Thursday, 28 February 2013

five picks from asos

top row: ASOS Blouse with Double Collar and Pintuck Details, American Apparel Big T-Shirt
bottom row: ASOS Crop with Long Sleeve in Texture, ASOS Jumper with Supersoft Raglan Tie Front
Sometimes I do find myself drifting off from study and doing a spot of online window shopping (does this even exist?). ASOS is definitely an online store which I visit quite often. They have a wide array of clothing item to suit virtually anyone. Resisting to make daily purchases is quite difficult especially when we have student discounts and free shipping. I thought I would share five items which I have been lusting over the past week.

ASOS Midi Dress with Long Sleeves
Coming into fall here in Australia, this long sleeve midi dress is absolutely perfect for coping with the Autumn weather. The sleeves are great for those chilly Autumn mornings and would be great for a casual day out. However, what is stopping me from buying this dress is that it is a midi skirt and I'm not sure how it would sit on my 5'3" stature (by all means I'm not calling myself short). If I were to purchase this, some alterations would definitely have to be made.

If you have noticed, I've been trying to work a neutral palette for the fall and these items would definitely fit right in. Also, I have placed a greater emphasis on more basic, classic pieces which would transcend several seasons. If you would like to follow the series which I have been posting about, you can read them here. Hopefully these pieces will be a part of my wardrobe for the upcoming fall.


Monday, 25 February 2013

building the basic wardrobe | shoes

I apologise for the week-long hiatus from my blog. Life has certainly gotten busy for the past week. My four month break is soon going to end and I am going to be starting my first semester as a communications student (and I'm a nervous wreck). Enough about my woes of beginning university, this post we are continuing the series of how to build the basic wardrobe. In this instalment, we are discussing shoes! Our preferences in shoes may vary amongst us but I have rounded up my basic set of shoes essential for my wardrobe. Read more after the jump.

Thursday, 14 February 2013

outfit | the uniform

Cotton On Shirt, BlueJade Pants, Rubi Shoes Peep Toe Heels, Forever 21 Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters Watch and Colette by Colette Hayman Bag
I would be lying if I were to say that I 'dress up' every single day. On days where it is rather casual (or when I am incredibly lazy), I turn to outfits which I call my 'uniform'. These outfits tend to be very neutral and quite monochromatic which is a great way of formulating an outfit when you simply don't know what to wear. For me, a nice relaxed fit plain tee and a pair of well fitting trousers are reliable combinations that you will find me most often in. Pair that with my favourite watch, trusty bag and a pair of shades (also good to hide those tired eyes when you've only had six hours worth of sleep) and I am good to go.



I also drew inspiration for my uniform from trying to start my wardrobe of basic, something that I definitely want to master by this year. You can follow this series by beginning with the first post here. What is your uniform? I would love to hear everyone's interpetation of this concept.

Also, take a look at an interview I did with Laura from Shimmer of Pink here.




Tuesday, 12 February 2013

new in | romwe floral shirt

Romwe's Asymmetrical Floral White Shirt 
I was excited to receive something in the mail today. I have been eyeing this blouse for a while and I had finally purchased it - and I'm glad that I did. It is a rather soft, almost watercolour floral blouse which is perfect for the upcoming spring season for those living in the northern hemisphere. Despite going into fall soon, it is nice to have a piece which is reminiscent of the spring. I can already think of many outfits which feature this asymmetrical floral blouse and it will definitely get some wear. A pair of slim black trousers with leaher panelling and some heels to dress it up or some distressed boyfriend jeans and some oxfords for those casual day out. I also checked the Romwe site just recently and it is at areduced price at the moment, so if you are looking for the staple spring blouse take a look here or there is a similar one from Forever 21 here.




Sunday, 10 February 2013

inspiration | the clothing rack


image from here



If you have space in your bedroom, why not get a clothing rack. Lately, it seems that everyone seems to have a clothing rack in their bedrooms. It is a great way to remind yourself to wear those items which frequently get lost in the back of wardrobe. Also, a clothing rack is also a great way to display seasonal pieces which you might wear quite often. Pieces which feature sequins, faux fur and leather would definitely find their way onto my clothing rack this fall season. What I have also been noticing are clothing racks which have been hung up and are attached to the ceiling. Although this may not be the most practical choice for my own bedroom, I would definitely look into having one in a future apartment. They are great for smaller spaces since it does not take up any floor space - something to keep in mind when you are decorating with limited space.

images from here and here
image from here
image from here
images from here and here
Just by looking at these images, it has certainly inspired me to rush out to my nearest Ikea and pick up this clothes rack. You can also read my previous decor inspiration post here focusing on the perfect workspace.


Friday, 8 February 2013

building the basic wardrobe | bottoms

mode & prerogative: building the basic wardrobe - bottoms
/ 1st Row: McQ Alexander McQueen True Black Leather Skirt / Saint Laurent Mini Skirt / Vero Moda New Woop Short Skirt / Current Elliot Panhandle Denim Shorts / 2nd Row: Burberry London Milbourne Jean / River Island Light Wash Distressed Boyfriend Jean / 3.1 Phillip Lim Zip Panel Trousers / 3.1 Phillip Lim Tapered Dickie Trouser / Reiss Cropped Slim Leg Trousers /
As you may or may not know, I have started a series about building the perfect wardrobe of basics. The aim is to create a basic wardrobe which will stand the test of changing trends and prevent the trivial question of "what do I wear today?" being asked. You can catch up by reading the first post here where I discuss my staple tops and outerwear. Read more after the jump to see me discuss bottoms of the basic wardrobe.

Wednesday, 6 February 2013

outfit | don't rain on my parade

Now Terry Sweater, Sweet Acacia Lace Dress (worn underneath), Topshop Sheer Tights, Forever 21 Boots and Urban Outfitters Watch
When everyone thinks of the Australian summer, they would immediately think extremely warm weather, perfect for the beach right? That certainly hasn't been the case for the past week - it has been raining. Yes, raining. For the first time in months, I have been able to play with layers (and about time too!). I chose to stick to a monochromatic palette for this outfit so I could transition the lace dress into something more weather appropriate. I layered it with a terry sweater to create a rather casual-cool look. Paired with some sheer tights and ankle boots and I was set. This weather and outfit has made me rather excited for the upcoming autumn/winter season. It is only three weeks away and fall collections have been making their way into stores - I am more than excited. And excuse me for the Funny Girl reference in the title, I just had to.
 
 

Sunday, 3 February 2013

christian dior's first flagship store opens in sydney

inside christian dior's first flagship store in sydney
Sorry for the absence for the past week and a half, life has certainly been hectic. Today, Christian Dior opened its doors to its first flagship store in Sydney. I certainly do have a passion for interior design and I was not surprised that Dior has brought a French influence into its decor. A classic neutral palette, accented walls and silk carpet - incredibly reminiscent of the Parisian luxury strip and their apartments. This impressive, multi-level store would definitely have one of the best interiors, the other being Burberry on George St.
classic parisian decor and design
As well as bringing a Peter Marino designed store onto the corner of Castlereagh and King streets, Dior also boasts a collection of leather goods, ready-to-wear, a shoe salon  and a wall of jewellery and timepieces from Dior's couture legacy. They are also offering the complete men's collection as well. Also exclusive to this Sydney flagship store are two limited edition pieces which includes the iconic Lady Dior in an unapologetic shade of pink and a satin dress adorned with roses.

For those living for visiting Sydney, perhaps take a small trip to the luxury strip of Paris (although it is appointment only) and admire the impeccably designed surroundings. Are there any anticipated store openings where you live and what are your favourite store interiors?



images from here