ballet shoes and reviews

New dance gear! Bloch ballet slippers, Topshop bag (courtsey of Natasja), Energetiks leotard and skirt

Woo! I just got back from a hectic shopping trip! I was in desperate need of some new ballet shoes and oh, how I love these new ones! I'm feeling more and more like a ballerina now, as I've finally perfected my turn-out and my sashays.

We also had to madly dash into the nearest chain-store in search of some umbrellas, the weather here has been disastrous -- my annoyingly curly hair has turned into fuzz and I'm struggling to keep it under control!

School this week was relatively ordinary, the only thing different was the unusual amount of assessment that was piled on top of my head so quickly. 

I think the only assignment I'm happy with is the opportunity to write a book report based on a favourite novel. For me, it's a toss between The Chronicles of Narnia and Anne of Green Gables. Both series are quite extraordinary. 

Well, I best be off, the latest issue of Vogue awaits (Summer fashions galore!) along with a hot chocolate. Have a nice weekend. 

Lots of love,

Maria

P.s: Welcome to the new readers for this week! 

fresh-faced beauty

Lately I've been drawn to 'fresh-faced' editorials in magazines. I love the way having simple make-up can not only enhance your overall complexion, but give you a natural glow and a look that will go with everything. My favourite example is this picture from DNA, a models site with various portfolios (the image the above polyvore is based around). The model's face has most likely been photo-shopped a little, but the general make-up is light and simple. Personally, I'm not a huge make-up wearer as it feels too heavy. Usually I just stick to a foundation (MaxFactor Xperience), black mascara (Napoleon Perdis) and some tinted lip balm (Burt's Bees have a great new range). For Spring, I don't think I'll be experimenting with too much make-up, although I would like to try out cream eyeshadow in light pink or nude tones and a cream blush.

And, while I'm on the subject of beauty, I just had to share with you this home-made face mask, it's my favourite for reducing redness and exfoliating.

You will need:

1 tablespoon of oatmeal, finely ground

1 tablespoon of live, organic yoghurt (unflavoured, natural

A few drops of honey

Make the mask: 

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl, then apply the mixture over your face and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and wipe any excess with a warm face cloth.

I hope you have fun making this mask and using it! I got the recipe from Beauty, where you can also find more home-made beauty remedies and make-up tips. Happy mid-week!

P.S: The polyvore was made by the wonderfully talented Jodente. I love the way she combined neutral colours to create this collage. It's so pretty!

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!

daydream lily for element eden

The first collaboration collection with Daydream Lily, how cute is that lace pullover?!

So far the lovely Liss from Daydream Lily has collaborated with charming Australia apparel brand, Element Eden twice. This is quite the achievement for a down to earth girl living on the Gold Coast in lower Queensland, Australia. The second collection boasts vintage-inspired outfits with a slight modern twist, Holga film photography and a sweet spot of romantic vibes. The first collection is just as beautiful, but has a touch more whimsicality. Aren't those lacey flower tights pretty?

I for one am a huge fan of her blog. It's sort of like my favorite online 'magazine', she's a lot like a writer for Frankie Magazine. I check every now and then for the latest on clothing brands, how-to's, general fashion and pretty photos.

I've been buried in a Nancy Drew novel since yesterday. The one I am reading is called The Secret of Candlelight Inn. In a nutshell, an historical establishment left behind by an old woman was donated to a Seeing Eye Dog society. But the little Inn is filled with secrets and dangerous mysteries that are (obviously) going to be unveiled by Nancy and her best friends, Bess and George. So far, I’m only up to the middle of the book, so I’m not sure how it ends and unfortunately I can’t spoil it for you all. Have you been reading any mysteries lately?

Well bloggers, I best be off. Happy October and enjoy the sunshine and don't forget to enter Katy's nifty nail polish giveaway!

Some snapshots from the second collaboration collection. I love the black and floral dress in the last picture.