Lace Me Up

(Vintage dress (worn as top), Asos pants, Rubi hat, Sportsgirl belt and heels, Temt bag)

The weather has been so beautiful and sunny lately, but I felt like wearing something other than my usual skirt-and-shirt combo today. I've never really been a pants girl because I've been cursed with a long torso and short legs but high waisted bottoms usually do the trick of casting an illusion of longer legs).

I am in love with these lace pants from ASOS, but they don't fit me as well as I had hoped. Not the most accurate size 6 I've come across (AND I'm usually a size 8). Although I still feel a little paranoid that it looks too big on me, I'm too attached to return it. 

Floral

(Asos dress, Rubi hat, Mooloola heels)

The sun was shining, the breeze was warm, so obviously that calls for some ice-cream and fun. I think I'm using the sunshine as an excuse to wear hats every day, because I haven't been able to stop wearing this taupe hat from Rubi/Cotton On.

There is so much going on with this dress, that makes it so ridiculously fun to wear: frills, front tie-up detailing, uneven hems and pretty dark florals. It's such a different take on the usual florals that is right up my alley.

Now that I've had a small taste of the rainbow, I can't stay away from colours. I used to think that bright colours would take away the sophistication or elegance of an outfit, but I realise now that that is so far from the truth. Trying to be serious doesn't really work for me, so I was inevitably going to drown myself in colours sooner or later.

Valentine

(Zara shirt, Mika & Gala skirt, Forever New flats, Estee Lauder 'Wild Fire' lipstick, Revlon 'Tangerine' nail polish)

I hate to jump on the mushy Valentine post bandwagon, but I couldn't help but share the delicious breakfast I was treated to this morning. I'm not much of a gift person, and I think my boyfriend has realised that too by making our 'picnic by the lake' a traditional Valentine's custom (reminiscent of how our early dates were spent). For those sharing this day with their other half or those lucky enough to devote this day to spoiling themselves, I hope you all had a wonderful loving day.

Today, I wanted to put a spin on the traditional red Valentine's colour and opted for a coral/orange theme on my nails, lips and feet. I don't often wear flats, purely because it is so hard to find a pair of flats that are special enough to account for the lack of heel but this three-tone pair is packed with little amazing details like the white ankle strap, metallic look heel and the pointed toe yet still keeps its casual 'no heels' appeal.

Happy Valentine's Day! <3

Unconventional

(Miss Unkon 'Ever Shooting Star' knit jacket gifted by Need Supply Co., Cheap Monday dress from General Pants Co., Sportsgirl socks, Cotton On hat, Wittner heels)

This incredibly soft knit by Miss Unkon is a dream to wear -- not only does it keep me seriously warm (which is saying something, because I get cold so easily) but it is definitely a statement piece for the cooler seasons. Now, I'll no longer be afraid to step out of the house when it is freezing at night as I can easily wear this cream knit jacket over anything. So a huge thank you to the lovely Alyssa from Need Supply Co. for gifting me this piece! (Did I mention it is REALLY soft?)

With that said, this is not an outfit I ever saw myself wearing. Mustard socks and pony hair leopard heels? Probably not the first combination that would come to mind, but I actually love the colourful result.

Photos by Meeting Aubrey.

Natural Stones

 (Vintage shirt, DIY skirt, Temt bag, Witchery necklace, ASOS boots, Sportsgirl 'Lace' nail polish)

So as I upload these pictures, I realise that my shirt is absurdly creased, but I promise it was crease-free when I put it on this morning. I am wearing more colour in this one outfit, than I usually ever do -- even if they may be colours leaning more towards neutral. My nails are enjoying all sorts of pastel polish, from a frosty blue to a lilac from Sportsgirl called 'Lace'.

Say hello to my mushroom hair. I can't wait for my layers to grow out, because my hair is way too thick to have that many layers up top. But how many times do we walk away from the hairdressers completely satisfied? Partly because I walked in there, not having the slightest idea what I actually wanted.

Hope this weather isn't destroying everyone's plans. It's a shame that our Summer has only been consistent in rainy days.

Palazzo

(Sportsgirl knit crochet shawl, Temt palazzo pants, vintage shirt, Rubi Shoes clogs, Trade Secret necklace)

I've had this necklace for a while, but I haven't really worn it much. It's one of those pieces that sit much more nicely than expected and look totally different on (than when it's hanging). It was a surprising find but I passionately believe you can find great things in even the most unexpected and unlikely places.

With a simple colour palette of off-white and black, gold bangles helped to make the whole look a little less ordinary. But as simple as this outfit may be, it is seriously comfy. Pants that double as a skirt but don't restrict movement? I'm sold.

If you've been following me on instagram (username: jyslakay), you would know that I have literally snipped off most of my hair. It sits around my shoulders now, no longer finding its way into my mouth if there is the slightest bit of wind. This is my last post with long hair. Don't worry, I'm surprised as you are. It was an impulsive decision and desire for change, and though it'll take a little while to get used to -- it'll always grow out if I decide I hate it!

Pleats Please

(Mossman 'Pleats Please' shirt, vintage skirt, Sportsgirl wedges, brandless bag, Kikki K organiser)

I know I'm late for the whole "Happy New Year/2012/Resolutions" post, but better late than never! January is almost over but I only just bought my weekly organiser/diary for the year. I have 4 books that all serve a unique purpose: to stay on top of deadlines, to spark creativity and record my memories, to store favourite quotes from everywhere, and to write my to-do lists and reminders. I am insanely addicted to collecting new journals and books, and justify it by telling myself that they'll all be put to good use... someday.

But being realistic, having a weekly organiser is essential. Seeing my week's plans spread over two pages is incredibly helpful (but sometimes overwhelming) and brings my level of organisation up a notch.

This skirt still remains one of my most treasured vintage finds, and it is entertaining to wear on a windy day, especially paired with this vibrant mustard pleated shirt from Mossman. Side splits may not be everyone's cup of tea, but anything that blows fantastically with the wind is in my good books.

something blue

(Sportsgirl back drape twist top, Forcast skirt, ASOS boots, gifted bag, Diva rings, hat from brandless store)

Me wearing pink AND frills AND a bow? I can hardly believe it myself. But I do love pastel colours, especially this soft, fairy-floss pink colour. I 'toughened up' this look by pairing it with my favourite boots and chunky rings. I wore this outfit to a special catch-up date with one of my close friends, and we sipped on iced white chocolates and mudslide mochas, while later that night, my boyfriend and I camped in front of the TV eating sushi for dinner.

Just over a month left of holidays before uni starts up again, so I'm going to work hard to get plenty of posts done before I run out of time. Hopefully I'll be able to do more test shoots too, because I've been neglecting my photography way too much lately.

wild fire

(Estée Lauder 'Wild Fire' lipstick, Sportsgirl lurex sweater, MINKPINK peter pan collar blouse, non-branded black dress, thrifted bag, Payless Shoes cobalt blue wedges)

Yes, you read correctly. Those beautiful wedges are from Payless Shoes and they only cost me $29. They caught my eye as I walking past, and I couldn't resist buying them.

I feel like I'm back at high school in this outfit (except my school skirts were always to my knees) because of the jumper over the blouse. When I walked out of my room this morning, even my mum questioned why I looked semi-respectable. I'll admit, I was pretty excited to see grey skies when I woke up because I've really missed layering. The asymmetrical and frilly hems that I layered today made a simple combination much more interesting.

My nails are back to good ol' black, but I'm itching to try new colours. I'm on the hunt for a coral colour to match my lips! Just putting it out there... I am IN LOVE with coral lips now, so that's the only colour that will be on my lips for a long time. I think it's an amazing, fun day-to-night shade. I'd love to hear suggestions of any great lipstick ranges that you guys love!

x

ashes and wine

(Myer hat, thrifted oversized sweater, Mooloola faux leather backpack, ASOS boots)

I thought I had lost my hat, but I finally found it smothered by the mess of my own room, and I am complete once again. It took me so long to find a hat that actually suited me, because most hats just don't suit my face shape, so I hold onto this woolly treasure like there's no tomorrow. I haven't stopped wearing it since I found it again - probably subconsciously afraid that if I put it down somewhere, I'll never remember where or find it again.

I am in my usual colours of tan/white/black today, but thankfully my nails added a pop of colour to the outfit. I'm not anti-colour, I promise, I'm just not one to be attracted to bold coloured pieces when I shop. My peacock feather necklace (psst... it's actually an earring I hooked onto a gold chain) adds some subtle colours too.

Also, anyone with wavy hair who also straightens it regularly... WHY???

I would kill to wake up with wild, frizzy waves everyday. My hair is fairly thick, but it just looks like it lacks so much volume when it's straight. I just like messy, big hair. And for me, the right kind of hair can really complete an outfit.

Hope you all bagged some great bargains at the Boxing Day sale! I know I sure did..

x