I own and love the black version of this Violet & I bodysuit. It’s the sleeves I think. Last week when Anna the designer was having a Facebook sale I snapped up this blush version and it arrived so fast I could hardly believe it.
It got me thinking about the need to support local designers in such tough retail times, not to mention the fact that Zara has just landed on our shores. I couldn’t see a whiff of the financial crisis hitting home when I re-visted the flagship Melbourne store the other day- it was full, there was a queue for the change room and the tills were running hot.
I ran my own small accessories label for about 6 years and things were ticking over quite nicely until stores like Diva arrived on our shores. It became near impossible to compete with mass produced fast fashion and accessories that were on offer for a fraction of the price. I saw a definitely shift in consciousness from people seeking out local handmade to accepting that even if it breaks, said accessory was only $10 so who cares?
And I’m guilty of it too- since shutting up shop I’ve started to shop at Diva, Lovisa, Colette and the like. How can you resist? Stores like that coupled with Zara and Sportsgirl make on trend looks so affordable, just lets not forget the little guys!
What I’m wearing:
Bodysuit with silk sleeves: Violet & I
Vintage skirt: Episode
Heels: Asos ‘Polly’ heels
Glasses: Chanel
Lips: Gorgeous cosmetics lippy in ‘Precious’
11 comments
Hi, your polly shoes from asos are the color nude or taupe ? I really want them now ! It’s so beautiful 😮
I love the Violet & I bodysuit! The sleeves look so much fun! x
I adore this outfit. I just came across this blog, and your style is superb. I am now following, and look forward to seeing more from you!
Adore how the red lips work with the peach chiffon. Now I need to get my hands on a blouse like that
Thank you for such a great blog post. We are jewellery designers and makers who are constantly striving to compete with cheap, badly made imports. We pride ourselves on producing beautiful handmade pieces and using wherever possible Australian made materials. I also think it is a shame that wherever you go in the world now you see the same shops – the excitement of shopping of overseas is slowly waning. Keep up the good work ( and Fashion Hayley) of supporting local!
Firstly… What a rocking outfit!
Your blog really hits home for me too. I’m an accessory designer and I have changed my style over the years to compete with the mass produced china imports and tailor my products to particular groups.
As soon as I saw feather earrings in Diva I nearly cried. Something that I specialised was then transformed into cheap mass production. Why would someone by a handmade set from me when they could get it cheaper in store?
I too refuse to shop at these shops. Not that it will stop the market flocking to them because they are cheap. Just in the hope that my initiative will encourage others to also support handmade local crafters.
One good thing I have noticed is there are lots of new ‘handmade’ boutiques popping up around the country which shows there is still a love for handmade and vintage in Aus. So I’m keeping my head held high for now and priding myself on quality and making unique products!
Love your blog!
Personally I think Zara is way overrated and not worth their outrageous markups compared to the prices in Europe. But that’s just me…
I love the Skirt and Bodysuits are such a favorite of mine they remind me of my teenage years. I will be checking out Violet &I I would love one in black.
I agree with you 100%. I also think it’s our job as fashion bloggers with large local readership to support the local labels and have been trying my best to only buy local, but yes sometimes Sportsgirl or ASOS get my dollars because they are just so cheap and on trend. I refuse to shop at Lovisa since they copied a designer friends iconic necklace (Make Believe’s resin flower necklaces). I’m going to try to cut back on my ASOS addiction and spend the money on some of the great clothes we saw at RAFW> Limedrop, Arnsdorf, Dion Lee, Miss Unkon etc…
Sorry I forgot about what I’m wearing- will amend!
LM
xx
WHERE IS YOUR SKIRT FROM?? Sorry to write in capitals, I am not yelling, just extremely excited for that skirt!!