More Classics

Black, white, denim and grey are always timeless. As is the subtle balance of classic pieces from the masculine and feminine ends of the spectrum. My favorite looks generally boil down to several masculine elements like a big slouchy jumper, a perfect coat; combined with a piece that is a bit girly and innocent (although not at all saccharine) like a denim a-line skirt - or polka dots!! Topped off with some blatant sexy-clunky heels - the best kind there is.

Top Row: Lover Campus Pleat Skirt, Boy By Band Of Outsiders Peacoat, Proenza Schouler Striped L/S Shirt.

Middle Row: Boy By Band Of Outsiders Over-sized V-Neck Sweater, Steve Alan Polka Dot Shirt, Chloe Elsie Lurex Shoulder Bag, J Brand Acid Wash Skinny Jeans.

Bottom Row: Boy By Band Of Outsiders Classic Tank, Alexander Wang Sheer Back Sweatshirt, Burberry Cut Out Leather Sandals.

Sources: La Garconne, Net-A-Porter

Boys And Girls

I love to contrast an uber-girly dress like a floral or an angelic white lace with a big manly jacket in perfectly dour grey tweed. The femininity and innocence plays off the masculine boxiness perfectly - toning the connotations of each down a notch. Also love to ground these looks with some playfully ironic "sensible" shoes.

Clockwise: Boy By Band Of Outsiders Long Double-Breasted Blazer, Topshop Cream Floral Skater Dress, Topshop Square Leather Chain Bag, Luella Frances Pintuck Dress, Church's Classic Burwood Brogue, Topshop Rose Print Denim Frill briefs, Luella A-Line Crombie Coat, Lover Ritual Silk Mini Dress, Alexander Wang Donna Hobo Bag.

Sources: La Garconne, Topshop, Net-A-Porter

Musing: Olsens, Erin, Wang, Chung

Opening Ceremony's Japan opening party brought out some of my alltime style faves. The Olsen's absolutely made my day by wearing matching shades and bunny ears. They remind us that fashion is best when one has fun with it - you can be humorous and ironic, yet not take yourself too seriously. I'm also seriously coveting Erin's shorts.

Source: Zimbio

Alexa's also been looking v cute lately - the girl does a tee + a-line skirt combo like know one else. God I wish I suited those sorts of outfits. That first image alone has amped up my loafer-desire even more, and now I'm wanting to pair them with spotty sheer tights. Oh dear.
The girl's also got killer festival fashion; aforementioned spotty pantyhose, perfect grandpa-like cardy/shirt combo, ace leather shorts - and that tricked out fedora has got me wanting to DIY my own.

Sources: The Fashion Spot

Inspiring Alexander Wang

Source: Style.com

It seemed like immediately after Alexander Wang's fall 2008 collection walked, girls across the city took shears to their panty hose and stopped washing their hair. After his spring 2009 show, many also probably contemplated sitting in the bathroom with the shower running on hot after getting dressed to get that just-walked-through-a-sauna look. After his fall 2009 show, we seriously contemplated cutting holes in our blazers and cocktail dresses.

.. Story of my LIFE!!! The dude is a magician.

More on The Cut

22/08/09: Net-A-Porter

Winter is fading here in little old NZ - so nice to feel the air and sun on my actual skin!  I swear my mood has improved tenfold.

As a last farewell to winter, I've put together a couple of killer winter outfits c/o the delicious new goodies on Net-A-Porter. All winter I've pretty much lived in oversized sweater/shirt/jacket layers, skinny pants in warm fabrics and boots. It has served my very well!

Left to Right: Preen Arch Cable Knit Sweater, Pucci Glossy Python Pants, Alexander Wang Jaime Creeper leather boots, Marni Alpaca Tote.

Left to Right: Alexander McQueen Lacquered cable-knit mini dress, Pucci Zip detailed leather pants, Alexander Wang Brenda Chain Bag, Camilla Skovgaard Satin chain-embellished sandals.

I just had to post these ace statement jackets. Jackets like that are pure gold - toss them on over anything and your good to go.

Left to Right: Preen Reversible Mongolian Jacket, Matthew Williamson Printed Mongolian wool-trimmed coat, Dacute Light Shearling Jacket

I'm still searching for the perfect pair of intense buckled ankle boots, lusting over these shall suffice until a pair comes my way.

Left to Right: Phi Buckled Leather Ankle Boots, Alexander Wang Ankle Boots, Tabitha Simmons Suede and leather ankle boots

Camilla Skovgaard does some amazing shoes and boots. I particularly love the grooved soles - they convey a slick futuristic workboot quality.

Clockwise: Bi-color cutout boots, Bi-colour boots, Suede Cut-Out boots

And man have I been coveting Miu Miu's sequined and embellished socks since they came down the runway. They combine garish luxury, kitsch and both childlike and nanna qualities. I NEEEED these!

Source: Net-A-Porter

18/08/09: Alexa

Sorry about the delay in posts - I have had supremely epic techno-karma! My deceptively angelic kitten/gremlin chewed through ANOTHER macbook charger so poor laptop has been dead as a doornail.

To improve the mood, here are some shots of Alexa looking great - as usual. This shows the worlds still in balance.

I am totally yearning for a stripey cardigan; nautical, preppy, frenchy etc. And the white dress is perfectly childlike, innocent and ladylike - yet somehow totally badass. Love the studded belt. Man I need to learn to wear dresses.

Left: in Alexander Wang, Chanel and Marni. Right: in Opening Ceremony

This is the best I have ever seen an all-buttoned-up shirt. Mostly because of the wider collar (making it look more relaxed) and the killer studs. It's Phillip Lim, and I want.

At the Cinema Society Screening of Inglorious Bastards

Source: The Fashion Spot

11/08/09: Net-A-Porter

I love cream and black/navy together - its so much softer than black and white (and lacks any waiter connotations). I also love the juxtaposition of pairing a chic little shift dress and buttoned cardy with rough leather and metal details.

Clockwise: ACNE Rita leather biker jacket, Steven Alan Etta cropped wool cardigan, Chloe Silk Shift Dress, Tory Burch Leather studded bowling bag, Alexander Wang Max leather bag, Helmut Lang Shearling Vest,Source: Net-A-Porter

Alexander Wang Fall 09 Accessories

Am currently lying in bed feeling ill and sorry for myself - so I think some accessory-porn c/o the obscenely talented Alexander Wang is in order.

This backpack is possibly one of the best bags I have ever seen. And so refreshing and has a trippy combination of edgy danger and youthfull innocence (well when did you last wear a backpack). I have been searching for the perfect vintage black leather backpack for a while now. But shall keep dreaming of this one.

Leather Vest Shoulder Bag

Equally killer are the boots. So wrong they are right. The left for night and right for day - totally uni appropriate? Just a little bit?

Hanne Triple Buckle Boots & Frankie Creeper Combat Style Low Boots

And hello there, yes he has done a bum-bag. This has been a secret want of mine for a while now (haven't yet had the guts to tell anyone I want one of these yet). And what better way to do a bumbag than with THIS one.

Denim Effect Bag Belt

Source: Luisa Viaroma

Tasha & Alex

I love the shots of Tasha Tilberg in some of the best pieces from the Fall 09 collection by Alexander Wang on his website - so fun and fresh and she is so badass its awesome. Tilberg is definitely one of my favorite models - so unique and different.

Source: Alexander Wang

Birthday Wishlist

I love lists, especially of things I want - although my normal lists are usually just of the millions of things I have to do, they are still satisfying to cross off). Upcoming 21st birthday (one week! Psyched) has seen me thinking of what I'd like - I always hate having a birthday at this time of year, as stock in stores is just old winter things (of which I have usually bought what I liked already) but summer isn't in yet. So whenever asked "Emma what do you want! Just tell me!" all I can answer is "umm I don't know? sorry.." V frustrating for all parties involved. 

When it comes to birthdays, as usual I have a "Realistic" wishlist and an "Ohmygod In My DREAMS" list.

REALISTIC

Clockwise:

Karen Walker "Helter Skelters" - have loved these since they first came out, so have laybyed as a birthday present to myself. Excellent. 

Karen Walker "Leaf Pendant"- this is quite meaningful, as (I think) the leaves look like gumleaves. And as I grew up in Australia I find these quite touching and special.

Floral Dr Martens - I am a fiend of both Docs and the classic liberty-esque floral, therefore I NEED these.

Ksubi "Aras" in Seventies Tortoiseshell - well I did need these, but recent post-hairchop trying on at Superette revealed they tragically don't suit me anymore. Lack of hair means they swamp and overwhelm me. I did shed a tear, not gonna lie.

Rayban "Clubmasters" - Thank god I still suit (and covet) these.

Victor & Rolf Flowerbomb - I go into an olfactory trance every time I walk into Karen Walker. Pure heaven.

Converse Black Leather Hightops - I know everyone and their dog has these, but I love them. And I only like chucks in white on white or black on black. These would so go everywhere with me.

Deadly Ponies "Mr Flower Pouch" - One of my all time fave Deadly Pony bags, soft slouchy buttery perfection.

Dior "Pure Poison" - simply intoxicating. And, as I am shallow, love the bottle.

And...

EMMA YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING

Clockwise: 

Karen Walker "Cigarette Butt Charm" - I have lusted after this FOR-EV-ER. Best charm ever ohmygod but this will never happen :( sigh.

Karen Walker "Oval Chequerboard Cocktail Ring" - likewise this, have loved since I was way back in high school. It is quite possible one of the most perfect cocktail rings - and uber wearable on a daily basis (as opposed to the intense knuckle dusters I also covet)

Stella McCartney "Wooden Platform Boots" - words can not describe. These are the ultimate.

Karen Walker "Owl Ring" - This little dude is too cute, and super symbolic/meaningful as my late grandmother collected little owls statues (I'm lucky enough to have some of her collection - they are insane)

Alexander Wang "Oversized Metallic Sweater Dress" - I am a massive fan of big ovesized tees/sweaters (comfort/body hiding/warm/etc) and this is possible the godfather of all.

Sources: Style.com, Net-a-porter, Karen Walker Jewelry, Karen Walker Eyewear,

Alexa On Style

"I'm obsessed with nautical things and it has gold buttons with anchors on. It makes me feel a bit like a sailor, or a public schoolboy, which is my favourite look in the whole world."

"I prefer it when I look like a boy to when I have to dress up like a girl."

"I'm kind of obsessed with the Olsen twins. I find them amazing because they look like little well-dressed animals."

"And I don't like T-shirts that are cut for girls."

T by Alexander Wang

Image Sources: The Fashion Spot,

Quotes Source: The Guardian

Dress Up

So I seriously need some fun going out dresses.. Had a massive outfit meltdown while getting dressed on saturday night; tears, insecurity, the works - classic Dumb Girl moment. Something must be done.

I really want something with sleeves - as my total lack of circulation means I feel the cold terribly. I want sparkles, metallic, lace, details and monochrome.

Featuring: Balmain, Christopher Kane, Stella McCartney, Ellery, Bec & Bridge,

Scans: W Feb 09 - Lara Stone

Featuring: Alexander Wang, Antipodium, Chloe, Balmain, Isabel Marant

Scans: Russh Sept 08 "Jerry"

Sources: Style.com, Vogue Australia, Scans

Black & White

So I only just realised that (one of) the 21st I'm going to tomorrow night is black and white themed. This so should not throw me - I mean who can mess up a black and white outfit? I wear them a lot in summer - loose black tanks white white skinnies or cutoffs, simple, casual - and a bit tomboy. But being winter I pile on a million pieces of clothing when I go out - and I find if I limit them to black and white I end up thinking I look like a waiter/tuxedo/penguin/backstreetboy. 

Another prob - have zero black or white dresses that are appropriate for someone's 21st (too short, tight or casual) and I just feel way to rude wearing pants. Will have to have an intense wardrobe raid. Old faithful Karen Walker white lace top good def be a go! It's a lifesaver - and so so pretty, which always helps.

Featuring: Alexander Wang, Balmain, Daria Werbowy, YSL,

Scans: Russh September 08 "Jerry", Pop Fall/Winter 08 "Nun Head", Vogue Australia May 09 "And God Created A Woman"

Featuring: Balmain, Karen Walker, Alexander Wang, Erin Wasson, Daria Werbowy

Scans: French Vogue April 08 "Simplement Couture" & Russh May 08  "La Verite"

Featuring: Balmain, Alexander Wang, Erin Wasson

Scans: Russh November 07 "You Look Hot"

Sources: Style.Com, SRC783, Karen Walker, Model Couture,

My Own Private Idaho

Watched Gus Van Sant's My Own Private Idaho today - wow. River Pheonix's intensity was mind blowing. And god the story (although not plot driven) was tragic. The Shakespearean element was also really interesting. I love the stark look of the white jeans and black tank he wears throughout - although how they manage to stay clean through all his hustling, traveling and drug taking I don't know. 

Featured: Dsquared Fall 09, Alexander Wang, Sass & Bide, Balmain, Current Elliott, Stella McCartney 

Sources: M.O.P.I, Wikipedia.

11/06/09: Net-A-Porter

There's something about black and studs that is timelessly sexy and strong. Love a tight asymmetric dress with leather and strong boots - makes it less overt. I also love hard metal against black, adds an edge to what is otherwise quite a sombre, serious palette. I'm also thinking studded boots could most definitely be a DIY project this holidays (which starts at mid day today!! Excite!)

Clockwise Outer: Alexander Wang Leather Motorcycle vest, Herve Leger Vivien cutout bandage dress, Pierre Hardy Fur and nappa boot, Proenza Schouler Studded biker boot, Tory Burch Studded clutch, Alexander Wang Cutout jersey dress & Satin jersey one-shoulder dress, Timex80 Digital gold tone watch,

Clockwise Inner: Spanx Black lace high waisted thong, Alexander Wang Fitted Corset dress, Oscar De La Renta Boucle motorcycle jacket, Lanvin Happu Partage fold-over handbag.

Sources: Style.com, Net-A-Porter

In A Brown Mood

Vogue Nippon has been nocking it out of the park lately with some sick editorials. I love how sexy/cute/playful this is without bordering on the tacky/cliche side. Nice to see Devon again too! Love the wooden walls in this - reminds me of my childhood home in Brisbane - that pretty much looked like a Swedish sauna.

Vogue Nippon June 2009 "In A Brown Mood" Devon Aoki 

Source: Fashion Gone Rogue

Resort 2010: Alexander Wang

Loving Alexander Wang's new resort collection. He has picked up that riff on athletic-wear that he started in Spring - same goes for denim (which he always amazes me with). Wang plays with the "All American" sportswear classics in this collection. Love the (pre-fringe) Abbey Lee in the lookbook too - she only seems to get more and more gorgeous. The natural hair and beauty look used is stunning too.

I'm obsessed with grey marle at the moment, and there's a ton of it here. Great takes on a fabric that is so typically associated with sportswear/trackpants/etc - so there s an almost tongue in cheek juxtaposition of fabric with design. Check out the long, goddess dress in the center! I would seriously live in the poncho/cape/hoodie hybrid on the left.

Im pretty much dying for one of these diamond-cutout sweaters. Amazingly graphic yey would be super wearable and trans-seasonal. Nearly love them as much as the spring jumper - this one I would give my first born for. No joke.
As usual, his denim pieces are to die for. Quirky, badass twists on iconic garments - dungarees?! Yes!! Speaking of glassic garments, I'm seriously coveting that refined bomber/varsity jacket in the centre. Looks like grey marle and tan suede. Heaven.

Source: Style.com

Calvin Klein And Visionaire's 56 Solar Party

Everyone at Calvin Klein and Visionaire's party to celebrate the "Solar Issue" looked crazy stylish - so much white and cream and denim. And kickass black sunnies. The all white theme is such a good idea. There was, obviously, a ton of Calvin - but also so Herve Leger's and Alexander Wang (Behati I still want your jacket!! We must talk oui?)

Left to Right: Valentina Zelyaeva, Behati Prinsloo, Chloe Sevigny

Apparently poor Chloe bought an "amazing Commes des Garcons leopard print dress" before she knew the dress code.

Left to Right: Shannan Click, Valerie Avdeyeva, Alana Zimmer, Heloise Guerin.

Source: Style.com

Oh and apparently the issues photographs change colour in the sunlight... Seriously. That is too awesome.

#300

This reminds me a bit of the Freja editorial I just posted. I am seriously (still still still) coveting the cropped leather tee from Alexander Wang.

i-D #300

Source: Knight Cat

Oceans Blue

This is how swimsuit eds should be done - so far from vulgar or tacky or blatant. Yet they still have a captivatingly dirty/sexy quality (in the best possible way). I'm loving anything in gathered/tied/twisted white tshirting at the moment - top faves of mine done by Alexander Wang and Karla Spetic. I love how the classic swimwear is paired with iconic, tough pieces like the studded leather, denim and leopard. Takes it totally away from the beach.

 

Ps: Anyone else miss summer already? I do.

Vogue UK June 09 "Oceans Blue" Lara Stone

Source: Starbucks and Jane Austen