Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Bare Beaunz : Megan

Megan Robinson from Thread.co.nz


Spending time with Megan, founder and editor of the exhaustive local fashion and beauty bible, Thread.co.nz, is an absolute treat. When I visited her for the purpose of today's Bare Beaunz, I was whisked into the dining room for tea from beautiful, genuine china tea cups, before being asked to choose a fabric and lace trim from what can only be described as a bottomless, Narnia-esque haberdashery chest. An hour later, we were sent on our way with a sweet little dress for my daughter, a copy of the pattern so I can recreate it again, and an open invitation to return whenever we liked.


Megan never seems to run out of steam. She has two adorable kids, the youngest just months old, yet she still finds the time to attend industry events and update Thread several times a day. There isn't a person in the industry that doesn't sigh with genuine affection when you mention her name, and her enthusiasm is infectious. 


Megan is notoriously humble, so I'm thankful that she humoured me with a quick Bare Beaunz. Over to you, Meg.  

I just bought...?
I honestly don't buy much glamorous stuff (Cue violins), the last thing I bought was nappies and a Bostik glue gun. But I did recently buy a Clarins Cotton Flower palette face powder.


I'm about to buy...?

Some vintage glass containers for making soy candles in.


I wish I could buy...?
The ability to cook.


The last time I (really) laughed was...? 
I find I'm cracking up every day at stuff my 2 yr old says and does. This week that includes a lot of exclaiming "Dear me!", breastfeeding her doll, and saying she's off in Mummy's car to buy ham.

My secret pleasure is...?

Scouring op shops and Fairs for cool old stuff. I really like old, homemade aprons, and old linen that has hand embroidery on it.


My fashion sense at school was...? 
Lots of jackets over polo necks, tights, and brogues.

When I was a kid I wanted to be...? 

A florist.

If I died tomorrow I would be remembered for...? 

Having different hair colours in all my ID photos.


x

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Janod Wooden Toys

Janod wooden toys from Peppin Boutique

How sweet are these wooden toys? Sometimes the simplest things keep my daughter amused for hours (okay...minutes), and I can imagine her spending a long time trying to master the cheese threading toy, especially. 

Her Christmas list gets longer by the day...

x

Monday, November 28, 2011

One for the housewives



I want to start this post with an apology to housewives across the world (which also includes me, sorry me). Before I gave up fulltime work to have my daughter, I dreamt of leisurely days at home in my perfectly clean house, turning out gourmet meals and buttery home baking while my child played happily in the corner. Coffee dates with the girlfriends, no problem. Heck, I could even start jogging everyday again, what with all my spare time when the baby slept. 


Ha...


The truth is something more like this: I keep the lounge, kitchen and bathroom clean in case visitors drop in, the rest of the rooms are lucky to see a cloth once a week. I have mastered the artfully placed brooch to cover food stains, dinner is usually one of five meals on rotation, and I bake so I can eat the raw dough for lunch. Girlfriends? In between working and raising a child, I'm lucky to see my mother let alone foster relationships with other adults (thank god for Facebook). Please tell me I'm not the only one on this crazy rollercoaster?


Anyway...the point of this post was not to wallow, it was to show you this awesome no-do-hairdo I saw last week at the press launch of the Rodney Wayne summer collection, presented by Richard Kavanagh. Just wash your hair (combing is optional) then throw it up and wrap a chic silk scarf around it all, and voila: you're straight off the Marc Jacobs catwalk.


I love that head scarves are making a comeback, not just because they mean maximum-style-for-no-effort, but because they remind me of Audrey Hepburn singing 'Moon River' in Breakfast at Tiffany's.


I'm off to bake (eat) a banana cake in my Ruby for Breast Cancer scarf and un-ironed shirtdress. At least the neighbours can only see me from the neck up.


x

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Sunday Sounds : Real Estate


This is happy music, pure and simple. All it needs is a sunny day and an ice cream, and all senses are covered.

Happy listening Beaunz belles.

x

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Saturday Scrapbook : Christmas Shopping with heart

Trade Aid Farmyard Finger Puppets $51.99 a set


Until this week, it had been years since I stepped inside a Trade Aid store. Why? I'm not sure. I love their model of paying a fair price to their trading partners (you might think this is standard, but it's not) and facilitating positive change through a combination of direct trading, development work, campaigning, and education. Did you know that Trade Aid supplies more than 70% of fair trade beans to New Zealand’s coffee industry? Me neither, but it sure makes me feel less guilty about the second latte I had this morning. So, today's Saturday Scrapbook is all about the beautiful things I spotted this week at Trade Aid. They have a number of stores throughout New Zealand, but they also have a great online shop too. I'll let the images speak for themselves, click on the links if you want to know more about any of the products.



Trade Aid Small Stone Chess Set $179.99

Trade Aid Blue Floral Queen Quilt $199.99

Trade Aid Jute Ranu Place Mat $9.99 each



x

Friday, November 25, 2011

When life gives you lemons ...

Lemon Turnover from La Tropezienne French Bakery


I have been going to the French Bakery (La Tropezienne) in Browns Bay since I lived there as a little girl and know one thing in my heart for certain: there is nothing a little lemon curd pastry can't fix. I have eaten in the finest patisseries in Paris and London and can honestly say that Louis, in his best-kept-secret little bakery at the North end of Browns Bay Beach, is up there with the best.

Usually I'm all about the 'tarte citron' but today I couldn't go past the Lemon Turnover, with its crunchy sugar clouds atop a buttery pastry cocoon for eye-watering lemon curd - tart/sweet in a way only the French can do.

One bite, and my bad mood disappears with the lemon curd angels. Much better than lemonade...

x

Thursday, November 24, 2011

The real Happy Feet

Converse Sequin High Top Sneakers

It might be the excitement of Christmas, but I can't get enough sparkle. Sequins, glitter, crystals, rhinestones, diamonds...as long as it reflects daylight, I want it on my person. 

My ultimate summer item (still looking) is a pair of slouchy, sequined pants à la these sparklers to be worn with a white tee, bare face and red lips. I might be a season or two behind the most dedicated fashionistas but I'm happy to be the style tortoise. 

In the meantime, my feet are getting the tinsel treatment thanks to these Converse high tops. Brings new meaning to the term 'twinkle toes'. 

Do a little dance... 

x


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Bare Beaunz : Farran


My dear friend Farran is a woman of contrasts. Steely strong and determined on the outside, but a marshmallow inside. Sweet and kind but then razor sharp with her insights. She tells it like it is, and even if I don't always like the message I love that I can trust her to be honest, and that she has my best interests at heart.


Farran has one of those 'looks' you want to study. Her skin and hair are so pale and delicate they are translucent (straight out of a Mill & Boon), and she has eyes like five carat sapphires. Her style is unique, feminine and cool. Whenever we have plans to meet, I look forward to seeing what she will wear. Give me Farran's wardrobe over Kate Moss' any day! Over to you, Farran:

I just bought...?
Moochi orange suede peep toe platforms (with contrasting heel). I love the colour, the 70s style and the fact that they make me a lot taller. I wasn’t looking for shoes, but as soon as I saw them I bought them. 


I'm about to buy...?
I’ve seen this really cool lamp on the Urban Outfitters website. The base is a woman’s leg with a fishnet stocking, and the shade is yellow with black fringing. Very Elsa Schiaparelli. 

I wish I could buy...? 
The beautiful diamond ring you wrote about the other week.

When I was a kid I wanted to be...? 
A banker. I was obsessed with money when I was little, I even had a play bank. I was always meant to be rich. Hmmm.

My fashion sense at school was...? 
The same as now. I have always liked a mix of classic with quirky.

The last time I (really) laughed was…?
Today, when you were trying to take a photo of me.

My secret pleasure is...?
Eating a block of chocolate in one sitting (any flavour will do, I'm not picky)

If I died tomorrow I would be remembered for...?
My compassion for others and my tendency to tell the truth, even when it hurts.



x

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Peonies tame the flower grinch



Call me unromantic, but there's no use trying to woo me with flowers.

Don't get me wrong, I love them (especially roses in all shapes and colours) but to me, they belong in a garden where they can be enjoyed for weeks, not wilt away to a smelly, faded mess in a matter of days. And giving flowers to someone who has lost a loved one strikes me as plain odd; 'I'm sorry xx died, here are some flowers that will be dead soon too, just in case you've forgotten in a couple of days.' We're pre-engineered to coo when presented with a bunch of flowers (even though some bouquets look like botanical vomit) but am I the only one out here on this ungrateful, grinchy ledge?

I can think of one exception: I was overjoyed to have a room full of fragrant roses to mask the hospital smell after having my daughter. But as a symbol of romance? Give me a nice bottle of bubbles anyday.

Except...for a few weeks a year, my flower grinch is tamed with the appearance of peonies. Fat and soft as a duckling, peonies lure me into every florist and fruit shop on the high street. I can't help myself! If I could grow them, I would. But as my husband can attest, even weeds perish when left in my care. So, like any good grinch, I'll enjoy them while they last then get back to my grumbling come January.

x

Monday, November 21, 2011

The Madness of King TomMo

TomMo James, International Man of Movember

The first time I met TomMo James (aka. reigning Mr. Movember) we were running the 2001 Round the Bays. Correction: I ran, Tom scootered it in underpants and a scrum cap. It was a fitting introduction to the most committed nutter I know (and I mean dedicated, not institutionalised). Quick witted and so full of life it literally bursts out of him, for the past 5 years Tom has turned his focus to raising awareness of, and funds for, the Movember campaign. Lucky them! He certainly has me hooked in, and I know I’m not the only one watching his every Mo’ve with delicious anticipation.

Tom’s first Mr. Movember entry saw him dressed as a Moa hunter, complete with life-sized, homemade version of our beloved, extinct native bird. Not suprisingly, he won. In 2008 he bleached and shaved his hair to become the Mad Scientist, which also won him recognition as ‘International Man of Movember’ over more than 170,000 participants worldwide. That same year he almost caught pneumonia nude wake boarding around Auckland Harbour during morning rush hour, pulling a Movember banner behind him.

Last year Tom won again, as Wolverine, and one can only speculate on what his costume for the big Movember Gala will be this year. What I do know is that his ultimate MoBro is Magnum PI (every woman’s Mo of choice), and he has his sights on his Australian nemesis Saxon Gray. I can’t wait for the big reveal! A documentary crew has been following him around this year, and any day now Tom will be repeating his wake boarding antics, this time in Wellington.

I asked Tom for his hints on growing the best Mo, and his response was this: ‘Keep vitamins high – especially zinc, Men's multi is good. Sun is good too, be outdoors a lot. And dry shave, just the act makes you Man up and testosterone rushes into your face.’ If you’re that way inclined, check out the Movember Style Guide for inspiration.

In typical TomMo style, he has left a few nutty remarks on fellow MoBro Richie McCaw’s page. To quote Hamlet, ‘Madness in great ones must not unwatched go’. Head on over to see if you can spot them and while you’re there, pledge some Mo-ney for this great cause.

x


Sunday, November 20, 2011

Sunday Sounds : Electric Guest


When I listen to this song, American Dream by Electric Guest, I feel like one of those nodding dogs people have in their cars (I had one in my first car, a baby blue Triumph Herald called Betty) except, in slow motion. It would sound amazing played really loud in a big old chevy, driving down the main street on a Friday night...if I was that way inclined. Secretly, I wish I was.

Happy Sunday beaunz belles.

x

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Saturday Scrapbook : Best local online shopping

www.Foxes.co.nz 

Although online shopping in New Zealand has come a long way, I am still pleasantly surprised when brands or shops spend the time and money to create an inspiring online experience. If I'm buying your products without seeing or touching them in person (which, lets face it, is usually more cost effective for the vendor), I want value in other ways such as free shipping, a cool blog that doesn't just sell me their products, or a well-designed e-zine I can subscribe to. So, today I have put together a little scrapbook of my favourite online shops in New Zealand. First up is Foxes, which stocks everything from the Frankie diary (always a sellout) to sweet coloured twines, to local handmade clothing and accessories. I look forward to the newsletters from owner Jessica, who also runs the Auckland Craft Collective and the craft market for First Thursdays. Busy lady! And clearly very talented.

www.superette.co.nz
I can't seem to get through a week without spending at least a few minutes browsing on Superette. The mix of brands, easy layout and stylish design make it a winner. Their regular lookbooks and emails are always true to their aesthetic and make it easy to add a little cool to your wardrobe, regardless of whether or not you buy it from them.

www.mondegreen.co.nz
I love collecting quirky curiosities (which drives my husband nuts, he prefers to call it 'clutter') and the homeware section on Mondegreen is helping to feed my addiction. Next on my hitlist is this Daschund butter dish, followed closely by one of the animal egg cups. Essential in every home!

www.mybeautystore.co.nz
I'm not usually a fan of shopping online for beauty; I need all my senses to be stimulated when I'm choosing skincare, or makeup. Leaving with an arm striped with lip colours or scents is part of the fun. But, once you know your favourites and just need to stock up without leaving the house, it's good to know you can get them online. My Beauty Store launched at fashion week in September and has some great, hard-to-find brands on there, including Butter London, Becca and Snowberry.

www.atticroom.co.nz
What can I say? I'm a sucker for sweet stationery, and it's all here at Attic Room

www.poppyseed.co.nz
As any new Mum will know, planning your baby's 1st birthday (or any birthday for that matter) can be stressful. You want it to be perfect, and every other mother seems to have it all down pat. Well, here is their secret! Poppy Seed has all the cool plates, cups, napkins and bunting you could wish for, and the staff are great at pulling together a 'look'. If you need help, call them or pop into their physical store, but be warned: it could be hazardous to your budget.

www.sabato.co.nz
Best not to look at Sabato's website if you're close to mealtime, it could get ugly. Too many delicious treats to mention.


www.shopwhatsnew.co.nz

Okay, so not technically an online store, but Shop What's New makes my list for sheer genius. If you're like me and have items on your wishlist before they hit the shops, this brilliant site lets you know as and when things arrive in stores, so you won't miss out. It's all the fun of window shopping without the sore feet.

Happy Shopping Beaunz belles! And please let me know your favourite online stores too.

x

Friday, November 18, 2011

Give the gift of life after birth



I promise this won’t get ugly, but if you’re squeamish about babies and birth you may want to skip today’s post altogether.

My experience with childbirth was traumatic to say the least. After a very cruisey pregnancy, I had visions of a natural birth, to the sounds of Bon Iver, as my husband and sister wiped my brow and fed me ice chips. ‘Millions of women have done it before’ everyone assured me, from family, to my Ante Natal teacher, to the checkout operator at New World. ‘Childbirth is a beautiful, natural thing. Just let your body take over; it will know what to do.’

The reality was quite different. My waters broke a week early and showed signs of meconium which meant the baby was potentially in distress. Induction brought on labour quickly and violently, my subsequent epidural fell out (unnoticed), and after two hours of agonising pushing I was raced into theatre for an emergency caesarean that, in the words of my midwife, saved both me and my daughter. It was weeks before I could even think about the whole experience without crying. Over a year later, the memory is just hazy enough to contemplate doing it all again (before you get excited – no, that’s not an announcement, sorry!) and this time around, I have a new appreciation for the medical professionals that take care of us when we need them. At the time when I was the most frightened I have ever been, they reassured me and cared for me, and I owe them my life.

When I read about Oxfam Unwrapped and their wonderful gifts, the one that really stood out was the option to ‘Train a village birth attendant’ in Papua New Guinea. So often these women give birth at home, with no medical assistance, and the risk to both mother and child is high. A $40 donation will help train locals, giving them basic midwifery skills and a ‘Safe Birth Kit’ so that mothers are given the best possible medical help before, during and after childbirth. At a time of year that celebrates the birth of baby Jesus, I can’t think of a better gift for the person who already has everything.

x

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Bare Beaunz : Anna-Lise



Anna-Lise Sharma of Showroom 22 has a smile with a life of it's own, it is seriously mischievous and infectious. What can I say? I'm a sucker for dimples! Stylish, savvy and super-friendly, she is the perfect fashion PR. 


I caught up with Anna-Lise after the AW2012 preview for a quick Bare Beaunz.

I just bought...?
A pair of Madame Hawke maxi-culottes. They are amazing!

I'm about to buy...?
Summer is nearly upon us so my next purchase is a Zimmerman bikini. I'm a huge fan of their floral prints.

I wish I could buy...?
A beautiful house! I can't wait to decorate my own home.

The last time I (really) laughed was...?
At a friend's brother for creating a strange Russian alter ego.

My secret pleasure is...?
I can't stop eating the Peach and Passionfruit Frozen Yoghurt from Icing on the Cake.

My fashion sense at school was...?
Black Watch Tartan galore!

When I was a kid I wanted to be...?
I was obsessed with becoming a doctor. My poor family all had their monthly checkups in my 'doctor's clinic.'

If I died tomorrow I would be remembered for...?
My terrible driving skills. My friends can't stand hopping in the car with me!

x

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

If you weren't so sweet...



Nothing says summer like the juicy, sweet pulp of a strawberry. You might sprinkle yours with icing sugar, dollop on fresh cream, or even drizzle them with balsamic vinegar. Me, I like mine au natural, and preferably with a few nobbly, gnarly knots that seem to concentrate the sweetness.


Throughout November, New Zealand Hospice is raising funds with a strawberry festival. If you can't make it to one of their events, click here to donate a virtual strawberry sundae. And don't forget to be charitable to yourself too, and pick up a punnet or two.


x

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Cuddles , at own risk

Racoon Coat from Stolen Girlfriends Club AW2012


I'm showing my age here, but my werewolf film of choice is Teen Wolf. Watching cute-as-a-button Michael J. Fox transform into a hairy, sweaty man-beast rocked my world as a kid. I can't say I wanted to be him, or kiss him, but I sure wanted to know him.


Lycanthropy (the ability to take on the characteristics of a wolf) has made somewhat of a comeback lately, what with a certain, polarising, vampire flick. Whether you're Team Jacob,  Team Edward or Team Whocares, you'd have to be in a coma to not know what I'm referring to. Whether or not the 'T' word has had any influence, I love the current obsession with (faux) fur, especially in various shades of wolverine.


Stolen Girlfriends Club do great clothes in general, but what really gets me excited are their amazing coats and winter knitwear. I'm hardly a risk-taker when it comes to fashion, but every now and then I spy something that makes me want to shake things up a bit (like these Karen Walker sunglasses). 


You can't be subtle in this coat, you'd probably turn fewer heads in a spacesuit. The only downside is living in a city that rarely drops into single digit temperatures. No wonder they styled the shot with bare legs and and a sheer dress.


Regardless, she looks cute, cuddly and fierce all at the same time. Much more appealing than a bloodsucking, sun-starved immortal if you ask me.


x



x

Monday, November 14, 2011

Bare Beaunz : Tamsin

Tamsin Marshall of Beautygoss.com


If Tamsin wasn't so darned lovely, I wouldn't like her at all! Besides being ridiculously, naturally pretty, she has a cool off-beat style that's almost impossible to define or copy, and runs her own sassy online beauty bible, Beauty GossThe industry in New Zealand is tiny and competitive, but Tamsin has always been generous with her time and advice. I caught up with Tamsin (and her hilarious, nearly-3year old dynamo Coco) for a quick Bare Beaunz.


I just bought...?
Current/Elliot skinny jeans in a dark denim wash, and I just ordered the Carine Roitfeld book from Amazon.

I'm about to buy...?
The Mulberry Alexa satchel. I have been uuming and aahing over it for ages, and have decided I need a tan handbag in my life that can handle all the wipes, toys and other paraphernalia.

I wish I could buy...?
Kate Moss has done a jewelry collection for Fred, and in one of the campaign shots she has three diamond earrings in one ear; an anchor, a moon and a star. They’re amazing and I really want them.

When I was a kid I wanted to be...?
A ballerina and a teacher. I travelled a lot with my parents as a kid, and when I was 5 years old I saw these cancan dancers at Knotts Berry Farm. I thought they were so glamorous and beautiful. I have danced my whole life and did cheerleading in my early 20s, but I never wanted to do it professionally. I taught a bit of dancing but realised it wasn’t what I wanted to do and moved on. I think I wanted to be a teacher because I like being bossy.

My fashion sense at school was...?
I was popular in the sense that I had lots of friends but I definitely wasn’t in the cool crowd. I went through an op shopping phase in 7th form and one of my yearbook comments was that I was most likely to be a fashion designer for the homeless.

If I had one wish it would be....?
I’d really like to be able to paint.

The last time I (really) laughed was…?
The other night with my girlfriends. We have a recipe club where we get together, and of course end up talking about our kids and husbands and life in general. Somehow it is just really fun and so hilarious.

My secret pleasure is...?
At the end of the day, once Coco is in bed, I love to lie on the sofa with a glass of wine and flick through a magazine. To be able to do that feels truly amazing.

If I died tomorrow I would be remembered for...?
Hopefully my kindness, and my cheese platters.



Sunday, November 13, 2011

Sunday Sounds : Firekites



Is this the prettiest music video ever?


I love this song to death, but I realised today that even though it plays at least once a day in my car I have no idea of the words! I just hum along, and all I can muster is 'ah la...every hour.' I think it's because the song has a hypnotic quality that sends me into a dreamy trance as soon as I hear the opening chords. 


Regardless, it goes perfectly with a coffee, morning sunshine and Sunday magazine.


x

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Saturday Scrapbook : Beautiful things to look forward to

This week I went to the AW2012 preview at Showroom 22, and thought I would share a few of the treats in store for next season (if you can even think that far ahead!) Pretty, muted pastels were a key trend, along with royal blue, earth tones and gorgeous velvet in all shades. Yummy. First up was the beautiful colour palette at Ingrid Starnes (above). I'm a new Ingrid fan and can't wait to add a few of her pieces to my wardrobe asap.

How amazing are these trainers designed by Jeremy Scott for Adidas Originals? They come in kid's and adult sizes, and I'm seriously considering going matchy-matchy with my daughter. 


Deadly Ponies make the most original and delightful accessories in New Zealand, and this quirky velvet necklace is top of my birthday list next winter!


It's hard to do these Diemme cuties justice, they are butter soft and so cool it hurts that I don't already own them. Looks like another trip to MRKT is in order...

Juliette Hogan just gets better every season. This grandma-chic cardi will look perfect over any of her floaty dresses, worn with Kathryn Wilson's creepers (too many amazing styles to single out) and cosy socks.

OK, I'm off to the beach to remind myself that it's too hot to wear any of these anyway. Happy weekend Beaunz belles.

x