OOTD and new camera!

I did it! I finally have a camera! Isn’t that exciting? Now I can take photos of beautiful things and share them with you all. I must just say a huge thank you to my grandfather (‘Pop’ as I call him) for gifting me with this camera, and I’m sure it will be in frequent use. The other day I tested it out with a new outfit I bought from Sportsgirl (an Australian brand which many of you probably won’t have heard of). As you will see, I haven’t quite figured out how to use it beyond the pressing of a button to take the picture. I took some photos in my mum’s bathroom as it’s the only room in our house with a big enough space and mirror to take a photo of oneself without chopping off half of ones body. Apologies for the shocking quality and embarrassing setting for these photos, but they are my first attempts so please don’t judge too harshly. I paired this monochromatic outfit with a (surpise, surprise) black bag from Sportsgirl and some cat-eye sunglasses from … you guessed it – Sportsgirl. I never realised how much stuff I have from there until right now, as I write this post. Anyway, I did a little holiday shopping yesterday and bought many things not from there, so I can’t be too obsessed. I hope to show those to you in due course, but for now, feast your eyes on these truly awful photos of my OOTD taken in bad lighting in a bathroom. Again … sorry! 

      

A x

The Period of the Drama

I’ve always had a certain weakness for period films/shows. I recently posted about a new favourite ‘The Paradise’, set in the 1800s in an early English department store. This is just one in the long list of dramas set in bygone days that I can’t seem to stop watching. As usual, I thought I would compile a list of my favourites, some old and some new, which I’m sure I won’t be alone in absolutely loving, beyond all sense!

1. Downton Abbey (2010 – present). Ahhh, of course I just had to include this cult favourite. This is one of the few dramas set in the early part of the last century to have produced a mass following. And I am certainly one of them! The irresistible charm of this mostly post-war drama will leave you sobbing, laughing and drawing breath in eager suspense. The sets are by far one of the most appealing aspects of this wonderful series (with all of the ‘upstairs’ rooms being filmed in a real mansion – Highclere Castle) and the costumes are also beautifully accurate and stunningly modern. And of course, the drama! Too much for some, but for me – I just can’t get enough.

2. Cranford (2007 and 2009). The tale of a group of elderly women … doesn’t sound too appealing but trust me, it is so beautiful and terribly sad that you will jump at the chance to watch the sequel series ‘Return to Cranford’, incidentally starring Michelle Dockery and Jim Carter (Lady Mary Crawley and Mr Carson of Downton Abbey). This may not be to everyones taste, but my love for Dame Judi Dench and the fabulously cast Imelda Staunton often makes me forget that I’m watching a drama centred around the lives of the elderly (whom, of course, I have no objection to, but hardly the selling point of a must-watch drama series). Oh, and if that doesn’t persuade you, I might just add that Tom Hiddleston plays a rather major role in ‘Return to Cranford’ …

3. Mr Selfridge (2013). This is a new one for me. And indeed, there is only one season which was released last year. It took me a while to warm to this drama, as I wasn’t too fond of the protagonist – Mr Selfridge. But, after sticking with it, I found I developed quite a passion for this series. It’s set, like ‘The Paradise’, in an early department store. This one, however, is based on fact. Well, supposedly anyway. The sets and costumes being nowhere near as wonderful as those in ‘The Paradise’, I thought I may not warm to it as much. However, the drama and intrigue of the plot far makes up for it. I find myself eager for a second season!

4. Lark Rise to Candleford (2008 – 2011). I haven’t seen all that much of this show, and there are a lot of episodes to get through, but what I have seen I loved. It reminds me of ‘Cranford’ (although not about a group of old ladies) and stars another actor from ‘Downton Abbey’ – Brendon Coyle (better known as ‘Mr Bates’). I really do have to get back into this show as my sister has watched every episode and is crazy about it. I’ll add that to my list of shows I absolutely must see.

5. Pride and Prejudice (1995). This is a very old favourite which I haven’t watched in years and years. It was my first introduction to the world of the period drama, at the tender age of six. Of course, back then I couldn’t understand a thing that was said. Everything had to be explained to me (the pause button dragged a 6-hour-long series into weeks of discussing and rewinding). But after reading the novel (one of my favourites and so beautifully written) and watching the 2005 film (which a lot of people hate but I actually love) I feel like this story is so familiar to me that it is woven into my past. I experience rather severe nostalgia whenever I revisit this tale, and I must commit another 6 hours of my life to rewatching the 1995 classic (I have no doubt it will surface many memories, as I watched it constantly throughout my childhood).

6. Northanger Abbey (2007). (And onto films.) This is my favourite movie. I’ve watched it so many times that I know almost every line. I can’t tell you exactly why I love it so much, but somehow it resonates with me in a way I really couldn’t explain. This film was my introduction to the brilliant Carey Mulligan and the stunning Felicity Jones, and they are two of the reasons I love this film so much. That and the setting, the story, the romance, the intrigue, the music. It really is a wonderful film.

7. The Importance of Being Earnest (2002). One of the funniest and wittiest movies I’ve ever seen and based on the absolutely genius work of Oscar Wilde. What couldn’t you love about this movie? The hilarious script, the wonderfully humurous music, the beautiful sets, the talented actors (who include Colin Firth, Rupert Everett, Dame Judi Dench and Frances O’Connor) all make for a masterpiece of cinema. This is another of my most favourite films (possibly my second favourite … but there is still some debate in my mind, I just love film too much to decide!).

8. Little Women (1994). Another old favourite and another movie I can recite many of the lines to (or could at least). It also happens to be one of my favourite books and stars one of my favourite actors – Winona Ryder. I also love Susan Sarandon and Claire Danes in this, but what I really love about this movie is the story. The tale of a family, and their love for each other. It’s a tale of bravery, love, kindness and friendship. And of course the sets are beautiful (as you may remember, I’m a winter kind of girl and this movie always thrills me in that regard). And every time I watch it I will Jo and Laurie to make up and marry each other! It always seems terribly strange for Laurie to marry Amy …

9. Sense and Sensibility (1995). Yet another Austen, but this one always makes me smile. As this post is getting dangerously long, I won’t go into why I love it, but it is (again) another old favourite of mine.

A x

A Little Light Holiday Reading

So I’ve been reading some really interesting things lately and I thought I might share them with you all. I’m not really much of a reader ordinarily (usually because I’m too busy) but when I do manage to snuggle down with a book (and holidays are prime time for this) I remember just how much I love it. I went to the bookshop the other day and brought home a stash of fashion/beauty related reads and a couple of travel books and I now have a rather long holiday reading list. I just love new books, and bookstores always hold an irresistible charm for me. I almost always walk out with a pile of crisp, new books tucked under my arm. The problem is always in actually reading the books, because when I get home and display them proudly in my bedroom, they almost look too good to read. But I will try to get over this and plough on. After all, there’s not many things more relaxing than settling down with a fresh, new book to while away the hours. And goodness knows I need a little relaxation from time to time. Well, bring on the holiday reads I say!

1. “Grace – A Memoir” by Grace Coddington. I just finished reading this book actually and I really enjoyed it. She has a wonderful way of putting things, and her story is intriguing. It’s not too long and the writing style is very straight forward so it’s a wonderful light read. I learned a lot from this book actually, because it’s all set long before my time. As I’m a newcomer to the fashion world (my interest only really starting a year or two ago) there is a lot of industry history that I am unfamiliar with. This is a wonderful book for a quick catch up on that, and just for general enjoyment. I would highly recommend it!

2. “Style” and “Beauty” by Lauren Conrad. These books are wonderful starting points to build your beauty and fashion wardrobes. The writing style is friendly and informative, and there is very little mention of product names (so you can be sure she is not working for any company). They’re also great just to flick through, as the chapters are all separated into helpful sections (such as ‘makeup’, ‘hair’, ‘skincare’, etc.). I actually read Style a long time ago and found it really helpful so I thought I’d give Beauty a go. I’ve only read the first few pages but so far it looks like a great read. I’m looking forward to reading ahead!

 

3. “The Dressing Table” by Clare Press. I absolutely loved this book! Yes, I have read this one too, but I loved it so much that I’m reading it again. She is such a wonderful writer and the descriptions are so delightful that you just want to go out and buy a whole wardrobe full of colourful, textured and adventurous items! It’s clear that she’s passionate about fashion and I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who is.

4. “The Wow Factor” by Jacqui Stafford. Unlike the others, this is more of a ‘tips and tricks’ kind of book. It’s also rather small so perfect for taking with you to go shopping. I haven’t done this yet, but it definitely has some great tips for different body/face shapes and how to make the most of what you’ve got.

5. “All the Sad Young Men” and “Tales of the Jazz Age” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. No, these aren’t really fashion books but I love F. Scott Fitzgerald so I thought I might take a look at some of his short stories which he wrote so many of. A while ago I read “Z – A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald” by Therese Anne Fowler, which was absolutely wonderful, and so interesting! I then immediately read “This Side of Paradise” by Fitzgerald, which I was slightly disappointed with but still found enjoyable. Maybe his short stories will live up to the wonderful Gatsby (one of my favourite books of all time).

 

These are just a few of the books I have on my reading list at the moment and I still have a whole suitcase filled with more (like “Anna Karenina”, “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” and “The American” – as you can see, I love my classics – along with a couple of travel books on Paris and New York). Well then, I’d better be off now … and you can guess what I’ll being doing for the next few weeks!

A x

Paradise

I thought it high time to give a shout-out to one of my favourite shows. Now, many of you may not have even heard of it. Not many people have. I just love it though, and thought it worthy of sharing with all of you. It’s called – The Paradise. There are now two seasons, and they are both absolutely brilliant! Please watch it, it really is a must-see.

The setting is an 1800’s English department store. A spectacular department store, I might add. And one of the first of its kind for the era. The props are magnificent, the sets are beautiful (the entire town was crafted by skilled workers, nothing is filmed in a studio!) and the actors are wonderful. And don’t even get me started on the costumes! Ahh, it’s all too glorious to describe. Just watch it and you’ll understand my sentiments!

A x

Christmas Wish List

On my Christmas list this year is a mixture of beauty products, books, household items and fashion goodies. What’s on yours?

1. Becca – Shimmering Skin Perfector (Moonstone)

2. The Beautiful Fall by Alicia Drake

3. Balenciaga – L’Eau Rose Eau de Toilette

4. Eleven Paris Town Dress with Leather Neckline Detail (ASOS) –

5. OPI – Embrace Dare Ya!

6. NEST – Blue Garden Classic Candle

7. Anna Karenina (the 2012 film)

8. Caudalie – Beauty Elixir

9. Topshop – Geometric Tassel Necklace

10. Nikon – D5200 camera

Red and Gold Fever

So, just in case you didn’t already know, it’s Christmas-time! Ahhh, the snow, the lights, the carols, the shop window displays, the Christmas wreaths, the mistletoe, the chestnuts roasting, the fires blazing … well, perhaps it’s not all quite like that, but at what time of year is the imagination more necessary than at Christmas? Even here in sunny Australia, Christmas is felt. Little boutiques and large shopping centers alike are filled with sounds of Michael Buble crooning away or Mariah Carey singing out that famous Christmas hymn, All I Want for Christmas. I have to admit, it’s difficult to feel angry or depressed when everything around you is so jolly!

Last night, my family and I went to see some amazing Christmas carols at our local church. A little early for that, you may say? I say it’s the perfect way to kick off the month of December! My outfit for the night was a deep red wrap dress over a plain white cami, with little black heels, a gold crucifix around my neck, long gold earrings and a gold bangle on my wrist. I also curled my hair, painted my nails with OPI’s “Danke- Shiny Red”, dusted my eyelids in sparkling gold and layered on some dazzling red lipstick. Yep, I was clad head to toe in festive red and gold! I just love dressing for the Christmas season, don’t you? It’s my favourite time of year!

Some Christmas inspiration for a radiant, festive look –

1. Chanel’s ‘Cils Scintillantes Sparkling Mascara Top Coat’

2. MAC’s ‘Divine Night Lipstick – Prepare for Pleasure’

3. Dior’s ‘5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette – Golden Flower’

4. Estee Lauder’s ‘Pure Colour Gloss – Garnet Desire’

5. Lancôme’s ‘La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum Legere’ 

6. OPI’s ‘In My Santa Suit’ Nail Polish

7. Calvin Klein’s ‘Continue Pendant’

8. Guess’ ‘Jesper2 Platform Peeptoe Glitter Pump’

Well, happy Christmas season, my lovelies!

A x

Summer Loving

Based in the sunny land of Australia, summer is just around the corner for us here ‘down under’. Being a winter kind of girl (and certainly one who would love nothing more than to have a white Christmas), summertime isn’t always my favourite time of the year. BUT there are some things about summer that just get under my skin and make me smile. Here are a few of the reasons why I love the summer sunshine:

1. The maxi-dress. Now, I have to say, not everyone can pull off this beachy, summer look. But when you get it right, it can look fantastic! I love the fact that you can wear a long, floor-sweeping dress and yet still be dressed casually. I have two maxi-dresses (both black – what can I say, I just love me a black dress!) – the first with spaghetti straps and made with 100% silky polyester, with soft ruffles below the neckline (my “formal” maxi-dress) and one also with spaghetti straps made with 100% cotton, with thin straps across the back (making a square-like pattern on the upper part of the back) and with a thin belt across the waist (my favourite of the two). They’re also fun to accessorize, as you can get away with an obscene amount of jewellery and other accessories due to the understated dark colouring and simple designs of the dresses. And when else can you wear a long dress with sandals or flip-flops (thongs as we call them in Australia – apologies to anyone from the US or UK, for which ‘thong’ means something entirely different!).

2. Sunglasses. Rarely are these sun-protective shields used for their supposed purpose – protecting the eyes from harmful UV rays. Oh no, these practical items can now be used as an accessory, statement or fashion masterpiece! I love cat-eye sunglasses for myself, but aviator glasses also work fantastically for some. I can’t even count the number of sunglasses I have ploughed through, but I actually quite enjoy the ‘leaving behind’ of an old pair, as it gives me an excuse to buy new ones. Who needs jewellery when you can accessorize with a dazzling pair of sunglasses?

3. Fruit! Juicy, ripe, plump strawberries with an ice-cold glass of water and a new edition of Vogue. Bliss! Fruit is my OBSESSION in summer. My favourites are: mangoes, kiwi fruit, peaches and pineapples. Fruit salad replaces my morning cup of coffee and bowl of muesli. Fruit juice replaces my cup of tea in the afternoon. Fruit, fruit, fruit all day long! I always did have a sweet tooth.

4. Seafood. Seafood was made for summertime. Lightly-cooked prawns with garlic butter, sprinkled with salt and pepper and laced through a light, summer salad is one of my favourite summer meals. I also love smoked salmon in summer, a wonderful alternative to bacon instead of the traditional bacon and eggs for breakfast. And a prime piece of freshly pan-seared tuna ‘steak’ with a spritz of lemon and served with a large helping of salad is a summer treat that I just can’t resist.

5. Beach hair. You don’t have to be at the beach to get those salt-kissed, effortless beachy waves. Just spray a little salt and water in your hair, ‘scrunch’ from the base of the hair in an upward motion and voila! You have your beachy waves. A quick and easy way to achieve a stylish look.

6. Minimal makeup. Summer is not the time for caking on the foundation and layering up the lipstick. It’s a time for light to no makeup, which is music to the ears of many who spends hours in front of the glass. Just a light layer of bright lipstick (try pink or peach), a curling of the eyelashes and a combing through of the eyebrows is perfectly acceptable in the warmer months. And I just love it!

7. Swimming and sun-baking with friends. Now I don’t mean spending hours doing arduous laps up and down the pool until your skin resembles a prune. I’m talking short escapades into the cool water followed by a ‘drying-off’ period in the summer sun to soak in some vitamin D and build up a nice, healthy tan. This summer ritual is an activity I just can’t miss!

8. Shopping sprees. Now of course, shopping is a ritual conducted all year round! But shopping for a summer wardrobe is always a treat. Away go the beautiful winter coats, scarves and knee-high boots and out pop the shorts, floral dresses and colourful bikinis. I just love the colour and vibrancy of summer clothing, and the combination of Christmas-time and summer colours produces a myriad of festivities, colour, happiness and joy in the shopping centers during the summer months.

 

A x

My all-time wardrobe staples

Ah shopping! That wonderful feeling of filling your hands with garment after garment of pure fashion indulgence, and the subsequent emptying of the pockets that ensues. Although there are many items that filter in and out of my wardrobe, there are some that have stood the test of time. My all-time staples. Winter, summer, dinner, picnic, formal, casual. These items are just my ultimate go-to’s :

1. The white shirt – a well-fitting, flattering white shirt can be a lifesaver when suffering from “I don’t know what to wear!” syndrome. I tend to wear it with light denim jeans, a statement necklace and coloured heels for a daytime look or with a block-coloured pencil skirt and black heels at night. Or, for a really casual look, with three-quarter length denim shorts, some gold bracelets and gladiator sandals. Perfect!

2. Denim jeans – now I’m sure I’m not alone with this one. Everyone loves a good pair of denim jeans! I love wearing jeans with a scoop neck top in a deep shade and a bright lip to match. Or with a light, bright, collared t-shirt and ballet flats.

3. Ballet flats – I absolutely love these shoes! They are just so easy to slip on and don’t land you in foot hospital. You can use these babies to say anything you want about you. Like (for a pair of plain black flats) “I care about the way I look but I don’t spend hours in front of the mirror” or (for a pair of embellished, coloured flats) “I’m fun and creative and love to bring life to my wardrobe” or (for a pair of bright red flats) “I love looking great and dressing up is fun but I’m a practical girl and know what’s best for my feet”. There are just so many different colours, styles and looks that you can pretty much get away with wearing them to any occasion.

4. The beige cardigan – well, okay, it doesn’t have to be beige, but I do love me a nice, soft, neutral-coloured cardie. Or sweater (depending on what country you come from). It’s not often that I get to wear these gems because (living in Australia) it’s generally far too hot. But whenever possible I throw one on, over whatever outfit I happen to be donning. They’re comfortable, practical and look fantastic! I generally wear them in winter with a pair of grey pants, a fitted maroon shirt and a wine lip, or in summer with the sleeves rolled up paired with denim shorts and a “baggy” white top with a chunky necklace.

5. The floral dress – winter or summer, the floral dress is always a staple in my wardrobe. It adds colour and vibrancy to any outfit, without the stress of matching together a two-piece ensemble. In summer I wear mine with bohemian-style sandals, aviator sunglasses and a small gold necklace. While in winter I wear it with black tights, ankle boots and a little black hat or flower chain.

6. The black skirt – Just like the white shirt, the black skirt is an easy choice for any outfit. Wear with a blue Breton shirt and ankle boots or with an embellished top and black heels.

7. The scarf – Yes, even in summer. I have so many scarves, it’s almost silly (… almost!). I have woolen ones, floaty floral ones, tassley ones, sequined ones. You name it, I’ve got it! I wear them in three main ways: doubled up and “tied” at the front, looped once around my neck, and draped loose around my neck. Generally this will depend on the scarf and temperature, but I pretty much wear them whichever way I feel most inclined on the particular day. I wear them with dresses, jeans and shirts, skirts and tops, anything really!

8. The black heel – I think it may be time for me to purchase a new pair of black heels because I have worn mine TO DEATH. I wear them everywhere. They’re so comfortable (the ones with the lower heel that is) and look amazing, slimming down my calves instantly. I wear them with black pants and an embellished shirt, or with a simple wrap dress, or even with black shorts and a chambray shirt.

9. The short – Shorts are the perfect casual item for a shopping day, a trip to the beach, or just a stroll through the park. Denim shorts go perfectly with a white t-shirt and flats, and black shorts go well with a collared t-shirt, tights and ankle boots.

10. The jumper – And of course, I couldn’t leave out the beloved jumper! Whether it’s a thick, sparsely-woven wool or a close-knit affair, jumpers are perfect for that extra toasty comfort we all need every now and again. If a piece of clothing could ever give a better hug than a jumper! Doesn’t it just feel like a lovely, warm, friendly embrace? And hugging someone else wearing a jumper … ahhh it’s just too wonderful!

 

A x

All About Audrey

Audrey Hepburn. Ever since I was a small child I have adored this Hollywood sensation. Her timeless, simple, elegant, and signature style has always fascinated me. My favourite outfit was always her day scene get-up in Rome in her role as Princess Ann in Roman Holiday. I just loved the crisp, button-down white shirt with the striped necktie and belted skirt. It seemed like the perfect outfit for a princess in disguise. The pastel outfits of Paris When it Sizzles provided a shift from her usual colour scheme, and she looked fantastic in them! And I could never forgot the all-black outfit she donned in the nightclub scene in Paris in Funny Face. She sure can pull off the turtle neck! Her style is simple, chic and absolutely timeless, and that famous pixi-cut of hers always won me over. Here are some of my favourite Audrey looks:

1. Roman Holiday

2. Funny Face

3. Sabrina

4. Breakfast at Tiffany’s

5. Paris When it Sizzles

 

A x