Colour Block Winter.

As our days get shorter, the leaves fall golden brown and that Wellington wind whips a little colder, it's easy to see winter just around the corner. At the same time, we antipodeans are forced to look-on as Americans flock to Coachella and the Brits swarm across European beaches for summer. 

But, just because tees and tans are replaced with coats and stockings, it doesn't mean that winter fashion must be boring. Embrace the colour blocking trend by keeping some of your winter staples colourful, and go hunting for funky statement pieces. If you just look at it the right way, rain can be refreshing, wind invigorating and winter a wonderful excuse to dress fabulously. Whatever the fashion, whatever the season, life is what you make of it.

Go scarves,

boots,

ponchos,

hats,

bright lipstick.

Keeping fashion fun is a great way to avoid those winter blues. And, hell, if you need any proof, check out all the photos on lookbook.nu that are shot in the snow.

Inspiration Station:

Colour blocking extraordinare and one of my favourite fashion bloggers.
http://www.mylittlefashiondiary.net/2011/04/fallwinter-personal-favorites.html#more

I just bought a skirt like this from tuula, can't wait to receive it!

Me, at a park near Wanganui earlier this week

Birds of a feather.

I'm about to unleash on you a torrent of all that's been inspiring me over the last few weeks. Get ready.

Feathers, tassles, dream-catchers, head-dresses, dirt, dust and wild, Wild-West.

From Bikini Bird swimwear

Javier Pinon's artwork

Magazine: L'Officiel February 2011Model:
Sophie Srej
Photographer: Camilla Armburst
Stylist: Alexandra Elbim

This incredible artwork from one of my favourite bloggers, Oracle Fox

Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly.

Oh internet, you are such a distraction. 

But such an inspiration.

The simple act of opening my Facebook homepage never fails to break my heart these days. Befriending a whole range of fashion blogs, boutiques and designer labels, it transpires, was a terrible idea. Now, not only is Facebook as terrible a procrastination device as ever, but a constant reminder of how many beautiful clothes exist in this world. Clothes that I will never be able to afford. Wandering home from class I waste hours meandering in and out of Good as Gold, Area 51, and all the vintage shops on upper Cuba, starry eyed and virtually drooling.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE op-shopping. I do my best to rifle through the bargain bins and those rare little dusty suburban stores where you can pick up pieces for just a couple of dollars. I miss these days before second-hand became 'vintage.' When op-shops were what they should be, instead of overpriced hipster haunts. But, every now and again you come across that designer, one-off, dazzlingly beautiful piece that it's totally justified to splurge on or lust over.

Not only are the clothes amazing, but the photo-shots are often so creative. The fashion world is simply a wealth of artistic inspiration.

Like Lindsey Thornburg's Fall collection (above and below). Utterly drool-worthy.