At the beginning of 2009 James Lillis walked into a little sewing shop and bought two shiny new sewing machines. It was a slightly unusual sight - a shop full of older women making patchwork quilts for their grandkids... and James.

He didn't mind. It seemed very punk at the time...

I was introduced to James's story via a link on cocochanelle's 2threads blog. I fell in love with the gorgeous range of tights and leggings - my favourites 'Abstract Sky' and 'Lollipops'. And you can see the whole range on the online store! Leggings have swept the world in the fashion stakes - I love to see them worn with an oversize tee or singlet, or a gorgeous dress - but for some of you who insist that these babie's are pants... well, I can understand a little, because this range is HOT! (POLL: Leggings, with or without the skirt?)

And so I continue back to James's story...

"My idea was fairly simple - I would teach myself to sew, buy some beautiful stretch fabrics, and make insane leggings. Then I would find girls who would get into them. Girls who wanted leggings that could pack a little more punch than the ones on offer at your average department store".

"I made the leggings, found the girls, and so was born Black Milk".

Best of all, Black Milk has now got a reputation as one of the most exciting designer leggings labels in the world.

You can follow Black Milk on Twitter, and fan them up on facebook, check out the typepad blog or just go directly to the website...

Enjoy, melbgirl x

STEPH HICKEY the olympic girl
BOARDERCROSS STAR OFF TO VANCOUVER WINTER GAMES

Billabong Snowboarder Steph Hickey (Melbourne) will represent Australia at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, starting February 12, selected to compete in the women’s Boardercross event.

Hickey, the 2008/09 Australian National Champion has been competing on the international Boardercross tour for the past three years and in 2008 became the first Australian female to qualify in the top 16. The 25-year-old’s hard work has paid off, officially selected to compete in the Games. “I made a comeback from a knee injury last January which saw me miss five of the qualifying events, which affected my world ranking but I fulfilled all the criteria back in September with my second top 16th place in the world cup in Argentina.

Some good results and a lot of hard work got me back in the rankings and I will be the only girl representing Australia in Boardercross at the Olympics.” Boardercross is like motocross on snow. A start gate opens and 4 people are released onto a course filled with giant obstacles like rollers, burms, step-ups, jumps and kickers, usually a massive jump before the finish line.

Before you race against others, you have to do an individual time trial. The top 16 girls then get put into heats of four. Four girls start and two advance to the next heat. No intentional contact is allowed but it always happens when there are four in a heat, making it a great spectator sport. “The Olympics is the icing on the cake to years of hard work, passion and training. It’s a wonderful way to represent your country and inherit a proud tradition to tell your grand kids one day.”

Good luck Steph, all MELBOURNE is behind you!!
melbgirl x

Nicole Richie is gorgeous! Today I'm loving her sunnies and black nail polish!
I just took 5 minutes time-out to polish up my nails in Melbourne's favourite colour...

Ready for some Friday evening drinks with friends!

melbgirl x

This season Country Road draws influence from Parisian street chic.

“I was inspired by Parisian street style - from the simple trench coat styled with a rolled up pant and platform heels, to a nude leather biker jacket paired with relaxed, jersey sweat pants,” says Sophie Holt, Country Road Creative Director.

Must-have winter acessories include the over-the-knee suede boots and suede ankle boots, the tough studed clutch and the super-sized fringe scarf that are all great multi-taskers this season...

I'm loving the 'Pleat Shoulder Blazer' in the top picture and the 'Cable Knit Collar' pictured below.

Get into Country Road before you miss out - there are heaps of stores all over Melbourne and the rest of Australia!

melbgirl x

Nuffnang.com is Asia-Pacific’s first and leading leading blog advertising community. The Nuffnang online platform allows advertisers to serve graphic or video based advertisements onto more than 100,000 blogs hosted on various platforms. Currently they have offices in 4 countries, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and our very own lovely country, Australia!

I joined the Nuffnang community last year and haven't looked back! You can keep a close eye on visitors to your blog (what country they reside in, and key 'hit words' that attracted them to your blog). I get particularly excited when a simple melbourne girl like myself has hits in many different international countries... Connecting to the world on a global scale!

And the best part of being a member of Nuffnang - is the opportunity to attract advertisers to your site (for free!) And not only for free... You get paid for hosting the ads as well... Yey! Their list of advertisers includes bluechips such as Citibank, Nokia, Sony, Proctor & Gamble, Nokia, Nike, Nestle, and many more!

Many of my favourite blogger colleagues also use Nuffnang including Sea of Ghosts, whattowear.com.au and Fashion Hayley.

To celebrate St.Valentine's Day I dedicate a short verse in your honour!

A Letter of Love

I wake filled with thoughts of you dear Nuffnang.

Your analytics and the intoxicating earnings which I encounted yesterday have left my senses in turmoil.

For my heart flutters globally... My soul aches with sorrow for the next live advert, and there can be no rest for you dear Nuffnang; but is there still more in store for me when, yielding to the profound feelings which overwhelm me, I draw from your referrals, from your community a love which consumes me with fire?

Ah! it was last night that I fully glorious how false an image of you your keywords gives!

I am leaving at noon; I shall see you in three hours upon my log in.

Until then, mio dolce amor, a thousand kisses; but give me none in return, for they set my blood on fire.

Inspired by the famous letter of love
Napolean Bonaparte (1763 - 1821)
Paris, December 1795

Lots of Love, and Happy St. Valentine's Day!
melbgirl x

This season Karen Walker eyewear worship and pay tribute to the Sun Gods.

Karen walker eyewear is now in its 5th year, and once again the collection will be launched at New York Fashion Week on the runway with Karen’s fall / winter 2010 collection on February 13th 2010. It’s sure to throw a few rays of sunlight into the crowd.

This 35 piece collection remains true to the Karen Walker ethos continuing its original, effortless and unpretentious style. The range includes new interpretations of the metal silhouettes that were introduced last season with styles like The Prisoner, Escape and Agent- all featuring glass lenses to provide maximum clarity.

From the intricate arrow detail to powerful colour choices and striking shape selection, the handmade acetate frames such as The Village, Rover and Number Six are synonymous features to Karen Walker Eyewear.

The ‘Sun Gods’ 2010 campaign was photographed by NY based photographer Derek Kettela. Derek captured the power, glory, vitality and the positive energy of the Sun to create the illuminated golden imagery.

Here are my favourites!

Karen Walker Eyewear’s new range will be available through selected Department Stores and high-end eyewear and fashion boutiques from mid February 2010.

Enjoy, melbgirl x

Kristin Bell - Monique Lhuillier Salon Opening
Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

So loving headbands at the moment!

The gorgeous Kristen Bell of Veronica Mars, Gossip Girl and Heroes, wore a simple, yet all so modern thin strap band at the opening of the Monique Lhuillier Salon. Balanced by her gorgeous one strap dress and bling-bling earrings, she looks stunning!

Send me links to your favourite headbands...
melbgirl x

melbgirl is a design studio directed by Emily Harris.

With over 10 years industry experience, we can work with you on your next design project to deliver an affordable and high quality end result.

We offer the following design services:
• logo and brand design
• corporate identity
• photography
• fashion and textiles design
• stationery
• publications
• posters
• magazines
• print and online ads
• website project management
• print management
• plus more!

Visit the melbgirl portfolio and website www.melbgirl.com

Get in touch today to discuss your next design project.
melbgirl x

Up and coming contemporary fashion and jewellery design, vintage clothing, live music, guest DJs, visual artists, fortune readers and delicious food and drink - all on a beautiful summer afternoon.

After a super successful launch event, Blackbird Market is pleased to announce its newfound monthly status on your 2010 calendar. Combining all the things that make up the best way to spend a Saturday, Blackbird Market can be found in Melbourneʼs creative and fashionable district of Brunswick Street at the delightful Workers Club venue.

The perfect environment for both retail and display, Blackbird Market focuses on independent designers in fashion and jewellery, fine artists, vintage sellers and great indie bands and DJs. The market also welcomes existing fashion labels looking to sell off sale stock or promote their product via the marketʼs trendsetting and fashion-savvy target demographic.

The February market line-up already includes ace local band The Great Earthquake aswell as a guest DJ set by Triple J indie darlings, British India. Blackbird is currently recruiting suitable stall holders for the next market day on Saturday the 13th of February, as well as seeking media and advertising partners and event publicity.

For more information, please visit the Blackbird website.

Sounds like fun! melbgirl x