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) }

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.

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.