lover

Nothing gets me in the mood for summer each year more than Lover's gorgeous spring/summer collections. I think the latest, "Untitled", is my favourite ever.

Beautiful, no? And quintessentially Australian - pretty and fresh and clean and summery. It has been so hot and sunny in Perth lately that spring seems to be just around the corner. I was a little upset that this winter was blink-and-you'll-miss-it, because I do love cute wintry ensembles. There is also the scary global warming aspect to worry about (probably more important than my wardrobe choices). But, selfishly, the weather always seems to have an effect upon my mood, so extra daylight, bright blue skies and warm weather tends to put me in a happier disposition... which is nothing to complain about.

I do know, though, that the weather is supposed to be varied - rain, hail, shine - in order to sustain growth and sustenance for our planet's survival. As much as I would love for the climate to be pleasant all year 'round, clearly, that utopia is not as ideal as it seems on the surface. This may seem like a long shot, but the thought reminds me of a letter penned by Stephen Fry in response to a desperate plea from one of his fans, who was suffering from depression. Out of the kindness of his heart, he provided her with some simply beautiful advice...

I've found that it's of some help to think of one's moods and feelings about the world as being similar to weather.

Here are some obvious things about the weather:

It's real.

You can't change it by wishing it away.

If it's dark and rainy it really is dark and rainy and you can't alter it.

It might be dark and rainy for two weeks in a row.

BUT

It will be sunny one day.

It isn't under one's control as to when the sun comes out, but come out it will.

One day.

It is a really beautiful piece, which I posted a long time ago here. Please do yourself a favour and read it. Even if you are not one to have experienced those rainy, dark days, it will help you to empathise a little more with those who do, a few of whom are bound to be your family members or friends. Depression is such a personal journey, but a little compassion and understanding from a loved one can make all the difference.

(Pictures via Lover, inspired by the gorgeous Sara of Harper and Harley)

some things I'm loving this week

1. Mark Bowden's article on discovering the narrative and the value of a beginner's mind

An excerpt...

"I generally begin working on a story in total ignorance, which I think is the ideal starting point for me, because only if you are truly ignorant can you ask the truly ignorant question. But I have only the foggiest idea of what the story is when I get started on it. And in fact, every story that I write, when I’m doing my reporting, I always come upon some information that completely destroys my concept for the story.

I think I know what the story is, and then I interview one more person, or I come across a document, or I see a video, or something, some piece of information that tells me, you know what, I’m wrong, I don’t get this. The initial response that I have when that happens is “Oh god, I’m screwed now. I’ve just wasted my time. I don’t get this all. The story’s gone all to hell.” But on a few moments of reflection or sometimes waking up the next morning, inevitably, the realization is, “Wait a minute. No, this story just got better.” Because my understanding of it has deepened. I have a much broader and different take on what happened than I had before."

2. Peggy Orenstein's New York Times piece entitled "I Tweet, Therefore I Am"

An interesting article musing the ramifications of the twitter phenomena... I also loved this tweet that Mark Colvin sent to Leigh Sales when she posted a link to this article. He is referring to Penny's discomfort with trying to truthfully and authentically express herself within 140 characters:

don't all writers feel that way anyway? Always trying to compose 'life' into pleasing 'sentences', I mean. I fear I always have.

3. Garance Dore's delightful reflection upon her first job

This lovely piece brings home to us that it's worth pursuing our dreams... after all, it just might work out.

It reminds me of the montage in (500) Days of Summer where Tom pulls himself together and decides to follow his passion. You know, the scene with the blackboard? Mmm, Joseph Gordon Levitt...

4. Shelfari

I was directed to this site by The Belle Lumiere. So far, she is my only friend - so please join!

It is basically a virtual bookshelf, where you can read and submit book reviews, see what your friends are reading and chat about literature in general. Fun!

5. This beautiful dance starring two So You Think You Can Dance contestants, choreographed by Stacey Tookey

Adé is brilliant but Billy Bell, the little guy up front, is just mesmerising.

6. My BPA-free drink bottle

So, there are all sorts of hidden dangers in most of our everyday items... Sarah Wilson knows a thing or two about it. I really don't. My first foray into truly "clean" living is this water bottle purchased for me by Andy's mum, who is also well-versed in all things health-related.

Just in case you are not aware (I wasn't either, until I googled it out of curiosity), BPA is a compound used in manufacturing plastics that can leach into our water and mess with our hormones. Scary, right?

Oh, and bottled water is bad, too... it just shows how important it is not to take popular trends for granted. We need to do our own research and find out the truth of what we are being told by the powers that be.

7. My new Willow dress

Purchased on sale, of course.

The other day I had somebody comparing it to the stunning gown Kiera Knightley wore in Atonement. I'm 99.9% sure that they were just being nice, but here it is for you to feast your eyes upon, anyway...

Just ignore the cigarette, okay?

braids

I have been bombarded with braids lately. First, my best friend Kimberley posted this and this on her blog, Glued to My Chest. Next, lovely Zoe Foster chatted about and photographed her magnificent travel braid. And finally, I saw these gorgeous pictures on Primped of a versatile braid sported by Nicole Ritchie.

So... I am now obsessed with braids. I have been wearing one almost everyday for the last few weeks. They're perfect for evening, casual, work and the gym. They look fresh, even after a few days between washes, and they are versatile - I can do hair up, hair down, curly, straight, wavy, au naturel, elegant, boho, ladylike, cute. You get the idea.

By the way... today one of my customers called and referred to me as "the girl with the braid". I don't really know why, but that made me happy.

winter basics

Winter is fast approaching Perth and I am determined to keep things simple. As I did over summer, I am trying to embrace the (perhaps stereotypical) French ethos of only purchasing a few key pieces each season. On a recent trip to Melbourne, I bought a gorgeous fitted jacket, ballet flats and metallic heels. In Autumn, I bought a few silk Morrison dresses that will easily translate into winter. That's all I really need, apart from a few extra accessories to jazz up my outfits.

So, to give you an idea (if you're interested), here are my winter basics.

An Ode to No One tailored black velvet jacket

I bought this at Fat, in Melbourne GPO. An Ode to No One is an Australian Sydney-based label, and I truly believe that Australia has the best modern, young, (mostly) affordable fashion in the world. Fat is the first store I walked into, and this is the first jacket I picked up and tried on. I fell in love with it immediately and avoided all jackets for the rest of the trip.

Morrison "Leticia" black draped silk dress

Morrison is a local Perth label. The fabrics are beautiful and the pieces drape perfectly. I have this dress in black and elephant (a grey colour), and they translate to all occasions and seasons. Plus they have pockets!

2 Baia Vista black leather ballet pumps

These are actually French Sole, but mine are almost identical, and so comfortable! I bought them from Zomp.

Chloe Heloise blue leather handbag

Mine is a lighter blue colour, but the same style (similar to the nail polish below). I snatched it up in the Paris sales over Christmas.

Romantic Scarlett Johanssen-esque hair and makeup

Love the soft waves, strong brows and flawless skin.

To achieve her gorgeous makeup look, I will probably use Giorgio Armani Designer Shaping Foundation, By Terry Touch Expert Concealer, Nars Cream Blush in Enchanted, Nars Eyeshadows in Ashes to Ashes (eyelid) and Bali (brows), Nars Lipstick in Cruising and Nars Lipgloss in Chihuahua or Belize. I have also become addicted to touching up with the luxuriously gold-flecked Tatcha hand-made blotting papers.

Things to Buy

Leopard print scarf

Yes, this is the notorious Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton silk-cashmere scarf. I came across it in Paris and I am still kicking myself for not buying it there. The rationale was "surely, I can find something exactly the same for a fraction of the price". No, actually, I couldn't! Not even in Melbourne when I visited a few weeks ago, looking absolutely everywhere for a leopard scarf. I may have to save my pennies and buy this online.

Jennifer Behr rose headband

So pretty and romantic. I was inspired by my blog crush, Sara of Harper and Harley.

Chanel Nouvelle Vague nail polish

This may clash a little with my handbag but it is so gorgeous. See Temptalia for swatches.

That's all! I hope this has inspired your winter wardrobe in some small way. xx

(Pictures via An Ode to No One, Morrison, Primped, Beloved and This is Naive)

things to pack

Clothes:

1. Fuchsia coat. 2. 2x LBDs. 3. Black leather boots. 4. Tights. 5. Lingerie. 6. Pink leather gloves. 7. Diamond studs. 8. Black patent leather handbag. 9. Taupe tote. 10. Black and cream cashmere scarves. 11. Thermal knits. 12. Black Mary Jane ballerina flats.

Makeup:

1. By Terry foundation, concealer, liquid blush in fresh rose, liquid bronzer in sun beach. 2. Chanel laque in ming. 3. Becca mineral powder. 4. Ellis Faas eyeshadow in E107. 5. Nars velvet matte lip pencil in sex machine, multiple in copacabana, blush in desire, eyeshadows; eye shader, eyeliner and large domed eye brushes, yachiyo kabuki brush. 6. Stila mascara and black eyeliner. 7. Utowa eyelash curler. 8. Rubis tweezers.

Skincare:

1. Leaf & Rusher mini essentials pack (cleanser, day creme, night creme), resurface essentials pack (face and lip scrubs), skin tonic. 2. Mecca travel pack (body wash, body creme, sunscreen, hand creme). 3. This Works turbo balm.

Haircare:

1. Fekkai glossing travel pack (shampoo, conditioner, creme, hairspray, comb). 2. Bumble & bumble hair powder. 3. Kiehls creme with silk groom. 4. Aveda hair potion and paddle brush. 5. Ghd series IV styler. 6. MyCurl. 7. Parlux 3500 hair dryer.

Other:

1. Mecca nail colour lilac-grey (Diana/Francisca). 2. Fracas parfum. 3. ModelCo nail polish remover. 4. iPod. 5. Pens. 6. Pink leather moleskin notebook. 7. French language guide. 8. City guides/travel journals. 9. Novels. 10. Laptop. 11. Umbrella.

P.S. Please do not waste your time trying to talk me out of packing my beauty arsenal - it is non-negotiable!

grace coddington

francoise hardy

paris inspiration board

favourite fashion blogs

1. Garance Dore.



Garance is an extremely talented photographer and illustrator, and she writes in such a hilarious, endearing way.

2. The Cherry Blossom Girl.

Put simply, I adore her style and covet her life.

3. Niotillfem.

Swedish blogger Sandra's beautiful photographs gives us a glimpse into her gorgeous, fun-filled life.

4. The Sartorialist.

I cannot go past the original streetstyle photographer (and Garance's boyfriend - she is the photographer in the second photo). He has such an eye for fresh, original, beautiful style.

5. The Selby.

A glimpse into creative people's beautiful, inspirational homes and lives.

6. Le Blog de Betty.

Betty is another Parisienne who has amazing, affordable style and doesn't take herself too seriously.

7. Harper & Harley.

I have just discovered this blog by a gorgeous Brisbane fashionista who is my style aesthetic twin.

8. The Blonde Salad.

This Italian blogger is so fun and vivacious, plus her boyfriend is incredibly gorgeous.