Everlane is shipping Internationally for ONE week only (trial)! Run, don't walk!

Ok, the day we have all be waiting for (well, I certainly have) is here!

Everlane is offering international shipping (and for a flat rate of only $15!!!) for one week only (for now, here's hoping the trial goes well and it becomes a permanent thing soon).

For years I have been using forwarding companies to get my beloved Everlane wares here Down Under, so as soon as I caught wind that they would be shipping directly to us for one week, I had my items waiting in my bag ready for me to click 'pay' before you could say 'hello'.

Sadly I had to cull my shopping bag right down due to the horrendous state of the Australian dollar against the US dollar, but ah well! I am doing my happy dance nevertheless.

I ordered their Short-sleeved silk crew and the men's card case (I have discovered my love for card cases after using a 'disposable' one for almost a year now! Time to upgrade to leather).  I am leaving behind their long-sleeved silk tee and their slouchy black trousers (anyone have either item? Would love to hear your thoughts on them), and really, I practically want every single item in their store!

International shipping started today and we only have T minus 6 days left, so I suggest running, not walking!

 shop now at Everlane

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OOTD: From swimwear to sweater weather in a matter of days!

I know it is Autumn, but the weather has been on a rollercoaster ride the last few weeks, more so this past week.  Just last Sunday it was warm enough to sip on coconuts in the pool, and the past few days I've had to reach for knitwear and my warmest bomber jacket! Crazy!

Innika swimsuit and matching Montauk pants from Vamastyle (they're polyester, so you can pull them on straight from the pool, making for a gorgeous 'jumpsuit' for some poolside glam...I think I may need to get the matching kimono, haha.

 How gorgeous is this LOVE - engraved bangle and 'line' bracelet from Roar Accessories?

 Today's OOTD: Sweater: Everlane Merino Raglan (chunky knit version available Everlane here, which I am eyeing next), Pants: Scanlan & Theodore pleated navy pants (I loved the cut so much I got them in tan, but unfortunately they're not currently in store - I did find a very similar cut of pants I'm eyeing on Urban Outfitters, called the Silence + Noise Evan Trouser Pant at a fraction of the cost), Bag:  Proenza Schouler PS11 bag (available at Bergdorf Goodmans, Farfetch, Net-a-Porter, and directly from Proenza Schouler), Sneakers: Adidas Originals Superstars (am eyeing this colorway available at Adidas, but bought mine from the men's department, found them here too.

 Bag:  Proenza Schouler PS11 bag (available at Bergdorf Goodmans, Farfetch, Net-a-Porter, and directly from Proenza Schouler), Watch: Larsson Jennings Chain Metal in black (available from Larsson & Jennings and Farfetch), Bracelets: all from Roar Accessories, Sweater: Everlane

Bracing myself for an even colder day tomorrow...Can't believe it'll be coat weather!

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Black Friday sales, discount codes and Everlane's new initiative

Today Everlane is starting a new tradition for Black Friday. All of today's profits (i.e. 35% of each purchases) will be invested into making the lives of their factory workers better. They're starting small and focusing on one of their factories, Hangzhou, China, where their silks and button downs are made. You can read more on the Black Friday Fund on www.everlane.com/black-friday, their goal is to close the loop between the customer, the brand and the people who make our clothes. The power to push towards more fair and sustainable industrial practices is in our hands.

 pic my own via my iPhone/Instagram

Wouldn't it be wonderful if all retailers and online stores did the same?  Also, is anyone else overwhelmed by the incredible list of discount codes on offer at them moment?

Here are some of the discount codes and sales I have jotted down and scoured:

Shopbop - GOBIG14 at checkout for 15% off $250, 20% off $500+, 25% off $1000

Net-a-Porter US on sale - no code required (my purchase has already been shipped!)

Madewell - GIFTON for 25% off all purchases (I purchased this dress)

Selfridges - SELF14 for 20% all items (inc. Valentino, Saint Laurent, etc!)

Harvey Nichols - SMASHING25 25% off all items (inc. Valentino, Saint Laurent

Browns Fashion - Free shipping with THANKYOU14

Forward by Elyse Walker - sale on (including lots of Isabel Marant)

Saks Fifth Avenue on sale up to 60% off

Moda Operandi - amazing sale up to 50% off

LN-CC - 30% off (love this site!)

TGIBF!
 

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Aminah Bow Shoes - I'm head over flats in love!

A few months ago I went wild for these shoes worn by Aimee Song from Song of Style*.  Since I hardly wear heels nowadays (especially after my last fall down the stairs in July, when I think I damaged my foot's collateral ligament, oops!), I rationalized with myself that I shouldn't even attempt walking in them, and managed to resist them.  I was absolutely ecstatic when I found out a few weeks ago that these gorgeous shoes by Aminah Abdul Jallil are now available in flats!

I seriously couldn't get them fast enough, and knew exactly when I wanted to inaugurate them, to a function held at the Art Gallery of SA, where I'd get the chance to view the amazing 'Fashion Icons' exhibition and to see and hear Australian designer Toni Maticevski talk about his work (I still have a piece from one of his early collections).  The exhibition "Fashion Icons: Masterpieces from the collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris" is seriously incredible, showcasing breathtaking original Couture pieces by Christian Dior, Valentino, Gres, Chanel dating back several decades, as well as RTW (my favourite designer Dries Van Noten is also included), these pieces were curated from an exhibition that has never left Paris until now, and isn't planned to go anywhere else either after it returns)**.  Anyway, if you are here in Australia, I highly recommend you going to see this exhibition (open until February 2015)! I might scram together a little post about this exhibition later this week.

Anyway, apologies for rambling, back to the flats: since I've been asked a few questions about them on Instagram, I thought I'd answer them here in case others want to find out the same thing:  

• They run true to size for me (I take a size 38 in almost every shoe, UK 5, US/AUS 7.5 or 8 - I usually say 8, but some shoes are confusing - I got these in a US 8).
• I've only worn them once so far, did a bit of walking, stood for a bit, and they were comfy...it wasn't extensive walking, but so far so good.
• The front is cut on the diagonal, so my wide feet do stick out a little.
• Bear in mind that unless you are blessed with stick thin/ long legs, the ankle cuff/bow will shorten the leg somewhat, so I plan on wearing mine with midi/long skirts and/or cropped pants.
• They also come in heels (obviously) - 0.5" front platform 5" heel.

I am seriously eyeing the blue pair next, and even though I don't wear pink, I am seriously eyeing the pink and fuchsia pair.  Well, I need to make up for the fact that I won't be wearing heels for quite some time!

Aimee Song (pic from Song of Style)

 Blair Edie (pic from Atlantic Pacific) - Carrie style.

 Photify print of my strawberry photograph in the Ikea Ribba frame, Kate Spade 'Light up the Room' candle (purchased from Kate Spade), Ellery silk collar (limited edition, no longer available) and Aminah Abdul Jillil bow flats

Dress: 3.1 Phillip Lim x Koi Suwannagate strapless rosette dress (several seasons old), Shirt: Everlane band collar silk shirt (available from Everlane), Bag: Witchery (from decades ago!), Shoes: Aminah Abdul Jillil***

all pics my own via iPhone for my Instagram (unless otherwise stated)


* Isn't it crazy that only a few years ago she regularly visited and commented on this blog (before my little ones took away my time and attention from this blog)? I even remember her asking a few times (so I finally bit the bullet and answered her query) on how I could afford my purchases, my, how the tables have turned!

**Funnily, I recall the exhibition being underway while I was in Paris last year, and it was free to enter! Sadly, after Paris Couture Week I was so fashion-ed out that I didn't go (kicking myself very hard about that)

***Thanks Aminah! I think I might just have to buy another (or 3 more) pairs of these flats, I am seriously in love with them!



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My recipe for Pão de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread or 'cheese balls')

I am SO sorry, if anyone tried this recipe I posted years ago, I only just realized that I had made a very big mistake as to the quantity for the flour, which means the recipe would've been a disaster.   I can't believe I have been referring friends and readers to this blog for the recipe and had not realized that until now. I am so so sorry! I have read and re-read this, and since I now know this by heart (I can make these with my eyes closed now), this is now correct. 

Pão de Queijo are one of my favourite things to eat. Ever. These Brazilian little gummy cheese 'balls' are so delicious, they are literally always a hit.

I made these again today, as friends and family were invited to join pre-preschoolers at my daughter's Montesori centre for a picnic lunch.  Lil' Brigs #1 was SO excited and looking forward to it, her excitement was uber contagious.  The weather cooperated, and it was absolutely lovely.


Pão de Queijo (GF)

Ingredients

1 kg tapioca flour (I buy this at Asian grocery stores - it says 'tapioca starch' on the packet, ideally I'd use sour cassava flour if I could find it, which I can't here in Australia)

600 mls of milk

200 ml melted butter

1 tsp of yeast (optional)

1 tsp salt

500g grated parmesan or pecorino cheese (or a mixture of both)

4 eggs

Method

1. Place the tapioca starch in a large bowl.

2. Add 300ml of cold milk to the 'flour/starch', crumb it with your fingers.

3. In a saucepan, heat the 300ml of milk and the butter/oil until it reaches almost boiling point, then turn off the heat. 

4. Add the hot milk/butter mixture to the flour in the bowl, then add the salt and yeast.

5. Mix with a wooden spoon until it cools.

6. Add the eggs one by one, stirring in between.

7. Lastly, add the grated cheese and knead the dough until smooth and homogenous.

8. Roll into little balls.

9. Place on a greased (or lined) baking tray allowing a little room for it to 'grow'.

10. Place in a preheated oven at 180ºC or 360ºF (fan-forced) until golden (usually 20-25 mins)

The texture should be crispy/crunchy on the outside, gummy/gooey on the inside....

You can also freeze the balls and store in the freezer so you can bake as required after thawing them at room temperature for 15 mins (that is what I do, as these are best eaten freshly baked). 

Enjoy!

If you make them, please do leave a comment below ;) 

Or if you already make Pão de Queijo, please feel free to share your recipe!  

 OOTD:  Top and tote: Everlane (Fall's Seed stitch raglan in merino and Petra Market tote), Shoes: Chanel espadriles, Jeans: Frame Denim (available at Shopbop and Net-a-Porter), Watch: Larsson Jennings (available here at Net-a-Porter), Ring: Balenciaga  (updated version available from Matches Fashion and Barneys), Picnic rug: Christmas present from my lovely sister.

Happy Friday everyone!


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Everlane Petra tote and Dieppa Restrepo Cali Oxfords - wishlist items crossed off!

In the past week I have finally managed to cross two items that have been on my wishlist for the longest time, the Dieppa Restrepo Cali shoes from Need Supply Co. (my first purchase from their store), and the Petra Market tote from Everlane.  I had actually received an email from Totokaelo this morning saying they were restocked there, but a quick google search led me to NSC, so I purchased it from them as they were a little bit cheaper (just mentioning, in case NSC has sold out in your size and you are after them like I have been for so long).

Dieppa Restrepo Cali Oxfords in Antilope (pic via Need Supply Co.)

I bought the Everlane Petra market in black (I was tossing between the black and clay for so long), but now wonder if I should have got (or should get) the clay that I've longed for so long instead (not that I usually match my shoes to bag), remember I posted it here? What do you think? Love the colour!

pic via Everlane.

I also bought Everlane's Cotton Lawn shirt in white (wish the blue hadn't sold out)...

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Wishlist: Everlane's Petra Bag

The colour, the clean lines, everything...YES please!

The Market Bag in Clay from Everlane

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