Journal

This journal is a special one for me. For a quarter of a century, I have had the privilege of walking alongside Alex as one one of my closest friends. 

Today, I have the honour of delving deeper into Alex's world, peeling back the layers of her role as Channel 9's Network Style Manager through an intimate conversation. We'll uncover what a typical day in her bustling world entails — the meticulous planning, the creative brainstorming, and discover the timeless classics that define her signature style.

Can you walk us through what a typical day looks like for you as the head stylist at Channel 9?
What I like best about my job at Nine is that every day is different. Right now as I answer this I’m on a plane to Melbourne with one of my talent to visit a new tailor and get some beautiful suits made for an upcoming project. Other days can vary from photo shoots, on set stand by for live TV shows, shopping in store and online and undertaking fittings. There is also a lot of admin but that’s too boring to talk about! 

What are the primary responsibilities that come with your role, and how do you prioritise them? 
The main objective of my role is to ensure Nine’s talent present polished and professional. This goes for all mediums within the business including TV, print, digital and red carpet appearances. Sometimes there is a real juggle to prioritise as there’s often a lot happening at once. Being organised and having a great team to support me helps with this. 

When preparing for red carpet events, what does your preparation process entail?
I start by observing the overseas award shows such as The Golden Globes and The Oscars. I make note of current trends, draw inspiration from various styles, colours and details which I then present to the talent I’m working with. We then arrange a  consultation with the designer and collaborate on ideas. The designer will then create sketches, collate fabric samples and a decision is then made on the final design. After that there is a series of fittings to ensure the perfect fit. The final touch is choosing the perfect shoe, bag and jewels. 

How far in advance do you typically start planning and preparing for these events?
Ideally 4 weeks is the perfect time for a custom piece but I’ve turned looks around in 2 days! 

In terms of trends and fashion influences, how do you stay ahead of the curve to ensure your styling remains relevant and impactful?
I’m always researching and observing across many mediums including social media, tv, film and print and I’m in regular touch with PR agencies and designers to view upcoming collections usually 6 months in advance. When creating a red carpet look sometimes it’s also nice to look back in time at the different eras and find something special to draw inspiration from and that makes a real impact. 

You’re about to style talent for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. Can you share some insights on the process and preparation involved for you and your team for a major event like this?
I started having meetings with brands in June last year to discuss our brief and overall look for each component of the broadcast. Once I had a brand locked in I worked with them to design custom pieces and colours that compliment the official Paris Olympics design colours and our set.

I’m dressing 60 talent for the broadcast and at the moment I’m in the process of fittings to make sure all the chosen pieces look good and fit well on each individual. Once I have completed those all the wardrobe will be boxed up and shipped to Paris. I'm very lucky that I get to go so I will meet the clothing there where we unpack, steam and prep for each talent. Once completed the timeline for the process will exceed 12 months. 

How would you describe your personal style?
I would say I’m a minimalist. My everyday dressing usually involves oversized shirting or a blazer with a wide leg pant or jean. I like fine jewellery and don’t wear much colour. Some would say that’s the “stylist uniform”. When I go out I look for luxurious fabrics and pieces with interesting detail.

What are some key pieces you can’t live without from your wardrobe?
An oversized black suit, a white shirt and a good pair of jeans. My footwear changes depending on the season, at the moment I’m loving my loafers and Mary Jane ballet flats. 

And finally, what are some pieces you would add to your wardrobe from Moje Store for this season?
I’m loving the 3 piece Hyde and Stone suit in grey. Perfect for this season! I also recently purchased the Brie Leon Alma Mini Bag and I love it! 

Follow Alex and her journey at @__alexwilson__

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In a world inundated with trends and ever-changing fashion fads, the pursuit of a personal and timeless style has become more important than ever. Today, I find solace in the art of minimalism, a style that transcends seasons and captures the essence of simplicity. Here are ten tips that have guided me in discovering and embracing my own signature look. 

1/ DEFINE YOUR ASTHETIC VISION
Before delving into your wardrobe, take a moment to envision the aesthetic that resonates with you. Minimalism often revolves around clean lines, neutral colors, and simplicity. Clarify your preferences and use them as a foundation for your style journey.

2/ QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Minimalism encourages a curated and intentional wardrobe. Invest in high-quality, versatile pieces that stand the test of time. Embracing a less-is-more approach ensures that each item serves a purpose and complements your overall style and pieces you already own. 

3/ NEUTRAL PALETTE MASTERY
Neutral tones create a cohesive and timeless wardrobe. Embrace a palette of whites, blacks, greys, and earthy tones. This not only simplifies the process of mixing and matching but also exudes a sense of understated elegance.

4/ SIGNATURE SILHOUETTES
Identify silhouettes that resonate with your body type and personal taste. Whether it's tailored blazers, wide-leg trousers, or a classic tee and denim, finding your signature shapes adds consistency and uniqueness to your style.

5/ ACCESSORISE WITH PURPOSE
Accessories are the punctuation marks of fashion. Opt for timeless pieces such as a delicate watch, a leather belt, simple flats/heels and sneakers or simple earrings. Let accessories enhance, not overpower your overall aesthetic.

6/ EMBRACE MINIMALIST PATTERNS
If you're inclined towards patterns, stick to minimalist designs like stripes or subtle geometric shapes. Avoid overly intricate patterns that might distract from the simplicity you're aiming for.

7/ TAILORING IS KEY
The perfect fit elevates any outfit. Invest in tailoring to ensure that your clothes flatter your body shape. Well-fitted garments, even the most basic ones, can transform your look entirely.

8/ CULTIVATE A CAPSULE WARDROBE
Simplify your life and streamline your choices by creating a capsule wardrobe. Select a few key pieces that seamlessly blend together, offering endless possibilities without overwhelming decision-making.

9/ CONFIDENCE IS THE ULTIMATE ACCESSORY
No matter what you wear, wear it with confidence. Your demeanor completes the outfit, making a bold statement that goes beyond the clothes themselves. Stand tall, own your style, and let your authenticity shine.

10/ EVOLVE, DON'T CONFORM
While embracing minimalism, allow your style to evolve organically. Don't be afraid to experiment with new elements that align with your aesthetic vision. Your signature style is a reflection of your journey, so let it grow and adapt over time. (eg. through motherhood and age)

Today, as I navigate the world with my minimalist elegance, I am reminded that true style is a journey, not a destination. It's an ever-evolving exploration of self-expression, and in embracing minimalism, I have found a canvas where simplicity is not just a style choice but a way of life.

Monica x 

SHOP MINIMALISM

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In celebration of a sell out SS23 collection, last week we chatted to super mum Samantha Frizell, founder of Eastaxe and mum of three boys. We asked Sammy how she feels selling out in less than 12 hours, how she balances running a successful business and mum life and what we can expect for future collections from Eastaxe.

Congratulations on such a successful collection. How does it feel selling out in the brown colour way in 12 hours?
Selling out is very surreal for me. It's always been a dream of mine to eventually sell out, but when it actually happens, it leaves me quite speechless. It's a really good feeling to sell out, but it's just tricky when people miss out.

As the founder and director of Eastaxe, and mother to three young boys. How do you find balance in running a successful business and mum life? 
This is a hard one to answer because for me right now, I don't know if I have much balance. Life is chaotic, my three boys are obviously my priority, but trying to run a business alongside that is tricky. It’s a juggle. I feel like I wing it every single day. I'm very determined though, and I'm quite stubborn. So in my eyes, this business was never going to fail. Even when I launched, I was always confident that it was going to excel.

What are your non-negotiable ‘you’ time things you love to do?
My non-negotiable is that I always get my nails done. Have always had my nails done even when I was really young working in a corporate job! Tyson is never really around and we don't have any family help, so I have to drag my youngest Oaky with me while he still sits still. Ha! This is 100% my non negotiable. 

Where do you draw inspiration for your designs? 
Obviously my boys are my first inspiration. I've always loved dressing them and I keep their style very simple. Eastaxe is the epitome of less is more. Keeping things like colour palettes simple and ensuring our designs are timeless. This has really built Eastaxe to where it is today. We also love shoes! So we always aim to style our clothes with a fresh pair of kicks.


How do you stay creative amidst the busyness of family life?
Staying creative within my busy, chaotic life is a tricky one. I've always worked in the creative space. I was a graphic designer before kids, (I still am) so I feel like that comes rather naturally to me, but the challenge is just finding the time now to enter that creative space. I am a bit old school also, so I tend to go back to mood boarding. If I've got a bit of an idea, I'll have a browse through Pinterest or magazines. I also go through my camera roll as I always take photos of random things like concrete walls, random art, mens fashion etc. I draw inspiration from everywhere and I always have my phone out taking photos of random things. 


What valuable lessons have you learned from juggling these multiple roles, and what advice would you give to other mums aspiring to balance entrepreneurship and family?
One lesson I have learnt is that you can never keep everyone happy. You're always gonna piss someone off. Just keep referring back to your brand and the message you're trying to portray. 

What advice would I give? Ha I hate getting advice so I feel weird answering this. I just feel like there is so much unwanted advice out there now you just need to listen to your gut and do what works for you and your family. 
Having a business and family is hard. You really have to find something that you are seriously obsessed with. If you're not 100% committed and passionate then I feel like it wouldn't be worth sacrificing time with your kids for it. If it gives you purpose and you want to get up every day and work on the business, then I think it's worth it. You also need to be prepared that the hours are relentless, its hard and its exhausting. But at the end of the day, if it's worth it, you're willing to do anything for it. 

What can we expect from future collections? Can you give us sneak peak of what’s to come for Summer?
Summer...very neutral! We have two more boardies launching and a few other surprises. Our aim next year is to really start ramping things up! We will be dropping collections monthly or every second month. I'm currently working and sampling for Winter 2024. Bring it on!

How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as quite masculine, very oversized, comfortable, and simple. 

What is a staple in your wardrobe that you couldn’t live without?
A staple in my wardrobe would 100% be an oversized blazer.

And finally, what’s one piece from Moje Store that you would add to your wardrobe this Spring?
Hyde & Stone Anastasia Shirt in Black

SHOP EASTAXE

Eastaxe
eastaxe.com
@eastaxe_

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Jenna

How many children do you have?
2 boys ~ Dash is almost 3 and Marloe is almost 1.

What does it mean to be a mum?
My family is absolutely everything. The boys have taught me a love I never knew existed and that all the small moments together as a family are what really makes life rich.

What do you think you children would say is your best trait?
Patience and calm

Who are some women in your life that are influential in shaping who you are?
I was lucky enough to work alongside Sophie Bell for a few years, while watching her navigate motherhood a business and build her dream home.
Without realising at the time, this was so influential and shaped who I am today and the drive I have to provide for my family and have the best of both worlds, working and being a present mum.

Studio Disenos
studiodisenos.com

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