When my brother set off for his backpacking adventure in the 80s I was at Melbourne airport, blubbering. His friends thought I was going to miss him. But no. I was howling because he was going, and not me.

Decades on and history had repeated itself. This time I was seeing off my 18-year-old son. He was off for the summer, backpacking through Europe. My concern for him was stabbed with feelings of jealousy. Why did the males in the family have all the adventures? What about me? When would I ever get to travel solo?

When we meet fashion designer Andrea Nicholson she is pinning up a toile, a calico prototype of a Japanese inspired Aragato Duster Jacket. She talks to us about how she is revisiting some earlier influences, of Japanese costumery prevalent in the Kabuki theatre, and the work of Kenzo Takada during the 60s and 70s.

Sharryn Morris-Claire is somewhat of a style legend, both here and overseas. Starting out on Instagram only two short years back as a way to share and experiment with outfit ideas, the Melbourne based colour consultant has amassed a following of epic proportions. It is currently sitting at close to 40,000 followers.

On a mission to not become invisible, Sharryn is renowned for her Boho style – part gypsy, part urban edge. We talk to this very Stylish Woman about her inspiration, and the many times she has sacrificed comfort for style.

Suzi Grant spent her career years in the fast lane, living and working hard as a TV journalist in eighties London. As the long hours, late nights and increasing need to compete with younger faces and blonder hair grew tiresome, Suzi decided it was time to trade the Old Smoke for the creativity and sea-breeze of coastal Brighton.

Retraining as a Nutritionist, she made a promise to herself to make the most of her golden years, and never again feel the threat of invisibility. Now with three books under her belt, Suzi has created the popular blog Alternative Ageing – a healthy blend of nutrition, style, humour, and adventure.

Barbe Dolan of Fashionista in Suburbia shares three simple ways to use makeup to inject a little colour into your dark Winter palette.