All about the dress

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

Nicholas Fleur Lace Dress now on SALE!

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!)

Messy hair, don't care

Cotton On denim shorts and Country Road shirt ☺️

What I wore

I don't get to dress up much anymore, so I really try to make the most of the occasions when I can.  Can't go wrong with some leopard, right?

Cameo "Warm Thoughts" Top, Kookai Skirt, Witchery Shoes

Mum life

Waking up before 6am, eating breakfast before 7.  Almond milk latte and a long hot shower saving the day.  But I get to wear drop crotch trousers and a t shirt so it's all good.  

"Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realise there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you" - Lao Tzu

I've lust after these boots for a couple of years but for whatever reason I could never justify them to myself.  And when I was ready to take the plunge my size was never available.  They come in so many colours and textures and while I was leaning towards the black leather I am so glad I ended up with navy suede.  They're so beautiful and so comfortable and the colour slots perfectly into my wardrobe and complements all the neutral colours I wear these days.  I'm wearing less and less black and loving these more every day.

I spent a couple of awesome hours in the kitchen tonight - chicken noodle soup, wontons (which are 11/10) and a stir fry.  More cooking tonight means more quality time with my girl tomorrow.  I cherish every smile and every cuddle.  Life is good.

Rag & Bone Newbury boots (here in navy), the black I really wanted and the black pair I think I will get next, Bassike tee, Witchery Coatigan - great price now with the spend & save. Zara jeans.  No accessories.  No make up.  No perfume.  So liberating.

A cheeky pyjama afternoon on Saturday.  Eating raspberries and reading books.

Sweet

Bassike t-shirt, Zara jeans, Seed shoes, Witchery scarf

I really wanted these jeans when I saw them at Zara, however they didn't have them in my size.  The only option available was two sizes too small or two sizes too big.  I decided to try the two-sizes-too-big pair on in the hope of tracking down my size from another store, however they sort of ended up fitting like loose boyfriend jeans and I really liked them.  I'm really starting to like the very casual off duty look.

Oh and what's a weekend without some treats, right?  It's just too cold to deny myself! 

“Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.”—Henry Miller

Jo Mercer booties, ASOS clutch bag, Lovisa necklace, Trenery dress

Sometimes I carry a clutch bag to work, even if it is pretty big.  It's kind of cool to only have my phones, some cash, pen and note pad with me.  It's also a great excuse to treat myself for a lunch out, something I don't do very often anymore since I'm a really responsible adult now who accounts for every dollar spent and all that.  And all those things. 

It's absolutely freezing at the moment and pitch black for most of the day.  It's been a weird year so far.  I have moments of absolutely content and bliss where I feel at peace and then moments where I feel like an imposter, like I don't deserve it.  This is the year where I tell myself that not everything in life has to be a battle.  I'm slowly learning to let go of the constant guilt that has been compounding.  Earlier this year I quit everything that was for me.  I stopped exercising and writing.  I hadn't done anything for myself in months.  I hadn't read a book in so long.  I hadn't slept.  I was sick all the time and I never bothered to stop and get better.  Since then I've let some people go.  Why must I make all the effort, you know?

 

Forever

If I could wear an outfit every day for the rest of my life, this would probably be it.  I avoided knits for too long, preferring sweet tops, but lets be honest - they did not keep me warm.  Now that I've come to my senses, I'm amassing a

On a recent rainy afternoon I literally opened the door of my wardrobe and screamed in frustrating, hauled most of it out into a tub (or two) and threw it out.  I am so bored and frustrated with all of it.  All of it!  I just want to start again.

Witchery leather front ponte (similar available this year HERE), CR flats, CR bobble spot knit, Lovisa necklace, Sussan bangle, MAC Russian Red lipstick

What I wore to work

Scanlan & Theodore dress, Jimmy Choo shoes - I want these in EVERY colour, Louis Vuitton GM Neverful tote, Lovisa necklace

I was ecstatic to find this dress at the S&T outlet for a fraction of the retail price.  The fabric is a gorgeous thick wool and I adore the grey panels and full length zip at the back which make the dress a bit more fun.  I do love a dress.  Easy to wear and requires minimal thought.  I am also obsessed with how comfortable these shoes are and I want them in every single colour.  

I desperately need to do something with my hair.  At least half of it has fallen out and the other half is crying for a trim and some colour.  I am tempted to cut it all off but I know I will regret it.  Decisions...

Navy blue

Morrison tunic dress, Scanlan & Theodore belt, Zara shoes, Samantha Wills bangle

As you go along through life people will impart their words of wisdom on you whether you like it or not.  Sometimes you listen, sometimes you don't.  There is an investment dressing school of thought and a quick disposable fashion school of thought.  Buy all the things, wear them and move on.  

I often wonder when I see a $60 dress just how much the person who made it was paid.  And absolutely a $600 dress doesn't guarantee humane working conditions and fair pay.  

Small living and storage spaces have pushed me along into the investment dressing camp. Too many things just overwhelm me and if I haven't worn it for a while it has to go.  eBay, op shop or my mum.  She loves my clothes.  Despite how ruthless I am most of the time, there are still too many things lingering around that just don't fit me right.  A top is a little bit too short, my chest being too small so it hangs a little bit too loosely, the skirt length that just isn't right or something that has stretched out of shape.  I think my height and body shape have a huge part to play in how ill fitting many clothes are on me.  I look at things and wonder why I ever bought them.  Then it quickly dons on me that most of those items were cheap and cheerful impulse buys online or on a chain store sales rack.  So I'm back to only buying well thought out items.  Amazing cut, amazing fabric and go with most things that I already have.  I am all about repeat outfits and high rotation wear.  

All white

I am wearing Jimmy Choo shoes, Witchery Lace Yoke Dress and a Lovisa necklace.  Ari is in a Zara dress and Seed mouse shoes

On Saturday night we ventured out for Luca's christening.  I do admit that I am very strict around Ari's naps and routines but we winged it and she charmed everyone, staying out until 9pm.  Talk about living on the edge.  

Happy Friday!!

In true Melbourne style, we're 2 weeks away from summer,yet we've had 10 days of truly wintry weather.  I'm sick of my winter clothes and sick of Ari's winter clothes.  I miss the sunshine and I miss our afternoon trips to the park.  It's been raining and gloomy, which matches my mood.

Today we're running some errands, picking up a parcel and buying fresh bread.  We have a weekend of catch ups with friends after our swimming class tomorrow.  What are you all up to?

Country Road scarf, Glassons jacket, Forever New top, A-Store skirt, Wolford tights, Witchery flats

Away

Had the crazy idea to book a night away this weekend as we were attending a double birthday celebration about an hour from home so thought we could make a weekend of it. With all the stuff required for a baby whether for a night or a week away from home it quickly became a logistical nightmare. I did however enjoy the 24 hour break from domestic chores. The weather was incredible on Saturday. 

On board

Travelling with a baby is different. Flights are best to depart at nap time.  A mountain of "just in case" stuff has to make the trip too.  However with a lot of planning and good organisation it's manageable.  

I think of this outfit as my travel uniform.  Jewellery tends to beep through security so I don't wear any. A huge scarf is a must; as an accessory, for extra warmth, as feeding cover, pillow etc.  Clothes are loose, long and stretchy - work for comfort and warmth, yet able to be removed if it gets too warm.  

Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM Tote, Witchery leopard print ballet flats (similar), Scanlan & Theodore neoprene trouser, Zara Scarf, American Apparel tee, Fleur Wood knit

Me, me and me

I have a mostly hate relationship with my hair. It's typically a dry and brittle, tangled mess that that gets oily quickly. Having it short (collarbone length) proves challenging to style as the kink makes the hair short and thus awkward on my round face. Not to mention that it looks unkept. Unkept is okay at home and on the weekend, but not in a professional setting. I've let it grow, cutting it only twice a year (it grows slow and in my case a trim doesn't make it grow faster). It's been a painful process but its better and longer than its been in years. I've given up products and heat styling tools, too. A double shampoo of Sebastian Trilliance and the same conditioner, good towel dry and a quick dry off with the Parlux results in passable hair (when washed first thing it settles by the afternoon). I do need a fringe trim though.  Stat.

I'd been meaning to go to Stokehouse for dinner for years, literally, but it always seemed so close to home and comfortable. Which is exactly what I needed last week. 

I made it a phone free dinner, but I did take a photo of the incredible dessert. The pumpkin ravioli for entree and the pork belly for main were just as outstanding. It's a wonderful special occasion restaurant.

The Bombe. A Stokehouse classic. Strawberry sorbet, white choc mousse, coated with a meringue.

Dot and white

On the rare occasion that I wear actual clothes these days I live in these Country Road jeans. I'm disappointed in how much they stretch but beggers can't be choosers.

CR Moto jeans, CR polka dot knit, Zara blouse underneath to layer, Witchery flats 

Rainy Saturday

Melbourne can't get the hang of a continued bunch of nice days.  Saturday morning rain is no fun, especially when you can't stay in bed all day.

Early breakfast today at my fave cafe and shopping. On a mission to decorate the tree and do some baking tomorrow.

Dress - ASOS pencil dress with wrap front (absolutely amazing and a few favourite!!)

Scarf -Witchery (old)

Bag - Alexander Wang Emile in suede

Monday

I flew back from a glorious weekend in Perth late last night which I spent with an old friend who's back for a while after studying abroad. 3 years worth of stories. I love and miss you V. Nothing beats the friendship that can continue where it left off years ago.

Since culling my wardrobe this year I've not had many exciting outfits to blog, so here is what I wore to work today. I'm well and truly sick of tights.

- Scanlan dress & belt
- Sussan jacket
- Witchery necklace & flats

Holiday attire

$12 sarong from a Burleigh Heads news agent.