Bare Beaunz : Nick

You know it’s been a good party when you make a new friend, and at Colin Mathura-Jeffree’s 40^th a few weeks ago my ‘date’ and I bonded over a bottle of Champagne with a charismatic, Seuss-like character who I later discovered was jeweler Nick Klarwill, aka Nick Von K.

Designer jewelry that borders on the macabre seems to be the thing in New Zealand at the moment, with everyone from Meadowlark to Stolen Girlfriends Club doing a covetable variation on teeth and bones. What I love about Nick’s pieces is their raw, unabashed commitment to his aesthetic, and the underlying gentleness that manifests in pieces like Nest Egg and Polar Bear Hug.

Nick kindly agreed to be on Beaunz today, before jetting off to Bali to design his next collection. Over to you Nick…

I just bought…

Two leather jackets I had tailor made in Bali, they were design experiments and both worked out rather well, using a new leather finish called ‘cracked’ that is super soft.

I’m about to buy…

Some new sunnies, not sure what just yet but I’m thinking Ksubi. I know it’s winter but it’s never winter in Bali and I’m off on Tuesday morning to finish the new collection.

I wish I could buy…

A classic ‘73 Dodge Charger in matt black like the cop cars in the recent movie In Time. I just don’t want to commit to the maintenance issues, so I go with a Japo.

When I was a kid I wanted to be…

Robin Hood. I think it was the climbing trees bit that really got me, plus the super cool way he would outdo all the bad guys. He was sneaky, clever, talented and wore great clothes, everything to aspire to it seems!

I never leave the house without…

Saying goodbye to my cat Poppy. She is a black Burmese and I’ve had her since the day she was born in my bedroom 15 years ago.

If I wasn’t so naughty I would…

Get into less trouble.

At home I am usually…

Quiet, it’s my recharge time. And at the moment that means sitting by the fire with Poppy and a Game of Thrones episode.

My fashion sense at school was…

Uniform. And how I hated it. Once I got to Uni and was free of that conformist jail cell I went mental and wore all sorts of crazy things – I’ve been toning down ever since and yet even now people comment on my crazy attire at times (and I wouldn’t have it any other way).

If I had one magic power it would be…

Flying. I fly in my dreams all the time and it’s the best.

The last time I really laughed was…

Yesterday – we convinced a friend that the aioli I had made was actually cream fraiche and she plopped some on her rice pudding. I just couldn’t believe she would be so gullible, especially with so many of us standing around waiting for her to do it!!

My secret pleasure is…

If I told you it wouldn’t be a secret anymore would it? Let’s just say I’m a healthy young man with a good appetite and leave it at that :)

I’m happiest when…

Dreaming up a new design, and then seeing it become real.

If I died tomorrow, I would be remembered for…

My fits of passion, my crazy ideas, my (mis)adventures, my wardrobe, my naughtiness and last but definitely not least, my laziness.

x

Bare Beaunz : Sarah

As soon as I 'discovered' Sarah Laurie, I felt I had found a kindred spirit. She has mastered the art of balancing long term goals with everyday happiness, and makes a point of filling her days with people and things that touch both. Fresh flowers, beautiful candles, snuggly blankets, quality time with family and friends, quiet moments to herself...Sarah wholeheartedly embraces the belief that what we think and do everyday shapes who we are. Dream it, write it down, own it, be it.


As well as her business as a life coach, Sarah recently launched her own stationery line 'Lifestyle Couture', of which her Gratitude Journal is one of my favourites. 


When I photographed Sarah for Bare Beaunz, I could have stayed all day. Light, airy and cosy could describe both Sarah and her home, and it's such a treat to have her on Beaunz today. Over to you Sarah...

I just bought...

Flowers, fresh from the markets. I always come out feeling like I’ve really indulged, my arms bursting with lilies and gerberas.

I'm about to buy...

A beautiful pair of boots from Workshop. When I go and look at them in the shop I feel like I already own them.

I wish I could buy... 

A pool for my children.

When I was a kid I wanted to be...

In Abba. I just wanted to be this wonderful singer and dancer. On a more serious note, I also wanted to be a pilot.

I never leave the house without... 

My hairbrush. That might sound really vain, but it’s my thing! I brush it a lot; it’s like a security blanket.

If it wasn't so naughty I would... 

I’m feeling quite un-naughty at the moment.

At home I am usually...

Tidying up! I love a tidy, calm home. My kids are really kind in that they understand how hard I work, so they pick up after themselves. I love it when things are in their place, then I feel calm and can come up with new ideas. Now, when I write things down in my dream journal, I feel like I’m writing down my future.

My fashion sense at school was... 

Always trying. My mum used to make me things, and they would be terrible but I would have to wear them.

If I had one magic power it would be.... 

Reading people’s minds, only so I could help people more. I find with my clients that they don’t always say what they mean, so it can take a while to uncover what they actually need.

The last time I (really) laughed was… 

I laugh all the time. My son William makes me laugh - he has always been really funny, he has the coolest sense of humour.

My secret pleasure is... 

Not that secret, I love candles, relaxing and simple calm indulgences.

I'm happiest when... 

With my children. We love hanging out in the weekend, and watching tellie like Big Bang Theory. They also like to stay up late and watch Desperate Housewives with me.

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

My terrible baking. There’s a piece of it out in the garden right now in fact. I threw it out the window and even the dog won’t eat it! My kids are always telling me how terrible I am, it’s just not my thing.

x

Bare Beaunz : Kellie

There aren't many local designers who can state (proudly, and rightly so) that 90% of their product is manufactured in New Zealand, and it is precisely that 'slow' approach to production that gives the moochi brand it's timeless, quality appeal.


As the driving force behind moochi, Kellie gives off the quiet confidence of a woman who knows her aesthetic inside out. Rather than churning out trend-driven separates that wallow in Tatty's after a season or two, her clothes tend to stay in their wearers wardrobe until they fall apart at the seams. I have three moochi dresses that saw me through my pregnancy yet still hold their shape, and in fact I'm wearing one as I type (grey, with fabric covered buttons and a sweet little lace trim).


I'm excited to have Kellie on Bare Beaunz today, so I can hopefully absorb some of her innate sense of style by virtual osmosis...and yes, Beaunz belles, that beautiful necklace is current season, but be quick! Over to you, Kellie...

I just bought...

A giant 'T' (it's over a metre wide!) from am old French light box sign that will sit on my kitchen wall. We also won a bidding war tonight for a flock of bright yellow resin birds for my wall!!! What the...?

I'm about to buy... 

Some cool bamboo plants for the new Japanese Garden we have created on one side of our house. 

I wish I could buy... 

A Bach! We spent a month on Waiheke this summer and I loved how I felt as I unwound from my life.

When I was a kid I wanted to be...

A red head with long curlie hair and freckles!

I never leave the house without... 

My moochi clutch wallet, as it holds my iphone, cards, MAC gloss of the moment and keys. All in one tidy place, a priceless accessory, as I would loose my head if it was not screwed on!

If I wasn't so naughty I would...

Be much skinnier! Why are some of us born with huge amounts of discipline while others of us are not?

At home I am usually...

On the go. With two kids there is never any down time.

My fashion sense at school was...

My good friend would say glamourous. I used to go to centre point fabrics and buy Vogue Patterns and fabrics, but I never sewed anything much myself, my mum had this amazing dressmaker who was such good value, I had some amazing 'designer ' get ups! I did not learn to sew properly until fashion school. 

If I had one magic power it would be....? 

To stop the clock. I am always late; always over promising what I can achieve. This is done with the best of intentions and I would love to be able to follow through and make everyone happy by getting everything done. Fashion and parenting are so full of deadlines!

The last time I (really) laughed was…? 

With my son tonight when I tucked him in and he was winding up my daughter who was taking things all too seriously, as we girls tend too. Did you have a brother who knew just what buttons to push to make you go crazy? I had one and it was classic to see my son do just the same thing to my daughter!

My secret pleasure is...? 

If I told you it would not be a secret.

I'm happiest when...? 

I remember to be grateful for all the good in my life. Why are we always so busy that we forget to enjoy things? 

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

My made up stories at bedtime and my relentless desire to get things right.

x

Bare Beaunz : Susan

There are some people in life that just bring a smile to your face, the minute you see them. My friend and often other-creative-half Susan is a pocket-sized ball of energy and laughter. In London we spent many long days trying to work miracles, and though we’ve been living on opposite sides of the world, a recent drink together at Euro erased the miles and years in moments.

Susan is incredibly talented and such a professional, we used to call her the steam-roller, because once she had her creative brief and a vision in mind, pity the fool that tried to slow her down.

I’m excited that Susan is contemplating a move back to New Zealand, although given our mutual appreciation for tarte citron – aka ‘happiness cake’ - my top button could be in trouble! Over to you, Susan:

I just bought…?

A rose-gold Michael Kors watch. It’s a chronograph and I love it, sooo much.

I’m about to buy…?

A new home. Which country that will be in, I don’t know yet! Watch this space.

I wish I could buy…?

A never ending round the world trip, so I could travel more and go where my heart leads me. I would spend each season in a different country.

When I was a kid I wanted to be…?

A graphic artist. I made my first magazine when I was 12, called Babe. It was a women’s fashion magazine, and I even designed all the adverts.

I never leave the house without…?

Double and then triple checking for my keys, and a squirt of Michael Kors perfume.

At home I’m usually…?

Redecorating. My home is my oasis, with lots of candles and white lilies.

My fashion sense at school was…?

Terrible! It was the eighties, and I wanted to be Madonna. I even had the fingerless lace gloves.

My one magic power would be…?

To be able to see into the future so I wouldn’t make wrong decisions.

The last time I (really) laughed was…?

Five minutes ago with you, reminiscing about the crazy people we have met. If it’s more than five minutes between laughs, you’re taking yourself too seriously.

My secret pleasure is…?

Eastenders. I’ve been watching it for decades and I’m completely addicted.

I’m happiest when…?

Looking at the ocean. It makes me feel centred and peaceful.

If I died tomorrow I’d be remembered for…?

Being kind to my friends and for loving dogs!

x



Bare Beaunz : Colin

Colin Mathura-Jeffree

I have only been starstruck twice in my life, amazing considering the celebs I met while working in London; Priscilla Presley, Liz Hurley, Kate Beckinsale, Renee Zellweger and Katie Holmes among others. (Funny story: the day I met Katie, we looked down to realise we were wearing the exact same outfit, even our shoes). All lovely women, and so much more beautiful in person than you imagine. Priscilla was teeny-tiny and magnetic.


The first 'gobsmack-celeb' moment was courtesy of David Beckham, and I didn't actually get to talk to him. We sat two tables away from each other at a cafe, and he was close enough that I could smell him. For the record...yum.


The second was in New Zealand, at the seasonal launch of twentysevennames. When the lights came back on, I realised I was standing behind Colin Mathura-Jeffree. He turned and gave me a really friendly smile, and what did I do? Blushed and ran away without a word. Shame on me. I have regretted it ever since, because Colin is my favourite local personality.


My daughter and I had coffee with Colin yesterday, and I left an even bigger fan than before. I'm so excited to have him on Bare Beaunz today, my very first male! So without any further gushing, over to you, Colin.

I just bought...? 

An amazing vintage recording film camera for my brother in law....It's Russian, comes in its leather case with instructions...wicked.

I'm about to buy...? 

I'm always about to buy on ebay...say no more.

I wish I could buy...? 

A luxury yacht. My friends are luxurious snobs so it would be wonderful to just enjoy breathtaking New Zealand.

When I was a kid I wanted to be...? 

A super hero, I wanted to have secret super powers - isn't that funny? I never knew I'd grow up to be a super villain instead.

I never leave the house without...? 

Jo Malone Dark Amber & Ginger lily...intense.

If it wasn't so naughty I would...? 

I hate people that are boring and straight....if I wasn't so naughty I wouldn't be me.

At home I am usually...? 

Moving in a dream like pace...BUT my brain works so much more powerfully...less distraction and the love of familiarity...Home is my sanctuary....It's where my brain works so acutely it's frightening.

My fashion sense at school was...? 

Insane...I was already developing my own sense of style, and I admired those that did the same...

If I had one magic power it would be....? 

I never tell....though I can throw some pretty nasty curses when needed.

The last time I (really) laughed was…? 

I laugh all the time...The worst is when I laugh inappropriately...which is often.

My secret pleasure is...? 

Going to remain a secret...a few people know.

I'm happiest when...? 

I'm in the middle of a joke...eating fine food with great company...putting an idiot in their place....feeling like a million dollars....in the throes of orgasm.

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

Who cares...I've gone...It's not about me anymore it's about what's new and exciting...bring it on.

x

Bare Beaunz : Zoe

It's funny how you create an image of someone in your head before you meet them, and how completely opposite the reality often turns out to be. 

I have been coveting Zoe & Morgan jewelry since I spotted them in London a few years ago, and recently had the opportunity to meet one third of the sibling team, Zoe Williams. I immediately said yes, then freaked out that she would be so cool, hip and chic that I would make a complete nonce of myself. Well, in this case it was half true. Zoe is cool, hip and chic but she is also so welcoming and lovely that I immediately felt like an old friend. 

True to form, Zoe's Bare Beaunz is like a beam of sunshine on cloudy day (okay - that was a little noncey...sorry). Over to you, Zoe.

I just bought...?
A huge amount of stationery from a Japanese shop on Queen St.

I'm about to buy...?

A yellow bicycle! Can't wait to get the wind in my hair and sing a little 'good morning coffee here I come' sing-a-long song.

I wish I could buy...?
An Olympic sized swimming pool for my garden.

When I was a kid I wanted to be...?
A stress free adult that ate peaches all day!

I never leave the house without...?
Jewellery on of course!

If it wasn't so naughty I would...?
Take a 4month holiday every year.

At home I am usually...?
Cooking for my children, working in my office, and planning fun and games.

My fashion sense at school was...?
Understated cool. I used to get asked to help strangers do their shopping. I guess I was quite particular from a young age, and only wore what I felt really comfortable in.

If I had one magic power it would be...?
To create happiness.

The last time I (really) laughed was…?
With my son Ace on the weekend.

My secret pleasure is...?
Facials and massage therapy.

I'm happiest when...?
I'm traveling the world

If I died tomorrow I would be remembered for...?
The smile on my face.

x

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

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

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

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 Goss. The 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 7^th 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.

Bare Beaunz : Sherna

I've talked a bit about time travel lately, after seeing Midnight in Paris and watching Pete Murray live, and today's Bare Beaunz is the epitome of beauty from another time.


Sherna is the design & production manager for Saben, and she is one of the prettiest and loveliest people I have met. Her style is modern vintage, and her signature cat-eye flick always inspires me to dig out my liquid eyeliner (usually with disastrous results - we already know I can't draw).


Anyway, there are certain people you meet and you just know they are destined for great things. So, without further (girl crush) ado, I present to you...Sherna.

I just bought...
the most beautiful silver bow heels from Topshop. They were sold out online, so my sister-in-law traipsed around London until she found them for me.

I'm about to buy...
MAC Neon orange lipstick and the new Lana del Ray album.

I wish I could buy...
A round the world ticket, via New York then onto somewhere I know nothing about, like India.

I never leave the house without...
My iPhone.

The last time I laughed was...
on the weekend, watching my husband watch the rugby. He is a total rugby lover, and his commentary and passion made me laugh out loud.

My secret pleasure is...
watching a whole TV series in one go. I just watched The Hour, it's a thriller set in the 1950s and it was really good.

If I died tomorrow I would be remembered for...
My kindness and my style. I hope!


x

Bare Beaunz : Yours truly

So...I've had some requests for more information on me (hey - this blog is all about me!) but I thought it would be fun way to start a new little feature called Bare Beaunz - just a few questions and an image of someone that inspires me. So here we go, the first Bare Beaunz...Me!

I just bought...
my first chip of strawberries for the summer.


I'm about to buy...
Huffer Frill Shorts.


I wish I could buy...
a Steinway Louis XV Grand Piano.


I never leave the house without...

blush, and a tiny fishbone skull I got in Thailand.


The last time I laughed was...

this morning when my daughter farted then giggled with delight.


My secret pleasure is...

writing poetry, and watching Survivor (generally not on the same night)


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

my oatmeal chocolate chunk cookies. In the words of my nephew Samuel, they fill your mouth with joy.

x