weekend blues

Ellery Escapade top, Rag & Bone jeans, Chanel Paris/Moscow scarf, Comme Des Garcon clutch, Chloe Susanne boots

There's nothing more disappointing than planning and anticipating for the weekend, only to find it miserable and rainy. It's even more bitter when Monday wakes to a bright and sunny morning. I mean, I live in Sydney, how dare the sun not shine on the weekend? 

Somehow my despair at the weather inadvertently translated itself in my wardrobe; blacks, grey and navy. There wasn't a dark shade that I didn't not want to wear that Saturday morning. But my inner-fashion-girl knew that I needed a pop of red and a timeless silk Chanel scarf (stolen from my mum's wardrobe) to brighten up the look. Plus, it's hard to be upset when you're decked out in Chanel.  

x karen

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Orange Mod.

Hellooooo?

Is there still anyone out there? 

First of all, just an explanation as to why my blog has been so decidedly inactive for the past 2 weeks; or to be honest, lacking in posts since before Christmas. Well, if you follow me on instagram (as you all should!) for the past 2 weeks, I've been traipsing all over Europe. By all over; I mean London, Paris & Stockholm. It was a wonderful trip with an equal mixture of touristy cliches & business meetings (more on that later). 

In the meantime, here's a long overdue post that I meant to post before I left. Something to keep you entertained whilst I go through the plethora of photos that I took in Europe!

Tuchuzy silk tee, Rag & Bone Bomber skirt, Senso Qimat boots, Alexander Wang bag & Ray-Ban aviators

White is always an easy to go to option for pairing with anything bright or printed i.e. anything that you wouldn't ordinarily find in my wardrobe. This white silk tee from Tuchuzy is absolutely perfect, it adds a hint of luxury with the cool silk and criss-cross back. The perfect choice to wear with my new favourite Rag & Bone skirt (definitely regretted not bringing this to Europe!)- can't wear to wear it with different sweaters and jackets once the temperature drops. 

x karen

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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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helmut lang hem

Witchery knit top, Rag & Bone leather shorts (seen here, here & here), Zara leopard sneakers & bag, Ray-ban aviators

I love wearing a clean, lightweight knit- even in the midst of summer, although its technically still spring in Sydney. This time of the year is always stunning in Sydney- everywhere you look, there are bougainvillea, jacaranda and honeysuckles in bloom. It seems only right to wear a clean and minimalistic outfit when nature is putting on such a show. Plus, we all know how much I love wearing white. 

 x karen

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detoxing

Rag & Bone knit (seen here) | Bassike skirt (seen here) | Zara braided handle tote

Recently I've been really trying to get the most out of my wardrobe. Aside from the occasional slip of control and constant devil on my shoulder telling me to shop - I've been good. Well, at least I think I've been good. With all the money that I've been saving, I've been splurging on fresh flowers which constantly add to my happy mood. It must be the detox speaking. And now, I've amassed a huge stack of clothing in one corner of my room that's waiting for me to put on tictail/ebay/markets. I enjoy the challenge of reworking certain pieces in a different way and really get my penny's worth. 

Here's to hoping that I don't fall off the wagon anytime soon!

 x karen

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until the clouds blow away

Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater | Helmut Lang skirt | Mister Zimi leather jacket | Rag & Bone Harrow boots (see here)| Celine trio bag | Dannijo Vala necklace 

The sudden drop in temperature meant that I could give my winter knits another round in the (non-existent) sun. But, I've been too comfortable in bare legs to actually put on pants or stockings. I like wearing this Helmut Lang skirt because the fun twist in it adds a little bit of drama to the outfit. Although, it does seem rather counter-productive to wear cashmere & leather on the top with that much ventilation on the bottom?

 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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dressed in stripes

Bassike dress | Acne 'Rita' leather jacket | Rag & Bone 'Harrow' boots| Celine two tone clutch 

I'm sure by now everyone knows about my somewhat un-healthy relationship with stripes and leather. So basically, this is outfit heaven for me. The perfect Bassike striped dress which I've actually been contemplating cutting to just above my knee, or maybe I'll just get used to the longer length once I wear it more? 

Up until now, I've only been wearing my beloved Acne leather jacket within the confines of my home because I've been trying to wear in the leather so that it loses its stiffness. However, after much contemplating I finally wore it out during the past weekend. It was the perfect weather last Saturday, it was amazing to dine alfresco and just bask in the warm winter sun. 

 x karen

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