No image necessary, just picture this...

Picture this: packing for a weekend away at your country hideaway.
Picture a modest mansion amongst greenery reminiscent of the English countryside... think Old Bowral. Topiary Trees, English maples, maze hedges of English Box... The grand homestead perched on a hill, with large verandas, gable windows and a shingled roof.
Picture yourself sipping homemade lemonade on the porch after a game of croquet.
The air is crisp but the days are beautiful, not a cloud in the sky.
You leave your large wicker armchair and decide to go for a stroll. You grab your caramel overcoat, complete with gold buttons and waist sash, yet decide although the air is crisp, a coat would be premature. It's late afternoon, but not yet dusk. You grab your vest instead.
Pure wool, the softest shearling running down the front breast panels, double breasted with shiny gold buttons....

Does anyone else out there do that too???? Fall head over heels in love with a piece of clothing and then imagine every second you'll spend together? What activities you'll do together, how it will look being folded neatly into the Louis Vuitton Hard Luggage that you don't even own, how you'll feel throwing it on in a mad dash to hail a cab... You start to imagine yourself in an entirely different life, like the garment will give you that life.
It's absolutely ludicrous but I have to admit I do it all the time.
And when I see a collection that I truly love, my mind wanders...

The story I described earlier pretty much sums up what was going through my mind as the lovely Antonia was doing her best to keep me focused whilst showing me the Camilla & Marc Winter 2, 2012 collection. Every piece, Boom!
Fine Merino Wool Knit in cream with gold beaded detail = snuggling in front of the fire sipping a glass of olllldddd red wine. Wool Circular Knit Draped Vest in Navy and Cream Stripe = popping into town to run some errands, worn with a vintage belt to cinch in the waist and teamed back with a large, oversize, tan, slouchy leather bag and some Chanel ballet flats. Caramel Wool Vest with shearling front panels and gold buttons = strolling around the English gardens on a crisp sunny afternoon, worn over a cream turtleneck with a pair of designer jeans. They all just fuelled my fantasy!
The only thing that managed to shake me from my alternate reality was when Antonia appeared with a plate of perfectly round, colourful Macaroons! And they were superb... they also seemed to fit nicely into my Country Getaway scenario. In Fact, they would've gone down a treat after that game of croquet ;)

So, to summarize: This collection will take you off to any number of locations. It will inspire you to do any number of things. It will complement any number of items already in your wardrobe. It is luxurious, timeless and elegant. It's desirable, admirable and represents a beautiful life. And that's just to summarize...

Boho Chic

Being a mother of three, it's not often that I get the opportunity to dress in silk and see the outfit through the day, unscathed. However, on this beautiful Sunday morn, I decided to embrace being out of the house, child free, and chose an ensemble to be proud of :)

Let's be honest, the star of the show here is the Lover Silk Maxi in Nude. Sitting mid-waist, with flat pleats just below the waistband that gradually fall out as the fabric swims around your feet... breath-taking.

Team that back with a cropped crochet tank, like this Alice McCall "Gimme some lovin" top, and you've toned down the look to a very wearable outfit.

Having just had a baby 4 months ago, and not feeling the look of my sausage arms protruding such a delicate piece of clothing, I opted for a Winter Kate silk Jacket to cover those bad boys up. Rolling the sleeves up, again makes this look appear more relaxed and effortless.
Oh! And to complete the ensemble, some huge wooden platforms in tan, tied back with a vintage plaited belt.

So there you are... An effortless and comfortable way to wear silk, and a chic rendition of the Boho trend that I, for one, am loving right now! For more inspiration on this look, follow the style of the gorgeous Nicole Richie, and also check out Alice McCall's Summer 2011 collection. View the latest from the collection online at ccshop.com.au

Au Revoir,

Lisa-Marie xxxx

Manning Cartell takes on NYC. Boom!

Hi ladies, Lisa-Marie here. I'd love to share some of my experiences with you all from my buying appointments. This can be a very challenging part of my job, however, more often than not it is the most inspiring!

I am currently viewing Winter 2012, and so far... I am very excited :) Today was Manning Cartell (always a favourite!), and their collection celebrated one of my most desired travel destinations: NYC. Here's a sneak peek...

The extremely talented sisters of Manning Cartell recently took a trip to the big apple to gain inspiration for their Winter 2, 2012 collection. The result... bold, angular prints in shades of blacks and whites, contrasted with citrus bursts of orange and lime.

Imagine... the Chrysler Building glorified in sequins and silk, store windows of Manhattan reflected in geometric wonderlands, and cosy knits perfect for snuggling up by the fire in a Park Avenue Penthouse.

This fashion-forward brand is known for bringing us unique fabrics, interesting shapes and totally snuggable knits, and next winter will not disappoint.

My favourite part of viewing this collection... having my little girl there with me :)

After all, she is the future of Cauchois & Calo! (Along with her too-adorable-for-words cousin, Avia Calo)

Until next time,

Au revoir,

Lisa-Marie xxxx

Ah-mazing Manning!

How stunning is this new Manning Cartell? It is all in store at Cauchois & Calo and ccshop now!

xxM

Dominique Hardy

We're loving our new online store ccshop and especially its very pretty new logo, designed by the talented Dominique Hardy. We asked her to share with us what she loves. Here are her 5 favorite things:

1. Fashion Illustration - I particularly like creating chic, understated monochromatic illustrations.

2. Chanel Nail Polish in Particulière - an effortlessly elegant taupe-grey shade from the Les Impressions De Chanel Collection.



3. Stella Mag - this cute Danish mag is perfectly sized for your handbag. Love their dreamy editorials and features on super talented women illustrators.



4. The Art of Lee Miller by Mark Haworth-Booth - great collection of the flapper fashionista/surrealist muse/noted war photographer's work.



5. The Opera Palais Garnier, Paris - Beaux-Arts opulence at it's best! I took this photo of the breathtaking ceiling, painted by my favourite artist Marc Chagall, above the massive crystal chandelier in the Auditorium.

.....

I don't know about you, but i now want that magazine, both those books, and that nail polish... Come to think of it a trip to Paris to see that roof wouldn't go astray either ;)



xxM

The Naughty Serpent

Everyone knows that we love Lover. We also love the hillarious tv show 'Community'. So we were delighted to see this beautiful shot from the October edition of Rolling Stone (US) of Annie in the stunning Serpent Lace Dress which is in store now.




xxM

We are now online

We now stock our beautiful labels online. You can treat your self to something pretty anytime-day or night!

We would also like to offer you free postage as an opening special!

www.ccshop.com.au

Spring is here!

Finally the warmer months are here! We can pull out our bathers, feel the sun on our skin and relax while drinking watermelon margaritas!!!

We are also excited about all the new spring stock!

We have already received some Maison Scotch, Little Joe, Camilla and Marc, Lover,House of Harlow and Manning Cartell which are available in store now.

Hope to see you in store soon!

Annaleise x

Little Joe Woman by Gail Elliot

We have just received a new order of Little Joe woman for the start of Spring!
The collection is bursting with that feminine, sweet and romantic spring feel. There are pretty floating lace dresses, gorgeous suede and crocheted pieces.

Hope to see you in store soon x

Maison Scotch - Scotch & Soda

Introducing Maison Scotch to Cauchois&Calo

Amsterdam Couture

Maison Scotch love to make great garments that suit every individual.Scotch and soda products are of high quality, rich in detail and affordable.

Their products are based on the best tried and tested classic and vintage styles, enriched with inspiration from around the world.

With beautiful nautical inspired knits, blazers & tops, it is suitable to wear now and in Spring.

We are very excited about this label and we hope to see you in store soon!

A x

75% off Swimwear

There is no questioning that winter is here, so now is the perfect time to pick up some fabulous bargins for summer!

We have 75% off all swimwear so hope to see you in store soon.

Annaleise x

Annaleise Loves...

To get to know Annaleise better we decided to ask her for her top 5 loves. Here they are:

1. Celebratory Champagne

2. Baking

3. Nude Lips

4. Paris

5. Bon Iver

New Baby...New Manager :)

As some may know Marisa has left the collaroy boutique as the time has almost arrived for her little bundle of joy to to meet the world!

It then poses the question as to who will be managing the collaroy boutique?

I have been given the great honour of joining the Cauchois & Calo team as the collaroy store manager and just wanted to introduce myself!

I look forward to meeting and getting to know you all.

Always feel free to pop in and just say hi!

Love Annaleise x

SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE

Our MASSIVE winter sale has begun with at least 50% off all sale items. We're open the whole long weekend so make sure you pop in to grab a beautiful bargain!

xxM

I'm still here...

just very pregnant!

I thought I'd say hello just in case you've been wondering if I'm still alive. It turns out that I'm just not very good at multi-tasking now that I'm pregnant, so apologies for the total lack of posting!

We are keeping our Cauchois & Calo facebook up to date so if you want to see what new stock is arriving in store like us on facebook.

Here's a sneak peak of things to come from Fashion Week (thanks Jesse).

Backstage at Alice McCall

xxM

Watson X Watson

How adorable are these new Watson X Watson boots?!?!?! They are the perfect shoe to keep you warm all winter and look incredible with all our new winter stock, especially the Lover Cable Knit Sweater Dress.

Rolled Cuff Boot

xxM

Ruby Smallbone

Here is the stunning Ruby Smallbone stock that has arrived lately:

Hydraulics Silk Kimono Jacket Invarience Bodycon Dress

Hydraulics Silk and Mesh Dress

xxM

Lover wool and knit

Here is part 2 of th latest Lover deliveries. How amazing is the sweater dress?!

Cable Knit Sweater

Wool Practice Roll Top

Cable Knit Sweater Dress

xxM