the year of the dog…

Merry Christmas, happy New Year and all of that – I know we’re now well past the socially excepted point for saying this but what are you going to do. As you can probably tell my New Years resolution wasn’t to be more organized – I’m quite a believer in resolutions and tend to make one single rule each year. I’ve had great success with the one rule system, while other friends make it a month at most only eating lattuce, well hand making all their soap and running up a mountain everyday, I give myself a single task that I can usually just about manage to stick to. One year I never used a lift or elevators, one I give up chocolate, a particularly fun year was spend swearing more creatively and then there was the memorable and not hugely successful year of being a bad-ass.

However this year I’m branching out and have set myself two. My first one is shamefully sickening but boils down to being a better more caring human being – to try as often as possible to see the world from other peoples point of view and to generally be less judgemental – in life and online. The second is in the title, it might be the Chinese year of the rabbit but for me at least it’s the year of the dog, I don’t say this lightly I grown up with dogs and I fully understand the tie and commitment owning one is but I’m finally ready and when I say ready I mean can aim to be ready by the end of the year (clearly I need a home first). I have a wish list of breeds my first choice at the moment being the Norfolk as shown at the into – it’s my Father (who is a fairly well know figure in dog circles) small dog of choice. I suspect this is mostly duel to the fact my family live in the English country side as do a lot of rats who sadly aren’t shy of coming in doors. Norfolk terriers are considered the best dog in the business at ratting. For me though they are a good size, look like teddy bears and are still not a silly princess dog. My second choice is the Boston shown above from what I have read they make amazing (the best) apartment dogs and I know they would just look beautiful in photo shoots. Is that terribly shallow of me?

and on to 2011...

Trend forecasting must be a scary occupation. Simultaneously looking in to the future and in a way dictating it.

I've been looking through the S/S 2011 collections and reading what I can to try and figure out what we should or might be wearing later in the year but to be honest, while I love a lot of what I see there are things that I hope stay on last years runway never to return. I've put together another list of what we canexpect to be seeing a lot of this year. Perhaps in 12 months I can look back and compare notes.

The 90's/minimalism

Starting with the bad news is the return of the 90's, specifically the 90's shift. Simple (or no) tailoring, spaghetti straps, straight up and down. Generally looks awful on anyone but a model and even then it doesn't look that amazing. Think Victoria Beckham at the beginning of the Spice Girls.Technically it's called minimalism but we all know where we saw it first. I do love fashion but this is a trend I don't want to see. But, please feel free to argue against me!

Statement sunglasses and hats

I personally love a huge pair of sunglasses though for the past two summers they have been put aside for a generally more understated pair. I can't wait to get to get a new jumbo pair that will hide most of my face. The rule here is do think retro and preferably round or even with a bit of a cats eye thing going on. Again, sorry for the Posh Spice references but avoid the big black rectangular styles favoured by her a few years back. I love this pair by Karen Walker though coloured frames could be even better. Hat-wise consider donating your trilbies and panamas to your Dad for a while and dare to wear a bucket style, hugely wide brimmed floppy hat, or even better, a sombrero. I kid you not.

The 70's

We already saw a fair bit of this last year and the hats (above) already gave it away but expect the 70's to be the over-riding influence this year, more so than the more mid-century styles we saw last year. High-waisted mega flares, silk blouses, halter necks and maxi skirts and dresses should all be getting a lot of face time. Clompy clog sandals and buckle sandals for summer feet. Do think more 1973 resort that 1979 supermarket shopping.

Print and colour

Again, entirely connected to the above prints should be bold, bright and clashing or alternatively colour block to the extreme. 2011 is supposed to be a year of some seriously amazing colours and you're supposed to be combining them in ways Rothko and Newman would be extremely proud of. Pantone declared this years colour 'HoneySuckle pink' which is a kind of pinker shade of watermelon, add to this tangerine and a true turquoise. Darker jewel colours will also be popular particular citrine and ruby.

No print and no colour

If you're not one for colour a minimalist palette is also supposed to big news this year (though really when isn't it?). White especially is looking good, team with tans and various earth colours (see 2010). Texture though will be important, in either slinky luxe silk or pretty lace dresses in black or white. I for one will not really be too bothered with this. I love colour too much.

Additional notes

Heels should return to a stacked platform although the kitten heel is supposed to remain wafting around (boo).

Key accessories should include a silk scarf worn around your head, neck or hat.

Leather and studs are supposed to remain in Vogue.

Remember style doesn't change overnight so many of last years trends will still be valid.

I'm interested to know what you think will be big (or not) this year and if you have any personal style trends that you'll be adopting/carrying over. Personally I really want to run with the colours, especially pairing colour with colour and eliminating a lot of black or tan type combinations. I also want to start working more high quality fabrics in to my wardrobe because they really do look so much more amazing.

What are you going to wear this year?

All photos style.com except sunglasses by Karen Walker

By Evie Kemp

2010, The year in fashion

I've been looking forward to doing this post. While it's happening the year can all feel like a bit of a blur and there's nothing like a dash of retrospection to create a snap shot of the year that was. Fashion wise I found 2010 to be a great year (remember however that I am a fickle fashion victim), with a perfect balance of nostalgia, the new and the down right strange (Lady Gaga anyone?).

Here are my selection of defining fashion statements from 2010, the pieces and trends that really summed up the year.

• 2010 was rough for the lambs with shearling (sheepskin, preferably lambskin) as the material of the year. We saw shearling jackets, coats, waistcoats, hats, shoes and even socks. Regular leather continued it's reign as an all purpose fabric with the perfection ( and high street-isation) of the leather dress, skirt and t-shirt. Items that despite having all the potential to evoke The Flintstones or a biker gang actually are incredibly simple and beautiful. In saying that, most of us couldn't afford one and the 'vegan' versions = sweaty = not chic.

• The biggest shock for me this year was the return and rise of the clogs. After my initial shock I was a little disgusted, then intrigued, then secretly fancied them and now I'm seeing in 2011 with 2 pairs of clogs at my side. I've been very impressed at the dramatic rise of the humble clog from Dutch national costume to clomping along the runway at Chanel but I'll admit it has made me a bit worried. Those clogs have potentially trod a dangerous path, a path in which such other non-flattering and scary shoes of years past can make an equally dramatic and successful comeback. Spice Girl platforms, I'm looking at you.

• Perhaps less excitingly camel was most definitely the colour of the year (although Pantone declared it turquoise) with bright red a close second. A camel coat was the absolute must buy (you really should have already had one) though camel trousers as perfected by Chloe were also high on this list. This tone, ranging from beige through to caramel signalled a hiatus for black and 2010 embraced a lighter palette in general. Which is nice for a change, which is all it is. Black will be back. It always is.

• Ultimately 2010 was a year of the mid-century flash back. Ladylike silhouettes, skinny waist belts, full skirts, pussy bows, blouses, red lips, proper handbags, kitten heels, peter pan collars and penny loafers were everywhere and should continue to be for a little while longer. Teal, merlot and rust were colours that featured a lot last year evocative as they are of early 60's cocktail dresses. In many ways 2010 wasn't a perfect year but this alone made it for me, finally a fashion trend that works quite perfectly with a big(ger?) bum.

So there are my fashion statements of the year that has been though I could go on. To me, it was a year of luxe and I hope that's here to stay for a while. Next post I'll share what the predictions are for this year. But until then how will you remember 2010?

Fashion friday by Evie Kemp

happy christmas...

I’m sat having an easy thursday afternoon in my day job just waiting to hear if there are any last minute alt's to a branding job I have been squirreling away on. In an hour I break up for the Christmas holiday’s (my first time off in eight months). The office is closing until the end of January and I am taking a small break from ‘Dear Colleen’ to re charge my batteries. I've had an amazing five weeks in the run up to Christmas and did far more business than I ever dreamt I would - those who lived through it with me on twitter will quite rightly think I’m a total moaning mini but now I’m on the other side I can look back and say it has been amazing and once again this year I feel like I was chucked in the deep end and somehow didn’t drown.

It’s a funny thing facing Christmas alone on the wrong side of the world. For a start it’s pretty dam hot and sunny over here, which to my English brain just doesn’t make sense. More importantly I am just about as far away from my family as I can be, I feel a little sad about that but I’m mostly sorted and am looking forward to getting the day off to cycle, catch up with friends and relax. I also love to cook so will spend at least part of the day making lots of yummy food including the legendary pav, which I believe is the Kiwi Christmas desert of choice. I hope you all have lovely Christmases however you’re spending the day.

I just have a few people to thank who have gotten me through the last few weeks; Chris and Sandy my bosses at scooter design endlessly supportive and kind employers. My assistant Jen who filled in for me at the Auckland Art and Craft Fair at the drop of a hat and who has also helped me run a passable wholesale business. Evie for keeping this blog alive and putting together some fabulous articles with little or no guidance from me and finally I huge thank you to my brilliant Mother the most remarkable person I know, she has kindly managed my UK based Etsy shop and wholesale orders. She just got on with it, know what she was doing and made my life a lot easier. I couldn't have asked for more.

Christmas in New York

My guess writer Evie is just back from New York (lucky girl) so here's her top tips for a festive time in 'the city'...

I'm really lucky. I just got back from New York where I had a super time as both tourist and bargain hunter. As someone who resents having christmas in summer I loved the cold, short days, incredible Christmas displays and totally excessive use of fairy lights. I would recommend to everyone to save your pennies and try and visit NYC around Christmas at least once in your life. And so with no real theme in mind (hipster, budget, fashion) I restrained myself to suggest just 5 places you must visit. Luckily they're all free or inexpensive so that leaves money for spending on the good stuff!

1). Brave the crowds on 5th Avenue and the Rockerfeller Center. The Christmas decorations and window displays (particularly at Bergdorf Goodman pictured) are spectacular and you have to go and try on at least one pair of insanely expensive shoes. If you're brave (I wasn't) go in the morning when there aren't queues and go ice skating.

2). Eat at Five Guys. Traditional style burger joint, there are several as they are now a national chain but still feel like a one off place. Nothing flashy but the burgers and skin-on hand cut fries are incredible. Make sure to get ALL the toppings and I recommend getting takeaway and eating in private. It gets messy.

3). Visit the Guggenheim. NYC is full of amazing galleries and museums but to me the Guggenheim is the best. It's a stunning piece of architecture and such a clever layout. It's size and format means the exhibition is really well curated and entirely manageable. No art over-exposure or sore feet. I've been twice and loved it both times. Even non art lovers will be able to handle this one.

4). Go to Brooklyn, especially up to Williamsburg. If I went again I'd spend most of my time over there. It's too cool. It's so nice to get away from the noise of the city too. You must go to Beacons Closet (both of them) and Buffalo Exchange thrift shops, great pickings at fair prices just give yourself plenty of time and energy. Check out all the little shops you pass as well, especially on 5th Avenue in Brooklyn.

5). Ok I'm going to cheat on my 5 things and put two together. Go to Grand Central Station and just marvel at the ceiling. It's so pretty, plus you can stand there and think about all the movies that use it as a place to lose people (so if you're travelling with someone you want to ditch go here and run off). Finally, obviously you have to go to Central Park even (or especially) if it's snowing. It's a great place to people watch and see lots of pampered NY dogs and crazy dog walkers walking 12 dogs at once.

Now I'm really going to cheat and share just a couple of quirky shops you should checkout.

The Evolution Store in Soho, If you love Taxidermy, you'll love this place and The Mysterious Bookshop, a bookshop specialising in crimes and mysteries.

I was really lucky to get some great recommendations on where to go. Guide books are one thing but it means a whole lot more fun when you can get some real life tips from some like-minded people. So with that in mind please share your favourite places, shops, things to do and eateries in the comments.

house keeping...

While it's been a busy couple of weeks for me, this of cause has lots to do with the run up to Christmas and is also partly down to the fact I've been lucky enough to have myself and my work featured in a handful of rather cool places (mostly blogs) but I also did my first magazine interview with Homestyle. Thanks to Jessica from Foxes for scanning it in.

As for house keeping. Firstly Christmas posting dates, that's it for orders to the State and Canada the final guaranteed delivery date as been and gone - sorry. Our lovely neighbours in Australia still have until the 9 December to place orders and New Zealanders can wait until the 20 December to get their orders in. Also New Zealander might like to buy my items from Foxes or Felt as prices work out a little cheeper postage wise, plus Foxes have an exclusive line of 'Dear Colleen' items including the 'Skills' poster pinned above my desk in the photo.

I'm also showing at two fairs over the next couple of week - my assistant Jen is taking a big bag of goodies up to the Auckland Art and Craft Fair next saturday (so sorry that work commitments mean I'm unable to attend myself) and the week after I'm at the Christmas Craft2.0 at the New Dowse. I think this is likely to be my last outing in New Zealand so make sure you drop by to say hello if you're in Wellington that weekend.

Christmas knits...

Every Christmas I watch Bridget Jones. If DVD's were like books my copies of Bridget Jones would be a well thumbed, coffee stained penguin paperback. There is something about all that snow, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant that puts me in a festive mood. So when I thought about christmas sweaters (or jumpers, or pullovers) I instantly thought of Bridget and Mark Darcy in theirs. Any other time of year I would grimace at the sight of someone in a jumper like that but at christmas they are ok, they can even be kind of cool. However before you settle down in your knitted glory with some eggnog comfortable in the knowledge you're not completely breaking a fashion crime there are a couple of rules to follow.

1. His and Hers or in fact matching with anyone is still a big no-no. You may have christmas spirit but you have not lost (all of) your dignity.
2. Leave the flashing christmas tree earrings at home, or even better in the bin.
3. Snowflakes are best, seconded by deer. Anything with a smiley face comes last ie. reindeer with smiley face, christmas tree with smiley face, christmas pudding with smiley face.
4. You do not want to dress like a christmas pudding.

Now, there are two ways you can wear your christmas sweater effectively (although the second one is questionable):

1. Nonchalant hipster chic. Hipsters can enjoy christmas too. Look a bit cutesy and kitsch. Team a loose sweater with skinny jeans or tights and some big clumpy boots (engineers boots look good). Roll up your sleeves, roll up your jeans if you like. You can even have some holes in your jumper if you're into that. Make it look like it was your Dad's sweater and you just don't care. Curl up in the library or a cafe. Look cool. You may add a hat.

Example 1. Michelle Williams

2. Snow bunny. It doesn't matter if it's not snowing just channel some Scandinavian vibes. This look is best pulled off with a longer knitted dress. Wear tights (or don't if you dare) and pixie boots, or elk fur boots and maybe an elk fur hat or ear muffs (not recommended for southern hemisphere). Wear some blush to give you that wind burn, cold air glow. Goggles are a nice touch. Look streamlined and sexy like a Bond girl, or better, a Bond villain.

Example 2. D&G winter 10-11

If you don't have anything suitably festive lurking in your cupboard I've found a couple of workable ones for you.

From left: ASOS Fairisle jumper £38 , Topshop Deer jumper £48, ASOS Curve Blanket Cardi £29.

Because it is the season of good will I'm going to end this post by saying that if you still have an overwhelming desire to make like Mark Darcy and wear something totally absurd, you may. Just make some mince pies too.

Fashion Friday by Evie Kemp