How to 'toughen up' (or dress down) a pink and/or girly dress

Are you one of those people that looks a really pretty and feminine dress and thinks: "Oh, how beautiful! If only I could wear something like that", but feels they could never wear something that girly?  I am one of them.  Not my sister, she wears girly, frilly, lacy and floral with not one moment's hesitation, even with strappy feminine sandals.

Or, perhaps you have a beautiful dress hanging in your closet but feel you can only wear them on the rare 'formal' occasion?

Either way, for those who would like to wear a feminine girly dress (and yes, even in pink), here are some ideas on how I would wear it.  For some reason I don't feel comfortable in a girly feminine dress and strappy high heels, I need to pair them with something sporty or 'biker chic', or roughen it up a little.

Case in point: this beautiful and romantic pink broderie anglaise dress by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, via Avenue 32.  As you may know by now, I am a huuuuuge fan of online shopping, and Avenue 32 is one of all-time favourite stores.  Not only do they stock some of my favourite designers (Roksanda, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, Maticevski), but also amazing new designers that I absolutely love discovering (e.g. Litkovskaya, Anna K, and more).

 Pink and pretty: Philosophy by Lorenzo Serafini broderie anglaise dress

 I loved mixing the delicate and feminine broderie anglaise with some texture, like fur (and further down, leather), and tough 'motorcycle' boots

Jacket: Dries Van Noten (old), Boots: Balenciaga, Dress: Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini (available at Avenue 32)

Pair a feminine dress with a little something sporty, I'm a big fan of bombers, and this is my new favourite, from Zara (!), love its beautiful embroidery!

I paired the dress with two sporty pieces, the bomber jacket and my trusty sneakers...I live in flats and sneakers, comfort is paramount, and not just for my feet, I feel more comfortable in my own skin too...

Dress: Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini (available at Avenue 32), Jacket: Zara, Sneakers: Adidas x Topshop (similar here)

 Nothing like a good black leather jacket to pair with a girly dress...my Helmut Lang jacket is one of my favourite buys of 2015, it goes with almost everything!

 Frilly details...

 And of course, one of my favourite footwear choice for a feminine dress: none at all, cozing up at home with a sweater thrown over, or barefoot on a beach (I will be bringing this dress with me to Byron Bay next week), love the contrast of cozy with girly...

In a nutshell, my favourite pieces to wear with a feminine dress are:

*Sporty-chic jackets like bombers, and silk hooded jackets

*Leather motorcycle jackets Faux-fur or denim jackets 

*Oversized chunky knit cardigans

* Tee-shirt, turtleneck or fine knit crewneck sweater under the dress

*Footwear of choice: mid-heel boots (with a chunky heel, like Isabel Marant Dicker boots), sneakers, Oxfords (like my favourite Dieppa Restrepo Cali oxfords), perhaps flat strappy sandals.

How about you, how do you wear your pink and/or feminine dresses? 

Outdoor photography by: Kevin Khaw

Indoor photography: me

Happy Friday everyone!
x
CC

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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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Gingham and fries before guys

I'm afraid I stole the title for my post from a comment left (not for me) under this photo I posted on Instagram last night:

It was too funny not to share.

Remember when I posted about this gingham ensemble from Zara a little while back? Well, I couldn't resist it nor these 'pony hair' flats in navy and blush...just like I can't resist McDonald's fries.

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Shoe Holy Grail: Isabel Marant Poppy in Red

The search is finally over...that is all

 Isabel Marant Poppy Pumps found on Vestiaire Collective

Photo: mine via iPhone/Instagram

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The New Guard - extra 50% off Sale items ( + Recent Buys: Dries Van Noten outerwear)

Ok, so this week has been a 'bad' one (or good, depending on whether you are looking from my wardrobe's point of view, or my wallet's).  Moments I received my email from Barneys Warehouse  I received the one below from The New Guard store.

I first mentioned about The New Guard two years ago, when I received a similar email, and just had to share with you all in this blog post (and I know I am responsible for enabling several purchases, oops!).  Since then my excitement for that store has grown even more, and peaked when they began stocking my favourite designer ever, Dries Van Noten.

I had already bought a tuxedo blazer from the TNG a little while ago, so went in today to purchase a Stella McCartney suit.  Somehow I came home with not one, but two other Dries pieces in addition to the suit, which I wasn't counting on (double eeps!), but seriously, how could I resist such an opp?

If you can't make it into their Pop up Store, you can use the code POP50 for an extra 50% off sale prices online. I am still itching over a few pieces I had to sadly leave behind (inc. these Stella McCartney sandals)

www.thenewguard.com.au

 All black in my 'changeroom'

Love this pic I found from Cahier D'Exercise of the long coat:

 Pics via Cahier D'Exercises

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Barneys Warehouse clearance - extra 30 or 40% off sale items!

I just got this email, hopped on to the website, went through my wishlist and clicked 'buy' (thank goodness I didn't hit that button earlier this morning! I was seriously about to!).

 Nabbed myself a Chloe sweater I have had on my wishlist since forever, and a T by Alexander Wang dress, so so happy with my purchases.

Wish I had money tree as there were some other amazing things I had to leave behind because I've been a little 'naughty' lately...

Seriously, from Givenchy, to Saint Laurent, to Fiorentini & Baker boots (sadly left a pair of laced boots for US$120, but I had to be ruthless and prioritize), I highly suggest running to Barneys Warehouse ASAP!  The prices are seriously unreal You can start shopping here or clicking on the image(s) below:

 Signed,

Your friendly enabler.

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Mansur Gavriel bags - back in stock (and more to come)!

Ok, it's 6 am in the morning, and I am downstairs having just placed my order for a Mansur Gavriel backpack. Crazy? Yes! I have always missed out on their restock on their own website, and due to a bout of insomnia checked my emails this morning crazy early, and saw there were a few bags  that have just come in different stores (I always miss out on MG restocking due to the time difference between Australia and US).

Anyhow, here are direct links to the Mansur Gavriel bags/stockists, I believe the black and ballerina backpack I purchased at Need Supply was the last one.  I thought I'd share quickly in case anyone has been obsessively looking for one like I have been (and always missing out).

You'd better run though, some/many are already selling out, and if you do miss out in these stores, do take note and comfort in the fact that Mansur Gavriel will be restocking next week.

Good luck!

It seems they are now stocked at (you can click on store names to take you directly to the MG bags):


Need Supply 
(I saw the camello backpack and a black/ballerina bucket bag in addition to my black/ballerina backpack)

Bergdorf Goodman 
(which seems to have a wide range of styles and colours if you're quick)

Kirna Zabete
(they have some totes and some beautifully coloured bucket bags, including in bucket)

Forward by Elyse Walker 
(black bucket bag, mini black backpack, black tote)

Steven Alan
(pre-order)

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Curating Zara's new Spring 2015 Lookbook

Ah Zara...I never shop in your stores because I get overwhelmed by the racks and racks of clothes on display, none that look as good as it does on your beautiful website on your beautiful models...This is why I am foolish enough to purchase from your online store instead, then pay ridiculous mail forwarding fees from the US to Australia? Ridiculous of me? Yes, it is...but so far I have been happy with all my purchases!

These caught my eye as I browsed the lookbook that arrived in my inbox this morning, some of them are already in my 'shopping bag', which I'm about to click 'buy' on:

 The tassels will drive me nuts but I'm sure I'll sort something out, I absolutely love this top as it reminds me of a sweater dress I have and love, but in an even more wearable option!

 Love this long waistcoat but wish it weren't Polyester...

 Ok, am a huge 'check' fan, might just have to go and get this whole ensemble, love it! Wishing my pins were as long as this model's though!

One more pic of this top...just because...

All pics via www.zara.com

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Brigadeiro's Gift Guide Pt 2: Secret Santa or Kris Kringle present ideas (or gifts under $40)

Hope this makes it in time for those of you who are stumped as to what to get for your  'secret santa', or just for those who are after a gift under $50 (although the gifts here are mostly $30 and under).  There were also some other options I included in my Pt 1 Gift guide (and some that I will post soon).

Clockwise from left:

1. Instagram prints (or photo prints in general) - since the 'digital camera' era I barely print my photos, but it's always nice to actually see and hold a photo in your hands.  These are my Instagram pictures printed by Picture Postie.

2. Bucket List notebook by Mi Goals - Not just a cute 'notebook', there is a suggested list for your Bucket List, and several other options (Goals book or 2015 diary, all in different colours too) from $17.

3. Scented candle - this one by Atelier Lumira is from the Paradisium range and has a beautiful fig scent.  I love candles because they are something I don't often treat myself to, and I know others also don't.  This beautiful black porcelain cup can also be used later, and only clocks in at $40.

4. The 'Little Black Book' notebook by Nomadic - I get asked about this book a lot, and it only costs $19! (they also make gorgeous supersoft lambskin pouches, some on sale which also clock under $50).

5. Necklace by Misabelle Sparkle - lots of options around $30 from classic to funky colours.

6. Urban Cartel porcelain milk bottle - I bought these for myself in 3 colours ($25 each), and they are so cute and multipurpose! I use mine as flower vases or containers in the kitchen to house my straws or bamboo skewers.  There is also a larger for $39 that I want to buy next.

7. Acrylic (reusable) straws by Kate Spade - these are so cute!  They retail for $45 or so here in Australia,where I first saw them (and fell in love), so I searched online and you can find them for US$14 at Nordstrom's, Bloomingdale's and Kate Spade's own store.

8. Cloud trinket dish also by Urban Cartel - such a cute gift too, and only $25, great to hold rings, jewellery, or anything (or just sitting pretty on a stand).

9. Live Lokai bracelets - love the positive message behind these bracelets,
Injected in the black bead is mud from the Dead Sea, and injected into the white bead is water from Mount Everest. The lowest and highest points on Earth. These beads represent life's highs and lows, reminding you to stay humble when you're on top of the world, and hopeful when you've hit rock bottom.  At $18 each.

10. Mirror by Cool Enough Studio - sleek, small, incredibly lightweight, I love its simple design.  I never remember to carry makeup with me (and also feel a little self conscious if I were to open up a compact/blush with a mirror out in public), this way I have a very compact and understated mirror I can check my teeth/contacts on for just €12.00.

What are you getting your Secret Santa? Or what were your favourite Secret Santa (or Kris Kringle to some) presents?

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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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Brigadeiro's (Christmas - or not) Gift Guide Pt 1: 'The Boys' (boyfriend, husband, partner, colleague father, brother, friend, and so forth)

I once wrote about my love for well-curated gift guides, as I am quite often stumped for gift ideas ideas.  I never thought I would actually compile one as I'm the one always hungry for suggestions.  But this year, I looked back, and thought that for once, I actually have some purchases I could compile and share with you all.

I thought I'd start with the toughest one: "The Boys".

I don't know about you, but every year I am stumped as to what to get hubby, it doesn't help that his birthday is only a few weeks away from Christmas either.  Let's face it, there are only so many ties/cufflinks/sunglasses/wallets/CD's (well, that was a few years ago) that one can buy for them, but here I some other items I've given, from all different price points, and some especially good for the 'boys' who have 'everything':

Details for each item (including links to where you can buy them) below (and some items that didn't make it in this pic).

THE BOYS:

 1. A coffee subscription (such as the one from Nobs Coffee), until recently I never knew such a thing existed.  As a coffee aficionado, I find the idea of receiving coffee in the mailbox each month absolutely brilliant.  Especially since I get to sample the coffee from the best roasters in Melbourne without having to board a plane.  Each month I receive coffee from a different roaster, which keeps things interesting, and means I get to drink something different to the 2kgs of Tanzanian and Colombian beans we buy each month.

2. A portable alcohol breathalyzer - I think anyone who drinks alcohol and drives should have one of these, especially if they can fit in a person's pocket, they can range from $200 (here), $150 (on sale from $250 here, or this one from Target) to $50 (here), or even colourful ones on a keychain (here).

3. Zetronix video goggles - Shhhh...don't tell hubby, I am giving these for his birthday next week.  I first saw them on Moda Operandi (I've gotten amazing gift ideas from them!), and am so very pleased I did! Hubby is forever watching soccer matches and what not on his phone, and these Virtual Display Video Glasses by Zetronix create a simulated 50” personal screen for watching music, television and so forth, they connect to almost every device—from smart phones to cable boxes—to deliver a virtual experience anytime, anywhere.  

4. Daniel Wellington watch - they are not very expensive and is fun to have as you can get interchangeable straps to change its look from workday to weekend - available from East Dane (Shopbop's male counterpart), Bloomingdale's, and Asos.

5. Ullu leather iPhone case - I absolutely love the leather on this, and I used to work with leather (once upon a time), these are beautifully crafted and are such a great affordable present to give!

6. Parrot Zik by Philippe Starck noise-cancelling wireless headphones - another brilliant gift idea I got from Moda Operandi last year (via their gift guide).  I first saw them at Colette in Paris with hubby and forgot about them by the time his birthday came around, thank goodness for Moda Operandi's gift guide which reminded me about these gorgeous headphones.  I'm eyeing the white and gold headphones myself (from Selfridges).  Hubby absolutely loves these and pored over 100's of reviews before hitting 'buy', to make sure it wasn't just a 'pretty face', these headphones deliver form and function!

7. Diary by Mi Goals - I wouldn't normally think of a diary as a gift, but I really love this one, obviously many of these presents on this post aren't just for men, as some of these items are my own, haha...But this diary in particular is inspirational and motivational yet funky at the same time, love the stationery range at Mi Goals! These are available from The Iconic.

8. Ray Ban folding sunglasses - these again are my own, but seriously, how absolutely cool is it that these sunglasses fold into this tiny square that you can easily fit into your pocket? I'm eyeing their aviators and clubmaster sunglasses next (for both hubby and myself, haha).  These are available from Revolve Clothing, East Dane and Shopbop, The Iconic, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's.

pics from Larsson & Jennings

9. Larsson and Jennings Chain Metal watch - these are mine but hubby is always wanting to borrow it, love unisex watches! And absolutely LOVE this watch (also love it in silver or gold, and their leather-strapped versions are gorgeous too)! Available at Liberty's, Net-a-Porter, and directly from Larsson & Jennings.

10. Aesop x APC Post-poo drops (remember my post here?) - haha, I know, this may be a funny present, but in all honesty, we love it! It is absolutely brilliant! Great present for the guy/person who has it all! Available at Liberty's.

11. Everlane Twill snap backpack - ok, so these items above are not quite 'manly', but I bought this backpack for hubby for Christmas last year, and one in navy for my brother-in-law (secretly or not so secretly wanting both).  They are stylish, practical and won't break the bank! I absolutely love them, and uhm...borrow it almost every day!
Available directly from Everlane (I used Hop Shop Go mail forwarding service, since Everlane don't ship to Australia directly)

(pic from Urban Outfitters)

12. Donut Pool Float - ok, I also have this on its way to me (for Christmas presents - shhhh, don't tell!).  Look at it! How cool is this?!? Who wouldn't be floating on a giant iced doughnut, haha? I bought mine from Urban Outfitters.

13. Iacoli and McAllister designs 'Hex bottle opener - another one I am going to buy this year, how beautiful is it? Love it when something sports both form and function - available from Moorea Seal.

Like I said, most items here are not at all confined to 'just boys', so perhaps there will be items in my next Gift Guide(s) that could be added to this category and vice versa, so watch this space!

Any other favourite 'gift ideas' for 'the boys' you'd like to share?


n.b. All pics my own unless otherwise stated, taken on my iPhone/Instagram.

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