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 :)

Travel Diaries | London

London is one of my favourite cities to visit and it's a city that I would keep revisiting again and again (if only the flight was shorter). A place where fashion is something that lives in everyone, a variety of shops and food, high end brands, British accents, tea and gloomy weather. This was my second time in London and this trip was more of a shop, eat, relax/recover from the 13 hour flight we were on since we've visited all the tourist attractions the first time.

So if you ever go to London, here are my top 8 things to do:

1 | Visit Oxford Street

One of the well known streets in London where you can shop, eat and see the busy streets of London.  It's easy to access via the London Underground or by a black taxi. If you walk far enough, you can find eateries and bars at Soho or around Carnaby street.

2 | Shop at Selfridges & Co
Shopping. What more can I say? Shop everywhere is my advice :P (and you can even claim back your tax too- saving money while shopping? Yeah, I think so)

3 | Eat everything at Harrods food hall
If you think its just a normal 'food section'. You thought wrong. Harrods is a nice place to shop because of the old style classy lifts and the artsy decor. But the food hall is amazing. For anyone who loves to eat and enjoys food, you'd find different types of chocolate, Cronuts, pastries, cakes, seafood, bread and they even have small eateries and restaurants.

4 | Have afternoon tea/high tea
Whether it be at Ladurée, Claridges Hotel, Fortnum & Mason or at a small local cafe, its a must do because everybody likes cake! One thing I love about travelling is embracing the culture and high tea is common in London- Dainty and luxurious plates, Royal Doulton teacups and saucers with white table clothes, high ceilings and chandeliers; it's a great way to have an afternoon snack with loved ones :) 

5 | Watch a musical

I'm a huge musical/theatre fan and London has lots of theatres around the city and each theatre is dedicated to one show that shows for a period of time. My favourite classics would be The Lion King, Wicked and Phantom of the Opera.

6 | Take the London Tube
Gotta take it at least once for the experience right?

7 | Go sightseeing

Visit the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, National Gallery at Trafalgar Square etc. The best way to explore is to go to the places yourself via the hop on/hop off bus. They come really frequently and you can take the time to explore the place at your own pace.

8 | Eat at a fancy place
You've sat on a long flight and you don't know when you'll be back in London, so why not have a fancy dinner on a night out? Fancy dinner could be going to a well known bar or trying a michelin star restaurant. Remember to book in a few months in advanced to avoid disappointment :) I have a previous post about Dinner by Heston in London for those interested in food photos!

I could go on and on about what to do in London but I think the best is to explore a city by walking everywhere. I love travelling and a travel diary for Rome and Venice is coming soon. Enjoy some of the photos I've taken on my trip with my Fujifilm x10 camera!

Above: Intersection between Regent St, Piccadilly Circus, Coventry St and Shaftesbury Ave

Above: Shoryu Ramen Restaurant 

Above: Exploring London and meeting up with friends on Carnaby Street

Above: London breakfast ft English breakfast tea & breakfast muffins and bagels at Benugo

 Above: Covent Garden (famous market place in London and not a garden)

Photography: Fujifilm x10 and Iphone 5 Camera

Two Thousand & Fifteen

2015 has been a year of ups and down and the month of December and January is when we start to reflect on how we can become a better person in the new year or reflect on the year. I was grateful to spend NYE last year with a group of friends that I met through uni and it was fun just relaxing with some close friends while making spontaneous decisions that night. To sum it up, I've learnt 4 things in 2015.

1 | Family

Family is everything. I learnt that family is the one that can be the most easily taken for granted for because of our busy lives, work, uni, friends. But its important to spend some time with family, whether it be staying home for dinner, watching tv or even doing the household chores. I've definitely learnt that family will be there for you no matter what and its something we should all treasure.

2 | Friends

Friends come and go. It's silly to say, but its hard to figure out who your real friends are and who aren't. Those who stick by your side and support you when you're down are the friends that I'm grateful to have because they were there for me when I needed them last year. It took me a while to accept that its okay for people to grow apart and move on, but you just have to accept that its a part of life and make new friends with people who will appreciate you for you.

3 | You

Sometimes its okay to be selfish and put yourself first before others. And yes, its still important to be selfless, but its important to make yourself happy as well. Don't let it become a burden, have a balance.

4 | Take risks

If you are ever given an opportunity, go for it. I've learn to push myself out to meeting new people and its rewarding when you learn something new or do something you didn't think you were capable of. Travel around the world, take risks, explore your local city or even try something new with a loved one- the experience is priceless and the memories and bonds made are the ones you'll never forget!

I'm excited as to what 2016 will bring, but nevertheless, everything is a learning experience and as long as I've got the people I care most with me, it'll be a good year :) Happy new year!

Being festive

Sass & Bide Pants | Zara Heels | Bardot Top | Celine Knot Bangle | YSL Arty Ring

Photos taken by Mel

I've always had a thing for cut outs or flowy pants- especially since Culottes came into season recently. When I saw these Sass & Bide pants from the Kiss the Sky collection, I immediately had to try it due to its cut and fit which gave off a simple and sophisticated look. Whether I dress it up with a pair of heels or dressed down simply by tying the ends of the pants together around the ankles with a pair of flats, it's versatile nature has won me over and it has become a favourite in the wardrobe.