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img 1 - Liam floral blouse, Topshop peplum top, Diva spike necklace, Karen Walker lace-ups, Topshop loafers
img 2 - Karen Walker bandit dress, Glassons pants (black & floral)

Purchases for the month of June. Considering that I head off to Europe in a few days, I still ended up buying a number of things. It has me wondering how many things one person could buy in the space of the year, should they wish, and how much of that is actually necessary.

I finally managed to track down a couple of pairs of pants that I could wear both with heels and without, something that had eluded me for some time. On top of that, a couple of eBay purchases which taking into account their RRP were a steal, and a few things from Topshop, as I chose to reconsider taking a pair of ballet flats overseas in favor of a pair of loafers, which are far sturdier and less likely to slip off my feet as I dash through cobblestone streets. The mere fact that I opted to get these loafers in not only one, but two colours (the price drop to 20GBP made this an easy decision), may seem excessive, but I am constantly on the look out for comfortable flat shoes which for me was justification enough.

And lastly, when is a girl like me ever going to resist a sale? While I've been trying my best to ignore online sales (N-A-P excluded), I picked up the grey version of the T by Alexander Wang jumper from Revolve - now, more so than ever, I've realised the importance of owning a swag of jumpers in the winters as I find it hard to warm up on chilly days. I also paid a visit to Karen Walker, and snagged a few things I'd had my eye on; I must say, out of all the sales, hers are always the best.

Did you grab a bargain in the winter sales?

 

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Supre top, Helmut Lang blazer, Topshop jeans, Country Rd ballet flats (similar), YSL ring
Another old outfit, uncovered from one of the various folders scattered about my pc, although not too unlike what I wore today, showing little departure from what I would have worn close to a year ago. It's this kind of outfit that I seem to revert back to when a trip is not far off, or on my return - as with all the other things that are happening, such as final trip preparations, (un)packing the suitcase, cleaning the house, not to mention tying up loose ends at work - or catching up on what I've missed, thinking about what to wear in the morning takes a bit of a back seat. Just four more days...

 

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Karen Walker dress, blazer and coat, Vintage boots, Triwa watch
Over the past couple of years, my wardrobe has been a slowly revolving door for clothing - as something came in, something else would inevitably be on its way out. I've always been quick to pick up on what I no longer wear, selling it on to a happy home, and using the extra cash to put towards future purchases, without ever giving it a second thought. My regret would usually be more for having made the wrong purchase, than for getting rid of it.

The Karen Walker dress pictured above, is one of the few things that I wish still hung in my closet, but currently doesn't. I think it may have been one of the things that didn't make it through my pre-USA cull, which was dreadfully ruthless, although what is probably more surprising is that I don't regret any of the other things that I let go.

I'm of the belief that one person can only wear so much, and with how easy it can be to accumulate a large amount in a short time, I'm inclined to keep a well edited closet that isn't bursting at the seams. How do you manage an overflowing wardrobe? Do you keep it at a manageable level or like me, do you sell things on?

 

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Proenza Schouler top, Alice + Olivia skirt, Karen Walker blazer & belt, Topshop loafers, Gorjana bracelet, Proenza Schouler bag
Metallic. Like a magpie, I'm inexplicably drawn to shiny things, which would explain by obsession with sequins, rhinestones, or anything that glistens in the sun really. My recent Net-a-Porter purchase was supplemented by this metallic skirt, satisfying my apparent desire to look like a toned down human disco ball as the light reflects off the shiny panels in the sun.

With my dad in Wellington the past few days, I've spent the vast majority of my weekend with family, some of which I haven't seen in some time, and I've really enjoyed the chance to catch up before my trip. Aside from that, I've been enjoying any downtime I can get before leaving next Tuesday, as I'm anticipating that the first few days away will be the most exhausting, judging by all the sightseeing I've packed into our itinerary. Hope you've all had a lovely weekend!

 

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Indecision. Since sharing with you my travel wishlist, I've thought a little bit more about what pair of shoes I would like to buy. While I am picking up a pair of Charlotte Olympia kitty flats, I'd like something that is a little more classic, that I could potentially wear every day in the workplace if need be. As designer options are pretty limited in New Zealand, especially if I want to avoid paying high duties and taxes on shoes bought online, I figure this is my chance to pick up something special.

I've narrowed it down to four choices: Celine sandals with a metallic heel in tan, Valentino rockstud shoes (flat or kitten heel) in either the blush or black, Salvatore Ferragamo black patent varina's with a low heel or a pair of Chanel two tone ballet flats.

In the interest of not going overboard on my purchases, I'm resigned to only buying one. Which I suppose is where I am having trouble. They each have their merits, although the responsible and prudent voice in my head is telling me to get flat shoes, rather than the heels that I have been so keen on for some time now. Which would you choose?


left to right: Miu Miu python pumps, Mulberry braided boots, Marni sandals, Acne glossed-leather sandals, Stella McCartney stud-heel boots, Missoni sandals

If I weren't heading to Europe, I imagine that my indecisiveness would fall to which shoes to purchase from the Net-a-Porter sale. The Global sale started earlier this week, and above are some of my picks. Are you going to buy anything?

 

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Ashley Fogel blouse, T by Alexander Wang cardigan, Topshop skinny jeans, Vintage boots (similar), Witchery leopard belt (similar), Marc by Marc Jacobs bag
The countdown until Europe is now well and truly on. At this time in two weeks I'll be jetting across the sky making my way to London, so it's only natural that the excitement is starting to set in. With that in mind, and my Dad visiting from Australia this week, much of the weekend was spent out with friends for a couple of dinners and kareoke.

I wore this on Saturday, and shortly after taking these photos, a heavy downpour started, giving you an idea of the type of weather we've been having lately. Seemed a bit odd with the rain battering the windows last night to be trying on my planned travel wardrobe, pale legs in tow. It might be just a little too organised, but I find it's better to plan and allow for last minute additions, rather than throw everything in a suitcase while scrambling to get ready the night before, or the day of travelling.

 

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3. A.P.C dress, Michael Kors cardigan, John Patrick top, Vanessa Bruno jumper, Rag & Bone jeans, Equipment sleeveless blouse, Phase Eight top, Topshop shorts

4. Acne blazer, T by Alexander Wang t-shirt, Joie top, 3.1 Phillip Lim skirt, T by Alexander Wang jumper, Topshop speckle back t-shirt, 3.1 Phillip Lim blouse, Topshop skirt

5. Miu Miu ballet flats, Madewell gladiator sandals, Acne pistol boots, ASOS sandals

6. ASOS clutch, Triwa watch, Alexander McQueen scarf, Dannijo earrings, Balenciaga anchor necklace

Packing. Having been on a few lengthy vacations in the past, I think I've become quite adept at developing a packing strategy. One thing I've learnt is that even if you're going to a warm climate, you need some sort of outfit contingency plan should the weather fall flat on you. Most importantly, I've learnt that there is nothing worse than arriving at your destination only to wish you'd brought a light jacket, a pair of jeans, or realising that the things you brought don't mix and match together very well.

It's also important to take into account the likelihood of purchasing new things while you're away, or whether or not you will find the right pieces you were looking for. This became my downfall when I was in the USA last year, as I had planned on buying a few new skirts, but in reality only bought one, which meant I was a little short on bottoms. The upside is, that if you pack light, with items that co-ordinate together well, you will have plenty of room for shopping and souvenirs.

1. Check the expected weather forecast: While you're likely to have some kind of idea what the weather will be like dependent on the season, it always pays to check. Summers can be cloudy and windy, and winters can be mild. This will allow you to judge whether you need to pack a warm jersey or a pair of shorts just in case.

2. Pick a colour palette: I find that picking a simple colour palette works best when travelling since everything will go together. I tend to pack pieces that are either black, white, grey, blush, navy or beige, as I find that these colours go well together, and pieces in these colours make up the backbone of my wardrobe, making packing even easier.

3. Choose the foundation pieces for your travel wardrobe: For me, core pieces include things like a comfortable pair of shorts, a lightweight top or singlet, a loose jumper, a cardigan, a dress that can be dressed up or down, a pair of jeans and a skirt that falls just above the knee. Oh, and you can't forget the quintessential stripe top!

4. Add in other pieces as required: Depending on the length of your trip, you'll want to add in a few (or a number) more pieces that work with the core pieces of your travel wardrobe. I've heard before that it always pays to take twice as many tops as bottoms, and I am sure that cannot be bad advice. I'd also recommend taking a light jacket, a pair of tights, and a warm pashmina (that can double as an extra layer of warmth on the plane) even if you are heading to a warm cliimate - the weather can be pretty unexpected.

5. Choose your shoes: It goes without saying that shoes can take up a lot of prime real estate in your suitcase, and depending on the style can be rather heavy. I've had experiences where I took so many shoes and only wore one pair, or the opposite where the one pair I had taken where too uncomfortable. It pays to make sure that your shoes will be comfortable enough to walk around all day, and that you have some variety so that you can alternate, especially if you are prone to blisters. I usually take a pair of gladiator sandals, a pair of ballet flats, a pair of low heeled boots and a pair of heels. It's best to be prepared for every occasion, and this combination allows that.

6. Accessorise: I've never been entirely big on taking a large selection of accessories with me on holiday, but there is something to be said of the power of a statement piece to transform an otherwise ordinary outfit. A couple of statement necklaces, earrings or bracelets will not go amiss, neither will a fun printed scarf. As for bags, I like to take two - a large bag for when I'm out during the day that can fit my camera along with random purchases, and a smallish crossbody/satchel style bag that I can use in the evenings.

Other things to remember:
- It's helpful to try everything on together before you leave - this way you can be sure that it is all going to work together on your trip. You also may not have access to a full-length or decent mirror in hotels so if something doesn't fit right, you can pick it up before you leave.

- Keep in mind that certain countries have different cultural expectations to what you may be used to at home. For example, if heading to the Vatican City you must be wearing a dress or skirt with a sensible or midi hemline and cover your shoulders, or else you will not be let in. Or, you may be subject to whispers and stares - as I was when I wore a pair of shorts and a singlet in Kosovo. It's worth reading up on this if you don't want to be caught out!

- If you are able to have both a suitcase and a carry-on (or just take a large handbag), it's wise to have a change of clothing with you on the plane. Should anything happen to your luggage (touch wood), at least you have fresh clothes to change into.

- Toiletries can be heavy and take up a lot of space. Only take the bare essentials if you can - this extends to beauty products/make-up as well. I take a rather minimal approach to make-up while away, taking a small eyeshadow compact, bronzer, eyeliner and mascara. I can't say the same for my other toiletries, but when on a long trip you can always discard these at the end. Things like soap and shampoo can be picked up easily enough at a pharmacy or supermarket while away.

- Other things worth taking are a camera, a notebook to jot down ideas, a good book to read (or a kindle etc), and an open mind. If you're like me, you'll be lugging along a laptop and an iPad as well. Oh and uh... have fun! :)

 

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T by Alexander Wang jumper, Glassons pants (similar), Proenza Schouler bag
Pants party. I'm probably a little bit late to the floral pants party, but after seeing this cute pair at Glassons, I couldn't really resist. Pants are one of those things that I have always had trouble finding, as most cuts don't seem to sit right on my body shape - they are either too tight in the leg, or too wide in the waist. These, on the other hand, are very near to the perfect fit, which means I don't need to continue trawling ASOS or Topshop for a pair any more. Wearing them felt like I had a garden on my legs all day. Added bonus!

As well as recently becoming a Pinterest convert, I've also started using Currently Obsessed - where you can stalk all the items that I'm currently coveting, and see what's on my wishlist. There's a link in the bar to the right, otherwise you can find me here! I get the feeling that it's going to be a little bit dangerous having my entire wishlist all in one place...

 

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Uniqlo shirt, Karen Walker blazer, Sretsis Skirt, Pointer loafers (similar), YSL arty ring, Gorjana bracelet, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag
Shoes are made for walking. With each day that I take off from wearing a pair of heels, I become more and more aware that flat shoes are my friend. Generally speaking, they won't give me blisters every time I wear them regardless of how hard I have tried to wear them in, they won't pinch my toes, and the likelihood of me falling over is quite low (although I should add it is still a possibility). I could argue at length about how comfortable some of my heels are, but they don't compare in terms of comfort to a pair of flats. Nor can you run around so easily - something that I have been doing a lot more of this year as I lack the ability to drive a manual car.

I imagine that it probably doesn't show, but I've worn these pointer loafers so much since acquiring them, that the heels have worn down considerably. Obviously they are long overdue for repair at the cobblers, and as the saying goes - if you scratch my back then I'll scratch yours - if I keep my shoes in good repair, then they will continue to provide solid comfort for my feet.

And after long trying to ignore it, I've finally jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon. Must admit that it is a lot more addictive that I had anticipated - I can definitely see how many hours could be spent trawling through the site, pinning, and organising. If you want to follow me, you can do so here.

 

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Saint James breton stripe top, Tibi pink silk pants, Zadig&Voltaire parka (similar), Ksubi denim cut-offs, Iosselliani stacked rings, Alexander Wang shoes, Isabel Marant necklace
Travel wishlist. Holidays abroad generally involve shopping. Whether you mean it to or not - well, perhaps that's just how it works for me. Having experienced post-holiday shopping regret a number of times in the past, I've since discovered that putting together a wish list pre-travel not only helps with staying on track to fill gaps or wants missing in your wardrobe, but also carries with it a satisfaction of knowing you bought something that you had been looking for. In saying that, there is always room for spontaneous purchases, I just find this method reduces that number and makes me think a little bit more before I buy.

On my travels, I'm hoping to pick up the following:
1. A new wallet - My current one I've had for about 4 years now, and while I like it, I find it unneccesarily bulky, and inconvenient to open the coin pocket as the zipper is broken. I'm hoping to pick one up in a colour other than black, to make it easy to spot in my handbag, and one that has only two sections rather than three.

2. Breton stripe tops - As far as I'm concerned, a girl can never have too many striped tops. I've bought a number over the years, some I've kept and some I haven't, and am hoping to pick some up in a couple different colour combos. If possible, one from Saint James would be nice.

3. Military style parka - This closet essential eludes me every single time. Permanently attached to my wish list I'm yet to find one that I like, so maybe this time I will be lucky. Makes me regret not picking one up at Sportsgirl all those years ago.

4. Classic shoes for day to day wear - While I can't claim a shoe shortage, I'd love to pick up a nice pair of leather shoes for every day wear, in a classic style that can be taken from work to play

5. Denim shorts - I never seem to be able to find the right type of denim shorts, they always end up being too short, too tight, or not the right colour. I've spied a pair at Zara that are worth trying on but I won't hold my breath.

6. A pair of trousers - While I've recently picked up a couple pairs of 'capri' pants, trousers are always something that I have struggled to find. I'll be keeping a lookout for a nice pair of trousers in a tapered style that I can wear with ballet flats or heels. An interesting print would be an added bonus, but ideally, I just want to find something comfortable, that looks good, and fits me well.

7. Jewellery - Both statement pieces and fine jewellery are on my list. I seem to have discovered the wonders that a large statement necklace can do for an outfit, and as such would like to accumulate a couple more if I can. I'm also looking forward to dropping by Corpus Christi in Paris to pick up a new necklace or two - the jewellery there is gorgeous.

Do you make up a wishlist before you head on holiday, or do you prefer to feel inspired to buy things in the moment?

 

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T by Alexander Wang jumper, Lover 'deetz' skirt, Vintage boots, Karen Walker necklace, Proenza Schouler bag 90's. I'm not entirely sure what it is about this skirt, but paired with a slouchy jumper it appears to be so effortlessly nineties. I imagine if I wore a fitted long sleeve cropped top that I could go back 15 years (in perhaps a similar style to Michael J Fox in Back to the Future) and slot right in. Either way, it makes for the perfect weekend ensemble that is equally ideal for running errands (such as getting a broken tooth fixed - not the most fun Sunday I've had recently), or leisurely watching some movies. Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

 

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img 1 source unknown, img 2
Snug. Feeling like I could use a warm shearling lined jacket and an oversized woolly cardigan about now, fur collar included. Possibly even worn at the same time. Spending my morning with shivers and my evenings with goosebumps isn't the most fun. I imagine I've missed the boat on both the above pieces, although that doesn't stop a girl from dreaming. Can only imagine how poorly I would cope in a country where temperatures regularly drop below zero. Aside from layering on the merino and jumpers, I'm finding that plenty of tea has been helping slightly... Happy weekend!