Hope Springs

Well the weather has certainly changed since I posted last. The past few days have been beyond beautiful! And it has definitely had an effect on my mood...plus the fact that I start work tomorrow!! My first proper job in, wait for it...20 months!! It might not be the most glamorous job but I am super excited! And so incredibly grateful. It's amazing how your perspective changes when you have an experience like that.

This weekend I was very much spoilt by the man. He wanted to celebrate me starting my job. Saturday night we went out to an Italian restaurant and had a delicious meal and great chats (no phones allowed). Then we went to the movies and saw Guardians of the Galaxy whilst eating choc tops and mini donuts! Today was a glorious 20 degrees! So we decided to pop down to the beautiful suburb of Canterbury. The man and I have had breakfast on the main street before and had a great time, but we like to try new things and so we tried a cute little cafe in a courtyard. Afterwards we went for a walk in the park where we had a great time dancing like idiots and taking photos. As I've mentioned before neither myself or the man have much experience in photography, besides tourist pics ;) but I'm really happy with the result and I really think it was because we were having so much fun! 

So for the week ahead I hope all of your days are filled with sunshine, if not really then metaphorically!

Shirt: Vintage

Jeans: American Apparel

Loafers: Witchery

Backpack: Savers

Sunglasses: Sportsgirl

'The Man' being 'The creep in the bushes'

Me trying to act 'casual'

Thanks to my amazing man for the beautiful day!

Have a great week!

xx

Shades Of Grey

As I write this I am listening to Rachmaninov on record! The man and I secretly both had an affinity towards records, unbeknownst to the other! He had a memory of never being allowed to touch his parents vinyl and I had a wonderful recollection of my Dad's Beatles albums and, personal childhood favourite Monty Python record set, and Mum's rhythm and blues collection which included BB King and Shirley Bassey often being put on by either myself or my sister. So after raiding my parents collection and a few expensive trips to record stores we now have a fast growing collection with everything from Chopin to Nina Simone to Metallica! And one day I plan on getting a much coveted gramophone!! Although it would probably be more for the aesthetics then for actual playing.

Well that was slightly off topic...this very late post is supposed to be my thoughts on the recent weather and my slowly growing camera skills. So onwards!

The weather here in Melbourne has been less than happy, to have a play on words we have seen more than 50 shades of grey (lol sorry). Which has made this homebody a little lackluster. But I am determined to see the grey but not be the grey! Yesterday I was feeling a little less than motivated when the man asked why I was feeling so glum when I had so many things to look forward to! And well slowly but surely I knew he was right (so annoying hehe). Although most of my adult life I have trained myself to live in the present, the present doesn't look all that different to the past at the moment. So as defensive as my mind felt I thought about what I have ahead and I was certainly cocking my head to the upwards position! Finally after faaar too long I have employment in none other than an Australian icon! And next year I could potentially be working towards a career dream. In fact I'm starting right now. No more being affected by weather, I have too much work to do!

As I start to hear the rain tapping on the roof I'm brought back to a feeling of new life and new energy. And after a couple of chats with the man my mind came back around to the blog and my lack of content. As surprising as this may seem to my close friends I am quite embarrassed to take pictures of myself and even to ask for someone else to take photos of me! As I look at other blogs most of these lovely ladies can look so sultry and serious which is not very me...even the photos I have taken like this make me laugh/cringe. I know I don't have to take pictures like this but to be honest I really love the way they look, just not seeing myself do it haha insecurity much! Anyway I must continue to practise my camera skills and when my VERY supportive man takes pictures I must direct and star and therefore be confident in my looks, so watch out!!

Here are a few photos I took the other week when playing around with light, and a few pics of bloggers whose photos I just adore!

Kayture

Gary Pepper Girl

Zanita

Style Scrapbook

5 Inch and Up

Karla's Closet

Have a great week!

xx

QP Shop

A couple of weeks ago a good friend of mine came to visit from Sydney. It was so great to see her considering we used to live together and now we see each other only twice a year if we're lucky! While she was here we went to a restaurant called QPO in Kew and had a delicious meal and cocktails! My favourite was the Toblerone cocktail, it...was...so...goooood!! Unfortunately I didn't take any photos while we were out as we were too engrossed in catching up. But a couple of days later I put the outfit and make-up back on to recreate the look.

Now I have a new camera but I'm still not too sure how to use it so I apologise for the slightly off pictures :s I also need a tripod as the full body shots were taken by my camera sitting on a book, on my Lorna Jane diary, on my couch!

As for my outfit the jacket (Bardot) was actually found at an op shop! CJ and I went on an op shop rummage a couple of months ago and we got so much! I never used to be an op shop fan, when I was younger my sister did a lot of op shopping...I say a lot, they were the only places she shopped. She used to get some good things. But whenever I went I couldn't find anything. It was very frustrating so I stopped going. These days I look at clothes differently and find many a gem! So if you've never really been a fan of op shops in the past I say have another go. There's so much out there and you're helping good causes!

Inspiration: I just really wanted to wear this jacket (hehe)

Jacket: Bardot (via op shop)

Singlet: Sportsgirl

Jeans: ASOS

Boots: Windsor Smith

Earrings: Lovisa

I'm in love with these boots!

Make-up: Natural cat eye

Foundation: MAC Studio Fix Fluid NW20

Blush: MAC Pincho Peach

Eye Brows: Models Prefer Kohl Pencil Dark Chocolate

Eye Shadow: Highlighter (the name has long worn off)

Eye Liner: Physicians Formula Eye Booster

Mascara: Covergirl Lash Blast (2 coats)

Lipstick: Rimmel Starry-Eyed

Being stupid with my giant hand!

Have a beautiful day!!

xx

Winter is Coming

Well if you are in the southern hemisphere winter has already begun, but I love Game of Thrones so I couldn't resist! I have to admit that as wonderful as summer is there's nothing better than a sunny winter's day. And one thing I love about the cooler months is the opportunity to really experiment with what you wear. Layer upon layer can be worn and you can accessorise as much as you feel. But my all time favourite style moment of winter is the coat, or jacket depending on the weather and how you feel. I love all kinds of coats from cropped to floor length, but my earliest memory of a coat is my mum's fabulous 80s woollen, multicoloured, shoulder padded, ankle grazing jacket that I used to hide under as a child. Unsurprisingly (if you know my mum) she still has it and it is in amazing condition. I actually tried it on the other day and even though my mum and I are the same height and size it did not look good on me...I looked like a child trying on its mothers clothing...funny that!

Now that winter has hit I am looking for my own classic coat. The range is amazing and confusing. I've had many coats and jackets in my time but none that have stood the test of time. Although it doesn't help that my tastes change with my mood. With that in mind I have collected a few inspirations of some coats I would love to get my paws on!

I hope you enjoyed my coat round-up and are now inspired for the colder months!

See you next time!

xx

Original links can be found on my Pinterest page.

Update: Where has winter gone? It's been 20 degrees every day haha!!