A little love from Amazon.com

If Hermione Granger had been into fashion we would have been best friends. I am hugely aware that you cannot learn everything from books... However this knowledge failed to stop me from ordering a few more from the bottomless pit that is Amazon.com. 

I guess it is because I am trying to consume all the information I can get my hands on and sometimes the internet, shock horror, just doesn't offer the same depth as a good old fashioned book. 

It is also probably because I am so completely OBSESSED with achieving my 'dream' that I am utterly terrified that, if I don't consume every piece of vital (and non-vital) information, I will be tossed aside in wake of some fabulous all-knowing thirteen year old. 

 

 I have already devoured the deliciously glossy Teen Vogue Handbook and I am halfway through the surprisingly upbeat Writers Digest: Magazine Article Writing. Good times on a rainy Sunday!!

If you are equally as obsessed as I, all four are available to order on amazon.com

Happy reading!

Cynthia Rowley RTW

Inspired by precious metals, Cynthia Rowley's spring 2012 collection is a luxurious mix of metallics and painterly/graphic prints. 

This collection encapsulates everything that I adore. I would have to describe my personal aesthetic as rather schizophrenic, one week I will wear light, airy dresses while the next I could be in something allot sharper and masculine. Looking through Rowley's collection I saw all my  style moods streamlined into one cohesive show... 

Bellow are some of my favourites:

These darker and more masculine looks above are super sexy but in a subtle way (the best way). 

The goooorgeous dress on the left is a perfect variation of the classic little-black-dress, the way the print moves with such fluidity across the tailored structure of the dress.. WANT. NOW. PLEASE.

(I am also a huge fan of a statement pant, especially when they are cut so perfectly like these.) 

These are just a few of the beautiful dresses in the collection, they are the looks that cater to my more feminine style mood. 

The full, flowing skirts, ultra-feminine nipped waists done with these printed, metallic fabrics, these dresses are ladylike without the 'prim' factor. 

Absolute Show-stoppers.

Photos: Style.com

Neon Candy.

All I can think about is summer. Summer, summer, summer, SUMMER.

So, even though Auckland is yet to break the 20 degree mark, I couldn't resist buying some deliciously bright (and extremely girly) pieces...

RUBY Boutique is my favouriite store for all things feminine and colourful. I was instantly drawn to these candy coloured 'Miller' tiered shorts. They were a steal (on sale!) and are the kind of thing I will wear allllll summer paired with powdery shirts and t-shirts I have my eye on THIS adorable patchwork shirt.

Also I am kind of obsessed with Neon accessories. I love the way they pop against darker colours, especially grey, dark blue and purple. This neon pink waist belt from TopShop at the Department store is perfect!

Beautiful velvet button detail, they think of everything! 

Brought some Chupa Chups in the mall so we could get free parking. Old time favourite!

Well there goes this weeks pay cheque... MUST get another job. Happy days.

x

Shoes with Studs and Coaster Rugs.

I visited the always inviting Department Store on this very sunny morning... (Spring!!!)

And found some more things I would quite like... and something that I already have: 

These Beau Coops boots are crazy-cool. I am a sucker for anything that has hardware, especially when its GOLD. I am in love the brown pair with the black toe-cap, very Emmanuelle Alt.

Then I spotted these Coaster Rugs! We have some of these already that we brought in Marrakesh about a   year ago. I thought they were awesome in a kitschy kind of way at the time and now that the Dept Store stocks them I have confirmation. Obviously cool.

This store makes me happy every time I walk through the doors, it smells amazing, the staff are helpful and there is always something to love inside. 

Admit it, with the exception of Country Road, Takapuna was a bit crap (more than a bit) before the Department Store came along.

Inside the Shoe Box.

Today I visited Kathryn Wilson's shoebox. Seriously. 

Her new pop up store in the (now) super cool Britomart precinct is a mega-sized, almost exact replica of a Kathryn Wilson shoebox.

But instead of just one pair, inside you will find the walls lined with her entire Spring/Summer 2011 collection!

The crisp white is the perfect backdrop for showcasing these colourful creations: 

I am DIEING over the 'Sydney' wedge. Those colours! So summery. 

I hate my feet so I never wear sandals but I might just get over that for these Miss Wilson flats!

Loving the mixture of metallic and matte leather.

You know what else is awesome about this store? Even the floor uses the same shoe print as the tissue paper in the shoebox! Neat right?

xx

Lessons that Fashion Week taught me: Final.

Well thats that, it is over.

Fun? Yes. Eye-opening? Yes. Exhausting? Yes. Do it again? IN A HEART BEAT!!

"Sometimes I can't believe I talk about this crap all day." 

The perfect line to sum up the Friday vibes.

-Nigel, The Devil Wears Prada

Lesson 18: Even fashion people get tired of fashion. The media room was a buzz with people saying how OVER IT they were. Long days, short nights, high shoes and computer screen staring... Oh the hard times of NZFW.

Lesson 19: Eventually Photoshop will kill you. Hours of staring at your computer while that tiny little rainbow-wheel-of-death spins round and round is enough to drive anyone insane.

"F YOU!!!!!!"

Lesson 20: Don't try and get everything done when you are hungry, tired and sore. Important things will go unnoticed, mistakes will be made and you will fall asleep on your keypad.
Waking up with an indent in my forehead and about 1000 MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMs across my half finished post was fun.


Lesson 21: Fashion media people are cool. Seriously, who made up the lie that we were all catty bitches?

Although.. I would not like to be on the wrong end of a fashion-media-death-stare

Lesson 22: Denim jeans a ratty t-shirt and a sunny afternoon. The best way to come down after NZFW craziness.

Back to reality

Well, that was my first NZFW! SUCH A GREAT WEEK... Don't forget to check out www.thedownlow.co.nz for a complete rundown on NZFW!

Now to write two 2000 word essay's. Bye bye semi-glamorous life, see you next year!

Day 4: Lessons that Fashion Week taught me.

The first show of the day began at 1pm, which meant I got to sleep for a beautiful 7 hours instead of 4.

However more sleep still didnt stop me from making some serious sartorial mistakes. 

Lesson 14: Don't wear a short, flippy skirt when you have to walk along the waterfront. Its the first day of Spring which is meant to mean crisp sunny days and light breezes. Unfortunately in Auckland it means rain, wind and RAIN WITH WIND. 

This meant that I was constantly trying to hold down said skirt while juggling the weight of 3 bags and a camera. 

LOL

Lesson 15: When you're in danger of flashing the world, its best to just walk on like you don't give a shit. 

80 denier stockings are pretty much like tights anyway right?

Lesson 16: NZFW is all consuming. Home is boring once you have been around brilliant people and nice things all day. Seriously my world has shrunk to encompass only the Viaduct Events Center and the AllPress coffee place, its hard to think that life is happening as normal.

Party on the Huffer Runway? Sure.

Lesson 17: Saben and the beautiful people behind it are brilliant. They are Queens of colour and I worship them.

Saben Bag

Saben Necklace.

Only one day of lessons left! Friday will be a big one CANNOT WAIT!
x

For more from NZFW checkout TheDownLow.co.nz or THE best site ever.