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 }

Wardrobe Diaries: Sunny Side Up

Winter is one of those seasons that you either love or hate. Personally, I love it. I love the crisp wintry smell in the mornings, I love how cosy and inviting home becomes and I especially love being able to use the seat warmer function in the car. On those rare days when the sky is blue and the sun is shining, winter just becomes such a magical time of the year. This week has not been magical at all. After days of continuous overcast, chill winds and grey skies. I was ready to inject some much needed colour back into my world. So naturally, I reach for yellow.

Yellow is a colour that looks fantastic but can be somewhat difficult to work with. When dealing with a large piece of solid yellow clothing such as this J.Crew peacoat, the key is to keep the rest of the look simple and casual. A pair of loose fitting distressed jeans coupled with a chunky striped sweater provides just enough detail to keep the outfit interesting yet remain neutral enough to tone down the sunny yellow. To contrast that just-rolled-out-of-bed nature of the outfit, I threw on some sexy black pumps and a luxe brown bag for a polished, grown-up look. Next time, I think I'll try this coat with some black leather leggings and a black turtleneck, or maybe a beige chiffon maxi and gingham shirt? What about you, will you be giving yellow a try this winter?

{ wearing: j.crew factory peacoat now on sale . gap sweater old but similar one here . jbrand aidan boyfriend jeans . sam edelman pumps . louis vuitton speedy 35 . nail colour #26 by chanel }

Friday's Fancies: Colours

The sun shone a little brighter this week and all of a sudden the city seemed to have broken free from spring's endless showers and oozed sunshine and colour at every turn. People flocked to the green open spaces, women donned their bright floral frocks and suddenly colourful displays in all shades of the rainbow popped up everywhere. Here's a few pictures I managed to snap up before retiring myself into a lazy sun quenched lizard. While writing this post I can't help but think about the trail of destruction left behind by Frankenstorm this week. It breaks my heart to see so many deaths and damages. If you are like me sitting in the comforts of your home feeling helpless about the situation then here are a few ways you can help out.

- The largest organisation of its kind, the Red Cross is accepting donations here or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. They are also looking for volunteers to assist in shelters, more information here.
- Salvation Army is providing food and shelter to victims. Donate online or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
- New York Cares is the city's largest volunteer organisation. Click here to donate or sign up here to volunteer with the relief efforts.
- Global Giving has set up a Sandy relief that includes victims in the Caribbean. Click here to donate.
- The Mayor's Fund for New York is also accepting donations. Click here to donate.

City laneways bursting with overhead lightboxes and colourful signage all competing for a second glance from the bustling crowd. 

A display of the most beautifully made in Italy pinwheels. The sight of them is enough to bring out anyone's inner child. So far this week I have walked past this display twice and now my kids own 4 of these... soon they'll have enough to start a mini wind farm. 

Finally mixed and matched the perfect set of indigo crockery. Don't you think they make fine props for {camo meets couture} baking recipes?   

An oversized scarf has to be the most versatile item that ever existed. Here I'm wearing my leopard scarf as a cover-all for a day at the hot spring. Too bad they don't make kiddie versions.

Another week of friday's fancies and another yellow and blue colour inspiration. The more I look around the more I see this particular combo. I love these glazed blue subway tiles paired with the yellow lacquer. Plus a chalkboard this colourful is just begging for me to pop inside.

Inspire Me

I did have a fun little recipe post all primped and ready for today when the most amazing thing happened while I was out at lunch. There I was minding my own business walking down the street when I gazed into an unknown boutique window and saw the most beautiful scene. Crouching on the floor was this lovely lady with hair cascading down her black, dressed in all-black with leopard print shoes trimming away at the hem of this beautiful lemon yellow dress. For a moment I stood transfixed, in front of me stood a scene that embodied everything I ever imagined couture tailoring to look like. The tailor ever the bit as chic as the garment she was working on in a setting even Ms Francis Elkins would approve of.

The boutique in question turned out to be Snowball Maison de Couture. A mother and daughter team who dreams up exquisite frocks and hand-made accessories. Now if only I had an event to go to... Click here to visit their e-boutique.

Wardrobe Diaries: A Pop of Neon

I am not much of a neon person and have sucessfully steered clear from the trend all year... that was until I came across this colourblock knit from J.Crew. The bright yellow paired with the muted grey was just too pretty to pass up. Being a knit fabric, it really softened up the neon and eliminated any hints of safety wear that I usually associate with it.

These studded shorts, thanks to Sugarlips were the perfect bottoms to pair with the knit. I actually think these shorts and top were made for each other, don't you? I love how the pop of yellow brings out the subtle brass studs. To finish off the look, I threw on a denim jacket and an oversized tote in a similar tone to vertically tie the outfit together. 

{ j.crew knit top no longer available similar here and here . j.crew factory jacket similar here also loving the vest version . shorts thanks to sugarlips . cole hann tote . david yurman chevron cat-eye sunglasses . michael shannon pumps . bracelets by j.crew, jgood, ariel gordon, amrita singh, tiffany & co } 

Wardrobe Diaries: Fields of Gold

I live near these beautiful fields where every spring is filled with luscious crops as far as the eyes can see. The first year we lived here there were stalks of corn reaching high into the sky. This year, it's wheat. With development happening at a rapid rate a few of these crop fields have since turned into housing estates. It's such a shame but I'm sure sooner or later this one will be gone too. Sometimes the eye needs a break from the endless sea of brick and asphalt and these fields provide a welcome relief.

So glad that circular sunglasses are making a comeback. I love that they compliment everyone I've seen them on and matches everything in my wardrobe. This pair I recently picked up at Target. I've also seen some great options over at Asos and Nasty Gal. 

{ bb dakota skirt . kookai leather jacket similar here and here . topshop sequin and chiffon top similar here . guess wedges . dooney & burke bag unavailable in yellow . target sunglasses similar here }

On my mind... April showers

Can you believe that it's the month of May already? This year is just passing me by. Hopefully this month we will see less rain and more sunshine. Although I shouldn't really complain since I love a good thunderstorm. There's nothing more lovely than snuggling with the one you love while the weather gods wreak havoc outside.  I'm loving the look of the yellow Hunter wellies below. You really could pair them with anything, but I especially love a good yellow and blue combo.

April showers by camomeetscouture featuring a tuxedo blazer

A P C crochet dress, $310
Rag bone tuxedo blazer, $495
Hunter wellington boots, $130
3 1 Phillip Lim leather handbag, $895
Gold bangle, $235
Dsquared metal jewelry, $145
Monki bow tie ring, €6
Radley printed umbrella, £21
Bobbi Brown Cosmetics blush, $24