Breakfast at Grace

Last week I had the immense pleasure of perusing pretty things over breakfast and coffee with some of Melbourne's wonderful style bloggers at Grace boutique in Toorak.  Such a wonderful space filled with clothes, accessories and knick knacks that would make the perfect gift for just about anyone in your life.

Georgia and Ilana opened Grace in 2007 after reconnecting in New York (lucky ducks) and have since filled Grace with a niche blend of gorgeous, complimentary items from some of the most distinctive international brands around the world (think Carven & Anna Sui) and of course their own house label, Grace.

A real, wonderful shopping experience in a world increasingly reliant on a quick fix online shopping binge.  I think there's still something wonderful about receive personal attentive service in a pretty store and skipping away with a new treasure wrapped in tissue paper.

Grace
595 Malvern Road
Toorak
(03) 9827 2133

Colours

Last week I decided to live on the edge and start work late.  Usually I like to be at my desk around 8am, to do list in hand ready to begin my day.  But I thought why not sleep in for a change?

When I woke up the sun was shining and I opted for some colour rather than my work uniform of grey, black and charcoal.  I must admit that I felt better for it.  In hindsight I probably should have gone out and paired it with a swipe of Maybelline Coral Crush lipstick.  And there was even enough light to snap some pictures of my outfit.  Life's too short.  I should do it more often....

zara blouse, j crew necklace, asos origami skirt

John Galliano x Kate Moss

by Mario Testino via vogue.com

I am not much of a Kate Moss fan.  We know she's made mistakes and I must admit I do admire her ability to overcome the repercussions of those mistakes. It's particularly wonderful that she's supported Galliano after his indiscretions just like most of the industry supported her during her lowest points.

The smiles on their faces in this photo couldn't be faked.  I've rarely seen her happy as she looked on her wedding day.  I adore her dress and how traditional the whole weekend ended up being.  Huge props for not having a strapless gown or a puffy skirt (here's looking at you Kim Kardashian).

"The happiest people are those who think the most interesting thoughts. Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good pictures, good company, good conversation, are the happiest people in the world. And they are not only happy in themselves, they are the cause of happiness in others." Williams Phelps

Happiness is spending hours at the botanic gardens on a sunny day.   Just Monty and my thoughts.

Lets talk shoes boots

The plan for the trip is to make do with 7 outfits which can all be mixed and matched to create the perfect capsule travel wardrobe.  Something fancy enough for the opera and ballet but comfortable enough for getting lost in my new neighbourhood.  I hate nothing more than lugging bags on trains and planes.  It's frustrating and definitely not chic.

I have however hit a road block.  Footwear.  It will probably definitely be too cold for ballet flats.  It will be too unpredictable (and possible wet) to wear my beloved suede Yves Saint Laurent booties.  Riding boots alone will not cut it.  My Witchery ankle boots are sadly too uncomfortable.  So what now?  Cue these Zara boots.... Low heel, go with most things I plan to wear.  Weather appropriate too.  A miracle right?  Then there's my my dilemma 1. no shopping allowed 2. not as yet available in store and ordering online is too risky due to my annoyingly sized feet.

Life's tough for some isn't it?

via zara.com

  

"Each man should frame life so that at some future hour fact and his dreaming meet" - Victor Hugo

It hasn't really sunk in yet that the item at the top of my bucket list is about to be ticked off.  But not without work and sacrifice.

What's been new with me?

3 jobs.  A complete style overhaul. Constant racing around town.  Overcommitting.  Stress. A return to the gym (exercise makes me feel alive). Anxiety. A forcedly really well kept to-do list - what a revelation.  A diary to keep track of my life in 30 minute blocks.  And I'm not even a high flying, in demand celebrity.  Working hard for 3 months to get to do something I've always wanted to do?  TOTALLY WORTH IT!

For the past 3.5 weeks I've also had a house guest.  Someone who knows someone who knows someone I know.  Who packed a backpack to come to the other side of the world for love only to be told at the airport that he was feeling flat?  Cue 3 nights of sleeping on strangers couches which broke my heart, so I took her in.  The least I could do was provide a warm bed, some dinners and lend an ear.  I hope I was a good host.

Another Melbourne winter is coming to a close.  Another Melbourne winter of me defaulting to layers of knits.  I've had this picture handy for inspiration but haven't mastered being warm and stylish just yet... I'll try again next year... Summer is better.

via the sartorialist

via the sartorialist

via tumblr

Some plans

There are many things you miss when working 3 jobs.  Blogging, twitter banter, runs around the tan, lunch time tennis matches, friends birthdays, favourite TV shows, weekends away, weekend newspapers read over a lazy brunch and pot of tea (as opposed to read on the train on Monday morning), baking, cooking, the chance to wear a half decent outfit.  But November is near enough and it will all be worth it.  Speaking of November, hasn't this year gone by way, WAY too fast. WAAAAAAAAY too fast.

My blogger is changing the colour of my photos.... WHYYY?

Photo is of my hair after the world's best blow dry thanks to Stephen at Rubi Hair in Prahran.  I bow down to you Stephen.  Ignore the left blogger ambushed colour of my hair.