Expert Eye: Blak 2010

Blak designer Teresa Hodges. File photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Blak makes wearable pieces for women who like the idea of buying from smaller shops not chain stores, but the end result is still the sort of simple little pieces that sell well in both.

So we got fluid shirts in lightweight silk and grey sweaters with animal print circling the necklline and little silk dresses with inset lace panels, including a billowy cobalt blue number.

A red silk jumpsuit with a drawstring was elegant and red was also nicely matched with buff tones.

A black silk cape came trimmed with a patch pocket, and there were a series of silk-backed garments, including a red leather skirt and a vest.

A flesh-toned lady blouse was trimmed with pearlised buttons studded down the outside of the sleeve.