windy heart.


If there's one thing that that I've learnt this winter, it's that I feel the cold more than anyone else. My feet perpetually sit at 0 degrees regardless of whether I'm wearing thick socks and boots or Birkenstocks to the point they'll probably turn into icicles come August.  I'm constantly rugged up in my oversized coat with my oversized scarf wrapped around my neck (it consumes me) sitting at my desk with the heater turned up that my colleagues have started complaining how warm it s in our office. 

Besides freezing my butt off, in the time I've been absent from the blog I also decided to go for the chop again (this has become a yearly occurrence), citing Lara Bingle's new lob as my inspiration. There's something so free and liberating about getting your hair cut, like you're getting rid of the old, excess baggage that you've been carrying around for months. Literally. Exercising with a long ponytail is dangerous to you and those around you. I've been giving my new do some serious volume (that Asian hair drastically lacks) but it seems like the wind got the better of me and turned it into a mop. 

Jac+ Jack knit, IRO leather jacket, J Brand jeans, Acne scarf and loafers.

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winter blues.


There are three essentials I always make sure I'm armed with when the temperature starts to drop and the sun sets before I'm home. Surviving winter in a city where 'winter' isn't really winter (when you compare it to most other countries) is simple with a good selection of chunky knits, jeans and ankle boots. Comfy, practical and toasty.  I find myself itching to buy knits and jeans way before the winter season is well and truly underway. I'm talking cashmere sweater and jean hunting during February and March. I suppose you can never been too prepared. I've pulled together my winter in the city survival kit for the latest Wish and Honda Australia style challenge, tying in my favourite shade for the colder months (sans black, white and grey).

Wish knit, Scanlan Theodore jeans, Chloe boots, 3.1 Phillip Lim bag. 

Photos by Christine Ai

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silver lining.




You can always count on Zimmermann to come through with the goods. The instances I've been stuck with what to wear to a special event or occasion, I've always managed to find the answer at Zimmermann. Behold my graduation skirt, which was originally supposed to be a graduation dress turned graduation jumpsuit (almost). I love the subtle bell shaped flared skirt that I have been searching high and low for for months now.

I've never been able to commit to a dress (maybe it's because they're never the right length on me) but I find myself gravitating towards the unconventional separates option when it comes to event dressing. It's the savvy shopper in me that wants to ensure I get enough bang for my buck. With separates they can be worn together, worn apart, go low key or dressed up. Here I've taken my precious graduation skirt and turned it fall friendly with a grey marle sweater and my all-seasons Chloe boots. Stay tuned for my full grad look later this month, gown and all. 

Uniqlo sweater, Zimmermann skirt, Larson & Jennings watch. 

 Photos by Christine Ai
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with me.


I literally haven't taken my Chloe boots, distressed denim and IRO leather jacket off. Three items in on high rotation right now in my work/ weekend wardrobe. Looks like I'm channelling badass biker with all the hardware, buckles, rips and tears. I never thought my clothes would have such power over my outlook for the day. Sound silly but sometimes I feel unstoppable and full of confidence whenever I'm sporting my biker best. 

Pairing it back with some floaty whites and a new favourite (like fresh of the runway new) from up and coming designer Gabriel Lee. Gabriel was so kind to gift Christine and I with a clutch from the Private Performance collection that showed at MBFWA this year. Lee's been making headlines with his sporty aesthetic mixed with feminine sensibility. This year he incorporated this lucious floral  deco print that I can't get enough of.

Zara top, J Brand jeans, IRO jacket, Gabriel Lee clutch, Karen Walker sunglasses.

Photos by Christine Ai

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MBFWA: Haryono Setiadi.


I only made it to one MBFWA show this year and not surprisingly, Haryono Setiadi did not disappoint. Off site shows tend to have a stronger impact - the entire creative direction can be controlled right down to the location, lighting and seating. The all white space with intense natural lighting served as a blank canvas and almost palette cleanser for what was about to come. With Haryono's design you tend to expect structured silhouettes and form fitting pieces but in his MBFWA collection he instead built texture through soft, flowy fabrics, origami folds. His use of colour however was very much present - the colours resembling the elements (earth, water, wind and fire) and the patterns looking like surreal abstract landscapes with vivid sunsets. 

Thank you to Monster for letting me experience an absolutely ethereal. To commemorate the collection, Haryono and Monster created custom designed DNA headphones which were given to all the models so they could chill out to some tunes before the show! 

Photography by Christine Ai (First image by Ryan Kitching)
See more of her MBFWA coverage on Pages Digital
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double up.


Otherwise known as the Canadian tuxedo (and heavily attributed to this red carpet disaster), double denim has until recent times, been off limits. The formula to executing double denim the right way is really quite simple. Contrast your washes (the stronger the contrast the better) and your textures. 

This denim duo are two of my current wardrobe favourites. The top half is from Uniqlo - which has finally opened in Australia and did not disappoint at all (same range as overseas and at competitive prices). I was lucky enough to be sent down by work to Melbourne for the day and coincidentally arrived on Emporium Melbourne's opening day. I took a sneaky visit to Uniqlo to pick up another one of these shirts in a darker wash - there are three delightful shades for you to choose from. Plus they're only $40. Yes I know. 

As for the jeans - I have been on the hunt for a distressed skinny pair since forever but I could never find one where the rips actually sit on the knee. Most of the time they sat close to mid calf which looked ridiculous. That's where cropped jeans come in. Not only are they the perfect length to pack comfortably into boots but the rips sit perfectly. Always knew I could count on J Brand to come through with the goods. 

Uniqlo shirt, J Brand jeans, Chloe boots, Karen Walker sunglasses.
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blue jean baby.




The best accessory for a pair of blue jeans is a bold lip (the darker and redder the better) and a not-quite-there top knot. Two things you don't see very often on this blog, in fact I don't think I've ever worn my hair up here. My flat hair has never been ideal for updos. 

Boyfriend jeans have been on the rise over the last few years, but finding a pair that balance the right amount of slouchiness with one that gives the illusion of longer legs is tricky. These blue jeans from Mavi have just the right amount of slim and slouch to do just that. Paired these babies back with my IRO jacket that I literally haven't taken off since I bought it a few weeks ago and my new favourite printed tank that still manages to tick my all important monochrome box.

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rooftops.


The one wardrobe essential that has been missing from my collection is a leather jacket, and now that I've finally found the one, I don't know how I managed to go without one for that long. My dream leather jacket has forever been the Acne Studios Mape though I've never been game enough to put that much money into a jacket (let alone any purchase for that matter... yet). I came across a sweet selection of new IRO on Green with Envy and figured if anyone knew how to make a mean leather jacket it would be French label, IRO - considering the leather jacket is consider a must to pull off Parisian chic. It was hefty purchase but a necessary one. 


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wallflower.



I did it. I found the epitome of man repelling. Drop crotch pants - or better known to some as poo pants. Once upon a time, I was against them too. No to harem pants, low riders and looking like a fool with your pants on the ground. That was until I tried on these Bassike jeans. That was when I changed my tune. Unfortunately Jack and the male population have yet to see the light. 

These pants have magical man repelling powers that Leandra herself would be proud of. But also powers of extreme comfort and an effortless IDGAF about whether you approve of my pants vibe. I would highly recommend you get yourself to a Bassike store and try them on for yourselves before you judge them. Skinny jeans can be all kinds of wonderful but some days you just really don't want to put your legs through that sort of pain/ lack of movement. So that's where the poo pants come in. 

Special thanks to the girl behind the lens Christine, who possesses her own sort of magical powers with her ability to make me look way cooler than what I actually am. The graphic bomber and aviators combo definitely helped my cause. 


Images by Christine Ai
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marble.


It takes a very special kind of print to sneak its way into my neutral orientated, monochrome dominated and stripe filled wardrobe. I couldn't go past the sleek marble print paired back with the mesh overlay contrast - a luxe take on the classic tee shirt with a sneaky back cut out and corset shape. Naturally, I chose to dress it down with leather shorts and wedge sneakers.

Things are absolutely jam-packed in my corner. I've found a job which I love (as far away from the CBD as it may be) and launched my foray into the world of health and fitness with a new blog. The past week has been crazy to say the least - I won free tickets to the Phoenix sideshow, partied with Rudimental and Channel V on the Island, scored tickets to Future Music with work and ended up at a cozy gig featuring Ryan Hemsworth and Baauer. I'm all work, all play. 

Ruby Sees All top, UNIF.M shorts, Isabel Marant sneakers.
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The Island with Rudimental.


It's not every day that you're transported to a floating island via water taxi in the middle of Sydney Harbour, let alone going there to party with Rudimental and Channel V. Take one very unique venue with an impressive view of the city skyline and put Rudimental in charge of the music and you have one sweet party. They spun some killer tracks from TNGHT, Flume and Michael Jackson but the party really went off when they played their own music (live trumpet included). Thank you to boohoo for giving me the opportunity to attend such an incredible event (and to my plus one Dani who did a great job on photographer duty)!

Peplum top and houndstooth shorts from boohoo, Ruby Sees All jacket.
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