time to get lady-like

I've been completely taken by the 50s style, lady-like fashion that has been abundant lately, spurred on by my Mad Men addiction.

I do, however, feel that there's a very fine line between looking classy and sophisticated and looking completely frumpy...my mum's had to steer me away from what could have been some very dowdy mistakes!

This dress from Asos would be the perfect piece when a little bit of class is needed...but it's still an easy piece to wear with a belt to cinch the waist and a multitude of shoes.

I'd also love to get my hands on these red pants...pretty sure ive spoken about my obsession of red pants before and of course I still haven't got my hands on any...think I just need to bite the bullet and buy some!

But these babies with a nice white shirt and a pair of leopard ballet flats would be perfect come spring (hurry up!!)

Now just gotta find me some friends...

I've also jumped on the friendship bracelet bandwagon...

And after giving myself a little primary school refresher course i've been dabbling in a range of colours and patterns to brighten up my monochrome wardrobe

Discover a different NYC

I wanted to share my latest book purchase- the gorgeous "Stylist's Guide to New York" by Sibella Court

Hilariously, I ordered this book online a couple of weeks ago, then mum received it as well for her birthday on the weekend by a very like-minded friend- at least we both have a copy now and she doesn't steal mine!

This gorgeous piece of non-fiction tracks this interior stylist's favourite NYC haunts for all things weird, wacky and beautiful. Discover where to get all the best flowers, vintage furniture, one-of-a-kind material or that paper mache skull you'd been searching high and low for.

And I'm shattered that this wasn't around when i was over there (but to be honest, if id tried to fit in all her city loops alongside my fashion hunting, I would never have gone to bed!)

I can't wait to go back to the states next year and discover all these amazing city landmarks!

Of late...

Every Sunday should involve tea

Today not only celebrated my mum’s ‘something-th’ birthday, but also my first foray into high tea

After much research and negotiation, mum and I decided to try the Hotel Nest in Albert Park; an experience highly praised by family friends and one which fell well within our budget (our Windsor Hotel high tea will have to wait til it’s just mum and I!).

The upper floor of the Hotel Nest has been specially designated for their Sunday tea party and was set up beautifully, with the black and white colour scheme giving it a modern feel, while the miss-matched teacups added that vintage air.

With a bottle of champagne to start us off, first course were individual plates of sandwiches- a generous spread of cucumber and cream cheese, ham and tomato relish, lemon-poached chicken and mayonnaise and egg.

The chicken sandwich was a standout; the others were nice but lacked any zing or excitement.

A glorious tower of sweets followed, including white chocolate mud cakes made to look like Hermes Birkin bags and Chanel no.5 perfume bottles. The lemon meringues and pistachio macarons were my top two picks (then again, anything lemon will always win with me!)

A further course of hot scones came next, along with our personal tea selection- what is a high tea without tea!

Such an enjoyable experience and can’t wait to stuff my face again. Next up: High Tea at the Pavilion in McCrae...then perhaps the Hyatt.

Interior Dream

Charlotte Rust- a woman after my own heart

(images The Selby)

inside the glass cabinet

So I tried to do an 'Into the Gloss' style bathroom cabinet snap, however my 1970s bathroom really isn't conducive to stylised shots!

It's become clear to me that I have 3 beauty obsessions- MAC, dermalogica and OPI...but I'm trying to be more open to other brands!