Wednesday, December 23, 2009

It's home-time @ emma

It's been a wonderful, if rather busy, lead-up to Christmas and I've run out of time to tell you about all the lovely things that have made this month so special.
But I have to mention Phoebe's fab new Chrissy window that has really set the mood and it's going to stay up over the holidays so check it out if you're cruising by.
I'll try and post a pic up soon:)
While the shop is shut for a couple of weeks things are looking good for some great fun and games for emma in 2010!
Promise to keep you posted but for now it's time for a bit of rest and relaxation, cooking, crafts and Christmas presents.
Back on the 12th January-see you next year.
emx

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Ruby in the dust














Is that a great name or what!
It's perfect to describe the wee treasures by Auckland based label
Ruby in the Dust created by the clever Heleen and now stocked at emma.
Yippee...nana won't be the only person to love getting these ever so pretty brooches, cosmetic mirrors (with their own handmade felt pouches, cute), journals and bags for Christmas.
Vintage embroidered linens have been carefully re-worked into these delicious items along with those childhood favourites, Golden books, that are upcycled into journals to put your own creative musings in.
So come looking for your own ruby in the dust in-store now.
emx




Sunday, November 15, 2009

Filiokus hocus pocus


This month emma is thrilled to be stocking a limited number of Filiokus sunhats
& every day dress-ups.


For sun smart smarties-
these have to be the cutest sunhats for your junior mr or miss and they're made right here in Wellington. Go local!
Three sizes will have your precious bundles covered, from wee toddlers to school kids, and they're all made from 100% cotton with an imaginative design eye and fantastic fun colours.

Nana alert...at $32 they are a prefect Chrissy gift for lucky grandchildren.
And aunties & uncles, deserving favourite nieces & nephews will adore them too:)

We've also got a couple of matching sun-dresses to completely ace playtime and the most adorable baby shark- bite me xx.

For the full range online check out http://www.filiokus.co.nz
Thanks Karin and Sasha.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Sun smarty-party

Well not exactly a party but from today emma is having it's first in-store promotion.
It's in support of a very good cause and timely as we welcome summer 09/10!

This week is Sunsmart week and having lost my Dad to melanoma a couple of years ago I thought it was time to do my bit to help spread the word, so word up...

slip into some cool summer threads ( yours truly may be able to help you with this one:) and find shade under a big tree, especially between 11am-4pm.
slop on spf30+ broad spectrum sunscreeen thickly at least 15 mins before going outside, keep on applying throughout the day if you're outside as it doesn't last forever and rubs off too.
slap on a wide brimmed hat or styling cap with flaps.
Emma has got some cute sunhats in from Filiokus for the littlies-think strawberries, watermelons, kiwifruit-ahhh:)
wrap oh yeah... the essential, I'm too cool for school, sunglasses. Close fitting and wrap around are best.

It's all pretty easy stuff really.

My dad and I shared a great love for chocolate so all this month emma will be giving away with all purchases over $50 vouchers for chocolates and hot/iced chocolates from
L'Affaire au Chocolat (just a couple of doors down the road). Oh so yummy.

Look forward to seeing you soon and please keep sunsmart!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

More birds!
















On a recent trip up to Auckland I shimmed over to Kingsland for a look-see.
My fav shopping spot didn't let me down and found the perfect vintage lampshade for my 'nana lounge' lamp, yah!
It may only be one street but Kingsland has a great line-up of stores from clothing & jewellery to eclectic gifts well washed down with Wellington worthy cafes (parochial I know:)

Although I've only been stocking local crafty treasures in the 'nana lounge' so far I couldn't resist some of the cutest cards and badges from Cheryl @ Tuesday Print. She loves birds too I think! Lovely.




Summer 09/10 peek







...of my new season collection called Stitchbirds.
Named because I love birds and I love stitching things and what's even cooler, put them together and they make the name of a beautiful native New Zealand bird, ahhh....
This summer I continue to develop elements which are becoming touchstones of my label
colour, comfort, prettiness & practicality.

Just above you'll see the Biba bell sleeve dress and it is one of my favourite pieces.
With it's wee peek of contrast petticoat and new feature print it's great for all sorts of summer fun (comes as a top version too:)

For when you want to dress-up pick'n'mix dresses are brilliant.
We gave retailers a chance to play and create their own special pick'n'mix mixture.
Pick a frill sleeve combine with a sweetheart neckline add pockets you get the drift.

Pump up the plumage with the twinkle glitter skirt (second pic down)
Ohh it's so glittery and magical makes you want to grant wishes:)
Wear it with my cute crafty tee and you'll be the belle of the bbq, hee, hee!


Sorry for only showing a few pics here but am updating my website with the full range at the mo so won't be much longer.
In the meantime you can fly to your nearest stockist and see everything in-store now!
See you tweetie
emx
(Check out the cute Shelley shoes we used for shoot, thanks Shoe Connection, Cuba Street)


Monday, September 28, 2009

We love flowers...


so had to share these most gorgeous flowers Pippa chose for emma to celebrate spring and to complement cupcake day last Saturday.
Thanks luv.

We have signage!


No more temporary, paper, double sided tape, stuck on signs for us yah!
With help from the talented Anna Stewart we now have a great window to welcome you into the 'nana lounge'
(I think the two lovebirds on the twirly ribbon on the left are her and her fiance cooing x)
I even dressed up my mannequin to celebrate WOW style, as the Wearable Arts awards are in town, and although it's my usual forte a few paper dollies, vintage lace and an embroidered tablecloth put together to make pretty don't look half bad and was really fun to do:)
I can see why people enter that competition year after year.

My other front window is also more than wonderful as has a beautiful delicate installation work by Phoebe Morris evoking the theme of my summer range Stitchbirds.
She's a talented chickadee so keep your eyes peeled as she creates new and varied visual feasts!
Spring has sprung.
emx

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Lookie inside my lovelies





































Here's a few pics of my workroom/nana lounge.
It's been really fun getting out my favourite vintage treasures and bringing them in to create an environment I love to work in.
It's a work in progress but that means more collecting-yah!
Particular thanks to Fiona and Muz for the loan of the rug-it is so perfect!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

emma moves out of home





It's been awhile coming but emma has finally found a new pad to call 'home'
476 Adelaide Road, Berhampore
As you can see this baby blue baby is a born cutie and can be found at the corner of Adelaide Rd and Britomart St in Berhampore.
Only a short walk from Island Bay or a quick bus/car ride from central Welly
( food incentives too with good pizza, coffee and chocolate right next door )

Making this classic old space into a fully functioning workroom has been fun, 'nana lounge' is the prevailing design theme and with the added bonus of street frontage we at emma have decided it's too good an opportunity to ignore...
SO we're integrating a wee shop into the mix too :)
It'll be full of great 'emma' samples, previous season bargains, vintage and crafty treasures.
And for now shop hours are Friday and Saturday 10-3pm but if the open sign is out please feel free to pop in anytime.
Happy to help with alterations, wardrobe consultation and even making that special 'emma' item you've had years of happy wearing but need to replace.
See you soon!




Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Gotta love Grace






Though I haven't quite got around to going to the Film Festival much in recent years my pal Karin got way organized this year and booked us films online, thanks hun.
The fashion films were a real incentive and so far have loved loved loved 'The September Issue'.
Had seats quite close to the screen and was pleasantly surprised at the lack of botoxed beauties working at American Vogue.
The lovely Grace Coddington was an inspiration, described by The Independant as ...
' flame-haired, make-up free and an imaginative rebel' she was a perfect foil to the immaculate Anna Wintour.
I can't wait for this to return, it's a definate one for return viewing.
Also saw 'Coco' a couple of nights ago, mostly about the early years of Coco Chanel.
Not quite as engaging a film to me as the previous one but still solid fashion action and I was left admiring her strength of character and how film really illustrated the fashion changes she lived through and how so many of them were created by her.
Next up is 'Valentino' which Bella and I are looking forward to this weekend. Italian excess should be fun.
Movie time is a good time when it's cold outside.xx.






Thursday, July 2, 2009

Fab fabric 'a' brac hits town


It's fabric it's vintage it's way fun
it's for all you crafty boys and girls who love creating and love a great deal.

Fabric 'a' brac
Saturday 18th July @ the Brooklyn Community Hall 12-3.

I'll have a table with some fabric bits and bobs which will hopefully inspire you to sew something pretty for yourself or for someone else lucky:
a snuggly merino hoodie, patchwork pillowcase or perhaps a softie to tell your secrets to:)
It's cash only with the closest eftpos machine being around the corner at the Brooklyn shops so forewarned is forearmed, ka-ching!!
There's lots of bargains so be in quick.
See ya'll there ya hear.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Live like Lola opens!


And where else but in that wee little wine oasis across cook strait - Blenheim!
Hmmm.. you think what's that about?
Well it's about a brand spanking new store run by the very lovely Karen.
She's been doing her homework and built up a local following with her great mix of labels and now has found the perfect permanent spot for Lola to call home 14 Wynen Street right in the centre of town.
emma is really happy to be stocking there so pop on in and help celebrate the opening and I'm sure Karen will find you something perfect to wear this wild and woolly winter.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

new online mag...


...is New Zealand's latest business & lifestyle mag set to inspire & inform young kiwis, great philosophy:)
There's interesting stuff on the usual like travel, technology and entertainment but also sections titled creative and inspiration.
Elements we could all do with at the moment to get past the gloomy economic talk.

So I was really flattered to be asked for an interview as part of their creative section  
Etch have only been online since May this year so spread the word and be inspired.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Yum-yum


I baked these yesterday and took to Carrie and Jeremy's for Sunday lunch afters.
They are a fav of mine and generally become a fav of whomever tastes them. 
So I hope Bill doesn't mind but I'm sharing this choccy love to brighten up a grim and grey winter:)

chocolate custard tarts

3 egg yolks
55g(1/4cup)caster sugar
2 tablespoons cornflour
1 tsp natural vanilla extract
185ml cream
150g dark chocolate,grated (or finely chopped)
2 sheets puff pastry
icing sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 220 degrees C. Place the egg yolks, sugar, cornflour & vanilla in a saucepan and whisk until smooth (just use a hand whisk as this quick and easy).Add the cream & 125ml (1/2c)water & whisk again. Place over a medium heat.Stir until the mixture is thick, about 5 mins. Remove from the heat, add chocolate & stir until melted. Leave to cool.
Place the sheets of puff pastry on top of each other and roll up. Cu into 1cm wide slices and roll out into rounds 10cm in diameter.Lightly grease a non-stick 6-hole & 12-hole muffin tin & push each round into the individual holes.Place in freezer for 10 mins.Remove & divide the custard mixture evnly between the tart shells.
place in the oven & bake for 20 mins, or until the pastry is golden. Remove from the oven & leave to cool in the tins for 10 mins before removing.Dust with icing sugar & devour!!
Makes 18

from 'bills open kitchen' by bill granger

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

She's ever so fancy


...don't you know it honey child.
You would have had to be stuck under a rock somewhere to not have visited the best little store on Cuba Street,
Madame Fancy Pants.
And better still they've got a spanking new lovely website to check out...
There's cute stuff galore so be a good surfer and catch the wave.x


Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Russian dolls for real


I  love russian dolls ( see pic of  on my studio window) follow this link for the cutest take on how they spend their day!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Fluro is so now.


Hey seeing as Lulubelle is such a speed blogger I thought I'd tag her back and say cheers to the xlent Fluro mag and thanks for posting  emma.
www.fluromag.blogspot.com/2009/03/emma-emma-emma.html
Real nice. 
Issue 8 is out now at selected stores nationwide and can you  believe it... it's free.
Who says there's no free lunch, here's a bloody three course meal for your head and your heart.
Go get it friends.



Wednesday, March 18, 2009

id show footage including emma!


Just found this on The Press online, a highlights video of the catwalk show last Saturday night.
Check out this link for some southern fried goodness :)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/lightbox/the-press/news/national/2264487/?KeepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=560&width=640

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

iD Dunedin Fashion Week


Here are some of my models just before they stepped out onto the catwalk in emma on Saturday night. Thanks Eva, Ariana, Iacinta & Jaeger (Aliesha & Natasha not in pic) you were the best, beauties inside and out.
And also have to thank the lovely Steph from my Dunedin stockist Stir who egged me on to apply, as the organisers opened up their doors to out of towners for the 10th anniversary. To show alongside World, Nomd, 27 names, Aduki and Carlson to name but a few was a privilege and a thrill!
Even the prospect of walking the length of the 110 metre catwalk with my finale model was made so much easier when the crowd reacted so supportively, extra  thanks to Harriet for the standing ovation, no-one could miss you & that fab pink hat! Soulful, creative and very professional are the thoughts that stay with me of last week and I can see why people keep on coming back every year. 
I had spent a year living in Dunedin many moons ago whilst cooking, playing music at Radio One and getting my fashion portfolio together for the big move to Wellington fashion design school and have always felt the Scotland of the South has a special place in my heart. Many thanks to friends and family who helped make it happen.x.