Wanted : Magpies

If I was to get a job working at Antique Fabric and Lace, or if I just lived around the corner from it; my home, my daughter and probably even my car would be bejeweled and beaded to within an inch of their lives.


This Aladdin's cave of haberdashery couldn't possibly be more crammed with delights. Every square centremetre of wall space, floor space and even some of the roof space is pinned and rolled with lace and sequins and beaded trims. I made the mistake of taking my daughter and lost her several times amongst the rolls of fabric. Thankfully her squeals of bead discovery acted like echo-location, and I somehow got out of the shop having only spent $30. 


If you're a magpie like me, the trip out to Onehunga is more than worth it as long as you have at least an hour of browsing time. Once you're done, you can recharge with the yummy chicken pie across the road at Delicious while you enjoy your purchases all over again.


I'm off to find a home for my new twinkly beaded stars and...I'm thinking the mirror in the bathroom.


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Saturday Scrapbook : Skulls

5 Skull Necklace by Meadowlark 

I have a weird (and sort of secret - until now) love of all things bony and macabre. While living in London, one of my favourite things to do was visiting the various catacombs around Europe, squinting in the dark to see the old skeletons and skulls. A spin-off is that I find it really hard to walk away from jewellery or homewares decorated with bones of any kind, and am hoping to one day own a house big enough to find space for a life-sized skeleton of some sort. Creepy? Guilty as charged. But I know I'm not the only one...enjoy...

Paris Catacombs (image credit unknown)

Skull beanie on display at Superette Ponsonby 

Skull cameo from Yellow Brick Road Boutique

SS2012 collection from Stolen Girlfriends Club, read the full review on Thread here

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Just waiting for winter

I love winter clothes. There is something so sensual about all the soft textures, even though we spend months and months hidden away under layers. Have you ever worn a silky camisole under a wool jumper? Delish!


I was putting away a couple of new purchases and couldn't resist snapping the line-up in my wardrobe, just waiting for a chilly morning. Clothes this winter are especially appealing, with sequins and prints and soft, squishy knits. I've already listed all my favourite things about Autumn, and layering up snuggly colours and textures each morning is top of my list for winter. I even bought a fur trimmed beanie, although I'm not sure it will ever get cold enough in Auckland to justify that one. Perhaps a trip to the South Island then...


What new winter things have you bought, Beaunz belles?


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Cuddle me, cuddle you...

Topshop Unique AW2012, from style.com

Is it wrong to be so excited about wearing top-to-toe velvet, and not just around the house? 


Every moment would have luxurious nap potential. Every seating surface would caress your bottom like duck fur - not feathers - fur; you know, the little tufts you see when they shake out their wings?


At London Fashion Week, Topshop Unique put our their coolest collection in ages, much better than last season's weird gilded, gaudy affair. Although chances are it will never see daylight, I really, really want this jumpsuit in my wardrobe...just in case I'm brave enough to work the teddy bear look in public. 


Hey, if it gets me a few extra cuddles, put me on the waiting list!


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It's black, it's white...

3.1 Phillip Lim, AW2012-13 from Style.com

I love winter clothes...crazy love them...and words cannot describe how much I want these pants from Phillip Lim's latest NYFW collection.


I just know that my life would be enriched and fulfilled if I had them in my wardrobe, and more importantly, on my legs.


NYFW is proving to be a winner, I love all the blacks and blues and dark reds. These would go perfectly with my (fingers crossed - I'm on the waiting list) royal blue tiered winter cape by Adrian Hailwood, and Kathryn Wilson creepers. 


It's the height of cruelty, giving us winter winners when it's still 97% humidity outside. Maybe I'll start hanging out in the freezer section...


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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?


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For the love of...knee patches

Wildfox Little Skinny Knee Patch Sweats

There is something so delicious about wearing patches on your knees. 


I don't know if it's the klutz in me preparing for all the usual knocks and scrapes (clumsy is an adjective I've very familiar with), or a symptom of my permanent obsession with all things hearts, stars or skulls, but these sweet little pants from Wildfox are really doing it for me right now!


I have had the same pair of trackpants for over a decade now, and they are so saggy bummed they're breezy (and not in a good way) so I'm pretty comfortable justifying why I must order these, today. In fact, I better do it now, before one of you Beaunz belles beat me to it...


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Virtual Valentino - Bellissimo!

I recently watched the Valentino documentary ‘Last Emperor’ for the second time, and was inspired all over again. Valentino is the quintessential, gently mad genius and the scenes with him and his lifelong lover, Giancarlo, are touching and hilarious at the same time. If you are female and have a single fashion bone in your body, you will swoon over the orgy of dresses. Oh, to even touch them, let alone wear one…

I was moved to tears watching the breathtaking aerial ballet scenes, and turned off the television wanting more, more, more! Now, with the launch of the Valentino virtual museum, each and every Valentino dress, image and story is available at the touch of a finger, any time of the day or night.

Bellissimo.

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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.

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Saturday Scrapbook : Dreaming of a white Christmas

Miss Marc Headphones from Shopbop.com

One of the things I feel nostalgic about is the cold, sometimes snowy Christmas you get in Europe. Wrapping your hands around a steaming cup of mulled wine and perusing the Christmas markets is so traditional it feels like you're in a Hans Christian Anderson fairytale.

The last Christmas I spent in London, it was so cold and snowy we finished a packet of toffee pops and a bottle of Champagne before even getting out of bed, and that was just to stumble up to our local pub for a 7 course Christmas lunch. Needless to say, we were in bed again by 4pm (it was dark anyway, and Santa Claus the Movie was on - the real one, with Dudley Moore). So, although my photos of the day are beautiful (it was the only snowy Christmas Day I spent in London), I actually found myself wishing for strawberries and cold chicken salad in the sun. 

So, today's Saturday Scrapbook celebrates a different kind of white Christmas. One that can be enjoyed wherever you are in the world; the white Christmas wishlist.  

White bag from the Saben colab with Madeleine Harman

Moochi Hideaway Hat

Snowberry Instant Deep Cleanser from MyBeautyStore

Karen Walker Double Frill Cuff Shirt

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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... 

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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.


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Neverblack...always beautiful

May Dress from the Neverblack AW2012 collection

New Zealand fashion is so exciting and inspiring all of a sudden. For years we've had the likes of Zambesi, Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester et al, and they're certainly not going anywhere anytime soon, but there's also an abundance of new talent on the scene. 


This week I was invited to see the AW2012 previews at Showroom 22 (more on that tomorrow) and Ciel PR, and even though I had seen most of the clothes at Fashion Week, up close they were even more beautiful. For a clothes-addict who already lives on the wrong side of her budget, it was a deliciously dangerous experience. Probably just as well I couldn't actually buy anything...yet.


I'll be posting lots of sneak peaks over the coming months, but today I wanted to share a gorgeous little number from relative newcomer Neverblack. The dress is so sweet, and I love the styling with cosy socks and sandals. This label is definitely on my radar from now on, I can't wait to see what they do next.


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Moochi gives you wings

Moochi Ballet Cardi

I only went to one ballet class, aged 5, and cried so much I was never taken back. I was an 80s tomboy, and just the thought of wearing a tutu was traumatic. (I lived in blue spandex tights, puff painted jumper and a bandana à la Ralph Macchio - how about you?) My mum must have looked longingly at those head-to-toe pink, piggy-tailed little darlings; I blame her for letting me dress myself from a young age. (Although, apparently my sister trumped me by wearing a nightie and Mum's veil to a birthday party. I'm sure I've since seen Kate Moss in that look!)


Fast forward a couple of decades, I'm happiest in a dress and utterly enchanted by this video. If I won lotto I would order every item, in every colour (husband...if you're reading...feel free to dance around the house in just black pants. Thanks xx) but in actual fact, it's easy to add subtle ballet chic to my wardrobe even without a Chloé budget. 


I think the prettiest thing about women is our delicate little shoulder blades, which remind me of angel wings. Ballet dancers always show off this beautiful part of their body, so my first stop is something with a scoop back. 


I immediately fell in love with Moochi's Ballet Cardi, soft and pretty in dove grey rayon. Whenever I see buttons down the back of clothing I can't help but imagine that it will be someone else undoing them for me...oh la la.


Not a real angel then...


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I love a good twist

Therese Rawsthorne Twist Smock from The Department Store

A friend once asked me how I would describe my style, and although it wasn't something I had thought about before, it was easy to answer. 'Classic with a twist.'


I love a quality basic but it has to have something beautiful or unusual about it that makes it stand out: a classic leather boot with white soles (I still have my 1997 Zambesi boots - anyone else?), a simple tube maxi dress with hidden pockets, or a flash of plum silk lining on a winter coat. 


I have been searching for a summer shirt to wear to work, BBQs, dinners...basically a go-to when I want to look more dressed up than jeans and a button-down but not go the full hog and put on a dress.


This beautiful smock shirt from Australian designer Therese Rawsthorne  fits the bill perfectly. Light and airy with dainty bell sleeves, it has little slices at the shoulders that, when worn, give it such a feminine charm. I have been dreaming about this shirt since I tried it on last week and think I'm finally ready to take the plunge. Classic, with a twist...literally!


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For the love of Kate Sylvester

Kate Sylvester Spring Summer 2012

Of course, Kate Sylvester makes some of the most beautiful clothes available to buy in New Zealand, but what gets me every time are her gorgeous campaigns. Cool and effortlessly styled, they always have an air of sadness about them too, like slipping into your ex-boyfriend's snuggly jumper on a rainy day. 


Previous favourites include Black Swan and the recent Lost & Found campaign, but I actually swooned when the latest Lookbook popped into my inbox last week. Called 'Into the Light' it recreates my favourite time of day, just as the sun hits the horizon (going either way) and the world wears a giant halo for a few minutes. 


I want almost every item in every shot, and don't get me started on the gorgeous yellow Phedra dress. I've even dug out my velcro rollers to recreate her candyfloss hair. 


If only Kate sold sunshine in a bottle to go with her clothes.


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