Samantha Oehley is a 20 year old undergraduate at the Wanganui School of Design in New Zealand. Her interests include the 1960s and 1910s, the Beatles, politics, reading, music and drawing. She has a thing for Priests and Authority figures, and has the habit of always exaggerating things to a more dramatic scale read more_
I am working! I decided to pick up advanced digital photography for my final semester elective. Which is pointless actually. I can’t really use it for my teaching career seeing as film photography (a true art) teachers are what high schools are looking for. But there were no other electives I wanted to take. Here’s some of my work for the first assignment on lighting. You can see the rest here.
The last two were a selection of my polaroid shots [Iona is in the middle]. They weren’t really lighting—although I was experimenting with lighting to create the look of polaroid and old-school photography—but I really wanted to do something like this! So I did.
What do you think?
BUT! … Before you go…
I wrote a manifesto for one of my classes. I’ve designed it for viewing online. Check it out! [Please note— the display is designed for larger screens. Apologies if you are viewing on a laptop or similar-sized screen!]
Read on to the next post about my brothers book…..
My friend, who has just completed her Honours, has allowed me to showcase her project (which I had the honour of being involved in) here. I think it’s really fantastic—and hope that her idea soon becomes a reality for more people around the globe. We need more companies thinking like her!
So, Anna’s thesis abstract:
In today’s society we are bombarded with T-shirt designs (walking billboards) that have no other purpose than to look cool. This implementation is based on the voice of New Zealand’s 14-25 year olds; everything from the design style, the T-shirt messages, right through to the colour/neck shape of the T-shirt.
FTSOO means ‘For the Sake of Others’. The clothing label places importance on PEOPLE, GIVING, JUSTICE, and HOPE. This will be launched within the next year or two.
And her work, in short:
Promo Poster
Zine: Created to be a update/promo item for FTSOO; covering what fair trade is, what the label is about etc.
Inside Zine: Shows new range of T-shirt designs
The promo video:
To see further, and more detailed versions of her illustrations and photographs, visit her portfolio at Behance!
My mid year holidays are half way through, and yet I find that I have nothing very significant to share with you… unless you count watching Pride and Prejudice (1995) as significant. Which you could, it’s AMAZING… Colin Firth or Matthew McFadyen as Mr. Darcy? I’d choose brooding Matthew, but no woman on earth can not love Colin, so they’re equal.
Anyway, perhaps my trip to Auckland the other day with my bestie, Shahana, was worthwhile to share? I spent a lot of money for a poor student, but I got some great finds! Let me share with you a snippet of our trip:
We decided we’d have an overnight trip – booked a cheap hotel (not the highlight, but yet it’s still somewhat exciting at our age to be staying in a hotel) to insure more time for splurging.
Number one priority in Auckland? TOPSHOP.
Going there was a bit of a disappointment. Don’t get me wrong, the clothes are great and the interior design was lovely (of course, I would notice) but the range was rather small and we were unfortunate enough to miss the new arrivals (weekly, straight from London) that afternoon. Nevertheless, I bagged myself a cute cropped tee, with abstract angles and a rough texture for NZ$70:
I almost bought an $25 belt too – I should have got it, it was dirt cheap for topshop!
My other finds included:
A knit dress (reminded me of Sergeant Pepper’s) from a small boutique I cannot remember the name of (NZ$65 – probably a rip off, but it was discounted from 85). May I add it looks HOT when worn.
A cropped blazer and rip off Chanel-esque shirt from Valleygirl (I never like that store, but this particular shop had some good finds) (NZ$45 in total!)
Plus some cute underwear and jewellery from other particular chain stores. No photos of the underwear goodies, but here’s some of the jewellery – I’m especially loving the puff lace earrings:
Shahana and I planned to go out to the town, but didn’t really get there. Auckland’s road system and parking is shocking, so once we managed to get an overnight park we simply walked everywhere. We went up to the Sky Tower (didn’t go up it, way too expensive for us. I’ve gone up before but never at night—one day!) but had a looksee and walked over town before heading to the harbour. It was beautiful at night time!
The pair of us agreed that we had to do one naughty thing that night. I decided I was going to write Shahana’s number on a sugar sachet (it said something along the lines of – “call me sweet” on it – I couldn’t resist) and give it to some hot stranger. Then she agreed to do the same for me (unfortunately). Fortunately(?) we didn’t see anyone worthy for the rest of the night (we’re picky, but even in Auckland it was a strange occurance not to bump into at least one hottie*). So while I was relieved, both of us were crestfallen not to have been able to do our lil naughty task. And perhaps, meet the love of our lives.
*—I lie, there were a few men I had my eye on but they were a lot older. Shahana did not approve.
Auckland is great, but too expensive for us at the moment. When we can afford it, we’re going to go back and actually live Auckland properly. And by properly, I mean stay in at LEAST a four star hotel, sightsee, go up the Sky tower and have dessert on the rotating level, and shop till we drop without worrying about our bank balances.
For now, no more shopping till December. I’m saving up for NY! (U-S-A! U-S-A!)
PS: My brother received the very first copy of his book. It looks beautiful printed out. Can’t wait for my own!
One of my friends studying Fashion, recently exhibited some of her work at the university and I was so impressed, I just had to blog about it. She designs for her own label Albie—all handmade and unique garments, and this collection is a mighty fine addition! (I wonder if she’s selling it…^ ^)
This was her statement for her project:
Mystical Dreams in an Unconcious World
In 1930 after 16 years alone in a psychotic state, Carl Jung published a dream book informally known as the “Red book”. This book has been a mystery to all but 12 until 2009 where it was displayed in the Rubin Museum of art in New York.
In this book Jung describes his principal theory of the seven dream archetypes or symbols.
Dreams including these symbols tend to happen at transitional periods in life and often have a cosmic quality, element of impossibility and stay in your mind long after.
Using these archetypes, I have created my own dream book titled “Mystical dreams in an unconscious world”. This combines elements of what I feel are my dream symbols mixed with colours and textures of my own unconscious dreams.
Using this book as a base for my collection inspiration I have also combined subtle bed wear silhouettes from the 1930’s, the era in which Jung’s book was published.
These bed wear silhouettes when worn in reality resemble boned bustiers, silk sateen petticoats and knitted bodysuits.
Once in bed dreaming these outfits enter a mystical world of the unconscious, where elements impossibility become the norm.
Above are her own photos from this collection, below are photos taken from the exhibition care of Lily.
Her whole class had done an amazing job but her layout in particular was totally beautiful. I wish there were clearer pictures (these were taken on a phone). It was obvious she had gone through a lot of effort to make her presentation look good and she definitely has an eye for colour and style. And I want that vintage side table please!
More excitement! You can visit her etsy here and have a look/buy some of her gorgeous garments!. Otherwise, go on and visit her blog Albie hearts
Excuse my tardiness with posting. I’m at a very stressful point of my course at the moment. I’m afraid being in my final year at university means this won’t be the last time. However.. let me resume….
Usually, Portraiture Sunday is a showcase of beautiful photos and imagery that are inspired by a particular theme. Every so often I’ll have a showcase of particular outfits I’ve recently worn. This is one of those days…
The outfit I wore was for Formal Wednesday a new “theme day” some of my friends came up with. Being a small university, where everyone knows everyone, it was easy to spread enthusiasm for the idea and many guys came in full suits and everything. Mind you, it was a Wednesday, which meant I had a 9 hour day (plus some overtime at school) so I was not very comfortable and happy by that night!
Let me introduce the first of what will be many Sundays worth of Portraiture Sundays, where I will post one or two inspirational photos with a theme. This week I’ve been reading the first draft of a sequel to my brother’s book coming out in September, and it’s really inspired me, so I thought I’d share my feelings about stories. So, without further ado…
Tell me a fact and I’ll learn. Tell me a truth and I’ll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever.
- Indian Proverb
It’s wonderful. I’ve had such a busy week, with so many issues going through my head—ie, all my school work was lost due to my pendrive not reading on any computer, family and friend issues, and due dates and stress stress stress…. then I get a first draft manuscript of my brother’s second novel in the mail. I read it.. and then I’m lost in this magical world where even their problems are better than mine because it’s not in this dull, predictable (yet unpredictable) world. I’m glad I have God to trust in that things will be OK, but I’m glad I have my brother’s stories to get lost in as well.
I should have given her a shout out last week. But as talented and down to earth as Emma is, she’s younger than me, therefore I cannot look up to her without feeling a bit silly.
Anyway, this photoshoot is beautiful. It’s old, but I still had to share it with you all.
Hello lovelies,
I just passed some etsy shops that I just knew I had to share with you all. I love etsy, I just can’t always afford it—the postage and packaging from the US is ridiculous!
Anyway, I came across: www.behidadolic.com’s shop on Etsy. They have these totally gorgeous 20’s inspired hats. I dream of owning one!
And lastly but not leastly, Oxford Heaven, which is heaven in the form of an etsy shop. For those who are crazy about shoes, you’ll love these even more than I do!!
These cutie shops are making me consumerist! Or at least wannabe consumerist!!
And so I shall leave you with a quote….
What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies. ~ Aristotle
My dears, I am so sorry for the absence. My course has started again, I have moved *twice* (I am in a much prettier flat this time round, I shall post photos eventually) and with so many things happening in my life I haven’t even had time to touch personal projects, let alone projects I’ve promised to do for my friends. In a time where everyone does everything so fast and with the use of technology, it’s a puzzle how we still have no time to do everything.
Anyway, here’s a photo of my new hair cut, and in the next photo are Iona and Stef, two classmates of mine who have an amazing fashion sense. Iona—green hair? Only these two could putt it off I’m sure! They’re identical twins too but clearly they’re different in many ways.
Do you know what I’m obsessed with at the moment? Anne of Green Gables. This summer I discovered the (movie) sequel, and one of my friends down here had a DVD of it, so I’ve been watching it over and over. It’s not true to the books, but I actually like it more. After the first one, the rest weren’t good, and it felt like everything was rushed. There’s a 3rd movie that’s apparently completely unlike the books, but I’m sure it’d be good anyway. The cast are a lot older in that one, yet still amazingly talented. If anything, that Jonathan Crombie guy is much better looking when he’s older.
Anyway, here’s the trailer of the first and second Anne o. G. G. movies! Nostalgia anyone?
Hopefully I’ll be back soon! Just waiting for internet at my flat!
Honestly, lovely colours, vibrant energy, gorgeous details… all these things make me feel so happy!
PLUS! I’m totally loving:
Not only is the Chemise gorgeous, but I love the gift box as well. This overall design, the pink and the delicate details are so me! I need a boyfriend to buy me this… :/
Speaking of which, Valentine’s Day is coming up (oh no, have you forgotten?). And while previous years I haven’t had a sweetheart to celebrate with, this year I do!
But don’t get too excited. One of my best friends and I, my gorgeous friend Shahana, have decided to be each other’s valentines. Because why not? There’s no boys spoiling us, and if we had boys, we wouldn’t be the ones spoiling them (what straight guy in New Zealand is sentimental enough to let *us* flood them with pretty girly things? Someone find me one!). So this year we get to be as sentimental, sappy and excited as we like without worrying if our significant other is going to find it too cheesy or too girly.
So this is what I plan to do for Shahana:
1. Have a picnic at the Hamilton gardens, granted that it’s a warm summer’s day still.
2. Give her chocolate and/or flowers (the standard)
3. Give her a special gift—a mix tape of “our” and my favourite songs, CD case decorated with pretty embellishments
4. Write her an ever-so-romantic love letter (or at least take a famous one from some dark-ages Duke and re-write it :P)
The best thing about Shahana and my friendship is that we sometimes act like lovers, but never in a physical way. It’s like getting the benefits of love without having to be lesbian. Girls, your best friends are more important than fashion, diamonds or your entire shoe collection. Treat them well <3.
If you don’t have anyone to share Valentine’s day with this year, why don’t you do something similar with your bestie? It’s innocent, fun and best of all—you don’t miss out on the hype of V-day :)
Samantha Oehley is a 20 year old undergraduate at the Wanganui School of Design in New Zealand. Her interests include the 1960s and 1910s, the Beatles, politics, reading, music and drawing. She has a thing for Priests and Authority figures, and has the habit of always exaggerating things to a more dramatic scale 
