spring fashion special!

Welcome to clipboard, a weekly newsletter about Tāmaki Makaurau and culture by me, Reilly Hodson. You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram. This week: spring is definitely here, so it’s wall to wall spring fashion recommendations.

spring fits!

It’s Labour Weekend, which means that once you’ve planted your tomatoes it’s time to consider your spring/summer wardrobe. The clouds are burning off, it’s not an entirely ridiculous suggestion to go for a swim, so your cuffed beanie and work pants aren’t going to cut it anymore. This warm season is the beginning of my wardrobe’s transition from uni-student-barista to young-professional-type-grown-person, so I thought I’d share the cornerstone pieces of clipboard in the sun.

tops

During summer, my extensive collection of merchandise t shirts can occasionally make me look like a high school student, due to my youthful face and short shorts (more on that later), so I’ve been extending my top options to be a bit more… grown up. For me, that means *gasp* shirts with collars, something which I haven’t been super comfortable with in the past.

My first collared shirt purchase was a pair of these camp collar linen joints from Assembly label, one in white and one in navy. They’re extremely comfortable, versatile shirts, though the white one is quite sheer, so be aware of that (and I got chocolate on it immediately after putting it on for the first time, so be careful). It’s a style of shirt that isn’t overly dressy, so a great option for anyone else that feels trapped in a button down.

After that, I went to the newly reopened Waves Vintage (more below) and picked up a great vintage business shirt with a chunky blue stripe, and a missing bottom button. Helen finds great vintage pieces, and I’d recommend perusing her store to pick up something that literally no one else would have. This particular shirt is great paired with some shorts for an off-duty banker type vibe, or worn open at the beach. Another great pick up at Waves is Helen’s hemp and cotton t-shirt brand Buddy, the best blank tees you can buy, and very breathable for warmer days.

bottoms

It’s shorts season. When you need shorts, the best option is Patagonia baggies, with a 5 inch inseam. I was hoping that some stores which stock Patagonia would get in some 5 inch baggies, but so far they only seem to be available from the Patagonia website. Get them in every colour and you can wear them everywhere, including in the water.

My other favourite shorts are a since-discontinued pair of bright blue corduroy shorts from Checks Downtown, modelled on the classic Canterbury of New Zealand rugby shorts. I’d love these to get re-released in some new colours, but as far as I can tell, it’s not in the pipeline. I’ll be in these every summer until they fall apart.

If I was loaded, I’d look at buying a pair of these floral ones from Penny Sage, too.

shoes

Of course, you need Birkenstocks during summer. I hate sandals, but I hate jandals and having sweaty feet more, so Birkenstocks are a worst of three evils for me. I bought a pair of these plastic ones last summer because they’re relatively affordable and go with everything, including socks at home.

If you must wear shoes, I’ve been enjoying wearing my mono Dr Martens with shorts, as well as my New Balance 327s, which I recommended in an early clipboard Wish List. All are good options, and I’m thinking of buying a new pair of white Reebok Club Cs after destroying a pair last summer.

accessories

My sunglasses are these ones from Retro Super Future, which I bought at Knowear on Ponsonby Road but which are also stocked at Shakes on Vulcan Lane.

I’m still searching for good hats, too. I have a big head so it’s difficult to find good ones which fit. I have an eye on these retro techy ones Checks has been teasing, as well as their corduroy options (I like the blue), and I always check for good hats at vintage stores. If anyone has an inside track on a good cap, hit me up (I can’t pull off a bucket hat).

That’s what I’ll be wearing all spring and summer, hit me up with your fits and key pieces!

clips

• Waves Vintage is back! Helen Young-Loveridge curates the best selection of good vintage clothes I’ve come across. It isn’t priced like a op-shop, you’re paying for the fact that it’s all hits, no misses. Particular favourites are the excellent selection of work pants, sunglasses and shirts. There are also some brilliant one-offs from Bruno’s.

• An interesting read about homemade fashion as local brand Liam releases a collection of DIY patterns.

• New On The Rag!

• Not exactly weather appropriate at the moment, but this shaggy purple fleece from Patagonia is very sick.

• These jeans from Kowtow got a lot of interest on here a few weeks ago, they released this week and are already almost sold out (coincidence?), get in if your size is still available. I also love this jacket from their new drop.

• Father Rabbit and Six Barrel Soda teamed up for a kawakawa and lime soda syrup, which sounds delicious, and like a great pairing with gin.

• Everyday Needs has those recycled plastic basket bags that you’ve seen everywhere back in stock. Run, don’t walk.

• clipboard reader Isaac recommends the album Fields from Dev Hynes and Third Coast Percussion. It’s brilliant, relaxing instrumental music for the background of your workday or a barbecue. I might try to sneak it onto the playlist at work, watch this space.

notices

• This week marked (all going to plan) my last ever time in a classroom, which means that it’s time for me to find a real job! If you or someone you know is hiring or commissioning, and looking for someone who writes good copy, learns quickly, works hard and has 2 degrees (one with honours), get in touch!

• If you have a cool thing that you’d like to promote to the audience of clipboard, send it through and I’ll put it in!

That’s all for this long weekend’s clipboard! Follow me on Instagram and Twitter, and get in touch with questions or tips. If you enjoy reading clipboard, it would mean the world if you sent it to a cool friend. See you on Sunday!