Loving this week - Summer boots, Oil and it's finally raining!

I'm a fencesitter, while you get most people who are very black and white about things I tend to find the good in both ends of the spectrum. I like cats AND dogs, Summer AND Winter. But most of all I love it when a piece that would usually be relegated to one season, can be worn in the other.
Cut out boots are going to be huge this Summer, and already there are enviable versions in store. Balenciaga have an awesome pair but not everyone can reach that price point. Here are two styles that I would love to add to my shoe rack, perfect to throw on with a summery above the knee dress. These two varieties by Jeffrey Campbell tickle my fancy. The Tripoli Cutouts almost look normal from the front but feature a sneaky cut out around the heel, while the chunky flatform of these Roscoe Cutout Boots rock my socks.

Nothing beats an oil to remove hardcore makeup. They operate on the notion that like attracts like to remove the day without stripping your skin of its natural protection. So far all of the ones I've found are just too expensive for me, So when I spotted Cleanse off Oil by MAC for $15 a bottle I figured I'd have to give it a try. Add to cart.

Lastly, it's raining.. Oh my god. It's been about 3-4 months since we're had proper rain, and the days where it's sprinkled I could count on one hand. I miss the way the world is lit with white light under the clouds, the way water runs down the window panes, and the crisp, clean scent. Snuggled on the couch with a book and a nice hot cup of tea. These are my favourite kind of days.

Matches Fashion

There's just something really dreamy about looking at Designer fashion. As I'm sure it is with a lot of readers, the lust I have for that perfect pair of Opening Ceremony shoes just isn't the same as the feelings I get about a good pair I could find at a department store. The desire just isn't as strong, intense, it just doesn't leave me yearning.
Matchesfashion.com is my latest Mecca for finding new objects to love and dream about. Opening their first store in 1990, they pride themselves on excellent customer service and turning your shopping experience into something fashionably extraordinary. Matches vast range of both new and established designers leave me feeling giddy and willing to whip out my credit card at an alarming speed, which can only be a good thing for my wardrobe!

I'm always on the hunt for kooky little outfit finishers and this cute Cotton Square Collar by Carven is a winner for me. Just pop it under the neck of any dresses, tops or sweaters it will fit under and you're good to go. The geometric cut is modern and that size of the bib enables it to work with numerous fashion choices.

Scarves always say to me that the wearer cares about their appearance. If they have been styled effectively they lift the entire outfit to another level. This Apeiron Scarf by Athena Procopiou hits the Sci fi Prints trend nail on the head while being light enough to be worn throughout the year. I love how the colours range from pastels through to black for a very workable piece.

I love spotting Australian labels on international websites! Kimono style cover ups are perfect for the beach and as a light cover up during summer, Anna & Boy's Circle Silk Kaftan has a gorgeous cream print that will make your tan pop, and add some sun protection and style to your beach ensemble. I'd also use this to dress up a simple jeans and singlet combination, just add a few gold bangles, sunnies and a simple but chic look is achieved.

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Bringing some modesty to Sheer and Bustier Fashion

It's a beautiful day when two fashion not-quite-right items come together to make a really wearable outfit. Take these two fashion forward trend items -sheer tops and crop tops, otherwise known as bustiers- on their own they just aren't something I think I could get away with, let alone a lot of the population. No one really wants to see my belly out on the street, and I don't want to display most of my bras to the world either.
So we combine the two together.

My fly totally wasn't undone in these photos...

Dolly Bustier - Sportsgirl

Sheer Shirt - Dotti

Shorts - Sass & Bide, similar available here

Brocade Skirt - Ally

It's hard to see, but this is what I had on underneath.

The crop top makes it more modest because that's not actually my bra on show, while the sheer top provides the cover over my belly I'd crave if I wore a crop on its own.
It's really easy to play with this look too. If you're feeling more daring and have THE body to show off, feel free to undo a few buttons or even tie your shirt over the top of your crop. there's also a massive amount of bustiers out there, that can fall into Tribal, Neon, or Pastel trends. Shop around, find a cut that suits your bra size and you can't go wrong.

Win win!

Bought! Neon Aztec Collar Blouse from Valleygirl

Shirt - Valleygirl

Shorts - Asos

Bracelets - Multipack from Diva and a gift from my mother

Belt - Thrifted

Sunnies - Jay jays

Mug - T2 Tea

I made myself a promise that I would stop buying so much fast fashion, but I fail myself! How can I resist when it's this cute and spot on trend? Not to mention the fact it cost me a mere $10, no typo, It is the best bargain I've found in a while.

Close-up collar detail

For trends like this that are a bit flash in the pan it's more worth your money to go for fast fashion anyway. You don't want to drop a day's pay on an item that you'll only wear for a few months right?

Loving this week - Travel Totes, Owls and Deco Style

I think it's time to take back some of my old favourite post styles and revive them into regular columns, starting with a weekly round up of things that I'm completely in love with!

I like to think I travel a lot, but not as much as I'd like to. Being mama to a couple of kitties does impede on my ability to pack up and go somewhere for the weekend! But house-sitters are a saviour.
I am a great fan of good overnight bags, not just for luggage but for everyday use when I need something huge to haul around all of my gear for work and study. I spotted this amazingly beautiful and functional Raja Travel Tote by Mimco and knew I wanted it. It's expandable, has a detachable cross body strap and comes in a shade of go-with-everything tan with a pop of yellow detailing. Want. Now.

I'm still a sucker for a cute little owl and  I was in desperate need of a smaller vase as well, (I can only go for so long using items like jars and jugs to house flowers!) How cute is this little guy! He also comes in gold and is petite enough for smaller arrangements, he's also pretty damn adorable sitting round on his own. You can pick him up at Dotti stores in the selection of gift ideas they've sourced for Christmas.

I need to find a dress for my (Office) day job's Christmas Party. Something that's fun, on trend but that doesn't flash too much, I do need to look these people in the eye on Monday morning! In these cases it's prudent to follow the classy old style rules, show off either your bust or your legs, never both (and even then, don't be trashy, no one wants to see your knickers when you bend over!) and select something that flatters yourself. I love Lipsy for a good party dress, and I adore this option, the Deco styling of the frock  echoes with Great Gatsby trend, and if I wanted to style it a different way I could wear a different skirt over the top for another occasion.