Glam & gorgeousness at Neudorf Vineyards' Fete - Nelson

Glam & gorgeousness at Neudorf Vineyards' Fete - Nelson

Oh goodness; I discovered Heaven amongst the the lush, rolling hills of Inner Moutere last weekend at Neudorf Vineyard's yearly Fete.......And a FABULOUS opportunity to play OTT Dress-Ups!  

A very agreeable recipe of treasured friends, fabulous food, & beautiful stalls & surroundings had my heart & soul singing raptures of joy all day.........weeeeee!

As was evidenced by the grins of myself & company..........;-))

Aren't we gorgeous??!!   Myself, Maureen & Pujari strike a pose.....

My & Maureen's hats were made with love by now-local Nelson lass Rhonda of Crowning Glory - I actually own three of these hats; in natural, a beautiful bright red, & a lovely green.  Maureen's hat is just a stunning shade of turquoise; yummo!!

If you want to covet one of these hats for yourself, then go check Rhonda out at Nelson's weekend Market in Montgomery Square, Nelson City. & say a BIG HI to Rhonda for me, with hugs!!

 yes; I couldn't help myself!  But, do check out the beautiful rambling rose & lush-as soil of all things!!  & not without an inviting sunken-pool in the background........mmmmm........


This part of the Neudorf Garden was were the Devonshire Tea & scones were served, complete with delicate bone china & pink glasses; bliss!










And as for the stalls; well...........a Wardrobe Angel's fantasy...........LOVING that "window" shopping in the sultry country air!!



Checking out:

Anthea Lawrence Design:

STUNNING locally-made (Based in Cromwell) garments & goodies

www.anthealawrence.com

Revival:

Just lots of oh-so-CUTE!!!

Check them out on Facebook at Revivalnz & Happy Shopping!

Taka Taka:

The HATS!!!  These were eye-popper show-stoppers; I was in awe!!  Couldn't decide on a colour though........yummy with jeans or to the races; AND, they DO fold up for easy packing!!  They feel HUGE to wear, but just-so-easy........

Taka Taka are dangerously handyish; based in Amberley.......or visit them online at:  www.takataka.co.nz

Kina Designs:

For beautifully crafted body adornments.........

Visit them at: www.kinadesigns.co.nz




Mmmmm; a wonderful day all up..............;-)))

Some days I LOVE my work; some days I just LOOOVE my work....

Some days I LOVE my work; some days I just LOOOVE my work....

And thanks to a lovely young lady called Liz Drury, this was one of those days that I felt blessed to be doing this work.

With Liz's permission, I am able to share her recent makeover with you:

Liz was needing a full outfit for a special event that she was attending, & wanted to really impress!  Being a tomboy at heart, Liz had only ever worn a dress once in her life, & so was looking at this process with just a bit of apprehension.  We warmed to each other immediately, & I can say that it was my pleasure to be able to make Liz feel relaxed & at home as we went about our shopping adventure.

As part of our one-on-one pre-shopping consult, I was thrilled to be told that Liz did NOT want any black as part of her outift; yay!  And, being in her early 30's, Liz has a sharp sense of humour, & I wanted her to be able to absolutely "own" her outfit, & to also be comfortable while wearing it as well.

We came upon a gorgeous dress when we were at Riccarton Mall; LOVED the colour, loved the fabric, but sadly, the dress didn't fit as we had hoped..........I spent a moment outside Liz's dressing room & sketched up a design that would allow me to remake the dress for a gorgeous fit...........with Liz's trust & prompting, we bought our dress & I got to work!

Introducing - Liz!  After her first fitting; feeling delighted with the redesigned dress, & her wee red shrug that complimented the red of the dress perfectly.

Liz had her hair recently coloured, but I wasn't happy with the redness of the hair-colour against Liz's beautiful pale complexion, & I asked if I may bring in my Hair Angel, Bronwyn McKay, to add her magic to the mix........

Who's that GORGEOUS woman?!!

Again, it's results like this that are the reasons why I love my work!  Thanks to hairdresser Bronwyn's knowledge with matching hair colour to skin tone, we were able to 'bring down' the redness of Liz's complexion by cancelling out the red tones in Liz's hair.

Bronwyn also shaped & layered Liz's hair for a low-maintenance, more elegant but sporty casual look; which Liz LOVED!!

And check out Liz's eyes; the colour allowed those baby blues to "pop"..........


"Is that REALLY me?!"  said Liz!


Enjoy your own hair makeover experience by contacting Bronwyn McKay on 021.644.894 to arrange a free consultation.

We also found the perfect pair of shoes for Liz from Ziera; Liz needed supportive shoes & these fitted the bill just perfectly.  Better still, Liz could wear these with jeans & smart-casual t-shirts after the event.  The shoes peeped out underneath the dress with a not-so-formal, 'summer's coming' feel, which I wanted, so that Liz could wear the dress more casually after the event, by adding a denim vest, a skinny long scarf, or maybe long colourful beads.

Our finished outift; hair & makeup done, shoes, shrug; elegant earrings; ready to go!!        

I knew my work was a job well done when Liz ticked my "boxes"; she felt comfortable; better still, she felt like a new woman; & very excited with how she gorgeous she looked!  In fact, she couldn't wait to impress friends & family.

I have been in touch with Liz since, & she was able to say that many people simply didn't recognise her at the event, & her family really love her new look.  Nice!  It also meant alot to me that she was enjoying her new hairstyle, & that she would maintain the new look.

Thankyou Liz, for allowing me to share your wardrobe adventure!

Go, Girl!!!

Just a little something I whipped up the other day.........

Just a little something I whipped up the other day; wanted to share with you.........

Ahhhh - the joys of revamping second-hand clothes - I LOVE it!

 I don't know how many of us have one of these elegant old gorgeous beasties in our homes any more??  Mine has been taking a too-long sabbatical in the garage until I had to do a recent revamp of a client's dress (Photos coming soon!).........

This machine was a happy find at the McCleans Island Classic & Vintage Swap Meet many, many years ago (I think I paid about $15 for it!)  It drives beautifully; just like an old classic car........

I found this gorgeous slinky top for $5 at Addington Salvation Army store last week; just THE most gorgeous material; & I LOVE the sleeves; they just fall beautifully..........but the top was not a flattering length for my not-much-of-a-waist shape.........so, I spoke to my shopping guides; as you do..........

.........and came upon this wee top for $10 the next day, at Merrin St Nurse Maude Hospice Clothes Shop (Hi, ladies!  It's kinda my local.....); awesome!

I didn't have the other top with me, but being a signwriter, I could recall the width of the stripes & knew I had found my missing link.........hence, a happy, excited purchase!

Dreamed up the design overnight & set to work...........

And, this is the finished product; soooo much more versatile for wearing!  Tis now a tunic-dress, easy to wear with the beloved leggings, and great to team with the must-have white trouser (Still to make its debut; we haven't had that holiday away yet!) or jeans.

Then add my funky oversize plastic black chain from my ex-punk days in the '80's (No kidding!!  Just found it again on a recent sort-through!)

And, the very helpful shape-creating cardi-vest, to create a slimmer line.........


Plus wee booties to elongate legs...........

Or, a red scarf for a pop of colour..........


(I apologise for the vacant smile; alot of concentrating going on!)












Watch out rest of wardrobe is what I will say!!   I hope this was some light inspiration for your Monday;  & yes, I HAVE worn the dress out & about already; several times.   (It came out to Karaoke with me last night to have its fist stage debut, LOL!)


I am glad I was brought up on second-hand / preloved clothes; every time is like a new adventure of unexpected finds; just sooo much fun!  I never get the same buzz from shopping new, I admit!  I find that there is a much greater selection of style options & colours to choose from (Especially with Savemart stores).  Plus, recycling preloved is sooo much better for our poor over-exhausted planet, AND, soooo much gentler on the pocket of tighter purse-strings, especially these days in ChCh.

I enjoy taking my clients to preloved options when they request to do so; we always have so much fun; thankyou to all those awesome retailers who make this possible; you are ALL Angels in my book!


Happy shopping, girls!

Cheers,

Jackie Farina   

White Trouser Allure - for winter!

White Trouser Allure - for winter/spring!

Yes Fellow Angels; that's right!  White trousers for winter!!  Mmmm; we've had the white snow, so why not?!  And yes, spring is upon us rapidly!

I'm off to Picton for a few days next week (Lucky me!), so am promising myself to take my White Trousers with me for that holiday appeal!  And, because we've had sooo much yummy sun around, it just seems the fitting thing to do!  I'm a rather waistless shape, so am taking slender-line longer jerseys & long scarves with me to add length to a shorter torso.

And, we are sooo charmed by our black on black uniform, that a punch of white is a wonderful uplifting suprise for winter (Even if there ARE woolly tights & boots hidden underneath!)

For those of you who have been my clients, you will know too well my preference & insistence toward a pair of well-cut white trousers for your wardrobe!!  Easy for the winters, summers & springs, as the colour is away from our face, but for autumns, a very pale sandy colour will suffice nicely!

Make sure your white trousers are a good quality thick cotton (Maybe even with a spandex mix), to ensure no unwelcome "see-through" moments.


Choosing the right white trousers for your shape:

Those of us with not much waist / long legs:  A straight-leg pant or loose boot-cut with a long slim-fitting tunic ending mid-calf with elongate our torso; we can add a belt at hip-level if we wish.  Just add heels/boots!  Take note:  Make sure your white trousers are long enough to nearly touch the floor when wearing your boots!  And, a low-waisted pant is more comfortable (Waistband coming up a couple on inches below the belly-button)

Those of us with a small waist but wider hips / thighs:  Bootlegs with be your best friend, making sure they fit you well around the waist, & into your bum, with pocket detailing behind, to trick the eye & give the illusion of a smaller bottom (No low-seated pockets ladies!  Pockets MUST sit ABOVE the curve of the back-side area, to help give a cheeky "rise").  Choose a well-fitting top and/or jacket that nips into your small waist, ending just above your hips & pop on those funky boots & walk proud!

Those of us with a larger waist & thighs:  Keep the waistline plain, with a flat-to-the-body finish.  No pockets or buttons or pleats.  A wide-legged slightly flared cut all the way through the leg will help elongate your legs, and make sure that the trouser-leg hangs well to the floor, over your boots or flats.  Wedge heels will help elongate your legs & give support at the same time.  Keep patterns fun & funky on top, & you may add a long-flowing waistcoat or funky gilet/waistcoat to add interest & slim the body-line.  And, add chunky bright jewellery as well for extra zest; you go, Girl!

Us petites:  Keep your trousers slim-line, and keep any tops/jackets fitted, ending at the hip.  Add boots with slim heels; as high as you dare!


Hints for keeping our White Trousers looking GORGEOUS: 

I do prefer to keep to chemical-free washing / living, but I do let myself use a fabric whitener/bleach to add to my wash for my trousers. 
Washing hint:  If hanging your white trousers out to dry, turn them inside out first, to lessen the 'yellowing' from the sun.
And, when ironing, use a Starch Spray to keep the trousers looking crisp; I think that is a real must with keeping these puppies looking so fresh & stylish.  Followed of course, by a good, hot iron & then carefully hung ready for wearing. 


I will see if I can get any photos to post, of my white trousers on holiday!!


Do feel free to post me YOUR White Trouser Moments for me to share with others for inspiration!  Any photos will win you a FREE sample of my Full Potential Breast Creme!!  (Check out the product details on my past blog)


With blessings,

from Wardrobe Angel   xx

For some fashion fun, Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

And so it did!!  New Zealand was brought together under a blanket of the white stuff; creating fun & frivolity for city folk, & indeed, a trying, busy time for our rural neighbours.

I say it's Mother Nature's way of apologising to the children (& adults) of Christchurch, for all that we have been through over the past few months!  Perfect timing, with the school holidays!  There were alot of us just playing gleefully outside, totally forgetting the shakes - niiiice!!

And, as a friend posted via another quick-minded buddy:  It was the ultimate "Icing on the quake" !!  Yesss!

As you can see, our wee house became a gingerbread concoction - just marvellous!

And never a moment goes by without the opportunity to take to the wardrobe & get clever & creative with the winter woolies!!

I am soooo thankful for my had-for-years but oh-so-trusty 100% Kiwi, 100% woollen BUSH SINGLET  (DO any girls own one of those??  I've got TWO!)


The BUSH SINGLET acts like a fabby warm-as-toast tunic-dress; just add merinos & a woollen cowl jersey & you're all set to go!  Oh; and then pile on a bright colourful woolly scarf (Mine is courtesy of an amazingly talented much-loved artist-friend of mine; she has since passed away, so I take her spirit out to play with me when I wear her scarf), a beany, gloves.............

As for leggings; I'm sure all us Kiwi girls own wollen tights?!  I wasn't without mine under a pair of had-for-years "Wilderness" Polartec leggings; just BRILLIANT out in the strong wind & sleet; they stayed dry, & allowed for for lots of snow-fun in the local park!

And for BOOTS, I am SOOO glad I didn't go past these crazy beauties at a past-season The Warehouse sale!!  I think they were only $17.........

I also sprayed them with a waterproofer, and they were thoroughly road / hill / thick snow / sleet-tested over two days of tripping around & NO WET FEET!  In fact, feet as warm as toast the whole time - SNOW BLISS!!!

Plus, the other important thing, when it iced up yesterday, these guys didn't let me down; they gripped securely where gumboots would have totally failed........

If can, grab yourself a pair for the next snow!




My Mum always said; "We live in a volatile country weather-wise; we always need to be ready".........as we lived in the bush when I was younger, I'm glad I was brought up with that awareness..........but what I DO appreciate about my mum, is that she always liked to be attractive & womanly as well; even in her tramping boots!

And, to finish this week's post, I will introduce you to my Snow-Kitty; I had to build one for CoCo-Puss!  CoCo was rather impressed!!

Happy Wardrobe Angel Playing!!

A non-surgical Breast Enhancement Programme - that WORKS!!

A non-surgical Breast Enhancement Programme for you - that WORKS!!

Hi Fellow Angels; yes; you read correctly; this is for REAL!! 

I now have permission to bring to you my breast-firming secret:   FULL POTENTIAL Bust Beauty Formula!

Through using the Creme from this Programme, I have kissed goodbye to my saggy, sad 12C boobies, & now say hul-loooo to a perky, very full 12EE!  (As verified by a lingerie professional)

Please contact me directly to find out more; I will send you a FAQ File, to discover how this programme may work for you.

Full Potential can:
-  Shape a sexier bust-line
-  Improve bust firmness
-  Boost skin's moisture & elasticity
-  Brighten skin tone

Full Potential offers an easy-to-use VERY affordable, VERY effective programme of creme & capsules.

Full Potential is an herbal breast enhancement supplement. In easy-to-use, tasteless caplets, and also a topically-applied Creme, Full Potential contains natural herbal ingredients such as Pueraria Mirfica root standardized extract, wild yam root, milk thistle seed extract, ginger root standard extract and Activin(TM) grape seed extract. These properties work collaboratively to enhance breast size, fullness and texture.


My personal story:
Ladies, be prepared to go out & do a full shop for a new wardrobe!  Upon 6 months' use of Full Potential, I had to be refitted for a new bra, going from C, to D, to E, & sitting on a comfortable double-E
I had to go to a sturdier style of swimsuit/bikini to hold & support my newly-found shape!
I hadn't known what it was to have extra firmness all round the breast area; let's say, I have a full, firm cleavage to be proud of!!  
I now wish I had taken proper "before" & "after" photos, but I didn't, as I really didn't expect any results; especially since I only used the Creme (Simply as I don't like to take pills as such!)
And, as for trusting the product, Full Potential is FDA-approved, & I know how stringent their tests are; I trust this product way before I would use anything from a supermarket shelf (I chose to use chemical-free where possible).
I LOVE my perkiness, and am happy to share my story with you! 


October 10th 2011: 

I have had a dear reader ask "Does this really work?" - refer comment below (Apologies; my computer system is for some reason not enabeling me to post a comment below........)
In answer to your question;  I am happy to say that yes; this product REALLY does work!  And I appreciate your questioning; I did have my doubts when I first started on this programme, but yes, I have definite increased fullness & size like I hadn't known before  ;-))   I continue to apply the creme often, more as a maintenance measure, as I saw that the fullness decreased slightly when I stopped applying the Full Potential Creme.
I don't take the tablets; I simply apply the creme after my shower in the morning.  And, with our NZ summer apporaching, I'm looking forward to my summer wardrobe!  (Keeping in mind that I do need to dress carefully to accommodate my fullness!)

I hope that helps!!  Feel free to ask anything further!

Warmly,

Wardrobe Angel

Westfield Mall Riccarton is safe; latest update for you........

Warm greetings fellow Angels; I just wanted to post this update for you:

As you may be aware, there has been widespread concern as to the safety of our dear Westfield Mall, as a result of our recent quakes & aftershocks.  I am one for wanting to know the facts from the horses's mouth so to speak, so I contacted the Westfield Mall Centre Manager today, & I have permission to share this most recent media release for you:

WESTFIELD RICCARTON IS OPEN AND SAFE TO OCCUPY

Mr Justin Lynch, Director Westfield New Zealand:

For the people of Christchurch and in particular our own Westfield staff, it continues to be a challenging time.

We recognise and acknowledge the community is dealing with a changing environment and as a result there may be misinformation in the marketplace.

We wish to reassure our customers, retailers and all Westfield stakeholders that Westfield Riccarton has been given full safety clearance.  Please note that the Centre has been given clearance from the Council during its inspections and it has not been “red stickered” at any time.

We have a very strict procedure of structural and life safety checks which are carried out after each major aftershock to ensure Westfield Riccarton (including the car park areas) is safe to occupy prior to recommencement of trade.  Westfield has used a team of independent engineers and contractors to facilitate this work.  We have tried not to burden the resources of the local authorities and emergency services who are working in areas of more significant affects of the earthquakes.

Each stage of the past developments was structurally designed to fully comply with the New Zealand Building Act current at the time of the development.

The safety of our customers, staff and retailers is paramount and we have taken every step to ensure Westfield Riccarton is a safe place to work and shop.

Westfield Riccarton engages Xona Consultants as their independent safety assessors for the structure of the building.  Xona are responsible for carrying out all structural checks and Beca are responsible for carrying out services checks after each aftershock.  Xona and Beca are reputable companies within their disciplines.

Westfield is undertaking the necessary remedial works to the damage sustained to the building and shops in any of the earthquakes or aftershocks to date.

We thank you for your continued support during this process.”

Customers can view updates on our shoppers’ website http://westfield.co.nz/riccarton/or by contacting the centre’s direct line on 03 983 4500.

SHAKEN & EXHAUSTED - IT'S TIME FOR A COLOUR INJECTION!!

SHAKEN & EXHAUSTED - IT'S TIME FOR A COLOUR INJECTION!!

Mmmm; that heading was intended for my dear fellow ChCh folk; what a week it's been!

My heart & thoughts go out to those that have been further impacted by our latest events..........it is certainly a challenging time to keep creative.........and, I had promised to offer some fun accessory options on this page, but alas, have instead fallen prey to the scourge of sleep deprivation & exhaustion that has been one's lot lately here in ChCh, mmmm........

However!  With saying that, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet up for lunch at Merivale yesterday with two awesome friends / ex-schoolgirl buddies (From our days at Westland High in Hokitika); doing our best to grab hold of spots of normality!

And of course, us being the Big Girls that we are, we're always looking for a MAJOR/minor excuse to dress up for fun!

I opted to be as colourful as possible..........& I wanted to at least put ONE pic up for this weeks' Mid-Week Fashion Inspiration!!

So, check this out!!  Yesterday was a cool day, so we went all-out for wool; this fun dress was a treasure that I found at Rangiora's Red Cross shop last year, for the princely sum of $5; 100% wool (Quite weighty in fact!); and surely to have been home-made; no labels to speak of.......

The neckline is a plain round scoop, with the teal edging; VERY 1970's, don't you think?!  & the bright slash of red is a throw-over cowl-wrap; picked up from the Asian store that used to be at the back of Whitcoulls in Cashel Mall (Awesome girls in there; I used to love walking thru to see what treasures caught my eye!)

And, the bright red beret of course helped keep the wind at bay.

Add a colour-punch with mustard-coloured tights & a happy big teal bling-ring, brown boots, & all set to go!

And then, there's the option of a final layer of warmth, in a 'don't-run-me-over' slash of bright red COAT!

Isn't it FUN???!!!

With whammo colour like these, it is advisable to keep away from black, for fear of "deadening" the brights; hence the brown boots.


This is a must-look for the faint-hearted; a real much-needed winter rev-up!!






I hope that has been a bit of fun for you?!  Brief, tho it is; delivered with appreciation of fun & colour.

And speaking of colour, I WILL be posting some HOT looks on my Blog from Denderah Designs; in fact, if you're like me & can't wait to take a must-see peak; check out their latest postings at Facebook HERE!

& let me know what you think - I look forward to your feedback, ladies!


Meanwhile, keep safe, keep colourful, & be INSPIRED!!  The world needs us!!


Blessings,

Jackie Farina

Your mid-week Wardrobe Inspiration - PRE LOVED CLOTHING in CHCH!

We deserve some mid-week Wardrobe Inspiration!!

Pre-Loved clothes shopping in ChCh!

Phew; quake-brain has struck me this week - big-time!!  What a busy, un-nerving week for us Christchurch residents!!  So, rather than spending some time gathering my promised inspirations together, I have been helping out friends-in-need (& LOVING it; loving the opportunity to do so!!), & generally walking around in an on-edge daze!!  (All this shaking not good for us sensitive creative types; or any of us, for that matter!)

I did hear that Westfield Mall in Riccarton had been closed temporarily due to the floor lifting inside; not sure of the status of things there, but makes for interesting news....

However, there ARE places that we still can venture safely, & I will endeavour to offer a bit of a listing of some fav pre-loved clothing spots here to inspire you to treat yourself.........I will apologise ahead of time if I have missed anywhere that may not be operating at present, however, I know that it's a tricky & important time to share updated news where-ever & however we can, in terms of our awesome retailers that are trying their best amongst all this forever changing chaos.........my heart & thoughts go out to those awesome ladies who have had gorgeous wee shops & have lost them in our recent events.........


Meanwhile, check these out:

SAVEMART - New Brighton; Hornby; Clarence Street  (Apologies; not sure if Sydenham is open again?!)
MENAGE A TROIS - 175 Seaview Road, New Brighton  (I trust they got through the latest shakes safely?!)
DRESS FOR EVEN LESS - 35A Acheson Ave, Shirley
WAIRAKEI BUDGET BOUTIQUE SHOP - 5A Springbank St, Bryndwr
2nd HEAVEN - 169A Wairakei Rd, Ilam
THE DRESSING ROOM - 151 Madras  (North end, over Bealey Ave)
LABELS of LATE - 135 Aikmans Road, Merivale  (I DO hope she is still operating there; an awesome wee shop!)
NURSE MAUDE HOSPICE SHOPS - Merivale (Opp Merivale Mall); Merrin St Avonhead; Sumner (I hope they made it through these last shakes.....)
SALVATION ARMY CLOTHES STORE - Church Corner end of Ricc Road; opp Bush Inn
RED CROSS SHOP - 14 Yaldhurst Road, Church Corner end of Riccarton
DRESSED UP - 30C Yaldhurst Road
MINI MOOCHER - 292 Lincoln Road, Addingtown
WEAR ELSE - 77 Somerfield St, Spreydon
PRELOVED CLOTHING - 3A Milton Street, Spreydon

I have a few more to add, but need to check on their status first.............

I invite updates & additions from local ChChians so I may add pre-loved clothing retailers to my list for those of us in need of visual & tactile inspiration!

***  I hope this makes up for my lack of visual inspiration for this week!!  ***


Lots of love & textile inspiration to you all..........

Warmly,

Jackie Farina

Mid-Week Inspiration - For the LOVE of Tunics!!

Winter is upon us.  That means the need for more layering.  The introduction of tunics through the last few seasons has certainly opened up a succulent source of new fashion inspiration for creating so many new options of choice over our our much-loved leggings, merinos & boots; I'm no exception to loving that trend!  (In fact; I'm an '80's leggings girl from way back!)

And, with being a Southern (Cantab) Girl, we DO get C O L D down here, so I'll be sharing some snuggly inspirations over the next few weeks............

I have been having fun shopping on Trade Me as of late, & have picked up a few bargains; thought I would share with you for our Mid-Week Inspiration  (And some of my dear friends have already seen these outfits scooting around!)  I have asked my Alter Ego Jackie Farina (AKA:  Me!) to model them for us..........

This little beauty of a snuggly soft moss-grey jersy tunic (Yes folks; WOOL - I'm in Heaven!) came from a lovely lady in Nelson; thankyou Sue!  I'm a typical Summer season, so can wear this shade, matching in with the cool grey merino & tights & cool-based brown in the boots.

 

However, warm coloured Autumns could brighten this with oranges, yellows, & of course, the browns, & russet-red, too.

       

And for extra warmth, I do tend to add minis to my layers; this one's a cool-based brown shade...

Blazers are big news this winter (Yay!) & I picked this one up (The brown blazer to the right) for $2 from Toff's in Ferrymead; whom I know have survived the quakes & are still open for your shopping pleasure   ;-))   I find blazers great for us "straight-up-&-down-girls" for helping to create shape, with the nipping-in of the waist area, & the carrying of the blazer colour through the middle of the tunic area, therefore creating that added visual line of colour-break down the outside of the body that helps accentuate a slimmer line.

 

For another layering option, try a shorter, shaped wool jacket - I have taken away the wool mini skirt, to create a cleaner, more "hip" mini-look which suits the shorter length of this jacket.

And, for another look using the same tunic, I've used denim as my accent colour, taking the long-line denim vest to create that slimming & lengthening illusion.  (Denim leggings are just GREAT, thankyou Trade Me!!) 



The colour-change is amazing, isn't it - when you start to get creative & brave with colour!!

This pic is for my dear friend Maureen, who gifted me with this suuuper funky beret; it has all the awesome cool colours to take a Summer-& Winter-coloured girl anywhere!  Plus I love the velvet & textured fabrics!

I've added my grey wool tunic here as a base colour, & layered it over with my purple tunic-coat ($5 from my fav Salvation Army clothes store, which was down Lichfield St; a fav haunt of mine before the Feb quake.....), & a polarprop top (Picking out those colours), & brown boots (Black would be too harsh a colour with these tonings; too strong for a Summer, but would suit a strong Winter colouring.....& Merlot-Puss is keeping an eye on fashion-proceedings in the background (& she also reminded me to remove my other clothes off the bed before taking photos!

This gorgeous red wool tunic (Also from Trade Me; Thankyou Hazel!) creates a yummo splash of colour on our cloudy Canterbury days..........keeping it classy with black under-layers & brown boots to "lift" the colour more, & adding a playfully-coloured loose-knitted beret for a more casual weekend look.

Plus, to add another dimension of colour, pop on the slimming brown coat, & a fun brown textured beret.

With this final tunic-option from Wardrobe Angel's Treasure-Chest, this is yet another Trade Me treasure tunic  (I'm giving away my trade secrets here!!), that I just LOVE..........a bit of Parisian chic!   Add black edgy low-heeled boots for urban walking, or high stiletto boots for class in the City; I like to pop on an old navy blazer (That still happens to fit me from the '80's!) to aid in slimming, & fav black beret.......

I do hope that's been a fun inspiration for you!    Keep an eye on my Blogpages for accessorising tips & tricks.............

Meanwhile, be kind to yourself, & energise yourself with lots of colour! 

xxxx  Jackie Farina



Your Mid-Week Fashion Inspiration: The POWER of a makeover!




  Makeovers.  The TV is full of them.  Gok; Trinny & Suzannah; Queer Eye...........& then there's the ones that make over your homes; your life; your weight.........endless!!

Why are we sooo hooked on them?!  I know that I'm always in happy tears after watching most makeovers; I just LOVE seeing people get a second, revived, chance of life.

I think that's where it's at.  We come into this world, we take on a persona that the world begins to relate to & see us by.  Folk get to put us in a hole; "Oh, yes, that's so-&-so; they are this way......." - creating familiarity.

But what if that familiarity becomes unconscious drudgery for the individual concerned?



Before Hair-Makeover....never felt quite "me"...



After Hair-Makeover - that's better!

 
This can happen at any age, but is most often recognised around our 40's  (Ahhhh, I'm 46........That makes sense!).

Makeovers are DELICOUS.  They are a chance to reinvent & renenergise oneself.

That's part of what I adore with offering Wardrobe Angel.  I love sharing the new potential with my clients, whether we are working at home with one's wardrobe, or having a textile adventure whilst out shopping.  I am known to get a tad animated when I see what a new colour or cut of a garment will do for a woman in my care, it's truely exciting!! 

So many of us spend so many years hiding ourselves, or presenting ourselves in someone else's image. WHO has created the "You" that you portray?  I've had many women share with me that it's their mother that they hear judging them in their minds when they choose their clothes.  And more often than not, it is also their partners.  Does this sound familiar to you?  If so, who are you trying to please?

It's the likes of Madonna, THE Queen of Reinvention, who inspires me to continue to step up to the mark once again; as in, who am I being today??  Who do I WANT to be?  Looking at my self from fresh new eyes; I ain't ready to settle in to just 'growing old', folks!

So, here's my latest hair-makeover; I'm prepared to celebrate!!



 

Mmm, I actually took a gamble & bought hair-dye from the supermarket ($15; thankyou!), got a freezer-bag & put holes in it, then garnered the help of a patient friend handy with a crochet hook & away we went!  Playtime!   I don't suggest all of us go out & try this, but if Dita Von Teese can....................ha!!

My dear friend & radio show hostess & astrologer Tania Gilchrist said recently; "Hun; you're the queen of Do-It-Yourself Gorgeousness!"  Thanks Tans, 'cos I carried the persona of a tough "bloke" through my time as a signwriter (I was 20 years in the trade); I was happiest when I was dressing like a bloke, & acting like a bloke (I did drive myself hard in those years); I related to earlier years when my mum & I lived in the bush on the Coast & life was all about survival & getting through one day to the next.  We made sure that whatever we wore, we could keep warm & dry in, or could walk for miles & miles (We often had no car).  BUT, we DID play "Big-girl dress-ups" when we went to town!!  (With gumboots & torch in tow!)

I know that my fellow girls in our dear city of Christchurch will relate to that last paragraph; ladies, it's taken some time for us to get back into our heels, hasn't it??!

And you're asking what does this have to do with reinvention?!  Everything.  Again, the persona of how we wish to present ourselves to the world.  Dior would not have come through with the New Look after the war if it hadn't been for women going without.  I know that since the earthquakes especially, I am taking more time on a day to day basis to treat myself to dressing up more, as in, how I wish to go out into this world.  (But I ALWAYS go with my torch!  Some habits don't go away!)

So, watch out, because me & my team of Angels will be out & about soon, spreading some Fun with Fashion & Inspiration goodness JUST for you to enjoy!


And in the meantime, here's some fun homework for you:

Chose a garment that you normally keep "For special occasions" - & wear it tomorrow!!  & we're probably talking about a dress here, more often than not.........Dress your garment down with jeans, or a cardi, or tough it up with a denim jacket & tights & boots; add a hat; or a long necklace, or a scarf.............and WHY do this??!!  Because every day is a GIFT, and, you ARE worth it!! 

I would love to hear what you did!  Send me a photo & I'll pop it onto our Wardrobe Angel Facebook page!  Have fun!!  





Do YOU call on an era for YOUR fashion inspiration??

Hi there on a stunning, sunny Christchurch day!

I will remind you that this blog isn't about what's the latest & greatest in the fashion world, but moreso, a place of inspiration for you to draw out more possibilities for yourself to play Big Girl Dress-Up's; here, any fashion snobbery goes right out the window, & in instead comes a walk into a palette of colour & experimenting in order to stretch one's style-muse; a rediscovery of Self.

And, this is where I bare MY wardrobe to the world, with the intent to inspire you to dress up YOUR Big Girl (ie; your gorgeous Self).

For this week's Mid-Week Inspiration, I invite you to look toward the past decades to see if there is anywhere in particular that speaks of the You that you portray, or wish to portray.

The wonderful thing with doing this is that this is a very playful, harmless, creative process, to bring out a latent Style-Bunny who may gain more confidence with new styles & colours, with an anchor to call on.

And there are soooo many references to look at!

Most often, we go to the movies for our style icons.  Think:  Audrey Hepburn; Marilyn Monroe; Emma Peel, Angie Dickenson (Yes; check out some old "Police Woman" shows & you'll see what I mean!), to name a few.

So, we're talking about, say, from the '30's, '40's, '50's, 60's, '70's, and, now you KNOW you're getting old when the '80's are now talked of as being "Retro", and the '60's are talked of as being "Vintage"!

And, many women of today access this very exercise to inspire themselves; think Dita von Tease, who has called on the elegance of the '40's as her main-stay look, which interestingly, in it's own right has inspired other girls to rediscover the joys of the incredible sewmanship of those times.

Here are a couple of my own inspirations I like to play with.............

Calling on the 1970's.............

This wee beauty is my Grandmother's coat circa 1970's.  I love it when winter comes about & I can bring this fun item out for play.

Grandma was THE most elegant lady I had ever seen; she was always so polished; even her home was coffee-book stunning (Grandma was into stylish minimilism way before it was given a word..........).  With me having lived on the West Coast in the bush with my awesomely wayward mother, my grandmother left a lasting fashion impression on me!  I don't know what she would think of MY style however, but she would be suprised to see her coat still having a life!

Somehow, I travelled around NZ for years & had this coat in storage all over the place, & she is still as good as new.

I like to bring her out walkies with a few fun additions to bring her up to modern-day wear..........

And, don't mind me, but I LOVE sharing clothing history; every piece has it's own story to tell........

The BOOTS came from Trade Me, these are fully lined; sooo warm.........and the HAT came from a small millinery company based in Mapua, Nelson, who have since closed; I visited them on their last sale day; was a trifle sad, knowing these guys with their amazing skills no longer have the viability to keep in business.

The SKIRT; ahhh, second-hand, many years ago.......pure wool,

& top off with a burst of colour with red tights.



SO, if you see me trotting down the street & you recognise me in this outift, please tap me on the shoulder & I'll shout you coffee!!

*************************************

Another era I love to play with is the 1950's.  I loved all the sexiness, the fabrics, but oh, the designs & cuts of the garments.........swoon-time..........

These dresses found their way into my life when I was inspired to call into Valley Girl; one of my fun fashion haunts; for cheap & cheerful, fun & flirty.  And, centrally placed in our dearly-missed Cashel Mall, it was on my weekly inspiration-run.

These dresses were on sale for, I don't mind saying, only $15 each! 

Made with cotton & linen, they wash well, & wear well.  It was the cut that got me though; their construction was definitely straight from the bygone era of the '40's & '50's, & I was, amongst others, totally start-struck.  So much so that I had to buy a dress in each colour........

So, amongst others, we were twirling in happy abandon in front of the store mirrors........I think these dresses should be given out instead of Prozac - guaranteed to lift anyone's day!!

These dresses can absolutely be prettied up with red shoes & small red gloves & a wee black jacket for '50's elegance, but I'm looking forward to having mine take me through winter......

I like to pop a black cashmere jersey on underneath, add a black neck-cowl, a big, fun ring, grab a bright beret, a black swing-petticoat for added layering;

And then to add a modern tough edge, a demin jacket does the trick as a warm cover-up.

And, throw on the tights & add girly 1940's inspired shoes, or, flat boots for an urban finish (Plus, very practical for walking around our uneven roads!)



And, if you see me on the street, ditto to the coffee & catchup!!

Share with me your fashion infuences & be part of the fashion inspiration - "Viva la Ropa!" - Spanish; for Long Live Clothes!

Take care, & live each day to your fullness.

Love, Jackie Farina  

YOUR MID-WEEK FASHION INSPIRATION!

**** TAKE A JERSEY...****

Here in New Zealand, winter is coming; it's time to get warm!!  So, my Midweek Fashion Inspiration will hopefully give you some interesting ideas to help you toward your winter layering.........I don't know about you, but I sure do feel the cold!

Here's a look that I love playing with, especially because I have a very "up & down" figure, whereby I hardly have a waist; as I'm sure others can relate to.....  So, I have to "create" curves, and because I also have a short torso, I need to accentuate a much-appreciated long line in the body.

So, first off, take a looong jersey.........

And then look after those cold leggies by adding knee-high boots (I like my brown ones when I'm wearing grey; they soften the look ) Then, because I'm serious about feeling the cold, pop on a pair of thick blokey work-sox.   These come over the top of the boot & break the line by adding a pop of colour.

And I have discovered a WONDERFUL source of DENIM LEGGINGS; so very comfortable - check out Trade Me User Name "XQZ"  for their "Fashion Tights Skinny Jeans Style" - yes; I am sharing MY fashion secrets with you!!  (And let them know you saw their reference on this blog!)

Now we can have some fun with layering!!  I have a few options here...........

This is a grey SHRUG that I made myself (I will post prices soon).  The drop at the front gives a nice, long line, & the back is shorter, sits about waist-height across the back, so gives definition of waist by showing the small of the back; a girl needs as much definition as she can.  And the matching grey tone gives a nicely casual-elegant look.  Check out the necklace options - again, creating the "long-line" thru the torso.

But wait; there's more!  Soooo many options!  I love a bit of denim.  I found this beautifully-cut long-line vest in a 2nd-hand store; it looks gorgeous on, & cuts well into the body, giving a lovely curved line.....

And; can we wear denim-on-denim?!  Yes; ONLY if the denim is of different shades, AND, if there is colour from another garment showing thru between the denim pieces.

Speaking of shaping into the body, this ever-so-slightly-a-couple-of-seasons-back (I don't care - I LOVE it; it is sooo versatile!) bulky cardi also works well to accentuate a curvy figure where there isn't one..........

And, finally (Just for now) there's another option using another cardi that I picked up from another 2nd-hand store, & I had to justify its use - it's a rather muddy-dark blue colour; looks great with the leggings.........

                  

Plus, a wee cardi/jacket of this cut is great for shorter/petite women, as it stops at the hips, rather than stopping too far down the line of the body...........as for those of us who need the illusion of shape, this style "nips in" at the waist just nicely.  (Sorry; computer won't let me pop these photos side-by-side today....!)

I hope you enjoyed that!!  Keep an eye out for my next installment!