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!!

Ria Hall and Hailwood

I wouldn't normally envisage a pleated striped skirt and patterned top working so well.  Hailwood the Kiwi designer (shop based on K Rd, Auckland) really does have some great pieces.  I should shop there more.  A few years back I bought a long, blue and white striped (love stripes!) top and I have worn it to death.  Ria Hall pulls this look off perfectly at the 2012 Vodafone Music Awards.  I have hips as does Ria from what I can see, so you definitely need some height with this combo by wearing reasonble high heels or boots.

Image: zimbio.com

Grace us with your memoirs Ms Coddington

I'm part way through this fantastic read - a must have for all fashion followers.   'Grace - A Memoir of Grace Coddington'.  What an amazing life she has led, very jealous, things just seemed to fall into her lap.  But I won't spill too much.  Buy your copy now from Amazon or from your local bookshop.

Artstation for all art lovers

I've signed myself up for a two-day silk screen printing course for the weekend, I can't wait!  I have so many ideas I want to release onto fabric and paper!  Artstation is based on Ponsonby Road, Auckland and has lots of different creative short courses including photography, life drawing, abstract painting, and sculpture.  So many great courses to do!  I have been checking out amazing cushion covers by Bonnie and Neil and Rachel Castle and want to attempt some of my own designs taking a little inspiration from what they have done.  Will post some pics of my results :)

Image: www.bonnieandneil.com

Meadowlark - rings, charms, necklaces

For a New Zealand jewellery brand, Meadowlark would be up there with the best.  Designers Claire Hammon and Greg Fromont create wonderful contemporary pieces that I've never seen before.  Using precious stones the jewellery has a modern, 'rock and roll' feel to it.  I love the chunky rings with unique settings.  My favourites are the Deco Cocktail Ring and the Byzantine Cocktail Ring.  Rings can be customied with stones such as onyx, Thai garnet, blue topaz, smonkey quartz or amethyst.  The have a great collection of other pieces as well which you can check out at their website or in stores at Walker and Hall or Suprette (Auckland).

Deco Cocktail Ring

Byzantine Cocktail Ring

Images: www.meadowlark.co.nz

Deals @ www.boohoo.com

Have you started noticing frequent advertising in the mags about a store called Boohoo?  As I sit at my laptop an advert just came on the TV - "visit Boohoo.com". So, I just did the old Google and had a bit of look at the site.  Initial thoughts - it's not completely my taste and style but it could be one of those places that you could find the odd bargain.  Currently 10% off everything with free shipping to NZ.  Personally, I think there a plenty of other online stores that provide a more unique and stylish range.

Image: www.boohoo.com

LeeAnn Yare Collected @ The Bloc

I've always had a very strong interest in interior design and that has increased now that I own my own house!! One Facebook page that I particularly love, and is written by a local-based interiors stylist is LeeAnn Yare and her page Collected.  She even has a small concept store 'Collected @ The Bloc' on Normanby Road, Mt Eden, Auckland.  I popped in one day over the holiday break and came out with a bag full of items!  The place is just full of colourful, funky things.

Image: http://www.facebook.com/collectedbyleeannyare

Hussy 'Sparkle' dress

This is what I'm contemplating right this minute, a long sleeved number from one of my favourite designers, Hussy.  We have a wedding to go to in Byron Bay in March and I want something a little bit different, short-ish with some sparkle.  This ticks most of the boxes.  Only trouble is I have to buy it online from Oz.
(apologies on the quality of the image!)

Image:  www.hussy.com.au