Dinner Date // Union, Plaza Senayan

I love that floral dresses are always 'in' every spring and summer; they're pretty and feminine, and even though they're the simplest thing to just slip on, they also transition well from day to unexpected dinner date.

The latest addition to my floral collection is from New Look, a popular, very budget-friendly British store. It's one of those stores that I often find nothing in but then a season hits and there's a bunch of items I really like. I spotted the red of this dress as I was passing the shop entrance and although I had no intention of doing any shopping that day (isn't that what we always say?!) the V-neck, A-line and short sleeves is something I know always works well on me. Add that to the floral print, and it was basically sold before I even tried it on.

One of our new favourite places in Jakarta is a restaurant/bar called Union. It has the feel of a Parisian cafe and does cocktails to die for. This was a school night though, so instead we just headed to Coldstone after dinner to share ice-cream.

Some very important decisions being made.

Coldstone for dessert

The prettiest gift wrap store. Even though it's tiny I always have to go in just to look at the beautiful things inside.

After dinner and ice-cream, I took an opportunity to snap a quick iPhone outfit selfie in a changing room. I have to confess...I haven't quite got the courage to stand and have outfit photos taken in public here yet. It was so easy in Korea, no-one ever batted an eyelid since they're such a click-happy nation. It's socially acceptable expected that you take selfies - girls, guys, mums, dads, sometimes grandmas...everyone takes 'selcas' (Korean word for them - from self camera) everywhere!  It's also not uncommon to see couples or groups of friends doing full photo-shoots of one another in the street for no particular reason. Here it's quite a different story; just trying to take a few shots at Christmas time I drew plenty of funny looks. I know I'll just have to suck it up and get on with it sometime, but until then, please bear with me!

Outfit Details
Floral Dress - New Look 
Pashli Bag - Phillip Lim via Shopbop
Ring - J.Crew (old)
Spiked Necklace - H&M (Not online but this season)

Watch - Marc Jacobs via Shopbop

Anyone else get really embarrassed doing outfit shots? Have any of you got any tips on how to make the whole process bearable with lots of eyes on you? I'd love to hear if you have

Alive and Kicking - Although It's Been A While...

It's been what feels like an eternity in the blog world; a whole week has passed since I was last here and although a blog post didn't happen in that time a lot of other things have.... I moved back to Korea, I've found a new apartment, almost finished unpacking all my clothes (my goodness I knew I shopped a lot but bloody hell I have a lot of clothes!!) and after spending seven days feeling like an addict without my crack, I finally got my drug back. Yes that's right people, I have Internet in my apartment! I have re-joined the modern world!!

So, I'm hoping to get back to more of the usual in the coming days. I haven't really had time for snapping over the last week but I did take a few pics just before I left England when I ventured out for my last brunch with one of my friends.

Blazer - Topshop. Purple Floral Tea Dress - New Look.

Bracelet - F21. Sunglasses - Chloe.

Bag - Miu Miu. Boots - New Look.

There's that scarf again, bet you're getting sick of the sight of it!

I'm already missing my friends and the English food but I'm really enjoying catching up with everyone back in Korea and I really love our new apartment! I'm going to try and get some pictures to show you it soon.

Sorry this is only a quick post, I have so much to sort out here (if you've ever moved house before you'll know the chaos!) but I wanted to say hello to all you lovelies and let you know I'm still alive. That's assuming you actually noticed I was gone!! 

xxx

Wild Wild West: New Suede Cowboy Boots

Have you noticed a lot of cowboy inspired boots everywhere? Wooden block heels, suede and just a hint of western style detail. They started popping up on my radar in late Autumn. Yeah, I'm slow getting on this bandwagon, I know! If you read any of the popular fashion blogs like Fashion Toast you're most likely to have spotted the Dicker Boots by Isabel Marant, those were the first ones I noticed. Priced at a mere £350, I went out and snapped them up. No. I'm totally joking! Do I look like I'm made of money?!

Ever since I first saw and began lusting after those I've been craving some of the western inspired suede in my wardrobe. I shopped around for a pair. In the end, perhaps for the first, and most probably the last time in my life, I actually preferred the cheapest pair I'd seen. Shock horror!

Black Suede Cowboy Boots - New Look

I got these little beauties from New Look. They won me over because they're that perfect kind of heel height that is still really comfortable to wear and even thought they were quite cheap they don't feel it. They are made of real suede and the heel feels really solid. It's also chunky enough to be nice and stable if I choose to wear these out for my next cocktail night. Always such a bonus!

You can get your hands on a pair for £36.99 here! Alternatively, there's plenty of choice to suit every budget in the shops at the moment...

 

1. Black Suede Boots - Steve Madden - $120
2. Coconut Sammie Bootie - DSW - $64.95
3. Fran Block Heel Ankle Boot - Oasis - $115
4. Dicker Black Suede Ankle Boot - Isabel Marant - $580
5. Kenny Black Suede Ankle Boot - ASH - $325
6. Dicker Tan Ankle Boot - Isabel Marant - $580

So what do you think of Cowboy Boots? Do you have a pair or will you be getting any?

xxx

Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve

I took a trip into the Yorkshire countryside this weekend. I know most people who go walking in the countryside would be wearing walking boots, a waterproof jacket and some woollies but....well...I guess I'm just.... not...that...girl. Practicality has never been top of my priorities because, let's face it, practical is not pretty. Not pretty one bit.

I picked up this simple, casual and cute heart motif sweater from New Look. I didn't realise what a great store I've been missing out on living in Korea. I'm not sure it used to be as good before and I'm told they still have their ups and downs but when I went in recently I saw loads of really nice things. To top it off I could actually afford them, always a bonus/relief! Haha!

Jumper - New Look. Sunglasses - Gucci.

Silver Bangle - Mont Blanc. Charm Bracelet - Pandora. Scarf - H&M

 

Face - all thanks to MAC!

Military style jacket - F21

 

I love visiting the countryside when I need some time away from everything to slow down and think about things. Lately, as you know, I've been really busy and this last week one thing and another had started to get to me. I feel so lucky to live near such beautiful natural landscapes, it's awe inspiring. Being there makes me think about how small I am in the world and helps make me see my problems are only momentary in the grand scheme of things.

Where do you go when you need some thinking time or to get a little perspective?

xxx