News

It has been a little quiet on the MFP blog front the last week as - exciting news - My lovely feller Gareth popped the question on Labour day!

He had intended to use the gorgeous voice of Jill Scott to help him out during Soul Fest, but alas that was canned. So the sneaky fellow decided a tucked away Waiheke holiday bay would the perfect spot to pop pop pop that ring on a finger. You wanna know the story? of course you do! 

After a glorious day of wine tasting, sunshine and food at a variety of stunning Waiheke wineries, we headed back to our home away from home to enjoy our evening. Gareth (aka now Mister Fiancé Pants) decided it would be delightful to go for a swim - would I also like to swim? HELL NO! it looks pretty but I reckon it's just a bit on the chilly side for my precious warm water loving self. But, I will come down and read my book in the sunshine on the shore.

Mister goes into the water and flounders about for a while, comes back in, faffs about a bit then goes back in the water. He starts hollering that he has found something - TREASURE! get the water bottle, we need to clean the 'treasure'! (I thought he was going to come get me with some slimy sea creature or a crab claw)

He arrives at my side with a handful of ocean floor, seaweed and sand, I proceed to wash the sand and stones away unsure of what lay within. Then, a sparkle! a shine! a TREASURE of a ring!

You can then insert tears, giggles, lovely words that are meant for my ears only and then of course (when I remembered) a YES!

Needless to say we are both over the moon and acting like we just fell in love all over again. LOVE!

Here are some impromptu snaps my awesomely talented wedding photographer pal Sarah Mcevoy took of us on our return.

xox Claire (AKA Madame Fiancée Pants)

Ring details: Yes! That is a gorgeous Meadowlark engagement ring, did he choose it? He sure did! I had spotted it and had a magpie lust for this ring with its morganite claw set stone, surrounded in wee diamonds and rose gold. BEAUTIFUL! I am one hell'a lucky lass!

It wouldn't be a great photoshoot without a cat of course.

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This week we asked the talented Arielle to answer our Maker Monday questions.

Read on!

YOUR NAME

Arielle Mermin

BUSINESS NAME

Arielle Mermin LTD (really had a hard time with that one!)

HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN GOING?

3 years

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

Okato, Taranaki Population 641

ARE YOU A LONE WOLF OR HAVE STAFF/HELPERS?

Wolf that needs a pack!

WHAT MAKES YOUR DESIGNS SPECIAL?

I think what makes my brand special is that I am offering NZ women lifestyle clothing from a Californian perspective. The main reason I started the label is when I moved here 7 years ago, there wasn’t anything I could identify with and wear. I felt (and still do) that the Californian and Kiwi lifestyle are so similar so I created a brand that showcases what I love and sharing it with you all.

WHAT HELPS WHEN THE CREATIVE JUICE IS FEELING SLUGGISH?

It never does. My main problem is deciding what not to use… I have way too many ideas and wish I could use them all!

IS YOUR WORKSPACE A MESS/ORGANIZED MESS/SUPER TIDY OR…..?

Chaos then spotless then chaos again-  it’s a lovely revolving pattern until the season is finished..

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGN/COLLECTION SO FAR & WHY?

This summer and next winter are my strongest seasons. I designed summer (in stores soon) when my father had passed away and it 100% is dedicated to him and celebrates his life. It’s a beautiful authentic collection. AW16 MIDNIGHT RIDER (not yet released) was inspired by the after math of losing him and I created a very luxe refined collection that truly speaks from my heart.  Starting out, my first few ranges were so riddled with worry about fitting in the NZ market and in the last year, I have focused on what I love and find the collections have grown immensely and gaining much enthusiasm.

DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE DESIGNING/CREATING?

I listen to all sorts of music to inspire me but when I have to sketch or create, music is off and I need total silence. NOOOO distractions.

70’s rock , 60-70’s garage rock and psychedelic blues, and 60’s soul - are my main interests. Bowie, Allman Brothers, Steely Dan, Black Sabbath to Blue Cheer, the Seeds, Ramsey Lewis etc—, Current stuff (well not so current) like Dead Meadow, Dead Moon and I occasionally dip into old reggae or 90’s hip hop. I basically haven’t strayed from what I listened to from when I was in high school.

PIZZA OR BURGER?

Cheeseburger w avocado and a side of onion rings please! 

3 THINGS IN YOUR BAG YOU COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT.

Debit card, keys and phone…I’m ridiculously no fuss. Plus I lose everything so generally just shove everything in my pockets.

ARE YOU A DESIGN LARK OR OWL?

Owl all the way…

TODAY I AM MADAME grateful PANTS. Sometimes I can have a major moan about how this job is def beyond stressful most days, I’m so lucky to have beautiful women wearing my clothes everyday and amazing stockists (like you!!) who have supported me from day one.

-Thanks Arielle!! We can't wait to have all your summer range in store!

- xclaire 

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This week we asked the talented Gwyneth to answer our Maker Monday questions.

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YOUR NAME

Gwyneth and Dave Hulse

BUSINESS NAME

Gwyneth Hulse Design

HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN GOING?

Two years

ARE YOU A LONE WOLF OR HAVE STAFF/HELPERS?

It began as my (Gwyneth’s) hobby and I did everything myself. However, as the business has grown my husband Dave has joined me. Dave now does most of the cutting and prep work, while I do the painting and finishing.

WHAT MAKES YOUR DESIGNS SPECIAL?

Our designs are based on the modernist principles of simplicity, geometry and the celebration of natural materials. This combined with the fact that we use only locally sourced, native timbers gives our work a cohesive look and simple elegance. Many of the timbers we use are rare and they hold special value.

WHAT HELPS WHEN THE CREATIVE JUICE IS FEELING SLUGGISH?

Talking to other people and working collaboratively is a good way to get the mind ticking again. For me it just takes a random comment or two from someone else to help me to look at work from a different angle or perspective.

IS YOUR WORKSPACE A MESS/ORGANIZED MESS/SUPER TIDY OR…..?

Quite messy! we try to spend as little time as possible on the not so important aspects of the business and unfortunately this is often reflected in the un-tidiness of our workspaces. We dream of a super organised minimal space with white walls and perfectly organised shelving systems and labels… At this stage of our lives it does not quite work with young kids and sanding dust, but we live in hope.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGN/COLLECTION SO FAR & WHY?

Our favourite item would have to be the Flying Bird, we love how they move and the way people are drawn to them. They were also the first item we made and we were only planning on making one for our kid’s bedroom!

DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE DESIGNING/CREATING?

No, our children and woodworking machinery are noisy enough without adding music to the mix. Silence is bliss!

PIZZA OR BURGER?

Can’t beat a totally homemade burger.  

3 THINGS IN YOUR BAG YOU COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT.

Wallet, phone and car keys — I've got a very boring bag! If the kids are lucky there will be a snack or too lurking in my bag as well.

ARE YOU A DESIGN LARK OR OWL?

I’m naturally a lark, but also find it quite easy to be an owl as the quiet of the house is rather addictive.

TODAY I AM MADAME ‘industrious’ PANTS.

-Thanks Gwyneth (& Dave!). Check out their goodies over here (more heading our way in November!)

Also! Check out Gwyneth's interview in the NZ Herald.

- xclaire 

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Your Name:

Alexa Whitehead

Business Name:
Beau Bonnets

How long has your business been going?
I launched Beau Bonnets on the 1st day of spring this year!

Are you a lone wolf of have staff/helpers?
I have been a lone wolf but have just hired a lovely sewer and knitter to join the BB ranks and help me produce all the bonnet-y goodness

What makes your designs special?
My pattern was drafted by me and I spend hours searching for the perfect materials, my bonnets are only made of natural fabrics as I believe it’s important for both our babies’ skin and the environment.

Beau Bonnets aren’t an original product - but an heirloom classic - reimagined with a modern and contemporary twist. They’re adorable and completely functional for all seasons. The sunbonnets have a great brim which stands outright out of your baby’s face to keep the sun away and the cosy merino wool bonnets are soft and snuggly and perfect for little ones. Merino Wool is the ultimate fabric for baby’s delicate skin and isn’t itchy like traditional wool.

What helps when the creative juice is feeling sluggish?
Coffee and hot cups of tea! When sewing I always have one nearby.

Is your workspace a mess/organised mess/super tidy or….
At the moment my workspace is a jungle of fabrics, feathers and coffee cups. We moved back to New Zealand from Australia at the beginning of August and my tolerant mother has had her house taken over my me, my mess, our cat and two dogs and our two young children! I do love to be organised - a creative mind finds such task hard to do but I will have to wait until our furniture arrives so we can move into our house and I can furnish my office!

What is your favourite design so far?
My favourite is the soft pink merino and Japanese cotton soft-bonnet. It was the very first one I made and my daughter wore it a lot. (She still does in this  l o v e l y  wet, spring weather we’re having here!) The fabric is dreamy-soft and the colour is just divine.

Do you listen to music while you are designing/creating?
Absolutely! A quiet workspace would be too lonely.

If yes, what are your current fave artists/songs?
Since I’m mostly just listening to the radio at the moment, my favourite song that pops on is “Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Downtown” - it’s just such a fun song!

Pizza or burger?
Depends on the toppings/fillings of each! After not having Burger King where we were living for the last three years I am quite partial to a tendercrisp chicken burger!

3 Things in your bag you couldn’t live without?
Baby wipes, phone and lip balm! All pretty self-explanatory! 

Are you a design Lark or Owl?
Lark, definitely - I can’t handle late nights. Plus I like to leave my evenings for family time!

Today I am “Madame Chilly Pants” After living in QLD, it’s mighty cold here!

THANKS ALEXA! We are super excited to stock your darling bonnets!

- xclaire

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We are looking for a super sparkly someone to join our dainty but busy Cuba Street store as a sales assistant.

You will be customer focused, full of energy, take pride in your personal appearance, organised and always willing to go that extra mile.

The position is a part time, Full day Tuesday in the store + 3 hours Saturday + extra shifts from November till Christmas eve.  

MFP is looking for the following skills and qualities in our new staff member:

Reliable and trustworthy.

Tech savvy / photoshop skills.

Understand MFPs vision and what we are about.

Retail experience in a similar setting.

Able to work under pressure and work solo.

Chatty & friendly, but understands the subtleties of sales.

Precision wrapping. (not the gangster type!)

If you think that this role sounds like you then email through a photo of yourself, cover letter introducing yourself, and explainging why you would be great for this role and what you could bring to MFP and your CV to: Claire@madamefancypants.com

Subject - MFP position

If you are STUDYING please include your timetable.

Applications need to be in by the 30th September 2015.

Due to the number of applications unsuccessful applicants will not be contacted sorry!

-Claire 

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At MFP we like to recycle, re-use bubble wrap and boxes from orders, and generally do the best we can to not hurt this environment we live in. 

One super way we have found to be awesome humans is by getting this awesome human - RUSS (and his handy dandy mega bike) of NoCar Cargo to deliver all of our CBD deliveries!

So, if your next order is addressed within the Wellington CBD, then this feller will be hand delivering your special goodies via his amazing go go gadget legs! (and fancy bike!)

Also - if you place an order by 11am you will get it that very afternoon! YUS!

Thanks Russ!

- xclaire

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Welcome to our first Maker Monday blog!

Each Monday we will be posting up a bunch of questions answered by one of our lovely designers. So you can find out a little bit more about the designer behind the products we sell and you love! 

Enjoy!

-xclaire

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

o YOUR NAME - Aroha Mckerrow o BUSINESS NAME - Promisedland

o HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN GOING?
Two years.

o ARE YOU A LONE WOLF OR HAVE STAFF/HELPERS?

Lone wolf/master of many trades. With plenty of exceptionally helpful friends in photography, marketing and accounting etc. I do all the designing, developing and making prototypes. I have an amazing team in Vietnam who bring the designs to life. They are exceptionally skilled woman who have chosen to be tailors after having been rescued from some devastating circumstances.

o WHAT MAKES YOUR DESIGNS SPECIAL?

The printed silks are very unique and the attention to every step of the design. You will find that the we don’t skimp on anything. The fabrics are luxury, the fits are perfected and with French seaming they are finely finished.

o WHAT HELPS WHEN THE CREATIVE JUICE IS FEELING SLUGGISH?

If good coffee and tunes and don’t fix it, then a breath of fresh and a jog by the beach. My ideas are generally inspired by travels, different cultures, adventures, patterns, fabrics, art and nature. 

o IS YOUR CREATIVE AREA A MESS/ORGANISED MESS/SUPER TIDY OR…..?

Organised mess for sure, while designing there are fabrics and pictures galore!
Always makes me feel great walking into other designer’s office and hearing the apologies on entry! I strive to get better at this!

o WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGN/COLLECTION SO FAR & WHY?

The Stencil Dress from last year’s summer collection. Beautiful silk, feels gorgeous to wear. And is completely effortless if you need to go somewhere fancy and have minutes to get ready!

o DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE DESIGNING/CREATING?

Yeah, generally something with good beats and not to many lyrics.

o WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT FAVE ARTISTS/SONGS?

A lot of NZ artists, In Colour by Shapies is still a fav! I listen to a bit of instrumental hip hop and a lot of Christian tunes the new planet shakers & Arise Church Albums.

o PIZZA OR BURGER?

Pizza! My sister’s home made pizza.

o 3 THINGS IN YOUR BAG YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT.

Other than my wallet and phone I would have to say antipodes hand cream and lippy!

o ARE YOU A DESIGN LARK OR OWL?

Definitely an Owl, I love working at night, answering emails feels far more productive than watching TV, I feel like I get a head start for the following day!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thanks Aroha!

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Dads are usually THE MOST difficult people to buy for...Here are a few goodies pops might just fancy.

Find all these goodies + more here

xclaire

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Holy Moly! Get yourself a sweet Stay Home Club badge (worth 8 pingas) when you join the club and invest in your next SHC T-shirt or Sweatshirt!

If you are a cat person you are gonna want the SHC logo cat tee, dog person?! then the Gemma Correll dog SHC logo tee is the one for you.  Perhaps you are well in with winter & want to get your recluse on?

how to get your badge - Enter the code SHCBADGE in the notes section on check out & let us know what one of the 3 badges you fancy & we will be sure it is tucked up in your order.

Yay!

xclaire

ps.  This sweet offer ends 31 July 2015

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