Spring!

Spring has finally sprung upon us and a change of weather means a change of fashion right? Out goes the coats and boots and in with the shorts and t-shirts. Although the sun has never been my favourite because of the tendency of my skin to burn within 5 minutes, I must say, it is nice to have a change in weather. For the first weekend of Spring, I decided to make a trip down to Araluen and Raeburn Orchard to see the tulips and cherry blossoms. It was nice to get out of town for a while and hear the sound of 20 bees buzzing in the orchards and just aimlessly roaming through hectares of land to look at the flowers and trees (we even saw sheep!). The morning began by making and packing finger sandwiches and cake for our afternoon picnic. The day consisted of no discussion of studies or law, stuffing our faces with sandwiches, getting lost in the middle of no where (I still think I'm a good navigator though) and enjoying the last day of the week with a bottle of good ol' ginger beer. 

Although the weather can change drastically during the beginning of Spring, there are a few key transitional pieces for Spring. These are:

• The Leather Jacket which is versatile for every season really! Its a worthwhile investment for your wardrobe and a piece that you can easily throw on to lift an outfit.
• The ankle boot - Although the ankle boot isn't ideal for summer, its a good piece to transition from Winter to Spring on those chilly Spring mornings. Ankle boots can be worn with pretty much everything which is why I live in them for daaayys.
• The knit jumper - this can still be worn over a skirt for those days when its cold in the morning but feels like 30 degrees by noon.

Witchery Dress | Zara Leather Jacket | Celine Sunglasses 

Lastly, a final note on perspective. I've learnt over the last month that as individuals, we tend to always focus on the negative aspects of our lives and not the positive aspects. I admit that I am one of those individuals. Creating a different perspective in our lives by opening up and focusing that energy on the good things in life makes a huge difference to not only you, but for the people surrounding you. Just remember that at the end of the day, if you don't achieve something, its not the end of the world - The most successful people are the ones that learn from experience and help others.

Above: Tulips at Araluen

I'm excited for September - there are so many things happening and you'll find out why over the next few blog posts :)

All photos taken by S.N and myself with Fujifilm x10

wan • der • lust (n)

wan• der • lust (n)

\ 'wän-dər - ,ləst \

a strong desire or urge to travel or wander

If I could describe the recent road trip I went on, it would be Wanderlust. Everything felt like magic and zipping through the roads in the rainy weather and passing trees and small cottages was peaceful. Oh and pressing my face against the windows every time I saw a cow or sheep made me feel ridiculous (and screaming 'omg its a cow'), but it doesn't matter because it was fun. I love travelling to new places that makes me feel like I’m in another world and just travelling in general with friends or family. The photos don't do any justice for the views but it felt like I was on top of the world when we successfully hiked to the top of Bluff Knoll. Sometimes it takes a while to realise how grateful you are in life for the people who stick by you and those who come and go. But hey, that's life for you and its completely normal. Getting out of the busy city with people walking along the streets with their heads down; it was nice having no reception at times and it make you appreciate how important it is to switch off.

If you plan on visiting Bluff Knoll, make sure you check the weather and carry a jumper as it gets chilly the higher you get! But overall, it was an amazing experience and eating lunch and just chilling on the top of the peak (being the only ones up there) was surreal and an experience I'll never forget. I don't know how many times I gasped at the amazing views and we were lucky the sun came out at the top. Eating our $1.50 pizza rolls and hanging off the edge was the best way to hang (ha ha ha). But nevertheless, finding secret entrances to beaches and just enjoying the scenic car rides were pure simple joys of life and the best way to start the winter holidays which I would do all again. I hope you enjoy the photos below and have inspired you in some way to travel :)

Above: Photo Credits to ET

At Diamond Tree Lookout

Lunch at Bluff Knoll

Secret Pathway to Elephant Rocks

The view at the top of Bluff Knoll

The Gap + Natural Bridge - Albany

The Gap + NaturalBridge - Albany

Elephant Rocks - Denmark

Homemade Breakfast- Poached eggs, sautéed mushrooms w/ spinach leaves, turkish bread & hollandaise sauce (nom nom)

Elephant Rocks - Denmark

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk

 Captured with Fujifilm x10 Camera

How to: Effortless Style

Images via: Pinterest 

Effortless Style is what I generally try to aim for- this means an outfit that looks different by throwing on different pieces and making the outfit look stylish but effortless. This gives off the vibe that you didn't put any 'effort' in (but you actually did which is pretty much the story of my life). So if you're going to try and use this style, here's my take on the Do's and Dont's!

1 | Do invest in classic pieces

I know they never go on sale or they're too 'basic' but trust me, you'll wear these pieces over and over again and its a good basic piece if you want to layer on with coats and jumpers! Other pieces like jeans, white tee, LBD or LWD are pieces that you'll wear over and over again. Although, still invest in fashion trends but don't go overboard as they can go out of season fast.

2 | Don't wear too many statement pieces

There's a reason why they're called "Statement Pieces". If you're going out to a formal event, don't overdo the jewellery but keep it simple and balanced. If you're heading out for brunch, wear 1-2 pieces like a really nice jacket and a bag to complete the look. Pick 1-2 pieces that you want to stand out- don't put on any more than 3 pieces that may stand out as it'll detract from the main piece.

3 | Do play with proportions

This means wearing baggy and oversized clothes the right way. Don't wear a baggy top and a baggy skirt- its a fashion disaster and I learnt that the hard way. For example, if you're wearing an oversized jumper then go with a tight skirt. 

4 | Do wear something that reflects your style

If its taking so long to put together one outfit, the best way is to go with your instinct and wear something your comfortable in. At the end of the day, it'll make you feel good and give you confidence since you're comfortable in what you're wearing. There's no point in wearing something and stressing out the whole night thinking 'does this look good?' or 'should I have worn the other dress!?' as it causes unnecessary stress :P

Images via: Pinterest 

5 | Do be practical

I'm probably the worst when it comes to this but do be practical. If its raining, don't wear your new open toe stilettos. Or if its a garden wedding, make sure to get either heel stoppers or wear wedges instead. Although I live by the rule 'fashion is pain', I still need to be practical.

I apologise for the late posts! May has been a busy month with exams and now since its holidays, I'll be churning out more posts :)

x

April Visuals

"Someday, when you get where you are going, you will look around and you will know that it was you and the people who love you who put you there. And that will be the greatest feeling in the world" - Taylor Swift 

Hello May and goodbye April! Gosh the year has gone by so quickly and we're already 1/3 through the year. It's scary sometimes how we get caught up with life and we forget to stop and appreciate everything around us. 

I read this quote by Taylor Swift and it really stuck to me. Reflecting back on the last few weeks has made me grateful for the people I have in my life and where I currently am. April has been a rollercoaster because it was a month filled with stress, happiness and celebrations; Assignments after assignments, juggling 2 jobs and trying to keep on top of everything is exhausting. But at the end of the day, even though it was a rollercoaster, I'm glad I still have the support from my friends and family to be there for me and April is always good to me. Plus, life's better when its filled with adventures and rollercoasters right?

Above: Odyssea Beach Cafe Interior

April was a month filled with food. Food brings people together and thats one of the reasons why I love to eat out so much. Eating out means seeing people and seeing people means bringing together a group of friends who study at different universities or bring those together that are busy with their worklife. Besides, everyone loves comfort food and the best memories are shared and the strongest bonds are made over food. 

Above: Dessert degustation at the Trustee (left) and Salmon Oshi at the Modern Eatery (right)

Starting top left (clockwise): Fish, Chicken and Pulled Pork Tacos at Bayside Kitchen, Smashed Avo at Tracks, Watermelon & Strawberry Cake from Backstar Pastry at the Elizabeth Quay Markets and Baked Prosciutto and Potato at Layup Cafe.

Lastly, the best memory of April were the surprises I got from various friends and I'm eternally grateful to have them in my life. Even though it wasn't anything fancy, the inside jokes, saboteur, card games, a lot of selfies, photos and food was enough for me. I know uni and work life is busy but it is important to take the time to stop and appreciate the people that are there for you. A small gesture goes a long way and even if it means nothing to you, it might mean something to someone else.

Before I end this post, I apologise I haven't been posting frequently but I've lined up future fashion and style posts so keep checking back :)

Farewell April, we'll meet again next year!

Autumn X Winter Edit

It's finally my favourite time of the year again! Rain, boots, chunky knits, layering, scarves, coats and tea are some of my favourite things during the cold season. If you haven't started cleaning out your wardrobe and making space for winter or have no idea what to invest in this season, then here are my personal top 8 Autumn/Winter 'must have items' for this season.

1 | The Leather Jacket
Never underestimate how cool you'll look in a leather jacket because just wearing one elevates your outfit to a whole new level. Throw on a simple white tee with a pair of jeans and a leather jacket will give off an effortless chick look.

2 | Chunky Knit
Everything about cold weather is about layering and knits and there's no such thing as too many jumpers! Camel, wool knits, turtle necks and dotted jumpers are in this season.

3 | The Ankle Boot
If you're not keen on investing in anything, then invest in a pair of ankle boots because they're always in season and you'll get lots of use out of it! Whether it be ankle boots, high knee boots or a simple flat boot, its so easy to dress up and dress down an outfit.

Above: Senso Kelsey II Boots, Senso Bailey VII Boots and Tony Bianco Reggie Boots.

4 | The White Shirt
In every wardrobe, a white shirt must exist. It's versatile and you'll rely on it for nearly every occasion. Witchery does the "White Shirt Campaign" and sells the classic white shirts in a variety of styles for everyone.

5 | The Winter Coat
Finding the perfect winter coat isn't as easy as everyone thinks. I find it really hard to find a coat that fits well and one that's not too big or long (short people problems). But when you do find one, the feeling you get is one of the best feelings ever (sorry its a bit cheesy but its true... shopping makes everyone happy!)

This season its all about the grey and camel tones. If you haven't found a coat for winter, I'd suggest you go with grey or black coat as you'll get more use out of it- but if you've got too many coats and want something different then go with a sleeveless coat and pair it with a turtle neck knit and ripped jeans.

 

Above: Forever New Camel Wrap Coat, Witchery Tie Wrap Coat and Seed Sleeveless Coat.

6 | Winter Cape
Capes are one of my favourite winter pieces because you can dress them up or down. If you're opting for a thicker and heavier cape, just be cautious with layering as you don't want to over layer it.

Tip: Wear something fitted under the cape so it balances the outfit.

7 | Knitted Ribbed Midi Skirts or the A-line Skirt
These skirts can be worn casually with sneakers or with a pair of chunky boots and is a great basic piece for layering.

8 | Scarves
Accessories make such a huge difference and can give an outfit a completely different look. Chunky scarfs and snoods are fashionable and practical (bonus points!).

 Above: Seed Reverse Wrap Scarf and Decjuba Knit Scarf

I hope this has hopefully inspired your winter wardrobe or given you a sudden surge of inspiration :)