and so in conclusion ...

T by Alexander Wang tee, Zara leather skirt, J Crew denim jacket, Chanel boy bag, Seed sneakers

If I didn't live in perpetual fear of "outfit repeating", I'd probably find myself in this exact outfit until the mercury drops so low that I start getting frost bite on my legs. Which is precisely why I always end up wearing outfits that are at various levels of resemblance to each other, the technicality of not actually wearing the same outfit on loop relieves me of the hives and anxiety that would normally ensue. Meanwhile, this outfit gives the best summary of my typical outfit (and current wardrobe obsession): stripes, leather, denim, animal print and then some more leather for good luck. Colour is so sadly lacking that I could probably pass for a black and white photo, if it wasn't for my residual Bali tan (I obviously don't consider denim to be a colour). 

These Seed sneakers are the perfect fun ballet-flat (or even black boot) alternative, without the Celine or Givenchy price-tag. I almost allowed myself to walk away with the leopard print version, because that's exactly what my wardrobe needs, more leopard (not true, fyi!). The monochrome python skin is a fun new animal print for me to obsess over, and I was truly grateful to wear some flat shoes after the torture I put my feet through during fashion week. 

x karen

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lingering bohemian

Love Sam top, Zara ripped boyfriend jeans, Aldo heels, Comme des garcons clutch, Karen Walker sunglasses

This might be the epitome of cliches, but holidays to distant (or not-so-distant) lands will change you. My style in the past few weeks Post-Bali is proof of this fact. Pre-Bali Karen would have wanted to wear this flowy bohemian top with something sleeker (i.e. a leather pencil skirt) whilst Post-Bali Karen wants nothing more than to wear it with comfy ripped jeans, and then layer on the colours: bright pink tassel necklace, check, colourful heels, check and irredescent clutch, check and check. 

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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cropped, my way.

Zara cropped top & sunglasses, 3.1 Phillip Lim skirt, Saba fur vest, Senso bertina boots, Dannijo vala necklace, Hermes watch, Celine clutch

I think over the years, the most important thing I've learnt (sartorially speaking anyways) is the need to steer away from trends that do not suit my body shape. It's one of those things that you need to be brutally honest about, because there's nothing worse than wearing something that's ill-fitted or show off the parts that you'd rather remain hidden. As much as I am for self-love and empowerment, I fail to see how that can be achieved if I'm wearing something that I'm uncomfortable in.

Which leads me to the topic of the latest trend that I've been avoiding like the plague- cropped top. I've never felt the need to flaunt my abdomen, so I've avoided crop tops as much as they've avoided me. But the more I see them, the more I want to hop onto the bandwagon. I found this beauty in Zara and could not resist, the long sleeves add a casual "tee" element of the top, not to mention it's in my favourite print-stripes, and it's perfect paired with a high-waited skirt. (This leather 3.1 Philip Lim dress deserves a post on its own, one of the most amazing leather pieces that I own!)

 x karen

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sunshine revisited

Sass & Bide jumper (seen here and here)| Zara skirt | Topshop sneakers (seen here)| Zara bag (seen here and here)

You know you struck fashion gold when you purchase something over a year ago and it's still something that you reach for in your wardrobe. Especially when it's not one of the "Cardinal 10 Necessities". This bright yellow Sass & Bide cable knit never fails to put me in a good mood. I love it paired with leather, denim, more leather and one of my favourite prints- python! It's the perfect solution to warmish days with chilly breezes. I guess with the weather turning warmer, I'm starting to embrace colour again. 

 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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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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