THE DOWN LOWE PHOTO

Anonymous asked: Hi Katherine, love your blog and style. I'm hoping for a little advice. I start teachers' college shortly and I'd like to be prepared wardrobe wise. I'd like to look professional but not like I'm trying too hard or that I'm dressing too old for my age. I live in chch if that helps, I'd appreciate any tips on what/wear to buy. Thank you!

Hello! Thanks! 

If you’re in New Zealand I’m going to say that most people dress quite casually at teachers’ college - I know this because I’ve lived near one for many years and I see everyone going there. 

Despite that, I’m glad you want to dress up a bit! It’s refreshing. I’m going to assume you’re a girl. Let me know if you’re not. I think blouses and shirts are a good way to go. That and pencil skirts. And if you can find a pair, some ankle length wool suit pants or similar in navy or charcoal or beige or pretty much anything would be amazing. Wear them with flats. 

Basically, I’d just try to not look scruffy. Make sure things are clean and ironed and that your hair is tidy and your shirt is tucked in properly (if it’s supposed to be tucked in) and if you’re wearing jeans, that there’s no rips in them. 

GOOD LUCK!

Anonymous asked: firstly, you're fucking amazing. I'd love to meet a girl who had a sense of self/style anywhere near yours; however, if I did, she probably would not be very impressed with my appearance. How do I dapper???? Like I don't even know where to start.

Firstly, thank you. You’re incredibly kind. We should be friends in real life.

Secondly, I say wear things you like! Don’t dress for anyone else, dress for YOU. It’s hard to say how you should up your dressing game without seeing how you actually dress, but maybe start with the basics (if you haven’t already) - good plain white tees, crew and v neck sweaters, plain blue/white button down oxfords, chinos, vans/chucks, maybe one of those fisherman’s beanies I blogged about last week…

Alternatively, you could just take me with you when you go shopping.

Anonymous asked: As a seventeen year old girl in Auckland I am finding it hard to shop.. Do you think saving up for investment pieces is better than often buying from chain-stores? I'm not rich but still have something but all my peers seem to be buying constantly from Ruby/ Superette/Karen Walker haha and I could never do that. Ideas/comments/advice?

Anonymous asked: thoughts on Glassons?

I haven’t been in for a while but I think it’s gotten a lot better than it was when I shopped there in high school. More on trend. I bought some socks from there about 4 months ago, they’re pretty sweet. 

Anonymous asked: What do you know about the NZ model Anmari Botha?

A few things. I know she did the Givenchy presentation and two other couture shows. What do you want to know?

annylaughs asked: When wearing sheer clothes/any clothes where underwear is visible, should girls be wearing A: black bras, B: singlets/slips C: it doesn't really matter? Your thoughts would be appreciated. Also, where in NZ sells the best slips?

I think it depends on the clothing and how comfortable you feel about it. I’ll wear a black bra under a semi-sheer black shirt, for instance, but if it’s really, really sheer I’ll wear a cami. If it’s on the bottom half, definitely a slip or some sort of bike shorts deal. Try Smith & Caughey’s or Farmers or something like that for slips?

Anonymous asked: I need help with inspiration on what to wear to a wedding! For a girl.

I haven’t been to too many weddings but I do have one thing to say: don’t spend a fortune on something you’re never going to wear again. You’ll regret it like you would not believe. Trust me. 

le-one asked: you're photography is keen, keep it up. :)

I’m going to assume keen is a positive thing. Thank you and I will. 

justincu asked: I LOVE YOUR TUMBLR AND PHOTOS! SO INSPIRING:D

THANKS. YOU’RE KIND.

Anonymous asked: Hi Katherine. I know you're kind of over the non-fashion related q's but I was wondering if you could make an exception... My best friend (male) has just told me that he has feelings for me. I'm not sure how to deal with this and I don't know if I should talk to our other friends about it and most importantly I'm really unsure of how I feel myself. I am worried about doing anything incase I ruin the friendship we have. HELP

Hi there. You know what? I like all my questions, even if they’re hater questions. 

Regarding your dilemma - I can understand being unsure, but I think if you have reciprocal feelings for him, deep down you know you do. And you probably do, because if you didn’t you wouldn’t have this problem and you wouldn’t be asking me for advice, you’d have already told him it’s not going to happen.

It’s risky to cross the friendship line, but then if you never took risks you’d never get anywhere. 

In saying that, the majority of relationships don’t last so you’ve got to be prepared to lose him forever.

Finally, one thing to consider - has the friendship been compromised now that he’s told you this? If you end up not pursuing a romantic relationship with him, will it be weird and awkward for him to continue being friends with you?