A POP of colour

Looking back, I am surprised at the amount of colour that has creeped into my wardrobe in recent years...Bright yellows, plenty of red, even pink - I seem to have an affinity for colour after all, especially primary colours, which is a surprise to someone who at one time solely wore navy, grey and black.

Even though for the longest time my answer to 'what is your favourite colour' was 'navy', I realize that I have a slight obsession with red. I mean, how many people can say their wedding gown featured some bright red (and not in the form of a sash)?

One of my favourite way of adding a pop of red on a daily basis is with lipstick. I love a clean and minimal face worn with a bold red, especially a blue-red like Clinique's Lip Pop in 'Cherry Pop'.  Although I'd love to wear it as a bold lip, usually I end up patting it on with my third finger as a lipstain.  Maybe because after so many years of mostly wearing 'nudes', I feel a little shocked when I see full colour on my lips.  I particularly love Clinique's Lip Pop range because it is a primer + lipstick in one, and my lips are always in an embarrassingly dry state (seriously, I once popped by a Clinique counter, and the lovely SA was so horrified, she layered almost an entire tube of lip treatment on me, determined to restore my sorry lips to life - I have been trying to diligently use this lip treatment to avoid this scenario from occurring again).

Another way I love wearing my lipsticks is by layering them, especially after learning a trick from my favourite makeup artist Lisa Eldridge: patting on a bright-coloured lipstick (like Clinique's Cherry Pop), one that instantly makes you look brighter and livelier (and that perhaps you would normally save for evening), and then layer a favourite 'nude' over it (like Clinique's Mocha Pop).  This technique works especially well when the nude layer worn on top has a moisturizing formulation, so Clinique's Lip Pop is perfect for this.  The result? I 'bright nude' of sorts (or nude with oomph), some colour but still easy for day (although there isn't usually much of a difference between my day and night looks - except perhaps a few more layers of lipstick or mascara).

This way I have managed to incorporate more colour on my face, whilst staying within my more pared-back and 'easy' makeup look I feel most comfortable with.

What is your favourite lipstick? And what is your favourite way of wearing it?

Earrings: Céline, Chocolate: Sweet Stone,

Bag: Cult Gaia (available for pre-order at Moda Operandi, Need Supply, Bergdorf Goodman), Scarf: silk pocket square for GM2NY (this beautiful flamingo print silk scarf also comes in a gorgeous large size)

This post was written in collaboration with Clinique.
Thoughts and opinions are my own. 
 All images are my own also. 

Lipsticks in all images are from Clinique's Lip Pop range.

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram + Bloglovin' + Shop my Wardrobe

A quick study in Geometry... Celine's Trapezoid Mules

More often than not, my love for fashion extends beyond the fact that it is simply clothing, shoes or accessories...On occasion I view of them as art...Whether it is a beautiful embroidery or embellished piece, a beautiful textile, or exquisite tailoring, fashion can be art...

Case in point: these Céline Trapezoid Mules, I could just stare at its lines and get lost in its geometry, isn't it a work of art?

Also love the simplicity of this square bracelet by Italian jewellery designer Caterina Zangrando, it can also double as a desk accessory, don't you think?

Also wearing Lemaire's latest range for Uniqlo's UniqloU range (which I absolutely LOVE! Might deserve its own blogpost, I think)

Top: Uniqlo, Pants: Uniqlo, Shoes: Celine (still available in a few sizes at Yoox Asia Pacific, Yoox UK/US currently 25% off! Run, don't walk!), Bracelet: Caterina Zangrando

Are you following me on Instagram? I post there daily if you want to follow me there.

T-shirt: Sincerely Jules (available on Shopbop, Nordstrom and Revolve)

Happy International Women's Day!

All images by me.

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram

New in: Celine Cabas Gusset

For months I waited patiently for my first (and only, to date) pre-order, a Celine Horizontal Cabas in black.  It has been on my wishlist for a long long time, and alongside it was the Celine Cabas Gusset (which was even harder to find, as it always sold out).  Of course, as fate would have it, the day I receive my Celine Cabas bag, I found a Celine Cabas Gusset! I impulsively bought it, and must admit my simple Cabas hasn't been out of its dustbag since (after half an hour use so far, so am considering selling it), as I always reach for the Gusset...

It's love.

 Celine Cabas Gusset bag, Larsson Jennings Chain Metal watch (available at Net-a-Porter), Birkenstock sandals (available at The Dreslyn, Barneys , Diani Boutique and Need Supply), Sarah and Sebastian Jewellery rings

all photos my own (please do not use without permission, thanks)

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram + Bloglovin' + Shop my Wardrobe

Luxe essential - Silk white tee by Ann and Albert

I’m a huge fan of wardrobe basics, especially when they’re given a little twist or are reimagined as a luxe essential. Take the humble white tee for example, fashioned in pure silk, with subtle adjustments like an elegantly curved hem by Sydney-based label Ann & Albert, it elevates the most casual look effortlessly.

Founded by Creative Director Leigh Goyen, Ann & Albert's collections features a range of luxe wardrobe essentials and exclusive limited edition pieces. Leigh’s multidisciplinary background as an architect and photographer inspired the refined elegance and minimalistic undertones that define Ann & Albert’s beautiful aesthetic: beautiful textiles, clean lines and strong silhouettes that create effortlessly sophisticated pieces.  You can check out more of Ann & Albert here.

Top: Kanso silk tee by Ann & Albert (available here), Necklace: Pivoine Lazuli embroidered necklace from Nini Peony (available here), Jeans: Le Skinny de Jeanne in Olympic wash by Frame Denim (available at Shopbop), Shoes: Chanel espadrilles, Watch: Daniel Wellington Men's Classic Sheffield (available at East Dane (i.e. Shopbop's counterpart), Need Supply Co. and at Selfridges), Bracelet: Celine (from Departement Feminin), Ring: Popbasic, Sunglasses: Ray Ban, Bag: Celine Trio (available here).

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram + Bloglovin' + Shop my Wardrobe

Labor Day Outfit in 'My Red Lippy' Panama hat

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

It was a lovely long one here Down Under with some lovely sunny weather (except for today), but for 3 days we got to sun it up in the pool and have a lovely time!

Outfit details:

Hat: My Red Lippy Panama:

I must admit I am terribly un-sun smart, and only ever think of wearing a hat when at the beach (and not even that at times).  When asked to wear a hat to my Lil' Brigs #1's 'pre-school's picnic lunch, I realized I didn't have a hat, and found out about 'My Red Lippy' later on that day.

After being diagnosed with a melanoma at 5 months pregnant with her second child, Sarah Curtis sought out beautiful hats with wide brims that actually kept the sun out to protect one's my skin.  After much disappointment of never finding the right hat that both looked great and was fully functional, she started ‘My Red Lippy’.  These Panama hats are handwoven in Ecuador, as Sarah works with an Ecuadorian Co-op that helps women and children through teaching the a trade, and have a wider brim than your usual Panama hat, to offer greater sun protection.  Reading about Sarah Curtis' story made me realize I really should be more sun-smart, and it's so great that I can do that whilst still being stylish!

Dress: Sundry Clothing (available at Shopbop):

You all know about my love for stripes, when I first put this dress on I had to do a double-take to inspect the fabric composition tag, as it is so so uber soft! I will be wearing this a lot in the next few months.

Shoes: Dries Van Noten sandals (from 2009 collection)

Bag: Celine Navy Trio

Watch: Larsson Jennings Chain Metal watch in black (available at Liberty, from Larsson Jennings and Net-a-Porter) 

Sunglasses: Jimmy Fairly

Skincare: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery with SPF 50 (available at Selfridges,  Adore Beauty and David Jones)

Pressed Juices (black!) Lemonade - yes, black! It is part of their new Spring Range, and I was intrigued, for those who are too, the black is due to the Activated Charcoal, which you cannot taste at all, it is simply an unsweetened lemonade, very refreshing, actually.

Johanna Basford colour-in postcards: bought this 'book' of postcards with Lil' Brigs #1 whilst on our 'date' at the Art Gallery last week, she loves it! (you can find the book version here - which I have since bought, as well as another set of the postcard book, it is too cute!)


Thanks to Gina at Torstar and Sarah Curtis for my hat, I love it!  

Thanks to Kate at Bell Fashions for my Sundry dress, it is so beautifully soft I want to live in it!

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram + Bloglovin' + Shop my Wardrobe

My trick for breaking in shoes in fast-forward' and painless mode...

It's all about comfort these days, grey marl (or marle) sweatshirt and cashmere...uber comfy!

Remember my recent post when I purchased my Dieppa Restrepo Cali oxfords?  I had heard how notoriously hard/painful they were to break in, but that once they did, they'd be more than worthwhile.  Since it is all about comfort for me nowadays, I can't remember the last time I've had to break in a pair of shoes.  So as soon as it arrived I used a trick I learned several years ago, to fast-forward the process.  So instead of months (yes, I heard some people saying it took them months! Yikes!), it took me less than a couple of hours.  It is nothing new, but I don't think all employ it: it is the hairdryer 'trick':

Simply take your hairdryer, and blow the sections that would rub or are snug from within the shoe (others blow from 20 cms or so away from the outside, but I do from within), for about 2 mins or so, my feet are wide, so I am for where my feet are widest.  Then quickly slip your feet while the shoes are warm with some socks on.  Many use thick socks for initial discomfort that pays off, but I merely used sockettes.  Presto! I wore them around the house for a little while, and very quickly they went from a little-too-snug and stiff to very very comfy, like I've had them for years!

Easy peasy!

I had already bought these half a size smaller than my usual size, on the recommendation of Need Supply Co. (where I bought my shoes from), even though I had heard mixed opinions as to whether they ran big or not (some said not).  I do find these fairly narrow but long (my feet are very wide).  Whenever I first put these on now, they feel narrow for one minute before relaxing into uber comfy shoes.  Needless to say, I have been wearing them almost every day since their arrival!

I'm now eyeing what other colours I should get it in next, haha, black patent?

PS. Remember my post on 'How to wear Oxford shoes' a few years ago? Never say never...

 Watch: Daniel Wellington (available at East Dane (i.e. Shopbop's counterpart), Need Supply Co. and at Selfridges), Madewell 1937 sweatshirt (sold out, I'm afraid), Alexander Wang swing tank cashmere dress (from years ago), Celine knot bracelet, Balenciaga bow ring (available at Matches Fashion), and Sarah & Sebastian line ring next to my wedding/e-ring.

 Glasses from Jimmy Fairly (remember this post?) Dieppa Restrepo Cali Oxfords in Antilop (available from Need Supply Co. and The Dreslyn) and Issue 2 of Peut-être Magazine (Issue 9 is at the printers! We're so excited! Watch this space!)

Dieppa Restrepo Cali Oxfords in Antilop (available from Need Supply Co. and The Dreslyn)

photos via iPhone/Instagram

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram + Bloglovin' + Shop my Wardrobe

C'est bon!

Yesterday's outfit details, remember this post on my Madewell 'shopping spree'?  This is one of my 'spoils' and I love how soft this merino wool knit is:

 Jeans: Frame Denim Le Garcon (available at Shopbop and Net-a-Porter ), Rings: Balenciaga bow ring (updated version available from Matches Fashion and Barneys), Sarah and Sebastian Jewellery and Aurelie Bidermann Love ring (available at Shopbop), Watch: Daniel Wellington Grace Glasgow (available here, I also like this classic version), Claire Aristides Initial diamond bracelet, Shoes: Hobes (boat Hobes in Blush), Sweater:  C'est Bon Merino Wool knit from Madewell (purchased from Madewell, but saw it on Shopbop as well), Glasses: from Jimmy Fairly, Celine Knot bracelet (unavailable online)

Happy weekend everyone!

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram + Bloglovin' + Shop my Wardrobe

Nice 'n' Easy in Scanlan & Theodore

Don't you just love an outfit you can simply go throw on and head out? I do! Wore this twice this week already!

Hope you have an easy breezy relaxing weekend everyone!

xx

 Dress: Scanlan & Theodore cotton & silk shirt dress (one season old), Bracelet: Celine knot, Rings: Balenciaga bow ring from Matches Fashion and Sarah and Sebastian Jewellery Line ring

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram + Bloglovin' + Shop my Wardrobe

Wouldn't mind if everyday were Spa day!

Last week I had a delicious pampering spa session, courtesy of my sister, who gifted me a generous birthday gift last year.  Sure, it took me more than a half a year to actually get to the spa, but it was amazing!  In other news, late last week I received an email from Mercedez Benz Fashion Week, confirming my registration to the MBFW Australia, held in Sydney in April.  Now I just need to decide whether to go or not, the hardest part being my little ones.  It was so handy having my parents in Paris when I went there for Paris Couture week!

 Dress: from Richard Nicoll (eyeing the striped version HERE), Bag: Celine Trio in Navy (available here), Shoes: Celine Bam Bam (bought from Barneys NY), Bracelet: Celine knot from Departement Feminin, Sunglasses: Ray Ban Folding Wayfarers

Bag: Celine Trio in Navy (available here), Shoes: Celine Bam Bam (bought from Barneys NY), Bracelet: Celine knot from Departement Feminin

All pics mine via my iPhone/Instagram

Hope you all had a fab weekend!

xx

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram + Bloglovin' + Shop my Wardrobe

Accessories du Jour: Celine, Ray Ban and Swiss Legend

 Celine knot bracelet, Ray Ban folding wayfarer sunglasses and Swiss Legend Karamica watch

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram + Bloglovin' + Shop my Wardrobe

New in: Celine knot bracelet and Stay Simple t-shirts

I'm not sure how long I've obsessed over the Celine knot bracelet, but it's been a while.  I loved the thicker bolder version (I didn't even realize I had photographed Christine Centenera wearing one outside Chanel's Couture show in Paris last year until I recently googled it, haha - remember THIS post?), but when Phoebe Philo released a thinner version for Spring, love turned into must-have. 

 Love receiving parcels from Departement Feminin!

 Simple is better

 Jeans: Rag & Bone 'The Dre' (available here, here and here), Tee: from Stay Simple, Shoes: Chanel mesh espadrilles

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram +  
Bloglovin' + Shop my Wardrobe

Popbasic's Sunday collection - easy like Sunday morning...

When Maddy (aka Madeline Veenstra) first emailed me about Popbasic, I was genuinely excited about the brilliant concept behind her 'baby' 'Popbasic', what ensued was an embarassingly gushing reply from yours truly:

"What a brilliant concept to Popbasic! (...)
That's probably enough exclamation marks for one email, but I was/am genuinely excited for you, Popbasic's concept is so simple and clever. (...) But your carefully curated pieces are versatile/wearable/classic and elegant 'pop basics' ;) Well done!" (seriously embarassing)

The entire premise behind Popbasic is that Maddy wanted to create a service for women to build their basics and trend pieces gradually, without sacrificing quality, by creating micro-collections.  Pieces that could be added to anyone's existing wardrobe, as building blocks to those who are starting a new one, or just those who want to freshen their existing wardrobe with easily wearable pieces. Now whenever Maddy realizes that something is missing from her wardrobe she instantly starts researching styles and fabrics.

The pieces in her 'Sunday Collection' particularly appealed to me.  I have recently gone on a silk shirt binge, and they are true staples for my wardrobe, especially now the weather is starting to cool down.  I love the versatility of a silk button down shirt, effortlessly elegant, with sneakers, boots or heels, jeans, pants, skirts or even under dresses...it goes with most items already in anybody's wardrobe.  The microcollection comprised of a blue silk shirt, a white gold wishbone ring and a matching wishbone bangle, I seriously baulked when I saw the price for the whole collection was $85 including international shipping!  This micro-collection is perfect to use on a lazy Sunday, or a party-filled one.

I must admit I am very picky, and don't often accept 'gifts', as I would only say yes to something I actually love, would actually buy and wear (because my wardrobe is already packed to the rafters).  When I was generously gifted the 'Sunday Collection' from Popbasic/Maddy it was not under the premise that I would write this post, but I am genuinely excited about Popbasic, the Sunday Collection, and had to share it with you all.

I was so excited and intrigued about Popbasic, that I emailed Maddy some questions, which she kindly replied to.  I told her some were just out of my own curiosity, and that I wouldn't share them all with you.  But just in case others are as curious and intrigued about Popbasic as I was, here are my questions and Maddy's answers, unedited:

CC: How long will Sunday collection be available for?  
MV (from Popbasic): Our Sunday collection will be available until the 20th of March, or until sold out. 

When will the next collection be released?  

25th of March.

I was dumbfounded to find out the whole collection is only $85 INCLUDING international shipping!!! That's amazing! How do you manage that?  

All of our pieces are Popbasic own, so we're able to completely cut out the middle man and offer beautiful pieces at unheard of retail prices.

Will items on the permanent collection be similarly priced?  

They will be. All of our pieces will be under $100 with free international shipping.

Speaking of permanent collection, that is very exciting! When do you envision this to start being stocked on your website? Are we allowed to know which items are 'making the cut'?  

Our first permanent piece is our Le Breton, it will be available in classic navy and white later this month. Afterwards, we're releasing the Le Breton in red and white stripe. We're also bringing back our leather clutch in an assortment of colours.

What were you doing before you started Popbasic, before your move to San Francisco*? And what lead you to start it? It is such a brilliant yet simple concept!   

Prior to Popbasic, believe it or not, I was an economist. But I always had an interest in fashion and retail. During university I worked at Country Road for a few years, so I grew an appreciation for good quality pieces, and have an understanding of how difficult they are to come by. That was one of the main reasons I started Popbasic. I had sold so many of my pieces on Ebay, that I realized I didn't have my wardrobe foundation right. So I set out with the mission of making the perfect wardrobe for myself.

What are your plans for Popbasic? It has received great press and exposure, I love the sense of community you have created around it**!  

Thank you! I'm super proud of the community we have built around Popbasic. I'm really excited to launch our permanent line and also our silk blouse series later in the year.

Ok, I know I had better, more clever questions, but my cold/flu is preventing any brain cells from functioning, so apologies once again.  Is there anything you'd like to share about Popbasic that I haven't asked? If I could just clarify that it's not a subscription, and that our micro collections are all limited edition? Thanks!

* Madeline is originally from Australia but relocated to San Francisco.
**Popbasic has an amazing community through their Facebook page

 The beauty about wardrobe staples is that you can mix and match them to create countless outfits, here just swapping shoes takes this look from day to night:

Outfit details: Silk shirt: Popbasic (with white gold wishbone ring and bangle on it - all available here), Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 bag (available at Net-a-Porter HERE, HERE and directly from Proenza Schouler HERE), Shoes: Nike Roshe Run sneakers (above) and Celine Bam Bam sandals (from Barneys NY - below pic), Watch: Seiko, Sunglasses: Ray Ban Folding Wayfarer, Leather Pants: Vince (similar here), Rings: Balenciaga bow ring (from Matches Fashion), and usual e-ring and wedding ring.

All pics via www.popbasic.com alternating with my own pics via iPhone.

Thanks again Maddy!

xx


Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram + Bloglovin' + Shop my Wardrobe

Country Road, take me home...I sure did!

I was just looking at my Instagram feed tonight, and realized that I seem to be a walking sitting ad for Country Road! When I first received their lookbook as an email subscriber, I knew my wallet was in trouble.  I managed to bypass womenswear (I know, shock horror!), but fell hard for their 'Home' range.  With its heavy Scandinavian flavoured homewares range in delectable pastels, and childrenswear with polkadots, gingham and chambray (and a lot of Stella McCartney Kids inspired designs) I already started shopping in my head.  Luckily (or not - for my wallet), they had a 'Spend and Save' deal a few weeks later, and I'm afraid the pictures below only shows a small portion of the damage done:

My new 'china' seems right at home with my midcentury Danish y-chair by Hans Wegner.  Got some cute clothes for my daughter, all of which I would've loved to ask: "Does this come in my size"?

 I love the beautiful pinks that have been prevalent in the sartorial world lately, but it isn't a colour I wear often myself.  Now I get to use it everyday without wearing a stitch of pink!

Polkadots are something else I don't really wear, but find oh so cute!

Lef to right: Nars Yachiko brush, Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani, Nars blush duo (obviously I use this a lot!) in Orgasm/Laguna.

Iced latte anyone?

 Last week I picked up a slice of my favourite Argentinian cake, called the 'Felicia Special' it is heaven on a plate, consisting of alternating layers of vanilla sponge, fresh whipped cream, sliced peaches and fresh meringue...oh yeah!

Also got myself some Alfajores while I was at Delicias Argentinas, enjoyed them while revisiting an old issue of Peut-être magazine (Issue 6)

What I wore last Friday: Celine Bam Bam sandals, Aurelie Bidermann Love Ring (available at Shopbop), Balenciaga Bow Ring (I bought from Matches Fashion), Benah cuff, Celine navy Trio bag  (available here) and Country Road polkadot pouch.

Did anyone else partake of the 'spend and save' deal? This was my first time (I usually ignore those emails), and am now trying really hard to resist the 'buy 2 get 1 free' deal! 

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram + Bloglovin' + Shop my Wardrobe

What I wore: 3.1 Phillip Lim x Koi Suwannagate Rosette tank + Celine

Getting out of bed is always hard, especially on weekends...gone are my weekend sleep-ins with the little ones eager to start the day early.  

3.1 Phillip Lim x Koi Suwannagate (originally purchased from Net-a-Porter many years ago), Celine navy Trio bag (available here), Celine Bam Bam sandals (purchased from Barneys NY), Aurelie Bidermann love (heart) gold ring (purchased from Moda Operandi) and Balenciaga Bow ring (purchased from Matches Fashion)

Happy macaron Monday!

 xx

all pics my own via iPhone/Instagram

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram + Bloglovin' + Shop my Wardrobe

Céline me away...

Happy Humpday everyone! Went to the dentist to finalize a crown that has been the bane of my existence for the past few years, thought I'd cheer myself up with some cheerful yellow today:

 I've posted these years ago, and they are still going strong, love my Benah Kodi cuffs.

Outfit details - Top: Bonds raglan t-shirt, Pants: Scanlan & Theodore black low boyfriend jeans, Shoes: Celine Bam Bam sandals (from Barneys NY), Bag: Celine navy regular Trio (available here), Balenciaga Bow ring (from Matches Fashion), Aurelie Bidermann love ring (from Moda Operandi), Sunglasses: Jimmy Fairly

Twitter + Facebook + Peut-être magazine (Fashion Writer and Editor) + Instagram + Bloglovin' + Shop my Wardrobe