Karen Walker robot necklace, lace leotard from Dotti, Scrapbook polka dot skirt, Siren peep toe wedge heels & opaque black tights.

I paired this with my studded bag from Novo Shoes and a leather jacket and headed on down to the Cave…

…and chowed down on cabbage! It sounds weird but the funnest thing to eat at Tanuki’s Cave is the cabbage. It’s served with a Japanese Mayo and tastes amazing.

We were given some complementary sake. 3 bottles in total, of which the majority was drunk by 3 people (everyone else was driving). I made an unimpressive attempt!

We followed up with a visit to Giapo. This is the Giapo TV Camera.

And my favourite… Cocoa sorbet!

Tanuki’s & Giapo is my favorite dining-out experience, and all situated on Auckland’s Queen Street it’s easy to travel between the two.

Airy dresses make an appearance in this undoubtedly summer collection.

There are some less feminine numbers in there as well, the two below are somewhat reminiscent of past collections.

Creative asymmetrical cuts feature prominently, and the peach shorts are a sweet little number.

Sheer, floaty fabrics…

I love the feminine, yet quirky and edgy vibe from Heavy Petal, perhaps my favorite Stolen Girlfriends collection to date. The blazer is the first on my wishlist.

What’s your favourite look from Heavy Petal?

Monday was SPCA Cupcake Day – I couldn’t resist donating all my loose change in place of some very cute (and delicious) cupcakes. I bought the above cupcakes, but competitions ran to see who could bake the most creative cupcakes. You can check out the entries here. Cupcake love!

I’m still watching New Zealand’s Next Top Model, but this episode wasn’t juicy enough to earn its own write up. I liked seeing the girls create anti-smoking posters as a part of the ‘Not Our Future’ campaign. If you’re following the series there’s a very funny recap over here. Final verdict: Not enough Colin!

BlackNotBlack.co.nz are having a sale! Bargains on New Zealand designer brands so go and have a look around.

Status updates that might have been made if Facebook had been in existence  a little earlier.

Good old fashioned advice. How to avoid blogger burnout.

I wanted to link to this earlier but, if you are totally confused about SEO Corrine posted a simple-as guide to beginner SEO. Here’s part 1 and part 2. An interesting debate was raised as to whether it’s honest to craft posts with SEO in mind, and while I believe you shouldn’t write posts FOR SEO purposes, keeping in mind the principles of SEO can simply improve the change that your great posts are read.

That’s all for this week – any links to share? Have a great weekend!

Jewelery by 2 Gypsies

I love kitsch-y jewelery, off-beat and sentimentally charming. I was pleasantly surprised to be introduced to 2 Gypsies by Superette. Designed and hand-made in New York, they are a new favourite and smell like summer… The product shots are stunning, and are perfect for the back-to-nature vibe of the jewelery.  It’s bare skin, sand, camp-fires and mattered hair.

Lined up over a fireplace, like treasures on display.

Tooths are right at home in this collection, tightly bound and accentuated with features.

The skull is bound with pheasant feather, softening it and it’s one of my favourites. Something that would catch eyes over and over again.

All images from 2Gypsies, you can visit their website here, and they are stocked by Superette.

Poor Lauren was appalled at her new sharp bob, while Courtenay loved her Twiggy style hair cut. I thought they both looked fantastic.

More interesting then the girls actual makeovers, was a small fiasco over poor photoshopping of the girls makeover photos. Two of the girls on the show, Amelia and Lara who are constantly referred to as ‘bigger girls’, had noticeable work done to their photos. This photo surfaced of Lara’s leg:

I know that there’s a lot of retouching involved, but just doesn’t at right with me for some reason. I am happy the the girls aren’t retouched to look unnaturally thin, but still can’t see how Lara could be considered a ‘bigger girl’ in the first place. At any rate – perhaps a new re-toucher is needed. Issac Likes has more on this topic.

Back to the show… The girls face a networking challenge, where there task was to meet, great & mingle with industry people. Some of the girls were more successful than others.

Watching Dakota attempt to mingle and network was nothing short of painful, unfortunately she missed the point and rather than engage with the the industry players at the event she scalped business cards and embarrassed herself. Quote, “Some of the girls have got to understand that they’re dealing with corporate professionals and there is some behavior that is acceptable and some that isn’t. Unfortunately Dakota crossed the line a little.”

via

In this weeks photoshoot, with photographer Fiona Quinn, the girls were photographing jewelery and working with a bird live bird. Some of the girls got along with the bird more than other.

Here’s my favourite shots from this weeks shoot:

Danielle - Even though Danielle demonstrated that she can’t walk on the runway, walking slow and wobbling, she took a stunning photograph looking straight down the barrel of the camera.

The twins, Elza and Nellie - The twins are being put under pressure. Gifted with identical makeovers, and identical clothes the show is pitting them against one another to see who is the better model. Elza has a panic attack as she figured it out. Oh no, we’re in a competition.

Eva - Eva looked stunning, I love those eyes!

Lauren - Lauren looked amazing following her makeover, the new hair cut looks incredible. I was glad to hear that she came around and started to like it by the end of the episode.

Poor Sara was a bit stick, which led to this wee Colin gem:

When Sara said she had laryngitis we thought it was a European designer.

I was surprised that Dakota didn’t end up in the bottom 2 after her generally poor behavior in the challenge and the shoot. It was Afreen who was sent home after a previously solid performance (although she’s already represented by a modelling agency, so life goes on).

Glassons launched it’s ‘new look’ flagship store this weekend in Newmarket, Auckland. The store draws its inspiration from the fairground, and is a mixture of carnival inspired colour and fun, and a luxurious boutique shopping experience. The front window  display (pictured above) sets the scene immediately, making the store’s inspiration clear and setting the stage for this fashion fairground.

First off, this place is huge, and not in a ‘jam-packed with clothing racks’ kind of way. There is plenty of white space, and room to move around and pick through the clothing on display…and there where a lot of interesting pieces that caught my eye.

The round table with a few items placed upon them pays tribute to the classic boutique experience. The marionnettes mannequins, with ribbon-strings attached is a nice touch and an interesting feature.

Also of interest was the new ranges, stocked exclusively at the new flagship store. There’s ‘Buttons & Bows’ (Glassons limited edition line) ‘Rare’ (from the UK) and a range from Levi’s. These are clearly to cater to those who like to own something that is a little more unique than your average high street store selection.

At the back of the store there is a seated waiting area, most likely for the boys conned into tagging along. I love the clashing green and purple. The changing rooms are huge, and a sweet candyfloss pink. I was unable to get a picture because they were a bit busy…

In addition, this store packs New Zealand’s first blow wave bar, the in-store Pony Xpress. The Glassons girls were handing out menu cards that displayed the eight on-trend hair styles there are to choose from. I wrote a little more about Pony Xpress over here.

I love how the accessories are stocked wall – to – wall in a feast of girl eye candy – here’s a shot of the necklaces/earrings/hairpieces, and an entire wall that was dedicated to sunglasses.

And stocked all year round is the Glassons gift range, Foxtails and Fairytales.

If your in Auckland this place is well worth a visit. The clothing is great value for money, you don’t need to spent a lot to pick up something nice, and the boutique/fairground experience is well worth it!

Personalities are beginning to show through – the good, and the bad. Two of the stroppiest girls on the show, Dakota and Holly, turned on young Lara remarking on her ‘fat thighs’ (not even!) and Dakota stating she’s like to put a gun to her head. The two weren’t so pleased to hear her name called first at the elimination.

Lara – one of my favourites.

Courtenay – another favourite, those eyes are stunning.

Courtenay was the winner of the ‘Zorb challenge’ in which the girls had to make model poses while rolling in one of New Zealand’s famous Zorb’s.

Danielle

The judges love Danielle, they pour compliments on her and her confidence is beginning to increase. I reckon she’ll last in this competition because she photographs very well (and is full of quotes that make good TV, this week: ”Back home, you have one of three options: go on the dole, get pregnant, or get and do something with your life. I’ve chosen the third option.” It will be interesting to see what happens when the  judges start criticizing her.

Amelia

Amelia is another favourite, she has a maturity about her that might prevent her from winning this competition – but a babe nonetheless! The judges remarked that this was a more ‘pinup’ style photograph.

Elza, Nellie

A quick comment on the twins – they take stunning photographs and they are the sweetest, most polite girls in the house from what I’ve seen. I just think it’s a bit unfair having twin professional models in the house…

Jamie

This week we say goodbye to Jamie, not the best decision. She is gorgeous on camera, and although the judges comment that she needs to come through in the eyes a bit more I reckon in a few more episodes she would have.

Colin quote of the week:

Dynamism!

Next week the remaining girls get their makeovers. Who will get their head shaved?

Thank you TV3.co.nz, visit their website to see the rest of the photographs. If you’re in NZ be watching NZNTM Friday, 7:30pm on TV3.

Mimco’s latest collection, An Unpredictable Revolution is a story torn from the pages of a debutante’s diary…

I’ve been charmed by Mimco who have asked me to collaborate with them in bringing ‘An Unpredictable Revolution‘ to life by showing what it means to me. This collection, with its bold title and intriguing references to dark debutante’s does not disappoint. The video at the bottom of this post illustrates how it all comes together – darkness, tortured elegance, tribal kinship & minimalia.

Together with the gorgeous Corset Day Bag from the Unpredictable Revolution collection (you can shop here), and channeling the twisted kinship of a tribal princess to create my own interpretation of Mimco folklore in what I’m wearing…

Bag – Mimco, dress – Dollhouse, necklace – Deadly Ponies Precious, Wedges – Beau Coops

Photos taken by my boyfriend.

This stunning short film was made for Mimco and the new collection, it features Australian supermodel Emma Balfour. I love the ethereal, whimsical and slightly dark feel the film has to it.

Are you liking the new Mimco collection? What’s your favourite piece?

PS – If you liked this post and want to see more don’t forget to subscribe! Click here to subscribe via Blog Lovin or here to subscribe to my feed(which you can have delivered to you via email if you choose).

Gorgeous Betty Page inspired photo shoot, via

I’m turning my weekly feature (previously known as fin) into Five to Fin, or Five Favourites to Finish the Week. I hope that this bite sized, digestible format gives you a peek into what I’m liking on weekly basis (so that you can discover some new things too).

1. Nomming on Porridge

If there’s one thing that I’m powered on, it’s porridge. It is the best breakfast (and afternoon tea snack), and at the moment I’m enjoying it with a bit of strawberry jam stirred in. Porridge Lovers have posted a quick instructional guide (inc. pictures!) on whipping up a bowl in a flash.

2. Lusting over Beau Coops…

If I owned a pair of Beau Coops I would be one happy lady. I don’t think I’ll quite get over missing out on the original grey version, but the black version look pretty sexy too. $369 from Superette. Steep.

3. The Back on Top Show

I do a bit of work behind the scenes for Vicky – if you aren’t following her inspriational internet TV show then you’re missing out. Now is the perfect time to jump on board because we’ve just launched a Facebook page for the show, which you can find here. Then you can entertain yourself with her inspirational (and very informative) videos on the YouTube channel. Here’s the latest, How to Deal with STRESS!

4. What’s in my cosmetics?

Watch the latest Story of Stuff – The Story of Cosmetics (click here!) to learn a bit about the dangerous toxins and chemicals that are used in the production of our beauty/grooming products. Did you know that there is virtually no regulation over the kinds of chemicals manufactures can use, and that words such as ‘herbal’ ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ have no legal definition when used on beauty products?

Corrine wrote a post on the ingredients in her foundation this week which echoes the above concerns. The real bottom line is just make yourself aware!

5. 5 Link Loves

To wrap up, here’s 5 interesting links for you to check out:

• I picked up this great read via Erica Lee, 10 Keys to Becoming a Better Communicator via Erica Lee. I think a lot of people have trouble with #9 – Ask the right questions! In fact, the entire website is chock full of helpful tips and advice for making your life easier. Click here for Dumb Little Man!
• This really is the secret to success!
• This fake interview with Avril Lavigne is hilarious, I WISH this happened.
• I can’t ignore Gala’s style guide: Gossip Girl on acid. The pictures are gorgeous too.
• OKCupid did a survey of which cameras and settings create the hottest photos. From the looks of things I should be photographed with a Canon DSLR. Oh, and iPhone users have more sex.

What did you enjoy this week?

The top 14 for NZNTM Cycle 2

We’re back for NZNTM Cycle 2, which made its big debut on Friday night. It’s New Zealand reality TV at its best (and a huge part of that is the comedy factor). What’s surprising is the stark contrast between the number of girls who have had modelling experience and those who don’t have a clue as to what modelling is. It’s about 50/50, and there doesn’t seem to be any in between.

As always, top model is created for our viewing pleasure which means that those girls who go the distance are the ones with larger than life/obnoxious personalities and unusual interests and stories. Take Courtenay with, ‘I wonder if this photoshoot is against my religion’ and Dakota’s ‘if I didn’t get this I was thinking about going into adult entertainment.’

I can pick at least 4 contestants thrown in purely for the ratings + drama factor.

The twins, Nellie and Elza. Another Top Model twin series – big surprise. They already have a bit of modelling experience.

Holly, with the ‘I don’t care about making friends, I’m here to win’ attitude. I’m not sure how long she’ll stay in but she won’t win because I hear she’s had a lot of modelling experience to date.

And Danielle, who, and I quote, “has gone from looking like she’s about to go and pick up rubbish to looking like she’s going to the Oscars (in the photoshoot).” I hope she stays in for the long haul, if only for more gems like this: “My biggest achievement would be not being pregnant or not being in jail.”

The other girls include:

Afreen and Amelia

Courtenay and Dakota

Estelle and Eva

Jaimie and Lara

Lauren and Michaela

The girls did an ‘Old Hollywood’ style photoshoot, from which my picks are Amelia and Lara.

Check out the rest of the photos on Issac Likes.

Who do you pick for the final 5?

If all goes to plan I’ll be hanging out on Twitter and tweeting about the show Friday nights, 7:30pm, and if that fails streaming it on TV3 On Demand.

PS: Please follow me on BlogLovin and Twitter (and I’m sure that I’d love to follow you along too)!