easy summer

 

There is something comforting in this heat in wearing a dress that requires zero effort. And by zero, I mean absolutely zilch. Throw on, and walk out the door kind of dressing. On a recent trip to Byron Bay I was happy to snap up this dress (a proud bargain!) that fit the perfect 'effortless' recipe. Think a simple tie dye print(to satisfy my inner boheme), an easy light weight fabric (perfect for this heat!!) and an extrememly flowy silhouette (to cover all sins). Zero effort dressing. Lets make that a trend x K

Dress Byron Bay Market, Handbag Louis Vuitton

Sandals Chanel, Watch Marc by Marc Jacobs,

Bracelet Tiffany and Co.

Necklace Jennifer Zuener

summer elixir

Hot. Melbourne. Summer. Enough said, especially considering our current sweltering heat!! Finding the perfect summer frock that is casual enough for day but "hot" enough for night is like my quest for finding dairy free chocolate sorbet. Rare, but necessary for life. But when I literally spotted this Zimmermann Elixir dress on a lady in the supermarket, I couldn't help but stalk it for myself. Cue ringing several Zimmermann stores across Australia (plus two David Jones concessions!!) only to be told it was sold out. Luckily for me, I spotted it some weeks later hidden at the back of the rack and it is now my new perfect summer night date dress (or heck I could even try glammed up supermarket shopping, because it really is that versatile!). Gorgeous print, sexy neckline with subtle cut out detail, and sophisticated below the knee length. It's dress perfection. Now for that sunset... x K

Dress Zimmermann, Bag Louis Vuitton

Wedges Pedro Garcia, Watch Marc by Marc Jacobs

the moto pant

I'm not sure about anyone else but on these hot summer days I can't think of anything worse than wearing denim. Jeans in particular. But I have a major style crush on these moto inspired Rag and Bone jeans that I'm contemplating sweat and tears (literally) just to buy them and consequently struggle to pull them onto my over heated legs. (And just how amaze do they look with my all time favourite newbury boots that I have lived in since I bought them last winter: seen here and here).

Both tuxedo inspired styling and sports influences are major trends right now, so the classic black and white combo of these are a perfect option. I'm thinking either a classic white shirt, mix and matched with a bold sporty stripe or teamed with the jacket of the season (the bomber!) come winter. Definately on my wish list! x K

 Outfit Images c/o Rag and Bone

opposites

Hot and cold. Black and white. Gold and Silver. All opposites. And opposites attract, right? My latest adventures (a combination of "opposites" work vs. play) were no different. Rain in Hawaii. Hot in Miami. Snow in London and Paris. Each place so different to the last. Yet a perfect trip. I always feel lucky that I get the chance to travel for work, but being away from my hubby so frequently sometimes takes its toll (on me, im sure he is content playing golf!!) Luckily for me, this time I got to take him with me and that meant a little bit of relaxing time too. So hello 2013. Hopefully you will stay tuned for some exciting new things happening this year on fabulousforthefabulous x K

 

1) Romantic Paris in the snow  2) Wishing I could surf in Waikiki  3) My new favourite breakfast treat: Acai berry bowls while shopping in Waikiki  4) Snowy London Rooftops down Oxford St  5) The most amazing sunsets at the Southern most point of the USA  6) Palm Trees and Thatch roof views whilst sun baking  7) All things French: Isabel Marant, Chanel and Taittinger in Paris  8) Spring 13 trends black and white in Miami  9) Chasing the sun in Hawaii in Carmen Marc Valvo and Marc by Marc Jacobs  10) Early morning views through our Paris window  11) Retro pit stops to find delish North Shore tacos  12) Romantic views from our terrace on the North Shore   13) Old and new favourites from Paris  14) Catching some sun at the southern most point of the USA  15) I heart Waikiki and sunsets 

wayfarer magic

I am going to admit that I don't normally buy anything from Zimmermann. Don't normally as in never have before. I know, I know, its a cult Australian label with a huge fan base, but I have always found myself reluctant to hand over so much for a dress (when I know how much it costs to make it!) Yet for some reason this season I have found myself drawn to their gorgeous prints, and feminine yet stylish shapes. One of my favourite purchases is this black maxi dress. Called the Wayfarer Lattice Sundress, I absolutely love the cut away neckline, the timeless flowy skirt and the gorgeous sheer lace trim that means I can wear it both casual and more dressy with heels. And while it also comes in white, and a classic Zimmerman floral print, I just had to have it in black. (I'm thinking chunky wedges and a statement necklace for Christmas Day dressing!!) And teamed here with my equally classic wayfarer raybans (did you know they now come foldable?! AMAZE!!) and flats, it was the perfect dress for some dock side cocktails. After all it is the festive season x K



Dress Zimmermann, Bag Chanel

Sunglasses Rayban, Flats Zomp

Watch Marc by Marc Jacobs

a gypsy summer

This time of year is always so crazy. And it mostly involves me running crazily from place to place, attempting to see everyone for Christmas celebrations, all the while trying to wrap up everything at work (and wrap presents!!), put up the tree, pack for heading down the beach (a family tradition) oh and remember to buy food/eat.

So it's the little moments, like the gorgeous sunset reflecting through the trees in the Melbourne streets, that remind me to take a moment to just stop and breathe. (Yes, while guzzling a smoothie at the same time - a girl has to multi task!) This (finally!!!) hot weather has given me a reason to finally break out some new summer pieces, and I am loving this Gypsy05 silk maxi dress. A gorgeous tribal inspired print, that I know I will love for seasons to come. Ahhhh got to love Melbourne in summer. Just remember to breathe x K

Dress Gypsy05, Sunglasses Gucci

Bangle Isabel Marant, Shoes Midas

Watch Marc by Marc Jacobs

mon cheri black and gold

I love Paris. I mean, whats not to love about one of the most romantic cities in the world? And with French designers becoming more and more influential on street style, my fashion inner goddess was so happy to enjoy a stop over in Paris on a recent work trip. And while I spent a few cold days wandering through the city of love, it was the French interpretation of autumn/winter 13 metallics that I fell in love with (after all I left hubby at home! oh ha ha). Yes the French are having a black and gold moment. While initially I thought it was a bit dark and moody to be wearing as we head into the Australian summer months, Fridays weather in Melbourne proved perfect for it. Enter one investment buy (hello Isabel Marant Kalibo leather jacket!!) and one wear now fashion bargain in the way of this black and gold brocade skirt (heart it!!) While I initially purchased the skirt thinking of hot summer days with bare legs and a sexy black silk cami, I was surprisingly happy to cover up and pretend I was back in cold Paris sipping a glass of Rose in the hotel bar whilst reading Fifty Shades of Grey (yes that ALMOST sounds like a scene from the book!). So, black and gold. For now, for christmas. For life maybe. After all, the french do fabulous so well x K

Jacket Isabel Marant, Tank and Tights Top Shop

Skirt Sinequanone, Shoes Christian Louboutin,

Bag Chanel, Necklace House of Harlow

the ombre effect

There is something about ombre that screams wear me. WEAR ME NOW! It instantly makes me feel, hmmm special....?! Like a simple skirt can be, oh i don't know, WOW!!? I saw this skirt as I walked through Top Shop (the completely overwhelming flagship on Oxford St) towards the ladies room, and I honestly think I started skipping in excitement when I saw it. It was a classic I can't walk past you must buy you right this second purchase. And to tell you the truth, today I needed to wear it. It brought a smile to my face. Put a perk in my step. Gave me some chaaaa-ching!!! And while the cold weather has seen me pair it with a pale blush oversize cozy knit (similar here), today I couldn't resist a soft as butter charcoal marle tank and this old as the hills grey leather jacket. A perfect transition towards this summer we don't seem to be having!!! Maybe come true summer I will even break it out with some sparkly flats. Yep ombre, it's todays happiness. (Almost as good as hubby cooking me dinner) x K

Skirt Coco's Fortune, Tank James Perse,

Jacket Zara, Boots Via Spiga, Necklace Club Monaco,

Sunglasses Gucci, Watch Marc by Marc Jacobs

be cos

The street where I work has the cutest little houses. Weatherboard. Picked fences. Bikes that are ridden in the cute little streets. Que me standing randomly in front of one such house and begging my hubby to take a picture on his iPhone (still no camera for me!) On my latest overseas work trip I made my first purchase from COS. Not sure exactly how it's pronounced. The aussie in me says 'cos', my friends in New York call it C O S. Either way it's the big sister of H&M, yep that fast fashion European chain that will soon be on our Australian shores. Cos is simpler. More streamlined. More classic. A perenial blogger favourite that takes the latest catwalk looks and makes them effortless. So needless to say I couldn't say no to this textured shift dress with it's amazing leather patch pockets. Comfy yet glam (and mixing leather and texture means it's so HOT right now) it will no doubt continue to be a wardrobe staple come spring (good bye fur, and hello bare pale winter legs!!!). So the only question remains, will COS grace our shores soon? x K

Shift dress COS, Leggings TopShop, Boots Rag and Bone

Sunglasses Tom Ford, Faux Fur Gilet Zara

Watch Marc by Marc Jacobs, Ball Bracelet Tiffany & Co.

new season texture

Fashion is funny. As we head into Spring here in Melbourne and attempt to ditch jackets and knitwear to catch a glimpse of sunshine on our skin, the Northern Hemisphere starts shopping for their winter wardrobes. And all the while, the latest catwalks in New York, London and Paris, start showing the trends for next summer. Confused? Yep. Um. Agree! So right now, I'm just focusing on what I am loving, regardless of where it has come from! I am already happy to say good bye to this summers pastels, and instead I seek a wardrobe full of khaki, navy and black. Sounds boring I know, but it won't be! Fabric is key to making this all work well so I am on a desperate hunt for a perfect leather jacket (the biker will be huge!) And I am stocking up on anything with texture. Think embellishment, tweed knits or sigh embossed denim (the update on the print!). So here it is, anything baroque is in! And I for one can't wait to let me inner rock chic be a part of it. Yep, fashion is funny. x K  

spring time love

My life since New York has been up and down. And consequently I have not had the passion and energy to keep blogging about fashion and a life that was at times so tough for me. But this weekend I watched my beautiful sister marry the man of her dreams. A perfect spring day in the country side sun. And I couldn't be happier for her. So here I am. Back for a little while longer. Hope you enjoy this gorgeous picture x K

military precision

I have had this bag, forever. Well not forever, but for a good eight or so years. It was my first big purchase. She's a Chloe. The bag I chose to buy when the Paddington was huge and I didn't want to follow the pack. I love her. Mainly because she is practical and holds everything, but also because she is classic, and twinkles with a hint of both silver and gold. And when themes like military roll around (as they so often do) she makes the perfect bag. Urban yet glam. I have mentioned my love of khaki before (see here), and I don't see it going away soon. Mixed with pretty vintage pieces and classic black boots, a khaki jacket is a perfect nod to the trend that will take you from winter into summer. And with Zara and Topshop showing such fabulous affordable versions, I say jump online now. Heck visit the stores in Melbourne, they are probably already here. x K

Jacket Zara, Dress and Belt Vintage, Sunglasses Tom Ford,

Boots Rag and Bone, Arty Dots Ring YSL, 

Watch and iPhone Cover Marc by Marc Jacobs, Bag Chloe

getting back into the swing of it

Back to work, back to 'real' life and back to cold old Melbourne. (And still no camera, thanks Canon!) And so my winter wardrobe finally comes into play for 2012. While I admit dressing for winter in glamorous fur and sumptuous leather has its appeal, there really is nothing that could prepare me for going from 30+ temperatures in NYC to barely 4 degrees when i role out of bed in cold Melbourne! Not wanting to be sucked into the drab and dreary blacks and greys winter dressing normally equates to, I am loving this Dianne Von Furstenburg dress that I picked up in New York. (I mean what is not to love about her amazing pieces!?) A classic belted at the waist silk shift, I adore the print and it's amazing color play on a classic spot. And because everything is all about back detail right now, I love the way it buttons completely down the back. 

And if I can't have my daily Starbucks, my extremely hot soy from Cafe Q in Clifton Hill will have to do. Arrrgghh Melbourne, I'm home. When can i go again? x K

Dress DVF, Shoes Christian Louboutin, Bag Louis Vuitton,

Tights Top Shop, Sunglasses Tom Ford, Ring Ippolita

Ball Bracelet Tiffany & Co. , Watch Marc by Marc Jacobs