A big hello to my lovely new readers! I hope everyone relished the Easter break and, like me, enjoyed kicking their heels up to guiltlessly indulge in some chocolate treats. Mine looked a little something like the following: a “Woodland Creature” themed house party (hence the questionable attire), making muffins at midnight, bands at Barsoma, morning coffee, Nikes, boyfriend's vego pasta sauce with curly fettuccine, a gorgeous bubby and his first birthday cake, driving driving driving, playing with 3D glasses, an empty sack of cask wine spotted outside the local high school (?), sushi and Sauv at Ginga in Southbank (followed by Scream 4 which was, surprisingly, awesome!), a trip to the Sunshine coast (we were merely seconds away from a five car pile-up!), an Easter feast washed down with pink champagne, vino by the beach, our favourite feline friend and a caffeine fix at Envy Cafe in Cotton Tree. Now, back to work!
Oh, Autumn. How I adore you so. As it gets cooler in the Sunshine State, I find myself growing more and more excited about fashion. Summer is generally bundles of fun, but in winter you get to wear lots of clothes (which, to me, equals much more fun!).
This winter I refuse to freeze my limbs off and will account for the fact that Brisbane does get quite cold. Cotton blazers, light scarves and opaque stockings just don't cut it, and that's fine. I have far too many memories of wintry torture, like waiting painstakingly for taxis in the early hours of the morning, and battling torrential rain only to reach my destination as wet as a fish, etc.
So here is a list of my winter essentials. On top of these I'll no doubt get my woolen mitts on some warmer basics and statement pieces, but these are must-haves in order to avoid the constant goosebumps, bone-tingling shivers and puddle-drenched feet I've experienced in the past.
Clothes:
1. A warm coat! I haven't worn one of these since I was a teenager living in (significantly chillier) Sydney. This is going to change! My ideal coat would have a collar, a feminine cut and silver hardware (if any), and would sit just below the hip. Did I mention that I'm fussy? Marc Jacobs, feel free to donate your perfect coat to my wardrobe.
3. A cosy cardigan, a.k.a the super simple answer to layering in temperamental weather.
4. A shearling jacket, for when it's freeeeezing but you're after something more relaxed than a full-on coat.
Accessories:
1. Woolen tights. I love my dear opaques, but they're not exactly winter-proof (and if you're as clumsy as I am, they're probably being constantly replaced due to holes).
2. Knitted headwear. Because 40-45% of body heat is lost from your head, apparently. I think turbans are a particularly nice alternative to the average beanie.
3. Scarves! Knitted, (faux) furry, whatever - just as long as I can wrap myself up in it.
4. Low-heeled boots, for splashing in puddles. Kidding (or least I wouldn't be splashing in puddles if I was flaunting these Acne gems!). But this winter I vow to get warm, durable, rain-friendly boots (preferably ankle length) instead of traipsing around in flimsy ballet flats and brogues. Gumboots, not included.
Windswept clouds, a 21st birthday bash, cupcake galore, a midnight Greek stint in West End, autumn leaves, campus coffee date, a special celebration over Indian, a sneaky Sunday session in the Valley (jugs for $5.90, anyone?), din-dins in Chinatown, glooooomy weather, a housewarming hang, a fascination with someone's fluffy handcuffs, a pal's failed attempt to reheat a frozen meat pie (*shudder*), the Sunday paper over felafel kebabs, fairy lights on my veranda, a salad sanga, a wild night out with ze boys (hence the grainy photo) and my best friend right in his element.
Lykke Li - I Follow Rivers (SO infatuated with Wounded Rhymes )
The Kinks - You Really Got Me
Blondie - Call me
Echo & The Bunnymen - The Killing Moon
Sonic Youth - Sugar Kane
Hello lovely people. Happy "hump day", as they say. I meant to post yesterday but didn't get around to it amidst a subediting lecture, meeting over lunch, film editing session (and numerous technical malfunctions), networking function and a late dinner with my sis. Today I had work training for my new job, which was quite exciting! Now I've got the Nag Champa burning and the peppermint tea brewing while I polish off a presentation script due on Friday. I'm looking forward to kicking back tonight with my boyfriend over wine, popcorn and Sucker Punch! Enjoy the rest of your week all! (Lots of recent snapshots on the way.)
Rag and Bone hat / Jeffrey Monteiro shirt / Cheap Monday jeans / A.P.C. ankle boots / Illesteva sunglasses / Chloë Sevigny for O.C. Cropped Pullover / Céline bag / Chanel nail polish / Casio watch
Since I overhauled my wardrobe back in Feb, I've been sticking to the "KISS" (keep it simple, stupid!) mantra. You can't go wrong with a pair of perfectly fitting skinnies, a classic collared shirt and ankle boots made for walkin'. I usually stick to cool colours, but I think the warmness of beige, camel and tan creates a lovely autumnal feel. I'm also fond of a collared shirt paired with a jumper, a preppy combo which seems to be popping up everywhere.
'Ello estranged readers! Excuse my recent absence from the blogosphere - I've been burying my head in the university clouds instead (and squeezing in some fun here and there). One of the more interesting projects I've been working on is a noir-inspired short film, which I'm looking forward to shooting on Sunday. Think one brooding gentleman, one femme fatale and a whole lot of retro glamour.
Life has been rather fruitful of late. I'm taking part in a career mentoring program and am thrilled to have been matched with the QLD News Editor/Producer for ABC Online (who is completely lovely). Yesterday I was offered a job as an event assistant at my university, which I'm quite delighted about, and I've got a bunch of exciting little projects in the works which I'll keep you posted about. In the meantime, here's what I've been into lately.
Autumn! Sayonara summer! 'Tis proper chilly, and I can't wait to get my mitts on some snuggly knits. This montage, designed by the ever inspiring Miss Moss, pretty much sums up what I love about this season.
Simple luxuries: Fresh linen, a kitchen stocked with fruit, cheese and dark chocolate, a glass of white wine after a long day (or just because), lavender bubble baths, deliciously scented candles (I'm burning a fig one at the moment) and fresh flowers (handpicked or otherwise).
Brazilian beauty Aline Weber, my fave model of the moment. With her killer bone structure and ice-queen complexion, she very much resembles a Lara Stone-Abbey Lee lovechild. Tom Ford is so enamoured that he offered her a cameo role in his first feature film A Single Man (which is also visually stunning!).
Early mornings. I used to be a complete night owl, but as I've gotten older (and busier) I much prefer to start my days when the birds are chirping and the sun has just emerged. My sleepy boyfriend will sometimes grumble "whhhy are you up so early!?" but I find an early start does wonders for my productivity and energy levels.
White interiors. When I envision my dream home, phrases like "light and bright", "clean and crisp" and "spacious and simple" come to mind. White provides the perfect blank canvas to a home and creates a settling sense of purity.
The Kills' fourth album Blood Pressures, released on Tuesday. Mosshart's melancholic vocals paired with Hince's grimy guitar work is a match made in heaven.
Cats. I've mentioned my owl obsession previously, but seeing as non-muggles can't exactly keep them as pets, I'm a cat lady too. I grew up surrounded by feline friends and wish my lifestyle would permit me to have one of my own! When my Mum goes to New York next month I get to play catsitter for our special family pet Tilly (she has a slightly concerning dribbling problem but is gorgeous nonetheless!).
Park Street, a "fly-on-the-wall documentary" series set inside the ACP building in Sydney. The series reveals the inner workings behind some of Australia’s biggest magazine brands, including Madison, Shop 'Til You Drop, Cleo, Cosmopolitan and Dolly. I've revealed my glossy addiction previously and Park Street has only fueled my geeky fascination with the industry. You can watch it online here.
Peppermint tea. Excellent for digestion, headache relief, fresh breath and mid-afternoon pick-me-ups. I'm sipping one as I type. Mmmmm.
Beauty tutorials. My makeup-obsessed sister (hello!) recently put me on the YouTube beauty tutorial bandwagon and I can't quite seem to get off it. I too am a huge makeup lover and have been known to spend far too long playing with the stuff before leaving the house. I subscribe to Pixiwoo, Lisa Eldridge and A Model Recommends. The transformations are often mind-blowing.
Have a fantastic Friday all! I've been having major blog withdrawals and can't wait to embark on a browsing frenzy to catch up on all of yours. :)
