CHAMBRAY

Witchery chambray shirt, Jolie & Deen skirt, Siren shoes, Ray Ban sunnies, Jolie & Deen accessories

Let's talk chambray. Two-toned, no less. And in (slightly oversized) shirt form honestly one of the most versatile and all-purpose items on current rotation. I don't know why I waited so long to actually lay my hands on one, although, the Witchery sale last month definitely helped speed up the process.. and I've probably already given this way too much wear. We were out to brunch that day when we stumbled upon a perfect 10/10 location for some styling/filming action. Updates on that front in the next few weeks but first, to get through exams, more brainstorming, performances, and a 30 hour plane journey to the other side of the world in just 6 weeks! 

Photography by Thomas Lo

 [ facebook  / twitter / instagram ] 

FOREVER

Keepsake Forever Dress via The Fashion Bunker, Zara heels, Jolie & Deen necklace

I never really fully understood the appeal of a bodycon dress. 

Sure - it looks amazing on the perfectly-proportioned, and it makes you think you look AND feel good for about 60 minutes. Tops. Then your skirt riding up every 5 steps starts to become a problem, and you realise that having your body wrapped up that way doesn't allow for a very comfortable meal experience. Is this me being cynical? Perhaps I've still yet to find one I've fallen in love with, yet. In any case, I have termed this dress shape above ' the flouncy dress' - the fitted body and flared out skirt has been making its way into my wardrobe for summer. Less restrictive, much more playful, and certainly a far cry from this major melodrama of a maxi dress (my high school literature teacher would be proud of that triple alliteration). 

Off I go now to the Shakuhachi Warehouse Sale..! Who's been there?! And an exciting jam packed filming weekend ahead ;)

Photography by Thomas Lo

 [ facebook  / twitter / instagram ]

STORM IN A TEACUP

LP33.3 maxi dress, Asos heels

Once in a while I come across something, or someone, whose raw beauty, talent, or passion is so blindingly present it leaves me gobsmacked; speechless yet inspired at the same time. I can honestly count these instances on one hand - as I soaked up Joshua Bell's incredible rendition of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto at the Hamer Hall earlier this year (if you don't know who he is, well, you should), and more recently when I discovered the stunning work of this promising young photographer. These moments bring you such an overwhelming sense of awe and joy you can't help but feel the need to articulate these inner emotions, although not always in a coherent manner.. 

This alarming beauty of a maxi dress made me do a triple-take as I absent-mindedly scrolled the pages of LP33.3's site. There was an attractive moodiness about the gently cascading heap of sheer red that was so ridiculously appealing (someone do a psycho-analysis on me). Melbourne kindly contributed with very wild lashes of wind on the day which interestingly resulted in one of my absolute favourite blog shoots of all time yet! 

Photography by Thomas Lo

 [ facebook  / twitter / instagram ]

SHIRT DRESS

Joveeba shirt dress via Halcyon State, Her Fashion Box belt, Free People x Jeffrey Campbell shoes

Spring in Melbourne? Virtually non-existent. This outfit would be better appreciated in Sydney's sunshine. Just yesterday down south we were rugged up in three layers facing chilly winds and persistent rain. Fascinating. As are shirt dresses. I've always thought it versatile/innovative on our part being able to steal items from the male wardrobe (i.e. casual shirts, jumpers, jeans) and turn them into easy, oversized everyday wear. That certainly wouldn't be as successful the other way around. Now take this masculine-inspired casualness and inject some girly florals back into it, and instantly - voila! You've got yourself a summer dress worthy of good attention. If the weather permits, that is ;)

Photography by Thomas Lo

 [ facebook  / twitter / instagram ]

WHITE METALLICS

Talulah top, Cameo skirt, Harper+Hudson necklace - all via Halcyon State

The little slits; those pleats, the geometrical stitching of the metallic skirt. I truly believe that the difference, especially in simplicity, is all in the details. You might not notice it's there, but you certainly will when it isn't there.

Talulah has taken a simple white blouse - which, strangely, is something that seems to evade the prowls of my shopaholic habits - and turned it into something that hits all the right notes. With high-waisted black harems and it would've sealed office-chic; denim cut-offs and off you trot to your next music festival. But, metallic. Never have I considered an all-round metallic piece within the confines of my wardrobe, but in this case it promised to be a worthy complement to the simple white blouse. 

It's all in the details.

Photography by Thomas Lo

 [ facebook  / twitter / instagram ]

STEP BACK

The Shanti Butterfly dress, Boohoo jacket, Jo Mercer heels, Asos rings

Sometimes it is good to just take a step back from things i.e. life and enjoy a little self-indulgence, be it in the form of 11:30am sleep-ins, consecutive brunch dates, or simply the refusal to plan your day. It leaves you room to toss up on the feasibility of yet another haircut, or be swept up into the amazing world of the awe-inspiring Gary Pepper. There might even be time for a run, a quick stint on your favourite online store, even colour coordinating your outfit with what seems like a colour combination I have a growing affinity with. Tousled hair, smack on a dash of red lippie, and don't forget that jacket - you know Melbourne's out to get ya! 

Photography by Thomas Lo

 [ facebook  / twitter / instagram ]

MATCHSTICKS

Kowtow top and draped cape, Scanlan & Theodore dress, Cali & Cale sandals

This draped cape with what I call the matchstick print looks deceivingly simple on its own - you could probably quite literally get a huge rectangular piece of material, fold it in half, then make a couple of (strategic) slits for your arms to get through. Kowtow has once again amazed me with their crafty knack for minimalism, simple designs in various colours and prints that carry through visually when worn, falling beautifully on the body. I wouldn't trust myself to attempt it but the more DIY-inclined amongst you could perhaps try it for yourselves..

Photography by Thomas Lo

 [ facebook  / twitter / instagram ]

THAT SIMPLE

Kowtow Shadow Dress, Asos clutch, Cali & Cale sandals

We've got organic produce, we've got fairtrade coffee, and now, organic fairtrade cotton in your clothes - New Zealand label Kowtow have delivered some of the most comfortable, easy-to-wear pieces I have had the pleasure dressing in and boy, you do feel the difference. Minimal yet quirkily playful, this dress is simple spring dressing to the tee. Slap on your chunky-soled sandals (which you might have noticed seems to be the trend of the moment) and you are all ready, if the beautiful season of spring ever decides to arrive. And now that ANON's debut concert series are over, I shall be catching up on photos these couple of days and this space is going to see a bunch of new updates.. keep your eyes peeled for a fashion-music mishmash at some point too :)

Photography by Thomas Lo

 [ facebook  / twitter / instagram ]