Not everyone can pull off PVC pants. Least of all me.
Let's all just throw our hands up in the air and admit it. Not every trend was made for everyone. While we may be scratching our heads and wondering whether it's worth jumping on the latest Instagram trend, aka Lobsters on your clothes this season (apparently its happening) its time to admit my friends, that fashion is a fickle mistress, and we all have a different relationship to it.
When it comes to clothes, our priorities are always different from person to person. For some, it's about buying for affordability. For others, it's about buying whatever is trendy at the moment. And for yet others, it is about wanting a fast fix to curb the cravings left from other areas of life that might lack: whether its a job you hate, feeling sad because the kids have left home or simply to give yourself a pick-me-up on a hard day.
My New Clothes Philosophy
I too have gone through many phases of buying cheap, fast fashion. And while I love the odd Glassons piece as much as the next girl, I no longer actively buy cheap clothes. I just can't bring myself to support brands like H&M because I know that my cheap fix comes at the expense of someone in another country being treated poorly and likely having their rights usurped. Plus, they ALWAYS fall apart after three washes!
These days I've found that it's important to take the slow train and start seriously looking at what it means to have a wardrobe full of clothes in 2018. I've concluded that the way I used to buy clothes needs to change and I can no longer justify the odd purchase of cheap fashion if I feel down. My part as a consumer is important, even if I am just one person. It may seem like an investment to shell out more up front if you're used to buying bits and bobs cheaply, but I honestly believe it's worth it. Instead of buying ten pieces cheaply across the season, you can simply wear piece from previous years again, and then invest in one great item that will last for years to come.
I am fortunate that my mother has a great passion for supporting New Zealand designers, something I've embraced as I've gotten older. Even as a teen, I loved reading Fashion Quarterly and took an active interest in the industry. I remember particularly noticing when Kelly Osbourne wore Karen Walker to the MTV awards (who else remembers that!). Now, because there are fewer and fewer new designers and shops coming up, it is important to support the ones we have and to ACTUALLY buy from them, especially as fashion is focused more and more online and towards multinational conglomerates. And there are fewer more talented designers, loved across all ages, in New Zealand than Rachel and Anjali of Twenty-Seven Names, who kindly lent me a few pieces to style for a Wellington autumn look.
The Look
A great spaghetti strap dress from somewhere like Twenty-Seven Names, like this gorgeous Fauves Dress of the latest Golden Age Collection, is a great item to wear layered over a roll neck jumper or a t-shirt when it is cooler, and yet can be brought out in the warmer days as well. The soft pink looks perfect on any skin tone and doesn't wash you out. It was stretchy as well so perfect for when I have a big dinner. Because the dress isn't branded, and the fit is timeless, you'll be able to wear it in the future and it will never seem dated. These clothes are made for the lives of people like me, who are running from meeting to dinners, in all weathers.
A classic coat is also vital, like the royal blue Bridges coat from the same collection. The blazar style structure suits almost everyone! Fully lined, and made from 80% recycled wool, it will keep you snuggly on even the coldest Wellington day. Even though it was a chilly day, I was warm as toast and really think this piece needs to GET IN MY CUPBOARD! Big pockets are perfect to keep my hands warm, as I walk down the street in rain or shine.
Pair these two together, and then pop on a glamorous pair of shoes, like these red-carpet crimson heels from Chaos and Harmony. They're super comfortable and can be worn with tights or on their own. I love that Chaos and Harmony are based in Mt Maunganui, and keep it local wherever possible. Plus, they have the best styles that are both elegant and comfortable!
Finish with some gorgeous Doozie Hoops from Nelson born Nina from Flash Jewellery, nails by my favourite Elderberry and Kate, and a cute metallic clutch and you'll be set to catch the bus from the suburbs into town for a fabulous night on Cuba Street! Have a happy weekend!