The New Zealand Social Media Awards happened a couple of weeks back but it was truly an incredible night and opportunity to find out how the rest of the country are working this crazy new phenomenon of blogging and, most of all, a great chance to dress up!
I was lucky enough to have two wonderful New Zealand companies have my back. When I found out that I'd been made a finalist, the first thing I did was contact my fav designer and new friend Annabelle Wilson of Wilson Trollope to find out if she would kindly dress me for the event. Luckily she said yes.
The timing was perfect because Wilson Trollope has a whole new collection about to be released for Spring/Summer 2017/2018. It is called 'Les Parisiennes'. The collection is based on the inspiring idea of the women in the 1940's who were living in Paris around the time of World War 2. The strength and elegance of these women inspired designer Annabelle to create her new collection around them. This is exactly what I wanted to project at the awards event - a strong yet feminine ideal that was about more than just being on trend. In a world online which is constantly changing, I felt that sharing my loyalty to New Zealand and Wellington fashion designers was an absolute must. Therefore, I had the amazing chance to go through the new collection and collaborate with Annabelle on selecting what I would wear from her new range.
These LUSH pieces actually include a gold skirt (the Perinne skirt) and and top (the Claire top), made of lace, although they look like a little like dress. In my opinion, they've just the right amount of glamour without giving too much away. To rough things us, we selected a stunning biker jacket (the Les Parisiennes biker), that gave the overall look a modern, fresh twist. The name of her collection 'Les Parisiennes' is screen printed on the back, along with her label. I love that it felt unique and that no one else would be wearing what I was. In a world where fast fashion is the norm, and it is so easy to purchase the same top as someone in another country is wearing at the click of a button, getting a chance to wear original fashion made me feel bold and individual. All these are available now from the store (website with new collection live TOMORROW! Yehaw!)
As an aside, I'm thrilled to report that Wilson Trollope has its first permanent store on Victoria Street, which is opening this weekend. After a few years of pop ups, now this much-adored fashion brand has its own home. You can come and stop by from Saturday 9 September. I know you'll love the new collection as much as I do.
However, I still had to work out what I'd wear on my tootsies. What is a lady without her shoes? Carrie Bradshaw certainly had to approve. I took a punt and asked Samara, owner of I Love Paris whether she'd be my Fairy God Mother of footwear (it is in the Old Bank Arcade FYI off Lambton Quay!). She responded warmly, which is amazing and speaks to the incredible community in Wellington. We'd never met but I enthusiastically told her I was a huge fan of her shop which as many of you will know is a great stockist of trans-Tasman label Beau Coops. Now I don't want to sound toooo obsessed but I have about 7 pairs of Beau Coops, many of which started their life from Samara's boutique. I Love Paris is THE go to for women of Wellington who want stylish footwear but are constantly dashing around town. It really is the best place in the city for your multi-functioning shoes and boots.
Samara and I met and we studied carefully what was in stock at I Love Paris. After discussion, we agreed that I should be myself and bring a little casual sass to the elegant pieces from Wilson Trollope. Thus, we settled on this stunning pair of boots, The Jerry Boot from Beau Coops, in tan with gold inlay. While one can be tempted to go fully outside your comfort zone, and head for the sky scraper heels, we knew it would be important for me to feel like myself, and also be able to run from plane to bus to event and home without blisters. The Jerry Boot is a classic and perfectly compliments the whole look, giving a 70's vibe a la Dolly Parton to my outfit.
The full-monty was finished off with a stunning Fluffy Bluff bag from Pedro's Bluff which I borrowed from Megan and some beautiful tassel earrings. Overall, I was really happy with my look. I decided that I'd see if I could get amazing photographess Bex McGill to do me a wee self-indulgent favour and shoot the whole shamozzle, so that I could show it off at its best (I ACTUALLY felt like a model!). Y'all probably know that being at an event means you are in dim lighting and that doesn't always allow itself the best chance to show you rags off. So while it might be a little in-authentic in the fact that we recreated the outfit after the event, I felt 100% myself in these beautiful pieces by New Zealand shops and labels I genuinely wear. After all, what is a celebration is you cannot wear your heart on your sleeve? (or for that matter your feet and arm). While I didn't win my category, I felt like a true winner in the style stakes. High rollers, look out!
Huge thanks to Wilson Trollope and I Love Paris. Also thanks to Bex McGill for shooting me.