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!

NZ Sale - designer brands at discount prices

Are you after the best brands at the best prices?  All while buying from the comfort of your own home?  NZ Sale is a members-only, online shopping club, each day sending you an invite to exclusive sales that includes products for women, men, kids, home, beauty, wine and more at up to 80% off the retail price.

Sales are every day, seven days a week with 60% of stock being sold in the first 48 hours.  So jumping on the sales early is recommended.  Items are sourced internationally, so although you are getting a great deal on price, delivery is a little longer than you would normally experience.  NZ Sale's average delivery timeframe is up to 21 days from the sale ending.  This is the reason behind the discounted prices.

I recently ordered a Dolce and Gabbana Perfume (NZ Sale price $99 for 100ml), thank you NZ Sale.  If you have the time, there is plenty on the site to browse.

Sunglasses for any occasion

A key part of any outfit are the accessories you put with it.   In particular sunglasses – whether its summer or winter,  the right pair of sunnies can complete your ensemble. I have been a buyer of both cheap sunnies; the $20 types and expensive brands – my ultimate pair was by Ralph Lauren which, like most people I lost.

Nowadays, being more concerned with taking care of my eyes and the skin around my eyes I have invested in a good pair by BLVCK – no longer in production from the States.  They are a black frame, a versatile and sophisticated look.  But, I want some fun options for summer so I can mix things up – so I am looking at the more mid-price brands.  Here are some I've checked out so far:

Mink Pink: AU$49.95

Le Specs: AU$69.95

Roc: AU$89.95

See more on sunglasses at my previous post here.

Rollas Jeans got to get yourself some!

Now I don't buy jeans very often and when I do I take my time over the final decision.  I had been eyeing some up I had seen on a model on Pinterest, and tried to track them down (as I couldn't see what brand she was wearing).  My investigation showed that the jeans I was after were called Rollas, an Australian brand that is doing very well in the market.  I was specifically after something high waisted and skinny.  Rollas have two styles catering for this - East Coast and West Coast - after trying on both I decided that the very very high waisted option (East Coast) was probably not quite me so I went with the West Coast.  High enough to give me the look I wanted - longer legs with the added bonus of pulling everything in so you feel nice and flat in the front - bonus!  These are such comfortable jeans, they are ankle grazers too so need to take them up and they look great with heels.

East Coast, Blue Rain

West Coast, Avalon Blue

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.