black on white

VPL Insertion bra / 3.1 Phillip Lim silk shadow shirt / Camilla Skovgaard ankle wedge boot

I seriously think there is nothing better than the clean simplicity of black and white. This shirt pretty much sums up my entire reason for living, pure unadulterated heaven in garment form.

[all images from tumblr]

august wish list

Friend of Mine Smith Sweater / Theyskens' Theory Vala bag / Style Nanda baggy jeans / Topshop boots / Nixon The Kensington watch

In preparation for warmer days I'm thinking I need to invest in a cropped knit and an open-air ankle regime including cuffed jeans and cut-out boots. The collection of new knits at Friend of Mine is ridiculously good (also got my eye on the Lafayette dress), the perfect season tie-over. Although I hope I'm not kidding myself in thinking we're getting out of winter sooner rather than later!

white out

I've never been a white girl. I mean, yes I'm incredibly 'white' in both my skin tone (thanks winter) and culturally, but I'm not a big wearer of the shade. Maybe it's Melbourne's influence or there's simply not that much good white stuff about, but I thought I would give this whole sporty/crisp/luxe business a go.  So from the VERY few white clothes I have in my closet I put together this outfit. The sheerness (nonexistence?!) of the tee really helps to break up that blocky, sterile feeling that makes full head-to-toe white hard to wear. Skin is good, and white just so happens to give the illusion of slightly tanned flesh which is very handy in the middle of winter. I went minimal with black boots and bag, no jewellery and slicked hair (wet not greasy!).

[wearing: thrifted shirt and reworked jeans, Asos tee, Witchery bra, Office London boots, Life with Bird bag]

the metallic shoe

[ 1. Jean-Michel Cazabat Elisa pumps 2. Topshop Wowza wedges 3. Dolce Vita Nalla Specchio loafers 4. Elizabeth & James Sand pumps 5. Topshop Sandi wedges 6. Marc by Marc Jacobs new vintage glam loafers ]

[ 1. Soles disco glitter boot 2. Kathryn Wilson Diane boot 3. Topshop Game pointed court heels 4. Gorman Dime croc print boot 5. Skin Punk Deluxe boot ]

[ 1. KORS Michael Kors Eliza wedge sandals 2. Topshop Whizzkid clean wedges 3. Topshop Wowza wedges 4. Topshop Wonder clean sporty wedges 5. Viktor & Rolf bow heel sandals ]

I can't get enough of metallics at the moment, especially in shoe form. I think the hardest thing is making a shiny shoe not look tacky, there are so many seriously offensive ones out there that I've gone and hunted down some of my favourite examples of designs that just work! Paired with simple black or minimalist white and a touch of colour, they are the perfect tool to spruce up a boring outfit.

knit knacks

Well I finally feel like I'm on holidays (although I do still have 2 assignments to hand in, but they're finished) and I'm already stuck for things to amuse me on these bleak winter days! I went searching through my closet and found this long forgotten dress I made in high school for some art piece. It was basically just an experiment with this amazing multicoloured wool and giant knitting needles. Not sure what I was aiming for, but it turned into this thing that I thought would make the perfect neck piece to a dress. Unfortunately it is unwearable (outside my backyard) due to the sheerness of the fabric I used, not to mention the dangerously low neckline. Maybe I'll change it to some opaque black matte satin so I could possibly wear it one day as I seriously love the crazy knitted neck.

[wearing: DIY dress, Therapy boots via The Iconic]

grey ombre

 I threw together this super casual look to take advantage of a surprisingly sunny winter's day in Melbourne, which I doubt we'll be getting a lot more of unfortunately. This knit's another Iconic purchase, but I can't be blamed can I? It's all so ridiculously convenient and fast, I mean I got this jumper delivered the day after I bought it! It's seriously killing my bank account. I love a great layering jumper, and the fact that this is the perfect grey marle ombre is such a bonus, it also comes in a sweet forest green (which I only saw after I'd bought the grey, considering going back for it!).

P.S. I've found a new shooting location.. My neighbour's synthetic nature strip. So strange, but I guess it saves having to cut the grass!

[wearing: Huntingbird knit via The Iconic, thrifted shirt, Dejour jeans, Asos boots, Life with Bird bag, Tatty Devine perspex ring]

neoprene

So here's my latest purchases; the best winter jacket and some serious boots. It mightn't look snuggly, but this jacket is super insulating and comfy. I figure the best way to beat the elements this winter is to wear the fashion equivalent of a wetsuit. I wish neoprene was sold non-commercially, if I could buy that stuff by the metre I would be making my entire wardrobe from it!

Very excited about these Therapy boots, so much height and still comfortable, perfect for winter nights out.

[wearing: Asos neoprene parka, thrifted knit, jeans from ebay, Therapy boots via The Iconic]

luna

After spending a long time searching for a new bag and mulling over a fake Celine number on iOffer the fashion gods answered my plea with the delicious Life with Bird Luna bag. I couldn't believe my luck, it was on sale and arrived 2 days after I ordered it! Made of the most sumptuous grainy leather, I 'moved in' the second it came and I'm sure I won't be moving out any time soon. 

Buy it HERE!

[wearing: Asos jumper, H&M shorts, Zara boots]

candy stripes

My spontaneous sewing ventures seem to turn out quite nicely these days. I've been wanting to do something with this striped cotton for a long time, whether that be upholstery or clothing I just wanted to make use of it somehow. I only had about 1.5m so was originally going to just make a skirt, but upon cutting decided there was enough for a full dress. Turns out my subconscious knows what's up, because it seems there are completely accidental similarities with a dress I've had my eye on for ages now, Josh Goot's Float mini.

It's an extremely summery fabric, which is very unfortunate as Melbourne gets colder by the hour, but I'm quite certain it will get a lot of wear come spring!

[Wearing with Asos cuffs and boots, Tatty Devine perspex bow ring]

hydrangea

Very much in love with my beautiful hydrangea blazer from Staple the label. It's the perfect understated floral print in a lovely purpley-blue, plus it's cut nice and long making it that little bit formal. I'm looking forward to winter so I can wear it with this White Suede dress I picked up at their Melbourne warehouse sale recently which is made of the coolest perforated suede-like fabric with mesh detailing on the neck and down the arms.

[Wearing: Staple the Label hydrangea dress blazer from The Iconic HERE, White Suede dress, Asos thin silver cuffs, Office London boots]