SUMMER FESTIVAL FOOTWEAR LINEUP

Now i know everyone’s been trying to suss their footwear for the upcoming summer festivals and gigs..  well the USD’s only 1.3 to the NZD..

What are you waiting for get online and get buying!! Maybe you’d like to get a pair of Hi-top leather Keds they’re only $66(NZD) post-conversion.. Not a bad buy kids!  They also, as expected, come in a low-cut alternative. (Click the pics for link to buy)

Something for the fellas.. these pro-keds are pretty rad with, again, my personal fave, perforated leather, coming in at $65USD.

My 2nd pick after leather would def have to be suede, the  Champion Nubuck Suede Sneakers by keds are bad-ass, lovin’ them in this beige tone too it’s definately not gender-specific and would be perfect for raving in the vines this summer.

TONGUE & CHEEK SNEEKS/HELLZ BELLZ MIDNIGHT RIDERS

So…I think I am going to have to eat humble pie and say that a certain CC member was right in rating Dizzee as commercial.. I mean homeboy has his own shoe out and nothing says commercial like the release of your own trainer!!  I’m a fan of the airmax90 shoe and the use of perforated leather, I just think Dizzee could have been a little more creative than printing the name of his album on the tongue’s of his shoe.  He credit’s his label on the soles of his shoe (Dirrty Stank Records) thought that counts i guess.. I’m a big fan of Dizzee the artist, but I don’t really think the shoe exudes all that he hopes to represent, that’s what’s BONKERS!!

(Also check out the promo video above, featuring the track “Chillin Wiv Da Man Dem” from “Tongue N Cheek”)

Now this is sourcing inspiration..

Hellz Bellz streetwear label (avail on karmaloop) Northern Hemisphere Fall Collection, inspired by the great aussie film MADMAX, they’ve even used aussie model/actress Isabelle Lucas (H&A’s Tash and former flame of Adrian Grenier) which is rather cute.. The collection “‘Midnight Riders” aims to represent the ideology of the subversive in not only fact and fiction, but fashion as well. That’s conceptualising fashion right there, taking the time to determine what it is you want to say with your collection (sorry Dizzee but I just expected more).. I quite like the louis vuitton inspired tee, if you remember the canvas bags that were released approx 4yrs ago using a similar nautical inspired logo. Also love the double breasted wool jacket & could definately see that in my wardrobe, the contrast fabric detailing is rad!  The collection definately screams ‘female strength’

SASS & BIDE, KSUBI & HEARTBEATS

So I’m not so good at this coming out of my hiatus thing, huh?!

Anywho, just wanted to express my love for the Sass and Bide ‘BEAST RATS.’ The ever popular rats which have been knocked off by almost everyone in the knock-off business really scream wild and fantastical in this print.. Have you notice a wee trend: I love things that allow you to get a little wild.  I think when it comes to Sarah-Jane (aka sass) and Heidi (aka bide) I willingly subvert myself to a monotheistic belief in their doctrine of fashion and style..  not to veer away from the topic at hand.. the ‘beast rats’ are just that!  They have incorporated several different prints sourced from the hide’s of different beasts of the animal kingdom into one print, the mish mash really creates a sense of beastly grotesqueness but in a way that is so extravagant that you cannot help but love them.  And, they’re a lot more accomodating to the female figure than the previously released zebra rats as they don’t have longitudal stripes that widen the appearance of the thigh, (exlcuding usage of them by anyone larger than an 8).. they aren’t yet avail in New Zealand so if you do pop over the ditch try snap some up as there’s been a very limited release of them.

And while we’re throwing out a little Aussie love.. Praises to the boys at ksubi for the re-release of the alberquerque short in ‘cosmic soup,’ even though i think they should of been called ‘candy’ because the colours just make you think of a surreal candy-trip.. anyway they’re in at superette so you can check them instore or tap into www.superette.co.nz

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Just thought I’d hi-jack this fashion post, as one of the music editors I cant wait to get my greasy mitts on these soon to be release Beats designed by her highness Lady GaGa. GaGa has teamed up with Dr Dre and Monster Cable, the duo behind the almighty “Beats by Dr Dre” to create her own line of headphones called “Heartbeats”. It’s really no surprise that GaGa has collabed with the two powerhouses as she can be seen in most (if not all) of her music cinematography wearing Dre’s Beats. Heartbeats by Lady Gaga are a geometrical/jewel inspired in-ear headphone “holistically designed to deliver the soundtrack of your life with clarity and power, as well as satisfy your passion for fashion” I, myself are not too fond of the in-ear headphone, much prefer the circumaural headphone design so Im looking forward to seeing if GaGa will release a full size headphone.

At the moment theres no word on when these jewels will be available in NZ, they hit the shelves in the U S of A in October and range from $99.95 to $149.95 USD so get on ebay and get your bid on!

PLAYSUITS: STILL LURKING, BUT WHO’S GAME??

Playsuits.. I know they’ve been on the tip of your thoughts for some time, you’re doing the ‘should I or shouldn’t I?’

Well, in my personal opinion playsuits are a great summer piece but it needs to be said.. GET IT RIGHT. CC adores this FCUK cheesecloth playsuit (available at fcuk.com.au), an extremely cheap option at only $129AUD, imagine the pant trimmed to a ¾ length, teamed with some heavy statement neckwear jewellery for instance the very affordable rope/skull range from Karen Walker or perhaps you could try your hand at whipping up a few rope/trinket pieces of your own, emporiums such as Jeff’s or the one in Taka with the crazy-slash-psycho store assistants are pretty good for DIY.

The playsuit isn’t that easy to pull off, let’s be frank now, you really do need to invest a little more coin than the Supre poorly made ill-choice of fabric knock-off. Not saying that you need to invest $390AUD into the Sass & Bide ‘Call My Name’ silk playsuit but the girls do know their stuff when it comes to cutting for female figures.. My one qualm with this though is the silk-factor, silk’s not that practical for an entire body coverage garment, but love the dungaree-esqueness of it. I also really like the fact that you can play with the length of the pant and the elasticised mid allows you to blouse the upper fabric.

Also, really diggin’ this River Island animal print playsuit, I like the focus on the waist by bringing figures in at their tiniest part a more voluptuous silhouette of the female form is shown. Also, the shoulder pleats are quite fashion forward as a great number of design houses have showcased their infatuation with shoulder detail in recent shows, whether it be ruffles, padding, asymmetry or exposed the shoulder is where the focus is at!

Kate Moss for Topshop Autumn / Winter 09 Collection

So I’m apparently officially back in the blogosphere..

If you get a chance to tap into an internet connection today pop onto topshop.com, Kate Moss for Topshop Autumn/Winter 09 collection is being released tomorrow.. and as everyone knows Topshop now delivers to New Zealand (not sure how many times this has been re-iterated to me over the past month, but i’m pretty sure we can definately stop calling it breaking news!).

This actually is a blessing for me as now everytime I travel overseas I will no longer be trying to scam my way out of paying an excess baggae fee. So anyway, back to the lady whose reign at the top of the model foodchain has extended most of my lifetime and I predict will continue to extend well into the future.. the AW 09 collection claims to ‘exude high voltage glamour’ which is a fairly bold claim to make, but I’m pretty confident the industry veteran will be able to amptly provide to her cult followers. Going on her previous collections her very smart collabo with Liberty Fabrics have produced some awesome prints, dainty and playful harnessing youthful innocence, yet she also manages to provide a little sexy-demure just cause she can.

Oh and I’m pretty sure before dusk hits everyone’s lips are gonna be buzzing with the news of the arrival of Cali native and blog phenomenon fashiontoast.com editor Rumi Neely to ANZFW courtesy a la frontrowdiary.com and ragpony.blogspot.com, her latest posting showcases some rad foldover slouch boots, she’s rocking leather but I like the suede myself available from aldoshoes.com

We want H&M… Will someone please buy an H&M franchise and bring it to the land of the long white cloud?? It surprises me that our Aussie cousins haven’t as yet snapped up a franchise.  no Europe is not a regular holiday destination for the average area of the New Zealand demographic that it directly speaks to, nor the United States, nor Asia.. I mean even the Middle East has H&M stores spread over it’s vast desert expanse.

Remember Kids, leggings aren’t pants, just as jeggings aren’t jeans fullstop.

XOXO, CC

ATTN: AKL FASHIONISTAS

When we started this blog, it was intended to be about music and fashion hence the name CassetteCouture (which we get questioned about all the time). Alas, our one-post wonder Fashion Editor has come out of her haiatus, she tells us that she is over reading unintelligible rants of bloggers who jump on the mark just that little bit too late.

This is my qualm.. If we want to talk style??  Kids, lesson one let go of trends..  Style is not the ineffectual correspondence to market trends.. release the undergrad term ‘stylie’ from your current vernacular.  For one to be able to take the most abstract and distantly trendy item of fashion and make it work that is true style, that is being able to use fashion as a form of expression, artwork that effectively shows your divide from the mass.

For many Auckland socialites ANZFW is going to be the highlight of their yearly social calendars as its time to live like Cocaine Kate and get a bit ZANEY!!  However, for myself with the departure of AUT’s participation showcasing their up and coming fresh talent, to be honest not too much about ANZFW is getting my rocks off.  And furthermore it seems the shed’s of Halsey have lessened in their appeal due to the arrival of V.I.PAMMY, New Zealand fashion has always incorporated a lucid appreciation of the ‘dark naturale’ that kiwi designers and the fashion minded have always concurred on.  It confuses me so how people may think a certain ex-lifeguard fits this aesthetic..

Anyway, all angst aside, on a good note the designer garage sale will be including New Zealand shoe design house Chaos & Harmony.. love love love thier ‘Cherry’ shoe, it’s a lace-up, perforated leather, peep-toe, wedge!!   They are also available @ Me-tailtherapy.com

Also, Frontrowdiary.com will be tracking all the shows not opened to public so you can still get your show-byshow fashion fix and check out the open to public days Fri 25th-Sun 27th. Frontrowdiary are also partnering with It Girl Rumi Neely (Fashion Toast) for the event.

While we are on the subject of shoes, Romance Was Born, outlandishly fabulous platform-stilettos that were used in all their Rosemount Australian Fashoin Week shows are now available on mycatwalk.com.au… still pretty pricey for the average kiwi affected by the recession (at $700-$900NZD) but these are still definate eye-candy footwear!!  Incorporating all things fantastical into a stiletto-platform is a fete in itself.. massive praise to the ingenuity of the Anna Plunkett ans Luke Sales.. lace, glitter, seashells what else could make you feel like a little romance?!

P.S. will someone please book Hosana for a job?!?  Her lilac patent leather pumps have outwalked their welcome on Nuffield Street!!

XOXO, CC

NEW WALE & MGMT

FINALLY! The video for “Chillin” is officially OUT. One of the most hyped songs of the year i think, and Lady Gaga’s “M.I.A style” is so catchy its ridiculous. This one will be top on my ipod for time to come.

Check out this new track from Wale:

Wale – Family Affair

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and a nice one from Mickey Factz feat. Kid Cudi

Mickey Factz feat Kid Cudi – Do My Do

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The new MGMT video for “Kids” has just been released also which is waaay overdue seeing as the radio stations are even over that song. Oh well we’re still excited that the pair are coming to our shores in July! Check out the video and some old MGMT remixes:

Coldplay, MGMT and Daft Punk – Kids in Technicolor (Knights Remix)

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MGMT – Kids (Bass Weazal & Mikey Hook’s Cut N Pasted Remix)

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Sorry about the lack of posting feeling so lazy today!!

Couture: Fashion – Charlotte Ronson

Charlotte Ronson.. Perhaps a name more recognisable if described as the artistic sister of LiLo ex Sam Ronson.  That’s not to say Charlotte Ronson should not be recognised in her own right, quite the contrary, the designer of her eponymous label deserves great attention as a big name to watch out for.. Like Stella McCartney, Ronson owes her step into the fashion game to her rocker step-father Mike Jones of the Foreigners fame.  Her recent collections exhibit that cool chic attitude embodied in the aesthetic of rocker-offspring.  She uses the female form well in her pieces, making the most by highlighting feminine contours but using fabrics that don’t restrict her garments to a uniform body shape.  Particularly admiral about the young up and comer is her incorporation of eco-friendly materials.. if you can’t buy a Prius invest in a Ronson piece and feel great about your contribution to the war on global warming.

Buy:
www.shopbop.com

www.thehipchick.com