Sunglass Hunt.

For the past year I have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of sunglasses. I have a terrible track record with sunnies, losing three (yes three!) pairs over a weekend camping at southbound and most recently reversing over a pair (don't ask me how I managed that). I have also brought numerous pairs that are 'ok' at the time of purchase but when I get them home they have not been what I was really looking for.

I have therefore devised a checklist;
1. The glasses must, most importantly have some black on them, (I am almost always wearing something black).
2. They need to suit my style, a bit different, fashionable and stylish but not too alternative.
3. They have to suit my face. Not to big, not to small.
4. Finally, they can't be too expensive. Don't get me wrong, I love everything designer and will spend a weeks worth of pay or more on an item if I am in love with it, but when reviewing my past history of sunglasses I have come to terms with the fact that I will have to become more responsible before I can have a designer pair.

The point of this story is to share my excitement in finding my perfect pair of sunglasses. My year long search is over! Whilst browsing in a cute local shop 'Et Seq' I discovered the new range of MinkPink Eyewear. Definetly worth checking out! http://minkpink.com/ There is a pair in the range for everyone, from the plain black to the bright (perfect for the festival season), and the square to the round.

Et Seq also has a fantastic range of clothing and accessories. They stock all my favourite labels including; Wildfox, Karen Walker, Tallula, Manning Cartel and many more! Drive on over to Birkdale street in Floreat if you are in need of some retail therapy or the perfect pair of sunglasses.

The Holiday Purchase.

I have recently returned to reality after a fantastic 10 days of tanning by the pool, sipping cocktails at breakfast, countless manicures, pedicures, facials and massages and of course lots and lots and lots of shopping. My holiday destination was obviously the beautiful Bali.

I really could open a shop with the amount of jewellery and shoes I purchased, however every shopping holiday also comes with a 'Holiday Purchase', the idea that 'these will be so cool when I get back and I will be way ahead of the fashion and everyone will be thinking 'who is that super fashion forward girl in the union jack leggings?''

Yes, there, I said it....the union jack leggings. I found them in a store called Religion which has a very rock and ripped t-shirt vibe for 300,000 rupiah. I was convinced (and still secretly have hope) that I will find the perfect way to wear them in my own style, however, i'm slowly starting to think that they may be on their way to join the royal blue ray bans, jelly thongs and giagantic plastic diamonte earrings (what was I thinking) and the other (now very cringe-worthy) holiday purchases at the bottom of my cupboard.

If the momentus occasion occurs that they are saved from their dim fate and I actually wear the leggings, I will upload some photos. Don't hold your breath!

Outfit Me.

I was recently introduced by a friend (who is a very savvy online shopper) to what I have to say is my most favourite online store. I get excited every time I visit this site and today is no exception!

As much as I love fashion, I also have a weakness for interior accessories, furniture, lamps, bedding, curtains, pillows and more. The 'Appartment' section of the site is close to being my Mecca. With retro interiors, books, music, toys, ruffled bed accessories, (I won't share my devotion to every thing ruffled today, that is a whole story on its own) kooky cameras and accessories and now a bike shop, what more could you want!

Heres the link;  www.urbanoutfitters.com

Happy shopping!

Introducing Two Dotts. (Featuring Merge Subiaco)

She has a creative, personal style. She has great taste in music. She knows lots of cool people. She loves a good boogie on the dance floor. She loves to op shop. She is a fantastic friend and, above all, she is an amazing photographer! She is Zoë Walker.

Zoë has always been interested and very successful with music photography. She has had photos selected for the WAMI photography exhibition at the Western Australian Museum for two years running. One of my favourites was also chosen to be featured on the official website for The Hives!

Last year Zoë also became a fashion photographer and it comes oh-so naturally to her. I have included below a sample of our first shoot working together.

Stylist- Ella Courtney.
Photographer- Zoë Walker.
Model- Zoë's beautiful sister Brooke Walker.
Make-Up- Jade Balfour.
Clothing by Julia Silk, Story by Tang and Joanie Wong, all from Merge, Subiaco.

Check out lots more from Zoë Walker on her blog http://www.two-dotts.blogspot.com/. To see more artistry from Jade Balfour go to http://jadebalfour.blogspot.com/.

A Style Icon Knows...

When I'm in need of inspiration for styling work or even when dressing myself, I turn to my trusty copy of The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia. (The woman with the job millions of girls would die for. She is a guest judge on one of my favourite T.V. shows, Project Runway and also the Fashion Director of Elle Magazine.) Today, deciding what to blog about, is no exception.

Flicking through the pages for what could be about the hundredth time, still admiring the gorgeous fashion illustrations by Ruben Toledo, I came to my favourite page that, since my blog is about about style, I have to share.

A Style Icon Knows...
How to edit- She only buys what she likes and what looks good on her.
To invest in the 'bones'- The little black dress, classic trench etc.
To buy With drama- She goes for the over-the-top decadent item. If she falls in love, she takes it home.
The importance of shoes- Lots of shoes.
The power of accessories- Done just the right way.
A good tailor.
How not to be the fashion victim- She never carries the 'it' bag.
Its not about the money- She wears her flea market Mexican earrings the same way she would her diamonds.
How to mix it up.
How to be imperfect- She understands that everyday is not a photo shoot.

After re-reading the rest of the book, I'm off to buy myself a classic men's white shirt, stealing my brothers large silver watch and leaving my chipped manicure till tomorrow.

That is style!

I am Ella Courtney.

I am Ella Courtney. I am a designer, a stylist, a photographer, a trendsetter, a writer, a shopper, a visual merchandiser, a florist, a party girl, and now a blogger. 


After four years of design and fashion study (including a Degree and Honors), producing and creating my own fashion magazine, many years of fashion retail, making jewellery and other accessories, becoming a bookworm and a magazine addict, styling fashion shoots and most recently having fun with floristry, it is now time for me to start a blog!


Stay tuned for updates including photos, thoughts, facts and everything else that screams style!