NYFW Spring 2010: Karen Walker

The Karen Walker show was one of a couple I have been desperately anticipating, and she did not disappoint. Love the breton stripe tops (I've been growing more and more obsessed with these in the past few months) so I'll definitely be getting myself one of these - the drop shouldered one is particularly ace.

Walker knows how to do a killer navy piece - girl after my own heart (I'm a sucker for the ultimate nanna/orphan hue). And paired with gold buttons is even better. The a-line dress would be the ultimate easy-breezy summer item - and equally good with tights and boy-boots for winter. I'm 99% sure the look on the right is a romper, therefore it is 147% amazing. And being a liberty print fiend, I know I don't need to tell you how much I'm lusting after the blue floral waistcoat in the center.
And she's done the same print in a jacket. Also, I think I kindof love that acid trip of a print. I'm thinking it could be the type that looks good on the runway but actually blows your mind (highly appropriate) in the flesh.

Source: New York Magazine

Anticipating: Karen Walker

You all know I'm a total Karen Walker groupie, so understandably I am dying with excitement to see what she pulls out of the bag at New York Fashion Week.

Lucky for us, our boy Isaac from Isaac Likes is over in New York and went to visit Karen. His post is a must read! He has some tantalising hints of what the collection is like:

- "plenty of masculine blazers and pants (including beige pleated), lots of prints and some straw hats"

- "Gold buttons on blazers feature a peace sign"

- " 'It's a nautical resort, holiday kinda feel.... There are lots of tanks and navy blazers and stripy breton tee shirts and just that really great 60s seaside resort feel which I've always loved.' - Karen Walker "

- Chukka boots

Oh man, sounds too good. Im dying!

And I thought I'd include some of my favorite looks from her recent collections. Can't wait to see the upcoming show!

Source: Style.com

Pleats Please

I'm fully digging pleated pants at the moment - it took me a while to warm up to these, but now I'm a full blown (paid up and carded) fan. I've nearly paid off my Karen Walker pair - so am starting to brainstorm outfits!

I love pairing such a masculine pant with pieces that have have fun, feminine embellishment like sequins and bows - whilst still letting the cut and strength of the pant take centre stage. I love them paired with an endearingly frumpy "serious bag" - solid, reliable.

Top Row: Boy By Band Of Outsiders Double Pleat Pants, Topshop Sequin Crop Vest, Marsell Open Toe Back Strap Low Boots.

Middle Row: Chloe Bow Embellished Suede Pumps, Boy By Band Of Outsiders Paperbag Pant, Lanvin Gloria Leather Bag.

Bottom Row: Topshop Striped Gold Button Cardi, Chloe Small Marlow Top Handle, Alexander Wang Sheer Back Sweatshirt,

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

Leathers!!!!

Sooo... I've FINALLY paid off my Claude Maus leather skinnies. You probably all forget about them as I first mentioned them forever ago. So worth the wait. They fit like a dream, are warm but not stifling, and buttery soft. Not to mention practical - great for rainy windy days (road tested those conditions yesterday).

Claude Maus Leather Leggings, Stuart Weitzman wedges, Karen Walker jewellery, Tissot watch, Supre tee.

I'm also digging the new lipstick I got from MAC "Neon Orange", although as I'm even fairer than usual at the moment (thanks winter) it basically looks hot red on me. Which I like!

The Rock Ring

The newest piece of jewellery from Karen Walker is out! I got a call last friday from the lovely Scarlet at the new Ponsonby store telling me they had a new ring in, so on sunday I made the pilgrimage. And I love - the Rock Ring is fully sick, a chunk of luxurious rubble to adorn your hand. I'm probably also partial to it as I seem to be in a Flintstones trip stylewise at the moment - loving everything rocks, bones and zigzag hems. The ring also comes with a rose gold stone, and I can't chose between them! Time shall tell however.

Source: Showroom 22

While I was there, I finally decided on a piece I wanted from the new collection (have had many a try on, but always indecisive). I found the perfect pair of pleated pants; the palest grey, short - and they look great cuffed, and with the perfect amount of volume in the front and back (I hate it when pleated pants have a tight ass, NOT a good look). And bonus points for the uber cute name "Royal Albert". I'll def be rocking these bad boys cuffed - they even look ace with flats.

It was an epic mission getting my size! Had to journey to all three stores (although I was doing a tiki-tour of the city anyway as I had a fam-date and uni) but eventually they were found, and laybyed. Excitement!

Source: Karen Walker

22/08/09 Daily Alexa Fix

I've been feeling the urge to attempt dresses more, and Alexa has, as usual, provided. I love the bright red - and that its short but long sleeved and high necked (we all know what short red dresses can sometimes look like). The statement necklaces pop amazingly.

Even more than the red, I LOVE the dress she wore to the premiere of The September Issue - that she described as "victorian undergarments" (the dress, not the film  - obvz). I love the dirty cream - like its been worn one too many times. The prim neckline and endearingly awkward length are foiled by the sheerness of the bodice. 

At The September Issue premiere

Source: The Fashion Spot

I'm really coveting a dress or skirt that length, and I find they actually suit me better than knee length. There's something youthful and innocent yet nostalgically prim and nana-ish about it. My favorite executions of it have been from Burberry, Karen Walker and Juliette Hogan.

Burberry Fall 09

Karen Walker Spring 08 "Lucky"

Source: Style.com

Full Circle Skirt

Source: Juliette Hogan

Karen Walker Ponsonby & "She's Cracked"

Karen Walker's new Ponsonby Road store opened on Saturday - so I popped in before I want to uni (yes, uni on the weekend - joy of joys). The store is beautiful - which is to be expected. I love the paint job - baby pink floors! Yes! 

Karen's stores are famous for the beautiful artwork the feature - and I was stoked to find out that all the artwork in the Ponsonby store is for sale through Michael Lett.

In store is most of her new (southern hemisphere) Spring/Summer 09/10 Collection "She's Cracked". I love the bow front dress and the dress in the metallic floral texture. So luxe yet also just a little rough and imperfect - thanks to delicious muddy colours and tactile fabrics. I'm also crushing on the sheer chambray blue version of the lace top I got in winter. Knowing me I'd snag it on first wear though!

I love these little black dresses (just need an excuse to get one now!)

Source: Karen Walker

I also had a bit of a try on before it got too busy - liked the pearl tee and the metallic tweedy skirt. Wearing a skirt was definitely a shock to my tomboyish system - I felt sorry for the poor shop girls as I fidgeted and criticised myself. 

Left to Right: Metallic Bow Dress, Pearl T-Shirt, Lily Skirt. 

Source: Capolla

Updated:

Anna Fitzpatrick from Front Row Diary was there and covered the opening.

And there are some interior shots (including lots of the gorgeous artwork) from Isaac Likes.

Boz

The Boz always kills it with her weekend style - relaxed, cute and totally attainable style wise. I love how she's wearing a Chanel 2.55 with a washed out sweatshirt and cutoffs. And I'd bet my first born that the romper on the far right is by Karen Walker - I have this bodysuit in the same heavenly floral fabric.

Source: Just Jared

Birthday Debrief

Mega apologies for the delayed Birthday debrief post!! Was an amazing night - I highly recommend Vivace. And thankyou Daddy for the Bollinger!!! Tres delish.

Presents were just as lovely. I got Karen Walker's Leaf Pendant! It reminds us of gum leaves - appropriate as I'm Australian born and (mostly) bred. Works perfectly with my Jet Plane pendant.

Source: Karen Walker Jewelry

Victor & Rolf's Flowerbomb is loovely - shall alternate with old faithful Daisy.

Source

And got a ton of books!!! Have started with the Anna Wintour - it is AMAZING. Can not put down. 

Clockwise: 

Front Row: Anna Wintour - What Lies Beneath The Chic Exterior Of Vogues Editor In Chief by Jerry Oppenheimer,

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

The Truth About Diamonds by Nicole Richie

Kate Moss Style by Angela Buttolph

I'm With The Band by Pamela Des Barres

Source: Amazon

Lacey, Florally, Velvetty Goodness To See In The Big Two One

As I had been mentioning the bits and pieces I had picked up for my birthday outfit (and they general stress of me being an idiot and leaving it to the last minute) a few of you asked for an outfit post. I know I rarely do these, but I'm all shy and shit - but shall try harder. Anyway though, I was fully psyched by what I ended up piecing together - had wanted some intense shit as its my 21st so why not! And am so glad I used it as an excuse to get the bodysuit that I'd been coveting forever.

Wearing: Stolen Girlfriends Club D n B Leotard, self made skirt with Karen Walker fabric, vintage velvet jacket, vintage belt, Karen Walker Jetplane pendant, Tissot watch, makeup by MAC

two one

Twenty Firsts are quite exciting things! Am counting down to mine this saturday night. Have half my outfit - a totally sick long sleeved lace bodysuit by Stolen Girlfriends Club (have been coveting it for forever, and this was the perfect reason to purchase) and am halfway through sewing a gorgeous skirt out of the floral fabric from Karen Walker's "Angels" collection I picked up in their sale. And invites have been posted - below is the front of them, am quite pleased. Excited excited excited.

Sources: Scans, Fashion Gone Rogue

Milla

Oh Milla, this is really too good. Am absolutely stunned with these - the late 80s/early 90s vibe is totally perfect. Endearingly and nostalgically dated, but they still feel modern. Jovovich definitely is reminiscent of a young Linda Evangelista. Loving the retro leathers, pleat front pants, big earrings and high waists. And slicked back dude-hair. Im pretty sure these subconsciously made me bust todays combo of vintage leather bomber and high waisted acid wash Karen Walker skinnies.

Vogue Paris December 2008 "Ouragan 80" 

Milla Jovovich by Peter Lindbergh

Source: Ru Glamour

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,

Helter Skelter

I'm thinking that for my upcoming 21st (excite!!!) I'll buy myself a pair of Karen Walker's Helter Skelter sunnies - have been lusting after them since they first came out. And as I buy myself a birthday present every year I am thinking this is the perfect excuse.

God I love them; the delicate gold, ugly/awesome tortoiseshell, retro (and borderline nerdy - which of course is excellent) shape.

Sources: Karen Walker Eyewear, Eyestyle.com.au

Resort 2010: Karen Walker

These are my fave looks from Karen Walker's resort collection. Loving the asymmetric ruffles, the drapey, collapsed puff sleeves and the fabrics! Molten bronze, navy lace and sheer spots. Lovely. The jeans are also too cute.

Source: Karen Walker on Facebook

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,

17/06/09: Shop Shop Shop

So I FINALLY went shopping (properly) today now that I am free from uni. God it was good. Pretty much took up my whole day post-gym. And although today was freezing (something I combatted c/o my beloved Tv leopard merino leggings and my fave of mums cashmere jerseys) it was stunningly sunny and beautiful.

Black Box was perfect, but then again when is it not? I left wanting/needing new jeans. Stolen Girlfriends Club jeans are pretty much the only type that fit my body perfectly, and always have the most kick ass styles - I'm seriously craving their perfectly faded torn skinnies that are slashed all up the leg, but have a denim layer underneath (for warmth and practicality - therefore they are obviously a sensible/necessary purchase oui?). Also wanting some of the Tv jeans that are slashed all the way up.

Source: Tv 

A pit stop to Vixen in St Kev's saw my find this uber comfy clompy pair of Dr Martens mary janes - heaven for my decrepit feet. When I brought then out at home later I thought the fam would have a fit - but they actually liked. Was a tad shocked, but pleased.

Paid a long overdue visit to Children Of Vision and the ever lovely James Dobson - I did the usual, stared longingly at all the stock, stroked the puffpaint splatered pieces and pesterred him about when Romance Was Born's summer collection was coming in - I want aaall of it, no joke. Except possibly not the semi-infamous Octopus Bonnet.

With some extra cash that was accumulating in my wallet I fiiinaaally paid of my ankle boots from Mi Piaci - have been searching for a staple pair like these FOREVER. Most are way to large widthwise for my scrawny feet, and not many had the inbuilt platform that I wanted - but these ticked all the boxes. And now its holidays and I am reacquainted with my social life I actually have places to wear them! Excellent.

Treated myself to some new lippy - a MAC Satin in Snob (have been needing/wanting for a while now).

Source

Superette have some awesome Lover pieces, think me and the little sis will have a bit of a try on when we pop in on saturday. And I still NEED/LOVE the Ksubi Aras. Every time I put them on it just feels like they complete me.

Tried on some of the new(ish - considering my lack of shopping lately) Toy Watches. So cute. Like plastic versions of my current and much loved Tissot (I call it my Seventies Porno Watch) and also remind me of the white Chanel watches that I've coveted forever. So obviously I loved the Plasteramic in white!

Source: Toy Watch USA

Final stop was Karen Walker, had a lovely long chat with the awesome Scarlet and spent forever looking at possible 21st birthday jewelry options - loving the owl ring (quite meaningful as my late grandmother collected owl ornaments) and the carrots (ideally in gold - more carrot appropriate colour oui?). I've wanted that blue cocktail knuckle duster forever, and have desperately wanted the cigarette butt charm for even longer. Sigh.

Source: Karen Walker

No.6 Winter 09

Many apologies for how EPICLY delayed this post is - have finally finished the semester and had time to scan etc. So have many great posts planned!

This is the latest (and greatest yet) No magazine - issue six. Loooved it. Great interviews, and the editorials were stunning.

The Kills

The long interview with The Kills that accompanied these cute shots was super charming and a real insight. Hince and Mosshart both have really wicked senses of humor. 

Jasper

Zippora

I pretty much died when I saw this editorial - such perfection. Cool and kooky and rock&roll and just awesome. Zippora kills as usual.

One of the best things about it is the details. Particularly love the lilac nailpolish and matching lips (has given me the guts to wear my lilac lippy with my already purple nails) and how sick the look with all the gold jewelry - tons of which is heavenly Karen Walker knuckle dusters.

Sarah Stevens

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