Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Cairo the Sequel.
After thirty six hours of flying, seven hours waiting, two airports, six movies, three plane meals, two time zones, four magazines and..........ONE OUTFIT, I am back from....Dubai.
We were on our way to Dubai after our stop over in Singapore when the Australian travel warning for Egypt was upgraded to 'Do not travel'. On arrival in Dubai we were given a message from my uncle to get our bags, buy ourselves a big bottle of duty free perfume and get on a flight straight home.
I will never know if my fool proof packing method was in fact fool proof (well, at least until my next spontaneous holiday). However, I do know I did not pack my hand luggage well!
My travel outfit was well thought out; dressy enough for an upgrade to business class, matching with my luggage, appropriate for Egypt and comfortable..... until the new shoes gave me blisters after walking the kilometres between gates at Singapore airport, the jacket was not warm enough for the plane but too tight to wear over something warmer and the wool cardigan got itchy half an hour into the first flight.
I will never again travel with only red liquorice, pizza shapes and magazines in my carry on luggage!
We were on our way to Dubai after our stop over in Singapore when the Australian travel warning for Egypt was upgraded to 'Do not travel'. On arrival in Dubai we were given a message from my uncle to get our bags, buy ourselves a big bottle of duty free perfume and get on a flight straight home.
I will never know if my fool proof packing method was in fact fool proof (well, at least until my next spontaneous holiday). However, I do know I did not pack my hand luggage well!
My travel outfit was well thought out; dressy enough for an upgrade to business class, matching with my luggage, appropriate for Egypt and comfortable..... until the new shoes gave me blisters after walking the kilometres between gates at Singapore airport, the jacket was not warm enough for the plane but too tight to wear over something warmer and the wool cardigan got itchy half an hour into the first flight.
I will never again travel with only red liquorice, pizza shapes and magazines in my carry on luggage!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Pack, Pack, Packing for a Mystery Destination.
Ok, i'll admit, I am exaggerating a tad, I'm not really going to a mystery destination. I am in fact jetting off to Cairo tomorrow. (Yes, Cairo in Egypt!!!)
Last year I decided to go to Bali with three weeks notice, last month I decided to go down south for the weekend on the Friday, and last week I was invited to Cairo. I am getting a reputation as a spontaneous traveller, as of course I said 'why not!' (One of the plusses of being an unemployed fashion graduate.)
Anyway, back to the point of this post, I am currently in the middle of packing. I have little knowledge of the culture in Egypt, a rough idea of the weather (apparently it is the winter season so I can expect rain and lots of mud) and a 20kg limit.
I have been told the local women are covered from head to toe. So out of respect and not wanting to attract too much attention I would say my ripped denim mini shorts, singlets and low cut tops are out. It will also be a lot cooler than the 37 degree scorcher we are having today.
After pulling out everything I own, trying to write daily outfit plans and also raiding my mum's and sister's wardrobes for appropriate attire, I think, (I guess I will find out when I get there) I have come up with a fool proof plan for packing for a mysterious destination.
1. Number one, clear your space, for me it was to freshly make my bed and put all my clothes away.
2. Start with the basics. As I am going to the cool weather I am starting with leggings, Long sleeve t-shirts, singlets (for under other dresses or tops), a short black cardigan (for under jackets if you want to wear them open and still be able to see the dress or top), a long black cardigan, a black slip (for under anything, you never know when a black slip will come in handy) and a black blazer. Yes, a lot of black! I can't help it, black is always a staple for a winter wardrobe.
3. Number three, (I needed good will power for this one) is going through your wardrobe and selecting items to wear with your basics (obviously). For some reason, I was attracted to all the items I haven't worn in years, my pink trench (it sounds gross, but it's not, I promise), a stripy shirt and a ruffle skirt....don't ask me what I was thinking, I must have been momentarily excited at the prospect of perhaps wearing them again. However, I regained my sanity and self imposed a golden rule...if I haven't worn the item in the last few years I will not be wearing it whilst on holiday.
4. Statement Items. In the event of an exciting invitation to a fancy dinner, a night out on the town ( I seriously have no idea if there is a 'town' in Cairo) or for any other reason there might be, I will be well prepared. This is where I got excited and packed my all-time favourite LBD (little black dress), my new knit top with sparkly jewels around the neck, a dressy cardigan with embellished shoulders, and a statement khaki jacket.
5. Accessories!!!! Scarves, (I have about 10 packed already, I have been told it is a necessity to cover ones decolletage whilst in Egypt), necklaces, hats, bangles, sunnies, etc. etc. Go crazy, accessories are light and they can make any outfit.
Im thinking number six will be shoes....I haven't got that far yet, I still have a row of 10 pairs out on my floor. I will definitely need some careful thought there! I better get back to it.
Check back soon for some (hopefully) outfit success stories from Cairo.
Last year I decided to go to Bali with three weeks notice, last month I decided to go down south for the weekend on the Friday, and last week I was invited to Cairo. I am getting a reputation as a spontaneous traveller, as of course I said 'why not!' (One of the plusses of being an unemployed fashion graduate.)
Anyway, back to the point of this post, I am currently in the middle of packing. I have little knowledge of the culture in Egypt, a rough idea of the weather (apparently it is the winter season so I can expect rain and lots of mud) and a 20kg limit.
I have been told the local women are covered from head to toe. So out of respect and not wanting to attract too much attention I would say my ripped denim mini shorts, singlets and low cut tops are out. It will also be a lot cooler than the 37 degree scorcher we are having today.
After pulling out everything I own, trying to write daily outfit plans and also raiding my mum's and sister's wardrobes for appropriate attire, I think, (I guess I will find out when I get there) I have come up with a fool proof plan for packing for a mysterious destination.
1. Number one, clear your space, for me it was to freshly make my bed and put all my clothes away.
2. Start with the basics. As I am going to the cool weather I am starting with leggings, Long sleeve t-shirts, singlets (for under other dresses or tops), a short black cardigan (for under jackets if you want to wear them open and still be able to see the dress or top), a long black cardigan, a black slip (for under anything, you never know when a black slip will come in handy) and a black blazer. Yes, a lot of black! I can't help it, black is always a staple for a winter wardrobe.
3. Number three, (I needed good will power for this one) is going through your wardrobe and selecting items to wear with your basics (obviously). For some reason, I was attracted to all the items I haven't worn in years, my pink trench (it sounds gross, but it's not, I promise), a stripy shirt and a ruffle skirt....don't ask me what I was thinking, I must have been momentarily excited at the prospect of perhaps wearing them again. However, I regained my sanity and self imposed a golden rule...if I haven't worn the item in the last few years I will not be wearing it whilst on holiday.
4. Statement Items. In the event of an exciting invitation to a fancy dinner, a night out on the town ( I seriously have no idea if there is a 'town' in Cairo) or for any other reason there might be, I will be well prepared. This is where I got excited and packed my all-time favourite LBD (little black dress), my new knit top with sparkly jewels around the neck, a dressy cardigan with embellished shoulders, and a statement khaki jacket.
5. Accessories!!!! Scarves, (I have about 10 packed already, I have been told it is a necessity to cover ones decolletage whilst in Egypt), necklaces, hats, bangles, sunnies, etc. etc. Go crazy, accessories are light and they can make any outfit.
Im thinking number six will be shoes....I haven't got that far yet, I still have a row of 10 pairs out on my floor. I will definitely need some careful thought there! I better get back to it.
Check back soon for some (hopefully) outfit success stories from Cairo.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Nail it!
A recent obsession of mine lately has been super bright coloured nail polish. I have an ever-increasing collection of nail polishes; blue, green, mauve, purple and orange all of which are currently my favourites.
The photo below was taken over the weekend on a girls getaway (courtesy of Ali Sims). Brights are definitely 'it' right now.
Toss your shades of pink and nude aside and follow the trend!
The photo below was taken over the weekend on a girls getaway (courtesy of Ali Sims). Brights are definitely 'it' right now.
Toss your shades of pink and nude aside and follow the trend!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Book Shelf Porn. (It's not what you think.)
I have been super naughty lately and haven't written a post in a while. (let's hope there is still presents for me under the christmas tree!) Anyway, today is the day I get back on the wagon! What better way to start blogging again than to talk about a cool blog I have discovered.
What is Book Shelf Porn? Well it's not real porn, let's get that straight! Why do I feel the need to dedicate a post to it? For one, I love books, yes, yes i'm a bit of a geek when it comes to reading, I also now have the reading glasses to match. (That is another post, they are so cool!) However, the reason I am sharing this blog is it's link to fashion master Karl Largerfeld. Who knew he had such a cool book shelf, or book wall! http://bookshelfporn.com/page/6 Click on the link to have a look.
If you have any interest in interior design, reading, books or furniture design, you will enjoy this quirky blog. I must warn you, it is addictive, you will spend hours viewing the amazing images and it will send you running to the shops to replace your boring ikea book shelf!
http://bookshelfporn.com/
What is Book Shelf Porn? Well it's not real porn, let's get that straight! Why do I feel the need to dedicate a post to it? For one, I love books, yes, yes i'm a bit of a geek when it comes to reading, I also now have the reading glasses to match. (That is another post, they are so cool!) However, the reason I am sharing this blog is it's link to fashion master Karl Largerfeld. Who knew he had such a cool book shelf, or book wall! http://bookshelfporn.com/page/6 Click on the link to have a look.
If you have any interest in interior design, reading, books or furniture design, you will enjoy this quirky blog. I must warn you, it is addictive, you will spend hours viewing the amazing images and it will send you running to the shops to replace your boring ikea book shelf!
http://bookshelfporn.com/
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Let's Not Start a Cat Fight.
While shopping for a birthday present for a very stylish friend I came across the jewellery by Cat Hammill. I instantly fell in love!
Inspired by her travels through Asia, Paris and South America Cat Hammill has created a range of necklaces and bracelets full of plaited and knotted leather, hand dyed wooden and silver plated beads and my favourite part, the quirky charms designed by Cat. From the silver wishing bone to the out of shape peace sign and the funky hearts.
Each piece has a message; peace, love and luck are just a few. The range is designed so you can personalise, whether you want to stack the bracelets all the way up your arm or you are after a more classic long silver necklace that will go with everything, there is a piece for everyone, young and old.
The 3 year old in me came out, while watching my very stylish friend unwrap her very carefully chosen (and I mean very carefully chosen, it took me almost an hour to decide which necklace I liked the best because I love them all) present. I almost had to call in help to physically restrain myself from snatching it back out of her hands and keeping for myself. I decided to avoid the cat fight (i'm not excusing the pun) and be mature (and boring) and wait till pay day to treat myself to one of Cat Hammill's amazing creations.
Available online from http://www.swankyandswish.com/shop/Cat-Hammill-Jewellery/, David Jones stores or et seq in Floreat.
Have a look at the range at http://www.cathammill.com.au/ (some photos from the website included below).
Inspired by her travels through Asia, Paris and South America Cat Hammill has created a range of necklaces and bracelets full of plaited and knotted leather, hand dyed wooden and silver plated beads and my favourite part, the quirky charms designed by Cat. From the silver wishing bone to the out of shape peace sign and the funky hearts.
Each piece has a message; peace, love and luck are just a few. The range is designed so you can personalise, whether you want to stack the bracelets all the way up your arm or you are after a more classic long silver necklace that will go with everything, there is a piece for everyone, young and old.
The 3 year old in me came out, while watching my very stylish friend unwrap her very carefully chosen (and I mean very carefully chosen, it took me almost an hour to decide which necklace I liked the best because I love them all) present. I almost had to call in help to physically restrain myself from snatching it back out of her hands and keeping for myself. I decided to avoid the cat fight (i'm not excusing the pun) and be mature (and boring) and wait till pay day to treat myself to one of Cat Hammill's amazing creations.
Available online from http://www.swankyandswish.com/shop/Cat-Hammill-Jewellery/, David Jones stores or et seq in Floreat.
Have a look at the range at http://www.cathammill.com.au/ (some photos from the website included below).
Monday, October 25, 2010
Bold and the Beautiful.
The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and summer is on its way. It's time to introduce some summer colours into our wardrobes!
Invest in nude, caramel or beige basic shorts, t-shirt and heels and have some fun with bold, bright coloured pieces. I've included a few of my favourites below.
Invest in nude, caramel or beige basic shorts, t-shirt and heels and have some fun with bold, bright coloured pieces. I've included a few of my favourites below.
Dress by Piper Lane. Available from Bonnie and Clyde
Generics studded leather bag. Available from Merge Subiaco. Generics are fantastic, up-to-the-minute, quality fashion accessories at great prices! Look up Merge Subiaco on Facebook to view the whole Generics range.
These Alice McCall shorts are so hot! You can find them on mycatwalk.com. I can't wait to get myself a pair of printed shorts. They are a must have for every fashionista's summer wardrobe.
Not brave enough to wear bold colours? Brighten up your outfit with a Matthew Williams leather cuff from mycatwalk.com.
Camilla and Marc 'Fume' skirt also from mycatwalk.com.
Mimco 'Liliput Hip Bag'.
Im loving this print by Sass and Bide! Shorts available at www.frolicgirls.com. Not only does it come in shorts but I noticed while shopping over the weekend that it also comes as super cute cut-out silk tops that would look great with worn in denim shorts or a nude tube skirt.
Tonight by Cat Grace available at Merge Subiaco.
Samantha Wills ring. Also from Merge Subiaco.
I hope I have inspired you to start building up your cheerful summer wardrobe! For more great new season fashion go to mycatwalk.com, frolicgirls.com or look up Merge Subiaco on Facebook to view pics of all their exciting new stock.
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