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.  

Yarra Valley

I am (mostly) a city girl and love the metropolitan life.  But equally so I have an intense need for the countryside.  As much as I love my bucket of hair products and high heels I equally adore fresh air, muddy walks, trees and open space.  As a child I spent my summers with my grandparents in their village, chasing chickens and getting lost in the fields with our dog, Meri. 


Lucky then that within an hour drive out of Melbourne, there is plenty of open space and fresh air.

Hat-Sportsgirl Florentina, Fur Wrap-Scanlan & Theodore, Vest-MK2K, Leggings-Supre, Boots-Zomp

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

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

"I generally avoid temptation, unless I can't resist it" - Mae West

I've never been much of a bag girl.  I own 2 proper bags, a couple of little fun (and cheap) ones and 3 clutch bags.  I find it extremely difficult to find a bag I love.  Think roomy, buttery soft leather, no external pockets or zips or dangling bits.  Yet a price that somebody who doesn't love bags is prepared to pay.  Impossible?

Last year I spent big on a J Dauphin bag and the zip broke after 3 days. Then I found something that ticked all the boxes, only to be running for the train a week later, getting the door closed on me with the bag outside and me inside (when the door closed shut the handle broke and all of my belongings were splattered on the platform at peak hour and the train had to make an emergency stop)... anyway.

So no bag, for ages.

I had steered clear of Scanlan & Theodore all year.  Huge weakness of mine since my early 20's and here I am wanting to kick some major goals in 2011 (like Paris).  Didn't mix well.  The only way was to staaaaay awaaaaay.  Except that one time... when I walked in and fell in love with one of their house label bags.  A bag that would have equaled about 6 months worth of my I'mOnATightBudgetPendingTripToParis play money.  No bag.

6 months later, I'm back from Paris, still without a bag and I get an SMS.  VIP sale starting TOMORROW.  I'm standing out the front waiting for the doors to open (I know, I know) and I spy THE BAG!  With a blue tag on it.  70% off?  You betcha.

We've been happy for a week now.  She's buttery soft, fits my whole life in it.  Has no unnecessary bits hanging on the outside.  It's true love.

Nan Goldin for Scanlan & Theodore

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Scanlan & Theodore.  So much so, that I wear at least an item of S&T 6 out of 7 days a week!

My love affair began about 6 years ago while I was working as a temp data entry clerk during the summer break at university.  The job was boring. I was paid for 8 hours a day, but my job required me to work about 45 minutes.  It's true.  Boring job meant hours surfing on the internet, and usually buying a lot of things.  I have that job to thank for my first pair of Chloe heels from NAP and my first Marc Jacobs dress... and my long and expensive relationship with S&T.

Gary Theodore, the man behind the label and the whole S&T team are immensely private.  No interviews, no parades, no advertising.  Just private shows for their most valued customers and staff at the beginning of a new season.  I still wear every single of my S&T items.  They don't go out of style.  They're seasons and seasons ahead most of the time.  I'm more than happy to pay a little more, especially since 90% of the clothing is made in Australia. And they know a thing or two about amazing service and flexibility.

“Our designs exist to reflect the integrity of a woman and resonate her unique individualism” says Gary Theodore.  Totally out of the box to use a 'messy' Erin Wasson for their spring/summer lookbook. 

“We thought it time to communicate how we were feeling, and looking at Nan’s work we felt we had similar values, being uncompromising, extremely considered and sometimes complex, yet having ideals of simplicity and honesty,” explains Gary. “When you look at Nan’s work, it’s simplistic at first glance but after a while the more you look the more you see, there’s a lot going on, emotionally.”

scanlantheodore.com.au