Poms Poms

Nothing makes me happier than fresh flowers around the home; especially now that peonies are in season- I will definitely be splurging on them this summer. I've been super busy at work recently that I haven't had any time to any outfit photos. So, here's a collection of some of my favourite things:

1. Peonies & Chrysanthemum Pom Poms - these make me smile everything I walk past them in my house. The best thing that my Petit Noe has carried so far.

2. My Eeyore snow globe that I received as a birthday present two years ago - a combination of my two favourite things: Eeyore & snow globes. Looking at it makes me wish for a white Christmas.

3. New Glassons white ripped jeans that are going to be perfect for summer - the price point is really attractive because ripped jeans will always get more ripped and once you pass the point of them being just glorified shorts with denim mullet at the back, you need to throw them out. It's a lot less painful when you haven't paid three digits for them. 

4. Restocked my candle supply - if you haven't tried Circa Home then you need to get on it. I'm especially loving 'Lilac & Orchid' and 'Oceanique' for summer. They are all natural soy wax candles (hand-made in Australia) and I like that they produce a gentle scent that doesn't overpower. I love burning candles and I'm so glad I discovered Circa Home when I was shopping at Tuchuzy more than a year ago. I think it's a perfect candle for days where Diptyque is just not justified. 

5. Found my old MAC 'Sweetie' lipstick in a clutch that I haven't used in ages. Finding old lipsticks can only be topped by finding money stashed in old bags.

6. Starting to receive the library of books I've ordered recently from Book Depository in preparation of Christmas vacation time. Will definitely put up some recommendations when I get a chance!

x karen

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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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white florals

Bec & Bridge shirt | Eska Alikai skirt

I couldn't help myself, I had to take a few photos of this outfit my friend was wearing. I'm a big fan of white leather skirts (as evidenced here) especially because its a great way to include leather in your spring/summer wardrobe; not that leather in all forms and colours shouldn't be worn all through summer (especially in the form of shorts!). I love how she's chosen the sheer Bec & Bridge shirt to add a hint of floral and colour into the outfit. 

 x karen

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zara september lookbook

Even thought winter has definitely left us here in Sydney, I was completely mesmerised by the new Zara September Lookbook. The beautifully tailored coats almost makes me wish for winter again. It reminds me of Stella McCartney with Louis Vuitton lace chemise touches. The stunning contrast between the sharp tailoring and the muted colours paired with the soft minimalistic hair and make-up.  Remember the new project I mentioned in my last post? Well, it may involve a trip gallivanting through Europe in early 2014. Which means I need to stock up on some warm coats and winter clothing. What a wonderful coincidence!

 x karen

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Day & Night

Mr Wang is someone who knows a thing or two about pulling at your heartstrings. He does it on a bi-annual basis for me, every time I see new Wang shoes, my hearts mirrors arrhythmia-like symptoms. There is a quite reek of desperation every time I catch eyes with his creations. If my wardrobe is anything to go by, I'm quite sure his shoes are my kyptonite. I've been very good at controlling my self against his shoes for the longest time (admittedly, the longest time in fashion years in reality is probable a season and a half). I've told myself on multiple occasions that I need to focus on the classics, beyond the gravity-defying knee strap, or that I need to invest in those with higher return (which is just a fancy way of saying less unwearable heels).

The point is, if I start buying everything Mr Wang produces in way of shoes, where do I stop? How will I store them all? How will I finally buy my Louboutin classics or Jimmy Choos? But there's something different about this pair of boots, The Audrey (isn't there always?). It has the subtle charm of a pointed toe enclosed in flawless leather reminiscent of the boots my mother wore growing up. It's all the goodness in the world rolled together; the perfect classic black boot with the delicate so sexy it's smoldering ankle strap. It shoes were a man, the Audrey would be Hugh Jackman; classy yet sexy and it'll only get better with age. 

 x karen

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DKNY Fall 2013

 Images courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue

I know recently my blog has been everything-except-outfit-posts heavy recently, I've been so slammed at work I've barely had any time to take any photos especially with the early winter sunsets. But, given the choice, I'd rather look at Cara Delevingne rather my mug anyday. I love anyone who is strong enough to be themselves and then be become incredibly successful because they stuck true to their quirky self. 

And plus, the above photos are really just perfect winter outfit inspirations. 

x karen

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make believe

Normally at the end of each semester, you're filled with an exuberant sense of joy that overwhelms all other senses. This time around, it's not so much a sense of joy but rather dread at the fact that it is just bloody never-ending. I don't know why I thought doing College of Law whilst completing my last semester was a good idea, but boy do I hate past-Karen. That girl is an overachieving bitch- I failed to live up to her expectations spectacularly.

But, I do have a fews days of reprieve so I will be spending it reading and burning my new Diptyque candle. Joy.

 x karen

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Ladurée

Ever have those days where you find yourself craving dessert? It always hits me on long days at work, especially in the afternoon - blood sugar at an all time low! My office is a little too close to Sydney's Laduree which makes the choice easier for when I want a little sweet to get me by. Then I see all the pretty boxes and the upgrade goes on from there - lucky my mum loves macaroons even more than I do. However, considering the location of Laduree- I'm lucky to just come away with a few macaroons rather than any variety of Christian Louboutin, Willow or Zimmermann. 

The dangers of working in the city.

 x karen

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stella mccartney resort 2014

I can't believe it's already resort season, I feel like I'm still digesting last fashion week and BAM! resort season hit. We're really spoilt for choice these days in the quality and effort that being put into resort, and I'm more than a little bit in love with everything that I've seen so far but the one that truly took my heart has to be Stella McCartney. The nudes, the subtle python print, the drop hemline and the slouchy trousers. 

Maybe its just my love for Australian designers but I can definitely see something like this with Zimmermann and Josh Goot?

 x karen

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