Busy Bee

Apologies for the lack of updates recently, I have been overrun with work of various kinds and have not had the time to blog.

I haven't been all that inspired lately either, but a new purchase always gives me some sort of boost in that department even if it is only a small accessory purchase - like these two tone tights:

Front


Side


Back


I like that they are a quirky twist on the usual grey or black opaques and are good for people like me who aren't quite brave enough to venture into bright coloured or patterned tights but are bored of plain opaques.

These would elongate the leg when paired with the Nine West dove grey Kimbell Oxfords I wanted awhile back, but alas I never got them =(

Artsy

I've only been back home for a few days, but the bargains are still everywhere and I stumbled across a dress that I had wanted a month ago, last one left in my size and drastically reduced - score!

Presenting my new all-purpose silk dress - to be worn for dressy dinners, birthday parties and random special occasions:
Source: sportsgirl.com.au

It features a beautifully draped tulip skirt and batwing sleeves which are so comfy and sophisticated but unfortunately they overwhelm my petite frame so I think I will be altering them as shown in the last photo below.

It has an elasticated waist, but it still feels and looks too baggy for my liking so I will be cinching it with my trusty belts.

The dress by itself in all its baggy glory

Cinched

With folded up sleeves

Chasing Waterfalls

I'm back from my relaxing and refreshing holiday and ready to get back into my life as I left it, which includes this blog, of course =)

One thing about traveling that really got to me was the feeling of living out of a suitcase - no matter how cleverly you think you packed for your trip, you will always feel as though you don't have enough clothes or you didn't pack the right clothes for the various situations that will inevitably pop up during your vacation.

Having access to my full wardrobe was one of the nicest things about coming back home and I definitely intend to make up for all the lost time, by wearing some fabulous outfits to ease myself back into my usual lifestyle.

One of my favourite pieces of clothing at the moment is the Drape Cardigan (a.k.a. Waterfall or Wrap cardigan), which is a subtle yet gorgeously girly update on the humble cardigan that has become a staple of many wardrobes (including mine) over the past few seasons.

Here are the ones that have caught my eye in a few different price ranges:


Witchery Solid Wrap Cardigan $149.95

Bardot Waterfall Cardigan in Melon $59.95

Valleygirl Shrug Cardigan $29.95

I personally prefer my drape cardigans to be made of more lightweight fabrics such as viscose and jersey to give it that floaty look and feeling but a thin knit would also work for a warmer alternative.

I recently bought mine in a black jersey material and love how it adds a touch of frilly goodness to my outfits without being too over the top. I think that it looks best with skinny jeans (since the drapes conveniently hide my winter saddlebags!) and heels, like this:





I adore how it also comes with a thin belt so I can play around with tying it at the waist or at the back to create different silhouettes and also to keep it in place. Can't wait to try it out with other outfits =)

Travel Bug

I'm going to be on a lovely holiday for the next week or so and in the spirit of things I've decided to blog about the most practical yet stylish things to take with you on your travels because it's so very hard to stay chic when you don't have access to your full wardrobe...

Here are some of my picks to make things a bit easier:

1. The Bag - Longchamp Le Pliage

• waterproof so that you won't have to worry about getting it wet or dirty
• foldable so that you can pack it up into your luggage when you don't need it without taking up too much room or put it into another bag as a portable extra bag for when you've done a lot of shopping and need something to hold your new purchases!
• spacious so it can carry all your travel essentials
• colourful, to brighten up your trip and outfit
• designer, because everyone wants to exude a bit of glamour when holidaying...
  

Longchamp Le Pliage
2. Comfortable Walking Shoes

• Cold climate - Black flat leather boots like Steve Madden's 'Swoop' because black goes with everything and the boots will keep you warm and protected against snow or rain.
  

• Warm climate - tan leather ballet flats to elongate the legs (since you won't be able to wear heels!) while still being comfortable enough to walk around all day if you've already worn them in (don't wear stiff new shoes, they WILL give you blisters!)

If you want to splash out on these, try Marni's gorgeous and simple leather ballet flats with an elasticated trim to make sure that the flats stay on and fit properly.

3. Multi-purpose scarf/pashmina - for the chilly plane airconditioning and also to make into various pieces of clothing for any occasion that might pop up unexpectedly. My favourite would be the American Apparel Circle Scarf (which I had previously expressed my love for) for its amazing versatility:




Happy travels everyone! =)

True Lust

Here's a heads up to any Aussie girls (and overseas online shoppers) out there who have seen the lovely Betty of leblogdebetty.com rocking these awesome gold studded ankle booties and like me, wished that they could get their hands on them:

I think Betty said that hers are from Oasis, which is a brand that ASOS stocks, but I have found the exact same ones on the Zimmermann website retailing for $250 (down from $500)!
I saw them in store today and debated whether to get them or not because they are absolutely gorgeous and would glam up any outfit...but I'll have to sleep on it since I already have some ankle boots now and if I get these, then I won't get as much wear out of the boots I already have!

If I can't get them out of my head by tomorrow...I think I'll cave in and buy them ><