quiet reflections

 

Can you believe it? 2012 is about to end and I cannot begin to tell you how much has happened and how much I've grown this past year. One of the biggest milestones this year was graduating high school in September and finishing my HSC (higher school certificate). I know this sounds extremely cliche but this was really the best year of my life. This is going to be quite a lengthy post so grab some tea and read some of my highlights from 2012 after the jump.

haul | boxing day sales

a small haul: valleygirl tops, diva necklace, lovisa braclet and rubi shoes

A couple days ago, I went to the Boxing Day sale in the city's centre. For those who don't know, boxing day sales is the equivalent to what Black Friday sales are in the states. Unfortunately, this year I didn't buy many things since the queues were so long just to get into the store that it just turned me off shopping for the day. I knew what I wanted to buy but I had failed miserably. However, I did walk away with some goodies.

details: a glitzy necklace

One thing I knew I wanted was a silver, glitzy necklace to wear with collared shirts. This was a definite must since most of my jewelry collection is gold so a silver necklace is quite a departure for me. I also love the fact that it did have some diamantes which further adds a little glamour and edge to any outfit.

lovisa braided bracelet

rubi shoes peep toe heels

I also added to my arm candy collection with a chunky braided bracelet from Lovisa. I love the fact that it mixes both metals so that it can compliment any outfit, especially with an oversized beige sweater. Also, I picked up some peep toe heels. Amazingly these were ten dollars and I was surprised that I didn't have a pair of black peep toe heels in my collection. I know for a fact that these are going to get a lot of wear in the future. Even though I didn't shop as much as I wanted, I'm happy that I have a few more additions to my wardrobe.

outfit | back to basics

Forever 21 Top, Forever 21 Leather Panel Trousers, Casio Watch, Hot Options for Target Shoes and Rimmel London in Apricot Punch on the nails

Last week I had to attend Presentation Day (aka award ceremony) at school. It was nice to see several people I haven't seen for weeks and collect my award. For this, I wanted to look put together but still casual at the same time since it was held during the day. I have always loved classic silhouettes but adding a twist to them to give it a modern edge. The trousers were a slim fit and had leather panelling which gave the classic trouser a modern edge, but still gave it a classic look. I also created a cuff with the trousers to create a casual-cool look. I also went quite minimal by finsihing the outfit with a messy bun, a gold sports-lixe watch by Casio and my favourite pair of shoes. I also broke up the monochromatic palette with some bright summer nail polish.

 

reinventing a classic: leather panelling

retro watch by casio

wishing you a merry christmas

picture from here



From me to everyone single one of my readers, I wish everyone a very merry Christmas. I hope all of you can stay safe and warm and cherish the time we have with those closest to us.

haul | cotton on

a 2013 buffalo diary, studded collar dress and retro hedphones

Hi everyone! Sorry it has been a while since I have last posted, it has been a crazy week. I had received my final high school results this week and I must say it was an extremely traumatic week. After making us students wait for a month for our results, we have wait to wait another month to wait for any university offers. It is definitely nerve racking. So in order to 'recover' from this traumatic week, I just went on a quick shopping trip. I always say, "retail therapy is definitely more cheaper than a therapist". I made a quick stop to Cotton On. They always have good sales and even better ones in the holiday season. The first thing I saw was this white collared dress and it was only ten dollars. Knowing me, I can't resist a good bargain.


details: studded collar

details: the diary for the highly organised

I also picked up a 2013 diary because university is going to be crazy during first year. I'm going to have get used to new surroundings after being in the same high school for six years. Hopefully this diary is going to help me stay on track. The headphnes on the otherhand was an impulse buy. It had some sort of retro look to them and at five dollars, I had to get them. For a quick shopping trip, I would call it a success.

holiday gift guide for under $50



1. ASOS Frame & Ball Purse with Cut Away Detail / 2. Ciate Caviar Manicure - Black Pearls Set / 3.  Gift Boutique Fortune Cookie Box / 4. ALDO Kofron Watch / 5. Brixton Grace Infinity Scarf / 6. House of Harlow Cross Ring / 7. ALDO Hesser Clutch

 

Hi everyone! I know it maybe nearing the peak of the holiday season but I also know that many people do leave their Christmas shopping down to te very last minute. So I have concocted another gift guide for under $50 (you can also see my stocking stuffers for under $20 here). On that note, tell me what you would want for Christmas down below in the comments.

 

the year that was | instagram

No doubt that in social media, it was the year of instagram. It has no doubt changed the landscape of social media since it has allowed us to use a different medium to connect and discover. For a while, I had an instagram account for a couple months with really using it, it wasn't until this year I started to use this app. So I thought I would share some of my favourite images I captured this year.

how to | find the right watch for you

1. ASOS Black Silicon Watch / 2. Michele Tahitian Jellybean Ladies Watch / 3. Michael Kors 'Parker' Chronograph Leather Watch / 4. Michael Kors Rose Gold 'Mercer' Chronograph Watch / 5. ASOS Rose Gold Sports Watch / 6. Oasis Gold Bracelet Watch with Square Face / 7. Oasis Silver Bracelet Watch with Square Face / 8. Michael Kors Mid-Size Chronograph Gold Watch

For years, I have forgone wearing a watch just simply because it had felt annoying to have some heavy ‘thing’ to wear around my wrist. However, in the last year, the fashion world has seen a resurgence of watches and I cannot live without it. Like I said in this post, my must have accessory is my watch. It is practical (especially for those times when I’m rushing to catch the train) and it is an essential layering piece.

With the wide array of watches out there, it can become quite overwhelming. However, when you do find the right watch, it can act as an extension of your personality rather than just an accessory. There are four factors in which you need to take into consideration: lifestyle, skin tone, wrist size and personal style. Find the right watch after the jump.

outfit | denim in distress

Cotton On Shirt, Evolution Jeans Shorts, Rubi Shoes Satchel and Boots, Urban Outfitters Watch and; Chrome iPhone Case from eBay

For a long time now, I never really knew how to wear navy blue on top. To wear with indigo blue denim felt too matchy matchy; wearing it with black bottoms just seemed a bit too dark etc. But now, I have found that pairing it with light blue, almost bleached denim seemed to match perfectly. Thank god I'm out of that fashion black hole (for now!). I kept the outfit really simple, back to basics. I know that as of late, arm candy has been huge (and I'm a big fan too) but it's nice to tone it down a bit and keep it simple. I just wore my watch and had my chrome iPhone case on just to add that little something. It's something to keep in mind: KISS. Keep It Simple Stupid.

details: my trusty leather satchel

details: denim in distress

the liebster award: thank you!

Thank you so much Shenita Goode of The Goode Style and Christine of Petite Hues who nominated me for the Liebster award! For those who don't know, The Liebster Award is an award for up-and-coming bloggers with less than 200 followers. For a blog which has only be launched a little over a week ago, to get some sort recognition amongst the blogging comunity is definitely exciting - so thank you Shenita and Christine. So how this works is that once you are nominated, you have to answer eleven questions that the blogger has posed for you and then I nominate eleven more blogs. So after the jump I'm going to answer Shenita and Christine's set of questions.

nailed it | wine, cranberries & apricots

rimmel i <3 lasting finish nail varnish: 035 wine not, 066 cranberry zest, 053 apricot punch

The pre christmas sales are now in full swing here in Sydney and we all know what that means - a lot of shopping. And when I say that, I mean a lot! I just started off small with some nail varnish from Rimmel. A couple days ago, I was looking at my nail polish collection and there was a noticeable absence of bright colours. The only thing that resembled a colour was a mint which was almost white - thus commencing my search for some brights. Now I know what you must be thinking: what am I doing with a wine coloured nail varnish? This is me still in a stage of fall denial. I'm definitely looking forward to fall and I can't wait to wear this colour on my nails!

Now that I'm trying to build up an array of bright colours within my nail varnish collection, let me know your recommendations down below. I would love to hear any suggestions and try them out.

stocking stuffers under $20

Hi everyone! I wanted to share some small gifts which would could make great presents or to simply add in someone's stocking. Tell me down in the comments section what would you want for the holiday season this year.

1. Chevron iPhone 4 Case

2. ASOS Pyramid Spike and Stone Bracelet Pack

3. AJ Morgan Hunny Bunny Cat Eye Sunglasses

4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin Penguin Mug

5. Urban Oufitters Love Bunnies Ring Holder

6. Essie Nail Colour in Bordeaux

outfit | pastels, stripes & temperamental weather

Forever 21 Sweater, DIY collar, Cotton On Jeans, Hot Options by Target Heels, Rubi Shoes Satchel, Urban Outfitters Watch

Lately, it has been difficult dressing for Sydney's temperamental weather. It's either nice and cool, then blazing hot then suddenly large thunderstorms loom over us; so it has definitely been a challenge trying to dress for what it seems fifty weather conditions all in one day. Since spring is a transitional season with lots of late afternoon rain, I wanted to pull some of my light sweaters out again but still try to incorporate some colour for the spring and what a better way to do it with some lilac denim! I also wore a DIY collar I made just so I didn't have so many layers on. Hopefully, this outfit would help me survive Sydney's temperamental weather!

details: DIY collar

details: satchel + stripes

details: there is something extremely preppy about these buttons... and i like it

view from above

review | chanel vitalumiere aqua foundation

best ever: chanel vitalumiere aqua foundation in b30

My year 12 formal happened quite recently and since I did not own a foundation, it was about time to get something new. The foundation is described as "Its soft and evanescent ultra-fine fluid texture is a real surprise. Although it is exceptionally delicate and light, an incomparable "second-skin" perfecting result is achieved. The complexion appears amazingly even, fresh and energised. The skin glows with seemingly nude beauty. As if glowing from within. Bathed in light..." For a long time now, there was a lot of hype for the Chanel vitalumiere aqua foundation so I thought I would visit the Chanel beauty and fragrance boutique at The Star just to test it out for myself. I wanted something that was light, didn't look cakey and suitable for my oily skin. For me, this definitely lived up to the hype.

packaging: nozzle instead of the standard pump

The packaging is certainly different in comparison to the other Chanel foundations. Much like the foundation, the packaging is small and lightweight. However, some people may be disappointed with the packaging since it isn't substantial and luxurious, especially for the price but it would make travelling a breeze due to its small stature. This particular foundation comes with a nozzle instead of the standard pump, but personally I didn't find the dispensing of the product difficult.

swatch: chanel vitalumiere aqua foundation in b30

The formula is water-based and spreads quite well on the skin but in terms of staying power, it is not the best. At best, it would last 7 hours with touch ups but for those with drier/normal skin, it shouldn't be a problem. For those with oilier skin types, I would suggest that you prime and powder. Since this formula is very water-based, you would definitely have to shake up the bottle since the foundation does separate, but other than that it shouldn't be a problem. One other thing that should be taken into consideration is that it does have a noticeable fragrance to it. Although this wasn't a deal breaker for me (as a matter of fact, I actually like it), those who do have extremely sensitive skin or just simply hate fragrance should proceed with caution. 

All in all, I would definitely repurchase this foundation and would be great for everyday wear, especially in the Australian summer. This foundation retails for AUD $77 and is sold at Chanel counters and stand alone Chanel beauty and fragrance boutiques.

outift | summer dressing

Forever 21 Sunglasses, Shirt, Shorts and Belt and; Rubi Shoes Boots

Over the fall, I had bought several pairs of shorts (and maybe some other things as you may have guessed) from Forever 21. However, since living in the southern hemisphere, I haven't had the chance to wear them until now. Something about printed bottoms have caught my eye this spring/summer season and pairing it with a textured albeit simple top creates interest without being too over the top. Although I would classify myself as being a mix between classic, minimalist and preppy, it is nice to wear something different for a change as evidenced by the boots from Rubi.

arm candy from left to right: equip gold bracelets, colette accessories wrap bracelet, urban outfitters watch and spike bracelet from eBay

details: crochet + mesh collar

details: teal floral printed shorts

the view from above

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A New Season

Welcome to mode & prerogative! Summer is just a couple days away and with plenty of free time on my hands (for now!) I though it would be a good time to start a blog about the things I love and hopefully sharing it with everyone. Despite summer not being my favourite season, the one thing I do enjoy is swimming laps as a means of cooling down. It is also quite symbolic that water is of refreshing nature, being able to have the powers of renewal. F. Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby said:

"And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again in the summer."

With that, I hope to rejuvenate and go through the process of renewal through the summer break. Enjoy.

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