Karen Walker Autumn/ Winter 2012

Come February and the launch of so many Autumn/ Winter collections in the Southern hemisphere, I am bound to be very poor. Not only am I awaiting the released of new Jeffrey Campbell shoes but there's also Karen Walker on the horizon which again incorporates loosely based psychedelic and floral prints as well as 1960s smock structures in their new collection. I don't wear blue in my day-to-day routine a lot of the time; when I was in primary school my uniform was blue shirt and blue shorts so I suppose it was a conscious decision to avoid the colours when at home and going out. However, it seems that wearing a blue dress, woolen jumper and bomber jacket in secondary school as well has been enough to deter me from that colour for a lifetime.

 

While Karen Walker's range is expensive and the dresses retail for some hundred dollars each, I will be eagerly awaiting the release of this shirt named 'Join Us' and adorned in a line of animal faced people. I suppose those figures loosely remind me of Olympia Le-Tan's studio and her own little animal/ human figures. The structure of the shirt is loose and the sleeves are low hanging as well- I like having that comfort in a shirt since I usually opt for buying a shirt a few sizes up anyway. I love the shoe and sock combination of bright navy blue, as well as the tan coloured laces. It goes well with the shirt, one of the few pieces featured here in this photo set to include a colour other than blue.

 

As well as clothing and apparel, I'm also hoping for more jewellery released, although my taste for gold means I would be shucking out an extra hundred dollars for something as glamorous but edgy as this razor blade necklace. 

 

A popular motif from the past few seasons of Karen Walker in jewellery and apparel alike is the cicada/ fly motif as seen on this sky blue Peter Pan collared dress. While the shirt dubbed 'Join Us' is the most likely piece of clothing I'll pick up from the collection, I would love to get my hands on a dress like this and, well, the entire outfit really! It would be great for a fashion blogger to wear to a fancy label event, maybe a tea party of luncheon interview about style and other fashion things.

 

Something a little more street-smart and savvy is this jumper covered in dot print and the slogan 'The American Girl'. I think the selling point for this outfit is the tiled head of the model as well as the large and sassy sunglasses. While the ruffled skirt in navy blue ties the shoes and sock together, the sweatshirt is very open to choice. I can think of another two, from Yookoo Gibraan and her Etsy store that could be worn in a similar manner but I do like the thick block writing of the font shown here. 

 

Although the collection seems to revolve around one colour pallet, certainly from this little bite-sized preview there's a range of styles in there dresses leaving your choices open when considering sleeves and the comfort of your clothes. Whether you wear sloppy Joe sweatshirts and jumpers or preppy blazers, those killer leather desert boots in navy blue and the polka dot socks are a winning combination- makes me want to find something of my own in maybe a more versatile colour combination.

Twenty-Seven Names

Twenty-Seven names has been one of the more elusive brands to find cheaply on eBay but I'm always impressed when I see their campaigns for collections and can't wait until I can own a little slice of their brand. There's something so alluring about the New Zealand brands I find, they seem aimed at the younger set and I know of many impressive brands from across the Tasman Sea compared to my own country. Maybe I should relocate for a year and come back with an entirely New Zealand wardrobe- I do think that if I went on student exchange for university though it would be a disappointment to travel such a small distance to study. I'm thinking of going to Paris or maybe even New York...

Speaking of Paris how about a matching blazer with shallow collar and a shirt underneath? I do hope the shirt collar and bow tie are included with the shirt worn underneath- it seems very chic and Parisian and I know the perfect camera to wear with the ensemble. That camera is named the Parisian and is a Diana F+ clone that was limited edition and sold on Urban Outfitters but there don't seem to be any left. A real shame.

Although the pattern of dark green and navy tartan is itself nothing that special, the chameleon charms of the photo shoot is really growing on me as well as the structure and presentation of matching clothing in such a way. I'd love to get my hands on that trucker cap, it's rare that I see one in an attractive print and pattern but with the slight tilting of the models head, she may as well be wearing a crown with such ferocity in her eyes. The row of cute, neat and black little buttons down the middle seam of the coat as well as the Peter Pan collar is something I would love to get better acquainted with in person.

I love the pallet of colours used for this Twenty-Seven Names collection- all the photographs have been sourced from the Blogspot of the Paul Maloney Fashion Agency but I wanted to write in my own little foot notes as well. Mustard yellow isn't a colour that immediately grabs me but at the moment it is growing on me. The simple colour blocking effect of this outfit as well as the high neck, thin material and rectangular blocks down the middle makes for an interesting combination.

The strong 1960s influence is one if my favourite eras of notoriety at the moment- the crochet and structure of shift dresses and Peter Pan collars is enough to send me in a frenzy. In my searching for authentic pieces on eBay though there doesn't seem to be quite the same impact as the new generation of inspired clothing. That's fine- I know where to find this lovely Twenty-Seven names dress in horizontal stripes of all colours and that makes me plenty happy. I love the gather at the waist to create pleats at the skirt as well as long sleeves. It's not often you see a long-sleeved dress with crochet Peter Pan collar, although you could most certainly add in your own separate collar to a vintage looking dress.

Apart from the trucker caps I make a guess that the garment within my price region would be this diamondpatterned top with curiously sheer sleeves. The use of a different material for such a small detail of the blouse and in the same pattern is a bit of a puzzle but perhaps there's a matching slip in dark blue under the main body of the blouse. I can see this chic little top making it's way into my wardrobe very easily and worn with my Forever 21 skirt in a frenzy of patterns to clash and make a bold statement.

Resin Rose Jewellery by This is Make Believe

The label This is Make Believe specialise in making resin roses for necklaces as well as large eye-catching brooches; I have an inkling that they are a New Zealand brand. During the repair efforts of many after the Auckland Earthquakes in 2010, I spotted some aid in the form of a charity auction of New Zealand jewellery as well as festival and ticket concerts and even dates with celebrities. One such brand was little known Make Believe which donated more than one necklace to the cause including the now Sold Out pink rose necklace that I was itching to get my hands on. It's difficult to be able to trace their origins for sure- while they do have a website so to speak there's not a lot going on that's helpful in tracking down some of their pieces.

 

I love the arrangement of three large roses coated in black resin as well as the small dangling gold chain underneath- it's the perfect statement piece to dress up a plain sweatshirt such as the one shown above and with the light complexion and mousey brown hair of the model this brooch stands out even more. It's the only brooch within their current selection and while I do hope to see more pieces made by Make Believe, without a website or more pieces coming the odds don't look so good. Even then, I may not be so keen as to buy their pieces, theirs quite a weighty price tag attached for the cost of this brooch being $205 AUD and the necklaces ranging from $312-$342 AUD.

 

The smaller, more petite rose arrangement necklace dipped in feminine candy pink strung on a double sterling silver chain for added security as well as glamor. I love the folded effect of the petals as well as the resin coating giving them a dripped in wet-paint look. It would look amazing underneath a plain blouse and add feminine flair to any outfit as well as whimsy and playfulness.

Make Believe mixes a touch of sweet romance with the hard core rock of Guns and Roses!! This large necklace is a phenomenal piece made of resin dipped fabric flowers in beautiful high gloss colours. All on blingin' gold plated chain!

Chain Length 23.5cm.

Popsie Skull Jewellery

 

Because I'm in a bit of a grim mood why don't I share with you some lovely happy skulls from Popsie available on the Storm online store? While all the lovely tassled red skull necklaces have already all sold out in their limited numbers you can still grab wither the earrings or the bracelet shown below. There's a less intense cracking effect on the paint of the skulls from Popsie compared to the Chains of Love skull jewellery but there is less dangling and less sulls hanging around the neckline so instead of a collared and modern flapper girl look you have a draped tassled skull necklace.

If I hadn't already been so undisciplined in my shopping habits this past week and splurged out on a brooch as well as American Apparel collared shirt on eBay I might be game to get myself a pair of black leather shorts from Storm as well as this beaded skull bracelet to match but I have got to make sure I don't squander my money- that is until I can referee in the Australia Day basketball tournament which is a fair few days away. It is in my price range at the moment but I have to be sure I pace myself properly and just hope that the numbers of these lovely skull pieces hold out. There are always other alternatives seeing as these beaded skulls seem to be popping up everywhere under a few different brand names, Popsie, Chains of Love and a collaboration of Opening Ceremony being just a few names that I know of.

Henson Moon Jewellery

The label Henson first came to my attention after the tragic earthquake hit Auckland during a period of recuperation and rebuilding in which several of my favourite brands were collected and donated in the name of charity. At first I was only interested in the Diana Mini Valentine's Day special from Lomography but there were also concert tickets as well as dates with celebrities at stake. One such item among the auction with all proceeds going to help those in Auckland most affected by the disaster was a thick and chunk signet ring simply named moon by the name of Henson. The ring itself was made of solid silver with an oxidised brushed effect over the top- only a few nights ago I found the same ring online for more than 50% off RRP on a New Zealand fashion site (I'm going through a large New Zealand online store phase right now).

The features are so seemingly delicate, even for such an unyielding metal. I love the pursed lips, little button nose, gentle curve of the eyebrow and the sheer symmetry of the piece. For earrings you have a choice of polished silver discusses threaded onto posts and backed bu butterfly clips or the same basic design which is then naturally blackened in the chemical process known as oxidation. In the days of old when Chanel made large chunky gold earrings they favoured clips more so to support the large designs and I suppose I'd feel a little more secure knowing there was more than a single post supporting this solid moon face. My little lobes wouldn't be able to support this much weight but if I could manage to pull off the look, I'd probably opt for the darker earrings myself. There's always charm and intrigue in the dark and mysterious.

I can see why the outer rim was incorporated into the design of the rings as I have two large silver signet rings myself and it lends itself well to it but why there's a ring orbiting this lovely moon necklace is a mystery to me. From the first photograph it looks as if there's a split seem halfway through the pendant which would make it a locket rather than a pendant but there's no mention of it being a locket on the online store.

All jewellery are made from sterling silver and hand sanded to give each one a unique finish.
Some have been blackened by a process called oxidisation.
The black does fade away over time.
It takes 2-4 hours to finish each one.
All jewellery comes in a display box, the necklace box doubles as a stand.

I already have two large and chunky silver signet rings which can only really be worn on the one hand; one online from Najo and the other is Woodford and Co. but would it really be so bad if I were to add another ring to my collection and acquire a piece of jewellery of silver and brass as well? I really must curb my enthusiasm for signet rings and stop this growing collection and addiction. This was the ring design for auction all those years ago while I do like the brushed effect I am all too familiar with the effects and its tendency to fade. Luckily for me it's the brass ring that's 50% off from $310 to $155! It would be nice if I could get the necklace for cheap though, I'd love to wear that with a long and slouchy over sized shirt in black, or maybe a shirt dress.

I'm curious as to why the moon ring has also been manufactured in brass as well as the classic brushed silver, the bright reflective yellow toned metal looks almost like gold in the first profile photograph. Traditionally silver has been associated with the gods Phoebe/ Diana, Selene and Artemis and thought to have come through the moon whereas gold is associated by the sun and represents lofty Apollo. The dreamy and peaceful expression of the moon face reminds me a lot of the motifs from Thai jewellery but with more minimalist design and a broader face suggesting Western influence. With the simple design of the ring, even in brass maybe the moon ring would become a sun ring. Seeing this combination of silver and brass reminds me of a gorgeous cow skull necklace from Nick Von K, I really love seeing the two metals together!

Believe it or not, but my Woodford and Co. signet ring is probably wider than this heavy costume ring. Maybe not as tall judging from the slight side profile on the shoulder of the ring but still quite the statement piece. I'm not at all deterred by the fact these pieces are carried by sites specifically aimed at the male hipster audience, after all, I feel safe having large silver rings on my fingers. It just means there will be extra weight and impact to any punch I pack.

Shirt Gowns from Black Box Boutique

After having explored a few different online stores for my favourite brands I must be reverting back to a simpler time without lycra, wild galaxy prints and structure. It's back to the basics with me, I've been lusting over many oversized dresses, full length featuring draped hems as well as a full length button up shirt structure. I always feel safe and better about myself when my clothes are a little too big- it gives the impression that I'm a smaller size then I actually am.

This cheer shirt gown is perfect layering piece for the summer. Worn with a slip underneath buttoned up, or undone as a long layering piece.

 

Sometimes tight fitting clothes also can be a little uncomfortable since their confining and restraining. There wouldn't be any problems with these lovely dresses though, first we have the Shirt Gown by Kirrily Johnston. Strangely of all the black shirt dresses featured, they're all from different labels. I guess great minds think alike then huh? I like the little gathering effect at the back, it's still a very minor detail and doesn't over complicate the design but it's a nice touch all the same. I like the feeling of long and light weight skirts floating around my legs and holding them above my ankles as I walk around.  The use of black boots with this black and sheer dress is something I'd like to try myself, dressing it up with silver and brass jewellery or some lovely rose gold. This sleeveless dress really gives you room to move and would be great for Summer with a camisole underneath and some medium tight shorts. Like the disco shorts from American Apparel in black.

 

For more of a dressed up and mature look maybe sheer sleeves and a collar would be suitable? Because of the addition of loose hanging sleeves that drape nicely around the arms, as well as a collar and darts at the hem this dress looks more like a sack but has more of a sheer touch to the material and there's an openness about it. Reminds me less of Scrooge from a Christmas Carol and more of a modern witch trying to blend in with today's society. All these lovely dresses would go great with silver jewellery to really channel the dark magic vibes.

Lonely Hearts Dress- Sleeveless shirt dress with full length buttoning. Draped sleeves and sheer with a curved hem.

 

I like the little darts at the side of the hem on a hot Summer's day there's nothing more necessary then getting good air flow through your clothing and keeping cool. Despite the fabric being black and the colour most likely to heat up in the sun, I'm not at all deterred. My mother has pointed out that I'm a little like her best friend, if I can get it in black then I will. It's just easier to wear that way and there's less to worry about when matching it with bags and other things.

 

Just to mix things up and surprise you I've also thrown in another dress into the mix, all dresses available online from Black Box Boutique  and ranging between $350-$400 as a rough guide. Taking a break from all the loosely structured dresses in black I thought it would be a welcome change to introduce you all to this lovely lilac bustier dress by TR Ensemble. At the top of the dress is a fitted bodice at the top of the skirt- I sort of like the gathered and individual cups of the bustier. While it does add and focus attention on that area, if you don't have an ample chest, such as myself, it would look dainty as well as like a sweet imitation ballerina. While the structure is more suited towards a more formal occasion, the material and colour are very much suited towards the day. You could easily dress it up using a black velvet blazer though, or even better, lilac velvet blazer.

 

Just did a little eBay search for velvet jackets, found a beauty from Marc Jacobs 2002 collection in my size and I can afford it but I really do need to save my money for a rainy day and something more affordable. It would look so cute with that dress and those shoes but I have no where to wear it so it will just have to pass for now. I like the irregular hem cut of the dress, probably due to the gathering at the waist. I love that style of dress which includes a high waisted skirt and fitted bustier at the top and the fact that lilac is my favourite colour too only sweetens the deal. I have a great care bears backpack I could team up with it.

 

The dress that attracted me to the style was the buffalo shirt dress by TR Ensemble- the deep breast pockets as well as loose hanging sleeves look so casual, while it may not be suitable for working heavy machinery it would be a great shirt dress to wear for Sunday brunch with a friend. I like the touch of stunning black wedges for height and to make the hem of the skirt float even more so. There's a slight dip in the hem at the sides leaving you free to move around as well.

 

It's always a nerve-wracking feeling when wearing clothes that don't fit properly, I hate having to be weary of what my pants are doing even when I'm sitting down and while the long trailing hem may be in danger of getting dirty, if you've mastered wearing gorgeous heels or wedges why not dress up this simple look a bit and float around gracefully? I'd love to see the wind whip around this skirt while in wedges, it'd make you look like a grim spectre lording over the living.

 

TR Ensemble don't play favourites as far as colours are concerned- they've also made their shirt dress come in white for those of us who are drawn to pristine hospitals as well as a world of clean, pure white linen. Not me though, I'm much to fixated on looking like a witch and wearing my long dark hair out while feeling cool in a long black dress. I'm not too worried about the sheer factor having dealt with it before and being used to wearing camisoles, usually in black. That's why a black dress is more suited for someone of my taste, I had a white sheer dress I wouldn't have a choice between nude or black camisoles and I'm much more comfortable in black. As my space head, hippy of a Literature would probably diagnose, black is my 'power colour'.