Handmade White Garments

 One of my favourite things about my Mum is that she is incredible at sewing, and so I try learn as much as I can from her. However I must admit I do not have the same level of patience as her so I don't enjoy the sewing part very much (especially when the thread breaks or the needle snaps!) But I do enjoy this special bonding time with my mother which begins when I sketch out a vision for a garment that needs to be made.

This particular project was inspired by the White Magick Collection by Australian label "Lover" which I have recently posted about. I found the ideal fabric to make a garment similar to the kimono style dress I fell in love with in the collection. I liked the angel style sleeves which was the main inspiration I wanted to adapt into my own design. I was going to do a dipped hem as well, which we constructed first as a skirt, but I decided it was too much in proportion with the sleeves. However I loved the skirt itself and chose to keep it just as it was. It can be worn as a skirt or a top (which looks best with a belt or ribbon around the waist).

I also loved the sheer polka dot fabric used in Lover's collection and so I referenced this in my design of a simple maxi overdress that ties at the front with an empire waistline. This kind of basic design I was able to execute without Mum's help, but I prefer the process of sewing together.

The final image is of a flower crown/necklace that I crafted from a soft mesh fabric. It looks darling with any of the garments in this mini collection by Mum and I.

Magical lace

 The latest collection by Australian label "Lover" is simply stunning. White Magick contains a gorgeous selection of snowy dresses in lace and tulle (notably two of my favourite fabrics). My personal favourite is the kimono style dress in the centre, but I am also loving the polka dots. Currently they are only available from their Sydney flagship store, but I am hoping they will turn up soon enough on the online store.

  Until then, I may use up some of this inspired energy on the sewing machine creating my own chalk white garment. It won't be anywhere near as well crafted but I'll let you know how I go...

The Yellow Brick Road Boutique

How sweet is this promo video for Auckland Boutique, The Yellow Brick Road? The styling is gorgeous. I love the idea of a whole bedroom placed in a forest with the glowing light streaming through the trees. It has such a fantasy feel. Her pretty dress and flower crown are perfectly suited for fairy-like bare feet.

Hydrangea Heels

Well technically hydrangea wedges, but aren't they pretty? I was looking for a pair of light or nude shoes to wear with summer dresses but when I saw these I stopped looking. Never thought I would choose a coloured pair but these are actually very versatile.

I love hydrangeas, they're like an entire bouquet in a single bloom. When I was a child they made the perfect pretend wedding bouquets. I've found many people don't like them because they seem too "granny",  I think they're gorgeous.

Rose Tinted Double Exposures

These are some double exposure photographs that I produced for Rose Magazine with my lovely model Rebecca (who has gorgeous natural red hair which I am so envious of). I'm really pleased with how they turned out which is partly due to the fact we managed to capture brilliant afternoon sunshine. This added a romantic and dreamy atmosphere to the images making Rebecca look very angelic with a backlit glow. The styling  was a combination of both our wardrobes. We ended up using black & white patterned garments which added more interest without being too busy.

I titled the spread "transparent memories" and it is about beautiful yet fleeting moments in time. In a way the flowers convey this idea, as I always see them as a metaphor for life. Being something so precious yet transient,.reminding us that each second must be treasured and appreciated for it's beauty.

Madame Lolina

I just adore these illustrations from Madame Lolina. She is inspired by celebrities but transforms them through drawing to suit her personal style. I like the soft pastel effect of her work and how they include peonies and birds (two of my favourite things).

Pushing Daisies

I've just finished watching my favourite television show ever for the 3rd time (at least). It's a pity that Pushing Daisies only lasted two seasons before a writer's strike forced it's end. It is such a quirky, fun-filled show about a pie maker who can wake the dead, but only for one minute or  something else in proximity has to die. Using this skill he helps solve murders with inspector Emerson Cod and one day he discovers his childhood sweetheart which adds a darling love story to the show.
Charlotte Charles a.k.a. Chuck plays an amazing leading lady and I must confess I have a style crush on this character and all her brightly coloured 50's and 60's inspired clothing. Makes me wish I suited wearing vibrant yellows, reds and greens, Although I have a very similar red lace dress as pictured in the cover of season 2 (the final image), only my dress doesn't have an a-line skirt but is more fitted with a pencil shape.
Also Kristen Chenoweth's character is called Olive Snook which is the name of my late grandmother. There really isn't anything else like this show created by Brian Fuller, if you haven't seen it already it's a must watch.