Seconds of Style #20: Louise Douglas, Devine Little Treasures

Louise Douglas Jewellery is that special kind of find that doesn't come along every day. It is delicately unique, lovingly handcrafted, fine, feminine and each piece has a design quality that can only come from an equal measure of passion and experience. Louise's love of nature and everything organic is prevalent in her collections and I think it is this that draws me to her work - I am a kiwi after all. My favourite piece is the Gold Sea Lace Pendant. We have been chatting back and forth over the last few days and Louise was kind enough to answer a few questions about inspiration, blogging and what's next for her. See below for the interview.

By the way, if you haven't already trawled the crowded malls for Christmas presents, why not stay at home with a glass of wine and pick up something from Louise's beautiful collection available online at Clever Bastards

Coral Branch Collection - Branch Bangle - Peacock

Coral Branch Collection - Coral Clutch Earrings - Gold

Coral Branch Collection - Coral Branch Pendant - Gold

Sea Pod Collection - Sea Pod Choker - Gold - Rose

MY FAVOURITE! Sea Lace Collection - Sea Lace Pendant - Gold

Caviar Collection - Caviar Necklace - Gold

 

Seconds of Style: How long have you been designing and how did you get into jewellery design?
Louise Douglas: Well, it has been eighteen years. Wow, that sounds like an awfully long time ago! I have been fascinated with jewellery since I was a little girl, my mother and grandmother both loved jewellery and I was always digging through their jewelry boxes and dressing up. I started making jewellery when I was 18 years old and selling it to fashion and design stores throughout NZ. I then moved to New York when I was 21 and started to work as a designer for large fashion jewellery houses. I have done a few classes along the way, but really I learnt most of my skills on the job or from experimentation.

SOS: What inspires your design?
LD: I have always been inspired by the intricacies of the ocean and the natural world in general. I love art and fashion too, but the truth is, what I am always most inspired by stems from nature in some way.  I look at a lot of old scientific botanical style drawings when I design but I stylize things to fit my aesthetic. The main aim of my work is for people to feel closer to the beauty of nature when they wear it.

Seconds of Style #19: The Sweet Smell of Vintage

I thought I should put up a few pictures taken during my recent travels through Europe. These images are from a perfume factory in Grasse on the Côte d'Azur in France called Fragonard. The Walnut, propeller and berry were vessels to hold swabs soaked in perfume. They would be worn in pockets, as necklaces or attached to a pin on the wearer. I have to say, I think these are simply beautiful. I would love to see some necklace charms made with these in mind.There is just an unlimited amount of inspiration to be taken from the past.

This walnut shell would hold a swab soaked in perfume

An incredibly interesting shape and design

Unique perfume bottle

Seconds of Style #18: Style Spot, Newmarket

I just popped into Newmarket at lunch and spotted this gorgeous tuxedo jacket wearing, effortlessly cool window shopper. Notice the tie around the neck of her jacket. I love how she makes this boyish look seem feminine and I want those tights! 

Seconds of Style #17: Feet First For Summer

For me, summer shoes are one of the best parts of the season. Strappy sandals, bright ballet flats, cotton espadrilles, I love them all! Inspired by the presence of flats on the catwalk for Spring Summer 11, I have put together a collection of my favourite 'everyday' styles. Pale, light and airy colours are the ticket, we get enough months to wear black I think. My pick from the bunch, well pickS - Repetto Powder Blue Ballet Pumps and F-Troupe White 4 Strap Sandals.

Stella McCartney SS11

Twenty 8 Twelve SS11

Chloe SS11

Paul & Joe SS11

Shop Topshop Red Lace Up Pumps

Shop Topshop Kacy Soft Pink Fringed Loafers

Shop French Connection Cut Out Bow Pumps

Shop Lanvin Embellished Sandals

Shop Pedro Garcia Crystal Embellished Sandals

Shop F-Troupe 4 Strap White Sandals

Shop Melissa by Vivienne Westwood Flower Sandal

Shop Repetto Powder Blue Ballet Pumps

Shop Jeffery Campbell Kelly Oxford Flat

Shop French Sole Henrietta Pump
Shop Mymu Canvas Espadrilles

Shop Tory Burch Striped Canvas Espadrilles

Seconds of Style #16: Grey Lynn Park Festival

The day was Grey Lynn Park Festival and the look was all about summer denim. There were cut offs galore, some shorter and some longer but all distressed, vintage and customised. Thrown in the mix were bohemian vintage dresses, cute prints and an array of girly headgear. Here is a little selection of the day. My favourite look is the breton stripes with vintage cut offs and ruby red slippers.

My favourite look of the day. Effortless and cool.

Seconds of Style #15: Style Inspire 3

Style Inspire: Harriet

Age: 25

Occupation: Student
Loves: Handmade, sequins and interior design blogs.

Skirt from Zambesi, T-shirt from Supre, Belt from an op shop, Mckinlays Shoes

Pillows under table, LOWboy 1800 + Crates that the TV is on from Meluka , Tse&Tse 7 day vases on the coffee table from Tessuti

Prudence white round table From Apartmento, Skull votive from Iko Iko, Christian Tortu Nickle 'Tupi' vase  from Tessuti

Bunnies from Iko Iko

Handmade ceramic cup from Tessuti

CHESTYboy drawers from Meluka

The perfect mix of mainstream and high end: Nudie Jeans, Karen Walker top, Jacket from Supre, Sachi Shoes

Vintage Emerald Ring - Harriet's favorite accessory

My gorgeous friend Harriet graciously let me peek into her apartment and wardrobe the other day. I love her effortless yet 'put together' style and wanted to take a closer look.  We had a chat about her personal style for this weeks Style Inspire.

Seconds of Style: What or who inspires your style?
Harriet: Fashion-wise I look to other people rather than magazines for inspiration.  Being at Uni you see lots of unique looks, I walk past AUT's Art + Design faculty every day on my way to class.  Those fashion kids look amazing even at 8am on a Monday.  I like imperfections and quirks rather than glossy magazine images.  I check lookbook.nu if I'm feeling like I need a new way to wear what I've already got, you can search by item to see how other girls are styling similar pieces. Interiors-wise I'm a massive interior design blog reader.  I regularly check sweetsweetlife, youaremyfave, and myidealhome There are often great ideas for achieving a 'look for less', and craftiness aplenty.

SOS: What is the best advice you have been given about personal style:

H: My mum has always taught me to wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable, and to appreciate clever workmanship and quality fabrics.  And don't spend outside your budget, although I sometimes struggle with that one!