one more – the blog of Evie Kemp

Last week I included Karen Murrell‘s eco-friendly lipstick in my currently coveting post, this week I was lucky enough to nab two new shades – Fuchsia Shock and Coral Dawn. I didn’t think I could be so excited about lipstick but I am. For SO many reasons.

A couple of years ago I read ‘Breathers: A Zombie’s Lament’ by SG Browne (don’t ask) in which the new zombies eat cosmetics in order to consume formaldehyde and slow decomposition. The vision of a zombie munching on a lipstick did give me pause but to be honest, I didn’t know any better…but now I do.

Reading the info about Karen Murrell cosmetics is pretty eye opening and very impressive, every single aspect of the product has been carefully considered and manufactured to have as little impact on the environment as possible. The capsule looks like a normal lipstick container but will actually begin to biodegrade after 100 days when buried (I’m a nerd so will totally be testing this out). The lipsticks themselves are eco certified organic and vegetarian friendly with NO animal based products or animal testing. They contain avocado oil, primrose oil and cinnamon – sounds yummy.

Asides from all that positive design and manufacture though the lipsticks themselves are just gorgeous. Firstly, they smell incredible, far nicer than regular lipstick, they glide on, are moisture rich and the colours are just amazing. The Coral Dawn is the perfect red with just a hint of orange, an instant favourite for me – I love how it works with, and not against, my freckles. However, it’s the Fuchsia Shock that is really exciting – a hot, barbie pink that is probably the last thing anyone would expect in an ‘eco lipstick’. It’s awesome.

As someone who’s trying to be good to the environment but is tired of the same ‘eco’ aesthetic I just love that Karen Murrell has still made fashion a priority. I love that it’s a NZ company and that not only are they affordable ($29.99 NZ rrp) but that they still emit that element of luxe that the cosmetics industry thrives on. Not only am I convert but I’m inspired.

P.s. The zombies are welcome to my old lipsticks.

I’ve blogged about Hound before, and I’m blogging again because Hound is just so blog/lust/shopping worthy. It’s hard to believe that Jennifer Beeman  began Hound only about 2 and a half years ago. Not to gush but I don’t think I’ve ever not liked a piece by Hound, and each season I swear it just gets better and better.

The S/S 2012 collection (available on May 14th – yay) is my favourite yet, with hand-printed textiles in large, bold polka dots and a delicate tribal inspired pattern, coupled with luxe lightweight cottons and silks in bright, carefully chosen hues. EVERYTHING Hound is made by hand in Chicago, Illinois. Cool.

It’s not just the clothes I love though. I love the whole brand – the lookbook is perfect, the collection is immaculately edited and the whole personality of Hound is just so sussed. It’s a brilliant mix of smart yet casual, modern with nods to vintage and an effortless femininity. I can’t even pick a favourite piece (though it would be a tie between the print party dress and the yellow skirt/spotted top).

Oh and just as the cherry on top, Jennifer is on twitter and facebook and is incredibly lovely. She probably also has amazing hair, damn her.

Adore this avian inspired fashion editorial for San Francisco magazine by JUCO. Parrots are awesome.

Just a few things I’d love to get my mits on this May. Still nuts for neon.

LETTUCE TURNIP THE BEET singlet $25.50

Sophie Boxer 100% Cashmere heart sweater in lilac & grey $545 (NZ) + more colours

Neon stripe tote by Joyner Avenue $64

‘Love you’ night light by Owly Shadow Puppets $22

Deux Lux Charming bag $165

Karen Murrell Organic Lipsticks $30 (NZ) (An amazing NZ brand with an iron-clad environmentally friendly stance, very cool and very inspiring).

Neon Necklace by Cyclical Industry $23

Limited edition screen-printed Bauhaus tights by Patternity £48

A couple of years ago I went to womad. I didn’t enjoy it and I saw so many peruvian ponchos I wanted to throw them in a heap and light them on fire.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not a hater. It is just not my kind of music and I was miserable. I took my anger out on ponchos and thai fisherman pants. I vowed then and there I would never wear a poncho, even if I found myself naked on a cold night at Machu Piccu.  But, as usual I’m a wonderful fashion hypocrite who goes full circle and ends up proclaiming my love for a trend as vehemently as I spat my disgust previously.

And so, here it is. My ode to the poncho.

In the last month I’ve acquired two ponchos and two pseudo-ponchos (printed, poncho styled t-shirts) and as the warm weather leaves I know I just need a warm gorgeous poncho in the style of Lindsey Thornburg. Lindsey Thornburg creates gorgeous poncho style cloaks/capes (use word least offensive to you) from Pendelton blankets.

Paired with some skinny dark jeans or leggings, the poncho is actually flattering. Bright and snuggly but floaty enough to flatter skinny (and not so skinny) pins poking out below. If you’re short try and find one that stays above mid thigh to avoid looking like you’re drowning in blanket. They are comfortable but daring. I love the poncho.

(If Lindsey Thornburg is a bit out of your price range do keep your eyes on etsy vintage and ebay for vintage treasures. The poncho is nothing new, there are plenty of vintage and retro offering floating around).

Lately I keep seeing  ”Are pastels the new neons?” posed as a question on twitter and blogs but as I see it, it isn’t really a case of one trend replacing the other. I see the new pastels as an extension of the neon colours we’re all so fond of, like seeing them through a piece of chiffon.

Somehow, these pastels aren’t the soft, light colours suited to a baby blanket but grown up, ethereal tones with a bit more punch. Think Mulberry S/S 2012 for inspiration. Combining pastels, tans and a pop of neon offers a visual reprieve from black and grey and is the perfect way to wear top to toe colour without making eyes water.

Clockwise from top left:

Orange Superskinny Jeans £25 from Dorothy Perkins

Blue Scalloped Sleeveless Blouse £28 from Topshop

Handmade Leather Trio Chevron Necklace in Peppermint Slice made $65 by UTBWB (I have the earrings of these and just love them!)

Pastel jelly watch £18 from ASOS

Neon Edged Blazer £55 from ASOS

Sleeveless lace dress £48 from Topshop

Pink Frosted Perspex Clutch £18 from ASOS

Cut Out for Love Flats $59.99 US from ModCloth

Pastel Belt £6 from ASOS

I love a navy & white stripe as much as the next person but in the spirit of all things 2012, I’ve picked out a few of my favourite coloured stripe pieces.

Clockwise from top left:

Rainbow Stripe Skater Dress £36 from ASOS

Oversized Stripe Cardi £28 by Katsumi at Dorothy Perkins

Amaze Eva Stripe Boots £75 from Topshop

Stripe Strap Watch £18 from ASOS

Sequin Stripe Tunic £180 by Dress Up from Topshop

Neon Stripe Rugby Socks $3.99 from Urban Outfitters

Collegiate Stripe Dog Sweater $11.69 from Pet Supplies