Don't take it, I'm not ready!!

(Max sequined jacket, Karen Walker acid wash shorts, Witchery singlet, 

Jet Set Bohemian necklace)

Saturday night and we hit the town to see the Auckland finalists in the V48 Hours Filmmaking contest.  With the cooler weather upon us my recent summer shorts from Karen Walker needed the addition of some black opaques.  Sorry, blurry pictures may be the result of a couple of wines!

Moonlighting in Melbourne

A slight delay in posts having just returned from a 10-day stint in the fabulous city of Melbourne!  The place just seems to keep growing in size.  So many old haunts to visit and many new funky areas to check out.  I wanted to quickly throw this posting out there (before I blog about the nitty gritty detail of what was being sported on the streets!),  Brunswick St - need I say much more!  A wonderful collection of stylish and unique boutiques and many awesome vintage stores which we like.  A must must see is the corner pub called Bimbo Deluxe, it got us at $4 pizzas! 

To go short again??

This hair-do really makes me want to go back to my days with the short crop!  It's pretty cool!

Jean Genie

Loving the new G-Star campaign featuring the gorgeous Liv Tyler.   I am however a bit disappointed in the lack of G-Star options in Auckland.  If anyone knows of a good stockist (not those that have only one pair from the collection) then let me know!  Otherwise my pending trip this Friday to the bright lights of Melbourne should surely remedy this.  I must say that the leather jacket she is sporting is rather cool as well.  They may be the only two purchases I make, which I'd be very happy with.  http://www.g-star.com/

Pixie Lott we like

Pixie Lott is currently UK's  'It Girl'.  Although only 18 years old she has an awesome sense of style and isn't afraid to mix up it up with random bits and pieces to create her unique style - feminine with a punk rock twist.

Sew tricky!

Attempting to make myself a dress, based on this picture below....I'll most definitely make it a bit LONGER mind you, seeing as I want to wear it to a wedding end of month (in Melbourne!)  Think I might need to go to some pattern making classes first however unless anyone has any helpful tips?  I need it for the 24th April :)

Track pants on the dance floor, remind me baby of you...

Maybe not...that was actually meant to be footsteps on the dance floor, as you Womack and Womack lovers would have noted....   Back to the topic, which is of course track pants!  We all love to hate them, but I'm sure most of us have one pair hiding in the wardrobe.  My new purchase recently from Country Road although buying a slightly too large a size, are exteremly comfortable and I've worn them mainly with my ski high platform sandals a shirt and leather jacket both to work and out on the town.  Why should track pants be pigeon holed as 'slothing-around-the-house' get up when you can rock these any time or place - of course ensuring that you wear the appropriate footwear.  (The second image below is one of the colour options of the Country Road style I've mentioned).

Purple Fashion Magazine 2010

This fantastic French glossy is a must have, with only 2 issues a year this magazine is top end.  Impeccable photography and amazingly presented this is a mag that will take me a good few weeks to read!  And no, not because I'm a slow reader but because it's quite beefy and it's always time consuming obsessing over all the great fashion pics!  Thanks to my lovely BF for a gift that was spot on.

Top Shop is coming to NZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 nearly fell off my chair off my chair when I heard this!!  Very exciting news and was wondering when this was going to happen!  Lets hope it's not like the Sydney version.  In any case great news!   http://www.topshop.com/

New Zealand Fashion Festival

Auckland held the New Zealand Fashion Festival on Tuesday night in downtown Auckland.  Around 1200 people attended with 16 top designers showcasing their autumn and winter collections and the good thing is you can get everything now in store, yay!

 

Designer shoes for winter

Now that winter is creeping upon us, it's time to start thinking about what the wardrobe holds for our lovely feet.  Kathryn Wilson, New Zealand footwear designer has created a winter collection combining a rock-influence with touches of sequins, zips and chains to add that little bit of zoosh.  I think its high time I invested in a pair! http://www.kathrynwilson.com/ 

A taste of Africa

Just what you need towards the end of summer, some African print to shake up your wardrobe.  Vibrant colours and bold designs in the form of harem pants, dresses and jumpsuits, it seems to work on all pieces from top to toe.  If you want to make a statement then these are what you're after.   Just take a look at ASOS you'll also help support the trade in Africa.

Images: www.asos.com

Kate Sylvester for autumn

A friend of mine recently offered me a ticket to join her at a special viewing of the Kate Sylvester autumn collection, and of course I couldn't go!  Here are a few pics from the range.

Images: katesylvester.com

Clothing for sale

Unicorn racer back singlet, size large $28 SOLD

Cotton, music band sweater, size medium $69

Royal blue cotton blazer with striped cuff, size small $35 SOLD

White button neck slouch t-shirt  (under blazer), one size $30

Navy and white striped singlet, size medium $15 SOLD

Email me at fashionfairground@gmail.com or visit my listings at http://www.trademe.co.nz/ (member name: staceyt051)

Deus Ex Machina

Now I'm not normally a motorcyle fan, but when I discovered the Deus Ex Machina Warehouse tucked away in a (once was) run down shed at the bottom of Wellesley Street I was pleasantly surprised even pretty blown away.  The renovated warehouse or 'Shed 5' as it's known is a cafe, clothing store and of course a showroom of motorcycles for the enthusiasts.  Whether you want a relaxing coffee in a funky setting or you're browsing for that quality biker jacket this is the hip place to go.  http://www.deus.com.au/ 

Photos: www.deus.com.au

One teaspoon of cool please......

Another great Aussie label, that's right, One Teaspoon .  A 10-piece range was created in 2000 and it wasn't long before the celebs in the US were sporting this fashion forward label.  Now being stocked in Top Shop London, the One Teaspoon collections are a must see (and must buy)!  Loving the leopard print and 'rough around the edge' feel of these pics below.  

Photos: http://www.oneteaspoon.com.au/

Wedding cake anyone?

I thought seeing as it was wedding season this would be appropriate, a wedding cake dress.  Not sure how she is meant to walk in it however, perhaps she sits on a trailer - almost like in a street parade??  Up the aisle???  No problem with running out of cake for the reception! Designed by Lukka Sigurdardottir. (Image from Lost At E Minor)

RIP Alexander McQueen

(16 March 1969 – 11 February 2010)

Copper (pronounced /ˈkɒpər/, KOP-ər)

Copper wrap earrings, $15 a pair, sized to suit. Email me at fashionfairground@gmail.com

"Incu presents Topshop or Flopshop perhaps?"

As you may have read in a previous post, I was recently in Sydney and well, as you can imagine I was keen as mustard to get to Top Shop having just heard that it finally got the thumbs up to open in Paddington.  Excitement quickly turned to disappointment as I walked into the designer filled Incu Boutique who got the go ahead to partner with Topshop.  Approximately five racks of clothing (I must admit it was a small space), over-priced, a lack of  variety and colour,  not one thing jumped out at me - far from my Top Shop experiences in London.  They say the two profiles fit well, I beg to differ.  Top Shop was never positioned as a high-end designer led brand, will be interesting to see how it goes. 

In the mean time we still get to shop online straight from the main source and have it shipped right to us here in little old NZ!

What a brilliant idea!

I've been hearing good things about this place, must make a note to venture over the Shore soon.   Located in Takapuna this store contains a collection of  designers all under the one roof.  Karen Walker, Stephen Marr, Simon James, Flotsam & Jetsam... how exciting!  A great mix of fashion, beauty, architecture and interiors - just what the doctor ordered:)  One thing you might want to check out is this fab Karen Walker 'Dada' dress on sale now at $135 down from $255... great deal!  Get in quick though, sale is on for 3 weeks only and knowing her stuff it will sell out pretty quickly.  http://www.thedepartmentstore.co.nz/ 

Killing some time

Here is a way to keep yourself busy, mix and match products from your favorite stores.  Shop looks created by the web's largest fashion community at http://www.polyvore.com/.  Add your favourite bits and pieces to create your ideal look.  If you're any good you may get some positive feedback!  Check out my random selection below.  

Warm and cosy  featuring All Saints jackets

Heart of glass

Some of my favourite pics of music and fashion icon, Ms Deborah Harry.  You've got to love her style!
  

                                                                                       

Bikini bomb

If you are looking for a new bikini then look no further than Jets by Jessika Allen.  Amazing prints and designs to flatter all body types with the added bonus of catering for the bigger chested gal.  I bought a fab black one last week - supportive yet elegant.  Check out the site www.jets.com.au

Sydney scoping

Spent a long weekend in Sydney, which has definitely helped out my summer wardrobe.  Only a small splurge due to flight baggage restrictions!  Layering and baggy tops are still a main staple it seems with blouses tucked into tulip skirts – a great combo for the working wardrobe.  Zoosh it up with a feather headband and you’re set to go.

Fringe Bar Markets were a definite highlight they are just down Oxford St (on your way to the Paddington markets) you’ll find unique jewellery, clothing, handbags etc.  The young designers there are very creative and offering great prices.

I know I was recently commenting on the dreaded ‘crochet’ top – but I succumbed to the trend! a little knit singlet from new Aussie chain store www.forevernew.com.au.  I also managed to find some cute white boots from Peace by Piece.  Watch out for tie dyed everything, the shops were full of it!

   

Opportunity knocks

A recent trip via the East Coast resulted in a stop off in Opotiki where I hunted around the many thrift shops. Fill a bag for 50 cents – what a bargain!  These earrings were my favourite finds...