The Last Days of Summer

It's sad to think that time really does fly when it is the warmer months. Summer always feels like a blur, whereas Winter seems to drag on forever! Sometimes, it's not until we stop and look back and reflect that we can truly appreciate some good times that were had with the warmth of the sun on your back. With officially only 3 days left of Summer here in Melbourne (although today is a  taste of what's to come with grey skies and rain- post heat wave)I thought I would share with you some images of what Summer was for me and hope it gets you thinking about your fun times.

Discovering my favourite thing- spots- on the ground while on a beach trip! Can't beat those two colours together as well!

This Summer I kept finding things on the ground in front of me, like little presents the pavement is trying to give me. This gorgeous flower came on a day I needed an uplift, so it was much appreciated.

On a night walk, I also discovered these discarded thongs on the footpath- the absolute symbol of Summer. I wonder why the wearer chose to go on without them? 

This Summer I enjoyed playing with accessories and mixing things up a little. That included my vast nail polish collection, because sometimes the choice on which colour you wish to stare at for at least a week is hard enough- so, why not just add them all!

Rediscovering shoes you bought in the Winter and haven't worn yet,the joy of shopping in your own closet!

Afternoon pick me ups- fresh home made smoothies with striped straws!

Home made berry ice-cream without the guilt you are eating additives. And gluten free! So delicious!

Lazy Sunday brunches of home made pancakes to indulge in with the Sunday papers and fresh coffee, while not having to rush off anywhere on a schedule.

Seeing everything in full bloom, full colour and enjoying watching nature do its thing.

Walks and swims at the beach, breathing in sea air, eating seafood meals and watching the cruise ships roll into town pretending you're in an episode of The Love Boat.

Sensational sunsets that are unimaginable especially after a humid storm.

Learning to find happiness in the smallest things in life.

Enjoying the late afternoon sun before daylight savings disappears.

Discovering an Autumn leaf in front of you, realising that all things must change, including the seasons. And with that...

Street Spotting

This outfit caught my eye because I have a love of the quirky, the people brave enough to wear it and a mix of prints and styles, and I think she has done a great job of combining these. 

I love love love her jumper and would happily have this in my wardrobe! I like that she has mixed a big bold print to offset the delicate prints on her skirt.

Now that's what I call a platform shoe! The colours are amazing and the red of the shoes picks up on her red lipstick.

Cathleen Jia Premieres Her New Collection

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure to witness the launch of the Cathleen Jia Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection. Cathleen creates all the garments herself, with intricate beading and lace using silks and sheer fabrics, all locally made right here in Melbourne. This beautiful afternoon soiree was held at the fragrant Domain Flowers where her feminine, drapery dresses stood just as elegantly beside the natural floral display.

Guests were cueing up to indulge in beautiful mini cupcakes from Cupcake Central. Unfortunately, yours truly had to only but admire from afar (thank you gluten intolerance), but I didn't see an unhappy customer go by.

This beautiful model transformed into the gowns from the collection like a pop up fashion show and allowed us an up close view of the garments, seeing how they hang on the body.

Nothing like a nice glass of wine, fashion to look at, great company and being surrounded by sensational flowers to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Head pieces and accessories all hand crafted by Cathleen.

The designer herself was coaxed up on the platform to take her moment and accept the applause.

It obviously got too much for her as we cheered her on, and all her hard work was realised. Mind you, she had also just 'whipped' up the dress she is wearing the night before! Amazing! Congratulations to Cathleen on a beautiful collection and to the team from Couturing for putting on such a wonderful event, I most certainly had a great time.

Link This!

Have you got something really beautiful and precious to you tucked away somewhere in a drawer or hidden in a box? I think most of us do, for whatever reason be it lack of space, necessity or saving it for a rainy day. Well my beautiful collection of vintage cuff links hadn't been seen or used since I cast them in a film I made, yet I love them dearly. Not owning a shirt myself that can be used for cuff links, they continued to remain hidden in my drawer until one day...

I discovered them again at the back of the drawer and pulled them out to have another look. I love the way they feel and the sound they make as they rub up against each other. From the corner of my eye caught my attention a gold chain that I bought from a jewellery supply store with the intention of doing something with it one day. Well, this was the day. I attempted to thread the links through the chain and to my delight, they just fit! So, one by one I added the three sets and tried it on. Presto! Instant jewellery without having to leave the house to buy it!I have now even cleared space in my drawer, and used up another item waiting in limbo. I like even laying it on my diary on my desk to look at it as a pretty object- even spent the day doing housework in it!

Surprisingly, it goes with many outfits in my wardrobe, but I just love the simplicity of a black blazer jacket, a striped t-shirt and a bit of bling to set me on my way! What do you have lying around that can be transformed and given a new lease on life? I'm sure you can come up with wonders. Set yourself a DIY challenge!

Street Spotting

I first spotted (Pardon the pun!)this gorgeous shirt and when I turned around and saw the whole outfit and her beautiful face, I just had to interrupt her meal to take some photos of her.

This outfit and the colours suit her so well, and she had such a gentle demeanour about her which I found incredibly charming. Just love spots and hats on just about anyone, I think it instantly creates a personality that is timeless.

Outfit was spot on from head to toe!