Blog Archives
Standout Shades: Karen Walker
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Karen Walker has been known for cutting-edge designs since 1988. The New Zealand-based designer applies the same imagination and drama to her eyewear as she does her fashion. With frames dressed up in bold tortoise shell, rainbow-bright hues, unconventional and oversized silhouettes – her eyewear wears as works of art.
Spring Favorites:
Atomic: $349.00
Northern Lights: $349.00
Deep Freeze Crazy Tortoise: $329.00
Orbit Clear: $349.00
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ABOUT KAREN WALKER
Karen Walker is best known for collections that are original, unpretentious and always optimistic.
Karen Walker collections are high casual, elevated with a signature love of print and colour. The reoccurring theme is juxtaposition of opposites — masculine and feminine, tailored and street, luxury and non-luxury, dark and super-cute.
The label has been described by the U.K.’s Independent newspaper as being “The kind of look that provides a means of appearing cool but not trying-too-hard, cute but not saccharine, alternative but not self consciously so.”
In addition to the main women’s-wear collections there is also Karen Walker Jewellery, Karen Walker Eyewear, Karen Walker Homeware, Karen Walker Paints and a series of collaborations including Beau Coops for Karen Walker footwear.
There is also a diffusion line, Hi There from Karen Walker, available exclusively in the United States through Anthropologie and in Australia through Myer.
Phaidon have included Karen Walker in their recent book ‘Sample’ which curates the 100 most influential designers to emerge in the last 6 years. Taschen have also included Karen Walker in their book ‘Fashion Now 2’ which highlights the world’s most important 160 designers as selected by i-D magazine.
Karen Walker product is available in over 30 countries, and 200 cities worldwide. The collections can be found in specialty shops, department stores and leading online boutiques. There are also five Karen Walker flagship stores in New Zealand.
Karen Walker is part of the group behind The Department Store in Auckland, New Zealand. The Department Store is a modern take on the traditional department store that includes a Karen Walker boutique alongside the country’s best fashion, beauty, lifestyle and food.
Karen Walker has garnered a fan base of stylish women including Anne Hathaway, Alexa Chung, Florence Welch, Zooey Deschanel and Rihanna.
Karen lives in New Zealand with her husband Mikhail and her daughter Valentina.
How To: Old Hollywood Hair
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Femme fatale Veronica Lake is best known for her classic and iconic hairstyle. The definition of old hollywood glamour, this look has been reinvented and updated throughout the years. Today this look is a bit more polished and modern, but the style remains the same. Recreate this classic and feminine hairstyle with a few easy steps:
NEED/RECOMMEND:
Curling Wand or Iron – Remington T-Studio London Edition Curling Wand
Clips – Hot Tools Metal Clips
Boar Bristle Brush – Denman D82L Boar Bristle Grooming Brush
Hairspray – Kenra Hairspray 25
Shine Serum – Kérastase Elixir Ultime Moringa Immortal
HOW TO:
♦ Start with clean, dry hair. A good blow-out will help add some volume.
♦ Create a side part. Attempt a drastic side-part for more drama.
♦ Starting just above the ear, curl hair in small, even sections – all in one direction – away from the face.
♦ After curling a single section, hold the curl – wrap around two fingers – then pin. Repeat.
♦ Once the curls have cooled, take pins out and brush hair with a boar bristle brush to loosen the curls.
♦ Spritz some hair spray on the brush, and continue brushing until all the waves fall together perfectly.
♦ Add some shine serum
Optional: Add a beautiful clip or bobby pins on one side accentuate the side-part.
The Sweater Coat: Vince
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Update your outerwear with a chunky knit sweater coat. The Vince Honeycomb Knit Cardigan is a perfect piece for Fall/Winter. This versatile knit can be worn under heavy coats in cold weather or on it’s own in mild weather. A reliable piece that can make any outfit more wearable.
The draping on this sweater coat falls beautifully. For an effortless and flawless look, pair with a slim pant and bootie. Like the picture, add different textures like leather that pair nicely with the honeycomb pattern. If you need a little glitz and glamour – add a jeweled broach.
Keep cozy this winter in a stylish sweater coat.
Fall Trend: Go “Baroque” w/out Going Broke
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One of the trends this fall season is inspired by the Baroque period. Defined by it’s rich tapestries, embroidered embellishments, bold prints and decorative art this trend has an old world-fashion feel to it.
The Baroque is a period of artistic style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, architecture, literature, dance, and music. The style started around 1600 in Rome, Italy and spread to most of Europe.
Baroque print plays out in a number of guises with varying degrees of intensity. From bold, flashy chain prints on leopard spots intertwined with ropes to ornate rococo swirls. Adorned on the runways of Dior, Rodarte and Balmain this trend is not restricted to clothing, also popular in shoe and accessory design.
Like any trend, one should tread lightly on items purchased. These bold prints will not last long and I don’t consider them “investment pieces.” However, I am loving the Baroque-inspired skinny jeans at the moment. Not too flashy and very wearable.
Here is how to “go Baroque without going broke.”
Go Jane ~ Baroque Print Leggings: $17.50
Arden B ~ Baroque Zoe Skinny Jeans: $69.00
Zara ~ 5B Twill Brush Denim w/ Flock Print: $79.90
Urban Outfitters ~ Insight Beanpole Skinny Jacquard Pant: $94.00
J Brand ~ Baroque Skinny Jeans: $141.10 (sale)
How To: Quick Smokey Eye
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The key to any smokey eye look is proper blending. The goal is to achieve a gradient effect, dark to light. Standard black is not your only option, experiment with color. Here’s how:
NEEDED:
⋄ Cream Eyeshadow that matches skintone or Eyeshadow Primer
⋄ Powder Eyeshadow that matches skintone
⋄ Kohl Eye Pencil
⋄ Powder Eye Shadow that matches Kohl Eye Pencil
⋄ Pencil Brush
⋄ Q-Tip
⋄ Mascara
HOW-TO:
1. Apply cream eyeshadow or primer over eyelid to create a smooth base. Apply matching powder eyeshadow to set.
2. Use kohl eye pencil to trace top lashline from the inner to outer corners (this does not need to be perfect).
3. With pencil brush – start smudging. The goal is to have the darkest line close the lashline as color fades up.
4. Dip pencil brush in matching eyeshadow and blend the color up and outward from the pencil liner. (the higher you take this on the eyelid the more dramatic the look).
5. On the lower lashline, use kohl eye pencil to create tiny dots between lashes.
6. With pencil brush – start smudging. Dip pencil brush in matching eyeshadow and smudge to set.
7. Use Q-Tip to clean-up. Finish with two heavy coats of black mascara.
Optional: For more drama, line upper and lower waterline.
Tip: I like to finish this look by sweeping a light soft brown eyeshadow in the crease. This will warm-up the entire eye area.
Weekend Ensemble: Las Vegas
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This Superbowl Weekend will be spent in Las Vegas. A weekend filled with concerts and parties, these leather pants will be my trusty companion. Easy to top-off with t-shirts, blouses and blazers – packing will be a synch. To add a bit more drama, I am excited to wear MAC’s Neon Orange Lipstick. This statement lipstick will pair perfectly with the neon lights of Vegas.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Ashling
Pictured: Helmut Lang Leather Skinny Pants, Ann Demeulemeester Long Asymmetric Tank Top, Christian Louboutin (Decoltissmo), MADE Tassel Bracelet, MAC Neon Orange Lipstick.
Elegant Lashes: Shu Uemura Slim Partial
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Shu Uemura Slim Partial
False eyelashes are a fun way to enhance a look. When shopping at lash bars, natural-looking lashes are hard to come by. Remember, any lash purchase can be altered to fit your specific needs. Cut the length of the strip or give the lashes a subtle trim.
The most natural and comfortable lashes I have found are the Shu Uemura Slim Partial Lashes. They come in three seperate pieces (6-total) to adjust and customize your look.
The small pieces make application simple, no corner-lifts or uncomfortable edges. They enable a natural yet enhanced look by placing the pieces exactly where you need some extra drama. Use one at a time or all three together, the thin pieces will dramatically change the eyes’ expression.
Glow-T 