sans pareil

Federation Summer/High Summer 2011/12

2012-02-23T14:55:00.001+13:00

I used to go into the Federation store down in Britomart all the time - not because I particularly liked the clothes but they had some amazing wall art and some seriously awesome toys/kidrobot stuff like these:

And then I got lazy and stopped (thinking about the label)... until today when I accidentally came across their latest campaign! Totally serves me right if all my favourite bits are sold out...

1. Knitted Short

2. Sheer diamond leggings

3. Split leggings

Wild Fox 2012

2012-02-07T21:01:00.001+13:00

Has anyone else seen the latest Wild Fox campaign? It is seriously amazement!

I am in deep, passionate, 'take me I'm yours love with it'. It was shot by The Cobra Snake (that weird dude that goes round to heaps of parties in New York and takes pictures of semi celebs.)

here are my fav pics, but go check it out yo!

I need this cardigan.

Every girl should get to be a Princess.

2012-02-04T02:51:00.003+13:00

I think that quote is Marilyn Monroe? I've used it before but I cannot remember.
Anywho, I found these pics while cleaning out my hard drive... I quite liked them. I'm wearing this awesome George Maxi dress that was WELL sexpensive; so luckily I got it discounted from my job.

Hope the week is treating ya'll swell! I'm heading to Laneways tomorrow and am rather excited. Xx R

Sunday fav

2012-01-29T23:10:00.002+13:00

I don't know anything about this picture - wish I'd saved it with some info because now I'm dying to know what show, what season, which model, etc etc. The only thing I know is that I'm obsessed with it!

Open for business bitches!

2012-01-27T14:52:00.001+13:00

Sorry about the lame title, I couldn't resist the cheesy Britney alliteration.

So anywho, after nearly two years of getting our shuffle on from market to market, we are finally in a shop! Woohoo! SO you should really go check it out if you're in the Melbourne region.

Currency Vintage Clothing on Brunswick Street.

It's a gorgeous shop too, every time I go in to drop off clothes I get distracted by all the wonderful goodies they sell.

On a completely different topic, I am in the midst of creating a super Facebook page and am undecided about what logo I should use.

What do ya'll think?

This:

Or this:

xx R

QOP

2012-01-23T20:14:00.002+13:00

A super casual outfit I wore to uni the other day - I'm not a huge fan of tees but went to a Beirut gig last week and groupied it up by buying a band teeshirt. The navy culottes are by a cute NZ label called Sunday, who design clothes that are right up my alley - comfy but girly.

Sunday fav

2012-01-22T20:59:00.002+13:00

So simple really.

Is there life after B.A?

2012-01-16T13:25:00.001+13:00

This is my screw-you-uni-for-not-letting-me-know-my-application-wasn't-correct-until-it-was-too-late tee.
I seriously need a tee that reads 'is there life after a B.A' I'm beginning to wonder!
Happy Monday. xxx

QOP

2012-01-16T00:14:00.002+13:00

I am totally on a roll with these posts at the moment - fingers crossed it lasts! Had a girly date with one of my best friends this weekend - the new(ish) art gallery in town is so lovely, am now obsessed with Victorian art.

Another thing I seem to be doing lots with long skirts at the moment is to pin one part of the hem up to the waistband - am loving uneven hemlines!

Sunday fav

2012-01-15T19:37:00.002+13:00

Andrew Garfield

Tea and yummy treats

Envy people who can pull off white jeans/pants...

QOP

2012-01-13T18:01:00.003+13:00

My solution for really long dresses is just to make a knot somewhere. Makes it so much easier to get around places (like walking up flights of stairs, especially if you're clumsy like me).

Bikinis I love

2012-01-11T15:18:00.003+13:00

I go through phases with bikinis, one year I'll obsess over them and buy two pairs too many, but sometimes I'll let the whole summer fly by without even thinking about them. These are the ones I'm eyeing up at the moment, I wonder which way I'll fall this year... x H.

Zimmerman Devoted Triangle Bra Bikini

Jets Classique-Spot Bikini

Zimmerman Thistle Mesh-Paneled Halternick Swimsuit

Quick Outfit Post

2012-01-10T12:29:00.003+13:00

One of my resolutions for this year is to post more day-to-day outfits on this blog - so, without further ado, first one for twenty-twelve.

There was this cutest one-eyed stray, that was super friendly.

Summer fruit and burnt shoulders

2012-01-08T02:54:00.002+13:00

I will be doing a post dedicated to Sans Pareil being stocked in a real-life shop some time next week; in the meantime, here are some snaps from my summer to get you in the mood for mojitos and sun screen.

What are your thoughts on kids with leashes?

Recycled leather cross necklaces soon to be in stock.

So hard to work when I have this little cutie hanging around.

And PS I got a tattoo!

What is motivating you 2012?

2012-01-04T23:05:00.000+13:00

As a fashion blogger I am constantly needing to think about what inspires my personal style. This always leaks over into what inspires me personally as a human because the line between personal self and personal style is very blurry (for some non existent).

Lets start with what is inspiring me fashionable in the new year...

1. I LOVE grunge. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE grunge.

2. Do you remember those caps every 10 year old had back in the mid 90s? I had one! And I miss it and want to get another one.

3. I know it has been around forever but I want the perfect balayage hair. I am slowly SO FUCKING SLOWLY, waiting for my hair to grow out so I can do something like this. I have fantasies of not having to re-dye it every 6 seconds, and just letting it grow.

4. I am getting into crazy nail designs in a big way.

5. Round glasses are amazing. FULL STOP. In Auckland, there are some markets called the Victoria Park Markets, in their hey day they were pretty awesome (pretty run down now though) but I remember going there when I was pretty young and seeing round glassed with purple lenses everywhere.

6. I am currently reading Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. I would also say Sartre and Alan De Bottom are strongly influencing me at present.

7. Musically, I am still into my grunge and old school rap.

8. Last but not least, here are some pictures from my personal collection, that I either love, took or find inspiring (or all three). xxx R

Boxing Day.

2011-12-26T21:28:00.002+13:00

So it's boxing day and I thought I would do a personal style post - apologies again that I am so un-christmassy!
Recently Top Shop just opened in Melbourne so I went and had a look. I got some really cool lip sticks and I decided to wear them both at the same time! Whatcha all think?

2011-12-24T15:03:00.000+13:00

Hello!
I shall start by announcing the winnders of our Planesneekers jeans competition!!!
So I wrote down some names and out then in a hat, picked at random and the winners are.....
First prize goes to Awkard Orchid. So two pairs of jeans!!! Wooohooo!!!
Second prize goes to Ruby so that's one pair of jeans!
Woohoooo Congrats ladies.

On a side note, we haven't really jusmped on the Christmas buzz and posted a sillion gift ideas simply because A) we can't be bothered and B) neither Haeme or myself are big on the whole Christmas thing. Not to say that we don't enjoy the holiday, but the best way to describe it is that in this part of the world, it just isn't a big deal. So we'll leave you with a simple Season's Greetings from us as SP. xxx

Hugs

2011-12-12T14:16:00.000+13:00

It's rainy and windy in Auckland today, not like summer AT ALL. I want to be at home in my bed with a good book but will have to settle for photos that make me go aww. Hugs are the best.

(a scared panda hugging after an earthquake in China, double aww!)

(PS - I'm a bit obsessed with elephants.)

I grew up with this movie and still carry a soft spot for Macaulay Culkin. (And I'm pretty sure it started my huge bee phobia eeek!)

Sunday fav

2011-12-11T23:31:00.001+13:00

Charlotte Free...

... and this Alexander McQueen (S/S 2007).

GIVEAWAY number TWO:

2011-12-07T03:04:00.000+13:00

Hello!
We have our second giveaway to well, give away.
And kids, it's a pretty awesome prize.

We were lucky enough to have three pairs of planesneekers jeans to be given to some lucky readers;

If you read my post a little while ago on these planesneekers jeans then you know that I just LOVE my black pair. So I highly recommend ya'll get entering and win yourself some sweet ass jeans (and saving a couple hundy while you're at it).

Check out the planeseekers fit guide to see what size is best for you!

WHAT YOU WIN:
This giveaway rules, because not only is it not some old second hand item I've decided I no longer want (I've seen SO many bloggers do this) But you can pick what colour and size you would like. First prize is two pairs of any size or colour you like (colours are burgundy, black and blue) and second prize is one pair of any colour or size.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:
1.Simply 'like' the Sans Pareil facebook page (which is a pretty sweet page if we do say so ourselves).
2. 'like' the Planesneekers facebook page (again, awesomeness).
3. And then 'follow' this blog (either with blog lovin or by just clicking the 'follow' tab in the top left corner.
4. Now, just leave a comment with your email address and what two pairs are your preference. (rate them in order, just in case you come second and win the one pair).
5. You must enter by Tuesday the 21st of December to be considered.

So, GET ENTERING KIDDIES!! xx

Pretty

2011-12-06T13:51:00.000+13:00

There is something magical about photos that evoke feelings of nostalgia and of the past. I need to take more disposable camera shots.

Paolo Roversi

2011-11-29T03:21:00.000+13:00

I am doing styling a shoot this Sunday (eeek probably my last Melbourne one) and am rather excited. The theme is Modern Gothic and based around the stunning editorial work of Paolo Roversi.
Here are some of my favourite images he has produced. x

Seaside

2011-11-18T03:43:00.000+13:00

I finally, FINALLY made it to St Kilda beach.
I know it's a major fail living in a city for over a year and not having had visit the local beach area. I guess it's just that It's so similar to Mission Bay in Auckland, that I just couldn't really be bothered.
I've also been listening to Erykah Badu a bit and I just adore this song : The Healer.

This is EXACTLY how we want to spend our time!

So pretty!

Jumping pictures!

In one of my last posts where I attended the shop opening, there was a stylist there with multi-coloured nails. Which I am now obsessed with!

Favourite picture of the week

2011-11-16T14:38:00.001+13:00

I am obsessed with everything in this picture - her face, hair, what she's wearing, and THOSE LEGS! Sublime. I want it all. x H

Things I want to try

2011-11-16T14:34:00.001+13:00

There are two (polar opposite) looks that I'm totally loving at the moment. The first involves chunky, thick sweaters with something lighter on the bottom (cotton pants, silk shorts); the second is a little more 'risque' (as in I wonder if I'll ever be able to summon enough courage to try it in this lifetime) involving pretty bras as substitutes for tops. x H

1. Sweaters.

2. Bra-slash-tops.

Planesneekers Jeans by Stuart Burnet

2011-11-15T01:56:00.000+13:00

Breaking into the Melbourne fashion scene is no easy feat. Everywhere you turn there are boutique designers popping up with stores manned by too-cool for school fashionistas wearing the very latest these designers have to offer. Shopping in some areas in Melbourne can be intimidating, let alone starting your own label. But that's exactly what Stuart Burnet did, and thus, Planesneekers emerged.

Planesneekers are not your everyday pair of jeans; or actually maybe they are. Think True Religion Jeans- now think of the very polar opposite to that (thank God!).

Planesneekers are well made, classic jeans with no glitz or added frills. Which in today's' world of denim wear, is a breath of fresh air. The original concept was based on the notion of stealing clothes from your boyfriend's wardrobe, ie- drop crotch, tapered designs (which I am pretty sure are still available on the website).
At the present, Stuart is concentrating on creating the perfect basic skinny pair or female jeans at a decent price:
"I feel anyone can make a fantastic jean at a price, local production is easy and the jeans will look great at an end retail cost of well over $100. The market I want to capture; girls, want to look as hot as possible without having to spend a weeks salary on buying"
Sounds good to me!

Add caption

You can currently buy planesneeker jeans at Alyssmn in Hawthorn and A Girl Named Paul in South Yarra.

I thought seeing as they are a unisex style, and the name is planesneekers I should show ya'll how to wear then with sneakers!

Adolfo Dominguez shop opening

2011-11-13T03:48:00.000+13:00

Ruby and I headed to Chadstone shopping center for the opening of the new Spanish, luxury brand Adolfo Dominguez. The shop was heavily decked out (with red carpet, delicious nibbled and champagne!), but before I go into more detail I'm going to rewind a sec, and post some pictures from my Lookbook .

Me looking like a spaz and Ruby looking like a queen... ain't them the breaks?

This skirt was MADE to be ~~twirled~~ worn in a dignified manner.

Look at this fantastic satchel Ruby picked up in Christchurch.

I made these leather cross necklaces. they come in about 3 sizes, and black too, available online soon.

Now back to the event itself!

After getting a bit lost, we finally made it out to Chadstone and got our free glasses of Champagne, and walked across the the red carpet. The store was packed with a few famous faces, stylists, fashionestias to name a few.

The collection itself is strong on structure, bold prints and fine materials.

The brand originates from Spain in the 1970s and through the 90s chain stores have been popping around the world, though this is the first Australian store. It is now fronted by Adolfo and his youngest daughter : Tiziana Dominguez, whom is an avid Animal rights campaigner (woohoo!) and believes in sustainable fashion (which you all know if something that we hold dearly to our hearts).

Now onto the street style snaps!

The lovely owner of the shiny new store.

Look at those amazing shoes! I want!!

We had such a wonderful time eating fine food, drinking fine wine, mingling with attractive, wealthy Melbournians...

Woo goodie bags!!

Ahhh back to reality on public transport home.....the life of a blogger. XX R

The Snow Hunt

2011-11-10T00:27:00.000+13:00

Yay I'm really excited to finally post the fashion video I was apart of. The concept was thought up by Amanda Reedy, the Producer.
It was SUCH a long, cold day! But totally worth it, everyone did an amazing job.

Sans Pareil - Snow Hunt from David Rusanow on Vimeo.

I wanna be Winona Ryder in Reality Bites.

2011-11-07T20:49:00.002+13:00

I know I keep going on and on about my 90s obsession, but I really, really love that era. The fashion. The music.
Bill Clinton the first real celebrity President; and the world didn't seem to be in a constant state of finical red.

Anyway, these are my style icons, that I sit and constantly watch their films (what else is there to do in this Australian heat?) having eye sex with the androgynous I-don't-give-a-fuck-because-i'm-in-a-grunge-band stlye these leading ladies possess.

1. Winona Ryder in Reality Bites, Beatlejuice and Girl Interrupted.
Just Winona in the nineties full stop.

2. Julie Delpy in Before Sunrise.
If you haven't seen this film- well then, do it! It's pretty much the bohemian fantasy of every female I know, without being on the on the soppy side. Plus you get Julie Delpy, who is just so, SO who I want to be when I grow up.

3. Live Tyler in Empire Records.
This movie made me go out and buy everything I could by Coyote Shivers (no joke) which isn't much as he is virtually unknown now. Though at one stage in LA in the early 80s, even band members from KISS were rejected entry to one of his gigs.

The middle guy is Coyote Shivers, who also did the theme song for the film.

These three films have strongly influenced my style recently (although it may be to lack of funding of designer clothes).

I love these ripped stay ups I have. I got them in high school (I know, what the hell did I want with lingerie in high school?!) and have started wearing them and using them in shoots, recently.

Anyway, I think I may go and chop up some denim and watch Empire Records again! xx R

I Made my first Gif!

2011-11-03T23:54:00.000+13:00

Haha I know this is a little lame but I was rather excited about the idea of a moving picture of a Dandelion being blown. And I made it all by my lonesome! xx R

whywho shoes

2011-10-31T12:42:00.002+13:00

I love my Romans. Because my feet reject jandal-wearing after about 5 minutes, Romans have been my best friends every summer, all summer. But I've just purchased a pair of new sandals that may take over the top spot as the 'most comfy, most granny-like, most sensible, most versatile' pair of summer shoes in my books - the whywho Day Dreamers.

The best thing about these shoes are that they are kiwi-made: by two sisters in Gisborne. Here are some photos of their Summer 2011/2012 range - check out their website for the full range (I want them all). x H.

Sunday fav

2011-10-31T02:40:00.000+13:00

Happy week all!
We have lots in the pipe lines coming so sorry about the lack of posts, but excitement is coming.

Anyway, here are some Animals being extra cute to make you swoon. x

DIY Hair Gwen Stefani hair

2011-10-22T22:04:00.001+13:00

So I bleach my hair.
A lot. These days peroxide isn't JUST for skanks and trash-bags; it's for the whole family (and by whole family I mean any walk of life, not your four year old brother).
I have been doing it or years, usually with the hops of looking something like this:

ahhhhh that crisp, white Gwen Stefani hair.
Which as a result I have spent enough money at the hairdresser to fund a small Eastern European country. Being a student, or a post B.A student, I can't always afford to spend the money needed on the up keep of this look.
Recently I bit the bullet and after years of turning my nose up at box dye I decided to try it. It turned out pretty well, so I thought I would give you all a run through on how to get the perfect white-blonde hair at home.

Here goes:
1. first up, it's best to try it when you have a really small amount of regrowth so if it does go pare-shaped you only have a few cms of orange hair.

2. I recommend Schwarzkoph NORDIC blonde, I think it's their strongest bleach. (btw this is majorly bad for your hair so make sure the wash leading up to dyeing and the wash after you use conditioner treatment.)

3. Follow the instructions on the box. I leave mine in for a little longer, but that's because my hair is nearly black at the roots and I have been thorough years of bleach! Keep checking in the mirror every 20mins or so, seeing as you put it on dry, you should be able to get a fair idea of what shade it's turning.

4. Now like I said, my hair is DARK, so I need to dye it twice. If you're the same, then the first time you dye it your hair will go a dark blonde, I suggest waiting about another week before re-dying it. It gives the colour time to settle, and your hair time to gain its strength back.

5. So now you should have pretty blonde hair. But it's still a little bit yellow yes? Here is the magic:

De Lorenzo silver shampoo. This stuff is AMAZING, and the best silver shampoo I have used. Also, they are animal testing free, so you don't need to worry about any bunny boiling! (YAY). I recommend putting this stuff in your hair dry. As in stand in front of the mirror with dry hair, and use your hands to paint it on (maybe wear gloves). Cover up as much hair as you can. then wait, depending on how much whitening you want will depend on how long you leave it on for. I have been known to go to bed with it in. But to get the colour below, I left it on for about two hours.

Sorry about the crap quality pic! It does show the colour pretty well though.

If you want your hair to go a slight violet, keep doing it. It comes up a really nice pastel purple/violet which is a big look at the moment!

And there you go!
D.I.Y Gwen Stefani hair! Woo!

The Pink Panther Presents....

2011-10-21T01:33:00.001+13:00

...my new hair!

Or possible new hair.
I am thinking of going pink. All over. From head to tip. What ya'll think?
Should I do it?
These are some pinkspiration pictures I have been collecting to help me make up my mind.

Who could forget Natalie Portman in Closer with that beauty of a pink wig; or Scarlet Johansson inLost in Translation.

Mmmm I seem to have candy floss on my mind. Or maybe on my head. Anyway, I am loving all things pastel. I just adore the multi-coloured hair look (reminds me so VERY much of my beloved My Little Ponies)

ahhhh so much sparkle, so much pastel, my every little girl's heaven. Siiiiiigh.

It was actually hot today!

2011-10-20T03:07:00.000+13:00

Man oh man was it a lovely day.
29 degrees is pretty awesome for Spring, I'm really excited, my first Summer in Melbourne was pretty much non existent-already the weather has been better! time to bust out the summer wardrobe and fake tan (I look like an albino at the moment).

I am obsessed with this leather cross pendant I made

Cute necklace hey? I have made some more and will be selling them soon, so comment or let us know if you would like one. The dress I am wearing is Sans Pareil Vintage.

Xx R

Lazing around the neighbourhood.

2011-10-18T05:44:00.000+13:00

My darling friend Ruby needed some pics of herself to join an agency here in Melbourne and I needed some lookbook.nu pictures (as always) And I also needed a model for some vintage clothes I'm selling online (which, I might add you can buy here or here). So we spent one afternoon hanging around the local streets (getting honked at and stared at) and my local garden taking a few pictures.

This photo makes me look really short and just small really. I can't understand it I mean I'm 6''!

I really have a thing for Peter pan collars, I've had it for a couple of years now and I guess refuse to grow up. (cue canned laughter at pun).

Now onto the real beauty of this post : Ruby. These are some of my favourite shots I took of here and don't forget the stuff she is wearing is for sale on our facebook page.... so like it 'n stuff.

Happy Sunday errbody

2011-10-17T02:06:00.000+13:00

SO here is this week's Sunday favourite (hey, 11:59am still counts as Sunday!)

1. If you know me, then you know that I love to call people weeniers. So this makes me LOL in a major way.

2. Semi-related, and waaaaaay cute. Though, I am kind of disturbed by the hairy beast of a man in the U.S.A Flag tee, holding this wee pouch.

The perfect location...

2011-10-14T21:52:00.001+13:00

It's really, very hard to find the perfect location for a lookbook shot. Especially if you're busy.
these are some behind the scenes pics of my friend Courtney and my little adventure into finding a sweet location.

We though we'd head down to the organic farm ceres on a really beautiful day, the location would contrast well with the 90s grunge outfit I was wearing (plus it's just an awesome place to be).
We also thought some pics with the free range chickens would be cool, but they proved to be very hard to get in a shot with.

the chicken was quick to get away from me, but look at it's legs! Looks like it's wearing chaps!

Seems they didn't really like me.... hmm. We then decided to try one with the bike I rode in, though I'm not very good a posing so they kinda came out a bit of a fail.

As you can see, it can be quite a drawn out task...

In the end we got some decent shots, but for a least two good pics you need to take around 30 photos!

Feel good?

2011-10-14T02:02:00.000+13:00

So It's been a really strange week, I had a rather bad start to my Weekend, and spent the majority of it doing a bit of soul searching. I decided I needed something to pick me up. get me out of this rut. I'm sure we've all felt this way, and I tend to find it's hardest to feel good about yourself when you most need too!

So here are some things I'm doing to pick my self up:

1. Yoga. I have started doing yoga! I have started following this amazing youtube channel called Tara Stiles Yoga - she's so amazing and genuinely inspirational! Here is one of my favorite videos to do:

2. Fruit is one of the best things you can eat to instantly uplift yourself- mostly because the nutrients in it actually physically make you feel better; but also, you don't feel guilty about cramming it into your gob!

3. It's very important for me to change something in my life when I'm down. Even if that means cleaning my room, dying my hair etc. It can give you a sense of cleansing!

4. I know this is VERY cheesy, but go for a drink with someone. Often talking to someone that is removed from the situation you're in can really help. It not only gives you distance, but they can offer advice. There is a reason there have been a whole wad of teen angst songs about turning to your friends!

Hope these things make you all feel better when life gets you down!

xx R

Last day of the week...

2011-10-10T01:07:00.000+13:00

Hope everyone has had a wicked hot (wow, haven't said that in a VERY long time) weekend. I just love this moving pic, it's so sweet. Make sure you watch it a few times - the little girls face in the last fame is amaze! xx

My dream artist: Ralph Steadman

2011-10-06T00:07:00.000+13:00

Here is an artist which has very strongly influenced my creativity. if you haven't heard of him, but he seems familiar, well he's the illustrator for Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. And he is amazing and my dream artist. Enjoy. xx R

Last day of the week...

2011-10-02T20:42:00.000+13:00

I've decided to start posting some pics, videos etc that I keep accumulating. maybe once a week, lets say on a Sunday, to put some cheer in your week (and mine)! To start things rolling, Here is my Sunday Fav... (and It's two pics)

Happy Sunday. xx

Shoot 'em up cowgirl

2011-09-24T23:20:00.000+12:00

SOOO It's been pretty hectic in Roro land, I've been sick; trying to figure out a new job (lodge my friggn' tax return which is killing me) and been planning a shoot. Which was today. Plans had been going well until yesterday my phone decided to commit suicide, and then my photographer and photography assistant had to bail. Five people getting ready in my dining room and I had no one to take pictures of the shoot I had been planning for weeks. Luckily, everyone is a photographer these days, and my housemate's biff jumped in (3 hot girls in skimpy clothes, who wouldn't right?) So off we went and the day was saved! Yay!!

OK so these pics are completely un-related, BUT I heart my new Jeffery Campbell lace ups. They make my hear skip a beat with joy.

We had a weee vistor named Casper

On subject of my shoot today, I will leave ya'll with a video from The Runaways, which I have based today's editorial on... watch this space for pics!

Deathly.

2011-09-20T00:29:00.000+12:00

A little while ago, my wee photo-buddy, Jin, and I took some shots of a hair colour that was done by Alan Wang and wanted to spice them up by doing some cool head shots with a Yvonne Todd mood (again) and have a lifeless glare going on.. here's what happened.

Bloggers' Shame:

2011-09-14T01:14:00.000+12:00

A few days ago a small website by the name of LightCreative posted a slander article on their site. It stated that the Melbourne label Leonard St stole one of their artists' (Eveline Tarunadjaja) artwork, shoddily printed her images on t-shirts, and sold them. I would link the article but the writer (who I must presume is Nick Parker, the founder of the website) has been forced to take it down for legal reasons (yeah, turns out defamation of character is illegal - sorry guys).
The article claimed that the owner of Leonard St Amanda McCarthy stole the images straight off the artist's website, printed them on t-shirts and sold them as her own creation. This of course, instigated a public outcry, with a stream of angry emails and tweets - some of which were personally attacking Ms McCarthy. She was even forced to open a twitter account to try and defend herself.

The ACTUAL story of what happened is this:
At the beginning of summer in 2010, Leonard St was sold some vintage looking tees by the distributor WINKIE. They were bought under the understanding that the tees came from an offshore location, and the prints on them were vintage. They were never labeled as 'Leonard St' or implied that they were designed by the owner and designer Ms McCarthy. If one looks on the Leonard St website, it is obvious that these tees are not even slightly a Leonard St design. The most disturbing thing is that no one who has jumped on the "poor artist" bandwagon even did this small amount of research, before presuming Leonard St was guilty of plagiarism.

The Tee and Art work in question. The author of this photo has placed block letters over the area where the label should be, so it is not visible as to what brand it is. I have seen these tees first hand, and I can say that they do not have the Leonard St logo in them.

Upon being contacted by the artist last summer, the tees were taken off the shelf and Eveline was even given an agreed upon lump sum of money for her prints from WINKIE.
Leonard St has suffered a HUGE amount of grief from this situation. I have read bloggers and tweeters scathing remarks, and I can say my full sympathy lies with Ms McCarthy.
Her only real fault was not researching just how vintage those tees were. She has been called a 'scum bag' and had her intelligence insulted among other things for this mistake. People seem to be more interested in pointing the finger and as a result have neglected the facts and have taken a doggedly written blog entry as the truth. Triple R, Radio broadcaster, Richard Watts has even gone so far as to call Ms McCarthy a 'repeat offender' on radio (though he subsequently apologised to her once she contacted him).
Things even got as far as the Herald Sun contacting Ms McCarthy, but once she had relayed the truth, they were uninterested in the article and dropped it. If she chooses to sue, the bad publicity would cause more damage than it's worth to her already damaged name.
This situation has brought into question just how damaging what you say on the internet can be. Blogs, Twitter and Facebook are only a few of the growing number of avenues where the public have free range to say whatever they want. I obviously (being a blogger) believe in freedom of speech; but surely one should be held accountable for what they are able to say?
This public slander has caused SERIOUS damage to a relatively small, local business.

No one has even questioned, why the artist chose to publicly comment on this nearly a whole year later. Though it seems quite obvious- she has just released a tee shirt line, with her authentic prints. A great, free advertisement don't you think?

So, so many Fashion weeks

2011-09-02T23:06:00.000+12:00

I am currently sitting at my laptop looking at photos of excited New Zealanders enjoying all that is NZFW (New Zealand fashion week). To say I'm a little jealous would be an understatement, but at least I can comfort myself by getting ready for MSFW (Melbourne spring fashion week ). It's really exciting that it's spring for me AND that next week is spring fashion week, so I've decided to wet my taste buds by looking at some designers I'm excited about seeing. Here are my pics:

Dhini:

Alexi Freeman:

Livia Arena :

So these are a few of my favourite things (to look forward to) about next week in Melbourne! I hope you've all got your tickets! xx R

Etiquette as Hell

2011-08-26T21:00:00.000+12:00

I have been doing a lot of stalls at the Camberwell markets recently; not so much selling Sans Pareil, but mainly clearing out my wardrobe to make room for new treasure (AND when I eventually move back to Auckland I don't want to have 8 suitcases to try and sneak on the plane). I found this wonderful dress by Sgt Sookie, which I just adore! It's so pretty, I can't stop wearing it.

I posted this look on Lookbook.

I think it will also be great for Spring/Summer, I can just wear a slip under it. Also, you can't see it from the pics, but it's long sleeved too. Check out their website above too there are some pretty awesome pieces on it.

Xx R

Jewellery by JOOLZ

2011-08-24T23:51:00.000+12:00

I got to met the wonderful Airdrie a.k.a Joolz, who aside from being a fantastic stylist, also designs beautiful jewellery which I got to have a play with at the shop Blue Attic. Here are some of the pics.

Floral set

An array of beau-tastic necklaces!

The Red Roses Fireworks and Baroque rings

After I left, I took some lookbook pics with the beautiful ring Joolz donated to Sans Pareil (Which you MAY see
soon as a prize to be won).

I love this ring! Especially for the wonderful Spring weather of late.

The enchanting Joolz herself! Check out thouse

Favourites of the Week

2011-08-21T00:09:00.000+12:00

1. Monday

2. Tuesday

3. Wednesday

4. Thursday

5. Friday

6. Saturday

7. Sunday

Fashion Quarterly

2011-08-18T23:37:00.000+12:00

I pretty much love everything on this page. Especially that underwear! I know the undies are a bit granny looking, but so French! So old school! x H.

Lana Del Rey - Video Games

2011-08-18T00:43:00.000+12:00

This song was shown to me by a very lovely friend, and I just adore it. (P.S WHAT a total foxy minx this singer is!)

Stranger things have happened....

2011-08-16T01:55:00.009+12:00

A really odd thing happened to me today. An issue came up with copyrighting. Here's the story:

In the weekend, I went to a market with two friends (lets call them friend A and friend B) the Camberwell Markets, in an attempt to clear out some of our excess stuff. All went well, until I posted some pictures on our facebook page. One of the pictures showed a necklace that friend A had made and wanted to get rid of as she didn't like it. The thing was, said necklace was an attempt at an idea she got from a mutual friend (let's call her friend C).

Here is the crucial point: Friend C saw the picture. As she makes and sells these necklaces, she saw friend A as 'stealing her intellectual property'. At the time, no one thought much of it as we had all just emptied out all our un-wanted stuff on a table, the necklace was next to shoes, old books and various other jewellery we no longer wanted.

Here is the pictorial evidence:

On the table you will see a knitted necklace.

Here is a picture of the actual necklaces by the artist:

Now, I was pretty bewildered by the amount of anger Friend C had shown, she even wrote a really nasty comment on her blog . This got me thinking (after the shock died down) was I being incredibly naive or was what friend A did-and me by association- not do the really, really bad thing it was being made out to be? Looking back maybe a warning bell SHOULD have gone off in my head. I guess I just didn't realise the craft industry could be so cut throat.

I decided to do a quick google search to find out just how "unique" these necklaces are and found that an artist by the name of Joanne Edwards does them too.

So on a legal standpoint, friend A has really done nothing wrong, she was only using an idea that has obviously been around for a while. Though, and more importantly, was what she did morally wrong like friend C claims?

My answer is I just don't know. At the time it all seemed so innocent, and no one had bad intentions. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that we, the people who can sew and/or make things are constantly being inspired to create new things. You may walk by a window display and see and awesome skirt or top and decided that you could make something like that for yourself to wear. If friend A had tried to sell the idea as her own, made a numerous amount of the necklaces and had started an online store - then yes, I think it would be wrong.

But she didn't.

Friend A was just a girl who tried to make a necklace, didn't like and took it to a flea market; and for whatever reason, we were both attacked, rather viciously.

The Bread and Butter Letter

2011-08-12T01:26:00.005+12:00

Haeme and I got treated to a very lovely personal tour by co-owner Sarah Firmston. If you are unsure of what the Bread and Butter is - it's a beauty of a shop nestled on New North Road in Auckland. You will find amazing vintage treasures, artists, nick-nacks and other creative wonders. Check out their blog here.

One of the awesome artists featured in store, Birdinabunnysuit :

The very lovely Sarah...

... and treasures!

Hopefully we will be stocked in this wee gem soon!

xx R

We are now on Chictopia

2011-08-08T19:26:00.001+12:00

So I joined Chictopia AND am launching a new store so ya'll can get your Sans Pareil vintage fix. Which is why I haven't been posting as much as usual (a girl can't stare at a screen ALL day); while Haeme, has been buried under a pile of University work. SO watch this space for the launch of out online shop in the next few days and add me on Chictopia if you're on it (While also explaining how to use it properly?!)

Balloons are so much better then Rainbows

2011-08-03T17:20:00.006+12:00

Here are some pictures Dante and I took at a local park. He got given some balloons from work and so we decided to take some pictures.

It's funny taking pictures with balloons, you get quite a few spectators. We had a German tourist come up and get her picture taken with them and an old couple that followed us down the street watching-weird!

Since Dante got the balloons I agreed to let him set them loose, so awesome to watch.

I also have used some of these pics on Lookbook.nu so check it out! xxx

Behind the scenes photos from 'The Hunt' shoot:

2011-08-02T18:24:00.006+12:00

waking up at 5 30am and organising 11 people to get to the show was definitely a bit of an epic feat-but we managed it, and the footage was great! Here are some pictures I took behind the scenes while filing was happening. All the clothes are by Sans Pareil, and I also did the hair! enjoy. xxx R

ENTRY WINNERS:

2011-07-26T00:39:00.003+12:00

Thanks for everyone who entered our Diesel competition! the entries were really, really good.

Sadly, we could only pick three so to not offend anyone, we picked them at random; anyway I digress the winners are:

(dum dum dummmmmmm)

1. Olive with the poem.

2. Joolzgirl.

3. and the last Anonymous.

YAY so thanks to everyone who entered! I will be contacting the winners shortly!

RAOUL spring/summer launch

2011-07-21T21:54:00.015+12:00

I went down to the crown casino complex, to check out the new RAOUL summer 2011 range....and boy it was SUCH a nice collection - Colours for this upcoming season are pastel blues and pinks and greens, matched with one tones or prints. Summer will also be heavily inspired by the 70s, think halter necks, maxis and structure.

Here are some pics from the store...

I think I've said this before, but backpacks are going to be BIG. I love this one, it's sort of reminiscent of one of those vintage Louis Vuitton ones, but at a fraction of the price.

I heart these shoes....siiiiiiiighhhhh

and this dress.....

I had a bit of a try on (of course) and here are my favourite three pieces:

1. This chained halter maxi dress in black (comes in a gorgeous pastel green! )

$479.00

The back is so simple and chic, the dress also has a really nice structure, so will suit most shapes!

2. Belted navy summer cape. (this would be my favorite pick. I absolutely adore it and check out the rouche-able sleeves- kawaii.

$399.00

3. Warp Over Maxi dress.

579.00

Fanning sisters

2011-07-20T00:06:00.004+12:00

These two look perfect in these photos (and they are wearing the loveliest Louis Vuitton outfits).

Prada creepers

2011-07-20T00:04:00.003+12:00

Creepers are definitely one of those things you either love or hate. I LOVE THESE PRADA ONES.

Hair hats

2011-07-18T17:22:00.003+12:00

I was just reading an article on t-squat and came across these craaa-zay images of the creations of Japanese designer Nagi Noda. These creations are truly mind blowing for hats!

enjoy. xx R

Wonderful things

2011-07-18T16:09:00.004+12:00

Warning : this post contains baby animals, summer time and bright colours.

Just a reminder..

2011-07-17T00:07:00.002+12:00

Hello lovely people! Don't forget to 'Like' us on Facebook while you're entering the competition!

Just follow this link! xx

DIESEL GIVEAWAY

2011-07-15T00:07:00.004+12:00

OK so as I mentioned earlier today I have been given not one, but THREE $100 vouchers from Diesel.
After an afternoon of serious thought and strawberry smoothies, my lovely boyfriend has suggested that I should run the comp based on the theme 'Winter Blues'. On this side of the hemisphere, it's now nearly the middle of of winter (burrrr) and as Diesel is an Italian brand, this current campaign is for their upcoming Summer. So I thought it might be nice to boost mid winter blues by you all telling me what you like best about winter!
All you need to do is leave a comment with what you like BEST about winter and a contact email so I can let you know if you win:)

XX R

$100 Diesel give away for our lovely readers!

2011-07-14T17:58:00.001+12:00

So... what would everyone think about a Diesel $100 giveaway??

Simplicity

2011-07-13T00:49:00.003+12:00

ANOTHER thing I managed to do while visiting home was take some photos with my good friend Jin. He's such an amazing photographer. This is a Lookbook.nu post I did a few days ago. The idea for this outfit was based on Winter comfort. It's so nice to be nice feeling, snugly clothes this time of year!

Wallace Chapman

2011-07-12T01:25:00.004+12:00

One of the highlights for me while in NZ was I got to meet the wonderful Wallace Chapman. He has the ever so popular blog street and city photos (the name is rather self explanatory of the content) and he did a bit of of profile on me (yay exciting!) and I even took some pictures of his awesome street style, which apparently no one had done before!

Here is a link to my little profile....

....And below are my street style pics of Wallace!

Love the Skinny cords with the Clash vintage tote! (plus of course that amazing camera!)

XX R

Beautifully Ugly

2011-07-04T16:35:00.010+12:00

I have a bit of a girl crush on Uma Thurman.

I love the way that she is so gawkey and tall (kinda like yours truly) and is not what you would call traditionally beautiful. As my house mate put it last night, she has the "alien sort of model look", wide set eyes and a wide angular face. This kind of face has been quite in with the modeling world for some years now, though I think with her 1985 cover of VOGUE, she was most definitely a front runner for this look:

Uma is also in one of my favorite period drama films (oh yeah, Haeme and I both love period dramas-don't judge us!) Dangerous Liaisons, which another one of my favorite films is based on: Cruel Intentions.

I spend the majority of the film secretly cursing the 18 year old Uma, for being so damn fresh faced and gorgeous!

Here are some more images of her from the 90s which are inspiring my current look:

(I had to add a Pulp Fiction Image! This film still makes me sigh, and want to take up chain smoking and get a cocaine addiction).

This is one of my absolute favorite pictures of her. That make up! That hair! those glasses! Perfecto!
xxx R

What's new blue?

2011-07-04T02:47:00.005+12:00

As you will have noticed the majority (for once) of our posts of late have been by Haeme. This is because I have just been on a whirlwind visit home to NZ and among a very busy time doing lots of things I will soon post about; I got a little trapped there because of the ash cloud from Chile and haven't had much time.

Now I'm back in Melbourne, with oodles of time so my firs thing I shall show you all is my new hair thanks to the amazingly talented Alan Wang of Servilles Ponsonby.

This is me with pretty much no make up on and we started at 9am which is like 7am for Melbourne so ignore my paper white face!)

Naw, Isn't Alan a cutie?

Finished studio pics! (well sorta studio)

xxxxR

Hot-slash-want

2011-07-03T23:57:00.003+12:00

(Alison Mosshart from the Kills - okay, it's more of a case of 'I want to be her' here... x H.)

Today's thoughts

2011-06-30T16:53:00.004+12:00

1. Auckland winter at its best. This is what it is like outside, right now.

2. Peaches Geldof's daisy chain tattoo. I don't know why but I love it so much. Tacky? Probably, but if I could get a semi-permanent tattoo, I'd be heading to a parlour today.

3. The most perfect picture ever. It's got everything, the location, the colours, the romance.

30 day challenge

2011-06-29T19:04:00.003+12:00

This is what I am wearing right now, in my own house, where it's supposed to be homey and warm. It's FREEZING. I am literally sitting on my bed wanting to board up all my windows. I am wearing socks under my stockings, AND over-the-knee socks over my stockings yet I still can't feel my toes! Just dropped Robecca off at the airport where she's finally heading back to Melbourne after a 5-day delay... to make this winter more interesting, we've decided that I do a wee little challenge - photograph my winter outfits for the next thirty days. I AM a lazy dresser so it'll be tricky for me not to just fall back on the same few 'safe outfits' every couple of days... (but then again, I might.)

Right, I'm off to put on a coat and anything else I can find!

Right now, I'd really like...

2011-06-29T12:44:00.007+12:00

1. Turkish apple tea

2. A mint slice from Revel

3. This outfit

4. This fanny pack

5. This hair

6. This cottage

7. With a kitchen like this

That's all for now really... x H

to be adored

2011-06-26T20:22:00.005+12:00

I am hands-down a girly girl in the way I dress. This wasn't entirely by choice however - I have a body shape that makes wearing certain types of clothing extremely difficult. As in, pants for me are almost always out of the question (small waist, big hips, biggish thighs, skinny calves). It was only this year that I FINALLY found some jeans that are comfortable to wear (Levi's Curve ID pretty much saved my life), and the sense of achievement I felt after buying my first pair (I now own 3 in different colours) was more than when I graduated for the second time last year. So, out of pure convenience I usually go for dresses when I'm shopping because I know they work for me, and to be honest, I am a lazy shopper and usually buy things without trying them on. Anyway, moving on with the point of this post, I had a conversation with a person that went something like this:

Person: "Do you ever wear pants?"

Me: "Not really." (Then I said pretty much what you guys must've just read to be reading this bit.)

Person: "What kind of dresses do you like?"

Now this is always kind of a tricky question because I don't really have a particular 'kind' that I like... or so I thought until I came across the SS11 (Northern hemisphere) lookbook for tba (which stands for 'to be adored').

This collection is so girly (yet ladylike) with its simple lines and toned-down hues - and perfect for my usual choice of footwear (either desert boots, Chucks or Roman sandals... yes, even in winter). I find myself more and more attracted to the school-girl look (in fact, I nearly threw a one-woman party when I found all my old school badges the other month), which is ironic because everyday I look less and less like one (it's been 8 years since I left school eeek). Holding onto past glories perhaps! x H.

Oh, hello!

2011-06-26T00:43:00.001+12:00

You are the stuff of my dreams.

Winter purchases

2011-06-24T16:15:00.011+12:00

And by that, I mean books. There is nothing better than reading, all cosied up with a hot drink, when it's cold and wet outside. I'm not a natural hoarder - I have no problems throwing out lip glosses I don't use, old letters from friends, even CDs I no longer listen to - but all that goes out the window (ha ha) when it comes to books (and clothes, but that's another story). I own so many that it's going to be near impossible for me to move houses, ever. On that note, I am a proud owner of three new ones, listed in the order I'll probably read.

1. Don't Look Now and Other Stories (by Daphne du Maurier).

I've wanted to read this for ages (ever since I read an article about a movie which was based on the 'Don't Look Now' story) but my attempt to hunt it down using the local library network was pitiful at best, hence the purchase. Here is a brief synopsis: "Daphne du Maurier's 'Don't Look Now' was published in 1971 and became a haunting film in 1973. It describes a young couple who travel to Venice to try and escape the pain of their daughter's death. Instead of laying their ghosts to rest, however, they find themselves caught up in an increasingly strange and violent events, in a brilliant meditation on loss, fear and fate."
Have no idea what the other stories are about...

2. Island (by Aldous Huxley).

I caught up with a friend this week and one of the topics that came up was 'Brave New World' which is probably Huxley's most famous work. We both loved it, and then he recommended I read this. It's said to be the companion novel to Brave New World, juxtaposing its utopian storyline to New World's dystopian society.

3. The Science of Evil: On Empathy and the Origins of Cruelty (by Simon Baron-Cohen).

Just as well I'm studying psychology, books like these fascinate me (with the exception of those so-called 'popsychology' books - e.g. Malcolm Gladwell). Simon Baron-Cohen is pretty much the leading expert in the world on autism (and his cousin is Sacha Baron-Cohen of the Borat fame), so I'm hoping I'll love this. Brief synopsis: "A pathbreaking autism researcher explores why some people lack empathy and what the absence means for our psychological understanding of evil."

If you're ever thinking about buying a book, get it from the Book Depository - cheap (compared to retail prices in NZ bookstores) AND free shipping. You literally do not have to leave the house this winter! xH.

Miranda July

2011-06-24T15:33:00.014+12:00

I have loved this lady more than just a little bit ever since I saw her first feature-length movie 'Me and You and Everyone We Know' a couple of years ago. According to Wikipedia (which never lies, right?), she is a 'performing artist, musician, writer, actress and film director'. Seriously, what else could you add to that impressive resume? I've already posted some of her art somewhere on this blog* but the reason I'm writing this post today, right now, is that my friend just alerted me to the fact that her second film is going to be at the NZ Film Festival which is beyond exciting! As bonus, it's edited by Andrew Bird AND the music is by Jon Brion (did anyone see Largo? The man is a genius).

Go and have a wee browse at her super cute website, and also this website she created to promote her book. Amazing. x H.

* look familiar?

I would sell my right arm for......

2011-06-20T22:44:00.006+12:00

... a purple satchel from The The Cambridge Satchel Company needs to get on my arm...

... these Jeffrey Campbell lace up wedge shoes need to get onto my feet...

... and this Cybele Shroud O/S top needs to get on my back! (So much to buy, so little income.)

the Melbourne fashion world right now..

2011-06-13T20:49:00.009+12:00

Two things seem to be on the mind of every fashion oriented Melbourntonian at the moment: Spanish fashion giant Zara soon to be gracing our little old Bourke St, and Andrej Pejic; so this will be a combination post because, well, I does what I want.

Firstly, I don't know about you all but I am rather shamelessly excited about the opening of the new Zara store (click the link, if you're not quite sure what Zara is). I know that no doubt, in a few weeks I will feel disillusioned and cast it in the basket of 'meh, another designer chain-store' ala Top Shop; however I have to admit I am rather giddy about the sneak preview on Tuesday evening!

Now, onto the other name on everyone's lips: Andrej Pejic.

This Melbourne born, 19 year old, sprung into existentce as a male - as far as this blogger knows Pejic's chromosome read XY. Now I know, that is a pretty strange introductory statement to assert about someone, however; the reason why I make his sex clear is that Pejic is making waves in the fashion world as the first androgynous supermodel (or soon to be supermodel if Jean Paul Gaultier has anything to do with it),

That's right, he seems to have a face which could launch a thousand ships (or casting calls) and designers are not seeming to care what sex he is, as long as they can book him! He is so pretty in fact, that FHM ranked him #98 on their 'Hottest 100 Women in the World 2011' list (though they followed this with a rather homophobic comm

ent on their website that was, of course, retracted later. I'm surprised that more didn't expect this reaction, after all it is FHM, who are not exactly known for their intellectual property). Anyway, I am still rather divided on my opinion of him. On one hand, it is quite awesome that this gender bender is doing just that - challenging the gender stereotyping and what our era considers feminine beauty... however, on of my major issues with the fashion world is watching it steadily turn to the 'pre-pubescent girl' look. In other words: no hips, ass or bust of any size. That is, the '12 year old boy look' (starting to sound familiar?) -

and therefore, establishing the very slight frame of Pejic as a beauty ideal could have a detrimental effect on women. After all, a lot of ad campaigns and runway shows have him modelling female clothes, and these high end pictures are what end up in magazines, bought around the world by people like you and I. Suppose this is yet another step in the wrong direction in the war of the female body ideal?

Although, on the other side of the coin, one could argue that casting the very beautiful Pejic is actually addressing these problematic beauty ideals. After all, he is blatantly a form that is unattainable, instead of seeming just out of reach, his body is openly unattainable. I guess time will tell the effects on the public, and I suppose it's good that someone has come along to challenge conventions of beauty. Fingers crossed that they are challenged and not enforced.

Behind the scenes sneak peak duex:

2011-06-10T01:24:00.005+12:00

Here are some wee pictures that I took behind the scenes at my last styling shoot!

We wanted a bit of an 'out there' theme (whatever that means) so I decided to borrow some things from a costume shop and mix them with evening wear.... I am also very lucky in that my friends are terribly talented, especially Clara the designer of these wonderful necklaces. watch this space, for the final edited pics! (we are submitting them to a few magazines.. so wish us luck!)

all the dresses are from the shop La Bella Donna and the accessories are from the wonderful people at Centre Stage Costumes (yes that's how you spell it). Xx R

Don't get me wrong...

2011-06-10T01:03:00.004+12:00

... I am still an avid fan of winter and its cooler temperatures. But I came across this photo on my mac today and had a flicker of 'oh! sunshine!' moment.

Bare limbs, brightly-coloured sundresses, long, low-maintence hair... yip missing them just a teensy bit right now. It's raining outside. x H.

Working Girl

2011-06-08T01:27:00.005+12:00

For those of you that don't know the late 80's film here is a brief synopsis: Melanie Griffith is a naive, blonde, working class secretary who wants to make in corporate America. This film is pretty much why Women in the 80's and 90's wore power suits, shoulder pads and big hair.

I love this film and here are some of my favourite looks from it:

This sort of make-up is something that has not really made it to the list of "even better second time round" which I am VERY glad about. Although I get fond memories of Gem And The Holograms........

.....seriously, how similar is the hair and make-up? I wonder which influenced which.

Even supermodel Agyness Dyne channels The big hair and boyfriend blazer..... XX R

Rill Rill- Sleigh Bells

2011-06-06T17:46:00.003+12:00

For some reason I can't stop listening to the album 'Treats' by Californian duo 'Sleight Bells". Well actually, I think the reason is that it's the best indie electro pop to come out in aggggggggess. FACT.

Crafts as Art

2011-06-03T02:56:00.005+12:00

Upon moving to Melbourne (the apparent Art Mecca this side of the equator) I have to admit that I haven’t been to many art related ventures- something especially bad for someone with a degree in Art History. This is why I was ever-so-glad to get an invitation to a friend of mines’ first, solo exhibition, amply named “Collection”.

Watching Sharon flutter around, mingling with guests; got me thing how proud of and happy for her, I was. Having a solo show is quite a feat for a young artist still shy of 25.

Here are some of the pics from the opening:

(those fine lines are HUMAN HAIR).

Pretty business cards!

Sharon's super kawaii brooches which you can buy HERE

Courtney Fort Davis and Olly Nicholson

Blogger and Artist Clara Mckay.

Comedian Tegan Higginbotham Tekie Quaye with

Artist Sharon Margret (Sharon Russell) with her work.

Yay! fun times in Melbourne. XX R

a little bit of luck..

2011-06-01T02:50:00.004+12:00

a bit of luck I found one picnic...

Meet me at the raveyard

2011-05-29T20:44:00.007+12:00

It's cold here. So very, very cold. Here are some pics I took a few weeks back at this amazingly beautiful cemetery (I know, how morbid) and we won the random luck prize as it was a beeeeoootiful day!

My boyfriend commented on how grunge my look has gotten,which I guess it sort of has. I think that's more due to my lack of funds for expensive gear, and I guess I've been pondering on the concept that you're only young once, so you may as well dress as crazy as you can! As Oscar Wilde would say:

" One should either be a work of art or wear a work of art"

ahhhhhhhh Oscar, how I love thee.

I looooooove these rings I got from this cute little boutique I work at on Fridays..

These sunnies are from Shag. They are cheap as chips and I've had so many compliments/inquires as to where they are from it's just ridiculous!

Musing Mutley: Walk, Walk, Fashion, Baby ...

2011-05-25T21:09:00.000+12:00

Musing Mutley: Walk, Walk, Fashion, Baby ...: sitting at home knitting I finally remembered to check if I had been featured in a blog from LMFF...and I was!

Market Market.

2011-05-23T02:09:00.003+12:00

On Saturday we had a wee stall at the Struggletown Sweatshop Market Market. It was such an amazing building. looked like an abandoned warehouse me thinks!

look how uber-duber cute this wee pooch looks with our business cards!

These two ladies are WELL hot and SUPER talented/creative/stylish. Check out the blogs of Rin (top photo) and Clara (bottom right) for massive amounts of inspiration....xxx R

Recent inspirations

2011-05-19T23:10:00.004+12:00

Midi culottes - genius! I can't get enough of anything midi at the moment.

Loved Kirsten's dress at Cannes yesterday!

Fairy lights

2011-05-19T18:07:00.004+12:00

My boyfriend is an artist ( a really talented one) and I commissioned /forced him to make me some business cards and tags! Check out the tags! they are so so so much cuteness! xx R

HBIA Hairdressing competition

2011-05-18T01:13:00.005+12:00

Quite a lot has been happening lately with Sans Pareil (which is great!) however, I'm (Robecca) getting to the stage where I'm starting to feel a need an agent to promote us. Since that idea will be in the pipeline till Haeme or myself wins lotto, we could really use your help! Just pass it on, basically: follow us on twitter (I swear you won't get updates on what I had for lunch); 'like' us on ye olde facebook and tell us your opinions once in a while (go on, use that BA) so we don't have to keep shamelessly self promoting.

On another note, I was asked to be a hair model at the HBIA 2011 championship for Falcone Hairdressing. Which was VERY fun, and I had the lovely and talented Phuong Gee Here are some sneak peak pics taken at the show on Sunday! Xx R

Cat's Eye..

2011-05-13T00:49:00.000+12:00

These are some photos I did a while ago with the lovely Ines Sadinlija and Katie Simmonds. The make-up and photography is AMAZING, so I've decided to leak just a few at a time so you don't get bored of my mug.

PS- styled by moi of course!

P.P.S- Go onto my LookBook and hype meeeeeeee!

xxR

Wine, Heels and a Laundromat.

2011-05-06T03:31:00.006+12:00

Before I put these pictures up I need to explain how this scenario came about( Who am I kidding you have all probably scrolled down and looked already).

So basically the washing machine died on us and we now have to use a local laundromat. to make this more interesting my house mate and I decided to get drunk and go. And then we decided to dress up, get drunk and go. And then somewhere in that mix we decided to dress up, get drunk, take photos and go.

These are the chronicles of our experience:

Digression

2011-05-03T13:54:00.003+12:00

Okay, so I'm probably not the person to talk to if you want a discussion on politics. I passively choose to stay out of it, mainly I don't know much about it and also because it always seems to be one of those topics that people passionately disagree about, and if you knew me, you'd know I'm never the one to jump into arguments. But this deal with Osama bin Laden has peeved me off a bit so I'm just going to ramble a bit, and then leave it at that. It just annoys me that people are making such a fuss about a death of one person - yes, I know it was bin Laden, and yes, I know what he did, but it feels like most people have formed their judgments based on the popular opinion which, of course, has been spinned by the biased media. bin Laden was a twisted man who used religion as an excuse to kill and torture thousands of people, but how is that any different to what America has done in the name of 'justice' as retaliation to a retaliation? American politics is full of self-servers who abuse the disconcerting amount of power they have which is completely disproportionate to the amount (or the lack of) foresight they possess - need I mention Israel? It just made me angry to see all those Americans rejoicing outside the White House minutes after the death announcement, and made me wonder - how many of these people are truly aware of their country's own violent history? And then of course there is the omission of facts leading to the blind justification of such actions by the American people and also the rest of the world. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said "I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy".

My friend Amanda introduced me to Robert Fisk - read this article if you have some free time. x H

The Tortoise and the Hair.

2011-05-01T22:27:00.005+12:00

I know this 'fad' has been around for a while, and more importantly I know pretty much no one has pulled it off unless they have a hairdresser tied to their hip. However I STILL am loving two-toned pastel hair!

Although, to pull this off one must A) have long, bed-head esque locks and B) own a hairdresser.

Free stuff... Yes please!

2011-04-30T01:11:00.005+12:00

Ok so we are going to do a giveaway!

I have been sewing my wee heart out and as a result I have got a super kawaii pair of shorts to giveaway! All you have to do is go to our facebook page and press ‘like’ as well as follow us on this hurr blog! On either page post a comment telling us your favourite vintage store! Best answer wins! xxR

Now open for Business!

2011-04-26T02:56:00.002+12:00

Finally I have listed somethings on TradeMe! So just click on the link and it will take you to our listings page where you can buy some amazing vintage pieces!! XX R

Behind the scenes sneak peak! Yeah boi!

2011-04-24T21:36:00.004+12:00

Alrighty!
just a quicky to show you some wonderful behind the scenes photos that were taken at our latest photo-shoot. Now, the majority of these clothes are going to be for sale. So please feel free to email us, and let us know of you'd like to pre-buy anything! xxxx

Nicki's totally amazing shoes, not even dressed and she's already a vintage style queen!