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.

 

 

gfc / bloglovin / tumblr

obsessed | printed shorts

top row: both paper heart shorts; bottom row: forever 21 shorts

This spring/summer, I have definitely been the one to wear printed shorts. They are definitely a great way to wear prints and immediately adds interest to an outfit. If you're not bold enough to pull off floral printed trousers, printed shorts are a great starting point. Printed shorts can be dressed up or down. For example, the Forever 21 shorts can easily be dressed down for a more casual affair with a white button up blouse and ankle boots (as seen here) or dressed up with a longline blazer in the same print. By doing so, you are definitely creating a bold style statement. Summer is about to end for me but these shorts have been a welcome addition to my wardrobe this season. For those living in the northern hemisphere, definitely look into wearing printed bottoms. It is a great way of reinventing the ordinary pair of shorts or trousers. How would you wear printed bottoms?

gfc / bloglovin / tumblr 

outfit | washed denim + digital florals

Forever 21 Chambray Top, Motel Dress (worn underneath), Diva Curb Chain Neckalce & Combat Boots

I am back with an outfit post and can you believe that it has been raining in the middle of the Australian summer? I for one was excited at the prospect of pulling some fall items out of my closet even though it is for one or two days. My outfit was very much inspired by a chambray button down which I came across while mindlessly browsing online. It was a light wash denim with digital floral sleeves. The reason it stood out was the juxtaposition of the ordinary (the denim) and the trendy (i.e. digital florals). So I took it upon myself by putting together an outfit which was practical yet still incorporated some of the elements of the dress. I took this particular chambray top and wore it over the printed dress by Motel. I also tried the front of the blouse to give it a more casual vibe. The black combat boots were also a great addition to the outfit, just to give it a little edge. On a side note, this outfit also hid my horrendous tan lines which I acquired from watching the tennis recently - always a plus in my book!

details: chambray + digital florals

details: combat boots

the view from above

I would not have thought that a combination of classic denim and modern digital florals could work until I saw that blouse. It just takes some inspiration to create the most unexpected things.

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.

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.

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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