HELENE RAVLICH: FASHION & STYLE

HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL FASHION 3 STEPS TO EASY SUMMER DRESSING

After the year many of us have had, it’s high time things got a little easier. And with the hotter months starting to hit their stride, with hopefully some down time on the horizon, it’s time we celebrated the new season and a new year ahead with an easy summer wardrobe to match our mood.

Summer is all about taking things at a slower pace, and keeping life as uncomplicated as possible in order to soak up as much of that beautiful weather as we can.

You can apply this to your wardrobe too, with many of my favourite locally sourced and locally based brands offering up some pretty special solutions with this in mind. And simplifying things when it comes to daily dressing doesn’t have to mean taking a strict, minimalist approach. Sometimes, summer outfits can be straightforward and simple to assemble, but with just a flourish of a key accessory or subtle injection of a new styling move, they can be seriously gorgeous, especially if you’re heading out of town when you want a wardrobe that’s flexible and user friendly, going easily from the beach to the bar and beyond.

1THE EASY SUMMER DRESS The trick to looking effortlessly stylish when the mercury is rising is to opt for soft, floating pieces that drape beautifully and feel as good as they look. This is where the easy to wear summer dress comes in, and local labels have created beautiful options that you will wear for years. One of my picks from within the new Resort 2020 collection from RUBY is part of the Portia story, which has a beautiful retro look to it that will work well in any situation. Called the ‘Portia Bandeau Maxi Dress’, it offers a real nod to the 1970s with its ocean blue and earthy brown zig zag print in GOTS-certified cotton. The super cute fabric also comes as a chic wide leg pant and skirt.

www.rubynz.com

Ruby Portia Bandeau Maxi Dress

From Mina, the Winona dress is another beautiful example of an easy but modern and elegant take on the relaxed summer dress. From the latest collection for the brand titled ‘One Woman to Another’, it’s a stunning, tiered maxi-style dress available in cornflower blue or green silk, dyed locally in Auckland. Mina designer Natalie Procter’s attention to detail is second to none, and I love that although the construction looks simple, things like an invisible zip closure at the back and adjustable thin straps that allow you to style and fit the Winona how you would like take things to the next level.

www.minaforher.com

taylor Consideration Jumpsuit 2THE JUMPSUIT Whether a playsuit for a party, a boilersuit for everyday, or culotte-style for the heatwave, the jumpsuit is a must-have when summer is making its presence felt. Just why are they so popular? Well, they’re convenient. Pull on a jumpsuit, and the hours usually spent agonising over separates can be used for more important matters. Plus, there’s the versatility. Like white T-shirts and a black dress, jumpsuits create a blank canvas for the styling details that will, literally, turn an item from single-use to multi-functional. I love the quiet brilliance of local brand Penny Sage, which is helmed by designer Kate Megaw. Her serene studio at 6a Kirk Street in Grey Lynn is always filled with treasures and new must-haves, and her legion of loyal fans lap up everything she releases with good reason.

Her newest collection for Spring Summer 2021 is called WILDFLOWERS, and is inspired by the Dolly Parton lyric: ‘wildflowers don’t care where they grow’. It’s a tribute to summer dreaming – lazy days in the sun, outside in a garden or by the sea – and is designed to bring a little of the season’s warmth whenever and wherever you are. In a time when the future is uncertain for all, the collection offers a little respite from the present, with sunny prints and playful silhouettes that were created to bring joy in the coming months and beyond.

A small edit of summery pieces that are light, bright, and easy-wearing, WILDFLOWERS includes the Nyota jumpsuit, which is available in black, or a soft sky blue linen tartan. With a halter neck that ties at the back and a flattering wide leg, it works perfectly by day with Birkenstocks, or by night with a heel.

www.pennysage.com

The taylor Consideration Jumpsuit is also perfect for day and night and an essential for summer styling. Flattering on the form and made from a sumptuous viscose crepe, it features an ontrend wide leg and endless styling possibilities with its folding panels that drop and fall from the waist, or alternatively can be tied to cinch the silhouette.

www.taylorboutique.co.nz

Penny Sage SS21 Nyota Jumpsuit

TK Poolside Pant 3THE PERFECT WIDE LEG PANT Come summer, the wide leg or slouchy, pyjamastyle pant really comes into its own. You can throw a pair on over a sleek swimsuit for drinks with friends after a day at the beach, or dress them way up with a silky tank and heels. There’s just something so appealingly louche about a wide leg pant - an effortless chic we can all get on board with. A wide leg pant has become a staple in the wardrobes of fans of Vicki Taylor’s taylor label, with the Station Pant making a beautiful new addition. With an elasticated waistband and drawstring offering comfort, no aesthetics were sacrificed with the wide, straight leg shape and full length.

www.taylorboutique.co.nz

Knuefermann’s Poolside Pant is also a beautiful option, and available in several shades as one pair is definitely not enough! Throw these on with a bikini top or bandeau and lounge poolside, cocktail in hand, or add a white tank and sneakers and hit the streets. Gorgeous as lounge pants or pyjamas too, they are made in New Zealand and make for great gifts. (HELENE RAVLICH)

www.knuefermann.co.nz

HELENE RAVLICH: LOCAL FASHION BY NATALIE’S NATALIE NORMAN

Over the last few years many of us have been learning to embrace the concept of cocooning, and creating a space we love within the four walls of our homes.

This truly came to the fore with the arrival of Covid-19, which saw us all spending long periods of time at home and learning to appreciate our surroundings and what we can bring to them.

It also saw many of us opting for loungewear over our usual wardrobe, and thankfully we’re lucky in New Zealand to have some beautiful, ethicallyminded brands offering great options when it comes to what to wear during our downtime.

A brand that emerged at the end of the second lockdown that I have fallen head over heels for is by Natalie, a New Zealand made, sleep and loungewear label created by self-confessed ‘sleep connoisseur’, Natalie Norman. Natalie comes from a long line of sleep connoisseurs, growing up in a family that is still the largest mattress manufacturer in Australasia.

“I spent my childhood growing up around factories and loved being there,” she says. “I started working in the sewing line when I was 14. It was a fun hobby that came naturally to me, and in a way, lead me to where I am today.”

Natalie spent the bulk of her sleep career focusing on pillows, quilts and other sleep supportive products for both adults and children, and she is also the founder of Growbright, a child-focused sleep business that provides safe sleeping products for babies and young children. Her own sleepwear line was always her dream however, and over the past year she has been working with a talented team of local artisans and businesses to make that dream come true. incredibly comfortable. They also are more than elegant enough to wear all day long, and sitting alongside the sleepwear is a range of pillows and pillow toppers for the ultimate great night’s sleep whatever your preferred position. With the environment top of mind, the fibres in her pillows are created from old plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in a landfill, and where possible, the foam used comes from offcuts that would otherwise be discarded.

The sleepwear designs themselves have been carefully crafted to drape beautifully and accentuate the body’s natural curves, and are made from light-weight, durable fabrics that are a dream to sleep in while also being environmentally conscious. The sleepwear was extensively wear-tested by Natalie and her right hand woman, Sophie - both of whom spent the first lockdown period washing and re-washing, wearing and wearing again until they got things exactly right. When I ask which is her favourite piece from the collection she laughs and admits it’s always changing, “but I have to say the nightshirt dress is something I always come back to as I can throw it on in the morning and over a swimsuit”. She is also a big fan of the Amelia Button Up Night Shirt and matching shorts, which are created using a fabric blend that includes Tencel, a sustainable fibre that feels wonderfully luxurious on the skin. It also supports the body’s natural thermal regulating mechanism, making it perfect for this time of year.

People are investing more time in feeling good at home, and for Natalie, when she puts on her sleepwear she instantly feels that little more glamorous. “That moment when the kids have gone to bed and it’s finally safe to put on a white dress,” she laughs, “and when I feel like I’m doing something just for me.”

When we met she was working on the Winter 21 collection, which will sport a slightly different colour palette than the soft nudes and silvery greys of the just-launched range. There will also be new trims and tweaked shapes, and most definitely more of the same beautiful silhouettes that are just so easy to love. (HELENE RAVLICH)  PN www.bynatalie.co.nz

CHRISTMAS WITH CARATS

Tutti Frutti drop earrings 18ct white and yellow gold flowers stack dress ring

18ct yellow and white gold diamond dress ring

18ct white and yellow gold flowers stack dress rings 18ct white gold diamond double Hidden Heart pendant

Carbonated dress rings

25 Vulcan Lane, Auckland, CBD, 09 309 5145

FCaratsNZ I caratsjewellery

www.caratsjewellery.co.nz

18ct gold diamond butterfly drop earrings

Carbonated pendants

Diamond flower stud earrings

The Moontide team at the Williamson Ave flagship store invite Ponsonby News readers in for a personal fitting to find their perfect summer outfit for the season.

Ponsonby News readers receive a stylish Shirt Dress as a gift with every purchase when you mention this article.

MOONTIDE BRINGS TIMELESS ELEGANCE AND STYLE FOR SUMMER

This summer season, time-honoured New Zealand swimwear brand Moontide, offer their familiar brand of classic style and sophistication for our sacred sunny shores.

The latest collection sets a classic tone and offers something for every woman to feel beach confident this summer:

Botanica is an update on a classic palm print giving a beautiful style in super-feminine shapes. The graphic and bold mono palm of Bora brings an added air of longevity and quality.

Latitude brings an elegant textured stripe in classic navy, white and putty colours while the easy to wear trim tankini in bold black and white is perfect for pairing with shorts for the more active relaxers. For those who love a pop of colour on the beach or poolside, Lombok offers a bright vibrant Balinese floral with luxurious aqua with bright pops of red and saffron. With mixed scales and detailing, Luna Garden

Bora adds a refined sense of luxe on textured fabric which also is a modern take on the perennial black and white mono print. The almost stencilled florals keep it fresh and relevant for the season.

For a summer that promises lots of hot sunny days on our beautiful free and open beaches, the team at Moontide have delivered another great collection and are ready to welcome you into their spacious store to browse the range and have a professional fitting to find the perfect outfit for the season.

Lombok – U/W Wrap Top and V Pant $135.00 Contours – V Front Ruched Suit $109.00 Latitude – Soft Cup Tank Suit $139.99

VISIT OUR FLAGSHIP STORE

24 WILLIAmSOn AVE GREy Lynn PH: 09 218 8780 moontide.com

PIKOLINOS - PELMAN Naturally tanned leather

EVALUNA - ELRICA Premium Italian leather

MIKKO SHOES IS HERE FOR SUMMER!

We’re excited to have Mikko Shoes in the area this summer with their sale pop-up store in Jervois Road.

If you haven’t visited a Mikko store before, they’re a family owned business that offer an extensive range of European quality shoes.

Each pair of shoes is selected to make sure they deliver on quality, style and value, plus comfort – they’re non-negotiable for every style they stock. They have a huge range of divine European brands, including Pikolinos, Ecco, Gabor, Arche, Ara, Kanna, Hispanitas and more.

The Mikko pop up store in Herne Bay has up to 70% off RRP so absolutely worth a visit! Check out some of our top picks.  PN

MIKKO SHOES, 170A Jervois Road, T: 09 972 2358, www.mikkoshoes.nz

HOGL – GENESIS Genuine cork heel

ZINDA - ZIZI Quality Spanish craftsmanship

Only while stocks last.

NEW to Herne Bay

PURE BOTANICAL FRAGRANCE by Vanessa Megan Workshop is excited to announce the exclusive arrival of Sydney based label, Vanessa Megan organic perfumes and candles to Workshop. Vanessa is known for her uncompromising commitment to clean, synthetic free skincare and Vanessa Megan is considered an Australian pioneer and leader in certified organic skincare. Vanessa Megan is available in Workshop Newmarket and Ponsonby.

Essential Oil Candle 004 Sanctus Essential Oil Candle 001 Terrafirma Essential Oil Candle 003 Flore

BATHER Launched in 2013, Bather have created the perfect poolside complement to a well-curated closet of essentials quality surf and swim products with a street-inspired approach that can be worn on or off the beach. Bather is available in all Workshop stores and online now.

Hawaiian Tiger Camp Collar Shirt - Black

Blue Deco Shorts Hawaiian Tiger Camp Collar Shirt - Beige

Bandana Shorts

Orange Ripple Shorts Hawaiian Tiger Shorts - Black

WORKSHOP, Ponsonby, 74 Mackelvie Street, T: 09 361 3727, Newmarket, 18 Morrow Street, T: 09 524 6844, www.workshop.co.nz

稀 攀 戀 爀 愀 渀 漀

You may have seen the beautiful Black Matter Jewellery store in the old fire station at 182 Ponsonby Road.

Black Matter owners, Amy Cunningham & Benjamin Clark, launched their beautiful flagship store in Auckland earlier this year.

Now the pair have added custom signet rings to the store, bringing a tasteful combination of contemporary and classic design to the Auckland region.

The signet rings are custom made by Benjamin and his fabulous team of jewellers in their Nelson workshop. “Hannah, Estelle and our amazing team can show you the designs

“We have been creating signet rings for some time now through our other brand, Benjamin Black, and the demand has been incredible,” special. Our rings are all handmade in solid gold, platinum or sterling

says Benjamin.

“We decided to introduce Signet Rings by Benjamin Black to the Black based in Auckland, so it made perfect sense.” Available now in the Black Matter flagship store at 182 Ponsonby are the foundation signet rings to view.

People can select their preferred top shape, precious metal and type of engraving. Engravings range from family crests, to monograms, logos or initials.

Each custom ring is then handcrafted and laser engraved in Nelson.

and walk you through the process.

Having a unique and personalised ring that carries meaning is truly Matter store in Ponsonby, as many of our signet ring customers are

silver - made by hand and made to last.”

Order your custom signet ring by Benjamin Black at their store located in the old Ponsonby fire station building.  PN

BLACK MATTER JEWELLERY, 182 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0726, www.blackmatter.co.nz

Oval Platinum 2D Shield Rose Gold 3D Square Silver 2D Cushion Gold 3D