paisley please

J.W Anderson x Topshop quilted paisley silk tee / 3 Gun Vase / Windsor Smith Mara heels / COII leather look shorts / Essie polish

Killer Condo Yves Satan Laurent tee / COII paisley jeans / Nicholas Joclyn heels / Essie polishes

I've never, ever been a fan of paisley. But it's been popping up on the runways for a while now (remember Givenchy Resort 13?!) so I set to work finding some wearable / affordable pieces in this tricky print and came across this sick tee and jeans. The trick is to keep your colours to a minimum and try to match or complement a colour found amongst the paisley.

I'm definitely considering more risky retro prints for my wardrobe from now on.

pink panther

Here's one of the outfits from a shoot I did the other week with the lovely Gabby.

This dress is seriously killer with its beautiful, vibrant printed silk and draped Tarzan-style skirt. It needs only to be worn with the bare minimum of accessories and a whole lot of attitude.

[Friend of Mine Rocketman Dress Pink Panther & clutch]

stay in school

Now this is a massive call, but I'm prepared to make it; this shirt is undoubtedly my best online purchase. Ever.

Consider, will you, the sheer scheme of this statement in light of the thousands of dollars I have spent on clothes, shoes and accessories online over the past 3 years (before which I did not a) own a debit card, or b) been introduced to the devil that is Asos), this shirt is the most perfect lightweight, washed cotton, boyfriend-style shirt in the history of mankind. And it cost me a measly $24.

From the glorious fantasy land that is Korean online store Style Nanda, it may just be the most confusing/annoying/cute/madness-inducing website I have ever visited but there are some serious gems hidden amongst the bad designer rip-offs. Now I know the Australian retail industry is going down the gurgler, and I'm not helping, but we really need to step up our game if Korea can churn out these ridiculously lovely articles for next-to-nothing!

The shorts are also NANDAAAA (to be pronounced in a squealy voice whilst making 'peace' signs with both hands), the combination of which made me look like a legitimate schoolboy. This is a just-for-fun, comfort-of-my-own-backyard, oh-shit-there's-someone-at-the-door-quick-get-changed-don't-let-them-see-me kind of outfit, but considering there is pretty much nothing that won't go beautifully with this shirt I can guarantee it won't leave my body until the threads start to unravel.

[wearing: Style Nanda shirt & shorts, Target sports bra]

springspiration

Spring is finally here and the sun is already threatening my thesis-writing abilities. I've made a little list of things I look forward to doing when I'm finally through studying in just over a month!

Spring Bucket List

1. Get a tan (TOP priority- I've missed the sun like nothing else!)

2. Complete a ridiculous amount of sewing and DIY projects (and blog them)

3. Road trip to the beach (on every weekend possible)

4. Drink cocktails by the pool in the afternoons (naturally)

5. Have dinner parties (any excuse to cook copious amounts of food)

[all images via Tumblr & Pinterest]

elements

Simple things are good things. Clean lines, basic silhouettes and good ol' black and white is all you need sometimes. Although I'm not completely convinced I'm ready to bare half of my particularly squishy side bits (thanks winter hibernation!), this top from Stylenanda is exactly the season transitional piece I've been after and looks so good paired with high waisted jeans or shorts depending on the thermometer.

[wearing: Stylenanda top, Asos velvet trousers, DIY copper choker]

cadillac

I haven't been able to wipe the smile off my face all weekend due to my most recent acquisition of this glorious jacket. It was hands down the best thing ever when, after talking myself into the Midnight version of Friend of Mine's Cadillac jacket, I stumbled upon a smaller sized black one (in a 6 - not even a plausible option originally) and miraculously it fit like a dream! I was quite relieved really, considering I have so many black clothes in my wardrobe and I'm not the biggest fan of navy blue and black worn together. Pure silk with leather lapel and pocket trim- this is a ridiculously perfect jacket that will no doubt become my staple dress blazer for many seasons to come.

wearing [Friend of Mine Cadillac Jacket / Nobigtruth blue ombre skirt / DIY silk tank / Asos boots (old) / DIY copper jewellery]

Also, apologies for the recent absence, life's crazy busy at the moment and it's causing serious blog neglection :(

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]

heavenly knits

These two pieces are the most recent additions to my wardrobe- the Lafayette knit dress and Smith sweater by Friend of Mine. When I saw this incredible knit, slightly metallic spun yarn that creates an amazing texture, I knew I had to have some. And what's better than one sweet knit? Two! I know it's a little OTT wearing them together but they're so perfect for each other I couldn't resist.

[wearing: Friend of Mine Lafayette knit dress & Smith sweater, heels from iOffer, choker from ebay, DIY perspex cuff]

vegas baby

Here's a little preview of Friend of Mine's latest campaign called Baby Blue's. Shot in Vegas by the multi talented Alex Spencer of 4th and Bleeker, this little wedding story features the gorgeous hand-embroidered Paloma dress. I'm lucky enough to be interning at FOM at the moment and let me tell you, the rest of the shoot is seriously amazing so stay tuned for the next installment.

Photography, styling, art direction Alexandra Spencer // Model Tanya @ Next

Images C/O 4th and Bleeker & Friend of Mine

sew sew

I've put some more items up for sale HERE including a few of my own designs, most of which have featured on the blog at some stage. If you're interested in anything please send me an email at nobigtruthblog@gmail.com. Postage within Australia is $9, enquire for specific international rates and any garment measurements.

1. 100% sand-washed silk layered skirt w/ gathered waistband (free size) $40

2. Hand dyed shift dress w/ raw hem (vintage Sportsgirl dress, marked size 14 - best fit 10-12) $15

3. Spot waisted dress w/ racer-cut neckline & dropped circular hem (best fit size 8-10) $25

4. Sheer laser-cut 'scales' shift dress (best fit size 8-10)  $25

5. Striped jersey dropped rounded hem dress (best fit size 8-10) $25

I'm also selling a little collection on Etsy through my NoBigTruth shop so have a look see!

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!

spring clean

So I'm trying to convince myself that it's nearing the end of the horribly cold season known to most as winter, and making room in my wardrobe for bigger and better things by selling some clothes I never wear anymore or in fact have NEVER EVER WORN! These few items are just a very small portion of what I'm selling. All prices are negotiable! Check it out HERE.