jane

On Wednesday I got an email from a reader asking me what to wear in a work place... something appropriate for the office but also not completely boring, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect because I came home the same afternoon to a package from Popbasic with all the answers! Blush pink and black is not only a flattering colour match for many skin tones, but it's also appropriate for the work place. What I like most about this outfit (aside from that fact that there's pink in it...) is its versatility and the many options available to dress it down or up depending on the occasion. 

I hate to rush things but I have a large pile of homework that seems to have developed a pair of beady eyes; it's glaring at me and it can only mean two things: I'm extremely sleep deprived (plausible) or things are due very soon and I am going to get behind if I don't start now (also plausible). Goodnight and have a nice weekend xo

joan

 Ally blouse, Kmart skirt (it was $5, oh my gosh!), Kmart shoes, thrifted bag, Portmans belt

Fun fact for today: Joan Holloway (from Mad Men) and I share the same birthday (February 24th) and I feel like a starlet from the 50s in this gorgeous skirt. I can't actually decide what I like about it the most; the fact that it was less than a tall coffee from your average cafe or perhaps it's the umbrella shape that is perfect for waist definition. 

Also, I wanted to let you know that I'm currently preparing for the assessment weeks that are just around the corner. I'm a little uptight - alright, a lot - and have managed to beat my "exam-block-stress-meltdown" count, which is quite the achievement. So far this week, I've had a cry over just about everything, every day. I even cried because we ran out of bread. Yep, it's that time of term again where I temporarily enter the "more insane than I already am" stage. It's okay, only a few more weeks to go! I can do this! Year 12 is a breeze! Yeah... 

I hope you're all having a lovely week, tomorrow is Friday, yay! xo

darling deer

 Wearing: Emerson tee, Dotti skirt, Oasap bag, Kmart shoes, Forever New hair flowers, Burt's Bees Lipcolour in "Rhubarb" 

I picked up this adorable tee during the holidays for two reasons: it was an "under $10" purchase (my budget was wearing thin) and it has deer on it... surrounded by purple blossoms. Enough said? I think so. It's been a bit of a summer staple too... making beating the heat easy and helping me nail the effortless look whether I need to dress it up or down. Oh, and this skirt might be a recognisable piece! It's not actually mine; I pinched it off my sister and it's still at our house so I guess I could temporarily claim it as my own. The weather was seriously beautiful today too and actually, life has been beautiful. I'm in a really good place right now. My skin has never been healthier, I've started year 12 on a high note and I left my job so I have much more free time and less stress in my life. February is also the month of love and my birthday. I'll be a 17 year old! How did that even happen? I feel like it was only yesterday I was a second grader with a bed-wetting problem* and a centimetre gap between each tooth. I hope you're all having a great week so far! xo

*Don't worry, that problem has been fixed for a long time!

P.S: I hope you guys like these pictures! My Mum actually bought me the flowers back from her mini-holiday over the weekend. They're seriously beautiful and I feel very feminine and elegant when I wear them. 

anne

Thrifted top and bag, Tempt skirt, Target shoes

This top came out for a rare appearance the other day! It's a thrift purchase and reminds me of Anne Shirley... I think it might be the puff sleeves and huge lace collar. Despite it being pink, pretty and costed a mere three dollars, it's an absolute brat to style! It's a square top with a cinched in hem so the only way I'm game enough to wear it is with a high waisted skirt so I have some sort of waist definition. Do you have a top that might be similar? I'm desperate for other ways to style it because it's way too pretty to be sitting in my wardrobe collecting dust!

How has your week been? This week was for me, slightly off. I wasn't getting enough sleep and things were starting to crumble all at once when finally I had a bit of an emotional *teenager* breakdown tonight that ensued the use of a couple of hundred Kleenex (it was like a cartoon; the tears just wouldn't stop!), a long, angry diary entry (that took a massive load off of my shoulders, by the way) and a strong brew of camomile and honey tea to knock me out (naturally of course). It's ok, we all have off days (or weeks...) and this was just another downhill in the life rollercoaster. Although I'm working most of this weekend, I might still fit a little retail therapy in as well as planning out what I'll wear to an upcoming dinner party for my friend at a fancy restaurant on the beach. What do you guys think of this dress with a statement necklace and gold heels? Hopefully it won't be too chilly ;)
Anyway, I can already feel my eyelids drooping (the camomile must be kicking in), but before I bid you all farewell, here's a few links you should have a peak at! This 'Things I Love' post by Kaelah is awesome; she is a link love wiz and these posts are done each week, perfect for reading with a tea or coffee on your lunch break. A video all about confidence was done by the lovely Kate and brightened my week up and this awesome photo series was clever and thought-provoking.

Love you all so very much xo

Currently listening to: Roses by Pacific Air

chateau (+ a brand new smile!)

 Swaychic mint dress (buy here), eBay pearl cat ears, Rubi shoes, Oasap pink bag (buy here)

Notice anything different? I got my braces off, finally! I haven't stopped smiling since and it feels wonderful. I've never felt prettier or more confident in myself and am so pleased that all of those months of wires and metal digging into my gums were worth it. I'm just so flippin' excited!! I thought the day would never come! And it did! I have to wear a retainer all day for two weeks and then only at night after that. It's quite uncomfortable but if it means I'll have a lovely smile for the rest of my life then I don't mind ;)

How have you all been? I've been pretty quiet around here lately... I'm back at school and enjoying it! We've been getting grades back and I'm really proud of how I've done in most of my subjects but others... er, need some improvement.
And, how gorgeous is this dress from Swaychic?! I received it today and think it's absolutely lovely. I can't wait to wear it more during the Spring.

I'm off to revise today's History notes! Talk soon xo

frost

 Emerson sweater, Asos skirt, Miss Shop boots, gifted boater hat, necklace c/o Oasap

Well, it's officially Winter here in Australia and it still hasn't quite sunk in. How on earth are we already half way through the year?! It hasn't been too cold over the last few days, but it's still perfect sweater weather. My weekend was quite relaxing; my friend Ruby and I had a sleepover, ate pizza and fought off an early-morning grasshopper that interrupted our lavish breakfast. The gardener trimmed the hedges so now the silly old things have been pouncing on us unexpectedly! I nearly ate one on Saturday morning! It dived into my breakfast as if it were its own!

Sunday was very lazy. After Ruby headed home I watched Little Women, had rooibos tea and macadamia cookies and tried to read the novel we are studying for English. If you are having trouble sleeping, I highly recommend reading The Secret River by Kate Grenville... I was snoring by 8 o'clock. 

I hope you had an excellent Monday! Mine was great apart from being on the verge of a colossal sneeze all day (which finally erupted during period six!). xo

diy embellished collar

 Valleygirl blouse (yet again!), thrifted Sass tulle skirt, thrifted pumps, vintage bracelet, Emerson bag, Forever New belt,  DIY collar

Ever since watching Chriselle's wonderful DIY video on how to make your own collars, I've been just dying to make one for myself. So I finally found an old white collared blouse at the op-shop for no more than 50c and set to work. It was so easy and added the perfect amount of 'polished' and 'preppy' charm to my outfits. It looked really cute with a sweater too. All you have to do is cut the collar off of a basic work top (or mens business shirt) and add whatever embellishments that take your fancy! For this one I added pretty gold bows to the corner with a glass bead in the middle. It took me about 10 minutes to sew them both on :) 

Next I'd love to make a sequin, lace or embellished flower collar... the designs are endless! Give it a go ♥ 

Oh, and guess what? I was so excited! I was just shopping for some basics in Big W the other day (equivalent to Wal-Mart in the US) and I spotted this adorable Mulberry inspired bag for $7.00! It looked so lonely on the shelf so I had to buy it. Besides, the justifications were endless; one of them being that it was cheaper than most fashion magazines these days. How on earth could I pass it up? The leather is lovely and it's perfect for school. 

Anyway, onto some other news; my operation went really well and I just wanted to thank you all for the well wishes. It was quite funny though because my Mum was telling me all about the silly things I said after having the general anaesthetic... apparently I started giggling, "seeing double of everyone", claiming that my brain was "melting out of my ears" and that I "refused to fall asleep"! I honestly don't remember any of it! Have any of you got any hilarious stories of your reaction to that kind of medication? To top the day off, after surgery, Cookie Monster came to pay me a visit (much to my protest as I'm nearly 16!) and my Mother began snapping away embarrassing photos... Oh well, at least I got free rainbow ice-cream :) I feel much better now, and the next few days are all about relaxing and recovering.

P.S: This is my 250th post!! Yay!! 

Currently listening to: Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader

pink out-takes

(I'm thinking of shortening this dress a little. What do you think? Should I add a lace trimming or some details to the collar?)

(I'm slightly obsessed with sparkly manicures lately. Whenever Izzy and I spend the day together it always includes a nail painting session and I tend to go slightly crazy with the glitter...)

How has your weekend been so far? I'm meant to be studying for the last exam of term but I have been procrastinating all day. I've done nearly everything possible to avoid opening that math textbook, including: baking the most delicious muffins in the world (they were decorated with hundreds & thousands), cleaning up my room, experimenting with make-up and reading magazines I've already read. I may have even stared at the wall at one point!

Tomorrow we are off to the markets and I can't wait. I haven't been in a while and I'm dying to get my hands on either some vintage pieces or a pot plant. I hope the rest of your weekend is positively marvellous!

Maria ♥ Avenue M