Brenda Harvey. Photo / Supplied
Five stylish women and the day-to-night essentials that will take them through the party season.
Five stylish women and the day-to-night essentials that will take them through the party season.
Brenda Harvey
Founder, Benah
Jessica McCormack Mini Heart key pendant, $1115, from Simon James Design Concept Store; Butter London nail varnish, $31 each, from Lucy and the Powder Room; Jimmy Choo patent heels, about $1340, from saks.com
As I've grown older I tend to go for more one-of-a-kind, fine, antique pieces. I recently discovered jeweller Jessica McCormack and am obsessed with her Mini Heart Key pendant. It is so beautiful and special with a heart-shaped diamond, every girl's best friend.
I don't wear much, if any, makeup and my hair tends to have a mind of its own, so I always make time for a manicure and pedicure. It's a little bit of order in my world of chaos. The minute I walked into the Powder Room at The Department Store I thought I was in heaven. They have a great range of colours by Butter London, but I always stick to a standard formula of natural ("Yummy Mummy") on my hands and a bright orange ("Jaffa") on my toes.
What better way to show off said pedicure than an amazing pair of shoes? The shoe floor at Saks 5th Ave in NYC is nothing short of incredible; but the best thing is that not only do they ship worldwide, but they also have 24/7 online help and you can pre-order. Dangerous! I love these Jimmy Choo navy patent heels as they are so chic and ladylike, a little
Mad Men
. I'd pair them with a tailored cropped pant, fine jersey tee and a silk scarf turban in my hair.
Rachel Morton
Stylist
Barbara Bui nude platform heels, $1037, from Mei Mei; Omega Speedmaster watch, $6750, from Partridge Jewellers; Mulberry "Alexa" bag, about $1515, from Net-a-Porter.com
This party season, I'll wear my new Barbara Bui nude heels to dress up whatever I've got on - for casual party drinks, maybe my Karen Walker full skirt with a grey or white Isabel Marant linen T-shirt, but they will go with a party dress for a more formal occasion just as well. Nude shoes go with everything and help the leg look longer, apparently? I don't wear much jewellery, just my classic Omega Speedmaster watch; no excuses to be fashionably late. And Mulberry's "Alexa" bag, it's casual and functional, taking me from day to night - easy.
Nicola Legat
Publishing Director, Random House New Zealand
Trelise Cooper Blue Belle dress, $875; Minnie Cooper "Queenie" heel, $359; Carlson "Laurel" jacket, $375.
A well-tailored black skirt looks good all day at the office with a T-shirt and cropped cardigan; those are standard items for me. If I have to go on to cocktails or dinner I'll have an evening-appropriate top and smart jacket and shoes with heels, in the car. I don't wear stilettos, but shoes with chunky high heels like the Minnie Cooper "Queenie" shoe are bearable to wear all day. I've changed into heels in the car park before racing off to drinks many times. I always have a smaller bag with me into which I decant the bare essentials such as lipstick, car keys and credit card so I don't have to stand with a huge bag on my shoulder all evening. The approach is practical and based on speed. Sometimes, though, I wish I had a fantasy frock to put on, like Trelise Cooper's Blue Belle dress - if only I could afford it!
Tanya Abott
Communications Manager, L'Oreal
Tiffany & Co. "Return To Tiffany" pendant, $410, from DFS Galleria; Helen Cherry "Claudia" dress, $498, from Workshop; Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gioia fragrance, $97.
I bought my "Return to Tiffany" pendant in Paris and it transports me there every time I wear it - which is most days. It can be worn long or short and instantly lifts any outfit, day or night, but more importantly it's how it makes me feel when I'm wearing it. I'm drawn to feminine fashion and love to layer sheer, silk pieces. In a concerted effort to wear less black, I'm enjoying mixing up powdery pieces with black accessories such as an underslip, shoes or nail enamel. My latest acquisition is the "Claudia" dress by Helen Cherry, whose feminine and flattering designs slip effortlessly from day to night. I'm surrounded by amazing beauty products every day at L'Oreal so going from the office to a function in the evening is easy - the hardest decision is deciding which products to choose. My "product du jour" is Acqua Di Gioia fragrance from Giorgio Armani, who refers to it as an "Essence of joy". It's definitely my signature scent at the moment.
Lip-gloss is standard issue for me, L'Oreal Paris Glam Shine 6-Hour is particularly good and lasts forever.
Anna Jackson
Gallery manager, Gow Langsford
"Neve" wedge, $270, from Mi Piaci; Lola by Marc Jacobs, $150 for 50ml; Kate Sylvester "Marcelle" blazer, $525.
The "Neve" shoes from Mi Piaci are classic hidden wedge heels that are comfortable enough for a day at work and high enough to head straight out afterwards. Lola by Marc Jacobs is another essential for the day/night transition - the new gift pack comes with a tiny atomiser, perfectly purse or pocket-sized. Kate Sylvester's "Marcelle" black blazer is a simple and chic jacket that's versatile enough for work meetings and functions; but also interesting enough for casual nights with friends or frocking up.
Stockists:
Carlson (09) 361 2137, DFS Galleria 0800 388 937, Kate Sylvester (09) 307 3282, Lucy & The Powder Room (09) 488 0585, Mei Mei (09) 376 0201, Mi Piaci (09) 520 6559, Minnie Cooper (09) 376 3058,
, Partridge Jewellers (09) 309 8925,
, Simon James Design Concept Store (09) 489 6955, Trelise Cooper (09) 366 1962, Workshop (09) 361 3727.
'It feels precious – that’s what it feels like.'