Jamie. Je l'aime.

I first met Jamie when I walked into her cozy little boutique, a space full of "culture and style" in Ponsonby, Auckland.  No sooner have i chatted up with this beaming beauty, as we co-cooed over the comfort of a pair of trousers that resembled half yoga_pants, half harem pants, next i found myself floored by Jamie's aura and her talent.  Being the primary designer of her eponymous label, "Jamie", she is also the model, the owner, and a very inspiring creative fashionista!

Jamie updates her looks and showcases them on her whimsically delicious site often.


images via


                 

             

               

Silky, Sunny Sunday

I will not ask where thou liest low,
Nor gaze upon the spot;
There flowers or weeds at will may grow,
So I behold them not:
It is enough for me to prove
That what I lov'd, and long must love,
Like common earth can rot;
To me there needs no stone to tell,
'T is Nothing that I lov'd so well.

~exerpt from And Thou Art Dead, As Young and Fair by Lord Byron




This exerpt from Lord Byron's "And Thou Art Dead, As...." has a very spring quality to me; of birth, of renewal, of love that transcends death.


Spring is here once again; everything has blossomed. And it is hard not to be inspired by the florets of life all around us.

top: suprette  silk pants: moa  boots: overland

Stylishly Royal

It hurled me straight down le_memory_lane as my eyes scanned the intricate florals on the Queen-bride's stunning dress or "Kira" as known in dzongkha, the native tongue of Bhutan. Kira is a full length dress worn by the women of Bhutan along with silk blouses of spectacular color and sheen.  A small himalayan country famously known as the "last Shangrila", also happens to be yours truly's hometown.

The men's outfit, "gho", is a robe-kilt-kimono, if you may. And yes the men, not the women show off their legs, unless... you are the King on your wedding day; those boots, sheeshalaboombala! i m getting one made!

Congratulations to the spectaular Ashi Jetsun Pema and Druk Gyalpo Khesar Namgay Wangchuk!

How to wear gho and kira:

 

Demi Moore circa 2002 in Bhutan, looking lovely in Kira.

~ wildfern

Bill Cunningham New York

Get a CUE

It must be noted that Cue, a 100% Australian, family-owned-brand (since the 60s) is a design-import we girls in kiwiana,  across the Tasman don't mind being best friends with. Elegance with flair is Cue's forté. There isn't an outfit a sensible girl with a sensible head wouldn't wear from their collection. Perfectly strewn with laces, silk, and floral prints; their constant signature on dresses, jackets, tops and yes, frilly dillies; much to our joy of having more options.

Well, upon further investigation, it must also be added that there's a saintlier reason to love and support Cue: yes, yes, yes and yes please... (to the highlighted below :)) thank you;

All designs originate in our head office in Sydney, and almost everything is made in Australia. Staying local has meant that we can respond immediately to current trends and customer needs - and we also keep jobs in Australia. Cue has a great relationship with its manufacturers and we work closely with the TCFUA Union to maintain an ethical workplace. This focus on our workers shows in the high quality of everything we make, and in the passion and dedication of our entire team.    (from their o/site) 

all photos: source: Cue

Local, global: Karen Walker

Internationally renowned, local favorite, kiwi-designer Karen Walker has managed to sustain a huge appeal to a large range of fans especially the celebrities, for quite sometime now. First happily introduced to after tumbling right into the Ponsonby Rd. store, none other localite of such clout's ever charmed the socks out of me... 

And despite the sky-rocket price tags (for your average shoppers of course), her next collection's (A/W 2011 SH) got some seriously donn-able garbs that's guaranteed to fly off the shelves like hot cakes! 

[ This modest-average-shopper desperately needs a jobby job first... sigh... ]

Ms. Walker's expertise in harmonizing the form and material into something that's feminine, yet strong and of everyday wear is a formula that works in all of her clothing, jewelries, and eyewear ranges. It's one of her strongest yet consistent design features that rival the works of many others. 

  karenwalker.com provides constant updates to conveniently keep a lookout for "the" perfect fit; size and budget).

ciao. enjoy.

wildfern

via karenwalker

             

Ro

moons over my leather...

The sheen and the pliability of leather looks best with most things, which instantanously adds glam and substance. However, less is definitely more when it comes to adorning with a leather/pleather piece. A miniskirt, a pair of skorts, etc, paired with frills, silk or feathers appear visually striking in its balance and details..

via google


Even leather jackets look snazzy with a wild print...

via google