BLOOM

Jolie & Deen dress and rings, Zara heels

It just felt slightly wrong sharing Spring floral dresses on this space when all of last week mercury levels in Melbourne plummeted and we found ourselves staring at the gloomy skies and fighting the continuously intermittent rain. I retreated to my brunch-loving ways. Also found some comfort and inspiration in Jolie & Deen's new collection.

In under 24 hours I shall be exam-free and racing to the newly-opened, much hyped about Messina on Smith St. No longer shall I have to make the trip to Sydney for the best gelato experience(s) ever. White chocolate and parmesean. Coconut Pandan. You guys get me. Insert cheesy grin as above. 

Photography by Thomas Lo

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THE FAIR FOODSTORE

Soy Chai, Banana Hotcakes, Bagel with Trout at The Fair Foodstore

My Instagram feed is a clear giveaway that I have a soft spot for brunches (the whole cafe experience, really), and a compelling need to document my gastronomical adventures in photo form. And Melbourne's just about the perfect environment for that but given the rate at which new places spring up (I thank Broadsheet for keeping me wise), a quick online search before trying a new place is a must to avoid the regular egg and bacon menu. 

A close friend vouched for the incredibility of The Fair Foodstore's hotcakes. FLUFFIEST IN MELBOURNE, she said. They were indeed fairly fluffy, although I would have loved an indulgent caramelised banana concoction instead of fresh ones. I might have also gone a little gaga over the mini honey jar and accompanying dipper. And despite the slightly overpriced trout bagel it was a cozy little space that catered to our 4pm hunger pangs and kept us away from the mini storm brewing outside. We also enjoyed studying closely their Scandinavian-inspired interior and inventive decor. 

So I quote one of the most awe-inspiring musicians I have had the pleasure of working and learning with - 'Please do not photograph your lunch. Just eat it.' 

Guilty as charged.

Photos by me

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FIRST DATE

Keepsake First Date Bodice via The Fashion Bunker, Zara shorts, Asos heels, Jolie & Deen necklace 

I write this between indulgent spoonfuls of caramel honey macadamia ice cream and glances of The Great Gatsby (finally reviving my study of the American Dream in Year 12 English, just a few months behind all the hype). A slightly indecent hour, but a little self-indulgent 'me' time goes a long way, especially during the exam period, right?

Keepsake has done this bustier justice in more ways than one, in a design that is more understated elegance than uncomfortably attention-seeking. The origami-like peplum and cinched waist is about one of the better things you could do for your shape, and in pastel tones of sky blue and coral it could well be a nifty choice in your date night wardrobe. Taking the origami folds a step further, these Zara shorts/skorts step in to make dressy-casual just that bit more visually intriguing. 

Photography by Thomas Lo

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WISH

Wish dress, Steve Madden heels, Petite Grand necklace

Lock away your LBDs. Black doesn't even make sense in summer. 

How about a little pink dress? (Or as the colour nazis put it, fuschia). I chose this as part of Wish's Style Challenge and really it couldn't have come at a better time - sunshine and hitting the mid-20s today!

Complete with the tiniest bird cut out pendant I've come across - more tantalisingly delicate jewellery where that came from. 

Currently drooling over everything on The Whole Pantry App. So much inspiration. 

Photography by Thomas Lo

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