traveling trends

So this is exciting because I'm writing a blog post from Spain!

As I'm away for the whole month of June I didn't want to skip a post so I've decided to write about the trends that I've noticed from each country I've been to. 

In Ireland the first thing I noticed was how well dressed all the men were! Compared to back home anyway. For me shoes are a deal breaker (always judge a guy by their shoes) and whether they were desert boots or some form of Nike or Adidas sneaker or a boot, they always looked presentable. 

Everywhere we went there was about 5 men's shops to 1 women's shop and as a result the women looked pretty damn plain!

In England we were only in London and to be honest we probably didn't see that many locals because London in the summer is probably 80% tourists! We went into all the main shops but I can buy much of the same brands at home or online. What was huge was 70s suede flare style and denim, lots of denim. It's interesting the first time but then after 15 shops of the same stuff it is frustrating. And with the pound being double the Aussie dollar it really wasn't worth it. 

We then went to Paris for the day as usual the women all looked very well presented. Lots of short bob cuts and espadrilles.

We then made our way down to Spain and I instantly saw a difference in the shopping. Especially in Madrid there are many more boutiques and local shops. Sunglasses are everywhere in masses. There are no cat eye shapes anywhere (I know this because that shape suits my face), so I've had to settle for round ones which I actually really like. There are lots of mirrored styles which I personally dislike but they look groovy on the right person. They are also quite small so anyone with a big face might need to opt for a different style. 

We then went across to Portugal and to be honest I didn't really get a good chance to go shopping as we were on a tour but we didn't get stuck in a rain downpour and had to run into an accessory shop (how convenient) and there is the usual tacky crap but also cute tassel necklases and dainty woven pieces. Another good thing about this area of the world is the markets. Amazing baskets and mosiaics, a little awkward to bring home but definitely worth it if you have the room.

Our next stop was Tangier in Morocco. The thing that stood out to me (apart from the seedy staring men) was Birkenstocks. They were everywhere and all the kids were wearing them in a range of colours from orange to lime green. I should have bought mine in Tangier they would have been much cheaper!

Our next stop is Italy so I'll have to keep you posted on the Italian trends. We need to be ahead for this summers trends. 

Ps: sorry no photos xx

travelwear

'Travelwear' aka Airport style. Yes this is a thing.
For me travelling has always been a favourite, not just for the destination but for the experiences in between. Yes I'm talking about the free eye mask and moist towelettes.

In exactly 14 days my friend and I will be jet setting off to Ireland, England, Spain, Portugal and Italy. For the past 2 months I have basically been thinking and deciding on what to wear on the aeroplane. My work friends will tell you that everything I buy is "for the plane".

The airport is one part of travelling where you can't look like a local. So one must adopt their own style and follow the trends and tips for 'travel wear'.
Which I believe are as follows:

1. Wear your heaviest or biggest shoes on the plane. No, I don't mean those clogs or flatforms but your  sneakers or boots.

2. A scarf will be your best friend. It will fulfil your every need. It will do its duty as a scarf and also act as blanket when wrapped around you. Then rolled up it will take the form of a pillow. It will also catch all that falling food from the pathetic plastic excuse of a fork. It will act as a light switch when all you want is some darkness. It will also take the form of your perfect man and I'm just kidding but fly without a scarf and you won't be laughing.

3. You WILL need comfy pants. Under the umbrella of comfy pants comes - nike leggings (or any leggings for that matter black or grey. None of this printed tie dye shit). - attractive track pant (preferably a dark colour because good luck getting that greasy chicken stain off light pants when that turbulence kicks in). - baggy jeans (seriously don't wear skinny jeans).

4. Layers will be your new favourite word. From leaving Tasmania to arriving at your destination you will experience multiple temperature fluctuations. Getting on the plane is normally a hot flush as you're excited but trying not to bump the person in front of you. Then when you finally work out if you have a window or aisle seat you will need to take your first layer off as you don't want to be all caught up and flustered, and you will want a spare layer for when you have a cold flush (which will be after the first meal and you feel settled enough to watch a movie but you're half way through and you realise that you don't even like the movie and that you're cold). Then you sit down and realise that you want to set yourself up, so first you unpack your magazine and water and put it in the seat pocket in front, then you want to get your book out as well and then maybe some lollies and oh wait maybe some gum too. Then you put your bag back under the seat and start to play with the screen in front of you *oooh it's free, oh wait - there's the credit card slot, oh but the guy next to me seems to be listening to music how did he do that? Oh wait that's from the arm rest*. Then you will get the "excuse me, I think you're meant to be sitting in 15A not 15D." So yeh you will need layers for your hot flushes.

5. You will also need the biggest handbag/tote bag you can find. This will be your second suitcase. You will put your valuables such as electronic equipment and a spare outfit just in case your suitcase goes missing. I don't even want to imagine the consequences.

This seems to have been a long blog post so I'll stop there and show you some of my favourite 'travel wear':

 

how many colours is too many?

I was recently told some eye opening news - not in a particularly friendly way might I add - I was told that I was wearing too many colours.

It had never occurred to me that one could wear too many colours, well yes it has because I'm obviously not going to dress as if I'm going to a rubik cube party - but my point is how many colours is too many?

On that day I was wearing denim jeans, black boots, a grey knit over a white shirt and then a burgundy scarf. To be fair I probably was wearing too many colours, but I had no idea I was breaking an unwritten rule. Apparently, according to this nutty lady, one must only wear three colours at a time. 

Ever since this day I have been conscious about my colour choices. As much as I hate to say it, this nutter had a point. As I scroll through photos on Pinterest I notice that these fashionistas are never wearing more than 3 colours. I actually found it hard to find an outfit with numerous colours.

How many colours are you wearing?

I managed to find an outfit with multiple colours. I think she makes this outfit work even though she is technically breaking the unwritten rule, but weren't rules made to be broken? I don't know who told me that, it definitely wasn't my mother!

the navy knit

It's time for another colour crush and this month it's definitely without a doubt navy. 

In fact for the rest of this post I will even write in navy (or as close to as my colour selection will let me).

I have been so blinded by navy the past few months. Its been creeping up and showing off right in front of my face and I've been oblivious to it. It wasn't until recently that I had this amazing dream about navy and.. I'm kidding! I saw a navy spread in a magazine and it really caught my eye.

What I love about this season is that Miss Navy and Mr Black have been a little scandalous. Rumour has it they are finally together after many years of speculation that they should never be seen in public with each other. I am extremely happy for them and who knows maybe little Blavy might be in the works... Stella shut up.

What I'm also searching for this season is the perfect navy knit. I have recently purchased what I would call a long roll neck chunky navy knit actually brb let me tell you the official name.... 'Sleeveless Roll Neck Tunic' oh well that is basically what I'd written. Anyway I think its wonderfully different (looks better than it sounds) and I will thoroughly enjoy making it look splendid. 

I would pair it with a white shirt and jeans or perhaps with black leggings and a stripe top. Even a little navy clutch never hurt nobody!

Here are some of my favourite ways to wear Miss Navy (and Mr Black makes an appearance too):

ps: I feel like I need to add that no alcohol was consumed in the writing of this post!

the fringe

Fringes have been catching my eye for some time now and it was only when I saw photos of Burberry's new A/W'15 collection during London Fashion Week that I realised 'the fringe' will be making an appearance in perhaps more wardrobe than one. 

The more I research 'the fringe' the more I realise that there is a fine line between the yeehaaarr cowboy fringe and the on trend avant-garde fringe. 

Whether its a fringed clutch or even a d.i.y fringed cuff this trend is a subtle statement that screams cheeky and spontaneous yet cool and sophisticated.
This month I will be 22 on the 22nd and what better way to celebrate than bringing a little fringe into my wardrobe!

...yeehaaar!

Burberry A/W'15:

the blanket cape

Blanket + Cape. Two words that were made for each other.

I could actually leave this blog post at that really but I'll continue for my own sake just because I want to continue rambling on about why I love this genius invention! Mainly it's because it means I can go out in public wrapped in a blanket without committing social suicide - winning!

I've always been a fan of the cape (especially for winter) and ever since Chloe featured their version of the blanket cape last year I've noticed other brands have released their versions (or copies).  See below.

Chloe pre fall 2014:

vs

Witchery Autumn/Winter 2015 - Stripe Blanket Wrap

Country Road Autumn/Winter 2015 - Boiled Wool Cape

Country Road Autumn/Winter 2015 - Block Panel Poncho

And even Asos have their own version of a blanket cape, which seems to resemble the Burberry capes of 2014...

Burberry Autumn/Winter 2014

Asos - New Look Blanket Stitch Cape

So bring on the colder weather so I can rug up in my blanket cape :)

burgundy

If you told me last year that my new colour crush for Autumn/Winter15 would be burgundy I would have probably told you that my love for burgundy was nearly on par with my love for purple = non existent! However over the past few weeks this colour has been catching my eye both online and in the shops.

Burgundy - Maroon - Oxblood - Damson (whatever you want to call it) is think is going to be very dominant in my wardrobe over the upcoming Autumn and Winter months. Winter fashion excites me greatly and there is nothing better than a new colour to give your classic black, navy and greys a new lease of life.

If you want to slowly introduce burgundy into your wardrobe I would suggest a scarf or even a clutch  (fur optional - but highly recommended). 

If you want to take it up a notch then maybe a pair of shoes either in the form of a sandal or a boot. Or perhaps both?

And if you're feeling really brave then I would totally recommend the cropped fur coat, I mean if we can't wear these things when we have the confidence to then when can we? If you think the fur is too much and possibly too bulky for your wardrobe then take a look at these photos below and perhaps it's time the Kathmandu puffer jacket was compressed down into the hood where it belongs.