"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! 

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.  

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. 

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.

On a Zara (Basic Sandal) High

I really don't need any more shoes, right?  I came back home a few weekends ago and my husband was in the garage building me a shelf (I knew there was a good reason why I married him).   It houses about 50 very well edited pairs.  But right now it's the middle of winter and I'm battling my hatred of cold mornings, rotating between just 3 pairs. Yeah, I hate winter.

I love these Zara beauties even more than I thought I would.  They're just the right height, simple enough to wear a lot and they're very, very comfortable.

I wouldn't resist a photoshoot, even if indoors with my track pants rolled up... (at least they were Stella McCartney, okay)

Zara Basic Sandals

Floating

My energy levels have slowly been returning, so I am getting out and about a little bit more, which will hopefully result in more blog posts.  It's been a slow process but it's truly wonderful to feel alive again.

I've really been loving the peplum trend that's been everywhere since the Oscars.  B was in Sydney so I had to do with the self timer (as my camera remote isn't working).  Since the outfit was so monochrome, I decided to dress it up a bit with Louboutins and the Zara sequin clutch (which I'm still not sick of).

The top is from Glassons.  I am seriously loving everything they're doing at the moment (move over ASOS) and the shipping is quick & free.  Items are far better quality than everything else in the price range, too.

You may remember that I blogged whilst contemplating the Louboutins and let me tell you, they have quickly become my favourite shoes.  They are incredibly comfortable (just make sure you go up half or a full size) and so easy to wear.  Now I know what the fuss is about.  I am already plotting my next pair.

Top-Glassons or similar, Leggings-sass&bide 'rats', Belt-Scanlan & Theodore, Necklace-Peeptoe

Shoes-Christian Louboutin 'Decollete' Pump, Clutch-Zara or similar

FOMO

I must be the only person in the universe (ok an exaggeration) who doesn't own these Zara sandals.

Must remedy immediately. Even though it's too cold to wear them until December, at the earliest...

Last days of summer..

Enjoying being able to wear shorts for a few more weeks. And the stars aligned and I found the Zara sequin in the Melbourne store. The very last one. Yesssssss!

WANTED: Zara Sequin Wallet/Clutch

I'm going to be a pain in the butt and put out a call to my readers to see if anyone can help me get a hold of this Zara bag.  I STUPIDLY didn't buy it in Prague NOR Paris despite totting around every Zara I walked into with it in my hand.  I can't stop thinking about it.

Happy to pay a reasonable premium and postage and inconvenience fee.

Thanks in advance xx

sheworeitwell.blog @ gmail . com

Dressing for winter in summer...

I'd like to take this opportunity to voice my disgust at the weather.  Summer started 5 days ago and I've had the heater on every night. I packed away the sweaters and pulled out the summer dresses... prematurely it seems.

Yesterday I dragged myself into the city department stores for pick up some decorations for Christmas and try and get into the spirit.  I even put on Michael Buble's Christmas album tonight (which is incredible by the way).

What has everyone got planned for Christmas this year? Are you all more organised than me?

Zara scarf, Zara jacket, Chanel brooch, Vila dress, Sambag flats

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

HOT PINK

I umm-ed and ahh-ed about the Zara blazer for 3 months before I decided to add it to my newly edited wardrobe.  Then began the painful part - deciding what to wear it with.  Thank goodness for Pinterest.  Outfit posts to come.

Colour blocking: 101

As the days get shorter and it's still pretty much dark when I'm leaving in the morning I'm trying my best not to resort to my uniform of layered knits every morning.  And it's amazing what a little bit of bronzer (NARS Laguna to be precise) does to pep me up on a cold morning.

I've been putting in some serious overtime this weekend (thanks June 30), but did take some time out to enjoy the winter sunshine and have breakfast at my favourite cafe.  Also really looking forward to attending the ballet tomorrow night.  Melbourne puts on really great indoor activities to pass the (long) winter.

Hope you all had a great weekend! X

Zara top

A-Store skirt

Cue belt

Wolford tights

ASOS boots

Le Specs sunnies

Plastic bangles from Bali

Zara Melbourne - Preview & Store Opening Party

How lucky am I to have been invited to attend the preview of the very first Melbourne store?

I was lead on a tour through the store with a small group of bloggers, enjoying a glass of champagne and  shopping before everyone else!

Each section was explained in detail by the head office staff and I learned some facts along the way -

• the Studio collection at the entry of every Zara store is the iconic pieces of the season, the best sellers and also the best quality merchandise
• Zara has catered for Melbourne's love of black and included lots of black stuff just for us
• Zara is all about colour this winter, even if Melbourne doesn't love it
• Black and grey colours means playing with texture, especially for the guys.  I was very impressed with the men's section.  Men's high street fashion is virtually non existent in Australia and Zara had a full floor of well priced, up to date fashions for the man in your life.
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The store itself is huge with great street frontage and is thankfully not cluttered.  I've been to many stores around the world (isn't that the highlight for Australians when heading overseas - to go to EVERY SINGLE Zara store since we've been so deprived for so many years???) and some stores, while having the entire range, are tiny making it a painful experience of rummaging.  The store here is logically set out and a pleasure to peruse.  Everything is styled perfectly and trends and occasions have their own little spots - the casual, the layering pieces.. the party pieces.  And there's plenty of winter and summer items on offer.

It's been weeks since the Sydney store opened and apparently the crowds are still insane, so I really enjoyed the opportunity to browse and try things without crowds.

I did find the prices $10-$60 higher compared to international Zara online store, but that seems to be a trend in Australia.  Still plenty of things under $100, including dresses and shoes.

I must admit I did find it strange walking down the street with a Zara bag.

I tried lots and lots on, but in the end only walked out with the above blouse (I really wanted a similar one in orange but wasn't brave enough).  I tried to steer clear of the "very Zara" pieces for fear of wearing the same thing as every other girl this winter.  I'll let it die down a little bit... right?  $119 for 100% silk.

And in case you weren't following my every step on Twitter while I was there tonight, here's some iPhone photos.

Crowd control!

First glimpse

I almost felt like I was in Europe

The orange top was calling my name... $139.  The coat was $220.

Gorgeous accessories - the leopard clutch was $159

Men's floor.

Some more men's

Brights, butterflies and champagne

Can anyone explain to me why Zara scarves are some of the most expensive items?

LBD

Colour blocking

Ballet flats for little girls... too cute!