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