May 24th, 2013 230513
‘Twas a chilly night last night, and the perfect opportunity to sport my new purchases from ASOS! I’m still in the middle of wearing in my jeans, but they’ve definitely become a dear friend to me already. And the coat… it’s pure perfection! So soft and warm and comfortable, and also edgy and cool. I went to my friend’s band’s gig, and although it was going to be a very chill (both in terms of the weather, and also in terms of excitement and activity) night for me, I still wanted to be fairly dressed up. I definitely opted for comfort, but the coat fooled people into believing that I was ready to party! Thank god for leopard print, which makes me look way cooler than I really am.
Vero Moda coat; Kenzo sweater; Sportsgirl top; vintage necklace; Only jeans; Marc by Marc Jacobs boots; Yves Saint Laurent ring
♫ ♪ Voices – Salad Days
Anyway, my friend Rob is part of a band called Salad Days, and although I’m obviously biased because we’re friends, I honestly think that they’re an incredible garage rock band. I’m a fan of live music, and they’re definitely great performers. Not only are they talented musicians, but their eclectic mix of personalities are also showcased whenever they play. It’s great fun watching them, and even when I’m tired and going on only a few hours of sleep the night before, I can always dance (or half-dance, in my seat).
Check out Salad Days’ Facebook page, and be updated on their upcoming gigs and other news. Listen and download their first recorded track ‘Voices’, which is definitely my favourite of theirs. Firstly, I respect any band that comes up with original songs, and secondly, I love anything that’s even slightly reminiscent of the Arctic Monkeys. Salad Days awakens the inner rock ‘n’ roller in me.
Also buy their CD if you can. I don’t even have a CD player, or even CD connectivity to my computer, but this one has such a sick design, which was actually created by Salad Days’ bassist, Cal. It looks like each of the band members’ faces are melting from the epicness of their mad tunes.
Every time I saw winter has finally come, it’s always been super sunny for the next week… but I actually think winter has finally come now. It’s dark, cold, windy, and rainy, and exam period is fast approaching. I haven’t felt this cold and exhausted since the start of last winter, so surely the dreary months have come by now…
As I’ve said in a previous post, I’ve been on a hunt for five winter staples. I’ve already found a white (faux) leather jacket (perfect for rain resistance) and ankle boots with a chunky heel, and a few weeks ago I realised I needed a good pair of pants. I’ve been debating with myself about whether I should get a good pair of (obviously printed) lounge pants, or a basic pair of black jeans. Lounge pants allow me to hibernate during the winter with their characteristic warmth and comfort, but black jeans can be worn casually during the day, and then spiced up a bit for a night out. I’m not a jeans person at all; only having bought my first pair last year in preparation for my Eurotrip, and it was for that reason that I opted for the black jeans. I will always say that ASOS is the destination for inexpensive basics, and although I was tempted by a few pairs of printed trackpants, I found a pair of Only skinny jeans that not only appealed to my taste, but also satisfied my budget. As I’m a self-professed jeans conservativist, I am yet to dare myself to try wide leg, boyfriend, or even straight leg jeans. I analogise skinny leg jeans as thick leggings, which I’m comfortable with, and so skinny leg was the way to go.
I’ve had two experiences now with new jeans… actually three, if you count my Karl faux leather pants, and every time I’ve noticed that it’s quite hard to put on that first time. I always struggle a bit with fitting all that ass inside them jeans (yes, Black Eyed Peas’ My Humps did start playing my head), and so buttoning them up is a bit of a struggle, especially today, because I was simultaneously eating cake. But I got them on and the jeans were surprisingly comfortable. Now I understand why people always wear jeans during the winter.
♫ ♪ Decisions feat. Yuksel Arslan – How To Dress Well
Of course, when I was online, I found something else I just had to buy… this Vero Moda leopard print faux fur coat. The last few weeks have shown me just how cruel Melbourne winter can me (and it’s not even winter yet). On the one hand, it’s very painful. But on the other, it’s given me the opportunity to shop for more practical winterwear. I went basic with the jeans, and so I had to go the other way with the coat… leopard print is as fierce as it gets, and so it was the perfect choice for me. I may not be able to hibernate in the jeans, but I can definitely hibernate in the coat.
Only black denim skinny jeans; Vero Moda leopard print faux fur coat
Julio and Simba seemed quite perplexed by the coat… perhaps because they thought I skinned a friend to get it. I assured them that it was synthetic, and they relaxed. Simba went so far as to even have a nap on it. If the dogs like it, then surely it’s good!
Today was the day of the annual RSPCA Million Paws Walk; a charity-run dog walking event held at various locations around Australia. I’ve never been before, I think because I’ve been so out of the loop in the past, but this year I knew the Walk was happening before it actually happened, and so I grabbed Julio and Simba, and we went to Albert Park Lake for the 5km walk. We got my friend Georgia and her schnauzer Alfey to come with us, and altogether, we had a fun-packed few hours. Walking has never been so fun, but perhaps it’s because I’ve never walked with hundreds of dogs before. The experience was a bit overwhelming for Simba: all of a sudden, he had heaps of friends and so many people to jump on, but Julio played it cool.
It’s been so cold and rainy the last few days (hence the lack of outfit posts) but the Dog Gods blessed us with perfect sunny weather today. I got Julio and Simba a dog vest and jacket for the event, because I thought it would be cold, but in the end they didn’t need it. Luckily before we went off to the Walk, I got a few photos of all of us in our matching down jackets… could we get any cuter?!
I also got new runners for the event. Rarely in the past I’ve decided to go for a run or a walk somewhere and I’d wear old runners. But new times calls for new shoes! I knew as soon as I registered for the Million Paws Walk that I’d plan to do it every year, and there’s no way I can wear old runners! I came across these Supra runners on Topshop’s online store, and although some of my friends said that I should go with Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Lorna Jane… anything, I couldn’t resist the leopard print! They’re comfortable and a perfect fit, and obviously I’m attracted to the print and colour combo. I don’t know how durable they are though, seeing as I haven’t actually run in them yet. But they were suitable for today, and so I’m happy.
Supra runners; Uniqlo jacket; Thurley top; Lazy Oaf leggings
Julio and Simba are wearing dog jackets from The Reject Shop
♫ ♪ Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves
Dusit Thani Maldives, Mudhdhoo Island, Republic of Maldives
Marc by Marc Jacobs key pouch
May 12th, 2013 110513
Last night I went to a friend’s 21st birthday party at Gardens House in the Botanic Gardens, and as soon as I walked through the gate I knew I was in for a good night. The gardens were absolutely beautiful at night (unfortunately, not very photogenic, however, because it was so dark), and the Gardens House was so romantic and lovely. Of course as soon as I got the party invitation, I Google imaged the venue, so I knew what to expect… and I dressed accordingly.
I knew straight away that this occasion was the perfect one to wear my Jones + Jones dress, which I bought online from Topshop. So I resisted the urge to wear it a few times in the last few weeks… I’m glad I waited though, because I felt like a garden fairy, especially with my floral headband, which I’ve been wearing so frequently this year so far. And then I couldn’t wear the dress without wearing the Topshop heels, which were surprisingly comfortable. I loved the bow, which to me, made the shoes seem like a wrapped up present! Recently I’ve been wearing red more… I’ve always found it a hard colour to pull off in clothes, but I’ve been more daring, and I think the risk has paid off…at least last night.
♫ ♪ Kiss Me – Sixpence None The Richer
Jones + Jones dress; Topshop heels; vintage headband; Marni ring; Balenciaga clutch; gifted earrings
Meet Charlie…
…and Tash, Matt, and Elle (the birthday girl!)
May 10th, 2013 090513
The dress ups I did last week had shown to pay off this week, as I have worn my Forever21 faux leather jacket almost every day since I tried it on that first time. I’ve learnt that the jacket is quite durable against the wind and cold, which is great in the mornings, and it’s also quite light, and therefore not to hot, which is great for the afternoons. You can tell winter is coming when the weather is freezing when you wake up, and then perfect during the day before it gets cold again in the evening. They days have also been getting shorter, with it only really getting light at around 7.30am, and getting dark at around 5.30pm. It’s a shock when I leave my last Tuesday class at 6pm, and all of a sudden it’s pitch black!
So excluding uni, really I only have a few hours of day time per day. I’ve been trying to make the most of it, and lately I’ve been getting lunch in various cafes, and watching movies. In the last week, I’ve watched Spring Breakers, Iron Man 3, Star Trek Into Darkness, and The Place Beyond the Pines. I was unconvinced by Spring Breakers, Iron Man 3 was very good, and I absolutely loved Star Trek and The Place Beyond the Pines. You’d have to be interested in sci-fi or action films… or Benedict Cumberbatch to truly enjoy Star Trek, but I definitely recommend The Place Beyond the Pines to everybody.
♫ ♪ The Time Is Now – Moloko
Anyway, back to the jacket. I actually love it so much now, and I’m quite surprised at myself for not realising its greatness before. It’s been hiding in the back of my wardrobe for so many months, and for no good reason. It’s such a shame, and hopefully now I’ve learned my lesson. Along with my Marc by Marc Jacobs boots, the jacket is now a winter staple, and it’s inspired me to go on a quest to find some more unexpected treasures for next season. Even though I love dressing in the winter; layering is one of my favourite things to do – not just in terms of dressing, but just in general, because it adds depth and sophistication to anything – I find it really difficult sometimes to decide on what to wear. My goal this season is to be more natural at it, and hopefully by the end of the month, before winter officially comes, I will have my five winter staples… I will keep you posted!
ASOS dress; Forever21 jacket; vintage headband and necklace; Marc by Marc Jacobs boots
When I heard (or rather, read) that Met Ball’s theme this year was going to be ‘Punk: Chaos to Couture’, I almost wet myself with excitement… although punk isn’t a style I’m particularly involved in, I love seeing the spikey hair, the studs and spikes, the boldly coloured hair and makeup, and lots and lots of leather and plaid. And with punk being very hot right now, there could be no better theme for the Ball. I knew some stars like Sarah Jessica Parker would put in a lot of effort, which I was very excited for: you can’t impress anyone if you do something half-heartedly. And other stars like Rooney Mara would really shine. There were a few surprises; Miley Cyrus in particular, was very fab and edgy. And then there were those who didn’t really get into the punk theme, but were nonetheless absolutely stunning.
Anne Hathaway, Nicole Richie, and Diane Kruger get a very cool fist bump for their hair choices. Hathaway went platinum blonde, and if Billy Idol was a woman, he would like her last night. Nicole Richie had her hair painted grey, and I particularly liked the rough, unkempt texture. When I saw photos of her, I swear my heart stopped because she was so stunning. Her tan, her lips, her dress, her everything, was so amazing, I felt like I needed to throw up. And Diane Kruger, who I love immensely, had fabulous pink dip-dye, which was bold, yet strangely understated… utter perfection. I also love Sarah Jessica Parker’s mowhawk headpiece, designed by Philip Treacy. Only she could pull off such an extravagant accessory, which is not only characteristic of both Treacy and herself, but also a cool way of adding more punk into a look, without having to sit in a salon chair for hours. And Miley Cyrus gets a second mention! I would have preferred that she kept the slick do she has been sporting recently. She would have nailed her look so much harder, but someone had to have spikey hair, and I love that it was her.
Anyway, here are my favourite looks from the evening:
Rooney Mara, in Givenchy
Rooney Mara was definitely in her element at the Ball this year. Being co-chair, she was already going to be in the spotlight, but in her Givenchy head-to-toe look, she was the only one in the spotlight. I love her and Riccardo Tisci together; they’re like a style-match made in heaven. I am so in awe of her all the time, but especially last night, with her black orchid lipstick, slick hair, and of course, an absolutely beautiful Givenchy gown. And the plunging neckline was like a sexy punch to my face… I have no more words
Anne Hathaway, in vintage Valentino
After last night, I’ve finally jumped on the Anne Hathaway bandwagon. With her racy see-through dress, and platinum hair style, she was clearly delving into her experimental side, and consequently, I’ve finally knocked off my Princess Diaries version of her from my mind. She stormed the red carpet and just by looking at photos of her, the iPod in my head immediately starts playing Billy Idol.
Anya Rubik, in Anthony Vacarello
There was a bit of red on the red carpet (haha): Kristen Stewart wore a deep red Stella McCartney jumpsuit, Kate Beckinsale wore Alberta Ferretti, Emilia Clarke wore Ralph Lauren, Teresa Palmer wore Diane von Furstenberg, Lala Anthony wore Zac Posen etc etc etc. But no one except Anya Rubik nailed the red! She absolutely killed it, with a red leather dress that looked more like a leather rocker jacket. Chainmail at the hem was a gorgeous addition to the look, and the matching red pumps and lips were like the bold red cherries on top of the red velvet cupcake!
Madonna, in Givenchy
Madonna embraced the punk theme, wearing rather less than you would normally see on a red carpet, in a pair of ripped fishnet stockings accompanied by a tartan studded jacket, choker, chains and fishnets, and leather gloves… and no discernible skirt or trousers. The hot pink Casadei heels finished the look off, adding much needed bright juiciness. She may have tried a bit too hard, but she nailed the theme, of course, and her severe black hairdo and sharp fringe made the singer look like she had actually just come from the 70s. Sometimes I think about Madonna’s age and I cringe a little, but if anyone can do it, it’s the Material Girl.
Christina Ricci and Lily Cole, in Vivienne Westwood
I am so, so, so, so, SO glad that these beautiful ladies wore Vivienne Westwood. I mean, to me, Westwood is the designer for punk. I’m slightly disappointed there wasn’t more Westwood, but I love what I saw. Ricci in plaid was so fierce, and Cole just out-punked everybody else! She wore custom-made Westwood, featuring a corset made of sustainable Amazonian wild rubber. It was absolutely perfect!
Jennifer Lawrence and Marion Cotillard, in Christian Dior
I love Team Dior (as I call them) so very much. They always wear such timeless pieces, and always look so elegant. They weren’t very punk at all (the closest they got was in their footwear – Lawrence wore Brian Atwood and Cotillard wore Dior), but I love them to bits and they make me cry tears of happiness.
Giovanna Battaglia, Katy Perry, and Lauren Santo Domingo, in Dolce & Gabbana
These ladies looked almost ethereal in these divine Dolce & Gabbana beauties. At first I was like, hey! They’re not punk at all! But then I realised that they were channelling Joan of Arc, perhaps one of history’s most iconic punks of all time. And so I love the looks and the ladies who wore the looks even more. I actually can’t fault them at all, and I have to say, Katy Perry comes up slightly on top with her crown, her shoes, her earrings, and her hair. She absolutely dominated the Dolce & Gabbana look, and was absolutely spectacular.
Alexa Chung, in Erdem; Allison Williams, in Altuzarra; Cara Delevingne, in Thakoon
Carey Mulligan, in Balenciaga; Chloe Sevigny, in Proenza Schouler; Emma Watson, in Prabal Gurung
Diane Kruger, in Chanel Couture; Doutzen Kroes, in Theyskens’ Theory; Florence Welch, in Givenchy
Dakota Fanning, in Rodarte; Jessica Hart, in Diane von Furstenberg; Paloma Faith, in Michael Cinco
Gwen Stefani, in Maison Martin Margiela; Felicity Jones, in Proenza Schouler; Brooklyn Decker, in Peter Pilotto
Blake Lively, in Gucci; Sarah Jessica Parker, in Giles Deacon; Emmy Rossum, in Donna Karan Atelier
Julianne Hough, in Topshop; Kirsten Dunst, in Louis Vuitton; Karen Elsen, in Julien MacDonald
Miley Cyrus, in Marc Jacobs; Nicole Richie, in Topshop Couture; Sienna Miller, in Burberry
Solange Knowles, in Kenzo; Uma Thurman, in Zac Posen; Hailee Steinfeld, in Donna Karan Atelier
Sorry it’s been awhile since I’ve posted… normally I can juggle uni, hobbies external to the computer, and blogging at the same time, but this week has been especially hectic. Simba got desexed, and had his dew claws removed last week, and so I’ve been spending all my free time looking after him. I didn’t even know what dewclaws were (they’re like a dog’s thumbs), or I knew what they were, I just didn’t know that they had a special name. Apparently there’s debate over whether dewclaw removal is necessary, but it was done before I even knew anything about it…
But point is, Simba’s been in a lot of physical pain, and on top of that, he has to go through the emotional torment of wearing a cone over his head, to stop him from licking or removing his stitches. I have tried to glam Simba up a bit though, pairing his red casts with a red ribbon that goes around his cone. And of course, in the spirit of things, I’m also wearing more red than I usually do so that I can match with Simba.
Poor puppy has been in a lot of pain lately; crying in the middle of the night, sulking during the day… Julio and I have been taking good care of him, but he’s such a pitiful sight right now. Mind you, he’s a lot better than he was immediately after surgery (and less under the influence of heavy painkillers). I guess he’s on the road to recovery, so… Hakuna Matata!
♫ ♪ Hakuna Matata – The Lion King
May 3rd, 2013 020513
I cannot believe we’re already in May! For years, it’s always been ‘the Merry Month of May’, but for the last few years, May has meant nothing but uni stress and pre-exam period nightmares. Monday to Thursday every week has caused great emotional strain, and it only gets worse until exams next month! Every weekend is like a brief escape from reality, and although it seems more wise to use all the time to catch up on work, I use it to relax…or relax as much as can be expected in such grave times.
What I often do in my ‘relaxing time’ is play dress ups: I go through my wardrobe and put on whatever I haven’t worn in awhile with whatever I haven’t even worn yet. It’s fun, and doesn’t require much exertion or even brain power. This is my favourite outfit I came up with, and seeing the pieces together, and even separately, made me wonder why I’ve neglected them in the past. I love the pants: printed pants are the best pants; the necklace: understated coloured jewellery is underrated; and the jacket: I’ve never worn white leather before yesterday, and the feeling was great; but it was the top that won the Best Piece Award. It’s handmade by some guys who have a stall each Sunday at Camberwell Market, and who always sew together unique colours, fabrics, and textures. In this piece, I love the black, the light peplum, the fabric (I don’t even know what it is, but it feels and looks fabulous), and how it can be on the formal side of casual, or on the casual side of formal. Although handmade pieces tend to be in odd, non-standard sizes, this one fits quite well.
Hopefully yesterday was a reawakening of sorts; not so much of myself, but of my wardrobe. Rediscovering neglected clothes has perhaps doubled my options. Hopefully now when I look at my cupboard and racks in the morning before uni, I won’t have to waste fifteen minutes before I finally decide on what to wear.
♫ ♪ We Can Work It Out – The Beatles
Sgt. Sookie top; Forever21 jacket; vintage necklace; ASOS trousers; Prada wallet
I actually spent more time yesterday sleeping and spending time with my boys, than I did playing dress ups. Simba got desexed and had his ‘dew claws’ removed yesterday; he has one cast on each back leg, and a one of those cones of shame dogs hate wearing… He looks so piteous at the moment. All in all, it was a good afternoon and evening. I may not have done any study, thereby making life less stressful for myself, and I may not have even come up with a study schedule to make my pending doom less frightening, but at least it wasn’t a total waste of a day. Just like the true procrastinator always says, there’s always tomorrow…
