STYLE: TRENCH LOVIN’

I’ve been in love with trench coats recently – an odd thing to be in love with because, let’s face it, sunny Brisbane isn’t really the hub of trench-coat wearing-weather. But after seeing just about every woman in Japan clad in one (seriously, it wasn’t anywhere close to trench coat weather there either) I’ve finally decided that I also need to find a way to wear one as soon as possible!

 

 

1. Coach Classic Short Trench

370 AUD COACH.COM Crisply tailored and cropped to hip length, this refined, belted classic is lined with graphic ticking-stripe fabric inspired by an archival Coach motif. The work-to-weekend design is finished with signature buttons, officer’s epaulets and a throat latch to keep out the wind.

2. Original Stripe Tee

14 GBP WEEKDAY.COM This is a striped, short-sleeved T-shirt in blue and white. MTWTFSS Weekday. Original Stripe Tee – White

3. J.Crew Destroyed boyfriend jean in light roxy wash

145 AUD JCREW.COM The jean of the season—easy and broken-in, with just the right amount of slouch. Handsanded, beaten-in and patched to perfection (which makes each pair unique), this vintage-inspired jean is what to wear when you want to give your skinnies a break. Sits lower on hips. Relaxed through hip and thigh, with an easy, straight leg. 29″ inseam.

4. Fossil Sydney Leather Satchel

190 AUD MACYS.COM A little luxe, a little laid-back, this elegantly structured satchel is a perennially-chic piece. Rendered in rich leather with signature detailing, its generous shape works for on- or off-duty endeavors. From Fossil. Fossil bag. Leather. Double top handles with 3-1/2″ drop; adjustable detachable long strap with 20-3/4″ drop.

5. Fossil Jacqueline Watch

125 AUD BUCKLE.COM Stainless steel case watch. Three-hand quartz movement. Date window. Interchangeable leather strap. Case measures 1 1/2″ in diameter. Strap width measures 1/2″

6. H&M Suede shoes

45 AUD HM.COM PREMIUM QUALITY. Flat suede shoes with laces at the front and rubber soles. 100% leather.

7. Monica Vinader Marie and Atlantis Kandy rose gold-plated lapis lazuli

645 AUD NET-A-PORTER.COM Rose gold-plated sterling silver. Lapis lazuli . Embossed pendant, can be worn at two lengths . Lobster clasp fastening . This piece has been certified in accordance with the Hallmarking Act 1973.

LADIES, GET YOUR CAMERA BAGS.

Now every time I come across a website that offers camera bags (specifically made for the lady-folk – ie. doesn’t look like a angler’s bum-bag), I have a mental swoon and then go through several stages of inner turmoil. Since shifting to full-time I haven’t had time to explore my city and take loving photos of it. So buying a camera-specific handbag would be pointless…right? I mean, when could I use it? When I’m on holiday? When I’m on a day trip? When…um…buying groceries?

But then I came across another crop of lady camera bag websites, in particular, ONA – as they make all of their beauties out of leather. Oh, be still my beating heart.

THE BROOKLYN, ONA – Chestnut $329USD

Inspired by the classic 1940s school bag, the Brooklyn is a vegetable-tanned leather camera bag that’s designed to protect an SLR with an attached lens and up to 3 additional lenses or small accessories. A slit pocket along the back of the bag is perfect for securing your iPad or e-reader, while the front pocket is designed to hold a small wallet, lens caps and personal items. The Brooklyn is the ideal companion for weekend getaways, impromptu photo shoots with friends, and professional shoots where only your camera and few lenses are needed.

THE BOWERY, ONA – Antique Cognac Leather $229USD

Handcrafted with Italian-tanned leather and detailed with antique brass accents, the Leather Bowery camera bag is both stylish and versatile. Featuring five exterior pockets for personal items and an interior padded with closed-cell foam, the Leather Bowery can carry a camera, one extra lens, and small personal items. Thanks to a detachable strap, the Leather Bowery can be used as a stand-alone camera bag or as an insert to protect your camera in a larger bag.

THE PALMA, ONA – Congac $309

With a focus on simplicity and style, the Palma camera satchel embodies a more elegant era while providing the modern conveniences today’s photographers need. The customisable interior is fully padded with closed-cell foam and has room for a DSLR and up to two lenses. The Palma also includes a convenient front pocket for an iPad or Moleskine. The Palma’s soft and supple leather has a rustic elegance, showing light natural marks and developing character with use. The Palma features a secure turn-lock closure and bold gold accents.

CHOICES, CHOICES!

STYLE: HIGH VERSUS LOW? LOW VERSUS HIGH?

It’s been ages since I have had a Converse sneaker cladding my toes. Astonishing really, when you think of how I used to ONLY wear Converse – and they were always in Optical White. Always. Now I’ve grown all old and hag-y, I’m wondering if I should change-up my ingrained fashion habits? Perhaps go high top? Although, I’m never going to leave Optical White. Some things are hard to change.

Your thoughts? Hi VS Low?

STYLE: WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR FRIEND’S WEDDING. THE FLORAL EDITION.

So it seems to be the season for engagements and weddings – not that I’m complaining, but that means I need to have a series of outfits at the ready for all these big events (also, keep plenty of Spanx on hand). If you’re anything like me, you’ll be absolutely shocking at deciding what to wear – you’ll spend ages trying to decide on an outfit. Does this match with that? Does this dress make me look fat? Do these earrings make me look fat? If I get caught on camera munching down five slices of cake…will that make me look fat?

So to take away the impending stress, I’ve chuffed together a series of “What To Wear To My Friend’s Wedding” style cheat sheets. Today’s special? Florals!

one.     

• EMILIO PUCCI Medium leather bag 2 190 AUD ($2,025)
• C. Wonder Hashtag Studs 26 AUD ($24)
• navy horsebit wrap bracelet 32 AUD ($30)
• Ray-Ban RB5226 Eyeglasses 195 AUD ($180)
• DOLCE & GABBANA Floral Printed Stretch Silk Dress 2 210 AUD (£1,330)
• Zara Combined Sandal With Stiletto Heel 54 AUD ($50)

two.     

• LULU GUINNESS Black Patent Leather Small Envelope Clutch 470 AUD ($435
• Orelia Jewellery Heart Stud Earrings 20 AUD (£12)
• Astley Clarke Colour Sea Shell Large Star Shower Pendant 440 AUD (£265)
• Miu Miu Hexagonal-frame acetate and metal sunglasses 370 AUD ($340)
• VALENTINO R.E.D. Floral Print Puff Skirt Dress 1 150 AUD (£693)
• H&M Court shoes 25 AUD (£15)

three.   

• J.Crew Invitation clutch in python 1 075 AUD ($995)
• GUESS Gold-Tone and Mint Hinged Cuff Bracelet 32 AUD ($30)
• Green Quartz Drop Earrings – Satya Jewelry 160 AUD ($148) –
• J.Crew Garrett Leight Brooks sunglasses in java 405 AUD ($375)
• Zara Printed Dress 97 AUD 54 AUD ($50)
• MANOLO BLAHNIK Classic Suede Pump 645 AUD ($595)

four.    

• GIVENCHY goat skin clutch 1 115 AUD ($1,028)
• NUR Earring 165 AUD ($152)
• TRINA TURK Brasilia Ring 81 AUD ($75)
• Round Retro Sunglasses 4.99 AUD ($4.61)
• Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Blue and Pink Dress Floral Print Belted Dress 690 AUD 345 AUD
• Ted Baker NEEVO – Pointed court shoe 185 AUD ($170)

WARDROBE: WHAT TO WEAR IN MELBOURNE.

We’re well due for a trip to Melbourne soon – and yes, we plan to head out late August – so my guess is, since it IS Melbourne, it’s going to be bloody freezing with temps ranging between 7°C – 15°C. Well, okay, I consider 7°C – 15°C bloody freezing – I like to blame my Malaysian heritage. So, also it’s pretty hip. Also, people wear plenty of black. Also, we’ll only have on-board carry for luggage. So it looks like a major reshuffling of my wardrobe is in order. Time to wear-out Polyvore and come up with something reasonable for 4 days/3 nights worth of wear.

1.    Ray-Ban RB4105 Folding Wayfarer ® Sunglasses
2.    Ray-Ban RB5184 New Wayfarer ® Eyeglasses

1.    Sportsgirl at VOSN
2.    American Apparel Bull Denim Woven Cotton Cities Bag with Strap

1.    Chevron infinity scarf 29 AUD ($27)
2.    Mackage Debora cotton-canvas and leather biker jacket 640 AUD 350 AUD ($324)
3.    Marc by Marc Jacobs Henry Skeleton 270 AUD ($250)

1.    Eat A Lot Sleep A Lot Sweatshirt Crew Neck Black 35 AUD ($32)
2.    Holmes & Yang Ten blouse 645 AUD 160 AUD ($149)
3.    ASOS Lace Swing Dress With Kaleidoscope Pattern 53 AUD (£32)
4.    UNIQLO Women Extra Fine Merino Crew Neck Sweater 32 AUD ($30)
5.    Rag & Bone New Basic Tee 355 AUD ($325)

1.    KSUBI Straight Up Trashed Boyfriend Jeans 315 AUD (£190)
2.    ASOS Tights With Mock Ankle Socks 13 AUD 5.80 AUD (£3.50)

1.    Acne Black Clover Flat Ankle Boot 610 AUD ($560)

Plus as many UNIQLO Heattech shirts as I can stuff into my bags.