Every season I like to see what the designers are offering, even though my wallet won't stretch that far. But sometimes if you have your eye on something its worth later on checking out the sales. The quality is always so much better than the High Street Stores and the pieces generally fit better.

Again, at the higher price end the Jumpsuit has definitely taken fashion by storm, so check these choices out.  I have stuck to New Zealand and Australian Designers.
​
Juliette Hogan Site Jumpsuit $699.00, Karen Walker Wren Jumpsuit $430.00, Miss Crab Bianca Rompa Fleur $490.00, ​Workshop Helen Cherry Zoe Pantsuit $649.00.

For a dressed up or evening look try one of these;
sass&bide Mind to Find Fitted Jumpsuit $725.00, The Co-Op Jump Around Jumpsuit $279.00, Taylor Contradiction Jumpsuit MM6 by Maison Margiela $747.00, ​Zimmerman Lavish Jumpsuit AU$795.00.

I recently heard about  a new Clutch/Bag brand called Adaism. These gorgeous, luxury leather clutch bags look like rolled-over paper bags, I know thats not a great description, and I am sure the colours and the soft leather are much more striking than that! Each bag is skillfully crafted by hand and made from fine leathers or cork.

The brand is the creation of Annett Bourquin, a Designer, photographer and former stylist who takes inspiration from her time spent in Japan and years of traveling the world, creating simple and considered objects calling on minimalist concepts and natural fabrics. 

Each design comes in a choice of three sizes; 
Small = dimensions approx. 13 x 20 x 7 cm OR 4.1 x 6 x 2 in
Medium = dimensions approx. 18 x 28 x 8 cm OR 7 x 11 x 3.1 in 
Large = dimensions approx. 26 x 34 x 10 cm OR 10.4 x 13.4 x 3.9 in

They range in price depending on size and material used. All pricing is advertised in Euros, but based on the current exchange rate your looking at between  Euro 95.00 = NZ$147.00 to Euro 265.00 = NZ$410.00.
Shipping is free.

Here are a few of my favourite designs that are currently in stock. For the full collection check out the website - Adaism.

I love Australian designers and I did get to peek at a few boutiques while I was in Sydney. Unfortunately, sometimes the designer items can be a bit out of my price range, but it is a good idea to keep your eye on the sales as the prices can drop to a more affordable rate.

Here are my pick of three Australian Designers that I love, and items from their current collections.

sass & bide
I have been a fan of sass & bide since the early 2000's, after reading an article in Elle UK about their first store in London. I love how they make the everyday item a little bit more exciting, and I love all their embellishments.

sass & bide Soft Blush Wool Jumper $340.00, words reign skinny jean $190.00, Welfare Fair Sweatshirt $190.00.​

Ginger & Smart
Ginger & Smart is an Australian sister duo who produce beautifully cut pieces, in wonderful prints, for a distinct look.
Ginger & Smart Countercheck Dress AU$379.00, Galvanize Boot AU$399.00, Oblique Jumpsuit AU$329.00

Maurie and Eve
Maurie and Eve are Australian design trio Kelly Davies, Maya Clemmensen & Scott Davies. The collections have a wonderful feminine feel with a formidable sexy edge.
maurie & eve Frida Jumper AU$149.00, Pero Shirt AU$149.00, Tyro Jumper AU$179.00.

I seem to constantly be on the look out for colour in the shops at the moment. I am not opposed to wearing black, grey or more muted tones, but I notice on myself that when I wear colour close to my face it changes my appearance and does lift my mood. So now when I am looking at clothes I am automatically seeking tops, dresses, jackets, and coats that are colourful.

There isn't a lot of colour in the high-street shops and on online at the moment, so I thought I would turn to some of our top New Zealand Designers to see if they are offering colourful collections. There is a bit more choice at the designer end, but still a lot of black and grey in Autumn/Winter collections.

Here are my colourful picks from the NZ Autumn/Winter Designer collections.
From top left to right; COOPER Stripped Top $199.00, WORLD Fischer Top Cherry $399.00​, ​​Karen Walker Almaz Top $460.00.

Trelise Cooper A Star is Born Dress $1,599.00, Helen Cherry Silk Devore Blouse $439.00, Kate Sylvester Musa Dress $579.00.

Karen Walker Nordic Dropstitch Jumper $475.00, Hailwood Tang Cobalt Coat $499.00, Zambesi Cable Sweater $660.00.

I have fallen in love with Karen Walkers new collection of rings, Galactic. The rings are encased in Karen Walkers iconic arrow motif, and feature semi-precious quartz. The Galactic range is a reference to Victoriana navigational devices, turning the wearer into an explorer of the modern world. The Galactic range follows on from her Arrows and Stars Christmas Collection. Unfortunately, they are a little bit out of my price range, although the Star Outline ring is on my radar!

Karen Walker Ballistic Ring $2,019.00, Navigator Ring Smokey Quartz Gold $1,359.00, Navigator Ring $879.00​.

Diamond Star Ring White Gold 26ct $2,229.00, Runaway Arrow Pendant Gold $1,109.00, ​Star Outline ring $109.00.

All images from Karen Walker Jewellery.

Sneakers as mentioned in my Shoes post, are no longer reserved for the gym. You see them on the Top Designer catwalks and on celebrities making a relaxed fashion statement. Also check out my Pinterest post for ways to style your sneakers.

​All photos from Pinterest.

Top Designers now feature sneakers/trainers in their collections and on the catwalk. While the price tags are out of reach for most people, you can live in hope as these high-end designs and embellishments get filtered down to the high street shop, where you end up with the catwalk influence on your Zara or Topshop Sneaker!

Top left to right; Dior White Napa Sneaker (POA), Net-A-Porter Burberry London Sneaker US$645.00.
Middle;Valentino Rockstud Sneaker UK£435.00.
Bottom left to right;Shopbop Maison Margiela Sneaker $1,235.88, Net-A-Porter Balenciaga Sneaker US$731.00.

The Spring 2016 Haute Couture shows took place at the end of January and as always there was some amazing dresses and detailing.

​According to Wikipedia Haute Couture is; "French for "high sewing" or "high dressmaking" or "high fashion", it refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing. Haute couture is high end fashion that is constructed by hand from start to finish, made from high quality, expensive, often unusual fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finished by the most experienced and capable sewers, often using time-consuming, hand-executed techniques."

They are expensive pieces, not available for everyone's budgets only the elite. You often see slightly adapted Haute Couture looks on celebrities for Red Carpet Events. 

Here are some of the highlights from the top shows. I have chosen outfits where I think the detail or the design is amazing. Especially when you think these have all been lovingly hand crafted! Beads sewn on and pieces painstakingly put together by hand.

All photos from Vogue.com.

​​Chanel

If you want to pick up a Designer piece of clothing then SALE time is a great time to get some top labels at discounted prices. I have focused on a few of my favourite New Zealand and Australian designers and searched their sales to bring you some stylish pieces from;

• Karen Walker
• Kate Sylvester
• Sass & Bide
• Shona Joy

When shopping for designer pieces, regardless of whether their on sale, I tend to go for classic styles or the other end of the spectrum and indulge in a beautiful print or a pop of colour. I feel there's no point in choosing a designer piece you could get on the High Street, (if you don't normally shop like that). Choose a beautifully cut classic item, or go for something a bit out there with bright colours or a print. 

For classic dresses choose wrap, floaty or A-line styles.
Kate Sylvester Serafina Dress $255.00 from $425.00,  Kate Sylvester Georgiana Dress $267.00 from $445.00, Kate Sylvester Picnic Dress $228.00 from $325.00.

For bold print and colour, Karen Walker has amazing pieces.
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Karen Walker Absolution top $207.00 from $415.00, Karen Walker Commodore Dress $270.00 from $540.00, Karen Walker Hyper Space Fitted Dress $270.00 from $540.00, ​Karen Walker Joanna Top $220.00 from $440.00.

Or go for Australian Designers and opt for classic black, white and a touch of Navy items that are well made, and will interact with other pieces in your wardrobe.
​
Shona Joy Deia Waterfall Fluted Skirt AU$196.00 from $280.00, Shona Joy Sierra Pencil Midi Skirt AU$126.00 from $180.00 and Strapless Pleated Top AU$154.00 from $220.00, Shona Joy Piedra Ruched High Neck Maxi AU$196.00 from $280.00.
sass & bide Dancers at Dawn Short $190.00 from $340.00, sass & bide Shadow Caster Tee $190.00 from $340.00, sass & bide Electric Decade Pants $230.00 from $475.00.

If money were no object there are a few things that would be on my Santa List.  Realistically, at the top of that list would be Enzyme Replacement Therapy, a treatment that I need to deter the progression of my disorder for as long as possible. Unfortunately, at anywhere between $300,000.00 and $1 million per year, thats a real lust item!! For more on my campaign to create awareness for the lack of funding of rare diseases go to About Me.

• The colours of this Aspinal bag are exactly what I have been looking for Summer. Aspinal of London is a luxury English lifestyle brand. You can even design your own handbag on their website. Aspinal The Etre Cecile Essential Tote NZ$695.00.
  
• I love the simplicity of the Eres dress. This label is from France and is renowned for its lingerie and swimwear/day-wear. Net-A-Porter Eres Zephyr Ankara Dress US$661.00.
• This cream really is a miracle cream, but unfortunately has a very hefty price tag. Smith & Caugheys Creme de la Mer Moisturizing Cream $465.00.
• I Love, love this necklace, Shopbop Lizzie Fortunato Arena Necklace NZ$322.00.
• The structure and midnight stars print of this swimsuit from Proenza Schouler is gorgeous, a label I covet. Net-A-Porter Proenza Schouler Printed Swimsuit US$665.00.
• How can you not love these gladiator sandals?! Net-A-Porter Valentino Rock Studd lace-up leather sandals US$1,076.00.
• ​A cute beach bag, Shopbop Sensi Studio Pineapple Tote NZ$550.51.

Here are a selection of beautiful dresses from designers that I would love to buy from. Some of these prices aren't too frightening if you were looking to spend for an important function, or investing in a classic style that you could wear time and again.

Alannah Hill Everybody Wants Some Dress $469.00, Karen Walker Commodore Dress $540.00, Ginger & Smart Coastal one shoulder dress AU$759.00.

Lara Flynn Voile Dress $629.00, Zimmerman Dress AU$795.00, ​Sass & Bide The Irreplaceable $725.00