SO MUCH TO TELL YOU

endless summer

2011-12-18T15:00:00.000-08:00

My beautiful friend Greta styled and shot this summery shoot just for us! We used to live together and she shot it all in our old house. Hope you like. Have a wonderful summer!

Starfish hat, Topshop tee, Kate Sylvester skirt, Zoe & Morgan ring, Estelle Deve mood ring, Chaos & Harmony shoes, socks stylists own.

Ruby top, Penny Sage shorts, Stella McCartney sandals @ Runway Shoes, Ksubi sunglasses, Charlotte Penman cuff, Zoe & Morgan necklace.

Carlson top and shorts, Karen Walker sunglasses, Charlotte Penman ring and necklace.

Karen Walker blouse.

Day Birger et Mikkelsen jacket, American Retro shorts, Ingrid Starnes bra, Pretty Ballerina shoes @ Runway shoes.

Lonely Hearts dress.

Photography and styling Greta van der Star, Hair and make up Anamaria Franco using MAC, model Emily Smith @ Clyne.

kamilya

2011-12-15T17:12:00.000-08:00

Just so fantastic. I just missed out on a patchwork suede skirt almost exactly the same on Ebay and I am so sad!

je t'aime moi non plus

2011-12-13T22:48:00.000-08:00

The always immaculate Romy Frydman shot with Derek Henderson for the latest issue of Remix magazine. Inspired by the inimitable Birkin/Gainsbourg coupling, it's all sort-of-prim, lacy, Sixties seduction. I want a lace babydoll dress for me and a maroon velvet paisley suit for my man.

diarise this

2011-12-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

If you'd like to win one of these very sweet Frankie diaries, please leave a comment on this post telling us one of your New Year's resolutions for 2012. We'll draw the winner on December 20th, 2012 with a random number generator.

everyday reads

2011-12-12T23:26:00.000-08:00

nesting

2011-12-11T21:47:00.000-08:00

I love this house.

no vacancy

2011-12-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

Cruise. Crisp whites on tanned skin. Hotels, motels and Holiday Inns. Beachside, poolside, the perfect blue. Hello sunshine. Hello Antipodium.

claire inc.

2011-12-11T19:18:00.000-08:00

Pretty obsessed with Claire Inc's fine drapery.

what's your sign?

2011-12-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year! I love the Susan Miller x Russh annual horoscope issue, even if I don't believe a word of it. And now it's online!

give it to me

2011-12-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

We love Christmas. This year we're lucky enough to be giving our lovely readers a series of beautiful gifts, so keep checking in. First up, we have a Karen Walker jewelry set — a super cute sterling silver Cat ring and a pretty Pansy pendant.

To enter, you'll need to like us on Facebook and send an email telling us about your most special piece of jewelry - whether it's old or new, precious or costume - as long as it means something special to you. Entries close NZ 5pm December 15, 2011. This is for NZ and Australian residents only and we'll send it out straight away so you receive before Christmas.

Competition now closed. Congratulations Claire Bogen!

Natalie & Zoe x

the leisure class

2011-11-27T02:38:00.000-08:00

"The kitchen isn't always the heart of a WASP home; more often, it's the garden shed." - Assouline

"One of the hippest and most beautiful destinations in the world, the chic Hotel Il Pellicano, located on the Argentario, is a hangout for many from the design, fashion and art worlds. With photographs by the great chroniclers of yesteryear glamour, John Swope and Slim Aarons - who captured the likes of Emilio Pucci, Douglas Fairbanks Jr, Britt Ekland and Susanna Agnelli relaxing here - as well as recent pictures by Juergen Teller, one of the most influential fine art and fashion photographers working today, the book presents three artful perspectives on this modern-day dolce vita. A visitor's note by Bob Colacello and a full history of the hotel by Bronwyn Cosgrave explore Il Pellicano's illustrious legacy and its continuing seductive allure." - Violette

"The authoritative fashion history of the roots, growth, and offshoots of the quintessentially American preppy style. Preppy offers the first definitive and in-depth volume on preppy fashion, exploring its evolution from its pragmatic origins and presence on elite Eastern campuses in America to its profound influence internationally and metamorphosis on the runway. For the first time, the preppy story is told completely and beautifully with iconic and never-before-published archival and editorial photographs and personal snapshots from the original Ivy elites. Exploring all facets of men’s and women’s preppy fashion, this vibrant volume is replete with photographs and vintage ads illustrating the iconic elements of prep: from Oxford shirts, khakis, and Shetland sweaters to Peter Pan collars, madras pants, and Lilly Pulitzer tropical blooms." - Rizzoli

listen up

2011-11-24T12:43:00.001-08:00

we love summerland and summerland loves...

2011-11-23T00:51:00.000-08:00

Megan owns Summerland, which is an amazing store based in Portland. Summerland stocks wonderful things I've never seen available to buy before, like incense in every Zodiac sign, scents that smell like leather and violets, hair tonics, banners that spell out things like MAGIC SURROUNDS, and beautiful dresses by Karen Walker and TBA. As well as cool vintage finds - shoes, bags, jeans. I spend ages on her site doing imaginary shopping, so it was nice to hear what else she's into. Stevie Nicks forever.

1. Big Sur - My first trip to this magical stretch of California coastline was over the summer during my honeymoon. We stayed in some very rustic cabins set in a tiny canyon with a private deck nestled in the redwoods. The only thing to do there is eat great food, soak in all the beautiful views and maybe spend a leisurely afternoon reading in the Henry Miller museum.

2. Mazzy Star/Hope Sandoval - The minute I put on She Hangs Brightly I am immediately transported to my teenage room at my parents house. I would spend hours listening to their albums over and over while painting or just zoning out like a typical 15 year old. I thought (and still think) Hope Sandoval is one of the most beautiful people to ever exist. They are coming out with a new album after a 15 year hiatus, #1 thing to look forward to in 2012!

3. Dive Bars - Don't get me wrong, I like a well crafted speciality drink in a thoughtfully decorated bar with extremely flattering lighting once in a while but most of the time I am content in an all American neighborhood dive. The kind of dark bar with a jukebox, stiff drinks with the scent of 30 year old tobacco lingering in the air. One more important component: a really good hamburger.

4. Harney & Sons Paris Tea - I originally bought this tea because the tin is so pretty and was pleasantly surprised! This is the tea that got me to cut my coffee consumption in half. It is perfect in the afternoon with milk and a spoon full of honey. I especially like it served in a tall bistro glass to up the Parisian vibe.

5. OLO Fragrances - Heather Sielaff is an olfactory genius! She creates the most thoughtful and intriguing scents, all hand blended from precious essential oils that are often sourced here in the Pacific Northwest. My personal favorite is Lightning Paw, a warm blend of bergamot, vanilla, jasmine, patchouli and wood. She also makes an incredible argan oil Hair Tonic that has transformed my unruly tresses.

6. Norwegian Forest Cats - I don't think I have to explain this one much, just look at the photo! Giant fluffy viking kitty friends with big bushy tails and a robust meow. The best!

7. Wild Heart Tote - I have a special spot in my heart for this collaborative tote between Fieldguided and Summerland. I had been a fan of Anabela + Geoff's minimalist totes with carefully chosen lyrics from some of my favorite songs and was thrilled when they agreed to create a special design just for the shop. Of course I had to pick a Stevie Nicks song and "blame it on my wild heart" is too perfect, especially with the soft pink ombre dye.

8. Salvatore Ferragamo - There's nothing more elegant than those little gold and grosgrain bows. I'm not sure how it happened but at some point I started collecting vintage Ferragamo pumps, they are so comfortable and one of the only shoemakers I've found that make shoes in my size (10.5 AA, what a curse!). The quality is amazing and you can get great deals on vintage styles on Ebay and Etsy.

9. Baby Goats Dancing - My heart is full! I am now spending all my spare time researching how to have one or two of these little guys at my new house.

10. Peonies - The ultimate flower, in my opinion. I try to have fresh flowers in my home whenever possible, they have great energy and always manage to cheer me up. The soft pink blush of a peony is the most romantic color in the universe.

mapplethorpe

2011-11-23T00:42:00.001-08:00

Sofia Coppola has curated an exhibition of Robert Mapplethorpe's work. I like what she's chosen.

ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE

CURATED BY SOFIA COPPOLA

NOVEMBER 25, 2011 - JANUARY 7, 2012

PARIS

GALERIE THADDEUS ROPAC

deep obsession

2011-11-21T01:52:00.000-08:00

Miu Miu sunglasses, be mine.

we love estelle and estelle loves...

2011-11-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

I got turned on to Estelle Deve's work via My Chameleon. I love it. It's so organic looking, handmade, inspired by various natural things like paleolithic rocks. I got Estelle to write up a few of her favourite things, and I hope I get to meet her in person one day soon, cause we've got super similar taste (and a taste for red wine in the park...)

1// Summer. There is no other time I love more than Summer. Sun on my skin, picnics in parks, going for swims, walking barefoot.. Nothing beats that! My dream life would involve a bit of Spring, a loooong Summer, a little Autumn and more Summer again. I usually tend to escape Winter as least for a month or so every year or I just get in the saddest mood…

2// Shoes. Anyone who knows me knows that I have a slight (understatement!) addiction/obsession with shoes. Especially if they're Dries Van Noten.. I have an "ultimate" list of all the shoes I'd like to own one day and every season the list keeps getting longer and longer… It's quite ridiculous really… I'm actually trying to refrain myself at the moment as I end up having absolutely no clothes to wear and not enough feet for all the shoes I have.

3 // Denim shirts, stripy tops and grey t-shirts. Another obsession of mine. I never seem to find any clothes I like in stores and if I do, it usually belongs to one of the above categories (that, or it's some very very expensive crazy thing that probably no one else would seriously consider buying). The stripes I started wearing as a "French" gimmick to make my friends laugh years ago and has now ended up as my go to item. I just can't get away from them..

4// my grandfather's watch. It makes me feel all grown up. I love the gold dial, the stained leather wristband and the fact that it rewinds itself with the moves of my wrist. It loses five minutes everyday and if I don't wear it for over 24hours it completely stops. It is absolutely unpractical, but I'm in love.

6// 3.1 Phillip Lim. I usually spend most of my clothes budget at Acne, but Phillip Lim has been giving them a run for their money lately. He does such simple and elegant everyday clothes using such great fabrics. I really like his accessories also. It's a shame his designs are so hard to find in Australia… I'm saving my pennies and when the sales start, I think there will be a bit more Phillip Lim in my closet. Oh.. and those two looks from his SS12… I want everything!

7// Making mix cds (and receiving them). I still remember making mixtapes for the boy I was in love with at primary school: the hidden love meaning behind every song, the hours spent picking them and making them all flow together, the drawings on the cover and the excitment when handing it in. None of this has changed and I love them even more now that everything is all about new technologies: I love the giving and receiving actual objects, tangble proofs of love. My boyfriend had my heart at the song above which he put on his first mix cd.

5// Oud Immortel by Byredo. I had been alternating a million of mens perfumes over the last few years without ever founding something that was completely "me". Then I stumbled upon "Oud Immortel" and I found everything i had been looking for all along. It's strong and fresh, without being overpowering.

Weirdly enough, I went home for European summer and when I got back a few weeks ago, quite a few of my friends said they had missed my "smell". So I guess it was a good fit..

8// Ancient Egypt. I've got a strange fascination with all things Egyptian. I think it all started while being really into Indiana Jones as a kid, and redeveloped over my holidays which were mainly spent by the pool, ready about Egyptian mythology, or visiting every museum with an Egyptian exhibition I could find. My little brother also recently moved to Egypt to become a scuba diving instructor, so it's all a bit too much not to be intrigued. Hopefully, I'll be making my way there in person sooner rather than later. I've been joking around that if I didn't make it as a jewellery designer I'd start uni again and become an Egyptologist.

9// Drinking Pinot Noir with my friends (even better if it's whilst sitting in a park).

I don't want to boast, but my friends are pretty awesome! I'm not quite sure what I'd do without them. I feel so lucky to have met such amazing individuals, who I can share everything with, be it laughs or tears, and who keep inspiring me, day after day. They're the ones who really make Melbourne my "home". I spend most of my free time hanging out with them, and sharing a bottle of Pinot Noir while discussing the meaning of life (or.. clothes/boys/work) has become quite a ritual.

10// Love. Because there's no better feeling than being in love and being loved.

you say tomato

2011-11-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

Kirsten Dunst wearing a Dolce & Gabbana tomato print dress.

geometrical lines do not produce likeable people

2011-11-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

Images from Google Image

One of the most charming films I have seen in a long time, I am a little embarrassed that I hadn't already watched Mon Oncle. "A delightful satire of mechanized living", the film follows carefree Monsieur Hulot and, by contrast, his uptight and socially conscious sister and brother-in-law, living a machine-like existence in their mechanical (yet incredible) home. It feels eerily relevant today, even though it was released in 1958, and if you haven't seen it already, you should - it's immediately gone into my film top five. Everything is a joy, from the pack of dogs running free in the opening and closing scenes, to the cheeky children whistling at strangers, to Hulot's awesome swing coat - and yes, the incredible ultra-modern, stark lines and interiors of Hulot's sister's home, dubbed Villa Arpel. Fashion factoid: Raf Simons presented his recent Jil Sander collection on a runway set inspired by the interiors of that house. (Also, he played 50 Cent's Candy Shop).

we love giselle and giselle loves...

2011-11-01T23:07:00.000-07:00

My Chameleon is one of my favourite online stores. Giselle, the owner and buyer, has a great eye that aligns perfectly with what I love. Delicate jewelry, glossy patent brogues and loafers, plenty of shirts, easy dresses and interesting, independent designers. I've picked up a few pairs of Opening Ceremony shoes, a beautiful Thomsen shirt and a Benah cuff I wear every second day. Giselle has shared some of her favourite things with of us, from a go to album to haunts found on buying trips in Europe.

1. Aegean Sea / Greek Islands - I travelled there in July and cannot wait to go back. Sitting on the back of a scooter, exploring the coast and spending most of my time barefoot was so liberating.

2. Traditional Craft - Crochet, Jacquards and Handloom fabrics. In one of the small towns in Greece, I stubbled across a little old lady sitting at a handloom machine, talking on her mobile and smoking a cigarette weaving this beautiful wool fabric.

3. Worn in custom made leather sandals, my friend gave me, from St Tropez - they have been everywhere with me and the more they age the lovelier they get.

4. There is no way I could part with my shirts - they are definitely my lets-make-life-easier piece of clothing. Put a cotton shirt with anything and you add that little bit of cool.

5. Polish photography by Lukasz Wierzbowski - Such a lovely man, his ability to capture the personality of a woman is inspiring. One of his beautiful photos is appearing on the cover of our first issue of our keepsake poster to be released in November.

7. Stand up Paddle Boarding - last summer this was my weekly must, so I am now looking for a bamboo board to buy for summer. Being out on the water, in a bikini with friends while getting a work out - it is perfect.

6. Tourist - Discovered this magazine a couple of years ago and I keep going back - they cover everything from literature to photography, music and of course fashion including personal visual diaries. I always admire the art direction in their fashion editorials, it has an authentic quality about it.

8. Buying trips in Paris / favourite stay at Relais Christine / Favourite lunch Salade St Germaine at Les Deux Magots - poached chicken with green beans and curry sauce - unbelievable. Finish off with a visit to the antique stores in the backstreets of Paris.

9. Chromatics last album, Night Drive (2007) - can listen to this anytime - sultry disco, I say.

10. Ed Moses - born in 1926, this LA abstract artist creates work that I think is beyond our time - his range is amazing.

secretary

2011-10-31T01:53:00.000-07:00

Lee: In one way or another I've always suffered. I didn't know why exactly. But I do know that I'm not so scared of suffering now. I feel more than I've ever felt and I've found someone to feel with. To play with. To love in a way that feels right for me. I hope he knows that I can see that he suffers too. And that I want to love him.

Kate Sylvester's Winter 2012 Collection was inspired by the films Secretary and Belle De Jour.

hitchcock blonde

2011-10-27T02:17:00.000-07:00

Asked how, in her case, an actress prepares, she doesn't for a moment revert to the pretentious twaddle that sometimes comes out of the pretty mouths of her contemporaries. "It's such a private thing - 'my process' - I can just say that the work that I do is like therapy between me and the character. Really, I'd rather talk about fashion." - NYT's T Mag

Doesn't Kirsten Dunst look lovely?

colab

2011-10-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

Feeling excited to be working on a knitwear collaboration with Melbourne label Thursday Sunday. Here are a few favourite pieces as shot by Russh recently. Can't wait to share my limited edition, hand-knitted jumper with you!

my girl

2011-10-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

Recently, a package arrived from jeweller Estelle Deve. Inside were two, matching mood rings. One each for Zoe and I. When I put mine on, all I could think of was the film of my childhood, My Girl. In it, Vada Sultenfuss wore a mood ring, but it was broken and always looked black. It's nice to have the far more elegant and grown up version of the $10 ring I wore in homage to Vada when I was eleven on my finger, I catch myself looking at it all the time to see whether I'm calm (blue), lovable (violet) or greeny-gold (creative).

Shelley: That's a pretty ring you're wearing.

Vada: It's a mood ring. It's tells me what mood i'm in.

Thomas J: It doesn't work, it always stays black.

Vada: It's only black when you're around, because you put me in a bad mood.

Shelley: Maybe black means you're happy?

Vada: I don't think so.

i wanna be adored

2011-10-20T02:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome back.

not on my beach

2011-10-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

Image: Greg Novak via Black Magazine

Prime Minister John Key and the New Zealand Government: We call on you to permanently STOP ALL plans to open up NZ’s coastal waters to offshore oil drilling and STOP ANY expansion of coal mining in NZ. We demand a clean energy future.

While oil seeps from the stricken Rena, US giant Anadarko's oil survey vessel arrived in NZ waters off Raglan to begin prospecting.

Please sign the Greenpeace petition.

peplum peplum peplum

2011-10-15T01:07:00.000-07:00

Hey Karen Walker, I love all the peplums in your new collection.

the local

2011-10-11T03:46:00.000-07:00

Fish and chips, Maketu by Robin White (1975)

"Unpretentious suburban or small-town buildings, the backbone of New Zealand's recent architectural history, have pride of place in many of Robin White's New Zealand landscape paintings. This little local fish-and-chip shop, threatened now no doubt by international fast-food chains, has a quiet, unsentimental dignity and charm." (The Guide, 2001/Auckland Art Gallery). I love this image: the clean lines, and memories of carefree summer holidays.

EDIT: Well, this is awkward. I just realised where Maketu is, and the carefree nostalgia of this painting seems incredibly bittersweet. If you aren't based in New Zealand, you may not know that there is a terrible oil spill in our waters, with wildlife dying and oil washing up on the beautiful beaches of Tauranga - near Maketu. Sad.

girls rock!

2011-10-11T01:13:00.000-07:00

This reminds me of reading the liner notes of Hole albums over and over, mowing the lawns for six months to buy a cherry red Fender Squier and fumbling through the internet to find tablature so I could play my favourite Everclear song. I love how powerful and strong and happy these girls look, how they learn that it doesn't matter what they're wearing, or how much money they have, or who they know.

a cameo

2011-10-10T02:54:00.000-07:00

I think I found this photo here

eyes wide shut

2011-10-05T01:09:00.000-07:00

I am quite partial to the new range of eyewear by Natalie Wood of Something Else. It's her first foray into sunglasses, and the collection is called WINDOW TO THE SKY. I think the lower pair are going to be gracing my face, especially since I've lost two pairs of sunglasses in the past week. Nude with brushed gold detailing, lovely.

a conversation with: tiffany jeans of curio noir

2011-10-03T00:06:00.000-07:00

I spent a lovely afternoon with Tiffany Jeans of Curio Noir a few weeks ago at her beautiful art and flower-filled home. We drank tea, ate macarons and talked about the candles she makes, magazines, making beautiful things and staying true to your creative vision. She was kind enough to give me one of her incredible candles (a new Tubereuse scent) and to share some of her inspirations and knowledge with me. Thank you Tiffany, it was really nice to experience your world.

Tell me about your inspiration, references and catalysts for creating.
I'm inspired by the beauty of nature, curios from yesteryear, curios from nowayear, fairy tales my Mum used to read me when I was little, my grandparents antique collection, photographer Tim Walker, Alexander McQueen, Richard Orjis, birds in flight, Kristine Crabb, Lilith Jeans, my antique doll collection, dried flowers, human and plant anatomy, Kate Moss, haute couture, Daphne Guiness, W magazine editorials, the Dalai Lama, beautiful glass, beehives, lovely unique scents, indoor plants, embossing on lovely stock, Laura Marling's voice, butterflies. Strangely enough, all these things are around my work space.All of the above are references to the pieces I create for Curio Noir in some way. I have always wanted to create truly unique, bespoke, yet practical objects of art for any surrounding that can also be beautiful treats for yourself or someone. I see each piece in the Curio Noir collection as a timeless gift from me to those who really appreciate craft and art.

For my wedding I spent months on making small skull candles for our guests. I wrapped them in tulle and ribbon and attached a hand written note to each and guests received them when they sat at their table at Clooney restaurant. Some were placed under large glass domes with large white lisianthus flowers entwined around them. Such interest generated from this I decide to make something I hadn't seen before that would also be a challenge. I first made The Doll and then with some refining made The Lilith Doll. I am still yet to see a moulded candle made from perfumed vegetable wax. That was nearly one and a half years ago. We released our debut collection 'Entwine' recently and have added table linen, a collaboration with artist Richard Orjis.Curio Noir is 'for those with a fascination for the interesting and uncommon'.

Which films, books, magazines and albums are your favourites?
Edward Scissorhands (and everything else by Tim Burton), Amelie (and everything else by Jean-Pierre Jeunet). They are the first two that come to mind. I recently watched Karl Lagerfeld Confidential again and loved it just as much as I did the first time. He's so amazing isn't he?I have bought W magazine and British Vogue every month for as long as I can remember. I love a whole bunch of mags but W magazine is definitely my favourite. On my playlist today I have Laura Marling, Bat For Lashes, Nirvana, Bach (Concerto in D minor for double violin is my fave!), Kanye West, Yann Tiersen, Alice In Chains, Radiohead, Snoop Dogg and Beyonce. I love music and the emotions it creates while I'm working.Next to my bed I always have Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha.

What do you like to wear?
When I'm not wearing my 'leisure wear' to teach yoga and pilates I usually only wear Miss Crabb or Penny Sage. Both these ladies have such a romantically glamourous yet relaxed take on fashion. I love the colours and fabrics they choose. Their clothes are so feminine and have such unique and strong design elements. As I'm relatively natural with my hair and makeup it's important for me to wear clothing that's beautiful and well crafted.

Five favourite pieces of the moment?
Miss Crabb Trenchdress
Penny Sage Sundust Dress
My Helmet Lang denim jacket I bought 12 years ago when I was 18! I rediscovered it in the back of my wardrobe and love it again. It's worn in all the right places. I hope (my daughter( Lilith will wear it in 9 years time when she is 18 too.
My Jessica McCormack key necklace with diamond. This was such a generous 30th birthday gift from my family and I wear it every day. Only problem is, now I want more.
Grey suede Costume National Boots. I bought these last year and maybe wore them twice but this winter I have thrashed them.

Tell us about your beauty regime and healthy habits.
I don't wear foundation so to me it is important to have healthy looking skin. I use only Dermalogica skin and body products and drink plenty of water and practise meditation, yoga or pilates for at least 20 minutes a day and up to an hour and a half. The most important healthy habits to me which I believe are the key to creating mindfulness are breathing and sleep. Proper breathing does such wonders for our mind and body and I'm always amazed at how many people don't do it correctly! And sleep...I don't think I ever get enough but I do try. Makeup and grooming wise I love eyelash curlers, YSL's fine black liquid liner and Mac's Zoomlash.

What sets Curio Noir apart?
It is important for me to continue to grow Curio Noir by creating timeless, bespoke curios for the home that are made to the highest of standards and finished locally. When people see a Curio Noir product or receive one as a gift I want them to be treated to a unique experience only Curio Noir can give. From the tangible aspects such as the packaging to the intangible feelings created by the perfumes from our candles. Every element is important to me. For example, the vegetable wax used for Curio Noir is sourced from a plantation that supports an Orangutan Sanctuary and is biodegradable and sustainable. The perfume is mixed by hand in Grasse, France with the highest quality ingredients. It takes up to three people to produce each piece of Curio Glass. These are hand blown locally in a design that has been inspired by apothecary jars of old and modified so they can be used as a vase once the candle is at its end. There is a story like this for each Curio Noir curio for the home. I believe this is what will continue to set us apart, locally and internationally....along with continuing to create pieces that are visually inviting and made 'for those with a fascination for the interesting and uncommon.'

Many thanks to Andy Morton for the photos.

stolen images club

2011-09-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

Meryl Streep / Man Ray's floating lips by Demarchelier / Backstage at Peter Jensen / Tommy Ton for Style.com / Anna's necklaces

big ted

2011-09-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

It makes me happy that TED talks exist. This is the true purpose of the internet, right? Aside from pictures of cats, of course. Being able to tap into the most exciting creative and intellectual minds from around the world, all for free. Here is a selection of my favourites - an eclectic selection of experts talking about everything from the World Food Program to creativity; iPads to doodling.

what a muppet

2011-09-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

Oooh look: an awesome Fozzie Bear sweater from Opening Ceremony.

dangle

2011-09-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

Miuccia Prada's comment that "sweetness is a taboo in fashion" warrants a separate, more thoughtful post, but in the meantime: the earrings from her Fall 2012 show. Big, dangly earrings have been an obsession of mine for a while now - mainly because they're really ostentatious and ridiculous/fun; the opposite of being simple and French - and these are especially lovely.

sad suburbia

2011-09-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

Alex Prager, Vogue US, September 2011, from here

Well, this editorial rules...but I'm a sucker for any shoot that plays on suburban ennui.

a smtty mixtape: september

2011-09-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to the One I Love /The "5" Royales

Night Signs / Zomes

Damage / Yo La Tengo

Under The Boardwalk / Tom Tom Club

Tender / Blur

Hang On To Your Ego / Beach Boys

Sea Of Love / Del Shannon

This Wheel's On Fire / The Byrds

Stay / The Hollies

Celebrity Skin /Hole

Blue Thunder / Galaxie500

That's The Way / Led Zeppelin

Wear Your Love Like Heaven / Donovan

There's An End / Holly Golightly

You can download it here. And find previous mixtapes here. Not doing too well on the whole monthly thing, but making a concerted effort.

formal invite

2011-09-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Photos from Fashion Editor at Large

The Meadham Kirchhoff show at London Fashion Week looked bloody bonkers, but the invitations? Wonderful.

the most wanted

2011-09-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

Soft colours and deserted landscapes by Cameron McKean / Dresses and playsuits from Alone by Lonely Hearts

i love peter jensen

2011-09-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

Peter Jensen spring/summer 2012

"Peter Jensen recently dedicated a book to his "improbable sisterhood" of muses, but it unfortunately went to press before the most improbable of them all could be included. His inspiratrice for Spring 2012 is the legendarily badass jazz-soul singer Nina Simone. Legend she may have been, but Jensen didn't hear of her till he moved to London and read about a woman who fired an air rifle at a neighbor when he complained about her piano playing. "My kinda gal," thought the young Dane. To a soundtrack of classical piano (the music Nina would have studied at Philadelphia's Curtis Institute had she not been refused admittance due to the color of her skin), Jensen offered an abstracted vision in fabric of the singer's life, from the pure white church-worthy outfits of her youth in North Carolina to the showy Lurex and satin pieces she might have worn to perform in jazz clubs around the world."

- Tim Blanks, Style.com

girls girls girls

2011-09-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

I visited the wonderful new Auckland Art Gallery recently, and a small painting of a black-haired, heavy-lidded girl caught my eye. Called Lizette (first image), it was painted by Christchurch born artist Raymond McIntyre, who clearly had a penchant for moody brunettes and melancholy - apparently, according to an artist who shared a studio, "in the intervals of dabbling masterpieces on canvas, he sobs out his soul on the sorrowful 'cello.'"

who the cap fit

2011-09-16T21:53:00.000-07:00

Karen Walker at NYFW, Twenty-seven Names A/W12, Lonely Hearts A/W 12, Miu Miu Fall 2011.

danse serpentine, 1900

2011-09-15T21:37:00.001-07:00

I have most likely written about this before, but it is worth a million postings.

black and white film festival

2011-09-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

colour pop

2011-09-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

Um, cute! I love these pretty and bright new 'Soul Club' Karen Walker sunglasses, they're part of the second summer range.

a conversation with: brenda harvey of benah

2011-09-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

[Image from here]

In the first in a series of conversations with the creative people who inspire me: Brenda Harvey of Benah recently launched her collection Pale Ryder at Simon James Concept at The Department Store. She makes beautiful bags, scarves and cuffs that I have amassed a rather large collection of - this season being no exception - the Kodi cuff, a red suede Chain bag and a delicate scarf for head and neck wrapping. At least one of these pieces can be found on my person each day.

But, more than that, Brenda is kind, intelligent and creates pieces that have captivating references from beautiful, quality leathers and silks, that will last and last.

Tell me about the inspiration & references for your new collection, Pale Ryder.

I was inspired by the idea of fate and destiny. Is our future predetermined? Do already have a chosen path in life or are we just hurtling through space? But, even more interesting is how different people perceive their own destiny. I think this has a lot to do with where they are in life. The stability or fragilely of their current situation really effects your view on things, and the great thing is that your perception can be changed by very slight occurrences.

All these ideas lead to the collection having quite a 70s vibe with suedes and a kind of worn in look. I also connected a lot with this era as I was quite obsessed with listening to the song Pale Rider (which the collection is named after) by a Sydney band, The Preachers. It just felt right, and suited my mindset. We actually cast Issy (the singer) in the look book and short film for the collection which will be screen at the end of this month at a special event in Sydney.

You can download Pale Rider the song for free here.

I design from quite a personal and often emotional place. The themes of the collection always reflect how I am feeling at the time. I had just had my first baby and was feeling quite a great sense of love of this little being and wondering where her life would take her - so looking back the theme of destiny seems very fitting.

What is the Benah point of difference?

I think one of the biggest point of difference with Benah is that it is ageless. I have teenage girls and also grandmothers that love the brand. I like the fact that it can cross generations yet still stays very true to its core aesthetic. People also respect that Benah stays true to what it does, quality timeless accessories. In the future I would love to expand the product categories but we will always focus on quality timeless accessories. It's exciting to think about what the future holds.

What are you enjoying at the moment - music, film, art, books?

Making itty bitty shoes for my baby girl.
Houndstooth print.
The film Bridesmaids.
Prince.
Glitter.

Score and Solder
Anything Givenchy.
Laura Marling.

The Glow
Rhubarb.
Purple Carrots.
The Marrickville Markets.
Bois D’Orange A Perfume by Pierre Bourdon.
Patent Leather.
Rant by Chuck Palahniuk.
Semi-dried pears.
Morris Lapidus.
Pink in all shades.
Cassini Misson.

What are your five favorite pieces of clothing at the moment?

I feel like I have been living between the 70’s and the 90’s lately. So, right now I'm quietly obsessed with....

1. A second hand Levi's denim jacket. Great wash, perfect colour, and fits like a slightly oversized glove.
2. Givenchy Rottweiler T-shirt. I scoured the globe for that baby. It's getting some serious wear.
3. APC cotton jersey skirts. One word, comfort.
4. My new cat's eye optical frames.
5. It's not quite clothing but can definitely make an outfit, nail art. Multi colored, pastel, glitter, crazy colours, you name it. I love it all.

What beauty products are you using?

Beauty? Products? Hmmmm tough question.
I really, really wish that I was one of those people that had a regime, but I’ve tried and it just doesn’t seem to want to stick, so, right now, not that much. Some Aesop Body wash, and Dior mascara is pretty much it. I do love Trilogy rose hip oil, I use it like a moisturizer when needed. And before I die I will perfect that liquid eyeliner!

What do you miss about New Zealand?

So many things, but here are a few....

The wide open spaces.
The sense of familiarity of places and people.
The feeling of being patriotic I feel when I am at home.
Kumara, not that sweet potato, but the real purple NZ amazing kumara.
All the amazing knitted baby clothes that you can pick up from second-hand stores, I stocked up while visiting recently.
But most of all I miss New Zealanders.

take cover

2011-09-14T03:49:00.000-07:00

Twenty-seven Names A/W 2012 lookbook photos by Guy Coombes

You have probably seen the new Twenty-seven Names campaign images and read about their NZ Fashion Week exhibition on about 30,000 other blogs (if not, you can see all the images here) - that's Rachel and Anjali (and Rachel's boyfriend) setting it up in the photos below. You may not have seen, however, lookbook images of the collection. Above are my favourite looks; the matching tartan dress and jacket especially.
Titled Take Cover, the print-heavy collection features a couple of collaborations of note: a camellia peace print by Marta Buda and shoes by WhyWho for TSN. There's also a half heart, best friends pendant with the words 'Any Broken Hearts To Mend' - a throwback to prints that featured in their first collection.

Behind the scenes photos shot on film by Oscar Mitchell

happy place

2011-09-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

This is where I will be spending at least some of my summer.

[Pagoda Lodge, Safari Tents and Gypsy Caravans]

style icon: joan didion

2011-09-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

elsewhere: junkaholique

2011-09-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

Junkaholique documents the lives of Artemis Russell and her husband Nao. They like weekend camping trips, junk fairs, making things, picnics, reworking old leather goods and collecting (so much stuff!). I like their photos and their backyard shed workspaces (his and hers).

the beautiful fall

2011-09-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

[Image by Terry Richardson]

"Jacques saw the arch glamour of fashion and he, like so many others, was captivated. Beyond its creativity, renewal or money, it is glamour that proves fashion's perpetual seduction: glamour and its reflex of idealisation on to which every hope and fantasy can be projected; glamour and its implicit promise of a life devoid of mediocrity." — Alicia Drake, The Beautiful Fall

I bought this book after reading about it on the Lover blog. I don't often read fashion books or biographies - they can be dull. This is different. Documenting the rise of Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent in Paris in the early 1960s, it's impeccably researched and in-depth, and full of marvelous stories. I'm only halfway through, but I love it -Betty Catroux, Loulou De Failaise, Marrakech, Karl without his dark glasses, Saint Tropez.

auto-luminescent

2011-09-07T01:28:00.000-07:00

A biopic of The Birthday Party's Rowland S. Howard - incredible, soul-screeching music and interviews with Nick Cave, Thurston Moore, Lydia Lunch - all the greats.

i beg your pardon

2011-09-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Photos: Charlie McKay / Model: Derya @ 62Models / Sourced from Facebook

In my dreams I would have a wardrobe of matching outfits - skirt suits and pant suits that would instantly make me look and feel pulled together. I'm obsessed with the idea of purchasing 'the look', which goes against every single piece of fashion advice every 20-something would have ever received - i.e., "wearing one designer head-to-toe is a fashion faux pas". But, look at how chic and smart it looks! That dream matching outfit above is by Pardon My French, a new label from designer Lucy Kemp. I don't know much else, except that Margot Tenenbaum is a muse, and, via this NO interview, that she has worked with Karen Walker and Adrian Hailwood. Her first Pardon My French range, called Young American, looks very promising...and is available through the Hailwood boutique in Auckland.

simply put

2011-09-04T03:08:00.000-07:00

Liam A/W 2012 campaign by Guy Coombes (above); runway photos by Rag-Pony (below)

Liam is the new label from Emily Miller-Sharma; a 'friend of' label to Ruby that debuted at NZ Fashion Week. I really like the mature, simplistic approach, and from a pure fan girl, I-want-it point of view, there are several pieces in this collection that I'm keen to have in my wardrobe - strangely, because it's so simple, that white top, black skirt and court shoe outfit below was one of my favourites of fashion week (it's the way the sleeves sit demurely just above the wrist). What you can't see here is a really vivid orange that also features in the range - the navy knee-length coat is so much more sensible, but the orange one will be mine.

just dance

2011-09-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

The interiors, the hats, the dancing, the Lanvin, Alber Elbaz, Pitbull: everything about this video makes me happy.

show off

2011-08-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

Hello! If you are interested in reading our thoughts on New Zealand Fashion Week, which begins tonight, please read Grazia Daily and The New Zealand Herald. We'll also pop a few things up here too. The picture above is from a Chanel show in the late 1950s. We're hoping that a leopard print skirt suit with matching helmet will make an appearance this year. If you have anything in particular you would like us to write about, please write a comment and we'll do our darnedest!

patently obvious

2011-08-25T21:50:00.000-07:00

[Image by Vanessa Jackman for Grazia Italia]

Shiny shoes and shiny hair. And eyeliner.

shoe of the week

2011-08-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

I am head over heels in love with these zigzag wedges from Chaos and Harmony.

lazy photo post

2011-08-24T02:10:00.000-07:00

A few fashion photos that have caught my eye this week, from Vogue Australia, Vogue Italia, Vogue Italia, and er, Vogue Australia...

All from Fashion Gone Rogue.

french dressing

2011-08-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

"Big breasts and lips. No! I hate those girls. I hate famous women. My ideal woman is Serge Gainsbourg. Not that he was a woman." — Isabel Marant

[Isabel Marant in Russh Magazine]

I really, really love Isabel Marant's line of clothing. And her diffusion line too, Isabel Marant Etoile. While this article in the New York Times is certainly on the money (and thank Christ for an honest fashion critique - neither sycophantic nor full of misguided rage), it hasn't quelled my obsession with her silk miniskirts, her loose dresses, her sloppy mohair jumpers, her suede ankle boots. And, perhaps, it's her lifestyle that is appealing too - her holiday house where she spends each weekend, her views on the internet, the way she hardly wears any make-up or does her hair. We all want to be French, insouciant and a bit dishevelled yet artful and pretty. I think. As her artistic director Arnoldo Garon writes in Hobo Magazine, she "has brought about an idiosyncratic universe, a world where femininity and elegance is paired with neglect and effortless androgyny". In non-fashion speak, rejoice slightly scruffy girls who like drinking wine and hanging out more than they do blow-drying their hair. It would appear there are quite a few of us, given the difficulty in snaffling a pair of her cult 'Dicker' boots.

[Isabel Marant's holiday home, images from the New York Times]

Marant on the internet and why she doesn't really dabble in social networking (her clothes have also only recently become available to purchase online): "I don’t like the idea of being flooded with image and information. I don’t belong to the generation of spending time on the internet. I think it’s too fast and too fake. It’s like going to a museum on the internet – where is the pleasure? It’s sad because everyone is running after everything, but after what? Everything is too quick. There is no room in your heads for all this information. No one retains anything." — Isabel Marant

And Marant on the annoying designer infatuation with retro-fitted story concepts for each and every collection. We get it! You watched a movie... It's okay to just make really nice stuff!

Arnold Goran: There’s this thing too, more so in the fashion world, that on television you always hear designers telling these stories. At least, I always have the impression they’re feeding me stories. “Women this year are so. This year I see the woman like this, or this year she is very frivolous...” Bullshit, she’s no more frivolous than any other year! You, I don’t have the impression you’d be into that.

Isabel Marant: No, it’s true, I’ve got a bit of a problem with that. Actually when I started I did have themes somewhat, often around travel, the exotic – you do tell yourself stories. I find there is something a bit false in it because, me, I still make real clothes, wearable, everyday clothes, and there is a naive and childish side to wanting to recount Africa or India, even if ultimately there are connotations that arise. I work more around the attitude, the woman, the silhouette that I’ve started to instill in my collections. Starting off and sticking with a story at all costs doesn’t interest me. I think it’s interesting to have a universe to depart from. I imagine a silhouette, I know I’d like to have a girl with legs, with certain shoulders; or even her posture, the way she stands can interest me, all of a sudden I’ll think of a certain top that will allow me to bring this out. The more I evolve in my work, the more I have subtle inspirations around how to create this attitude that I like, how to make things that are feminine but not too girly. I tend to ask myself almost philosophical questions around clothes. I feel that side of it, clothes-as-kleenex, and that doesn’t interest me. I want to make real clothes that you keep in your closet a long time, that you don’t tire of, and that you can juxtapose with the next collection.

dead meadow

2011-08-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

Last night, I went and saw Jason Simon of "heavy psych" band Dead Meadow play.

It was really beautiful. That's all.

confirmation kate

2011-08-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

I bought this amazing 'Confirmation' dress last week. Black lace, red lips, highest of the high black heels - failsafe. I think of Spanish sirens, of weeping widows, of Stevie Nicks. Thankyou for making it, Kate Sylvester.

P.S. It would appear it is well loved by many, and has sold out in black. I could quite easily love it in white, too.

patch up

2011-08-12T03:39:00.000-07:00

close up image from rag-pony

I love Karen Walker's patch print for spring/summer 2011.

elsewhere: sleep deprivation & stories of my bullshit youth

2011-08-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

It's not all sweetness and light, is it? I like Jen Hanley's concise online collection of Ksubi, motorbikes, hot girls, shoes that look like they'd be the perfect fit for a Led Zeppelin groupie, art, monkey fur and The Black Ryder, The Doors, Patti Smith and Motorhead.

warm fuzzies

2011-08-08T01:49:00.000-07:00

I'm not really one for viral Youtube clips of animals (in captivity no less!), but for this I will make an exception.

cake stall

2011-08-06T22:09:00.000-07:00

I'm so in love with Talita's blog.

sporty spice

2011-08-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

photos from: the independent & fashion gone rogue

It isn't often that I get excited over sportswear or sneakers, in fact, I think the last time I showed an interest would have been when I was about 16, going through my skater girl phase. I don't really exercise; something that I think may need to change now that I am closer to 30 rather than 20. But, I do really want a pair of classic adidas Superstars. I'm not sure if they would inspire more exercise, but gosh, don't they look cool? Especially with stripey socks and a snooty stare.

manifesting

2011-08-04T00:03:00.000-07:00

This is how I want my life to look, only my hair won't be short.

Hobo Magazine shoot by Sean Ocean Dogimont found here.

penny sage

2011-08-03T23:59:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Kate makes Penny Sage. This is her range Golden Blue, and it's full of beautiful pieces that I can't wait to wear this summer. I love that she handpaints pieces, that she does her own fabric dying, that she uses natural fabrics like linens and silks. I can't choose what to order - the blue grey jumpsuit? The short, maroon jumpsuit? The outfit with a soft blue grey shirt and blue shorts too. AHH! What do you think, do you like the collection?

curio noir

2011-07-31T19:16:00.000-07:00

Zoe has written about Curio Noir in the past, but Tiffany Jeans has recently expanded the collection and I just love it. It's mystical and a bit kooky but there's a really strong attention to detail and it is beautifully scented. I like it when things are done properly. There are beautiful linens created in collaboration with artist Richard Orjis, candles in two new scents (Chypre Gardenia and Black Spice) and various other incarnations of Curio Noir creativity - handmade, one at a time. For those with a fascination for the interesting and the uncommon.

pretty pretty

2011-07-31T04:07:00.000-07:00

From The NZFW Guide 2011
Photos Olivia Hemus

Styling Dan Ahwa

Model Laurien from Clyne

This shoot features a few of my favourite pieces from spring/summer collections from some New Zealand designers - like the Stolen Girlfriends Club floral print by Karl Maughan, Kate Sylvester's feather headpiece, Ingrid Starnes' dainty yellow floral, and Twenty-seven Names' &Co knit sweaters. Sweet! Pretty! Cute!

sparkle motion

2011-07-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

What are your thoughts on sparkly, glittery shoes?

inspiration now

2011-07-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I can't remember where I found most of these photos, but I know the last two are from here

let's snuggle

2011-07-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

Fluffy sheepskin cushions by Home Base Collections

smtty, a mixtape - number one

2011-07-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

In the Basement / Etta James

Et Moi, Et Moi, Et Moi / Jacques Dutronc

You Keep Me Hangin' On / Vanilla Fudge

Tomorrow Is a Long Time / Bob Dylan

Bye Bye Love / The Everly Brothers

Cosmic Dancer / Marc Bolan & T. Rex

Green is the Colour / Pink Floyd

Chinatown / Wild Nothing

Spinning Away / Brian Eno and John Cale

Cloud City / Pond

You Know What I Mean / Cults

Superstar / Sonic Youth

She's A Mystery To Me / Roy Orbison

I'm going to make these each month, because I make them for the car each month anyway. There's no theme, just songs I've been listening to - some old, some new. I hope you like it.

Download the SMTTY mix for July here.

signature pose

2011-07-19T23:49:00.000-07:00

Miu Miu resort 2012

tokyo dreams

2011-07-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

It's almost two years since I was last in Japan. I love being there, for many reasons, the food one of the main ones. Tonight we are going to see Jiro Dreams of Sushi. And then go and eat at Sake Bar 601 - as close as we can get to Tokyo at the moment.

sophie calle

2011-07-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

Sophie Calle is a French artist you might enjoy. It is fair to say that she and Tracey Emin have some things in common - tonally at least, their art is reminiscent of the other. Rather than recounting a back catalogue of her (prolific) efforts, installations, projects and exhibitions, I will direct you here; and make notes on a few favourite works.

Take Care of Yourself, 2007

At the 2007 Venice Biennale, Sophie Calle showed her piece Take Care of Yourself, named after the last line of the message her ex had left her. Calle had asked dozens of women—including a parrot and a hand puppet—to interpret the break-up e-mail and presented the results in the French pavilion. "Calle took the e-mail, and the paralyzing confusion that accompanies the mind’s failure to comprehend heartbreak, and distributed it to 107 women of various professions, skills and talents to help her understand it – to interpret, analyze, examine and perform it. The result of this seemingly obsessive, schoolyard exercise is paradoxically one of the most expansive and telling pieces of art on women and contemporary feminism to pass through (the major art centres) in recent years".

Leviathan (with Paul Auster), 1992

Calle asked writer and filmmaker Paul Auster to "invent a fictive character which I would attempt to resemble"and served as the model for the character Maria in Auster’s novel Leviathan (1992). This mingling of fact and fiction so intrigued Calle that she created the works of art created by the fictional character, which included a series of color-coordinated meals.

The Blind, 1986

Calle interviewed blind people, and asked them to define beauty. Their responses were accompanied by her photographic interpretation of their ideas of beauty, and portraits of the interviewees.

media unfriendly

2011-07-17T04:50:00.000-07:00

Philo doesn't tweet, blog or communicate via Facebook. When she shows her collections, her backstage area isn't open to the media. "Once the show has happened there's no need to control any image," she says, "but I don't like the idea of people sending out images before we've even done it. We don't allow anyone to do that. I don't like all that 'model backstage standing around having her picture taken in a stupid pose'."

"To me, the show is quite a complete story. There's nothing more for me to say and, anyway, it doesn't matter what it was meant to say. It's out there. It can be whatever anyone watching it thought it was, surely."

"I absolutely love fashion. I love doing new things and finding ways to swerve in a different direction. But one of the reasons why I try to use fabrics and cuts that don't go out of fashion is because I like the idea of women buying the clothes and then... I don't know what the word is... cherish sounds over-emotional for a relationship with a piece of clothing... but for a woman to feel proud, satisfied, comfortable and powerful in them, to wear them and get on with their lives."

The interview's over and for the first time since it began, Phoebe Philo leans back in her chair and relaxes. "Shall we have a fag?" she says.

Phoebe Philo: intelligent, fashion hero, blunt, talented, amazing, I love her, etc, etc. There are many things to admire about the Celine designer, but something that I find especially endearing is her media unfriendliness. Her approach to fashion is refreshing as well - no stupid backstage model photos that are beloved of so many bloggers, a lack of ego about how her shows are interpreted ("it can be whatever anyone watching it thought it was"), and a realistic approach to how women dress. I really like her comment about how fashion can help women feel proud and powerful, but then they get on with living their lives.
The quotes above are from a great profile from the Independent; you can read it here.

rich bitch

2011-07-17T01:59:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with the new Prada resort collection, and the lookbook. Pretty sure I've said this before, but I want to dress like a snooty, rich looking lady with perfect posture, in pointy pumps and scarves with everything.

I like cats

2011-07-14T01:29:00.000-07:00

These Charlotte Olympia kitty velvet flats are amazing!

caitlin foster

2011-07-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

My work focuses on fine attention to small details, gestures, and patterns in everyday life.

I would like to have one of these delicate, stippled drawings on my wall.

See more on Caitlin's website.

wallpaper

2011-07-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been obsessed with the Golden Girls - their pastel clothes, their quick wit and their Florida inspired interiors. I'm particularly enamoured with Blanche's bedroom, with the iconic Martinique print wallpaper and bedspread.

sunset on her breath now

2011-07-09T23:43:00.000-07:00

this weekend we escaped the city.

went here.

teepees are only in summer, but staying in a converted train carriage — caboose — was pretty great too.

we played cards under lamplight & drank red wine.

ate fresh mozzarella & tomato & basil from the farmers market on honey wholemeal bread, while a wild thunderstorm pounded the tin roof.

it was a perfect break for karel, who is in the midst of making a new record (the excitement as it comes together!).

i read the stories of tracey emin and bobby dylan.

in the morning we went to the raglan creative market. lavender soap, crystals, homemade pesto, lime marmalade, a wreath of flowers strung by a woman who plays the sitar.

p.s. i have seen seven rainbows in the last few weeks.

the pearls are absolutely non-negotiable

2011-07-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

I cannot wait to see this film! It's set to be released in January.

I also love this photo, of Lucky the dog, Ronald Reagan, The Iron Lady and her handbag.

nature calls

2011-07-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

'new girl'

2011-07-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

It may come as absolutely no surprise that Zoe and I love Zooey Deschanel. She is brunette, wears glasses, is awkwardly sexy, smart, loves brands like Orla Kiely. So, it's quite exciting to anticipate the release of her new series New Girl. It looks pretty trashy, to be totally honest - but I'm hoping it errs more on the side of a female-skewed Bored to Death.

afterzine no. 2

2011-07-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

This is my favourite zine. I am very excited to see the new issue.

To purchase...

want to wear

2011-07-04T03:18:00.000-07:00

Diana / Golden Girls / FQ Occasions / Diana / Self Service / Vintage Versace

we love thursday sunday and thursday sunday love...

2011-07-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

Zoe and I have a soft spot for girls who are friends who work in a pair. Iris Cuaresma and Mara Tonetti are Thursday Sunday. They are based in Melbourne and they make beautiful clothes, from natural fibres, in Australia. You can take a closer look here, but we'd draw a parallel to other pared back labels with a sense of simplicity - if you like A.P.C. or Rag and Bone, you'll probably enjoy Thursday Sunday. A pair of woolen shorts, a cashmere camel coat, a handknitted jumper (handknitted by Mara's Mum!). Here's what I imagine doing in their clothes: drinking a tumbler of red wine, sitting on the floor and listening to records with my flatmate; going for a walk in the park and getting a cold nose; smoking a cigarette on the porch really quickly so I don't get cold hands. Basically just doing stuff and getting stuff done. Thursday Sunday like:

1) Erin Wasson.

2) Phoebe Philo and her work for Celine.

3) Sketchbooks and Diaries, we each have 2 diaries. One boring one for business related things and of course less practical personal one which are beautifully designed which inspire us to sketch more.

4) We love knitwear, especially our hand made knitwear which features in each collection made by mum. This knit was from our previous A/W collection. Thanks Liz for the beautiful photography!

5) Derek Henderson’s terrible boredom of paradise is so inspiring – such a simple concept but his photograph tell a story with his use of an amazing colour palette and atmosphere.

6) Summer/Winter – Iris loves Winter, Mara loves Summer so we fight all the time!

7) RnB/Hip Hop – Who doesn’t like it?

8) Linen – One of the oldest textiles but stands the text of time. We use it for every collection because of the amazing texture, quality and the way it feels on your body.

9) Tea & Cigarettes – They go hand in hand and gives us an excuse to take a break in between our busy schedules.

10 ) Family – We are very family orientated and they inspire us everyday – couldn’t live without them.

norwegian wood

2011-06-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

Tokyo, the late 1960s…Students around the world are uniting to overthrow the establishment and Toru Watanabe’s personal life is similarly in tumult. At heart, he is deeply devoted to his first love, Naoko, a beautiful and introspective young woman. But their complex bond has been forged by the tragic death of their best friend years before. Watanabe lives with the influence of death everywhere. That is, until Midori, a girl who is everything that Naoko is not – outgoing, vivacious, supremely self-confident – marches into his life and Watanabe must choose between his past and his future.

If there is one film you see at the New Zealand Film Festival this year, make it Norwegian Wood.

I once had a girl / Or should I say, she once had me...

looks like home

2011-06-28T03:41:00.000-07:00

Photographer: Nicole Bentley

Stylist: Meg Gray

Source: Fashion Gone Rogue

Doesn't New Zealand look beautiful in this Vogue Australia shoot? The Prada looks good too.

simple pleasures

2011-06-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

Whether it's by necessity or choice, I think we're all returning to a pared down way of living. Or perhaps you've never left it - I haven't. According to Russh, Hunter S. Thompson encouraged an embracing of the simplicities which comprise the good life; a toast of sorts “to animal pleasures, to escapism, to rain on the roof and instant coffee”. It reminded me of an article I read about Bohemianism recently, which you can find the entirety of here. A few choice excerpts below.

Bohemia is a state of mind: a threadbare but vibrant Utopia in which one can prioritise the tenets of creativity, love, merriment, experimentation and arousal of the senses.

What they universally turn their backs on, however, are the ideals of the Bourgeois: tedious middle-class pomp, etiquette and triviality. Whether a Bohemian has originally come from the lower, middle or upper classes, she must eschew the petty values of the Bourgeois: that money, property or status are anything to do with the content of one’s character; that professional success and widespread celebration have anything to do with talent. What is of value to the Bohemian instead is spiritual integrity and creative freedom. The Bohemian would sooner live in the most abject poverty than submit to an undesirable job.

The Bohemian life is, by necessity, cheap. It costs very little to engage in truly Bohemian pursuits. You don't need to save up lots of money to become Bohemian and you don't even need to have regular income. You can begin today by turning down the volume on the Bourgeois command system in your brain. By living cheaply—by lowering your overheads to the absolute minimum—you can probably afford to work part-time instead of full-time or put less stress on your own small business.

I'm lucky enough to have everything I need - a roof over my head, a computer, a car. Many, many people are not that fortunate, so I am certainly not complaining. But I'm definitely very conscious of where my money goes at the moment. What are your tricks for making sure you never feel too down, and what do you save and scrimp on, and where do you indulge?

While Hunter S. Thompson might have been down with instant coffee, that's my final straw - I always make sure I have my favourite, freshly ground Supreme. What are your 'simple pleasures'?

suit up

2011-06-26T01:34:00.000-07:00

Brooches, suits, power shoulders and the Joan Crawford stare: I'm feeling inspired after watching Mildred Pierce, the original. Have you seen the new mini series yet?

long haired child

2011-06-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

I want hair down to my waist.

Here's how to look after it. The secret, of course, is just not to cut it. But vitamins, coconut oil on the ends and plaiting it before bed are my tricks. What are yours, long haired ladies?

sisters of the black moon

2011-06-23T01:02:00.000-07:00

This is my favourite online vintage store. Witchy women, desert dreams.

lana del ray

2011-06-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend sent me this video recently. I love it. She's sort of this preternatural sex kitten, self-conscious but innocent. Hollywood sad core.

we ♥ lonely lingerie

2011-06-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

This Friday and Saturday, our friends at Lonely Hearts are holding a ginormous sale at their studio. There will be samples, seconds and previous seasons stock - as well as very discounted lingerie! We hear whispers of prices as low as $10 for selected briefs and $20 for some bras! To celebrate we're offering one lucky reader the chance to win one of the beautiful sets above. To enter, make sure you're a fan of So Much To Tell You on Facebook and 'like' our competition post before midnight Friday. We can ship internationally so even if you can't make the sale, you can still win.

Lonely Hearts Workroom Sale

Studio 2, 13 Barry's Point Road, Takapuna

10am-4pm, Friday and Saturday, 24-25 June

Cash only!

apartamento

2011-06-20T01:16:00.000-07:00

[Images by me]

I love Apartamento. I love it because it is full of pictures of mess and reality and warm, kind, creative people. I did just lose one of my magazine jobs because I shot a house that was, apparently, too messy - which strikes me as an entirely bourgeois and shitty thing to get hung up about. I thought it was the most interesting and beautiful house I'd seen in a long time, a place where fascinating and successful artists live, even if there were empty coffee cups on the bench.

Apartamento, however, is devoid of hangups and pretension. It's a magazine that's about sharing information and profiling wonderful designers, artists and generally creative people in a way that's honest and accepting and truly interesting.

In this issue there are articles about making Ikebana and drinking green tea; an eccentric Japanese potter named Rosanjin Kitaoji; Jim Haynes, who holds a dinner party every week and has done for the past 40 years in Paris; stylist Masha Orlov who lives in the Trump Building in New York; Zoe Bedeaux's chaotic, cluttered, joyful apartment that's full of colour and texture and pattern and embroidery.

You can buy the magazine here.

grandiflorum

2011-06-20T00:59:00.000-07:00

dress up's domestic botany

anthurium

cyclamen

lily

orchard

begonia

WARDROBE FLOWERS FOR S/S '12