Sometimes It’s The Little Things…

Tags

Benjamin Disraeli, Color, Colour, Fashion, Mavericks, Melbourne, Mens Fashion, Shoe, Shoe Laces, shoelace, Shoes

Mavericks Shoelaces
(Image from here)

Little things affect little minds. (Benjamin Disraeli)

According to Mr Disraeli, I have a little mind. It’s OK. I can live with that. Especially because I think little things can make a big difference. And, while today’s post might not make a BIG difference, it does make me smile…

With that in mind, I bring you Mavericks Laces of Melbourne, a lovely wee company founded in 2012 by three Melbourne designers who love shoelaces. They reckon their laces “can completely transform a pair of shoes, increase your happiness, and make you feel like a bit of a Maverick. Not bad for what most people think is an everyday functional object.”

They also believe that “if the shoes make the man, the laces make the shoe, so (they) design colourful laces for colourful characters.” Now, I may not happen to be a man, but I do agree that a great pair of shoes is well worth drawing the attention of others.

It just so happens I have a pair of shoes that need a bit of lace-loving. My well-loved patent bronze brogues deserve a bit of colour, I reckon.

My Robert Clergerie Brogue
(Image by TSL)

And, the Mavericks team have a number of options for jazzing up your lace ups. I’m leaning towards Dylan, but could be persuaded by Bert. What do you think?

Dylan by Mavericks
Dylan was the popular kid at school. Captain of the footy team, opening fast bowler of the cricket team and an academic wonder boy. Dylan gets along with every shoe he meets with effortless charm. He is the man you want in your corner no matter what the situation.
(Image from here)

Archie by Mavericks
This is one bold cat. Archie’s middle name is danger and his best mate is a Spanish bullfighter. He rolls with shoes of every colour in his posse. Archie is not afraid to be heard and can be a bit of a loud mouth.
(Image from here)

Bert by Mavericks
Bert can be up tight and has a bit of a dark side. He isn’t as loud as most of his
mates, but likes to get the job done with his understated ways. He is often found having deep and meaningfuls with black, khaki and other earthly toned shoes.
(Image from here)

I do love an organisation that anthropomorphises their product! And, if that wasn’t enough excitement for one pair of shoes, the peeps at Mavericks even have a section on their website where they give you instruction in how to ‘style your laces your way’… I favour the Hash.

‘The Hash’ lace style
(Image from here)

Maverick has a groovy website. You can order online (delivery limited to Australia only at this time). You can check it out here.

Jac+Jack STILL Make the Best Tees…

Tags

Australia, Clothing, Fashion, Online Shopping, Oxford Street, Shopping, Split Enz, T-Shirts, Tim Finn

Jac+Jack
(Image from here)

Back in July last year, I wrote a wee post about the Jac+Jack ‘Louis’ Tee (you can refresh your memory here). I still reckon they make the best t-shirts around.

What’s even better is their Oxford Street store has opened (actually, a month ago now. I never claimed to be a fashionista!) and it’s a super fine place to visit if you are after a beautifully crafted, clean piece in cotton or cashmere…

Jac+Jack
126 Oxford Street, Sydney
(Image from here)

LM and I happened past the store the other day while walking the pooch. I just had to take the opportunity to pick up a couple of fresh white tees. There are even a couple of ‘husband chairs’ and best of all, the pooch was welcomed with open arms. Gotta’ love a dog friendly clothing store!

Jac+Jack ‘Mitch’ Tee
I thought I’d branch out from the ‘Louis’!
(Image from here)

What just takes the cake for this Kiwi girl, is that the model for the brand’s most recent men’s campaign is none other than our Tim Finn (of Split Enz fame for those of you not in the know… Perhaps I am showing my age?)

It’s a non-stop invention, this game of life, and as soon as you think you’ve got it, you lose it. (Tim Finn)

Tim Finn for Jac+Jack
(Image from here)

Now that’s an inspired bit of marketing, I reckon…

According to their website, Jac+Jack are still working on shipping internationally. Do go and have a squizz at their ever-growing range, though. You can get to it here.

Karen Walker’s Eyewear For All Ages…

Tags

Advanced Style, Alexa Chung, Beth Ditto, Claire Danes, Eyewear, Fashion, Jennifer Lopez, Karen Walker, Karen Walker Eyewear, Liv Tyler, Natalie Portman, New Zealand, Photography, Sienna Miller, Sunglasses, Zooey Deschanel

According to the ubiquitous Wikipedia, the clothes of oh-so-talented Kiwi designer, Karen Walker have been seen on many, many celebs including Lady Gaga, Björk, Sienna Miller, Natalie Portman, Alexa Chung, Beth Ditto*, Liv Tyler, Rihanna, Claire Danes, Zooey Deschanel and Jennifer Lopez.

That’s all well and good, but I reckon’ Ms Walker’s latest collaboration with Ari Seth Cohen and his über stylish women of Advanced Style wearing sunglasses from her Karen Walker Spring 2013 Forever Campaign are just the bee’s knees. It trumps any celeb’ sighting in my book. Check these out and see what you think…

Karen Walker/Advanced Style Collaboration
(All images sourced from Advanced Style)

The Karen Walker Spring 2013 Forever Campaign stars Ilona Royce Smithkin, Joyce Carpati, Linda Rodin and Lynn Dell. The range hits stores sometime this month. If you’d like to see more of these great images, Advanced Style has a MUCH bigger selection here.

*Note to self, if Beth Ditto has worn Karen Walker pieces, then you are definitely neither short nor too round to consider them…

Good & Co Ain’t Half Bad!

Tags

Australia, Camilla + Marc, Clothing, Fashion, Graphic Design, Karen Walker, New Zealand, Photographic Image, Scarf, Shopping, Sydney, Trelise Cooper

We are well overdue a scarf post, I reckon. Today, I’m very happy to bring you a wee exposé on Good & Co, which aims to intelligently amalgamate fashion and art with their yummy silk scarves. A lofty idea? Let’s see if you think they deliver… Apparently, each piece turns its wearer into a walking artwork – though only those in the know will be aware of the detail.

‘Union Lane’ Scarf by Good & Co
(Images from Good & Co)

Feminine and functional but never fussy, the Good & Co aesthetic claims to appeal to those who like their luxury to come with a playful twist. I think I fall into that category. Sometimes, anyway.

The best part, for me, is that New Zealand designer Lillie Toogood is the brains behind the brand – her love of photography, travel, textiles and design all come together with her Good & Co label. Having worked for labels including Karen Walker, Trelise Cooper and Camilla + Marc, Sydney-based Lillie started Good & Co last year.

Lillie’s background in graphic design is evident in her eye for colour and form – each piece is based on a photograph she’s taken in her travels, from the lush green leaves disguising a German post box to the display of bottles on a bar in Barcelona. Shapes, patterns and colours that are captured to create beautiful textiles.

See what you think…

‘Secret Sydney’ Scarf by Good & Co
This scarf is made from 100% flat silk chiffon with a rolled hem finish, 160 x 130cm
(Images from Good & Co)

Motherland Classic by Good & co
This scarf is made from 100% flat silk chiffon with a rolled hem finish, 160 x 130cm
(Images from Good & Co)

Hawaii Time by Good & Co
This scarf is made from 100% silk satin with a rolled hem, 90 x 90cm
(Image from Good & Co)

Leipzig Love by Good & Co
This scarf is made from 100% silk satin with a rolled hem, 90 x 90cm
(Image from Good & Co)

Do you know what else is great about a scarf from Good & Co? They offer free worldwide shipping from their online shop!

If you’d like to see more of the Good & Co range, you can check it out here. I feel a scarf purchase coming on…

Swash of London is Pretty Swish…

Tags

Accessories, Colette, Cornwall, England, Fashion, Hyères, Japan, Liberty, London, Net A Porter, Penzance, Sarah Swash, Scarves, Shopping, silk scarf, style, Swash, Toshio Yamanaka

Dog Printed iPhone 4 Case by Swash
£38 from Net-A-Porter

It has, by my rough calculation, been far too long since my last scarf post…

Today I bring you the extremely talented duo from Swash, Sarah Swash and Toshio Yamanaka. The pair are known for their signature hand-drawn and painted artworks.

Like so many creative types I admire, Sarah and Toshio met at Central Saint Martins, then spent time in Sarah’s hometown of Penzance, Cornwall before working in Toshio’s home of Japan for a year. The brand emerged after they won the prestigious Hyères prize in 2004. They were later invited back to exhibit 100 framed drawings, a scarf retrospective and 3D sculptural installation.

Another important landmark in the partnership came in 2005 when Swash acquired their beautiful whippet Candy, who quickly became an inspirational talisman and recurring motif in their designs – clearly, a design team with impeccable taste!

Candy, the Whippet
Part of the Cinerous Forest printed silk scarf
£229.17 from Net-A-Porter

Today they are based in East London. See what you think…

The Cinerous Forest printed silk scarf by Swash
£229.17 from Net-A-Porter

Midnight Heligan printed silk scarf by Swash
£229 from Net-A-Porter

Heliotrope Snaffle wool, cashmere and silk-blend scarf by Swash
£321 from Net-A-Porter (yes – that’s £321!!!)

Chronometers wool-blend voile scarf by Swash
£321 from Net-A-Porter (No – it didn’t get any cheaper the 2nd time around…)

Conveniently, Colette in Paris and Liberty of London both stock Swash scarves. Of course, after picking up one of their gorgeous wool-blend babies, I won’t be able to afford much else, but hey – what’s a girl to do…?

Swash have a pretty swish website. You can check it out here.

A’N’D Keep it Surreal…

Tags

A'N'D, Azumi and David, Colette, Fashion, London, Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, Oliver Sacks, Olympia Le-Tan, Paris, Shopping, style, Surrealism, Trompe L'oeil

Arm Scarf Jumper by A’N’D
Available at Colette
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

So, I was looking for the best place to find a range of Olympia Le-Tan’s minaudières (not sure if that is the correct plural of minaudière, but you get my meaning!) in Paris. Colette came up in my search. I am so going to visit Colette. While I was perusing the Colette wares online, I discovered this phantasmagoric label. Have you come across the most awesome Azumi & David yet? If not, you are in for a treat!

Little Black Dress Trench by A’N’D
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

Azumi & David’s latest collection ‘keep it surreal’ draws inspiration from the book ‘The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat’ by neurologist Oliver Sacks. The book was first published in 1985 and describes case histories of some of his patients. I first read it at university and found it unputdownable. If you haven’t read it, it’s a winner. I promise.

‘Keep it surreal’ will challenge your perceptions of everyday normality by confronting you with distorted visual interventions using digitally printed garments and accessories, subtly mutated leather items such as bags and wallets, gold and leather plated objet trouvé jewellery, subverted familiarity using trompe l’oeil illusions to propose multiple interpretations of reality. (Azumi and David)

Have I mentioned what a fan I am of trompe l’oeil?

Arm Scarf Sequin Tuxedo by A’N’D
Available at Colette
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

Belt Scarf by A’N’D
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

Bodyshawl Wrap Sheepskin by A’N’D
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

‘Keep it Surreal’ Pearl Necklace by A’N’D
I love this piece…
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

Fine Jewellery Pearl Pendant by A’N’D
Yep – it’s surreal!
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

Bob Hat by A’N’D
I reckon Dali would have loved this, but it may be a bit too surreal for me…
(Image and design copyright © A’N’D 2012)

Azumi and David both studied fashion at Central Saint Martins, London but met in The Troubadour Coffee House, in London’s Earl’s Court in May 1995. They got married in Hackney Town Hall, London on March 10th, 2000 and had their wedding reception on October 14th, 2001 in Nagano, Japan. They celebrate birthdays on the 8th and 10th April, designating April 9th as A’N’D day.

Since first coming together in 1995, Azumi and David have progressed through a variety of creative projects – initially with limited edition artist’s books and performance art, moving gradually on to fashion and accessory associated ‘things to wear’.

Azumi and David presented their first fashion accessories (‘piercing’ and ‘ear wax’ – foam and wax earplug earrings), branded A’N’D, to The Pineal Eye, London … followed by Colette, Paris … their first two stockists. They have shown their new collections of ‘things to wear’ twice a year in a Paris showroom every year since 2003…

Their ‘things to wear’ are stocked around the world in over 40 stores, in cities such as London, Paris, New York, Tokyo and Milan etc… Just not Sydney, apparently.

If you’d like to check out their website, you can here. There is also an online store

Jamin Puech of Paris – Not Just Any Old Handbag

Tags

Accessories, Belinda, Clothing, Fashion Design, Handbag, Handbags and Purses, Jamin Puech, Pamela Stephenson, Paris, Shopping, Womens Fashion

My Jamin Puech Bag
(Image by TSL)

A woman’s mind is as complex as the contents of her handbag; even when you get to the bottom of it, there is ALWAYS something at the bottom to surprise you! (Billy Connelly)

I suspect one advantage of being married to Pamela Stephenson is that you learn never to take women for granted!

I was never a prolific purchaser of handbags kind of girl when I was younger. I was more of the ‘why would I need more than one?’ school. This may have had something to do with the fact that I tend to carry a fair amount of ‘stuff’ in my handbag, so transferring everything just to colour co-ordinate seemed like too big a chore.

My prerequisites for the appropriate bag-du-jour were not too complicated – a quality, mid-sized, black number that was capable of being carried over the shoulder AND one that zipped up (to stop any potential wandering fingers) and preferably had rivets on the bottom so that the leather wouldn’t scratch when the bag was on the ground.

This rule stood me in fairly good stead through my teens, twenties and well into my thirties. Somehow, I have now come unstuck. I say this, because I have this week started a serious wardrobe clean out*. I have discovered more handbags than I realised I had. There are two reasons for this.

Reason number 1 – LM. He is responsible for the purchase of three handbags (including the quirky purple Jamin Puech number pictured above)

Reason number 2 – the older I get, the more I like to wear colour. My plain-Jane black number is fine for everyday, but sometimes a girl just needs to inject some colour into her outfit.

Which brings me to Jamin Puech, another label I plan on checking out when I am in Paris. In a market that is becoming more and more uniform, personalised creativity and quality have allowed the duo at Jamin Puech to build up a strong reputation for designing unique handbags.

I like the brand’s quirky style – Whilst retaining its own identity, the trademark Jamin Puech relies constantly on new inspirations to create surprises. Evening and day hand bags exist in hundreds of shapes and forms: purses, pouches, reticules, shopping bags, clutch bags, bags or satchels. They are made of traditional materials as well as of modern ones and mix raffia, wood, wool, horn, plastic, with simple cottons or precious silk or special leathers.

Here are a few of the ones I particularly like – and I do realise the first one is black BUT check out the texture!:

Rosalinda Bag by Jamin Puech
Cow leather tote made of flower shape hemstitched patches, sewn together. A big zipped-up cotton pocket is sewn in the bag as a compartment.
Five metallic protection studs on the bottom.
Closure : Metallic zip-up.
Interior : Raw leather. A zipped-up flat pocket in cotton printed lining.
Delivered with a fabric pouch in printed cotton.
(Image from Jamin Puech)

Felix iPad Wallet by Jamin Puech
iPad cover case in nubuck leather, with patchwork of four different colors.
Closure: a metallic tuck closure.
Delivered with a fabric pouch in printed cotton.
(Image from Jamin Puech)

Bella Done Bag by Jamin Puech
little messenger bag, in cow leather with contrasted colored selvedges. A large flap closed with a wood button like an apple with 2 leaves.
Handle: to be worn like a hobo or on the shoulder; cotton handle: 29 cm. (adjustable)
Interior: One small zipped pocket inside on the back
Delivered with a fabric pouch in printed cotton.
(Image from Jamin Puech)

Caroube Bag by Jamin Puech
Little evening bag in openwork cotton with embroidered flowers and various sizes beads all over the bag. Its base is in plain leather.
Closure : Metallic clasp with decorative pearls.
Handles : To be worn on the shoulder. Thin leather plaited handle: 49 cm.
Interior : Cotton printed lining. Cotton lace piping around the metallic closure.
Delivered with a fabric pouch in printed cotton.
(Image from Jamin Puech)

Now, I do have to add a small disclaimer. Not ALL the Jamin Puech bags are for me – after all, I’m just a conservative Kiwi girl from the bottom of the world and some of their bags can get pretty avant-garde BUT I just love my purple number with its pink & orange detachable pom-pom, and I am confident there will be plenty of choice for me when I visit the store in Paris!

If you would like to check out the Jamin Puech site to find out where your closest store is, or perhaps buy from their on-line shop, you can access it here.

In Sydney, Jamin Puech is stocked by Belinda at 29 William Street, Paddington.

* because I am putting off the under-bed clean out

Dover Street Market is in my sights…

Tags

Colour, Comme des Garçons, Design, Dover Street Market, Fashion Design, London, Online Shopping, Rei KAWAKUBO, Shopping, Star Wars, Travel

Comme des Garçons Shirt x Star Wars Window, designed by Rei Kawakubo
(Image from DSM)

The only thing important to me is making clothes.” (Rei Kawabuko, founder Comme des Garçons)

I’ve already mentioned my love of Comme des Garçons to you in a past post (here!). And, now that LM and I are definitely tootling off to Paris and London in September for a wee sojourn, I can really let loose on my retail fantasy world (because usually I am so circumspect about it, yes?). I gotta’ say, Dover Street Market is pretty high on my list (along with Liberty, Deyrolle, Epice), if for nothing else than to salivate over the ever-so-stylish wares.

The latest launch is the Comme des Garçons Shirt x Star Wars collaboration. It features iconic imagery from the legendary films. I’m really quite interested in having a look-see at the collection (despite not being a massive Star Wars fan). I find it an interesting partnership – I was 9 when the first Star Wars film was released, which makes me old, so there is a definite retro feel to this range.

Flicking through the Dover Street Market web-site, there are a few wee bits ‘n’ bobs I’m keen to see…

CDG Star Wars Collection
(Image from DSM)

Marimekko Comme des Garçons Special T-Shirt
(Image from DSL)

CDG Red Play Ladies’ Blouse (White)
(Image from DSM)

CDG Wallet iPad Case (Green)
(Image from DSM)

CDG Super Fluo (Orange/Blue)
(Image from DSM)

CDG Colour Embossed (Orange)
Sorry Gwynnie, this trumps the Coach travel wallet I have by miles…
(Image from DSM)

And, I didn’t even get started on the mens selection.

Dover Street Market can be found at 17 – 19 Dover Street, London W1S 4LT. If you aren’t in the neighbourhood, their online store can be accessed here.

Epice Spices Things Up…

Tags

Accessories, Art, Clothing, Design, Fashion, Fashion Design, Menswear, Paris, Printing, Scarf, Shopping

épice scarf
(Image from here)

épice scarf
(Image from here)

Well, it wouldn’t be a trip to Paris without one or two beautiful scarf acquisitions now, would it? And, one of my favourite scarf labels has got to be épice.

Launched by Bess Nielsen and Jan Machenhauer in 1999 with the goal of creating gorgeous textiles for pleasure – subtlety of colour, softness of touch and beautiful weaves and prints, an épice number guarantees you many admiring comments (I know because I always get them when I’m wearing my, to date, sole épice scarf).

épice scarf
(Image from here)

épice scarf
(Image from here)

And, for you fashion forward boys who like to accessorise… Don’t think you miss out. Epice has been creating their mens collection since 2006. With the same authenticity and style, and quite fabulous enough for us to ‘borrow’ when the urge strikes…

épice scarf for men (& sometimes women!)
(Image from here)

If you are lucky enough to be heading to Paris, the Epice showroom is at 79, rue des Archives, 75003 Paris. Otherwise, their website is charming. You can get to it here.

Jac + Jack Make the Capital A of T-shirts

Tags

Classic, Clothing, Design, Fashion, Fashion Design, Giorgio Armani, Jac + Jack, Shirt, Shopping, Sydney, T-shirt, Tee, Wardrobe Staple, White T-shirt

Something a little different today. A wee change in direction. An experiment, if you will…

I’ve always thought of the T-shirt as the Alpha and Omega of the fashion alphabet.
Giorgio Armani

For once, fashion plate that I am (!), I have to agree with the perennially tanned Georgio. I do love a good tee. You can dress it up, you can dress it down. It never goes out of fashion. You can chuck it into the washing machine – none of this fancy schmancy ‘dryclean only’ malarkey for the humble tee. It is an undisputed wardrobe staple.

And now, I’m here to tell you I have found the one. The t-shirt that trumps all other t-shirts (in my opinion, anyway).  After performing a great public service and dedicating myself to the cause of testing many, many t-shirts through the years, I am now ready to announce that the best t-shirt available is Jac + Jack’s Louis Tee. Seriously.

Check it out:

Jac + Jack Louis Tee
(Image sourced from David Jones)

The Jac + Jack Louis Tee has got it all. It’s made out of a lovely light and quality cotton jersey. It has a scoop neck, and flatteringly so – low enough to show some skin, but not so low that the bustier of wearers flashes too much cleavage. It has a relaxed fit and lovely loose slightly-capped sleeves. I reckon’ it is close to perfect and it’s trans-seasonal.

Jac + Jack Louis Tee
(Sadly, this image is not of me, but was sourced from Belinda’s Store)

The Louis Tee retails for about AU$60 and I’m not kidding when I say I’ve had a couple for at least five years.

The Jac + Jack team are Jac Hunt and Lisa ‘Jack’ Dempsey, who launched their label in 2004 with the aim of creating luxurious pieces that would be modern yet timeless. Their pieces are designed to transcend seasons. Have a look at more of their range here. (There’s a range for all you fashion conscious boys, too).

Now, the bad news. Unfortunately, for you Northern Hemisphere readers, Jac + Jack does not yet ship internationally.  Isn’t that a bugger? I reckon’ there’s an opportunity here for us to see if we can change that, but until then, you can contact them direct to see if they’ll do you a special favour by e-mailing to this address: info@jacandjack.com.