SECONDS OF STYLE

Seconds of Style #51: Slippers Fit for a Queen

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:27:00 +1200

My first job in London was working for leather footwear and accessory designer, Penelope Chilvers. Her designs are always very unique and follow her passion for the quirky and surprising and often reference the time she spent living in Spain. The latest offering from Penelope are these absolutely sumptuous Dandy Velvet Slippers. The colours are rich and the monograms fit for royalty. They have a very clever bespoke service where you can choose your size, velvet colour, trim colour and monogram. These slippers are definitely not the indoor kind. Simply divine!

Penelope Chilvers Dandy Velvet Slippers

Seconds of Style #50: Going it Alone

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:27:00 +1200

This post is a bit of shameless self promotion. I've recently started freelancing, doing what I love and what I do - running retail websites. I'm working with Andrea Moore who is both lovely and enthusiastic about growing her online business and I am about to begin writing for a retail style blog. I'm on the hunt for more retailers to work with so please spread the word! I've just built myself a simple little website and named myself Fisk Marketing. Why Fisk? Fisk in other languages means fish. Fish in Greco-Roman mythology symbolised change and transformation, it is also my darling and inspiring Mothers maiden name. It is incredibly rewarding to give something the love and attention it needs and then to watch it as it grows and succeeds. There is also something completely scary about going it alone, but I'm doing it anyway!

Check me out: www.fiskmarketing.co.nz

Seconds of Style #49: Puma Social Club - Video Arcade with Cocktails

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:08:00 +1200

I felt like I spent Saturday night in a different country. As I stepped out of the cab into Wynyard Quarter, the city felt far more metropolitan than I have come to expect of Auckland. The bars with their rustic-chic boat shed feel and open waterfront view, stretched along a softly lit esplanade that buzzed with people and life. The area feels 'cool' and not in a "we're so desperate for something new in Auckland that we'll take anything" kind of way. Downtown Auckland finally feels like a space to proud of.

Feeling excited about the city's newness, I was upping the expectation level in my mind as we headed across the road to the PUMA Social Club. I was not disappointed. As we got closer to the warehouse that houses the PUMA Social Club and steped inside, the space opened up into a pinball shooting, beer pong playing, air hockey slamming, fast food frying, ring-a-ding-dinging entertainment paradise for adults.

The PUMA Social Club is essentially a video arcade with cocktails. No frozen coke on the menu here. Guests were served Jägermeister mules, Red Bull mixes and Mojo Fizz. Burger Fuel served up mini Chook Royals, Pumpkin Koftas and Spud Fries with Aioli.

The Sweet Mix Kids played nostalgic tunes mixed with modern beats in perfect harmony with the arcade bells and whistles. The ping pong tables were a huge hit, as was the beer pong - which I now realise is an art form - and the deer hunting game in the Jägermeister corner.

Open to the public as of this Thursday, Sep 15th, entry is free. I highly recommend you check it out, it's fun, it's new and it's in our City!

FOR MORE INFO: http://www.puma.com/social/events/puma-social-club-new-zealand-917

Jägermeister Corner - Stag Head on a living wall

Beer Pong - Not as easy as it looks

Seconds of Style #48: Kathryn Wilson, NZFW11

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Mon, 5 Sep 2011 20:34:00 +1200

My friend and I turned up at the Viaduct Events center for the World Show/Next Top Model Finale on Friday evening, looking like cats that had got the cream. We had our heels on, our bright lips, our glasses of bubbles, our camera's in waiting. We thought we were so fashion, part of an elite group of people lucky enough to have tickets to the televised show and one of the most anticipated events of NZFW11. Well the grins were wiped off as quick as CLR will remove limescale after we missed the call for GA tickets and got shut out of the show. No amount of pleading would change the minds of the 8 feet tall, growling, teeth gnashing bouncers. We were not alone either, I heard one woman say "but my daughter is in the show". Poor love. So after hanging our heads in shame for a few minutes we decided to laugh about it instead of cry. We dubbed ourselves 'the fools of fashion week' and decided that this mishap might have been even better than the show!

Lucky for us, 'the fools of fashion week' have friends in high-ish places, these friends just happened to see us wandering off to the nearest bar in Wynyard Quarter, and these friends happened to have a couple of spare seated tickets to the Kathryn Wilson show! So off we went, grinning once more. This time we made it in.

The big old space at Shed 12, Rhubarb Lane, was buzzing when we arrived. The show had been opened up to a public audience of 3,000. A first for NZFW and a first for many ecstatic punters.

The Show began with a mini doco that followed Kathryn in her lead up to Fashion Week and gave the audience a behind the scenes look at the designer. Filmed in that 'How to Make it in America' kind of way, the film actually painted a really lovely portrait of the designer. She came across as relaxed, fresh, down to earth and hard working.

The U catwalk was covered in gold glitter that kicked up as the lingerie clad models stomped down it. The shoes were big and bold. They were solid and tough. The pallet was mostly monochrome with some jewel tones popping up occasionally. The textures were varied and many. Snake, velvet, tweed, fur, sheepskin and suede.

It was great to see public faces like Penny Pickard and last years NZ Top Model Winner Danielle Hays on the runway and Kathryn overall gave a memorable show for her customers and fans.

Stills from the opening video

Photo by Max Lemeshenko from www.snapstar.co.nz

The Venue

Seconds of Style #47: Adoring Alice

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Fri, 2 Sep 2011 15:27:00 +1200

I am in love with Alice McCall's SS11 collection. I am certain this collection was designed with me in mind. The powdery colours and delicate doily like cut outs mixed with romantic florals pretty much sums up fashion heaven for me. Some favorites below.

Seconds of Style #46: Andrea Moore, The Magic of Midnight

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:52:00 +1200

Another 'working' show for me was Andrea Moore's 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil'. Having helped in house with the show I still hadn't seen the collection (except for a sneaky peak at the feather dress the day before) until it snaked down the runway yesterday.

You were immediately struck by the colours, rich, regal, bold and signature Moore. Then came the fabrics. I found this collection to be incredibly textural and even from the back you could almost feel the light brush of the feathers and cool slick of the python skin belts. The possum furs that adorned the long necks of model after model were decadent and a new school take on old school glamour.

The stand out pieces for me were the purple wrap dress and everything in velvet.

The collection as a whole was very pulled together. It was tight in a way that only an experienced designer can create. A pleasure to watch and a pleasure to be a part of.

Seconds of Style #45: My Very First Fashion Week

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:33:00 +1200

I'm not going to pretend to be all cool and nonchalant about the opening day of NZ fashion Week - not only was it the opening day but it was my first time on the 'inside', and I was deep on the inside, so deep in fact I was backstage for most of the day covered in a stressed out sheen of sweat!

The first show of the day was Ingrid Starnes. There was a subtle buzz of excitement backstage when I arrived at 9am to help. The Starnes/Pound team were taking it in their stride, the models were all a little giddy as they prepared for their first walk down the runway for NZFW 2011 and the Fashion Week Crew were all deadly focused on producing a flawless first show. Which indeed it was.

The botanical wonders hanging at the back of the catwalk were a genious instillation by Xanthe White and set the tone perfectly for the playful and slightly dream like feel of the show. I watched it on the monitor from backstage (which is why I only have a couple of photo's) as I helped slip models into delicate lace bustiers and candy coloured silk. The soundtrack was perfect and the styling divine in it's simplicity. The stand out colours in the range were unique and not trend driven and felt like a breath of fresh air.

Mt favorite piece in the collection - the Cape Dress in Cranberry - is reminiscent of the 70's in it's rich tone and draping cape neckline. The demure length and light-as-air silk georgette give it an uncomplicated sexiness.

I think that's the thing with Ingrid Starnes, nothing feels like it is trying, it's all genuine and authentic, just like the woman behind the clothes.

Seconds of Style #44: Cinemagraph

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:34:00 +1200

Firstly I'd like to acknowledge that I didn't make it to the end of the alphabet. 'M', I didn't make it as far as you and I'm sorry.

Secondly, I'd like to share a website that my darling partner in crime stumbled across last night, Cinemagraph. As explained by Kevin Burg and Jamie Beck on their website, "A Cinemagraph is an image that contains within itself a living moment that allows a glimpse of time to be experienced and preserved endlessly. To quote supermodel Coco Rocha "it's more than a photo but not quite a video"."

The Cinemagraph is alluring and intoxicating. The beauty of stillness and motion colliding makes the viewing experience visceral.

Check out Cinemagraph, it really won't leave you wanting!

Seconds of Style #43: Le Faire: Browsing the Virtual Racks

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Mon, 23 May 2011 21:03:00 +1200

Online shopping is no new concept but the NZ fashion industry seemed to be a little slow of the mark in realising the potential of this retail domain. This is all about to change. Not a day goes by lately that I don't stumble across a new online boutique or see a NZ designer make the move from online lookbook to online store. Online retail in NZ is growing by the day and coming with it are slick visual online magazines, designer diaries, backstage fashion show coverage and competitions galore. A little online boutique that I stumbled across recently is Le Faire. With a host of designers like Blak, Evil Twin and Twenty Seven Names plus some online exclusives, Le Faire might be on its way to becoming a very big online boutique. Get clicking!

Seconds of Style #42: Karen Walker Raises the Flag

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Sun, 22 May 2011 11:21:00 +1200

The flagship store has been a standard concept in international retail for years. For me, Topshop on Oxford St in Central London is the epitome of flagship - the collections are the most current, there is more to shop than just own brand and the retail experience is interactive.With the recent opening of Glassons' Flagship on Broadway and Karen Walkers fresh new Flagship store, Playpark, on Nuffield St, I am thrilled that this concept is being explored in NZ. Karen Walker opened her extended Newmarket space yesterday, it houses Karen Walker label of course, a selection of Topshop clothing, footwear and cosmetics, Hunter Wellington Boots and more. The feel is a bit boutique and a bit department store. There is plenty for the eye to wander across and although it's not quite Topshop flagship a leap has been made and for an Auckland girl, it's exciting!

My favorite Karen Walker collection to date

Seconds of Style #41: January Jones

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Sun, 22 May 2011 11:17:00 +1200

Not only do I love her name more than I can explain but I love that January Jones' character Betty Draper in 'Mad Men' has injected femininity, charm and polish back into modern dressing.

Seconds of Style #40: Ingrid Starnes - The New Vintage

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:43:00 +1200

Ingrid Starnes garments are like old movies living in today, they are Film Noir heroins walking amongst us on Ponsonby Road. The vintage influence is felt strongly in her collections but her re-appropriation of the past into classic and modern pieces is what makes Ingrid a little bit special. My respect for Ingrid Starnes goes beyond our friendship - her creativity as an artist and her ability to stay true to herself and her style in a heavily trend driven industry, gives her label substance and credibility as one of my generations truly talented designers. Right, enough ego massaging, the truth is in the design and I think this sneak peak from her SS11 collection speaks for itself, and take it from me, the rest of the collection is just as beautiful!

Seconds of Style #39: Hoss Intropia SS11

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Wed, 18 May 2011 19:23:00 +1200

It is clear that Spanish label, Hoss Intropia takes influence from the arts. Founded by Paloma Vázquez de Castro, ex-designer for the National Ballet of Spain, Hoss is a lively mixture of classic femininity, costume artistry and subtle embellishment. Hoss prints are all unique to the label with embroidery and beading still done by hand. The summer 11 collection has a wide reach - subtle classic pieces pair back seamlessly with stand out prints and embellishments synonymous with the brand. I fell in love with Hoss when I worked with London Boutique Question Air and we stocked the label, not only the clothes themselves but the story behind the brand and the visual imagery.

Seconds of Style #38: Green with Envy

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:37:00 +1200

It's a little bit bold, a little bit edgy and a little bit 80's - it's official, green is the new 'it' colour. It takes a front row seat this season along with other rich and regal colours like Maroon, Camel, Burnt Orange and Navy - a veritable feast of visceral hues. Bottle, mint, sage or lime - whatever hue you choose it's assured to be a hit this winter. The rich bottle greens are definitely my pick and I am just totally in love with Ruby's sheer trousers.

Blouse by Ingrid Starnes, Jumper by Arabella Ramsay, Jumpsuit by Camilla & Marc, Trousers by Ruby

Seconds of Style #36 & #37: Shes so EFfortless

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Mon, 16 May 2011 18:55:00 +1200

Yes, yes, I'm cheating here. two letters in one post. When we suffer setbacks we must do anything to get back on the horse mustn't we?

The past few seasons, have in many ways been about 'cleaning up' fashion. Stripping it back somewhat. Bringing back the sophistication of past era's, bringing down the hemlengths, increasing the cut size - generally making way for an 'effortless' aesthetic. Whether it be the demureness of the 50's, a-la rising star Ingrid Starnes, the over-sized draping of Moochi and Miss Crabb or the architectural lines of cult label Nyne - the prevailing theme is no fuss fashion. I am through and through a non fuss fashion girl. I'm as dedicated to monochrome as a biker is to leather, use and abuse the term 'oversized' and cower away from fussy details, but for all those who think the more frills, jewels, beads and trims the better - put down the bedazzler and get on board this trend, it's definitely here to stay!

Seconds of Style #35: The Deadliest of all the Ponies

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:43:00 +1200

So having blogger crash and then being in an internet free mini break spot over the weekend has not been conducive to succeeding at my task. Picking up where we left off (26 posts in 26 days, who said it had to be 1 a day!).

Deadly Ponies is more than a cult NZ label, they literally changed the face of NZ accessory design. Their label is a cleaver combination of design aesthetics and aspirational branding. Deadly Ponies is synonymous with 'Cool', it is one of those labels that gives you street cred and an accepting nod from all those 'in the know'. However any Deadly Ponies die hard followers know they are more than just a hit with the cool kids. Designer Liam Bowden's involvement with the product construction and his desire to commemorate the life of his materials gives this label a unique narrative. Deadly Ponies works with the materials, the leather, the bone, so we always remember that the material is from an animal, working with the natural beauty of the skins and bones to make a the product more beautiful.

Deadly Ponies AW11 Collection, 'Egg, White & Blue' is a celebration high fashion, the raw beauty of animal skin and a modern fuss free functionality.

Seconds of Style #34: Let ME Eat Cake

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Wed, 11 May 2011 22:47:00 +1200

They say you should write about what you know, well I can safely say that I know cupcakes. I know them on a global level. I hunted down Magnolia Bakery when I was in New York and lived in Bayswater, London - which may or may not have been because of the areas proximity to The Hummingbird Bakery. I know why butter cream frosting always beats out cream cheese and that the most important element to a cupcake is not the icing but the fluffiness of the cake which allows the icing to melt in your mouth. Yes, I know cupcakes. So when I was walking past Witchery in Ponsonby the other day and spotted the glorious Petal Cafe I was transported to all those delightful Saturday mornings in Notting Hill, happily stuffing my face with cake. I had given up the dream that this very particular type of fluffy butter frosted cupcake would make to NZ but thanks to Petal, my sugar high dreams have all come true! Basically, WOW, I'm not kidding. Get your self into one of Petal's stores now. You won't be disappointed - but you may be a little fidgety for an hour.

The sweet Petal cupcake purse!

Seconds of Style #33: Blak is the new Black

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Tue, 10 May 2011 22:54:00 +1200

Cult New Zealand label Blak goes from strength to strength each season with their signature 'Basics' range and more designed collection 'Luxe'. Known for easy to wear shapes, and urban bohemian feel, Theresa Hodges is well on her way to carving a space for herself in NZ fashion royalty. Her Summer 2011 Collection (images borrowed from the lovely blog over on le-faire.com) is modern and graceful. Shapes move from wistful to strong and colours evoke hazy days of a 70's summer. Highlights are definitely the dip dyed shirt dress, bright lace shirts and girly ditsy prints.

Photo's by Olivia Hemus

Seconds of Style #32: The Alphabet Begins with the Letter A

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Mon, 9 May 2011 22:48:00 +1200

Since I have been so neglectful of this blog for the last few months I have issued myself a challenge, 26 posts in 26 days - one day for each letter of the alphabet. I know this is not reinventing the wheel but I think it might be fun! I will mostly focus on NZ and AU fashion/design/ but some international gems and other bits and pieces might slip in. So here we go...

A is for Andrea Moore

Andrea Moore is a bit of a dark horse. With a firmly established and respected presence in NZ fashion, she goes under the radar somewhat. There is less of the 'loud advertising' approach and more of the 'educated, sophisticated and meticulously constructed collections' approach. I popped into her Ponsonby boutique last week and was carried away by the deep, rich colours, intricate construction details and clean cuts. I particularly loved her Camel Coats.

Seconds of Style #31: A Digital Issue

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Fri, 8 Apr 2011 17:20:00 +1200

I might be a little slow off the mark on this one but I was just introduced to Issuu, a wonderful website full of uploaded magazines! I am a complete magazine hoarder, I can't get enough of them. I buy them new, I buy them 2nd hand. I swap them, I borrow them and I pile them high - so this is a little bit exciting for me. I have to say, I will still need the tactility of having a hard copy when it comes down to it but I love that I can click through loads of great publications and get ideas. It's incredibly user friendly and the images are nice and clear. They even have a 'Visual Inspiration' section to browse, check out Swedish magazine Fotografisk Tidskrift (Photographic Journal), visually inspiring indeed!

Seconds of Style #30: For Your Walls Only

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Tue, 5 Apr 2011 13:36:00 +1200

So I have been on a bit of a hiatus from the blogging world due to a very demanding job with a NZ designer, but I have a bit more free time now so I'm back! I stumbled across some of these art works when I was doing some research for work and had to share them (there may be a bit of an animal theme). I love how accessible art is these days and how varied, intelligent and interesting it is. Again, these are all from Etsy, the perfect place for original, one-of-a-kind things!

Seconds of Style #29: The Secret Life of Silk & Lace

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 11:45:00 +1300

There is a big trend towards soft, romantic 70's style lingerie at the moment, and I for one am a big fan. Nothing makes you feel more feminine than a bit of silk and lace expertly placed under a sheer top or draping dress. Underwear as outerwear has been a prevalent trend for a few seasons now with bustiers and high waist nickers floating down national and international runways. The choice out there for 'designer underwear' is getting silkier, lacier, prettier and more intricate each season. Make sure if you work this trend to choose something specifically made to be seen though!

Seconds of Style #28: Animal Print

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:34:00 +1300

I went second hand shop trawling the other day and dug up an absolute treasure that has quickly become my favorite new piece of clothing. In amongst the diamante denim jean skirts, pink toweling mini's and ten year old Glassons pencil skirts was a very special, vintage high waist diamond pleat leopard print skirt! I have a not-so-secret obsession with animal print - the tasteful silk scarf, cashmere cardigan type of course - so I was thrilled to find this little gem. I had to take the hem up a bit but otherwise I kept it as is. I am wearing it with a Forever 21 grey tee, vintage chains and watch, wooden platforms from second hand store and a second hand denim jacket from SaveMart (the jacket is actually a child's jacket which I love because it means the sleeves are half length and it's cropped in the body).

Seconds of Style #27: Auckland Antiques and Collectables Fair

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:10:00 +1300

I popped along to the Antiques and Collectables Fair in Mt Eden a few weeks ago and was in heaven once again! I loved the Retro Fair back in November but my taste is definitely more antique than retro so on stepping inside the hall my eyes lit up with delight. There was loads of glittering antique jewellery, beautiful etched glassware, original toys full of history and colourful crockery as far as the eye could see. I picked up a four strand gold necklace that I have worn nearly everyday since the fair, I'll pop some pictures up of it tomorrow. I really loved all the antique toys, I think the detail and materials are completely superior to whats on the market today. I'm not sure when the next fair is but as soon as I know I'll make sure to post the info.

Art Deco Ornament from Ritzy Bitz

True Glamour: Vintage engagement rings

Antique Fur Monkey

Seconds of Style #26: Sophisticated Sequins

erica.a.hodgson@gmail.com (Erica Hodgson) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:14:00 +1300

I got this amazing sequin top at the Retro Fair a few weeks ago. Someone had cut the sleeves and hem off and hadn't bothered to finish it. I bought it to mend it but just really loved how the raw edges made it even more unique, so I left it as is.

I wore it out dancing with my girlfriends, we went to 1885 Britomart, down town. I hadn't been there before and I was so impressed! Fantastic music, just cheesy enough to dance to with some good indie tracks thrown in, and reasonably priced bubbly. Get there early though, it gets pretty crazy.

I wore my sequins with a By Malene Birger blazer, Topshop skinny jeans, Country Road heels and vintage necklace and clutch.