Shakuhachi x TheTrendSpotter: Monochrome

This week we caught up with the super chic Dasha Gold from TheTrendSpotter to chat all things lifestyle, street style and her trend forecast for Summer. Make sure you check out her guest trend edit on our website for lots of monochrome goodies! 

S: Three words you would use to describe 'The Trend Spotter'.  

TS: Fashion, Art, Lifestyle

S: When did you start blogging?  

TS: I started my first blog more than 5 years ago but a few years later I wanted to expand thus TheTrendSpotter was born. As the content expanded, we decided to take it to the next level and give the website a 'face lift'. Today TheTrendSpotter is a reflection of our biggest passions, lifestyle, past experiences, the amazing people we meet, and things that inspire us.

S: Your blog focuses on your personal style as well as many other areas of fashion, which differentiates you from a lot of other fashion blogs. Can you give us a run down on what else your blog has to offer?  

TS: TheTrendSpotter is a fashion blog, an online magazine, a source of inspiration. It is international, multi-cultural, it is not all about fashion, it is about the lifestyle, ideas, people, travel, about capturing the moments and sharing them with the world. 

S: How do you keep up with the trends? 

TS: I am always on a lookout for the latest trends. Often it is an evolution of last season's 'hits'. When I see something new and inspiring I want to find more variations of it and it's origins. We do a lot of research, I have hundreds of trend folders on my computer and add more every day. When we see a potential trend on the streets or runways, we photograph it and place it in the folder allocated for it, when the folder fills up with images, we prepare an article. Often spotting a new trend isn't about spotting a repetition, it is about discovering the new inventions or something that will soon become a worldwide addiction. We also feature street style photographers' photos from around the world who have a great eye for spotting the latest fashion trends.

S: What is your trend alert for this Summer? 

TS: We will have a lot of trend alerts coming up in the next few weeks as the Spring 2014 runways wrap up in Paris. Some of the trends we have highlighted are plaids, cropped tops, fringing in elegant dresses and tailored tops, wide leg white pants, 90s sports inspired looks, sheer stripes, orange lips and middle parted hair.

S: Are your personal posts inspired by your street style snaps? 

TS: There is so much inspiration in the street style photography, and I have to admit I am slightly addicted to it. A lot of things inspire me to create the looks and the story for personal style posts, and street style is certainly one of them.

S: You are Melbourne based but travel a lot for your blog. Where have you been lately? 

TS: Last year we went to Paris, Florence, Venice and Switzerland. This year we have not travelled as much but couldn't miss an opportunity to attend New York Fashion Week. We have just recently returned back with a lot of wonderful memories.

S: One trend that was a stand out overseas? 

TS: One of the biggest re-occurring street style and runway trends that stood out overseas is monochrome styling. What fascinates me about this trend is the endless amount of ways to put it together; it suits almost all kinds of personalities, body shapes and evolves with introduction of the new wardrobe basics, the character of the wearer and their personal style.

S: Now that you are home ...  your favourite place to snap street style in Melbourne? 

TS: Its more about being at the right place at the right time. During fashion week, festivals, events and launches it is easier to spot some of the most exciting street style fashions. But we do not limit ourselves to this, there isn't one perfect place or time to shoot in Melbourne. Unique and interesting style can be found on any street in Melbourne at any time, the beauty is in spotting and capturing it on camera.

S: Lastly, your Shakuhachi Summer 2013 wardrobe essential?

TS: Some of the most stylish and trendy Shakuhachi Summer 2013 wardrobe essentials are the one of Shakuhachi's fabulous hats, Python A Line Dress in White, Into the WIld Tee Top, Puzzle Silver Clutch, Python Strappy Heels and my favourite Serpent Envelope Skirt I wear almost every day. Also, we can't forget the pieces I am wearing in this shoot especially the Keyhole Strappy Bikini Top with Contrast Panelled Multi Strap Bottom and Utility Tapered Trousers.

Dasha's Shakuhachi Trend Edit: Monochrome 

Photography: Colin Gold - TheTrendSpotter

View TheTrendSpotter x Shakuhachi Blog Post here

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DANCE WITH ME || THE FORMAL DRESS EDIT

Dance like no body is watching in Shakuhachi's formal dress injections!

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Shakuhachi x Substance: The Essentials

This week Shakuhachi caught up with the sports luxe Queen, Ally Carey from Substance to get the low down on her Summer check list. We chatted all things fashion and lifestyle with the gorgeous beach babe. 

S: How long have you been blogging for?

A: I have been blogging for just over three years. My first blog was called Unknown Pleasures, then this year in April I decided it was time for a new chapter so I rebranded as Substance (blog). Both are Joy Division albums so I guess you could say Substance is a new chapter of Unknown Pleasures.

  

S: There are so many bloggers, how did you get your blog out there? 

A: My imagery plays a big part in separating me from other bloggers. We aim to represent brands in the most professional way possible and I think people love coming back each time to Substance to see how we’ve captured the next post.

S: What trend are you loving right now? 

A: I am crazy for sportsluxe. I am so glad it’s sticking around, I just can’t get enough! Seriously, it’s so good!

S: Item on the top of your Summer 'wish list'?

A: I wouldn’t mind if Santa brought me Shakuhachi's 'Rubber Bikini'. With that, I think i’ll be set.

S: What do you do when you are not blogging?

A: If I’m not blogging I am probably either at the beach, drinking coffee, working or catching up with people! Now that we’re in NSW i’m finding it fun discovering new places to go, eat, etc!

S: What is your favourite thing about living on the coast? 

A: We live such a cruisey lifestyle and have great locations for shoots right outside our door step. We aren't too far from the city either. We really have the best of both worlds! 

S: Summer Essentials?

A: Sun cream - I burn way too easily! BB cream to keep it light rather than make-up and a floral loose fitting dress to throw over swimmers as well as denim cut offs. 

S: Summer body secret?

A: My main focus is healthy eating and then exercising - they go hand in hand. I eat a fairly balanced diet usually.

S: Fitness plays a huge part in your life. What is your exercise regime? 

A: I love my fitness. Jonathan (my fiance and the guy behind the camera) trains me. We exercise 3-4 times a week together just at home - we’re not a fan of gyms. It’s so nice, we train outside in the fresh air after being cooped up in doors all day.

Throughout the week I’ll work out my upper and lower body as well as throwing in some cardio.

S: Everyone has a guilty pleasure ...

A: Lollies! I am the worst. Absolutely no self control when it comes to them.

S: Favourite Summer holiday destination?

A: We’re trying to plan a holiday to Tasmania for December and then our Honeymoon to the UK/Europe next year which I am hanging out for. We want to do the countryside of Ireland, Scotland etc - it’s going to be a rad trip.

  

S: Lastly, something we don't know about Ally Carey?

A: No one in my family calls me Ally. They all call me Budha!

Ally's Life Aquatic Essentials

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Photo Credit: Jonathan x Substance Blog 

NYFW

Our favourite bloggers ruled The Big Apple at NYFW ...

See their Shakuhachi street style, read about their NYFW experience and shop their look now! 

How Two Live

Wearing Cruise 13/14 

NYFW Highlight? BCBGMAXAZRIA after party at the rooftop of The Standard hotel.

Favourite Show? Opening Ceremony.

What's on trend for A/W 14 according to NYFW? We saw a lot of white on white, and also sheer dresses and tops.

Most surreal moment? It would definitely have to be meeting Rachel Zoe and handing her over our business card ... potentially the best moment of our lives!

Dasha Gold AKA The Trendspotter

Shakuhachi Serpent Envelope Skirt and Glossy Patent Stappy Sandals White

NYFW Highlight? Sitting front row at DKNY, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Herve Leger by Max Azria, Jill Stuart, Nautica, Carolina Herrera, Richard Chai shows at New York Fashion Week. Dream come true moments throughout fashion week.

Favourite Show? It's hard to choose a favourite as every show represented the brand in its own unique way. It was an absolute pleasure to attend the shows at NYFW. To answer this question I will mention just a few of our favourite shows - DKNY 25th Anniversary Show, Ralph Lauren and Carolina Herrera.

 What's on trend for A/W 14 according to NYFW? Prints, cropped tops, man styling for ladies, sheer sport, feminine sheer dresses, Mexican inspired looks, fringing, perforation, orange lips, middle parted hair, white nails, pastels, white, gold and of course, monochrome essentials. 

Most surreal moment? Celebrity moments - when there are so many cameras facing me at the same time that photographers had to scream out "Look here! Look here please"! A lovely lady ran up to me screaming "Are you Dasha from TheTrendSpotter?". Also, sitting across the runway from Kelly Osbourne and my idols in the fashion and arts industries in person. Finally, don't laugh, Donna Karan giving me a kiss on the cheek at DKNY's 25th birthday party celebration. 

Shop their look online now: 

Photo Credit: How Two Live, The Trendspotter and Natasha Oakley 

Eye Candy

Our scrumptious, delicious, oh so sweet exclusive sunglasses range is about to hit stores and the Shak Team are having a major eye candy moment!

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