Trans-Seasonal Dressing

I always have a trenchcoat in my closet. It's the perfect layer when it's too mild for a wool coat, but there's still a cool nip in the air...

Trenchcoat: Country Road (similar here) | Clutch: Witchery | Jeans: Trenery | Shoes: Country Road | Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Deep Freeze'

Image © Copyright Sara Mole

A Leopard in the Urban Jungle

This post marks the beginning of my collaboration with local photographer Sara Mole. Stay tuned for more images from around our fantastic city of sails.


Want to try animal print but afraid of looking like an extra from Coronation Street? Try a grey print instead of the usual yellow or orange-toned leopard print. You get the best of both worlds: elegance with a bit of an edge. Keep accessories minimal and the silhouette simple:

Top: Witchery | Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop) | Jeans: Trenery | Shoes: Top End | Bracelet: Moochi |  Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Deep Freeze'

All Images © Copyright Sara Mole

News!

Some exciting changes to the blog are coming! First, I am collaborating with two local amateur photographers. The results so far are fantastic. Photos to come very soon.

The second change is that I am going to start blogging about topics other than apparel and accessories. Expect to see posts about interiors, homewares, general design, events and other interesting items I come across. Stay tuned and tell your other stylish friends! xx

Karen Walker

I loved Karen Walker's New Rose collection for AW13. The clean lines, interesting prints and kinder price points set this collection apart from her previous offerings. And, being a little slimmer has meant that I can actually fit many of her pieces. My KW sunglasses are no longer orphans in my closet...

I was pleasantly surprised to find lots of oversized pieces in the New Rose collection which makes this designer brand more accessible to fashionable women beyond a size 12. I ended up buying the bloody rose BF tee (below), my first KW clothing item:

The size? A UK8 (NZ10) and it's boxy and roomy on me. Look out for it in future posts. Other pieces from New Rose that would easily accommodate mid-plus sizes:

Walker has just shown her Utopia collection at New York Fashion Week. This time, slouchy and menswear-inspired cuts dominated. It will be interesting to see if pieces from this collection welcome sizes 14-16 with open arms, as New Rose did.

Pencil Skirt

It's been a long time since I've owned a pencil skirt. This faux leather pencil skirt from Witchery is both flattering and comfortable and I can't wait to rock it at the office. Faux leather is one of those fabrics that needs to be approached with caution if you're not 22 and a size 6. You want to be elegant, not channel Bette from the Rovers Return. This skirt has a matte texture and is just the right length on me. And it goes with almost every top, blouse and jumper I own. Below is a starter, but expect to see more of this skirt in future posts.

Witchery Coated Pencil Skirt $130  | St James Levant 10 Tee (available at selected Karen Walker stores) $95  |  Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Percy Bag (used as clutch) $260  |  Pandora Bracelet  

Brand Watch: Whistles

UK brand Whistles is a great place to find contemporary pieces with a feminine edge. They offer free worldwide shipping and size up to a UK 16 (NZ 14).

TK Store // Turet Knuefermann

Those of you unfamiliar with New Zealand designer Turet Knuefermann of TK Store are in for a treat. Knuefermann favours simple, clean Scandinavian designs. She even stocks gorgeous Swedish label Rodebjer. Think tshirt dresses, satin and silk tapered evening trousers, structured tops and flattering necklines. Pieces are affordable and are made in New Zealand. If you buy one piece, let it be the Perfect Shirt. I have it in black. It's both feminine and edgy and cut to follow your curves. Dress it up or down, this shirt will take you from day to evening. The fabric is crease-resistant, making it an ideal travelling garment.

TK Store is having an event this Thursday at their Ponsonby store from 6 - 8pm. Details at the end: