 Another of our fabulous AskBronny writer's takes us on a journey into the deep dark recesses of her closet to share with us a few of her favorite things.
If clothes were friends, I think I would probably be seen as a bit of a back-stabbing traitor. I am definitely fickle when it comes to fashion – loving an outfit one week and then ruthlessly abandoning it the next. Like most creative people, I am pretty moody with everything - including my wardrobe - and have been known to cut, dye, bead, button, paint and basically destroy a perfectly good outfit in a random artistic impulse. Nevertheless, there are a few items I still hold as sacred. I guess these pieces generally reflect my personal style, which is kind of fun… and maybe just a little sassy.
1. The LBD
I love my little black dress – it is a tailored, strapless number with a gorgeous little wish-pod detail on the skirt. This little couture piece was made for me by the designer of the Kilt label, who saw me tossing up between a similar dress in red with the same design and a black one with a different print; so offered to whip me up one combining the best of the two. Within a week I had the perfect LBD, which has seen me through many weddings, cocktail parties and even the odd posh night out. I associate my LBD with the best of times, with the best of friends – all great outfits should come with great memories.
2. Frou–Frou Frock
A Christmas present from my boy, I just love pouring myself into this little cream frou-frou dress. It is scandalously short and overly frilly, but sometimes a girl needs to feel like a fairy princess… even if she actually looks like a sparkly meringue.
3. Minnie Mouse Shoes
A few years ago I spied some patent red polka-dot flats in a little boutique in Sydney and I just knew I had to have them. I remember that my brother actually said “You are not going to wear those ugly Minnie Mouse shoes in public, are you?” This only added to my resolve to make them a wardrobe staple. I wore them so often that the backs wore away – so I decided to fix them up with a bit of red reflector tape. Alas, they are pretty much destroyed now, but who can part with such gems…
4. Racing Car Tee
Another purely fun purchase was a fantastic red t-shirt with racing cars all over it. I think the reason I like this piece so much is that it makes me feel like I can act like a naughty little boy – and that I could just start climbing trees and making slingshots if I wanted to.
5. Crop Jacket
Last autumn, I went on a quest to find the perfect crop jacket. After a frantic city-wide search, I finally discovered a gorgeous piece in a dark little store manned by two deadly-bored shop girls. It was a navy and white striped military-style number with fantastic big blue buttons. The jacket worked well in winter and has bounced right into summer, so I think it will definitely have more longevity then others in my kamikaze collection.
6. Travel Pants
A few years ago I found a pair of charcoal drill pants by NZ label Doosh and have never regretted dead-ending my ATM card to buy them. Although they are a wide-leg style, they are actually a really flattering fit – particularly across the behind. Dressed up or down, these trousers have been a comfortable fashion lifesaver on many occasions. They are also the best travel pants and have made many a horrific long-haul flight far more bearable.
7. Superhero outfit
There is nothing like wearing a Wonder-Woman bikini every now and then to feel like a powerful female – especially when you are cleaning the bath and listening to Aretha Franklin.
8. Best Boyfriend Buy
For my birthday once, my boyfriend brought me this amazing Dinosaur Design slave bangle. An incredibly vibrant blue colour, it is made of a thick resin and has these amazing rippling folds inside that look like melting fabric. It is one of those pieces that everyone comments on – and something the boy may always struggle to better.
9. Retro Belt
In the eighties, I remember my mother as a true style goddess. Amongst a wonderland of iconic items– including a long floral skirt with a castle on it, a pair of camel cowboy boots and a purple power suit - the article I coveted the most of hers was this uber-wide leather bust belt with a brass elephant head clasp. Fast-forward to the eighties renaissance of today and what should I find in the dark recesses of my mum’s wardrobe? Her gift to me is now the prized possession amongst a newly discovered box of fantastic retro belts. Thanks Mum!
10. Beads and Baubles
I am completely obsessed with funky, chunky jewellery. Over the years I have built up an extensive bauble box filled with wooden, glass, shell and plastic beads that are constantly being reworked into new necklaces, bangles and brooches. I guess I think of beading as Lego for girls. My bead-box has even seen me being searched in Customs and trails of beads can be found in every flat I have ever lived in. Nothing solves an outfit crisis better then fashioning up a smashing new accessory!
While some of my attire veers on the side of craziness, I think it probably best reflects the kind of person I am. Although, if my clothes really could talk, I think they might tell a few horror stories about life as a thrashed and then neglected article of Nickie’s wardrobe. Why not check out some of the other AskBronny writer's favorite things.
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