More Classics

Black, white, denim and grey are always timeless. As is the subtle balance of classic pieces from the masculine and feminine ends of the spectrum. My favorite looks generally boil down to several masculine elements like a big slouchy jumper, a perfect coat; combined with a piece that is a bit girly and innocent (although not at all saccharine) like a denim a-line skirt - or polka dots!! Topped off with some blatant sexy-clunky heels - the best kind there is.

Top Row: Lover Campus Pleat Skirt, Boy By Band Of Outsiders Peacoat, Proenza Schouler Striped L/S Shirt.

Middle Row: Boy By Band Of Outsiders Over-sized V-Neck Sweater, Steve Alan Polka Dot Shirt, Chloe Elsie Lurex Shoulder Bag, J Brand Acid Wash Skinny Jeans.

Bottom Row: Boy By Band Of Outsiders Classic Tank, Alexander Wang Sheer Back Sweatshirt, Burberry Cut Out Leather Sandals.

Sources: La Garconne, Net-A-Porter

Boys And Girls

I love to contrast an uber-girly dress like a floral or an angelic white lace with a big manly jacket in perfectly dour grey tweed. The femininity and innocence plays off the masculine boxiness perfectly - toning the connotations of each down a notch. Also love to ground these looks with some playfully ironic "sensible" shoes.

Clockwise: Boy By Band Of Outsiders Long Double-Breasted Blazer, Topshop Cream Floral Skater Dress, Topshop Square Leather Chain Bag, Luella Frances Pintuck Dress, Church's Classic Burwood Brogue, Topshop Rose Print Denim Frill briefs, Luella A-Line Crombie Coat, Lover Ritual Silk Mini Dress, Alexander Wang Donna Hobo Bag.

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

School Boy Shorts and Ballet Slippers

The combination of simple but quirky elements usually creates the most charming outfits. Childlike, feminine elements like a sky blue one piece and classic pink ballet slippers contrast endearingly with schoolboy shorts and a tactile fur cardy. Perfect for the weather warming up! Although right now I'd probably toss in some tights with this lot.

Clockwise: Lover Ginsberg Shorts, Lover Halter One piece, 3.1 Phillip Lim Wave Placket Relaxed Cardigan in rabbit fur, Acne Position Ballet Flat

Source: La Garconne

Ahoy

This dress is totally adorable. I've always been a total fiend for anything that turn-of-the-century British children would have worn; brass buttons, sailor details, peter pan collars etc. It reminds me a lot of Lover and Alexa Chung - ultimate daytime dress.

Kirsten Dunst

Source: Just Jared

8/06/09: Alexa

I love quirky, statement jackets and jumpers. So understandably I adore these Alexa is wearing for Marie Claire. I particularly crave that jumper on the right (its Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony).

"Alexa Chung, Queen Of Cool"

Source: Marie Claire

Alexa has also been continuing be sartorially awesome on her MTV show lately. The girls a big Lover fan - I love how she dressed down that super sexy dress. And the girls got me desperately wanting loafers. The search is on.

Great knitwear lately too - LOVE the Chanel cardie on the left, and and oversized v neck is so so classic. I live in them - c/o Mums wardrobe. Thanks Mama.

Source: The Fashion Spot

Muse: Jimi Hendrix

I love love love Jimi Hendrix - music, style, mystique, magnetism and tragic early demise. I'm not sure if I should be concerned that a lot of my key style idols are drug addicted rock stars from the sixties and seventies - but I have always been drawn to that whole world; the clothes, music, stories, danger etc. Hendrix's sartorial aesthetic was exotic, psychedelic, earthy, wild and primal - operative words also ideal to describe his life and music.

Twenty Seven Names' awesome summer collection "Jimi James And The Blue Flames" was inspired by Hendrix - I've wanted the whole collection the instant I first saw it at Showroom 22's Media Open Day. 

Also, Balmain's Spring 08 collection totally captures Jimi and the era perfectly (I still want everything.. Sigh) as does the already iconic frogged military jackets from Spring 09.

I always have quite a few of his songs on high rotate on my pod:

- Electric Ladyland

- Fire

- All Along The Watchtower

- Castles Made Of Sand

- Hey Joe

- Wind Cries Mary

Featuring: Balmain, Lover, Sass & Bide, 3.1 Philip Lim, Kova & T

Featuring: Matina Amanita, Bally, Miu Miu, Alexander McQueen

Sources: Scans, Style.com, Net-a-porter, Matina Amanita, Showroom 22,

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

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

White Moon Rising

I am a total Lover fiend, and have been so for years. Every collection is mind-blowing and perfect, and I LOVE the story behind every one. I think my favorite back store would have to be for their "Altamont" collection - but I am a tad biased as I am totally obsessed with the Rolling Stones. At the moment I'm pretty much hanging out like a junkie for their Summer 09/10 collection "White Moon Rising". Can. Not. Wait

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

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.

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

23/04/09: Good As Gold

I love that Wellington store Good As Gold has an online store now. Although I'm not usually a skirt girl (as anyone who knows me can attest) I am covetting these tight little babies. The Salasai and Stolen Girlfriends Club ones both have a similiar silhouette - v sexy. And I die for that mens Claude Maus tee (am hunting EVERYWHERE for some galaxy print pieces). And does that maze necklace look like something out of The Labyrinth or what!

Left to Right: Salasai Zipped up skirt, Stolen Girlfriends Club Black skull pendant, Claude Maus Galaxy tee, Stolen Girlfriend's Club Suspender skirt, Turn Me On Design Ringmaze pendant, Lover Lovebomb leather skirt.

Source: Good As Gold

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

Shop Lover

I die. Lover's long awaited online store is FINALLY up and running!!! This could be dangerous...

Source: Lover The Label

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

RUSSH March 09

My darling Russh! It completes me - every page of every issue is a delight for the senses and the brain. Have only read this issue once so far, but put a side my uni work tonight (prioritise much?) to scan my fave pages from this issue.

WILD CHILD

Insanely tailored, architectural jackets. Futuristic yet very earthy. And mesh! Love.

AUSSIE UPRISING

Beautiful shots - washed out and golden - of some of Australia's best new designers (most of which I have rambled about already). 

Left to right: Rittenhouse, Tv, Karla Spetic.

TALLULAH'S TOWN

I have never seen a bad editorial of the fab Miss Morton. She fits the (perfect) Russh aesthetic perfectly - as does one of their other faves Zippora.
Love the combo of surf/swim wear, futuristic tailoring, retro accessories and lacy/sparkly dresses. Somehow it so works.

Also love the letterman jacket from Lover's stunning Winter 09 collection "Sacred Hearts College".

Russh March 09

Source: Scanned by moi

Lover's Sacred Hearts - FINALLY!

As I've mentioned already, I have been insaaanely looking forward to Lover's new collection "Sacred Hearts" ever since this image appeared on their website in late December...

And then today, their Facebook page notified me that the new collection was up on their site! It literally made my day! They even have a school crest/badge - too cute!

Key picks (wants... NEEDS!) are a straw boater hat, dungarees, duffel coats, and sailor shirts. And omg I actually really want grey marle trackpants to wear for good?! Am I far to easily influenced?

The following are the looks from the Southern Hemisphere Winter lookbook...

And these five are from the Northern Hemisphere Summer lookbook...

Source: Lover

The Vine has an interesting interview with the amazing pair behind the label, Susien Chong and Nic Briand, about their work, inspirations and the new collection.