Scott Schuman is alive and well in Sydney. I arrived to the signing just after 7pm to see this:

A line stretching down and around the block in two directions. OK, to be expected.

I got in line on the side where I arrived and stood. And stood. With the line really not making any progress for a good hour.

So I stood some more. Through dinnertime, nightfall, the weather changing from summery to cool and very windy as a massive storm approached.

Finally the line began to move, and two hours later, I was at the door with a good 50 people still ahead of me. My feet were hurting, my back was aching; I was cold, hungry, and aggravated. I saw no Garance and no reprieve for a while, so I finally bailed without my book and without my autograph. This is as close as I got:

Essentially, the trip was a total waste of time. Well, almost. I would loved to have met Scott Schuman, but since everyone else obviously spent extra time taking photos of him and telling him how they worship his blog, it made for the longest book signing I’ve ever been to. And I’m a fan but not a fanatic, so I just couldn’t take the waiting any longer.

The good part, however, was seeing the unbelievable outfits worn by the Sass & Bide sales girls, who were flitting in and out trying to manage the line and event. Crowd control and events managment is certainly not their forté, but fantastic frockery is. Which is pretty easy to accomplish with all those ahmazing Sass & Bide frocks at your discounted disposal. The girls were all in floor-sweeping maxi dresses—think modern hippie, luxe boho meets rocker chick. Fresh, almost natural faces, flowing hair, gladiator flats and simple sandals, and wild, wild, wild dresses. Loved them, and I’m totally inspired. This is typical Sass & Bide fare, to paint you a picture. I think I need a job there…

What’s going on Down Unda? The usual craziness, and then some, I think. Today on smh.com.au…

• State chills out after scorcher
  “SUNDAY’S scorching heat was just a memory yesterday, with many cities and towns across the state recording only half the temperatures of the previous day.

  In Sydney, the temperature reached 22.1 [71 degrees Fahrenheit] after the southerly change came through, 20 degrees cooler than Sunday’s 42.5 [108.5 degrees Fahrenheit].”

  108 degrees people…then 71 the next day!!!

• Dog owner in bloody fight with roo
  “A ROGUE kangaroo put an Arthurs Creek man in hospital after he tried to stop it from drowning his dog in a farm dam.
  Chris Rickard, 49, sustained deep cuts to his abdomen and face after being attacked by the kangaroo as he tried to free his dog, which was being held underwater by the animal…”
• Designer crime: Sydney’s Prada bag blag
  Apparently I’m not the only one who covets the goods at Prada. See below for the aftermath of a smash-n-grab at Prada in Sydney on Castlereagh Street and Martin Place. Can’t blame me…I’m in the USA! Wonder if any of the goods will turn up on ebay.com.au. Could the thieves be that stupid?

Prada store in Sydney on November 24, 2009. Photo: Glenda Kwek. Source: smh.com.au.