ZARA coming to Auckland, Sylvia Park

Finally we have ZARA coming to our shores, set for late 2016.   This also coincides with the opening of H&M and will really shake up the local retailers, which is only a good thing for the Kiwi shopper.

ZARA NZ will be priced similar to what it is globally with it's full range being available (women's, mens, kids).  Fingers crossed the ranges they offer us will be just like the UK.  As for Top Shop in Queen St,  I personally feel it's quite dismal. The selection is fairly bland - nothing Glassons doesn't already do and the prices aren't affordable (like they are when you are based in the UK for example).  So, I'm looking forward to seeing what ZARA brings.  I'm happy to pay a little more but the pieces need to be unique.   Love these combos below!

Image: Zara

Mark Tuckey for Cotton On Home

I've been meaning to write this post for a while now so here it is finally.  

If you know your Australian designers, then you would have heard of Mark Tuckey and his beautiful timber furniture which is very popular in Australia.   Mark uses sustainable and recycled timber to create quality pieces with a negligible footprint.   He has teamed up with iconic Australian brand Cotton On to create a stylish line of homewares which are contemporary yet affordable with a focus on good clean design. 

New Zealanders can find these items in select Cotton On stores such as the mega store in Albany.

                  

Images: Cotton On

Fashion Fairground featured in OhBaby! Magazine

Thrilled to see my article on maternity underwear featured in the Spring issue of leading parent magazine, Oh Baby!  This magazine has lots of information, tips and advice for those new to parenthood.

A new bikini for summer 15/16

I am excited that summer is just around the corner and I am sooo overdue a new bikini!!   Last summer I was pregnant, so lazing on the beach was a different experience :)   I've started looking at my options and I am excited with what I've found so far, in particular from Roxy.   I love the high waisted bottoms - a nice change from the bikini-style I reckon!  Check out their site, there are some really funky styles and prints available.

Images: Roxy

Club Physical and Fashion Fairground

Join one of Auckland's top gyms - Club Physical and get half price of a 'wardrobe edit' with Fashion Fairground when you become a member!   Get that body and wardrobe in shape for summer - it's just around the corner!

Bonds at The Warehouse

The Warehouse recently held a showcase of their spring clothing range and included in this was the new Bonds underwear collection.   I've always loved Bonds for the quality, colour palette, patterns and price point specifically their underwear and now that I have a baby, their baby clothes are equally just as great.

I was advised that The Warehouse in Sylvia Park (Mt Wellington, Auckland) is the best store in terms of finding the largest range both for Bonds and their other items, which is just a point to note.

Here are a few pics of the new Bonds underwear collection at The Warehouse:

Bonds

Men's sock style - top tips

Socks are one of the accessories in a man's wardrobe which can provide a little personality.  With a huge range of socks on the market offering different textures, colours and prints, socks are a fun way to chop and change your look.  There is a fine line however where some socks shouldn't be worn with certain outfits or trousers (I'm thinking white socks and suit pants for example!!)  

Socks were once worn for practical reasons but nowadays, in this fashion conscious world socks can give that extra hit of pizazz to an outfit.  Here are a few of my top tips on how to style your socks to your trousers:

• Wear a pair that complements your trousers/suit.  Eg. If wearing a mid grey suit then opt for a charcoal or black sock.  Try and keep your colour combo tonal eg, light grey suit then socks should be a tone of grey. Navy suit, then a sock in a tone of blue.

• Obviously black suit equals black socks.  Slightly different for jeans where if you wear black jeans your socks can be more casual or funky as long as they aren't white like John Travolta! :)

• Subtle pattern like stripes are popular for socks and can be worn with suit pants ensuring the stripes complement your trouser colour.  Unless of course you are going for a bold and daring look then you want to really go statement see middle pic below.

• The heavier your trousers ie denim or corduroy the heavier texture your sock should be.

• Of course all of the above depends on whether you are wearing a shoe or a boot - if a boot, it doesn't really matter if the sock isn't on show.

• Throw out any holey socks!  There really is no need for this!

Lastly, I found this great little gem of website for you sock-a-holic guys out there.  Soxy - a subscription service for men delivering 5 stylish pairs of socks on a monthly basis - yes that's right, each month 5 new designs are created and can be delivered straight to your doorstep!  No more stressing about your socks in the morning guys!

Image: lacasuarina.tumblr.com

Image: Soxy

Image: Mango Studios

How to style fine hair

Those of us with fine locks would love to have a head of thick shiny hair, we always want what we can't have. Well I too have fine hair and I often get asked how I get volume in it.  To be honest my hair is sometimes a bit boofy so that helps, but other times it can be flat (and no one likes flat hair!!).   I am not one for spending hours in the morning on my hair either, so I style my hair in a pretty easy go lucky way.  I don't like to look too preened (with my hair at least!) and much prefer the 'just got out of bed' look.

So how do I create the volume?  My must have products are the following:

Fine tooth comb

Dusting/powder  (I use Schwarzkopf Osis)

Hairspray (currently using L'Oreal Infinium)
Bobby pins 

These are my steps for getting volume into fine hair:

1) comb hair (if it needs it) otherwise run your fingers through it to get out any knots

2) scoop up sections of your hair around the front and top of your head and sprinkle very lightly the texture dust then lightly massage this into the roots of your hair.

3) take a section of your hair at the top of your head/above your forehead and at the crown and backcomb this until you see it getting some lift (see pic below).  Beware - don't go too crazy with the backcombing!!

4) lightly comb over the top of the backcombed section of hair to remove any scraggly bits and so you can't see the backcombed section of hair.

5) tie your hair up in a pony tail or bun, or leave your hair out

6) finish with hairspray

Note - bobby pins can be used to help position your bun/pony tail in position and helps maintain the height at the crown.

This is my messy bun :)

Top 5 Linen Duvet Covers

I don't know about you, but I absolutely love linen bedding.  The way it crinkles and hangs and its softness over time, makes linen a luxury item for the bedroom.   I've invested in linen pillow cases and sheets and my current mission is to find a linen duvet cover. Our bedroom style is very neutral and luckily the duvets I've spotted are in lovely neutral tones.  There is not a wide range when it comes to linen duvets, however I have done some research below.  They range in several colourways and price points (in New Zealand), here are my top five stockists:

Based on a Queen size:

1) Farmers  (Domani)  currently one sale (as at 23.06.15), $114 - GREAT DEAL!
2) Citta Design $239
3) Letliv $249
4) Collect Living $290
5) Nest-Direct $299

www.remodelista.com

www.collectliving.com

New Zealand made anti-wrinkle serum by Snowberry sets international standard

I posted a product review back in August 2013 about local skin care brand Snowberry.   Snowberry has been in the media a lot of late due to its advanced skin care formula specifically with their new anti wrinkle serum 'New Radiance Face Serum (with Cu-PEP™)' that has had international recognition.

Snowberry has been working for the past 4 years with the University of Auckland’s School of Pharmacy.  The New Radiance Face Serum has shown that its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkle volume exceeds that of a world renowned brand (Strivectin) and in less than 8 weeks!   What is even better for the consumer is that this product is priced at an accessible $NZ40 for 30ml.

There is not one, over the counter (OTC) anti-aging skin care product currently in the market that shows significant skin smoothing performance that is supported by gold standard clinical trials. Snowberry’s new serum will be the first.

I was sent the serum to trial for myself.  You don’t need much, a little goes a long way and if it does what the research is saying then I will be sticking with this product for sure!  Hope to give you some good results in the next month or two!

Go Kiwi!!

Kowtow Clothing - ethical fashion

It's been over a month since I posted - in this time my gorgeous daughter Francesca (Frankie) was born so things have been busy to say the least.  So, with some time on  my hands between feeding this post is about about a New Zealand label called Kowtow - of which I just bought a pair of funky pants (see pic) yesterday on my morning walk!  (it's great to be able to get back into trousers again!)  

Kowtow are all about fair trade, they use 100% certified fair trade organic cotton throughout their range.  Priced at a great price point, I will definitely be buying this label again.  Check out their unique collection here.

www.kowtowclothing.com

Fashion Fairground featured on Thread.co.nz

I am thrilled so see an article on the launch of Fashion Fairground's personal styling service here on Thread.   Every little bit of press helps to get the word out, so thank you Megan Robinson for featuring this piece. Also thanks to Wendy Brandon for shooting the photographs.

38 weeks pregnant, Stacey Gillies @ Fashion Fairground

Photography: Wendy Brandon

How to make an Envelope Cushion Cover

Envelope cushions/pillow covers are a great way to refresh the decor in a room, no need to deal with the hassle of inserting a zip.

My recent project was this little rectangular, pale pink cushion with pom pom trim.

What you need to start with:

1. Cushion inner
2. Fabric (and suitable trim, if desired)
3. Cotton
4. Scissors
5. Pins
6. Tape measure
7. Sewing machine 
8. Iron

1) First you need to cut your fabric - measure your cushion insert and add 2 cm to all sides (to allow for the seam), cut and set aside.  This is going to be the front.

2) Then cut another piece of fabric using the same width as the front piece but add 6cm to the length.

3) Cut this piece in half.  These 2 back pieces should now match the size of the front piece - check this by laying the pieces on top of the front piece and you will see the envelope effect.  They will overlap each other.

4) Neatly sew one edge of both the back (half) pieces.

5) Now lay all pieces together - good side of fabric facing inwards and pin together.

6) Sew along the edges, snip off any loose thread.

7) Turn the cover the right way and insert your cushion innner.

Done!

If you want to add a trim like I have, then you need to sew this onto your front piece after step 1.  Note - this is quite fiddly!

To see this in action, here is a Youtube clip that I referred to.

Fashion Fairground answers some questions for Professionelle.co.nz

I was given the opportunity by New Zealand organisation, Professionelle to answer some questions on how to dress while pregnant in the corporate environment.   Professionelle aims to provide professional development for working women at all stages of their careers and is a great source of information and inspiration.

Fashion Fairground styling services in Auckland

Fashion Fairground is a fashion styling service offering a unique and fresh perspective to clients. We cater to everyone, including pregnant and post-baby body shapes, delivering honest advice and direction.  Our approach means you can work with us for as much or as little as you need.

• Understand your body shape and how to best complement it.
• Learn how to dress your pregnancy bump and post baby body.
• Guided shopping (including online and recycled options).
• Find the perfect outfit for that special occasion.
• Create a new style/image.
• Advice on career dressing.

Our simple step-by-step process allows you to work with us for as much or as little as you need:

1. Consultation - An initial meeting enables us to get a sense of your lifestyle, body shape, what you want to achieve, your pain points and budget for your new image/wardrobe.  A written brief forms the basis for further discussion.  (Free, max 1.5hrs)
2. Wardrobe Edit - A full wardrobe edit (including accessories and footwear) to assess what works for your body shape and colour, where you have gaps, and what needs updating. ($80p/h, min 1 hr)
3. Recommendation - Based on the information gained from the initial consultation and from the assessment of your wardrobe edit, a concept board is created which recommends an appropriate style and some key pieces to achieve your look. ($80)
4. Guided Shopping - A guided shopping session taking direction from your concept board and budget. This can include online shopping. ($80p/hr, min 2 hrs)
5. Mix and Match (optional) - In this final step we provide guidance on how to wear new pieces with your existing wardrobe to create even more outfit options for you. Photographs are taken to capture your new looks. ($80p/hr, min 1 hr)

To check out a selection of past styling projects check out our Pinterest board here.

Please contact Stacey on Auckland, 0210 297 9065 or fashionfairground@gmail.com for further information or to make an appointment.

Fashion Fairground Launches Personal Styling Service

I’m excited to announce that after a year and a half of working on various voluntary styling projects, I have decided to take the next step by offering my services professionally as a personal fashion stylist under my blog name Fashion Fairground.

Having had requests from various people over the years and now armed with experience gained in editorial, costume, television and personal styling, I’ve decided it’s time to offer my advice in a more serious manner.

Like booking a hair stylist, engaging the services of a fashion stylist should be just as accessible. The aim of Fashion Fairground’s styling service is to bring a fresh perspective to clients providing honest advice and direction while allowing them to choose as much or as little guidance as they need, to their budget and time frames.

Added to this, I now have an understanding of dressing a pregnant body shape so this will also be a focus of my work.

Please share this post with those you feel would be interested in hearing about this new service. 

Thank you!

Women in Clothes

My summer read is "Women in Clothes" by Sheila Heti, Heidi Julavits, Leanne Shapton and many others.

This book is a fascinating read and has insights from over 600 women about why they dress like they do, what makes them choose the clothes they do and how their clothes affect them.  The book began as a survey asking more than 50 questions designed to prompt woman to think more deeply about their individual style.  It looks at how the garments we put on every day define and shape our lives.


If you like books on fashion, this one is a must have.

Dressing a pregnant body

Pregnancy shouldn't mean covering yourself in oversized clothing, and I was sure that I wouldn't be wasting my money on some of the maternity options that are out there in NZ, which, at over rated prices are downright ugly.  As I have slowly grown over the past 7 months I have gained an understanding about which parts of my body (mainly my stomach), are growing the most and how to adapt my wardrobe to this.  To give you an example, most of my underwear is no longer suitable.  Bras - I was refitted with a new supportive, clean line Freya t-shirt bra - it is fantastic.  Briefs - I have moved on from the smaller bikini and hipster style to the fuller brief (dear I say it) because these sit on or over your bump lessening the chances of ugly lines and muffin affect that a skimpier pair would do.  Full control/shape underwer is also one of my go to's, ensuring that any dresses or skirts I wear just skim over my bump and hips.  Great options are Jockey, Bendon and Fine Lines.

In terms of fabric, I have moved towards cotton/jersey fabrics that has plenty of stretch.  Many of my new pieces are from Kookai, where styles are on trend but the fabrics are comfortable.  

Here are some of my recent purchases to work with my bump - and they are not maternity wear so you use post pregnancy.

Bassike T-shirt dress

Bendon Thigh Shaper

Kookai Body Con Midi Skirt

Dressing for the office environment

Over the past 13 and a bit years of working in the office environment, from the more relaxed to the very corporate, I have seen many an interesting outfit on females.  I was goikng to give my 'Top 10 Do's and Don't's' but I couldn't quite stick to this -so here are my top 13...

Don’t:

1. Wear low cut tops/i.e no cleavage please
2. Wear heels with worn heel tips
3. Show your bra straps 
4. Wear scuffed shoes or worse holey shoes
5. Wear trainers (unless it’s casual Friday or you have just walked to work in them)
6. Wear skirts/dresses above mid thigh
7. Have a VPL (visible panty line)
8. Have the 4-boob look, especially in fitted tops
9. Wear past-it, nobbly (lint) sweaters/tops
10. Have chipped nail polish
11. Wear cheap junky jewellery ie skull heads, overly large rings on all fingers
12. Wear heels if you can’t walk in them properly
13. Wear a Kathmandu/Macpac puffer-style jacket with work attire, especially a suit.

Do:

1. Wear the appropriate underwear for your clothing i.e, 'shape' underwear for fitted dresses, skirts and pants which resolves the muffin top issue (much better than a g-string).  The right size bra – to eliminate 4 boob/sagging boobs   
2. Check yourself in the mirror before leaving home, i.e do a 360 in the mirror
3. Polish your shoes/clean your shoes
4. Bend over in your skirt at home and decide if it is appropriate for the office
5. Try and wear a belt with trousers/pants where you can – it finishes the look
6. Tuck your blouse/shirt in
7. Have a blazer on hand for those important meetings
8. Have trimmed, tidy nails
9. Wear a shoe that suits your clothing ensemble
10. Wear nude colour underwear when wearing anything white, sheer or pastel
11. Look at the senior staff in your organisation and take some cues off them
12. Keep your hair clean 
13. Maintain your feet/toenails when wearing open toes shoes in summer.

Always handy to have on hand in your drawer at work an emergency supply of the following:

• Nail polish remover and cotton wool pads
• Dry shampoo 
• Deodorant 
• Safety pins

Easy!