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

As Summer Fades

 

Do you remember the sickly sweet floral tea-dresses that were a big trend about five years ago? Well, I was big into that trend. Of course I was, it appealed to my super girly side! I chose the floatiest I could find and dressed them up with oodles of sparkly bangles, pristine hair and makeup, and usually a pair of heels, too. 

My style has evolved since then; although I'll never stop being attracted to floral prints, these days I like to wear them differently, in a sort of 'girly grunge style' I'd call it. What this involves is basically...making a whole lot of effort so you don't look like you've made any effort or not making a whole lot of effort at all. I prefer the later, since I'm always running late. 

For me, it's air-dried hair, minimal makeup, a good worn-in pair of biker boots and a floral dress. This particular dress is a new one I just got from Choies. It has structured shoulders, something I always love, and also a decent amount of structure to the body.  Plus, because it's made from a fairly thick fabric (rather than the all too common limp, slinky stuff) the skirt also holds it's 'skater' shape and has a nice amount of volume. You can check it out - HERE!

So, do you wear florals? Are you more girly grunge or soft and floaty florals? 

If you want to try the girly grunge look yourself, the thing to remember is to keep the dress light and/or bright, otherwise you'll just be grunge! 

Have a great weekend everyone x x x

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The Designer Inspired Debate // Shourouk Rainbow Clutch

I spied this bag on a couple of websites including Choies, where I proceeded to order it without being aware that it was actually a copy of a designer piece. I saw the rainbow of crystals against the clear PVC (which makes it surprisingly more versatile than you'd imagine) and thought it'd be a gorgeous statement clutch to have. I've since found out that the original clutch is by Shourouk and it's quite a bit more than the forty dollars I shelled out.

NEW IN // H&M Cutwork & Emroidered Top

If you follow me on Instagram then you'll have spotted this top I picked up last week. (And if you don't follow me, why ever not?! Go do so here!). I was innocently browsing H&M and despite already owning more white tops than any person can ever possibly need and recently vowing I was going to buy more color, I saw this top and decided it couldn't be passed up. It's got scalloped edges, a beautiful floral embroidery design and little cut out detailing. So pretty and all for such an affordable H&M price tag, that really, how could I just leave it there?!

As bad as this may sound, it's one of the rare times when I've bought something knowing I will wear it again and again. You see, I'm usually more of an impulse buyer of statement items and 'trend' pieces. It's not a good way to be as it results in a full closet and the feeling that you have nothing to wear since statement pieces aren't the easiest to mix and match and trends have a horrid habit of looking old, fast.

Anyway, I'm pleased to report that the 'cost per wear' on this is already heading towards single figures. And, since it's so light and loose, as the temperatures go up that figure is only going to go down.

Nail Polish - Chanel Distraction  //  Bracelets - All BHEARTB
Drink - Very Berry Refresher - My new favourite courtesy of Starbucks.

Not sure what the awkward pose is all about but it's the only clear full shot I have of the top >.<

Outfit Details
Bag - 3.1 Phillip Lim - Via
Blouse - H&M
Skirt - Diesel - Similar
Bag Tassel - BHEARTB
Watch - Marc Jacobs - Via
Bracelets - All BHEARTB

I also wanted to let you all know there's free shipping this week in my Etsy store. Just enter the code FREESHIP1. Happy Wednesday everyone!


x x x





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New In // Zara Floral Shorts

OUTFIT  //  Shorts - Zara (here) //  Blouse - (Similar)  //  Bracelets - All BheartB (here, here & here)
Watch - Marc Jacobs (here)  //  Bag - Prada  //  Tassel necklace - BheartB (here)

I've been making a real effort to avoid the likes of Zara and H&M lately. I decided I should try to save money for investment pieces rather than 'fast fashion' items. I think I mentioned this a while ago. But....we all know how good Zara is...I should have known it was dangerous to go even in eyesight of the store. I spotted these shorts from outside as I passed by the doorway, the bright pink and orange floral lured me in. And well, as they say, the rest is history. 

I'm not too disappointed with myself though, I really love these. They're the perfect cut for me and the print is right up my (rather girly) street. The tailored style allows them to be worn smart or casual depending what you choose to pair them with. A simple blouse with the sleeves rolled back always makes for an easy laid-back combination. Not such a bad buy really!

Do you manage to save for investment pieces or are you like me and you struggle to stay away from the high-street stores?

x x x

PS: As everybody must have heard by now, Google Friend Connect is ending soon. I'm going to be using Bloglovin' to follow and read blogs from now on. Click on the button below to follow me there :)

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Cherry Blossoms

 

Outfit //  Blouse - Mango  //  Pashli Bag - Phillip Lim  //  Oversized blazer - Similar  // Heart Necklace - Similar
Pumps - Similar  //  Watch - Marc Jacobs  // Fairfax sunglasses - Elizabeth & James

I spoke too soon about the weather. I should have known better. You wouldn't think it. but these photos were taken in the rare bit of sunshine we've had this week. Basically, since I posted about how spring was finally here, we've had almost nothing but grey skies and rain. Brilliant! Sorry people of Korea, I guess I jinxed it.

Still, I'm staying positive and trying to channel the spring feeling in my outfits. I took a little inspiration from the beautiful pale pink cherry blossoms for this outfit. This was the first outing of my new Mango blouse, I love the pretty Guipure lace detail and it's even long enough to cover my bum (something I like with jeans, but sadly don't get from many blouses being quite a tall person). I wore it with an oversized boyfriend blazer and skinny jeans.

Do you reckon I jinxed the weather? If I say I'm really excited to wear my red Hunters at the weekend do you think the sun will shine? Actually, wearing wellies or having sunshine...it's a win win situation for me ;)

x x x

- Shop The Look -

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So Long January // Plaid and Sparkles

I thought I'd sneak in a quick outfit post before January is up. This is one of my current 'go-to' outfits when I just can't be that bothered, which...I'll be honest, has been quite a large portion of January. It's just such a cold and dreary month, it makes me want to lay on my sofa and do little else. I'm quite happy to be seeing the back of it and hoping it's all up from here.

When I have had to do something, this oversized plaid shirt has been a comfy option that I've thrown on a few more times than I care to admit. Mine's from Uniqlo a few months back, but if you're after the same oversized style you could always just buy a men's plaid shirt. Currently, you'll mostly find me wearing mine with black leggings and a jacket or vest (like the pics). I reckon it's going to be slowly transitioned into my 'lazy spring wardrobe' with some skinny jeans and sparkly pumps, though. 

Plaid is one of those timeless things that works it's way in and out of fashion trends. It's casual and durable and although it's not the most feminine of prints (nothing very ladylike about lumberjacks is there!) if you contrast it with some sparkly accessories it can look fab! I'm partial to pairing mine with my gorgeous 'Audrey' necklace from EllandEmm on Etsy and a little arm candy too, of course!

Shirt - Uniqlo //  Leggings - Here  //  Biker boots - Here  //  Necklace - Here  //  Bag - Bally

Who else loves a plaid shirt for the casual easy option? How do you wear your plaid?


xxx



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Christmas 2012 // Photo Diary

The best way to start Christmas day and get into the festive spirit.

Perfect winter morning  //  Snow on the ground and clear blue skies 

Santa came!!

This one was definitely not wrapped by the Mr!!  //  Nails - OPI Black Onyx and InnisFree Glitter 112

Unwrapping gifts in the morning sunshine :)

Thank you so much Santa, you know me so well!!

My favourite christmas morning tradition  //  Smoked salmon with cracked black pepper and lemon. And, some champagne to wash it down.

Heading out for Christmas lunch  //  Bag & Coat - Zara

Black suede studded bag - Zara  //  Watch - Marc by Marc Jacobs via Nordstrom  //  Tassel Necklace - HRH  

I think the photographer has had one too many glasses of champagne by this point!

Back home to curl up in front of some Christmas movies

Tucking into a late night (second) Christmas feast. Tis the season after all!

A perfect Christmas day.

So, how was yours? I hope you had a wonderful day, leave a link if you did a post about it, I'd love to see what you did and what Santa brought you!


xxx

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