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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believe in pink

Even though the weather is heating up and winter clothing should be the last thing on my mind, I can't seem to get over this coat in the most bubblegum mixed with fuchsia shade of pink. It would be the perfect pink-cherry-on-my-already-mentally-overpacked-suitcase for Europe in late January. I know, I'm willingly exposing my Australian self, who believes winter means an extra oversized sweater over a skirt or denim shorts, to minus degrees weather and constant snowfall. But then again, it's Europe. How could I resist? It's a whirlwind 2 week trip to London, Paris and Stockholm- that's if I don't die of frostbite first.

But I digress, I was meant to wax on about how I adore these Jason Wu boots, but you can clearly see for yourself why I'm in love- and once you see the price tag, you'll see why I'll only be admiring from a distance. This Whistles skirt could potentially fill the hole in my heart that I thought could only fit Stella McCartney, but I love it when I'm wrong like that.

And lastly, something a tad more realistic. I need fun, colourful and flirty Ellery sunglasses for summer, because we all know I pretty much only wear One Teaspoon denim shorts and white Bassike tees in summer. I need accessories that won't scorch in the sun and leave me branded, like these sunglasses. 

See? Everything can be justified.

 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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neon lust.

I was pretty much just minding my own business when I innocently opened an ill-fated email from net-a-porter. I thought it would be safe considering the fact that its sales were over and I'd done enough damage. But nope, boy was I wrong. I was savagely assaulted by a neon thing in the shape of an Acne beanie. It was instantaneous and all consuming lust. The kind where consequences be damned, you'll explain it to your girlfriend/boyfriend the next day but right now at this moment you had to give into your primal desires.

But I'm stronger than that. 

So instead of actually buying the beanie (and fyi- I've been on the hunt for a neon beanie for the longest time) I bought it virtually through polyvore. It's a complex relationship that I have with polyvore. That bitch is really good at making me buy more. Really good.

But I really can't justify 83 pounds on a beanie. 

I know you're not supposed to put a price on love, but really this is just lust.

x

karen

ps. if you know where I can get a cheaper option of a neon beanie, please save my wallet and let me know!

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