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) }

April Showers $500 Giveaway

Hi friends, oh do I have a treat for you today. Together with some amazing bloggers we've teamed up to bring you the mother of all giveaways. April Showers usually brings May flowers, but this April Shower can bring you a $500 VISA Gift Card! I know, I know, after all it is April Fools Day but let me promise you this giveaway is the real deal. 

Use the Rafflecopter below to complete all of the mandatory entries for your chance to win. For more chances, unlock the bonus entries and complete as many as possible. Good luck stylish readers!

Brought to you by these lovely ladies...

 The Serena Saga / Chioma's Evolution of Style / Kacie's Kloset / Here & Now / Kelsey Bang

She is Lovely / Chasing Davies / Addicted 2 Etsy / simplyxclassic / A Devine Live

Twenties Girl Style / Handbags & Handguns / Opal & Violet / The Mrs. & The Momma / JennifHsieh

 Just Dawnelle / Walking in Memphis in Heels / The Winthrop Chronicles / My Thrifty Chic / Citrus Refreshing Fashion

The Freckled Fox / The Chic Sheet / Camo Meets Couture / Dancing With Ashley / Delightful Deets

Make sure you stop by and visit all of these lovely ladies to let them know how you would spend $500.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions:

The April Showers Giveaway is for one USD $500 Visa Gift Card. This giveaway is open internationally to people 18 years and older. The giveaway will run from Monday April 1st, 2013 12:01 AM to Monday 15th April 2013 11:59 PM. ALL mandatory entries must be completed in order to win, including the winning entry. Once you have completed the mandatory entries, the optional bonus entries will be unlocked. Optional bonus entries are not required to win, but will increase your chances of winning. ALL entries WILL be verified, so please be honest in completing the entries. The winner will be announced on this Rafflecopter after the winner's entries are verified and the winner is contacted via email. To claim your prize, please respond to the email within 24 hours, failure to do so will result in a re-draw. Once the winner has been selected, the decision is final. This giveaway is not affiliated with Visa, Facebook, Bloglovin, Google, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or any other social media platform. 

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.