MECCA BEAUTY
Beauty and products to me are all about discovering to compliment your skin. I love makeup and I happen to be the ultimate consumer. Sucker for packaging and and will try the ‘must have’. I am also loyal and if I fall for the perfect mascara or blush I repurchase but you have to play the field a little bit to know what you are missing. I love a recommendation but take them from friends, makeup artists who are friends and when a lifestyle blogger or photographer shouts out her favourite things because she uses them and loves them. This whole concept is where the beauty blogger was born where you were connected to new ‘friends’ opening their makeup stash but I have refined the advice as it is hard to see through the paid promotions and advertising sometimes. There are still a lot of people like myself that do get paid but only for things they believe in and honestly love. Eleanor Pendleton, Gemma Watts and my girl and superstar makeup artist Jade Kisnorbo are just a few and this is where I am coming in.
I am going to let you know when something comes my way and you should add it to your ‘EDIT’. The fab girls above are beauty experts and will give you how to and lots of amazing details on the use of the products as well as highlighting. Ill make an EDIT with all the things that I have as staples in the routine and things that come my way that I think you will love. I am a lifestyle girl and I am sharing my way about creating a beautiful styled life and beauty is a part of that story.
MECCA is my main beauty squeeze and I have been a fan of the company for as long as I have been buying makeup and products. The philosophy and story of founder Jo Horgan is one to read if you have not done so already. The best brands and products are sourced and we are going to find them and share the love.
THE EDIT
Byredo Gypsy Water – The Cult fragrance. So unique and fresh. Once you have this in your life you will never want to be without. This goes for the entire range.
French Girl – This range of products was new to me and I received the Rose Lip Polish in a goodie bag at the start of the year so when I saw it available at Mecca I was excited to try the full range. The polish preps and exfoliates for the perfect pout.
Bare Minerals – The newly released Bare Pro foundation. A full coverage yet feels so light on your skin. The enzymes and ingredients give a guilt free application that won’t have you waiting until you can wash it off.
Shop and explore the brands and how-to at Mecca.com.au
DECORATING FLOORS
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[/twocol_one] [twocol_one_last] When you have a good base you can build new styles and looks and rejuvinate spaces by adding just a few new items. I am so big on making a space your own with your clothes, shoes, magazines and your favourite things used as decor items. I used to put things away in cupboards and want a space tidy and 'set up' but all of this 'stuff' is you. It makes sense to have it out showing off.
A big room changer is a rug and I know this isn't an earth shattering revelation but it is when you settle on something outside your zone. Branching out a bit from a more neutral colored rug or like I have in the lounge - a berber style, I wanted a print but something subtle to compliment things I already have. I think taking a risk on a rug is a big decision as it changes the whole room but I needed to stay in the zone to compliment what I have going on already. All of my linen bedding is white, charcoal and greys with one set of a dusty rose to be the star occasionally.
I love a Persian rug and my Mum has a few but the oriental reds and style is not quite what I am after right now so I searched for something soft in color yet detailed in design. My friends at Temple & Webster had so many options that fit the bill but I saw this one I was sold! Slight silver sheen to the weave which gives it a very chic edge.
I recommend you have a color palette plan before you start browsing. Make up your room with your linens and accoutrement placed so the room is finished so you can have a good idea as to what is going to work. Artwork and posters are also a good way to decide on what style and design you will choose. This assuming you have all of these things but on the flip side if the room is totally getting a refresh I would start with the rug and go backwards.
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SHOP THE POST
Temple & Webster Elinor Scandinavian Rug | Temple & Webster Linen Frayed edge Quilt cover
ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY
The Ordinary - Clinical formulations with integrity. A pioneer in not the technologies that are used to create the products but the messages and brand behind them. Positioned to raise pricing and communication integrity in skincare. So use effective clinical technologies and an honourable price.
Apart of DECIEM - an umbrella of brands including Niod and Hylamide which focus on advanced functional beauty. Challenging the industry norm about disguising products behind wording around advanced technologies and branding to confuse the customer. They are keeping it real and giving us products that rival any other.
As soon as you read about the company and brands you quickly realise that it's a lot more about new foundations and products that are so cheap but so good. The full brands stories here.
I have been waiting patiently for the foundation to come back in stock after the world figured out what we just have it was selling at a rate that production could not keep up. As we all know what you can't have you want more right? Waitlists and the craze hit for more than just a well priced foundation but people connected to the brand and the mission statement in the quest for honesty and integrity. You can't argue with that.
If you look at the product list and the categories - Retinoids, Antioxidants, Direct acids and Molecules and the ingredients - Natural Moisturising factors + HA and Alpha Lipoic acid you wouldn't be blamed for being intimidated and discouraged from what it all means and where you would even start to have a routine. Thats the point they want to make right there. The wording, the descriptions, the advanced and clinical formulations used elsewhere in the industry as a way to raise prices and rival the Luxury brands. Funny enough The Ordinary - not so Luxe everyday affordable brand took out the awards in the Luxury category.
So where to begin? If you can't head in store (Deciem are on Chapel street) there is a very cohesive Regime Guide
As for the foundations and color matching there are a lot of options there too.
Shade Guide with color swatching
I am all about their primers and makeup range and a definite must try. Available in Priceline now also.
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All products from DECIEM
SOCIAL STORIES : AUGUST
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This month in social media posts and stories.
1. Always making updates and little changes to my space. Our bedroom. New linen curtains made by my Mom and a rug on the way - watch this space
2. I am a full blown magazine, book and image addict. I am such a visual person so having beautiful photography off digital is everything. Book on the want list is the new Dior book with all things NGV and Dior in Melbourne this week. Exhibition is mine this week.
3. I was annoying and posted a top that was almost sold out and sent a few of you on a chase to find her of which I know two had glory. Its Aje and I am positive a style as stunning is due soon.
4. I had introduced my love for the new BEAR journal vitamins and brand this month. Available at MECCA. The blog and brand on social is beautiful and worth a visit. www.bearjournal.com
5. Had forgotten to share these blush beauties. Converse One Star. Vintage in flavour with a millennial pink update. Let's break them in.
6. Deliveries that get me more excited than I maybe should be - or not. The IKEA catalogue is so good. So many things I need... and don't but they end up in the trolley just in case I did end up needing them when I leave. I love it!
7. The new Rebecca Vallance store on High
Street Armadale. Blush curtains, herringbone flooring and racks of the most beautiful collection. I have been a fan of RV for years after making her leather pants mine and they are still my favourites.
See for yourself in store or get to know the brand online
Follow me on Instagram @ejmaxwell
Vogue Fashion Night Out is on in Melbourne tonight and the launch of MFW so it will all be happening in our fabulous city. See you there!
FATHERS DAY GIFTING.
Father's Day is a double for us now as I have to try and find something for my Dad and also help/guide/buy something from our gang to say thanks to Nick for being the best Dad in the world. My Dad seems happy with his annual gift voucher that has been gifted the past 10 years or so but that won't fly for Nick with Milla and Archie wanting to shop for the special gifts to go with the DIY cards and annual kinder and school miscellanious goods.
Enter Fossil. I have partnered with this amazing company quite a few times launching their brilliant smart watches and other timepieces and I am excited to take you through the range and give you the down low on this innovative and fabulous brand over the coming months. The first in our Fossil experience is shopping from the men's department for Father's Day.
I actually love men's watches and I have borrowed from the boys for the past few pieces I have had from Fossil so shopping for Nick's Father's Day gift I was making mental notes for my future investments. We headed into Fossil at the Emporium for the team to show me through the mens range and talk about the newly released timepieces of which we selected the brand new Hybrid Fossil Q Activist. Tan strap, black face and as a hybrid he is smart. Nick wears a fitness wristband daily and it looks just like that - a fitness band so the opportunity to elevate the look of his daily wearable is going to impress. The Hybrid collection have the look of a timepiece but with intelligence so complete connectivity with your phone for notifications, music control, photos and sleep and activity tracker as well.
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The range of timepieces is extensive and for a girl that loves options it was heaven especially when I am choosing for someone else. When it's my turn the decision making gets complicated. Once the face is decided on there is a whole range of straps that are interchangeable which again I love some options.
Our experience in store was complete with the personalisation service to engrave and emboss on your leather and watches. We are heading to Europe soon so a leather passport holder was an easy choice and having something monogrammed and personalised isnt something that Nick would rush to do so that extra touch elevates the gift.
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Fossil Hybrid Smartwatch 'Q Activist' Available now. I recommend a visit in store as the team know every inch of the brand and every piece in the range so you will be able to choose the best option for you. The collection is extensive so if like me you like all the cards on the table you will know you chose wisely.
The range and details about Fossils history and brand at Fossil.com
WORLD OF STYLE
[twocol_one]A few weeks ago I partnered with Porter Davis Homes to capture one of their displays at Armstrong Creek and discover the homes of Porter Davis. A girl that likes all of her best options on the table we headed straight to the top and experienced 'The Hamptons' . We are in planning for our extension/build and the decisions are already proving to be difficult even for me who is absolutely a woman who knows what she wants and likes.
I am a very visual person so plans and drawings on paper do not cut it for my view of what I am going to get. Moodboards from magazines and color charts and digital inspiration are a must for my preparation for a project. Sometimes overwhelming in the same breath to narrow down all of the beautiful bathrooms and living rooms and make the call on marble or wood.
The beauty of a display home.
The design and plan has come to life and you get to feel how you are going to live. See the finished product and fall in love before you even start. The plan and options are just the beginning and for me the styling and personality is where I shine but it is a big task to bring the project together and make a coherent and finished home. Porter Davis have the answers with their World Of Style where you can work towards what you have saved and loved and bring it all together in a concept for your home. Brilliant.
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You can visit the homes at Armstrong Creek and experience all of the homes in the range.
Learn more about Porter Davis here and all things World Of Style here.
INTERIOR MUSE : PERSONAL
I love finding home inspo on real estate sites where the trends we interpret are at the most personal and natural style. Scandi. A home in Stockholm photo ready with stacks of magazines along the floor, unframed posters among the gallery wall frames and one of my favourite notes the linen bedding on a let's call it 'softly made' bed. Unforced. Lived in. Personal.
We see so many perfect images on social media and in magazines and by perfect I mean homes of people living all over the world and sharing styling that is how you live it. Styled and tidy yet not like you live in a showroom or in your favourite Scandi store. I must admit this would be a nice start maybe and then I would go in and rough it up a bit. I follow some great stylists and photographers (in which I will get up on the Muse section) that share their lives and homes on social media and it's this exact feeling that it's just relaxed a little and makes for a much more achievable and realistic inspo when we bring it home.
Images via Fantastic Frank
MAXWELL'S X COUNTRY ROAD
I am a true Melbournian and as a Gemini/June baby am I born to the winter. I love the layering and the fashion of the cooler days and having being inside with the fire pumping and keeping cosy.
A few weeks ago my family and I packed up and headed to Mt Baw Baw for the kids first white winter adventure.Only 3 hours away from home we packed the car and had the tunes going for our regular car karoke. Raff slept as he always does on our road trips and Milla and Archie eagerly awaited the sighting of snow and when it finally came into view and they were so excited. Simple pleasures.
Together with Country Road we experienced all the Mountain has to offer and while we had down time I captured our story for a “Live with us’ feature. You can see the story and shop the looks here at Country Road.
INTERIOR MUSE : PERSONALITY
The endless pinterest board with home decor and design for home. My ultimate tip to find out what you want and what your style is by online shopping and checking the previously viewed panel and the same goes for pinterest, repeated themes and color choices tell the stpry. My interior inspo board is very consistent and has locked in a few design choices for our new home.
It is no secret that I love the Scandinavian style but the actually homes lived in the country not the Scandi trend as such as the home that looks like a store isnt personal enough for me. I like a bit of styled mess with mags and guitars and shelves of stacked books. Just as my girl crushes and Muses stylish French, English and Scandinavian chicks are not afraid to inject personality and whilst still having a style concept and put together spaces each holds its own. Why a linen layered slightly unmade bed gives me good vibes is questionable to my reality of how my bed looks everyday and a style choice but Im rolling with it.
The Space - Instagram/blog Muse Jasmina Bylund (@jasminabylund) Apartment. The floors which have well and truely been locked in for us but in a more Oak / grey tone like here. I am extending our current window ledges and making sure we have them in the new build as well. As many opportunities to have plants, books and candles I am there. We have also locked in hydronic heating for the look of the panels and of course the type of heat as I am not always about the looks!
My Interior Pinterest board | Images via Jasmina Bylund Instagram/blog
JULY WISHLIST
Shopping Collage/Wishlist posts are actually one of my favourite to look at and shop from. Deceiving in their simplicity as they take longer to produce than I remember , or my time is more limited - either or ill roll them out here when the lists are compiled. I feel as though I am in an AA meeting but for blogging when I make these statements and lock in a consistent flow of posts and commit too. Its good. Lets do it.
THE WISHLIST BREAKDOWN
Finally for this years Birthday I committed to another thing - Chanel. I went Gabrielle as the classic never fades and also that the infamous 'BOY' is just too timely for my liking. I was there that day to buy and checking in weekly or travelling around Europe to get 'The One' wasn't happening and it turns out it was meant to be because I am in love. The tie in to this list is the words I said when I got her, that I wouldn't need to buy any more bags because I have her.... just one more and its ok because she is tan and under $1000 so its justified.
Accessorise: Sonya Rykiel Le Baltard. The modern take on the French Shopper. Love.
For The Home: Linen. Always linen. I am due for a new set and I love the idea of mixing the tones in the one bed making session. I posted about this set from In The Sac and a navy or charcoal with do her well.
Scent : Never enough candles esp from MECCA. Diptyque and Byredo are on the top of the list.
Beauty : Makeup brushes do make the difference in application and if like me you have diva skin then a beautiful quality set will serve you well. Queen Bobbi Brown.
Creamy lipstick is where I am at. I struggle with an intense lip as they feel quite dry and I fuss with them all day so I love the texture of these RODIN OLIO LUSSO lipsticks.
Decor : Unable to get my tan leather couch right now as we are set to renovate and I have way too much furniture for our space already so the next best is tan leather cushions and decor items like these strorage boxes.
IMAGE VIA Fashiion Carpet and I note that Nina is right onto this bag with Google image telling the story that we are yet to be mass hit with this style so In Paris she is mine.
DENIM DAYS
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[/twocol_one] [twocol_one_last]Denim - A category that is the mainstay in every wardrobe. The staple that does everything in all different ways. Having a revival of sorts at the moment with rinses and cuts being played with and the standard skinny, black highwaisted being challenged with mid blue crops and frayed hems. I mostly channel French chic over Kardashian chav so for me denim can be worn anywhere, anytime depending on what you pair with it. Of course the daily calls for a tee and oversized knit or layered with a coat but add some sling back pumps and a blazer and you have undone yet all together.
As for the mini members I don't really stick to any rules when dressing them in that Milla borrows from the boys, we upsize, layer and just as we all did as kids took the fancy things out of Mums collection for accessorising. It can be hard not too over buy for kids because shopping for someone other than yourself is great and dressing four is better than one right?! Build their wardrobes as you do yours with everything making the bigger picture and talking to each other. Don't have Frozen leggings as an option and they then wont be an option.
Denim is in abundance in the Maxwell house so when Country Road releases a new denim collection we are in. Distressed skinnies, oversized denim jackets and shirts paired back with Vans, Doc Martins and my 66 The Label scarf - As you do. Borrow from the boys, layer, mix denim with everything in the wardrobe and unless they are like Arch and get down and dirty denim gets better with wear and is made to be loved and lived in.
Shop the looks at Country Road now.
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Shop the collection at COUNTRY ROAD
MAKING THE DAILY FANCY.
Photo worthy cutlery much like some of my plates admittedly have their time in lifestyle shots because it would be rude not too. Truth is I like my home the way I shoot it. The undone, lived in spaces with personality and style. Styled mess as it were with my 'stuff' placed and loved all over the house. Have a beautiful set of knives and forks then use them daily and fill the drawers with them. Buy books and magazines you love and make you feel and not just making a background for a pretty pic. Burn your candles and re use the jar for makeup brushes, double your crockery as jewellery plates sitting on your desk. Have the nice things on a shelf to admire but have the things hidden in the drawers a part of the story too. My point is don't live for an Instagram picture but live wether you share or not. It still happened if you don't.
I know we are talking about cutlery still but its about buying and living with nice things that you do your daily with. It makes you feel good to be sorted and be in a space with nice things every day. So buy the gold servers and these Reform Merchant blackware sets and feel fancy at meal time.
BOOK Eat, Drink, Nap - feeling Soho House when you are not in NYC & Warehouse Spaces
CUTLERY Black flatware set from Reform Merchant
PLATE Salt & Pepper Home
BEYOND THE CULT PRODUCTS
I am a self confessed beauty junkie. I love products and I would probably say I am the perfect customer and ideal brand consumer. Sell me something with amazing packaging and brand story and I am on board. It will come to no surprise that I am a massive fan of MECCA as a shopping destination but also as a brand and business. Admiring the journey and success of founder Jo Horgan building this unique beauty empire. We are all aware of MECCA the stores but delve into the brand and its story and you will be in awe and find inspiration in an amazing woman in business. Appreciate and get to know the brand you love with their story here .
What am I shopping?
As a regular my cupboard is full of boutique and exclusive products from all over the world thanks to MECCA. If not only for the beautiful brand and packaging but BYREDO is a favourite of mine for their understated yet unique fragrances. Scandinavian style and design lives through the brand.
With a number of their candles in my life the delivery with the newest product in the line up completes me with a BYREDO perfume. The Kabuki Perfume – Inspired by the Japanese theatre and actors with the traditional brush used to apply makeup. A new texture from the usual invisibility of scent and in my case the new Bal d’Afrique. Brava Mr Gorham.
You can get to know the brand and founder Ben Gorham at BYREDO.com and of course over at MECCA. Stop by and read the descriptions of the fragrances, explore the range beyond your favourite candle and read the story. I promise you will better for it and when you have them in your life you understand why its a best seller beyond the scent or cult status of the label.
SHOP BYREDO AT MECCA COSMETICA
MULTI ROOM SOUND with BANG & OLUFSEN
A home that is well connected and makes living easy is where we all want to be. Music and sound bringing life into our spaces.
Last week I was introduced and wowed by the Multi Room system by Bang & Olufsen. A system that allows you to stream different music in different spaces simultaniously or the same for a seamless listening experience. 5 speakers placed in all areas of my home all connected and all wireless to move when you do. How many speakers depends on your space and with each having their own style they become a part of the decor.
A tour around my home with Multiroom.
THE DESK
Where I spend most of my time during the day and my desk space is one of my favourite zones to personalise. The speaker - The M5. Soft cover in the beautiful Marl Grey. The sound has some great base to get the RnB Fridays pumping.
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THE STUDIO
Looking like a part of the decor and elevating my shelfie. The Beoplay A6 , like most all of the speakers can be easily moved around so when I changed my styling I can move her with it.
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THE KITCHEN
With its full bodied sound and plenty of volume the Beosound 2 takes the stage.
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THE BEDROOM
My chill zone and the ultimate in decor and styling. Soft sounds and background music for this space.
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THE LOUNGEROOM
Where the entertainment happens. Tv hooked into the A9 for a full surround and amplified experience.
Explore the range and learn all about everything in sound from the genius team at Bang & Olufsen here at the B&O STORE Au. The home needs music and its all about your spaces styled and personal. A speaker and option for every style and space.
CHANEL at MARAIS
When you receive an invitation in the mail sent from Chanel you clear the schedule and lock in the time. If not in Paris then Melbourne is the perfect setting for an event of such class and prestige. Two iconic names in Chanel and Marais welcome you to join them for the first time a ready to wear collection ventures outside a Chanel boutique and where more fitting than Marais.
Last night we viewed the collection with canapés and champagne followed by dinner at the brassiere and cocktails on the rooftop being serenaded by The Preatures. If being surrounded by Chanel wasn't enough.
I urge you to make your way to the Ephemeral Boutique at Marais to discover and marvel at the beauty that is Chanel. Experience not the logo and the brand but everything that is Chanel and reintroduce yourself to fashion, couture fashion. A timeless brand which for me never fails and refuses to steer away from its concept and heart under the pressures of trends and reinvention. The true icon in Luxury branding.
The Ephemeral Boutique
June 15th - July 9th
Marais - Level 1. 73-77 Bourke Street , Melbourne
An Intro to the collection at Marais.com.au
TIFFANY HARDWEAR
A brand that will stand the test of time. Beautifully elegant and a classic forever. I remember my first piece of Tiffany jewellery. 'Return to tiffany' heart tag pendant necklace in sterling silver. My Mum, born in NYC ties me there for life and when you think of NYC you always connect Tiffany's. The city and maybe I am bias but Melbourne beats to the same drum with her attitude of quiet confidence, unassuming with a chic and natural sense of style.
The HardWear collection embodies todays modern woman. Powerful, confident and pretty with edgy glamour. My exact style memo.
Tiffany & Co, collection after collection with the signature styles will always be icons.
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THE LAUNCH
Fitzroy, Melbourne. Cutler and Co x Tiffany. Bringing all of the feeling from NYC the venue couldn't have been more perfect. The intimate setting over lunch with writers, creatives, the team from Tiffany's and the stunning Miss Lara Worthington all in attendance. Call me bias but Melbourne is Australia's best city and what a perfect place to launch this chic and beautifully tough collection.
INTERIOR MUSE : BLANC
A few notes - The white floors which I am clearly pinning and saving a bit so obviously drawing my attention. I have always said you have a style and the best way to find out what makes you have feels is to get on Pinterest or shop online. Check your previously viewed items and bam - patterns arise. Instagram saved, pinterest boards and posts like these also work but I find you are saving for purpose and under a category and making a mood board or pretty images so you may save outside your zone for the sake of the feed. Nothing like the pressure of a purchase and the competition between all the stuff we can buy as to which pretty things catch the eye enough for you to click and view. Try it.
So Blanc. Just add greenery in plants.... and keep them alive. Fun Fact - They are not on the liquid diet and need plant food so wondering why you have a fiddle leaf fig thats stunted? the poor girl is hanging for a carb. We also welcome tan leather to this picture and grey and navy on the walls and in your linen bedding. The white floor and furniture is the perfect canvas for your personality to be added in.
On that note I started following some amazing accounts which ill get together for you but they are not afraid of some mag stacks and personal 'styled mess' around their home which I love. Add in your touches. Use your shoes and clothes as decorative pieces, Create your own art and gallery walls, have a pink chair, layer cushions and throws on your couch so you want to relax on it and give me an imperfect bed adorned with linens a pillows galore.
Now to get our plans approved for the reno.
Images via Entrance
MY EDIT FROM MBFWA
Can we take a moment to collect ourselves from the week of Fashion flooding our feeds and screens. MBFWA was in full flight and if like me you are following a lot of people in attendance you saw every show a few times on Instastories and have scanned more street style images than needed and pinned your life away but after all of that I have a sense of pride and excitement for Aussie fashion. The events, the styling, the brands, the fashion, the coverage from the streets to backstage I think we have it sorted. As I do daily already I had Who What Wear Au open in the browser for all of my updates on what was what and what everyone was wearing to calm the mild FOMO that I was having by watching from afar. The runway shows were missed and that feeling when the beat drops and you anticipate whats about to come your way ,mentally adding items to your future shopping lists.
As I was absent capturing images from backstage where I love to be are non existent so here is the best bits from the week of fashion feat Albus Lumens, Macgraw, Bianca Spender, Bec & Bridge and Dion Lee. Can we talk about the braids at Macgraw?The Kevin Murphy team working their magic. And the soft and subtle show from Albus Lumens at the enviable La Porte Space Deux.
Bravo.
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So what do we need to shop for right now? My wardrobe is a build. I am adding to the outfits I own and buy pieces that work back with all of my staples. I am more French than LA and like my palette black,white,grey and subtle hues in between. Thats just me so edit where you see fit to work with how you roll.
THE LIST - Everyone should own these items.
A beautifully tailored black blazer. My brands to browse are Reiss, Ellery, Camilla & Marc (dimmer or Claudel), Country Road.
Silk Tops . This is the elevated basic when a cotton tee is just a little under. I have the Ellery Escapade tee in black and white and it does serious hard yards. Country Road and here,
Shirts - Oversized, detailed,silk, white and patterned to break up the black. You wont want just one as this one is a serious go-to. Best Matin Studio, Anna Quan, Strateas Carlucci, Acler,
All images via Flaunter and Fashion Journal
EASY.
Denim pictured: MLM label. (sitting pretty on Bastille & Sons Chair)
Its Vogue Online Shopping Day so what better day to get some denim inspo and shopping done Offers here
Ive never met a person that doesn't own and love something denim. It brings automatic ease to a look and in my opinion styling a pair of jeans is like your own canvas. You start with a pair and work your style up. It is also a daily which needs thought and planning to elevate your basic go-to. At the moment denim is having quite the moment. No longer just skinny but all different cuts and washes are becoming the hero and we need to note what we have to add to each style to make it work. I still love a skinny but with a slight crop to slip on loafers with and add an oversized cardigan and a tee. You must own a pair of straight leg, high waisted mid blue wash jeans. They are the business. Start here and give hem lines and details a whirl to add interest. Tuck in your top, layer a trench or mid length jacket and add a heel or your favourite slide or loafer (I think the famous Gucci Brixton and Princetown look best with this style jean). All of this information is not new to you I hear you say and I concur. We know denim is a thing and its been a thing longer than any other item you own so lets show you research on the topic and highlight the best I have found and who has rocked the shit out of them.
My denim muses. Watch and learn.
Sara (Harper & Harley) Everytime. Best Denim collection at The Undone and they having a flash sale now (your welcome!)
Lucy Williams (Fashion me Now) My new 'can't get enough' Brit.
Caroline De Maigret (Googled Caroline De Maigret Denim) - needs no intro and she is my ultimate Muse. School in session.
From the gram - @Deborabrosa | @Mija_Mija | @RE/DONE | @3x1
NOW SHOP
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WORKING THE SPACE
I have to admit I have this thing about styling and pimping out my desk space. Yes its where I edit for hours, where I shop and where the magic happens. It has the best chair in the house sitting pretty alongside and all of my best 'stuff' resides here but even if I never sat here I still love this space if just for looks. I am actually one for a desk in front of a window or off the wall in the room but before we renovate I don't have the space to do so but my little corner is working out just fine.
Desk must haves for me are an inspiration or mood wall with the best bits from that months mags and posters which with every change up refreshes the space. Its so important to keep changing things up to keep the creativity flowing. Lucky for me I have an abundance of candles, diaries and books and absolutely not shy of a magazine along with packaging from products and another little thing I love are ribbons and boxes that my things arrive in. Everything is an opportunity to add personality to the space and you know how much I love some personality.
For this months change up I hit up Officeworks to add a few storage solutions and writing pads/books to change the space. Always searching for monochrome and just keeping it simple I added this fab storage drawer as an alternative to having all of my pens and hand creams in sight with just a few looking very organised in the stand. Add my pep ups and style with my inspo pages, magazines and books and with marble look pads like these and always something of the green variety.
OFFICEWORKS monochrome collection available now
LUXE CITY GUIDES.
[twocol_one]Travel is something I always want more of. Never enough time and too long between trips but hey thats life. We get busy. As my Mum is American we have done our fair share of USA trips and return visits to the families home town of Seattle and my love New York City. We have always been in a no more than 2 weeks kind of vacay due to Nicks previous career and now 3 bambino's so America seems ok to visit for that time but being Australian we are not exactly a quick trip away from the places of desire so Europe I struggle to justify the trip and being so close to so many amazing places you need longer.
Over the past few years my love for Europe has grown with my style encapsulating more French girl than American and although I have always loved the romance and beauty of a European city my daily life is about the homes they live in, the way they style and the attitudes they have to be paired back and more undone. My Mum lived in a chatuau in A town an hour from Paris when she was a child so any personal tie to France will be accepted and noted as a mission to explore.
[/twocol_one] [twocol_one_last]We have booked our flights for what seems forever away in October and have a realistic amount of cities and places to enjoy. I have been only once before however I could visit Paris 100 times over and never tire of it. When I do travel I prefer the locals way of sight seeing. Walking the streets and finding little cafes. Staying at a boutique hotel or apartment and taking in the city rather than spending my days ticking off Monuments and the over crowded hot spots. I will also note and not be shy about saying that I am a slight diva when it comes to how I travel. Mostly in the details like the decor of the accomodation or how I pack my bags to ensure coordinated planned outfits are at the ready. Enter LUXE city guides. The LUXE way to travel from a team of savvy , stylish resident curators. The local and simple way to see the most beautiful parts of every city. The versions are updated regularly and the online guide at your fingertips when you have these guides in your hot little hands.
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Our Itinerary - Rome, Ravello, Positano, Florence, Lake Como/Bellagio, Venice, Paris, Amsterdam and London. I have all of the guides and I am making my own personalised notes along the way with each city and area with my highlighted must do and mapping out where I am at. I sound like I am crazy organised but I am very go with the flow when I arrive and these fabulous guides and doing your research pre trip has you booking the right accomodation and get to know the city like a local before you hit the ground running.
LUXE City Guides are a Must.
You can purchase online now and also visit their portal to get inspired to book that next trip wether it be afar or to explore your own city the most stylish way you can.
INTERIOR MUSE : BONJOUR
Nothing like a Monday pep up than looking at a perfectly styled home that isn't yours right?! Makes me go and sort myself and my space out after a crazy weekend so lets roll with this inspo on a Monday. I am in, every week. One of many consistencies I am going to get back for you in my world full of the inconsistent but if I can have a handle on this space here of mine and the diva that is Instagram I am half way there. Feeling like this week could be productive and still pushing on with grand plans. Life would be so boring without them and the constant desire to improve and keeping on.
Want more of this and so much beautiful content I have just started Pinterest - here . Ill do a big post and some love sharing asap.
Lets do this Monday.
ADDING TO DENIM
Denim is a daily occurrence as much as coffee and sitting on my computer. Unless you have been living under a rock or outside a burb that is yet to get the NBN (don't get me started on the speed of our old internet) you will be aware that jeans are having a bit of a new moment with all different cuts and styles becoming the hero in your look. For me its not the piece of denim itself as I like to keep it simple and opt for a great rinse, fit and ability to wear them with (most) all of the other pieces in my wardrobe. Its what you do with this soul mate that makes them work hard. A straight leg, mid blue wash with a shirt/blouse/ and loafers is where its at with fine layered jewellery.
As I do with my clothing I love a bit of layered jewellery. It's undone yet adds a bit of pep and personality to your style. I had the pleasure of going through the New collection with Mimco and selecting my hero styles and came across some beautiful elements to elevate denim. My favourite has to be the tortoise shell and gold pieces. The natural coloring against the gold lends them to be casual with a tee and skinny jeans but chic enough to shine their own light. Still delicate. Still subtle.
The next are fine chain pieces with a simple tag or shape to catch the eye. Easily worn with every piece of clothing you have and make each one a little bit more styled.
JEWELLERY BY MIMCO
Falkirk Cuff | Big Bang Wrist | Mi-Clan Strand | Falkirk Stud
#Collaboration with Mimco
GIFTING
Memories of Mothers Day when I was a little girl buying for my Mum involved the school stall with soap, carefully designed and decorated cards, probably something smelling of lavender and all of the above loved and treasured by Mum - I am sure of it. As a Mum now of three I can confirm that a burnt/cold piece of toast and a soap that you would absolutely not use on your body are all that you need. From my kids. I am lucky and spoilt that I get love and thanks for being a Mum from Dad (and don't worry Fathers Day works the same way). I am first to admit that I am hard to buy for as I tend to save and lock down the wish list items myself however I love 'stuff' for home, beauty, jewellery and invest in Mags and books galore. Easy.
The best gift to receive for me is something you need but may put off investing in. A year ago I received the amazing Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer and have never had so many good hair days. I have fine hair but a lot of it so my drying time is extended so the fact that it is so light is a big advantage. It is so much more quiet than my previous dryer and I don't feel my hair is overheated and dry.
Everyone needs a hairdryer so being true to my theory of buy less, choose well If you have a chance to get this gifted I advise you to have the clue sitting in sight to cue the hint or if you too tick off and buy your own wish lists then have this in the mix.
For Mothers Day at David Jones you/your gift giver can buy the pack with the tan leather or blush pink case to store your dryer with the two nozzles, diffuser and heat mat inside. Need I say more?
Dyson Supersonic available at David Jones
*Advertorial with Shopstyle and David Jones
A BAG WONT JUDGE
Bags seem to be the easiest thing to add to a collection. They don't judge if you ate too much on the weekend, they get better with age and wear and you can have a few of them and they never get jealous when you swap and change. I always opt for a black variety - call me crazy but it seems to go with everything so I can use the bags I buy all the time (I may add a tan puzzle but thats another conversation). I mix up the shapes and leathers as I do with my wardrobe since color and prints are not my outfit changer but the layers, textures and fabrications keep things interesting. Enter The Undone with the Rachel Comey Rider Bag. She is individual yet classic enough to use and love. Did I mention that black is a good investment?
SHOP SUBTLE STATEMENT BAGS
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INTERIOR MUSE : WHITE OUT
While I have been booking accomodation and planning our impending Euro trip I have of course been saving and loving interiors from hotels and Airbnb homes as well. Research and lusting never ends. This one is in London town which we will visit at the end of the trip but excites me as I am a big lover of London.
This caught my eye because the white flooring may be on the cards for the upstairs in our reno. Our ceilings upstairs are loft style and its the kids level so I have plenty of inspo for a more grown up styled area for the babes. Grey walls, white floors....lock it in?
Images - Aucoot
PERFECTLY UNDONE
Obvious point that earrings are having a serious moment. Our luck being that earrings is a category and not a brand (or a Gucci belt/loafer) so we can be free to dance in the space that we love wether it be Statement jewels, fine and dainty or sculptural and not all be wearing the same thing. Jewellery reflecting art and changing an outfit with subtleties and just as I like it with a more minimal, classic outfit. It's not breaking news that I like to play in the more muted and ,well black area of the color spectrum and live by the rule of buy less,choose well with investment pieces and wardrobe staples being the core of my wardrobe.
For the past few years (as in half a decade or so) Sara Donaldson or Harper & Harley as you may affectionately know her has been a constant inspiration and guide as to how to shop and live by this method. Never one for a fad or trend piece and successfully (very successfully) running her blog the next step was brilliant. Imagine the excitement and PayPal automatic payment sessions were had when she launched her store. The Undone is just that. Undone, effortless and classic style. All the pieces are selected by Sara herself fitting seamlessly into her personal style posts on her blog as if they were from her wardrobe. The best selects in Denim, shirting and core pieces that will go the distance. Limited styles and bespoke brands keeping it tight and making it easy for that investment and staple piece to be yours.
So Earrings. Undone style.
If you want statement minus the bling and crosses. Holly's pieces are aimed to capture Modern architecture, sculpture and conceptual art. They are bold yet not crying out for attention and no one like a peacock in the room so rest assured that you are more De Margret than Madonna.
The Elongated Squiggle Earrings are my top pick and my next love would be the Obi Ear jacket based on the Japanese Obi belt.Fashion meets Jewellery- need I say more.
The designs reflect Contemporary shapes and Natasha embraces the connection between the pieces and the wearer. Owning a unique and boutique brand and style. Beauty in simplicity.
The featured Overture Earring had me at hello and I love the assymetrical styling of the opposing stud. I must be adorned with the Stevie Earrings as soon as my bank account allows me and as a girl with meaning and personality the Letter necklace would be fine too.
ALL BLUES
Handcrafted in Stockholm with the artisans aiming to create luxury pieces that becomes a collection. I am completely about my jewellery having personal meaning and most all of my investments have memories and feels. Individual brands and pieces that are seperated from the masses is an appealing quality. The Hungry Snake Bracelet and these beautifully unique Eggshell earrings are my top loves.
All pieces available now. In Collaboration with The Undone Store.
Background imagery via Unconditional Magazine.