CAMO MEETS COUTURE IS ONE

When it comes to remembering dates and anniversaries, I am the absolute worst. Naturally when {camo meets couture} one year mark rolled by it completely slipped my mind. And just like that this little blog is now one years old.

I first started {camo meets couture} on a whim but never in my wildest imagination thought I'd still be here blogging today. What could I possibly have to write about week after week, and who in their right mind would even want to read it? What began as a way out of my creative void has now very much become a way of life. I am so ever thankful for the wonderful opportunities and friends this blog has brought forth.

This past weekend the family and I found ourselves in a most remarkable location. A yellow sea of rapeseed flowers as far as the eyes could see converging on the horizon with the most brilliant shade of blue. The very essence of Spring. It served as the perfect opportunity to put together a special little photoshoot to commemorate {camo meets couture} very first birthday.

Thank you all so much for the continued support, it means the world.

{ wearing : target blouse available instore only // asos skirt sold out but similar here and here // karen walker sunglasses // michael kors pumps // celine bag // michael kors watch // kookai belt }

Nashville: The Trunk Boutique

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the grand relaunch of Nashville's first fashion truck- "The Trunk". Owner Abby Franklin fell upon the genius idea of using a food truck to sell accessories and menswear after failing to find a suitable brick and mortar location for her dream boutique. Abby's unique approach has created a one-of-a-kind shopping experience and a must-visit for any style seeking visitor to Music City. Even CNN recently got in on the action and published an in-depth article on The Trunk.

With the relaunch, The Trunk now stocks an amazing curated collection of women's clothing and accessories along with menswear. Trust me when I say it's amazing. Abby has been a long time stylist to the stars, so she knows a thing or two about fashion.  Her repertoire include dressing Michael Jackson, Prince, Creed, Bon Jovi and Madonna to name a few. In fact she was only in town long enough to see the relaunch her fashion truck before rejoining her husband on tour with Bon Jovi. Talk about being accomplished. 

As for the relaunch, not a detail was spared. From dainty nibbles and bubblies to free blow outs by Lucy's Pop Salon, a little blogger styling session and some photobooth fun. We were even sent home with an amazing swag bag by Pretty Pretty Pop Pop. 

Thanks Abby and Chris for the wonderful event. If you ever find yourself in Nashville, do your wardrobe a favour and stop by The Trunk.

Follow THE TRUNK on

Twitter  

Instagram   

Facebook 

Wardrobe Diaries: Weekend Sweat Suits

If you've followed this blog for sometime then you probably know by now my fascination with all things loungewear- sweatpants, sweatshirts, t-shirt dresses and so on. The truth is, despite all better judgement, there's just something about loungewear that I unexplainably love. For the sake of this outfit post I've decided it's about time I pinned down the root of this bizarre infatuation and in doing so, hopefully help others realize and understand their own love affair with what is sometimes perceived as a crime against fashion.

After spending a questionable amount of time in the shower (that's where all brilliant ideas originate right?) what I've come to realise is aesthetics and comfort only play a minor role in my love affair. A great pair of jeans is just as comfortable and much better looking so that can't be it. What I've ultimately realised is, it's the message one sends when wearing sweats that makes me love them so much. That easy effortless, I-couldn't-care-less-what-you-think-because-I'm-comfortable-in-my-own-skin appeal. We always associate loungewear with a carefree and laid back attitude and I think in this crazy day and age it's nice to be able to wear something that doesn't take itself too seriously.

But enough of me trying to be philosophical. I chanced upon this sweatshirt and sweatpant combo one day when I wasn't even meant to be shopping. The strategic colourblocking, flirty peplum waist and contrasting drawstring was just too pretty to pass up. It seems like all these years of loungewear idolising has finally lead me to serendipitously find the perfect sweat-suit (yay).

So tell me dear readers, are there certain items you love despite all better judgement?

 

{ wearing : rachel roy peplum sweatshirt // rachel roy cropped sweatpants // j.crew cable knit jumper // zara bag // michael kors watch // sam edelman pumps // ray ban mirror aviators }

Friday's Fancies: Hello Spring

Happy friday folks! It's been so long since I last put together a Friday's Fancies post that I've apparently forgotten my usual template for it. Not to worry though, this week's photos are too pretty to be confined to a polaroid filter anyway. The truth is, things have been a little crazy lately. This is turning out to be one hectic year with no rest in sight. I can't wait to reveal more when the time comes, but for now, I apologise for my sporadic postings and late replies to your comments and emails.

Spring has been on my mind a lot this week. While the season officially begun a couple weeks ago, it hasn't really felt like Spring till now. So to celebrate, here are some pretty pictures of the prettiest season of the year. Happy Spring!

Loving this innovative way of growing tulips. With the tall vase, it almost looks like the tulips are in a terrarium. My garden gnome candle has popped up in so many blog photos that I'm sure you're all sick of it by now.  But I love it, it's such a fun whimsical addition to a table display and I just can't quite bring myself to light it. 

A picture says a thousand words right? This was my favourite image from the kid's Easter Egg hunt at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville. It was the first time either of them have been on an egg hunt and I'm still hearing about it today. "Mum, I want to go on an egg hunt please" 

In place of traditional flowers, I'm loving the idea of displaying baskets of eggs for Spring. Brown eggs give off that homey country feeling, and look great when contrasted by white baskets and flowers. 

Getting excited by all the fresh new recipe ideas for Spring. I love trawling through Food Gawker and am also an avid Bon Appetit subscriber. 

I have been meaning to take this photograph ever since we first moved into our house some three years ago (my how time's flown). This pretty scene is right on the corner of the main street before turning into our neighbourhood. I'm hoping to one day do an oil painting of this image to hang up in the kid's bedroom. 

Wardrobe Diaries: Moto Into Spring

When I was a little girl I never quite understood the importance my mum placed on outerwear. At the time, wearing a jacket or coat over my little party dresses seemed to defeat the purpose of dressing up (and back then I was all about showing off my new dresses). One day I asked why she always insisted I wear them, especially when it was mid summer, and she knew I'd take it off immediately after our arrival?

Her answer was plain and simple- it just didn't look finished without one.

Even with her explanation I still didn't understand, but it obviously struck a chord (a very confused chord) within me because today, it's one of my most vivid memories from childhood. Yes folks, my mum had me doing the blogger jacket drape long before it was even a thing.

Since growing up, much has changed. My favourite piece of clothing nowadays IS in fact outerwear. I rarely leave home without some form of external layer, be it a jacket or coat or even just a scarf in summer. Throwing on that something extra immediately 'smarts' up an outfit and lends a certain sophistication don't you think?
So tell me readers, are you also an outwear addict? 

{ wearing : warehouse coat // marcs tee similar here and here // michael kors booties (old) // celine trio crossbody bag // omega watch (old) }

Chinese Marble Tea Eggs

With Easter right upon us, chances are you've probably seen your fair share of egg decorating ideas, but indulge me for a minute because I have one more to share. While these marble tea eggs don't necessarily classify as an 'Easter activity', they do however involves eggs, which makes them somewhat relevant.

Tea eggs are one of my favourite ways to cook eggs. Simmered in a fragrant broth of black tea, soy sauce and spices, the eggs are elevated from a humble hard-boiled egg into something beautiful and complex in flavour. The mulling process permeates the whites of the egg so that even the yolks are infused with a hint of tea and spice. These eggs are as common to Chinese homecooking as cheeseburgers are to America. Generally consumed as a snack either warm or cold from the fridge, these eggs make a great addition to any meal. Add them over ramen, in a rice bowl, or even as the basis of an Asian inspired deviled egg. Personally, I like to have them for breakfast, slice in half, warmed up and with a splash of the tea marinade over the yolk.

 

Chinese Marble Tea Eggs
1 dozen eggs
2x star anise
1x cinnamon stick
3-4 bay leaves
1 tsp peppercorns
2x dried orange peel
2x tea bags (any type of black tea will work)
4 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp five-spice powder

1. Boil eggs till soft-boiled, approximately 6 minutes
2. Bring a large pot with 4 cups water to boil. Add tea bags, spices, soy sauce and five-spice powder and let it simmer. Reduce broth by 1/4 before adding eggs.
3. Lightly crack the shell on the eggs but do not peel. Either gently tap with the back of a spoon, or roll the eggs lightly on table.
4. Place cracked eggs in tea broth, bring to a boil and continue simmering for one hour.
5. If eggs are not completely submerged, rotate after every half hour. Add more water if necessary.
6. Remove from heat, cool and refrigerate the eggs in the tea broth.
7. The flavour will continue to develop overnight. Tea eggs are best consumed the next day and the day after. Peel egg just before serving.

Spring Must-Haves

While I usually like to start the week off with a new outfit posts, this week I'll have to dazzle you with something different as my trusty little storage device died right before I started writing this post. Ah the perils of modern technology. Since my previous post was all about Spring staples that I revisit year after year, I thought it was only fair to share a few new items that's been on my radar lately. Usually I like to  steer clear of trends but this season it seems like there are a few items that could live on to become wardrobe basics. What do you think?

{one} 
Distressed white jeans: minimal and chic. This season, I'm really loving all the distressed versions of this classic jean. Although white jeans are everywhere right now, chances are you'll still love them long after they're out of the spotlight.

Paige denim white distressed skinny jeans  $199

{two}
It's been awhile since I've been this excited by a piece of jewellery. Despite the heavy price tag I have a feeling these rings are going to be on everyone's fingers, if not already. I guess it's time to retire all those bib necklaces collected over the last year. 

Balenciaga tube rings $765 // Asos band rings $13.56 // Boticca band wave ring $66

{three}
It feels like I am always on the hunt for the perfect pair of sandals. Something casual but not sloppy looking, something versatile and not too trendy, something comfortable but still elegant... The geniuses at Loeffler Randall have finally achieved that elusive middle ground with a sandal that's both timeless and in vogue. Now which colour? 

Loeffler Randall white sandals $295 // Loeffler Randall lucite gold sandals $325 // Loeffler Randall dark camel sandals $295

{four}
The moto trend has been around for a while and it doesn't seem to be fading anytime soon. I really love the idea of layering a white moto vest over everything for Spring. It's an instant update to what you'd normally wear and plus you get instant street cred.
Man Repeller x PJK silk moto vest $298 // Rebecca Taylor tweed moto vest $395 // F21 faux leather vest $27.80

{five}

Comfy sweatpants in a leopard print? Well now, that just ticks all the right boxes. I think by now it's obvious that anything in leopard is an instant classic. Well almost anything, let's not forget about the existence of the Shore Store, ahem. 

Zoe Karssen leopard sweatpants $135

Spring Style Staples

Every year as the days start to get longer and the sun shines a little brighter, I dig into the deep abyss that is my wardrobe and dust off a few basic pieces to see me through the new season. I call these my Spring Staples. These are the pieces that become building blocks to the rest of my outfits. A sort of blank canvas, if you will, to add playful and seasonal touches. Here are the top five fail-safe items that I bring out year after year:


one . classic trench
What can I say about a classic trench coat that hasn't been said before? If you do not own one yet, I really recommend you consider investing. While I usually wear mine over dresses or pants, this year I'm feeling inspired to try them with slouchy boyfriend jeans and a crop top. The great thing about buying your trench coat from Burberry is that they offer complimentary tailoring to your hearts content.

two . white pumps
When it comes to shoes, I prefer a classic silhouette- pointy toes with a 4 inch stiletto heel and minimal to none platform. This year I just can't get enough of white pumps. After scouring the internet for a good few months I finally came across the perfect pair that's both lady-like and sexy. Thank you Michael Kors.

three . statement watch
I liken it to carrying the latest 'it' bag but in a less in-your-face kind of way. A good watch will make you feel 'put together' even on your most dowdiest days. I've had this Christian Dior watch for almost ten years now and I still love how relevant it is during the warmer months. I'll admit, I'm a huge fan of those Michael Kors/Marc Jacobs gold watches, but when it comes to luxury nothing beats an elegant investment piece.

four . pastel polishes
Pretty in pastel, that's how I like my nails in Spring. Actually this year I'm really loving bright white nails. For that I use an Essie polish in Blanc. Along with everything else demure, I'm also loving matching fingers to toes lately. No more two toned shades or interesting graphics. This year it's all about clean, simple, lady-like nails.

five . peachy pout
I love the look of matte lips. It's a great way to add colour without being provocative or suggestive as glossy lips sometimes do. While I prefer a pale pink or deep red in the cooler months, during Spring I love peachy tones. And it just so happens coral/peachy lips are so on-trend right now. Win-Win!

six . fresh flowers:
Although not really something wearable, I just had to throw this last item on the list. To me, fresh flowers are as essential and bread and water (okay, that might be a slight exaggeration but you get the point). A simple vase of fresh cut flowers has an incredible ability to heighten the mood and atmosphere of any room. This is THE Spring staple of all time.

Wardrobe Diaries: Put a Bow On It

These days I find myself leaning more and more towards easy fuss-free wear. While I love pretty dresses and multiple layers as much as the next girl, in reality most days I'm lucky if I have time to brush my hair in the mornings. Is it just me or has the busy season hit most of the world? These boyfriend jeans have been in constant rotation lately and for good reason. They're comfortable, pairs well with almost everything in my closet and I love the way they contrast with a fabulous pair of shoes. Even my baby girl loves them, although for very different reasons. She loves to stick her arms into the holes and pat my knees, hence the extra large distressing. Being St. Patty's Day this past Sunday, I just wasn't in the mood for dressing up in a leprechaun green costumey outfit. So instead I resorted to a simple white shirt and jeans ensemble accented by a brilliant green Hermes scarf tied into a pretty little bow. Sometimes a small dose of colour is just what you need.

{ wearing : jbrand boyfriend jeans // gap shirt // hermes scarf (old) // furla belt (old) // tory burch tote similar here // prabal gurung for target sandals // michael kors watch }