dresscode

EAGLES VERSUS WOLVES (AND HORSES)

by Amber on March 1, 2009 in Notebook

If I’m ever in sartorial doubt, I like to get shirty. Yes, the humble T-shirt is revered as my saviour when things get tough. Over the next while I’ll be chronicling some of my favourite pieces of cloth.

To start with let’s look at that ubiquitous trifecta of kitsch: the wolf, eagle and stallion tees. Of course there are other animals, I am partial to this hilarious rhino one… but those three take the cake. Why do hipsters and tourist dads and I love them so?

(All the t-shirts featured are from the delightful AnimalShirts.net)

WOLVES…

wolfshirt

Raw, gorgeous and mystic. Or something like that. Wear a wolf shirt, howl at the moon or your favourite band. Feel unstoppable energy coursing through your veins. It’s more fun and looks better than carrying a crystal in your pocket.

EAGLES…

eagle-shirts

Eagle shirts are all about paying homage to the good ship America. Or your manliness. Feeling like people aren’t respecting you? Throw on a massive bald eagle shirt and watch the peons bow at your feet in awe (I gave this advice to a creative director once).

HORSES…

wild horses

The top left shirt, the Grey on Grey, would look brilliant on a guy. For myself, it would have to be the wyld stallion ripping up the main stage. I think for many girls, horses are part of the fantasy of a perfect childhood. For me it’s all about Patti Smith and rock.

Speaking of horse shirts, Martin Margiela (all hail mystery!) was in the news last year for his colossally expensive rip off of a British artist, David Penfound. It’s a really interesting case, yet apparently this level of ‘appropriation’ happens all the time.

If you’re digging the look, Vain and Vapid suggests buying one of Penfound’s tees to alter (available on eBay). Simply buy one in XL size and slit the sleeves at the bottom, attaching the excess fabric to the side of the shirt. Finally, sew in shoulder pads. Easy to do and you’re supporting the true creative.

It’s not a horse shirt, but something even better…

Horses sweater

Behold! I picked up this emerald green horse sweatshirt at Urban Outfitters in Liverpool. It’s actually from the menswear department but that didn’t (and never will) stop me. It’s paired up with a tee, black jeans and funny little brogue inspired lace ups.

Black Jeans

shoes

Aw nah, I take it back, I love ponies – ❤ – What’s your spirit fashion animal?

{ 8 comments }

DRESS CODE: ON THE FARM

by Amber on December 13, 2008 in Notebook

Today I went out to a wee farmlet, to celebrate a family birthday. It was about 25 minutes drive from the city. In between socialising, I wandered around, saying hello to the various ducks, pukekos, friendly cats, cows, chickens & bunnies. I took a few photos (it was quite windy) and then dashed inside for cake. Mmm, pecan and caramel is an awesome cakey combo!

+ Grey singlet
+ Black levis
+ Black jandals/flip flops/thongs (oo-er!)
+ Jockey star shirt, from Supre of all places… (I say Jockey because it reminds me of racing horses.)
+ Hippo brooch

My new hippo brooch from Princess C, Lady J And the Upper Crust is so much fun! Taxidermy influences meet a crazed colour palette. You may call her Harriet. (Thanks also to Michi Girl, who were graciously giving them away).

{ 2 comments }

DRESS CODE: LATE SPRING 21-11-08

by Amber on November 23, 2008 in Notebook

Late spring. Standing in the dappled light of my front porch. Or, of my verandah as we say around here. The differences in language use between various English-speaking nations really become apparent when you start putting things out on the Internet for consumption, as opposed to just observing.

It’s a wonderful thing though, especially as a writer, you get to tap into a vocabulary well deeper than you ever imagined. A few examples of the variations I love are:

Candy – sweets – lollies. Bodega – convenience store – dairy. Popsicle – ice lolly – iceblock. Comforter – doona – duvet.

But most of all… I love fringe – bangs – iron curtain of hair! This is what started all my musing – isn’t it funny how the two words are completely unrelated? From what I understand fringe was the original term, then bangs developed colloquially, from a use of the adverb bang – meaning abruptly. It obviously stuck. Anyway, here is my new fringe in action:

+ Tempt blue dress
+ Levi black jeans
+ Silver canvas plimsolls (shock, from the Warehouse)

There seems to be about 20 different shade of pink & purple in my hair. If I was to step into full sunlight you’d see a halo of magenta around my crown. Anyway, bangs are fun – it’s amazing how different they can make you look.

Rather a lot of thinking and commentary for an outfit that ended up being very pared back. I guess I’m just fascinated by language and culture. How about yourself - are you a fringe or bangs kind of cat?

{ 0 comments }

DRESS CODE: 11/10/2008

by Amber on October 12, 2008 in Notebook

I’m moving house tomorrow… so the next few days might be very quiet as we figure out where all the little cables went and hmmm just what happened to my favourite shirt? Actually, this is one of my favourite shirts – a basic flannel men’s shirt from The Warehouse, which is New Zealand’s mega-discount chain. $8, oh yeah. It coordinates very nicely with my packing box.

I’m going to miss my sunny yellow bedroom and our funny old creaky villa!

{ 1 comment }

DRESS CODE: 5/10/2008

by Amber on October 5, 2008 in Notebook

As promised in the CFS Guide to Looking Good on a Bike, my own bike style. A Sunday afternoon called for blowing out the cobwebs and simply riding around the car-park across the road from my house. Not too adventurous but it was rather blustery – making it challenging to see past my flapping hair!

T-shirt: Huffer.
Canvas slip-ons: Kmart, $8 baby!
Leggings: Generic black life-savers. Because of the ferocious wind, I was super thankful for making the decision to wear tights! Modesty prevailed!
Black dress: Valley Girl. It’s an el cheapo brand, but this cotton dress has lasted an amazingly long time… 3 years and counting!
Waistcoat: Dotti. A plain vest that’s easy to throw over any outfit that needs a bit more structure.

Bonus resources! Urban Cycle Chic, which has a great section on velocoture. That led me to Riding Pretty – California bike fashion – shots straight from the beach. They both seem to be updated regularly, so go check ‘em out.

{ 2 comments }

It’s Raining

by Amber on July 31, 2008 in Notebook

Apologies for the lack of updates over the last few days – I’ve been sick and there’s been a storm blowing! However the weather hasn’t stopped me shopping – last week I managed to pick up the most glorious 50mm lens for my camera and aptly, a rain jacket.

I picked up this gorgeous Source Jacket from the moochi store, at a bargain 1/3rd of the original price! Hurrah for sales. moochi is a new zealand label that makes understated, comfortable (for mooching yeah?) clothes that are awesome for layering. I find their colour palette father muted and classic, making their pieces are rather timeless.

Appropriately, I wore it to my recent house party – a night of music and friends entitled ‘Winter in Vermont’. It was a magnificent way to beat the storm and stay dry!

What I love the most about this anorak is the hidden drawstrings. You can cinch it in at both the waist and bottom hem for a more structured hourglass shape, or leave it super baggy floating all over your body. The glittery nylon also makes me sigh with delight. Yes, with my jacket on, I am definitely looking forward to the next bout of showers.