New Season Country Road II

On Saturday I spent an hour or so trying about 25 items on in Country Road. I haven't done that in so long. It was actually quite tiring. My shopping stamina aint what it used to be.

Unfortunately most of the looks I posted about the other day didn't look right on me, but I think there is probably something for everyone there so I encourage you to try on a few styles if you can.

I did end up buying the red slingbacks! Such a daring shoe for yours truly but they're elegant and funky at the same time, so comfy and surprisingly, go with everything - especially blue skinny jeans. I can't wait for Spring.

New Season Country Road

It's been some time since clothes caught my attention but I am LOVING the new season releases from Country Road. A bit of French influence, no?

Love the red slingbacks, the stripey top and the stepped-hem jeans. And I might even be tempted to try those white jeans...

 

 

Modern Boho

I'm digging this look from Country Road AW16. It's so far from my normal style but goddammit, I like it.

In Praise of Elasticated Trousers

No longer the sole domain of the elderly, trousers with an elasticised waistband are actually a stylish and comfortable option. I have lived in my Saba trousers that I purchased in Melbourne last year. They are work trousers, in a beautiful crepe fabric with a tapered leg and sit just on my ankle bone. They're also machine-washable!

Today I used up some store credit at Country Road and picked up a similar pair. They're called 'technical leggings' on the website but they're definitely pants:

Autumn Treats

So I took advantage of Country Road's 25% off everything sale and picked up a lovely new blouse for Autumn which I plan to wear with grey skinny jeans and my beloved Sezane boots. It'll be my take on boho!

I also bought a new gold-ring to wear with my jumpsuit at the wedding in July. Simple gold jewellery paired with black is the look I have in mind:

New Season Country Road

Country Road is knocking it out of the park with its new-season offering. Suede, green, denim and classic tailoring are all making a statement. There seems to be a lot of cohesion between individual pieces, making it easier to construct outfits out of only a few items.

They're also using video more and more to get their messages across. I highly recommend the new How to Wear videos with stylist Anthea O'Connor. And, check out their cool new lookbooks!

 

Country Road Introduces Styling Videos

Huge props to Country Road this season. Not only is their SS15/16 collection shaping up to be a winner, they just introduced new styling videos fronted by stylist Anthea O'Connor. A couple of years ago I attended a VIP event at Country Road Newmarket which was led by Anthea:

Melbourne Shopping

A different trip this year. I managed to do some shopping but was running on half power. An exhausting two weeks leading up to flying out, coupled with extreme dehydration and a 2kg weight loss resulted in my blacking out on the descent into Melbourne.

I was tended to for over half an hour by Air New Zealand crew and two sets of paramedics (all amazing), put on oxygen, wheeled off the plane and placed under observation at the medical centre at Melbourne Airport. I couldn't speak or walk. A visit to a GP a couple of days later (to get clearance to fly home on the 31st) revealed the cause of the issue.

I have never been a big drinker - especially water - but I drank steadily and regularly all week! H20 is my new best friend! The flight home was uneventful, thank God. I am now getting into a habit of drinking water and my natural thirst is slowly returning after many years!

I did manage to pick up a few goodies, so I'm happy. A lovely collection of classic pieces to add into my wardrobe. See below. Paul and I also ate at a new amazing restaurant in Melbourne for his birthday on the 29th - Cutler & Co. Check it out if you're ever in Melbourne!

Perri Cutten Camillia Coat

COS Top with Padded Neckline

White Suede Shine Jeans

Zomp Beige Nubuk Loafers

Saba Isabel Pants

Saba Katy Pinstripe Scarf

Saba Estella Heeled Sandal

Zara Distressed Skinny Jeans

(Also from Zara: a tan faux leather tote bag and a basic black blazer.)

Papinelle Pyjama Bottoms

Papinelle Pyjama Top

Getting Summer-Ready

Purchased today in anticipation of Summer. All I need is a pedicure (and some warm weather)...

Country Road Jemima Sandal NZ$169 (35 - 42)

Wellington Sisters' Weekend Purchases

Success! I managed to pick up some very cool pieces (as well as a few gifts for family and friends). Here's what I bought for myself:

This cute funnel-neck top from Country Road is beautifully soft. It drapes so well and is one of those minimalist pieces that is easy and works with most things. Reminds me of Calvin Klein's collections from the 1990s which I always admired.

This long-sleeved tee from Lonely Hearts has killed two shopping birds with one stone. First, I always wanted a slogan tee but never found a slogan I liked. This one features lush embroidered text (not a print) and it's not controversial. Second, I wanted a long-sleeve tee for the cooler months that drapes well and allows for the perfect front-tuck into skinny jeans. Hey, that's harder to achieve than you think - not all tops do it! This one I'll be styling with skinny jeans and pointed-toe black heels for casual Fridays and with jeans and white sandshoes on the weekend.

My first Hush Puppies purchase! These boots plug the 'weekend boots' gap in my closet. The heel is low but not flat, and they're perfect for running around in.

Black Tie

Top: Gregory |  Trousers: Gregory  |  Shoes: Mi Piaci  |  Earrings: Found Jewellery  |  Ring and Bangle: Country Road  |  Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Deep Freeze'

All Images © Copyright Sara Mole

Oamaru Easter Weekend

Paul and I visited my folks in Oamaru this Easter weekend. We just snuck in before the cold weather started so it was cool and fresh - a welcome respite from Auckland humidity.

Oamaru is about an hour and a half drive north of Dunedin. An arty town, huge limestone buildings adorn the streets, many having benefited from recent restoration projects such as the Opera House. It's the Steampunk capital of the Southern Hemisphere and boasts a picturesque harbour.

Photo opportunities abound, starting with my hanging with the toadstools at Oamaru Public Gardens...

 Top: Saint James | Jeans: Citizens of Humanity | Shoes: Superga | Sunglasses: 'Deep Freeze' by Karen Walker | Bangle and Ring: Country Road | Nails: Essie 'Really Red'

The town itself is very pretty and quirky.

On Saturday afternoon we drove out to Elephant Rocks, an incredible natural earthwork.

 Cashmere Jumper: Equipment | Jeans: Citizens of Humanity | Shoes: Superga | Sunglasses: 'Deep Freeze' by Karen Walker | Bangle and Ring: Country Road | Nails: Essie 'Really Red' 

On Sunday we met my brother and his partner and went for a walk around the harbour.

 Jacket: New Look | Cashmere Jumper: Equipment | Jeans: Citizens of Humanity | Shoes: Country Road | Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Sunglasses: 'Deep Freeze' by Karen Walker | Bangle and Ring: Country Road | Nails: Essie 'Really Red' 

And of course, Mum and I indulged in a little retail therapy (her lovely scarf was a purchase that day!).

On Mum (Val) Jeans: Postie | Scarf: Sababa from Waitaki Interiors | Top: Zara | Shoes: Number One Shoes

On me: Jacket: New Look | Cashmere Jumper: Equipment | Jeans: Citizens of Humanity | Shoes: Country Road | Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Sunglasses: 'Deep Freeze' by Karen Walker | Bangle and Ring: Country Road | Nails: Essie 'Really Red' 

All photos by Paul D.