Hedvig Opshaug.

Hedvig Opshaug of Northern Light is a Norwegian fashion blogger whose sharp, smart style I am particularly fond of. The ex-mathematician prescribes to an almost formulaic dressing approach that demonstrates a preference for quality over quantity, for functional over fad. It is clear she isn’t afraid to outfit repeat, with perfectly selected investment pieces on high rotation rather than a jumble of the latest trend pieces. Her penchant for labels which celebrate simplicity results in a look that is clean and understated

I like that her wardrobe adheres to a predominately neutral colour code, but allows for subtle hints of colour - like the red and blue entwined in her Marant sweater, and the soft pink of her AA wool skirt. With clothing only one element of good style, she also rocks perfectly manicured nails, skilfully contoured cheekbones and a head of glossy locks. In recent years she dropped her banking career for a fashion editor role and, in her case, I think it was a suitable idea!

Mulberry bag and Acne boots

Vibe Johansson jacket and CÉLINE bag

Topshop jacket and COS pants

Shape Shiftr silk maxi skirt with small shoulder bags

H&M coat with short-shorts

Oasis coat with sheer stockings

Topshop jacket with bandage skirts

Stine Goya coat with black leather

1, 2, 3

1. Happy birthday tiger! It's my boyfriend's birthday today and I can't wait to spoil him! (Aren't we corny. He calls me kitten. We use pet names, literally. Which ones do you call your significant other?)
2. A true icon. R.I.P beautiful Elizabeth.
3. Instead of using Twitter as a place to update between blogging, I've jumped onto the Tumblr bandwagon and created a digital scrapbook.

Tuesday tunes

1. The Who - "My Generation"
2. The Church - "Under the Milky Way"
3. The Jimi Hendrix Experience - "Purple Haze"
4. Duran Duran - "The Reflex"
5. You Am I - "Berlin Chair"

Monday

Sportsgirl purse / Karen Walker owl ring / Ray Bans / Mizuki crucifix studs / Doo.Ri cropped campshirt / Falke opaque stockings / Rimmel 'Tangerine Queen' nail polish / Casio watch / 'The Row 'Estabrook' skirt / Aldo brogues

Here's a little mockup of today's ensemble. I'm not exactly a blingy kind of gal, but I do like my diamante crucifix studs and owl ring. Thankfully boiling Brisbane is slowly dropping to cooler temperatures as it delves into Autumn. I love the sun and fun that summer brings, but getting dressed is certainly more enjoyable when you're not sweating like an animal! While we're on the topic of outfits, I've got a tripod waiting for me at the post office so you can expect some OOTD posts in the future. Have an A+ week all!

FrockShop.com for Grazia's "Favourite Australian Online Site"

It's always a joy to hear Brisbane fashion success stories. The finalists for Grazia’s Shopping Awards 2011 were announced earlier this week, and Brisbane-based boutique FrockShop.com is nominated under the category of Favourite Australian Online Site.

Are you camilla and marc crazy? Perhaps a Zimmermann kind of lady? By supporting FrockShop.com's nomination you can score $1000 worth of lustworthy clothing and more than $21,000 worth of delightful prizes (tropical getaway, anyone?)! Just cast your vote then swirl and swing your contact deets to paperdoll@frockshop.com. Too easy.

Along with covetable prizes, the lovely ladies at FrockShop.com HQ are offering The Swirl and Swing readers a 10% discount off all full priced and sale items. Simply enter the code SWIRLANDSWING at the checkout from March 17-31.

"I am going to make everything around me beautiful. That will be my life."

A resonating quote by décor legend Elsie de Wolfe + a peek at Sara Gomez's Room Service series for Vogue Portugal = a little dose of Monday night inspiration. Have a wonderful week!

UP., up and away

Australian chain retailers seem to be slowly catching on to the *magazine-as-campaign format* concept, with Sportsgirl, Witchery and now Portmans among few of those to introduce fashion mag-esque catalogues. I was quite impressed when I stumbled upon Portmans' first issue of UP. in the March '11 issue of Harper's BAZAAR (AU). Why?

1. It boasts the editorship of Britgirl Louise Roe.
2. It gets up close and personal with fashion royalty's Julia Restoin-Roitfeld.
3. It features Ab Fab Kershaw, strutting her stuff through the snow...
4. ...and dressed immaculately by stylist superstar Christine Centenera.
5. I'm a sucker for a creative still life shoot. Which girl are you - the highflying sophisticate or the uber-femme laaady?

Love list

Hello lovelies! Aside from early mornings, lectures, classes, academic readings, assignments and battling a sniffly cold (following a wild 21st fancy dress function on the weekend), this is what's been on my radar of late:

1. This trench ensemble by Dion Lee for Cue. Complete perfection.

2. Bkfst, where Diana and Catherine share their appreciation for the most important meal of the day.

3. The Streethearts, an Oslo-based fashion website with a focus on street style.

4. Baking! In the past few weeks I've been undergoing a sudden baking high, whipping together blueberry muffins, banana muffins and this extra moist carrot cake (all best enjoyed with a mug of milky tea).

(Photo from here)

5. The Like. From flowing haired hipster chicks to swinging sixties sophisticates, I'm all for the style reinvention the band has undergone since its inception in 2001. I've got the 'Release Me' album on repeat, which is infused with influences by sixties garage bands and girl groups, British Invasion beat-combos, Motown Records and the women of the Brill Building. I like!

6. Glossy red wine lips and sleek side parts at Gucci.

7. If you're a organisation maniac/neat freak like myself, you'll understand my appreciation for Things Organised Neatly!

8. Zara March lookbook. With clean lines, classic cuts and bold colour done just right, it epitomises simple sophistication.

9. Gardenias. Such a strong, sweet scent which evokes memories of playing in my Grandparent's garden as a kiddie.

(Photo from here)

10. Zanna Roberts (Marie Claire Senior Fashion Editor) captured in New York by The Sartorialist. Impeccable.

Déjà vu

2011:

2009: