Winter Time in Ruby x GATTOBRAVO

Last year NZ fashion powerhouse Ruby, released a capsule collection collaborating with the gorgeous illustrations of GATTOBRAVO.

The collection was one of my favourites ever done by Ruby, and I treated myself to the Merci Merci hat in maroon - I get crazy compliments in it! So imagine my excitement when this week Ruby announced that they have partnered up again with the GATTOBRAVO team in their latest Hana collection.

A Japanese-style swan print named 'Tori Story' has been created in colourful pastels across a minimalist white background - perfect for easing into winter without looking like you've lost your soul in an all black get up.

My pick? The Tori dress below.

Ruby Tori dress, $289. Photo: Ruby

The collection will be in stores and online from tomorrow.

Lou x

Stellar Stella

I'm in the middle of an internal debate, one that everyone else is probably familiar with: can I justify buying this item of clothing, even though I'm poor? For some reason I can easily turn down a dinner out or a movie if I know my finances are looking a bit dire, but anything fashion-related seems to just slip past my mental fashion barrier, no doubt aided by the global fount of consumerism, known as online shopping.

To be fair I'm not poor poor, I just have a pooling debt with the brothers over at Study Link, that I like to not think about, and I've fallen in love with these Stella McCartney sandals. 

Stella McCartney Carrington Sandals. Photo: Pinterest.

Even Stella herself has been spotted out sporting them. I think they'd be a welcome addition to the wardrobe.

Photo: Coolspotters

High and Low

To me fashion has always been about creating a wardrobe that displays an eclectic mix of designers and price points, and by eclectic, I mean eclectic to you. Style is such a personal and reflective practice that I believe everyone should own pieces from all over the place! Yes there will always be shops that you can find ten things in that you love, and some designers that just really aren't your thing, but ultimately it's good to be open to wearing things from anywhere, no matter where it's from or how much it cost.

Generally most days, my outfit is a mix of something that was super cheap and an investment piece that was more expensive, but  that I wear all the time. Pictured is my favourite jacket that I spent six months worth of savings on when I was 15. Totally worth it.

Bec and Bridge Bastille Jacket. Image from Polyvore

Anyway the point I'm making, is that no matter how much something cost or what designer it is, if I like it, I'm gonna wear it! There's nothing worse than buying something for the label and then being disappointed in the purchase (and I'm speaking from experience here!).

Hope everyone's having a fun weekend, soaking up the last few rays of sun!

Lou x

Omaha Getaway

Earlier this week I ventured up to Omaha, about an hour north of Auckland, with some friends for  a couple of nights at a bach. It was the prefect end to the holidays and the good weather combined with the relaxed vibes made for a very enjoyable trip indeed.

Also I can whole-heartedly recommend eating gelato everyday, it's good for the soul.

All pictures were taken by me.


First off we made a stop at Charlie's, an ice-cream emporium that has the most incredible, decadent ice-cream, and at $5 for two scoops it became an everyday habit during our stay. If you know me you'll understand how it took many ums and ahs and minutes of patience to decide on my flavours, they literally have everything from the standard chocolate and raspberry ripple to peanut butter and apple crumble (which I can vouch, is v. good)

Charlie's Gelato Garden just outside Matakana.

Dark Chocolate and Blueberry heaven

We spent our second afternoon exploring the strip of boutiques and eateries in Matakana, which has the most pleasant, relaxing beach vibe. It brought back a lot of memories from our annual camping trips at Tawharanui beach, which is a few minutes drive away. 

One of Matakana's many cafés.

Inside the Matakana cinema; each room has a different theme and this is the cieling made of hundreds of artificial roses, it's incredible!

Jacket: Roxy; Shorts: Ksubi; T-shirt: Glassons;
 Jandals: Havaianas; Sunglasses: Ray Ban

I bought this Bill Fold wallet from NZ designer Paris House;it's the perfect amount of quirkiness and style.

Wallet: Paris House.

 A swim was braved at Omaha Beach, which was timed with a photogenic sunset.

Bikini: O'Neill

Shorts: Ksubi; Sunglasses: Ray Ban
I've had these shorts for a while now, after getting them from theiconic.com, but I never really wore them much until this summer, when I literally wore them to death. The fabric has such a cool texture with open frayed seams sewn onto the outside, and the drops of inky blue look gorgeous against the white cotton.



I'd forgotten how much I love a good bach, and this one had honestly everything you could possible need and more (including an abundance of bean bags).

Potentially the best bean bags ever from Coast

A corner nook filled with divine smells by Jo Malone.

Shopping

So now that I'm a poor uni student and no longer working, I don't quite have the same budget for clothes at my disposal. As this freezing weather's hit, I decided to look on the king of online retail, Asos, for a new winter dress, as I don't just want to wear jeans and pants all winter long.
Being me of course, the only dress I really liked, is by Sonia Rykiel and costs $560. Ha, keep dreaming.

But isn't it beautiful? There are a few prints that I can pretty much almost guarantee I will buy; fruit being one of them.
                                                 
                                                              Image courtesy of Asos

It's a bit like a winter version of this beloved pineapple print dress I've had for years from Ruby. Perfect for over my togs when I was in Hawaii! Sigh, seeing this photo leaves me yearning for sun and a warm Aloha.

Dress by Ruby, Sunglasses by Ray Ban, Jandals by Havaianas

Dior and Lou

I've just come back from the basement cinema (which in itself is worth a visit), where I watched Dior and I. The documentary follows Belgian designer Raf Simons' (above) move to Dior from Jil Sander, after the controversy created by John Galliano's swift departure.

I think there's this misconception that to be high up in a prestigious brand, you must be arrogant, I mean Karl Lagerfeld's not exactly known for his modesty is he? Yet Raf Simons comes across as someone who just genuinely loves what he is doing, It doesn't matter that it's one of the most influential fashion houses in the world, it is the clothes and the craftsmanship that he is most concerned about, and he treats his staff with such warmth and respect, I immediately liked him. The film gives a rare insight into what goes into an haute couture collection, and the fact that Simons did it in 8 weeks is really something to marvel at. I found myself really caring about the show and its outcome alongside Simons, and I felt almost proud watching him ascend the runway wiping away tears at the end.

Now I went to watch the film expecting to love it because it's French and it's fashion and basically everything I love, but honestly you don't even have to be interested in couture whatsoever to find this film fascinating. Seriously, go and watch it.

Lou x
ps. Raf Simons' right hand man Pieter Mulier is gorgeous and comes across as the sweetest person! pictured below with Simons

Brown Paper Packages Tied up with String and stuff

I thought I would compile a small list of some of my favourite things; this is procrastination at its finest.

Lou

Favourite Movie: The Devil Wears Prada (and the Sound of Music if I'm feeling sentimental)


Favourite Book: Seeings as a I can't choose just one Harry Potter book, it would have to be The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Dale, it's a great book but I love it for the memories it evokes more than anything.



Favourite Food: Avocado, followed closely by my Dad's hummus - So. Good.


Favourite Song: I couldn't pick just one: Beautiful Day - U2, Clarity - Zedd Feat. Foxes, Princess of China - Coldplay Feat. Rihanna, Take Care - Drake Feat. Rihanna, The Ground Beneath Her Feet - U2, Another Love - Tom Odell... the list is long!

Favourite NZ Clothing Designer: I've always been found of Ruby and although I don't actually own anything, yet, Juliette Hogan's pieces are beautiful. Brooke Fraser wore this sequin dress a little while ago and I love it.


Favourite NZ Accessories Designer: It's a big tie between classic KW, Deadly Ponies and Saben. Moochi does some hella cool shoes too! I've always loved these court heels.

Favourite Destination: In Januray I went to O'ahu and Maui in Hawaii and fell in love; it was such a good mix of a beach and city holiday. This was our sunset view from the hotel in Maui.

Dream Car: A Jeep Wrangler! Another reason why I loved Hawaii - they're everywhere! We hired one for the day and it just cemented my love for this car.

Dream Destination: Greece closely followed by India! In fact I just want to go everywhere, I feel as though if I don't travel I'll miss out on the best life experiences.