tempted with tiger

(Unknown brand tiger print pants, Wish mesh top, Tag Heuer watch and unknown brand Chloe-esque bag)

No no. Not tiger woods.. the print! Animal print is everywhere this season and I had to oblige. I love how it gives the outfit instant character and an insight to my personality.

I’m starting an internship next week with an Australian designer called Jayson Brundson. He’s amazing! Super exciting times.

On a side note, my boyfriend's mother purchased me this bag not too long ago. I absolutely adore it (reminds me of Chloe) however, what is everyone's thoughts on it? Is being similar almost as bad as purchasing a knock off?

Thank you to those that have followed my blog so far, means the world to me! For others out there, please don’t forget to follow me – giveaway coming real real soon (open to international readers!)

Stay chic!

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the bare canvas

a little lace

(Unknown brand dress, Supre obi belt, Zara high heel pumps)

Bought this dress not too long ago. usually a dressed it down number (sans belt and high heels) paired with flats and off I go, but I just love how versatile lace could be. It’s so mainstream right now that it’s easy to incorporate lace in your daily lives (not only for your wedding day!)

What are your thoughts on lace and maybe love?

Thanks for stopping by!

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yummylicious : lasagne

This will be by far the easiest lasagne you will ever make! Whenever I cook, I use measurements like - a handful or a dash or a "whatever you think is realistic" amount. This recipe fed me and my boyfriend 2 dinners and a lunch.

Things to purchase:
1. Onion and garlic
2. Mince meat (500 grams)
3. Ricotta cheese (400 grams)
4. Celery sticks (3 sticks)
5. Mushrooms (10 button mushrooms)
6. Mozerella cheese
7. Lasagne sheets
8. Pasta sauce



Left to right
1. Meat sauce - Cooked mince meat with pasta sauce, onions and garlic (topped with italian parsley)
2. Celery sticks that have been chopped up
3. Button mushrooms that have been chopped up lengthwise (semi annoying to balance lasagne sheet on an uneven base)
4. Cheese sauce - Ricotta cheese and a little Parmesan (if you have any) with salt and pepper to taste

Okay so your prep and cooking is done - let's get layering!




First comes the meat sauce then a lasagne sheet (FYI - soak your lasagne in boiling hot water to soften them up before layering). Next layer - meat sauce, celery and mushrooms and cheese sauce and lasagne sheet. Repeat this process 2 more times and top it up with a mozerella!

Pop it in the oven for 20 minutes in a 180 degrees oven or until it is golden brown (have always wanted to say that!)



Serve with a side of mixed green salad and down the hatch it goes!



Happy trying everyone! Let me know how yours turned out.

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the bare canvas

bonjour mes amis

(Unknown brand dress and beret, Diva chained bracelets and Steve Madden sandal heels)

Another great find! I bought this dress for $3 (retailed for $90) because the zip was out of line. After much youtubing, it was fixed in less than 5 minutes.

What is with the obsession with stripes? So classy and chic.

Thanks for stopping by. Au revoir mes amis!

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price tag

(Glassons one shouldered pleated dress ($10!), Lovisa jewelled bracelet, Diva chained cuff, Collette diamante ring)

The weather today in Melbourne was rather blah so I decided to do an inside shoot. Armed with my accessories and a one shouldered LBD, I went to work!

I never realised how difficult profile photos were to take. On a side note, nail polish colour is called "Cardinal Sin" - how fitting!

Let me know what you think

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P/S: I'm working on a post about "Introductions". If you'd like to ask me any questions - fire away!

when vintage calls

(Vintage kimono top, Zara tights, Wish top, Steve Madden heels, Lovisa bracelet and owl ring)

.. you answer. I found this amazing kimono styled top at a "everything for $5" sale. It hung lifeless on a hanger and I knew I had to have it. After a little DIY, it feels good as new again. Reworking old classics is an amazing way to save the environment as well as some moolah. How much do I love my jockey-esque tights from Zara?

We are off for pizza now in sunny St Kilda and I can only oblige.

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the bare canvas

furlicious

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(Unknown brand fur dress, H&M piped cropped jacket, Zara tights and ballet flats)

Wore this out for a dinner date with a girlfriend while our boyfriends were at a career seminar thing. Had Ying Thai and it was delicious (readers from Melbourne would know what I'm talking about)! We finished the night at Brunettis for some much needed macaroons and plenty more boy talk.

Tell me what your favourite cuisine is? Lasagne pictures coming up soon (turned out pretty good I must admit).

Happy friday everyone!

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go big or go home!

Accessories overload! I'm a firm believer in go big or go home. Be it accessories, outfit or hair. Go all out and don't forget that fashion is meant to be fun. Here is a sneak peak into my accessories.



Please excuse the zippy zappy sound in the background, I live relatively close to Albert Park where Formula 1 is currently doing test runs.

Hope you enjoyed my first vlog and do keep those comments coming! I love to hear from everyone!

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the gentlewomen

Shirt? Check. Pants? Check. High heels? Check. Staples - staples for ultimate business chic. Thank god for Zara. What would women do without them? They bring a certain elegance to everyday corporate wear. So ladies - put a little bit of lippy before you head into work the next time around and strut your stuff because "you are worth it"!

(Ralph Lauren shirt, Zara pants and Aldo shoes)

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purple reign

Every item I purchase, I always think about the longevity of it. How can I incorporate it in my existing wardrobe and can I wear it for most occasions? This magenta chiffon Sportsgirl top ($19.99) was purchased not to long ago and with careful colour blocking skills, I've managed to create three great looks.

1. Stay within the same colour pallete when it comes to prints. Wear this to a dinner date with le boyfriend with a chic blazer to achieve a more polished look.

(Unknown brand skirt and Witchery cut out heels)

2. Grey paired with purple gives a subtle combination. Paperbag pants gives a more relaxed feel for a quick lunch date pick me up with your girlfriends.

(Portmans paperbag pants and Country road wedge heels)

3. Military green is a big hit right now. Paired up with oxfords results in a very playful outfit.

(Dotti shorts, H&M belt and Forever21 oxfords)

Hope you enjoyed the different combinations, get creative with your wardrobe everyone!

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make a statement

(Zara shirt, Witchery shorts, H&M leopard print ballet flats, Portmans belt, Diva statement necklace, Tag Heuer watch)

I've recently realized that when I compare my outfits to the rest of the style goddesses, I'm fairly commercial. I'm definitely with the other 75% of the world. Hope that's not a bad thing. It is because of the work I'm in, I live in business shirts. Thank god for accessories, it helps us girls stand out in a man's world.

Soon to come - a preview of my accessories closet. It's insane!

Yup and for those that are wondering, I am four eyes (sometimes!)

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it's the simple things

(Ralph Lauren cable knit sweater, Junkfood skinny jeans, Steve Madden high heel pumps, Esprit belt, Diva chained bracelets)

Wore this today for a quick meeting for Dress for Success. It's such an amazing charity and it's definitely worth googling. Two years ago, I was approached by CYP to organise an event with Style Christchurch called "High Tea in High Heels". In short - it was truly a success. This lead to an opportunity to meet up with Joi Gordon and a further meeting at the New York City office mid last year. I'm fortunate enough to be involved in the set up committee here in Melbourne.

Finally I found a charity that made sense to me. That I could give something tangible (be is a suit) to a disadvantaged women and see her face light up is beyond words. The flow on effect of this charity is mind boggling - you put a suit on a women for her first job in order for her to put food on the table for her children, for them to go to better schools, for them to lead better lives. Bill Cunningham said it right: "Clothes are the armor of our reality". He's a wise, wise man.

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L'oreal Melbourne Fashion Week 2011

Recently I have had the opportunity to be amongst the most beautiful clothes I have ever seen during Melbourne Fashion Week. To say I was the lucky few is definitely an understatement. 1,200 hopefuls applied, 600 crossed their fingers during the interviews to fill only 300 volunteer positions. Incredibly they said YES to me. A little old Chartered Accountant that was eager to finally put my passion for fashion to good use.

I worked on literally every show that was on L'oreal Paris Runway in the back of house. After 15 hour day shifts (everyday for 2 weeks!), I can honestly say I wouldn't change it for the world.

Amongst all the shows I assisted, L'oreal Paris Runway 4 was my absolute favourite. Presented by In Style and under the talented stylist Jolyon Mason, the theme of the show was TRAVELS. Jolyon had his friend make paper binoculars, chapeau chinois and many more goodies to make this fantasy runway as realistic as possible.







Amazing accessories and fur (fake!) were brought in by the amazing stylista Christine Barro - oh what I would do to just play in her shop all day long! Christine literally just arrived from Paris the day before to dawn us with her finds from PFW - JEALOUS!

(all photo credits: Style Melbourne)

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the bare canvas