Juna Menswear Launches in Grey Lynn, Auckland

I attended the launch of new menswear label 'Juna', Kiwi made by local designer Julie Stevens.  Diversifying from her womenswear designs, Juna is targeted at young males right through to the more mature man.  Some great wool blend pieces that hint towards the Swandri but are just that bit more sophisticated.  Read my full story here on Thread.

Searching for fashion using visual search

Image recognition is not new to us, it's most commonly used at the airport at customs, so it's not strange to see this technology has been applied to the fashion industry.  Do you ever find yourself seeing someone up the street wearing something that you really want, but don't want to approach them and ask where they bought it?  Or, perhaps it's your favourite celeb wearing a fabulous outfit that you want to know how to get hold of?  Well, this new app can help.  ASAP54 uses image recognition to identify the item (which you need to photograph with your smart phone) and searches where you can buy it.  It also provides a 24 hour stylist where you can ask them a question and get their advice as well as a social fashion community.  This UK app was launched in February in the US, Europe and Brazil and after one week the app ranked 1 in both the US and UK (Ragtrader Magazine).

There are similar apps out there, Snap Fashion and The Hunt. I've signed myself up to ASAP54 - it's free, so might give it a whirl and report back on how good this really does sound.

www.asap54.com

Styling shoot for Good & Co scarves

Good & Co scarves are designed by Kiwi girl Lilly Toogood who bases herself in Sydney.  Gorgeous photographs taken by Lilly of her travels over the years, are printed onto silks and cashmere giving a unique feel to any wardrobe, summer or winter.  Here is a selection of the photos I styled alongside Lilly and her photographer sister, Geordie of G Frames.

The psychology of personal style

I read an article in the weekend paper on the psychology of fashion and how the way that we dress affects how we feel - something that isn't really that new to us, but it's important to realise that this does actually affect your personality.   Dr Karen Pine is a world leading fashion psychologist and her research is interesting.  There is a motivation behind what we wear and why.  It's all about projecting an image, be at work or play.   One of her findings on blue jeans was that for most woman these are known as their 'sad pants', that jeans get worn when woman are unhappy.  Apparently there is a correlation between depression and wearing jeans.

This topic does lead me to a question; why do people (particularly females) copy the style of another and wear this ensemble in front of the person they are copying??  (my pet peeve!!!)  

Interesting articles below:

Is casual dress killing your productivity at work?

How to find your style

Hailwood -

I've posted before on Hailwood and I'm going to post again!  I just love his work. Prior to Christmas I popped into the store on K Road and found this beautiful print dress, named The Wave Dress.  The thing about this dress is that it fits in all the right places - the nipped in waist, cap sleeves and scooped back make this dress really feminine. This pic shows the 3/4 length style, mine is above the knee.  I've worn it to quite a few events already (giving it a little break now!) and today I am going to make another trip to the store - yep there is a sale on!  I'm sure I'll be posting on Hailwood again very soon :)

#trainisthegame

I was never one for Canterbury Clothing, the label takes me back to my university days when all the boys lived  in their 2-tone, block colour rugby shorts.  It seems however that the Canterbury of NZ brand has rejuvenated itself and interestingly has some more feminine sporty pieces for us girls.  The summer campaign #trainisthegame sees some vibrant colours coming through for running, yoga or general exercise-wear.  I am enjoying the capri leggings (with 5% spandex) and wouldn't mind one of the hoodies for mooching around the house.

Rambler Capri

Ugly Pullover Hoody

Styling shoot for RPD Models

Happy New Year!  It's been a couple of months since I posted due to busy times at the end of 2013.  It was great to spend a day styling a shoot for two great Kiwi models back in November.  Monique Hallowes and Luke Stockman from RPD Models spent some time in NZ getting some great portfolio shots taken by local photographer Wono Kim of W Studio.  The theme of summer beach fun was captured superbly by the team which also included Gee Pikinga (Make up) and Leonard Johnston (Hair).

Images: Courtesy of W Studio

My new Etsy wool coat

Don't you just love Pinterest?!  I found this coat (an Etsy number), which I know is a little late in the season seeing as its Spring but I'm sure I will get the use out of it until summer hits us.  This little find is only $NZ90 and it's wool.  I really like the shape, neckline and colour.

Talking about Pinterest, you can follow my pins here.

Photo - www.etsy.com

Snowberry - anti ageing skincare from New Zealand

I was recently sent some great skin care products to sample care of Snowberry  - an anti ageing skin care range produced right here in Auckland, New Zealand.  After 4 weeks of using both the serum and moisturiser (day and night) I must say, these are lovely products and it's always good to know they have not been tested on animals which is a biggie for me. They're not too greasy and give just the right amount of suppleness to my skin.


Snowberry was developed by cosmetician, Soraya Hendesi because she wanted for herself and her family, skin care that she could trust.  The ingredients consist of clinically proven bio actives which, as we all know are becoming more and more known for their health benefits, plus a mix of natural oils from New Zealand tree plantations.  If you are looking for a new skincare range that is carbon neutral then this is the product for you - this is the first beauty range in New Zealand to achieve CarboNZero certification.

www.snowberry.co.nz

Holly Howe Jewellery from New Zealand

As a life-long wearer of silver jewellery I am always interested in new designers popping up. A recent new comer to the industry is Holly Simpson-Howe of Holly Howe Collections.

Based in Dunedin, Holly's boutique label was launched in 2011.  With a background in product design she has a love for making beautiful and precious objects.  Her designs are unisex, sharp-edged and architectural.  This style of contemporary jewellery ticks the boxes for me.  You can check out the her Facebook page for more info and you can also buy direct from the website NZFD.

Making shopping fun

We've all been there - planned a day at the shops, traipsed the streets looking for that must have item only to leave after a few hours (even a day) with nothing to show for it!  Tired, hungry and grumpy you swear you will never go shopping again.   I am totally hearing you - it seems to be that when you aren't looking for it - that's when these fabulous purchases pop up in front of you.  However, in the two days I spent shopping with Natty, with a plan in place (a bit like John Kirwan) there was definitely no sign of going home empty handed.   Taking the time to really review what is missing and what could do with a refresh is totally worth the time and effort and is money well spent.  Give me a call if you want to review your wardrobe and let's hit the streets together.

1. Fab shoes at Karen Walker. 2. Bubbles in the car park was an added bonus. 3. Karen Walker photo opportunity with Natty. 4. Grabbing as many things as I can in Recycle Boutique, Newmarket.

Great knit finds on Etsy

I need a new throw for my bed/couch and have always wanted a big chunky knit.  So while browsing one of my all-time favourite sites Etsy, I came across this wonderful store called Loopy Mango.  For all you crafty knitters out there, this could be your next project or just buy one for $242 US.  Not bad really.  This website continues to inspire me with lots of creative ideas!

Photo - Etsy.com

Mission Bay - Mission to Style

I felt very privileged to be asked to style the models for the Servilles Hair on Ice Show in Mission Bay, Auckland last weekend.  With only a four day turnaround and nine models to dress, it was going to be tricky.  I managed to find some great pieces from New Zealand label Sissy and items from Ponsonby Road store Evolution.  The weather wasn't too kind on Sunday night but the skaters dealt to the weather and pulled off a great show.

Photos by Stella Jones

 Clothing featured above by Sissy

Tassels - you can always find something to do with them!

It's the colours that draw me to these tassels.  The Africans absolutely hit the nail on the head when it comes to use of bold colours in their ornate clothing and accessories.  I could see a lot of uses for these little guys and also just for decorative use around the home.  Check out www.silkroadtribal.com to order.

For other home decor ideas read my post on how to make an envelope cushion cover.

My styling project with DJ Natty Headlock

I am very excited to be working with the beautiful Natalia aka Natty Headlock.  I've always loved the thought of fashion styling so when she asked me to work with her I was stoked.   I'm looking forward to spending some more time with Natty at the weekend to add my creative spin to her already unique look.  After a wardrobe review last week, and some time spent researching pieces that will work with her lifestyle, image and bodyshape, we are set for shopping in Newmarket this Saturday!

Watch this space for some snap shots of how we get on.

The Sunglasses Shop for great online deals

Sunglass buying has always been quite a task for me (a bit like bra shopping!).  I try on so many pairs as there are so many styles, shapes and coloured frames.  My favourite pair I recently lost after wearing them paddle boarding and then falling off my board!  They were from Kookai and although not an overly expensive pair at $150, they were really different in that they were an earthy apricot frame with gold embellishments on the arms.  Coincidentally not long after losing these, The Sunglasses Shop based out of Australia asked if I would like to review a pair of their sunnies from the SXUC range - of course I said yes.

SXUC - Aviator Gold

The Sunglasses Shop operates online only and sells a variety of well known quality brands such as Ray Bay, Police, Oakley, and luxury brands such as Ralph, Gucci, Tom Ford and Chloe to rattle off a few!  With same-day shipping and competitive on-line pricing it's no wonder that Sunglasses Shop is now the UK’s largest online retailer of sunglasses.   The pair I chose to review were aviators-style with a gold frame which fit my face well, they don't however come in a case.

Ladi6 tattoos and lace

I want to post this image of Ladi6 as I think it is just so cool - her sunnies, tattoo, lace top and just the photo itself... makes me want to get a tat actually!  I heard her play in Melbourne last year alongside Aloe Blacc, Scratch 22 and the Australian Youth Orchestra - it was outstanding!

Image: bandcamp.com

Just looove interiors...this is one of many interior images I've saved away and includes the bright and funky cushions from Bonnie and Neil which I have posted about before.  We have just painted our lounge room walls Alabaster White - makes the space so much more lighter brighter and bigger!

image: TheDesignFiles

Gearing up for winter - love love love these.....

 Love this jacket!

Love this hair!  (might try this one, got the length just need the colour)

Love this cardy!

(images: www.style.com)

Youthful skin and natural rose oil

I've been sent a lovely product to trial - La'Bonic Organic Skin Savers, Pure Natural Rose Oil.  It's a long lasting skin repairing and smoothing cream with essential natural ingredients.   I'm on day two so will give it a week or so for another full report but first thoughts are that it isn't overly greasy and is a really lovely texture when smoothing into your skin.   Another big tick for me is that it is not tested on animals, and uses organic oils.   Now I know there are a lot of these sorts of products on the market but I am always keen on trying out new skincare.  A 50ml jar of this cream goes for $NZ55 and can be bought online at La'Bonics online store.  I would recommend trying this one.  Give up that Nivea and Oil of Olay - they test on animals!!