Velvet wine

Photos by Max Rowan 

Considering the last time velvet was a regular wardrobe feature I had single digit birthdays I am quite enjoying my renaissance into all things velvety smooth. In particular I am loving all the rich green and maroon velvet pieces out right now as evidenced here and now with this awesome red wine hued dress from Beginning Boutique. 

This dress is smooth and soft with just the right amount of weight to be worn either on its own with a great pair of heels or ankle boots or layered with a leather jacket and tights during the cooler months. The cool shoulder cut outs are also another feature that gives this dress a bit of edge. 

Do you like my new boots? I cannot wait to have some quality pavement pounding time in these 'Alexa' beauties.  

Dress: Beginning Boutique 

Boots: Tony Bianco

Bag: American Apparel 

Bangle: Tilkah 

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Portable Presents Susie Bubble

Image via Portable

One of my all time favourite fashion bloggers Susie Lau of Style Bubble will be returning to Australia this April/May for a series of talks presented by Portable.

Portable has announced that "Susie will explore the current fashion landscape in 2012, identifying how fashion designers and retail brands can position themselves globally by working with online publishers, bloggers and social media channels to create real connections with audiences. She will also speak generally on her trajectory as a professional blogger, exploring the challenges that all online publishers face in connecting with readers and creating an authentic voice in the noisy world of social media."

To say that I am beyond excited about this series of talks is an understatement!

 I will be attending the talk in Sydney Thursday 3rd of May so make sure to say hello if you are there! I love meeting fellow bloglovers!

For more information and ticket bookings click here.

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Print mixer

Photos by Max Rowan 

I wore this nautical meets polka dot collaboration out to brunch with my parents and to run lazy Sunday errands. Pieces that make a fun statement yet are super comfortable such as this cool Gorman t-shirt are definite favourites of mine on the weekend.

In order to fill the Mad Men void (counting down for season five!) I finally got around to watching the first couple of episodes of New Girl and I love it! Zooey Deschanel plays such a fun character that I think we can all relate to in one way or another. 

I hope you are all having a great weekend!

T-shirt: Gorman

Skirt: American Apparel

Bag: Sportsgirl

Sunglasses: Karen Walker

Boots: ASOS

Rings: Paddington Markets and Karen Walker via Beginning Boutique

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Instagram: Part two

Photos via @darkbluestripes on Instagram 

Here are a few moments of my life over the last month, shot through the Instagram lens. This month has included admiring Autumn sunsets in comfy knits, the arrival of my precious Poya bag, re-watching episodes of my favourite television show Mad Men (cannot wait for Season 5!), collecting all things pastel and metallic and enjoying tasty treats with dear friends.

To keep up to date with the day to day happenings that put a smile on my dial make sure to follow me on Instagram via the username: @darkbluestripes.    

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Triple threat

Photos by Max Rowan

There is something about certain prints that have that 'instant happy' effect and polka dots are no exception. I opted to embrace the happy vibes by donning head to toe polka dotted goodness. 

I quite like how the yellow dots on the top pop against the black and white.The heels were a wardrobe rediscovery that had just the right amount of polka dot fun to achieve this triple threat look. I love making old pieces new again with a fresh take on styling. 

I hope you are all having an awesome week! Got any super cool plans?

Top: MINKPINK via MarketHQ

Skirt: Maxshop.com

Heels: Forever New

Bag: American Apparel

Ring: Carly Paiker

Sunglasses: Ray-ban

Lipstick: MAC 'Ruby Woo'

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Leather lounge

Photos by Max Rowan

I have never been so excited to embrace a trend as I have with wearing pyjama pants as daywear. Ever since I got this pair of Peter Alexander printed perfection I dubbed them my 'lounge pants'.

With the help of the most stylish t-shirt I have ever laid eyes on and a slick of my favourite MAC red lipstick, I was able to turn sleepwear into chic daytime attire. Seriously this Michael Lo Sordo t-shirt makes the outfit. The half leather at the front and zipper detail at the back are to die for.

Top: Michael Lo Sordo

Pants: Peter Alexander

Heels: Nine West

Bag: American Apparel

Ring: Carly Paiker

Lipstick: MAC 'Ruby Woo'

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It's All Over Now, Baby Blue

Photos by Max Rowan 

It feels strange posting these Summery shots whilst wearing a chunky knit, drinking tea and watching the Devil Wears Prada under a cosy blanket. I wore this outfit during sunnier times for a Sunday stroll through the park and to watch a film from the French Film Festival entitled 'A Declaration of War'. This film was incredibly moving and highly recommended for those of you that are fans of French cinema. 

I have always been drawn to baby blue shades (I have never been a pink girl) in various aspects of my life and my wardrobe is no exception. This floaty baby blue top is perfectly contrasted with my trusty black skirt and T-bar Mary Janes. All I needed was pastel nails to achieve a dreamy Sunday outfit.  

Top: Sugarlips

Skirt: American Apparel

T-bar Mary Janes: Topshop

Bag: See by Chloe via My Wardrobe

Rings: Karen Walker via Beginning Boutique, Paddington Markets, Carly Paiker 

Nail polishes: Sportsgirl 

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Knitted shimmer

Photos by Max Rowan

I wore this outfit to the Premiere trade show last Monday. I love how the shimmer in this Zara knit really brings out the texture in the garment. My excitement for all things has definitely not dimmed. 

The platform sandals with adorable bow detail provided great height to the outfit yet were super comfortable. They were the perfect shoes for wandering around the Royal Hall of Industries, admiring rack after rack of fashion perfection.  

For those of you that have not yet laid your eyes upon the amazing pieces I came across at Premiere you can find the post here. 

Jumper: Zara

Pants: Zara

Platform sandals: ASOS

Bag: See by Chloe via My Wardrobe

Rings: Karen Walker via Beginning Boutique, Paddington Markets, Carly Paiker

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Premiere

Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of attending the Premiere Style trade show at the Royal Hall of Industries. Within this incredible space was a fashion wonderland filled with rack after rack of amazing clothing, shoes and footwear to drool over. 

The amazing range of denim on offer from J Brand and Joe's Jeans blew me away. Particular favourites were the velvet brocade J Brand stunners as well as the Joe's Jeans neon rainbow and floral watercolour pieces of perfection.  

When it came to shoes I fell in love with the Italian leather variety from Habbot. The chelsea boots, brogues and loafers in amazing colours such as aqua and red were just my cup of tea.  

  After developing quite the wish list I was treated to a complimentary mini manicure at the Butter London nail bar. I am seriously in love with that amazing blue-green shade.  

To top off my amazing trade show experience I had the pleasure of gushing over all the lust worthy pieces over champagne and canapes with a bunch of lovely people involved with Premiere.

If you are in the industry I highly recommend that you attend this biannual trade show the next time it is on. 

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