Autumn Sweater

I hate Summer with a passion so when the cooler Autumn weather arrives, I feel far more comfortable and less confused about what to wear. I really struggle to think of interesting outfits during summer, particularly nice casual outfits that don't look lazy. I don't feel "polished" wearing denim shorts and a t-shirt so I relish the opportunity to mix shirts with jumpers and cardis; skirts and jeans.

Today, Melbourne had some gorgeous Autumn weather and after my uni classes finished, I joined friends for drinks at the bar on campus.

I wore:







ASOS Oversized Grunge Sweater, Cheap Monday Black Second Skin Jeans, Wittner Maisie Boots, Mimco Mini Hoop Earrings and Tiffany & Co. Key.


On a side note, I also received a shipment of OPIs to add to my collection :)



From left to right: Alpine Snow, You Don't Know Jacques, Animal-istic, Ski Teal We Drop

Do smart-casual clothes exist?

I am aware that I have not posted for a while and my busy life is partly to blame but it is mainly because I am having a minor fashion crisis. I am under the impression that smart casual clothes do not exist. I proudly walked around university in head to toe Alannah Hill and heels during my first year and was always known for being over-dressed. Whenever I went shopping, I would always buy a new "formal" dress that I may wear once, to a very casual party. I seem to have an endless supply of cutesy/girly clothes and nothing that isn't over the top. Now, I find myself struggling to figure out what to wear to university and other daytime outings. I either have formal dresses or tracksuit pants and hoodies and when I go shopping these days, that's all I find! It leaves me wondering, do nice smart-casual clothes exist?

Although I am saving for a trip to the U.S in January, I am also searching for smart casual clothes as well as trying to explore stores other than Alannah Hill. I look to other university students for inspiration but this has not helped me. Today I went on an expedition to Melbourne's CBD to find these elusive smart-casual pieces.

I wore:




Country Road Silk Boxy Shirt, Country Road Cable Knit Jumper, Cheap Monday Jeans, Topshop Leather Brogues.

I picked up a Country Road Jumper, Marcs Pants and Seed Dress


Images courtesy of countryroad.com.au, marcs.com.au and seedheritage.com.au


I still don't know whether or not these can be classified as smart casual but I guess it's a start!

In Hiding

I apologise for the lack of posts over the past month. Life became busier, and I was virtually working full time despite being on "holidays" from university. I was juggling 35 hours at work with my summer school subject and I was struggling to find time to sleep, let alone bake, shop and go out. I also didn't think that my work uniform would make an interesting outfit post!

Just this week, an old and less faithful household appliance decided to die on me and I did not have an oven! Here are the last batches of biscuits that I made before it passed away:





However, that makes room for a shiny new pretty oven that doesn't require 20 minutes extra cooking and constant rotation of pans and trays. YAY!



Sadly, I have not been able to purchase a variety of new outfits as I am trying to save for a trip to the United States early next year with my tiny tiny income. I haven't bought anything, until today and I justify my purchases as uni clothes and for Melbourne's winter and potentially New York, Boston and Seattle's winters.

Today I wore:



Alannah Hill My Heart and Soul Top, Any News Dear Shorts, Cat and Mouse Game Belt and Wittner Fai Ballet Flats

My purchases:



From top to bottom: Alannah Hill "I'm on Strike" Cardi, Country Road Stripe Knit, Country Road Cable Knit
(Images courtesy of alannahhill.com.au and countryroad.com.au)

Lego Duplo!

Apologies for the lack of posts over the last couple of weeks. Work, Christmas shopping, Pre-Christmas outings, crazy customers around Christmas time, travelling to see family and the big day itself have left me exhausted and without any sfree time. I thought I was supposed to be on holidays!

After splurging money on others for Christmas, I figured that I was somewhat entitled to splurge on things for myself. Don't judge me, that's what Christmas gift cards are for!

Here's a few of my recent acquisitions:

Top Row: Alannah Hill Goodbye Forever Cardi, Alannah Hill My Heart and Soul Top , Alannah Hill Any News Dear? Shorts, ASOS Lace Scallop Hem Shorts.
Bottom Row: ASOS Pussybow Short Sleeve Blouse, Topshop Silk Shirt, Country Road Wrap Front Crepe Pants.


Images courtesy of alannahhill.com.au, asos.com, topshop.com and countryroad.com.au

Today I went out shopping, but mainly for a gift for my cousin's second birthday this weekend. I'm ridiculously excited about him turning two because it means that it's safe to buy him Lego Duplo and it gives me a reason to purchase and play with it again! I bought him this basic set and am secretly looking forward to when he is at the age where I can share my Harry Potter and Star Wars themed Lego with him. Don't laugh, it's awesome!



I haven't baked anything lately because I haven't had to with all these Christmas feasts, so instead, here is what I wore today:


Alannah Hill Convince Me! Cardi, Why So Sad Top and Let's Eat Cake Skirt, Wittner Quincey Heels.

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas!

Black and Cream and Cakes and Slices

Melbourne's weather has been lovely and cool this week which is disappointing for some but fantastic for me as I hate Summer with a passion. My wardrobe is not summery and high temperatures make it difficult to bake but I'll refrain from ranting in this post.

Last night I went out for Chinese with my boyfriend and his family and wore this (apologies to those who would've liked to see the food):


Country Road Silk Boxy Shirt, Topshop Skirt, Wittner Leighton Heels

I've also had people over for pre-Christmas afternoon teas (there's so many this time of year) and that has given me the opportunity to make new things. I have made:

Apple Custard Tea Cakes



Raspberry and Walnut Slice



and Honey Oat and Walnut Slice


I'll be 10kg heavier before Christmas lunch even begins! Oh well... :)

Cherries

I feel as though many ladies before me have posted pictures of this dress but until this week, Melbourne's weather has permitted me from wearing it. I hate this warm weather and only enjoy the opportunity that it gives me to wear lovely printed and flowy dresses and skirts. I went out for lunch and to see The Ides of March wearing this:

Alannah Hill Alannah Loves You Frock, Wittner Quincey Heels, T&Co. Necklace, MAC Lady Danger Lipstick





I also made Caramel Mudcake Cupcakes just for fun. I couldn't find a good stencil to use for the icing sugar so I cut out a picture of a hibiscus and used that.

These are so delicious; I want to eat them all at once!

Darlin' Don't You Go And Cut Your Hair

After having long hair for as long as I can remember, I made an irrational decision to get it cut. I had this horrified expression on my face while at the hairdresser and felt very distressed when I saw my hair lying on the floor afterwards.

You grow attached to your hair (literally), it's a form of expression, it's with you for the good times and the bad and it can be damaged and lost so easily. I'll miss my hair and always remember the times we shared.

Seriously though, I don't feel like that at all. I just hear too many stories from women about how emotional they are after a haircut. I don't understand this. Afterall, IT GROWS BACK!

Today, I'm going out for coffee with friends and I am wearing:

ZARA Blouse, Alannah Hill My Little Miracle Shorts, Wittner Fai Flats

I apologise for the lack of baking in this post and I promise that there will be more later this week!