Girl on Go...

Not too long ago you would always find me in heels.  As I get older I cant seem to handle the wobbly, pointy heels of my youth but I always felt I needed some height to feel polished off.
I love a high wedge or stack heel…I just love heels!
Lately though, I've been wearing flats and I find any excuse to wear my sneakers!
Comfort first please!

Incorporating sneakers into your everyday wardrobe, especially a work wardrobe
does need some thought otherwise it could go sloppy real fast...I love all these looks here for their simplicity and ease.

*I think if you stick to clothing thats timeless and classic - teamed with sneakers, it just feels right.

*Here's a tricky one - try to keep yours sneakers clean, that's hard...but if you want to look on point....

*Go for a streamlined sneaker or sport shoe.  If its too bulky, too bright (hello fluro!) keep it for your gym workout.

*Go for solid colours over print & pattern and lastly
Invisible socks - no pop sock/cheerleader look please!
Give it a go! I know I will...

Images
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Life in colour!

So yesterday I coloured my hair a deep pink...it was meant to be a purple shade actually, but anyway it turned out very vibrant.
Last time I went a little crazy with hair colour was about 20 years ago when I thought I might look good as a red head.
Well that didn't work out well haha and so its been many shades of brown ever since...
Playing with hair colour is something I don't do often, and so I'm finding it all very amusing (and a little uncomfortable)
but back to the vibrant pink hair ( you can see me here) it was for a very special occasion,
'The Worlds Greatest shave'  , which is an annual fund raiser for Leukemia -  the event is so popular now that they changed the rules to allow hair colour and cut as well.
When it comes to colours in general, I'm a safe bet - I stay on track.
a few honey highlights are my Summery hair change...when it comes to clothes, I  stick with Black, White and neutrals like Gray...I consider 'Navy' to be my favourite colour.
That sounds kind of drab
doesn't it?
When ever I do wear something colourful I get a whole heap of compliments which of course, feels wonderful.
Like a warm hug.
You would think this would prompt me to wear colour more often. ha!…I must admit I'm not really drawn to colourful clothes when out shopping.
I do love colour so much - I always wonder why is it that I don't experiment with colour, print and pattern as much?
I'm not one to make sure I stand out (especially with the wrong choice... how safe I am?)
but I admire others that do make that bold statement.
How can you not admire that? Colour is wonderful!
I think the only way to wear or embrace colour is...just do it!
Dont hold back.

* all images via
My styleboard on Pinterest

Summer in the city

Happy Monday friends!
I had such a busy weekend...My eldest boy turned 12 and we celebrated with a family gathering at our house and a 'KrispyKreme' tower cake just as he requested - that went down well...sweet!

 I'm a little relieved it’s the start of a new week, I'm on my way to work right now.
I've got a busy day ahead and Mondays can be a slow start after a sunny weekend...looking forward to a tall coffee!

Summer in the city.
what to wear when its warm outside but you still need to look cool and collected at work
Here are some lovely ideas...

a flippy dress, every girl should have one (or two) in her wardrobe!  I love me a dress - so easy to wear, add accessorys and off you go...
Okay when it comes to work and high heels - I cant cut it, I need a low wedge or low stack heel so I can walk with ease and comfort..but I do love wide legged pants, so flattering. Culottes for Summer?? maybe?....maybe not...
I'll take that long skirt anyday though...love that 'all white' outfit!
Printed pants can look great teamed with a crisp Tee although I haven't dared buy a pair...yet.

all images via my Style-board on Pinterest

Weekend Style...

Do you have a weekend style?
I'm usually in jeans and a simple top, sneakers or flats...which can get extremely boring come Saturday again...how many jeans can you style up?
I should really change it up sometime, make the effort a little...
I'm usually feeling so laid-back I cant be bothered unless I know someone is coming by but the weekend is not a cue for sloppy ...hey, you just never know who you'll bump into at the local cafe or supermarket...
but of course you should always dress for yourself,
feel comfortable in your clothes - you'll appear effortless which is what personal style is all about! right?

* some lovely Weekend style ideas below - images via my style Pinterest board

Polka Dots + Chambray Blue

a little 'Fashion to Paper' crafty challenge...

I found this image on Pinterest the other day -  I do love the chambray denim teamed with the polka-dot printed skirt.  Its a dramatic skirt isnt it? ... funny enough the skirt is by Shabby Apple which is an American site that I've seen featured on so many blogs over the years - they've called the skirt 'Waltzing Matilda' ball skirt.
Maybe it reminds them of the outback and our own taste of country life?...

here is my Greeting card...Im actually in the middle of a paper mess right now - I have crafty stacks all over my house!
Im preparing for a market stall...more of that to come!

 

RIP Oscar de la Renta

I'm a very restless person. I'm always doing something. The creative process never stops.
Oscar de la Renta

Outfit for a Rainy day (or week...)

Today it rained...and rained some more.
The weather channel is predicting rain all week.
wet, gray, dreary (ho-hum)

Getting ready for a rainy day is always a challenge when all you want to do is crawl back into bed under the covers...Zzzz that was me this morning.

Warm layers always work well. Today I wore black jeans to work...I usually leave those for a casual day but I just needed the extra warmth and coverage. Opaques or leggings are perfect add a warm coat, a thick scarf and boots ( rain splatters on bare legs feel just ughhhh!)
...and the most important accessory on a rainy day is a strong and sturdy umbrella (so hard too find a good one!)

Images from Top
Kayture / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 /

denim on denim on denim....

It doesn't look like the
denim on denim trend is going anywhere..
do you like it?
...or are you thinking ...lets leave this for the cowboys of this world and move on already...

Blue Denim is perfect for any season - its a classic wardrobe staple but denim on denim outfits take a little more thought - especially as you want to avoid a dorky 'got it wrong' moment.
Mix up the blue shades, the textures - go fitted and refined for a chic pulled together look or slouch and soft for a relaxed, carefree look!
Either way it'll look gorgeous!
Denim on Denim actually smells like Summer to me - maybe I'm just hanging out for warmer days...
Have a wonderful weekend peeps!

images
Top 
1/2/3/4 

...in the thick of it..

baby its cold outside....
sure is!
its been freezing lately!

I do love Winter but hate that it takes me forever to adjust and climatise until I can finally feel warm and comfortable...and then its probably time to head outside again.
...it doesn't even snow in Sydney, imagine having that Winter element to deal with everyday...

Some lovely Winter looks for inspiration...
layers of warmth,
wool, booties...coats, jackets and knits...beautiful!

images via
Pinterest
via 1 /2 /3 /4 /5

Midi lengh...

The Midi length used to be a fashion no no (hits the thickest part of your calf..)
These days it seems to be the skirt to wear. Claimed to be the mini skirt's Chicer sister, what do you think? do you like it? do you wear it?

I've been wearing midi length for years and only because I don't like the look of my knees ha-ha
simple! but true...
the midi length is my friend!
I'm partly happy its all the rage but I'll keep wearing it even when the trend goes away... and this dear friends is why I don't follow fashion trends anymore.
I  prefer to dress for my body shape.
Id like to think that at 43, I know what suits me, and what my style  is.
It does feel nice to look 'updated' but I don't let fashionable trends rule my wardrobe.

Midi skirt love
(from top)
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What goes around comes around...

This lovely ladies is how to do vintage chic!!
... the look is very 1970s Chanel
but its actually from the latest fashion pages  - fashion styles and shapes just go through a spinning cycle - what goes around comes around.

From the streets of Hollywood to the rocky Greek hills, this Summer dress looks perfect for whats going to be a steaming hot few days ahead in Melbourne...soft and billowy (yes, that is a real word - I checked), cool and light just like a parachute, floating over the hot pavement  - what a fabulous shape!
Only for the daring fashionista!
*Ps.  dont forget the sunblock...

I'm trying to figure out what to pack in my tiny carry-on.  Its a short family trip but I need to ensure I don't over pack - I think I'm old enough to know better by now...I never seem to learn!
My bag needs a little empty space in case I do a little retail therapy - the sales are still on!...

*Top image by Camilla Akrans for Harpers Bazaar and bottom by Mara Desipris for Vogue Greece

Frocktober

Today Im over at Clairey's blog helping out with her Frocktober challenge!

Thanks for having me Clairey  - it was fun to dress up for such a great cause and I do love to wear dresses so I might give it a go next year...but I don't think I'll be cutting it as a fashion blogger anytime soon...hard work!

Have a great week ahead dear friends!

For more Frocktober fun - Lexi is also taking up the Frocktober challenge as is Viv  and Daniella is drawing her frocks for her challenge - you can download them to dress the paperdoll! (very clever)
and Natalie is mixing her frocks with cocktails for Frocktails!

Style it Up: Chambray + Skirt

Last year I blogged about the versatile chambray shirt...
This Spring, I'm still looking forward to styling it up and wearing my shirt often during the warmer Spring days ahead.
I even love this look for work - who said denim is for 'casual days' only?
What are you looking forward to wearing in the new season?

* images Top via GoChicorGoHome and bottom via PinkPeonies

Catherine - Elle est Cool!

Im going to have a little French inspired weekend on my blog, being Bastille Day in France tomorrow...a little French finesse all around!

French Style icon, Catherine Deneuve continues to inspire...still a fashion muse to many designers, she's a classique beauty and ...one cool blonde!

her 60's look was always minimal makeup (freckle love!) with lined eyes (always!) and neutral lips! She loved a playful up do that continues to inspire today!

elle est Cool!

The City Bride

Last week I blogged about wedding season and beautiful images of a Country Style wedding ,
today I wanted to share a little  glamour on this cold and wet Tuesday night...

The City Bride - a fun layout from STYD magazine.
Elegant, sophisticated
and radiant wedding styles.

Etsy picks of the week: Vintage 'Faux bijoux'

Funky

Cheap(er)

Unique

perfect reasons to choose Vintage 'Faux Bijoux'?...and there's definitely a lot of choice on Etsy!

The term 'Faux Bijoux' is not commonly used in Australia but I came across it when I lived in Cyprus - its the French translation for 'Fake jewellery' what we normally call Costume jewellery....Faux Bijoux just sounds better dont you think?!

Ive been drawn to Vintage jewellery lately but not the delicate, precious kind, instead, Ive been looking out for chunky, clunky, large pieces that have that 70s/80s vibe happening...

Growing up I remember my Mother had a ton of fake pieces, large round glossy beads that she'd wear with her turtlenecks, armful of bangles and stacks of rings.  

She was also a fan of AVON jewellery - I guess she only had an AVON budget at the time...but I do remember the happiness (in me) when she'd buy something new!

* 70s hammered metal necklace by JerushadVintage *
Vintage Bezel Glass cluster ring by GenerationsofCreations * Vintage Trifari white flower clip on earrings by Upcoming Legendary

a Country Style Wedding....

Is there such a thing as a Wedding season?
I know many couples choose a date during the warmer seasons but we've just started Winter in Australia so it's strange that all the fashion magazines out this month have a Wedding & Bridal supplement...
Vogue Australia has a special Brides issue and there is also a new Australian Wedding magazine out on the shelves,   'Hitched'  - it has a lovely creative feel to it and the illustrated cover is gorgeous...its more like a beautiful book than a magazine!
Country Style magazine has a gorgeous wedding layout in its latest issue.
Photographed by Corrie Bond and styled so beautifully, by Lara Hutton  here are some of the images - lovely!

Daisy

I've been hanging out for Baz Lurhmann's  'The Great Gatsby' , for what seems like ages!
With delays in the release date, a huge blow-out in the film's budget I'm hoping it will be nothing but spectacular!
I love how the Fashion world get behind Baz & Catherine's films - their creative vision and beautiful styling  should be celebrated.
The May issue of US Vogue features Carey Mulligan who stars as Daisy, I'm still waiting for my subscription in the mail, but I've spotted some of the beautiful images by Mario Testino on fashion blogs -  you can see the set  here at the Vogue site.

...I read 'The Great Gatsby'  a couple of years ago - such a fast read,  but I was on holiday...a  beach holiday so had lots of idle time.
I must admit as the story unfolded I found Daisy's character to be very shallow...still,  Gatsby is obsessed with her!
Im hoping movie goers world wide will be obsessed with The Great Gatsby!  

.....The last of the sunshine fell upon her glowing face with romantic affection....

The Boyfriend Jean....

relaxed
soft...super comfy!!
I love how the boyfriend Jean can be dressed up or down to suit your mood...
Im definitely taking a pair with me on my trip tomorrow.

This great post shows you how to style up the Boyfriend Jean!

Kendi from 'Kendi Everday' styles up the Boyfriend Jean perfectly  like here, here and here!
her fashion blog is my go to site every morning - she's awesome!

*image via my style board on Pinterest *

All the Pretty Dresses

Did you enjoy the Academy Awards the other night?  The event itself always drags on
 - I always find the Red Carpet parade a lot more interesting.

So many beautiful dresses this year - the stylists are getting really good at getting it 'perfect' for their star clients ...although there's always one or two shockers coming through..too bad for the fashion designers, the media, blogs and twitter are all out with their opinions - good or bad, dont you just love the internet?
I was suprised to see lots of White frocks this year - its quite stark against the Red Carpet, some gowns looked very 'bridal'...lots of safe looks, lots of messy looks (Helena Bonham Carter, Im looking at you!) and lots of sparkle too -  Naomi Watts in glitzy silver gray  - Amazing!!! I loved it!

* images
top - Elie Saab runway- beautiful fabrics and detail.  Bottom - photo by Judy Pak