Risto Bimbiloski

I'm a sucker for a good galaxy/celestial/heavenly print (am still obsessed with Ksubi, Peter Pilotto and Christopher Kane's versions) so I loved what I've found from Risto Bimbiloski. The perfect print!! Need.

Left to Right: Silk Galaxy Pants, Silk Galaxy Shorts, Galaxy Mini Dress, Galaxy Leggings
Source: Assembly

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,

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

Resort 2010: Christopher Kane & Elise Overland

CHRISTOPHER KANE

Kane's resort collection has been receiving quite a bit of commentary already (picked up crazy-fast by the awesome Patty Huntington) - regarding his apocalyptic prints. Those, and the sky-scapes I've picked for here really are quite beautiful. I am a total sucker for any apocalyptic/sky/galaxy prints - I still so so so regret not getting one of the stunning pieces from Ksubi's Summer 07/08 collection "Said The Rainbow To The Apocalypse" - one of those classic shopping regrets. And that's pretty much the best title for anything ever.

ELISE OVERLAND

Love the slick leather here from Elise Overland's collection - especially the paneled pants! Am obsessed with panels right now - have used them a ton in my garments at Uni this semester.

Source: Style.com

18/05/09: Retail Therapy

I found half a minute yesterday to treat myself to a teeny bit of shopping - hit up Karen Walker (heaven as usual), Macaroni Penguin - unfortunately none of the To Sir With Love they got in is quite what I'm looking for... No new cashmere for me. Tear. And popped into Superette. Tried on menswear - typical I know, but mens tees fit SO much better than womens ones and tend to be more refined. I tried on a Bassike tee in a gorgeous army green, but ended up leaving with a good old American Apparel v-neck that I have needed for ages (kept planning outfits around it and then realising I hadn't actually bought it yet.. My bad). Loved that Chronicles Of Never vest too.. It hangs beautifully and is the perfect grey. Boys are so lucky. After months (possibly a whole year) of lusting after Ksubi's 'The Ara' sunnies I have decided to invest. They are just too damned perfect. Still wanting Karen Walker Helter Skelters too. Winter still requires sunnies.

Left to Right: Bassike mens Slim Pocket S/S T-Shirt, Ksubi The Ara sunglasses in 70s Tortoiseshell, Chronicles of Never The Letem Vest, American Apparel Tri-Blend Unisex Short Sleeved V-Neck tee. 

Marianne Faithfull

Not long ago I read Marianne Faithfull's autobiography Memories, Dreams and Reflections. I seriously recommend it - such a great read. Quite thoughtfull and perceptive. Her style in her from the sixties is a constant influence - perfectly encapsulating the preppy/bohemian look that came from their lifestyle and thats so iconic of that period in Britain. The big square sunglasses and perfect double breasted coats and jackets from Karen Walker are perfect.

Clockwise from Top: Karen Walker Crazy Deep Freeze sunglasses, Karen Walker Fall 08, Lover Altamont collection, Karen Walker "The Believers" SH Winter 09, Ksubi Ishil Speckled Tortoiseshell, Lover "Sacred Hearts" Initiation dress, Karen Walker Aviator Jacket, Karen Walker Double breasted frock coat.

Sources: Style.com, Daily Mail, Sheer Golden, Lover, Karen Walker, Violent Green, Maximilia, Net-a-Porter

Karen Winter 09

The new issue of Karen is lovely. I got it as soon as it came out, but have only just had time to scan and play with my fave shots. The Malibu editorial is gorgeous - always love a limited palette of white and cream, with contrast in the fabric and textures. And love that my new Ksubi cutoffs feature in it - as do the nude version of my black lace Ksubis.. Represent!

"Malibu"

"Raven"

Perfect Weekend

God the weather was perfection this weekend, warm and still and tres sunny! And I had the weekend off work - so made sure I enjoyed it.

On Saturday morning I went to the Stolen Girlfriends Club sample sale that I mentioned. It was AWESOME. Picked up some things I have wanted for-ev-er. I find the trick with sales is only buy things that you wanted full price.

I got these insanely sick current season Stolen Girlfriends Club torn skinny jeans. And I mean skinny - so tight.

They fit like a dream!! Have never had jeans that actually fit everywhere - including my scrawny weak ankles and my ass (which is akin to that of a thirteen year old boy - and usually where pants are loose). I remember trying them on in Black Box a few weeks ago and loving, but not wanting to pay full price for jeans that I was scared of putting my foot through and tearing in half. So so glad I got them now though, have worn them non stop all weekend.

Got myself one of their mens tie-dye tees from their Summer 08/09 collection too. Such nice cotton, so soft. Mens tees always fit my so much better than womens. That should bother me, but it so doesn't.

Also got some hot little Ksubi cut-offs. Will def be layering these over grey wool tights as it gets chilly!

Today we went to Kraftbomb. I've been wanting to go for ages, but was always working the weekends it was on. It was fab! So inspiring, loved seeing so much amazing nouveau-craft. Such a resurgence. As the females in my fam are all a v crafty bunch we just loved it. The sis got a couple of the to-die-for cupcakes from NZ Cupcake Queen; caramel and redbull (redbull flavoured cupcakes! Omg! They were tres delish). We also got a gorgeous vanilla scented candle in a floral teacup. Too cute.

However highlight of le sunday was def me finally paying off my white lace Karen Walker top. So worth the wait. It is simply stunning.

Also tried on the grey jacket that I have been coveting since seeing it the show on friday night. Fits like a dream, perfect weight etc. Unfortunately its a bit out of my financial league, and would feel tres guilty putting it on the Birthday Wishlist. Ohwell!

Saturday Mini-Shop

Had a restrained semi-shop in Nuffield Street this afternoon (lovely as always - and I was v financially restrained). Put some hard earned dollars on this lay-by I have at Karen Walker...

... Love this top sooo much - and was aching to buy it to wear tonight. But was good and didn't.

Tried on these sick Ksubi Jeans in Superette (took about ten minutes to get into - when they say spray on they mean it - but was so worth it).

And I am still in love with these Helter Skelter sunnies from Karen Walker. Got Mama's approval today... Am think I will inevitably invest. They are too perfect. A refreshing change from all the large styles. Love the delicate metal arms and nose bridge - and the little gold arrows. I lust after the tortoiseshell pair. Perfect.

Sources: Karen Walker, Karen Walker Eyewear, General Pants

Lacey Legs

Love this. Especially the tights. Definitely need docs too.

 

Emma Cook Fall 08

Source: Emma Cook

Ps: But I still love my lacey Ksubis!

Score

 Finally, finally, finally GOT MY LACEY KSUBIS!!!!

They are amazing - sooo comfy and look seriously cool. 

 Wore them out lastnight to Shanghai Lil's - the coolest bar I think I have ever been to, it looks like a opium den/brothel in 1930s Shanghai. High ceilings, dark, reddish light, full of antiques and exotic piece. We sat on a velvet couch with a marble topped carved chest as our coffee table, drinking red wine and having epic discussions about life. They had an amazing jazzy/bluesy band playing. God it was cool. Thats the only word to describe it. 

Superette Sale

Superette's sale starts tomorrow! And their VIP night is tonight! I would go.. But am flat broke. And going would just get me in trouble. But its the perfect opportunity to get your little mitts on some Lover, Ksubi, Shakuhachi and Sass & Bide!

Source: Email from Superette

Operation Ksubi = VICTORY!

 Went to Black Box today!! And guess what I found??? The Ksubi Lace Jeans that I've been lusting after and raving about (here and here). And they had my size!!!! So what did I do? I lay-byed! Am SO excited. And poor (they are $435 in total - eek! Can't tell Dad - he will tan my hide!) They are so wearable though - and super comfy! The lace is stretchy and soft, and quite warm! And they have ragged hems, looks so beautifully rough. Yay! 

Pride of Lace

I love this page from the Spring 08 issue of Fashion Quartlerly...

 Fashion Quarterly Spring 08 - "Pride of Lace" 

I especially like these...

And these are the Ksubi lace jeans I'm trying to get my little hands on!!! They are perfection.

Ksubi Legs

Also while in Superette, I (omg) found two pairs (one black, one nude) of the infamously hard to find Ksubi Lace Pants... But they were both M, and I need XS. They are going to ring the ksubi distributors on monday (when the office is open again), but the girl at Superette was saying that they had a hard enough time finding the pairs they did. Fingers crossed! I want them sooo bad! They are like jeans at the top, but the legs are see through, and if I remember right the hems were ragged/raw. God they were hot. I want the nude ones.

Ksubi Eyes

So I was in Superette yesterday and I tried on these pairs Ksubi sunglasses (again - I do every time I go in). Am thinking I may need to purchase? The tortoiseshell is so classic and chic, and combined with the chunky square frames they look very late 80s/early 90s lawyer (or so I think). Thoughts? Which pair do you prefer? The more graphic tortoisehell or the more subtle?

"Ara 90s Tortoiseshell"

"Ishil Speckled Tortoiseshell"

They also remind me of these looks (which I loved) from Michael Kors Fall 08 show..

Sunglass Image Source: Violent Green

Michael Kors Source: Style.com

Get Made..

Made on Customs Street is having a sale!!...

Should be fab!! They stock (among many) Cheap Monday, Des Rusk, Dr Martens, Huffer, Karen Walker, Kathryn Wilson, Ksubi, Levis, Luella, Maw, Nudie Jeans, Salasai, Sass and Bide, To Sir With Love.

30-32 Customs Street, Britomart,  Auckland, NZ

Resolutions From Alex, Erin And More...

Erin Wasson, Model/Designer: "Next year, I'm definitely devoting myself to saving and adopting more animals. I will be on a crusade to do as much as I can. Yes, I can only imagine how crowded my house will be by 2010!"

Alexander Wang, Designer: "Hmmm I haven't really made any new year's resolutions—I find that its better to surprise myself than to have expectations I can't keep. But I guess if I had to make one it would be to eat more organic…no junk food. Except for maybe pineapple buns!"

Harley Viera-Newton, Model, DJ, and Musician: "My New Year's resolution is to sleep more and drink less…I've yet to see a resolution come to fruition, but it's the thought that counts, right?"

Rumi Neely, Blogger, Fashion Toast: "To travel more and to finally move to New York." Photo by Garance Doré

Dan Single and George Gorrow, Designers, Ksubi: "Our New Year's resolution is 300 dpi—last year was 72."

Qutoes Source: http://pipeline.refinery29.com/under_the_influence/new_years_resolutions.php

Le Box Noir

I made a (first) trip to Black Box in Grey Lynn yesterday and was v impressed! The new(ish) boutique is stunning - interior, vibe and stock. It is the baby of Stolen Girlfriends Club's Dan Gosling - naturally they have the largest (and best) collection of SGC I've seen. 

The labels that caught my eye were SGC, Shakuhachi, Something and Ksubi - they also stock Chronicles of Never, Friedrich Grey, Therese Rawstone and others. And apparently in the future they will have the full Ksubi Line (not just jeans, sunggies etc).. Although with the current trouble Ksubi is apparently in that will remain to be seen oui?

While I was there I tried on a few stunning things, a black chunky cable knit crop top (insane!) but Shakuhachi that actually was cute and wearable! And these SGC pieces...

The image of the dress really doesn't do it justice - its silk and the peace sign is done with delicate lace applique. It felt like wearing a really comfortable tee! Unfortunately the smallest they had was an NZ10, and while it fitted and did look ok (was meant to be baggy) it really did swamp my frame (I wear a 6 usually). Sigh.. So pretty. Oh well I suppose I have just got a similiar(ish) Karen Walker Dress.. But I heart this one too!

Anyway definitely go check Black Box out - the staff are really nice and helpful too! Not intimating or snobby like some boutiques.

Ps: Runway Reporter's Article

Trouble in Ksubi-Land?

Oh dear... 

http://frockwriter.blogspot.com/2008/12/ksubi-or-not-ksubi-will-renzo-rosso.html