mix and match

Rag & Bone fedora, Nars lipstick, Givenchy 'obsedia' bag, Witchery tee, Lover dress, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Stella McCartney bra, Valentino rockstud flats

Over the years, I've begin to realise that the best things to have in your wardrobe arsenal are items that can be styled for a wide range of occasions; whether it's dinner at somewhere upscale or brunch at your local eatery. Once you have those building blocks, then all you need are the right accessories to make it happen.

For example - my birthday this year involved me splurging a black Lover dress that I've just been itching for an excuse to purchase. However, for the past half a year, it's been sitting in my wardrobe - loved but untouched. In retrospect, I probably should have pulled it out during winter to layer until my favourite knitted sweaters and boots. Which made me think, if it wasn't for the 3/4 quarter sleeves, how could I wear it during the warmer months? (And no, this is not the beginning of the long road of justification to purchase another Lover dress)

This summer, I will definitely be bringing out some of my less casual pieces and dressing them down for everyday wear. A slouchy white t-shirt can do wonders in toning down an outfit, and really, that's what Australian summer is all about: laid-back chic. So to keep it chic, you will need a clutch or small handbag for all essentials (esp. sunscreen & lipstick) and blinged-out flats - even though I have these in the kitten heel, I can't stop obsessing about these beige/pink flats which would be perfect for casual days where wearing heels are the last thing on my mind. 

And because it's summer in Australia, a hat & sunglasses should be your constant companion. Slip slop slap!

To be honest, at this point I can't tell if this is a genuine post about utilising the full potential of my existing wardrobe or rather how much I need those Valentino rockstud flats in my wardrobe. So if Santa happens to be listening, can't blame a girl for trying right?

x karen

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graduation

Ellery dress, Valentino heels (seen here), Celine clutch (seen here & here)

This is probably one of the hardest blog posts I've ever had to write. There is such expectation that comes with the thought of Graduation. It's the culmination of five and a half long years of studying. It's the last indication that you're really growing up and about to become an "adult". I want to be inspirational and talk of how much I've learnt and grown in the past few years; or lament that it's an end of a era and, essentially, my childhood. I expected emotional farewells to the campus, lecturers and students. What I did not expect was the dull ache of knowing that I should be feeling more emotions than I actually was. 

The Graduation Ceremony itself occurs almost a full semester after my last class/exam/assessment and in the meantime, I've completed the College of Law course, eased from part-time to full-time work at a law firm and, as of today, handed in my application for Admission as a Solicitor. University, with its lectures, missed classes and long lunchtimes seems simultaneously only yesterday and so so far away. It was rather surreal, and belated, to go back to campus to officially graduate when so much has occurred in between. I'm still waiting for that feeling to wash over me that my undergraduate career is well and truly over. 

However, I can honestly say in my almost six years at university; I have met some amazing people, made friendships that I know will last forever and beyond (i.e. BFFs!), I've truly played with the the limits of sleep deprivation and caffeine addiction, I've learnt to play Poker and consequently learnt too much from "boy talk", I've spent summer holidays almost exclusively at the Beach and I've perfected the art of online shopping whilst simultaneously listening during Lectures. 

And what I learnt from the Graduation Ceremony itself?

1. Hearing all the people who are graduating with honours etc. does almost make me wish I worked harder. Almost.
2. Even if your dress looks like a normal and socially acceptable length, with the addition of the long ceremonial gown- it will look like you are only wearing a top.
3. It will require considerable manpower to carry flowers, coat, belongings etc around campus to get all the photos taken. Friends should be bribed so that they don't only take photos of themselves. 
4. Coffee is your friend. Embrace it for the long ceremony itself. 
5. When someone goes up to receive their doctorate; you will torn between determination to add a "Dr." in front of your name and jealousy over her Manolos. Your inner fashion blogger will always win over the inner Academic. 

xx

 x karen

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quilted velvet

Josh Goot velvet bomber | Sportsgirl tank | Zara skirt | Valentino rockstud heels | Celine trio bag

What's the one thing that's better than quilted leather? Okay, maybe not better. Not much can compete with a classic Chanel 2.55 in my heart but what can at least compete with it? Quilted velvet of course! If you follow me on instagram (@thechicndamned - shameless plug!) then you might know how much I love this Josh Goot velvet bomber. It's the perfect item of decadence to wear with any outfits, especially for chilly autumn days. The studs in these shoes add a nice contrast to the luxury of the velvet- one of my favourite fabrics! For me, this was such a perfect no-brainer outfit for this limbo-weather. A cross between luxury, leather, studs and my favourite- stripes!

 x karen

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you're a rockstud

The newest addition to my wardrobe - an amazing present from an even more amazing birthday. I can already imagine a plethora of outfits to pair these with; anything from these boyfriend jeans or this Le Mont St Michel skirt. Unlike the rest of my shoe-drobe it has a much, much more realistic heel for days or rather bags that don't permit for a shoe change. I still can't decide if these are more lady or more punk, or rather just the perfect combination of both. 

I'm not going to lie, now that I've gotten the classic colour combination in the classic - I really want these in the higher heel with the black studs on the black straps on the black leather. 

Black on black on black!

 x karen

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birthday month

Helmut Lang stretch leather legging | Proenza Schouler snake-print skirt | Dannijo 'Oksana' earrings | Hermes CDC | Acne 'Rita' leather jacket | Valentino Rockstud heels | Proenza Schouler PS11 in sorber

I'm one of those people that get ridiculously, unexplainably, chocolate cake with fudge excited with the thought
of my birthday. The mere thought of my birthday gets me all giddy, let alone the sight of the Taurus horoscope
creeping its way up the magazine page- a tell-tale sign that it's almost birthday time.

For those of you that are astrology inclined, you'd realise that Taurus isn't for another month. But I'm all for
being prepared because the real reason I love birthdays (I am no longer amused by my digits increasing
every year) is that its the perfect excuse to buy myself a present (or two). For the sake of efficiency, I've compiled
a visual diagram of my cravings du jour. 

In reality, my budget does not extend to the dramatics of this collage however a girl can always dream right?
(and if family & friends (esp. bf) happen to be reading, a not-so-subtle hint has never led anyone astray before,
only to bankruptcy apparently). But with winter coming up, these are some essentials that will definitely 
get me through the upcoming season.

Winter means layering up and what better than Helmut Lang leather leggings and a Acne leather jacket
or two? The Proenza Schouler skirt is the perfect colouring for winter stocking layering shenanigans. 
And for the days where you want to lounge around in your boyfriend jeans, then these Valentino heels
will save your day, and your derriere. The Proenza bag is the perfect alternative to the traditional black,
and grey assortment of gloomy winter shades. A soft nude bag will see you through this season of dreaming
about spring.

And the jewels? Because every girl wants from Hermes & Dannijo for their birthday.
Even if she has to buy it for herself. 

The shoe on my feet, I've bought it
The clothes I'm wearing, I've bought it
The rock I'm rockin', I've bough it

Who am I to deny Destiny's Child?

x karen

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