winter travel wardrobe

So I'm heading back up North pretty soon and being faced with zero degree days and limited travel wardrobe space is forcing me to triple think my luggage choices. I'm so close to writing up a packing list - which I never do because really, I usually pack in a mad rush. I am, however, on a mission to avoid turning into an icypole and actually be warm enough to hopefully enjoy an Italian gelato. Snug jumpers, sensible shoes, knee high boots (I swear by keeping one's body extremities i.e.toes and fingers, warm), and a dash of co-ordinated colour to keep me sane. Fingers crossed things go to plan - tips welcome.

Before I sneak away into winter wonderland though, something special is going to land on the blog tomorrow. Something you'll like. Perhaps it'll last the week. Perhaps all through your holiday season ;)

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MATCHY MATCHY

 Dress Gallery Silk Top and Shorts via Asos / Asos Paisley Crop and Beach Pants

 Shakuhachi

Three of Something

Not that I've worn matching pj sets since I was about 10 but I imagine these would be the slightly more grown-up versions worthy of being flaunted outside the comfort of your home. I suppose there's the risk of looking too much like a kid heading for a play date but seriously, look at the generous slits of those beach pants! Aussie fave Shakuhachi does silky florals too but keeps the colour play in check for an edgier result. An extra click got me peeking at their Cruise collection and I truly have no words for the spectacular display of adorable daisy prints, white crochet, psychedelic rainbows and black leather thrown in there. And, Three of Something - a chance discovery I'm glad to have made and new label I'm definitely watching out for!

Just like your pjs, only better. Would you rock a matching set?

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GORMAN SS 12/13

I don't think I have shared with you my love for Gorman. It started with this one pair of tutti frutti jeans which I well and truly fell in love with, yet for some reason put off the purchase.. until it was no longer to be found in stores. Biggest regret ever. 

Since then I have been eagerly sussing out the prints from each collection, and Gorman's Spring/Summer 12/13 collection definitely doesn't disappoint! These are my favourite outfits from the lookbook and while I do realise that bright colour, sequins and clashing kaleidoscopic prints all in the one outfit isn't exactly everyone's cup of tea, Gorman just does it so incredibly well! And with such ease, I might add. 

Accessories of choice. 

THOSE BOOTS - seeing it on this flat screen does it no justice at all. I skipped into store after spying it in the window, and on closer look realised it was no mere print but instead, embroidered fabric. I literally let out a gasp (probably closer to an embarassing squeal) of excitement. You would've seen these show up on my instagram (@nicoletj) too. Mindblown. 

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Outfit: FISHTAILED

Mango Oversized Knit; Op-shopped and partially-DIYed dress; Topshop Suede Booties; MAC Prolong Lipcreme

Once upon a time, I stumbled upon the wonderful blog a pair & a spare, crammed full of creative yet  seemingly simple DIYs I just couldn't get enough of. I was, to say the least, obsessed, and in fact, inspired enough to try a few things for myself! How hard could it be? I thought. 

I proceeded to attempt this skirt from scratch in lilac (hand-sewn, no less, although to a far less-polished result), and even cropped the sleeves off an op-shopped-shirt in attempt to make this (but discovered hand-sewing armholes was way beyond me). Well, I still thought I was pretty good at DIY (clearly delusional) and decided to make my own fishtail/high-low skirt! So I grabbed this maxi dress I got from an op shop, went on a little frenzy with the scissors, then realised I was faced with the impossible task of hemming it up by hand; even a sewing machine if I had one. I left it unfinished for the longest time, till I got some domesticated help with finishing the hem flawlessly - I couldn't be more impressed!

Layered it simply with a drapey oversized knit, then with my favourite furry knit later that night when temperatures plunged. I wish I had pics to show, but here's where you can piece it together with your imagination :) Layered slouchy and comfy winter dressing that borders on hobo, but kept it chic with a bit of gold-plated detail on these Topshop booties. Hobo-chic, that is.

P.S. Have you seen my finalist entry at ASOS Fashion Finder? It would really mean a lot to me if I could have your vote here! Thank you x

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Wardrobe Inspiration: European Summer

I have been spending a ridiculous proportion of my time being hooked on ASOS. Yes, I'm sure we all know that one. Clearly I will not be purchasing all 101 items on my saved list, but I think there is something quite satisfying about being able to build a virtual wardrobe and thought I'd share..

Floral Midis - High Waist Floral Skirt / Yellow Summer Dress

The midi skirt is something I don't often wear, yet am really loving the look of at the moment. There's something about the high waist and flared out skirt that's so appealing.

Semi sheer pastels - Mint / Pink

Beautifully sweet and graceful, and would probably make for great twirling fun too.

Printed bottoms - Floral Print Pants / ASOS Heart Print Short 

I die for printed bottoms, long or short. Enough said.

White Shoes - Flat Summer Sandals / Lace up wedges

White and summery, with a vintagey touch.

You can probably tell from this shortlist that I'm very much yearning for and dreaming of warm, summery weather. I'll be headed to Europe in a couple of weeks, and I think I'll be lucky if my wardrobe looks anything like this. I think I might actually need some help with packing!

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P.S. Be sure to check out my giveaway for a $50 voucher to a great range of Aussie & NZ designers from online store Halcyon State! 

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