monochrome factory

Misguided ghosts

2011-06-04T19:34:00.002+10:00

Ray Ban aviators; Witchery cropped angora jumper; J Brand high waist jeans; Wittner desert boots; Lovisa necklace and spiky bracelets; Nixon timeteller

It's funny how certain things act as memory triggers. Certain smells, objects and places have the ability to bring back rushes of feelings, images and smiles.

For me yesterday, it was re-discovering two things:

The Nixon Timeteller my bestie Laura (a.k.a. Make Up Guru) bought me for my birthday all the way from Selfridges in London at the back of my bedside table and remembering the perfect afternoon spent with her at Jones the Grocer, laughing over hilarious stories over multiple burnt coffees and yummy vegan cookies.

The Wittner ankle boots Frankie bought for me as a surprise present last year - he knew I had stopped to look at them in the window every week - so one night, just because, he came into work with a big smile and a big shoebox! I dropped the work I was doing and did a big jump, a scream and gave him a huge hug. Best ever.

I've got you in my clutches

2011-06-02T12:17:00.006+10:00

Alexander McQueen Oriental Samurai Skull silk-satin box clutch - NAP

Herve Leger Over-sized cord clutch

Stella Mccartney Falabella citrus-print cotton clutch - NAP

Diane Von Furstenberg Lytton Thai printed silk-satin clutch - NAP

Some very lust-worthy pieces of arm candy that are 100 per cent calf, pony and lamb friendly.

I'm headed to Europe in 23 days (!!!) - I have the feeling that the Stella McCartney citrus clutch in the centre is going to be the perfect travel companion whilst I roam the streets of Paris, Florence and Barcelona.

It's all in the detail

2011-04-28T22:42:00.005+10:00

Post-work play.

Country Road blazer, skirt, shirt, platforms; Louis Vuitton Speedy.

How cute are these new oxfords?

photography

2011-04-24T23:24:00.003+10:00

Ralph Lauren cotton cable knit; Sass and Bide denim shorts; Vans lo pro sneakers; Ray Ban aviators

Some of my own shots. Top to bottom - somewhere on the South Gippsland Highway, Victoria; San Remo beach, Victoria; The Steaming Cliffs, Rotorua NZ

the good things

2011-03-13T23:28:00.003+11:00

Sportsgirl cheesecloth & lace blouse; Basic bandage skirt; Wittner fringe clutch; Christian Louboutin Paola 100 booties

Took these bad boys out for a spin tonight for the first time and the verdict is in: i'm in love. Pretty much the most comfortable pair of heels I have ever worn. This is saying something, as Louboutin shoes are not really known for their wearability as much as they are just known for their aesthetic.

I just got back from backpacking around New Zealand a couple of weeks ago, hence the absence. NZ is such a breathtaking country and the people in it are just so incredibly beautiful and friendly - I've made more amazing and interesting friends in two weeks there than I have in Melbourne over the last year. If you ever get the chance to go, don't even hesitate for a second. You will be blown away, I promise.

Raggamuffin 2011

2011-01-31T23:55:00.005+11:00

Vintage dress; Louis Vuitton Speedy; Country Road sandals; Scala hat

Spent all of Saturday dancing to my favourite reggae beats in the sunshine at Raggamuffin. Saw my favourites Jimmy Cliff, The Wailers, The Black Seeds, Ky-Mani Marley, Maxi Priest and Mary J Blige.

The entire Music Bowl went nuts when Jimmy Cliff played this song. Such an amazing vibe - everybody was so peaced out, just dancing and chilling. So good.

rabbit heart

2011-01-27T22:53:00.004+11:00

Country Road singlet top; Vintage trousers; Azzedeine Alaia wedges; Vintage basket

What better way to break up the mid-week melancholic march than a quiet afternoon in a secret quarry tucked away in the middle of suburbia?

This place is so surreal that the minute you step onto the top of the quarry, reality just disappears. It is so quiet here that you can hear the horses running in the distance. The perfect place to just chill out with a picnic rug and a really great book.

the dog days are over

2011-01-18T11:47:00.005+11:00

Cotton On blouse; Sass and Bide denim shorts; Vans lo pro sneakers

A road trip down the Bass coast was the perfect antidote to a very busy schedule and post-christmas exhaustion.

One of my favourite things to do is just to take it easy on the roads, drive with the windows down and the music up, and just stop along the way and take photos of things that catch my eye.

I had been neglecting my photography as of late, but this trip has re-ignited my love for my camera and has inspired me to go on more weekend trips to search out some great shots.

pretty wings

2010-12-23T11:15:00.004+11:00

Review Dress; Louis Vuitton Speedy 30; Christian Louboutin Simple 100 Heels

There is something about setting a white dress against the LV monogram that is so timeless and lovely.

This dress has been my old (or new?) realiable for a couple of weeks now - wearable to lunch with flats, dinner with heels or out for drinks with hair up and red lipstick to boot.

I hope you all have a very safe and very happy Christmas wherever you are in the world!

P.s. I have been obsessing over this track the last couple of days - "I need a dollar" by Aloe Blacc.

Follow your heart

2010-12-03T08:31:00.004+11:00

Leona Edmiston Betty Dress; Chanel Bag; Christian Louboutin YoYo Heels

I initially had my doubts when handing over my credit card to buy this dress. The financial advisor that resides within my brain (who has always had poor fiscal scruples anyway) was even telling me - "REALLY? You are going to pay that much for a cotton dress??"

Fast forward to a few months later and an excuse to finally break out the dress - a date with my best friend to see the musical Hairspray (which, by the way, totally blew my mind - I have watched the movie about 1378494 times, but seeing it live was amazing)

Anyway - having worn the dress last night, I am officially converted. And the beauty about a dress like this? No outfit stress necessary. Just remove hanger, pop on, and go. Perfect.

Johnston Street Hispanic Street Festival 2010

2010-11-21T22:32:00.003+11:00

Friends, food, music, drinks, dancing, summer sunshine, long days and warm nights.

Life cannot get any better right now!

Witchery cotton shirt; American Apparel circle skirt; Vans lo pro sneakers; Country Road clutch; Ray Ban aviators

Gosh how cute is this man....He is a tram conductor. Apparently next year the iconic old green and yellow trams are coming back to Melbourne. He was so lovely...He said to tell you all to say hello next year on the trams!

Melbourne Muse

2010-10-19T16:26:00.005+11:00

Norman (of Musing Mutley) represents a lot of what I love in men's style - neutral tones, clean silhouette, beautiful natural fabrics with a touch of individual quirkiness. He just looks effortlessly cool. The boat shoes are my favourite part - they convey so much character and story.

We joked that this outfit is quintessentially Melbourne but it really is - I am proud to live in a city that possesses such great style!

a piece of paris: part une

2010-10-15T20:22:00.005+11:00

I have never really been the kind of person who is ever lacking in something to say (quite the opposite problem, actually...)

However, when I look at these beautiful boots, everything in my mind goes very peaceful and quiet.

I am guessing that this sensory over (or under?) load would be very similar to what would occur to the mind of a young man when an attractive woman walks past and he's stopped talking to his friends, and now is very clearly concentrating extremely hard on watching her pass by!

And now I suppose the only realistic assumption we can draw from this today...I am a shoe pervert.

C. Louboutin Paola 100 Lace Booties

These guys have been hiding away in my room for a while now waiting for the weather to warm up (rain + mesh = no deal), but they are too lovely not to be shared in the mean time.

we are not the kids we used to be

2010-10-12T00:18:00.003+11:00

Sportsgirl cheesecloth lace blouse; Vintage leather patchwork skirt; Country Road suede buckle boots; Sass & Bide horn clutch

Meet my hair - the moody chameleon. It never is quite the same colour at any given day. Ahh what I would give to have hair that behaves for me!!

Your easy lovin aint pleasin nothin

2010-10-05T19:10:00.004+11:00

After a particularly long and bitter Melbourne winter, I am so excited to see that SPRING IS FINALLY HERE!!!

My favourite part of the year. Spring means the first bare legs, new cotton dresses, sunshine, longer days, happiness, driving with the windows down, dancing on the lawn.

Country Road denim shirt; Country Road print skirt; Vintage tooled belt; Vans lo pro sneaker; Louis Vuitton Manhattan PM

My favourite part of the outfit is the skirt - its actually from the kids section at CR. I seriously doubt that it would fit a normal sized 10 year old if it fits me!! I love it because it reminds me of those gorgeously full circle skirts from the 1950s, but re-interpreted in a more modern way.

Monash Law Ball 2010

2010-09-30T20:58:00.005+10:00

The best friend.

The outfit.

Zimmermann black silk gown; Sass and Bide horn clutch; Vintage choker

Had the law ball a couple of weeks ago and had the time of my life. The ball itself wasn't great but it was the company which made the night so hilarious and fun.

My outfit was pretty much the world's most last minute choice. I bought the dress a week ahead and the clutch the day before. I can't even express how much I love this clutch.

Alot of people don't know what to make of it, and I have had a lot of questions put to me about it: is it a weapon? Is it a horn? Is it a bag?

The answer - it is all three!

city on fire

2010-08-09T00:14:00.010+10:00

Alexander Wang twisted drape dress; Vintage gold necklace; Christian Louboutin Corto pumps; Balenciaga giant gold clutch

Saturday night: dinner at the European. Amazing service and scrumptious food!!

I wore my new necklace. Well, its new for me - it is really a vintage piece from the 1970s - can you believe it is still in perfect condition?! I love little things like this because I make up a really exotic story in my head to go with it. When I got this in the mail I decided that whoever owned it used to wear it to Studio 54 to party with Cher.

Here is a better look at it:

And lastly, because I am really loving how beautiful Melbourne is at the moment - through the park on the walk back to the car:

Electric stories

2010-07-25T23:47:00.004+10:00

Sportsgirl sheer silk blouse; Sportsgirl bib necklace; Current/Elliott high waist skinny jeans; Christian Louboutin patent peeptoe pumps; Country Road double ip clutch

Saw "Jersey Boys" last night at the Princess Theatre last night - so so so incredible!!

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons are dominating the iTunes airwaves tonight.

Got these high waisted jeans from Revolve last week and I am already pretty sure they are going to be a super staple in my wardrobe. From tees to blouses and loose fitting camisoles, this jean brings an element of neatness in how it nips everything in at the waist. Perfectly simple denim that is effortless and versatile. (and, oh my gosh, SO freaking comfy - we are talking it rivaling sweatpants here - jean nivarna!!).

Now if only it came in more washes...

wayfarer youth

2010-07-20T21:46:00.005+10:00

Country Road Boyfriend Blazer; Witchery Waterfall Cardigan; Country Road Dress; Miu Miu Oversized Tote; ASOS Combat boots; ASOS stockings

The layers are out in full force this month - it is freaking chilly down here. Brr!

A lovely day in Melbourne - Yummy early breakfast at Earl Canteen (organic autumn mushroom wrap please); Tim Burton exhibit at ACMI; Basking in the sun on Collins St; Lunch off Degraves; Wandering around the city like a tourist with my camera.

I find that Melbourne can be so drab at times because I take it's beauty for granted - sometimes it takes looking through the lens of a camera to appreciate things you would ordinarily take a second look at.

Have you ever noticed this at Federation Square? I love it - a big suspended piece that contrasts beautifully with the bright blue sky.

perfect winter

2010-07-06T17:25:00.008+10:00

Laura from These Ruby Slippers

Went down to beautiful Bayside with my two best friends for the day. Got better acquainted with my Nikon D100 - I don't use it enough, and I should - it's a beautiful DSLR to start with.

I had the perfect subjects; perfect sky; perfect winter weather; and perfect scenery.

What more more could I ask for??

Finally - Storm London sent through a blogger Q&A:

The time you felt most inspired by fashion: Inspiration drawn from fashion emerged the minute I clicked onto the Satorialist, Jak+Jill, Garance Dore, Facehunter and many more fashion blogs. The jumble of vintage and designer treasures belonging to perfectly dressed and styled women and men, mixed in with their individual flair, pulled at me in a way which has changed the way I view getting dressed every day

The time you were proudest of your outfit or your style: I get serious pride when somebody whose fashionability I strongly admire gives me a compliment on what I am wearing! Otherwise I don't really dwell on it, I just go with what makes me happy in the moment.

The time in fashion you would most like to return to (60s, 70s etc): Honestly, I love what we have going on right now. I'm noticing now, more then ever, people are finding what works for them and sticking with that, as opposed with just going with whatever trend lands in the stores. I love that you can open your wardrobe and pull out whatever you feel like wearing on the day - a circle skirt from the 50s to a sequin studded dress from the 80's.

https://www.stormwatches.com.au/

only by the night

2010-07-01T10:00:00.005+10:00

Witchery shirt; Nudie Hai Kai jeans; Urban Outfitters heels; Miu Miu tote

The definition of the perfect white shirt is different for everybody.

My idea of the pefect shirt has eluded me for a long, long time, or at least until the moment I stepped into Witchery and saw it: cotton, sheer and soft, with rolled sleeves and a relaxed fit. A million and one uses for this one piece.

Also - got this Miu Miu oversized tote from Net-A-Porter this week and I am pretty sure it's love!

Current winter loves -

Country Road oversized ladder knit scarf, Karmaloop mittens & Urban Original mules

Through The Looking Glass

2010-06-21T23:58:00.005+10:00

Country Road Boyfriend Blazer; Country Road Dress; Country Road Double Zip Clutch; ASOS Combat boots; ASOS stockings

Post-work play today.

The stockings are my favourite part of the outfit.

They seemed to invoke a very strong negative female reaction while walking through the shopping centre though. Hmmm. Surely these women have seen worse in a Saturday night out in Melbourne??

(I can't wait to wear my House of Holland suspender ones to work next, just to see what happens...)

In other news, I can't seem to take my combat boots off. Oh well. Guess that means I'll be wearing them forever. How sad! (I have seriously worn them everyday for the last 2 weeks...Even on Saturday night out to Pony. People must think I have no other shoes)

sleep spindles

2010-06-16T02:13:00.002+10:00

Country Road Flannel Dress; Witchery Singlet; Nudie Hai Kai jeans; Urban Outfitters heels; Vintage Leather Jacket

Yesterday, post-exam.

My brain has already blissfully forgotten semester one of property law.

I bought the leather jacket from this amazing, tiny, overheated little stall inside of Chatuchak Market in Bangkok.

If you have never been - Chatuchak is a HUGE (35 acres/1.13 square kms) indoors and outdoors market that runs every weekend on the outer edges of Thailand's capital city. Apparently about 20,000 people visit each day and there are about 5,000 stalls.

The last time I was there from 11am - 6pm and we had covered only a tiny little speck of the market.

It is fashion nirvana - all the stalls are ordered in interest.

Think row A = independant designers for jewelery, row B = independant clothing designers, row C = vintage designers, row D = vintage nike dunks, row D = leather jackets, row E = hats etc etc

Aaaand then you stop and have yummy pad thai and iced tea with all the locals for dinner

I miss it!! ♥

the sky might fall

2010-06-13T15:46:00.002+10:00

Leona Edmiston S/S 2010

I have already pre-ordered it at two stores. Just in case.

(I hate having that superficial frenzy and dread at having missed out at a cult fashion piece - Love is a Drug and Black Magick dresses anyone?)

I love that red lipstick works so beautifully with this dress.

I've gotten about a million things in the mail this week (a very welcome distraction to long days filled with study)...I can't wait till my first two exams are over and then I get can get excited about putting together outfits and blogging again :)

Oh, and: Follow my blog with bloglovin

comme ci, comme ça

2010-06-07T00:49:00.002+10:00

Wheels & Dollbaby Bow Corset Dress; Vintage Valentino pleated skirt; black petticoat; Christian Louboutin YoYos; LYDC eiffel tower bag; Chanel camellia scarf(Laura!♥)

Saw SATC II with the best friends on Wednesday night. Had cocktails and then sat super super close to the screen (i'll never get complacent about buying movie tickets again) - baaaad combination. I think I watched the whole thing cross eyed and half drunk (haha).

Spent a million years trying to figure out a SATC worthy outfit and then settled on something season six-ish for when Carrie goes to Paris with the Russian...

Really wanted to love the movie but walked out completely confused and disappointed - fluffy storyline AND I wanted more Smith Jerrod. MMM.

How did you girls find the movie?

ruby woo

2010-05-31T23:36:00.004+10:00

Thrifted off the shoulder top; Nudie Hai Kai skinnies; Azzedeine Alaia wooden platforms

Do you ever feel like time is just running too fast for you to catch up??

My days of late have been very much the same - wake up, shower, breakfast, library, gym, lunch, library, dinner, library, sleep - it all passes in a blur and a whole day feels like its over before its even really begun. I'm currently in serious exam mode so comfort has been winning over fashion.

This outfit has been a bit of a winner for me - wear it during the day with black suede ballet flats - out to dinner at night, voila instant upgrade with some heavy duty MAC lipstick and yummy platforms for some nautical fun.

Moon tonight - Frankie took it about 10 minutes ago sitting on the roof

La Mer

2010-05-18T00:24:00.006+10:00

Ralph Lauren mens oxford; Country Road skinnies; Azzedeine Alaia platform wedges

It's f-f-f-f-freeeezing!
I'm currently dreaming of drives down to the coast, sun burning on my skin, cotton dresses and singing in the car with the windows rolled down.
Obsession of the moment?
The Oxford Shirt!
Some Oxford Loving:

Style Sightings

Oliver Spencer

Prada

Commes Des Garconnes at Tres Bien Shop

The Sartorialist

Paul Newman

P.S. My best friend (who is a law student also) just showed me this Facebook group. Bahahaha. Love it!!

P.P.S. You can check out Frankie's other photgraphic work at Fresco Photography

Wash, Rinse, Repeat

2010-05-10T01:59:00.007+10:00

Sportsgirl lace blouse; Country Road denim leggings; Country Road Tess suede boots

I saw this blouse on a girl at John Mayer on Monday night and fell in love. Simple, demure and classic with a lacy touch - nothing overly girly, but still very femme.

Had to endure the worlds WORST customer service to get it though - arggggh. How hard is it to be polite to customers? Coming from a retail background, I can tell you - IT IS VERY EASY! 1. Smile & be warm. 2. Make chit chat 3. Make sale. Some of my regulars have become almost like friends, and I genuinely happy to see them when they walk into the store.

On a side note - when the whole denim leggings fad came out, I was mortified and joined that Facey group, "To Denim Leggings, Australia Says No".

However - When the Country Road ones came in, I snapped them up. They look and feel like jeans, but they are so damn comfortable and stick like a second skin... I couldn't say no...So yessss to denim leggings. Haha ♥

HUGE awesome giant bun!! It took alot of backcombing and hairspray but we got there!

And finally - I have been following Natasha's "Sojourn for World Hunger" journey on her blog The Voracious Vegan and reading her entries has been nothing short of incredibly moving and inspiring. It's easy to get caught up in day-to-day problems but in reading through her blog, I am reminded of how much I need to be grateful for.

you're not going anywhere, shortstack

2010-05-06T22:02:00.000+10:00

A self portrait by Photius Drakos

casually dressed and deep in conversation

2010-04-23T23:16:00.005+10:00

Witchery singlet; Nudie skinnies; Witchery waterfall cardigan; Just Jeans Waterfall leather jacket; Nine West booties; Speedy 30

Canberra is a bit topsy-turvy in its weather where it is freezing cold one minute and the next it is warm and sunny. This is when layering is my new best friend...Pack it all on in the morning like the Abominable Snowman The II and then strip it all off in the afternoon like its a Nelly video clip...its getting hot in hurrr!

the love cats

2010-04-20T21:51:00.001+10:00

L>R: Country Road Hailee suede boot; ASOS ski hook boot; Country Rod Tess seude boot; Azzedeine Alaia wooden platforms; Prada two-tone ballet flats; Christian Louboutin yoyo 100s; Country Road suede ballet flats; Christian Louboutin mary janes.

Alaia, shoe family. Shoe family, Alaia.

These are actually the first white shoes I have ever owned and I was feeling lost for white shoe-spiration until I saw this:

A-freaking-mazing.

violent ends

2010-04-15T10:39:00.004+10:00

Bikie gloves add extra toughness.

Witchery fringed vest; Country road camisole; Nudie jeans; Nine West booties; Biker studded leather gloves

This fringed silk vest thingy is something I have worn religiously since buying on the weekend. I wear alot of black so it keeps things a little fun.

violent delights

2010-04-10T09:17:00.000+10:00

Louis Vuitton Speedy 30; Miu Miu flats; Country Road scarf; General Pants jumpsuit

Laura from These Ruby Slippers looking breathtaking in Prahan, Melbourne.

heartbeats

2010-04-07T19:01:00.000+10:00

Lovable lace bodysuit; Vintage levi jeans; Urban Original suede wedges

When I showed Frankston my outfit of the day, he said "no. no way. it just doesn't work."
Thoughts?
I'm liking the contrast of masculine & feminine. I had fun wearing it too.

Anyway,
Some news!
Yesterday I won a pair of Alaia wedges on eBay. Brand new! Eeeeeek the excitement! Can't wait to get them! Will show you guys when i do!

Have a lovely week x

jungle boogie

2010-04-03T19:52:00.001+11:00

One of my favourite friends Liz had a Jungle party/housewarming/birthday last weekend. These pics were too good to not share...

Happy Easter beautiful readers!! I hope you are having a lovely weekend xx

deja entendu

2010-03-29T22:06:00.007+11:00

Went to Alumbra last night for a friend's birthday and had one too many glasses of Alize and soda. Blerghhhh! Fast forward a couple of hours later and I am munching on vege pizza on Fitzroy St in St Kilda...Am I the only one who LOVES broccoli on pizza? AMAZING! My friends think I am weird.

Vintage leather jacket; American Apparel double U dress; ASOS two tone tights; Balenciaga GGH clutch; Country Road patent pumps

Looooving these tights. Wasn't a super huge fan of the Chanel nude/black combination - these ASOS ones pull at my monochromatic heartstrings.

The always beautiful Mez over at Blithely Unaware has passed on the "Sugar Doll" award/quiz to me. Check out her blog!! It is always one of my favorite reads, she's such a sweet and unique girl who posts best fashion editorials...do it!

How would you describe your style?

I don't have a style I can always depend on. This is good and bad...Sometimes I envy the kind of girls who have a very definite idea of what they like and get ready to go out in zero time. Other times I am glad my taste is all over the place. It will depend on my mood. It does make getting ready really horrible sometimes though. My friends have to wait for me for ages if I am being indecisive. I love them for it!

What wardrobe item can’t you live without?

Black suede ballet flats from Country Road...I have five pairs of these!! They are the best flats in the world.

What’s on your wish list?

The perfect, high waisted skinny super skinny jean. Christian Louboutin black suede boots. Balenciaga City with giant silver hardware. Alexander Wang Diego.

Who or what inspires you?

Fashion bloggers - there are some really really great ones that inspire me

People who embrace individuality

Dita Von Teese

Warm weather

Good music

Vogue

Vintage shopping

Now I pass this on to a few of my favourite Australian blogs...

These Ruby Slippers

Daydream in Blue

Faridah

the sleeping sickness

2010-03-23T10:55:00.001+11:00

CR padded shoulder knit, vintage daisy skirt, jonathon aston socks, eBay mary janes

I have been listening to City and Colour's album 'Bring Me Your Love' religiously. It has gotten me through a pretty ugly week!! Dallas Green is Good For Your Soul.

Also just wanted to thank everybody who has given their condolences for James' passing. It has really helped me through. xx

Anyway. no more sad stuff here today. Back to outfit posting...

Still loving my knit.

Picked up the skirt at Savers in Frankston (the best thrift store in the world - it is on two levels !!) for a 90's party and have never looked back. I get serious mileage out of this thing.

I am trailing this sock + wedge combo but I am not sure if it is right with the daisy skirt. Maybe a structured pencil mini is better? Hmm.

hold your head high, heavy heart

2010-03-18T06:52:00.000+11:00

I don't usually talk about personal stuff but I can't keep this inside.

My brother's best friend died this morning from being hit by a car whilst cycling to uni. He had swerved to avoid a parked car's door which had opened suddenly, and was hit by oncoming traffic. Please please check to see if the road is clear before opening your car door. If that person today had taken care to check, James would still be with us today. He was a brilliant law student, a talented musician, and above all, and amazing person who was filled with life, hard work, and creativity. We all miss him so much already. James 1987-2010.

on the street (where the wild things are)

2010-03-12T21:39:00.003+11:00

Shirt, trousers, jacket: Hugo Boss. Vintage shoes.

A bottle of wine - the perfect accessory!!

A very super cool looking Thomas, rocking a great outfit with a bit of old school charm. Guys just don't dress like this anymore..
Singled him from the crowd at Mike O'Meally's 'Where the Wild Things Are' Exhibition in Fitzroy, Melbourne.

je ne sais quoi...

2010-03-07T12:42:00.001+11:00

Country Road padded shoulder knit; Vintage houndstooth mini; Country Road thigh high boots; Vintage jewelry; Balenciaga flat handle clutch

We had a super humungo hail storm yesterday afternoon- apocalyptic type stuff with golf and tennis ball sized hail just pelting down under a black sky. Weird considering that we have only just left summer...

It calmed down into rain later on, so I got to take my new boots out for a spin (and some Greek dancing...I am a major unco-banunco but I think I have the hang of it now)

soft skeletons

2010-03-05T13:31:00.001+11:00

Supre dress; Christian Louboutin YoYos; Vintage glomesh clutch

I have always been obsessed by the rockabilly/pin up era.

Nautical stripes, high waists, circle skirts - I love collecting it all, even though it doesn't really translate into my daily style.

Anyway, I am really liking this dress - it feels very Wheels & Dollbaby, but without the price tag. Hooray!

(I do really obsess over W&D though. Hands down one of the best things to come out of aussieland!)

P.S. I changed my hair colour. I like it at times and hate it at others.
My best friend thinks it is horrible, and my boyfriend thinks it is great. Confusion much?
Anyway it is colour out of a box. It's so much better than what my hairdresser has ever done for me. Haha!

flashdance

2010-03-03T18:49:00.001+11:00

Vintage lace dress; Christian Louboutin heels

Had an 80s party on the weekend. I was kind of dreading finding an approrpiate outfit as 80s fashion has very little appeal to me, but I dug around and surprise surprise this little gem of a dress was hiding in the corner of my closet.

Add tragic hot pink and blue eye combo and voila!

Loving the puffy sleeves and the corseted body. Hmmm. I wonder if it would work in a non-costume situation?

The boys looked super cool - Frank was 80's Slash and Arch was an 80s pro skater:

Back at Uni this week. Im exhausted! Property Law, Evidence Law, Constitutional Law and South-East Asian Revolutions. My brain feels too little to absorb the overload.

march madness

2010-03-01T01:02:00.001+11:00

Supre dress; eBay mary janes; Balenciaga city

These shoes. Miam! I was struck by this sudden need for the Chloe ankle tie MJs from a few years ago, so I turned to faithful old eBay to do some hunting around. Came up with these and I am pretty happy.

How cute is the back of this dress? Havent shopped at Supre for years but I just walked in on a whim the other day and bought a few silly cheap thrills which are actually kind of fun to have in my wardrobe. I may be hooked.

boys like you are a dime a dozen

2010-02-27T17:42:00.003+11:00

I love the feeling of: summer, music festivals, alexisonfire, dallas green, old pop-punk favourites, sunshine, bare legs, dried grass, tanned skin, new friends, old friends, sneakers, sunglasses, cotton dresses, check shirts, cropped tees, no makeup, happiness.

twenty twenty surgery

2010-02-23T17:40:00.002+11:00

Old Navy Tee; American Apparel skirt; Country Road hat; Country Road double zip clutch; Nine West suede booties

OK so I realised I lied here about not having a uniform (whoops). A bandage skirt and tee is pretty much my go-to for all situations in life.

I also realised that while uniforms can be little boring and predictable, they are also excellent in that A. it takes all of 5 seconds to get dressed and B. you feel pretty good/comfy in what you are wearing.

Nothing makes me feel as uncomfortable and not myself as being unhappy with what I am wearing. Shameful admission? I have driven home on numerous occasions on my lunch break at work and uni to change. Or maybe I shouldn't be admitting that. Hmm.

Also I am really am loving this skirt on Opening Ceremony. I am not sure how it will translate into reality but I think I might give a DIY version a go soon:

Where the Wild Things Are X Opening Ceremony Ira Bull Skirt

Oui? ou Non?

other things that are also catching my heart:

Opening Ceremony Leather Circle Skirt

I also wouldn't mind her hair plait. My hair is being unkind and not letting the side plait work for me.

Opening Ceremony Leopard Heel

Never been a huge fan of strappy sandals (Too Sex and the City 1998 for me) but these are too beautiful to say no to. I am thinking black socks with these...fashion says no, I say yes!

Alexander Wang Tattered Leather Blazer

AMAZING FIT.

T by Alexander Wang skirt

My ASOS maxi has almost zero life in it left. I wear it all the time. I want this so I can abuse this one too.

Roadhouse Blues

2010-02-19T00:39:00.000+11:00

I thought I would play photographer for a day, much to the protest of my boyfriend.

Like a true photographer, he is more comfortable behind the lens than in front of one! I got him to stand still long enough so you guys could catch a glimpse of his daily style, which I really love.

Stussy shirt; Cheap Monday Jeans; Country Road boat shoes, Ray Ban sunglasses

Sydney Part IV

2010-02-17T17:47:00.003+11:00

Marks & Spencer vintage dress; Wittner suede fringe clutch; Christian Louboutin YoYo 100

A departure from my usual thing. (I like to do this sometimes, it keeps things interesting, no? If you stick to one style, it becomes a uniform. Uniforms are never fun.)

The boyfriend calls this the "old lady dress".

I did see his point but I strongly argued back that "it is all in the accesories".

You have to admit, Homy-Peds are no match for the power of the Louboutin shoe.

Sydney Part III

2010-02-14T19:02:00.002+11:00

ASOS maxi dress, Balenciaga city

I really, really, really love Sydney.

Photography by Photius Drakos

Sydney Part II

2010-02-11T01:00:00.000+11:00

Country Road oversized pocket tee; Utech ribbed bandage skirt; Nine West booties

Fail-safe travelling mathematics:

1 jersey tee (which will always magically unwrinkle itself when hung up overnight)

1 super comfy bandage skirt

no ironing, no fuss!

Queen Victoria Building, Sydney

Sydney part I

2010-02-09T00:07:00.004+11:00

Firstly:

I am not very technologically savvy so it took for someone else to tell me that people have not been able to follow the blog. You can follow by either clicking on the 'Follow' link at the top of the page or by clicking on the 'Subscribe to' Link at the bottom of the page! Lets be friends!

*****

Country Road padded shoulder knit; ASOS bandage skirt; Country Road suede lace up flats; Wittner tassel bag

Just came home from a four day trip to Sydney. Had a super fun time hanging out with the boy's lovely family, shopping (particularly Incu at Galleries Victoria + vintage heaven in Newtown) plus super cool stuff in between, which I will blog out in the upcoming days.

Sydneysiders, you are all so lucky!

lover you should have come over

2010-02-04T23:50:00.001+11:00

ASOS knitted maxi dress; Nine West heels

Got this dress in the mail via my friend Ruby Tuesday and despite the 36 degree heat yesterday I couldn't resist wearing it around the boy's house for a little bit. Naturally he thought I was crazy about new ASOS deliveries...

Isn't it the coolest dress?

OK so maybe it is not for everyone. It's OK if you disagree. Its a little full on and stripey and long and all over the place but i really am loving it. Its kind of like a portable bodycon blanket.

all along the watchtower

2010-02-01T01:03:00.004+11:00

Country Road padded shoulder knit; DIY leopard print skirt, Christian Louboutin pumps; Vintage clutch

I admit, I'm a little late in getting on the padded shoulder bandwagon...

I figured that having broad shoulders would preclude me from wearing anything that emphasised this broadness even further.

This knit came into work and was one of the standout pieces from the new winter collection. I tried it on and instantly fell in love with the structured silhouette of this knit and how it gives the wearer instant personality.

They dpon't call it the power shoulder for nothing!

the man behind the lens

2010-01-27T02:07:00.000+11:00

Introducing Photius Drakos,

photographer extraordinaire

Country Road shirt; Country Road chinos; Country Road boat shoes

How many male friends of yours have great style? I can count mine probably on one hand, maybe two.

I love the style that Scott from The Satorialist so admires in his male subjects. A mix of the classics with a touch of originality.

Frankie (Photius) is also a big fan of Scott's blog, and I think that it comes across here.
(You can also pick the Mayer Hawthorne influence if you look hard enough)

city burning to the ground

2010-01-25T20:03:00.000+11:00

Country Road tee; French Connection leggings; Country Road patent pumps

These leggings are part fashion genius and part fashion roadkill. I'm not quite sure which part is more dominant though..

welcome to the jungle

2010-01-23T17:57:00.000+11:00

DIY crop tee; UTech skirt; ASOS animal tights; NW peeptoe booties; Vintage suede clutch; Vintage cuff; House of Harlow sunburst necklace; Diva leopard ring; Ray Ban aviators

Somebody save my t-shirt collection!

Everytime I can't find a cropped tee, I make another one. I am running out of normal looking tee-shirts. Never mind, though. As I learnt from Robin Williams in Dead Poet's Society, you need to seize the day (or at least seize the closest t-shirt, and attack with scissors)

P.S. How Giraffey do my legs look here? The lens is nuts. Even my boots look like hooves here!

truck stop blues

2010-01-22T00:12:00.000+11:00

DIY Tee; Vintage levis; Nine West heels

I have really been loving this jeans + tee combination this week. I know crop tops aren't everybody's cup of tee (heehee. get it?) but I think it offsets the way the boyfriend jeans can sometimes seem frumpy and daggy.

This outfit, if nothing else, boasts great aerodynamics!

bulls in brooklyn

2010-01-20T13:33:00.000+11:00

Supre maxi; Balenciaga Clutch

I love the simplicity of pulling on a maxi dress. Easy, effortless and fuss-free.

make her say

2010-01-19T10:40:00.000+11:00

Ralph Lauren Mens oxford shirt; Vintage leather skirt; Urban Original suede wedges

I really really love wearing wedges. I don't know if I can ever love a stiletto again in the same way. These Urban Originals are so super comfy - it is like bouncing on air (I know this because I was literally bouncing with excitement in them when I first got them in the post).

Suede + Wedge + Nude = Perfection! My kind of maths.

skill to kill

2010-01-17T02:17:00.000+11:00

Alice McCall "Skill to Kill" dress; Urban Original suede wedges

OK so this dress contradicts everything my fashion sensibility dictates: it is colourful; it is frilly; it is sweet and pretty (ick at this last point).

The redeeming characteristic of this dress that overrides all else? There are small black skulls printed amongst the floral pattern. Very cool and kooky. Its something nobody seems to notice but me...which I think makes me love it even more, because its a special secret between me and the dress...now I sound a bit kooky!

sheer delight

2010-01-14T09:26:00.001+11:00

Hannah Marshall Bat Dress

This dress = love at first sight

casey's song

2010-01-13T00:15:00.001+11:00

Vintage camisole; vintage houndstooth mini; Johnathon Aston socks; Christian Louboutin heels

I have always struggled to feel right wearing "pretty" clothes. It may very well be my inner child rebelling against all the cutie-pie party dresses my mother used to dress me in.

These days I find happiness in pulling on something simple, with clean lines and subtle colour (or lack thereof).

The one thing from my childhood I havent been able to let go of - ankle socks.

I think they are an lovely improvement to classic (which to me, sometimes means too safe slash boring) pumps.

one-armed scissor

2010-01-11T01:37:00.000+11:00

Shakuhachi/Avec Girls dress; Nine West booties; Forecast clutch

A recipe for cold weather: two parts bravery, one part great dress and a pair of over the knee socks. Add ankle boots and serve immediately.

is this love

2010-01-09T18:44:00.000+11:00

Witchery Dress ; Vintage studded belt; Nine West heels

I bought these heels against the advice of my best friend and my boyfriend (apparently I have terrible taste in shoes). For some reason, this vendetta just makes me love my lovely "ugly" shoes more. Strange, no?

the getaway plan

2010-01-06T20:17:00.000+11:00

Ralph Lauren oxford shirt; UTech skirt; Balenciaga bag; Vans authentics

The sun. The sky. The coast. The country.

This is heaven...

(But now - back to the daily grind!

Such is life, my friends.)

explosions in the sky

2010-01-02T10:21:00.001+11:00

Vintage shirt; American Apparel skirt; Leona Edminston over knee tights; Louis Vuitton Manhattan PM

I have this weird obsession with sheer shirts. Everybody else seems to think they are super rude; I think they are super fun. It doesnt matter anyway, because what is life when you live by everyone else's rules?

It poured with rain here on NYE, so we had dinner with yummy wine on the patio listening to the crazy rain, and then went the docklands to watch fireworks go off from the Yarra river, Eureka tower and the water. Everybody was super-soaked by the end - our umbrella kept turning inside out so we gave up halfway through and just enjoyed the fireworks. It was worth every second!

Hope you guys had a great New Year's Eve wherever you may be xx

where the city meets the sea

2009-12-30T01:28:00.000+11:00

ASOS Bodysuit; Vintage Levis hi-waist skirt; Balenciaga GGH Clutch; ASOS leopard tights; Nine West platforms

Sometimes you get cabin fever in a funny way. For me, it strikes when studying for exams, working long hours, or being sick in bed. Repetition and I can never seem to get friendly (perhaps you could say we are frenemies...?)

What to do when fever hits? A drive down the coast is always a great cure. If symptoms persist, please consult your physician.

the one

2009-12-28T22:31:00.000+11:00

Vintage minidress; ASOS leopard print stockings; snakeskin clutch; Christian Louboutin patent YoYo heels

Every girl has one dress in her closet that she prizes above all others. Often, it is the most expensive dress which is the crème de la crème. For others, it is a dress one can wear anywhere, anytime - shopping, to the beach, out for lunch, etc etc.

This dress is neither. Velvet, vintage and impractically short. Chunky gold hardware.

What more could a girl ask for?

night cat

2009-12-28T00:53:00.000+11:00

Vintage tee; American Apparel leggings; Vans authentics; Balenciaga GGH Clutch

Sometimes you just want to chill out and wear sneakers, you know?

a bear in the woods

2009-12-26T21:53:00.003+11:00

Country Road tee; ASOS maxi skirt; ASOS tassel sandals; Louis Vuitton speedy 30; Self-made necklace

My boyfriend loves his photography - he views life's surroundings through his camera lens. It is so great to see him frame the most interesting pictures in the most random or drab places (like a silly park).

I, on the other hand, have almost zero creativity. What little creativity I do posses is channeled towards poor sewing and designing efforts.

They always say opposites attract!

My day bag. Love my Louie - he is so good to me!

Hope you guys had a nice Christmas xx

oh doctor doctor

2009-12-24T10:45:00.000+11:00

Country Road singlet, Levis skirt, Nine West shoeboots & Forecast bag

Summer is here (kind of) so I've taken my annual leave from my usual monochromatic obsession and get excited about colour.

I know denim barely counts as a colour - baby steps!

I have this unexplainable obsession with these 3 items:

I have this super-weird padantic thing where I HAVE TO pick up at least a few things to mark the places I have travelled to. While some people usually do t-shirts, keychains and other silly stuff - I prefer to try and find clothes/accessories that I cant get back home. So when I went to Sydney in July and everybody else was getting tshirts printed with the Opera House, I got my "Sydney" chain suede bag.

This summer has been relativley very cool compared to past Australian scorchers. Thus I see no reason to ever take these off the - they are verrrrry comfy and so much fun :)

This ring is something I wear every day to work - I told a girlfriend at work I named my zebra ring Alex and she laughed about the fact I bothered to name my ring, and that I choose Alex of all names. I think name-giving is a sign of affection! and I am very affected by this ring

me + u

2009-12-23T02:04:00.001+11:00

Cloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony straight leg trouser

Will be raiding the boyfriend's chino collection tommorow. Hello free trousers!

Opening Ceremony asymmetrical wrap dress

I need to have this. My credit card is really hurting at the moment though..I am still trying to recover from my baglovin' last month. Oh student woe

Alexander Wang Diego studded bag

Isnt he wonderful?

the start

2009-12-21T21:19:00.001+11:00

mon⋅o⋅chrome fac⋅to⋅ry [mon-uh-krohm fak-tuh-ree]

Where:

1. Designers rule the world

2. Vintage is treasure

3. Photography is fun

*****

ASOS jersey top; Levis boyfriend jeans; Balenciaga GGH clutch; Nine West shoe boots

I went on a thrifting rampage a few weeks ago where I was buying bags and bags full of goodies which would be later sorted into "DEFINITELY"; "maybe"; and "what was I thinking?". Anyway I picked up these vintage mens Levis which I adore, or at least until I put them on. Doubt sets in and I always seem to pull them off and change just before I leave the house.

I bit the bullet yesterday and ran out of the house before I could chicken out. I have since realised that they are the comfiest jeans ever, and I have been missing out bigtime.

The only problem now - what to wear with them...

Ideas, anybody?