Showing posts with label Ellery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ellery. Show all posts

coming of age.


Ellery blazer, Tibi cami, ASOS shorts, Chloe boots.
Ever since I made the transition from full time study to full time work, I've had to serious rethink my wardrobe. Gone are the days where I could wake up and pull on a boyfriend tee, ripped denim shorts and Supergas and rush off to uni. I'm supposedly all grown up now and officially have to look (and act) the part of a nine-to-fiver. Not that there weren't already elements of an office-centric collection in the making - I have my many Jac+ Jack/ J Crew button up shirts but I was missing a key component of any working woman's wardrobe. A blazer. But I didn't settle for your standard black blazer. I went all out in Ellery working in some dark florals as a subtle nod to my own style. Can I just say that Ellery makes the most incredible blazers. They're sleek, chic and tailored to perfection. And if you were wondering, no I didn't pay full price - I waited patiently for end of season sales. Winning. 

Photos by Christine Ai

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paradise punch.

Vintage shirt, Ksubi shorts, Benah bag and belt, ATP sandals, Ellery sunglasses. (Photos by April)

Now this is a hawaiian shirt. Plans change last minute and I found myself attending a 90's themed party with no costume. Is it sad that even though I grew up in the decade, followed every bad fashion trend possible (Jelly bracelets, skirts over pants, plastic tattoo chokers), and lived for pop culture - that I couldn't even remember what was quintessential 90's fashion. Enter this incredible vintage hawaiian shirt from Cream on Crown with everyone's favourite summer fruits plastered over the front and back. I didn't even care that it wasn't exactly 90's (Or is it?), it's just that damn cool. Tie a jumper around my waist and you have some semblance of Melrose Place/ 90210 teen fershunz. 

I wore this ensemble to Homebake on Saturday with April, a celebration of home grown music and comedy (loved seeing San Cisco and Ball Park Music) and though it would be somewhat appropriate given our history with hawaiian shirts ie. Mambo/ surfie culture (Do people in Hawaii even wear hawaiian shirts? I am full of questions today) to put a girly spin on the festival look teamed with my favourite denim shorts (I know they are on the verge of denim underpants but I love them so. Should probably stop throwing them into the washing machine though - they fray and therefore seem to get shorter by the week). 

And after months of sitting, waiting, wishing, I finally found the perfect cross body shoulder bag which was a steal from the Benah sample sale. I am also the proud owner of a black leather belt (yes it took me this long). Must stop buying things for myself and start buying Christmas presents for everyone else. Tis the season for giving after all.

Just under a week to go until I draw the winner for the Lioness LBD giveaway x
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it was all yellow.

Top c/o Somedays Lovin/ Cirqlate PR, J Brand denim, Watson x Watson sandals, Ellery sunglasses, Samantha Wills Design Studio customised necklace, Rings by Karen Walker and Jordy by Jordan Askill.

I distinctly remember the three times I've encountered yellow in my wardrobe. The first was in primary school and as my house colour, I was required to wear it every sport day Friday. The second was when I went to a 15th birthday dress as Misty from Pokemon and the last was seeing Gwen Stefani at the beginning of her 'What You Waiting For?' music video wearing a yellow cropped shirt and black headband and wanting to copy that look for myself (funnily enough I've been listening to this song on repeat for the last few days). And this right here would mark the fourth. 

I'm rarely a colour person (and if I am it's pastel or muted so from far away it looks like a neutral) but when I was asked to pick out my favourite piece at the Somedays Lovin showing a few weeks ago, I found myself drawn to this simplistic 'vein' print. What I love about it the most is the neckline, high, just the way I like it (almost like a halter neck), showing a little more of the shoulder and shoulder blade than usual. Is there a proper term for it? Because I just bought a Zimmermann playsuit in the same style that I just can't get enough of. A message to designers: please make more tees and basics in this cut. 

Photos by Aprilia

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the perfect pair.

Manning Cartell shorts, with Ellery sunglasses and Daisy by Marc Jacobs

Nobody told me 2012 was going to be the year of being united with my 'perfect' items. After the compliment-acquiring Veda Jasper jacket, and the fits-like-a-glove Dion Lee line II blush skirt, I bring you the third in my perfect purchase series, these Manning Cartell shorts from their Pearls & Men collection. 

I did blog about Manning Cartell's spring offerings earlier this year, hoping to nab the matching shorts suit combo for my birthday. As it turns out my birthday weekend was a cold, windy and rainy one (August, go figure) so that wasn't exactly possible given the circumstances - but they are finally in my hands and ready for spring! 

I actually tried them both on together, but it all seemed a bit too matchy matchy for me and felt like one of those you-only-wear-once outfits. But the shorts. The shorts. Where do I begin? The pinnacle of perfection - the cut is incredible with a curved front edge and straight back, the high waist, deep pockets and tweed textured print. I get a little too excited when I find pieces that fit so well. Clothes are designed for a specific body shape and size: tall, skinny and legs that go on for days - that of which I am not, so it's surprising that I've come across not one, not two, but three perfect fit pieces this year. 
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mbfwa day two. matching ombre.

Ellery skirt, Betsey Johnson boots (borrowed from Deb), Saba leather jacket, Ksubi singlet, Ellery sunglasses, Alexander Wang tote.
Photos by Aprilia Love

After being surrounded by so many beautiful people in extremely beautiful clothing, I realised there was no way I could compete. So I decided that my outlook for the rest of the week would be to not try so hard, and I was pleasantly pleased with the result. After Debra's recommendation to pair her amazing Betsey Johnson boots with my Ellery skirt, I ended up putting this outfit together in five minutes this morning. I even spent about 80% of my day wearing these boots, walking from Wynyard to Circular Quay and back. For a girl who's a klutz with heels I'm quite proud. I think the boots really make the outfit, so grateful my bestie and I have the same size feet! I also noticed that my hair matches my outfit... how funny. Ombre hair, ombre outfit. Day two was flowers For a Vagab0nd. Unfortunately I had to skip Toi et Moi Sydney because I had a compulsory tutorial at uni. Uni and fashion week  aren't exactly the best of friends. 
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new navy.


Dion Lee Line II top from Desordre | Zara pants and heels | Ellery sunglasses
Photos by Aprilia Love

I'm not sure what it is with my obsession with blue lately - it's the second time in a week I've worn an outfit in shades of blue. Perhaps I'm always opting for it because it's the closest I can get to black? (Never fear, I'm slowly making my way up the colour wheel. My next post features a coral blazer!)

These printed pants are my contribution to the pajama trend. I love the nautical style print (I think they look like tiny buoys) and the loose, yet tapered fit. Perfect for the current pajama climate yet subtle enough to wear once the trend has subsided. Certainly a change from my usual skinny jeans everyday. As for the Dion Lee top, I couldn't go past its unique shoulder detail and collar (certainly a good way to hide my broad shoulders). Dion is truly knows his way around impeccable tailoring, geometric construction and contemporary cuts. 

I purchased the Zara pieces in Malaysia and Japan (you won't believe how much better they have it than us Aussies) - you'd be hard pressed to find something this good in the Sydney store. Time and time again I've been to Zara on Pitt St, hoping to find that 'item of clothing' I saw on an American/ Swedish blogger and it has been nothing but a letdown. I know we're in a totally different season to the Northern hemisphere but that doesn't mean you have to treat Australia like the Zara outlet store! I would feel slightly better if they had an online store that offered shipping here. Anyone else feel like they've been cheated? I sure hope Topshop won't follow in their footsteps. 
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prom night.

Last night, much to my delight, work held a prom night party. Growing up with American television shows, I always wished I had the chance to live out the American high school experience complete with prom, so this was a dream come true. 

 Of course, the dilemma is always what to wear. I considered buying a new dress (top of the list was the Bec & Bridge cloud print shift) but I thought I shouldn’t spend my money on something I would wear once or twice - see, I can be a practical shopper! So I went for the the two pieces sitting in my wardrobe just waiting to be worn: my Dion Lee top (in its full glory) and my Ellery skirt. I didn’t think navy and metallic would be a winning combination but somehow it all fell into place. I’d say I had a pretty banging outfit but my parade was rained on by a girl who wore the sequin fishtail Aje dress... *jaw drops* I know right? 

 My prom night was complete with a corsage (I had to nudge Jack in the right direction), my best friend in a strapless Lover dress, a ride in a Hummer limousine, riding with our heads stuck out of the sunroof and photobooth photos. Unfortunately I didn’t win prom queen so that fantasy will remain unfulfilled - I promise you if I did I would have made some emotional speech like Lindsay Lohan in Mean Girls,  break the crown and throw pieces out into the crowd. 

 I wish I could have taken better photos for you all to see, but I’m sure these pieces will be making more frequent appearances on my blog. If you’re not already, feel free to follow me on instagram (username: _melissao)
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singin' the blues.

 Lowry's Farm denim shirt (Japan) | Joe's Jeans denim | Steve Madden pumps | Ellery sunglasses | American Apparel clutch 
Photos by Aprilia Love

 Experiencing deja vu? No you're not going crazy. If you've seen my Monday Muse: Ashley Madekwe post you've probably seen this outfit before. To say I was inspired by her was an understatement. This is pretty much a complete replication (minus the Chanel bag, such a pity). In my defence I had actually conjured up this outfit before her post, only to find Ashley beat me to the chase. At least I have the satisfaction of knowing I can put together an outfit that's good enough for Ashley.

Surprised to see me in a sea of blue? I am. I thought similar shades of the same colour would be an issue, but surprisingly it works. And I didn't even realise I was sporting the double denim. I have grown quite fond of my coloured denim I bought Japan. It's ideal for when I'm in a tee shirt and jeans mood (which is everyday at uni) and I have to resist the urge to wear them repeatedly (can't have people seeing you in the same outfit unless you have different classes!). So far, so good - they haven't stretched and they've kept their original shape. The best part is that they come in 54 other colours. What's that saying? If the jeans fit, buy them in every other colour?
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don juan.

Photo by Aprilia Love

Probably not the most practical purchase I've made, given the weather hardly warrants my eyes to be protected from the non-existent sunlight, but when the sales assistant says these sunglasses are the last pair in a colour way that won't be reproduced next season, you can't help but willingly pull out your card. I know how bad this looks, first Kahlo and Dion Lee and now Ellery but I promise you I'm no millionaire. I'm a uni student, living at home, working everyday I'm not at uni and hence don't have a social life -  the sacrifices I make to spend all my income on clothes. But I'm sure in a few years you'll all have your own place and a fancy car and I'll be in debt from all my spending (that's what my mother says anyway). 

These, among other beautiful pairs of sunglasses are still available online here.

 I apologise in advance for my lack of posts this week - on Sunday I was surprised with a 20% weighted assignment due on Friday. It was my tutor's job to assign people to present each week and guess who was lucky enough to be chosen to go first? Never fear, I have plenty of posts lined up so you can expect things to get busy next week. In the meantime, if you have a 'like' to spare, you can follow me on Facebook.
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new things.


You can never have too much of a good thing (not matter how badly it puts a halt to your savings). I went on a bit of spree last week and picked up two lustworthy pieces which came at a price (literally). You're probably thinking, but didn't you just get back from Japan? Well yes, but I have a little friend I like to call annual leave who came to my aid upon my return. And while you may have thought I was in shopping heaven (well I was), I will always have a soft spot for Australian labels. The design talent that comes out of this country is like no other. I am truly grateful to have access to such amazing and unique collections.

Now I just have to make sure these pieces don't end up with the same fate as my one sleeved s&b shirt which took over a year for me to wear. Say no to hiding these pieces in the back of my wardrobe because I have no occasion to wear them and yes to sporting them weekly, treating them like they're a basic tee or a pair of a jeans. Like that's ever going to happen!  
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