Quite possiblly the softest jumper I've ever felt and has therefore earned its number one spot in my fluffy sweater collection. I'm so happy with the amount of pastel-coloured and fluffy goodies coming into stores lately.... every few years I look at the trends currently out and declare that it's the best year for fashion yet, and I think that time has come again because the focus is back on comfort and effortlessness and it's never felt so good. Although, I did buy leather-look pants today from work even though I can't guarantee that I'll be able to bend in them... but everything is easily justified when it's on sale, right?
There are regular buses stopping along Beaufort St, take bus 950 and get off just after Bunnings in Inglewood. Cash only, with free beverages and snacks on offer.
Over the Easter weekend, Mario and I attended a friends wedding in Cottesloe. A beautiful warm sunny day was just perfect for what turned out to be a beautiful wedding. As the Father of the Groom later spoke of in his speech, when a wedding invitation arrives, for a woman, it is coded with meaning. It gives instructions such as, buy a new dress, shoes and earrings, get nails done and ensure a new stick of (sometimes waterproof) mascara is on hand. Mario as the MC for the evening later followed this up by pointing out that he too, received the 'coded' wedding invite, as he suited up in a new tailored get up. He did a pretty good job, no? I think this is actually the first time I have featured Mario up on the blog- despite him repeatedly and kindly taking photos for me and helping me with rebranding and design jobs (the new site is still coming!). So, this is Mario- funny, ever kind, supportive and the best friend I never knew I needed.
When I received 'the coded' invitation, I thought, 'Yay! An excuse to buy another dress!' (Although could have admittedly used it as a chance to wear a perfectly suitable one that I already own!) So began scouring online for one, short listing a few before deciding to snap up this one by one of my absolute favourite Australian labels Ellery.
Below I have added a lookbook of dresses that could easily have suited attending a wedding. I think the key is to keep in mind: tasteful shape, avoid black or neon and potentially avoid white (unless you check it is okay). It is a good opportunity to wear colour and print, just to mix things up. Above all, dress for your shape, make sure you are comfortable and enjoy!
As you may know, I tend to ruthlessly attack and purge my wardrobe of pieces on a regular basis. Despite that I only weeks ago sold another 20 something items on eBay and gave a bag full of pieces away, I have still managed to find a few more things to sell, so at the last minute I have decided to jump on board with this weekends Perth Blogger Garage Sale. As bloggers tend to snap up new season pieces, are tuned into sales, offered exclusive discounts or are given items to wear, the stack of clothes and accessories pile up quickly.
For myself I have pieces from Acne Studios, Lack of Color, Sass & Bide, Elizabeth & James, Alice McCall, ASOS, Flannel, Ray-Ban, Josh Goot, First Base, Sonia Rykell, Lucette, and more with nothing over $100.00. Pictured are just a few of these.
There are regular buses stopping along Beaufort St, take bus 950 and get off just after Bunnings in Inglewood. Cash only, with free beverages and snacks on offer.
As mentioned back here, I was kindly lent dresses to wear to the Urban Couture events last month, but as the weather turned nasty, cancelling the night show, was unable to shoot this dress. For the events I adopted the excuse to wear colours, which I am not often keen to do- and can see that they clearly generate a popular response. This House of Skye dress feels feisty, powerful and fun, with its low back, easy swing shape and long hemline. It is no secret that wearing red can boost your energy and mood, so is naturally a good choice if you ever need to be awake and alert but have your thoughts on sleeping in. Anytime I have made a presentation and felt sleepy, red lipstick helped distract the attention away from tired eyes. As for my prop of choice? Roses kindly gifted to Mario for being MC at a friends wedding this weekend, which of course meant I got to keep them. Happy days! I think you could wear this dress to a wedding.
Some unused photos from the March archives because, while I'm enjoying my growing collection of fluffy sweaters and coats, I'm still missing bare leg weather. I thought Autumn was supposed to be the best of both worlds? Hope you're all having a relaxing Easter break! :-)
Laura messaged me the morning of the Style and the City launch asking what I planned to wear. Colour was the obvious choice- Sex and the City is full of colour, print and eclectic touches. So I obviously wanted to wear black, or grey. Anything but colour. Go against the grain wherever possible!
This look didn't feel too dressed up for a Friday morning either (although if I'd worn a pair of pumps…) but I tell you what, wearing t-shirt fabric head-to-toe is super comfy! Win. I love this boxy top, I got it ages ago and wear it a lot, I spotted a pretty similar one on sale at Fashn Bunkr, if I didn't have this one already I would be adding it to cart directly. I do head to toe black or white all the time, grey is somehow a little different, but I like it, I like the 'nothingness' it exudes. This morning I heard people talking about 'normcore' in reference to the opening of Uniqlo today in Melbourne. Damn well I love that, I am SOOOO NOT into faux tan, faux hair extensions, faux nails, boobs exposed, tightly clung super short anything dressing. Term dressing in an undone way with a little more flair than 'I just rolled out of bed in this' and I am okay with that. Just call me 'grey-marle-normcore-lady'.
I probably should start wearing different boots. Actually, I have to start wearing different boots before I kill these entirely. When I go back to Adelaide I am bringing back more ankle boots from my boxes of stuff! Same goes with a different bag. Meh.
On Saturday afternoon I got myself down to The Boulevard Hotel to hit up the BLVD Markets and at the kind invitation of DGPR attend a blogger lunch. I can not really think of a greater afternoon than to spend it with a kind and supportive group of vibrant women all snapping photos, chatting and swapping stories. The food was spot on (and I am a fussy eater) with an excellent tasting plate, and if you follow me on instagram- you will have seen my Salmon steak lunch. The Boulevard is a newly renovated hotel, the food is European-inspired with an extensive and impressive wine list, outdoor area (which let's face it, will be used a lot considering our Perth climate of sunshine and warmth) and spacious interior bar. Their signature cocktail of infused earl grey vodka and citrus was perfect to sip in the sun. Finally we were treated to cakes by Laura Isabella (I probably should have taken mine home to eat later!) with wine, cider, beer and gin producers sampling their wares. The BLVD Markets in collaboration with Hatch (remember our Hatch feature back here) are almost rounding up for the season, but you have one more chance (May 10th 11am- 4pm) to stop by before they do. Featuring the best of what Hatch and local WA designers have to offer, the markets are a great place to chat with local designers and shop their unique wares. With Autumn/Winter 2014 garments and accessories from local favourites like Chalice, Conchita, Zed Alliance, Jonte A, Bare Fingers, Rosie and Broken, Generics, Empire Rose, ALBD by Ange Lang and more. Pictured is THAT Katherine Dunmill black leather bag I know now for sure I need in my life from her latest collection, as well as a tree of Alister Yiap necklaces, embossed geometric Gyptian bags (I mean, wow!) and more. Thank you to Nicole and David for inviting me along, the markets are seriously well executed in a beautiful location. This spot was a little gem that I can anticipate becoming a local hotspot. I was very grateful for the opportunity to spend time swapping stories with fellow bloggers, something which I always find to be rewarding- I am not kidding when I say that this blog has afforded me the chance to meet some truly beautiful people. Finally, I better tell you about this ASOS denim skirt bargain! I actually love it, despite the fact that it screams the 90's in a way that I normally would wish to avoid. Even better, it is on sale for $36.95 and if you use the code YES20 at the checkout you will get a further 20% off. (Oh and go up one size cause it is small and not super stretchy. I am looking out for you!) It is a great easy to wear piece that despite the hesitations from my male friends who saw it as I opened my last ASOS order, looks great on. I love that it can be dressed up or down, worn with ankle boots, sneakers, sandals or heels. You decide. Double denim is also optional, but on a surprise 32 degree day in the middle of Autumn, it kept me comfortable. xx Jenelle Photos by Laura Liy and myself