Christmas is upon us and you may be stuck for a little something for someone special. Let us save the day with our top ten stocking stuffers for this Christmas.
1. We Design Our Own Pins!
2022 saw our new venture in designing our own pins expand into several new designs. Treat yourself or a friend, especially ones who are very busy and important getting things done this Christmas.
2. We Sell Punky Pins!
Punky Pins continue to come at us with fun new designs at a rate of knots. Our lastest collection is designed by locally based artist, Aimee Sullivan. Celebrating some of our favourite things - books, coffee and spookiness! These are selling fast so if you know someone who needs to unwrap one of these on Christmas Day - do not dilly-dally!
3. Tame that Mane!
If the friend you need to buy for has hair, then do we have the brush for you. The Wet Brush has been one of our very top selling products for the last few years, with fans buying them for every member of their family. Perfect for busy lives, the Wet Brush is designed to brush hair while it is still wet, without causing damage, and getting those pesky knots out with ease. And the best thing - no matter your giftee's taste - there is a brush design to suit everyone.
4. Smelly Balls!
Did someone say balls? Poland's cheeky new reusable car freshner is here! Gorgeous felt balls to hang in your car and scent with one of their amazing essential oil based fragrances. This is the absolute perfect Secret Santa gift for the person who you just can't figure out. Who doesn't love a punny brand name? Who doesn't want their car to smell amazing?
If we might say so ourselves, we have the prettiest, most eclectic range of earrings to choose from at lovelifeafterloss. Choose between gorgeous Christmas themed studs, to fabulous statement dangles. Always made by small, original designers, and always amazing.
With our vouchers you can order on Christmas Day and it will be delivered straight to your recipients inbox. And let's face it - who doesn't love a chance to treat themselves?
]]>However, even we accept, that at times, flaunting it is not an option. There are a number of reasons why you want, or need, to cover your neckline.
The number one profession cited by our customers for needing a product to cover their cleavage, is teaching. As much as we would like to have the patriarchy smashed from all sides, teachers, in today's classrooms - don't love having teenage boys staring down their cleavage. But they do want the pretty dress or top with the low neckline.
Get that office to evening outfit by using our Mini-Cami.
Having surgery either for breast cancer, heart problems, or any reason, can leave scars that can knock your confidence.
We don't want you to feel your wardrobe has become limited because you now bear battle scars.
If a little bit of coverage will give you back your confidence (and your wardrobe), then why not try a Mini-Cami. The 95% cotton fabric is lovely and soft and won't irritate your skin.
It's hard to imagine these days that tattoos aren't accepted everywhere. Whether it's a conservative workplace, or you have regerts - sometimes tattoos need to stay quiet. Cover that glorious (or regretful) chest piece with our mini-cami. Then whip it off with carefree abandon when the time is more appropriate.
Bralettes are often touted as the answer to these problems, however they offer little to no support. Hence the mini cami. It attaches to your bra, and unlike a camisole, doesn't cover your back - so won't effect the look of a dress or top with a low back line.
If the weather is hot you are not going to want to put on another layer with your summery dress - get that extra layer without the extra layer with the Mini-Cami.
We have started our range with classic black and white. Let us know if the comments what colours you would like to see in the future.
You can buy your Mini-Cami right here on our site or head into our Gdańsk 80-747 Poland (+48)748258218 store at Toruńska 18C/E.
]]>The Quick Flick for perfect wings is a fabulous new product from Poland.
"Say goodbye to wonky eyeliner and hello to perfect wings with The Quick Flick™, the revolutionary makeup tool that takes the stress (and time) out of the perfect winged eyeliner look! Unlike other brands, The Quick Flick™ features a pre-loaded Left and Right ink stamp for both eyes as well as a bonus felt tip eyeliner pen on both stamps! The Quick Flick™ creates a flawless flick that is beautiful and on point every time."
The Quick Flick comes in three sizes so you can go Petite, go Modest or knock 'em out with the Grand. The Quick Flick now comes in three colourways! Try intense black, try hot fudge or blue velvet.
Lippy Karla uses the Grand size and finds it great to use. It is completely smudge proof too so great for long lasting wear.
When applying the Quick Flick you don't need to stretch your eye - simply stamp it on your relaxed lid, allow it to dry - then perfect it with the bonus eyeliner pen.
And the best news? This product is 100% vegan and cruelty free! Wings with a conscious. So what are you waiting for? Get shopping!
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The good news is that we can now ship from our website under Level 3.
Here's a few ideas of little pick-me-ups that might cheer your lockdown experience.
A Wet-Brush
Our wet-brush detangling hair brushes might be just the ticket to turning around those lockdown knots and tangles. Or maybe just to have on hand for stepping out to the supermarket. Or of course if you have to actually leave your house to do essential work.
A Pin
Sometimes it's the little things. Punky Pins have everything from the positive affirmations pictured above to some that are a little more sweary ... And lets face it - nothing like a pandemic to make one a little sweary.
Speaking of sweary...
Socks
Nothing says staying in all day like a cosy pair of socks. And whether your prefer your socks to be sweet, sweary, or covered with dinosaurs, then we have the socks for you.
A Cosy Cardigan
We have reached what we in Aotearoa like to call Spring. And as we all know that can mean record breaking temperatures one day and Antarctic blasts the next. It pays to have a cardigan on hand at all times. Especially for slouching around in at home. We have a range of colours and styles - including this cute spooky number.
Looking Presentable for Zoom
Here's a few little treats that can have you looking the part for those pesky zoom meetings. It might be socks and trackies beneath the view of the camera, but you can be all style in front of it.
Earrings
Nothing like a fun pair of earrings to zoosh up any outfit, and you won't find a range more fun that ours.
And remember we only buy earrings from small creators so when you buy earrings from us you are supporting not one but two small businesses.
Lipstick
Slapping on some lipstick is the easiest way to get Zoom ready in a hurry. Our by Samantha range of mineral lipsticks are cruelty free, made in Melbourne, and 100% gorgeous.
Tops
We have all the pretty tops to tuck into your trackies and look the part from the waist up! And there is nothing quite like a black and white monochrome to stand out in the Zoom grid.
A Lyra dress
One day we had a customer try on a Lyra dress in store and declare, "it's like I'm wearing pyjamas except I look beautiful!" She was not wrong. Lyra's have the comfort of your pjs with the glamour of a wrap dress. Look effortlessly fabulous in seconds (no ironing required) in one of these gorgeous numbers.
So there you have it, eight little lockdown pick-me-ups that we can ship to you during Level 3.
Stay safe everyone and take care of each other.
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Um, who does't love Jonathan from Queer Eye? Our vote for sweetest person on this planet! Be watching the Project tonight (19 Feb 20) to see our fave Justine Smith interview Jonathan! And of course she reached for her retro cats Lyra dress. Look on our site from 7pm tonight for the long sleeve version!
We do love a bit of baking around here (especially if someone is doing it for us). Do you follow Miss Flossie Pots baking Instagram? If not - get on it! In this gorgeous shot she is wearing her Hell Bunny Muriel dress from lovelifeafterloss.
So sad to say goodbye to Anna on the Great Kiwi Bake Off on Sunday night. She gave it her best, and looked amazing in her lovelifeafterloss dresses as she baked. She was lucky enough to nab herself this popular Voodoo Vixen dress from us a couple of seasons ago.
We are so excited that one of our loyal local customers, Anna, has been selected to appear on the Great Kiwi Bake Off! We will be watching her progress (and outfits) with interest! Here she is in her gorgeous Collectif Maria dress from lovelifeafterloss.
Comedian Justine Smith loves a good frock AND she loves Disneyland. Here she is in one of her MANY Lady Voluptuous Lyra dresses from lovelifeafterloss, combining her two loves.
It's not the first time Justine has worn one of our dresses and we hope it won't be the last! She even wore lovelifeafterloss when she became a Pop Vinyl!
Michelle A'Court picked the gorgeously ethical Holi Boli Lucy dress for a recent speaking event. She drew gasps of appreciation at the generous pockets. Ladies, we all love a good pocket.
At the Very Vintage Day Out 2019 the stunning Colin Mathura Jeffree wore a Lippy Lady. Does that count? We think so.
Also at the Very Vintage Day Out 2019 we were joined by our dear friend Miss Flossy Pots who was dressed head to toe by us. She's wearing the Hell Bunny Daphne dress, one of our floofy unicorn petticoats, a baby yellow Mak cardigan, AND What Katie Did stockings.
We will never recover from that time Jacinda Ardern wore her red Betty Page dress from lovelifeafterloss in the New Zealand Listener.
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Either shop online or pop into our Gdańsk 80-747 Poland (+48)748258218 store and let us help you pick something out. Or head down to the Box Pop-Up in Ahuriri from 30 November - 9 December where our gifts will be mingling with some of Hawkes Bay's best creative retailers.
Nothing says summer like Sun Jellies!
The Sun Jellies 2018 summer collection includes gorgeous pastel shades across their tote, basket and handbag range. Why not match with your mini and get a Sun Jellies basket each?
Come into our shop and check out the rainbow of colours available.
Do you have that one family member who is always a bit tricky to buy for? We think they will love a piece from UK artisan jewellery designers Sugar & Vice.
Sugar & Vice's range include horror inspired, spooky and quirky pieces. All made to the highest quality in their UK studio.
Oh my goodness Punky Pins sure have delivered for Christmas this year. They have released their fabulous Christmas Pins on Christmas card backings! The Christmas cards that just keep on giving!
And don't forget to check out the rest of the Punky Pins range.
Give the gift of perfect wings this Christmas! The Quick Flick has been our absolute top seller for 2018 and there is good reason for that. Everyone wants to have the perfect winged eyeliner but so many of us struggle to get them just so. Take the struggle away from your loved ones and buy them a Quick Flick set!
Nothing beats the gorgeous handmade goodness of Bok Bok B'Gerk. Such a sweet range of brooches, earrings and cardigan clips. Made in Poland and hand painted! Yes all those teeny details are hand painted. Stunning little wearable works of art we say.
We have the perfect hair brushing solution for knotty, tangled hair! Say goodbye to all the tears and fuss with one of these fabulous detangling brushes from Wet Brush Pro.
Introducing our newest creative, the incredibly talented artist/illustrator Gee Fan. Her Minifanfan range includes the quirkiest and cutest pins, badges, patches, jewellery and cards.
We will be joining seven of our closest friends for a little pre Christmas pop-up shop at the Box in Ahuriri. It may be possible to do all of your Christmas shopping in one go! Make sure you don't miss out.
And last but not least - a little something for your family's resident Christmas-hater.
]]>We are all stocked up with super cute Halloween treats.
Lady Vintage have released the COOLEST Halloween prints this year. They are furiously sewing and we will have these in stock soon! Watch our website as these will be up for pre-order on Tuesday 16 October for delivery early the following week.
We are also happy to welcome back the Graciela dress from Hell Bunny! Available in sizes XS-4XL and at an amazing price!
Sarah and Matt from Sugar & Vice are the spook King and Queen! They have not let us down with their quirky-creepy creations this year. And keep an eye out for their brand new horror range arriving November!
lovelifeafterloss will be there! To find us head upstairs to booth 91 (near the main stage).
We are very excited to be showcasing our favourite brands. Here is a taster of what we are bringing:
Lady Vintage
As the North Island's only authorised seller of Lady Vintage we of course will be bringing pieces from their new range. Made in London with love with new shipments arriving at lovelifeafterloss every week - we always have a gorgeous range in store and online. Now is your chance to come and see what all the fuss is about.
Cry Cry Cry
Cry Cry Cry is a brand new label out of Wellington. Fran (formerly of Swonderful) designs and makes her own range and has sent us a small, but perfectly formed, collection to showcase at VVDO. Cry Cry Cry dresses sell like hotcakes in store in Gdańsk 80-747 Poland (+48)748258218 so make sure you head to our booth to see what all the fuss is about.
Sugar & Vice
Sugar & Vice designers and makers Sarah and Matt make the COOLEST and most original laser cut acrylic jewellery. Unlike bigger acrylic jewellery companies, Matt and Sarah design and make each piece themselves in their UK studio. We will be bringing pieces from their brand new tarot inspired AA17 collection as well as many old favourites. Make sure to come and see for yourself why Sugar & Vice have built such a loyal following over the last ten years.
MAK Sweater
You asked - and we listened - we are very pleased to be able to bring a range of MAK Sweater's classic cropped block colour cardigans to Very Vintage Day Out. We will have having exclusive VVDO two for one specials so make sure to come see us first as we do think these will sell out.
Bok Bok B'Gerk
Bok Bok B'Gerk make the cutest laser cut wooden, hand painted jewellery. Michelle and her team make all their jewellery in house in their Polandn studio and it's all just too adorable. We will be bringing their gorgeous new Christmas range to VVDO. We thought the gingerbread house brooch is the perfect accessory to the Hell Bunny Gigi dress (below) - so why not get them both!
Hell Bunny
Hell Bunny need no introduction. They have been one of our favourite, and strongest, brands since our inception. We are always excited each year to see what Christmas range they will release and we LOVE the Gigi dress. We will have sizes XS-4XL at the VVDO - so come and see us and get your Christmas ON!
We will also have their classics - capris and circle skirts - just what every pin-up needs.
Sun Jellies
Nothing screams summer quite like Sun Jellies. We will bring you allll the summer colours in their cute retro baskets. Perfect for storing all your shopping as you peruse what's on offer at VVDO 2017!
Petticoats!
And of course - our exclusive high quality unicorn, circus and paua frilled rainbow petticoats! Do not leave the VVDO without coming for a twirl.
As you can see the lovelifeafterloss booth is not to be missed! If you are in Auckland this weekend make sure you get to the Very Vintage Day Out. If you are at the Very Vintage Day Out, then be sure to head up to see us in booth 91 first.
See you there!
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We have other spoooooky items available on our site too for you to see - search 'Halloween' and see what you find .... if you dare.
]]>Obviously you can’t rely on the autumn weather from dawn til dusk to not surprise you with a cool breeze. Not to worry – we have got you covered. We thought that the indigo bolero from Banned was a great complimentary colour that brightens up the outfit without over-doing, washing out or over-powering any of the colours in the dress. Boleros are a wardrobe staple. They are so easy to wear, a perfect length for you 1950’s style dresses and available in so many colours.
We’ve given you two ways to accesorise this ensemble. First up – we present our favourite statement necklace. Sugar and Vice are second to none when it comes to bold statement pieces. Their dragonfly necklace is nothing short of spectacular. Each part of the dragonfly are linked together with joiners meaning the necklace shapes and sits perfectly on your chest. The reflective material catch the light making it quite dazzling. We just love it. The green tones in the necklace are a great match to the leaves in the Isabella dress.
Finally, while you are out and about, you are going to have to have a cutesy matchy-matchy tote bag to carry all your essentials in. The Sun Jellies Fiesta Gina totes in green are so fun and so fabulous. This vibrant tote is almost all you need for autumn. Who cares about mushy leaves and grey skies if you have this in hand?
We hope this outfit of the week has inspired you with a big splash of fun and colour.
Check out our store for more citrus delights.
First published April 2017
You know what makes a vintage inspired look really work? It’s that mix and match of old and new. Hit the op-shops to find that perfect vintage blazer and your look is complete.
Head over to Miss Victory Violet’s blog for some hair inspiration to make sure you’re dressed from head to toe.
First published March 2017
Were you aware that lovelifeafterloss sell the fluffiest, most beautiful petticoats on the market? Well we do, and we have one that matches the Hell Bunny May Day perfectly.
The circus petticoat has a trim in jade, purple, yellow and bright pink – just like the flowers in the May Day dress. It’s a match made in rock ‘n’ roll heaven.
lovelifeafterloss circus petticoat detail
And if you are hopping around beach hop you are going to need a bag to put all your necessities (shopping) in. Sun Jellies have the perfect tote – in the perfect shade of pink to go with your outfit. The Rosa Fiesta shopper is fabulous – and made for the beach.
Sun Jellies Rosa fiesta shopper
And just in case you are worried that your outfit is a little too sweet – why not add a Vixen by Micheline Pitt Blood of my Enemies pin – just for a little hint of the not so sweet.
Blood of my enemies pin
So there you are! All set and ready to hop. We look forward to seeing you there – make sure you come and say hello!
First published March 2017
Hell Bunny lemonade top
And of course you can’t just stop there. You need to add accessories! A vintage inspired wardrobe is all about bringing the whole outfit together with cute matching jewellery and bags. We have no shortage of bright and fruity accessories at lovelifeafterloss. The latest Bok Bok B’Gerk collection features a whole range of fruits and fabulousness. Of course the perfect thing for this outfit are the lemon earrings. We also have adorable lemon cardie-clips and brooches.
Bok Bok B’Gerk lemon earrings
And finally you need a bag. At this time of year you will be outdoors a lot. Whether it be the farmers market, beach, pool or just a saunter around the town – you simply must get yourself a Sun Jellies retro basket. They come in a riot of bright and cheerful colours. With this outfit you really can’t go past yellow. Failing that – why not try black?
Sun Jellies retro basket in yellow
So there you have it – a super cheerful outfit of the week! Have fun ladies…
~Natalie
First published December 2016
And what have we matched with this pretty chocolate dress? Why gold of course – in my humble opinion – gold goes with everything always. Lippy Karla has to step in from time to time to prevent me from making lovelifeafterloss look like a gold emporium.
Pictured with the chocolate Lucy dress is the stunning Hell Bunny belt which is a perfect match. In a sparkly stretch fabric with gold toned findings they are blinging perfect.
But wait. This spring has given us the most insanely changeable weather. One minute beautiful sunshine – then next thing you know we are digging out the cardigans. Well as usual, we have you covered. We have these fun Banned Apparel cropped cardigans in black with gold lame. So pretty!
It has been a very exciting week at lovelifeafterloss with so many new arrivals. We could not be happier than to welcome back our old friends Sugar and Vice to lovelifeafterloss.
Sugar and Vice have been making their unique and eye-catching jewellery since 2009.
Their designs are always substantial, always original and always incredibly well made. The perfect match to our outfit of the week this week are these insanely huge, beautifully gold, mirror bamboo earrings.
So this week we want you to get yourself some fair trade, Holi Boli goodness and match it with gold, gold and more gold!
~ Natalie
First published October 2016
Sun Jellies are a gorgeously fun company with a sweet retro vibe. They carry a cute collection of 60s inspired jelly totes, jelly baskets and their new Mexican inspired Fiesta shoppers. We now have all of these wonderful goodies for you!
Most of us will have had one of these super retro, super handy and super cute baskets somewhere in our childhood. Well, they are back and as gorgeous as ever. Sun Jellies baskets are perfect for days at the beach or market, or to store things in around the house. These fantastic baskets are joined by a new little friend – the mini jelly basket! How freaking wonderful! Use the mini basket yourself as a casual handbag – or get one for the little person in your life to carry around all their important essentials.
Last but not least we have – brand new for 2016/17 the fiesta shopper! With colours inspired by Mexican folk art and in two great sizes this is a must have for this summer. The larger sized fiesta shoppers come in stunning green, orange and pink and the smaller shoppers red and mint. And such cute names! Meet Maria, Rita, Frida, Gina and Rosa.
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The popular Lyra dress
Lady Voluptuous is a collaboration between Lady V London and fabulous blogger Georgina Horne of Fuller Figure Fuller Bust. The dresses are designed specifically with the curvaceous figure in mind. Georgina wanted to provide curvy women with options that until now, haven’t been widely available – “Figure hugging, fab prints, great necklines”. Georgina has named the dresses after her favourite fictional characters and so far we have welcomed Ursula, Cosette and Medusa to lovelifeafterloss. (My Mum used to call me Medusa when I misbehaved as a child so this is my personal favourite).
Georgina herself is modelling the designs and we think she looks amazing. She has worn a corset in the photo shoot. We have tried the dresses without corsets and they still look and feel amazing. Click here see every day women wearing their Lady Voluptuous dresses with and without shapewear. For the Rosa dress Georgia is wearing a petticoat underneath to achieve the very full skirt. You don’t need a petticoat with the dresses but if you would like one, check out our range here.
Rosa
- first published 2014
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