Topshop Noir

Lets all take a moment to enjoy the calmness of the colour (well, shade technically) that is black. It's the perfect foil to more out there elements like sequins, leather and lace. It magically lifts everything - giving a chic and serious air. I particularly love the nostalgic masculinity and "finished" quality of a good black hat.

Clockwise: Fedora Down Brim hat, Stud Shoulder sweat, Lace Leather Bodycon Dress, Premium Pintuck teddy, Bowler hat, Zip Back Sequin Bodycon dress.

Source: Topshop

About A Girl

There's something alluringly fresh and relaxed about this editorial. The models wears the clothes (rather than vice versa); the damp looking, brushed back hair looks charmingly low key and boyish; and the golden afternoon light is just beautiful and natural.

I love the oversized cream blazer that both complements and juxtaposes the elegant pleated skirt - which is very much making me think of the Juliette Hogan one I put on layby on the weekend. And hello Chanel high tops. 

These two shots are my absolute favorites. Maybe I'm just buzzing from Coco Avant Chanel - which I saw on the weekend - and these remind me of her. The big mans coat and the black bowler. 
Also loving the lush greenery of these.
And that coat really is too perfect. A big, oversized, masculine camel coat so iconic and timeless.

Flair Italy August "About A Girl" Mina Cvetkovic by Beau Grealy 

Source: Fashion Gone Rogue

Lula #10

So I finally set aside some time to scan some of the magazines I've read lately (the To Read pile is still massive though...) The latest Lula is stunning, always a delight to read - and something I always do v slowly. Boaters and pastel were a massive feature in the whole issue (lucky Brits with spring upon them).

And We All Shine On

Chanel Iman does pastels and nerdy/ladylike pieces without looking saccharine. The tones look amazing on her skintone. Unfortunately I would look like a total dick in these (blonde hair + head-to-toe pastels = barbie much?).

Lady Bird

This editorial (accompanying a v interesting interview with the crazy-talented Luella Bartley) so makes me think of my little sis - she is a total cupcake fiend. I love this collection from Luella - totally delicious. Cute, ladylike, iron and just a bit messed up.

Hold On To Your Hat

Im still obsessed with boaters (thanks Marc and Lover), unfortunately with our lovely schizophrenic Auckland winters they would be a v silly option. So I shall just admire beautiful shots like these and bide my time for spring.

This Side Of The Blue

Je T'aime

Love these washed out, sun-bleached florals. I adore anything Liberty-esque - I've been thoroughly (and gratefully) overexposed to their beautiful fabrics my whole life. Merci mama.

To Be Your Friend

And this is just too pretty. Every little girls dream. Love how they have paired the usually slick and futuristic Rodarte laser cut leather leggings with sequins and tulle - super fresh take on this fab piece.

Bow Wow Wow and A Dreamy Day Of Dreaming You

I love love love this Isabel Marant ad... Seriously coveting patchwork at the mo. Have a patchwork vest in my sewing pile - will def have to wait until mid semester break unfortunately.

Day & Night

Clockwise: Pringle of Scotland Silk blend gilet, Bird Handbags One night stand fabric bag, Sass & Bide Neon Nights ripped jeans, Kara by Kara Ross Layered python necklace, Chloe Sally calf leather shoulder bag, Chloe Cotton modal towelling top, Eugenia Kim Max 8 straw fedora.    

Clockwise: Stella McCartney Palm pendant necklace, Alexander Wang Lace denim slim fit pants,  Elizabeth & James Aubrey kimono bolero, Lanvin Reporter leather bag, Isaac Mizrahi Mesh corsetted bodysuit. 

Source: Net-a-Porter

Boater

Oh dear god I want a boater so bad. They bring back childhood memories of Wind In The Willows, Anne Of Green Gables, Enid Blyton books, the boys from Brisbane Boys College who always wore theirs. I love the ones Marc Jacobs did for Spring 09; they look worn in and like they have been sat on or shoved in ones bag. Lover have also used them for their Sacred Hearts College collection - playing on the preppy/rebel vibe.

Left to Right: Marc Jacobs, Lover, Marc Jacobs. Hats from Google Images

Sources: Style.com, Google Images, Lover

Karen Walker Show: The Believers

Went to the Karen Walker The Believers show at Stephen Marr in Newmarket last night, and it was tres fab!! Everyone was dressed so well. Brigette and I spent the whole time pointing out outfits, hair and shoes to each other - props to the girl in "Fashion Toast Shoes", Anouk Rondel's perfect topknot (seen here on Isaac Likes) and pretty much everyone. Lovely pinot noir also. And much thanks to Murray at Showroom 22 for the invite!

The Believers is without a doubt my fave collection Karen Walker's ever done, and even though I've seen it a million times (from New York on Style.com, in the lookbook online, in store and in editorials - particularly loved it in the latest No magazine) it added another dimension seeing them styled, in motion and in the flesh.

Am dying to get one of the amazing jackets or coats - need it for warmth of course.. Perfect reasoning. All of them were cut so well, with lovely details like pleats and volume  and all moved so beautifully (which is a pretty special thing to find in a coat). I think the boxy double breasted grey is def my fave, but the tan jacket and coat look so much better in person - although they are trench style, they looked like wool and the colour had amazing depth.

This is print has definitely grown and grown on me, its so delicate and warm - and perfect in the beautiful silk. Anna Fitzpatrick was lucky enough to be wearing the beautiful one shouldered dress.

Didn't think it was possible, but I love the white lace fabric even more. All the pieces were so so beautiful and worked with EVERYTHING. Am going into the Newmarket store tomorrow to FINALLY pay off my to (second from left). Seriously can't wait.
Also loved that one of the adorable straw hats was included - they SO remind me of Puddleglum the Marshwiggle in The Silver Chair from the Narnia books. Except cute and pretty. Brigette and I think these would be perfect to be anonymous and mysterious. Esp with big dark glasses - maybz my beloved Helter Skelters oui?

The blue suit is just totally insane. And we both died for the lambskin gilets - particularly the grey one. So gorge, amazing contrast of textures.

Sources: Karen Walker & Style.com

Net-A-Porter: Au Revoir Summer

Clockwise: Marc By Marc Jacobs Daisy pendant watch, Albertus Swanepoel Belmondo woven trilby, Zimmerman Summer Lovers bikini, Albertus Swanepoel Chabrol Top Hat, Zimmerman Sirens bandeau bikini, Current/Elliot The Perfect shirt.

Source: Net-A-Porter

Rare Sight

Also thought I should mention, I saw the most amazingly dressed man yesterday. I was having lunch at (the insanely delicious) Ima & Ibn on Fort St, and at the table next to us was a guy wearing a calfskin satchel (fastened with a chunky silver clasp) a leather akubra with a big feather in it and what I'm sure were Frye boots. He was amazing. And a rare sight in Auckland.

Ps: and he was casually carrying a novel around! Fab.