And I'm back!

It's so good to be back. This past week has been the longest break I've taken away from the blog ever since I first started {camo meets couture} some 6 months ago. As entitled as it sounds, living without internet has been excruciating (3g on tiny iPhone screens don't count right?). It's amazing how seamlessly integrated technology is with everyday life. Meanwhile, I've been eagerly counting down these past few days till I get to watch my favourite shows, read my favourite blogs and browse my favourite (online) stores again.As disoriented as I've been, some good has actually come out of being "disconnected". For instance, I've found myself a lot more productive and inspired in the kitchen. I've even finalised a few mock-ups for {camo meets couture} business cards. Although why a blog would need business cards is still beyond me, but hey all the cool kids are doing it. I'm also proud to announce that I've finally made my very first ebay purchase. I may still be an ebay rookie since my sister did all of my bidding but that's not the point. The important thing is that I now have a new pair of Karen Walker sunnies to add to my collection!Here's a peek at some of the new content I've been busy working on during my little involuntary break.   

{ wearing: j.crew denim jacket . witchery oversized stripe dress . target scarf . j.crew chunky gold bracelet . michael kors pave bangle . nordstrom bangles }

Friday's Fancies and a Giveaway

Happy friday everyone! I'm really excited about today's post. The wonderful team at Boticca has kindly allowed me to select an item from their site as a giveaway for you! There were so many pieces that I loved but in the end settled on some arm candy (who doesn't love arm candy right?).

I wanted a piece that felt timeless yet modern and at the same time dainty enough to wear everyday. I think this Madamoiselle Felee Love bangle ticks all those boxes. The inspiration behind this piece is taken from the iconic 'I Heart New York" t-shirt. I love the feminine ribbon enclosure paired with the delicate lettering. Based in Paris, Aurore Francois is the designer behind Madamoiselle Felee. She describes her vision as "My universe is the search of beauty in simplicity...". I cannot wait to send this beauty to one of you. More details below.

For details on entering this gorgeous bracelet please scroll to bottom of the page. Winner will be announced next Monday and is open to international readers. And now, back to my regular Friday's Fancies post. Here are some moments this past week that made me smile.

I was pleasantly surprised one morning when I opened up a carton of eggs to find a dozen happy faces smiling back at me. They were almost too cute to crack open. 

The Little Miss has developed a newfound obsession with Hello Kitty. I may or may not be encouraging her with a plethora of merchandise. What can I say, the kid in me just loves all this kawaii-ness.  

The quintessential Aussie meal- grilled lamb chops or meat pops as I like to call them. Super easy to prepare, easy to eat and finger lickin' good, it's a win-win-win.

Although there's still a slight chill in the air, spring has officially arrived in Australia. I'm looking forward to sipping coffee in the open air, visiting farmers markets, the smell of new blooms and of course the Spring Racing Carnival (Melbourne Cup day) in November. 

The kids and I enjoying a rare bout of sunshine this past week. We spent it by the river eating ice-cream while watching street performers. 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS 

Enter to win the gorgeous Urban Love bangle by Madamoiselle Felee sponsored by Boticca. Winner will be emailed and also announced on Facebook on Monday September 24th. This contest is open to international entries. 

To make things easy, there are only two mandatory requirements: 

1. Follow Boticca on Facebook.

2. Leave your email address in a comment below so you may be contacted. 

Easy peasy. Good luck to you! 

* For additional entries feel free to follow my blog on Facebook, GFC, Bloglovin' and Twitter. Let me know which methods you chose. 

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: Classic Weekender

If you've been following my blog for a while then you'll probably know by now that I'm not the most fashionable person in the world. Most of my wardrobe is filled with classic pieces in beautiful fabrics or unique one off garments I find at boutique stores. Every now and then I do add the occasional on-trend item but never for the reason of being trendy. While I appreciate other bloggers abilities to pull off trendy items, you'll never catch me wearing mullet skirts or neons or dye my hair ombre (and if I do, please kindly remind me with a big fat WTF).
Ever since as far as I can remember I have always been attracted to the Classics. My favourite film from youth was Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times and favourite book was The Secret Garden. Not much has changed today. I prefer classic literature, b&w cinema, modernist architecture and classic tailoring.

When I saw this shirt dress I immediately fell in love with it. The luxurious pinstripe poplin contrasted by the plain white banding make it an instant classic. The best thing is, when I wear it, I feel like I'm wearing a men's shirt without the frumpishness. To keep things looking casual, I paired it with some gold accessories and aviators. The yellow pumps and clutch (which I'm sure you're sick of seeing) have become my go-to shoe and bag of choice whenever I don a blue outfit. Unfortunately my husband doesn't share the same view as me. His comment was that it looked like I was wearing a nurses uniform ha! What do you think, is this a keeper or do I need to bury it in my box of shame?

{ thml shirtdress also loving this one and this one . dooney & burke bag unavailable in yellow . nine west pumps unavailable in yellow . tom ford aviators . bracelets by j.crew, dillards, nordstrom unavailable in gold . nail colour off the shoulder by essie }