If I had my childhood again...

Globe Stubby skateboard

If I had my childhood again, there are two skills I would persevere a little longer to master. The first is riding a bike (no joke, if I have to turn my head I can't help turning the whole bike, and if I have to slow down I generally fall off) and the other is skateboarding. 

There is something so cool about cruising down the footpath on four wheels; I wouldn't even need a bevvy of tricks to pull, just the wind in my hair and tuk tuk of concrete joins under my feet would be enough.

One thing's for sure though, skateboards weren't nearly as chic as this Globe stubby back in the eighties. I've got serious design envy! Maybe I should put one away 'for Junior'...

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Freebies I have re-bought : Pureology

Pureology Precious Oil Shampoo

As an unwavering professional haircare convert (don't get me started on supermarket shampoos) there is little anyone can do to drag me away from my two favourites: Kerastase and Pureology. Both pricey - yes, but when you are spending hard cash on having your hair coloured and cut, why wouldn't you take good care of your investment with good products too? Treating $200 highlights with $5 shampoo is like going to Merediths and drinking Spumante with your Beetroot and Duck Meringue.

A few months ago I went to the launch of Dry & Tea in Newmarket (more on that gorgeous place next week) and was given some Pureology Precious Oil shampoo and conditioner to try. I was very sceptical and didn't even put it on my hair for a week, too worried that the so-called 'Oil' would weigh down my fine hair. It didn't. The opposite in fact! My hair has been light, lush and so so strong ever since. I have re-purchased once in 6 months (the bottles last forever as you only need a little) and am totally addicted to my morning sniff of creamy caramel-ly lather, not to mention having hair that feels like silk.

At a recent press appointment, my hair (almost 12 weeks since my last colour and cut - thanks pregnancy) was examined under a microscope and the condition from root to tip was as good and consistent as if it had been cut last week. Not bad for a bleach and blast addict.

What about you? Which hair products do you use and why?

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There's no price tag on swooning....

Great Gatsby costume sketch courtesy of Prada

Fashion illustration is one of my secret (or not so secret) coveted skills. 

I can't draw to save myself, but I find looking at designer sketches even more pleasurable than the finished clothes. Like a visual poem, they conjure so many possibilities in a two-dimensional image. For example; this woman is on her way to a hidden bar to drink martinis amongst the cigar smoke, to a soundtrack of croaky jazz. She is naked under the coat, save for her fragrance of choice; Tabac Blond, and has left her lighter at home in the hope that her lover will smell it when he leans in to light her cigarette. (You can see the others here; I would love to know what stories they tell you!)

I'm already inside out with excitement to see The Great Gatsby, and discovering these Prada costume sketches was like finding presents tucked under the Christmas tree with my name on them.  

Thank goodness oogling via googling is free...

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World's Biggest Waterslide...yes please!

Last year my immediate family was deeply affected by depression, and it was such a sad time for everyone surrounding that person.

Thankfully they were incredibly brave and sought help, and with lots of support have come out of the darkness. Although there is always the risk that it may return, having lived through it once I know we will make it again if it does.

One thing that really struck me about depression is how private and lonely it is, both for those suffering and those supporting. Despite the best efforts of heroes like John Kirwan, there is still so much stigma and misunderstanding around what it is and how it manifests. I for one missed a lot of the signs for far too long, and it was such a relief to finally have it diagnosed and out in the open so we could help them get better.

When googling 'water slides' (to buy one for our back yard) I stumbled across this website called Live More Awesome, which is run by two guys (both survivors of depression) who are building the world's biggest waterslide out in Helensville. There will be three, the longest of which will be 650metres long. EPIC! You can buy tickets to go on them or help them raise the money to build them here. I'll either be heavily pregnant or with a newborn when they open to the public on 23-24 February, so I hope you will go along and have a go in my honour.

And I would love to hear about your own experiences with depression too. Share the pain, feel the love.

xx

Etsy Find: Wild things printable

Where the Wild Things are printable by Olive & Birch

One of my favourite things about preparing for the imminent arrival of Jr is decorating his bedroom. Even though he won't be in it for a few months yet, I have this overwhelming urge to get it finished and pronto!

Who knows if the finished result will echo his personality as it develops in the years to come (although if his in-utero actions are anything to go by, a wriggly wild monster is not too far from reality) but lordy there are so many cool decorating ideas for kids rooms!

One of the best things is being able to purchase artwork online and print it off yourself locally, on the stock you want, to the size you want. I stumbled across this cute print by Olive & Birch on Etsy and am having it printed and framed as we speak. Our first child was nicknamed 'little peach' because her little round cheeks were so edible, and I'm sure number two will be no different!

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Ahhhh....summer!

One of my favourite things to do in summer is buy an old-fashioned scoop ice cream, strip down to as few clothes as possible and splash down the tide line in the late afternoon.

Although technically eating ice cream at 4pm is encroaching on dinner, I've always been one for instant gratification and am quite happy to have my dessert first!

In case you're interested, the flavour pictured is Bayberry, from the Takapuna Beach Cafe, and reminds me of this Jo Malone fragrance. Needless to say, not long after this photo was taken she was nude and smothered head to toe in red goo. Hey, at least the fish got a lick too!

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Portraits of Style

Saben 'Portraits of Style'

A few months ago, I was asked to take part in a Saben shoot called 'Portraits of Style', in which a handful of their favourite fashionistas (who me?!) were asked to dress up a bag from their new collection. Because one of their bags is named after her, my daughter Poet also got her moment in the limelight and boy does she work a pose now whenever a camera comes out!

Secretly 16 weeks pregnant at the time and battling horrific (all day all night) morning sickness, I fell back into the comfort of my Kate Sylvester lambie coat and Love Story jeans. A model I am not, but photographer Mike Rooke was so charming and easy to work with that the shoot was over before Poet could ask for a second lollipop.

I love it when brands do something a little different, a big thanks to Saben for having me!

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Lou's Clues

Brogues by Lou's Shoes

As soon as I started the hunt for cute, cool kids clothing I also began to wish we still lived in Europe. In contrast to the cookie cutter clothes found in most kiwi kids stores, they have brilliant labels like Mini Rodini, Bobo Choses, H&M kids (where I managed to pick up this cool cat onesie for Jr) and Zara kids. Give me a little boy in suspenders and a henley over puppy-print any day of the week! 

That said, there are a handful of local labels doing awesome things for kids, starting with these little boy brogues by Lou's Shoes. If I hadn't already picked up these lambskin booties from Nature Baby (another favourite) I would have a pair on overnight stork delivery!

I'd love to know your suggestions for cool local labels, and as I find them I'll share them too.

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It's Friday I'm in love...

Diemme leopard print pony boots from Fabric

I don't know what it is with me and fugly leopard print shoes...but these are calling for me in the wee hours of the morning when I should be resting up for the pending 'delivery'. 

Look how sinfully soft those inners are! How strokeable the ponyskin! And the snowboot laces give it all a sporty nonchalance that has me imagining an Autumn spent kicking aside crisp copper leaves and collecting acorns to turn into little people.

I'm almost too scared to venture into Fabric in case my size has already found a home...

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Currently...January 2013

34 weeks and counting

So...I haven't been busy on Beaunz lately, but I have been busy growing a baby dinosaur in my belly. As things slow down for me work-wise in preparation for his arrival, I'm excited to be able to devote a bit more time to blogging again. Excuse the newfound focus on all things miniature, I promise to slip in the odd non-baby post too!

Photographing: my growing belly (and using my iPhone to check under the bump for crumbs and rogue stains).

Saving for: new shoes...tune in tomorrow.

Eating: Fruju Grapefruit and Lemon ice blocks.

Coveting: this amazing bed.

Drinking: Barkers lemon and ginger with soda water, fresh mint and lots of ice.

Watching: Girls Season 1 on DVD. Borderline cringe-overload but so addictive!

Reading: Oh Baby by Kathy Fray. Gentle, sensible advice without the bells and whistles.

Listening to: Vetiver

Wearing: Cherry red toes courtesy of Essie Really Red.

Talking about: Baby names...fun until you actually have to decide on one.

Waiting for: Our new arrival of course!

Smelling: Jo Malone Amber & Lavender, a perfectly fresh and soft combination for my contrary pregnant nose.

Searching for: cool, uncheesy boys clothes. Any suggestions?

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Sunday Sounds : Iron & Wine

I love a bit of Iron & Wine, and seeing the latest Twilight film (don't judge me, I can't help myself) reminded me of how pretty this song is.


Perfect for slowdancing with all the lights off.


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NZFW : Day Three

What I wore - Day Three (sore feet and the start of a cold)

Today felt like everyone stepped it up another notch. Fashion finally found the flamboyant fabulousness I was looking for! 

Key colours: black, blue and buttercup yellow.

Textures: understated; today it was more about prints and colour.

Outfit I wanted to rip straight off the model: The blue rose print dress at BLAK (actually the first 10 outfits at BLAK), and the beautiful yellow dress at Salasai .

Most fabulous fashionista off the catwalk: Colin Mathura-Jeffree! After playing it safe Tuesday and Wednesday, he finally went a little crazy today and I loved him for it. See a pic below.

Favourite makeup look: the BLAK models were gorgeous, both hair and makeup.

Favourite catwalk styling: The urban navajos at Salasai.

Highs: the street fashion was the best it has been all week, plus sitting next to the lovely Charlotte Ryan at BLAK.

Lows: fashion burn-out.

Backstage at BLAK. 

 Lauren Gunn's gorgeous hair for BLAK.

Black roses for the BLAK front row. 

Colin Mathura-Jeffree and Nick Klarwill 

Photographers' Pit at the end of the runway 

 Models getting ready at Salasai

I'm playing hooky tomorrow and missing the last two shows, but I will post some more pictures over the next few days.

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NZFW : Day Two

What I wore - Day Two (a little Spring colour)

Day Two and everyone seems to be hitting their stride. The energy back stage was brilliant today, and the textures being created with model hair were divine...see below. The evening finished with Trelise Cooper, who brought much-needed 5* glamour to FW Day 2. Two down, one to go!

Key colours so far: cherry red, jade green, English mustard yellow, periwinkle.
Textures: velvet (yes!) including beautiful black velvet lace at twentysevennames, open-weave knits, more fur and lots of shine.
Outfit I wanted to rip straight off the model: I would quite happily have worn most of the outfits shown today, although I felt most affinity with twenty-seven names.
Most fabulous fashionista off the catwalk: Samantha Hayes, gorgeous with her flame red hair over a yellow knit. Best star quality so far, without looking over-styled.
Favourite makeup look: I couldn't get a good shot of it, but I loved the twinkling green in the corners of the Riddle Me This models' eyes.
Favourite catwalk styling: A tie: toffee apple red rubber sandals and grunge-beanies at twenty-seven names and the gorgeous, whimsical brides at NZ Weddings.
Highs: the Blue Sky fashion show, with Ingrid Starnes and twenty-seven names. Great food, fresh coffee and a genius venue that let almost everyone sit front row.
Lows: Maybe I'm getting old, but the music at most of the shows is way too loud, I noticed a lot of gritted teeth. I also wish the models looked like they were having a little more fun (Penny Pickard excepted, she positively bounces down the catwalk).

 Yummy breakfast canapes at Blue Sky

Pretty in pink by MAC for Ingrid Starnes

(image courtesy of MAC) 

Runsheets

Strawberry Shortcakes at twenty-seven names (and those toffee apple sandals) 

Kokako Chai Latte and Coconut Ice for morning tea 

Amazing hair texture back stage 

Many hands make light work.

 My favourite model, Seon, backstage before NZ Weddings.

Beautiful front row at NZ Weddings.

Flower nymph brides at the NZ Weddings Show.

Back again tomorrow!

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NZFW : Day One

What I wore - Day One (palette inspired by the weather)

So, New Zealand Fashion Week rolls around again! Today has been crazy and fun already, and it's only half over. As I type this, I'm about to head backstage again to shoot Hailwood, Juliette Hogan and Zambesi. Wicked!

Key colours so far: nudes, jade greens, ox blood red and, of course, black.
Textures: fur and sequins (hoorah! half my wardrobe already...) and some gorgeous floaty prints on satin and chiffon.
Outfit I wanted to rip straight off the model: Coop floral velvet bed jacket over a gold sequined dress.
Most fabulous fashionista off the catwalk: none yet, still looking! Although Michaela from MAC is leading the charge (see below).
Favourite makeup look: Cybele by Olivia Russell for MAC.
Favourite catwalk styling: Grunge-inspired beanies at Ruby.
Highs: Being part of the buzz back stage.
Lows: realising the 'emergency' chocolate bar I was saving from my NZFW loot bag was in fact a sachet of Chai Latte.

Michaela from MAC

Cybele makeup by Olivia Russell for MAC

(image courtesy of MAC cosmetics)

Model downtime, wearing new MAC shade 

Gorgeous platinum blonde

Grunge-inspired beanies at Ruby.

Will post more later! Let me know what you think?

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Sunday Sounds : First Aid Kit

This song 'Waltz for Richard' by First Aid Kit stays with me for hours every time I hear it. Lilting and gentle, it's the perfect accompaniment to tea, maple syrup pancakes and a cold Sunday morning snuggle in bed.


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Sunday Sounds : Daughter

No apologies made for another female acoustic, it's my Sunday morning sensibility. Hope you like this live version of Youth by Daughter, I'm playing it quietly and enjoying an unexpected lie-in while my little one snores.


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Walking on sunshine

Ahhh, shoes. A new favourite pair is like a shot of happiness to the soul.

I bought these Superga Henry Holland colab sneakers a few months ago and have been wearing them non-stop. I love the looks I get as I walk down the street, and how people either love them (like I do) or think they look ridiculous.

Either way, it feels good to let my feet do the talking for a change.

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Honey I pimped the crayons

My nearly 2 year old has suddenly discovered the delights of putting colour to paper (and table and wall), so my first instinct was to grab a box of Crayolas for her.


However, we had stopped into The Department Store to get a  candle (Mad et Len in petit papier - my new candle obsession) and she made a beeline for these yummy honey candles at Nature Baby.


Fat and generous, they're perfect for little hands and they don't break like traditional crayons do so they last forever. Plus they smell absolutely delicious. Xzibit would approve.


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Sunday Sounds : Clock Opera

I love indulgent, meandering British bands that sound like they were made for rainy outdoor festivals and huge, open-air audiences. I have just discovered Clock Opera and can't wait for their album to be released here, until then thank god for youtube!


Happy Sunday, I can just see some tinkling rain on the windows, how appropriate.


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Shoes with a sunroof

Although I love to share my finds on Beaunz, I also take great delight in being able to respond 'Oh these? 10 years old' when asked where I bought a pair of shoes or an item of clothing. The sad thing is most of my wardrobe is that old, with a toddler there are few excuses to splash out on designer threads, but at least it means I don't often meet my fashion doppleganger at events.

When I asked moochi PR Manager Rebecca where she got her amazing cut-out brogues at the showroom day, I expected her to say they were vintage moochi, but no! They will be in store in the next couple of weeks and are part of the new season collection.

I love the way Rebecca has styled them too, by knotting her billowy pants at the ankle for maximum visibility. I'm checking the website daily to see when they become available, and if anyone else buys them too, I'd love to see photos of how you style them (you can post them on my facebook page). I'll be pairing them with cropped jeans and my Therese Rawsthorne twist shirt...then a maxi-skirt and snuggly jumper...then leopard print tights and a slouchy t-shirt dress...the options are endless! And best of all, as the weather warms you'll get that delicious tickle of sunshine through the cut-outs.

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