Hello, this is simply a very happy 100th post from Code For Something. 5 months of rock and roll so far! The very first CFS post was written about the divine Santogold. She is the epitome of what this blog celebrates – style expressed through intellect, individualism, talent, and passion. Jazzi has dug up an amazing quote from Santogold, which really makes me sit up and go, “Ooh yes!”. I hope you can relate to it too.
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Astronomical Clock by Lazarescu
It’s a new month, so there’s load of new predictions on how our world is going to twist and turn. I am a huge fan of astrology and always read my horoscopes, a little like brushing my teeth! Ever since I was a small child the effects of the moon were very noticeable on me (even by my skeptic parents), so I do pay attention! That said, if a reading starts looking more like a horror-scope, I suck it up and try to ignore what I’ve heard… carrying on with life in a somewhat more aware/forced jolly manner! I thought I would share a few of my favourite sites, just in time for October:
…and after you’ve flicked through all those, watch Bloc Party’s Mercury video as it is totally apt for right now:
Don’t let that naughty Mercury get to you though ❤
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As worn in the Cybèle show, savoured previously. They remind me of American Indian headresses. You want them, I want them. I’m sure there’s enough room in both our wardrobes!
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If you haven’t taken the time to peruse The Paris Review’s interview archives, please do so now. My favourite interviews include William Burroughs, John Irving, Joyce Carol Oates and Haruki Murakami ❤ … and that’s just the start of the list!
I find it particularly lovely that the Review includes snapshots of the author’s original manuscripts, all usually marked up to hell. Of course having the orginal magazines with their quirky covers would be fantastic, but it is such a gift to have the interview transcripts online to nibble away at at your leisure.
All of them offer so much joy, insight, awe and loads of inspiration. For example, I learned that Ms. Oates believes art is a genuinely transcendental function which allows humans to rise above limited states of mind; so therefore being in the “right mood” to create is a fallacy. Definitely food for thought. What does your favourite writer say? What can you learn from them, do they help you see the world differently?
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T-shirt: Country Road, my very favourite brand for basic tees.
Jeans: Jeanswest. I’m only just embracing blue jean. Usually I look like a bit of a Westie with black jeans and shirts.
Belt: Stolen from my father (along with my socks)!
Safari boots: Vintage… these don’t seem to leave my feet.
Scarf: Equip, very cheap, very versatile!
Working, working… so very utilitarian/comfy. Tomorrow I’m hoping to put a long overdue update on Catch & Covet – lots of new vintage goodies. This meant a long day of photography, measuring and climbing out the window on to the roof to hang out in the sun, hehe. I wore my new magenta scarf, which matches my new hair! It doesn’t quite look like this in real life – it’s a little more brighter/obvious. I love it and can’t wait for warmer weather when I can simply wear a singlet and use my tattoos/hair as a splash of colour.
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You know it, Dolce & Gabbana know it. This little pup was sent down the catwalk in Milan. Yep, puppies make the fashion world a far cuter place! Also, note all the bows – bless. The entire outfit is nigh on perfect…
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I definitely agree! Not to be confused with macaroons (English style cookies that the Famous 5 and their ilk liked to scoff), macarons are soft, pretty and tasty! Think of them like a delicious sandwich – 2 sides of delicious cookie, with a chewy ganache filling. The cookie parts are made out of ground almonds, egg white and sugar. The ganache flavours range from the original almond to lavender, pistachio, orange blossom; practically any delicately exotic flavour you can think of!
The macaron mothership is the famous Ladurée bakery, with locations across the globe: from Paris to London and Tokyo. It was founded in 1862; rose to fame sometime in the mid-century and today they sell over 15,000 macarons every day of the week…! That’s a lot of pleasure!
If Ladurée is the celadon queen of macarons in Paris, then Pierre Hermé is the playful delivery boy. They deliver their sensational macarons and baked goodies all over Europe – packaged in cheeky, stylish gift boxes.
Are you nowhere near Europe like moi, or just want to try making your own dainty cookies? Here’s a recipe for making some Ladurée style chocolate treats. Serious Eats also offer up a really complete guide to making macarons, accompanied by tasty pictures that will make your mouth water.
Macaron Ring by Le Pink Chocolat
I reckon soon we’ll be seeing a lot more jewellery and images inspired by the wee macaron, as evidenced by Le Pink Chocolate‘s etsy accessory treats… Yummy! So there you have it, macarons, the new cupcake… watch out for them everywhere!
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I’m not sure whether Polaroid film is coming or going! The internet seems to be swirling with rumours every day about the demise or resurrection of the glorious little instant chemical packets.. Either way, you can relax now with the production of these replica frames! Simply pop your photo in and voila, instant Polaroid good times.
Tip: Mailing someone a real or fake Polaroid is a super cute alternative to cheesy slogan postcards, or a remedy to stale “love-emails”. Say with photos, say it with words, say it uniquely!
If you’re still fond of the real thing (let’s face it, who isn’t), unsaleable is the place to go for the Polaroid dead stock you crave. Be prepared to pony up some sweet cash though! In their words -
“Gone are the days when your local dealer charged you prices for Polaroid material that made Russian caviar look cheap”.
Makes the frames look good huh?
[via hi there]
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When I count what’s wrong with my life, I get totally depressed. When I count the good things, I feel like smiling and I do. Then I think, “well, it’s not all that bad.” Life is just a bowl of cherries. But when I see myself smiling in the mirror, I like myself more. Well, life is a roller-coaster. That’s what I now think. Recently, I got a message that I was a king, and I should stop the battle, and appreciate my victory. Well, I should listen to this one. And you, too, my friend. We are all kings. The battle is the battle of goodness winning WORLD PEACE. At all times, find something that makes you laugh. Laughter is the best workout! Chimpanzees are wise to it. Are you?”
— Yoko Ono
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After a day-job overload, I’ve been away resting at a friend’s beach house in the Coromandel. Strictly no internet or communication with the wider world! I spent a lovely few days exploring, walking, laughing, stretching with my friends. We paddled in rivers and made delicious pizzas.
It’s so refreshing to switch off for a while, I always come back with new ideas and boundless energy – is it the same for you? Expect lots more activity here soon, I’m an inspired girl on a mission!
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This is one of the most amazing ideas I’ve seen in a long time. Ataahua has created unique hats in the trilby style as worn by traditional Cuban coffee roasters’. Each one is made out of a recycled individual Hessian coffee sack, meaning different patterns from different origins.
I would team this wonder hat with simple summer frocks, Havaianas (jandals Cuban style yo), a rum based strawberry daiquiri (yum!) and a bright beach towel. This combo would ensure I was set to frolic all day long, whether reading magazines or going to meet friends in the evening. Excelente.
We need more of these sexy sustainable ideas! Shade yourself from the sun, save the planet and look stylish? Too good and totally true. If you’re looking for more green style ideas and products, I highly recommend Treehugger’s fashion section. In the meantime, expect to see a million summer photos of me wearing an Ataahua trilby.
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As a writer, I clearly give a fuck about the Oxford Comma. While I’m not a serial user of it (oh no, grammar joke watch out), you gotta know your tools! Right then, here’s Vampire Weekend and their lyrically ambitious earworm Oxford Comma. I haven’t been able to get it out of my head for days.
On with the music video! Rolling!
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See Bionic Pixie & a few other darling musos play at the Kings Arms. I love the flier, the use of watercolour is so delicate.
Need to check them out before you go/or too far away to attend but keen for new music? Listen to Sharpie Crows, Pig Out and Mr. Hayday here!
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Last night I attended the Hailwood show at ANZFW with a large posse of people from work. The show started (eventually, stop your seat squabbling, people!) with dimmed lights and a spotlight on one Miss Bionic Pixie, who performed a thumping electro set during the show. Her style is rather reminiscent of the Ting Tings. The light then rose and for the next 15 minutes models (both boys & girls) strutted out in the Autumn/Winter 2009 collection.
I liked:
+ Cute denim dresses and high waisted skirts.
+ Prim hats.
+ The clear-cut skull-flower-lips primary graphic. This looked amazing on one pink petal slip dress. “It must be mine!” ran through my mind instantly.
+ Loads of vintage sixties brocaded dresses, perfect for partying in.
+ Kudos for presenting some menswear. It was very cool – a dark palette, nicely accessorized.
Those shoes, oh my god. I was drooling. Overall I thought the clothes were very safe – perhaps the influences of Adrian’s mentor Annah Stretton? I did have a great time, the show had a great energy and I saw lots of really wearable pieces.
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Hello! My name is Amber Parkin. I'm a New Zealander living in London. I'm a writer obsessed with fondue, chesterfield sofas, vintage dresses, foxes, and 35mm.
Here I like to talk about fashion, design, food, travel, writing & books, and culture. Everything else (including my photography) goes into my digital notebook.
If you'd like to email me the address is amber@codeforsomething.com
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