the little look see

be mine.

2012-02-14T00:00:00.000+13:00

Happy valentines day to all. Make sure you get plenty of kisses x

Images: making magique, hjartesmil.

birthday girl.

2012-02-12T08:30:00.000+13:00

Much love to my Nana on her birthday, a big hug from me to you. I miss you (and your delicious baking)!

Images: hjartesmil.

leggy blonde.

2012-02-11T06:19:00.001+13:00

These girls are looking pretty delightful in frills and dresses. I'm looking forward to the day I can wear bare legs again... feels like so long ago since my pins have seen the light of day! Although rugging up for the snow in London at the moment is quite novel.

Images: vanessa jackman.

brownies.

2012-02-11T06:00:00.000+13:00

These outfits are all rather nice, quite liking the various shades of brown.

Images: the sartorialist, vanessa jackman.

paris, je t'aime.

2012-01-31T05:04:00.001+13:00

I'm getting slightly excited about visiting Paris, finally! (has been on the 'places to visit' list for some time.) The trip is a birthday treat from the lovely man in my life, bless him. Train and the hotel are booked, tickets for the moulin rouge have been purchased... i'm a having a ball just planning it!

Images: making magique.

london through a lens.

2012-01-31T04:32:00.000+13:00

I have come to realise I don't take enough photos of London. I see so many beautiful moments and buildings everyday but forget to capture them. I intend to document my time here a little better as of now. These images of London below I found on a rather lovely blog, I think they're quite special.

Images: hjartesmil.

pink please.

2012-01-28T05:04:00.002+13:00

Mega hectic week I'm afraid, not a spare minute for blogging! The weekend is upon us once more, yippee. On a totally unrelated note, these images below are lovely... the colour pink never fails to please.

Images: FGR, Julia.

friday feeling.

2012-01-21T04:09:00.000+13:00

It's friday afternoon already, yipeee. Have a super weekend!

Images: somewhere and FGR.

25.

2012-01-21T00:10:00.000+13:00

A big hug for miss kendyl the birthday girl, hope you've got your party dress on already. Have a blast my dear xx

Images: FGR.

sunny outlook.

2012-01-20T23:12:00.001+13:00

Thinking a little bit about summer already, and the holidays that need planning. These pretty dresses (and lovely sun kissed hair) are getting me excited for the warmer weather.

Images: russh, FGR.

hair did.

2012-01-20T23:00:00.000+13:00

I miss my hairdresser from home (Ryder Salon). They did the rad hair-do's in the shoot below. I have not yet had my hair cut in London (shocking, I know!) Just haven't found the right place to go... next weekend is my deadline, these tresses need some attention.

Images: Black magazine via ryder.

two five.

2012-01-13T05:49:00.000+13:00

25 years today. Eeek! Nothing like a bit of roller disco to make you feel like a kid again.

Images: flickr.

baby face.

2012-01-08T09:30:00.000+13:00

Another new year, almost another year older. Eeek can I stay young now please, thanks.

Images: russh, turned out.

always a lady.

2012-01-07T04:35:00.000+13:00

I Adore this editorial shoot for Vogue Russia, love that the styling is ladylike with a dark edge. The colour palette is so sweet and the mid-century style location is just perfect.

Images: FGR

party dress.

2012-01-07T00:12:00.000+13:00

I love this Honor Pre-Fall 2012 collection. Such amazing dresses, how great is the white one with black horse print. That fushia and bright red combo is so striking too. A lovely new party dress would sit nicely in my wardrobe right now.

Images: fashionista.

zzzz.

2012-01-07T00:10:00.000+13:00

I can not wait for a lie in this sunday, first week back at work has been rather a struggle.

Images: miss moss.

2012.

2012-01-07T00:07:00.001+13:00

Hope you've enjoyed a lovely break! I'm home from Austria, and in one piece. Had the bestest holiday, such an amazing place... those slopes are truly breathtaking. Rather sad to come back down to reality.

Images: fashion toast.

eve.

2011-12-24T01:20:00.000+13:00

Merry Christmas to you all! Hope you have the loveliest of days, with friends and family. We're off to Austria tomorrow for a white christmas on the slopes, very excited. Catch you all next year X

Image: print by Richard Perez.

make room.

2011-12-23T05:13:00.001+13:00

I'm so envious of those letters (which happen to be my initials), they'd look great on my bedroom wall. That map is amazing too, I want.

Images: the selby.

brighten up.

2011-12-23T04:38:00.000+13:00

These winter outfits are so sweet. How great are the bright patterns in that scarf and skirt, a real statement against black. A fur trimmed coat... yes please!

Images: Garance Dore, The Sartorialist.

to the point.

2011-12-23T03:43:00.000+13:00

Love these lady like skirts and heels. I'd quite fancy a pair of simple, black pointy heels. Perhaps not ideal winter-in-London footwear, but a nice thought.

Images: stockholm street style.

caked on.

2011-12-16T00:25:00.001+13:00

I've been looking up festive recipes for our upcoming christmas dinner, roasted veges and such. However I keep getting distracted by delicious looking cakes, yum!

Images: what katie ate, always with butter.

up in the air.

2011-12-15T00:41:00.001+13:00

I love these works by London based illustrator Daniel Frost, he has such a nice simple style. I'm always partial to a striped hot air ballon, so sweet.

Images: by Daniel Frost.

celebrate.

2011-12-15T00:40:00.000+13:00

First christmas party of the season. Opting for the little black dress option, of the velvet collared variety from cos. Worn with black bag (care of cos too) and brown boots. Not these dreamy Acne ones however, but something similar.

Images: FGR, cos, acne.

go nude.

2011-12-09T06:03:00.001+13:00

I can't resist neutral colours, winter or summer. If it comes in tan or camel I'm all over it. These pieces below are particularly lovely.

Images: Russh.

street stalker.

2011-12-02T22:42:00.001+13:00

Some stylish ladies on the street. I'm enjoying that buttercup colour worn with black, but have major bike envy for that pink number, delightful!

Images: garance dore, stockholm street style, turned out, streetpeeper.

home.

2011-12-02T06:16:00.000+13:00

These images of zippora seven remind me of home. Summers spent driving through the country passing fruit stalls on the side of the road. It's officially summer back home, usually the time to start counting down till our beach getaway. Not the case this year... however excitement is building for our winter trip to the mountain.

Images: FGR.

tribute.

2011-11-29T03:01:00.001+13:00

I lost a much loved family pet last week. Pepper was real character that's for sure. Such sad news to receive when you are overseas. I have many fond memories of that little nutter.

Images: miss moss.

send a postcard.

2011-11-26T04:53:00.001+13:00

Winter christmas holiday is all booked and paid for, yippee. Austria bound, to hit the slopes. Can-not-wait.

pretty nice.

2011-11-26T04:38:00.001+13:00

Some pretty girls in pretty clothes. Hooray for the weekend! Looking forward to dressing up nice and celebrating the Birthday of someone pretty special.

Images: Julia.

got it. want it.

2011-11-17T04:25:00.001+13:00

Got this jacket. Want this t-shirt... to wear underneath.

Images: fred perry, cheap monday.

end of the day.

2011-11-11T03:25:00.000+13:00

Nothing very inspiring to share at this minute... glad it's the end of the day to be frank. I am however enjoying these lace numbers and nicely shaped sunglasses, not really relevant for London weather at the moment (a bit cold for lace and a bit grey for sunnies). Right, bring on the weekend! Enjoy yours.

Images: various.

happy.

2011-11-09T06:21:00.000+13:00

anniversary. for the other day x

Image: FGR

pretty bird.

2011-11-07T22:20:00.000+13:00

These photographs are from Dana Lee's spring/summer 12 look book (she's a menswear designer based in New York). They have such a lovely quality to them - grainy with faded colours. The bird is a nice touch too.

Images: dana lee.

three oh.

2011-11-07T22:01:00.000+13:00

One of my favourite girls from the big screen, Miss Dunst is looking better than ever. I hope I look as good as her when I'm 30.

Images: NY Times.

happy halloween.

2011-10-29T00:04:00.000+13:00

I'm attempting to make these pumpkin whoopie pies for a halloween treat this weekend (providing the pumpkin puree I ordered online arrives in the post). Wish me well.

carven' up.

2011-10-29T00:01:00.002+13:00

(Excuse the lame headline). My very delayed praise for the latest Carven collection. Such great outfits, just my cup of tea.

Images: style.com

lindsey the great.

2011-10-28T23:33:00.000+13:00

Love this shoot of Lindsey Wixson, such great glasses. Say yes to roller skates!

Images: FGR

baked.

2011-10-28T05:02:00.000+13:00

These images have such a nice feeling to them... makes me want to bake a yummy cake or berry crumble perhaps.

Images: oh joy, herriot grace.

good shot.

2011-10-27T23:25:00.003+13:00

Love this shoot of Frida Gustavsson. Amazing hair-do and collars galore, so pretty.

Images: FGR.

step inside.

2011-10-22T00:40:00.001+13:00

Just some nice clothing and interior details that have recently caught my eye. Happy Friday, have a lovely weekend!

Images: the selby, the coveteur, plus a couple of others.

wanted.

2011-10-21T22:13:00.001+13:00

I would rather fancy a pair of new pointy heels, or platforms, a new winter coat or blazer, and a new haircut. please. thank you.

Images: style.com, fashion toast.

go green.

2011-10-19T22:39:00.005+13:00

Some nicely dressed ladies. I'm especially enjoying green clothing at the moment. Not my usual colour of choice, but I'm on the hunt for some khaki green trousers... or perhaps a coat or jacket? (or both).

Images: elleuk.com, stockholm street style plus a few others.

killer bee.

2011-10-19T22:26:00.001+13:00

Oh goodness, I love that bee print so much. Would kill for a blue blouse, with its perfect collar and ruffle detail. Karen Walker never fails to impress.

Images: Karen Walker.

to bed.

2011-10-15T01:12:00.001+13:00

Love these simple bed setups... and glad it's almost the weekend. Sleep-ins? Hope so.

Images: Matthew Williams.

streets.

2011-10-11T22:03:00.000+13:00

Here are some looks I like at the mo, found floating around the web. So simple and so nice. On a side note, I got snapped by a streetstyle photographer the other day... I was quite tickled, it made my morning. She was from style etc, a new small magazine that started up in NW London recently, I intend to keep an eye out.

Images: style.com, stockholm street style.

dear photograph.

2011-10-05T00:02:00.000+13:00

I love old photographs, this is such a nice concept for a blog. Check it out here.

Images: dear photograph.

drive.

2011-10-04T02:03:00.000+13:00

Best movie I've seen in ages, so beautifully shot with an amazing soundtrack. And Ryan Gosling... need I say more. Drive certainly ticks all the boxes.

clickity click.

2011-10-01T22:18:00.000+13:00

Thought I'd share a few recent purchases that I've made online... an ice cream print (customised with cookies n' cream and mint choc chip, yum!) from here. Also that plate and and cushion by Donna Wilson from here. Eeeek, looking forward to the parcels arriving!

smile.

2011-10-01T01:55:00.000+13:00

Hooray it's the weekend, enjoy yours! On a side note: how great are these bob cuts? I have toyed with the idea of a short crop, however concluded I just couldn't pull if off with the ease of the ladies below.

sleepy head.

2011-09-30T22:13:00.000+13:00

Can't wait to sleep in this weekend, she's been a full week work-wise.

Images: fashion gone rogue.

snippets.

2011-09-30T00:41:00.002+13:00

Just simply some images of things I am enjoying at the moment... ethnic printed rugs, dresses with cutouts, and layering up with cozy coats. Pretty peonies, leather bags, and oversized knitwear.

Images: closetvisit, stockholm streetstyle, fashion toast.

summer days.

2011-09-30T00:31:00.000+13:00

London is currently experiencing a bit of a warm spell. Out come the summery-type clothes again, and visits to the park. (lets see how long it lasts!)

Images: stockholm street style, vanessa jackman.

flat out.

2011-09-28T21:14:00.002+13:00

I'm in the midst of collecting bits and bobs for the new flat (cushions for the bed etc). It should appear a little more homely soon, and possess a wee bit more character.

Images: the selby.

on my lonesome.

2011-09-17T03:58:00.004+12:00

My flatmates have all gone to Munich, Germany for a long weekend (annual beer fest). However I am staying put in London, all by myself. I have a few plans already of how to fill my time (visiting portobello road markets and catching up with friends etc etc). Rather looking forward to it!

Images: turned out.

carven please.

2011-09-17T03:40:00.002+12:00

I adore Carven, every collection has me longing for a wardrobe full of their beautiful garments. The latest collection for summer 'introduction' 2012, particularly has me drooling. Bows on the back of high heels - how swell!

Images: carven.

waiting waiting.

2011-09-17T03:40:00.000+12:00

I was eagerly anticipating Orla Kiely's show at london fashion week today (Friday). Not that I got to attend... however I will certainly be trawling through the pics as soon as they hit the web. Her pre-spring collection was so sweet, sort of schoolyard with a modern twist. Stay tuned for my favourites off the runway.

Images: style.com

walk the walk.

2011-09-15T20:40:00.000+12:00

My favourite New Zealand designer (as you may well know by now) is Karen Walker. I already miss visiting her stores regularly as Walker's gear is slightly less accessible here in London. So I was delighted to see her latest collection for spring/summer 2012 'the american girl' shown in New York this week. Loving these looks in particular; cute prints, great colour palette, and some sweet looking blazer/pant combinations - yes please!

Images: style.com

looking good.

2011-09-15T20:36:00.001+12:00

A few street style outfits I currently like the look of. Collected them a few weeks ago, but didn't get around to posting.

Images: stockholm street style, turned out, plus a few other street style sites.

the perfect couple.

2011-09-15T20:24:00.000+12:00

These ads keep catching my eye in various fashion glossies, such great styling. I have been planning to check out one of 'the kooples' stores for a while now... I may find some time this weekend in fact (there's one in walking distance from my flat, very dangerous). Will let you know how I get on.

Images: the kooples.

bed n' breakfast.

2011-09-15T20:23:00.001+12:00

Ahoy, been back from croatia for over a week now... in that time I've moved into a new flat (and new bed) plus started a new job (cue the early morning wake ups). I've got loads of blog posts lined up, and finally making the time to share.

gone sailing.

2011-08-26T10:00:00.019+12:00

As previously mentioned... I'm off sailing. Will blog again soon x

Images: miss moss.

just cos.

2011-08-25T06:05:00.003+12:00

One of my most favourite-ist shops in London thus far has to be Cos. The clothes and accessories have a slick, modern style about them. While at the same time being a wee bit quirky and playful. Cos are a Swedish brand, and I'm all over them... I may have just treated myself to a few pieces to wear to work (well that's how I'm justifying the splurge okay). How great are these images below, a really nice, abstract way to present clothes.

Images: cos.

come up roses.

2011-08-25T05:35:00.001+12:00

The job hunt is over! What I thought was going to be a horrific challenge here in London, actually went rather smoothly (she says in hind sight). Pleasantly surprised and relieved... and most of all excited for what's to come! Everything smells a little sweeter today.

Images: pinterest.

croatia bound.

2011-08-24T09:57:00.000+12:00

A group of us are setting off to Croatia on friday, to sail from Dubrovnik to Split. I'm so looking forward to seeing this beautiful country, feeling the warm sun, and swimming in those blue waters. I will send a postcard mum.

Images: flickr.com

lookbook love.

2011-08-24T04:34:00.000+12:00

Totally adore this collection, it's the fall/winter 2011 range by Rodarte for Opening Ceremony. Such great styling and cute concept for a lookbook - see more here. Sign me up please for the red patterned dress below.

Images: Rodarte for Opening Ceremony.

bags that.

2011-08-16T09:02:00.000+12:00

I'm dying to get my hands on some of the delicious leather accessories London has to offer. I've come across so many great bags and clutches, but alas I must hold back till that first pay check. Darn.

Images: stockholm street style.

sweet as.

2011-08-16T08:46:00.003+12:00

Craving something sweet, one of these yummy baked goods would do the trick.

Images: via oh joy, always with butter.

checklist.

2011-08-04T02:14:00.001+12:00

We've been in London a week already! How lovely it has been catching up with friends and getting to know our way around but it is now time to get sorted. This includes finding a job, and not getting lost going to interviews plus finding a perminant place to live. Thankfully it is beautifully sunny this week which somehow makes things a little less daunting. I'll let you know how i get on...

Images: fashion toast, jak & jil, the selby.

still here.

2011-07-31T12:31:00.000+12:00

Just a quick note to say I'm still allive and well. Arrived in London a few days ago after just over 6 weeks of travel (glorious travel). Will share some highlights shortly. I am currently busy soaking in the sights, catching up with friends and settling into London life - so far so good. In the meantime hope all is well for everybody, looking forward to getting amongst the blogging world again soon!

little spoon.

2011-06-13T11:26:00.003+12:00

Here's my latest (and final) DIY craft project for Your Home & Garden Magazine, this feature can be seen in the July 2011 issue. On sale now! I got creative with old wooden spoons and hand painted a bunch of cute little characters. If you'd like to see more of my work, you can now visit jessica-allen.com. A special thanks to makebelieve and Fancy! NZ design blog for their lovely plugs to my site!

cool kids.

2011-06-08T09:49:00.000+12:00

My dear friend lynette takes sweet photos. These are some she snapped recently at a skatepark in pauanui, we look like total skater dudes (i assure you we are not). I am going to miss her, and the other skatepark kids immensely!

Images: by lynette nelson.

three sleeps.

2011-06-07T11:11:00.002+12:00

Only three sleeps to go till take off! So much to do, no time to stop and smell the roses.

Images: julia.

six days.

2011-06-04T18:41:00.001+12:00

The farewell gig has been played, work has come to an end. It's almost time to hit the road.

Images: Julia.

a trim.

2011-05-27T09:24:00.003+12:00

Finally getting a haircut this weekend, hooray! It is well overdue. Just a little trim though... nothing as bold as a crop or a bob in the pics below.

Images: various tumblrs.

mono.

2011-05-26T17:24:00.021+12:00

Girl drinking milk plus cable knit sweater inspired this wee black, white and grey outfit.

Images: turned out, fashion toast.

mono. by Jess Allen featuring a polka dot mini dress

a shoe in.

2011-05-26T13:45:00.000+12:00

I'm enjoying these images at the moment. Ahh shoes, how great are the black heels below!

Images: sincerely jules, altamira, miss little lime, Maryam Nassir Zadeh.

go prep.

2011-05-26T13:09:00.001+12:00

I say yes to preppy, varsity style jackets on boys and girls.

Images: turned out, jak & jil.

auckland on elle.

2011-05-23T08:59:00.001+12:00

A bit of excitement for aucklanders... we have been included in elle.com's global street style feature. Excuse the shameless self-promotion but my friend alex (on the right) and myself (on the left) made an appearance, thanks to the lovely Olivia of Auckland Street Style! Check out more here.

Images: By Olivia Coote of Auckland Street Style.

roady.

2011-05-21T14:34:00.001+12:00

This time last weekend we were at the bach... the last time for a while. Sometimes I leave, and I wanna go back there.

Images: can't recall at the mo.

hart this.

2011-05-20T13:02:00.001+12:00

Katie Lockhart's apartment is finally up on 'The Selby'. I've been rather keen to see inside her dwelling. I'm kind of a fan of her styling efforts and was not dissapointed to see her place is pretty darn spesh.

Images: by Todd Selby.

drawn on.

2011-05-11T17:13:00.001+12:00

I'm pretty keen on any artwork by Sam Mitchell, her latest pieces are no exception. The exhibition 'Glean' runs from Wednesday 18th May till 11 June, I suggest you check it out at Melanie Roger Gallery.

Images: by Sam Mitchell.

eat cake.

2011-05-08T09:30:00.002+12:00

Happy mothers day! mmm some cake for you, love me x

Images: seven spoons, what katie ate, desserts for breakfast.

party on.

2011-05-06T09:00:00.001+12:00

Yes weekend, yes party! How great (and grungey) is Charlotte Rust's K-road apartment, shot by Todd Selby during his visit to NZ.

Images: the selby.

need a tan.

2011-05-06T08:15:00.000+12:00

I'm fan of tan coloured clothes, winter or summer. Speaking of tan... I need one. 35 days till south america, and I am pale.

Images: russh.

fourways with triangles.

2011-05-05T16:26:00.000+12:00

A couple of months ago I went crazy with triangles for this craft project. It can be seen in the May 2011 issue of Your Home & Garden Magazine. Sad news... I only have two more four ways projects to share with you after this one (due to the fast approaching overseas trip/move). Rather a strange thought, stay tuned for the final two!

Images: crafting/styling by Jessica Allen.

hot and cold.

2011-05-05T14:27:00.001+12:00

It's such a lovely day today... hot even! Far too many layers on.

Images: julia and somewhere?

autumn colours.

2011-05-04T13:56:00.005+12:00

A little outfit inspired by the following images. Loving rusty colours mixed with navy.

autumn layers. by Jess Allen featuring striped tops
Images: elle, btw i crave you, desserts for breakfast and jak & jill.

likes.

2011-04-29T16:43:00.000+12:00

All smiles, with a spring in my step, it's the weekend again which I like very much. I like these pictures too.

Images: sincerely jules, turned out, all the pretty birds.

that girl.

2011-04-29T12:47:00.000+12:00

Love Michelle Williams. Great actress, amazing hair, impeccable style. Enough said.

Images: fashion gone rogue.

grey area.

2011-04-25T14:16:00.000+12:00

Extra day off! (thank you easter slash the anzacs). Pity its a bit grey and blah outside, indoor activities it is. Enjoy yours.

Images: julia mostly.

black spot.

2011-04-21T15:41:00.000+12:00

Hooray for the long weekend! (cue the balloons). As for the rest of these pics... one can never have enough black, white, spots and stripes in one's wardrobe.

Images: sincerely jules, hanelli, natalie off duty.

college cool.

2011-04-21T08:33:00.000+12:00

These preppy looks are so great. On the hunt for that perfect college style jersey or jacket...

Images: russh.

colour match.

2011-04-20T16:40:00.003+12:00

Similar colours in these photos of a stylish Harley Viera-Newton at Coachella festival 2011, and that image of yummy french toast.

Images: vogue, refinery29, BKFST.

sugar.

2011-04-20T08:49:00.000+12:00

Just some delicious looking sweet treats on a wednesday for no reason at all.

Images: desserts for breakfast, forty-sixth at grace, somewhere.

cold snap.

2011-04-19T08:54:00.002+12:00

Ahh cozy layering. Time to rug up in coats, scarves and knits. There's no denying it now, she's turned cold.

Images: fashiontoast, tfs, the sartorialist, hanneli.

need sleep.

2011-04-08T09:32:00.001+12:00

Feeling jaded and sleepy today... late night icing cookies (don't ask). Glad it's friday, that should get me through!

Images: always, sometimes, anytime.

for you.

2011-04-08T09:23:00.001+12:00

Happy birthday mumma, (for the other day) these virtual flowers for you! You're the bestest x

Images: someplace, russh, fashion toast.

snap!

2011-04-08T08:58:00.001+12:00

These clothes are kind of me in a nutshell right now, pretty much all my favourite colours to dress in.

Images: Russh magazine.

blog love.

2011-03-30T14:19:00.000+13:00

I like these pictures, and I especially like Rhiannon's blog where I spotted them. See it here.

Images: liebemarlene.