Rags, Raves and Renegades

Studio Fun

2010-07-11T18:16:00.000-07:00

Shirt and Dress by Harry Ran Away at Harry's

These were outtakes from last winter's shoot for Harry's inhouse collection. You probably recognise the shoes - I got to style it myself

Ze Russian

2010-05-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

Photographed by Rob Kitchin

Alice

2010-05-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

Alice photographed by Tim Watson at Studio 62, styled by moi.

Younghearts

2010-05-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

Images at fashionising and Fletcher

Shoe Porn

2010-04-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

All pics, Jakandjil

Easter Garden Bunny

2010-04-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hahaha! Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Awesome

2010-03-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

Fur collar

2010-03-21T02:05:00.000-07:00

Vintage fur cape worn as a scarf, Illionare black singlet, Federation white singlet, Handmade skirt, Warehouse heels, vintage and Triwa watches

Clown Scarf

2010-03-21T02:00:00.000-07:00

Blessed are the Meek Jacket, Salasai scarf, Handmade skirt, Siren shoes

Summer Dreaming

2010-01-18T19:31:00.000-08:00

This is a shoot I styled for Lucire Magazine. It's finally up online! Check it out at http://www.lucire.com/ Thanks to all the team for such a wonderful day and all that hard work, and thank you Ruby for allowing us to work with you. You are truly beautiful!

Swimsuit by Jets, necklace by Make Believe, stylist’s own taffeta headpiece, tri gold cuffs and flower ring.

Swimsuit by Jets, dress and leggings by Ruby Boutique, shoes by Mi Piaci

Swimsuit by Jets, dress and leggings by Ruby Boutique.

Insight one-shouldered swimsuit, drape by Waughs, belt by Mogil at Ruby Boutique.

Insight one-piece swimsuit, shorts by Ruby Boutique, watches by Triwa and stylist’s own vintage Seiko watch.

Photography Douglas Rimington http://www.detunephotography.com/
Styling Bron Williams
Hair Rebecca Button http://www.haightashbury.co.nz/
Make-up Lizi Castro
Model Ruby
Location Sanctum Apartments, Wellington
Special thanks to Splash Swimwear http://www.splashswimwear.co.nz/ and Good as Gold http://www.goodasgold.co.nz/
All shoes by Mi Piaci

This is how to wear fur

2010-01-09T22:59:00.000-08:00

Harpers Bazaar Russia

Wowzer

2009-12-08T21:31:00.000-08:00

By footwear designer Kerrie Luft

Currently Channeling...

2009-10-20T22:41:00.000-07:00

John Galliano Fall 2009

Genius

Es-caping the cold

2009-10-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

Deb Sweeney was trying to tell us last winter, and Juliet Hogan has just reiterated it -capes are back. And boy am I pleased. Dramatic, flowing, sweeping capes that hide all flaws and give the wearer a mysterious air. Fabulous. Juliet gives us two options for cape wearing this winter - light peachy and more like a dress, perfect with woollen tights and sky high booties to keep out of the puddles; or the good old enveloping heavy grey version. Take your pick, I want both. Deborah Sweeney

Juliet Hogan

Lonely Hearts Club Lookbook

2009-09-26T22:37:00.000-07:00

Lonely Hearts club have done it better, bolder, sexier and cleverer than ever before. Proving that they are key players in the NZ fashion industry, they came out with beautiful layering, sheers and knits for winter next year. I'm proud to see it features our favourite model Nicole Clulee of Red Eleven! A (faux) fur coat is going to be the trend staple of winter as seen on the runway at Sera Lilly, Stitch ministry, Barbara Lee, and here at Lonely Hearts. Get buying!

Spotted at NZFW

2009-09-26T04:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the the girls' super crush on cute boy in hat, we managed to get these four stunners together for a photo op. Have you ever seen such a beautiful gang? I don't think it's coincidence that they are all part Maori. Fourteen year old Laken (far right) is set to make waves overseas very soon - let's just let her enjoy some teen life first.

I can see why the girls were overcome, us nanas were quite taken as well!

And how can we forget meeting Rhys Darby at Federation? Pity he refused to give us a roll call - he's not a dancing monkey. Both us and he agreed that his wife was funnier than him!

Final Day - NZFW

2009-09-26T04:16:00.001-07:00

Slightly more low key day today, with Stitch Ministry, Federation, A*Muse, and Huffer; and followed by the long awaited Designer Garage Sale. Wow - a bargain hunters' dream, I picked up some mad and vibrant pieces to costume up my wardrobe.

The gorgeous girls from Oyl gifted me these fabulous mesh charcoal leggings from their yet to be released winter range. Find them in stores early next year.

Everyone loved Sams' sequin pants, including the greasy businessmen slurping Moet outside the cutting room.

Models do read - and in cute World velvet pants too

Hair and makeup from one of the shows

Photography pit at Federation.

Waiting for their show to begin

Passion for Fashion - Day 3 NZFW

2009-09-26T03:50:00.000-07:00

A mad busy day - MiroModa, Starfish, Emma Ford, Trix and Dandy, Chapel, Hailwood... but the highlight of the day and week was Stolen Girlfriends Club. Held in a masonic lodge in Newton, the show was so popular that we were jammed in like cattle. There was no room for divas in this show.

What we wore:

The highlight for some was Pammy and her gender confuddled sidekick in their press conference in the Moet lounge. What a giggly and amusing pair. Pity the New Zealand media were too star struck and offended by the celebrity couple to ask any interesting questions. I understand that Richie was very disappointeed. I don't blame him, it was quite embarrasing how closed minded the media were. Lighten up guys. As Richie and Pammy would say, "We just want to have fun and be happy". And yes, Pamela was naked but for a scarf.

Backstage:

At Barbara Lee

Starfish

Cute kids of the day:

Zippy

Vinnie

Great looks at Stolen Girlfriends

Outfit Day 2

2009-09-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

We took over Robert from Remixs studio spot in the GHD room and had a bit of fun. Thanks Robert!

Playing dress-ups at Sera Lily - the jacket is made all of moss green sequins. Beautiful.

Sam rocking her slasher leggings

Day Two - the outfits

2009-09-22T04:58:00.001-07:00

Me and the "Kimi" necklace (please excuse the squinting, staring into the sun and trying to keep hair off face = rather tricky)

Samantha and her fantastic shoes. MAC even made a lipstick in the same colour - just for her!

Fashion Week - Le Grand Opening

2009-09-21T04:41:00.000-07:00

The opening celebration was held at the NZ fashion week sheds at the viaduct in Auckland. Moet and Ned wines were the sponsors of drink, though only Moet seemed to be drunk - it flowed like a river, poured over-excitedly by untrained waiters. Needless to say there were a few Moet drenched Jimmy Choos about. Speaking of shoes, one could have had a great time that night staring only at the floor - the shoes were fabulous and fiercely competitive. And the snobbery rivaled the shoes, with the Auckland "It" crowd residing in one corner of the room only. Woe betide anyone who overstepped their line without the latest SGC piece on. Speaking of pieces, the best piece of the night, and possibly the entire week was seeing this LV leather link necklace in the flesh. After dribbling over images of it on the runway for so long I was quite star-struck to meet it in the flesh. I just wish I could have shook its' hand.

Congratulations to Rachel and Anjali of Twenty-Seven-Names who won the big prize for their Runway to Runway Air New Zealand Entry. The squeal of surprised delight from behind us when they won was immense - what a well-deserved win from the hardest working girls in fashion.

Speaking of Twenty-Seven-Names, I met the famed Rumi of Fashion Toast blog who has been brought over from America to attend NZFW this year. She raves about their collection and tells me she is already wearing their pieces. This can only mean good things for New Zealand Fashion. The fact that she is already a big fan of Stolen Girlfriends tells us we are on the right track, as anything that girl wears becomes the next big thing...make way for New Zealand Designer world domination.

And who can forget the lovely Keisha Castle-Hughes, spotted at Process' showing of Lonely Hearts video installation. I have one thing to say about their upcoming winter collection: Must Buy. Who ever thought of pastels, blues and yellows for winter? Genius.

Behind the scenes of our latest editorial

2009-09-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

The Lucire team got together to shoot our swimwear editorial for summer at the luxurious Sanctum apartments in Wellington. With a close knit team of young creatives the shoot ran like a dream, with enough time to spare for a bit of silliness and a few chuckles. The weather was good to us, giving us warm sunshine amid fast moving clouds and only cooling off towards the end of the shoot. A chance encounter and a casting on the street by one of our team found us Ruby, our extraordinary model. She was photographed beautifully by the talented Doug Rimmington, who sadly is leaving us to shake up the London fashion scene.

Our model Ruby, Lizi and her box of magic

Sanctum apartments - location location!

First look of the day

Ruby on a snack break

Huddling for warmth and waiting while Doug checks the lighting

Fashion Week Here We Come!

2009-09-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

It will be double trouble in Auckland next week as fashion editor Samantha Hannah and myself take the city by storm. Come and find us amongst the bustle of high heels, It bags, clouds of hairspray and camera flashes; or catch my daily blogs for photos, reviews and picks of the day.

Egypt and Junk Food

2009-08-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

From theosophical musings to clever wearable junk food, Wellington based jeweller Daniel Nagels is getting us all excited with his creations. He is laser cutting perspex and wood, and casting cheeky treats in solid silver. Though Nagels has gone international, now stocking in London as well as Good as Gold in Wellington and via his website, he will still remain exclusive as his production ranges are so small. We hear he may be casting his Egyptian laser cuts in solid silver soon. Get in now while you can. www.danielnagels.com

Predicting the future - what will you wear?

2009-07-07T23:26:00.000-07:00

Last week, Jack (director of Lucire) and I were asked to judge and mark the presentations by Massey University's 2009 fashion students predicting trends for 2010/11. Their presentations were intelligent and thought-provoking. It was clear that they had researched widely, not just on worldwide clothing trends, but on politics, technology developments and the global economy. While nobody can ever forecast the exact trends that will be picked up in the future, theirs were calculated guesstimates, and were very much in line with my ideas and predictions for the next couple of years.

While some students communicated their trend predictions better than others, the gist of it was this:

What we will be seeing in 2010/11 in catwalk trends, and in 2012 in street trends will emerge as refined versions of the trends we are seeing today. Just as 2008's grunge/rocker look developed into the glunge/slasher trend that we see in 2009 at Rodarte and Dion Lee, styles will not change dramatically, but will come forth as sophisticated developments from existing styles.

Rodarte Spring 2009

The current resurgence of the 1980’s luxe rocker, with leather, rips and studs will develop into a trend of lady-killing opulence for 2011. Alexander Wang could be credited with spurring this trend in his Fall 2007 collection. After Wang, every designer worth their salt began sending leather pants down the runway. It took a while to filter down, but now both leather and pleather trousers are available on the high street. 2011 will give us a more gentlemanly approach to this trend – think Gucci’s look in A/W 08 channelling Keith Richards and Jimi Hendrix, or Rhys Ifan’s character Gavin in The Boat That Rocked. Whereas now we are just beginning to feel velvet again, 2011 will bring it to us in a big way – expect to see it worming its way into menswear as well. Military and matador jackets will be rootled out of dusty cupboards, in fact anything with embellishment will be crazed over. 2011 will give you leather boots that jangle and fabrics that glisten.

Alexander Wang Fall 2007

Gucci Fall 2008

The Boat That Rocked

There is a certain degree of contradiction in many trends we are seeing today – particularly noticeable at Australian Fashion week for S/S 09/10, where loose flowing fabrics were roped in with heavy leather belts, and feminine florals were balanced out with heavy heels and patent footwear that screamed dominating sex. 2011 looks like it will be a concoction consisting of all things girly, garnished with a dash of intelligent punk in this contradictory trend. The fetish feel of the future will be a lot more subtle than today’s standard, morphing from our current dominatrix undertone to a loftier “I’m sexy but tough - don’t mess with me” attitude for 2011. See Balmain Spring 2009 for a peek in on the new look.

Bec and Bridge at Australian Fashion Week S/S 09/10

Balmain Spring 2009

With the hullabaloo the world is making about the dire straits our planet is in, it is no wonder fashion is developing a conscience. We are already seeing a rise of the eco-trend, with organic cottons, bamboo and other sustainable fabrics being more widely used. 2011 will see an explosion of this trend, with the development of sustainable fabrics and a refinement in the design of eco clothing. This new movement is all for earth’s preservation, and it is important for us to show others how much we care. We are going back to our grass roots and competing to be more eco friendly than our neighbour. Back in our grass roots the colour scheme comprises of browns, creams and hints of nature’s sky blue. Deep forest green and the greys of the storm clouds also feature. Fabrics are loose and sustainable in organic cottons, linen, re-used rubber, and plastics. The look is bookish and intellectual; the character is a traveller of the world, and stems from Burberry’s spring 09 and Marni’s resort 2010 collections.

Marni Resort 2010

Burberry Spring 2009

These trends are merely a forecast and a framework for what is to come in the seasons ahead. Not all catwalk looks make it onto the main street, certain designers are always going to throw something at us that is left-of-field, and there will always be erratic micro-trends at street level to surprise and inspire us. Let this be a guide but not a restriction to the adventurous directions in which your wardrobe can go.

Images from style.com

Currently Channeling - Matador

2009-06-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

Bored of your winter drabs? Amp up your adornments to bullfighting proportions with heavy metal detailing and brocade.

Images (in order) Bbc, Afp/Getty, Jalouse mag, GQ Italia, Vogue, RackandRuin

Fashion Crash Test Dummy - The Pleather Effect

2009-06-12T22:45:00.000-07:00

Erin Wasson in leather trou

Generally summing up images of Kiss and other eighties rockers, leather trousers are a look that I didn’t think would come back anytime soon. So naturally I was surprised when Erin Wasson, model-of-the-moment and just-about-everybody’s-style-inspiration was seen at an event sporting a pair.

Inevitably the rage for leather filtered through to the masses, with the leather often being replaced for pleather by those who can’t afford it. Having been a child in the eighties I never got the chance to try this trend the last time round, so I was determined not to let it pass me by this time. I scoured vintage shops and Trademe hunting for real leather pair, but gave up my hunt when I spotted a pleather version in a boutique in Sydney. They were in the habit of slipping down my bum a bit but they would do.

The item of interest sat in my drawer for almost two weeks before I found a suitable occasion to wear them. It was a casual dinner with friends who accept my sometimes strange attire, eating Japanese. And then the friend’s beaus turned up, and it wasn’t so intimate or casual. That was about when my pants ripped. In the crotch, as I attempted my first acrobatic act in them - of sitting down. I decided then that pleather pants were either the sort of trousers that one never sits down in; only stands all night looking cute in the bar, or this particular pair was just made very badly. Giving them the benefit of the doubt I suspected the latter. I told no-one about my breezy crotch, just wrapped my check shirt around my waist and finished my meal. I went home early that night.

The next day I shut myself in my room with the sewing machine and re-enforced every seam. I then added belt loops to help the pants stay up, and finally hemmed them up to fit with the current ankle length trouser trend. That night with renewed confidence I tried again. Going for the original Erin Wasson look I wore gladiator heels, a loose worn T and piles of heavy jewellery. This time my shiny pants were much better behaved and attitudes towards them ranged from exuberant back slapping and envious cooing, to sheer horror. Interestingly enough it was mainly men that hated the PVC.

After a bit of playing dress-ups, I realised that while being slightly clammy to wear for too long, these trousers are surprisingly versatile. Throwing on a casual T and some knitwear and flats with them one day works just as well as flouncing them up a bit with a ruffled blouse, a sassy tailored jacket and some strappy heels. Providing you steer away from the head to toe bogan rocker look and keep a feminine aspect to your outfit at all times, you’ll be well on your way to pleather success. Remember, plastic makes perfect.

Military Trend, Berlin

2009-06-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

I'm aware that I need to dedicate a post to exciting menswear, as I have been collecting great inspiration and images for some time now. I couldn't wait to put this one up though, I am mildly obsessed with military jackets at the moment, and they are so much less tacky on men.

So boys, rootle about in the second hand shop, scour trademe, or joing the Salvation Army brass band just to get your hands on one of these jackets. Wear them as you would your leather bomber - with jeans, T's, and knitwear. A pair of rocking boots wouldn't go amiss either.

Image from Fashioning

William Street - the ultimate destination

2009-06-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

In the suburb of Paddington, Sydney, is a quiet narrow street crammed with tired old two storey houses. But this isn't a tired street. This is William street, and hiding in these old houses is some of the most exciting shopping Sydney has to offer. These tightly packed together boutiques display the best of Australian clothing brands, jewellers, shoe makers and vintage clothing stores. The quality and beauty of the fashion in these shops is overwhelming. Down towards the end of William street positioned on the corner beneath a grand old tree, a local deli bustles with life, the locals all desperate for their coffee and enjoying the Saturday morning sunshine. This is a street where clearly everyone knows each other - children and dogs dance over one another on the pavement outside while sleek fashionistas nibble sweet treats and look on. Shop owners dart between each others' stores with gossip, samples of their wares and smiles. Conversations are held from across the tiny busy street.

Tatjana Vaune Salon

Amongst all this, the small but luxurious salon of Tatjana Vaune sits. Everything in this salon is elegant, from the smiling welcome, the flowers on the bench tops, to the whitewashed floors and chic antique furniture.

The salon's main service is hair, but a masseuse, a beautician and a nail technician are also available to look after you. Tatjanas' care for her clients is clear to see, she staunchly uses all organic products that do not damage the hair in ways that most commercial chemical based products do. Today I am lucky enough to experience the salon's amazing hospitality first hand, I am having a cut by the talented Sepher.

I'm lead up a narrow stairway into a basin room at the top of the house where my hair is washed. Sun streams in through the wide open window, and a stunning view of the tangling garden in full bloom adds to my immense feeling of calm and relaxation. My head massage is sensational and I nearly nod off to bliss land.

Downstairs, my hair is cut artfully and fashionably, and styled with a beautiful smelling organic pomade featuring lemongrass essential oils. I want to take some home with me. Sepher desperately wants to colour my hair in the new "re-growth look" trend, with darker roots and light caramel ends. I'm desperately tempted to try out the organic hair dyes, but I sadly have to rush for my plane. I leave forty minutes later feeling refreshed and pampered.

For the ultimate indulgent mini escape, Tatjana Vaune is a special serving of luxury tucked away in a street well worth discovering.

Tatjana Vaune Salon

34 William st, Paddington, Sydney

+61 02 9380 8183

http://www.tatjanavaune.com.au/

William Street image thanks to Rachel E

Subscribe to the movement

2009-06-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

Like the rebirth of the slow food movement, there has been a global shift in attitudes towards the craftsmanship of lovingly, slowly produced quality clothing items.

Enter Andrew McDonald, representative of the slow shoe movement on the Australasian front, crafter of fine footwear.

Based in William Street in Sydney, McDonald and his small skilled team produce a range of Ready To Wear footwear each year, allowing you to buy directly from their Paddington store or online. Their fame however comes from their made to order service, measuring your foot and working with you to create a shoe that fits you and your sense of style perfectly. With each pair taking up to 40 hours to make, these are the sort of shoes that will last a lifetime.

And not to worry, having designed shoes for Akira Isogawa and Pigs In Space, McDonald is very good at keeping up with current trends.

For more info visit www.andrewmcdonald.com.au. Portrait by Bob Barker

Gianni Barbato Update

2009-05-15T02:05:00.001-07:00

I just found this shoe from Barbato's A/W09/10 collection on Imelda's website. Utterly fab. I haven't been this excited about shoes in a long time.

Will somebody please buy these?

2009-05-15T01:59:00.000-07:00

By Gianni Barbato. Please excuse the teeny image, you simply must click to view the shoes up close. Skulls on the heels? Sensational.

Spotted at Fashion Week...Yours Truly

2009-05-13T02:34:00.000-07:00

Snapped by StyleSightings, I am noted as one of Mr Newton's muses. For more pics and story see http://www.stylesightings.com/index.php/2009/05/12/kanga-bangas/

Know what to buy before everyone else does

2009-05-10T04:08:00.000-07:00

My first little article went up on the Mix It Up magazine website, a trend report from Fashion Week:

http://www.mixitup.co.nz/v2_thenews_3.php?task=news

The Week That Was...The Best of Thursday and Friday

2009-05-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

Best dressed designer of the week - Gail Sorronda. Captured by The Sartorialist

Romance Was Born for best sets and outfits

Romance Was Born - the octopus

Best Makeup - The Cassette Society for disco eyebrows

Best hair at Sara Phillips

Best shoe - Romance Was Born takes title again with their shell adorned footwear

Best displays of idiocy - Bron and Caroline in the Rosemount Wine Bar

Catwalk photographs thanks to Getty Images

The Week That Was...The Best of Wednesday

2009-05-07T04:09:00.000-07:00

Best hair makeovers at Redken - Caroline and I go wild with volume

Electric eyelids at Marnie Skillings

Hair at Kirrily Johnston. (Model Myf told me afterwards that the hairdressers actually put glue in their hair - the models were told only after the show. Cruel.)

Body/swimsuits at TV. We must get our hands on some of those mesh cut-outs.

Accessories by Zakie.D at White Sands in the Ready To Wear Swimsuit Collection. The leather wings are absolute winners, a quirky take on the current big shoulder trend.

Shoe of the day. Marni wood and leather. Simple, classic, classy, crafty and clever.

Catwalk and backstage pictures thanks to Getty Images

The Week That Was...The Best of Tuesday

2009-05-07T03:24:00.000-07:00

My favourite model of the day - Madeline an Illionare, what a spunk.

Hair at Ellery

The "No makeup" makeup look at Manning Cartel

And shoe of the day? Pip Edwards' Balenciaga beauties won the title by far.

Catwalk images by Getty Images

Lucire Update

2009-05-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

The juicy diary from my recent trip down to Dunedin for the iD Emerging Designers show is up on Lucire. Check out:
http://www.lucire.com/2009/0423fe0.shtml

The week that was...The best of Monday

2009-05-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

Gold Balmain inspired jacket at Camilla and Marc. Gold is the colour of summer.

Fringed cuffs at Bec and Bridge

Body jewellery at Ginger and Smart

Feather vest at Nicola Finetti

Shoe of the day - spotted on front row. Louis Vuitton Spring/summer 09

Images thanks to Getty Images

You'll be Wanting Kate Sylvester

2009-04-29T02:27:00.000-07:00

Drawing inspiration from hiking in the wilderness - the Routeburn, to be precise - Kate Sylvester's summer collection was en route to adventure and discovery.

While the clothing was all gorgeous and very wearable, the accessories were what we were all crowing about. Explorer backpacks glowed vibrantly in primary coloured silks, and Doc Martin boots were customised with car paint in matte blue, red, green and yellow, and glossy grey. Fimo toy necklaces displayed the trophies of prehistoric excursions in the form of dinosaur teeth and mini bones. The most statement accessories however, were Sylvester's many different takes on the tramping gaiter. The gaiters were long, short, in modern MacPac style and in raw linen army chap form. Also in raw linen were full brim explorer hats, perfect for fighting off those summer rays. As for the menswear, expect your boyfriends to all be sporting dinosaur motifs this summer.

Ellery Wins the Pageant

2009-04-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

Held off site in a cavernous warehouse in Waterloo, Ellery had us waiting outside in the cold and crowding the street for an hour and a half. Thoughtfully, handsome waiters were sent out bearing trays of Absolut vodka cocktails to keep us entertained.

The collection was full of detail and featured near knicker exposing skirt lengths, strong Balmain inspired military shoulders, nipped in waists decorated with thin patent belts, and masses of fine gold chain tasselling adorning pockets, shoulders and breasts. Heavy upholstery cloth was used to create volume and sculpture, contrasted with sheer fabrics in chiffon and surprisingly sexy blue lace.

The hair was beautifully done in a mock Alice Dellal style, with a french plait running from one ear around the back of the head to give the illusion of it being short on one side. The makeup was exciting, with beautiful peach toned lips and Cleopatra eyes.

The jodphur/harem trend was inescapable, but Ellery gave the feminine folds a tough-girl twist with light chains and heavy gold zips.

In an ironic move due to the timing of the recent Miss Universe New Zealand , the show had a pageant theme running through. The final models came out in sashes and bearing bouquets.

The Shoes were worth mentioning, and adding to your wardrobe. My favourite was the clear perspex booties, extra sassy with its gold block heel detail, and looking suspiciously like a lipstick in its case.

Zambesi

2009-04-28T01:48:00.000-07:00

While elements of the Zambesi collection were their tried and true style, there was a lot that was new and interesting. The injections of bold colour are sure to shake up the die hard Gothic Kiwi fans, while the innovative re-presentation of classics will have them itching with excitement. There was a balancing act of sheer, shiny and matt fabrics, right down to the two-tones patent and matt leather brogues. Shirts were worn loose, and the pants were slouchy with a slightly dropped crotch.

And wait for it...

His and hers matching suits. Brilliant.

Photographs courtesy of Getty Images

Dramatic As Only Fashion Can Be - Powerless at Zimmerman

2009-04-28T00:58:00.000-07:00

A city wide power outage occurred as we were filing in for the Zimmerman show. All fashion week shows were then postponed until the power came back on. Luckily the shortage lasted only an hour, long enough to have a drink or three in the Rosemount Wine Bar. The collection that was finally shown was well worth the wait.

Zimmerman's summer colour palate was a refreshing change from the jarring brights we have seen from them in the past. What was presented felt more grown up, more refined, and very classy. We saw Grecian folds of fabric in warm creams and light earth tones, muted Nana-inspired florals, and a brilliantly refined version of their flesh exposing strapping that was noticeable on their bikinis last year.

Although I loved almost all from this collection, my wish list features these pants. The origami folding to expose the the legs is beautiful. I wonder if they do them in black?

Images thanks to Getty Images

All Snapped Up

2009-04-27T23:23:00.000-07:00

In the line for Illionare I was accosted by the lovely Eddie from Style Sightings, and dragged off to the waterfront for an impromptu photo shoot. What fun! I was wearing one of my outfits by Kilt - perfection. Keep an eye out on www.stylesightings.com for me, he also shoots Tallulah Morton and Paris Hilton!

There is Treasure

2009-04-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

This is the pile of presents gathered from my travels today. And it's only the first day! If it goes on like this I may have to bring home another suitcase!

Arnsdorf

2009-04-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

Again I'm in second-to-front row, with a goody bag. I look behind me this time, expecting this show to also be a mish-mash of heirachy, but no, only the front two rows have the bags. Wow! What did I do to pull? A real computer malfunction this time? I put on my dark glasses and pretend that I'm famous too.
Oh oh oh, crop tops again. Teamed with high waisted shorts in Lee SuperTubes colours (remember them?). And something we haven't seen yet - clean denim. That's right folks, not a distress in sight. There were elements of this show that was really 90's, coloured denim belted high on the waist, and button down collared shirts. Lets not forget the linen peg-legged high waisted trousers in a pale peach. But all was done well and the hair was gorgeous and simple, and even though most of us will deny our wardrobes the 90's combo shown below, there are some of us who will not resist emulating.

Photographs thank you Getty Images

A Little Story From RTW

2009-04-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

For some bizarre reason I find myself seated second-to-front-row for the Ready To Wear show. On my seat is a goody bag. WHAT? Upon inspection of my pass, I notice that I have this amazing seat for all three RTW shows this week. Nestled around me are all the celebrities - none of which I recognise being a Kiwi - and the editors of the top magazines. There surely must have been a computer malfunction when they allocated my seat, but I'm not complaining and I sit back and enjoy the show.

Spotted:
The new Louis Vuitton jewelled leather heels (2 pairs!) on front row. And 2 Birkins - one tan, one green.

Some major issues with footwear in the SU show, one poor model clearly sliding out of a pair three times too large for her, and another with an oh-so-fierce Tyra stride having a stumble on hers.

Comically enough, as we filed out after the RTW show I realised that everyone in the audience had a goody bag for this show - there was none of the usual fashion hierarchy in the seating plan. Turns out all those celebs were probably just well dressed bloggers after all! At least I got my ten minutes of self-importance, even if it was due to ignorance!

Ginger & Smart Did a Kite Runner

2009-04-27T05:01:00.000-07:00

Ginger & Smart were all about kites and it was beautiful. As the statement kite bearing model sashayed down the runway, a frenzy of clicking from the photographer's pit could be heard.

Silk featured prominently, and the bold and bright colours stood out against a background of black. Silhouettes flowed like the silk they were vastly made of, but nicely juxtaposed with heavy hardware and skin tight leggings.

My favourite piece by far was the body jewellery, give thanks to Alexander Wang who sent this down the runway last year - what a genius.

Images thanks to Getty Images

Power Women at Bec & Bridge

2009-04-27T02:00:00.000-07:00

The catwalk at the Bec & Bridge show was in the shape of a T with three entrances, proving the model's professional skills as they negotiated each other at the T intersection. They came out of each door at breakneck speed, and the nail-biting risk of their carefully choreographed routine seemed to emphasise the strong-woman atmosphere of the collection.

What followed was a presentation of sensual strength and prowess, full of flowing fabrics cinched in at the waist by dominating belts, body con dresses and gold fringe detailing. Of special note were the fantastic fringed cuffs, bold in gold and very gladiator-ish.

Look out for crochet as a major trend next summer - in fact any sort of knit with a see-through element is going to be big. See Zambesi current collection knitwear and Kate Sylvester's pink sweaters for inspiration.

Fringe detailing at Bec & Bridge

Images thanks to Getty Images

Camilla and Marc do Cream and Sex

2009-04-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to a sexy summer with Camilla and Marc.

Universally, summer trends seem to be all about plays of proportion, and Camilla and Marc's latest collection is a sure affirmation to this. In typical Australian style, this collection was laid back and light in spirit.

Beauty Note:
The model's hair was worn down, and worn natural, tousled and loose. Makeup was natural overall, with the accent of cat's-eye flicks of eyeliner on the top lids.

Looks were accessorised with heavy gold chain belts worn low on the hips, and knuckle duster sized cocktail rings. Sky high ankle booties with needle point heels were presented in nude tan, patent black, and wild animal print.

The peg-leg trouser trend looks like it's a keeper, but Camilla and Marc thoughtfully gave it to us in a cool nude tone for those hot hot days ahead.

As in my past blog post from recently, cropped tops are creeping back. Here we are given a refreshing styling option to wear our cropped tops with a sheer layer beneath them - giving a hint of bare midriff without the brash 1980's skin flashing. Perfect for those of us without a set of rock solid abs.

Don't chuck out your distressed denim cut-offs yet, but store them in the back of your drawer until the weather warms. This coming season however, that universal rule of proportion comes into play - the rule is to "break the rules". Those uber casual shorts will be teamed with luxe fabrics, structured blazers, and glammy heels in boot or platform style.

See? Told you the low waist was back. But none of that muffin-top overflow that was the early 2000's, this family of denim is slouchy, highly distressed, and big big big. But again - the proportion rule - it's dressed up with heels, slim silhouettes on the top half, and glitzy accessories.

Images curtesy of Getty Images

URGENT UPDATE!

2009-04-26T18:09:00.001-07:00

Have just been to the Camilla & Marc show - brilliant!

Will post up details and (hopefully) pics tonight - in the mean time go out and buy yourself some baggy jeans - low waists are back!

Am late for Bec & Bridge

XX B

Good Morning Big City

2009-04-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

I have woken up. I am in Sydney, the sun is shining, the birds aren't tweeting but the streets are definitely bustling. My lovely hotel is situated smack in the middle of town, giving me a great view of people meandering through Hyde Park. This is what is out my window:

Great I have a bathroom

I'm still chuckling with excitement over the BEAUTIFUL clothes that Kilt have lent me, there are so many and they are oh so slinky. Here are a few of them on their hangers:

It's going to be very hard to hand back the black embellished tunic - very covetable.

The invites are arriving and they have really made my day - receiving shiny bits of paper and intricately printed card in the post is bound to make anyone feel special:

I'm off to forage the streets for real coffee - mustn't miss my Sunday ritual of newspaper and caffeine just because I'm somewhere new... I wonder if their Sunday paper has a Shoe of the Week?

So I'm going here...

2009-04-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

(Sydney)

... to see this:
(Australian Fashion Week)

...I'm wearing clothes by these guys:
(Blak clothing)

...I'm staying here:
(Central Park Hotel)

...On behalf of this:
(Lucire magazine)

THANKS EVERYBODY!
(anyone wanna come too?)

They love us over there, they do

2009-04-14T01:42:00.000-07:00

You know you're hot when the fashion bloggers get into you - Rumi from Fashion Toast has been raving about Stolen Girlfriends Club, and New Zealand designers in general. Check out the post where she wears a SGC ripped dress:

http://www.fashiontoast.com/2009/04/i-dont-mind-you-under-my-skin.html

Considering her mass following, anyone wanting free publicity to thousands of young wealthy fashionistas should be sending their samples her way, by the looks of it she happily accepts freebies - and blogs about them too!

Image: Stolen Girlfriends Club

Fashion Crash-test Dummy - midriff bares all

2009-04-11T00:07:00.000-07:00

This isn't Zara Mirkin. This is Rumi from Fashion Toast

This is Zara Mirkin

Thanks to Zara Mirkin, belly baring is back. With fashions’ current obsession with the eighties, it was bound to happen sometime soon. While Zara has been hanging about with her belly out for a while now, this is a look that we are expecting to explode onto the streets come summer 09/10.

The last time we saw a bit of mid-section flesh flashing was when jeans had low waists – wow remember that? All those seasons ago when the phrase “muffin top” was commonly used. The current tummy trend however, is of a different variety. This time round the trousers are higher, and the cropped tops are generally worn loose. It’s a difficult look, and one that has to be pulled off with attitude and abs of steel. I don’t have abs of steel, but attitude is something I can do.

I attempted a dress rehearsal of the cropped top after getting inspired by some of the American fashion bloggers. Lucky for them it is spring over there at the moment. The great thing about this look is that you don’t have to buy it – in fact the coolest looking crop tops are made from grotty old cottons. I stood in my plain white singlet (an old goody from Jay Jays if you must know) in front of the mirror and gleefully hacked at it with scissors. It was very liberating to slice at something with such reckless abandon, it felt like being a teenage punk again.

Feeling brash, I pulled on a pair of until then never worn high waisted red skinny jeans, and, with attitude in mind added my sky high bogan ankle boots with studded harnesses attached. I went out. I was cold but I felt hot. I got a lot of stares and a lot of comments. I also got tired stomach muscles from sucking it in all the time. Does Zara get a sore tum I wonder? Or does she just give up worrying and let it all out? I should interview her and ask.

I’m a bit hooked on my white rag of cropped cotton now; tomorrow I’ll be trying it with high waisted skirts. Stuff winter, I’ll just wear tights.

Su-gah

2009-04-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

I have what I suspect to be a sugar hangover. Granted, I was drinking the night before, but not enough to warrant feeling this lousy. And it’s a different sort of lousy than your usual “my guts are churning my head is throbbing” type that is the aftermath of a serious night on the juice. This sort of lousy is – well, just gross. In fact it’s possibly worse than the R18 variety. This is serious R8 stuff, the last time I remember having a sugar hangover was after one of the regular pre-teen sweet laden sleepovers we used to have.

My sugar hangover arose from a night on the town with the girls (grown up now). After a bottle of champagne or two my stomach and I realised I had missed dinner, so we grabbed an emergency bubble tea. For those of you who haven’t discovered bubble tea yet, it is a must try for anyone interested in a strange Asian textural experience. Now the problem with bubble tea – or should I say the brilliance – is the cup sizing in that the end comes too soon, leaving you wanting more. So after a few more bars I found myself wandering home past the bubble tea shop again. And so again I went in. They looked at me very strangely in there, having seen me just a few brief hours earlier. The second bubble tea never tastes as good as the first, and halfway through the second you are feeling slightly ill, the precious pearls at the bottom have lost their lustre and are not nearly as precious or appetising as they used to be. By the time you get three quarters down you’re battling, the pearls reveal themselves as the stodgy mess they are, and the sweet milky flavour cloys the throat.

Feeling full of regret I sodded off to bed, only to wake this morning with more feelings of regret – in my head, gut, and depleted energy levels. I feel like a limp carrot – you know the one that’s in the back of your vegetable drawer? My skin is much like a limp carrot too, grey, dry and slightly wrinkly on the surface. Fast tracking my memory back I try to recount how I coped in those pre-teen days. I seem to recall that the “day after” was always spent much like it is these adult days, flat on my back on the couch recovering. While couches are lovely, I have decided a detox will be instigated to flush my poor body from those sugary bubble tea toxins – vegetables, fruit and herbal tea will be the order of the day, and lots and lots of water. I’m definitely not about to overdose on sugar again in a hurry, I’ll stick to the other hangovers thanks.

Image from agapetea

Child Fashion Prodigy?

2009-04-03T23:01:00.000-07:00

Check out Tavi, the new girl in town. A twelve year old American fashion blogger with an opinion and insight to rival Anna Wintour. You must see it to believe it, she is truly amazing. Never in my life did I expect to be getting style advice from a pre-teen, let alone be completely in awe of her! Add her to your favourites - this girl is going places.

Just a sneak peek - this is an extract from her latest video piece: Bold!

"Balmain is a look. I'm sorry - it's not much more than that. We understand that you are very chic, and you are fun, and the people that wear your clothes like partying, but you can't do the 80s four seasons in a row unless you are making all of them different. If you put Christpoher Decarnins past 3 seasons next to each other and mixed up all the looks, they would all look the same. I just don't get anything new from him."

http://tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com

Richard the Great

2009-04-02T22:15:00.000-07:00

On the eve of the Southern Trust iD Dunedin Fashion Show, I spoke to celebrity hairstylist Richard Kavanagh, Redken lead stylist at iD Dunedin.

As I arrive for our interview, Richard the Great is on his knees on the floor of his hotel room, surrounded by images of models in various stages of hair-do. He is constructing detailed instruction sheets for his Redken hair team on how to create each look for the iD fashion show tomorrow night. He scrambles up grinning, hair artfully scraggled, his famous tattoos poking out the sleeves of his rolled up shirt. We settle into his hotel lounge for our chat.

What sort of looks are you creating for the show?
In years gone by we have always done a different look for every designer, but we have simplified the whole process this year. We are working with four key looks, and three model groups. We have quite an androgynous feel for one of the groups in which the hair is matte and cottony in texture. It is very pared back so that the clothes can come forward. The second look we have a romantic bohemian feel, slightly dishevelled. Again, we are paring the hair back to push the clothes forward. The third look we have is really cute, we make a French plait which starts on one side behind the ear and runs across the side of the head, but it’s really loose, with bits falling out of it. So it’s a soft romantic look. The fourth look is done with the girls who have had their hair pinned up; we will take it down during the interval and brush them out into a mass of curls.

Two of the looks are looks that I did at New York Fashion Week two weeks ago, one we did a variation of for the Diane von Furstenberg show, and the other we did a variation of for the Alexandre Herchcovich show.

How are the hairstyles different from the last iD show?
Last year [at iD] there was a real utilitarian feel to the hair. I feel like this year things have lightened up a bit.
Is this a reaction to the recession?
I think it really is! The designers that I worked with in New York were all forecasting a bit of happiness. It felt like doom and gloom in the world outside fashion week, but inside the fashion week it felt like “We’re over the doom and gloom, let’s just bring some happiness back to the world” I think that is what we have the ability to do with fashion, is forecasting these things.

What are the hair trends we have to look forward to for next season? And how is it changing from what is happening right now?
The trends that are emerging are much like the looks we will be seeing on the catwalk at iD. There is a romantic feel with hair, a renaissance of wave, a soft bohemian feel. Girls are glamming it up again, and getting shine back into the hair. The thing for me this season, is rather than the waves having crispness, they have a real cottony feel.
That’s great Richard, but how is this trend accessible to people like myself with short hair? How can we work it?
I can tell you what it’s not, it’s not going back to the old curl on the top, short on the sides that was around some decades ago. If you look at the essence of the style, what we get with the looseness and romantic feel is we get a texture that has a bit more fly away, it moves more, it’s lighter. For girls with shorter hair, you are using products that don’t weight the hair down, so that you get natural movement and softness. Even if you have a cut that is a very strong shape, the texture is what you are thinking about.
So are we all going to be growing our fringes out then?
Yes I reckon, a longer fringe, a bit of wave in the fringe. There is nothing wrong with getting that curling tong and putting a bit of a soft wave in there, then brushing it through.

What is your forecast on hair colour trends?
Things change with seasons – particularly colours change a lot. We live in an outdoor environment, and over summer our colour tends to go lighter because we feel that way. As we are moving into winter we start to see a shift towards plums, mahogany, darker, earthy warmer tones.

Weather-wise New Zealand is a season behind the rest of the world, what about fashion-wise?
The images that people are seeing on style.com or whatever are current, from Paris, New York and Milan – the latest shows. So here in New Zealand we are completely up with the trends and forecasting. It’s a funny situation because I think in the past we have always been a season behind, but now I really feel like – and talking to guys up in New York this was reinforced for me – that we are kind of a season ahead. In our own way we do stuff that pushes the boundaries a lot. I think that globally, hair trends move in a big wave. The shapes, designs and textures we are working with tend to move globally rather than seasonally.

You mentioned that you were at New York Fashion Week, what was it like?
It was cool. I had two jobs at fashion week this year, one was I am doing a little spot on Good Morning on Monday mornings [TV One], talking about hair, hair trends, and how to re-create the looks. The other job was hairstylist at the shows. I did fourteen shows while I was there.

What inspires you as a hair artist?
Something that really inspires me is the Redken Artistic Network. I am part of a global network of artists who present shows and ongoing education for hairdressers. The network has so many talented people in it who are constantly looking for new inspiration, and sharing not only what inspires them, but the process that they go to in order to find their inspirations. I get lots of creative juice out of that process. I’m also inspired by Philip Treacy the hat maker in terms of shape, direction, and balance of textures. I am being constantly bombarded with stimulus. Sometimes I’ll be driving along see something that will spark an idea for an entire photographic collection. I recently saw one of those crochet poodle tissue-box covers in the back of a car. It started a range of Mrs Slocombe inspired pastel colour hairstyles, with strong directional shapes and hot looking girls!

I know everyone asks you about it, but tell me about your tattoos:
I love Japanese art – my house is full of Japanese antiques – I had this mish-mash of tattoos that I had collected over about 15 years.
I was sixteen when I got my first tattoo, I was like “cool” (pointing to the wall and squinting) “I’ll have that one thanks” (counting out his money) “27, 28, 29, 30 dollars…Oh I can’t get that one it’s $35… I’ll have that one then”
So the tattoos had expanded all over my body, and I wanted to have some cohesion, and there were a couple that I wanted to cover up! I began researching traditional Japanese tattoo, and we (Illicit Tattoo) started three and a half years ago on a full Japanese body suit. It’s now three quarters finished. Its thigh, buttocks, full back, sleeves, and chest with an empty strip down the middle. It’s amazing once you get started, how much room there is on your body to tattoo!

Do you think that being heavily tattooed gives you cool points in the celebrity hairstylist theme of things?
(Laughs) Cool points! That’s pretty funny… I dunno! (Input from his PR in the same room – “Yea it does!”) At New York Fashion Week fashion TV asked me about my tattoos. One in Five New Zealanders has a tattoo, but not overseas. I have learnt to wear my sleeves down when going through customs. They don’t get it.

Do you have any I Love Mum or snakes with daggers from your $30 jobs?
Yea, I had some of them. I had some skulls and a car – it was a Ford.

Foot Love

2009-03-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

Some extraordinary new footwear in quite different styles.

Fitting like a glove with the recent-past and current grunge trend, I feel like I need to throw a few key phrases around when looking at these Givenchy shoes: Grunge-chic, Slasher, Tough-Lady-Tough. Apparently these come in black too, but it's a refreshing change to see some white-toned toughness. (Look out for the white leather look next season - ladies, start painting your leather jackets white!)

Givenchy

What can I say about footwear so fine? Nothing, but sit back and admire their immense beauty and complete un-wearability. What art!

Galliano

These two ruffled lovelies, both from Christian Louboutin bring back wonderful memories of Prada Fall/Winter 08 footwear. The concept of leather frills is very exciting, and it's great to see somebody else having a go at this trend - it's clearly got a bit of life in it yet. I can easily picture the snakeskin sandal being worn poolside chic with perfectly pedicured toesies. It could just as comfortably be thrown together with acid brights than with the plethora of tan/beige hues we are currently spotting on the catwalks. The mary jane gold and silver creations are stand alone beauties. I can't bear to think of putting anything with them but a body con short black dress and a great pair of legs - voila!

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin

Emerging designers part 3

2009-03-15T23:26:00.000-07:00

Winners Hani Sagiv, Cem Cako, and Jonathon Stern with models

First place winner Jonathon Stern and hot model

Meg Gallagher, Dunedin

Sarah Schofield, Australia

Jonathon Stern, Israel

Photos Emily Cannan

Emerging Designers Part 2

2009-03-15T23:16:00.000-07:00

Ruth Bucknell, N.Z

Kate Rich, Australia

Jennifer Hancox, Dunedin

Mariam Seddiq, Italy

Kapil Sangwan, India

Emerging Designers part 1

2009-03-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

Hadas Betzalel, Israel

Nadeesha Godamunne, Auckland

Judges Katie Newton and Stefano Sopelza, and Tanya Carlson

Twenty Seven Names designers Rachel Easting and Anjali Stewart

Photos by Emily Cannan

Behind the Scenes at ID Emerging Designers

2009-03-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

Ali McD's twin models

The Redken team in action

The Presenters

Pumping up a Fiona Paine creation

Photos by the glorious Emily Cannan

Cute kid - what a winner

2009-03-14T18:07:00.001-07:00

I spotted this great girl on the street on Thursday, then realised on Friday night that it was Nadeesha, one of the Emerging Designers. Even better then when she won the MittelModa Special Prize, entitling immediate entrance into MittelModa. Congratulations Nadeesha, you're very cute and your Mum has fantastic sunglasses!

Broken City Bliss exhibition opening

2009-03-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

Tara, Renata, Dallas and the jeweller Henry Devereux

Paintings by Phillip James Frost, bags and clothing by Company of Strangers, and jewellery by Anne-Mieke Ytsma and Henry Devereux.

Photos thanks to Emily Cannan

Love Love Day Birger et Mikkelson! Thanks Waughs!

2009-03-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

I visited the lovely mother daughter team Diann and Amanda Waugh of Waughs clothing in Dunedin to check out their stocks of Day Birger et Mikkelson. I love love love this brand, and it turns out they are pretty excited about it too.
"It's a brand I am so passionate about." says Diann. "Usually in the rag trade we are having to buy in a lot of things that are “safe". But then occasionally a range will come along that will just be amazing. Day Birger et Mikkelson is one of those brands, and to see and stock it really gives us a rush."
The Denmark based design company, who describe their style as "Haute Bohemia" also make menswear, and interior collections. Check out http://www.day.dk/
I couldn't resist a play in some of the Autumn/Winter range, here are the pics. (Please excuse the boots and horrible accessories, remnants from what I was wearing that day)

Aubergine velvet tunic

Cotton peasant frock and embellished waistcoat
Photos thanks to Isabella Harrex

I talk to Ali McDaniel of Ali McD Agency about the Emerging Designers Awards, and her own young emerging models, soon to be signed to Trump

2009-03-12T04:33:00.000-07:00

On the makeup:
Aliana: Our trainee makeup team is doing the faces for both the Emerging Designers and the ID show. The Emerging Designers show has one look – it is a subtle make up with quite strong lips. ID has a different makeup look for each designer. We are using Revlon, one of the sponsors of the show. They had a bit of a break but have come back on board this year which is fantastic. They are an awesome brand.

Bron: How many makeup artists on your team for Emerging Designers?
Aliana: There are ten of us, some of them in my advanced makeup class, and some from the beginners’ class. The beginners will just be doing lipsticks and foundation, and the advanced students will be doing the full look. It’s a great opportunity for them. You could have been on that team Bron! (Small chat off the record, Ali has been trying to lure Bron back to Dunedin for a while now)

Bron: Are all the models in the shows (Emerging Designers and ID) from your agency?
Aliana: Yes, they are all Ali McD. We sourced about a quarter of the models this year at orientation week (Otago University), and the rest are already on our books. We have been training the Orientation Models up over the last couple of weeks. We wanted the models to be a bit taller this year than last, so they are all above 5”8 (the minimum height for international models), and they are all aged 14 upwards. Models for New Zealand Fashion Week must be aged 16 upwards, but because ID is just two shows, and we are very protective over them – we are all there, watching over them – the polytech tutors, the whole fashion community, they are in safe hands.

Bron: Have you discovered any potential golden girls in your latest model hunts?
Aliana: I have found a couple of very amazing girls lately that are going to be represented internationally. One of them I found at a local school, she walked past me, I stalked her and gave her my card, and the next day her Dad called me up.

(A break in the interview as a cute bumbling schoolgirl comes shyly in. “There’s no class today remember Daarling? REMEMBER? It’s fashion Week! Sorry Daarling!” The uniformed girl smiles coyly and shuffles out. Back to the interview and Alis’ new discoveries)

Aliana: Both of the girls are amazing, one is just 13 years old though, and they have to be 14, so she is on hold. From the age of 14 the models can start being developed and trained. They both sign next month to Trump Models. You just wait, at the end of this year they will be everywhere. Here you’ve got to see them (Like a proud Mother, Ali pulls up snapshots of the two girls on her laptop. Sans makeup, they pose in their school uniforms, looking rather awkwardly at the camera. It is hard to believe that these two coy school girls have international model potential. These basic photos Aliana tells me are the exact images that Trump Models look at when gauging a models’ potential). “They have to be bare faced, no makeup.” Ali says. “We have to be able to see their face shape.”

Bron: How does it feel to know that you have been instrumental in changing all these girls’ lives so dramatically?
Aliana: I have this eye (for talent spotting), and I didn’t even know it until recently, so it is happening to a lot of girls now. (Aliana stops answering my questions now, and begins scrolling through images of her models, chuckling proudly and pointing out particular favourites and their stories. The interview naturally comes to a close, and as I leave her it is very obvious that she is as happy as the models are with their new jet setting lifestyles.)

Where's My Service?

2009-03-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

photo: Grant Kennedy

Bron Williams contemplates the beginning of a new era

Written Christmas 2008

Arriving at Wellington Airport for a flight to Dunedin recently I was unnerved to be greeted not by smiling airport ladies, but by two monstrous space-like rounds in the centre of the departures terminal. A big sign screeched “Welcome to the new Self Check-in!”

I cowered in the corner awhile, observing others as they fumbled their way through the automated check-in before finding the courage to tackle the beast myself. After a few false starts, I managed to blunder through the ticket printing part, but got completely wrapped up in my sticky luggage tag. That was when I admitted defeat and walked, baggage sticker tangled in my fingers, to ask assistance from a not so smiling airport lady. In a few swift moves, she untangled me from my mess, printed off a new tag, applied it correctly (giving me a few steely glances while doing so, just to make me squirm), took my bag and swept me on my way. With tail between my legs I sloped off to recover with a coffee.

Some time later in the herding pen that they call boarding gates, I met an old acquaintance of mine, also Dunedin bound. After relaying my tale of anguish, he nodded vigorously in agreement and confessed to how he too had been bewildered by the new check-in. He had stood dumbly at the self-drop conveyor belt until someone had come to his aid, prying the bag from his hand and placing it for him on the belt. “I couldn’t do it – it felt naughty to be doing it myself” he explained.

The airport self check-in is just the beginning of a new phenomenon sweeping our cities. 2009 will be noted as the year of The Death of Service. Wellington public transport has caught onto the self service trend, introducing the Snapper card. Pre-loaded with funds, the snapper card allows the bearer to “Snap on and Snap off” city buses by simply swiping their card over scanning machines situated in the doorways of each bus. No contact with bus driver necessary. Originating in Hong Kong and London, the re-loadable transport card has made its’ way to our capital, and soon will be taken up in Auckland. Obviously aware of the major profits possible in such a scheme, large companies Infratil, ANZ, National Bank, NZ Post, Eyede, Unisys and Beca Group are all getting involved in the Snapper card. With the GPS traceable snapper card soon to be usable to pay for your morning coffee, it may be possible for others to track your every move. Snapper Services general manager Charles Monheim comments on the power of the scheme: "Not only will it be used for small value purchases, parking and public transport, but it is our expectation it will be used in various ways for access control and loyalty schemes.”

Tracking forward to Christmas Eve, I was lined up amongst the madness of last minute shopping in New World supermarket to try out the recently installed self-service check-out system. A total of 16 self check-out machines were supervised by two young staff members whose duties were to support shoppers through their self-purchasing experience, and to supervise our honesty. There definitely is a certain degree of trust involved in the self check-out procedure. Shoppers can take advantage of the system in many ways, from incorrectly naming an item ($8.99/kg button mushrooms in place of the actual $11.99 flat browns), to scanning one cheese and placing two in your bag.

While there are precautions put in place to minimise this sort of criminal gallivantary in form of cameras and bag weighing stations, the financial risk analysts would have surely taken this all into account. They must have concluded that, customer dishonesty put aside, they still made profit. And what a profit it must be. Where I usually have time to skim read both Woman’s Weekly and New Idea in the time it takes to get from the back of a pre-Christmas queue to the check-out, this time I had barely picked up my first gossip rag of choice before the polite coughs of a customer behind me alerted me to the empty self check-out machine in front of me. We positively whizzed through that checkout line, with minimal waiting.

On board our flight, my acquaintance and I reminisced about a certain café that opened on George Street in Dunedin about 5 years ago, attempting the then unheard of approach of self-service. The café consisted of a number of holes in a white wall into which you posted money, and after a bit of button pressing you were presented with your order of burger or fry, which popped out of a small microwave sized door beside you. Apparently there were actually people behind the mysterious white wall making your food, but no one knew for sure. The whole structure had the feeling of a public urinal, the fluorescent signage overhead being about the only thing alerting you to the fact that it was not.
[I understand that the café was often mistaken for a toilet by students on their late-night stumbles home - but then most shop fronts look like urinals to a drunken Dunedinite.]

As you can imagine, the hole in the wall café didn’t last two months. This could have been partly due to the unappetising food on offer, but most likely because its’ self-service idea was just way ahead of it’s time. Five years ago in Dunedin nobody accepted an impersonal machine in place of real people, but today this development is taking over our airports, buses and lives. It is only a matter of time before our old friends of the urinal café dredge up their business plan and re-presents it to New Zealand with great success.

With more and more people in the service sector losing their jobs to machines; our future may be one where café culture and smiling service people are but a fast fading memory. Sounds over the top but you better believe it. The next step is to replace all the waitresses at your local coffee joint with robots…

Die and go to heaven?

2009-03-11T03:11:00.001-07:00

I hope to become a Balenciaga angel, with white feathered wings and these on my feet. I Just discovered these trophies from the Fall/Winter 2007 collection, they are very now - even two years on. Somebody mentioned they were up for sale on Ebay???

I'm off to watch a designer emerge

2009-03-11T03:00:00.001-07:00

My bags are packed and I'm on my last sleep before I board a plane tomorrow bound for Dunedin, to cover the ID Emerging Designers Awards for Lucire Magazine. Pictures and Stories will ensue... See you in the deep south! X B

Shoe Porn

2009-03-11T02:54:00.000-07:00

For now... (Dolce Vita)

... and for next Summer (Berny Demore)
Shoes and images from Shopbop

Wild Pair Gives us Catwalk Trends - does them well

2009-03-01T01:20:00.000-08:00

Wild Pair are quick off the mark this season, and have some of the seasons key runway looks on offer. With inspiration being drawn from Louis Vuitton, to Yves Saint Laurent, to Balmain, it's all there for us to emulate.

Yves Saint Laurent cage boots

Wild Pair $149.90

Balmain

Wild Pair $179.00

Louis Vuitton s/s 09

Wild Pair $129.00

L.A.M.B peep toe booties US$430 from endless.com

Wild Pair $169.00

Opening Ceremony Boots US$440 from eluxury.com

Wild Pair boots $199

I Fancy..

2009-02-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

I fancy being a bit of an agony aunt this week, so send me your fashion dramas, questions and dilemmas and I'll do my damnest to answer them for you. Best ones will go on the blog. XX B
bronnit@gmail.com

Inspiration station - Pastel power

2009-02-25T15:30:00.000-08:00

It's a little bit ladylike and a little bit tough. Roughness doesn't only come in black - experiment with leather, feathers, fringing and metal hardware in browns, creams and statement making blues.

Peachy power - by Bronwilliams on Polyvore.com

You make me cry

2009-02-25T14:22:00.000-08:00

Riding the motorbike back home after a man-stressed morning, I saw this work of art on the fenceline. What a poignant image, I'm not much of a sobber but it truly brought tears to my peepers. Whoever did this is a genius - and right at the big traffic lights too. I wonder how many hundreds have been touched by this statement this morning.

They're Back...

2009-02-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

..And badder than ever. The Eighties.

More proof that fashion does indeed work in cycles. This is the grandaddy of all trend resurgences, in the form of Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter 09/10 collection.

This collection has left me somewhat speechless, in one of those "It's so awful that it's fascinating" moments. But I do cheer Jacobs on for the bravery, and he is right in noticing that we are rapidly drifting towards this style era whether consciously or not. From chains, leather, PVC pants, fetish shoes, slasher looks and wide-shouldered silhouettes, it is only natural that we transgress to a bit of pink and bad hair too.

To give the man some credit, a few of the looks are actually wearable, in fact I'm digging this one below - bold jodphur pants, and the accessories are definitely worth getting excited about. These sunglasses are on my wish list for next Summer.

This last look is also very wearable, and funnily enough has a certain D&G Fall 2008 Queenie feel about it. Who have you been partying with, Mr. Jacobs?

Jewel watch

2009-02-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

I am lusting over Australian Jeweller William Llewellyn Griffiths' work. Let yourself be taken back to the stories of old and get overcome by Gothic romanticism when you check out his pieces at http://www.metalcouture.com/. Life will never be boring again.

Cinema Paradiso x Motown

2009-02-11T11:42:00.000-08:00

MOTOWN HEROES

image from Glasgowmods

In the middle of the gardens last night watching a film under the open sky, and it felt like something straight out of Cinema Paradiso. Except it wasn't Italian, it was Motown. Standing in the Shadows of Motown left me a-toe tapping, a-leg jiggling and immensely inspired by their slick cool style. How many of the audience from last night are down in Slow Boat today buying Motown records I don't know, but I'll be taking tips from The Funk Brothers' wardrobes in a slim silhouette, polished kicks, clean lines, and a wrapping of dark shades.

Baby It's Gonna Get Cold Out

2009-02-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought that I would be dreaming of winter, but after seeing the fall collections I can't help but be excited about the forecoming drop in temperature. I have already ordered my winter boots, which will arrive early enough to get some transit season wear - summer dresses and layers here I come!

Here are a few of my favourite things to get you started too:

1. Chanel gloves

2. Alexander McQueen tote

3. Barbara Bui booties from shopbop.com

4. Chanel Vendetta nail colour

5. Silver, amber and gold ring by William Llewellyn Griffiths (http://www.metalcouture.com/)

6. Camilla Skovgaard shoes from shopbop.com

7. Phi pre-fall collection (http://www.phicollection.com/)

What you need for winter

2009-02-01T00:00:00.001-08:00

OVERSIZED SCARVES

Let's have some fun this winter and play with proportion in massive scarves. Doll up your eyes all lovely and peek them out from immense folds of fabric - this is one trend that benefits from the bigger, the better.

Images from The Sartorialist and Facehunter

We Love

2009-01-31T23:11:00.000-08:00

Introducing Alexander Wang and his first shoe collection. These booties are sexy as sin and tough as nails. Just what we need to take us into the bracing winter - wear them now with the shortest of shorts and skirts, and then layer up the scarves and pull on the woolen tights when the weather packs in.

Inspiration Station

2009-01-28T15:33:00.000-08:00

BLACK SUMMER

A rise in temperature doesn't have to mean dropping your dark style. Turn up the heat and sweat it out in lace, layers, clambering hemlines and tough hardware.

Owen't we lucky?

2009-01-19T22:03:00.001-08:00

Sculptural design queen Alexandra Owen is set to be taking Wellington wardrobes by storm when she opens her first store in our capital. Situated next to Smashbox cosmetics on Wakefield street, the store is currently wrapped up like a present to deter prying eyes. We will be getting our first taste any day now...

Intense Violent Pornography

2009-01-15T20:07:00.000-08:00

Gee, well that really gets me going. I wonder about the little rebel who tagged it on my fence. Great speller. In my early days, the closest I got to graffiti was carving “School Sux” into the slide at the school playground, then as an afterthought scrubbed out “Sux” and put “O.K”. What a sop.

Years later I experienced graffiti again, this time as an art school kid in Dunedin. My buddies had got into graf art in a big way, and soon the city was overrun by Lichtenstein-esque and film noir characters. I was often roped in as the transporter, holder or runner (often running away from security guards). Many Monday nights were spent shimmying up fire escapes and dangling perilously from the edges of two storey buildings in order to access the blank concrete walls that were our canvases. During the day we would scour the streets for previously untapped real estate, venturing down back alleys and sneaking up lifts in office blocks to get to the rooftops. Once a potential hit site was spotted, we would huddle in coffee shops and plan our attacks in whispered voices, sketching detailed plans onto paper napkins. Often our work was painted over by humourless building owners, but mostly it was accepted and enjoyed.

Pretty soon after we got into the swing of things, the graffiti trend picked up in Dunedin, and kids of all ages and skill levels were spraying paint onto concrete walls. When one of the local skate shops cottoned onto the trend and began selling spray paint cans, we knew our prime time was over. So we packed away our cans, craft knives and rolls of rubber stencil, and scattered – some to Melbourne, some on their big OE, and some, like myself, up to the big capital. Those that stayed round Dunedin are now shuffling round behind coffee bars, or making pictures in their studios to pay their way.

But the graffiti trend lives on. On a recent visit to my hometown, the walls of the alleyways were awash with colour, and strange creatures scaled shop fronts, hung from windowsills, and crept their way out of the guttering. Statements, quotes and poems wormed across the pavements.

Usually thought provoking, often humorous, and sometimes sad, these works of street art reveal the passions, concerns, and inspirations of the kids who make them. Back at home I check my fence daily, eagerly anticipating the next instalment from my local pornographic tagger. Who knows, he may become the next banksy, in which case I’ll be sawing up my fence and taking it with me when I move house.

Tired Eyes, Black Morning

2009-01-15T20:05:00.000-08:00

Bloody Heel! (the end)

2009-01-15T17:39:00.000-08:00

It was a relief to climb into my chucks the next morning, and I kicked about the day quite happily. This week of practice seems to have paid off though, because by nightfall I was getting withdrawal symptoms from the heel, and had a sudden urge to put a pair on to go to my social engagement that night.

Two weeks on, I am proud to say that I have happily incorporated high heels into my everyday life, slipping into them most evenings and at least a few days a week. I have even managed to wear in all of my previously unworn shoes. Now that’s an achievement.

Bloody Heel! (day 7)

2009-01-15T17:38:00.001-08:00

DAY 7

It’s the last day already, and despite the injuries I acquired, I’m rather sad to see my week in heels come to an end. I must go out with a bang on my final day, but as I am playing with children again today I choose a “sensible” orange Brazilian snakeskin wedge (I am keeping away from spindly heels as I anticipate a park visit or three). It is put together with a leaf green silk dress and dark rinse denim (the chicken in me added the jeans. Damn.) A glorious day, chased down by an equally glorious night spent with an even more glorious man. The heels stayed on of course.

Bloody Heel! (day 6)

2009-01-15T17:36:00.000-08:00

DAY 6

Sunday bloody Sunday. Still half asleep I stumble and re-stub my toe this morning on the corner of my desk. The red splodges on the carpet will be there for many years to come. I bandage up my feet the best I can and jam them into gold Karim Rashid for Melissa works of art that up until now have taken pride of place in the centre of my bookshelf, unworn. The shoes are a statement in themselves, so the rest of my outfit is simple, and simple to choose: black cigarette trousers, fake Chanel T, flannelette check farmer shirt and a tuxedo jacket.

I join a friend for a mad jaunt across town in search of pearl tea – a mysterious Asian concoction of flavoured milk, tea, tapioca pearls, and garnishes of sugary syrup. It is textural heaven. The rest of my day takes me through the Cuba/Newtown districts, where I manage to meld in successfully with the bohemians, and in comparison feel comfortably conservative…

A boozy picnic in the park follows, and I am thankful that I didn’t choose stilettos today; the thought of sinking into the ground at every step terrifies me. I imagine getting stuck and never making it out of the park, condemned to be frozen forever like a Greek statue, to be shat on by pigeons and grow lichen on my nose until I finally crumble away to dust. As it happens I make my way home safely bundled in the back of a Green Cab, and climb into bed with an environmental do-gooder grin plastered upon my face.

Bloody Heel! (day 5)

2009-01-15T17:35:00.001-08:00

DAY 5

Bar the slightly tired balls, my feet seem to have righted themselves over the last 24 hours, and I can fit into closed toe shoes again. I wriggle into some thick heeled black ankle booties with glee and feel like I am walking on marshmallows – oh the comfort! A blissful day spent swanning about town, drinking coffee and catching up with friends. 8 hours on my feet and not a pinch, so feeling indestructible I accept offers of entertainment and go out. Another 8 hours later I fall into bed and sleep deep and painlessly.

Bloody Heel! (day 4)

2009-01-15T17:34:00.001-08:00

DAY 4

My room is a bomb site. Shoes are strewn everywhere as I hunt for a pair that will be kind to my wounded feet. I finally find a pair that I can wear, though they are entirely inappropriate for the event of the day. Surely originating from the same family as the Perspex hooker heel, the items of offence on my feet today are reflective silver soled stilettos, with blue, aquamarine and white glossy straps. And the item in the diary today is entertaining children; two to be exact, girls aged 2 and 4.

I decide that the only way to make my appearance excusable is by hamming up my outfit to out-do the footwear. Thinking Carrie Bradshaw slash Angelina Ballerina, I rootle a voluminous tutu out of my dress-up box and slip it over blue jeans and a mad flower print singlet by Cybele. It painted a great picture - arriving at the family home on my red scooter, small dog in a pouch on my front, leather riding jacket, shiny heels and sprays of white tulle flying in the wind.

Bloody Heel! (day 3)

2009-01-15T17:32:00.001-08:00

DAY 3

Oh the pain. I cannot see my feet for the multitude of band-aids swaddling them. Somehow the soles of my feet have developed blisters – I didn’t know it was possible. Thanks to my grossly stubbed little toe, my feet will not fit inside shoes today. Even slippers are a no-go. Time spent sleeping is legally heel free time so I stay in bed the entire day dozing. What a write-off. This is the time in my life that I need Hermione Grangers’ quick healing spell.

Bloody Heel! (day 2)

2009-01-15T17:31:00.001-08:00

DAY 2

I had a dream last night about running a 30km marathon in high heels, and wake up feeling invincible. Choose 4 inch gladiator sandals with huge buckles, and bravely team them with thigh skimming floral mini, waist cinching fetish belt, and sack forming stripy grandpa top.

My entire day is devoted to shopping for someone else’s wardrobe. Walk 6 hours on asphalt and my calves are tired from being flexed all day. Apart from the legs, I was doing great until the crucial last hour of the shop, when the side of my foot decides to slide off in a circle of popped blister. Have to taxi to my dinner destination, as taking steps brings on yelps of agony.

7pm: God is watching. I remove my heels in the restaurant for 5 minutes reprieve and immediately stub my toe on the way to the bathroom. Blood everywhere, I have to grovel at the waitress for an embarrassingly large blue plaster. Cobalt blue is so Fall 2007.

Bloody Heel! (day 1)

2009-01-15T17:29:00.000-08:00

DAY 1

Dilemma of what to wear. I stare at my rows of footwear with a lost expression. Choose tan MiuMiu inspired wedges with gold hardware (never been worn), then pull the lame card and play it safe with cuffed up dark denim, plain white T and my signature leather jacket. Look in the mirror, like what I see, but all the time kicking myself for being conservative. Oh well, I tell myself; it is early on a Tuesday and I have a whole week to be mad. Leaving the house I have a last minute stress about looking contrived, so dash back inside and swathe myself in a massive tie-dyed muslin scarf. Now I’m rock and roll.

Tottering down the road for my first coffee of the day, it takes a bit of practice to eradicate the giraffe-ish lope that goes with wearing high wedges. After some rehearsal down a back alley, problem solved. Solution? Tight tummy, long strides. I feel sure the eyes of everyone on the street are burning into me. The coffee is lovely, though my paranoia endured, and I get a few prolonged glances at my feet.

By lunchtime my feet are killing me, toes have been all but severed by the too tight top strap of my shoes. My lunch date scoffs; saying it serves me right for trying to break in new shoes on my first day of a week of heel wear.

End of the day. In the privacy of home I inspect my war wounds and discover three small blisters. I prepare myself a peppermint foot bath and sob into the hot water.

Bloody Heel!

2009-01-15T17:28:00.000-08:00

Lordy Lordy, I own 15 pairs of heels. That’s 30 single heels, and 15 pairs I never wear. Plus the 3 pairs I bought on my recent 3 week holiday – that’s one pair for each week I was away.

I am in love with heels, and with the idea of wearing heels, but can never bring myself to actually leave the house in a pair. I have a mild phobia of looking too “done”. I gaze at casual heel wearers in awe, but I myself am always afraid of looking overdressed. But after unpacking the three latest purchases from my holiday luggage and discovering that I have no room for them to live - despite my entire bookshelf devoted to shoes – I decided that this silliness had better stop. For a while I excused my obsessive heel buying as “like buying a piece of art”, but 15 unworn pieces of art lying around is a bit ridiculous. Wearing my flats all the time is a bad habit, and wearing heels is a good habit. I just have to force myself out of my bad habit and into a good habit. My theory is that practice makes perfect.

Over the course of a few late hours and a few too many glasses of Riesling, I hatched what I thought at the time to be a cunning plan. I would endeavour to wear high heels for all of my waking hours for the next week - A: in order to get into a habit of wearing them more often, and B: in order to get some cost-per-wear out of my shoe collection. Up until now I’ve been practically losing money.

My week begins on Tuesday, as the post-unpacking from holiday brainwave struck late on Monday night. My only quandary is how to get around the dog-walking chore, as it is more like dog running, and ladies never run in high heels. The dog must be exercised, so if you will allow me a brief daily reprieve, I promise to make it up to you by spending an entire night until morning in my stilettos.

Love this shit

2009-01-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

1998. Daft Punk. His styles are rockin, as is his dance.

Good god! I'm in lust

2009-01-15T16:41:00.001-08:00

Are you feeling the oonst oonst?

These beauties were unearthed when my flatmate was rifling through boxes from her past life. Costing more than a couple of hundred and worn only once, these would have been the cutting edge of style in 1998 - their date of purchase. Remember those days? The time of the dance party, 1998-2000, when every man and his dog were sodding off to London to earn big bucks and drop acid every weekend.

For those of us stuck back in little old NZ, the most we could do was buy the shoes, slip into our lycra cowl-neck dresses with strategic cutouts and dance in our bedrooms like it was 1999. Oonst oonst oonst...I'm blue Da Ba Dee Da Ba Dai...

How To - this is the new self help 3

2009-01-14T03:43:00.000-08:00

How to make yourself (believably) presentable in proper company

Be it your Grandmother, your boyfriends’ grandmother or the Queen mother coming to tea, sometimes you have to pretend you are not a wanton hussy with an empty fridge and an un-emptied rubbish bin in order to be accepted in life. Here’s how to do it right.

Do tidy your house, empty the rubbish, and scrub the dried toothpaste dribbles from the bathroom sink.

Don’t be tempted to fill your house with pink peonies, or any other effeminate blooms.

Do hide away your massive collection of spirits, but leave out your interesting collection of books/music to show you have a personality.

Contrary to popular belief, high neck sweaters, cardigans, and demure cotton day dresses are not convincing. Toned down versions of your usual style are.

And one more thing – do not, I repeat, do not attempt to lose your nerves by drinking wine at the first formal event. I know from experience that the results are far from desirable.

How To: this is new self help 2

2009-01-14T03:28:00.000-08:00

How to get a kick when you’re bored of life

Head down to the two dollar shop and choose the ugliest shade of nail polish imaginable. Take it home, apply to coats and snigger at yourself in the mirror. Then imagine the breed of person who actually likes that colour and snigger some more.

Ask the guy in a random shop/café for his number. Act entirely confident and most likely he will be so blown away by your boldness that, stammering somewhat, he will dutifully hand it over. Give him a smouldering look and leave, never to call him. Then you will know how guys feel when they never call you and say they will. What a fantastic power trip.

Call up your most rock and roll of friends and get hammered on a Monday night. Rebel.

Buy a two dollar scratchy, scrape away at half the card, and then throw the entire thing into the fire to burn. The frustration will make you feel alive.

How To - this is the new self help

2009-01-14T03:17:00.000-08:00

How to feel good about yourself when you’re not feeling good about yourself:

Have a backup “bad day” outfit on hand that you know makes you look great, for those heavy period days, hung over days, or boyfriend-just-broke-up-with-you days. Wear the outfit only when you are in your most dire of straits. My bad day outfit looks like this: my best bum jeans, comfy wedges, slim-fit singlet and a blazer with the sleeves rolled up. Chic, but relaxed. If I’m having an entire bad week, I simply change the singlet daily, so nobody guesses that I’m secretly falling to pieces.

Cull your wardrobe. It’s a double whammy in that it is like an emotional detox, and you get that warm fuzzy do-gooder feeling inside when you drop it all off at the Sallies.

Book yourself in for a massage. Sounds overly self indulgent I know, but half an hour spent with a masseuse in training from the school of massage does wonders for your stress levels and self esteem, and not much to your pocket. If you are flush enough to go to the established pros then by all means splash out, but $15 at the school of massage is pretty hard to pass up.

Run away on a wet afternoon to the local library and immerse yourself in unusual hobby magazines – the more bizarre, the better. It can be highly amusing and escapist to explore other peoples’ strange obsessions, and who knows – you may be sufficiently inspired to take up crocheting picture frames yourself.

Copycats?

2009-01-12T22:59:00.000-08:00

Siwy Denim

Is it just me or does the S/S 09 collection by American denim brand Siwy look suprisingly similar to the Lonely Hearts Club from spring/summer 2006? Looks like we might have a bit of influence on those Yankees after all.

Lonely Hearts Club