stereosonic ft. stella vo

Music concert/festival season has officially started (with summer less than a week away, yay!). I spent last last Sunday partying at Coldplay (FYI, it was amazeballs) and then Saturday the following week at Stereosonic. Now Stereo isn't my normal scene - I'm usually more about live bands/singers and rock/alternative music than house/dance and DJs. But when one of my (awesome) girlfriends asked me to come along with a few of her (equally as awesome) friends, and I saw that the line up included my obsession of the moment, Calvin Harris (his songs are awesome to exercise to), I couldn't refuse. And I'm not gonna lie, the idea of getting to dress up for a festival may have given me that little extra nudge lol.

This is what I rocked:

 

 Top: (I've forgotten the brand, sorry lol); Shorts: Asos; Belt: Dotti; Booties: Factorie; Sunnies & Head Piece: Sportsgirl; Bangles: Market Stall; Ring: Colette. 

My shorts were pretty short but compared to some of the girls (and half of the guys) there, I may as well have been dressed for winter. I don't think I need to reiterate my love of sequins, and I love love love these babies even though they were a size too big in the waist, a touch too short for my liking and left me with tiny little cuts on my inner thighs (sequins/rubbing - not pleasant; they scratched me every time I had to go to the loo, so I just held it all day lol). And over- accessorizing?  No such thing.

P.s. this is my niece, Stella. She was watching me pose, taking these photos and requested a turn too, lol. Such a cutie. 

    

the new faves.

I've just finished my first week (out of six weeks) of clinical placements. I'd forgotten (or rather, suppressed the memory of) just how horrible my uniform was. Navy blue pants or a navy blue pencil skirt, with an absolutely hideous, ill-fitting, (partially due to the fact that we could only purchase them online), not to mention incredibly hot/not very breathable, white polo top with puffy sleeves and blue piping. It's basically a crime against fashion. Regular me would not be caught dead in it.

But unfortunately this is the path you must go down if you want to be in the field of health science, and you know, help save lives and what not. It's totally worth it, but I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a part of me that wishes I'd gone for something more corporate so I could really make use of my wardrobe.

So, as you can imagine, I'm really cherishing my weekends at the moment. It's the only time I get to be my regular self any more.

You've missed a few awesome purchases since I last blogged promising to blog again soon. Lol I'm sorry, I'm totally like that dead-beat dad who promises to change and then falls back into the same old routine of unreliability and laziness.

Current faves on rotation include this bag, a vintage leather find (made in Sydney from Australian leather), which my cousin picked up from Blacktown Markets for an insane $2. Yes, you read that right (I totes need to check those markets out, but since they happen on Sunday mornings, I'll have to wait till martial arts wraps up for the year). Absolutely amazeballs.

And favourite shoes right now? Just check the following outfits. Black and mirrored silver wedges, which I picked up as a bargain from Rubi. So light & ridiculously comfortable that I can wear them all day and not feel relieved when I take them off. And they're so cool that I get asked about them every time I wear them - plus they look sooooo much more expensive than they were. Loved them so much that I bought them yesterday in pinkish coral/grey too!

Channelling a bit of Gwen Steffani. 
Whenever I think of boyfriend jeans my mind wanders back to this picture I once saw in a magazine of Gwen, in a ripped up, baggy pair, teamed with killer heels, a tee and her trademark red lips, cinched at the waist with a leather belt. Now my body is nowhere near as rockin' as hers, and I can't even come close to rocking grunge like she does, but on the odd occasion I think of her, and give it a go.
 

Tee: Huntingbird by Ladakh; Jeans: Nobody; Wedges: Rubi Shoes; Bag: Italian Leather (I forget the brand name but it was purchased via Ozsale); Scarf (tied around the bag): Vintage; Sunnies: Markets. 

Hot-Day Casual:

I look so raggedy in these photos because they were taken during exam period. The intense cramming and lack of sleep and overly hot weather that occurred during this time were not very kind to my face.  

 Dress: Jeanswest; Belt: Forever21; Shoes: Asos. 

Feelin' Like a Fashion Student:

Trying to rock that I'm-a-fashion-student-and-I-always-look-this-effortlessly-cool look. You know what I'm talking about. You can always spot a fashion/design student from a mile away by their ridiculously cool, 'I'm-not-even-trying' threads. Unfortunately it got rather warm that day so I had to lose the Scanlan&Theodore boyfriend blazer - which killed the look I was going for but wasn't too shabby nonetheless.   

 Jumpsuit: Forever New; Blazer: Scanlan&Theodore; Belt: Thurley; Necklace: Forever New; Wedges: Rubi Shoes. 

A Little Bit Goth:

Yeah, I got laughed at and given a few funny looks the day I wore this dress. I knew it was a bit goth/vampy, but I didn't care, I wore it anyway. I think it's kinda cute - you know, in a kind of weirdo way.

 Dress: Shakuhachi; Belt: Sportsgirl; Booties: Ozsale; Sunnies & Bag: Markets/Vintage.

Laid Back Weekend: 

Comfy. Cool. Perfect for a Saturday (that couldn't decide whether it wanted to be cold or hot) lunch/shopping date with the bestie after a long, hard week of wearing a hideous uniform.

 Pants: Target; Singlet: Ceele; Top: Jorge; Wedges: Rubi Shoes; Ring: eBay; Bangles: Gloss/Rubi Shoes; Watch: Dotti; Necklace: Forever New; Sunnies: Markets; Bag: Vintage/Markets.

what you've missed.

I'm sorry, I'm terrible, I know. I have no excuses, I've just been lazy to write. Forgiveness please.

In the two months you've missed, there have been a few crazy sales (think Jayson Brunsdon for $10 and Bally heels for $40!) and lots of random bits and pieces accumulated from lots of random places. I've got a few new favourite bags and pairs of heels on rotation. The weather's been good for the most of it and I've been alternating between girly/ladylike, sporty luxe, boho/western, and comfy casual.

The latest obsession? Pretty bright tops and sequin shorts (I've purchased three pairs this week!). And wedges. But that's nothing new.

Here's a look at a few of the outfits you've missed:

 

Some of my favourites include the pastel shirt/shorts, white lace/pleated dress, deep orange/red DVF dress (purchased from one of the crazy sales I was talking about for an insane $17 from $495!), and the burnt orange/beige pants. Too lazy to give an outfit by outfit break down, sorry kids haha!

I will write again soon, promise! xoxx

All in a week of uni.

I'm not really in the mood to write. I have nothing much to say. But here's a quick one with some pictures I've had lying around on my SD card.

I now only go to uni thrice a week, with work, martial arts, and social activities in between. The following illustrates how my style changes within those three days. Yes, I am usually overdressed for uni. Except for when I'm having a hobo day.

Tuesday: channelling the whole pretty/college girl vibe. Backpack, summery dress and all. All that was missing was the bike. And let's face it, that was never gonna happen. I don't do bikes.

  

Dress: Rastars (purchased in Vietnam); Jacket: Supre; Belt: Zahara; Shoes: Kmart; Backpack: Bluebird (from Strandbags); Cuff: Rubi.

Wednesday: Pretty pastels/neutrals and a colour pop lip. FYI it was not as warm as I'd hoped/had been forecast that day, so I was left having to try and convince myself that it was. It didn't really work too well. 

 

Top: Ally; Shorts: Glassons; Jacket: Sweetacacia; Shoes: Rubi; Bag: Zara; Necklace: Forever New; Cuffs: Colette by Colette Hayman.

Thursday: was meant to be sporty luxe a-la-Shakuhacki. However as I was heading to uni I had to swap the Strappy peeptoe heels I originally wanted to wear with this outfit for thongs. Less luxe, more hobo. At least for once I felt like I actually fit in at the sports/health science campus that I go to. 

Top: Paper Heart; Pants: Bardot; Thongs: Havaianas; Necklace: Diva

Are you going to a fancy dress party?

This morning my brother in law looked at me as I was on my way out (to the park to spend the beautiful day we had today in the sun) and asked, 'Are you going to a fancy dress party?'

I squinted at him, as he continued to tease me.

'What are you dressed up as?' he prodded. I continued refusing to acknowledge what he was saying. He continued, 'A crazy person??'

Sigh. I don't care if I'm dressed strangely, I like it.

I finally got to wear out my new bird- print side seam stockings from Sportsgirl. Unfortunately they didn't make it through the day, and I got teased some more, this time about my holey legwear.

 

Top: Mink; Shorts: Paper Scissors; Stockings & Bag: Sportsgirl; Shoes: Vinnies; Hat: Equip; Ring (right hand): Colette by Colette Hayman; Rings (left hand): Lovisa 

August

...is a really busy month for me - with loads of birthdays (including my own - which is kind of s big deal to me lol!) and other events, some happy and some, not so happy. So you'll have to bear with me - I haven't really had all too much spare time to write as of late.

I have however been snapping a few outfits that I've worn in the last few weeks, so hang tight, there's a backlog of photos/blogs coming!

Today's post is just a quick one unfortunately - I'm on my way out to enjoy the glorious sunshine about today. I'm glad that the weather's finally starting to warm up (albeit pretty slowly, and with random relapses) - can't wait to start wearing pretty dresses and shorts again. Actually, I've sort of already started that, but what I mean is I can't wait to be wearing them regularly haha.

This, my loves, is what I looked like yesterday:


Alex the day before had said he'd missed seeing me in pretty, short, floral sun dresses and suggested I wear one on the following day, since the weather had been so nice & fine. I woke up with the intention of doing so - but then I saw the teal blue felt hat that I'd bought last week, and the sheer blush maxi and blue, green & gold wedges I'd bought the day before (all absolute bargains btw - cost me $40 for all three items!), and it all spiralled into one of my omg-people-are-gonna-look-at-me-like-I'm-crazy-but-I-don't-care outfits. I was in the mood to stand out a little, and I needed an excuse to show off all my pretty new purchases:

 

Dress: Cotton On (slip worn underneath); Hat: Equip; Shoes: Boston Babe from Wanted; Belt: Portmans; Necklace: Lovisa; Cuffs: Colette by Colette Hayman; Bag: Zara; (Ring was a gift).  

As predicted Alex did not approve. I got a lot of funny looks and I'm pretty sure a group of ladies laughed at me after they walked past at the shops, but meh - what's the fun in being boring? I'll take the weird looks and giggles any day. Okay, so maybe not today - I'm wearing a pretty floral sun dress and sandals, lol.

neon/sporty luxe.

Gah, I can't believe my 6 days off is already up. It's back to UTS tomorrow, where I'll be starting my new job as a demonstrator for one of the lab classes. It's only two hours a week so it's barely worth the travel, but it's something to keep me on my toes at least, and it's good experience! Then after that back to normal classes at USYD.

My tax return came through a few days ago (yay!) and I just happened to be at the shops at the time...I don't think I need to tell you how that one ended. But just in case you're curious, four jackets, a cardigan, three blouses, two lipsticks, bronzer, a pair of flats, a bag, and the pants I've been looking for for the last few weeks: trousers with a contrast stripe down the side. I fell in love when I first saw a wide leg orange pair on Nicole Richie. Seeing Shakuhachi's D-Ring Deluxe Tux Pants in this month's Shop Til You Drop just sealed the deal (but as anyone who knows me knows, there's no way in hell I'd pay $220 for pants). I found these babies at Bardot, for $80 (or $72 with the Bardot member's card discount!) - they're super duper comfy and oh so versatile. I was asked by three separate people yesterday if I was wearing tracksuit pants, just FYI. I don't care, I fucking love them. Rocking a trend I never thought I'd attempt - neon - with a bit of a sporty/luxe feel. Comfy, and oh-so-cool. 

   Laser Cut Neon Silk Blouse: Oxford Woman; Black and White Contrast Trousers: Bardot; Tank (worn underneath): Supre; Metal-Tipped Pumps: Sportsgirl; Bag: Dangerfield; Liquid Gold Double Cuffs: Forever New; Leather Jacket: Jeanswest. 

And this is how I styled them the day before. I knew I wouldn't get a chance to take photos during the day because I was changing at the bf's place, so excuse the terrible lighting. 

Blouse: Cotton On; Trousers: Bardot; Shoes: Sportsgirl; Necklace: Forever New; Bag: Cotton On.

And this is an outfit I'd meant to blog earlier in the week - a bit of a contrast from the last two outfits. Absolutely love this dress - such a pretty print and cut and so damn comfy. 

 

Dress: Just Jeans; Belt: Zahara; Stockings: Markets; Cardigan: Forcast; Boots: Betts; Bag: Zara; Matte Double Cuffs: Diva

Til next time kids. xx

this is about as casual as I get.

Last night as I roughly planned my outfit for today I had a pretty dress, my new cable knit tights, my double cuffs and a cardigan in mind. However this morning as I got dressed I decided I didn't feel like getting quite so dressed up, wanting to go for comfy/casual instead. And this, was the result. It's about as casual as I get (on my non-hobo days) okay? Lol

 

 

Knit: Fahrenheit; Jeans: Factorie; Jacket: Sweetacacia;Wedges: Zu; Necklace: Forever New; Bag: Marc Jacobs; Rings: Lovisa.

it's so good to be back

...in control of what I get to wear in the mornings! Lol hey all! So clinical placement's just for the semester and I have a whole six days off (yayyyy) before returning to uni. I must say being able to pick outfits freely from my own wardrobe is rather overwhelming - there's just so much to choose from lol! And the psycho weather doesn't really help either.

Over the weekend I went shopping with a girlfriend with the intention of buying one lipstick - a nice, good quality one in nude. This, is what I went home with:

Two Chanel lipsticks, two M.A.C. lipsticks, a pair of patent/silver tipped points and cable knit tights from Sportsgirl, textured gold double cuffs, a chunky chain necklace and a metal plate belt from Forever New, a tan satchel from Zara, and some killer wedges & wedged booties from Zu. Add a trip to Din Tai Fung and parking and you've got yourself a pretty pricey, but pretty freaking amazing day out. It got to a point where I just didn't wanna think about the amount I'd spent - I just justified it by reassuring myself that I'd get heaps of wear out of each every item. And you know what, I think I will...because although the quantity of stuff may have seemed rather excessive at the time most were items I'd been looking for for a while but had never gotten around to buying. Love good friends, good food and some seriously good loot! Lucky my tax returns on it's way!

I wore the wedge booties yesterday & they were so comfy I even played basketball in them despite their 12+cm height! Today was an absolutely freezing day with patchy rain. I had nothing planned besides heading into uni to drop off an assignment, but that didn't stop me getting all (maybe slightly over-) dressed up! I was dying to make use of my new necklace and belt, which, despite costing less than some mani/pedi's absolutely ooze expense and opulence. So of course, I had to add an expensive (looking haha!) outfit to match! Besides the bag, only one item in the whole outfit cost more than $50 (the coat, $130 from Forever New). I felt like a million bucks while spending less on my whole outfit than many fashionistas spend on a single item. 

 

Satin Blouse: Barkins; High Waist Jeans: Jeanswest; Metal Plate Belt & Chunky Chain Necklace: Forever New; Suede Wedges: Betts; Diamante Brooch Coat: Forever New; Marc Jacobs Leather Stam Bag. 

And here's an outfit I'd meant to blog last weekend. Isn't the bag adorable? Full leather, and can be worn as a backpack or a tote - a bargain find from St Vinnies!

       

Patterned Blouse: Vintage; Ponti Pants: Target; Suede Booties: Dotti; Double Cuffs: Diva; Gold Metal Plate  Choker: Rubi; Leather Bag: Vintage. 

   
  

it's so good to not be in uniform.

Hey guys. I'm sorry yet again for the lull in posts. You see, I've not really had much to show you as of late: I've been on clinical placement at the hospital for the last couple of weeks (and will be for another couple!), meaning that I couldn't do an outfit post even if I wanted to. Unless, you know, you guys wanna see posts day after day of a hideous, ill-fitting navy and white polo top, navy pants and a navy cardigan.Yeahh...no. It's seriously cramping my style. Literally. In fact, the thought of having to wear uniform for the rest of my life is almost enough to make me wanna rethink the career path I've chosen. But then I interact with these patients who, despite being quite sick, are lovely and positive and warm and welcoming - and I know that I'm doing what I'm meant to be doing. But that's another story for another time.

I'd meant to post this just before I started placement, at the height of my obsession with the burgundy/maroon colour scheme. Entire outfit, inclusive of shoes and accessories totalled just $105. I'm wearing a plus-sized velvet top (I'm assuming it was a pyjama top originally) that I picked up from Vinnies as a dress. Love love LOVE the wedges as well - an absolute STEAL from Betts (think 75% off, for real suede!) - so chic & soooo comfy! 

Top (worn as dress): Vintage from St Vinnies; Belt: Portmans, Patterned Tights: Forever New; Hat: Target; Bag: SES; 'Hanoi' Wedges: Betts. 

And today, unintentionally keeping with the Betts theme, this is what I wore. Excuse the lack of smiles, I'm not quite sure why I was so serious this morning lol. 

Dress (with belt): Valleygirl; Leggings (worn underneath): Xpression; Lace Leggings (worn on top): Cotton on; Cardigan: Forcast; Bag: SES; Cuff & Silver Ring: Rubi; Turquoise Ring: Collette; Feather Necklaces: Diva; Suede 'Portland' Booties: Betts.    

Till next time kiddies! xx.

why yes

...I do have an exam in two hours. And no, I haven't studied this morning. I've decided that if I don't know it by now I'm not gonna know it lol.

This is just a quick one to share what I'm wearing this morning with you. The last few days have been beautifully sunny/glorious - so much so that I've stopped wearing my slouchy winter knits, tights and booties (a combo which I've been pretty much living in the last few weeks), and started wearing pretty dresses again (albeit layered with stockings and cardigans and oxfords).

And just to add a bit more of a winter feel, out comes the maroon felt hat. This season, red and yellow are reincarnated in my wardrobe as maroon and mustard: a little Ronald McDonald, a little hot right now.

 Dress: Mink; Belt: Zahara; Cardigan: Jayson Brunsdon; Stockings: Markets; Hat: Target; Shoes; St Vinnies; Bag: SES; Necklace & Cuffs: Diva; Ring: Lovisa.

I'm also absolutely LOVING my new oxfords, which I picked up at Vinnies for just $12 (they're leather and they were new! Although, they're also a men's size 6 shoe lol). 

 

procrastinating.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I put the 'pro' in procrastination.

I start exams on Tuesday (I have three consecutive exams - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). I've spent the last four days eating, sleeping, training and shopping - and now, blogging lol. 

On Friday I went to Westfields to deposit money at the bank. I deposited it at Forever New (3 pairs of cute patterned coloured leggings), Portmans (two gorgeous iPad covers - one of which could easily double as a clutch), Betts (a pair suede wedges in my latest colour obsession, maroon, and a waterproofer to save them from the rain), a random shop outside of Westfields (a maxi skirt, a long-sleeve black studded dress and a loose knit), and Vinnies (three blazers, a coat, a blouse, a dress, a leather bag, and leather brogues) instead. Pictures to come.

This is what I wore. I love, love, LOVE my new hat - super cute, and again the colour of the moment. My sister said it makes me look like the crazy lady that feeds the pigeons at the park (think the movie Home Alone).

And the pants are super comfy too. You'll never guess where they're both from - Target! All in all a pretty budget outfit. Under $150 all up inclusive of shoes and bag. The pants from Target were the most expensive item at $39 - I'm not gonna lie, I hesitated before thinking of comfort and cost per wear lol (I'm such a tight arse haha) 

Ponti Pants: Target; Contrast Blouse: IntoFashion; Singlet (worn underneath): Ceele; Coat: Avocado; Boots: Dotti; Bag: SES.

  
Anyway. Better get started on study for the day. Wish me luck!

Neglect.

I know you haven't seen much of me lately, and I know this isn't the first time. And you know what, it probably won't be the last. But I just want you to know that I still love you and think about you all the time. I know, I know, those words may be a bit hard to swallow, especially with all the times I've let you down before. You're just gonna have to trust me.

The reality is that I probably won't have all that much time for you in the weeks to come - I've got lots on my plate, with hen's nights, consecutive exams (to study for) for uni, weddings, and then four weeks of full time clinical placement. Oh, and you know, 16km jogs in between (I'm training for city2surf, which is only 14kms, but I'm trying to work on time and account for the added struggle of heartbreak hill). My toes and ankles are currently crippled and I have blisters on my feet. I just need time to take care of myself right now lol. 

Because I've been jogging so much, I've been finding myself dressing up less frequently - living out of canvas bags stuffed with random assortments of clothes for quick showers & changes.

Here are a few days I did manage to make a bit of an effort. On the first, I woke up wanting to put something pretty on. It was fairly chilly out though, so a long sleeve and stockings were the way to go. I absolutely adore this dress, though I rarely get the chance to wear it - has such a pretty/hippy/vintage/ladylike feel to it. And it cost me less than a tenner. 

 Batwing Lace Dress: SaintShylo; Belt: Forever21; Boots: JLH (Jennifer Hawkins for Siren); Necklaces (layered): eBay.  

Of course, for uni, the heels were replaced with flat boots from Windsor Smith (my faves atm). Actually to be completely honest I can't remember if I wore this to uni or not - I may have just been having a lazy day and couldn't be stuffed teetering around in stilettos.   

Of course it was freezing, and the long sleeves, being batwing & lace, were not all too warm. so on goes the thick chunky knit grandpa cardie (Forever 21). Snug as a bug in a rug.

A slightly sunnier day. Another dress I'm currently Adoring.
  

 Dress: Dotti; Belt: Forever21; Boots: Windsor Smith; Bag: Betts. 

Alrighty kids, that's it from me tonight. Will write again when I have the chance, promise. x.