Melbourne is notorious for its crazy weather. One minute it will be amazing sunshine and the next there will be clouds and winds strong enough to bowl you over. Being in the midst of a crazy wind tunnel meant it was hard to find someone whose hair wasn’t attacking their face or who didn’t have their scarves running away in the wind. Finally, however, I did bump into an incredible Fashionista. With her hair pulled up into a bun and her chiffon maxi flowing along in the wind, this Fashionista fought off the weather while still looking fabulous.
Name: Pavithra Jayasekera
Major: Journalism
Year: Third
CollegeFashionista: What designer inspires your style?
Pavithra Jayasekera: No designer inspires me as such. I love Karla Deras' style from Karla's Closet. She wears beautiful dresses and skirts paired with the most exquisite sandals, but looks just as alluring in jeans and a T-shirt. The Prada crystal sandals she showcased on her blog recently were stunning.
CF: What was your favorite runway look from the winter shows?
PJ: Look number 6 from the Jil Sander Fall 2012 RTW Collection. It's such a beautiful coat. My love for it is amplified because it instantly reminded me of the pink swing coat that Audrey Hepburn wore over the sparkling pink cocktail dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
CF: Where do you like to shop?
PJ: Recently I've made the switch from online shopping back to shopping at department stores and boutiques. I'd forgotten the simple pleasure of being able to touch and try on a garment before buying it. My favorite at the moment is David Jones on Bourke Street. I could spend hours going through the designer and boutique labels. Plus, they offer lay-by, which is great for those splurges I can't afford, but also can't leave behind.
CF: What is your winter essential?
PJ: I recently purchased the Amelia Wrap Coat in Camel by Saba. I'd been on the search for the perfect camel colored coat for a while and I knew the search was over when I laid eyes on this one. It's impeccably tailored and drapes beautifully over the body. An investment piece that I know I'll wear for years to come.
How To: This Fashionista has an impeccable sense of fashion and clearly knows what she likes and how to source it. She finds her inspiration from blogs such as Karla’s Closet and is very aware of what’s on the runways giving her a very polished and eclectic look.
To emulate such style I recommend doing the same and following style blogs and looking at runway trends to see what catches your eye. Then, set your sights on a particular piece or a particular ‘look’ and research it to find an option that will suit you and your budget just as this Fashionista did with her camel coat.