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Its that time of the year where all your woollies make their way out of the back of the closet and start making there way closer to the front door for an easy grab on the way out the door.  If you find that you have headed to the back of your closet hoping to find something snazzy, lovely and snug only to find mothball ridden items then take a gander and the winter warmers MFP has in store.

First up is the lovely Californian/NZ designer Arielle Mermin.  Always delighting us with her eclectic designs that are super easy to wear, these warmer garments are just as fabulous.  Team the Weekender Dress [$229] with tights and boots and you're good to go.  This lil grey number will also take you through the Spring months being warm yet breathable cotton sweat-shirting.  If you have a hankering for warmth and sparkle then the Space Jumper [$245] is just the ticket.  Ribbed thick cotton to keep you toasty and more space glam than David Bowie could handle!

Arielle's super stripe cotton Desert Poncho [$245] is a real winner if you are looking for a garment to chuck on, look good but feel like you could be at home in you PJs!  Now all us lassies need a solid merino cardi to reach for.  Belle & Beau designer Claire Shewan has designed just that thank goodness!  The Willow Cardigan [$229] is New Zealand made and certified organic NZ merino so you will be snug as a bug with only the goodness of the merino sheep keeping you toasty. 

High Noon Tea designer Sheryl White has mixed the perfect amount of warmth and subtle gold glam for her winter cover ups.  The Frenchie Capelet [$165] is a lovely cape that can be thrown on over a dress for an evening out.  Teamed with jeans or slacks the Abby Jumper [$175] is a little bit casual and a little bit fabulous!

If you are looking for a mega warm coat to keep winters chilly tendrils at bay, Silence Was just the one for you.  The Heroine Coat [$455] is fully lined, has 2 large pockets for hands and great fabric we have dubbed 'glamo' (Camo/Glam).  A little bit lighter but still packs a warm punch around the kidneys where its needed is the Dark Knight Jumper [$249] with a neat sheer chiffon shoulder and warm cotton knit body.

Stay warm and visit soon!

xoxclaire

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It may still feel like Summer here in Wellington but that wont stop out Autumn/Winter stock from rocking in through the doors.

Check out the gorgeous pieces first in MFP's doors!

Clockwise from top left: Carrie Dress.  Metro Dress.  July Dress.  Bushwick Pants.

Left to right: Wine Stain Dress. White Teen Teeth Dress. 

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I was hoping for a little bit more build up for this announcement, but hey, you guys get to get your hands on these beauties even sooner! We got in just a few of these lovely bags, so be super super quick if you want one wrapped around your body now. The new blue is just stunning, check them all out and the rest of our Status Anxiety collection by clicking HERE.

Friday's Clothing Pick of The Week is this comfy, pretty, warm little number from Celine Rita. Throw on the Bella Sweater with some skinnies, black boots and a chunky necklace. Or wear it over a pretty little party dress to keep you warm at your weekend drinks. The hot pink specks make this jumper a little more dressy than your average throw over, so make sure she's seen worn loud and proud!

Going to a pot luck? Feel like baking something scrumptious but also, kinda, healthy? You should check out the Petite Kitchen Blog. Such amazing, nutritious and delicious recipes; be careful not to get caught drooling on the keyboard. We have a bunch of the Petite Kitchen Winter Journals here at Madame Fancy Pants, and we're loving them, so make sure you get a copy of one of these limited prints if you love the look of Eleanor's blog!

In other Madame Fancy Pants news, we are looking for a lovely lady to fill the place of one of our girls (me!) who's going away overseas for a little bit. Dates are: 16 September - 31 October. 4 days a week (Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri) 11-5 and 11-6 on Fridays. If this sounds like you, and you've got brilliant fashion retail and/or customer service experience, then get in touch with Claire at claire@madamefancypants.com

Happy Friday everyone! Enjoy your weekend! 

xox Anneke xox

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Hello out there! Hope you're all wrapped up warm on this blustery day.

Today we'll be sharing some of the new clothes we have gracing our racks and giving you a sneak peak of some soon to come goodies; so, snuggle up, grab a cup of tea and have a leisurely look.  

Ball season is fast approaching, as are those mid-Winter parties. What better way to stand out from the crowd than with a bright, fancy frock? We have some gorgeous bright Celine Rita dresses that will be perfect for bringing a little cheer to this chilly weather. In classic shapes and candy colours, these frocks will be sure to make you look stunning and feel beautiful.

(These dresses, and more of Celine Rita, can be found HERE)

Check out that hot pink lace! Babing. 

You might have seen or heard that we once again have a cabinet full of Status Anxiety wallets and a shelf stacked with their super cool bags. We love Status Anxiety, as do many of you, and in the next couple of weeks we'll be getting in some new friends to add to our collection; two smaller bags that will be perfect for slinging over your shoulder night and day, and the much talked about 'One Passing Moment' bag - made out of gloriously soft New Zealand lambs leather. Have a look, get excited, we'll let you all know when you can get your hands on them through our Facebook page; keep an eye on it, you don't want to miss out! 

Drum roll please...

Did somebody say "Hey, 'I See You Baby', you classy, hip, cute, Italian Leather bag"? I thought so. With handy internal pockets and an external pocket for easy access to your most used items, this baby is perfectly pretty and practical.

Looking for a bigger bag to throw your kitchen sink into? Look no further..

The much talked 'One Passing Moment' is made of super soft New Zealand lamb leather, has a bunch of smart pockets and is lined in a statement black and white striped cotton. Super cute and can fit your whole world into it. What more could you want?

If those two aren't tickling your fancy, perhaps you're more of a classic kinda gal. This little bag might do the trick.

Could you really say no 'This Old Love' with it's super sweet deco detailing and simple design? Didn't think so.

If that wasn't too much of a Status Anxiety overload, you'll be excited to hear that we'll be getting the incredibly popular 'Some Secret Place' bag in a bubbly blue hue. Now that really will brighten up your day!

Wow. That's a lot of very pretty things to drool over! Hope you enjoyed that cup of tea and your leisurely look. Stay tuned for more news on what's going on here at Madame Fancy Pants; next blog post coming to you on Friday.

Happy Wednesday!

Anneke xoxox

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Hey, hey, hey!! Wanna get a little something to pamper yourself and bring some bathtime cheer to these chilly winter days? Or get something for someone special to pamper them for being so special? Well, get some half priced luxury goodies from MOR's Marshmallow Range; you've only got two days so be super quick! Pop in to see us on Thursday or Friday, or use the discount code MARSH50 online and get a little present delivered straight to your door. Awesome.

Enjoy xxx

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We are very excited to introduce this beautiful recipe journal to you all; say hello to Petite Kitchen! This stunning little journal, crammed with recipes and packed full of the most drool-worthy photography, will be a welcome addition to any home. Be sure to get one into your kitchen quick to start cooking delicious, simple and good for you food!  

Petite Kitchen is written by Eleanor Ozich, author of the food blog of the same name. Eleanor started developing simple, natural recipes to help nourish her young daughter who had developed seemingly incurable eczema. After a visit to a Naturopath who suggested a radical change in diet, Eleanor started a new approach to cooking which has since magicked away her daughter's eczema and improved her whole family's health! You can read more about Eleanor's inspiring story on her blog; which, like the journal, is full of wonderful recipes and is definitely a must read.

The recipes from Petite Kitchen aren't just healthy and nourishing, they taste wonderful and look amazing too. Here's a sneak peak from this season's issue:

Um, yuuuuum! I want to eat them all. Thanks Petite Kitchen for the drool-worth images!

Hope ya'll are keeping warm and dry and the snow isn't impacting too much on those of you down South. Be sure to find a snuggle buddy, a hot water bottle and a big quilt! For those of you in Welly, banish those Winter chills with a big dance at tonight's Beyonce Tribute Show at Mighty. We'll see you there!

Happy Friday!!!

xoxo Anneke xoxo

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It's Friday! Yay! To celebrate the weekend we have some style inspiration for you in the form of our second edition of Ways To Wear, where you'll find two different outfits formed around a key piece, all from our lovely store.

Today's edition features this stunning, sheer, silk Broken English Top by Arielle Mermin. A classic style but with a standout pattern; a pretty orange, tan, navy and jewel green paisley.

Now you've seen the blouse in all her glory, here's look one:

(1. Zelda Skirt, 2. St Louis Cape, 3. Destructive Romance Bag, 4. Through The Splinters Necklace)

This first look is your girly Friday or weekend look; cute and smart but also comfortable enough to last the day and night! Tuck the top into the bottle green skirt, keep warm with the lovely cape and give the look a little edge with the necklace and bag. Wear it out for brunch in the morning, an afternoon stroll through town and then drinks with the girls in the evening, and ,if you're feeling up to it, maybe go dancing afterwards. Try wearing this look with some black ankle boots and sheer black tights in Winter or some chunky tan wedges on a warmer day. You'll be turning heads all day! 

(1. Ada Pant, 2. Walnut Heart Necklace, 3. House Coat in Naval, 4. Vane Bag)

Look two is a classic, workday look. Warm, comfortable and smart black pants, a singlet tucked in with the top thrown over, a sweet little necklace around your neck, a beautiful navy wool coat wrapped around your shoulders and this soft, leather bag slung over you. You'll be looking professional, feeling beautiful and up to facing a day at work! 

Hope this has provided some inspiration as to how to wear the lovely Broken English Top! If you've seen some pieces you like then remember we have 20% off storewide until next Wednesday 12th June (excluding Orania and laybys). Use the code may20 to receive this discount online!

Enjoy your weekend, may this crisp sunny weather ever continue!

Anneke xoxo

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Brighten up those dark, drab Winter days with a pretty, jewel toned wardrobe! Here are six of our favourite bright pieces from our closet here at Madame Fancy Pants. Have a peek, mix and match and pick out your favourite colourful piece to brighten up your day!

1) Wrap up warm in this deep plum Margot Cape by Alice Nightingale, $195 

2) Show off your legs by wearing some mustard tights beneath this 60s inspired, soft green Chrissie Dress by Arielle Mermin, $380

3) Dazzle in this flaming red Kadinsky Dress by Highnoontea, $259

4) Put on your dancing shoes with this electric blue Oskar Dress by Highnoontea, $289

5) Take a Winter stroll through the park in this bottle green velveteen Zelda Skirt by Alice Nightingale, $150

6) Have tea and cake in this stunning mustard Amanda Jones Dress by Arielle Mermin, $320

Hope this little mood board inspires you to try a new colour and brighten up the inevitable Winter sea of grey and black!

xoMFPxo 

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Winter is (kinda) here! Let’s celebrate the glories of this crisp, chilly weather with a blog post all about the best bits of Winter; clothes, food and wintery things to do.

Winter clothes! We have a wonderful range of winter clothes here at Madame Fancy Pants. Highnoontea, Miss Sparrow, Arielle Mermin and Book of Deer are currently gracing our racks. Such stunning collections, you have to check them out! Plus we have COATS. I think coats are the best part of winter, but finding The One can be a bit of a chore. You need a coat that you can throw over your snuggly jumpers, one that will go with everything and one that isn’t black. Lucky we have two perfect coats and one little rain cape to make finding The One a lot easier. Have a peek at this classic navy coat and little red rain cape from Highnoontea.

And how about this stunning wool cape from Miss Sparrow?

Winter food and drinks; the comfort, the cuddling up in bed with a mug of homemade hot chocolate, the “using baking as a way to keep warm” trick.

Hot Chocolate is my guilty pleasure in winter, especially with a massive dollop of cloud like cream. Everyone likes hot chocolate, so why not keep things interesting and try out some creative flavours like Red Velvet and Salted Caramel? I created a wonderful, easy hot chocolate recipe for a midnight feast after dancing my night away to the sweet tunes of John The Baptist one chilly Friday night (JTB are a great wintery band, plenty of foot stomping dancing to be had), here it is; take one cup of milk and heat on the stove with about two to four rows of milk chocolate (I used Dairy Milk, but Whittaker’s Creamy Milk would make for a richer, smoother drink; I’d probably use less chocolate, more to nibble on!) add a drop or two of vanilla essence and a sprinkling of cinnamon, remember to keep stirring! Pour into your favourite mug and snuggle up in bed with your favourite book.

Can’t wait to try out some warm, snuggly cocktails from A Beautiful Mess! Love me a mug of mulled wine, but warm spiked cider sounds perfect for warding off the chills too.

We just got a new fridge here at MFP so we ladies can bring in some lovely soup to warm us up on those bitter, cold days. Soup is such a fantastic winter lunch, easy to take to work and usually healthy too! Check out 101Cookbooks post ‘Soups Worth Making’ for an eclectic and delicious mix of soup recipes. Really want the Pumpkin and Rice Soup in my belly right now!

If soup isn’t your jam, and you really want to delve into a bowl of cheesy, classic comfort food with a twist check out '30 Mac and Cheese Recipes' from The Food In My Beard. I know. My jaw dropped too.

What to do in Winter? Don't feel as if all there is to do is curl up in bed and watch movies from your laptop (although that isn't such a bad idea!). Wellington is full of lovely things to do, and you can always get a little creative when you're stuck indoors for the day! 

+ With the end of the water ban we can finally get our skates on and try out the ice rink on the waterfront! Outdoors + exercise= good vibes. So excited for this one! See here for the daily sessions they run. 

+ Need something to keep little ones occupied and you inspired? Be sure to check out the Wellington Makertorium on April 27^th at Te Papa if you’re a crafter/creator/inventor/tinkerer/thinker. A one of a kind massive exhibition featuring all kinds of brilliantly creative and inventive bits and bobs, as well as workshops for those mini-makers! 

+ Like music? Go to a gig. Dancing is sure to keep the spirits high, check out Brockaflowersaurus-rex at Bodega on May 11^th. Their eclectic mix of hip hop, funk and soul will have you tapping your feet for sure. Preview their music and get warmed up before you go by listening to their EP online. 

+ Don’t want to venture outdoors? If you’re a crafty type an Embroidery Transfer and some Floss from Sublime Stitching will keep your fingers occupied and the boredom at bay as you sew by the fire, or whip up a cute little animal from Sarah Young to decorate your sofa this Winter; the fox and the hare are particularly well suited to the chilly months.

So there it is! A whole bunch of wintery goodness to keep you entertained, stylish and full this winter! Stay tuned for gift ideas for Mum this Mother’s Day and a Winter Style Special.

Thanks for reading!

Anneke xoxo

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