Wardrobe Diaries: Khaki Florals

When I dabbled in graphics design a few years ago, the first and most important lesson I learnt was to always design in black and white. The reason was simple, most companies print in black and white ink so your logo must first work in black and white before it can work in colour. I think the same rule of thumb applies to fashion. For me, it's all about the silhouette. A good silhouette is the foundation for other embellishments. The right proportions is to fashion what black and white is to graphics.

One of my favourite designers is Alexander McQueen. I love the attention to detail each outfit is given, I love the juxtaposition of hard vs soft elements but most of all, I love McQueen's silhouettes. If you stripped each design back to it's original muslin mould I bet you'd still be able to wear it out and look fabulous, though you may get some strange stares. This outfit is inspired by the McQueen silhouette. What do you think?

{ asos skirt also loving this colour . kookai top . jacket from australia . michael kors booties also in love with this and this . kate spade bag unavailable in tan also loving this colour and this colour . tom ford aviators }

Wardrobe Diaries: Pastel Play Day

Peplums are all the rage these days and for good reason too. They are so feminine and universally flattering, I can't see why anyone would not like them. I would not exist as a blogger had I not bought my Alice + Olivia peplum dress back in January, but more on that in a later post.

My husband and I took the girls to an indoor play center this weekend. I wanted to wear something comfortable while chasing the kids around yet sophisticated enough for dinner afterwards. The silk scarf and metallic accents paired with the peplum top gave the outfit a polished look. And my coral toe flats were the perfect finishing touch.

The kids had such a great time that we ended up staying all night and dined at Taco Bell haha. Summer always seems to make one forget one's plans and just live in the moment.

{ asos top also loving this one . tj maxx shorts similar here . tj maxx flats similar here also loving this and this . scarf bought on vacation . oroton crossbody bag no longer available . bracelets by j.crew, dillards, nordstrom }

Wardrobe Diaries: The Gingham Tourist

I'm such a sucker for a nice pencil dress (aka wiggle dress) so when I saw this gingham number at Asos, I knew I had to have it. This dress is the perfect addition to my summer wardrobe- sultry, sweet and ladylike. I love the gingham and combined with the midi length and pencil cut conjures up images from the 1950's. I can imagine this dress worn in an old movie where the heroine takes a road trip across America with a set of matching luggage poking out from her cream Cadillac convertible. To modernise the dress, I threw on a cable knit sweater and some chunky gold bracelets.

Speaking of the 1950's, my husband bought me a copy of The Good Wife's Guide circa 1955. It was meant to be a joke, but when I started flipping through, some of the rules I found were quite lovely. I know, I know, being a woman of today means I should shun any form of gender stereotyping and be all for equality and female empowerment. But the more I think about our love affair with all things vintage, I can't help but wonder if this is because life has become so complicated that we yearn for a simpler time? One where men were men and women were women. My favourite rule in the book is: Be happy to see him. So simple yet so easy to forget.

Thank you to the lovely ladies at Invitation to Inspiration for the Blogger Appreciation Award. These ladies are masters at creating posts full of insight and inspiration. Check out my favourite post, Under Audrey's Hat.

{ asos dress . j.crew sweater . kate spade bag similar here . nine west pumps . bracelets by j.crew, dillards, nordstrom, j.good, a necklace by jennifer zuener, gorjana . target circle sunnies . longines watch . nail colour mink muffs by essie }

* * * Last chance to enter my gift card GIVEAWAY, ends Tuesday 10pm EST

Wardrobe Diaries: Petals and Peplum

I love umbrella skirts so when I saw this lovely number at Asos I knew I had to have it. The skirt has a layer of tulle underneath so you know it won't loose it's puffiness. As soon as I teamed it with this mint peplum knit I felt like Odette from Swan Lake. There's something about full skirts and high heels that makes me want to twirl and twirl. These photos were taken at my favourite time of the day, where the streets are bathed in a golden glow and the fading light creates a soft dreamscape of the day. And while the rest of the city was busying themselves with dinner plans, I went out and danced in the twilight. 

{ asos umbrella skirt . asos peplum top .  pietro alessandro satchel . target sandals similar here or splurge here . longines watch . nail colour licorice by essie }