Maria Elyse from First Impressions has dropped in to say hello!

Introducing the undeniably wonderful Maria Elyse from the blog, First Impressions. I caught up with her a little while ago, and was so pleased that she wanted to do a guest post and that she took the time to do this gorgeous photo-shoot for me. That lake is so magical. I love her amazing style and her cute vintage finds. We even share the same name! Be sure to check out her beautiful blog and follow!

Hello, lovely readers of Avenue M!

My name is Maria Elyse of First Impressions and I'm incredibly excited to be here guest posting for a fellow Maria.

I'd like to introduce you to "my" lake. It's a short walk away from my house and is one of my favorite places to be, especially on days where the clouds gather in grey billows, the breeze blows wildly, a chill flows through the air, and when the waves are untamed. It's like a wonderland that never ceases to draw me in and endlessly inspire me. People don't believe me when I say I like cloudy days better than sunny ones, but it's true, and mainly because of this lake. If "my" lake could talk, I'm sure we'd be best of friends.

For those of you, like Maria, who live in Australia, it's springtime! I live in Northern USA, and so right now it's the middle of autumn. I love wearing pastels, florals, and sunhats, so with this outfit I tried to make those spring-like things fit for fall.

Thanks so much for having me, Maria! ♥

xo
Maria Elyse
First Impressions

october inspiration

I can't believe it's October already! At the moment (well, actually for a while now), Bonnie Barton's blog, Flashes of Style has been a huge inspiration. I just love her outfits. Effortless perfection is the only way to describe her style. The above picture is one of my favourites. I love the way she cleverly mixed different textures to create a not-to-girly-but-still-feminine outfit. 

This Arabella Ramsay collection is so precious. Mixed patterns, polka dots, denim and mismatched knits are the way to go. The collection you would want to take credit for. 

Satchel bags! These brightly coloured accessories are the perfect solution to sprucing up a plain outfit. I love the blue one, it would go perfectly with a simple white sun dress.

Sorry for the initial absence, I have been busily getting ready for school again and I just got back from an intense ballet class and every morsel of strength left in my body has disappeared. I'm pretty sure I did about a trillion chaines across the studio and all I need now is a bubble bath, my Anne of Green Gables novel and a good night sleep! Happy Monday!

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!