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!)

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

"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! 

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

Shopping out of season

Something I do best!

I seem to be in a perpetual mode of throwing out and selling items in my wardrobe. No matter what I buy, the old stuff is always a favourite. I'm not sure if it's my style that's changing, or the current fashions that I'm not enjoying.  The newly acquired items end up on eBay much faster than the old.  Which means I'm always wearing the same stuff.

Considering the fact that I am about to wave goodbye to my corporate day job for a while (scary story for another day) and be entirely without much disposable income as I give my brain and body a much needed rest after an intense 6 years in the home of repairing the damage, I should probably not be worrying about my wardrobe all that much, but I couldn't help myself with these newbies from Witchery.  Such cute and cosy buys for my upcoming jeans days.

I can't believe how fast summer is passing by.  January, my favourite month, is long gone.  My baby brother is 21.  Traffic is at a standstill again.  February is as busy as ever with social events and I'm desperate for a few more sunny days to spend at the beach. A linger Indian summer is requested... Why is summer always faster than winter...

Linen stripe tee - Witchery

Silk Underlay Knit - Witchery

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

Summer party looks

I am honestly banging my head against the wall in regards to my summer wardrobe.  I have two work Christmas parties. A myriad of family Christmas events.  A concert.  Two weddings.  And a baptismn.  On top of a two week holiday.  One thing is for sure, well two.  Fake tan will play a major part and I will shop my wardrobe as much as possible.  Well, what remains that I didn't get rid of throughout the year.

On Tuesday I am going to a concert with my girlfriends.  I'll be honest and admit that I am not a concert goer.  I'm not one for ringing ears and crowds, but they somehow talked me into seeing JLo.

Nail polish-OPI On Collins Avenue, Lipstick-Maybelline Coral Crush (truly suits every complexion), Ring-Maria Maria Adjustable Pod Ring, Top-Witchery, Bandage skirt - Kookai (similar at Forever New), Clutch-Zara, Shoes-Christian Louboutin Decollete

For the work Christmas party (and at least one of the weddings) I have tracked down the very last knee length version of this dress in a raspberry pink.  I'm thinking a nude peeptoe pump or wedge, more fake tan and nude/bronze make up and accessories.  

I am really into bright nails and lips this season.  A cheap and wonderful way to update any look over the party season. OPI Cajun Shrimp should be in every beauty cupboard.

Buy this, not that: Isabel Marant Zappy Belt

I've wanted just about everything that Isabel Marant has done, including the Zappy belt.  Then I thought about how I would wear it and a uniform of jeans, an oversized white shirt and sky high heels came to mind.  ASOS came to the rescue with something just about the same for a fraction of the price.

Isabel Marant Zappy Belt - ~AUD500

ASOS Multi Link Belt - AUD38

Asos Bauble Interlink Earrings,   Witchery Tash Woven Bag - $80,  Louboutin Pumps

Black & Gold

I can't wait for this week to be over.  It feels like everyone wants everything done yesterday and the pressure is immense.  I've found myself tucked into the corner working breathlessly-an open plan office isn't always the best idea.  Sometimes space and quiet to hear yourself think is a godsend when you feel like the world load is caving in.

Silk blouse-Scanlan&Theodore, Skirt-Cue Gold Jacquard Tween Skirt, Clutch-Witchery hard leopard print clutch, Earrings-Forever New, Ring&Bangle-Melinda Maria

3 pairs of shoes in a week? I need an intervention!

2010 was proudly the year that I did not purchase a single pair of shoes. The 6 inch "Kardashian Kraze" was not to my liking at all so I stuck to what I had.  As I teenager my mum did not let me wear heels. So of course I locked away pocket money and went with my best friend when we were both nearing our 18th birthday to purchase the highest pair of heels I could find and afford (I think they were about $60 from Williams).  My friends parents were a little more understanding than mine so my shoes stayed hidden at her houses and I totted around in them every time I stayed over.

My mum had never worn heels so thought it was the right choice for me as well.  I had all the freedom in the world - to go where I want and wear what I want.  But no high heels.

You see my mum was one of those chic European women who had an enviable capsule wardrobe. Her winter coat cost 5 months of her (very high at the time) salary.  I remember when she went to Italy to buy it.  But she wore it for 10 years. I remember her amazing leather sandals and belts and jewellery and stunning silk blouses.  I remember every piece and I swear had any of it survived our rushed move to Australia I would be wearing all of it now.

In the wide open spaces of Australia we drive everywhere.  I know people in their 30's who have never stepped foot onto a train.  Paris, being a relately small city area wise with such a huge population had no traffic.  Why?  Because everyone used the metro.  Walking everywhere and up and down the stairs of the metro meant that flats was the foot wear of choice.  And everyone looked chic all the same.

This has inspired me to rethink my shoedrobe.  Most of my shoes are torture devices.  They're fine when I try them on, they're fine for the first hour or so, but after that I'm in agony. Maybe my mum was onto something.

Since returning home from my trip I have acquire 3 new pairs of shoes... Including these wonderful brighton Zara sandals.

"The ocean takes care of each wave until it gets to shore" - Rumi

It's crazy to think that I'm nearing the 5 year anniversary of moving to Melbourne. So much has happened. My career took a new direction after I gave up what was seemingly my dream job and after a solid 4 years of hard work and many steep learning curves I have the promotion and the job that I often doubted was within my reach.  I have a few weeks break before the new chapter begins.  I thought I would cry as I said goodbye to the office that was my second home, but I didn't.  I had cried when I was updating my resume 5 weeks prior.

I have my draws to empty and years of paperwork to file (which is sitting in the back seat of the car).  New profiles to write.  New networks to build.  A huge exhibit I'm working on for the Australian Open.  And lots of spring cleaning to do. (I spent most of the morning degreasing and polishing the oven and it's looking damn fine).

Here's to new beginnings, including some warm weather (wishful thinking as it's November and I still have the heater on!!!)

These photos were snapped last weekend on a rare warm and sunny day at Hampton Beach.  It's odd though isn't it.  When I lived in St Kilda I drove to the beach in Brighton and now that I live in Brighton I drive to the beach in Hampton.  The way I'm going I'll be living in Sorrento in 20 years (one can only hope!!)

Not much into betting on horses, but my pick for tomorrow is Drunken Sailer.  Can't go past the name.  Who's your pick?

Outfit notes - Bracelets-Sisco Berluti. Blazer-Zara. Singlet-Witchery. Flats-Witchery. Skirt-Supre. Necklace-Peeptoe

Gifts that give back - Witchery OCRF range

If you're still stuck for gifts or some stocking stuffers, may I draw your attention to the Witchery range benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.   There's something for everyone in a very wallet friendly price range ($9.95 for a pendant to $89.95 for a bathrobe), and best of all $5 from each purchase benefits OCRF.  The stuff really is gorgeous, as well as useful.  Jewellery that's very wearable.  Have nabbed myself (and a couple more to gift) of the solid bangles as well as the gorgeous travel wallet for my upcoming trip.. and best of all, guilt free as a portion is donated towards women's health issue research.

Flat Oval Bangle

Flat Brushed Ring

Waffle Cos Case

Cocoon Vase

Metallic Travel Wallet

Luggage Tag

Word Disc Necklace

Charm

Cord Necklace

Marbella Tie

images via witchery

Witchoo's

While pondering my summer wardrobe it dawned on me that I was missing a pair of versatile sandals.  Something sturdy I could wear to work, that could take me from day to night during the party season.  My favourite pair of patent nude sandals was tragically destroyed last year as I was walking down Collins Street to a client's Christmas party in torrential rain.  They had the perfect heel height and were "worn in" the previous year, making for a pair of very comfortable pair of shoes, something that's rare for me.  They were delicate, supposedly hand made in Italy and the rain ruined the leather sole and made the glue come undone.

Fast forward to me falling in love with a pair of Jimmy Choo's on Saks which retailed for a prohibitive AUD1000+.

And then discovering a very similar pair at Witchery, and thanks to free shipping and a 20% off code.

They came in at around 10% of the price of the Choos!