crafty copper

I'm having a crafty phase at the moment. I found a big bag of DIY to-dos stashed away in a spare room and decided I really needed to get on it before the metals started to rust! I've been experimenting with twisting and plaiting copper wire, with surprisingly lovely results comprising of delicate friendship bracelets, fine rings and coiled cuffs. It's actually quite amazing what you can do with a bit of cable wire and tap fittings from the hardware store, although lucky for me I have a treasure trove in my garage thanks to a handyman dad. I can basically describe the sort of thing I want (tools, perspex, wire, washers, etc..) and he will pluck it out of the huge abyss of junk that is 'the shed'!

My favourites have got to be the bright copper coupling and black cord bangles using the same materials as my DIY Kirrily Johnston Bengal choker that I made in late last year, as well as the delicate adjustable coiled rings that can be stacked on your fingers in any combination. Copper is such a nice change from silver or gold and it goes with just about anything.

I'll be selling some of these pieces on my new Etsy store (along with my clothing designs) so be sure to keep a look out for it when I open!

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.

blue steel

Here's my latest sewing venture: a metallic peplum jacket inspired by THIS gorgeous Ellery one shown at fashion week recently. Would have been so good in that black/forest green colour combo, but I work with what I have, and luckily I had a heap of this fabulous metallic blue taffeta sitting around. So tailoring is not really my forte, but I think I did pretty well considering this is my first attempt at a fitted jacket, or any jacket for that matter (excluding a fur disaster I had recently!). This sort of flashy jacket will be perfect paired with a nice simple little black dress or jeans and killer heels for a night out. Can't wait for it to get some public exposure.

[wearing with: Asos velvet trousers & cuffs, Santini heels, vintage bodysuit, ebay choker]

botanical

My new Sara Phillips dress. What can I say? Possibly the most gorgeous floral print I've ever laid eyes on. Did I mention it is pure silk and cost me a measly $150?! Unfortunately I think it's sold out now, but there are still some incredible bargains to be had at their online store HERE.

[Wearing: Sara Phillips cape dress, Windsor Smith Loren heels, choker from Ebay, Asos cuffs and vintage bracelet/ring]

accessory lust

Lusting over these gorgeous accessories that will liven up any wardrobe. Need them all!

Zara gold ankle strap sandal

Zara white sandal

Zara pink sandal

Zara blue colour block sandal

Asos mesh gold tipped collar necklace

Mania Mania Mystic necklace

Gala Curios gold-oil pyramid ring

Deadly Ponies bone ring

Acne Jasper bronze silk & leather pouch

Katzi Oyster bag

Deadly Ponies Mr Hutch duffel bag

Acne Beau bag

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]

HCMC treasures

Thought I would photograph some of the jewellery I brought back from Vietnam recently. Got a little carried away with the mirroring effect as you can see. My favourite piece would have to be the breast plate in the first picture, it's so simple yet can pull an outfit from drab.. to FAB instantly (sorry so cheesy!!). I've never been a big fan of statement jewellery, but Vietnam converted me.

All of the jewellery was from Ho Chi Minh City, some of it came from this cute little store in Vincom shopping centre called Miss Ni (not sure if that's the correct spelling) and some of it from the Ben Thanh markets where there was one tiny stall each for the gold and silver. Desperately wanting to go back to find some more treasure!