white shirt campaign.

You can't go wrong with the colour white. It's plain, it's simple and a modern day essential in any fashion junkie's wardrobe. A good quality, basic button up white shirt is the perfect staple piece for any occasion and with a number of variations and styles being created in a more youth-driven society, it really allows this piece to fit into any woman's collection. 

 Leading Australian fashion label, Witchery are known for their ultimate luxe quality and structured white shirts. Knowing it was an essential for every woman's wardrobe, they started the "White Shirt Day" campaign 7 years ago to create awareness about ovarian cancer and raise money towards ongoing research for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF). Each year Witchery design and produce a range of white button up shirts of varying styles and prices that are sold both in their retail spaces and on their online store with 100% of the proceeds going to OCRF and their research into this deadly disease. 

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death of all gynaecological cancers with 1 woman dying every 10hrs from the devastating disease and a lower survival rate then both breast cancer and cervical cancer. Unfortunately there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer therefore extensive research into the disease is our only hope in catching the cancer in its tracks before it is too late.

This year Witchery has released a combination of 9 shirts (8 womens, 1 men) ranging in price ($99.95 - $149.95) and style. Depending on your own personal style you can tailor one of the white shirts to your desired look. If you are more of a classic gal, you could go for the basic button up in either a feminine or manstyle cut or if you prefer a more girly and romantic look the drape front shirt or bow tie button up will be perfect for you. The mesh spot shirt is the perfect option if you want to show just a touch of skin or you can even make the white shirt sexy with the zip front shirt. 

Personally my favourites are the double layered button up and the cutwork shirt. The double layer allows for a sophisticated, timeless look and provides a number of options to wear, for example you could pair it with basic black jeans, heels and a blazer for an ultimate sophisticated look or you could tuck the shirt into a leather skirt, paired with a denim jacket and converses for a more casual, day-to-day look. The cutwork shirt is the perfect piece for a high-fashion look and one that defines the popular sport luxe trend. Pair this shirt with a luxe silk pleated skirt and a leather cap to achieve the perfect sport-luxe attire.

 This year the White Shirt Day campaign ran from the 8th April to the 1st May and has so far raised an outstanding $12,793.90 for the the OCRF and their research. Unbelievably so, there are still a small number of shirts up for grabs if you are still yet to make your donation. The funds and awareness generated throughout this campaign are truly a crucial and essential part in finding a cure for this disease. I hope to see a spotlight continuously be cast on this cancer until we reach the ultimate goal of finding a method of early detection or (in an ideal world) complete eradication. 

For more information about the campaign or to make a donation head to ocrf.com.au or witchery.com.au

how to rock : purple haze

Today is Purple Day. The international awareness day for epilepsy.

Epilepsy is "a neurological disorder marked by sudden reccurrent episodes assosciated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain" (google) and affects 1 in 26 people around the world. Sparked by her own battles with the disorder, Cassidy Megan founded the annual event in 2008 with the goal to "get people talking about epilepsy in an effort to dispel myths and inform those with seizures that they are not alone.” The day encourages the public to wear an item of purple to share their awareness for this disorder.

Purple has also been a major trend on our fashion runways lately, mainly in the beauty department, and is one we are seeing more frequently as we move into the cooler months. To help you master both how to incorporate this trend into everyday life and to show support for a worthy cause I've decided to share my style advice on the trend "Purple Haze".

PURPLE EYES
Purple is the most universal and flattering colour to use on the eyes. Brown, green or blue eyes, brunette or blonde, it doesn't matter purple will still make you're eyes pop and is the an exciting colour to play around with! Another great thing about purple on the eyes is that it can easily be taken from day to night.

If you are looking to start incorporating colour into your makeup routine, eyeshadow is a great way to start, and why not choose a shade thats not only universally flattering but is a supportive colour of such a great organisation.

How To: 

If you want to go bold and daring look,  a full on purple smokey eye is the way to go. Have a play with a bright violet or lavender all over the lid and under the lashes for an intense night time look. Alternately incorporate a deep purple into the outer v and crease for a deeper smokey look that is still acceptable to wear throughout the day. 

Minimalistic gals should look at placing a purple shadow under the lash line using a purple eyeliner either on the waterline or on the lid to create a unique purple cat-eye look.

Perfect products to achieve any of these looks include the Nars eyeshadow duo "Jolie Poupee" or the shade "Urban" from the Urban Decay Electric Palette which you can find at mecca.com.au.

BOLD LIPS.
Bold lips, as always in the winter months, are a huge trend for the coming season. Not only is it a trend that is easy to pull off but it's simple, quick and can be perfected in under 5 minutes! Moving into Autumn we start to steer away from bright oranges and hot pinks and begin bringing out bolder, darker shades including burgundies and deep purples.

Rocking a purple lip is an easy way to show your support for purple day whilst still looking on trend and fabulous.

How To: 

For those of you still holding onto summer, reaching for a bright violet or blue based purple is the perfect route for you! Go for shades like "Gangsta Rap" from Australis or "Gemma" by Stila.

If you are more of a winter soul, go right ahead and pull out those deeper hues of purples, violets and indigoes. Perfect shades include Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Train Blue" or Mac "Cyber".

PURPLE CLOTHES

Purple clothing is perhaps the most obvious way to incorporate the colour into our everyday lives. Surprisingly though, it is not the biggest trend when it comes to fashion. Acting as more of a vintage hue, a true purple is only rarely seen on our streets through celebrities or on runways at international fashion events. 

These days we most commonly see pastel purples take hold of the fashion scene. The shade was a huge trend last season and one that I personally would be happy to see come back through again. So if you're a vintage dreamer and love to incorporate old pieces with the new, breaking all the current fashion rules then the purple clothing route is the ideal match for you.

How To:

If you are a true fashionista and are ready to take a bold move, go for a  vibrant violet or deep purple 2 piece or dress. Its the perfect colour to make a statement and show your support for epilepsy in style. Perfect products for you include the T by Alexander Wang leather top or the Sister Jane Purple Flow Flower dress from Topshop.

For those of you wanting to keep the purple soft and relevant, stick to the pastel hues. This trend is still current leading into the winter months and it makes for a perfect time to pull out last seasons pastel pieces. The absolute go-to piece to pull off this look is a pale lavender overcoat. Think along the lines of this gorgeous over-sized cocoon coat from Misguided or this snug violet cardigan from ROMWE.com.

PURPLE SHOES
My final way to rock purple hues is though killer shoes. Its the perfect way to continue to keep your work attire professional and appropriate through monochromatic tones whilst still giving off a subtle hint of colour and totally rocking the purple trend.

 Its also a great way to go from day-to-night or office-to-playground without needing to bring another pair of heels.

I also think purple footwear is the most beautiful way to share your support for purple day as it reinforces Cassidy's goal, to empower those who live with epilepsy and to ensure them they are not alone and walk together with many in this world.


How To:
If you are looking to rock this trend in a more corporate setting opting for a
classic pair of purple pumps or heels is the perfect way to go. If you can hunt down the Aquazzura lace-up purple shoes (pictured above) then these would be the most amazing shoes for you!

On the other hand if you're more of an edgy girl, opt for a pair of lace-up purple ankle boots. The laces will really satisfy you're rockstar flare whilst the purple will keep it looking on trend and give you a unique style that everyone will be wanting to get. These styles are hard to source, but trust me once you've trolled Ebay and Amazon you will find your perfect pair and fall in love.

Purple is such a fun and edgy colour to play around with and one that will always be present in a number of fashion outlets. To have a whole day dedicated to wearing this gorgeous colour is so amazing and it couldn't be for a better cause! 

For more information visit www.purpleday.org

Don't forget to throw on a bit of vintage purple today to show you're love and support.