holiday happiness

Festive frocks: Navy Too Late dress, Sugar Pearls dress, Raspberry Cocktails dress

These dresses are perfectly party ready. I think my favourite out of the bunch would have to be the red lace one... you all know how much of a girlie girl I am, and anything with a sweetheart neckline, punchy colour and lace detailing is a winner!

There are only nine more days until Jesus' birth! Whoopie! I am super duper excited but also a little bit stressed as I have no idea how I am going to fit in the rest of my Christmas shopping. The move is going exceptionally well so far; there is still plenty more to do but our first night sleeping in the pretty new house will be Wednesday. I am dying to set up the decorations for Christmas though, and that's kinda the only thing I've been focused on! 

Anyway, here we have a mixture of my own wishlist/ holiday gift guide for you all. I'm really not sure what to call it, it's just a few pretty collages of apparel, accessories and makeup inspiration against gorgeous sparkles. I put it together with the help of Carina's amazing Christmas playlist... it made me feel quite Chrismassy! 

Beautiful beauty: YSL lipstick in Le Rouge, The Balm Nude 'Tude palette, Revlon nail varnish in #261, Romance Eyeshadow collection

Sparkly polished, bold red lipstick and neutral shadows with a hint of glimmer will perfectly complement your fabulously festive outfit!

Ah-mazing accessories: JCrew glitter pumps, Mai Tai Seude Court shoes, Aperlai heels, Accessorize satchel, Joia vintage earrings, Miu Miu glasses (see my DIY for these here)

The perfect thing to complete your outfit is a great pair of heels or a unique pieces of jewellery  My favourite piece out of all these things would have to be those gold pumps. I mean, how perfect would they be with the navy dress above?! Or any of those frocks for that matter!

Super-lovely skirts: Miss Selfridge skirt, H&M skirt, Herve Leger skirt

The great thing about these sort of skirts is that they can be worn all year 'round. Whether it's blisteringly cold or hideously hot, the versatility is endless. All of these would look beautiful with or without a cute pair of tights. 

Are you all excited about the 25th? What are you hoping for this year?

wishlist wednesday

1. Periwinkle of an Eye Dress, $46 via Modcloth
2. The Wheat is on Cardigan, $84 via Modcloth
3. Vintage Chandelier Earrings, $17 via Forever New
4. Paparazzi Peach sunglasses, $40 via MARKET HQ
5. Today's News Heel in Neutral, $66 via Modcloth

(On Thursday! I was meant to post this yesterday, but I didn't get around to it)

I hope you all haven't been too overwhelmed with my girlishness! I have been making an effort though; exchanging silver sparkle nail polish instead of hot pink was a huge deal and I'm quite proud of myself. Anyway, I've been very excited lately because Christmas is coming soon. We set up the Christmas tree last night and it looks so magical. The twinkling lights are so comforting and softly-glowing, it's so lovely to see when it reflects into the room as I'm going to sleep...

And also, I had to introduce you all to a new member of the blogosphere, her name is Emma and she is the sweetest girl ever (look forward to a few happy snaps!) . We go to the same school and I'm so happy she started up a blog, I've admired her gorgeous style and writing technique for ages. My favourite post is the DIY tutorial on newspaper nails. It's perfect for my 'list of things to do' for the holidays.

Enjoy the rest of your week, and Happy Thanksgiving to the celebrants (save me some pie!). ♥

latest discovery: to be adored

'Pretty as a picture' is the only way to describe TBA, (To be Adored) a delightful label created by a girl called 

BinBin McNiven (how cool is that name?). With experience working alongside Alexander McQueen, Binbin, a Southern Chinese native, decided to create her own label inspired by the Edwardian era but with a mix of contemporary charm. 

I instantly fell in love with the S/S collection, mainly because of the lace collars, detailed socks, sun hats and the general cuteness of the apparel. And, because the model and setting of the shoot is very whimsical and vintage and I love both those things.

Well, the weekend has started off very nicely, with my sister finally returning home for the next two days. With her she brought some Mimco treasures that instantly sparked my interest. Who doesn't get excited about a pretty headband with Swarovski crystals embellished into it?  (Details coming soon)

Have a good weekend! 

nude tones

Since the weather has actually gotten cooler the last two days, I felt this outfit was completely appropriate for the arrival of Spring. May I also mention that Sensuous by Estee Lauder is very nice. A little heavy for my taste, but still nice. Anyway, I can't get enough of these Miu Miu heels! Aren't they just too spectacular for words? They go really nicely with these nude tones and I love that cameo necklace. In fact, while making this collage I was tempted to put it on my Christmas List (I have started one already, thank you very much). 

Yesterday was very nice, I watched some good ol' Disney classics (Peter Pan, The Aristocats, Beauty and the Beast etc) and made the most scrumdidlyumptuous raspberry and white chocolate muffins in the world. The recipe was from Katy Potaty: Cupcake Lady, an adorable blog that (along with a lovely author) shares the most delicious muffins ever! Happy Thursday!
p.s: I got an overwhelming response to my last post! Thank you all so much for the kindness! And, you only have two more days to enter the super cute giveaway I'm holding so get in quick!

hobbies, waterfalls and silk dresses

Cotton On top, thrifted dress/skirt, gifted hat, Equip pocket watch necklace. 

The past few days have gone by so quickly, I've been spending most of them enjoying hobbies while my Mum was away in Darwin. We also went to the library on Saturday (favourite place), and I borrowed out a few Vogues, some Nancy Drew mysteries (who can resist a mishap in River Heights?) and some ballet encyclopaedias. I love reading about the different ballets and the various costumes! I've also been browsing esty, ebay and amazon like crazy for vintage treasures. I'm looking for a pretty cameo necklace, a nice full-skirted dress and perhaps an Mulberry Alexa-lookalike as I mentioned in my last post.

And, I can't believe how hot it has gotten here, Summer has obviously come early in Australia (why am I not surprised?). We're going to 'the fairy forest' later this week to swim at the waterfall. It's so lovely, the little lake is hidden inside a forest near where we live. I will most definitely be taking photos, it's too pretty not to share!

I love this outfit combination. The silk skirt was originally a dress with flutter sleeves, but I experimented and hacked the top off! It worked out perfectly, contrasting with this sheer top.

And how do you like the changes I made to Avenue M? It's a little more welcoming now that readers are not bombarded with an unnatural amount of pink floral. I hope you have a happy Monday and there's still time to enter the give away!

Lots of love, 

Maria
p.s: Fashion Thrill is having a giveaway to celebrate her achievement of 300 followers! You can enter here.

lady luck

Lily Collins for the October issue of Teen Vogue just blew me away. I love the 'royal' inspired outfits and luxe look. The stylists captured my latest fetish for knits and dresses perfectly! I was out shopping a while ago and tried on a purple pleated dress and the lovely assistant suggested I wear a light white knit over the top. It looked fabulous! From that day on, I've totally been in love with that quirky look. Lily pulls it off wonderfully in the shoot. Oh, how I wish I had a waffle Isabel Marant sweater!
And p.s, sorry for the quietness about this blog, school and this week in general has been really hectic -- I'm surprised I made it out unscathed! Assignments and exams have been bombarded my direction resulting in late night crawls to finish homework and study. Weariness is so not fun!
So excited for the holidays though, I've only got one week to go before I can enjoy this pretty Spring weather.
How has your week been? Hope all those lucky bloggers out there are having fun at NYFW! Hopefully one day I will be sitting in the front row of the Dior Show, documenting the clothes, shoes and general amazing-ness.
Well, I'm off to relax and enjoy a triple chocolate muffin in front of some good ol' Lizzie McQuire re-runs. Happy Friday!
P.s: Thanks for all the amazing comments lately, it's so motivating to get all those kind words! Have a marvelous weekend! Follow me on Tumblr, I'm new!

inspired in september

The new Modcloth collection/ lookbook! Such quirkiness and pretty outfits. You can't get any cuter than those coloured tights and brogues! 

Playing around with colours. I love how beautifully this top sits over those sparkly trousers. Perfection!

Retro suits -- soo ready for Summer. 

Sorry about the delay in posting! I've been busily working on an English essay and I'm finally finished! Hope you enjoy these snippets of inspiration wherever you may be. This week has started off rather ordinary with a maths exam first thing. Ballet was an upside however as my posé turns are getting better. I'll also be getting ballet shoes soon! It's all very exciting. I still can't get over the fact that I am actually enjoying a sport! Have a marvellous week! 

Abbey Lee Kerhsaw for Portmans

Okay, so I probably have overly-stated the fact that I LOVE Abbey Lee Kershaw. Now the Melbourne-born supermodel is the new face of Portmans! A really classy chain-store with girly chic clothes inspired by the runway. I shall be dashing into the nearest Portmans for a lookie and no time!

extreme extravagance OR low-key cuteness

(inset: Be honest, would you really wear these away from a Halloween party?) 

Not being able to design a proper outfit is quite discouraging for a teenager wanting a career in fashion. Lately my fashion designing has been hopeless. The models are disproportional and the designs, well, they aren't exactly modern. Lets just say they consist of medieval princess dresses, extravagant gowns and lace, lace, lace! I have realized that if you want a huge career in fashion, you have to design clothes that people actually want to buy. You simply can't design clothes that only appeal to you, you have broaden your horizons and design clothes that people like at that present time. 

Then again, successful labels like Romance Was Born and the late Alexander McQueen have designed clothes that are SO out there, no-one would dare wear them out in public. And, those lobster heels, Mr McQueen? Come on! As incredible and beautiful your works are, no-one is going to be parading down the street modeling those babies. 

I have come to the conclusion that if you want to have a successful career in fashion you must design clothes that people want to buy, what I'm trying to say is people won't buy clothes that are in between, either go with extreme-attention-dash-halloween-only-clothes or modern/ low key outfits that you can get away with in the street. 

©  AvenueM 2010

Bowerbird

Bowerbird

 photographed by Derek Henderseon, Styled by Jillian Davidson (two people with exceptional talent)

Harper's Bazaar; one of the best fashion magazines in my book, known for the knowledge in fashion, what's hot, the juicy gossip in the discussion section and... the incredible photo shoots. 

This month, the Australian issue has definitely got a fashion shoot to impress. 

Highly Recommended Online Fashion Boutiques

I have gathered together (with the help of my fabulously fashionable sister) some highly recommended online fashion boutiques that you must go to! 

1. www.freez.com.au

Freeze is great, it has thousands of gorgeous clothes at a cheaper price than what you would get in the department store. It has beautiful clothes, all the latest fashion and in-season buys to suit every occasion.  Freez offers many labels such as MINKPINK, Ladakh, Anise, Sunnygirl, Living Doll, Junk, Pink Stitch, Wakee Jeans, Wet Seal, All About Eve, Just Add Sugar, IDS, Sarroff, Jimmy Dexta, Zoom Shoes, Sunday Andrea & Joen, Freez, Ausko, Miss Me, Downtown, Condura, Adorne, Missco, Lili, Finders Keepers, August Street, Sass and soooo many more! 

3 of my favorite dresses from the Freez website:

This pretty pink dress is versatile and elegant. Great for weddings and special occasions. Ideal with white, glossy pumps. 

This pretty playsuit (OMG, my sister ordered it, that means i can steal it and wear it myself!) is great for summer. Perfect for just about anything, from a night out with the girls, the first date or just the casual shopping spree. 

Love, love, love!!! This is soo gorgeous! Versatile, in-fashion, totally snazzy and great for a variety of body shapes. 

2. www.lucyinthesky.com.au

Although they only stock dresses (as far as I'm concerned) they are all very pretty. The garments all look quality made. And even better, express delivery within Australia is FREE! (conditions apply) 

3 of my top favorite dresses! 

This dress if really glamorous, but unfortunately for us chocolate lovers, this dress if quite 'snug'. STRICTLY FRUIT AND VEG. But it looks amazing! 

Pretty, feminine and vintage. Especially flattering for the hour-glass figure as it is cinched below the bust to acknowledge the slim waist. 

White is gorgeous, and never goes out of fashion. You can wear just about any color with white, so with this dress, take advantage of its versatility. 

3. www.birdmotel.com.au 

Probably my favourite site of them all, even though it is like comparing apples, oranges and  pears. They all have there good qualities. I love just about everthing on this site. And if I was $1,000 richer my wardrobe would consist of these dresses, and many more. '

The 'Rosey floral playsuit'. It's officially the cutest thing ever. I love it. So much. 

Mui Mui inspired. I looove the birds, it has been created beautifully and is very flattering. I love how its cinched at the waist. I would probably wear it with tan strappy heals or white glossy flats. 

Great beach dress. This dress would definitely be an investment. It can be used for so much. Beach parties, shopping and going out for ice-cream in Summer. 

What are you waiting for? Start e-shopping! 

Don't 'blow', say yes to 'INVEST'!

THIS STORY IS CONCERNING YOUR LATEST SPLURGE. Usually after one has bought something truly amazing (a clothing piece perhaps) for a small fortune, they start to feel a bit guilty. And instead of admiring the amazingness of the purchase one focuses on the negativity's of it. Like; why i shouldn't have bought this OR i blew all my money on this! First of all, before you read on any further, ask yourself these questions:

• Does it look great on me?

• Even though it was expensive, is it versatile?

• Will it work for almost every season?

bonus

• Is it in fashion?

If you answered yes, to 2 or more of these questions (this includes the first question, as this is the most important) you can keep reading, if you answered no to everything, well, you can just keep reading anyway, but you wont gain anything from this story. Just saying. Anyway, I will now banish away any guilt you have after buying this item! First of all, lets just say you bought a really great top. Lay it out somewhere and examine the fine piece. Get a piece of paper and write down all the fabulous things about it and ignore what's supposedly 'bad' about it. Concentrate on that! 

I have a confession to make. I was a victim of the 'I blew all my money on  _____!' frame of mind. I had a bought a really great top from one of my favorite stores. It looks great on me, it's versatile, in fashion and works for every season! But, silly me, didn't think of all the great stuff about it and focused on the fact that I had 'blown' all my money on a $70 top. I felt terrible, until I consulted the knowledge and wisdom of my oldest sister, Rosey. She is a budding psychologist and has a gift! I felt sooooo much better after I had talked to her. And as I conclude this blog post I have to say to the people reading this who have/ had a splurge problem, please concentrate on the good things and usually that over-powers the bad things. Be happy! You have invested in something wonderful! 

♥

P.s: Images of my expensive splurge coming soon...