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

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

5/09/09: Net-A-Porter Gilt

Sometimes the perfect thing to visually indulge in on a saturday morning is something that will inspire you for the impending night. I don't know about you, but sequins, black, gold and leather always gets me in the mood for some revellery.

Ps: Isn't that ace YSL necklace the perfect way to flash the iconic (and heavenly) logo with class.

Clockwise: 3.1 Phillip Lim Sequin T-shirt, Chloe Lena brocade bag, Vanessa Bruno Suede Leggings, Lanvin Metallic Leather sandals, YSL Glass Bead necklace.
Source: Net-A-Porter

4/09/09: Net-A-Porter Classics

I think my brain gets a little fatigued from the constant onslaught of print, studs, denim, leather, fur etc that I feed it. Some times it just needs a cool breath of air in the form of simple classics - that lack all the bells and whistles, but are all the better for it.

It's very much "borrowed from the boys" with perfect shirts, cool slouchy jackets and flat shoes, but is feminised with elements like a tight leather skirt just peeping from your shirt tails.

Clockwise: Steven Alan Chambray Contrast Collar Shirt, Chloe Satin-crepe Longline Jacket, Chloe Double Breasted Blazer, Church's Classic Burwood Brogue, Helmut Lang Leather Bandage Skirt, Converse Core Ox Low sneakers.

Source: Net-A-Porter

4/09/09: Net-A-Porter Chloe

I am undoubtably a die-hard Chloe fan . I love the mix of femininity, tailoring, quirkiness, simplicity and naivety. The colour palettes are also to die for. The label has gotten ever stronger since Hannah MacGibbon came on board.

I love the idea of mixing their quirkier pieces - like jacquard print pants and a shearling jacket with simple basics like a jersey tank and brogues.

Clockwise: Kain Silk-blend tank, Chloe Butterfly Jacquard Silk pants, Chloe Short Shearling Jacket, Chloe Polka Dots leather bag, Church's Classic Burwood brogue,

Source: Net-A-Porter

Burberry Dream

Why do you do this to me Christopher Bailey?!! This is torture. I think these are quite possible perfection, albeit totally unreachable. Burberry just keeps getting better and better every season.

Clockwise: Cutout leather sandals, Leather Platform pumps, Cutout leather sandals, Leather and Wood sandals,

Source: Net-A-Porter

2/09/09: Net-A-Porter

Classic, boyish dressing executed in simple but quirky pieces is my ultimate go-to style when I can't think what to wear - and it's also one of my favorite looks. Skinny statement pants in leather or a print, topped with a loose tee or jersey - all finished off with run-around flat shoes (I spend most of my life at uni - and my days usually end with running for the bus, therefore heels/wedges are generally out).

Clockwise: A.P.C Wool-blend Sweater, Vanessa Bruno Suede Leggings, Converse Cor Ox Low sneaker

Clockwise: James Perse Cotton Jersey T-shirt, Diane Von Furstenberg Under Armour Camouflage pants, Church's Classic Burwood brogues.

Source: Net-A-Porter

28/08/09: Net-A-Porter

I love a good nude/black mix. The soft femininity and innocence of blush tones is counterbalance by slick black pieces, and details like hardware, jewellery and lace really pop.

Clockwise: Stella McCartney Lola Spinning triangle bra and Lace Trim Stretch Pants, Lanvin Crystal Ribbon necklace, Givenchy Zip-detailed leather sandals, Roberto Cavalli Suede studded belt and Fringed Suede tank dress

Source: Net-A-Porter

22/08/09: Net-A-Porter

Winter is fading here in little old NZ - so nice to feel the air and sun on my actual skin!  I swear my mood has improved tenfold.

As a last farewell to winter, I've put together a couple of killer winter outfits c/o the delicious new goodies on Net-A-Porter. All winter I've pretty much lived in oversized sweater/shirt/jacket layers, skinny pants in warm fabrics and boots. It has served my very well!

Left to Right: Preen Arch Cable Knit Sweater, Pucci Glossy Python Pants, Alexander Wang Jaime Creeper leather boots, Marni Alpaca Tote.

Left to Right: Alexander McQueen Lacquered cable-knit mini dress, Pucci Zip detailed leather pants, Alexander Wang Brenda Chain Bag, Camilla Skovgaard Satin chain-embellished sandals.

I just had to post these ace statement jackets. Jackets like that are pure gold - toss them on over anything and your good to go.

Left to Right: Preen Reversible Mongolian Jacket, Matthew Williamson Printed Mongolian wool-trimmed coat, Dacute Light Shearling Jacket

I'm still searching for the perfect pair of intense buckled ankle boots, lusting over these shall suffice until a pair comes my way.

Left to Right: Phi Buckled Leather Ankle Boots, Alexander Wang Ankle Boots, Tabitha Simmons Suede and leather ankle boots

Camilla Skovgaard does some amazing shoes and boots. I particularly love the grooved soles - they convey a slick futuristic workboot quality.

Clockwise: Bi-color cutout boots, Bi-colour boots, Suede Cut-Out boots

And man have I been coveting Miu Miu's sequined and embellished socks since they came down the runway. They combine garish luxury, kitsch and both childlike and nanna qualities. I NEEEED these!

Source: Net-A-Porter

11/08/09: Net-A-Porter

I love cream and black/navy together - its so much softer than black and white (and lacks any waiter connotations). I also love the juxtaposition of pairing a chic little shift dress and buttoned cardy with rough leather and metal details.

Clockwise: ACNE Rita leather biker jacket, Steven Alan Etta cropped wool cardigan, Chloe Silk Shift Dress, Tory Burch Leather studded bowling bag, Alexander Wang Max leather bag, Helmut Lang Shearling Vest,Source: Net-A-Porter

23/07/09: Net-A-Porter

There's something comforting, especially in winter, about rugging up in classic black, grey and white - pretty foolproof, yet still eye catching and stylish. I think it works best with a textured piece or two - particularly the luxury (and warmth!) of velvet.

Clockwise: Marni Suede peep-toe platforms, Stella McCartney Velvet Petal Cropped Jacket, Burberry Argyle-print snood, Stella McCartney Wool-blend panther intarsia dress, Tory Burch Leather Studded bowling bag, Marc Jacobs Asymmetric Velvet Dress,

Source: Net-A-Porter

Leathers and Letters

My recent (near) acquisition of totally sick Claude Maus leather leggings (thank god for layby) and Chloe Sevigny's recent killer Proenza Schouler outfit have got me tripping on intense leather-full looks even more than usual.

Clockwise: Miu Miu Leather boned bustier dress, Doma Hooded leather jacket, Lanvin Gloria leather bag, Helmut Lang Leather panel stretch dress,  

 

And while I'm on a noir tangent, this is necklace heaven. I'm pretty much obsessed with the YSL logo - I blame studying typography at uni. So this I adore. blatantly logo-tastic but still classy and simple.

YSL Glass bead necklace

Source: Net-A-Porter

Monkey See, Monkey Do

I think it'd be pretty awesome to go around with a big-ass monkey on your tshirt - talk about in your face. Would love to see peoples reactions to it. Would def wear this with my leopard-velour jacket. I want the chimp! I love you Mr Kane.

Left to Right: Chimp, Baboon, Mandril

Source: Net-a-Porter

28/06/09: Net-A-Porter

Dark and interesting never fails. Soft fur and rough leather in semi-primal finishes work so well with feminine lace and cool metals. And that owl clutch as just awesome.

Clockwise: 3.1 Philip Lim Leather Flight jacket, Stella McCartney Lauren Whistling bra, Donna Karen Shearling Reversible Vest, Balmain Triple Strand belt, Chloe Elsie lurex shoulder bag, Judith Leiber Owl crystal-embellished clutch.

Source: Net-A-Porter

11/06/09: Net-A-Porter

There's something about black and studs that is timelessly sexy and strong. Love a tight asymmetric dress with leather and strong boots - makes it less overt. I also love hard metal against black, adds an edge to what is otherwise quite a sombre, serious palette. I'm also thinking studded boots could most definitely be a DIY project this holidays (which starts at mid day today!! Excite!)

Clockwise Outer: Alexander Wang Leather Motorcycle vest, Herve Leger Vivien cutout bandage dress, Pierre Hardy Fur and nappa boot, Proenza Schouler Studded biker boot, Tory Burch Studded clutch, Alexander Wang Cutout jersey dress & Satin jersey one-shoulder dress, Timex80 Digital gold tone watch,

Clockwise Inner: Spanx Black lace high waisted thong, Alexander Wang Fitted Corset dress, Oscar De La Renta Boucle motorcycle jacket, Lanvin Happu Partage fold-over handbag.

Sources: Style.com, Net-A-Porter

26/05/09: Net-A-Porter

I love a skinny legging (still needing to get my little hands on some Black Rats) but they have to be paired with an oversized top. This drapey, cropped sleeve cashmere cardie would be perfect layered over a soft loose tank. Ironically flashy gold accessories would be perfect to kill any potential boringness created by a monochrome look.

Clockwise: Louis Vuitton Paillettes bag, Michael Kors Cashmere drape cardigan, Burberry Pyramid stud watch, Pierre Hardy Watersnake sandal, Kain Silk blend tank, Sass & Bide Black Rats leggings,

Source: Style.com, Net-A-Porter

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

14/05/09: Net-a-Porter

Gold black and cream is such a classic, failsafe look. Luxe gold + classic cream + edgy black leather = the perfect balance. Fun enough but serious enough (I tend to worry about veering too much to one or the other). I love love love that retro gold watch!

Clockwise: Rick Owens Crocodile leather vest, Chanel Camelia headband, Kain Silk-blend tank, Diane Von Furstenberg Zia shoe, Chloe Stingray tassel mini bag, Bruno Frisoni Disco wedge with side bow, Timex80 Digital gold-tone watch

Sources: Style.com & Net-A-Porter

9/05/09: Net-A-Porter

Love the Stella McCartney exclusives that Net-A-Porter's been having lately - I think that cloud print shirt is my fave (love the washed out blue/grey and the dirty cream). Would be perfect with those panel leggings and asymmetric shoes. I love paring something soft/pastel/printed with some sharp black pieces.

Clockwise: Stella McCartney Cloud-print silk shirt, Markus Lupfer Lizzy panel leggings, RingsEclectic Turquoise stone-embellished ring, Stella McCartney Embellished silk jacket, Jil Sander Asymmetric leather sandals.   

Source: Net-A-Porter