Uniqlo x Lemaire - a match made in Sartorial Heaven

Hello there! I am still here, and apologize for my absence! Life's been a little crazy lately!

But I have decided I will try my best to keep this blog updated from now on...

So thought I'd start with one of my all-time favourite 'designer' collaborations ever, which was Christopher Lemaire's final collection for Uniqlo.  Since last year I have been a huge Uniqlo fan, with its affordable basics for the entire family, from my little ones, to Mr Brigs. I especially love their Heattech range (of thin yet warm thermal clothes), which I first heard about from Susie Bubble many years ago.

And of course, I am a huge fan of Christophe Lemaire's work, not only for his own label, but also during his stint as creative director at Hermès.  Love his crisp, paired-back simplicity and flawlessly tailored designs, and wonderfully edgy silhouettes.

Now I know I am a little late to blog about this collection, but since it is almost all I have been wearing lately, I thought I'd share anyway.  I put in countless orders in for this range, as I became enamoured with the entire collection (and not just the womenswear, but the menswear too, some of which went into Mr Brigs wardrobe, but some actually went into mine).  I zero-ed in on the mustard yellow pieces, as it is a colour I love but cannot find often in silhouettes I like.  Not only were the pieces beautifully designed, the quality was impeccable, beautifully tailored, timeless and classic but with an evident edge to them.

 This yellow mesh polo sweater is one of my favourites of the collection, I'm so glad I checked the store the night before the range was meant to be released, as it (and the rest of the collection) was already there, so I pounced on it before it sold out.

Bag: Balenciaga Navy Pochette (available at Matches), Sandals: Sydney Sandal Co. (the comfiest sandal ever, these are so delicious on!), Swimsuit: Seafolly,

Here I layered the v-neck knit over the milano sleeveless rib dress, for a double-dose of yellow, in a beautiful ribbed fabric - love the texture and quality of these, so luxe!
Bag: Mansur Gavriel backpack (love it in pink!), Shoes: Adidas Superstars (available in b&w here)

 Lemaire's expert tailoring in 'gaucho' culottes and blazer

Borrowed from the 'boys': Chambray blouson 'shirt/jacket' and pleated elasticated pants, with a cashmere-blend sleeveless tank from the women's range (oh so soft and versatile!)

 I also got the cashmere-blended bodysuit (and in white too), these are so comfy, cut beautifully and so versatile!

Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 (available at Net-a-Porter, Forward, and My Theresa ) , Bracelet: Céline

I'm embarrassed to say this is only a fraction of the items I got, anyone else a fan of this collaboration? Or of Lemaire? Or Uniqlo?

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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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Valentino Noir Rockstud Cage flats

It has been over a year since I bought my Valentino Rockstud kitten heels (remember this post?).  Ever since then I have been patiently waiting to find them in all black patent in the caged flat version.  Saved my pennies, and at last I found them!

Words to those who are after these: they run small (I think by half a size).  

I bought the kitten heels in my usual size (and did not require a minute of breaking in and were uber comfy from day 1), but the flats ran MUCH smaller!  I bought mine from Selfridges, and I immediately wrote to them asking for an exchange for half a size bigger. Turns out they don't do exchanges, and somehow within a few hours of receiving that email, the size I wanted sold out (there were 2 pairs left!).  Because it took me so long to find these, I was reluctant to send them back, and spent a few days using my 'hairdryer trick', and patiently and painstakingly stretched them half a size.  Although they're not as comfy as my mid-heels (because they are fully closed as opposed to a slingback, and somehow the kitten heels make it comfier, not sure why...), they are now as comfy as they would be if half a size larger, whew!

 Shirt: Everlane Cotton Lawn shirt (available from Everlane), Jeans: Current Elliott Boyfriend in Loved (bought mine from Forward, it's now available at Nordstrom - also love the distressed version at Asos and The Dreslyn), Watch: Larsson Jennings Chain Metal in black(available here at Net-a-Porter).

 Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 (available from Net-a-Porter and Net-a-Porter US, and directly from Proenza Schouler HERE), Wallet: Nomadic, Hand Cream: Lumira Paradisium, Watch: Larsson Jennings Chain Metal in black(available here at Net-a-Porter).

You can find Valentino black caged flats at:

Farfetch (in all black patent! Or leather version here)
Bergdorf Goodman
Neiman Marcus
Nordstrom

n.b. Bought mine from Selfridges, but they've sold out completely in all sizes.



I'm not usually one for 'No pain no gain' when it comes to shoes, but "all's well that ends well".

Has anyone bought anything from the Net-a-Porter sale? I am so happy with the Isabel Marant bow pumps I bought! Will post about those soon.

Happy Monday everyone!


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OOTD: Building Block Iphone Sling, Sundry dress and Adidas Superstars

Don't you just love a versatile tank or t-shirt dress? I lived in one particular stretchy jersey tank black dress during both my pregnancies, and therefore came up with 1001 different outfits with it, different shoes, accessories, or layered over or under tops, jackets, kimonos, blazers, sweatshirts, sweaters, anything!

I haven't worn a fitted jersey dress since (it was the only time I could really let it all hang out and not worry that I have a belly, haha), but I recently got a Sundry t-shirt dress that is slightly gathered from the middle down, hiding a multitude of sins!  I love that I can layer an oversized shirt (open or buttoned up), or any style of jacket or blazer over it, and change the look completely with different shoes and accessories.

Thought I'd 'sporty' it up today, and team it with my straw 'baseball' cap I recently bought.  I pretty much have never worn a baseball cap, because it wasn't 'me', but when I saw it reinvented in a more sophisticated sleek style and in straw, I just had to have it. I hardly wear hats, but with the little ones, find myself under the sun quite a bit, so they are becoming a necessity.  Lately you will practically always find me in sneakers (especially since my injured foot just refuses to get better), as well as my Larsson Jennings watch, which I just love.

I am constantly carrying my iPhone around, and have consequently dropped it several times, one time quite badly, so that my screen is quite smashed... Cue Building Block's Iphone Sling! I first saw it fortuitously on Instagram, and knew I had to have it.  It is perfect for when I don't need much else other than my phone (and there is a slot for a credit card, or driver's license, say), and often find myself just wearing it around the house, so I don't have to keep looking for my phone when I need it (yeah, I'm lazy).  Plus it is so sleek and minimal, it goes with most outfits, and I just love the lucite block! Very happy with my purchase indeed! Only wish I had found it sooner!

So to the person who recently left a comment on my Instagram, thanks for giving me a little nudge back here.  Apologies for not posting more often!

Happy Friday everyone!

 Atelier Lumira's new fragrance Paradisium: luscious green figs intertwined with sparkling bergamot and refreshing citrus, light and delicious scent, just in time for Summer!

Aana Janakis Alpha cuff and ring

 Building Block Iphone sling with lucite block (purchased from Modesportif, but also available directly from Building Block and other retailers)

 Dress: Sundry (available at Shopbop), Iphone sling: Building Block (purchased from Modesportif), Sneakers: Adidas Superstar (bought from Adidas), Hat: Country Road, Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 (available from Net-a-Porter and Net-a-Porter US, and directly from Proenza Schouler), Watch: Larsson Jennings (available from Larsson Jennings, Net-a-Porter and Liberty), Alpha Cuff + Ring: Aana Janakis (available here), Wallet: Nomadic mock crock wallet (available here)

all photos via my iPhone/Instagram


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Pressed Juices - you can't get enough of a good thing

During my recent trip to Sydney one of THE things I most wanted to do was try Pressed Juices, as we didn't have it here then.  Situated around the corner from where I was staying meant that I was there almost daily, sampling a rainbow-ful of juices and discovering their Raw Coconut Parfait (I must've bought at least 5 during that week!).  I have always been a juice and green smoothie fan, and just couldn't get enough of it!

Fast forward a few weeks, and I finally got to visit the newly opened store here in Adelaide!  I sure hope they open more locations (as I don't get to the city much nowadays), but am so happy they are closer than say, Sydney! Needless to say I armed myself with a few bottles of juices and a Raw Coconut Parfait to bring home.

I am toying with the idea of trying their Master Cleanse - has anyone tried their Cleanses?  Basically it'd be an excuse to drink this stuff all day long...yuuuuuum!

Anyone else a PJ fan? 

  Bad pic - great juices - pic taken in the Surry Hills store

I could eat this all day every day! Young coconut flesh with chia seeds soaked in berry juice, blueberries, buckinis and pepitas, all in a coconut shell (I have 3 young coconuts in my fridge at a time, as I absolutely LOVE them, and so do Lil' Brigs 1 & 2)

 Another favourite and must-have (especially when on the run - like I was during the MBFWA): espresso almond mylk, a coffee and breakfast on the run that is oh-so-good!

Outfit - Boots: Isabel Marant, Pants: Scanlan & Theodore, Silk Shirt: Willow, Bag: Chanel Boy

 The Adelaide store - wish this were my fridge!

 Another of my faves: avocado, banana, coconut water (love), cucumber, kale, lime, mesclun and pineapple - the coconut/lychee/pineapple is also sooooooo good!

 My Pressed Juices haul this week, am going to try to get there again to restock today...

Outfit: Stella McCartney swing trench, Scanlan & Theodore pants, Isabel Marant Dicker boots, Proenza Schouler PS11 bag

Breakfast in a shell

Boots: Isabel Marant Dickers in Gris (available here, anthracite available here and here...), Blush: Hourglass Ambient Blush in Mood Exposure (purchased here), Yachiko Brush: Nars, Handgel: Aesop, Bracelet: Celine, Rings: Balenciaga bow (from Matchesfashion), Sarah & Sebastian Petite Pearl ring, Aurelie Bidermann Love ring (available here), Elemis Illuminating Flash Balm, Proenza Schouler PS11 bag (available from Net-a-Porter and Net-a-Porter US, and directly from Proenza Schouler HERE) and Ray Ban folding wayfarer sunglasses

pics all mine via iPhone/Instagram

NOT A SPONSORED POST

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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


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Viva la Moda!

It is a scorching 43 degrees today! All I can do is play in the pool with the little ones and sip on coconut juice, can't complain...

Wore this a few days ago, this 'Viva la Moda' tee by Sincerely Jules (available at Shopbop) is one of my favourite t-shirt! I want to buy a spare!

Outfit details - Tee: Sincerely Jules (available HERE), Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 Classic bag (available at Net-a-Porter HERE, HERE and directly from Proenza Schouler HERE), Shorts: Zara, Shoes: Chanel, Sunglasses: Ray Ban folding wayfarers (available here), Ring: Balenciaga bow ring (purchased from Matches Fashion), Perfume: Prada Infusion D'Iris



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From Sydney: Mak Mak macarons and Assad Mounser crown

Doesn't this bag look good enough to eat? Sadly it isn't mine, nor did I get the chance to borrow it from my little sister while she was visiting over Christmas, but I did get to snap a pic, to drool over until I see her (and her gorgeous flap bag) again:

 Whilst in Sydney I made a point of trying out some Mak Mak macarons, as recommended to me by the lovely Hannah Rose from 'Capture the Castle'.  A little research informed me the were voted 'best macarons' in Sydney by a blinded panel which included non other than Chef Peter Gilmore from Quay...needless to say, I was not disappointed.  They were A M A Z I N G ! And so purdy!

 I was only there for 4 days (one of them being a public holiday), so I only managed a quick spot of shopping, and in that, I snapped up this black 'crown' by Assad Mounser.  I was immediately drawn to it when I walked into Land's End Store, put it back down, thinking: I could never pull it off. But had to pick it up again:

 Still loving my Seed striped espadrilles...and loved my Scanlan & Theodore black drop crotch boyfriend pants so much, I scouted myself a pair in navy/ink.

 This was the actual colour of this heart-shaped poof at church (Sunday School), how cute is it?
Outfit details: Shoes: Seed striped espadrilles, Pants: Scanlan & Theodore, Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 Classic bag (available at Net-a-Porter HERE, HERE and directly from Proenza Schouler HERE), Dries Van Noten black raglan top

PS. If you aren't already, you can follow me Instagram here (or Tumblr here).

Apologies that I update there daily, but here so sporadically.  I blame the ease of posting from my iPhone, it is just so much easier with the little ones and everything else...

xx

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What I wore: bursting with colour in Peter Som and Stella McCartney

Wore this on Sunday to a milestone birthday, this Peter Som blouse spells out F.E.S.T.I.V.E!

My favourite perfume: Prada Infusion D'Iris - so clean and fresh...

An oldie but a goodie...I have these Stella McCartney pumps in four colours!

 Outfit details - Blouse: Peter Som (available here), Bag: Proenza Schouler Classic PS11 in black bag (available at Net-a-Porter HERE, HERE and directly from Proenza Schouler HERE), Shoes: Stella McCartney (several season old), Sunglasses: Jimmy Fairly

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Outfits with my Seed striped espadrilles

Last week I posted about the striped espadrilles I purchased at Seed, with the weather warming up by more than 10 degrees, I got the chance to really 'break them in' (not that any breaking was required), and wore them almost every day that week:

Look 4 (out to the playground with the lil' ones): Sincerely Jules 'Dream, Believe, Achieve' tee (available here), Chloe jeans, Balenciaga Extra Courier (available in Dark Cobalt here)



Look 5: Dries Van Noten black raglan top, Chloe jeans, Proenza Schouler Classic PS11 in black bag (available at Net-a-Porter HERE, HERE and directly from Proenza Schouler HERE), Swisslegend Watch, Jimmy Fairly glasses




 Sincerely Jules 'Viva la Moda' tee (available here), Zara denim shorts, Proenza Schouler PS11 Classic bag (available at Net-a-Porter HERE, HERE and directly from Proenza Schouler HERE).

I can't wait for my two-toned leather pair to arrive!

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