Sydney Weekender

Hello world!

Hope you're still with me cuz I know it's been a little while between drinks. So, you know I had an awesome but incredibly busy time in Sydney over Easter. Somehow in the space of three days we managed to:

• pick up the ultimate nanna blanket on the way to Sydney, via a market at Exeter

• schlep to our fave daggy Asian joint, Harry's Singapore Chilli Crab (yes, that's the ACTUAL name) and consume a 2.2 kilo mud crab between the three of us (oh man, the sweetness of the crab, with the fiery chilli sauce was so good)

• race through the Museum of Contemporary Art, where I unfortunately missed the Anish Kapoor exhibition, but managed to eat the most delicious eggs cocotte at the MCA cafe

• meander around the The Rocks market, where I picked up a beautiful Silk Diva Tunic  from Anna Pryor

• scoff one of my fave dishes of all time, the roti canai, at the once hatted, yet still awesome Mamak 

• Nip into the Sydney Antiques Centre, where as someone who collects tea pots and vintage tins,  picked up the Holy Grail = a tin tea pot (what are the chances?!)

• Dash through IKEA, because I physically do not know how to visit a city without nipping into a furniture store (oh I also went to Matt Blatt on Oxford Street). AND to top it off...
• attend a Big Fat wedding of 500 (yep that's 50 with an extra 0)

Phew! Summing it all up, I'm not sure how we managed to do it without going insane, well we kinda did, but that's what happens when you travel with an 8 year old and my Mother.

Oh did I not mention that my Mother, who also travelled from Canberra, insisted we visit a random distant relative with her, in some unknown part of Sydney, because you know, we had so much spare time.

When picturing said Mother, think, Imelda Marcos/Margaret Thatcher/Martha Stewart/Oprah Winfrey rolled into one. So basically a scary perfectionist dictator with a penchant for shoes and a heart of gold, who always gets what she wants. Bless.

I'm hoping this weekend will be way less cray cray, but ya never know with me!

Until next time...Rose. xx

Much ado about nothing # 6

Hello world!

For those of you not living in Aus, sorry to break it to you but we've got yet another long weekend coming up. For those of us in Aus, huzzah!!!!!!!!!!!

So what have I got planned? Plenty.

The fam and I are heading to the big smoke aka Sydney for a long overdue weekend getaway. We're staying at Circular Quay, which means access to the most beautiful harbour in the world, more food than you can poke a fork at, and a trip to the promised land, IKEA. Woot!

I also plan on using my time in Sydney hunting for a collared shirt, because I’m seriously obsessed with them. I know its totes weird, but you know that feeling when you realise something's missing from your wardrobe, and if you find it, your 'style avatar' will be complete? For me it's the collared shirt. 

And just in case I haven't talked enough about collared shirts, check out this sweet one at ModCloth

Also I have to report on what a fabbo weekend I had catching up with Miss E and the LSR ladies.

Hanging out with Miss E always gives me the warm and fuzzies. She is seriously one of the most 'alive' people I have ever met.

I realise, unless you're friends with Casper, most people's friends are um alive, but what I mean is Miss E doesn't just live life, she eats is up.

This is a girl, though currently on Mat Leave,  who still manages to build her own outdoor setting (yep you heard me), run a household, raise a baby, and volunteer as a marketing manager for a not-for-profit org supporting mothers with post and anti natal depression.

Seriously, what a dynamo!

Also, hanging out with the LSR ladies recently, catching the French Film Meet me in Real Life and checking out new Italian restaurant Bicicletta was another reminder of how amazeballs they all are.

The succulent lamb at Bicicletta

Though these women are all unique, what binds them together and makes me gravitate towards them, is their shared capacity for compassion, empathy, excessive laughter and incredible intelligence. 

On that note, here's to the long weekend, excessive laughter, collared shirts and your circle of friends. After all, love, friends, family and um collared shirts, really do make the world (and weekends) go round. So does gravity, I think.

Oh here's a picture of a cat on a hot tin...car (aka my cat Gibi) 

Until next time...Rose. xx

Puffing with pride

Hello world!

Thanks to the super kool Rachi over at le-bonvivant, I've been nominated for a Liebster Award.

To say I'm a bit puffed and chuffed would be an understatement.

What's a Liebster Award you say? Well a 'Liebster award is a blogger to blogger award, almost like a chain letter between bloggers' but waaay less annoying (quote from Rachi's blog...well you know how it is, if it ain't broke...).  

Anyway, I think it's an ace gesture and one that works on the principle of paying it forward.

 

So here's the low down, the nominee has to answer 11 questions from their nominator, plus declare 11 random facts about themselves and then nominate bloggers with less than 200 followers to win the award. Plus you gotta thank your nominator by linking back to their page (well that's just good manners!) and let your nominees know on their page.

So first here's my nominees and questions:

M at AfterLComes Mmmmm
Maadz & Mari at My Pretty Sydney
Teak at Cider Teak

1.      Favourite movie of all time
2.      Favourite song to sing at Karaoke
3.      Favourite subject in school
4.      Three ultimate dinner party guests ( dead or alive)
5.      Career aspirations as a child…when I grow up I want to be…?!
6.      Favourite item of clothing
7.      A travel destination on your wish list
8.      Sweet or savoury, and why?
9.      First childhood memory
10.  Where do you think you’ll be 5 years from now?
11.  Random deal breakers for relationships (friends or partners)

Rachi’s Questions to me!

1. Who inspires you the most? 

The Husband. Even though we disagree on stuff and always have spirited debates, he's my sounding board for most things.

2. Describe yourself in three words?

Baaah hard one without sounding like a total douche, but I’ll have a crack. I’d say I’m a…

Funny
Fickle
Dreamer

3. What's the first thing you do every morning as soon as you wake up?

Sad…check Facebook and then pee.

4. What's the biggest fashion faux pass you've ever made?

So many to choose from… where to begin?!

I was a blind trend follower until my early 20’s, so I’ve done everything from Spice Girl inspired platform shoes to J Lo inspired white pants. No one should ever wear white pants.

5. What's one skill you wish you had?

I love art, so the ability to draw and paint.

6. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?

Manhattan, without a doubt.

7. What was your first ever job?

A customer service ‘consultant’ at Hungry Jacks.

8. What's your favourite book of all time?

Pride and Prejudice.

9. What's your number one guilty pleasure?

A bowl of potato mash with lots and lots of butter.

10. Which fairytale is your favourite and why?

I’m not sure I really have a favourite fairytale. I guess I grew up watching Disney interpretations, so does Aladdin count?!

11. What's your favourite song at the moment?

Retrograde, James Blake. I'm obsessed.


11 Random Facts about Me 


1.       I went to 7 different schools in three different countries by the time I was 12. My dad was an academic, so we travelled a lot.

2.       I read Pride and Prejudice for the first time when I was 13. I’ve read it every year since. I’m now 29.

3.       I am obsessed with Jane Austen.

4.       I love violent, melancholic movies. My favourite movie of all time is The Godfather.

5.       My sister and I have the exact same initials, middle name included.

6.       My sister and I sound so similar that for many years my husband couldn’t tell us apart on the phone.

7.       I wore braces till I was 21. I had no issues with vanity, but they were a total pain when it came to eating steak.

8.       I love steak.

9.       I’m kind of a neat freak, but only with certain things. Hence my hatred of unmade beds, but total disregard for the linen cupboard.

10.   I haven’t eaten cereal since I was 15. I’m now 29. Something about crusty things floating in milk freaks me out.

11.   I’d much rather nap than go out clubbing.

Well friends I hope the facts above have enlightened you all as to my person, and please do check out my nominees, cuz they're all awesome reads. Thanks again to Miss Rachi for the shout out!

Until next time...Rose.
xx

Friday Face Art

Hello world!

Another quick one today.

Just lately I've noticed something very unusual about me. It appears the more craptacular my week, the brighter my lips.



That's me with the unfocused eyes and fuchsia lips.

Weird I know, but it's true. All this week, I was dreading going to the doctors, because the doc wanted to discuss the results of my recent blood tests. Turns out everything is fine, but um when a doc says he needs to see me after a test, my mind generally goes straight to the hospice.

Anyway, to cheer myself up, I've been wearing the brightest lipsticks known to man kind. I know it's totes weird, but I feel like, even if the world's falling apart, if I can manage to pull out the red lippie, I'll be ok.


Which brings me to the topic of lipsticks.

Now I know lipstick scares a lot of women, but if worn correctly, I think it brings so much femininity and glamour to a look.

I mean really, all women are beautiful, so why not enhance it with some trout pout.

My favourite lipstick of all time is courtesy of Aussie brand Chi Chi. Stocked in MYER, Chi Chi is one of few brands that still do a fantastic matte lip. I know we've been on a decade long love affair with pinky/peach lip gloss, but it's time to move on people, we're not in high school anymore! (and if you are, then um, carry on)

CHI CHI VIVA LA DIVA LIPSTICK
Brick Red / Matte

Femme Fatale

Buy it here:

Even if your lips aren't cut out for the hard stuff, try a creamy lip in a soft hue, like this Loreal Colour Riche below.

Loreal Colour Riche Toffee & Chocolate, buy it here:

Anyway, that's all I've got for today folks! Happy lip smacking.

Until next time...Rose. xx

A hairy situation

Hello world!

Quick Monday wrap up, slash, whinge session about the bigger things in life, my hair.

Basically, I am really hatin on it at the mo. It's not a new sensation as I tend to experience this hair angst at least twice a year.

Normally, it results in either talking myself out of doing anything crazy, and sticking to a trim and conditioning session...or losing my mind and chopping it off.

As I have amazingly fast growing hair, I have literally gone from elbow to chin length hair at least three times since 2008, and I think I'm going to do it again.

And before you ask, of course I have a celebrity hair cut in mind, which I will of course show to my hairdresser, who will no doubt tell me that it's impossible, and I will insist she does it anyway, then it will end up looking horrible and I'll end up in tears.

So basically it's on. Wish me luck!



Until next time...Rose. xx

Flowers on the wall

Hello world!

This week’s post is all about flowers, both literal and metaphorical.

I love flowers, I like them in the garden, freshly cut in a vase, I like them on fabric, and I like being one.




Cue screech to a halt noise. Say what?? She likes 'being' a flower, lady be cray cray.

What I mean in my own weird way is that I like being a wallflower.

Wikipedia defines wallflowers as people who are inherently shy but once you get to know them, they are like the definition of awesome...

And even though many people, including some of my closest friends are still shocked by my admission of wallflowerness, it's how I've always rolled.

Like I said, it's not like I'm a total anti-social pariah or something, it's just I'd much rather stand back against the wall and observe people than be the female incarnation of Redfoo, know what I mean?

Anyway, all this talk of walls has reminded me that I recently papered one. You know so that I could stand against it, being a wallflower and all.

 The Husband doing the leg work.

 The result.

Even though I have no segway, here's some snapshots of my Birthday.



I gots me a coffee machine from super store Aldi. Now I get cafe quality coffee right at home and get to be even more manic. Yaya!

The Husband took me to the Nishi building at New Acton. Check out the amazing wooden frame that envelops most of the multi story building. It's so post modern and awesome, I really love it.

 We also went to Lonsdale Street Traders, a unique warehouse space that houses a whole range of groovy pop up stores.

 Cute vintage clothing store Hipsley Lane  is one of the many groovy stores in the Traders. I would have bought a dress had I been able to try one on. It was 38 degrees (again) and none of the stores had air conditioning. Stinkin summer!

  
On that happy note, I'mma say Sayonara.

Until next time...Rose. xx

I bought a zoo...I mean a sofa!

Hello world!

Just wanted to report what a lovely weekend I've just had. Even though it was a relatively short long weekend (stay with me) as in only one extra day off, I had just enough leisure time, combined with fun outings as to render me very very satisfied.

I also bought some stuff, some much needed, other's catering to my horrible shopping addiction, like the cardi below, courtesy of Aussie discount store, Big W.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I love Big W knits. Seriously, for a fraction of the price of high street labels, you get really good quality, comfortable knits. I paired my new purchase with my favourite polka dot dress from my trip to London last year, thanks Topshop!

See, my love for polka dots also extends to my wardrobe.

Since Lily has recently moved out of our parents’ home (which I'm sure she'll be reporting on soon, right Lilz?!) we thought it only fair (and kinda convinient) to off load some of our old furniture, including my beloved Ikea (Ektorp) two seater which previously sat in our study/den.

But, in its place now sits this super funky 1950's vinyl sofa, purchased by the Husband. 

Even though it's not something I would normally jump on (I mean this is a metaphorical sense unlike Tom Cruise), it looks wonderful our home. As I've said in the past, your home is where your heart is, and I think it should be a reflection of you.

So the Husband, who cites Frank Lloyd Wright as one of his architectural hero's and loves furniture from his era, is chuffed to have this sitting proudly in our home.  

For those in Aus, hope you're all enjoying your short week, and for those sitting in faraway lands, sending good vibes for the one ahead. Until next time...Rose. xx

I bought a zoo...I mean a dress

Hello world!

Quick one today. I was let out of the Zoo last Sunday by Petite Rose and the Husband so of course I headed to the Promised Land, the mall.

I bought a number of items, including a dress I don't need, a new pair of flats, as my current one's have expired, http://rusabs.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/robbing-peter-to-pay-sportsgirl.html and the best eye liner ever!

The dress is soooo comfortable, and the shirred waist is kinda cool, thanks Country Road, I'll be wearing this to Lily's graduation tomorrow!

http://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/woman/clothing/dresses/60152015/Shirred-Tank-Dress.html

 

I heart ballerina flats, my 1429th pair, thanks again to Country Road.

I love the 'Perfect Blend' eyeliner from Covergirl, it's super glidy and the pointed sponge is perfect for definition and winged eyes. Plus it's a steal at around $15.

 

http://www.covergirl.com/beauty-products/eye-makeup/eyeliner 

 

 

 

Until next time...Rose. xx

Me want your style ( update)

Hello world!

Given the tag line of this blog, lovers of couture and all that, Lily and I are often caught waxing lyrical re the sartorial choices of the people around us, and our style icons.

Like most things in life, we have very similar taste and pretty much see eye to eye on most things fashion-ey.

Having said that, I definitely lean towards the more quirky, boho, vintage look, while Lil'z is much more streamlined, often teaming classic tailoring with lux accessories, which sometimes can be a far better choice, as my affinity towards the quirky has sometimes seen me fall victim to some pretty horrendous trends - hello 80's revival ala ra ra skirts and neon off the shoulder tops, shame on you Rose, shame, shame, shame.

Anyhoo, before I embarrass myself further, here are my fave style icons:

Zooey Deschanel
Oh how I love thy whimsical style with your oh so perfect bangs

Love the fabric.

 .

My favourite city in Europe for style is defo London. Having visited Europe for the first time earlier this year, I was in awe of the place. The people of France and Italy were all so beautiful, and reeked of such glamour, that it figuratively hurt my eyes.

But, there's something about London. I think it was seeing the experimentation with colours and textures which really grabbed me. Plus as a lover of face art, I loved that the ladies were so bold with their make up.

Brit girl Lily Allen. Fellow wearer of winged eyeliner and lover of vintage.



Speaking of Brits, I have to give a shout out to one of my favourite designers of all time and fashion royalty, Vivienne Westwood.

Could a dress get any cooler?! 

Again, as someone who leans towards the Avant Garde (and melodrama) I really don't think they make em any better than Ms Westwood. I recently saw some of Ms Westwood's pieces at The National Gallery of Australia and my was I in love. Plus, I was insane enough to purchase a Westwood bag when I went to Hong Kong in 2008 (pre mortgage). I don't take it out very often but I'll treasure it forever.


The rest of my style icons in no particular order:

Gwen Stefani
Love her funky vintage/punk style and ever present red lip.

If I was a rich girl...I'd buy your wardrobe.

Sonam Kapoor

Indian Bollywood actress, Sonam Kapoor, is considered one of the most stylish women of India. Here's why.

Are y'all sensing I might like a red lip? 

Chloe Sevigny
The ultimate fashionista, blending quirk with couture.

Can I have your pins?

Michelle Williams
While it's hard to look away from her beautiful face, I love how she keeps it simple, focusing on beautiful tailoring and sweet delicate details.

This Vera Wang dress is one of my ultimates.

UPDATE!

I forgot to mention Miroslava Duma, the former Russian fashion editor, now storming the fashion pages with her bold, eclectic and oh so expensive wardrobe. While I wouldn't dream of attempting her look I am defo intrigued.

 

Until next time...Rose. xx

A room of one's own

Hello blogosphere!

It's Lily here, with a title borrowed from the great Virginia Woolf. I hope I am forgiven for using her title in the literal sense, as you are about to see...

Approaching the end of my degree, I've decided that it's time for  me to venture out into the big, bad world and get a place of my own. Now I know this means I will no longer have instant access to my Mum's delicious cooking, and that I can't use my Dad having bought chocolate home as my excuse for eating large quantities of it....but moving out also means a chance to decorate my own place, hooray!

In true Lily fashion I  have already begun picking up pieces despite the fact that the moving out part is still months away, so here are my favourite finds.

I had always been dying for a dressmaker's mannequin (not because I am so talented as to actually use it for dressmaking) but because I love mannequins as a piece of furniture. This houndstooth patterned mannequin was actually Rose's find, who stumbled across it and called me in a frisson of excitement asking me whether I wanted her to buy it. As it is now lovingly adorned in my necklaces, you can see I said yes. The mannequin is going to serve as decoration inspiration for a 'boudoir of sorts' in my own place, see below!

Above are a selection of prints I have been collecting. The water landscape was picked up in a market in Kuala Lumpur, the Paris landscapes were a present from Rose from her trip to France (thanks Sis!) and the black and white photographs I got from the Salamanca Market in Hobart (which by the way are fantastic). I can't wait to put these up, and don't worry I will show you the end result :)

Given I used the title of feminist essays for this blog I thought it wouldn't be right if I didn't include something about an ass-kicking female. I recently finished reading Jane Eyre, and absolutely loved it. There is just something about a young woman in the 1800s who challenges men in a patriarchal society and asserts her independence which gets you. If you haven't already read the novel, I would definitely recommend it!

Until next time,
Xx Lily

Greensleeves

Hello world!

A quick one today although I promise to post on my upcoming dinner party with lovely Miss I and her Mr next week.

Oh and the reason I'm having said dinner party is because I now have a six seater dining table!

I will of course be contributing zero culinary skills but Miss I has promised to supply her famous pannacotta and The Husband is cooking his famous roast chook. Photos and recipes soon.

As for today I had to share my love for this fabulous Witchery dress.

http://www.witchery.com.au/her/dresses/cap-sleeve-knit-dress?color=EMERALD

Formal dresses with long sleeves are so few and far between, plus combined with the gorgeous colour/shape I'd say this one's in the bag. Well not my bag because I have to spend my moolah on sensible things like a new gate for my backyard (yawn).

Anyway hope you all have a great rest of week!

Until next time...Rose xx.

     



 

Forget Me Not

Helllloo readers! Apologies a thousand times over for leaving such a long pause between posts. Remember my saying Rose and I share many similarities? Sporadic and intermittent blogging is obviously one of them. Rose mentioned in her previous post that I’ve entered my last semester of uni (yaya!) so unfortunately I’ve gotten a little caught with it. Rest assured though that I have not forgotten you. I am very much looking forward to finishing university but as I approach the end of my five years I’m starting to appreciate it a lot more. It’s dawned on me that I will no longer be able to see my friends every day, spend hours lounging in the sun, or have as many days off as I do. I am currently at uni two days this semester, which means for those whose weeks are 5 days working and 2 day weekends, my weeks are in reverse. I know, I know, it’s a hard life!

The ANU Law School. Have spent as much time on the lawns as I have in the building

 The month of August saw my attending ANU’s annual law ball, which is THE event of the university’s social calendar. You may think I’m kidding but I do not jest. Picture an elaborate online ticketing system where tickets sell faster than a one direction concert, and those who miss out offer their kidney in exchange for a ticket. I’ve attended four out five balls in my years at law school, and this was one of my most enjoyable. Beautiful company, lovely food, and a chance to glam-it-up at the Great Hall in Parliament House, what’s not to enjoy? The ball also gave me a chance to break out my Azzedine Alaia pumps, purchased well over a year ago and the apple of my eye (feet). These are my favourite shoes in a prized shoe collection.

I am a regular Cruella De Vil (but not actually!)




Tiramisu cake served at Law Ball, yum! 

Annnd last but not least here’s my take on The Dark Knight Rises as a reply to Rose’ last post. Are we not the best blogging, movie reviewing sisters the internet has ever seen?! Rhetorical question, don’t answer it, not even in your head. I’ll skip the plot summary as my Sis did a fabu job and go straight to the part where I say I freaking loved the movie!! Everybody enjoys a little superhero action but Christopher Nolan is a wonderful director in being able to imbue all three Batman films with a certain darkness, character development, and emotion which takes the movies well beyond your average superhero flick. The Dark Knight Rises does not disappoint, and unlike Rose I enjoyed it just as much as I did its predecessors. I also had an extremely scary nightmare featuring the villain Bane a few nights later, so trust me the thrills, spills, twists and turns are all in there! 

 

 



Until next time,
Lily

Dining & Styling

Hello world,

It’s Lily again with my much awaited second post. I say much awaited as Rose literally just texted me with ‘oi when u doin your post?’ I’d like to say this was due to the magnificence of my first entry, but it’s more likely due to the fact that I should have gotten this entry up a while ago, apologies! Last week saw me babysitting Little Rose (thanks to sister for her kind words in ‘the perfect tableau’ and yes I am a fabulous Aunt), attending the wedding of my best friend (await my next post) and falling ill with a cold (resulting in a general desire not to use my brain). However, with a little encouragement from a good friend, a day of rest, and the soothing sounds of Amy Winehouse I’m ready to discuss all things dine-y and style-y. 

Adore Tea in Gold Creek is a place I’ve been dying to visit, so lucky for me I recently went there and avoided the slow death that catches people who don’t have enough flavoured tea in their system. Jokes aside, sipping delicious tea by a cosy fireplace was the perfect way to pass a wintery Canberra afternoon. I sampled the apple and cinnamon, whilst my lovely friend Miss A enjoyed the coconut. They also have a range of sweet treats on the menu which I got a good look at given the waiters kept bringing us food we did not order (I had a plate of waffles waved temptingly under my nose TWICE). Adore Tea features local jazz bands on Sunday afternoons, so this coupled with the delightful tea makes it a place I will definitely be revisiting.

As Rose mentioned I also visited Soju Girl in the same week she did, word of good restaurants in Canberra gets round fast. Collectively we sampled the zucchini flowers, cauliflower flowerets, soft shell crab, tiger prawns, and whole baby snapper with chilli jam. Please note that minus the snapper the rest of these were small plates to share as my friends and I are not training to eat as much as Matt Preston. We really enjoyed all the food, particularly the snapper as the chilli jam was to die for! Soju Girl has an extensive menu and I’m already looking forward to going back there, I’ve got my eye on their wagyu carpaccio. The other thing I loved about Soju Girl was the interior and ambiance of the place. We sat at their communal table where you’re seated on stools at the four corners of a large table across from other diners. It was a fun way to dine but just a tip, it’s not suitable if your party is more than four people. J

 

Moving onto other topics, one thing you must know about me is that I love my online shopping. And I mean LOVE. I recently needed my clutch collection updated before abovementioned wedding, so onto Google I went with the complex search term ‘online clutches.’ This is how I discovered Style Tread (http://www.styletread.com.au/) and picked up the two goodies you see here. I’ve always been a fan of Olga Berg and I went with these two because I wanted some staples that could be pulled out to go with any outfit. The black retails for $49.95 where I paid $24.90 while the silver retails for $29.95 and I paid $14.90.  When I say bargain, you say yes!

 

When it comes to the Kardashians style is not something that comes to mind. That being said sometimes inspiration can come from unexpected places, which is why I was surprised when I found I really liked Kourtney K’s outfit above. I used her outfit as inspiration when putting together my ensemble below, which are both pieces I had purchased online a while before and had not thought to combine. The next time you get some fashion inspiration take a look through your wardrobe, because you may just have exactly what you need!




 

 

Posing with Miss G in Urban Outfitters blouse with vintage skirt

Until we meet again,

Lily xx