Thursday, December 29, 2011

B R I G H T E R

Dress; Paper Hearts. Blazer; Blossom. Shoes; Unknown.


The other day in a post I stated that I was learning to embrace pink, well I'm going to retract that statement, edit it and then spit it back out again. I am learning to embrace 'colour'. Normally I was always the sort of girl who would wear mostly neutral colours and then maybe add a bright scarf or nails, but lately I find myself drawn to loud almost obnoxiously bright pieces. Like this dress from Paper Heart, I fell in love with the fun floral print, a definite step away from something I normally wear. And not only do I adore the print but the gorgeous high neck and floaty skirt is so utterly perfect it makes me want to just frame it and put it up on my wall...or something like that.
To be completely honest I always feel miles happier when I wear colour, black is far too serious for my liking and I'm so, so glad that fashion as an industry is starting to move away from the a-typical 'black is chic' look. I will never understand how people are expected to be creative when they're not even allowing themselves to dress creatively. My mum always says that what you wear is a direct reflection of the quality of your work. So I guess if we're working on this basis; the brighter the better!

Monday, December 26, 2011

S I M P L Y. T H E. B E S T

Images from Tuula

Images from Shine By Three





Wowee, this year has just flown by hasn't it! It's hard to believe that a year ago I hadn't even started my blog and look how far we've come in just 10 short months! So I thought in the spirit of the coming new year I'd do a very quick post detailing my favourite outfits (both my own and my favourite bloggers) of 2011. It was really, really hard to pick because I know some of these girls and I think everything they put on looks ah-mazing, but I managed to cull it down to just a few pictures that I thought were simply gorgeous. I don't know if it's slightly narcissistic including one of my own outfits in this category, but what the hey might as well!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

N E W. Y E A R.

Bikini; C/O Baku Bikinis. Pink robe; vintage

I never, ever, ever thought I would post pictures of myself, swanning around a beach dressed in nothing but a bikini, on the internet. To be honesty I've never been a huge bikini fan, I'm much more of a one piece gal. But when I saw this bikini by Baku I fell in love with the gorgeous vintage shape and sweet floral pattern. Plus the extra padding in the bust makes me look like I actually have a bust. Bonus!
But being serious, I wanted to say thank you to everyone who reads this blog because you guys have been the biggest confidence booster a girl could ever have. The fact that I have self confidence enough to post photos of myself wearing nothing but a bikini on the internet, speaks volumes of how great you guys are. I have never received a single nasty comment on this blog ever. And it's for this exact reason that I keep posting every week without hesitation. Christmas is less than a week away, this knowledge but excites and terrifies me, and before we know it twenty twelve will be upon us. I'm assuming you will all be taking a small break, like myself, over Christmas. So I'm taking the time now to say a huge Merry Christmas and I hope you all have fantastic years next year. I have a feeling that twenty twelve is going to be bigger and better than it's predecessor.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

M E L B O U R N E


Such is my excitement over the fact that I'm going to Melbourne soon, I am making a blog post dedicated to it. I've heard so many wonderful things about this city and I've wanted to go for so, so long, so when the opportunity to go basically fell in my lap I jumped at the chance. As much as I love Sydney, because it's my home and I grew up there, I am so keen to get away, to walk unfamiliar streets and have to ask people for directions. I am excited for new streets, new people and new food. And even though I'm only there for four days I feel like it's just the change I need and I'll come back more inspired than ever and ready for a big 2012! If any of you reading this have been to Melbourne or live there I'd love to hear your shopping, but most importantly your eating tips.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

C A S U A L L Y.

Stripey shirt; Sportsgirl. Shorts; Vintage. Shoes; Unknown.

There are many things in life that I'm really quite good at; eating, tying knots, making lists and matching socks. However, like all humans, I have my flaws and one of these happens to be my complete inability to dress casually. I am a chronic over-dresser, I live in a small coastal town where the dress code is a constant 'board shorts and thongs' and I like to rebel against this by never stepping out without heels and a nice outfit. And yes, to answer the thought in your mind, I do often get stared at (I've learnt to embrace it). So when I'm at home with no one around and I'm reading a book or doing some blog work, I like to wear whatever is comfortable i.e My pajama's. So when I get requests asking to see what I wear on a day to day basis I'm at a bit of a loss, the photos I post are what I wear everyday. It's either that or pajama's.
So I decided the other day to attempt a 'casual' outfit. I'm actually surprised with how much I like it, I think the leather shorts jazz it up just enough to keep it from being too casual but the stripey tee and baggy cape/cardigan keep it uber comfy. So looking at these photos I'm starting to think maybe 'dressing casually' shouldn't be on my list of things I'm terrible at, and instead moved onto the list of things I feel slightly uncomfortable doing. Jeans and baggy shirts might be 'comfy' but I feel most comfortable in six inch heels. Let's just call it different folks different strokes.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

B L U S H.

Skirt and shirt; Red Berry. Cardigan; Thrifted. Heels; Unknown. Rings; Various etsy stores.

I am making a new pact with my wardrobe, no matter how beautiful or special or 'on sale' something is, I will not buy anything that doesn't fit me perfectly. I snapped up this skirt a while back for sale price because I'd been searching for a simple black skirt for what seemed like eternity. When I was in the change room, despite the skirt being obviously a size and a half too big, I told myself 'It's only because I haven't had lunch yet, once that food baby kicks in I'll be right as rain.' Unfortunately we all know if something doesn't fit you when you try it on, it's never going to fit you. Now looking back at these photos I see how horrible and unflattering it looks. Skater skirts are meant to nip in at the waist, this sort of just...hangs. So lesson learnt, I am now only going to buy things that one hundred percent fit me.
On another completely unrelated note, I am starting to find I actually enjoy wearing pink. Whereas once the 'anti girly-girl' inside me screamed bloody murder at the sight of that unholy shade, I am now embracing blush tones and even a hint of fuscia into my wardrobe. And they're surprisingly easy to wear I'm finding that some simple blush pieces not only slot into a black and white outfit like this one, but they complement other pastels as well. Not to sound like a complete cliche' but you could almost say I've started seeing pink through rose coloured glasses, a whole new frame of mind for a whole new shade of the rainbow.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

C H R I S T M A S



Who said that buying presents isn't easy? Friends and family, this is your go-to guide on what to buy me for Christmas, I've even provided the links to each individual item to make shopping a breeze. And not everything is expensive! $825 isn't too bad for a nice leather bag...isn't it? Maybe just a little too much for your average christmas present? And I know you were all searching for something to send your most favouritest blogger ever, so this little list works for you too!
There are actually so many other things that I wanted to put on this but it would have looked ridiculous and greedy of me, so here are my 'Top 11' choices. If I had money to burn and lived in a mansion with my three private school children and 8 snooty nosed cats, then this would be the Christmas presents I'd be expecting. For now all I can do is dream and arrange them all in a pretty circular layout to present to you. Merry Christmas everyone!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

L U X E



Finally getting around to sharing these! I shot this amazing evening gown about two weeks back for my friend Jessica Burns. Jess has just completed the final year of her fashion design degree and this was her major work. We'd had this shoot planned for a while but I didn't actually see the dress until the day of, to say my jaw hit the ground would be a massive understatement. Made from the softest, most luxurious feeling silk, this one of a kind evening gown has been lovingly created from scratch by Jess. I adore the luxurious crimson red, which just went so nicely with the gilded gold mirror, and the asymmetrical train which I personally think is a nice take on the fishtailed skirt. Most of all I love Jess' design aesthetic is so clear in everything she creates. Jessica absolutely adores Japan, Tokyo more specifically, and you can definitely see the Japanese influence in the cherry blossom pattern on the dress.
I was quite happy with how the shots came out, I'm still learning and am far from being the next Mario Testino or Patrick Demarchelier. I wished we could have dragged the mirror somewhere so the design studio wasn't reflected in the background, but that mirror was far too heavy for three girls to lift. I'd love to hear your opinions on the shots, and if any of you are photography enthusiasts than I'd love to hear your tips for next time! If you want any more info on Jess or are interested in ordering something from her please email me at laurabray.mail@gmail.com

Thursday, December 8, 2011

G R A C E F U L.

Palazzo pants; Dotti. Blouse; Ladakh from The Iconic. Shoes; Just Because. Jacket; Jay jays.

One of the things I love most about where I live, are the amazing little 'off the beaten track' places you find when you're willing to look. My mum and I found this gorgeous little section of rain forest literally just a short walk from the main town, granted it wasn't too easy to get there in platform heels. I find that gorgeous locations always enhance whatever you're wearing and I love how the jade green of the leaves brings out the deep wine tones in these pants. I always get such pleasure out of wearing these pants, I honestly feel so graceful whenever I wear them, which is a nice chance for me because in reality I am far from graceful. And that's what we want from our clothes right? We pay good money for them and in return they make us look skinnier/tanner/better looking/more graceful than we actually are. You know you're wearing some seriously good pants when you have to resist the urge to swan around on your tip toes while your humming Beethoven.
Combining these pants and this Ladakh shirt was possibly the best decision I've made all week, the colours look amazing together and the slim fit cut of the shirt offsets the billowy legs perfectly. Match made in heaven.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

W A N D E R L U S T


Sometimes I feel that dreams, not the kind you have when you sleep but those burning, passionate desires, are my biggest inspiration. As I said in my last post lately I have been feeling quite uninspired, so I thought instead of posting an outfit I would post some of my dreams. More specifically places that I really want to see in my lifetime, or places that I have seen and want to go back to. I never thought I would be a big traveler, the fact that I'm terrified of flying doesn't help, but after I came back from my Europe trip in May I found myself dreaming about that magical place in the sky. Because no matter what anyone says, there really is no where quite like that still, quiet world that lies above the clouds. 
As well as that, I really found myself falling in love with the experience of living in someone else's world, experiencing a culture that is so dramatically different from your own. Honestly I'm not sure how much travel I'll get to experience in my lifetime, I only work part time and flights are so expensive. But like I said dreaming is my biggest form of inspiration, so this afternoon I went for a visit to Paris, New York, the African savanna, Venice and Machu Picchu. Because inspiration can't be forced, you have to let it find you.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

S P A R K L Y

Blouse and cardigan; thrifted. Jeans; Jay Jays. Shoes; Rubi.

Lately I've been feeling incredibly uninspired. I'm not sure if it's because I've been so busy and feel exhausted all the time, or because it's that awkward transition between seasons and it's so hard to gauge whether you need to dress for heat or cold. All I know is that I need something to kick start myself back into gear. It's weird because when it comes to fashion in general and my career, I've never felt more motivated. I did my first day of interning at Harper's Bazaar last week and being there left me feeling fresh, and I walked out with the knowledge that magazines is definitely the industry I want to be in. I've been searching for my path in life ever since I left school last year and I finally feel like I'm on the right track. But when it comes to getting dressed I keep finding myself staring into my wardrobe in dismay, and wailing 'I have nothing to wear' over and over. I may have even thrown myself on the floor in a temper tantrum fit for a five year old. I just feel like I've lost that 'spark', that little glimmer of excitement when you see two pieces and know they're going to look amazing together. So in lieu of this I have decided I'll be taking a small break over the holidays, just a week between Christmas and New Years, in hopes that I'll come back feeling rejuvenated and more inspired than ever. I'll still be active on twitter though so you can follow my '140 characters or less' ramblings, and keep updated with everything. Because everyone deserves a little holiday now and then right?

Also, just a last minute note, to the girl who came into my work and said you read my blog, you literally made my day. So if you're reading this, thanks for making me feel super special and sparkly.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

T O N Y. B I A N C O



I've always loved Tony Bianco, I'm not going to lie. There is something about their amazing shoes, that are so on trend and always so affordable, that is just so appealing. So when I received an invitation to attend their AW 2012 showings I was a little bit more than excited, and Tony Bianco did not disappoint! When I walked into the room the first thing I noticed was colour, in winter we might be wearing grey on our backs but our feet will be covered in cobalt blue, irresistible violets and neon pink.
The thing I loved most about the showings, apart from the amazing pastries, was how they had separated the collection into fun little 'trend tables'. So we had colour pop, animal print, leather boots and a table full of amazing mod inspired shoes, complete with platform Mary Janes and miu miu-esque hook heels. My personal favourites had to be the black pumps with the gold foil platform, Jasmin might have caught be hugging them and softly stroking their metallic brilliance once or twice.
With all these Autumn Winter showings I can't help but want winter to hurry up and get here just so I can start wearing all the amazing pieces I've been seeing! Thankyou so, so much to Tony Bianco and Two Hands Agency for having me, and making my average Monday night a little more enjoyable.


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