Melbourne

You guys... how is it the 20th of December already?? I can't believe that Christmas is next week - and that my last blog post was almost two months ago! Welp, sorry about that. The first week of December I jumped the ditch to Melbourne, Australia for a holiday with my dear friend Amber, to belatedly celebrate turning 21 and finishing our degrees. I've been to Sydney before (which I absolutely love), but it was my first time in Melbourne and I fell pretty hard for the place! The beautiful buildings, arcades and laneways, the cute cafes, the amazing shops... I'm already dreaming up future trips so I can explore more outside of the city, too. Have you been to Melbourne? Fun street art in Union Lane. And a variation on the outfit I ended up wearing for most of the trip - apart from the day it was a scorching 37 degrees, it was usually too chilly for all the summer dresses I had packed! The Royal Arcade was so pretty and Christmassy. I somehow managed to go to Koko Black four times on our seven day trip. Haha! Their iced chocolates are so good! We did a bit of shopping. ;) Our hotel had a level 27 pool with beautiful views of the city. Not pictured is the gym on the same floor with equally wonderful views! Um... can I go back right now please? The view from our hotel room. Poor Amber actually had food poisoning for part of the trip so we spent most nights hanging out in our hotel, watching TV and ordering room service. My pretty travel buddy. My denim jacket is from Asos and I bought my necklace at a vintage & handmade market in St Kilda!  
Well, those were some of the highlights from our trip (although I forgot to mention we had amazing facials and manicures at Miss Fox, which I would totally recommend). Melbourne, I miss you already, but hopefully we will see each other again someday soon. :) Do you have any exciting travel plans coming up? Or where are you dreaming of traveling to next?

Happy Halloween

I know it's been quiet around here - blame it on end of semester craziness and my upcoming exams! You haven't been missing out on much... while I have somehow managed to get out of my pajamas most days that I'm at home studying (or, let's be honest, procrastibaking to avoid studying), none of my outfits have been remotely blog-worthy. ;) Anyway, I wanted to pop in with a Halloween post, and quickly share with you the cutest pumpkin and the coolest skeleton I've ever seen - also known as my niece, Nina, and my nephew, Jake. I mean, really. Could they be any cuter?! This photo cracks me up every time I look at it. Jake's skeleton poses were pretty amazing, haha! I love these kids. And I love Halloween. I hope you had a fun one, too. :) I'll be back with an outfit post after my last exam next Thursday! If I happen make it through my first exam this Saturday morning. Ugh. Have a great rest of your week, everyone!

Spring Afternoon

Over the weekend, my Mum threw me a surprise afternoon-tea for an early birthday celebration. I hadn't had the best week as I had spent most of it cooped up at home sick, working on assignments and generally feeling a little sorry for myself... but I think sweet treats, ice tea and some lovely company under the cherry blossoms in the front garden were just what I needed! I'm wishing I still had some leftovers right now. We had pastries, macarons, rocky road, cupcakes, caramel slice, cappuccino slice... yep, it was awesome!

Floral Cords - Neuw via Texas Radio, Tee - Dotti, Flats - Witchery, Necklace - gift

I was told to get dressed and ready beforehand - which is just as well because otherwise I would have joined the party in my pjs and fluffy robe - so I threw on what is my current favourite outfit. I've been cutting back on spending in preparation for Melbourne but when I saw these floral cords in a shop window in the mall I work at, it was kind of a done deal. I love them. The necklace was a last-minute addition because it was gifted to me that afternoon by my sister! Hmm, what else is new... I had to present a seminar for a History class at uni today and I left almost as nervous as when I went in. I think it went well but I usually feel like I make a fool of myself in presentations! That said, I'm happy that it's over and done with. I have a few more things to work on this week but it's my actual birthday this Thursday and I'm taking the day off! I might see you then with a birthday post - no blog is complete without a couple of slightly embarrassing childhood photos, right? ;)

New Beginnings

I hate to make a habit of starting every post by talking about the seasons, but... yay, spring! My sister took these photos for me and even though the light was fading, I think she did a pretty good job. I joked that we've worked out a trade system: she takes outfit shots for me because I help babysit her kids, and since my niece and nephew are so cute, it's definitely a win-win deal for me. ;) To be honest with you guys, I've been avoiding posting on here because I haven't known how to address what has been going on in my life. Morne and I broke up about two months ago and while I'm sure none of you are overly interested in my relationship status, I did want to tell you because he was a part of this blog. You might still hear about him every now and again because we're still good friends, but he won't be taking my pictures, and my life will be quite different to what I had previously planned for next year.

Veil-Safe Plan Top - Modcloth, Jeans - Witchery, Booties - Jeffrey Campbell

Being single after four years of being in a solid relationship is definitely not something I'm used to yet. Work and uni are keeping me busy, though, and I'm excited for what's coming up in the next couple of months. It's my birthday next week, I just bought Russell Brand tickets for November, a girls trip to Melbourne is all booked for December... all good things! Add to that the gorgeous weather we've been having and the fact that I'll be done with undergrad in six weeks, and I'm feeling good. As always, thank you for following along with my sporadic posts, and I hope you have a great week!

Hansel and Gretel

You probably wouldn't know it from this outfit or these photos, but it feels like spring has definitely sprung a month early here! Trees are blooming everywhere and it's already so much warmer. Jeez, by the time I get just a couple of autumn and winter posts up, spring has rolled around already. Thanks, changing seasons, for reminding me how much of a crap blogger I am. ;) Of course I'm not complaining really - I love spring - but I'm not ready to put my coats and boots away quite yet... or start shaving my legs regularly again, haha!

I'm so glad to finally do an outfit post with this dress. I've had it for a few years now and it's one of my absolute favourites, mainly because of its unique print. It was made here in New Zealand by a local designer and she told me the whole print tells the story of Hansel and Gretel! Pretty special, huh? It looks better dressed up a little more than this but I thought traipsing around the lake in heels wasn't the best idea, so you're getting a more casual look this time.

Dress - Ooby Ryn, Cardigan - Glassons, Scarf - Witchery, Flats - Topshop

That's all from me for now - I need to get off the computer before I accidentally-on-purpose hit 'place order' on one of the online shopping carts I have going... There are too many cute things I want for spring, but I'm currently saving my money for a girls trip to Melbourne! If all goes to plan I'll be heading over with one of my best friends for a holiday this December.  I've been a bit stressed out and sad lately but it's good to have something to work towards and look forward to. What are you excited for? I hope you've had a great start to your week!