10 things

Fashion friday by Evie Kemp

This week I got my 15 minutes when I was featured in Viva's 10 favourite things. You can read it here and see the pictures here (if you haven't already, I've kind of shamelessly been promoting it (this being case in point) only stopping short of sky-writing it).

Anyway, lists are fun so today I'm doing my NZ winter fashion 10. I'm honestly writing this in fingerless mittens and if that's not reason to go out and embrace the cold season, I don't know what is.

The house of G has really picked up their game lately and actually have loads of lovely stuff in the perfect winter colour palette. I love how fashion influence has made me adore this sweater when last year I would have been calling it 'baby poo'. I revel in my own fickleness, it's very funny. The bobble knit, 3/4 sleeves and gold button detailing are spot on.Glassons sweater with gold buttons. $49.99.

Tights are obviously an essential. Did you know Columbine is the only hosiery factory still going in New Zealand? Based in Gisborne this family business has been making really nice tights since 1961 (that's 50 years). They have a beautiful range and they're top quality too. Oh and they are nearly almost always included in the Farmers sale. Win, win. For colours, I vote ditch the black and go red, maroon, rust, chartreuse, forest green or grey. Wear them with some beautiful oatmeal toned over the knee socks (Glassons has some) for added warmth and total cuteness.

Geodisic rings by Bliss in a Teacup.Every ring is different, hand carved from lovingly selected pieces of beautiful wood that Bliss in a Teacup have found as far away as Canada. I have one and it goes so well my winter style. I love the edgy style coupled with the soft wood tones and how the wood warms as I wear it. I do also want one I could take an eye out with as well though (can't get too soppy on you). Bliss in a Teacup also make gorgeouscarved wooden pendants. Check their blog and etsy shop for general loveliness.

Chester pin tuck skirt by Ruby. The pleated woollen skirt is winter's answer to pleated chiffon. Cozy and cute and yet not so floaty & flirty that it will whip up in a little wind. Over-ride your natural instinct to go for a black skirt, Vitamin D deficiency is making us all depressed so cheer up (and don't do drugs, kids). $179.

It's impossible for me not to include these bow suede gloves. They are suede, driving style, perforated, have bows and are reduced to $15 right now too. Wearing gloves always makes me want to go in to shops and point at things.

Because these boots are so cheap, I'm putting in two pairs because it would be a shame not to. Seeing as how our winter is often short and unreasonably wet it's nice to not remortgage the house on fashion boots. Instead, put your investment in to some equestrian style leather boots that will last you years and have fun with little booties. Antila black $49.99 and Razza taupe $59.99 both from No.1 Shoes.

I had to include this dress because it's so pretty. Oh and would be absolutely wearable in summer too. It's the perfect base for wrapping up in pretty scarves and coats. I'd wear it with an orange belt or some crazy necklace to mix it up. Navy is almost always the better looking and more select sister to black. Carnaby dress from Wildpair $99.Winter is not the time to forgo on a bit of baggage. When you get to the cafe/art gallery/hardware store you'll end up having to unwrap your carefully placed accessories. Don't be that person dropping gloves and tying your scarf round your waist while huffing & puffing, take a bag you can stuff a few bits in. This Saben Edie Cowboy $369 from Wanda Harland is a bit of an extravagant purchase but it's classic, lovely and worth the investment. I'm just imagining how smoothy that leather is.This tiny porcelain fox necklace is the sweetest thing ever. He just looks so pleased with himself. Eeeeee! Ultra love. There's not much else to say about him, besides 'gah!' and other cooing noises. $70 from Madame Fancypants.Honestly, as fun as dressing up is on those raining, super cold days it's nice to just stay inside with the fire on and a good book. Totally on theme and a super read is "The Dress Circle: New Zealand Fashion Design since 1940". I'm currently mid-read and finding it a real eyeopener, plus it's packed with lots of great pictures $64.99.

This has been a rather epic blogpost but still share your winter wishes in the comments below! Mid winter Santa, if you're reading, please see above.

The Humble Tee

Fashion Friday by Evie Kemp

This post is dedicated to the t-shirt in all it's forms. When thinking about clothes (something I do often) my mind often skims over the t-shirt, a mistake for sure. The humble tee should never be underestimated. Sure, for many it's a staple but in equal parts it has the potential to be a statement.

As varied as the design or print of a tee are the styles, shapes and way of wearing. I'll admit now I'm a bit of a more recent convert to the way of the tee as previously I was scared of how I would work one with my uniform of flippy skirts. I have now seen the light, that an awesome t-shirt can be worn with almost anything and done right can really add something to an outfit by giving me that "oh, this? I just threw this on this morning" cool that I'd possibly (probably) been lacking.

With t-shirts, any stigma regarding size and even gender go out of the window. Buy what ever size you like and style it your way. Walk in to the guy's section and try them on, chances are it will look better on you anyway. Can you sense my new found liberation?
Possibly the best thing about them is that they're like fashion Pokemon (though I actually know quite a fashionable pikachu…another story) in that you can collect a set, find exclusive, unique and hard to find ones. You can buy them online and they will almost definitely fit.
I'm smitten and starting to sound a bit like an infomercial so I'll stop here. Feel free to share your favourite t-shirts in the comments below or tell me I'm wrong and that they should be reserved for gym-only, if you like.

1. Devon Smith Thought Fox T-shirt $35US 2. Wendy Marchbanks Bear T-shirt $43US 3. Rockwell How very nice & normal T-shirt €35 4. Lazy Oaf Bowtie Slob T-shirt £28 5. Rare Device L'idiot Savant $35

wrapped up

Post by Evie Kemp

As we come to the start of June the NZ winter is technically upon us. I know some people like to have a grumble about the colder weather, but quite honestly I really couldn't be happier. I think coats are just the best clothing item around, oh and boots…well coats and boots. No other item is so worth throwing a bit more money at, a great coat can be both incredibly flattering and practical as well as being a real statement piece. Perhaps you noticed (maybe you haven't got the right coat) but people love to comment on and covet a great coat. Choose a great one and it will last you for years.

A beautiful black or navy jacket will serve you well but outerwear is a great excuse to swath yourself in that colour that makes you look like a movie star and makes everyone around you feel like they're in a black & white film while you're skipping along in The Wizard of Oz.

If, like me, you live somewhere that remains fairly temperate even thorough the winter months (bah humbug) use it as an opportunity to go and visit friends in cooler climates and swan around in your winter splendour. Alternatively adopt a sleek and lightweight trench style to see you through.
So, do you like to refresh your winter wardrobe each year or do you choose to have classic pieces that last for seasons?

Karen Millen orange swing jacket £212

ASOS striped collarless mac £75

River Island leopard print trench £55

A Right Royal Wedding

Post by Evie Kemp

I'm absolutely going to watch the Royal Wedding tomorrow and if you say you're not, I won't believe you.

The wedding of the 'century' (just 11 years in to it) has been hyped to within an inch of it's life but I'm still excited. Grumble about the Royals all you like, they are still the closest embodiment we dreamers have to a real-life fairytale. Dear William is Prince Charming and Kate is Cinderella (with a lot more money and better schooling, but still), their relationship has already stood the test of time and they really do look very happy. It's romantic. We love romance.

Oh and we love the opportunity for a party. Any excuse right? Next Friday has become a huge excuse for a party, get digging out the tea set, the bunting and the gin and party like it's VE day all over again. I rather think that party girl Kate would say 'Hoorah' to all that. So get in the spirit, dress up and gather your friends round the tele. To her credit, noone quite does that classy, appropriately gorgeous formal dressing, quite like our Katie. So, for a little inspiration for your own outfit on Friday here are some of her key looks.

Don't forget your hat.

We'll do royal maternity next year (Jokes…I think…)

Leaving on a jet plane

fashion friday by Evie Kemp

I spend far more time waiting at the airport to pick up/drop off people than I do travelling myself. Don't worry I'm not too sad about it, I make myself feel better by scrutinising the attire of everyone who comes through those arrival doors. Looking good while sleeping upright and eating off your lap for 20 hours is no easy feat and most people either look totally awful or ridiculously over dressed. I believe looking good after long haul (or even short haul for that matter) is a fine art but totally worth perfecting. There are a lot of people on a 747 and you really do want to be the one the hundreds of other passengers stare at enviously as you strut down the aisle to depart (that's right, you strut now). Also, at the end of a long journey there are usually old friends waiting and you don't want their first thought to be ' Wow, she's looking a bit rough these days'.

So where to start?

• Firstly don't wear anything that will get excessively crumpled.

• Don't wear a skirt or dress, if you insist on it make sure you wear leggings. It doesn't matter how many times you walk up and down, you might still get swollen ankles (cankles) and will look totally awful. A nice pair of trousers or jeans will hold you in much better stead.

• Wear a pair of shoes that are easy to slip on and off, are casual but not slippers. Ballet flats are great for this. Heels are terrible and try hard.

• Wear a nice jumper/sweater. A stripy one always looks nice, cashmere is always great for that first class feeling (and budget). It won't crumple, you can pull it over your crumpled top and you'll look all casual and cosy which will help create envy amongst fellow travellers.

• Do take a neutral coloured pashmina/giant scarf. It's what magazines tell you to do but it makes sense. It can double as an extra blanket and an extra cover up while whizzing past the paparazzi (of course).

• Don't try and get on the plane with numerous plastic bags and don't take on carry-on luggage you don't really need. A nice, big lightweight handbag is the best because you can get everything you need it and still squish it under the seat in front of you. You can always add a proper carry on bag full of shopping on your return journey. You want to move through the airport effortlessly and you don't want to be that person dropping things from the overhead locker in the middle of the night.

• Never underestimate the power of mascara to make you look refreshed. Ditto, never underestimate the power of a dry shampoo (a travel can of Batiste) to make you look (comparably) like you just stepped out of a Pantene commercial. Also, I can personally vouch for those weird little disposable toothbrushes called 'Wisps', they are actually quite great and you can brush your teeth without water if needs be.

• Always buy yourself an indecent amount of m&m's or your preferred snacks. You're essentially going to be watching movies all day, you may as well make the most of it. Besides, you never know quite how bad the 'fritatta' is going to be.

Finally, if you've finished a magazine. Leave it in departures for someone else. They will love you for it.

What are your travel tips?

Linkys

Topshop striped jumper and Topshop apricot cable jumper both £38

Aqua canvas shoes £18 and Leopard print flats £25 also from Topshop

Skinny Jeans $34NZ

Pieces Virabello Canvas Travel Bag £38

The important role of Project Runway

fashion friday by Evie Kemp

Here in New Zealand, the arty crafty fashion posse that we all (albeit unofficially) belong to, go gaga for Project Runway. Last night, season 8 began on our screens (if you already know the outcome I BEG you to keep your lips sealed!) and I actually did a little dance when I found out it was playing.

Project Runway really is just your typical reality TV show. The contestants are for the most part melodramatic airheads and half of them seemingly can't sew. The projects are more often than not tasteless and tacky and the entire show is one hour of hardcore product placement (yes we noticed you HP, BlueFly now Piperlime, L'oreal and Mood). So, what makes it so enjoyable to watch and so hard to look away from?

The answer is simple really. It's the ability to sit there and cringe, bitch and criticise. In this lovely handmade and indie designed world we are just so nice to each other. Don't get me wrong, I love that and I think we should be nice to each other. But it is so refreshing and fun to sit and mime throwing-up in front of the tv while yet another Project Runway catastrophe comes down the catwalk. It all gets very critical but then when something genuinely good comes out we can get all excited about that.

When you create your own designs/art/jewellery/clothing for a living you can get caught up in feeling like you're the one being judged. Once a week, Thursdays at 9.30pm to be precise, it's fun to be the judge.

If you want to join in with some healthy criticism at that time, feel free to come on twitter and follow me @eviekemp, Colleen @DearColleen and our merry group of PR critics.

Is this why you watch Project Runway?

the 30's

fashion friday by evie kemp

Colleen was lucky enough to go the re-opening of The Roxy, a Wellington Cinema that exemplifies the glamour of the golden age of Hollywood. It has been painstakingly restored to it's former 1930's glory and now in super-modern 2011 it appears absolutely opulent, lavish and over the top. It is a total novelty to us to imagine a trip to the movies as something so glamourous.

The 30's did dressing up so well but in ways that we can relate to. It wasn't the roaring, frivolous decade of the 20's nor the entirely somber and restrained 40's. The 30's had style and a modern attitude. Designs were simple but refined, elegant and sophisticated even by todays standards.

The aspects of 30's fashion that I especially adore, is the way in which women wore the trousers. High waisted, wide legged ones that gave a silhouette not all that different to an evening gown. Trousers were still not common female clothing so weren't worn with the kind of day-to-day mundanity we tend to now. I love the way that an underlying practicality was given such a fashion focussed twist. See: Katherine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich.

The 30's were 70 years ago now but in so many ways those times weren't all so dissimilar to the present and today in 2011 much of the style and fashion would still look incredible and contemporary. Imagine walking into the office dressed as Katherine Hepburn, I'd argue that everybody would consider it a pretty modern take on corporate attire. That's the beauty of fashion and design, as time passes, aspects and influences come back and are re appropriated. And, if you're asking me, the 30's could do with a bit more of a comeback.

If you're looking for some great 30's fashion cinematic action spend the weekend watching Atonement and The Aviator.

What's your favourite fashion decade?