Last night I was lucky enough to go along to the Designer Garage Sale VIP Preview Evening (thanks Dani!) and check out the sale stock along with 250 other people before the event opened to the public. In a nutshell, the Designer Garage Sale is an amazing one-stop sale, where you’re able to purchase past season/discontinued/sample stock from New Zealand designers – this year’s lineup included sees Ingrid Starnes, Lonely Hearts, Huffer, and plenty more! Though I’ve been to a few of the DGS’ in the past, I’d have to say this was the best yet – in part due to the wonderful Venue – Victoria Park Market!. Though I only bought a couple of things, there was plenty that caught my eye. See below for my favourites… My actual purchases are at the end!
lonely hearts
Summer may be my favourite time of the year, but winter holds far more appeal when it comes to fashion. Every year I find myself buying the bare essentials to get through the sunny season with a view to what’s coming up 5 – 6 months along the line. New Zealand Fashion Week is a prime example, on the cusp of summer yet showcasing looks only to be available next winter. On that note, one of my favourites Lonely Hearts was missing from this year’s fashion week lineup… Needless to say, I was very pleased to find their look book surface online.
The styling of the look book itself is impeccable, and the model (what is her name?) perfect to play the role of little bandit.
This is my favourite look, teaming a sweet floral dress with a leather esqe jacket. The boots and socks combo are a nice touch.
I love the combination of hard boots with feminine socks, which speaks of the whole collection which mixes up softer and harder pieces in a way that works so well (especially when pulled off in a combination of nude + black). I like the leopard print that’s dotted throughout the collection and fuzzy sweaters are clearly a must come the colder months – already on my wishlist since Ruby’s The Adventures.
I spend half the year enjoying summer, and the other waiting for the next one (in between winter coats, gloves and boots). I’ve been watching the look books for spring/summer 2010/2011 filter onto Fashion NZ, and my favourite designers (plus a few new favourites) have been repeatedly catching my eye.
Fashion NZ wrote a commentary on spring/summer 2010/2011 and I wanted to write one of my own flavour while waiting for the next season to start selling in store.
Printed Shorts
Ruby, Lonely Hearts, Karen Walker
It’s nice to see some serious colour and print featured on the bottom half. I’ve never been a fan of printed pants, but shorts I like. They’re interesting without being obnoxious. Printed skirts also feature quite heavily (and I love how much printed shorts and skirts feature in Ruby).
Summer Sheer
Madame Hawk, Helen Cherry
Sheer always looks amazing in print, but is rarely flattering (or subtle) in real life. Still, you can get away with it with a cami underneath and retain the same look (particularly when sleeves are involved).
Little White Dresses
Cybele, Lonely Hearts, Twenty Seven Names
We’re continuing to break away from all-black and monochrome, with white dresses featuring in a number of designers collections. They’re very feminine. White is always difficult to wear, though…
The Subtle Zip
Lonely Hearts, Salasi, Juliette Hogan
We’re moving past the big, bold industrial zips of a few seasons past, and now zips play less obvious role with a more feminine effect. These zips don’t jump out at you, they’re sweeter.
Polka Dots
Ashley Fogel, Ruby, Sera Lilly
Proving that polka dots never go out of style, they’re still featured quite heavily this season and both large and small. Ruby’s dress (featured above, middle) is my favorite piece so far.
Socks
Workshop, Madame Hawk, Karen Walker
These are crossing over from winter, and they’re very cute. They’re also practical when you want to wear heels without tights and don’t want your feet to get cold.
All look book photography via Fashion NZ (sans Ashley Fogel)
My favourite trends are socks and printed bottoms. I’m relieved that polka dots are continuing their run. Little white dresses look cute, but I’m not so sure I would want to wear one. What trends are your favourite?