From the category archives:

Fashion

It’s (Not) All About The Music | What To Wear To A Festival

by Amber on February 18, 2010

Tomorrow I’m off with friends to Splore – a three day music festival where we’ll camp, dance and make like merry hippies. Hence I thought now is the perfect occasion to talk a little about what I’ve found works and what doesn’t when it comes to executing a fabulous festival outfit. After a lot of oh-so-tedious (not!) research at a multitude of concerts and gigs, I think I’ve got the basics down.

My picks for love a festival in a cold climate – it’s all about layers and balance (look good, keep warm):

- A simple merino wool dress will keep things looking cute; and whip away any moisture if you get damp. Merino is also notable for its “breath-ability” – it acts as a second skin with temperature control. Perfect for changing environments and crowd density.

- All the rest are just layers – a scarf to wrap on and off, a cloak or a gilet to loose yourself in (I am so partial to faux-fur right now), stockings, chunky motorcycle boots etc etc. You know the drill!

- I like the idea of fingerless gloves – they let you easily nip into your bag and grab things… It’s good to be dexterous!

- A clutch with a strap is also useful. Ever tried to get into a bag that’s hanging off a arm encased in a coat? Well, if you’re anything like me you’ll find coats hinder all movement. A clutch on a strap keeps things where you can see it, and makes for easy access.

This is my fail-proof uniform for an outdoor love-hippies-at-one-with-nature event, a la Splore*:

- Covered shoes (preferably sneakers with thick soles) to protect my feet from the elements.

- Dark shorts – there might be a lot of sitting on dusty/grassy ground, so keep the colour dark to avoid stains. The short option keeps you looking ladylike – I’ve seen it a million times – a girl sitting on a hill in a skirt, flashing the world. Don’t be that gal.

- This is the place where you can afford to have jangly, pretty jewellery – as hopefully there will be enough space for you all to wiggle to the music in peace – and therefore not rip any one’s skin to pieces with your accessories. Bon.

- An analog camera. Keeping it organic.

- A satchel big enough to carry all my junk while I’m away from camp.

- A big ass sun hat to keep your neck and face happy. Don’t forget to put SPF everywhere else though, including the backs of your hands!

* That is Laza sitting on the Tree Of Life at Splore 2008. I am conveniently standing behind the outfit.

For an inner city summer stomp think of the Girl Scout motto – “Be Prepared” – for any weather, any crowd:

- This is the place where you can afford to wear cute shoes. The ground will usually be paved so you can survive with a little heel, or some wedges. Want something strappy but tough? Try a Roman sandal, like you used to wear at school, they take a lot of punishment!

- I am a massive fan of the onsie – they’re playful, look good and you only have to make a single decision. Just make sure it isn’t too hard to slip in and out of when you pay a visit to the port-a-loo. Also, choose a playsuit made out of cotton rather than your fancy Karen Walker silk one if you’re worried about festival damage.

- Nylon raincoats scrunch up to fit in even the smallest bag. Bring your own if you don’t want to end up wearing a cheapie poncho, or worse – a garbage bag! I adore my Moochi raincoat.

- Packed festivals are no places to party with a digital camera (especially a DSLR). Unless you’ve got a tether and hella good protection, go disposable! If it gets lost in the fray, no worries. Diamante encrusted throwaway anyone?

And in brief…

BAD: Silk play suits, jeans, complicated wraps, bulky handbags, mega expensive/cherished garments, delicate accessories, pastels (careful careful), flashing the world.

GOOD: Sundresses, cotton stretch onesies, small satchels, disposable cameras, skin protection, merino wool, flexibility, deodorant, layers, cardigans (tie them round your waist, make a turban, whatever!), happy attitudes, good friends.

Agree? Disagree? Do you have a fail safe festival costume you rock every time, perhaps experiment depending on the event, or do you always show up in the same thing you usually wear out?

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Let The Sun Gods Smile On Me

by Amber on February 10, 2010

Karen Walker has just released a new fistful of sunnies under her Karen Walker Eyewear range. The ‘Sun Gods’ collection builds on previous shapes (retaining the popular circular frames) and introduce a pretty coral colour. The look-book is golden too, a Ra inspired series shot by Derek Kettela, who is behind her previous years’ advertising too.

Sun God

Sun God

Sun God

It’s the fashion equivalent of cuddling up to a SAD lamp! I just feel so joyful looking at these pictures.

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Dear Reader | Ksubi Sunglasses

by Amber on January 21, 2010

“Designer sunglasses for democratic prices!” a piece of spam in my inbox crowed this morning. Delete. No thank-you, I just bought some, and a democratic expense they were indeed.

Ksubi Book Club

We have to thank Ksubi for bringing avant-garde eye-wear to the masses. Their 2010 collection, ‘Book Club’ is brash, exciting and very wearable.

Ksubi Book Club

Ksubi Book Club

According to the press release, each pair is informed by a different genre – steampunk, pop comics and vintage fancies. I bought these ’stained glass’ inspired frames:

Ksubi

This is where the ‘wearable’ part of my story comes in. Despite my relatively safe tastes, I actually suit them (okay, they were the tamest of the ’stained glasses’ – I  have perhaps gone for the tawny look). Yep, I’m very happy with my purchase, and the price was right. Check out all the different shades of the collection here.

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Scorecard | 2009 Personal Style Resolution

by Amber on December 24, 2009

Style 09

Some of the nice things I've worn/bought this year. Highlights included going wild in Urban Outfitters & Uniqlo(!), the world's most expensive headband from Mimco in Melbourne, a beautiful vintage dress I bought in Manchester and THE JACKET, from Beacon's Closet in NYC.

A new year often triggers a desire to start new habits, try fresh looks and generally buck trends!

Because of the perceived demarcation of time, it’s a good time to set goals and resolve to do thing differently. In particular I like the New Year for reassessing my style for the year ahead – it’s mid season too, so you have a wee bit of thinking and preparation time.

In 2009 my personal fashion resolutions were:

- To wear lipstick more often… VICTORY.

It’s fair to say I met my cosmetic soul-mate this year. ChiChi’s range of lipsticks are infallible and can withstand all the making out and wineglasses you care to subject your lips to. On the colour front I favoured a bright cherry red and a shade of watermelon for the evening; and a neutral pink shade called Blonde Bombshell for the day.

- To buy a pair of Frye boots… FAIL.

I tried, I really did. Something about selling out in my size. However I did buy the boots of my dreams – those chestnut Progetto riding style boots.

- To wear my Chucks less (to work)… SEMI-SUCCESS.

Well,  let’s see the first half I was away a lot, hence no work. I acutally recall wearing Chucks on the Great Wall of China! After I went freelance there was a lot more jandal/barefoot/slipper time.

- To go to the gym more often (3x a week)… FAIL.

Turns out I don’t enjoy going to the gym if it’s more than 10 minutes walk from my house. I’ve also travelled a ton this year – 2 months away. Ah! Excuses!

- To wear more hats… VICTORY.

Berets, sunhats and more… I even bought one at Urban Outfitters.

Did you keep your style resolutions or goals for 2009? Are you making any for the new decade?

Infallible

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Glassons | A Few Thoughts

by Amber on December 3, 2009

Glasson’s PR company Showroom 22 recently had a media day to showcase incoming collections for the A/W2010 season. By the sounds of it a lovely day was had by all.

Glassons Butterfly

While looking at Designer Direction’s coverage of the event one very shiny garment in particular caught my attention – a sequined butterfly cape. It seemed familiar…

A quick search of the CFS archives reveals I had seen it before. It was on sale at Greasy Waitress Vintage and I put a picture up for my online vintage shopping guide. First thoughts; well this puppy ain’t vintage then is it?

NOT a 'vintage' butterfly cape

A quick google search revealed tens of other capes, variously labelled 70’s and 80’s. One of the sellers described the cape as having a “made in India” label. A very similar cape crops up at UK’s New Look, confirming all suspicions this article has been bought off the rack.

New Look Butterfly Cape

New Look, like many other UK/USA fast fashion chain stores, has come under fire for their dubious practices. In particular, hiring contractors and purchasing from manufacturers who utilise child labour.

In the  article ‘The Hidden Face Of Primark Fashion’, The Guardian reported: “A major industry needing child labour is sequin and Zari work, intricate embroidery immensely popular in America and Europe. Children’s thin, nimble fingers can work quicker on intricate ethnic designs.”

Examples of this abound online. For example, in 2007 GAP was snapped using child labour for intricate beading work. They ended up recalling all the product after public outcry.

dot

“Glassons is New Zealand’s most visited women’s fashion store, and has identified an opportunity for growth in the Australian market. Glassons is renowned for its fast fashion, vibrant stores, and winning value.”

Lovely! Growth, fast fashion and value. But at what cost?

I’m not saying that Glassons are involved in dubious market practices, but they are jumping into bed with some interesting company. I searched the Hallenstein Glasson site high and low but couldn’t find anything regarding their approach to ethical trade, or even a basic CSR policy (Corporate Social Responsibility). I’ve emailed them but as of yet have had no reply.

At the very least, New Look has a Ethical Trade document on their website and I remember that Primark made a big deal of talking about their ethical line in store through signage (vaguely because I was pretty much high on plastic fumes emitting from 12 quid raincoats).

earth

Coming from a country that prides itself on being pretty ‘down with’ the environment and human rights, I’m surprised no murmers have come from the public yet. It seems everyone is still busy enjoying the new fast fashion new phenomena. In the last couple of years loads of stores eg. Supre, Glassons, Jeanswest and Max* have starting releasing weekly collections. (*Max do have a CSR policy on their site.)

Just because it is relatively novel to have on-trend garments available in New Zealand, doesn’t mean you can skirt the issues. So Glassons, despite all these sequins and shiny bits, what’s your policy?

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ANZFW

by Amber on September 29, 2009

anzfw09

(Twenty-Seven Names, Kate Sylvester, Alexandra Owen)

As mentioned before, I thought Stolen Girlfriends Club showed some hot folksy action tied up with string. But what were my other picks of the week?

Read my take on the recent Air New Zealand Fashion Week over at Refinery29.com - Fresh Kiwi: The Best in Show From New Zealand Fashion Week.

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Welcome To Nowhere

by Amber on September 28, 2009

New Zealand Fashion week has been and gone. It was a massive flurry of activity and then poof, we are left only with pictures and  lists of ‘must-buys’. This is my pictorial wish-list, all Stolen Girlfriends Club* all the time:

Welcome To Nowhere

Welcome To Nowhere, is as if a troop of love children rolled down out of a wooded wilderness and came into town; plucking contemporary fashion fancies (leggings, hotpants) and adorning themselves with modern trinkets along the way. Everything is thick, fringed and over-sized.

Welcome To Nowhere

Welcome To Nowhere

The details are glorious – a triple threat of watches, cable knitted smalls, the mismatching boots and shredded velvet pants. I love the loopy woosdy madness of it all – it almost makes me want to fast forward straight past this upcoming summer into a winter woolen wonderland.

Welcome To Nowhere

*Natch I liked some other designers too… Zambizzle, Kate Sylvester and Twenty-Seven Names were really good.

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Girls On Film | Even More Fashion Videos

by Amber on September 1, 2009

A few months ago I wrote an article entitled Girls On Film: Style Brands & Video about the plethora of labels now using video to communicate their messages and peddle their wares. Lately there’s been a couple more New Zealand brands getting in on the act.

Last week I attended a show at Plaything Gallery. It was no ordinary art opening, rather it was a dual film screening and launch of Stolen Girlfriends Club’s latest collection: Weapons Of Mass Seduction.

Stolen Girlfriends: Weapons

The film, shot by photographer Derek Henderson, depicted a collection of awkward moments, SGC’s friends, family and clothes. We gathered on a rooftop, glass jars of wine in hand, to watch it projected on a wall across the way. It was raw, cool, funny and certainly touching in some places.

SGC Still

Above all, it made me want the clothes. I saw how they looked on a living, feeling human. Perhaps if I had one of those sweet Old News button up denim shirts I’d be just as charming? Sadly I can’t embed the film but if you go to the Stolen Girlfriends site it’s on the homepage.

dot

Cybèle, my favourite New Zealand designer, has also released a video to celebrate her new SS 09/10 collection, Serpentine.

Cybele Summer 09/10

According to fellow Kiwi blogger Isaac Likes, the film is inspired by dancer Loie Fuller’s 1896 ‘Danse Serpentine‘. Take a look – it’s a gorgeous number, with a mesmerizing hand painted effect. Then check out Cybèle’s smokey, kaleidoscopic showcase:

dot

I think these both of these films are great introductions to their respective brand – someone with an interest in film is likely to watch these videos without needing an intimate knowledge of fashion, while clothes ponies can pursue their interests with a different perspective.

The next steps for the fashion and video relationship? Well live broadcasts from Fashion Weeks already get a look in, and fashion houses are making features, a la The September Issue and Karl Lagerfeld’s 2007 film. In my opinion, it’s only a matter of time before fashion bloggers start producing their own DIY clothes dramas, seeing as most seem to have photo shoots on par with professional look books. We’ll also soon be able to go to the cinema, watch a film and then shop the film at the accompanying site – something along the lines of an easily accessible 2010 Sex & The City.

What do you think is going to happen next?

Cybele is in Tokyo right now (like right now as we speak) launching the above film – made for her new S/S 09/10 collection Serpentine – at American Rag Cie’s Aoyama Tokyo store. Inspired by a clip of Loie Fuller’s Danse Serpentine, found on YouTube, the film features Derya Parlak writhing in a smoke filled box. Says Cybele, “I love how the shapes and fabrics of the collection move and flow – like they do on the body when worn, it’s always exciting to see the clothes in motion. Mediums outside of fashion (art, sculpture, design) are always a constant inspiration for my work.” Cybele joins a growing force of fashion designers (like Gareth Pugh, Stefano Pilati for YSL and Stolen Girlfriends Club) who have begun presenting their collections as films. No doubt it eliminates the stress of a full scale runway show. That said, Cybele will be showing once again at New Zealand Fashion Week this year – in the opening time slot.

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HOT SHOPPING TIP

by Amber on August 26, 2009

Today’s hot shopping tip is to turn your shopping experience global. It’s time to take advantage of the plethora of online stores and your geographic location, to snag some bargains. So, say you’re like me, currently twiddling your cold little fingers in Oceania, there’s no better time than to plug in some Northern Hemisphere sites and check out what summer frocks they have up for sale. It’s also a fabulous opportunity to investigate new brands and designers.

Global Online Shopping

To get you started, I’ve listed a few suggested shops that do ship over yonder seas. Explore, save and hang out eagerly waiting for the delivery of some new threads by your letterbox.

If you live in the Southern Hemisphere:

- In case you were under a rock, a Southern Alp or on a self enforced break from the Internet (ha!), you’ll know that Topshop now ships to New Zealand and Australia! Summer frocks and rompers ahoy.

- American Apparel is great for boys, basics, nerdy accessories and ice skating dresses for summer. Hint: Find a shipping/discount code to make your purchase that much sweeter.

- Pixie Market is the home of many fantastically creative fashion designers. Plus there’s free international shipping for all orders over US$250.

- The Outnet, La Garconne and Shopbop are my picks for high end designer garments. It’s possible to find huge discounts on all the brands you covet at the end of season.

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, obviously you kids have hella more choices when it comes to stores & shipping. However you may like to check out these options:

- Witchery is an Aussie chain store – good for simple, elegant pieces. They love neutral colours and their jewellery/scarves/bags are fantastic.

- Cool as a… General Cucumber. A good place to pick up the best pieces from New Zealand’s darker designers. Highlights include Gothic stalwarts Zambesi, the luxe leather work of Deadly Ponies and Jaeha – Alex Kim’s brilliant label.

- MyCatwalk stocks a plethora of cute Aussie & Kiwi designers – including Romance Was Born (get in there for their new tights!) and Elke Kramer’s heart stoppingly awesome laminate jewllery.

(Inspired by Rural Report, New Zealand Fashion Quarterly, Summer 2008)

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TEETH GNASHING & WAILING

by Amber on August 13, 2009

There’s a bit of teeth gnashing and wailing going on in the Code For Something headquarters this afternoon. While doing some research, I happened upon perhaps the most perfect pair of braces ever. No, not for teeth, rather for holding up your trou. Behold, the Lonely Hearts zipper braces:

Lonely Hearts

From the I.O.U Nothing collection, A/W 08. I’d love to find a pair.

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Attention Up Top | An Ode To Hats

by Amber on August 6, 2009

Human nature is to seek attention. We usually gain it through a time tested method – fashion. In recent years this has manifested as huge tally of shopping receipts rather than style. Hushed cries of “Ooh look at her in that Armani” and “…More diamonds on that bra than any other brassiere, ever” were heard throughout the land. Which is all quite wrong in respect of the current and widespread financial predicament.

Chapeau Claudette Mini Turquoise

Nevertheless, we still want to look different, and we still want people to admiringly glance at us as we enter a room. But how do we do so without simply relying on luxury purchases?

If you think about other non-fashion situations, when humans want to be seen (and usually photographed) – we plop something upon our heads and proceed to parade. Weddings, graduations and trips to Disneyland; where you simply must acquire a set of sequined or fluffy mouse ears for the day.

Judging by the first scratched self portraits we made in caves, we have always worn things upon their heads. It started with simple fur coverings for protection and warmth, but as time passed, we began to use head-wear to denote our roles in society.

We tell people we are bakers, princesses (either wearing crowns or the new romantic fripperies favoured by Diana) and police officers.

Princess Diana

Really though, when we get down to it – hats are about making a noise. The eye is always drawn to a person’s face first, so a hat instantly adds distinction to one’s look. With a hat, the wearer is hidden in an ounce of mystery but also nonchalantly screams for attention from across the street (a fact celebrities know well). Of course, sometimes head-wear has been overlooked, depending on the ebb and tide of designer moods. Thankfully the last few seasons have delivered us a wealth of ideas to flaunt upon our noggins.

Marc Jacobs

Little by little, we have started to remember the joy of headwear – with pieces like Marc Jacob’s fun party hats, smile inducing jet planes and abstract bunny ears leading the way. Recent collections flaunted a wealth of toppers – everybody from Lanvin to Ann Demeulemeester did their part and capped models with decadent sculptures. Fresh millinery talents like Justin Smith are offering more hats than ever before; and even on the other side of the world hats are in – Lover’s simple boaters have captured the imagination of thousands.

Lover's Boater Hat

You’ve now heard it girls and boys, and there’s no excuses not to participate! The way things are going, expect Topshop to have a dedicated head-wear department soon.  Those of you looking for custom crafted plumage can find some easily by turning to the online craft portal Etsy. Many niche milliners have found their place there and are doing a roaring trade.

1956: Hat designer Lily Dache trying on a new model.

Furthermore, the size of most pieces means whether you opt for a fascinator at the more expressive end of the scale, or simple plaited leather headbands at the latter; your budget is only going to be blown if you’re lead astray and buy too many.

Yes, as affordable as you please, as loud as you want, versatile enough for any occasion you could dream of – coffee dates, space missions and bar mitzvahs alike. Right now hats seem to be the most versatile and stylish way of getting what we want – attention. As the old saying goes – get ahead, get a hat.

topper is acceptable.

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Sofia Coppola Bags For LV

by Amber on July 20, 2009

I enjoyed this Marie Claire shoot of the Sofia Coppola designed line of accessories for Louis Vuitton. Shallow depth of field, golden chains, and retro references like Polaroids & records – it’s lovely. Here are my favourite shots:

Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

While this I really love the styling – the bags are not so to my taste. The black suede clutch is more appealing than the monogrammed version; but I just don’t think I could ever spend that much money on a handbag, regardless of how loaded I was.

Spenidng hard earned cash on pink champagne and old Rolling Stones tunes is much more my style!

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EYE SPY STYLE

by Amber on July 16, 2009

My friends are not only witty, well read and loyal – they also have a wonderful sense of  eye wear. I snapped a few pictures of Lazarescu & Prasnaglava, and asked them about their shades.

Laza’s father is an importer – “In the mid nineties somebody imported these Polaroid glasses and couldn’t pay the shipping fees… so we had 10 boxes lying around the house.” He describes the look as retro sport – “If action calls the goggs are waiting!”

Retro Polaroid Sunglasses

Josh (or Prasnaglava as he is fondly known)  found his glasses at the New Lynn $2 shop, but asked me to note that subsequent trips have “failed to unearth any more pairs”. A shame because they are outrageously cute and gender neutral! Josh describes them as “subtly provocative, complementing any outfit”.

Cheap Fun Frames

You could say they share a philosophy that the more unique a look is, the better! They also get bonus points for being stylish on the cheap. Now to find some cheap frames for myself…

Retro Polaroid Sunglasses

Laza’s father is an importer – “In the mid nineties somebody imported these Polaroid glasses and couldn’t pay the shipping fees… so we had 10 boxes lying around the house.” He describes the look as retro sport – “If action calls the goggs are waiting!”

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HAPPY BASTILLE DAY!

by Amber on July 14, 2009

Le feu d’artifice is French for fireworks! May there be many overhead as you celebrate Bastille Day. Here’s what I’d, uh, wear and accessorise with if I was going to go out on the town in Paris!

Happy Bastille Day!

Macaron charms and a Dior oui ring, a little black satchel, a striped puffball dress, Coco parfum, Repetto Kandinsky Lace-Ups and of course, lashings of Veuve! Best champagne ever.

❤

I’m not quite a Francophile yet – but oh! I’m sure I could – assuming I could dismiss all the bad memories of my slovenly housemate from Marseille. But let’s not focus on that. Today is about LOVE! Here are some of the previous Code For Something declarations of amour for the sexy, decadent and stylish nation of France:

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