avocado sundays

Gold Like Mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:13:00 +0000

After a brief blogging hiatus due to holidays and a lack of motivation a friend of mine has inspired me to get back into it with the recent launch of her jewellery line Gold Like Mountains. The jewellery is made in New Zealand and inspired by geometry, colour and nature. Check out some of my favourite pieces.

Amy also makes a range of pieces out of polymer clay which is proving to be a very popular medium for art & crafters. All of her pieces are hand made and all are one offs! She also makes to order if you wish. Amy's an artist by trade and has had work featured in a number of different exhibitions over the last few years, her jewellery aesthetic definitely reflects her artistic style which is based on colour, shape and pattern. Check out Gold Like Mountains or Amy's blog .

Ruby AW12

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:07:00 +0000

News just landed that this AW12 collection from RUBY will be released for sale on the 27th of January in NZ so I thought I'd share a collection of my favourite looks. Some of these pieces were shown at last year's NZ Fashion Week and seemed to be extremely popular amongst the media and the public. I personally think this is one of RUBY's best collections to date and will be interested to see these garments fly off racks in a week or so. Check out the full lookbook here.

I also visited RUBY's Pop Up store today which has some incredible discounts on samples and seconds. Check that out too!

Photographic Inspiration: Annette Pehrsson

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:09:00 +0000

I've always been a big fan of talented young photographer Annette Pehrsson. For Christmas I got an analogue camera so I'm currently experimenting with film for a little project I have coming up. I guess I turn to Pehrsson's blog as a reminder of what film can produce. It's sort of calming and inspiring at the same time. Check her out.

Summer Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:02:00 +0000

Here in NZ the weather has been such a pain with rain and more rain and then just when we get sunshine we also get a sun shower. So... I thought I'd share my favourite (so far) publications (possibly) ever. These are the things I have read and re-read many times and often go back to for reading comfort and inspiration. Perfect for a less than summery summer.

1. Spaces by frankie magazine - a visual delight and interesting reads about Australian creatives and their home/work/eating spaces

2. The Selby Is in Your Place by Todd Selby - the original 'creatives in their homes' publication by creative genius Todd Selby

3. The Tram conductor's Blue Cap (Poetry) by Michael Harlow - Clever and sometimes charming poetry - not too heavy for a poetry newby

4. I'll Take You There by Joyce Carol Oates - A difficult and complex novel which I'm determined to re-read until I fully understand it - it's quite sweet at times too

Metal

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:23:00 +0000

A mixture of my favourite pieces from TomTom and Luv AJ's latest collections which fuse heavy raw metal with tribal, edgy styling. If I had to chose I'd go for the bracelets (5 & 6) because 'statement' necklaces and two finger rings have held the spotlight for too long! Check them out ... 1, 3 & 7 Luv AJ // 2, 4, 5 & 6 TomTom.

Print & Colour / Karen Walker Resort 11/12

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:05:00 +0000

Images Karen Walker.com

These are a couple of pieces from Karen Walker's Current Season of Resortwear which modernises simple, classic cuts and silhouettes by teaming them with rich, bright colours and bold references to retro prints. I have always been a huge fan of KW prints and think this season's resortwear features some of her best yet. Check them out KW

Gift Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 10:33:00 +0000

A girly gift guide I put together to help with Christmas shopping. It features a cool range of NZ stuff and everything you can get online which makes shopping even easier!

Art print, necklaces and earings from Foxes. Nail polishes from Ruby. Shades from Karen Walker. I <3 Macaroons recipe book and purple satchel from Wocolate. Diana Mini Camera from Lomography AUS/NZ. Happy gift shopping!

Print love: Stolen Girlfriends Club

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:07:00 +0000

I'm a huge fan of prints this summer especially these two by Stolen Girlfriends Club which are botanic garden themed and are amazing in person. I'm not sure which of the two I like more but I love all the options they've created. Sometimes I think people see repetitive use of a print to be a bit of a designer's cop out but I totally disagree with a collection like this. Why wouldn't you create a couple of awesome options with beautiful prints like these?!

Christmas Wishing

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 06:47:00 +0000

So I thought it would be fun to make a Christmas wishlist for the blog with a bit of a fashion focus. It's pretty difficult to pick a small amount of pieces and oddly none of these pieces seem to go together. Presents are one of my favourite things about Christmas time. I always have to refrain from spending all my money buying everyone a truckload of gifts!

Here's what's on my list:

1. Holga 135TIM Camera 2. The current issue of Frankie Magazine 3. Ruby Nail Polish in 'Smurf' 4. Stolen Girlfriends Club Tee Shirt Dress 5. ASOS Aztec Backpack 6. Bucket Bag 7. Pegasus Tee 8. Little & Friday Fudge Box with chocolate, russian, lime, pistachio and raspberry (YUM!) and 9. Mustard Loafers from Topshop

Field Essays

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:52:00 +0000

At the last First Thursdays a new project emerged titled 'Field Essays'. The group collective focused on documentation (hence the title) across a range of mediums and the work spoke on the process rather than the result of art making. I grabbed this publication not long after the exhibition and have been using it for inspiration since then. A big thanks to Yolunda who left me a sweet little note inside thanking me for the support. For more on Field Essays head over here.

Auckland Art & Craft Fair 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:26:00 +0000

Last Saturday I helped out with the Auckland Art & Craft Fair run by the lovely Kylie & Jess. I had so much fun doing things that barely felt like work (i.e. giving out "I support Handmade" stickers and wrapping gifts) and shopping for little Christmas/Birthday gifts too. The stalls at the fair were pretty amazing, with really unique designs and crafts at super cheap prices. So many people seemed to walk out with at least one arm full of gifts and many seemed to be employing the 'one for them, one for me' policy when it came to the jewellery. The things I bought are either wrapped or have already been given to friends which makes for a not so special photograph but I do want to urge you to check out Jess' online shop Foxes where she sells a collection of her own handmade goodies as well as bits and pieces from a range of AACF artists.

Sass & Bide / Pattern & Colour

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 03:00:00 +0000

All photographs - Sass & Bide

A couple of my favourite looks from one of Sass & Bide's latest collections. Sass & Bide are one of my favourite Australian brands. I love how unique they've always been and their very distinct take on pattern and print. I feel this collection displays a strong artistic influence rather than simply a design and fashion inspiration which totally appeals to me. The last dress is my personal fave! Check them out online (and with free shipping!) here.

Ruby pink breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 22:49:00 +0000

Won a limited edition Ruby x Rosemount nailpolish which arrived on my doorstep this morning! Thanks Ruby!! The crazy couriers dropped it off early during breakfast which recently has consisted of homemade muesli, strawberries and natural yoghurt...so good! The muesli is just a mix of bran, wholegrain oats, coconut, sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, cinnamon and dried apple. Top it off with natural wildberry and echinacea yoghurt for one of the best breakfasts out :) yum.

Dead Dogs and Gym Teachers - Amy Potenger's Side Way exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:29:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I joined a Youth Art Committee which gathers to manage and curate Artstation's new Side Way exhibition space. Amy Potenger took our first exhibition spot and wowed us last night with the opening of her Dead Dogs and Gym Teachers installation. It's made of expanding foam and totally represents a youth art perspective; fun, vibrant, energetic and organic. We are so proud of Amy! If you're in Auckland check out the exhibition at 1 Ponsonby Road. It runs until January.

Things

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:20:00 +0000

This post is a little overdue but a week or so ago these were lovely new things. My new mocasons and cardigans are getting lots of wear and my notebooks are full of new ideas for paintings & photographs. Loving being on holiday!

AUT Raw: Graphic Design Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:15:00 +0000

So roughly two weeks ago AUT opened up for the RAW show which featured the work of art, design and fashion students. The talent in the exhibition blew me away a little bit. There were so many clever designs and interesting new ideas which were very inspiring to a non-graphic-designer. I collected a bag full of business cards, postcards and publications (only some of which is shown in this post..) and thought I'd share some of my favourites. Here's a little info about some of them:

Briar Mark's work comments on handcraft versus graphic design and the processes of each
Jane Park produced a book that explores mourning and loss. It has submissions about these experiences from anonymous contributors and their identity is signified by (the perfect metaphor for life & death) a lock of their hair
Rochelle Vranjes created 6 rules to produce happy design by identifying elements of visual communication that evoke happiness in the viewer
Tamsin Jane created a typeface using negative space and produced posters & wallpaper using her design
Ashleigh Lara Hill explored the intricacy of a moment and produced a short film documenting specific moments and the details in them that we usually overlook

As you can tell I am as much impressed by the design as I am by the ideas that influenced them. So proud of my friends that exhibited - they are all ones to watch!

Art in the Dark 2: Fairy lights

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 03:17:00 +0000

More pictures from Art in the Dark - these two installations were some of my favourites. They both drew big crowds of curious onlookers. The first one was like a glittery walk through and the second had secret notes inside a strings of envelopes draped across trees. Lots of whimsy!

PB&J

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

I'm posting about a sandwich because I can post about a sandwich. They are just as important to me as finding cute shoes online or an amazing bag that I'll never fork out for. I've also recently grown an obsession for healthy food. This is my sandwich of the moment - the healthy PB&J with Soy & Linseed bread, 100% peanut butter, Unsweetened Strawberry Jam and Banana - its delish...try it!

Art in the Dark 1

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 01:46:00 +0000

Art in the Dark last Saturday was so inspiring! This is my first lot of pictures from the event (I took waaaay too many photographs). I chose these shots because they all showcase how amazing the different trees in Western Park look. I love how some of the artists used their art to show off nature, it really made the park look gorgeous. The last snap is of Amy Potenger and Jessamyn Gemming's piece which was inspired by Tom Wolfe's The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test book. Check them out x

Today

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:32:00 +0000

Yes I have been MIA from blogging for a little while now. In that time I have finished my degree though so have not just been a slacker. However I am seriously lacking inspiration from and for the blogging world - so... if you want to leave links to your blog / your favourite blogs in the comment section please do! Right now this picture explains my present state - not sure what's coming next and feeling strange that a huge part of life is over. Confused & uninspired & searching for something? Heading off to see my friends exhibition now :) and that is VERY exciting!

Style crush: Blair Waldorf

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:18:00 +0000

I have fallen again for Blair Waldorf in Season 5 of Gossip Girl. Loving how they are making her hair look more natural this time around and I think they have the mix of classic / contemporary pieces just right. The citrus colours seem to be featured a lot. Loving it.

Blogger Spotlight: Sara from La Mode qui Vole

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:00 +0000

Meet Sara, a talented young blogger / student / photographer / fashionable lady. Her blog La Mode qui Vole is a visual delight of photography, fashion and travel which is completely unterstated, unique and intriguing. It features her style and musings in the cities of New York and Singapore. I caught up with Sara to ask her a few quick questions about La Mode qui Vole.

What is La Mode qui Vole?
La mode qui Vole is French for "the fashion which flies" or "the fashion that flies" - however way you want to translate it!

What's the story behind the name?
I wish I had a better rationale for why I decided to make my blog name in French other than I liked the way it sounds. I just wanted a blog title that sounded kind of random and surreal.

How would you describe your style?
I'm not sure since it changes all the time. In general, I'm not really attracted to girly or preppy things - but that's not to say I won't be in the future!

What inspires you?
Anything can potentially inspire me whether it be a piece of artwork, a book, or someone I see on the street. In terms of fashion I get inspired more by what people wear on a day-to-day basis than what I see on the runway.

What would your ideal job be?
Definitely something in the creative industries!

Has bloggling influenced your style?
I haven't been blogging long enough to notice any changes in my style that are directly correlated to my blog. In terms of photography, I take only some of the photos on my blog. The ones of me are taken by my good friend Kathryn when I'm in New York, and by my boyfriend when I'm in Singapore. I really appreciate blogs that are aesthetically pleasing in terms of their layout and photography so I try and make sure I do the same with my blog.

What are your favourite things about New York and Singapore?
Singapore will always feel like home to me since I've lived there for two thirds of my life, so I really love the aspect of familiarity Singapore has for me. Despite my constant complaining about the heat I love that it has perfect beach weather all year round. Plus everything is so efficient and clean! New York, on the other hand, has a lot more character. My favourite thing about New York is that its never boring. Its such an amazing, exciting city - I love that you can wander outside and stumble upon something new every time.

Which would you choose, Singapore or New York?
Although I love Singapore to bits, I'd have to choose New York.

What's next for you/your blog?
I'm not sure! But I think that's the best thing about blogging: its unpredictable.

What are your top five favourite things right now?
Probably top on my list in my new camera. I decided to splurge and get myself a DSLR - its second hand but it works perfectly! I guess the other four things on my favourites list are just various things I've bought or eaten recently.

Check out Sara's blog La Mode qui Vole x

Bloggers do it better: Secret Squirrel S11/12

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 01:21:00 +0000

I love this print by Secret Squirrel! I have been slightly obsessed with it after seeing a few different bloggers wearing variations of it (It comes as a skirt, top, and a dress in two styles). Recently Francesca from Opinion Slave posted this photo of herself in it. She looked so good I googled the collection and quickly came to the conclusion that the bloggers have done it better with this print. I can't stand the plastic model and subdued styling for the Botanica collection. To me, Francesca has completely outdone the look book version. What do you think?

Check out Francesca's look at Opinion Slave and the rest of the collection at Secret Squirrel x

Art Making for All of a Heap show

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:36:00 +0000

All pictures by Liv from entertainme.co.nz

Some pictures of the live art making All of a Heap show from last weekend. This event was so much fun! It taught/reminded me a couple of things about art making:

Art is best when its fun
Anyone can do it and better yet the potential for magic comes from letting go
Dark chocolate and popcorn make delicious smelling art but dog hair and seed art is more pungent and overwhelming
Collaborative art produces something neither of you could have dreamed up
So the magic is all in the restriction itself and using it to your advantage rather than trying to overcome it

Big thanks to Liv from Entertain Me for the pictures, and Artstation's Youth Art Committee for the event. This event is also part of Art Week Auckland.

Art for Saturday & Bjork for Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Avocado Sundays) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 03:51:00 +0000

Yesterday was spent making ridiculous/fantastic art at the Artstation Youth Art Committee's All of a Heap show. A bunch of art lovers got involved and helped the YAC crew celebrate the opening of their new exhibition space Side Way which faces Ponsonby Road. Each of us were given restrictions (i.e. two of us tied together, making art behind our backs or making art blindfolded) and encouraged to let go of our inner critic and embrace an experimental art making approach. The art was installed in the Side Way space later in the evening whilst we ate chocolate and rocky road cake and listened to some crazily talented young musicians. I'm hoping to get some pictures soon :)

Today I'm feeling bjork and sunshine in the process of beginning a couple of new projects.