All about the dress

Sometimes, all you need is one fab dress to steal the show.

Nicholas Fleur Lace Dress now on SALE!

What to wear where

I love this time to year.  Who doesn't?  Apart from work being chaotic, the weather is warming up, the days are long, there are so many catch ups planned with friends, work functions, client lunches.  And all the best events come to Melbourne.

I eBayed and donated most of my wardrobe in the spring so was excited to update my summer wardrobe which I haven't added anything to in a couple of years.  I've invested in some Bared sandals, Melinda Maria Jewellery and Zulu & Zephyr pieces.  Now hide the credit card and cyber Monday deals from me, please.

For Christmas Day, I can't go past Zimmermann this year with tan sandals and heaps of gold bangles.  The playsuit has pockets, a drawstring and can be worn for many different occasions over summer (and hopefully in Europe next June).

While I certainly won't be wearing a crop top, I know these shorts will be on high rotation this summer.  With bucketloads of fake tan.  

Oversized smock and sunscreen.  That's all! 

You never know what weather you'll get for a day or night at the tennis.  I love a crisp and oversized white shirt which protects from the sun but can also be layered under a knit if the weather is cool.  Flats are a must for covering the show court action, too and a tote bag fits a knit, bottle of water, sunscreen and other essentials.  

Party time

Surely finding a dress to wear to the myriad of events over the festive season is one of the most frustrating things?  Weddings, client lunches and Christmas parties, team celebrations?  Something nice AND occasion appropriate.  Phew.  I've got this little number coming my way to hopefully cover the gaps.  Gold accessories and a bright clutch??  Think my problem maybe solved.

By Johnny Yellow Window Dress

Working wardrobe

This photo was snapped after work last night (hooray for daylight past 6pm).  I haven't posted a photo of what I've been wearing in such a long time.  Seems pointless when there are thousands of photoshopped and whimsical outfit posts all over the internet.  I was too lazy to even erase the wrinkles on my skirt... keeping it real!

There may just be some life left in the old blog.  Stay tuned.

Top-Veronika Maine ....Skirt-Witchery.... Shoes-Seed (picked up on sale for $17!)

Christian Dior

Nobody does flowers like Dior.  Since watching the wonderful documentary on Raf's introduction to all things Dior I have really looked forward to see what he will do next and this week's literal mountain of flowers certainly didn't disappoint.  I love what he's doing.  

Christian Dior Spring 16

Christian Dior Spring 16

Christian Dior Spring 16

Christian Dior Fall 15 Couture 

Christian Dior AW15/16

Christian Dior AW15/16

all images via vogue.com

Journal of me

I've been pretty quiet on here and online in general of late.  It's well documented that winter is not my favourite time of year.  I find nothing joyful about winter, except maybe a very early bed time under a bunch of blankets and a warm wheat bag at my feet.  I can't get warm, my body misses the sunshine, my immune system struggles and I lack motivation to do anything.  Some people love the coats and boots.  I don't.

I have been working hard on training myself to be in bed by 10 and to enjoy waking up at 6am, instead of craving a sleep in.  I am deep seated into a strong routine and finding time to do all the things that I want to do, outside of what I have to do.  I have been reading so much about the importance of morning and evening routines and scheduling.  As a parent, my number one tip is to get as much done the night before.  I know the feeling of just wanting to dive into bed once the child is finally asleep but even 45 minutes the night before saves a frantic start to the next day.

I also really value waking up before my child does in the morning.  I gather my thoughts and think about the day ahead.  I may read the news headlines and drink a glass of warm water with lemon and take a magnesium supplement, vitamin D and a probiotic.  I also prep breakfast.  Then I can enjoy some cuddles with the little person who's happy to start a day at 6am.  

I've also begun the Journal of Me to run through the summer and new year.  It's unrelenting and challenging but that's been my motto this year.  Life has really been pushing me out of my comfort zone, both personally and in particular professionally.  I'm mustering up the courage to do my masters now.  

There are so many wonderful reasons for us all to be happy with our lives, so lets remind ourselves of them.  You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it... 

Baby it's cold outside

Lululemon tights & Nike trainers

I really hate looking at photos of myself from last summer.  I look weak and bleak and unhappy.

I've never been a huge fitness freak, or so I thought.  I was a very regular gym goer since high school  yet my workouts were basic.  Some cardio and some weights.  Lots of stretching but nothing too strenuous.  It didn't realise just how strong and fit I was until I cancelled my gym membership and reflected on it about 18 months later.  Not only was I unhappy with how I looked but also how I felt.   So about 6 months ago I joined a cheap and basic 24 hour gym because I figured I would never have time to go.  I was raising a beautiful little girl, holding down the fort on the home front and working towards my new role at work.  What gym?

They say that you find the time for the things you want to do and I guess they're right.  I was tired and I longed for some extra sleep, quiet time to read, or catch up on a TV show so I decided to do that while on the bike at the gym a few times a week.  I started running again and doing box jumps and weights.  Even though I manage only 2-3 sessions a week I feel so much better and stronger.  It might be cold and dark but I somehow find the motivation to get a workout in and I feel so proud of myself for doing something just for me.  I love the amazing pilates class I splash out for once a week (if you've never tried clinical pilates, do yourself a favour and give it a go, you'll be hooked!).  I get to the gym when the toddler is at her swimming class or on a trip at Bunnings with dad and everything else works around that.

Bring on summer! 

The cat's pyjamas

Natural Supply Co Winter Pack $36.95

I would doubt that many of us grew up conscious of what we are cleaning our homes with, where the food we are eating came from and what we were putting on our skin and in our hair.  I know I didn't.  

Pregnancy started the research and questions for me.  Not only did I want to protect my child but I also wanted to look after myself and be around for my child.  These days, I try to choose organic as much as possible and I love the boxes I quickly order on Sunday night via Ceres, along with organic eggs and milk they supply.  Cleaning products were hard.  I was just not convinced that they could clean as well as the horrible, toxic chemicals I was used to using to scrub the shower and kitchen sink.  I kept reading about the links between household cleaning products and the well being of our children in particular.  But all the products I tried didn't seem to clean and polish to my exacting standards.  For the past few months I've been using Planet Luxe - in particular the household spray and I think I am satisfied.  I use it for the bathroom and kitchen along with a microfibre cloth and the results are fantastic.

Nourished Life and Natural Supply Co are great sources of information and products, in particular when it comes to skincare and make up.  I've recently switched to Aspect Skincare but make up is taking a while.  I'm working through the NSC winter pack (pictured above) at the moment.  Excited to try the soak on Saturday night.  

Do you have any non toxic favourites for me to try? There are so many options around that it's getting much easier to detoxify our lives.  

'What day is it? It's today, squeaked Piglet. My favorite day, said Pooh.'

I'm up way past my bedtime waiting for my new dry clean only dress to finish on the gentle cycle in the washing machine (taking it to the dry cleaner is far too inconvenient) because my toddler did something to it.  I'll spare you the details.  Her outfit had to be thrown out so I hope my pretty new dress doesn't suffer the same fate.  

I've been largely offline in every aspect of my life, again struck down by some ugly early winter virus and I'm hoping a second bout of antibiotics can kick it to the curb.  It's been a horrible 3.5 weeks of feeling like death and in turn being an angry, angry person to boot.  I can barely breathe, let alone eat and function.  

The past few months I've been doing a lot of soul searching and asking myself "what next"?  What next in every single aspect of my life.  I don't have an answer to any part just yet but one way I'm trying to figure it out is to watch plenty of Ted talks (ha!) and live in the moment.  Give each moment in my day and week and month its full undivided attention.  When I'm at work, I'm working.  I'm not on Twitter or browsing Shopbop or reading the news.  When I'm at the park I'm pushing the toddler on the swing and enjoying her expressions and excitement and trying really, really hard not to worry about my work email inbox imploding.  When I'm eating a chocolate I'm trying to enjoy the awesomeness that is cocoa and sugar instead of feeling guilty.  When I'm at the gym, even if I only have 45 minutes, I'm giving it my all.  

I must admit that I don't find parenthood "hard".  some aspects are REALLY difficult (enter the whinging and looking) but overall it's pretty darn good.  What I do find hard is everything else.  I find it hard to allocate time to washing my hair and often my friends and family must think I've been abducted by aliens because I never get around to returning a text or email.  Forget about seeing them.  I worry that I don't give enough at work because I have to leave at 5pm.  I worry that a toasted cheese sandwich isn't considered a decent enough dinner for a Monday night.

But then I snap out of it and try to live in the moment, because in 50 years time none of those things will matter.

I suffered a lot in the first year of parenthood and I recently came across this article that I implore all new parents to read.  To read and to be kind to themselves.  

Dirty hair calls for dry shampoo and curls.

Witchery coatigan, Country Road tee, J Brand jeans

Burger Tuesday at Ripponlea Food & Wine

Pancake Sunday at Drugstore Espresso 

Living life, not documenting it

Treating myself to pre-prepared breakfast.  At least it's healthy even if overpriced.

At the park with my babe.  She's growing so quickly, having recently turned two.  She's absolutely wonderful, affectionate, thoughtful and talkative.  I really enjoy every precious moment I have to spend with her.  I recently purchased these Stick & Sparrow Twiggy sunglasses which I am loving.  Sunglasses are essential mummy wear both to hide the tiredness and stop the glare at the park.  I was always a "designer glasses" kind of girl but the quality of these lenses is far superior to any of my other pairs.  May just have to add another pair to my collection.  Other mummy must haves are high waisted jeans and warm oversized knits.  Nike sneakers optional.  

When all else fails a dusting of mineral foundation and a new lipstick saves the day.  

Slip and slide

I wish it could be summer forever so I could get up in the morning and throw on a Bassike dress and get on with my day. 

Dîner en Blanc Melbourne 2015

I'd seen photos from various DEB's around the world on social media and was excited to learn that it was finally coming to Melbourne in 2015.  I registered for the ticket ballot and was invited to purchase a ticket last month.  The event sold out in mere minutes but I'd dare say that many people backed out when they realised how much effort needed to be put in.  Guests were to meet at a central point  before being bused to the exact location.  They were to be strictly dressed in white and had to bring their own tables and chairs, decorations, plates and cutlery.  Gorgeous picnic dinners and wine were available for prepurchase or guests could bring their own food.  The venue had to be left just as it was found.   Despite the effort required, it was one of the best nights out I've ever had.  I met some lovely people, enjoyed an amazing meal and danced the night away.  Find out if it's held in your city and go.  It's a wonderful concept!

Melbourne folk are famous for wearing black and we all had a laugh at the men who said they'd spent hours that morning trawling shops around Melbourne looking for white trousers.  Ha!

Guests meeting at Southern Cross Station

Getting to know our table friends

The napkin wave at 1930h signalling the start of the event 

The event was held along the Yarra in front of the Convention Centre.  So perfect.  We were also lucky that the weather was relatively mild, which is always a risk in Melbourne.

2100h sparkles 

Dancing the night away...

Wearing a Witchery top and Zara jeans 

Woman

One of the best paragraphs I've read in a long time.  I know that goop can polarise the masses but it often raises some worthy topics.  I just loved this article.

"Every woman needs to work on her own playing big, and that doesn’t mean simply her ego’s ambitions but rather a pursuit of her heartfelt dreams for her life and her real passions. When she’s given herself full permission to do that, to work on becoming the woman she longs to be, when she’s respecting her own dreams, she can be supportive of other women doing so, too.

When you feel jealous of other women, find yourself gossiping, or wanting to take away from another woman’s success, ask yourself, “Where have I gone astray from allowing and pursuing my own aspirations and what do I need to do to get back on my own side?” It’s about you and your path. It’s not about her."

"Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose." ~ Lyndon B. Johnson

Life is beginning to gain a sense of order again.  January has come and gone and February is filled with the return of activities and many social events.  I have been struggling with a sore wrist for nearly 3 years now, but I am happy to report that it has improved significantly.  It's 80% better than it was 3 months ago and I am itching to get back to rekindling my love of exercise.  I'm longing to be strong enough to do a burpee again.  

Summer weather is nowhere to be seen and today was yet another cold and wet day.  I haven't changed out of my pyjamas, instead I cancelled all my plans, did some cleaning, danced around and acted crazy with my little girl and cooked.  

pre nap snack of mango and raspberries

the beautiful face i love more each day

I love it when she brings me piles of books to read 

making chicken bone broth which was followed by lamb wraps made with yesterday's left over lamb roast.  the best! 

oops 

rounding out the weekend! happy sunday night x

"Rest is not idleness, and to lay sometimes on the grass under the tree on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky is by no means a waste of time" ~ John Lubbocks

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier @ NGV - Melbourne

If you're in Melbourne in the next few weeks, looking to escape from the heat (or more likely the cold) take yourself to the JPG exhibit.  Even if you are not a fashion fan, it is such a fun and entertaining exhibit.  The gallery is filled to the brim with his exquisite work from the most recognisable to the intimate and personal beginnings.  Friday nights are lovely night out with a DJ, bar, dinner and talks.  A perfect evening with friends.

The first cone bar was in fact made for his teddy bear!