Ruth Garden's Parnell boutique reflects her vintage-inspired style.
Ruth Garden has been collecting ideas and inspiration for her own boutique for years, and last year her dream came true with the opening of The Yellow Brick Road Boutique.
The store, hidden down a little brick path behind a gelato shop off Parnell Rd, is a trove of cute and feminine treasures, from locally made jewellery to vintage style dresses to quirky homewares and gifts. It is like walking into someone's dream house, with retro dressers displaying product, vintage artwork and lots of flowers.
The store interior reflects Garden's own personal vintage-inspired style. When describing her look she says, "I usually don't leave the house without liquid eyeliner and a bow in my hair".
How would you describe your style?
Very feminine. I love to mix vintage with chain store and a little designer thrown in when I'm lucky. I've always had an affinity for the 1950s and I love the rockabilly look although I prefer to mix up aspects of that style with others to make it a bit more everyday-friendly.
How would your friends describe your style?
I asked a girlfriend this because I wasn't too sure and she said, "An eclectic mix of vintage, shabby chic and retro". I was happy with that.
Who is your ultimate fashion plate?
I have a pretty big girl crush on [actress] Zooey Deschanel. I love her style. I also feel super-inspired by [musician] Florence and the Machine, her look is incredible.
Who are your favourite designers?
I love Juliette Hogan, her designs are so feminine and gorgeous. Some up-and-coming designers I'm keeping an eye on at the moment are Celine Rita and Harriet Falvey. Both these girls make all their clothes in New Zealand and have a vintage/retro feel which I love. I also love a Spanish designer called Pepa Karnero.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
Some navy tights. I have nothing to wear them with yet but I was imagining a red dress when I bought them.
What item of clothing or accessory do you want to buy next?
Anything from Wellington store Swonderful's range called Paper Cup. Their winter collection is to die for! There's a black dress with a scalloped hem calling my name.
Who does the best shoes?
I always check out a shoe brand called Miss L Fire, they make some quirky and cute shoes. I also adore the Vivienne Westwood for Melissa collection - wonderful PVC creations adorned with cute bows and hearts; to have an actual Westwood piece for a fraction of the price is also great.
Your favourite shop, other than your own?
I haven't been there yet but I'm pretty sure its going to be The Bread and Butter Letter on New North Rd. The photos are incredible. If I'm overseas, I also have to go to Urban Outfitters.
Most cherished item?
They're not technically mine, but a collection of photographs of my oma when she was young in the 1940s and 1950s. She was such a babe and had the most incredible fashion sense. There is one of her on a gorgeous bike in the most perfect 50s dress. I love that era so much, but they are so much more special because they're of my grandmother, who I adore.
What's your fragrance?
Hot Couture Perfume by Givenchy.
Most underrated item in fashion?
A high-waisted skirt. You can give all your old tops a new lease on life just by tucking them into the perfect black high-waisted skirt.
Describe the best outfit you've ever worn.
I think the proudest I have ever been of an outfit was one I put together when I was about 9-years-old - a black leotard under a fluro green and purple polka dot skirt with tights I ripped holes in like Madonna, a black bowler Michael Jackson hat, some round Beatles glasses and Converse high tops.
What is your handbag - and what's in it?
I'm using my vintage leather tooled bag at the moment. I have my wallet, phone, M.A.C mini lipgloss, USB, pieces of paper with random scribbles of ideas, and some plastic poopie bags for my dog Frankie.
Your favourite stylish place?
I'm loving Prohibition on Ponsonby Rd at the moment. It's like walking on to the set of a 1920s mafia movie. They have a live jazz band and the food is amazing.
