Thursday 28 March 2013

cameo lace

Ksubi shirt Shakuhachi shorts | Alexander Wang 'rocco' bag | Isabel Marant 'zora' wedges 

I think I'm definitely having a shorts phase recently. Whether it's the ubiquitous denim One Teaspoons (here, here & here),
or a fancy silk or printed versions (here, here & here) or just plain ole daisy chain lace. There really is no escaping it on my blog.
I have the most fun with them when I get the chance to mix them with something unusual, like this army print t-shirt
from Ksubi. I love the way it the military print clashes with the much more feminine daisy-chain lace of the shorts. It's also
the most comfortable summer outfit equation; slouchy tee with lots of breathing room for your legs.

x karen

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Wednesday 27 March 2013

Indian summer


Witchery romper | Comme des garcon clutch | Celine new audreys | Saint Laurent arty ring 

The only logical thing to do when hit with an unseasonal heatwave is to scale back to minimal clothing, you may choose
to push the boundaries of decency but please leave that line uncrossed, and carry only your essentials. I managed to 
find this silk ditsy floral print romper in the back of my closet, a practical fossil from the '00s of this century. I chose to
carry only my essentials; sunglasses and a clutch enclosing my phone and credit cards, if only so that I can carry a drink
on one hand and ice cream on the other. 

Finding this jumpsuit also got me thinking about the lifespan of my wardrobe. I dream about having a French lady's 
wardrobe, in which everything is a timeless staple that will weather the harsh realities of ever-changing fashion and trend. 
I dream of being able to reach into my wardrobe and grab any items at random and find myself with an enviably
chic outfit. I've decided to slowly work myself in that direction, even if it means throwing (and by throwing I mean
ebaying) away any unnecessary clutter and buying only the timeless pieces that I will wear over and over again.
And by that I mean, not necessarily the standard classics but the classics that will fit into my life; I mean, I never wear
my Burberry trench as much as I wear my khaki jackets (see here & here) and whilst my Lover lace shorts 
might not be a wardrobe staple for most, but it definitely is for me.

Now comes the hard part, tooth-combing through my wardrobe and wish list to actually identify the classics
and not get distracted by things that I think I will wear but really, who am I fooling?

x karen

Tuesday 26 March 2013

tapestry

Kahlo shirt | Zimmermann shorts | Forever New straw clutch Tony Bianco heels 

Speaking of the Zimmermann sale, in my last post, it only seemed right to continue in that tradition and show a few more
things that I picked up. These shorts feature an interesting print that's almost tapestry-like, it comes in this amazing 
wrap skirt but unfortunately it was too big for my non-hips but luckily these shorts fit! It's a tad loose but I love silk shorts
(and denim shorts) that are a tad big and sit low on the hips. Anything to gain the illusion of hips is welcome to me.

I paired the shorts with another favourite Australia brand of mine, a simple white Kahlo shirt which allows the silk 
shorts to take centre stage even though it's a simple and lightweight print. I like how the pastel Tony Bianco don't compete with
the print on the shorts whilst still bringing out the blue and purple in the print. As you can tell, I like how this whole
outfit came together as I got dressed very last minute. 

x karen

Friday 22 March 2013

grey pastels


Kahlo tank top | Bardot shorts | Miu Miu 'coffer' bag | Zimmermann heels 

I scored big on these heels, so big that even a 'yo mamma' joke can be fashioned out of it. They're part of the Zimmermann Flip Side 2012 collection and they've always lingered at the back of my mind until I saw 
them again at the warehouse sale last week. They're the perfect summer alternative to the Alaia 
heels which I gushed about, except cheaper. Much, much cheaper.

The Zimmermann Warehouse Sale is one of those bi-annual events that you'd hate yourself for missing,
or even for not getting there the moment it opens. It's the perfect opportunity to stock up on their
delectable bikinis and sundresses (and occasionally splurge on a pair of heels that don't even require the
word 'splurge'). BUT I'm pretty sure it's only ever held in Sydney, I guess this is one of those only times 
where us Down Under-ers don't turn a nasty shade of green at the thought of all the warehouse sales we're
missing by not living in the US or Europe.

BUT if you took a note at all the talent currently happening at LMFF (that's in Melbourne, darling),
I'm pretty sure it's time to get all jelly at our proximity to Ellery, Dion Lee & Lover, amongst many others. 
Not that I wouldn't give my left arm to get into an Alexander Wang, Helmut Lang or Chanel sample 
sale (I need to keep my right arm to sign for my credit card of course).

x karen

Thursday 21 March 2013

birthday month

birthday

Helmut Lang stretch leather legging | Proenza Schouler snake-print skirt | Dannijo 'Oksana' earrings | Hermes CDC | Acne 'Rita' leather jacket | Valentino Rockstud heels | Proenza Schouler PS11 in sorber

I'm one of those people that get ridiculously, unexplainably, chocolate cake with fudge excited with the thought
of my birthday. The mere thought of my birthday gets me all giddy, let alone the sight of the Taurus horoscope
creeping its way up the magazine page- a tell-tale sign that it's almost birthday time.

For those of you that are astrology inclined, you'd realise that Taurus isn't for another month. But I'm all for
being prepared because the real reason I love birthdays (I am no longer amused by my digits increasing
every year) is that its the perfect excuse to buy myself a present (or two). For the sake of efficiency, I've compiled
a visual diagram of my cravings du jour. 

In reality, my budget does not extend to the dramatics of this collage however a girl can always dream right?
(and if family & friends (esp. bf) happen to be reading, a not-so-subtle hint has never led anyone astray before,
only to bankruptcy apparently). But with winter coming up, these are some essentials that will definitely 
get me through the upcoming season.

Winter means layering up and what better than Helmut Lang leather leggings and a Acne leather jacket
or two? The Proenza Schouler skirt is the perfect colouring for winter stocking layering shenanigans. 
And for the days where you want to lounge around in your boyfriend jeans, then these Valentino heels
will save your day, and your derriere. The Proenza bag is the perfect alternative to the traditional black,
and grey assortment of gloomy winter shades. A soft nude bag will see you through this season of dreaming
about spring.

And the jewels? Because every girl wants from Hermes & Dannijo for their birthday.
Even if she has to buy it for herself. 

The shoe on my feet, I've bought it
The clothes I'm wearing, I've bought it
The rock I'm rockin', I've bough it

Who am I to deny Destiny's Child?

x karen


Tuesday 19 March 2013

red paisley

Forever 21 top | Alice + Olivia 'butterfly shorts' (seen here & here| Zimmermann sandals | Forever New clutch | Karen Walker 'deep freeze' sunglasses

This top was one of the only things I bought from Forever 21 when I was in Japan. I don't know why I chose
to buy a thin chiffon top when the weather was anything but accommodating but I'm glad I did. It's the perfect pop
of colour I need to inject into my wardrobe, especially in consideration of my recent affair with white, grey and black.
The subtle paisley print reminds me of the Opening Ceremony wrapping paper, which I absolutely adore and my
Isabel Marant shorts (seen here) which I've gotten crazy wear out of. 

I love finding prints that are easy to match, even though I've only just worn it with a simple pair of white
tailored shorts here. But really, it's the perfect outfit to wear during autumn days when the weather still thinks 
its summer.

x karen

Thursday 14 March 2013

simple reasoning


Bassike tee | Ellery skirt (similar here| Topshop boots | Comme des Garcons clutch | Celine 'New Audrey' sunglasses

Sometimes all you need is a really awesome skirt (Ellery is always a fine choice for unique structure
and material) and a simple grey tee to spend a sunny Sunday in. I love statement pieces that 
allow you to downplay the rest of your outfit i.e. the no-brainers. 

This laziness is the exact reasoning behind my recent acquisition of this amazing Kenzo skirt
Cannot wait until I have this in my hands. Anticipation is the best part of online shopping, no?

x karen

Wednesday 13 March 2013

hey sugar, show me all your love


Sass & Bide tank | Kahlo vest | Nicholas leather skirt | Ray-ban aviators | Chloe bag & boots

Ever have that one person in your life that you always find yourself running back to?
Well, these Chloe boots are my equivalent of the Justin-Bobby (or my Scott Disick
for those that are more Kardashian than The Hills inclined). They are the kryptonite 
to my Superman. The Birkin to my Victoria Beckham, if you will. I know, the quality 
of my analogies are on a fast downward slope, however, it's been a while since I've had to 
use my brain. Although, one can argue that to move from the Kardashians to Queen B
herself is nothing but a triumph. 

Either way, the main point is that, after years of agonising and watching the price tag 
slowly grow at a rate definitely not on par with inflation, I bit the proverbial bullet,
closed my eyes and just did it. And boy, did all that adrenaline feel good. It's the perfect
boot for any outfit and I don't really want to take them off my feet. I can't wait until it 
starts getting the aged and worn in look. 


x karen

Wednesday 6 March 2013

watson x watson


A while ago, I visited the Watson x Watson pop-up store at Paddington and seriously scored.
Due to my holidays, I haven't had a chance to take these babies out for a spin yet, but it's definitely in
the works (as is another outfit post). In the meantime, I couldn't wait so here's some recent 
addition from Watson x Watson.

I've had my eye on the Bobble Sweater ever since its first showing at Fashion Week last year (see here)
and these silk shorts were a definite fluke of luck on my part. I couldn't say no to the whimsical 
watercolour print on those shorts, especially coupled with the loose flirty cut. 

I'm ready for the contradictory Sydney weather now! 

x karen