Colour Inspiration

I'm really into colour at the moment for some reason, possibly spring and the very close summer. I've spent the past couple of days making myself a sunshine yellow dress - it has brought a smile to my face the whole time. I love colours that look somewhat washed out and worn in - like they've been hung out in the sun a few too many times. Not quite as jarring as true brights, and a lot more wearable.

 MIXTE MAG 2008

Prada Resort 08 Sasha Pivovarova, Irina Kulikova, Meghan Collison, Angelika Kocheba by Steven Meisel

Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby

VOGUE HOMMES JAPAN #5 F/W 2010 "THE MODERN STANDARD" BY MIGUEL REVERIEGO

Sources: Paper Mode, Rare Photos of Celebrities, Live Journal,

Summer Sandals

I think summer is one of the trickiest seasons when it comes to footwear. It's near impossible to find a really good sandal - everything seems to be jandals, gladiators, bejewelled (shudder) or mumsy. I've been doing roman sandals because they are simple, traditional and go with everything, but I think I need a new option - something a bit more chic (and Murray Bevan mocks me whenever I wear my romans). I think simple and a little masculine is the best option - shoes should always ground an outfit in my opinion, and all of these would be great foils for light summer pieces. The natural leather is also great as it breaths, cleans easily and ages so well.

 Celine

Marni

Rochas

I also love a good wedge sandal, and Celine of course is the ultimate.

Celine

Celine

Source: Style.com, Net-A-Porter, Celine

How Do We Feel About Polo Shirts?

I've been surprisingly intrigued by polo shirts lately - they are the last garment I ever expected to creep up on me. No one really seems to wear them anymore (other than dads and the odd preppy boy) and they easily have a daggy, nerdy air about them. For some reason though I've had a niggling urge to get my hands on one. Maybe it's frustration over no middle ground between tshirts and button up shirts. Maybe it's their nerdy, preppy and sporty appeal. Maybe its Margot Tennenbaum? And the Spring Stella McCartney collection with all it's denim blues? And how do we all feel about bringing polo shirts back? They definitely fall into the category of the tomboyish, youthful aesthetic - and are somewhat more mature than a striped tshirts. I'm still deciding whether to invest in one or not. Thoughts?

Sources: This Is Not A Polo Shirt by Band Of Outsiders, Nerd Boyfriend, Style.com, Google Image Search.

The Mitfords

I've been obsessed with the Mitford Sisters ever since reading Nancy Mitfords "The Pursuit Of Love" a few years ago. They appeal to both my love of eccentric families and my Anglophile self. The six daughters of the minor aristocratic family were all beautiful, talented, notorious and a little bit mad. They've been frequently caricatured as Nancy The Novelist, Pam "The Woman", Diana The Fascist, Unity The Hitler-Lover, Decca The Communist and Debo The Duchess - which really does none of them justice. I thoroughly recommend you read "The Mitford Girls" which is where I scanned these images from. It's a shame there aren't many good photos of the girls around, as they all had fabulous, unique style.

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Take Ivy (again)

I've written (raved) about Take Ivy before, so I was naturally very excited when I walked into Unity Books a while ago and saw it sitting on the shelf. I have yet to sit down and have a proper read of it, and I've already shared all the best images with you - but I thought I'd post some of the double page spreads. I adore Ivy League style and everything it represents. It's a shame no one dresses like this anymore, it really evokes college as a lifestyle, culture and a socio-economic group.

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Scramble For Zambesi

If you've got a free minute this weekend, then I thoroughly recommend you get yourself down to the Zambesi Scramble (sample sale aka bun fight). I'm pretty depressed that I won't be able to get there until sunday, but unfortunately that's life for you! Good luck finding some treats!

Source: Sophie @ Zambesi

Summer Whites

I love whites for summer. So sensible yet also so impractical. Crisp and clean and light. I also think they are most successful when there are a lot of them - either white on white on white, or as a full dress. And always in pure cotton and linen, obviously.

Chloe Spring 11

Atonement

Vogue Paris November 2010 "Un Dimanche a la Campagne" Sasha Pivovarova by Mikael Jansson

Celine Spring 11

Picnic At Hanging Rock

Samuji Spring 2011

Calvin Klein Spring 11

The Great Gatsby

Sources: Fashion Gone Rogue, Style.com, Google, All Movie Photo

Flares & Loafers

I've been meaning to do an outfit post on these lovely new Karen Walker jeans for so long, but just haven't been in the mood for photos. However I finally got my shit together when I was wearing them this morning. They are certainly a silhouette that takes getting used to - super high and tight at the top and with a wide leg. It also takes a bit of thought as to what to put on top, nothing too tight or too loose. I try to keep it super simple, usually paring them with a white tee or some fresh stripes.

Wearing Karen Walker jeans, Trenery breton top.

And I'm wearing my new loafers, which were a total find. $7 at a Salvation Army store, basically unworn. Such a steal for leather, stack heeled loafers - something that is hard to find no matter what the price. They also solve the issue of how to get a little height without committing to the intensity (and in my case, pain) of a wedge or heel.

New Muse: Emma Watson

Emma Watson has really upped her game lately now that Harry Potter has wrapped. Her stunning new Farrow-esque crop was a brave move, and a Burberry fueled wardrobe do help of course. She's definitely now on my list of girls to watch (and her TFS thread is bookmarked). On another note - is anyone else really exited for the new Harry Potter film? And has anyone else forgotten what it's about by now, since it's been years since reading the book? Or is it just me.

Sources: The Fashion Spot

TwentySevenNames Winter 11 "The Fearsome Five" Lookbook

I've been holding out on blogging about TwentySevenNames' winter lookbook until I got to really check out the range in person (at Showroom 22's Media Open Day last week). However now that's done, here it is! The collection was killer on the runway at NZFW and did not disappoint in person either. The range references high school, nostalgia and youth without being cliche or derivative. The most literal it gets is the varsity jackets and preppy blazers - both of which are shrunken and sweetened up enough to avoid looking like an actual uniform. They are also great to throw over a dress or a simple tshirt. Although many pieces are on the light side in both weight, opacity and colour, they are ideal for winter layering, and their lightness lends them a transeasonal quality which means they can be worn as soon as you get your hands on them (the range should be in store late February). My standout favorites are the spotty pieces - both the white and blue polka dots, and the sheer black pieces with the large velvet spots. So quirky and charming.

Model: Gina Morrisey

Source: TwentySevenNames

November Muse: Abbey Lee (total babe)

Abbey Lee has always been one of my favorites of the model pack. Stunning and such a seemingly free spirit. Not to mention she has some of the best, most unique off duty style around. Even that platinum hair is slowly growing on me (although I still miss her beautiful dark blonde).

Source: The Fashion Spot

Lonely Hearts Winter 11 "Little Bandits"

It was a shame that Lonely Hearts were missing from the NZFW schedule this year, so I'm glad to finally have the chance to check out their winter collection. Entitled "Little Bandits" it's inspired by women who lived outsides society's rules and constraints - confident in their eccentricities and unique personalities. Women like Warhol darling Maxime De Falaise, Little Edie of Grey Gardens. The collection naturally is a mix of luxurious pieces like long lace dresses and velvets, and the functionality of shearling and sweatshirts. My particular favorites are the lace pieces - so delicate and elegant, the leopard print and the sweatshirts. Oh and I love the hair and hat combo.

Source: Keya @ Lonely Hearts