Something Else - Spring 09

More from the Aussies - I'm loving the darker collection from Something Else. The dresses look supremely comfortable - particuarly love the simple grey t-shirt topped one. Also totally digging that graphic tee - v Pink Floyd. The layered necklaces are a great touch too - I think I need to load even more around my neck for summer.

Source: Something Else

Summer 09/10 - Cassette Society

It's slowly warming up here in Auckland - occasionaly I've even been able to stand bare arms or legs for a brief period of time! So I'm starting to think about spring and summer pieces that I can realisticly get my hands on - so expect a mild slew of posts in this vein over the next we while.

Aussie label Cassette Society has some geat pieces that would be super easy to wear - cofortable, a bit grungy and feral (excellent) and will fit right in with everything I have already.
The stonewash denim is a nice move on from the acidwash that has been so ubiquitous lately, and totally reminds me of my childhood in early 90s Bris-Vegas. Choice!

Source: The Cassette Society

Doilies and Pearls, Oysters and Shells

I fell madly and deeply in love with Romance Was Born's Summer 09/10 collection (perfectly titled) "Doilies and Pearls, Oysters and Shells" when it showed at RAFW - it was a total trip. Dreamy escapism and the ultimate fantasy. It seriously doesn't get any better than mermaid-nana-whore. I love.

Of course, knitted octopus hoodies are hard to do in real life. So when I popped into James Dobson's store Children of Vision a few months ago and he showed me the hot off the press lookbook I totally died - it was all heavenly, and actually (somewhat) wearable. Apparently it's due in store in September - I'll be in like a shot. But what to choose?!?!

Left to Right: Knit Wit Nighty, Esme Dress, Barnicle Boob Top w Decked Out Shorts

I love the delicacy of the white pieces - they look like shells that have been sunbleached from an eternity spent on the beach.

Left to Right: Rock Lobster Jacket w Rock Lobster Skirt & Lace Bodysuit, Clam Shell Smock Dress w Lace Leggings, Rock Lobster Dress

Is it wrong that I kindof want blue lace eyebrows? Probably. But I also desperately want pastel pink hair. I wonder what Mobeen at Stephen Marr would say? Parents would be aghast.

Left to Right: Barnicle Earrings w Mini Barnicle Necklace & Gossip Granny Headband, Nanna Floral Print silk scarf

The delicate lace details and intricate embellishments translate surprisingly as well into black as they do in the sugar spun hues.
Left to Right: Rock Lobster Jacket w Lace Bodysuit, Barnicle Boob Top w Gypsy Mermaid Pants, Clam Shell Dress

The swimwear is killer; both innocent and girly, and sexy/retro. I'm def going to score myself a pair of high waisted bikini briefs for summer. Tan will be interesting! Shall let you all know how I get on with that.

Left to Right: Mermaid Bikini and Clamshell Bikini

And I just had to post some of the fabrics - I am a total textile fiend. These are sumptuous and heavenly.

Left to Right: Pearl Print and Nanna Floral Print

Source: Romance Was Born Lookbook

R.M.Williams

I ordered these custom made R.M.Williams boots from across the Tasman months ago - and they are FINALLY here (after a brief tiki tour on their way from the factory to the showroom). 

Having grown up in Australia, the iconic R.M.Williams brand is (for me anyway) both evocative, idealistic and down to earth. It represents the ideals, values and stories I grew up learning and absorbing.

My dad has worn R.M.Williams boots every single day of my while life (other than special events and functions - they aren't quite black tie after all). He prefers the tan and dark brown pairs. Their style and function have been ingrained in me from birth, so it's understandable that I eventually ended up wanting my own pair.

After much deliberation (and half an hour spent in the Christchurch store earlier in the year) i decided on black nubuck leather. With a chisel toe and cuban heel contrasting the masculine with the feminine. Love the elastic sides - so functional and old school. And LOVE the tabs.

Perfect cuban heel. And check out the fully rad nailed soles. Ultimate.

Boots worn with TV Leopard Leggings

Vogue Australia Sept 09 50th Issue: Cover

The 50th issue of Australian Vogue's covers (yup, four) are out and are really quite lovely. The vintage-esque illustrations of the classy Cate Blanchett by David Downton are both refreshing and nostalgic. Patty Huntington has some shots of the editorial of Abbey Lee and Catherine McNeil on her Frockwriter blog - I can't wait to see the whole issue!

Vogue Australia Sept 09 Cover

Cate Blanchett illustrated by David Downton

Source: Fashion Copious

RUSSH July 09

Hi all - maaaajor apologies for the extreme belatedness of this post! Have had a crazy buy past few weeks with pre and actual birthday and uni stuff. But have finally got my shit together! And apologies in advance for possible dwindling in posting this weekend - am working friday night and literally aaall saturday and sunday. Oh the joys of retail.

Great issue of Russh, as always. Oh and did I mention some of my friends gave me a Russh subscription for my 21st? Awesome!!! 

"What's In Your Bag? Fashion Week Essentials"

I loved this - there's something about the insides of peoples bags that is so intimate and unique. You really see what sort of person they are (mess, neat etc) and what is important enough to them to be carted around every day. And I still ADORE that Prada bag!

Left to right: Natalie Shukur (Editor), Stevie Dance (Fashion Director), Christine Thornton (Art Director)

"Richard Prince"

Prince has been a longtime favorite artist of mine - would kill to get my hands on some prints of his. The "Girlfriend" series has always been a fave - and I loved the "Nurses" series and the collaboration with Louis Vuitton.

From the "Girlfriends" series & from the "Nurses" series

 

"The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter"

I love the austerity modesty of this - so evocative of puritans and a time long past. Yet it never ever verges on looking "costumey" as some others in this vein have.

This pop of colour in the middle of the spread nocks yo for six - and really emphasizes the starkness of the black and white. And I'm so digging that hat - makes me want to buy another version of the wide brimmed fedora I picked up but in black.
Isn't it awesome? And the layered fringing on that bodysuit? To die for. I would probably by twirling non stop if I had this.
The movement of the shot on the left is particularly beautiful - conveys a sense of freedom and wide open spaces. Beautiful billowing shapes from the cape and skirt.

Photographer: Benny Horne

Fashion Editor: Stevie Dance

Model: Katie Fogarty

 

"Sorry, No One's Home"

This is my favorite of the whole issue - the sense of nostalgia and innocence are impeccable. As is the small town ennui. The dreamlike state is evocative of The Virgin Suicides and In My Fathers Den.

I definitely need to big up more pieces in blush and pink tones - and as my hair is shorter now I feel I can wear them and look less overtly girly. Also wanting some of the Lonely Hearts lingerie (featured on the right) than I was already!

This last shot in particular is stunning - vulnerable, yearning, lonely, innocent yet womanly.

Photographer: Derek Henderson

Fashion Editor: Natalie Shukur

Model: Svetlana Lazareva @ Viviens

Jethro Cave

I'm still undecided about Jethro (son of Nick) Cave - sometimes he looks simply amazing (naive/wild, masculine/androgynous) but sometimes I see shots and think "what's with all the hype". So the jury is out so far, but these shots are certainly tipping him in my favor.

Dazed & Confused July 09

Source: The Fashion Spot

RUSSH May 09

Got, read (twice so far) and scanned the new issue of Russh in the space of two days! Infinitely better than my usual drawn-out magazine habits. Words can't actually describe how much I love this magazine, so I won't even try. The new issue is a stunner - I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it online about a month ago. However those of us stranded in New Zealand have to wait nearly a whole month after our Australian counterparts to get our hands on it. So worth it thought.

"Rockette"

This editorial is what I'd been waiting for... Breathtaking. The colours are gorgeous - the soft brown background, gentle lighting and her hair and skin colour are all so gorgeous. The featured pieces are to die for as well - soft tailoring, luxe metal details (zips! Lots!). That Christopher Kane scalloped dress is out-of-this-world beautiful and ethereal. Im still desperately coveting a chainmail-esque piece.. God knows where I'll pick something like that up. And don't think DIY is a viable option in this case.
The Rodarte looks gorgeous, as always. And I totally die for that hair. Constance Jablonski is a stunner.

Model: Constance Jablonski

Fashion Editor: Stevie Dance

Photographer: Benny Horne

"Judy Is A Punk"

Shanay Hall is def one of my fave Aussie models -  and a frequent star of Russh. She fits their aesthetic so well. As soon as i saw the creamy pink jacket on the left I knew it was an Ellery - and was right. Bonus point for me. 

Photographer: Michael Corridore

Fashion Editor: Stevie Dance

"Mix And Match"

God I wish my dressing table looked exactly like this... Seriously. Life would be tres complete! Unfortunately mines a hot mess of Liberty boxes and Bunnykins (yup.. I know.. Still use it even though I got it when I was two) bowls full of jewelry and makeup. And blonde hair everywhere - not very editorial worthy.

"Undercover Lover"

I am a total jacket/coat fiend... A few years ago I was strictly cardie girl, but my outerwear obsession started insidiously and has now undoubtably taken over. I love all kinds - blazer, leather, denim, army, pea etc etc. Love these three featured. The army jacket is such a classic - reminds me of the one I am wearing literally right now (just got home from work). The center one is a Karen Walker stunner - still in total love with her double breasted jackets from this winter.

"Joi de Vivre"

RAFW: Karla Spetic, Beat Poet & Kirrily Johnston

Sorry I've been a bit behind posting, It's been a hectic last half of a week - ton of uni, and had to work. And had 5:20am wakeups (and four hours sleep so I could finish my design assignment). Its been hard to keep up with all the fantastic coverage coming out of Australia (thank god for the likes of Isaac, Patty Huntington and Melissa Hoyer) - don't even get me started on the tsunami of it on twitter!

KARLA SPETIC

I'm a total sucker for outfits in washed out pastels - so I love these tan and bright-baby-blue looks from Karla Spetic. Have also been pretty much obsessed with scalloped edges ever since the Spring 09 collections of Christopher Kane and Chloe.

Love the washed out semi-kitsch floral pieces too - those leggings are to die for.

BEAT POET

I love (and wear) menswear nearly as much as I do womens. Half the time I look like a boy anyway - much to my fathers chagrin. I just find that their tees and shirts fit me so much better than womens ones.

Understandably I pretty much died when I saw the Beat Poet collection - this is how all males should dress. A bit dark, a bit tailored.. And just enough badass grungyness. The skinny jeans look great paired with the tailored jackets coats and vests. How often do you see men in a white skinny jean and it actually looks good?
Love the vest over the sheer sleeves in the fourth look along. And that coat in the second is pretty much perfection.

KIRRILY JOHNSTON

Gorgeous palette at the Kirrily Johnston show - creams, whites and washed out oranges. V warm but soft. Love the contrast with the black pieces and the slicked back (and wrapped around necks) hair. Badass boots too!

Sources: Vogue Australia

RAFW: Kate Sylvester & Antipodium

KATE SYLVESTER

Kate Sylvester's "Take A Hike" collection was, by all accounts, a slam dunk for the kiwi contingent over at RAFW. Looks I loved most were the ones that stuck to a pastel palette of khakis and pretty baby blues and pinks. Who'd have thought that khaki shorts could actually look covetable? Also love the Props to K.S. Love the knitted shorts in the second look - Ive been nagging Mama for months to knit me a pair, so will def up my game. And the pants/socks/whatevertheyare combo in the third shot looks amazing. Want some! And the harness-y things the models were wearing are super cute to!

ANTIPODIUM

Love love Antipodium's collection - grungy/sexy/frumpy/boyish. All these pieces are pretty much perfect;  loose tanks and singlets, bike shorts (I've been addicted to my short ones all winter, now wanting a longer length pair after seeing this look)...

.. And lots of sexily baggy (and perfect blue) denim - who'd have thought? And that socks and sandals could look super cute?! Thats a look thats been growing on me lately thanks to some collections, editorials, and Chloe Sevigny at Coachella.

Source: Australian Vogue

RAFW: Illionaire

Love the bold shapes at Illionaire. High waist hotpants (aka underwear) paired with croptops and blazers and vests = super hot. Wish it was publicly acceptable to wear shorts this small.

Great black and white print - reminds me of television static, and works great with the black details.
Love the twisting and gathering.. And the hats and headpieces made of flowers. Super cute and nice contrast with the graphic, bold clothes.
Nice menswear too. Skinny shorts and layering of big tees and low neck tanks.

Source: Vogue Australia