[SUITED UP] JENNI KAYNE SPRING 2013 + MANLY BOYS FOR WORLD CLASS BARTENDER 2013

When I first saw this collection I just went omigodomigodomigod. Even everytime I look at it again I still can't help going omigodomigodomigod. Can you imagine having these pieces in your work wardrobe, especially that pink perfection of a suit? The square cut of the jacket, the red detailing and the ankle-length pants are so mad I'll definitely get something like this tailored next time I'm back in Vietnam. Yes, in hot pink. Or burnt orange. Maybe both. Anyway, fell head over heels in love with Jenni Kayne's new spring collection (which has been floating around everywhere on Tumblr and fashion blogs) - sleek, timeless cuts meet rockstar/retro punch in the face. It's so down my alley I think I'll have all of them tailored next time I go home.


I know that everytime I post something new I say I haven't written for two million years. I finished college about a month ago (for good!!) and kinda went through this crazy meltdown for a while, where I was just exhausted and literally felt like doing nothing all the time - at some stage I didn't even feel like talking that much (which is weird for me). But am recovering now and made cake again yesterday, hahaha.


To conclude on a(nother) happy note, please go vote for our amazing Manly bartender friends Hayden (Hemingway's), Davide and James (Harlem) to become Australia's next World Class Bartender! (Well, only one of them can win, but let's just vote and let them worry about that later...) Apparently voters get the chance to win something too, but who cares. Manly represent!


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[SUITED UP AND BAREFOOT] BEGGING FOR SUMMER TO STAY

1- Jeffrey Campbell Gomez, as seen on Solestruck

2- Swedish Hasbeens Duck Toe Sandal, as seen on Asos

Oh please come to me. Although I've been having very healthy relationships with several pairs of flat leather shoes since last year (with the latest addition of Shubar's Harmony) and am barely wear heels anymore, these two pairs have been floating around my mind, and are my desperate cry trying to hold on to a very moody Sydney summer, while slowly making friends with the idea of autumn being just around the corner. I'm staying faithful to my love for brown shoes too (well, almost). The weather is rather asking for something like this though.

Been listening to a lot of Black Keys and just finished reading Boozehound by Jason Wilson, and am feeling quite cultured and even a little autumny. The book explores the stories behind a number of "rare, obscure and overrated" spirits; we've learned about the basics at college but I myself have never worked in a bar before, so it was really really interesting to get an idea of what's behind those liquors and even build some expectations of what they should taste like. The best thing about the book is that the author tells you little stories about his journeys and tastings rather than just bluntly explaining the spirits, and moreover he has a pretty cool sense of humour. Can't go wrong with a bit of fun in books.

Kinda feel like a drink now. Something a little autumny.

[SUITED UP] SECRET SQUIRREL WINTER 2012 - "ART CLASS"

My first encounter with the brand Secret Squirrel took place when I was looking for a dress for graduation (and no, I'm not finished with college yet, that was for our associate degree). I couldn't resist the sleek cut and the most beautiful print on delicate silk, knew that I wouldn't be able to get it out of my mind so I promised my wallet that I would make up for it by not eating anything fancy for a couple of weeks and bought it. Hanging in front of the wardrobe, it was like my room's own sunshine. (Click here to see the dress. It got some lipgloss on one sleeve after a crazy dress-up Christmas party so I'm a little bit scared to touch it now though.)

Its new winter collection "Art Class" just got released recently and I'd be more than happy to wear any of their pieces to school, work, out, wherever. I'm a big fan of their simple but elegant design and their lovely fabrics and colours, which has been going across all of their collections. Their loose cuts almost give the pieces a playful masculine touch, and combined with either very soft or bold hues they do make me think of 1950's and 60's fashion. Just what we enjoy so much these days don't we - going a little back in time. Some of my favourites from "Art Class":

How pretty is the triangle print! For online shopping, stockists and all collections, visit secretsquirrellabel.com.

***Update: Secret Squirrel has now become Secret South; see website here.

[SUITED UP] GENTLEWOMAN x BLT

Sportsgirl Marley mocassins, as seen in this post; David Jones leather bag

Toby picked up this beautiful bag for me from the council dump (ha!) and I've been using it pretty much every day since then. It still needs a few stitches as the thread is coming off at the corners and on the handle, but other than that it's in amazing condition - and it's brown! I wonder what the story behind the bag is though, and what bags that lady is using instead now; probably some super hip off-the-runway hotties while we reach back to their oldies. Did I mention I'm pretty obsessed with op shopping these days?

[BAREFOOT] A RAINING JOSEPHINE SESSION

*Jason Mraz - A Beautiful Mess (From A Raining Jane Session)

Josephine and I were in the same group for Contemporary Leadership, and from the very first day I thought this girl wears mad stuff; it was pretty much a massive fashion girl crush at first sight. Last Friday we hung out all day as I had asked her to take me shopping some time - the weather was quite miserable but I had such a good time exploring awesome shops around Bondi, Woollahra and Paddington, and areas I had never been to before. She is such a lovely and funny girl (she believes she's a very pink person) and I'm excited to hang out again soon when she comes back from NY - you know, she's just casually flying over there during Fashion Week. Without knowing that it's on.
And now I remember - she was one of my "upcoming projects". She's finished with her degree after this term so I better follow her around at college to take her photos before she's gone.

[SUITED UP] COLLEGE CLOSET #1: THE TRENCH COAT

I've decided to take my camera to college more often, at least on days my bag doesn't weigh like, 50kg. There are heaps of fancy people running around up there so I have to get over my awkwardness and approach them. I've started this collection (and this gentleman was very cooperative, thank you!) so I might as well continue...