NYFW Spring 2010: Alexa & Erin

One of the things I love about fashion weeks, other than the amazing collections obviously, is that it brings so many of favorite sartorial muses out of hiding. Granted, we have been getting a lot of Alexa action lately with her stateside MTV show, it's still nice to see her "in the wild" so to speak. And I would quite possibly snatch and grab that Mulberry bag. Survival of the fittest oui?

Erin, as expected, looked all kinds of crazy-awesome at her show. Although I'm always a sucker for an ethnic blanket jacket, I'm not gonna lie.
Source: Zimbio

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

Sun Goddess

I'm loving washed out, sun bleached colourings in editorials at the moment - convey a dreamy, nostalgic feel of summer. Also still obsessed with Chloe's scalloped blazers.

Harpers Bazaar UK July 09 "Sun Goddess" 

Source: Fashion Gone Rogue

Wrap Me Up

Im obsessing with blanket jackets at the moment - especially plaid or navajo inspired. Wanting pretty much every single one from Ralph Lauren's Fall 08 collection. 

Elle Italia September 08

Source: ru_glamour

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

Lover: "White Moon Rising"

Lover's new collection "White Moon Rising" has finally surfaced! Tres excite. Have been looking forward to this since the teaser image appeared on their fab site. As always, the collection is impeccable. I have loved Susien and Nick's work since way back in high school. As much as the collections themselves, I love all the inspirations and influences that go into each; the back stories, music, cultural figures, films etc (I end up doing an intense wikipedia/library/itunes search after each one comes out).

White Moon Rising is inspired by "the bad seed" namely mesmerising and irisitable figures like "Yoko Ono and Bianca Jagger who entice and tempt men with their off beat beauty". Which is a perfect and intriguing concept as no one can deny how intriguing and hypnotic figures like that are. Whether we like it or not, we are generally all drawn to danger and risk - whatever form it takes; people, experiences, thoughts etc). 

Other influences are African Zulu rituals the films of Kenneth Anger. Both of which I'm loving. Ever since I was a little girl (and probably to my parents slight worry) I have been intrigued by the occult, paranormal and black magic (not in a creepy or weird way) more by the danger and glamour. Probably explains my obsession with velvet, pentacles and candles now. Have also been very interested in the work of Anger since reading Sway by Zachary Lazar - his films are insane trips. And will blow you away when you think of how long ago they first came out.

The opening and closing shots on their website are stunningly ethereal - so evocative of Peter Weir's Picnic At Hanging Rock (AMAZING film. Such a must see - and another childhood (and constantly enduring) obsession of mine. Thank god I have the video. It's v hard to find. Below are my favorite looks from both versions of the collection (accompanied by predictable excited rambling).

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE - SUMMER 09/10

I love the prints used - sort of a love child of leopard print and tribal thats been put through a kaleidoscope.
As always, the tailoring is impeccable. Marries sharp yet soft perfectly. Im ding for that cream blazer! Has been on my Want List for forever.
As most of you know, I am a total velvet fiend. And the only thing better than velvet, is burgundy velvet. So I'm understandably totally coveting that dress. Leather shorts are also on my aforementioned list, and this pair looks pretty my perfect.
Every season the swimwear comes out I pretty much die. So so perfect. I hate pretty much all swimwear thats around - bright, terribly prints, o.t.t details etc. So Lover's comes as a sigh of relief. One of these summers I think I'll bite the bullet and treat myself to some. Not to taint with chlorine or salt water mind you. Will just live in them as daywear.

NORTHERN HEMISPHERE WINTER 09/10

One of the things I love about every new collection is seeing how the pieces are styled for both hemispheres (same goes with Karen Walker's collection). Its twice as many ideas and inspirations. Spoilt for choice really! Us Antipodeans missed out on getting the fabulous Tallulah, but those of you up top did.

Expectedly, that blood red velvet dress looks killer (appropriate operative work? Haha) with opaques. Therefore I need it even more. The duffle jackets with detachable capelettes are also insanely cute. Much to my mothers dismay, I have always loved a duffle I blame the Paddington Bear I had as a kid - so therefore its your fault Ma!
Also on the vein of cosy (and v necessary) outerwear. I've been coveting their voluminous capes for a couple of seasons now. Pretty much a v stylish blanket, which would be perfect as I am totally cold intolerant.
Lover always do the most amazingly angelic white pieces (that always make me think of Picnic At Hanging Rock). Im totally dying for the dress on the left. It has shoulder cut outs! SHOULDER CUT OUTS!!! Need. Now. Wonder if they will be doing it for the southern hemisphere? God I hope so. I am a total sucker for a white dress in the heat of summer. V colonial. Best accessorised with a gin and tonic.
I can't decide which version of the black lace body con I like best? Dress or bodysuit? And to sleeve or not to sleeve? Im thinking sleeved bodysuit could be pretty amazing. Especially as I feel like I need a wardrobe stable like that right now.

Source: Lover

19/05/09: Net-A-Porter

I love black outfits executed in differing textures; leather, wool, lace - all care of Lover. An all black outfit tends to be a tad harsh (especially on fair blondes like me, doh) but cream, grey and gold pieces are perfect to soften - and a fab excuse to pile on the accessories.

Clockwise: Lover Madeline short duffle jacket, Thread Social Silk cuffed pants, Kenneth Jay Lane Topaz ball necklace, Balenciaga Stingray and suede sandal, Lover Angels Zip leathe r skirt, Brian Atwood Suede bootie, Lover Initiation stretch bodysuit, Emilio Pucci Python bag.

Sources: Net-A-Porter & Style.com

19/05/09: Streetstyle - The Males

I think I have menswear on the brain at the mo, god knows why. These looks are great though. I love a denim collar or cuff peeking out - it adds a real earthy, grunginess to an otherwise slick leather jacket and soft curly hair. I think guys pull of black and white looks better than girls - when I try it I always feel like I'm uber "matchymatchy".

Left to Right: Turned Out, The Sartorialist 1 & 2

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: Therese Rawsthorne

The collection from Therese Rawthorne is also one of my favorite shows so far. Another designer that played (v successfully) with white/nude/black to create a dressed/undressed collection that flirted with combining tailored and lingerie, and sheer with opaque.

Gorgeous semi-sheer white cotton pieces. Love the (lace? crochet? mesh?) leggings and jumpsuits that were panelled with white silk.

Lots of the looks worked with a gorgeous soft palette of creams, coffee tones and sunbleached blue. Im loving the tailored jackets over structured, nude lingerie pieces.
Similiar looks were also executed in black, which gave them a whole other look. The cutouts were sharper, and the mesh more in our face. Love the linear effect of the seems on the sheer black pieces. And those panelled leggings! I NEED a pair pretty much now!

Source: Australian Vogue

RAFW: Arnsdorf & Dion Lee

ARNSDORF

Ive been loving cropped tops lately - still yet to find the perfect cropped tee unfortunately - so I understandably adore these looks from Arnsdof. Love that they executed something thats quite loaded with connotations (youth, 80s/90s, sometimes trashy) in elegant fabrics and paired them with great bottoms like the silky wide leg pants (rarely see a pant in that style thats so gorgeously fluid and delicate) and the tan pants (female chinos much?) and safari-esque shorts.

DION LEE

After falling in love with his designs online and in Australian Vogue, I was super amped to see Dion Lee's new collection. And he certainly did not disappoint, getting rave reviews. The general consensus seems to be he is a bright new hope for the future of Australian fashion.

The collection was slick, sexy and futuristic - thoroughly modern as opposed to the retrofuturism weve been seeing a bit of lately. Tailored, sculptural but still very fluid. Lee pushed his use of cut outs, panels and folds even further. I die for those insane jackets - elbow cut outs anyone? Seriously doesn't have nice elbows.

Source: Vogue Australia

Varsity Jacket Lover

Im so wanting a varsity jacket. The chances of me finding an original vintage here in NZ (and that actually fits!) are like a needle in a haystack.. Good thing Lover have done a sick one for their Winter 09 collection Sacred Hearts (I covet all of it).

Sources: Lover & Google Images

XY

Some of the males in my life have been nagging my to do more menswear - which I really should, as one of my goals when getting dressed in the morning is "do I look like a really wierd-but-coolly dressed boy?". So all the fellas here are sartorial inspiration for both myself and males in general. Love the guy on the left with the denim vest and grey/brown pants (do I really need another pair of jeans? Maybe...). Have been coveting a sheepskin lined jacket for ages, and a kimono jacket even longer!

Sources Left to Right: Style Sightings, The Sartorialist, The Cobrasnake, The Sartorialist, Style Sightings, The Sartorialist.

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

Wrap Me Up In Leather

Net-A-Porter has some lovely new things for us today - particularly jackets - to want/need/must have

 

Left to Right: RICK OWENS LILIES Sheer biker jacket, D&G Leather biker jacket

Ultimate lust have is without a doubt this (insaaaane) Burberry jacket. J'adore!! Need now.

BURBERRY Hassendeanre short trench

Wanting: Blanket Jacket