Monday 31 December 2012

2012, oh what a year!


Dear 2012, you have been a crazy year that has gone by far too quickly. 


It's usually this time of year that I, as I'm sure many of you, start reflecting about the year that has been, and wonder about the year that is going to be. Starting this blog has been a whirlwind journey so far and I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to meet and work with so many amazing people in such a short time! When I turned 21 I told myself that I'd take any chance I had to travel and see the world, and heading up to Europe midyear has been quite a highlight of my life and I can't wait to go back next summer already. A huge thank you to all of you for reading - it has been an immense learning journey and I'd love to hear what you guys would like to see more of on the blog! I can't wait to share on this space more travel snaps and collaborations in 2013 but for now, run along, have a lovely night, and make sure you're in the running for a sweet start to your year with our $500 HALCYON STATE GIVEAWAY

Till then x

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Wednesday 26 December 2012

[sportsgirl] tell me a story


Tell us a story about yourself
How about a few fun facts? I'm a pianist, have been playing since I was 4 and will always have a love affair with the piano. Food excites me; it also disappoints me. I secretly wish I were a dancer (contemporary), take way too long to choose between black and brown, get a little over-involved watching movies, and currently would love to be on an yoga retreat island resort, go figure. Blankbird fits somewhere in there.. 

Favourite fashion memory
There was a period of time I was most fascinated by a pair and a spare's deceptively simple looking DIYs and Style Rookie Tavi's maximalist outfits from her earlier days. I thought I could easily recreate DIY pieces (think pleated fishtail skirts and cut-out crop tops) with similar deftness and ease, and also experimented with excessive colours and layering techniques. I'm glad it was a phase - I really wasn't as DIY-inclined as I had hoped. 

Earliest or most favourite memory of Sportsgirl
Sportsgirl is amazingly fashion-forward and with so much in store, my girlfriends and I back in the day used to head in there not only to put together outfits for ourselves but also attempt to dress each other up in one another's (very different) style - sometimes to rather hilarious results! 

Christmas wishlist?
Lovely company, lots of laughter, and THIS beautiful blush baby. 

Tag 3 bloggers
Emma, Chloe, Melissa


Have you seen our GIVEAWAY? Pick your favourite halcyon state x blankbird outfit and WIN $500 to kick off the new year! x

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Thursday 20 December 2012

Equal parts nautical and ditsy




 Target striped tee, Minkpink x nastygal shorts, Charles & Keith sandals 

Here's my last summery post before I dive headfirst into the bone-chilling, zero-degree days of Milan..

The constrains of a travel wardrobe has made me realise that something as simple as a basic nautical striped tee is not only incredibly comfy, it is also surprisingly versatile whether paired with a red hot waisted skirt, black high waist skinnies, or in this case the product of a crafty minkpink x nastygal collaboration! Personally, I reckon finding the perfect pair of denim shorts takes quite a bit of 'trial and error', and trust me there are a whole lot of shorts out there that I wouldn't touch. So when this one came along with its ditsy print and lace up front, it was everything sweet, far from trashy and well, I just had to get it! 

And while I hop off to the other side of the world, don't forget to check out THE GIVEAWAY - up for grabs is a spectacular $500 to spend on your fave aussie designer at Halcyon State! 

Recommendations for Milan and Venice are also very welcome. Till next time x

Photos by Nattydoodles & Thomas Lo
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Friday 14 December 2012

[GIVEAWAY!] halcyon state x blankbird: stories of silk

Kuwaii trench dress; Stylestalker asymmetrical dress; Jeffrey Campbell Litas

As they say, all good things come to an end. Here's the final part to the Halcyon State x Blankbird collaboration, in a style I like to wear best. As much as I adore my cinched waists and sequinned wonders, it's no secret that I go absolutely weak for simple, flowy silks - plus points for asymmetrical hems and sheers - that drape and fall so naturally when worn! I'm one who prefers pieces that skim the body to those that cling to each and every curve - it just gives your outfit (and yourself) a little breathing space, doesn't it? The velvet burnout on this Stylestalker beauty is a subtle yet clever detail update for a summer-worthy LBD. This neutral number by Kuwaii could be worn belted up as a trench dress, but leaving it open makes for the most of its cascading waterfall collar - and why wouldn't you?

I hope you have all enjoyed this little collaboration as much as I did putting the outfits together. So to celebrate this festive holiday season (and really that we've all nearly made it through 2012), HALCYON STATE IS GIVING YOU ALL A CHANCE TO WIN A SPECTACULAR $500 TOWARDS YOUR SUMMER STYLE! Simply:

GET SHARING HERE, AND COMMENT ON FB TELLING US WHICH OF THE THREE OUTFITS IS YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE ! 

You will also receive an exclusive discount code via FB upon sharing. Shoutouts on Twitter and/or Instagram gets you extra entries in the draw! Giveaway closes 31 December, 11:59pm. Winner will be announced in the new year. International entries welcome.*

Get on it ladies (and gents, it'll save you the headache of finding 'the perfect gift').. we all know it's high time you deserved a little treat x

* If drawn as the winner, international postage up to $49 will be covered.

Photos by Thomas Lo
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Tuesday 11 December 2012

halcyon state x blankbird: denim revival

Kuwaii top, Joveeba acid wash denim jacket, Hunt No More sequin skirt, Misuzi delicate gold necklaces (all via Halcyon State); Tony Bianco flatforms

So I haven't worn a denim shirt since I was about 9 and that one had a little Mickey & Minnie figure stitched right above the front pocket. However as with other items that seem to be finding their way back into my wardrobe (the most recent being jeans - blue ones, no less),  I seem to now be in a little bit of a denim shirt/jacket phase and have been keeping my eyes peeled for the perfect one. 

Now I don't think the thought of wearing an acid wash denim jacket, or a studded phoenix for that matter, had ever crossed my mind. Not even close. But somehow the moment I caught a glimpse of that gorgeous grungy blue I knew I had to find a way to work with it. Enter asymmetrical sequinned wonder. I literally gasped - it was everything printy and shiny, with a pop factor that only the colour orange is capable of. Complete with unassuming neutrals and only the finest and most delicate of necklacesWhat can I say, a denim revival is well and truly underway! 

I hope you've enjoyed this collaboration as much as I have thus far. Look out for the third and final part  coming this weekend - packed with some extra festive details for you! x

Photos by Thomas Lo
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Sunday 9 December 2012

halcyon state x blankbird: botanica

Jolet Botanic shirtAmeca Calleja Love Skirt, Asos heels

I'm so excited to reveal to you the first of my three-part Summer project with online store Halcyon State! It's a good six months ago that you last you saw them on this site - the days were colder, gloomier; my hair significantly shorter, and was high time I paid them a visit (which you too can do so, Melbournians). I was absolutely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Summer goodness - if you've seen me try to work with a huge bunch of clothes you'd know that I, like a kid in a candy store, am 1) easily excited and/or distracted by all possible options and 2) hopelessly indecisive..

I was quickly drawn to these two pieces by emerging designers Jolet and Ameca Calleja, both newcomers to Halcyon State. Not many pieces tell a story but this semi-sheer, botanica digital printed silk top instantly brought to me light-filled days, never-ending floral fields, a lazy arvo with a delicious picnic spread, and a gentle reminder of a world away from our 'normal' lives (or mine, at least). This skirt, isn't just a skirt. Upon closer look, you realise it's a pretty clever marriage of laser-cut and leather, cinched in superbly at the waist with a structured, dramatic flare. Together, it is all sorts of light-hearted girly fun and needed only my favourite strappy whites and a bracelet or two to for a simple finish.

So that's one for a Monday morning, and two more to come to get you through the week. Stay tuned lovelies, for you might like what you find at the end! x


Photos by Thomas Lo
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Saturday 8 December 2012

winter travel wardrobe

winter packing

So I'm heading back up North pretty soon and being faced with zero degree days and limited travel wardrobe space is forcing me to triple think my luggage choices. I'm so close to writing up a packing list - which I never do because really, I usually pack in a mad rush. I am, however, on a mission to avoid turning into an icypole and actually be warm enough to hopefully enjoy an Italian gelato. Snug jumpers, sensible shoes, knee high boots (I swear by keeping one's body extremities i.e.toes and fingers, warm), and a dash of co-ordinated colour to keep me sane. Fingers crossed things go to plan - tips welcome.

Before I sneak away into winter wonderland though, something special is going to land on the blog tomorrow. Something you'll like. Perhaps it'll last the week. Perhaps all through your holiday season ;)


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Thursday 6 December 2012

Let's meet.. JOYCE & JADE

Joyce & Jade dress; Zara heels

Apart from discovering just about the most delicious gelato (and intriguing flavour combinations) I've had in my life while trooping around Sydney a few months ago, I had come across a cute little set-up at the 100 Squared emerging designer pop-up at Westfield - Joyce & Jade, they were called. A particular black leather mini with suede pockets caught my eye, and I found myself drawn to much of their collection. Before long I found myself chatting to Kiah, one-half of the brains and beauty behind the label, and found out that the talented duo had in fact started out with a leather handbag collection!

This dress, I feel, captures wonderfully what Joyce & Jade is all about - fun and feminine with a little bit of a bold edge. I love how the light floral print, structured leather shoulder caps (no doubt an influence from working on leather bags) and back detail comes together so well in one piece. It certainly speaks for itself, and gets me so excited about summer - garden parties and fruity cocktails galore!

I now leave you with the Joyce and Jade girls..

Tell us about yourselves - Kiah and Nicol.
Kiah: We met on the first day of year four at my new primary school. We were in the same class and the first person I noticed was this beautiful, exotic looking girl with the shiniest, longest hair I had ever seen and thought instantly “I want to be friends with her”. Lucky for me she was first with her hand up when the teacher asked who wanted to look after me on my first day and we have been besties ever since! We went all through primary and high school together and for the first time in our friendship were separated when we started working and studying at different uni’s. Thankfully we only live around the corner from each other!

Nicol: We've been inseparable since the day we met, basically doing everything together. Our bond is definitely built on a love of fashion and shopping! As kids we were always revamping and customising our old clothes and although we've always had a strong interest in fashion we never set out to start a label it was just something that happened organically. 

What motivated you both to start your own label?
N: Funnily enough it happened one day over coffee at our favourite coffee shop in Cronulla. We were just discussing the lack of functional handbags on the market and decided to start our own label. A week later we were on a plane to Bali to source some leather and manufacturers and Joyce & Jade was born with the combination of our middle names!

K: We always loved fashion – I had plans to run fashion events or be an editor of a magazine or a stylist; while Nicol was considering studying fashion design, so the passion was always there but we never had any formal training

You girls have also recently released a clothing collection – where did you draw inspiration for this?
Launching in to apparel was a natural progression for us, we always wanted a brand that supplies a whole outfit (we’ve just introduced shoes) and want our customers to have access to a whole Joyce & Jade wardrobe, from casual basics to evening wear. We base our designs on practicality and love adding a twist to classic styles. It’s really important to us that we have a variety of designs and styles. We don’t do set collections and love bringing in new pieces regularly to keep it fresh. It’s hard to compete with all the latest craze of cheap fast fashion. As for our inspiration, it comes from everywhere, travel, books, photos, architecture, interiors, everything!

Where can we find your designs? 
Currently at our shop on Level 1, Sydney Westfield. Early December we will also be stocking to a new online boutique that supports emerging designers called LoVu. We are aiming to have more stockists by next year.

Who is the Joyce and Jade girl?
We actually have such a variety of customers, we love the diversity and the fact that our designs appeal to young and more mature women. A big focus for us is providing quality pieces at an affordable price point. The Joyce & Jade girl doesn't necessarily have a champagne budget but still wants to look good in quality investment pieces. 

What can we expect to see from Joyce and Jade in the near future?
 A whole lot more! We aim to have a very expansive collection full of all things that we love. We won’t draw the line anywhere. At the moment we're both very committed to building a solid fan base here in Australia and when the time comes, launching Joyce & Jade at an international level.


Photos by Thomas Lo
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Tuesday 4 December 2012

playing white

Zimmermann devoted lace playsuit; Asos flats; Collette and vintage bracelets 

I bagged this amazing wonder of a lace playsuit at the Zimmermann sale a few months ago and finally, the weather is just about warm enough (with the exception of today - Melbourne's decided to revisit its wintery chills, go figure) to go traipsing around in nothing more than a sweet onesie! While some/many might baulk at the thought of wearing a onesie, it certainly doesn't have to be a terrifying experience - perhaps stay away from a loud all-over long floral print jumpsuit on your first go. It also definitely has to sit well and give enough shape so it doesn't look like a random paperbag.

 This one in white (by far my favourite colour in the summer months) ticks all my boxes for its detailed simplicity. Oxymoronic, huh? The eyelet pattern is kept sweet and simple, with scalloped lace edges and an easy tie-in waist for some shape. Like this recent Wish number, the spaghetti-thin straps topped it all off and once I laid eyes on it there was no turning back! Thought I'd carry on with the strappy love down to my toes too with these futuristic metallic flats ;)

Photos by Thomas Lo
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