David Trubridge in Italy!

Via Madonnina 12
Brera, Milano, Italy,
10am – 9pm, 17th-22nd April.

This year David Trubridge is being exhibited by B.Morone at an intimate apartment in Via Madonnina, Brera. It is a deliberate move away from the normal Milan Trade Show environment to illustrate how David Trubridge Designs can fit seamlessly into any aspect of modern living.

THE EXHIBTION INCLUDES:
Mini Grow Lights – Three new miniature kitset light shades.
Traces – A brand new range of all-natural fabrics and associated light shades.
Ruth Rocker & Flip Table/Stool – A new flat-pack version of the popular Ruth & Flip.
Luup Table – A new modular concept.

Mini Grow / Kitset Light Shades / Kina 440 dia Koura 500 H Hinaki 500 H
Great news for everyone in small apartments…! For years we were asked if we could make our light shades smaller, but we couldn’t because the ply was too thick to bend enough. Well now we can! We have discovered a remarkable new 0.8mm bamboo plywood that will happily bend to tight curves for smaller lights…..and not just for small apartments: with our special hanging unit you can suspend a sparkling and varied cluster of 4-8 mini lights in the same space that one large light would occupy, with just one wire to connect. All three lights are kitsets, packaged in identical boxes for easy storage and display. They come with full instructions in three languages (two more to come) and online instruction videos. The ‘Seed System’ kitset is our gift to the customer who is given all the pleasure and fulfillment of the making. These shades can also be used unlit as a form of screen or room divider when hung in a grid.

Traces / Fabric (Hemptech) & Traces Shade / 250 H x 270 D x 220 W
Traces started as a pencil doodle in David’s sketchbook, drawn in an idle moment on a plane while he was returning from an exciting exploration of the Australian outback. Hemptech, a New Zealand fabrics company, asked David to develop a range of fabric designs for their all-natural linen and hemp fabrics and Traces brings the two together. Both companies share a similar environmental ethic. The doodles became delicate and expressive graphics bursting across the fabric like bubbles of light, or organic growths in nature. For the colours David made selections from photos he had taken on his walking expeditions to the wilderness. So there is Alice Springs Grass, Antartic Blue, Catlins Green, Iceland Rocks, Pilbara Earth and Seirra Nevada Ice. The same doodle pattern has also been applied to the outside of the Traces bamboo light shade. Because the plywood is cut away on opposite sides, the shade takes up a pleasing oval form that is an inevitable result of the process.
See more at HEMPTECH

Luup Table / Modular Furniture / 1800 L x 900 W
A simple and economic flat-pack table which will soon extend into a full system of furniture, made from powder coated mild steel and plywood. A strong design feature is the continuous, flowing line that follows the metal legs and wooden top, seamlessly linking the two. The steel shapes for the legs nest perfectly on the sheet for quick and waste-free laser cutting.

Baby Ruth / 500 H x 565 D x 375 W
Ruth Rocker Kitset / 850 H x 560 W x 930 L
Flip Stool/Table / 670 W x 400 L x 300 H
Freight costs – both environmental and dollar – are becoming such a pressing issue that we are trying to reduce all our products to the minimum for transportation. So, like many of our lights, we have redesigned the Ruth Rocker as a kitset, and it is launched here in Milan for the first time. Also like the lights, we have introduced a mini Ruth for younger people. So far it has never failed to trigger a strong emotional response. Both are made from Hoop Pine plywood and American Ash, both sustainably managed resources.

More info here

Cool Light Palette and Winter Coat tips

This week’s colour palette…

…Cool Light Colours

The Cool Light person shares an alliance with the colours of Summer’s landscape. Beautiful and sublime, a bouquet of pastels, soft shades of pinks, blues, mauves and greens pay homage to the sun. Ash browns appear where the sun has been intense, creating interesting harmonies with the lingering summer sunset and blue-grey stormy skies. Soft blue undertones will look wonderful on you. A Cool Light can wear any shade of cool beige from the lightest through to Rose brown. They can also claim the many shades of blue and grey as their own, from the very lightest hues of Powder blue to Navy and the lightest shades of Grey through to Charcoal.

1. Secrets of the Grotto Jacket by Robyn Mathieson Let it hang freely down your sides or wrap it, layer it and accessories with a belt, this gorgeous wool mix jacket will add some punch to your wardrobe.

2. madder & rouge 40cm x 50cm Cushion in Tom Multicolour $95.00. We are mad for cushions. They are a quick n’ easy way to add more colour to a space; especially if use a multi coloured stripe print.

3. Noa Noa dress available from Kirkcaldie and Stains This stylish lifestyle brand is on our hit list big time. Not only do they have EVERYTHING you need to get dressed from head to toe, they are a sustainable business!

4. Green Karat First Fig Earrings. You have heard of blood diamond’s right? Well, Green Karat can assure you they will only be selling you the best of eco jewellery. After-all ‘not all rings are created eco’ they say.

5. Sarah Riley Candy Courts $455.00. We love Candy! This sexy courts shoes will stop traffic – hot!

6. Starfish Theory Jacket and Pants. Relaxed styled trouser suit you will want to live in. We like that you can wear this outfit as separates or together.

7. Deadly Ponies Mr Mini Fill N Zip small shoulder bag in magenta $555.00. Good quality leather handbags that wear well, designed to be used, last a life time and handed down for generations are one of the levels of sustainability we love. We think this delicious Deadly Ponies hand bag fits the bill.

8. Gorman organic cotton Lucy Tee. YES, Gorman’s has come to NZ. An Australian label with a focus on sustainable fashion, Gormans has many gorgeous winter pieces. Trouble is you will need to travel to Auckland to play dress ups!

9. Kukula bangle oriental pink available from our store Stack 2 on your arm or mix one with different sized bangles, these stylish eco-bangles are super versatile.

10. INIKA eye shadow, Gold Dust, Blue Steel and Pink Fettish available from our storeWe can not rave about Inika make-up enough. These eyeshadows can be used on their own, blended together or used as eyeliner; just mix with a small drop of water and mix into a paste.

11. Sophie Boxer Striped Back Cardi – 100% Cashmere. Everyone at some time in their life should own a cashmere jumper. It’s luxurious, soft and good quality, reputable cashmere is eco. Sophie Boxer’s pieces could easily become family heirlooms too. How very sustainable.

12. Vintage Renewal, re-imagined vintage chair. Both chair and fabric are recycle materials. Make your mark on your home by modernising a vintage chair with fabulous mixed print fabrics in your harmonious colours.

13. Smeg Retro Style Fridge. Whiteware no longer need to be white. Smeg 50s Retro Range has so many colours to choose from.

Our Resene colour match for the Cool Light palette are: Deep South, Yeeha, Blast Off, Smitten, Moxie, Shalimar, Milestone, Bowie and Cranberry

Style Tip – Winter Coats

Winter coats are one item I invite you to splash out on. It’s an investment garment and you don’t need to buy one every season. With this in mind it’s important you remember these 3 things; colour, shape and tailoring.

Colour
Like all investment pieces, you want them to last season after season so pick your colour wisely. Your coat must work in with your entire wardrobe. This does not limit you to black either, try charcoal, navy, camel, cream, mustard, chocolate, red or any of your harmonious neutrals.
Shape
Your coat must fit you well, flatter your shoulders and waist, and the hemline needs to finish on the best part of your legs.
Tailoring
Quite simply, your coat needs to be of good quality to last. This does not necessarily mean it needs to cost you the earth. I bought a 100% Italian wool coat from Max 4 years ago, which I still wear. It’s beautifully tailored and remains in great condition today. I’ll be wearing it for years to come. It only cost me $195.00 – very reasonable for a pure wool coat that I have worn for 4 years already!

This Pea coat will suit an angular body shape with a long neck, like a rectangle.

Classic trench coat styles are great for hourglass shapes. The belt will emphasis your small waist line.

The shoulder line is the most important part of a coat for an inverted triangle. It must remain regular; regular collar and shoulder shape. Pleats, flared shaping and detail in the waist to hip area will balance your shoulders.

Triangle shapes need to choose coats that fill out the shoulder line. Depending on your proportions, this can be done with puffed shoulders, shoulder pads or labels. Avoid dropped shoulder seams and consider your bust line; full bust less fuss.

Keep warm,
Sam and the team xx

Give your Jeans a Chance

VOLCOM GIVES JEANS A CHANCE!

Denim Recycling Program Collects For The Homeless

With up to 100 rough sleepers and an estimated 300-400 people living without permanent or secure housing in Auckland City alone! Volcom are encouraging New Zealanders to gather up their old but wearable jeans and help support this worthy cause.

More than 250 retail stores across Australia and New Zealand are calling out for the public to donate their pre-loved denim as part of this year’s Volcom Give Jeans a Chance campaign.

The goal is to collect as many jeans as possible for homeless and disadvantaged people in need, ready to be distributed in time for Winter. From now until May 31^st, Denim Recycle Bins are set up in participating stores and awaiting donations.

Anyone who donates a pair of jeans at these participating stores will receive a limited edition GJAC Sticker, Skate DVD, GJAC tote bag or GJAC hat and will be automatically entered to win a THRILLS Custom Motorbike and a year’s supply of Volcom Brand Jeans.

Fifty more winners will be randomly chosen from each participating store to receive a pair of Volcom Brand Jeans. Last year, Volcom collected more than 3,000 pairs of jeans nationally (tripling their target!) and donated them to a number of worthy homeless organisations across Australia and New Zealand including Homeless Connect, the Prahran Mission and the Auckland City Mission.

For the first time this year a number of schools will also be participating as well as a selection of national Board Rider Clubs. In addition to donating jeans through Volcom retailers nationally, collection bins will also be present at a number of other key Volcom surf and skate events happening around the country.

Participating Store in Wellington: AMAZON – Lambton Quay

For more information about Give Jeans a Chance including a full list of retail stores taking donations across Australia and New Zealand visit: www.volcom.com.au/2012/02/givejeansachance

Jeans Tips

As Sam is off on a well deserve holiday after not having one for 8 years! She has left us – her trusted team – to put together this post.
Before she left however, she did give us her jeans tip as promised. The colour palettes will resume next week with Cool Light Colours.
Enjoy
The Team xxx

Style Tip : Jeans

Jeans are our staple favourite – but for most, finding the perfect pair of jeans can feel like a life mission sent to test their sense of self: will my body shape ever look great in jeans?
It is, of course understandable that we pose such questions. Finding jeans that fit to accentuate the positive and negate the negative is daunting: especially when you consider the diverse range of styles available. Still, it is possible to look like a bootilicious babe; you’ve just got to know how.
It is important to get to know your body shape and proportions before you go shopping, because it will determine what style of jeans to go for.

Different Types of Cuts

Skinny jeans are fitted all the way down to the ankle. For the very slim and tall.

Slim fit jeans fit similar to skinny jeans only they are slightly more open at the bottom. The slim cut is best suited to the lean rectangle or inverted triangle body shape.

Straight-legged jeans flow straight down from the hip. Most body shapes will shine in this cut. Perfecting the fit will come down to the rise, colour and embellishing.

Boot-cut jeans are slightly wider from the knee down to accommodate a person’s boot with ease. This shape suits curvy body types like hourglasses, triangles and heart shapes.

Flared jeans widen from the knee area similar to a boot-cut, only they flare into a bell shape at the bottom. Triangle shapes look particularly fabulous in this cut, because the width of the flare balances out the width of your hips, making the body look more proportioned.

Boyfriend jeans are relaxed and loose. They are designed to look one size too big. Perfect for women who are a rectangle shape as they add complimentary curves to the hip area creating a soft, feminine look.

Wide leg jeans have a very full leg. It is fantastic for balancing out wide hips, curvy bottoms and thick legs.

Where it sits

The rise of your jean can make or break your look. Ideally you need the waist of your jeans to sit at the flattering part of your upper body, and they should never dig into you. The shape of your waist, lower back and bottom will determine which rise is best for you.

• High waisted jeans come up to your natural waist.
• Mid rise jeans come up to the middle of your stomach.
• Low rise jeans sit down below your stomach or lower.

Summary

• straight leg shape with a mid rise are the most universal jeans style; they suit almost everyone.
• always be aware of the placement if back pockets; they can make your bottom look bigger or smaller
• flared or boot cut jeans will shorten your leg and make you look curvey.

Above Left to Right:
Petite Rectangle – balanced hips and shoulders size 6. Fuss free, straight leg skinny’s. This shape is one of the few that can pull off skinny jeans without laying.

Athletic Rectangle – balanced hips and shoulders, size 10. short torso, small bottom. Build the bottom up with pockets. Add feminine curves to your masculine physique by keeping the hemline rouched.

Petite Inverted Triangle – wide shoulders narrow hips, size 8. Again add some curve to an other straight shape by choosing jeans the rouge around the leg and have colour fading in the middle of the thigh. Also, keep your shoulders balanced by choosing a straight leg if you short or flared leg if you are tall.

Full Heart – wide shoulders, full bust, full tummy, short torso with narrow hips, size 16. Often have great legs. Ensure pockets always sit higher than your bottom. Colour fading on the hip area will create the illusion of balance. Good fit; not to tight, not loose. straight leg.

Tall Triangle Shape – narrow shoulders, wide hips, size 12. Boyfriend jeans are at great relaxed look for the shape but can only be rolled up at the hemline if you are tall otherwise you will shorten your leg. Dark jeans in a straight cut are another great option for you.

To find out your body shape book in a Step 2 consultation or into our 4Steps2Style workshop

Images are of Sam’s clients’ bottoms, sizes 6-16. Credit: NEXT magazine.
Some text here were first published in NEXT magazine, May 2011.

 

In other News

Shoe Connection are selling DV8 HOPE shoes, every pair purchased $5 will be donated to KidsCan.
KidsCan help relieve the practical issues of adequate food and clothing amongst kids in lower socio economic areas.

Sam has the red stripe ones. She is using them for slippers. Just add possum fur inners and you’re set.
You can purchase them at any Shoe Connection store. Only $45!

Finally

Kirkcaldie and Stains with Noa Noa presents A Night with Samantha Hannah

If you want to learn some tips and tricks from Sam. She will be styling at Kirkcaldie and Stains. In association with Noa Noa. A night with Samantha Hannah will be held on Tuesday 3rd April, 6pm-8pm. There will be special discounts on the night and a chance to go in the draw to win Noa Noa Winter Accessories pack worth $400. Please RSVP to 04 472 5899 by Sunday 1st April.

Hemline proportions & this week’s colour palette

On Saturday I put together a fashion show for Trentham’s Ladies Day out. What fun I had at Westfield Shopping Mall picking out outfits; there is colour everywhere out there, and you know I love colour! Mostly you’ll find warm colours. From Portmans to Kimberley’s, Stax to Glassons, warm autumn colours are filling the racks. This is great for all you warms out there. For the cools, you may want to be careful. Keep reminding yourself, ‘fashion is what you are offered, style is what you choose’. A big part of your style is wearing the correct colours for you. It is so easy to be swayed by the fashion trends, but try to remember to stay true your authentic style.

This week’s colour palette

…Warm deep

The Autumn landscape is magnificent in colour, a rich display of earths own pigments. Bend golden tones with Rust, Terracotta, Warm browns, Bronze and rich forest greens. Autumn is a season of plenty where the colours take their names from natures harvest. Tomato red, Pumpkin, Olive, Avocado, Aubergine, Orange, Peach, Mustard and walnut to name a few.

This is a wonderfully easy group to work with as these colours combine and harmonize beautifully to make exciting and unusual combinations. Introduce the light colours and warm neutrals of this profile to create contrast or to individualize a look. Three colour blends look especially good.

Resene colour match ups for our Warm Deep swatch are
Fire, Tangerine, Lightening Yellow, Yabbadabbadoo, Bright Red, Bastille, Mahogany, Splish Splash

1. Ultra Shoes : These patch work ankle boots will be your best walking colour swatch!

2. Mondegreen : Ambra Nera Glycerine Soap comes in set 0f 4. 100% vegetable glycerine soap with organic colour. Will leave your skin smelling of spicy exotic woods. Made in Switzerland.

3. Kukula Bangle in Gothic : Beautiful, moody and recycled!

4. Emma Collection : Bright colourful tops in winter are like sun in summer to us; wear this one knowing you will fill someone with happiness when you walk by.

5. Andrea Moore : Lady like dressing is back! This season you’ll find lots of long sleeved garments – which, when wore right, can be both demure and sexy. We love this teal Andrea Moore dress, it’s styling perfection.

6. Sarah Riley Bow Peep heels : We know summer has come to an end, but we couldn’t resist putting these cute bow fronted heels in from Sarah Riley. Cuteness for your feet!

7. Batucada Dancing Circles Bracelet : We love discovering fun new accessories and the Batucada range made us smile. Made from eco-friendly synthetic rubber, these bracelets are tough, durable and seawater resistant – great for your mid-winter holiday to Fiji.

8. Classic Wine Barrel Table from Felt : Elegant drinks table. Great addition to any home.

9. INIKA Caramel Creme Lipstick : Creamy lipstick made with shea butter and jojoba oil.

10. Uimi Scarf, Catherine from Starfish : Let this bright wee number bring a vibrant splash of colour to your winter coat.

 

Style tip

It’s important to remember that where your hemline finishes is where the eye will look. I often see beautiful women sabotage their style by wearing garments that are too short or that finish in the wrong place on their legs. Below are some perfect skirt lengths for different leg proportions.

 

 

Next week we will find the perfect jeans for you shape, as requested by one of our fabulous clients. If you have anything you would like us to talk about in the style tip, please let us know. We would love to hear from you.

Love,
Sam & the team xx

Trentham Ladies day

Here’s a taste…

 

  

For more pictures, either view the pdf file or the flash file by clicking below…

PDF file

Flash magazine

It’s getting cold

I only had to watch the last episode of Frozen Plant this week to get my inspiration for this week’s newsletter. They were filming in temperatures below 40 degrees celsius, which made me think faux fur, merino, cashmere and other warm fabrics – all of which are everywhere this season. I often joke with my husband that I’d be the first to get frost bite should I get stuck in the mountains; my circulation is terrible. I am definitely someone who needs to wear warm fabrics on my feet, hands and body.

But back to the topic of warm fabrics. When choosing your woollen garments it’s important to remember your body balance to ensure your woolies look great on you.

Styling tip

Small balance = fine knits

Medium balance = medium weight knits

Large balance = heavier weighted but relaxed tailoring

This week’s colour palette…

Cool deep Colour

A wonderland of frozen beauty is where the Cool Deep takes its colours and their names. The Icy Pinks, Blues, Greys, Greens and any other hue that is almost white belong here. The Cool Deep profile is almost a paradox where the simplicity of line and colour creates a sense of the dramatic. The body harmony colours are compatible with Black, White, Greys and Navy Blue. The names of your most flattering colours read like a list of exotic beverages designed to stir the senses. Burgundy, Claret, Merlot and Wine depict the rich winter colours with which the Cool Deep has an affinity.

1. Kate Sylvester dress – blue is big this coming winter, which is perfect for all Cool Deep’s
2. Eco jot – This eco friendly stationary puts a smile on our faces; such happy colours and pretty prints
3. Saben Polly Bag – This bag will go with your entire colour palette, it’s versatility at it’s best!
4. Standard Issue – Green, the colour of rejuvenation and regrowth, is another standout colour this season.
5. The Carpenters Daughter – We love little mid waist cardi’s they are perfect for layering up over your summer dresses as the days get cooler.
6. Kukula bangle – Who said flowers only bloom in spring!
7. Minx boots – These classic, timeless boots will stand the test of time on your wardrobe.  We love the sandy hue.
8. Antipodes Remarkable Red – It’ll make your lips pop and your eyes sparkle!
9. Saben BFF necklace – Saben’s limited edition friendship bracelets and necklaces are intricately coloured handwoven braids intertwined in silver.  Amazing.

Resene colour swatches are: Smitten, Hot purple, Optimistic, Mosque, Mother earth

Email us with what you would like to see in the coming newsletters or on our blog.
We love hearing from you.
xxx