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.


x

Cinemust : A city fallen in stone not in spirit

I spent two years in Christchurch as a child, and my overriding memory (other than the painterly mountain view from our house on Huntsbury Hill) is of the beautiful buildings. The thought that many of them are no longer standing feels like I've lost a treasured heirloom, and I haven't been brave enough to go back since the earthquakes.


I cannot begin to imagine the heartache and ongoing emotional and physical battles the people of Christchurch continue to face, and this trailer fills me with such a contrast of pride and sadness. I'll be taking at least one box of tissues to the cinema when the film opens on November 24th. 


Kia kaha Christchurch.


x

In a World of their own

World Beauty Store on Ponsonby Road

(excuse the poor image, they have a no-photography policy)

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of working on the launch of the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie in Harrods. Roja was the Parfumeur at Guerlain for over two decades before deciding to go his own way, and within days of opening, the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie was proclaimed the most influential Parfumerie in the world. 

To call Roja's Parfumerie a sensory wonderland is woefully inadequate. Every nook and cranny has something beautiful and unique tucked into it, from hand blown Lalique crystal fragrance fountains, to Nina Ricci's four 'sleeping beauties' to a Clive Christian behemeth wearing a 5carat diamond. Roja's one requisite was that it had to be the best, cost was irrelevant, and so began my own love affair with fine fragrance.

It was with a heavy heart that I walked away from the Parfumerie to come home to New Zealand, until I discovered the two WORLD Beauty Stores in Auckland. 

Somehow, WORLD have snagged treasures such as Amouage (Autumn warmth in a bottle), The Different Company (beautiful, simplistic scents), Mitsouko by Guerlain (unique and unforgettable) and of course, the Cire Trudon candles they have become known for. Curating this collection of beauty delights has been done with such a deft touch, it's a wonder they ever have any stock. 

If only I could get them to bring in my Lalique scent, I could kiss Roja Dove goodbye forever.

x

This mug's a keeper

Ceramic Cup by Porcelain Rove

I love morning's first hot drink. From the moment my sleep fog starts to dissipate the internal debate begins. Coffee? Or tea? Tea? Or coffee? Whichever I decide, I always drink it from the same mug, which fits snugly in my hand like an old friend and gets carried with me around the house as I go about my morning routine.  


A good drink mug is like a favourite old pair of jeans. Comfy, worn in all the right places, and just yours. We have a matching set of eight beautiful white mugs, but they're stacked in the cupboard, unused unless we have visitors. I like my little lost hobo mug, which doesn't match anything else in our house and wouldn't look out of place at an Op shop.


I've had that particular mug for three years, since my last one smashed (there were tears... I attempted superglue surgery...she was too far gone) but this morning tragedy struck, once again leaving me mugless and in need of a replacement.


After a quick browse online, I soon discovered Porcelain Rove, a line of handmade ceramic vases and cups made by local artist Jamie Young. Even brand new, they look rumpty and worn enough to slip right into the space left by my previous mug (may she rest in peace). This time I'll be smart and buy more than one. No such thing as mugnonomy, thank goodness.


x

They put the lime in the coconut...

Lime curd and coconut gelato from Takapuna Beach Cafe

Recently I read about amazing new technology that triggers scents related to what's on your computer. If you're playing a home movie of someone's birthday, for example, you'll be able to smell 'cake'. 


If we had this technology right now, you would be able to smell the creamy, coconutty, limey (and briney - we were at the beach) deliciousness that is Lime Curd and Coconut gelato from the Takapuna Beach Cafe.


'Heavenly' doesn't do it justice. I described it to a friend as 'the best gelato I have ever eaten', and lord knows I have eaten plenty. Several times my weight at least. Who am I kidding? Several times the weight of a bus...at least. (My friend Rosie and I averaged two a day in Italy. Pasta schmasta!)


If only someone would invent 'taste-o-vision', I'm sure there'd be a Nobel Peace Prize up for grabs. What did that wise man say? Gelato makes the world go round?


Go on, lick your screen. You know you want to. Or even better, go and try it for yourself.


x

Sunday Sounds : Juno

Juno is one of my favourite films, ever. I have seen it more than a dozen times and it never fails to make me laugh out loud, and cry. Sweet and funny and touching, Juno was well-deserving of its Oscar nod for Best Original Screenplay.

This song, from the closing credits, sums up the general feel of the film and listening to it makes me happy, simple as that. If I could write a song for you, husband, this would be it.

Enjoy. And if you haven't seen Juno yet...do!

x

Saturday Scrapbook : my favourite things this week

How pretty is this blush from Lancôme? I don't think I could bring myself to actually use it. But I still want it! Get it now while you can. 

Fairy lights, check. Greenery, check. Chalky blue French doors, check. Cute vintage wooden chair, check. I'll have this as my writing space, thanks Apartment Therapy (if you've never been, go there now).

Love these shoes captured by Foureyes. If you can't stretch to Miu Miu, here's a cool local pimped up sneaker alternative.

WOW...literally. 

Gelato! Come back Monday for my post on the best gelato flavour ever, and if you live in Auckland it is within reach... 

Happy weekend Beaunz belles.

x