I blame Cinderella

Moochi silver loafers, in stores later this month

The lesson was clear; to win the heart of Prince Charming and live happily ever after, you need those bloomin' glass slippers. 

Said footwear, however, are sneaky little so-and-sos that change their spots every season. Last winter, it was the grey suede Dicker boot. This summer, the sequin Converse, and next season… schizer…where do I begin?

From the beautiful blue Julie loafer by Kathryn Wilson, to the custard and crème Isabel Marant Betty sneakers, to the divine Alexander Wang kitten heels I left my soul in at Workshop, who could possibly choose just one? I’m hoping I don’t have to, if I finally get funding for my screenplay I’ll be writing it in at least one of the above.

One thing’s for sure, I’m getting in early so I don’t miss out on these modern day Cinderella slip-ons from Moochi. I figure by the time I wear them to work (with cigarette pants and a white button down), to dinner (with black skinnies and the new NOM*d lace collar vest) and around the house (pyjama pants disguised as real pants) the cost per wear will be mere cents, and together we can live happily ever after…until next season.

x

The Love Stuff : Part 2

Zoe & Morgan Mini Star Ring

Dear Zoe & Morgan,


In the event that someone decides to spend some money on me this Valentine's Day, please nudge him gently in this direction.


Much love


x

Dance like no one can see you

In the lead-up to our wedding, over three years ago, I was feeling the usual anxiety and jitters until a dear friend soothed my nerves with his unexpected wisdom. 'Everyone turns up to a wedding wanting to have fun, and for the bride and groom to have the best day of their lives.' Once I realised the truth in his words, I could let go and enjoy our day for the celebration it was meant to be.


There is something about weddings that wipes away my inhibitions. I'm usually quite shy, but at weddings I'll talk romance to anyone and everyone who will listen. I guzzle the bubbles, revel in the best man's cheesy jokes and bust my best moves on the dance floor with not a care in the world. Conga? You bet. Limbo? Where's the broom!


Maybe I'll start living each day like it's my wedding...anyone for conga at Countdown?


x

Food with a view

On Sunday we spent a lazy afternoon lunching on the deck at the Riverhead Tavern. Even though the sky was threatening to open at any moment, we braved the elements and were rewarded with uninterrupted river views (and thankfully a mostly dry afternoon).


Our table lunched on Sea salt & Szechuan squid, Espresso & blue cheese lamb, Cola pulled pork sandwich and Prawn & bacon pizza, washed down with boutique beers and Brancott Estate bubbles. The menu had so many delicious-sounding options, it was difficult settling on just one each. I can't wait to go back in winter, to make the most of a pile of fleecy blankets stacked outside should you need a little snuggle-factor.


At 153 years old, the tavern holds New Zealand's second oldest liquor license (after the Duke of Malborough in Russell), and it's a melting pot of everyone from bikies to wealthy retirees to young families.


It's now top of my list for visiting friends and family; a prettier lunch venue you would be hard pressed to find.


x

The Love Stuff: Part 1

Valentine's Day is not a big deal in our family. That's not to say I'm immune to the romance of it all, but a bottle of nice wine and dinner at home is all I need.


However, every now and then I spot a funny little gift that I can't help putting away for a (romantic) rainy day, so I thought I would share this loved-up version of perennial favourite Connect Four. I found mine at a gift shop in Birkenhead called 'Crave', but I'm sure any of the cutesy homeware stores around New Zealand will sell them.


I haven't won a game yet, but I'm nothing if not determined! Even if it takes me until next Valentine's Day, I will be the champion.


x

Sunday Sounds : Grouplove

When I played this song earlier in the week, the boy sighed with relief that it wasn't another 'indie accoustic number' and actually jived around while he made dinner. It's not often I score his musical approval, so choosing this week's Sunday Sounds was easy.


Group Love are a new discovery for me, and I'm already hooked. They sound like they're having so much fun on every song, and I can't help getting up and dancing around the lounge, especially to this song Tongue Tied.


A little more uplifting than my usual, perfect for a Monday-morning-free Sunday (if you're reading on this side of the Tasman anyway!) We're on our way to the Riverhead Tavern for lunch, how about you?


x

Saturday Scrapbook : Street style blogs

www.eyeseyeseyeseyes.com

I am completely addicted to street style blogs, and I browse my bookmarks several times a week (at least) looking for inspiration. Of course, there are the big guns like The Sartorialist, Garance Dore and Tommy Ton, but I thought I would share a few of my personal favourites with you. First up is local blog, Foureyes. With crisp, carefully composed photography and a real eye for quirky details, this is the e-place to be seen.

www.manrepeller.com

I love a fashionista that doesn't take herself too seriously, and the Man Repeller makes me laugh out loud every time I read her. My favourite posts are the Man Getter to Repeller ones, where she takes a perfectly beautiful item of designer clothing and adds her own spin until it looks completely bonkers, but somehow fugly. 

www.vanessajackman.blogspot.com 

There is something soft and beautiful about Vanessa's photos, as though she feels tenderly for each of her subjects, and I love that she steers clear of the usual fashion week nutters, preferring to focus on the ones with true personal style.

www.closetvisit.com

Although not technically street style, this delicious, voyeristic peek into the coveted wardrobes of uber-stylish women is pure style-porn. Prepare to lose a couple of hours of your life on the first visit.

www.thelocals.dk

A little dose of Nordic style that appeals to our own obsession with black, black and black.

www.fashiontoast.com

Oh, to have Rumi's wardrobe! Even just her shoes...and her Isabel Marant... After attending NZFW a couple of years ago, she is often snapped wearing our own designers, especially Stolen Girlfriends Club. I'm also secretly chuffed that we own the same pair of pants...


What about you, Beaunz belles? Where do you look for style inspiration?


x