WW

If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know I'm a sucker for leather.

Boots, jackets, skirts, bags, I have a strangely large number of each. I honestly feel that leather, though slightly 1980s is fabulously versatile and ads an edge to a simple, tailored outfit.
Each year when I go to Bali I manage to order myself at least one piece, and surprisingly enough they all get worn!

I have such admiration for designers who can produce original items with leather and my latest discovery has got me week at the knees.

Meet Winston Wolfe, a Queensland native and sucker for premium quality, timeless leather pieces. Priced for the regular gal, her designs are slightly edgy and totally wearable.

The Goddam quilted leather vest ($390) is over and above my favourite leather piece this year and I'm hoping Santa might treat me to my very own.
Also check out the Boyfriend for Girlfriends leather pants ($360) and the Vincent Vega leather boots ($450). Bangin!

Ch ch ch changes

Don’t worry about being worried. You’re heading out on an adventure and you can always change your mind along the way and try something else. -Tracy Kidder

Change can be scary and sometimes you don't have the option of choosing when this will happen. But hopefully when it does, it only leads to bigger and greater things.
Well at least I'm hoping that's the case!

[1. Birthday breakfast pancakes cooked by my man; 2. Dinner with my beauties at Chin Chin; 3. Beach time on this sweltering Melbourne day; 4. Love heart ring by Jordan Askill; 5. Kitty ring by Meadowlark Jewellery]

With the start of this week came my birthday, filled with some much love and happiness (plus some beautiful treasures from Jordan Askill and my very own kitty-ear ring). Yesterday, a massive spanner was thrown into the works, which has (luckily) given me a big kick up the butt towards a path of fulfilment. Plus I got to spend the last 2 days at the beach!

Pre birthday birthday

So it's my birthday tomorrow, the beginning of my 28th year in this world, and this year I plan to grab hold of life and all the opportunities available and really make a go of it!

But before I get all boring and serious (as if!), here's a couple of snaps from my weekend birthday events, involving salmon for breakfast, mini golf and the wonderful delights of Yo-Chi.

Oh and some fabulous spoils from my fam and man, courtesy of Madewell, Hello Parry and ManiaMania (though I am still hoping for a pug or a kitty tomorrow...)

This year has already started off on a good note!

Inspiration desperation

I've taken myself on a blogging sabbatical of recent times, in order to reassess what I really want out of a blog.

While it started out as a travel diary, I have seen it slowly evolve into a mesh of lifestyle, fashion and food. And there is nothing wrong with that.

I've been doing a lot of blog reading lately, trying to pinpoint what exactly attracts me to certain blogs over others. And i think it's obviously an affinity with that person's taste and style, but also blend of original content and commentary of others' images. And an original voice is key.

My current faves are:
Capture the Castle
Sincerely Jules
The Londoner (Rosie seriously has the BEST life)
Oracle Fox

These are the blogs that I know off by heart, that I turn to each day hoping they've made a new post over night, and which I hope to emulate in some form.

So here's to a new lease on blogging, the struggling creatives ultimate outlet!

image: Pinterest

Spring wishlist

It's finally starting to heat up in Melbourne and  it's got me thinking of all the brilliant things spring has to offer (besides my rampant hay fever!)

That's why i'm looking forward to: shirts and blouses that have a masculine/feminine feel; denim denim denim;  fresh tropical fruit; stocking up on clothes in classic silhouettes; delicate jewellery; taking a dip into the leather short realm; adding fur and textures to my home; and LEOPARD!

Of late...

It's been a relaxing and fun week or so, and lucky Instagram was there to capture all my antics!

image 1, Yum Cha at China Red (can anyone say touch screen ordering!); image 2, a selection of the treats my colleague Dan brought back from China...some clearly better than others; image 3, smiling daffodils for Daffodil day; image 4, cheese, cheese and more cheese at the South Melbourne Market; image 5, coffee and choc croissant from the Market; image 6, my attempt at lace bunny ears from our weekend "crafternoon"

Spring's a-comin!

Spring's a-comin! by taryn26 featuring a jean jacket

J Brand jean jacket, $435 / Striped skirt / Yves Saint Laurent high top shoes / Illesteva Leonard Sunglasses

The Biggest Apple on Earth!

New York, the city of my dreams and holder of incredible memories: it's looks like we'll be meeting again!

Impromptu flight booked and shopping list started...

Send me your New York shopping tips!

Life is all about seizing the moment, and I think I've done it pretty well today!

Of late

A couple of Instagram pics of what's been catching my eye lately

Follow me @tarynhunter

Stress Down Day 2012

Last night I had the privilege of attending the incredible Olsen Hotel in South Yarra for the launch of Lifeline's Stress Down Day 2012.

The John Olsen penthouse, nestled between the bustling Chapel street and the banks of the Yarra River, was definitely the perfect location to discuss the issue of stress and the Australian worker's tendency to push ourselves til we break.

Stress is a major cause of some of this country's most devastating medical conditions, such as stroke and heart disease, and is something most Australian's would rather just live with, than deal with.

We were given some fantastic tips on identifying serious stress issues and how simple life changes, from small amounts of exercise to nutrition, can potentially save your life.

Lifeline and Bupa's top stress-reducing tips:
1. Talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling
2. Have a health check with a GP you trust
3. Try and fit just a little bit of exercise into your everyday routine; whether it's taking the stairs instead of the elevator, exercise does wonders for your endorphin release!
4. Try and eat a well-balanced diet so you have the right vitamins and minerals in your system to repair the daily damage your body suffers
5. Make time to enjoy the activities you love

It all sounds simple enough, but making time for these steps can be a life-saving decision.

I hope everyone can jump on board on Friday, and grab themselves a fabulous pair of these Bach's Rescue Remedy slippers (they are like walking on clouds!)

Camilla and Marc SS'12/13

Camilla and Marc have always been a brand that I have admired from afar, but have never had the occasion or opportunity to wear.

But their latest collection for the Australian spring/summer season has completely blown me away! From their use of pleating and beautiful rouching techniques, to the fabulous palate ranging from forest greens to neon pink.

I particularly have my eye on the wren dress (3rd down), and I will MAKE an occasion to wear it!

http://www.camillaandmarc.com

Amo Spa, Bali

Trips to Bali are usually the perfect time for me to try beauty treatments usually restricted to the money and time-rich. Being able to experience a Vitamin C facial or multi-part body treatment for half the price of a normal visit back home is definitely one of Bali's draw-cards.

On my most recent visit I was super keen to experience an oxygen facial- a treatment that plumps and rejuvenates the skin using the power of oxygen- and spent a number of hours doing some in-depth research.

Our family friend Mary had the pleasure of the the glorious Karma Kandara's version and raved about it non-stop, so when I came across the recently opened Amo spa I was more than excited to see what it was all about.

Amo Spa is located opposite Potato Head, and next to Horn and was opened by an American former model-turned therapist. With other treatments such as Shellac nails and wedding packages available, Amo is the spa of choice for anyone wanting to take a break from the traditional Bali spa experience.

Its monochrome awnings modern interiors, juice bar and incredible array of beauty and fashion accessories make it a one stop shop for a whole afternoon of indulgence.