Style Crush: Hanneli Mustaparta

Oh, Hanneli! What’s not to love? This model turned blogging super star is a champion at tom-boyishly charming yet minimalistic chic. It’s as if she casually picks garments up off the side of her bed, throws it all on and emerges looking ever so effortless. I’m particularly enchanted by her white Peter Jensen wide cute dress paired with the chunky Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony platform boots.  The entire ensemble is so light and breezy, perfect for a day whipping about New York City. Toasted as the second most powerful blogger on the planet by Net-a-Porter, I am sure we shall be seeing more and more of Ms. Mustaparta’s laid back, modern elegance.

Her Look My Way:

1. Riess Dress: This shirts dress is simply perfect for you can cinch it at the waste or simply leave it lose and oversized. The length of this number leaves it perfect for biking about the city as well.  Available at Asos.


2. Miu Miu leather satchel: Instead of the baby blue Mulberry satchel Hanneli is rocking, I’ve opted for this classic eggshell leather Miu Miu number instead. The strap detailing, gold hardware and supple finish paired with the dress give it a bit of a schoolgirl vibe I adore.  Available at Net-a-Porter.


3. Aldo Espadrille Wedge: A decent espadrille is hard to find, so these black lace-up pumps are fantastic for both play and stepping lively at work. Functionality and trendy, what more could a girl ask for? Available at Aldo.


4. American Apparel Nail Lacquer in Office: We’ve been rocking the latest AA pastel shades in house all spring long. Two bottles in the ‘Office” shade seems to be the most popular to date and compliments the creams and eggshell of this look splendidly. Available at American Apparel.

Most Wanted: Accessories I covet.

I’ve been feeling more and more adventurous in terms of taste, well more specifically when it comes to my accessories. I’ve always been rather simplistic with my accoutrements. I may pair my Michael Kors watch with a vintage ring (as seen here) and leave it at that or layer a leather band or two around my wrist. I normally let the bold prints and patterns I wear speak for my playful moods and the clashing lace numbers are left to represent my darker, saucier disposition. There are an increasingly great number of accessory designers creeping in to my mindset and seeing as I have turned in to a magpie as of late, here are my top five pieces I am obsessing over this month.

1. Shourouk Vampiresa: This statement necklace from the current s/s 11 collection is a perfect piece to accompany the chicest of dresses and will easily glam up even the simplest of basic tee shirts.


2. Heavy Machine: I’ve been hot and heavy in lust with the genius that are these heels. This grey, green, leather and sheep skin number pairs perfectly with absolutely anything in your closet. I’m thinking frayed boy-friend jeans and patterned silk Equipment blouse for the ultimate win.


3. Illesteva: This New York based brand is being shown a whole lot of love by those fashion editirxs, bloggers and It-kids alike. Hand made in both Italy and Greece, these sunnies maybe smack on trend but the different washes have a truly timeless quality.


4. Danielle Scutt x Topshop: Sassy, brassy and loads of fun, these matte gold lipstick drop earrings are fabulous way to glam up any look. For a bit more punch pair it with your favourite deep red lipstick.


5. Christopher Kane: I’ve had my eye on this neon yellow, laser-cut gem since it appeared on the s/s runway show last September. It’s positively electric! Pile on the bright hues and be a real showstopper. I double dare you .

Jet Korine & the perfect coat?

I abhor the title above, but moving on.
Between my siblings and I the total amount of outwear that currently jams our hall closet is astounding. We’ve managed to nearly cover every type of casing to ensure warmth against these mental temperatures. But despite this solid collection, I am still on the hunt for the ever so perfect blanket coat. And my goodness I think I have found it!

Icelandic designer Jet Korine‘s Life Coat collection is made up of organic materials and designed to be worn in a variety of way s- coat, wrap, blanket and hooded cape – which appeals to my need for pieces with the potential of increased longevity. The soft color palettes and print play I find the most appealing. There is an almost nostalgic quality about these pieces that seem to increase my want for them. Korine’s web-shop goes live this summer, and if you like what you see well then Kiwi Says Cop This!

Come Step Lively: My Top 5 Wedges for S/S 2011

Over the last year and a bit, I think I’ve finally mastered the art of walking in heels. Unfortunately a crazy horrid accident has pretty much left my bird like ankles in shambles. And since I can no longer shimmy through the streets in ‘fuck me’ stilettos (not that I ever have), I thank the fashion heavens for the abundance of wedge wonders provided to me. Below are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg of the current colored blocked babies I’ve got bookmarked. Aside from the Aldo Julian Louie’s my mind may/will change rapidly. But for now all of these are TOTAL WINS.

KIWI SAYS COP THIS!

1. Loeffler Randall x Suno: EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS WEDGE IS A TOTAL WIN. $645 | Loeffler Randall


2. ALDO x Julian Louie: A lush combination of suede and ikat makes for a super hot wedge. Available in a number of patterns, I will certainly be owning a pair of these when they hit Aldo stores nation wide.


3. Eight Twenty: This feather wedge is a runner up to the Aldo pair, I’d probably fiddle a bit with the cork though. $145 | Solestruck.com


4. Jeffery Campbell: Mixed medium wedge is incredibly slick, perfect for dirty deeds in dark corners. $149| Urbanoutfitters


5. Messeca: Sliced wedge in nude. I just love the leather and wood mix, so gorgeously simplistic. $170 | NastyGal

POP: Spring/Summer 2011 CYMK brights for less.

The Inspiration: The Jil Sander Spring/Summer womenswear collection.
February has been the darkest and coldest by far, so what better way to celebrate the first of a new month and possibly some warm sunshine by kick starting your wardrobe with a punch of color. To spread a little cheer, I’ve scoured the internet and have pulled together a couple of great pieces to pump up the CMYK voltage in your wardrobe for great pieces for as low as $25!

KIWI SAYS COP THIS. And sing brightly for me while you’re at it. xo

1. O’Clock Watch : In Magenta $40 |  A2Zzane


2. Equipment: Sleeveless blouse $178 | Singer22


3. H&M: Fashion Against Aids | To hit stores April 26th Check out more details here.


4. ZARA: A-line skirt $49.50 | Zara.com


5. UrbanOutfitters: High rise Cigarette Jean $58 | Urbanoutfitters.com


6. PixieMarket: Sherbert PVC detachable collar $44 | Pixiemarket.com


7. Aritzia: Wilfred Emmanulle Dress 4175 | Atritzia.com


8. Lomography: Diana F+ CMYK $105 | Available at the Lomography Store, 536 Queen St. West, Toronto.


9. M.A.C Cosmetics: Lipstick in Loud-Mouth Orange. (Morange) $25 | Any M.A.C spot

gimme: The American Apparel 3D flower mesh jumper

I WANT THIS.
now. stat.
in both white and black.
If there is someone out there,
in the American Apparel kingdom
that can bestow this lovely gem upon me,
I’d be forever in your debt.

And I’ll stop hating on you guys,
I PROMISE.

white wish list

 

Repetto Zizi, Dr. Dre Monster Beats, Fendi bicycle, LD Tuttle wedge, Moleskine notebook, Wendy Nichol braided bucket bag, Olympus ep-1 camera

eleven Boutique celebrates!

In celebration of it’s one year anniversary Yorkville’s eleven boutique will host a stupendous spring sale of all it’s regular priced goods next month. Receive 30% – 50% off of top Canadian designers including: Pink Tartan, Nada, Joeffer Coac, LUNDSTRÖM,Lucian Matis and Obakki. The sale will include accessories as well, which is fantastic news to me! For I can finally get my hands on the Vita Fede Jewelry I have been coveting for oh so long (pictured above).

So my darlings mark your moleskines, because Kiwi Says Cop This!

Date: May 14th through to the 23rd
Where: eleven Boutique.116 Cumberland St.,Toronto, Ontario

nouvelle vague: spring dreaming

I’ve been listening to dreamy pop music non stop for the last few days. I blame the gorgeous gray weather,
I am left floating on the edge of fantasy and reality
waiting for spring sun with bated breath.

It’s been a wonderful past few weeks,
and I am going to keep the dream a live by creating my own little wish lists.
I figure if I put the thought out there,
perhaps the universe will allow it to manifest? I think so. I KNOW so.

Wish list one: Denim Daze

1. Petit Bateau -  Marinier Sweater


2. ASOS -Kuyichi Denim Playsuit


3. Keds -  Champion White Classics


4. Chanel - Nail Color in Nouvelle Vague (but of course)


5. *Milan Kundera – ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’


6. Eryn Brinie – Marina Chambray Jacket


7. Urban Outfitters – Madison Wedge


8. Proenza Schouler – PS 1 satchel

what do you covet?

* mind you I already own this book, I would just DIE for this particular cover and any information one would have on it.

switch/blade

Drool.

For the vicious vixen seeking super sleep sexy sharp boot I give thee the Switchblade Boot.
The NastyGal x Jeffery Campbell Collaboration.
I WANT! I WANT SO BAD!
Kiwi Says Cop This right here

i-D Spring 2010

Freja Beja as supah hot rockabilly shot by Emma Summerton.

So totally dope! And so wonderfully fresh!
There will also be two more covers featuring Natalia Vodianova and Sasha Pivovarva.

image courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue

Meet Oroma Elewa

a sneak peek of the cover!

 

It is not often I mention color or size.  Years of discrimination have made me more than a little bitter.  So I avoid these two fairly popular topics in my beloved fashionland and more importantly the world.
Growing up I was always told I would have to work harder.

“You have three strikes against you.” My mother would say. “Your sex, your race and your religion. So you have to work three times as hard.”

The Mothership was a firm believer in “keeping it real” and with four daughters there was no room to coddle.  Suffice to say that growing up in the style starved world of the Middle East (back in the 90′s mind you, it’s drastically different now) muses were few and far between. First there was super model Iman an obvious choice, Grace Jones, Alek Wek and of course Naomi Campbell.
Then slowly it stopped. I grew bored and tired.
So many pretty faces from the same places.

Until I stumbled upon her.
Meet Oroma Elewa my modern day super muse and Editor-in Cheif of the fashion and art magazine Pop’Africana.
The former model turned photographer is an all round creative being and so hugely inspirational to me. She lives and breathes through her art and you can see the passion come alive in her magazine that truly celebrates the usually forgotten wonder of Africa.  I came across Oroma and her blog a while back and was taken in not just by the people represented in her work, but by it’s fierce and edgy editorial direction. Like Dazed&Confused and Fader had a fantastic and vibrant African love child.  It is here that I find myself represented – yes, but there is so much more. Raw style, sex, art, intellect and the real beauty and talent of a continent  is celebrated.
I am very happy to say that the first official issue Pop’Africana will be out in print this April and I simply can not wait to get my hands on it!

Oroma Elewa by Mike Schreiber

leather weather

With much luck and perseverance I have managed to invest in a number of great coats this winter. My beloved top three include a leopard print cocoon cut number, a bat-winged poncho coat that happens to make me look like a really cool grim reaper and lastly a vintage rabbit fur coat so warm I wear it everywhere. But I still want more, particularly the ever-elusive perfect leather jacket.
For you see darlings, it’s leather weather. Warm enough to shed all the wool blends and celebrate the arrival of spring with some buttery soft raw hide. Leather has solidified its place as trend for all seasons and has popped up on a number of runways and variety of styles this spring season. Think of Balmain’s warrior princesses clad in sequin camouflage trousers, and the ladies of Celine gliding down the runway so painfully chic in ultra-fine leather T-shirts. Thankfully the lovelies over at Danier have revved up their designs and have come up with some stunning and bright leather pieces for their S/S 2010 collection.


Bang on trend (and the jacket I have my eye on) is this lovely cocoa moto-jacket pictured above.This particular piece combines my love of utility with a touch of punk-rock edge, which will compliment all the print and Breton stripes ready to burst forth from my closet.  My other top choice is the show-stopping yellow biker jacket for those looking to add a little more sunshine in to their wardrobes. For more looks at the Danier S/S collection be sure to check out the video below.

print princess

 

Dear Top Shop Unique,
I would like to express my great interest in you shark print batik jumpsuit and maxi dress.
As they are what I see in my dreams, and I can’t imagine my summer with out them.
Please feel free to ship them over to me,
and I PROMISE to where them everyday rain or shine!
Have a think, and let me know how you feel.

xo Kiwi

 

 

D&G approve of Eskuche 33

While sifting through the Milan shows on Style.com
I meandered over to the Dolce & Gabanna A/W 2010 details pages and spotted these beauties!
The Eskuche 33 headphones were used as goldtastic accessories for D&G’s army of bona-fide belles that took to the catwalk. And you can currently cop these lovelies for a measly $68 here at the UrbanOutfitters web store.

stunna shades on

While combing through one of my favorite online style resources, Refinery29, I spotted a pair of vintage 90′s DKNY sunglasses that literally made my heart jump out of my chest.
Smaking on the keyboard like a retarded seal I manged to find out that my funtabulous sun blockers were at a freaking $90 starting bid.
I understand to some, this may not seem like a whole lot of pesos.
But I am a fickle and unemployed pleb,
there had to be another option!

LO AND BEHOLD

These vintage beauties,
straight outta the fifties and only 18 bones INCLUDING TAX AND SHIPPING!
I’m going to be one fly Ray Charles lookin chicka this summer times.
WOOT WOOT Bitches.





And oh, if you would like to place a bid on the DKNY sunnies then click
here yar!

Different Strokes for Different Folks

For all you budding and established fashion designers and their lovers,I present to you Fashionary.
A lovely hard cover sketchbook that combines  fashion, diary and dictionary, just perfect for the designer on the go.

The book  includes all kinds of references specs, such as body measurement systems, textile information and a 1200 strong brand listing. The sleek design is also a win, and reminds me much of my beloved moleskines.
You can cop one at Fashionary‘s Etsy store, and for all you menswear designers the good people promise your very own version slated to drop any time now.