Up and coming.

Not living in England anymore has the serious downside of missing out on all the incredible up and coming high street shops. Primark (although it has been around for a while) is really starting to shine and has even ben referred to as the next Topshop.

(thanks to LLYMLRS for the pictures)

This is Primarks Spring lookbook for 2011 and even though I think it has a long way to go before it truly does bite at Topshops heels, I am highly impressed.

It looks fresh, the notes of 50's prep and 70's cool are really fabulous and 'on trend'. They have channeled some Miu Miu with the colour palette, and a bit of current Prada in the first prints. I really love the mid length skirts (such a flattering, fun and functional look) and the satchels - must haves for everyone! I also love the shoes pictured, although still not sold on the socks and heels (sorry guys). I know it is a huge trend, but to me it just doesn't work, it seems like its trying too hard.

Primark also has their Swimwear and Lingerie looks out too! If in Britian, go forth and support a super little (actually quite large) budding fashion brand.

Into The Gloss.

I am not the biggest beauty connoisseur... but I do try. And so one of my fav blog du jour is Into the Gloss.

I absolutely in love with this post about Jen Brill's beauty regime (a New York Socialite, Agent and Terry Richardson's beau)

Beautiful photography, wise words, a touch too much Chanel.

Christmas gift fail.

So, much like so many others, I have hit a christmas gift wall. I have spent a good few days wondering the streets with a hope to bump into that perfect gift for that certain someone. Alas Christmas is a mere 12 days away and no one person has ben ticked off my list.

Very frustrating.

I wish I could sit here and offer you lovely people some advise on where to go and what is a great gift idea etc. But I can't. So instead I will point you in the direction of one of my new favorite blog-roll reads, Fashion Clique, and tell you to look at there nice - comprehensive gift guide (for him and for her). This blog is Aussie, but everything (if they don't have a branch over here) is available online. I especially rate the male guide!

Enjoy, and good luck!

Look Loving One.

Over the past month I have been naughty. Working in central Auckland has made a huge dent in my wallet and fattened my wardrobe. Oops.

But most of my purchases were not dear… not too dear.

Hopefully over the next few days I will walk you through my new summer wardrobe!

So first up…. (this outfit is actually quite dear indeed). This is my new favorite outfit. I can’t wait to find both the perfect occasion and the perfect hat to go with it.

Top – Forever new

Skirt – Juliette Hogan

Sunglasses – Sunglasses hut (Ray Bans)

Potential Hat – Dotti

Shoe Love.

Well my dear friends it has been a long time. Way too long in fact. The days may be getting longer, but my spare time seems to be dwindling. Between Christmas things (already!!), living in two different abodes, excess work and making the most of the incredible sun… my blogging has fallen by the waist side. BUT not any more!

First up on my new diligent blogging regime, a summer conundrum.

This year I have had a challenge. Sandals. I really can’t find a good pair. I need something a tiny bit more than a jandal, but less that just a ballet flat. I have searched high and low and although I am not completely against the gladiator, for me that is a lot of strap for one shoe.

I have discovered my perfect summer sandal. The Hannah sandal, form Ruby.

I keep flicking to the picture during my work day and imagining my cute manicured feet feeling very at home in them. The only problem is the $250 price tag. Although I don’t actually think this is too bad, and I am sure they are very well made… I can’t seem to excuse this expense with Christmas AND Europe coming up.

But my feet are getting quite hot…. And I have quite literally worn a whole through my other sandals…. Oh what to do.

I love you Karen, but this is stupid...

I was sitting at home yesterday innocently flicking through Vogue Australia and sipping on a good cup of tea. I came across a lovely wee Karen Walker add with a beautiful cuff on it. I thought it was nice, I thought it would look pretty rad on a nice sun kissed arm...I thought I had had a tough week and a present could totes ease the pain.

So I got out my old faithful laptop and had a gander at the price. What did I find?

This baby will set you back $16,685.

Now that is stupid Karen.

Its Christmas soon right....

So I have a thing for rings. I'm really not that picky. I like them big. I will also accept small, delicate and perfect. Pretty much any ring.

And especially anything from this amazing collection by New Zealand's own D_Luxe.

Love. Want. Need.

Now that I have blown all my spare change on the beautiful floored skirt by Juliette Hogan my eyes have wandered to their next fixation....

(image and more from refinery 29)

Love. Want. Need.

Alas I can't seem to find a place to buy it Anywhere!

Latest fashion must have.

Now usually for me a fashion “must have” is an item of clothing, maybe a pair of shoes, often a handbag.

But today it is books.

I love to read. But I unfortunately run short of time in my life, so my go-to is often blog posts or magazine articles. A word quickie if you will, to satisfy my urges but fit in with my busy schedule.

Occasionally though I do enjoy the long indulgence of a full blown book. Bath full, wine poured, bubbles high, just these babies and me….

A style guide, by everyone’s fav Elle magazine, and a lookbook – what to wear for every occasion by Nina Garcia.

I am craving to get my hands on both. Nina’s books are always well written and insightful. And, well from what I have seen, Elle’s book looks cute and inspirational inside (check out some pics over here).

I have known a few to poo-poo the likes of fashion books. Saying that all they are is a marketing tool built around getting you to buy shit, unlike the undemanding love of a good fiction.

Although on some levels I agree, I am still a sucker for style guides.

Nina Garcia’s books take prime position on my bookshelf (which is really more of a magazine shelf as it is 92% Vogues). I adore pouring through the pages, learning all there is to know about what the very accomplished Garcia thinks, believes and lives by when it comes to fashion. I take it in, yet I don’t run out to buy each item in her “Top 100”.

So here is my completely uneducated but practiced advice…

“Guides” are just that.

Much like editorials in your favourite mags, these books are like a fantasy visits to fashion fairyland. Enjoy them, indulge in the ideas, but remember to bring yourself back to reality after a while.

These babies (as I so fondly know them) are just what they are called, guides. They are not a selection of rules to put each outfit through before leaving the house. They are ideas and concepts put forward by people (often of some fashion note). Take them as just that and don’t feel enforced to stay between the lines.

Really you should just wear what you love, and what makes you feel amazing.

There is nothing I love more than seeing somebody who knows, loves and appreciates the “rules” of fashion. Then promptly chucks them out of the window.

Why hello there.

Chain store meets designer. Its a fashion fad at the moment. With our favourite H&M being no exception. I here present to you some snaps from the lookbook for Lanvin hearts H&M.

(more images at refinery 29)

I really love the concept of designer collaborations. Yet, I am not sold on this one. I truly love the mens collection. But the woman's is just a bit ruffly and although it has definite potential, I won't be spending any hard earned cash on anything.

What are your thought? Good? Bad? Indifferent?

Butter nutter.

My all time favourite nail polish is now stocked at The Department Store.

Butter.




The colour I am in love with and want at the moment is 'Cheeky Chops' (pictured above), I saw it on a recent trip to Farmers (also stocked there) and thought it was the perfect shade to compliment sun kissed skin!

Go forth and purchase!

Long short cotton(ey) goodness.

I have recently been pretty much living in this pair of Karen Walker shorts.

They are channeling my love of all things nautical while being long enough to make keep me looking decent and light and cotton(ey) enough to keep me cool. Pretty much the perfect summer short.

I am really loving this summers longer style of shorts; strangely they seem to be more summery than there cheek baring counter parts. With the chance to start wearing them much sooner in the season, the covering up of just a smidgen more of your pasty winter legs and the ability to climb a trees in them.

For some reason the latter is a really huge point for me. Although I have rarely found myself up a tree, it seems like a great summer activity that should not be ruled out by ones clothing choices. I am keeping my fingers crossed that a bum-brushing alternative doesn’t swiftly replace long shorts.

I have recently purchased 2 other amazing summer must haves and will do a post really soon on those!

Summer chic at its best.

Ok, I actually discovered this lookbook by Lauren Moffatt a week ago and it has just been sitting open on my computer since. I absolutely love it and can’t stop looking at it.

It is just such a great lazy summer outfit. I would happily wear each piece. But I think standout for me would have to be the high waist-ed striped trousers (with the nifty gold zip). How long have I dreamed of owning a pair of these without even realizing it? A very long time it seems.

I think the real trick with this collection has to be the accessorizing. Yes, the individual pieces are amazing. And would look great on most. But paired with those chunky heels, cute socks, great flat hats, sunnies and silk scarfs it is a true winning recipe... get ready for summer chic. And thanks to dear Lauren we now know exactly what to wear with our cotton dresses to make our outfits pop.

This is the first time I have posted pretty much every picture from a collection; I love it that much.

Sidenote: Girls of NZ please note - no denim cut offs in sight and still a great, comfortable, breezy look that will keep you cool without a bit of butt cheek hanging out.

I have cut offs, and wear them. So it is hypocritical to bad mouth them, and I do see a huge place for them in a summer wardrobe. But what I will say, is… for summer there is a huge array of choice, living in a pair of denim cut offs like 50% of the New Zealand population appears to be already doing (including some odd looking men) isn’t always the best option. Especially when they don’t suit all.

Try Mrs Moffatts amazing white red and blue striped shorts instead.

(all images from Lauren's blog)