Monthly Archive for June, 2011

18 of 32 girls wore Hunter Wellies to Glastonbury in style.com's street-style photos (and other calculations).

Published on June 30, 2011 in Awesome Things and Oh.. 4 Comments

All Images/style.com

One of the biggest music festies in the world was held last week and if you weren’t there, the snaps above from style.com‘s Glastonbury Street-style Photos pretty much sum up exactly what ‘festival dressing’ is. It seems there’s a pretty stock-standard uniform for PYT’s at these things. It generally consists of hair out, cut-off denim shorts (no matter how played out they are, girls will wear them forever), gumboots, and parkas. Trust me, I did the math. By my calculation:

  • Boots are practical in situations where you’re going to be frolicking around in the mud. Pretty much everyone wore boots. But what’s interesting is the brand of boot you’re wearing. 18 of 32 girls inwore the infamous (thanks Kate Moss) Hunter wellies (stocked at Karen Walker’s Playpark for those looking for a pair).
  • 14 wore some form of denim cut-off shorts. This is not including the girls who wore shorts that weren’t denim.
  • 7 donned Army-esque-green parkas.
  • 19 claim to be wearing some form of ‘vintage’. (Not including the 1 person who said she’s wearing ‘mom’s old shorts’.)
  • 33% (that’s 10!) wore Topshop.
  • 22 had their hair down – ultimate festie style.
  • 23 wore sunglasses, 5 wore hats. 3 of them wore both at the same time.
  • There were 5 dresses, 3 pants, 3 all-in-ones. Everyone else wore shorts.
  • 5 had Mulberry handbags.
  • 1 (Alice Dellal) wore a (slightly offensive) boob-tube.
  • 1 (Cara Delevigne) wore a (slightly boho-esque) headband.
  • 6 wore outfits I would like to wear to a festie, and
  • 30 went to a festie I would have loved to have gone to.
The end.

The post where I fan-girl all over Yimmy's Yayo.

Published on June 29, 2011 in Awesome Things and Photography. 1 Comment

Image/via blog.yimmyayo.com

I don’t envy photo-bloggers. Photo-blogs are hard work. Especially the kind that consist of ‘found’ imagery. Sure, there’s less writing time involved than there is in a traditional blog, but to be a successful* found-photo-blogger, not only do you need a really great eye – you also need to have a point of difference. And to have a point of difference you need some kind of originality. And how hard is that in the age of the internet? There are only so many places one can find an image that hasn’t already been heavily circulated around the- web-already, right? Anyway, my point is I have a lot of respect for photo-bloggers. Found-photo-blogging: I couldn’t do it.

One person who can and does do it (incredibly well), is the man behind Yimmy’s Yayo. No doubt many of you already follow his blog, but for those who don’t, Yimmy’s Yayo is the ultimate – the ray of light in a ever-increasing mountain of photo-blogs. I have been subscribing to his blog for two years now, and am still consistently impressed with his skills as a curator.

I found out who Yimmy* was just over a year ago. I met him backstage at a show at Australian Fashion Week. Back then he was pretty anonymous. I’d heard a rumour from another photographer that he was the man behind the blog but no one I asked seemed to know for sure. I decided to approach him to find out. At first he denied it, but after a short chat he confirmed it for me. It was like Christmas – the best secret I’d ever been privy to. It was pretty damn exciting. I asked if I could take a photo, he declined but did let me get away with this one.

It was only a couple of months ago that Yimmy officially revealed his identity to the public. He did so in the form of this Jake Davis screen test video. Since then, I’ve been keeping an extra watchful eye on the man and the press he’s received. Yesterday I came across this interview with him for T Magazine and it was such a good read I had to share it with you. Not only does the man have a discerning eye, he also has an incredible way with words. So talented! (And such a babe!) Check it out now.

(And for those who may have missed it, check out Yimmy’s (late… but totally worth it) contribution to my ‘What guys want‘ post!)

Continue reading ‘The post where I fan-girl all over Yimmy's Yayo.’

Was Rodd & Gunn's 'Face of R&G' competition really a competition?

Published on June 28, 2011 in Models, Oh. and Rant. 26 Comments

L-R: Kitty Riddell, Krystian Heath, Rosie Herdman and Alistair Boyd. Images/R&G's Facebook Page.

UPDATE: R&G’s Managing Director responds to this post in a comment below.

If you’re in New Zealand and you’ve got a little bit of an interest in fashion, you have may have heard about Rodd & Gunn‘s latest ‘Face of R&G’ competition. For those who haven’t heard or for those who need a recap, for the last couple of weeks, Australasian retailer Rodd & Gunn has been on the hunt for a girl and a guy to be the new faces of R&G (the younger, ‘cooler’ line under the same brand):

“We are not necessarily after the traditional model look,” says Mike Beagley, Managing Director of R&G. “R&G is for real men and that’s who we want representing our brand; a guy with rugged good looks and of course a gorgeous girl to match him.”  (Isaac Likes)

The winners would receive a trip to Turkey to model in the upcoming campaign (shot by Derek Henderson). To enter, all you needed to do was be 18 years or older, ‘like’ the R&G Facebook page, and upload a photograph of yourself to it. Simple enough, right?

Fast forward to last Thursday. After choosing finalists based on their submitted photographs, one in-person casting was held and the winners of the competition were announced last week at an event in their store. They decided to choose four winners instead of two: Kitty Riddell, Rosie Herdman, Alistair Boyd and Krystian Heath.

This is where I start feeling a bit weird about the whole thing.

Continue reading ‘Was Rodd & Gunn's 'Face of R&G' competition really a competition?’

What a guy wants #7: the final edition. (What he really, really wants.)*

Published on June 27, 2011 in Awesome Things and Menswear. 13 Comments

I love this guy. Image/streetfsn.com

Although I like to think I know what guys want, I really don’t. All my posts have been based on what I think they want (or what I think they should have). Because of this, I’ve decided to make this last ‘What a guy wants’ post about what guys really want. And what better way to do that than going directly to the source? I enlisted the help of a few males around town (and abroad), and asked them what guys really want. So without further ado, I present: What a guy wants – the what he really, really wants* edition:

Continue reading ‘What a guy wants #7: the final edition. (What he really, really wants.)*’

Highs and Low(e)s.

Published on June 26, 2011 in Awesome Things, Food and Rant. 1 Comment

Model Andrej Pejic, between shows at Paris Men's Fashion Week. Image/streetfsn.com

Highs:

  1. Milan and Paris Men’s Fashion Week shows. In particular – in Paris: Raf and Louis (I’m not on first name basis with either of those guys but I like to think they’d want me to be), and in Milan: Z (as in Z Zegna). I’m going to pre-empt and add Acne and Lanvin to the list in anticipation, but we’ll see tonight! (Lanvin is on at 11:00pm NZ time, Acne is 7:00am tomorrow morning).
  2. Writing my ‘What a Guy Wants‘ posts. Not only do they (kind of) tie in with the menswear shows, and snigger to myself at the Christina Aguilera reference in the title every time I write one – it’s actually quite fun to write about things you want your imaginary babe of a boyfriend to be wearing.
  3. I got some good questions on the photo blog this week. When I say ‘good’ I mean they required a bit of thought – especially, ‘How would you describe your personality?’ That is a challenging question to (honestly) answer when you’re one on one, let alone when you have to consider the whole world is able to read it. Ever wondered what I’m like in person? Here’s my answer - I think it’s pretty much on the money.
  4. Had a roll and a lemon tart from La Boulange – the french grocer that’s just opened its second café in The Department Store. Both were delicious. It was almost, almost like being in Paris.

Low(e)s:

  1. In this last week I was invited to six different events. I only made it to two of them. That’s a 33% hit rate which is pretty pathetic if you ask me. This was partially because of timing issues but mostly because I’ve become a full on wuss. Leaving the house is scary. People are scary, spending money is scary and the cold weather is scary. It’s safer to stay at home. Just call me hermit.
  2. Had a craving for lamingtons today. Drove all the way to Agnes Curran (granted it’s not that far, but still), left the car with hazard lights on and rushed inside to find that they had sold out. At 2:20pm. So sad. So very, very sad.
  3. Ate 85% of a tub of Kapiti triple chocolate ice cream in the space of four days. Combine this with the fact that my only meal on Thursday consisted of a bowl of Watties bake in the oven hash brown buttons: not positive. How long does one keep a diet like this before they get scurvy?
  4. Today I was kindly informed that my phone number on my email signature is missing a digit. I’ve had that email signature for literally 8 months. At least 8 months. Imagine all the phone calls I haven’t received! I can’t help thinking that I’ve missed that million dollar call. (Thanks for the head’s up Tim Lambourne.)

What a guy wants #6: Mark McNairy Navy Bucks.

Published on June 26, 2011 in Awesome Things, Menswear and Shoes. 1 Comment

All Images/freshcotton.com

I’m pretty sure all guys want a pair of shoes by Mark McNairy. To be honest, I don’t even know if it matters which style, guys just want to have the cool-guy-points you get for having a pair encasing your feet. So, while all of McNairy’s styles are pretty good I’ve decided to focus on one of my favourite pairs of the current collection – the Navy Buck.
Continue reading ‘What a guy wants #6: Mark McNairy Navy Bucks.’

NZNTM: Episode 3 in review.

Published on June 26, 2011 in Awesome Things, New Zealand's Next Top Model and Rant. 5 Comments

Click for (slightly) larger. All Images/http://tv3.co.nz/Shows/NewZealandsNextTopModel.aspx

Let’s start off by being completely honest: Nothing really happened in Friday’s episode.

Continue reading ‘NZNTM: Episode 3 in review.’

What a guy wants #5: A classic Levi's denim jacket.

Published on June 25, 2011 in Awesome Things and Menswear. 5 Comments

The Levis X Opening Ceremony denim. Images/via fashiongonerogue.com

I feel like the denim jacket is something that everyone owns, or has once owned in their lives. If you are one of the few who has never experienced the joys of donning that classic piece, I suggest you make it your mission to do so. Denim jackets are cool on both women and men, but we’re talking about what a guy wants right now – and guys look good in with denim swathed around their torsos. Especially if it’s beat up, worn in denim. Jean jackets evoke the whole James Dean vibe when worn over a plain white tee and just have that whole ‘I’m chill, I’m classic, I’m casual, watch me wipe my greasy hands (from doing cool-guy-car-repairs, of course) on my clothes – I don’t even care’ look to them. (You get what I’m saying, right?!)

The best denim jacket to get is a relatively plain one in a classic denim. No shiny, waxed or coloured denim here. We’re going for classic Americana, on the road, circa 1950s – no novelty denim in this part of town, thanks. Like a good pair of jeans, the best part about your denim jacket is wearing it in. Getting it scuffed and faded in all the right places. If you’re clever, you’ll cheat and buy yours pre-worn and vintage. If that’s not possible and you’re starting from scratch, I suggest you go Levis. The brand has been around forever and right now you can get the classic trucker style for on sale for US$68.00. (You can also get the Levis X Opening Ceremony one on sale for US$174.90!) For something that will potentially last you for the rest of your life (that shizz is never going to go out of style) and increase your ‘cool factor’ by at least 30%, there’s no question it’s what a guy wants. Get one now.

Continue reading ‘What a guy wants #5: A classic Levi's denim jacket.’

Things I've seen: at the Sunglass Hut/OPSM SS11-12 Launch.

Published on June 24, 2011 in Awesome Things and Me. 0 Comments

Dolce & Gabanna Sunglasses with real lace in the arms - lace from the current womenswear collection.

The other week I went to the Sunglass Hut/OPSM Spring/Summer 2011-2012 launch to check out what’s new in eyewear. Here’s are some of what I saw:

Continue reading ‘Things I've seen: at the Sunglass Hut/OPSM SS11-12 Launch.’

What a guy wants #4: Melange socks.

Published on June 24, 2011 in Awesome Things and Menswear. 3 Comments

Top-Bottom, L-R: Country Road ribbed socks, Country Road boot socks x 2, Superior Labour socks, J Crew camp socks x 3. Images/countryroad.com.au, inventorymagazine.com, jcrew.com

Bare ankles aren’t going to cut it anymore. As hard as it is for us Southern hemisphere dwellers to hold on, we need to let go. It’s winter already. No self respecting man is going to go out in the middle of this freezing weather without a pair of socks on. And no self respecting, pseudo-style-conscious man is going to go out in the middle of this freezing weather without a pair of decent socks on.

Continue reading ‘What a guy wants #4: Melange socks.’

Newsflash: Huffer has opened its very first store.

Published on June 23, 2011 in Awesome Things. 0 Comments

Image/Huffer.

Okay so it’s been open a couple of days now, but incase you weren’t aware – New Zealand streetwear label Huffer has opened it’s very first namesake store in Auckland. The shop occupies a large space attached to their workroom behind Queen Street in the CBD.

I went in at the start of last week to see how things were progressing and although they hadn’t quite finished doing things up, the entrance and fit-out were looking preeeeetty good if you ask me. The space is pretty amazing in itself, but the things they’ve done to spruce it up are even better (make sure you check out the changing rooms!) As part of their Grand Opening, Huffer is holding a pretty sweet sale starting ’early-bird-style’ tomorrow at 8:00am.   Personally, I’m going to be keeping an eye out for both the Dagger and the Sparrow frocks. The sale will go through to the 30th of June but like in any sale situation – first in, best dressed!

What a guy wants #3: A Master-Piece Cord Rucksack.

Published on June 23, 2011 in Awesome Things and Menswear. 5 Comments

All Images/via superdenim.co.uk

There’s a lot of debate about man bags. On the one hand, a man needs to carry his important manly man things in something, right? On the other, what exactly you are carrying your manly man things in, is kind of important. Briefcases are formal and work-y. Leather satchels are cool but are they too cool? And if they’re too small and not worn across the body, are they too girly? So hard to say! And you know what? Sometimes a man’s just gotta be a man. Sometimes you need a bag to match the stubble on your face, the dirt in your hair and the sweat on your biceps. And to do that, sometimes a rucksack is the way to go. It fits everything, it’s easy and comfortable to carry, and most of all, the right one will give you that rugged steez you’ve been after.

Introducing the Master-Piece Cord Rucksack. This Japanese-made carrying creation has just the right amount of practicality (look at all those zips and pockets!) without affecting its aesthetics (see that sneaky suede bottom it’s got?). And when I say aesthetics – I mean it in the manliest way possible. This rucksack combines that whole ‘I’m a real guy, I go hiking’ look, with ‘yeah, I got style – I know my Japanese brands, so what’. It’s the perfect balance.

Best of all, the beige will go with anything – especially that man-beard you’ve got going on. Pick one up here (more pics below).

Continue reading ‘What a guy wants #3: A Master-Piece Cord Rucksack.’

What a guy wants #2: Any or all of these Acne Fall 2011 sweaters.

Published on June 22, 2011 in Awesome Things and Menswear. 0 Comments

(Click for slightly larger.) Images/style.com

I am pretty sure that every guy needs one (or all) of these sweaters in their wardrobe. In fact, every girl probably needs one also. Look at them, they’re perfect. They’re casual, but the cut fitted enough to be smart (ish) and the neck is a crew which totally trumps the V neck these days in my opinion. Plus they’re kind of cropped. (This might freaks guys out but I am completely over the long sweater.) All of the colours are fricken good and hello! City prints! Personally, I can’t choose my favourite. I’d like to say New York because of the fact that it’s kind of got this real American-cool-guy vibe and it’s maroon and it’s hard to find the perfect maroon sweater, but they are all amazing.

As you can see in the pictures, they’d be awesome over collared shirts for the guy who likes a little prep, and worn on their own they’d be pretty sexy in that cute boy kind of way.

The sweaters are from Acne’s Fall 2011 Collection so they’re not exactly available right now, but trust me – come September I will be trawling the internet for these things. You should too.

(Oh, and while I’m at it I may as well just say the cropped pants are also so, so good. And the shoes. Oh screw it, all three looks are totally fricken amazing.)

What a guy wants #1: A Barrett Alley Disciple Wallet.

Published on June 21, 2011 in Awesome Things and Menswear. 6 Comments

All Images/barrettalley.com

Because it was Father’s Day in America on Sunday, because we’re in the midst of the Menswear shows in Europe and because I am often asked what one can buy their male friend as a birthday/anniversary/I-like-you-let-me-show-you-how-much-in-the-form-of-material-goods present, I have decided to do a daily (until the Menswear shows are over) tribute post to men in the form of sartorial things that a guy might want.

First up, we have a mens staple: the wallet. Every guy needs a wallet, or at least some form of card/cash-carrier. I do know a few guys who don’t carry wallets, but you know what? They are the kinds of guys who are always losing their eftpos card or their ID which means you always end up paying for them or not being allowed in somewhere and really, who wants to be friends with a guy like that? Exactly. Every guy needs a wallet. I understand it’s hard – wallets can be difficult. Wallets can be bulky and leave that faded outline in the seat pocket of your pants. But they are so important, and there are so many wonderful choices – the obvious one being Comme, but can everyone afford Comme? And what if you want something slightly different, what if you want something a little off-centre?

Continue reading ‘What a guy wants #1: A Barrett Alley Disciple Wallet.’

The best poster I have seen this week.

Published on June 21, 2011 in Art & Design, Awesome Things and OMG. 1 Comment

Image/Alessandra Banal

Calling all Wellington friends – what are you doing this Friday night? My friend Dave (and his buddies) are coming to YOU in the form of their band $noregazZzm, and I can guarantee you that you’ll have an awesome time. Seriously. Just look at the poster, it says everything. And for those who need further explanation:
“It’s a fight scene involving Jeremy, Vince and Oscar from Rackets and also Lisandru, Joe and Dave from $noregazZzm plus some other people who have joined in the fight because they’re angry about something. The Rackets guys are using Guns made from their Penis’ and $noregazZzm are being backed up by their robot serval cats who have lazer eyes. The $noregazZzm members have all been killed but succeeded in Raving to the Grave! Dave (deemed the creepy guy in a comment on their review on The Corner) has been killed by the internet hate.”
$noregazZm and Rackets: From 10:00pm at Mighty Mighty in Wellington. Be there.