Hiatus is over

I have not blogged in way over a year. Kinda got busy with a job and getting my personal life in check. I guess being in your twenties is one of the most exciting and scary times in your life. If you're wondering why I've been away, I guess I'm just dealing with being in my twenties.

Anyways I've been drooling over Karen Walker's New Rose collection which came out last week. My favourite being the Bloody Rose Tee. Being a tight arse (as a Russell Peter's joke aka "SMART") I decided to see if there was any chance of me getting this Tee cheaper. I found this amazing Queenstown shop online called Precious Peg who stock the exact tee for $2 cheaper and they even have free shipping! If I had bought it of Karen Walker's site I would have also had to pay $10 for shipping, so a saving of $12 is not bad. That's a free dinner! This got me thinking of people who never look around before they buy, I know $12 on it's own isn't that much money but if you could save a little each time, it starts to add up. I always thought that designer clothes were sold at the same price no matter where I bought it but I have now realised that is not the case and will always try to look around before I buy from now on.

Karen x Street Peeper

I got the biggest surprise in the weekend to find Karen Walker on my favourite street style blog Street Peeper. Karen is wearing a dress of her own creation, a pink YSL clutch and shoes. 

Tarina xx

Photo: Phil Oh

I'm finally back

I haven't blogged in months but that is because my computer finally died after five years. I had a little cry but was kind of happy that I finally got to upgrade my computer to something much faster and better. Another reason I haven't blogged is because I have been busy working. Yes, without work how an I suppose to support my designer fashion habit? Speaking of fashion, Karen Walker showed her Spring 2012 collection at New York Fashion Week this week. So chic and understated as usual. Karen really does represent the Kiwi Style so well even though the collection was entitled "The American Girl". Below are some of my favourite looks from the show.

Photos: Getty

Wish List Wednesday: Karen Walker Number Six Sunglasses in Crazy Tort

I love basically anything Karen Walker touches and I really love her sunglasses. I wish I had the disposable income to purchase all the Karen Walker I want. I have previously featured Karen Walker Number Six sunnies in black on my "Wish List Wednesday" but I now really also love them in "Crazy Tort". Aren't they gorgeous?


Tarina xx

Sale at Karen Walker!

I received an email yesterday telling me that all Karen Walker stores are having a sample sale of up to 80% today. It sucks because there is no way I can get to Wellington, where the closest Karen Walker store is. However, I hope everyone who can make it has a great time snagging a bargain!


Tarina xx


Photo: Courtesy of Karen Walker

Bright Shades

I am loving all the bright and funky sunglasses at the moment. I would love to own the very coveted Prada Baroques but I think they are just a tad out of my price range. Karen Walker's latest eyewear collection is more in my price range and my favourite pair has to be the Karen Walker Patsy in Crystal Fuchsia as worn by the lovely Julia Frakes.

Tarina xx

FOR SALE : Karen Walker Leopard Dress

This very pretty Karen Walker dress has recently been added to my shop. Check it out!

Tarina xx

Girl Of The Moment Julia Frakes

I am in love with Julia Frakes style. I love how she mixes cozy knit wear with Karen Walker shades.

She was also lucky enough to sit front row at Karen Walker's Fall 2011 show.

Aren't her Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony shoes to die for? Love Love Love!

Tarina xx

Photos: Phil Oh

Karen's North

Karen Walker showed her Fall 2011 collection today at NYFW. To be honest I'm not going to lie because I am a huge fan of Karen Walker's clothes, this collection was a bit of a let down to me. I felt like the collection wasn't cohesive enough. It was just a bit all over the place. However I do like the jackets and brogues. The jackets look very cosy for winter. Maybe I have misunderstood this entire collection because I don't understand her references to The Dexys Midnight Runner's album, Searching for the Young Rebels. Maybe I should hunt down the album and have a good listen.

Tarina xx

Photos: Getty

Tree Girl 4 My Valentine

Karen Walker T-Shirt, Karen Walker Skirt, Miu Miu Bag and Vivienne Westwood + Melissa Flats.

I had a wonderful Valentine's dinner with my bf and I didn't want to overdress so I kept it cute and simple. So excited to finally wear my Karen Walker tulip skirt and taking my Miu Miu bag out too. I hope everyone else had a wonderful Valentine's Day.

Tarina xx

Karen Walker Lily Skirt

I've just purchased this Karen Walker Lily skirt from her online store. I can't wait to wear it out to dinner on Valentine's Day. I really am a sucker for anything Karen Walker.

Tarina xx


Photo: Courtesy of Karen Walker

Vintage Karen Walker

Clockwise from the top left corner: Biker Jacket from Runaway Autumn/Winter 2003 (I own this jacket in black), Tree Girl T-shirt from Tree Girl Autumn/Winter 2005/2006 (I own this T-shirt in pink), Balloon Skull T-shirt from Living with Cannibals and other Adventures Spring/Summer 2005 (I own the exact T-shirt) and Karen Pin from Living with Cannibals and other Adventures Spring/Summer 2005 (I own the exact pin).

Karen Walker makes the best prints period. Tree Girl and Skull Balloon are my favourites. What I love about the Skull Balloon print is that it glows in the dark. I just love all of Karen's designs and I'm constantly on the prowl for more vintage Karen Walker pieces.


Tarina xx

Wellington Weekend Shopping

I had a fantastic time in Wellington on Sunday. I hadn't been there in a long time. Checked out my favourite stores and boutiques. Finally went to Swonderful which was so awesome. I love their selection of cute stationery and I got some cute little pin buttons by Nut and Bee and some Swonderful pencils with "The Outcome is Doubtful" and "Swonderful" printed on them which I am gifting to a friend for Christmas. I was also tempted to get one of their Swellington tote bags.

I had yummy pancakes at Mr Bun on Cuba which kept me full for most of the day. I highly recommend having breakfast there, not only was the food yummy, the prices were very good too.

My friend was shocked that I spent $139 on a Lonely Hearts T-Shirt from Area 51 but my friend is really frugal when it comes to buying clothes so of course it was a shock but I can justify spending a bit more on New Zealand designers. I've been wanting the T-Shirt ever since I saw it in the Lonely Hearts lookbook. I just love the design on the shirt. It's a take on a tennis logo with twisted creatures surrounding the crest. It's perfect for me because I LOVE tennis and Lonely Hearts, which equals the perfect combo.

I also dropped in to Karen Walker which is always great. I was so excited I got to see the new Topshop clothes that they're stocking now. I loved the flat shoes with the bows on them the most. I was really contemplating on getting a blue KW skinny belt with a chain but I kinda told myself that I can get it next time because I've already spent too much money already.

Outfit: Ray-Ban sunglasses, Just Jeans denim jacket, Kate Sylvester pin, Ezibuy breton tee, Bling necklace, Lee jeans and a Marc by Marc Jacobs tote bag.


Tarina xx

Karen Walker Front Row and Backstage Spring 2011

I just loved Karen Walker's latest collection and I just wanted to share some front row and backstage pictures. I wish I could have gone to the show in New York. Amongst the front row were Becka Diamond and Harley Viera-Newton.

Peace Out!

Tarina xx

Photos: Joe Corrigan and Morgan O'Donovan

Karen's Perfect Day

Karen Walker's Spring 2011 show was quirky, colourful and fun. I loved the pop of the colour orange and yellow because it really represents spring. The clothes were very refined but still very Karen Walker. You can see this in the cut of the skirts and cute prints. The collection was very ladylike with the longer length skirts, button-up shirts and skinny belts. Karen's definitely referencing the 50's but it's all done in a way that you still know it's Karen because of her prints. I especially love the one with little birds. It kinda reminded me of the animal prints that Miu Miu had for Spring 2010 which were a big hit. The upside down "I love NY " t-shirt is a homage to New York, as this is her ninth showing there and it will probably be a best seller. I can already see all the cool kids wearing it. Karen's clothes are fun and shouldn't be taken too seriously. That's probably why her clothes appeal to a wide audience and is so successful. Perfect Day, Perfect Collection!

Tarina xx


Photos: Courtesy of Fashionologie

Wish List Wednesday: Karen Walker Number Six Sunglasses

It's officially spring now and I really want new sunglasses. These Karen Walker Number Six ones will be perfect! Speaking of Karen Walker, she has just shown her SS 2011 collection at New York Fashion Week today. I will post my review about it tomorrow.

Tarina xx


Photo: Courtesy of Karen Walker

Karen Walker's famous fans

Karen Walker is showing her SS 2011 collection entitled "Perfect Day" tomorrow at New York Fashion Week. I can't wait to see the collection. Unfortunately I'm not in New York nor did I get an invite. Front row seats are saved for the uber famous celebrities and buyers. I've decided to make a collage of Karen's celebrity fans wearing her works. Hmm I wonder if any of them will be in the front row at her show tomorrow.

Tarina xx

Photos: Courtesy of karenwalker.com

Susie hearts Kiwi designers!

Here's my favourite blogger Susie Bubble of Style Bubble wearing accessories by two Kiwi designers. Her glasses are by Karen Walker and her bag is by Deadly Ponies. All I have to say is that Susie has great style and hopefully we'll see her wear more Kiwi designs!

Tarina xx

Photo: Courtesy of Style Bubble

The Cat on a Bag

Outfit: Living Doll jacket, Karen Walker t-shirt, Women's Accessories bag, Miu Miu pin, Lee jeans and Vivienne Westwood + Melissa shoes.

This black coco bag is one of the best bags I've ever purchased. Not only was it affordable but it really is quite spacious. Don't let the size deceive you. I can easily put my wallet, iPhone and camera in there with room to spare for a bit of gloss. The bag also has an internal zip pocket and two compartments which fit my phone and camera. To make the bag cute I've pinned my Miu Miu cat to it.

Tarina xx

Trend Spotting: Shearling Jackets

Shearling jackets are sure to take off as they were heavily featured in the Fall 2010 collections for Burberry Prorsum and Karen Walker. I love the Burberry jackets as they look so cozy and comfortable. First picture and last picture is from the Burberry Prorsum collection and the middle picture is from Karen Walker.

Peace Out!

Tarina xx

Photos: Courtesy of style.com